The Relay

The Relay

The Relay

Same Island, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Relay

The 4 piece New York outfit The Relay play a timeless and memorable sort of jazz that illuminates the talent of Dan Pratt (sax), Michael Eckroth (piano), Matt Clohesy (bass), and Allan Medinard (drums) on this self-titled debut.

“Four For” opens the listen with warm keys and bright brass making for a very soulful and cozy jazz climate, and “One Right” follows with playfully plucked bass before soothing sax and elegant keys make for a very intimate landscape.

In the middle, the frisky pace of “Spirit Walk” displays a very precise interaction between the quartet, while “Song Of Babes” moves with a lively shuffle that will get your body moving to the flowing rhythm and agile melodies.

Deeper still, “Anabell’s Ballad” glides cautiously amid the reflective brass, emotive keys and subtle bass, and “Novo Sete” exits the listen with a mesmerizing and upbeat demeanor that’s anchored by meticulous drumming and showcases so much collaboration between the artists.

A listen that’s not short on melodies, grooves and bouts of improvisation, this is an excellent starting point for The Relay, who certainly warrant attention for the jazz inclined.

Travels well with: Aaron Stroessner Quartet- Gifts; Kabir Dalawari- Awareness

Stephen Barber

Earth

New Focus, 2022

8/10

Listen to Earth

The very diverse artist Stephen Barber brings us a solo piano listen that embraces worldly popular music, film scoring and modern classical sounds on this very colorful and interesting body of work.

“Yellow Warbler” opens the listen with dancing keys that emit much beauty and warmth, and “Fireflies” continues the meticulousness with a hypnotic and flawless delivery that’s quite chilling and fascinating.

Elsewhere, the firm presence of “Stop” manipulates space and tension well, while “Electra 88” is quite unpredictable with its low moments of rumbling and cinematic swells of intricate progressions.

Close to the end, “Easter” flows with fluid melodies that weave in and out of adventurousness and prettiness, and “Earth” exits the listen with a sublime intimacy that’s quite reflective and heartfelt in its stirring appeal.

More than half the songs here are less than 3 minutes, as Barber covers a lot of territory that often draws inspiration from major figures, and will be sure to enthrall anyone with an ear for piano music.

Travels well with: Kimia Hesabi- Nemāno Gaona; Steven Ricks- Assemblage Chamber

Erik Dahl

Music For Small Rooms

Svalka, 2022

8/10

Listen to Music For Small Rooms

The multi-instrumentalist Erik Dahl returns with a solo album, where much focus on instrumentation and prog-rock ideas are still rooted in chamber sounds that welcomes some impressive guests.

“Postpop” opens the listen with elegant piano alongside dreamy, wordless vocals that float with much beauty and grace in an eerie sort of way, and “Natural Home” follows with contributions from Anna Cochrane on viola and William Soovik’s drums that help make for a fuller, chamber presence.

At the midpoint, “The Leopard” uses firm keys and Cochrane’s stirring viola as well as Filip Leyman’s strategic percussion for a bit of a more rock influenced template, while “Mannen med bollen” recruits Anna Malmstrom’s skilled bass clarinet and Cochrane’s fluid viola for some pop friendly moments amid the folk nods.

Near the end, “Between Heartbeats” offers a bit of mystery between the atmospheric piano and modular synth from Leyman, and “Bornevise fra Skibby” exits the listen intimate, with a low buzzing and emotive keys that flows with a very reflective tone.

A record that’s cinematic, often minimal and occasionally haunting, Dahl brings his piano, harmonium, synth, voice, field recordings and guitar to a hybrid jazz, pop, folk, chamber body of work that’s quite fascinating.

Travels well with: Erik Dahl Ensemble- Gethenian Suite; Cary Heuchert- Hourglass

Jeffrey Halford And The Healers

Soul Crusade

Continental, 2022

8/10

Listen to Soul Crusade

The veteran singer-songwriter Jeffrey Halford knows his way around soul, blues, gospel and blues sounds, and here with his longtime collaborator Adam Rossi (drums, keys, co-producer) he explores dimensional love and the turbulent times we reside in.

