fusion – New Album A Day

#133 – It Is What It Is by Thundercat

I was not aware of Thundercat until his crazy and surreal performance on “The Eric Andre Show” on Adult Swim. That also seems to be all that the Coachella audience was aware of as he took the stage there a couple of years ago. I think many viewed it as a sort of sideshow andContinue reading “#133 – It Is What It Is by Thundercat”

#121 – School Days by Stanley Clarke

A really interesting and fun thing about musicians, and artists in general, is learning about the people who inspired your favorites. You get a little glimpse of the fandom of someone who you admire as well as the works that they sought to emulate in their quest to create something that is truly their own. Continue reading “#121 – School Days by Stanley Clarke”

#112 – The Birthday Concert by Jaco Pastorius

One more jazz one and I’ll move on, at least for a little while. The selection of the Pat Metheny album from a couple days ago came from an article about Jaco and the story behind his appearance on Bright Size Life. On a week which has seen renewed demonstrations against yet another unwarranted policeContinue reading “#112 – The Birthday Concert by Jaco Pastorius”

#97 – Shaman by Santana

The Black Keys’ Patrick Carney produced – and is the husband of – Michelle Branch, who was featured on Santana’s “The Game of Love.” Ok, that was a pretty easy connection to make. Santana has always put out fun albums that feature a lot of high-profile guest performances. Once, while on tour together, Santana welcomedContinue reading “#97 – Shaman by Santana”

#17 – Secrets by Herbie Hancock

People say that nothing brings back a memory like a specific smell and I think that music has an equally powerful connection. You remember exactly when and where you first heard a favorite song or artist. Herbie Hancock has long been a favorite jazz artist of mine and his extensive catalog has a lot toContinue reading “#17 – Secrets by Herbie Hancock”

#14 – Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch by Frank Zappa

Back to back guys named Frank. Rookie mistake. Zappa has a fun, and massive, catalog to explore. He’s a guitar hero with a truly bizarre sense of humor both towards music and society in general. If you want a good YouTube rabbit hole, check out Frank’s appearances on the various late night shows of theContinue reading “#14 – Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch by Frank Zappa”