Anthony Stanco

Stanco’s Time

Origin, 2024

8/10

Listen to Stanco’s Time

The trumpet extraordinaire Anthony Stanco is joined by an esteemed cast for these 12 lively tracks that embrace blues, bebop and various progressive ideas of modern jazz.

“Showtime” starts with Xavier Davis’ fluid keys that are complemented by Stanco’s bright trumpet for an infectious energy, and the title track follows with Joe Farnsworth’s lively drums that suit the well timed brass and timeless jazz appeal.

Deeper into the listen, “Josie Rosie” showcases Randy Napoleon’s inimitable guitar playing that helps cultivate a melodic climate, while “Worth The Time” recruits Walter Blanding’s tenor sax acrobatics for an animated and rich album highlight.

Landing near the end, “Minor Time” benefits much from the dynamic rhythm section as Stanco’s intricate trumpet shines, and “Now’s The Time” exits with another appearance from Blanding’s sax and the detailed interaction between the esteemed players.

Stanco’s influences from Rodney Whitaker, Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis, to name a few, are never far from the surface, as he turns in a striking and memorable display of contemporary jazz.

Travels well with: Clarence Penn- Behind The Voice; Anthony Brankar- Songs My Mom Liked

Antonio Adolfo

Love Cole Porter

AAM, 2024

9/10

Listen to Love Cole Porter

The Brazilian jazz legend Antonio Adolfo puts his own spin on 10 tracks by the inimitable Cole Porter, and he’s got some excellent help with him for the occasion.

The lively and flowing “Easy To Love” opens with animated brass that suits Adolfo meticulous piano amid much melody, and “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” follows with a calmer mood, where Rafael Barata’s soft drumming complements the dreaminess.

Halfway through, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” radiates tremendous warmth via the sublime keys and pretty sax playing thanks to Danilo Sinna and Marcelo Martins, while “Just One Of Those Things” is a rich album highlight that swirls with an infectious energy and benefits much from Lula Galvao’s guitar.

Close to the end, “So In Love” is indeed romantic and allows for Adolfo’s stunning piano playing to shine alongside Jorge Helder’s bass prowess, and “You Do Something To Me” exits with a bright horn presence, where the agile keys and playful rhythm section helps cultivate many grooves.

Few others will ever have a resume like Adolfo, where 25 albums as leader and 6 decades of activity welcomes this superb homage that does justice to the originals with tremendous melodies, harmonies and phrasing.

Travels well with: Antonio Adolfo- Bossa 65; Antonio Adolfo- Jobim Forever

Anna Tivel

Living Thing

Fluff & Gravy, 2024

9/10

Listen to Living Thing

The 6th album from the Portland, Oregon artist Anna Tivel, the songs here were penned in 2020, and document both struggles and joy during a very challenging time.

The soft fingerpicking of “Silver Flame” begins the listen with tremendous warmth amid Tivel’s gorgeous and raw singing, and “Real Things” follows with crisp drums and some subtle grooves amid the bright storytelling.

“Kindness Of A Liar” and “Desperation” arrive in the middle. The former comes with much attention to mood via Tivel’s well timed violin, while the latter relies on playful programming and layered voices for a distinct richness.

Closer to the end, “Two Truths” is a bare, folk influenced moment of cozy acoustic guitar and intimate singing, and “Gold Web” exits with a field recording that’s accompanied by mesmerizing guitar and the sort of authenticity that makes it seem like Tivel is singing just for you.

Shane Leonard’s contributions can’t not be mentioned here, as he handles many instruments and helped shape the songs that resonate much reflection and often bring to mind Big Thief or Elliott Smith, which I doubt anyone is going to have a problem with.

Travels well with: Laith- Lightning; The Parson Red Heads- Lifetime Of Comedy

Amy Annelle

The Toll

High Plains Sigh, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Toll

The Austin singer-songwriter Amy Annelle is well versed in both Americana and folk ideas, and these 12 thoughtful songs are full of cathartic storytelling that’s reflective and powerful.

“Pull Tabs And Broken Glass” starts the listen with some warm twang and Annelle’s poetic and stirring voice alongside cozy acoustic guitar, and “Let Me Be” follows with stirring strings and expressive singing that also welcomes soft drums.

