Johnny Delaware

Para Llevar

Normaltown, 2024

9/10

Listen to Para Llevar

The South Carolina artist Johnny Delaware fleshed these 10 songs out in studios and hotel room across North America and Latin America, and they superbly illustrate his nomadic version of folk-rock.

“Jungle Full Of Ghosts” opens the listen with Andrea Franz’s backing vocals complementing the light keys and warm guitar of the soft climate that builds into a soulful landscape, and “Running” follows with Clay White’s bright trumpet adding much to the rich and vivid storytelling.

Landing in the middle is the crisp and melodic “Caution Darlin’”, where Alejandra Moreno’s well timed backing vocals and Hector Rodriguez’s drumming won’t go unnoticed, while “Darkness” welcomes Corey Campbell’s meticulous finger picking to the atmospheric and poetic album highlight.

“Never Let Go” and “Mexico City Blues” exit the record. The former is textured with a cozy spirit via playful percussion, dreamy guitar and flowing vocals, and the latter makes great use of Fernando Ramirez’s graceful violin that suits Delaware’s friendly voice.

Born in South Dakota and a drifter by his 20s, Delaware’s music isn’t tied to any specific place or category, but is sure is easy to enjoy and these gritty, tuneful and often inspiring songs will make anyone a fan pretty quick.

Travels well with: Boulevards- Electric Cowboy: Born In Carolina Mud; T. Hardy Morris- The Digital Age Of Rome

Patrick Yim

One

New Focus Recordings, 2024

9/10

Listen to One

The always impressive violinist Patrick Yim brings his technical prowess to these 6 involved and meticulous pieces by some of today’s most active composers.

Ilari Kaila’s “Solitude” starts the listen with intricate strings emitting much warmth and adventurousness that’s often quick, and the title track, by Juri Seo, follows with 12 movements that span bare, heartfelt moments, as well as tense bouts of strong attention to pitch.

In the middle is where Takuma Itoh’s “A Melody From An Unknown Place” and Páll Ragnar Páisson’s “Hermitage” land. The former resonates a sense of mystery via the strategic playing, while the latter is particularly minimal but no less impactful in its string manipulation.

The last track, “Strange, High Sky”, by John Liberatore, then showcases animated gestures as well as intimate and softer moments of reflection.

An effort of much richness, Yim’s skills are highly technical, expressive and certainly do justice to the timeless vision of the composers.

Travels well with: Jihye Chang- Boston Etudes; Adam Mirza- Partial Knowledge

Juana Luna

Canciones En Blanco Y Negro

Folkalist, 2024

9/10

Listen to Canciones En Blanco Y Negro

The Brooklyn resident and Argentina native Juana Luna makes for an impressive debut with these 11 distinct folk songs that don’t shy away from electronic ideas.

“Merceditas” opens with Luna’s pretty voice alongside Pedro Rossi’s warm guitar and Milagros Caliva’s well timed bandoneón, and “Flor de la Noche” follows with Claudia Spalletta and Noelia Garasino’s violins adding much grace to the rich landscape of beauty.

“Olmedo” occupies the middle spot and benefits much from Agustín Uriburu’s elegant cello amid Luna’s poetic pipes, while “La Paloma” emits strategic vocal harmonies thanks to Eleni Arapoglou and Luna’s soft guitar playing radiates much emotion.

“Together” arrives late and is populated by Ana Corrado’s skilled viola via the dreamy climate, and “Emilia” exits with Asher Kurtz’s electronic exploration and the gentle singing from Luna that leaves an indelible impression.

A really gripping body of work, Luna tells the story of many different journeys and the use of strings and synth only heightens the allure of this intimate experience.

Travels well with: Kenny Kosek- Twisted Sage; Putumayo World Cafe

Cliff Eidelman

The Tempest

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Tempest

The inimitable composer Cliff Eidelman is joined by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra for these 3 movements that were originally recorded in 1997 and are redone here with a different attention to detail.

The meticulous strings of “The Storm: Movement I” opens with careful and exploratory interaction that flows with lively and timeless instrumentation.