“Another Skyline” opens the listen with a very agile warmth, where deep vocals and a very poetic feel unfold with a soulful blues quality that’s not short on grooves, and “Take It Slow” follows with an upbeat spirit of meticulous guitar and rugged melodies in its rootsy appeal.

The middle tracks are among the best, and include the charming folk-rock of “Kitchen Door”, while “Walk The River” emits much raw beauty in its eloquent demeanor that might remind you of Al Green.

Approaching the end, the bare Americana of “Picture In My Mind” carries some country nods and benefits much from moody pedal steel, and “Sad Sinking Feeling” exits the listen with mature piano and a reflective atmosphere that parallels the greatness achieved by Neil Young.

Halford is also joined by Bruce Kaphan (lap slide), and the multi-instrumentalist Tom Heyman, and it makes for a wise, vulnerable and easily relatable, accessible listen that resonates long after the music stops.

Travels well with: Christopher Lockett- At The Station; Dan Weber- The Way River Goes

William Grant Still

Summerland

Naxos, 2022

8/10

Listen to Summerland

Considered the ‘Dean of Afro-American Composers’, William Grant Still penned nearly 200 works during the Harlem Renaissance, including 9 operas and 5 symphonies. Here, the violinist Zina Schiff and conductor Avlana Eisenberg leading the Royal Scottish National Orchestra interpret 9 of Still’s pieces.

“Can’t You Line’Em” opens the listen with a booming and bright display of soaring winds and vibrant strings that can be both dramatic and serene, and “3 Visions- No. 2 Summerland” follows with a charming intimacy that’s quite stirring in its beauty.

Deeper into the listen, “American Suite” unfolds across 3 movements of dreamy instrumentation that’s cinematic in nature and emits meticulous string interaction, while the tense “Fanfare For The 99th Fighter Squadron” sounds like it’s preparing for battle with its firm brass and thundering percussion.

Close to the end, “Violin Suite” allows Schiff’s inimitable violin skills to shine in a very precise and adventurous delivery, and “Threnody: In Memory Of Jean Sibelius” exits with a breezy demeanor that floats lightly amid an uplifting dynamic between the orchestra.

Schiff and Eisenberg are mother and daughter who have long been champions of Still’s music, and they certainly capture his diverse spirit with these exciting pieces that honor his spirit superbly.

Travels well with: Stephen Sondheim- A Little Night Music (Suite For Violin And Piano); Newman & Oltman Guitar Duo- The Book Of Imaginary Beings: The Music Of Leo Brouwer For Two Guitars

Zan Zone

Start Where You Stand

RandomAxe, 2022

8/10

Listen to Start Where You Stand

The Brooklyn outfit Zan Zone return with more of Zan Burnham’s diverse songs, where the new co-lead vocalist Angela Watson Modeste completes the 4 part harmonies that also includes Arianna Burnham and Phillip Dessinger.

“Bad Dreams” opens the listen with warm guitar, as thumping drums and smooth singing enter the soothing yet rugged climate, and “Start Where You Stand” follows with a spirited prog-rock slant that welcomes some classic rock ideas amid the firm melodies.

Further down the line, “Extinction: Rebellion” displays intricate guitar progressions and strategic drumming that builds into a busy, precise landscape, while “THAT” moves with a dreamy quality that’s quite mesmerizing and showcases dual gender vocals.

Moving towards the end, the album’s best, “Survival”, shows hints of folk-rock alongside swirling melodies, and “Holdin’ You Tight” exits the listen with very pretty singing to complement the intimate and romantic finish.

Very tragically, Burnham’s wife, Marilyn Lisa Feldmen, passed away in 2021, and these well thought out songs are dedicated to her memory, as Saadi Zain handles electric and acoustic bass and Marko Djordjevic’s skilled drumming and percussion help illuminate the soaring voices and meticulous instrumentation.

