The Outerspace Employment Agency

21/07/2024

This week's CD is Phish - Evolve. Recorded in 2023 and released in 2024 on the JEMP label, it is the band’s 16th studio release and first since 2020 (Sigma Oasis). It is a solid Rock release that continues Trey Anastasia’s more mature songwriting. There is almost nothing that is whimsical and irreverent. Like the band’s last few releases, Trey is the primary songwriter, having his name on all but one of the thirteen songs. This draws a strong similarity to the band’s Farmhouse album. But those songs were written primarily for Trey’s solo band. Not unusually, many of the songs on the album had been played live. (I had seen seven previously.) It is a strong, if not particularly varied album. Though the longest song is barely over 6 minutes, there is plenty of jamming and hints of longer exploration. The use of large string section on several songs works well giving the music a fuller, more colorful sound. It is a good album. This is one of the band’s better releases since they came back in 2009. Definitely glad I own it. Attached is a review followed by a favorite song in the comments.

Evolve by Phish released in 2024. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.

19/07/2024

Last song. From their last album. It is one of their best. Also one of the best in the Rock + Horns genre normally associated with Chicago and Blood Sweat & Tears.

Album: High Time (1971)Rob Tyner - vocals, harmonica, maracasFred "Sonic" Smith - guitarWayne Kramer - guitarMichael Davis - bassDennis Thompson - drums

13/07/2024

This week's CD is Living Colour - Time’s Up. Recorded in 1989 and 1990 on the Epic label, it was released in 1990. This was the band’s followup to their eponymous, classic debut. I originally purchased this on cassette when it came out and initially listened to it a lot. I loved their debut. It was hard, heavy and certainly unique to what I normally listened to. At the time I liked the followup. But I knew it seemed a little slick and it leaned a little towards commercial acceptance. Aside from the occasional song on the radio, i don’t think I listened to this album after 1995. Possibly earlier. My original opinion still holds true. It is a good album. And it is certainly more varied than than the debut. There are even guests - Little Richard, Queen Latifah, Maceo Parker and Doug E. Fresh to name a few. There are some good songs too. If one only knew this album, there certainly would be no complaints. Unfortunately if one has heard the band’s debut the comparison is inevitable. Ultimately it is good stuff. Definitely glad I own it. Attached is a review followed by a favorite song in the comments.

Time's Up by Living Colour released in 1990. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.

12/07/2024

Good day at The Record Exchange. This was something I rarely do anymore. Complete impulse purchases. Not only were none of these on my list of things to by, I only knew of these existed prior to purchase. I can justify all of them though. There is a logic. For example, can one ever own too many Jaco live recordings? Also, though none of these are the same genre, they’re not that far from each other. Good stuff.

11/07/2024

For all of you that like both They Might Be Giants AND Sun Ra, you’re welcome.

05/07/2024

This week's CD is Sade - Promise. Recorded and released in 1985 on the Epic label, this was the band’s second release. I have always liked Sade. The songs were staples on the radio in the mid 80’s and I always liked them. As I have grown older I have come to realize that that their brand of Jazz and Soul was an influence on my appreciation for Jazz. Now it would be called Smooth Jazz, but then it was just Pop music and it was all over the radio. I had been meaning to explore the band’s music, and my favorite song of theirs was “Sweetest Taboo”. So I thought I would start there. It was exactly what was promised in their songs. Solid vocals paired well with Smooth Jazz instrumentals. All expertly produced. All but one of the songs are either Love Songs or about relationships. Good stuff and I enjoyed it. Definitely glad I own it. Attached is a review followed by a favorite song in the comments.

Promise by Sade released in 1985. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.

04/07/2024

Happy Fourth! Because nothing says “Patriotic” like a Jazz-Rock-R&B interpretation of a patriotic tune.

His version of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" was American author Hunter S. Thompson's campaign music in 1970 when he ran for sheriff of Pitkin County. It is ...

04/07/2024

I think Depp was there because his name most closely resembles Beck’s.

John pictured with Kirk Hammett, Billy Gibbons and Johnny Depp backstage at the Jeff Beck tribute concert held at The Royal Albert Hall on May 23, 2023. Photo by Ross Halfin.

02/07/2024

Was in the car recently and heard this on my in to work. Hadn’t heard it in ages. I remember growing up and watching the video. It was intense. I always got the impression that Stevie was really pi**ed and not someone to be messed with. In the car listening, was the first time I can recall really paying attention to the track. Yes, her voice is great. But it was such a Pop, danceable track. Really synth heavy. Like someone decided add her vocals to Shannon’s “Let The Music Play.” Did a little digging around and it turned out Stevie was heavily inspired by Prince’s “When Doves Cry.” Not only that, but it turned out Prince showed up at the recording sessions for the song. Apparently he added some synth and may or may not have done the drum programming. Had no idea. Good stuff. Stand back!

