Ludovica Burtone

Sparks

Outside In, 2023

8/10

Listen to Sparks

The Italian violinist Ludovica Burtone is well versed in classical, jazz and Brazilian music, and this debut brings a string quartet plus many guests for a listen that tells the story of her trek to the United States from Europe.

“Blazing Sun” opens the listen with Burtone’s elegant violin playing alongside Marta Sanchez’s playful keys and Nathan Ellman-Bell’s agile drumming, and “Sinha” follows with Leandro Pellegrino’s warm guitar and Rogerio Boccato’s well timed percussion that complement the strings with much care and beauty.

The middle tracks, “Altrove” and “Awakening”, are among the best, where the former showcases Burtone’s gorgeous voice amid much intimacy, while the latter places Melissa Aldana on saxophone for a soulful and cautious climate.

Close to the end, “Stelutis” allows Fung Chern Hwei’s violin, Leonor Falcon Pasquali’s viola and Mariel Roberts’ cello to interact with much skill alongside Burtone’s violin, and “Incontri” exits with Roberto Giaquinto’s precise drumming adding much to the richly layered strings, keys and bass acrobatics from Matt Aronoff.

A personal yet globally relatable first album, Burtone brings a diverse and timeless vision to these simple and complex pieces that immediately draw the listener in.

Travels well with: Nicholas Brust- Daybreak; Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Kansas City

Hailey Brinnel

Beautiful Tomorrow

Outside In, 2023

8/10

Listen to Beautiful Tomorrow

The sophomore album from the singer and trombonist Hailey Brinnel, the 10 songs here certainly revolve around jazz, and welcome swing and bebop influences into the lively formula.

“There’s A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” starts the listen with Andrew Carson’s glowing trumpet complementing Brinnel’s smooth pipes and Dan Monaghan’s frisky drums, and “I Might Be Evil” follows with Silas Irvine’s playful piano amid Joe Plowman’s strategic bass.

“Two For Tea” lands in the middle, and showcases Brinnel’s expressive pipes amid the animated rhythm section and Terrell Stafford’s soulful trumpet, while “Wayfaring Stranger” welcomes Chris Oatts’ well timed sax prowess for the intimate landscape.

“I Want To Be Happy” and “Candy” exit the listen, where the former bounces and shakes with warm melody and upbeat singing, and the latter emits meticulous bass plucking and a very charming voice populating the album’s best tune.

A listen that consists of 8 standards and a pair of originals, Brinnel is quickly making a name for herself with sharp arrangements, a versatile delivery and the ability to maintain the time honored traditions of jazz while still exploring creative avenues.

Travels well with: Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Kansas City; Nicholas Brust- Daybreak

Savoy Brown

Blues All Around

Quarto Valley, 2023

9/10

Listen to Blues All Around

The British blues rockers Savoy Brown never disappoint, and this outing will unfortunately be the last for the founder, guitarist and singer-songwriter Kim Simmonds, who succumbed to cancer just days after his 75th birthday.

“Falling Through” gets the listen off to a rhythmic start, where mesmerizing guitar guides the brief climate, and “Black Heart” follows with thumping drums and rugged singing in the gritty blues-rock.

The title track lands in the middle and illustrates Simmonds’ moody organ prowess amid the spirited guitar riffs, while “Winning Hand” balances power and melody in the thick display of memorable song craft that has thankfully been present for decades.

Further still, “California Days Gone By” illustrates the trio’s dynamic chemistry with plenty of buzzing ideas alongside the expressive singing, and “Falling Through The Cracks” exits with a raw and hypnotic finish of bare but impactful songwriting.

Savoy Brown began in 1965, and this multi-layered approach with regard to the guitar parts and progressive version of blues that’s also populated by Pat DeSalvo’s bass and Garnet Grimm’s drumming and percussion is yet another excellent installment of the Savoy Brown legacy.

Travels well with: Walter Trout- Ride; Joe Bonamassa- Time Clocks

Christopher Butterfield

Souvenir

Redshift, 2023

8/10

Listen to Souvenir

The Victoria, British Columbia composer Christopher Butterfield brings along the Aventa Ensemble and the conductor Bill Linwood for these large ensemble pieces that expand across 14+ minutes each.

The title track opens the listen with carefully plucked strings that align with a chorus of tree frogs captured in Barbados, unpredictable flutes, adventurous clarinet and exciting percussion for the very distinct chamber climate.

