Son Of A Velvet Rat

Ghost Ranch

Fluff & Gravy, 2024

8/10

Listen to Ghost Ranch

The Austrian pair of Georg Altziebler and Heike Binder, as Son of the Velvet Rat they’ve been making folk friendly sounds for 20+ years now, and these 11 new songs recruit plenty of varied ideas.

The dark spirit of “Bewildering Black & White Moments Captured On Trail Cams” starts the listen with dense bass and mysterious singing from Georg’s smoky pipes, and “Are The Angels Pretty?” follows with soft beauty via the soothing vocal harmonies and Jay Bellerose’s cautious drums.

Further along, the warm acoustic guitar of “The Golden Gate” complements the poetic singing, while “Rosary” is a fuller moment that uses Marc Ribot’s meticulous guitar amid fluid percussion and Jolie Holland’s stirring violin.

Residing closer to the end the low buzzing of “Kindness Of The Moon” spotlights Jennifer Condon’s skilled bass with a nearly ominous angle, and “Cicadas” exits with the sounds of nature alongside intimate guitar.

Now residents of Joshua Tree, the husband/wife duo bring to mind legends like Townes Van Zandt, Leonard Cohen or Bob Dylan, where these haunting, pretty and psyche-tinted songs take us on a mesmerizing journey.

Travels well with: Laith- Lightning; Jim White- Misfit’s Jubilee

The Roe Family Singers

Sisters & Brothers

Pinecastle, 2024

8/10

Listen to Sisters & Brothers

The 7th album from the Minnesota outfit, The Roe Family Singers bring us 12 songs inspired by the pandemic and that are a love letter to The Pogues, who certainly inspired their Irish and American formula.

The upbeat and warm “Road To Hell” opens with Noah Levy’s thumping drums complementing the fluid strings, and “Little Trouble” follows with gorgeous vocals from Kim Roe, where stirring fiddle from Annie Savage is quite impactful.

Into the middle, “That September Day” is vocally strong, as Kim and Quillan Roe make for a stunning, A cappella moment, while “Too Big To Fail” carries a retro spirit thanks to Eric Paulson’s playful bass and Kim’s bright singing.

Arriving close to the end, “Bedtime In Boogie Town” leads soft, but quickly escalates into a dance floor ready album highlight viat the meticulous mandolin bouts and plenty of bluegrass energy, and “World Without A Gun” exits with a swift, dynamic and timeless rural rocker that uses vocal harmonies and glowing string acrobatics.

All the tunes here were penned by Quillan, and the old time formula that blends roots, bluegrass and folk is capable of swinging with charm, just as it can get intimate, and the accordion, saw, banjo sticks and no lack of strings won’t be hard to appreciate, either.

Travels well with: Circus No. 9- Circus No. 9; Ray Cardwell- Just A Little Rain

Sarah Jerrom

Magpie

TPR, 2024

9/10

Listen to Magpie

The vocalist and composer Sarah Jerrom pens an involved listen, where an expanded jazz orchestra and 4 voices spread out across chamber and big band ideas.

“Part I: The Road” starts the listen with Jerrom’s stunning and powerful voice alongside Nancy Walker’s warm keys, before Ernesto Cervini’s drums enter the warm climate, and “Part II: For Joy” follows with intimate keys that lead into soulful brass, where plenty of rich horns enters the textured beauty.

In the middle, “Part IV” The White Elk” carries a distinct haze, as wordless voices build into an emotive display of soaring song craft, while “Part V: Nest Predator” showcases a tenor sax solo from Kirk MacDonald, though Rob McBride’s bass playing won’t go unnoticed either in the unpredictable album highlight.

Close to the end, “Part VII: The Mountain Cries” leads with bass acrobatics before dreamy keys and eloquent brass carries a cinematic quality, and “Part VIII: Crystalization” exits with soothing voices that harmonize before shifting into an upbeat and playful jazz finish.

An extremely well thought out and meticulous 86 minutes, the songs surround the stigma and taboo that comes with pregnancy loss, and it is as heartfelt as it is engaging.

Travels well with: Scott Marshall- The Solitude Suite; Mike Downes- The Way In

Lovataraxx

Sophomore

Cold Transmission, 2024

8/10

Listen to Sophomore

A French outfit Lovataraxx brings plenty of darker textures to these 10 creative tracks that touch on the ‘80s, ‘90s and horror and science fiction soundtracks.

