Radam Schwartz Organ Big Band

Message From Groove And GW

Arabesque, 2020

9/10

Listen to Message From Groove And GW

An organist and band leader here, Radam Schwartz is in excellent company, as his 3 originals among the 10 tracks take help from the Abel Mireles Jazz Exchange Big Band on this masterpiece where David F. Gibson’s drumming anchors a very compelling listen.

“Trouble Just Won’t Go Away” starts vocally strong with a group effort before organs, brass and percussion interact playfully in the upbeat swing climate, and “Blues Minor” keeps the atmosphere playful yet emotive with plenty of rhythm on the John Coltrane cover.

At the halfway point, “What To Do” brings a frenzy of dynamic, mature musicianship where grooves arrive in spades with a cinematic appeal, while “Between The Sheets” scales the pace and volume back with a pretty execution of blues and jazz ideas. The title track, the album standout, then displays timeless blues skill in a busy display of immense skill.

Close to the end, “Work Song” offers sublime trumpet, trombone and alto sax solos, and “Von Gott” finishes the listen soft and in ballad territory as the ensemble reimagine Bach’s work.

Although Schwartz began as a piano player, his organ acrobatics are nothing short of stunning here, and combined with Gibson’s unparalleled skills, it results in a swinging and groove friendly adventure like no other.

Travels well with: Kenny Kotwitz & The LA Jazz Quintet- When Lights Are Low; Benny Rubin Jr.- Know Say Or See

Sir Rod & The Blues Doctors

Come Together

Modern Blues Harmonica, 2020

8/10

Listen to Come Together

An album inspired by the Satan & Adam documentary on Netflix, Sir Rod saw the flick and quickly called up Adam Gussow, of The Blues Doctors, and the two started writing songs immediately. After adding Alan Gross- the other half of The Blues Doctors- on guitar for most of the tracks, and appearances from Jerry Jemmott on bass and Bryan M. Ward on vocals and bass, the outfit had a solid blues record for the world.

The title track starts the listen with spirited harmonica from Gussow as proficient blues guides the playful opener, and “Sacrificed Blues” continues the atmosphere with a percussively strong and gospel influenced setting where Rod’s pipe are sturdy and memorable.

Near the middle, the band put an infectious spin on the classic “I Got You (I Feel Good)”, as they mirror the intensity of James Brown, while “Little Red Rooster” recruits plenty of soul in the calmer waters where there’s much beauty. “So Mean”, one of the album’s best, then uses keys from Rod and Gussow’s harmonica strategically as the strong vocal work shines bright.

Closer to the end, “Freedom For My People” will get you dancing from your pew with its spiritual prowess and lively rhythm, and “What’d I Say” finishes off the listen with a Ray Charles tune where frisky drums and harmonica work well together to cultivate a firm groove you won’t forget.

An incredible release from a band who really formed on a whim, there’s a good mix of memorable originals and well done covers here, as the members prove why they’re considered the best of the best with their respective instruments on this versatile blues, frisky funk and often soulful adventure.

Travels well with: JW-Jones- Sonic Departures; JD Taylor- The Coldwater Sessions

Eddy Lee Ryder

Expected To Fly

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Expected To Fly

A classically trained musician and opera singer, this first effort from Eddy Lee Ryder brings plenty of melodies and strong songwriting to her vintage style of songwriting that’s nostalgic in all the best ways.

Ryder starts with the title track, where a warm guitar and her expressive pipes are complemented with keys and drums as the setting soars high, and “Silver Chain” follows with some retro-pop ideas in a darker setting that’s a bit mysterious.

The remainder of the EP is just as strong, including the piano balladry of “Dreams”, where Ryder’s range is explored with fascinating results, while “Small Apartment” displays a playfulness that’s dance friendly and certainly not shy of melody. “Vultures” exits the listen just as exceptionally as it started, with a gorgeous delivery of soft rock that displays immense skill and a timeless execution.

Ryder grew up on a steady diet of Stevie Nicks, Kate Bush and Bruce Springsteen, and those influences are certainly present in her song craft that starts out on a very high note with this debut EP.

