http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005-2007 by the authors Wed, 23 Feb 2005 10:08:49 EST http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/ Phillip WinnSunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. 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Administration0@blogcritics.org Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/02/23/100849.php Jim KnappJust got a copy of Elvin Jones - The Truth: Heard Live at The Blue NoteRecorded live in 1999 at the Blue Note with:Michael Brecker - Sax Antoine Roney - Sax Robin Eubanks - Trombone Darren Barrett - Trumpet Carlos McKinney - Piano Gene Perla - BassWith such a large horn section this band sounds huge. Elvin, as usual, is right on. They way he plays those drums you can tell just how much he listens and reacts so fast to the other musicians. The soloist and Elvin are joined at the hips. And of course, plenty O drum solos by the master of triplet bass pedal work -- always so tasty. Amazing stuff!! This is a great recording for those of you who saw Elvin's Jazz Machine later on in his life. Surrounding himself with great new and exciting young players, Elvin managed to keep traditional jazz alive and in the clubs. This recording captures this spirit which will hopefully endure. Music25891@blogcritics.org Wed, 23 Feb 2005 10:08:49 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/12/23/032044.php Jim KnappIn the past 3-4 years, the drummer duo has made a strong comeback to the mainstream, college campus and in the clubs. For once, more new music worth listening to.In the mainstream are The White Stripes. In the college circuit are The Black Keys. In the clubs are The Benevento Russo Duo.The bassless drum duo has made itself a nice little niche by returning to the scene as rawking raw and straight to the funky point. But you must understand though that The White Stripes did not start this nor did The Black Keys. Drum Duos have been around for decades and in all styles of music:Dizzy and Roach. Charlie and Leon Parker. Bill Bruford and Patric Moraz. John McLaughlin and Billy Cobham. Cecil Taylor and Tony Williams.Yet, all of the above were maybe just a session or one album. The Keys, Stripes and Duo have decided that - as a band - that is all they need, a drummer, guitar and or organ. They take it on the road and see how long they can survive as this small unit. They're succeeding too. I'm glad to hear these acts are growing and moving us into a new style of minimal but phat driving music - speaking as a drummer of course.So have a listen.The Black Keys feature a deep heavy rocking down and dirty blues feel.The White Stripes are more mainstream but the cuts you never hear in the mainstream are the most interesting - believe me - The White Stripes can rock out with the best of them.Benevento and Russo are for you people that are special - looking for something that you've never experienced before. The B3 in The Duo is the backbone and the soul of it all. It's like a sermon. Music23567@blogcritics.org Thu, 23 Dec 2004 03:20:44 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/12/17/170559.php Jim KnappWhile every one else is playing music over 30 years old there's a new world you have not even heard about yet. The future is bright. The kids are alright. This music is outta sight. What the hell I am talking about? Particle Umphrey's McGee Benevento and Russo - aka The Duo These are only three of the most interesting hippest exciting coolest did I say hippest funky and rocking bands I've heard after many years of sampling. And again, Archive.org holds hundreds of live shows from these bands all in their unbelievable website. You could spend weeks listening to the music and watching the movies. But these three bands have really turned my head around. Some folks seem to feel better to just say Jam Bands. But to me, that brings visions of Phish and Dead. It's too easy to just classify these musicians as jammers: Particle for example plays Space Porn. And these musicians are damn serious. Some shows last until 5 AM. You think I'm joking?. I'm talking about 5 hour shows! Benevento and Russo. Two guys. Two of my favorite instruments. The humble soulful B3 organ layered against the funky/jazzy/soulful drumming of Joe Russo. Umphrey's McGee. An anti Phish/Dead sound and more of a Zappa precision sound. I really hate to compare bands to other bands you know and Umphrey's McGee has a sound all their own. I'm not done yet so keep reading. I've got a lot to say but before I can I must tell you that one man, a hero IMHO, a genius of funky sounds, has a common thread among these three bands. This is the who lead me down this blissful path of musical discovery - Mr. Robert Walters. More later . . . Jk Music23385@blogcritics.org Fri, 17 Dec 2004 17:05:59 EST