Here’s another audio track pulled from that same October 1996 gig at Birdland. 2nd tune of the night, Doug’s minor blues foot-tapper, “Something’s Up” from an album of the same name.

This was audio recording of Doug’s triumphant return gig in NYC at Birdland, October 1996 that he and I played together. It was a blast. I was hoping to clean up the audio a bit but I think it’s about as good as it can be given the source tape. Several guitarists in the audience as you expect! We kicked off the set of an arrangement I did of Dad’s “Motion” (originally for Joe Cohn’s record Two Funky People)

The evening prior to the Raney Legacy gig in Boston was accompanied by this radio interview on WBZ with host Jordan Rich. Although late at night, I’m told the program broadcasts to 12 states and parts of Canada. As this was my first interview on radio I’m happy to say it went pretty well and Jordan the host, in addition to being a class act made it quite easy for me. Hopefully this kind of thing will continue as the Raney Legacy project is indeed important for me and fans alike. We talked about my Dad, some family history and the gig. To hear the interview click here: WBZ-Jordan-Rich-Show-JRaney

This week I am off from my day gig and in Boston University area for my daughter’s graduation. I’m so proud of her. In celebration of it I’m coming out of my retirement from music to celebrate the Raney family legacy. I will performing in a local club called the Lilypad in the Cambridge area in Boston on May 17th (Last night I caught local saxophonist emeritus George Garzone and an old friend, trumpeter Phil Grenadier in a quintet there).  The 2 set gig will feature the music of Jimmy, Doug and Jon Raney as well as standards made famous by Jimmy.  For you nightbirds, I have radio interview scheduled…

Below is a video of a gig I was on made by the saxophonist Tony Heath along with his wife, vocalist Kate Scott at the Spotlight Cafe (part III of III) in Jan 1994. The bassist is my pal Ed Fuqua and drummer Joe Smith.The film is both an homage to Tony Heath’s Mom and a little slice of life in the NYC clubs as well as our playing at the time. This former folk cafe became Caliban and then folded by 1996 I believe.

One of the things that I consider a personal privilege is to have been able to see and hear my father, Jimmy Raney live. He always had this ability to hook you in – it’s a difficult talent to describe – where you are hanging on every note waiting for something great to happen. It’s something that only can be shared now via the few videos available I have posted and segmented on my YouTube channel. There are tons of dedication YouTube videos out there where free album tracks are posted under the gray area of “fair” or “educational” use of both Dad and Doug. (As if Spotify artist thousandth…

It’s been a few weeks since Jim’s death and I was shocked when I heard about this. I wanted to write about it sooner but honestly was looking for just the right thing to say. But I think I do now.

As happens often, I’m usually away on vacation on Doug’s Birthday, Aug 29th. Just back from New Orleans. So another belated one. Be that as it may, let’s celebrate my brother’s return to jazz scene. He’s playing better than ever despite the wear and tear he’s been thru the last few years. He’s featured on a new record out under bassist’s Jesper Lungaard name, celebrating the music of Horace Parlan, with whom he’s recorded several albums (Horace can no longer play due to illness). See my sidebar for details. For those of you who may only be familiar with Jimmy Raney, Doug is one of the smoothest most natural swinging…

August 20th is Jimmy Raney’s birthday. Although I’ve largely given up on how and why Jimmy’s true stature has been largely minimized in the jazz community, I can’t help but be reminded of this around his birthday. Where is his radio retrospective on NYC jazz radio stations? Or a couple of tracks at least? For my part I would have to admit that being Jimmy Raney’s chief spokesman here is proving more and more challenging for me because of changes in my personal/business life but I will try to do a better job of it since it is important to keep the flag flying in the Raney Camp given the…

Following up on my previous blog about my BJ’s passing on June 2nd. I’ve written a special song for him and it is featured in a new video presentation that has great pictures and videos of his life, including a puppy video at around 10-11 weeks old. I think you will enjoy them. Best, Jon