The Bad Ends

The Power And The Glory

New West, 2023

9/10

Listen to The Power And The Glory

An Athens, Georgia all-star outfit consisting of Bill Berry (R.E.M), Mike Mantione (Five Eight), Christian Lopez (Curley Maple), Geoff Melkonian (Josh Joplin Group) and local guitar-shop-owner, Dave Domizi, The Bad Ends make an impressive debut with these 9 tracks that surround some weighty topics.

“Mile Marker 29” starts the listen with driving guitars and thumping drums amid the smooth singing in the alt-rock meets Americana climate, and “All Your Friends Are Dying” follows with both intimacy and ruggedness populating the folk-rock nods.

In the middle, “Thanksgiving 1915” isn’t short on power and melody that might bring to mind the college rock of the early ‘90s, while “Ode To Jose” trims the pace back significantly with John Neff’s pedal steel guitar adding much to the reflective mood of the bare delivery.

Arriving near the end, the dark spirited “Honestly” unfolds with a poetic, ominous quality that’s packed with dense bouts of hazy song craft, and “New York Murder Suicide” exits with Sean Dunn’s atmospheric guitar and the expressive singing that’s sparse but impactful.

Originally intended to be a solo project by Mantione, a chance meeting with Berry led to a full band affair, which is Berry’s first since leaving R.E.M. in 1997, and if this first effort is any indication, this could very well be a band that writes perfect records you’ll play for decades to come.

Travels well with: The Long Ryders- Psychedelic Country Soul; The Jayhawks- XOXO

Mojomama

We Are One

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to We Are One

The Denver retro-rockers Mojomama return with 13 new tracks of their blues, funk and rock’n’roll spirited tunes that are guided by Jessica Rogalski’s incredible voice.

“We Are One” starts the listen with bright, expressive singing alongside thumping drums and animated bass playing, and “I’m Searchin’” follows with warm, bluesy guitar amid the soulful, animated singing in the powerful blues climate.

Halfway through, “Other Side” brings a cozy intimacy to the soaring pipes and agile melodies, while “Borrowed Time” swirls with classic rock inspired guitar acrobatics alongside the firm, flowing vocals.

Approaching the end, “Can You Feel It” presents dynamic and scrappy retro-rock that’s plenty tuneful but also raw, and a 2nd version of “On The Run” exits the listen with a cultured, sophisticated flavor of cautious, stirring song craft.

Not so surprisingly, Mojomama were semi Finalists at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis for 2018 and 2019, and the appearances from guests Tom Cleary (keyboards) and Amber Delaurentis (backing vocals) only adds to the timeless and charming appeal of this superb listen.

Travels well with: Janiva Magness- Hard To Kill; Gina Sicilia- Unchange

Lunch At Allen's

Zuzu’s Petals

True North, 2022

9/10

Listen to Zuzu’s Petals

Originally released in 2012, this 10 year anniversary edition has the extraordinary songwriters Marc Jordan, Cindy Church, Ian Thomas and Murray McLauchlan, i.e. Lunch At Allen’s, bringing the popular seasonal album to the United States for the first time.

“Every Time It’s Christmas” opens the listen with soulful, smooth singing from Jordan alongside warm keys and agile drumming in the cozy demeanor, and “Zuzu’s Petals” follows with a dreamy duet that’s intimate and gorgeous in its sublimeness.

In the middle, “Count Your Blessings” pairs Church’s expressive, poetic voice alongside the mature piano playing, while “Spending My Christmas With You” offers a playful and bluesy album highlight and well timed backing vocals that complement the romantic mood thanks to McLauchlan’s flawless pipes.

The final two tracks include the Church led “Oh, What A Christmas Eve”, where brushed drums and radiant keys make an impression in a jazz friendly sort of way, and “The Christmas Song”, which exits with spirited harmonica amid the vivid imagery that captures the true essence of Christmas.

The collective talent here includes some of Canada’s finest, who have penned songs for legends like Rod Stewart, Diana Ross and Bon Jovi, among many more, and this superb holiday album sounds incredible any time of the year.

Travels well with: Murray McLaughlin- Hourglass; Marc Jordan & Amy Sky- He Sang She Sang

Mud Morganfield

Portrait

Delmark, 2022

8/10

Listen to Portrait

The eldest son of Muddy Water, Mud Morganfield brings us 14 rich and thick blues-rockers that touch on soul, Motown and R&B and welcome an all star cast of players that includes 2 unreleased songs.

