The Tonearm
@thetonearm.com
celebrating music journalism
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putting a needle on the cultural wax
an online journal of unexpected music + culture → thetonearm.com
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putting a needle on the cultural wax
an online journal of unexpected music + culture → thetonearm.com
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The Tonearm
@thetonearm.com
· Mar 20
The Tonearm is an online journal of unexpected music and culture, a shared exploration of what it's like to create cool + meaningful things.
Check out our latest articles + podcasts: www.thetonearm.com/linkinbio/
and don't forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter, Talk Of The Tonearm ✨
Check out our latest articles + podcasts: www.thetonearm.com/linkinbio/
and don't forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter, Talk Of The Tonearm ✨
Kronos Quartet's David Harrington discusses the origins of "Hard Rain," a reimagining of Dylan's nuclear anthem that unites nearly fifty artists across generations and continents, and reflects on five decades of using the quartet to address the crises of our moment.
Listening Through the Storm:
Listening Through the Storm:
Kronos Quartet's David Harrington on Listening Through Storm
Kronos Quartet's founder discusses the origins of "Hard Rain," a reimagining of Dylan's nuclear anthem that unites nearly fifty artists across generations and continents, and reflects on five decades of using the string quartet to address the crises that define our moment.
www.thetonearm.com
November 28, 2025 at 1:46 AM
Kronos Quartet's David Harrington discusses the origins of "Hard Rain," a reimagining of Dylan's nuclear anthem that unites nearly fifty artists across generations and continents, and reflects on five decades of using the quartet to address the crises of our moment.
Listening Through the Storm:
Listening Through the Storm:
"As trumpeter-composer Randy Brecker enters his octagenarian phase, it seems like a perfect time to reflect on his amazingly prolific career while also noting that he’s still very much active on the scene …"
Happy Birthday, Randy Brecker:
Happy Birthday, Randy Brecker:
Happy Birthday, Randy Brecker!
The trumpet great turns 80 on Thanksgiving Day (and is still playing his ass off)
billmilkowski.substack.com
November 27, 2025 at 11:46 PM
"As trumpeter-composer Randy Brecker enters his octagenarian phase, it seems like a perfect time to reflect on his amazingly prolific career while also noting that he’s still very much active on the scene …"
Happy Birthday, Randy Brecker:
Happy Birthday, Randy Brecker:
"At a time of polarisation, there’s renewed value to the intimate, dimly lit rooms where veteran jazz disciples rub shoulders with young, diverse new fans in the name of the music they love."
Why London jazz clubs are expanding and thriving against the odds:
Why London jazz clubs are expanding and thriving against the odds:
‘Young audiences are less scared of it’: why London jazz clubs are expanding and thriving against the odds
As the Jazz Cafe and Ronnie Scott’s expand, and Blue Note eyes its arrival, proprietors say there’s an energy in the scene – but financial pressures remain
www.theguardian.com
November 27, 2025 at 8:45 PM
"At a time of polarisation, there’s renewed value to the intimate, dimly lit rooms where veteran jazz disciples rub shoulders with young, diverse new fans in the name of the music they love."
Why London jazz clubs are expanding and thriving against the odds:
Why London jazz clubs are expanding and thriving against the odds:
"From the era of Mozart (seriously!) to last night’s Chappell Roan show, Setlist-fm offers reams of statistics — which songs artists play most often, when they last broke out a particular tune."
The Website Reshaping Live Music, One Set List at a Time (gift link):
The Website Reshaping Live Music, One Set List at a Time (gift link):
The Website Reshaping Live Music, One Set List at a Time
On Setlist.fm, users track what songs artists play at concerts (and more). The availability of so much data has changed the ways musicians and fans experience shows.
www.nytimes.com
November 27, 2025 at 6:45 PM
"From the era of Mozart (seriously!) to last night’s Chappell Roan show, Setlist-fm offers reams of statistics — which songs artists play most often, when they last broke out a particular tune."
The Website Reshaping Live Music, One Set List at a Time (gift link):
The Website Reshaping Live Music, One Set List at a Time (gift link):
Reposted by The Tonearm
I really enjoyed getting to chat with Erika Dohi for this. Such an incredible artist.
