Chris Mondak

Glass Spheres

Summit, 2022

8/10

Listen to Glass Spheres

At just 24 years old, the bassist and composer Chris Mondak embraces the time honored traditions of jazz’s rich past across these 7 well thought out tracks, and he’s got Hunter Smith (sax), Gabe Feldman (piano), Lindon McCarty (guitar) and Chris Broomhead (drums) along with him for the occasion.

“Low” starts the listen with flowing sax and swift drumming as the agile keys guide the timeless jazz sensibilities, and “Oath Keeper” follows with the carefully plucked bass and meticulous guitar playing fueling the smooth melodies that swing with the best of them.

In the middle, “In Sleep” brings plenty of atmosphere into the free jazz exploration that can be bare and busy, while “Juicy Red” recruits a soulfulness to the brass amid charming drums and cozy keys that make for the album’s best. The album exits on the firm drumming and spirited guitar work of “Hats Off”, where plenty of rhythm enters a dynamic and glowing finish.

A listen that’s full of bebop, second line, avant-garde, swing and pop moments, fans of jazz, past and present, won’t be disappointed with this youngster’s inimitable talent.

Travels well with: Way North- New Dreams, Old Stories; Yannick Rieu Génération Quartet- Qui Qu’en Grogne

Marti Epstein

Nebraska Impromptu

New Focus, 2022

8/10

Listen to Nebraska Impromptu

The Boston composer Marti Epstein offers us a collection of chamber works, where a handful of esteemed musicians highlight a songwriting approach that’s as expansive as her one time home state of Nebraska.

“Oil & Sugar” starts the listen with Rane Moore’s clarinet, Sarah Brady’s flute, and Gabriela Diaz’s violin interacting with warmth and mystery in the harmonic setting, and “Liquid, Fragile” continues with Mark Berger’s viola and Rafael Popper-Keizer’s cello adding much to the expressive and abstract dynamics that are often faint with a delicate beauty.

The title track occupies the middle spot, and pairs Moore’s clarinet with Donald Berman’s keys in the uniquely minimal climate where each instrument recruits its own distinct register, while “Komorebi” meshes clarinet, oboe and violin into a rare intimacy amid the slow rhythm and stirring harmonies.

The album exits on “See Even Night”, where clarinet, viola and piano interact for nearly 30 minutes as the textures flow evenly with much attention to timbre, space and structure.

Epstein has an impressive resume, and this portrait of the American Plains is yet another a high point in a catalog of work that’s been globally appreciated, as it should be.

Travels well with: Wilfrido Terrazas- The Torres Cycle; Pathos Trio- When Dark Sounds Collide

Ronnie Earl And The Broadcasters

Mercy Me

Stonyplain, 2022

9/10

Listen to Mercy Me

The guitar wizard and esteemed bluesman Ronnie Earl returns with his 28th career album, and his exceptional band The Broadcasters plus some guests are in attendance for the diverse originals and charming covers.

“Blow Wind Blow” starts the listen with lively piano from Anthony Geraci and playful drumming thanks to Forrest Padgett, as Diane Blue’s soaring and soulful pipes guide the warm blues rocker, and “Alabama” follows with Mark Earley’s baritone sax and Mario Perrett’s tenor sax making for a cautious yet atmospheric venture.

Elsewhere, “Blues For Duke Robilliard” trims the pace back to balladry with intricate guitar work from Earl and David Limina’s organ emitting a very mysterious landscape, while “Only You And I” recruits Paul Kochanski’s well timed backing vocals for the R&B tinted affair.

Approaching the end, “Coal Train Blues” showcases Peter Ward’s guitar prowess in the rhythmic album highlight, and “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher” exits with some hints at gospel, where Tess Ferraiolo’s impressive vocal range suits the upbeat and melodic musicianship.

Earl pays tribute to legends like Muddy Waters, Dave Mason, Percy Mayfield and John Coltrane here, and the abundance of solos and unparalleled attention to detail make for another first rate listen in Earl’s incredible catalog of work.