“Praise Him” starts the listen with a very soulful approach, where Morganfield’s precise bass and expressive singing is complemented by Felicia Collins, Shantina Lowe and Demetrius Hall’s well timed backing vocals, and “Short Dressed Woman” follows with Billy Flynn’s intricate guitar, Barrelhouse Chuck’s piano acrobatics and Bob Corritore’s flowing harmonica populating the blues climate.

Elsewhere, “Health” trims the pace with a powerful, intimate delivery that showcases Kenny Smith’s agile drums, while “Money (Can’t Buy Everything)” highlights Chuck’s playful organ and Rick Kreher’s meticulous guitar playing.

The final 2 tracks are among the best, and include the upbeat and rhythmic “Blues In My Shoes”, and the warm, harmonica filled and frisky drumming of “Good Morning Little School Girl”.

Morganfield certainly is carrying on the spirit of his father, and these robust and diverse tunes have all been remastered for this first album on the Delmark label.

Travels well with: John Primer & Bob Corritore- The Gypsy Woman Told Me; Shawn Pittman- Make It Right!

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band

Trouble Is… 25

Provogue, 2022

8/10

Listen to Trouble Is… 25

Originally released in 1997, Kenny Wayne Shepherd decided to re-record his most successful album to date, and this Anniversary Edition comes with a live DVD filmed at The Strand Theatre in Shepherd’s hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana.

“Slow Ride” starts the listen with a dense, flowing and meticulous version of blues-rock that swirls with melodic guitar, and “True Lies” follows with hypnotic rhythm, thumping drums and Shepherd’s soaring and booming voice.

Elsewhere, “I Don’t Live Today” brings both cautiousness and grit to the meticulous climate, while “Somehow, Somewhere, Someway” bounces and sways with an energy you could and should dance to.

Arriving closer to the end, the busy and rugged “Chase The Rainbow” is full of stunning guitar acrobatics, and “Ballad Of A Thin Man” exits the listen with emphasis on piano before building into a powerful, thick and unparalleled blues-rock explosion.

An album that sold millions of copies, it’s certainly not difficult to see why as the timeless blues rock it produced sure has aged well, and sounds even better in this updated version.

Travels well with: Joe Bonamassa- Time Clocks; Walter Trout- Ride

Kari Kirkland

If (When You Go)

Slead Head, 2023

8/10

Listen to If (When You Go)

Previously a trapeze artist, these days the jazz vocalist Kari Kirkland stays closer to the ground with her timeless and well thought out song craft that brings 8 contemporary covers of tunes that hosts plenty of esteemed musicians.

“I Can’t Help It” opens the listen with Carlitos del Puerto’s playful bass complementing Kirkland’s agile and flowing pipes, and “Since I Fell For You” follows with an intimate spirit of poetic, stirring song craft that benefits from Shelly Berg’s warm keys.

“Fragile” lands in the middle, and recruits cultured melodies thanks to Peter Erskine’s diverse drumming and Brian Kilgore’s skilled percussion, while “Good Things Fall Apart” is full of radiant, lush textures of beauty and grace.

Landing close to the end, “I Didn’t Mean To Turn You On” emits bright brass amid the soulful, seductive pipes, and “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” exits with a soaring, R&B tinted finish that showcases Kirkland’s versatility and memorableness.

Kirkland truly makes all these songs her own, and the strategic use of saxophones (David Mason and Jason Arkins), trumpet (Camilo Molina) and trombone (Brandon Bryant) only add to the sophisticated appeal.

Travels well with: Roberta Donnay- Blossom-ing!; Melissa Stylianou- Dream Dancing

David Crosby & The Lighthouse Band

Live At The Capitol Theatre

BMG, 2022

8/10

Listen to Live At The Capitol Theatre

It’s actually pretty surprising that the folk-rock legend David Crosby hadn’t released a live album until this. A collection of 16 cuts, Crosby is alongside Becca Stevens, Michelle Willis and Michael League, i.e. The Lighthouse Band, for the guitar filled and very eloquent set where all the players sing, too.

“The Us Below” starts the set with warm acoustic guitar and Crosby’s inimitable storytelling alongside soulful backing vocals in the cautious opener, and “Things We Do For Love” follows with a dreamy climate that recruits much beauty to the breathy delivery.

Further along, “Laughing” emits a darker approach, where Crosby hits some pretty high notes and pays close attention to mood, while “Glory” makes for a stirring duet that’s poetic and intimate.

