The Muffs

Really Really Happy

Omnivore, 2022

10/10

Listen to Really Really Happy

Their last album before a 10 year hiatus from recording, this 5th album from The Muffs found the band in a great place both personally and professionally. Originally released in 2004, this reissue comes with 6 bonus tracks and an entire disc of demos.

“Freak Out” starts the listen with a 2 minute blast of pop-punk and garage-rock, where front woman Kim Shattuck’s gritty yet pretty pipes guide the crisp drumming and buzzing guitars that can retreat to calmer moments, and this formula continues to the swirling melodies of “A Little Luxury”, as well as the thumping title track.

Other standouts from the original record include the harmonic and bouncy “My Lucky Day”, while the slight jangle of “How I Pass The Time” is both rugged and melodic in a way that only The Muffs could do it. “Oh Poor You”, perhaps the quintessential Muffs tune, then gets a bit thicker with the dynamic interaction between the rhythm section, and Shattuck’s minor growl.

Of the bonus tracks, “Under The Covers In Jammies” is quite charming in a kid friendly sort of way, and “I Hate Gym” is actually pretty muscular considering the subject matter.

The 2nd disc is comprised of Kim Shattuck demos, recorded in her kitchen, and they truly illustrate just how great of a melodic songwriter she was, and her detailed attention to lyricism is certainly illuminated here, too.

Very tragically, Shattuck passed away in 2019 at just 56 years old. She played in several bands, but The Muffs were her heart and soul, and along with longtime members Ronnie Barnett and Roy McDonald she made some of the best punk rock records of this generation. Really Really Happy really is further proof of that.

Travels well with: Mikey Erg- Tentative Decisions; Letters To Cleo- Ok Christmas

Marco Pignataro's Dream Alliance

Awakening

Zoho, 2022

8/10

Listen to Awakening

The saxophone wizard Marco Pignataro documents a virtual live concert at Boston’s GBH Fraser Studio from 2021, and he’s got Kenny Werner (piano, backing vocals), Nadia Washington (vocals, guitar), and Devin Gates (bass, vocals) along for the chamber-jazz filled affair that’s lyrically very rich.

“Send One Of Your Love” opens the listen with gorgeous, expressive singing alongside warm and light guitar and subtle keys in the romantic climate, and “Resilience Of Light” follows with carefully plucked bass and finger snapping populating the spoken word and soulful singing.

Halfway through, “Still Winter” recruits playful sax, strategic bass and plenty of alluring poetry, while “Alone Again Naturally” brings much calm melody thanks to the flowing brass, agile keys and eloquent singing.

Moving towards the end, “Ode To The Wounded Clouds” pairs the stirring sax and graceful keys with a dreamy voice, and “Moon Threads Prologue: At Night” finishes with just Pignataro’s inviting sax keeping us enthralled.

A listen that’s just as exceptional musically as it is lyrically, Pignataro and company certainly do justice to the Stevie Wonder, Beatles, and Ben E. King covers, and the harmonic and lush originals on this very accomplished record will impress, too.

Travels well with: Dawn Derow- My Ship: Songs From 1941; Alexis Cole- Sky Blossom: Songs From My Tour Of Duty

Wesley Ferreira

Into The Green

Ravello, 2022

8/10

Listen to Into The Green

The clarinetist Wesley Ferreira takes us along for a very unique journey here, where digital and analog song craft allows for both solo clarinet and electronic sounds emitting timbre, tone and mood manipulating in his very capable hands.

The title track opens the listen with adventurous electronica that pairs well with the soothing clarinet as beats and classical ideas align in the Alexey Goroholinsky composition, and “Sapphire Song”, by Donald Steven, follows with a calmer approach of warm folk nods that showcase Ferreira’s diverse playing.

In the middle, Nikola Resanovic’s “Alt.Music.Ballastix” unfolds across 3 chapters of very daring synthetic versus organic sounds, while “Lightshadows, Trembling” quivers with a very unpredictable and upbeat demeanor that populates the Gergely Vajda original.

The final track, “Carnyx”, by Serban Nichifor, is possibly the most exciting, where squealing clarinet and both delicate ebbs and firm playing comprise a very memorable exit.

A highly interesting and unique body of work, the computer effects, thriving beats and moments of sublime clarinet playing are executed flawlessly, and will be sure to maintain intrigue from beginning to end.

