Steve Smith and Vital Information Time Flies (+ Bonus CD: A Prayer For the Generations) Label: Wounded Bird Vital Information is the jazz group led by Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame drummer Steve Smith (formerly of Journey). The group is a trio with Smith, Manuel Valera on keyboards and Janek Gwizdala on electric bass. The band has a new … Continue reading
My recommendation is to purchase the LP version of Sweet Memories, the new album from Vince Gill & Paul Franklin. Not only will the incredible wave of nostalgia for tried and true country music pail nicely with the act of placing a needle on vinyl, but it’s guaranteed that once the album is spinning on … Continue reading
Label: Mesa/Bluemoon Recordings Singer-songwriter Dulcie Taylor‘s new release, Edges of Silver, is a new five-song EP that is the follow-up to her critically-acclaimed 2021 recording, Rediscovered. It’s also an opportunity to appreciate how the usually lyrical Taylor can rock with the best of ’em. The first four tracks were produced by George Nauful, co-produced by Damon … Continue reading
When I see a track titled “One For Cliff,” I skip straight to it on the album. Therefore, my first impression of the Kevin O’Connell Quartet wasn’t the first track (“Newest Blues”). Instead, track two proved to me that this combo can really bop. Credentials having been earned, I looked forward to starting again at … Continue reading
Noshir Mody’s latest album, A Love Song, is a delicate, deep exploration of the human experience, reflecting the unique blend of musical styles and influences that define his artistry. Mody fuses jazz, Indian classical music, and other genres into a beguiling and utterly convincing blend that is as refreshing as jazz at its best should … Continue reading
Label: True North Records It’s always easy to spot a kindred spirit on an album. Especially an intimate album featuring a singer with a uniquely penetrating voice. The songs are thoughts you haven’t quite articulated yourself, and they are organized to make just enough sense to pair with music that speaks directly to your heart. … Continue reading
Label: Pinecastle Recordings The latest release from Daryl Mosley is A Life Well Lived, a collection of songs that will leave you feeling soothed, inspired, in touch with your inner humanity, and above all, vastly entertained. Produced by Daryl Mosley and Danny Roberts, the album singlehandedly restores one’s faith in the longtime values at the … Continue reading
After CMT pulled his number one music video “Try That in a Small Town” from rotation, country superstar Jason Aldean defended himself. But his best defense might just be to recommend that anyone who is questioning whether Aldean is a pro-lynching racist simply listen to the lyrics and watch the video. In the song, Aldean … Continue reading
Ghost Hymns, Americana/Roots guitar master William Lee Ellis’s fourth release for Memphis-based label Yellow Dog Records, is one of the most fascinating bluegrass/blues/roots/mountain/folk albums around. Until now, I was not familiar with this unique artist. The opportunity to explore his previous output is exciting. Attention must be paid to the impeccable sound quality of this album … Continue reading
Blues/rock guitarist, singer and songwriter Joanna Connor recently made her Gulf Coast Records label debut with Best of Me, her latest album is a blend of blues, funk, R&B, soul and country, and a testament to her musical intensity. No doubt Connor could have released a “Best” album in any one of these genres. Along … Continue reading
parcbench .live 