Pierre L. Chambers

Shining Moments

Dash Hoffman, 2023

8/10

Listen to Shining Moments

The vocalist and poet Pierre L. Chambers has enjoyed a 4 decade career that somehow did not include a solo album until now. A body of work that exemplifies his love for jazz, the 11 tunes here bring some excellent help, including Jeff Kaye’s well timed brass, that truly illuminates his baritone pipes.

“Work Song” opens the listen with Chambers’ rugged yet tuneful voice alongside Clayton Cameron’s agile drumming, and “My Favorite Things” follows with Karen Hammack’s dreamy piano complementing the expressive vocals that emit much beauty.

In the middle, the spoken word of “This Mother” is met with elegant keys as Chambers discusses his very influential parent, Annie Chambers, while “Paper Moon” swings with much melody and energy that showcases Dori Amarilio’s warm guitar amid the frisky vocals.

Close to the end, the romantic and powerful “The Way You Look Tonight” welcomes Henry Franklin’s clever bass playing, and the rich and dynamic “Afro Blue” exits with Chambers’ inimitable pipes front and center alongside the textured, stirring finish.

Shining Moments was produced by the always exceptional Cathy Segal-Garcia, who also provides backing vocals, and is dedicated to Chambers’ parents, who instilled his love for artistry, that, after 40 years, is still as creative, diverse and soulful as ever.

Travels well with: Mark Ortwein- It Was Time; Jim Witzel Trio & Quartet- Feelin’ It

Aaron Nathans & Michael G. Ronstadt

Hello World

Crooked Cyclone, 2023

8/10

Listen to Hello World

Aaron Nathans and Michael G. Ronstadt are both exceptional multi-instrumentalists who are well versed in folk sounds, and they’re in some fine company for these 10 tracks that surround living in a changed world and focusing on the ideas of kindness, empathy and the beauty of simplicity.

“Hello World” starts the listen with infectious folk-pop that uses fiddle and vintage computer noises with warmth and adventurousness, which has Ronstadt handling mandolin, snare drum and steel-string guitar alongside Gregory Hugh Brady’s computer beeps, and “Dr. Joelson’s Bag” follows with Nathans taking vocals on the fingerpicked and djembe friendly climate, the latter which is provided by Adam Pasqueal.

At the halfway point, “Sorry, Alan” lands in ballad territory, and showcases Ronstadt’s elegant cello, and Nathans’ poetic steel guitar and vivid storytelling, while “Flatbush Sunset” discusses baseball amid Nathans’ mature piano, the moody strings and stirring harmony vocals.

Close to the end, “One Dollar Gloves”, the album’s best, is an upbeat tribute to economical handwear, and embraces Brady’s electric guitar for the energetic fun, and “Twelve Tone Girl” exits with a charming waltz that places Pasqueal on drums as Nathans and Ronstadt trade off on vocals that pays homage to music we can all relate to.

A great example of timeless folk music that injects computer sounds, too, Nathans and Ronstadt are entertaining, clever and musically diverse and will be sure to strike a chord with anyone who enjoys folk from any era.

Travels well with: Tim Grimm- The Little In-Between; Jason Lang- Handled With Care

Michael Dease

The Other Shoe

Origin, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Other Shoe

The trombone and baritone sax player Michael Dease knows his way around a swingin’ tune you won’t soon forget, and here he delivers 10 of Gregg Hill’s compositions that welcome Virginia MacDonald, Liany Mateo, Colleen Clark, Geoffrey Keezer and Luther Allison, plus others.

“Wake Up Call” gets the listen off to a bright start, where Keezer’s jumpy keys and Mateo’s frisky bass complement Dease’s animated brass, and “Hello, Blues” arrives not too long after and showcases Rodney Whitaker’s bass prowess amid the soulful trombone and flowing clarinet from MacDonald.