Official music video for Stevie Nicks - "Stand Back" from the album ‘The Wild Heart' (1983) remastered in HD. *STEVIE NICKS Complete Studio Albums & Rarities...

02/07/2024

For those of you that like Tears For Fears and/or Bluegrass…

A candid live performance of Tears for Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" at Jane's Hideaway in Nashville, TN.Guitar- Shawn SpencerFiddle- Oliver Bat...

27/06/2024

This week's CD [yes I know it’s a lot earlier than normal] is Liz Phair - Whip-Smart. Recorded in 1993 and released in 1994 on the Matador label, this was the artist’s second release. Phair is heard singing and playing guitar with minimal accompaniment. Though the album is a little more produced than her debut, it is still a bare-bones affair. Or at least it feels that way. For the most part her singing is in monotone and a restrained manner. It is a good album and I do like it. But I was hoping for more variety compared to her debut. Still not my cup of tea, but I am glad I own it. Attached is a review followed by a favorite song in the comments.

Whip-Smart by Liz Phair released in 1994. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.

23/06/2024

Really enjoying this new track. It’s more on the EDM/Chill side. But if you’re gonna do it, do it. Good stuff. Worth a listen.

Scintillating sounds on this track from Moiré Lights' latest EP 'Constants'.https://moirelights.bandcamp.com/album/constantsFollow Moiré Lights:https://sound...

22/06/2024

This week's CD is Collin Walcott - Cloud Dance. Recorded in 1975 and released in 1976 on the ECM label, this was the artist’s debut solo release. Walcott is primarily known as the percussionist for the group Oregon. He also recorded with many others including Miles Davis and Don Cherry. Walcott was classically trained on both sitar and tabla, and that is what are heard here. He is joined by a great rhythm section that includes John Abercrombie on guitar, Dave Holland on bass, and Jack DeJohnette on drums. The full ensemble is only heard on the first and final tracks. The rest of the songs are either duos or trios with bass and/or guitar. The music could be called Indo-Jazz. But it does not feel like a synthesis of the two. More like jazz played with an Indian instrument or two. Regardless of genre, the music is lovely. More jazzy and less New Agey than Oregon of the same time. The music is fairly mellow and played mid-tempo. Nothing especially slow or fast. I am not always a fan of the solo projects by Oregon’s members. But this is definitely an exception. Beautiful album. Definitely glad I own it. Attached is a review followed by a favorite song in the comments.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_Dance?wprov=sfti1 #

Cloud Dance is the debut album by American sitarist and composer Collin Walcott, recorded in March 1976 and released on ECM the following year.[1] The quartet features rhythm section John Abercrombie, Dave Holland and Jack DeJohnette, the three of whom recorded their self-titled debut, Gateway that....

21/06/2024

Paul Winter was initially a straight-laced Jazzer. He later became an early exponent of World and New Age music. This is a great example of the synthesis of the three. And it swings! Steve Gadd on drums doesn’t hurt. But it’s the unison horn lines that get me every time.

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupCommon Ground · Paul WinterCommon Ground℗ 1978 UMG Recordings, Inc.Released on: 1977-01-01Composer: Ivan LinsComp...

16/06/2024

Tom and Gerry. With Gerry on clarinet!

15/06/2024

This week's CD is Beck - Mutations. Recorded and released in 1998, this was Beck’s sixth studio release. It is regarded as one of the artist’s more critically acclaimed releases. I first listened to the album last year when I was taking a deep-dive through the artist’s releases in preparation for seeing him live. When I bought the album I had gotten confused and had intended to buy a different album that starts with M. It is a good album that I definitely liked. Beck has a way with melody and writing a song. Despite all of the production, bleeps, gurgles, and other instrumentation, at the core is a decent foundation. Strip away all of the other stuff away, and there is still a good song. Along with a decent song, there is a dark side to this album. It is apparent lyrically and in the music at times as well. Even during the during most chipper times of a song, there are lyrics proving otherwise. My initial impression of the album was that it was a bit of a downer. And this still holds up. It is a good album. Just leaves me a bit down. Definitely glad I own it. Attached is an official review followed by a favorite song in the comments.

Mutations by Beck released in 1998. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.

14/06/2024

Reports say he’s committed body and soul to a championship.