The middle tracks belong to “parc” and “Frame”, where the former uses Ricks Sacks’ animated vibraphone and the bright horns for a very calm versus lively contrast, while the latter is the most sparse offering, although the drumming acrobatics on the back half of the track are quite rowdy.

“Port Bou” exits the listen, and it’s an orchestral influenced finish that puts much emphasis on tonality and swirling dynamics that makes great use out of Keith McLeod and Erin Marks’ skilled winds.

A highly creative experience that embraces experimental and classical moments, Butterfield and company make for a modern body of work that weaves in and out of melodies, abstract bursts and colorful tension that few could replicate.

Travels well with: Joseph Petric- Seen; Instruments Of Happiness- Slow, Quiet Music In Search Of Electric Happiness

Aymée Nuviola

Havana Nocturne

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Havana Nocturne

The multi-Grammy winner Aymée Nuviola returns with an all star cast along for these Latin influenced jazz songs that are as warm as they are timeless.

“Imágenes” opens the listen with Hilario Bell’s light drumming alongside Nuviola’s stunning, expressive voice, as Kemuel Roig’s playful keys enter, and “Novia mia” follows with Jose ‘Majito’ Aguilera’s well timed percussion amid the cultured singing that makes for a dreamy climate.

In the middle, “Obsesión"” allows for Nuviola’s pipes to soar with much power, while “Quédate” moves swiftly and highlights Julián Ávila’s meticulous guitar that shines in the rhythmic album highlight.

The final two tracks, “Me contaron de ti” and “Vete de mi”, are equally well executed, where the former is intimate and ebullient with rich textures that illuminate Lowell Ringel’s bass, and the latter finishes with strong attention to mood and dynamic interaction between the esteemed players.

The tracks here take cues from the Cuban musical Filin, and the romantic jazz nods are certainly present and appreciated as Nuviola and company bring much passion and emotion.

Travels well with: Greg Ward’s Rogue Parade- Dion’s Quest; Ben Wolfe- Unjust

The Minks

Creatures Of Culture

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Creatures Of Culture

The Nashville outfit The Minks return with this sophomore album, where front woman Nikki Barber guides the band through a bluesy, psychedelic 13 songs that are as meticulous as they are unpredictable.

The title track gets the listen off to a driving and harmonic start, where Barber’s bright and expressive voice steers the radiant indie-rock, and “Motorbike” follows with a thumping and buzzing approach that’s rugged yet melodic.

Halfway through, “The Love I Have” trims the pace back with a bare intimacy that really allows Barber’s powerful voice to shine, while “Take It Easy” recruits blues-rock nods amid the powerful climate.

Close to the end, “I’ve Gotta Fly” emits a poetic, very soulful approach of minimal instrumentation, and “Lavender” exits with a thicker presence of groove filled and cautious rock.

The band consists of Ben Giesecke (lead guitar, whistle, BGVs), Dylan Sevey (drums, percussion, organ, BGVs), and Henri Young (bass, synth, BGVs), and guest spots include Justin Pellecchia (bass, BGVs), Robbie Crowell (sax, percussion, organ), Alicia Gail (BGVs), and David Helmers (fire stoker). Together with Barber’s very inviting pipes they make for strong riffs, twangy moments and a gritty southern, retro spirit that is quite exciting.

Travels well with: Trapper Schoepp- Siren Songs; Hollis Brown- In The Aftermath

Denis Frajerman

Tiphaine

Klang Galerie, 2023

8/10

Listen to Tiphaine

The French percussionist, bassist and Rbox player Denis Frajerman brings Arabic and Balkan rhythms, and patterns from American minimalist sounds for these very unique 7 tracks that welcome Carole Deville and Hélène Frissung.

“Sur ses ailes” starts the listen with Frissung’s very expressive violin amid Deville’s moody cello, as Frajerman helps cultivate a mysterious backdrop, and “Les vagues á venir” follows with the playful percussion interacting with the very animated bass and radiant strings with strong attention to rhythm.

Halfway through, the tense “Il y a des lévres et des yeux” quivers with a rare intensity that’s also capable of calm gestures amid the meticulous violin, while “Les dimanches glissants” marches on with lively percussion alongside the ominous demeanor of the articulate strings. The final track, “Sous ses ailes”, relies much on ambience for the hugely mesmerizing and sonically aware finish.

