The Music List:
Benny Carter Quartet - Swingin' the 20's. Fun and graceful and it made me dance. Lori
Shostakovich - Symphony No. 5. Shostakovich's attempt at a reprieve from the Gulag. You need to know the story behind this music! https://www.pbs.org/keepingscore/shostakovich-symphony-5.html
Brad Mehldau - 'Blues and Ballads' Info True music - Complete creativity and execution.
Marc Ribot - Info - Info Looking for that not familiar music, something besides 12 bar blues....
Big Lazy - Info Art. Accessible Art.
Jack Broadbent "Moonshine Blues" Clean vivid and deep. A diverse collection of great music.
Research projects: Sublime Frequencies (label), Princess Nicotine (album), Radio Morocco (album), Radio Algeria (album), Smithsonian Folkways (label). Thanks Levi!
Stanely Turentine 'Sugar' - Tight, in the groove playing, by jazz greats. Would it have done better with a different cover photo!? George Benson playing real jazz. Ron Carter a man who played on so many sessions that if his albums were laid side by side they would reach the moon. The horn sound we love, is quickly familiar, with Freddie Hubbard playing at his peak. CTI records!
David Oistrakh Recital Philips 6570206 Info Debussy, Ravel, Prokofiev and Ysaye. Completely spell bound by the Violin Sonata in G by Ravel. Ysaye's Sonata in D minor fills the canvas, defying the solo violin reality.
Wolfgang Muthspiel Quintet - Where the River Goes, The Clearing. Includes our favorite, Brad Mehldau. Post apocalyptic mellow jazz...P.A.M.J.?
Cherubini - Cherubini Discoveries, Filharmonica Della Scala - Riccardo Chailly, on DECCA> Found on Quobuz. Well recorded and "sweet" sounding with great tonal balance - very natural. "I'm not familiar with Cherubini's works, but this is quite nice and easy to listen to Orchestral Music," says Mike.
Gabriel Vicens - Point in Time, with Eddie Gomez, Jonathan Suazo and Eduardo Zayas. Modern Jazz debut of Jazz guitarist Gabriel Vicens. Nice compositions and well recorded with rich timbre and nice clarity as well. Thanks again Mike!
Madlib - Shades of Blue. Madlib invades Blue Note........just relax and let it in..... From mad scientist Steve
Kristen Bolstad - Stemmeklang, Tomba Sonora - https://tidal.com/browse/album/115980552 "...maybe read about it, designate some time, sit in the spot that would be sweet, turn it up, press the play button and don't move." Another from Steve
Lori's pick: Junior Wells 'Hoodoo Man Blues' Info The WWW says: one of the greatest blues albums ever released! With Buddy Guy (would have loved to have seen Buddy when he opened for Jimi Hendix. These two on the stage together!) Jump on this if it's new to you.
Space Disco? Try Prins Thomas Info Weird and beautiful music? Lovefingers Info Gota keep searching? Abel Info
Elmore James - one of THE music sources. Try 'Shake your Money Maker/ The Best of the Fire Sessions'
Talking Heads - The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads (live fresh raw)
Branford Marsalis - The Secret Between the Shadow and the Soul.......totally worthwhile new jazz
Trombone Shorty - 'Shortyville' thanks Mike!
Honey Don't - 'Honey Don't' local group. Stumbled on them in a small joint in Red Stone, CO
John Coltrane - 'Coltrane '58 (The Prestige Recordings)'
Lori's Pick - Motley Crue - 'Kickstart My Heart'
Creedence Clearwater Revival - spent an evening with CCR - favorite 'Down on the Corner' and 'Bath Room on the Right' (Fogerty occasionally sings the misheard lyric in concert)
Brad Mehldau - '10 Years Solo Live' a mind boggling display of improvisation, music and skill. Even if you hate solo piano, please give this a listen. He can bend a piano and graces the keys with emotion.
Mehliana: Taming the Dragon by Brad Mehldau (a profound demonstration of his diversity) Mehliana is an exciting creative ride. Jump in, buckle up and enjoy. During my "Taming the Dragon" search the web presented other music and we struck gold - Fly Trio "Year of the Snake", Chris Potter "Imaginary Cities", Geri Allen "Grand River Crossings", Joel Harrison "Search", Derrick Hodge "Live Today."
From our first GJ customer, Frank - Duke Ellington 'Blues in Orbit' INFO pure pleasure with that Ellington sound, Miles Davis 'Someday My Prince Will Come'
Low Cut Connie - Stones, John Lennon, Jerry Lee Lewis - its only rock'n roll!
Doc and Dawg - two of our favorites - Wiki
Warren Haynes - Man In Motion - Wiki produced and elaborated in a good way - creating blues that is outside my normal listening
Laurie Anderson - Big Science - Wiki - Art then music. Drawn in for the entire album in one sitting. Just as fresh today.
Daft Punk - Random Access Memories - Wiki - first album in the new house - dance dance dance
Soul Brothers - Ray Charles and Milt Jackson - Info
Boulez Conducts Ravel, Vol. 3 (La Valse / Menuet Antique / Ma Mère L'Oye (Mother Goose) - Complete Ballet) - Info
Prokofiev, Erich Leinsdorf - Romeo And Juliet: Ballet Excerpts Thank you Professor Daniel Boord!
JJ Cale and Eric Clapton - Escondido. You might also enjoy JJ Cale - Troubadour - Info
Lori's Pick - Beth Ditto - Gossip - Heavy Cross
Experienced Chuck Prophet at the FC Armory live! This sort of talent is out there. A tight group of rockers displaying years of practice - with ease they created complex entertaining rock. 'Bobby Fuller Died for Your Sins' Husband and wife on the stage - that must be a great marriage. Chuck appears to have fun with his fame. Just for the heck of it he once played the entire 'London Calling' album on stage.
Scissors Sisters - Comfortably Numb Heard this at the Hornet in Denver - a little freaky.
Spencer Zweifel a young force on the Fort Collins music scene - JAZZ. High energy complex and complete. He teamed up with Riley William's Double Drummer Band at the Crown.
Imelda May - Love Tattoo
Jamie Cullum - Twentysomething - Great recording and production with excellent musicianship. This should appeal to nearly everyone! Thanks Michael!
JoKo- Si tu M'aimes
Maxwell Mud - First song is ok but keep going. Solid album with some knock outs. St. Peter's Blues. Blues with variety and depth. We were groovin and doin the Kitchen dance. Honest and true music.
Parker Millsap - The Very Last Day - You Gotta Move (this may become a new demo track!) Crazy but both Lori and I came up with Led Zeppelin. The album does have a twang and the blues. It aint bad and you know that's good.
Ronnie Earl - tune in, this is the stuff!!!
From RMAF 2019
Keep It Coming - BB King & Heavy D
Doubling Blues - Count Basie
Tears Of God - Los Lobos
Yulunga - Dead Can Dance
Blast / War Machine Dub - Praxis
Limbo - Yello
Christmas Card From A Hooker - Tom Waits
Bristle Cone - Plantrae
Don't Try To Lay No Boogie Woogie - Long John Landry
Preface - FKA Twigs
Highway Tune - Greta Van Fleet
English Suite #2 in A Minor - Bach / Lehtola
Fanfare For The Common Man - Copland
Are You Even Real - Weval
Roll Together - Weval
Voodoo Child (Slight Return) - Angelique Kidjo
Dorma - Dada
I'm The Supervisor - Infected Mushroom
See Emily Play - Pink Floyd
La Virgen De La Macarena - Arturo Sandoval
Honky Tonk Night Time Man - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Space For Papa - Jeff Beck
Feel Like My Time Ain't Long - Forbes Family
Funkier Than A Mosquito's Tweeter - Nina Simone
Purple House - Prince
Doing Time - Sublime
Big Book (Original Mix) - QoDes
Purple Rain - Stina Nordensta
Rock On - Def Leppard
No Love Dying - Gregory Porter
Seeya - Deadmau5
Justice's Groove - Stanley Clarke
Albums
Basie Jam - Count Basie - Pablo Records
Dub Side Of The Mule - Gov't Mule
Amazing Grace - Emiko Shiratori
Jimmy Noone & Bunk Johnson - Kings of New Orleans - We love this album. Such hot fun playing. Not the New Orleans music as defined by mainstream today.
