Joel Paterson @ The Green Mill – 6/5/23
A friend of mine wanted to spend one of his last nights in Chicago crossing “Live Jazz
@ The Green Room” off his bucket list. So, I obliged him and we walked down Lawrence to Broadway to see Joel Paterson and his quartet play some revolutionary jazz. What we got for our $10 cover was much more than we bargained for. Joel’s three sets spanned decades of tradition and style, from jazz to country and blues to Island Music. At least that’s what I left calling his slide guitar sets that whisk you away to a remote island where hula dancers sway. Really, Joel and Company should have a big ticket agent that sends them all over the world, (Can you say Bermuda or Hawaii?), playing his vast catalog of inspirational music.
We got jazz from Bernie Kessler, and we got several incredible Beatles covers including “All My Loving,” and “I Saw Her Standing There,” which turned out to be a call and response with the audience singing the high note (“Whooooo!”) after Joel sang, “I saw her standing there.” It was a super fun moment.
We got a history lesson on the electric slide guitar, or pedal steel, the origin of it, and the many different versions people continually confuse.
Behind the deep thrumming of Beau Sample on upright bass, and the flittering, skittering consistency of Alex Hall on drums, guitarist Andy Brown also got a chance to shine. Andy’s an accomplished jazz musician that plays behind The Green Mill bar every Thursday night when he’s not traveling the country jazzing it up with some of the finest players in the business. For these Thursday sets he plays the cocktail hour (5pm-7:15pm), where he states there’s “No cover, tasty drinks, and I take requests!” Andy’s often compared to the great Joe Pass, playing fluidly with a certain humility that comes from a lifetime of disciplined practice, and natural ability. His tone and feel is truly something to hear.
Paterson stopped the show for a second to talk to the woman with the 9mm camera (above) saying that he loved the sound it made, and that it was the coolest thing he’s ever heard. She kept filming while these four players laid down some of the smoothest jazz Chicago has to offer. You’d be hard-pressed to find a band this good anywhere else in the world, and that’s not an overgeneralization. Will and I were blown away, and these Monday night shows will be something you see me frequenting more often. You can’t beat the price ($10 cover) and you can’t beat the music. It’s also a great way to start your week. The place was packed and the vibe was one of sheer delight. I kept thinking that I need some Joel Paterson vinyl in my collection, and I even told him this between sets. He remarked that he had some “Christmas vinyl, but that’s a hard sell right now!”
Halfway through the show the girl next to me leaned over and asked if I was a jazz aficionado? I told her that I was just a fan. She said, “Are these guys good?” I nodded yes, and said, “Some of the best players I’ve ever seen.” She said she was in town to see Taylor Swift and several audience members told her she needed to see live music at The Green Mill before she left Chicago, which I found weird. Though, maybe this means Swifties have real musical taste after all? Also, said girl just made her bucket list shorter.
Release Radar 04/21/23 – Hippo Campus vs Sublime
My wife turns 50 this weekend, and for her party, she asked me to hire a Yacht Rock band aptly titled The Yacht Rockettes. They are fronted by two female singers, and backed by a five-piece band that includes some incredible horns. Take a listen, then start saving!
Hippo Campus has finally released their 5-song EP Wasteland. We’ve heard most of it, save for “Honeysuckle,” and “Probably.” After hashing out the songs in their Minneapolis rehearsal space, they jetted out to Asheville to record these songs in the Drop of Sun studios with Caleb Wright. This is good stuff, “Yippee Ki-Yay” and “Honeysuckle,” will fit in nicely, and “Probably” will help slow the live sets down and offer some new variety as they embark on a huge US tour.
Bradley Nowell was a force both on the guitar and on the mic. His voice was smooth as silk at times, and at others, rough and rugged. Look no further than this incredible-sounding version of “Jailhouse.” He starts off with a sweet melody, singing, “Jailhouse gets empty,” then gets all gravelly with, “Can’t fight against the youth.” After that, he’s on to his rap verse, “When I was a youth in 1983 was the best day of my life/Had the ’89 vision, we didn’t fuss or no fight.” It’s all here live and undeniably real, and that’s what we loved about this man. But there’s no Sublime, and there’s no way any of this goes down this well without that incredible battery of Eric Wilson (bass), and Bud Gaugh (drums). Let us not forget much of the inspiration for the band’s content, Lou Dog.
