Archive for July, 2013

Almost Hits: Jody Watley, "Still A Thrill" (1987)

Almost Hits: Jody Watley, “Still A Thrill” (1987)

Y’all might not remember it, but Jody Watley was arguably the Beyoncé of the late 80s, giving Janet Jackson and Madonna a real run for their money as the top dance floor diva. You May Also Like: William Shatner + Ritchie Blackmore, “The Thrill Is Gone” (2020): One Track Mind

Vinyl

Paul Revere and the Raiders – ‘Evolution to Revolution: 5 Classic Albums’ (2013)

Spanning 1965 to 1967, ‘Evolution to Revolution: 5 Classic Albums’ asserts over and over again what a terrific band Paul Revere and the Raiders were.

Vinyl

Ryan Cohan – The River (2013)

When we last visited Ryan Cohan three years ago, the Chicago-based pianist, composer and bandleader had just issued he third album. You May Also Like: Ryan Blotnick – Kush (2016) Ryan A. Miller – ‘Atrophy Torque Fly’ (2018)

Sparks Fly On E Street: Bruce Springsteen, "Lucky Town" (1992)

Sparks Fly On E Street: Bruce Springsteen, “Lucky Town” (1992)

The shift in mood from Human Touch to Lucky Town continues. So many of the characters on the former record were trapped and confused in their surroundings. But here? Here we have a protagonist celebrating what seems like a new beginning. You May Also Like: How Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Tunnel ofRead More

Vinyl

Daniel Rosenboom – Book Of Omens (2013)

Daniel Rosenboom’s “Book of Omens” – Official Trailer from Alex Chaloff on Vimeo. Daniel Rosenboom’s Book Of Omens could have been the name of a mystic novel, or a play, consisting of several of discreet but related acts. Instead, it’s a musical narrative, but one that still leaves an impressionRead More

Nick DeRiso’s Mid-Year Best Of 2013 (Jazz and Blues): Boz Scaggs, Wicked Knee, Terence Blanchard

Nick DeRiso’s Mid-Year Best Of 2013 (Jazz and Blues): Boz Scaggs, Wicked Knee, Terence Blanchard

We explore triumphs over time from legends like James Cotton and Wayne Shorter. Triumphs of conception like Billy Martin’s Wicked Knee, and Michael Wolff’s combining with Mike Clark. And triumphs of sheer artistry from Boz Scaggs. You May Also Like: Boz Scaggs – Out Of The Blues (2018)

Forgotten series: The Five Day Week Straw People - The Five Day Week Straw People (1968)

Forgotten series: The Five Day Week Straw People – The Five Day Week Straw People (1968)

A collectible psychedelic album from this one-off studio-only group consisting of UK songwriters, The Five Day Week Straw People was originally on Saga Records and features your standard British underground psychedelia You May Also Like: Procol Harum – A Salty Dog (1969): Forgotten Series Timothy B. Schmit and Glad –Read More

Vinyl

Jacelyn Parry – In Quiet Tones (2013)

Jacelyn Parry’s new album deftly reflects a life’s history that begins in Malaysia, continues through Singapore and Australia before settling now in Rome. In Quiet Tones has a similar worldliness, and a similar sense of adventure. You May Also Like: Georgia Mancio and Alan Broadbent – ‘Quiet Is the Star’Read More

Steely Dan Sunday, "Aja [Live]" (1995)

Steely Dan Sunday, “Aja [Live]” (1995)

It’s interesting to note that Alive in America ends the way the 1994 concerts actually started. The title song from the album Aja made its complete debut on Steely Dan’s second tour of the 90’s in 1994. You May Also Like: Steely Dan, “Kid Charlemagne” from ‘Northeast Corridor’ (2021): SteelyRead More

Vinyl

Omar Dykes – Runnin’ with the Wolf (2013)

Omar Dykes clearly possesses a deep-seated passion for the rumbling joys of old Howlin’ Wolf records — both his gruff howl, and the work of his flinty guitarist Hubert Sumlin. Luckily, he doesn’t let that passion turn into mimicry. You May Also Like: How ‘London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions’ Gave BoomerRead More