Curtis Harding - just to keep it real. Soulful timeless music but within the context of today.
Leroy Anderson - The Typewriter - If you can't enjoy this you are too cool for school.
Yo La Tengo - Fade - it's not my fault that this is listed. Another different path.
Wolfmother - Wolfmother wake up your inner rock soul, or maybe its Jack White in disguise. Lori said we might as well include the Vines.
Jean-Michel Jarre - Zoolook with help from Laurie Anderson (Mister Heartbreak) leads me to Phil Manzanera Robert Fripp - Sure you are thinking why isn't Eno in here? It was all happening in the 80's.
arca - arca will not be included in this list because it is so weird.
Fever Ray - Fever Ray (Knife)
Snow Patrol - Start with the 'Greatest Hits' Out side of our usual listening but they present rock (modernish and with maybe some Pop) that is complex including fresh sound mixtures. The vocals and musicianship excellent.
Normally I avoid this genre - Bob Mounsey and the Flying Monkey Orchestra - 'Dig'. Give the tunes a chance and the fun prevails.
If you like old country or bluegrass spend an evening with Flats and Scruggs. Tight picking and playing.
Steve Khan - 'The Blue Man'
Karrin Allyson - 'From Paris to Rio' A voice for music with articulation and control. I am a sucker for songs not in English.
Wynton Marsalis with tons of beautiful music, classical and jazz. Have you heard him sing? With Willie Nelson? "Two Men with the Blues" Live with live sound - great band, playing fun music.
At RMAF the Absolute Sound reviewer (said he loved our sound) and the Stereophile reviewer (said Stereophile needs to review Quicksilver and Spendor) both enjoyed Bernard Haitink + Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra playing Shostakovich: Symphony No. 15 in DSD. Shostakovich - what a creative playful man living in a harsh world.
Bobby's pick: Jill Barber - "Fool's Gold" - Amy Winehouse but mixed with oldies like Patsy Cline and the combo is a sound all her own!
Fink - 'Fink's Saturday Night Blues Club' - Mix Muddy Waters, Trent Reznor, and Eno kind of. Slow and different.
Ryan Adams the album Cold Roses.
Mark Knopfler - "Don't You Get It"
Henry Rollins (Black Flag) music HR KCRW Henry DJ's eclectic tracks!
Borodin Quartet - Borodin No 2 and Shostakovich No 8
Sarah Jarosz -"Undercurrent" fresh vocals!
Rubinstein/Reiner - Rachmaninoff "Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini" and Falla "Nights in the Gardens of Spain" - We enjoy most of Rachmaninoff and his take on Paganini soars!
Stanton Moore 'Conversations' Good demo sound and good music.
Steve Lawrence and Eydie 'Two on the Aisle' Till There Was You - United Artist 8518 Wall to Wall sound. Makes you scratch your head - this 1963 album delivers sound that is so real. And who is better than Steve and Eydie? Mel Torme? Thank you Harry!!
Deadmau5 - Vexillology - Orca. If your system is working this track is an experience!
Cure - Faith - Primary. With all the 80's revival we are seeing, I thought of the Cure. 'Mixed Up' was a favorite in the day.
Sun Ra - 'Angles and Demons at Play'. Experience Sun Ra at his zenith. Thanks Matt.
Julian Lage is a Jazz guitarist, but he is much more... Thanks Lori!
Last night we spent the evening immersed in music created by Brad Mehldua. I have a few CDs of his but these selections, on Tidal, eclipsed my expectations. Brad is considered a Jazz musician, but he stretches this label. Give 'Mehliana: Taming the Dragon' a try - this is out there, no question about it. If you want sublime expression using only a solo piano -'Ten Years Solo Live' - a collection of originals and covers - I was spell bound by McCartney's Blackbird. A recent release of straight ahead Jazz, is new music that Jazz fans dream about - 'Blues and Ballads' - played by a trio. These three albums are on Tidal in Masters MQA format. Brad also provides music in other Jazz genres, give them a try. You may find you like a pseudo classical format! I am so blown away by Mehldau that its the only suggestion for this month!
Hope you are doing well. Thanks for the newsletter. Nice to see my boys Papa Grows Funk on your list. Not sure if that's because of me or someone else - but I approve! I see you have Joe Krown on there. My favorite Krown is actually the Joe Krown Trio - Live at the Maple Leaf. Walter "Wolfman" Washington adds so much on guitar and vocals.
https://www.amazon.com/Walter-Wolfman-Washington-Russell-Batiste/dp/B001KRNZQS
Another recent favorite I'm loving on my stereo is Billy Cobham - Total Eclipse. The first song rather dynamic in terms of pacing and sounds, but it's really tracks 3-6 that shine. All those tracks have the Brecker Brothers on them. There is a 10 minute track of Cobham playing drums. It's not very compelling overall, but it is well mic'ed and well mixed. Sounds cool on stereo and headphones. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_Eclipse_(Billy_Cobham_album) Thanks K.C.
From Steve: Tinariwen - if you are looking for something different. Isn't that always the case with Steve? The newest album is the apparent trend.
Our music experience for the month was seeing the CSU performance of Shostakovitch Symphony Number 1. We highly recommend seeing Shostakovitch live.
John Williams - you really can't go wrong, check out my favorites, "The Seville Concert" (CD and DVD, 2003) and "Bach Lute Suites" (1990). More contemporary music he has recorded with approbation include, "The Magic Box" (2001). His duets over the years with Julian Bream are also great. And, for other great classical guitar albums, try to find Carlos Barbosa-Lima and Sharon Isbin, "Rhapsody in Blue and West Side Story" (1987), simply superb, and Christopher Parkening's, "Parkening Plays Bach", (1990 re-release on CD), superbly musical and informative interpretations of Bach. Many others, too, but those are my desert-island classical guitar discs. From Tom - Thanks!
Bobby's pick - The Revivalists "Wish I Knew You" Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzmcsxTVQcQ This group has the immediate star group sound that makes you think that you have known them for years. Clean confident sound with hooks musically and in the poetry. Just a nod to Bowie if you think about it, although it seems so fresh. Want to see them? Playing in Fort Collins this month.
Take a walk thru the best of New Orleans - Allen Toussaint "The Bright Mississippi." A recording that jumps out from the speakers and moves you out of your room and into the music. Thanks Paul.
Art Pepper "Early Art" Blue Note. Always liked The Route with Chet and Art. This early works really captures that era's sound. Enjoying the heck out of this double album.
Gerry Mulligan "Night Lights" With Jim Hall and Art Farmer. This is a special album - little material has this same flavor. The sophisticated sound with great playing and just enough uniqueness to capture our attention.
In the past I found Zero 7 to be OK, but stumbled on this track and it grabbed me: Pop Art Blue.
"revenge of the number" by portishead - sparse, cool and funky.
The Meters - a must. Just jump in - "Look-Ka Py Py"
Oscar Peterson - he could fill a song with notes, his notes, more notes than most could imagine, but some how he made it sing. Amazing jazz that I always find fresh.
