An Empress On the Forgotten Paths of Russian Song

Venturing down forgotten paths of Russian song on her new album, ST PETERSBURG, Empress of Song CECILIA BARTOLI offers a virtuoso performance of the long-hidden body of music composed for the Romanov court.
by David McGee
 

 
 
vijay iyer cosmic

Otherworldly Sensations of Time and Space

A COSMIC RHYTHM WITH EACH STROKE, by VIJAY IYER and WADADA LEO SMITH, is grounded in human feeling and promises to stand the test of time.
by David McGee
 

 

 
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Intimate and Finely Judged

The mystery of ORLANDO BLOOM's 17th Century consort anthems persists, but his work lives anew and in beauty in CHAINS OF GOLD by the MAGDALENA CONSORT, FRETWORK and HIS MAJESTYS SAGBUTTS and CORNETTS
by David McGee
 

 
 
John Primer Bob Corritore Gypsy

Blues Built to Last

Chicago blues masters BOB CORRITORE and JOHN PRIMER have delivered blues built to last on THE GYPSY WOMAN TOLD ME, containing performances every bit as classic as the cover art by VINCE RAY.
by David McGee
 

 

 
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Here He Is

BILLY ALTMAN considers what PAUL SIMON has wrought on the seven interwoven tracks of SEVEN PSALMS.
by David McGee
 

 
 
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You Feel Them?

The last time we heard from the Grascals, in the summer of 2011, they were doing God’s work in crafting a tribute to the music of The Andy Griffith Show on an EP titled Dance Til Your Stockings Are Hot and Ravelin’, when th...
by David McGee
 

 

 
eddie c spider

Eddie C., On the Money & In the Pocket

SPIDER EATING PREACHER is a gem of a Chicago blues album by EDDIE C. CAMPBELL. Hospitalized in Germany after suffering a heart attack and a stroke, Eddie C. needs help to get back to the States. Check out the record, and give g...
by David McGee
 

 
 
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Samantha Fish, In Progress

SAMANTHA FISH has sidestepped the sophomore jinx on her outstanding MIKE ZITO-produced second album, BLACK WIND HOWLIN'. Still a work in progress, she's showing admirable growth both vocally and instrumentally, and is becoming ...
by David McGee
 

 

 
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An On-Time Messenger for the Lord

It takes no special insight to point out the kinship of blues and gospel but 81-year-old LEO 'BUD' WELCH's debut album, Sabougla Voices, presses that truth home with a ferocity and unwavering conviction remarkable even for thes...
by David McGee
 

 
 
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Bluegrass Cum Laude, And Then Some

DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER begin 2015 with honors with bluegrass cum laude on IN SESSION. Highest honors here, and well earned.
by David McGee
 

 

 
dave adkins

The Adkins Doctrine

Populist bluegrasser DAVE ADKINS is back with his second solo album, a self-titled effort. The social conscience remains intact, but the heart is what it's all about here. All else is marginalia.
by David McGee
 

 
 
beverly crawford essential2 1

Church Aphorisms and Mother Wit in Abundance

Still singing songs packed with church aphorisms and mother wit, some of BEVERLY CRAWFORD's most memorable moments are captured on THE ESSENTIAL-VOL 2
by David McGee