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Bill Kopp

@musoscribe.bsky.social

Music-focused writer, speaker, author of three books, 1300+ interviews, 5000+ features, 2500+ reviews. Nearly all archived at blog.musoscribe.com where I post every business day.

30 Posts144 Follower71 Folgt
The Tonearm@thetonearm.com · 4mo ago

Evolfo's Rafferty Swink and Matt Gibbs on 'Of Love,' the collective improvisational process behind it, and why a seven-piece Brooklyn band decided Spotify wasn't worth the compromise. The Tonearm's Bill Kopp takes a ride on the magic bus. Evolfo Draws a Line in the Sand:

Evolfo Draws a Line in the Sand | The Tonearm

Evolfo's Rafferty Swink and Matt Gibbs on 'Of Love,' the collective improvisational process behind it, and why a seven-piece Brooklyn band decided Spotify wasn't worth the compromise.

thetonearm.com

The Tonearm@thetonearm.com · 4mo ago

Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera discusses his memoir 'Revolución to Roxy,' his lifelong immersion in Latin music + culture, the family secrets unearthed along the way, and a career built in close collaboration with everyone from Brian Eno to Enrique Bunbury. Latin Roots in the Art Rock Canopy:

Phil Manzanera — Latin Roots in the Art Rock Canopy

The Roxy Music guitarist discusses his memoir 'Revolución to Roxy,' his lifelong immersion in Latin music and culture, the family secrets unearthed along the way, and a career built in close collaboration with everyone from Brian Eno to Enrique Bunbury.

thetonearm.com

The Tonearm@thetonearm.com · 4mo ago

Min Xiao-Fen visited Ukraine in 1988 as part of a cultural exchange with the Nanjing Chinese Traditional Orchestra, and 'Boundless,' her new duo album with bandura master Julian Kytasty, closes a loop nearly four decades in the making. Catching the World on a String — Min Xiao-Fen's 'Boundless':

Min Xiao-Fen Catches the World on a String | The Tonearm

Min Xiao-Fen last set foot in Ukraine in 1988 as part of a cultural exchange with the Nanjing Chinese Traditional Orchestra, and 'Boundless,' her new duo album with bandura master Julian Kytasty, closes a loop nearly four decades in the making.

thetonearm.com

Bill Kopp@musoscribe.bsky.social · 6mo ago

My first book chronicled the five-year path that Pink Floyd took -- from losing their leader, primary songwriter, front man, guitarist... to creating an album widely viewed as among the best of the rock era.

Bloomsbury Academic@bloomsburyacademic.bsky.social · 6mo ago

OTD 53 years ago, #PinkFloyd changed music history with the release of “The Dark Side of the Moon.” Learn the backstory: https://bit.ly/4cf6lUb 📚💙 #MusicSky @bloomsburymus.bsky.social @musoscribe.bsky.social

Bill Kopp@musoscribe.bsky.social · 9mo ago

I don't know if (as the saying goes) everybody digs Bill Evans, but I sure do. And I spoke at length with Evans scholar and music writer @hollywoodswinging.bsky.social Eugene Holley Jr. about him. Eugene wrote liner notes for the new collection 'Haunted Heart,' and brings keen insight to the topic.

Eugene Holley Jr. on the Bill Evans Trio | The Tonearm

From his first encounter with 'Explorations' to writing liner notes for 'Haunted Heart: The Legendary Riverside Studio Recordings,' the jazz historian discusses how Evans, LaFaro, and Motian transform...

thetonearm.com

The Tonearm@thetonearm.com · 10mo ago

Robert Callender's 'Rainbow' merged jazz, poetry, and Indian classical music, then largely disappeared. Archivist Chaim O'Brien-Blumenthal explains how a 2023 concert recording became the start of the artist's rediscovery. Robert Callender Reimagines His 1968 Psychedelic Landmark for Modern Ears:

Robert Callender Reimagines His 1968 Psychedelic Landmark

Robert Callender's debut 'Rainbow' merged jazz, poetry, and Indian classical music in 1968, then largely disappeared. Archivist Chaim O'Brien-Blumenthal explains how a 2023 concert recording became the start of the artist's rediscovery.

thetonearm.com

The Tonearm@thetonearm.com · 10mo ago

Writer Bill Kopp's book 'What's the Big Idea' examines concept albums across six decades, from Frank Zappa to Apples In Stereo, William Shatner to Ghostface Killah, arguing that the format remains vital in an era of streaming and short attention spans. High Concept — Bill Kopp Tackles the Big Idea:

High Concept — Bill Kopp Tackles the Big Idea

Music writer Bill Kopp's new book 'What's the Big Idea' examines 30 concept albums across six decades, from Frank Zappa to Apples In Stereo, William Shatner to Ghostface Killah, arguing that the format remains vital in an era of streaming and shortened attention spans.

thetonearm.com

Bill Kopp@musoscribe.bsky.social · last yr.

