Kyle LaLone

Somewhere In Between

Self-Released, 2020

9/10

Listen to Somewhere In Between

A troubadour who has resided in NYC, Boston and now Los Angeles, this 2nd EP from Kyle LaLone brings country and folk ideas into his twang friendly Americana.

LaLone starts the listen strong with the swift, pedal steel fueled “Think Myself To Death”, where a country shuffling tempo is met with some alt-country and honky tonk grit, and “Our Love” follows with a dip into calmer areas of more classic country nods that are heartfelt and warm with timeless beauty.

The remainder of the EP is equally well done, including the emotive balladry of the break up tune “Warning Signs”, while “Always Trying To Quit” resides closer to folk influenced singer-songwriter territory with eloquent wordplay. “Not Gonna Drink Over You” exits the listen with brushed percussion and rural melodies amid the autobiographical track about LaLone getting sober.

Though we’re still in the early stages of LaLone releasing records of his own, in recent years he’s spent much time playing lead guitar with rising stars like Ben Bostick and Elijah Ocean, and that experience is carrying over to what is shaping up to be a very impressive solo career.

Travels well with: Ben Bostick- Among The Faceless Crowd; Austin Lucas- Immortal Americans

Steve Thomas And The Time Machine

All Of These Years

Bonfire, 2020

8/10

Listen to All Of These Years

The Grammy nominated Steve Thomas returns with 12 original tunes here that document his nearly 40 years as a professional musician, as he injects blues and country into his timeless bluegrass foundation.

“Down In The Wildwood” starts the listen with mandolin and banjo guiding the emotive, bluegrass landscape, and “All Of These Years” follows and brings a country spirit into the mountainesque song craft.

In the middle, the speedy “Lucky Man” recruits some of the best vocal harmonies amid the precise finger picking, while “Rocky Road Blues” does in fact bring some blues influence to the dobro filled fun. “The Moon Over Georgia” then brings the listen into ballad territory, as expressive and soulful vocals from both Thomas and Josh Matheny highlight the mood.

The band bookend the listen well with the playful and melodic “The Rat Race”, and “We’ll Meet Again Sweetheart” finishes the effort with vocal harmonies from Bobby Osborne that are as memorable as they are warm.

Thomas handles mandolin, guitar, fiddle and the bulk of the vocals here, and he does an excellent job, as does his esteemed band. Together, they deliver a record that sounds, feels and resonates with graceful beauty and sophisticated playfulness.

Travels well with: Bradley & Adair- Oh Darlin; Merle Monroe- Back To The Country

Ancient Whales

Vestiges Of Tails Appear In All Of Us

Wiener, 2020

10/10

Listen to Vestiges Of Tails Appear In All Of Us

Let me introduce you to a strong contender for record the year, this multifaceted rock experience from the trio of Ancient Whales.

Somewhere between garage, punk and indie-rock, Enoch Bledsoe, Natalie Bledsoe and Oakley Munson are certainly very much in tune with pop and rock ideas of the past, too, and it all unfolds in a charming and undeniably infectious delivery on Vestiges Of Tails Appear In All Of Us.

“Stick And Poke” starts the listen with a lo-fi, jangly, fuzzy punk tune that reminds us of Stephen Malkmus but with a gym membership, and this energy continues to the post-punk influenced “To Be”, as well as the melodic vocal work of the propulsive “Everything”.

With 13 tracks and none surpassing 3 minutes and several falling below 2 minutes, Ancient Whales trim the fat with quick bursts of garage rock fun on “Time”, while the alt-rock sensibilities of “Saturday Morning” enthrall us as a dreamy quality enters the harmonic climate.

Deeper tracks like the angular and summery strumming of “EA” and the toe tappin’, head bobbin’ fun of “You Know What To Do” makes for some of the album’s finest, though there just isn’t a dull moment to be found, and “Raunchy” finishes out the listen with some country western nods before settling into their powerful and tuneful formula.

A fantastic effort that will appeal to aging punks who still spin their Husker Du records as well as fans of more recent outfits like Times New Viking or Vivian Girls, this listen soars high with heartfelt grit and plenty of syrupy sweet melody like few others can do it.

Travels well with: Twin Tigers- Gray Waves; The Rondelles- The Fox

Th/s /s Sh/t

///

Upton Park, 2020

8/10

Listen to ///

A trio with roots in metal, jazz, math-rock and electronic sounds, Loic L, Xavier L, and Gilles D come together as Th/s /s Sh/t, where the 10 tracks here bring rock and electro ideas together in a very punk spirited affair.

