Yoojung Kim

Scriabin Recital

Bridge, 2023

10/10

Listen to Scriabin Recital

The New York resident Yoojung Kim bring her poetic and dramatic interpretative nature to these time honored pieces by the Russian composer Alexander Scriabin, where the complicated delivery contains much intimacy and warmth.

“Fantasia in B minor, op. 28” gets the listen off to an agile start, where Kim’s finger prowess finds both reflective and adventurous tones in the meticulous climate, and it isn’t long before the 20+ minutes of “Sonata No. 3 in F-sharp minor, op. 30” emits a charming dreaminess that’s quite mesmerizing.

In the middle, the gentle delivery of “Deux poémes, op. 32” twinkles with a stirring presence, while “Deux poémes, op. 63” floats with a sublime melody that’s quite infectious. The final track, “Vers la flamme, op. 72”, builds into an emotive and tense display of intense and unparalleled playing that’s just so memorable.

In addition to being a skilled pianist, Kim’s an improviser, arranger, musical cu-
rator, educator, chamber musician and collaborator, and anyone with a penchant for piano music will be enamored here.

Travels well with: David Starobin- Giulio Regondi: A 200th Birthday Bouquet; Rune Most- Flute Concertos

Stephen Philip Harvey Octet

Elemental

HCR, 2023

8/10

Listen to Elemental

The tenor sax wizard Stephen Philip Harvey aligns himself with some excellent company for these 6 songs that were pieced together during the pandemic and point at themes of fire, air, water and earth.

The title track opens the listen with Chris Coles’ animated alto sax and Theron Brown’s warm keys making for a bright yet reflective climate, and “Tidal Force” follows with Tony DePaolis’ precise bass and Tommy Lehman’s soulful trumpet front and center in the dreamy delivery.

Packed in the middle are “Fuel The Flame” and “Tectonic Shift”, where the former offers a swift and harmonic display of frisky brass to complement Dustin May’s agile drumming, while the latter showcases Dan Bruce’s spirited guitar work in the swirling, dynamic album highlight.

The final track, “Balance”, benefits much from Reggie Watkins’ well timed trombone that helps illuminate the timeless jazz sensibilities that we could never tire of.

A listen very much steeped in modern jazz ideas, this is Harvey’s first outing as an 8 piece, and let’s hope it isn’t his last, cause the massive amount of talent present makes each song worth revisiting many times.

Travels well with: Saturn Quartet- Luz; Jakob Dreyer- Songs, Hymns And Ballads Vol. 2

Hanneke Cassel

Infinite Brightness

Cassel, 2023

8/10

Listen to Infinite Brightness

The esteemed fiddler Hanneke Cassel births an all instrumental album that says much without words, and welcomes influences from Scotland and Canada into these 9 bright and tender songs.

“Evacuation Day” starts the listen with Cassel’s intricate fiddle prowess alongside Keith Murphy’s warm acoustic guitar, and “Serendipity/Making Tracie Smile” follows with a very heartfelt and intimate appeal that uses Tristan Clarridge’s cello superbly.

“Lovely Liddy/Teagan’s Trip” arrives at the halfway point and meshes the fiddle, cello and guitar with much grace in the very pretty landscape, while “Katy Ryan’s Wedding Day/Dmitir’s Dream” welcomes Yann Falquet’s meticulous guitar playing to the dreamy climate.

Close to the end, the swift “Raise Your Glass/DFC” balances tension and beauty with incredible attention to detail, and “How Great Thou Art/Cali’s Jig” places Cassel’s piano skills on display and it emits waves of gorgeous key playing that’s absorbing.

A highly mature, lush and timeless body of work, Cassel brings the spirit of Oregon home with these pieces, and with the excellent players on hand, it makes for a Celtic/Irish flavored affair that’s much appreciated.

Travels well with: Melissa Ruth- Bones; The Ransom Brothers- Resurgence

Jae Sinnett's Zero To 60 Quartet

Commitment

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Commitment

The drummer and composer Jae Sinnett returns with his 19th release as leader, and he’s got some excellent musicians along for the ride to flesh out the 5 originals and 5 standards that are soulful and can swing playfully.

The energetic and melodic “Takin It There” leads with Steve Wilson’s flowing sax alongside Sinnett’s stunning drum acrobatics, and “Wait For Me” follows with Allen Farnham’s meticulous piano complementing the soulful brass and frisky drumming.