A very distinct listen that carries both classical and experimental ideas, Frajerman penned this album for his wife’s 50th birthday over the course of 2 years, and he brings influences from his time as the composer for Palo Alto, as well as the work of Antoine Volodine to the affair.

Travels well with: Tyto- Mirai; Orbel- Lur Hezea

The Nude Party

Rides On

New West, 2023

9/10

Listen to Rides On

The Livingston Manor, New York rockers The Nude Party return with their 3rd album, and it’s an effort they produced themselves, which allowed them to take their time fleshing out 13 tunes in a studio barn in upstate New York.

“Word Gets Around” opens the listen with spirited electric guitar and thumping drums from Connor Mikita in the rugged yet tuneful retro-rock, and “Hard Times (All Around)” follows with a melodic breeziness alongside Alec Castillo’s bouncy bass lines and Patton MaGee’s distinct and playful voice.

Further along, the mesmerizing climate of “Cherry Red Boots” swirls with a nostalgic rock’n’roll appeal that’s dance floor ready, while the subtle twang and strong atmosphere of “Tree Of Love” flirts with psychedelic ideas.

Deeper yet, “Stately Prison Cell” welcomes Magee’s emotive harmonica and well timed backing vocals in the hazy, darker delivery, and “Red Rocket Ride” exits with a richly intimate finish that benefits much from Shaun Couture’s skilled guitar and Zachary Merrill’s animated keys.

The lack of pressure that came with this process allowed the band to pen some of their best work yet, and it’s a diverse and organic experience that further solidifies their position as one of the most interesting rock bands today.

Travels well with: The Bad Ends- The Power And The Glory; Boulevards- Electric Cowboy: Born In Carolina Mud

Nicholas Merz

American Classic

Aagoo, 2023

8/10

Listen to American Classic

A Washington native who now calls Los Angeles home, this is Nicholas Merz’s 3rd album, and it focuses on strong lyrical matter that pays tribute to his father, a former union tile-setter and pedal steel player.

“The Dixon Deal” starts the listen with Merz’s deep pipes amid the light bass and spirited brass of the calm climate, and “Hate, Unbridled” exits with a dreamy demeanor that welcomes warm guitar and plenty of stirring atmosphere.

In the middle, “Instant Legacy” recruits a cultured appeal of cautious strings and a very mysterious backdrop, while “A Day In LA” showcases the expressive singing alongside a much thicker display of avant-garde ideas.

Nearing the end, “Two Comedians” uses drums strategically for the squealing, adventurous rock, and “Young Man, Short In Stature” exits with Merz’s powerful voice, the cozy acoustic guitar and a nearly spiritual presence that glows with creativity.

A truly unclassifiable listen, Merz touches on pop, rock, jazz, country and experimental nods, and it sure does make for a charming listen.

Travels well with: Paul Dutton- Parallel Spark; Beingmoved- Smiles And Bigger Hearts

Kariné Poghosyan

Folk Themes

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Folk Themes

The Armenian musician Kariné Poghosyan delivers very emotive piano playing derived from folk motifs on this worldly listen that highlights 4 composers who bring 5 different cultures along for the experience.

“Three-Fours (Valse Suite), op.71” starts the listen with Poghosyan’s agile and very precise playing emitting both mature and adventurous progressions in the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (half British, half Sierra-Leonese) piece, and “Lyric Pieces” follows with both dreamy and firm moments of timeless, warm beauty that illuminates Norway’s Edvard Grieg’s original.

The back half of the listen includes the intimate and stirring “Six Dances for Piano”, where Poghosyan’s strong attention to mood makes this Komitas Vardapet (Armenian) composition the album’s best, and Hungary’s Franz Liszt’s “4 Rhapsodies” exits the listen with both rumbling and pretty moments that alternate between tense and serene in Poghosyan’s very capable hands.

A body of work that’s passionate and exploratory, Folk Themes illustrates much tenderness and vibrancy via Poghosyan’s riveting playing.

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

Dobbeltgjenger

The Twins

Apollon, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Twins

The Bergen, Norway alt-rockers Dobbeltgjenger return with a 4th studio album, and it’s a autobiographical account of the songwriter Vegard Wikne’s experience with a mental breakdown.

“Rocket Shoes” starts the listen with plenty of energy, as a dance floor ready appeal flows with crisp drumming and plenty of soulfulness, and “Harakiri Witchcraft” follows with a very stylish swagger that emits much bright melody.