Approaching the end, “Janet” finds plenty of grooves to reside in amid its R&B nods, and the Joni Mitchell tune, “Woodstock”, exits with much care and sophistication, as Crosby keeps the classic gentle.

Crosby has gifted us his work in the legendary bands the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash, and his 7 solo albums certainly don’t disappoint, either. He found an undeniable chemistry with this new band, but he passed away shortly this project was released, so we’re left to marvel at how consistently great his output was even at 80 years old.

Travels well with: Jackson Browne- Downhill From Everywhere; Paul Weller- Fat Pop (Volume 1)

Alex Chilton

Live In London: Encore Edition

Sundazed, 2022

8/10

Listen to Live In London: Encore Edition

A collection of tunes recorded live at Dingwalls, London, England from May 27-28, 1980, this 2xLP or CD set offers several unreleased tracks of Alex Chilton’s inimitable Memphis psychobilly that welcomes Mathew Seligman on bass, Knox on guitar and Morris Windsor behind the drum kit.

“Bangkok” opens the listen with firm thumping and a scrappy, garage rocker, where Chilton’s lazy vocals complement the rawness, and “Tramp” follows with howling singing/talking amid the swirling guitar that’s just so charming.

Deeper into the selections, “Hey! Little Child” embraces the power-pop spirit of his legendary Big Star outfit, while “Rock Hard” recruits some surf friendly guitars to the proto-punk formula that’s full of gritty melody.

The unreleased tracks reside on the back half, and some of the best include the animated bass and expressive singing of Ray Davies’ “Come On Now”, as well as the loose and jangly Marvin Moore tune, “I’m On This Rocket”. Benny Eldson’s “Doubtful Of Your Love” exits the CD portion with a dense, rumbling, turbulent rocker that truly showcases Chilton’s very unique appeal that continues to resonate with fans long after he passed away.

The package comes with new liner notes from Jim Allen, who spent time with those in attendance for the two day pajama party, and it serves as an essential piece of Chilton’s lengthy discography that isn’t a bad place to start for the first time listener, either.

Travels well with: Richard Hell And The Voidoids- Destiny Street Complete; Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers- Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers

Gail Ceasar

Guitar Woman Blues

Music Maker, 2022

9/10

Listen to Guitar Woman Blues

The bluegrass and blues singer-songwriter Gail Ceasar survived a devastating house fire last year, which engulfed all her musical possessions, but the artist parlayed that tragedy into this debut album that captures songs she’s been playing all her life.

“Going Down The Road Feeling Bad” opens the listen with Ceasar’s flowing guitar playing amid her raw, expressive singing that recruits a very calm, Southern Blues spirit, and “Guitar Woman Blues” follows with a hypnotic melody populating the intricate and agile guitar progressions.

In the middle, the intimate delivery of “Freight Train” is met with poetic singing and much emotion, while “Rocky Top” carries a folk friendly spirit of coziness that is the equivalent of an old friend coming over for a visit.

Approaching the end, “Ramblin’ On My Mind” tips it hat to traditional blues with no lack of rhythm, and “The Refuge Of My Soul” exits with her classic style, strong attention to tone and the meticulousness of her finger acrobatics making for an admirable finish.

Ceasar has deep roots in rural Virginia, and she brings that history with her to these gritty yet beautiful songs that she relays like an old soul, though she’s not even 40 years old yet.

Travels well with: Nora Brown- Long Time To Be Gone; Christine Sweeney- Heart In A Hurry

Alex Bird & Ewen Farncombe

Songwriter

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Songwriter

The duo of Alex Bird and Ewen Farncombe brings together two of Canada’s finest jazz artists for 11 new originals of well thought out and very literate pieces of piano and vocals.

“This Songs Is Ours” opens with Farncombe’s mature, dreamy keys alongside Bird’s stirring, expressive voice in the intimate climate, and “I’ve Seen The Sun” follows with bouncy piano amid Bird’s vivid storytelling that soars with much warmth.

In the middle, “Symphony Of Love” finds itself in romantic territory that’s quite stirring, while “If You’re Not Laughing (You’re Cryin’)” emits much beauty from Bird’s smooth pipes amid the eloquent piano playing.

“Tiny Warbler” and the title track exit the listen, where the former lands in dreamy areas of absorbing and timeless jazz, and the latter picks up the pace with a frisky and bouncy demeanor that’s quite infectious.

A listen that certainly brings to mind the Tony Bennett/Bill Evans sessions, Bird and Farncombe’s combined strengths make for a superbly enjoyable and sophisticated version of jazz that we could never tire of.

