The Bird and the Bee; New Video

The Bird and the Bee have released a video, a single from their latest LP Ray Guns are Not Just the Future (Blue Note). The LP has been in heavy rotation around here – a delightful mix of electronica, Sixties pop, and suave jazz with Inara George’s winsome vocals and a bevy of trendy beats.

Video: My Love (YouTube)

Tuesday July, 7: Steve Kuhn at Birdland

Early in his career, Steve Kuhn performed with tenor saxophonist John Coltrane. Though there have been countless gigs and recordings since then, and Kuhn is far more often in the role of leader these days, the pianist revisits his experience as a sideman to ‘Trane on his latest ECM CD Mostly Coltrane .

On the disc, Kuhn deftly negotiates the jazz equivalent of a tightrope act: interpreting classics by one of jazz’s greatest figures while still maintaining his own musical personality. Happily, none of Kuhn’s singular soloing style and hallmark voicings are subsumed by homage.

Joined by saxophonist Joe Lovano, bassist David Finck, and drummer Billy Drummond, Kuhn plays a CD release party tonight at Birdland in New York City. Sets are at 8:30 and 11; $25 for music.

Taller Children

Elizabeth and the Catapult; Video; new LP

Elizabeth and the Catapult have just released a video in support of their new LP Taller Children (Verve Forecast). While the song may feature the vagaries of adults with arrested development, it’s smart, brisk pop that will likely please listeners of all ages; even the mature set, as is attested by their recent interview on NPR’s All Songs Considered (listen here).

Video: “Taller Children” (YouTube)

MP3: “Taller Children”