Moving into the middle, the strong attention to mood across “The Gate” emits a fuller delivery of rich, folk influenced sounds, while “Common Law Marriage” is a more playful moment of aching pedal steel, vocal scatting and country nods.

Residing near the end, “The Ballad Of Fire And Water” bring us a melodic and emotive album highlight that showcases the range of Annelle’s voice amid a heartfelt delivery, and “The Toll” exits with a rawness and authentic demeanor of forthright song craft that allows her vulnerability to align with timeless storytelling.

Annelle has dealt with a long period of illness, and this return sees the songstress sorting through much soul searching via the relatable experience that speaks long after the music stops.

Travels well with: Lana Nauphal- Wildland; Wild Ponies- Dreamers

Age Of Distraction

A Game Of Whispers

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to A Game Of Whispers

The debut album from the UK quartet Age Of Distraction, the 12 songs here incorporate prog and metal influences into a very dynamic and memorable affair.

“The Uninvited” opens the listen with guest Ruby Jones’ warm keys that suit Charlie Bramald’s expressive pipes in the minimal climate, and “Break My Bones” follows with Dom Bennison’s hard hitting drums that mix well with John Cook’s swirling guitar amid much attention to mood.

Moving along, “The Plea” touches on distinct prog-fueled ideas, while “Take Me Down” welcomes Philip Stuckey’s soaring pipes via the rich and meticulous songwriting.

Landing close to the end, “The Left Unsaid” benefits much from a textured and dreamy ambience, and “My Peace” exits with Mark Gatland’s key prowess that illuminates a thoughtful and mysterious finish.

A highly versatile effort that balances heaviness and prettiness, Age Of Distraction excel in both calm and intense gestures, and it makes for an impressive first LP.

Travels well with: Wedingoth- Five Stars (A)live; Sloane Square Band- Thoughts

APB

The Radio 1 Sessions

Liberation Hall, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Radio 1 Sessions

The legendary Scottish punk outfit APB see the reissue treatment with this 2006 release that collects 19 tracks captured between 1981 and 1984.

“My Love” starts the record with a crisp and raw delivery, where soulful singing is met with lively bass lines, and it isn’t long until “Danceability” comes with some funk flavor and certainly a dance floor energy.

Deeper into the listen, “Out Of Town” benefits from intricate guitar and backing vocals that touch on New Wave nods, while “Play It” makes great use of animated percussive ideas and no lack of grooves.

Residing closer to the end, “Take Me To A Good Place” is an exciting and festive album highlight that sounds just as great today as it did in the early ‘80s, and “So Many Broken Hearts” exits with strong melodies and no lack of punk rock spirit that has made the band a seminal outfit.

The tunes here are collected from sessions with John Peel, David Jensen and Peter Powell, where the trio (Iain Slater, Glenn Roberts and George Cheyne) make music that might remind you of Gang of Four, Au Pairs or Delta 5 via their post-punk meets dance-rock that sure has aged well.

Travels well with: APB- Cure For The Blues; The Kingsnakes- Live At The Old Waldorf

Alan Regardin

Ritual Tones

Ormo, 2024

8/10

Listen to Ritual Tones

A highly artistic 3 track affair, Alan Regardin takes inspiration from traditional drone music as well as contemporary nods that recruits help from Peggy Buard, Alexis Persigan and Gabriel Lemaire.

“Tones” starts the listen with a distinct droning, where both light and dark qualities surround the strategic and mesmerizing climate that spends 17 minutes impressing us, and “Prelude” follows with a similar approach in a different register that welcomes Persigan’s well timed trombone amid Buard’s hypnotic organ.

The final selection, “Ritual”, carries a bit of a brighter demeanor, where subdued melody and Lemaire’s soulful baritone saxophone accent the rich layering of mystery and wonder.

Regardin focuses on the nature of sound and vibratory ideas, and his experimental approach to these unclassifiable and exciting selections sure is appreciated.

