Apr 152014
 

There is a long-standing jazz tradition of reinterpreting pop music favorites. John Coltrane’s version of “My Favorite Things” may be the most famous example, but there are hundreds, if not thousands, more. One of the latest features saxophonist Dave Koz. He teamed up with Postmodern Jukebox keyboardist Scott Bradlee for a jazz quartet performance of the “Game of Thrones” theme song, which is appropriately, if not imaginatively, named “Main Title” on the original soundtrack recording. The tune lends itself well to jazz interpretation. With a prominent bass line, hummable melody and 6/8 time signature, there is plenty of room for Koz and Bradley to stretch out, though they don’t venture too far into uncharted territory. Continue reading »

They Say It’s Your Birthday: Rivers Cuomo

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Jun 132012
 

They Say It’s Your Birthday celebrates an artist’s special day with other people singing his or her songs. Let others do the work for a while. Happy birthday!

Since the age of 22, Rivers Cuomo has headed up one of the world’s most beloved alternative rock bands: Weezer. For the last 20 years, Weezer has guided millions of angsty youths through glorious highs, soul-shattering lows and everything in between with hits like “Island In The Sun,” “Say It Ain’t So” and “Hash Pipe.” Continue reading »