When the songwriting and his melodic and vocal talents click, they click securely, and sailing through the whole set is Rodriguez's fine voice, a pleasure to listen to whatever he's singing about.
Read More »Indie Roundup
Music Reviews: Jazz and Beyond from Bassists Kyle Eastwood and Georg Breinschmid
Two recent releases from bassist-bandleaders show how jazz continues to thrive in the most disparate of musical "cultures," even with its relatively small, specialized audience.
Read More »Music Reviews: Jazz for the Jazz-Shy from John Tropea, Pat Bianchi Trio, and the Gary McFarland Legacy Ensemble
Gary McFarland, the jazz musician, composer and arranger who 'should have been a pop star,' left behind and eclectic discography and a wealth of superb material that deserves just such a tribute as this.
Read More »Music Reviews: Reverend Freakchild – ‘Hillbilly Zen-Punk Blues’; Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank – ‘American Shuffle’
Chunky grooves, spidery guitar, and homespun philosophy fuel the aptly named 'Hillbilly Zen-Punk Blues,' the latest and best-yet release from Reverend Freakchild.
Read More »Music Review: Indie Roundup – Claire Lynch Band’s Holiday Album, Ben Hunter and Joe Seamons, The Suitcase Junket
I never thought of it before, but The Claire Lynch Band did: Could any instrument be a better choice to power "Jingle Bells" than the banjo?
Read More »