matthew reed baker 🤘😇🤘
@matthewreedbaker.bsky.social
Writer, editor, Boston Magazine contributor, arts'n'music maven, photography amateur, Liverpool FC fan, mediocre pianist, husband, dad...but not in that order
Pinned
Today I received preview copies of my new book, "1970s Jazz Fusion"! It's a joyous overview of brilliant artists who made some of the most creative, cosmic & funky music, written for both big fans & the curious, out 5/1/2025. I can't wait for everyone to read it!
www.bloomsbury.com/us/1970s-jaz...
www.bloomsbury.com/us/1970s-jaz...
Now spinning at my house, an out-of-print curio by the God of Guitar:
Nine To The Universe (1980) by Jimi Hendrix, an album of five lengthy improvised jams from Spring 1969, never intended for release...yet when jazz organ great Larry Young sits in, it's Jimi's fiery foray into jazz fusion
Nine To The Universe (1980) by Jimi Hendrix, an album of five lengthy improvised jams from Spring 1969, never intended for release...yet when jazz organ great Larry Young sits in, it's Jimi's fiery foray into jazz fusion
January 21, 2026 at 9:08 PM
Now spinning at my house, an out-of-print curio by the God of Guitar:
Nine To The Universe (1980) by Jimi Hendrix, an album of five lengthy improvised jams from Spring 1969, never intended for release...yet when jazz organ great Larry Young sits in, it's Jimi's fiery foray into jazz fusion
Nine To The Universe (1980) by Jimi Hendrix, an album of five lengthy improvised jams from Spring 1969, never intended for release...yet when jazz organ great Larry Young sits in, it's Jimi's fiery foray into jazz fusion
Last night's music-themed cocktail:
Voïvod, named after the spectacular Québecois metal legends...made with bourbon, Fernet, bitters, fig purée and orange garnish...flavors as complex and kickass as this awesome band, it made me RRRÖÖÖAAARRR with glee...
The Hollows, Somerville, Massachusetts, USA.
Voïvod, named after the spectacular Québecois metal legends...made with bourbon, Fernet, bitters, fig purée and orange garnish...flavors as complex and kickass as this awesome band, it made me RRRÖÖÖAAARRR with glee...
The Hollows, Somerville, Massachusetts, USA.
January 21, 2026 at 4:58 PM
Last night's music-themed cocktail:
Voïvod, named after the spectacular Québecois metal legends...made with bourbon, Fernet, bitters, fig purée and orange garnish...flavors as complex and kickass as this awesome band, it made me RRRÖÖÖAAARRR with glee...
The Hollows, Somerville, Massachusetts, USA.
Voïvod, named after the spectacular Québecois metal legends...made with bourbon, Fernet, bitters, fig purée and orange garnish...flavors as complex and kickass as this awesome band, it made me RRRÖÖÖAAARRR with glee...
The Hollows, Somerville, Massachusetts, USA.
Now spinning for Rob Hirst, taken by pancreatic cancer at age 70:
Red Sails In The Sunset (1984) by Midnight Oil, all fierce rock and righteous lyrics...Hirst was the Oils' drummer, a chief songwriter, a force of nature in concert, pounding away on his corrugated water tank...a good spirit gone now
Red Sails In The Sunset (1984) by Midnight Oil, all fierce rock and righteous lyrics...Hirst was the Oils' drummer, a chief songwriter, a force of nature in concert, pounding away on his corrugated water tank...a good spirit gone now
January 20, 2026 at 7:53 PM
Now spinning for Rob Hirst, taken by pancreatic cancer at age 70:
Red Sails In The Sunset (1984) by Midnight Oil, all fierce rock and righteous lyrics...Hirst was the Oils' drummer, a chief songwriter, a force of nature in concert, pounding away on his corrugated water tank...a good spirit gone now
Red Sails In The Sunset (1984) by Midnight Oil, all fierce rock and righteous lyrics...Hirst was the Oils' drummer, a chief songwriter, a force of nature in concert, pounding away on his corrugated water tank...a good spirit gone now
birches, snowfall
knox county, maine
238pm sat 17 jan 2026
knox county, maine
238pm sat 17 jan 2026
January 17, 2026 at 8:31 PM
birches, snowfall
knox county, maine
238pm sat 17 jan 2026
knox county, maine
238pm sat 17 jan 2026
Wild turkey tracks.
Knox County, Maine.
233pm Sat 17 Jan 2026
Knox County, Maine.
233pm Sat 17 Jan 2026
January 17, 2026 at 8:04 PM
Wild turkey tracks.
