Exception To The Rule

Something's different about CARY MORIN as we hear him on his fine new album, DOCKSIDE SAINTS: It feels like he's pulling away from the pack.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Channeling Beatles, In Rarified Air

In their first new CD since 2012, the HOT CLUB OF SAN FRANCISCO reimagines tunes by Lennon-McCartney and George Harrison in the gypsy jazz style of DJANGO REINHARDT.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Suave, Like Nobody’s Business

We redress a great wrong in finally reviewing RAUL MALO's 2007 Christmas masterpiece, Marshmallow World + Other Holiday Favorites. This Yuletide essential is so suave it even offers 'Silver Bells' as a tango. Believe it.
by David McGee
 

 
 

The Songs Linger On…

Multiple JUNO award winner OLD MAN LUEDECKE has one of the sleeper albums of 2013 in TENDER IS THE NIGHT. Produced by TIM O'BRIEN, its songs linger in memory and beg repeat listens.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Fresh Utterances of Life Force

A gospel, classical and jazz hybrid comprised of original songs by pianist JOHN PAUL MCGEE and stirring, even surprising interpretations of ever-relevant warhorses.
by David McGee
 

 
 

From a Master, A Master Class in Blues

There was a missing link in Louisiana Red’s recording odyssey, and it has been revealed on a new release from Labor Records, When My Mama Was Living, recorded in the early '70s in upstate New York and now seeing the light of ...
by David McGee
 

 

 

Love or Chicken, It’s Tasty

You might say stellar guitarist-singer-songwriter BILL KIRCHEN lights it up on his new album, Seeds and Steams. Or you might also say SEEDS AND STEMS Bill Kirchen Proper Records “Get outta my way you small town clowns/th...
by David McGee
 

 
 

Dynamic Duos

Hotter than hot: new duo albums teaming MIKE ZITO with ALBERT CASTIGLIA, and ARLEN ROTH with JERRY JEMMOTT, Rock 'n' roll, classic soul and blues to burn.
by David McGee
 

 

 

The Whole Thing Was Such Fun

Perhaps when you hear Jesse croon the poignant plea, “Bring my baby, oh, my baby back to me…,” you think, Yes, please do bring him back. Please. Do.
by David McGee
 

 
 

In Heavy Rotation: Blues, Soul Blues, Blazing Rock ‘n’ Roll

Fresh sounds from BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA, JOHNNY RAWLS & BRIAN SETZER
by David McGee
 

 

 

Undaunted

On WE RISE UP, RAVEN AND RED confront all manner of romantic debacle and emerge undaunted. Attention must be paid to these young artists.
by David McGee
 

 
 

The Philosopher Ascendant

AL BASILE brings his voice, his cornet and his songwriting skills to bear most impressively on a new album that speaks to respect for those who came before even as it addresses contemporary issues.
by David McGee