“The Island: Movement II” lands in the middle and carries a cinematic quality via the rumbling percussion, rich winds and waves of tension and grace, and “Love: Movement III” exits with a distinct intimacy via the soothing flutes, emotive gestures and heartfelt musicianship.

Eidelman has seen great success already with scores for movies like Star Trek VI, One True Thing and He’s Just Not That Into You, among many others, and this large orchestra setting is further proof of his esteemed and unmatched composing and conducting.

Travels well with: Cliff Eidelman- Symphony No. 2; Daniil Trifonov- My American Story: North

Matt Dwonszyk & Friends

Donny Time: The Music Of Don DePalma

Truth Revolution, 2024

9/10

Listen to Donny Time: The Music Of Don DePalma

The bassist Matt Dwonszyk brings along plenty of friends for this tribute album to the legendary pianist Don DePalma.

The rich “Softly As In A Morning Sunrise” opens the listen with DePalma’s meticulous keys alongside Kris Jensen’s lively tenor sax and Tony Davis’ well timed guitar lines, and “It’s Donny Time” follows with the frisky drums and Nelson Bello’s playful congas suiting the many grooves present.

Further along, “This Can’t Be” is a quick and bouncy moment that benefits much from Linda Ransom’s powerful pipes and Dwonszyk’s animated bass, while “What A Difference A Day Makes” showcases the radiant keys amid the infectious rhythm section and Ransom’s soaring voice.

Near the end, the intimate and stirring “Sunrise For The Love Of My Life” blends the cautious horns with emotion, and “Donny Time” exits with soulful brass, spirited guitar and scrappy drumming for a rhythmic version of jazz.

Sadly, DePalma passed away from Covid in 2021, and the majority of these songs were recorded after his death. The musicians certainly do justice to his memory, though, and they play with their hearts and souls to preserve his legacy.

Travels well with: Hollaway- Jazz-ish; Papo Vazquez- Songs Del Yucayeke

Paul Kelly

Fever Longing Still

Gawd Aggie/Cooking Vinyl, 2024

9/10

Listen to Fever Longing Still

The Australian legend Paul Kelly ends 6 years without a new album here, and it brings us more of his timeless pop and rock songs that have made him globally revered.

The energetic “Houndstooth Dress” starts the listen with Kelly’s expressive voice and piano alongside Bill McDonald’s intricate bass, and “Love Has Made A Fool Of Me” follows with Ashley Naylor’s mesmerizing electric guitar amid Kelly’s gritty pipes that sets a distinct mood.

Closer to the middle, “Northern Rivers” welcomes Cameron Bruce’s well timed keys and a slight jangle that carries a dreamy quality, while “Harpoon To The Heart” comes with a dance floor demeanor that uses Nick Atkinson’s sax prowess and Reb Fountain’s inimitable voice for the album highlight.

Landing close to the end, “Eight Hours Sleep” is a soft, intimate moment of harmony vocals and gentle acoustic guitar, and “Going To The River With Dad” exits with Dan Kelly’s mandolin and Peter Luscombe’s drums adding much richness and coziness.

Now 29 albums deep, Kelly just finished his first ever stadium tour, and there’s little doubt he made plenty of new fans and will continue to thanks to these universally relatable songs that will appeal to fans between Springsteen and Costello.

Travels well with: Hoodoo Gurus- Chariot Of The Gods; Paul Kelly- Paul Kelly’s Christmas Train

Randy Hoexter

Tomorrowsville

Blue Canoe, 2024

8/10

Listen to Tomorrowsville

The Atlanta resident Randy Hoexter is one talented guy. A pianist, composer, arranger, producer and educator, here he’s joined by many players for 11 energetic jazz tunes.

The lively “Rosetta Stone” starts with John David’s animated drums and Justin Powell’s bright trumpet that complement Hoexter’s fluid keys, and “The Dragonfly” follows with Mike Stern’s meticulous guitar and Sam Skelton’s well timed sax that help cultivate many grooves.

In the middle, “Diaspora” benefits much from Jimmy Haslip’s frisky bass and Emrah Kotan’s skilled percussion, while the the best track, “Particle Accelerator”, showcases Hoexter’s finger acrobatics amid the dynamic rhythm section.

