Friday, September 3 2010
The Shock Heard ‘Round the World: ‘Bitches Brew’ Turns 40
For a lot of the critics with whom this work never registered, Bitches Brew signified the first time a butterfly turned back into a caterpillar. In actuality, the moves Miles made as the ‘70s began seem, with the benefit of hindsight, like magnetic fields pulling him into the future -- and taking music with him.
Monday, June 14 2010
Talking About Jazz (Again) and Appreciating Wayne Shorter
Wayne Shorter is the authentic item that aficionados savor, but whom virtually anyone with unpolluted ears can immediately appreciate.
Wednesday, June 9 2010
Five Guys or, the Greatest Band of All Time (No, Really)
Aside from John Coltrane's classic quartet, there is no jazz band that can hold a candle to the second Miles Davis quintet.
Friday, June 6 2008
Lionel Loueke: Karibu
The African guitarist makes an evocative and quietly exciting date for Blue Note.
Tuesday, December 11 2007
The Best Jazz of 2007
In spite of the perception of jazz as an increasingly niche market, the year's best show a style of music that remains ever youthful in its exploration of new territories, expanding its diversity and range of expression.
Thursday, October 4 2007
Herbie Hancock: River
The great jazz pianist, with Wayne Shorter at his elbow and a list of sympathetic guest singers, makes a stunning Joni Mitchell tribute.
Monday, November 13 2006
Steely Dan: Classic Albums [DVD]
The famous pop perfectionism of Steely Dan, dissected at the mixing board by Becker and Fagen themselves -- maybe the best entry in this documentary series.
Friday, June 17 2005
Wayne Shorter: Beyond the Sound Barrier
The third release from Shorter's acoustic quartet catches the band at its live best. In three new originals and a diverse selection of classical, film, and older music, the group plays with almost unparalleled democracy and drive. Wayne is back. Boy is he.
Tuesday, February 15 2005
Footprints: The Life and Work of Wayne Shorter by Michelle Mercer
Dealing with abstract-thinking introverts is no easy task. There's always the pressure to glean conflict and drama from lives short on dramatic excess.