Travels well with: Sue Foley- Pinky’s Blues; Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne- Blues From Chicago To Paris

Jackie Messina

Necessary Arrangements

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Necessary Arrangements

The jazz vocalist Jackie Messina pays tribute to the late jazz pianist Enos Payne with this set of songs that stem from their 5 year musical relationship, and brings help from Bruce Barth (piano), Will Galison (harmonica), Paul Beaudry (bass), Ed Howard (bass) and Cliff Barbaro (drums).

The warm listen leads with the playful scatting of “Inchworm”, where Beaudry’s lively bass complements the bouncy spirit, and “I Feel Pretty” follows with a charming take on the classic that recruits Howard’s bass and Barth’s agile piano.

Approaching the middle, “Little B’s Poem” benefits much from the flowing keys and emotive harmonica as much beauty enters, while “I Believe In You” bops and shakes with a timeless jazz energy that you could and should dance to.

Deeper still, “Alfie”, a Burt Bacharach tune, puts Messina’s diverse pipes on display in the cautious album highlight, and “Show Me” finishes the listen with Barbaro’s drums and Beaudry’s clever bass interacting with much melody

A listen that isn’t short on solos or swingin’ fun, Messina and company also inject a couple ballads, and there’s even a poetic quality present across the entirety of the fantastic record.

Travels well with: Alexis Parsons- Alexis; Lady Millea- I Don’t Mind Missing You

Somi

Zenzile: The Reimagination Of Miriam Makeba

Salon Africana, 2022

9/10

Listen to Zenzile: The Reimagination Of Miriam Makeba

The Grammy nominated vocalist and songwriter Somi does justice to Miriam Makeba’s legendary music and important social justice messages here, as some of Makeba’s best work is interpreted with a large cast of players.

“Unhome” gets the album off to a very delicate start, where soft keys are met with Somi’s gorgeous pipes and Michael Olatuja’s precise bass playing, and “House Of The Rising Sun” follows with Keith Witty’s playful percussion and the bright brass adding much to the lively layers.

Deeper into the listen, “Pata Pata” welcomes strings and vocal effects into a very soothing, interesting climate, while “Kwedini” soars with Somi’s diverse delivery alongside Nate Smith’s skilled drumming and soulful backing vocals.

Further still, “Malaika” touches on very elegant jazz ideas with Herve Samb’s guitar prowess making a very cozy impression, and “Mabhongo” exits the listen with many voices highlighting the traditional in a dreamy, gospel flavored finish.

Makeba would have been 90 this year, and Somi pays tribute to the life’s work of an unapologetic African voice that paved the way for countless other African artists to follow on this stunning listen.

Travels well with: Catherine Russell- Send For Me; The Christiane Karam Quartet- Nar

Josean Jacobo Trio

Herencia Criolla

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Herencia Criolla

The piano wizard and composer Josean Jacobo knows his way around a diverse, cultured jazz tune, and here along with Daroll Méndez (upright bass) and Otoniel Nicolás (drums), plus many guests, he mixes Afro-Dominican ideas with timeless jazz sensibilities.

The title track starts the listen with hypnotic keys and intricate drumming, as playful bass plucking enters the lively and worldly jazz, and “San Miguel” follows with swift piano and dynamic percussion that lends itself to bare as well as busy moments.

Halfway through, “Dos Locos” recruits Miguel Zenón on alto sax for the sublime beauty, that, later on, gets a bit frisky, while “Bachata Rosa” showcases Ramón Vázquez’s upright bass on the album’s best, that’s full of complicated rhythm and charming jazz exploration.

“Quisqueya” exits the listen and presents Félix García on tambora for the excellent bass drumming, strategic bass and very accomplished textures of flourishing jazz.

A fascinating peek into Caribbean culture and with an incredible rhythm section in attendance, Jacobo and company pen a Latin Jazz adventure that’s sure to not be missed.

