Gerald Cohen

Voyagers

Innova, 2023

8/10

Listen to Voyagers

The long running New York composer Gerald Cohen pens an album that includes world premiere pieces of 21st century works, where strings thanks to the Cassatt String Quartet and clarinet and trombone are present.

The title track opens the listen with much attention to atmosphere, where Narek Arutyunian’s clarinet is quite fascinating amid the mature strings and flowing climate of the soft versus dense moments.

“Playing For Our Lives” occupies the middle spot, and is intense, stirring and cinematic, as Muneko Otani and Jennifer Leshnower’s violins emit much warmth and grace, while “Preludes For Debka” exits with a minimal approach that’s accented by Colin Williams’ animated trombone and uses Ah Ling Neu’s viola and Elizabeth Anderson’s cello in strategic and memorable ways.

Cohen’s vision is one of fluid and melodic gestures, and the Cassatt String Quartet’s skill and experience illuminate his dramatic appeal that’s even more exciting thanks to the winds and brass.

Travels well with: Yvonne Lam- Watch Over Us; Ben Verdery & Ulysses Quartet- A Giant Beside You

Danko Jones

Electric Sounds

AFM, 2023

9/10

Listen to Electric Sounds

The Canadian trio, Danko Jones, return with another batch of their hard hitting rock anthems with this 11th studio album, where frontman Danko is joined by John “J.C.” Calabrese and Rich Knox.

“Guess Who’s Back” opens the listen with thumping drums and dense guitars, as Jones’ biting vocals are met with plenty of grit, and “Good Time” follows with swirling guitar and the thundering rhythm section making for an abrasive yet melodic landscape.

In the middle, the bouncy “Stiff Competition” benefits much from Knox’s drumming acrobatics amid the soaring chorus, while “She’s My Baby” is a swift and darker spirited moment you could even dance to.

The best tracks land near the end, where “What Goes Around” meshes rock, punk and metal into a charged and harmonic delivery, and “Shake Your City” exits with a buzzing and dynamic modern rocker that you’ll be singing along to immediately.

A band whose vision can be summed up with their raging chorus “I came here to f*ck shit up and have a good time!”, Electric Sounds does just that, and plenty of it.

Travels well with: The Oxys- A Date With The Oxys; The Dickies- I Dig Go-Go Girls/The Dreaded Pigasaurus

Jessica Pavone

Clamor

Out Of Your Head, 2023

9/10

Listen to Clamor

The violist and composer Jessica Pavone pens an album for string ensemble and the bassoonist Katherine Young, where the 4 tracks are powerful and unpredictable.

“Neolttwigi” opens the listen with the expressive violins from Aimée Niemann and Charlotte Munn-Wood that comes with much intimacy and warmth, and “Nu Shu (part 1)” follows with a distinct droning that showcases Young’s blurry bassoon.

On the back half, “Nu Shu (part 2)” is full of ambience that benefits from Pavone’s iconoclastic viola playing and Young’s artistic bassoon gestures in a sci-fi sort of way, and Mariel Roberts’s graceful cello adds much elegance to the very pretty exit, “Bloom”.

A listen that thematically surrounds a secret language created and used only by Chinese women forbidden to go to school like their brothers, Pavone’s vision is one of an experimental nature, where jazz, chamber, classical and art-influenced manipulation unfold in a strategic way that few could replicate.

Travels well with: Mali Obomsawin- Sweet Tooth; Curt Sydnor- Deep End Shallow

Bonnie Montgomery

River

Gar Hole, 2023

8/10

Listen to River

The Arkansas native, singer-songwriter and renaissance woman Bonnie Montgomery returns with a heartfelt listen that embraces all the different aspects of her diverse life.

The warm piano and very expressive singing of the powerful “River” opens the listen with some country spirit, and “Modern-Day Cowgirl’s Dream” follows with Whitney Rose’s harmony vocals populating the light twang of the melodic delivery.

Halfway through, “Half Drunk” welcomes Jimmy Davis’ voice that harmonizes with Montgomery amid the aching pedal steel, while “Leon” is a textured album highlight that uses strings strategically in the adventurous Americana setting.

