It’s a bad sign when an artist asks a reviewer to "ignore the low rent back-up band" on his CD. It shows a lack of confidence in the finished product. The back-up band whic…

If the study of mythology has taught us anything, it’s that legends have the most meaning when they have an ending. Would the Norse Gods be half as glorious without the knowledge of the final Ragnorok? Would Homer’s Odyssey be the same without the eventual homecoming? This year saw the passing of one of American music’s greatest legends, Ray Charles. I had the opportunity to speak with John Burk, a Vice-President of Concord Records and co-producer of Ray’s final album, Genius Loves Com …

"Why y’all so quiet?" With these words Stefon Harris broke the silent expectation of the crowd at Albany’s Center for the Performing Arts, colloquially known as The Egg, on Friday, June 6th. As a low chuckle spread through the audience, someone shouted out: "We’re waiting for you!" Harris laughed. "Well, we’re ‘bout to have some fun." Harris emphatically remarked as the five members of Blackout readied their instruments. Fun is an inadequate word for what followed. Put simply, Blac