Amoeba Music

Following their appealing self-titled first album, this latest release from the Toronto-based band builds on their attractive dreamy indie pop. A strong influence of The Sundays, with hints of Cocteau Twins and The Smiths, make for a jangly & shimmery gem. Recommended, eh? You bet! [Available on CD/LP] Read more

New Acoustic Sounds Series issue of this classic album. Ella & Louis accompanied by the Oscar Peterson Trio & Herb Ellis. Simply fun jazz vocals presented in the best quality. Remastered at Sterling Sound from the original masters, pressed on 180g high quality vinyl at QRP, with gatefold cover produced by Stoughton Printing. Highest Recommendation!! [Available on LP] Read more

A wonderful new recording of one of Handel's early London operas. With an intriguing storyline, unusual casting/instrumentation, beautiful music and elegant performances by the entire cast, this fine production is absolutely recommended, especially for fans of Baroque music. Five Stars! [Available on hybrid CD/SACD] Read more

Eastern looking & spacious meditative music. Flute, chimes & a general Fourth World Music feel. It draws you in and allows you to stop whatever you were doing. Read more

A departure from the Spiritual Jazz & Electronic efforts prior. Very multi culti with pacing a bit like Sons of Kemet. There are some spoken intervals that might have been better included in the liner notes instead. Read more

A deep dive into 1972. With most music I have zero interest in live or alternative versions however with Zappa that’s out the window. The mostly instrumental & orchestrated pieces from this period have lots of room for interpretation and of course there’s Ruth and specific George Duke work that stands out. In general not for beginners. Read more

Dense & playful Sun Ra, Zappa, Free Jazz. Music that probably bugs most people. Not super new but with supply issues for me this was a late 22 go to. Read more

1976 This was rare to find in the wild and the well done reissue isn’t expensive. A mix of off the boat Yacht Rock, Exotica & library Music. Or Corvette Summer Jams as I call it. Read more

Steve Reich has long been an exciting composer, taking minimalist ideas and expanding upon them in huge ways. This album (featuring our hometown orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by Susanna Malkki) is no different, showcasing the colors, textures, and sounds Reich is famous for. I'd like to focus on Runner, the piece that begins the album. A simple 16th note rhythm is the main engine for the work and even though this idea doesn't last for the duration of the piece, the energy it brings is carried all the way to the end by the LA Phil's brilliant playing. The piece comes to fruition in Music for Ensemble and Orchestra, further expanding upon the textures Reich sets forth in the first half. A must for any fan of Max Richter or Philip Glass. Read more

The 91 year old John Williams is busier than ever and no album showcases this more than the premiere recording of his latest large scale concert work, written for world renowned violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter. Williams' second violin concerto is a departure from his filmwork, yet undoubtedly and unapologetically John Williams. Big brass chorales, a few unexpected trios (violin, trombone, and timpani!?), and odd harmonies make this more in line with Schoenbergian concert music than what we may expect to find in the universes of Harry Potter or Star Wars, but upon closer inspection, Williams has been priming us for this type of music without even really knowing it (The Knight Bus, anyone?). The highlight on the CD version of this album is the inclusion of 3 new arrangements of his classic film scores for solo violin and orchestra, including an absolutely haunting rendition of the theme from the Robert Altman film The Long Goodbye. Read more

Negative: the tracks have a cloistered made-on-my-bedroom-computer feel. Positive: he knows how to take us to interesting places we'd want to visit more than once. Read more

First of a projected series featuring women jazz composers. Spoiler alert: you'll be anxious for more. Read more

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Frank Zappa inhabits many musical guises. My favorite has always been the horny fusion of the early/ mid seventies. Accordingly, this is the archival release I have been waiting 30 years for. Read more

a beautiful mix of orchestral r&b and slinky hip hop. favorite track: “ChevyS10” Read more

haunting beautiful tender lovely. a must hear. favorite track: “Old City Back Again” Read more

previously unreleased tracks unearthed by dark entries. funky groovy stuff! favorite track: “Love & Passion” Read more

bay area indie rock. members of wild moth, torrey marbled eye and nothing natural. a real super group! favorite track: “Windowpane” Read more