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.
The 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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