The Honesty of Instruments
Now playing: Ratboys, Patrick Smith, Erik Hall, Winged Wheel, Ian Wellman, and so much more.
Shelf-Worthy — Patrick Smith and His Technicians of Tone
The Toronto saxophonist joins guitarist Dan Pitt and drummer Lowell Whitty on 'Words Underlined,' a live session cut in a beloved Toronto bookstore that became, almost accidentally, one of the year's most assured jazz records.
A Melodic Center You Can Feel
Jam-packed with stories on Stephen Vitiello, Justin Hicks, Patrick Smith, and many more. Plus: a multitude of snazzy recommendations.
All Inputs as Collaborators — Stephen Vitiello and the Art of Hearing
The veteran sound artist discusses 'Trinity,' his trio-format album with Lawrence English, and why every input in his practice—a space, a field recording, a late friend's unreleased tape—warrants the same respect as a living collaborator.
Drifting Through and the Voyage Down
This week: Lawrence English, Liam Kazar, KMRU meets Joseph Kamaru, and much more. Plus some thought-provoking nuggets rescued from the cutting room floor.
Between the Microphone and the Mind — The Surprising Work of Lawrence English
Lawrence English reflects on the impossible trios of 'Trinity,' acid nostalgia as a weapon against possible futures, and how the tension between the microphone and the psychological ear shapes his field recording practice.
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.