Brian Kalinec

The Beauty Of It All

Berkalin, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Beauty Of It All

The veteran singer-songwriter Brian Kalinec is well versed in folk, country, Americana and rootsy sounds, and these 14 well thought out tracks recruit many players for the sage like listen.

The warm and breezy title track opens with graceful keys complementing Kalinec’s cozy and friendly voice in the timeless folk climate, and “Big Hearted” follows with vivid storytelling guiding the pretty vocal harmonies and emotive spirit.

Further along, the poetic singing of “Redwood Fence” comes with mesmerizing acoustic guitar and flowing keys, while “Pizza And God” carries a spiritual demeanor of glowing pedal steel and more emphasis on percussion for the album’s best.

Close to the end, the striking intimacy of “Full Moon Window” carries a wise and fuller presence of crisp, rootsy ideas, and “River Of Kindness” exits with a dreamy atmosphere that showcases Kalinec’s smooth voice and the gentle but dynamic instrumentation.

An extremely laid back and enjoyable body of work, the subtle but effective use of synth, mandolin, cello, accordion and many other instruments sure does illuminate Kalinec’s unique and relatable version of Americana.

Travels well with: Mitch Hayes- Gentle Man; Buddy Mondlock- Filament

Stephen Jones & Ben Haugland

Road To Nowhere

OA2, 2023

8/10

Listen to Road To No-Where

The saxophonist Stephen Jones and pianist Ben Haugland bring their inimitable talents to 9 standards and originals, where a very creative approach and fluid interaction characterizes the listen.

“Without A Sound” opens the listen with Jones’ bright sax and Haugland’s flowing keys for the rich, melodic tone, and “Silhouette” follows with Kevin Whalen’s contributions on trumpet that cultivates mesmerizing and exciting jazz textures of warmth.

Halfway through, “Evening Song” radiates a dreaminess that comes with agile keys and reflective sax, while “Autumn In New York” is quite intimate, as much calm beauty from the piano, sax and Whalen’s flugelhorn makes for a stirring album highlight.

Approaching the end, “A Hidden Walk” showcases the tremendous dynamics between the pair’s inimitable deliveries with a very cozy spirit, and “Estaté” exits with elegance and grace between the lovely brass and heart felt keys.

The 5 originals included carry many melodic sensibilities, and the interpretations are full of complicated but easily accessible interaction that will captivates jazz fans from any era.

Travels well with: Ray Vega and Thomas Marriott- East West Trumpet Summit; Michael Bisio/Timothy Hill- Inside Voice/Outside Voice

Keigo Hirakawa

Pixel

Origin, 2023

8/10

Listen to Pixel

The pianist Keigo Hirakawa has a lot of experience in the area of playing jazz music, and these lively 8 tracks welcome Rafael Statin, Brandon Scott Coleman, Robert Hurst, and Alex White.

The title track opens the listen with Hirakawa’s meticulous key progressions alongside Statin’s soulful sax and White’s stunning drum acrobatics, and “Far Above” follows with a breezy demeanor of soft guitar from Coleman that suits the melodic piano.

The middle track belongs to the energetic and vivid “Origami Bettle”, where Hurst’s hypnotic bass won’t go unnoticed, while “Unmarked Path” welcomes Statin’s dreamy flute and bass clarinet for the warmly textured album highlight.

Near to the end, “Dreaming Awake” offers a reflective and pretty display of elegant guitar, buzzing clarinet and agile drums, and “Change Of Plans” exits with animated brass, crisp drums and bouncy keys.

The players on hand bring their influences from Detroit and Cincinnati, and under Hirakawa’s vision they make for an exploratory and creative jazz affair.

Travels well with: Jeff Johnson- My Heart; Michael Dease- The Other Shoe

Laura Marie

Too Sweet: Songs For Setting Boundaries

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Too Sweet: Songs For Setting Boundaries

A deeply person listen, the singer-songwriter Laura Marie pens songs surrounding a trauma survivor’s difficulties sorting through life, love and relationships, and she’s got some impressive musicians along for the healing affair.

“I Told You So” starts the listen with a warm atmosphere, where Marie’s expressive voice is complemented by dreamy keys, crisp drums and pretty guitar from Jake Owens, and “Too Sweet” follows with thumping drums, and plenty of cozy, Americana friendly melodies floating around the rich textures.

