Michael Fonfara, Lou Reed, and the Everyman Band
adminReading about the recent passing of Michael Fonfara made me revisit the records Lou Reed made with Fonfara and with Reed’s backing band from 1974-1980. This became a transitional period…
Read MoreJan Hammer: From Mahavishnu to Jeff Beck
Following the breakup of Mahavishnu, the keyboard player worked on some memorable projects.
Read MoreThe Bee Gees: Straight To The Heart Songs
The Bee Gees borrowed from the sounds of ’70s Philly soul then helped spread it far and wide as songwriters and producers.
Read MoreThe Pavilion of Dreams
Harold Budd’s 1976 recording, featuring saxophonist Marion Brown, is still strangely beautiful and unlike other ambient music recorded since.
Read MoreStanley Cowell Passes Away
A tribute to the underappreciated work of this pianist, an American jazz master
Read MoreIn Ten Tracks: Elton John
A selection of Elton John songs that have meaning to me and have stuck with me through the years, appearing frequently on mix tapes and playlists.
Read MoreBilly Preston & The Rolling Stones, 1971-1976
A key element that cannot be overlooked in the development of the Stones’ sound, both on record and on tour, was the absorption of keyboard player/performer extraordinaire Billy Preston into…
Read MoreOrnette Coleman/Dancing In Your Head
Today I’m writing about Ornette Coleman’s 1972 album Dancing In Your Head. Sort of. As you know by now, these vinyl finds tend to take a circuitous route somewhat like…
Read MoreNation of Language/ Introduction, Presence
Formed in 2016, Brooklyn’s Nation of Language is a band that uses synthesizers rather than a synthesizer band, if that’s clear.
Read MoreWarner Bros. Loss Leader Series: Troublemakers (1980)
For their second release in 1980, the label did something unusual, but smart. They featured a group of their current new wave and postpunk bands exclusively on the Loss Leader…
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