“Seventeen” arrives near the end and is full of bright storytelling that allows Montgomery’s soaring pipes to shine, and “This Town” exits with a dreamy presence of soft and eloquent song craft.

A listen that’s full of honky tonk fun, but also touches on Montgomery’s time in opera and folk, the meshing of outlaw country, rootsy Americana and bluesy nods is sure appreciated here.

Travels well with: William Matheny- That Grand Old Feeling; Elllie Turner- When The Trouble’s All Done

John P. Strohm

Something To Look Forward To

Propellor, 2023

8/10

Listen to Something To Look Forward To

An Indiana musician, lawyer and record executive, John P. Strohm began his career in the punk scene and played in bands you might recall like Antenna, Blake Babies and, most notably, The Lemonheads.

These days he’s taking the solo route, and this 4th album is dedicated to his friend and former bandmate Ed Ackerman (of Polara fame), who passed away in 2019.

The warm spirit of “Ready For Nothing” opens the listen, where crisp drums and expressive singing makes for a rootsy feel, and “Ruins” follows with graceful keys and soulful singing that floats close to balladry.

The dreamy “Lancaster” lands in the middle and is heavy on atmosphere and mood thanks to the poetic vocals and gentle guitar, while the bright and breezy “Don’t Tell It To Your Heart” is a punchy folk-rocker that’s timeless and melodic.

The final two tracks are among the best, where “Counting Backwards” flows with a gentle, soothing approach of cautious songwriting, and “A + B = Y” exits with intimate acoustic guitar and much sincerity.

This is Strohm’s 4th solo effort and first since 2007. He maintains some of the grit of his punk fueled youth, where both vulnerable and animated moments populate this mature, timeless listen.

Travels well with: Nathan Mongol Wells- From A Dark Corner; Joey Frendo- Bound For Heartache

Charlie Risso

Alive

T3, 2023

10/10

Listen to Alive

An artist whose roots are based in Milan and London, Charlie Risso’s melancholic brand of dream-pop weaves in and out of globally friendly textures across these 10 lush songs.

The title track opens the listen with Risso’s distinct and absorbing voice alongside strong attention to atmosphere and a soft buzzing that builds into a stylish version of modern pop, and “The Wolf” follows with a duet that recruits Hugo Race’s deep pipes for the layered, soulful song craft.

The middle spot belongs to the stirring intimacy of “The Bench”, where the bright melodies and hazy approach is much appreciated, while “By The Lake” leads with a mysterious ambience before the surreal songwriting enters amid Risso’s expressive singing.

Residing near the end, “Keep The Distance” illustrates a diverse range from Risso amid the mesmerizing keys, and “Time” leads with both beauty and mystery from a cultured angle of focused and reflective artistry.

This is Risso’s 3rd studio album, and like everything she’s done, it’s aglow in thoughtful, creative song craft that’s cinematic and blends folk, soul and blues in a way that points towards the work of David Lynch, which only adds more appeal to the listen.

Travels well with: Izzy And The Black Trees- Revolution Comes In Waves; Alessandro Incorvaia- It Emerged To Hold Me

Sofia Talvik

Center Of The Universe

Makaki, 2023

9/10

Listen to Center Of The Universe

The Swedish folk and Americana artist Sofia Talvik brings her nordic approach to songwriting across this 9th album that doesn’t shy away from the Laurel Canyon sound or bluegrass nods, too.

“Circle Of Destruction” opens the listen with Talvik’s soft and eloquent singing alongside the cozy acoustic guitar of the gentle folk strummer, and the title track follows with a dreamy presence that comes with expressive vocals amid the strong attention to mood.

“Boy Soldier” occupies the middle spot, and is a more lush offering of poetic and stirring songwriting, while “Meanwhile In Winnsboro” is quite minimal, and radiates a cautious warmth that’s reflective in tone.

Nearing the end, “Broken” is packed with beauty amid the layered voices, and “Oh California” is a bit fuller with emphasis on drumming for the breezy melodies.

Talvik covers topics like the Ukraine War, American women’s rights, missing children in the US and the struggle of domestic violence survivors, and it's all done with incredible poise.

