Articles by Thad Aerts
Josh Lawrence: Contrast
by Thad Aerts
On Contrast, Josh Lawrence and Color Theory's second recording for Posi-Tone, the group executes a classic framework held together with tight chemistry. Lawrence may be the leader, but the gist of the end product is a very democratic arrangement where no one musician or group of musicians takes precedence. Each shine at various times throughout Contrast. The album is a fairly straightforward endeavor displaying solid, classic jazz in form and execution. It's at the sixth track, “Gray" that ...
Continue ReadingJoe McPhee: From Outer Space
by Thad Aerts
Joe McPhee, the 78-year-old multi-instrumentalist dedicated to the saxophone, has a new trio. McPhee on said saxophone with James Keepnews on guitar and laptop, and David Berger on drums make up Plan B. From Outer Space is the trio's inaugural offering. Free in its wandering's, the record is still incredibly cohesive and multi-themed. Recorded as an ode to Sun Ra, the lads execute self-control knowing when, where and how to play. Because of this, the record builds an ...
Continue ReadingCraft Beer and Jazz
by Thad Aerts
As I type these words, I'm sitting here sipping on an Apricot Peach Orange Whip Mimosa Gose while listening to Derek Bailey's Improvisation LP. If you aren't aware of Bailey's work, he was a British guitarist who championed the European “free" style. All improv, all the time-with no structure to speak of. Many have argued that Bailey and his angular screech and skronk have no place in anything labeled jazz, or even music for that matter. Purists. Apricot ...
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