Articles by: Nick DeRiso

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‘Stuff happens and you learn from it’: John Wetton talks King Crimson – then and now

Before he transitioned back into the role of frontman of Asia with this week’s new single “Face on the Bridge,” John Wetton took some time to talk about his earlier association with King Crimson. You May Also Like: No related posts.

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Steve Smith celebrates 30 years of Vital Information: ‘Always discovering new directions’

Even while he was still a member of the platinum-era edition of Journey, Steve Smith began making his way back to jazz. You May Also Like: Steve Smith: The Albums That Shaped My Career

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Sonny Landreth – Elemental Journey (2012)

Over 11 previous albums, slide virtuoso Sonny Landreth has resisted doing the one thing that was expected: The guitar record. When he finally did, you knew there would be some care put into it — and there is. You May Also Like: Sonny Landreth Boldly Stepped Forward on ‘Outward Bound’

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Steve Hackett, “Til These Eyes / Enter the Night’ (2012): One Track Mind

Guitarist Steve Hackett is issuing a double-sided benefit single, “Til These Eyes/Enter The Night,” on May 21, 2012, to coincide with a one-night event where he will celebrate his stint as a member of Genesis. “‘Til These Eyes,” an achingly gorgeous ballad with the lightest splashes of acoustic picking, findsRead More

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One Track Mind: American Anthem, "Jessie's Girl" (2012)

American Anthem plays it straight to start, deftly recreating both the lithe riff and trembling sense of uncool desire for your best friend’s girl that’s long been associated with the original Rick Springfield track. You May Also Like: Ken Sharp, “Girl / Forget That Girl” (2020): One Track Mind DesmondRead More

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Steven Emerson – Song of Love (2012)

With Song of Love, Berkeley-based singer-songwriter Steven Emerson’s long-awaited second solo release, you hear the somber quietude of Nick Drake, the acoustic alchemy of Iron and Wine, the soulful accumen of Van Morrison You May Also Like: Why Emerson Lake and Palmer Almost Ran Aground on ‘Love Beach’

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Meiko – The Bright Side (2012)

The Bright Side, due May 15, 2012 on Fantasy Records/Concord, certainly lives up to its name with Meiko’s fizzy, almost hallucinogenically blissful opener “Stuck On You.” You May Also Like: Tracy Chapman Smartly Updated Her Approach on ‘Our Bright Future’ ‘Bright Size Life’ Gave Early Definition to Pat Metheny’s IncredibleRead More

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One Track Mind: Ryan Shaw, "Karina" (2012)

Is there a place for, you know, an American in a world of soul shouters dominated by a certain big-voiced Brit superstar? Cut to two-time Grammy-nominated R&B singer Ryan Shaw, who returns on May 15, 2012, with Real Love You May Also Like: Woody Shaw – ‘Love Dance’ (1976, 2026Read More

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The Quintet – Jazz at Massey Hall (1953; 2012 reissue)

To Canadians, as the new 2012 liner notes to this historic meeting of the jazz minds so rightly notes, Massey Hall is a building. To fans of this music worldwide, it’s something else You May Also Like: ‘Hot House: The Complete Jazz at Massey Hall Recordings’ (2023) Giancarlo Tossani’s BigRead More

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Vernon Reid on Spectrum Road, Living Colour and James ‘Blood’ Ulmer: Gimme Five

Vernon Reid shares insight into collaborations with Living Colour, Jack Bruce, avant-garde bluesman James “Blood” Ulmer and legendary jazz producer Teo Macero.