Something Else!

Vinyl

Claire Ritter – The Stream of Pearls Project (2011)

There is a sensuous, lush quietude to this recording, which notes on the front that it was “inspired by water.” Ritter’s playing — trickling and ruminative one moment, bubbly and adventurous the next — certainly echoes the theme. You May Also Like: Why I Avoided Herbie Hancock’s Triumphant ‘River: TheRead More

Vinyl

TV On The Radio – Nine Types Of Light (2011)

by Tom Johnson It’s hard not to wonder how bassist Gerard Smith’s fight with cancer during the recording of Nine Types of Light affected the group. After all, the end result is a decidedly different affair than past TV On The Radio efforts, sounding all the more mature and, admittedly,Read More

Vinyl

Forgotten series: Blue Murder – Blue Murder (1989)

After spending the last couple of weeks with the new records from Whitesnake and King Kobra, it’s only natural that I’d eventually turn to the album where the two factions met, 1989’s self-titled debut from Blue Murder. When John Sykes was ousted from Whitesnake, along with most of the bandRead More

Vinyl

One Track Mind: Aloe Blacc, "Mama Hold My Hand" (2010)

Just as Mike and the Mechanics’ “The Living Years” reminds me of my father, there’s now a song that brings fond thoughts of my dear mother, to whom I dedicate this song. During this time of year, a lot of us reflect a lot on what our mother means toRead More

Vinyl

Something Else! Reviews on the 2011 Blues Music Awards winners

The 32nd annual Blues Museum Awards ceremony was held Thursday night at the Memphis Cook Convention Center. Produced by the Memphis-based Blues Foundation, the event belonged to Buddy Guy. You May Also Like: Denise LaSalle, Soul-Blues Belter (1939-2018): An Appreciation How Levon Helm Turned ‘Dirt Farmer’ Into a Rootsy, ThrillingRead More

Vinyl

Benny Green – Source (2011)

Pianist Benny Green’s aptly titled new release Source can come off as a familiar conversation, since it’s filled with a number of jazz music’s notable voices — most of them, no surprise, key influences on his work. You May Also Like: Chicago + Al Green, “Tired of Being Alone” (1973):Read More

Vinyl

The Friday Morning Listen: Keneally/ Minnemann – Evidence Of Humanity (2010)

There are times when I’d love to kick myself right in the ass, mostly for being so slow on the uptake. You May Also Like: Mike Keneally, “Draconian Blump” from ‘Nonkertompf’ (1999): One Track Mind How Mike Keneally’s Comeback on ‘The Universe Will Provide’ Fulfilled All of His Promise Here’sRead More

Vinyl

King Kobra – King Kobra (2011)