John Primer was born and raised in Camden, Mississippi in a sharecropping family. One can hear it in every note, and it is the reason that his new album, Grown In Mississippi is such an impressive experience. Influenced by blues and gospel music during his youth, he later moved to Chicago where he performed with … Continue reading
Blues singer and harmonica player Tim Gartland has released his latest album, Right Amount of Funky. This is his sixth solo album and with it, he delivers a laid-back style that is instantly alluring. The stories told in song are observant and entertaining. Accompanying Gartland are Robert Frahm (guitar), Jody Nardone (keyboards), Mike Joyce (bass), … Continue reading
Vocalist Marilyn Kleinberg joins harmonica player Will Galison and a trio of jazz musicians for a sublime set of standards, delivering reflective and swinging performances with intimacy derived from the attentive interplay between the band members. There are a few surprises in the song choices, yet after listening they seem inevitable. The sign of a … Continue reading
From the opening notes, it’s clear that Chris Vincent has something to say. The energy that drives the album title, first track on the new album, Good Crook, ropes the listener in and doesn’t let go for the next twelve songs. Chris Vincent & the Raw Deals have delivered an amazing deal. The album positively … Continue reading
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
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
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
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
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
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
parcbench .live 