Jacob Miller: 'Who Say Jah No Dread'

My first introduction to the music of Jacob Miller came in the late '70s when I bought the soundtrack to the film "Rockers." I was on a big reggae kick at the time and I liked the playful way he bopped through the tune "Tenement Yard." That led me to the discovery of Inner Circle, which accompanied Miller in the movie. I thought Inner Circle was one of the most soulful of all reggae groups.

So, like most reggae fans, I mourned when Miller died in a car accident in 1980. But it wasn't until I bought a collection of his work with Augustus Pablo called "Who Say Jah No Dread" in the early '90s that I really started to appreciate just how great he was.

If there's a prettier reggae love song than "Baby I Love You So," I don't know about it. "King Tubby Meets Uptown Rockers," the dub version of the tune, isn't as pretty, but it's haunting in a way as Miller's voice fades in and out of the electronic mix.

Miller sings with a sweet earnestness on "False Rasta," my second favorite track on the album. And I love the vibrancy of "Keep on Rocking."

Most of my students think reggae begins and ends with Bob Marley. I'm glad they love Marley, but they have no soul if they listen to Miller's music and don't feel the spirit.

Baby I Love You So - Jacob Mil...

Kepp On Knocking - Jacob Mille...

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-31-09

The daily mix:

1) Desmond Dekker: "Wise Man"
2) Jimmy Cliff: "Better Days are Coming"
3) Alton Ellis: "No Man is Perfect"
4) Lloyd Parks: "Baby Hang Up the Phone"
5) Tyrone Downie: "Mission Impossible"
6) Ken Boothe: "Who Gets Your Love"
7) Ini Kamoze: "World a Reggae (Out in the Street They Call It Murder)"
8) Roy Shirley: "If I Did Know"
9) Sugar Minott: "The Devil is After Me"
10) Burning Spear: "Marcus Garvey"

Mega Cool

I see that Dave Alvin will be at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago on March 21, the day after a friend and I attend Blue Note's 70th anniversary show at Orchestra Hall. Life is good.

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-30-09

The daily mix:

1) Alejandro Escovedo: "Always a Friend"
2) Matthew Ryan: "Everybody Always Leaves"
3) Marah: "Hard Up!"
4) Billy Riley and the Little Green Men: "Flyin' Saucer Rock and Roll"
5) Ian Hunter: "Still Love Rock and Roll"
6) Jack Scott: "Goodbye Baby"
7) Blaze Foley: "Big Cheeseburgers and Good French Fries"
8) Ass Ponys: "Kung Fu Reference"
9) Junior Brown: "Nashville Rebel"
10) Waylon Jennings: "Foolin' Round"

Tomcat Courtney: 'Downsville Blues'

I'd never heard of 80-year-old bluesman Tomcat Courtney until I stumbled upon a story about him in the San Diego Union-Tribune. So, I downloaded a digital copy of his album released last year, "Downsville Blues," and I'm impressed. Make that astounded.

I'd call Tomcat, a native of Texas who's lived in San Diego for almost 40 years, a throwback if he hadn't been ripping though the blues at the same time as many of my old-school blues heroes. He sings with an impish self-assurance that belies his years. Tunes such as "Shake It Up Baby," Cook My Breakfast" and "Wolf That Howls" suggest he's in the prime of his life. He sounds like a man who's still vigorously chasing wine, women and good times. He probably is. I don't think anyone could fake his way through songs this vibrant and saucy.

Shake It Up Baby - Tomcat Cour...

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-29-09

Thursday morning blues:

1) Stick McGhee: "Baby Baby Blues"
2) Hammie Nixon: "My Baby Left Town"
3) Big Joe Williams: "Sun Never Go Down"
4) Clara McDaniel: "Wee Wee Hours"
5) Frances Wallace and Clara Burston: "Beggin' Man Blues"
6) Lonnie Johnson: "Get Yourself Together"
7) Peg Leg Sam: "Mr. Ditty Wah Ditty"
8) Mississippi Fred McDowell: "Shake 'em on Down"
9) Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell: "Gettin' All Wet"
10) Big Bill Broonzy: "Bill Bailey"

Skeets McDonald: 'Heart Breakin' Mama'

Astute students of rock 'n' roll will probably acknowledge that Skeets McDonald, who broke into the industry as a hillbilly crooner, helped make Elvis Presley's success possible. "Scoot, Git and Be Gone," recorded in 1951, isn't quite a rockabilly record, but it rocks hard. McDonald combined old-time country, gospel and blues into a pulsing blueprint for The King and other folks who followed.

McDonald was following Presley's lead when he cut "You Oughta See Grandma Rock" and "Heart Breakin' Mama" in 1956. The King's imprint is all over the tunes, but McDonald, who was already in his 40s, sang with a much zestier twang. It almost sounds as if he's about to break into a yodel as he races to a party. And, man, does he rock. (It didn't hurt that McDonald was backed by Eddie Cochran, Joe Maphis and Wynn Stewart on guitar.)

In fact, the Bear records compilation "Heart Breakin' Mama" includes a lot of extraordinary sidemen backing McDonald, notably Buck Owens, Speedy West and Jimmy Bryant, Johnny Paycheck and Tommy Jackson.

The album's filled with songs that span genres. I'm particularly fond of the hilarious hillbilly tune "Tattooed Lady." I also love "Gone and Left Me Blues" — it sounds to me like a combination of Ernest Tubb, Jerry Lee Lewis and Muddy Waters — and McDonald's cover of George Jones' "You Gotta Be My Baby."

I've never bought a Bear Family Records album I didn't like. I also don't think I've ever bought one I like more than "Heart Breakin' Mama."

Check out "You Oughta See Grandma Rock" and decide for yourself:

Lil Greenwood: 'Walkin' and Singing the Blues'

Duke Ellington, who once employed Lil Greenwood as the singer in his band, said her voice sounded like a mixture of Marian Anderson, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and Mahalia Jackson. I'm not about to argue.