Coleman Hawkins is headed to Kansas State next season as he signs the largest NIL deal in college basketball. 😱

08/06/2024

This week's CD is Pat Metheny - 80/81. Recorded and released in 1980, this double album came out on the ECM label. Guitarist Pat Metheny is joined by Charlie Haden on bass, Jack DeJohnette on drums, and both Dewey Redman and Michael Brecker on tenor saxophones. The music is a mixture of Post-Bop, Jazz-Rock and Avant Garde Jazz. Ornette Coleman’s presence is felt on the album with Redman, and Haden having been in his band. Two songs were by Ornette as well. I previously had a copy of the album when I was first getting into jazz. The first track was so great that I rarely listened further. At the time that track had the most intense blowing I had ever heard, from Michael Brecker no less. It is interesting to hear the track almost 30 years after I first heard it. I remembered it quite well. But it is not as intense as I used to think. Also interesting to hear the second part of the first song. I always loved it, but never realized it was Charlie Haden’s solo from an Orenette Coleman tune. Fun stuff. Definitely glad I own it. Attached is an official review followed by a favorite song in the comments.

80/81 by Pat Metheny released in 1980. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.

01/06/2024

This week's CD is Julian Priester Pepo Mtoto - Love, Love. Recorded in San Francisco in 1973 on the ECM label, it was released in 1974. Priester is a noted trombonist who has played with a variety of people including Sun Ra, Duke Ellington, Max Roach and Herbie Hancock. On this album Priester plays a number of instruments including trombones, synthesizers and percussion. His band includes a rhythm section, guitar, sax and percussion. The album is spacey and funky. A combination of Weather Report and Herbie Hancock. Though Priester does solo, as do others, the album feels more like a jam. A groove is set up and there is improvising around and on top. It is definitely the funkiest ECM release I have ever heard. Though I have been aware of Priester for a while, he was never an artist that sparked much curiosity. But when I was at the Record Exchange looking through their acquisition of many ECM albums, I came across this one. I had remembered someone mentioning it was very funky. Based on that memory, the personnel, and the fact that it was on ECM, I took a gamble. And I was definitely rewarded. Fun stuff. Definitely glad I own it. Attached is an official review followed by a favorite song in the comments.

Love, Love by Julian Priester Pepo Mtoto, Julian Priester released in 1974. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.

26/05/2024

Following up from today’s CD Review, I’m looking for Steve Reich recommendations. Preferably albums. I’m already familiar with Music For 18 Musicians and Drumming. What else?
Thanks.

26/05/2024

This week's CD is Steve Reich - Tehillim. Recorded in 1981 and released in 1982 on the ECM label, it is regarded as one of Reich’s more famous works. Steve Reich is known, along with Philip Glass, as one of the most famous Minimalist composers. The Hebrew translation of the album title is Psalms. And this album is seen as the composer’s return to his Jewish roots. He interprets sections of four Psalms - 19, 34, 18 and 150. Female vocalists sing in Hebrew and are accompanied by percussion. Strings, winds and organs add additional color. It is the vocals and percussion that move this piece. My main familiarity with Reich was as a composer of instrumental, or wordless music. So I was curious as how the music would sound. It is unmistakably Reich’s music. From the highly repetitive words and music, to the instrumental voicing. Because of the minimalist nature of the music, it is a very modern work. But there is something ethereal as well. The devotional, religious aspect of the psalms is not lost. If anything it is enhanced. It is a lovely album. Definitely glad I own it. Attached is an official review followed by a favorite song in the comments.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tehillim_(Reich)?wprov=sfti1 #

The title comes from the Hebrew word for "psalms", and the work is the first to reflect Reich's Jewish heritage. It is in four parts, marked fast, fast, slow, and fast.

21/05/2024

Really like this pic. Never saw it before. Minus Art Tripp (top right), the band looks pretty heavy.

20/05/2024

I didn’t get the album until many years later. But it’s great. A real doozy.

The debut solo record by Guru “Jazzmatazz Vol 1” was released today 1993. A perfect blend of Hip Hop and live jazz from musicians like Bradford Marsalis, Donald Byrd and Roy Ayers. The album also featured french rapper MC Solaar. Grooves on this album were "Le Bien, Le Mal" “Trust Me” and “Loungin”

19/05/2024

Sting with Bill Frisell, David Sanborn and a mustache.

[Hi-Fi Mono] The singer & songwriter appears on this unique late night USTV program, performing a Bill Withers' classic.Musicians include: Bill Frisell [guit...

19/05/2024

Remembering Elvin Jones. If you still hold me responsible for his death, I completely understand.

https://www.facebook.com/share/QqU64fzb5c86ZZbZ/?

