Richard Kolb

Michelangelo Galilei, Suites For Lute

ACIS, 2024

8/10

Listen to Michelangelo Galilei, Suites For Lute

A highly technical body of work, these selections from Richard Kolb were captured on August 22–24, 2023 at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Tannersville, New York.

“Suite in B flat major” opens the listen with 4 chapters that emit much beauty and warmth via the detailed string prowess that’s both fascinating and cozy, and “Suite in D minor” follows with the very careful progressions that are melodic and eloquent in Kolb’s capable hands.

Landing in the middle is the adventurous dynamics of “Suite in G minor”, while “Suite in A minor radiates tremendous diversity and skill of the lute.

The final selection, “Suite in G major”, balances both intimacy and power thanks to the harmonic gestures and timeless appeal of the flowing instrumentation.

Kolb handles his instrument with incredible care, where a very lyrical approach is taken that showcases unparalleled phrasing, as the intricate plucking and baroque climate is greatly appreciated.

Travels well with: Rami Levin- Wings; Ian Pomerantz- Art Songs Of The Jewish Diaspora

Custard Flux

Einsteinium Delirium

Fruits de Mur, 2024

9/10

Listen to Einsteinium Delirium

The Detroit rockers Custard Flux return with a 5th album, where plenty of varied ideas enter the 10 tracks of electric prowess.

“Peace And Love” opens the listen with Nick Pruett’s hard hitting drums that suit the soaring guitars of the prog fueled climate, and “Burning In The Sun” follows with plenty of rhythm, as Timothy Prettyman’s bouncy bass makes an impression.

“Transmutation” occupies the middle spot with mesmerizing guitar and a calmer pace that welcomes a unique dreaminess that’s ethereal, while “Right Now Here In Time” showcases Curvey’s smooth voice amid meticulous guitar via Vito Greco.

Close to the end, “Time For Me To Go” comes with psyche-influenced ideas thanks to the swirling guitar and rich delivery, and “Fat Man” exits with Andy Thompson’s pretty mellotron that unfolds with intimacy before the busy and textured haze sets in.

Another iconoclastic display of pop and rock nods, Custard Flux continue to defy convention with their exciting and unpredictable ways.

Travels well with: Custard Flux- Phosphorus; Well Tempered Madness- Well Tempered Madness

How To Dress Well

I Am Toward You

Sarget House, 2024

8/10

Listen to I Am Toward You

The recording moniker of Tom Krell, as How To Dress Well the artist returns with his first new album in 6 years, where much beauty surrounds the experimental versions of pop.

“New Confusion” starts the listen with much dreaminess, where many pretty voices suit the colorful climate that’s therapeutic, and “Contingency/Necessity (Modality Of Fate)” follows with a mesmerizing backdrop while Krell’s expressive voice guides the hazy synth.

In the middle, “nothingprayer” layers the angelic voices amid soft instrumentation that’s equally heartfelt and cinematic, while “Song In The Middle” uses field recordings and a swirling ambience that’s busy and captivating.

Arriving near the end, “The Only True Joy On Earth” is a quick droning moment via vocal harmonics, and “A Secret Within The Voice” exits with strong attention to percussion and soulful aspects.

A highly unpredictable effort that’s distorted, manipulated and noisey in a very strategic fashion, contributions from CFCF, Trayer Tryon, Dan Krell, Joel Ford, Aaron Read, Brian Allen Simon, Noah Allaire, Ukiah Bogle, Chris Votek and Patrick McDermott are present for the atypical take on pop.

Travels well with: M Wagner- We Could Stay; McKenzie Stubbert- Waiting Room

Nick Taylor

Not Alone

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Not Alone

The Texan Nick Taylor pens 10 authentic and thoughtful songs here, where some esteemed musicians accompany him across the country influenced listen.

The upbeat and flowing “Dogs” starts with Taylor’s warm voice alongside Wayne Killius fluid drumming and Chris Nole’s well timed keys, and “Futures Past” follows with a sublime intimacy, where cozy acoustic guitar is met with poetic storytelling via the stirring singing.

