Monday, November 3, 2025

Music Week

November archive (in progress).

Music: Current count 45079 [45048] rated (+31), 14 [22] unrated (-8).

I'm a week past my 75th birthday now. Which is to say I'm older than either of my grandfathers ever got. One was born in 1868, so our three generations span 157 years. He was 68 when he died, well before I was born. The grandfather I knew wasn't born until 1894. He was the definition of an old person when I was a child, and he died at 70 in 1964, when I was 13. My father was 77 when he died, in 2000, a few months after I moved back to Wichita. He suffered a stroke a decade earlier, which significantly impacted what was left of his life. I'm fortunate enough to be somewhat oblivious to the ailments they had to deal with. I still have pretty good hearing, and I can get through a long day without nodding off. But I'm getting less and less done, and it's getting more and more frustrating.

My big project last week was fixing birthday dinner. This was a 13-dish Indonesian Rijsttafel, mostly dishes I had never made or even tasted before. I went very light on the chilies, but I murdered a lot of garlic, ginger, galangal, shallots, turmeric, tamarind, lemongrass, lime leaves, macadamia nuts (in lieu of kemiri), peanut, shrimp paste, and coconut milk along the way. Many of the dishes followed the same logic: grind up a "flavor paste," then fry it in some oil. Add coconut milk and whatever your main ingredient is, and cook it until the sauce is reduced, sometimes all the way to an oil that adds a final crispness to the meat. I did this with chicken, pork, lamb, beef, eggplant, string beans, and I had several more variations planned that I didn't get around to.

In addition to the "plan" cited above, I wrote up some narrative on this dinner last week. I expected I would take that and turn it into a Notes on Everyday Life post, but didn't manage to do that. Partly that's because I was thinking that even though I had cooked and written enough for a substantial post, I should add some more value to it. I should dig through my old notebooks and come up with some history of the "birthday dinner" tradition (loosely described from memory last week). Also, I still had extra groceries from my shopping, and wanted to use some of them up (although a lot of the more perishable items hit the garbage bin early). I didn't manage the research, or the post, but I've been cooking quite a bit this week, including (on top of several days of leftovers):

  1. Shrimp: I had thawed out a pound, thinking I'd do a sambal, but I wound up turning them into scampi.
  2. Pork loin: I put it in a velvet marinade (erroneously, as it turns out), and boiled it for a Chinese pork & peanuts dish.
  3. Duck: I had a half duck, roasted from Thai Binh. I chopped it up and did an "Aceh style" Indonesian curry, throwing in a can of chickpeas.
  4. Eggplant: Little purple ones, which I cut up, fried, and cooked in coconut milk. For good measure, I added some peanut sauce.
  5. Pork belly: I boiled it, then a few days later I turned it into Chinese twice-cooked pork, with a green bell pepper.
  6. Chicken livers: I couldn't find an Indonesian recipe, so I just floured and sauteed them with onion and bacon. I had some leftover small Yukon potatoes, so I diced and cooked them the same way.

Finally, I made a Chinese fried rice to go with the pork & peanuts, including bell pepper, zucchini, eggplant, Chinese sausage, egg, and almonds in the mix. When I later made the twice-cooked pork, I took the leftover fried rice, some more leftover rice, what was left of the pork & peanuts, and the leftover potatoes, and mixed them all up with more scallions.

I think I still have some eggplant, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, squash, and water chestnuts left, as well as things safely stashed away in the freezer (ground pork, squid, fish, crabs). I'm slowly hoping to reduce the freezer stash, imagining I can come up with a series of "clearance special" dinners. But I don't get many opportunities, and rarely take the sort of liberties I took this week. Still more fun than housework, or website work, or writing.

Of those, housework is likely to weigh heaviest on my mind this next week. We need a new roof, which seems like a big and fateful decision. I expect to have four bids by the end of the week, and no obvious decision. Still, I've managed to put a lot more thought into it than I did when buying a car a few months ago. The roof, at least, will be hired out, so just a shopping job. Except maybe for the carport, where we're likely to need some structural support, and the attic, which is of no real concern to the roofers. I did break down and hire out a small plumbing project last week: the kitchen faucet head developed a serious leak, so I bought another one, and had someone else install it. I used a plumber I'm talking to about a bigger, more daunting job. I still have some work under the sink, but it shouldn't be hard.

