Retro Review: Matt Bianco, Basia, and Swing Out SisterThe creative achievements by artists of all kinds can still be discovered and enjoyed years after their creations were new and first…Dec 4, 2024Dec 4, 2024
Catching Up with Jazz Violin Virtuoso Èlia BastidaAt the age of 29, Èlia Bastida has spent the past decade firmly establishing herself as one of the world’s premiere jazz violinists, and is…Oct 16, 2024Oct 16, 2024
Joe Magnarelli Returns to the SAJBWhen a jazz band in Barcelona consisting of mostly teen and pre-teen musicians attracts many of today’s finest American jazz pros, you know…Oct 9, 2024Oct 9, 2024
A Jazz Giant and a Kids’ Band: Scott Hamilton’s History with the SAJBThere is something special about the relationship between one of the finest and most respected American jazz musicians of the past fifty…Sep 16, 20241Sep 16, 20241
“Best of the Britcoms” at 25If I may be permitted this shameless act of self-indulgence…Aug 26, 2024Aug 26, 2024
Published inRock n’ HeavyWoodstock, My Teacher, and MeThis week marks the 55th anniversary of Woodstock — the legendary, three-day concert, happening, and community mud bath that served as…Aug 15, 20242Aug 15, 20242
Those Hilarious British Panel ShowsThis autumn will mark the 25th anniversary of my first book publication, Best of the Britcoms, celebrating the finest of British situation…Jul 31, 2024Jul 31, 2024
Joan Chamorro and the SAJB in 2024The Sant Andreu Jazz Band has been a consistently inspiring yet ever-changing entity (especially in terms of personnel) since its creation…Jun 23, 2024Jun 23, 2024
“Perry Mason” and its Entertaining ImperfectionsIt has become part of the American subconscious, whenever we find ourselves grasping for the name of a brilliant lawyer on the way to…Jun 21, 2024Jun 21, 2024
Has “Fawlty Towers” Been Overrated?The popular British sitcom Fawlty Towers has made its way to London’s West End, premiering there at the Apollo Theatre on May 4. The…May 4, 2024May 4, 2024
Lola Peñaranda’s Sax Does the TalkingLola Peñaranda has been quietly capturing the imagination and interest of fans of the Sant Andreu Jazz Band, as she presents her more…Apr 26, 2024Apr 26, 2024
Catching up with Anastasia IvanovaMany jazz fans might be surprised to learn that traditional American jazz has continued to thrive in parts of the world not usually…Apr 15, 2024Apr 15, 2024
A Marx Brothers Classic, “Animal Crackers,” Re-released 50 Years AgoThis year marks the 50th anniversary of the re-release of the Marx Brothers film in 1974, after it had been unavailable for viewing in…Mar 23, 20241Mar 23, 20241
The First Television Magazine- Published in 1928!Television magazine, based in London, published its premiere issue in March of 1928, making it the first regular television publication in…Mar 19, 2024Mar 19, 2024
The Jazz House StoryThere is a dwelling on a quiet street in the Sant Andreu district of Barcelona, whose simple appearance belies a very special history, and…Mar 6, 20241Mar 6, 20241
1964: Pop Culture’s Greatest Year?It may be merely coincidence that a single calendar year could include an unusually high number of major events in any given sphere of…Feb 20, 2024Feb 20, 2024
Joana Casanova Finds Her New Musical DirectionAt the age of 25, Barcelona’s Joana Casanova is already an experienced and superbly talented jazz musician and singer, with a smooth and…Jan 26, 2024Jan 26, 2024
Why I Stopped Watching ‘Saturday Night Live’ — 45 Years AgoJust about everything related to the world of art, music, or other forms of entertainment is subjective. A film can be hailed as a great…Jan 22, 20241Jan 22, 20241
When British “New Wave” Was New — and GreatIt can be argued when “New Wave” music was really new, and how much of it grew from the early, raw punk bands of the ’70s (The Sex…Jan 20, 2024Jan 20, 2024
Andrea Motis: Europe’s Jazz QueenThere’s little doubt that Andrea Motis herself might take issue with the title of this article. Despite her many successes in the world of…Jan 11, 2024Jan 11, 2024