“Getting Along” lands at the halfway point, as a heartfelt mood welcomes backing vocals from Billy Thomas, while “Kentucky Girl” is a breezy moment of graceful melodies and a hint of grit via the rootsy flavor.

Closer to the end, the darker spirit of “Broken Souls” is a mesmerizing moment that builds into an emotive and rich album highlight where Taylor’s voice soars, and “Songs About The Glory” exits with a punchy, country rocker that fades into a bare and gorgeous, folk moment of beauty.

An artist who plays solo and in full band settings, Taylor finished his first song at the age of 25, and his genuine approach is quickly making him a memorable voice in the current country-rock scene.

Travels well with: Hannah Fairlight- Lone Wolf; Afton Wolfe- The Harvest

Nastasia Y

Kyiv Soul

Luluworld, 2024

8/10

Listen to Kyiv Soul

The Canadian artist Nastasia Y explores both love and war with these 9 cultured tracks that take inspiration from her formative years in the Ukraine, where there’s plenty of help along the way.

“Salgir River” starts the listen with KC Roberts’ searing guitar before a calmer setting enters with Y’s intimate voice, and “Evening Star” follows with Dan Minchom’s cozy bass and Anh Phung’s dreamy flute that suit the eloquent climate of beauty.

“Love Until Dawn” arrives later on, and benefits much from Marito Marques’s agile drums which complement Y’s moody bass synth and striking voice, while “Gusta Mi Magla” is a busier moment of rich keys thanks to Y and the unpredictable rhythm section that emits much richness.

“Stolen Green” and “Bez Vas” exit the listen. The former is a bit mysterious, where Y’s distinct pipes guide Rob Christian’s atmospheric synth, and the latter carries an atypical dreaminess that recruits grooves and even funk flavor.

A truly worldly outing, Y is versed in Slavic folk songs and jazz, and there’s plenty of that as well as pop, rock, soul, R&B and funk to be enjoyed across these diverse selections.

Travels well with: Dánae Olano Trio- Children’s Corner; Ahmed Moneka- Kanzafula

Half Asleep

The Minute Hours | Les Heures Secondes

Humpty Dumpty Records / three:four, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Minute Hours | Les Heures Secondes

The 6th album from the Belgian solo artist Valérie Leclercq, as Half Asleep she relies heavily on guitars and piano for this diverse and unpredictable 10 track listen that recruits many guests.

“Mater” opens the record with intimate keys, as Oriane Leclercq’s breathy vocals enter the poetic climate, and “The Liberator” follows with Gwen Sainte-Rose’s soft cello and Claire Vailler’s eloquent pipes that create a cinematic quality.

Landing in the middle, “The Sun (Is A Blood Disorder” uses bari sax via Mathieu Lilin and trumpets thanks to Baptiste De Reymaeker and Maryline le Corre for a commanding presence, while “Midnight Seam” displays hypnotic keys that are complemented by Joachim Glaude’s field recordings.

Close to the end, “Car Sans Heures Ne Puys” places Vailler on autoharp amid Leclercq’s stirring acoustic guitar, and “Ah! Whence Is This? What Is This Severence?” finishes with Leclercq’s heartfelt keys and gentle voice guiding the folk tendencies.

Leclercq also embraces less obvious nods to 80s D.I.Y. post punk, Brazilian music and even free jazz, and with the addition of a choir on a few tracks, it makes for a unique and memorable body of work.

Travels well with: Ella Ronen- The Girl With No Skin; Alan Regardin- Ritual Tones

Patrick Adams

Imagination Time With Patrick

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Imagination Time With Patrick

A children’s musician, author and podcaster, Patrick Adams returns with an 8th album for families, where plenty of ‘80s influences are present.

“Hairless Werewolf” starts the listen with flowing guitar riffs and lively drumming, as Adams’ expressive pipes suit the rock’n’roll delivery, and “Zombie Ballerina” follows with playful organ, where a young voice accompanies Adams for the danceable spirit.