The title track opens the listen ominously, as hypnotic synth collides with a post-punk backdrop in the mesmerizing opener, and tracks like the atmospheric and buzzing agile “Ecstasy” as well as the thumping percussion of “Transition 1.1” offer much unpredictable intensity.

Deeper into the listen, “Transition 1.2” brings extremely creative electronic manipulation with processed vocals, while “Amphetamine”, the album highlight, throbs with an industrial meets techno sort of approach that’s even a bit orchestral, too.

A fascinating, sometimes intimidating and always intriguing effort, Th/s /s Sh/t are nothing if not unusual, and their modern twist on abrasive variations of rock deserves much attention.

Travels well with: Subduxtion- The Black Point ; Mnemotechnic- Blinkers

Tyler Morris

Living In The Shadows

VizzTone, 2020

8/10

Listen to Living In The Shadows

Tyler Morris impressed me with 2018’s Next In Line, and here the youngster (he’s just 21) is in fine company as Ronnie Earl, Joe Louis Walker, and Mike Zito are a few of the guests on the 4th album from the guitar virtuoso.

“Movin’ On” starts the listen with a lively rhythm section alongside guitar acrobatics from Morris on the ultra melodic opener, and “Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven” follows with a more restrained display of bluesy, warm fun.

Elsewhere, “Temptation” finds a darker place to reside amid rich musicianship, while “Better Than You”, with Amanda Fish, recruits plenty of energetic keys amid her soaring, soulful vocals. “Nine To Five”, one of the album’s best, then showcases the incredible talent from Morris in the solo filled atmosphere.

“Taken From Me” and “I’m On To You” finish off the record, as the former finds plenty of grooves and meticulous rhythm, while the latter offers one of the busiest tunes with precise and playful instrumentation that exits on a very high note.

Morris takes lead vocals on the majority of the songs here- the first time he’s done that in his career- and he does a fine job of illuminating his bluesy prowess that certainly takes nods to his heroes while very much paving his own path.

Travels well with: Mike Zito & Friends- Rock’n’Roll: A Tribute To Chuck Berry; Joe Bonamassa- Live At The Sydney House Opera

Scarlet Rivera

All Of Me

Bright Sun, 2020

8/10

Listen to All Of Me

Scarlet Rivera made quite an impression when Bob Dylan introduced her to the world as his violinist way back in 1975, and here the artist and composer delivers her vocal debut with the 6 original tunes of All Of Me.

After the harmonica and string friendly “Dust Bowl” opens up the EP, “Lady Liberty” follows with spirited organ as Rivera’s playful vocals guide the timeless and memorable song craft.

The back half of the listen brings us the pop-rock influenced and funk friendly “50/50”, as well as the soulful “Sacred Wheel”, which soars with much beauty and grace. “Songbird” exits the listen cautiously, armed with mesmerizing soprano saxophone as Rivera tips her hat to the legendary Joni Mitchell.

A very mature effort, lyrically Rivera touches on female empowerment and political power, and, similarly, the music is expertly evolved as Rivera’s lengthy career recruits plenty of universal ideas that are easily embraceable with her strong pipes and violin prowess that few could replicate.

Travels well with: Ian & Sylvia- The Lost Tapes; G. Love- The Juice

Bobby Bare

Great American Saturday Night

BFD, 2020

8/10

Listen to Great American Saturday Night

Recorded live in 1978, here the legendary Bobby Bare delivers a concept album penned entirely by Shel Silverstein, where topics like nudity, weight loss and dating are all covered in clever, insightful and even hilarious ways.

Bare starts the set with the title track, where the sing-along, anthemic appeal gets plenty of crowd participation in the melodic country rocker, and “Red-Neck Hippie Romance” continues with a more classic country approach, while “Painting Her Fingernails” enter piano balladry with Bare’s flawless pipes guiding the soothing setting.

Deeper tracks bring us the old time appeal of “They Won’t Let Us Show It At The Beach”, while “Time” simmers with a timeless quality that Bare built his career on. “Whiplash Will”, one of the funnest tunes, then recruits comical wordplay with a bouncy, country fueled display of exceptional skill.

Near the end, “Someone To Talk To” soars high with strong vocal work and equally precise instrumentation, and the reprise version of the opening track exits the listen as the crowd does the singing, effectively putting the exclamation point on just how much of a good time this record is.

A playful album that surrounds activities to be done on a Saturday night, rumor has it that Bare turned this recording into his record label in the ‘70s, but they shelved it. Perhaps it was too edgy for the world then, but it certainly seems right at home in 2020 and should be an equally entertaining listen for decades to come.

