Category: Jazz

A group by the name of “Lipps, Inc.” has recorded one of the biggest, if not the biggest record of the summer. “Funky Town.” off the “Mouth to Mouth” album (Casablanca Records) is a smash hit throughout the country. It occupied the number 1 slot in the record charts for weeks and is still in the Top 10. Cynthia Johnson, Lipps, Inc. lead singer took some time off from her hectic schedule to speak with us. Q – When you recorded “Funky Town” did you have any idea it was…

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Since the release of her debut album in 1991, Kathy Troccoli’s star has been on the rise! Her hit Everything Changes came from that debut album. Appearances on The Tonight Show, Entertainment Tonight and Live With Regis and Kathie Lee followed. Even Michael Bolton and Jay Leno asked Kathy to open their shows. Not bad for someone who learned to sing from her sister’s copy of Carole King’s Tapestry. Kathy’s latest release is simply titled Kathy Troccoli (RCA Records). Q – I didn’t realize it, but as a recording artist,…

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He was one of the biggest singing sensations of the 1950’s; the first of the so called “blue-eyed” soul singers. He’s sold more than 127 million records with at least 21 Gold Records to his credit. Songs like “Jezebel,” “I Believe,” “Mule Train” and “Moonlight Gambler” helped make Frankie Laine a household name. And, if you remember the 60’s T.V. show “Rawhide” starring Clint Eastwood, that’s Frankie Laine singing the “Rawhide” theme song. Frankie Laine was so popular in Great Britian that his 1953 recording of “I Believe” still holds…

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A school teacher by day, a singer at night. That’s the life of LaVerne Butler. But — she’s not complaining. Far from it; she loves it, and is having the time of her life!! Born in New Orleans with a love of jazz that just won’t quit, LaVerne now calls New York home. We spoke to LaVerne recently about what it takes to make it in the Big Apple. Q – LaVerne, you’ve been getting up at 6:30 a.m. and going to sleep some 20-21 hours later at 2 a.m.…

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Larry Mitchell is one of the fastest rising guitarists on the rock scene today. He’s toured with Billy Squier, Tracy Chapman and Ric Ocasek. He’s recorded with Mica Paris, Ric Ocasek and Red Bone. And now Larry Mitchell’s debut CD “Mind, Body, Soul” has been released on the Ridgetop music label. We spoke to Larry Mitchell about his career and his music. Q – Larry, is this your first solo recording effort? A – No it’s my second. My first one came out on a label called Grudge/BMG, distributed by…

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Some people really need no introduction, but we’ll give him one anyway. If you’re a musician, you know who he is. If you’re a guitarist, you might play one of his guitars. It’s an honor to present an interview with a musical legend – Mr. Les Paul. Q – Mr. Paul, you’re probably one of the few guitarists to have a guitar named after you, correct? A – Yup. Q – Did you approach Gibson or did Gibson approach you? A – I approached them…for ten years! (laughs) and finally…

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He’s a musician’s musician. One of the truly talented and gifted artists in the music world today. He’s Lee Ritenour. Lee first made a name for himself in the 70’s by appearing on records made by Paul Anka, Glen Campbell, Cher, Johnny Mathis, Judy Collins, and Barbara Streisand. In 1977 and 1978 he was voted Best Studio Guitarist by Guitar Player Magazine. As the 70″s came to a close, and the 80’s began, Lee Ritenour was not only in the charts, but at the top of the charts. Lee’s latest…

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Michael Lee Firkins debut album on Shrapnel Records has people talking. They’re saying within two years he will be recognized as one of rock’s top guitarists. Q – Michael, do you ever wonder what would have happened to you, if Mike Varney (founder of Shrapnel Records) had not signed you to his label? How would your life be differ­ent? A – Well, I probably would’ve tried somebody else. He was the only person I sent a tape to. It was good in a way, because it kept the confusion down.…

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Bela Fleck and The Flecktones offer music lovers a subtle change — a CD filled with instrumental music only, no vocals. Titled “UFO Tofu,” it’s been released by Warner Bros. Records. Bela Fleck and The Flecktones make a stop in Syracuse on May 6, at Symphony Hall. We talked to Bela Fleck about his music. Q. The last time we heard anything about the banjo was probably “The Dueling Banjos.” A. That’s true. It’s been awhile. Q. Do you find a growing interest in banjo music? A. I think a…

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