Album Review: Angélique Kidjo- Eve

Two things struck me as I saw Angélique Kidjo perform in the midst of the African music scare of the 1990s- her diminutive size and her obvious pop aspirations.

Kidjo has probably become even smaller in the intervening years, but her new album Eve indicates that her ears continue to grow.  The recording is a purist's nightmare.  Thankfully, I'm no purist.  I take great delight in hearing Kidjo recklessly commingle a multitude of African styles and Western forms.

I wouldn't think twice about featuring many of Eve's tracks on a playlist that also included hits by Rihanna, Imagine Dragons, Kanye West and Aviici.  Kidjo explains her eclectic philosophy in an EPK for the album. 


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The Bahia Orchestra Project's energetic performance Tuesday at Helzberg Hall was thrilling.  Here's my review.

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I reviewed the Pat Metheny Group's Kin at Plastic Sax.

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The third best-selling album at Amazon is by a Missouri-based ensemble.  Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles is punking other musicians from the Show Me State with the success of Lent at Ephesus.

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Strange Music released two videos for Tech N9ne's "Fragile."  Watch here and here.  The label also signed Murs.

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Scruffy & the Janitors made a video for "Shake It Off".

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Matt Prior goes left of the dial.

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Lawrence's Kliph Scurlock is featured in an episode of "What's In My Bag?".

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The Midwest Music Foundation posted a 53-track MidCoast Takeover 2014 compilation at BandCamp.

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Frank Wess' Magic 201 isn't quite as nice as its predecessor.  RIYL: Ben Webster, elegance, Lester Young.

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Ces Cru released a video for "Smoke".

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Young Thug does Danny Brown better than Danny Brown on Black Portland.  RIYL: 2 Chainz, weirdos, Danny Brown.

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The 71-minute 1955 film Rhythm & Blues Review is now available for your viewing pleasure. 

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Kid Rock, Staind, Deftones, Motorhead and Black Stone Cherry are among the acts playing at the 2014 edition of Rocklahoma.

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The trailer for a new round of Camper Van Beethoven reissues made me smile.

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Tavis Smiley's interview with Catherine Russell is fascinating for anyone interested in the veteran jazz vocalist's background.

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Kansas City Click: My official picks are published here.

(Original image by There Stands the Glass.)

I'll Spot You

My lifelong dream has been fulfilled.  Thanks to a new phone that works almost seamlessly with a streaming music service, I enjoy instant access to a significant portion of the world's recordings from any location.  By paying Spotify $9.99 a month, I can listen to Thelonious Himself at the dentist's office.  Rihanna is there for me on the treadmill.  Rocket To Russia makes standing in line at the post office more bearable.  I can take a midnight stroll with Igor Stravinsky.

It's a far cry from the years I in which I made a weekly trip to one or two record stores to spend all the money I could spare- usually just $10 or $20- on a handful of albums. 

A friend characterizes Spotify as an updated version of Napster.  And to be sure, Spotify's interface isn't appealing.  Unlike my friend's allegiance to the social aspects of the competing streaming service Rdio, using Spotify is a solitary affair.  Yet in spite of glaring holdouts like the majority of the ECM Records catalog, I'm attracted to Spotify's superior selection. 

I'm using Spotify's playlist feature to track my favorite music of 2013.  I've already listened to 39 new albums in their entirety.  My favorites are listed in order here.  A list of my favorite songs of 2013 is here.


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John Medeski overthinks his forthcoming solo piano album.

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The surviving members of Big Boys reflect on their careers and the evolution of American punk.

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Who's in for Rocklahoma?  (It's only 234 miles from KC…)

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Neither his charisma nor Earl can salvage Tyler, the Creator's disappointing new "Domo 23".

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Erik Voeks puts a Lindsay Buckingham-esque spin on Bad Company Blue Oyster Cult's "Burnin' For You".

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 2 Chainz!

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Kansas City Click: My official picks are published here.

(Original image by There Stands the Glass.)