In the middle, the ‘80s pop nods of “Pink” contains both busy and calm moments of sleek indie-rock, while “Shoot” buzzes with a very animated display of playful pop gestures that are quite modern.

Close to the end, “When You Said That You Were Fine” carries a bit of a pensive quality before bursting into some sci-fi like manipulation that lands in very adventurous and precisely layered ideas, and “Done” exits with a thick and dynamic display of more forceful rock that sounds right at home in the ‘90s, too.

Considering the subject matter, this is quite a colorful affair, where moments of darkness are met with rich, vibrant song craft that might remind you of Talking Heads or Tame Impala, and I doubt anyone will have a problem with that.

Travels well with: Separate Bed- Separate Bed; Friendship- Alchemist Of Your Destiny

The Bittersweets

Lesson One

That’s Entertainment/Apollon, 2023

9/10

Listen to Lesson One

Originally released in 1996, this is unfortunately the only album from Oslo, Norway’s The Bittersweets, but it sure does fabulously document their Ramones influenced version of punk that certainly has aged well.

“Love Can’t Buy Me” starts the listen with driving guitars, thumping drums and melodic singing in the proto-punk climate, and “Good Looks” follows with a bristling pace of pop-punk energy that will get your top tappin’ and head bobbin’ pretty quick.

In the middle, the buzzing and dynamic “I Surrender” showcases the lively rhythm section, while “Story Of Love” is layered precisely with a good balance of power and melody that’s hard hitting yet tuneful.

Further still, “Love It To Death” is full of gritty and rock’n’roll spirited punk that benefits much from the playful organ, and “My Baby Is Cool” wouldn’t be out of place on the Lookout Records roster in the mid '90s next to The Queers and The Riverdales.

The band on this recording are Tomas Dahl (drums), Lars Dehli Johnsrud (organ), Bjørn Haukaas (bass), Kåre Pedersen (guitar), John Martinsen (guitar) and Arne Thelin (Lead vocals, harp), and though The Bittersweets remained together after this recording (albeit with line up shifts), a sophomore record dissolved when Thelin left to Asia for work.

Now available on vinyl for the first time, what a treat it is that Lesson One is back in print.

Travels well with: Pogo Pops- Daylight; The Lust-O-Rama- Twenty-Six Screams

Laughing Stock

Songs For The Future

Apollon, 2023

9/10

Listen to Songs For The Future

This 5th album from the Norwegian prog-rockers Laughing Stock has the trio honoring the music that shaped them in the early ‘80s, and it even includes some of their heroes in attendance.

“For The Boys” gets the listen off to a melodic and warm start, where soulful brass, smooth percussion and the inimitable pipes of Colin Moulding (of XTC) are appreciated, and “Something Happens” soon arrives with Steinar Borve’s bright sax and Tobias Gustum Lindstad’s animated trombone for the adventurous jazz rock ideas.

Further on, the graceful piano of “December” aligns nicely with Borve’s intimate brass for the dreamy climate, while “The Ocean” offers upbeat and melodic textures that benefits much from Billy Sherwood’s (of Yes) distinct voice.

Closer to the end, “It Is Time” flows with a rich, hazy demeanor, where The Hurum Horns contribute trumpet and tuba for the powerful, slow burning album highlight, and “Stay Awhile” exits with cozy acoustic guitar, charming percussion and a gentle classic rock appeal.

Laughing Stock consists of Mikael Sørensen, Håvard Enge and Jan Erik K Nilsen, and their artistic and timeless approach to song craft makes for yet another first rate and globally enjoyable listen

Travels well with: 35 Tapes- Home; Pymlico- On This Day

Kevin Odegard

Relics

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Relics

A veteran guitarist who famously played guitar on Bob Dylan’s Blood On The Tracks, Kevin Odegard has also worked in the industry to protect songwriters of their rights and earnings, and he’s even an author, too.

Here he brings us several originals and a couples covers of his timeless folk-rock, where an all star cast accompanies him. The warm opener, “When A Heart Is Broken”, pairs Odegard’s soft voice with elegant, poetic songwriting that welcomes Michelle Kinney’s stirring cello, and “Lost At Sea” follows with Gary Lopac’s strategic bass and Jeff Dayton’s fluid guitar in attendance for the rhythmic, retro-folk ideas.

