Archive for March, 2020

Tim Berne's Snakeoil - 'The Fantastic Mrs. 10' (2020)

Tim Berne’s Snakeoil – ‘The Fantastic Mrs. 10’ (2020)

‘The Fantastic Mrs. 10’ boils down to Matt Mitchell’s simple words: Tim Berne’s designs provide a context for insanity. Sweet insanity.

David Sancious - 'Eyes Wide Open'  (2020)

David Sancious – ‘Eyes Wide Open’ (2020)

Ex-E Street Band member David Sancious’ ‘Eyes Wide Open’ is a wondrous hybrid that infuses funk, pop, rock, blues, jazz and prog with a social conscience.

Can the Flawed 'Chicago VIII' Be Saved by Its Deep Cuts?

Can the Flawed ‘Chicago VIII’ Be Saved by Its Deep Cuts?

Released 45 years ago today, ‘Chicago VIII’ found the band at a low creative ebb. But these five lesser-known songs make it worth a return visit.

Yes, "Soft As a Dove" from 'Magnification' (2001): YESterdays

Yes, “Soft As a Dove” from ‘Magnification’ (2001): YESterdays

Songs on this album were credited to Yes as a band, but “Soft As a Dove” sounded like another classic joint effort from Jon Anderson and Steve Howe.

Lindsey Webster -  'A Woman Like Me' (2020)

Lindsey Webster – ‘A Woman Like Me’ (2020)

Soul-jazz songstress queen Lindsey Webster succeeds not by keeping up with current trends but instead through mastering the little time-honored things.

Willie Nelson's Big Ideas: How Concept Albums Shaped His Career

Willie Nelson’s Big Ideas: How Concept Albums Shaped His Career

Concept albums have been among Willie Nelson’s greatest and most confounding works – sometimes simultaneously.

Richard Turgeon, "Higher" (2020): One Track Mind

Richard Turgeon, “Higher” (2020): One Track Mind

Here’s a Richard Turgeon song that celebrates genuine American guitar rock with style and substance.

Vinyl

Toh-Kichi [Satoko Fujii + Tatsuya Yoshida] – ‘Baikamo’ (2019)

Satoko Fujii and Tatsuya Yoshida are heavyweights in Japan but are both world-class vanguard musicians. ‘Baikamo’ is a welcome return to their summit meetings on the edge of what is possible with just a piano and drums.

Dio's Often-Forgotten 'Magica' Recalled Early Ronnie James Dio Triumphs

Dio’s Often-Forgotten ‘Magica’ Recalled Early Ronnie James Dio Triumphs

Released 20 years ago today, ‘Magica’ is the most underrated Dio effort – and every bit the equal of Ronnie James Dio’s best work.

Chicago, "Here Is Where We Begin" (1984): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Here Is Where We Begin” (1984): Saturdays in the Park

“Here Is Where We Begin” is an exceptional song in spite of Chicago, not because of them. Credit former Ambrosia frontman David Pack.