Steve Cropper

With A Little Help From My Friends

Omnivore, 2023

9/10

Listen to With A Little Help From My Friends

The guitartist, songwriter and producer Steve Cropper’s has an impressive resume that includes being a founding member of Stax house band Booker T. & The M.G.’s, and his 1969 debut album lives again here, and comes with some previously unissued bonus tracks.

The swift and crisp blues of “Crop Dustin’” begins the listen with bright brass to match Cropper’s intricate guitar, and “Land Of 1000 Dances” follows with a rhythmic and indeed dance floor ready demeanor.

Further into the original disc, “Funky Broadway” sure gets funky with plenty of groove friendly melodies, while “Oh Pretty Woman” benefits much from moody organ that suits the meticulous guitar playing and soulful horns.

The final track of the 1969 version, “Rattlesnake”, is percussively strong, and soars with animated brass amid the playful guitar acrobatics, and, of the unissued tracks, “I’m Going Home” is particularly memorable thanks to the agile piano, thumping drums and lively guitar. “Soulful Strut”, another excellent selection late in the listen, then uses bouncy bass, upbeat guitar and plenty of harmonic gestures for a charming demeanor.

A record where no other musicians were credited, Robert Gordon’s liner notes give us some insight into the effort from one of the greatest guitar players of all time. Amazingly, Cropper has released music in every decade since the ‘60s, and this early body of work certainly has aged well.

Travels well with: Kirk Fletcher- Heartache By The Pound; The Duke Robillard Band- They Called It Rhythm & Blues

Dave Stryker Trio w/Bob Mintzer

Groove Street

Strikezone, 2024

9/10

Listen to Groove Street

The guitar giant Dave Stryker is surrounded by some incredible players here, where Bob Mintzer, Jared Gold and McClenty Hunter accompany him for these 9 modern jazz tunes.

The aptly named title track opens the listen with Hunter’s playful drums and Mintzer’s animated sax complementing Stryker’s fluid guitar lines, and “Overlap” follows with Gold’s meticulous organ prowess adding much warmth to the melodic landscape.

In the middle, the intimate “Infant Eyes” finds itself in dreamy territory thanks to the rich brass, while “Soulstice” bops and shakes with a frisky energy via the crisp drums and firm keys.

Close to the end, “Code Blue”, the album’s best, is a lively and charming jazz rocker that spotlights Mintzer’s incredible sax playing, and “Straight Ahead” exits with a punchy and harmonic appeal that will be forever timeless.

A highly appropriately titled listen, Stryker never misses, and the excellent help at his side makes Groove Street another must have record for the jazz fanatic.

Travels well with: Bob Mintzer- Soundscapes; Dave Stryker- Prime

The Dig 3

Damn The Rent

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Damn The Rent

The assembly of Andrew Duncanson, Ronnie Shellist, and one-man-band Gerry Hundt, the diverse blues they make as The Dig 3 unfolds across 12 creative songs here.

The swampy flavor of “Take A Ride” opens the listen with Shellist’s warm harmonica alongside Hundt’s playful percussion and Duncanson’s gritty pipes, and “All The Love I Got” follows with no lack of rhythm, where Duncanson’s cozy guitar and melodic singing suits the bouncy climate.

Into the middle, “Chuck & Willie” offers a driving pulse of folk friendly and upbeat songwriting, while “Gold Tooth” shakes and bounces with a vintage blues appeal that will get your body in motion to the lively grooves that spotlights Hundt’s mandolin.

The final 2 selections are bonus tracks, where “Southern Fantasy” welcomes Lauren Dukes’ soulful backing vocals to the rich and funky delivery, and a bigger version of “All The Love That I Got” exits with Rick King’s frisky drums and Aaron Whittier’s skilled bass helping to cultivate a harmonic and scrappy version of the blues.

A listen where each tune radiates in its own light, The Dig 3 would be suitable for a disco, barnyard dance or a sweaty evening of the blues, as their inimitable version of honky tonk meets roots rock leaves an impression.

