Remembering Don Bagley
Jazz bassist, Don Bagley, left us on July 26, 2012. He was 85. Born in Salt Lake City, he played with such greats as Shorty Sherock, Bill Holman and Stan Kenton. He also did session work with Nat King Cole and Maynard Ferguson. The tribute song I have chosen is a performance by Julie London, with Don being the only player accompanying her.
Remembering Larry Hoppen
Cover of Still the One
Larry Hoppen, lead singer for the 70′s group, passed away on July 24, 2012. He was 61. Orleans had a string of hits in the 70′s, none bigger than “Still The One” which hit #5 in 1976.
Their other big hit, Dance With Me charted at Number 6 in 1975.
Related articles
- A tribute to Orleans’ singer Larry Hoppen, known for 1970s classic “Still The One” (markwebermusic.wordpress.com)
Remembering Jon Lord
Deep Purple (Photo credit: daniconil)
July 16, saw the passing of rock keyboard innovator, Jon Lord. He was 71. Best known as one of the founding members of 70′s icons, Deep Purple, he also played with Whitesnake. He played on the classic song by The Kinks, “You Really Got Me“. He was on albums by David Gilmour and George Harrison. He virtually created the riffs used to this day by keyboardists in all types of popular music.
In my life, Deep Purple was one of the bands that formed my musical tastes. Machine Head is still an album that makes me perk up and listen. I will never forget Smoke On The Water or Highway Star, which are very much a part of the soundtrack of my life. The band in heaven just got a bit better.
Highway Star
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Smoke On The Water
Remembering Bob Babbitt
Motown 4 album set (Photo credit: vintage_breda)
You like the Motown sound? Bob Babbitt, bass player extraordinaire, was likely responsible for that. He passed away on July 16, leaving behind a huge legacy and body of work. He played bass for Motown’s studio band, The Funk Brothers from 1966 to 1972. This would make a lot of people very familiar with his work, without realizing it. He was the bass player on such hits as Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours“, Smokey Robinson’s “Tracks of My Tears” and Freda Payne‘s “Band of Gold”. He also played with such greats as Phil Collins and Jimi Hendrix. Very diverse portfolio. Here are a few tracks.
Signed Sealed Delivered
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Uptight (with Phil Collins)
Remembering Zach Booher
Zack Booher of the band While We’re Up was killed in a car accident on July 8, 2012. He was 22. The band is an acoustic rock duo with one indie album to their credit, “Every Moment”. Terrific duo, great song, terrible loss.
Graduation
Remembering Abram Wilson
Nathaniel Facey (sax) and Abram Wilson (trumpet) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The music world lost Abram Wilson June 9, 2012. He passed at the age of 38 of colon cancer. Far to early. I have explored jazz, and the trumpet in particular through an introduction to Donald Byrd, and discovered Abram in my travels. Spectacular player, absolutely amazing. He was born in New Orleans and lived in London, UK. Have a listen to the cuts I have included and then dig a bit deeper, satisfaction is guaranteed,
Africa
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Abram Wilson Quartet
Remembering Bob Welch
Cover of French Kiss
June 7, 2012 saw the passing of former Fleetwood Mac guitarist, Bob Welch. Another great one lost. He committed suicide at the age of 66. In addition to his time with the band, he had a successful solo career. Here are a couple of those solo hits in his honor.
Sentimental Lady
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Ebony Eyes
Remembering Andy Hamilton
Andy Hamilton, a sensational jazz sax player, passed away on June 3 at the age of 94. Originally from Jamaica, he stowed away on a banana boat and travelled to the UK. He paid his dues ( a 14 day jail term for this transgression) and left jail to pursue his music. This guy was the real deal as you will hear in the 2 clips I have inserted here. Wow, wow, wow!!!!
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Here he is playing his song, “Orocabessa” in 2007 at the age of 89.
Remembering Faruq Z. Bey
Alto saxophone (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
June 1 saw the passing of American jazz saxophonist, Faruq Z. Bey . He was best known for his time with Griot Galaxy, a free jazz band from the 1970′s and 80′s. In the mid 80′s, he was forced to leave the band after a bike accident that left him in a coma for some time. He returned to playing in the mid 90′s. I have posted a couple of videos here in tribute to this outstanding musician. The first is with his band “The Northwood Improvisers”. The second is with the Griot Galaxy. Love Jazz.
Mystery of Love
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Androgyny
Remembering Pete Cosey
Miles Davis (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Pete Cosey, guitarist extraordinaire, passed away on May 30, 2012. He was 68. He was a session guitar player at Chess Records until 1973, playing on recordings by Etta James, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters, among many others. In 1973, he joined the Miles Davis Band and played with them until 1975. When the band broke up in 1975, he pretty much disappeared, surfacing from time to time to play on someone’s record. He resurfaced somewhat in 2001, forming a band, The Children of Agharta. Check out the clips I have included. The guy was amazing.