Travels well with: Kalí Rodriguez-Pena- Mélange; Alex ‘Apolo’ Ayala- Bámbula

Chiara Izzi

Live In Bremen

Dot Time, 2022

8/10

Listen to Live In Bremen

The New York resident and Italy native Chiara Izzi brings her stunning pipes to this 2nd album on the Dot Time label, where her multi-lingual singing unfolds with much intimacy across this live set from 2018 in Germany, which lluminates the piano work of Andrea Rea.

“Miradas” opens the listen with intimate keys pairing well with the very eloquent, cultured singing, and “Tu, Musica Divina” follows with the pretty piano amid dreamy, gorgeous singing as much beauty flows from the pair.

The middle tracks include the hypnotic and soulful “Pavane For Peaceful Times”, and the playful “Samba In Preludio”, which showcases swift piano playing and vivid storytelling from Izzi’s inestimable singing.

The final two tracks, “Cuerpo Y Alma” and “Terra Nostra”, don’t disappoint either, where the former displays some of the most firm singing and a diverse range, and the latter exits with a very mature dynamic that truly showcases the wealth of talent from both artists.

Rea’s sublime piano work can’t be praised enough here, and though we may have heard many of these songs before, they’ve never sounded quite like this, as Izzi and Rae truly make them their own.

Travels well with: Deanna Witkowski- Force Of Nature; Catherine Russell- Send For Me

Susan Cattaneo

All Is Quiet

Jersey Girl, 2022

8/10

Listen to All Is Quiet

A far more stripped back listen than her last album which featured 40+ musicians, the singer-songwriter Susan Cattaneo brings along Kevin Barry and Duke Levin for this vulnerable listen that’s some of her most personal to date.

The title track leads the listen with much calm beauty, where acoustic guitar, mandolin and Cattaneo’s expressive, poetic singing make an immediate impact, and “Time + Love + Gravity” follows with smooth vocal harmonies amid a fuller approach of cozy Americana that embraces electric guitar, too.

Halfway through, “Blackbirds” welcomes very pretty singing alongside hypnotic acoustic guitar, high strung guitar and mandolin, while “Broken Things” displays Cattaneo’s powerful and soaring pipes in a timeless folk sort of way that makes excellent use out of Levin’s glowing lap steel.

Moving towards the end, “Hold Onto Hope” emits a dreamy demeanor and gorgeous intimacy as Lorne Entress provides harmony vocals, and “Follow” exits the listen with a nearly gospel flavor that’s vocally strong, musically bare, and just might be the album’s best.

An artist who possesses all the hallmarks of folk, Americana, country and blues that we could never tire of, the 9 originals present are full of heart and soul, and are quite powerful in their delicate and very thoughtful execution.

Travels well with: Surrender Hill- A Whole Lot Of Freedom; Lynne Hanson- Ice Cream In November

Julius Schwing

Wagtail

Isthmus, 2022

8/10

Listen to Wagtail

A Tasmanian guitarist who brings us 6 improvised solo pieces, Julius Schwing takes inspiration from a life lived on a remote island, and he even uses the scrapes, plinks and bumps the body of the guitar can make in his song craft.

“Schnitlauch Brot” starts the listen with very complicated but easily accessible finger acrobatics that is full of unpredictable patterns, and “Squint” continues this creativity with clever picking that brings a bit of mystery to the equation.

The middle tracks, “Crumbles after Rain on the Pobblebonk Dam” and “Nap”, are among the best, where the former is a swift and rumbling display of exciting manipulation, and the latter emits breezy melody in its calm beauty.

Moving towards the end, “The Mystery of Growth” could be the most complicated song, which is saying much considering the skill present, and “Heat” exits the listen aglow in a dreamy elegance of warmth.

Schwing has been performing since the age of 13, and he brings that vast experience with him to this truly unique affair, where he nearly carves out a new guitar language of sorts with his art.

