Two groups with activist genes—Dave Douglas’s new quartet and Bellbird—offer releases that take clear political and moral positions.
Music That Takes a Stand
The Peaceful Struggle of Yosef Gutman
I’ve been tracking the music of Yosef Gutman since first encountering his Upside Down Mountain in 2022 and have reviewed two subsequent albums, Why Ten? and River of Eden. I’m drawn to his music’s humanity, clarity, and spiritual depth. His latest, Resisei Lyla, carries those qualities forward.
Catching Up
The “must listen” pile has been growing steadily, so I again offer up a few quick first- or second-impression reviews to reduce its height. The four featured albums include two jazz releases that follow the familiar format of improvising on a written composition and two that offer intuitively improvised compositions. All four albums have much to offer.
Welcome Lara Manzanares Back
Eight years after the Tierra Amarilla native Lara Manzanares released her award-winning album Land Baby, this weekend she’s launching an engaging and accomplished new album of original tunes, Yo Soy de Ti, with concerts in both Santa Fe and Corrales, presented by AMP Concerts. It’s definitely been worth the wait.
The Bébé La La 15th Anniversary Concert
Bébé La La—the multiaward-winning singer/songwriter duo of Alicia Ultan (viola, guitar, vocals) and Maryse Lapierre (accordion, harmonium, vocals), backed by longtime collaborators Micky Patten (bass) and Joe Chellman (drums)—celebrates its 15th (crystal) anniversary with a November 15 concert at the Outpost, presented by AMP Concerts.