Andrew Lamb Trio – ‘Casbah of Love’ (2018)
As an old school guy who thrives in the outer reaches of jazz, Andrew Lamb leads another formidable trio date ‘Casbah of Love’ with a lot of both head and heart.
Other News
Ginger Baker on His Passion for Jazz: Something Else! Interview
“A good audience can really lift a player to great heights,” Ginger Baker says, “almost like they are playing the musician.”
Wendy Eisenberg – ‘Its Shape Is Your Touch’ (2018)
Wendy Eisenberg’s singular style is vividly evident even when she is alone on acoustic guitar spinning out these wonderful, abstract shapes on ‘Its Shape Is Your Touch.’
Yes, Chicago, Bill Bruford, Glenn Frey, Chris Squire + Others: Preston Frazier’s Best of 2018 (Box Sets / Reissues)
It was quite a year for fans of Yes, as Preston Frazier’s Best of 2018 list for box sets and reissues shows.
Yes, “Mind Drive” from ‘Keys to Ascension 2’ (1997): YESterdays
“Mind Drive” was a deliberate attempt to recapture the epic feel of Yes’ main-sequence albums – and it worked brilliantly.
William Shatner + Rick Wakeman, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” from ‘Shatner Claus’ (2018): One Track Mind
Face it, most Christmas albums are crap. William Shatner’s recent release ‘Shatner Claus’ bucks the trend.
Ivo Perelman, Mat Maneri, Mark Feldman + Jason Hwang – ‘Strings 2’ (2018)
Ivo Perelman almost decided not to record with a cellist, but thankfully he changed his mind.
Carl Weingarten – ‘escapesilence/Local Journeys’ (2002, 2005) reissue
The twofer bundle of ‘escapesilence’ and ‘Local Journeys’ capture ace impressionistic guitarist Carl Weingarten at his best, making soothing music that’s far from boring.
Chicago, “Sleigh Ride” from ‘Chicago XXV’ (1998): Saturdays in the Park
This track is different spin on an old warhorse – and for that, I gave Chicago some credit.
Beatles Gift Guide: Kit O’Toole’s Top 2018 Albums, Books, Movies, Box Sets and More
The year 2018 proved to be a bonanza for Beatles fans. Here’s a look back at some of the best albums, books, movies, box sets and more.
