Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Best of 2012 so far

A little survey of the 2012 releases so far. What have you really enjoyed. Here are a few:

Chuck Prophet - Temple Beautiful - Yep Roc

more cranky guy with interesting insights from this singer/songwriter



Rodrigo y Gabriella and C.U.B.A. - Area 52

originally from a metal band they have spent the last few years as an acoustic flamenco duo putting on very energetic concerts and recording some terrific cd's. This time out they work with a 13 piece Cuban band and mix orchestral arrangements with middle eastern and latin music. They re-work their material into something new. Oud, guitar, flute, heavy metal drums. What a show!



Tord Gustavsen Quartet - The Well - ECM - 2012

New release by this Norweigan pianist. He is joined here by the same line-up that accompanied him at the Ottawa Jazz Festival a few years ago. This is beautiful introspective music that makes great use of the power and drama of silence.



Otis Taylor - Otis Taylor's Contraband

Another outstanding release by this criminally underappreciated giant of contemporary blues. He is a little bit rock a little bit folk, a little bit blues and a whole lot of great. Fabulous presenter and performer. May be rough around the edges but well worth seeking out.



Jack DeJohnette - Sound Travels - Entertainment One

Another jazz meets world hybrid release by this jazz experimenter. Afro-Cuban melds with Middle Eastern rhythms. The stellar cast includes: Esperanza Spalding, Tim Ries, Bobby McFerrin, and Lionel Loueke. Solid release.



Jack Pine and the Fire - Jack Pine and the Fire

One of the best singer/songwriter roots records I have heard in some time and it was made right here in Ottawa! Love the guest appearance by John Showman!



Edgar Breau - Patches of Blue - Flying Inn Records

Solo release by this member of Simply Saucer. Psych folk in a Syd Barrett, early Marc Bolan style. Sunday morning music.



CATL - With the Lord For Cowards You Will Find No Place

2nd LP by this Toronto trio. Have their own take on the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion style of rough and ragged blues. Taking it back to Howlin' Wolf and letting it rip. Great fun and they do a pretty great live show also!!!!



The Band Whose Name Is A Symbol - Punks, Twats and Urban Cowboys

The latest release by this ridiculously great rock collective. I have played this three times already and many more plays are to come. Crushing rock bordering on free jazz. Great stuff! Limited release get yours now at Birdman.

They are playing the Dominion Tavern on March 23 with Damo Suzuki. Yes that Damo Suzuki!



Pontiak - Echo Ono - Thrill Jockey

latest release by this trio of brothers from the Blue Mountains. No old timey sound though. Hints of 60's psych and garage mixed with a healthy heap of indie rock. Another quality release by Thrill Jockey



Dirty Three - Toward the Low Sun - Drag City

The Australian trio continue to explore the world of instrumental rock. I think it has been 7 years since they last released a disc. Anyway there are more instruments here than you might expect but other than that this is a wonderful listen from beginning to end. Powerful playing creates a musical canvas that stays



Woods of Ypres - Woods 5 Grey Skies and Electric Light - Earache

doom metal. the last album recorded by the band before the tragic passing of founding member David Gold.

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