Blog Archives

“She Caught The Katy” . . . : Taj Mahal

Posted on November 15, 2020 by RoyMusicUSA — Leave a comment

I don’t know about you but I can use some music that puts a smile on my face. . . Most of the time when people think of the blues, they think sad music about suffering. Then there is Taj…

“Don’t Ask Me What I Think Of You”. . : Peter Green (1946 – 2020)

Posted on August 5, 2020 by RoyMusicUSA — Leave a comment

I always said that one of the advantages of being a bassist is that you can get to the opportunity to play and learn from some good guitarists (if you’re lucky). A great guitarist who I played with a great…

Tagged with: Blues, blues guitar, Fleetwood Mac, John Mayall, Peter Green
Posted in Blues, Classic Rock, Music Appreciation and Analysis

Midnight Blues . . . : Support Kenny Burrell

Posted on August 27, 2019 by RoyMusicUSA — Leave a comment

During the fifties and sixties, there were a trio of jazz guitarists who (to me at least) epitomized that zone between bebop and blues, Grant Green, Wes Montgomery and Kenny Burrell. Kenny Burrell came from Detroit, a scene in the…

Tagged with: Blue Note Records, Jazz, jazz guitar, Kenny Burrell, Midnight Blue
Posted in Blues, Improvisation, Jazz, Music Appreciation and Analysis

“Respect” . . . . : Aretha Franklin Receives The Pulitzer Prize

Posted on April 16, 2019 by RoyMusicUSA — Leave a comment

My previous post highlighted a classic performance from The Queen Of Soul,, Aretha Franklin in her prime. Yesterday it was announced that she was awarded a special citation Pulitzer Prize. The posthumous honor was given “for her indelible contribution to…

“We Are Not Worthy” . . . . : Aretha Franklin Live at Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland – June 12, 1971

Posted on March 29, 2019 by RoyMusicUSA — Leave a comment

Last week (March 25th to be exact) was what would have been the 76th birthday of Aretha Franklin. In honor of one of of the greatest vocalists this country has produced, we have the video below of an amazing performance…

Tagged with: Aretha Franklin, King Curtis, Montreux Jazz Festival
Posted in Blues, Classic Rock, Music Appreciation and Analysis

New York Movie . . : The new album from The New Jazz Spasms

Posted on January 14, 2018 by RoyMusicUSA — Leave a comment

I am pleased to announce the release of the New York Movie, the fourth album from my virtual band, The New Jazz Spasms on SoundCloud. The album continues the explore the nexus of where The Allman Brothers meets Grant Green…

Ho, Ho, Ho . . . : A Funky Xmas To You

Posted on December 25, 2017 by RoyMusicUSA — Leave a comment

Something to listen to besides the usual Christmas Crap Stevie Wonder – What Christmas Means To Me (Tamla Records 1967) Electric Jungle – Funky Funky Christmas Albert King – Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin Clarence Carter – Back Door Santa…

A Haiku For The Holidays 2017

Posted on December 16, 2017 by RoyMusicUSA — 3 Comments

My Favorite Things A Holiday Song They Say “Whatever” I shrugged.

Tagged with: Allman Brothers, Coltrane, Happy Holidays, My Favorite Things
Posted in Blues, Jam Band, Jazz

“All The Blues You Can Use” . . : The12 Essential Blues Chord Progressions Jazz Players Need to Know

Posted on November 14, 2017 by RoyMusicUSA — Leave a comment

I just came across this item from the You Tube channel Jazz Duets (https://www.jazzduets.com/). In the video below, you are given a short but concise rundown of twelve different blues progressions that are used in jazz. Starting with a straight…

Tagged with: Blues progrssions, ii V I, jazz harmony
Posted in Blues, Improvisation, Jazz, Music Theory

“Might Be Your Man” . . . : “One Way Out” – A Comparative Study In Blues

Posted on October 24, 2017 by RoyMusicUSA — Leave a comment

My cable provider has a section of channels called Music Choice which are basically a bunch of audio music channels with each channel dedicated to a specific music genre/style. I sometimes put it on as background while I am working.…