Travels well with: Blackburn Brothers- SoulFunkn’ Blues; Johnny Burgin- No Border Blues

Chick Corea & Orchestra da Camera Della Sardegna

Sardinia

Candid, 2023

10/10

Listen to Sardinia

A collection of previously unreleased tracks from Sardinia, Italy, Chick Corea is alongside the Orchestra da Camera della Sardegna for these 5 pieces that tip their hat to Mozart and Gershwin.

After a quick introduction, “Mozart Piano Concerto No. 24 in C Minor, K.491: I. Allegro” spends nearly 20 minutes mesmerizing us with its flowing keys and meticulous string bouts that are both elegant and melodic.

The middle tracks belong to “Mozart Piano Concerto No. 24 in C Minor, K.491: II. Larghetto” and “Mozart Piano Concerto No. 24 in C Minor, K.491: III. Allegretto”, where the former offers a dreamy climate of warmth, while the latter blends the orchestra’s agile delivery with Corea’s stunning finger acrobatics.

The last 2 tracks are Gershwin’s, where “Someone To Watch Over Me” radiates a rare beauty via the dancing keys, and “Rhapsody In Blue” exits with a bit of rumbling, soulful brass, charming winds and, of course, Corea’s inimitable presence for the soaring and triumphant finish.

Available on CD or a double album, the package comes with thorough liner notes from the author and historian Robin D.G. Kelly, and highlights Corea’s distinct vision of a classical performance that will be forever timeless.

Travels well with: The Chick Corea Elektric Band- The Future Is Now; Max Roach- We Insist!

The Chick Corea Elektric Band

The Future Is Now

Candid, 2023

10/10

Listen to The Future Is Now

The legendary pianist and composer Chick Corea treats us to a previously unreleased album of live recordings with Elektric Band- who reunited for these tracks captured in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

“Charged Particles” opens the listen with Dave Weckl’s acrobatic drumming complementing Corea’s meticulous key progressions, and “Trance Dance” follows with John Patitucci’s strategic bass amid the buzzing keys, where a very warm, cinematic quality unfolds.

Into the middle, the punchy and rhythmic “Beneath The Mask” is full of funk filled fun, where Frank Gambale’s frisky guitar won’t go unnoticed, while “Ished” benefits much from Eric Marienthal’s bright sax bouts in the stop and start dynamics.

The last 2 selections don’t disappoint either, as the mysterious intimacy of “Johnny’s Landing” builds into a thick highlight of rich and thumping jazz-rock, and “Got A Match?” exits with a quick and animated demeanor, where Corea’s key manipulation is nothing short of fascinating.

Available on 3 disc vinyl LP and 2 disc CD, the package comes with in depth liner notes from Corea, and all of the Elektric Band members. Corea picked up an incredible 27 Grammys during his career, and this flawless release documents his timeless jazz fusion that will inspire and amaze people indefinitely.

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

Chicago A Cappella

Miracle Of Miracles: Music For Hanukkah

Cedille, 2023

8/10

Listen to Miracle Of Miracles

A collection of songs from more than 25 years of performances from Chicago a cappella, the singers present songs that revolve around American Jewish musical traditions and emit much creativity and energy.

“Oh, Chanukah/Y’mei Hachanukah” opens the listen with the animated and harmonic voices making for both playful and soaring moments, and it isn’t long until Gerald Cohen’s “Chanukah Lights” emits much intimacy via the heartfelt vocals that can be both bare and firm.

Further into the listen, “Al Hanisim” unfolds across 3 chapters of collaborative singing that’s highly melodic and rich, while “Lo V’Chayil” is full of gospel gestures that radiate much warmth and festive qualities.

Deeper yet, “Funky Dreidl (I Had A Little Dreidl” layers the voices with a meticulous precision that radiates tremendous skill, and “Lo Yisa Goy” exits with a distinct dreaminess that’s absorbing and suits the clarity of the album superbly.

A listen that transcends cultural borders and touches on folk and jazz ideas, for fans of vocal music, the Chicago a cappella’s work is an absolute must.

