Remembering a Jazz Masterpiece: Andrew Hill's Point of Departure

Today is the anniversary of the recording of jazz piano legend Andrew Hill's 1964 album Point of Departure. Andrew Hill was one of the pioneers of post-bop jazz, clearing the path that Thelonious Monk began paving at the beginning of the decade.

Point of Departure features Kenny Dorham (trumpet), Eric Dolphy (flute, alto saxophone, bass clarinet), Richard Davis (bass), and Anthony Williams (drums).

"Dedication", the final track on the album, was originally named "Cadaver", and you can sense that in the tone of the song. It plays like a dirge, Dolphy's clarinet crying in scattered patterns, and Williams' snare drum tumbling like a dead branch. In contrast, Hill's playing is profoundly expressive and controlled, and towards the end of the song Dorham's trumpet provides a glimmer of hope.

If you like this, also check out Hill's album Black Fire, and Eric Dolphy's classic Out to Lunch!.

Modest Mouse release new single, "Coyotes"

I'm a couple days late on this, but if you haven't checked out the video for the new Modest Mouse single "Coyotes", you must.

In comparison to the band's previous album, 2007's We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank, "Coyotes" sounds stripped down. The production is reminscent of early 2000's post-rock-- all of the instruments sound clean, and the instrumentation feels spacious. The song ends in beautiful reverb heavy, tremolo- picked guitar climax.

Singer and lead songwriter Issac Brock doesn't seem to have lost his lyrical touch, either. One line in particular stands out:

Man kind is behaving like some serial killers.

Modest Mouse's upcoming album Strangers To Ourselves will be released on March 3rd. It should be a good one.

Grateful Dead Will Celebrate It's 50th anniversary with Trey Anastasio in Chicago

Billboard.com announced today that the remaining members of The Grateful Dead will play three shows with Trey Anastasio from Phish at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Soldier Field holds great significance for the band, because it is the site of Jerry Garcia's last performance. The concerts are in honor of the 50th anniversary of the legendary rock band. The article appropriately described the event as a "match made in hippie heaven".

The band has stated that the shows at Soldier Field will be the final performances by the band as The Dead. While some devout Deadheads may declare the meshing of the Dead and Anastasio as blasphemy, many see the combo as a dream come true. "Trey is schooled in what we call 'the fluid tonic': listening intently to what's going on and reacting meaningfully to what other people are playing," said Grateful Dead rhythm guitarist Bob Weir. "I have a feeling this will come out just right," added percussionist Mickey Hart. 

All I know is, whatever happens, I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure I'm there.

Check out this awesome video of Anastasio playing with Phil and Friends on 4/16/99:

In light of new music by Father John Misty, I was inspired to listen to Fleet Foxes' 2011 album Helplessness Blues. 

This is the video for the title track, one of the most beautiful modern folk pieces I can recall.

(Note: J. Tillman did not perform on this album)

I was raised up believing
I was somehow unique
Like a snowflake distinct among 
Snowflakes, unique in each way
You'd Conceive.
And now after some thinking
I'd say I'd rather be
A functioning cog in some great
Machinery, serving something beyond me.

Check Out the First Single from Father John Misty's Upcoming Album

"Chateau Lobby #4 (In C for Two Virgins)" is the first single from Father John Misty's upcoming album I Love You, Honeybear. Father John Misty, formerly of Fleet Foxes, has been releasing solo recordings under his name J. Tillman since the early 2000's. I Love You, Honeybear will be his second album as Father John Misty.

Tillman's vocal style on this song has a stream of consciousness quality reminiscent of Sun Kil Moon's critically acclaimed 2014 album Benji. The rambling lyrics make for an interesting contrast to the swelling string section and mariachi horns:

I want to take you in the kitchen
Lift up your wedding dress someone was probably murdered in.

 "Chateau Lobby #4 (In C for Two Virgins)" feels exciting because it sounds different than any of the music that came out in 2014, a year which felt musically stagnant.  I Love You, Honeybear is set to be released on February 10th.