Neal Murray settled in Hampton Roads after an Air Force career that included on-air time at Armed Forces radio stations. "I never thought I could get paid for doing something I used to consider a hobby!"
And "Just what is a Saturday Night Fish Fry, anyway?"
For one thing, it's the title of a 1949 recording by Louis Jordan and His Tympani Five; and in order to appreciate it fully, ya just gotta hear it! (It's available in reissue.) The short answer is that it's the story of a New Orleans jam session that gets out of control. We, however, try to maintain control.
Sometimes, it's the famous big bands of the 30s and 40s -- Goodman, Miller, Basie, and Shaw.
Sometimes, it's the not-so-famous "territory" bands, or maybe the pioneering bands of the 20s who paved the way.
It's a celebration of the "golden age" of American popular song; it's a look at some of the early "hot" jazz; it's a sampling of vocal and instrumental blues.
In the words of an old TV commercial, "Try it -- you'll like it."
You can reach Neal at neal.murray@whro.org.