Knox County, Maine.
233pm Sat 17 Jan 2026
Knox County, Maine.
233pm Sat 17 Jan 2026
Now spinning at my house, music of intensely cosmic heat for a day of intensely cold winds:
Universal Consciousness (1971) by Alice Coltrane, who plays soaring free jazz solos on organ and harp, backed by strings, tamboura, drums...both chaotic and serene, it's an album of unparalleled spirituality
Universal Consciousness (1971) by Alice Coltrane, who plays soaring free jazz solos on organ and harp, backed by strings, tamboura, drums...both chaotic and serene, it's an album of unparalleled spirituality
January 16, 2026 at 9:12 PM
Now spinning at my house, music of intensely cosmic heat for a day of intensely cold winds:
Universal Consciousness (1971) by Alice Coltrane, who plays soaring free jazz solos on organ and harp, backed by strings, tamboura, drums...both chaotic and serene, it's an album of unparalleled spirituality
Universal Consciousness (1971) by Alice Coltrane, who plays soaring free jazz solos on organ and harp, backed by strings, tamboura, drums...both chaotic and serene, it's an album of unparalleled spirituality
Now spinning at my house, utterly immaculate electronica as dusk descends:
In Colour (2015) and In Waves (2024), both by Jamie xx...two brilliant albums of bangers evoking everything from house to dubstep to Balearic, but with haunting melodies vocals and samples interlaced over the monstrous beats
In Colour (2015) and In Waves (2024), both by Jamie xx...two brilliant albums of bangers evoking everything from house to dubstep to Balearic, but with haunting melodies vocals and samples interlaced over the monstrous beats
January 15, 2026 at 10:11 PM
Now spinning at my house, utterly immaculate electronica as dusk descends:
In Colour (2015) and In Waves (2024), both by Jamie xx...two brilliant albums of bangers evoking everything from house to dubstep to Balearic, but with haunting melodies vocals and samples interlaced over the monstrous beats
In Colour (2015) and In Waves (2024), both by Jamie xx...two brilliant albums of bangers evoking everything from house to dubstep to Balearic, but with haunting melodies vocals and samples interlaced over the monstrous beats
Now spinning at my house, an all-time great NYC band:
A South Bronx Story by ESG, a double-LP compilation of early-1980s tracks by this group anchored by the four Scroggins sisters, who have such a unique sparse take on postpunk-funk that is relentlessly bouncy and catchy...I just can't get enough!
A South Bronx Story by ESG, a double-LP compilation of early-1980s tracks by this group anchored by the four Scroggins sisters, who have such a unique sparse take on postpunk-funk that is relentlessly bouncy and catchy...I just can't get enough!
January 14, 2026 at 8:05 PM
Now spinning at my house, an all-time great NYC band:
A South Bronx Story by ESG, a double-LP compilation of early-1980s tracks by this group anchored by the four Scroggins sisters, who have such a unique sparse take on postpunk-funk that is relentlessly bouncy and catchy...I just can't get enough!
A South Bronx Story by ESG, a double-LP compilation of early-1980s tracks by this group anchored by the four Scroggins sisters, who have such a unique sparse take on postpunk-funk that is relentlessly bouncy and catchy...I just can't get enough!
I am so enjoying Mark Ronson's memoir, Night People, about growing up in NYC and becoming a 1990s club DJ. I particularly love this passage where a single he produced is being pressed onto an acetate. Here you feel how music is not just a sonic art, but an invaluable object passed down through time.
January 13, 2026 at 4:35 PM
I am so enjoying Mark Ronson's memoir, Night People, about growing up in NYC and becoming a 1990s club DJ. I particularly love this passage where a single he produced is being pressed onto an acetate. Here you feel how music is not just a sonic art, but an invaluable object passed down through time.
Now spinning at my house, oh what a uniquely kickass album:
Supernature (2005) by Goldfrapp, wherein this electronic duo melds glam rock grooves and swagger, the relentless pulse of icy electrofunk, and sexy crystalline vocals that coo out killer synthpop melodies...it's genius and addictive!
Supernature (2005) by Goldfrapp, wherein this electronic duo melds glam rock grooves and swagger, the relentless pulse of icy electrofunk, and sexy crystalline vocals that coo out killer synthpop melodies...it's genius and addictive!
January 12, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Now spinning at my house, oh what a uniquely kickass album:
Supernature (2005) by Goldfrapp, wherein this electronic duo melds glam rock grooves and swagger, the relentless pulse of icy electrofunk, and sexy crystalline vocals that coo out killer synthpop melodies...it's genius and addictive!