The songs on
"Walking and Singing the Blues," a collection of her recordings from the Modern and Federal labels, are inconsistent, but her voice always stands out. And, at times, she was every bit as good as any jazz, blues and R&B singer working in the '50s.

I especially love the juxtaposition of her smoky vocals and the honking horns on "Boogie All Night Long," one of the swingingest dance tunes I've ever heard. And "Grandpa Can Boogie Too," another hopping dance song, amuses me more and more as I edge toward senior citizenship.

There's plenty more to like on the collection. "Sitting and Wondering" is a slow blues burner on which Greenwood settles into a thick, sexy groove that's memorable. "Never Again" and "My Last Hour" beautifully showcase Greenwood's gospel roots as she's backed by a group of male background singers. She sounds almost like an opera singer. And her duet with Little Willie Littlefield on "Monday Morning" is a slinky blues that compares favorably to the collaborations between Dinah Washington and Brook Benton.

Here's a taste from youtube:

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-28-09

Wednesday morning jazz:

1) Joe Van Enkhuizen: "Blues Ahead"
2) Jack McDuff and Joey DeFrancesco: "Black Jack"
3) Stanley Turrentine: "Ciao, Ciao"
4) Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis: "But Beautiful"
5) Deep Blue Organ Trio: "Once I Loved"
6) Grant Green: "Walk On By"
7) Dexter Gordon: "Once I Loved"
8) Hal Galper: "Dreamsville"
9) Sonny Rollins: "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face"
10) Chris Potter: "Star Eyes"

Neil Young: 'Fork in Road' Video

I've been giving seminars every night, so I missed the release of the Neil Young video for his forthcoming album, "Fork in the Road," when it was released earlier this month.

The album is apparently an ode to his car, a Lincoln Continental converted to a green mobile. A lot of folks seem to hate the song below. Seems pretty rockin' to me.

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-27-09

The daily mix:

1) Teddy Thompson: "The Things I Do"
2) The Finn Brothers: "Disembodied Voices"
3) Sons & Daughters: "Taste the Last Girl"
4) Spoon: "Jonathan Fisk"
5) Veruca Salt: "Burned"
6) Black Mountain: "Stay Free"
7) Syd Straw: "Racing to the Ruins"
8) Mary Timmony: "W.O.W."
9) The Rosebuds: "4-Track Love Song"
10) The Dandy Warhols: "Get Off"

Bon Iver: 'Blood Bank'

I'm wondering whether Justin Vernon ran into a couple of my old friends on his travels because "Blood Bank," the title track of Bon Iver's new EP, certainly sounds like a recap of how they fell in love while giving blood.

I vividly remember running into the woman, a high school classmate, moments after she'd met the man, a colleague of mine at our college newspaper. I attributed her giddiness to a loss of blood, but I was wrong. A couple of years later, they got married.

Bon Iver's tune captures my friends' light-headed euphoria of love at first sight almost perfectly. The rest of the EP is pretty good too, especially "Beach Baby," which sounds like a Hawaiian take on a Beach Boys song, but those tunes don't take me back 30 years.

You can travel back in time with me. Listen to "Blood Bank" and meet my friends.

Blood Bank - Bon Iver

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-26-09

Monday morning blues:

1) Bukka White: "Strange Place Blues
2) Jazz Gillum: "No Friend Blues"
3) Skip James:"I Don't Want a Woman to Stay Up All Night Long"
4) Memphis Minnie: "Black Widow Stinger"
5) Ida Cox: "Chicago Monkey Man Blues"
7) Alberta Hunter: "Your Jelly Roll is Good"
8) Son House: "Am I Right Or Wrong"
9) Tommy Johnson: "Slidin' Delta"
10) Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup: "I Love You"

'Gone Country'? Nah

I'm not a reality show kind of guy. I saw a few minutes of "Survivor" once and I watched a youtube video of a local woman who was on "American Idol." That's it. But I decided to give CMT's "Gone Country" a try because I heard George Clinton and Sheila E. were on it.

The show takes a variety of performers and asks them to become country musicians. The premise is fine. Ray Charles, Bettye Swann, Solomon Burke and a variety of other R&B greats have explored country music. Wynton Marsalis even teamed up with Willie Nelson for an album last year. So it's not that odd to think that Mr. P Funk and Sheila E. could adapt. I also was mildly interested in hearing Micky Dolenz — I grew up watching The Monkees on Saturday mornings, OK?

I should have known better. The show featured George Clinton performing for about 10 or 15 seconds. Same for Sheila E. and Micky Dolenz. The rest was reality show crap; I wasted an hour of my life. The only real highlight was when George Jones sang for the group.

In a few months I might check out some youtube videos of George Clinton singing a country song, but you can bet my foray into the world of reality television is over.

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-25-09

The daily mix:

1) Lou Ann Barton: "Stop These Teardrops"
2) John Hammond: "Come on in This House"
3) John Hiatt: "Lipstick Sunset"
4) Mason Jennings: "Fighter Girl"
5) Guy Forsyth: "Death Gonna Hunt You Down"
6) Bonnie Bramlett: "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy"
7) Lucinda Williams: "Well, Well, Well"
8) The Skeletons: "The World You Grace"
9) Drive-By Truckers: "That Man I Shot"
10) Neil Young: "You're My Girl"

Jazz Blog Special: Lester Bowie, 'The Great Pretender'

I don't know of many jazz tunes that work on so many levels as Lester Bowie's rendition of "The Great Pretender," the title track of an album released in 1981 by the late trumpeter.

The song, which lasts almost 17 minutes, opens with Bowie blowing softly, wistfully. Then, three and a half minutes into the tune, Bowie and his band shift the tempo; they sound almost as if they're recording music for a merry-go-round at a freak show. It's an interesting mix with wild runs from baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett; sweet vocal harmonies from Bowie's wife, the great soul singer Fontella Bass, and her brother, David Peaston; and carnival-like riffs mixed with the hint of a lullaby from Bowie.

