Eponymously Titled
Signbearer, 2026
9/10
This first album as Living With Tollways has Matt Riggen, Randy Trubitt and Kevin Almazan fleshing out a handful of tracks of New Jazz ideas that are as creative as they are unpredictable.
“Waller Em” opens with Trubitt’s animated tenor sax alongside Almazan’s frisky drumming, and “News From Home” follows with an infectious energy via the rich wind and scrappy drumming.
In the middle, “Brett Quasar And The Search For More Juuls” offers a calm moment that benefits from Riggen’s upright bass playing, while “Stellar Nurseries” is attentive to mood and improvisation in its dynamic interaction.
“Flannel” and “Eponymously Titled” exit the record. The former enlists wordless, manipulated vocals for the mysteriousness that bursts into an upbeat jazz rocker, and the latter carries a contagious energy that’s dance floor ready and immediately inviting.
A diverse outing that’s cinematic, touches on spaghetti western ideas and even ‘90s grunge, the trio’s chemistry is undeniable and 8 songs is just not enough.
Travels well with: Finely Tuned Elephants- No Goats; Dave Wilson Quartet- When Even Goes East