Music Reviews

Music & Culture

Martial Solal Keeps His Mind And Fingers Nimble On 'My One And Only Love'

1:39pm April 05, 2018

by Kevin Whitehead

The Algeria-born French pianist combines serious improvising with a playful attitude on his solo recital album. Critic Kevin Whitehead says Solal pulls listeners along "like a great storyteller."

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Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Bombino, 'Deran Deran Alkheir'

1:18pm April 05, 2018

by Andrew Flanagan

In the midst of thrusting drums, claps and chants, there is the mesmerizing thicket of Bombino's guitar — a clear celebration.

L.A. Salami's The City Of Bootmakers comes out Apr. 13 on Sunday Best.

Music & Culture

First Listen: L.A. Salami, 'The City Of Bootmakers'

12:02pm April 05, 2018

by Stephen Thompson

London singer-songwriter Lookman Adekunle Salami doesn't sing so much as ramble adventurously through treatises on the thorniest corners of human nature.

Chris Crofton's Hello It's Me comes out June 22.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Chris Crofton, 'UFO Hunters'

11:14am April 05, 2018

by Beca Grimm

Crofton crystallizes the duality of heartache, knowing life marches cruelly on despite personal setbacks, but wants to simmer in the pain just a little longer.

Logan Richardson's Blues People is out Apr. 13 on Ropeadope.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Logan Richardson, 'Blues People'

5:00am April 05, 2018

by Nate Chinen

The saxophonist enlists rhythm aces mostly from around his Kansas City hometown for a restless and earthy soundtrack to black life.

Laura Veirs' The Lookout is out April 13 on Raven Marching Band.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Laura Veirs, 'The Lookout'

5:00am April 05, 2018

by Stephen Thompson

With uncommon delicacy and grace, the singer-songwriter spends her 10th album assessing her place in an increasingly unsteady world.

Derek Smalls' Smalls Change (Meditations Upon Ageing) comes out April 13 via BMG.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Derek Smalls, 'Smalls Change (Meditations Upon Ageing)'

5:00am April 05, 2018

by Ned Raggett

Harry Shearer happily dons the grizzled hair and mustache of Spinal Tap's bassist one more time.

Mr. Fingers' Cerebral Hemispheres comes out April 13 on Alleviated Music.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Mr. Fingers, 'Cerebral Hemispheres'

5:00am April 05, 2018

by Piotr Orlov

One of house music's Chicago architects returns with a journey through his eclectic past, and a renewed creative streak.

Howlin Rain's The Alligator Bride comes out June 8.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Howlin Rain, 'Alligator Bride'

3:20pm April 04, 2018

by Lars Gotrich

This is Howlin Rain in full-on Crazy Horse mode, as big guitar chords are lashed with feedback. The band's music has never felt so anthemic.

Sabrina Claudio on the cover of her new single, "Don't Let Me Down."

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Sabrina Claudio, 'Don't Let Me Down (Feat. Khalid)'

1:40pm April 04, 2018

by Sidney Madden

The Miami-hailing talent is shaping up to be one of R&B's new leaders. Claudio enlists Khalid for the new tropical track that goes down like a shot of coconut rum.