Honestly, this live album sounds better than the official release of 40 Ounces To Freedom. $5.00 At The Door (Live At Tressel Tavern, 1994) solicits more charisma and passion than any emotions Michael “Miguel” Happoldt and company could squeeze out of the band in the studio. It’s one that I am going to buy on vinyl because it garners endless listens.
Another new Goth Babe single to decipher and it doesn’t take long. “Alone in the Mountains” is more of that dayglow pop that prods consecutive listens.
The second single from the Generationals has arrived getting us excited for the June 2nd release date of Heatherhead. “Dirt Diamond” is still playing on repeat as well.
Pearl & The Oysters make some pretty fun island-type music but this single featuring Laetitia Sadier borders the psychedelic. It’s short and to the point.
The return of Ben Folds is real. His first new album, What Matters Most, since 2015 will be released on June 2. “Exhausting Lover” is the second single from his sixth studio album and it’s typical Folds’ fare, about a groupie he slept with and now can’t get rid of. Also, something about a live tweet of him running naked through a dingy hotel room to Cracker Barrel safety. You can’t make this stuff up…or can you?
The single “Chord of Sympathy,” from the album of the same name, caught me off guard. I was expecting the song to turn into something heavier after the rapid drum intro, yet we hear the golden pipes of frontwoman Natalie Carol, and I’m further intrigued. I google the band and get references for Fleetwood Mac, but that doesn’t quite fit. I’m hearing The Sundays with Dolores O’Riordan at the helm, and a bit of Hannah Joy from the Middle Kids.
Valley Queen is a three-piece band hailing from Los Angeles, and Chord of Sympathy is their fabulous sophomore album that, after only ONE listen, is rocking my world. There’s even a cool cover of Porches’ “Range Rover” on the record that’s a fun surprise towards the end.
Let’s not forget to credit Mike Deluccia (percussion and keys) and Neil Wogensen (bass and production).
Your Jazz Cut Of The Week is “Luna Park” from Tobias Meinhart. The Brooklyn saxophonist just released a new album entitled Dark Horse, and it’s got everything from great drumming to incredible guitar licks. Check it out on Spotify or anywhere you take in good music.
Treat someone well this week, and drink less (I’m talking to myself).
Release Radar 04/21/23 – Hippo Campus vs Sublime
My wife turns 50 this weekend, and for her party, she asked me to hire a Yacht Rock band aptly titled The Yacht Rockettes. They are fronted by two female singers, and backed by a five-piece band that includes some incredible horns. Take a listen, then start saving!
Hippo Campus has finally released their 5-song EP Wasteland. We’ve heard most of it, save for “Honeysuckle,” and “Probably.” After hashing out the songs in their Minneapolis rehearsal space, they jetted out to Asheville to record these songs in the Drop of Sun studios with Caleb Wright. This is good stuff, “Yippee Ki-Yay” and “Honeysuckle,” will fit in nicely, and “Probably” will help slow the live sets down and offer some new variety as they embark on a huge US tour.
Bradley Nowell was a force both on the guitar and on the mic. His voice was smooth as silk at times, and at others, rough and rugged. Look no further than this incredible-sounding version of “Jailhouse.” He starts off with a sweet melody, singing, “Jailhouse gets empty,” then gets all gravelly with, “Can’t fight against the youth.” After that, he’s on to his rap verse, “When I was a youth in 1983 was the best day of my life/Had the ’89 vision, we didn’t fuss or no fight.” It’s all here live and undeniably real, and that’s what we loved about this man. But there’s no Sublime, and there’s no way any of this goes down this well without that incredible battery of Eric Wilson (bass), and Bud Gaugh (drums). Let us not forget much of the inspiration for the band’s content, Lou Dog.
Honestly, this live album sounds better than the official release of 40 Ounces To Freedom. $5.00 At The Door (Live At Tressel Tavern, 1994) solicits more charisma and passion than any emotions Michael “Miguel” Happoldt and company could squeeze out of the band in the studio. It’s one that I am going to buy on vinyl because it garners endless listens.