The halfway point belongs to “The Sleeper”, where Kevin Jones and Gwendolyn Dease provide strategic percussion add much atmosphere to the rich horns, while “The Classic” finds a dreamy place to reside with the clarinet and trombone interacting with much grace.

“Shorty’s Tune” and the title track exit the listen, where the former blends plenty of intimacy into the dynamic musicianship between the winds, drums, and keys, and the latter finishes with Dease handling baritone sax and Allsion on Fender rhodes for the rhythmic and harmonic gestures.

Dease has 15 recordings already under his belt, and this very intricate and post-bop friendly display of first rate musicianship and very focused playing is yet another bright spot in his catalog.

Travels well with: Rich Thompson- Who Do You Have To Know?; Andrew Moorhead- Interleaved

Jake Ybarra

Something In The Water

Charlotte Avenue, 2023

9/10

Listen to Something In The Water

The vocalist Jake Ybarra pens a very memorable debut album here, where his alluring baritone suits the rootsy and diverse sounds emanating from the superb musicians on hand.

“Late November” starts the listen with warm acoustic strumming and Ybarra’s smooth, expressive voice flowing in the melodic, rootsy delivery that benefits much from Billy Thomas’ agile drumming, and “BloodFire” follows with a bit of ruggedness that makes great use of Dow Tomlin’s precise bass.

Halfway through, “Long Winter” makes for a dreamy demeanor thanks to Dane Bryant’s sophisticated keys and the soothing harmony vocals, while “Call Me By My Name” is quite poetic and intimate, where Ybarra’s emotive pipes populate the bare but impactful delivery.

Towards the end, “No Reason Or Right”, a late album highlight, is full of breezy, charming melody that mixes folk and country, and “Silly Little Things” exits with a reflective quality that spotlights David Flint’s meticulous guitar playing.

At just 25 years old, Ybarra possesses a vision much wiser than his years, and his heartfelt, eloquent and mature storytelling parallels the greatness of those he’s influenced by, i.e. Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark and Lucinda Williams.

Travels well with: Sean Harrison- Halfway From Nashville; Daryl Mosley- Small Town Dreamer

Jane Irving

Don’t Quit Now

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Don’t Quit Now

A veteran jazz vocalist who is also skilled at piano, Jane Irving brings a wealth of talent and experience to these songs that represent much change in her own life during and after the pandemic, and she’s got some excellent musicians along the journey.

“Baby Don’t You Quit Now” opens the listen with Irving’s expressive, inviting pipes alongside Josh Richman’s elegant and warm piano playing, and “Spring Song” follows with an upbeat demeanor of dancing keys and Kayvon Gordon’s playful drumming to complement the frisky scatting.

In the middle, the dreamy “A Night In Tunisia” benefits much from Irving’s vocal acrobatics amid the frisky drums and lively keys, while “Alice In Wonderland” is particularly intimate, where Irving’s powerful voice is front and center.

Approaching the end, “The Underdog” is full of rich, absorbing song craft and “Lover” exits with a swift and dynamic delivery that makes great use of Kevin Hailey’s precise bass.

An active jazz singer for 30+ years now, Irving brings much experience and talent to these comforting and descriptive songs that resonate with timeless jazz qualities.

Travels well with: Dafnis Prieto- Cantar; Angela Verbrugge- Love For Connoisseurs

Amaro Dubois

Luz

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Luz

The violist Amaro Dubois is aligned with the pianist Tingting Yao for these interpretations of gorgeous Latin American music from 8 composers spread out across 12 tracks.

Edmundo Villani-Cortes’ “Luz” opens the listen with the strings and keys interacting with much warmth, emotion and beauty in a very rich demeanor, and “Elfentanz”, by Florence Price, follows with animated strings and dreamy piano playing that emits a very bright and meticulous appeal.

Deeper into the listen, “Five Negros Spirituals” unfolds over 5 chapters of stirring, poetic interaction between the pair in the Michael Tippett piece, while William Grant Still’s “Here’s One” offers sublime intimacy and very thoughtful chemistry between the pair.