Halfway through, Kinney’s cello returns for the intimate and dreamy “Daily Affirmation”, while “Lights Of Taormina”, a Mark Knopfler original, recruits Jim Steinworth’s hazy accordion and Peter Ostroushko’s alluring mandolin for the harmonic and cultured album highlight.

Near to the end, “It Hurts To Laugeh” is full of gorgeous guitar playing alongside Odegard’s vivid and heartfelt storytelling, and “That Old Guitar” exits with a sublime instrumental that allows his agile and absorbing guitar playing to shine.

Now in his 70s, Odegard has a lifetime of stories to tell, and his wise, sophisticated and relatable delivery makes for 10 really well thought out tracks from a Minnesota legend who deserves to be spoken in the same sentence as Gary Louris and Paul Westerberg.

Travels well with: Courtney Yasmineh- Red Roses And Cowgirl Dreams; Life On Mars- At Stars End

Miguel Espinoza Flamenco Fusion

Living In A Daydream

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Living In A Daydream

A collective of world class musicians spearheaded by Miguel Espinoza’s guitar and palmas skills, the 8 originals here embrace the sounds of North African rhythms, Celtic traditions and rich Brazilian song craft.

“Nagi Yaté” starts the listen off with very warm and fluid guitar playing that welcomes Diane Betkowski’s poetic cello and Nabin Shrestha’s very expressive singing, and “Bubble” follows with Mario Moreno’s playful percussion highlighting the cultured and melodic climate.

In the middle “Division” places Linda Richardson on castanets for the intimate and adventurous delivery, while, “Zelda The Caterpillar” really showcases Espinoza’s meticulous guitar picking in the gentle demeanor.

Deeper still, “Falling Snow” emits so much beauty from the cello and guitar in the very mesmerizing, dreamy album highlight, and “The Storm” exits with Howard Levy’s skilled piano and Moreno’s lively percussion making for an animated and globally embraceable finish.

An organic, emotive and colorful affair, Espinoza and company make the most of every detailed, flamenco, classical and jazz tinted moment.

Travels well with: Tito Carrillo- Urbanessence; Mr. Chair- Better Days

Carolina Trombone Project

Mountain Ascent

Albany, 2023

8/10

Listen to Mountain Ascent

The assembly of professional trombonists from North and South Carolina, the Carolina Trombone Project bring us new works commissioned through a nationwide consortium, and it includes the players Jeremy Marks, Scott P. Hartman, Zsolt Szabo, Tom Burge, Eric Henson, Mark Whitfield, Joseph Brown, and Justin Isenhour.

Andrew Markel’s “Acts Of Dreams” opens with 5 tenor trombones interacting with Henson’s bass trombone for the elegant yet firm song craft that builds into a tense and dynamic landscape, and “Resurgence”, by Christopher Evan Hass, follows with much sublime intimacy that becomes richly textured thanks to precise tenor manipulation.

Halfway through, Gina Gillie’s “Mountain Ascent” recruits a cinematic quality that’s full of atmosphere and showcases Hartman’s bass prowess, while “4 Motion Studies For 5 Trombones”, by Gary Kulesha, recruits both cautiousness and exploration to the sometimes bare climate.

“Tsunami”, the best track, exits the listen with a lively spirit that balances 8 trombonists with beauty, warmth and adventurousness.

A highly technical, versatile and precisely executed body of work, those with an ear for all things brass will be quite pleased with the tenor and bass trombone skills presented here.

Travels well with: Larry Bell- Thoughts And Prayers; Allen Shawn- Fantasia & Other Pieces

Amber Nicholson

Far Away Dreaming

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Far Away Dreaming

A quick listen from the vocalist and pianist Amber Nicholson, the Texas songwriter and former front woman of Relick pens 5 originals that come with themes of love, loss and perseverance, and welcomes some talented guest musicians.

“Heart To Stone” start the listen with Tyson Sheth’s agile drumming and Randy Wall’s charming organ complementing Nicholson’s expressive and smooth voice, and “Far Far Far” follows with Nicholson’s playful piano amid the soulful and stylish demeanor that yields a nostalgic feel.

Halfway through, the dreamy intimacy of “Oh (Where Are You)” embraces Aimee Norris’ stirring cello, while “My Silence” hosts Dan Smith’s well timed bass populating the cautious and rich EP highlight. “That I Believe” is the final track, and it comes with a bluesy appeal that benefits much from Nolan Burke’s spirited guitar and the lively piano from Nicholson’s frisky fingers and lovely pipes.