Travels well with: Zan Zone- It’s Only Natural; The Grand Undoing- In A Vigil State

Agony Street

Songs For William

Silverton, 2020

8/10

Listen to Songs For William

An album that was recorded in 1993, the duo of Gudmundur Bragason and Klas Qvist, i.e. Agony Street, don’t shy away from influences like Jeff Lynne, Traveling Wilburys, or any of the Fab Four on this nostalgic pop affair that sounds right at home in any decade since the ‘60s.

“Another Sleepless Night” opens the listen and is quintessential retro-pop fun, and “A Song For William” continues the fun with a sitar, plenty of grooves and a haze of psych-influenced ideas.

Deeper into the listen, “A Perfect Day For A Breakup” is a perfect setting for upbeat, jangly harmonic strumming and bright vocals, while “The Voices Inside My Head” thumps playfully and will certainly get your body moving to the lively energy and thriving melodies.

Further yet, “I’ve Heard It All Before” displays the duo’s timeless chemistry with a bit of a darker appeal that might make you dig out your Kinks records, and of the bonus tracks, the keyboard focused “Merry Christmas Anyway” emits much warmth and will be a nice addition to your mature holiday soundtrack.

Very tragically, Qvist passed away in 2021, and he left behind an exceptional body of solo work, as well as 3 Citizen K albums. A final Agony Street was nearly finished when the tragedy struck, and expect that to arrive soon, and it will undoubtedly be filled with more first rate, vintage pop and rock.

Travels well with: Brian Wilson & Van Dyke Parks- Orange Crate Art; The Kinks- Lola Versus Powerman And The Moneygoround Part One

Hanka G

Universal Ancestry

Culture Bridge, 2022

8/10

Listen to Universal Ancestry

The first album recorded and released in the United States by the Slovak singer Hanka G, the 11 songs here mesh jazz, gospel, R&B and folk music from her home country on this very rich and distinct 4th record.

“All The Man I Need” opens the listen with Shedrick Mitchell’s warm keys and Nathaniel Townsley’s atmospheric drumming to complement G’s powerful, soulful singing, and “Be Grateful” follows with Sherrod Barnes’ fluid electric guitar and David Ginyard’s strategic bass in the intimate and poetic climate.

Packed into the middle is the dreamy “Dance Dance”, where Marvin Sewell’s pretty guitar and James Hurt’s agile Fender Rhodes help illuminate the beauty of G’s pipes, while “Throw It Away” recruits Antoine Roney’s precise tenor sax and Rodney Kendrick’s finger acrobatics on piano for the cautious yet adventurous album highlight.

Landing near the end, the scatting presence and swirling sax of “I Am Such A Pretty Girl” makes a big impression, and “Bird Has Started Singing” exits the listen with Veronika Vitazkova’s fujara helping cultivate a very radiant, meditative energy that benefits much from G’s diverse voice.

G has lived in New York City since 2016, and she brings a multi-cultured approach to her craft, where the swinging moments versus the calm, soothing tones and sexy, romantic portions make for an unpredictable and very unique listen.

Travels well with: Vicki Burns- Lotus Blossom Days; The Baylor Project- The Evening

Salim Nourallah

See You In Marfa

Happiness, 2022

8/10

Listen to See You In Marfa

The singer-songwriter and guitarist Salim Nourallah collaborates with the British producer, singer-songwriter and guitar player Marty Wilson-Piper, who you might recognize as a member of The Church for over 30 years, for this quick but impactful listen.

The title track opens the listen with Joe Reyes’ spirited electric guitar alongside John Dufilha’s punchy drums and Nourallah’s smooth, poetic singing in the romantic climate, and “Not Back To Sad” follows with Richard Martin’s well timed organ and Paul Averitt’s soaring backing vocals making for a dreamy yet rugged formula.

Halfway through, the thumping “Hold On To The Night” showcases Jason Garner’s proficient bass and Wilson- Piper’s electric guitar prowess in the folk-pop landscape, while “Love’s A Promise” is fueled by Nourallah’s warm acoustic guitar in the intimate and memorable EP highlight.