José Elizondo’s “The Dawn Of Hope” arrives near the end, and really highlights Yao’s finger acrobatics amid the very elegant strings, and Zequinha de Abreu’s “Tico-tico no Fubá” exits with an energetic and exciting display of swift and memorable musicianship.

A very worldly appeal where the artists span five different countries, there’s much passion, love, and peace present and appreciated from Dubois and Yao’s superb artistry.

Travels well with: Jeffrey Hall- Artifacts; Frank Felice- The Beauty Of Innuendos

Karan Casey

Nine Apples Of Gold

Crow Valley, 2023

8/10

Listen to Nine Apples Of Gold

A singer-songwriter from Ireland and a strong voice in the fight for gender balance, Karan Casey brings us an empowering listen that recruits some all star musicians and vocalists for the folk and Celtic affair.

The title track starts the listen with Casey’s gorgeous and eloquent singing alongside Hannah Hiemstra’s careful drumming and gentle strings for the dreamy climate, and “Sister I Am Here For You” follows with Niamh Dunne’s soothing harmony vocals and Conor McCreanor’s well placed bass in the powerful anthem.

Halfway through, “By And By” welcomes Dunne’s skilled fiddle and Kate Ellis’s pretty cello playing to highlight Casey’s poetic singing, while “The Weeping Time” pairs rhythm with Americana that carries themes of defiance in its hypnotic delivery.

Further still, “When The Moon Gets Tangled” offers a straightforward folk song that carries Irish nods that focuses on community via Casey’s very literate presence and flowing voice, and “I Thank My Lucky” stars exits with Seán Óg Graham’s harmonium and bouzouki populating the richly textured and uplifting closer.

Casey’s dynamic and feministic approach is certainly appreciated here for its call for change, and the many voices and instruments present sure do make for a timeless and inviting folk listen.

Travels well with: Lucie Blue Tremblay- So Many Wows; Helen Townsend- Love Lies ‘N’ Leaving

Ally Fiola & The Next Quest

Interblaze

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Interblaze

The alto saxophone extraordinaire Ally Fiola finds herself surrounded by excellent musicians for 8 songs that explore themes of grief, wonder, fear and passion and are never short on grooves and melody.

The title track gets off to a lively start, where bright brass, Shvan Kaban’s playful guitar and Andrew Miller’s skilled drums make for upbeat melodies and a bit of a charming quirkiness, and “Back Track” follows with Glenn Patscha’s atmospheric organ contributing much alongside Simon Oakey’s animated trombone prowess.

“Intuition” takes the middle spot, and blends stylish keys and layered horns amid some funk nods, while “Rocket Sunrise” lands in intimate areas of smooth and agile jazz that’s heartfelt and unpredictable.

“Underground” and “Amazing Grace” exit the listen, where the former radiates some rock influences alongside the jazzy textures of warmth and adventurousness, and the latter initially puts a hazy and slow burning take on the classic before segueing into flowing and radiant jazz rock.

This is the 5th album from the Nova Scotia resident, and the other brass is handled by Jeff Coffin (tenor sax), Chris Mitchell (baritone sax), and Addison Sowery-Quinn (Sousaphone). Together, they make for a New Orleans spirited affair and a very unique take on contemporary jazz that’s glowing with personality.

Travels well with: William Carn- Choices; Noam Lemish- Twelve

Laura Schuler Quartet

Sueños Paralelos

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Sueños Paralelos

A Swiss composer, violinist and singer, Laura Schuler brings along Hans-Peter Pfammatter (synth), Lionel Friedli (drums), and the New York resident Tony Malaby (tenor sax) for these 6 very unique songs that revolve around jazz, but certainly stray pretty far from the genre, too.

“When Everything Fall Into Place” opens the listen with a distinct energy, where wordless singing, rhythmic drum patterns and the violin and sax interacting with much creativity makes an impression, and “Prospect Park” follows with a rare intimacy that uses the sax soulfully amid glowing keys and frisky drums.

