Archive for December, 2017

Vinyl

Ernesto Cervini’s Turboprop – Rev (2017)

Myriad3 drummer Ernesto Cervini has been a force to be reckoned with on his own since his debut as a leader over a decade ago. He took You May Also Like: Joel Frahm, “Thinking of Benny” from ‘The Bright Side’ (2021): Something Else! video premiere Carn Davidson 9 – ‘TheRead More

Chicago, “O Come All Ye Faithful” from Chicago XXV: The Christmas Album (1998): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “O Come All Ye Faithful” from Chicago XXV: The Christmas Album (1998): Saturdays in the Park

“O Come All Ye Faithful,” featuring restrained, yet thoughtfully modern production from Roy Bittan, is one of my favorite Chicago Christmas songs.

Vinyl

Satoko Fujii Orchestra New York – Fukushima (2017)

feature photo: Bryan Murray Now boasting a remarkable ten albums over twenty years, Satoko Fujii Orchestra New York today takes another step forward with Fukushima (Libra Records), the first new recordings from Satoko Fujii’s American large ensemble project since 2014’s Shiki. The best big band leaders know how to exploitRead More

King Crimson, November 26, 2017: Shows I’ll Never Forget

King Crimson, November 26, 2017: Shows I’ll Never Forget

People come to worship this band, not necessarily to enjoy themselves. A King Crimson concert is serious business.

Yes, “Final Eyes” from Big Generator (1987): YESterdays

Yes, “Final Eyes” from Big Generator (1987): YESterdays

At almost six and a half minutes, Yes’ “Final Eyes” seems to have more credibility among fans than the ‘Big Generator’-era two hits.

Vinyl

‘All That’s Jazz,’ by Sammy Stein (2017): Books

Having long offered informed jazz content for a variety of publications, including this one, a book on the subject seems all too logical for Sammy Stein.

Vinyl

Katy Perry, December 4, 2017: Shows I’ll Never Forget

Katy Perry’s concert was spectacle on the grandest of scales played out on an enormous, ever-changing stage. And the music wasn’t bad, either.

The Beatles, “Two of Us” from Let It Be (1970): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “Two of Us” from Let It Be (1970): Deep Beatles

The Beatles’ “Two of Us” was meant to celebrate Paul McCartney’s new romance with Linda Eastman, but it also summarized his partnership with John Lennon.

Jackson 5 – Christmas Album (1970): On Second Thought

Jackson 5 – Christmas Album (1970): On Second Thought

‘Christmas Album’ finds the Jackson 5 interpreting smartly selected material with an emotional maturity and sincerity far beyond their young ages.

King Crimson, Steely Dan, Buckingham / McVie + Others: Preston Frazier’s Best Concerts of 2017

King Crimson, Steely Dan, Buckingham / McVie + Others: Preston Frazier’s Best Concerts of 2017

Preston Frazier looks back at the best concerts of 2017, including tours by Steely Dan, Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie, King Crimson and others.