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Dogs in a Pile @ The Magic Bag 9/28/2023 (Concert Review by Elisabeth B.)
At the historic theater The Magic Bag, Desmond Jones and Dogs in a Pile provided an evening full of grooving fun. Michigan Natives Desmond Jones took the stage and I could tell off the bat these guys loved providing a true show. The performance was full of funky swaying instrumentals, with a few comical lyrics mixed in here and there. The band didn’t take themselves too seriously, and the element of humor to their performance suited the crowd well. Their second to last song, “Poor Sylvester” was one of my favorites. I was really impressed with this band’s ability to
50 Cent & Busta Rhymes @ Pine Knob Theater 9/17/2023 (Marco M.)
The last time Busta Rhymes was at Pine Knob, I missed him. The night was Sep 3, 2022, and Nas & Wu-Tang Clan came to town for their “NY State of Mind Tour.” I left the show towards the end, having already heard all of my favorite hits from each act (notably “Hate Me Now,” “Made You Look,” “One Mic,” and “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit,” respectively), and figured there was nothing left to see. How wrong I was – Busta came out as a surprise guest… based on what I read the next day. Alas, what
In Conversation with Jim McCullough of CIVIC (Interview by Dexter K.)
Australian punk rockers CIVIC launch their first-ever US tour later this month, with a stop in Detroit at The Sanctuary on October 11. Frontman Jim McCullough joined WCBN’s Dexter Kaufmann to discuss CIVIC’s new record and give a crash course on the history of Punk Music in Australia. Catch them live, and listen to Dexter’s radio show Baby Blue, Tuesdays 2/3 pm on WCBN. Dexter Kaufmann: Your album and your upcoming tour are both called Taken by Force. Which song on the album are you most looking forward to playing live? Jim McCullough (CIVIC): Oh, I mean, End of the
Luna Pier, Never Ending Fall, and Quarters of Change @ The Blind Pig 9/21/2023 (Concert Review by Wyatt M.)
If I had to limit myself to a single word to describe this lineup, it would be best delineated as this: electric. The concert began with Luna Pier, an indie rock band based right here in Ann Arbor, Michigan and fronted by WCBN’s very own, Dexter Kaufmann. Luna Pier demonstrated tremendous versatility and eclecticism, incorporating elements of surf rock, new wave, and garage rock into their act. They even delved into country music with their original song, “Jewish Cowboy” and a cover of Dolly Parton’s 1973 classic, “Jolene.” Their cover was a well executed amalgamation of the original and the
Alex G + Alvvays @ Royal Oak Music Theatre 8/30/2023 (Concert Review by Ciarán C.)
After a summer devoid of live music experiences (and the cash necessary to enjoy them), I yearned to catch a concert upon returning to Michigan. Hearing wind of Alex G and Alvvays’ co-headlining tour stopping in Royal Oak, I spent the time between moving in and the FDOC scouring for cheap tickets on shady resale websites; more eagerly with the knowledge that Tanukichan – a household name on Teen Dreamz episodes – was opening. I was immediately comforted by the distorted numbness of Tanukichan’s (unexpectedly short) set, as reverb-laden guitars and vibrating bass waves descended into the pit of the
Kid Koala On His New Album and How To Approach Björk at a Party (Interview by Dexter K.)
The Montreal-based Producer-DJ Sits down with WCBN’s Dexter Kaufmann to discuss the influences behind his latest album Creatures of the Late Afternoon, tour stories, and his collaborations with filmmaker Edgar Wright. What was the creative process like for Creatures of the Late Afternoon? What do you want this record to represent in the broader context of your discography? It is definitely a turntable record. First and foremost, I went in saying I wanted to see where I could take this scratching production style and see if I could push it into some other areas that I hadn’t tried before. It’s
Arctic Monkeys + Fontaines D.C. @ Pine Knob Theater 8/29/2023 (Concert Review by Saima S.)
Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C.–with former Palma Violets member Chilli Jesson as their bassist–opened to the moody atmosphere created by the downpour that started minutes before their set at the Pine Knob Theater. Frontman Grian Chatten broke the calm, indifferent facade he had during the first song when he took his tracksuit jacket off and began skipping and swaying in circles to “Televised Mind” while banging his tambourine. He seemed to be having a lot of fun as he stood on the edge of the speakers and flailed his mic stand in the air. However, the crowd reciprocated with a
Hip Hop 50 Live @ Yankees Stadium (Concert Review by Marco M.)
