Moot Davis

Seven Cities Of Gold

Boot Knife, 2021

9/10

Listen to Seven Cities Of Gold

Undoubtedly one of the leaders of modern country music that includes his New Jersey roots as well as rockabilly ideas, Moot Davis pens a part fantasy, part reality record here, via a very diverse set of tunes that certainly sound right at home in his current Nashville setting.

“Hey Hey” starts the listen with energetic organ and thumping drums as Davis’ warm and expressive pipes guide the rugged yet smooth country rock, and “Lassoed And Lost” follows with an upbeat and melodic pace that will get you heading straight to the dance floor, where Blake Oswald’s agile drumming really makes an impression.

Landing in the middle, the strategic banjo from Gary Morse suits the poetic and sublime climate, while the title track gets a bit thicker, as firm electric guitar and some psychedelic nods steer the album into much louder areas. “California” then trims the pace back with glowing pedal steel from Morse, which adds much to the breezy rural rocker.

Arriving near the end, the lively, charged “Lone Radio Star” might be the best tune, where grit and melody meet with a timeless version of Americana, and “Anunnaki War Bride” exits the listen with an anthemic and dense rocker that will appeal to those with an ear for the more experimental side of rock.

Certainly country music but not in the traditional sense, Davis brings surprises to every track here, and Bill Corvino’s electric guitar, Jody Sappington’s bass and Skip Edwards’ keys, among others, make for a record you can’t listen to just one time. The atypical Willie Nelson cover itself is worth many, many visits, in fact.

Travels well with: I See Hawks In L.A.- On Our Way; The Flatlanders- Treasure Of Love

Mike Skill

Skill… Mike Skill

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Skill… Mike Skill

The legendary guitarist, bassist, songwriter and vocalist Mike Skill had plenty of time for home recording while his band, The Romantics, were unable to tour during the pandemic, so he channeled his formative years as an up and coming Detroit musician for this rowdy debut solo album.

“Not My Business” starts the listen with thumping drums and buzzing guitar as Skill’s smooth yet rugged vocals guide the power-pop and garage rock opener, and “Dark Side Of Your Love” follows with strategic keys amid the soulful backing vocals as Skill gets nostalgic with the retro-rocker.

Further along, Wayne Kramer makes an appearance on the firm “‘67 Riot”, where searing guitars and a thick rhythm section make for an energetic album highlight, while “We Got Your Rock’n’Roll” brings plenty of melodies and sing-alongs to the crisp, upbeat landscape. “Soul So Alone” then moves at a calmer pace, where Skill’s gritty pipes are met with pretty backing vocals alongside the flowing introspection.

You knew it was coming, and “What I Like About You” finds itself near the end, and it’s as infectious here as it was in 1980, with incredible production to illuminate the strong drumming, soaring backing vocals and bright guitars, and “One More Time” exits the listen on a very memorable version of modern indie-rock that showcases Skill’s many talents and veteran vision.

In addition to Kramer, Skill also takes help from Brad Elvis (The Romantics), Kevin Rankin (A Flock Of Seagulls), Ricky Rat, Chloe F. Orwell and Patrick Harwood, and it results in some of the best work he has done in his four decade career, which is no easy feat, of course.

Travels well with: Jesse Malin- Outsiders; Fastball- Step Into Light

Hannah Horton

Inside Out

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Inside Out

The saxophonist and woodwind player Hannah Horton offers us both originals and standards here, where her alluring brand of playing welcomes John Crawford, Nic France, Rob Statham and Ian Shaw to 10 emotive and playful jazz rooted tunes.

“Keep Walking” starts the listen with Horton’s warm and soulful sax alongside Crawford’s playful keys in the timeless original, and “Surfing Thermals” follows with much rhythm as France’s lively drumming aligns with the fluid brass of the laid back landscape.

In the middle, “Nardis” offers a very precise and dynamic display of bouncy bass lines and meticulous drumming as graceful keys and radiant sax don’t disappoint in the groovy standard, while “Windows” move at an initially calmer pace before building into a flourishing jazz execution that does justice to the Chick Corea song. “Horn Dance”, one of the album’s best, then flows with a stylish landscape that benefits much from Horton’s inimitable brass as she takes nods to folk music.

