Lyle Mays (1953-2020): An Appreciation
Jazz piano great Lyle May passed away on February 10, 2020. Few have been able to project subtle emotions so powerfully.
Something Else!
The Smiths’ ‘How Soon Is Now?’ Is the Gen-X ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’
Released 35 years ago today on the U.S. edition of the Smiths’ second album, “How Soon Is Now” provided an era-defining riff to a new generation.
Kuzu – ‘Purple Dark Opal’ (2020)
Dave Rempis, Tashi Dorji and Tyler Damon continue to draw heavily from their experimental/improvised music backgrounds, letting everything else in Kuzu rest on instinct.
Emperor Penguin – ‘Soak Up the Gravy’ (2020)
Unique and exciting, Emperor Penguin’s ‘Soak Up the Gravy’ is an album that offers something for everybody.
Ross Hammond, with Oliver Lake and Mike Pride – ‘Our Place On the Wheel’ (2020)
‘Our Place On the Wheel’ is Ross Hammond still in full-on rural mode, only this time with some really good help.
Annihilator – ‘Ballistic, Sadistic’ (2020)
Is Annihilator’s ‘Ballistic, Sadistic’ a little one-note? Sure. But it’s a very good note.
David Cross and Peter Banks – ‘Crossover’ (2020)
David Cross and an all-star cast of King Crimson and Yes alumni build something brilliant from a collaboration with the late Peter Banks.
Chicago Underground Quartet, “Batida” from ‘Good Days’ (2020): Something Else! streaming premiere
Here is the streaming premiere of “Batida” by the re-formed Chicago Underground Quartet.
Satoko Fujii Orchestra New York – ‘Entity’ (2020)
Satoko Fujii doesn’t play an instrument in her orchestra; she conducts it. Still, there is hardly a more accurate manifestation of her genius artistry.
Susanne Ortner Trio – ‘Last Stop Sehnsucht’ (2020)
Susanne Ortner’s journey to New Orleans was partly due to her seeking “Sehnsucht,” a German word for yearning or wistful longing.
