Beth Hart

You Still Got Me

Provogue/Mascot Label, 2024

9/10

Listen to You Still Got Me

The powerful singer and Grammy Nominee Beth Hart pens 11 songs that welcome some help from names we’ve all heard before, and it makes for a diverse and exciting blues affair.

The thumping and dense “Savior With A Razor” opens with Hart’s inimitable pipes that are complemented by Slash’s lively guitar acrobatics, and “Suga N My Bowl” follows with Eric Gales on guitar, which suits the rugged yet melodic climate.

Deeper into the listen, the bouncy and frisky “Wanna Be Big Bad Johnny Cash” will definitely get you looking for the dance floor, while “Wonderful World” lands in acoustic balladry, where Hart’s gorgeous pipes guide the heartfelt delivery.

Landing closer to the end, the mature piano of “Pimp Like That” flows amid the expressive singing and elegant rhythm section, and “Machine Gun Vibrato” exits with subdued vocals and gentle songwriting that builds into an ebullient bout of soaring blues rock.

This is Hart’s 11th studio album, and it’s among her best, where funk and jazz moments enter the timeless and memorable blues of this dynamic artist.

Travels well with: Beth Hart- A Tribute To Led Zeppelin; Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band- Dirt On My Diamonds Volume 2

Robeone

Optimistica

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Optimistica

Robeone, aka Robert Schindler, returns with an 8th album, where the 7 instrumental tunes take from jazz, prog-rock and even New Age moments for no lack of creativity and skill.

“Billie’s Heart” opens the listen with fluid keys and a distinct warmth that unfolds across 8 minutes that also welcomes beats and buzzing, and “Broken Days” follows with eastern influences amid the rhythmic waves and curious exploration.

The title track lands in the middle and recruits plenty of jazz nods via the acrobatic keys and animated wind sounds, while “Peace A Dream” is a more intimate moment of beauty and intricate guitar-ish gestures. The final selection, “Colors”, recruits dense synth, mesmerizing drumming and an indeed colorful and fusion filled exit.

Robeone is giving 100% of the sales of the record to the Bob Moog Foundation, and his use 10+ different keyboards makes for a highly memorable and atypical version of rock.

Travels well with: Robeone- Halos And Dogs; Tim Solook- Changed Lives

Laila Biali

Wintersongs

Self Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Wintersongs

The vocalist and pianist Laila Biali is joined by some excellent help for these 9 seasonal songs that serve as a love letter to winter.

“Drifting Down Ice” opens with Biali’s mesmerizing keys and gorgeous pipes amid the Venuti String Quartet’s elegant strings for much intimacy, and “Rocky Mountain Lullaby” follows with Jane Bunnett’s dreamy flute and the Chamber Orchestra adding much beauty.

Landing in the middle, “Outside” welcomes Sam Yahel’s meticulous keys and Wade O. Brown’s well timed vocals for the powerful delivery of elegance, while “Keep On Moving” picks up the pace thanks to Jackson Welchner’s backing vocals and Ben Wittman’s quick drumming.

Closer to the end, the intimate “Dance Of The Pines” makes great use of Bunnett’s rich soprano sax amid a poetic landscape that builds into a rich album highlight, and “Jesus, He Is Born (Iesous Ahatonnia’ Instrumental)” exits with Kevin Turcotte’s soaring trumpet that aligns with Lori Gemmell’s strategic harp.

A really colorful affair, this is Biali’s 10th album as leader, and it’s packed with melodies, romantic imagery and musicianship that will always be relevant and creative.

Travels well with: Hannah Gill- Spooky Jazz Vol. 2; Cathy Segal-Garcia- Social Anthems Volume 2

Joseph Shipp

Dig Deep

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Dig Deep

The Nashville singer-songwriter Joseph Shipp returns with a sophomore album of his sincere and thoughtful Americana, where layers and rhythm are in attendance.

“Heavy Cold” opens the listen with much attention to mood, where soft acoustic guitar and cozy singing tugs on the heartstrings, and “Open Up (To Me)” follows with folk ideas amid the fluid strumming and crisp drumming.