Travels well with: Brazen- Distance; Niton- 11

Amina Figarova & The Matsiko World Orphan Choir

Suite For Africa

AmFi, 2024

8/10

Listen to Suite For Africa

The pianist and composer Amina Figarova is joined by the Matsiko World Orphan Choir for these 8 pieces that surround her time meeting students while traveling to South Africa.

“Dancing Clouds” opens with the dancing keys that are joined by Bart Platteau’s lively flutes for the rich mood, and the title track follows with 3 chapters, where the many vocalists complement Figarova’s sophisticated keys for the soaring delivery.

Further along, “Faith Is Her Name” radiates tremendous intimacy via the sublime keys and hazy winds, as Rudy Royston’s soft drums add much to the cautiousness, while “Worldwide” is a playful moment of bouncy keys and textured winds that emit much melody.

The final 2 tracks don’t disappoint either. “Rain River” leads with a soulfulness via Alex Pope Norris’ touching brass, and “Paper Kites” exits with a distinct friskiness that benefits much from Yasushi Nakamura’s well timed bass and Wayne Escoffery’s skilled sax.

A meticulous affair that takes inspiration from African rhythms and the folk music traditions of the Figarova’s native Azerbaijan, it makes for a worldly and memorable experience.

Travels well with: Kristin Lee Sergeant- Falling; Grace Kelly With Strings- At The Movies

Clarence Penn

Behind The Voice

Origin, 2024

8/10

Listen to Behind The Voice

The multi-instrumenalist Clarence Penn is joined by a large cast for these vocal jazz selections that resonate timelessness and originality.

“Send One Your Love” opens the listen with Aaron Marcellus’ expressive pipes alongside Penn’s frisky drumming for the rhythmic climate, and “Come Talk To Me” follows with James Genus’ playful bass suiting Kurt Elling’s distinct pipes that are soulful.

Halfway through, “Sometimes It Snows In April” welcomes Chelsea Jackson’s poetic pipes to the soft display that makes great use of Christopher Bruce’s agile guitar, while the loud and punchy “Everlong” showcases Adam Rogers’ groovy guitar and vocorder via a very unique interpretation of the Foo Fighters classic.

The last 2 tracks, “Human Nature” and “You Are”, don’t disappoint either. The former is heavy on processed vocals, as Yasushi Nakamura lends his bass prowess, and the latter and sole original is populated by Jackson’s elegant voice and Penn’s skilled percussive ideas.

Penn’s resume is quite impressive and includes work with Wynton Marsalis, Betty Carter and many more. These takes on tunes by Phil Collins, Stevie Wonder and others continues his 3+ decades of dynamic drumming, and makes for very a intriguing and clever covers effort.

Travels well with: Anthony Brankar- Songs My Mom Liked; Jiheo Heo- Flow

Cally Banham

Tango To The Cor

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Tango To The Cor

The Saint Louis Symphony solo English horn enthusiast, Cally Banham, is joined by some excellent company for this 2nd solo album that spotlights the soulful sounds of tango.

“Libertango” opens the listen with Astor Piazzolla's cortango and Asako Kudoki’ violin adding much emotion and adventurousness to Banham’s mesmerizing horn and oboe, and “Tango From Espana” follows with M. Mark Akin’s gorgeous guitar that suits the elegance of Banham’s meticulous delivery.

Further along, the firm and tense “Vivani” welcomes Adam De Sorgo’s lively keys and Melissa Brooks’ moody cello to the unpredictable climate, while “Tristesse/La Melodia Del Corazón” is an intimate moment via David DeRiso’s agile bass and Chris Tantillo’s well timed viola.

Close to the end, “Chacarera Del Violin” welcomes Mauro Peralta’s descriptive vocals to the bouncy bass, string acrobatics and Banham’s hand clapping, and “Tenebrae” exits with an eloquent and stirring presence thanks to the rich and emotive strings, plus Banham’s subdued English Horn.

A very careful affair that uses classical, jazz and tango to make an indelible impression, every moment here is expressive, timeless and whimsical.

Travels well with: Cliff Eidelman- Symphony No. 2; Aleksi Glick- World Traveler

Brazen

Distance

Re-Echo, 2024

10/10

Listen to Distance

After a nearly two decade hiatus, Switzerland’s Brazen are back with a harmonic and soaring indie-rock venture that was penned and recorded between London and Geneva over nearly 10 years.

“Trialog” starts the listen with the warm guitar swimming in plenty of melody that benefits from Mark Blakebrough’s fluid drumming, and “Storms In The Far” follows with a softer display of intimate singing and twinkling instrumentation that builds into a punchy and crisp rocker.

“Let You Down” and “Arms Of The Sea” land in the middle. The former is more rugged, where pretty vocal harmonies are met with muscular ideas, while the latter is the album highlight that’s textured precisely and dynamically with swirling guitars and expressive singing.

Close to the end, “Hey Man” is a rhythmic moment that employs Thibault Schneeberger’s playful bass, and “Bizarre Tragic Hollow Times” exits with Robin Jossen’s bright voice and strategic guitar playing that unfolds with progressive nods and plenty of tunefulness.

Eighteen years is too long for a band this great to be dormant, and their history with prog, emo and even hardcore helps make this a really original and infectious indie-rock masterpiece.

Travels well with: Niton- 11; Wanu- Magma

Argentina Durán

Rapsodia Mexicana

Bravo, 2024

9/10

Listen to Rapsodia Mexicana

The Mexican pianist Argentina Durán returns with a 2nd solo album, where her solo presence embraces Mexican composers from many eras and styles.

“Cuatro Danzas Mexicanas” opens with 4 chapters that illustrate fascinating and inviting finger acrobatics, as Durán draws us in to her unpredictable craft, and “Amar... (Nocturno)” follows with a dense backdrop, as a dreamy setting unfolds.

Deeper into the listen, “Padre” tugs on the heartstrings with its gorgeous and touching delivery, while “Danzas Nocturnas” uses 3 chapters to showcase the vivid key progressions and gripping storytelling that is rich with emotion.

The final piece, the title track, then exits with both firm and gentle moments of colorful and memorable piano that few others could replicate.

A diverse outing that illustrates romantic, nationalist and impressionist ideas, this is the first classical album produced in Mexico using immersive Dolby Atmos audio technology, and it illuminates an already excellent execution even further.

Travels well with: Kiki Valera- Vacilón Santiaguero; Randy Weinstein- Harmonimonk

Castle Black

The Highway At Night

Self-Released, 2024

10/10

Listen to The Highway At Night

Leigh Celent and Joey Russo, i.e Castle Black, return with another unclassifiable body of work, where their distinct version of alt-rock unfolds across 11 unique tracks.

“Little Massacre” opens with Russo’s thick drums alongside Celent’s firm guitar and soaring voice that’s equal parts dark and melodic, and “Flowers In My Hair” follows with a post-punk appeal, where the mesmerizing rhythm section draws us in immediately.

Halfway through, “Crying In The Street” is a scrappy moment of start and stop dynamics that are a bit grungy, while “Interlude” recruits Eric Fischler’s spoken word to the cryptic moment that also employs Nick Kelly’s bass acrobatics.

Landing close to the end, the incredible drumming of “Fly (Just Try)” suits the diverse singing that carries plenty of timeless and intricate punk flavor, and “Heart Can’t Feel” exits with a bouncy and jangly finish of sing-alongs thanks to Lisa Low’s backing vocals.

The New York duo already have several excellent EPs in their arsenal. and this first album proves that they are just as luminous in a longer format, especially for fans of anything related to punk, indie, grunge and alt-rock.

Travels well with: Castle Black- Get Up, Dancer; Night Battles- Year Of No Days

Alex Sipiagin

Horizons

Blue Room, 2024

8/10

Listen to Horizons

The trumpet and flugelhorn extraordinaire Alex Sipiagin is surrounded by Chris Potter, John Escreet, Eric Harland and Matt Brewer for these 8 originals and 2 covers that continue his creative and timeless jazz approach.

“While You Weren’t Looking” opens with a swift and dynamic display that benefits much from Sipiagin’s flowing trumpet, and “Overseen” follows with a calmer spirit via Potters’s warm sax and Harland’s atmospheric drumming.

Halfway through, “When Is It Now?”, a Pat Metheny original, emits much beauty thanks to Sipiagin’s pretty tone, while “Lost” tugs on the heartstrings with its intimate mood and Escreet’s mature keys.

Close to the end, the title track unfolds across 3 chapters of exploratory sounds that use the sax and flugelhorn in rich ways amid the unpredictable rhythm section, and “AIVA-tion” exits with a more rock focused finish of dreamy and meticulous song craft that’s anchored by Brewer’s precise bass.

Sipiagin’s got an impressive catalog and this 11th pairing with Potter has each selection radiating in its own light.

Travels well with: Alexa Torres Quartet- In Situ; Jay Sanders- Evanescent

Anthony Brankar & Imagine

Songs My Mom Liked

Origin, 2024

8/10

Listen to Songs My Mom Liked

The composer and director Anthony Brankar brings along an excellent cast for these fusion filled tracks that make up his 10th Origin record.

Fabian Almazan’s swift keys open on “Praise”, where the warm brass enters amid much flowing melody, and “Sketches Of Selim” follows with Linda May Han Oh’s precise bass plucking that sets a mood of mystery and elegance.

Further along, “Land Of Milk & Honey” showcases Donny McCaslin’s bright sax and Philip Dizack’s soulful trumpet thanks to the strong attention to mood, while “Imani (Faith)” benefits much from Rudy Royston’s agile drumming that suits the rhythmic nature of the album’s best.

Close to the end, “When We Said Goodbye” illuminates Pete McCann’s meticulous guitar playing a dreamy climate, and “If…” exits with rich and integrated jazz sounds that put a firm exclamation point on the collaborative affair.

Aubrey Johnson’s sparing but effective vocals have to be mentioned, too, as Brankar meshes funk, spoken word, post-bop and polyrhythmic exploration into songs that moms plus anyone with an ear for jazz will admire.

Travels well with: Jihee Heo- Flow; Live Edge Trio- Closing Time

April Varner

April

Cellar, 2024

8/10

Listen to April

The debut album from the jazz vocalist and composer April Varner, the 11 songs here illustrate much talent for the youngster, as she puts her on own spin on songs with the word ‘April’ in them.

“April Blues” opens with Reuben Rogers’ carefully plucked bass alongside Varner’s stunning and expressive voice that carries much intimacy, and “I’ll Remember April” follows with Dayna Stephens’s bright tenor sax and Miguel Russell’s drum acrobatics complementing the lively and diverse singing.

Moving into the middle, “April Give Me One More Day” welcomes Caelan Cardello’s mature keys via the sophisticated and heartfelt landscape, while “Sometimes It Snows In April” allows for Varner’s gorgeous delivery to do justice to the Prince classic.

Residing close to the end, “Lost April” is a particularly moving moment that benefits much from Benny Benack III’s trumpet, and “Who Let April Back Into My Dreams?” exits with the drums, keys and bass highlighting the poetic singing of an excellent original.

A very clever first album for the 26 year old, Varner clearly has a lengthy and esteemed career ahead of her in the area of jazz, if these reflective and timeless songs are any indication.

Travels well with: Ken Peplowski- Live At Mezzrow; Roger Kellaway- Live At Mezzrow

Ahmed Moneka

Kanzafula

Lulaworld, 2024

8/10

Listen to Kanzafula

The artist Ahmed Moneka draws from his Afro-Sufi music roots for these worldly funk, soul and jazz sounds that unfold across 9 diverse tracks.

“Aman” starts the listen with a warm presence, where spoken word flows alongside the many grooves and crisp drumming, and “Sea” follows with much emphasis on percussion and winds for an elegant and breezy climate.

Further along, the rich delivery of “Oh Mother” is more rock focused, where soulful sax is met with quick melodies, while “Chi Mali Wali” is strongly Eastern influenced and full of emotive strings and meticulous string plucking.

Landing close to the end, “Treed Trooh” carries a hint of mystery that recruits well timed strings, poetic singing and a distinct cautiousness, and "Sidi Mansure” exits with a busy and dance floor ready finish that uses strategic backing vocals and plenty of harmonic gestures.

