The shame of it, really, is that Sting’s still-resonant pop smarts are often subsumed on The Last Ship, his first proper album in a decade, by its High Concept beginnings as a theatrical production. You May Also Like: Sting – 57th and 9th (2016) How Laura Branigan’s Passion and EmotionRead More

Bandleader, drummer and composer John Hollenbeck has been able to keep his Claudia Quintet viable long after its original formation in the late 90s by continually tossing new challenges at it. You May Also Like: GEORGE [John Hollenbeck] – ‘Letters to George’ (2023) Brian Landrus – ‘For Now’ (2020)

Next in the Abbey Road medley is one of the Beatles’ most beautiful yet mysterious tracks, “Sun King.” In later years, John Lennon dismissed “Sun King” as “a piece of garbage I had around,” but its lovely harmonies and mystical lyrics transform it into an entrancing listening experience. You MayRead More

Maybe September, Ken Peplowski’s third outing for Capri Records, delivers the clarinetist and saxophonist in high form as expected. You May Also Like: Ken Sharp, “Hellcat” (2021): One Track Mind Ken Sharp, “Hold Me Touch Me” / “Mr. Make Believe” (2021) One Track Mind Ken Sharp, “Liquid Mercury” (2021): OneRead More

“There is something very personal to me in his music. The music understands me.” You May Also Like: Marc Ribot + The Young Philadelphians – Live In Tokyo (2016) Matthew Shipp and Michael Bisio – Live In Seattle (2016)

Instead of strapping on my eyepatch and hoisting the Jolly Roger, I celebrated Talk Like a Pirate Day by taking in some of my favorite pirate songs.

This is part two of Sammy Stein’s comprehensive look into the genesis of the rangy improvisational genre of music that eventually became known as free jazz. [Click here for Part 1.] You May Also Like: ‘All That’s Jazz,’ by Sammy Stein (2017): Books Paul Jolly, free jazz musician, club ownerRead More

In Hinduism, we are told that sutras are a collection of aphorisms providing guidance on how to conduct our lives. You May Also Like: Matthew Shipp Trio – Piano Song (2017) Matthew Shipp – ‘The Piano Equation’ (2020) Matthew Shipp – ‘Codebreaker’ (2021)

Los Lobos challenged themselves like never before on 1990’s The Neighborhood, as heard on this smart take on the title track from the band’s forthcoming live set Disconnected in New York. You May Also Like: Los Lobos – ‘Native Sons’ (2021)

At Walsh Auditorium, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ: The category is Shows I’ll Never Forget, and certain shows have a radioactive half-life, so what’s 37 years among friends? You May Also Like: Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band, September 22, 2018: Shows I’ll Never Forget