From the Fairlight CMI to the 1940s Ondioline, Erika Dohi built her sophomore album, 'Myth of Tomorrow,' using rare instruments with distinct personalities, astrology as a compositional framework, and meditation practices that confronted loneliness.
Erika Dohi — The Ephemeral Becomes Audible:
Erika Dohi — The Ephemeral Becomes Audible:
Erika Dohi — The Ephemeral Becomes Audible
From the Fairlight CMI to the 1940s Ondioline, Erika Dohi built her sophomore album using rare instruments with distinct personalities, astrology as a compositional framework, and meditation practices that confronted loneliness.
www.thetonearm.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:30 AM
I really enjoyed getting to chat with Erika Dohi for this. Such an incredible artist.
"This newsletter always comes out on Thursday and Thanksgiving is a Thursday holiday … This year, I wanted to write about when Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving food are mentioned in songs. The problem is that musicians almost never sing about food!"
We Sing About Cheese but Not Turkey:
We Sing About Cheese but Not Turkey:
We Sing About Cheese but Not Turkey
And don't even get me started on cranberries
www.cantgetmuchhigher.com
November 27, 2025 at 3:01 PM
"This newsletter always comes out on Thursday and Thanksgiving is a Thursday holiday … This year, I wanted to write about when Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving food are mentioned in songs. The problem is that musicians almost never sing about food!"
We Sing About Cheese but Not Turkey:
We Sing About Cheese but Not Turkey:
With 'Off the Record', drummer Makaya McCraven transforms fully improvised concerts from underground Chicago venues and New York jazz clubs into a four-EP meditation on what it means to share space, take risks, and participate in the unrepeatable.
Makaya McCraven in the Present Tense:
Makaya McCraven in the Present Tense:
Makaya McCraven in the Present Tense | The Tonearm
With 'Off the Record', McCraven transforms fully improvised concerts from underground Chicago venues and New York jazz clubs into a four-EP meditation on what it means to share space, take risks, and participate in the unrepeatable.
www.thetonearm.com
November 27, 2025 at 1:31 PM
With 'Off the Record', drummer Makaya McCraven transforms fully improvised concerts from underground Chicago venues and New York jazz clubs into a four-EP meditation on what it means to share space, take risks, and participate in the unrepeatable.
Makaya McCraven in the Present Tense:
Makaya McCraven in the Present Tense:
"It’s his mid-eighties trilogy that is pointed to as his most musically engrossing period. Self-produced by Tom Waits, this triumvirate of albums corralled a troupe of some of the finest (and most flexible) musicians in Waits’ phone book."
The DIY attitude that led to Tom Waits’ finest album:
The DIY attitude that led to Tom Waits’ finest album:
“If I want a sound, I usually feel better if I've chased it and killed it, skinned it and cooked it”: The DIY attitude that led to Tom Waits’ finest album
Waits’ gritty Rain Dogs depicted a dark vision of New York’s underbelly, and was shaped by its ‘junkyard orchestra’ of inventive instrumentation
www.musicradar.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:45 PM
"It’s his mid-eighties trilogy that is pointed to as his most musically engrossing period. Self-produced by Tom Waits, this triumvirate of albums corralled a troupe of some of the finest (and most flexible) musicians in Waits’ phone book."
The DIY attitude that led to Tom Waits’ finest album:
The DIY attitude that led to Tom Waits’ finest album:
"The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer discusses 'Georgia on My Mind'—and the highly improbable pairing and production that gave birth to Willie’s quintuple-platinum masterpiece."
Booker T. Jones on Why He Recorded Willie Nelson’s ‘Stardust’ in Emmylou Harris’s Living Room:
Booker T. Jones on Why He Recorded Willie Nelson’s ‘Stardust’ in Emmylou Harris’s Living Room:
Booker T. Jones on Why He Recorded Willie Nelson’s ‘Stardust’ in Emmylou Harris’s Living Room
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer discusses “Georgia on My Mind”—and the highly improbable pairing and production that gave birth to Willie’s quintuple-platinum masterpiece.
www.texasmonthly.com
November 27, 2025 at 10:31 AM
"The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer discusses 'Georgia on My Mind'—and the highly improbable pairing and production that gave birth to Willie’s quintuple-platinum masterpiece."
