Category Archives: Jazz

Today’s Music: A Birthday Toast to Derek Trucks

‘New blues’ guitarist Derek Trucks was born today in 1979. Here’s a sample of his work:

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Today’s Music: Toasting Tal Farlow, Tom Jones, Dean Martin and Others…

Jazz guitar legend Tal Farlow, born today in 1921 (d. 1998), plays the hell out of “Misty”: Thomas John Woodward, better known as singer Tom Jones, was born in Wales, UK, this day in 1940. Here’s his first of many … Continue reading

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Today’s Music: Ton Van Bergeyk, “Blind Blake’s Breakdown”

No birthdays today. Ton Van Bergeyk is a great interpreter of old blues tunes, and here’s a good example:

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Today’s Music: Freddie Stone of Sly and the Family Stone

Freddie Stone, guitarist for Sly and the Family Stone, was born this day in 1946. Listen up, ’cause it gets funky, everyday people. Bonus video: “Dance to the Music” (live in 1969):

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Today’s Music: Curtis Mayfield Two-Fer

Soul singer/songwriter Curtis Mayfield was born today in 1942 (d. 12/26/1999). Read his bio while you listen to the music. Bonus cut: “People Get Ready”:

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Today’s Music: Birthday Toast to Charlie Watts

Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts was born today in 1941 and has the distinction of being the first rock drummer to start a hit record using the cowbell (“Honky Tonk Woman”). Charlie is also a fine jazz drummer, as the … Continue reading

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Today’s Music: ‘Doc’ Watson and Friends, a Random Sampling

Guitar progenitor Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson died May 29, 2012 from complications following colon surgery. He was 89. His influence went far beyond the acoustic bluegrass and country music genres he favored as his picking style and musical sensibility was … Continue reading

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Today’s Music: Benny Goodman, Charlie Christian Two-Fer, “Solo Flight” and “The World is Waiting for the Sunrise” (1941)

Today is Benny Goodman’s birthday (b. 1909; d. 1986). The cut below features both the Benny Goodman Orchestra and the Benny Goodman Quartet with Charlie Christian. Benny wasn’t known as the “King of Swing” for nothing, and Charlie is the … Continue reading

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Today’s Music: Yusef Lateef, “Eboness”

The great multi-instrumentalist and influence on John Coltrane Yusef Lateef, nearly unknown outside of jazz circles, weaves his mellow spell on this tune.

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Today’s Music: Freddie King, “The Things That I Used To Do” Live (1975)

One of the ‘Kings’ of the blues, live In London in 1975.

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