Elsewhere, “Alien Dance Party” will get your foot stomping and your hands clapping to the infectious energy, while “Purple Pepperoni Pizza” could soundtrack an evening with a pie thanks to the scrappy drumming, lively horn and Adams’ talking and singing.

Arriving close to the end, “Rockin’ Oxen” is a crisp and rhythmic album highlight with some guitar shredding, too, and “Imagination Situation” exits with a mesmerizing mood that utilizes some rapping amid the swirling finish.

A highly creative outing that’s steeped in retro-fun, there’s plenty of hair-metal, electro-rock and quirkiness to enjoy across the festive affair.

Travels well with: Wendy And DB- Back Home; Star Forest- Let Me Be Real

Cody Dickinson

Homemade

Strong Place, 2024

10/10

Listen to Homemade

A founding member of North Mississippi Allstars, the legendary Cody Dickinson pens a solo album here dedicated to family, where he wrote, performed, engineered and produced the entire album.

“Homemade Blues” opens the listen with an indeed bluesy spirit, where frisky drums, playful guitars and Dickinson’s flowing voice is quite infectious, and “Big City” follows with a playful groove, as no lack of rhythm enters.

Further along, “Walk Right In” welcomes Tikyra Jackson of Southern Avenue, whose soulful pipes suit the bouncy spirit, while “Goodbye Albuquerque, Tuesday Night” places Dickinson’s young daughter, Mavis, on vocals for the percussively strong and dreamy delivery.

Deeper on the back half, “Home Wrecker” is a speedy, rootsy album highlight that you could dance to, and “Can’t Feel At Home” exits with Jackson back for a powerful duet that’s heartfelt and memorable.

No one else has a resume like Dickinson, and his expertise in Southern soul, West Coast boogie-woogie, hill country blues and sugary sweet pop hooks is all present and appreciated across this incredible listen.

Travels well with: North Mississippi Allstars- Set Sail; Riley Downing- Start It Over

Sergio Pamies

Time To Say

Newtrad, 2024

9/10

Listen to Time To Say

The esteemed pianist Sergio Pamies returns with a 4th album, where he’s joined by an excellent cast for plenty of Latin influenced grooves and nods to legends like Chick Corea.

The title track opens with Pamies’ flowing keys alongside Dave Liebman’s swift sax playing that emits much melody, and “Puerta de Oro” follows with Samuel Torres’ fluid percussion that complements the intricate wind thanks to Michael Thomas.

“Dudú” occupies the middle spot and showcases Marshall Gilkes’ soaring trombone amid Jimmy MacBride’s playful drumming, while “Corazonada” benefits much from Ricky Rodriguez’s meticulous bass via the cultured climate.

“Miold Man” and “Nana para Sergito” exit the listen, where the former is a festive album highlight that shines with rich collaboration, and the latter welcomes Paquito D’Riviera’s clarinet to an intimate versus adventurous finish.

A highly worldly and warm body of work, Pamies plays with an unparalleled skill, and the company he keeps illuminate the swingin’ moments, lullabies and harmonics superbly.

Travels well with: David Bixler- BEATitude; Omer Leshem- Play Space

Landrose

Brut

Hyperjungle, 2025

9/10

Listen to Brut

The solo project of the Brussels native David Temprano, as Landrose he meshes punk drumming and electronic sounds with loads of distortion for this exciting sophomore album.

“Rear Fire Rocket” opens the listen with a lively and swift delivery of nearly mechanical like drumming alongside wild electronic stabs and waves of noise-punk, and “No No No” continues the density with a mesmerizing droning amid marching band style drumming that’s full of rhythm.

Moving into the middle, the melodic nature of “Total Chrome” is destined to soundtrack a light night at a club, while “Dead In Europa” buzzes with some sci-fi flavor that uses vocals like an instrument via the fury of drums and electronica.

Further still, “Gros Kick” is hard hitting and dizzying in its meticulous execution, and “Fired Up” exits with both busy and bare areas of dark and light textures that emit creativity and originality.