Supernature (2005) by Goldfrapp, wherein this electronic duo melds glam rock grooves and swagger, the relentless pulse of icy electrofunk, and sexy crystalline vocals that coo out killer synthpop melodies...it's genius and addictive!
Now spinning at my house, perfect for a Sunday afternoon:
Best Of Billy Paul (1979) by Billy Paul, a double-LP collection of lush Philly soul, much of it produced by the legendary Gamble & Huff, with Billy Paul's voice ranging from smooth silk to warm intimacy to powerhouse balladry...flawless
Best Of Billy Paul (1979) by Billy Paul, a double-LP collection of lush Philly soul, much of it produced by the legendary Gamble & Huff, with Billy Paul's voice ranging from smooth silk to warm intimacy to powerhouse balladry...flawless
January 11, 2026 at 8:51 PM
Now spinning at my house, perfect for a Sunday afternoon:
Best Of Billy Paul (1979) by Billy Paul, a double-LP collection of lush Philly soul, much of it produced by the legendary Gamble & Huff, with Billy Paul's voice ranging from smooth silk to warm intimacy to powerhouse balladry...flawless
Best Of Billy Paul (1979) by Billy Paul, a double-LP collection of lush Philly soul, much of it produced by the legendary Gamble & Huff, with Billy Paul's voice ranging from smooth silk to warm intimacy to powerhouse balladry...flawless
Now spinning at my house, even if it's still Friday morning:
Friday Afternoon In The Universe (1995) by Medeski Martin & Wood, a landmark release for this masterful jazz trio of keys/bass/drums...veering from monster grooves to free interludes to blissful jams that reach the stars, it's wondrous
Friday Afternoon In The Universe (1995) by Medeski Martin & Wood, a landmark release for this masterful jazz trio of keys/bass/drums...veering from monster grooves to free interludes to blissful jams that reach the stars, it's wondrous
January 9, 2026 at 3:56 PM
Now spinning at my house, even if it's still Friday morning:
Friday Afternoon In The Universe (1995) by Medeski Martin & Wood, a landmark release for this masterful jazz trio of keys/bass/drums...veering from monster grooves to free interludes to blissful jams that reach the stars, it's wondrous
Friday Afternoon In The Universe (1995) by Medeski Martin & Wood, a landmark release for this masterful jazz trio of keys/bass/drums...veering from monster grooves to free interludes to blissful jams that reach the stars, it's wondrous
In A Silent Way/It's About That Time.
Boston, Massachusetts.
752am Tues 6 Jan 2026
Boston, Massachusetts.
752am Tues 6 Jan 2026
January 6, 2026 at 1:09 PM
In A Silent Way/It's About That Time.
Boston, Massachusetts.
752am Tues 6 Jan 2026
Boston, Massachusetts.
752am Tues 6 Jan 2026
Ice storm.
White Mountains, New Hampshire.
926am Mon 29 Dec 2025
White Mountains, New Hampshire.
926am Mon 29 Dec 2025
December 29, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Ice storm.
White Mountains, New Hampshire.
926am Mon 29 Dec 2025
White Mountains, New Hampshire.
926am Mon 29 Dec 2025
The Holiday Pops concert is totally metal, every single year.
Symphony Hall, Boston, Massachusetts.
245pm Mon 22 Dec 2025
Symphony Hall, Boston, Massachusetts.
245pm Mon 22 Dec 2025
December 22, 2025 at 7:49 PM
The Holiday Pops concert is totally metal, every single year.
Symphony Hall, Boston, Massachusetts.
245pm Mon 22 Dec 2025
Symphony Hall, Boston, Massachusetts.
245pm Mon 22 Dec 2025
Among all the photos of my parents together, this one may be my favorite. Taken the summer before they got married.
Woodmont Beach, Milford, Connecticut.
Summer 1965
Woodmont Beach, Milford, Connecticut.
Summer 1965
December 21, 2025 at 3:59 AM
Among all the photos of my parents together, this one may be my favorite. Taken the summer before they got married.
Woodmont Beach, Milford, Connecticut.
Summer 1965
Woodmont Beach, Milford, Connecticut.
Summer 1965
Now spinning at my house, because it's my mom's birthday today, and this band was the earliest concert I remember attending:
A THREAD
Grupo Moncada (1978) by Grupo Moncada, who in 1978 were Cuba's first musical group to tour the USA since that country's 1959 revolution...
A THREAD
Grupo Moncada (1978) by Grupo Moncada, who in 1978 were Cuba's first musical group to tour the USA since that country's 1959 revolution...