The ominous buzzing and vocal manipulation of “Heidi Montauk” starts the listen with a cryptic mood of mystery, and “Traumen” follows with bright synth playing that emits plenty of throbbing New Wave nods.

Deeper into the atypical record is where the post-punk meets dance-rock of “Tilda Vaast” resides, while “Millepertuis” carries a brighter mood of pretty synth amid a lively beat that will get your body moving.

Close to the end, the rhythmic and melodic “Marybone”, the best track, radiates warm and pop moments via its electronic prowess, and “Mare” exits with a hint of dreaminess and gothic spirit, where the expressive singing carries much intrigue.

Another exciting and often minimal affair of darkwave and post-punk flavor, this is a duo worth keeping an eye on if legends like Bauhaus, (early) The Cure or Bestial Mouths are in your rotation.

Travels well with: Filax Staël- Traces; TYTO- Mirai

Society of Composers, Inc.

Transition & Apotheosis

Navona, 2024

8/10

Listen to Transition & Apotheosis

The Society of Composers, Inc. bring us 10 tracks from 10 different composers, where each selection recruits different performers and many different ideas.

“Carnyx”, by Chris Arrell, starts the listen with warm and mysterious fixed media that guides the chilling landscape, and “Scissors Fantasia Toccata” follows with April Kim’s rumbling keys that allow for April Kim’s very agile fingers to mesmerize us via the Jiyoun Chung original.

Paul Lombardi’s “Unwoven” arrives in the middle, and pairs Luis Víquez’s moody bass clarinet and Darin Wadley’s bright vibraphone for a distinct energy, while “Struggling With Excess”, by Robert McClure, allows Michele Fiala’s meticulous oboe to complement the fixed media that sometimes seems like field recordings.

Approaching the end, “Sans Titre VII (B)” spotlights Brian Utley’s intimate alto saxophone and William Price’s vision with much grace, and “Tik-Tak”, by Ania Vu, recruits The Tak Ensemble, where Charlotte Mundy’s unpredictable soprano interacts charmingly with Laura Cocks’ flute, Carlos Cordeiro’s clarinet, Marina Kifferstein’s violin and Ellery Trafford’s percussion.

A record where each track is uniquely different, there’s plenty of avant-garde ideas to enjoy across this creative endeavor.

Travels well with: University Of South Dakota Chamber Singers- Out Of The Ashes; Richard Crosby- By The Waters Of Memory

Hyeonseon Baek

Longing

You & Me, 2024

8/10

Listen to Longing

The Korean jazz vocalist Hyeonseon Baek brings his tenor to this excellent debut, where some of New York’s best progressive musicians are in attendance.

“Caravan” opens the listen with Kevin Hays’ emotive piano leads into the expressive singing and Lucas Pino’s skilled sax, and “Black Narcissus” follows with soaring singing amid Linda May Han Oh’s well timed bass plucking and a distinct dreaminess.

The title track arrives in the middle, and showcases the mesmerizing keys alongside poetic and pretty singing, while “Lush Life” is particularly intimate and rich, as Baek’s inimitable voice glides over the eloquent piano.

Close to the end, “Peace” burns slow and powerfully amid the meticulous piano and subtle drumming from Jochen Rueckert, and “West 4th St (Eng)” exits with charming vocal scatting and a lively rhythm section that makes for an infectious energy.

A great first outing, Baek’s voice illuminates the 4 originals and 6 standards with a soulful and timeless jazz appeal.

Travels well with: Mark Winkler- The Rules Don’t Apply; Audrey Silver- Oklahoma

Paolo Marchettini

Ebony Chants

New Focus, 2024

8/10

Listen to Ebony Chants

The composer and clarinetist Paolo Marchettini pens solo and group pieces here, where a listen entirely of clarinets unfolds across 12 adventurous selections.

“Due Canti: I. II canto del giorno” starts the listen with a trio of clarinets, where Marchettini is joined by Meng Zhang and Ka Hei Chan for the swirling dynamics that are both warm and mysterious, and “Cinque Oracoli” follows with just Marchettini’s lone wind that moves with agility and introspection.

