Eric Bibb

Ridin’

Stony Plain, 2023

8/10

Listen to Ridin’

The two time Grammy nominee Eric Bibb returns with more folk and blues influenced songs, where current events and his own experiences shape these 15 well thought out tracks that welcome some incredible guests.

“Family” starts the listen with Bibb’s warm guitar and expressive singing in the soulful and powerful climate, and it isn’t long until he’s joined by Taj Mahal and Jontavious Willis for the indeed funky and playful “Blues Funky Like Dat”.

Elsewhere, the rhythmic and mesmerizing “Tulsa Town” uses drumming strategically alongside Bibb’s intricate guitar and vivid storytelling, while Amar Sundy accompanies him on the southern influenced and gritty “Got My Own”.

Much deeper on the back half, the live “Sinner Man” recruits Bibb’s string band for the flowing and lush interaction, and “People You Love”, a late album highlight, makes great use of Habib Koité’s presence in the dreamy and pretty demeanor of the timeless folk song.

Bibb’s family has a history in music, as his father, Leon, was a folk singer, and that tradition is being carried on with insightful wordplay, sincere songwriting and a very meticulous delivery.

Travels well with: Rory Block- Ain’t Nobody Worried; Ruthie Foster- Healing Time

Julie Christensen

The Price We Pay For Love

Whirlwind, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Price We Pay For Love

The versatile singer Julie Christensen is aligned with the bassist and string arranger Terry Lee Burns for these jazz spirited songs that take from many genres and welcome many friends along for the journey.

“Hejira”, by Joni Mitchell, starts the listen with a soft rumbling, as Christensen’s expressive pipes guide the precise bass and dreamy climate, and “Goldbridge Road” follows with Michael Moss’ gentle acoustic guitar and Sergio Webb’s well timed slide guitar in the country influenced delivery.

“Save Your Love For Me” lands at the halfway point, and showcases Burns’ meticulous bass prowess and Christensen’s powerful voice amid much intimacy, while “A Remark You Made” floats with a chilling atmosphere and presents John Funkhouser’s melodica alongside the poetic singing/talking.

Close to the end, Funkhouser’s mature piano and Greg Leisz’s glowing lap steel help make “Can’t Find My Way Home” the album’s best, and “Hilltop” exits with Karen Hammack’s emotive keys and the subtle bass that complements Christensen’s stirring presence.

Christensen formerly was in the bands Divine Horsemen and Passenger, and she’s well versed in pop, soul, country and punk as well. Major label limbo and motherhood may have slowed her solo work down at some points, but now older and wiser, she’s making some of the best music of her life.

Travels well with: Tim Grimm- The Little In-Between; Ben De La Cour- Shadow Land

Melissa Ruth

Bones

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Bones

The multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Melissa Ruth illuminates life in the Pacific Northwest with these songs of dreams, history, love and her father’s time in a residential school for Russian children, and she’s got some excellent help to flesh out the thoughtful tracks.

The listen begins with the warm melody of “Edith Piaf”, where Matt Hill’s cozy keys are met with Ruth’s emotive singing and Johnny Leal’s radiant guitar playing, and “Passage Of Stars” follows with a dreamy approach that showcases Scoop McGuire’s skilled bass and Cameron Siegal’s agile drumming in the diverse folk presence.

The half way point belongs to the powerful “A Good Man”, where Ruth handles rhythm guitar precisely, while “Wild Roses” has Hill navigating trumpet for the darker spirited and very eloquent demeanor.

The pace picks up significantly towards the end, where the thumping retro-rock of “Yoncalla Moon”, the best track, swaggers with a dynamic rhythm section, and “Bones” exits the listen with a stirring intimacy that allows Ruth’s gripping voice to shine in the soulful, bluesy finish.

A listen that assembles bits of Americana, folk, country, and nostalgic versions of rock, Ruth’s rural formula is one that uses sharp imagery and rich musicianship that resonates much longer than the 10 tracks present.

Travels well with: Jake Ybarra- Something In The Water; Steve Dawson- Eyes Closed, Dreaming

Miirrors

Motion And Picture

Pravda, 2023

9/10

Listen to Motion And Picture

A long running friendship turned into a musical endeavor, the outfit spearheaded by Brian McSweeney and Shawn Rios, Miirrors, bring the members Dmitri Rakhuba, Andre Miller and Patrick Riley, plus many guests, to this very unique and exciting rock driven listen.

