SPINNING THIS WEEK.... 1/22/23 - 1/28/23

The 1st of (hopefully) many weekly installments of what I’m listening to for pleasure. My taste is eclectic and may not jive with everyone but for the most part you may find something worth listening to. Like the album title of one of my favorite artists, Jean-Luc Ponty……, keep an “Open Mind”…

A more recent solo work of one of the founding members/songwriters of the band “Yes”, if you are a fan of progressive music and/or Yes, I would highly recommend picking this up. Jon’s voice is just as you remember it, and the backing musicians playing on this album are outstanding. An enjoyable listen. :)

Recorded in October of ‘59, this may honestly be the most difficult to listen to jazz album I own….. “Free Jazz” and “Hard Bob” take some getting used to. BUT, once you “get it” you “GET IT”. :) This particular pressing is in a word…, AMAZING. The noise floor is incredibly deep and dark. Highly recommended for those of you willing to spin it. Maybe not for the beginning jazz aficionado, but who am I to judge?

Ya, I know……. “Take me to church”……, this chart-topper from 8 yrs. ago actually may have been a disservice to this artist. Top-40 music this isn’t. I paid a LOT of money for a sealed copy of this 1st pressing, probably more than I should’ve, but still, less than the price of any of the current MFSL pressings. I’d pay it again, gladly. This is maybe one of my favorite new artists of the last decade or so. The song writing is superb, the musicianship is “tight”, with a background in Irish Folk, Gospel, and Louisiana Blues, Hozier has crafted a Freshman album worthy of re-pressing……… AND IT HAS! Since it’s not available directly from the artist’s “Merch” store (Note: I will, if possible, ALWAYS buy directly from the artist), I’ve got it in my cart on Amazon. This is the very first, ToolShed Amps, “Must-have” albums. I will compile a must-have list that I’ll update weekly as part of the “Spinning this week” blog.

The last album we have for the week is by an artist many of you in your 50’s and 60’s may recognize. Roger was a founding member, primary song-writer, and keyboardist of the band “Supertramp”. This is a stupendous solo-work. Bought directly from Roger’s website, this 45rpm, 1/2-speed master, sounds EXCELLENT. It has been in print for awhile and I don’t know how many copies are left, so If you wanted some “new” Supertramp, I can’t think of a better way to get some. Highly recommended. ;)….. in fact, I’m going to go listen to it again……. Until next week, Peace. Out.