The album spotlights a year’s worth of incendiary live performances, where the energy of the stage is certainly present and appreciated for this experimental/noise/punk/electronic hybrid.

Travels well with: Niton- 11; Wanu- Magma

Scott Wollschleger

Between Breath

New Focus, 2024

9/10

Listen to Between Breath

The inimitable composer Scott Wollschleger is joined by Miranda Cuckson, Duo andPlay, Lucy Dhegrae, Anne Rainwater, Nathaniel LaNasa and William Lang for these 4 distinct, commissioned pieces.

“Violain” opens with the quivering strings from Maya Bennardo’s violin and Hannah Levinson’s viola that bring both wonder and awe to the manipulated sounds, and “Between Breath” follows with Rainwater’s strategic keys and Lang’s Trombone that’s structured to sound like ambient noise.

The back half brings us “Anyway, where threads go, it all goes well” and “Secret Machine no. 7”. The former benefits much from Dhegrae’s soaring soprano and LaNasa’s mysterious keys, while the latter uses Cuckson’s distinct violin that carries sci-fi qualities.

This is Wollschleger’s 4th portrait album, and like everything he’s done it’s a dynamic and sonic adventure of both intense and serene moments that collide with atypical and fascinating sounds.

Travels well with: Orlando Jacinto García- La Vida Que Vendra; Yi-Ting Lu- An Unopened Seashell

Herdd

Afterlife

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Afterlife

The Canadian native Herdd has made quite an impression since his debut in 2019, and here he steers his electro-pop into songs about mental health that can bring to mind both Lady Gaga and Daft Punk.

The title track leads with processed vocals and strong attention to atmosphere in a spacey sort of fashion, and “Paranoia” follows with plenty of lively beats and busy vocals that surround the dance floor ready mood.

Elsewhere, “Go Away” isn’t short of melodies in a thumping and animated climate, while “Wave” comes with plenty of percussive nods via the soulful aspect of the album’s best.

Close to the end, “Thankyou” is largely spoken word alongside light guitar and electronic waves that show gratitude, and “Sors D’ici” exits with a busy and sonically vibrant finish of stylish and memorable electro pop.

A collection of club ready anthems, Frankie Cote, i.e. Herdd, knows his way around a beat fueled pop tune you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Rone- Tohu Bohu; DRYBNZ- DRYBNZ

Dan Goble/Russell Hirshfield

Second Flight

Navona, 2024

8/10

Listen to Second Flight

The saxophonist Dan Goble and pianist Russell Hirshfield come together for these detailed performances from many of today’s leading composers in both solo and duo settings.

“Pradakshina: Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano” starts the listen with the lively keys and wind interacting with much playfulness and warmth in the James David piece, and “Yes, No, Maybe?”, by Jennifer Higdon, follows a sublime intimacy that benefits much from poetic beauty.

The title track, by Joan Tower, lands in the middle, and allows for Goble’s soft alto saxophone to radiate in the bare climate, while “Facades (From Glassworks)” see the pair cultivating a mesmerizing and gentle mood that’s collaborative via Philip Glass’ vision.

The final selection, David Biedenbender’s “Images”, is a bright exit, where the pair both illustrate much agility and technical prowess.

A body of work that’s never short on melody and rhythm, each track brings different ideas and skilled musicianship that does justice to each composer’s talents.

Travels well with: Carlos Manuel Vargas- Souvenirs; Yoko Hirota- Small Is Beautiful

Brian Mackey

Good Morning Ireland

Red Pass, 2024

9/10

Listen to Good Morning Ireland

The New Jersey resident and singer-songwriter Brian Mackey returns with a sophomore album, where 16 tracks that take influence from his time as a contractor and are filled with plenty of introspective ideas.

The warm spirit of “More Than Anyone” starts with Jeff King and Jim Kimball’s cozy acoustic guitars that suit Mackey’s expressive voice, and “Cold” follows with Jason Webb’s intimate keys that complement the emotive singing of the rich delivery.

Moving deeper into the listen, “Saturday Night Sleeping” welcomes Tammy King’s stirring violin and Steve Brewster’s agile drumming via the poetic landscape, while “Fill Your Empty” places special effects and playfulness into the heartfelt mood.

