It’s not an easy time to be an artist. The gotta-have-it generation picks up and puts down performers like toys they tire of easily, tweeting and commenting with agitated glee You May Also Like: Michael Leonhart Orchestra – ‘The Painted Lady Suite’ (2018) Kait Dunton and trioKAIT, “The Lady InRead More
Even with the Rob Ford debacle and the Senate spending scandal ruling the roost, it’s possible that Canada’s greatest national shame is that Winnipeg’s the Perms are not more well-known. You May Also Like: Invisible Bird [Scott Amendola, Shane Endsley + Dave Devine] – ‘Flutter To Fuzz’ (2019) Peter HumRead More
From the opening strokes of “Too Darn Hot,” it’s abundantly clear that Anthony Strong is the real deal. He swings hard and brims with confidence, filling Stepping Out with a brand of boldness that fits him like a perfect suit. You May Also Like: Anthony Braxton – ‘Quartet (Standards) 2020’Read More
A wonderfully textured and mystical recording, Sacred World is a tremendous introduction to drummer and composer Tarun Balani. You May Also Like: So Long Seven, “Mad Nomad,” (2022): Something Else video premiere Matthew Shipp Trio – ‘World Construct’ (2022) Sacred and Great Gigs in the Sky: The Vocalise Tradition fromRead More
For all the indications of Pearl Jam’s gloomy nature, that’s never been the opinion of yours truly. You May Also Like: Pearl Jam, “Soon Forget” from ‘Binaural’ (2000): One Track Mind Pearl Harbor and the Explosions – ‘Pearl Harbor and the Explosions’ (1979; 2019 reissue) Meet Refuge, the Coolest Blues-RockingRead More
Natsuki Tamura’s latest release Dragon Nat reveals more of what makes the trumpeter tick. Featuring eight pieces that drift between melodic coherence and raucous provocativeness, this is a disc of multiple personalities. You May Also Like: Gato Libre [Natsuki Tamura] – ‘Sleeping Cat’ (2022) Gato Libre [Natsuki Tamura, Satoko FujiiRead More
It’s unsurprising that Miley Cyrus’ Bangerz, her fourth studio album, would reflect the push-and-pull of a young adult trying to break away from an image crafted for her. You May Also Like: Jaimie Branch – Fly or Die (2017) I-Ten – ‘Taking a Cold Look’ (1983): Forgotten Series
Vampires have admittedly had a bad run as of late, with the original mythology of these creatures of the night having sunken into downright pathetic territory. You May Also Like: Walter Becker, “Don’t Let Us Go Down” (1991): Steely Dan Sunday Steely Dan, “Carey” (circa 2001): Steely Dan Sunday CarlRead More
When Justin Timberlake returned earlier this year with The 20/20 Experience, one of music’s greatest showmen displayed his unflustered allure and delivered 70-plus minutes of “supper club experience complete with plenty of bubbly.” You May Also Like: John Wetton, Jonny Greenwood, Downes Braide Association + Others: Five for the RoadRead More
A stimulating, compelling, amusing record, Kaze’s Tornado once again establishes this group of musicians as among the most fascinating in jazz. You May Also Like: Kaze + Ikue Mori – ‘Sand Storm’ (2020) Satoko Fujii Orchestra Toyko – Peace (2017) Kaze + Ikue Mori – ‘Crustal Movement’ (2023)
