Articles by: S. Victor Aaron

Vinyl

The Rempis/Daisy Duo – Second Spring (2014)

Whenever I hear a sax/drums duet record, I can’t help but compare it to John Coltrane’s late career tour-de-force with Rashied Ali, Interstellar Space. You May Also Like: Kuzu (Dave Rempis, Tahi Dorji, Tyler Damon) – ‘Hiljaisuus’ (2019) Kuzu – ‘Purple Dark Opal’ (2020)

Almost Hits: Gino Vannelli, "Black Cars" (1985)

Almost Hits: Gino Vannelli, “Black Cars” (1985)

Canadian pop crooner Gino Vannelli’s big era was from the mid-70s to the turn of the 1980s. However, like Yes — and this might be the only similarity to Yes — he put out an album in the middle of the ’80s that was not a return to form, butRead More

Vinyl

Matt Wilson Quartet, with John Medeski – Gathering Call (2014)

The thing about Matt Wilson isn’t that he leads a band from behind a drum kit…shoot, man, that’s been done at least since Chick Webb in the 1930s. You May Also Like: Matt Wilson Quartet – ‘Hug!’ (2020) Jeff Cosgrove, with John Medeski + Jeff Lederer – ‘History Gets AheadRead More

Vinyl

Ensemble, Et Al. – Present Point Passed (2014)

Ensemble, Et Al. is a four-piece band that could have just as easily been named “Percussion, Unlimited” for its makeup of all-percussive instruments: marimba, vibraphone, glockenspiel, drums, Indian cowbells and Tibetan Bowls. You May Also Like: Mike Pride – ‘Marimba, July’ and ‘Drums, August’ (2019) Kate Gentile + International ContemporaryRead More

Vinyl

Sarah Manning – Harmonious Creature (2014)

Four years ago, up-and-coming alto saxophonist Sarah Manning marked her arrival to the NYC scene with her first album with Posi-Tone, Dandelion Clock (2010), and it made waves. You May Also Like: Michael Dease – Decisions (2015)

Vinyl

Exclusive stream: Helen Sung, “Brother Thelonious” from Anthem For A New Day (2014)

A past winner of the Mary Lou Williams Piano Competition, Helen Sung knows her way around eighty-eight keys, and after five well-received albums, this NYC residing, Houston, Texas native is bringing her talents to the Concord Music label. You May Also Like: Mabel Greer’s Toyshop, “Big Brother, Little Brother” (2016):Read More

Vinyl

Lucinda Williams – Lucinda Williams (1988, 2014 reissue)

Ask anyone familiar with Lucinda Williams’ music and early on in their reply they’ll almost surely include mention of 1998’s Car Wheels On a Gravel Road, but Williams’ abilities as a singer and songwriter came to full bloom ten years before. You May Also Like: Lucinda Williams – The GhostsRead More

Vinyl

Something Else! sneak peek: Drive-By Truckers, “Pauline Hawkins” (2014)

So today, premier Southern rockers The Drive-By Truckers announced a new tour in support for their upcoming album English Oceans, due out March 4. You May Also Like: No related posts.

Vinyl

The Ocular Concern – Sister Cities (2014)

The West Coast ensemble The Ocular Concern meekly touts their product as “Music for the Curious Listener,” but that belies a whole lot of adventure contained within their songs. You May Also Like: ‘We Are Twisted F***ing Sister!’ (2014): Movies

Vinyl

Steve Davis – For Real (2014)

Jazz Messengers-alum and sideman trombonist of choice Steve Davis makes his fourth Posi-Tone disc For Real yet another enjoyable collection of no-bullshit, genuine hard bop. You May Also Like: Joe Magnarelli – Three On Two (2015) Ed Cherry – Soul Tree (2016)