“Breathing Out”, 1 of 2 songs with singing from Ian Shaw, pairs his vocal acrobatics with Horton’s frisky sax playing in the funk friendly climate that’s cathartic in nature, and “Escape” exits the listen with breezy melodies amid the glorious display of upbeat and infectious songwriting.

Horton is quickly turning a lot of heads her way in the UK, where she lives, and with her unique and exciting playing and writing that embraces folk and funk, it certainly won’t be long until jazz fans around the world will be well acquainted with her work.

Travels well with: Bob Mintzer & WDR Big Band Cologne- Soundscapes; Montréal Jazz Trio- Montréal Jazz Trio

Zac Harmon

Long As I Got My Guitar

Catfood, 2021

9/10

Listen to Long As I Got My Guitar

The Texas bluesman Zac Harmon does not disappoint on this 10 song effort, where the award winning artist handles lead guitar and lead vocals, and an excellent backing band and production from Jim Gaines (Santana, Steve Ray Vaughn) further cements this as some of Harmon’s best work to date.

“Deal With The Devil” starts the listen and makes an immediate impression with Harmon’s smooth singing and agile guitar lines as Richy Puga’s precise drumming sure does radiate, too, and “People Been Talking” follows with no shortage of rhythm and melody, where Dean Ferguson’s warm keys complement the soulful climate well.

At the midpoint, the breezy and upbeat “Love For You Baby” recruits soothing backing vocals on the romantic tune, while the title track displays Bob Trenchard’s precise bass playing amid the sturdy guitar and punchy drumming, “New Year’s Day” might be the album highlight, where Harmon’s diverse pipes flow alongside both power and cautiousness in his inimitable formula.

Approaching the end, “Imagine A Prayer” reels in a dreamy, ‘80s spirit that’s got hints of gospel in it, and “Ashes To The Wind” exits the listen with much beauty via the gentle backing vocals, Harmon’s cozy singing and much timeless emotion.

A native to the south, Harmon started playing professionally at age 16 and has played the role of studio musician and stand in guitarist for plenty of musicians coming through town. Where he truly shines, though, is at the front of the stage, where his booming and gripping voice draws you in to the diverse blues rock that rubs elbows with funk, soul and gospel on this absolutely outstanding record.

Travels well with: Bob Corritore & Friends- Spider In My Stew; Albert Castiglia- Wild And Free

Christian Li

The Four Seasons

Decca, 2021

9/10

Listen to The Four Seasons

The debut album from the 13 year old Christian Li, the Australian-Chinese prodigy plays his violin like a seasoned veteran here, and he’s in the company of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as well as some special guests.

“Spring” starts the listen with bright, soaring strings, where Li’s precise violin guides the glorious moments while also taking time for solos, and “Summer” continues this approach with quivering string manipulation in a very busy and precise display of fascinating musicianship.

The remainder of the seasons, “Autumn” and “Winter”, don’t disappoint either, where the former displays cascading waves of beauty and warmth, while the latter finds itself in calmer areas of introspection, but certainly doesn’t shy away from fuller bouts of swift string work, either.

Rounding out the listen is the intimate and soulful “Fisherman’s Harvest Song”, which benefits much from agile and stirring piano thanks to Timothy Young, and “La Ronde des lutins” exits the listen with lightning quick violin and jumpy keys, as the Antonio Bazzini composition finishes on a very high note.

This marks the first recording of The Four Seasons in 17 years on the Decca label, and the extraordinary talent of this young man makes for a stunning effort that you can’t help but be in awe of.

Travels well with: Voces8- Infinity; Seong-Jin Cho- Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2 Scherzi

Rachel Garlin

The State That We Are In

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to The State That We Are In

A singer-songwriter and guitarist from San Francisco, Rachel Garlin brings us 4 originals and a cover here, where a diverse and timeless delivery of brass, woodwinds and strings enter her indie-folk template.

The title track starts the listen with Garlin’s soothing acoustic guitar and smooth singing alongside Michael Jerome’s crisp drumming and David Ralicke’s well timed flute in the very flowing, politically themed opener, and “Late To Bloom” follows with warm strumming, poetic vocals and subtle but effective keys from Jonny Flaugher in the standout track.

“Some Weights Are Hard To Bear” takes the middle spot and displays much beauty with a gentle spirit and soulful horns thanks to Jordan Katz, while “Seashells” finds a dreamy place to reside, where a lush climate unfolds with help from Stephen Spies on violin. “Layla”, an Eric Clapton song, exits the listen, where just Garlin’s pipes and acoustic guitar interpret the classic with a bare quality that’s dedicated to Garlin’s wife of the same name.

