Results for "Play This!"

Trilok Gurtu's Crazy Saints: Vak

by Mike Jacobs
November 24, 2023

Bethlehem and Sad Patrick: A Beautiful Sound of Love

by J. Michael Harrison
November 22, 2023

About a dozen years ago I was introduced to the emerging genius of a Philadelphia artist who was on her grind and spreading her creativity via a truly special blend of song, percussion and poetry. This iteration of her creative journey pairs her with a guitarist and songwriter, and together the tandem that is indeed Bethlehem ...

Fred Hersch: After You've Gone

by Geno Thackara
November 20, 2023

Amongst the trademark ballads and Thelonious Monk tunes, it's sometimes easy to miss what a mood-lifter it can be when Fred Hersch dashes off a little jaunty stride playing. Also in classic style, this selection sounds way more cheerful than the words would suggest--but in these hands (and especially without the words), it works just fine. ...

Thomas Chapin Trio: Night Bird Song

by Ken Laster
November 14, 2023

Thomas Chapin was a vital part of the underground free-jazz scene in the early 1990's in NYC and his native Connecticut. He was an innovative multi-reed player. His performances were always “edge of your seat" exciting affairs. He died young at age 40 from leukemia before gaining the notoriety he so deserved. Here is the Thomas ...

Cameron Mizell and Charlie Rauh: Local Folklore

by Geno Thackara
November 4, 2023

I Am a Pilgrim: Doc Watson at 100

by Pedro Keul
November 4, 2023

Doc Watson died in 2012 but his influence on American music was undeniable. Master of flatpicking--the technique of striking the strings of a guitar with a pick (also called a plectrum) held between the thumb and one or two fingers--Watson released nearly 30 albums; solo and with relatives (The Watson Family) and numerous bluegrass and blues ...

Hania Rani: Hello

by Geno Thackara
October 27, 2023

Hania Rani is never one to let a few layers of electronics get in the way of some feelings. Whatever gadgets are involved, the overall experience is natural as much as otherworldly (like her voice itself, really). This surprisingly danceable example crosses a fuzzy heartbeat pulse with the weird dreaminess of a bout of insomnia--the state ...

Michael Landau: Untitled

by Mike Jacobs
October 18, 2023

Guitarist Michael Landau carved out a legendary niche for himself as an L.A. studio ace and an in-demand touring sideman. He created this in part by being able to bridge the divides between Hendrixian power, jazz harmonic savvy and session man finesse. As is evident here on this live track featuring drummer Toss Panos and bassist ...

Michelle Lordi: Only Love Can Break Your Heart

by John Chacona
October 16, 2023

"Only Love Can Break Your Heart," a minor 1970 Neil Young hit, was ostensibly written for Graham Nash after the latter's split from Joni Mitchell (a claim Young later walked back), a breakup song then. It's a lilting waltz with a simple melody more sweet than sad. Cycling eight-bar verse and chorus sections without a bridge ...

Nguyen Le: Encanto

by Mike Jacobs
October 14, 2023

It's a rare thing to have two bassists playing together on one track let alone two at the top of opposite ends of the acoustic/electric bass spectrum, but that's exactly what guitarist Nguyen Le managed on his enthralling tune, “Encanto." From Le's album Bakida (ACT, 2000), he is joined by bass titans Carles Benavent on electric ...