The pairing of a multi-instrumentalist/jazz scholar, Colin Hancock, with a multi-Grammy-nominated vocalist, Catherine Russell, is a match made in heaven. Russell, fresh off her 2024 collaboration with Sean Mason, has consistently proven her versatility as a jazz vocalist. Hancock, an able producer, writer, and arranger, frequently works without a net and has cast his skilled […]
Beto Martinez, guitarist with Brownout, joined Preston Frazier for a Sitdown covering everything from the band’s latest – titled Brown Sabbath Vol. II – to his early musical experiences to his work with Grupo Fantasma … PRESTON FRAZIER: Congratulations on Brown Sabbath Vol. II. Before we talk about it, tell our readers a little about you. You are originally from Laredo […]
Produced by Willie Colón | Released on Fania Records | Reissued by Craft RecordingsHéctor Lavoe’s sixth solo album, El Sabio (“The Wise One”), originally released in 1980 and lovingly remastered by Craft Recordings, is a vivid portrait of the salsa icon at a pivotal time in his career and life. RTe’s album is deeply personal, […]
The second and final Best Live / Reissues of 2017 honorable mention goes to Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou. Better known as Vangelis, he has already made his mark on the music and film industries with the critically acclaimed and Academy Award-winning soundtrack to the movie Chariots of Fire. Yet, as this expansive new 13-disc box set demonstrates, Vangelis’ catalog […]
There must be at least two other Richard Thompson box sets, not to mention a greatest hits compilation. This raises the question of whether the world needs yet another box set. After listening to this three-CD, 2-DVD chronicle of the Richard Thompson Band’s 1983/1984 performances at Rockpalast, the answer is a resounding “hell, yes!” They […]
The Miami-based trio Fat Produce and the infectious groove-laden track, “No Way”. The single, out now on F-Spot Records, pairs the funky in-the-pocket drumming of Michael Duffy with guitarist Addison-Rifkind’s clean Steve Cropper-style lines. The band, which features an upright bassist, acknowledges the influence of Boogaloo Joe Jones with their cover of his composition, “No […]
Steve Howe released at least three releases in 2017, and all of them are great. His second Anthology could have easily been divided into two. At 56 songs, he covers his early solo work, songs intended for the second album by his ill-fated supergroup GTR, songs done by his jazz trio, Asia demos, songs done by his earlier […]
Yes produced their greatest live album ever this year. It’s a remarkable feat, considering this is the first not to feature founding member Chris Squire. Topographic Dramadocuments, in amazing clarity and without overdubs, Yes’ tour for two very different albums. What’s even more surprising is that both albums sound better live than they ever did on record. The […]
The Walter Becker-produced original recording from 1985 is already a masterpiece and a gem among China Crisis’ stellar albums. How can you make a great thing greater? This Best Live / Reissues of 2017 finalist adds 16 tracks on a second disc, giving you a glimpse into the band’s demos before they were fleshed out […]
Craft Recordings continues with its series of essential salsa reissues. “Guisando” by Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe is a vibrant and classic album that showcases the powerful synergy between the legendary trombonist Willie Colon and the iconic vocalist Hector Lavoe. Initially released in 1972 and now back on vinyl for the first time in half […]