I forgot why I originally signed up for email updates Mass Appeal, but on June 9, 2023, that decision paid off. The email informed me of an all-star line-up for a massive concert at Yankee Stadium to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop, specifically 50 years to the day and in the same borough as DJ Herc’s back-to-school block party on August 11, often cited as the genesis of the genre. Seats were quickly disappearing off of the online ticket site, so I impulsively bought four and would figure out the details later. Two months and two days later,
Eluveitie/Omnium Gatherum/Seven Spires @ Majestic Theater (Concert Review by Jeremy H.)
It’s not often you get to see a show that puts on display the breadth of styles in a genre in metal, but here we are. Each band on this bill put on a display of the different influences you can match up with death metal (specifically on this bill) to make a wildly different sound than the band before it. This was the Eluveitie (pronounced eh-loo-VAY-tee), Omnium Gatherum, and Seven Spires set at the Majestic in Detroit a few weeks ago. Opening the show were the theatrical death metal act Seven Spires, a four piece act coming at us
We Remember: A Tribute to Michael G. Nastos
Last month, devoted music lover, sporting enthusiast, journalist, and WCBN deejay Michael G. Nastos passed away. Michael G’s influence and legacy cannot be appropriately summarized by one page; like a thread, he wove himself through the instrument keys of Eclipse Jazz, along vinyl grooves of Bonzo Dog Records, between the text of AllMusic, and of course, amongst the fibers of the carpeted Student Activities Building’s basement. Below are some words from Michael G’s many friends at CBN… all of whom miss him dearly and are thankful to have been graced by his presence. May he rest peacefully. Commemorations “It has
TOP 22 Albums of 2022 (by Dexter K.)
The time has come for music publications to release year-end lists. Unlike some lists that come out too early, I waited to listen to as many albums as I could. The new SZA album hasn’t been on most lists for this exact reason. While there’s a possibility Frank Ocean comes out of retirement within the next week, I’m going to take my chances and declare these to be my favorite albums of 2022. These are all my opinions, and if you want to tell me any albums I missed, call in to my radio show on WCBN 12-1am Saturday nights.
Ivo Perelman and Matthew Shipp: “Fruition” (Album review by Nicolette L.)
Balladic, smoky, and tender, this series of duets by two greats of the modern avant-garde jazz scene feels more reminiscent of 70’s European free improvisation than one might initially expect. Perelman leads on most of the tracks here, playing lines that despite their fractured syntax maintain a linear, legato-bound cohesion that push and pull like pond waves at low tide. Shipp responds with befittingly deceptive simplicity, through short clusters of notes that reach their dynamic climax just as quickly as they enter, at times briefly matching Perelman’s playing like on “Seven” before soon sputtering off into atonal comping that simmers
In Conversation with Michael Chabon (Interview by Dexter K.)
I recently talked with multi-hyphenate Pulitzer-Prize winning author, producer, and songwriter Michael Chabon. While he’s primarily known for his literary works such as Wonderboys, and the Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, I wanted to delve deeper into some of his musical influences, along with his collaborations with Tame Impala and Mark Ronson. We started on some of his earliest musical memories. Dexter Kaufmann: You spent many years of your life in Pittsburgh. Was there a music scene there, or an artist you connected with a lot at that time in your life? Michael Chabon: There was definitely a music scene
Metric/Secret Machines @ The Fillmore Theatre 10/19/22 (Concert Review by Nicolette L.)
Flashback to 2005 yo! As we entered the Fillmore that night, we were greeted by venue employees who provided us with complimentary thick-rimmed glasses, oversized beanies, and flannels. Talk about immersion! Starting off the night were Secret Machines. First time seeing them live, and I gotta say this band really seems to love Roxy Music. and Gary Numan. And the Human League too! Entering the stage through a dense wall of fog-machine smoke and wild spotlights that illuminated the theater, they exploded with their signature style of spacey prog-rock, laden with larger-than-life choruses. The band has always stood out in
Gorillaz @ Little Caesar’s Arena (Concert Review by Laura T.)