Another new Goth Babe single to decipher and it doesn’t take long. “Alone in the Mountains” is more of that dayglow pop that prods consecutive listens.
The second single from the Generationals has arrived getting us excited for the June 2nd release date of Heatherhead. “Dirt Diamond” is still playing on repeat as well.
Pearl & The Oysters make some pretty fun island-type music but this single featuring Laetitia Sadier borders the psychedelic. It’s short and to the point.
The return of Ben Folds is real. His first new album, What Matters Most, since 2015 will be released on June 2. “Exhausting Lover” is the second single from his sixth studio album and it’s typical Folds’ fare, about a groupie he slept with and now can’t get rid of. Also, something about a live tweet of him running naked through a dingy hotel room to Cracker Barrel safety. You can’t make this stuff up…or can you?
The single “Chord of Sympathy,” from the album of the same name, caught me off guard. I was expecting the song to turn into something heavier after the rapid drum intro, yet we hear the golden pipes of frontwoman Natalie Carol, and I’m further intrigued. I google the band and get references for Fleetwood Mac, but that doesn’t quite fit. I’m hearing The Sundays with Dolores O’Riordan at the helm, and a bit of Hannah Joy from the Middle Kids.
Valley Queen is a three-piece band hailing from Los Angeles, and Chord of Sympathy is their fabulous sophomore album that, after only ONE listen, is rocking my world. There’s even a cool cover of Porches’ “Range Rover” on the record that’s a fun surprise towards the end.
Let’s not forget to credit Mike Deluccia (percussion and keys) and Neil Wogensen (bass and production).
Your Jazz Cut Of The Week is “Luna Park” from Tobias Meinhart. The Brooklyn saxophonist just released a new album entitled Dark Horse, and it’s got everything from great drumming to incredible guitar licks. Check it out on Spotify or anywhere you take in good music.
Treat someone well this week, and drink less (I’m talking to myself).
Alden Global Capital Stole My Blog
“I have written for the Chicago Tribune’s ChicagoNow blogging community since 2011. I woke up one morning in August of 2022 to find that Alden Global Capital stole my blog. After 11 years of writing and over 1,000 blog posts, all of my hard work had simply vanished.
They call Alden a vulture hedge fund, and I think that’s honestly a misnomer. A vulture doesn’t hold a wounded animal’s head underwater. This is predatory.” – Metro reporter Charlie Johnson
Tribune Publishing was bought by the Manhattan hedge fund company and ChicagoNow was shut down without warning on August 18, 2022. There were rumors that this might happen, but nothing concrete. Now I’m piecing together all of my past posts with the Wayback Machine, hoping to retrieve my blood, sweat, and tears.
Alden has a reputation for sharply cutting costs by reducing the number of journalists working on its newspapers. In March 2018, Margaret Sullivan, the media columnist for The Washington Post, called Alden “one of the most ruthless of the corporate strip-miners seemingly intent on destroying local journalism.” Vanity Fair dubbed Alden the “grim reaper of American newspapers.” -Wikipedia
ChicagoNow did not pay me, on the contrary, they sold ads on the back of our blogs. But most of us were ok with that, as long as we had a platform to showcase our hard work. We loved the community that was cultivated by manager Jimmy Greenfield, who used to organize Christmas parties and quarterly events where we’d all come together. It was super cool to meet bloggers face to face after frequently reading their work. This community loved writing, it was a craft we’d carefully hone while offering others advice and suggestions.
The new owners did not fly to Chicago to address the staff, nor did they bother with paeans to the vital civic role of journalism. Instead, they gutted the place. –McKay Coppins of The Atlantic
We would comment on each other’s blog posts and champion their writing. While others wrote about abuse, divorce, politics, and beer, I primarily focused on music. I mostly used my blog to gain access to theatres and concert halls, where my favorite artists were playing. Sometimes a press agent would offer me an interview or a chance to do a concert preview in order to spread the word about their artist. During my tenure at ChicagoNow, I made a lot of inroads and connections, it was a lifeline into the city of Chicago, and the music industry. I was proud of my blog and felt accomplished every time I posted. Now the Cut Out Kid is a shadow of himself, though I keep telling myself, that “If I rebuild it, they will come.”