Pete Cosey Jamming
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Calypso Frelimo
Remembering Doc Watson
English: From Flickr: Doc Watson, 86 years old, plays to the crowd at another fantastic Sugar Grove Music Fest. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
May 29 was a very sad day for me. Doc Watson passed away. What a player!! Nothing to say, just listen.
Deep River Blues
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Windy and Warm
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Sitting On Top Of The World
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What a talent, and a connection to the old blues and folk singers of the 20′s, 30′s and beyond. Greatly missed.
Remembering Toni Arden
Big band singer Toni Arden passed away on May 29. She was 88. Toni’s real name was Antoinette Ardizzone. She started recording in the 1940′s with a lot of bands, including Frankie Laine. Her only major hit was Padre in 1958, which was also her only million seller. The song I have chosen is a good showpiece for her voice and is typical of the early 50′s. Good song. Hope you enjoy.
Are You Satisfied
Remembering Roy Wilson
A map of Jamaica (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Early Ska pioneer Roy Wilson passed away on May 26. He was the Wilson in “Higgs and Wilson” along with Joe Higgs. They formed in Jamaica in the 1950′s and released this song “Oh Manny Oh” in 1960. They were instrumental in developing the genre in the 1960′s. He moved to the USA in the late 1960′s, with Higgs staying in Jamaica and having a successful solo career. Roy is featured in the documentary “Legends of Ska”.
Oh Manny Oh
Remembering Janet Carroll
Cover of Risky Business
Actress, singer Janet Carroll passed away on May 22. She was 71. Better known as an actress (think Tom Cruise’s mother in Risky Business and Gary, the owner of the shoe store Al Bundy worked at on Married…With Children) she was also an accomplished singer with many credits on Broadway and with a wide variety of jazz bands. Her career spanned over 40 years. Here is a sample of her work with The Hot Frogs Jumping Jazz Band, recorded in 1988.
That Terrific Rainbow
Song Of The Day – Remembering Peter Jones
WikiProject Crowded House (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Peter Jones, drummer with Crowded House from 1994 to 1996, passed away on May 18. He was 49. He also played with Harem Scarem, Tinpan Orange and Deadstar.
In My Command – Crowded House
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He was with Harem Scarem from 1985 to 1989. Here is a song from them.
Miracle Mile
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He joined Deathstar after his stint with Crowded House.
Don’t It Get You Down
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Song Of The Day – Remembering Carrie Smith
English: Jazz Singer Carrie Smith in France Français : La chanteuse de Jazz Carrie Smith à Bagneux (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Carrie Smith, a terrific jazz and blues singer was taken from the world of music on May 20. She was 86. Her career spanned 50 years and she was still recording as recently as 2002. In this period she recorded at least 13 albums and appeared with many contemporaries. Here is a terrific example of her style.
Am I Blue
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A second song. This one shows the depth of her classic blues voice. A terrific band as well. And check out the tap dancing.
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Song Of The Day – Remembering Chuck Brown
- wind me up chuck (Photo credit: firmleague)
On May 16, the Father of Go-Go, Chuck Brown passed away at the age of 75. The Father of Go-Go. Why? The man was a DC legend, defining and perfecting his take on the genre. He died as the acknowledged leader in this form of music. Another great player who helped shape our musical world in a fairly anonymous way.
If you are a Washington Nationals fan, you will recognize this one. Bustin’ Loose is played when the Nats hit a home run.
Bustin’ Loose
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Cover of The Other Side
Chuck’s legacy includes stints with Jerry Butler, and with the Soul Searchers. He also recorded an album “The Other Side“, with one of my favourites, Eva Cassidy in 1992. This record is a keeper. Eva could sing the phone book. Here is a tune off it.
Need Your Love So Bad
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His other notable contribution to the world of entertainment was performing the theme song to the “Sinbad’ TV show.
Related articles
- Chuck Brown Honored At Smithsonian Folklife Festival (mymajicdc.com)
Song Of The Day – Remembering Belita Woods
- Belita Wood (Photo credit: snabby)
May 14 saw the passing of 70′s soul singer Belita Woods. She was 63. She was with the group Brainstorm and recorded “Lovin’ Is Really My Game”, a disco hit in the late 70′s.
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She spent time in the 90′s and 2000′s with Parliament – Funkadelic. I think most will enjoy this one.
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Related articles
- Former Brainstorm Singer Belita Woods Dies At 63 (detroit.cbslocal.com)
Song Of The Day – Remembering Donald “Duck” Dunn
Photo of musician Donald “Duck” Dunn (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Just a quick note to acknowledge the passing of a great one, Donald “Duck” Dunn, on May 13. A member of Booker T & the MG’s, he replaced the original bassist, he is forever connected to Green Onions, even though he was not on the original recording.