Walking into the Little Caesars Arena and looking at the crowd that had come to see the Gorillaz, you can truly understand how diverse their discography is. From 14 year olds to 50 year olds, dressed in all fashions from scene from Lolita to cosplays of the band members–fictional characters developed by vocalist Damon Albarn. The opening act was Atlanta hip-hop duo EARTHGANG, who took the stage with a full band and a set of bar chimes that the duo would aggressively use more times than I could count. Their music was whimsical and seemed authentic. They had the crowd
Alvvays @ Riviera Theater (Concert Review by KSENIYA)
Seven years ago, I bought tickets to Alvvays’ Adult Diversion tour only to have my dreams crushed by the fine print– the show was 18+, and I was thirteen years old. Another two years passed and the band released their sophomore album Antisocialites, the tour for which my fifteen year old self was also unable to attend. When I turned 18, I prayed and prayed for the release of a third album so I could finally see my favorite band play live. Yes, my favorite band. While this might seem like a hyperbolic statement to make for someone who is
John Stowell/Dave Glenn & The Hawčaptak Quartet: Violin Memory (album review by Christa V.)
Violin Memory is a collaboration between John Stowell, an excellent jazz guitarist; Dave Glenn, a trombonist; and the Hawčaptak Quartet. The result is a unique ensemble bringing together funky jazz sounds with the smooth sound of a violin quartet. The pieces are also very unique with nine pieces arrangements of Stowell originals along with three Glenn originals and a medley tossed into the middle of the album. The best pieces manage to straddle the different sounds that the ensemble is capable of creating, utilizing the melodic aspects of the guitar or the trombone and incorporating jazzy elements of the strings. “Ghost in the
VOLA/Voyager/Four Stroke Barion, Netherlands (Concert Review by Jeremy H.)
Every couple of years, my wife and I travel overseas for a few club shows overseas and schedule a vacation around the concerts. We like to travel to see bands one doesn’t get to see often in the States. This year, we’d been hoping to see Voyager after their near Eurovision qualifying performance in Australia, and VOLA, the Danish/Swedish heavy prog newcomers. Both shows were at the medium sized venues in their respective clubs, the gigs were played in the 750 person room in 013, and the 650 person ‘Oz’ room in Melkweg, and the venues were packed wall to
Dekmantel days 3 4 + 5 (festival review by Paul S.)
The bulk of the Dekmantel festival took place in the Amsterdamse Bos forest over 3 days (Friday/Saturday/Sunday). With 8 simultaneous stages, some of which are a bit of a hike from each other, and some of the spaces filling up pretty quickly, one has to coordinate and prioritize which sets are worth venturing out and staying for. On all three days, I ended up getting to the forest a bit later than I wanted since I was spending time in the city hanging out with a friend during the early afternoon. Friday I arrived just in time to catch the
Lisa Hilton: Transparent Sky (album review by Christa V.)
Hilton delivers a masterful album with this creation. The trio of her on piano, Luques Curtis on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums locks in so tight to the music, yet gives every piece room to breathe. Every song sounds so well put together, and yet they all have a lightness that threatens to whisk the listener away. “Nightingales and Fairy Tales” is an exquisite example of this where the music sounds wistful and dreamy. “God Bless the Child” is one of few covers, rather than an original, but Hilton brings new life and energy to the classic hit. And the title track
Idit Shner & Mhondoro: Heatwave (album review by Christa V.
Mhondoro means “the lion spirit” in Shona, a language of Zimbabwe, and this was a group born during the pandemic. Saxophonist Idit Shner, vocalist/percussionist John Mambira, pianist Torrey Newhart, bassist Garrett Baxter, and drummer Ken Mastrogiovanni came together as a parent pod to jam while their kids attended virtual school. The resulting music was so good that the group decided to turn it into a full album! The sound of this group is as diverse as its members, with clear influences from traditional African music influencing their jazz. The opening track has a mantra feel to it with the repetitive percussion and vocals throughout
Boyle: Psych-Jazz Collage (album review by Nicolette L.)
It is difficult to conceive of Boyle as anything other than an ensemble of at least 8 players, but somehow the entirety of It is difficult to conceive of Boyle as anything other than an ensemble of at least 8 players, but somehow the entirety of “Psych-Jazz Collage 1” was performed and recorded by a single multi-instrumentalist/tape manipulator
Sylvain Rifflet and Jon Irbagon: Rebellion(s) – Album Review by Nicolette L.
