Jackie Wilson

Amazing Grace

Remembering Charles Brown

The Bay Area bluesman's influence was recognized as massive eventually

He'll Be There

Willie Hutch wrote one of the greatest songs ever, but he ain't done yet

Night+Day

Willie Hutch wrote one of the greatest songs ever, but he ain't done yet

Never Can Say Goodbye

Michael Jackson in 1987 I'm not trying to be cynical or morbid here, but Michael Jackson's death was the best thing to happen to him in years. In death, Michael lives on forever. He has now joined the ancestors, among them musical icons like Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Jacki ... More >>

Mark Growden’s New Traditionalism

A sometime jazzman tackles American folk, and leaves his own imprint.

Friday at Noise Pop: Battlehooch and Nobunny Barrage Bottom of the Hill

Romana MachadoBattlehooch at Bottom of the Hill Friday night.​Battlehooch Nobunny Exray's The Downer Party Friday, February 25, 2011 @ Bottom of the Hill Better than: Ice-skating down Lombard Street. Word from various authoritative sources assured me this all-ages show would be a rowdy stain ... More >>

Bomba Estéreo, Bayonics Steam up the Independent

Romana MachadoLiliana Saumet of Bomba Estereo​ Bomba EstéreoBayonicsApril 19, 2011@ The IndependentBetter than: A sauna with a dress codeThe scene on the floor of the Independent as the minutes ticked away to the opening act was a shy ballet of courting and sparking between and among the sexes. V ... More >>

Lost in the Night: New Year's Eve at the Knockout and Public Works

Kahley Avalon EmersonRandom audience members playing KiNK's midi controller​ Double Feature: Oldies Night and KiNK Dec. 31, 2011 The Knockout and Public Works Better than: Being away from San Francisco for new years. It was 10:45 p.m. and I was lucky enough to be in a cab speeding towards t ... More >>

R.I.P. Johnny Otis, R&B Pioneer

Johnny Otis, R.I.P.​Johnny Otis, the Vallejo-born musician who helped coalesce jazz, blues, and gospel into rock 'n' roll and rhythm and blues, died Tuesday at his home in Altadena, California. He was 90. Best known for classics like "Hand Jive" -- an early rock 'n' roll hit -- and the sensua ... More >>