Composer/guitarist/trumpet player Rhys Chatham is perhaps most well-known for his early guitar-based aggressions, particularly the sonic wall of sound that was “Drastic Classicism.” You May Also Like: Rhys Chatham – Pythagorean Dream (2016)

I’ve got to admit that I can’t really imagine living in the circumstances portrayed in “Black Cowboys.” While I’ve known people who’ve had to deal with such things (including my own sister), the idea of living with the constant pressure of stray bullets and wasted lives? You May Also Like:Read More

In interviews, I’ve seen Lyle Mays speak of how music has it’s own “language and syntax.” He wasn’t necessarily talking about music’s technicalities — harmony, melody, and the like. You May Also Like: Lyle Mays (1953-2020): An Appreciation Lyle Mays, “Eberhard” (2021): One Track Mind

What with the rumors flying earlier this week about the health of AC/DC’s Malcolm Young, I was pretty sure I’d be writing an obit/appreciation piece by now. This is a little freaky because just prior to hearing the AC/DC news, I’d been making my way through one of those onlineRead More

There wasn’t a moment’s hesitation after reading the name “Halvorson” in the promo email. Mary Halvorson is one of the jazz world’s most consistently interesting guitar players. So what’s this trio record all about? You May Also Like: Mary Halvorson Octet – Away With You (2016) Mary Halvorson – CodeRead More

The usual deal here is that I find and write about some music that can push people over the edge or even better, make them advance the argument that it’s not really music at all. You May Also Like: No related posts.

I’ll say it right now: Red Beans and Weiss is the perfect album for the year 2014. You May Also Like: Dan Weiss Trio – ‘Dedication’ (2022)

At first listen, this sounded like the Devils & Dust odd man out. The chorus is definitely something of an outlier with its sing-song, uplifting notes. I suppose you could say that the underlying story is uplifting as well, certainly when compared with the rest of the album. You MayRead More

Unlike a lot of American kids, I was not forced into taking piano lessons. I was more of a stringed instruments guy, first with the violin and then the guitar. You May Also Like: Pat Metheny Discovered Bold New Machine-Aided Freedoms With ‘Orchestrion’ Why Pat Metheny’s ‘New Chautauqua’ Still ProvidesRead More

Let’s talk about the Pono. You’ve never heard of it? Well, you’re not alone, though if audio (and its quality) really aren’t your thing, then you really can’t be blamed. You May Also Like: Part of Neil Young’s Creative Process Was Ignoring Bob Dylan