In the middle, “Why” recruits strings from Delaney Stockli, Ludovica Burtone, Lourdes Rosales and Emily Hope Price for the elegant, orchestral intimacy that touches on timeless folk qualities, while “Painkiller” lands in fuller territory that benefits much from Kyle Thompson’s fluid drumming amid the heartfelt songwriting that explores drug addiction. The final track, “Shadows”, comes with 2 versions, and both are upbeat and rhythmic displays of diverse and dance floor friendly song craft.

There’s also a version of this release with a book, which is a memoir of the events that these songs are set around, as Marie makes for an empowering and emotive listen of profound self-awareness.

Travels well with: Erika Olson- This Is How I Pray; Helene Cronin- Landmarks

Mitch Hayes

Gentle Man

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Gentle Man

The multi-instrumentalist and singer Mitch Hayes finds himself steeped in folk sounds for these 8 personal songs, where he’s got some excellent help for a rich, thoughtful and timeless listen.

“Don’t Have To Hide” opens the listen with Hayes’ gritty yet soulful voice alongside warm acoustic guitar, Logan Bowers’ agile drumming and sweeping strings, and the title track follows with Aaron Fabbrini’s glowing pedal steel amid the crisp drums and expressive story telling for the fluid country rock demeanor.

In the middle, Zach Light- Wells’ provides playful banjo for the bluegrass nods of the raw, melodic album highlight, “Carolina Calling”, while “What I Pretend” is sublimely intimate, stirring even, and benefits much from Nathan Shores’ absorbing cello.

“Enemy” and “Dear John” exit the listen, where former is a more swift display of cozy folk rock ideas, and “Dear John” finishes with Hayes’ powerful and wise voice amid the hazy pedal steel and charming vocal harmonies from Erin Hayesoweth.

A listen that’s all substance, Hayes dedicates this album to his late father, who was his best friend and hero, and it truly touches on the human experience in ways that will appeal to everyone in sound, body and mind.

Travels well with: Dean Mueller- Life Ain’t All Roses; Buddy Mondlock- Filament

Fortunato

From High Above

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to From High Above

The frontman and bassist Markus Fortunato has a long history in the area of metal music, and this 4th album welcomes Sly Tale, Seb Vallée and Alex Faccinetto for the heavy, progressive and symphonic 10 tracks.

“After The War” opens the listen with Fortunato’s soaring voice amid the thundering drums from Tale and the swirling guitars of the hard hitting yet melodic textures, and “Evil Machine” follows with a swift and booming presence of flowing sounds that might bring to mind Iron Maiden.

The middle spot belongs to “Until My Last Breath”, where Faccinetto and Vallée’s meticulous guitars help the tune alternate between calm and dense moments, while “If You Die” showcases the dynamic rhythm section that welcomes a theatrical presence.

Near the end, the gritty yet tuneful “Storms May Come” is the album’s best, and “Moment Of Weakness” exits the listen with the most symphonic piece, that’s so uniquely detailed and layered with precision.

A very distinct listen that embrace neo-classical ideas and is never short on power, Fortunato and company make great use of melody and an impressive vocal range for the dense body of work.

Travels well with: Overhead- Telepathic Minds; Fearful Symmetry- The Difficult Second

Ray Vega & Thomas Marriott

East West Trumpet Summit

Origin, 2023

9/10

Listen to East West Trumpet Summit

Ray Vega and Thomas Marriott bring their trumpets to these jazz fueled pieces that celebrate Fats Navarro, Howard McGhee, Freddie Hubbard and Woody Shaw’s recordings, and they’ve got Orrin Evans, Michael Glynn and Roy McCurdy along for the ride.

“One Day At A Time” opens the listen with the bright brass and McCurdy’s swift drums making for a lively and melodic landscape, and “I Told You So” follows with Evans’ meticulous piano helping cultivate a soulful and bouncy climate you won’t soon forget.

Elsewhere, the animated trumpets of “Broadway” is complemented by the frisky rhythm section, while “Art Deco” really spotlights the agile brass interaction from the pair’s cautious horns via the nice balance of intimacy and exploration.

