Music

Classical Album Review: Pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason’s “Summertime” — A Keeper

September 25, 2021
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A thoughtfully conceived, technically excellent, beautifully recorded, and expressively rich album that celebrates 20th-century piano music by (mostly) American composers.

Jazz Album Review: “A Prayer for Lester Bowie” — Rollercoaster Rides

September 24, 2021
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This session should appeal most to those who love the crashing, intemperate sound of a brass big band.

Country Album Review: Billy Strings’s “Renewal” — Bluegrass’s Brightest New Star

September 24, 2021
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This is an amazing follow-up to Billy Strings’s Grammy-winning Home album.

Classical Album Review: The Nash Ensemble — Bruch’s Chamber Music

September 20, 2021
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One could hardly ask for more persuasive Bruch advocacy than what the Nash Ensemble offers here.

Jazz Album Review: A Big Band Homage to the Late Jimmy Heath

September 19, 2021
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The Temple University students in this fine big band homage to the late saxophonist/composer Jimmy Heath sound professional — tight and well rehearsed. They are joined by all-stars Joey DeFrancesco and Christian McBride.

Classical Album Review: Escher String Quartet — Barber & Ives String Quartets

September 19, 2021
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Here is an outstanding recording from the Escher String Quartet of music by two stylistically divergent 20th-century American composers, Samuel Barber and Charles Ives.

Rock Concert Review: The Black Crowes — Flying High

September 17, 2021
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You would never suspect from this big ol’ rock ’n’ roll show that The Black Crowes was essentially toast just a few years ago.

Jazz Appreciation: Remembering George Wein (1925-2021)

September 17, 2021
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The sum total of George Wein’s career was a successful wedding of art and commerce.

Rock Album Review: The Plastic Ono Band Celebrates 50 — A Nice Warm Cup of Instant Karma

September 16, 2021
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After having diagnosed the ails of modernity, screamed out his most deeply held traumas, and shrugged off his role in the biggest band ever, John Lennon is content to have a riverside cuddle under a tree in the sun with the woman he loves. Amen.

Jazz Album Review: “Chick Corea Akoustic Band Live” — A High-Spirited Reunion

September 15, 2021
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A judicious mix of jazz classics, standards, and Corea compositions, Live is a blast.

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