An artist who has a lengthy background in athletics and who is actually a contestant on American Ninja Warrior, Garlin is an artist with many talents, and this quick EP serves as a great introduction to her thoughtful and articulate song craft that will certainly resonate with those who appreciate folk sounds.

Travels well with: Ana Egge-Between Us; Karen Jonas- Summer Songs

Randy Napoleon

Rust Belt Roots

Origin, 2021

8/10

Listen to Rust Belt Roots

Randy Napoleon knows his way around a guitar, and here with Xavier Davis, Rodney Whitaker, Quincy Davis, Rick Roe, Paul Keller and Sean Dobbins they interpret songs by Wes Montgomery, Grant Green and Kenny Burrell, among others, and there’s even a few originals present, too.

Wes Montgomery’s “S.O.S.” starts the listen with quick and meticulous guitar playing as Davis’ drumming acrobatics make quite an impression, and “When They Go”, a Napoleon original, continues the warm climate with Roe’s elegant keys and Keller’s strategic bass highlighting the melodic jazz delivery.

Closer to the middle, the playful “Beaux’s Arts”, by Buddy Montgomery, showcases Whitaker’s spirited bass work in the busy yet calculated landscape, while Grant Green’s “Jean De Fleur” is a swift and mesmerizing 6 minutes of incredible dynamics between the rhythm section of Keller and Dobbins, though Napoleon’s guitar licks certainly don’t disappoint either.

Further along, “The Tender Gender” certainly does remain gentle, as Roe, Keller and Dobbins complement the cautious guitar in the very thoughtful album highlight, and “The Man Who Sells Flowers” exits the listen on a solo original, where Napoleon’s timeless and radiant guitar emits much beauty.

Napoleon’s formative years were spent in Detroit playing the club scene, and he brings those influences to his New York life with these blues and bebop friendly tunes that are easy to absorb and hard to forget.

Travels well with: John Moulder- Metamorphosis; Karen Marguth- Until

John Moulder

Metamorphosis

Origin, 2021

9/10

Listen to Metamorphosis

The esteemed Chicago guitarist John Moulder finds himself in the company of Richie Beirach (piano), Steve Rodby (acoustic bass) and Paul Wertico (drums), as the quartet offer us highly rich and melodic compositions that weave in and out of stunning textures that can swing playfully but are also often very soulful.

“Game Changer” starts the listen with Wertico’s firm drumming as thick guitar from Moulder flows well with Beirach’s warm keys, and after the brief “Metamorphosis (Intro)” sets the tone with a calm ambience, “Metamorphosis” offers 10+ minutes of light layers and meticulous interplay between the 4 players.

In the middle, “Into The Dazzling Darkness” offers much radiant and gentle instrumentation where Rodby’s bass plucking is quite mesmerizing, while “Morning Angels” puts focus on Moulder’s precise guitar lines amid the agile drumming.

“Sarum” arrives near the end and brings an upbeat energy that you’ll have a hard time sitting still to, and “Soliloquy” exits the listen with incredible synergy as all the musicians showcase their respective strengths in the both swift and calm moments of very diverse jazz ideas.

Moulder’s work is personal, cultural and spiritual here, and, along with his exceptional company, he adds yet another excellent record to his impressive body of work.

Travels well with: Karen Marguth- Until; Steve Million- What I Meant To Say

Karen Marguth

Until

Origin, 2021

8/10

Listen to Until

A long running jazz vocalist who cut her teeth in California’s Central Valley scene, Karen Marguth collaborates with 3 different groups on these tracks that were recorded over the past decade.

“Comes Love” starts the listen with Richard Giddens’ carefully plucked bass as Marguth’s expressive vocals enter the cautious and adventurous jazz climate that benefits much from David Aus’ warm piano, and “Until” follows with Mike Taylor’s spirited guitar work and Eva Scow’s precise mandolin as Marguth’s radiant pipes match the playful delivery.

Approaching the middle, “What Color Is Love” recruits Gilbert Castellanos’ soulful trumpet and Brian Hamada’s gentle drumming for the sublime landscape, while “Hearts And Bones” offers plenty of light melodies amid Marguth’s versatile singing. “Close Your Eyes”, one of the album’s best, then leads with a stirring intimacy before Dan Feiszli’s meticulous bass and Aus’ acrobatic keys align with much fluidity.

