The Kris Collective/Michael Kris

Cor Collaborandi: A Transitional Celebration Of The Early Modern

Acis, 2024

8/10

Listen to Cor Collaborandi: A Transitional Celebration Of The Early Modern

The professor Michael Kris guides The Kris Collective, which is made up of brass players and a small chorus of singers, through the sounds of Giovanni Gabrieli, Orlando Lassus, Pietro Lappi, and others from the 15th and 16th centuries.

“Sonata seconda á 7” begins with the textured and rich musicianship, and “Magnificat secundi toni á 6 voci, Ultimi miei sospiri” follows with harmonic voices that blend the altos, tenors and bass with much elegance.

Moving into the middle, “Psalm 147, Lauda Jerusalem” showcases layered brass amid bare moments of beauty, while “Lieto godea, Madrigal á 8 voci” is a flowing and melodic album highlight that allows for the flawless singing to draw us in.

Arriving near the end, “Laudate Dominum” is rife with harmony amid the dreamy song craft, and “Fuga colorata” is a solo organ exit of meticulous and firm key gestures.

Captured in August 2022 at Duke University Chapel, Kris and company do justice to the composers with many intricate moving parts and timeless European sacred music that is in very capable hands.

Travels well with: Richard Kolb- Michelangelo Galilei, Suites For Lute; Rami Levin- Wings

Harry Baechtel/Chuck Dillard

Forgotten Spring: The Early Lieder of Fanny Hensel

Acis, 2024

9/10

Listen to Forgotten Spring: The Early Lieder of Fanny Hensel

Harry Baechtel brings his baritone to Chuck Dillard’s piano for these 21 diverse, harmonic and melodic selections.

“Im Herbste (H-U 54, 1822) G major” gets the listen off to a warm start, where Baechtel’s expressive pipes are met with Dillard’s intimate keys to soundtrack Johann Ludwig Uhland’ poem, and it isn’t long until “Schlaflied (H-U 58, 1822) C major” presents swirling keys amid the soaring voice of Ludwig Tieck’ words.

Further along, the poet Johann Ludwig Uhland’s “Der Blumenstrauss (H-U 49, 1822) C major” unfolds with 2 minutes of flowing song craft, while “Die Einsamwandelnde (H-U 143, 1825) Eb-major” comes with both intimacy and adventurousness that allows for Baechtel’s gripping voice to impress us via Johann Peter Eckermann’s words.

Landing close to the end, “Klage (H-U 112, 1824) G minor” is a heartfelt album highlight of meticulous keys and stirring vocals, and “Sehnsucht (H-U 190, 1826) A minor” exits with rumbling piano and animated storytelling thanks to the poet Johann Heinrich Voß.

A superb display of Hensel’s under appreciated work, Baechtel and Dillard’s performances are delicate, articulate and complement each other with fluidity and wonder.

Travels well with: Trinity Church Boston/Colin Lynch- The Great Glad Tidings Tell: Carols From Copley Square; Ian Pomerantz/Byron Schenkman- Art Songs Of The Jewish Diaspora

Daphne Gerling/Tomoko Kashiwagi

Encircling

Acis, 2024

9/10

Listen to Encircling

The violist Daphne Gerling and pianist Tomoko Kashiwagi come together for these 4 involved pieces that showcase their distinct and inimitable talents.

Rebecca Clarke’s “Passacaglia on an Old English Tune” begins the listen with the emotive strings and mature keys that interact with a heartfelt mood of beauty.

“Viola Sonata, Op. 7,” by Kalitha Dorothy Fox, then follows with the firm piano and fluid viola complementing each other with cautiousness, while Marcelle Soulage’s “Viola Sonata, Op. 25” emits much melody via the mesmerizing keys and intimate strings that make this the album’s best.

Hélène Fleury-Roy’s “Fantaisie, Op. 18” finishes the record, and it’s a particularly stirring track of strong tonality and rich interaction that few others could replicate.

A collaboration of elegance and technical prowess, the duo turn in interpretations that are flowing, timeless and a must for those with an ear for piano and viola.

