Ernie Watts Quartet

Home Light

Flying Dolphin, 2018

8/10

Listen to Home Light

A jazz and blues saxophonist who’s been active since the ‘60s, Ernie Watts brings along Christof Saenger, Rudi Engel and Heinrich Koebberling for 9 well fleshed out jazz tunes on Home Light.

“I Forgot August” starts the listen with plucked bass before moving swiftly into the piano and saxophone dynamics that highlight the flowing jazz atmosphere, and “Cafe Central 2am” continues the lively setting with spirited and warm sax work as keys from Saenger dance around the sublime delivery.

Elsewhere, “Frequie Flyiers” recruits just the brass acrobatics from Watts initially before proficient drumming from Koebberling enters the bop filled fun, while “Horizon” moves cautiously and romantically with an emotive mood in the ballad.

Watts exits the listen with a couple of the best selections, including the playful and quick pulse of “Joe”, where all the instruments shine bright and illustrate divine interplay, and the title track finishes out the affair with 8 minutes of strategic texturing amid timeless qualities.

It’s no surprise that Watts has been the recipient of two Grammy awards, as his tenor sax prowess is certainly unparalleled here. Now in his 70’s, the legend shows no signs of slowing down, as he performs flawlessly on Home Light.

Travels well with: The Tnek Jazz Quintet- Plays The Music Of Sam Jones; Four- There You Go Thinking Again

Skand

Dive

Self-Released, 2018

8/10

Listen to Dive

A Marseille duo comprised of Marie-Anne Lamauve and Gilles Fournat, the pair are well versed in both hushed and fuller moments of pop and blues song craft, where their careful storytelling illuminates this first album.

“Stuck On The Floor” starts with some warm, spirited acoustic guitar strumming before smooth, pretty female vocals enter the blues influenced rock, and “Shake Me Up” follows with a finger snapping, playful tune of cozy texturing.

The back half of the listen offers the tambourine fueled pop friendly melodica of “Cycle Cycle”, as well as the intricate guitar work of the calm, elegant “Down To My River”, that’s got plenty of rhythm and easily stands out as the best track present.

The pair exit the EP with a live tune, as the intimate “How You Play With Me” glides with raw beauty, where the vocal display of Lamauve is nothing short of flawless.

A quick listen at just over 20 minutes, there’s much potential with Skand, as their collectively strong songwriting prowess makes Dive an exceptional debut.

Travels well with: Scarlet Rivera- All Of Me; Rory Block- Prove It On Me

Fiji

Collection 50th State Of Mind

Mensch House, 2018

8/10

Listen to Collection 50th State Of Mind

A Polynesian artist, George ‘Fiji’ Veikoso knows his way around a modern island reggae tune, and since 1994 he’s been crafting soulful and playful songs that embody his cultural heritage. Here, Fiji offers us 40 songs across 2 discs, where vocal harmonies are delivered in spades, as is timeless rhythm.

“Chant Of The islands” starts the disc highly melodic and with no shortage of soaring vocals, and this continues to the island rhythms of “Why You”, as well as the groove filled “Inspiration”. The highlight from disc 1 is the beat friendly, danceable “Come On Over”, where soulful singing is met with some hip-hop influence.

Disc 2 holds its own, too, and includes the layered and playful “Warrior Of Love”, as well as the soft and emotive “Unemlament”, where forthright wordplay aligns with the intimate atmosphere. “What You See”, the standout of disc 2, then finds a busy place to reside, where glorious reggae is delivered with plenty of spirit and melody.

Amazingly, with so much content here, Fiji never out welcomes his stay, and instead just delivers one well crafted feel good tune after another.

Travels well with: The Green- Black & White; Slightly Stoopid- Everyday Life, Everyday People

Pablo Aslan

Contrabajo

Soundbrush, 2018

8/10

Listen to Contrabajo

A body of work created for bass and string quartet, Pablo Aslan brings his Argentinian roots into jazz and tango influenced arrangements to Contrabajo, where the Cuarteto Petrus ensemble help flesh out the varied listen.

