Growing up in Manhattan down the street from famed bassist Bob Crnashaw gave pianist Danny Fox a rich education in jazz that the great music conservatories in the Northeast just can’t quite match. But Fox’s deep interest in classical music shaped his conception of jazz as well and both ofRead More

They’re a wonder hit wonder band, but what a hit it was! It was late in 1967 when the Human Beinz landed the charts with a rollicking cover of “Nobody But Me,” which was originally recorded by the Isley Brothers. You May Also Like: T. Rex, the Monkees, Tame Impala,Read More

For some reason, this tune has launched many over-the-top moments for me at E Street shows. There’s just something about the energy profile early in the song that creates the perfect channel You May Also Like: Reevaluating Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle’

Steely Dan’s “Any World (That I’m Welcome To)” boasts the drumming of the great Hal Blaine, who played on a remarkable 40 No. 1 songs.

Here on the new album from Sarah Maisel, we’re serenaded with interpretations from a broad scope of genres. The method in which Sarah performs these tunes is strictly that of the easy-listening mold. But what causes the songs to be different from the usual undertakings of such a style isRead More

The Gathering, a homey Christmas-themed Americana and roots album, features singer-songwriter Laurelyn Dossett and others recording in a suitably rustic locale: a house in Greensboro, North Carolina. You May Also Like: Richard Lloyd Giddens Jr. – Mimosas (2017)

The Bo-Keys, with a spring-loaded, testifying Memphis vibe associated with Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas and Al Green, have put out an album that bubbles like a dark, spicy gumbo. You May Also Like: Al Green’s Secular Comeback Was Made Complete With Lay It Down The Black Keys Hit Upon theRead More

Little Worlds is another one of those oddly configured trios that’s been popping up lately in jazz, but there is nothing gimmicky sounding from this guitar (Ryan Mackstaller), trombone (Rick Parker) and drums (Tim Kuhl) getup. With all three of these musicians being veterans of rock, jazz and whack jazz,Read More

At the El Rey Theater, Los Angeles I don’t get to see concerts like I used to. Back in college, it seemed like I saw something every couple of weeks. You May Also Like: Alice Cooper, Oct. 28, 2016: Shows I’ll Never Forget The Everly Brothers, Oct. 30, 1998: ShowsRead More

Having already shown a smart penchant for pensive, piano-driven pop, Vanessa Carlton becomes quieter still for this effective update of a modern-day John Lennon holiday standard. You May Also Like: Larry Carlton was at his most approachable with Tak Matsumoto on Take Your Pick