Archive for February, 2017

Vinyl

Sebastien Ammann, “One” from Color Wheel (2017): Something Else! sneak peek

Sebastien Ammann and Color Wheel achieve their mission of stimulating, dynamic jazz in the span of a fairly concise four minutes. Nothing is wasted on “One.”

Yes, “Onward” from ‘Tormato’ (1978): YESterdays

Yes, “Onward” from ‘Tormato’ (1978): YESterdays

If you have written off Yes’ ‘Tormato’ by now, go back and listen to “Onward,” a moment of tranquillity and beauty in the midst of our hectic lives.

Chris Wood – Evening Blue (2017)

Chris Wood – Evening Blue (2017)

This new box set underscores the fact that Chris Wood could’ve done anything he wanted after Traffic split up in 1974.

Vinyl

David Weiss and Point of Departure – Wake Up Call (2017)

Using bright, open-minded up-and-coming musicians much as Miles had done throughout his career, Weiss through Point of Departure very effectively uses a forgotten, fertile slice of jazz’s past to suggest a way forward.

The Beatles, “You Like Me Too Much” from Help! (1965): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “You Like Me Too Much” from Help! (1965): Deep Beatles

While it may not match his other Beatles masterpieces, “You Like Me Too Much” marks another turning point in George Harrison’s artistic development.

Chicago, “Now That You’ve Gone” from Chicago V (1972): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Now That You’ve Gone” from Chicago V (1972): Saturdays in the Park

On an album as strong as ‘Chicago V,’ “Now That You’ve Gone” still manages to stand out – a testament to its greatness.

Vinyl

Blackfield – Blackfield V (2017)

Now a true Steven Wilson/Aviv Geffen collaboration again, Blackfield gets its mojo back with ‘Blackfield V’.

Chicago – Chicago II (1970; 2017 Steven Wilson Remix)

Chicago – Chicago II (1970; 2017 Steven Wilson Remix)

Listening to Steven Wilson’s new remix of the historically muddy ‘Chicago II’ is like hearing it for the first time all over again.

Vinyl

Wilko Johnson – I Keep It To Myself: The Best of Wilko Johnson (2017)

This generous two-disc set is packed with recently recorded Wilko Johnson goodies, including re-workings of several Dr Feelgood favorites.

Vinyl

Nick Finzer’s Thoughtful ‘Hear and Now’ Also Honors Duke Ellington: Something Else! Interview

Trombonist Nick Finzer discusses the impetus for his new album ‘Hear and Now,’ a sweeping new tour and the importance of jazz education.