It’s easy to cringe when somebody asks the music question, “Who is the best [fill-in-the-blank] player ever?” Opinions are opinions. But really, Stanley Clarke was, has been, and will always be the finest jazz bass player. Some would argue in favor of the alternative orchestral brilliance of Charles Mingus or the bewildering fretless arrangements of Jaco Pastorious, but its Clarke’s longevity and vastly diverse ventures as bandleader and sideman put him right up top.

For over 20 years, the genre defying sounds of Slightly Stoopid have satisfied the West Coast and the world’s need for psychedelic, bluesy, soulful, rock with a heavy hint of island reggae. The bands newest album, Meanwhile… Back at the Lab finds its way to eclectic listeners at the end of June just days in advance of their summer tour, Everything is Awesome. Slightly Stoopid will take on the road and more than 40 cities with The Dirty Heads, The Expendables (select dates), and Stick Figure (select dates).

It was a gorgeous day while tailgating in the south lot at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, but as most people know, Colorado weather is very unpredictable. The weather turned fast, but not before the two openers: DJ Jazzy Jeff and Exmag got their sets in. There was a lot of talent in the lineup and a huge buzz around town regarding this show.

This was an event to invigorate the senses. If there ever was a party that evoked imagery, it was this one. Upon entering, guest’s visual senses were tickled not only by colorful floral arrangements by Pink Paisley, but the art work by Kurt Redeker (artist/owner of Knew Conscious) and friends was magnificent.

Long before their marriage and musical union, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks found success in their individual endeavors. Susan has been belting out independent and Grammy nominated blues since the mid-nineties.

On a Friday night at 6 pm you won’t usually find folks in Fayetteville, AR packed into the back room of a bar. But there are special occasions for such shows; one of which happened June 12 at George’s Majestic Lounge. Punctual as ever, the older-than-usual but rambunctious audience stood waiting for Samantha Fish to grace the stage. The crowd was buzzing with the anticipation of the fantastic blues rock show at hand.

With another summer tour looming the “Phab Phour” from Vermont have whet the appetites of their fan base by unleashing another monstrous concert box-set.  The band continues their string of excellent archival releases with the newest addition to their ever-expanding live catalogue; an 8-disc collection presenting three incendiary shows performed at the Paradiso in the Netherlands during their heralded 1997 European tours, which for all intents and purposes will be called Amsterdam ’97.

The sun finally came out, and there was a full moon on the horizon. There is no better place to enjoy rocking Americana string band music then Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The bill on this night had two heavy hitting, fast growing, old-time playing bands from two different parts of the country. The Devil Makes Three comes from Santa Cruz, California, and they bring a sort of punk, pirate, darkness flavor to their Americana bluegrass.

Experiencing these musicians in one of the most beautiful places to see live music, the Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder, CO was a wonderful experience and a memory that will stay. The landscapes that surround the foothills of Boulder make an aesthetic canvas for a perfect evening. There were people having picnics on the lawn, while others threw Frisbees under the setting sun.

Iconic guitarist and composer Steve Kimock is a fixture in many different contexts. It’s hard to think of a musician who’s more adaptable and melodically resourceful. While his style gets unfairly lumped into the jam category, those more knowledgeable know better. It’s best to regard him as a purveyor of free music. Jerry Garcia admired his work immensely and proclaimed Kimock his favorite under-the-radar guitarist.