Travels well with: Richard Kolb- Michelangelo Galilei, Suites For Lute; Michele Kennedy- Agave: In Her Hands

Jeremy Beck

Requiem

Acis, 2024

9/10

Listen to Requiem

A highly meticulous display of chorus and string orchestra sounds, the 11 tracks here make for intimate and harmonic moments of beauty and intrigue.

The glorious and lush “Requiem And Kyrie” starts the listen with the uplifting voices cultivating a touching landscape, and “Dies Irae” follows with the quivering strings and animated singing meshing via a dynamic delivery.

“Quid Sum Miser- Rex Tremendae” arrives in the middle and is layered with rich strings and baritone voices, while “Lacrimosa” presents flowing and meticulous interaction from the Cincinnati String Ensemble, which suits the bright storytelling.

Landing near the end, “Agnus Dei”, the best track, showcases the soaring and flawless voices amid powerful strings, and “Lux Aeterna” exits with cinematic bursts and intensity versus minimal nods.

An often dramatic body of work that explores serenity and hope, Beck’s vision is executed with tremendous skill and memorable instrumentation.

Travels well with: Shawn Crouch- Chaos Theory; Ian Pomerantz/Byron Schenkman- Art Songs Of The Jewish Diaspora

Forq

Big Party

GroundUP, 2024

8/10

Listen to Big Party

A groove friendly and improvised outfit spearheaded by Henry Hey, the 8 tracks from Forq span disco moments, soulful jazz and plenty of unpredictable ideas.

The animated beats and funky bass work of
”Into The Bright” starts the listen with much energy and lively keys from Hey, and “Bomp” follows with playful buzzing and firm drumming that can sound like a video game soundtrack, too.

“Dirt Cake” and “The Grotto” land in the middle. The former uses distinct guitar for hazy tone that’s packed with grooves, while the latter carries a hint of dreaminess amid the soulful qualities of the album’s best.

Residing near the end, “The Grotto” is a calm moment of sublime beauty that’s introspective, and “Va!” exits with wordless vocals and a quirky rhythm.

A record that’s as creative as it is memorable, Hey and company pen a ‘late night musical journey’ that’s got an irresistible personality but can also lend itself to mulling things over.

Travels well with: David Murray Quartet- Francesca; Jihye Lee Orchestra- Infinite Connections

The Jim Self/John Chiodini Duo

Feels So Good

Basset Hound, 2024

8/10

Listen to Feels So Good

The tuba wizard Jim Self and master guitarist John Chiodini align for this 5th project together that welcomes Steve March, Phil Feather, Bill Booth and Kris Bergh.

Cole Porter’s “You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To” starts the listen with Self’s soulful brass alongside Chiodini’s warm electric guitar, and “I Forget” follows with playful tuba amid mesmerizing Nylon acoustical electrical guitar that makes for a distinct tone.

The title track lands closer to the middle and retains the upbeat mood of the Chuck Mangione original, where the F tuba and 12 string guitar radiate melody, while “Isfahan” welcomes Feather’s graceful alto sax to the elegant balladry.

Deeper still, Bergh’s bright trumpet enters the cozy jazz of “Riddle Of The Mode”, and “Blues Connotation” exits with March’s tenor sax and Booth’s trombone joining the F tuba, electric guitar, alto sax and trumpet for the lively blues energy of the Ornette Coleman classic.

A collaborative sextet effort, this is an aptly titled affair that uses both standards and originals for top notch modern jazz that’s as sensitive as it is creative.

Travels well with: The Jim Self/John Chiodini Duo- Hangin’ Out; Jim Witzel Quartet- Breaking Through Gently

Mavis Pan

Rising

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Rising

The esteemed pianist and vocalist Mavis Pan is joined by Ted Nash, Geoff Burke, Mark Wade and Jared Schonig for these jazz and Western classical sounds that touch on Pan’s life experiences.

The bouncy bass from Wade starts the rich and upbeat “Chances Are Odd”, and “Falling” follows with Nash’s heartfelt tenor sax amid the intimate keys for an emotive delivery.

Deeper into the listen, “Dusk” showcases Pan’s melodic key gestures alongside Burke’s elegant clarinet, while “Formosa Spring” makes great use of Nash’s dreamy flute via the lively and rhythmic album highlight that swings playfully.

