April 30, 2009, - 12:51 am
What I’m Listening To
By Debbie Schlussel
Longtime readers know I like some ’80s standbys, like Genesis and hard rock and metal–groups like Sevendust. But I like jazz, too. My dad–a jazz, bluegrass, and classical music fan–took me to a lot of jazz concerts when I was a kid. Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, George Benson, you name it. And I acquired the taste. I especially the kind of jazz that fuses funk (which I also love) and jazz.
One of the best versions of that is the fast-moving, upbeat jazz classic, “Always There.” Love the Ronnie Laws (a jazz/funk/blues saxophonist, who started with “Earth Wind & Fire”) 1975 version best, but I also really like the Willie Bobo (a Latin percussionist) rendition from 1978. The Ronnie Laws version is part of my work out music and is also great for getting me to clean my apartment. It’s got a Summer-y sound.
Another group I like from the ’70s jazz incarnation is Spyro Gyra. My friend, Tom Walsh, was a founding member of the group and is now a drummer for Dennis Quaid’s band, “Dennis Quaid and the Sharks.” Will put up some of the SG songs I like in the future.
Thanks for the video / audio. Of the limited number of artists I purchased, these two were some of my favs…
ob3 on April 30, 2009 at 10:16 am