Articles by: S. Victor Aaron

Vinyl

Seth Walker – ‘Are You Open?’ (2019)

It’s tempting to call this a tilt toward Ben Harper territory. But ‘Are You Open?’ might be the most “Seth Walker” record Seth Walker has ever made.

Matthew Shipp Trio - 'Signature' (2019)

Matthew Shipp Trio – ‘Signature’ (2019)

Matthew Shipp returns to his trio, using a common setup to make music that’s uncommonly advanced and stimulating.

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Kait Dunton, with John D’earth – ‘Planet D’earth’ (2019)

In celebrating her starting point with ‘Planet D’earth,’ Kait Dunton ends up revealing more about what she’s now capable of.

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Trapper Keaper, “Boom” from ‘Meets Tim Berne & Aurora Nealand’ (2019): video premiere

Here is the video premiere of ‘Boom’ from Trapper Keaper’s upcoming LP ‘Trapper Keaper Meets Tim Berne & Aurora Nealand.’

Willie Nelson Found a Worthy Foil on the Diverse, Rootsy 'Willie and the Wheel'

Willie Nelson Found a Worthy Foil on the Diverse, Rootsy ‘Willie and the Wheel’

Willie Nelson released a terrific collaboration with Asleep at the Wheel 10 years ago today that was by turns reverent and then rambunctious.

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New York United – ‘New York United’ (2019)

‘New York United’ is a balance between the unpredictable and the mulled over, between live performance and dreamy, electronic production values.

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Eliane Elias Confidently Expanded Her Main Influences on ‘Bossa Nova Stories’

Elaine Elias had paid tribute to Brazil’s great contribution to jazz long before this album arrived 10 years ago. But ‘Bossa Nova Stories’ was different.

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Jeff Ballard – ‘Fairgrounds’ (2019)

Jeff Ballard moves further away from mainstream jazz, while keeping himself challenged on the drums.

Ruthie Foster Confirmed Her Genius With 'The Truth According to Ruthie Foster'

Ruthie Foster Confirmed Her Genius With ‘The Truth According to Ruthie Foster’

Released 10 years ago today, ‘The Truth According to Ruthie Foster’ was much more than a blues triumph.

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Mike Keneally, “Draconian Blump” from ‘Nonkertompf’ (1999): One Track Mind

What’s still amazing, 20 years later, is that Mike Keneally’s “Draconian Blump” doesn’t feature a bunch of seasoned musicians – rather than just one.