“Skylark” occupies the middle spot, and takes on a more intimate quality thanks to the mature keys and the eloquent brass, while “Muhammara’s Dance” certainly will get your body moving to the rhythmic interplay of the drums, horns and Terry Burrell’s well timed bass prowess.

“Guise” and “No More Blues (Chega De Saudade)” exit the listen, where the former recruits Randy Brecker’s inimitable trumpet playing in the dreamy demeanor, the latter bops and shakes with an animated appeal of timeless jazz and blues.

A listen where each member’s contributions are nothing short of superb, from beginning to end this is a harmonic, melodic and rhythmic affair that illustrates much skill and commitment to their craft.

Travels well with: Eric Lilley Trio- Three; David Larsen- The Peplowski Project

Glen Whitehead

Pale Blue

Neuma, 2023

9/10

Listen to Pale Blue

Armed with a trumpet, electronics and a highly creative mind, Glen Whitehead meshes exploration, improvised ideas and environmental consideration into these 7 unclassifiable tracks.

The title track opens the listen with hazy brass and a very spacey, sci-fi backdrop that wanders with much mystery, and “Dawn of the Din” follows with what sounds like wind amid what could be field recordings of animal gestures or even haunting soundbites, as the soulful trumpet lingers in the background.

In the middle, “Dreaming At A Distance” pairs the sounds of waves with the expressive trumpet for an oddly soothing display, while “Pila del Ángel” welcomes Dr. Colin McAllister’s electric and classical guitar to the droning template that uses the plucked guitar and unique pitch of the trumpet in very unorthodox ways.

The final track, “4 Wai”, is a bit brighter, dreamy even, as it swirls with an eerie ambience and jazz leanings thanks to Whitehead’s distinct vision with his instrument.

An experience that is full of electroacoustic bouts, unpredictable soundscapes and atypical trumpet playing, Whiteheard brings his experience from his time with the EcoSono Ensemble, The New Zealand Māori ensemble Wai, Psychoangelo, the Bottesini Ensemble and Nexus Brass for this remarkably iconoclastic listen.

Travels well with: Phillip Bush- Concord; Gilbert Galindo- Terrestrial Journeys

Aaron Jay Myers

Late Night Banter

Neuma, 2023

8/10

Listen to Late Night Banter

The composer, guitarist and educator Aaron Jay Myers is no stranger to diverse music, and here he meshes classical, jazz, metal and free improvisation into this highly atypical and exciting listen.

“Save One Life, You Save The World Entire” leads with the NorthStar Duo’s flute and baritone saxophone interacting with unpredictable rhythm and cautious harmonies, and the title track follows with a busy display of winds, brass, and drumming that makes for a very cinematic version of chamber rock.

“You Got On My Nerves And I Don’t Like Your Hat” lands in the middle, and showcases Helen Hassinger’s soprano, Emily Harmon’s mezzo soprano, Wes Hunter’s tenor and Brian Church’s baritone, as the four solo voices harmonize and soar both together and individually. “Lichens II” then unfolds across 8 chapters of timbre and textured ideas that allow for Stephanie Lamprea’s soprano to make for standard singing versus guttural gestures.

The last track, “Perception Stains Reality”, finds itself in more rock focused areas, where Myers’ meticulous electric guitar and Aaron Trant’s fluid drumming radiate warmth and firmness.

Proof of Myers’ eclectic nature is found in his hardcore band, Niffin and avant-metal outfit, Kraanerg. This body of work is more closely related to classical and chamber sensibilities, and from beginning to end it elicits a versatile and imaginative listening experience.

Travels well with: John Cage- Sonatas & Interludes; William Duckworth- The Time Curve Preludes

Cabin Dogs

On The Creek

Crippled Hound, 2023

8/10

Listen to On The Creek

The brothers Rich Kwait and Rob Kwait put out a couple records 20 years ago under the Kwait Brothers Band, but these days as Cabin Dogs they welcome several more members to flesh out their folk, country, blues and rock sounds on this 6th studio album has them firmly planted in the sounds of the ‘70s.

“Everybody Loves The Sun” opens the listen with breezy acoustic guitar and Ron DiSilvestro’s fluid drumming populating the melodic folk-rock, and “Grover” follows with David Streim’s warm piano complementing the expressive singing in the lush climate.

Further on, the intimate “Make It On Time” benefits much from Isaac Stanford’s glowing pedal steel amid the poetic singing, while “M. Moon” showcases Adam Monaco’s bright mandolin for the very pretty, bluegrass friendly album highlight.

The last 2 tracks are excellent, too, where “Kitchen Door” uses Rob’s bass strategically and helps cultivate a playful, rural spirit, and “Indian Fort” exits with bouncy bass work and dreamy textures for the very cozy, timeless finish.

A very charming and easily enjoyable listen of songs that certainly bring us back to simpler times, the brothers bring a wealth of talent and an excellent cast of players to 13 well thought out tracks.

Travels well with: Hollis Brown- In The Aftermath; Patrick Sweany- Close To The Floor

Justin Holland

Guitar Works And Arrangements

Naxos, 2023

8/10

Listen Guitar Works And Arrangements

A Virginia native who had much influence on American guitar music of the 19th century, Justin Holland’s work is interpreted by the inimitable Christopher Mallet across these 14 timeless tracks.

“Delta Kappa Epsilon, Grand March” opens the listen with a very warm and fluid display of meticulous guitar playing, and “'Tis the Last Rose of Summer” follows with a breezy sense of melody that’s heartfelt.

Further along, the intimate “Home Sweet Home” is full of pretty and harmonic progressions, while “Rochester Schottisch” moves swiftly with a rich and firm prowess that’s immediately memorable.

Arriving close to the end, “Variations on L. Mason's Nearer, My God, to Thee in E Major” emits a dreamy demeanor of reflective song craft, and “Carnival of Venice, Fantaisie” exits with a crisp tone and carefully manipulated strings for an exciting yet cautious finish.

This is the first major release of Holland’s work, and Mallet certainly does his legacy proud with much dexterity and elegance packed into the colorful arrangements.

Travels well with: JoAnn Falletta- Elfman-Hailstork Concertos; Florent Schmitt- La Tragédie de Salomé

Cecilia Smith

The Mary Lou Williams Resurgence Project: Volume One

Innova, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Mary Lou Williams Resurgence Project: Volume One

The vibraphonist and composer Cecilia Smith brings her inimitable skills to honor the legacy of Mary Lou Williams with these 10 tracks that welcome some exceptional musicians.

“Sketch 1- Truth Be Told For MLW” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where Ron Savage’s swift drums and Smith’s lively vibes makes for a dreamy and melodic climate, and “What’s Your Story Morning Glory?” follows with Kenny Davis’ playfully plucked bass amid Carla Cook’s soulful voice.

At the midpoint, “Sketch 3- 100 Years Of MLW” emits a rich tone thanks to the warm keys and calming vibe manipulation, while “St. Louis Blues” is quite frisky in the rhythmic and contagious album highlight.

Near to the end, “It’s A Grand Night For Swinging” indeed will get your body moving to the dynamic mood of the timeless jazz sensibilities, and the 2nd version of “Miss D.D.” exits with the hypnotic bass, meticulous vibe progressions and shuffling drums for the animated and textured finish.

An excellent starting point for a project with immeasurable talent present, Smith sees future installments willing to embrace big band ideas and choral pieces, and there’s little doubt it will be as focused, diverse and memorable as this.

Travels well with: Jane Irving- Don’t Quit Now; Trio Profondo- Mosaic

Plena Libre

Cuatro Esquinas

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Cuatro Esquinas

The Grammy winners Plena Libre have been creating authentic Puerto Rican music for 3 decades now, and these 12 new tracks showcase their hand drumming, lively horns, and soulful three-part vocal harmonies with stunning polyrhythmic attention.

“4 Esquinas” opens the listen with intricate drumming, bright brass and soothing, harmonic group vocals for the swift and melodic climate, and “Mi Plena” follows with very animated singing amid the dynamic, percussive sounds.

In the middle, the warm spirit of “La Solitería” strategically places the horns alongside the expressive voices, while “Bang Bang”, the album’s best, brings a charming breeziness that benefits much from the vivid storytelling and mesmerizing drumming patterns.

Landing near the end, “Tu Cintura con la Mia” is full of precise and worldly rhythmic ideas, and “Si Va a Llover” exits with the glowing three-part vocal harmonies soaring festively.

A listen that was inspired by founding member Gary Nuñez’s upbringing near are an area of four corners that carried a bad reputation, the songs here are positively uplifting, rich in diversity and globally enjoyable.

Travels well with: Dogo Du Togo- Dogo Tu Togo; Michela Musolino- La Notti Triunfanti

Israel Tanenbaum

Impressions

Zoho, 2023

8/10

Listen to Impressions

An artist who has produced 50+ album for musicians from Puerto Rico, Colombia and the U.S., Israel Tanenbaum creates his first Latin jazz solo album, and he brings along old friends who he grew up with in Puerto Rico for the 9 cultured tracks.

“Strange Destiny” opens the listen with vivid horns and eloquent piano amid the frisky percussion that benefits from the wordless vocal choir of Diana Serna, Gustavo Rodriguez and Daniel Silva, and “Hot Bridge” follows with no lack of grooves present that showcases Jonathan Powell’s bright trumpet, Felipe Lamoglia’s glowing sax and Angel Subero’s animated trombone.

Halfway through, the pace is trimmed back with the 3 minute piano interlude thanks to Tanenbaum’s elegant key prowess, while “Mambo Raro” showcases Daniel Neville’s vibraphone skills via the contagious rhythm.

Close to the end, the intimate “Steamy Patricia” offers a romantic balero thanks to the stirring piano, and “Vaya” exits with a lively danzón that spotlights John Benitez’s meticulous upright bass that makes an indelible impression.

Tanenbaum’s got a resume that no one could parallel, and here he adds a very personal body of work that’s dance friendly, heartfelt and worldly rhythmic.

Travels well with: Ben Sher- Samba For Tarsila; Dawn Derow- My Ship: Songs From 1941

Beth Bombara

It All Goes Up

Black Mesa, 2023

9/10

Listen to It All Goes Up

The St. Louis singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Beth Bombara knows her way around a roots rocks tune you won’t soon forget, and these 10 new tunes welcome some esteemed guests to the equation.

“Moment” wastes no time making an impression with Bombara’s pretty, heartfelt voice amid Samuel Gregg’s glowing pedal steel, and “Lonely Walls” follows with Mike Schurk’s cautious drumming alongside the expressive singing in the emotive climate.

“Get On” arrives in the middle and carries a lush intimacy that welcomes Eric Henry’s cozy pedal steel and Karl Kling’s spirited 12 string guitar, while “Carry The Weight” emits retro folk ideas that parallel the greatness of Linda Ronstadt or Joni Mitchell.

Residing near the end, the playfully rhythmic “What You Wanna Hear” is quite fluid, and “Fade” exits with the always impressive John Calvin Abney on Rhodes piano and electric guitar for the poetic, eloquent finish.

Bombara’s craft may remind you of legends like Aimee Mann or Jewel, and though these songs were written during a rough 2 years with the world in disarray, they exhibit much positivity in her uplifting and very memorable version of Americana.

Travels well with: Maia Sharp- Mercy Rising; Nicki Bluhm- Avondale Drive

Run Katie Run

Cowboy Boots With Fishnet Tights

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Cowboy Boots With Fishnet Tights

The first LP from the roots, Americana outfit fronted by Kate Coleman’s inviting vocals and often autobiographical stories, the 13 tracks here from Run Katie Run explore and rock and folk ideas, too.

“Better Take Me With You” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where the warm duet welcomes thumping drums, frisky banjo and swift melodies, and “I’ve Been Called Worse” follows with plenty of soulful swagger amid the calm versus busy moments of animated country rock.

The intimate “This Is All Your Fault” lands in the middle and showcases Kate’s expressive voice alongside a booming chorus, while the acoustic guitar fueled “The Middle” resides in poetic territory with its stirring vision and cautious demeanor.

Near to the end, the mature piano of “Make You Love Me” is just the cozy keys and Kate’s powerful voice, and the multi-faceted “Probably Won’t” exits with bluesy fun, bluegrass nods and timeless rock sensibilities.

An album with a healthy amount of twang, lively roots-rock and sublime introspection, Kate is joined by Adam Pendlington (guitar, banjo), Ian Pendlington (drums), Corey Coleman (vocals, guitar, strings, keys), Stephen Quinn (bass, vocals) and guest spots from Addie Levy (mandolin) and Sarah Cammisano (fiddle) for this very unique and exciting version of Americana.

Travels well with: Katie Callahan- The Water Comes Back; Rachel McIntyre Smith- Glory Daze

Ben Sher

Samba For Tarsila

Zoho, 2023

8/10

Listen to Samba For Tarsila

The exceptional jazz guitarist Ben Sher brings his jazz and classical vision to these 7 worldly tunes that welcome Gary Fisher, Gregory M. Jones and Vanderlei Pereira to the fusion formula.

“Antropofagia” gets the listen off to a rhythmic start, where Jones’ playful bass and Sher’s meticulous guitar progressions are quite exciting and funky, and the title track follows with a calm groove amid the frisky drumming from Pereira.

In the middle, “Eu Vim Da Bahia” emits breezy melodies thanks to the harmonic guitar and brushed drums, while “On Green Dolphin Street” showcases Fisher’s skilled piano prowess in the dreamy album highlight.

The final track, “Mas Que Nada”, exits with funk and jazz thanks to the collaborative effort from the very talented quartet.

Influences from Wes Montgomery, George Benson, and Baden Powell won’t be hard to spot here, as Sher and company make music that spans the Americas and is as colorful as it is memorable.

Travels well with: Marco Pignataro- Chant For Our Planet; Dawn Derow- My Ship: Songs From 1941

iSing Silicon Valley

Love & Light

AVIE, 2023

9/10

Listen to Love & Light

The Bay Area girlchoir iSing Silicon Valley return with new works by Kenyon Duncan and Sungji Hong, plus Cheryl Ann Fulton’s harp, Esteli Gomez’s soprano and Jennah Delp Somers’ conducting for themes of remembrance, love, wisdom, and healing.

“Os Mutorum”, by Sir James MacMillan, opens the listen with the soaring, powerful, harmonizing vocals amid the dreamy harp playing, and “Ubi Flumen Praesulis” follows with bright and layered voices making for an uplifting, joyous climate in the Gabriel Jackson song.

Further along, Sungji Hong’s “Lux Aeterna” emits a very intimate appeal of expressive, heart felt harmonizing, while “Ave Regina Caelorum”, by Andrew Smith, offers a brief, poetic and stirring album highlight.

“Psalm 113” and “chorea lucis”, by Kile Smith and Kenyon Duncan, exit the listen, where the former is a soothing and twinkling affair, and the latter builds into a swirling, cathartic finish of sublime singing and strong attention to mood.

A listen that’s full of emotion from beginning to end and characterizes the darkness and isolation of the pandemic, in the area of modern choir music, it just doesn’t get any better than iSing Silicon Valley.

Travels well with: Voces8- Infinity; The Crossing- Born

Leonard 'Lowdown' Brown

Blues Is Calling Me

Music Maker, 2023

8/10

Listen to Blues Is Calling Me

The Houston, Texas soul/bluesman Leonard ‘Lowdown’ Brown celebrated turning 70 years old with this debut album of timeless electric blues, where he’s joined by drummer and producer Ardie Dean, guitarist Microwave Dave Galaher, Tony Grady on bass and Dan Hochter on keys and bass.

The funky lead off track, “Juke Joint”, brings Brown’s gritty voice to very melodic guitar playing and crisp drums, and “Find A Bridge” follows with a swift and breezy approach of spirited guitar and warm keys.

At the halfway point, “Blues Make Me Feel Good” recruits a soulful swagger to the lush and meticulous album highlight, while “Let Me Live My Life” shuffles with a raw blues demeanor that showcases intricate guitar and well timed organ.

The title track arrives near the end and illustrates strategic bursts of brass, and “You Gotta Move” exits with a more intimate appeal of grace and playful grooves.

Brown has 4 decades of experience under his belt, and his early years of gospel influence are still very present across these authentic and universally enjoyable blues tracks.

Travels well with: Gail Ceasar- Guitar Woman Blues; Clarence ‘Bluesman’ Davis- Shake It For Me

Ramana Vieira

Tudo De Mim- All Of Me

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Tudo De Mim- All Of Me

An artist well versed in the sounds of Fado (the music of Portugal), Ramana Vieira packs both originals and traditional songs into these emotional and romantic 10 tracks.

“Tudo de Mim” begins the listen with emotive piano and very cultured singing from Vieira, which takes help from David Parker’s warm bass, and “E Pacado” follows with Jeff Furtado’s cozy guitar and Earl Jackson’s skilled drumming making for a reflective and powerful mood.

Halfway through, “Jacaranda” is fueled by Vieira’s graceful keys and soaring voice in the intimate climate, while “Trago Fado nos Sentidos” welcomes John Clark’s bass and José Luis Iglesias guitarra to the romantic display of timeless song craft.