Moving into the middle, the dreamy aspect of “Cinque Fanfare Napoletane” brings the 3 clarinets back to bright bouts of playfulness, while “Three Sketches” positions Marchettini’s eloquent playing in a way that’s heartfelt and, towards the end, a bit exploratory.

Close to the exit, “Entrée” employs Tommy Shermulis’ bass clarinet acrobatics for a particularly exciting, lower register piece, and “Due Canti:II. II canto della notte” exits with a cautious mood of intimacy and grace.

A highly creative effort that uses microtones and extended techniques, the versatility and sophistication of the clarinet is explored here with very alluring abilities.

Travels well with: Jessica Meyer- I Long And Seek After; Michael Hersch- Poppaea

Lori Triplett

When The Morning Comes

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to When The Morning Comes

Th 3rd album from the Nashville singer-songwriter Lori Triplett, the 10 songs here surround self-discovery and welcomes players from outfits like Jars Of Clay, The Whigs and Ann Wilson’s band.

The soft mood of “The Wishing Star” gets the listen off to a warm start, where Charlie Lowell’s graceful keys complement the stunning vocals, and “The Good In Us” follows with Paul Moaks’ mesmerizing guitar amid the firm beat, as Triplett’s diverse range draws us in to the rich climate.

Landing in the middle, the dreamy delivery of “Mexico” possesses so much beauty via the eloquent storytelling, while “Hollow White Oak” showcases Julian Dorio’s fluid drumming in a more haunting landscape that also benefits from meticulous bass.

Arriving near the end, the intimate and emotive “Night Rider” builds into a lush, hazy album highlight, and “Here For A Minute” exits with elegant keys and Triplett’s captivating pipes that tug on the heartstrings.

A record with plenty of heart and soul, Triplett’s sincerity is always present, and these songs touch on Americana, alt-country and folk song craft in ways that are timeless and relatable.

Travels well with: Summerlyn Powers- The Hive; Annie Moscow- Land Of Dreams

Willy Rodriguez

Seeing Sounds

Coucs, 2024

9/10

Listen to Seeing Sounds

The New York drummer and composer Willy Rodriguez recruits a large cast of musicians for these diverse and cultured 11 songs.

“Beyond The Struggle” opens the listen with Leo Genovese’s warm keys alongside Kenneth Jimenez’s well timed bass and plenty of warm haze, and “Roy’s Masterplan” follows with John Hébert’s flowing bass and Jason Palmer’s lively trumpet making for an exciting free jazz exploration.

In the middle, “Fixed Goal” carries a swift and frisky demeanor that benefits much from Henry Paz’s agile sax and Rodriguez’s animated keys, while “The Infinity Of Your Love” brings Dave Liebman’s intimate soprano sax to a careful, introspective delivery.

Close to the end, “Self Love” spotlights Rodriguez’s stunning drumming acrobatics, and “Praise” pays tribute to the memory of Ralph Peterson and Bob Guilloti via the quick, meticulous and dynamic album highlight.

An effort of stunning improvisation, Rodriguez and his cast make every track here an adventure worth exploring repeatedly.

Travels well with: Andy Milne And Unison- Time Will Tell; Triad- Triad

Alyssa Allgood

From Here

Next, 2024

8/10

Listen to From Here

The rising jazz vocalist Alyssa Allgood turns in a 4th album, where Geoffrey Keezer, John Patitucci, Kendrick Scott and Greg Ward accompany her for 12 powerful tracks.

“Burn (For Betty)” starts the listen with Allgood’s expressive and soaring voice alongside Ward’s bright sax and Scott’s fluid drumming, and “Your Wings” follows with mature keys from Keezer, as Allgood’s versatile pipes get a bit frisky.

“The Other Side” occupies the middle spot, and carries a playful energy via the firm piano and charming scatting, while “On A Clear Day” comes with elegant singing and Patitucci’s skilled bass plucking.

“Time Told” and “Turn To Gold” exit the listen, where the former is a gentle, intimate moment of poetic song craft, and the latter allows Allgood’s impressive range to shine amid the dreamy musicianship.

A body of work that looks inward to her own journey, the pursuit of love and embracing change, Allgood pours her heat and soul into these gripping, heartfelt pieces that anyone can relate to.