Travels well with: Bobby Bare Jr.- Undefeated; Charley Pride- Music In My Heart

Haydn + Hummel

Double Concertos For Violin And Piano

Centaur, 2020

8/10

Listen to Double Concertos For Violin And Piano

The violin sensation Solomiya Ivakhiv is aligned with pianist Antonio Pompa-Baldi, conductor Theodore Kuchar and the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra on this classical and orchestral adventure that tips it hat to the legends Franz Josef Haydn and Johann Nepomuk Hummel.

“Allegro moderato” opens the affair as Ivakhiv’s violin dances around the keys and orchestra in playful, elegant ways, and “Largo” continues the sophistication with a more subdued approach where a cinematic appeal is present.

The F Major, Hob. XVIII:6 portion exits with the lifting melodies of “Presto”, where swift violin acrobatics guide the classical setting.

The G Major, Op. 17 half offers the soaring “Allegro con brio”, where the 15 minutes glide with precise, agile instrumentation, while “Thema con Variazioni” showcases fluid piano work alongside the stirring strings. “Rondo”, one of the most exciting selections, then finds a busy and glorious place to reside.

The second disc in a series of three, Solomiya has already reworded Mendelssohn with fascinating results, and here she turns in similar, thriving results. The last installment, later this year, will be highly anticipated after seeing what the Ivakhiv has done so far with her craft.

Travels well with: Mendelssohn- Violin Concerto; Solomiya Ivakhiv- Ukraine: Journey To Freedom

The Reverend Shawn Amos & The Brotherhood

Blue Sky

Put Together, 2020

8/10

Listen to Blue Sky

The Reverend Shawn Amos is in fine company as his band, The Brotherhood, brings players from Dave Matthews and Norah Jones, as well as long time collaborator Chris Roberts on guitar for this robust and swampy album.

“Stranger Than Today” starts the listen with a drum machine before pedal steel, acoustic guitar and a harmonica enter the soulful and breezy setting, and “Troubled Man”, with Ruthie Foster, follows with plenty of blues in the spirited picking.

In the middle, “Hold Back” flows with an anthemic quality in its upbeat rock’n’roll delilvery, while “The Job Is Never Done” recruits some R&B qualities amid the fluid and tuneful dynamcis. “The Pity And The Pain”, one of the album’s best, then offers some gospel nods in the beautiful duet that’s as timeless as it is genuine.

Near the end, “27 Dollars” brings the party with jumpy keys and some fuzzy fun in the retro festivities, and “Keep The Faith, Have Some Fun” continues that energy with the Mudbug Brass Band as brass infiltrates the lively percussion and call and response vocals.

Certainly a blues album at its core, there’s also funk, ‘70s swagger, R&B and folk ideas present in this highly contagious effort that will be sure to satiate die hard Amos fans, as well as attract new ones to the varied, bluesy landscape.

Travels well with: Albert Castiglia- Wild And Free; Backtrack Blues Band- Your Baby Has Left

Whitacre

Seasons

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Seasons

A self-described ‘mountain rock’ outfit from Denver, this debut from Whitacre, who have a knack for folk, Americana, rock and even traces of punk in their extremely memorable and exciting formula, leaves quite a first impression.

After the ambient, instrumental “Lost” opens up the listen, “Sailor’s Son” settles into a warm Americana template with some more forceful moments that hint at alt-rock ideas, somewhat like The Lumineers with a gym membership.

The record only gets more interesting from here, including the jangly folk-rock sensibilities of the glorious “Southbound Train”, while “Here, Again” finds a darker place to reside amid a stirring atmosphere of reserved beauty. “Peach”, one of the album’s best, then recruits banjo acrobatics in the playful and organic masterpiece.

“Stand My Ground” and “Between Dreams” bookend the effort, where the former offers piano balladry alongside aching melodies, and the latter leads with the sounds of waves before shifting into a hushed, folky exit.

A remarkable record that’s got an anthemic feel, there’s also hushed moments and frisky dynamics in this well rounded listen that makes it quite obvious why Whitacre are quickly selling out shows in their home state and very shortly won’t be Colorado’s best kept secret anymore.

Travels well with: Birdtalker- One; Novo Amor- Birthplace

Ben Bostick

Among The Faceless Crowd

Simply Fantastic, 2020

10/10

Listen to Among The Faceless Crowd

Now a family man living back in the south, Ben Bostick’s 3rd album has the troubadour delivering sincere songs with a working class spirit where he plays nearly all the instruments.