Nearing the end, “Old Friends/Bookends” finds a very stylish and dynamic place to reside, where the keys, drums and bass all complement the beauty of the singing, and “Days Of Wine And Roses” exits the listen with a poetic, intimate and very pretty finish that was recorded live in 2014.

This 5th album as bandleader has Marguth taking a commanding and accomplished position, where her interpretations of classic songs makes for a very charming and diverse listen that swings triumphantly, and also finds itself in sparse moments of timeless introspection.

Travels well with: Judy Wexler- Back To The Garden; Kristin Callahan- Lost In A Dream

Diemen Sniep

Life Without Adrenaline

JanueOrange, 2021

8/10

Listen to Life Without Adrenaline

A Belgian quartet who are all over the place across these 6 tracks, Diemen Sniep flirt with punk, metal, industrial and even gothic ideas on this debut album.

“Drain” starts the album with some dark ambience, as pounding drums and spoken word enters the swirling mix of noise and melody, and “PEST” follows with thick guitar riffs and acrobatic drumming that hits with a more firm presence of grit and power.

In the middle, “NOIR” moves gently with a soothing, nearly meditative quality that uses minimalism to its advantage in a cinematic sort of way, while “The Heat” abruptly bursts into a throbbing and jagged display of experimental rock.

Further yet, “Consequences” focuses on calm keys against an eerie backdrop, and “Cavern” exits the listen with some mysterious post-rock ideas amid the dreamy moments, which makes for a very distinct and significant creativity.

Diemen Sniep are likely to remind you of many bands, i.e. Swans, Mogwai, or any number of ‘90s post-punk outfits, though ultimately they occupy a space all their own, and it’s a very atypical and exciting listening experience you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Daydream Three- The Lazy Revolution; Pulsar Ensemble- Bizarre City

Daydream Three

The Lazy Revolution

Noja, 2021

9/10

Listen to The Lazy Revolution

The solo project of Enzo Pepi, who has been a major player in the post-rock/noise scene of Sicily for decades, as Daydream Three he recorded this album studio live, and brought in Vincenzo Arisco (Walmus Brothers) on drums, and Christian Cutrufo (Twig Infection) to play bass.

“In The Air” starts the listen with dense buzzing as thick melodies enter the noisy rock template, and “1992” follows and brings some post-punk ideas that sound like they could have been created in 1992 and placed on a mixtape with Sonic Youth.

Elsewhere, “The Lazy Revolution” pairs strategic fuzz with subtle pop moments in the tuneful racket, while “Chemistry Is Ok” gets a little darker in spirit before settling into a dynamic and smooth delivery. “I Want Nothing More”, the album’s best, then displays soft singing alongside dreamy instrumentation that’s quite hypnotic.

Near the end, “The Silence Of The Country” offers a hushed, almost meditative quality amid angular guitar work that might remind you of a Rob Crow project, and “The Road” exits the listen with intimacy and warmth explored in Pepi’s inimitable vision.

A very interesting effort that’s suitable for those who prefer firm music but who also those don’t shy away from melody, Daydream Three’s brand of sturdy indie-rock and harmonic post-rock make every track here worthy of repeated listens.

Travels well with: Pulsar Ensemble- Bizarre City; Beingmoved- Smiles And Bigger Hearts

Colver

Walk Swim Fly

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Walk Swim Fly

The Belgian indie-rockers Colver know their way around a colorful, radiant and pop influenced tune that’s as memorable as it is charming, and these 5 songs certainly illustrate just why they’re becoming a significant name in their part of the world.

“Doing It Wrong” starts the listen with a shimmering pop appeal that’s delivered with smooth singing, warm beats and plenty of crisp melodies, and “Welcome Back To Sunny Ghost City” follows with playful drumming, charming synth and spirited guitars in an upbeat and dance friendly delivery.

In the middle, “True Detective” recruits hip-hop beats into some mysterious psychedelia that makes for a very stylish EP highlight, while “Bitcoin Billionaire” gets dreamy and soulful amid the calm and modern textures. “West Coast” then exits with a very polished template amid an infectious energy.

Certainly running parallel with today’s synth friendly indie-rock, but also accessible enough for the FM dial, I suspect that Colver will be a band we’re all going to be hearing much more about, cause these songs are positively enjoyable.