“Easy” and “Feed Your Power” occupy the middle spot, where the former has the strings and brass working together before splintering off with each on its own melodic path, and the latter emits a charming dreaminess that’s a big jagged yet still very soothing.

The final track, “Baby It’s Freejazz”, spends 10+ minutes mesmerizing us with its gentle landscape that bursts into free jazz exploration thanks to the playfully plucked bass, firm string manipulation, agile drumming and bright sax prowess.

A complex affair that’s inspired by the hustle and bustle of New York City, you’ll notice prog-rock and classical moments blended into this often busy idea of jazz.

Travels well with: Luumu- Elephant Love Song; Kosmos Trio- Brev til en ven

Cosse

It Turns Pale

NMAS, 2023

10/10

Listen to It Turns Pale

The French post-rock and noise punkers Cosse return with 10 tunes of their raw, feedback fueled post-punk ways, and it brings to mind all the legends from the ‘90s that we could never tire of, i.e. Slint, Sonic Youth, etc.

“Crazy Horse” starts the listen with a chilling ambience, where soft, hypnotic guitar builds into a tense and emotive version of alt-rock, and “Tangerine” follows with a thick and thumping display of very animated, harmonic post-punk.

Further along, “Braindow” leads with an intimacy that’s quite expressive and finds dreamy places to reside amid the dense rhythm section and calm versus busy textures, while “Mind Facilities” brings a charming and exciting angular appeal that’s very much rooted in post-rock and showcases playful bass acrobatics.

Near to the end, the mesmerizing “Sinner God” is both firm and buzzing with its grungy moments, and “Slow Divers” exits with a hazy, sludgy delivery of focused, ominous song craft that further illustrates their diversity.

The band consists of Nils Bö (guitar, vocals), Lola Frichet (bass, vocals), Felipe Sierra (guitar) and Tim Garson (drums, vocals, saxophone), and together they create some of the best noisy, punky, feedback drenched, post-everything that you’ll hear anywhere.

Travels well with: Baby Fire- Grace; You Said Strange- Thousand Shadows Vol. 1

Emily Braden

Cannon & Sparrow

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Cannon & Sparrow

A Boise native who cut her teeth in the Harlem scene, the jazz and soul vocalist Emily Braden returns with a sophomore album, where originals and standards are fleshed out with both calm and powerful moments.

“Beautiful Friendship” starts the listen with Rudy Royston’s playful drumming and Braden’s lively and soaring voice that uses some subtle scatting, too, and “Swell” follows with pretty vocal harmonizing that benefits much from Misha Piatigorsky’s frisky keys and Tatum Greenblatt’s animated trumpet amid many grooves.

“On A Clear Day” arrives at the midpoint, and showcases Danton Boller’s glowing bass, while “How Will I Know” puts a very soulful spin on the classic with a glowing atmosphere of intimacy and adventurousness.

“Strength Of Love” and “Aphelion” exit the listen, where the former uses Freddie Bryant’s guitar strategically alongside the expressive singing, and the latter blends the mature piano and elegant singing with a stirring presence.

An active and esteemed playing in the New York City vibrant music scene, Braden began laying the groundwork for this album after her father passed, and completed it during the first part of the pandemic. It’s filled with themes of love during the hardest times, and her adaptive voice and strong attention to detail is much appreciated.

Travels well with: Tina Hartt- Absence Of You; Heather Ferguson- Lush Life

Tim Grimm

The Little In-Between

Vault, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Little In-Between

An artist with a lengthy history in the area of folk music, Tim Grimm handles guitar and vocals across these 9 well thought out tunes, and he’s got some excellent players along for the vivid storytelling.

“The Leaving” starts the listen with Grimms’ stirring vocals and skilled guitar alongside Alice Allen’s poetic cello in the reflective climate, and “Lonesome All The Time” exits with a full band present, as Sergio Webb’s warm steel guitar and Mark Clark’s shuffling drums populate the Hank Williams influence.