Halfway through, “Phantasy” is full of dreaminess via the waves of vulnerable beauty that might bring to mind Elliott Smith, while the title track is bare, pretty and radiates introspection.

Closer to the end, “Blanket” is a bit darker in scope, and mesmerizes us with its ambience, and “Half Moon Eyes” exits with a rich, textured album highlight that flirts with psychedelic moments and even a gentler alt-rock spirit.

A very diverse outing that explores both light and dark songwriting. Shipp’s alt-folk and atypical Americana vision makes for another exceptional album.

Travels well with: Joseph Shipp- Free, For A While; Oberon Rose- Holographic Blues

Phil Ranelin & Wendell Harrison

Tribe 2000

Org, 2024

9/10

Listen to Tribe 2000

An album recorded in 2000, Phil Ranelin and Wendell Harrison bring their unique jazz talents to 5 involved tracks that welcome top notch sidemen.

“He The One We All Knew” opens with George Davidson’s frisky drums alongside Ranelin’s skilled trombone and Harrison’s sax acrobatics for the swirling jazz ideas, and “Senate And Thirteenth” follows with Harold McKinney’s warm piano and Ralphe Armstrong’s restrained bass making in indelible impression.

The 15+ minutes of “Third Encounter” arrives at the midpoint and makes great use of soulful brass and stylish wind amid a mesmerizing rhythm section, while “Cold Duck” recruits Pamela Wise’s well timed piano and John Arnold’s meticulous guitar that radiates much melody and grooves.

The final piece, “Freddie’s Groove”, also packs in the grooves, where Harrison’s sax acrobatics and Ranelin’s precise trombone won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated.

An extremely innovative collective, each of the selections is unpredictable, precise and beaming in timeless jazz flavor that still sounds ahead of its time.

Travels well with: The Art Ensemble Of Chicago- Tutankhamun; The Chick Corea Elektric Band- The Future Is Now

The Pinkerton Raid

Jagged Vacance: Winter Songs By Other People

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Jagged Vacance: Winter Songs By Other People

The North Carolina outfit The Pinkerton Raid turn in holiday songs you may have never heard before, but aren’t likely to forget anytime soon.

“Holocene”, a Bon Iver selection, opens with front man Jesse James DeConto’s gruff voice alongside Andy Reed’s agile drumming and Cameron Collier’s soaring trumpet, and “Norwegian Wood” follows with warm guitar from DeConto and Chris Arnet’s soft drums that suit the Beatles interpretation that gets a bit hazy, too.

Elsewhere, Joni Mitchell’s “River” welcomes Noah Elliott’s well timed keys that complement the rich and intimate climate, while “Christmas Time Is Here” puts a cozy spin on the Charlie Brown Christmas classic, as dreamy guitar emits much wonder.

Close to the end, the Counting Crows’ hit, “A Long December” unfolds with DeConto’s meticulous banjo giving the tune a bluegrass feel with much emotion, and “A Hazy Shade Of Winter” exits with a busy but detailed take on folk-rock for a very adventurous version of the Paul Simon piece.

A highly eclectic mashing of indie-rock and modern folk, this is a really intriguing effort that can and should be enjoyed all year round.

Travels well with: C. Daniel Boling- Love, Dan; Dean Mueller- Wishes Never Gone

Frank Hammersland

The Ocean Sleeps Alone Tonight

Apollon, 2024

10/10

Listen to The Ocean Sleeps Alone Tonight

The final album from the inestimable Frank Hammersland, who passed away in 2023, the 10 songs here welcome his backing band, the Love Connection, for a diverse and memorable swan song.

The smooth and elegant “Wheels Inside The Wheel” begins with warm guitar and Hammersland’s unique voice guiding the coziness, and “Must Have Been Yesterday” follows with thumping drums and meticulous guitar playing populating the pop and rock gestures.

In the middle is where “Steam Train” and “On Your Side” reside. The former welcomes banjo to the breezy mood, while the latter carries a soulful spirit of beauty and rich songwriting.

Nearing the end, “The Drive To Paris” offers a punchy and melodic moment of timeless and immediately infectious dynamics, and “Silver Submarine” exits with Marthe Wulff’s pretty voice complementing the harmonic finish.

