Archive for May, 2022

John Scofield - 'John Scofield' (2022)

John Scofield – ‘John Scofield’ (2022)

‘John Scofield’ shows that in stripping down the arrangements to just his parts, there remains a lot of him left to uncover.

Why ‘Bobby Charles’ Is the Best Band Album Not Released by the Band

Why ‘Bobby Charles’ Is the Best Band Album Not Released by the Band

Bobby Charles’ too-often-overlooked self-titled album arrived 50 years ago with a set of timeless and beautiful songs – and some very famous friends.

Trombone Shorty - 'Lifted' (2022)

Trombone Shorty – ‘Lifted’ (2022)

With the lively ‘Lifted,’ Trombone Shorty lifts up people with feel-good music rooted in the 20th century but is the perfect tonic for the 21st century.

Will Bernard - 'Pond Life' (2022)

Will Bernard – ‘Pond Life’ (2022)

The disparate artistry of Will Bernard comes into sharper focus on ‘Pond Life’ because he pulls all those threads together into one tidy package.

Mohamed Assani, "Lullaby for Guli" (2022): One Track Mind

Mohamed Assani, “Lullaby for Guli” (2022): One Track Mind

Mohamed Assani’s “Lullaby for Guli” steals your heart, because of the ebb and flow of the melodies and the many textures created on the sitar.

Sonny Landreth Boldly Stepped Forward on 'Outward Bound'

Sonny Landreth Boldly Stepped Forward on ‘Outward Bound’

Sonny Landreth’s terrific solo re-introduction arrived 30 years ago this month, deftly sidestepping several pitfalls associated with guitar-sideman records.

Charm of Finches – 'Wonderful Oblivion' (2022)

Charm of Finches – ‘Wonderful Oblivion’ (2022)

The new Charm of Finches album ‘Wonderful Oblivion’ is a delightful kite that floats in the airy beauty of folk chamber music, caressing melodic breezes.

Steve Million - 'What I Meant to Say' (2021)

Steve Million – ‘What I Meant to Say’ (2021)

Steve Million’s expressive playing is always a joy, but what’s particularly noteworthy is how well it serves his compositions.

Queen Kong, "Bethema" from 'Fray' (2022): Something Else! video premiere

Queen Kong, “Bethema” from ‘Fray’ (2022): Something Else! video premiere

This is the video premiere of “Bethema” from klezmer jazz ensemble Queen Kong’s upcoming album ‘Fray.’

How 'Revenge' Became Kiss' Last Gasp of Greatness

How ‘Revenge’ Became Kiss’ Last Gasp of Greatness

Released 30 years ago today, ‘Revenge’ is the one non-makeup Kiss record that belongs in the conversation with their best work.