“Preludio No. 1” starts the listen with intricate and soothing strings in the classical yet playful approach, and “Confluencias” follows with a quieter delivery where Aslan’s bass acrobatics guide the setting.

Near the middle, “Tanguajira” has the strings dancing around Paquito D’ Rivera’s strong clarinet prowess, while “Come Sunday” moves with a dreamy quality of orchestral ideas. “Tango Para Cuerdas”, the album highlight, then offers a more dramatic piece of incredible musicianship.

Late in the listen, “Riendo Suelto” recruits a sharp cinematic quality, and “La Cumparsita” exits the listen with an bandoneon on one of the most adventurous tunes that’s constantly shifting in tempo and mood.

An extremely involved project that included commissioning pieces all across the globe as Aslan recorded solo parts by himself, Contrabajo is a fascinating, complex listen that doesn’t take long to settle in nicely.

Travels well with: Pablo Ziegler Chamber Quartet- Radiotango; David Finck- BASSically Jazz

Curt Sydnor

Deep End Shallow

Out Of Your Head, 2020

9/10

Listen to Deep End Shallow

The keyboardist, vocalist and composer Curt Sydnor doesn’t seem to appear to be interested in anything mundane, as Deep End Shallow is about as unusual as you could be without being completely unhinged.

“Starewell” starts the album with an avant-garde mix of quirky keys alongside guitars in the indie-rock meets free jazz explosion, and “Fall Behind” continues the creative climate with a mesmerizing mix of percussion and keys in a psyche-rock influenced haze where processed vocals are in attendance.

In the middle, “Rus In Urbe” gets frantic yet calculated in its guitar fueled approach that’s as iconoclastic as it is charming, while “Them!” moves with a calmer pulse of groove filled and experimental playfulness. The gentle moment is the piano friendly “Fieldgaze Variations”, and “Well Of Stares” finishes out the listen with electronic funk stabs.

Sydnor is in fine company here, as members of Deerhoof, Mdou Moctar, Matisyahu and Alula are in attendance, and together they create one of the most atypical listening experiences of 2020, where psych-jazz and Afrobeat are also part of the inimitable formula.

Travels well with: The Nels Cline 4- Currents, Constellations; Janka Nabay and the Bubu Gang- Build Music

Rex Allen

America’s Last Singing Cowboy

Country Rewind, 2019

8/10

Listen to America’s Last Singing Cowboy

The Country Rewind label unearths some more gems here, as 15 tunes taken from the master tapes between 1950-1965 are resurrected from Rex Allen’s esteemed vault of songs, some of which are so rare his son, Rex Allen Jr., had never heard them before.

“Texas Plains” starts the listen with a swift pace of classic country sounds with fiddle acrobatics and yodeling, and the deep vocal prowess of “Lazy River” follows where an accordion adds much to the setting.

Moving along, “There’s A Blue Sky Way Up Yonder” glides with harmony vocals in the playful, sublime delivery, while “Highways Are Happy Ways” is filled with glorious melodies and moments of soothing, gospel influences. “Blue Light Waltz”, one of the album’s best, then brings rich singing alongside emotive and heartfelt instrumentation that just begs one to ask just why this track was shelved for so many decades.

Near the end, Allen puts a nice twist on Guthrie’s classic “This Land Is Your Land”, and “Novalee”, which offers some spoken word, keeps the listener hanging on every syllable. “This Old House” exits the listen quickly, where Allen’s pipes can barely keep up with the precise musicianship.

Although he found success later in life as an actor, first and foremost Allen was a country performer, and here with the legendary Sons Of The Pioneers and The Riders In The Sky providing background vocals, we’re treated to some lost gems that truly needed to be heard.

