Recent DVD-Audio and DTS Reviews

Latitude is humorously self-described as "just two people trying to be a band." A local group here in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina specializing in Jimmy Buffet music, Island Rock and Beach Music, …

This is a double box CD set containing a compilation of George Michael's greatest hits spanning over a decade (1984 to 1998). It contains 14 songs per CD for a grand total of 28 songs !!!

Marillion is a British Progressive Rock band that started out in the mid 70's and has evolved to the excellent band it is today. Steve Hogarth has been the lead singer since the late 80's and has …

Contrary to Don McLean's sentiments, it was on August 16, 1977 that the music died. It did not pass in a tragic plane crash with Richie Valens, the Big Bopper and Buddy Holly, but in a Memphis …

Sitting in the Reference System 2 (which was in transition from the old 1266-LSE speakers to the new RBH Sound CinemaSITE speakers - not installed at the time, doh!), Clint sticks in a disc and …

Once, many moons ago, someone once said to me that there was music that, regardless of audience, would please all. The Dave Matthews Band (DMB) is just such a band. Like just about everyone I …

Let's be honest, sometimes you have to take one for the team. My wife loved that " Babylon" song that came out a few years ago and when I saw that David Gray had a new album out, I thought I'd …

The jazz super-group Fourplay was born out of a collaboration first appearing on Bob James' Grand Piano Canyon , and consists of the following accomplished musicians: Bob James (keyboards), Lee …

The Yellowjackets are what I call one of the jazz super-groups of my generation. Their success has been both critical and commercial (they've won multiple Grammy awards), and their longevity (over 20 …

Mike Stern's debut CD launched a successful solo recording career that continues to this day (and I have every one of his releases). His instantly recognizable playing style is only matched in …

It's finally here: another Steely…err…Donald Fagen CD! This once-per-decade phenomenon (Fagen's third solo release since 1982) has been highly anticipated by Steely Dan fans everywhere, and I'm happy …

From the time Dave Weckl burst on the scene as the drummer in Chick Corea's Electric Band, you could tell he was something special. It wasn't just his technical virtuosity, or his integration of …

Michael Franks was in top form for this release: catchy, cynical lyrics and great music from great musicians. By the time he got to the 1990's, Michael Franks was basically assembling different bands …

Fans of the 1970's group Jeff Lorber Fusion (like me) were thrilled when, after a seven year hiatus from solo recordings, he returned to his fusion jazz roots with this release that was, well, Worth …

While it didn't win the Grammy, Flipside was deservedly nominated for "Best Pop Instrumental Performance" in 2005. Over the years, Jeff Lorber has had success as a performer, producer, arranger, …

Ray Obiedo's excellent debut release was followed by five more over the next 10 years, after which he seemingly disappeared from the music scene. While the decline in jazz recording artist contracts …

While all six of Ray Obiedo's CD's are quite good, I'd have to say this one was the "sweetest". If I had to rank them, I would place Sweet Summer Days a very close second to his debut release: …

Let's establish one thing from the start: Mike Stern is one of the greatest jazz guitarists of our time. He is unique stylistically, musically, and technically. By the time this CD was released, …

Tom Petty was recently quoted in USA Today as saying that he feels "relevant." And for a 55 year-old rock star to feel relevant in today's "flavor-of-the-month" music scene is really saying …

So you find yourself in your 1970's kitchen hankerin' for some classic rock. Let's say you start with some Zeppelin, then stir in some Rush and Styx, and for good measure, a sprinkle of Spinal Tap. …

Dave Weckl's fifth CD would have been just another good one in a string of many save one thing: the addition of guitar great Buzz Feiten to his usual outstanding rhythm section of Tommy Kennedy on …

If you are like me, turning on the tv or radio these days can be discouraging. What is passing for music in the mainstream today is depressing. American Idol has actually become a legitimate …

You could say this is the review I've been waiting over 20 years to write; I've known Rodney Lee since the day we walked into our first Jazz Ensemble rehearsal at the University of Texas in Austin, …

Fourplay X may be their strongest release in over 10 years, and is a welcome relief after their previous weak outing (Journey). It's nice to see this jazz super-group still going strong at ten CD's, …

As the first few notes float out of your speakers, you know you have found something special in Corinne Bailey Rae. This record will wash over you and take you to a better place, guaranteed. Could …

Guitarist/composer Mike Stern has had a recent string of strong releases with Grammy nominations, and this one is no exception. In fact, Who Let The Cats Out? could finally land him a much deserved …

Death Cab for Cutie – Transatlanticism SACD Review

When one begins listening to classical music, one of the most logical composers to start with would have to be Ludwig van Beethoven. Even the most novice listener knows Beethoven's most famous four …