“Hate The Waiting” exits the listen, and brings Martin’s electric piano and organ as well as Garner’s keys and pizza box(?) to a calm and eloquent finish.

These songs were culled from Nashville sessions with Nourallah’s longtime band, and with Piper’s exceptional help it makes for a power-pop and timeless roots affair that just might remind you of Tom Petty or Jeff Tweedy.

Travels well with: M. Lockwood Porter- Communion In The Ashes; John Calvin Abney- Familiar Ground

Laura Benitez And The Heartache

California Centuries

Copperhead, 2022

9/10

Listen to California Centuries

The singer, guitarist and songwriter Laura Benitez returns with her most personal record yet, where she expands off the country template of With All Its Thorns, and embraces folk, rock and bluegrass ideas, too.

“Bad Things” opens the listen with Benitez’s pretty, soaring pipes alongside breezy guitars and emotive pedal steel in the hazy melodies, and “I’m The One” follows with a more rugged approach of well timed organ and agile acoustic guitar, as folk-rock nods enter.

Approaching the middle, “A Love Like Yours” bounces with an infectious energy of rootsy intimacy that’s quite charming, while “Plaid Shirt” lands in retro-country territory with its rural shuffle warmth.

Near the end, the swift bluegrass bouts of “God Willing And The Creek Don’t Rise” showcases swift string picking and playful fiddle from Amy Scher, and “I’m With The Band” exits and places Ian Sutton’s steel guitar front and center on the upbeat roots rock that will get your body moving to the lively, rich flow.

The last couple of years have been difficult for artists, and Benitez even had her living situation altered and then dealt with the California fires. She documents all those headaches with a very creative spirit that resonates a wise, diverse career highlight that still embraces twang, but yields plenty of heartfelt surprises.

Travels well with: Stacy Antonel- Always The Outsider; Surrender Hill- A Whole Lot Of Freedom

Katherine Farnham

Alquimia

Voice Inside, 2022

8/10

Listen to Alquimia

The esteemed vocalist, pianist, and percussionist Katherine Farnham fleshes out a Latin jazz listen here, where originals and standards in Spanish and Portuguese take help from the Grammy Winner Nestor Torres, 4-time Grammy Nominee Denny Jiosa and the legendary artist Guinga.

“Tango” gets the listen off to a powerful start with Farnham’s expressive pipes alongside the firm drums and Roy Vogt’s playful bass, and “Onde Esta Meu Amor” follows with Farnham’s graceful keys and poetic singing complementing the melodic, cultured landscape.

In the middle, the duet “A Vox do Mundo” pairs Farnham’s vocals and piano with Guinga’s soothing pipes and Brazilian style acoustic guitar across the intimate landscape, while “Besame Mucho” recruits Denny Jiosa’s fluid guitar work for the stirring, eloquent demeanor.

Close to the end, the extended version of “Discricao” emits rich textures of precise musicianship that’s quite pretty, and the acoustic version of “A Vox do Mundo” exits the listen with Guinga’s meticulous guitar illuminating the mature piano and lovely voices.

Farnham is classically trained and possesses a 4 octave voice, and she’ll make anyone a fan who is willing to listen to these passionate, adventurous and timeless interpretations.

Travels well with: Jackie Messina- Necessary Arrangements; Alexis Parsons- Alexis

The Sensational Country Blues Wonders!

The Adventures Of A Psychedelic Cowboy

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to The Adventures Of A Psychedelic Cowboy

The recording moniker of Gary Van Miert, as The Sensational Country Blues Wonders! the singer-songwriter and musician incorporates the sounds of the classic country from ‘50s and ‘60s, the heyday of gospel and the best parts of the blues for this truly unique and exciting 10 tracks.

“There’s A Hole In The Fabric Of My Reality” opens the listen with a charming sort of Americana that’s got a playful, cosmic spirit to it, and “Breathe” follows with bright brass and New Orleans influences in the children’s song that makes for a warm, wise nursery rhyme.