Booker T. Jones on Why He Recorded Willie Nelson’s ‘Stardust’ in Emmylou Harris’s Living Room:
Booker T. Jones on Why He Recorded Willie Nelson’s ‘Stardust’ in Emmylou Harris’s Living Room:
"At any point, one duck will dive underwater, and the others follow, disappearing for quite a while. That became the improvisation section, a textural shift."
Saxophonist Nicola Miller's debut album 'Living Things' emerges from long walks and patient observation along Nova Scotia's coastline:
Saxophonist Nicola Miller's debut album 'Living Things' emerges from long walks and patient observation along Nova Scotia's coastline:
Nicola Miller: Nature's Music in Nova Scotia | The Tonearm
The saxophonist's debut album 'Living Things' emerges from long walks and patient observation along Nova Scotia's coastline, creating music that breathes with its maritime environment.
www.thetonearm.com
November 27, 2025 at 7:46 AM
"At any point, one duck will dive underwater, and the others follow, disappearing for quite a while. That became the improvisation section, a textural shift."
Saxophonist Nicola Miller's debut album 'Living Things' emerges from long walks and patient observation along Nova Scotia's coastline:
Saxophonist Nicola Miller's debut album 'Living Things' emerges from long walks and patient observation along Nova Scotia's coastline:
"If Armando Anthony “Chick” Corea had done nothing more that what he produced during the 1970s, he would still be a solid candidate for both the Mount Rushmore and Mount Olympus of jazz."
Chick Corea — Elektric Memories & More:
Chick Corea — Elektric Memories & More:
Elektric Memories & More
If Armando Anthony “Chick” Corea had done nothing more that what he produced during the 1970s, he would still be a solid candidate for both the Mount Rushmore and Mount Olympus of jazz. The sheer abundance of creative expression jammed…
downbeat.com
November 27, 2025 at 6:45 AM
"If Armando Anthony “Chick” Corea had done nothing more that what he produced during the 1970s, he would still be a solid candidate for both the Mount Rushmore and Mount Olympus of jazz."
Chick Corea — Elektric Memories & More:
Chick Corea — Elektric Memories & More:
"It is, however, the ethos of musicians, who actively know and understand that their work is a literal living, breathing thing. Jazz—scat or otherwise—is specifically renowned for its lack of permanence. Thus, Susan’s newest project: her signature Bits as jazz."
This Artist is Turning Jazz into a Visual Form
Once Upstate New York locals sense that an early winter is on its way, they can count on a few short weeks of spectacular weather, where amber-leafed sugar mapl
www.spin.com
November 27, 2025 at 4:01 AM
"It is, however, the ethos of musicians, who actively know and understand that their work is a literal living, breathing thing. Jazz—scat or otherwise—is specifically renowned for its lack of permanence. Thus, Susan’s newest project: her signature Bits as jazz."
From solo classical performances to improvisational duets with Francisco Mela, guitarist Kim Perlak explains how 'Spaces' became a study in musical presence + why being in the moment has become both her greatest challenge and her greatest gift.
Principle of Moments — Kim Perlak's Intuitive Guitar:
Principle of Moments — Kim Perlak's Intuitive Guitar:
Principle of Moments: Kim Perlak's Intuitive Guitar
From solo classical performances to improvisational duets with Francisco Mela, the guitarist explains how 'Spaces' became a study in musical presence and why being in the moment has become both her greatest challenge and her greatest gift.
www.thetonearm.com
November 27, 2025 at 1:46 AM
From solo classical performances to improvisational duets with Francisco Mela, guitarist Kim Perlak explains how 'Spaces' became a study in musical presence + why being in the moment has become both her greatest challenge and her greatest gift.
Principle of Moments — Kim Perlak's Intuitive Guitar:
Principle of Moments — Kim Perlak's Intuitive Guitar:
"… charm, bravery, humour and an ability to see beyond what was put in front of him, [and] he frequently shifted away from standard reggae industry practice, often expanding the music’s horizons and options."
