classical Archive
01 May 2026
30 Days Out, May 2026 #1: Blue Ridge Orchestra, Wallflowers, Furious Bongos, George Terry
For this roundup for live music in Asheville, I take a quick look at two local acts and two touring groups. Support live music! Artist: Blue Ridge Orchestra Venue: Wortham […]
19 Jan 2026
Hundred-word Reviews for January 2026: Archival Releases
I’m still clearing out the decks full of great music released in 2025; each of the following is an archival or reissue release. The styles of music covered below vary […]
23 Nov 2025
Album Review: Elizabeth Naccarato – Salonnières
Variously described as a classical and new age artist, Texas-born and Colorado-based pianist Elizabeth Naccarato has a foot in both camps. She has been recording and releasing albums for at […]
01 Dec 2024
30 Days Out, Dec. 2024 #1: LA LOM, The Nutcracker, ‘Together We Rise,’ RJD2
A popular multi-hyphenate aritst, an amazing new(ish) group putting a creative spin on an an established form, a benefit for WNC and a beloved holiday tradition (times four): those are […]
09 Jul 2024
Album Review: Min Xiao-Fen – Metta
I’ve written before about virtuoso musician and composer Min Xiao-Fen. Min has carved out a fascinating and unique niche in the musical world. With a foundation in classical music, she […]
15 Feb 2024
30 Days Out, Feb. 2024 #2: Get Right Band, Firecracker Jazz Band, Haken, Mark and Maggie O’Connor
Two acts based in Asheville, two intentionally-touring acts. A wide variety of genres. The so-called “quiet season” continues in and around Western NC. Artist: Get Right Band Venue: Grey Eagle […]
20 Jan 2024
Album Review: Frank Clare – Admiratio Magna
One man’s new age music is another’s neoclassical. On his debut release, pianist and composer Frank Clare aims for the latter. The crystalline and unadorned piano textures that grace this […]
01 Jan 2024
30 Days Out, Jan. 2024 #1: Listeso String Quartet, Jackson Stokes, PAKT, Jiji
Happy New Year! The NYE holiday notwithstanding, we’re happily entering the relatively quiet period in Asheville when fewer tourists come ‘round. Happily, touring musical acts are back on the road […]
03 Dec 2023
‘The Barber of Seville’ and its Timeless Quality
Even those possessing little more than a passing familiarity with opera will recognize parts of The Barber of Seville. Composed by Gioachino Rossini and premiering in Rome in 1816, the […]
04 Nov 2023
Album Review: The James McGowan Ensemble – Reaching In
It’s often quite intriguing – and musically rewarding – when skilled and creative musicians set about with the goal of bringing together disparate genres. That is the chosen mission of […]