Everyone's a Critic
Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro has reinvented an instrument once considered a novelty, a toy seen at a backyard luau. Playing a wide range of genres, he uses strumming, picking, and fretboard techniques that leave even …
Communion. That's the one-word take I settled on for Richard Youngs's latest. Not without some mental struggle -- "prayer" covers the feel of the thing, but prayer is usually private. "Meditation" comes closer, but the …
Veteran bassist Henry Franklin's quartet is loaded with ringers. Saxophonist Azar Lawrence has long been a star with a c.v. that includes employment with the legendary McCoy Tyner. Pianist Theo Saunders's virtuosity is both brawny …
“Did you say something about boobs?” Comedian Joel McHale, who about 30 seconds earlier had indeed told a boob joke, shifted from shock to ignorance when a large-breasted woman walked up to the stage, interrupted …
In the spirit of Valentine's Day, tenor saxophone player Jessy J held a free concert at Borders in Carmel Mountain. The event was presented by smooth jazz station 98.1 in support of the L.A. artist’s …
San Diego punk quartet the Postals has finally signed, sealed, and delivered its debut, jamming 17 songs into 26 minutes. On opening, the incendiary instrumental “7.62 Madness” goes off like a letter bomb and sets …
A Chorus of Storytellers is The Album Leaf's fifth studio release, and it’s a refreshing sound. Not one to crank up at a party. The meticulous arrangements require time and attention, that the listener sit …
Anvil frontman Steve "Lips" Kudlow addressed the audience early in the set: "I just want to thank each and every one of you for being here and making our dreams come true." With a kind …
Florida four-piece Surfer Blood might have spent too much time lying in the sun, listening to '90s indie-rock. On their debut album, Astro Coast, the similarities to Weezer, the Shins, Sebadoh, and Pavement keep crashing …
Ten days before the Soft Pack take the stage on the David Letterman Show, the San Diego band formerly known as the Muslims returned to the Tower Bar in City Heights to release their s/t …
With the immediate intimacy of her sweet, classically trained voice, Foster sounds nearly as depressed as A. Camp on the Cardigans’ “Step On Me” or “Nasty Sunny Beam.” Lacking A. Camp's sense of humor and …
First off, how normal is blueberry pie? Serious question. As far as Zen koans go, I'm sticking it right up there with “Why has Bhodi-Dharma left for the East?” or “Why are those car wheels …
Touring behind the critically acclaimed A Friend of a Friend, Dave Rawlings Machine made their second appearance in the past year at the Belly Up. A full house was treated to two covers-heavy sets, with …
Although they try to be standoffish and badass, Clipt Beaks are just a bunch of dragged kids dealing with rejected loves and wavering self-esteem. Just like the rest of us. Their second full-length, To Realize, …
Local mods Manual Scan regrouped as part of the Che Underground’s annual reunions show at a packed Casbah. As Cherry Red records are about to reissue their back catalogue in Europe, it's a timely reminder …
I’ve always considered Harry Connick, Jr. to be what you would play when you wanted something to hear but not necessarily listen to. His performance proved him to be the opposite. Although this particular tour …