Travels well with: Lynne Hanson- Ice Cream In November; Sarah McQuaid- The St Buryan Sessions

Vanessa Thomas

Life Is Like A Song

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Life Is Like A Song

The stunning debut from the jazz vocalist Vanessa Thomas, she brings along Roger Wilder, Eric Hitt, John Kizilarmut, Matt Otto and Clint Ashlock for these 11 well thought out standards.

“Cheek To Cheek” begins the listen with Wilder’s warm piano complementing Thomas’ soaring and powerful voice, and “At Last” follows with more emphasis on Kizilarmut’s agile drumming and Otto’s tenor sax for the lush and soulful delivery.

Further along, the upbeat and dance floor ready “Everyday I Have The Blues” spotlights Ashlock’s flowing trumpet, while “Come Sunday” is an intimate and poetic moment that showcases Thomas’ expressive singing.

Close to the end, the cautious “I Let A Song Go Out To My Heart” benefits much from Hitt’s well timed bass, as the setting gets a bit friskier, and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” finishes with the precise rhythm section and lively keys amid the impressive range from Thomas.

An excellent first outing for a voice that all fans of jazz should be acquainted with, Thomas and company truly make all these songs their own.

Travels well with: Monika Ryan- Playfully; Grace McNally- Full Circle

Martin Wind/Jim McNeely/Ed Neumeister

Counterpoint

Laika, 2023

8/10

Listen to Counterpoint

Martin Wind’s double bass, Jim McNeely’s piano and Ed Neumeister’s trombone come together for these 10 cautious and rich jazz tracks.

“Hiatus” begins the listen with the warm keys and soulful brass making for much swingin’ fun, and “Remember October 13th” follows with Wind and Neumeister each manipulating their instruments in distinct ways before some charming blues nods enter.

Halfway through, “Blame It On My Youth” is a skilled interpretation that uses the double bass strategically alongside the muted trombone, while the bright “Gmunden” is an improvised and cinematic moment of unpredictable musicianship.

“Extra Credit” and “In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning” exit the listen, where the former meshes the keys and horn in adventurous and timeless jazz oriented ways, and the latter enters dreamy territory thanks to the stirring bass and intimate piano.

A body of work that took place on accident when Wind booked studio time with another musician for a project he ended up passing on, McNeely was still on board for making some music, and the addition of Neumeister certainly only adds more creativity and timelessness to the affair.

Travels well with: Bruce Barth Trio- Dedication; Ben Wolfe- Unjust

Michael Torke

Sessions, 3 A.M.

Ecstatic, 2023

8/10

Listen to Sessions, 3 A.M.

The inimitable pianist Michael Torke brings his timeless vision to these 15 originals that showcase incredible warmth and a strong attention to detail and fluidity.

“Nave” opens the listen with the calm and reflective keys that make an immediate impression, and “Narthex” follows with gentle melodies that flow from the stirring and heartfelt songwriting.

Further along, “Apse” emits a very meticulous mood of graceful and soothing key progressions, while “Lintel” carries a breezier approach of both bare and more firm gestures that are as mesmerizing as they are soulful.

Close to the end, “Vestry” pays close attention to atmosphere amid the pretty playing and cozy demeanor, and the dreamy “Truss” exits with a very emotive presence that, even at 45 minutes, seems to end too soon.

Torke’s recent work has brought in brass and strings, but here he proves that he’s capable of engaging the listener with just the elegance of his piano.

Travels well with: Michael Torke- Time; Boston Modern Orchestra Project- Walter Piston: Concerto For Orchestra

Nick Maclean Quartet

Convergence

Browntasauras, 2023

8/10

Listen to Convergence

The pianist Nick Maclean is aligned with Brownman Ali, Ben Duff and Jacob Wutzke, plus guests, for these powerful and diverse 11 jazz tracks.

“Dolphin Dance” opens the listen with a warm atmosphere thanks to the graceful keys and Ali’s soulful trumpet guiding the thoughtful climate, and “Road Warrior” follows with a lively energy that benefits from Maclean’s finger acrobatics and Wutzke’s furious drumming.

In the middle, “Eye Of The Hurricane” welcomes Mike Downes on bass and Mateo Mancuso behind the drum kit for the animated melodies and dance floor ready delivery, while “Butterfly” is a more cautious exploration that benefits from Duff’s precise acoustic bass and the eloquent trumpet.

