The human brain is incredibly powerful. It controls every function of our bodies, allows us to reason, and permits us to both create and appreciate art. To do so, it uses 100 billion neurons, each of which fires around 200 times every second. Given its necessary complexity, it should come as no surprise how frequently the organ malfunctions. According to the US Center for … [Read more...]
Rob Shepherd’s Favorite Jazz Albums of the Decade
Compiling a list of the greatest works of the last ten years is an inherently difficult proposition. The first complication lies in the fact that so many of my musical memories from the last decade are tied to recordings released prior to the period. Some of my best memories include the Charlie Parker song from 1950 that played at my wedding, the New Year’s Eve I first stumbled … [Read more...]
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah (Featuring Vic Mensa) – “Freedom is a Word”
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah is constantly treading the line between innovative and revolutionary. Whether you like him or not, aTunde Adjuah is one of the only neojazzmen going where no one has gone before. Exhibit A, 2017 gave birth to the trumpeter’s Centennial Trilogy, a triple album, which brought him attention not only from all the usual suspects but also from Rolling … [Read more...]
Christian Scott Live from Berklee on The Checkout Live
Seb and I were in New York City last weekend to catch Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah's Harlem Stage shows in support of his new album on Ropeadope, Stretch Music, among other experiences we had in the jazz mecca. It's always a fun time hanging with this band and immersing ourselves in this music. While I personally work through my experiences of those four days in Manhattan to … [Read more...]
The Bridge Trio – ‘The Search: Departure’
The Bridge Trio sticks to your ribs. This is very much an idiomatic expression, rooted in American soul about fulfillment, satisfaction, and sustenance. There's a quality to this band that is akin to a good meal. The music of pianist Conun Pappas, Jr., bassist Max Moran, and drummer Joe Dyson isn't that of the usual piano trio. It's forward moving, respectful of the genre, and … [Read more...]