Good Crook, the latest album from Chris Vincent & The Raw Deals is very good indeed. The refreshing strength of Good Crook comes from its streamlined and powerful delivery of raw emotion. The album showcases Chris Vincent’s intimate, storytelling vocals and slide guitar, alongside the guidance of drummer Johnny Vidacovich and given dimension from Dean … Continue reading
Dierks Bentley’s four-song live release, The Sessions, features collaborations and classic country storytelling. The tracks are all strong, and balance each other to create a satisfying listening experience. They include a duet with Jordan Davis on “What Was I Thinkin’,” a cover of Keith Whitley’s “I’m No Stranger to the Rain,” Bentley’s own “Heartbreak Drinking … Continue reading
The title says it all. Heroes is a highly successful tribute to the musicians who have significantly contributed to Rick Keller’s growth as both a saxophonist and composer. The album is comprised of original compositions, each referencing the distinctive sounds and styles of eminent artists such as Miles Davis, Weather Report, Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul, … Continue reading
Double Or Nothing, the 2025 CD release from the UNLV School of Music’s Division of Jazz and Commercial Music, showcases the talents of students, faculty, and guest artists throughout the 2024-2025 academic year. Double Or Nothing features acclaimed vocalist Laura Taylor performing her composition “Lovelight,” and renowned drummer Tommy Igoe on Ben Patterson’s dynamic arrangement … Continue reading
Laura Taylor has generously shared with us an album that just might have several Oscar-nominated “Best Song” candidates on it. Now all she needs is someone to make the films to showcase them. The album is Think I’m In Love, and it is a reminder of how a great song can supply (or at least … Continue reading
Some albums demand attention. This is one such album. Warning: Steve Tintweiss and The Purple Why, Live in Tompkins Square Park 1967 is not merely an album. It is quite a discovery — an aural snapshot of a very specific time and place, and as such we are grateful that it has been captured and shared. … Continue reading
Jazz vocalist Lili Maljic recently released her debut album, The Nearness of You – In Loving Memory of Jim Rotondi. The album, which includes ten standard jazz pieces, each with new arrangements, highlights Lili Maljic’s easy-going interpretations of divine material. With a vocal instrument as refined, mellow, and inviting as every other instrument combined, Lili … Continue reading
Circles in a Yellow Room, by Mike Freeman ZonaVibe is a wade, a plunge, a swim, and a utterly fantastic voyage in Jazz-, Latin-, and Blues-styled musical waters. The album incorporates elements of Latin jazz, salsa, mambo, and blues—all characteristic of Mike Freeman’s style. I could happily listen to a vibraphone or a marimba all … Continue reading
Summer isn’t quite over. Oh, sure, on September 21st the season technically changes to autumn, but with the recent release of Candice Ivory‘s new album, New Southern Vintage, things are certainly heating up. It’s a celebration of the blues from an artist who respects them enough to share her own unique take on them. These … Continue reading
Mud Morganfield’s new album, Deep Mud (release date” September 26, on Nola Blue Records) is a reminder of the power of great Chicago blues . Morganfield, the eldest son of Muddy Waters, is dedicated to preserving the Chicago blues tradition, and his his latest music is another solid contribution. This collection, recorded at JoyRide Studio … Continue reading
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