Arriving near the end, “Lie Of Easy Attainment” is a textured album highlight that emits timeless jazz ideas, and “Wisdow Of Aurelius” exits with a bit of culture thanks to Luisito Orbegoso’s congas that complements the frisky rhythm section.

A listen that tips its hat to Herbie Hancock, Maclean and company pen a unique and very modern body of work that’s as sophisticated as it is daring.

Travels well with: Nick Maclean- Can You Hear Me?; Noam Lemish- Erlebnisse

La Jovenc & Nei Shi

Gardenia

Sonica Botanica, 2023

9/10

Listen to Gardenia

The Italian artist Giovanni Dal Monte (aka La Jovenc) is aligned with Alessandro Petrillo (aka Nei Shi) for these highly adventurous 10 songs that pay homage to Billie Holiday, and bring electronic ideas into the jazz sounds.

“Don’t Explain” opens the listen with Jovenc’s deep voice and dense bass amid Dario Mazzucco’s soft drums in the mysterious atmosphere, and “He’s Funny That Way” follows with Shi’s warm, meticulous guitar playing alongside the poetic singing and playful electronics.

Further along, “Big Stuff” welcomes Fabio Landi’s well timed Midi data skills that helps give the album a very distinct sort of melody, while “Come Rain Or Come Shine” brings Mazzucco’s drums back for the calm grooves of the soulful album highlight.

Residing near the end, Luca Bonucci’s piano and Henrique Molinario’s doublebass make for a rich and timeless version of jazz via “Ain’t Nobody Business If I Do”. and “I’ve Got It Bad (And Ain’t That Good)” exits with an emotive and bare display of folk ideas, where Jovenc’s stirring voice is met with agile acoustic guitar.

La Jovenc handles vocals, electronics, bass, electronic drums and samples, and Nei Shi manipulates guitar, electronics, bass, samples and phototheremin. Together, along with their guests, they retain the spirit of Holiday’s work, but with plenty of modern electronica and a very avant-garde vision that is both unpredictable and exciting.

Travels well with: Giovanni Dal Monte- Anestetico V1 & V2; Pulsar Ensemble- Bizarre City

Emmett Goods

Another Level

Truth Revolution, 2023

8/10

Listen to Another Level

An educator and trombonist who has been performing for 25+ years, Emmett Goods brings much experience and skill to this debut as leader, where the 9 tracks host his brother, Richie Goods, plus many others for the playful jazz affair.

The energetic and rhythmic “Bennett St. Blues” opens the listen with bright brass and Mark Whitfield Jr.’s fluid drumming making for a timeless blues tune, and “Major Changes” follows with Richie’s bouncy bass lines complementing Emmett’s soulful trombone via the animated delivery.

Halfway through, the pace is trimmed back with the warm textures of “Goods Brothers”, while “Triedstone” uses Nathan Edwards’ precise sax skills and Sheddrick Mitchell’s keys with much care.

Close to the end, “Faith And Love” is an intimate and dreamy album highlight that tugs on the heartstrings, and “Blues For The Enslaved” exits with a frisky rhythm section and much agility from the brass.

A cultured, swingin’ good time that doesn’t shy away from calm moments, too, Goods and company cultivate plenty of grooves and touch on variations of the blues with incredible attention to detail.

Travels well with: Bill O’Connell- Live In Montauk; Jakob Dreyer- Songs, Hymns And Ballads Vol. 2

Goldpine

Two

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Two

The Nashville duo of the married couple Benjamin and Kassie Wilson, as Goldpine they bring their creative, raw Americana to these 10 well thought out tracks.

The warm twang of “Do You Have Me?” opens the listen with the pair harmonizing with much beauty, as Kassie’s voice soars incredibly high, and “Land Of The Rolling Hills” follows with more emphasis on drumming in the poetic climate that focuses on Benjamin’s expressive pipes amid spirited harmonica.

“Lost And Found” occupies the middle spot, and emits much intimacy via the eloquent storytelling and soft guitar, while “About Tomorrow” brings finger snapping and a cautious soulfulness to the lush album highlight.

“Scarecrow” and “Estate Sale” exit the listen, where the former is a heartfelt and dreamy duet of much allure, and the latter exits with Kassie’s touching voice, breezy acoustic guitar and light percussion alongside a distinct atmosphere.

