Mike Miz

Only Human

Blackbird, 2023

8/10

Listen to Only Human

An artist who has spent much time in the Northeast jam scene, Mike Miz brings his guitar prowess to these 10 adventurous tunes that welcome some of Nashville’s finest.

The listen gets off to an energetic start, with Jon Radford’s thumping drums and Michael Borowski’s agile keys alongside Miz’s smooth pipes and soaring guitar in the country rocker “Hand Of The Sculptor”, and “Only Human” follows with some soulfulness thanks to Sadler Vaden’s guitar solo and Ted Pecchio’s well timed bass.

“Understand” lands at the halfway point, and emits a warm intimacy that showcases Miz’s poetic pipes and folk friendly ideas in the acoustic ballad, while “Wander Blue” showcases C.J. Colandrea’s sublime steel guitar amid the graceful keys and rugged yet tuneful singing that might remind you of Neil Young.

Residing near the end, the cozy Americana of “You Make Me Feel” comes with plenty of emotion and grit alongside the collaborative keys from Borowski and Jano Rix, and “Tail Lights” exits with swift and wild honky tonk fun that’s infectious and just so much fun.

An album that was recorded live to tape, it tells the story of being addicted to heroin for 15 years, which is autobiographical. Miz’s very animated guitar playing is front and center, and the subtle but effective strings and brass present, not to mention the large cast of players, make for a varied, thoughtful and substantial listen.

Travels well with: Ben De La Cour- Shadow Land; Trapper Schoepp- Siren Songs

Darren Jessee

Central Bridge

Bar None, 2023

9/10

Listen to Central Bridge

The North Carolina singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Darren Jessee has an outstanding resume playing with Hotel Lights, Hiss Golden Messenger, Sharon Van Etten and Ben Folds Five, and his solo work is quite well executed, too, as further evidenced on the heartfelt folk-rock of Central Bridge.

“Love And Thanks” starts the listen with Jessee’s cozy pipes populating the warm strumming and agile drumming that’s quite dreamy, and “Will That Be Enough” follows with a stirring elegance of sweeping melodies and gentle song craft.

“Wild Ascending Blue” arrives in the middle, and flows with cascading beauty amid absorbing strings, while “Sunbeam” uses well timed sax from Stuart Bogie for the hushed and poetic album highlight.

“Mirage” and “I Live In Your Old Hometown” exit the listen, where the former emits hazy layers of rich song craft, and the latter is a very eloquent and moving display of Jessee’s sincere and timeless folky chops.

Jessee also employs Alan Weatherhead (keys, guitar) and Jay Brown (bass) for the very meticulous effort that continues to cement his place as one of the best songwriters today.

Travels well with: Corvair- Corvair; Darren Jessee- The Jane Room 217

Various Artists

ACE Composers II

Ravello, 2023

8/10

Listen to ACE Composers II

A family affair that showcases the composing skills of Alan Schmitz and his two sons, Christopher and Eric, the contemporary chamber music sounds are fleshed out with strong attention to detail that illuminates the differences between each of the Schmitz’s vision.

Christopher’s contributions are early in the listen, where “Romanza” showcases Elizabeth Pridgen’s sublime piano and Amy Schwartz Moretti’s violin in the intimate climate, and “Bass Trombone Sonata (“Call Of The Opera”)” allows Denson Paul Pollard’s bass trombone and Kimberly Carballo’s keys to make for a soulful, playful display of dynamic interaction.

Alan handles the most amount of pieces, as “Evening Prayer” welcomes several voices to the flowing, spiritual demeanor of harmony and grace, while “Poeme Nocturne” pairs Emily Schmitz Mandonia’s violin and Lee Schmitz’s piano for the poetic and stirring disc highlight.

Eric shines late in the listen, where Robert Auler’s meticulous piano playing populates the 7 chapters of the melodic and reflective “Ballad Melody And Variations”, and “The Lamplighter” exits with the University of Northern Iowa Jazz Band One on hand, as well as Christopher Merz’s tenor sax, Bob Washut’s piano and Josh Hakanson’s drums for the fuller, sweeping closer.

A listen that traverses late-Romantic phrases, distinct, experimental minimalism, and plenty of jazz friendly grooves, the Schmitz family certainly know how to navigate around a memorable and timeless chamber experience.