Travels well with: The Sonic Arts Ensemble- Live From The Multiverse; The Music Of Jeffrey Jacob- Sequoias

Chris Standring

Simple Things

Ultimate Vibe, 2022

8/10

Listen to Simple Things

The esteemed guitarist and composer Chris Standring returns with Andre Berry (bass), Chris Coleman (drums), Rodney Lee (keyboards), Gary Meek (sax) and Kevin Axt (bass) for a batch of tunes that surround the theme of enjoying the simple things in life, something Standring is practicing more of after a recent health scare.

“Shadow Of Doubt” opens the listen with smooth guitar work alongside frisky drums and plenty of melody, and “Thank You Bootsy” follows with the clever bass lines adding much appeal to the stylish climate.

Entering the middle, “Face To Face” recruits plenty of atmosphere to the dreamy delivery that was influenced by Prince, while “Ain’t Nuthin’ But A Thing” showcases Lee on organ for the adventurous yet cautious display of dynamic musicianship.

Further down the line, the intimate and warm “Too Close For Comfort” emits much beauty with some R&B nods into the timeless jazz landscape, and “And The Show Goes On” exits the listen with Standring’s intricate and fluid guitar playing meshing superbly with the restrained drums and calculate bass.

Yet another outstanding modern jazz record and his 14th as leader, Standring flirts with blues, funk, soul and R&B here, too, and it makes for a charming, heartfelt and very wise listen.

Travels well with: Eric Goletz- A New Light; The Chris Saunders Band- Dancing With The Widow St. James

Harrison Barnes

Paradise

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Paradise

A 5 song EP from a singer-songwriter who firmly resides in the pop sounds of today, Harrison Barnes balances grooves, beats and melodies on this quick listen that will certainly get your body moving.

The title track starts the fun with a very bright and sleek version of modern-pop that’s tailor made for the dance floor with its warm buzzing and adventurous beat, and “TLC” follows with a more soulful approach that recruits thumping drums and layered vocals for a very unpredictable and lively climate.

In the middle, the dreaminess of “Alone On The Dance Floor” won’t go unappreciated, while “Fashion”, the best track present, pairs energetic electro-pop with diverse singing from Barnes. “Collide” exits the listen, and showcases both intimate moments and a club friendly delivery that would fit quite comfortable on the FM dial.

A meticulously produced affair that comes with a universal appeal, though you may have never heard of Harrison Barnes before, something tells me we’re all going to hear more about this artist in the near future.

Travels well with: Logan Lynn- New Money; Kady Rain- Kady Rain

Dawn Of Ashes

Scars Of The Broken

Artoffact, 2022

8/10

Listen to Scars Of The Broken

The Los Angeles rockers Dawn Of Ashes return with their most powerful and cathartic work yet, where frontman Kristof Bathory sorts through some very difficult turmoil in his life via the diverse forms of hard hitting sounds across these 12 tracks.

“(Descending) Torn Inside” opens the listen with thick drumming and ominous droning as an intense sound bite is repeated, and “Love Is Asphyxiation” follows with a dark, industrial like pounding as gruff, demonic vocals meet the cinematic back drop.

Deeper into the listen, “Bane Of Your Existence” flows with cryptic storytelling and sinister singing amid the firm chugging that’s somehow quite soothing, too, while “(Limbo) Numb” seems tailor made for a horror flick with its hypnotic presence and calm versus charged moments.

Inching closer to the end, the title track brings musicianship that’s actually quite pretty and pairs it with chilling, haunting vocals, and “(Ascending) Catharsis” exits the listen much like how it started, with emphasis on ambience that even soars with a spiritual slant.

It's quite clear that a lot of work went into this album, lyrically, musically and emotionally, and for those who appreciate various forms of industrial-metal, you’d be hard pressed to find anything as potent as Scars Of The Broken.

Travels well with: Mary Byker & Noko- Am I Dead Yet?; The Spider Hole- To The Monsters

Pepper Adams With The Tommy Banks Trio

Live At Room At The Top

Reel To Real, 2022

8/10

Listen to Live At Room At The Top

A double disc the captures a live performance from September 25, 1972 at the University of Alberta, the baritone saxophone wizard Pepper Adams finds himself in the company of Tommy Banks on piano, Bobby Cairns playing electric bass and Tom Doran behind the drum kit.

“Three And One” opens the listen with lively piano alongside adventurous sax and crisp drumming as the 17+ minutes unfolds with plenty of free jazz spirit, and “Civilization and Its Discontents” follows with a calmer approach of soulful textures and moments of intimacy.

