Tune In Friday - Jazz and Country

Kelly and I have been following this group on a TV contest... the "Sing Off". Their origins are simple; they're at Howard University in DC, they're all music majors, and their class decided to form an a capella group. Named "Afro Blue" after the great John Coltrane quartet....they've had to sing in all kinds of styles, probably not showcasing their strength....jazz....very much. Sadly, they didn't make the finals. But enjoy their "country" rendition of "I Need You Now", and their excellent take on Marvin Gaye.

Friday... I give up blogging on Friday's.. instead, Tune-In

I'm going with tunes from now on, on Fridays. It's when I do most of my musical listening, and just decompress from the week. So look for Friday Tune-Ins.

Here's the guy that always helps me chill...the great smooth jazzer, Michael Franks, who's been with me, well, since 1975 when I was hanging with an older crowd while finishing my degree in summer school (I'd taken the winter/spring off to intern with a firm and then to kick around Europe and had to go back for 6 credits to graduate). These fine folks were into jazz more than my favorite music of the day (The Eagles), and they helped me kick off a lifelong habit. Michael had just come out with his second album ... "The Art of Tea".

A composer, musician, man who attracts great talent to jam with him...Michael was prolific in the 70's and 80's, less so in the last two decades. A couple of years ago, a good friend mentioned that he liked Michael. I was floored...hadn't thought about him for a decade. But he still tours, is coming out with a new CD, and published a book of poetry last year. 'Nuff said... 8 years after he wrote it, here he is with my favorite song (with Veronica Nunn) off 1985's "Skin Dive", this is

When I Give My Love To You