December 19, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Now spinning at my house, because it's my mom's birthday today, and this band was the earliest concert I remember attending:
A THREAD
Grupo Moncada (1978) by Grupo Moncada, who in 1978 were Cuba's first musical group to tour the USA since that country's 1959 revolution...
A THREAD
Grupo Moncada (1978) by Grupo Moncada, who in 1978 were Cuba's first musical group to tour the USA since that country's 1959 revolution...
Now spinning at my house, a lost 1990s gold nugget that should be unearthed by any rock fan:
99th Dream (1998) by Swervedriver...barely released back then, this verges from heavy riffs to dreamy psychedelia, all with big guitars and an unerring gift for anthemic melodies...just a wonderful album!
99th Dream (1998) by Swervedriver...barely released back then, this verges from heavy riffs to dreamy psychedelia, all with big guitars and an unerring gift for anthemic melodies...just a wonderful album!
December 17, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Now spinning at my house, a lost 1990s gold nugget that should be unearthed by any rock fan:
99th Dream (1998) by Swervedriver...barely released back then, this verges from heavy riffs to dreamy psychedelia, all with big guitars and an unerring gift for anthemic melodies...just a wonderful album!
99th Dream (1998) by Swervedriver...barely released back then, this verges from heavy riffs to dreamy psychedelia, all with big guitars and an unerring gift for anthemic melodies...just a wonderful album!
Now spinning at my house on a bright Tuesday, where we've sent out a Bat-Signal for the funk!
Batman: Motion Picture Soundtrack (1989) may not be my favorite Prince album, but I was thrilled to find it used on vinyl...with taut & relentless grooves and vast & lush slow jams, it's just great fun
Batman: Motion Picture Soundtrack (1989) may not be my favorite Prince album, but I was thrilled to find it used on vinyl...with taut & relentless grooves and vast & lush slow jams, it's just great fun
December 16, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Now spinning at my house on a bright Tuesday, where we've sent out a Bat-Signal for the funk!
Batman: Motion Picture Soundtrack (1989) may not be my favorite Prince album, but I was thrilled to find it used on vinyl...with taut & relentless grooves and vast & lush slow jams, it's just great fun
Batman: Motion Picture Soundtrack (1989) may not be my favorite Prince album, but I was thrilled to find it used on vinyl...with taut & relentless grooves and vast & lush slow jams, it's just great fun
Now spinning at my house, an all-time reggae classic to warm up the midweek:
Two Sevens Clash (1977) by Culture, a soulful offering from this spiritual vocal trio, with the great producer Joe Gibbs & an all-star band: Sly & Robbie, Skatalites Vin Gordon & Tommy McCook, percussionist Sticky etc.
💗🔥💗
Two Sevens Clash (1977) by Culture, a soulful offering from this spiritual vocal trio, with the great producer Joe Gibbs & an all-star band: Sly & Robbie, Skatalites Vin Gordon & Tommy McCook, percussionist Sticky etc.
💗🔥💗
December 10, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Now spinning at my house, an all-time reggae classic to warm up the midweek:
Two Sevens Clash (1977) by Culture, a soulful offering from this spiritual vocal trio, with the great producer Joe Gibbs & an all-star band: Sly & Robbie, Skatalites Vin Gordon & Tommy McCook, percussionist Sticky etc.
💗🔥💗
Two Sevens Clash (1977) by Culture, a soulful offering from this spiritual vocal trio, with the great producer Joe Gibbs & an all-star band: Sly & Robbie, Skatalites Vin Gordon & Tommy McCook, percussionist Sticky etc.
💗🔥💗
Tonight's drive: Boston to Maine.
Soundtracks: The Dance (1997) by Fleetwood Mac; The Hissing Of Summer Lawns (1975) and Hejira (1976) by Joni Mitchell.
Even as New England snow glows through the trees and the temperature drops to 1°F/-17°C, these Southern California albums keep us warm in the car
Soundtracks: The Dance (1997) by Fleetwood Mac; The Hissing Of Summer Lawns (1975) and Hejira (1976) by Joni Mitchell.
Even as New England snow glows through the trees and the temperature drops to 1°F/-17°C, these Southern California albums keep us warm in the car
December 6, 2025 at 5:43 AM
Tonight's drive: Boston to Maine.
Soundtracks: The Dance (1997) by Fleetwood Mac; The Hissing Of Summer Lawns (1975) and Hejira (1976) by Joni Mitchell.