Pianist Donald Smith, Bluiett and Bowie give the middle portion of the tune an adrenalin rush with notes that might have been lifted straight off a Jackson Pollock canvass. The group gives the final portion of "The Great Pretender" the church treatment with some avant-garde flourishes and ends it with some maniacal cackles.

The next tune, "It's Howdy Doody Time," is surreal. I think the track's campy and fun, but be forewarned: folks who've always thought Howdy Doody was a creepy little puppet are likely to have nightmares after listening to the song.

I also dig "Rios Negroes," which mixes funk and a taste of New Orleans over a sassy Latin beat, and "Rose Drop," which includes a lovely trumpet part on top of an Asian motif.

Most of "The Great Pretender" is fairly accessible, even for people who have an unnatural fear of avant-garde jazz. I imagine those folks will come away from the album marveling at the beauty of Bowie's tone and the creativity of his arrangements. I certainly did.

(Jazz Blog Special is a regular feature that examines older jazz albums worth checking out.)

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-24-09

The daily mix:

1) Nikki Sudden: "Love Nest"
2) Tommy Womack: "Fake It Til You Make It"
3) The Wipers: "Window Shop for Love"
4) The Easybeats: "Friday on My Mind"
5) Mysteries of Life: "On Second Thought"
6) Nick Lowe: "Refrigerator White"
7) The Beekeepers: "Killer Cure"
8) Thunderbolts: "Heart So Cold"
9) The Stone Coyotes: "Party Down the Hall"
10) True Believers: "Outside Your Door"

Blues Blog Special: Joe Callicott, 'Ain't a Gonna Lie to You'

My first exposure to Mississippi bluesman Joe Callicott was in the early '70s was when I bought Ry Cooder's self-titled debut album. One of the album's best tunes is "France Chance," a song by Callicott.

I'd forgotten about the song until a few years ago when Fat Possum Records released 'Ain't a Gonna Lie to You," an album Callicott recorded in 1967, just a couple years before his death.

Callicott had recorded briefly in the 1930s, but had disappeared from the blues scene until George Mitchell started looking for him in the late '60s. Thank God Mitchell found him.

The songs on "Ain't a Gonna Lie to You" evoke strong emotions. Callicott sings in a clear, sure voice that sounds almost conversational. He sounds warm and tender, comforting, even when he's singing about heartache.

"France Chance" is on the album, of course, as are great tunes such as "Frankie and Albert," "Goodbye Baby Blues" and "Let Your Deal Go Down." I'm a big fan of all the songs, especially when Callicott shifts into a sweet falsetto.

(Blues Blog Special is a regular feature that examines older blues albums worth checking out.)

Goodbye Baby Blues - Joe Calli...

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-23-09

The daily mix:

1) The Vandals: "My Girlfriend's Dead"
2) The Vibrators: "I Don't Wanna Fail"
3) Knoxville Girls: "I Had a Dream"
4) Cheater Slicks: "Momentary Muse"
5) The Buzzcocks: "I Don't Know What to Do With My Life"
6) Jay Reatard: "Screaming Hard"
7) The Plimsouls: "Help Yourself"
8) The Muffs: "My Lucky Day"
9) The Plasmatics: "Ain't None of Your Business"
10) The Cramps: "Voodoo Idol"

A Poor Fit

This story about Minnesota bluesman Charlie Parr explains how a corporate giant co-opted a song he wrote about his hard-working father for an Australian advertisement about a phone. The pieces don't seem to match, but the song certainly is cool.

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-22-09

Thursday morning jazz:

1) Dizzy Gillespie: "Enter, Priest"
2) Sonny Rollins: "Nice Lady"
3) San Francisco Jazz Collective: "When Will the Blues Leave"
4) Archie Shepp: "A Night in Tunisia"
5) Soren Kjaergaard Trio: "Sergie"
6) Kenny Drew Jr. "Serenity"
7) Cecil McBee: "Unspoken"
8) Jessica Williams: "Temporary Sanity"
9) Mary Lou Williams: "Capricorn"
10) Harry "Sweets" Edison: "The Very Thought of You"

David 'Fathead' Newman Dies

I didn't have any plans after arriving home from work late tonight. Then I learned that David "Fathead" Newman had died. Now I'm spending the rest of the evening revisiting the great saxophonist's music.

Any discussion of Newman's music has to start with Ray Charles, of course. Newman colored Charles' music with blue hues that added sexiness and depth. Most folks already know that. But Newman recorded a lot of other classic music, too. And, man, was he versatile.

My tour this evening starts with Mr. Gentle, Mr. Cool," which has been one of my favorite chill albums for 15 years. On the 1994 release, Newman slinks through the tribute to Duke Ellington. I'm particularly fond of "Mr. Gentle and Mr. Cool," a bluesy showcase for both Newman and bassist Ron Carter. "Azure," on which Newman plays the flute, is lovely, too.

In contrast, "The Sound of Wide Open Spaces," an album Newman recorded in 1960 with fellow Texan James Clay, is one of the great saxophone duels of all time. It's wild and wonderful. As I said a couple of years ago, the album compares favorably to Clifford Jordan and John Gilmore's "Blowin' in From Chicago" and to the many classic saxophone battles between Sonny Stitt and Gene Ammons.

The final stop on tonight's tour of Fathead Newman's music ends with "The Soul Brotherhood," a 1969 release on which Newman backed organist Charles Kynard, along with trumpeter Blue Mitchell, guitarist Grant Green, drummer Mickey Roker and bassist Jimmy Lewis. Newman's notes are fat and funky on this album, which, as far as I'm concerned, is one of the great organ records of all time.

On further reflection, I'll probably be listening to Fathead Newman all week. I still have to listen to albums on which he collaborated with Lonnie Smith, Lowell Fulson, Eddie Harris, Hank Crawford, Solomon Burke, Lee Morgan, Roy Hargorve, Herbie Mann, Shirley Scott, Jimmy Mcgriff, Brother Jack McDuff, Donny Hathaway, Junior Mance, the Neville Brothers, B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, Percy Mayfield, Doug Sahm, Eric Clapton and Lou Rawls.

RIP, Mr. Newman.