Travels well with: Rachel Barton Pine- Violin Concertos By Black Composers Through The Centuries; Will Liverman- Dreams Of A New Day

Stanley Grill

Die Erste Elegie

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Die Erste Elegie

The classical composer Stanley Grill sure is prolific, and these 6 tracks continue his skilled vision, where 5 movements of the first of R.M. Rilke's Duino Elegies are present and appreciated.

“Symphony Of Sighs”, an addition to Grill’s Music for Ukraine series, opens the listen with the stirring strings from the Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice flowing with much beauty and grace, and “Wer, wenn ich schriee” follows with sophistication, where a heartfelt demeanor emits a charming, emotive quality.

Advancing to the back half of the listen, Lisa Rombach’s stunning soprano populates the triumphant spirit of “Stimmen, Stimmen”, while “Freilich ist es seltsam” mixes the winds and strings with poetic and expressive singing in the powerful climate.

The final track, “SchlieBlich brauchen sie uns nicht mehr”, is on par with the greatness of the rest of the album, where the intimate songwriting is complemented by Rombach’s inimitable and memorable pipes.

A leader in the area of contemporary classical sounds, Grill takes help from the conductor Marek Stilec, and it makes for another compelling and intricate effort for the New Jersey resident.

Travels well with: Stanley Grill- Ahimsa; Stanley Grill- Und das Lied bleibt schon

Kingsley Durant

Point Of Reference

Zen Diagram, 2020

8/10

Listen to Point Of Reference

An album that arrived 16 years after his debut, these 10 songs from the guitar luminary Kingsley Durant welcome some of Boston’s finest musicians for some ‘70s influenced fusion.

“Slanky” opens the listen with slow grooves thanks to Baron Browne’s well played bass and, of course, Durant’s agile guitar prowess, and “Come Upstairs” follows with a melodic dreaminess that makes great use of Vinny Sabatino’s frisky drums amid playful guitar.

Halfway through, “Bloomfield” spotlights Steve Hunt’s careful keyboards alongside the reflective tone, while “Ancestral Shadows” radiates a unique warmth of tuneful songwriting and strong attention to mood.

Close to the end, the more dense and meticulous “Give Her My Regrets” allows all 4 players to shine in the heartfelt climate, and “Never The ‘Twain” exits with some classic rock nods and more forceful ideas that we could never tire of.

A listen that embraces jazz, funk, rock, gospel, blues and pop, there’s no lack of solos, sturdy licks and harmonic gestures present, as Durant and company bring a wealth of talent and creativity to the table.

Travels well with: Kingsley Durant- Convertible; Kevin Keller- The Front Porch Of Heaven

Shplang

Thank you, Valued Customer

Big Stir, 2023

9/10

Listen to Thank you, Valued Customer

The 6th album from LA guitar pop luminaries Shplang, the duo of Peter Marston and John Krause welcome plenty of guests for this exciting, psyche-pop influenced rock.

The crisp and groove filled “Keep It Hot” opens with Marston’s vocals, rhythm guitar, bass and synthesizer complemented by Paul Angers’ crisp drums, and “Understood” follows with an upbeat and bouncy demeanor that welcomes Brendan McMullin’s bright trombone for the dance floor ready appeal.

Halfway through, “Everyone Can Change” finds a more intimate place to reside, where Scott Goldbaum’s rhythm guitar suits Marston’s cozy bass, while “Lay A Little Love On Me” welcomes a guitar solo from Paul Lewolt, as the tune touches on prog-rock moments.

Further still, the thicker delivery of “A Son Son” benefits much from Angers’ thumping drums, and “She, The Fair Bag Girl” exits with Ronnie Grinel behind the drum kit for the buzzing guitars and spoken word that follows suit to the album’s title amid some dreaminess.

An inviting listen that may bring to mind XTC, They Might Be Giants, Teenage Fanclub or The Plimsouls, there’s plenty of swirling energy, memorable choruses and charming hooks to adore here.

