Archive for February, 2019

Chicago, "Aloha Mama" from 'Chicago 13' (1979): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Aloha Mama” from ‘Chicago 13’ (1979): Saturdays in the Park

“Aloha Mama,” from the broadly disappointing ‘Chicago 13,’ is a fantastic song – until Peter Cetera starts singing.

The Oscars: Time to Celebrate and Not Berate

The Oscars: Time to Celebrate and Not Berate

The Oscars have tragically lost their way. Mike Tiano offers a few ideas on fixing them.

Vinyl

Garden District Trio – ‘Upward’ (2019)

The Garden District Trio’s ‘Upward’ emphasizes the currently in-vogue NOLA beat – and, with this trio, it’s expertly delivered.

How Joe Bonamassa Finally Arrived With 'The Ballad of John Henry'

How Joe Bonamassa Finally Arrived With ‘The Ballad of John Henry’

10 years ago this week, Joe Bonamassa discovered the perfect balance between his penchant for blues covers and ’70s-style hard rock.

Vinyl

Nick Hempton – ‘Night Owl’ (2019)

The deep soul of ’60s organ jazz is at the heart of Nick Hempton’s latest venture.

Toto, "Modern Eyes" from 'Toto XX' (1998): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Modern Eyes” from ‘Toto XX’ (1998): Toto Tuesdays

Recorded in a period when Toto were in between lead vocalists, “Modern Eyes” finds the band totally chilled out.

Vinyl

Chris Potter – ‘Circuits’ (2019)

‘Circuits’ is another directional change for the supremely talented Chris Potter, but with the same high mark of accomplishment and ingenuity that’s found on nearly all of his recordings.

Vinyl

Chris Greene Quartet – ‘PlaySpace’ (2019)

Chris Greene offers an unexpected post-Valentine’s Day treat in the form of a live recording from the Evanston, Illinois venue Space.

Chicago, "Paradise Alley" from 'Chicago 13' (1979): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Paradise Alley” from ‘Chicago 13’ (1979): Saturdays in the Park

There’s a reason why the song Chicago wrote for Sylvester Stallone’s 1978 film ‘Paradise Alley’ was left on the cutting-room floor.

Vinyl

Nate Wooley – ‘Columbia Icefield’ (2018)

Nate Wooley finds insight for his music from a glacial landscape and, like its namesake, his own ‘Columbia Icefield’ is far out and expansive.