Articles by: S. Victor Aaron

Vinyl

Circles Around the Sun – Let It Wander (2018)

Is it jazz-rock fusion or just instrumental jam-rock? Such descriptions are superfluous when the music connects as ‘Let It Wander’ by Circles Around The Sun does.

Walter Becker, "She Was Good" (early 1990s): Steely Dan Sunday

Walter Becker, “She Was Good” (early 1990s): Steely Dan Sunday

Walter Becker’s estate drops another ’11 Tracks of Whack’ outtake that continues the decades-old theme of falling for a prostitute.

Vinyl

Bobby Previte – Rhapsody (2018)

Whether it’s individual heroics or wonderful ensemble symmetry, ‘Rhapsody’ begins with the mind of Bobby Previte. He not only had a concept but saw it to a fully developed work that stays true to its mission and articulated it well.

Vinyl

Jason Stein’s Locksmith Isidore – After Caroline (2018)

The return of Jason Stein’s Locksmith Isidore with ‘After Caroline’ is a welcome one because these guys don’t slouch for a second in taking on Stein’s challenging material.

Vinyl

Big Heart Machine, “Dipsea Steps” from Big Heart Machine (2018): Something Else! premiere

Here is the streaming premiere of “Dipsea Steps” from Brian Krock’s exciting new big band, Big Heart Machine.

Vinyl

Rob Dixon Trio, with Charlie Hunter and Mike Clark – Coast To Crossroads (2018)

The Rob Dixon Trio’s ‘Coast To Crossroads’ is funk-jazz that’s the best because it comes from the best.

Vinyl

The Necks – Body (2018)

Sounding very much like themselves while incrementally reinventing themselves, The Necks’ constant tweaking of their formula keeps the music fresh and full of fascination. ‘Body’ nudges the band forward on their long, highly rewarding journey.

Vinyl

Little Freddie King – ‘Fried Rice & Chicken’ (2018)

If you haven’t yet discovered the hidden blues treasure Little Freddie King, ‘Fried Rice & Chicken’ is a perfect way to get acquainted.

John Mellencamp's Dark, Down-Home Life, Death, Love and Freedom Still Resonates

John Mellencamp’s Dark, Down-Home Life, Death, Love and Freedom Still Resonates

Ten years ago, John Mellencamp confirmed a late-career renaissance with the T Bone Burnett-produced ‘Life, Death, Love and Freedom.’

Vinyl

Connie Han, “Crime Zone” from Crime Zone (2018): Something Else! premiere

Here is the premiere of “Crime Zone,” the title song from pianist and composer Connie Han’s Mack Avenue Records debut album.