Travels well with: Kelly Green- Seems; Grace Kelly With Strings- At The Movies

Andy Milne And Unison

Time Will Tell

Sunnyside, 2024

8/10

Listen to Time Will Tell

Andy Milne, John Hébert and Clarence Penn come together with some guests for these personal songs that are quite contemporary and experimental in nature.

“Purity Of Heart” starts the listen with Milne’s fluid keys alongside Penn’s agile drumming for a particular mood that makes great use of Ingrid Laubrock’s glowing tenor sax, and “Lost And Found” follows with Yoko Reikano Kimura’s koto that plucks with beauty amid the dreamy climate.

The middle spot belongs to “Solotude”, where a lower register adds a hint of mystery to the minimal delivery, while “No Matter What” puts more emphasis on drums, as Hébert’s skilled bass suits the soft versus loud dynamics.

Arriving deeper on the back half, “Broken Landscap” showcases Milne’s intimate piano playing with beauty, and “Apart” exits with a warm ambience that uses the cautious rhythm section to accent the poetic key progression.

The record surrounds Milne’s discovering of his birth family history, and emotions that came with meeting his birth mother, which set in motion the introspective and avant-garde moments of this exciting and thoughtful effort.

Travels well with: Triad- Triad; Gerald Cannon- Live At Dizzy’s Club: The Music Of Elvin & McCoy

Fox And Bones

Long Time Honey

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Long Time Honey

The Portland duo of Scott Gilmore and Sarah Vitort, as Fox And Bones they return with a 4th album of their timeless, indie-folk ways.

The scrappy and thumping “All On Red” opens the listen with cozy piano that suits the smooth singing, and “House By The River” follows with thicker guitar that complements the warm vocal harmonies of the hazy ideas.

“Over The Edge” lands in the middle, and uses Vitort’s expressive pipes amid the crisp drums and poetic storytelling, while “Tricks” allows both the vocalist’s fluid voices to shine amid a gritty yet tuneful climate.

“Love Me Better” and “Don’t Do Nothing” exit the listen, where the former carries a sublime intimacy thanks to its cautious moments that can build into rich bursts of rock, and the latter comes with a nearly gospel spirit of powerful song craft that soars.

An effort that can remind us of Lake Street Dive, Flagship Romance or Nathaniel Rateliff, Fox and Bones create a soulful, retro version of Americana that’s easy to enjoy and difficult to forget.

Travels well with: Ezra Grey- Afterall; Ellen Woloshin- Pop Torch

Moonsville Collective

A Hundred Highways

Rock Ridge, 2024

8/10

Listen to A Hundred Highways

The Southern California folk outfit Moonsville Collective returns with their 4th album, where a collaborative appeal explores intimate friendships renewed and severed, and the ups and downs of marriage and fatherhood.

“Ain’t Got A Home” starts the listen with Phillip Glenn’s glowing fiddle that complements the soaring vocal harmonies, and “Helen Highway” follows with Dan Richardson’s cozy dobro that suits the breezy melodies of the cautious mood.

Into the middle, “Long Gone” benefits much from bright storytelling amid Seth Richardson’s precise bass and the smooth group vocals, while “Done Wrong” is a more raw moment of bare instrumentation and emotive singing that highlights Glenn’s banjo prowess.

Close to the end, the meticulous string interaction of “I Like Drinking Beer” carries a festive spirit, and “Relax Your Mind” comes with plenty of rhythm, as Matthew McQueen’s skilled mandolin won’t go unnoticed in the charming exit.

A rich listen that meshes country, bluegrass, folk, Americana and no lack of rootsy spirit, the 11 tracks here are packed with old time sensibilities that you can’t not enjoy.

Travels well with: Mike Thomas- Diamonds; Julian Taylor- Beyond The Reservoir

Bruna Black & John Finbury

Vã Revelação

Green Flash, 2024

8/10

Listen to Vã Revelação

The rising Brazilian singer Bruna Black and American composer John Finbury come together for these 9 rich Brazilian songs that take help from an all star cast.

The title track starts the listen with Chico Pinheiro’s warm guitar complementing the pretty singing in the elegant climate, and “Pérolas” follows with Vitor Goncalves’ poetic piano playing that suits the expressive vocals via a dreamy landscape.