Hammersland spent time in the revered bands Popo Pops and Popium and will always be remembered as one of Norway’s greatest songwriters. This last album is exceptional, much like everything he was involved in, and serves as further evidence of a life well lived and appreciated.

Travels well with: Laughing Stock- Shelter; Sunface- Cloud Castles

Maria Puga Lareo

My Universe

My Keter, 2024

9/10

Listen to My Universe

The revered Brazilian and jazz vocalist Maria Puga Lareo is joined by an all star cast for these 10 covers and originals that make for an impressive stateside debut.

Josh Nelson’s elegant piano and Lareo’s gorgeous voice open the listen with the heartfelt “Make Someone Happy”, and “The Song Is You” follows with Mike Valerio’s intricate bass amid the crisp drumming from Christian Euman that suits the expressive singing.

Moving into the middle, Carol Robbins’ harp and Alex Acuna’s stirring percussion guide the hazy “Depois De Tanto Tempo”, while “Cherokee” welcomes a bright mood via Jon Papenbrook’s animated trumpet amid Bob Sheppard’s swift sax and Lareo’s impressive range.

Closer to the end, the rhythmic and dance floor ready “At The End Of The Night” showcases Dan Fornero and Anthony Bonsera Jr.’s trumpets and Ryan Dragon’s trombone that helps make this the album’s best, and “Eu Sei Que Vou Te Amar” exits with a sublime intimacy of gentle harp, warm guitar by Leo Amuedo and Lareo’s touching voice.

An album of swingin’ fun, scatting bouts and even funk and R&B spirit, Lareo pulls off a flawless performance of memorable and romantic song craft.

Travels well with: Rosemary Loar- Coraçāo Vagabundo/Vagabond Heart; CeCe Gable- Love On The Tyrrhenian

C. Daniel Boling

Love, Dan

Berkalin, 2024

9/10

Listen to Love, Dan

His 10th solo album since 1999, the inimitable songwriter C. Daniel Boling pens 14 relatable and timeless songs that welcome plenty of help.

The title track opens with Boling’s warm banjo and expressive singing in the bare climate, and “All Of Us Are Immigrants” follows with Char Rothschild’s flowing accordion and tin whistles adding much beauty to the humming and smooth vocals.

Further along, “Ever Since I Woke” makes great use of Jon Gagan’s playful upright bass and Jono Manson’s cozy backing vocals, while “Quarter” benefits much from Kelly Mulhollan’s meticulous mandolin and upright bass for the rich moment that is the album’s best.

Deeper still, “I Don’t Know How” places Jason Crosby on piano, which suits the poetic, dreamy delivery, and “The Sycamore Tree” ends much like how it started, with Boling’s skilled banjo and sincerity radiating authenticity.

The songs here surround aging, family and childhood and will resonate with anyone who enjoys folk and Americana sounds. The large amount guests and instruments make each track unique, wise and eloquent, too, which isn’t far off from his entire catalog, actually.

Travels well with: Dean Mueller- Wishes Never Gone; Ron Houston- R.O.A.M

Ben Levin

A Holiday Blues Revue

VizzTone, 2024

9/10

Listen to A Holiday Blues Revue

The Cincinnati sensation Ben Levin brings his piano playing to these diverse holiday songs that embrace a blues foundation and welcomes plenty of guests.

The rowdy and warm “Candy Cane” opens with Lil’ Ed’s soulful and powerful pipes complementing Levin’s dynamic keys, and “It’s Christmas Time” follows with much grace, where dreamy piano is met with eloquent singing from Levin.

Further along, Sonny Hill’s distinct pipes guide the stylish and soft mood of “Next Christmas”, while “Christmas Mood” spotlights Candice Ivory’s silky pipes amid bright keys and crisp drumming.

Lil’ Jimmy Reed is in attendance near the end, where the rich and rhythmic “Lump Of Coal” emits meticulous guitar and cozy keys for the album’s best, and “Santacon” exits with swift drums, bouncy bass and Levin’s inimitable finger acrobatics via the playful finish.

An effort that’s never short on grooves, the Chicago and Baton Rouge blues won’t go unnoticed, as Levin continues to solidify his place as one the best in modern blues.

