This is the last issue before summer break so we’ll pull out all the stops. Since it is a collection of various styles, I debated how to label it… assortment, conglomeration, hodgepodge, jumble, medley, mélange, miscellany, mishmash, mixed bag, olio, patchwork, salmagundi, variety, grab bag?

Anyway, here’s a bunch of really good tunes….

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ: Little Coquette (Guy Lombardo Cover) – Tuba Skinny

Since we posted our first Tuba Skinny video they have made some good improvements in their overall sound, balance and EQ. Not easy working outdoors with such a variety of instruments. The poster caught them live at Zinnia’s Dinette last year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4arLPwkqFgU

TULSA SOUND: Call Me The Breeze – J.J. Cale

No wonder I had trouble establishing a genre for this tune. The Tulsa Sound is a loose genre that draws on blues, rockabilly, country, and jazz. This recording if from the Crossroads Guitar Festival 2004. Backup band features Eric Clapton et al . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51Sy59kw2Bg

AFRICAN PERCUSSION: Kosh Kash¹ Song – The Kiffness w/ Moussa Diarra

Let me introduce the background song for this pick. First, an edited montage with scenes of Fred Astaire & Rita Hayworth from the movie “You Were Never Lovelier” (1942), with dubbed audio of the song “Feira de Mangaio”, by Glorinha Gadelha and Sivuca, in the voice of Clara Nunes (1978). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBljtGAIlmE

And now, a modern production by David Scott, also known by his stage name, The Kiffness. He is a South African musician, producer, founder and lead singer for his band, also known as The Kiffness. This Live Looping Remix is impressive. Here’s David with Brazilian, Mariana Merenda doing “Feira de Mangaio”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IeU79NpcU8 (with an amazing guest dancer!)

CLASSIC ROCK: Sloop John B – The Fendertones (recorded over three months)

As part time musicians or singers, the most important contribution to our growth and personal enjoyment of music is the priviledge of playing or jamming with other musicians. Since early 2000’s musicians have been able to not only practice and perform together but have also been able to share their music on social media – worldwide. This group has managed to faithfully capture every nuance (vocals and instrumentation) of the original. I’m a big fan of the baritone sax, The Beachboys, and now the Fendertones. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmJ6e06eYcM

CLASSICAL: Frühlingsstimmen (Johann Strauss II – 1882) – Natalie Dessay (1993)

Classical music doesn’t usually impact me enough to include it in the picks but I thought it was about time to exercise my taste buds. I’ll likely get some blowback saying this but as I listen to a voice such as Natalie’s, I’m reminded that, in broad strokes, we get away with quite a bit when we perform popular music. Her pitch and breath control as well as the dynamics just… well… leave me breathless. Natalie at her debut at the Vienna State Opera. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZWLPPO0KL4

COUNTRY: Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again) – The Highwaymen

A song written, composed, first recorded, and first released by Kris Kristofferson, it was also recorded and released by Roger Miller. This clip is from the show “American Outlaws Live” at Nassau Coliseum, 1990. I always enjoy watching a performance by a collection of artists who usually perform solo. Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson performed regularly as The Highwaymen from 1985 to 1995 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybs59DTTlVU

Wish you all a terrific summer…

1. A simple percussion instrument called the Kosh Kash. or Kashaka is made of two tiny gourds that are packed. with beans (essentially, two small maracas connected. by a string.) ↩︎