Legendary Funk Bassist George Porter Jr. Keeps on Grooving
Influential Meters bassist George Porter Jr. delivers a groovy instrumental LP with his Runnin’ Pardners, based on jams from their weekly residency in New Orleans.
r&b
Sir Woman Find Love in the Great American R&B Songbook
The central theme of Sir Woman’s If It All Works Out is the primacy of love. The songs’ narrators make their way forward by finding love in all the right places.
Laura Nyro Was New York’s True Earth Mother Diva
Laura Nyro’s catalogue confirms an admirable range that extends far beyond her mythic status as New York’s earth mother diva with a ‘60s urchin soul.
The Altons Explore and Discover ‘Heartache in Room 14’
Southeast Los Angeles’ the Altons celebrate 1960s soul balladry on Heartache in Room 14. It’s a perfect date night album.
Legendary Musician Dion DiMucci Gives a Braggin’ Interview
Legendary Dion DiMucci discusses his new book, musical conversion, creativity, the blues, and how faith – and braggin’ – have made him a better writer.
You’ve Gotta Get Satire to Get Dion DiMucci
Dion: The Rock ‘N’ Roll Philosopher is a tongue-in-cheek title that only Dion DiMucci can pull off with street panache—braggin’ is a blues tradition, after all.
Laura Nyro’s Complete Musical Story Shows Her Genius
Those unacquainted with Laura Nyro might be surprised at how familiar she sounds. That’s because she has influenced so many contemporary musicians.
Jazz Singer Michael Mayo Astounds With a Stunning Voice
Jazz singer Michael Mayo is young but has a stunning voice and unique approach that blends tradition and his own material into one hypnotic sound.
Decoding the Rap-Comic Complex in Childish Gambino’s Final LP
Through a dystopian plot, Childish Gambino’s final record attempts to narrate his insecurity, as opposed to its raw, uncomplicated exploration in Atavista.
Michael Kiwanuka Delivers ‘Small Changes’ on New Record
Michael Kiwanuka’s most striking quality remains his voice, which has the power to evoke deep feelings, as his idols did for another generation.
Lou Reed’s Pre-Fame Quest to Create a National Dance Craze
Lou Reed and John Cale met while touring a novelty act trying to make a hit on a discount record label. A new compilation highlights Reed’s wild pre-fame journey.
How Underground FM Radio Saved Rock
This is what happened when college-age music enthusiasts raided empty FM radio studios and played whatever turned them on.