Articles by: S. Victor Aaron

Robben Ford's Tasty, Energetic 'Soul on Ten' Reframed His Recent Work

Robben Ford’s Tasty, Energetic ‘Soul on Ten’ Reframed His Recent Work

Someone once said Robben Ford has forgotten more licks than most guitarists ever learn. ‘Soul on Ten’ arrived 10 years ago this week as proof.

Boz Scaggs + Duane Allman, "Loan Me a Dime" (1969): One Track Mind

Boz Scaggs + Duane Allman, “Loan Me a Dime” (1969): One Track Mind

Fifty years ago this month, an unknown Duane Allman sat in on Boz Scaggs’ self-titled debut album. His meteoric rise had begun.

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Rich Halley, with the Matthew Shipp Trio – ‘Terra Incognita’ (2019)

Rich Halley’s inspired collaboration provides the visionary interplay, the spirituality and, yes, the flair for melody that are hallmarks of both sides.

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Daniel Carter, Stelios Mihas, Irma Nejando, Federico Ughi – ‘Radical Invisibility’ (2019)

That feeling of not being able to fully grasp what’s unfolding is at the heart of the thrill of listening to ‘Radical Invisibility’ by Daniel Carter, Stelios Mihas, Irma Nejando and Federico Ughi.

Adrian Belew Power Trio's 'e' Opened the Door to a World of New Sounds

Adrian Belew Power Trio’s ‘e’ Opened the Door to a World of New Sounds

Released 10 years ago today, ‘e’ did more than advance Adrian Belew’s considerable legacy. It introduced us to a pair of exciting new talents.

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Bob Sheppard – ‘The Fine Line’ (2019)

‘The Fine Line’ leaves you wondering why the wider public hasn’t picked up on what all insiders have known for years: Bob Sheppard is a top-shelf jazz musician.

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Nature Work – ‘Nature Work’ (2019)

The Jason Stein, Greg Ward-led project ‘Nature Work’ is highly recommended for those who like adventurous, impulsive jazz.

Walter Becker, "He Wants You (Out)" (1997): Steely Dan Sunday

Walter Becker, “He Wants You (Out)” (1997): Steely Dan Sunday

“He Wants You (Out)” suggests that Walter Becker’s creative fire was burning brighter than we may have assumed during a period of down time with Steely Dan.

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Ken Fowser – ‘Right On Time’ (2019)

Sax players with “bag full of soul” qualities always thrive in an organ-and-guitar combo, and a that’s just what Ken Fowser does here.

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Whit Dickey Tao Quartets – ‘Peace Planet’ and ‘Box of Light’ (2019)

Whit Dickey uses his drums not to merely set a rhythmic pulse of the song, but the spiritual pulse, too.