The Black Watch's Twenty-Fifth Album Asks the World of You
John Andrew Fredrick discusses The Black Watch's album 'For All The World,' how broken bones shaped his solitude, and why making demands of listeners remains essential to meaningful art.
What's the Sound of One Record Skipping?
A recurring theme of constraints, as we explore counting duets, Beethoven's royalties, and elegant accidents. Also: our usual raft of recommendations and know-how.
The Yōkai in the Yard — Brain Damage's Post-Dub Pivot
Martin Nathan's 'Oide Oide' pairs Japanese supernatural creatures with experimental compositions, featuring collaborator Emiko Ota and dub legend Mad Professor in a project that redefines what dub music can become.
Words That Float — Ingrid Laubrock Discovers Music Inside Koans
The saxophonist and composer transforms Erica Hunt's enigmatic fragments into 'Purposing the Air,' a double album that pairs poetry with four carefully chosen vocal-instrumental duos.
Maneuvering the Sacred Theater
"How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it's afternoon." In this weekend's Talk Of The Tonearm, we read the oracle, sing in unison, bring the noise, and then go completely gonzo.
A Tidal Wave of Love — Our Tribute to Brian Wilson
Behind the California sunshine, harmonies, and groundbreaking production techniques lies a complex artist battling inner demons. Three takes on why Brian Wilson's music remains a refuge for so many.
Kinan Azmeh Takes the Sound of Syria's Streets on a World Tour
The Damascus-born clarinetist discusses his philosophy of musical freedom, the power of long-term collaboration, and how his latest release, 'Live in Berlin,' captures nearly two decades of creative partnership with his CityBand quartet.
Musical Accents + Boxcar Encounters
Microtonal bluegrass, experimenting on children, drums that aren't drums, and wobbling tape decks all feature in this week's wildly passionate episode of the Talk Of The Tonearm newsletter.
Disappearing Act — Tal Yahalom's Generous Guitar Moves
The composer behind 'Mirror Image' talks about challenging guitar-hero expectations, finding inspiration in Argentine rhythms, and why the best band leaders sometimes disappear into the music.
Fertilizer vs. Musikarbeiter
As the wise man said: "Take it to the limit." Compositional tomfoolery, acid jazz cosplay, romanticism giving way to factory vibes, and a 30-year path to Bowie are all revealed in this week's newsletter.
Claire Cope's 'Every Journey' and the Women Who Dared to Explore
The pianist-turned-composer discusses her philosophical views on improvisation, the challenges of writing for larger ensembles, and the inspiring tales of extraordinary female explorers.
A Time Machine Operating in Reverse
Don't take the brown acid, the brown acid's bad. Also: groovy academia, exploring the sonic waterways, how not to wrestle with a ghostly Bill Evans, and the usual spritely recommendations.