Archive for May, 2021

The Band - 'Stage Fright: 50th Anniversary Edition' (2021)

The Band – ‘Stage Fright: 50th Anniversary Edition’ (2021)

Robbie Robertson didn’t just remix the Band’s third album with Bob Clearmountain. He created a completely new track sequence for ‘Stage Fright.’

Beki Hemingway - 'Earth & Asphalt' (2021)

Beki Hemingway – ‘Earth & Asphalt’ (2021)

Beki Hemingway’s ‘Earth & Asphalt’ is guaranteed to serve traditional country fans, as well as those who dig pop that rocks and rock that pops.

Garage A Trois - 'Calm Down Cologne' (2021)

Garage A Trois – ‘Calm Down Cologne’ (2021)

Charlie Hunter, Stanton Moore and Skerik of Garage A Trois are the old veterans of the whole jam-band, funk-jazz scene, but in all the right ways, ‘Calm Down Cologne’ sounds as if this is their debut album, because it’s got that new-band freshness to it.

Chicago, "Sophisticated Lady" from 'Night & Day: Big Band' (1995): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Sophisticated Lady” from ‘Night & Day: Big Band’ (1995): Saturdays in the Park

On an album that I often overlook, this update of a Duke Ellington standard is one that I never do. “Sophisticated Lady” sounded like a ’90s Chicago song.

Brian Bromberg - 'A Little Driving Music' (2021)

Brian Bromberg – ‘A Little Driving Music’ (2021)

With results like ‘A Little Driving Music,’ it’s almost tempting to suggest Brian Bromberg lockdown in his home studio for 2021 as well.

Gentle Giant - 'Free Hand [Steven Wilson Mix]' (1975; 2021 reissue)

Gentle Giant – ‘Free Hand [Steven Wilson Mix]’ (1975; 2021 reissue)

The forthcoming Steven Wilson re-mix of Gentle Giant’s ‘Free Hand’ once again lowers the volume, brightens the colors, and allows wonderful separation.

Mario Pavone / Dialect Trio + 1, "Philosophy Series" (2021): Something Else! streaming premiere

Mario Pavone / Dialect Trio + 1, “Philosophy Series” (2021): Something Else! streaming premiere

Here is the streaming premiere of “Philosophy Series” from bass giant Mario Pavone’s final act album, ‘Blue Vertical.’

Pink Floyd - 'Live at Knebworth 1990' (2021)

Pink Floyd – ‘Live at Knebworth 1990’ (2021)

What makes Pink Floyd’s ‘Live at Knebworth 1990’ a truly special release is that the vinyl was cut at 45 RPM, making for a true audiophile experience.

Disaster Relief and Thornetta Davis, "How I Feel / Not So Scared of You" (2021): One Track Mind

Disaster Relief and Thornetta Davis, “How I Feel / Not So Scared of You” (2021): One Track Mind

A Disaster Relief single with Thornetta Davis brings together funk, blues and soul – and a good dose of relevant social commentary.

Larry Coryell - 'Last Swing With Ireland' (2021)

Larry Coryell – ‘Last Swing With Ireland’ (2021)

Larry Coryell most likely didn’t know that he wouldn’t do another recording date when he made ‘Last Swing In Ireland’ but he left it all in the studio, anyway.