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He was also notable as a session player for Stax Records, which means he is on about 50 zillion songs recorded there. He also performed with a multitude of bands, such as CCR, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Neil Young, Rod Stewart, Levon Helm, Bob Dylan and the list goes on and on. He was also the pipe smoking, wild hair bass player in the Blues Brothers.
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Related articles
- Late bassist Donald ‘Duck’ Dunn honoured on Memphis’ Beale Street (canada.com)
- RIP Donald “Duck” Dunn of Blues Brothers Fame (musicians4freedom.com)
Song Of The Day – Remembering Michael Burks
Cover of Iron Man
Blues-man Michael Burks passed away on May 6, after having a heart attack. He was 54. If you love the blues (like I do), then you will really like what Michael had to offer. He recorded 4 albums between 1999 and 2008, with “Iron Man” reaching number 4 on the Billboard Blues Chart. I have attached a couple of videos in memorial.
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“Empty Promises”
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Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue – Michael Burks – Cadillac Assembly Line
Trivia Question of the Day
Who did (and wrote) the first recording of Aretha Franklin’s classic “Respect”?
The last Question answered
Q: What was the first album released on CD?
A: ABBA – The Visitors in 1981
Song Of The Day – Remembering Sweet Joe Russell
The Persuasions (Photo credit: cisc1970)
Sweet Joe Russell died on May 5. Best known as a singer for The Persuasions, Joe recorded 22 albums with the group. Strange as it sounds, frank Zappa discovered them and was responsible for their first recording. The group was a capella and recorded songs by such diverse people as Elvis Presley and The Grateful Dead. The clip here covers The Everly Brothers tune, “Dream” and an old gospel song “Somewhere To Lay My Head”. Love this era of music. Very diverse and very fresh, at the time.
The Persuasions
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Trivia Question of the Day
What was the first album released on CD?
The last Question answered
Q: Who was the first British musician to have a #1 single in the USA.
A: Mr Acker Bilt. He topped the charts in 1962 with “Stranger On The Shore”
Stranger On The Shore
Related articles
- ‘Sweet Joe’ Russell, tenor with the Persuasions, dies at 72 (bangordailynews.com)
Song Of The Day – Remembering Adam Yauch
Adam Yauch, Bestie Boys at Brixton Academy – 05/09/07 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A bit late, but have to comment on a pioneer. Like them or not The Beastie Boys have had a huge impact on modern music. Adam Yauch was a huge talent and will be missed greatly.
Intergalactic
Related articles
- Adam Yauch – Adam Yauch Dead At 47: Beastie Boys Rapper Passes Away (contactmusic.com)
- Adam “MCA” Yauch, RIP (boingboing.net)
Song Of The Day – Remembering Lloyd Brevett
Lloyd Brevett (Photo credit: rudijamikko)
Lloyd Brevett, a founding member of The Skatalites, passed away on May 3 in Jamaica. He was 80. With the band, he played double bass and also produced 2 of their albums. Ska was his passion, and he traveled the world playing his music with the band. The attached is a live version of “Peanut Vendor”. As I always say, live music is the best way to listen to anyone, and this song will take you deep into summer.
Peanut Vendor
Trivia Question of the Day
Who was the first musical guest on Saturday Night Live?
The last Question answered
Q. Who was the first American pop band to tour the Soviet Union?
A. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Fishin’ In The Dark
Related articles
- Lloyd Brevett and the (other) Sounds of the Sixties (kenanmalik.wordpress.com)
- Skatalites Co-Founder Lloyd Brevett Dead at 80 (rollingstone.com)
Song Of The Day – Remembering Charles Pitts
Trivia at the end of the post.
Skip Pitts (Photo credit: Paul Lowry)
On May 1, music lost a true giant, Charles Pitts. He was 65 and suffered from cancer. Charles was a renowned soul and blues guitarist. His major accomplishments included playing with Al Green and Cyndi Lauper on their Grammy nominated albums, a session player at Stax Records, and his time with Isaac Hayes. He played with Hayes for 30 years and created the wah-wah at the beginning of the “Theme from Shaft“. Other credits include backing Sam and Dave, Wilson Pickett, Gene Chandler and the Isley Brothers (he created the riff in It’s Your Thing). An outstanding career. His legacy will stay with us forever.
Theme From Shaft
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It’s Your Thing
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Trivia Question of the Day
What was the first “rock” double album?
The last Question answered
Q. What was the first double album?
A: Benny Goodman‘s “Live At Carnegie Hall” in 1938.
- English: Benny Goodman in concert 1971 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The winner (although admitting it was googled) is A Gripping Life. She has a terrific blog with a mix of movies and music and miscellany.
Sing Sing Sing
Related articles
- ‘Shaft’ guitarist Charles Pitts dies at 65 (thegrio.com)
- Charles “Skip” Pitts, Shaft Guitarist and Soul Mainstay, Dead at 65 (eonline.com)
