Austin John

Survive Each Other

Self-Released, 204

9/10

Listen to Survive Each Other

The Toronto outfit Austin John returns with another batch of pop and rock tunes that will resonate across the globe, where the frontman Todd Austin John Elsliger is joined by an all star cast.

The warm and cozy “Sadie” opens the listen with Ben Ball’s well timed drums and Shannon Buthcher’s soulful backing vocals illuminate the rich landscape, and the upbeat and jangly “Irrelevant” follows with Kurt Nielsen’s fluid bass adding much to the rock focused delivery that makes great use of Elsliger’s melodic guitar and expressive pipes.

The middle brings us the intimacy of “Stuck, where Stu Harrison’s agile keys won’t go unnoticed, while “Survive Each Other” offers a dense and soaring album highlight of crisp drums, swirling guitar and emotive bouts amid the driving pulse.

“Leave” and “You Make” exit the listen, as the former flirts with funk thanks to the lively brass bursts, and the latter finishes with a dreaminess that’s poetic, mesmerizing and alone worth the price of admission.

An eclectic body of work that can bring to mind Elvis Costello, Wilco or even Belle And Sebastian, whether this is your first taste of Austin John or you’ve been following for awhile, you’re going to be impressed.

Travels well with: Austin John- The Better Way Back When; Steve Almaas- Everywhere You’ve Been

Bob Gluck

And Every Fleck Of Russet

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to And Every Fleck Of Russet

A listen inspired by a Robert Frost poem, the renaissance man Bob Gluck returns with a personal solo album, where plenty of diversity and emotions color the 9 tunes.

“Something Happened” begins the listen with piano balladry, where Gluck’s graceful fingers make for much warmth, and “Late In May” follows with a bit more tension, where a slight rumbling enters the changing timbre.

“Always” arrives in the middle, and it carries no lack of melody amid the rhythmic energy, while “Enmeshed” is initially a bit eerie, before segueing into swirling key manipulation before calm ebbs of beauty.

Deeper yet, “Chorale” appeared on Gluck’s 2020 album, and here it lives again in a more bare climate of intimacy and sophistication, and “For Now” exits with 13+ minutes of spacey Taiga analog modular synthesizer alongside the poetic piano for an organic versus synthetic finish.

A true DIY effort, Gluck wrote, performed, engineered, produced, and designed the entire affair, and it makes for an unpredictable and memorable body of work that flirts with jazz and electronic ideas in ways you’ll want to revisit.

Travels well with: Bob Gluck- Early Morning Star; Madre Vaca- Winterreise

Sue Foley

Live In Austin Vol. 1

Guitar Woman, 2023

9/10

Listen to Live In Austin Vol. 1

The blues rocker Sue Foley captured these tunes live at the Continental Club in Austin, Texas, where 10 selections are fleshed out with plenty of energy and authenticity.

After a brief introduction, “New Used Car” follows with Foley’s distinct and flowing voice alongside muscular drumming and spirited guitar in the melodic blues climate, and “Walkin’ Home” continues that lead with a head bobbin’, toe tappin’ demeanor that’s instantly memorable.

Further into the set, the groove filled “Queen Bee” is full of intricate guitar playing and expressive singing, while “Positively 4th Street” offers a warm and intimate display of crisp drums and rich guitar work.

Close to the end, “Better” chugs with both power and harmony, as Foley’s voice is equal parts firm and pretty, and “High Roller” exits with soulfulness, dreaminess and agile instrumentation that welcomes grit and tunefulness.

The sound quality is excellent and the songs, well, they are, too. If you weren’t a fan of Foley before, you sure will be know, as the Canadian blueswoman knows her way around a tune you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Angela Strehli- Ace Of Blues; Alastair Greene- The New World Blues

Joe Bonamassa

Blues Deluxe Vol. 2

J&R Adventures, 2023

9/10

Listen to Blues Deluxe Vol. 2

A record that celebrates 20 years since the bluesman Joe Bonamassa released his best selling Blues Deluxe album, the inimitable guitarist and vocalist continues with a sequel, where 2 originals and 8 covers won’t be difficult to enjoy.

The muscular and flowing “Twenty-Four Hours Blues” begins the listen with Lamar Carter’s thumping drums complementing Bonamassa’s intricate guitar licks in the powerful climate, and “It’s Hard But It’s Fair” follows with bright brass and no lack of melody present in the soulful delivery.

