Doug Ramsey

Apr 30, 1996 — By Doug Ramsey

Oak Cliff native Roy Hargrove may not have the depth and seasoning of Wynton Marsalis, but the 26-year-old prodigy could still be one of the great jazz trumpeters of our day.

May 31, 1987 — By Doug Ramsey

Vibraharpist Charlie Shoemake keeps so busy in L.A. that he seldom strays back to his home state. Fortunately, we can hear him on new recordings.

Mar 1, 1987 — By Doug Ramsey

At 73, this Fort Worth jazzman still sings “Chattanooga Choo-Choo,” but he wants new songs, more gigs, and younger audiences.

Dec 1, 1986 — By Doug Ramsey

From James Clay to John Park, Texas tenor sax masters prove their mettle on new LPs.

Aug 31, 1986 — By Doug Ramsey

What’s remarkable about this exclusive jazz party isn’t just that it’s in Midland. The biggest surprise comes when the music starts.

May 31, 1986 — By Doug Ramsey

New releases of Duke Ellington’s work give us exquisite music from small bands, a dance band having fun, and stereo recording twenty years before its time.

Sep 30, 1985 — By Doug Ramsey

Those who think there’s nothing new under the sun should check out the superior jazz improvisations on three recently released albums.

Aug 31, 1985 — By Doug Ramsey

From the moment tenor saxophonist Zoot Sims sounded his first note to just before his death four decades later, he performed with irresistible spirit and intensity.

May 31, 1985 — By Doug Ramsey

Jazz singers defy definition. They may scat, or they may not; they may be veterans or newcomers; they may decline the label of jazz singer. But their music always gives them away.

Apr 1, 1985 — By Doug Ramsey

John Hardee and Budd Johnson were two legendary Texas tenors who had their own ways of making peace with the rigors of the jazz life.

Jan 1, 1985 — By Doug Ramsey

A purist’s guide to the night spots of Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin.

Nov 1, 1984 — By Doug Ramsey

Tribute to Teagarden captures the fullness and humanity of the late Texas trombonist’s art; plus a roundup of recent jazz releases.

Jun 30, 1984 — By Doug Ramsey

In the sixties the fee-jazz movement produced music that was defiantly experimental, and the same artists are still playing some of the most stimulating jazz around.

Mar 1, 1984 — By Doug Ramsey

A definitive Smithsonian Recordings collection sets a new standard for big band anthologies; other big band recordings prove that swing remains vibrantly alive.

Jan 1, 1984 — By Doug Ramsey

You may not have heard saxman Ben Webster when he was around, but his recordings with Duke Ellington, Benny Carter, and Gerry Mulligan are a treasure trove not to be missed.

Dec 1, 1983 — By Doug Ramsey

Fabled Texas pianist Peck Kelley appears, at last, on a gold mine of an album. There’s lodes more with Red Garland, Pete Petersen, and other jazz whizzes.

Jun 30, 1983 — By Doug Ramsey

The music of tenor saxman John Handy is rooted in Texas and the blues, and he uses his distinctive sound to lure more listeners to jazz.

Apr 1, 1983 — By Doug Ramsey

Freddie Hubbard’s attempts to play pop music have been disastrous. But when he tackles a pure mainstream sound, he shows what jazz trumpeting is all about.

Aug 31, 1982 — By Doug Ramsey

The late alto saxophonist lived a life marred by heroin addiction and prison time, but his pain was only a counterpoint to the beauty of his music.

Jun 30, 1982 — By Doug Ramsey

In the footsteps of Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, and other trumpet greats comes twenty-year-old Wynton Marsalis. Judging by their latest albums, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and fellow veterans are doing all right too.

Apr 1, 1982 — By Doug Ramsey

The greatness of Paul Desmond, the staying power of Art Blakey, the de-fusion of Stan Gertz--all these are on record, and more.

Nov 1, 1981 — By Doug Ramsey

Recordings from the old pros prove the virtue of virtuosity.

Mar 1, 1981 — By Doug Ramsey

The late Lester Young is a past president of jazz, and his music still holds sway. Albums by other musicians get votes of confidence, too.

Dec 1, 1980 — By Doug Ramsey

Houston’s first jazz festival turned Miller Theatre into a hothouse of sound.

Sep 30, 1980 — By Doug Ramsey

Although Don Albert’s music was a mainstay of the forties, his obstinate stand against racism put him years ahead of his time.

Apr 1, 1980 — By Doug Ramsey

Some old greats forged ahead in 1979, but young musicians kept up.

Jan 1, 1980 — By Doug Ramsey

The Midland Jazz Classic wasn’t cheap, but it was worth the price.

Aug 31, 1979 — By Doug Ramsey

Charles Mingus was a great jazz musician with a sharp mind, an impeccable sense of rhythm, and a mighty powerful fist.

Jun 30, 1979 — By Doug Ramsey

Leon Breeden’s jazz students at North Texas State University are already pros, and they have recorded two new albums to prove it.

Jan 1, 1979 — By Doug Ramsey

Last year’s jazz records are this year’s best buys.

Aug 31, 1978 — By Doug Ramsey

How to lose you not-enough-jazz-in-Texas blues.

Mar 1, 1977 — By Doug Ramsey

The only way Red Garland could make us mad would be to quite playing piano.

Nov 1, 1976 — By Doug Ramsey

New records, old musicians, and all that jazz.

Apr 30, 1976 — By Doug Ramsey

Would the renegade jazzmen who started bop recognize what’s happened to their music?

Dec 1, 1975 — By Doug Ramsey

The saxiest men in Texas.

Sep 30, 1975 — By Doug Ramsey, W. L. Taitte and Chet Flippo

Building a classical, rock, country, and jazz library on a budget.