“Parallax” starts the listen with very powerful and smooth singing alongside the sparkling guitar tone, cinematic backdrop and agile drumming, and “Gunshot Glitter” follows with a firm, thundering presence that’s full of falsetto singing and throbbing bass lines.

“Fields And Forests” occupies the middle spot, and emits a hypnotic appeal of stylish and buzzing song craft, while “Where Do We Go?” pays close attention to mood and ambience in its chilling post-punk nods and expressive singing.

“Wolf In Sheepskin” and “Olivet” exit the listen, where the former relies on keys and absorbing vocals that soar, and the latter uses vibraphone and specific manipulation of space and dreaminess for the gorgeous finish.

You might be reminded of legends like My Bloody Valentine or Slowdive when listening to these 10 songs, as Miirrors’ sonic exploration and waves of introspection that can be gentle and forceful are executed with incredible and colorful musicianship.

Travels well with: The Imperial Sound- The New AM; The Flat Five- Another World

Scott Petito

Many Worlds

Planet Art, 2023

8/10

Listen to Many Worlds

The multi-instrumentalist Scott Petito is surrounded by an excellent and large cast for this jazz fusion experience that carries an exciting, worldly appeal.

“Dabwalla” starts the listen percussively strong, where Anna Maria Jopek’s dreamy scatting is met with Steve Gadd’s swift drumming and Rachel Z Hakim’s playful keys, and “The Alchemist” follows with a strong sense of atmosphere which welcomes Omar Hakim’s skilled drums and Randy Brecker’s soulful trumpet that complements Petito’s frisky bass work.

The title track lands in the middle, and emits much melody thanks to Petito’s strategic bass loops and bass guitar in the very soothing display, while “Bombogenesis” showcases Kevin Hays’ bright keys, Mike Mainieri’s lively vibes and Bob Mintzer’s glowing soprano sax.

At the end, “A Great And Sudden Change” offer a breezy and warm album highlight populated by Hakim’s animated drums and Larry Grenadier’s reflective bass, and “In The Company Of Clouds” exits the listen with Minu Cinelu’s flute adding much ambience to the mysterious finish that allows Petito’s piano playing to shine, too.

Recorded remotely but with contributions from all over the planet, Petito and company bring bop, funk and Latin ideas to this rock focused affair that warrants repeated listens.

Travels well with: Hailey Brinnel- Beautiful Tomorrow; Greg Ward’s Rogue Parade- Dion’s Quest

Anthony Tan

Susurrus

Gengseng, 2023

8/10

Listen to Susurrus

The Canadian composer and musician Anthony Tan is well versed in abstract electronica and the stirring sounds of the piano, and here across a pair of lengthy compositions he makes for very experimental and exciting textures.

“endlessnessnessness” starts the listen with a chilling ambience, as the well timed keys align with a slow burning dissonance that’s cinematic, sonically challenging, and manipulates space and tension with incredible control of the mood amid the buzzing bouts.

The other track, “sublime subliminal sublimate”, carries a very hypnotic quality that weaves in and out of thumping drum sounds, mesmerizing piano progressions and blurry electronica that possess the capacity for being glitchy, ominous and oblique.

A highly inventive display of organic versus synthetic ideas, Tan mashes signal processing, synthesized models, sampling and field recordings into the piano improvisation with fascinating results.

Travels well with: Christopher Butterfield- Souvenir; Joseph Petric- Seen

Elizabeth Reid

Conjuring: The Viola Music Of David Jaeger

Redshift, 2023

8/10

Listen to Conjuring: The Viola Music Of David Jaeger

The violist Elizabeth Reid and the pianist Alison Bruce Cerutti come together for this passionate and meticulous interpretation of the work of the Canadian legend David Jaeger.

The album begins with the stirring and warm “Sonata, Tristan And Isolde”, which unfolds across 3 graceful chapters of beauty and reflection, as Reid and Cerutti blend their instruments with much poise, and “Sonata No. 1 For Viola and Piano” follows with much emphasis on mood, where the emotive strings and firm keys emit much balance.

The remainder of the listen belongs to Reid, and it showcases the intricate string manipulation of the diverse “Six Miniatures For Unaccompanied Viola”, while “Favour” exits with a quivering, sometimes haunting display of string acrobatics that are as stunning as they are captivating.