Travels well with: Tawny Ellis- Love Life; Sarah Morris- All Mine

Jay Stott

Wreckage Of Now

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Wreckage Of Now

The Colorado musician Jay Stott has done plenty of things in his 51 years, including being a hot tub technician, ski instructor and strip club bouncer, but it’s pretty likely that songwriting is something he does best. On this sophomore album the Pennsylvania native brings plenty of life experience to his thoughtful song craft, where 8 contributors add much to the compelling storytelling.

Stott starts the listen with the title track, where expressive singing and firm country roots populate the warm and melodic atmosphere, and “All Night Long” continues the strong musicianship with an upbeat bar rocker, as well as the soaring folk spirit of “Desert Heat”, where light female vocals add much to the beauty.

In the middle, “Electric Guy (In A Bluegrass Town)” brings fiddles and spirited electric guitar to the rural rocker, while “Grain Belt Sign” trims the pace and volume back with an agile, rootsy feel. “One Drink Two Drink”, one of the album’s best, then moves with a bristling pace of rowdy country rock intensity that’s as infectious as it is timeless.

At the end, “Stuck In Love’ offers sublime balladry amid vivid storytelling, and “Dying In Droves” exits the listen in calmer territory, too, as Stott displays meticulous sounds with much emotion.

Certainly under the Americana umbrella, but with moments of country, classic rock, southern rock, blues, folk and old fashioned rock’n’roll, Stott can write a song you won’t forget anytime soon, and this 2nd album proves that the renaissance man is doing some of his best work later in life.

Travels well with: Steven Bruce- Same Time, Same Place, Same Station; The Jason Daniels Band- Downloads From The Universe

Flaherty/Colbourne/Hunt/Roberson

Borrowed From Children

577, 2020

8/10

Listen to Borrowed From Children

Paul Flaherty and Randall Colbourne have been playing together for over 30 years now, and here they’re aligned with James Chumley Hunt and Mike Robertson, who they’ve both played on and off with over the years, too. Together, they come together for this live album, where their brand of ‘improvisation’ recruits many genres and a whole lot of creativity.

“Crude Sky Gray” starts the listen with adventurous sax from Flaherty as warm trumpet from Hunt and restrained guitar from Roberson anchor the exploratory 17 minutes, and “Dark Leaves Linger” continues the unpredictable atmosphere with a calmer approach that’s no less exciting.

The back half of the listen offers the hypnotic and more percussively focused “Brazen Eyes”, which is built around a looping sax line, while “An Old Man Gone” builds into a controlled chaos of noisey skill that few could replicate. “Cigar Store Bathtub”, the bonus track, then quivers with unconventional rhythm where welcomed traces of Americana linger.

Inspired by Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, Evan Parker ane Cecil Taylor, Borrowed From Children is a record where few genres are off limits as blues, rock, jazz, classical and noise all come together in a loose yet still precise performance between the iconoclastic artists.

Travels well with: Jorma Tapio & Kaski- Aliseen; Guido Spannocchi- All The Above

Jorma Tapio & Kaski

Aliseen

577, 2020

8/10

Listen to Aliseen

The Finnish legend Jorma Tapio is in fine company here, as his band Kaski and him bring folk, jazz and many other ideas into a landscape where nods to John Coltrane, Albert Ayler and Don Byas are in attendance.

The album leads with the percussion of Janne Tuomi before Tapio’s alto sax prowess enters the experimental “Reppurin Lalu”, and “Henkays” continues the innovative landscape with a darker setting where wooden flute and restrained drumming help cultivate some mystery.

Further along, “Lost” manipulates space and tension well with bare moments of adventurous, almost cinematic sounds where Ville Rauhala’s plucked bass is subtle yet effective, while “Manner” displays Tapio’s incredible sax playing alongside strategic percussion. “Way Off”, one of the best tunes, then takes a more straight forward approach to free jazz, where all 3 musicians work dynamically with unconventional rhythm in the moody interplay.