Residing near the end, “Tarab Suite III. Seventy Times Seven” spotlights Schonig’s frisky drumming and Burke’s radiant soprano sax, and “You Must Believe In Love” exits with intimacy and a powerful performance of gorgeous singing that places Nash on clarinet.

An effort that soundtracks a person, place or challenge that Pan has overcome, there’s a tremendous amount of heart and soul buried in these graceful and ebullient selections.

Travels well with: April Varner- April; Ivanna Cuesta- A Letter To The Earth

Jenny Burtis

Woodbird

Ploodepesh, 2024

8/10

Listen to Woodbird

The Vermont native Jenny Burtis brings together 30 years of songwriting for this debut, where her semi-autobiographical method yields plenty of timeless folk qualities.

The intimate spirit of “I Won’t Chase You Down” starts the listen with electric guitar and a bit of a haunting mood, as Burtis’ gorgeous voice makes an immediate impression, and “Red Cadillac” follows with an upbeat delivery that welcomes a bright sax solo.

The halfway point belongs to the touching “Future Homemakers Of America”, where mid-tempo Americana unfolds with much sincerity, while “Never Flown So Lonesome” showcases meticulous fingerpicking amid a sweet and strumming album highlight.

Closer to the end, the bluegrass tinted “I Know That Dog” makes great use of dobro plus vivid storytelling, and “The Sage” exits with 6/8 time and a folk moment of timeless beauty with rich layers of synth and vocal harmonies.

A really poetic and authentic first album, Burtis is now back living in New England after a career out west as a therapist. Her vision is one of wisdom and grace and her Joni Mitchell-esque approach to song craft is very much appreciated.

Travels well with: Amy Speace- The American Dream; Kate McDonnell- Trapeze

John Chin

Journey Of Man

Jinsy, 2024

8/10

Listen to Journey Of Man

The pianist John Chin is joined by Jeong Lim Yang and Jongkuk Kim for these 14 involved tracks that explore the identity of a Korean American and jazz artist.

The dreamy and soothing “The Lounging Of The Wind” starts the listen with Chin’s elegant keys flowing with much emotion, and it isn’t long until “ATL” welcomes playful beats and frisky drums via Kim that mesh jazz with electro-pop.

Further into Act One, the unpredictable bass of “Promising World” cultivates a mood of mystery, while “Never Let Me Go” resides early in Act Two and radiates tremendous warmth from Chin’s piano.

Landing near the end, “The Next Thing” carries a busy demeanor thanks to the acrobatic keys, animated drumming and rich bass, and “Stardust” exits with a rare intimacy thanks to the careful piano and Chin’s timeless vision.

A body of work that’s sensitive and artistic, Chin and company flesh out a pensive affair of identity, resilience and power.

Travels well with: Ken Peplowski- Live At Mezzrow; Jake Leckie- Planter Of Seeds

Mindy Smith

Quiet Town

Giant Leap, 2024

9/10

Listen to Quiet Town

The Nashville artist Mindy Smith returns with her 1st album in over a decade and 6th overall, and it surrounds strength, peace and self-love with a strong sense of melody.

The intimate and elegant title track starts with Smith’s pretty voice alongside Juan Solorzano’s warm acoustic guitar and Danny Mitchell’s sophisticated keys, and “Jacob’s Ladder” follows with Lex Price’s well timed bass and Jodi Seyfried’s backing vocals making for sublime harmonics.

In the middle, “I’d Rather Be A Bridge” is populated by Will Kimbrough and Megan McCormick’s electric guitars that add much to the ambience and dreaminess, while “Peace Eludes Me” places Solorzano on pedal steel amid the poetic singing and emotional presence.

Further yet, “Hour Of My Departure” welcomes Daniel Tashian’s lush voice via the breezy climate of the album’s best and “I Always Will” exits with Neilson Hubbard’s light drums that suit the soft singing of the touching and soothing finish.

A fantastic return, Smith’s ability to address vulnerability and gratitude makes for a wise, thoughtful and even enlightening 11 songs that have the ability to stir the soul.