Release Radar 04/14/23 – Natalie Merchant vs Fiest
It was a great surprise to see Natalie Merchant’s name on the list of new releases this week. Big shout out, by the way, to Pause & Play for all of their help with new releases, they do such a nice roundup over there and are a great resource for any music writer, FYI.
The 10,000 Maniac’s own Natalie Merchant drops her ninth solo record, Keep Your Courage, which is a feat for any artist. This long-awaited music is the first new material since 2014’s record simply titled Natalie Merchant, which I just revisited, and realized I need to hear more of. She has recorded plenty of material since then, though most of it includes newer versions of older music, so it’s great to know we have new songs to decipher. While we are on the subject of Natalie, here’s a fun tidbit, In 1983 she met Michael Stipe, they became close friends, and eventually formed a romantic relationship. To this day, they credit each other for inspiring some of their best songwriting.
Another powerful female vocalist, Feist, returns this week with a fourth single from her sixth album, Multitudes, “Borrow Trouble” might be the best of the four though as she leans into her grittier side for something reminiscent of Bowie’s “Heroes.” I love that shrill scream at the end of the song, the anger/enthusiasm she puts forth, and I gladly welcome more of it. A total of 12 songs, will be released on April 27 via Interscope.
Local Chicago band Deeper just announced a record deal with Sub Pop and their first single for the label is really strong. “Sub” reminds me of the Talking Heads at first but as the song progresses it’s reminiscent of The Editors or, a lighter Interpol.
Tei Shi has a group of people going to bat for her non-stop, and in this day and age of an oversaturated music market, there is nothing more important. Yes, the music should speak for itself, and it does, but sometimes we need that push to explore and I got it, Becky, thanks! “Grip” discusses that feeling when someone has a hold on you, and whether it’s good or bad, it’s never easy to shake. My other favorite track from her Bad Premonition EP is “Color” where her vocal runs shine.
I’m very conflicted by this AHJ rap track. I hate to sound like a 40-year-old but I am…at the latter end. No part of this song warrants a guest rap vocal, it feels forced and unsolicited.
Temples‘ new album sounds fresh. It was hard for me to pick a track to post because several of them stuck out on the first listen. This fourth record, Exotica, is a treat and “Oval Stones” is my favorite thus far.
It’s been five years since Matt Corby has put out new music, and I’m digging “Problems” from his third album, Everything’s Fine. This whole album exudes a playfulness that we don’t often hear, so don’t sleep on it.
What’s it like, liking a band like Hippo Campus, and staying excited about their every move? There are not many bands I put this much faith in, save for The Districts and a small cadre of other units. Regardless, neither band has the pressure of my weight on their shoulders, but I always look forward to their next movement. Is it akin to my affinity for The Smiths, or Housemartins? Not quite; yet. But heck, I didn’t even see The Smiths or The Housemartins, live, so I’m not sure what I’m waiting for. “Moonshine” has an innate subtlety that draws you in with each listen. That seems to be the direction they’re heading, par for the course of growing, and becoming who we are.
Your Jazz Cut Of The Week is from Daryl Johns. “Gabriel” makes me happier than my therapist! On the realz though. it’s carefree, light, and vibrant.
Release Radar 04/7/23 – R-Mean vs Dazy
We spent the weekend in the great outdoors and it was magnificent. There’s nothing I love more than a good campfire, especially when the night gets a bit chilly. Check out Getaway Barber Creek in Grand Junction, Michigan to free your mind for a minute.
“Candle Of The Devil” is a Scott Storch project, that showcases rapper R-Mean alongside his hero, NAS. R-Mean is proof that dreams do come true. For years he dreamed of meeting NAS and literally dreamt about recording with the legend. After Mean’s brother handed NAS a mixtape dedicated to the God’s Son MC, his visions became reality, and now we have the single,” Candle Of The Devil” as proof. The lyrics are real, R-Mean did his thing in the studio with NAS and the sky is the limit from here on out.
