Why ‘Wakafrika’ Should Have (Finally) Made Manu Dibango a Huge Star
The star-packed ‘Wakafrika,’ released 25 years ago, somehow didn’t raise Manu Dibango’s profile in the U.S.
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Milton Nascimento’s Genius Confirmed Even on Guest-Packed ‘Angelus’
Released 25 years ago, Milton Nascimento’s ‘Angelus’ deftly blended jazz greats, lithe pop music and these title-worthy textures from another land.
How Son Volt Got Back on Track With the Searching ‘American Central Dust’
Released 10 years ago today, Son Volt’s ‘American Central Dust’ found Jay Farrar asking questions – and being OK when he didn’t always get answers.
Diana Krall’s Sweetly Erotic ‘Quiet Nights’ Was Perfectly Named
Released a decade ago today, Diana Krall’s ‘Quiet Nights’ succeeds as easy listening – in the best sense of those words.
Return to Forever’s Surprise ‘Returns’ Smartly Focused on the Past
‘Return to Forever: Returns’ arrived 10 years ago today as a reminder of everything we loved about this cosmic, muscular and damned funky band.
Wynton Marsalis Finally Learned How to Have Fun Again With ‘The Magic Hour’
Wynton Marsalis signed with the Blue Note label 15 years ago, then released an album worthy of that bastion of earthy joy.
U2, “New Year’s Day” from ‘War’ (1983): One Track Mind
Dozens of winters later, as “the world in white gets underway,” U2’s message on “New Year’s Day” is still worth exploring.
How ‘Wish’ Scuffed Up Joshua Redman’s Initial Melodicism
Joshua Redman’s sophomore album, released 25 years ago, represented a bold new direction for the just-debuted saxophonist.
Philip Glass Transcended David Bowie’s Towering Influence on ‘Low Symphony’
Released 25 years ago, Philip Glass’ ‘Low Symphony’ wasn’t a note-for-note David Bowie redo, but a brilliant borrowing of themes for inspiration.
Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington Got Going Again With ‘Doin’ the Funky Thing’
Released 10 years ago, Walter “Wolfman” Washington’s ‘Doin the Funky Thing’ embraced blues modernity, while keeping one scuffed-up toe in the past.