Travels well with: Avner Finberg- The Four Seasons Of Isolation; Vincent Ho- Sandman’s Castle

Various Artists

Quadrants Vol. 4

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Quadrants Vol. 4

This 4th part of a series of string quartet recordings by contemporary composers recruits Daniel Gil, Jacob E. Goodman, John Summers, Sami Seif, and Judith Lang Zaimont’s work, where several quartets flesh out the diverse chamber sounds.

Zaimont’s “String Quartet The Figure” opens the listen with the Harlem Quartet’s strings interacting with much intimacy and grace, as Ilmar Gavilán and Melissa White’s expressive violins make an indelible impression, and Seif’s “Orientalism” follows with Cecelia Swanson’s flowing, poetic cello complementing the rest of the Elless Quartet’s sublime string prowess.

In the middle, “String Quartet”, by Summers, showcases Ron Lawrence’s viola, Gregor Huebner’s violin and Jeremy Harmon’s cello meshing with a stirring and melodic presence, making this portion from the Sirius Quartet the album’s best.

At the end, Goodman’s “String Quartet No. 1” showcases the tremendous and unpredictable interplay between the Benda Quartet, where Petr Grabovsky’s elegant violin is particularly gripping, and Gil’s “Peacemaking In Three Movements” is populated by Invoke’s violins, mandolin, cello, banjo and many voices that are nothing short of captivating.

The subject matter surrounds Kabbalistic philosophy, English urban poetry, and Arabic cultural identity, as the ensembles perform with a versatile and dexterous ability that really spotlights each composer’s specific vision.

Travels well with: Richard E Brown- Trios & Sonatinas; Garth Baxter- Ask Of Me What The Birds Sang

Various Artists

Tribute To A Songpoet: Songs Of Eric Andersen

Y&T, 2023

8/10

Listen to Tribute To A Songpoet: Songs Of Eric Andersen

An extremely thorough tribute album, we are treated to 40+ songs here by household names and rising talents that honor the folk legend Eric Andersen, whose multi-decade career has included dozens of his own albums, plus penning songs for Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead and many, many more.

Bob Dylan starts the listen with the soulful harmonica, warm keys and his distinct pipes in “Thirsty Boots”, and it isn’t long until Lucy Kaplansky’s “Eyes Of The Immigrant” recruits soothing strings to her poetic voice in the intimate climate.

Further along, the fuller “Rain Falls Down In Amsterdam” allows Willie Nile’s raw vocals to illuminate the folk-rock delivery, while Janis Ian contributes the bare yet powerful “Hills Of Tuscany”. “Baby, I’m Lonesome”, one of the best from the first half of the listen, then has Denice Franke’s pretty vocals illuminating the subtle melodies and light accordion.

Deeper still, the dreamy flute of “Is It Really Love At All” complements Alice Howe’s stirring voice across the eloquent, soulful demeanor, and The Kennedys contribute “Waves Of Freedom” close to the end, and it sure is stunning, where Maura Kennedy’s incredible voice is met with bluegrass and country nods that are nothing short of absorbing.

This 3 CD set includes 35 newly recorded tracks, including previously unreleased tunes, and the large volume of artists present sure do interpret Andersen’s work with much care and detail towards his legendary storytelling.

Travels well with: Gail Caesar- Guitar Woman Blues; Nora Brown- Long Time To Be Gone

Charming Disaster

Super Natural History

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Super Natural History

The Brooklyn residents Charming Disaster made me a fan years ago with their unique and always unpredictable version of goth-folk, and this 5th album thematically covers magic and science and welcomes guests to Jeff Morris and Ellia Bisker’s vision.

“Monsters” opens the listen with Rob Garcia’s thumping drums complementing Morris and Bisker’s inviting vocals in the cabaret influenced folk climate, and “Mold And The Metals” follows with a warm intimacy in between the stylish indie-rock that benefits much from Bob Smith’s skilled bass playing.

“Bat Song” occupies the middle spot, and showcases the poetic singing that’s harmonic, as the musicianship remains soft, mysterious even, while the upbeat and driving “Six Seeds” allows Bisker’s firm pipes to guide the scrappy folk-rocker.

“Manta Rays” and “Wrong Way Home” exit the listen, where the former illustrates spoken word that unfolds in an almost kindie-rock sort of way before setting into jangly territory, and the latter finishes with a lovely, acoustic guitar fueled duet that allows the pair’s expressive voices to really captivate the listener.

There is just no bad spot to start with in Charming Disaster’s catalog, and this is indeed another creative and glowing effort, where the natural world and metaphysical realm are explored with a murder ballad, folk noir and tense cabaret hybrid that no one else could replicate.