Jimmy Cliff’s charisma and fearless creativity expanded the horizons of reggae:
Jimmy Cliff’s charisma and fearless creativity expanded the horizons of reggae:
Jimmy Cliff’s charisma and fearless creativity expanded the horizons of reggae | Lloyd Bradley
Cliff, who has died aged 81, took every opportunity that he was presented with, and created plenty more himself. It resulted in a career path like no other
www.theguardian.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:46 PM
"… charm, bravery, humour and an ability to see beyond what was put in front of him, [and] he frequently shifted away from standard reggae industry practice, often expanding the music’s horizons and options."
Jimmy Cliff’s charisma and fearless creativity expanded the horizons of reggae:
Jimmy Cliff’s charisma and fearless creativity expanded the horizons of reggae:
"After a couple of decades as one of his field’s most inventive, talented and in-demand players, he wanted to try something different. So he made Ones & Twos with the idea that listeners could play sides one and two simultaneously."
Gerald Clayton’s Jazz Experiment — When Two Becomes One:
Gerald Clayton’s Jazz Experiment — When Two Becomes One:
Gerald Clayton's Jazz Experiment: When Two Becomes One
Jazz pianist Gerald Clayton has a new album. We have a few questions.
After a couple of decades as one of his field’s most inventive, talented and in
www.spin.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:46 PM
"After a couple of decades as one of his field’s most inventive, talented and in-demand players, he wanted to try something different. So he made Ones & Twos with the idea that listeners could play sides one and two simultaneously."
Gerald Clayton’s Jazz Experiment — When Two Becomes One:
Gerald Clayton’s Jazz Experiment — When Two Becomes One:
The Fishing Line, by Christine Ott and Mathieu Gabry
from the album ARAN
christineott.bandcamp.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Reposted by The Tonearm
We are rapidly approaching the 10th anniversary of his death, and I wouldn't be surprised to see more memorials and events in the offing. (I'm still grateful I was -- somehow -- able to pull this overview together in the immediate days after: www.nashvillescene.com/music/neds-a... )
November 26, 2025 at 7:09 PM
We are rapidly approaching the 10th anniversary of his death, and I wouldn't be surprised to see more memorials and events in the offing. (I'm still grateful I was -- somehow -- able to pull this overview together in the immediate days after: www.nashvillescene.com/music/neds-a... )
"People working in the Opry's orbit started recording studios and publishing companies that laid the foundation of the modern, centralized country music industry in Nashville."
At 100 years old, the Grand Ole Opry is the keeper of country music's legacy: www.npr.org/2025/11/26/n...
At 100 years old, the Grand Ole Opry is the keeper of country music's legacy: www.npr.org/2025/11/26/n...
November 26, 2025 at 6:46 PM
"People working in the Opry's orbit started recording studios and publishing companies that laid the foundation of the modern, centralized country music industry in Nashville."
At 100 years old, the Grand Ole Opry is the keeper of country music's legacy: www.npr.org/2025/11/26/n...
At 100 years old, the Grand Ole Opry is the keeper of country music's legacy: www.npr.org/2025/11/26/n...
In this segment from our latest podcast episode, jazz saxophonist Miguel Zenón discusses recording a live album at the Village Vanguard, highlighting the venue's weight in the jazz world and the planning required to play there.
Listen on The Tonearm Podcast: podcast.thetonearm.com/miguel-zenon...
Listen on The Tonearm Podcast: podcast.thetonearm.com/miguel-zenon...
November 26, 2025 at 5:02 PM
In this segment from our latest podcast episode, jazz saxophonist Miguel Zenón discusses recording a live album at the Village Vanguard, highlighting the venue's weight in the jazz world and the planning required to play there.
Listen on The Tonearm Podcast: podcast.thetonearm.com/miguel-zenon...
Listen on The Tonearm Podcast: podcast.thetonearm.com/miguel-zenon...
