Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com One essential jazz album is Clifford Brown and Max Roach (1954). This album was more than its title shows forth – it included George Morrow (bass), Harold Land (tenor sax), and Ritchie Powell (piano). The group was led by Clifford Brown on trumpet and Max Roach on drums. You … Continue reading Essentials: Clifford Brown and Max Roach (1954)
Tag: Playlists
Hump Daaaay! 02 19 25
Photo by Tim Gouw on Pexels.com I bet you can’t believe that it’s Hump Daaaay! already. Yet, here we are. I will start with the fact that this is sooo far from jazz. I am only going to say this once: set an alarm in case you doze off because we don’t want the boss … Continue reading Hump Daaaay! 02 19 25
Legends: Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington was born in Washington, D.C. on April 29, 1899, and died in NYC, on May 24, 1974. He was considered one of the greatest band leaders of his time, and perhaps even the greatest ever. With so many choices, I don’t think that I could pick one over another. That said, his music … Continue reading Legends: Duke Ellington
Manic Monday Musical Medicine 02.17.25
Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels.com What, you may ask, happened to the weekend??!! Heaven knows. I sure don’t know!! But what we DO know is that it doesn’t even matter – because Monday comes fully equipped with Manic Monday Musical Medicine, no assembly required! Fire up that laptop, computer, or whatever it is that … Continue reading Manic Monday Musical Medicine 02.17.25
The Weekend Mix 02.15.25
Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels.com Remember this week’s Manic Monday Musical Medicine? How about Hump Daaaay? Well, all of that’s behind you, now, and you can relax for a day or two with some soothing sounds. So grab some hot java, or a bottle of red (my personal favorite). Yes – The Weekend Mix … Continue reading The Weekend Mix 02.15.25
Jazz In . . . Philadelphia 02/15-16/25
Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com In Philly or plan to be in Philly this weekend? You can catch some great jazz in some great venues. Be certain to check all the info at the links below carefully before heading out!! Enjoy! copyright 2025 jblackstarr for SMOOTHE Jazz, jazz, and nothing but jazz. SOUTH Restaurant … Continue reading Jazz In . . . Philadelphia 02/15-16/25
Meet . . . Bugge Wesseltoft
Photo by Steve Johnson on Pexels.com My first encounter with Bugge Wesseltoft was via his “New Concept of Jazz Box Set” offering. It is, to say the least, very innovative. His bio says (per his website) “I don’t want to be another carbon copy of any musician, past or present: I don’t see the point … Continue reading Meet . . . Bugge Wesseltoft
Hump Daaaay! 02/12/25
Photo by Andrea Holien on Pexels.com You’ve made it! No, not done, but halfway there is quite the feat. Hump Day, baby! Whatever you do from this point is icing on the cake. Here’s a SMOOTHE presentation of laid-back, finish-line-is-finally-coming-into-view compilation of songs designed to help you make it through the remainder of the week. … Continue reading Hump Daaaay! 02/12/25
Meet . . . Bria Skonberg
I’m not certain what my problem is, but it needs to vanish from my life . . . immediately. I gloss over things/events/people, at times neither paying attention nor taking notice. Bria Skonberg was one such “problem” in my life. I had seen the hype online, in print, and basically “out the corner of my … Continue reading Meet . . . Bria Skonberg
Manic Monday Musical Medicine 02.10.25
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com Wake up, you fine people!! Time to take your meds. Manic Monday Musical Medicine, that is!! Almost eight (8) hours of wonderful music just for you. I’ve got quite an array of magical meds for all that ails you. Hangover? Brand New Day (with Tim Meyers), by Lindsey Ray … Continue reading Manic Monday Musical Medicine 02.10.25
Smoothe 