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Thomas HaunerNotes from the Road EditorFeatures
Robert Glasper Loves the GrooveOn the eve of his third Blue Note release, Double Booked, jazz pianist Robert Glasper discusses his stylistic bifurcation, MC skills, and -- inevitably -- Michael Jackson's legacy. [27 August 2009] R.I.P. Michael JacksonWhat I distinctly remember was the incredible sense of awe I felt when Michael took the stage. I was totally captivated. He struck such a defiant opening pose, I was intimidated by the man. [6 July 2009] R.I.P. LeRoi MooreEven though I shed my DMB obsession years ago, I can't help but feel this is the end of an era. With Moore's passing, the band has lost its saxophone pillar, an irreplaceable voice, and they will never be the same. [27 August 2008] Activity Placement: Why Kanye Needs Us and We Need HimKanye West is a bona fide hit-maker. But his real genius lies in his ability to match songs to consumer behavior, marketing his music less as a product and more as the perfect accompaniment to the activities of daily life. [14 July 2008] Youngblood Brass Band: Center:Level:RoarAs a new generation continues to reshape traditional ensembles from big band to chamber and play it punk by adopting pop, it's useful to go back and marvel at one of the albums that truly innovated in this new-jack band geek era. [27 March 2008] ReviewsWilco + Yo La Tengo: 13 July 2009 - Brooklyn, NYReturning to their grittier guitar-driven rock they pushed the limits of the audiences’ own acoustic comfort. [27 July 2009] 
Company of Thieves: Ordinary RichesIf Company of Thieves could convince its vocalist, Genevieve Schatz, to sing with a leading voice and focused its melodies, it might become the dazzling band heard six months ago at CMJ. [27 April 2009] 
Abdullah Ibrahim: SenzoAn hour of solitary and ethereal playing in a single take recalls Thelonious Monk’s solo masterpiece, Thelonious Alone in San Francisco. [24 March 2009] The Music of Thelonious Monk - Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Marcus RobertsThough jazz is equally, if not more, fundamental to the American psyche as baseball, we, unfortunately, don’t pay our dues as devoutly as to those on the diamond. [19 December 2008] 
Common: Universal Mind ControlPharrell and his Neptunes exert a svengali-like control over the record, helping Common release his most contrived and banal album to date. [16 December 2008] Duncan SheikOn this particular night Duncan Sheik confirmed his seat at the musical theatre head table. [12 December 2008] Antony and the JohnsonsMuch like the vocal beauty yet visible pain of the castrati struck Renaissance opera goers, Antony’s physical presence and tormenting lyrics augment the simple ethereal beauty that enraptures his fans. [10 November 2008] 
Buena Vista Social Club: At Carnegie HallAt Carnegie Hall staunchly carries with it the brand characteristics that launched this cultural exchange. [31 October 2008] Death Cab for CutieIs this what contemporary indie means, to be able to transition back and forth between a commoditized existence and an independently artistic one with relative ease? It may be. [27 October 2008] Cut CopyWhether disco is cerebral music or not becomes entirely arbitrary when a 2,500 capacity crowd, on a Sunday night no less, is shaking the building’s foundation -- an eventuality that repeated itself over and over with Cut Copy at the helm. [10 October 2008] 
Roots Manuva: Slime & ReasonRoots Manuva’s autonomous background singing detracts from his most stirring quality: effortlessly smooth delivery. [2 October 2008] Ahmad JamalAt Jazz at Lincoln Center’s season opening concert series Ahmad Jamal humbly eschewed his celebrated stature, opting to cherish the Hall’s demure acoustics, his quartet’s deft phrasing, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s superb arrangements and soloing. [26 September 2008] Roots of American Music FestivalWith artists ranging from 71 year-old Dr. G.B. Burt (playing only his second professional gig) to Patti Smith, the 25th Annual Roots of American Music Festival traced a line in the musical map from folk to punk. [19 September 2008] 
