Other News

Chicago, "You're the Inspiration" from 'Chicago 17' (1984): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “You’re the Inspiration” from ‘Chicago 17’ (1984): Saturdays in the Park

Maybe this is just a ballad to some, but for others Chicago’s “You’re the Inspiration” might have opened them up to a whole new world. It did for me.

Robert Cray - 'That’s What I Heard' (2020)

Robert Cray – ‘That’s What I Heard’ (2020)

After nearly 40 years, Robert Cray remains as viable as ever. In a world turned upside down, his music continues to serve as comfort food for the soul.

The Grip Weeds - 'Giant On the Beach' (2004; 2020 reissue)

The Grip Weeds – ‘Giant On the Beach’ (2004; 2020 reissue)

Out of print for years, the Grip Weeds’ ‘Giant On the Beach’ has been resurrected with a generous dosage of new goodies.

Alabaster DePlume - 'To Cy & Lee: Instrumentals Vol. 1' (2020)

Alabaster DePlume – ‘To Cy & Lee: Instrumentals Vol. 1’ (2020)

Whatever obscure music forms Alabaster DePlume encounters, he is able to take something old and make it sound fresh on ‘To Cy & Lee: Instrumentals Vol. 1.’

Vinyl

Mavis Staples Wrote a New Ending For Her Father With ‘Don’t Lose This’

Mavis Staples completed an emotional, years-long journey when she finally issued leftover sessions with her dad Pops Staples five years ago today.

Miles Davis and the Civil Rights Movement: The 1964 Lincoln Day Concert

Miles Davis and the Civil Rights Movement: The 1964 Lincoln Day Concert

Two albums of Miles Davis material emerged from a single concert held today in 1964 at Philharmonic Hall in New York. But that wasn’t the only history made.

Lyle Mays (1953-2020): An Appreciation

Lyle Mays (1953-2020): An Appreciation

Jazz piano great Lyle May passed away on February 10, 2020. Few have been able to project subtle emotions so powerfully.

The Smiths' 'How Soon Is Now?' Is the Gen-X '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction'

The Smiths’ ‘How Soon Is Now?’ Is the Gen-X ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’

Released 35 years ago today on the U.S. edition of the Smiths’ second album, “How Soon Is Now” provided an era-defining riff to a new generation.

Yes, "Give Love Each Day" from 'Magnification' (2001): YESterdays

Yes, “Give Love Each Day” from ‘Magnification’ (2001): YESterdays

“Give Love Each Day,” with a stunning orchestral contribution from conductor Larry Groupe’, showed that Yes continued to improve.

Vinyl

Kuzu – ‘Purple Dark Opal’ (2020)

Dave Rempis, Tashi Dorji and Tyler Damon continue to draw heavily from their experimental/improvised music backgrounds, letting everything else in Kuzu rest on instinct.