You might be reminded of legends like Aretha Franklin, Norah Jones or Allison Krause when listening to Nicholson, and she brings a wealth of experience going back to age 5 in the quest to be a concert pianist. An excellent starting point for her solo work, there’s much forthrightness, sincerity and warmth present here.

Travels well with: Jaimee Harris- Boomerang Town; Tiffany Williams- All Those Days Of Drinking Dust

Ancia Saxophone Quartet

Confluence

Albany, 2023

8/10

Listen to Confluence

The Ancia Saxophone Quartet, i.e. Matthew Sintchak (soprano), David Milne (tenor), Joan Hutton (alto), and Angela Wyatt (baritone), have been widening their saxophone arsenal for over 30 years now, and here they flesh out 5 in depth pieces with incredible attention to detail.

Piazzolla’s “Tango Suite” opens the listen with 3 very animated and dynamic segments that are as unpredictable as they are exciting, and Larsen’s “Confluence” follows with a stirring, emotive presence, where each player’s respective strengths shine in the sometimes bare, other times firm appeal that is quite cinematic.

“Dervish” arrives at the halfway point, and quivers with a charming intimacy that builds into a tense display, while “Three Jazz Settings For Saxophone Quartet” unfolds with 3 very distinct chapters of haunting, playful and thriving jazz bursts in the Ricker composition.

“Thank you”, by Dodgion, exits the listen, and it’s a soulful, precise and delightfully stylish and memorable closer that truly showcases the chemistry between the quartet.

A very artistic delivery that involves much technique, timbral presence and focus, there is a great deal of balance between sophistication and adventurousness to be found and appreciated here.

Travels well with: String Cosmology: Sinfonietta Of Riverdale; Larry Thomas Bell- Twenty-Four Preludes And Fugues

Dana Kaufman

Emily & Sue

Adhyâropa, 2023

8/10

Listen to Emily & Sue

An a cappella pop opera from the Los Angeles composer Dana Kaufman and the librettist Aiden K. Feltkamp, this very creative body of work explores the relationship between the poet Emily Dickinson and her sister-in-law Susan Huntington Gilbert Dickinson.

“The Homestead” opens with the warm, harmonic voices erupting into loud bursts of wordless singing, and “Amherst dusk” follows with pretty, dreamy vocal work that hits some pretty high notes.

Further along, “Sue's letter, Part I” and “Sue's letter, Part II” brings soaring text into the melodic backdrop, as well as percussive sounds, while “An altered look about the hills” emits richly layered and powerful, stunning singing from the album’s best.

Approaching the end, “Amherst dawn” is particularly intimate, and blends the emotive and stirring voices sublimely, and “After great pain, a formal feeling comes” exits with soft and firm gestures of vocal acrobatics.

Along for the experience is Jasmine Muhammad (Emily Dickinson), and the Iris Vocal Trio, i.e. Dara Gallagher (Sue), David Rowen and Andrew Kim, and together they make for a very unique and interesting listen that touches on isolation, queerness, and forbidden love.

Travels well with: EFG Trio- Transliminal Rites; Clocks In Motion- Oneira

The Contribution

Wilderness And Space

LoHi, 2019

8/10

Listen to Wilderness And Space

A supergroup with an affinity for ‘60s pop and timeless soul sounds, though several of the songs here were released in 2017 with proceeds going to non-profit organizations, we are finally treated to the full album of The Contribution’s unique jam band formula.

The ultra soulful “Dream Out In The Rain” starts the listen with horns and warm guitar licks in a groove filled setting, and “It Ain’t No Sin” follows with a punchy pop spirit as many vocalists join in on the retro fun.

Elsewhere, “Back This Way” trims the atmosphere back to ‘70s style soft rock with dual gender singing, while “Somewhere On A Train” unfolds with a contemplative, folksy approach that’s as universally enjoyable as it is flawless and even recruits violins.

Near the end, “This Too Shall Pass”, offers emotive balladry with hints of blues, and “So Long, Farewell” ends the listen amid dreamy, nearly psyche-rock and jazz territory in one of the most adventurous tracks included.

Comprised of members of Railroad Earth, New Monsoon, String Cheese Incident, The Black Swan Singers and Great American Taxi, together their esteemed talent coalesces on an eclectic, sophisticated and beautifully organic affair.

Travels well with: Fruition- Watching It All Fall Apart; Them Coulee Boys- Die Happy