Groove Orbit
Groove Orbit drifts through the stranger frequencies of jazz and vinyl culture—deep cuts, defunct labels, dusty grooves, and the stories behind them. It’s a column for crate-diggers, midnight listeners, and anyone chasing the echo of something hidden beneath the layers of memory. Off the beaten track but always tuned to the groove.
You Have to See It to Believe It: The Addictive Eccentricity of Angine de Poitrine
by Kyle Simpler
Normally, whenever someone mentions something we can't unsee, they mean it in the worst possible way. In many cases, this brings to mind an unpleasant or shocking image or moment that lingers longer than we ever wanted it to. Fortunately, this is not always the case. For example, the Canadian duo Angine de Poitrine intentionally shocks audiences with their unusual appearance and sound, but this is a different kind of experience. You can't unsee, and wouldn't want to. There ...
Continue ReadingHow John Coltrane Changed Rock Music: Beyond Psychedelia
by Kyle Simpler
Something happened to me Something oh so groovy Something happened to me yesterday These lines are from The Rolling Stones's 1967 song, “Something Happened To Me Yesterday." Although not one of The Stones's most memorable hits, it does hint at some important considerations. First, and possibly foremost, this song is often interpreted as reflecting the era's fascination with LSD, and shortly after the release of this song, psychedelia quickly became part of the mainstream. Second, ...
Continue ReadingThe !!!!Beat: The Rise And Fall Of The "Hippest Show On Television"
by Kyle Simpler
During the mid-1960s, American television programming often featured syndicated music variety shows. While many of the programs featured country and western artists, performers like Porter Wagoner and The Wilburn Brothers did not completely dominate the airwaves. In fact, there were plenty of rock and roll programs like Sump'n Else, Shivaree or Upbeat, showcasing rock and pop artists who were getting airplay on radio stations. While some r&b and soul musicians made appearances, the artists featured were predominantly white.
Continue ReadingRalph "Bigfoot" Hamilton: The Lost Legend Behind Two Guitar Pioneers
by Kyle Simpler
Nowadays, every move we make is recorded in some way, and wherever a person goes, whatever they do or say is often captured. Of course, this has not always been the case, and in fact, many details concerning historical events frequently rely on speculation based on the evidence at hand. This is undoubtedly the case with many blues and jazz musicians during the early twentieth century, such as Charlie Christian and T-Bone Walker, two of the most influential ...
Continue ReadingThe Mystery of "The World’s Greatest Pianist"
by Kyle Simpler
Introduction In the mid-1970s, a 16-year-old kid walked into the recording studio where Roberta Flack was working on her latest album, Feel Like Makin' Love (Atlantic 1975). No one recognized him or knew why he was there, but he stormed in like a man on a mission. When they asked him who he was and what he wanted, he told them with absolute confidence that he was the greatest pianist in the world. Not surprisingly, this amused everyone in the ...
Continue ReadingHow Creedence Clearwater Revival Saved Jazz
by Kyle Simpler
By 1970, Creedence Clearwater Revival was arguably the biggest rock and roll group in America--if not the world. Songs like “Proud Mary" (Fantasy 1969), “Green River" (Fantasy 1969) and “Born on the Bayou" (Fantasy 1969) dominated both Top 40 and album-oriented radio, and their music continues to thrive decades later, becoming a staple of classic rock radio, film, and television. Their unique blend of country, blues, and rock and roll resonated with listeners across the board. But what many do ...
Continue ReadingRhythm and Roots: The Influence of Jazz on Ska and Early Reggae
by Kyle Simpler
If any country could be identified solely by its music, Jamaica would probably be a prime example. Over the years, reggae music has become one of the most identifiable art forms in Jamaica, but this was not always the case. Reggae rose to prominence in the late sixties, and much of its roots are in American music. While R&B and doo-wop certainly influenced the burgeoning genre, many of the major players in the earliest days were jazz fans.
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