The title track resides deep into the record, and is populated by Gordon Vernick’s soulful trumpet and Eric Alexander’s sparing trombone, and “In Bright October” exits with rich textures and timeless jazz sounds that will always be relevant.

A really colorful and modern affair, the rhythm, grooves and melodies arrive in spades across this detailed and memorable album.

Travels well with: Bill Moio- Try This; Marc Ciprut- Moonshine

Maria Schafer

Here For You

Marsch, 2024

8/10

Listen to Here For You

The Canadian jazz vocalist Maria Schafer guides her Los Angeles quintet through 8 tracks of well thought out phrasing and hard swinging ideas for this 3rd studio album.

“You Said It” opens with much grace and playfulness, as Schafer’s distinct singing is met with Jeremy Siskind’s upbeat piano, and “A Chance To Make You Mine” follows with Zack Caplinger’s warm guitar lines that suit the romantic wordplay from Schafer.

“Release Me” and “More Than You Know” land in the middle. The former is intimate, melodic and benefits from Karo Galadjian’s elegant drumming, while the latter showcases Schafer’s impressive range amid David Reynoso’s soft bass.

The title track resides near the end and is a powerful, emotive album highlight, and “Get Up And Go” exits with a frisky and memorable jazz moment that tips it hat to the Great American Songbook.

Schafer possesses a voice you won’t soon forget and these charming tunes aren’t lacking any grooves, rhythm or timelessness.

Travels well with: Libby York- Dreamland; Melissa Stylianou- Dream Dancing

Daydream Three

Stop Making Noise

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Stop Making Noise

The Italian noise-rocker Enzo Pepi, i.e. Daydream Three, never disappoints, and this time we’re treated to 10 diverse tunes with a few guests on hand.

“Death Makes Fun Of Us” gets the listen off a fuzzed out start, where Vincenzo Arisco’s raw drumming suits the dense guitar and bright singing, and “Meat Sauce” follows with warm guitar and Carlo Barbagallo’s well timed backing vocals in a calmer atmosphere.

“Mad Dog” resides in the middle and is a loud yet melodic moment of tuneful noise, while “Empty Boxes” carries some post-punk flavor thanks to a light jangle amid the bursts of thick rock.

Close to the end, the swirling guitar and intense bass from Alessandro Formica makes “Dark Days” the album’s best, and “You Have No Control” exits with a dreamy intimacy of beauty and grit.

A really unique listen that meshes post-rock and noise-pop, Daydream Three excel with both gentle and pounding song craft, and this live recording captures their inimitable formula superbly.

Travels well with: Creve Coeur- Catastrophes; The Poison Arrows- War Regards

Creve Coeur

Catastrophes

Atypeek, 2024

9/10

Listen to Catastrophes

An assembly of players in the Parisian noise/post-rock scene, these 9 tracks from Creve Coeur straddle the lines of aggressive and ambient sounds.

“Vertige Noir” leads with Paul Void’s thumping drums amid Fabien Claes’ buzzing guitar in the buzzing and swirling punk climate, and “Courage” follows with an ominous mood that drones before bursting into dense and growling rock.

In the middle, the fragmented and thick “Faraday” blends shards of dreaminess amid the abrasive textures, while “Politique” benefits much from Valere Brisard’s baritone guitar and Corentin Sarkadi’s biting vocals.

The last 2 tracks, “Coup Coup” and “Mathématique”, don’t disappoint either. The former is swift and thumping in a post-harcore sort of way, and the latter allows for Boris Patchinsky’s bass acrobatics to shine alongside the soft versus loud gestures of alt-rock.

The members of Creve Coeur have played in bands like Panico Panico, Lugosi and Contrevents, to name a few, and they bring a wealth of experience and skill to this animated, raw and intense affair that’s pretty hard to forget.

Travels well with: You Said Strange- Thousand Shadows Vol. 1; The Poison Arrows- War Regards

Lucy Isabel

All The Light

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to All The Light

The Nashville Americana/folk artist Lucy Isabel returns with a sophomore album, where the use of a live band and acoustic instruments makes for much warmth and authenticity.

