I’ve been thinking recently about Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson’s oft-repeated assertion that Epic Records wasn’t enthused about the choice of Quincy as producer for Off The Wall, stating that he was “too jazzy”. I can’t verify whether that (or a variation of it) was said or not said, obviously. I wasn’t there, Michael is… Read More “Give Me The Night” by George Benson (1980)
I mean, if you don’t love the sunshine then…you’re a vampire? Anyway, this song by vibraphonist/vocalist/bandleader Roy Ayers (and his fluid backing unit, Ubiquity) is a summer cookout barbecue classic that’s grown in stature over the past four decades. While I’m sure I heard it on the radio as a kid, “Sunshine” first really embedded… Read More “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” by Roy Ayers Ubiquity (1976)
The art of interpreting a lyric appears to have been lost in recent years. I’m all for mindless pop music, but…I feel like we’ve been down this road before. Nina Simone was a master interpreter, and she totally inhabits her reading of “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”, as she should. The song was written for… Read More “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” by Nina Simone (1964)
Five Star Jamz 