Travels well with: Curse Of Lono- Severed; Charming Disaster- Spells + Rituals

Rich Thompson

Who Do You Have To Know?

Origin, 2023

8/10

Listen to Who Do You Have To Know?

The drummer Rich Thompson has an impressive resume and he adds to that body of work here with 9 tunes that welcome Corey Christiansen, Bobby Floyd and Peter Chwazik to the fusion formula.

The title track starts the listen with Floyd’s atmospheric organ and Thompson’s agile drumming in the flowing, worldly jazz climate, and “Street Cred” follows with a playful and melodic spirit that’s full of Christiansen’s flowing guitar work.

Halfway through, “With You” finds an intimate place to reside, where much beauty is present, while “What A Wonderful World” puts a very unique twist on the classic with an infectious jazz energy.

Arriving near the end, “Wave” emits plenty of grooves and balances a frisky yet meticulousness that’s plenty tuneful, and “Fried Pies” exits with a snappy, vibrant display of funk friendly jazz

A listen that’s heavy on group dynamics and with very focused, adaptable musicianship, Thompson and company make the most of the originals and standards across this very refreshing jazz rooted affair.

Travels well with: Anthony Branker & Imagine- What Place Can Be For Us?; Rodney Whitaker- Oasis

Andrew Moorhead

Interleaved

OA2, 2023

9/10

Listen to Interleaved

The excellent pianist Andrew Moorhead is in the company of Marcos Varela’s bass and Ari Hoenig’s drums for this debut recording that looks at jazz in very exciting, distinct ways.

“SeriesOSeriesOSeries” opens the listen with a wandering, electronic presence that’s sci-fi friendly, and “World Wind” follows with warm keys and crisp drums alongside the mysterious atmosphere that makes for a highly unique landscape.

Halfway through, the hypnotic piano of “Five Tom” is met with innovative, harmonic gestures, while “Someday My Prince Will Come” balance soft keys, agile drumming and well timed bass for a reflective and mesmerizing tone of atypical jazz improvisation.

Closer to the end, “Fractured Hymn” carries a dreaminess that allows each of player’s inimitable talents to shine, and “Hug” exits the listen with a cinematic ambience that’s spacey and richly iconoclastic.

Moorhead has spent much of his life recently in the area of mathematical research, and his keen attention to detail spills over to his musical conversation, where Varela and Hoenig’s contributions help make for a striking and impressive first record.

Travels well with: Mason Razavi- Six-String Standards; Dan Trudell- Fishin’ Again

John Cage

Sonatas & Interludes

Neuma, 2023

8/10

Listen to Sonatas And Interludes

The inimitable pianist John Cage experimented with foreign objects between the strings of his Steinway to alter the tone, and that creativity is certainly present on his magnus opus, “Sonatas & Interludes”, which is interpreted by Agnese Toniutti here.

“Sonata I” starts the listen with the distinct mood from the keys that is both mysterious and specific to Cage, sometimes firm and other times soft, and “Sonata II” follows with an upbeat and playful nature that’s even a bit dreamy in scope.

Further along, “Sonata VII” follows very unpredictable patterns, and radiates a presence that seems percussive, while “Sonata X” flows with a cinematic, almost sci-fi delivery of highly iconoclastic piano playing.

Close to the end, “Sonata XIII” carries an abstract and subtly experimental demeanor, and “Sonata XVI” exits the listen with meticulous manipulation of space and tension in the curious, exciting finish.

Toniutti brings her strong attention to timbral ideas for this project, and does a great job capturing the innovative and exploratory mind of Cage with this excellent take on his finest work.

Travels well with: William Duckworth- The Time Curve Preludes; Galan Trio- Kinesis

Maria Jacobs

Back At The Bop Stop

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Back At The Bop Stop

The powerful jazz vocalist Maria Jacobs illuminates some of her favorite standards and also brings a few originals to these mostly live tracks from early 2022.

“Up Jumped Spring” opens the listen with playful vocal scatting that segues into smooth singing alongside Rock Wehrmann’s warm piano and Bryan Thomas’ skilled bass lines, and “You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To” follows with Jamey Haddad’s agile drumming complementing Jacobs’ very diverse delivery.

Elsewhere, “Infatuation” benefits much from the graceful keys and intimate singing via Jacobs’ very capable pipes in the original, while “Never Will I Marry” bops and shakes with a lively energy that will get your body moving to the upbeat jazz flavor.

