New Discoveries
Recently I've been getting into a lot of stuff that I honestly never expected I would like and appreciate as much as I do. I am indebted to my wonderful and music-loving wife, who always introduces me to new music, most of which I end up liking.
World Music, Jazz, Fusion, Instrumental
- Trilok Gurtu - Crazy Saints, Living Magic, Kathak
Trilok's music is incredibly diverse, and his percussion work is impressive and still very tasteful for the music. The style is best described as jazz-fusion meets Indian rhythms and melodies, and some incredible bassists are featured on his various albums. - Jonas Hellborg - Good People in Times of Evil, Temporal Analogues of Paradise, Ars Moriendi
Jonas has re-written the book for clear, expressive and tasteful bass playing with great midrange tone and punch. Man, I'd love to take lessons from this guy. - Tribal Tech - Face First, Reality Check
Gary Willis, the bassist with the super-human right hand, is incredibly funky. - Michael Brook - Albino Alligator, Cobalt Blue
Creative guitars, looping and synthesizers, and very subtle arrangements. His music is great to hear on a long interstate road trip, especially around sunset.
Classic and Progressive
- Kevin Gilbert - The Shaming of the True, Thud, Toy Matinee
One of the most awesome singer/songwriters of the 1990's, whose impressive work is made even more poignant by his tragic death in 1996. His albums are some of the first I choose when I want to hear something that moves me. - Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso - Nudo (live), Darwin
Classic Italian progressive rock, with great melodies, stunning vocals, and rich musical arrangements. My wife and I were lucky enough to see this band play live at ProgFest in September 2000, and they completely dominated the evening with their expressive music and powerful performance. Definitely a must-see. - Peter Gabriel - Us, Secret World Live
Great vocals, excellent arrangements, and a wonderful blend of pop, rock, and world music. - Gentle Giant - Interview, In A Glass House, Octopus, Acquiring The Taste
Their music is a great blend of rock power, classical/renaissance arrangements, and very intricate and detailed rhythm and style. It's sad to think that these guys won't re-unite and make more music, but their work does live on.