Short Tracks: Nick Finzer- Legacy: A Centennial Celebration of J.J. Johnson (June 1, 2024)
Nick Finzer continues to further his craft with his latest Outside In Music release, ‘Legacy’. The album, a recognition of J.J. Johnson features some of the trombone legend’s original sidemen such as bassist Rufus Reid, drummer Lewis Nash, and pianist Renee Rosnes.
Short Tracks: JD Souther- If the World Was You (2008)
JD Souther, now in his late seventies, has released the best work in this career after his commercial peak. Souther, who had big hits in 1979 and 1981 ( with the songs “Your Only Lonely “ and “Her Town Too”, respectively) ,
Short Tracks: Hybrid – ‘Movable Objects’ (2024)
Hybrids can sometimes be a rough proposition. Luckily, the Movable Objects by the band Hybrid shows an empathetic melding of talents and styles.
Short Tracks: Fernando Perdomo: ‘Self’ 7/7/24
Fernando Perdomo’s Patreon and Bandcamp pages are a treasure trove of demos, new album releases, and one-off singles. It’s a perfect example of what progressive music means.
Short Cuts: “Things I Miss The Most” by Steely Dan from ‘Everything Must Go
Metaphors, sarcasm, downright snarkiness are but a few of the characteristics of a Steely Dan song. The song,” Things I Miss The Most” doesn’t have these tell-tale Steely Dan signs yet stills ranks among their best because on what it does contain.
Short Cuts – Catherine Russell “Aged and Mellow”
Catherine Russell has been on my mind recently. Of course I’m excited by the fact that Steely Dan has decided to tour on what is one of their off cycle years. Part of the thrill of last several seasons of Steely Dan tours has been the band’s arsenal of fantastic background singers.
Short Cuts: “Slang of Ages” from ‘Everything Must Go’ by Steely Dan
I’m calling Shenanigans on Steely Dan! Shenanigans! In 1972 Steely Dan fans got a hint of Walter Becker’s singing voice in the song, “Turn That Heart Beat Over Again”.
Short Cuts: “Jack of Speed by Steely Dan from ‘Two Against Nature’
If Two Against Nature came out as a L.P. the song ‘Jack of Speed’ would have made a perfect side two opener. Its funky, it rocks, it sophisticated. ‘Jack of Speeds is one of the strongest cuts on Two Against Nature and ranks in my top 5 Steely Dan Songs of all time, yet it’s disappointing!
Short Tracks: Sylvester ‘ Live At The Opera House’ (2024)
Decades after his death, Sylvester, described as an androgynous, openly gay, drag-loving, African American, falsetto-singing, unapologetically flaming man-diva, has experienced a continuous surge in popularity. His latest posthumous release,
Short Tracks: “What On Your Mind” by Projekt Gemineye 2024
“There’s more to life than anger and pain” according to Mark Anthony K’s lyrics in the leadoff song from Projekt Gemineye’s album “What’s On Your Mind”.