For late night in a dark room-from the K&D sessions - "Trans Fatty Acid" (sampled Lamb) down tempo, trip hop, eerie atmosphere transporting you away.
I have been playing Pandora after a long break, so the following artist come from my radio stations (I am not responsible for perceived silliness):
Kemopetrol - "Everything's Fine"
Beirut - silly different, Caravan Palace
H.U.V.A Network, Carl Cox, Solid Sessions, Daft Punk (older), Phutureprimitive, Nick Thayer, Smith and Mighty, and Glitch Mob.
Breakestra, James Brown, The Crown Royals, Papa Grows Funk - Funk!
LCD sound system - for a short period the coolest nerd music, B.Fleischmann "The Humbucking Coil", Datarock.
Poe, 8mm (maybe think of James Bond women swimming across the screen)
Elio Villafranca and Arturo Stable - esoteric great rhythm and piano
Angus and Julia Stone, Iron and Wine, Skye, Rachael Yamagata, Keren Ann and Alexi Murdoch.
Pepe Deluxe - hey baby what's your sign?
Joe Krown
Armin Van Buuren
Budapest Eskimos
The Eels, The Vines
The Groundhogs
E.S.T - Amazing music, Jazz but so much more and everything. The group had a tragic end as the lead died scuba diving. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esbj%C3%B6rn_Svensson_Trio
Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Yep, that's their name. Start with a more accessible song "Like Antennae to Heaven," then dive in. Moody, dark, sometimes political. Music from "nice Canadian boys" who may stick a finger in your eye. Thanks Mark!
Emancipator - certified organic electronica music made from a wide range of international ingredients. We just learned of Emancipator. Too bad, because he is playing a sold out show at Bluebird in Denver tonight! Thank you Jim!
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - It's a Holiday Soul Party. So sad to hear of Sharon's passing. She left us some great treasures. Swinging horns and Jones' old-school soul vocals bring new life to old holiday standards and some new originals. Witty, toe-tapping. Dance those holiday blues away!
Makyo - Devabandha. Introduced a new musical concept to me: Zen Dub. Who knew? Add some volume and enjoy! Also DJ's a free-style radio show on WZBC.
Bliss - Quiet Letters. Is it superbly crafted, spare and complex ambient pop, or chillout mush? You decide. Shimmer floor wax / dessert topping, anyone?
David Bowie with Stevie Ray Vaughan - Let's Dance. Hard to think of Bowie being gone. I heard an interview a few years back - David said that he was lonely in old age.
Damian "Jr Gong" Marley - Mr. Marley. His first solo album, tons of pressure to make an album that reflected his own and his family's talent. Effervescent, reverent, boisterous, rousing, summery, reflective & spiritual.
Antony & The Johnsons - Swanlights. An artist I'm most excited to share. He does not approach music as I would ever imagine doing. Headphones and this album are pure late night intimate richness.
Silly Wizard - The Best of. The line-up is like the best Celtic/Gaelic/Scottish players around. I try to listen critically, then realize I'm singing and replaying the songs because I can. Superlative musicianship, energetic, Celtic frills, intimidating.
Milton Nascimento - Clube Da Esquina. really good double album. 1972. Early in his works, but man did he bring it. Sweet, summery, complex, cerebral.
Ray Wylie Hubbard - The Ruffian's Misfortune. Obscure, gray haired biker band guys. Knows how to build out a song with wicked arrangements. Great car listen. Forceful, driving, bad on Fords, bottle dodging.
A customer emailed that he was enjoying Freddi Hubbard - "Red Clay" on his new vinyl system, so the Freddie Hubbard was a surprise. There are few FH fans that I run into. FH plays on so many great albums most jazz guys know him, but not a pick for lead. It's been a few years since I have spent much time in this type of Jazz - Lori does not like it. It was fun to find the copy of RC and listen. There is an abundance of energy. The CD that was next to RC was Herbie Hancock Empyrean Isles, so I had to take a stroll with this CD. On EI FH is so important to the sound. The connection in sound between EI and RC is there for me, even if they are 6 years apart.
- The first FH album I found was Hub-Tones. Still a favorite. It was fun to do the exploring back then. Things are easier and harder, now with things like Tidal. I just now opened Tidal with FH. I mean there is a mile of listings for FH. Would I have found Hub-Tones if I had no experience with FH?! Thanks Woody
Christine and the Queens is a delightful plunge into modern music. The contrast of her voice with the interesting bass is powerful. Thanks Craig
In 1992 Cardas recorded "Pleasure and Pain." Ben Harper and Tom Freund play in a very live setting. It is truly a different experience putting this album on the turntable. I am now a Ben Harper fan.
Janine Jansen 'Beethoven/Britten Violin Concertos' Decca - Wonderful versions of these two giant works. The Britten really came to life for me and shed new light on my understanding of the music. Thanks Ed!
A couple of new demo tracks: Bernard Haitink/Royal Concergebouw Orchestra Shastakovich:Symphony No. 15, and Greg Brown 'Flat Stuff'
Kendra Shane "Afterglow'
JD McPherson 'Let the Good Times Roll'
Panufnik Lutoslawski 'String Quartets' Tippett Quartet'
The Charlie Parker Story Savoy MG 12079
Tommy Tedesco 'Autumn'
Steve Khan Rob Mounsey 'Local Color'
Billy Holiday 'Songs for Distingue Lovers'
Snow Patrol 'A Hundred Million Suns'
Tom Petty 'Mojo' There is a bunch of great Tom Petty that did not get over played. We enjoy these cool tunes.
This week Don and I (Hi, this Lorelei, Don's wife) had the opportunity to see live music, not once but twice! First up was a pleasant surprise to see Joseph Wytko. For "gentleman" Merriam-Webster says, "see Joseph Wytko." Ok, well, they should! It was a trio of two saxophones and a pianist, something I hadn't heard of before. The concert was Brilliant! Amazing! Three supremely talented musicians, and get this, it was free! On top of that, the other saxophonist was Joseph's daughter, Anna Marie Wytko. How cool is that? We've been listening to CD's from both of them and truly enjoying it! Check these out, http://www.annamariewytko.com/discography.html and http://www.josephwytkosaxophone.com/discography.html.
The second fun trip was out to the Crown Pub's basement, 'cause that's where they keep jazz musicians. There we saw another trio, this time a sax, a bass and drums. Wow! Such energy from Matt Smiley, one of our favorite local bass players. They played some crazy Ornette Coleman, and I hate to say it, but I might've learned something there-Free Jazz! And no cover! So far as I can tell, the goal of an audiophile is an audio system that produces a realistic, engaging sound from a recorded piece of data. It's certainly our objective at Fort Collins Audio. Those systems are a rare resource of enjoyment. But sometimes you have to put the A/B-ing of interconnects (my favorite!) off for a night and go experience real, in the flesh, musicians. Get out there and see some live performances.
Give this a try - 'The Cherry Thing' by Neneh Cherry. It's a sneaky journey into the unknown. https://www.discogs.com/Neneh-Cherry-The-Thing-The-Cherry-Thing/release/3670086 It is on Tidal. Thanks Dan.
Samantha Crain's 'Kid Face'. A cool album. You could think of Jesse Sykes. Thanks Craig.
Give Amos Lee's self titled album a spin. Thanks Craig.
Rachel Unthank and the Winterset (now The Unthanks) a captivating combination of classical English folk and contrasting musical styles. I would suggest exploring all the albums. Fresh, real with substance! Thanks Dan for the Unthanks
Emiliana Torrini "Fisherman's Woman" another inventive unique album.
