Sylvia Tyson

At The End Of The Day

Stony Plain, 2023

9/10

Listen to At The End Of The Day

The veteran folk artist Sylvia Tyson has been a fixture since the late ‘50s, and all these decades later she’s still making great music, as evidenced by these 12 songs that span a life that’s been fully lived.

“Sweet Agony” opens the listen with a stirring love song that uses graceful keys alongside Tyson’s expressive pipes, and “I Never Got Over You” follows with crisp drums and Drew Jurecka’s emotive violin complementing the dreamy climate.

Half way through, the upbeat delivery of “Now Tell Me That You’ve Got The Blues” benefits much from John Sheard’s frisky keys and Tyson’s playful vocals, while “Generous Heart” tugs on the heartstrings with its flowing balladry amid Davide DiRenzo’s calm drums and Charles James’ well timed bass plucking.

Approaching the end, “Angels In Troubled Times” takes nods to melody from Porter’s Dream and radiates much sincerity and beauty via Tyson’s thoughtful craft, and “Janet’s Garden” exits with soothing accordion and charming mandolin populating the instrumental finish.

This will be Tyson’s last album, and it’s a perfect way to end her lengthy and esteemed career, where folk songs that will always be relevant and appreciated more than hold our attention.

Travels well with: Sue Foley- Live In Austin Vol. 1; Eric Bibb- Ridin’

David Lee Myers & Toshimaru Nakamura

Elements

Surface World, 2023

8/10

Listen to Elements

A pair of luminaries in the area of the electronic underground, David Lee Myers and Toshimaru Nakamura come together for these experimental and gorgeous pieces that are collaborative and creative.

The feedback friendly and glitchy “Thorax” begins the listen with a hint of ominousness, and “Cantor” follows with a distinct droning of sci-fi ideas and radiating beauty under the manipulation of sound.

Further along, the initially bare “Tarmac” pulsates with a minimal gesture that, about 4 minutes in, gets fuller in scope, while “Tentacle” enters darker areas of swirling electronics and strategic noise that nearly seems like it’s being recorded under water.

Residing closer to the end, “Aureole” emits dynamic looping via much warmth, and “Umbra” exits with just over a minute of otherworldly and precise tinkering of inviting music.

Myers handles feedback matrices and modular electronics, and Nakamura brings his innotivate no-input mixing board. For fans of Éliane Radigue, Faith Coloccia, Philip Jeck’s Stardust and Laurie Spiegel, this is an absolute must. Or, if you just want to explore something atypical and progressive in the area of electronics.

Travels well with: Kee Avil- Crease; Ryan Dugré- Three Rivers

The Resonant Rogues

The Resonant Rogues

Sassafrass Sounds, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Resonant Rogues

An outfit spearheaded by Sparrow and Keith Josiah Smith, The Resonant Rogues blend Appalachian sounds, classic country and nostalgic soul into these 12 creative and unpredictable songs.

“Sun In Winter” opens the listen with Sparrow’s warm banjo and expressive singing alongside Kristen Harris’ stirring fiddle, and “93,500 Miles” follows with bright melodies and a thumping, rural energy, where John Pahmer’s playful organ suits Sparrow’s agile accordion.

Into the middle, Benjamin Tod’s glowing harmonies complement John James Tourville’s intimate pedal steel in the cozy climate of “Tell Me Mailman”, while “What Makes Me Think” welcomes Jason Dea West’s spirited harmonica, where Smith’s vocals are front and center for the poetic storytelling.

Close to the end, the pair’s vocal acrobatics and Landon George’s baritone guitar give “Reset My Heart” an old time feel, and “What Happened To The Feeling” exits with emotive fiddle and flowing banjo amid Sparrow’s fluid pipes for a heartfelt finish to a very thoughtful record.

A highly eclectic affair that even touches on R&B, Spaghetti Western and doo-wop ideas, The Resonant Rogues make folk music in their own fashion, and it’s quite engaging.

Travels well with: The Local Honeys- The Local Honeys: Boy Named Banjo- Dusk

Various Artists

Yellowjackets: Season 2 Official Soundtrack

Showtime, 2023

9/10

Listen to Yellowjackets: Season 2 Official Soundtrack

A 16 track listen with some serious talent present, this 2nd season of Yellowjackets contains music that’s just as great as the writing and acting.

