Short Tracks: Short Tracks: Mark Wade Trio – New Stages (2026)

Ambitious concepts in jazz can sometimes collapse under their own weight. Fortunately, New Stages from the Mark Wade Trio does the opposite. Instead of feeling like a lecture on classical adaptation, the album plays like a fluid, imaginative jazz suite that draws centuries of music into the trio format. Double bassist, Wade—joined by long-time pianist […]

Short Tracks: The Longest Way Round – Ben Rosenblum Nebula Project (2026)

Eclectic is surely an overused word in music journalism, yet it applies perfectly to The Longest Way Round, the latest release from the Ben Rosenblum Nebula Project. Rosenblum, an accomplished sideman who has taken his accordion and piano skills around the world, is unafraid to stand on the edge of jazz and look outward. Fortunately, […]

Short Cuts –  : Argovia – “Ebb & Flow” (ft. Ross Jennings)

Argovia have been circling the upper tiers of modern prog/metal for a minute now, and “Ebb & Flow” feels like the track where they stop knocking and step through the door. Built on tension rather than flash, the song breathes in slow waves—atmospheric keys, restrained guitar figures, and a rhythm section that understands the power […]

Short Tracks: Edward Simon – Venezuela: Latin American Songbook Vol. 2 (2026)

Pianist, band leader, and composerEdward Simon doesn’t interpret tradition so much as invite it into the room, pour it a drink, and let it stretch out. Venezuela: Latin American Songbook Vol. 2 is intimate, unhurried, and deeply grounded—jazz trio music that breathes with the cadence of memory. With bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer Adam Cruz […]

Short Tracks: ‘Clouds 2’ by Fernando Perdomo (2026)

Multi-instrumentalist Fernando Perdomo never stays in one place for too long. The talented guitarist, producer, and songwriter has continued his year-long Clouds series while slightly altering his flight plan, with Clouds 2 having 13 progressive rock tracks instead of the usual 10. That does not mean there is filler, however. Track #11, “Thunder” is as […]

Short Tracks: Parlor Greens – Emeralds (2026)

Parlor Greens don’t so much return as they roll back in, wheels sparking, engine humming, with Emeralds—a sophomore set that sharpens the trio’s greasy soul-jazz instincts into something heavier, deeper, and more lived-in. Where In Green We Dream announced their arrival, Emeralds confirms their purpose. The opener and lead single “Eat Your Greens” wastes no […]

Short Cuts: “Traveling Light” from ‘Let The Night Begin’ — Troy Mercy

Troy Mercy doesn’t introduce himself on Let The Night Begin so much as he kicks the door off the hinges and dares you to keep up.  Produced by Tim Carman (Parlor Greens, Canyon Lights, formerly of GA-20), the record thrives on economy and intent. The guitars are gloriously blown-out without turning sloppy, the grooves stay […]

Slang of Ages Book Report 

Rush 1984–2015: On Track by Richard James (Sonicbond Publishing); Every album, every song — and a band that refused to stand still Richard James’ book arrives just in time as a companion to the reunited Canadian Prog-Power masters. The book jumps into the band’s heady days. By the time Rush hit Grace Under Pressure in […]