Near the end, “Nukunuku” benefits greatly from flute in the dreamy climate, and “Aliseen” exits the listen with plenty of oddities in the exploratory and hypnotic mashing of truly creative song craft.

A very unique listen that explores post-bop, free jazz, traditional folk and countless other avenues, Aliseen is not a listen that’s easy to describe, but it’s quite easy to absorb as the trio find a very unorthodox place to reside.

Travels well with: The Nels Cline 4- Currents, Constellations; Guido Spannocchi- All The Above

Brad Heller

The Sentence

Self-Released, 2019

9/10

Listen to The Sentence

I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I had never heard of Brad Heller before, cause if this 5th album is any indication, any and all fans of folk, country and Americana influenced song craft should be fully versed in his work that parallels the greatness achieved by names like Springsteen, Petty, Orbison and Louris.

“Eternal Season” starts the listen with warm acoustic guitar as Heller’s expressive and varied vocals steer a folk-rock inspired setting, and “Thousand Days” follows with poetic storytelling alongside a calmer atmosphere of gentle, organic instrumentation.

Closer to the middle, “The Runner” displays Heller’s incredible songwriting ability amid marching band drumming and subtle but impactful harmonica in the Spanish Waltz, while “The Greatest Crime” moves swiftly, gracefully and playfully in the gentle climate. “Time’s The Enemy”, the album standout, then gets a bit rugged, but still with plenty of melody in a heartfelt tribute about his late father.

At the end, the galloping, honky tonk spirit of “Comes A Time” makes an indelible mark, and “The Garden Tree” exits the listen with delicate beauty in the introspective and radiant finish to a very thoughtful listen.

A record that memorably jangles, is strategically rhythmic and touches on all the best aspects of Americana- past and present- Heller often works with his backing band, The Fustics, but he’s certainly more than capable of penning an album that resonates on his own, too, as evidenced by this incredible effort.

Travels well with: Randy Lewis Brown- Red Crow; Adam Carroll- I Walked In Them Shoes

Susan Tobocman

Touch & Go

Soliterra, 2020

8/10

Listen to Touch & Go

The lyricist, composer and vocalist Susan Tobocman returns with her 4th album, where the songstress brings originals, standards and some lesser known tunes to a very versatile effort where Joel Frahm, Dave Eggar, Pete McCann, Henry Hey, Matt Pavolka and Michael Sarin are on hand with their respective talents.

“What’ll I Do” starts the listen with Tobocman’s smooth pipes guiding the warm keys from Hey and sax from Frahm that complements the cultured setting, and “Witchita Lineman” follows with a calming display of jazz friendly beauty that’s both expressive and poetic.

Further on, the Tobocman original “Leaves Of Absence” benefits greatly from Frahm’s sax prowess on the highly melodic, instrumental, Latin inspired display, while “Help!” puts a very eloquent and moving spin on a classic with strong vocal range. “The Way To You”, Tobocman’s best original selection, then recruits some Latin influences into the pretty climate.

At the end, “You Only Live Twice” finds a playful place to reside with spirited guitar work amid the waltz flavor, and a 2nd version of “Help!” finishes the listen with much aid from Eggar’s cello and McCann’s guitar work on what is probably the most adventurous version of this song to date.

Tobocman sounds like an artist coming into her own here, as she steers a timeless jazz environment with exceptional song craft, a whole lot of heart and a healthy amount of exploration on what is certainly a career highlight, though I think the best is yet to come for her.

Travels well with: Sue Anne Gershenzon- You Must Believe In Spring; Cece Gable- More Than A Song

Sean Ardoin

Came Thru Pullin’

Zydekool, 2020

8/10

Listen to Came Thru Pullin’

Sean Ardoin has been impressing quite a few people lately, so much so that his 2018 album, Kreole Rock And Soul, landed him a Grammy Nomination. On this outing, the artist reworks 10 tunes from his past two decades as a solo artist, and puts a glossy finish on them with plenty of modern fun and with an all star cast helping out.

