V.R. Peterson

V.R.’s Contributions

September 2007 Albums

Hot ’N’ Heavy: Live at the Ascension Loft
Ethnic Heritage Ensemble

Though recorded last year on a sweltering summer day in a loft outside Chicago’s famous Loop district, Hot ’N’ Heavy keeps its cool with performances as smart as they are passionate. Playing a traditional drum kit, kalimba and the homemade, barrel-sized...

July/August 2007 Albums

Back East
Joshua Redman

Start with the obvious play on titles between Sonny Rollins’ 1957 classic Way Out West and saxophonist Joshua Redman’s Back East, and the way each name signals its leader’s change of venue and musical inspiration. Replicate a couple of tunes—in ’57 Rollins...

May 2007 Albums

Quartet
Pat Metheny/Brad Melhdau

In retrospect, their pairing should have been a no-brainer. Last year Brad Mehldau, a deeply impressionistic pianist, joined labelmate and veteran guitarist Pat Metheny on the simply titled Metheny Mehldau. They proved to be a dynamic duo capable of remarkable...

May 2007 Albums

Taking Chances: Live at the Dakota
Terell Stafford

As the applause in the Dakota dies down, the acoustic bass begins an ominous three-note phrase. The phrase repeats, resonates and repeats again. A vaguely familiar melody sounds. And then, like the band’s Minneapolis audience, you are startled to find yourself...