Few commodities are as coveted in the modern imperialist west as the image of revolt. Its rancor, its passion, the conflict that is inherent within the concept itself, revolt serves as an excellent thematic starting point for the artist. However, as per the nature of commodification, “revolt” can be very easily
Joji @ Governors Ball (festival review by Ciaran C
Throughout our Saturday Governors Ball coverage, it was clear to both Laura and me that Joji’s performance was a highly anticipated one: from our interviewed attendees saying that they were most excited to see his set to the groups of media personnel planning to cover it, the signs for that traditional, cramped shoulder-to-shoulder festival set that we briefly lost to COVID were all there
Frederik Meijer Gardens (concert review by Nick S.)
I’ve loved Norah Jones’ music since childhood, and when I got the opportunity to buy tickets to this show at Frederik Meijer Gardens, a beautiful music amphitheater in Grand Rapids, MI, I couldn’t pass it up. Fortunately, getting to see Norah Jones live in concert at one of my favorite outdoor venues was nothing less than a dream come true. We arrived an hour and a half early hoping to secure prime seats at the sold-out show. Thankfully, this effort paid off and we were seated only a few rows back from the stage, dead center. After waiting for about an hour
Boris @ Magic Stick (Concert Review by Nicolette L.)
This past Wednesday at the Magic Stick: Boris took the stage with opening act Nothing on their North American tour! Nothing is a band I’ve been aware of for a few years now but it was a pleasure being able to see them for the first time on this tour. Their really compelling mashing of several different styles made for a really moving live performance. To describe their sound in an overly-simplified manner, they kinda sound as if Amenra listened to a lot more Slowdive. Heavy, crushing, but with a wonderful knack for melody, traits of the band which shone
Tenci and Friendship @ Otus Supply (concert review by Laura T.)
Walking into the back room of the Otus Supply in Ferndale, I was incredibly excited for the concert that was to come. Having interviewed the lead of Tenci, Jess Shoman, I was looking forward to meeting her in person and hearing their album “My Heart is an Open Field.” This anticipation was only heightened when I saw the stage, which was full with a lap steel, a saxophone, and a flute in addition to the expected drum set, guitars, and bass guitars (of which there were 6 and 3 on stage, respectively). The opener for the show, pop band Idle
Esmerine on Constellation: Everything Was Forever Until It Was No More (album review by Nicolette L)
The Godspeed and Silver Mt. Zion comparisons are inevitable, of course. Not that that is inherently a bad thing, and there definitely is inspiration both direct and indirect littered across the tracks(both parts of “Entropy” being one example). But “Everything Was Forever Until It Was No More” is, for the most part, able to stand enough on its own to end up as a wonderful ride straddling the line between chamber music and post-rock. Across the record we hear strings patiently build upon one another in winding, meditative patterns, with percussion entering on a few occasions and sometimes even working
Concert Reviews
Dogs in a Pile @ The Magic Bag 9/28/2023 (Concert Review by Elisabeth B.)
At the historic theater The Magic Bag, Desmond Jones and Dogs in a Pile provided an evening full of grooving fun. Michigan Natives Desmond Jones took the stage and I could tell off the bat these guys loved providing a true show. The performance was full of funky swaying instrumentals, with a few comical lyrics mixed in here and there. The band didn’t take themselves too seriously, and the element of humor to their performance suited the crowd well. Their second to last song, “Poor Sylvester” was one of my favorites. I was really impressed with this band’s ability to
50 Cent & Busta Rhymes @ Pine Knob Theater 9/17/2023 (Marco M.)
The last time Busta Rhymes was at Pine Knob, I missed him. The night was Sep 3, 2022, and Nas & Wu-Tang Clan came to town for their “NY State of Mind Tour.” I left the show towards the end, having already heard all of my favorite hits from each act (notably “Hate Me Now,” “Made You Look,” “One Mic,” and “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit,” respectively), and figured there was nothing left to see. How wrong I was – Busta came out as a surprise guest… based on what I read the next day. Alas, what
Luna Pier, Never Ending Fall, and Quarters of Change @ The Blind Pig 9/21/2023 (Concert Review by Wyatt M.)
If I had to limit myself to a single word to describe this lineup, it would be best delineated as this: electric. The concert began with Luna Pier, an indie rock band based right here in Ann Arbor, Michigan and fronted by WCBN’s very own, Dexter Kaufmann. Luna Pier demonstrated tremendous versatility and eclecticism, incorporating elements of surf rock, new wave, and garage rock into their act. They even delved into country music with their original song, “Jewish Cowboy” and a cover of Dolly Parton’s 1973 classic, “Jolene.” Their cover was a well executed amalgamation of the original and the
Alex G + Alvvays @ Royal Oak Music Theatre 8/30/2023 (Concert Review by Ciarán C.)