At the halfway point, “Inverno de Nós Dois” allows John Patitucci’s cozy bass to radiate via the sublime intimacy, while the upbeat and dance floor ready “Nosso Cals” benefits much from Rogério Boccato’s cultured percussion amid the flowing singing from Black’s agile pipes.

Close to the end, “Será” pairs the melodic guitar with gorgeous singing for the album’s best, and “Chão de Nuvem” exits with Goncalves’ playful accordion and Duduka Da Fonseca’s spirited drums that help create a rich and memorable finish.

An eclectic listen that touches on Bossa and Samba, among others ideas, Black and her company make for a timeless and worldly affair.

Travels well with: Queen Esther- Things Are Looking Up; Julia Vari- Somos

Eric Bibb

In The Real World

Stony Plain, 2024

9/10

Listen to In The Real World

The blues giant and multiple Grammy Nominee Eric Bibb brings his inimitable storytelling and rootsy ways to these 15 new tracks that are steeped in introspection.

The cozy acoustic guitar of “Take The Stage” starts the listen with Bibb’s soulful pipes alongside Glen Scotts’ agile drumming and warm bass, and it isn’t long until “Everybody’s Got A Right” brings Robbie McIntosh’s spirited electric guitar that suits the playful finger snapping.

Further along, “Stealin’ Home” welcomes Michael Jerome Browne’s harmonica to the vivid storytelling and intimate mood, while “Neshoba County” benefits from Scott’s snyth, organ and percussion amid Bibbs’ strategic banjo for a rich and eloquent album highlight.

Closer to the end, “Judgement Day” pairs Scott’s glowing mandolin with Bibb's poetic singing and fluid acoustic guitar, and “Victory Voices” exits with Lily James’ gorgeous pipes that complement the reflective mood of a dreamy, folk-friendly finish.

If you gravitate towards anything resembling the blues and aren’t yet familiar with Bibb, I woudn’t waste anymore time- he’s one of the best and an inspiration to anyone willing to listen.

Travels well with: Jeff Rogers- Dream Job; Leo Lyons- Movin’ On

Dave Schumacher & Cubeye

Smoke In The Sky

Cellar, 2024

8/10

Listen to Smoke In The Sky

Dave Schumacher, a baritone sax wizard, brings along an all star cast for these 8 Latin influenced jazz tunes that are quite modern and exciting.

The lively energy of “Smoke In The Sky” opens the listen with Jesus Ricardo’s animated trumpet and Manuel Valera’s warm piano that suits frisky percussion, and “You Know It’s Wrong” follows with Schumacher’s buzzing sax that aligns with Mauricio Herrera’s playful congas.

Halfway through, the hazy and intimate “(No More) Smoke In The Sky” emits much emotion via the soulful sax and Alex “Apolo” Ayala’s light bass, while “El Dilema de Chegul Metralla” is a swift and rich display of cultured and flowing jazz that’s as melodic as it is memorable.

Residing at the end are “Walk Spirit Talk Spirit” and “Poinciana”, where the former showcases stunning bass acrobatics before segueing into Josh Evans’ upbeat trumpet, and the latter allows Joel E. Mateo’s agile drumming to complement the strategic horns.

Schumacher has been a regular player in the New York jazz scene for 40+ years, and the talent and experience he brings to these musically bilingual tunes illuminates a cross cultural experience.

Travels well with: Ron Rieder- Latin Jazz Sessions; Jose Gobbo Trio- Current

Jordan Vanhemert

Deep In The Soil

Origin, 2024

8/10

Listen to Deep In The Soil

The alto-sax extraordinaire Jordan VanHemert is in some fine company here, where 8 swingin’ tunes that take influence from the almighty Charlie Parker don’t disappoint.

The bright sax and frisky drums from Lewis Nash guide the opener, “Call To Order”, and “Sounds For Sore Ears” follows with Terrell Stafford’s glowing trumpet and Helen Sung’s intricate keys helping cultivate plenty of melodic, rich song craft.

Halfway through, the intimacy of “Everything Changes, Everything Stays The Same” tugs on the heartstrings thanks to the soulful sax, while “Superwoman” allows Rodney Whitaker’s careful bass to interact with the warm brass in the Stevie Wonder classic.