Bobby's Pick: Allen Stone. This is a giant new name. Has some Stevie Wonder influence but so much more. His voice carries the music with drama and emotion.
John Zorn is a composer and performer. Spend some time exploring his extremely different and creative music. For when the Beatles and Stones are sounding boring... Marc Ribot is worth some exploring - ' Rootless Cosmopolitans'.
Ran into 'Come get it' by Gyom - pretty fun!
Langhorn Slim - Folk Americana?
Jane Monheit, 'The Songbook Sessions: Ella Fitzgerald'. This is a great find, thanks Ben!
Bobby's pick: Polica; and Sasha Druva and Highway 65
Ronnie Earl
The Teodross Avery Quartet-'In other words'
John Hammond - 'Ready for Love'
Gwyneth Herbert - 'All The Ghosts'
Karrin Allyson - 'Azure-Te'
The Aakash Mittal Quartet - 'Possible Beginnings'
Red Rooney Quintet - 'No Turn on Red'
Pretty Lights - 'A Color Map of the Sun'
Gramatik - 'The Age of Reason'
Griz - 'Say it Loud'
Joey Alexander - 'My Favorite Things' 13 years old
Blasts from the past, painted in new colors removing the triteness - Marc Cohn, Listening Booth 1970
Not for the traditionals - Jan Jelineks "loop finding jazz records", Pole's "3", Chriss Walla's "tape loops" and the Revenant soundtrack
Bang on a Can, "Music for Airports" Eno with more. We saw Bang on a Can with Philip Glass live - one of my most profound musical experiences. Interestingly, I have not found recorded music that was presented, so sometimes sound is only experienced once...
Wynton Marsalis, "Wynton Marsalis" with Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Jeff Watts. Reading the back of the album is as fun as listening. Wynton was 18 years old.
Galactic, Into the Deep - Funk it up with this driving new album. Thanks Eric. Alright! Clear the floor and enjoy the groove.
Patty Larkin, A Gogo - Also try Regrooving the Dream. We listened to Patty using Tidal the other night. Consummate guitar player. Concept twisting lyrics.
Anton Heiller, Bach St. Annes Prelude and Fugue - this will be hard to find, but the performance is stellar. Thanks Philana and Ray!
Lucinda Williams, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road - try any album by Lucinda if you are looking for raw passionate southern music. Authenticity will sweep you away.
Shelby Lynne, I Can't Imagine - Another journey we traveled down using Tidal. She continues the feel from 'Just a little Lovin'.
Martha Argerich, Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 3 - We are not experts, but to us this is a very moving version.
Miles Davis, Kind of Blue, 7 Steps to Heaven, Relaxin - So many great albums, Miles was the coolest cat.
John Coltrane, Blue Train, Giant Steps - For me Coltrane is the quintessential jazz performer.
Cannonball and Coltrane album - brings both to a different spot. Same can be said of Bags and Trane. Let's include Bags' Groove for fun.
Herbie Hancock, Speak Like a Child, Headhunters, The Piano, Sound-System - Herbie is my favorite. The Piano was recorded direct disc - no edits.
Oscar Peterson, Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, Duke Ellington, Bill Evans...
Eastern Sun, Bonobo, K&D Sessions - Lounge down tempo for when you want that big beat.
Melody Gardot, Currency of Man - The fullest richest Melody yet. Thanks Neely!
Sara Barielles, Brave Enough - a brillantly recorded live album. Thanks Tim.
Josh Ritter, Hello Starling - early Ritter that's more tangible, for me. The cut Wings is an interesting history story. The sound is analog, just forget the tape hiss.
David Grisman, Dawgs Groove - Wonderful accustic music recorded just right. David can play bluegrass and jazz, but his music is too complete for classification.
Terence Blanchard, Lets get lost - You must hear this album.
Beta Band, Best of - Something different.
Bobby Timmons , This Here is Bobby Timmons - at first you will think what's the big deal, but simplistic style grows.
Charlie Haden, Haunted Heart - This modern return to the past carries us to that time.
Tartini The Devils Sonata - Tartini reports that he dreamed this composition. I like the Andrew Manze version.
Ray Charles, Ray Charles The Best of - Wow
Scofield, Groove Elation - if you don't know Scofield this is a good place to start. More recent material by John is even more complex. One of the best guitar players. Yes he is a Jazz musician but his sound is is own and could be loved by hard core rock fans. Played with Miles.
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings 100 Days 100 Nights - Lori loves this album, that's enough for me.
Tord Gustavsen Trio, The Ground - feelings and transcendence this is sublime music.
Professor Manfred Diehl provided us an in depth view into Ry Cooder.
Ry Cooder - Chicken Skin Music
Ry Cooder - Paradise and Lunch
Ry Cooder - Jazz
After talking with Manfred about the historian, musician and preservationist, Ry Cooder, my explorations found Ry Cooder - I, Flathead (One critic suggested a Tom Waits style to the album. I find it interesting how Waits continues to be a force.)
Hommage A Eberhard Weber
Low: Double Negative
Beach House: 7
Rosalia: El Mal Querer
Yo La Tengo: There's a Riot Going On
Count Basie: Complete Live at the Crescendo
Uncle Tupelo: March 16-20, 1992
Aretha Franklin: Amazing Grace
Kelly Lee Owens: Kelly Lee Owens
Thanks Steve and Cindy!
From Robbie - skateboarder, artist and punk music expert:
(find his art on Instagram @exteenager) LINK
Frank Turner - I Am Disappeared, Substitute, and Song For Eva Mae
Gaslight Anthem - Our Fathers Sons
Lucero - Bikeriders INFO
Fuel - Cue to You
Hot Water Music - Bleeder
J Church - Concede
Jawbreaker - Chesterfield King, and Jinx Removing
Jim Ward - Broken Songs
Sparta - Breaking the Broken
Stiff Little Fingers - Each Dollar a Bullet
Cocksparrer - Out On An Island
Superchunk - On The Mouth
Tim Barry - Dog Bumped, and Wait At Milano
Jets To Brazil - Sea Anemone
Pitchfork - Placebo
Psychedelic furs - Imitation of Christ
Social Distortion - Prison Bound and Mommy's Little Monster INFO
The Clash - The Clash (truly surprising) INFO
We have enjoyed the venture back into Punk.
Music from our exploring and customers' request:
Hazel English - Shaking
Jon Batiste - Chronology of a Dream
Calum Scott - Only Human - Dancing On My Own
Maria McKee - Effigy of Salt - INFO
Lang Lang - Empire State of Mind
Wolf Parade - Forest Green
Paul McCartney - Home Tonight (who?)
Sevdaliza - Human (powerful bass)
The Widdler & Otz - Outlaws
Beach House (once again) Thanks Steve
Joel Harrison - Tropical Sexperiment
Last Call Romance - Last Call Romance (slick Rockabilly)
St Germain - Tourist (get your down tempo fix )
Molly Tuttle - When You're Ready (twangy modern bluegrass kind of music - see her live in Boulder and Ft Collins in February) INFO
Dominic Fike - 3 Nights
Dinosaur Pile-Up - Back Foot or Thrash Metal Cassette
Isaac Hayes - Hung Up On My Baby
Jack Ladder and the Dreamlanders - Playmate or Love is Lost (pairs well with the book American Gods) (it's my newsletter and I can say what I want)
Greg Brown - Flat Stuff YOUTUBE with Mark Knopfler
Sutton - After Blue Sutton uses her voice like and instrument and the album includes some very different twist. Thank you Ed!Wolfgang Muthspiel Quintet - Where the River Goes, The Clearing. Includes our favorite, Brad Mehldau. Post apocalyptic mellow jazz...P.A.M.J.?
