Mus World

Vicente Fernandez, the Latin Ranchera King, is currently on his fall tour which began earlier this month on the 3rd of October in Atlanta. The star singer is promoting his new album - ‘Para Siempre’. The tour will come to a halt on the 29th of November and the shows which still remain are the ones in Houston, San Jose and a string of performances in Los Angeles.

The star’s recent album sees compositions by ‘the people’s poet’ - Joan Sebastian.

(Full article in Vicente Fernandez Fall Tour 2008 Continues…)

Recently, my wife and I spent a night at a local resort called the Canyon Of The Eagles, northwest of Burnet, Texas. As it was a week before Halloween, things were decked out in orange and black, and faux spider webs abounded. On out first evening there, after we returned from eating in Burnet, at about 7:45 pm, we saw that there was to be a small concert in front of the resort’s restaurant area.

About 25 people were gathered. The stars were out on a clear night, and a musical trio prepared to play. At the time, we did not even know the name of the group. It was obvious, however, that the music was to be country.

(Full article in An Appreciation Of The Songwriting And Music Of John Arthur Martinez…)

Funny what an early end does to a legacy. Doomed geniuses are always better off, accolade-wise. They make their mark, even if it is ever so fleeting, and that moment is examined by fans-turned-archaeologists for generations. Pity the poor soul, then, who keeps at it. Who remains vital, unparalleled and upright. Jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins is that man. Rollins, still out there playing, has kept at it — touring incessantly, looking for that perfect note, neatly blending the concepts of show and seance. Yet, until this week, precious few of his more contemporary moments had drifted out beyond the walls of those concert halls. Until now.
(Full article in Music Review: Sonny Rollins - Road Shows Vol. 1 (CD)/In Vienne (DVD)…)

The Magic Numbers are taking part in a unique new music education project. In association with guitar manufacturer Gibson, the artists are offering fans the chance to play along with them in a unique audio visual environment at The Gibson Interactive Studio. It forms part of a major new exhibit, the British Music Experience, at London’s 02 Arena. Visitors will be able to pick up Gibson and Epiphone electric and acoustic guitars, and learn to play along with the stars in the form of video tutorials. The 22,000 square foot, high permanent exhibition will open on the second floor of the 02 in March next year.
(Full article in The Magic Numbers offer interactive music lessons at 02 Arena…)

The world of music has always provided fertile ground for funny nicknames. One of the best belonged to a favorite of mine — a guy who was one of the many jazz artists who thrived in both the big band era and the later modern jazz years. He was hard-partying and had a quirky sense of humor, but was always respected by his contemporaries. John Haley "Zoot" Sims was a talented saxophonist who for many years epitomized the cool, laid-back jazz musician, but he didn't start out that way. Growing up as part of a New York family that performed in Vaudeville, young Jack Sims first learned to play drums and then clarinet, but took up the tenor sax after hearing Lester Young play.
(Full article in Retro Redux: Zoot And The Evolution Of Cool…)