Travels well with: Rex Allen Jr.- Then & Now; Son Of The Pioneers- The Lost Masters

Skinshape

Filoxiny

Lewis, 2018

8/10

Listen to Filoxiny

The recording moniker of ex-Palace bassist William Dorey, as Skinshape the artist has been flirting with all sorts of sounds from the ‘60s, where is inimitable talent yields a very distinct and unclassifiable mashing of funk, soul, reggae, psyche-rock and even Afrobeat on this 4th album.

“After Midnight” gets the album off to a stylish and varied start with funk, soul and psychedelic influences in the soothing landscape, and “I Didn’t Know” keeps the creativity strong with more emphasis on percussion as soft and agile vocals enter the horn friendly and highly melodic delivery.

Deeper into the album we’re treated to the dreamy “Shimmer”, where an orchestral slant enters the unpredictable climate, while “Life As One” recruits strategic beats into the trip-hop influenced setting that’s elegant yet playful.

At the end, “We Lose” tips its hat to prog influences as light keys accent the experimental ideas, and the title track finishes out the listen with calculated restraint that brings plucked strings amid some hints at post-rock shimmering.

A record where each track brings new surprises, Skinshape is certainly hard to define, and that only adds to the appeal of this artistic and often cinematic effort that illustrates just why Dorey is leaving an indelible impression wherever his music is heard.

Travels well with: Thom Yorke- Anima; Wax Tailor- By Any Beats Necessary

Flashback

Blues Around My Cabin

Pinecastle, 2020

8/10

Listen to Blues Around My Cabin

The supergroup consisting of Richard Bennett, Stuart Wyrick, Don Rigsby and Curt Chapman, aka Flashback, return with 11 new tracks of fiery bluegrass fun as well as heartfelt balladry with Blues Around My Cabin.

“John Henry Holiday” starts the listen with Bennett’s agile vocal prowess as Wyrick’s banjo steers the warm bluegrass opener, and “Will You Fold My Flag For Me” follows with a quicker pace of flowing melody as Rigsby handles vocal duties.

In the middle, “Tater Valley Chimes” moves swiftly with incredible dynamics between the players in the instrumental tune, while “God Sees Me” finds a more subdued place to reside in the gospel delivery of sublime beauty.

Deeper cuts bring us the lifting harmonies of “Virginia In The Springtime”, a track so well done it alone is worth the price of admission, and “Queen Of The Bar” finds the listen entering ballad territory where pedal steel from Jim Heffernan adds much to the charming atmosphere. “When The Blues Come Around My Cabin Door” exits the listen with bluesy guitar lines in a stylish and playful conclusion to well crafted record.

A solid back porch album from some of the best in the business, there’s not a dud to be found on this timeless and proficient effort that will certainly age well.

Travels well with: The Barefoot Movement- Rise & Fly; Jason Lee McKinney Band- Pieces

Brother Starling

The Weight Of Change

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to The Weight Of Change

Brother Starling are certainly keeping the time honored tradition of thriving music from Philadelphia alive with The Weight Of Change, where a working class spirit brings to mind Springsteen as the reflective listen ponders life, death and the turbulent times we live in.

“Cobbled Streets” starts the listen with warm guitars and crisp percussion as the smooth vocals guide the melodic pop-rock that recruits an anthemic quality, and “Stronger” continues the mature setting with spirited organs and lush melodies in the full atmosphere of rootsy fun.

Further along, “The Air” brings pedal steel to an emotive and charming tune with Americana leanings, while “Madmen” gets funky and soulful with no shortage of grooves in its playful execution.

The quintet rounds out the listen with the horn friendly and dynamic “Are We Together”, and “All Those Nights” exits the effort with piano , acoustic guitar and expressive vocals in the sophisticated ballad that highlights the soothing harmonies.

A truly collaborative effort where all members contribute to songwriting and sing, too, this first album from Brother Starling mixes Americana, classic rock and Laurel Canyon ideas in impressive ways that will certainly have us anticipating a future album.

