Steve Porcaro, a founding member of Toto, makes a bold, intensely personal statement with The Very Day that highlights his mastery as a songwriter while refusing to be confined by expectations. Nearly a decade after Someday Somehow (2016), Porcaro returns with an album that is expansive, sonically rich, and unashamedly adventurous. Songs like “Marilyn” and […]
Vernon Reid has always been a restless innovator. As the driving force behind Living Colour, his guitar redefined what Black artistry could sound like in the late ’80s rock mainstream—equal parts metal, funk, jazz, and political urgency. With ‘Hoodoo Telemetry’, Reid returns to the solo spotlight, crafting an album that resists easy categorization. “Door of […]
Jazz in 2025 didn’t just look backward or push forward—it did both at once, with purpose, grit, and imagination. This installment of Slang of Ages’ Best of 2025 Series (Jazz) highlights a wide, invigorating spectrum: live documents from master improvisers, deeply personal statements forged through adversity, large-ensemble works with social and historical weight, and small-group […]
Some records don’t just survive time—they outrun it, dance past it, and dare you to keep up. The Queen of Salsa: Centennial Tributedoes exactly that. This Craft Recordings reissue isn’t just a celebration of Celia Cruz’s 100th birthday—it’s a living, breathing proof-of-life document for one of the most indomitable voices ever committed to wax. The […]
Tim Morse – Transformation – 20th Anniversary Tim Morse’s Transformation, released in 2015, is an impressive showcase of sophisticated songwriting, progressive rock ambition, and heartfelt musicianship. Best known for his work as a keyboardist, author (Yesstories), and member of the band Parallels, Morse brings a profoundly personal and musical sensibility to this solo effort, his […]
Fernando Perdomo has all but completed his twelve-album prog-instrumental ‘Waves’ album series. The multitalented Perdomo has given listeners 120 songs over the last 12 months and is about to drop his ‘Best Of Waves’ series in a few days. Before he does, here are my thoughts on the best of each of the ‘Waves’ albums. […]
Tim Morse’s Transformation, released in 2015, is an impressive showcase of sophisticated songwriting, progressive rock ambition, and heartfelt musicianship. Best known for his work as a keyboardist, author (Yesstories), and member of the band Parallels, Morse brings a deeply personal and musical sensibility to this solo effort—his second following Tim Morse (2005). On Transformation, Morse […]
Talented multi-instrumentalist Fernando Perdomo brings his year-long, epic ‘Waves’ series to a rewarding conclusion with the release of ‘Waves 12’. The prolific artist/producer has given listeners 120 water-inspired instrumental-themed songs this year. ‘Waves 12’ does not deviate from the theme of prior releases. It’s clear that Perdomo’s vision and focus on quality have not wavered […]
Johannes Wallmann isn’t just releasing albums—he’s building worlds. Not Tired follows the wonderful duet album, Holding Space, with saxophonist Dennis Mitcheltree. The Wisconsin-based pianist and composer returns with Not Tired, his twelfth outing as a leader, and it’s the kind of record that takes a simple everyday moment and stretches it into a sweeping cinematic […]
Miami-based trio Fat Produce returns with Soulful Days, a warm, analog-driven celebration of deep groove culture—recorded live to tape and rooted in soul-jazz, funk, and reggae tradition. Guitarist Addison Rifkin and drummer Michael Duffy talk about musical lineage, developing a trio voice, and why a no-overdubs recording makes all the difference. Preston: I’m thrilled to […]
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