"'I’ve always associated music with different worlds,' [Christopher Larkin] said, a trace of childlike wonder still intact in his voice. 'When I listen to classical music, I close my eyes and try to imagine what type of game or fantasy world it could be a part of.'"
Christopher Larkin Doesn’t Just Score Video Games, He Creates Worlds
Christopher Larkin on his "Hollow Knight: Silksong" soundtrack, favorite video game music, and more.
daily.bandcamp.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:00 PM
"'I’ve always associated music with different worlds,' [Christopher Larkin] said, a trace of childlike wonder still intact in his voice. 'When I listen to classical music, I close my eyes and try to imagine what type of game or fantasy world it could be a part of.'"
As Snowdrops, the duo's latest album 'ARAN' completes an ambitious Flaherty trilogy, blending self-taught harp, ondes Martenot, and a €8 children's keyboard into an hour-plus score recorded in a single take at an intimate Strasbourg venue.
The Cinematic Snowdrops of Christine Ott and Mathieu Gabry:
The Cinematic Snowdrops of Christine Ott and Mathieu Gabry:
The Cinematic Snowdrops of Christine Ott and Mathieu Gabry
The duo's latest album 'ARAN' completes an ambitious Flaherty trilogy, blending self-taught harp, ondes Martenot, and a €8 children's keyboard into an hour-plus score recorded in a single take at an intimate Strasbourg venue.
www.thetonearm.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:30 PM
As Snowdrops, the duo's latest album 'ARAN' completes an ambitious Flaherty trilogy, blending self-taught harp, ondes Martenot, and a €8 children's keyboard into an hour-plus score recorded in a single take at an intimate Strasbourg venue.
The Cinematic Snowdrops of Christine Ott and Mathieu Gabry:
The Cinematic Snowdrops of Christine Ott and Mathieu Gabry:
"McCraven’s sound proposes a radical reimagining of what jazz can be in the 21st century. For McCraven, it’s a result of 'liking to shake things up and feeling like that is part of the legacy of jazz in broader terms. It’s a provocative music and music of the people.'"
Makaya McCraven Interviewed:
Makaya McCraven Interviewed:
A Representation of Life: Makaya McCraven Interviewed | The Quietus
Makaya McCraven is releasing four new records on Halloween. What of it, says Daniel Spicer, he certainly has the range and the chops...
thequietus.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:45 PM
"McCraven’s sound proposes a radical reimagining of what jazz can be in the 21st century. For McCraven, it’s a result of 'liking to shake things up and feeling like that is part of the legacy of jazz in broader terms. It’s a provocative music and music of the people.'"
Makaya McCraven Interviewed:
Makaya McCraven Interviewed:
"I don't hear Rhapsody in Blue anymore as just a piece of entertainment. I think it's a little bit of an act of rebellion, or at the very least, it's a statement about what America should be and what that sounds like."
Gershwin's musical melting pot still resonates: www.npr.org/2024/02/12/1...
Gershwin's musical melting pot still resonates: www.npr.org/2024/02/12/1...
November 26, 2025 at 10:31 AM
"I don't hear Rhapsody in Blue anymore as just a piece of entertainment. I think it's a little bit of an act of rebellion, or at the very least, it's a statement about what America should be and what that sounds like."
Gershwin's musical melting pot still resonates: www.npr.org/2024/02/12/1...
Gershwin's musical melting pot still resonates: www.npr.org/2024/02/12/1...
Mysticism meets muscular rhythms on Death Doula's mesmerizing debut 'Love Spells,' where romance and social commentary intertwine with supernatural force.
Death Doula Weaves Magic Between Heavy and Light:
Death Doula Weaves Magic Between Heavy and Light:
Death Doula Weaves Magic Between Heavy and Light
Mysticism meets muscular rhythms on Death Doula's mesmerizing debut 'Love Spells,' where romance and social commentary intertwine with supernatural force.
www.thetonearm.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Mysticism meets muscular rhythms on Death Doula's mesmerizing debut 'Love Spells,' where romance and social commentary intertwine with supernatural force.
Death Doula Weaves Magic Between Heavy and Light:
Death Doula Weaves Magic Between Heavy and Light: