Steely Dan Sunday, “The Fez” (1976)
Just what the heck is Steely Dan’s “The Fez” about? Let’s just say it works pretty well to prevent parenthood.
Articles by: S. Victor Aaron
Michael Brecker (1949-2007): An Appreciation
With more than 900 recordings, it was nearly impossible to avoid Michael Brecker’s singular sax sound in funk, rock, mainstream jazz or fusion jazz.
Motian Sickness – For The Love Of Sarah (2011)
Less than two months ago the great jazz drummer, composer and bandleader Paul Motian passed away at eighty years old, in what was arguably the most substantial loss in the jazz world of 2011. You May Also Like: Jeff Cosgrove, with John Medeski + Jeff Lederer – ‘History Gets AheadRead More
Todd Rundgren and the Nazz, “Open My Eyes” (1968): One Track Mind
“Open My Eyes” goes all the way back to Todd Rundgren’s first stop with those wonderful Brit-pop masters from Philly, the Nazz.
Something Else! sneak peek: Gregory Porter, "When Did You Learn?" (2012)
It’s tough to achieve stardom as a singer, harder still as a jazz singer, and especially as a male jazz singer. Which makes the rapid rise of Gregory Porter all the more remarkable. You May Also Like: Billy Porter, “For What It’s Worth” (2020): One Track Mind
When Jazz Guys Got Funky, Underrated Edition: Gimme Five
A look at five jazz albums with grooves in the pocket – even if they weren’t much in the press.
Half Notes: Mike Wofford and Holly Hofmann – Turn Signal (2012)
Holly Hofmann, as we noted before, thrives on collaborations with pianists, and she’s had some notables ones with Bill Cunliffe. You May Also Like: Ethan Keller – Dead Man Dancing (2016)
Wadada Leo Smith's Mbira – Dark Lady Of The Sonnets (2012)
Trumpeter, composer and bandleader Wadada Leo Smith, who celebrated his 70th birthday just last month, is as productive as he’s ever been, and I’m getting nearly exhausted just keeping up covering all his new releases. You May Also Like: Wadada Leo Smith – Najwa (2017) Wadada Leo Smith and OrangeRead More
Steely Dan Sunday: "Sign In Stranger" (1976)
Both Walter Becker and Donald Fagen have an affinity for reggae music, one that’s most notably borne out on Becker’s Jamaican-styled Circus Money CD from 2008. You May Also Like: Walter Becker, “Hard Up Case (Live at Slim’s 1995)” (2024): Steely Dan Sunday
Jeff Kimmel Quartet – Charm Offensive (2011)
At thirty-one minutes, this debut album by the Jeff Kimmel Quartet is shorter than some EP’s, but bass clarinetist Kimmel and his friends make the most of their time. You May Also Like: Jason Stein Quartet – Lucille! (2017) Jeff Coffey, “Got to Get Away” (2018): One Track Mind MichaelRead More
