Liberty Ellman – ‘Last Desert’ (2020)
Liberty Ellman’s new PI Recordings release ‘Last Desert’ is some cerebral jazz, yet avoids the clutter of some music that often falls into that category.
Something Else!
Julie Campiche Quartet – ‘Onkalo’ (2020)
A mix of contoured creations, Julie Campiche’s ‘Onkalo’ is one of those albums which improves listen by listen.
The Lickerish Quartet, “Lighthouse Spaceship” (2020): Something Else! sneak peek
The Lickerish Quartet’s first track “Lighthouse Spaceship” carries many of the same hallmarks that made its predecessor band Jellyfish so great.
Tim Berne’s Snakeoil – ‘The Fantastic Mrs. 10’ (2020)
‘The Fantastic Mrs. 10’ boils down to Matt Mitchell’s simple words: Tim Berne’s designs provide a context for insanity. Sweet insanity.
David Sancious – ‘Eyes Wide Open’ (2020)
Ex-E Street Band member David Sancious’ ‘Eyes Wide Open’ is a wondrous hybrid that infuses funk, pop, rock, blues, jazz and prog with a social conscience.
Can the Flawed ‘Chicago VIII’ Be Saved by Its Deep Cuts?
Released 45 years ago today, ‘Chicago VIII’ found the band at a low creative ebb. But these five lesser-known songs make it worth a return visit.
Lindsey Webster – ‘A Woman Like Me’ (2020)
Soul-jazz songstress queen Lindsey Webster succeeds not by keeping up with current trends but instead through mastering the little time-honored things.
Willie Nelson’s Big Ideas: How Concept Albums Shaped His Career
Concept albums have been among Willie Nelson’s greatest and most confounding works – sometimes simultaneously.
Toh-Kichi [Satoko Fujii + Tatsuya Yoshida] – ‘Baikamo’ (2019)
Satoko Fujii and Tatsuya Yoshida are heavyweights in Japan but are both world-class vanguard musicians. ‘Baikamo’ is a welcome return to their summit meetings on the edge of what is possible with just a piano and drums.
Dio’s Often-Forgotten ‘Magica’ Recalled Early Ronnie James Dio Triumphs
Released 20 years ago today, ‘Magica’ is the most underrated Dio effort – and every bit the equal of Ronnie James Dio’s best work.
