Sunday Music Muse Day - Astral Project, Dominic Miller

For this Sunday Music Muse Day, I have an addition to a group I have in my collection already, and a follow up to one of last week's entries. First up, Astral Project The legend of Cowboy Bill, with 7-string guitarist Steve Masakowski. This is a 2003 release, that follow their 1999 VooDooBop  CD.  Sandwiched between is Steve Masakowski 2000 solo CD, For Joe, in tribute to Joe Pass.  Cowboy Bill is a fine outing by a group I'd like to live, if they're still playing. Definitely worth a listen. 

Next is a followup with two CDs by Dominic Miller. First, Dominic Miller Vagabond, an 2023 ECM  release I passed on, and bought his Second Nature CD, instead. The second is Dominic Miller Shapes, a 2003 Decca release, that features many classic tunes and a version of String's Shape of My Heart, with String on vocals, and actually based on a musical riff by Millar.  So, they share song credit and probably a ton of royalties.  Of the two CDs,   I prefer the ECM, as it seems less commercial in the material. That said, Shapes is nice to listen to on a quiet afternoon, or evening.  

Feel free to check these artists on youtube at your leisure.  I still like buying CDs, as you can see enjoy.

Sunday Music Muse Day (day-late) Dominic Miller, Julian Lage

This day late, Sunday Music Muse Day, has me featuring two guitarists I think of as part of the second, or third-generation of jazz guitarists after the first I was introduced to, like John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny, Larry Coryell, and Pat Martino, and others. Mainly, guitarists playing jazz-fusion in the 70's and 80's. First up, Julian Lage Speak to Me. Reviewing his Wikipedia page, for a relatively young player, Lage has an impressive discography. Speak to Me is a subdued outing, but full of thoughtful, entertaining music.

My second choice, Dominic Miller Second Nature.  Again, Miller is a guitarist I really wasn't aware of except for seeing his name on a ECM recording (to be honest, I took a chance on this one because it was a cheaper price).  And, again, reviewing his Wikipedia page, I realized he's been building a impressive discography as a leader and sideman, most notably as the guitarist for many of String's post Police recordings.  I like hearing his nylon string guitar playing in various group combinations.  I'll definitely pick up his ECM recording next time I go CD shopping.

I like to found new music, well at least to me.  Hope you enjoy my sharing these.