The title track starts the listen with Ardoin’s robust and expressive vocals guiding a very playful setting that’s festive and bright, and the aptly titled “Bounce” follows with accordion acrobatics in a climate that will get your body moving and keep it moving.

Halfway through, “I’m Not Gonna Wait” finds a soulful place to reside that’s percussively strong and energetic, while “Gumbo Time” recruits hip-hop influences into the flowing melodies with contributions from Bryson ‘New Cupid’ Bernard and Shawn ‘Uncle Luck’ Bernard. “Kool Rolling”, one of the album’s best, then moves and shakes with a busy delivery where a dynamic execution from the rhythm section and guitars leaves an indelible mark.

Near the end, “Nothing Like Our Love” mixes pop with Creole in exciting ways you won’t forget anytime soon, and “Shut Them Down” offers strong electric guitar work amid a firm rock’n’roll angle as rapping from Sean Ardoin II makes a big impression.

It’s no surprise that Ardoin is considered one of the most luminous names in Creole and Zydeco sounds today, and here he further cements that position with plenty of rock, pop, R&B, funk and soul spirit packed into these Creole and Zydeco gems.

Travels well with: Buckwheat Zydeco- Jackpot!; Dr. John- Gris-Gris 

Putumayo

Brazil: Samba, Bossa And Beyond!

Putumayo, 2020

8/10

Listen to Brazil: Samba, Bossa And Beyond!

When it comes to cultured, poetic and inspiring compilation albums, you can never go wrong with the Putumayo label. This time, they bring us tunes that originate from Brazil, the rhythms of African heritage and even the romantic sides to Rio and Sao Paulo across these 10 adventures.

Vania Abreu’s silky smooth vocals start the listen with the upbeat and playful reworking of Djavan’s “Embola Bola”, where there’s no shortage of Afro-Brazilian rhythm, and “Fala Brasil”, by Rogé, follows with bossa nova fun that’s a love letter to Brasil.

Things only get better from here, including the accordion friendly “Beijo” from Bia, as well as the soul, funk and jazz friendly “Sapata de Ouro” by Sandalia de Prata. Sambasonics come through with the best track on the stylish and groove filled ‘70s influence of “Babulina”.

Late in the listen, Jair Oliveira offers the percussively strong and playfully crafted Samba of “O Samba Me Cantou- O Flerte da Alma com O Samba” and Aricia Mess exits the listen with the spiritual “Batuque é Reza Forte”, where Dona Onete makes an appearance and strong impression on the expressive finish.

An extremely varied and fascinating effort, the Brazilian sounds here are complemented by the sounds of the Amazon rainforest, Portuguese poetry, African songwriting and a whole lot of melody that you won’t forget anytime soon.

Travels well with: Putumayo- Joy to The World; Putumayo- Blues Christmas

Kryptograf

Kryptograf

Apollon, 2020

9/10

Listen to Kryptograf

A quartet of music vets with an affinity for the sounds of the ‘60s and ‘70s, Krytograf’s self-titled album comes with a very eclectic delivery, where metal, prog and hard rock collide with exciting, unpredictable results.

“The Veil’ starts the listen with spirited guitar work as a retro hard rock appeal enters the setting, and “Omen” follows with a more ominous approach where prog-rock and metal influences are present and appreciated.

Halfway through, “Crimson Horizon” recruits some spacey sounds before throbbing with a fuzzed out rock execution, while “Sleeper” offers a rhythmic and vintage display of proto-metal that sounds as good today as it did in the ‘70s. The best track resides near the end, as “New Colossus” bounces and thumps with psychedelic fuzz before “Infinite” exits the listen with 90 seconds of light, dreamy, ambient waves.

Though they’re fairly new to the Bergen, Norway metal scene, Krytograf are making quick work with their group effort vocals, monolithic riffage and unique attention to deal on this excellent first record.

Travels well with: Bismarck- Oneiromancer; Dead Meadow- The Nothing They Need

Bismarck

Oneiromancer

Apollon, 2020

8/10

Listen to Oneiromancer

One of the most abrasive bands in Norway’s west side, Bismarck know their way around massive riffs, psyche-rock exploration and lighter moments of ambience on the 5 meticulous tracks present here.