In the middle, the swift pace of “Oleo” bops and shakes with a very stylish delivery, while “‘Tis” showcases the acrobatic drumming alongside the dynamic musicianship that’s all at once furious and meticulous.

Rounding out the listen is the calm and melodic “Time On My Hands” and “Stella By Starlight”, where the former benefits much from the frisky bass lines and flowing brass, and the latter shuffles and glides with a timeless and upbeat demeanor that sounds just as great in 1972 as it does today.

Adams is at the top of his game across the set, and his strong attention to rhythm and melody is certainly present, as is his leadership skills, which there isn’t much documentation of. Sadly, he passed away much too young, but will always be remembered for his uncompromising spirit and imaginative handling of his instrument.

Travels well with: Dave Brubeck Trio- Live From Vienna 1967; The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Chicago

David Quinn

Country Fresh

Soundly, 2022

8/10

Listen to Country Fresh

On this 3rd album from David Quinn, the guitarist and singer continues on with his roots rock template that includes honky tonk, bluegrass and classic country ideas, too.

Quinn places the lively title track in the lead off position, where warm fiddle and punchy drums make for an upbeat rural rocker that will get your body moving, and “Low Down” follows with swift strings, cozy vocal harmonies and fluid drumming as a more firm presence of country rock enters.

In the middle, “I Just Want To Feel Alright” welcomes emotive pedal steel and Alayne May’s gorgeous pipes to the hazy album highlight, while “Boy From Illinois” glides and bounces with thumping drums, gritty melody and meticulous guitar.

Near to the end, the graceful piano of “Long Road” makes for a very intimate and poetic track, and “Hummingbird’s Song” exits the listen with some folk tendencies amid the eloquent storytelling and gentle acoustic guitar.

Quinn is in the company of Miles Miller (drums, harmonies), Fats Kaplin (fiddle, dobro, banjo, harmonica), Jamie Davis (guitar), Micah Hulscher (piano), Brett Resnick (lap steel), Laur Juamets (slide guitar), Andy Holcomb (bass), Andrew Krull (harmonies) and Alayne May (harmonies), and together they make for another exceptional release from Quinn via this charming love letter to the midwest.

Travels well with: Justin Wells- The United State; Brennen Leigh- Prairie Love Letter

Robeone

Halos And Dogs

TransGlobal, 2022

8/10

Listen to Halos And Dogs

The brainchild of the multi-instrumentalist Robert Schindler, as Robeone he brings an extremely eclectic approach that’s just as likely to birth modern electronica as it is vintage jazz across these 6 instrumental tracks.

“Don’t Ever Stop Your Heart” opens the listen with a dense beat, warm piano and plenty of dance floor ready atmosphere as a nearly classical meets electronic climate unfolds, and “Morning Rush” follows with a firm buzzing, where cinematic qualities enter the post-punk meets psychedelic swirling.

Halfway through, “Yesterday Again” wanders playfully with a dreamy spirit populated by adventurous keys and calm drumming, while “Turn Off Your Brain Part 2” enters nearly New Age territory with its soothing demeanor.

“Clusters” and “Halos” exit the listen, where the former pairs otherworldly like synth with soulful drumming, and the latter finishes with intimacy thanks to the flowing piano and very graceful song craft.

Schindler has an impressive resume that includes playing for Ronnie Spector, Johnny Nash and many others. Now at age 70, he’s 6 albums deep into a solo career that could soundtrack a rave just as it could score a sci-fi flick or romance movie, and this inimitable formula certainly warrants repeated listens.

Travels well with: Carl Weingarten- Stop Me Try; Matt Smith- Being Human

Boots-n-Booze #2- comic w/The Liquidators 7"

Long Time Again/Soul Steppin’

Pirates Press, 2022

9/10

Listen to Long Time Again/Soul Steppin’

The second installment of this creative graphic novel series, we’re treated to artwork and stories by Joel Loya, James Reitano, Misty Hecht, Courtney Schamach, Dannyboy Smith, John Bush, and Lucas Musgrave that are autobiographical, sometimes quite comical and certainly very eye catching.

The musical portion includes a pair of tunes from Santa Cruz’s The Liquidators that date back to 1990. “Long Time Again” brings soulful backing vocals and laidback lead vocals to the gentle rhythm and breezy demeanor of the reggae flavored gem. “Soul Steppin’” then recruits bouncy bass lines, warm keys and call and response singing that’s quite lively, highly melodic, and sounds just as relevant today as it did 30+ years ago when it was recorded.

