Articles by: S. Victor Aaron

Vinyl

Sunna Gunnlaugs – Distilled (2013)

Distilled by Sunna Gunnlaugs Iceland is geographically situated between Scandinavia and the North American continent, and that’s just where the jazz of Icelandic pianist Sunna Gunnlaugs is situated, too. You May Also Like: Sunna Gunnlaugs – ‘Becoming’ (2023)

Steely Dan Sunday, "Gaslighting Abbie" (2000)

Steely Dan Sunday, “Gaslighting Abbie” (2000)

The Nineties brought many surprising events that delighted long-suffering Steely Dan fans who’ve had nearly no new output from either Becker or Fagen since 1982’s The Nightfly. You May Also Like: Walter Becker, “Hard Up Case (Live at Slim’s 1995)” (2024): Steely Dan Sunday

Vinyl

Mort Weiss – A Giant Step Out And Back (2013)

The statement on the front CD cover announces what this music is about: “A Free Jazz Recording By The Undisputed Master Of The Jazz Clarinet.” You May Also Like: Dan Weiss Trio – ‘Dedication’ (2022) Dan Weiss Starebaby – ‘Natural Selection’ (2020)

Vinyl

One Track Mind: Brian Andres and the Afro-Cuban Jazz Cartel, “Black Market” (2013)

It’s hard to deny the electricity, enthusiasm and emotion of Afro-Cuban music, and a certain drummer out of San Francisco has captured that essence in leading a band of like-minded specialists of the music form. You May Also Like: Richard Turgeon, “My Guitar” (2020): One Track Mind

Vinyl

Brainkiller – Colourless Green Superheroes (2013)

A trombone/keyboards/drums trio doesn’t guarantee that the music will be progressive, exciting or unique, but Brainkiller offers no such letdown. You May Also Like: Chicago + Al Green, “Tired of Being Alone” (1973): Saturdays in the Park

Vinyl

Steve Swallow Quintet – Into The Woodwork (2013)

As the world’s first, one of the few, and the premier electric bassist of the straight-jazz world, Steve Swallow has long ago carved out his niche, using this unlikely instrument to make vividly lyrical music. You May Also Like: Riverside [Dave Douglas, Chet Doxas, Steve Swallow, Jim Doxas] – TheRead More

Vinyl

Robert Randolph and the Family Band – Lickety Split (2013)

“I’m the only one who does what I do,” says Robert Randolph matter-of-factly, and anyone even only casually familiar with his music know he’s right. You May Also Like: Robert Randolph & the Family Band – Got Soul (2017) Marcus Randolph and My Peeples Peeple – Transplant (2017)

Almost Hits: Jody Watley, "Still A Thrill" (1987)

Almost Hits: Jody Watley, “Still A Thrill” (1987)

Y’all might not remember it, but Jody Watley was arguably the Beyoncé of the late 80s, giving Janet Jackson and Madonna a real run for their money as the top dance floor diva. You May Also Like: William Shatner + Ritchie Blackmore, “The Thrill Is Gone” (2020): One Track Mind

Vinyl

Ryan Cohan – The River (2013)

When we last visited Ryan Cohan three years ago, the Chicago-based pianist, composer and bandleader had just issued he third album. You May Also Like: Ryan Blotnick – Kush (2016) Ryan A. Miller – ‘Atrophy Torque Fly’ (2018)

Vinyl

Daniel Rosenboom – Book Of Omens (2013)

Daniel Rosenboom’s “Book of Omens” – Official Trailer from Alex Chaloff on Vimeo. Daniel Rosenboom’s Book Of Omens could have been the name of a mystic novel, or a play, consisting of several of discreet but related acts. Instead, it’s a musical narrative, but one that still leaves an impressionRead More