Alanis Morissette’s goth inspired “No Return” opens the listen with a haunting version of alt-rock flavor, and it isn’t long before Nirvana’s classic, “Something In The Way” creates a hazy mood of mystery and warmth.

Further along, “Zombie”, the smash hit from The Cranberries, sounds perfect for the series with its powerful yet beautiful delivery, while the electro-pop legends Sparks bring plenty of New Wave spirit to the eerie “Angst In My Pants”.

Closer to the end, the French cover band Nouvelle Vague turn in a unique version of “The Killing Moon”, before Elliott Smith’s “Pitseleh”, which has a similar impact that his work for Good Will Hunting presented. Morissette returns for the last track, a 2nd version of the opening tune, where the warm piano is met with breathy singing of Craig Wedren (Shudder To Think) and Anna Waronker’s lyrics.

An often nostalgic listen that points towards some of the best from the ‘90s (Live, Veruca Salt and Garbage are also present, plus many others), the modern selections are also excellent, and certainly suits the quality of the show.

Travels well with: Sparks- Balls; The Cranberries- To The Faithfully Departed

Philip Blackburn

ORDO

Neuma, 2023

9/10

Listen to Ordo

The inimitable composer Philip Blackburn brings us selections from 4 decades of his work, and it unfolds across 2 discs that recruits plenty of help from esteemed musicians.

The droning ambience of “Weft Sutra” begins the listen with a sonic appeal that’s uniquely warm and makes great use of Nirmala Rajasekar’s veena, and it isn’t long until “The Song Of The Earth” arrives with Patti Cudd’s vibraphone helping cultivate plenty of intrigue and melody.

Further into disc 1, “Lilacs And Lightning” benefits much from Emanuele Arciuli’s twinkling piano amid a stirring atmosphere, while “A Cambridge Musick: solve et coagula” leads off disc 2 with Zachery Meier’s lovely flute that complements the calm versus busy bouts of chamber fueled songwriting.

Deeper into the listen, “Unearthing” presents flickering voices and jumbles of strings fleshed out in an avant-garde fashion, and even further is “Air:Air, Canary, New Ground”, where the No Exit New Music Ensemble brings clarinet and piano to an unpredictable and flowing display of timeless songwriting.

A highly complicated listen that’s never esoteric, Blackburn’s vision is an imaginative and artistic offering of ambience, harmonics and atypical patterns that are mesmerizing from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Linda Dusman- Flashpoint; Jeremy Beck- Remember

Linda Dusman

Flashpoint

Neuman, 2023

9/10

Listen to Flashpoint

The atypical composer Linda Dusman touches on both personal and political topics here, where 11 experimental pieces mesh societal issues with ideas of identity, memory, and human experience.

The title track opens the listen with Lisa Cella’s solo bass flute making for both mystery and warmth as it manipulates sound with much skill, and “Dream Prayer Lullaby” follows with Airi Yoshioka’s gripping violin playing that uses both bare and firm techniques via the strong attention to pitch.

“Lake Thunder” and “Dancing Universe” land in the middle, where the former employs E. Michael Richards’ cozy Bb clarinet and Patrick Crossland’s moody trombone strategically, while the latter rumbles thanks to the Trio des Alpes, whose strings and keys interact with melody and dreaminess.

Close to the end, the 5 chapters of “Corona Bagatelles” blends Gita Ladd’s violoncello and Daniel Pesca’s piano in cinematic and intimate ways, and “Mother Of Exiles” exits with 10+ minutes of keys, strings, winds and percussion by way of the Inscape Chamber Orchestra, who radiate harmonic waves of beauty.

A listen that’s very topical and comes with a unique prettiness and much care, Dusman’s vision is fleshed out with fascinating attention to detail that is quite fascinating.

Travels well with: Jeremy Beck- Remember; Jon Christopher Nelson- The Persistence Of Time And Memory

Girls Next Door

Now Or Never

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Now Or Never

Doris, Cindy, Tammy and Diane, i.e. Girls Next Door, began in 1982, but went on hiatus in 1991 to take care of their families. Now, 31 years later, they’re back and in fine form across these 7 timeless songs.