Today on Musoscribe: My interview with Dave Meniketti of long-running hard rock/heavy metal band Y&T. He talks about the band's history, and the challenges of building a set list. “There are only so many minutes in a set," he says. "And we have a lot of classics.” blog.musoscribe.com/index.php/20...

Y&T: Back to Basics

Hard rock and heavy metal has gone through many phases. It has gone in and out of fashion, and endured the so-called “hair metal” era of the ‘80s. But for true believers, the style has never lost its ...

blog.musoscribe.com

Bill Kopp@musoscribe.bsky.social · 2y ago

One can never get enough SUN RA. Today on Musoscribe, I take a look at 'Lights on a Satellite: Live at the Left Bank,' a new archival release from the man from Saturn.

Album Review: Sun Ra – Lights on a Satellite: Live at the Left Bank

As acclaimed music journalist and critic J.D. Considine emphasizes in his liner notes for Lights on a Satellite: Live at the Left Bank, “people were more likely to have heard of [Sun Ra] that they wer...

blog.musoscribe.com

Bill Kopp@musoscribe.bsky.social · 2y ago

My interview with Dream Theater's Jordan Rudess, discussing the band's new album 'Parasomnia' and the return of drummer Mike Portnoy. blog.musoscribe.com/index.php/20...

Dream Theater’s Third Act Commences with ‘Parasomnia’

With founding drummer back in the fold, progressive metal heroes return for 16th studio album One of prog-metal’s most acclaimed groups has returned to its roots – and its most celebrated lineup – fo...

blog.musoscribe.com

Bill Kopp@musoscribe.bsky.social · 2y ago

My review of a great new VINYL-ONLY release, a compilation/soundtrack album of music from the recent documentary "The Elephant 6 Recording Co." Lots of great previously-unheard music within, including songs from the never-finished third Olivia Tremor Control album blog.musoscribe.com/index.php/20...

Album Review: The Elephant 6 Recording Co.

Launched in Louisiana and with connections to Memphis, the Elephant 6 Collective is thought of as a kind of follow-on from the Athens, Georgia musical community that brought forth the B-52’s, R.E.M., ...

blog.musoscribe.com

Bill Kopp@musoscribe.bsky.social · 2y ago

My current feature in this week's @metrosiliconvalley.bsky.social : a conversation with norteño heroes Los Tigres del Norte. Bajo sexto player Luis Hernández on the band's tradition of speaking out against anti-immigrant rhetoric by people like you-know-who www.metrosiliconvalley.com/los-tigres-d...

Los Tigres del Norte Represent in Words and Music

Los Tigres del Norte are about more than music. “We represent all the paisanos who came along into the U.S.,” says guitarist Luis Hernández.

metrosiliconvalley.com

Bill Kopp@musoscribe.bsky.social · 2y ago

My recent feature/interview with Asheville NC-based Steely Dan tribute band Dirty Logic. What they do, why they do it, why you should see and hear 'em. blog.musoscribe.com/index.php/20...

Dirty Logic: Reelin' in the Classics

The recent interest in so-called “yacht rock” – brought about thanks to a new HBO documentary on the subject – has brought the names of several bands from the ‘70s back into the public consciousness. ...

blog.musoscribe.com

Bill Kopp@musoscribe.bsky.social · 2y ago

My 2024 best-of list, new release division. Music from Kula Shaker, Sykofant, Blake Jones & the Trike Shop, Half/Cubes, Jon Anderson and the Band of Geeks, Trees Speak. Happy Holidays. Reviews of all via the link. blog.musoscribe.com/index.php/20...

Musoscribe’s Best of 2024: New Releases

Everybody has their favorite new releases of each year; here are mine. This year I reviewed nearly 120 new releases. As per usual, the list reflects my particular interests, so you won’t find any main...

blog.musoscribe.com

Bill Kopp@musoscribe.bsky.social · 2y ago

My Best of 2024 List, Reissue/archival titles: UFO, Badfinger's Pete Ham, Chick Corea, King Crimson, and one you probably haven't heard of: The Brat. Details at link. blog.musoscribe.com/index.php/20...

Musoscribe's Best of 2024: Reissue/archival

From my perspective, 2024 has been another great year for reissues and archival releases. I've reviewed nearly 60 of 'em since January 1. Among those, there are five titles that stand out above the re...

blog.musoscribe.com

Bill Kopp@musoscribe.bsky.social · 2y ago

My two-part Avett Brothers feature -- about the recent Broadway musical 'Swept Away,' based on their concept album 'Mignonette' -- is online now. blog.musoscribe.com/index.php/20...

The Avett Brothers and ‘Swept Away’ – Banjos on Broadway or, Quite a Concept to Digest (Part 1 of 2)

A lightly edited version of this feature – with a different title – appeared previously in SPIN. In the 1880s, a yacht sank off South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. The few survivors resorted to canniba...