A culturally impressive affair that pulls from African grooves and Arabic melodies, Moneka looks back on his transition from from Baghdad to Toronto via this striking body of work.

Travels well with: Yosef Gutman Levitt- The World And Its People; Maha Maya Band- A New Day

Babe Report

Did You Get Better

Exploding In Sound, 2024

9/10

Listen to Did You Get Better

The debut album from the Chicago noise wizards Babe Report, these 10 songs have the quartet soaking the delivery in fuzzy guitars and plenty of grooves.

“Turtle Of Reaper” opens with the hard hitting drums from Peter suiting the droning guitars and Emily’s commanding voice that brings post-punk ideas, and “Universal” follows with Mech’s lively bass that suits the acrobatic drumming and Ben’s distinct singing.

“Voidreader” occupies the middle spot with meticulous noise-rock that invites melodic guitars, while “Ocean” touches on ‘90s alt-rock moments thanks to both calm and busy bouts of crunchy guitar and an animated rhythm section.

“Kathleen” and “Bite My Lip” exit, where the former is a bit dreamy amid scrappy bouts as well, and the latter opens soft before bursting into a swirling and dynamic version of today’s modern rock.

A riff filled, mesmerizing and often powerful first album, Babe Report balance the early days of alt-rock and timeless indie-rock with both originality and timelessness.

Travels well with: Middle Sattre- Tendencies; Somni- Gravity

Carlos Niño & Friends

Placenta

International Anthem, 2024

8/10

Listen to Placenta

The  percussionist, producer, curator, and communicator Carlos Niño brings us a 4th collection with his friends, where his recent step into fatherhood greatly influences the songs.

“Love To All The Doulas!” opens with much warmth, where Nate Mercereau’s well timed french horn adds a haze of mystery, and “Some Rest For The Midwives…” follows with Jamire Williams’ drums, painting and dancing alongside Sam Gendel’s alto sax and pedals for a unique and meditative climate.

Moving into the middle, “In Appreciation of Chico Hamilton's Vast Influence on the West Coast Sound” benefits much from Mercereau’s atmospheric guitar synth and pedals that emit much ambience, while “This "I" was not” showcases Ariel Kalma’s intriguing spoken word, Surya Botofasina’s moody organ and Annelise’s atypical percussion for a bit of a sci-fi moment.

Landing close to the end, “Generous Pelvis” recruits Adam Rudolph’s dubbed Hindewhu and voice amid Deantoni Parks’ diverse drums for the album’s best via the cinematic swells and galloping backdrop, and “Play Kerri Chandler's RAIN” exits with Surya Botofasina’s meticulous synth presence that often seems like a collage of field recordings meeting at a very therapeutic intersection.

A highly unclassifiable affair that touches on New Age, psychedelic and artistic qualities, Niño brings plenty of unpredictability to a very enlightening experience.

Travels well with: Cassie Kinoshi’s Seed- Gratitude; Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti & Frank Rosaly- Mestizx

Castle Black

Dead In A Dream

Self-Released, 2019

9/10

Listen to Dead In A Dream

Few bands in the punk/alternative/grunge realm are as exciting as Castle Black. With each subsequent release- and there are many- these New Yorkers only get more interesting, more unconventional and more dynamic in their approach. Here, they offer 3 tunes on their first EP in a two part series of their evolving formula that’s both gritty and refined.

“B4 U Do The Same” starts the listen with buzzing alt-rock and moody post-punk as raw yet melodic vocals enter the equation, and “Know Me, Anyway” follows with a more serene setting of grungey sounds before building into a visceral and driving, fuzzed out, psyche-rock inspired highlight.

“Dead In A Dream” ends the quick listen strong with restrained yet soaring musicianship where power and melody are intertwined amid plenty of strategic feedback.

Much like everything this Brooklyn trio has done in recent years, Dead In A Dream is a quick, complicated, sometimes eerie, and always unpredictable display of incredible interplay between the three, as frontwoman Leigh Celent further cements her place as front and center in one of the creative outfits that exists today.

Travels well with: Sonic Youth- Dirty;Babes In Toyland- Spanking Machine