Sunny Singer Music Blog

A band doesn’t have to be #1 right now or ever to be making great music. That’s what it’s all about, great rock n’ roll, blues, folk, even country… I wish I could provide this tribute under better circumstances, but unfortunately this one comes with a heavy heart. Earlier this month blues great Koko Taylor passed away at the age of 80. Nominated for a Grammy 8 times for her stellar blues albums, Koko Taylor was and is considered

I want to talk about and promote the music I like whether it is well known or not… Last month was a month that was far too busy, stressful and hectic here at the Soul of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Luckily it closed out appropriately enough, with me attending a great concert by a band I’ve been wanting to see live since… well since I was old enough to

I don’t want to just talk about and promote the music that is popular, mainstream or well known….Music can be a difficult addiction based on the “intensity.” I might be able to effectively fund my album habit… CDs are relatively cheap… but collecting everything by a band can get pricey (and don’t even get me started on collective musical instruments and

The wonderful world of jazz music.An Important Message From JazzTimes ManagementBy JazzTimesTo our readers and members of the jazz community:JazzTimes has temporarily suspended publication of the magazine and has furloughed the bulk of its staff while it finalizes a sale of its assets. The brand and operation will

A place for thoughts on jazz…traditional, swing, straight ahead and beyond.Huey Long, who, among other stops, played guitar for the Ink Spots, died at the age of 105. Chance lifted a shoe shine boy on an 80-year odyssey, making music with the greats.. Read about his amazing life here.

A place for thoughts on jazz…traditional, swing, straight ahead and beyond.One thing you certainly could take from the last eight years was there wasn’t a lot of jazz going on at the White House (though I am sure there were the occasional nods). Inevitably, much has been made of the Obama’s connection to the music. Monday, some kids got the opportunity to

The wonderful world of jazz music.Catching up on a couple of e-mails, and passing along the goodies.ChopsA new jazz documentary about one high school jazz band’s experience at the Essential Ellington high school jazz competition.The trailer:Chops Trailer from B-Side Entertainment on Vimeo.Follow updates on this film

The wonderful world of jazz music.My Sunday, Day 3 of the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, started out on Jazz Street (Gibbs) listening to some more of the great local high school jazz ensembles, procuring a sandwich and libation. Got into a pretty long line…

A place for thoughts on jazz…traditional, swing, straight ahead and beyond.My evening started out in Kilbourn Hall with jazz legend and octogenarian Chico Hamilton with his group Euphoria. Chico has slowed down some in the walking department, as his shuffle out to his drum set showed, but his skills with…

The wonderful world of jazz music.My sixth evening of the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival started out in line for the Dafnis Prieto Sextet in Kilbourn Hall. While I heard that others thought it was too loud (and if you were sitting further back in…