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-21-09

The daily mix:

1) Ian McLagan and the Bump Band: "Date With and Angel"
2) Joe Cocker: "The Letter"
3) Al Kooper: "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know"
4) Dave Alvin: "Dry River"
5) Bruce Cockburn: "Peggy's Kitchen Wall"
6) Darden Smith: "Closer to You"
7) Chuck Prophet: "I've Been a Long Time Leaving (I'll Be a Long Time Gone)"
8) Guy Clark: "She Ain't Going Nowhere"
9) Gurf Morlix: "Worth Dying For"
10) Bob Dylan: "When the Deal Goes Down"

Solomon Burke, 'Proud Mary: The Bell Sessions'

I've always been a fan of Chuck Willis' "What Am I Living For." I love the earnest punchiness of his vocals and the sassiness of the backing horns. That said, I don't think there's really any comparison between Willis' version and Solomon Burke's, which can be found on "Proud Mary: The Bells Sessions."

Burke slowed the song down, added an organ and went to church. Fans of Burke's fabulous 2006 release, "Nashville," will recognize the roots of "Up to the Mountain" in Burke's rendition of "What Am I Living For." No one's ever worried every note more sweetly than Burke does on those tunes.

Burke's take on Percy Mayfield's "Please Send Me Someone to Love" is gorgeous, too. Burke sounds almost like his old friend Sam Cooke. One of the bonus tracks on the Sundazed edition of the album is a Sam Cooke tune, "A Change is Gonna Come." Burke lets his vocals soar with a gravelly roar on the track.

I love Elvis Presley, but I never thought he sounded particularly believable when he sang "In the Ghetto." Burke does, and then some. Burke's exuberant version of "The Mighty Quinn" is especially powerful. And his take on "I'll Be Doggone" is both tough and tender.

The album's centerpiece, of course, is the title track, John Fogerty's "Proud Mary." On this, the inauguration day of our first African-American president, it's poignant to listen to Burke introducing the song by saying his forefathers used to ride the bottoms of the boat as stokers, cooks and waiters. Then, with a slow burn, Burke turns the tune into an anthem of progress and hope.

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-20-09

Tuesday night soul:

1) Geater Davis: "Ain't Worrying About Jody"
2) Luther Ingram: "You Got to Give Love to Get Love"
3) William Bell: "Never Like This Before"
4) Sam Baker: "It's All Over"
5) Bobby Purify: "What's Old to You"
6) The Natural Four: "Can This Be Real?"
7) Herbert Hunter: "Diddlin' and Daddlin'"
8) James Knight: "Funky Cat"
9) Wilson Pickett: "I've Come a Long Way"
10) James Carr: "Lovable Girl"

Spring Concert Schedule

My concert schedule for this spring is starting to take shape.

• This Friday: Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser will be performing with cellist Natalie Haas at Duncan Hall in Lafayette.
• Feb. 15: The Rebirth Brass Band will be at the Lafayette Brewing Company.
• March 19: Wayne "The Train" Hancock will be returning to the Lafayette Brewing Company. His show there in September was great.
• March 20: I'm going to the Blue Notes Records 70th anniversary show at Orchestra Hall in Chicago. The show will feature Bill Charlap, Pat Martino, Ravi Coltrane, Lewis Nash, Nicolas Payton, Peter Washington and Steve Wilson. I imagine I'll also slip over to the Velvet Lounge to catch a couple of jazz sets that weekend.
• April 3: Graham Parker will be at Duncan Hall in Lafayette.
• May 3: Sonny Rollins at the University of Texas Performing Arts Center in Austin. I'm always stoked when I get a chance to see Sonny Rollins.

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-19-09

The daily mix:

1) Rod Stewart: "Italian Girls"
2) Joe Ely: "She's Gotta Get the Gettin'"
3) Giant Sand: "Belly Full of Fire"
4) Paul Thorn: "Everybody Looks Good at the Starting Line"
5) The Holmes Brothers: "Baby, What You Want Me to Do"
6) Eric Clapton: "Pretending"
7) Alejandro Escovedo: "Follow You Down"
8) Buddy Miller: "Shelter Me"
9) Levon Helm: "Single Girl, Married Girl"
10) Steve Young: "Honky Tonk Man"

Obama's Half Brother

Somehow I missed this story the other day about a concert in China by Barack Obama's half brother, Mark Ndesandjo. It's nice to know, though, that Obama's related to a musician. I never trust folks who don't like music.

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-18-09

The daily mix:

1) Stan Getz: "Sunshower"
2) Shirley Horn: "Take Love Easy"
3) George Benson: "Blue Bossa"
4) Elis Regina: "Madalena"
5) Cannonball Adderley: "Joyce's Samba"
6) Peggy Lee: "Love, Your Magic Spell is Everywhere"
7) Sonny Criss: "Blue Friday"
8) Sarah Vaughan: "Whatever Lola Wants"
9) Shelly Manne: "Peter Gunn"
10) Mel Torme: "Love Walked In"

'Eddie South: 1923-1937'

Listen to Eddie South play his violin on "Two Guitars," a song that can be found on a collection called "Eddie South: 1923-1937," and you'll swear he was raised by Eastern European gypsies. The tune's romantic and mysterious and, man, does it swing. But South was an African-American, a classically trained violinist from Chicago who was pushed into jazz because of racism. Lucky us.

You can certainly here the influences of classical music on the collection's 24 tunes ... even on some of the songs that must have sent flappers straight to the dance floor. My favorites, though, are his renditions of "Sweet Georgia Brown" and "Lady Be Good," which feature Django Reinhardt on guitar. I wonder whther Reinhardt ever had a better partner.

As a bonus, you get to hear some of bassist Milt Hinton's earliest recordings. He even sings.

I picked up "Eddie South: 1923-1937" in a clearance rack at a local record store a few weeks ago. I should probably go back to see if the store has any of his later recordings for sale.