Travels well with: Peggy Lee- Norma Deloris Egstrom From Jamestown, North Dakota; Violet Bell- Honey In My Heart

The Sensational Country Blues Wonders!

If I Stop Moving, I’ll Fall From The Sky

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to If I Stop Moving, I’ll Fall From The Sky

The long running songwriter Gary Van Miert, i.e. The Sensational Country Blues Wonders!, returns with his 3rd collection of ‘psychedelic Americana.

The bright and melodic “We Are Made Of Stardust” starts the listen with tales of the origins of humanity and features Van Miert’s smooth voice that’s surrounded by cosmic Americana, and “Why Did I Eat The Whole Bag Of Mushrooms?” follows with thick bass and light drumming for the references to the Rolling Stones with much playfulness.

Moving into the middle, the soaring horn of “Head In The Clouds” recruits vocal harmonies with much warmth, while “I Rode The Bus With Joey Ramone” is a punchy and pop influenced moment about a dream that we all wish we had.

Residing near the end, the flowing and crisp “Magic Glasses” is the album’s best, and “Sky Songs” exits with some retro-rock flavor and a sing-along that you won’t soon forget.

A really fun and memorable meshing of classic country, blues, gospel, pop and rock, The Sensational Country Blues Wonders! continue to find a very unique place to reside, and we’re all better off for it.

Travels well with: The Sensational Country Blues Wonders!- The Adventures Of A Psychedelic Cowboy; Nick Taylor- Not Alone

David Fulmer

Immaculate sigh of stars

New Focus, 2024

9/10

Listen to Immaculate sigh of stars

The composer, conductor and violinist David Fulmer returns with 8 works that include his 2014 violin concerto, as well as recent solo and chamber works that features several players .

“Jauchzende Bögen” starts the listen with Stefan Jackiw’s adventurous and tense violin playing alongside the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen for the unpredictable and mesmerizing 21+ minutes, and “Cantantes Metallis” follows with Jay Campbell’s strategically bowed cello amid Conor Hanick’s playful keys and Mike Truesdell’s atypical percussion.

At the midpoint, “Star Of The North- Requiem For Zhanaozen” showcases Campbell’s cello acrobatics that shine in often bare moments, while “Only In Darkness I Thy Shadow Clear” benefits from the rumbling pianos of Nathan Ben-Yehuda and León Bernsdorf.

The title track resides near the end and allows for Parker Ramsay’s intimate harp to impress us with its strong attention to mood, and “Whose Fingers Brush The Sky” exits with Hanick’s cinematic and sonic gestures of intrigue.

A technical effort that employs timbral experimentation, quarter-tones and contrasting ideas, each selection present is precisely executed and draws the listener in to its unique language.

Travels well with: Arthur Levering- OceanRiverLake; David Kaplan- New Dances Of The League Of David

The Flying Norsemen

The Flying Norsemen

Apollon, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Flying Norsemen

The debut from the Norwegian quintet The Flying Norsemen, there may only be 4 tracks included, but they’re quite involved and take influence from the ‘70s.

The spacey “Norseide” opens with John Wærnes dense guitar amid Øyvind Grønn’s thumping drums for the 10+ minutes of mysterious and rich textures, and “Lystens Begjar II” follows with Terje Nyhus’ intricate bass alongside Anders Sprauten’ rhythmic guitar that suits the busy versus bare bouts.

On the back half, “PoseidiJohn” comes with a hint of darkness that comes with sci-fi exploration and Tommy Ingebrigtsen’s meticulous guitar via the timeless prog-rock, and “Lystens begjær” exits with sludgy and stoner metal nods that also leave room for melodic gestures, too.

An excellent first record that flirts with psychedelia and vocal harmonies, the giant riffs and retro-rock bursts create a unique place in the realm of prog-rock for The Flying Norsemen.

Travels well with: Arabs In Aspic- Strange Frame Of Mind; Laughing Stock- Shelter

Amy Speace

The American Dream

Windbone, 2024

9/10

Listen to The American Dream

The folk artist Amy Speace returns with more heartfelt songs, where balladry, grooves and plenty of rootsy flavor enters the 12 relatable tracks.