Travels well with: Erika Lewis- A Walk Around The Sun; John R. Miller- Depreciated

Kalí Rodríguez-Pena

Mélange

TRRcollective, 2022

8/10

Listen to Mélange

The Cuban native and New York resident Kalí Rodriguez-Pena knows his way around a trumpet, and here with an all star cast of players and a few esteemed guests he glides through bebop, post-bop, and plenty of world music ideas.

“Yes Or No” starts the listen with lively horns and no shortage of rhythm, as the fluid keys make quite an impact, and “A Student Is Not A Disciple” follows with a warm elegance, where Victor Pable Garcia’s playful percussion give the cautious climate a bit of playfulness.

Halfway through, “Drume Mobila” welcomes Gina D’ Soto’s gorgeous pipes to the soulful climate, while “Like Someone In Love” recruits frisky bass lines from Bam Bam Rodriguez for the bright textures and cultured melodies.

Closer to the end, “Thinking Of The Universe” rumbles lowly, where proficient piano and dynamic brass help make this the album’s best, and “Se Acabo” exits the listen with a worldly jazz spirit entering the precise layers and unparalleled attention to detail.

A listen where each track radiates in its own light, there’s plenty of Rodriguez-Pena’s Cuban roots alongside salsa and rumba, to name a few, and it helps make for an organic experience that’s as enlightening as it is exciting.

Travels well with: Alex ‘Apolo’ Ayala- Bámbula; Leonor Falcon- Imaga Mondo Vol. II

Wilfrido Terrazas

The Torres Cycle

New Focus, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Torres Cycle

The ambitious composer Wilfrido Terrazas presents us a 7 part album here, where ritual, indigenous tradition from his native Mexico, alternative notation, structured improvisation and spatialized live performance techniques make for a very expressive and unique body of work.

“Torre del Norte” opens the listen with much atmosphere, where several trumpets, trombones and euphonium are present in very unorthodox ways that use the instruments for ambience, and “Tótem I, Camino sobre la tierra” follows with Juliana Gaona’s oboe and Rebecca Lloyd-Jones’ percussion emitting a very mysterious tone that hints at classical sounds in very unconventional ways.

In the middle, “Tótem II, Miro hacia el cielo” recruits 4 piccolos that interact with a very iconoclastic droning appeal, while “Tótem III, Estoy en el centro” squeals with trumpet from Alexandria Smith and contrabass by Kathyryn Schulmeister that rumbles with a low intensity.

The final track, “Torre del Oeste”, mashes flute, oboe, english horn, clarinet and bass clarinet into a wind focused presence that’s cathartic while spiraling with much intrigue.

A very fluid, powerful and timbral diverse outing, Terrazas and company create a globally significant and atypically energetic listen here, and it’s something you’re not going to hear anywhere else.

Travels well with: Pathos Trio- When Dark Sounds Collide; David Liptak- Brightening Air

James Dashow

Soundings In Pure Duration Vol 2

Ravello, 2022

8/10

Listen to Sounding In Pure Duration Vol 2

This 2nd installment in Dashow’s Soundings In Pure Duration series is equally as captivating as his initial venture, and the electronic sounds and instrumental soloists present here illustrate his profoundly artistic vision.

Dashow opens the listen with “Soundings In Pure Duration N. 9”, where Manuel Zurria’s bass flute accompanies his octophonic electronic sounds, which makes for very unpredictable and exciting gestures, and “Soundings In Pure Duration N. 8” follows with Nicholas Isherwood’s bass-baritone providing vivid storytelling as Dashow tinkers with his electronic exploration.

The middle track, “Soundings In Pure Duration N. 7”, welcomes alto saxophone from Enzo Filippetti, as the pair cultivate nearly sci-fi textures with their careful and exciting sound manipulation, while “Soundings In Pure Duration N. 10” is just James Dashow and his octophonic electronic sounds making for an ominous, mysterious landscape.