Further yet, the lively “ST In The House” carries an infectious energy via the dynamic rhythm section and Michael Dease’s well timed trumpet, and “Blues For JT” exits with a rhythmic and collaborative appeal that has all the player’s contributing their inimitable talents.

All the selections here are originals (minus the Stevie Wonder tune), and they illustrate an emotive, adventurous and timeless spirt of jazz that’s globally enjoyable.

Travels well with: Chuck Owen & Resurgence- Magic Light; Geoff Stradling & The StradBand- Nimble Digits

Chuck Owen & Resurgence

Magic Light

Origin, 2024

8/10

Listen to Magic Light

The pianist, composer and arranger Chuck Owen pens a lyrically rich affair that’s quite diverse, where the sextet use improvised ideas to flesh out the creative 8 tracks.

The gritty, nearly country spirit of “Spinning Wheel” starts the listen with Kate McGarry’s warm voice alongside Jack Wilkins’ booming sax, and “Can’t Remember Why” follows with a strong attention to mood, as Sara Caswell’s stirring violin mesmerizes, as does Danny Gottlieb’s agile drums.

In the middle, “Omaha” is a cautious moment that benefits from Mark Neuenschwander’s soft bass and Owen’s meticulous keys that complement the poetic singing, while “Apalachicola” tugs on the heartstrings via the aching strings, calm keys and Matt Wilson’s reserved drumming.

“What Once Was Lost” and “Magic Light” exit the listen, where the former is a richly textured album highlight that weaves in and out of beauty, and the latter finishes with a distinct dreaminess that uses soulful sax and an introspective rhythm section to support McGarry’s soaring pipes.

An eclectic affair that touches on funk, folk, blues, jazz and classical, Owen and company make every selection here worth repeated listens.

Travels well with: Geoff Stradling & The StradBand- Nimble Digits; Martin Budde- Back Burner

Benji Kaplan

Untold Stories

Self-Released, 2024

10/10

Listen to Untold Stories

The Manhattan native and guitarist Benji Kaplan turns in an album of all originals, where the stories are told in guitar and reference locations like New York, Brazil and the backlands of Minas Gerais.

The flowing title track starts the 9 songs with a very warm spirit, as Kaplan’s progressions are nothing short of mesmerizing, and “Xaxado em Alegria” follows with the meticulous playing making for melodic and exciting gestures.

Halfway through, “Streams, Hills And Forests” is so detailed, it rarely seems like just one guitar, while “An East Side Story” comes with plenty of culture radiating from his instrument that’s rich with color.

Close to the end, “Stride And True” is full of dreamy ideas via Kaplan’s finger acrobatics and strong attention to mood, and “The Vigilante” exits with a cozy, minimal approach of fluid, timeless skills.

Complicated and expressive, but with a global appeal, Kaplan’s wizardry with a guitar makes every moment here captivating.

Travels well with: Albare- Beyond Belief; Ron Rieder- The Latin Jazz Sessions

Terri Hendrix

Talk To A Human

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Talk To A Human

Generally, when an artist releases much music in a short period, the quality of the work varies greatly. However, when Terri Hendrix does it, there is little variance- it’s all top notch.

On Talk To A Human, the songstress hovers around folk, Americana and roots, and addresses the trouble communication has become in our all to dependency on technology.

The title track starts the listen with warm Americana and folk melodies, as Hendrix’s mix of talking and singing gives the tune a unique angle, and “Mi Madre” follows with horns that inject some Latin flavor into the playful tune.

Elsewhere, “Don’t Meddle In My Mood” offers plucky bass and an old time feel in the soul venture, while “Worthy” recruits country spirit into the charming storytelling.

Near the end, “The Dark”, a Guy Clark cover, flows with a poetic delivery of the classic, and “I Hear Your Song” ends the listen with breezy melodies and a timelessness that will be relevant for decades to come.

Hendrix is in fine company here, as her band contributes fiddles, pedal steel, banjo and other graceful noisemakers, and the songs unfold with a universal appeal that resonates with a comfortable familiarity and insightful thoughtfulness.

Travels well with: Billy Bragg- Workers Playtime; Cindy Walker- Words & Music