Closer to the end, “Take My Life Back” places Mark Hill on bass and Kimball on dobro amid the rootsy flavor and gentle melodies, and “Count The Stars” exits with a live selection that’s powerful and eloquent, as Mackey’s gripping voice draws us in.

Mackey has recently lost a son, but also welcomed a daughter, and the balance of highs and lows is very much a part of this thoughtful affair that embraces country, folk, Americana, roots and rock.

Travels well with: Bonnie & Taylor Sims- Bonnie & Taylor Sims; Molly Miller Trio- The Ballad Of Hotspur

The Paul Carlon Quintet

Blues For Vita

Deep Tone, 2024

8/10

Listen to Blues For Vita

The tenor sax legend Paul Carlon is joined by Eddie Allen, Harvie S, Helio Alves and Willie Martinez for these Latin jazz spirited songs that are both standards and originals.

“Dee Dot” starts the listen with Martinez’s frisky drums that suit the lively sax via an infectious climate, and “Colored Paper” follows with a calmer mood, where Allen’s soulful trumpet complements Alves’ bouncy keys.

The title track lands at the halfway point, and showcases plenty of meticulous interaction between the rhythm section and wind, while “Never Will I Marry” is a frisky album highlight that’s full of soaring sax, animated trumpet and S’s playful bass.

“Unmute” and “Zooming Into The Void” exit the listen. The former is a scrappy moment of vivid instrumentation, and the latter exits with intimacy, where the hazy sax tugs on the heartstrings alongside soft drumming, cozy bass and mature piano.

This is Carlon’s 6th album as leader, and he incorporates blues, R&B, bebop and soul into the worldly jazz flavor that radiates timelessness and style.

Travels well with: Jeremy Monteiro and Sean Hong- The New Jersey Sessions; Zachary Bartholomew- Balancing Act

Kojiro Umezaki & Hub New Music

A Distance, Intertwined

In A Circle, 2024

9/10

Listen to A Distance, Intertwined

The Silkroad Ensemble shakuhachi player and composer Kojiro Umezaki is aligned with the longtime collaborators Hub New Music for these traditional and modern perspectives on folk and classical sounds.

“Faded Aura” starts the listen with the flowing wind that emits much warmth, and “Death Masks” follows with a distinct droning, where Gleb Kanasevich’s well timed clarinet enters for busier bouts.

In the middle, “Moonlight” recruits Jesse Christeson’s moody cello and Meg Rohrer’s stirring violin for both light and dark ideas, while “Whispers Of Sea Rivers” exits with 3 chapters and incorporate field recordings, spoken word, Michael Avitabile’s atmospheric flute and much beauty amid the busy last few minutes of dynamic interaction.

A project that began back in 2018, the selections touch on geographic and cultural divides via new compositions shared in both Asia and America, and every moment is filled with wonder and awe.

Travels well with: Pathos Trio- Polarity; Toomai String Quartet- Passos Brasileiros

Matt Malsky

A Dill Pickle

Neuma, 2024

8/10

Listen to A Dill Pickle

An adventurous one-act chamber opera, Matt Malsky is joined by a pair of vocalists and the String Trio of Worcester Chamber Music Society for the 52 minutes of intimate storytelling.

The act opens with Peter Sulski’s intricate violin, which is met with Mark Berger’s animated viola and Ariana Falk’s well timed cello. who all support the vocalists with meticulousness.

It doesn’t take long for Cailin Marcel Manson’s soaring baritone to interact with Caitlin Felsman’s bright mezzo-soprano, as the storytelling flows with an animated and engaging presence from beginning to end.

The listen draws from a short story from the modernist Katherine Mansfield, and explores power relationships and tips it hat to a Victorian-era piece of sheet music via Felsman’s ‘velvety low register’ and Manson’s ‘commanding tone and ringing projection’. A character driven body of work, the experience illuminates Malsky’s dramatic approach, eloquent demeanor and intellectual gestures in spades.

