Posted March 10, 2010 at 1:27 pm | 2 comments
In her book Music Success in Nine Weeks, Ariel Hyatt presents a wealth of knowledge in a readily-accessible, easily digestible form. The reader immediately gets the distinct impression that Ariel is really trying to help them out, and not just sell them a “get rich quick” book. Music Success is an interactive book in the sense that what you put into it is what you’ll get out of it, like music in general. It’s well laid-out, plus it reads and the information can be easily assimilated and quickly put to good, real-world use.
Posted in: Music Industry Book Reviews, Reviews
Posted February 25, 2010 at 7:14 pm | No comments
For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the music of Bill Frisell, or maybe more to the point, that you might find it difficult to pinpoint exactly what it is that he does and what genre of music he plays, you’re probably not alone. He is, after all, constantly changing directions in his musical endeavors. From jazz, to American folk and blues, to some combination of the two, his music always manages to bear the stamp of his unique musical voice. On the 2009 release of Films of Buster Keaton by Bill Frisell, the guitarist once again explores new musical territory in his homage to the silent-era films of Buster Keaton.
Posted in: DVD Reviews, Jazz, Jazz Reviews, Reviews
Posted February 25, 2010 at 6:38 pm | No comments
When not fulfilling his duties for Soulfly or Cavalera Conspiracy, guitarist Marc Rizzo was shuffling in and out of the recording studio to finish his latest solo effort Legionnaire. An eleven song guitar record that draws influences from metal, classical, flamenco, and South American music, with LegionnaireRizzo has created a solid instrumental record that fans of shred guitar and straight-up metal will appreciate.
Posted in: Instrumental Reviews, Metal, Metal Reviews, Reviews
Posted February 25, 2010 at 6:06 pm | No comments
In the concert DVD Quiet Stream Breaks the Rocks, the Branco Stoysin Trio exhibits Stoysin’s artistry as a composer and arranger. Throughout the set, the entire trio demonstrates their ability to achieve a very particular contemplative mood and feel with a fluid blend of jazz and Eastern European folk music. It’s the first DVD release from Stoysin, and it utilizes much of his music from previous record releases Inexhaustible (2009), Quiet Stream Breaks the Rocks (2007) and Heart is the Bridge (2003), along with some new material thrown in for good measure.
Posted in: DVD Reviews, Jazz, Jazz Reviews, Reviews
Posted February 25, 2010 at 4:50 pm | One comment
Bill Frisell’s unique guitar work and musical excursions in his installment of Solos: The Jazz Sessions are nothing short of awe-inspiring and unconventional. As with much of Frisell’s output, he has demonstrated again and again how he has become a master of his own guitar idiom.
Posted in: DVD Reviews, Jazz, Jazz Reviews, Reviews
Posted February 5, 2010 at 3:26 pm | One comment
Legendary bassist Dave Holland is now in his fifth decade as a jazz performer. His solo work and his ensemble leadership are equally extraordinary. Holland first became a familiar name as a member of Miles Davis’ group.
Posted in: Jazz, Jazz Reviews, Reviews
Posted February 5, 2010 at 12:49 pm | No comments
January 23, 2010 marks the 100th birthday of the late Django Reinhardt. Most jazz guitarists are aware of his music and his life story.
Posted in: Book Reviews, Jazz, Reviews
Posted February 4, 2010 at 6:33 pm | No comments
This latest DVD release from Longtail Distribution promises to take the viewer “behind the scenes to get a backstage look at what it takes to present the legendary band Rush during their 2008 Snakes & Arrows Concert Tour.
Posted in: DVD Reviews, Prog Rock, Prog Rock Reviews, Reviews
Posted January 30, 2010 at 6:36 pm | No comments
For his latest release with Telarc Records, bluesman Otis Taylor has enlisted an all-star cast of jazz musicians. Pentatonic Wars and Love Songs features Taylor on vocals, acoustic guitar, and banjo, Jason Moran on piano, Ron Miles on cornet, Tarus Mateen on bass, and Nasheet Waits on drums. Aside from this core of musicians, Taylor has incorporated a slew of various instruments not commonly associated with blues music including African drums, violin, and cello. Otis’s daughter Cassie Taylor also provides vocals and bass on multiple tracks.
Posted in: Blues, Blues Reviews, Reviews
Posted January 20, 2010 at 12:24 pm | No comments
Croatian guitarist Ivan Mihaljević officially hits the international guitar scene with the release of his CD Sandcastle. Joined by band mates Majkl Jagunic (bass) and Craig Devine (drums), Sandcastle is a solid collection of guitar rock that will send many guitarists back to the woodshed to reprioritize their practicing.
Posted in: Instrumental Reviews, Metal, Metal Reviews, Reviews
