I love everything about August Greene’s self-titled debut album. Well, almost everything. Common’s lyrics are occasionally too corny even by my sentimental standards. And a background vocalist’s pitch seems slightly off. My instantaneous embrace of the project is hardly a surprise. I’ve long adored the veteran rapper, the genre-busting keyboardist Robert Glasper and the imaginative drummer Karriem Riggins. Working as August Greene, they create a sublime blend of jazz, soul and hip-hop that’s situated at the exact center of my wheelhouse. The group’s Tiny Desk Concert is divine.
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My recent weekly concert previews for The Kansas City Star are here and here.
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I named Brewer & Shipley the KCUR Band of the Week.
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Russ Solomon has died. I reported directly to the retail titan during a particularly perilous segment of my career in the music distribution industry. Solomon’s fearlessness was inspiring, his guile was masterful and his frequent displays of kindness never failed to motivate me.
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Tracey Thorn’s Record is wonderful. RIYL: Everything But the Girl, Brit-pop circa 1986, Pet Shop Boys. Here’s “Sister”.
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Lucy Dacus’ breathlessly hyped Historian merits much of the acclaim. RIYL: Eliza Carthy, the flavor of the week, Fairport Convention. Here’s “Addictions”.
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A bygone Moroccan band’s deranged interpretation of “Für Elise” makes me proud to be an Earthling.
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Dayramir González attempts to condense the entire history of Cuban jazz into the 72-minute The Grand Concourse. The manic release is recommended if you like Cachao, Benny Moré and Irakere.
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Alfredo Rodríguez’s The Little Dream is completely over the top. RIYL: Lionel Loueke, Cuba, Pat Metheny at his most excessive.
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Seun Kuti does right by his father on Black Times. Femi Kuti’s One People One World is slightly less formidable.
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The Andy Sheppard Quartet’s wispy Romaria is elegant sonic wallpaper. RIYL: music for hangovers, John Surman, clouds.
(Original image by There Stands the Glass.)
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