Ready to fall in love with country music again? I know, it’s happened before, but these things come in waves and the time to renew your appreciation for clear, meaningful music, compellingly sung is approaching. All it will take is your discovery of Jake Ybarra. He’s the rich voice that you’ve been longing to find … Continue reading
What a delight to encounter the inspiration of a jazz bassoon-centered album. Who knew that this all too frequently overlooked woodwind could create such a playful, imaginative, addictive response? I could listen to Michael Rabinowitz play all night and still want more. I love the experimental spirit at the heart of this release. The featured … Continue reading
A good live album can provide that oh so difficult to achieve feeling of being in the room, encircled by swirling, gliding notes, full of life and spontaneity. Jazz artists Maria Jacobs’s new album, Back At The Bop Stop, accomplishes it from the first inviting drum kick-off of the Freddie Hubbard / Abbey Lincoln waltz … Continue reading
Label: Stony Plains Records Release date: March 24, 2023 Eric Bibb‘s follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2021 album, Dear America, Ridin’ is a continuation of the vision that informs Bibb’s artistry as a modern-day Blues troubadour. Grounded in the folk and blues tradition with contemporary sensibilities, Bibb’s music continues to reflect his thoughts on his … Continue reading
Savoy Brown — Blues All Around Label: Quarto Valley Records It begins with a repeating guitar phrase that is its own call and response. There is something seductively timeless happening. Eventually, a vocalized “Falling through” beckons twice, and we are transported to a multi-layered world of pain, healing, and redemption. We have solidly landed in … Continue reading
Sometimes, hearing an influence on an artist in his work is more than just a coincidence, more than just a good thing. Once in a while, it is a refreshing reminder of the continuity of the form. Such is the case with Skip Grasso’s new album, Becoming. It is a collection of 8 tracks that … Continue reading
Eldad Tarmu and friends have released a first-rate album that transports the listener to the nuanced and potent place where vibraphones converse with saxophones, while basses and drums keep the dialogue on topic. It is an always imaginative collection of tracks that bring faith to anyone wondering what the state of the art of jazz … Continue reading
Tas Cru – Riffin’ The BlueLabel: Subcat Records Riffin’ The Blue is Tas Cru’s latest album, a collection of original songs that feature great riffs bouncing off of solid guitar hooks. Produced by Tas Cru, the album features two dependable musical guests: Mike Zito and Bruce Katz. Tas Cru is prominent on every track, with … Continue reading
The Debut EP “Amore del Passato,” from International Vocalist and Recording Artist Cosimo Lizzi. “Amore del passato” translates as “Love of the past.” One does need not look it up to discover this; one only needs to enjoy each of the seven tracks on the latest release from Cosimo Lizzi, whose album is a collection … Continue reading
The Infamous Stringdusters have released another tribute album — this time honoring bluegrass legends Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. This album is not The Infamous Stringdusters’ first effort honoring their musical forefathers. The group — Travis Book (bass), Andy Falco (guitar), Jeremy Garrett (fiddle), Andy Hall (Dobro), and Chris Pandolfi (banjo) — received a Grammy … Continue reading
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