Travels well with: Mulo Francel- Mountain Melody; Melissa Stylianou- Dream Dancing

Ward White

Ice Cream Chords

VF14, 2022

8/10

Listen to Ice Cream Chords

The veteran songsmith Ward White returns with his 14th album, and it’s full of ‘50s doo-wop nods alongside White’s inimitable and enjoyable voice.

“Shorter” opens the listen with White’s smooth, deep voice amid Mark Stepro’s precise drumming in the melodic pop-rock landscape, and “Rumors” follows with a bit of ruggedness that balances the driving guitars and scrappy drumming that tips its hat to the ‘80s.

The title track lands in the middle and trims the pace back with much emphasis on mood in the dreamy climate, while “Born Again” leaps into vibrant and animated glam-rock that’s harmonically charming.

Arriving near the end, “Signore” offers a very mature, breezy display of poetic songwriting, and “Slouch” exits the listen with a shimmering, nostalgic pop approach that’s immediately mesmerizing.

It’s not hard to imagine legends like Bowie, Costello or Ferry when listening to White’s craft, and his strong attention to singing, guitar and bass, along with Stepro’s drums and Tyler Chester’s keyboards, makes for a timeless body of work in the area of art-influenced pop and rock.

Travels well with: Kelly Hogan- I Like To Keep Myself In Pain; Dizzy Box Nine- Radio Fiction

Dan McCarthy

Songs Of The Doomed: Some Jaded, Atavistic Freakout

Self-Released, 2022

10/10

Listen to Songs Of The Doomed: Some Jaded, Atavistic Freakout

An album inspired by the iconoclastic work of Hunter S. Thompson, Dan McCarthy brings his vibraphone skills to this ‘Gonzo Cypher’ formula of phrasing that welcomes Don Scott, Luan Phung, Daniel Fortin and Ernesto Cervini.

“Morning At Woody Creek” opens the listen with much ambience, where a warm melody is present amid the Hendrix-ish guitar playing from Scott and Phung, and “Hell’s Angels” follows with Cervini’s acrobatic drumming and Fortin’s thick bass making for a wild yet precise affair.

Further on, “Kingdom Of Fear” is textured cautiously with strong attention to mood thanks to the haunting moments, while “Strange Rumblings In Aztlan”, the best track, highlights the dynamic rhythm section alongside the expressive guitars in an abstract sort of way.

Landing near the end, “White Rabbit”, the lone cover, features vocals from Jenn McCarthy, which emits a ‘60s San Francisco demeanor, and “Evening In Woody Creek” exits the listen with a denseness that brings all the players to the very adventurous finish.

A truly unclassifiable listen, you’ll absorb folk, rock, progressive, psychedelic, and jazz sensibilities here, as McCarthy and company will have you in awe of the sheer creativity populating these unpredictable tracks.

Travels well with: RJ LeBlanc- Heyday; Noah Lemish- Twelve

Villages

Dark Island

Sonic, 2023

9/10

Listen to Dark Island

The Canadian folk-rock sensations Villages return with a sophomore album, where Matt Ellis, Travis Ellis, Jon Pearo and Archie Rankin are in fine form across songs that form a love letter to their Nova Scotia home.

“Wearing Through The Pine” starts the listen with a Celtic influenced version of folk-rock that’s quite harmonic and flows with a retro-spirit, and “Love Will Live On” follows with bright, expressive singing that suits the slight jangle and strong attention to melody.

In the middle, “Lost Again” recruits a sublime dreaminess that builds into a swift strummer, while “Willow” brings a bit of haze to the cautious, poetic album highlight.

Arriving near the end, “Pink & Grey” offers a louder, dynamic version of indie-rock that might remind you of Teenage Fanclub or Belle and Sebastian, and “Rocks In The Field” exits with a charming, English demeanor that makes me want to dig out my Frank Turner records.

Formerly called Mardeen, Villages sprinkles images of fields, waves, trees, rivers and rock amid their formula and there’s plenty of atmosphere present, too, as they continue to prove just why they’re one of the most exiting bands in Canada today.

Travels well with: Mo Kenney- Covers; The Jerry Cans- Inuusiq/Life

Steven Mackey

Beautiful Passing

Canary Classics, 2022

8/10

Listen to Beautiful Passing

The Grammy Winning composer Steven Mackey brings us a portrait album, where 2 lengthy compositions are led by the conductor David Robertson and were recorded live.