The middle belongs to the intimate ideas of “Win-O”, where Reese Wynans handles the moody keys alongside Bonamassa’s diverse pipes and emotive appeal, while the rowdy “Lazy Poker Blues” recruits an anthemic energy of timeless and dense blues rock.

The bouncy and playful “The Truth Hurts” arrives near the end and welcomes Kirk Fletcher and Josh Smith’s guitars to the album’s best, and “Is It Safe To Go Home” exits with a lush and reflective tone that meshes Bonamassa’s estimable guitar playing with Calvin Turner’s precise bass prowess.

This is Bonamassa’s 16th solo studio album, and the size of his catalog is only matched by the quality of work, where fans of anything blues related will be in awe.

Travels well with: Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band- Trouble Is… 25; Walter Trout- Ride

Caroline Nadeau

Forever Lasting Canadian Songs

Les Disques Jazzazoue, 2023

8/10

Listen Forever Lasting Canadian Songs

A veteran singer, arranger, composer and backing vocalist, the Canadian jazz artist Caroline Nadeau makes an impression with this 3rd solo album, where arrangements by legends from her home country are thoughtfully delivered.

John Sadowy’s warm piano opens the listen, as Max Sansalone’s frisky drums enters as well to complement Nadeau’s smooth pipes on “Takin’ Care Of Business”, and “If You Could Read My Mind” follows with Karl Surprenant’s precise bass plucking amid the elegant singing of the Gordon Lightfoot original.

Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” lands in the middle and utilizes Daniel Lacoste’s fluid electric guitar that suits Nadeau’s soaring pipes, while “Black Velvet” spotlights Nadeau’s impressive range via the rich interaction between the keys and rhythm section.

Landing near the end, “Hurts To Be In Love” benefits much from Lacoste's cozy acoustic guitar and the emotive, intimate singing, and “Constant Craving” exits with Rich Irwin behind the drum kit for the powerful and dreamy K.D. Lang tune.

An excellent assembly of pop classics, Nadeau and company keep the original melodic aspects of the originals, but place plenty of timeless jazz flavor into the fun atmosphere.

Travels well with: Linda Purl- This Could Be The Start; Jan Cronin- I Thought About You

Jeffrey Martin

Thank God We Left The Garden

Fluff & Gravy, 2023

9/10

Listen to Thank God We Left The Garden

The Portland, Oregon singer-songwriter Jeffrey Martin made great use of a pair of microphones to record these 11 songs live in an 8x10 shack in his backyard, where he had to strategically dodge outside sounds.

The bare and eloquent “Lost Dog” opens the listen with vivid storytelling and warm acoustic guitar, and “Garden” continues that lead with Martin’s expressive pipes alongside the minimal instrumentation that emits much beauty.

Halfway through, “Paper Crown” possesses strong attention to mood, which helps make for a poetic quality, while the heartfelt “All My Love” uses Jon Neufeld’s light electric guitar for the stirring intimacy and gripping songwriting.

Landing near the end, “Sculptor” is another soft and sincere track that mixes thoughtful wordplay with sublime acoustic guitar, and “Walking” exits with a slight grit buried into the bare delivery.

A truly DIY effort that benefits from a ‘less is more’ philosophy, Martin’s vision is honest, comforting and introspective in ways that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Margo Cilker- Valley Of The Heart’s Delight; Nathan Graham- Saint Of Second Chances

Ulysses Owens Jr. And Generation Y

A New Beat

Cellar, 2024

8/10

Listen to A New Beat

The inimitable drummer Ulyssess Owens Jr. is in some fine company here, where 9 lively tunes unfold with a modern and stylish jazz appeal.

“Sticks” opens the listen with Sarah Hanahan’s bright sax and Benny Benack III’s flowing trumpet complementing Owens Jr.’s animated drumming, and “Better Days” follows with plenty of melody, where Philip Norris’ playful bass and Anthony Hervey’s graceful trumpet help cultivate a warm mood.

The middle belongs to “Until I See You Again”, where Luther Allison’s cozy piano is met with a meticulous rhythm section amid much intimacy, while “Heart Full Of Rhythm” places Milton Suggs on vocals via the soulful and heartfelt delivery of sophistication and friskiness.

The final 2 tracks don’t disappoint either, where the furious drumming of “Helen’s Song” meshes bright, swift brass with Ryoma Takenaga’s fluid bass and Tyler Bullock’s finger acrobatics on piano, and “Chicken An’ Dumplins” exits with a timeless and tuneful jazz flavor that we could never tire of.