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Bill Kopp@musoscribe.bsky.social · 2y ago

Here's the third and final part of my big Let's Active feature/interview. Once again, big thanks to Mitchell Blake Easter, Tammy Easter and DD Thornton Kenny as well. I will always treasure memories of that 2021 celebration.

Edge of the World: Let’s Active at 40 (Part 3 of 3)

Continued from Part Two... Easter initially liked what he knew of the I.R.S. business model. “I liked it from a practical standpoint,” he says. “But I had a very cavalier attitude about it.” He says ...

blog.musoscribe.com

Bill Kopp@musoscribe.bsky.social · 2y ago

Legendary producer Mitch Easter may be best known for his work with R.E.M., but his band with Sara Romweber and Faye Hunter was an important and beloved part of the indie rock of the 1980s. And he tells that story in this feature/interview. Here's part 2 of 3.

Edge of the World: Let’s Active at 40 (Part 2 of 3)

Continued from Part One... Easter looks back at that period – now thought of as the dawn of “college rock” or alternative rock – as a musically freewheeling time when the possibilities were open-ende...

blog.musoscribe.com

Bill Kopp@musoscribe.bsky.social · 2y ago

Three years ago, Mitch Easter and friends mounted a Let's Active celebration, honoring departed members Sara Romweber and Faye Hunter. On that occasion I interviewed Mitch, and wrote a feature about the group. After a ridiculous delay, I present that story, in three parts. Here's the first. Enjoy!

Edge of the World: Let’s Active at 40 (Part 1 of 3)

NOTE: This feature was originally commissioned by a print magazine in 2022, never to appear. After three years on that merry-go-round I've decided instead to publish it here on Musoscribe. Sincere tha...

blog.musoscribe.com

Bill Kopp@musoscribe.bsky.social · 2y ago

Canned Heat has been making music since the mid '60s. Their latest album is titled 'Finyl Vinyl.' Does that portend the end of their run? I don't know the answer, but if so, this album would see them going out on a strong note, one that takes stock of their history. Here's my review.

Album Review: Canned Heat – Finyl Vinyl

Canned Heat began as a group in 1965. The Los Angeles-based blues band quickly became renowned for its deep, encyclopedic understanding of (and appreciation for) the blues. Alan Wilson and Bob “The Be...

blog.musoscribe.com

Bill Kopp@musoscribe.bsky.social · 2y ago

In 2018 I wrote my first book, about Pink Floyd's early years. Not long ago I had the pleasure of interviewing @davidgilmour.com.web.brid.gy for SPIN. Very recently I had the thrill of seeing him in concert at MSG (review coming soon). Today I share my review of 'Luck and Strange,' his new album.

Album Review: David Gilmour -- Luck and Strange

Releasing his first studio album in nearly nine years, guitarist David Gilmour continues his creatively fruitful journey beyond Pink Floyd. While Gilmour made his name as a member of that group – effe...

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Bill Kopp@musoscribe.bsky.social · 2y ago

Twice monthly (for five-plus years now on the 1st & 15th) I publish "30 Days Out," a quick preview of notable upcoming live music in and around Asheville NC (my adopted hometown). In this roundup: Jim Lauderdale, Rock N Roll Rewind, John Doyle & Mick McAuley, Patterson Hood. SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC.

30 Days Out, Nov. 2024 #2: Jim Lauderdale, Rock N Roll Rewind, John Doyle & Mick McAuley, Patterson Hood

Some beloved sons of the South populate the musical landscape in Asheville over the coming 30 days. An adopted local (via Ireland) and some Asheville-based acts upholding the rock ‘n’ roll tradition r...

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Bill Kopp@musoscribe.bsky.social · 2y ago

You might say that I've got another thing comin': Part Two of my interview with Judas Priest's Ian Hill. "Back then in the late ‘60s, the thought of somebody jigging about on stage at 72? 'No, people die when they’re 72!'”

Judas Priest’s Ian Hill: Bassist for the High Priests of Metal (Part 2 of 2)

Continued from Part One... Some bands find success with an album and spend the rest of their careers making that record over and over again. Judas Priest has been consistent; you always seemed to be ...

blog.musoscribe.com

Bill Kopp@musoscribe.bsky.social · 2y ago

Starting over from scratch here. I'm an author, speaker and full time music journalist. I post 365 days a year at blog.musoscribe.com. Today's post is Part 1 of my Q&A with bassist Ian Hill of Judas Priest.

Judas Priest’s Ian Hill: Bassist for the High Priests of Metal (Part 1 of 2)

Judas Priest roared out of industrial Birmingham, England in the early 1970s. Once the group found its footing – bringing on powerful, operatic and charismatic lead singer Rob Halford – Judas Priest’s...

blog.musoscribe.com