The title track opens the listen with violin and orchestra making for a booming and dramatic lead off track, where Anthony Marwood’s precise violin complements the bare meets busy textures, and is never short on swirling harmonics, too.

The back half of the listen belongs to “Mnemosyne’s Pool”, where the 5 movements spread out across ebbs of sparse mystery and flowing, cinematic bouts of meticulous chamber exploration, as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s sublime interaction is nothing short of flawless.

Although his impetus into music began with the guitar as a youngster, these days Mackey is well versed in ensembles, orchestra, dance and opera, and this glowing body of work illuminates his colorful approach with daring, exciting and stirring musicianship.

Travels well with: Orli Shaham- Complete Piano Sonatas Vol. 2 & 3; Orli Shaham- Mozart Complete Piano Sonatas

Custard Flux

Phosphorus

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Phosphorous

A mostly electric free project spearheaded by the multi-instrumentalist Curvey, as Custard Flux he creates a very distinct version of progressive rock that incorporates pop, psychedelic and even folk moments.

“The Pretender/Memory Ends” opens the listen with scrappy, agile drumming to complement the swirling guitar and melodic singing in the dynamic, prog-climate, and “Phosphorus” follows with a flowing dreaminess that welcomes Mars Williams’ soulful sax playing.

Further on, the Portuguese guitar from Vito Greco helps cultivate a cultured and meticulous delivery of acoustic meets psychedelic rock, while “Roses And Wine” offers hypnotic textures of busy and expressive multi-faceted song craft.

Landing closer to the end, the intimate “Orbital Transport” offer both beauty and ruggedness in its precise layering that benefits from Timothy Prettyman’s double bass, and “The Face Of Mankind” exits with Jay Tausig’s airy flute adding much mystery to the exciting and unique finish.

Curvey spent 3 decades as the mover and shaker behind the psych-prog-pop outfit The Luck Of Eden Hall, and this newer project is quickly seeing a lot of praise and for good reason; the songwriting here is top notch, memorable and highly original.

Travels well with: Knekklectric- Alt Blir Verre; Moon Letters- Thank You From The Future

Juha Kujanpää

Old Ways, New Ways

Kuu, 2022

9/10

Listen to Old Ways, New Ways

A Finnish composer and musician who is well versed in folk, jazz and rock, Juha Kujanpää makes quite an impression with these 10 tracks, where piano, reed organ and synth plus many others are utilized in worldly, progressive ways.

The title track opens the listen with dreamy vocals and Emmi Kujanpää’s warmly plucked kantele making for a soothing, meditative climate, and the dense, textured “Trekators” follows with Joakim Berghäll’s sax and Verneri Pohjola’s trumpet making for a uniquely jazz flavored delivery.

At the halfway point, “Morning Star” is a highly melodic and airy display of cautious, cozy instrumentation that flirts with New Age sensibilities, while “Gates Of Heaven” spotlights Jouni Järvelä’s clarinet prowess in the intimate and lush album highlight.

The last two tracks are quite impressive, too, where “In The Country” welcomes Henri Haapakoski’s atmospheric flute and Teija Niku’s well timed accordion for the sublime vocals scatting, and “Glow” exits the listen with gorgeous piano amid the vulnerable demeanor that’s poetic.

A record that parallels the greatness coming from labels like Apollon, this is Kujanpää’s 4th solo album, and it truly is an exceptional example of modern day prog-rock that warrants plenty of attention.

Travels well with: Moon Letters- Thank You From The Future; Oak- The Quiet Rebellion Of Compromise

Jesse Passenier

Fight For Light

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Fight For Light

The Dutch composer Jesse Passenier bridges jazz and classical sounds here, where the 3 well thought out compositions surround the push and pull of strength, goodness, and clarity.

“Piano Concerto No. 1 "Levensdrift”” starts the listen with 3 movements, where the ADDA Simfònica’s dramatic and meticulous attention to detail is met with Kari Ikonen’s stunning piano playing that pays close attention to mood.

“Vibraphone & Marimba Concerto No. 1 "Becoming the Colour", the middle track, then brings Vincent Houdijk
‘s vibraphone and marimba into the warm, dreamy climate that’s as pretty as it is stirring, and is still capable of bursts of tension.

The final track, “Duo for Vibraphone & Piano "Unravelling Confusion", pairs Vincent Houdijk’s vibraphone and Kari Ikonen’s piano for the very expressive and agile exit that spends 13 minutes mesmerizing us with its sublime interplay.