Benny Carter Quartet - Swingin' the 20's. Fun and graceful and it made me dance. Lori
Shostakovich - Symphony No. 5. Shostakovich's attempt at a reprieve from the Gulag. You need to know the story behind this music! https://www.pbs.org/keepingscore/shostakovich-symphony-5.html
Brad Mehldau - 'Blues and Ballads' Info True music - Complete creativity and execution.
Marc Ribot - Info - Info Looking for that not familiar music, something besides 12 bar blues....
Big Lazy - Info Art. Accessible Art.
Jack Broadbent "Moonshine Blues" Clean vivid and deep. A diverse collection of great music.
Research projects: Sublime Frequencies (label), Princess Nicotine (album), Radio Morocco (album), Radio Algeria (album), Smithsonian Folkways (label). Thanks Levi!
Stanely Turentine 'Sugar' - Tight, in the groove playing, by jazz greats. Would it have done better with a different cover photo!? George Benson playing real jazz. Ron Carter a man who played on so many sessions that if his albums were laid side by side they would reach the moon. The horn sound we love, is quickly familiar, with Freddie Hubbard playing at his peak. CTI records!
David Oistrakh Recital Philips 6570206 Info Debussy, Ravel, Prokofiev and Ysaye. Completely spell bound by the Violin Sonata in G by Ravel. Ysaye's Sonata in D minor fills the canvas, defying the solo violin reality.
Wolfgang Muthspiel Quintet - Where the River Goes, The Clearing. Includes our favorite, Brad Mehldau. Post apocalyptic mellow jazz...P.A.M.J.?
Cherubini - Cherubini Discoveries, Filharmonica Della Scala - Riccardo Chailly, on DECCA> Found on Quobuz. Well recorded and "sweet" sounding with great tonal balance - very natural. "I'm not familiar with Cherubini's works, but this is quite nice and easy to listen to Orchestral Music," says Mike.
Gabriel Vicens - Point in Time, with Eddie Gomez, Jonathan Suazo and Eduardo Zayas. Modern Jazz debut of Jazz guitarist Gabriel Vicens. Nice compositions and well recorded with rich timbre and nice clarity as well. Thanks again Mike!
Madlib - Shades of Blue. Madlib invades Blue Note........just relax and let it in..... From mad scientist Steve
Kristen Bolstad - Stemmeklang, Tomba Sonora - https://tidal.com/browse/album/115980552 "...maybe read about it, designate some time, sit in the spot that would be sweet, turn it up, press the play button and don't move." Another from Steve
Lori's pick: Junior Wells 'Hoodoo Man Blues' Info The WWW says: one of the greatest blues albums ever released! With Buddy Guy (would have loved to have seen Buddy when he opened for Jimi Hendix. These two on the stage together!) Jump on this if it's new to you.
Space Disco? Try Prins Thomas Info Weird and beautiful music? Lovefingers Info Gota keep searching? Abel Info
Elmore James - one of THE music sources. Try 'Shake your Money Maker/ The Best of the Fire Sessions'
Talking Heads - The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads (live fresh raw)
Branford Marsalis - The Secret Between the Shadow and the Soul.......totally worthwhile new jazz
Trombone Shorty - 'Shortyville' thanks Mike!
Honey Don't - 'Honey Don't' local group. Stumbled on them in a small joint in Red Stone, CO
John Coltrane - 'Coltrane '58 (The Prestige Recordings)'
Lori's Pick - Motley Crue - 'Kickstart My Heart'
Creedence Clearwater Revival - spent an evening with CCR - favorite 'Down on the Corner' and 'Bath Room on the Right' (Fogerty occasionally sings the misheard lyric in concert)
Brad Mehldau - '10 Years Solo Live' a mind boggling display of improvisation, music and skill. Even if you hate solo piano, please give this a listen. He can bend a piano and graces the keys with emotion.
Mehliana: Taming the Dragon by Brad Mehldau (a profound demonstration of his diversity) Mehliana is an exciting creative ride. Jump in, buckle up and enjoy. During my "Taming the Dragon" search the web presented other music and we struck gold - Fly Trio "Year of the Snake", Chris Potter "Imaginary Cities", Geri Allen "Grand River Crossings", Joel Harrison "Search", Derrick Hodge "Live Today."
From our first GJ customer, Frank - Duke Ellington 'Blues in Orbit' INFO pure pleasure with that Ellington sound, Miles Davis 'Someday My Prince Will Come'
Low Cut Connie - Stones, John Lennon, Jerry Lee Lewis - its only rock'n roll!
Doc and Dawg - two of our favorites - Wiki
Warren Haynes - Man In Motion - Wiki produced and elaborated in a good way - creating blues that is outside my normal listening
Laurie Anderson - Big Science - Wiki - Art then music. Drawn in for the entire album in one sitting. Just as fresh today.
Daft Punk - Random Access Memories - Wiki - first album in the new house - dance dance dance
Soul Brothers - Ray Charles and Milt Jackson - Info
Boulez Conducts Ravel, Vol. 3 (La Valse / Menuet Antique / Ma Mère L'Oye (Mother Goose) - Complete Ballet) - Info
Prokofiev, Erich Leinsdorf - Romeo And Juliet: Ballet Excerpts Thank you Professor Daniel Boord!
JJ Cale and Eric Clapton - Escondido. You might also enjoy JJ Cale - Troubadour - Info
Lori's Pick - Beth Ditto - Gossip - Heavy Cross
Experienced Chuck Prophet at the FC Armory live! This sort of talent is out there. A tight group of rockers displaying years of practice - with ease they created complex entertaining rock. 'Bobby Fuller Died for Your Sins' Husband and wife on the stage - that must be a great marriage. Chuck appears to have fun with his fame. Just for the heck of it he once played the entire 'London Calling' album on stage.
Scissors Sisters - Comfortably Numb Heard this at the Hornet in Denver - a little freaky.
Spencer Zweifel a young force on the Fort Collins music scene - JAZZ. High energy complex and complete. He teamed up with Riley William's Double Drummer Band at the Crown.
Imelda May - Love Tattoo
Jamie Cullum - Twentysomething - Great recording and production with excellent musicianship. This should appeal to nearly everyone! Thanks Michael!
JoKo- Si tu M'aimes
Maxwell Mud - First song is ok but keep going. Solid album with some knock outs. St. Peter's Blues. Blues with variety and depth. We were groovin and doin the Kitchen dance. Honest and true music.
Parker Millsap - The Very Last Day - You Gotta Move (this may become a new demo track!) Crazy but both Lori and I came up with Led Zeppelin. The album does have a twang and the blues. It aint bad and you know that's good.
Ronnie Earl - tune in, this is the stuff!!!
From RMAF 2019
Keep It Coming - BB King & Heavy D
Doubling Blues - Count Basie
Tears Of God - Los Lobos
Yulunga - Dead Can Dance
Blast / War Machine Dub - Praxis
Limbo - Yello
Christmas Card From A Hooker - Tom Waits
Bristle Cone - Plantrae
Don't Try To Lay No Boogie Woogie - Long John Landry
Preface - FKA Twigs
Highway Tune - Greta Van Fleet
English Suite #2 in A Minor - Bach / Lehtola
Fanfare For The Common Man - Copland
Are You Even Real - Weval
Roll Together - Weval
Voodoo Child (Slight Return) - Angelique Kidjo
Dorma - Dada
I'm The Supervisor - Infected Mushroom
See Emily Play - Pink Floyd
La Virgen De La Macarena - Arturo Sandoval
Honky Tonk Night Time Man - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Space For Papa - Jeff Beck
Feel Like My Time Ain't Long - Forbes Family
Funkier Than A Mosquito's Tweeter - Nina Simone
Purple House - Prince
Doing Time - Sublime
Big Book (Original Mix) - QoDes
Purple Rain - Stina Nordensta
Rock On - Def Leppard
No Love Dying - Gregory Porter
Seeya - Deadmau5
Justice's Groove - Stanley Clarke
Albums
Basie Jam - Count Basie - Pablo Records
Dub Side Of The Mule - Gov't Mule
Amazing Grace - Emiko Shiratori
Jimmy Noone & Bunk Johnson - Kings of New Orleans - We love this album. Such hot fun playing. Not the New Orleans music as defined by mainstream today.
