Music
Ben Fox: Ben’s Bop (Independent)
The title of this album, Ben’s Bop, pretty much tells what’s going on though it could easily have been call “Ben’s Bebop.”
Saturn Quartet: Luz (Independent)
Less than a year ago, I reviewed the debut album from the Saturn Quartet. The jazz group is back with another fine effort called Luz. The title cut is from the pen of Brazilian great Djavan and opens with the drummer Gerald Watkins, Jr. playing an intricate, samba-like pattern on his toms. The rest of the album features originals and three covers from film score composers as well as a composition from a local up and coming trumpeter.
Gio & Dorise Blackmon/Juju Child: The Griot Series Vol. 1 (Independent)
The Griot Series Vol. 1 represents the first of three projects: this album, followed by interviews conducted with musicians resulting in a short documentary. As stated, it’s “a project based on heritage, equity and cultural relevance.”
Lango: “Walk on Water” (Single)
Rising Baton Rouge-bred hip-hop artist Lango is back with a bang, releasing his new single “Walk on Water” after a brief hiatus. The track is the first from his upcoming […]
Eric Krasno & Stanton Moore: “Lost Cause” (Single)
“Lost Cause” is a masterful display of soulful grooves and tight musicianship featuring the combined talents of guitarist Eric Krasno and drummer Stanton Moore. From the opening notes, the song’s […]
Yaya Bey: “On the Pisces Moon” (Single)
“On the Pisces Moon” by Yaya Bey is a soulful and introspective track that showcases the artist’s passionate vocals and poetic lyrics. The song begins with a sparse, minimalistic instrumental […]
Cousin Stizz’s ‘The Fan’: A Hip-Hop Anthem that Blends Bravado and Vulnerability
Cousin Stizz‘s “The Fan” is a hard-hitting hip-hop track that showcases the artist’s lyrical skill and charismatic presence. From the song’s opening bars, Stizz commands attention with his confident flow […]
Kiana Tenille Impresses With New Single: “Let It Go”
New Orleans-based singer-songwriter Kiana Tenille has made a powerful return to the music scene with her latest single, “Let It Go.” The track blends pop and alternative R&B and reflects […]
Mike Dillon and Punkadelick: Inflorescence (Royal Potato Family)
Master percussionist Mike Dillon doesn’t need to worry about his music being branded and put in a categorical box. If it was, he’d jump right out of it and find another and another. A restless and energetic soul, Dillon, who leads his ensemble, Punkadelick, on vibraphone and marimba, teams up some with like-minded adventurers.
Dash Rip Rock, Cowpunk (Whiskey Tan)
When a veteran band re-cuts songs it first recorded two or three decades ago, you can usually expect the new versions to be slow and sluggish by comparison. Not the case with Dash Rip Rock, who make a point of honor to play these tunes faster and wilder than they did originally. Take “DMZ” which appeared on their 1986 debut and opens this new set: The original was a feisty rockabilly, this one’s a full-on frenzy. And the new tempo seems better suited to the song’s still-timely lyrics about living in a dangerous neighborhood.
