review Archive
10 Aug 2020
Book Review: Eddie Floyd with Tony Fletcher — Knock! Knock! Knock! on Wood
Eddie Floyd is best known for his 1966 hit single, “Knock on Wood.” Backed by the Stax band Booker T & the MGs, Floyd delivered a powerful, soulful and highly […]
09 Aug 2020
Album Review: Turnstyles – Cut You Off
Members of Jack Oblivian’s band, Seth Moody (guitar) and Graham Winchester (drums) are Turnstyles. From Memphis, this group/duo deals in the rocking yet cheerfully loose vibe that characterizes many of […]
08 Aug 2020
Album Review: Barrett Martin Group — Scattered Diamonds
In spring of last year, I reviewed Songs of the Firebird, a resonant and deeply intriguing album that could be described in part as a jazz album made with non-jazz […]
31 Jul 2020
Album Reviews: Five from the Coed Record Label
Doo-wop – or r&b vocal, if you prefer – is an important part of the rock and roll story. The style began just after World War II, and doo-wop enjoyed […]
30 Jul 2020
Album Review: Allan Holdsworth – Frankfurt ‘86
Being an early adopter is a risky pursuit. Godley and Creme built an entire album (the triple-LP Consequences) around their Gizmo, and disaster ensued. Some of the earliest releases with […]
28 Jul 2020
Album Review: The Radam Schwartz Organ Big Band — Message from Groove and GW
Situating a Hammond organ out in front of a big band is a splendid idea; the verve and energy of the keys plays off well against the muscular, thrilling backdrop […]
27 Jul 2020
Album Review: Soft Machine – Live at the Baked Potato
The original Soft Machine was a kind of jazz answer to Pink Floyd. Contemporaries of Syd Barrett’s group, they often showed up on the bill with his band. But because […]
26 Jul 2020
Album Review: The Apartments – In and Out of the Light
This album from Peter Milton Walsh’s group features deep-hued melancholy, heartfelt lyrics and a vibe that’s equal parts subdued and impassioned. The group’s sound is reminiscent of a more relaxed […]
25 Jul 2020
Album Review: Dreamroot – Phases
This Durham, North Carolina group combines neo-soul, jazz and spoken word in a style that seems incredibly natural and effortless. Joe MacPhail’s piano runs are lyrical and accessible, and Lynn […]
24 Jul 2020
Album Review: Purdie Fabian Oswanski – Move On!
Bernard Purdie is one of the most influential drummers in music; his style has made a serious impression on players well outside his chosen genres of jazz and funk. And […]