RECOMMENDED On his latest solo release, “Palmystery” (Heads Up), the Béla Fleck bassist explores a variety of sonic textures without displaying an ounce of pretension as he does it. On “I Saw God,” fellow bassist Richard Bona contributes his trademark vocals (and percussion) on a tune that mixes both Afro-inspired and gospel influences in one seamless package, while “2 Timers” is pure, finger-twisting modern jazz that switches the timing back and forth, clearly challenging the musicians as they go along. On “The Lesson,” he plays solely accompanied by Roy Wooten, who adds handclaps and a few beats on the cajón, an instrument commonly used in Latin music. New York-based guitarist Mike Stern guests on “Sifu,” which draws inspiration from Latin and acid jazz, somehow seamlessly putting them together. It is a highly enjoyable disc that gives the listener the urge to see how this sounds like on a live format. (Ernest Barteldes) Thursday, April 10 at House of Blues
Cool Aid: A Review of Situation Chicago 2 The album does an outstanding job of bringing home the staggering sonic and stylistic range we deny ourselves when we return too often to the same genre well.
Full Adhesion: A Review of Cosmic Bull’s “27x2” Vickery’s songwriting is laced with imagery and wit, but it’s his voice that makes the strongest impression. He’s so fully a baritone that even his high notes reverberate in your tailbone.