An artist who is quickly entering legend status, Owens Jr.’s talents are exceptional, and the players surrounding him sure do put a fresh coat of paint on songs that we already enjoy.

Travels well with: Brad Turner Quintet- The Magnificent; Jalen Baker- Be Still

Taxicab Verses

Is What You Make It

Strolling Bones, 2023

9/10

Listen to Is What You Make It

A re-release from the Athens, GA ensemble that’s spearheaded by Jim Wilson, the presence of Kofi Atentenben and the Warriors (Accra, Ghana) helps make for a very fusion oriented listen that uses 25+ musicians via the worldly affair.

“Zero To Hero” opens the listen with lively drumming and plenty of soulful backing vocals, where well timed bass and spirited guitar playing helps make for much creativity, and “Charlie Parker” follows with Adjetey Quarshie’s dreamy flute and some rock’n’roll melodies entering the stylish delivery.

“Tug Of War” lands in the middle, and radiates a rich and cultured environment of playfulness and meticulousness thanks to the smooth sax bouts and textured percussion, while “Boyz Boyz” is full of mesmerizing qualities amid Wilson’s expressive storytelling and Melissa Colbert’s alluring backing vocals.

Close to the end, “Dunia” is a festive album highlight that’s densely packed with strings, winds and plenty of meticulous noisemakers, and “Wazor” exits with an anthemic and groove filled quality that utilizes John Fernandes’ well timed violin and thumping drums.

A truly innovative listen that meshes Americana with traditional Ghanaian instrumentation, every track here is a well thought out, precisely delivered and packed with a global appreciation.

Travels well with: Pierce Edens- A Life In Trade; Billy Keane- Oh, These Days

The Adam Deitch Quartet

Roll The Tape

Golden Wolf, 2023

9/10

Listen to Roll The Tape

The sophomore album from Adam Deitch and company, the drummer’s vision of soul-jazz welcomes Wil Blades, Ryan Zoidis, Eric Bloom and special guest John Scofield to the 10 exciting tunes.

“Lay It Back” opens the listen with Zoidis’ animated sax and Blades’ playful organ helping adding plenty of grooves to the warm beginning, and “Mushroom Gravy” follows with Deitch’s lively drumming alongside Scofield’s inimitable guitar playing for the more rock focused climate.

Further still, “Alone Together” radiates a thoughtful intimacy via the light drums and Bloom’s agile trumpet prowess, while “Language Interlude 3” pays close attention to mood thanks to Deitch’s acrobatic drumming skills that are stunning.

“Have Faith” and “Language Interlude 4” exit the listen, where the former mixes the cozy keys with the booming brass and plenty of funk bouts, and the latter finishes with Deitch’s solo drums again, which we could never tire of since it’s about as proficient as you’ll hear anywhere.

Deitch has already impressed us with his work in Lettuce, and this meshing of funk, hip-hop, breakbeat and electronic sounds that are danceable, sophisticated, and highly creative only further solidifies his place as one today’s best drummers.

Travels well with: Andy Hall- Squareneck Soul; Pixie & The Partygrass Boys- The Chicken Coop Vol. 1

Emmet Cohen

Masters Legacy Series Volume 5

Bandstand, 2023

8/10

Listen to Masters Legacy Series Volume 5

The esteemed pianist Emmet Cohen is aligned with the tenor sax legend Houston Person for these 8 timeless jazz tunes that are fleshed out meticulously.

The soulful and warm “Why Not?” begins the listen with Kyle Poole’s fluid drums complementing Person’s flowing brass and Cohen’s graceful keys, and “Isn’t It Romantic?” follows with the detailed piano playing and soft sax emitting much beauty.

“Just The Way You Are” occupies the middle spot and uses Yasushi Nakamura’s bouncy bass amid the frisky climate, while “I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart” focuses much on Cohen’s precise key interaction for the upbeat and rich delivery.

Elsewhere, “Blues Everywhere” certainly doesn’t lack any melody and embraces blues nods via the rhythmic demeanor, and “Sunday Kind Of Love” exits with a sublime intimacy that meshes the dreamy keys, poetic sax and gentle bass and drums.

Another excellent installment of this series, though most of us have heard these songs before, they’ve never sounded like this, and Cohen and Person’s playing is unparalleled, inviting and memorable.

