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.
Jason M. Rubin
June Short Fuses – Materia Critica
Each month, our arts critics — music, book, theater, dance, television, film, and visual arts — fire off a few brief reviews.
Album Review: Drummer Bill Bruford’s “Making a Song and Dance” — Adventures Galore
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.
Concert Review: Joe Jackson at the Shubert Theatre — A Restlessly Creative Artist at the Peak of His Powers
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.
Album Review: Maine’s Kioea — Reviving the Sound of Surf Guitar
With summer coming, this progressive surf combo’s new recording promises to make an ideal soundtrack for the season.
May Short Fuses – Materia Critica
Each month, our arts critics — music, book, theater, dance, television, film, and visual arts — fire off a few brief reviews.
Album Reviews: Echoes of Prog — Brad Mehldau and Circe Link & Christian Nesmith
Recently, some artists have come out of the closet and put their prog hearts on their sleeves with new recordings that celebrate the heyday of progressive rock.
Jazz Album Review: Guitarist John McLaughlin — The Montreux Years
The album features seven tracks played by five different groups fronted or co-led by guitarist John McLaughlin.
Concert Review: Beth Hart at Wilbur Theatre
Blues singer Beth Hart wields the hammer of the gods with easy finesse but also deep emotion.
CD Review: Dave Bainbridge’s “To The Far Away” — Prog Rock with Passion
For prog fans who consider that the proof of the pudding is long, complex songs with virtuosic solos and exotic instrumentation, no fear: To The Far Away is multi-textured and musically exciting.