Posts by Joey Willis

Things Are Getting Better, the album by Jimetta Rose & The Voices of Creation, is a jubilant celebration of hope, resilience, and community. It’s a sonic journey that blends the soulful spirituality of gospel music with elements of jazz, funk, and R&B, creating a soundscape that feels both timeless and fresh. Jimetta Rose, a Los […]

Creed’s sophomore album, Human Clay, isn’t just an album—it’s a snapshot of a time when post-grunge reigned supreme. Originally released in 1999, the album catapulted Creed to international fame, becoming Diamond by selling over 11 million copies in the United States alone. Now, 25 years later, Craft Recordings has reissued this iconic album on smoke-colored […]

When Patrice Rushen debuted with Prelusion in 1974, she was already a musical prodigy making her mark on the jazz-fusion scene. Known initially for her classical piano background, Rushen’s transition into jazz was nothing short of extraordinary. Rushen, who was just 20 years old at the time of recording, crafted a set of five tracks […]

Tomin Perea-Chamblee’s debut album, Flores para Verene / Cantos para Caramina, offers a deeply personal and contemplative journey into the heart of jazz, blending homage and innovation in equal measure. As a multi-instrumentalist and bioinformatician, Tomin’s approach to music is as analytical as it is emotional, revealing a nuanced understanding of the genre’s rich heritage […]

Skip James, a master of Delta blues, showcases his profound talent and unique style in the album Today! Released in 1966, this album marks James’ return to the music scene after a thirty-year hiatus during the blues revival of the 1960s. With Today!, James brings forth a collection that not only echoes his earlier works […]

A Shipwreck in the Sand, Silverstein’s fourth studio album, is a testament to the band’s growth and their ability to blend post-hardcore intensity with melodic sensibilities. Released in 2009, this concept album navigates themes of betrayal, loss, and redemption, all encapsulated within the metaphor of a shipwreck. Silverstein’s sound has always been characterized by a […]

AFI’s fourth studio album, Black Sails in the Sunset, marks a significant turning point in the band’s evolution, both sonically and thematically. Released in 1999, this album sees AFI diving deeper into darker, more complex territory, blending their punk roots with gothic and hardcore influences to create a uniquely compelling sound. Having begun as an […]

Maria Maita-Keppeler’s musical journey has always showcased her meticulous attention to detail and deep commitment to her art. Her latest album, want, released through Fluff & Gravy Records, exemplifies this dedication. Reflecting her college studies in Japanese woodblock printmaking, Maita-Keppeler’s songwriting on this album is a delicate yet bold exploration of desire and emotional complexity. […]

Orquesta Akokán’s third album Caracoles is a vibrant celebration of mambo that bridges the gap between the golden era of Cuban big bands and the present day. The album, released by Daptone Recording Co, was recorded live at the renowned Abdala studios in Havana. The resulting music encapsulates the essence of mambo with its dynamic […]

Scottish band Travis makes a triumphant return with their tenth studio album, L.A. Times, a record that captures the essence of lead singer Fran Healy’s decade-long experiences in Los Angeles. Known for their melodic charm and poignant lyricism, Travis delves deep into Healy’s personal odyssey, blending his past and present with a touch of nostalgia. […]

Joss Whedon’s cult-classic space-western Serenity is the 2005 feature film sequel to Whedon’s short-lived TV series Firefly. It tells the story of the crew of a Firefly-class spaceship in the year 2517. The captain, played by Nathan Fillion, and his first mate, portrayed by Gina Torres, are veterans of the Unification War, having fought on […]

Small Medium Large, the debut album by SML, released under the International Anthem label, is a remarkable journey through the realms of experimental jazz. The quintet, consisting of bassist Anna Butterss, synthesist Jeremiah Chiu, saxophonist Josh Johnson, percussionist Booker Stardrum, and guitarist Gregory Uhlmann, has produced an album that is both innovative and deeply engaging. […]

Craft Recordings and Jazz Dispensary have unearthed a rare psychedelic-funk nugget with The Round Robin Monopoly’s Alpha, an album from Stax Records’ hallowed vaults. Originally released in 1974, this sole full-length record from the band features the frequently sampled track “Life Is Funky,” which has appeared in songs by The Chemical Brothers, LL Cool J, […]

Howard McGhee is often thought of as one of jazz’s first bebop jazz trumpeters, alongside Dizzy Gillespie, Fats Navarro, and Idress Sulieman. Maggie’s Back in Town!! by Howard McGhee is a stellar album that firmly places the trumpeter back on the jazz map after a period of relative obscurity due to drug addiction. Released in […]

Pond’s latest album, Stung!, marks a significant milestone as their 10th release, showcasing the Australian band’s enduring creativity and evolution. Known for their psychedelic rock roots and close ties with Tame Impala, Pond has been a fixture in the neo-psychedelic scene since their debut, Psychedelic Mango, in 2009. With Stung!, they continue to push the […]

Burning Hell by John Lee Hooker is a captivating journey into the depths of delta blues, capturing the raw, unfiltered essence of Hooker’s artistry. Recorded in 1959, Burning Hell finds Hooker swapping out the electric guitar for an acoustic one and eschewing a backup band. Not released in 1964, Burning Hell was originally only released […]

Formed by Detroit natives Rahill Jamalifard and Lenaya “Lenny” Lynch, Habibi has gained a reputation for pushing the envelope with their musical influences. Their 2014 self-titled debut album was acclaimed for its modern twist on ‘60s girl-group pop, while their 2018 EP, Cardamom Garden, incorporated psych-rock elements with Iranian folklore, showcasing their versatility and willingness […]

The late nineties saw an unlikely surge in “Christian bands” hitting the airwaves. From the softer rock of Jars of Clay, Sixpence None the Richer, and Switchfoot to the harder sounds of P.O.D., MxPx and mewithoutyou. None, though, had the staying power of Florida’s post-grunge pariahs, Creed, who, despite unfavorable critical reception, managed to become […]

GLORIA IN TUMULTU, VERITAS IN FRAGORE PROPHETUS INSANUM emerges as a bold manifesto from the collaborative genius of Australians DANIAL (Midnight Juggernauts) and Byron Spencer, whose joint venture, DeepFaith, breaks new ground with its audacious soundscapes. This EP is a melting pot of the duo’s expansive creative backgrounds, offering a sonic exploration that is as […]

Carlos Niño’s latest creation, Placenta, is a testament to his boundless ingenuity and collaborative spirit. Released under the visionary Chicago-based International Anthem label, Niño distinguishes himself even among his experimental peers. While many of his contemporaries dive into free jazz, funk, and ambient experimentation, Niño carves out a niche that is distinctly his own, melding […]