A highly creative take on contemporary classical sounds that uses electronics as well, Reid and Cerutti touch on chamber and electroacoustic sensibilities with an exceptional vision.

Travels well with: Christopher Butterfield- Souvenir; Instruments Of Happiness- Slow, Quiet Music In Search Of Electric Happiness

Charlie Cunningham

Frame

BMG, 2023

8/10

Listen to Frame

The 3rd album from the UK artist Charlie Cunningham, his sublime use of piano and nylon guitar, not to mention his emotive pipes, span many mature genres across these 12 careful tracks.

After the brief and warm jazz spirit of the piano focused “Intro”, “Shame I Know” follows with crisp drums, graceful keys and very soulful singing in the intimate climate.

Further along, the hushed beauty of “Friend Of Mine” touches on folk ideas amid the cozy guitar and poetic singing, while “Pathways” radiates a mesmerizing presence of swirling keys, atmospheric drumming and, of course, Cunningham’s distinct and alluring voice.

Close to the end, “Water Tower” uses meticulous keys, soulful brass and extremely delicate singing for the album’s best, and “Frame” exits with both minimal and rich qualities that are executed with a very vulnerable approach that explores heartbreak, spirituality and anxiety.

Influences from John Martyn, Paul Simon, and Nick Drake won’t be hard to spot here, as Cunningham touches on art rock, the golden era of jazz and neo-classical moments for a personal and eclectic experience.

Travels well with: Milo Greene- Milo Greene; Ben Howard- Noonday Dream

Sam Himself

Never Let Me Go

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Never Let Me Go

The Switzerland native and former New York resident Sam Himself returns with a sophomore album, where a powerful and passionate version of rock unfolds with the help of all-star producer Daniel Schlett (Iggy Pop; The War On Drugs).

“Strangelove” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where a haze of dreamy rock flows with warmth and melody, and “Baby’s Eyes” follows with a swirling display of post-punk tendencies armed with a tuneful grit that allows the thumping drums to shine.

The title track lands in the middle and uses soft acoustic guitar and poetic singing in the intimate landscape, while “Mr. Rocknroll” is packed with bouncy bass strategically amid the shimmering display of gentle alt-rock nods.

Closer to the end, the nostalgic whistling in the anthemic “Heartland” carries pop influences alongside the dance floor friendly dynamics, and “You” exits the listen soft, soothing and full of a distinct atmosphere.

Samuel Koechlin, aka Sam Himself, uses indie-rock, post-punk, dance-rock and alt-rock ideas to his advantage, and with excellent records like this, it won’t be long until he’s a familiar name across the globe.

Travels well with: Close Talker- Lens; A Fragile Tomorrow- It’s Better That Way

Newski

Friend Rock

Nomad Union, 2023

9/10

Listen to Friend Rock

A Wisconsin trio consisting of Brett Newski, Steve Vorass and Sean Anderson, this ‘90s revival of alt-rock as Newski brings some serious heavy hitters on board as guests, where each song recruits a friend/influence to the affair.

“Freak Flag Fly” opens the listen with Vorass’ thumping drums and Newski’s flowing vocals in the soft rocker that welcomes Magic Charles, and “Chemicals” follows with a fuzzed out rocker that might remind you of the almighty Nada Surf, which is great, cause Matthew Caws plays on the tune.

At the halfway point, “If We’re Gonna Breakup, Let’s Make It Take Forever” benefits from Miles Nielsen (Red Wanting Blue) for the acoustic guitar fueled album highlight, while “Why Even Bother” showcases The Verve Pipe’s Brian Vander for the thicker, grungy display.

Close to the end, “Airplane” takes help from Ryan Miller (Guster) via the intimate versus buzzing lo-fi appeal, and “Nevermind, Not Nirvana” employs Canada’s The Secret Beach for the mesmerizing gentle and firm dynamics that uses piano sparingly but effectively.

As someone who was very much absorbing music like this in the ‘90s, had Newski been around then, it’s likely they’d be sandwiched on 120 Minutes between The Get Up Kids and Pixies. I would have kept watching then, and I’ll certainly keep listening now.