Travels well with: Kenny Barron- The Source; Christian McBride’s New Jawn- Prime

Mike DiRubbo

Inner Light

Truth Revolution, 2023

8/10

Listen to Inner Light

The alto sax wizard Mike DiRubbo turns in a 10th release as leader, where a new quartet with Brian Charette, Andrew Renfroe and Jongkuk Kim help him cover a lot of territory across 11 songs.

The very bright “JK In NYC” opens the listen with DiRubbo’s animated sax and Kim’s fluid drumming making for an energetic climate, and “Scrollin’ And Trollin’” follows with Charette’s infectious keys aligning with the crisp drumming and soulful brass.

In the middle, “Love The Same” finds an intimate place to reside, where Renfroe’s light guitar helps cultivate some warm grooves, while “Brand New” radiates via a lush and stylish demeanor thanks to the flowing sax, soft drums and dreamy guitar.

The last 2 tracks, “Campania” and “Dearly Beloved”, don’t disappoint either, where the former carries much reflection thanks to its strong attention to mood, and the latter places itself in mesmerizing areas of dynamic and thoughtful song craft.

An album of timeless jazz sensibilities, DiRubbo and his quartet offer plenty of solos, no lack of melodies and plenty of beauty, too.

Travels well with: Vincent Hsu- Music For The River Jazz Suite: The Spirit Of Love River And Mississippi River; Ben Miller Trio- Feathers Of Ma’at

Russ Spiegel

Caribbean Blue

Ruzztone, 2023

8/10

Listen to Caribbean Blue

The globally revered guitarist Russ Spiegel bring along some excellent musicians for these 10 cultured songs that resonate much skill and creativity.

The rich and dynamic “The Underdown Groove” opens the listen with Brian Lynch’s bright trumpet complementing Lucas Apostoleris’ agile drumming, and “E. 22nd St.” follows with a frisky approach thanks to Hendrik Meurkens’ lively chromatic harmonica and Tim Armacost’s bright flute prowess.

Halfway through, “Slippery Slope” makes great use of Javier Nero’s soulful trombone and Jim Gasior’s upbeat organ via the animated melodies, while “Inquietude” showcases Ben Beal’s comforting vocals in the intimate and dreamy landscape.

Residing near the end, the aptly titled “Smooth Move” is full of meticulous guitar playing and warm sax playing, and “Coda” exits and revisits the title track with a particular attention to mood.

An effort that swings with charm and is full of worldly ideas, Spiegel’s guitar playing is unparalleled, and the company he keeps certainly illuminate his vision superbly.

Travels well with: Joe Wittman- Trio Works Sol; Todd Mosby- Land Of Enchantment

John Herberman

Spring Comes Early

Ceola, 2023

8/10

Listen to Spring Comes Early

A veteran jazz artist with much skill in the area of the keys, John Herberman has 45+ albums to his credit, and recently he’s returned to his interest of jazz from the ‘50s and ‘60s, which brings us to this 2nd album original tracks.

The warm spirit of “Courtenay Circle” opens the listen with Herberman’s elegant keys and Ted Warren’s playful drums making for a cozy climate, and “Central Park West” follows with Vern Dorge’s soulful sax and Paul Nototny’s skilled acoustic bass radiating care and dreaminess.

At the halfway point, “Modalities” benefits much from John McLeod’s well timed trumpet and Mark Duggan’s glowing vibes amid much melody, while “Gentle Giant” place Mark Kelso on drums and Mark Eisenman also on piano for the rich album highlight.

Moving towards the end, “St. James Town” spotlights Eric St. Laurent’s meticulous electric guitar, as the setting is more rock focused, and “Ballad For M.T.” exits with Kevin Turcotte’s sublime flugelhorn and Herberman’s poetic keys mixing with strong attention to detail.

The influences from Miles Davis, Ahmad Jamal, Bill Evans and Snarky Puppy won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated, as Herberman and company flesh out a timeless body of work.

Travels well with: Peripheral Vision- We’ve Got Nothing; Jesse Dietschi Trio- Gradient

Kerri Powers

Love Is Why

Wildflowers Child, 2023

8/10

Listen to Love Is Why

The New England singer-songwriter Kerri Powers returns with a first LP since 2018, and it’s a diverse 11 songs that recruits an all star cast for the thoughtful delivery.