Jay Worthy has been on #RADSRADAR for the last few months so it’s time to rep him and his homies. I’ve never heard of Nappyhigh or Blu, but they deliver some thought-provoking rhymes over this funky canvas that Worthy creates.
Ride’s Andy Bell and Masal create a peaceful mood on the first track off of their new project, Tidal Love Numbers, out May 19 on Sonic Cathedral. Apparently, Al Johnson and harpist Oz Simsek, the duo behind Masal, opened for Bell, and the artists bonded over Floating Points’ Promises album. The rest is history as they say, the trio has collaborated together on a 4-song EP. One cool note, Mark Gardner, Bell’s bandmate from the shoegazing quartet RIDE, mastered the ambient jazz compositions.
Who the fuck puts out a cassette these days with no vinyl or CD release? Dazy, that’s who. A noisy rock guitarist with pop sentimentalities. “ESTAO” is the latest single from this pop-rock pioneer and you can order that tape here. Hurry, the Lame-O Records clear blue is limited to 50 copies, and there is a red version that looks even cooler, but only 150 total pieces.
“I’m not a psycho, I’m just trying to get laid/I’m a rock and roll disciple/In a video game.”
That’s the girl we’ve all come to know and love, Jenny Lewis. Her latest single is eerily reminiscent of Lindsey Buckingham’s “Trouble,” and I like it. Joy’All is out June 9.
“Sprocket Wheel” is your Jazz Cut Of The Week. A little too short for my needs but direct and to the point. I hear a beat like this and I want to spit rhymes over it. Maybe I can do a mixtape with Greg Spero? I highly doubt it. This entrepreneur has done everything, from a tech start-up called weeBid to his Tiny Records and eclectic jazz career. He’s a web designer turned pianist/keyboardist, producer, and recording artist who helped Halsey achieve the live sound she wanted on tour. Spero cannot be fucked with.
Camping or glamping? I have my answer. What is yours?
Release Radar 03/31/23 – Generationals vs Boygenius
Guess who’s back? If you guessed Generationals then you are correct! These two gentlemen have wormed their way into my heart and steadily stayed there.
New Orleans natives, Grant Widmer and Ted Joyner have dropped a new single, “Dirt Diamond,” in preparation for their new release, Heatherhead, due on June 2. After thirteen years of making music together, the dynamic duo believes album number six is their best to date, and are hoping you agree. After several listens to ‘Dirt Diamond,” I’m convinced it could be, but they haven’t made a bad record thus far.
Those fantastic songwriters that call themselves The New Pornographers are back in business with an incredible album, produced by band leader, Carl Newman.
Continue as a Guest is their greatest leap to date, and here I’m showcasing both sides of the coin. First, I bring you the rocking cut sung by A.C. Newman called “Bottle Episodes.”
Then I offer you an incredible vocal performance from the volcano that loves us, Neko Case. This beautiful tune is called “Marie And The Undersea,” and it deserves several listens. It is playlist worthy, showcasing a band that works incredibly well under the guise of selflessness, as The New Pornographers truly have a band ethos.
Bono took some liberties with these Songs Of Surrender, and my favorite is this version of “Two Hearts Beat As One.” There’s some funk to it, and a newfound soul in Bono’s voice, filled with extra emotion. Don’t discount The Edge’s wah pedal and the big-sounding piano that looms heavily in the background.
Boygenius, the all-female supergroup, has released its second effort, entitled, The Record. Their first full drop in five years, and as I explained with The New Pornographers above, this trio functions as a band without egos. They are all stars in their own right who come together as one. You know their voices and the songwriting doesn’t stray from the mark they have set for their solo acts, but together Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus create a sound so pleasant it’s hard to deny.
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness is back with a fourth studio album, Tilt at the Wind No More. Not much has changed, which is not a bad thing if you love McMahon’s voice. There are lots of brooding pianos, catchy hooks, and programmed beats that pair well with his emotional delivery. NOTE: let’s get a producer to push his boundaries next time.
Your Jazz Cut Of The Week is from a conglomerate of British jazz musicians, twelve to be exact, including Nubya Garcia, calling themselves London Brew. Guitarist Martin Terefe took on the task of putting this band together with the help of executive producer Bruce Lampcov for a series of concerts across Europe.
