Music

Book Review: “Making Tracks: A Record Producer’s Southern Roots Music Journey”

July 26, 2022
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A music aficionado-turned-record producer shares his indelible memories of life on the road and in the studio, working with such artists Sleepy LaBeef, Irma Thomas, James Booker, Solomon Burke, Buckwheat Zydeco, and Ruth Brown.

Classical Album Review: A Quietly Powerful Work for the Lorelei Ensemble Pays Homage to an Anti-Nazi Activist

July 25, 2022
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Thankfully, there is no melodramatic black-and-white in James Kallembach’s fascinating 36-minute work, first performed at Boston University by the Lorelei Ensemble in 2017.

Album Review: The Tedeschi Trucks Band’s “I Am the Moon” — Part Three, “The Fall”

July 25, 2022
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“Episode III. The Fall” is the most thematically focused installment in the four-part I Am the Moon saga so far.

Jazz Album Review: “Hampton Hawes Four!” — Evidence of a Remarkable Talent

July 8, 2022
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Four! is one of Hampton Hawes’ most satisfying sessions, for the variety of the repertoire and the quality of the performances.

Pop Album Review: Conan Gray’s “Superache” — “Sour” Grapes

July 8, 2022
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Our cup runneth over with tears — at this point, breakup albums may have overstayed their welcome.

Opera Album Review: Surprise! Michael Haydn — Joseph’s Brother — Proves to Be a Fine Opera Composer

July 7, 2022
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This “serenata” (or chamber opera) with characters from Graeco-Roman mythology receives an elegant world-premiere recording that may bring a major composer out from the shadows.

Jazz Album Reviews: Trio Discs featuring Tyshawn Sorey and Bill Evans

July 6, 2022
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Percussionist Tryshawn Sorey has released a trio disc of standards that may very well be on my 2022 Best of the Year list and a pair of “new” releases featuring the legendary pianist Bill Evans.

Rock Album Review: Joyce Manor’s “40 oz. to Fresno” — Songs for a Burning Planet

July 6, 2022
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The album isn’t a dull listen because it hammers home the high anxiety that many are feeling, particularly in California, land of the forever drought and endless forest fires.

Jazz Album Review: Steve Davis’s “Bluesthetic” — Swinging Oh-So Comfortably

July 5, 2022
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Trombonist Steve Davis says he never strays very far from the blues, and he proves it with this fine album.

Jazz Album Review: Drummer Tony Williams’s “Play or Die” — Electrifying Eclecticism

July 2, 2022
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Play or Die brilliantly showcases what Miles Davis heard in Tony Williams’ playing: variety of sound within a restricted framework.

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