http://www.lajazz.com/blog5.cfm en-us Thu, 29 Nov 2007 22:39:00 GMT Those of us in the jazz circle - fans, musicians, writers, et al - frequently see the terms "outside the box" and "stretching the envelope" as descriptors of jazz artists. Although I've been an avid fan for fifty years I must admit that I'm not even sure what it means or why "outside" and "stretching" are necessarily considered favorable qualities. Thu, 29 Nov 2007 22:39:00 GMT http://www.lajazz.com/blog5.cfm?ID=160000 http://www.lajazz.com/blog5.cfm?ID=160000 Default After all these years, I was recently able to introduce the glorious Eva Cassidy to two more friends, one of whom responded "I have a new favorite singer." Sometimes I think the reason I was placed on this earth is to bring the beauty of her voice to new listeners. Mon, 20 Aug 2007 22:21:00 GMT http://www.lajazz.com/blog5.cfm?ID=124104 http://www.lajazz.com/blog5.cfm?ID=124104 Default A song consists of music and lyrics, but it is the singer who gives songs their life -- a life that goes beyond the notes and words on the sheet music. My Uncle beloved Pete used to love Connie Francis and sometimes I would detect a moistness in his eye while listening to her. My uncle loved her, as did millions of her fans. But is she truly a great singer? Is she as good as Ella Fitzgerald? And if not, why not? Wed, 30 May 2007 04:59:00 GMT http://www.lajazz.com/blog5.cfm?ID=113188 http://www.lajazz.com/blog5.cfm?ID=113188 Default Some of you know that I occasionally publish jazz reviews. However, I don't consider myself a true critic but, rather a "cheerleader" for the music I love. But, as I see it, a critic's job -- whether his topic is art, literature or music --  is to analyze the work, to clarify, to explain the new, the difficult, to be able to say WHY it is so powerful,  so touching, or, on the other hand, so cliché-ridden … Sat, 17 Feb 2007 18:53:00 GMT http://www.lajazz.com/blog5.cfm?ID=99703 http://www.lajazz.com/blog5.cfm?ID=99703 Default Prez improvised of course, in fact magnificently, but he always honored the composer's intent. He is famous for knowing the lyrics to the songs that he played. Whereas many jazz musicians search the standards for a phrase or melody they can elaborate, Prez let the song do most of the work. Thu, 02 Nov 2006 19:59:00 GMT http://www.lajazz.com/blog5.cfm?ID=87866 http://www.lajazz.com/blog5.cfm?ID=87866 Default