Providing some of the best solos to found on a jazz album released this year, Russ Spiegel‘s Caribbean Blue is a must-hear multi-cultural musical experience. The unique artistic layers at play here make for a rewarding light jazz adventure. The album reminds me of the years (long ago) when I would put a Pat Metheny … Continue reading
“Wherever one goes in the Southwest, one encounters magic, strength, and beauty,” Ansel Adams wrote. Inspired by the same landscape each track on Todd Mosby’s album has a quality that invites you to stay a while longer, exploring the nuances and allowing the smallest moments to be epic in their own way. As if I … Continue reading
When an album is as entertaining as The Groove Krewe (feat. Jonathon Boogie Long)’s Blues From the Bayou, the only critique that can be made is the disappointment that comes from it being an EP and not a double CD. These are bayou blues—swampy, spicy, rollicking arrangements that make full use of the interplay between … Continue reading
Twang is back. And it’s a good thing. Better yet, it’s brought to us by a group of musicians who clearly know the purpose of their music—to reveal the multiple perspectives on life as lived by just about everyone who ever turned to a country song for affirmation. John Surge and the Haymakers are a … Continue reading
Musicians: Constantine Alexander (trumpet and flugelhorn), Roy McGrath (tenor saxophone), Julius Tucker (piano), Greg Essig (drums), Ben Dillinger (bass) “As a son of Greek immigrants born and raised in the (best) city of Chicago, you have to ask—what’s more Chicago than Pizza and Jazz? I hosted a jam session in 2017 at Gino’s East Pizzeria … Continue reading
Label: Broken Bow Records Great news: country music superstar Jason Aldean has released his 11th studio album, Highway Desperado. Produced by longtime collaborator Michael Knox, the album features the reigning ACM Artist of the Decade’s chart-topping Hot 100 #1 single, “Try That In A Small Town,” and follows the success of his recent double album. … Continue reading
Following up on his last album, Four, blues singer-songwriter David Deacon returns with Good Day Good Night, a new collection of recordings that explore a range of emotions. The signature bluesy, gutsy guitar that plays so well in Deacon’s music sets the tone for the album with its lead single, “Soldiers of the Universe” – … Continue reading
Where’s the Grammy category for Most Comforting Music? If it existed, Noshir Mody‘s latest album, A Love Song, would win hands down. Among these five tracks, all composed by Mody, are some of the most soothing souds you could ever hope to hear. Clearly, to him, love is a peaceful place. Or at least a … Continue reading
With a band that punctuates every hint of emotion that he reveals, Johnny Rawls sings and plays in the classic soul blues style that many in his genre dream of. It either just comes naturally for Johnny Rawls, or he is one amazing actor, because he tosses off musical phrases as if he invented the … Continue reading
(Release date: November 1, 2023) If they’re appearing live, by all means go out and enjoy! If they aren’t booked anywhere near wherever you find yourself, then this album will transport you to where their music flies, dives, swirls, and thrills. I promise. Joe Wittman‘s latest album, Trio Works Sol, is a fluid journey, with … Continue reading
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