Travels well with: The Lunar Laugh- In The Black; The Flashbacks- Pop Masters

Phil Alvin

Un “Sung Stories”

Liberation Hall, 2023

8/10

Listen to Un “Sung Stories”

The frontman for the legendary outfit The Blasters, this debut solo album from Phil Alvin arrived in 1986, and it’s full of songs penned and recorded between 1925-1953, where some significant names are present for the 10 tracks.

“Someone Stole Gabriel’s Horn” begins the listen with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band’s dynamic and rich horns, where Lee Allen’ tenor sax playing is quite inviting amid Alvin’s soulful pipes, and “Next Week Some Time” follows with Alvin’s warm guitar playing populating the vivid storytelling of the bare climate.

The middle track belongs to “The Old Man Of The Mountain”, where Sun Ra And The Arkestra bring their brass, winds and exciting drumming to the old time feel of the album’s best, while “Daddy Rollin’ Stone” places Mike Roach and Gary Masi on guitar, David Carroll on drums, Gary Taylor on bass and Gene Taylor on piano for the vintage rock’n’roll spirit.

Closer to the end, “Collins Cave” pairs Alvin’s guitar alongside Richard Greene’s poetic violin via the intimate delivery, and “Gangstar’s Blues” exits with just guitar and flowing vocals for the timeless blues appeal.

The Liberation Hall label also reissued Mandatory: The Best Of The Blasters recently, and this is an excellent companion disc that’s sure warranted seeing as how Alvin’s influence is more apparent than ever.

Travels well with: The Blasters- Mandatory: The Best Of The Blasters; Dave Alvin- From An Old Guitar: Rare And Unreleased Recordings

Kingsley Durant

Convertible

Zen Diagram, 2023

8/10

Listen to Convertible

The guitar wizard Kingsley Durant is joined by an all star cast for these 9 fusion filled tracks that are entirely instrumental, and see Durant picking up his electric guitar again.

The flowing grooves of the title track opens the listen, where Roscoe Beck’s playful bass lines sure are appreciated alongside Tom Brechtlein’s agile drumming, and “Cobblestones” follows with Steve Hunt’s frisky keys suiting Durant’s meticulous guitar prowess in the bluesy climate.

“Akiko” arrives in the middle, and is a more intimate moment of dreamy keys and radiant guitar playing, as the waves of beauty unfold, while “Funky Princess” welcomes Eric Johnson’s glowing guitar chops for the melodic gestures.

Near to the end, Ricardo Monzón’s skilled percussion helps illuminate the cozy textures of the rich album highlight that is “Marlowe’s Mood”, and “Sister Suz” exits with a thicker presence that spotlights the dynamic rhythm section, sophisticated piano and, of course, Durant’s inestimable guitar talent.

A body of work that pulls from jazz, R&B, pop, New Age and prog-rock ideas, Durant and company make every moment here exciting, unpredictable and memorable.

Travels well with: Kevin Keller- The Front Porch Of Heaven; Robin Trower- Joyful Sky

The Blasters

Mandatory: The Best Of The Blasters

Liberation Hall, 2023

9/10

Listen to Mandatory: The Best Of The Blasters

The legendary California roots-rockers The Blasters collect 21 tracks here, where some of their best known songs are side by side with deep cuts and even a pair of selections from the soundtrack of 1984’s Streets Of Fire.

The raw and melodic “American Music” opens the listen with a swift and tuneful, retro rock’n’roll spirit, and it isn’t long until “I’m Shakin’” brings a bouncy and dance floor ready appeal of crisp drums and soulful singing from Phil Alvin.

Deeper into the middle, “Hollywood Bed” uses Gene Taylor’s playful keys amid Lee Allen’s animated saxophone playing, while “One Bad Stud” is a lively and smooth disc highlight that will get your body moving to the spirited guitar, crashing drums and firm keys.

