Archive for March, 2021

Soft Works – 'Abracadabra in Osaka' (2020)

Soft Works – ‘Abracadabra in Osaka’ (2020)

Soft Works’ ‘Abracadabra In Osaka’ is a worthy addition to the Soft Machine legacy, and a testament to the prowess of some master musicians.

Julian Lage, "Saint Rose" from 'Squint' (2021): Something Else! sneak peek

Julian Lage, “Saint Rose” from ‘Squint’ (2021): Something Else! sneak peek

“Saint Rose” is the advance single from Julian Lage’s upcoming new release for Blue Note Records, ‘Squint.’

Georgia Mancio and Alan Broadbent - 'Quiet Is the Star' (2021)

Georgia Mancio and Alan Broadbent – ‘Quiet Is the Star’ (2021)

Alan Broadbent and Georgia Mancio have collaborated over many years, and ‘Quiet Is the Star’ confirms their growing international reputation.

Evan Parker + Matthew Shipp - 'Leonine Aspects' (2021)

Evan Parker + Matthew Shipp – ‘Leonine Aspects’ (2021)

Neither Evan Parker nor Matthew Shipp have anything left to prove, but that doesn’t diminish their drive to leave it all on the stage, as they did on ‘Leonine Aspects.’

Toto, "All the Tears That Shine" from 'Toto XIV' (2015): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “All the Tears That Shine” from ‘Toto XIV’ (2015): Toto Tuesdays

David Paich’s standout “All the Tears That Shine” gives the Toto co-founder yet another chance to shine on ‘XIV.’

Fred Frith + Ikue Mori - 'A Mountain Doesn't Know It's Tall' (2021)

Fred Frith + Ikue Mori – ‘A Mountain Doesn’t Know It’s Tall’ (2021)

This is obviously not music for all tastes but if you know about Fred Frith and Ikue Mori, then you know how good they are at making noise; for ‘A Mountain Doesn’t Know It’s Tall’ they make beautiful noise together.

14 Jazz Orchestra, Jazzrausch Bigband + Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra: Big Bands on Different Paths

14 Jazz Orchestra, Jazzrausch Bigband + Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra: Big Bands on Different Paths

14 Jazz Orchestra, Jazzrausch Bigband and the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra demonstrate the vitality and variety of a big band, however big it is – or isn’t.

Why Miles Davis' 'Bitches Brew' Remains Such a Revolutionary Work

Why Miles Davis’ ‘Bitches Brew’ Remains Such a Revolutionary Work

Miles Davis steadfastly refused to conform to any expectations that were held for him – as both an individual and artist.

Chicago, "The Show Must Go On" from 'Stone of Sisyphus' (2008): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “The Show Must Go On” from ‘Stone of Sisyphus’ (2008): Saturdays in the Park

By the time “The Show Must Go On” finally saw official release, everything had changed – for the song, and for Chicago.

Nik Bärtsch - 'Entendre' (2021)

Nik Bärtsch – ‘Entendre’ (2021)

Nothing is lost when Nik Bärtsch, bandleader, becomes Nik Bärtsch, solo pianist. It’s still captivating music, only played through the single vessel of piano.