In The Wall Street Journal last week, my "Anatomy of a Song" column was on Thin Lizzy's 1976 hit, The Boys Are Back in Town (go here). Thin Lizzy isn't well known today, but they were a driving band and a group now worth re-exploring. Here's their No. 12 Billboard pop hit, The Boys Are Back in Town, which today can be heard on the sound system at most team's home stadium or arena when they return from the road...
SiriusXM. Speaking of Thin Lizzy, I'll be on SiriusXM's Feedback (Channel 106) with Nik and Lori to talk about The Boys Are Back in Town on November 5 at 9 a.m. (EDT). Be sure to tune in!
Phil Lynott. Following the appearance of my column on Thin Lizzy, John Horan sent along a link to his intriguing 2006 article on Phil Lynott (above), the band's Irish bassist, leader, composer and lead vocalist (go here).
Also in the WSJ, I interviewed Harry Connick Jr. for my "House Call" column in the Mansion section (go here). Harry grew up in New Orleans. His mother's death at age 13 hit him hard, and he channeled his blues into playing jazz piano. He also studied piano and arranging with Ellis Marsalis as a teen and was pals with Branford and Wynton. [Photo above of Harry Connick Jr. courtesy of Harry Connick Jr.]
Jimmy Heath. Last week, John Kettlewell sent along a link to celebrate Jimmy Heath’s 93rd birthday on October 25. Here's the a birthday clip from the West Deutsche Rundfunk Big Band playing Jimmy's Without You No Me, with Jimmy conducting...
Stan Getz. Director Raymond De Felitta was on a Stan Getz kick this week and found this oddity: A fascinating Getz audio interview on his substance abuse matched with animation. The disjointed illustration sort of belittles the subject matter, but it certainly beats still images. Here's the clip...
Ray Santos. A big thanks to the New York Times's Daniel E. Slotnik for quoting my 2009 JazzWax interview with Ray Santos in his terrific obit of the tenor saxophonist (go here). [Photo above of Ray Santos courtesy of Rhynna M. Santos]
Harold Mabern radio. On Sunday, October 27, Sid Gribetz will present one of his amazing three-hour "Jazz Profiles" tributes, this time on the late pianist Harold Mabern. The show runs from 2 to 5 p.m. (EDT). You can listen on your computer or phone from anywhere in the world by going here. [Photo above of Harold Mabern courtesy of Wikipedia]
Clifford Brown radio. WKCR also will celebrate the career of trumpeter Clifford Brown on October 30 by broadcasting his music for 24 hours. The show begins Tuesday night at midnight (EDT) and runs until Wednesday at midnight. You can listen on your phone or computer from anywhere in the world by going here.
What the heck. Here's Gil Scott-Heron singing his 1974 socially conscious hit, The Bottle...
Oddball album cover of the week.
Since the top of the album is in English, let's treat the album's title as if it were in English, too (and not German). Pretty grim thing to say to the Candy Kids playing songs on your birthday.