“Rosie Blue” begins the listen with a very warm and eloquent climate of graceful singing and Bro Paul Brown’s well timed Hammond B3, and “Love Is Why” follows with Marco Giovino’s crisp drums complementing the rootsy flavor of the dreamy Americana.

In the middle, “Wine And Spirits” benefits much from Asa Brosius’ glowing pedal steel via the poetic delivery of intimacy, while “Please Call Home” features Paul Thorn’s expressive pipes and Marty Ballou’s precise upright bass to create a careful mood.

Near to the end, the rugged yet melodic “Rusted Bell” has Doug Lancio’s electric guitar supporting Powers’ guitar prowess and colorful singing, and “Are We Free” exits with Powers handling piano, too, in the emotive and honest song craft.

A listen that thematically surrounds grief and longing, there just isn’t a moment here that’s not genuine, personal and forthright, as Powers and company mesh blues, folk, Americana and soul with much skill and comfort.

Travels well with: Jason Lee McKinney Band- One Last Thing; The Barlow- New Year, Old Me

Danny O'Keefe

Circular Times

Sunset Blvd, 2023

9/10

Listen to Circular Times

Even if Danny O’Keefe’s name isn’t familiar, you’ve certainly heard his work, as his songs have been covered by Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Waylon Jennings, plus many more.

Here, we’re treated to 2 discs of his timeless songwriting, half of which are studio, the over half being live.

The dreamy, rich “Angel Spread Your Wings” opens the listen with no lack of rhythm alongside some grit, too, and it isn’t long until “You Don’t Have To Be Right” arrives with a mood of soulful singing and strategic keys.

Deeper into the first half of the listen, “Siamese Friends” offers a graceful moment of soft, agile songwriting, while the more rock focused “Litany” puts much emphasis on the lively drumming.

The back half of the listen welcomes the playful, country spirit of “Steel Guitar”, as well as the folk-rock nods of the meticulous “Well, Well, Well”. The set ends with “Goodtime Charlie’s Got The Blues”, where some warm blues does enter the light atmosphere and cozy acoustic guitar.

The live portion was recorded in 2016 in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the sound is excellent. The studio tracks involve co-writes with Michael McDonald, Viktor Krauss, Tim O’Brien and Bob Dylan. There’s little secret as to why so many legends have recorded Keefe’s work; the guy can write a tune you won’t soon forget, and there’s 30+ to peruse here.

Travels well with: Steve Goodman- The Best Of Steve Goodman; Firefall- Friends & Family

Sylvia Brooks

Live With Christian Jacob

Rhombus, 2023

8/10

Listen to Live With Christian Jacob

The inimitable vocalist Sylvia Brooks returns with a 5th album, where live selections from the American Songbook were fleshed out at Herb Albert’s Vibrato, and with an all star cast on hand.

The lively “When The Sun Comes Out” begins the listen with Brooks’ animated voice alongside Kevin Kanner’s agile drumming and Jacob’s bright keys, and “Blues In The Night” follows with Jeff Bunnell’s glowing brass amid the expressive singing of the stylish delivery.

Deeper into the set, “The Flea Markets Of Paris” is a calm moment of poeticism from Brooks’ powerful delivery amid the gentle piano, while “Night & Day” offers a frisky burst of soulful brass from Brian Scanlon’s well timed sax to complement the rich album highlight.

Closer to the end, the dreamy “Holding Back Tears", an original, meshes the stunning vocals with powerful and flowing piano from Jacobs, and “Come Rain Or Come Shine” exits with a dense and melodic appeal that utilizes the warm horns, cozy keys and flawless singing.

A set with excellent interpretations and top notch originals, Brooks and company bring us along for a memorable journey into timeless jazz sounds.

Travels well with: Constantine Alexander- Firetet; Arina Fujiwara- Neon

Bennett Paster

Radiance

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Radiance

The pianist and composer Bennett Paster brings along Gary Wang and Tony Mason for these soulful and groove filled 11 songs that will satiate any fan of jazz.

The upbeat title track opens the listen with Mason’s thumping drums and Paster’s flowing keys working together with warmth, and “Agile Wallaby” follows with Wang’s playful bass complementing the melodic gestures of the keys.

In the middle, the soft intimacy of “Interlude” radiates a very careful demeanor, while “Understate” is a frisky moment where the charming rhythm section matches the meticulous piano.