Travels well with: Brett Newski- Don’t Let The Bastards Get You Down; State Drugs and ZEPHR- Mr. Untitled/Landline (J’ai Une Ame Solitaire)

Daddy Long Legs

Street Sermons

Yep Roc, 2023

9/10

Listen to Street Sermons

The NYC rockers Daddy Long Legs return with a 4th studio album, where the energetic trio welcome plenty of guests to their bluesy, garage-rock, R&B spirited formula.

“Street Sermon” starts the listen with Josh Styles’ lively and rhythmic drums alongside the animated harmonica and gritty southern influenced rock, and “Nightmare” follows with plenty of soulful and gritty swagger that benefits much from Murat Aktürk’s swirling guitar and punk rock legend Wreckless Eric on backing vocals.

Deeper into the 10 tracks, “Rockin’ My Boogie” welcomes Tovey Halleck’s powerful sax playing for the thick blues-rock anthem, while “Silver Satin” brings a calmer mood of crisp drumming, flowing melody and nostalgic harmony that you can’t help but admire.

Further yet, “Ding-Ding Man” showcases John Sebastian’s baritone guitar prowess in the raw and punchy climate that emits some proto-punk nods, and “Electro-Motive Blues” exits the listen with a rockabilly and punk fueled presence that’s fluid and highly memorable.

A listen designed to ‘take the listener on a trip through New York City’s underground rail system with a bottle in hand concealed by a brown paper bag’, Daddy Long Legs sound like a chain gang emerging from the swampy subway with their fierce and sweaty version of rock that parallels all the greatness of The Nation Of Ulysses.

Travels well with: The Fleshtones- Face Of The Screaming Werewolf; Jon Spencer- Spencer Signs The Hits

Caroline Rose

The Art Of Forgetting

New West, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Art Of Forgetting

The New York singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Caroline Rose has enjoyed a prolific and diverse career, and this 5th album brings a romantic quality to her eclectic vision of indie-pop.

“Love/Lover/Friend” opens the listen with a calm mood that’s dreamy, mysterious, and awash in ambient synth, and “Rebirth” follows with Mike Dondero’s precise bass and Riley Geare’s agile drumming that makes for a creative version of artistic pop.

Further along, “The Doldrums” is textured in a hazy, wispy demeanor that benefits from James McAlister’s drumming prowess, while “Tell Me What You Want” focuses on acoustic guitar amid a slight jangle and Mike Dondero’s thumping drums and bouncy bass that bursts into a buzzing album highlight.

Close to the end, “Love Song For Myself” extracts much from Nick Sanborn’s skilled modular and programming in the animated climate of pop, indie and rock, and “Where Do I Go From Here?” exits with a creative intimacy that allows Rose’s charming voice and warm guitar playing to shine in the organic finish.

Rose took on the roles of writer and producer here, and the repercussions of the pandemic, both personally and professionally, give her plenty of fodder for a listen where each song is different, emotive and resonates with a very stylish and memorable appeal.

Travels well with: Shana Cleveland- Manzanita; Flock Of Dimes- If You See Me, Say Yes

Christian McBride's New Jawn

Prime

Mack Avenue, 2023

9/10

Listen to Prime

The Grammy-Winning bassist and composer Christian McBride is back with his 2nd release under the New Jawn moniker, where the funk and grooves flow in abundance across the 8 rich and dynamic tracks.

“Head Bedlam” gets the listen off to a squealing start, where Josh Evan’s animated trumpet and Nasheet Waits’ furious drumming collide, and “Prime” follows with plenty of rhythm between McBride and Waits that benefits from the soaring brass.

“Obsequious” lands in the middle and really spotlights Marcus Strickland’s tenor saw acrobatics amid the swift delivery, while “Lurkers” brings a low buzzing that allows for McBride’s bass to be manipulated in the haunting album highlight.

Close to the end, the swingin’ grooves of “Dolphy Dust” bounce and shake with a contagious energy, and “East Broadway Rundown” exits with the mesmerizing rhythm section alongside Strickland’s sax and Evans’ trumpet in the textured, adventurous finish.

Hands down some of the best jazz sounds being made today, McBride and company are clearly in their prime, as evidenced by this outstanding and exploratory body of work.

Travels well with: Max Roach- We Insist!; Charles Mingus- Charles Mingus Presents Charles Mingus

Lynn Miles

TumbleTweedyWorld

True North, 2023

8/10

Listen to TumbleTweedyWorld

A prolific and esteemed Canadian songwriter, Lynn Miles has amassed more than 900 songs and released 15 albums, and this 16th LP surrounds global instability and personal turmoil that welcomes her band of Michael Ball, Joey Wright, Stuart Rutherford, Rob McLaren and James Stephens, plus many guests.