The final 2 tracks are studio bonus material, where “Blue Moon” welcomes Bobby Selvaggio’s soulful sax to the dreamy climate, and “Pale Moon, Blue Sky” exits with a rich and busy landscape that showcases Chris Anderson’s trombone, Jack Schantz’s trumpet, and Aidan Plank’s frisky keys.

An often swinging affair, the live portion with the excellent trio sure does sound great, and the studio tunes with a full band are impressive, too. Jacobs has a career that includes playing jazz, R&B, pop and Christian music, and she brings those experiences to a very charming and memorable listen.

Travels well with: Jackie Messina- Necessary Arrangements; Katherine Farnhma-Alquimia

William Duckworth

The Time Curve Preludes

Neuma, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Time Curve Preludes

It was over 40 years ago that William Duckworth presented his collection of solo miniatures, titled The Time Curve Preludes, and here the classic gets a fresh coat of paint in a very modern way thanks to Emanuele Arciuli, Costanza Savarese and Hayden Carruth.

The first half of the listen belongs to Arciuli’s harmonic and mesmerizing piano playing in the title track, which spans across 12 chapters of very skilled progressions that are capable of hypnotic, rich moments, just as they are bare bouts of beauty and grace.

“Simple Songs About Sex And War” occupies the 2nd half of the listen, and recruits Savarese’s distinct and flowing voice to Carruth’s lyrics and Arciuli’s sophisticated piano to this first, very intimate, recording of the Duckworth tune.

A really well done reworking of post-minimalism greatness, Arciuli and Savarese’s performances are first rate, and they certainly preserve the memory of Duckworth well.

Travels well with: Galan Trio- Kinesis; Juraj Kojs- Orchid Music

Phillip Bush

Concord

Neuma, 2023

8/10

Listen to Concord

The esteemed pianist Phillip Bush brings his interpretative vision to Concord Sonata, where Charles Ives and Marion Bauer’s selections take help from Jennifer Parker-Harley.

Ives’ “Piano Sonata No. 2 ‘Concord, Mass., 1840-60’” opens with highly firm key patterns emitting both tension and beauty across 4 very well thought out chapters. As the composition progresses, the piano can be dizzying, nearly chaotic, before retreating to calm gestures, and much later it embraces the dreamy flute from Parker-Harley.

Bauer’s “Six Preludes For Piano, Op. 15” occupies the back half of the disc, where waves of intimacy and swirling dynamics populate the rumbling, pretty and even mysterious moments of meticulous, timeless finger acrobatics.

Bush has been playing the piano for over 3 decades, and he retains the romantic spirit of these works that benefit much from the sparing but effective flute, and will surely impress anyone with an ear for classical piano sounds.

Travels well with: Collin J Rae/Red Gnein Sextet- Pandemia; Gilbert Galindo- Terrestrial Journeys

Jaimee Harris

Boomerang Town

Thirty Tigers, 2023

8/10

Listen to Boomerang Town

The sophomore album from the country-folk songstress Jaimee Harris, Boomerang Town explores the generational arc of family, the grip of addiction and the commonalities that hold us together as humans across these 10 thoughtful tracks.

Harris puts the title track in the lead off position, where her warm acoustic guitar and pretty voice makes for a gentle, expressive folk climate, and “Sam’s” follows with a darker spirit of vivid storytelling that’s hypnotic in its intimate presence.

“On The Surface” arrives at the halfway point, and showcases the powerful vocals amid the crisp drums and stirring strings of the lush album highlight, while “Good Morning, My Love” is a bare, romantic display of poetic, timeless song craft.

Nearing the end, “Love Is Gonna Come Again” spotlights Harris’ gripping voice alongside the agile guitar playing that benefits from gentle piano, and “Missing Someone” exits the listen with a fuller vision of upbeat, rhythmic and melodic folk-rock.

The groundwork for the album began in 2016, when Harris lost several musician friends, and the shifting political landscape only added to the fodder for these small town anthems, observations and ballads.

Travels well with: Tiffany Williams- All Those Days Of Drinking Dust; Barrett Davis- The Ballad Of Aesop Fin

The Bombadils

Dear Friend

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Dear Friend

The husband and wife duo of Sarah Frank and Luke Fraser, as The Bombadils the pair bring classical, jazz, bluegrass, and Celtic music ideas to these heartfelt and stirring 11 songs that welcome appearances from Ethan Jodziewicz (Milk Carton Kids, Sierra Hull) on bass, Kaitlyn Raitz on cello, and fiddler Ben Plotnick (The Fretless).

