Lyle Mays (1953-2020): An Appreciation
Jazz piano great Lyle May passed away on February 10, 2020. Few have been able to project subtle emotions so powerfully.
Archive for February, 2020
The Smiths’ ‘How Soon Is Now?’ Is the Gen-X ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’
Released 35 years ago today on the U.S. edition of the Smiths’ second album, “How Soon Is Now” provided an era-defining riff to a new generation.
Yes, “Give Love Each Day” from ‘Magnification’ (2001): YESterdays
“Give Love Each Day,” with a stunning orchestral contribution from conductor Larry Groupe’, showed that Yes continued to improve.
Kuzu – ‘Purple Dark Opal’ (2020)
Dave Rempis, Tashi Dorji and Tyler Damon continue to draw heavily from their experimental/improvised music backgrounds, letting everything else in Kuzu rest on instinct.
John Fogerty, LPT, Alan Parsons Project + Others: Five for the Road
John Fogerty, LPT and Alan Parsons Project are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately.
Emperor Penguin – ‘Soak Up the Gravy’ (2020)
Unique and exciting, Emperor Penguin’s ‘Soak Up the Gravy’ is an album that offers something for everybody.
Chicago, “Along Comes a Woman” from ‘Chicago 17’ (1984): Saturdays in the Park
“Along Comes a Woman” is another incredible convergence of talent and musical skill between David Foster and Chicago. Unfortunately, change loomed.
Ross Hammond, with Oliver Lake and Mike Pride – ‘Our Place On the Wheel’ (2020)
‘Our Place On the Wheel’ is Ross Hammond still in full-on rural mode, only this time with some really good help.
Annihilator – ‘Ballistic, Sadistic’ (2020)
Is Annihilator’s ‘Ballistic, Sadistic’ a little one-note? Sure. But it’s a very good note.
David Cross and Peter Banks – ‘Crossover’ (2020)
David Cross and an all-star cast of King Crimson and Yes alumni build something brilliant from a collaboration with the late Peter Banks.