“Night Owl” gets the listen off to a mysterious start, where Miles’ inviting voice is complemented by Balls’s bass and Wright’s mandolin, and “Highway 105” follows with breezy melodies, as Rutherford’s dobro adds much to the warm delivery.

“Hide Your Heart” arrives in the middle, and benefits from harmony vocals thanks to Rebecca Campbell, and Stephens’ violin prowess won’t go unnoticed, either, while “Sorry’s Just Not Good Enough” showcases Julie Corrigan and Dave Draves’ harmony singing in the rich and dreamy album highlight.

Approaching the end, McLaren’s banjo is quite exciting in “All Bitter Never Sweet”, and “Gold In The Middle” exits with gorgeous intimacy via Miles’ lovely voice and the twinkling strings.

It’s no surprise that Miles has picked up many Juno Awards and Canadian Folk Music Awards, cause she can write a tune you won’t soon forget, and TumbleWeedyWorld has 10 of her best.

Travels well with: Peach & Quiet- Beautiful Thing; Crystal Shawanda- Midnight Blues

Arkansauce

Ok To Wonder

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Ok To Wonder

Tom Andersen, Zac Archuleta, Ethan Bush and Adam Collins, i.e. Arkansauce, return with their 5th album, and like all of their work, it’s a mountainesque version of bluegrass that’s technically proficient and full of improvised strings that come with songs of insight and whimsy.

“Up On The Shelf” opens the listen with Bush’s radiant mandolin alongside the harmonic vocals that complement the swift melodies, and “Big City Chicken” follows with very agile picking dynamics that flow with a lush, organic feel.

In the middle, the dreamy “Bim Batta” makes great use out of Archuleta’s precise guitar amid the swift banjo from Collins and hip-hop nods, while “Early Bird” emits a sublime intimacy that is very much focused on atmosphere and warmth.

“How Time Flies”, the best tune, lands near the end, and showcases vivid storytelling in the timeless bluegrass formula, and “Air Bender” exits with swirling banjo and meticulous picking that illuminates Andersen’s excellent bass prowess.

A highly progressive, complicated and rhythmic affair, Arkansauce are clearly paving their own path in the area of bluegrass, and we’re all better off for it.

Travels well with: Kitchen Dwellers- Wise River; Old Salt Union- Where The Dogs Don’t Bite

Louis Stewart

Out On His Own

Livia, 2023

8/10

Listen to Out On His Own

Originally released in 1977, the Irish jazz guitarist Louis Stewart’s best solo album sees the reissue treatment, and it comes remastered with 3 extra tracks and a 16 page booklet.

“Blue Bossa” starts the listen with Stewart’s meticulous and fluid guitar work emitting much warmth, and “Windows” continues the radiant climate with a calmer approach of light melodies and much beauty.

Elsewhere, “I’m All Smiles” finds a very cozy place to reside that’s mesmerizing, while “Invitation” showcases Stewart’s finger acrobatics in the very animated album highlight.

Closer to the end, “Spring Is Here” glows with a dreamy elegance, and the previously unissued “Forest Flower”, the last tune before a pair of outtakes, emits a timeless and captivating blues spirit.

Possibly the only Irish jazz guitarist to reach international fame, Stewart’s interpretations of Chick Corea and Steve Swallow’s work, among others, as well as his take on traditionals and excellent originals, spotlight his unparalleled playing that we could never tire of.

Travels well with: Dave Stryker- Prime; Harvie S and Roni Ben-Hur with Sylvia Cuenca- Wondering

Mister Rogers

Back In The Neighborhood: The Best Of Mister Rogers, Volume 2

Omnivore, 2023

10/10

Listen to Back In The Neighborhood: The Best Of Mister Rogers Volume 2

The indelible impression that Fred Rogers left on the world is more apparent than ever, with multiple films devoted to him, as well as this installment of his music, which includes 15 tracks drawn from You Are Special, Coming And Going, Bedtime, and You’re Growing, including 7 as unique edits. Also featured is the first CD/digital appearance of “What Would You Like To Do Today” (previously available only on the vinyl version of “It’s Such A Good Feeling”), plus 5 previously unissued tracks.