The ultimate package for those with an interest in comics and ska/rocksteady sounds, the Pirates Press label yet again delivers an innovative and quality package.

Travels well with: Booze & Glory- The Reggae Sessions, Vol. 2; The Slackers- Blue

Suzi Moon

Animal

Pirates Press, 2022

8/10

Listen to Animal

The former member of Civet and frontwoman for Turbulent Hearts, Suzi Moon returns with 3 high energy, ‘77 punk rock tunes that illustrate her dynamic and timeless song craft which welcomes Drew Champion (lead guitar), Patti Bo (bass) and Sean Peterson (drums).

“Sonic Attraction” starts the listen with buzzing guitars, throbbing bass and lively drumming as razor sharp melodies meet a thumping yet smooth delivery, and this energy continues to the anthemic and charged title track, where Moon’s strong pipes are both fierce and inviting.

The final track, “Gold Record Autograph”, brings a bouncy and more pop-punk flavored approach, where you’ll be singing along right away to the infectious chorus and gang vocals.

An ideal EP for those who have yet to experience Suzi Moon, this 10 minute record should easily make you a fan, especially if legends like The Go-Go’s, Stooges, Joan Jett, MC5, and Dead Boys have occupied significant listening time in your life.

Travels well with: Sweat- Gotta Give It Up; DeeCRACKS- Serious Issues

Frederic Hand

Across Time

ReEntrant, 2022

8/10

Listen to Across Time

A collection of guitar solos and songs from Frederic Hand that date back as far as 1977 and are as recent as 2021, Across Time illustrates the artist’s very diverse approach to musical language.

“Renewal” opens the listen with Hand’s delicate and warm guitar that is dedicated to João Luiz and makes the most out of the flowing melodies that help accelerate the tune’s pace, and “Ballade For Astor Piazzolla” follows with nods to Federico Díaz as rich tango ideas unfold with precise harmonics.

Further into the listen, “I Am” recruits very eloquent and expressive singing from Lesley Hand’s soprano into Hand’s very pretty playing, while “A Waltz For Maurice” showcases meticulous picking in a highly reflective and dreamy climate.

Deeper still, “Trilogy” includes 3 chapters that radiate both firm and gentle techniques, and “Cooper Lake” exits the listen with lush and complicated progressions that are as captivating as they are timeless.

Other than Lesley Hand’s very capable voice on 3 tracks, this is entirely Frederic Hand’s gorgeous guitar playing, and at 14 tracks it never out welcomes its stay as each piece finds its own distinct place to reside.

Travels well with: Marti Epstein- Nebraska Impromptu; Pathos Trio- When Dark Sounds Collide

Dave Brubeck Trio

Live From Vienna 1967

MVD, 2022

8/10

Listen to Live From Vienna 1967

A recently recovered recording of an incredible evening with Dave Brubeck (piano), Eugene Wright (bass) and Joe Morello (drums), these traditionals, covers and an original include many solos in the highly improvised 6 pieces.

“St. Louis Blues”, a tune penned by W.C. Handy and arranged by Brubeck, starts with acrobatic piano playing before swift drums and precise bass enters the lively climate, and “One Moment Worth Years”, an original, follows with a bit of intimacy amid the smooth grooves from the dynamic interaction between the trio.

In the middle, “Swanee River” recruits firm keys and plenty of rhythm into the set’s best tune, while “La Paloma Azul” puts a very sublime spirit on the traditional with much grace alongside a romantic appeal that really showcases Brubeck’s key prowess.

Rounding out the evening is the very adventurous “Someday My Prince Will Come”, where all 3 members play fiercely but focused, and the rumbling energy of “Take The A Train” finishes the listen, where the spontaneous yet meticulous delivery is captured superbly.

This is actually the only known recording of the three playing together, as their sax player, Paul Desmond, didn’t make it to the gig that night. Being the skilled and daring artists they were, Brubeck, Wright and Morello went ahead and made the best of the occasion with a listen that sounds fantastic and relevant 50+ years later.

Travels well with: Calvin Johnson Jr.- Notes Of A Native Son; The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Chicago

Various Artists

Americana Railroad

BMG, 2022

8/10

Listen to Americana Railroad

The American Railroads have influenced the rich history of the country’s music more than most realize, and here we’re treated to an incredible roster of talent penning songs about the rails that are both covers and originals.

