The Multi-Horn Prophet
This week on The Tonearm: SML, Christopher Hoffman, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and more. Plus, Blake Leyh tells us about listening to birdsongs in Hawai'i.
Better Living Through Imperfection — Michael Hallsworth on the Hypocrisy Trap
Drawing on behavioral science research, Hallsworth's 'The Hypocrisy Trap' examines how false signals of consistency drive our contempt for hypocrites and what happens when accusations of hypocrisy spiral out of control.
Astronomy Harmonie — Patricia Brennan's Celestial Chamber Jazz
The vibraphonist's 'Of The Near And Far' superimposes constellations over the circle of fifths to generate pitch collections for a ten-piece ensemble while signaling her background in orchestral percussion, alternative rock, and the chamber works of Glass and Xenakis.
Phil Haynes, Free Country, and the Sound of Political Urgency
Jazz drummer Phil Haynes's string band Free Country reconvened after a decade to record original compositions, but hours before the first session, trumpeter Herb Robertson died, and the 2024 election delivered its verdict—the double album 'Liberty Now!' carries both griefs.
Moments Recap
The Tonearm's contributors tackle the things that moved them.
Set Adrift on a Sea of Strings — Bryan Senti's Immigrant Symphonies
The BAFTA-winning composer traces his parents' displacement from Colombia and Cuba across two albums, 'Manu' and 'La Marea', blending string orchestras with techno's rhythmic complexity and the "magical realism" of Latin American folk traditions.
The Accidental Psychopomp — Terence McKenna's Hallucinatory Afterlife
Cultural historian Graham St. John's 'Strange Attractor' chronicles McKenna's role as rogue scholar and stand-up philosopher, tracing his journey from a 1966 DMT conversion experience to becoming a disembodied voice whispering into the ears of dancers worldwide.
OK Bloomers — Nels Cline Finds His Happy Place
The prolific guitarist talks about 'Trio of Bloom' with Craig Taborn and Marcus Gilmore, maintaining experimental outlets alongside two decades in Wilco, and the productive anxiety of working with wizard-level musicians.
Marcus Roberts on Amplifying Accessibility in a Jazz Context
The acclaimed pianist reflects on a lifetime of adapting tools never designed for blind musicians, how his mother taught him that communicating feeling matters more than technical perfection, and why he believes technology's moral compass must always stay ahead of its capabilities.
We're All Just Living in Real Time
Touching down in the end zone with Makaya McCraven, Miguel Zenón, Anastasia Coope, and other artistic high scorers. Plus: recommendations and fun stuff!
From San Juan to Seventh Avenue — Miguel Zenón's Vanguard Moment
After two decades together, Miguel Zenón's quartet documents their chemistry on 'Vanguardia Subterránea,' a live recording from the Village Vanguard that brings together family tributes, geographical coordinates, and the deep musical connection between New York and Puerto Rico.