Travels well with: Satin Nickel- Shadow Of Doubt; Brian Dunne- Selling Things

Sons Of The Pioneers

The Lost Masters

Country Rewind, 2020

8/10

Listen to The Lost Masters

One of the earliest Western singing groups in the United States, Sons Of The Pioneers have enjoyed an incredibly long career where their country spirited songs have inspired countless others.

“Cowboy Jubilee” starts the listen with sublime vocal harmonies in the oldies setting that points to their roots in the 1930’s, and “Blue Prairie” follows with restrained instrumentation alongside the expressive singing they’re known for.

Elsewhere, “Wind” stays bare and raw with minimal music amid soaring vocals, while “Yippie Yi Your Troubles Away” is vocally heavy and almost seems like a jingle with its memorable delivery. “A Cowboy Has To Sing”, one of the record’s best, then gets quite animated with many playful voices amid speedy guitars.

Closer to the end, “Cimarron (Roll On)” brings pretty musicianship to the ultra tuneful vocals, and “Song Of The Trail” keeps the tempo quick with folksy strumming alongside clever vocal layering. “Chant Of The Wanderer” exits the listen with a bouncy spirit in the brief conclusion that pretty much sums up the Sons Of The Pioneers formula- all substance and no fluff.

An institution who have won just about every award possible in the area of country music, these rare recordings prove just why the legacy of Sons Of The Pioneers has persisted since their inception in the ’30s, and why, a hundred years from now, their name will still be relative.

Travels well with: Rex Allen Jr.- Then & Now; Outlaw Billy Don Burns- The Country Blues

Outlaw Billy Don Burns

The Country Blues

Country Rewind, 2020

8/10

Listen to The Country Blues

A veteran country star who’s been a true road warrior with long bouts of touring and has had his songs recorded by Willie Nelson, Mel Tillis and Connie Smith among others, on The Country Blues the icon proves just why he’s such an important part of Country and Western music.

Burns gets the album off to rowdy start with the busy “Runnin’ Drugs Out Of Mexico”, that’s part rock’n’roll, part country barnyard brawl, and the theme continues with the spirited melodies of the infectious “Mexican Woman”.

In the middle, “Stranger” uses fiddles strategically in the rootsy atmosphere, while “The Prison Song” flows with a breezy delivery amid vivid storytelling that certainly could be autobiographical, if you know what I mean. “You Lied Our Love Away” then sits firmly in classic country territory as pretty female vocals accompany Burns on the album standout.

Near the end, “Wild Dogs” turns darker in tone with a lush display meticulous song craft, and “Honky Tonk Boots” finishes out the listen dance friendly in a blistering pace of country shuffling alongside acrobatic picking.

Burns has lived a life full enough for 2 people, and he’s got stories to tell that you’ll want to hear. Thankfully, he’s well versed in country sounds- both past and present- and his execution is something we’ll never tire of.

Travels well with: Rex Allen Jr.- Then & Now; Sons Of The Pioneers- The Lost Masters

Rex Allen Jr

Then & Now

Country Rewind, 2019

9/10

Listen to Then & Now

The legendary Rex Allen Jr gifted us no less than 50 hits during the ‘70 and ‘80s, and here the icon delivers the appropriately titled Then & Now, where the first half of the listen are tunes cut from ‘84-’85, while the remainder represent Allen’s current musical interests.

“Dream On Texas Ladies” starts with some warm twang as Allen’s rich vocals guide the classic country melodies, and “Running Down Memory Lane” continues the setting with flowing country rock that brings an immediate sing-along quality.

Further along, “Memory Train” moves with an introspective spirit amid soaring backing vocals and aching pedal steel, while the gospel influenced “The Air That I Breathe” glides with a glorious approach of universal beauty. “Sweet Rosanna”, one of the album’s best, then recruits pretty female vocals backing Allen’s expressive pipes on the gorgeous country stunner.

Deeper cuts brings us the swift strumming of the folksy “Bullets In My Gun”, and “Forever Young”, with Juni Fisher, exits the listen with the majestic duet and sublime interpretation of the Bob Dylan tune.