Even as New England snow glows through the trees and the temperature drops to 1°F/-17°C, these Southern California albums keep us warm in the car
Soundtracks: The Dance (1997) by Fleetwood Mac; The Hissing Of Summer Lawns (1975) and Hejira (1976) by Joni Mitchell.
Even as New England snow glows through the trees and the temperature drops to 1°F/-17°C, these Southern California albums keep us warm in the car
Now spinning at my house, musique parfaite pour un vendredi après-midi:
Premiers Symptomes (1997) by Air, an EP collecting their early singles like "Modular Mix" and "Casanova 70"...here these French electro legends are so blissfully dreamy & cinematic, so you could eat the vibe with a warm spoon
Premiers Symptomes (1997) by Air, an EP collecting their early singles like "Modular Mix" and "Casanova 70"...here these French electro legends are so blissfully dreamy & cinematic, so you could eat the vibe with a warm spoon
December 5, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Now spinning at my house, musique parfaite pour un vendredi après-midi:
Premiers Symptomes (1997) by Air, an EP collecting their early singles like "Modular Mix" and "Casanova 70"...here these French electro legends are so blissfully dreamy & cinematic, so you could eat the vibe with a warm spoon
Premiers Symptomes (1997) by Air, an EP collecting their early singles like "Modular Mix" and "Casanova 70"...here these French electro legends are so blissfully dreamy & cinematic, so you could eat the vibe with a warm spoon
Now spinning at my house, one of the greatest-ever debut albums:
The Lion And The Cobra (1987) by Sinéad O'Connor...9 songs of rich & intense power, ranging from the mystic to the carnal to the symphonic, & her voice! So unique, with an astonishing range of pitch & tone...she was just 20 years old
The Lion And The Cobra (1987) by Sinéad O'Connor...9 songs of rich & intense power, ranging from the mystic to the carnal to the symphonic, & her voice! So unique, with an astonishing range of pitch & tone...she was just 20 years old
December 4, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Now spinning at my house, one of the greatest-ever debut albums:
The Lion And The Cobra (1987) by Sinéad O'Connor...9 songs of rich & intense power, ranging from the mystic to the carnal to the symphonic, & her voice! So unique, with an astonishing range of pitch & tone...she was just 20 years old
The Lion And The Cobra (1987) by Sinéad O'Connor...9 songs of rich & intense power, ranging from the mystic to the carnal to the symphonic, & her voice! So unique, with an astonishing range of pitch & tone...she was just 20 years old
Now spinning at my house, now that yesterday's miserable nor'easter has moved on and yielded to a bright sunny day:
Thembi (1971) by Pharoah Sanders, a landmark of spiritual jazz that soars with mesmerizing grooves and cosmic freedom...it's astonishingly beautiful, invigorating yet soothing
Thembi (1971) by Pharoah Sanders, a landmark of spiritual jazz that soars with mesmerizing grooves and cosmic freedom...it's astonishingly beautiful, invigorating yet soothing
December 3, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Now spinning at my house, now that yesterday's miserable nor'easter has moved on and yielded to a bright sunny day:
Thembi (1971) by Pharoah Sanders, a landmark of spiritual jazz that soars with mesmerizing grooves and cosmic freedom...it's astonishingly beautiful, invigorating yet soothing
Thembi (1971) by Pharoah Sanders, a landmark of spiritual jazz that soars with mesmerizing grooves and cosmic freedom...it's astonishingly beautiful, invigorating yet soothing
Now spinning at my house, where it's dark & freezing rain outside:
Flute-In (1971) by Bobbi Humphrey...superb soul-jazz from this effervescent flautist, joined on some tracks by trumpeter icon Lee Morgan & tunes by Bill Withers, Carole King + "Spanish Harlem"...such cozy joy on a cold crap night
Flute-In (1971) by Bobbi Humphrey...superb soul-jazz from this effervescent flautist, joined on some tracks by trumpeter icon Lee Morgan & tunes by Bill Withers, Carole King + "Spanish Harlem"...such cozy joy on a cold crap night
December 2, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Now spinning at my house, where it's dark & freezing rain outside:
Flute-In (1971) by Bobbi Humphrey...superb soul-jazz from this effervescent flautist, joined on some tracks by trumpeter icon Lee Morgan & tunes by Bill Withers, Carole King + "Spanish Harlem"...such cozy joy on a cold crap night
Flute-In (1971) by Bobbi Humphrey...superb soul-jazz from this effervescent flautist, joined on some tracks by trumpeter icon Lee Morgan & tunes by Bill Withers, Carole King + "Spanish Harlem"...such cozy joy on a cold crap night