dan le sac Vs Scroobius Pip: AnglesAs an amalgamation of styles, influences, precedents, and personalities dan le sac Vs Scroobius Pip are refreshing and prosaic without dropping a beat. [5 September 2008] Hercules and Love AffairUnlike a host of electronic and dance acts who repeat, beat for beat, their turntable mechanics in a languid routine, Hercules and Love Affair translated into a motley crew of horns, bass, drums, synthesizers, vocalists, and dancers on stage. [2 September 2008] 
Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials: Full TiltFull Tilt is another collection of foot-tapping songs spanning styles and steeped in the blues, but lacks any distinct flavor or theme. [28 August 2008] Black Lips + Deerhunter + King Khan & the ShrinesWhile Deerhunter’s pensive drones created interesting cadences, and the Black Lips rocked through their rowdy garage punk, the real attraction was King Khan who was resolutely unchallenged in his supremacy as premier buffoon. [21 August 2008] 
Mugison: MugiboogieIcelandic jack-of-all-trades and singer/songwriter Mugison is convincingly pissed, pensive and melancholic on his third studio album. Lyle Lovett and His Large BandThough gospel was dominant, Lovett is through and through a cowboy. There was a point—either during “Cowboy Man” or “Cute as a Bug” —when cosmopolitan New Yorkers breached a realm where violins cease to be called violins (fiddles) and distinction is measured in liquid volume (ten gallons). [14 July 2008] 
Ratatat: LP3Sometimes the innate rhetoric of a photo conveys more meaning than any arrangement of scorching electric guitars and timid beats. [9 July 2008] 
Emmylou Harris: All I Intended to BeWhether writing or re-interpreting, Harris ingeniously utilizes the affability of each song’s structure with grace and respect, employing her crystalline voice to buff its rough components into a jewel. [8 July 2008] 
Beck: Modern GuiltThe much-anticipated collaboration with Danger Mouse doesn’t live up to the past accolades of either artist. [7 July 2008] 
Mason Jennings: In The EverJennings’ Boneclouds was a disappointing major label debut. But his latest finds him at ease, a quick brush up to redeem his old feel before blowing us away with something great [3 July 2008] 
T-Bone Burnett: Tooth of CrimeThe concept album -- music for the remake of a Sam Shepard play of the same name -- yields a bounty of oxymoronic delineations and sonorously dark arrangements by the prolific producer. [27 June 2008] 
Ahmad Jamal: It’s MagicJamal, one of the few remaining vanguards of jazz’s golden age, remains prolific and relevant in his latest release. [25 June 2008] 
Madonna: Hard CandyThat Madonna has chosen to follow suit with the musically incestuous and homogeneous standards that are overwhelming pop is as platitudinous as it was inevitable. [10 June 2008] No AgeSpunt summed up the evening when he said, in reference to their run through “Neck Escaper”, "I rocked that shit so hard I cracked my hi-hat." [4 June 2008] RJD2Instead of climax-building electronic expositions, I got a schizophrenic shuffle of average indie rock, spun sparse with soulful electronica hits from what seemed like a past life. [29 May 2008] Peter MorénMorén proved to be most admirable when he embraced restraint, eschewing pomp and clutter in favor of indelible melodies; but Bjorn and John-less, his on-loan backup nearly derailed his set. [23 May 2008] 
Victor Wooten: PalmysteryWooten’s latest effort continues the portrayal of him as supernatural bass freak, with the music a continuation of his funk, jazz, and improvisational prowess. [20 May 2008] 
Glen Phillips: Secrets of the New ExplorersIt’s almost as if Glen Phillips was headlining an improv comedy show and tailored his new EP to a topical suggestion shouted by the audience. Space travel it is! 
