Did you know that the 1920s was jazz’s prime-age? While jazz artists used conventional swing, blue notes, complex chords, call and response vocals, and polyrhythms, the transition to modern instrumentals in the 70s and 80s was phenomenal. During this time, budding and veteran jazz bands like Weather Report (consisting of 11 band members) stole the…
Meat Loaf is an acquired taste. Not the food, most everybody has an affinity for the delectable dish. The singer of the same auspicious moniker however has not always been so universally well received. There are generally two schools of opinion regarding the compelling entertainer, people either love him or don’t get him. But the…
When it comes to influential musicians, Sheryl Crow is easily one of the first people that you might think of. After all, she’s been performing for decades across several genres including jazz, blues, pop and rock. It doesn’t hurt that she’s not only a musician and vocalist, but also a songwriter. She’s even tried her…
Vern Gosdin, one of the world’s country music legends, also referred to as ‘the voice,’ released 19 top-solo hits between 1977 and 1990. But legends never die, and Vern is living proof. Though death took this talented singer away on April 28, 2009, his euphonious voice, music style, and the message enfolded in his lyrics…
Fates Warning is a popular American progressive metal band formed in 1982 in the city of Hartford, Connecticut. The band consists of guitarists Victor Arduini and Jim Matheos, drummer Steve Zimmerman, vocalist John Arch, and bassists Joe DiBiase. However, the band has experienced several lineup changes over its 40-year career, with Jim Matheos being the…
Chick Corea gave a lot to the music world as a Jazz keyboard player but more so as the founder of one of the most prominent jazz-rock fusion acts of the late 1900s – Return to Forever. Return to Forever – like the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Weather Report was formed by a former member of…
Lee Greenwood is among the few artists who will proudly say, ‘music is not what I do rather who I am.’ Unlike many singers, Lee was born with musical talent, and he put it into good use from a tender age. At seven, he was playing piano, and by the time he was 12 years,…
Colbie Caillat songs cover such topics as the value of self love, joy of impending nuptials, to the emotional anguish surrounding breakups. Her voice is soft and supple to the ear, yielding to the emotion she puts forth. Her delivery is never flabby or limp, but instead flexible, deliberate and delicate. Colbie was ‘discovered’ on…
When Toby Keith first rode into Nashville in the early 1990s, no one paid any attention. After trying and failing to win a record deal, he cut his losses and headed home. But then a flight attendant and fan of his handed a copy of his demo to Harold Shedd at Mercury during a flight….