Travels well with: Ben Levin- Take Your Time; Amanda Fish- Kingdom

Visions Jazz Ensemble

Across The Field

Patois, 2024

8/10

Listen to Across The Fields

An ensemble spearheaded by Sam Butler and Garrett Fasig, the 13 tracks here transform college fight songs into modern jazz tunes with plenty of flare.

The punchy and animated “Tiger Rag” opens with Franic Bassett-Dilley’s flowing drums alongside bright brass, and “Anchors Aweigh” follows with Dan Ventura’s elegant keys and Jacob Smith’s bass making an impression.

Further along, the mesmerizing “Glory, Glory” benefits much from Butler’s precise trumpet and Jeff Parker’s well timed trombone, while “Hot Time In The Old Time Tonight” welcomes Wycliffe Gordon’s hazy trombone and upbeat, swinging solos to the dynamic album highlight.

Landing close to the end, “Ramblin’ Wreck” balances intimacy and grace via the bluesy nods that make great use of Nick Reckenwald’s trumpet, and “On Wisconsin” exits with no lack of melodies and solos in attendance, where Fasig’s lively tenor saxophone makes an impression.

An excellent debut for the outfit, the players put a fresh coat of paint on these time honored tunes that sure do sound great in their very capable hands.

Travels well with: Eric Bell- Vulnerability; The Joymakers- Down Where The Bluebonnets Grow

Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms

Gold In Your Pocket

Free Dirt, 2024

9/10

Listen to Gold In Your Pocket

A duo who hail from Washington State, Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms bring retro inspired ideas to their distinct version of Americana.

“He’s Gone” opens the listen with Klauder’s warm voice alongside Glenn Fields’ frisky drums and Joel Savoy’s glowing fiddle for the nostalgic climate, and “Same Little Heart” follows with Willms’ pretty pipes that complement Chris Scruggs’s radiant electric guitar and flowing vocal harmonies that tug on the heartstrings.

Closer to the middle, “Shame Shame Shame” carries an infectious energy that you’ll have to dance to thanks to Mike Bub’s upbeat bass, while the scrappy title track recruits Hailey Pexton’s soaring harmony voice amid Rusty Blake’s well timed pedal steel.

Near the end, “Chained By Desire” blends the animated rhythm section with fluid fiddle and meticulous guitar via the album’s best selection, and “T & J’s Lullaby” exits and allows for Willms’ cozy guitar and intimate voice to draw us in to its soothing qualities.

A diverse effort that also touches on country, honky tonk, bluegrass and oldtime nods, Klauder and Willms celebrate life and all the awe of human connection, and their organic and roosty ways sure are memorable.

Travels well with: Effie Zilch- Multitudes; Grey DeLisle- The Grey Album

Aztlan Unearthed

Aztlan Unearthed

Org, 2024

9/10

Listen to Aztlan Unearthed

An indigenous outfit consisting of Yaotl Mazahua, Joe Galarza and Caxo, the songs here pay tribute to their native culture and the music highlights the instruments inherited from their ancestors.

“Welcoming Of The Bird Ancestors” starts with dense and meticulous drumming amid the sounds of birds, as the quick intro welcomes soaring winds, and “Windsong Giver” follows with ambience and mystery that’s guided by flowing winds.

In the middle, “In The Caves Of The Heart” offers an intimate moment of beauty and grace, while “The Wind Is Our Song From Below” is an eloquent album highlight that radiates warmth and poeticism via the rich flute. The final track, “To Walk In All Beauty”, then comes with a bit of droning, the sounds of water and a cinematic quality.

The trio are an extension from the Aztlan / Anahuak Underground, and their vision offers much enlightenment and joy to be extracted from these cultured gems.

Travels well with: The Temple Rockers- Festival Of Lights; Eileen Ivers- Scatter The Light

Brett Hansen

Confluence

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Confluence

The Canadian guitarist and singer-songwriter Brett Hansen is joined by Mallory Chipman, Chris Pruden, Murray Wood, Joel Jeschke and Luis Tovar for these modern jazz spirited tunes that excel in both bare and louder climates.