“Absolutely Emily” starts the listen indebted to classic country sounds as Bostick’s moving pipes guide the warm opener, and “Wasting Gas” follows with folk ideas amid the soft and expressive atmosphere.

Further on, “The Last Coast” adds some grit in Bostick’s rootsy formula, while “The Thief” finds balladry in its gorgeous delivery that’s as timeless as it is emotive. “Central Valley”, one of the best of the best, then recruits incredible finger picking as the vivid storytelling aligns well with the introspective climate.

Towards the end, “Untroubled Mind” brings a swift pace of Americana to the upbeat affair, and “If I Were In A Novel” exits the listen bare, where a glockenspiel adds much to the eloquent finish.

Bostick’s mature, universal song craft draws parallels to legends like Springsteen and Cash, and there’s little doubt that Among The Faceless Crowd will resonate through the decades much like the aforementioned legend’s best work. Yes, this is that good.

Travels well with: Austin Lucas- Immortal Americans; Dawn Landes- My Tiny Twilight

Trees Speak

Ohms

Soul Jazz, 2020

9/10

Listen to Ohms

A relatively new outfit from Tucson spearheaded by Daniel Martin Diaz and Damian Diaz, Trees Speak make quite an impression on this sophomore effort, where no wave, post-punk, Kraut-rock and psyche-rock meet at a very interesting junction.

After the atmospheric and prog inspired “Soul Sequencer” opens the listen with hypnotic keys illuminating the setting, “Nitrous Cross” follows with a cosmic, surreal delivery of mysteriousness, as does the mesmerizing and slightly haunting “Shadow Circuit”.

The middle tracks offer us the percussively strong “ State Of Clear”, which you could dance to, while “Sadness In Wires” is a brief jaunt into creative textures that point steeply towards post-punk. “Sleep Crime”, one of the album’s best, then takes the avant-garde route with unpredictable jazz ideas.

Some of the record’s most adventurous tunes reside near the end, including the somewhat ominous “Out Of View”, and “Silicone Emotions” makes great use of a synth in a nostalgic climate. “Witch Wound” exits the listen soft and soulful, then builds into a cinematic display of incredible dynamics between the talented players.

Certainly carrying on the grand tradition of exciting music from the Tucson area, Trees Speak absolutely deserve to be spoken in the same sentence as Giant Sand or Calexico, as Ohms is one of the strongest records of 2020.

Travels well with: Tangerine Dream- Ricochet; Neu!- Neu! ‘75

Vito Dieterle & Joel Forrester

Status Sphere

Ride Symbol, 2020

8/10

Listen to Status Sphere

A mutual adoration of Thelonious Monk brings Vito Dieterle and Joel Forrester together here, where Dieterle brings his inimitable tenor saxophone skill, while Forrester sits behind the piano with incredibly dexterity.

“Work” starts the listen with keys and saxophone interacting in bouncy, clever ways, and “Crepuscule With Nellie” follows with a soothing quality to its graceful yet playful atmosphere.

In the middle, “Let’s Call This” is rhythmically fun with precise musicianship as the two play off each other well, while “About Francoise” gets soft and lounge friendly with a timeless romantic feel.

Close to the end, “Don’t Ask Me Now” finds an adventurous place to reside with its bright keys and swinging dynamics and “The Comeback” cultivates some of the most memorable melodies. The alternate version of “Crepuscule With Nellie” finishes off the listen, where a classical influence presents itself amid some fine soloing.

Forrester has already penned over 1600 songs- 5 of which are included here- and the remaining 6 are reworked Monk selections. Certainly a tribute album of the highest degree. Dieterle and Forrester honor Monk in spirit while putting their own identifying twist on these creative selections.

Travels well with: Vito Dieterle- Anemone; John Dimartino- Passion Flower: The Music Of Billy Strayhorn 

Eileen Ivers

Scatter The Light

Musical Bridge, 2020

8/10

Listen to Scatter The Light

A Grammy winning and Emmy nominated fiddle sensation, Eileen Ivers brings us 9 originals and 2 covers on this varied and heartfelt album, where her husband and collaborator Brian Mulligan contributes much to the affair, effectively highlighting its organic energy and timeless appeal.

“Shine” starts the listen with graceful keys and soothing strings alongside smooth and expressive dual gender vocals that guide the sophisticated opener, and “Chase The Blues” follows with upbeat violin prowess that touches on many influences and emotions.

