Archive for July, 2016

Vinyl

Mark Dresser, “TrumpinPutinStoopin” from Sedimental You (2016): Something Else! sneak peek

There couldn’t have been a timelier song title than this theatrically creative nugget from master bassist/composer Mark Dresser.

Vinyl

Allan Holdsworth – Tales From The Vault (2016)

Mostly an alternative presentation of ‘Road Games’, Allan Holdsworth’s chaff is superior to most guitarists’ wheat and after fifteen years of no studio material cut loose, it’s good to see any production from him.

Chicago, “25 or 6 to 4” from ‘Chicago II’ (1970): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “25 or 6 to 4” from ‘Chicago II’ (1970): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago guitarist Terry Kath’s solo on “25 or 6 to 4” has always been one of my most memorable musical moments. Here’s why.

Vinyl

Steven Tyler – We’re All Somebody From Somewhere (2016)

I wasn’t going to listen to Steven Tyler’s new country-influenced album, but I’m such an Aerosmith fanboy that I unfortunately just couldn’t resist.

Vinyl

Lyle Lovett and his Large Band, July 23, 2016: Shows I’ll Never Forget

The two words that repeatedly came to my mind during Lyle Lovett’s concert were “generosity” and “faith.”

The Beatles, “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” from Abbey Road (1969): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” from Abbey Road (1969): Deep Beatles

“I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” is both the last time all four Beatles were in the studio, and their last breakthrough.

Vinyl

Steve Fidyk – Allied Forces (2016)

For the post-bop delight ‘Allied Forces’ Steve Fidyk may be leading a small combo, but he always drums big and his bandmates think the same way.

Yes, “The Gates of Delirium” from ‘Relayer’ (1974): YESterdays

Yes, “The Gates of Delirium” from ‘Relayer’ (1974): YESterdays

Yes sounded looser and more passionate than ever, even as the band lost another key member ahead of 1974’s ‘Relayer.’

Free – Heartbreaker (1973): Shadows in Stereo

Free – Heartbreaker (1973): Shadows in Stereo

Free’s critically underrated ‘Heartbreaker’ was a direct foreshadowing of the success to come for Paul Rodgers and Bad Company.

Vinyl

Duane Eubanks + DE3 – Live At Maxwell’s (2016)

‘Live At Maxwell’s’ is the first album to give those of us who hadn’t been able to see Duane Eubanks lead on the bandstand a taste of what he’s capable of in such a setting. We could use many more tastes like this.