“Tahaghghogh Resalat” starts the album with plenty of atmosphere in a haunting display as percussion enters the mysterious setting that’s both apocalyptic and psychedelic, and “Oneiromancer” follows with guttural vocals in the doom metal delivery that’s intimidating and thundering with its dense nature.

The back half of the listen is equally interesting, including the sludge like pace of “Hara” that erupts into a booming and sonically giant explosion of thick metal. “Khthon” exits the listen initially calmer, even meditative, where an atmospheric quality illuminates the tone, but, much like the other tracks, it shifts into ominous and charged metal that’s almost cinematic.

A record with well timed fury and calmer ebbs of adventurousness, while this part of the world is well known for their black metal outfits, Bismarck is more rooted in the doom aspect of hard music, though there’s so many facets to their formula on this very enthralling sophomore record.

Travels well with: Subduxtion- The Black Point; Dead Meadow- The Nothing They Need

Frank Hammersland

Atlantis

Apollon, 2019

8/10

Listen to Atlantis

Although he may not be a known name on this side of The Atlantic, in Norway, Frank Hammersland is a Grammy Winner and has also played in well known bands like Pogo Pops, Popium and Evig Din For Alltid. On this 3rd album, the pop-rock star shows us much varied talent on the textured and precisely penned outing.

“On The Radio” starts the listen dreamy and warm with smooth vocals from Hammersland alongside a tropical groove, and “Something For Nothing” keeps the atmosphere light with summery pop ideas, while “Westbound Sundown” recruits a soulful aspect.

Deeper into the listen, “Monday” moves with a rich approach vocally that burns slow with a retro feel, as does “Down The Milky Way”, though it goes in a different direction that’s closer to classic rock. “The Beat Goes On” exits the listen with the album highlight, where Hammersland’s pipes are displayed in a dynamic and nostalgic climate of much cautious melody.

The double LP version of the release contains Hammersland’s 2007 album, So Easily Distracted, which, if you’re a first time listener like me, would be a wise investment if mature, timeless pop-rock is your cup of tea.

Travels well with: Local Nomad- Local Nomad; Ronny Morris- Sweet Silence

De Press

Body Manifest

Apollon, 2020

8/10

Listen to Body Manifest

Though it’s been over a decade since the Nowergian/Polish outfit De Press have released a record, here the veteran rockers return with 13 very well done punk, folk and New Wave tunes that are so impressive, you’d think that band have playing together this entire time.

“You Never Get” starts the listen with a throbbing bass line in the post-punk fueled environment that reminds us of the greats like Wire and Mission Of Burma, and “Uwazuj Uwazuj” continues the propulsive atmosphere with a rhythmic approach to their jagged and driving formula that’s not short on melody, too.

Near the middle, “Condom Nation” brings a bouncy and lively energy to the affair, complete with guitar solos, while “Mijajom sie casy” trims the pace back with a cautious dip into folk-rock territory. The quirky, ‘80s inspired title track then moves with an unpredictable and playful approach that would make David Byrne smile.

Near the end, the album highlight, “Skurcysyny”, starts with an almost operatic presence before erupting into searing, tuneful alt-rock, and “Gift From Stalin” exits the listen with nearly 7 minutes of exploration that soars loud, bristles with sonic beauty and grit and creates plenty of atmosphere.

Let’s hope that De Press will become a more consistent band, cause Body Manifest is one exciting and well crafted tune after another.

Travels well with: Cosse- Nothing Belongs To Anything; Raise- Crepa!

The Demon Rind

Something Nice I Want To Tell You

Self-Released, 2020

9/10

Listen to Something Nice I Want To Tell You

An extremely adventurous 3rd album penned by band leader, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Kwab Eugene Copeland, Something Nice I Want To Tell You brings some of Seattle’s finest musicians to an ominous, innovative and often throwback listen that’s both unusual and exciting.