Towards the end, some guests arrive, where Stan Lynch’s percussion on “Dark Night” helps make for a more dense and rugged demeanor, and David Hidalgo’s mandolin, Richard Greene’s violin and Larry Taylor’s stand up bass create even more diversity for “Little Honey”

An outfit who pioneered the sound of ‘Americana’, the frontman Phil Alvin and his brother and guitarist, Dave Alvin, have enjoyed successful solo careers. The drummer Bill Bateman spent time in The Cramps and bassist John Bazz has an impressive and lengthy resume, too.

For fans or first time listeners, this is an excellent package that explores the long running influence of The Blasters’ inimitable rockabilly, vintage rock’n’roll, punk and mountain music that continues to inspire all these decades later.

Travels well with: APB- Cue For The Blues; The Kingsnakes- Live At The Old Waldorf

Dolph Chaney

Mug

Big Stir Records, 2023

10/10

Listen to Mug

The Chicago indie-pop luminary Dolph Chaney returns with a 3rd album on the Big Stir label, where 13 guitar fueled songs touch on many avenues of rock and take much help from Nick Bertling’s drums, keys and guitars, though there’s plenty of guests, too.

The shimmering guitar and thumping drums of the garage-rock friendly “Nice” opens the listen with much melody, and “Cool In The Sunshine” follows with a warm, acoustic strummer that carries some folk-rock ideas that benefit much from Lindsay Murray’s soulful backing vocals.

Deeper into the listen, the heartfelt “Love Around You” brings in Ahren Buchheister’s hazy pedal steel amid Chaney’s expressive pipes, while “Bad Pet” employs Brian Simms’ firm keys to help a timeless rock flavor unfold that allows Chaney’s range to shine.

Further still, “Critic (The Mirror)” showcases Jeff Charreaux’s meticulous guitar playing via the driving and animated, hook filled album highlight, and “First Time Back” exits with a textured and crunchy climate that will always be in demand and appreciated.

If you own any records by Bob Mould, Cheap Trick, Peter Gabriel or even Matthew Sweet, you certainly would be wise to play a copy of Mug loud and often. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Travels well with: Graham Parker & The Goldtops- Last Chance To Learn The Twist;; Arthur Alexander- … Steppin’ Out

Ynana Rose

Under A Cathedral Sky

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Under A Cathedral Sky

The 3rd album from the folk artist Ynana Rose, these 11 reflective songs tackle the fears we all face and turns those obstacles into beauty, where contributions from Tammy Rogers, Scotty Sanders, Wanda Vick, Paul Griffith, Dominic Castillo, Kristian Ducharme, Dylan Johnson, David Laudau and Damon Castillo are welcomed.

The dreamy intimacy of “Redwood Holler” opens the listen with glowing pedal steel and flowing mandolin that suits Rose’s poetic pipes, and “Midlife Walkin’ Blues” follows with finger snappin’, bluesy ideas that hosts Rogers’ agile fiddle and Griffith’s frisky drums.

Into the middle, “Persephone” recruits Castillo’s warm guitar and Rose’s expressive voice for the subdued and emotive presence, while “Whiskey Lies” touches on classic country nods via Johnson’s agile bass and a dance floor ready rhythm.

Closer to the end, Landau’s aching cello populates the balladry of “The Downpour”, and “It’s About Time” exits with cozy acoustic guitar that complements the heartbreaking wordplay that graces all the timeless folk qualities.

A very wise listen that’s as authentic as it is memorable, Rose’s formula is soulful, insightful and truly embraces the human experience in ways that we can all relate to.

Travels well with: Annie & Rod Capps- Love And Rain; Janice Jo Lee- Ancestor Song

Janice Jo Lee

Ancestor Song

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Ancestor Song

A Canadian folk-jazz artist, Janice Jo Lee brings her multi-instrumental talents and expressive voice to these diverse 13 songs that don’t shy away from her South Korean heritage.

The lively instrumental, “Overture: Ancestor Song”, opens the listen with Vania Lee’s thumping drums complementing Justin Thomas James’ agile piano playing, and “Oil In The Grand” follows with gorgeous, wordless and poetic vocals amid 3 part harmonies and Roa Lee’s Gayageum.