The soulful and touching “Forret” leads with Chipman’s gorgeous voice alongside radiant guitar and strong attention to ambience, and “Perfect Intentions” continues the dreaminess thanks to Jeschke’s skilled drumming and Wood’s intricate bass lines.

Landing in the middle, “Jane’s Song” makes great use of Hansen’s meticulous guitar prowess amid the eloquent, wordless singing, while “Lue” emits much beauty and benefits from Pruden’s light keys.

Deeper still, “Slow January” builds into a lush and dynamic album highlight that’s melodic, heartfelt and gripping, and “Where Have You Gone?” finishes with a distinct atmosphere, crisp drums and progressive guitar playing for a memorable exit.

Hansen and company don’t shy away from folk nods, sublime balladry and pop and rock moments, as they flesh out glowing and intriguing jazz song craft.

Travels well with: Matt Greenwood- Atlas; Andrew Danforth- Homegrown

Pony Boy All-Star Big Band

This Is Now

Pony Boy, 2024

9/10

Listen to This Is Now

The 16 piece ensemble, Pony Boy All-Star Big Band, bring us new arrangements from their esteemed members, where 10 tracks plus a bonus disc illustrate their distinct energy.

“Harrod’s Creek” starts the festivities with Steve Treseler’s lively tenor sax and Greg Williamson’s complicated drumming helping make for much rhythm, and the animated “Sabermetric Samba” follows with Kandin Neri’s flowing tenor max complementing the rich brass and John Hansen’s frisky keys.

Closer to the middle, the intimate spirit of “Rabin” welcomes Mike Mines’ well timed trombone that suits the elegance, while “I Fall In Love Too Easily” spotlights a trombone solo thanks to Conner Eisenmenger via the indeed romantic mood.

Near the end, “The Ray” allows for David Marriott’s precise trombone to enter the soft versus firm gestures, and of the bonus tracks, “I Won’t Dance” will certainly get anyone dancing to the bright melodies that makes great use of Heather Criscaden’s bouncy bass and Keith Karns’ lively horn.

The sound quality here is excellent, and so are the songs, where the influence from Gil Evans and Thad Jones keeps the Big Band traditions alive and radiant.

Travels well with: Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra- Things Will Pass; Randy Weinstein- Harmonimonk

Laird Jackson

Life

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Life

The inimitable jazz vocalist Laird Jackson brings plenty of emotion to these 15 timeless tracks that welcomes an all star cast of instrumentalists.

“I Believe” starts the listen with much warmth, where layered vocals and Jeff Haynes’ playful percussion carries plenty of soul, and “Suhali” follows with a sublime, delicate appeal, as light guitar and sophisticated strings suit the expressive singing.

Moving closer to the middle, “In The Pines” pairs Jackson’s powerful pipes with plucked guitar, while “Rounding The Sun” is strong on atmosphere that allows for Gregoire Maret’s harmonica acrobatics to shine in an otherwise bare climate.

Deeper yet, “ Tender As A Rose” is indeed calm, and showcases Jackson’s flawless talents alongside mesmerizing drums, and “Follow” exits with a pretty demeanor of sophistication and poeticism via the stirring voice and light instrumentation.

An album of mystery, romance and even sadness, the songs here are often sparse but no less impactful in the highly soulful and memorable execution.

Travels well with: Shannon Gunn- On A Mountain; Darden Purcell- Love’s Got Me In A Lazy Mood

Jacob Johnson

Surviving The Dream

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Surviving The Dream

This 4th album from the South Carolina artist Jacob Johnson brings us acoustic guitar fueled tracks that use Americana and folk ideas to his advantage.

“The Sketchiest Motel In Fayetteville” opens with rhythmic and intricate guitar that welcomes spirited electric guitar and punchy drums, and “F. Scott Fitzgerald” follows with a swift and dance floor ready rocker that benefits much from acrobatic drumming and warm accordion.

Half way through, “Old Soul” is a calm moment of beauty that allows for Johnson’s warm guitar to shine, while “Still Is Still Moving To Me” is a crisp and flowing album highlight that benefits from fluid keys.

Deeper yet, “Jessica” recruits Mickey Raphael’s well timed harmonica for the breezy and rootsy flavor of the Allman Brothers tune, and “The Goodnight Chorus” exits with a charming farewell that’s meticulous, cozy and timeless.