“Bicycle” starts the listen with warm, expressive vocal harmonies amid the pretty strings and dreamy song craft, and “Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming” follows with a mesmerizing spirit of elegant and poetic sounds that are immediately absorbing.

“Heartbeat” arrives in the middle, and showcases Sarah’s gorgeous pipes in the cautious climate of folk friendly songwriting, while “Records And Rent” emits a bouncy and playful demeanor that’s steeped in timeless bluegrass sensibilities.

Closer to the end, “Little Days” offers a lush and intimate conversation about being a parent, and “Dear Friend” exits with a hushed and eloquent finish of lovely, emotive storytelling.

This is the duo’s 4th album and first since a move to Atlantic Canada and tackling parenthood, and it unfolds like love letters to friends, families, cities, strangers and landscapes, and just might be the best folk fueled listen this year.

Travels well with: Zach & Maggie- The Elephant In The Room; The Great Divide- Continental

Tim Carman Trio

Key Lime

Color Red, 2023

8/10

Listen to Key Lime

The trio of Tim Carman (drums), Steve Fell (guitar) and Ken Clark (organ) make the most of these 8 tracks with nods to legends of the ‘60s and influences from blues, gospel, soul, and, of course, jazz.

“Blues For Bob” opens the listen, and wastes little time making an impression with its playful organ and crisp drumming that’s complemented by the spirited guitar work, and “Scoochie” follows with a swift and radiant display of frisky jazz sensibilities.

At the midpoint, “Not A Tear’” trims the pace back with an intimate delivery of reflective and warm song craft, while “Drinkin’” showcases Clark’s meticulous keys amid the bouncy rhythm.

Landing near the end, the lively pace of “Sonny Moon For Two”, the album’s best, illustrates the dynamic chemistry between the trio with an incredible attention to detail, and “Insomnia” exits the listen with precise textures of thoughtful, timeless jazz.

You might recognize Carman from his full time gig playing in the blues giants GA-20, and let’s hope this side project isn’t a one off affair, cause the energy and focus captured live in the single day this was recorded warrants more much for the listener.

Travels well with: Skip Grasso- Becoming; Jared Gold- Reemergence

Alex Blum & The Roadside Quartet

If You’re Even Listening

Dig Bee, 2023

8/10

Listen to If You’re Even Listening

A quintet from Washington state with a penchant for rock, folk, country, R&B, pop, and even rockabilly, Alex Blum & The Roadside Quartet make quite an impression with these diverse and energetic 13 tracks.

“Just Me And You” gets the listen off to a very cozy start, where Blum’s expressive pipes and Patrick Storedahl’s melodic acoustic guitar guide the folk-pop climate, and “Devil’s Playground” follows with a thicker presence that benefits much from Peter Jansen’s electric guitar and the playful backing vocals.

Halfway through, “A Bit Of Hope” showcases Ted Clark’s agile drumming amid the dreamy singing that welcomes R&B nods, while “Misfortune” recruits a glowing intimacy that makes great use of Douglas Blum’s strategic bass.

Close to the end, “Ocean”, one of the busier tunes, blends the crisp drums with spirited guitar and smooth singing, and “Hell Or Heaven” exits the listen with a hint of country into the multifaceted and powerful finish.

An excellent first album, the always fertile Pacific Northwest scene rarely disappoints, and anyone with an ear for folk-rock, alt-country or indie-rock will find much to enjoy from Blum and company.

Travels well with: Anna Tivel- Outsiders; Andrea Von Kampen- Old Country

Benjamin Dakota Rogers

Paint Horse

Good People, 2023

8/10

Listen to Paint Horse

The multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Benjamin Dakota Rogers brings along an excellent cast of players for these Americana and rootsy tunes that showcases his distinct pipes and bluegrass friendly vision across 13 tracks.

“Little Old Paint Horse” starts the listen with warm acoustic guitar alongside Rogers’ poetic voice and Sam Clark’s stirring fiddle prowess, and “John Came Home’ follows with a more raw approach that benefits from Peter Klaassen’s well timed bass in the darker climate.

In the middle, “Wild Wind Can Have Me” flows with a sublime intimacy that showcases the expressive singing via the country and folk influences, while “Jeremiah” is a bit more firm and illustrates Rogers’ adaptive singing.

Closer to the end, “Charlie Boy” places Rogers on fiddle for the vivid storytelling of the mountain-esque album highlight, and “Goodnight V2” exits the listen with a dreamy, powerful and gorgeous closer that’s sparse yet absorbing.

