Despite a somewhat subpar sound mix and poor packaging, this 1986 live Sun Ra effort will be enjoyed by dedicated fans of the cosmic bandleader. It includes a typical live Ra mix of frenetic ensemble explorations, Afro-percussion numbers, and ballad standards, in addition to what are considered standards in Sun Ra catalog, the buoyant "Space Is the Place/We Travel the Spaceways" and "Rocket Number Nine." In contrast to these relatively straight-ahead vocal pieces, there are the sprawling, in...   [ read more ]

CD $18.03

Except for a temporary hiatus brought on by some major lineup changes, Diecast have been loyal, card-carrying, on time, dues-paying members of the "United New England Hardcore Metal Bands" union -- unlikely to be confused with the vast, recently franchised and still unproven masses crowding the factory floor, yet also still struggling to break out of the middle echelons to join union leaders like Killswitch Engage, Hatebreed, and Shadows Fall. Which is a goofy way of saying that, for the mos...   [ read more ]

CD $11.38

It's hard to believe that after recording as a leader for 40 years, Dresden: In Concert is Jan Garbarek's first-ever live album. He has recorded sparely in 21st century thus far, but he has toured regularly. For those who think that Garbarek abandoned jazz some time ago, this will be a shock. Dresden is an engaged, kinetic, double-disc, two-hour performance of his quartet playing in the modern jazz idiom and using all of its tenets -- from complex harmonics and rhythmic invention to extended ly...   [ read more ]

CD $28.48