After a summer devoid of live music experiences (and the cash necessary to enjoy them), I yearned to catch a concert upon returning to Michigan. Hearing wind of Alex G and Alvvays’ co-headlining tour stopping in Royal Oak, I spent the time between moving in and the FDOC scouring for cheap tickets on shady resale websites; more eagerly with the knowledge that Tanukichan – a household name on Teen Dreamz episodes – was opening. I was immediately comforted by the distorted numbness of Tanukichan’s (unexpectedly short) set, as reverb-laden guitars and vibrating bass waves descended into the pit of the
Arctic Monkeys + Fontaines D.C. @ Pine Knob Theater 8/29/2023 (Concert Review by Saima S.)
Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C.–with former Palma Violets member Chilli Jesson as their bassist–opened to the moody atmosphere created by the downpour that started minutes before their set at the Pine Knob Theater. Frontman Grian Chatten broke the calm, indifferent facade he had during the first song when he took his tracksuit jacket off and began skipping and swaying in circles to “Televised Mind” while banging his tambourine. He seemed to be having a lot of fun as he stood on the edge of the speakers and flailed his mic stand in the air. However, the crowd reciprocated with a
Hip Hop 50 Live @ Yankees Stadium (Concert Review by Marco M.)
I forgot why I originally signed up for email updates Mass Appeal, but on June 9, 2023, that decision paid off. The email informed me of an all-star line-up for a massive concert at Yankee Stadium to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop, specifically 50 years to the day and in the same borough as DJ Herc’s back-to-school block party on August 11, often cited as the genesis of the genre. Seats were quickly disappearing off of the online ticket site, so I impulsively bought four and would figure out the details later. Two months and two days later,
Eluveitie/Omnium Gatherum/Seven Spires @ Majestic Theater (Concert Review by Jeremy H.)
It’s not often you get to see a show that puts on display the breadth of styles in a genre in metal, but here we are. Each band on this bill put on a display of the different influences you can match up with death metal (specifically on this bill) to make a wildly different sound than the band before it. This was the Eluveitie (pronounced eh-loo-VAY-tee), Omnium Gatherum, and Seven Spires set at the Majestic in Detroit a few weeks ago. Opening the show were the theatrical death metal act Seven Spires, a four piece act coming at us
Metric/Secret Machines @ The Fillmore Theatre 10/19/22 (Concert Review by Nicolette L.)
Flashback to 2005 yo! As we entered the Fillmore that night, we were greeted by venue employees who provided us with complimentary thick-rimmed glasses, oversized beanies, and flannels. Talk about immersion! Starting off the night were Secret Machines. First time seeing them live, and I gotta say this band really seems to love Roxy Music. and Gary Numan. And the Human League too! Entering the stage through a dense wall of fog-machine smoke and wild spotlights that illuminated the theater, they exploded with their signature style of spacey prog-rock, laden with larger-than-life choruses. The band has always stood out in
Gorillaz @ Little Caesar’s Arena (Concert Review by Laura T.)
Walking into the Little Caesars Arena and looking at the crowd that had come to see the Gorillaz, you can truly understand how diverse their discography is. From 14 year olds to 50 year olds, dressed in all fashions from scene from Lolita to cosplays of the band members–fictional characters developed by vocalist Damon Albarn. The opening act was Atlanta hip-hop duo EARTHGANG, who took the stage with a full band and a set of bar chimes that the duo would aggressively use more times than I could count. Their music was whimsical and seemed authentic. They had the crowd
Alvvays @ Riviera Theater (Concert Review by KSENIYA)
Seven years ago, I bought tickets to Alvvays’ Adult Diversion tour only to have my dreams crushed by the fine print– the show was 18+, and I was thirteen years old. Another two years passed and the band released their sophomore album Antisocialites, the tour for which my fifteen year old self was also unable to attend. When I turned 18, I prayed and prayed for the release of a third album so I could finally see my favorite band play live. Yes, my favorite band. While this might seem like a hyperbolic statement to make for someone who is
VOLA/Voyager/Four Stroke Barion, Netherlands (Concert Review by Jeremy H.)
Every couple of years, my wife and I travel overseas for a few club shows overseas and schedule a vacation around the concerts. We like to travel to see bands one doesn’t get to see often in the States. This year, we’d been hoping to see Voyager after their near Eurovision qualifying performance in Australia, and VOLA, the Danish/Swedish heavy prog newcomers. Both shows were at the medium sized venues in their respective clubs, the gigs were played in the 750 person room in 013, and the 650 person ‘Oz’ room in Melkweg, and the venues were packed wall to
Dekmantel days 3 4 + 5 (festival review by Paul S.)
