Archive for November, 2017

Vinyl

The Wood Brothers, “River Takes the Town” from One Drop Of Truth (2018): One Track Mind

Right at the time southeastern Texas was beset by a major hurricane in late summer of 2017, the Wood Brothers recorded a song that perfectly captures that catastrophic time in their signature folksy manner.

Toto, “Alone” from 40 Trips Around the Sun (2018): One Track Mind

Toto, “Alone” from 40 Trips Around the Sun (2018): One Track Mind

The initial single from Toto’s upcoming retrospective set ’40 Trips Around the Sun’ has a hint of familiarity, and that’s not too surprising.

Vinyl

Dan Blacksberg – Radiant Others (2017)

Dan Blacksberg’s ‘Radiant Others’ is a fresh, nontraditional take on traditional melodies that happens to be Jewish in origin. You don’t need to be an ethnomusicologist to enjoy this one.

Yes, “Almost Like Love” from Big Generator (1987) YESterdays

Yes, “Almost Like Love” from Big Generator (1987) YESterdays

When you add together all the disparate parts of “Almost Like Love,” you almost get a good Yes song … but not quite.

‘The Terry Kath Experience’ (2017): Movies

‘The Terry Kath Experience’ (2017): Movies

‘The Terry Kath Experience’ isn’t a documentary you merely watch; it’s one you experience and you feel.

The Undertones – True Confessions: Singles = A’s + B’s (1999): Forgotten Series

The Undertones – True Confessions: Singles = A’s + B’s (1999): Forgotten Series

The Undertones produced outstanding songs, but they unfortunately never netted enough sales to acquire widespread notice, remaining a cult favorite.

Chicago, “Till We Meet Again” from Chicago VIII (1975): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Till We Meet Again” from Chicago VIII (1975): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago’s “Till We Meet Again” is barely over two minutes long, and kindly labeled “filler.” Well-arranged filler, but filler nevertheless.

Vinyl

Rez Abbasi – Unfiltered Universe (2017)

Rez Abbasi and his potent Invocation band have demonstrated with ‘Unfiltered Universe’ that creativity and originality is more than just ideas and knowledge, it’s about vision.

Vinyl

Simon Phillips – Protocol 4 (2017)

‘Protocol 4’ is another example of how Simon Phillips never rests on his laurels.

Vinyl

Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band – Body And Shadow (2017)

Always putting spirituality above improvisation, Brian Blade and The Fellowship Band connects to listeners in a way uncommon for jazz musicians, and ‘Body And Shadow’ continues a remarkable consistency of mission and quality spanning two decades.