“Here Comes The Train Again” opens the listen with plenty of powerful grit and warm, soulful sounds, as Stephen McCarthy and Carla Olson make some great rural rock, and it isn’t long until Rocky Burnette brings us the swift drumming, spirited harmonica and jumpy keys of “Mystery Train”.

Some of the more well known names arrive closer to the middle, where John Fogerty and family deliver the very pretty and eloquent “City Of New Orleans”, while “Southwest Chief”, by Dave Alvin, is full of vivid storytelling amid adventurous percussion and meticulous guitar work.

Making our way towards the end, Robert Rex Waller Jr. brings us a Springsteen-esque delivery of the very poetic and powerful “Midnight Rail”, and McCarthy and Olson return for the pedal steel and string friendly finish of “I Remember The Railroad”, that’s got plenty of retro-rock appeal.

There’s over 70 minutes of music here and it apparently took a decade to assemble. In addition to the artists above, we’re also treated to Rocky Burnette, Peter Case, Kai Clark, Alice Howe, Deborah Poppink, Dom Flemons, John York, Dustbowl Revival, Paul Burch, Fats Kaplin, Al Haynes of Seratones, and James Intveld, and they all make for a charming listen that taps into the folklore of the railways.

Travels well with: John Fogerty- Fogerty’s Factory; Dave Alvin- From An Old Guitar

Wood Willow

Southern Intentions

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Southern Intentions

An indie-folk duo consisting of Joel Parks (vocals, guitar) and Becca Herrod (vocals, mandolin), as Wood Willow the pair bring both rawness and angst to their organic template that’s certainly steeped in Americana, but with some muscle behind it on this debut album.

“So Much Runnin’” starts the listen with the warm mandolin and thumping drums alongside the strong vocal harmonies of the rootsy rocker that’s got some bluegrass roots, and “No More Close To Heaven” follows with Herrod’s soaring, expressive pipes front and center in the gritty yet melodic display of timeless song craft and gospel nods.

“You’ve Got Me” lands in the middle, and recruits hypnotic acoustic guitar amid vivid storytelling as folk ideas enter the equation, while “Pour My Drink” offers a thicker display of hand clapping, sturdy rhythm and darker textures to populate the album’s best selection.

“Box O’ Wine” and “Tijuana” exit the listen, where the former showcases firm keys and skilled singing from both, and the latter is quite animated with an old time feel of lively and time honored songwriting.

A listen that is plucked precisely and quite a bit of fun to listen to, Wood Willow are off to an excellent start; in fact, any fan of anything resembling Americana should be quite enamored with these 10 tracks.

Travels well with: Pete Mancini- Killing The Old Ways; Dan Weber- The Way The River Goes

Otto

Danses

Circum-Disc, 2022

8/10

Listen Danses

The duo of Ivann Cruz’s electric guitar and Frédéric L’Homme’s drums, as Otto the pair manipulate melody, harmony and rhythm with meticulous attention to detail.

“Prelude” opens the listen with very detailed guitar work alongside the agile drumming as the adventurousness glide with much warmth, and it isn’t long until the delicate, atmospheric “Gigue” pairs frisky drums with reflective guitar.

Further into the listen, “Allemande” thumps firmly amid the glorious guitar acrobatics, while “Chaconne” brings both tension and beauty into the album’s best with a shimmering post-rock slant that’s quite hypnotic.

Nearing the end, “Bourrée” builds into a rhythmically busy display of dynamic and very complicated drums and guitar, and a 2nd version of “Allemande” exits the listen with a skilled dreaminess that helps cultivate a very distinct harmonic appeal of classical nods.

A truly unique and fascinating listen, let’s hope the pair don’t stop collaborating anytime soon, cause their collective vision makes for an enlightening experience.

Travels well with: Peter Orins- VRTN & VBTRN; Adoct- Ouvre-Glace

Tom Guerra

Sentimental Junk

Thin Man, 2022

9/10

Listen to Sentimental Junk

On this 5th album from the songwriter/guitarist Tom Guerra, he returns to his roots with an electric guitar focused affair that comes with 2 years of pent up energy from being in a pandemic lockdown for so long.

The energetic listen leads with the firm piano and buzzing guitar of “Autumn Eyes”, where power and melody are both present in spades, and “She Don’t Believe In Memories” follows with thumping drums and a bit of cautiousness to the retro-rock appeal.