Ashlee Simpson: Bittersweet WorldPredictably, adhering to the tacit rules of pop has not produced any surprises but has instead cemented her position in the realm. However, the appeal of her club tracks may deter some who love to hate. [14 May 2008] 
Eddy ‘The Chief’ Clearwater: West Side Strut“The Chief” and fellow Chicago blues legend Ronnie Baker Brooks have teamed up to produce a vivid album that celebrates and extends Clearwater’s living legacy. [28 April 2008] 
Four Tet: RingerFour Tet’s jazz residency with drummer Steve Reid has fine-tuned his ear for the subtle yet beautifully complex mannerisms, melodies, and polyrhythms that flourish on Ringer. [22 April 2008] 
Yael Naim & David Donatien: Yael Naim & David DonatienAnother Apple-endorser proves she has deeper and more respectable music than just a Macbook Air ad. [8 April 2008] 
Widespread Panic: Free SomehowProducer Terry Manning propels the group in a unique, darker direction that will indelibly enhance the Panic’s live performances for sold-out shows to come. [4 April 2008] 
Shawn Mullins: HoneydewThis album finds Mullins continuing down the path of idols like Townes Van Zandt and Kris Kristofferson while also diversifying his repertoire. [11 March 2008] 
Marco Benevento: Invisible BabyMarco Benevento’s solo studio debut covers a broad sonic spectrum by any instrumental standards. [29 February 2008] 
The Eye the Ear and the Arm: PathsThe debut album from The Eye The Ear and The Arm is defined by strong guitar playing, unconventional song structure and emotional investment. [15 February 2008] 
Various Artists: Droppin’ Science: Greatest Samples from the Blue Note LabThe album serves as a competent syllabus for a history in hip-hop sampling. [13 February 2008] BlogsNotes from the Road: Lyle Lovett and his Large Band: 4.Nov.09 - New York [5 November 2009]Notes from the Road: CMJ 2009: Day 4 - Body Language + VEGA + We Are Enfant Terrible [24 October 2009]Notes from the Road: CMJ 2009: Day 3 - Male Bonding + Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt + Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers [23 October 2009]Notes from the Road: CMJ 2009: Day 2 - Free Energy + Ungdomskulen + Deastro + Cymbals Eat Guitars [22 October 2009]Notes from the Road: CMJ 2009: Day 1 - Mon Khmer + The Naked Hearts + Sugar & Gold [21 October 2009]Notes from the Road: Daniel Johnston + The Capitol Years: 14 October 2009 - Highline Ballroom, New York [18 October 2009]Notes from the Road: Rosanne Cash: 10 October 2009 - St. Ann’s Warehouse, Brooklyn [12 October 2009]Notes from the Road: Bebel Gilberto: 29 Sept. 2009 - The Box, New York [29 September 2009]Notes from the Road: Son Volt: 17 September 2009 - Fillmore at Irving Plaza, New York City [18 September 2009]Notes from the Road: Robert Glasper: 30 August 2009 - New York [31 August 2009]Notes from the Road: Friendly Fires + The Phenomenal Handclap Band: 12 August 2009 - New York [25 August 2009]Notes from the Road: The Juan Maclean: 8 August 2009 - Brooklyn [20 August 2009]Notes from the Road: The Big Surprise Tour: 6 August 2009, Beacon Theatre, New York [18 August 2009]Notes from the Road: Béla Fleck & Toumani Diabaté: 3 August 2009 - Central Park SummerStage, New York [11 August 2009]Notes from the Road: Matisyahu + Umphrey’s McGee: 9 July 2009 - Central Park SummerStage, New York [23 July 2009]Notes from the Road: Juana Molina + Curumin + Él-G: 8 July 2009 - Central Park SummerStage, New York [16 July 2009]Notes from the Road: Afro-Punk Festival: Saul Williams and Janelle Monae: 6 July 2009 - Brooklyn Academy of Music [14 July 2009]Notes from the Road: Esperanza Spalding + Jonathan Batiste: 28 June 2009 - Central Park Summerstage, New York [30 June 2009]Notes from the Road: Miike Snow: 22 June 2009 - Mercury Lounge, New York [23 June 2009]Notes from the Road: Bachelorette: 16 June 2009, Union Hall, Brooklyn, NY [18 June 2009]Notes from the Road: Josh Ritter and the New York Pops: 12 June 2009 - Central Park SummerStage, New York [16 June 2009]Notes from the Road: Mr. Scruff: 31 May 2009 - Sunday Best at BKLYN Yard, Brooklyn NY [5 June 2009]Notes from the Road: Ahmad Jamal: 23 May 2009 - Blue Note, New York City [26 May 2009]Notes from the Road: Dan Deacon: 16 May 2009 – Bowery