Album Reviews

While Ian Anderson has put out several albums of new material in recent years, he seems happy to rework old successes too. Reviving classic Jethro Tull material for string quartet is a striking new twist. The result is a serious lark: lighthearted but with plenty of creative depth.

This new mix of a classic Chicago album provides clearer sound and brings out subtle nuances.

With a definite split in personality over the nine tracks that compose the album – something to be expected perhaps when we’re talking about an album that dances from big band jazz to Turkish folk melodies to something that’s almost reggae – 'Resolution' is definitely one of the more interesting listens I’ve happened upon in months.

An amalgamation of classic jazz riffs and improvised musings, 'Rising Tide' is smooth blues fusion of the caliber of Cole Porter and Johnny Mercer.

A new jazz palette for the nylon-string guitar is due, and on the strength of this album it's clear Nate Najar is an avatar for just that.

The trio’s rapport is congenial as they venture off into terrain outside of the perimeters of the originals that they retool.

Sadly, through the cruelty of time and mortality, The Band itself ceased to be many years ago but Robbie Robertson himself is still telling stories and spinning guitar chords through his music.

Two new releases show the continuing vitality of music of centuries past.

Jeff Rupert and Richard Drexler shout with an inner voice that is deeply emotional and shows a maturity exemplary of musicians who have mastered their instrument.

Allgood bridges the openness of the 20th century's hardcore bop with the soothing melodic sensibilities of the 21st century.