Goldpine are already very familiar with the festival circuit, and there’s little doubt that their picking up fans wherever they go with their infectious harmonies and timeless approach to Americana.

Travels well with: Wyatt Edmondson- If I Don’t Try; JD Graham- A Pound Of Rust

House Of Waters

On Becoming

GroundUP, 2023

9/10

Listen to On Becoming

An outfit spearheaded by Max ZT (hammered dulcimer) and Moto Fukushima (six string electric bass), along with Antonio Sanchez, Mike Stern and Priya Darshini they create both composed and improvised pieces of worldly jazz ideas.

“Folding Cranes” opens the listen with the bass and dulcimer making for a cultured and engaging climate that uses Sanchez’s drums for much effect, and “Avaloch” follows with a unique dreaminess which emits meticulous patterns from ZT amid the warm bass gestures that embraces much melody.

In the middle, Stern’s cozy guitar lines makes quite an impact across the waves of beauty that is “Hang In The Air”, while “Tsumamiori” spotlights acrobatic drumming that complements the swift dulcimer exploration and strategic bass of a more rock focused delivery.

Close to the end, the rhythmic “The Wall” features the mesmerizing vocals of Priya Darshini, who adds even more elegance next to the playful bass lines, and “Kabuseori” exits with a calm dreaminess which relies on folk and post-rock nods, too, in its clever interaction.

A listen that documents a distinct sound, composition and moment, ZT, Fukushima and company make for an atypical version of fusion sounds that’s closely related to jazz and is an unpredictable as it is gripping.

Travels well with: Alex Hamburger- What If?; Danielle Wertz- Other Side

Johnny Rawls

Walking Heart Attack

Catfood, 2023

8/10

Listen to Walking Heart Attack

The blues legend Johnny Rawls brings his inimitable vocals and guitar playing to these 10 new tracks that welcomes plenty of players to the animated and soulful climate.

“Walking Heart Attack” opens the listen with Rawls’ warm voice alongside Richy Puga’s frisky drums and bright sax from Andy Roman and Nick Flood, and “Trying To Live My Life Without You” follows with Dan Ferguson’s lively keys and soothing backing vocals from Janelle Thompson and Shakara Weston that complement Rawls’ expressive pipes.

In the middle spot, the gospel tinted “Born All Over” use Mike Middleton’s trumpet amid much emotion, while the lively “Heal Me” benefits much from Bob Trenchard’s well timed bass that illuminates the alluring grooves.

Later on, the band turn in a very well done version of Springsteen’s “Hungry Heart”, which comes with plenty of melodies and exceptional backing vocals, and “Mississippi Dreams” exits with a brass spirited and cozy demeanor of agile blues that will always be in style.

Now in his 70s, Rawls’ professional career as a musician began at the age of 15, and all these decades later he’s still making relevant and timeless music that anyone with an ear for the blues will enjoy.

Travels well with: Popa Chubby And The Beast Band- Live At G. Bluey’s Juke Joint NYC; Ole Lonesome- Tejas Motel

Marsha And The Positrons

Energetic

Shoeless Sheep, 2023

8/10

Listen to Energetic

The cognitive neuroscientist, singer, guitar player and songwriter Marsha Goodman-Wood brings plenty of positivity to these family oriented songs about science, where plenty of esteemed guests are along for the diverse listen.

“Buzz Buzz” begins the listen with upbeat organ from David Durst and playful singing that makes for an infectious and melodic start, and “Starlings” isn’t too far away and welcomes the hip-hop luminary SaulPaul to the warm and dance friendly delivery.

In the middle, the sweet and romantic “Meet Me In My Dreams” showcases Marsha’s fluid guitar alongside TJ Lipple’s frisky drums, while “Road To Breman” benefits from Keith Grimwood (of Trout Fishing In America) for the rootsy and harmonic interaction that uses Jon Guo’s bass strategically.

Landing close to the end, “We’re Going To The Library” carries a ‘60s girl group appeal thanks to the bright backing vocals, and “High Fives” exits with Dumi Right and Black Root (Jamaal Collier) in attendance for the hip-hop fueled finish.

