Something Else!

Sonny Rollins Became a Colossus Once More With 'Road Shows Vol. 1'

Sonny Rollins Became a Colossus Once More With ‘Road Shows Vol. 1’

Released a decade ago this month, ‘Road Shows Vol. 1’ reframed Sonny Rollins as jazz’s most important living saxophonist.

Buena Vista Social Club Captured Already-Lost History on 'At Carnegie Hall'

Buena Vista Social Club Captured Already-Lost History on ‘At Carnegie Hall’

Released 10 years ago this month, ‘At Carnegie Hall’ remains the most complete testament to the Buena Vista Social Club’s sizzling mid-1990s Cuban revival.

How Paul Allen Saved the Seattle Cinerama

How Paul Allen Saved the Seattle Cinerama

In memory of Paul Allen, we’re returning to Mike Tiano’s examination of the late Microsoft co-founder’s role in preserving the Seattle Cinerama Theater.

Vinyl

Joe Mandica – ‘Presents GROOVES’ (2018)

Bottled tight with an unlimited supply of hooks and melodies, ‘Joe Mandica Presents GROOVES’ yields one spectacular song after another.

Yellowjackets, Randy Waldman, Marquis Hill + others: Five for the Road

Yellowjackets, Randy Waldman, Marquis Hill + others: Five for the Road

Yellowjackets, Randy Waldman and Marquis Hill are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately.

Vinyl

Mike Zito – ‘Blue Room’ (1998, 2018 reissue)

I like the spot bluesman Mike Zito has ended up in, but the spot where he started out on his 1998 debut ‘Blue Room’ has its own undeniable magic.

Vinyl

Lucas Lee – ‘Lowered Expectations’ (2018)

Lucas Lee’s albums are as involving as instrumental rock can be. That’s a testament to his skills as a writer, arranger and musician.

Vinyl

Aaron Parks – ‘Little Big’ (2018)

Aaron Parks’ progressively minded ‘Little Big’ might not be the direction jazz is currently headed, but it should be.

Shooter Jennings - 'Shooter' (2018)

Shooter Jennings – ‘Shooter’ (2018)

Shooter Jennings decided to title his return to country music after himself, but it could just as easily be called ‘Junior’ or ‘Bocephus.’

Vinyl

Sam Leak and Dan Tepfer – ‘Adrift’ (2018)

‘Adrift,’ the new duo-piano album from Sam Leak and Dan Tepfer, is delightful, strong and vibrant.