Travels well with: Mr. Diagonal- North Pacific; Savana Funk- Tindouf

Buck Owens And The Buckaroos

Ain’t It Amazing, Gracie

Omnivore, 2021

8/10

Listen to Ain’t It Amazing, Gracie

Buck Owens released 3 studio albums in 1973- Ain’t It Amazing, Gracie being the middle one- and it came out just 2 weeks after the well received In The Palm Of Your Hand. A record that charted at #17 on the country album charts, and produced some staples in his repertoire, Ain’t It Amazing, Gracie even contains the track that would revamp Owens’ career 15 years after it appeared here.

The title track starts the listen with Owens’ inimitable version of country rock, where Jerry Brightman’s warm pedal steel helped this tune land at #14 on the singles chart, and it isn’t long until “Streets Of Bakersfield” flows with its breezy melodies and shuffling drums from Jerry Wiggins on the classic tune that, in 1988, would scale the charts to number 1 as a duet with Dwight Yoakam.

Occupying the middle spot, the playful and vocally fluid “Your Monkey Won’t Be Home Tonight” might have you searching for your dancing shoes, while “I Know That You Know (That I Love You)” takes a romantic tone amid the soulful backing singers and cozy guitar work.

Near the end, “Old Faithful” displays Jim Shaw’s key prowess alongside Owens’ expressive singing that hints at gospel ideas, and “When You Get To Heaven (I’ll Be There)” exits the listen with The Ray Sisters complementing Owens pipes on the quintessential Buck Owens finisher.

Randy Poe does a great job with the liner notes on this one, and the remastering from the original tapes thanks to Michael Graves makes sure that this classic listen sounds better than ever on its first appearance on CD and digital formats.

Travels well with: Buck Owens And The Buckaroos- In The Palm Of Your Hand; Buck Owens And His Buckaroos- The Kansas City Song

Buck Owens And The Buckaroos

(It’s A) Monster’s Holiday

Omnivore, 2021

8/10

Listen to (It’s A) Monster’s Holiday

This 1974 album from Buck Owens And The Buckaroos marked the 23rd Top 10 country album for the band, and even features a Shel Silverstein rewrite along with some surprises in the form of laughs and screams on the adventurous 10 songs.

The title track starts as if it’s going to soundtrack a horror flick before Jerry Wiggins’ punchy drumming and Don Rich’s stylish guitar lines complement the country rocker, and “Amazing Love” follows with a much calmer delivery, where Owens’ intimate singing makes for a very romantic mood.

Further down the line, the warm keys of “I Love” help cultivate the expressive climate, while “Stony Mountain West Virginia” shuffles with a dance friendly energy that benefits from Rich’s fiddle and Ronnie Jackson’s banjo acrobatics. “You’re Gonna Love Yourself In The Morning” then moves with a mature, soulful approach that takes help from well timed female backing vocals.

Near the end, the near gospel feeling of “Great Expectations” showcases Doyle Curtsinger’s precise bass plucking, and “Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through)” exits the listen with all the hallmarks of Buck Owens we love- heartfelt, sincere and universally enjoyable songwriting.

Like all the recent Buck Owens reissues from the Omnivore label, this one comes with new liner notes and photos, and is remastered from the original analog tapes, which makes for an excellent package for these titles to be on CD and digital for the first time.

Travels well with: Buck Owens And HIs Buckaroos- In The Palm Of Your Hand; Buck Owens And The Buckaroos- The Kansas City Song

The Freeway Jubilee

On The Horizon Vol. 1

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to On The Horizon Vol. 1

The quintet The Freeway Jubilee seem like they could be suited for a church gig just as they could an impromptu jam near a mountain, as Adam Clayton (lead vocals, piano, organ), Jonathan Clayton (vocals, lead guitar), Kenny Crowley (vocals, bass, rhythm guitar, percussion), Hunter Parker (vocals, baritone and tenor saxophone) and Cartwright Brandon (drums, percussion) welcome some special guests into their very charming brand of fusion.

“In Motion” starts the listen group harmony vocals, as frisky drumming enters the stylish, gospel flavored festivities that showcases Parker’s bright sax and Adam’s smooth vocals, and “Sunlight Stream” follows with a warm, funky groove amid a playful soulfulness that benefits from Michael Crawford’s harmonica and Jacob Bruner’s strategic trombone.

