If you’ve seen trumpeter Terence Blanchard live you are already well aware of pianist/composer Fabian Almazan.

<<< BACKWARD (“Darkling Down”) ||| ONWARD (“Three Picture Deal”) >>> *** STEELY DAN SUNDAY INDEX *** “…And the winner for best bass clarinet solo on a reggae or ska song goes to Roger Rosenberg!” There’s no such award but if polka albums can get Grammys, why not this category? RogerRead More

Dismissing Sam Luna’s music as simply folk, is really doing a disservice to it. Chicago-based Luna’s release, Under Construction, has many folk elements such as Luna’s evocative lyrics and strong melodic acoustic playing. You May Also Like: Pierce Edens via Heist TV: Shows I’ll Never Forget Chicago, “Get On This”Read More

Most fans of the Doobie Brothers seem to have allegiances to particular periods in the band’s 45-year history — with the most common divide being Tom Johnston vs. Michael McDonald. You May Also Like: Why You Shouldn’t Overlook the Doobie Brothers’ ‘What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits’ Doobie Brothers’Read More

<<< BACKWARD (“Somebody’s Saturday Night”) ||| ONWARD (“God’s Eye View”) >>> *** STEELY DAN SUNDAY INDEX *** I recall hearing an interview with Al Stewart of “Time Passages” fame who mentioned that the reason his songs are so lyrically lush (i.e. wordy) is because he believes it’s better to writeRead More

I can say without reservation that the Los Angeles-based Ozomatli puts on the best live show I’ve ever experienced.

<<< BACKWARD (“Do You Remember The Name”) ||| ONWARD (“Darkling Down”) >>> *** STEELY DAN SUNDAY INDEX *** In case there was any doubt, Walter Becker is a smart ass. Of course if you are a Steely Dan fan you’ve known that for decades. You May Also Like: Steely DanRead More

Toto, despite achieving fame as a ballads act, has consistently pushed itself to new heights in the studio. You May Also Like: Toto, “Oh Why” from ‘Old Is New’ (2018): Toto Tuesdays Toto, “Live For Today” from Turn Back (1981): Toto Tuesdays Steve Porcaro goes inside Toto’s new music: ‘ItRead More

<<< BACKWARD (“Selfish Gene”) ||| ONWARD (“Somebody’s Saturday Night”) >>> *** STEELY DAN SUNDAY INDEX *** “Do You Remember The Name” is one is the few Becker solo songs where I wonder what it would sound like if Donald Fagen co-wrote the music and worked on the arrangements. You MayRead More

<<< BACKWARD (“Circus Money”) ||| ONWARD (“Do You Remember The Name”) >>> *** STEELY DAN SUNDAY INDEX *** “Sweet little baby from the hills somewhere, here’s a pretty lovebud for your hair…”. Is this how old Manhattan producer-types start their sex raps on Manalo wearing wafs? Well, according to WalterRead More