“Front Row Family” and “So Long Eric” exit the listen, where the former benefits much from Glynn’s playful bass work amid the swift energy, and the latter brings a fluid big band-esque flavor to the dynamic and adventurous finish.

A listen packed with melodic sensibilities, Vega, Marriott and company make for a technical, creative and exciting body of work that will resonate for decades to come.

Travels well with: Michael Bisio/Timothy Hill- Inside Voice/Outside Voice; Jason Keiser- Shaw’s Groove

Kelli Welli

Baby Ninja

1st + 1st, 2023

8/10

Listen to Baby Ninja

The Portland, Oregon artist Kelli Welli returns with a 4th record for families, where pop, Americana and African rhythm, among others ideas, are present for the universally enjoyable songs.

The listen gets off to an energetic start, where the title track emits a Southwestern, spy flick demeanor that welcomes an immediate sing-along, and “You’re A Sunny Day” follows with Uncle Jumbo’s contributions making for a bright and lush, pop filled tune.

Elsewhere, the firm guitar of “Dirty Socks”, a song penned by Welli’s dog, brings some Celtic influences to the festive climate, while “Ryan The Lion” welcomes Ryan Segelken to the drum focused, worldly flavor.

Further still, “When You Dance” is steeped in African ideas thanks to Nanny Nikki and Claudia Robin’s talents amid the campfire-esque delivery, and “Frere Jacques In Five” finds itself being sung in 5 languages, where a different instrument is paired with the language’s native country.

A journey where each track brings new surprises, Welli’s diversity and relatable subject matter spans nature, love, animals and day to day activities which are fleshed out in a way that’s fun for all ages.

Travels well with: Sukey Molloy- The Adventures Of Little Stubby; Charlie Faye & The Fanimals- Charlie Faye & The Fanimals

Emmanuel Jacob Lacopo

Eastman

People Places Records, 2023

9/10

Listen to Eastman

The guitarist and composer Emmanuel Jacob Lacopo interprets the work of Julius Eastman, where the role of the guitar in classical music is examined with Amelya N.S.H.’s production, mixing and mastering really illuminating the classical and electric guitars.

“Buddha v.1” opens the listen with a warm minimalism, where a chilling ambience surrounds the cinematic swells, and “Buddha v.2” follows with a darker approach of dreamy guitar manipulation and strong attention to mood that is quite captivating.

The middle tracks, “Buddha v.3” and “Buddha v.4”, continue the creativity, where the former drones with a bright demeanor of tension, and the latter is colorful, pretty and radiates much culture via the meticulous guitar playing.

“Gay Guerrilla” exits the tonally distinct listen, where repetition is used strategically in a hazy fashion, and post-rock nods enter a very hypnotic, gripping landscape.

A very artistic effort that utilizes space and is full of fascinating techniques, Lacopo certainly retains the spirit of Eastman’s vision, but also injects an avant-garde approach to harmony and melody that’s stunning.

Travels well with: Warp Trio- Warp Trio’s Pandemic Disco Fantasy: An Laurence- Almost Touching

Mick Fury

1981-1996

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to 1981-1996

The New York singer-songwriter Mick Fury doesn’t shy away from his ‘90s influences, where these 10 anthemic tracks take nods to his days fronting hard rock bands, just as it does his time in Nashville playing country music.

The social commentary “The Perception” opens the listen with an insightful take on all the criticism hurled at Millennials, and “Bright Eyed Dumb Kid” follows with warm acoustic guitar and Fury’s expressive singing alongside the crisp drumming of the graceful climate.

Arriving in the middle, “State Of The Union” brings a crunchy folk-rocker that’s wise, topical and flowing with emotion and melody, while “Broken Highway” lands in a hazy, mysterious cloud of psychedelic ideas that alternate between loud versus calm moments.

Further still, the cozy buzzing of “Back To Human” leads into a tense and driving rocker that fits right in with ‘90s sensibilities, and “I Don’t Mind” exits with a thumping, rockabilly flavor that’s quite rhythmic.

Fury rallies against the notion that people of his generation are lazy, entitled and financially illiterate, and he brings a wealth of talent and experience to a diverse and thought provoking body of work.