“A Better Life” opens with an emotive mood of cozy acoustic guitar and Isabel’s expressive voice that emits much grace, and “Magpie” follows with aching pedal steel amid the poetic storytelling of the sublime beauty.

Landing in the middle is “Miles From Home”, where flowing vocal harmonies are met with well timed keys and frisky drumming, while “Where It Lies” is a highly intimate moment of heartfelt songwriting that’s eloquent.

“My Memory” and “The Right Choice” exit the listen. The former benefits much from agile strings and fluid piano that complements the strong imagery, and the latter exits with meticulous guitar and animated drumming that help illuminate Isabel’s relatable wordplay.

Isabel has gone through many changes in recent years, including marriage, having a child and losing a parent. Her songs certainly reflect these moments, and it makes for touching, authentic and timeless song craft .

Travels well with: Dwight + Nicole- The Jaguar, The Raven, & The Snake; Rachel McIntyre Smith- Honeysuckle Friend

Jihye Chang

Boston Etudes

New Focus, 2024

9/10

Listen to Boston Etudes

The Boston piano wizard Jihye Chang presents an assembly of work commissioned in 2020-2021, where some of the area’s most luminous composers are represented across the 8 selections.

Dan VanHassel’s “A Bit Of Noise In The System” opens with the mesmerizing keys and are layered with a nearly mechanical energy of exciting arpeggios amid some jarring bouts, and “Nam-Ok Lee”, by Eun Young Lee, follows with a colorful and rumbling moment of rich creativity.

Marti Epstein’s “bariolage” lands in the middle and emits strong attention to pitch in a soft climate, while “Idée fixe” is split between a reserved, introspective vision and a flowing, expressive delivery of the William David Cooper piece.

The record exits with Stratis Minakakis’ “Lowell Études: Three Etchings On Solitude”, where the 3 movements embrace extended techniques, vibration of a piano string, and timbral gestures of awe and wonder.

A solo piano effort of sensitive interpretation, Chang’s delivery is heartfelt, colorful and full of inspiring piano playing that few others could replicate.

Travels well with: Adam Mirza- Partial Knowledge; David Fulmer- Immaculate sigh of stars

David Harland

The Escapist

Red Raft, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Escapist

The fingerstyle guitarist and singer-songwriter David Harland cut his teeth in the Minneapolis rock band scene, but these days he’s playing calmer music, as evidenced by these 10 instrumental and intimate tracks.

The intricate mood of “Ascension” begins the listen with warmth and melody, and the title track follows with calming waves of grace from Harland’s meticulous fingers.

The middle belongs to “Sól Seeker”, and lends itself to introspection that even welcomes soft cello from Cierra Alise Hill, while “South Hill Climb” pairs the upbeat guitar patterns with stirring violin from Hill.

Close to the end, “Descension” has Harland playing a bit more firm and with strong attention to atmosphere, and “Sleeping Buddha” exits with Matt Patrick’s ambient guitar adding a hint of mystery to the mesmering finish.

A peaceful outing that’s also heartfelt and expressive, reference points include Nick Drake or Michael Hedges for this really serene and enlightening effort.

Travels well with: Chris Murphy- The Red Road; George Marinelli- Except Always

Blitzen Trapper

100’s Of 1000’s, Millions Of Billions

Yep Roc, 2024

9/10

Listen to 100’s Of 1000’s, Millions Of Billions

I’ve been meaning to acquaint myself with these Portland legends for a couple of decades now, and though I’m quite late to the party, this 11th studio album sure is a great introduction Blitzen Trapper’s inimitable brand of folk-rock.

“Ain’t Got Time To Fight” starts with some ambience before front man Eric Earley’s distinct voice is met with Michael Elson’s dreamy keys, and “Dead God Of The Green Rising” follows with Brian Adrian Koch’s thumping drums amid bright singing and flowing melodies.

Deeper into the listen, “Cheap Fantastical Takedown” benefits from Anna Tivel’s moody violin that complements the rootsy flavor, while “Planetarium” welcomes Eric D. Johnson, of Fruits Bats fame, on banjo that helps cultivate a unique version of Americana.

