Thanks to Ward Swingle, Olive (Molly) Simpson, Michael Dore, Joanna Forbes L’Estrange, Rachel Weston, Patrick Ardagh-Walter, Jacqueline Barron, Simon Grant, Wendy Nieper, Kineret Erez, Kevin Fox, Tobias Hug, John Neal, Edouard Reichenbach, Tom Lord, Daniel Richard.
More“ST. LOUIS BLUES” (by W.C. Handy) 1. Bessie Smith (3:10) BESSIE SMITH (v); LOUIS ARMSTRONG (cor); FRED LONGSHAW (harm). NYC; 1/14/25. 2. The Dixie Stompers (Fletcher Henderson & His Orchestra) (3:03) RUSSELL SMITH, JOE SMITH, TOMMY LADNIER (tp); JIMMY HARRISON (tb); BUSTER BAILEY, DON REDMAN, COLEMAN HAWKINS (r); FLETCHER HENDERSON (p); CHARLIE DIXON (bj); JUNE […]
MoreThis month’s vocal CD reviews spotlight four remarkable singers–two who have been reviewed here before (Sara Serpa and Elisabeth Lohninger), and two others who are new to our pages (Alyssa Allgood and Maggie Herron). Reviewer Thomas Cunniffe is eager to note that the adjectives in the review title are not intended as descriptions of each disc in turn, but a collection of qualities shared throughout the group.
MoreDespite appearing on some of the greatest jazz records of the 1930s, and possessing one of the most personal sounds in jazz history, trumpeter Frankie Newton is barely remembered today. His biography is filled with contradictory information, and his discography has several mysterious gaps. Thomas Cunniffe sorts out the conflicting details and discusses all of Newton’s recordings in this special 2-part Historical Essay.
MoreHappy Holidays from Jazz History Online! For our annual feature, Music for a Cool Yule, Thomas Cunniffe and Marti Mendenhall offer capsule reviews of the best in holiday jazz, both new and classic. We have received far less holiday discs for review this year, so we hope that you will look through the entire list to find a new holiday favorite, regardless of whether it is a new release, or one from years past.
MoreIn the second part of this extended Historical Essay, Thomas Cunniffe explores Frankie Newton’s life and music from 1938 through his death in 1954. In addition to examining Newton’s recordings, Cunniffe also discusses the likely reasons for Newton’s absence in the studios from 1939-1943 and 1946-1954.
MoreAs they approach their 50th anniversary, the Swingle Singers are at the top of the a cappella world. Thomas Cunniffe offers this interactive history of the group with embedded video and audio performances and a gallery of group photos.
MoreAs they approach their 50th anniversary, the Swingle Singers are at the top of the a cappella world. Thomas Cunniffe offers this interactive history of the group with embedded video and audio performances and a gallery of group photos.
MoreIn the latest installment of his ongoing series Tales From Prague, Skip Wilkins recalls his experiences at the Choral Festival in Lomnice.
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