Deeper into the listen, “She Looked Like Me” is a calm folk song that makes great use of Adrian Irvine’s sublime violin and Tara Kannangara’s well timed trumpet, while “Child Inside” is quite intimate in a Celtic fashion via Nim Agalawatte’s soft double bass and Lee’s calm guitar and hushed singing.

Residing near the end, “Years Of Secret Melody” is a more tense moment of firm vocals amid the traditional Korean rhythm on janggu that utilizes JoJo Worthington’s synth prowess, and “Patient As The Land” exits with crunchy rock meets gospel flavor, where Lonny Knapp’s electric guitar soars loud alongside Lee’s powerful vocals.

Also a poet, theatre maker and anti-oppression facilitator, Lee brings much diversity and sincerity to her art that surrounds community, empowerment and societal change. She cites Ancestor Song as her best work yet, and it’s hard to argue with that.

Travels well with: Annie & Rod Capps- Love And Rain; Connie Kaldor- Keep Going

Annie & Rod Capps

Love And Rain

Yellow Room, 2023

9/10

Listen to Love And Rain

The inimitable vocalist, guitarist and banjo player Annie Capps is joined by her partner, Rod Capps, who handles electric guitar and viola across these heartfelt and folk friendly 10 songs.

The very warm “Mr. Crow” begins the listen with much beauty before the crisp folk-rock enters thanks to Michael Shimmin’s playful drums and Annie’s expressive pipes, and “Old Spice & Patchouli” follows with an infectious energy of toe tappin’ fun that welcomes Jason Dennie’s flowing mandolin amid Daniel Ozzie Andrews’ frisky bass plucking.

Half way through, “We Need The Rain” is a gentle, bluesy moment that’s populated by Al Hill’s mature piano and Rod’s spirited electric guitar, while “Anything But You” benefits from Rod’s animated viola and an old time feel that carries jazz nods and a jug band feel.

“Lightning Strike” and “Love Comes Round” exit the listen, where the former comes with some swampy flavor alongside the radiant vocal harmonies and the latter finishes with no lack of grooves or harmonies that suit the strong attention to rhythm.

A record where each song shines in its own light, the Capps are versed Americana, folk, blues, jazz and bluegrass, and their fusion presence really makes this a unique and memorable body of work.

Travels well with: Matthew Morgan- Timepiece; Mark Leggett- Folktown

Mark Leggett

Folktown

Earthsonix, 2023

8/10

Listen to Folktown

The acoustic guitar player Mark Leggett brings his fingerstyle playing and melodic gestures to these instrumental songs that revolve around Folk/Americana.

The open tuning and melodic gestures of the title track begins the listen, where the swift, rural flavor is appreciated, and “Simple Conversation” follows with a charming melody, where the guitars dance around each other warrmly.

Approaching the middle, “Blues For Fahey” is a more intimate moment of bluesy ideas with a pensive quality, while “Isolation Spring” welcomes Gabe Witcher’s moody fiddle to the hoedown friendly and bluegrass tinted album highlight.

Residing near the end, the balladry of “We Friends” uses Cooper Appelt’s skilled bass via the slow fingerpicking and introspective theme, and “Maybe I Might” exits the listen with more ballad sounds as a calm melody rises and falls amid the reflection.

Leggett’s resume includes a pair of Emmy nominations and work on Netflix and NBC that includes 100+ film and TV projects. The songs here are easy to enjoy, meticulous and full of sincerity and sophistication that will always be admirable.

Travels well with: Matthew Morgan- Timepiece; Tret Fure- Lavender Moonshine

Paul Reed Smith/Eightlock

Lions Roaring In Quicksand

Steele, 2023

8/10

Listen to Lions Roaring In Quicksand

The world renowned guitar maker and player Paul Reed Smith brings his band, Eightlock, to these groove filled and rootsy ideas that spans 14 well thought out songs.

The thick and dynamic “Sarah” begins the listen with thumping drums alongside Mia Samone’s soulful pipes in the flowing climate, and “Never Give Up On Livin’” follows with the expressive singing matched by Benjie Perecki’s well timed organ, where both grit and melody are present.