The Mister Roger’s anthem, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” opens the listen with his forever friendly voice alongside the warm piano, and “This Is Just The Day” follows with a bouncy and playful demeanor.

Elsewhere, the upbeat and rhythmic “Let’s Think Of Something To Do” is a tune you could even dance to, while the intimate and cozy “Please Don’t Think It’s Funny” finds a dreamy place to reside.

Close to the end, “The Truth Will Make You Free” spolights Rogers’ sage like presence that’s eloquent and insightful, and “It’s Such A Good Feeling”, another Rogers classic, finishes with his mix of talking and singing that no one has replicated with such an impact.

The undertaking was handled by the Grammy-winning team from It’s Such A Good Feeling—Cheryl Pawelski, Lee Lodyga, and engineer Michael Graves. The packing brings us photos and a new essay from television columnist and author Diane Werts, and it does a great job of documenting the inestimable legacy of Fred Rogers.

Travels well with: Stephanie Leavell- Made To Bloom; Jenn Cleary- Happy Day

Yuja Wang

The American Project

Deutsche Grammophon, 2023

8/10

Listen to The American Project

The esteemed pianist Yuja Wang and the conductor Teddy Abrams come together for a pair of well executed pieces that allow both of their respective talents to be illuminated across The American Project.

Michael Tilson Thomas’ “You Come Here Often?” starts the listen with the bouncy and animated keys flowing with stunning attention to detail and agility from Wang’s very capable hands.

Teddy Abrams’ “Piano Concertos” finishes off the listen, and welcomes the rich contributions from the Louisville Orchestra, as swinging moments, big band prowess and plenty of exciting solos populate the very lively and memorable chapters.

Initially thought of us as a short companion composition to Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Wang’s Jazz, Latin, and Blues nods are certainly present in spades across this very accomplished and fusion friendly affair.

Travels well with: Hildur Guðnadóttir- Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture Tár; Víkingur Ólafsson- From Afar

The Cold Stares

Voices

Mascot, 2023

8/10

Listen to Voices

The Indiana blues rockers The Cold Stares, i.e. guitarist/vocalist Chris Tapp and drummer Brian Mullins, welcome a third member to the formula, as bassist Bryce Klueh adds much to this powerful 6th album.

“Nothing But The Blues” opens the listen with thumping drums and giant guitar riffs in the loud, arena ready rocker, and “Come For Me” follows with the melodic and thick rhythm section making for a cautious yet animated landscape.

Halfway through, the retro-rock nods of “Got No Right” radiates some garage rock bursts, while “Voices” brings meticulous guitar licks and swells of buzzing ideas to the album’s best.

Close to the end, “It’s Heavy” is indeed firm and showcases bass acrobatics amid chunky moments, and “The Ghost” exits with a dark intimacy that relies on southern gothic and haunting dynamics that illustrate even more diversity from the trio.

A listen that’s as well thought out lyrically as it is musically, The Cold Stares have continued to progress their song craft with each subsequent record, and now with Klueh at their disposal they are indeed making some of the best blues rock that exists today.

Travels well with: Walter Trout- Ride; Eric Gales- Crown

Corb Lund

Cover Your Tracks

New West, 2019

8/10

Listen to Cover Your Tracks

Canadian troubadour Corb Lund has done many things in his lengthy and esteemed career, but up until now a cover album wasn’t one of them. And in typical Lund fashion, there’s plenty of unexpected but welcomed surprises to be found, and they’re all fleshed out in his multi-genre meshing.

Lund starts his album with the groovy swagger of “These Books Are Made For Walkin’”, and follows with the country fueled rhythm of “The Cover Of The Rolling Stone”, where Hayes Carll contributes backing vocals.

Other noteworthy selections include Lund’s sparse reworking of ACDC’s “Ride On”, with Ian Tyson lending a hand vocally, while the expressive and bouncy version of “It’s Still Rock And Roll To Me” contains all the memorableness of the original.

Bob Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released” ends the listen with cautious and warm melodies and a poetic setting as Lund sounds as timeless as Dylan, and with as much authenticity, too.

A record laid down while Lund was between proper records, it sure seems like he had a lot of fun making this one, and it’s just as fun to listen to, too.

Travels well with: Todd Snider- Cash Cabin Sessions, Vol. 3; Robbie Fulks- Upland Stories