Many more projects waiting in the wings, taking forever to get done. But I did finally make a bit of progress toward the 20th Annual Francis Davis Jazz Critics Poll. I set up the website a few weeks ago, but needed to edit the invite and voter notes files. I got the former done today, and the latter good enough to work for now. I sent a message to the volunteer helper mailing list tonight, on the state of the poll. I hope to send a message to the voter email list soon after this. The invites should go out by November 15, with a deadline of December 21. With the website in fairly good shape, as least as regards this year's poll, the next big thing is to review the invite list, and see if I can come up with better email tools. The latter isn't an urgent need, as my server change earlier this year has been much for the better, but there is still room for improvement.

I'm also thinking about setting up a third email list, one for publicists and other interested non-voters. Anyone who wants to get in on that should send me a message. I'd also welcome any tips on prospective voters. Also any questions/suggestions on the website. I've been spinning my wheels for weeks trying to figure out the exact level of detail that would be optimal to each specific component.

Back to a fairly normal level of new music this week. I'm pretty close to current with unheard promo CDs, but I've still made little effort with catching up with downloads (or, indeed, with downloading files I have links for). The 2025 tracking file currently shows 1101 albums rated (out of 3203 listed; jazz only 655 of 1217.) I expect jazz will get a big kick when the ballots start coming in, and non-jazz will eventually catch up as I compile the less reliable EOY aggregate. Usually that kicks off around Thanksgiving.

That's enough for now. It's very late, and I have a very early morning to contend with tomorrow.

New records reviewed this week:

Aesop Rock: I Heard It's a Mess There Too (2025, Rhymesayers): Underground rapper Ian Bavitz, regular releases since 2000, this a surprise quick release after May's Black Hole Superette. Not as glib as he was decades ago, but the added weight helps move the mess. A- [sp]

Patricia Brennan: Of the Near and Far (2024 [2025], Pyroclastic): Vibraphonist, from Mexico, based in Brooklyn, follow up to her poll-winning Breaking Stretch, has had a big year already with appearances on new albums by Mary Halvorson (A-), Dave Douglas (**), Tomas Fujiwara (A-), Adam O'Farrill (A-), Dan Weiss (***), and Arturo O'Farrill (***). Original pieces, a large group conducted by Eli Greenhoe, with piano (Sylvie Courvoisier), guitar (Miles Okazaki), bass (Kim Cass), drums (John Hollenbeck), electronics (Arktureye), three violins and a cello. Much of this is very nice, even what seems like an excess of strings. B+(***) [cd]

Carrier: Rhythm Immortal (2025, Modern Love): Brussels-based electronica producer, seems to be one of many aliases for Guy Brewer (Covered in Sand, delete_everything, Tradecraft). B+(*) [sp]

Brìghde Chaimbeul: Sunwise (2025, Tak:til): Scottish smallpipes player, grew up as a native gaelic speaker on Isle of Skye, has several albums since 2019, sings some. B+(*) [sp]

Paul Cornish: You're Exaggerating! (2025, Blue Note): Pianist, from Houston, first album, although he has side credits back to 2017, starting with groups Blue Iverson and Thumpasaurus, and work with Terrace Martin and Joshua Redman. Trio with bass (Joshua Crumbly) and drums (Jonathan Pinson), with a guest guitar spot for Jeff Parker. B+(**) [sp]

Dave: The Boy Who Played the Harp (2025, Neighbourhood): British rapper David Orbosa Omoregie, third album since 2019, also a 2023 EP with Central Cee. Masterful lyricist, with a conscience. One line noted: "ten years in the game and I won't lie, it's gettin' difficult." But looking easy. A- [sp]

Deena: This Is the Time (2025, self-released, EP): Singer-songwriter, last name Schoshkes, best known for the Cucumbers (with John Fried, 1983-2004, plus an album in 2023). Just three songs, 10:32. B+(*) [bc]

