Jazz & Blues Lounge

It’s actually become quite fun to track down the many “Best of” lists that have started to pop up.  It’s also interesting to note that there seem to be quite a few Best of Jazz lists and they tend to have various and slightly different selections.  I guess this is a really good thing.  It shows that the death of Jazz may have been slightly incorrect.  In fact, it may be thriving just as well as always.
This one comes from the online magazine known as Slate.com.  I have even attempted to write for them and, well, that hasn’t quite happened.  …read more

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I think I have found my calling when it comes to these end-of-year lists that everyone wants to do.  Since I feel it is unfair to try and put together a list myself as I have not come nearly close enough to listening to all of the music that was released in 2007, I am leaving the list-writing to people who have had that kind of time.  Or, at the very least, I hope to spark some debate among the people who stop by here and read my ramblings.
I posted one list which was on Amazon.com.  It generated some talk, …read more

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Earlier in the week I talked about an article on Amazon.com that purported to be the best blues albums of 2007.  Of course, there is also a list of the supposed best jazz albums of 2007 there as well. 
In theory, I should have my own list.  I have some problems with that, though.  I am just one guy and it would be physically impossible for me to listen to every single jazz album released in 2007.  How could I reasonably be expected to create a list of my favorite albums when, at best, I may have heard only one tune …read more

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And I have been worn out from the work this week.  That’s the problem with starting a new job!  It’s tough to get back into the swing of things when it comes to getting up early in the morning, working, having a set lunch time and everything.
It looks to be an unseasonably warm weekend here in Chi-Town.  The Cubs are playing their playoff game against the Diamondbacks on Saturday and maybe Sunday and there is the Chicago Marathon on top of it all.  I say, visit one of the places below and listen to some great jazz.
Andy’s Jazz Club

11 East …read more

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I used to live right across the street from one of the most legendary blues clubs in the city of Chicago.  Actually, not far, down the street, was another blues club that was just called “BLUES” and it is legendary as well.  Right across the street, though, is a place called “Kingston Mines.”
According to their website (which you can find here) they are the oldest and the largest blues club in Chicago.  It also has a reputation for having the smallest dance floor you are every likely to find in a big city blues club.  In fact, the whole place first …read more

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Labor Day weekend may have been the last big holiday for the summer, but that doesn’t meant there aren’t still events a-plenty here in Chicago for those of you who love jazz and music.  In fact, this weekend looks just as busy, if not more so, than the previous weekend. 
One of the premier clubs for jazz, the Hideout, is having its “Block Party” all weekend long.  It starts tonight, Friday, September 7.  It features the band known as Bloc Pary, the 1900s, the Changes, Scotland Yard Gospel Choir and the Cinematics.  On Saturday, September 8, the lineup is much longer …read more

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