A Reader staffer shares three musical obsessions, then asks someone (who asks someone else) to take a turn.
Wingtips, Exposure Therapy ‘Tis that season when I, like many other music writers, scramble to answer the question: “What great new music did I miss this year?” Well, when it comes to Chicago releases, the debut album from gothic postpunk duo Wingtips (aka Vincent Segretario and Hannah Avalon) certainly makes that list. Mixing dreamy pop and cold darkwave, it can make long winter nights feel a little more magical.
Kenny Dorham, “Minor’s Holiday,” from the 1957 Blue Note album Afro-Cuban Killer Latin-jazz groove, composition, and arrangement from one of the greatest, most underrated jazz trumpeters, who played on so many classic Blue Note sides. This track is my favorite cut from one of my most-played Blue Note albums. Calling this an all-star band—with the likes of Horace Silver, Hank Mobley, Art Blakey, Cecil Payne, Oscar Pettiford, Percy Heath, and Carlos “Patato” Valdes—would be an understatement.
Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, Be Known: Ancient/Future/Music The Ethnic Heritage Ensemble have been together 40 years or so, their varying lineups all led by great AACM impresario and percussionist Kahil El’Zabar. The wild thing is that they just keep getting better. The language of their music is clear and focused on some higher-unity-of-all-things sound. This stuff is astounding, which is my bottom line for everything. Bingo! v
