The time has come for music publications to release year-end lists. Unlike some lists that come out too early, I waited to listen to as many albums as I could. … Read moreTOP 22 Albums of 2022 (by Dexter K.)
Balladic, smoky, and tender, this series of duets by two greats of the modern avant-garde jazz scene feels more reminiscent of 70’s European free improvisation than one might initially expect. … Read moreIvo Perelman and Matthew Shipp: “Fruition” (Album review by Nicolette L.)
Violin Memory is a collaboration between John Stowell, an excellent jazz guitarist; Dave Glenn, a trombonist; and the Hawčaptak Quartet. The result is a unique ensemble bringing together funky jazz sounds … Read moreJohn Stowell/Dave Glenn & The Hawčaptak Quartet: Violin Memory (album review by Christa V.)
Hilton delivers a masterful album with this creation. The trio of her on piano, Luques Curtis on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums locks in so tight to the music, yet … Read moreLisa Hilton: Transparent Sky (album review by Christa V.)
Mhondoro means “the lion spirit” in Shona, a language of Zimbabwe, and this was a group born during the pandemic. Saxophonist Idit Shner, vocalist/percussionist John Mambira, pianist Torrey Newhart, bassist Garrett … Read moreIdit Shner & Mhondoro: Heatwave (album review by Christa V.
It is difficult to conceive of Boyle as anything other than an ensemble of at least 8 players, but somehow the entirety of It is difficult to conceive of Boyle as anything other than an ensemble of at least 8 players, but somehow the entirety of “Psych-Jazz Collage 1” was performed and recorded by a single multi-instrumentalist/tape manipulator
Few commodities are as coveted in the modern imperialist west as the image of revolt. Its rancor, its passion, the conflict that is inherent within the concept itself, revolt serves as an excellent thematic starting point for the artist. However, as per the nature of commodification, “revolt” can be very easily
The Godspeed and Silver Mt. Zion comparisons are inevitable, of course. Not that that is inherently a bad thing, and there definitely is inspiration both direct and indirect littered across … Read moreEsmerine on Constellation: Everything Was Forever Until It Was No More (album review by Nicolette L)