At the midpoint, “Airwaves” showcases fluid guitar work and breezy melody, while “I’m A Caterpillar” shuffles with a bouncy retro-country feel that will get your body moving to the timeless energy.

“I’ve Got Memphis On My Mind”, the album’s best, then flows with a rural rock demeanor that recruits fluid keys, swift drums and smooth guitars, and “God Is Gonna Take Me Home” exits the listen with a frisky, gospel ditty that jangles a bit in its infectious nature.

All the tunes here were penned during Covid isolation, and put Miert’s vast influences on display, where hints of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, the Bakersfield sound, the Kinks, plus many other nostalgic forms of rock are present and appreciated.

Travels well with: Monica Taylor- Trains, Rivers & Trails; Bill Scorzari- The Crosswinds Of Kansas

Geoffrey Keezer & Friends

Playdate

MarKeez, 2022

8/10

Listen to Playdate

The exceptional piano player Geoffrey Keezer returns with his 23rd album as leader, where his composing and arranging skills take help from Shedrick Mitchell (Hammond B3 organ), Ron Blake (tenor, soprano sax), Richie Goods (acoustic, electric basses) and Kendrick Scott (drums), plus guests, for a very diverse and accomplished 6 tracks.

“Refuge” opens the listen with firm keys and sweeping strings, as a very tense, cinematic appeal unfolds with help from Aayushi Karnik on guitar, and “I.L.Y.B.D.” follows with the bright and soulful sax prowess aligning with the very proficient drumming in the energetic jazz delivery.

The middle tracks belong to “Her Look, Her Touch” and “Tomorrow”, where the former glides with a very intimate, rich display of graceful keys, stirring brass and restrained drums, while the latter recruits Nir Felder on guitar and Munyungo Jackson’s well timed percussion for the bluesy touch of radiant beauty.

Near to the end, “Bebah” showcases meticulous organ skills amid the dreamy landscape, and “M’s Bedtime Blues” exits with a bouncy and upbeat demeanor that will get your body moving to the infectious musicianship.

From funk to hard bop to gospel and many places in between, Keezer and company make for a textured and exciting listen that’s as unpredictable as it is memorable.

Travels well with: Billy Drummond And Freedom Of Ideas- Valse Sinistre; Grant Stewart- The Lighting Of The Lamps

Circus No. 9

Circus No. 9

Bonfire, 2022

8/10

Listen to Circus No. 9

The Tennessee outfit Circus No. 9 return with 11 new tracks, where Americana, folk and bluegrass are explored with precision and warmth thanks to Thomas Cassell (mandolin, mandola, vocals) Vince Ilagan (bass, vocals), Matthew Davis (banjo, vocals), and Ben Garnett’s (guitar, electric guitar, electronics, vocals) powerful and memorable chemistry.

“To The Lighthouse” opens the listen with intimacy, as the calm setting builds into both a tense and pretty landscape, and “The Place That I Call Home” follows with precise and soaring string interaction, where the cozy vocals guide the timeless bluegrass sounds.

In the middle, the dreamy climate of “Forever More” allows for the intimate vocals to radiate much emotion, while “Kind Of Cool” spotlights Jeff Sipe’s drumming acrobatics as slight jazz moments enter with much style.

Approaching the end, “West Point, IA” features John Mailander’s stirring fiddle for the lush, atmospheric album highlight, and “Scaffold Song” exits with Aoife O’Donovan’s lovely pipes adding even more beauty to the soft and mesmerizing finish.

A progressive version of bluegrass, Circus No. 9 are turning heads everywhere they go, and at this rate they’re quickly making new fans with a unique version of acoustic song craft that is easy to enjoy and difficult to forget.

