Tautologic-That’s What I Hear

Some days there are specific songs or artists I want to listen to that will enhance whatever I’m feeling that day. Some days when I need to get away from what I’m feeling, I’ll go the other direction. And then there are the days where I just want to listen and be entertained, and if it happens to hit on a feeling or idea then … Continue reading Tautologic-That’s What I Hear

Rotem Sivan at House Of Blues 9/12/18

Rotem Sivan, virtuosic guitar master, came to Chicago last night for an opening slot with White Denim. Throwing the term “jazz” in front of the word “guitar” might give some people pause, but there’s a good reason a rock band would want him to warm up their crowd. The stereotypical Lounge-style jazz does not interest Rotem Sivan. Instead he and the others in his trio … Continue reading Rotem Sivan at House Of Blues 9/12/18

Crown Larks-Population

I’m still playing catch-up on records I’ve missed this year, and will continue to do so until early 2018. Back in May Chicago’s Crown Larks put out a new record called Population, which is available here. I’ve listened to the band off and on over the past few years, and I always enjoy their fresh perspective. A lot of people like to mention jazz when … Continue reading Crown Larks-Population

Jonah Parzen-Johnson-“Cabin Pressure”

A couple weeks ago I was surprised to see a couple members of Zongo Junction playing in the current lineup of Hurray For The Riff Raff at Thalia Hall. I talked to Jordan Hyde afterward and mentioned that I had seen his old bandmate Jonah Parzen-Johnson play about a year ago at a bicycle shop here in Chicago. I hadn’t heard anything from Jonah for … Continue reading Jonah Parzen-Johnson-“Cabin Pressure”