There’s some significant help on hand, including Jack Ryan and Stephen Campbell of The Marcus King Band, and Johnson’s 20 year career touring sure does help make this a meticulous and playful effort.

Travels well with: Jeremy Dion- Bend In The Middle; Nick Taylor- Not Alone

Captain Of The Lost Waves

Beautiful Ugly

MRR, 2024

9/10

Listen to Beautiful Ugly

The UK artist Captain Of The Lost Waves was involved in a devastating car accident when a stolen vehicle fleeing from the police hit him and his family, and the difficult recovery and trauma of the experience was the impetus for these 9 diverse tracks.

“Obsidian Whispers” opens with much beauty, where Captain’s expressive voice and mesmerizing guitar welcome Wendy Ross’ lovely violin for the gentleness, and “Dirty Windows” follows with Damian Clark’s radiant keys suiting Captain’s poetic pipes.

“Gothic Balladeer” and “Older” reside in the middle. The former carries a cinematic quality via the eloquent storytelling, while the latter pays close attention to mood thanks to the dreamy backdrop and introspective singing of the album’s best.

Near the end, “Neighbourhood” tugs on the heartstrings and is populated by gorgeous singing and mature keys, and “Beautiful Ugly” exits with a haziness and strong wordplay that emits much melody and timelessness.

Somewhere between indie-folk, orchestral-pop and prog-rock, Captain turns tragedy into great art that resonates long after the music stops.

Travels well with: Gabriel Keller- Hope Despite Everything; Long Earth- An Ordinary Life

Dean Mueller

Wishes Never Gone

Ripping Glass, 2024

8/10

Listen to Wishes Never Gone

A singer-songwriter who pens songs from the heart, Dean Mueller uses Americana and folk ideas to his advantage across these 12 personal and relatable tracks.

The thumping and gritty “I Don’t Live There Anymore” opens with Jason Wilber’s fluid electric guitar and Mueller’s vivid storytelling making for a loud start, and “Fireflies” follows with Jim Hoke’s playful clarinet and Dave Jaques’ well timed bass suiting the cinematic climate.

Further along, Nalani Rothrock lends her pipes to the breezy strumming of “Bulleit Train”, while the McCrary Sisters are present for the rugged yet melodic “Teach No Lies”.

Deeper yet, Hoke’s spirited harmonica enters the bouncy spirit of “I’ll Be There”, and “Lonesome Sky” exits with a dreamy ambience that makes great use of the poetic singing, emotive guitar and cozy percussion.

Mueller also touches on jazz and the blues, too, and the influence from his hero, John Prine, won’t go unnoticed across this honest, vulnerable and timeless body of work.

Travels well with: Ron Houston- R.O.A.M; Billy Coulter- 5ingles

Jaco

You Know

Cornelius Chapel, 2019

9/10

Listen to You Know

Jaco is Jake Waitzman, who’s spent much time playing drums in bands like Vulture Whale, The Wes McDonald Plan and Ham Bagby, but here he’s front and center on some giant sized rock that takes the influences of his many endeavors and packs an extremely memorable punch on this debut.

“On The Ground” gets the album off to a synth heavy start with bright sounds that settles into crisp and energetic alt-rock ideas, and “For Myself” follows with a more subdued approach that soars with a dreamy setting.

Elsewhere, “Blackboard” puts percussion center stage on a mid ‘90s rocker that will satiate any Sedadoh or Pavement fan, while the swirling guitars of “I Don’t Mind” help make this a stand out track on a listen where every tune is top notch.

The back half of the record is just as glorious, with the driving rock of “Shoe”, the classic rock tinted “You Way” and kinetic sounds of “Again”, which is a tune so well written, it’s worth the price of admission alone. “All Your Love” ends the fun on a multifaceted approach to Jaco’s eclectic and charged presence.

As far as first records go, it just doesn’t get much better than this. Technically proficient, daring in the all the right ways and finding the perfect balance between intensity and melody, You Know is absolutely one of the best records of the year.

Travels well with: Teenage Fanclub- Grand Prix; Big Star- Radio City