Sonar with David Torn – ‘Tranceportation (Volume 2)’ (2020)
Hypnotic as background music that becomes compelling with deep listening, ‘Tranceportation (Volume 2)’ continues a match made in heaven between Sonar and David Torn.
Something Else!
Denny Zeitlin, with Buster Williams + Matt Wilson – ‘Live At Mezzrow’ (2020)
From serene moments to uninhibited flashes, Denny Zeitlin’s trio with Buster Williams and Matt Wilson found themselves in particularly good form that spring night at the Mezzrow Jazz Club.
Rudresh Mahanthappa – ‘Hero Trio’ (2020)
Just because Rudresh Mahanthappa took a break from composing for this project doesn’t mean he took a break from creating.
Jon Anderson – ‘1000 Hands’ (2020)
In its own wise way, Jon Anderson’s guest-filled, often quietly involving new solo album ‘1000 Hands’ sails pretty darn “close to the edge.”
Archon Angel – ‘Fallen’ (2020)
If I can’t have a Savatage reunion, here’s hoping that Archon Angel keeps the magic alive.
Brandon Seabrook, with Cooper-Moore + Gerald Cleaver – ‘Exultations’ (2020)
You never know what to expect from a new Brandon Seabrook album, aside from that it’s guaranteed to be way outside the bounds of normal. ‘Exultations’ is certainly that.
Danielia Cotton – ‘A Different War’ (2020)
Danielia Cotton’s six-song EP ‘A Different War’ is as hard-charging and personal as anything in her career. She’s not pulling any punches.
Adrian Younge + Ali Shaheed Muhammad – ‘Roy Ayers JID 002’ (2020)
Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad’s ‘Roy Ayers JID 002′ does a great job of showing the timelessness of Roy Ayers’ 70s music with a message for people of the present.
Whit Dickey – ‘Expanding Light’ (2020)
Veteran drummer and novice record label entrepreneur Whit Dickey finds ways to keep things fresh, this time with a new trio for ‘Expanding Light.’
Al Stewart – ‘Year of the Cat’ (1976): On Second Thought
A striking synthesis of folk, classical, pop and rock, ‘Year of the Cat’ deftly demonstrated Al Stewart’s ability to craft literate songs.