The album leads strong with the jangly strumming of the summery “Got Me Believing”, where a psyche-indie rock approach makes a giant impression, and this creativity continues to the dual gender, bluesy “Skeleton”, as well as the piano heavy and soulful “Lonely This Evening”, where Jesse Sykes contributes eerie vocals to the busy, cinematic rocker.

Near the middle, “Don’t Think” strategically places warm keys alongside a haunting backdrop and some sci-fi noises, while “Wasn’t Like It Was” moves softly, with a theatric appeal amid much beauty. “Stupid Luck”, one of the best of the best, then recruits plenty of atmosphere and hushed singing in a playful, almost meditative fashion as intricate guitar complements the varied landscape.

The record is bookended by “Hubris” and “Fury In Your Heart, Part 3”, where the former finds itself firmly in swift, modern indie-rock with soaring, wordless vocals, and the latter exits with a rugged version of Americana that few others could, or would, replicate.

An extremely poetic affair, The Demon Rind documents the very fertile music scene surrounding Ballard Avenue in Seattle and it comes with an unparalleled amount of talent and iconoclastic vision that helps make Something Nice I Want To Tell You one of the best LPs of 2020.

Travels well with: All Them Witches- Dying Surfer Meets His Maker; Dead Meadow- The Nothing They Need

Aadal

Silver

Apollon, 2020

8/10

Listen to Silver

Describing Norway’s Aadal is no easy task, as the quartet are equally versed in jazz as they are prog-rock, and there’s also bits on Americana and metal present in their very striking instrumental formula on this fascinating listen.

“Looking Back” starts the listen with frisky percussion and warm saxophone in an atmospheric jazz setting that builds into a controlled chaos with the brass, and “Dusty” continues the unpredictable nature with tumbling drumming and a darker prog-rock approach.

A listen where each track offers new surprises, “Revival” flows with mature melodies amid plenty of soulful Americana, while “Telegram” burns slow with a hypnotic quality where strings add much to the soothing climate. “Follow The Sun”, the album highlight, then pairs a moody landscape with precise, gorgeous restraint that’s cinematic and artistic.

Late in the listen, “The Last Walk” shimmers with a post-rock meets classic rock execution, and “The Canyon” exits the listen with bare, spirited guitar work that builds into a percussively heavy, charged display of driving prog-rock with metallic tendencies.

There certainly isn’t much- if anything- out there that follows a similar path to Aadal, and their very atypical vision towards genre meshing makes every second of Silver captivating.

Travels well with: Weserbergland- Am Ende der Welt; The Opium Taylor- Valor

Kolby Cooper

Vol. 2 EP

Combustion, 2020

8/10

Listen to EP Volume 2

A rising musician and songwriter from small town Texas, the youngster Kolby Cooper brings forthright and often vulnerable ideas to the 5 originals here, where his country music approach comes with much sincerity and an extremely well thought out execution.

This 2nd EP starts with the busy and thick sounds of “What’ve I Got To Lose”, where Cooper’s husky yet melodic vocals steer the rugged country rocker, and “If I Still Had It” continues the rural appeal with an emotive display of intimate and soaring song craft.

The back half of the EP offers us the ballad friendly “Cannonball”, where pretty guitar and melodic vocals shine bright in the bare atmosphere, while “One Night Stand” picks up the pace and volume with a pop fueled, country rocker that’s so well done it could make Cooper a household name.

Though he’s just 21 years old, Cooper’s songs seem wiser than his years as he performs like a seasoned vet. Of course, he’s grown up quick having lost his father to cancer at age 14 and being a married father at 18, and his significant life experiences are helping shape songs that are resonating worldwide and for good reason- this kid’s got the chops in spades.

Travels well with: Will Stewart- County Seat; Tessy Lou Williams- Tessy Lou Williams

Terry Ohms

Smooth Sailing Forever

Cornelius Chapel, 2020

10/10

Listen to Smooth Sailing Forever

It’s been a busy year for Terry Ohms (who is actually Wes McDonald), as Smooth Sailing Forever is his 2nd album of 2020, and he’s also in bands like Vulture Whale and People Years, too. Once again, he plays all instruments on the album, produced and engineered it, and even designed the artwork, too.

