Ennio Morricone, The Master
Sean MurphyCertain things are anathema to the mature writer: hyperbole, cliché, groupthink, money—just kidding, (mostly). Sometimes, and the instances are rare enough to be exceptions to the rule, one can speak…
Lalo Schifrin: Sound & Vision
When one of the best albums of the '90s dropped, pretty much out of nowhere, after instant fans (like this writer) realized their sonic world had been at once obliterated…
The Once and Future King: Brian Wilson
What can be added to the mostly excellent obits and tributes coming in from around the globe, including shout outs from all-time heavyweight champs like Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen?…
Sly Stone: For me to stay here, I got to be me
Listen: hearing is believing. Always. Which isn’t to say that we don’t need or shouldn’t appreciate critics (hi!), but sometimes it really is best to let the tape roll and…
Pete Townshend at 80
Happy 80th, Pete Townshend! Inspiring? Pete Townshend, arguably, is the ultimate rock hero. He had the Lennon & McCartney songwriting skills; he played the hell of those guitars he ultimately…
Orrin Keepnews: Hero for America’s Music
Revisiting a piece from exactly 10 years ago, celebrating an unjustly obscure, sadly under-appreciated hero for American Culture. March 20, 2015 Orrin Keepnews frequently talked about jazz the way war…
Songs From the Big Chair at 40
Forty years ago today: Songs from the Big Chair, one of the best albums (start to finish as great as any album of that decade got) of the '80s dropped.…
Let The Music Be Your Master: Physical Graffiti at 50
i. Let’s Get Physical You want to understand and appreciate how transcendentally great Led Zeppelin is? If I were to say: I’d like to pay tribute to their masterpiece, you could reasonably…
The Last Waltz, At Last: RIP, Garth Hudson
Every group (athletes, artists, executives) requires at least one MVP who is willing (and, often, needs) to cede the spotlight, be content to stay out of the fray, avoid the…
Sam Moore, RIP
Most of the obits will talk about "Soul Man" (as they should), but Sam & Dave dropped so many gems, many ripe for (re)discovery. As a young pup, my introduction…