“Stirrin’ Up Trouble” arrives in the middle, and builds into an uptempo, dusty rocker that showcases the animated cello amid Grimm’s rugged voice, while “The Breath Of Burning” enters ballad territory with its eloquent singing and gentle songwriting.

“Twenty Years Of Shadows” arrives late in the listen, and recruits electric guitar and a meticulous rhythm section thanks to Justin Bransford’s skilled bass for the lush and melodic Americana, and “Bigger Than Sky” exits with a John Prine-esque intimacy that explores the many benefits to love with agile guitar and, of course, Grimm’s easy going pipes.

An often raw and autobiographical body of work, Grimm uses first person narrative in all the tracks, and his excellent help sure do illuminate his rich and diverse version of folk music splendidly.

Travels well with: Jason Lang- Handled With Care; Tim Ball- Upstate Crossroads

Chembo Corniel Quintet

Artistas, Músicos Y Poetas

Chemboro, 2023

8/10

Listen to Artistas, Músicos Y Poetas

The percussionist Chembo Corniel brings along an excellent cast via his quintet of Hery Paz, Carlos Cuevas, Ian Stewart and Joel E. Mateo, plus many guests, for plenty of polyrhythms, solos and dynamic interplay across these 9 Latin fueled jazz tunes.

“Volando Con Don Pancho Terry” opens the listen with Eliado ‘Don Pancho’ Terry’s expressive vocals alongside Ruben Rodriguez’s acoustic bass and Vince Cherico’s drumming in the highly energetic climate, and “P.R.I.D.E.” follows with Ismael East Carlo’s poetry guiding the buzzing atmosphere that recruits Paul Carlon’s well timed tenor sax.

Halfway through, “Child Of Wisdom” benefits much from Paz’s flowing tenor sax and Cuevas’ skilled keys for the melodic album highlight, while “Pa’La Ocha Tambo” places Jose Acosta on maracas and Agustin Somellan Garcia on trumpet for the rich and cultured display.

Close to the end, the dance floor ready “Evidence” showcases stunning percussive acrobatics and swift piano playing that’s packed with rhythm, and “Red Hook Rumba” exits with Felipe Luciano’s poetry amid Angel ‘Cuqui’ Lebron’s trombone and Ben Lapidus’ Cuban tres/coro for the insightful finish.

A very diverse and often lively display of Afro-Caribbean jazz, Corniel and company span many moods, tempos and textures with this exceptional big band affair.

Travels well with: John Paul McGee- Gospejazzical; Amos Gillespie- Unstructured Time

APNM

Music From The APNM, Vol. 3

New Focus, 2023

8/10

Listen to Music From The APNM, Vol. 3

The Association for the Promotion of New Music, APNM, documents the work of their member composers here, where the mind’s of Erik Lundborg, Ionel Petroi, Hiroya Miura, Louis Goldford, Michael Gogins, Peter Child, Aine Nakamura, and Krists Auznieks are all highlighted.

Lundborg’s “Miss Anderson” starts the listen with his mysterious electronics and strong sense of atmosphere unfolding with a very cinematic presence, and “Huit Danses Surprise”, by Petroi, continues the electronic template with emphasis on mood and sound manipulation in the 10+ minutes of ambient, buzzing, sci-fi noises.

Halfway through, Goldford’s “De le détente” recruits Pala Garcia’s violin, John Popham’s cello and Goldford’s electronics to the electroacoustic contrast that’s highly meticulous, while Gogins’ “Three Tree 1” floats with a calm dreaminess that uses electronics in a way that’s organically soothing.

Near the end, Nakamura’s creative and very sparing electronics populate the wordless and spoken word of “The koma top is not for spinning”, and Auznieks’ “Avots” exits the listen with Russell Fisher’s glockenspiel and Auzniecks electronics making for a distinct droning appeal that balances soft and firm gestures.