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-17-09

Saturday night jazz:

1) Charles Mingus: "Put Me in That Dungeon"
2) Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane: "Nutty"
3) Bruce Williams: "Elijah Blue"
4) Oliver Jones: "Good Day Miss Lee"
5) David Murray and Mal Waldron: "Hurray for Herbie"
6) Bill Charlap: "I Was Telling Her About You"
7) Frank Morgan: "My Heart Stood Still"
8) Lee Konitz: "Foolin' Myself"
9) Wardell Gray: "Sweet Lorraine"
10) Lou Donaldson: "Peck Time"

The Mingus Big Band at the Purdue Jazz Festival

During the opening set of the Mingus Big Band's concert at Purdue Saturday, trombonist Conrad Herwig suggested that few, if any, musicians ever had a better year than Charles Mingus did in 1959. Then the band illustrated why, playing tunes from three Mingus albums released that year: "Mingus Ah Um," "Mingus Dynasty," and "Blues and Roots."

Charles Mingus has been my favorite musician since I was a kid, so I was stoked going into the show, but no more than the high school kids on campus for the Purdue Jazz Festival. They went wild when baritone saxophonist Jason Marshall started playing "Moanin'." And certainly no more than trombonist Ku-umba Frank Lacy; David Kikoski's solo during "Moanin'" was so good that Lacy bounded to the other side of the stage to give the pianist a high-five.

There was a lot to get excited about. The group's performance of "Fables of Faubus," one of Mingus' most political songs, was rousing, especially listening to Lacy sing about the racism of Gov. Orval Faubus just a few days before our first African-American president takes office. In fact, Lacy's singing was great throughout the evening.

Tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake's tone was flawless on "Goodbye Porkpie Hat." The saxophone section, which featured Vincent Herring, Mark Gross and Wayne Escoffery (In addition to Marshall and Blake) made me laugh when they started squawking at the beginning of "Bird Calls." Then they launched into the most furious musical relay I've ever heard, with each player burning through a solo before passing the baton to the guy next to him.

I'll also remember solos by trumpeter Lew Soloff, bass trombonist Earl McIntyre and bassist Boris Kozlov. Mostly, though, I'll remember how vital Mingus' music still sounds 30 years after his death. It's wild, unpredictable and unbelievably beautiful. And judging from the comments I heard from teenagers in the lobby after the show, hundreds of young jazz musicians think so, too.

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-16-09

It's Friday. Let's rock.

1) Swell Maps: "Full Moon in My Pocket"
2) Lazy Cowgirls: "Who are the Mystery Girls"
3) The Ramones: "I Can't Give You Anything"
4) Mono Men: "The Witch"
5) The Plasmatics: "Mistress of Taboo"
6) The Slits: "Spend, Spend, Spend"
7) The Vibrators: "New Rose"
8) The Clash: "Janie Jones"
9) The Cramps: "Sunglasses After Dark"
10) The Ziggens: "I Took My Mom to the Prom"

NPR Streams New Andrew Bird Album

I've been listening this afternoon to National Public Radio's stream of Andrew Bird's forthcoming album, "Noble Beast." It's pretty.

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-15-09

Wednesday morning blues:

1) Black Ace: "New Triflin' Woman"
2) Hammie Nixon: "Hammie's Windy Blues"
3) Blind Willie McTell: "Keep on Drinkin'"
4) Cootie Stark: "Padlock Blues"
5) Louisiana Red: "Country Playboy"
6) Freddie King: "Big Legged Woman"
7) Little Al: "Little Lean Woman"
8) Junior Wells: "Yonder Wall"
9) Bob Kirkpatrick: "I Don't Know Why"
10) Sonny Rhodes: "Satan"

Richard Earl: 'One More Song'

Richard Earl's vocals on "Sweet Woman's Love," a song from the late Texas bluesman Ervin Charles' "Greyhound Blues" album, always tear me up. That's why I was excited to find that Earl had released a new album last year. (I downloaded my copy from Amazon.)

Earl's one of the best blues singers working today — you wouldn't be far off if you compared him to Bobby "Blue" Bland or O.V. Wright. My favorites on "One More Song" are the blues burners like "Bad News" and "Blues Over You" and "One More Song." I also like his feisty rendition of "Riding All Night."

None of the tracks on "One More Song" are quite as gut-wrenchingly beautiful as "Sweet Woman's Love," but they're mighty good. Earl's a journeyman blues singer who's certainly worth checking out.

Below, Richard Earl and Ervin Charles perform "Sweet Woman's Love." Guard your heart.

Sweet Woman's Love - Ervin Cha...

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-14-09

The daily mix:

1) The Long Blondes: "In the Company of Women"
2) The Wipers: "Window Shop for Love"
3) Jonathan Richman: "You Can't Talk to the Dude"
4) Adam Green: "Who's Your Boyfriend"
5) Billy Bragg: "The Johnny Carcinogenic Show"
6) Black Mountain: "Wild Women"
7) Penelope Houston: "Before You Were Born"
8) Beth Orton: "Stars All Seem to Weep"
9) Two Cow Garage: "Pick Me Up"
10) Carolyn Mark: "2 Days Smug and Sober"

'The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir'

I'm reminded how much I miss living a short drive to downtown Chicago every time I listen to The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, a young indie rock band from the Windy City.

There are several songs on the band's self-titled album from 2007 that always seem to find their way to the top of the playlists on my iPod. The best, I think, is a tune called "I Never Thought I Could Feel That Way About a Boy." They jingle-jangle their way through a mess of sexual confusion. Think of the song as the male counterpart to Jill Sobule's "I Kissed a Boy," only poppier.

I also dig "This World Has No Plans for Me," "Then and Not a Moment Before" and "Pins and Needles." As I listen, I'm reminded of some of the great bands I heard at Chicago clubs in the '80s. The band makes indie rock for the new millennium, no doubt, but they draw on the perkiness of pop bands from yesteryear. And that's a sweet mix.

I've never seen the group live, but I hope to remedy that this summer when my schedule and the weather are more forgiving.

I Never Thought I Could Feel T...

Then And Not A Moment Before -...