The soaring and harmonic country rock of “What’s This Thing (You’ve Got About Leaving)” opens the listen with the quartet’s smooth voices aligned with warm fiddle and playful keys, and it isn’t long until the gritty yet melodic “When The Water’s Down” bring thicker guitar and well timed dobro for the more firm presence.

On the back half, the stirring intimacy of “Shades Of Grey” uses pretty viola and dreamy backing vocals via the gorgeous climate, while “Livin’ In The Rain” exits the listen with a soothing, gospel spirit of finger snapping, and light bass and percussion to complement the glowing vocal harmonies.

A triumphant return, let’s hope it isn’t decades before the Girls Next Door make another appearance, cause their vocal prowess is still very much appreciated.

Travels well with: Sister Sadie- II; Sylvia- Nature Child- A Dreamer’s Journey

Mike Zito

Life Is Hard

Gulf Coast, 2024

10/10

Listen to Life Is Hard

The blues powerhouse Mike Zito never disappoints, and these 12 new tunes welcome Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith on the production side, where a highly emotive presence is appreciated and apt, as Zito’s wife passed away recently.

The rhythmic and driving “Lonely Man” opens the listen with a timeless, bluesy appeal of warmth, and the title track follows with a powerful and passionate delivery that uses graceful keys from Reese Wynans amid the soaring guitar.

Half way through, “No One To Talk To (But The Blues)” gets rowdy and animated, where the thumping keys and Lemar Carter’s drums suite Zito’s expressive pipes, while the intimate “These Eyes” is full of poetic and romantic songwriting that’s soulful and stirring.

Arriving near the end, “Nobody Moves Me Like You Do” emits a dense, rich and meticulous appeal in its textured delivery, and “Forever My Love” finishes with soaring vocals and unparalleled guitar playing that reminds us of what we’ll always love about the blues.

Like everything Zito is attached to, this is first rate, and he claims it’s his best work yet. It’s hard to argue with that, and certainly is no easy task considering the talent he possesses, but Life Is Hard just might be the best blues album of 2024.

Travels well with: Albert Castiglia- Wild And Free; Billy Price- Dog Eat Dog

Susan Alcorn

Canto

Relative Pitch, 2023

9/10

Listen to Canto

The pedal steel guitar wizard Susan Alcorn meshes Chilean folk music and nueva canción with plenty of improvisation across these diverse and worldly 6 tracks.

The very intimate “Suite Para Todas” opens the listen with Danka Villanueva’s stirring violin and Rodrigo Bodadilla’s dreamy flute helping make much beauty, and “Cantos” follows with 3 segments, where Luis ‘ToTo’ Alvarez’s cozy guitar is met with plenty of unconventional ideas, including Amanda Irarrazabal’s playful bass plucking.

The final 2 tracks make an impression, too, where “Mercedes Sosa” emits much melody via Francisco ‘Pancho’ Araya’s skilled charango, and “El Derecho de Vivir en Paz” exits with gorgeous singing from Villanueva amid the dense bass and light drums thanks to Claudio ‘Pajaro’ Araya.

A record that’s not easy to classify but certainly easy to enjoy, the contemporary classical, progressive jazz and strategic improvisation makes each piece here radiate in its own light, whether it’s balladry, chanting or global dance sounds.

Travels well with: Sara Serpa & André Matos- Night Birds; Aline Homzy- Éclipse

Randy Lee Riviere

Blues Sky

Wilderness, 2023

8/10

Listen to Blues Sky

The blues and roots enthusiast Randy Lee Riviere brings along Kevin McKendree, Kenneth Blevins, David Santos and Ann, Regina and Freda McCrary for these 11 modern and memorable tunes.

“American Redoubt” begins the listen with Riviere’s sturdy pipes and spirited guitar alongside Blevins’ thumping drums for the dense blues rock, and “You’re So Kind” follows with a hint of grunge, as the thick guitars are met with Santos’ agile bass playing.

In the middle, the more cautious “Spit Shine” layers the guitars amid the dreamy rhythm section, while “What You Know About Pain?” brings some soulfulness into the restrained blues ideas that makes good use of McKendree’s well timed keys.

Residing near the end, “Joseline” emits a timeless, melodic appeal that helps make this the album’s best and recruits warm backing vocals from the McCrary’s, and “Cold Cold River” exits with a stirring intimacy that hints at gospel, and flows via a heartfelt demeanor, all with soothing backing vocals from the trio.

