July 2nd was a busy albeit fulfilling evening at the 2019 Montreal International Jazz Festival, beginning with a BIGYUKI and Nate Smith + KINFOLK double-bill at the Monument National and extending to the Gesù for Butcher Brown's late-night set without the slightest opportunity for us to catch our breath in between. But this is exactly the kind of nights we've come to expect … [Read more...]
(U)nity – ‘(U)nity is Power’ (Album Review)
The band (U)nity, co-lead by pianist Axel Laugart and percussionist Amaury Acosta, are legit and have been for a minute now, but with the release of their first proper album, their sound is more fully formed. Their previous releases, singles and mixtapes, had a roughness that showed direction, but with the release of (U)nity is Power, out now on Ropeadope, their meshing of … [Read more...]
(U)nity – “Can I Get A Dolla” (Audio)
It’s been three whole years since New York City music collective (U)nity released their debut album Peace.Love & Music. However, there is now solid evidence that the dormant volcano that is (U)nity might be gearing up for an imminent musical eruption. Case in point, head over to iamunity.com and the message is clear: “(U)NITY IS POWER. (U)nity's Highly Expected 2nd album & Doc … [Read more...]
Keith Askey Trio – ‘Too Much Guitar’
Everything is constantly moving at Jellowstone Studios. The Richmond, VA, magic factory that Devonne Harris calls home (and happy birthday to him once again, his birthday was yesterday) is a musical hearth that shows no signs of stopping. The latest Jellowstone foray is in the technically diminished form of Butcher Brown while still keeping the same, though somewhat altered, … [Read more...]
Braxton Cook and Butcher Brown – “Ooooo” (Stream)
Saxophonist Braxton Cook has been working a lot with the boys from Richmond, Butcher Brown, gigging here and there, most notably last night for a couple of sets at Washington, D.C.'s Bohemian Caverns. Of course, they're not just playing together for the fun and compatiblity of it all (though that's a huge factor); it's all leading to an upcoming Braxton Cook Meets Butcher Brown … [Read more...]