Travels well with: Eunmi Ko- 12 Views On Life; The Noonan Trio- Inherit A Memory

Karen Mack

Catch & Keep

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Catch & Keep

The first album from the NYC vocalist and songwriter Karen Mack, the 12 songs here welcome many players and guests for the jazz standards and well thought out originals.

“Nothing Like You” starts the listen with Mack’s flowing vocals that are complemented by Jared Schonig’s frisky drums for an infectious mood, and “Imagination” follows with Peter Eldridge’s cozy keys that suit the intimate singing.

Moving into the middle, “This Is Always” is an emotive moment that welcomes Jesse Lewis’ intricate guitar, while “Hurry Up And Wait” showcases Darmon Reader’s glowing sax amid lively singing for the album’s best.

“I Wanna Get Married” and “It’s Hard To Say Goodbye” exit the listen. The former comes with plenty of melodic sensibilities, and the latter is an upbeat and dance floor ready finish that uses Elliot Roth’s vocals, too.

An excellent first outing, Mack is versed in jazz, folk and pop, and that’s all incorporated into these memorable and rich selections.

Travels well with: Lisa Rich- Long As You’re Living; Jo Harrop- Path Of A Tear

Eunmi Ko + CAMP

12 Views On Life

Neuma, 2024

8/10

Listen to 12 Views On Life

The pianist Eunmi Ko is aligned with the Contemporary Art Music Project (CAMP) for this double album of reflection rooted in the tough years of 2020-2021.

“I am going mad(libs)” opens the Ko’s unpredictable key alongside Anthony R. Green’s whimsical text playfulness, and it isn’t long until “saturation temp!” welcomes keys, recorder and keyboard from Ko for the mesmerizing and cinematic bouts.

Deeper into disc 1, “Untitled VI” welcomes baritone sax from Katherine Weintraub and percussion thanks to Kevin von Kampen that illuminates the mysterious, even ominous climate, while disc 2 leads with the rumbling keys of “Ursus maritimus”, where Ko’s register cultivates much wonder via the strong attention to mood.

Further still, “and my body’s cells keep ticking “ benefits much from Jamie Jordan’s bright voice amid Weintraub’s strategic sax and Ko’s firm keys, and “at the end of” exits with the sax and Robert McCormick’s percussion highlighting the strategic minimalism.

A highly attentive affair that makes great use bareness and power, each selection offers a take on the human condition, and they all make for a thoughtful balance of classical, contemporary and experimental gestures.

Travels well with: The Noonan Trio- Inherit A Memory; Todd Gaffke- Locally Sourced

Christina LaRocca

These Are My Whiskey Dreams

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to These Are My Whiskey Dreams

A New York City native and now Los Angeles resident, Christina LaRocca takes the blues and soul influences from her earlier years, and injects them into a wealth of genres running wildly amid her current California home on this sophomore album.

“A Man Like You” gets the listen off to a hand clapping and acoustic guitar strumming start, as LaRocca’s soulful, booming vocals enter the bright country and Americana template, and “Capsized” follows with pop influences in the expressive anthem with LaRocca handling organ.

Elsewhere, “Hard To Trust In Love” brings the volume down with gorgeous cello in a hushed setting, and “Smoke Marijuana” recruits reggae influences into the laid back, groove filled fun.

The back half of the album offers the lush, dynamic, pop-friendly “Hearts Beat Faster”, the charged yet restrained “Breathe”, which pushes and pulls with beautiful tension, and “Child Of The Sun”, where LaRocca’s vocal range impresses as does the melodic yet rugged musicianship. “I Am Only Human” ends the album with much attention to mood, as a soulful formula bordering on R&B enters the heartfelt exit.

LaRocca finds herself in the company of some all star producers on this effort, and it shows in the lively and very crisp delivery of the tunes. Now in her mid 30’s, the songstress brings an elegant maturity to this record, yet with plenty of power and playfulness in the very forthright and unique endeavor.

Travels well with: Nattali Rize- Rebel Frequency; Florence And The Machine- Lungs