Category Archives: Music

My 15 Favorite Albums

Posted on December 17, 2012 by

Last week, my friend Steven Rubio wrote about his 15 favorite albums on his blog. I couldn’t stop thinking about what my own list would contain. Like one of his other readers, the number 15 made it interesting for me. … Continue reading →

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“The Chronic” turns 20

Posted on December 12, 2012 by

On December 15, 1992, Dr. Dre released his solo debut album “The Chronic.” Dre was already a well-known figure in rap and hip-hop from his days as part of the LA group N.W.A. The success of his 1992 solo endeavor … Continue reading →

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MONDAY BLUES (09.12.11)

Posted on September 12, 2011 by

Been busy working, but I ain’t forgot about ‘cha! “Death Letter,” by the immortal Son House (Mississippi, 1902-1988).

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MONDAY BLUES (09.05.11)

Posted on September 5, 2011 by

Lenny Kravitz (New York & Los Angeles, 1962-  ) performing “Are You Gonna Go My Way?” at the April 1994 taping of his MTV Unplugged special.  

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MONDAY BLUES (08.19.11)

Posted on August 29, 2011 by

Forty-one years ago today, more than 20,000 Chicanos in East Los Angeles–women, men, and children–protested the war in Vietnam and violent effects it had begun to wield within their community.  You see, though Chicanos represented only about 11% of the … Continue reading →

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Two Popular Musical Masters Pass Away

Posted on August 23, 2011 by

Nick Ashford and Jerry Lieber have died.  Each was a musical master–one part of a songwriting duo–though neither was ever as famous as the musical giants for whom each penned classics. Along with his wife, Valerie Simpson, Nick Ashford wrote … Continue reading →

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MONDAY BLUES (08.22.11)

Posted on August 22, 2011 by

Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown (Louisiana & Texas, 1924-2005) performing with Canned Heat at the Montreux Jazz Festival (1973).

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Elvis at 34

Posted on August 16, 2011 by

Elvis Presley died 34 years ago today. What better way to remember the King than to look back at his 34th year of life? Elvis turned 34 in January of 1969. The once reigning King of popular music had become … Continue reading →

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Gene McDaniels

Posted on August 2, 2011 by

I am saddened at the news of the passing of Gene McDaniels. One of the most eclectic, soulful, political, gentle, and passionate talents in modern jazz/soul music, McDaniels was 76. You can read about his life and career here. I … Continue reading →

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MONDAY BLUES (08.01.11)

Posted on August 1, 2011 by

Back with bullet! The legendary Albert King performing “Blues Power” live and in color!  The song was part of his recorded concerts at the Fillmore Auditorium (San Francisco) in June 1968, concerts which generated three live albums–Live Wire/Blues Power, Wednesday … Continue reading →

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