The idea of deconstructing Miles Davis‘ Bitches Brew was how the project began, but because of COVID-19, the shows were never played. So, instead of scrapping the project, the band decided to record an album and the results are ridiculous! The debut is moody, to say the least, but the tension creates these incredible moments. Check out “Trainlines,” and the guitars that began to thrash around the two-minute mark. Martin Terefe and the Invisible’s Dave Okumu, go toe-to-toe doing their best Hendrix impersonations.
Stay positive and don’t feel afraid to ask for help. See you soon!
Release Radar 03/24/23 – Depeche Mode vs Natural Lines
Spring forward with more sunlight, Depeche Mode, and The Natural Lines. At home, we are already warming our bats at Swing Science. Let us know how you’re warming up.
If you’re a fan of Matt pond PA, then you’ve known he’s been involved in this band called The Natural Lines and they have been working on a new album for the last year. The self-titled album has finally been released and it’s full of heartfelt rock. Pond wanted a fresh start, hence the reason why he gave this iteration a real band name, instead of the solo moniker.
“I quit lying,” says Pond. “I checked my harsher tones. I cut my drinking down. I went to therapy and stopped shouting at cars.” There’s definitely a peaceful, singular sound that this group of musicians has accomplished, and I for one, also wish I could stop shouting at cars.
On “Thanxiety” Slug and Ant pick up where they left off on The Day Before Halloween. Sparse drumbeats and spooky keys create that we’re-all going-to-die from-Covid/Halloween-is-evil vibe. It’s such an interesting direction that they went and continue to pursue. We have five songs thus far, but I can’t wait for the rest of the new Atmosphere album to surface! “Sculpting With Fire” is also fantastically funny and simultaneously daring as Slug raps, “Smack me on the back of my head/Go tell my therapist it’s time to take my ass to bed.”
Depeche Mode makes a stunning return to form with its fifteenth studio album, Memento Mori. Look no further than the album opener, “My Cosmos Is Mine,” to prove the band still has that fire and style that we’ve always enjoyed. “Ghosts Again,” “Before We Drown,” and “Caroline’s Monkey,” are classic DM. On “People Are Good,” Dave Gahan seems to be coming around to the fact that people suck, in general. “Keep fooling yourself people are good/Whisper it under your breath, people are good.” I’m right there with you Dave, yet it never ceases to amaze me how cold and uncaring this world has become.
The Psychedelic Furs Richard Butler ended up co-writing seven songs for the album, which is still amazing to me. Either he knew exactly what the band was looking for or the band took these tracks and completely;y made them their own. Either way, this album deserves any and all accolades and gives fans one more reason to love the band and to see them live.
Django Django has returned with an EP and so far “Come Down” is my favorite song from it.
“Waiting On A Ghost To Haunt You” is a low-fi pop gem that grows on you with each listen. Plus they create some of the most thought-provoking album covers around.
Your Jazz Cut Of The Week, “You Know I’m No Good,” comes courtesy of the Krasno/Moore Project. Eric Krasno and Stanton Moore have crossed paths countless times, while on tour with their respective bands, and have talked about working together for years. Now the two grammy winners have come together to celebrate women by covering nine female artists for their debut album, Book Of Queens. Let me be the first to say it’s a treat and this Amy Winehouse cover kicks things off properly, but don’t sleep on Nina Simone’s classic, “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free,” starring Robert Randolph.
Remember to think, before you raise your voice. Have a great week!
Kat Edmonson Brings Her Holiday Spirit To Space – 12/6/22
If you’re like me, then you love Christmas music, it holds a special place in your heart. But please, for the love of god, don’t start playing it until after Thanksgiving. Now that we got the public service announcement out of the way, let’s get on with the holly jolly music.
Kat Edmondson brought her holiday spirit to Evanston, wrapping herself in a sleeveless red top, with gold sequence, and a flattering empire waist dress that wowed everyone in Space. She was the present we were all pining for, but the gifts we received were doled out one by one in brightly colored coverings.