All the artists in attendance are esteemed players in New York’s new music community, and this installment of the series continues the tradition going back to 1975 of the APNM’s regard for innovative, unconventional and experimental song craft.

Travels well with: Lei Liang- Hearing Landscapes/Hearing Icescapes; Scott L. Miller- Coincident

The Get Right Band

iTopia

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to iTopia

The Asheville, North Carolina power trio The Get Right Band sure didn’t hold anything back with this lengthy 5th studio album that recruits My Morning Jacket's Bo Koster on keys, Jacob Rodriguez on saxophone (Michael Buble), and EleanorUnderhill on vocals (Underhill Rose) for the impressive 17 tracks that surrounds the tight grip that social media has on the world.

“Black Holes Of Negativity, Part 1” gets the listen off to a mysterious start, where a cinematic, spacey appeal is met with wordless, soulful vocals, and “Generation Happy Or Dead” follows with an upbeat, dance floor friendly appeal that’s stylish and pop friendly in an atypical way.

Further on, “Moonlight Maze” embraces some playful intimacy that carries a gentle, sci-fi feel, while “Don’t Feed The Trolls” is a brief, loud and thumping blast of alt-rock spirit that could fill stadiums.

Deeper still, “Miracle/Mess” offers a dynamic and sleek album highlight that flirts with indie-pop and balances power and melody, and “Black Holes Of Negativity, Part 3” exits with a distinct dreaminess that’s eloquent, charming and even soothing in its own specific avenue.

Sometimes sounding like a mashing of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Danger Mouse and Nirvana, The Get Right Band are a psyche-rock assembly that is truly paving their own path, and it’s an extremely worthwhile ride to join, no matter where you start in their catalog.

Travels well with: Tall Tall Trees- A Wave Of Golden Things; Fruit Bats- Gold Past Life

Tipps And Obermiller

Love (And Other Mysteries)

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Love (And Other Mysteries)

Partners in life and song, Hilary Tipps and Steve Obermiller bring us 11 selections on this debut of tunes penned long ago, recent duets and co-writes that showcase their wise, playful and contemplative formula.

“Ferris Wheel” opens the listen with Tipps’ bright voice alongside Obermiller’s warm guitar that carries plenty of melody, and “Rewind, Repeat” follows with some minor twang present, as Trey Ware’s fluid drumming complements the pair’s harmonies.

“Thick As Thieves” occupies the middle spot, and showcases Aden Bubeck’s effective bass that helps cultivate a lush and cozy landscape, while “Willow Tree” lets Obermiller’s pipes shine amid the dreamy and intimate delivery.

Close to the end, “Mrs. Montgomery” welcomes Trevi Foxworth’s soulful pipes to the campfire-esque setting of bare beauty, and “Trouble In Mind” recruits Joe Ward’s electric guitar and Nate Schneidewent’s bass for the rugged folk-rock departure that’s got some crunch behind it.

A diverse first album that touches on jazz, rock, roots, country and folk, the duo write songs about life that anyone can relate to and certainly will enjoy for decades to come.

Travels well with: Buddy Mondlock- Filament; Austin Mayse- Bridges And Kerosene

Jake Swamp And The Pine

Simpson & Banks

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Simpson & Banks

The brainchild of singer, composer and guitartist Drew Zieff, as Jake Swamp And The Pine, the Boston artist makes for a very literate and timeless debut in the area of folk/Americana, where the highs and lows of life are expressed eloquently.

“Drive, Drive, Drive” starts the listen with raw, yet melodic roots rock that’s powerful and emotive, and “Go By Darkness” follows with a calm intimacy that comes with vivid storytelling and warm strumming which builds into a radiant version of Americana.

Halfway through, “Moving Day” showcases Zieff’s gritty song craft that’s still quite graceful and welcomes playful drumming and a mountain-esque flavor, while “Empty Stomachs & Bloodshot Eyes” lands in folk-rock territory that’s busy, textured precisely and emits a contagious energy.

