James Brandon Lewis – ‘An UnRuly Manifesto’ (2019)
James Brandon Lewis summons the ghosts of Ornette Coleman and Charlie Haden to inspire him to think differently about his art.
Archive for January, 2019
Stryper – ‘Against the Law’ (1990): Metal Meltdowns
Before, Stryper had been too squeaky-clean, too “pretty” for metal. ‘Against the Law’ didn’t have that problem.
Jamie Saft, Steve Swallow and Bobby Previte – ‘You Don’t Know the Life’ (2019)
The third segment of the Jamie Saft/Steve Swallow/Bobby Previte collaboration is also their third time trying out something new.
Toto, “Last Night” from ‘Toto XX’ (1998): Toto Tuesdays
While it took a little longer to finally see the light of day, Toto’s “Last Night” was well worth the wait.
Eric Dolphy – ‘Musical Prophet: The Expanded 1963 New York Studio Sessions’ (1963; 2019 release)
This constitutes the most significant addition in a very long time to the catalog of – and insight into – the brilliant but enigmatic Eric Dolphy.
Soilwork – ‘Verkligheten’ (2019)
If there’s a template for the way to evolve gracefully, it might belong to Soilwork.
When Umphrey’s McGee Created ‘Mantis,’ Their First In-Studio Project
Known for their spontaneity and informal composing, Umphrey’s McGee tried something 10 years ago today that they’d never done before.
Miles Davis’ Expanded ‘Kind of Blue: Legacy Edition’ Struck the Perfect Balance
10 years ago today, an expanded reissue of Miles Davis’ ‘Kind of Blue’ finally put these historic sessions in perspective without breaking the bank.
Chicago, “Street Player” from ‘Chicago 13’ (1979): Saturdays in the Park
Things actually got darker, but “Street Player” gave the ill-fated ‘Chicago 13’ a great lead-off track.
Andrew Bird’s ‘Noble Beast / Useless Creatures’ Was as Challenging as It Was Gorgeous
Issued 10 years ago this week, Andrew Bird’s ‘Noble Beast / Useless Creatures’ seemed like odd, demanding music when described. Only, it really wasn’t.
