Peter Hum – Alpha Moment (2015)
Once again, noted Ottawa music critic Peter Hum walks the walk with a mainstream jazz album full of strong compositions and strong performances.
Articles by: S. Victor Aaron
Todd Rundgren’s Arena was a cool return to football stadium-sized rock
With ‘Arena,’ released on Sept. 29, 2008, Todd Rundgren again created music best heard cranked to 10 – loud enough to hear on the very back row.
Walter Becker’s ’11 Tracks of Whack’ Took Chances Steely Dan Never Did
Walter Becker’s ’11 Tracks of Whack,’ released on Sept. 27, 1994, is both a neglected minor treasure and a delightfully peculiar album.
Ben Folds’ Way to Normal pointed the way back to a few %*@#-ing Five-era successes
Ben Folds’ ‘Way to Normal,’ released in September 2008, found him recalling past glories, even as he became ever more potty mouthed.
John Scofield – Past Present (2015)
The bop delight ‘Past Present’ is a new classic to go alongside those vintage John Scofield Quartet classics.
Animation featuring Bob Belden – Machine Language (2015)
Animation’s ‘Machine Language,’ a final gift from Bob Belden, leaves no doubt that his adventurous spirit lives on. Hopefully, forever.
Jeff Lorber Fusion – Step It Up (2015)
‘Step It Up’ is not merely a title just as ‘The Jeff Lorber Fusion’ isn’t merely a name. It’s a challenge and Lorber with Jimmy Haslip rose up to meet it.
AndersonPonty Band, “I See You Messenger” (2015): Something Else! exclusive stream
AndersonPonty Band’s “I See You Messenger” is a meeting of the minds between two still-vibrant and visionary musicians from the ’70s.
Kari Ikonen Trio – Beauteous Tales and Offbeat Stories (2015)
Full of moments of beauty and offbeat explorations, Kari Ikonen Trio’s ‘Beauteous Tales and Offbeat Stories’ goes beyond their sublime prior release ‘Bright’.
Jon Irabagon – Inaction Is An Action (2015)
There’s more than a little satisfaction in hearing the champion of perhaps the most prestigious individual award from the straight jazz world stray way, way off the reservation.