Approaching the end, “Verdes Anos” is again Vieira’s stirring voice and agile fingers on piano, and the piano version of “Fado La La La” exits the listen with so much beauty and sophistication amid the worldly gestures.

Vieira recorded her first album in 2000, and her passionate, authentic take on Fado sounds has made her plenty of fans across the globe. She’ll undoubtedly make more fans as well with this tender and creative listen.

Travels well with: Maria Jacobs- Back At The Bop Shop; Jackie Messina- Necessary Arrangements

Leon Foster Thomas

Calasanitus

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Calasantius

A steel pan wizard, Leon Foster Thomas brings us songs dedicated to his mother that embrace Caribbean influences and welcomes some excellent guests to the 7 tracks.

“I Am An Immigrant” opens the listen with John Daversa’s precise trumpet and Michael Ramos’ meticulous bass populating the rich and dreamy climate, and “Silent Maze” follows with hypnotic keys from Tal Cohen and Troy Roberts’ sublime sax prowess making for an atmospheric, heartfelt delivery.

“Dance Of David” and “Cheers” occupy the middle spots, where the former hosts expressive vocals from Antonia N. Wilson, Faith Lowe and Donald A. Lowe Jr. for the intimate landscape, while the latter allows for Thomas’ steel pan to emit much grace and beauty in the soft demeanor.

The final track, “Ascension”, is the best, and benefits much from Michael Piolet’s firm drums and the rhythmic bass alongside the steel pan acrobatics of the unique energy.

Thomas has enjoyed an esteemed career working alongside legends like Hugh Masekela, Randy Brecker and Dolly Parton, to name a few, and this very uplifting body of work will be sure to impress longtime fans and reel in new ones, too.

Travels well with: Pat Petrillo Big Rhythm Band- The Power Station Sessions; Jakob Dreyer- Songs, Hymns And Ballads Vol. 2

JD Darling

Looking Forward Thinking Back

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Looking Forward Thinking Back

A debut album from a new name in the area of classic country sounds, JD Darling, a Tennessee farmer, has a particular penchant for the sounds of the ‘90s across these 16 tracks.

“1995” gets the listen off to a warm start, where Darling’s smooth voice guides the crisp drums, moody pedal steel and dusty melodies, and “Some Are Lonely Nights” follows with Devon Malone’s well timed AC guitar and Miles McPherson’s thumping drums complementing the expressive singing in the more rugged climate.

Further along, “Flip The Switch” welcomes Billy Nobel’s graceful keys and Michael Rinne’s skilled bass in the anthemic delivery, while “I’ll Swing By Sometime” hosts Ross Holmes’ aching fiddle for the intimate meets breezy album highlight.

Approaching the end, Bruce Bouton handles pedal steel for the indeed dance floor ready “Last Dance”, and “A Good Man” exits with a mysterious atmosphere that showcases strategic pedal steel from Gary Carter, and, of course, Darling’s inviting pipes.

An excellent starting point for Darling, if he becomes the next big name in country music it wouldn’t surprise me one bit. He’s got the voice, the songs, and, perhaps most importantly, he’s got a lot of heart.

Travels well with: Will Payne Harrison- Tioga Titan; Michael Paul Lawson- Love Songs For Loners

Fabrizio Sciacca Quartet

Gettin’ It There

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Gettin’ It There

An Italian born bassist who now resides in New York City, Fabrizio Sciacca brings his swing sounds to this debut where Jed Levy handles sax, while Donald Vega and Billy Drummond hold down keys and drums respectively.

“One For Amos” starts the listen with creative bluesy, jazz sounds where Drummond’s percussion steals the show, and “Lullaby In Central Park” follows with calm keys and light percussion in 3/4 time with plenty of beauty.

Elsewhere, “For Sir Ron” gets playful, bouncy and melodic as he tips his hat to the legendary Ron Carter, while “A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square” recruits minimal balladry with timeless, moving results.

At the end, “Lonely Goddess” highlights saxophone in the busy tune that Levy penned, and “One Second Please” ends the listening with a shuffling pace of frisky hard bop.

Including covers from Sam Jones, Elmo Hope, and Sonny Clark, Sciacca and company toss in some originals, too, making this an impressive first album from the young Sciacca.

Travels well with: Paul Chambers- Awful Mean; Ron Carter- The Bass And I