Travels well with: Wilson Banjo Co.- Six Degrees Of Separation; Turning Ground- Crazy Horse

Su Andersson

Brave

Roots And Ramblers, 2022

8/10

Listen to Brave

A Swedish singer-songwriter who made quite an impression with 2020’s Train Stories, these 10 new songs from Su Andersson land in pop-rock territory, and welcome several kinds of guitars to the keys and synth.

“Japanese Tea” opens the listen with twinkling piano, as Andersson’s expressive singing enters the atmospheric and emotive climate, and “Southern Belle” follows with more emphasis on drums amid the breezy melodies and poetic appeal.

Elsewhere, “Limits” emits a very playful demeanor with its vocal harmonies and warm rhythm, while “Northern Light”, one of the fullest selections, benefits from Americana influenced guitar work.

Close to the end, the sublime intimacy of “Turquoise And Rust” is full of powerful singing amid the cautious keys, firm drums and intricate guitar, and “Missing It All” exits the listen with an organic energy you could dance to.

Andersson takes help from the producer Henning Sernhede, who contributes electric and acoustic guitar, mando guitar and sitar guitar, keys and synth, and Jonas Abrahamsson plays drums and piano. Add in a few guests on backing vocals, and you’ve got a very worldly version of pop-rock that’s textured precisely and highly memorable.

Travels well with: Monica Taylor- Trains, Rivers & Trails; David Newbould- Sin & Redemption

David Franklin

Passings

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Passings

A veteran musician and licensed psychotherapist, on this 10th album the multi-instrumentalist David Franklin welcomes Alex Franklin on guitar and Michael Manring on bass for 15 songs that thematically surround endings, deaths and passings that Franklin has dealt with over the past couple of years.

“I’ll Never Hear My Father’s Stories Again” opens the listen with agile and soothing guitar alongside Manring’s strategic bass in the meditative climate, and “The Meeting Tree” follows with a warm melody wrapping around the dreamy climate.

Further into the listen, “Changes” flows with a reflective nature that showcases intricate progressions on guitar, while “When Shadows Were Analog” displays Franklin’s gorgeous piano prowess as much intimacy and playfulness is radiated via the mature keys.

Deeper still, “Back, In A Different Place” blends bass and guitar with a mesmerizing quality that’s even a bit mysterious in its elegant nature, and “A Musical Essay (for music box)” exits the listen with indeed the sounds of a music box that’s quite charming in its simplistic appeal.

Franklin is well versed in rock, folk, pop, avant-garde and New Age song craft, and it’s the latter that’s most prevalent on this well thought out and comforting body of work.

Travels well with: Plinio Fernandes- Saudade; Sheku & Isata Kanneh-Mason- Muse

The Brother Brothers

Cover To Cover

Compass, 2022

8/10

Listen to Cover To Cover

The folk duo of David and Adam Moss, as The Brother Brothers the pair blend their inimitable harmonies across these covers that played a big part of their formative years, where folk, bluegrass and jazz are all touched upon.

“That’s How I Got To Memphis” opens the listen and wastes no time making an impression with its warm singing, gentle guitar and Matty Meyer’s light drumming on the Tom T. Hall tune that’s a bit bluesy, and “These Days” follows with Jeff Picker on acoustic lead guitar to illuminate the cozy intimacy that parallels the greatness of Paul Westerberg’s version of this Jackson Browne original.

“I Will” lands at the halfway point, and takes help from David’s cello on the Lennon/McCartney classic, while “I Get Along Without You Very Well (Except Sometimes)” employs Rachael Price’s soothing backing vocals across this charming a cappella version.

Approaching the end, “High Sierra” makes great use of Michaela Anne’s harmony vocals and Michael Rinne’s subtle but effective bass to complement the gorgeous melody, and “Flower’s Grave” exits the listen with violin and cello interacting with much eloquence in the bare, Tom Wait’s finish.

A very eclectic project that certainly shines a light on how the brothers turned their musical interests into a flourishing career, their skills with fiddle and Wurlitzer (Adam) and cello and guitars (David), along with the all star cast of collaborators, makes for superb interpretations of lovely songs.