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-13-09

Tuesday morning jazz:

1) Greg Skaff: "Johnny Come Lately"
2) Skip Heller: "Along the Anchor Line"
3) Willis Jackson: "Lover's Eye"
4) Sonny Stitt and Gene Ammons: "Blues Up and Down"
5) George Benson: "Along Comes Mary"
6) Matt Jorgensen + 451: "Slinky"
7) Guillermo Klein: "Coco"
8) Cyrus Chestnut: "Suspicious Minds"
9) Miles Davis: "The Duke"
10) Charlie Shavers: "Puddle Wump"

Julito Alvarado: 'P.R. Algo Especial'

I decided to check out Julito Alvarado's "P.R. Algo Especial" because I saw it featured Edsel Gomez, one of my favorite jazz pianists. Good move.

Gomez opens "Cenizas," the album's first song, with an intoxicating multi-layered run. Then Alvarado enters on his flugelhorn with a seductive whisper. Bassist Pedro Perez and drummer Raul Maldonado help pick up the pace and the song turns into a spicy Latin fiesta. "En Mi Viejo Sa Juan" and "Sin Ti" are other highlights on this extraordinary album. Alvarado's notes are bright and flawless.

I love discovering artists I'd never heard of before and Julito Alvarado is a treasure. Thanks, Edsel.

Cenizas - Julito Alvarado

Sin Ti - Julito Alvarado

Sad Day

An already gray day got darker this morning when I learned that the Music Mill, a nightclub in Indianapolis, will be closing at the end of February. I've seen some great shows there, including ones by The Hold Steady, Bob Schneider and Kathleen Edwards. I'll miss the venue.

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-12-09

Today's mix:

1) Fun With Atoms: "Changing History"
2) The Model Rockets: "She's on the Cover"
3) Spinning Jennies: "Girl of the 90s"
4) Ben Folds: "Hiroshima"
5) Rick Henrickson: "While She Whistles Wily"
6) Shoes: Cruel You"
7) Heather Nova: "I'm the Girl"
8) Thao Nguyen: "Swimming Pools"
9) Camera Obscura: "Lloyd, I'm Ready to be Heartbroken"
10) The Real Tuesday Weld: "Last Words"

Shirley Johnson: 'Killer Diller'

I've been listening to Shirley Johnson's "Killer Diller" a lot since I learned Delmark Records is releasing a new album by her next month.

Johnson's tear-stained rendition of "As the Years Go Passing By" always tears me up. Her bouncy version of "Somebody Have Mercy" is one of my favorite Sam Cooke covers. And Johnson's recording of "No Deposit, No Return" compares favorably to Katie Webster's classic version.

She's all sass and brass on "Hard Lovin' Mama." And on the gospel-flavored "Sass," she sounds like she's trying to convert the whole world to the blues. It doesn't hurt that she's backed on the album by guitarists John Primer and Johnnie B. Moore as well as a slew of other great blues musicians.

February's going to be a good month for the blues.

As The Years Go Passing By - S...

Saved - Shirley Johnson

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-10-08

Saturday morning blues:

1) Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson: "Cherry Red Blues"
2) John Dee Holeman & the Waifs Band: "Little Queenie"
3) Curtis Jones: "Love Fake Blues"
4) Ernest Lewis: "West Coast Blues"
5) Charles Brown: "Sunny Blues"
6) Lonnie Johnson: "I Got the Best Jelly Rollin' in Town"
7) Tampa Red: "Blues for My Baby"
8) Jimmy Reed: "Bright Lights, Big City"
9) John Littlejohn: "If You Don't Want Me"
10) Hop Wilson: "You Don't Move Me Anymore"

Wanda Jackson to Be Inducted in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock 'n' roll pioneer Wanda Jackson will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame. Finally.

Jackson should have been selected for the honor when the hall opened. Patti Smith, Chrissie Hynde and every other female rocker owes her a debt. Jackson, who once dated Elvis Presley, rocked every bit as hard as the king. And her music still sounds fresh.

Congratulations, Ms. Jackson.

Fujiyama Mama - Wanda Jackson

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-9-09

The daily mix:

1) Dawn Tyler Wilson and Paul Deslauriers: "Shine on Harvest Moon"
2) Keri Leigh and the Blue Devils: "Train Don't Roll"
3) Irma Thomas and Doctor John: "If I Had Any Sense I'd Go Back Home"
4) Lyle Lovett and Randy Newman: "Long Tall Texan"
5) Handsome Family: "So Much Wine"
6) Leonard Cohen: "Famous Blue Raincoat"
7) Jemima James: "Dog Following Me"
8) Rory Block: "Silver Slide Moan"
9) Leo Kottke and Mike Gordon: "Oh Well"
10) Lightnin' Hopkins: "The Foot Race is On"

Shakura S'Aida: 'Blueprint'

Shakura S'Aida, who's lived in Switzerland and Canada since leaving the United States as a child, speaks a variety of languages, but she communicates best when she sings the blues. Her new album, "Blueprint," uses her velvety voice to reinterpret songs popularized by Big Mama Thornton, Memphis Minnie, LaVern Baker and Big Maybelle Smith ... especially Big Maybelle.

S'Aida's voice is a bit softer than Big Maybelle's, but only a little. And S'Aida's rendition of "No More Trouble Out of Me" is almost as powerful. Other highlights on "Blueprint" include "Getting Along Alright," "He Doesn't Care (About My Broken Heart)" and "Me and My Chauffeur Blues."

I'm glad S'Aida decided to explore great blues of yesteryear, but I'm sure anything she sings would sound great; she's one of the best singers on the blues scene today.

No More Trouble Out of Me - Sh...

He Doesn't Care (About My Brok...

Blues Blog Special: 'Doctor Clayton: Complete Recorded Works, 1935-1942'

I wouldn't be surprised to find that Chicago bluesman Doctor (Peter) Clayton provided the inspiration for John Belushi's most engaging expression, the one in which Belushi raises an eyebrow and charms women into forgetting the transgressions he's committed. On Jay McShann and Walter Brown's "Confessin' the Blues," for example, Doctor Clayton uses falsetto vocals almost like Belushi used his raised eyebrow. As a result, Doctor Clayton seems both charming and impish as he begs for his woman's forgiveness and love.

