Articles by Kyle Simpler
Record Store Day 2024 Jazz Releases
by Kyle Simpler
Every year, Record Store Day (RSD) promises limited edition vinyl releases for all tastes in music. From the latest popular artists to the most obscure archival releases, RSD drops try to cover a lot of musical territory. Practically all genres of music are represented and, of course, jazz is no exception. Fortunately, the April 2024 drop promises plenty of jazz offerings, so the most difficult part for most jazz collectors might easily be deciding what not to buy.
read moreWide-Eyed Lounge Cats: The Watermelon Sessions
by Kyle Simpler
Originally developing from rock music, jam bands have become a unique genre of music. Considering the improvised nature of the music, it is hardly surprising that many jazz artists have become major players in the jam base. Groups such as Snarky Puppy and Medeski, Martin and Wood have embraced the genre while keeping true to their jazz roots; Baltimore's Wide-Eyed Lounge Cats is also no exception. Although firmly rooted in jazz, the group also incorporates some of the jam band ...
read moreRecord Store Day Black Friday 2023: Jazz Releases
by Kyle Simpler
For many, Black Friday conjures up images of massive crowds battling each other to get their hands on marked down gift items at huge department stores. For record collectors, though, the scene is much less dramatic because Black Friday is one of two yearly Record Store Day drops. This is where limited run albums hit the shelves of many independent record stores. Although a variety of musical genres is represented, there are always some cool jazz releases to pick up. ...
read moreJim Josselyn: Shape Shifter
by Kyle Simpler
Keith Richards once said if “you don't know the blues, there's no point in picking up the guitar." This is certainly true about rock, but it could just as easily apply to jazz. Many of the great jazz guitarists have roots in the blues, and Jim Josselyn is no exception. His album Shape Shifter offers a tasty serving of jazz seasoned with the blues. Josselyn started playing guitar when he was young, but he took his ...
read moreJames Robert Murphy: Diddle
by Kyle Simpler
Some people are just naturally creative, and many of these artists express themselves through one particular medium. However, there are others whose talents cannot be confined to just one art form. James Robert Murphy is such a case. His knowledge and creative drive cross many different genres. As an author, he has published books ranging from fiction and poetry to history and crime. He is also a talented visual artist. Along with those creative outlets, Murphy is a musician as ...
read moreEric Zolan: Calder's Universe
by Kyle Simpler
Musicians spend years practicing to become proficient. Technical ability is an important aspect of playing an instrument, but in order to really communicate a message, a musician needs to love the music as well. Guitarist Eric Zolan is obviously someone who has not only spent a great deal of time practicing but listening to music as well. This comes across clearly in his debut album Calder's Universe. Zolan, a native of Connecticut, developed his chops playing jazz ...
read moreRecord Store Day 2023 Jazz Releases
by Kyle Simpler
Record Store Day, which started in 2007, is a biannual event designed to promote independent record stores. Every Record Store Day drop features limited-edition vinyl releases in practically every genre of music. The releases, however, are offered on a limited basis, and they are available for one time only. As a result, collectors often wait in long lines at a participating store hoping to get copies of releases before they are sold out. As expected, this 2023 drop on April ...
read moreBonzo Squad: Pachyderm
by Kyle Simpler
The Chicago-based quartet Bonzo Squad describes their music as “comfort in chaos." While this description might give an impression of free-form experimentation, it is not the case. The chaos aspect of their sound comes from a unique mixture of structure and improvisation, and for these guys, the comfort definitely outweighs the chaos. With Pachyderm, the group offers a perfect example of this description put into practice. Comfort implies an association with a memory, as is the case with ...
read moreBranko Arnsek: Move Closer!
by Kyle Simpler
Latin music has always been a significant component of jazz. Practically any jazz musician needs to play some form of Latin music, and Branko Arnsek is no exception. Born in Slovenia and raised in Germany, he has made a name as a bassist, composer and educator. He studied at the Swiss Jazz School in Bern where he was exposed to a variety of musical styles. His album Move Closer! highlights various influences, the most important of which is Cuban.
read moreRhythm and Roots: The Influence of Jazz on Ska and Early Reggae
by Kyle Simpler
If any country could be identified solely by its music, Jamaica would probably be a prime example. Over the years, reggae music has become one of the most identifiable art forms in Jamaica, but this was not always the case. Reggae rose to prominence in the late sixties, and much of its roots are in American music. While R&B and doo-wop certainly influenced the burgeoning genre, many of the major players in the earliest days were jazz fans.
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