The cozy acoustic strumming of the title track starts with Speace’s warm voice and Danny Mitchell’s fluid keys, and “Homecoming Queen” follows with Neilson Hubbard’s thumping drums that suit the vivid storytelling of the fluid Americana that’s not short on melody.

Further along, “Glad I’m Gone” makes great use of Doug Lancio’s playful guitar amid Lex Price’s frisky bass, while “Something ‘Bout A Town” is a bluesy moment that’s packed with grooves and rich textures for the album’s best.

Landing near the end, “I Break Things” benefits from gripping strings thanks to David Davidson, David Angell, Kristin Wilkinson and Carole Rabinowitz and emits much beauty, and “Love Is Gonna Come Again” exits with bright balladry thanks to the mature keys and emotive guitar that complement Speace’s soaring pipes.

A universally enjoyable effort that can bring to mind Tom Petty or Buddy Miller, Speace’s songs embrace folk, country, Americana and orchestral ideas and are both memorable and timeless.

Travels well with: Carla Sciaky- Heart Of The Swan; Kate McDonnell- Trapeze

Ben Waltzer

The Point

Calligram, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Point

The pianist Ben Waltzer has a long history in the New York jazz scene of the ‘90s, and here he’s joined by Geof Bradfield, Clark Sommers and Dana Hall for 7 precisely fleshed out tracks.

The rich and lively “Kintsugi” begins with Bradfield’s soulful sax and Waltzer’s frisky keys making for much warmth, and the title track follows with Hall’s agile drums alongside the mature keys and heartfelt sax playing.

In the middle, “Skyward” makes great use of Sommers’ meticulous bass for the melodic and groove filled climate, while “Layla’s Dream” is indeed dreamy, where intimacy and beauty unfold via a distinct haze.

Arriving close to the end, “No Map” spends 10+ minutes mesmerizing us with its thumping drums, touching wind and dense bass lines that create much mystery, and “A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing” exits with Bradfield’s low clarinet aligning with gentle keys, bare bass and sparse drumming for the cautious finish.

A diverse effort that can swing with energy just as it can land in balladry, the blues bouts, rhythmic bursts and strong attention to detail makes this a must for fans of any era of jazz.

Travels well with: Andy Baker- From Here, From There; Chad McCullough- in these hills, beyond

New Primitives

Primitive Road

Loud Folk, 2024

9/10

Listen to Primitive Road

A long running Minneapolis outfit with a penchant for funk, R&B and reggae sounds, this 4th album from New Primitives showcases 7 memorable tracks.

The rhythmic fun of “All Night Dancin’” opens with frontman Stanley Kipper expressive pipes alongside Chico Perez’s animated percussion, and “Our Home Now” follows with Andrew Wozniak’s fluid guitars that suit the soulful song craft and gentle melodies.

“Angels With Dirty Faces” and “1000 Ways” land in the middle. The former emits a charming dreaminess that flows with lush vocals and Lightin Joe Peterson’s rich keys, while the latter is packed with meticulous drumming from Perez amid Patrick Nelson’s bouncy bass lines.

“Crazy From The Heat” is the final track, and it welcomes George Marinelli’s skilled guitar to the hazy and textured album highlight that immediately invites a sing-along and benefits much from Brian Snowman Powers’ booming sax.

A really festive and uplifting record, every track present warrants repeated listens and is fleshed out flawlessly.

Travels well with: Nolen Sellwood- Cadence To The Flame; George Marinelli- Except Always

Andy Baker

From Here, From There

Calligram, 2024

9/10

Listen to From Here, From There

The trombonist Andy Baker is aligned with Russ Johnson, Clark Sommers and Dana Hall for these 9 lively jazz tracks.

The bouncy and animated “Close Your Eyes” opens with Sommers’ quick bass amid Baker’s soulful horn, and the title track follows with some restraint, where Hall’s agile drumming complements the hazy mood.

“Skylark” and “Blues For VDB” land in the middle. The former is intimate and gentle, while the latter is a frisky and melodic moment that benefits much from Johnson’s radiant trumpet.

