From time to time, Rifftides asks readers to send information about the music they turn on, and vice versa. It has been more than five years since we canvassed you about what you’re hearing. It’s time. Here is a variation on the introduction to the original 2006 survey:
The Rifftides staff is interested in what our readers around the world are listening to. Please take a moment to send a message with your name, your location and brief information about the most recent music on your smartphone, CD player, tape deck, 8-track, iPod, wire recorder, turntable or cylinder machine. Many of you listen to a wide range of music that the rest of us would like to know about. Don’t worry about genres or eras; who needs pigeonholes? We will keep track of your responses and compile a report when we have a sizeable list.
The last time we did this, it took extensive post-production work to get all of the responses published, but it was worth it. Part of the staff is saying, “Oh, no, not again,†but they’ve been overruled. To send your choice or choices, please use the Comment box at the bottom of the main column.
I’ll get the ball rolling.
Dayna Stephens, Gratitude (Contagious Music)
Tenor and baritone saxophonist Stephens follows up his intriguing 2014 Peace with the same distinguished supporting cast: guitarist Julian Lage, pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Eric Harland. This time, with the exception of Billy Strayhorn’s “Isfahan,†the menu is not standard songs but compositions by Lage, Pat Metheny, Aaron Parks, Olivier Manchon, Rebecca Martin and others. Currents of sonic and harmonic adventure flow through the relaxed atmosphere of a satisfying collection.
Doug Ramsey,
Yakima, Washington, USA.
You’re next.