WHAT AM I LISTENING TO THIS WEEK? WEEK 8
This post and more to follow each week will bring to your attention some of the albums I’m currently listening to. I leave you with one track from each album (sometimes a bit more). Check them out. You may find something you like. That is my hope.
This week we look at Kamaal Williams – Wu Hen, John Coltrane – Giant Steps, Herbie Hancock – Inventions and Dimentions, Nate Smith – Light and Shadow and !!! – Certified Heavy Kats
Kamaal Williams – Wu Hen
I featured Kamaal’s last EP New Heights/Snitches Brew in week four’s listening blog, Here he produces a full set of new tunes in somewhat the same funky soul grooves as the EP. If you’re into this style of music this one is worth the listen. Stand out tracks include Pigalle, Mr. Wu and Big Rick.
John Coltrane – Giant Steps
This one is a no brainer for most jazz fans. It is one of Coltrane’s (all of jazz for that matter) most iconic recordings. It’s on my list this week because I recently purchased a mint vinyl copy of a 1971 Japanese pressing and of course I’ve been listening to it a lot. I previously had this on CD but never owned a vinyl copy. Anyway for us jazz heads every song is a stand out on this album.
Herbie Hancock – Inventions and Dimentions
Herbie’s 3rd album as a leader (way back in 63). This one swings nicely. I find him particularly inventive in this set. Here he has Paul Chambers on but I had never heard of Willie Bobo and ‘Chihuahua’ Martinez. Never the less the group bonds well.
Nate Smith – Light and Shadow
Yes this is the same Nate that plays with Vulpeck and with The Fearless Flyers (featured in week 4 of my listening blog). You know him as a freakishly good funk soul drummer (if not you should seriously look him up on YouTube). Here in this new EP give you a different (maybe his real) side of his musical arsenal. Not only is the music a bit more toned down and soulful but dude sings ( and he’s not bad). This is a fantastic set with Nate showing off his many other talents. That first tune Signs of Life: Secret Agents of Weathering is sick.
!!! – Certified Heavy Kats
Yes, you’re seeing it right. That’s the name of this group, !!! or Chk Chk Chk (don’t ask me man). This is like the late 1980s new wave group of the 2020s. Their music is fun and different and a little edgy and sometimes weird but I kinda like them (for now).