Tunisian oud master Anouar Brahem has released, Blue Maqams. The CD features Brahem with bassist Dave Holland, drummer Jack DeJohnette and pianist Django Bates. Although Brahem has never had ambitions to be a jazz player, he has long felt a sense of solidarity with the music’s practitioners. The aesthetics of jazz are very different than … Read more
Rock Candy Funk Party (RCFP) was formed for one thing and one thing only, the love of groove. RCFP might improvise like a jam band, but their compositions, song forms and adept skills of listening to each other put them in a category all of their own. Each player brings their own unique individuality and … Read more
Lights’ album Skin&Earth was created throughout a year long process, an unprecedented idea of writing and drawing her own comic book based around an alter ego of sorts and an album to coincide with the entire concept. Skin&Earth is the Canadian singer’s fourth record and her most open and vulnerable to date. Her songs speak … Read more
Daniil Trifonov (dan-EEL TREE-fon-ov) is a Russian pianist that is making a spectacular sound in the world of classical music as a solo artist, a champion of the concerto repertoire, a collaborator at the keyboard in chamber music and song, and a composer. Trifonov’s playing is a combination of consummate technique and intense sensitivity. Focusing … Read more
This is Manson’s tenth studio album, and one that sees the artist revolutionizing into more than a shock and awe artist, but one with strong possibilities. The tune titles are filled with angst and anarchy, of course, and that I would hope never changes from Manson. I seem to hear Mason on many soundtracks as … Read more
Many times after epic breakups of power groups, one or more of its players emerge with an ersatz album. As You Were could have fallen into that trap, thankfully it’s not the case. Don’t dismay Oasis fans, there still are those indulgent moments on tracks like “Paper Crown.” What does shine through is Liam’s affinity … Read more