Articles by: S. Victor Aaron

Vinyl

Dead Cat Bounce – ‘Chance Episodes’ (2011)

Matt Steckler’s Dead Count Bounce is a band that within the parameters of traditional jazz seeks new musical directions You May Also Like: Dead Neanderthals – The Depths (2017) Gato Libre [Natsuki Tamura] – ‘Sleeping Cat’ (2022)

Vinyl

On Second Thought: Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 – Fool On The Hill (1968)

Like a Wayback Machine, certain sights, sounds, smells and tastes transports us to certain times and places in our lives. You May Also Like: Victor Assis Brasil – Toca Antonio Carlos Jobim (1970, 2017 reissue)

Vinyl

Half Notes: Tyshawn Sorey – Oblique-I (2011)

Drummer and composer Tyshawn Sorey is said to one of up-and-comers whose due for an arrival. Gaining notice as a member of Steve Coleman’s Five Elements, Steve Lehman’s combo as well as Pete Robbins’ sILENT Z, Sorey’s also studied under Anthony Braxton and is currently studying under George Lewis. ButRead More

Vinyl

Half Notes: Danny Fox Trio – The One Constant (2011)

Growing up in Manhattan down the street from famed bassist Bob Crnashaw gave pianist Danny Fox a rich education in jazz that the great music conservatories in the Northeast just can’t quite match. But Fox’s deep interest in classical music shaped his conception of jazz as well and both ofRead More

Steely Dan Sunday, "Any World (That I'm Welcome To)" (1975)

Steely Dan Sunday, “Any World (That I’m Welcome To)” (1975)

Steely Dan’s “Any World (That I’m Welcome To)” boasts the drumming of the great Hal Blaine, who played on a remarkable 40 No. 1 songs.

Vinyl

Half Notes: Little Worlds – Book One (EP) (2011)

Little Worlds is another one of those oddly configured trios that’s been popping up lately in jazz, but there is nothing gimmicky sounding from this guitar (Ryan Mackstaller), trombone (Rick Parker) and drums (Tim Kuhl) getup. With all three of these musicians being veterans of rock, jazz and whack jazz,Read More

Vinyl

One Track Mind: Me'Shell Ndegéocello, "Dirty World" (2011)

Though she doesn’t make radio hits anymore, Me’Shell Ndegéocello just gets more interesting as her focus gets ever sharper. You May Also Like: Meshell Ndegeocello – ‘The Omnichord Real Book’ (2023) Thrift Store Halo – ‘Enemies With Benefits’ EP (2022) The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, “Fire” (1968): One TrackRead More

Vinyl

Half Notes: Planet Z – Planet Z Featuring Susan Aquila (2011)

Sporting a drop dead gorgeous image and a six string violin that resembles a Gibson Flying V, Susan Aquila certainly looks the part, but is her fiddle playing up to snuff? Well, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Kanye West, Metallica and Billy Joel, just to name a few ofRead More

Vinyl

Jason Adasiewicz's Sun Rooms – Spacer (2011)

One of the busiest players in Chicago’s jazz/improvised music scenes, the name of vibist and composer Jason Adasiewicz always seems to come up You May Also Like: Jason Stein Quartet – Lucille! (2017) Ivo Perelman, Mat Maneri, Mark Feldman, Jason Hwang – ‘Strings 1’ (2018)

Vinyl

Pat Martino – Undeniable (2011)

Pat Martino, along with George Benson, was the greatest jazz guitarist to spring from those righteous sounding organ trios of the 60s, and like Benson, Martino is still playing at a very, very high level. You May Also Like: Wes Montgomery – ‘The Complete Full House Recordings’ (2023)