Terry Riley is 85 today. His importance can’t be overstated, In C alone is one of the essential works of the 20th century. But what I love most about Riley is just his playing, the man can play, and the albums that feature his musicians ship, like Persian Surgery Dervishes, are desert island discs. Here’s a review I wrote of his appearance at Pioneer Works late in 2019.
“Anyone who can write with insight and authority about Alas No Axis, Sonic Youth, Elvis Costello…Missy Mazzoli and William Britelle, and…Mahler…is okay in my book.”
“A reputable music blog.”