A diverse and thoughtful body of work, Riviere’s vision is certainly steeped in the blues, but his country and Americana influences won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated, either.

Travels well with: Jason Ricci And The Bad Kind- Behind The Veil; Johnny Rawls- Walking Heart Attack

Foghat

Sonic Mojo

Foghat, 2023

8/10

Listen to Sonic Mojo

The classic rock legends Foghat return with their 17th album and first in 7 years, and it comes with both originals and covers fleshed out in a way that only the English rockers can do it.

The thumping “She’s A Little Bit Of Everything” opens the listen with Roger Earl's firm drums and Bryan Bassett’s slide guitar making for a rugged yet melodic climate, and “I Don’t Appreciate You” follows with a driving energy thanks to Scott Holt’s fluid guitar alongside Bassett’s smooth pipes.

Willie Dixon’s “Let Me Love You Baby” lands in the middle, and brings plenty of soulfulness to the animated and powerful delivery, while Rodney Crowell’s “Song For Life” is a more intimate moment that uses Rodney O’Quinn’s fluid bass well amid Eddie Lefebvre’s frisky percussion.

Closer to the end, the warm and cozy “Time Slips Away” is packed with beauty and introspection, and “Promised Land”, by Chuck Berry, exits the listen with a dance floor ready energy that will get your body moving to the grooves and rhythm.

An institution in the area of rock, Foghat have been making inimitable music for 50+ years now, and Sonic Mojo proves that their creativity and timelessness hasn’t waned one bit.

Travels well with: Ann Wilson- Fierce Bliss; Soen- Memorial

Robert Finley

Black Bayou

Easy Eye Sound, 2023

9/10

Listen to Black Bayou

Even though he may have gotten a late start in the area of recorded music, the 70 year old career musician Robert Finley is making up for lost time with another batch of rugged blues songs.

The thumping and rhythmic “Livin’ Out Of A Suitcase” opens the listen with Finley’s expressive and gritty pipes alongside Dan Auerbach’s warm guitar and Eric Deaton’s playful bass lines, and “Sneakin’ Around” follows with much soul, where Patrick Carney’s skilled drums and Raay Mason’s bright trombone help make for plenty of melody.

Elsewhere, “Can’t Blame Me For Trying” uses Sam Bacco’s agile percussion and Kenny Brown’s guitar to cultivate a powerful and cozy landscape, while “Nobody Wants To Be Lonely” is populated by Ray Jacildo’s moody keys and well timed backing vocals from Christy Johnson and LaQuindrelyn McMahon for a rich, gospel spirited album highlight.

Deeper still, “You Got It (And I Need It)” places Jeffrey Clemens on drums to complement Finley’s diverse pipes, and “Alligator Bait” exits with an intimate moment of genuine and raw song craft, where the talking vs. singing carries plenty of southern blues swagger.

A genuine body of work that embraces funk, soul, blues and swampy ideas, Finley actually lost his sight in his 60’s, saw success on reality TV and has become a much adored storyteller of life in Louisiana, as evidenced by this 3rd exceptional album in 7 years.

Travels well with: Jackson + Sellers- Breaking Point; John R. Miller- Depreciated

Steve Million

Perfectly Spaced

Calligram, 2023

9/10

Listen to Perfectly Spaced

The Chicago pianist Steve Million brings along Mark Feldman, Eric Hochberg and Bob Rummage for plenty of improvisation packed into this exciting jazz listen.

Million’s expressive keys open the listen with the rhythmic and warm title track, where Hochberg’s bouncy bass lines won’t go unnoticed, and “Tortured Moon” follows with Feldman’s stirring violin complementing the strong attention to mood.

The playful “Ditty Do Wah” arrives in the middle and uses Rummage’s frisky drums amid the plucked bass and agile keys, while “Idnit” contains both busy and bare moments of beauty and grace from the skilled quartet.

Residing near the end, the swift strings and meticulous keys of “Onjeeh” won’t go unnoticed, and “Time Remembered” exits with a sublime intimacy via the aching violin, gorgeous piano and cozy interaction that tugs on the heartstrings.