We already know that his vocals inspired a generation of blues musicians, including B.B. King. Doctor Clayton sounds feisty and funny on tunes such as "Backdoor Man Blues" "Cheating and Lying Blues" and "Watch Out Mama." I can't think of many blues singers who were more engaging.

(Blues Blog Special is a regular feature that examines older blues albums worth checking out.)

Confessin' The Blues - Doctor ...

Cheating And Lying Blues - Doc...

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-8-09

The daily mix:
1) Shelby Lynne: "Where I'm From"
2) Boss Tweed: "12th Street"
3) Bob Dylan: "Born in Time"
4) John Hiatt: "Walk On"
5) Terry Allen: "The Beautiful Waitress"
6) Calvin Jackson and the Mississippi Bound: "When My First Wife Left Me"
7) Otis Taylor: "Past Times"
8) Bull Moose Jackson: "Shorty's Got to Go"
9) Annisteen Allen: "Fujiyama Mama"
10) Wanda Jackson: "Hard Headed Woman"

Jazz Blog Special: Philly Joe Jones, 'Philly Mignon'

I bought Philly Joe Jones' "Philly Mignon" on vinyl when it came out in 1977 because I was on a Dexter Gordon kick at the time. (I still am.)

Gordon is featured on two of the album's tracks — "Neptunis" and "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" and he's extraordinary on both. To my ears, Gordon's play on "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" on "Philly Mignon" is even lovelier than it was on "The Chase," an album he recorded with Gene Ammons. The difference, I think, is the supporting cast. Pianist George Cables' piano notes fall like fairy dust and that seems to inspire Gordon, who glides through the song. Jones' gentle brush strokes and Ron Carter's gentle bass riffs help make it one of the prettiest jazz tunes I've ever heard.

Nat Adderley and Ira Sullivan are featured on the album's other three songs — "Confirmation," "Jim's Jewel" and "United Blues."

Cables sets up "Confirmation" with some elegant blues. Adderley on cornet and Sullivan on tenor saxophone then trade wild solos before joining for a frenzied finale. The highlight, though, is a powerful drum solo by Jones.

My favorite tune on the album is "Jim's Jewel," which sounds exotic when Sullivan plays his soprano saxophone like a snake charmer. Jones has another strong solo near the end of the song, but I prefer his sophisticated duet with Carter in the middle of the piece. Sullivan, Adderley, Jones and Carter end the tune with a delightful flourish.

I didn't hesitate to buy the album again when it came out on CD nine years ago. Sadly, it seems to be out of print now, though it's not hard to find a used copy. The album's also available from emusic.

(Jazz Blog Special is a regular feature that examines older jazz albums worth checking out.)

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-7-09

The daily mix:

1) Vic Chesnutt and Elf Power: "Bilocating Dog"
2) Belle and Sebastian: "The Blues are Still Blue"
3) The Blake Babies: "Take Your Head Off My Shoulder"
4) The Promise Ring: "Stop Playing Guitar"
5) Paul Westerberg: "As Far As I Know"
6) The Broken West: "Slow"
7) The National: "Mansion on the Hill"
8) Teddy Thompson: "A Piece of What You Need"
9) John Wesley Harding: "Into the Wind"
10) Matthew Sweet: "Until You Break"

Michael Penn Writes Music for New Film

I'm stoked because Michael Penn wrote the music for a new film called "Sunshine Cleaning."

Penn, who might be best know for being the brother of Sean Penn and the wife of Aimee Mann, had a hit with his song "No Myth" from his "March" album. It's one of my favorite CDs, but I love all his albums.

One of his best, I think, is "Resigned," which features Beatles-like pop with a sensitive singer-songwriter's sensibility. "All That Implies" is particularly infectious.

I'm looking forward to hearing the music from "Sunshine Cleaning." For the next few days, though, I'm going to revisit Penn's back catalog.

All That That Implies - Michae...

Brave New World - Michael Penn

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-6-09

The daily mix:

1) Hacienda Brothers: "Ordinary Pain"
2) Bruce Springsteen: "I'll Work for Your Love"
3) John Eddie: "Jesus is Coming"
4) Carrie Rodriguez: "50's French Movie"
5) Joanna Ramirez: "Love Me Tonight"
6) Angela Strehli: "Stand By Your Woman"
7) Janiva Magness: "I'm Not Ashamed"
8) Katie Webster: "Pussycat Moan"
9) Bobby "Blue" Bland: "I'll Take Care of You"
10) Michelle "Evil Gal" Willson: "Half Past the Blues"

Snowboy and the Latin Section: 'Communication'

You know a Latin jazz band is special when Eddie Palmieri writes a tune for it. Snowboy and the Latin Section burn through the tune, "Snowboy's Special," which opens "Communication."

"Snowboy's Special" and most of the other tunes on the album would have played well with New York's Latin jazz fans of the '40s and '50s. But this is multi-dimensional music. "Six for Eight," for example, is a funky Latin jazz tune that would have sounded great on a soundtrack for a Blacksploitation film. (Dig the organ.)

I've been in love with the album since I bought it a couple of months ago. Check it out, and get ready to dance.

Snowboy's Special - Snowboy An...

Six For Eight - Snowboy And Th...

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-5-09

Monday morning jazz:

1) Fred Hersch: "Ballad For Very Tired and Very Sad Lotus-Eaters"
2) D.D. Jackson: "Suite New York"
3) Thad Jones: "Honky Punk"
4) Jesse Davis: "I Know That You Know"
5) Dave Holland Quartet: "See-Saw"
6) World Saxophone Quartet: "Fast Life"
7) James Carter: "Summer Babe"
8) Fred Anderson Quartet: "Three on Two"
9) David Boykin Expanse: "Circus"
10) Frank Strozier: "March of the Siamese Children"

Richard Buckner and Jon Langford: 'Sir Dark Invader vs. the Fanglord'

Richard Buckner and Jon Langford sing lovely ballads together that could have been swiped from the Richard Thompson songbook. But peppy rock tunes such as "Rolling of the Eyes" and "The Inca Princess" are the reason I love their 2005 collaboration, "Sir Dark Invader vs. the Fanglord," which they recorded in the apartment of Sally Timms, Langford's partner in The Mekons.