A very astute affair, Passenier hones in on the realities facing society today, and his symphonic approach to song craft that welcomes Josep Vicent as conductor for the 2 of the 3 pieces, makes an indelible impression.

Travels well with: Amplify; London Symphony Orchestra- Sparks: Eye Of London

Sarah Belle Reid & David Rosenboom

Nows

Ravello, 2022

8/10

Listen to Nows

A record pieced together during the pandemic that involved bouncing musical ideas back and forth, the ‘sound correspondences’ between Sarah Belle Reid and David Rosenboom entails strings, horns, modular synthesizers and analog signal processors, plus many more.

“Never Know Night Ears” opens the listen with a primal, raw energy that’s full of swift electronic manipulation amid wordless vocals in the otherworldly climate, and “Accelerated Mitosis” follows with a mysterious droning that comes with videogame-esque noises and an ominous backdrop in a sci-fi sort of way.

Halfway through, “Pluck Ping Scatter” recruits all sorts of percussive noises that could be found objects, and the synthetic blips and bleeps are quite fascinating, too, while “Softspace” flows with plenty of ambient qualities that are certainly cinematic, sometimes even dreamy.

Landing near the end, “Time-Sound Canvas Fire Brush” resembles water flowing in another dimension and is particularly iconoclastic, and “Tolling” exits with a slithering, buzzing playfulness that incorporates the sound of bells.

A post-genre excursion that can be abrasive and perplexing but is always exciting, Reid and Rosenboom make for an unconventional and highly unusual listen that you can’t help but be drawn to.

Travels well with: Globe Travel Homeland; DRAX- CHAOS + Contemplation

Various Artists

Amplify: All Classical Portland’s RII Vol. 1

Navona, 2022

9/10

Listen to Amplify: All Classical Portland’s RII Vol. 1

A listen that addresses the inequities in classical musical, 5 current composers are highlighted here, where their individual techniques and visions are illuminated by strings and keys.

Lauren McCall’s “A Spark And A Glimmer” opens the listen with Caitlin Edwards’ violin, Nancy Ives’ cello and Monica Ohuchi’s piano making for a radiant and meticulous display of charming string interaction and agile keys amid much adventurousness, and “Femmes de légende”, by Mélanie Hélène Bonis, follows with María García’s lone piano making for a very intimate and expressive demeanor across the diverse 7 movements.

Keyla Orozco’s “Souvenirs” occupies the middle spot, and benefits from Inés Voglar Belgique (violin), Keiko Araki (violin), Hillary Oseas (viola), and Nancy Ives (cello), who blend their strings with fascinating dynamics that can be bare and busy, while Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson’s “Sonata for Flute and Piano” enlists Adam Eccleston (flute) and Monica Ohuchi (piano) for the dreamy versus hectic playing from the pair that is quite captivating.

The final track, and only one that features singing, has Karen Slack’s soprano and Yoko Greeney’s piano making for the firm, rumbling and highly unpredictable “Taking Names”, by Jasmine Barnes.

A landmark release as it’s the 1000th album from the PARMA Organization, this collection does an excellent job of spotlighting modern classical music that we could never tire of.

Travels well with: London Symphony Orchestra- Sparks: Eye Of London; Beth Mehocic- Collected Works Of Beth Mehocic

Augie Haas

Dream A Little Dream

Playtime, 2019

8/10

Listen to Dream A Little Dream

Trumpeter, composer, and educator Augie Haas is aligned with a 15 piece orchestra where 8 vocal tracks and 3 instrumentals comprise Dream A Little Dream, as he brings new life to old songs under the massive skill present.

The title track starts the listen with twinkling keys and inviting, soothing vocals from Haas on the string friendly jazz tune, and “Blackbird” follows with soft horns and sweeping melodies in the orchestral influenced affair.

Elsewhere, “Georgia On My Mind” unfolds with a cinematic quality to its horn fueled cautiousness, while “I Only Have Eyes” recruits comforting balladry in a rhythmic and mature environment.

Near the end, Haas does justice to the classic “Stand By Me” with his glassy smooth vocals alongside bright instrumentation, and the busy yet restrained “Ooh Child” again exemplifies the strong talent present. “Stay” ends the listen with vivid strings and playful musicianship, putting a very mature twist on the Maurice Williams hit.

Hass has been quite prolific in recent years, and when he continually releases music this exciting and memorable, I don’t think anyone is going to complain.

Travels well with: Chris Botti- Impressions; Miles Davis- TuTu