Review: Lotte Anker, Craig Taborn, and Gerald Cleaver at Rehearsal Studios, Dec 19, 2018

Danish saxophonist Lotte Anker’s tour through New York in December was one of the highlights of the year and was the crescendo to four performances that she did, each with a different band, over the course of ten days. Her unique approach to her instrument pairs perfectly with the equally exploratory American pianist Craig Taborn

Interview: Bassist Adam Hopkins

Bassist Adam Hopkins moved to New York in 2011 and played extensively as a sideperson in a range of innovative projects. In 2018, he launched his own label, Out of Your Head Records, while simultaneously releasing his debut record as a leader, Crickets. I had a chance to speak with Mr. Hopkins in January about

Feminist Jazz Review: In Conversation with ​Angel Bat Dawid

Chicago based composer, clarinetist and pianist, Angel Bat Dawid took the time to speak with me about her new album, The Oracle (International Anthem), which was released on February 8. Dawid’s spiritual collection of music takes you through the watery depths of travel, ancient and ancestral connections, and improvised composition led by the talented multi-instrumentalist.

Review: Nate Wooley’s Battle Pieces IV Live at Roulette, Dec 3, 2018

Nate Wooley is one of the most thoughtful and interesting musicians working in New York. Battle Pieces makes daring new explorations into song structure, reinventing the relationships between members of an ensemble in a way that retains an alert sharpness during every live performance. Since the band formed for Anthony Braxton’s Tri-Centric Music Festival in 2014,

Review: Yarn/Wire at the Stone with Popebama, Jan 30, 2019

Yarn/Wire‘s ambitious Stone residency included some experiments worthy of the designation “experimental” to be sure, and Popebama was no exception. On one of the coldest days I’ve experienced here in New York City, January 30th, I walked from Tribeca to the Stone at the New School in the Glass Box Theater. I had been there

Playlist for the Week of January 28, 2019

Jones Jones – A Jones in Time Saves Nine (No Business, 2018) Andrew Barker & Daniel Carter – Polyhedron (Astral Spirits, 2018) [cassette] Ingrid Laubrock & Tom Rainey – Utter (Relative Pitch, 2018) Cecil Taylor (Orchestra of Two Continents) – Winged Serpent (Sliding Quadrants) (Soul Note, 1985) [vinyl] Cecil Taylor – Calling It the 8th (Hat Hut, 1983) [vinyl] William

Interview with Sam Weinberg about BLOOR debut release “Drolleries” Out Jan 25

Tenor saxophonist Sam Weinberg releases his debut record as a leader, Drolleries, with his band BLOOR on the Astral Spirits label. I had the chance to talk with Mr. Weinberg about the record. See below for streaming of two exclusive tracks. The record drops tomorrow in both CD and cassette formats. The record release show is

Review: Dustin Carlson – Air Ceremony

From the first track to the last, Air Ceremony is what the title would suggest. A constantly stimulating experience, the album does not disappoint with it’s abrupt shifts and turns throughout the music, focusing on the temporality of it all. The group is comprised of Dustin Carlson (guitar), Nathaniel Morgan (alto saxophone), Eric Trudel (baritone saxophone),

Review: Patrick Shiroishi – Sparrow’s Tongue

Bonds. We all have them, yet some are stronger than others. Then, there is the fascinating way that every generation sustains them and creates new bonds while exploring existing ones. Since reviewing Patrick Shiroishi’s Tulean Dispatch in 2018, I’ve learned that he and I have quite a bit in common. Two of the main things that

4th New Ear Festival at Fridman Gallery

Beginning tomorrow, the 4th New Ear Festival begins at the Fridman Gallery with an exciting lineup. All performances 8 pm. Admission $20/$15 students. Buy Tickets Wednesday, January 9 Mary Lucier (slide projectors/stopwatches) Luke Stewart (bass/electronics), Miriam Parker (dance), Patrick Cain (video) Bob Bellerue (amplified & acoustic percussion, feedback) Thursday, January 10 Leila Bordreuil (cello) David