Archive for May, 2015

Vinyl

Steve Gadd – 70 Strong (2015)

Here is a review of the Steve Gadd Band’s ’70 Strong’ – which, just as the title states, shows Gadd going as strong as ever at age 70.

Vinyl

Davey Payne, Terry Day, Neil Charles + others, May 13, 2015: Shows I’ll Never Forget

New musical combinations can offer incredibly special moments. As Davey Payne, Terry Day and others performed, I realized: This was such an evening.

Paul McCartney's clunky 'McCartney II' couldn't tap into new-wave zeitgeist

Paul McCartney’s clunky ‘McCartney II’ couldn’t tap into new-wave zeitgeist

Paul McCartney’s synthy solo effort ‘McCartney II,’ released on May 16, 1980, didn’t pass for innovation back then – and it doesn’t today, either.

Vinyl

‘All or Nothing at All’ showcases Frank Sinatra’s life through his music

The previously unheard 11-song set list from Frank Sinatra’s 1971 retirement party provides the perfect foundation for HBO’s exhaustive new biopic.

Vinyl

Bob Dylan, May 13, 2015: Shows I’ll Never Forget

Wednesday night’s Bob Dylan concert was as meticulously crafted as a classical music program by the Milwaukee Symphony.

The Beatles, "Three Cool Cats" (Decca Audition, 1962): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “Three Cool Cats” (Decca Audition, 1962): Deep Beatles

While the Beatles would eventually drop this early cover song from their setlists, “Three Cool Cats” holds a special place in the band’s history.

Vinyl

John Patitucci Electric Guitar Quartet – Brooklyn (2015)

Here is a review of John Patitucci’s guitar-dominant quartet’s debut, ‘Brooklyn,’ a freshly cast reconnect back to the bass extraordinaire’s roots.

Vinyl

Guapo, “Obscure Knowledge I [Radio edit]” (2015): Something Else! sneak peek

Here is an advance stream from Guapo’s upcoming ‘Obscure Knowledge,’ a heavy, groove-minded edit from the first movement.

Danny Seraphine and Bill Champlin Defend 'Chicago 17': 'Biggest Album We Ever Had'

Danny Seraphine and Bill Champlin Defend ‘Chicago 17’: ‘Biggest Album We Ever Had’

‘Chicago 17,’ released on May 14, 1984, was a multi-million-selling smash. And Danny Seraphine and Bill Champlin aren’t about to apologize for it.

Vinyl

Rob Mazurek / Exploding Star Orchestra, “The Arc of Slavery #72” (2015): Something Else! sneak peek

Here is an advance stream from Rob Mazurek / Exploding Star Orchestra’s upcoming ‘Galactic Parables: Volume 1,’ an early ’70s-styled rock/jazz orgy.