Archive for May, 2017

Chicago, “What’s This World Comin’ To” from Chicago VI (1973): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “What’s This World Comin’ To” from Chicago VI (1973): Saturdays in the Park

One of the few social commentary songs on ‘Chicago VI,’ this funk workout was penned by James Pankow.

The Beatles, “One After 909” from Anthology 1 (1995): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “One After 909” from Anthology 1 (1995): Deep Beatles

If one wants to learn about the music the Beatles listened to in the 1950s, “One After 909” provides an instant lesson.

Vinyl

Nicole Mitchell – Mandorla Awakening II: Emerging Worlds (2017)

Nicole Mitchell follows in the hallowed footsteps of spiritual visionaries like Sun Ra, Pharoah Sanders and the Art Ensemble of Chicago.

Toto Tuesday, “You Got Me” from The Seventh One (1988): Toto Tuesdays

Toto Tuesday, “You Got Me” from The Seventh One (1988): Toto Tuesdays

Toto’s ‘The Seventh One’ boasted a layered sonic sheen eclipsing anything else in 1988 – and no where is that more evident than “You Got Me.”

Vinyl

Avishai Cohen – Cross My Palm With Silver (2017)

The delicacy and low-key passion of Avishai Cohen shows up through his trumpet, compositions and every member of his quartet.

Chicago, “Jenny” from Chicago VI (1973): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Jenny” from Chicago VI (1973): Saturdays in the Park

If ‘Chicago VI’ had opened with “Jenny” instead of “Critic’s Choice,” the album might be held in higher regard than it is today.

Vinyl

Bobby Kimball – We’re Not in Kansas Anymore (2017)

Bobby Kimball’s voice, which has lost little of its range and emotional presence, elevates ‘We’re Not in Kansas Anymore.’

Vinyl

Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ – Tajmo (2017)

With Taj Mahal and Keb Mo’s ‘Tajmo,’ you have two folk/blues legends, two generations – and one marvelous meeting.

Vinyl

Steely Dan, April 29, 2017: Shows I’ll Never Forget

Given the passing of a lot of musical heroes recently, Steely Dan’s impassioned, career-spanning turn was much appreciated.

Vinyl

Cuong Vu 4Tet with Bill Frisell – Ballet (2017)

Cuong Vu 4Tet’s sensitive shaping of Michael Gibb’s songs earn serious attention on their own.