Grey DeLisle & Friends: It's All Her Fault: A Tribute to Cindy Walker (2025, Brooklyn Basement): DeLisle (or Griffin or Van Oosbree) is a singer-songwriter, comedian, and actress (including her claim as "the most prolific voice actress in American animation history, having performed over 1500 cartoon voices since 1996"). I don't know how consistently her 8 previous albums hew country, but titles include Homewrecker and Driftless Girl. Obviously, the songwriter here comes from the deep country, as do most of the 13 women she counts among her friends — she only puts her name to one song, and that is a duet with Brennen Leigh, so this tends to get filed under "various artists." B+(**) [sp]

Adam Forkelid: Dreams (2024 [2025], Prophone): Swedish pianist, several albums, this one is solo, all original pieces, lacks the big rhythm boost I tend to favor but sticks with you. B+(***) [cd]

David Greenberger & the Hi-Ho Barbers: Ginger Ale (2025, Pel Pel): Spoken word artist, also plays bass guitar, started on radio with Duplex Planet, has more than a dozen albums since 2003, most starting with him quoting monologues collected in nursing homes, sort of like reading Studs Terkel with scattered musical accompaniment. The Hi-Ho Barbers were an amalgam of name fragments: Robyn Hitchcock (guitars), Mark Greenberg (drums), Paul Cebar and Kelly Hogan (chorus vocals). More of the latter than usual, filling a gap I never noticed before, but the extra musicality doesn't hurt. A- [cd] [11-17]

Jazzwrld & Thukuthela: The Most Wanted (2025, Waltz Music Group/Empire): South African amapiano duo, first album, don't know much else. B+(**) [sp]

Cate Le Bon: Michelangelo Dying (2025, Mexican Summer): Welsh singer-songwriter, moved to Los Angeles in 2013, seventh studio album since 2009, someone I've been aware of but never paid much attention to. I'm not noticing words, but I'm getting a nice layered vibe, which shifts tone on a piece that features John Cale. B+(**) [sp]

Demi Lovato: It's Not That Deep (2025, Island): Dance-pop singer-songwriter, started as a Disney teen actor, ninth studio album since her 2008 debut went gold. B+(*) [sp]

Joe McPhee & Strings: We Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (2021 [2025], RogueArt): A major free jazz figure since 1969, just plays tenor sax and offers some spoken words here, backed by viola (Mat Maneri), cello (Fred Lonberg-Holm), and double bass (Michael Bisio), a younger generation he's well acquainted with. B+(***) [cdr]

Roscoe Mitchell/Michele Rabbia: In 2 (2024 [2025], RogueArt): Duo, the venerable saxophonist (bass and sopranino here), and percussion/electronics. B+(**) [cdr]

Mobb Deep: Infinite (2025, Mass Appeal): New York hip-hop duo from the gangsta 1990s, Havoc and Prodigy, seven albums 1993-2006, one more from 2014, this 9th album coming 11 years later. Name-dropping Tupac and Biggie, who overshadowed them but are still locked in their identity. They lament: "they don't make 'em like us no more." No need. B [sp]

Roberto Montero: Todos Os Tempos (2025, Vaicomtudo Music): Brazilian guitarist, based in Los Angeles, seems to be his first album, various supporting cast. B+(*) [cd]

John O'Gallagher/Ben Monder/Andrew Cyrille/Billy Hart: Ancestral (2024 [2025], Whirlwind): Alto saxophonist, many albums since 2002, some quite impressive. With guitar and two drummers here. Here again he rises to the occasion. A- [cd]

Tom Ollenberg: Where in the World (2025, Fresh Sound New Talent): British guitarist, has a couple previous albums since 2021. Mild-mannered quartet with piano (Aaron Parks), bass, and drums, playing original pieces. B+(**) [cd] [11-21]

Ted Piltzecker: Peace Vibes (2024 [2025], OA2): Vibraphone player, half-dozen albums since 1985, some large gaps (12, 17 years), some smaller (4, 5), two originals plus his arrangements of mostly bop-era jazz standards. Sextet with trumpet (Brad Goode), bass, drums, Brazilian and Peruvian percussion. B+(**) [cd]

Deborah Shulman: We Had a Moment (2025, Summit): Standards singer, sixth album since 2004, recording dates unlisted but three songs date back to early work with Terry Trotter (piano), the other 7 from "the last couple of years," with "longtime pianist and arranger" Jeff Colella. B+(*) [sp]

