In 1997, someone took a deep dive into the vaults at Verve Records to assemble this four disc set of ‘Jazz Singing’. The collection includes tunes that purists may argue don’t qualify as ‘Jazz’, but it is an excellent representation of the myriad talented vocalists who did their ‘Singing’ for Verve over the latter half of the 20th century. The …
The Canadian Brass
Its doubtful that tuba player Charles Daellenbach had any inkling of the phenomenal success that the ensemble he created in 1970, with four other passionate brass players, would attain. The group, (with only patriarch Daellenbach now remaining from the original ensemble), continues to perform, tour and record to international acclaim. Over the years, there has always been a virtuoso talent …
The Verve Story
Probably the world’s most famous jazz label, Verve grew out of one man’s passion for the genre. Impresario Norman Granz came by his reputation honestly. He treated all his performing artists with great respect, paying them top wages and providing first class accommodations and dining while on tour, regardless of race or ethnicity. He was also an innovator – certainly …
Croonin’
Music critics can either praise or pan an artist’s work. That’s their job – but they can only offer their thoughts in prose. Artists frequently perform works originally performed by other artists, (a cover of the original), usually embellishing it, or, at least, restyling it to their own tastes, essentially offering a musical critique of the original, instead of a …
The Power of Great Music
Although never gaining the status of a ‘pop idol’, the late James Ingram checked all the boxes as a modern ‘crooner’. His style was always more sincere and compassionate than merely sentimental. Initially mentored by famed producer Quincy Jones, Ingram went on to became a lifelong creative partner with Jones. His voice, often in duet with a female partner, graced …