Closer to the middle, “Breathe” is a more intimate moment that benefits from Samone’s powerful pipes and dreamy backing vocals, while “Phoenix In My Blood” is a rhythmic album highlight that’s both rich and cautious.

Near to the end, “Echoes” showcases funky bass lines and a stylish, R&B demeanor, and “99” exits with crisp drums, lively bass, swirling guitars and diverse singing for a uniquely collaborative finish.

The musicians present are top notch, and the songs are fleshed out with a nice balance of friskiness and intricacy, where few genres are off limits. The inclusion of 3 drummers, 3 guitar players, a bassist and singer sure does make for a memorable experience, and this debut from Eightlock certainly leaves an impression.

Travels well with: Randy Lee Riviere- Blues Sky; Jason Ricci And The Bad Kind- Behind The Veil

The Cranberries

To The Faithfully Departed

Island/UMe, 2023

9/10

Listen to To The Faithfully Departed

Originally released in 1996, this classic from The Cranberries lives again in a 3 disc form, where plenty of outtakes and live tunes will be sure to satiate the diehard fan of these Irish legends.

Disc 1 is the original album plus some extras, where the thick and swirling “Hollywood” begins the listen with Dolores O’Riordan’s inimitable pipes and Fergal Lawler’s thumping drums making for an anthemic climate, and the hit “Salvation” follows with gritty melodies and warm sing-alongs that made the band a global sensation.

Deeper into this portion, the breezy “Will You Remember” is a more intimate moment of beauty that uses mandolin with much charm, while “Bosnia” is very much rooted in their Irish heritage with marching band drumming and a nice balance of soft versus loud moments. The first disc exits on the band’s cozy cover of “Go Your Own Way”, where the strong attention to mood certainly does justice to the original.

The middle disc is all demos and unreleased outtakes, and includes the heartfelt and folk friendly “Cordell”, as well as the harmonic layers of “Free To Decide (Paris Demo)”, where Noel Hogan’s meticulous guitar won’t go unnoticed.

The final 13 tracks are live and the sound quality is excellent. “Sunday”, from Toronto in 1996, offers a rhythmic and smooth display of their immense skill, and “Zombie”, from Detroit in 1996, captures the song’s intensity and crunchy power with the chorus that no one will ever forget.

If you’ve always been a casual admirer like myself, you’re going to be surprised at just how many great non-radio songs are found here. A band that clearly left their mark and inspired legions of others from all genres of music, this is an incredible package that documents one of the greatest rock bands of this generation.

Travels well with: Yellowjackets; We Are Scientists- Huffy

Old Salt Union

Where The Dogs Don’t Bite

Compass, 2019

8/10

Listen to Where The Dogs Don’t Bite

A band who have defied classification since their inception in 2012, the Belleville, Illinois outfit Old Salt Union return with another batch of their jazz, jam, folk and roots influenced ‘modern-grass’ formula.

“God You Don’t Need” starts the listen with warm acoustic instrumentation and elegant strings that quickly pick up the pace with soaring vocals in a thriving bluegrass setting, and “Tell Me So” follows with swift sounds in a rural jam of timeless beauty and melody.

Elsewhere, “Ebb & Flow” recruits a country spirit with sublime vocal melodies, while “Big Dreams, Small Talk” brings incredible finger acrobatics to the moving, meticulous highlight.

Near the end, “Promised Land” offers a cautious display of dynamic talent and strong vocal work, and “Holdin’ On” ends with banjo fun on an emotive exit with sweeping grace.

A band that embrace traditional bluegrass concepts but who are also very innovative with their craft, Old Salt Union have released an album just about every year that they’ve existed, and they’re only getting better with each subsequent recording. Where The Dogs Don’t Bite is their best yet, and an ideal listen for all fans of Americana, folk and bluegrass.

Travels well with: Greensky Bluegrass- Shouted, Written Down & Quoted; Shook Twins- Some Good Lives