“He who’s not busy livin’ is busy dyin’.” — Bob Dylan, “It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)” Director James Mangold’s “A Complete Unknown,” which debuted in theaters on Christmas Day 2024, attempts to chronicle Bob […]
Category: Music Reviews
Album and song reviews
My 16 Favorite Albums Of 2024
As the year comes to a close, it’s time for the annual tradition at The High Note: reflecting on the standout albums that have defined 2024. This year has gifted us with a rich tapestry […]
Soccer Mommy’s ‘Evergreen’ Is A Timeless Journey
“Evergreen” is a fitting title for Soccer Mommy‘s fourth studio album. Singer-songwriter Sophie Allison’s timeless sound powers the latest Soccer Mommy project, which was released on Oct. 25, 2024, by Loma Vista Recordings. The acoustic […]
Joy Oladokun Tells Her Honest Stories Through ‘Observations From A Crowded Room’
The beauty and honesty on Joy Oladokun’s latest album, “Observations From A Crowded Room,” are captivating. Solely written and produced by the 32-year-old from Casa Grande, Arizona, her fifth album mixes her signature singer-songwriter style […]
MJ Lenderman Lights Up the Sky with ‘Manning Fireworks’
MJ Lenderman comes on slowly. It’s partly the drawl he developed from living for 25 years in Ashville, North Carolina, and his laid-back music style. The singer-songwriter’s fourth solo album, Manning Fireworks, is emblematic of […]
Billy Strings Hits the Fast Lane with ‘Highway Prayers’
Not since Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, Ralph Stanley, Earl Scruggs, and Del McCoury has there been a musician who has shown new growth in bluegrass. That’s thanks to a young man named Billy Strings. The […]
Willie Nelson Shares Timeless Wisdom On ‘The Border’
At 91 years old, Willie Nelson has plenty of wisdom to extol using his sweet singing voice on his latest album, “The Border.” Released Friday, May 31 on Legacy Recordings just a month after he […]
Béla Fleck Releases Final Album With Chick Corea In ‘Rememberance’
I love the pairing of strings in jazz – take the 1962 collaboration between pianist Bill Evans and guitarist Jim Hall on “Undercurrent.” The album still stands as one of my favorites including it’s renditions […]
Kamasi Washington Is Unwavering On ‘Fearless Movement’
From as long as I can remember hearing Kamasi Washington play – fearless is a good word to describe him. The tenor saxophonist and bandleader is arguably the most exciting voice of jazz since his […]
Sam Beam Lays Deep Cuts On Iron and Wine’s ‘Light Verse’
Iron and Wine‘s music has a time-traveling quality. Sam Beam, the singer-songwriter behind quiet folk music, has always made me pause, from the first time I heard his music. His 2004 album “Our Endless Numbered […]