In the middle, the punchy drumming of “Not The Same” is full of bouncy bass lines from Crowley as an infectious energy that’s got some rural spirit enters, while “Rugged & Free” recruits Freddie Barry’s skilled guitar work alongside a more cautious approach of sublimely textured song craft.

“Reachin’” and “Humble Song” exit the listen, where the former offers timeless pop-rock nods that are quite authentic, and the latter mixes gospel with folk in a poetic and charming display of piano acrobatics, a shuffling rhythm section and Chris Moe’s agile harmonica.

A thriving band whose work ethic is matched by their creativity, there’s much diversity to be found here, and the execution is often fun, nostalgic and, in the case of “Let Me Try”, intimate. It’s pretty likely that if you spend any significant time with The Freeway Jubilee, they’ll be your new favorite band, or at least that was my experience.

Travels well with: Abby Bryant & The Echoes- Not Your Little Girl; Tommy Womack- I Thought I Was Fine

Buck Owens And The Buckaroos

In The Palm Of Your Hand

Omnivore, 2021

8/10

Listen to In The Palm Of Your Hand

The ‘70s were a very prolific time for Buck Owens, as he released a dozen studio albums, most of which charted quite high. In The Palm Of Your Hand, his 1973 LP, landed at #21 on the country album charts, and it even features a tune penned by Buck’s son, Buddy Alan.

The title track starts the listen with Jerry Brightman’s warm pedal steel and Jim Shaw’s precise keys alongside Owens’ inimitable delivery on a tune that reached #23 on the singles chart, and “There’s Goes My Love” follows with Doyle Curtsinger’s playful bass complementing the bouncy spirit.

At the halfway point, “Arms Full Of Empty”, which climbed the charts to #14, offers an upbeat and immediately memorable album highlight that you can’t help but sing-along to, while “You Ain’t Gonna Have Old Buck To Kick Around No More” is a lyrically firm tune with no shortage of melodies amid the punchy climate that benefits from Don Rich’s strong guitar work.

Deeper still, “Get Out Of Town Before Sundown” displays Jerry Wiggins’ agile drumming as Owens takes help on backing vocals, and “I Love You So Much It Hurts” exits the listen with fiddle acrobatics from Rich as the emotive and intimate tune finishes on a very high note.

Another important piece of the Buck Owens legacy that certainly deserves to be reissued, this one comes remastered from the original analog tapes by Michael Graves, and features new liner notes from Randy Poe, as well as photos, ephemera and, most importantly, songs that have aged very well.

Travels well with: Buck Owens And His Buckaroos- The Kansas City Song; Buck Owens And His Buckaroos- Your Mother’s Prayer

Ben Stalets

Everybody’s Laughing

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Everybody’s Laughing

The Toledo native Ben Stalets thankfully doesn’t hide his influences from legends like John Prine, Warren Zevon and Paul Simon on this nostalgic listen, where the troubadour pens both personal and worldly songs that also explore sorrow and joy with a very articulate approach.

“Maybe Love’s Not All We Need” starts the listen with mysterious ambience as Stalets’ expressive pipes enter the heartfelt and cosmic version of Americana, and “Chicken Flew The Coop” follows with strategic pedal steel alongside a very warm, rootsy appeal.

Elsewhere, “Rock & Roll Song” offers an initially bare, poetic display of folk influenced song craft that’s quite intimate, while “No Right Way” recruits playful drumming into the cultured and rhythmic album highlight. “Words”, another exceptional track, then gets a bit more rugged as Stalets enters more firm areas of rock with a minor buzzing.

“Mr. Nice Guy” arrives near the end and showcases shades of retro-rock amid the falsetto singing, and the title track exits the listen with a slight jangle that brings to the mind the ‘60s alongside the crisp drumming and spirited guitar work.

Somewhere between country, folk, Americana and roots, Stalets embraces both tenderness and grit, and his curious brand of music would have sounded as great in the ‘60s as it does today, and will appeal to fans as wide as The Beatles, Wilco or even Prince.

Travels well with: Grace Morrison- Daughter; DL Rossi- Lonesome Kind

Montréal Jazz Trio

Montréal Jazz Trio

Odd Sounds, 2021

9/10

Listen to Montréal Jazz Trio

A trio consisting of Steve Amirault (piano), Adrian Vedady (acoustic bass) and Jim Doxas (drums), this self-titled effort brings both originals and standards to the exciting jazz climate that includes plenty of harmony, creativity and timelessness.

