“Elis and Tom” (Elis Regina and Antonio “Tom” Jobim) is the title of an album recorded in L.A. in 1974. It was not released in the U.S. until 1989 but I found a copy of it years before 1989 and it has always been a favorite of mine. Perhaps the reason it was not released in this country until 15 […]
Elis and Tom (1974) Read More »
I recently saw the film of the William Luce play “Barrymore.” Christopher Plummer reprises the central (and nearly only) character. The play depicts the great American actor John Barrymore in the last year of his life. Plummer, as usual, is great. My interest in the film is natural since I did see the play at the Music Box Theatre in
Barrymore (Christopher Plummer) Read More »
Since Django only lived to the age of 43 it may seem odd to refer to any point that could be considered a “late” period. Yet, the recording he did from about 1948 until his death in 1953 are what I am referring to. This was the period immediately following his short tour of the United States with Duke Ellington.
Django Reinhardt (late period) Read More »
I recently saw the documentary, “Jaco:The Film.” Most everyone knows that Jaco Pastorius was an electric bass virtuoso. He was sort of like the Jimi Hendrix of electric bass. But his life was a short and tragic one. He lived fast, played hard and died young as the saying goes. Seeing the film made me think of a childhood friend
Jaco Pastorius (1951-1987) Read More »
Tomorrow (June 15) marks the 48th anniversary of Wes Montgomery’s premature death. Wes has left a considerable legacy with the albums he recorded for Riverside, Verve and A & M records. Recently some previously undiscovered recordings have come to light and are being issued. The most recent being One Night in Indy (with The Eddie Higgins Trio). This live recording
Wes Montgomerey (1923-1968) Read More »
Dinu Lipatti was a Romanian classical pianist and composer. Though he recorded relatively little, some of his recordings (his Chopin Waltzes for example), are considered classic. What people don’t readily recognize is that he was a very good composer. His “Concertino in Classical Style” is probably the best known of his works but even this piece is seldom heard. I
Dinu Lipatti (1917-1950) Read More »