Ballroom, New York City [20 May 2009]Notes from the Road: The Roots: 13 May 2009 - Highline Ballroom [18 May 2009]Notes from the Road: Junior Boys: 7 May 2009 - Webster Hall, New York City [11 May 2009]Notes from the Road: Ben Harper: 5 May 2009 – Webster Hall, New York City [8 May 2009]Notes from the Road: King Khan and the Shrines: 1 May 2009 - Music Hall of Williamsburg, New York [5 May 2009]Notes from the Road: Simian Mobile Disco: 23 April 2009 - Highline Ballroom, New York City [27 April 2009]Notes from the Road: The Presets + The Golden Filter: 3 April 2009 – New York City, Webster Hall [5 April 2009]Notes from the Road: Peter Bjorn and John: 17 March 2009 - New York, W Hotel [27 March 2009]Notes from the Road: Four Tet: 13 March 2009 - New York City, American Museum of Natural History [26 March 2009]Notes from the Road: Ida: 28 February 2009 - New York, Joe’s Pub [6 March 2009]Notes from the Road: Blitzen Trapper + Plants and Animals: 27 February 2009 – New York, Bowery Ballroom [5 March 2009]Notes from the Road: Toad the Wet Sprocket: 26 February 2009 – New York, Webster Hall [3 March 2009]Notes from the Road: Ben Kweller and The Watson Twins: 25 February 2009 - New York City, Town Hall [2 March 2009]Notes from the Road: M. Ward: 19 February 2009 - New York City, Apollo Theatre [26 February 2009]Notes from the Road: Vusi Mahlasela: 14 February 2009 - Brooklyn, Brooklyn College [22 February 2009]Notes from the Road: Lindstrøm: 29 January 2009 – Brooklyn, Studio B [3 February 2009]Notes from the Road: Béla Fleck and the Flecktones: 18 December 2008 – New York, The Blue Note [29 December 2008]Notes from the Road: Bon Iver + The Tallest Man on Earth: 10 December, 2008 – New York, The Town Hall [15 December 2008]Notes from the Road: Susan Tedeschi – 12 November 2008: New York, Fillmore at Irving Plaza [17 November 2008]Notes from the Road: David “Honeyboy” Edwards – 10 November 2008: New York, B.B. King’s [14 November 2008]Notes from the Road: Cold War Kids – 15 October 2008: New York, Webster Hall [5 November 2008]Notes from the Road: MGMT - 30 October 2008: New York, Webster Hall [3 November 2008]Notes from the Road: CMJ Music Marathon 2008 Day 5: They Might be Giants [27 October 2008]Notes from the Road: CMJ Music Marathon 2008 Day 4: Longwave [26 October 2008]Notes from the Road: CMJ Music Marathon 2008 Day 4: White LiesNotes from the Road: CMJ Music Marathon 2008 Day 4: ViolensNotes from the Road: CMJ Music Marathon 2008 Day 3: Scouting for Girls [24 October 2008]Notes from the Road: CMJ Music Marathon 2008 Day 3: Nathan AngeloNotes from the Road: CMJ Music Marathon 2008 Day 3: Janelle MonaeNotes from the Road: CMJ Music Marathon 2008 Day 3: Company of ThievesNotes from the Road: CMJ Music Marathon 2008 Day 2: Ebony Bones [23 October 2008]Notes from the Road: CMJ Music Marathon 2008 Day 2: The CarpsNotes from the Road: CMJ Music Marathon 2008 Day 2: Cory NittaNotes from the Road: CMJ Music Marathon 2008 Day 2: Colin MunroeNotes from the Road: CMJ Music Marathon 2008 Day 2: NeloNotes from the Road: CMJ Music Marathon 2008 Day 1: Lykke Li [22 October 2008]Notes from the Road: CMJ Music Marathon 2008 Day 1: Friendly FiresNotes from the Road: CMJ Music Marathon 2008 Day 1: Miles Benjamin Anthony RobinsonNotes from the Road: Jamie Lidell - October 14 2008: New York, Highline BallroomNotes from the Road: Ray LaMontagne - 11 October 2008: New York, Radio City Music Hall [17 October 2008]Notes from the Road: Dirty Dozen Brass Band - 20 September 2008: New York, Fillmore at Irving Plaza [26 September 2008]Notes from the Road: Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson - 19 August 2008: New York, Joe’s Pub [21 August 2008]Notes from the Road: Mike Gordon - 13 August 2008: New York, Highline Ballroom [19 August 2008]Notes from the Road: Crosby, Stills & Nash - 29 July 2008: New York, Central Park SummerStage [7 August 2008]Notes from the Road: Hypnotic Brass Ensemble - 27 July 2008: New York, Highline Ballroom [5 August 2008]Notes from the Road: Santogold - 20 July 2008: New York, Central Park SummerStage [29 July 2008]Notes from the Road: Robert Glasper Trio - 16 July 2008: New York, Madison Square Park [25 July 2008] |
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