There will be no posts today as it is Graduation Day for my seniors. I will begin again tomorrow.
Fränder – Fränder II
Nordic Notes offer a sophomore album by the Swedish/Estonian troupe Fränder. What separates this album from traditional folk or “World Music” albums is the ease with which the band can mix not only Nordic and Baltic sounds but even music like rock & roll, progressive rock, and modern stylings. Any Continue Reading
SoRIAH with Metamorphic Mindphase – Black Ceremony ∞Yahualihui∞
Around 25 years ago, I had the privilege of tour-managing the English band Sol Invictus through a tour of the West Coast. It was a fun experience, and I’ve managed to keep some form of contact with a couple of the lads over the years. There was one instance where Continue Reading
Helena Espvall / Ernesto Diaz-Infante / Marjorie Sturm – A Shadowed Fulguration
Thanks ever so much to Ernesto Diaz-Infante for alerting me to his latest release with percussionist and Nepalese flute player Marjorie Sturm (his spouse, if I am not mistaken) and cellist Helena Espvall. Musically, there is a gritty, lo-fi feel to the recordings, with the guitar sounding more like a Continue Reading
Vaudou Game – Otodi
Vadou Game are from the African Republic of Togo, where they seem to have an absolutely wild funk scene. Singer Peter Solo has a voice that is as soulful as it is rich, and the guitars have a nice psychedelic twinge to them. A winning combo! We had the pleasure Continue Reading
David Thomas and two pale boys – I’m Alive!
We have sad news to report. Yesterday, David Thomas, singer of the legendary art-punk band Pere Ubu, passed away. We honor his memory by sharing a rather brilliant live album with his side project, David Thomas and Two Pale Boys. From Pere Ubu’s Bandcamp site: “David Thomas, Andy Diagram, and Continue Reading
Marshall Allen – New Dawn
The fact that Marshall Allen is 100 years old and making his debut album in 2025 is utterly mind-blowing. I assumed that he must have released a few solo albums considering his pedigree as a member and eventual leader of Sun Ra’s big band. This album is a lush affair, Continue Reading
Mental Health Food Store (Jeff Gburek) – Totemic Encounters, 2025
Stunningly bubbly electronic pop would be the best way to describe this joyful album. From the Mental Health Food Store Bandcamp site: “In early February, while developing and learning to operate this mysterious new modular synthesizer “ecosystem” — these tracks engendered themselves. They are mainly improvised, and since modular synths Continue Reading
Soft Works – Abracadabra In Osaka (Elton Dean, Allan Holdsworth, Hugh Hopper, John Marshall)
MoonJune Records should be given a massive debt of thanks for preserving the Soft Machine legacy. Some of the core members are in excellent form in a live outing that happened in Osaka, Japan, and the live recording is sublime.
Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek – Yarın Yoksa
One of Berlin’s most incredible live acts, Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek, has a new album out. From their Bandcamp site: “Big Crown Records is proud to present Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek’s latest album Yarın Yoksa. The show stopping intensity of Derya backed by the psychedelic soul of Grup Continue Reading