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'REVIEW: Blind Boy of Bama Sam Butler's Solo Debut, 'Raise Your Hands!' (Severn Records)

As the longtime lead guitarist for one of gospel music's most enduring vocal groups, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Sam Butler's flourishes were noticed by Steely Dan's Donald Fagen and the Rolling Stones' Keith Richards, both of whom Butler wound up working with later. For his first solo CD, 'Raise Your Hands!' (Severn Records), producer Brian Brinkerhoff has chosen to surround Butler's voice and still-stinging guitar with secular tracks by certifiable legends. The kick is that the songs are pulled inside out so deliciously, you won't even recognize them. Plus, they're not the usual picks.
By Mike Greenblatt

  • 'REVIEW: Dave Douglas Quintet, 'Brazen Heart' (Greenleaf Music)

    Dave Douglas has over 40 CDs and 400 compositions to his credit. He's traversed classical, folk, Balkan music, Klezmer, free improvisation and electronica. He received a Guggenheim Fellowship, an Aaron Copland Award, Grammy nominations and a grant from the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. He's taken inspiration from literature, politics, dance, film and personal tragedy. 'Brazen Heart' may be his greatest CD of all.
    By Mike Greenblatt

  • 'REVIEW: Myriam Alter, 'Cross/Ways' (Enja Records)

    Luciano Biondini's accordion catapults Myriam Alter's 'Cross/Ways' (Enja) into the realm of sophisticated nostalgic emotion. Alter has stocked her third album with a Netherlands clarinetist, Belgians on bass and tuba/trombone, a Dutch percussionist and an Italian pianist. It's world-jazz of the highest caliber.
    By Mike Greenblatt
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