Archive for January, 2018

Mark Wade, jazz bassist: Something Else! Interview

Mark Wade, jazz bassist: Something Else! Interview

Mark Wade, named one of jazz’s Top 10 bassists in the 2016 ‘DownBeat’ readers poll, joins Preston Frazier to discuss his second album ‘Moving Day.’

Yes, “I Would Have Waited Forever” from Union (1991): YESterdays

Yes, “I Would Have Waited Forever” from Union (1991): YESterdays

“I Would Have Waited Forever” kicks off a pieced-together so-called collaboration with four former key members, but they never actually played with Yes in the studio.

Wadada Leo Smith, Peter Erskine, Brian Blade: S. Victor Aaron’s Best of 2017 (Part 4 of 4, Fusion Jazz)

Wadada Leo Smith, Peter Erskine, Brian Blade: S. Victor Aaron’s Best of 2017 (Part 4 of 4, Fusion Jazz)

The baker’s dozen in this Best of 2017 list reveals that fusion jazz has expanded and diversified way past its ‘Bitches Brew’-era beginnings.

Vinyl

Joe Jackson’s Rain underscored a complete modern-era return to form

Released 10 years ago this month, ‘Rain’ confirmed that it was time to start paying attention to Joe Jackson again.

The Temptations – All Directions (1972): On Second Thought

The Temptations – All Directions (1972): On Second Thought

Mixing and matching experimental edges with bouts of moodiness, the Temptations stage more exceptional performances throughout ‘All Directions.’

Vinyl

The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, “Fire” (1968): One Track Mind

Fifty years ago, the Crazy World of Arthur Brown’s “Fire” had to be just about the coolest thing you’d ever seen – and for parents, probably one of the scariest.

Chicago, “Ain’t It Blue?” from Chicago VIII (1975): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Ain’t It Blue?” from Chicago VIII (1975): Saturdays in the Park

“Ain’t It Blue” was written in the spirit of Chicago’s early work and would easily fit on any of their classic, pre-Caribou Ranch records.

Vinyl

Desertion Trio, with Jamie Saft – Midtown Tilt (2018)

None of the great talent assembled here gets stretched near their limits for this Desertion Trio excursion, but this diversion is for an altogether different mood.

Vinyl

Jack Bruce and Robin Trower found new success with old sounds on Seven Moons

Jack Bruce and Robin Trower’s ‘Seven Moons’ arrived a decade ago this month, proving there was still a place in this world for vintage-sounding psychedelic blues-rock.

Vinyl

Mickey Stephens and the Poor Blue – Wasteground (2018)

Put together by Mighty Shamrocks veteran Mickey Stephens, the Poor Blue’s ‘Wasteground’ is a rootsy, autobiographical tour de force.