James Brandon Lewis Quartet – ‘Molecular’ (2020)
‘Molecular’ uses the double helix DNA component structure as a compass to guide James Brandon Lewis’ own harmonic map.
Other News
Amaranthe – ‘Manifest’ (2020)
At times, Amaranthe’s ‘Manifest’ is so poppy that I feel almost embarrassed to crank it up, but then it swings around and punches you square in the face.
‘Hawkwind: The Days of the Underground,’ by Joe Banks (2020): Books
For the devoted fan, Joe Banks’ book will be dissected, ingested, and enjoyed in equal play time as all the great Hawkwind albums.
Toto, “No End in Sight” from ‘Falling in Between’ (2006): Toto Tuesdays
Unfortunately, “No End in Sight” – and a short tacked-on import bonus jam – is the last we will ever hear of this edition of Toto.
The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco, “Monogamy Pews” (2020): One Track Mind
The smart/funny 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco put forth this video of yet another tune demonstrating the lost art of storytelling in song, with a witty twist.
Tower of Power – ‘Step Up’ (2020)
Tower of Power’s outstanding ‘Step Up’ harkens back to the best of the band’s past while still being contemporary.
Richard Turgeon, “A New Shade of Blue” (2020): One Track Mind
This Bobby Fuller Four cover laments losing a love to the tear-jerking tremor of Richard Turgeon’s emotionally charged vox power.
Allen Shawn and Michael Bisio – ‘Improvisations’ (2020)
Michael Bisio has such a keen sense of intuition that he can improvise with anyone. Here, he seeks out a new challenge with an unlikely partner in Allen Shawn.
Chicago, “You Come to My Senses” from ‘Twenty 1’ (1991): Saturdays in the Park
Composed by the established hitmaking team of Tom Kelly and Bill Steinberg, “You Come to My Senses” isn’t a bad song. It’s just a bad Chicago song.
Jess Gillam – ‘Time’ (2020)
‘Time’ is a journey of discovery, not only in Jess Gillam’s mastery of her instrument but also in re-worked compositions.
