Ric Harris : Along The Avenue Review
by Steven Miller
Ric Harris’ journey from North Carolina to Chicago was a calling—a desire to soak up the rich blues traditions of the Windy City and to grow beyond his roots in jazz. His latest album, Along The Avenue, is the culmination of decades of dedication to the blues, exploration of jazz improvisation, and the kind of joyful expression that only comes from a musician who knows his way around a guitar and a lyric. The fourteen tracks on this self-released album reflect Harris’ skill as a player and a songwriter, blending the blues tradition with a twist, and creating a sound that is refreshingly influenced by other [...]
by Shannon Smith
Father John Misty—born Joshua Michael Tillman—has made a career as an enigmatic figure, both a purveyor of biting social satire and a seeker of deeper existential truths. His journey from J. Tillman’s introspective acoustic folk roots to the lush, expansive sonic palette of Father John Misty has been marked by continuous reinvention. Mahashmashana, his sixth album, is the latest chapter in that evolution. The album speaks with a voice more intimate than Pure Comedy, but more expansive than God’s Favorite Customer. This album, co-produced by Tillman and Drew Erickson, invites listeners into an exploration of [...]
by Shannon Smith
Bella Rios returns with “Options,” a dynamic pop-rock creation that finds her delivering a confident and empowering message wrapped in her trademark catchy hooks. Drawing from her pop-punk influences, Bella captures that familiar bittersweet energy of an on-and-off relationship. The track is a vibrant reminder to prioritize oneself over a half-hearted romance, celebrating self-worth with flair and resilience.
“Options” begins with a stripped-down bass and vocal duet that immediately catches the ear, setting the stage with a sense of intimacy. This pared-down intro contrasts effectively with the [...]
by Shannon Smith
From the moment the snarling distortion kicks in on “Jerkin’,” it’s clear that Cartoon Darkness is an album of defiance. Amyl and The Sniffers charge headfirst into the chaotic void, swinging wildly at anyone foolish enough to step in their way. It’s punk as it ought to be: a defiant shout against convention, a raw howl at the absurdities of the world. The Melbourne four-piece, led by Amy Taylor’s vitriolic vocals, bring a reckless energy that recalls Sid Vicious’ snarling presence, albeit with today’s wit and sense of fun. There’s even a splash of [...]
by Steven Miller
Released by Shifting Paradigm Records on August 23, 2024, Tides by Philip Weberndoerfer presents a deeply conceptual journey through the highs and lows of the human condition, a sonic portrayal of life’s ever-changing currents. Weberndoerfer, a German guitarist, draws upon his diverse influences, from European classical and gypsy music to the American Songbook, and uses these to craft a sound uniquely his own.
Since his arrival in New York City in 2016, Weberndoerfer has become a significant contributor to the jazz scene, with his work as a bandleader and sideman reflecting a distinctive voice. His music [...]
by Steven Miller
Soaring past the thirty-year mark as a band, Japan’s Envy returns with their eighth studio album, Eunoia, an offering that is raw and filled with feels. The eight-song project is enriched by a wide palette of sonic textures as Eunoia captures a band that’s not just surviving—it’s thriving, despite the challenges of time and significant personnel shifts. This album, the second release since a major shake-up in 2018, finds Envy leaning into vulnerability while exploring new sonic terrains. The result is an album that encapsulates not just the experience of a band evolving, but also a glimpse of their collective soul as they [...]
by Steven Miller
Chris Potter’s Eagle’s Point is the kind of album that only comes around when the stars align—literally and figuratively. Featuring a modern supergroup of Brad Mehldau on piano, John Patitucci on bass, and Brian Blade on drums, this release on Edition Records marks a triumphant moment in contemporary jazz. Each of these musicians has carved out a legendary career in their own right, but here, they come together as one, creating something that feels rare and special.
This album, composed entirely by Potter for this occasion, is a meeting of jazz giants; it’s a convergence of individual mastery, [...]
by Steven Miller
Since hitting the rock scene in the 80s with the band Guns N’ Roses, Slash’s guitar work has always been synonymous with a particular kind of raw, unfiltered energy—a tone that straddles the line between controlled aggression and melodic eloquence. With Orgy of the Damned, his latest offering, Slash steps away from the high-energy terrain of hard rock and dives headfirst into the rich, muddy waters of the blues. Released on May 17, 2024, under Gibson Records and Sony Music, this album is a collection of classic covers; it’s a homage to the genre that lies at the very foundation of rock ‘n’ [...]
María Dueñas’ debut album, Beethoven and Beyond, is an exhilarating musical exposition, illuminating the intricate weaving of virtuosity and expression that characterizes the young violinist’s style. The album’s tour de force lies in its exploration of cadenzas. This musical endeavor amplifies the dynamic interplay between the perennial works of legendary composers and Dueñas’s nuanced, innovative interpretations.
Kicking off the album with Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, Dueñas unveils the musical palette she will [...]
Bonnie Raitt is back with her latest album, Just Like That…, her first album in over six years. The Rock And Roll Hall of Famer continues to draw on all the influences that have shaped her legendary career while simultaneously creating something that articulates the circumstances and challenges of these unprecedented times. Just Like That… was recorded in Sausalito, California, with an all-star band that included two longtime members of Raitt’s band, bassist James “Hutch” Hutchinson and drummer Ricky Fataar, as well as two new musicians, Canadian Glenn Patscha on keyboards and backing vocals and Nashville guitarist Kenny Greenberg. Her longtime [...]