As to be expected with Allen’s work, the quality of the music here is top notch, and the packaging even comes with linear notes explaining some of the songs. Whether you’re a diehard fan or first time listener of Allen, you’ll find plenty to adore on this timeless outing from one of the greatest to ever do it.

Travels well with: Son Of The Pioneers- The Lost Masters; Outlaw Billy Don Burns- The Country Blues

Pokey LaFarge

Rock Bottom Rhapsody

New West, 2020

9/10

Listen to Rock Bottom Rhapsody

Pokey LaFarge left quite an impression on me in 2013 with his exceptional self-titled album, and though he’s been a bit absent from music in the past 3 years, this highly personal outing is easily his best work to date.

It didn’t come without any hardship though; after relocating to Los Angeles, LaFarge fell on some difficult times, and much of that is documented here on the aptly titled Rock Bottom Rhapsody.

After the orchestral, instrumental opening of “Rock Bottom Rhapsody”, one of the darker selections, “End Of My Rope” follows with a punchy, country rock approach where LaFarge’s distinct yet smooth vocals sound better than ever.

Near the middle, “Lucky Sometimes” recruits piano in the smokey, old time atmosphere, while “Carry On” shows just how versatile LaFarge can be with relaxed rhythm amid the jazz and rootsy delivery. A record where each track shines in its own light, “Fallen Angel” is particularly luminous, and takes a more forceful turn into percussively strong territory with strategic background vocals.

LaFarge continues the strong song craft until the end, including the retro rock melodica of “Ain’t Comin’ Home”, before exiting on the brief “Rock Bottom Finale”, which uses keys in a live setting.

Ultimately a record about the man LaFarge used to be, despite the turmoil LaFarge sorted through, this isn’t a bleak effort, as he often reminds us of Dylan and Orbison, though is formula certainly is inimitable. If you’ve been following all along, this is a fine addition to LaFarge’s catalog, and for the first time listener it’s a fantastic place to start.

Travels well with: Luke Winslow-King- Blue Mesa; The Devil Makes Three- Chains Are Broken

Lisa Lambe

Juniper

Blue Élan, 2020

8/10

Listen to Juniper

An Irish singer and actress, Lisa Lambe delivers a self-described ‘love letter to nature’ with Juniper, her sophomore album, as she navigates her sultry vocals through 11 tracks that were recorded live in one room.

The songstress starts the listen with the gentle acoustic sounds and atmospheric piano of “North Star Rise”, where her elegant and expressive vocals fill the atmosphere with hushed beauty, and this continues to the calm and breezy blues influenced “Hunter’s Moon” as well as the country tinged “Vision In Grey”.

Deeper cuts bring us the strong vocal prowess of the key friendly “Burning Love”, while “All The Stars” trims the volume down to bare balladry that moves both softly and with agility. “Holding Back The Tide”, one of the album’s best, then uses orchestral strings and plenty of timeless melody to leave a lasting impression.

Near the end, the title track shines with cautious, heartfelt song craft that radiates warmth, and “Tiny Devotions” finishes out the listen with vocal layering in the mid tempo exit that leaves the listener wanting more of her lush, stirring songwriting.

A very thoughtful effort that reminds us of a more youthful version of Stevie Nicks, Lisa Lambe is certainly likely to expand her audience globally with this universally embraceable album that will also strike a cord with fans of Natalie Merchant.

Travels well with: Jess Jocoy- Such A Long Way; Rory Block- Prove It On Me

Lady Moon & The Eclipse

Journey To The Cosmic Soul

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Journey To The Cosmic Soul

A New York ensemble with an aptly titled album, Lady Moon & The Eclipse make great use of this double album by exploring their varied textures that traverse plenty of retro ideas with some very agile and dynamic instrumentation on hand.

“La Petit Prince (Part 1)” gets the listen off to a groove filled start with some cosmic soul in the throwback psychedelic opener, and “Shine” continues the playful setting with a highly melodic nostalgic tune of crisp percussion and pretty female harmonies.

