Music Monday: Some Random Tunes

It’s been a weird week or so as I lurched into spring break shifting from one deadline to the next. That said, I was able to listen to a bit of music. 

First, I listened to some solid, contemporary hard bop is the Donald Harrison/Terrence Blanchard’s album Nacense (1986). Solid album, good music, and a perfect way to mark the end of Carnival and the first week of Lent. 

As a bonus track, check out their version of “When the Saints Go Marching In” from their album Discernment (1984):

I also listened to some oud music in anticipation of Anouar Brahem’s new ECM release. Check out Blue Maqams (2022) with Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette, and Django Bates.  

Or for something a bit more frivolous, Ahmed Alshaiba’s cover of The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights”:

Finally, I’ve been totally enchanted by bassist Billy Mohler’s latest album: The Eternal (2025). It features Jeff Parker on guitar, Devin Daniels on sax, and Damion Reid on drums. Mohler’s bass, pushed way forward in the mix, is fantastic, groovy, and driving. Everything else sort of layers on top of it, including Damion Reid’s drums. It’s in heavy rotation on my office system! 

With this week being spring break, I hope to have a good bit of time for pleasant and focused listening (especially since I have a good bit of writing and grading to take care of). I can’t promise next week’s Music Monday will be better (after all, my tastes are all over the map), but it could be MOAR!