Feature: I Hear Sparks

There are people, places and moments in music that simmer and sizzle beneath the surface like softly glowing embers waiting to burst into flame. Intrepid music journalist Jordan Richardson tracks the tender beginnings, offbeat locations, compelling musicians, and bizarre scenes in hopes of starting a fire. Join him as he traces the sparks of some of music's most unknown and engaging acts, moments and locales.

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• I Hear Sparks: Elisabeth Lohninger - Songs of Love and Destruction

  Missing out on this vocal jazz conjuror would be a mistake.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on Sep 01, 2010

• I Hear Sparks: Amina Figarova - Sketches

  Like looking through the travel photos of someone who loves to live.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on Aug 23, 2010

• I Hear Sparks: Adam Schroeder - A Handful of Stars

  I can't remember the last time I so enjoyed a jazz debut.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on Aug 18, 2010

• I Hear Sparks: Owen Howard - Drum Lore

  Howard's record showcases the composition skills of those behind the kit.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on Aug 14, 2010

• I Hear Sparks: The Mark Lomax Trio - The State of Black America

  Through conflict comes tranquility.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on Aug 11, 2010

• I Hear Sparks: Matt Stevens - Ghost

  Stevens is an all-too-rare surprise in the crowded DIY field of musicians.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on Jul 25, 2010

• I Hear Sparks: Bryan and the Haggards - Pretend It's the End of the World

  I can't help but grin like a big damn idiot.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on Jul 23, 2010

• I Hear Sparks: Jamie Begian Big Band - Big Fat Grin

  Pure, unadulterated joy.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on Jul 16, 2010

• I Hear Sparks: George Cotsirilos Trio - Past Present

  An elegant and charming slice of jazz guitar greatness.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on Jul 12, 2010

• I Hear Sparks: Dirty Little Rabbits - Dirty Little Rabbits

  Stella Katsoudas will slay you. No, really.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on Jul 07, 2010

• I Hear Sparks: Delta Spirit - History from Below

  Miss this at your peril.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on Jun 23, 2010

• I Hear Sparks: Taeko - Voice

  The Songbird stretches her wings again.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on Jun 16, 2010

• I Hear Sparks: Steve Swell's Slammin' the Infinite - 5000 Poems

  This is what freedom sounds like.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on Jun 09, 2010

• I Hear Sparks: Kyle Bobby Dunn - A Young Person's Guide to Kyle Bobby Dunn

  A delirious cascade of mystery.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on Jun 03, 2010

• I Hear Sparks: Lelah Simon - Third Week of April

  Witness the Groove.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on May 29, 2010

• I Hear Sparks: Manisha Shahane - When Parallel Lines Meet

  A beautifully balanced international experience.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on May 23, 2010

• I Hear Sparks: John Fedchock NY Sextet - Live at the Red Sea Jazz Festival

  A hot night in Eliat.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on May 05, 2010

• I Hear Sparks: VW Brothers - Muziek

  A cheeky, funky, fun collection of diverse, vibrant music.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on Apr 30, 2010

• I Hear Sparks: Diabolic - Liar & a Thief

  A dynamic, cutting declaration of intent.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on Apr 15, 2010

• I Hear Sparks: The Dominant 7 & The Jazz Arts Messengers - Fourteen Channels

  The kids are alright, baby.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on Apr 08, 2010