Each Christmas classic was enveloped in a jazzy sheath that made eyes glisten and ears listen. Like a modern-day Billie Holiday with a bit of Kristin Chenoweth (vocals and looks), she ran through her batch of jazzy Christmas numbers from her first, of several volumes, (as she so eloquently promised) called Holiday Swingin’! A Kat Edmonson Christmas Vol. 1.
Live, “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” stood out most. It’s a classic that isn’t covered a lot and has never sounded this good. Kat brought new life and whimsy to Ross Bagdasarian’s 1958 hit. During the bridge, Roy Dunlap’s piano was screaming like a Wurlitzer while Kat was scatting about how “I need that shirt and I need those shoes. or I’ll have the Christmas blues.”
No matter how old we get there are still things we want, but Kat was in her element having fun with the idea from a mature perspective.
She distinctly put the happy in “Happy Holidays,” which is still my favorite cover from the holiday record. It’s got a groove that makes you want to move, and her voice runs the gamut from Billie to Ella, while Bob Hart’s bass made it bounce.
I can’t say enough about her backing band who turned this tune into a jazzy jam that had everyone on their feet, swinging and singing.
Big smiles were had throughout the night. Kat is an incredible performer who improvises with the best of them and on “Jingle Bell Rock,” she does just that. Drummer Aaron Thurston holds this thing together with a funky beat while Dunlap’s piano takes the lead.
One song that didn’t make the record was the extremely delicious, “Santa Baby.” Kat showed a sexier side, that brought thoughts of Marilyn Moroe and Eartha Kitt.
Other unique takes included “O Christmas Tree.” and “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.” But, “Let It Snow” could be the winner on this album as the band completely rewrites the tune. Guitarist Matt Munisteri had the most incredible touch and tone throughout the night, which can’t be understated. This was just one of the songs where he takes the lead and makes it sound so groovy while keeping it warm and soothing.
Matt grew up playing bluegrass banjo and has been a songwriter and session musician for more artists than this blog can hold. This is the reason for his comfort on stage, and he makes the band sound so confident. Kat is a force in her own right, but do not miss this band if you get the chance, especially around the holidays.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention she covers “Just Like Heaven” as well, and it’s become a staple in her set, and her most streamed song to boot. You can find it on her album of covers called Take To The Sky.
Release Radar 03/17/23 – Tatiana Eva-Marie vs Phoenix
“Tis the season for college basketball, green beer, and spring training. March Madness is upon us, Happy St. Patricks Day! Dye a pint for me!
Martina DeSilva collaborates with her long-time friend Dan, “Chimy” Chmielinski for a jazzy version of Bowie’s “Life On Mars.”The xylophone makes it a space odyssey that warrants several listens, as I’m on my 3rd and counting.
Phoenix’s “After Midnight” gets a bit of a remix this week as female vocalist Clairo guests on the track taking the second verse solo. The band had this to say about the collaboration: “We’ve loved Clairo since day 1. What a treat it is to have her sing with us! We hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we do.” It works rather well, almost too well, as it’s hard to discern when she sings until you get a few listens into it. Also, have I said how much I love the new Phoenix record, Alpha Zulu? It’s definitely been one of my favorites over the last six months.
The boys from Krooked Kings have been on Rad’s #RADAR for the last few months. “Coming Of Age” is keyboard driven, though you can’t miss those meandering guitars. I love the way it all works together, and they are building a steady stream of hype behind their machine.
Ryan Adams delivers a gorgeous live version of “When The Stars Go Blue,” from his residency at Carnegie Hall. His voice sounds downright pristine, over a sparse acoustic, and that is all you need for this haunting ballad to work. Written in September of 2021, it’s hard to believe this song is nearly 22 years old. Life has truly flown by.
Your Jazz Cut Of The Week is “The Last Time I Saw Paris,” with its 1930s-style jazz swing. Listen to the gorgeous pipes of this Swiss-born vocalist, Tatiana Eva-Marie, who now calls Brooklyn home. Performing with the Avalon Jazz Band, and the Star City Symphony, she sounds light and airy, almost effortless. You can feel the cool night breeze of the Paris streets, marvel at the lights, and stare into the numerous cafe windows.
So long for now. Do something nice for somebody this week, they won’t forget it, and you’ll make the world a little bit better than you found it.
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