Here’s the way it usually works. The end of the year draws closer, and all of the music publications and websites release their “best of” lists. This is almost always followed by various rants about how the lists are “too safe,” “predictable,” or “pretentious.” You May Also Like: Of AllRead More

Whereas Geri Allen’s solo piano debut for Motema, 2010’s Flying Toward the Sound, focused on musical inspirations Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner and Cecil Taylor, the follow up travels in more personal circles. You May Also Like: John Blum Quartet feat. Marshall Allen – ‘Deep Space’ (2024)

When I sat down to think of all the standout mainstream and modern jazz records released in 2011 I could recommend without any hesitation whatsoever, I came up with 20 selections. Holy crap, 20! You May Also Like: Marcin Wasilewski Trio feat. Joe Lovano – ‘Arctic Riff’ (2020)

1970-1975 was one of the most creative, if not weird, periods of musical history, and that goes for Genesis as well. The most artistically exciting material of the band’s career, which is all covered on Box Set 3 (1970-1975), was produced during these years. You May Also Like: No relatedRead More

2011 brought its share of comebacks (Gregg Allman, the Meters’ Zigaboo Modeliste, the Time) Stax-related joys (both Booker T. Jones and Steve Cropper issued solo sides) and out-of-nowhere delights (Big Head Todd does the blues?). But how did they rank on my list? Read on, as I count down myRead More

The music of Raoul Bjorkenheim, Bill Laswell and Morgan Agren is just as interesting for what it does as what it doesn’t do

There are many possible ‘correct’ answers to the question “What makes a jazz drummer interesting?” Groove? Yes. Chops? Maybe. For me, it all boils down to musicality. You May Also Like: Jack DeJohnette, with Ravi Coltrane and Matthew Garrison – In Movement (2016) Jack DeJohnette, Larry Grenadier, John Medeski, JohnRead More

The Eagles and Tom Petty play the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival for the first time, as 2012’s lineup is announced for the sprawling outdoor music event featuring rock, jazz, Americana, gospel, rhythm and blues, Cajun and zydeco. You May Also Like: Mudcrutch’s belated self-titled debut brought Tom PettyRead More

Since the Beatles are unfortunately no longer around to share their wonderful little holiday tunes with us, I suppose the next best thing to such entertainment is this great disc by Rubber Band. And what characters these guys are, as they blatantly rip off chunks of Beatles songs and retoolRead More

Nominees have been announced for the 33rd Blues Music Awards, to be held on May 10, 2012 at the Cook Convention Center in downtown Memphis, Tennessee. Click through the links for our thoughts on the new nominees! You May Also Like: Johnny Winter Refined His Hell-Raising Brand of Texas BluesRead More