Archive for May, 2020

Walter Becker, "The Dopest Cut / Down In the Bottom" (1992): Steely Dan Sunday

Walter Becker, “The Dopest Cut / Down In the Bottom” (1992): Steely Dan Sunday

Walter Becker’s ’11 Tracks of Whack’ outtake “The Dopest Cut / Down In the Bottom” is another treat for Steely Dan fans that shouldn’t go unnoticed.

Nous - 'Nous III' (2020)

Nous – ‘Nous III’ (2020)

Christopher Bono’s ‘Nous III” is infused with such a long list of idiom influences – from post-rock and ambient to Neo-Shamanism and free jazz – that it defies classification.

Chicago, "It's Alright" from 'Chicago 18' (1986): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “It’s Alright” from ‘Chicago 18’ (1986): Saturdays in the Park

As other members of Chicago stepped back from writing songs, or stepped out on their own for solo careers, Bill Champlin stepped up.

Seth Walker, "We Got This" (2020): One Track Mind

Seth Walker, “We Got This” (2020): One Track Mind

Seth Walker’s new single “We Got This” reminds us that we’re going to come out of this, despite the fog of uncertainty we’ve been faced with for months now.

Duotrio – 'In the Bright and Deep' (2020)

Duotrio – ‘In the Bright and Deep’ (2020)

Duotrio’s ‘In the Bright and Deep’ is an enjoyable outing, one that like its too-brief solos leaves the listener looking forward to more.

Vinyl

Bluey, “Back Here Again” from ‘Tinted Sky’ (2020): Something Else! sneak peek

Bluey might owe much of his mannerisms to George Benson, but the Incognito linchpin’s main stock-in-trade has always been his grooves.

Dinosaur - 'To the Earth' (2020)

Dinosaur – ‘To the Earth’ (2020)

Dinosaur’s ‘To the Earth’ creates a range of moods and themes, while also stepping back to past influences and forward into new territory.

Incognito - 'Tomorrow's New Dream' (2019)

Incognito – ‘Tomorrow’s New Dream’ (2019)

‘Tomorrow’s New Dream,’ the latest album from Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick and Incognito, is a shimmering, funky delight.

The Lickerish Quartet, "Bluebird's Blues" (2020): One Track Mind

The Lickerish Quartet, “Bluebird’s Blues” (2020): One Track Mind

Like the rest of the Lickerish Quartet’s EP, “Bluebird’s Blues” is for the ages. A new song put together using time-honored values will never *sound* old.

Yes, "Fly From Here Suite" from 'Fly From Here' (2011): YESterdays

Yes, “Fly From Here Suite” from ‘Fly From Here’ (2011): YESterdays

When ‘Fly From Here’ was released, I remember my excitement that Yes was still capable of transcending barriers which would have stopped other bands.