Travels well with: The Great Divide- Providence; The Bombadils- Dear Friend

Parker Ferrell

Love Runs Through

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Love Runs Through

The Tulsa, Oklahoma singer-songwriter Parker Ferrell pens a diverse debut solo album, where jazz, rock, and world music are all in attendance for the 7 rich songs.

“To Deserve You” begins the listen with very warm guitar playing and precise drumming from Michael Frost in the dreamy Americana, and the title track follows with Suzi Land’s very poetic vocals adding much beauty to the hushed, folk song craft.

Deeper into the listen, Zach Hardin’s thick bass is much appreciated alongside Andrew Bair’s eloquent piano for the vivid storytelling of “To All The Friends I’ve Known”, while “The Wright Flyer” showcases Matt Magerkurth’s sublime cello in the very intimate album highlight.

The final 2 tracks continue the thoughtful formula, where “Lauren Kimberly” makes great use of Ferrell’s acoustic guitar amid the twinkling keys, and “Unlikely Love” exits with Ken Pomeroy’s vocals complementing the firm guitar and group voices of the harmonic, powerful finish.

At just 36, Ferrell is certainly an old soul, and his tremendous amount of sincerity and strong attention to detail make for an excellent first album.

Travels well with: Ryan Traster- Low Mirada; Christopher Lockett- At The Station

Joey Frendo

Bound For Heartache

Horton, 2023

9/10

Listen to Bound For Heartache

The blue collar storyteller Joey Frendo makes quite an impression with this debut album, where a soulful, jangly and twang friendly version of alt-country takes company from some very skilled players for the 10 tracks.

“Get What You Get” opens the listen with Frendo’s distinct, warm voice alongside Philippe Bronchtein’s fluid organ and the scrappy drums for the rootsy flavor, and “Fool Hearted Woman” follows with frisky keys, aching pedal steel and plenty of rural melodies.

The middle track belongs to the shuffling, dance floor ready “Sad State Of Affairs”, where Fats Kaplan’s animated fiddle is quite intriguing, while “High And Tight” is a more intimate moment of poetic, emotive singing from Frendo amid Mallory Eagle’s stirring harmony vocals and Jason Weinheimer’s agile bass playing.

Residing close to the end, “Nothing Wrong With Silver” emits a cozy energy of timeless country rock, and “Building On Quicksand” exits with a barroom, piano led climate of rhythmic adventure.

Frendo possesses a sage like quality, and his songs are as sincere as they are memorable. Bound For Heartache should easily strike a chord with anyone who appreciates the universal truths of folk, country, roots and Americana.

Travels well with: JD Darling- Looking Forward Thinking Back; William Payne Harrison- Tioga Titan

Hex A.D.

Delightful Sharp Edges

Apollon, 2023

9/10

Listen to Delightful Sharp Edges

A concept album that surrounds genocide, Hex A.D. enter plenty of melodic avenues amid their doom and progressive ways across these 11 hard hitting tracks.

“The Memory Division” opens the listen with some ambience, before swirling guitars bring mystery to the booming, hard rock appeal, and “Murder In Slow Motion” follows with dense song craft that carries a dark spirit of well sung, mood focused songwriting.

Moving along, “Radio Terror” opens with a rare intimacy, before the thumping drums and chugging guitars recruit an ‘80s influence, while “Throwing Down The Gauntlet” flows with thick and ominous textures that will make any fan of metal smile.

The final 2 tracks, “Hell Today” and “…Gone Tomorrow”, don’t disappoint either, where the former is a biting, thundering, cinematic execution, and the latter uses acoustic guitar via a charming, dreamy demeanor.

A listen that will be sure to draw the attention of fans of Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden, this 6th studio album from the Norwegian legends is unpredictable, memorable and highly accomplished.

Travels well with: Melt Motif- Particles, Death Objective; Frode Fivel- All You See

Polychrome

Equilibrium

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Equilibrium

A concept album that follows Usky’s journey to seeking inner balance after killing his brother accidentally, France’s Polychrome flesh out this very meticulous version of prog-rock with an often nostalgic presence.

“Welcome” gets the listen off to a bass filled start, where a charming dreaminess enters alongside Maxime Senizergues’ fluid drumming, and “Cycle Of Life” follows with Victor Maroleau’s airy flute complementing the cautious landscape of breezy prog-rock ideas that benefit much from Simon Senizergues’ agile keys.