Elsewhere, “Leap Of Faith (Dream On)” brings harmonic vocals in the highly swift and memorable setting, while “Go Tell It On The Mountain” recruits horns into the bluegrassy tinted landscape. “Children Go”, one of the album’s best, then showcases multiple vocalists into a gritty, buzzing display of varied skill.

Closer to the end, “Hold On” is a pretty, gospel tune with soaring female vocals, and “You Are Strong (A Fried’s Story)” brings stirring storytelling/rapping to a very powerful exit based on a real life sexual assault.

There’s a reason why Ivers has been called ‘the Jimi Hendrix of the violin’, and her incredible performance here only further cements her as a luminary with her craft, as she retains her folk and Celtic influences but also touches on countless other ideas with the poetic and flowing Scatter The Light.

Travels well with: Seamus Egan- Early Bright; Moira Smiley- Unzip The Horizon

Radha Thomas & Aman Mahajan

Bangalore Blues

Subcontinental, 2020

8/10

Listen to Bangalore Blues

A long running vocalist in India’s rock and jazz scene, Radha Thomas eventually made her way to America and released an album in the USA in 1979. Aman Mahajan, a keyboardist and composer, takes world influences into his esteemed song craft, and together with Thomas the pair offer us 7 tracks either about Bangalore or autobiographical stories by Thomas.

Light keys start the listen on the soothing “The Morning After”, where breathy, expressive singing glides along with the soft jazz music, and “Jailer” follows with a more forceful approach, where a playful and rhythmic approach leaves an impression in its waltz template.

Further on, “Leifmotif” builds into a breezy and flowing display of delicate beats, while “Load Shedding” moves a bit more cautiously, with incredible piano work from Mahajan.

“Only Illusion” and “Bangalore Blues” bookend the listen, where the former illustrates strong vocal prowess in a darker spirit amid syncopated rhythm, and the latter offers one of the most memorable selections with timeless melody that’s immediately alluring.

A listen full of Indian heritage and cultured rhythm, Bangalore Blues is a poetic display of veteran skill, where classical and jazz ideas are fleshed out with the utmost care and should be easily embraced by anyone who appreciates meditative, calming music.

Travels well with: Enrique Haneine- Unlayered; Jenny Davis- Rearranged

Vito Dieterle

Anemone

Ride Symbol, 2020

8/10

Listen to Anemone

The rising New York saxophonist Vito Dieterle is in great company here, as Ben Paterson handles organs, Kris Kaiser takes up guitar duties and Aaron Seeber holds down drums on the jazz and bebop friendly Anemone.

“Dream Dancing” starts the listen soft and soothing with calm saxophone amid light guitar lines in the agile opener, though it isn’t long before the quartet enter swinging territory on the lively and infectious Tommy Turrentine tune, “You Said It”.

In the middle, the romantic “Lush Life” delivers jazz waltz sensibilities, while “That’s Earl, Brother” gets energetic and frisky with incredible interplay between the drums and saxophones. “Chelsea Bridge”, one of the album’s best, then gets dreamy, gorgeous and ultra melodic on the Billy Strayhorn classic.

Close to the end, “Just In Time” flows with a bossa nova feel as Paterson’s organ prowess adds much to the equation, and the ballad “Anemone”, the sole original, ends the listen with a duet between Kris Kaiser’s elegant guitar work and Dieterle’s calculated saxophone.

Heavily influenced by Stan Getz and Sonny Stitt, Dieterle is certainly forging his own path, as the many solos present from the sax, guitar and organ help cultivate a very soulful effort.

Travels well with: Jay Willie & James Montgomery- Cadillac Walk; John Dimartino- Passion Flower: The Music Of Billy Strayhorn

Christopher Sky

What It is, it Isn’t

Aagoo, 2020

9/10

Listen to What It is, it Isn’t

A Los Angeles multi-instrumentalist whose history includes classical and ambient sounds, on What It Is, It Isn’t, Christopher Sky sways into a rhythmic and beat friendly delivery where he handles guitar, Rhodes piano, electronics and looping with impressive skill.

“Monochrome” starts the listen beat heavy as innovative electronica enters the dreamy setting, and “From The Start” continues the creativity with almost video games-esque manipulation that builds into a cinematic landscape.

Closer the middle, “In A Hallway” gets a bit darker in scope, but is no less alluring, while “CZ97” flows with summery melodies that sounds like it was made for glorious, warm days with the windows rolled down as vibraphone and synth radiate playfully. “Knight Of Cups”, one of the most memorable tunes, then enters a surreal tone with a mesmerizing execution that few could replicate.