Enoch Smith Jr.: The Book of Enoch Vol. 1 (2025, Misfitme Music): Pianist, several albums since 2011, trio with bass (Kai Gibson) and drums (David Hardy). One original, but opens with two public domain gospels, followed by an Andrae Crouch. B+(*) [cd] [11-07]

Pat Thomas: Hikmah (2024 [2025], TAO Forms): British avant-pianist, started appearing around 1990 with Derek Bailey (Company), Lol Coxhill, and Tony Oxley, but his profile increased significantly in recent years, especially with the quartet Ahmed. This is one of several recent solo albums. B+(***) [cd] [11-07]

Premik Russell Tubbs & Margee Minier-Tubbs: The Bells (2025, Margetoile, EP): Actually just a single, 6:42, kind of cute if you're into Xmas cheer. B [cd]

Cameron Winter: Heavy Metal (2024, Partisan): Singer-songwriter, from Brooklyn, fronts the band Geese, which has four albums since 2018, with a growing critical and popular reputation, although I have yet to hear it. I'm not hearing much here either, just tortured riffing and ululating. Doesn't really register as metal, but that's hardly a saving grace. B- [sp]

Recent reissues, compilations, and vault discoveries:

Alts 'N Outs: The Other Side of Blue Note (1958-64 [2025], Blue Note): Lazy product, compiling six alternate takes from the label's the label's most vital period, one each from Cannonball Adderley, Sonny Clark, Art Blakey, Jimmy Smith, Grant Green, and Wayne Shorter (sessions which by my reckoning produced one A, four A-, and one B+). I don't find this very useful, but it's enjoyable enough for your time. B+(**) [sp]

Big L: Harlem's Finest: Return of the King (1992-99 [2025], Mass Appeal): New York rapper Lamont Coleman, released one album (Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous) before being shot dead at 24 in 1999, followed by a couple of posthumous releases. Part of the Nas label's "Legend Has It" series. I've heard a couple albums in the series without wondering about recording dates — no surprise that still-living old-timers like Slick Rick, Ghostface Killah and Mobb Deep sound like they always did, so those albums could have been crafted from old tapes. But Coleman's clearly were, with dates given for his gree styles, and also for a 1995 pairing with Jay-Z. But this isn't strictly a reissue: new stuff has been added and/or old stuff has been merged (e.g., Mac Miller, who was 7 when Big L died, and who died in 2018, makes an appearance). B+(***) [sp]

Horace Silver: Silver in Seattle: Live at the Penthouse (1965 [2025], Blue Note): Pianist, initially led the Jazz Messengers, the genre-defining hard bop group that went through many editions led by drummer Art Blakey. Silver continued to lead 5/6-piece groups, drawing on many of the same musicians as Blakey, but where he was unique was in composing some of the catchiest tunes ever to come out of jazz. His Blue Notes from 1956-66 were often classic. This previously unreleased live tape features Woody Shaw (trumpet) and Joe Henderson (tenor sax), with Teddy Smith (bass) and Roger Humphries (drums), stretching out on five of hi better known tunes. A- [sp]

Old music:

Big L: Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous (1995, Columbia): New York gangsta/horrorcore rapper Lamont Coleman (1974-99), first and only album before he was killed in a drive-by shooting, sold well, as did his posthumous The Big Picture. I never liked the philosophy, but the big, hard beats had their attractions, as they do here. And I do get "I Don't Understand It." Hardly anyone did. B+(***) [sp]

Big L: The Big Picture: 1974-1999 (1997-99 [2000], Rawkus): Posthumous album, includes a 1998 single, completed by manager Rich King and various producers, including DJ Premier and Ron Browz. B+(**) [sp]

Unpacking: Found in the mail last week:

  • John Gunther: Painting the Dream (Origin) [11-21]
  • Rahsaan Roland Kirk: Vibrations in the Village: Live at the Village Gate (1964, Resonance) [11-28]
  • Rahsaan Roland Kirk: Seek & Listen: Live at the Penthouse (1967, Resonance, 2CD) [11-28]
  • Bobby Rozario: Healer (Origin) [11-21]

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