A diverse listen that can be mournful as well as swing with friskiness, Million and company make for a record that will appeal to jazz fans from any era.

Travels well with: Atlantic Road Trip- One; Dave Bayles Trio- Live At The Uptowner

Atlantic Road Trip

One

Calligram, 2023

9/10

Listen to One

The assembly of Paul Towndrow, Chad McCullough, Miro Herak, Conor Murray and Alyn Cosker, as Atlantic Road Trip the quintet make for a very rich debut.

“The Other Fulton Street” opens the listen with Herak’s soothing vibraphone alongside Cosker’s skilled drumming populating the atmospheric start that brings in Towndrow’s lively sax, and “Nightingale Island” follows with McCullough’s well timed trumpet mixing with the frisky drums via much melody.

Halfway through, “Auburn” is an intimate moment of beauty and grace thanks to the soulful brass, while “Cacuvela” radiates a distinct energy thanks to the lively vibes and Murray’s strategic double bass prowess.

The last 2 tracks don’t disappoint either, where the bouncy and shuffling demeanor of “Upside Down is the album’s best, and “Dreams Of Matka” exits with all the player’s respective talents present and appreciated for the cozy and unpredictable jazz flavor.

A listen with an international presence, Herak’s Slovakian heritage and Towndrow and Cosker’s Scottish roots, plus Murray’s Irish background, complement McCullough’s Chicago address with a nice balance of worldly jazz sensibilities.

Travels well with: Dave Bayles Trio- Live At The Uptowner; Scott Hesse Trio- Intentions

Robin Trower

Joyful Sky

Provogue, 2023

8/10

Listen to Joyful Sky

The legendary guitarist Robin Trower is aligned with the powerful vocals of Sari Schorr for these 10 blues rock meets R&B tunes that you won’t soon forget.

The powerful yet dreamy “Burn” begins the listen with Schorr’s inviting voice amid Trower’s precise guitar playing, and “I’ll Be Moving On” follows with crisp drums and plenty of rhythm that flows in and out of the melodic climate.

“Change It” occupies the middle spot, and carries a bouncy and animated spirit, while the title track pays close attention to mood via the diverse singing and slightly ominous backdrop.

Approaching the end, “Flatter To Deceive” is a bright and dynamic album highlight that embraces classic rock nods, and “I Will Always Be Your Shelter” exits with a particular intimacy that’s shrouded in mystery, warmth and intrigue.

Schorr’s smokey pipes sure do draw us in immediately, and Trower’s always impressive prowess is nothing to spit at either, as the sometimes ‘70s influences won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated, either.

Travels well with: Joe Bonamassa- Blues Deluxe Vol. 2; Walter Trout- Ride

Dave Bayles Trio

Live At The Uptowner

Calligram, 2023

8/10

Listen to Live At The Uptowner

The Milwaukee drummer Dave Bayles makes quite an impression with this first effort as leader, where Russ Johnson and Clay Schaub accompany him for 9 animated live tracks.

The lively “Fitzroy” opens the listen with Bayles’ frisky drums and Johnson’s playful trumpet making for a crisp climate, and “Third Birthday (this many)” follows with no lack of melody present in the song for Schaub’s daughter.

Deeper into the set, “The Illusionist’s Sister” recruits plenty of energy via the be-bop influences, while “Shuffle Boil”, by Thelonious Monk, welcomes bursts of funk bouts amid the radiant brass.

“Waking Hour” and “Horizontal Heartburn” exit the listen, where the former emits a unique intimacy thanks to the soulful horn and Schaub’s moody bass, and the latter spotlights a looping groove that’s matched by a meticulous drum solo.

A listen that swings charmingly and certainly isn’t lacking any rhythm, Bayles and company more than keep our attention with these timeless jazz tunes.

Travels well with: Scott Hesse Trio- Intention; Steve Million- Perfectly Spaced

Scott Hesse Trio

Intention

Calligram, 2023

8/10

Listen to Intention

The inimitable guitarist Scott Hesse is joined by Clark Sommers and Dana Hall for these 7 well executed tunes, where the live setting allows for much spontaneity.

After the brief introduction, “Wise One” spends 11+ minutes mesmerizing us with Hesse’s warm guitar and Sommers’ frisky drums that benefit much from Hall’s playful drumming, and “Intention” continues the mood with no lack of rhythm via the lively rhythm section and meticulous guitar progressions.