Approaching the end, “Don’t Be Afraid Of Sundays” recruits a soulful and soaring album highlight that's musically bare initially and musically cozy, and “Lullaby” exits with a brief, very primitive moment of stripped back songwriting.

Zieff brings along members of Darlingside and past/present members from Adam Ezra Group, plus others, and his heartfelt, sincere and ruggedly pretty delivery will certainly impress fans of modern roots/folk/Americana.

Travels well with: Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light- Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light; Austin Mayse- Bridges And Kerosene

The Ark Trio

Ark Resounding

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Ark Resounding

The Ark Trio, i.e. soprano Allison Charney, cellist Kajsa William-Olsson, and pianist Reiko Uchida, highlight the work of Kim D. Sherman, Moshe Knoll and Michael Ching for these diverse vocal chamber pieces that populate their debut listen.

Sherman’s “Prairie Diary” opens the listen with Charney’s expressive pipes alongside the graceful strings of the soaring and poetic climate, and “Simplicity”, by Knoll, follows with careful cello playing that complements the stirring singing and bare but impactful keys.

On the back half, Sherman’s “Wedding Song” uses the strings and keys with much care, as the stunning singing guides the dreamy album highlight, while “Arrangements and Derangements: Interpretations of Schubert” exits with swift piano, flowing vocals and sophisticated strings comprising the unpredictable and animated 4 chapters of the Ching original.

An effort that touches on American history, Bachian and Schubertian nods, and time honored poetry, this is a superb first outing for The Ark Trio, and it will exciting to see what they come up with next.

Travels well with: Peter Sulski- Bowed Colors; Paul Cohen- Center Chamber

Jeffrey Hall

Artifacts

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Artifacts

The unconventional composer Jeffrey Hall brings us 7 pieces penned between 1976 and late 2019, and they’re fleshed out by the very capable hands of Steven Beck, whose piano skills are quite absorbing.

“Artifact I” opens the listen with the light and atmospheric keys making for a very stirring climate, and “Artifact II” follows with the mesmerizing progressions unfolding with melodic and warm gestures.

In the middle, the gorgeous intimacy of “Artifact IV” emits a very poetic demeanor, while “Artifact V” finds a more mysterious place to reside, where so much beauty is present in the dreaminess. The final track, “Fall Spell”, is equally radiant, where a reflective tone and emotive presence won’t go unappreciated.

A largely minimal affair, the balancing of communicative functionality and aesthetics is handled with a meticulousness that illuminates Hall’s vision and Beck’s profound piano playing.

Travels well with: Frank Felice- The Beauty Of Innuendos; Michael Nix- Aperçu: New Classic Banjo Project

The Chuck Wagon Gang

No Depression In Heaven: The Gospel Songs Of The Carter Family

Mountain Home, 2019

8/10

Listen to No Depression In Heaven

Now in its third generation, The Chuck Wagon Gang are still singing heartfelt, emotive and universally embraceable songs, and here they honor the legendary Carter Family with careful selections from their vast catalog.

“When Our Lord Shall Come Again” starts the listen with incredible vocal harmonies alongside light and melodic instrumentation, and “Am I A Soldier Of The Cross” follows with a warm gospel feel that’s vocally heavy with a flawless delivery.

Other album highlights include the pretty, playful setting of “Honey In The Rock”, the lovely and poetic “Anchored In Love Divine”, where the deeper male vocals really add to the atmosphere, and the soft and sweet “Somebody’s Boy”, where Melissa Kemper’s vocals really soar high.

An institution of gospel sounds since 1936, this version of The Chuck Wagon Gang retain their signature 4 part harmonies and subtle yet effective guitar work with elegance, and authenticity. Their simple yet timeless approach sounds better than ever; let’s hope their legacy is around another 80 years.

Travels well with: The Crabb Family- Still Holdin On; The Happy Goodman Family- Refreshing