Residing near the end, “Softly” is indeed calm, but builds into a rich and dynamic album highlight that’s full of meticulous and exciting jazz, and “The State Of The Estate” exits with the colorful, animated rhythm section and rich horns making for plenty of grooves.

A really fun outing that can swing just as it can retreat to introspection, and Baker and his crew excel in both heartfelt and festive song craft that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Chad McCullough- in these hills, beyond; Geof Bradfield- Colossal Abundance

Carla Sciaky

Heart Of The Swan

Propinquity, 2024

8/10

Listen to Heart Of The Swan

The Denver artist Carla Sciaky pens 14 rich and compelling folk songs, where many guests are on hand for the emotional and relatable stories.

The powerful and impactful “Standing By A River” starts the listen with an a capella delivery, and “Dear Mr. Bowers” follows with warm acoustic guitar that showcases meticulous finger picking amid gorgeous singing and light strings.

Moving closer to the middle, “Polly Vaughn/Too Easy To Break” welcomes octave mandolin from Hal Aqua for the soulful song craft, while “Some People’s Lives” is a mid-temp duet of sublime beauty that tugs on the heartstrings.

Further yet, “For Nyla” showcases Jesse Manno’s oud and Annie Aqua’s violin that complement the vivid storytelling, and “Psalm Of Life” exits with an old time feel thanks to Rafa Prendergast’s violin, Ben Cohen’s bass and lush vocal harmonies.

Sciaky plays guitar, violin, viola, concertina, harmonium and viola de gamba here, and along with the excellent cast it makes for both busy and bare moments of spiritual, relatable and timeless folk songs.

Travels well with: Kate McDonnell- Trapeze; Hana Zara- Bloom Where You Fall

Chris Bullinger

Waitin’ To Be Seen

Tweedle, 2024

9/10

Listen to Waitin’ To Be Seen

The poet and singer-songwriter Chris Bullinger pens a concept album split into 2 parts, and it takes nods to legends like Dylan, Van Zandt and Earle.

The warm acoustic strumming of “One Complete Connection” opens with gritty singing and fluid keys guiding the sincere storytelling, and “Ain’t Life Grand” follows with thumping drums in a calmer pace of rugged beauty.

Further along, the playful bass of “Up All Night” segues into lively keys and animated singing in a climate you could dance to, while “Carving Tree” is a lush album highlight that embraces timeless folk qualities amid poeticism and grace.

Landing close to the end, the pretty and intimate “I’m Not Comin’ Back Home” tugs on the heartstrings with Bullinger’s inimitable rawness that benefits from pedal steel, and “Payin’ Dues” exits with a haze of sax, organ, drums and spacey sounds for the busy and exciting jazz/blues hybrid.

A well thought out first installment, Bullinger balances observation, empathy and rhythm with classic country, classic rock and plenty of varied influences for a unique and memorable listening experience.

Travels well with: Jay Stott- Wreckage Of Now; Steven Bruce- Same Time, Same Place, Same Station

Heron

Sun Release

Self-Released, 2019

9/10

Listen to Sun Release

An instrumental quintet from the deep parts of Pennsylvania, Heron bring an expansive and cinematic approach to this impressive sophomore album that pushes and pulls with unique tension.

The aptly titled “Light” starts the listen with restrained, atmospheric instrumentation that builds into a soaring, anthemic rocker, and “The Void” follows with 7 minutes of emotive exploration that often seems like it’s going to fall into the abyss, but maintains a very clear vision of post-rock dynamics.

Even though there’s just 8 tunes here, every track is a gem, especially the more forceful, almost intimidating presence of the spacey “Shadow Phase”, while the cascading beauty of the majestic “The Glow” builds into a catharsis.

Near the end, the hazy “Splashdown” leaves an indelible mark with a hypnotic delivery and “Sun Release” ends the listen on a sparse offering that brings mystery, even more beauty and, eventually, a thundering display of monumental power as it erupts into an ebullient exit.

A journey that’s dark and bright, calm yet tumultuous, and never short on creative ideas, Sun Release is a record that even non-fans of instrumental music will be drawn to, and, of course, is an absolute must for the vocal-less crowd.

Travels well with: Explosions In The Sky- The Wilderness; Tycho- Epoch