Curtis Harding - just to keep it real. Soulful timeless music but within the context of today.
Leroy Anderson - The Typewriter - If you can't enjoy this you are too cool for school.
Yo La Tengo - Fade - it's not my fault that this is listed. Another different path.
Wolfmother - Wolfmother wake up your inner rock soul, or maybe its Jack White in disguise. Lori said we might as well include the Vines.
Jean-Michel Jarre - Zoolook with help from Laurie Anderson (Mister Heartbreak) leads me to Phil Manzanera Robert Fripp - Sure you are thinking why isn't Eno in here? It was all happening in the 80's.
arca - arca will not be included in this list because it is so weird.
Fever Ray - Fever Ray (Knife)
Snow Patrol - Start with the 'Greatest Hits' Out side of our usual listening but they present rock (modernish and with maybe some Pop) that is complex including fresh sound mixtures. The vocals and musicianship excellent.
Normally I avoid this genre - Bob Mounsey and the Flying Monkey Orchestra - 'Dig'. Give the tunes a chance and the fun prevails.
If you like old country or bluegrass spend an evening with Flats and Scruggs. Tight picking and playing.
Steve Khan - 'The Blue Man'
Karrin Allyson - 'From Paris to Rio' A voice for music with articulation and control. I am a sucker for songs not in English.
Wynton Marsalis with tons of beautiful music, classical and jazz. Have you heard him sing? With Willie Nelson? "Two Men with the Blues" Live with live sound - great band, playing fun music.
At RMAF the Absolute Sound reviewer (said he loved our sound) and the Stereophile reviewer (said Stereophile needs to review Quicksilver and Spendor) both enjoyed Bernard Haitink + Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra playing Shostakovich: Symphony No. 15 in DSD. Shostakovich - what a creative playful man living in a harsh world.
Bobby's pick: Jill Barber - "Fool's Gold" - Amy Winehouse but mixed with oldies like Patsy Cline and the combo is a sound all her own!
Fink - 'Fink's Saturday Night Blues Club' - Mix Muddy Waters, Trent Reznor, and Eno kind of. Slow and different.
Ryan Adams the album Cold Roses.
Mark Knopfler - "Don't You Get It"
Henry Rollins (Black Flag) music HR KCRW Henry DJ's eclectic tracks!
Borodin Quartet - Borodin No 2 and Shostakovich No 8
Sarah Jarosz -"Undercurrent" fresh vocals!
Rubinstein/Reiner - Rachmaninoff "Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini" and Falla "Nights in the Gardens of Spain" - We enjoy most of Rachmaninoff and his take on Paganini soars!
Stanton Moore 'Conversations' Good demo sound and good music.
Steve Lawrence and Eydie 'Two on the Aisle' Till There Was You - United Artist 8518 Wall to Wall sound. Makes you scratch your head - this 1963 album delivers sound that is so real. And who is better than Steve and Eydie? Mel Torme? Thank you Harry!!
Deadmau5 - Vexillology - Orca. If your system is working this track is an experience!
Cure - Faith - Primary. With all the 80's revival we are seeing, I thought of the Cure. 'Mixed Up' was a favorite in the day.
Sun Ra - 'Angles and Demons at Play'. Experience Sun Ra at his zenith. Thanks Matt.
Julian Lage is a Jazz guitarist, but he is much more... Thanks Lori!
Last night we spent the evening immersed in music created by Brad Mehldua. I have a few CDs of his but these selections, on Tidal, eclipsed my expectations. Brad is considered a Jazz musician, but he stretches this label. Give 'Mehliana: Taming the Dragon' a try - this is out there, no question about it. If you want sublime expression using only a solo piano -'Ten Years Solo Live' - a collection of originals and covers - I was spell bound by McCartney's Blackbird. A recent release of straight ahead Jazz, is new music that Jazz fans dream about - 'Blues and Ballads' - played by a trio. These three albums are on Tidal in Masters MQA format. Brad also provides music in other Jazz genres, give them a try. You may find you like a pseudo classical format! I am so blown away by Mehldau that its the only suggestion for this month!
Hope you are doing well. Thanks for the newsletter. Nice to see my boys Papa Grows Funk on your list. Not sure if that's because of me or someone else - but I approve! I see you have Joe Krown on there. My favorite Krown is actually the Joe Krown Trio - Live at the Maple Leaf. Walter "Wolfman" Washington adds so much on guitar and vocals.
https://www.amazon.com/Walter-Wolfman-Washington-Russell-Batiste/dp/B001KRNZQS
Another recent favorite I'm loving on my stereo is Billy Cobham - Total Eclipse. The first song rather dynamic in terms of pacing and sounds, but it's really tracks 3-6 that shine. All those tracks have the Brecker Brothers on them. There is a 10 minute track of Cobham playing drums. It's not very compelling overall, but it is well mic'ed and well mixed. Sounds cool on stereo and headphones. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_Eclipse_(Billy_Cobham_album) Thanks K.C.
From Steve: Tinariwen - if you are looking for something different. Isn't that always the case with Steve? The newest album is the apparent trend.
Our music experience for the month was seeing the CSU performance of Shostakovitch Symphony Number 1. We highly recommend seeing Shostakovitch live.
John Williams - you really can't go wrong, check out my favorites, "The Seville Concert" (CD and DVD, 2003) and "Bach Lute Suites" (1990). More contemporary music he has recorded with approbation include, "The Magic Box" (2001). His duets over the years with Julian Bream are also great. And, for other great classical guitar albums, try to find Carlos Barbosa-Lima and Sharon Isbin, "Rhapsody in Blue and West Side Story" (1987), simply superb, and Christopher Parkening's, "Parkening Plays Bach", (1990 re-release on CD), superbly musical and informative interpretations of Bach. Many others, too, but those are my desert-island classical guitar discs. From Tom - Thanks!
Bobby's pick - The Revivalists "Wish I Knew You" Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzmcsxTVQcQ This group has the immediate star group sound that makes you think that you have known them for years. Clean confident sound with hooks musically and in the poetry. Just a nod to Bowie if you think about it, although it seems so fresh. Want to see them? Playing in Fort Collins this month.
Take a walk thru the best of New Orleans - Allen Toussaint "The Bright Mississippi." A recording that jumps out from the speakers and moves you out of your room and into the music. Thanks Paul.
Art Pepper "Early Art" Blue Note. Always liked The Route with Chet and Art. This early works really captures that era's sound. Enjoying the heck out of this double album.
Gerry Mulligan "Night Lights" With Jim Hall and Art Farmer. This is a special album - little material has this same flavor. The sophisticated sound with great playing and just enough uniqueness to capture our attention.
In the past I found Zero 7 to be OK, but stumbled on this track and it grabbed me: Pop Art Blue.
"revenge of the number" by portishead - sparse, cool and funky.
The Meters - a must. Just jump in - "Look-Ka Py Py"
Oscar Peterson - he could fill a song with notes, his notes, more notes than most could imagine, but some how he made it sing. Amazing jazz that I always find fresh.
