SOMETHING OLD
Sambrasa Trio - Coalhada
1965
Sambrasa Trio - Coalhada
1965
Hermeto Pascoal, nicknamed “The Sorcerer” for his albinism-induced long white hair and beard as well as his otherworldly musical creations, has departed this planet. Perhaps he joined another?
A short-lived group in 1965 called Sambrasa Trio was comprised of three of the biggest names in 1960s Brazilian jazz: Pascoal on piano & flute, Humberto Clayber on bass & harmonica, and Airto Moreira on drums. Their only record, Em Som Maior, is full of life.
Coalhada, Pascoal’s only composition on the tracklist, is particularly fun. It would appear in a different iteration on his debut solo LP five years later. I have trouble choosing a favorite version, but anything from Pascoal is guaranteed to be a beyond worthy listen. May he rest in peace.
SOMETHING NEW
Thundercat & Remi Wolf - Children of the Baked Potato
September 15th, 2025
Thundercat & Remi Wolf - Children of the Baked Potato
September 15th, 2025
This would maybe be a jarringly weird title for anyone other than the writer of songs like Dragonball Durag or Captain Stupido. It’s named after a small jazz club in LA called The Baked Potato that’s been around since the 70s.
This song is a manic, frenetic tune with synths that remind me of music from Mario Kart, drums that verge on metal, and so much else strongly resembling 70s jazz fusion. Remi Wolf doesn’t hesitate to bring even more energy with her beautiful shrieking vocalizations throughout and her own verse toward the end.
This collaboration was released alongside Thundercat’s comparatively much more mellow I Wish I Didn’t Waste Your Time. Could this be a sign of new album? It’s been five years since his acclaimed It Is What It Is, and eight since his even more acclaimed Drunk.
SOMETHING BORROWED
Luca Pianca & Margret Köll - Going to California (Led Zeppelin)
Luca Pianca & Margret Köll - Going to California (Led Zeppelin)
It’s sort of mind-boggling to think of Led Zeppelin’s early career. In only three years, they released four of the most critically acclaimed rock records to date. While the third marked the most distinct departure from heavy rock into gentle folk songs, Going To California from LZ IV is perhaps their most celebrated strictly folksy song; and is most certainly one of my all-time favorites.
The tender, tranquil, and almost ancient sound of John Paul Jones’ mandolin and Jimmy Page’s acoustic guitar are what often shine most for me, so it’s no surprise I was drawn to this beautiful lute and harp arrangement.
Köll plays a triple harp to accompany Pianca’s beautiful lute. It transcends time. It feels medieval, yet nostalgic to a point in my own past, while also fresh and new. It’s a rendition as equally calming and gorgeous as the original.
SOMETHING... UNKNOWING
Syreeta - I Don’t Know
1977
Syreeta - I Don’t Know
1977
Lately I’ve been feeling a lot of uncertainty. Grappling with how few decisions I’ve ever made with absolute confidence, and how many decisions I couldn’t even make and deferred to someone else. A lot is up in the air for me right now, some in my control and others not. My answer to it all is “I don’t know.” So that’s the theme. I Don’t Know.
Syreeta doesn’t know if this is love, and girl, I don’t know either. However, I do know that this is a criminally underrated song from the already underappreciated Syreeta Wright.
Married to Stevie Wonder from 1970-1972 and musical partners for longer, the 1977 One to One was her first record without the production totally overseen by him.
This is a song with funk, spunk, and soul. Syreeta has a voice I have always thought of as soft & angelic, as especially heard in Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers, but she brings it all out here. Her vocals remain girlish and pristine while turning the energy level up to match the band.
Is this what not knowing feels like? Because honestly, if this is wrong... I don’t wanna be right.