Chicago “We Can Last Forever” from ‘Chicago 19’ (1988): Saturdays in the Park
Another of Jason Scheff’s well-written masterpieces, “We Can Last Forever” makes me appreciate his tenure in Chicago even more.
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Mark Helias’ Open Loose – ‘The Third Proposition’ (2020)
Just as his instincts on bass are superb, Mark Helias showed good instincts about cutting loose this long, forgotten recording of an Open Loose club date when all cylinders were firing.
William Shatner and Canned Heat, “Let’s Work Together” (2020): One Track Mind
Canned Heat creates a swampy vibe again on “Let’s Work Together” while William Shatner does a competent sing-speak to create some good, joyous fun.
Brian Krock’s liddle – ‘Viscera’ (2020)
For the live document ‘Viscera,’ Brian Krock lays out tall orders for his band and they always produce. His liddle quartet is indeed little in size but the ambitions are ‘orchestra big.’
Diamond Hands – ‘Diamond Hands’ (2006; 2020 reissue)
If you weren’t aware of the copyright date of ‘Diamond Hands,’ you could easily be hoodwinked into thinking it is a long lost George Harrison project.
Toto, “Hooked” from ‘Falling in Between’ (2006): Toto Tuesdays
Steve Porcaro’s programming and synth wizardry and Simon Phillips’ engineering are what makes this weird yet enjoyable Toto song so interesting.
David Philips, “Bliss (A Quarantine Song)” (2020): One Track Mind
Over in Barcelona, Spain, David Philips found his own sunny angle, a silver lining to all this despair: Mother Nature is getting a much-needed break.
Rick Wakeman and the English Rock Ensemble – ‘The Red Planet’ (2020)
Rick Wakeman’s ‘The Red Planet’ is a grand musical gesture that descends slowly on analog winds and is buoyed by a progressive rock ‘n’ roll parachute.
Alex Jordan – ‘The Subtle Exhibitionist’ (2020)
Alex Jordan’s ‘The Subtle Exhibitionist’ is a dazzling debut from an artist whose spirited music is primed to make a major impact.
Chicago, “I Stand Up” from ‘Chicago 19’ (1988): Saturdays in the Park
Artificial drum beats are all that prevent “I Stand Up” from fitting right into 1972’s ‘Chicago V’ or 1974’s ‘Chicago VII.’