And, of course, it’s an incredible record where his inimitable formula is again enthralling and fascinating.

Ohms starts the album with the warm acoustic strumming of “Curse Of The Bat”, where his rugged yet tuneful pipes guide the gritty Americana rocker that’s quite topical as it tackles the mishandling of Covid, and “Artificial Waterfall” follows with a unique mashing of alt-rock and modern indie-rock where his southern roots shine amid the charged delivery.

Like all of his work Ohms puts an equal amount of thought into every track, so each one is a standout in its own light, including the softer “When This Is All Over’, which builds into a dense display of hypnotic and fuzzy rock, while “Do You Feel That” jangles swiftly with nods to the early days of alt-rock in a way that reminds us of Pavement or Dinosaur Jr. “Get Together”, an exceptional tune, then brings in some soulful ideas amid shimmering guitar work and meticulous song craft.

Near the end, “Through A Glass” pairs experimental ideas with dense reverb in some type of grunge meets dance-rock hybrid, and “Action Room” exits the listen with much attention to mood as a firm beat, soundbites and nods to funk finish out the eclectic and innovative record.

Recorded primarily during lockdown, this 8th album as Terry Ohms is yet another peek into an astonishingly creative mind where various subgenres of rock are explored in ways no one else would or could replicate. If you’re not familiar with Terry Ohms or any of McDonald’s other bands, you’re missing out on some of the best music being made today.

Travels well with: Timber- The Family; People Years- Animalism

Evelyn Cools

Misfit Paradise

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Misfit Paradise

A rising artist who has already lived in multiple countries, Evelyn Cools brings a worldly aspect to her song craft, where the lyrical themes are deep and the sounds are steeped in folk music, Laurel Canyon nods and today’s indie-rock.

The quick listen starts with the sophisticated piano and strong, fluid vocals of “Another Night”, as Cools builds into a rich singer-songwriter setting, and “Gold Woman” follows with hints of classic rock as the songstress delivers expressive singing alongside intricate guitar work.

The back half of the EP offers the timeless folk-rock of “Misfit Paradise”, where much beauty is present as is mystery and elegant melody, while the intimate and vivid storytelling of “Soaring” exits the affair with a dreamy quality that illustrates incredible skill from Cools.

Inspired by songwriters like Stevie Nicks and Lana Del Ray, though Cools might not be a musician most are familiar with right now, if this very articulate and relatable EP is any indication, Evelyn Cools will be a name we’ll all be hearing more about very soon.

Travels well with: Local Nomad- Local Nomad; Holy Hive- Float Back To You

Mendelssohn

Mendelssohn Concertos

Brilliant Concerts, 2019

8/10

Listen to Violin Concerto

Spearheaded by violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv, this installment features Mendelssohn’s ‘other’ Violin Concerto and the Double Concerto for Violin, Piano and Orchestra.

Concerto for Violin and String Orchestra in D minor MWVo3 starts with “Allegro”, where string acrobatics in the elegant yet adventurous opening keeps our attention for entire 9+ minutes of sweeping melody, and “Andante” follows with a calmer setting of graceful beauty. “Allegro” then ends this portion with plenty of skilled interplay between the instruments as swift playing aligns with a strong orchestral backdrop.

The 2nd portion of the disc, Concerto for Violin, Piano and Orchestra MWVo4 starts with “Allegro”, where nearly 20 minutes of lush, cinematic sounds dance around the respective instruments with intimacy and allure, while “Adagio” trims the volume back to quaint, lovely setting where twinkling keys add much to the formula. “Allegro Molto” ends this chapter with skittering piano on the quick paced and emotionally forceful exit.

Amazingly, these pieces were penned by Mendelssohn when he was just an early teenager, and Ivakhiv, along with Antonio Pompa-Baldi on keys and Theodore Kuchar conducting the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra, interpret the classics sublimely with their respective talents.

Travels well with: Solomiya Ivakhiv- Ukraine: Journey To Freedom; Joseph Silverstein- Roman Carnival