At first, this idea of Latin-Jewish music might seem exotic. Who mixes congas and kugels — much less bagels and bongos, right? The truth is, it’s been with us since at least the 1930s You May Also Like: Arema Arega – ‘The Red Soundtracks’ (2019) Queen Kong, “Bethema” from ‘Fray’Read More

Vampires have admittedly had a bad run as of late, with the original mythology of these creatures of the night having sunken into downright pathetic territory. You May Also Like: Walter Becker, “Don’t Let Us Go Down” (1991): Steely Dan Sunday Steely Dan, “Carey” (circa 2001): Steely Dan Sunday CarlRead More

It goes without saying Elvis Presley changed the world — which is why, six decades on, his presence and influence remain as visible as the sun in the sky. You May Also Like: Elvis Costello’s ‘The Delivery Man’ Once Again Resisted the Urge to Look Back Mike Browning, “Raise ItRead More

“Sex on the screen should be suspenseful,” Alfred Hitchcock told François Truffaut. “If sex is too blatant or obvious, there’s no suspense. You May Also Like: ‘The Man Who Knew Too Much’ (1956): Movies I’ll Never Forget The Link Between the Beatles’ ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ and Several Legendary FilmsRead More

Featuring some of Sarah Vaughan’s last truly transcendent moments, this pair of 1980 Pablo releases devoted to the work of Duke Ellington reminds us in reissue form what wonders her voice and this material still hold. You May Also Like: Sacred and Great Gigs in the Sky: The Vocalise TraditionRead More

Primarily lauded for her stunning performance as Fay Templeton in the 1942 movie, “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” Irene Manning not only appeared in a series of other fine films, but was a lady of multiple talents as well. You May Also Like: Chris Frantz – ‘Remain in Love: Talking Heads, TomRead More

For all of its storied five-decade history, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band — at least before issuing That’s It! this summer on Legacy — had never released an album of all-new recordings. You May Also Like: Alex Wintz, jazz guitarist: Something Else! Interview Max Moran, jazz bassist: Something Else! InterviewRead More

Its very name speaks to the old ways, and keeping them as they always were. And for a long time, maybe too long, that’s the way it’s been with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Until now. You May Also Like: ‘Hot House: The Complete Jazz at Massey Hall Recordings’ (2023)Read More

Though somewhat less distinctive in his moment than Frank Foster, reedman Frank Wess has outlived his late long-time partner in the Count Basie Band — and that’s provided an opportunity to reassess his contributions, in particular on the flute. You May Also Like: Jason Stein, Paul Giallorenzo and Frank RosalyRead More

George Benson’s chart successes in the 1970s and ’80s as a breezy R&B crooner have largely obscured his initial promise as a boss jazz guitarist with a intelligent, liquid tone — an heir to Wes Montgomery’s throne. You May Also Like: Wes Montgomery – ‘The Complete Full House Recordings’ (2023)Read More