Articles by: Sammy Stein

Patrick Ames - 'The Virtualistics' (2021)

Patrick Ames – ‘The Virtualistics’ (2021)

Patrick Ames’ ‘The Virtualistics’ encompasses the good and bad of the pandemic, but the overriding message is hope.

Rebecca Angel - 'Love Life Choices' (2021)

Rebecca Angel – ‘Love Life Choices’ (2021)

With ‘Love Life Choices,’ Rebecca Angel’s sense of self and individuality shine like a veteran.

Beverley Beirne - 'Dream Dancer' (2021)

Beverley Beirne – ‘Dream Dancer’ (2021)

Beverley Beirne’s new album is far different than the fun-filled ‘Jazz Just Wants to Have Fun,’ showing a completely different side and strength.

Sluka, "Figure It Out" (2021): One Track Mind

Sluka, “Figure It Out” (2021): One Track Mind

To put Sluka in any category is difficult, and why would you try?

Disaster Relief and Thornetta Davis, "How I Feel / Not So Scared of You" (2021): One Track Mind

Disaster Relief and Thornetta Davis, “How I Feel / Not So Scared of You” (2021): One Track Mind

A Disaster Relief single with Thornetta Davis brings together funk, blues and soul – and a good dose of relevant social commentary.

Maud - 'Maud' (2021)

Maud – ‘Maud’ (2021)

This unapologetically delivered eponymous debut from Maud was composed from deeply personal experiences, but could be inspirational to anyone.

Daniel Bennett Group - 'New York Nerve' (2020)

Daniel Bennett Group – ‘New York Nerve’ (2020)

Described as one of the most original voices of his generation, Daniel Bennett is only predictable in that his music will always be worth listening to.

Bob Salmieri Bastarduna Quintet - 'And Mama Was a Belly Dancer' (2021)

Bob Salmieri Bastarduna Quintet – ‘And Mama Was a Belly Dancer’ (2021)

Bob Salmieri Bastarduna Quintet’s ‘And Mama Was a Belly Dancer’ is appealing and incisive, tapping into connections felt by many people with many cultures.

Andy Fraser and Metroluxe, "Get Some" (2021): One Track Mind

Andy Fraser and Metroluxe, “Get Some” (2021): One Track Mind

Metroluxe’s “Get Some” is the kind of thing that creates hope and a certainty that music will come back – live, kicking, and so so good.

Indigenous Lifeforms - 'Siberia Extreme' (2020)

Indigenous Lifeforms – ‘Siberia Extreme’ (2020)

Indigenous Lifeforms’ ‘Siberia Extreme’ captures the essence of spiritual, shamanic story-telling, combining very Western improvisation with soaring vocals.