Further along, “Ana Maria” emits a glowing melodicism amid the swift guitar playing, while “The Night Owl” carries a more intimate demeanor of restrained beauty and a unique dreaminess. “Rejoicing” exits the listen, and it’s an upbeat and stylish display of modern jazz dynamics that are as memorable as they are timeless.

The sound quality here is fantastic, as the Chicago resident Hesse’s first outing as a leader since 2015 brings us groove filled and exciting selections from Coltrane, Shorter and Coleman, plus top notch originals.

Travels well with: Clark Sommers- Feast Ephemera; Alex Beltran- Rift

Weiss Kaplan Stumpf Trio

Beethoven: Complete Piano Trios

Bridge, 2023

9/10

Listen to Beethoven: Complete Piano Trios

Yael Weiss, Mark Kaplan and Peter Stumpf come together for this 3 disc collection that interprets Beethoven’s work in a trio setting.

“Piano Trio in D Major, Op. 70, No. 1 ‘Ghost’” begins the listen with Weiss’ agile keys and Stumpf’s graceful cello unfolding across 3 segments of warm and detailed musicianship.

Further into Disc 1, “Piano Trio in E-flat Major, Op. 1, No. 1” blends the dancing keys with the emotive strings, where Kaplan’s meticulous violin prowess won’t go unnoticed, while “Piano Trio in G major, Op. 1, No. 2” opens Disc 2 with no lack of beauty, where waves of dreaminess enter the strong attention to atmosphere.

Closer to the end, “Piano Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 97, ‘Archduke”” carries a cinematic quality, as the heartfelt strings and agile keys work together with much playfulness and intimacy, and “Piano Trio in E-flat major, Op. 70, No. 2” exits with a tremendous amount of beauty amid the pretty key progressions and soothing strings, where bouts of firm gestures are appreciated.

A listen that spotlights the enormity of the talent from the trio, the balance, precision and timelessness here is awe inspiring.

Travels well with: Bruce Levingston- Without Words; Gerald Cohen- Voyagers

David Shapiro & The Crossing

Sumptuous Planet

New Focus, 2023

8/10

Listen to Sumptuous Planet

The esteemed composer David Shapiro is aligned with the vocal prowess of The Crossing for these songs that center around the science based position that the universe and nature of existence utilize a musical form that is based in the Christian Mass.

The soaring voices of “Introit-Unsung” opens the listen with gorgeous harmonizing amid the diverse range, and “Mercy- If There Is Mercy” follows with light vocals that emit much intimacy, as the setting is quite dreamy.

Further into the 16 tracks, “Thankfulness” layers the singing with agile precision and warmth, while “Spirit-Mystic Jelly” radiates a stirring, highly melodic presence of heartfelt and powerful vocalization that few could parallel.

Close to the end, “Suffering” comes with plenty of emotion alongside the gripping atmosphere that pays strong attention to mood, and “Osanna- And We Dance” exits with a bright and frisky finish of booming voices.

The texts are rooted in ideas of the evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, physicist Richard Feynman, and the 17th century Dutch microbiologist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, where Shapiro’s vision is executed with The Crossing’s luminous presence.

Travels well with: Eric Moe- Strenuous Pleasures; Eric Nathan- Some Favored Nook

Oh Land & Arthur Moon

Replanting The Family Tree

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Replanting The Family Tree

The Danish artist Oh Land returns with 5 Arthur Moon remixes, as her electronic-pop formula finds an even more creative place to reside with Moon’s contributions.

“Salt” starts the listen with an ambient feel as vocal manipulation exists alongside keys, and “Open” follows with a similar dance inspired approach with a constant tweaking of sounds and textures.

In the middle, the best track, “Human Error”, is less busy and allows the strong vocals to soar, while “After The Storm” recruits a lush and beat friendly setting of exploration. The dreamy, almost cinematic “When A Hawk Comes By” ends the quick listen.

Oh Land’s Family Tree album was a pivotal release for the songstress, and these reworkings of tunes from that album with Moon make these versions even more enthralling, lively and embraceable.

Travels well with: Kasper Bjorke- Fool; Mates Of State- Mountaintops