Archive for October, 2020

Chicago "Chasin' the Wind" from 'Twenty 1' (1991): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago “Chasin’ the Wind” from ‘Twenty 1’ (1991): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago’s version of this Diane Warren song comes off as a paint-by-numbers effort included to appease a record company chasin’ a hit.

Grip Weeds, Richard Barone, Anderson Council + Others - 'Jem Records Celebrates John Lennon' (2020)

Grip Weeds, Richard Barone, Anderson Council + Others – ‘Jem Records Celebrates John Lennon’ (2020)

While some covers work better than others, ‘Jem Records Celebrates John Lennon’ provides a fun tribute that includes less-obvious updates of deeper cuts.

Craig Taborn's Junk Magic - 'Compass Confusion' (2020)

Craig Taborn’s Junk Magic – ‘Compass Confusion’ (2020)

Progressive music has moved in the direction suggested long ago by ‘Junk Magic’ but as Craig Taborn revisits these ideas, it’s clear they remain unique in an increasingly crowded field.

The Moody Blues - 'Sur la mer' (1988): On Second Thought

The Moody Blues – ‘Sur la mer’ (1988): On Second Thought

Unlike many recordings back then, ‘Sur la mer’ doesn’t go overboard on smothering the Moody Blues’ natural talents in a blanket of gadgetry.

The Flake [Phil Sudderberg, Charlie Kirchen + Jason Stein] - 'Plays Clinkers' (2020)

The Flake [Phil Sudderberg, Charlie Kirchen + Jason Stein] – ‘Plays Clinkers’ (2020)

The genius of Steve Lacy isn’t that easy to articulate but Phil Sudderberg, Charlie Kirchen and Jason Stein take great care of the soprano saxophone legacy when they play his ‘Clinkers’ solo masterpiece with all the invention and attitude of the original.

Ian Dury - 'Hit Me: The Best of Ian Dury' (2020)

Ian Dury – ‘Hit Me: The Best of Ian Dury’ (2020)

‘Hit Me: The Best of Ian Dury’ is pure nostalgia, but curated in such a way that you get a real insight into his musical persona.

Ron Miles - 'Rainbow Sign' (2020)

Ron Miles – ‘Rainbow Sign’ (2020)

Ron Miles’ music is always both relaxed and cerebral, a rare combination of qualities that few can pull off so convincingly. But once again with ‘Rainbow Sign’ he does, and with the ample help of some very special friends.

Yes, "In a World of Our Own" from 'Heaven and Earth' (2014): YESterdays

Yes, “In a World of Our Own” from ‘Heaven and Earth’ (2014): YESterdays

“In a World of Our Own” is a pleasing middle-of-the-road rock Yes song which needs a few more progressive elements to be memorable.

The Doxas Brothers, "Goodbye" from 'The Circle' (2020): Something Else! video premiere

The Doxas Brothers, “Goodbye” from ‘The Circle’ (2020): Something Else! video premiere

Here is the video premiere of a sensuous cover of the jazz standard “Goodbye” by the Doxas Brothers.

Stephanie Angelini and Vince Tomas, "Midnight Blue" (2020): One Track Mind

Stephanie Angelini and Vince Tomas, “Midnight Blue” (2020): One Track Mind

Dominated by a stirring dance groove, Stephanie Angelini and Vince Tomas’ transatlantic “Midnight Blue” features all the markings of a club hit.