Some of the tunes on this album are among the best recordings of both Buckner's and Langford's careers ... and that's saying something.

The Inca Princess - Jon Langfo...

Nothing to Show - Jon Langford...

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-4-09

The daily mix:

1) The Pipettes: "Your Kisses are Wasted on Me"
2) Mary Weiss: "Nobody Knows (But I Do)"
3) The Marvelettes: "Playboy"
4) Junior Walker & the All-Stars: "Pucker Up, Buttercup"
5) King Curtis: "The Dog"
6) The Rolling Stones: "Hot Stuff"
7) Graham Parker & the Figgs: "Suck 'n' Blow"
8) The Downbeat 5: "Still Don't Have Her Love"
9) The Bloody Tears: "Right One, Right Now"
10) The Fleshtones: "Hit Me!"

A New Year's Wish

I didn't make any New Year's resolutions this year. I do, however, have a New Year's wish ... for John Prine and Iris Dement to record together again.

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-3-09

The daily mix:

1) Richard Berry and the Pharaoahs: "Sweet Sugar You"
2) Buddy Knox: "Cause I'm in Love"
3) The Coasters: "Down in Mexico"
4) Robert Lockwood Jr.: "Forever on My Mind"
5) Lazy Lester: "I'm Gonna Miss You (Like the Devil)"
6) Merle Haggard: "Working Man Blues"
7) Jerry Lee Lewis: "Keep My Motor Running"
8) Brinsley Schwarz: "PLay That Fast Thing (One More Time)"
9) The Mekons: "Charlie Cake Park"
10) The Clash: "Jail Guitar Doors"

Waylon Jennings, 'Nashville Rebel'

There's no doubt that Waylon Jennings was a country outlaw, a rebel. It says so right on the cover of the Waylon Jennings four-disc box set "Nashville Rebel," which I gave myself for Christmas. Indeed, the set includes a great selection of Jennings' musical missives that mix Hank Williams' and Buddy Holly's rowdy spirits better than anyone else has ever done.

I've always loved those tunes — "Lonesome, "On'ry and Mean" and "Are You Ready for the Country" fueled my teen angst almost as much as songs by The Clash did in the '70s. My fear, though, is that many folks know only that side of Waylon. He also had a tender side. Look at the photo of Waylon and an adoring child on his "Ladies Love Outlaws" album and you'll understand. Or listen to him sing "Sweet Dream Woman" and you'll wonder whether anyone ever recorded a sweeter country love song.

The box set is great because it includes a broad career retrospective. It's nice hearing his earliest recordings — his rendition of "Jole Blon" is especially cool — as well as covers of Bob Dylan and Los Lobos tunes. The 142-page booklet that's included is impressive, too.

I treated myself to a lot of presents this year, but "Nashville Rebel" is my favorite. It's a gift that will keep giving for years to come.

Just To Satisfy You - Waylon J...

Stan Getz's 'Dynasty' To Be Reissued

I'm pretty psyched that Stan Getz's "Dynasty" album will be re-released later this month. It seems to me that the thick, bluesy tone of Eddy Louiss' Hammond B3 organ is a perfect complement for the soft, sweet sound of Getz's saxophone.

Until then, here's a taste:

Dynasty - Stan Getz

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-2-09

Friday morning blues:

1) Eddie Kirkland: "Sandman"
2) Albert King: "Truckload of Loving"
3) Hip Lankchan: "All Your Love"
4) R.L. Burnside: "Been Mistreated"
5) Johnny Copeland: "Natural Born Believer"
6) Jimmy Reed: "I Know It's a Sin"
7) Homesick James: "Goin' Down Swingin'"
8) Grady Champion: "Lady Luck"
9) Magic Sam: "Easy Baby"
10) Mel Walker: "Gee Baby"

Charlie Musselwhite Interview

This story about bluesman Charlie Musselwhite is a month old, so check it out while the piece is still available. It's a great read.

After you read the story, relax and enjoy this video clip of Musselwhite.

Cahl's Jukebox, 1-1-09

Happy New Year. Let's celebrate with some music, of course:

1) Roy Milton: "New Year's Resolution"

New Year's Resolution Blues - ...

2) Chris Connor: "Happy New Year"

Happy New Year - Chris Connor

3) Aretha Franklin: "I Say a Little Prayer"

I Say A Little Prayer - Aretha...

4) Sweet Inspirations: "Every Day Will Be Like a Holiday"

Every Day Will Be Like A Holid...

5) Blind Lemon Jefferson: "Happy New Year Blues"

Happy New Year Blues - Blind L...

T.J. Sullivan: 'Thelonius James Presents The Sunland Chronicles'

T.J. Sullivan opens "Thelonius James Presents The Sunland Chronicles" with a bluesy romp about fast cars and hot women. The song, which could just as easily have been a rockabilly tune, sounds like it was recorded in the '50s, but it's especially nice in 2009 because there aren't many folks recording music like it these days.

Sullivan incorporates a lot of musical styles into his tunes. "With You," for example, is a jazzy love song that reminds me of the music from "The Sting." "Nothing Matters" is a saucy cabaret tunes that probably has its roots in an old Tom Waits album. "Just to Get to You Tonight" sounds like a brawny country blues ditty. And "More Than a Fool" is one of the rockingest blues tunes recorded last year.

But my favorite song on "Thelonius James Presents The Sunland Chronicles" is "You Give Me Hope." Riding on the sexy groove of an organ, Sullivan's vocals hit me the same way Boz Scaggs' and Chris Gaffney's best tunes always do.

Here's a taste:

You Give Me Hope - T.J. Sulliv...