Close to the end, the dreamy “Strange Mercy” offers a lush and thoughtful album highlight, and “Tomcat” exits with the mesmerizing bass, crisp drums and agile piano playing emitting a stirring and timeless appeal.

A body of work that doesn’t shy away from boogaloo, blues and funk, too, Paster makes the most out of this piano trio set up with much care and creativity.

Travels well with: Monika Ryan- Playfully; Bennett Paster- Indivisible

Boy Named Banjo

Dusk

Mercury Nashville, 2023

9/10

Listen to Dusk

Nashville’s Boy Named Banjo have come a long way in their 10+ year career, and this major label debut has the quintet exploring their diverse and textured sounds while still being very much rooted to their bluegrass ways.

The warm and poetic “Something ‘Bout A Sunset” opens the listen with Sam McCullough’s muscular drumming complementing the smooth and fluid country rock ideas, and “Heart Attack” follows with Willard Logan’s meticulous guitar and Barton Davies’ chunky banjo that fuels the soaring, rural rock ideas.

Elsewhere, the spirited harmonica from William Reames complements the soulful and anthemic “Young Forever”, while “Mama, I’m Misbehavin’” carries an intimate dreaminess that uses Ford Garrard’s bass superbly.

Residing near the end, “Lonely In This Town”, the album’s best, is full of cozy melodies and a sing-along quality via the band’s rich Americana, and “Opposite Directions” exits with intricate finger picking and heartfelt singing that possesses much beauty.

A fantastic listen that’s full of 3 part harmonies, Laurel Canyon nods and fusion friendly song craft, fans of country, Americana, roots, bluegrass and folk won’t need to look any further to find their new favorite band.

Travels well with: Kitchen Dwellers- Wise River; Kendall Street Company- The Year The Earth Stood Still: Ninurta

Eric Moe

Strenuous Pleasures

New Focus, 2023

9/10

Listen to Strenuous Pleasures

A collection of chamber pieces from the Pittsburgh composer and pianist/keyboardist Eric Moe, the 6 pieces that make up Strenuous Pleasures were penned from 2010-2020, and recruit counter)induction, Da Capo Chamber Players, Horszowski Trio, David Russell and Elliott Riley.

The title track opens the listen with the Da Capo Chamber Players working together with much creativity, where Curtis Macomber’s animated violin, Michael Lipsey’s unpredictable percussion and Patricia Spencer’s dreamy flute make for a rich and technical delivery.

Further along, Russell’s meticulous cello is spotlighted across the atmospheric and mysterious “Deep Ecology”, while “Spirit Mountain” brings the players back, as Nanci Belmont’s moody bassoon and Steve Beck’s well timed keys dance around the lush climate.

The last 2 tracks, “Demon Theory” and “Welcome To Phase Space”, don’t disappoint either. The former rumbles thanks to Moe’s lively piano alongside Riley’s diverse alto sax prowess, and the latter employs the Horszowski trio, and emits much intimacy via Jesse Mills’ stirring violin, Raman Ramakrishnan’s elegant cello and Rieko Aizawa’s tonally playful keys.

A listen that’s highly complicated but still easily accessible, Moe’s manipulation of electro-acoustic ideas embraces jazz, classical and innovative chamber nods that radiate much timelessness.

Travels well with: Doug Bielmeier- Music For Billionaires; Eric Nathan- Some Favored Nook

Nooky Jones

Like Candy

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Like Candy

A band not a person, Nooky Jones, the rising outfit from the always fertile Minneapolis scene, return with more of their soul, jazz and hip-hip influenced sounds on this charming EP.

“Gimme Some More” starts the quick listen with bright horns and plenty of funky grooves in the fun opener, and “Pardon Me” follows with a calm spirit and smooth singing alongside R&B influences.

Further in the EP the title track recruits keys and finger snappin’ as frontman Cameron Kinghorn hits some high notes, while “Everything You Do” finds a seductive atmosphere of warm instrumentation. “After Two”, with Cory Wong, finishes out the party with a festive, brass friendly exit that further punctuates the strong chemistry between the 6 members.

The band celebrated this EP with the first live ticketed event at Paisley Park since Prince’s passing in 2016, and it only seems fitting that an ensemble that parallels the versatility, creativity and timelessness of all the sounds that originated at Prince’s headquarters mark the return of live music.

Travels well with: Fitz & The Tantrums- More Than Just A Dream; Cody ChesnuTT-Landing On A Hundred