Let Us Now Praise Infamous Men

The pen and musicianship of the legendary JOHN MENDLESSOHN have brought us ISAMBARD JONES & HIS ORCHESTRA, wherein the absurdist meets the British Music Hall.
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
 

 

 

Angels and Demons

Angels and Demons: TOO SLIM AND THE TAILDRAGGERS are back with vengeance on BLUE HEART. Nothing much is at stake her, other than Slim's soul.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Ascending: Jazz Trios

Two fine albums by two of the finest jazz trios extant, led by DAVE STRYKER and ANDY PRATT.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Art Songs, Folk Texts

In praise of POPULAIRES, a fascinating exploration of art songs with folk texts, by French Algerian soprano AMEL BRAHIM-DJELLOUL and pianist Nicolas Jouve, Reviewed by ROBERT HUGILL of Planet Hugill.
by David McGee
 

 
 

The Glory of Love

A project some 10 years in the making, HANGTOWN DANCEHALL by ERIC BRACE and KARL STRAUB tells tales of the Gold Rush days of the late 1840s centered on two lovers who learned an enduring life lesson the hard way.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Blues, Classical & Corky Siegel Ascendant

Blues harmonica master and skilled composer CORKY SIEGEL returns with his CHAMBER BLUES string quartet for a blues-classical romp on DIFFERENT VOICES..
by David McGee
 

 
 

We’re Gonna Make It After All

MARTY BROWN emerges boldly and brilliantly on his first new studio album in 25 years, AMERICAN HIGHWAY, aided and abetted by the sure-handed production and musicality of JON TIVEN
by David McGee
 

 

 

In Praise of the Torch Holder

In his second solo outing, JUNIOR SISK honors Polonius's advice: "To thine own self be true." In doing so, he creates a traditional bluegrass gem in LOAD THE WAGON.
by David McGee
 

 
 

For a Friend

Just over the horizon, out of sight, beyond the ear’s reach, love, like the road, goes on forever. NANCY CASSIDY celebrates life for an ailing friend on SONG OF JOY.
by David McGee
 

 

 

And A Proud Mama She Would Be

AUTUMN IN AUGUSTA, the blues-jazz-folk combo led by the wondrous LUCY SMITH, has a winner in SONGS MY MAMA WOULD LIKE. It's Ms. Smith's tribute to the music her mother loved. Mama, Ms. Smith writes, 'had awesome taste.' We agree.
by David McGee
 

 
 

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