The bulk of the Dekmantel festival took place in the Amsterdamse Bos forest over 3 days (Friday/Saturday/Sunday). With 8 simultaneous stages, some of which are a bit of a hike from each other, and some of the spaces filling up pretty quickly, one has to coordinate and prioritize which sets are worth venturing out and staying for. On all three days, I ended up getting to the forest a bit later than I wanted since I was spending time in the city hanging out with a friend during the early afternoon. Friday I arrived just in time to catch the
Joji @ Governors Ball (festival review by Ciaran C
Throughout our Saturday Governors Ball coverage, it was clear to both Laura and me that Joji’s performance was a highly anticipated one: from our interviewed attendees saying that they were most excited to see his set to the groups of media personnel planning to cover it, the signs for that traditional, cramped shoulder-to-shoulder festival set that we briefly lost to COVID were all there
Frederik Meijer Gardens (concert review by Nick S.)
I’ve loved Norah Jones’ music since childhood, and when I got the opportunity to buy tickets to this show at Frederik Meijer Gardens, a beautiful music amphitheater in Grand Rapids, MI, I couldn’t pass it up. Fortunately, getting to see Norah Jones live in concert at one of my favorite outdoor venues was nothing less than a dream come true. We arrived an hour and a half early hoping to secure prime seats at the sold-out show. Thankfully, this effort paid off and we were seated only a few rows back from the stage, dead center. After waiting for about an hour
Boris @ Magic Stick (Concert Review by Nicolette L.)
This past Wednesday at the Magic Stick: Boris took the stage with opening act Nothing on their North American tour! Nothing is a band I’ve been aware of for a few years now but it was a pleasure being able to see them for the first time on this tour. Their really compelling mashing of several different styles made for a really moving live performance. To describe their sound in an overly-simplified manner, they kinda sound as if Amenra listened to a lot more Slowdive. Heavy, crushing, but with a wonderful knack for melody, traits of the band which shone
Tenci and Friendship @ Otus Supply (concert review by Laura T.)
Walking into the back room of the Otus Supply in Ferndale, I was incredibly excited for the concert that was to come. Having interviewed the lead of Tenci, Jess Shoman, I was looking forward to meeting her in person and hearing their album “My Heart is an Open Field.” This anticipation was only heightened when I saw the stage, which was full with a lap steel, a saxophone, and a flute in addition to the expected drum set, guitars, and bass guitars (of which there were 6 and 3 on stage, respectively). The opener for the show, pop band Idle
Album Reviews
TOP 22 Albums of 2022 (by Dexter K.)
The time has come for music publications to release year-end lists. Unlike some lists that come out too early, I waited to listen to as many albums as I could. The new SZA album hasn’t been on most lists for this exact reason. While there’s a possibility Frank Ocean comes out of retirement within the next week, I’m going to take my chances and declare these to be my favorite albums of 2022. These are all my opinions, and if you want to tell me any albums I missed, call in to my radio show on WCBN 12-1am Saturday nights.
Ivo Perelman and Matthew Shipp: “Fruition” (Album review by Nicolette L.)
Balladic, smoky, and tender, this series of duets by two greats of the modern avant-garde jazz scene feels more reminiscent of 70’s European free improvisation than one might initially expect. Perelman leads on most of the tracks here, playing lines that despite their fractured syntax maintain a linear, legato-bound cohesion that push and pull like pond waves at low tide. Shipp responds with befittingly deceptive simplicity, through short clusters of notes that reach their dynamic climax just as quickly as they enter, at times briefly matching Perelman’s playing like on “Seven” before soon sputtering off into atonal comping that simmers
John Stowell/Dave Glenn & The Hawčaptak Quartet: Violin Memory (album review by Christa V.)
Violin Memory is a collaboration between John Stowell, an excellent jazz guitarist; Dave Glenn, a trombonist; and the Hawčaptak Quartet. The result is a unique ensemble bringing together funky jazz sounds with the smooth sound of a violin quartet. The pieces are also very unique with nine pieces arrangements of Stowell originals along with three Glenn originals and a medley tossed into the middle of the album. The best pieces manage to straddle the different sounds that the ensemble is capable of creating, utilizing the melodic aspects of the guitar or the trombone and incorporating jazzy elements of the strings. “Ghost in the
Lisa Hilton: Transparent Sky (album review by Christa V.)
