Jameszoo Finds Inspiration in Brilliant Collaboration
It’s no surprise that Jameszoo’s warm, textured compositions work in a variety of settings. Music for 17 Musicians is brilliant and inspired.
Chris Ingalls
Chris is a Massachusetts native who spent seven years as a broadcast journalist in the U.S. Navy and was also a videotape editor for a CBS affiliate TV station, a newspaper editor at a military public affairs office in Naples, Italy, and a videographer for a cancer research institute. His currently works as an internal communications manager for a large Boston hospital. He was born in 1969 and has been a rabid music fan since at least 1970, thanks to his three older siblings. A PopMatters writer since 2016, Chris is also an occasional guest on the music podcast "Losing My Opinion," and is on Bluesky, Instagram, and X @Ingalls1969. He lives in the leafy suburbs outside of Boston with his wife, son, dog, two cats, and lots of records.
Tropos Unleash a Wild Ride Into Experimental Jazz
Tropos possess a seemingly boundless energy supply, but it’s delivered smartly and with brilliant flair for instrumental fluidity and a sense of adventure.
The Primitive Passion of Nathan O’Flynn-Pruitt
Nathan O’Flynn-Pruitt will often let his guitar do the talking for long stretches, establishing moods that are sometimes reflective and frequently somber.
Mary Halvorson Is Always Thrilling and Amazing
The latest from guitarist Mary Halvorson is another master class in jazz performance and composition. If she is the future of jazz, we are in tremendously gifted hands.
Xol Meissner’s ‘Excess of Loss’ Is a Haunting, Unique Debut
Xol Meissner’s Excess of Loss is a bold, intoxicating artistic statement, full of David Lynchian mystery and dark desire. You won’t hear another record quite like this.
20 of the Best New Wave Albums by Rock/Pop Artists
As the 1980s dawned and punk began to morph into new wave, many established artists altered their style to reach new audiences. We look at 20 of them.
Cyrus Pireh Shreds with Purpose on a Wild, Unique LP
Cyrus Pireh continues to do what he does best: Craft unique, oddly melodic, cathartic music using the raw power of the electric guitar and little else.
Josiah Flores Creates an Authentic Honky-Tonk Gem
Alt-country artist Josiah Flores draws on past influences to create vivid imagery in the present, blending outlaw ballads with themes of social consciousness.
Peaceful Faces Explore Folk and Chamber Pop on Spectacular LP
Irresistible hooks and cunning arrangements abound on Peaceful Faces’ new record led by singer-songwriter Tree Palmedo.
Jesse Quebbeman-Turley’s Medieval Ambient Is Exquisite
Composer Jesse Quebbeman-Turley crafts an arresting new EP that seamlessly blends old and new styles, forming what he calls “West Coast Medieval Ambient”.
The Vernon Spring’s Ode to Family Devotion and Global Responsibility
For an album as ethereal and otherworldly as this, Under a Familiar Sun is the Vernon Spring’s bid to capture hearts and minds, however mysteriously.
Catherine Lamb Creates an Extremely Satisfying Composition
The latest work from Berlin-based composer Catherine Lamb invites the listener on a voyage that involves deep listening.