Jason M. Rubin

July Short Fuses — Materia Critica

July 3, 2023
Posted in ,

Each month, our arts critics — music, book, theater, dance, television, film, and visual arts — fire off a few brief reviews.

Read More

Concert Preview/Interview: Suzanne Vega

December 4, 2022
Posted in , , , ,

Suzanne Vega is many things: a singer/songwriter, musician, poet, author, entrepreneur, playwright, and actress. A number of her personas are converging right now.

Read More

Country Album Review: Robin Lane’s Current and Cathartic “Dirt Road to Heaven”

October 26, 2022
Posted in , , , ,

Channeling equal parts Lucinda Williams and Levon Helm, the album features Robin Lane’s rich, earthy voice supported by sparse instrumentation.

Read More

Jazz Album Review: Marco Pignataro’s Superb “Chant For Our Planet”

October 19, 2022
Posted in , , ,

Chant For Our Planet is a great recording full of exciting ensemble playing, with lots of tasty solos and, if you want to listen in that way, an important theme that expresses deep concern for the state of our environment.

Read More

Concert Review: Nick Mason’s Fabulous Saucerful of Secrets

October 10, 2022
Posted in , , ,

Unlike the slow, spacy stonerism of the 1973-77 era, early Pink Floyd is a much more rocking experience, and those foundational tunes of English psychedelia take on the excitement of punk to modern ears when heard live.

Read More

Rock Album Review: “Melt Away: A Tribute to Brian Wilson” — A Summery Pleasure

August 11, 2022
Posted in , , ,

I applaud She & Him’s selection of Brian Wilson tunes while at the same time feeling that some are not well-suited to their loungey, languid pop stylings.

Read More

June Short Fuses – Materia Critica

June 2, 2022
Posted in , ,

Each month, our arts critics — music, book, theater, dance, television, film, and visual arts — fire off a few brief reviews.

Read More

Album Review: Drummer Bill Bruford’s “Making a Song and Dance” — Adventures Galore

May 31, 2022
Posted in , , , ,

Legendary percussionist Bill Bruford’s recorded output reveals him to be a restless innovator who went from one band to another so he could learn more about his instrument and about himself as a musician.

Read More

Concert Review: Joe Jackson at the Shubert Theatre — A Restlessly Creative Artist at the Peak of His Powers

May 22, 2022
Posted in , , ,

Trampling on the expectations of his fans, of course, is a big part of what makes Joe Jackson the singular talent he is — and most of his admirers wouldn’t have it any other way.

Read More

Album Review: Maine’s Kioea — Reviving the Sound of Surf Guitar

May 8, 2022
Posted in , , ,

With summer coming, this progressive surf combo’s new recording promises to make an ideal soundtrack for the season.

Read More

Recent Posts