Matt Mayhall – ‘Fanatics’ (2020)
Matt Mayhall went for an instinctual approach on ‘Fanatics,’ took a few chances and with the right guys to assist him, emerges triumphal.
Something Else!
Robert Cray – ‘That’s What I Heard’ (2020)
After nearly 40 years, Robert Cray remains as viable as ever. In a world turned upside down, his music continues to serve as comfort food for the soul.
The Grip Weeds – ‘Giant On the Beach’ (2004; 2020 reissue)
Out of print for years, the Grip Weeds’ ‘Giant On the Beach’ has been resurrected with a generous dosage of new goodies.
Alabaster DePlume – ‘To Cy & Lee: Instrumentals Vol. 1’ (2020)
Whatever obscure music forms Alabaster DePlume encounters, he is able to take something old and make it sound fresh on ‘To Cy & Lee: Instrumentals Vol. 1.’
Miles Davis and the Civil Rights Movement: The 1964 Lincoln Day Concert
Two albums of Miles Davis material emerged from a single concert held today in 1964 at Philharmonic Hall in New York. But that wasn’t the only history made.
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.
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.
