Pharoah Sanders: Village of the Pharoahs/Wisdom Through Music
Sean MurphyRaise your hand if you’ve been holding out hope that more of Pharoah Sanders’ early ‘70s catalog would finally get remastered and/or released for the first time on CD. Anyone?…
Four From Pharoah
I've spent an intense chunk of time this past week revisiting two obscure (but recently reissued!) albums from one of my top-tier jazz heroes, the still very much alive Pharoah…
In Defense of Good Sax, Part Three (The Joy of Saxless Jazz)
Starring John Zorn and Marc Ribot. So what happens when one of the most prolific and staggeringly gifted sax players (and composers) of our era, John Zorn, conducts his music…
What’s It All About, Then? Part Four: Jazz, Featuring McCoy Tyner
It occurs to me that I've said little, on the record, about McCoy Tyner. This is a shame, since he is one of my all-time favorite musicians and a case…
The Man Who Improved Music: An Appreciation of Norio Ohga
Depending on how old you are, the iconic image above may mean different things. If you are young enough that digital files have been the primary way you've experienced music…
Billy Bang: Goodbye and Rest in Peace
This hurts. Of course jazz enthusiasts are (always have been?) a small if discerning bunch, so it's unlikely the sudden passing of Billy Bang will register as much as it…
Pitom’s Unique, and Uniquely Awesome, Sound
I was unprepared for Pitom. As a result, my initial experience with the band’s debut album in 2008 was one of those exceedingly rare occasions when one’s astonishment is both…
Bright Moments vs. The Dying of the Light*
I. L’amour de l’art fait perdre l’amour vrai. Or, the love of art makes one lose real love (attributed to Richepin). As quoted by Vincent Van Gogh in one his…
When I have fears that I may cease to be…*
I. Til Love and Fame to nothingness do sink When I have fears that I may cease to be Before my pen has glean’d my teeming brain, Before high piled…
What’s It All About, Then? Part Three: Jazz, Featuring Five Of My Favorite Things
Just before my birthday, on the subject of Eric Dolphy (who I'm happy to call attention to anytime the opportunity presents itself), I had the following to say about what the…