Musicians of Los Angeles Improvisation Ensemble: Robert Hardt (woodwinds), Louis Stewart (piano), Andrew Shulman (cello), Michael Valerio (bass). This improvised set shows strong coherence and agreement among the players. The woodwind, piano, cello, and bass quartet format might be an unusual grouping, but in their skilled hands it leads to unexplored musical textures that are … Continue reading
Monthly Archives: June 2025
New Country/Americana: John Surge And The Haymakers — ‘Maybe You Don’t Know Me’
Maybe You Don’t Know Me is a 5-song EP by John Surge & the Haymakers, showcasing their versatility—a blend of high-energy California country. It’s an appealing blend of classic country, rock, blues, and folk, woven together seamlessly and proving that even with just a handful of songs, the band can do it all—and incredibly well. The EP … Continue reading
New Jazz: Transcendence — ‘Music of Pat Metheny’
Release date: July 1, 2025 Transcendence is a dynamic jazz trio (Bob Gluck – piano, Christopher Dean Sullivan – electric bass, Karl Latham – drums) that explores Pat Metheny’s compositions with emotional depth and astounding atmosphere, from lyricism to keen observation to playfulness. The musicians’ synergy in listening and responding to each other further elevates … Continue reading
New Country / Alt Rock: The Barlow — ‘High Spirits’
There’s a confidence that comes across the vinyl when a band is this good. It makes its point by not having to try so hard. This is the case with The Barlow and their new album High Spirits. The Barlow is a Colorado-based country-rock band that blends traditional country, southern rock, and Americana into a sound that’s … Continue reading
New Blues: The Alexis P. Suter Band — ‘Just Stay High’
The music is the message, and boy is it needed. Here’s a thank you to The Alexis P. Suter Band for the powerful new album, Just Stay High. Alexis P. Suter has long been a powerhouse in the blues world, captivating with her presence and raw emotion. Her music, a refreshing blend of tradition and … Continue reading
New Jazz: The Count Basie Orchestra with Deborah Silver — ‘Basie Rocks!’
Basie Rocks! features Deborah Silver with the legendary Count Basie Orchestra. It is a marriage made in musical heaven. Add to this the perfectly chosen songlist (this unique album reimagines classic rock n’ roll hits from artists like The Beatles and Elton John) and you have one of the most exciting jazz albums out this … Continue reading