Near the end, “Slowly” is anything but as the dance-rock dynamics meet electro-pop with incredible percussion, and “Travelers Theme” exits the listen full of ambient droning that’s awash in blurry, processed experimentalism.

Primarily captured on a vintage Akai 1810D reel to reel tape machine, Sky has a keen sense of texturing, and his artistic vision is highlighted well on this mood oriented and fascinating effort.

Travels well with: Subduxtion- The Black Point; Laguerre/Noetiinger- DnT

Sure.

20 Years

Weyrd Son, 2020

8/10

Listen to 20 Years

A trio from Paris with an affinity for club friendly sounds but who also have a foot in ‘80s post-punk, Sure. may not be treading new ground, but they do a hell of a job of rewriting the past on the exciting 20 Years.

“What’s Left” starts this listen strong with a firm ‘80s New Wave punch with some post-punk ideas in the buzzing opener, and “Morrows” continues with a bristling energy that’s both danceable and punk spirited.

Things only get better from here, including the propulsive and darker “Precious Words”, which reminds us of Depeche Mode on steroids, while “Twenty Years” pays much attention to mood with an ambient excursion into soaring elements. “Another Girl”, one of the most exploratory tunes, then moves from a giant sized setting of thundering electro-rock into nearly goth inspired sensibilities.

Near the end, the mysterious “Lying Dead” is one of the album’s best and resonates with an appeal that brings to mind all that we love about New Order, and “Sinking Story” finishes off the affair with a calmer approach that’s nearly post-rock in its meticulous delivery.

A listen that also embraces shoegaze, indie-rock, modern pop and alt-rock moments, 20 Years has something for everyone, and if you’re like me, you’ll appreciate every moment.

Travels well with: Somnambulist- Hypermnesiac; VvvV- The Wreck

Pavey Ark

Close Your Eyes And Think Of Nothing

Self-Released, 2020

9/10

Listen to Close Your Eyes And Think Of Nothing

Though they’ve only been together for a few years, England’s Pavey Ark make quite an impression on this debut album, where their alt-folk ideas are fleshed out with plenty of attention to detail and an optimal amount of layered beauty amid the adventurous template.

“Wallflowers” starts the listen with warm acoustic picking as a lush atmosphere unfolds with folk influenced prettiness, and “Cuckoo” follows with a galloping spirit as violin and cello build an orchestral angle on the mesmerizing track.

Near the middle, “Two Blue Lines” moves with a gentle and breezy delivery of dreamy melodies, while “Hidden Hills” puts a unique spin on indie-rock with incredible interplay between the many players. “She’s Already Flown”, one of the best tracks, then glides with expressive vocals from frontman Neil Thomas and his strong guitar illuminates the thoughtful landscape.

Close to the end, “Jenny Let Go” stays sparse with playful ukulele and charming backing vocals from Jenny Thomas, and “Consider Your Hand” exits the listen soft and emotive, effectively putting the exclamation point on this very meticulous effort.

Thomas wrote every tune present here, and he’s got a knack for poetic, balanced and cautious songwriting that draws some creative parallels to Radiohead’s best work, and I don’t see how anyone could have a problem with that.

Travels well with: Big Fox- See How The Light Falls; Thom Yorke- Anima

Roger Kellaway

The Many Open Minds Of Roger Kellaway

IPO, 2019

8/10

Listen to The Many Open Minds Of Roger Kellaway

Now 80 years old, Roger Kellaway doesn’t appear to be slowing down one bit as he returns to his roots with this jazz album that’s full of his adventurous and clever delivery.

“52nd Street Theme” gets the album started off with incredible piano acrobatics from Kellaway as Bruce Forman and Dan Lutz back him up on guitar and bass, and “Have You Met Miss Jones” follows with a calmer spirit as the trio flesh out fine, classic jazz sounds.

Elsewhere, “Take Five” flows with firm rhythm and plenty of lively swing, while “Take The ‘A’ Train” starts out gentle before building into a double time gem.

At the end, ‘Night And Day” radiates inimitable and memorable song craft, and “Caravan” exits the listen quick and agile, as the 3 musicians birth complicated and easily embraceable music that few could replicate.

Amazingly, this is a live set from the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles, though if it weren’t for the audible audience you might not know it since the performance is so flawless. Now 57 years after his debut, Kellaway is still making relevant, glorious albums; the list of artists who can boast a similar achievement is pretty slim.

Travels well with: Dave Miller Trio- Just Imagine; Augie Haas- Dream A Little Dream