Maya Beiser : Maya Beiser X Terry Riley: In C Review
Val Giamo’s latest album, Stay With Me For Thirty Minutes, released in December 2023, is a musical journey filled with her ability to weave intricate stories through the emotive sounds of solo piano and, piano and cello. Living in Gothenburg, Sweden, Giamo has honed her craft over the years, drawing from a rich array of influences and experiences. From her classical education in Russia to her explorations in various music genres, her work culminates in this album—a narrative journey shared with cellist Axel Vilborg, who joins her for two selections.
The album opens with “Let Us Find A Place,” immediately [...]
Laura Misch Released Sample the Sky on October 13, 2023, by One Little Independent Records, and it turns out to be a captivating auditory expedition through the peripheries of London’s untamed landscapes of electronica-based sounds. This debut album is a collection of songs that will grab your attention with their intimately woven narrative of care, connection, and an acute influence from listening to the whispers of the natural world. Through Sample the Sky, Misch invites listeners into a realm where organic electronic productions, well-penned lyrics, and the breathy echoes of saxophone merge seamlessly with elements of singing and synthesis [...]
In world music, the fusion of traditional forms with contemporary sounds often results in a sound rich in heritage and expression. Fiesta at Caroga, the latest offering from The Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective, is a vibrant program of this synthesis, marrying the rhythms and textures of Afro-Caribbean music with the expansive possibilities of world music. Under the leadership of guitarist Jose Guzman, this octahedron ensemble embarks on a celebratory journey that is sure to get your blood and feet moving.
The album starts with “Descarga 2,” a track that sets the tone with its robust Afro-Caribbean salsa [...]
Sony Classical’s recent unveiling of Venice by cellist Anastasia Kobekina marks a pioneering venture into the depths of classical and baroque music through the lens of Venice’s evocative landscapes. The album displays Kobekina’s unparalleled musicianship and bold journey through a city that has captivated her imagination and artistic exploration. Kobekina, celebrated for her almost overwhelming sincerity and fearless artistry, navigates through this repertoire of twenty-three selections, embracing a range of modern and baroque cello techniques with an imaginative flair that is fascinating.
Venice is a concept album where [...]
Saxon is a British Heavy Metal band that will reward a listener with a keen ear for technical skill, sonic clarity, and the intricate dance between tradition and evolution in music production; let’s delve into a review of Saxon’s Hell, Fire and Damnation. This album has many high points; let’s focus on three key aspects: production and sound engineering, instrumental virtuosity, and the album’s contribution to the evolution of heavy metal. This perspective aims to shed light on the craftsmanship behind the album, appealing to listeners who appreciate the nuances of sound that elevate music from good to [...]
Jazz guitarist and composer Connor O’Neill’s offering, The Same Changes, Vol. II, is an album with a journey into the heart of contemporary jazz. It is led by a guitarist whose skills and sensibilities refine the music and bring a new perspective to the jazz tradition. Released on August 26, 2023, and self-produced, this album begins in Philadelphia’s vibrant creative music scene, showcasing O’Neill as a guitarist, composer, and producer. With a rich background that includes a master’s degree in jazz studies and numerous accolades, O’Neill’s career is marked by a deep commitment to the [...]
Martin Hayes and Brooklyn Rider are releasing a new album via In a Circle Records titled, The Butterfly. The album contains twelve tracks, ten are traditional melodies and two tracks are original compositions. Recorded in 2016, the album celebrates a decade-long musical friendship between renowned Irish fiddler and New York’s omnivorous string quartet. In addition to featuring the premiere recording of “Maghera Mountain,” (written by Hayes as a teenager), The Butterfly sought to define a common ground through the inclusion of several of the most widely known tunes within the repertoire, such as “O’Neill’s March” and [...]
Hilary Hahn is a three-time Grammy Award-winning violinist with international recognition for her probing interpretations, compelling stage presence, and commitment to new music and the commission process. Hahn fills her days with extensive tours and is very active on social media. Hahn’s dynamic recordings have made her one of the most sought-after artists of this era. She appears regularly with the world’s elite orchestras and on prestigious recital series in Europe, Asia, and North and South America. Hailed as one of the greatest violinists in the world today, Hahn’s latest project is a recording of 6 Partitas for Solo Violin by Spanish [...]
Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. They subsequently dropped out of their studies to concentrate further on the band that would ultimately become Dream Theater. The current lineup is: John Petrucci (guitars, backing vocals), John Myung (bass), James LaBrie (lead vocals), Jordan Rudess (keyboards, piano) and Mike Mangini (drums, percussion). Though a number of lineup changes have transpired over the years, the group is still as strong as ever and out with a [...]
Mongolian artist URNA is gifted with an extraordinary instrument with her voice. The clarity, consistency and singularly unique character is matchless. Born into a family of nomadic herders in the Ordos grasslands of Inner Mongolia, URNA carries the spirit of her homeland in her music as she performs around the world. On her latest album Ser (Awakening), she is joined by the Polish band KROKE. The group KROKE has been established for 25 years. Initially associated solely with Klezmer music, in their current works Kroke draw inspiration from ethnic music using their own improvisations. Together URNA and KROKE create the most uplifting and thematic music [...]