“All Those Lovely Things”, an Amirault original, starts the listen with fluid keys, light drumming and bouncy bass lines as the stylish opener makes an immediate impression, and “My One And Only Love” follows with an infectious energy of dance floor ready dynamics that you can’t help but admire.

Further down the line, the bright and playful piano of “Take The “A” Train” puts a very warm and rhythmic spin on the Ellington and Strayhorn tune, while “Taking A Chance On Love” gets quite romantic with cautious synergy between the trio. “Nowhere”, the album’s best, then moves swiftly, where precise bass plucking and finger acrobatics lend themselves to a fascinating climate.

“Soho Dreams” arrives near the end, and finds a dreamy place to reside that swings with a radiant charm, and “Answer Me, My Love” finishes sublimely, where the trio interact flawlessly amid much beauty.

With nearly half the songs featuring the word love in the title, you might spot a theme running through the album, and there’s certainly much heartfelt intimacy present, just as there is lively bouts of swingin’ fun, as the 3 pen a fantastic modern jazz record.

Travels well with: Shannon Gunn- On A Mountain; Levi Dover Sextet- Imaginary Structures

Paul Cohen

Heard Again For The First Time

Ravello, 2021

8/10

Listen to Heard Again For The First Time

Paul Cohen knows his way around a saxophone, and here, along with the Eastern Wind Symphony and the direction of Todd Nichols, he brings plenty of solos and varied textures to the diverse compositions of Heard Again For The First Time.

“Concerto For Alto Saxophone” starts the listen and brings the Eastern Wind Symphony into Cohen’s precise and often dreamy sax prowess, where the winds add much allure to the flowing setting, and “Concerto No. 2” follows with Roger Nye’s warm bassoon and Rebecca Cypess’ twinkling harpsichord highlighting the agile, cinematic climate.

“Ballade Carnavalesque” lands in the middle and brings flute, oboe, piano, bassoon, and, of course, Cohen’s sax to the very mature and precisely layered delivery, while “The Lone Prairie” focuses on Brett Deubner’s stirring viola and Allison Brewster Franzetti’s sublime piano amid much beauty.

The album ends with “Trio”, where flute, sax and piano bounce around each other with incredible musicianship and a chemistry so developed, it alone is worth the price of admission.

Some of these songs go back over 100 years, and Cohen and company but a fresh coast of paint on them with an unparalleled attention to detail and no lack of imagination that will appeal to those with an ear for classical, orchestral and chamber sounds.

Travels well with: James Dashow- Synchronies; Nicki Roman- Unquiet Waters

Dan Luke And The Raid

Out Of The Blue

New West, 2019

9/10

Listen to Out Of The Blue

The youngsters that make up Kentucky’s Dan Luke And The Raid sing songs about all the hallmarks of being in your 20s- parties, broken hearts, drugs, etc.- and their music follows suit with a sloppy approach where distortion, jagged rhythm and bursts of synth all unfold in charming ways.

“Farrah Mantra” starts the listen with fuzzy sounds in the quirky rock tune, and “Disco Is As Disco Does” follows with a retro-pop feeling that’s heavy on melody as well as nostalgia with New Wave stabs.

Elsewhere, “Money Mouth” recruits a garage rock spirit with fiery guitar work, while “Golden Age” takes a multifaceted approach of ‘60s sounds and hazy alt-rock. “Maybe It’s The Drugs”, the album highlight, then jangles and bounces with a throwback spirit that hardly sounds like it emanated from guys just barely old enough to legally drink.

Near the end, “Black Cat Heavy Metal” offers a stadium sized rocker of massive fuzz and anthemic prowess, and “Last Goodbyes” exits the listen calm and melodic, tragically almost as if a premonition of the devastation that would strike the band after recording this album.

Sadly, guitarist Dylan Graves passed away in April of this year, but he certainly left his stamp on the fun and adventurousness that is Out Of The Blue. There’s some serious talent present here from kids who probably listen to The Beatles just as much as they do Lou Reed, and they certainly are chipping away at a sound all their own that’s impossible not to enjoy.

Travels well with: Andrew Combs- Ideal Man; White Reaper- The World’s Best American Band