Mulgrew Miller is in a sense the symbol of a whole generation of musicians. This list represents him as a bandleader and as a sideman, as a composer and as an interpreter and as a purveyor of music that is at the same time hip and modern yet soulful and direct.
Continue ReadingAs anyone who reads this blog is aware, brevity isn’t my strong point. With music, though, I am always concerned with making a performance the “correct” length. If it’s meant to be epic, then longer is often appropriate. Sometimes, though, it’s a matter of making a pithy statement and then letting it be absorbed. Certainly as a listener, I have a soft spot for songs that feel complete and compelling while clocking in at under 120 seconds.
Continue ReadingWhat better way to celebrate Wayne Shorter’s awesomeness than to explore some of my personal favorites from his discography as a bandleader? None, exactly.
Continue ReadingMusic can heal at times like this, and here are 10 songs that are both well-suited for this and (for the most part) specifically crafted for that purpose.
Continue ReadingJust 10 tunes for a Miles Davis list? Wow. Okay, here goes . . .
Continue ReadingTaking on the Herculean task of narrowing the work of John Coltrane to a Top 10 list
Continue ReadingTrying to encapsulate the diversity of Alice Coltrane into 10 (+1) tracks, while also paying tribute to the great musician/scholar Franya Berkman, Alice’s biographer and the person who introduced me to her brilliant music.
Continue ReadingHere is a list of some of the great rock organ performances most deeply embedded in my consciousness.
Continue ReadingJimmy Smith, Larry Young, Brother Jack McDuff, Shirley Scott . . . and Don Pullen? Yep, just read on.
Continue ReadingHooboy I loves me some Bonnie Raitt . . .
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