Further along, “En Voyageant” welcomes Jean-Louis Senizergues’ moody clarinet for the mysterious textures of warmth, while “Ocean” spends 8+ minutes mesmerizing us with a soulful haze of elegant keys, expressive singing and precise interaction between the many players.

Deeper still, “Alone” spotlights Simon Padiou and Vincent Bernardon’s violins, Quang-Chinh Tra’s cello and Axel Bernardon’s alto that complement Vincent Lanièce’s lyrics for the stirring intimacy, and the title track exits with soft beauty that echoes a retro spirit that will always be relevant.

A listen that might remind you of Pink Floyd or King Crimson, Polychrome do a great job of balancing minimal versus rich moments of prog tinted rock you’ll want to revisit again.

Travels well with: Overhead- Telepathic Minds; Wedingoth- Five Stars Above

Michael Bisio/Timothy Hill

Inside Voice/Outside Voice

Origin, 2023

8/10

Listen to Inside Voice/Outside Voice

Timothy Hill brings his vocals and guitar to Michael Bisio’s bass for these avant-garde influenced jazz songs that welcome 3 originals, as well as interpretations of 3 ballads and 3 improvised classics.

“Wise One” opens the listen with soft bass plucking and atmospheric guitar playing in the very minimal climate, and “My One And Only Love” follows with a soft, folksy quality that showcases Hill’s poetic singing.

Halfway through, the manipulated bass of “Law Years” comes with playful, wordless vocals, while “I Fall In Love Too Easily” finds a very romantic place to reside with its gentle bass and emotive vocals.

“Bridge” and “For All We Know” exit the listen, where the former is focused much on tone thanks to Bisio’s cautious bass, and the latter finishes with a dreamy demeanor of mesmerizing guitar and eloquent singing.

A very striking listen that was captured in one continuous, unedited take, the duo blend classical, jazz and folk with thoughtful, heartfelt affection.

Travels well with: Jason Keiser- Shaw’s Groove; Michael Dease- The Other Shoe

Anthony Hervey

Words From My Horn

Outside In, 2023

8/10

Listen to Words From My Horn

The trumpeter and composer Anthony Hervery pens an impressive debut album, where Philip Norris, Miguel Russell, Isaiah J. Thompson, Sean Mason and Sarah Hanahan are in attendance for the 12 detailed tracks.

The dreamy “Crystal Stair” opens the listen with Hervey’s cozy brass and Thompson’s elegant keys making for a warm climate, and “The Rest From Yesterday’s Blues” follows with an upbeat and animated presence that benefits from Hanahan’s lively sax and Russell’s agile drumming.

Halfway through, the retro spirit of “Du-Rag” showcases Mason’s key prowess alongside Hervey’s intricate trumpet, while “But Beautiful” finds a very hazy place to reside with its intimate gestures and romantic demeanor.

Close to the end, “Better Days” bounces and shakes with much personality via the bright brass and Norris’ well timed bass lines, and “Words From My Horn” exits with a soulful, eloquent finish of focused and careful songwriting.

A listen that touches on jazz from the earliest versions to the most current, Hervey and company make music that is as creative as it is timeless.

Travels well with: Javier Nero Jazz Orchestra- Kemet (The Black Land); Alex Weitz- Rule Of Thirds

Matthias Bublath/Michi Ruzitschka

Norte Duo Sul

MB Note, 2023

8/10

Listen to Norte Duo Sul

The pianist Matthias Bublath is joined by Michi Ruzitschka’s 7 string guitar for this debut together that explores Brazil’s rich musical culture.

“Cante Jondo” opens the listen with the frisky keys and colorful guitar interacting with much beauty and detail, and “324 Centre Street” follows with meticulous finger acrobatics from Ruzitschka matching Bublath’s stunning progression on the keys.

The middle track belongs to “Omaria”, where a mesmerizing quality surrounds the strategic repetition, while “Bala Com Bala” uses firm keys and very diverse guitar techniques for the highly melodic album highlight.

Arriving near the end, “Hermeto” carries an upbeat demeanor of playfulness and unparalleled skill between the pair, and “Samba Norte Sul” exits with an animated delivery of rhythmic and timeless instrumentation.