For late night in a dark room-from the K&D sessions - "Trans Fatty Acid" (sampled Lamb) down tempo, trip hop, eerie atmosphere transporting you away.
I have been playing Pandora after a long break, so the following artist come from my radio stations (I am not responsible for perceived silliness):
Kemopetrol - "Everything's Fine"
Beirut - silly different, Caravan Palace
H.U.V.A Network, Carl Cox, Solid Sessions, Daft Punk (older), Phutureprimitive, Nick Thayer, Smith and Mighty, and Glitch Mob.
Breakestra, James Brown, The Crown Royals, Papa Grows Funk - Funk!
LCD sound system - for a short period the coolest nerd music, B.Fleischmann "The Humbucking Coil", Datarock.
Poe, 8mm (maybe think of James Bond women swimming across the screen)
Elio Villafranca and Arturo Stable - esoteric great rhythm and piano
Angus and Julia Stone, Iron and Wine, Skye, Rachael Yamagata, Keren Ann and Alexi Murdoch.
Pepe Deluxe - hey baby what's your sign?
Joe Krown
Armin Van Buuren
Budapest Eskimos
The Eels, The Vines
The Groundhogs
E.S.T - Amazing music, Jazz but so much more and everything. The group had a tragic end as the lead died scuba diving. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esbj%C3%B6rn_Svensson_Trio
Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Yep, that's their name. Start with a more accessible song "Like Antennae to Heaven," then dive in. Moody, dark, sometimes political. Music from "nice Canadian boys" who may stick a finger in your eye. Thanks Mark!
Emancipator - certified organic electronica music made from a wide range of international ingredients. We just learned of Emancipator. Too bad, because he is playing a sold out show at Bluebird in Denver tonight! Thank you Jim!
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - It's a Holiday Soul Party. So sad to hear of Sharon's passing. She left us some great treasures. Swinging horns and Jones' old-school soul vocals bring new life to old holiday standards and some new originals. Witty, toe-tapping. Dance those holiday blues away!
Makyo - Devabandha. Introduced a new musical concept to me: Zen Dub. Who knew? Add some volume and enjoy! Also DJ's a free-style radio show on WZBC.
Bliss - Quiet Letters. Is it superbly crafted, spare and complex ambient pop, or chillout mush? You decide. Shimmer floor wax / dessert topping, anyone?
David Bowie with Stevie Ray Vaughan - Let's Dance. Hard to think of Bowie being gone. I heard an interview a few years back - David said that he was lonely in old age.
Damian "Jr Gong" Marley - Mr. Marley. His first solo album, tons of pressure to make an album that reflected his own and his family's talent. Effervescent, reverent, boisterous, rousing, summery, reflective & spiritual.
Antony & The Johnsons - Swanlights. An artist I'm most excited to share. He does not approach music as I would ever imagine doing. Headphones and this album are pure late night intimate richness.
Silly Wizard - The Best of. The line-up is like the best Celtic/Gaelic/Scottish players around. I try to listen critically, then realize I'm singing and replaying the songs because I can. Superlative musicianship, energetic, Celtic frills, intimidating.
Milton Nascimento - Clube Da Esquina. really good double album. 1972. Early in his works, but man did he bring it. Sweet, summery, complex, cerebral.
Ray Wylie Hubbard - The Ruffian's Misfortune. Obscure, gray haired biker band guys. Knows how to build out a song with wicked arrangements. Great car listen. Forceful, driving, bad on Fords, bottle dodging.
A customer emailed that he was enjoying Freddi Hubbard - "Red Clay" on his new vinyl system, so the Freddie Hubbard was a surprise. There are few FH fans that I run into. FH plays on so many great albums most jazz guys know him, but not a pick for lead. It's been a few years since I have spent much time in this type of Jazz - Lori does not like it. It was fun to find the copy of RC and listen. There is an abundance of energy. The CD that was next to RC was Herbie Hancock Empyrean Isles, so I had to take a stroll with this CD. On EI FH is so important to the sound. The connection in sound between EI and RC is there for me, even if they are 6 years apart.
- The first FH album I found was Hub-Tones. Still a favorite. It was fun to do the exploring back then. Things are easier and harder, now with things like Tidal. I just now opened Tidal with FH. I mean there is a mile of listings for FH. Would I have found Hub-Tones if I had no experience with FH?! Thanks Woody
Christine and the Queens is a delightful plunge into modern music. The contrast of her voice with the interesting bass is powerful. Thanks Craig
In 1992 Cardas recorded "Pleasure and Pain." Ben Harper and Tom Freund play in a very live setting. It is truly a different experience putting this album on the turntable. I am now a Ben Harper fan.
Janine Jansen 'Beethoven/Britten Violin Concertos' Decca - Wonderful versions of these two giant works. The Britten really came to life for me and shed new light on my understanding of the music. Thanks Ed!
A couple of new demo tracks: Bernard Haitink/Royal Concergebouw Orchestra Shastakovich:Symphony No. 15, and Greg Brown 'Flat Stuff'
Kendra Shane "Afterglow'
JD McPherson 'Let the Good Times Roll'
Panufnik Lutoslawski 'String Quartets' Tippett Quartet'
The Charlie Parker Story Savoy MG 12079
Tommy Tedesco 'Autumn'
Steve Khan Rob Mounsey 'Local Color'
Billy Holiday 'Songs for Distingue Lovers'
Snow Patrol 'A Hundred Million Suns'
Tom Petty 'Mojo' There is a bunch of great Tom Petty that did not get over played. We enjoy these cool tunes.
This week Don and I (Hi, this Lorelei, Don's wife) had the opportunity to see live music, not once but twice! First up was a pleasant surprise to see Joseph Wytko. For "gentleman" Merriam-Webster says, "see Joseph Wytko." Ok, well, they should! It was a trio of two saxophones and a pianist, something I hadn't heard of before. The concert was Brilliant! Amazing! Three supremely talented musicians, and get this, it was free! On top of that, the other saxophonist was Joseph's daughter, Anna Marie Wytko. How cool is that? We've been listening to CD's from both of them and truly enjoying it! Check these out, http://www.annamariewytko.com/discography.html and http://www.josephwytkosaxophone.com/discography.html.
The second fun trip was out to the Crown Pub's basement, 'cause that's where they keep jazz musicians. There we saw another trio, this time a sax, a bass and drums. Wow! Such energy from Matt Smiley, one of our favorite local bass players. They played some crazy Ornette Coleman, and I hate to say it, but I might've learned something there-Free Jazz! And no cover! So far as I can tell, the goal of an audiophile is an audio system that produces a realistic, engaging sound from a recorded piece of data. It's certainly our objective at Fort Collins Audio. Those systems are a rare resource of enjoyment. But sometimes you have to put the A/B-ing of interconnects (my favorite!) off for a night and go experience real, in the flesh, musicians. Get out there and see some live performances.
Give this a try - 'The Cherry Thing' by Neneh Cherry. It's a sneaky journey into the unknown. https://www.discogs.com/Neneh-Cherry-The-Thing-The-Cherry-Thing/release/3670086 It is on Tidal. Thanks Dan.
Samantha Crain's 'Kid Face'. A cool album. You could think of Jesse Sykes. Thanks Craig.
Give Amos Lee's self titled album a spin. Thanks Craig.
Rachel Unthank and the Winterset (now The Unthanks) a captivating combination of classical English folk and contrasting musical styles. I would suggest exploring all the albums. Fresh, real with substance! Thanks Dan for the Unthanks
Emiliana Torrini "Fisherman's Woman" another inventive unique album.
