Archive for April, 2016

Chicago, “Poem 58” from Chicago Transit Authority (1969): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Poem 58” from Chicago Transit Authority (1969): Saturdays in the Park

When people scoff in disbelief that Chicago used to open for the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, I pull out “Poem 58.”

Vinyl

Jungle: Mat Walerian, Matthew Shipp, Hamid Drake – Live at Okuden (2016)

Mat Walerian places much trust in his good instincts on ‘Jungle,’ even as he does show he knows much about the tenants music and even in the presence of more established masters.

Toto, “It’s a Feeling” from Toto IV (1982): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “It’s a Feeling” from Toto IV (1982): Toto Tuesdays

Toto’s “It’s a Feeling” could just as easily be talking about a changing relationship or Steve Porcaro’s place in the band he cofounded.

Vinyl

The Yellowjackets – Cohearence (2016)

The Yellowjackets’ superb musicianship along with insightful composing and arrangements make ‘Cohearence’ maintain this group’s reputation as one of the foremost fusion groups operating. Since 1981.

Vinyl

Marco Marconi Trio – Nordik (2016)

Mixing originals and choice covers, the Marco Marconi Trio’s ‘Nordik’ takes you to several different places – and at several different speeds.

Chicago, “Listen” from Chicago Transit Authority (1969): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Listen” from Chicago Transit Authority (1969): Saturdays in the Park

I love the horn section’s raw sound on ‘Chicago Transit Authority.’ As time went by, Chicago smoothed that sound out – but not here.

Vinyl

Cory Healey’s Beautiful Sunshine Band, “Wheel Remix” (2016): Something Else! video premiere

Barely lasting one hundred seconds, Corey Healey’s “Wheel Remix” transforms a solid song into a modern, solid groove.

Vinyl

Nik Bärtsch’s Mobile – Continuum (2016)

That Nik Bärtsch can apply his innovations so effectively with a bass-less combo and even with a small string section further validates the soundness of this unique approach.

Vinyl

Prince (1958-2016): An Appreciation

Prince always found a way to transcend his own legendary eccentricities. And this music, more than all of that, is what will remain.

Yes, “And You and I” from ‘Close to the Edge’ (1972): YESterdays

Yes, “And You and I” from ‘Close to the Edge’ (1972): YESterdays

The opening title track on ‘Close to the Edge’ is longer, but “And You and I” may truly be Yes at the peak of its powers.