A lengthy effort with 16 tracks, the outfit don’t ever tread the same ground twice, as “Look Up” gets dreamy in an almost gospel sense, while “Star Gazing” finds a funky place to reside with smooth vocal work amid a firm beat. “Vibration”, the longest song at 7 minutes, then takes nods to R&B as well as soaring world music as horns add much to the rhythmic template.

Deep album highlights include the adventurous and atmospheric “Emotional”, and “Augmented” manipulates space well with a stylish delivery of organ friendly friskiness. “La Petit Prince (Part II)” exits the listen with similar grooves to the first track, where soothing vocals pair well with the infectious environment.

A very striking listen that benefits greatly from strong production, too, expect plenty of rhythm and soul to invade the funk, Afrobeat, R&B and moments of spacey sounds that are never short on culture or intrigue.

Travels well with: Deltaphonic- The Funk, The Soul & The Holy Groove; Lake Street Dive- Free Yourself Up

Roger Street Friedman

Rise

Rock Ridge, 2020

8/10

Listen to Rise

Already a recognizable name in the roots/Americana scene, Roger Street Friedman returns with another batch of well crafted tunes, where his nods to ‘70s soft-rock unfolds with hints of country, folk and R&B amid the forthright and autobiographical tunes.

“Carry Me” starts the listen with a bouncy rhythm in a playful Americana setting, and “Last Train To Babylon” follows with much attention to melody in the breezy duet that isn’t afraid of a bit of twang.

Elsewhere, “Give It Another Go” is a quieter moment of sparse beauty as Friedman’s expressive vocals guide the calm, folk influenced atmosphere, while “Over And Over” recruits warm pedal steel alongside the rootsy delivery. “The War Is Already Over”, one of the record’s best moments, then pairs precise acoustic guitar with vivid storytelling as Friedman puts his vocal prowess on display.

Closer to the end, the full and bright “Tough Crowd” shows just how versatile the effort is, and “Waiting On The Moon” exits the listen bare and elegant, where charming intimacy highlights the mood.

This is Friedman’s 3rd studio album, and the always impressive Larry Campbell handles producing duties and even plays several instruments, too. Together, with an all star band consisting of Jim Toscano, Matt Schneider, Jason Crosby and Campbell’s wife, Teresa Williams and Lucy Kaplansky on backing vocals, Friedman’s songs are illuminated with cautious texturing and a timeless appeal.

Travels well with: John Hiatt- The Eclipse Sessions; Don McLean- Botanical Gardens

Methods

Anything

Self-Released, 2020

9/10

Listen to Anything

Although they’ve only been around for 5 years now, the English quintet Methods are making a lasting impression with their synth fueled rock that draws some similarities to legends from their home country like Joy Division, but with a modern twist and a much sunnier disposition.

After the brief, cinematic and scif-fi “Intro” sets the mood for the listen, “Back Of Your Hand” follows with a propulsive and energetic display of electro-pop meets post-punk in a giant setting that could fill stadiums.

The back half of the listen, thankfully, takes a similar route, including the ominous and instrumental “Interlude”. while “No Cover” could easily make Methods a household name with its strong attention to melody and instantly memorable song craft that soars high. “Human Existence” finishes out the quick listen with the most calm selection, where mood is key in the piano friendly environment.

Certainly indebted to the electronic sounds of the ‘80s, Methods do a great job of retracing the past while putting their own polish on these truly great songs. I feel quite confident I speak for everyone when I say an LP is much needed from this fine talent.

Travels well with: New Order- Low-Life; The Feelies- In Between

Flor Bromley

Fiesta Global

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Fiesta Global

A woman with a wealth of talents, the Peru native Flor Bromley is as actress, puppeteer, storyteller, and, of course, a musician. With Fiesta Global, the singer-songwriter is in exceptional company as several esteemed Latin performers help her flesh out this fusion celebration for kids and their parents.