Bobby's Pick: Allen Stone. This is a giant new name. Has some Stevie Wonder influence but so much more. His voice carries the music with drama and emotion.
John Zorn is a composer and performer. Spend some time exploring his extremely different and creative music. For when the Beatles and Stones are sounding boring... Marc Ribot is worth some exploring - ' Rootless Cosmopolitans'.
Ran into 'Come get it' by Gyom - pretty fun!
Langhorn Slim - Folk Americana?
Jane Monheit, 'The Songbook Sessions: Ella Fitzgerald'. This is a great find, thanks Ben!
Bobby's pick: Polica; and Sasha Druva and Highway 65
Ronnie Earl
The Teodross Avery Quartet-'In other words'
John Hammond - 'Ready for Love'
Gwyneth Herbert - 'All The Ghosts'
Karrin Allyson - 'Azure-Te'
The Aakash Mittal Quartet - 'Possible Beginnings'
Red Rooney Quintet - 'No Turn on Red'
Pretty Lights - 'A Color Map of the Sun'
Gramatik - 'The Age of Reason'
Griz - 'Say it Loud'
Joey Alexander - 'My Favorite Things' 13 years old
Blasts from the past, painted in new colors removing the triteness - Marc Cohn, Listening Booth 1970
Not for the traditionals - Jan Jelineks "loop finding jazz records", Pole's "3", Chriss Walla's "tape loops" and the Revenant soundtrack
Bang on a Can, "Music for Airports" Eno with more. We saw Bang on a Can with Philip Glass live - one of my most profound musical experiences. Interestingly, I have not found recorded music that was presented, so sometimes sound is only experienced once...
Wynton Marsalis, "Wynton Marsalis" with Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Jeff Watts. Reading the back of the album is as fun as listening. Wynton was 18 years old.
Galactic, Into the Deep - Funk it up with this driving new album. Thanks Eric. Alright! Clear the floor and enjoy the groove.
Patty Larkin, A Gogo - Also try Regrooving the Dream. We listened to Patty using Tidal the other night. Consummate guitar player. Concept twisting lyrics.
Anton Heiller, Bach St. Annes Prelude and Fugue - this will be hard to find, but the performance is stellar. Thanks Philana and Ray!
Lucinda Williams, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road - try any album by Lucinda if you are looking for raw passionate southern music. Authenticity will sweep you away.
Shelby Lynne, I Can't Imagine - Another journey we traveled down using Tidal. She continues the feel from 'Just a little Lovin'.
Martha Argerich, Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 3 - We are not experts, but to us this is a very moving version.
Miles Davis, Kind of Blue, 7 Steps to Heaven, Relaxin - So many great albums, Miles was the coolest cat.
John Coltrane, Blue Train, Giant Steps - For me Coltrane is the quintessential jazz performer.
Cannonball and Coltrane album - brings both to a different spot. Same can be said of Bags and Trane. Let's include Bags' Groove for fun.
Herbie Hancock, Speak Like a Child, Headhunters, The Piano, Sound-System - Herbie is my favorite. The Piano was recorded direct disc - no edits.
Oscar Peterson, Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, Duke Ellington, Bill Evans...
Eastern Sun, Bonobo, K&D Sessions - Lounge down tempo for when you want that big beat.
Melody Gardot, Currency of Man - The fullest richest Melody yet. Thanks Neely!
Sara Barielles, Brave Enough - a brillantly recorded live album. Thanks Tim.
Josh Ritter, Hello Starling - early Ritter that's more tangible, for me. The cut Wings is an interesting history story. The sound is analog, just forget the tape hiss.
David Grisman, Dawgs Groove - Wonderful accustic music recorded just right. David can play bluegrass and jazz, but his music is too complete for classification.
Terence Blanchard, Lets get lost - You must hear this album.
Beta Band, Best of - Something different.
Bobby Timmons , This Here is Bobby Timmons - at first you will think what's the big deal, but simplistic style grows.
Charlie Haden, Haunted Heart - This modern return to the past carries us to that time.
Tartini The Devils Sonata - Tartini reports that he dreamed this composition. I like the Andrew Manze version.
Ray Charles, Ray Charles The Best of - Wow
Scofield, Groove Elation - if you don't know Scofield this is a good place to start. More recent material by John is even more complex. One of the best guitar players. Yes he is a Jazz musician but his sound is is own and could be loved by hard core rock fans. Played with Miles.
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings 100 Days 100 Nights - Lori loves this album, that's enough for me.
Tord Gustavsen Trio, The Ground - feelings and transcendence this is sublime music.
Professor Manfred Diehl provided us an in depth view into Ry Cooder.
Ry Cooder - Chicken Skin Music
Ry Cooder - Paradise and Lunch
Ry Cooder - Jazz
After talking with Manfred about the historian, musician and preservationist, Ry Cooder, my explorations found Ry Cooder - I, Flathead (One critic suggested a Tom Waits style to the album. I find it interesting how Waits continues to be a force.)
Hommage A Eberhard Weber
Low: Double Negative
Beach House: 7
Rosalia: El Mal Querer
Yo La Tengo: There's a Riot Going On
Count Basie: Complete Live at the Crescendo
Uncle Tupelo: March 16-20, 1992
Aretha Franklin: Amazing Grace
Kelly Lee Owens: Kelly Lee Owens
Thanks Steve and Cindy!
From Robbie - skateboarder, artist and punk music expert:
(find his art on Instagram @exteenager) LINK
Frank Turner - I Am Disappeared, Substitute, and Song For Eva Mae
Gaslight Anthem - Our Fathers Sons
Lucero - Bikeriders INFO
Fuel - Cue to You
Hot Water Music - Bleeder
J Church - Concede
Jawbreaker - Chesterfield King, and Jinx Removing
Jim Ward - Broken Songs
Sparta - Breaking the Broken
Stiff Little Fingers - Each Dollar a Bullet
Cocksparrer - Out On An Island
Superchunk - On The Mouth
Tim Barry - Dog Bumped, and Wait At Milano
Jets To Brazil - Sea Anemone
Pitchfork - Placebo
Psychedelic furs - Imitation of Christ
Social Distortion - Prison Bound and Mommy's Little Monster INFO
The Clash - The Clash (truly surprising) INFO
We have enjoyed the venture back into Punk.
Music from our exploring and customers' request:
Hazel English - Shaking
Jon Batiste - Chronology of a Dream
Calum Scott - Only Human - Dancing On My Own
Maria McKee - Effigy of Salt - INFO
Lang Lang - Empire State of Mind
Wolf Parade - Forest Green
Paul McCartney - Home Tonight (who?)
Sevdaliza - Human (powerful bass)
The Widdler & Otz - Outlaws
Beach House (once again) Thanks Steve
Joel Harrison - Tropical Sexperiment
Last Call Romance - Last Call Romance (slick Rockabilly)
St Germain - Tourist (get your down tempo fix )
Molly Tuttle - When You're Ready (twangy modern bluegrass kind of music - see her live in Boulder and Ft Collins in February) INFO
Dominic Fike - 3 Nights
Dinosaur Pile-Up - Back Foot or Thrash Metal Cassette
Isaac Hayes - Hung Up On My Baby
Jack Ladder and the Dreamlanders - Playmate or Love is Lost (pairs well with the book American Gods) (it's my newsletter and I can say what I want)
Greg Brown - Flat Stuff YOUTUBE with Mark Knopfler
Sutton - After Blue Sutton uses her voice like and instrument and the album includes some very different twist. Thank you Ed!Wolfgang Muthspiel Quintet - Where the River Goes, The Clearing. Includes our favorite, Brad Mehldau. Post apocalyptic mellow jazz...P.A.M.J.?