The Beat Goes on for Jimi’s Woodstock Pal Juma Sultan
Jimi Hendrix’s Woodstock percussionist, Juma Sultan, discusses his life with Hendrix, his experience in the New York free jazz scene, and current music.
Features
Sziget 2024 Puts Party First
The 30th edition of Sziget – one of the world’s biggest music festivals – sees another bombastic six-day celebration with fewer indie acts than before.
Dog-Whistling Dixie and Racial Politics in 1960s Country Music
Trump’s recent co-option of Lee Greenwood and his song “God Bless the U.S.A.” isn’t the first time the far right has used country music for its purposes.
No Slump Here: 10 Excellent Sophomore Albums
Every now and then, a promising act pulls it all together on their second outing. When careers are done, it’s these special second efforts we remember most.
Off-Putting Problems with Contemporary Classical Music
Elitist snobbery, uptight attitudes, creativity-strangling academic strictures and more can sure put one off listening to contemporary classical music.
Musical Experimentalist Jessica Ackerley Is Blazing Trails
Ever-evolving experimental guitarist and composer Jessica Ackerley talks about – among other things – their eclectic and ambitious new solo album.
Manfred Mann, the Synthesiser Man, Hates AI in Music
Manfred Mann doesn’t think he’s the best synthesiser player in the world, but he brings a distinctive voice to the old technology. Just keep AI out of music, dammit.
Leonard Cohen’s ‘New Skin for the Old Ceremony’ Remains Its Divided Self at 50
Leonard Cohen courted the light as much as the dark—a duality at the heart of his existence and his 50-year-old album ‘New Skin for the Old Ceremony’.
‘143’ Is the Next Stage in Katy Perry’s Ex-Evangelical Spirituality
Will Katy Perry’s new “love frequency” spirituality on 143 suffer the same static interference we hear on the self-undercutting lead single?
Kylie Minogue Carries Us Away with the Power of Pop at Sziget
Australian pop diva Kylie Minogue dazzles in a fantastic, career-spanning show on a substandard opening night of Budapest’s Sziget festival.
Minnie Riperton’s ‘Perfect Angel’ at 50: Imperfectly Angelic
Soul singer Minnie Riperton made full use of her multi-octave voice and songwriting talent on 1974’s Perfect Angel, with her still-beloved hit, “Lovin’ You”.
JazzMatters: The Best New Jazz of Summer 2024
PopMatters presents the best new jazz albums of the summer of 2024, and our columnist examines the recent recordings of Washington, DC, jazz phenom Anthony Pirog.