Remembering Elvin Jones !! 💙
(September 9, 1927 – May 18, 2004) a jazz drummer of the post-bop era. He showed an interest in drums at a young age, watching the circus bands march by his family's home in Pontiac, Michigan.
He served in the United States Army from 1946 to 1949 and subsequently played in a Detroit houseband led by Billy Mitchell. He moved to New York in 1955 and worked as a sideman for Charles Mingus, Teddy Charles, Bud Powell and Miles Davis.
From 1960 to 1966 he was a member of the John Coltrane quartet (along with Jimmy Garrison on bass and McCoy Tyner on piano), a celebrated recording phase, appearing on such albums as A Love Supreme. Following his work with Coltrane, Jones led several small groups, some under the name The Elvin Jones Jazz Machine. His brothers Hank Jones and Thad Jones were also jazz musicians with whom he recorded.
Photo by Francis Wolff

18/05/2024

This week's CD is Garbarek/Stenson/Rypdal/Christensen - Sart. The album was recorded and released in 1971 on the ECM label. A few months ago The Princeton Record Exchange announced that they had a large collection of ECM CD’s for sale. When I went over I was interested in finding music by a few specific artists from the 70’s. This album had most of those artists. It has Jan Garbarek on sax, Terje Rypdal on guitar, Bobo Stenson on piano, Jon Christensen on drums and Arlid Andersen on bass. With the exception of the Swedish Stenson, all of the artists are from Norway. The album is what one would expect from the artists and label of the time period. It is very sparse and slightly avant-garde Jazz. It is a good album. Nothing exceptional. Still glad I own it though. Attached is an official review followed by a favorite song in the comments.

Sart by Arild Andersen, Jon Christensen, Jan Garbarek, Terje Rypdal, Bobo Stenson released in 1971. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, award...

11/05/2024

This week's CD is Alice In Chains - Dirt. Recorded and released in 1992 on the Columbia label, this was the band’s second release. At the time of its initial release I enjoyed what Grunge I heard on the radio or saw on MTV - Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden. I initially thought Alice In Chains was OK. The music was also Grunge. But I was seeing them on MTV, and I did not like their image/vibe at all. So I never looked any further than what I heard/saw. If Nirvana was more Punk, and Pearl Jam more Pop, Alice In Chains occupies the same Hard Rock/Metal space as Soundgarden. The music is heavy. Hard. Sludgy at times. And lyrically it is extremely depressing. Lots of death and addiction. Layne Staley has a decent set of pipes, and the band makes a lot of sound for only three people. It may not be my regular cup of tea, but I enjoyed it. Glad I own it. Attached is an official review followed by a favorite song in the comments.

Dirt by Alice in Chains released in 1992. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.

29/07/2023

This week's CD is Duke Ellington - Ellington Uptown. Recorded in 1951 and 1952, it was not released until 1953. The album is regarded as one of Ellington’s essential recordings. It includes classics like “Take The ‘A’ Train” and “The Mooche”, as well as two suites “The Harlem Suite” and “The Controversial Suite.” The band includes such notable mainstays as Clark Terry, Paul Gonsalves, and Juan Tizol. Louie Bellson is on drums. This is a very strong outing that is primarily Swing. But there are elements of Bop and Traditional Jazz. Ellington’s writing is its usual brilliance. And the band is in great form. It is a fun album. Good stuff. Definitely glad I own it. Below is an official review, followed by a favorite song in the comments.

Discover Ellington Uptown by Duke Ellington released in 1953. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.

23/07/2023

This week's CD is Joni Mitchell - Shadows And Light. Recorded live in 1979, it was released in 1980. This 2 LP set was reduced by three songs so it could fit on one CD. The music mostly consists of songs from her previous five albums. This jazzy period of her recordings is reflected in the all-star backing band: Pat Metheny guitar, Jaco Pastorius bass, Michael Brecker saxophones, Lyle Mays keyboards, Don Alias drums and percussion, and The Persuasions providing Doo-Wop vocals. As impressive as the backing band was, Joni is still the star and center of attention. The band gets spots here and there to solo. But Joni is the focus. There is a definite live feel to the recording, but overall the music stays fairly close to the original recordings. It’s a good album, and just knowing who is on it makes the music even better. Good stuff. Definitely glad I own it. Below is an official review, followed by a favorite song in the comments.

Discover Shadows and Light by Joni Mitchell released in 1980. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.

14/07/2023

This week's CD is Blind Melon - Blind Melon. Recorded and released in 1992, the band’s debut was immensely successful, eventually going quadruple platinum. Known primarily for the jangly single “No Rain” the band is much harder than the song would let on. Squarely in the Rock genre, there is a lot of Hard Rock as well. But it is also obvious that the band can jam as well. They definitely swing and get funky in their own early 90’s way. Coupled with Shannon Hoon’s high vocals reminiscent of Axl Rose, it almost feels like the album Guns N’ Rose would have made if they were a Southern Jam Band. But in a good way. I originally bought the CD when it was initially out. I did not listen to it much. It was eventually stolen a few months later. Admittedly, I have very few memories of the album. Nice to finally listen to the album after so long. Good stuff. Definitely glad I own it. Below is an official review, followed by a favorite song in the comments.

Discover Blind Melon by Blind Melon released in 1992. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.