Chris Greene, and all of ‘Music Appreciation,’ builds in intensity and power but never forsakes subtlety.

Though my mind sometimes likes to classify all “big band” jazz into that Benny Goodman/Glenn Miller/Paul Whiteman box, doing so ignores the innovations in working with larger groups brought by Fletcher Henderson, Sun Ra and, mostly prominently, Duke Ellington. You May Also Like: Rickie Lee Jones, Alexis Evans, Shawn MaxwellRead More

One of the most widely covered songs in rock ‘n’ roll history is Them’s “Gloria,” but the band that reaped the most recognition with the ruddy and rugged tune is the Shadows of Knight You May Also Like: Solitaire Miles – Jazztets with Willie Pickens (2018) Outset – Outset (2016)Read More

Whenever I hear a sax/drums duet record, I can’t help but compare it to John Coltrane’s late career tour-de-force with Rashied Ali, Interstellar Space. You May Also Like: Kuzu (Dave Rempis, Tahi Dorji, Tyler Damon) – ‘Hiljaisuus’ (2019) Kuzu – ‘Purple Dark Opal’ (2020) Kuzu – ‘The Glass Delusion’ (2021)

At City Winery, Chicago: Since 2012, Michael Nesmith has toured around the country with the Monkees and as a solo act. You May Also Like: Four Monkees Deep Cuts That Will Simply Blow Your Mind The Monkees – Good Times! (2016) Paul McCartney, July 25, 2017: Shows I’ll Never Forget

One of the most self-effacing musicians of Chicago’s AACM scene paradoxically creates some of its boldest music, and bassist Harrison Bankhead’s second album confirms that Morning Sun Harvest Moon was no one-off fluke. You May Also Like: Harrison Bankhead and Paul de Jong – ‘Freedom’ (2020) Casey Golden Trio –Read More

Tiger Hatchery is a rowdy bunch of thrash jazzers from Chicago. You May Also Like: Tiger Hatchery – ‘Breathing In the Walls’ (2018) Flow Trio with Joe McPhee – ‘Winter Garden’ (2021) Adam Rudolph’s Moving Pictures – Glare Of The Tiger (2017)

The third time is the charm…just like the first and second times. Chicago’s rising star trumpet player Marquis Hill wowed us just two years ago with his New Gospel debut, and quickly confirmed with Sounds of the City the following year that it was no fluke. Next week The PoetRead More

At the Chicago Theatre, Chicago, Illinois: As the entire crowd bounced up and down, hands in the air, one thing was clear: only Earth Wind and Fire could turn the Chicago Theatre into one huge dance floor. You May Also Like: Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band, September 22,Read More

Something Else! Reviews’ own Kit O’Toole once again brings you all the latest from this weekend’s Fest for Beatles Fans in Chicago, highlighted by her appearance in a pair of interesting panel discussions. You May Also Like: Something Else! Columnist Kit O’Toole to Co-Host First-Ever Solo Beatles Videocast ‘The BeatlesRead More