Spotlight the Bass – Bromberg’s latest
Posted on 11. Sep, 2009 by H. Anne Lightly in Blog
Grammy-nominated bassist Brian Bromberg has tapped into just about every genre over the course of his career. From Smooth to straight ahead jazz, upright and electric – see his 2005 release ‘Metal’ that features Bromberg shreding on a piccolo bass!), Brian’s very much earned his reputation as one of the most versatile bassists on the scene.
Hi new album is certainly divergent from what we may have grown to expect – although expectations are best left behind with regard to Bromberg – as he pairs a 10-piece horn ensemble with [...]
Synthesis Weekly Reviews — Rick Estrin and the Nightcats: “Twisted”
Posted on 06. Aug, 2009 by Author in Album Review, Music
Rick Estrin and the Nightcats
Twisted
Alligator
Rick Estrin and the Nightcats plow onward with Twisted, their latest installment of blues, rock and jazz. At 60 years old, Estrin is a vintage musician, and his voice and zesty harmonica lead the Nightcats’ throwback sound. Twisted is nostalgic music of another era, channeling classic stylings while eschewing most influences of the latter portion of the last century. “Earthquake†is an old surf guitar number with a groove so solid that it belongs on vinyl. “Takin’ Out My In-Laws†has a goofy rockabilly swing [...]
Synthesis Weekly Reviews — Iggy Pop: “Preliminaires”
Posted on 30. Jul, 2009 by Author in Album Review, Music
Iggy Pop
Preliminaires
Astralwerks
One might wonder what a living legend that has reinvented himself several times could possibly do to keep the legacy alive. Well, the answer is right here with Preliminaires. Uplifted by the writings of French novelist Michel Houellebecq’s The Possibility of An Island, Iggy Pop has wandered into new territory, the first of which being jazz-infused pop on the opening and closing tunes “Les Feuilles Mortes” and “Les Feuilles Mortes (Marc’s Theme).” Both tracks include sexy instrumentation from mellow horns and driving, but controlled percussion with Iggy slyly vocalizing [...]
Saucony: Number One With A Bullet
Posted on 17. Apr, 2009 by spencer in Art, Fashion, How's Business, SXSW
Right now I’m checking out new kicks, and given my well documented infatuation with Saucony, plus the fact that they’re feeding the dragon, I’ve been looking into their more recent designs. While I still favor the 1981 designed Jazz model, I’m kinda digging the sleek Bullet track shoe series.
Sweet kicks, huh? For shits and giggles: http://www.saucony.com/originals
The Bad Plus (Joined by Wendy Lewis) – “For All I Care”
Posted on 06. Jan, 2009 by spencer in Blog
The Bad Plus (Joined by Wendy Lewis)
For All I Care
Heads Up / Do The Math
For the uninitiated, The Bad Plus perform twisted jazz renditions of classical pieces and contemporary pop and rock songs on piano, standup bass and drum set. No mere gimmick, their arrangements are expertly crafted, reinventing the source material into grandiose, thick, sometimes barely recognizable new works. On For All I Care the band is joined by Wendy Lewis, whose languid, dripping vocals jive just right with The Bad Plus’ impressive skill. To start the album off, [...]
Synthesis Band You’ve never Heard of band of the Day: Avi Wisnia
Posted on 22. Jan, 2008 by spencer in Music
“How the son of a rabbi from Jersey went Brazilian, we’re not quite sure…”
Isn’t that the plot to The Jazz Singer?
Avi Wisnia reminds me of when I first started listening to lounge music. This is back just before graduating high school, fresh off a stint with thrash metal, and a bit burned out by its dueling harmonized guitar leads. I yearned for something a bit more mellow; music that showcased the sonorous voice of a veteran stage vamp or mustachioed crooner. Those smoky bar jazz yearnings have been [...]