Marsha has picked up plenty of awards and it’s clear to see why; her universal topics that make this world a better place that embraces jazz, blues, rock and plenty of other ideas makes for a very friendly and welcoming listen.

Travels well with: Kelli Welli- Baby Ninja; Sukey Molloy- The Adventures Of Little Stubby

Keturah Allgood

Shine

Charlotte Avenue, 2023

8/10

Listen to Shine

This debut album from the North Carolina native Keturah Allgood brings her soulful version of Americana to 12 well thought out tracks.

“Radio” starts the listen with a soothing gospel spirit, where Allgood’s warm voice is complemented by cozy guitar and crisp drums, and “Down The Line” follows with stirring fiddle before the eloquent wordplay makes for a poetic climate.

Moving along, “Little Girl” is a powerful, acoustic guitar focused album highlight that allows Allgood’s absorbing pipes to shine, while the flowing piano and anthemic “Shine” emits much beauty in its empowering demeanor.

Close to the end, “Rosary Beads” finds a dreamy place to reside thanks to the gentle singing and reflective instrumentation, and “The Show” exits with a timeless folk quality that’s full of vivid storytelling and graceful musicianship.

A listen that’s focused on passionate and uplifting song craft from an artist whose vision is both tender and personal, this is a fantastic starting point for Allgood.

Travels well with: Wood Willow- Southern Intentions; Marina Rocks- Texcentric

Roger Joseph Manning Jr.

Radio Daze & Glamping

Omnivore, 2023

9/10

Listen to Radio Daze & Glamping

A multi-instrumentalist who co-founded the bands Jellyfish, Imperial Drag and the Moog Cookback, Roger Joseph Manning Jr. has an impressive resume that includes excellent solo work as well. This package includes his 2018 EP, Glamping, and pairs it with the 4 new songs that are Radio Daze.

The energetic and bright “I Feel Good, Bad, Fine” begins the listen with glowing keys and bouncy bass for the power-pop fun, and “Rockin’ It Our Way” follows with plenty of melody amid the frisky drums and soaring vocals that comes with some retro-spirit.

Deeper into the listen, the playful buzzing of “Operator” welcomes Chris Manning’s smooth pipes and Dan Rothchild’s animated bass to the charming yet quirky track, while “Is It All A Dream?” is indeed dreamy in a soulful fashion that uses Taylor Locke’s agile electric guitar to complement Manning’s skilled falsetto.

The CD and Digital versions offer 3 live bonus tracks from Glamping’s limited edition expanded edition, plus 3 new live tracks and 2 instrumentals. Of this portion, the thumping and layered “Down In Front is particularly rockin’, and the calmer “I’m Not Your Cowboy” lands in piano balladry that’s as stirring as it is powerful. The final track and instrumental, “On Our Way To The Moon”, contains much beauty thanks to the lush guitars and flowing rhythm section that carries a cinematic quality.

A timeless listen that embraces the sounds of the ‘60s, Manning Jr. uses both pop and rock ideas for songs that might remind you of The Beatles or Queen, and will age just as well as those legends, too.

Travels well with: Richard X. Heyman- 67,000 Miles An Album; Jonny Polonsky- Kingdom Of Sleep

Lisa Bell

Back Seat

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Back Seat

A Colorado songstress who has been busy in recent years, this 5th album from Lisa Bell mixes all sorts of sophisticated genres into her rootsy influenced ways.

The title track starts the listen with warm Americana sounds and subtle jazz nods as Bell’s strong, expressive pipes take center stage, and “I Can’t Stand The Rain” follows with a cautious spirit where bluesy guitars add to the introspective atmosphere.

Further along, “I Don’t Know What You Want From Me” shines with an anthemic quality, while “What Went Wrong” uses strategic organs and deep groves on the soft and agile album highlight.

Near the end, “Get In The Flow” is a bright and sunny acoustic strummer and “Meet Me in The Space Between” finishes the listen sophisticated with light saxophones and mature, memorable melodies.

An album penned in a cabin, there’s plenty of nature incorporated on these rich, genuine and timeless songs, as Bell’s impressive storytelling runs parallel to the strong delivery of these gems.

Travels well with: Jordan Whitmore- Good Things; Karen Jonas- Butter