Notes | Audio Notes

New Gear, New Ears

A month of listening through new ears — new amps, new discoveries, and a few surprises.

My winter playlist has finally come to an end with Freddy Hubbard’s 1970 offering.

Dire Strait’s “Sultans of Swing” is a working-class song about passion and tragedy.

I heard “Sultans of Swing” on a playlist this morning, and had to listen to Dire Straits’ entire debut album.

Miles Davis’ 1959 album has a reputation. One that is earned.

An old classic from a young John Coltrane hits differently now that I’m old.

Peter Gabriel releases the first song in his new lunar cycle.

Man, this is some pretty cool jazz from 1963. Jimmy Smith shows us how the Hammond organ is played.

Grant Green offers a lovely idle from 1965.

Mick Abrahams died, so I figured it would be a good time to revisit his only contribution to Jethro Tull.

A little more Dexter Gordon, as composer and band leader.

A little more Joe Henderson, as composer and band leader.