Further along, “View From Jackson Hill” unfolds with a haze of beauty, mystery and poetry, and “Bear’s Head/At The Cove” exits with a crisp and slightly cosmic backdrop.

An album that surrounds rebirth and transcendence, the psyche-rock, alt-country and experimental version of indie-folk is so well done, I’m now realizing I have a massive back catalog to peruse.

Travels well with: Sloan-Steady; Marshall Crenshaw- Marshall Crenshaw

The Bad Plus

Complex Emotions

Mack Avenue, 2024

9/10

Listen to Complex Emotions

The revered jazz outfit The Bad Plus return with a 2nd album with their current line up, where Reid Anderson, Dave King, Ben Monder and Chris Speed explore new terrain while still being anchored to their inimitable jazz formula.

“Grid/Ocean” starts with King’s dense drums amid Speed’s soulful sax and much atmosphere, and the lively “French Horns” follows with Monder’s complex guitar that suits the frisky version of jazz-rock.

The middle track belongs to the soulful “Carrier”, as Anderson’s animated bass complements the flowing sax, while “Cupcakes One” is a quick and dynamic album highlight that’s melodic, complicated and rhythmic.

Landing near the end, “Deep Water Sharks” carries much intimacy before getting scrappy and hypnotic thanks to the brisk drums and well timed synth, and “Li Po” exits with a distinct ambience that’s blurry, psychedelic and illustrates even more variety from the quartet.

The Bad Plus released their first album in 2000, and have continually redefined what jazz can sound like. This tremendous body of work is yet another must hear effort of progressive jazz that only they could create.

Travels well with: The Nels Cline Singers- Share The Wealth; Vijay Iyer- Trouble

Annie J

Been Loving You

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Been Loving You

The Seattle artist Annie J blends nostalgic soul and modern pop for these 7 tracks aren’t short on harmonies and psychedelic stabs.

The bright mood of “Your Power” opens with J’s distinct voice alongside fluid drumming and warm guitars that retreat to dreamy bouts, and “Making Bacon” follows with layered voices of soulfulness and no lack of grooves.

“Around The Block” and “Can’t Solve It” land in the middle. The former is a lush and rhythmic album highlight of sophisticated and stylish song craft, while the latter is a powerful and psyche-friendly EP highlight of tremendous beauty.

“Blue Angel” exits the record and doesn’t disappoint, either. It allows or J’s remarkable voice to shine in a calm climate that showcases her strong range amid some ambience.

There’s also nods to jazz and R&B present, as J recruits vivid storytelling to a talent that will draw parallels to Sharon Jones, Erykah Badu or even Billie Eilish.

Travels well with: Eddy Lee Ryder- Sweet Delusions; Vakili Band- Tannersville

Irina Nestor

One Day You’ll Miss Today

Self-Released, 2019

9/10

Listen to One Day You’ll Miss Today

A quintet from Rome, Irina Nestor explore boundless ideas in the post-rock, instrumental realm, where programming, synth, 3 guitars and precise drumming from ex-members of Two Naked Oceans, and Zerofans, among others, leave an indelible mark.

“‘Night Mr. Lenin” starts the album with a buzzing version of electro-pop and post-rock, where mystery and a chilling setting collide, and “Arpeggio Means Nothing” follows with a darker spirit and cinematic quality as meticulous guitars guide the journey.

Near the middle of the listen, “Alpha” offers a more sparse delivery of hypnotic, captivating instrumentation, and the beat heavy “Hawaii”, where meticulous synth manipulation produces one of the best tunes here that could also soundtrack a night at the club.

At the end, “Radio Guerrilla” winds with unpredictableness and warm melody, and “Pride Of Nations” finishes out the listen on an upbeat and charming display of alt-rock flourishes in a stunning exit.

Though they’ve only been together for 2 years, Irina Nestor exhibit a chemistry that seems like its been molded for decades, and One Day You’ll Miss Today is easily one of the best instrumental records of 2019.

Travels well with: Mogwai- Rock Action; Trentemoller- Lost Reworks