The Elite Half Hundred of 2014 (Part 2)

THE 442s and FARMER JASON bookend Nos. 26-50 of the ELITE HALF HUNDRED OF 2014.
by David McGee
 

 
 

The ‘Quiet Ecstasy’ of Harry Simeone’s ‘Little Drummer Boy’

The story behind THE HARRY SIMEONE CHORALE's classic 'THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY' begins in 1941 with KATHERINE KENNICOTT DAVIS'S 'CAROL OF THE DRUM' and includes a classic Christmas album featuring the oft-covered seasonal favorite.
by David McGee
 

 

 

An Impromptu Requiem for a Slain President

Upon hearing the news from Dallas on November 22, 1963, the BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, conducted by ERICH LEINSDORF, offered an impromptu requiem for a slain President.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Pt. I: ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ & The Lost Punctuation Mark

What Americans hear when they listen to 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' is not anything like what the English peasants meant when they first sang this song more than 500 years ago. So claims best selling author ACE COLLINS.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Talking Animals Seeks Your Support

NPR's Talking Animals, hosted by Deep Roots columnist DUNCAN STRAUSS, is in the midst of a fundraising drive. A small donation keeps it going and brings you a snazzy t-shirt to boot.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Hailing An American Treasure

From TheBluegrassSpecial.com's December 2010 issue, Chip Stern's insightful, impassioned missive concerning the life and music of Dave Brubeck on the occasion of the master's impending 90th birthday.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Silenced: Magic Slim’s ‘Raw, Unadultered Chicago Blues’

Remembering MAGIC SAM, keeper of the flame of 'raw, unadulterated Chicago blues,' who passed away on February 21.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Singles Charts and the Battle for Bullets

In our continuing excerpts from MICHAEL SIGMAN's memoir Just Remember: Field Notes from a Music Biz Life, the author recounts the tumult that erupted when Record World dared to print charts reflecting actual record sales.
by David McGee
 

 

 

The 2012 Album of the Year Trifecta & The 2012 Elite Half Hundred

The Method to Our Madness: Why we picked three recordings as Album of the Year, and the unveiling of our first Elite Half Hundred keeper albums of 2012, topped by the GIVING TREE BAND's powerful Vacilador.
by David McGee
 

 
 

‘He Accomplished Everything He Ever Wanted’

One of the greatest jazz guitarists ever, JOHNNY SMITH passed away on June 11. A tribute to the artist best known for 'Moonlight in Vermont' and 'Walk Don't Run!"
by David McGee
 

 

 

The Elite Half Hundred of 2015, Part 1

TONY BENNETT & BILL CHARLAP lead this year's Deep Roots Elite Half Hundred selections of 2015's top albums (excluding our Album of the Year selections). Part 1 covers the Top 25.
by David McGee
 

 
 

The Deep Meaning of Passover For Us All

For MIA SHERWOOD LANDAU, Passover 'is more than a holiday to honor history.' For her, it's an opportunity to 'celebrate my own personal freedom from spiritual oppression.' Allow her to explain.
by David McGee