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Vinyl

Deep Cuts: The Yardbirds, “New York City Blues” from Greatest Hits (1966)

Composed by Yardbirds lead singer Keith Relf and rhythm guitarist Chris Dreja, “New York City Blues” was nestled on the B-side of “Shapes Of Things,” which reached the No. 11 position on the charts in the spring of 1966. You May Also Like: No related posts.

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Post-Yes Songs By Billy Sherwood: Gimme Five

A primer on Yes alum Billy Sherwood’s subsequent solo career, including work with ex-bandmate Chris Squire and with Circa.

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Matija Dedic’, with Antonio Sanchez and Scott Colley – Sentiana (2014)

The classically trained, Croatian born pianist Matija Dedic’ certainly wears his Euro-classical heritage on his sleeve, and why not? You May Also Like: No related posts.

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Jack Bruce – Silver Rails (2014)

Jack Bruce’s forthcoming Silver Rails isn’t a long-hoped-for return to his greatness with Cream, a fiery fusion excursion in the manner of his more recent work with Spectrum Road, or something else entirely. It’s actually a little of all of that You May Also Like: Jack Bruce and Robin TrowerRead More

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John Oates – Good Road to Follow (2014)

John Oates wrote or co-wrote some 82 songs between 1972-2003 as part of Hall and Oates, including the No. 1 hits “I Can’t Go For That” and “Out of Touch.” So, really, it’s easy to understand his interest in mixing it up with some new collaborators. You May Also Like:Read More

(Cross the) Heartland: Pat Metheny, "Pretty Scattered" (1980)

(Cross the) Heartland: Pat Metheny, “Pretty Scattered” (1980)

Sometimes, it’s all about Ornette. On the whole, 80/81 comfortably visits “out” material and more straight ahead jazz, with a healthy introduction to Pat’s idea of “folk jazz.” Some of the glue that holds all of this together is the influence of Ornette Coleman. You May Also Like: Why YouRead More

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I’ll Take You There: Mavis Staples, the Staple Singers, and the March Up Freedom’s Highway (2014): Books

I’ll Take You There, Greg Kot’s new biography of Mavis Staples, explores the life and times of an ebullient contralto and former member of the Staple Singers who’s still belting out R&B and gospel at 74. You May Also Like: Mavis Staples Wrote a New Ending For Her Father WithRead More

Deep Beatles: "The Night Before" from Help (1965)

Deep Beatles: “The Night Before” from Help (1965)

Was “The Night Before” the Beatles’ response to the Shirelles’ 1960 hit “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”? The 1965 Help! track could be seen that way, as it deals with a common topic: what happens the morning after intimacy? You May Also Like: The Beatles, “You’re Going to Lose ThatRead More

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Sam Boshnack Quintet – Exploding Syndrome (2014)

From the same lively, progressive jazz scene in Seattle that’s brought us Paul Rucker, Cuong Vu and the various “tet” bands (Reptet, Triptet and Hardcoretet), Samantha “Sam” Boshnack is the fast-rising star of the bunch. You May Also Like: Sam Boshnack Quintet – Nellie Bly Project (2017) Samantha Boshnack’s SeismicRead More

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The Friday Morning Listen: Coldplay – A Rush Of Blood To The Head (2002)

So even though they tell us that spring is almost here — time’s been moved ahead an hour, the 21st of March is approaching — we’re not really getting the feel of the season up here in the Northeast. You May Also Like: Johnny Winter Refined His Hell-Raising Brand ofRead More