Further into the listen, the fluid and loud rock’n’roll of “Clean Cut Kid”, a Bob Dylan cover, will be sure to get your body moving and grooving to the infectious rhythm, while “Eyes Of The World” gets a big rugged, even forceful, where ‘70s rock swagger is present alongside Scott Lawson Pomeroy’s vocals.

Moving towards the end, “Where’s The New Rock & Roll” brings spoken word into the stylish and dance-floor ready delivery, and “A Song For Mark Easton” exits the listen with a bouncy and playful landscape of timeless rock sounds that we can’t help but admire.

Guerra cut his teeth playing guitar in the Dirty Bones Band and then later on Mambo Sons, and influences like Keith Richards, Jimmy Page and Joe Walsh won’t be hard to spot on this multi-faceted record that any and all fans of rock’n’roll will appreciate.

Travels well with: The Honeyrunners- Everything Is On Fire; Matt Jaffe- Kintsugi

Ali Sperry

In Front Of Us

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to In Front Of Us

The Nashville singer-songwriter Ali Sperry offers us a very diverse and well thought out listen, where collaborations from Allison Russell, Kyshona, Jill Andrews, Natalie Schlabs and Sadler Vaden are present and appreciated.

“Climber” starts the listen with stirring strings before warm acoustic guitar and Sperry’s expressive pipes enter the dreamy Americana, and “Lucy” follows with thumping drums and a more firm presence of poetic folk-rock ideas.

“Hope” arrives at the halfway point and employs glowing pedal steel alongside the very graceful singing, while “Cool Under Pressure” strums playfully with an upbeat country rock demeanor that’s immediately infectious and even a bit anthemic.

Closer to the end, “Peace By Midnight” uses soulful backing vocals strategically in an almost gospel like fashion, and the title track exits the listen with just initially Sperry’s voice and guitar to illuminate the vivid storytelling that builds into a hazy, blurry version of roots rock.

An album that is both intimately personal but can also be quite political, Sperry’s childhood growing up in a small Iowa community that practiced Transcendental Meditation is still very influential, as the songs can be quite calming in their lush, pop friendly moments and not so subtle Laurel Canyon sensibilities.

Travels well with: Susan Cattaneo- All Is Quiet; Surrender Hill- A Whole Lot Of Freedom

The Jim Self/John Chiodini Duo

Hangin’ Out

Basset Hound, 2022

8/10

Listen to Hangin’ Out

The jazz tuba player Jim Self and esteemed guitarist John Chiodini team up for this 3rd effort together, where some excellent players accompany them across 13 standards, Latin tunes and funk friendly moments.

The title track opens the listen with Self’s warm F tuba alongside soothing guitar in the very laidback climate, and “Spain” follows with Chiodini handling Spanish guitar and Self playing fluba in the very cultured display of the Chick Corea original.

Further on, “Another Thing” recruits Tom Peterson on tenor sax for the agile and smooth musicianship, while “Everything Happens To Me” flows with an intimate spirit of cautious brass and delicate guitar.

Deeper yet, “Modal I Tease”, a Self original, brings both adventurousness and restraint to the 5/4 time, and “It Could Happen To You” exits the listen with Scott Whitfield playing trombone and David Angel on baritone sax for the clever and timeless Dixieland feel to the full finish.

A listen that swings playfully, flirts with Samba and touches on waltz ideas, too, Self and Chiodini and company present many solos and bring a whole lot of fun to the diverse listen.

Travels well with: Tritone Asylum- The Hideaway Sessions; The Matt Gordy Jazz Tonite Sextest- Be With Me

Katherine Jolly

Preach Sister Preach

Navona, 2019

8/10

Listen to Preach Sister Preach

The always impressive Katherine Jolly is in great company here, including Emily Yap Chua on piano, as the songstress illuminates pieces penned by Evan Williams, Katherine Bodor and Evan Mack.

“Emily’s House” starts the listen with Jolly’s soaring soprano across 10 poems by Emily Dickinson as keys back the emotive singing. “Absent An Adjustment” follows, and brings a more moody setting to the stirring strings as clarinets add greatly to the landscape.

“Preach Sister Preach” exits the listen with a very novel concept as 10 very powerful women, including Ellen DeGeneres, Tina Fey, and Ann Landers, to name a few, are all represented with power and grace in the operatic delivery

A fluid display of contemporary ideas and flowing rhythm, Preach Sister Preach drives home just how important the female voice is today, maybe more than ever, considering the current state of affairs and the influence woman do wield.

Travels well with: Renee Fleming- Broadway; Joyce DiDonato- Songplay