Hilton delivers a masterful album with this creation. The trio of her on piano, Luques Curtis on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums locks in so tight to the music, yet gives every piece room to breathe. Every song sounds so well put together, and yet they all have a lightness that threatens to whisk the listener away. “Nightingales and Fairy Tales” is an exquisite example of this where the music sounds wistful and dreamy. “God Bless the Child” is one of few covers, rather than an original, but Hilton brings new life and energy to the classic hit. And the title track
Idit Shner & Mhondoro: Heatwave (album review by Christa V.
Mhondoro means “the lion spirit” in Shona, a language of Zimbabwe, and this was a group born during the pandemic. Saxophonist Idit Shner, vocalist/percussionist John Mambira, pianist Torrey Newhart, bassist Garrett Baxter, and drummer Ken Mastrogiovanni came together as a parent pod to jam while their kids attended virtual school. The resulting music was so good that the group decided to turn it into a full album! The sound of this group is as diverse as its members, with clear influences from traditional African music influencing their jazz. The opening track has a mantra feel to it with the repetitive percussion and vocals throughout
Boyle: Psych-Jazz Collage (album review by Nicolette L.)
It is difficult to conceive of Boyle as anything other than an ensemble of at least 8 players, but somehow the entirety of It is difficult to conceive of Boyle as anything other than an ensemble of at least 8 players, but somehow the entirety of “Psych-Jazz Collage 1” was performed and recorded by a single multi-instrumentalist/tape manipulator
Sylvain Rifflet and Jon Irbagon: Rebellion(s) – Album Review by Nicolette L.
Few commodities are as coveted in the modern imperialist west as the image of revolt. Its rancor, its passion, the conflict that is inherent within the concept itself, revolt serves as an excellent thematic starting point for the artist. However, as per the nature of commodification, “revolt” can be very easily
Esmerine on Constellation: Everything Was Forever Until It Was No More (album review by Nicolette L)
The Godspeed and Silver Mt. Zion comparisons are inevitable, of course. Not that that is inherently a bad thing, and there definitely is inspiration both direct and indirect littered across the tracks(both parts of “Entropy” being one example). But “Everything Was Forever Until It Was No More” is, for the most part, able to stand enough on its own to end up as a wonderful ride straddling the line between chamber music and post-rock. Across the record we hear strings patiently build upon one another in winding, meditative patterns, with percussion entering on a few occasions and sometimes even working
Interviews
In Conversation with Jim McCullough of CIVIC (Interview by Dexter K.)
Australian punk rockers CIVIC launch their first-ever US tour later this month, with a stop in Detroit at The Sanctuary on October 11. Frontman Jim McCullough joined WCBN’s Dexter Kaufmann to discuss CIVIC’s new record and give a crash course on the history of Punk Music in Australia. Catch them live, and listen to Dexter’s radio show Baby Blue, Tuesdays 2/3 pm on WCBN. Dexter Kaufmann: Your album and your upcoming tour are both called Taken by Force. Which song on the album are you most looking forward to playing live? Jim McCullough (CIVIC): Oh, I mean, End of the
Kid Koala On His New Album and How To Approach Björk at a Party (Interview by Dexter K.)
The Montreal-based Producer-DJ Sits down with WCBN’s Dexter Kaufmann to discuss the influences behind his latest album Creatures of the Late Afternoon, tour stories, and his collaborations with filmmaker Edgar Wright. What was the creative process like for Creatures of the Late Afternoon? What do you want this record to represent in the broader context of your discography? It is definitely a turntable record. First and foremost, I went in saying I wanted to see where I could take this scratching production style and see if I could push it into some other areas that I hadn’t tried before. It’s
In Conversation with Michael Chabon (Interview by Dexter K.)
I recently talked with multi-hyphenate Pulitzer-Prize winning author, producer, and songwriter Michael Chabon. While he’s primarily known for his literary works such as Wonderboys, and the Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, I wanted to delve deeper into some of his musical influences, along with his collaborations with Tame Impala and Mark Ronson. We started on some of his earliest musical memories. Dexter Kaufmann: You spent many years of your life in Pittsburgh. Was there a music scene there, or an artist you connected with a lot at that time in your life? Michael Chabon: There was definitely a music scene