Archive for February, 2016

Vinyl

Hank Williams Jr. – It’s About Time (2016)

This won’t compete with those classic late-1970s and early-1980s records, but it does seem that Hank Williams Jr. has found his way again. It’s about time.

Yes, "Five Percent for Nothing" from Fragile (1971): YESterdays

Yes, “Five Percent for Nothing” from Fragile (1971): YESterdays

Bill Bruford frequently calls this Yes song, originally titled “Suddenly It’s Wednesday,” a starting point of his journey as a composer.

Vinyl

Cha Wa, “All On A Mardi Gras Day” (2016): One Track Mind

Dr. John’s funky Nola street dance anthem has rarely been covered with as much festive spirit as it has from New Orleans’ own Mardis Gras Indian funk collective Cha Wa.

Vinyl

Donny Brown of the Verve Pipe – Donny Brown (2015)

Solo outings by members of successful bands rarely meet expectations. The self-titled second EP from Donny Brown of the Verve Pipe is different.

Vinyl

Jaimeo Brown Transcendence – Work Songs (2016)

Jaimeo Brown and Chris Sholar are able to make sense of traditional work songs from the American South and all corners of the world all and place it in the context of the present.

Maurice White's Gratitude Gave Mentor Ramsey Lewis a Hit With 'Sun Goddess'

Maurice White’s Gratitude Gave Mentor Ramsey Lewis a Hit With ‘Sun Goddess’

Eight years after Ramsey Lewis gave him his first big break, Maurice White returned the favor to Lewis by lending his talents to an album that put Lewis back in the public spotlight.

Vinyl

Paul Kantner (1941-2016): Fondly Recalling a Jefferson Airplane Concert I Did Not Attend

Paul Kantner played the University of Iowa on November 11, 1969 with Jefferson Airplane, but I was in the ninth grade – so no way were my parents letting me go.

Joe Mandica, "I Just Can't Wait" from A Thousand Miles (2007): One Track Mind

Joe Mandica, “I Just Can’t Wait” from A Thousand Miles (2007): One Track Mind

A poignant paean to his son and daughter, Joe Mandica’s “I Just Can’t Wait” has been made complete with a newly released video featuring intimate images of family.

Vinyl

Lucinda Williams – The Ghosts of Highway 20 (2016)

Once again Lucinda Williams excels at making her pain, perseverance and hope relatable to ours, like few others can.

Vinyl

Maurice White (1941-2016): Five Great Earth Wind and Fire Moments

Maurice White, who died today, was the mastermind behind Earth Wind and Fire’s focused, soul-lifting horns, sunburst harmonies and a thrilling propensity for shaken-up textures and rhythms.