Live albums and reissue projects often do much to shape the broader idea we have about a musical legacy, and this year was no different — with impressive sets devoted to Ray Charles, the Beach Boys, Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings and the Smiths You May Also Like: No related posts.

I first heard (and heard of) Lily Allen on “Saturday Night Live.” It used to be that I’d watch that show just for the musical guests. In recent years, that part of the show (OK, the whole show) has been way more spotty. So out comes this Lily Allen. FlowerRead More

One Alternative again bursts through convention with Air Sculpture, moving well outside the bounds of typical acoustic ensembles by incorporating not just classical music forms but also the boisterous attitude of roots rock and the improvisational intrigue of jazz. You May Also Like: Björkenheim, Sopko, James, Laswell, Yamaki (Inaugural SoundRead More

I know what you’re thinking – three basses … another Spinal Tap opus? Nope, sorry. If it’s not Spinal Tap, then next to the drum solo, the bass solo is just about the most reviled thing at concerts You May Also Like: Four Jacks and a Jill, “Master Jack” (1968):Read More

I would like to be all quiet and happy and wish everybody a beautiful holiday season but I’m just not feeling it. In fact, I’m pissed off, a little depressed, and ready to punch the next person I see. You May Also Like: The Jerry Granelli Trio – ‘Plays VinceRead More

We saw our share of standout instrumentalists, from Julian Lage to Rudresh Mahanthappa to Pat Martino. But, as this lists attests, 2011 might rightly be called the Year of the Big Band. You May Also Like: Julian Lage – ‘Squint’ (2021)

There are several reasons why this non-regular release is a sleeper pick as my favorite latter-day Chicago album.

All good music connoisseurs are already familiar with Jamie Hoover and Steve Stoeckel who for more than 30 years now, have been making the world smile with the ear candy they create with the Spongetones You May Also Like: Stepford Knives, “Blue In the Face” (2020): One Track Mind MikeRead More

I can’t help it, but I cringe when hearing that a musician has had their first child. We know what’s coming. The new album where the happy new parental unit goes all gooey about this new life and how wonderful it all is. Holy crap, that sounds cynical. Ahem …Read More

One of the more interesting moments on the new collection Cameo Parkway: Holiday Hits comes at the very end, as an impossibly young Bob Seger and an early band called the Last Heard scurry through this original Christmas romp. You May Also Like: Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band,Read More