Travels well with: Andrea Von Kampen- Old Country; Lowland Hum- At Home

DO'A

Higher Grounds

Outside In, 2022

8/10

Listen to Higher Grounds

An exceptional vocalist, pianist, and composer, this debut from DO’A finds the Albanian in fantastic company as musicians from around the world help illuminate her expressive songs.

“Flor De Lis” starts the listen with DO’A’s very pretty singing alongside Harold López-Nussa’s agile piano and Ruy Adrian López’s skilled percussion, and “Alfonsina y el Mar” follows with Nando Michelin’s sublime keys complementing the poetic vocals of the gorgeous delivery.

Halfway through, “I Fall In Love Too Easily” allows DO’A’s intimate pipes to shine amid the mature piano, while “Unidad” showcases Shango Daly’s frisky percussion and DO’A’s guitar skills in the breezy album highlight.

The final two tracks are just as warm, and include Shai Maestro’s stirring piano amid the eloquent vocal work on “Pranvera”, and “Krijim”, where DO’A handles piano on the live selection that showcases a distinct soulfulness.

In addition to the above, Julio Cesar González plays bass and Mayquel González contributes trumpet on this folk, jazz, samba and Latin hybrid of a very emotive journey that truly connects with the listener on a human level.

Travels well with: Roxy Coss- Disparate Parts; The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Chicago

Joy Lapps

Girl In The Yard

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Girl In The Yard

On her 5th album as leader and first of original material and arrangements, Joy Lapps brings her steelpans to a very diverse listen that welcomes Elmer Ferrer (guitar), Jeremy Ledbetter (piano), Andrew Stewart (bass) and Larnell Lewis (drums), plus others, for the jazz meets world music affair.

“Lulu’s Dream” opens the listen with Rob Christian’s glowing tenor sax amid the lively, Caribbean influenced, percussive sounds and “Josie’s Smile” follows with Lapps’ warm steelpans meshing well with Jesse Ryan’s alto sax prowess.

Further on, “Morning Sunrise” brings plenty of voices and strings into the island flavored grooves of the rich textures, while the firm and dance friendly “Serena” displays Colleen Allen’s clarinet skills alongside a lively samba.

Closer to the end, “Granny’s Pan” is just steelpans and percussion in the brief but exciting landscape, and “Fly” continues the playfulness with some synth meshing with the guitars and brass in a very uplifting, summery demeanor.

A truly unique listen that pulls influences from across the globe, Lapps and company flesh out a uniquely rhythmic and contagious effort that’s sometimes cinematic and always flows with a meticulous and fascinating energy.

Travels well with: Billy Drummond And Freedom Of Ideas- Valse Sinistre; Troy Roberts- Nu-Jive: Nations United

Pekka Toivonen Ensemble

In The Bottom Of The Ancient Ocean

Kasino, 2019

8/10

Listen to In The Bottom Of The Ancient Ocean

A Finnish composer who rarely stays in one genre for very long, Pekka Toivonen has had a varied and esteemed career, and with his band the ensemble embrace jazz and classical ideas, but never in the traditional sense.

“For Elise” gets the debut listen off to a key friendly start, as the mood shifts from calm and bare to busy and more forceful, and “Long Shower” follows with horns and more obvious jazz texturing in the blurry delivery where electric guitar and double bass are in attendance.

The back half of the record brings us “Oceanic”, a piano driven tune with neo-classical influences that are always at the surface, while “My Space” a live cut from St.Paul’s, offers dynamic interplay between keys and percussion. “Trip” (live at Malmi) ends the listen with moody brass and twinkling keys in the unpredictable, fascinating exit.

A listen where rock’n’roll, gospel and folk bits are tucked in amid the jazz and classical bouts, Toivonen is keeping this project exciting and spontaneous, with rotating members and ideas. It will be interesting to see where he ends up next, as In The Bottom Of The Ancient Ocean is a grand start.

Travels well with: Erik Satie- Pianoworks; Lau Nau- Poseidon