new release Archive
30 Oct 2022
Album Review: Various Artists — We All Shine On
When thinking back on a particular year in music, there’s often a temptation to focus on a specific subgenre. And most compilations surveying a period tend to organize their selections […]
22 Oct 2022
Album Review: Craig Davis — Tone Paintings
Pianist Michael “Dodo” Marmarosa was a bebop musician whose most celebrated period was the 1940s to ‘60s (he passed away on 2002). In his early years, he played with a […]
16 Oct 2022
Album Reviews: Rob Silverman — Drumology Vols. II and III
These two releases offer a fascinating array of musical styles. The unifying characteristic is the involvement of drummer Rob Silverman, but beyond that, it’s a dazzlingly varied collection. Wholly instrumental, […]
15 Oct 2022
30 Days Out, October 2022 #2: Rocky Horror, Legendary Pink Dots, Caitlin Krisko and the Broadcast, Alvvays
This go-round is especially impressive. In addition to an all (local) star treatment of a beloved musical theater work, we’ve got two intriguing touring bands coming to Asheville. I’ve seen […]
13 Oct 2022
Album Review: The Claudettes – The Claudettes Go Out!
For the eclectically inclined listener, artists and groups that defy genre categorization are a delight. Certainly, such artists are the bane of record company marketing departments (to the extent that […]
11 Oct 2022
Solomon Hicks: Genres Are Made to Be Broken
Blues guitarist and songwriter Solomon Hicks has a simple and straightforward perspective on music. “I like songs and music that make people feel good,” he says. “Anything that has strong […]
10 Oct 2022
Album Review: Flash – In the USA: Live Recordings 1972-73
Apparently with the cooperation/blessing of the Peter Banks estate, labels have been releasing archival material associated with the late former Yes guitarist. In addition to a number of collections focusing […]
08 Oct 2022
Fireside Collective: Questions and Answers
More than eight years after forming, Asheville-based quintet Fireside Collective continues to build on the momentum of early successes, including a competition win at MerleFest and a Band of the […]
07 Oct 2022
Album Review: Linda Gail Lewis – Early Sides 1963-1973
Rock and roll history is scattered with sibling also-rans. Some are quite good: Mike McGear (Paul McCartney’s brother) made an excellent album with Roger McGough and another very good one […]
02 Oct 2022
Acoustic Syndicate’s Natural Crossover
Since forming in 1992, North Carolina quartet Acoustic Syndicate has cultivated and developed a musical style that draws from a wide array of genres and styles; the band has never […]