Articles by: Tom Wilmeth

‘Drums & Demons: The Tragic Journey of Jim Gordon,’ by Joel Selvin (2024): Books

‘Drums & Demons: The Tragic Journey of Jim Gordon,’ by Joel Selvin (2024): Books

Jim Gordon’s accomplishments are often overlooked, even by knowledgeable listeners. In his well-researched and thoughtful biography ‘Drums & Demons: The Tragic Journey of Jim Gordon,’ Joel Selvin changes that.

Robby Krieger – ‘Robby Krieger and the Soul Savages’ (2024)

Robby Krieger – ‘Robby Krieger and the Soul Savages’ (2024)

‘Robby Krieger and the Soul Savages’ is music for old souls — for those who remember when rock musicians played real instruments.

Art Pepper – ‘Smack Up’ (1960; 2024 reissue)

Art Pepper – ‘Smack Up’ (1960; 2024 reissue)

Craft Recordings’ new vinyl pressing of ‘Smack Up’ is flawless, a term that also describes this music from the late alto saxophonist Art Pepper.

‘Journey: Worlds Apart,’ by Nick DeRiso (2023): Books

‘Journey: Worlds Apart,’ by Nick DeRiso (2023): Books

Nick DeRiso’s ‘Journey: Worlds Apart’ offers an unblinking narrative, but it’s also crammed with enough breakout information to make this a first-rate reference tool.

Why Deelee Dube’s ‘Trying Times’ Remains Such a Comfort

Why Deelee Dube’s ‘Trying Times’ Remains Such a Comfort

Relaxed yet articulate, it’s easy to see why Deelee Dube is the first European to win the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition.

‘Too Late to Stop Now: More Rock ‘n’ Roll War Stories,’ by Allan Jones (2023): Books

‘Too Late to Stop Now: More Rock ‘n’ Roll War Stories,’ by Allan Jones (2023): Books

Allan Jones’ ability to take me to the sites of an under-documented part of the 1970s and ’80s British music scene made this book historically useful.

Norman Lear Would Change Modern TV, But First He Came to Iowa

Norman Lear Would Change Modern TV, But First He Came to Iowa

I have been struck by how long the accolades have continued after the passing of Norman Lear. It made me realize that I have a story, too.

‘Hot House: The Complete Jazz at Massey Hall Recordings’ (2023)

‘Hot House: The Complete Jazz at Massey Hall Recordings’ (2023)

How a ’50s-era recording of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie helped pave the way for updated songs like the Beatles’ “Now and Then.”

Wes Montgomery – ‘The Complete Full House Recordings’ (2023)

Wes Montgomery – ‘The Complete Full House Recordings’ (2023)

‘The Complete Full House Recordings’ finds Wes Montgomery in a small group setting where nothing distracts from his creative yet accessible style.

‘Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History’ (2023): Books

‘Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History’ (2023): Books

If you remember Leon Russell, then you remember a certain era. Even-handed author Bill Janovitz takes us back.