The final track, “… At Other Times, The Distances”, showcases Dashow handling of quadraphonic electronic sounds, and it emits an even more atypical display of futuristic noises, meticulous oddities and calculated patterns.

Soundings In Pure Duration Vol 2 is actually available on DVD, which gives the listeners access to surround-sound (5.0) mixdowns of the pieces as well as composer-prepared stereo mixdowns that have been spatially enhanced to approximate a wider audio field. Essentially, this brings the music as close as possible to a live setting, which we all appreciate.

Travels well with: James Dashow- Archimedes; Daniel Pesca- Promontory

Ryan Lee Crosby

Winter Hill Blues

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Winter Hill Blues

Although he calls Boston home, the songwriter/guitarist Ryan Lee Crosby plays music that would reside perfectly in Mississippi, and influences from Africa and India won’t be hard to spot, either, across his Bentonia sound on this 8 track album.

“I’m Leaving” opens the listen with a cautious, rhythmic, bluesy spirit as animated guitar and punchy drums align with Crosby’s smooth singing, and “Winter Hill Blues” follows with a calmer approach of falsetto singing mixed with soft, intricate guitar playing that’s quite poetic.

Elsewhere, the southern ideas of “Eight Years Gone” brings both grit and melody that benefits much from hypnotic electric guitar, while “Going To Bentonia” moves sparsely, with a bit of soul mixed into the swagger.

“Slow Down” and “Wish I Was In Heaven Sitting Down” finish the listen, as the former is a bare, folksy, bluesy piece with just guitar and Crosby’s inimitable singing, and the latter welcomes percussion from Grant Smith into some hints towards the Delta blues.

A substantial listen that gets right to the core of the blues, whether Crosby is playing a stripped back tune or a fuller adventure, it’s a journey we can’t help but want to go along with.

Travels well with: Pete Mancini- Killing The Old Ways; Beverly ‘Guitar’ Watkins- In Paris!

Jordan Vanhemert

Nomad

Origin, 2022

8/10

Listen to Nomad

The saxophone powerhouse Jordan VanHemert returns with Rodney Whitaker on bass and David Alvarez III behind the drum kit for a listen that celebrates Korean culture via their exciting jazz formula, and there’s plenty of guests in attendance, too.

“Bird, Bird, Bluebird” starts the listen with VanHemet’s warm sax before frisky drumming and playful bass enters the stylish jazz climate, and “Imjin River Song” follows with the rhythm section interacting with a bit of mystery as VanHemert’s soulful sax guides a very fluid atmosphere.

In the middle, “Half Moon” welcomes Sharon Cho’s gorgeous pipes alongside Lisa Sung’s piano, Nathan Borton’s guitar, John Webber’s bass and Max Cooley III’s drums into the precisely textured affair, while “Doraji Taryeong” glows in its timeless melody and rich jazz ideas.

Arriving near the end, the vocal version of “Arirang Alone” brings Cho’s expressive pipes back, as well as Sung’s agile keys, and this time Jeff Shoup handles drums amid the dreamy demeanor, and the instrumental version of “Half Moon” exits the listen with the strong bass playing, proficient brass and brushed drumming illuminating the groove filled finish.

VanHemert’s last work, 2021’s I Am Not A Virus, tackled anti-Asian hate crimes and prejudice, whereas this outing has him dissecting the Asian American experience with a meticulous attention to detail. An artist with an eclectic and creative vision, VanHemert again captivates and enlightens us.

Travels well with: Ben Markley Big Band With Ari Hoenig- Ari’s Funhouse; Rich Pellegrin- Passage

Way North

New Dreams, Old Stories

Roots2Boot, 2022

9/10

Listen to New Dreams, Old Stories

An avant-folk outfit comprised of Rebecca Hennessy (trumpet, vocals), Petr Cancura (tenor sax, vocals), Michael Herring (bass, vocals), and Richie Barshay (drums, vocals), as Way North the quartet draw influences from jazz, bebop, and folk music as far as South America and the American South.

