Category Archives: Music

Anna & Elizabeth’s Anna & Elizabeth

Wow. Just, wow. That was my first reaction to this amazing new self-titled record by American songsters Anna & Elizabeth. You just don’t hear this kind of singing much anymore, outside of Appalachia, and it is a joy to find … Continue reading

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John Coltrane’s So Many Things – The European Tour 1961

I realized while listening to this set that the only way to really get John Coltrane is to hear him play live before an audience. I know, that shouldn’t be a great revelation, because the very nature of jazz is … Continue reading

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The Foghorn Stringband’s Devil in the Seat

The Foghorn Stringband is a Portland, Oregon, institution. And on the basis of extensive tours of North America, the U.K., and Europe, it’s also known and loved wherever American roots music is appreciated. The Foghorns – all of whom sing … Continue reading

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The Sweet Lowdown’s Chasing the Sun

The Sweet Lowdown is a trio of talented roots musicians from Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Chasing the Sun, their third album, is a thoroughly enjoyable affair. The group comprises Miriam Sonstenes, fiddle; Amanda Blied, guitar; and Shanti Bremer, banjo. All … Continue reading

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Slagr’s Short Stories

Slagr is a highly regarded trio based in Oslo, Norway, whose music falls under the title of chamber folk. This deeply evocative music mines the intersection where Nordic folk, classical, and new music intersect. Slagr was founded in 2003 by … Continue reading

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April Verch’s Bright Like Gold

April Verch, from Canada’s Ottawa Valley, is a champion fiddler and step-dancer, versed in the vocal, instrumental and terpsichorean traditions of Canada and Appalachia. Here she heads the April Verch band, rounded out by Cody Walters on clawhammer banjo and … Continue reading

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Norman Blake’s Wood, Wire & Words

Any time Norman Blake puts out a record is an occasion for joy. The release of Wood, Wire & Words is especially notable, being his first album of all-original songs and tunes in 30 years. And what songs they are! … Continue reading

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Kenny Wheeler’s Songs for Quintet

This quintet album represents the last ensemble sessions the American expat flugelhornist Kenny Wheeler played, and it’s a quietly powerful date. I was unfamiliar with Wheeler before hearing this elegiac ECM release, and it’s my loss. I hope to go … Continue reading

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Vijay Iyer Trio’s Break Stuff

I’ve been aware of the towering presence of jazz pianist Vijay Iyer for some time now but hadn’t felt quite ready to take on his music. I finally took the plunge with his 2015 trio release Break Stuff and find … Continue reading

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Kathy Kallick’s Cut to the Chase

Kathy Kallick put out a very nice album with her old friend Laurie Lewis in which they interpret the songs of the bluegrass duo Vern Williams and Ray Park in 2014. Also that year she released a solo record called … Continue reading

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