“Fiesta” starts the listen and indeed brings a party of playful percussion, energetic Latin rhythm and well timed horns, and “We Came To America” continues the festivities with an acoustic guitar in a more folk influenced setting of strong storytelling where Noemi Gasparini’s violin even makes an appearance.

A listen where each tune brings new ideas, “Bamba” recruits precise picking and Claudio Vega’s strong pipes complement the classic tune, while “Panuelo”, with Damaris, makes great use of George Sáenz’s trombone in a more haunting tone. “Salta”, one of the record’s finest, then gets ska friendly with a bouncy rhythm that you can’t help but dance to.

Deep into the record, “Superheroe” offers some punky spirit in the guitar fueled rocker that’s complete with an anthemic chorus, and “Vinimos A America” exits the listen bare but impactful with strong vocal work as violin complements the guitar.

A listen that embraces Mexican son jarocho, NOLA jazz, punk rock, Brazilian batacuda and Colombian cumbia, among other ideas, Fiesta Global is a great way to bring some culture in the young minds while having a great time, and the adults certainly won’t have a hard time enjoying, too.

Travels well with: Mi Amigo Hamlet- Happy Land Is Tierra Feliz; Evan And Vanessa- In Our World There Are No Strangers

Pam Tillis

Looking For A Feeling

Stellar Cat, 2020

8/10

Listen to Looking For A Feeling

The veteran songstress Pam Tillis returns with her 11th studio album but first in many years, and much like everything she’s done in her esteemed career, the Grammy nominated artist sings purposefully amid breezy, flowing song craft.

Tillis starts the introspective album with soft strumming on the country-pop flavored “Looking For A Feeling”, as her expressive and rich vocals suit the mood perfectly, and “Demolition Angel” follows with a bit more twang in the soulful and rootsy setting that even brings in a harp.

Near the middle, “Last Summer’s Wine” recruits some folk qualities in the gentle and pretty atmosphere, while “Lady Music” soars high with fluid Americana. “Dark Turn Of Mind”, one of the album’s best, then offers more classic country ideas as Tills displays her precise yet playful vocal prowess in the Gillian Welch and David Rawlings cover.

Close to the end, “Karma” finds a rhythmic place to reside in one of the fuller selections, and the reprise version of “Better Friends” exits the listen bare and intimate, where keys and pedal steel highlight the contemplative climate.

Now 30+ years into her career, Tillis sounds better than ever, and even touches on jazz and funk in this flawless collection of introspective, wise and graceful tunes. Now in her 60’s, Tillis shows no signs of waning quality in her art, and we’re all better off for it.

Travels well with: Kathy Mattea- Pretty Bird; Gretchen Peters- Dancing With The Beast

Rebecca Turner

The New Wrong Way

Self-Released, 2019

9/10

Listen to The New Wrong Way

New Jersey resident Rebecca Turner knows her way around a country/folk/rock tune, and on this 3rd album the songstress brings plenty of soul to her captivating storytelling ability.

“Living Rock” starts the listen with a spirited variation of Americana as Turner’s strong pipes guide the warm affair, and “The Cat That Can’t Be Alone” follows with vivid storytelling in the charming, retro atmosphere.

Near the middle, “Cassandra” touches on garage rock and power pop wth grand results, while “Idiot” unfolds with plenty of melody in the sweet delivery. “Sun In My Morning” one of the album’s best and one of the 2 covers, then gets dreamy in a restrained setting of cautious yet playful song craft.

Deeper into the listen, “What If Music?” offers a swift, country influenced rocker, and “Tom Tom” finds a fascinating place to reside amid indie-rock and alt-country. “Your Job” exits the listen acoustically robust with pedal steel in the pensive, emotive landscape.

Turner brings a vast amount of influences to her first album in a decade and even more skill. An extremely poetic and thoughtful record, her kind of rootsy and mostly diverse Americana formula just might make her your new favorite singer-songwriter.

Travels well with: Susan Gibson- The Hard Stuff; Jane Kramer- Valley Of The Bones