A listen with an old time feel that suits his guttural singing, Rogers possesses a unique storytelling ability, and his roots/folk/Americana formula makes a lasting impression.

Travels well with: Victor Mucho- Moonlight In Visby; Travis Linville- I’m Still Here

Richard E Brown

Trios & Sonatinas

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Trios & Sonatinas

A composer who focuses much on clarity, Richard E Brown’s neoclassical ways and the players he selects for these timeless chamber pieces align perfectly with his emotive presence.

“Trio No. 1 (Koreana)” starts the listen with the Trio Casals, i.e Alexandr “Sasha” Kislitsyn (violin), Ovidiu Marinescu (cello) and Anna Kislitsyna (piano), who blend their instruments with much grace and intimacy that flows sublimely, and “Sonatina For Viola And Piano” follows with Peter Sulski’s viola and Randall Hodgkinson’s piano interacting with both adventurousness and intimacy that’s quite stirring.

In the middle, Anne Howarth (horn), Ryan Shannon (violin) and Julia Scott Carey (piano), aka Juventas New Music Ensemble, make for a soft and firm album highlight that has the keys dancing around the soulful brass and lively strings, while “Sonatina For Cello And Piano” has Ovidiu Marinescu’s cello and Anna Kislitsyna’s piano emitting a poetic and expressive display of dynamic chemistry.

The final piece, “Trio No. 2”, brings the Trio Casals back for a bit of mysteriousness in the darker qualities that meshes the strings and keys together in exciting, sometimes eerie ways of exploration.

The Western classical piano trios and Korean folk themes mix together seamlessly here, as Brown continues to impress us with his diverse and distinct vision.

Travels well with: Garth Baxter- Ask Of Me What The Birds Sang; Frank Felice- The Beauty Of Innuendos

Object Heavy

Love & Gravity

Color Red, 2023

8/10

Listen to Love & Gravity

The Northern California soul outfit Object Heavy bring a healthy amount of grooves and power to these nine ‘70s inspired tracks that are never short on funk, too.

“Alone” starts the listen with Sam Kaplan-Good’s agile and crisp drumming alongside Ian Taylor’s fascinating bass acrobatics amid the expressive singing from Richard Love, and “For The Better” follows with dance floor ready grooves that are complemented by Brian Swislow’s dreamy keys.

Halfway through, “Feel Right” recruits a punchy and retro appeal that welcomes breezy melodies, while “10:28” features Jonny Woods’ for the romantic spirit that’s even a bit spacey in its cautious exploration.

Near to the end, “S.O.L.” offers a snappy and precisely layered album highlight that showcases Love’s diverse range, and the title track continues the nostalgic and sonically charming display that emits a dynamic rhythm section.

A listen that revolves around love, unity and togetherness, Kelly Finnigan (of Monophonics) handled production here, and it sure does illuminate Object Heavy’s funk/soul/jazz hybrid superbly.

Travels well with: Polyrhythmics- Fondue Party; Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal- Green Light

Chris & Adam Carroll

Good Farmer

Gypsy Shuffle, 2019

9/10

Listen to Good Farmer

A husband and wife duo, Adam and Chris Carroll have been performing together for years now, and this record illustrates their chemistry and strong songwriting prowess quite well while also capturing their gritty and lovely live sound.

“Hi-Fi Love” starts with acoustic guitar and sweet, booming vocals from Chris and Adam’s mix of singing/talking which complements the folk song well, and “City By The Sea” follows with a breezy Americana feel as Chris takes the lead on vocals.

At the middle, “Tough As Nails” unfolds with a mountain-esque setting of warm organic sounds, while “Louise” is a stripped back duet of sublime beauty.

Near the end, “Love You Already” finds the pair channeling the greatness achieved by Emmylou Harris, and the harmonica friendly “Ocean Of Peace” settles into one of the best tunes present. “Take Me Away” ends the listen with strings and raw, beautiful Americana with both voices harmonizing just perfectly.

Though the Carroll’s are front and center here, Dennis Ludiker handles fiddle and Lloyd Maines offers pedal steel, ukulele, and others, and together the ensemble mesh strong southern sounds and gorgeous acoustic Americana that their unwavering fans have been clamoring for for years now.

And they sure are going to be impressed with this playful and authentic masterpiece.

Travels well with: Justin Townes Earle- The Saint Of Lost Causes; Steve Earle- Guy