Yes’ patched-together homecoming project Union never lived up to its promise
Jon Anderson and Billy Sherwood look back on Yes’ Frankenstein-like collaborative album ‘Union,’ released on April 30, 1991.
Archive for April, 2015
There’s a reason the Monkees’ Micky Dolenz plays drums that way: ‘I know it’s bizarre’
Musicians, particularly drummers, have probably noticed the unique set up the Monkees’ Micky Dolenz employs for his drum kit.
Journey’s Neal Schon, “El Matador” from Vortex (2015): One Track Mind
Neal Schon’s “El Matador” underscores a musical symbiosis with Steve Smith that lingers from their time together in Journey.
Booker T. and the MGs’ ageless ‘Green Onions’ had an offhanded birth: ‘You know, that ain’t bad’
If Booker T. and the MGs’ signature hit “Green Onions” always felt like a loose-limbed good time among musical friends, that’s because it actually was.
Richard Thompson, “Beatnik Walking” from Still (2015): One Track Mind
Richard Thompson is a traveler, always has been, and “Beatnik Walking” — both in its lyric, and in its creation story — speaks to that.
Les McCann – Invitation to Openness (1972; 2015 reissue)
Les McCann’s free-form soul-jazz experiment ‘Invitation to Openness’ is the sound of someone loosing himself from the bonds of expectation.
Ian Gillan picks the classic track Deep Purple should play: ‘It is my favorite DP song’
With three stints going back to 1969, Ian Gillan has a unique perspective on Deep Purple’s catalog. Here’s the song he always wanted to perform live.
Paul McCartney, “Take It Away” from Tug of War (1982): One Track Mind
Released as part of ‘Tug of War’ in April 1982, “Take It Away” is McCartney’s last best pop hit – but there was a darker undercurrent at work.
The Uppercut: Matthew Shipp Mat Walerian Duo – Live at Okuden (2015)
As a vehicle for this promising woodwinds talent from Poland Mat Walerian, his encounter with Matthew Shipp on ‘Live at Okuden’ makes good on that promise.
Adrian Belew’s Mr. Music Head was more than ‘Oh Daddy’ : ‘Don’t think I’ve played it again’
“Oh Daddy” got Adrian Belew a solo deal with Atlantic, who released ‘Mr. Music Head’ on April 28, 1989. The worry was that he’d be forever saddled with it.
