Pianist/keyboardist Kiefer has been on the rise lately. His work, particularly last year's album, Happysad, is dope and has gotten a lot of love. He's stepping out more on his own as a performer, alongside Mndsgn but also in his own performances. Now, he's branching out even more as a composer, adding new complexities to his chill, looping songs in his new EP, Bridges, out … [Read more...]
Nextbop’s Favorite Jazz Albums of 2018
As one of our most exciting times of year (which we refer to as the Season of Lists), the Nextbop staff relishes the end of the year to declare our favorite releases from the last twelve months, noting a moment in time and reminding folks (out there reading and amongst ourselves in the staff) of what great music was out there and maybe to catch up on what you may have missed, … [Read more...]
Kiefer – ‘Happysad’ (Album Review)
The West Coast, and more specifically, the LA-based jazz scene, has had a bit of a resurgence in the past decade. While the Brainfeeder label has dominated the headlines, Kiefer Shackelford has certainly cemented a place in defining the post-millennium Los Angeles jazz sound. While his work is undeniably rooted in jazz, his genre-spanning work is in many ways dramatically … [Read more...]
Kiefer – “What A Day” (Stream)
I wish I could talk about Mndsgn more often (bear with me, here, I'll get to the feature). His last two albums have been staples in my library and floated along as the background music of many a mic break on The Line-Up. Live reworkings of Ringgo Ancheta's jazz-hip hop-R&B inflected music, though, involves the work of an equally impressive set of musicians. This is where … [Read more...]
Anthony Dean-Harris’ Favorite Non-Jazz Albums of 2017
I'm not exactly sure how my favorite non-jazz album list comes together. My moods shift here and there in the moment or throughout the year. I have things that come in and out of rotation for various reasons. Yet, these are the things that somehow filled out those other ends of bike rides and assorted commutes. Lists like these aren't necessarily why you, dear reader, are here, … [Read more...]