Though both musicians are from Europe, Ruzitschka spent 2 decades in Brazil, and he brings that experience to this technical, worldly and metrically stunning listen that few others could replicate.

Travels well with: Floris Kappeyne Trio- Closer; Luumu- Elephant Love Song

The Connells

Set The Stage

Black Park, 2023

9/10

Listen to Set The Stage

The Raleigh alt-rock legends The Connells bring us their first live recording after nearly 4 decades together, and it’s a set that spans their entire career.

“OT²” gets the listen off to a rich and dense start, where Rob Ladd’s agile drums guide the fluid instrumental, and the dreamy guitar of “Slackjawed” follows with Doug MacMillan’s cozy singing amid the energetic rhythm section of the melodic rocker.

Deeper into the set, “Too Gone” showcases David Connell’s precise bass playing in the more reserved climate of powerful alt-rock ideas, while “Running Mary” carries a charming jangle that reminds us of all the college rock greats from the early ‘90s.

Nearing the end, “Hey Wow” brings both grit and tunefulness to a calm versus rugged version of modern rock that benefits much from Mike Ayers’ thick guitar, and “Really Great” exits with a buzzing, dynamic climate that might make you dig out your Sugar records.

This is The Connells 10th album, and the first one I’ve listened to. It certainly won’t be the last, though, as their throwback formula that brings to mind R.E.M., Let’s Active and Paul Westerberg made me a fan pretty quick.

Travels well with: Matthew Sweet- Catspaw; Bob Mould- Blue Hearts

Laila Faerman

Awake! Arise!

SRI Chinmoy, 2023

8/10

Listen to Awake! Arise!

The esteemed vocalist Laila Faerman inteprets the songs of Sri Chinmoy across this very spiritual affair that welcomes the pianist and arranger Misha Tsiganov, plus many other musicians.

“Mantras” opens the listen with Tsiganov’s warm keys and Donald Edwards’ light drums illuminating Faerman’s soothing pipes, and “Mata Tumi Tomar Asi” follows with Premik Russell Tubbs’ soulful sax adding much emotion to the poetic and very dreamy delivery.

In the middle, “Saha Nav Avatu” emits much textured beauty thanks to the twinkling keys and gentle brass, while “Do Not Cry” benefits much from Faerman’s expressive voice and Tsiganov’s flowing piano.

Approaching the end, the cozy “Ei Jibaner (Purity-dawn)” radiates a stirring intimacy via the agile keys and Alap Jetzer’s bright duduk, and “Khama Karo (Forgiveness)” exits with Shamita Achenbach-Konig’s absorbing cello that suits the flawless and lifting vocals.

A very meticulous version of world jazz with plenty of modern sensibilities in the area of classical music, Faerman’s voice is nothing short of stunning, and the players on hand accent the emotive presence superbly.

Travels well with: Ramana Vieria- Tudo De Mim- All Of Me; Maria Jacobs- Back At The Bop Stop

Heather Mae

Glimmer

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Glimmer

Even though the Washington D.C. songstress Heather Mae addresses some deep topics like mental health, racial injustice and women’s right, the music on Glimmer is nothing short of bright, memorable and thoughtful pop melodica.

“Warrior” gets the listen off to a breathy start, where Mae’s pretty vocals rest alongside a haunting backdrop, as beats and a soulful setting enter the equation, and “Glimmer” follows with a smooth delivery of soft, cautious instrumentation.

Elsewhere, “Feeling Crazy” recruits a warm pop influence with a memorableness that could make Mae a household name, while the nature-esque “Smoke Signals” really allows Mae’s expressive pipes to soar on the elegant album highlight.

At the end, “I’m Still Here” recruits spirited keys and strings on the lush, powerful anthem and “Shaking Hands” exits the listen with harmonic vocals on a gospel friendly conclusion that leaves an impression without any other instruments than vocals.

A listen with much more depth than your standard pop music, Mae takes the high road lyrically, and musically holds her own against similar music infiltrating the FM dial, while injecting a whole lot of sincerity and eloquence.

Travels well with: Stevie Knicks- Street Angel; Sara Bareilles- The Blessed Unrest