Articles by: S. Victor Aaron

Vinyl

Julian Lage – Gladwell (2011)

Don’t get me wrong, I love jazz guitarists who derive their inspiration from guys like Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell and Pat Metheny, but it’s so refreshing to hear a new guitarist come along who excels by taking the road less traveled. That’s former child prodigy guitarist Julian Lage, who seemsRead More

Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers - The Sesjun Radio Shows (2011)

Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers – The Sesjun Radio Shows (2011)

This double-album set features late-period performances by the Jazz Messengers found years after Art Blakey passed away.

Steely Dan Sunday: "Only a Fool Would Say That" from Can't Buy a Thrill (1972)

Steely Dan Sunday: “Only a Fool Would Say That” from Can’t Buy a Thrill (1972)

More than any other track from their debut album, “Only a Fool Would Say That” points the way to what Steely Dan would evolve into.

Vinyl

Two for Tain!: Jeff "Tain" Watts – Family and Laura Kahle – Circular (2011)

It’s been a couple of years since we last heard from pre-eminent jazz rhythmist Jeff “Tain” Watts, when his star-studded engagement Watts was introduced. You May Also Like: Kevin Eubanks – East West Time Line (2017)

Vinyl

Mort Weiss – Meets Bill Cunliffe (2011)

Clarinetist Mort Weiss, who turns 76 years young tomorrow, is ten years into a remarkable comeback after laying off working as a musician for four — that’s right — four decades. You May Also Like: Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio – ‘Cold as Weiss’ (2022)

Vinyl

Shane Endsley and the Music Band – Then The Other (2011)

Shane Endsley might not be a familiar name to you, but the Grammy-nominated funk-rock-jazz group he cofounded Kneebody might be. Even if it isn’t, this trumpeter who’d gigged with Charlie Hunter, Ben Allison and Chris Speed became more noticeable with the debut of his own Music Band. Then The OtherRead More

Steely Dan Sunday: "Midnite Cruiser" from Can't Buy a Thrill (1972)

Steely Dan Sunday: “Midnite Cruiser” from Can’t Buy a Thrill (1972)

Steely Dan’s “Midnite Cruiser” remains the song Jim Hodder is most remembered by. And it’s a fine way to be remembered.

Vinyl

Garage Á Trois – Always Be Happy, But Stay Evil (2011)

In the twisted, sound-bending world of Garage Á Trois, it’s well beyond finding that rare groove, it’s about finding sounds that are even more fundamentally rare. You May Also Like: Garage A Trois – ‘Calm Down Cologne’ (2021) Nolatet – No Revenge Necessary (2018)

Vinyl

miX&dorp (Various Artists) – Blues + Beat (2011)

Netherlands-based Black And Tan Records has been doing its part to keep the blues alive since 1998, signing up artists from America and Europe like Boo Boo Davis, Big George Jackson, Billy Jones, Byther Smith, You May Also Like: ElectroBluesSociety featuring Boo Boo Davis, “What’s Going On” (2021): One TrackRead More

Vinyl

Billy Bang (1947-2011): An Appreciation

The jazz world suffered a significant loss Monday with the passing of violinist Billy Bang. Reportedly afflicted with lung cancer, Bang, born William Vincent Walker, was 63 years old. Given his stage name from friends as a youth, a name taken from a cartoon character, Bang’s life was anything butRead More