“Play” starts the listen with warm brass, frisky drums and bouncy bass illuminating the timeless jazz, groove filled spirit, and “I’m Here To Stay” follows with a more firm approach of lively sax, bright trumpet and drum acrobatics in the festive climate that tips it hat to the blues.

Halfway through, “If Charlie Haden Couldn’t Write A Song To Bring World Peace, What Hope Is There For Me” brings the pace back to balladry, with emotive brass and restrained drums making for a very reflective tone, while “Dr. Good” showcases the strong bass playing and dynamic interaction between the horns for a swingin’ good time.

Inching towards the end, the cautious textures of “Come Over To Our House” emits much beauty and warmth that you won’t be able to not sing along to, and “When You Say Goodnight To Me” exits the listen bare, soothing and with much culture to be appreciated.

A very diverse outing that you could often dance to, this 3rd album from Way North brings a wealth of talent and experience from the accomplished members, and it just might be the best jazz hybrid album of 2022.

Travels well with: Yannick Rieu Génération Quartet- Qui Qu’en Grogne; Yves Léveillé- L'échelle du temps

Amy Speace

Tucson

Windbone, 2022

8/10

Listen to Tucson

The Nashville singer-songwriter Amy Speace returns with her most personal record to date, where her diverse and very literate folk songs are fueled by the loss of her father, the repercussions of the pandemic and the depression that she sought help for in Tucson.

“Cottonwood” opens the listen with warm piano from Danny Mitchell, as Speace’s gorgeous pipes enter the poetic climate alongside stirring strings, and “If You Fall” follows with gentle acoustic guitar amid the soothing harmonies and gospel angle of the dreamy album highlight.

In the middle, “Little Red”recruits finger picking balladry and Juan Soloranzo’s strategic lap steel to the gorgeous landscape, while “Blues For Joy” pairs electric guitar and pedal steel for a moody, indeed bluesy display of sublime self-reflection.

Approaching the end, “The Offering” presents much atmosphere in the gospel-folk demeanor that’s orchestral in nature, and the fullest tune, “My Father’s House”, exits the listen with sing-alongs, Josh Britt’s mandolin, Dean Marold’s upright bass and Neilson Hubbard’s light drumming adding much grace and playfulness.

Amazingly, Speace tracked this album in under 2 days. However, she’s spent most of her life figuring out how to write it, and whether you’re a first time listener or a longtime fan, her intimate and forthright song craft will certainly strike a chord.

Travels well with: Pieta Brown- Freeway; Gretchen Peters- Dancing With The Beast

Dillon Vanders

Wildfires

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to Wildfires

A rising singer-songwriter from Los Angeles who embraces all the hallmarks of modern Americana that we enjoy, Dillon Vanders has got a bit of rasp and soul to bring to the equation, too, across these 10 very well thought out tunes.

“The Road Ahead” opens the listen with calm keys, gorgeous vocal harmonies and warm guitar in the very pretty, Americana setting, and “Healing Touch” follows with strategic drums amid Vanders’ gritty yet melodic singing that benefits much from well timed bass.

At the halfway point, the timeless folk sensibilities of “Racing In Circles” flows with a very poetic quality, while “Wildfires” showcases gorgeous pedal steel alongside a more firm approach of intricate guitar work in the punchy delivery.

At the end, “Truth And Lies” emits gorgeous strummed guitar and moody organ in the album’s best tune, and “Paradise” moves swiftly with country, folk and even a hint of bluegrass in attendance on the festive finish.

Vanders has roots going back to The Laurel Canyon sound, which is thankfully never far from the surface here, and his formative years of listening to Simon & Garfunkel and Joni Mitchell is certainly apparent, also, as he pens an excellent debut album.

