The Classical test Source For All The Performing, Visual And Literary Arts & Entertainment News
REVIEW

You Can Thank The Vaudevillian for 'Bringing Satan Down,' Busted Flat Records [REVIEW]

The Vaudevillian is 'Bringing Satan Down' (Busted Flat). Jitterbug James (guitar, whistling), Piedmont Johnson (bass, bull fiddle) and Norah Spades (kazoo, washboard) all sing and sell pics of carnival freaks and geeks from back in the day of off-road dime museums and medicine shows at their merch counter. This is where 1920s ragtime meets 1950s rock'n'roll.
By Mike Greenblatt

  • The Girshevich Trio Live in an 'Algorithmic Society,' Tapestry Records, [REVIEW]

    Jazz is no place for children. Before I get excoriated, let me elucidate: sure, jazz education is paramount. But I have no patience for the next 12-year old prodigy or 13-year old country singer or 14-year old rock'n'roller. I want wisdom in my grooves, hard-won lessons learned by life itself. In the words of WC Fields, "go away kid, you bother me." That said, 'Algorithmic Society' (Tapestry), by The Girshevich Trio, is a pleasant surprise.
    By Mike Greenblatt

  • Trombonist David Gibson Goes Undercover as an 'Inner Agent' on New Posi-Tone Release [REVIEW]

    Tromonist/Composer David Gibson is making a case for himself to be included in the conversation of big-time 'bone men. A disciple of Curtis Fuller, 81, Gibson follows up last year's 'Boom' with this year's 'Inner Agent' (Posi-Tone). It's a free-swinging affair filled with adventure, high-wire daring and sweet melodic and harmonic constructions. It even closes with a Beatle song.
    By Mike Greenblatt