by Britt Ryan | Oct 12, 2020 | Food
My main focus as Executive Chef of The Labrie Group is trying to develop relationships with local farms. It’s interesting, because I assumed moving to the Seacoast, in the economic hub of New Hampshire, that it would be far easier than it was up North for me during my...
by Britt Ryan | Oct 12, 2020 | Today in Music History
Considered one of the top jazz drummers of the early days, Tubby Hall (real name: Alfred) was born in Sellers, Louisiana, on this day in 1895. He joined Sugar Johnny’s Creole Orchestra in 1917 before going off to serve in the Army during World War I. Hall later played...
by Britt Ryan | Oct 11, 2020 | Today in Music History
Born in Pittsburgh on this day in 1919, the great drummer/bandleader Art Blakey earned his place on many lists of the top jazz drummers ever (this list has the “polyrhythmic percussion powerhouse” at #1). As the longtime leader of The Jazz Messengers, Blakey also left...
by Britt Ryan | Oct 10, 2020 | Today in Music History
Monk. Thelonious Monk. Born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, in 1917, the legendary pianist and composer was “one of the prime creators — the creator, he said — of modern jazz, i.e., bebop, alongside Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, in the early 1940s, most famously...
by Britt Ryan | Oct 9, 2020 | Today in Music History
You probably already knew John Lennon got his middle name from Sir Winston Churchill, right? Born in Liverpool on this day in 1940, John Winston Lennon became at least as famous as the revered British prime minister, not to mention “more popular than Jesus.” Here’s...
by Britt Ryan | Oct 8, 2020 | Today in Music History
He was born Park Frederick Adams III in Highland Park, Michigan, on this day in 1930, but the jazz world knew him as Pepper. Considered one of the most accomplished baritone soloists in jazz history, Pepper Adams (1930-1986) played in big bands and small ensembles,...
by Britt Ryan | Oct 7, 2020 | Today in Music History
A birthday tip of the hi-hat to drumming legend “Papa” Jo Jones (1911-1985), born 109 years ago on this day in Chicago. The National Endowment for the Arts, which named him an NEA Jazz Master in 1985, says he is “credited with the transfer of the essential pulse of...
by Britt Ryan | Oct 6, 2020 | Building
Greetings from the top floor of Jimmy’s On Congress! One of the best views in the house…well, maybe not at this very moment, but just go with us on this one and take a peek into our construction progress. The photo above shows what will be the future...
by Britt Ryan | Oct 6, 2020 | Today in Music History
Seen here playing “One O’Clock Jump” (1959) is jazz, boogie-woogie and jump blues pianist and bandleader Sammy Price (1908 –1992), born on this day in Honey Grove, Texas. Despite appearing on countless Decca recordings under his own name and with gospel singers such...
by Britt Ryan | Oct 5, 2020 | Today in Music History
Some people call him the “Space Cowboy,” others call him the gangsta of love. Born in Milwaukee on this day in 1943 and raised in Texas, it wasn’t long before blues rock superstar Steve Miller was flying all over the place in a big ole “Jet Airliner” playing music for...