Travels well with: Erinn Peet Lukes- EPL; Crash Taylor- Retired Outlaw

John Berry

Find My Joy

Gaither, 2022

8/10

Listen to Find My Joy

The Grammy Award Winning country singer-songwriter John Berry returns with a faith based album, where gospel classics that have helped him offstage are present, as are new songs that are certainly in line with the themes of the listen.

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” starts the record with graceful keys, as Berry’s powerful pipes guide the dreamy, gospel climate, and “I Surrender All” follows with a breezy pace of smooth singing, glorious backing vocals and light melodies.

“Is It Well With My Soul” lands at the halfway point, and emits a spiritual angle that’s eloquent and stirring, while “Something Bigger Than Me” is a poetic and wise tune with twinkling keys and Berry’s inviting voice.

Approaching the end, “Blessings” pairs the agile keys with cozy strings as Berry pulls off an incredible vocal performance, and “Live Like You” picks up the pace with drumming and quicker piano, where a dance-floor ready, pop appeal enters the final track.

Berry brings along Jimmy Nichols (keyboards), guitars from B. James Lowry and Justin Ostrander, background vocals courtsey of Tania Hancheroff, Kim Keyes, Joe Chemay, Robert Bailey and Gene Miller, plus many more, and it makes for another exceptional effort in a catalog of work that includes platinum records and 20 hit singles.

Travels well with: Bob Luman- Honky Tonk Man; Tex Ritter- Songs Of The West

Sondre Lerche

Avatars Of Love

PLZ, 2022

8/10

Listen to Avatars Of Love

On his first album since moving back to Norway, Sondre Lerche finds himself in the company of CHAI, Felicia Douglass (Dirty Projectors), Mary Lattimore, Rodrigo Alarcon, and Ana Müller, among others, and it results in a double album of his most free and uninhibited work to date.

“Guarantee That I’d Be Loved” starts the listen with warm acoustic guitar and poetic singing in the timeless folk climate that possesses much prettiness, and “Dead Of The Night” follows with light drumming, breezy guitar and a hushed atmosphere that balances beauty and mystery.

Deeper into the listen, “What Makes Me Tick” tips its hat to the crooners of yesteryear with its vintage pop appeal, while the title track benefits from soaring strings amid the dreamy landscape.

Residing near the end, “Magnitude Of Love” features Mary Lattimore for an artistic and cinematic display of immense talent, and “Sunset Tower In The Rain” exits the listen bare, raw and just Lerche with a guitar in a very eloquent finish.

A listen that’s heavy on self-reflection, Lerche really allows his vision to expand here, as more than half the songs surpass the 5 minute mark, and his mashing of folk, electronic and orchestral ideas makes for a career highlight that’s quite complex, but universally enjoyable, especially if names like Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell mean anything to you.

Travels well with: Gundelach- Baltus; Rufus Wainwright- Unfollow The Rules

Jason Kao Hwang & Karl Berger

Conjure

True Sound, 2019

8/10

Listen to Conjure

An all star duo, Jason Kao Hwang brings his violin and viola prowess, as Karl Berger holds down piano and vibraphone across 9 stunning compositions that they penned.

“Prophecy” starts the listen with Hwang’s elegant strings as Berger’s sublime keys complement the introspective setting, and “Silhouettes” follows with vibraphone fun mixed with haunting tones.

In the middle, “Vanishing Roots” manipulates mood and sound with plucking strings and strategic keys in the bare display, while “Faith” textures piano and viola together with much beauty and awe.

At the end, “Water Finds Water” is 13 minutes of blurry, hazy, minimalistic exploration, and “Arise” exits the affair with avant-garde jazz ideas amid Hwang’s artistic vision with the violin and Berger’s proficient chords.

Known as two of the best current improvisers, Hwang and Berger illustrate a stunning chemistry on this unpredictable and exciting record.

Travels well with: Jessica Pavone- Army Of Strangers; Tucker Brothers- Two Parts