The theme is a Steely Dan favorite: “Here at the Western World” takes a darkly sarcastic look at drug-addled depravity in contemporary America.

Hyrrokkin, which is named after one of Saturn’s moons, is a band that didn’t exist nine months ago but came together quickly and late last summer, produced an EP on cassette and CDR’s as they went a-touring across across North America. You May Also Like: King Loosestrife – ‘Echelon Beam’Read More

Ivo Perelman is currently on a creative spree, and this latest frenzy is comparable to the 1996-2000 period when he tore off 20 albums. You May Also Like: Ivo Perelman, William Parker, Gerald Cleaver – The Art Of The Improv Trio, Volume 4 (2016) Ivo Perelman, with Matthew Shipp +Read More

Two major figures from the first generation of Finland’s modern jazz musicians saxophonist Juhani Aaltonen and pianist Heikki Sarmanto have played together for nearly fifty years, recording some thirty albums together in a variety of settings along the way. With that much history between them, you’d think that they’d haveRead More

As with the Symbiosis album that it follows, Red Sparkle is a Jeff Hamilton small combo setting where its drummer leader can make his presence known without having to be overbearing. That’s because he’s a master stylist behind the kit, whether he’s swinging on “Ain’t That A Peach” or “TooRead More

As Glen Campbell sang his signature tune “Rhinestone Cowboy” for likely the last time on stage, I thought of another song he’s famous for.

As much as I enjoy Steely Dan songs and can listen to most of them over and over (which is a good thing, since I’m writing about them every week), only one of their songs is what I’d call an “earworm” You May Also Like: Steely Dan’s The Royal Scam:Read More

When I was very young, I’d pick up my brother’s guitar or tap on my mom’s piano just to try to see what kind of cool sounds I could get out of them. I wasn’t concerned about notes, chords or songs, I merely wanted to get the things to makeRead More

In that alternate universe where indie rock is fringe music and post-hardcore improvised rock is mainstream, Matta Gawa is The Black Keys. You May Also Like: Bloor – ‘Drolleries’ (2019)

About fifteen years ago I bought a CD by a jazz pianist I had just heard about that I absolutely dug. Jumpstart! by Michael Wolff (1995) combined a few choice not-overly familiar covers with some compelling, advanced originals You May Also Like: Fernando Perdomo – ‘Self’ (2024) Jack DeJohnette, withRead More