I often thank God when it comes to turns or twists of fate in one’s destiny; and the fact that one of jazz’s finest pianists, composers, and combo leaders nearly became a vet instead of the famous jazz master into which he evolved. Before he ventured into the army, he founded an octet and then […]readmore
In this article, I will attempt to determine what classifies to become a standard, classic or iconic song for The Great American Songbook. I will focus primarily on songs composed by jazz artists such as Thelonius Monk, Duke Ellington, Dave Brubeck, and Benny Carter, rather than Broadway and film composers, whose music has been embraced […]readmore
In This Podcast, I will attempt to determine what classifies to become a standard, classic or iconic song for The Great American Songbook.readmore
“The violin is a wonderful instrument. If a person plays the violin – well, nothing can compare to it for sweetness and purity. There is no substitute. Strings create a special atmosphere, and this atmosphere makes me feel better, and makes me play my horn (tenor sax) better, too” With several notable exceptions, jazz with […]readmore
An incomparable singer of American popular standards, country, blues, Broadway and film, big band, children’s songs, songs, seasonal, and jazz recently turned 96 and became the oldest vocalist ever to release a new album that may very well win him another Grammy Award with Lady Gaga. However, the process was not without its challenges in […]readmore
One of Canada’s greatest musical exports has once again been honoured with a commemorative coin, released on his birthdate, August 15 (1925), as was a stamp on the same day in 2007. I do not believe that any other musical artist or group has ever been honoured in our country with both a symbol and […]readmore
Have you ever seen a child just walking , skipping, running , jumping, while seemingly joyful of everything? That is how I feel when the music moves me. When you listen to various sounds from the many instruments afforded to us, be a child again. In other words, move, step out, jump and jiggle. It […]readmore
In this blog I would like to show how music and life come together to produce delightful and memorable sounds for the masses to be enjoyed forever. I am not one hundred percent certain that the ‘partnership’ shows, but it is clear that something special is taking place in the creative process. One has only […]readmore
Music has always played an important role in the film industry, and jazz is no exception by any stretch of imagination, beginning with the first talking movie in 1927 The Jazz Singer, to New Orleans in 1947 with Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong, to Alex North’s first full score jazz-orientated movie, A Streetcar Named Desire […]readmore
Throughout the 20th century, Canada has produced its share of international jazz artists for the world to embrace. Although some of the orchestras like Guy Lombardo Dal Richards, and Mart Kenny were mainly designed to please audiences in a ballroom setting for dancing purposes, they still contributed superior music. in many cases. so that primary […]readmore
