Archive for November, 2016

Vinyl

Leon Russell (1942-2016): The Last of the Bird-Flipping Genre-Busters

This gravelly marvel of a singer, Leon Russell leaves us as the consummate musician – and a never-ebbing rebel.

Bruce Springsteen Finds Darkness on the River: Shadows in Stereo

Bruce Springsteen Finds Darkness on the River: Shadows in Stereo

Bruce Springsteen has always been dogged by rumors of versions of albums that differed markedly from what became the commercial release.

Vinyl

Kait Dunton and trioKAIT, “The Lady In My Life” from Casual (2016): One Track Mind

“The Lady In My Life” is a tribute to the late Rod Temperton’s pop songcrafting genius and the flair Kait Dunton has for surprising, smart arrangements.

Vinyl

Murali Coryell – Mr. Senator (2016)

With his eighth release ‘Mr. Senator,’ Murali Coryell continues to forge his own path as a soulful blues-rock singer, songwriter and — as you’d expect from a Coryell — mighty fine guitar player.

Vinyl

Dizzy Gillespie and Friends – Concert of the Century: A Tribute to Charlie Parker (2016)

‘Concert of the Century: A Tribute to Charlie Parker’ crosses so many boundaries – not the least of which is time.

Vinyl

Leonard Cohen, Always Wise Beyond His Years, Nourished Both the Heart and Intellect

I returned to a 2009 live album, Leonard Cohen’s first newly recorded release since 2004’s ‘Dear Heather,’ during the first dark evening without him.

Vinyl

Mary Halvorson Octet – Away With You (2016)

Inspired by Susan Alcorn’s pedal steel guitar, ‘Away With You’ keeps Mary Halvorson’s idiosyncratic ideas fresh and pushes forward her boundless conception of jazz on the frontier.

Toto, “Holyanna” from Isolation (1984): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Holyanna” from Isolation (1984): Toto Tuesdays

“Holyanna” is perhaps Toto’s second best “name” song – after “Rosanna,” of course.

Vinyl

Alice Cooper, Oct. 28, 2016: Shows I’ll Never Forget

Alice Cooper once said he enjoyed “playing the heavy – a bizarre vaudevillian character.” The same remains true today.

The Beatles, “Getting Better” from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “Getting Better” from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967): Deep Beatles

The Beatles’ “Getting Better” illustrates John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s collaborative style, differing outlooks, and willingness to reveal personal truths.