Wyndham Baird

After The Morning

Jalopy, 2024

9/10

Listen to After The Morning

An artist with roots in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains and who take inspiration from Doc Watson, Wyndham Baird make an impression on this debut album, where his finger picking skills are front and center.

“If We Make It Through December” starts the listen with Baird’s warm voice and cozy guitar making for timeless folk songwriting, and “The Girl On The Greenbriar Shore” uses his spirited harmonica amid the meticulous guitar progressions and expressive vocals.

Deeper into the 13 songs, the emotive “The Water Is Wide” tugs on the heartstrings via its bright storytelling and poetic appeal, while “Meet Me By The Moonlight, Alone” welcomes Samoa Wilson’s vocals and Eli Smith’s autoharp for the textured, old time feel of the album’s best.

Close to the end, Smith’s banjo complements Baird’s inviting pipes across the fluid strumming of “Oh, My Little Darling”, and “She Chose Me” exits with time honored folk ideas from Baird’s creative vision.

A first album that runs parallel to Bob Dylan and beat writers, Baird got his start busking, and his instantly memorable folk ways make each song here a treasure.

Travels well with: Aquarian Blood-Counting Backwards Again; Nora Brown and Stephanie Coleman- Lady Of The Lake

Mariah Parker

Windows Through Time

Ancient Future, 2024

8/10

Listen to Windows Through Time

The pianist and songwriter Mariah Parker pens a heartfelt and rich listen, where plenty of guests accompany her for the Latin jazz experience.

The warm keys and Paul McCandless’ soulful sax start off “The Very Wings”, before Mark Walker’s subtle drums enter, and “Windows Through Time” follows with Claudia Villela’s gorgeous vocal scatting that suits Parker’s melodic keys and Gary Brown’s elegant bass.

“Espíritu Samba” lands in the middle, and showcases Matthew Montfort’s dreamy guitar amid Daniel Feldman and Michaelle Goerlitz’s cultured percussion, while “True North” is an intimate moment where Kash Killion’s bass complements Ian Dogole’s cymbals and Parker’s graceful piano via much beauty.

The last track, “Rendezvous”, showcases Parker’s meticulous finger acrobatics alongside elegant sax and a cautious, poetic rhythm section that emits tremendous sophistication.

A thoughtful listen that embraces different cultures, time periods and expressions, Parker and company flesh out an emotive, articulate and timeless body of work.

Travels well with: Leigh Pilzer’s Seven Pointed Star- Beatin’ The Odds; Ian Wardenski Quintet- Unfoldings

Leigh Pilzer's Seven Pointed Star

Beatin’ The Odds

Strange Woman, 2024

8/10

Listen to Beatin’ The Odds

The D.C. native and baritone saxophonist Leigh Pilzer brings a lot of help along for these 9 energetic and modern jazz tunes.

“SKCC” gets the listen off to a quick start, where Amy Shook’s bouncy bass complements the rich brass, as Ally Hany Albrecht’s trumpet is particularly bright, and “Lin” follows with Pilzer’s elegant clarinet alongside Mercedes Beckman’s strategic alto sax in the dreamy climate.

The middle belongs to “The Platinum Taxi” and “Beatin’ The Odds”, where the former employs Sherr Maricle’s agile drums, while the latter benefits much from Jen Krupa’s lively trombone.

Deeper into the back half, “Last Year, Lost Year” places Allyn Johnson’s warm keys and Frank Russom’s adaptable drums into the rich album highlight, and “Where Will We Go?” exits with Pilzer’s buzzing clarinet amid Joe Jackson’s animated trombone and Tim Green’s strategic alto sax.

The inspiration for these songs is often rooted in difficult times (i.e. cancer, the pandemic), and though it’s a very personal affair, the delivery is often uplifting and colorful via the sonically engaging experience.

Travels well with: Ian Wardenski Quintet- Unfoldings; Troy Roberts- Green Lights

Deb Ryder

Live And Havin’ Fun

VizzTone, 2024

9/10

Listen to Live And Havin’ Fun

The singer-songwriter Deb Ryder is now 6 albums deep, and this first live album contains 14 live tracks that feature some of the West Coast’s best, i.e. Jim Pugh, Ric W. Ryder, Lon Price and many others.

“Fun Never Hurt No One” starts the set with bright horns and Ryder’s soulful pipes guiding the timeless blues climate, and “Enjoy The Ride” uses harmonica and plenty of rhythm for the powerful and melodic delivery.

Halfway through, “Ma Misere” offers a frisky and bouncy moment that uses fluid keys and spirited guitar, while “Guilty As Sin” enters intimate areas via the moody organ, crisp drums, and, of course, Ryder’s expressive pipes.

Closer to the end, “Any Bottle On The Shelf” is a playful tune that will get your body shakin’ and groovin’, and “Blues Is All I Got” brings plenty of grit and energy to the rugged yet tuneful blues rock.

Ryder is a commanding front woman, and these sturdy and memorable tunes remind us of all that we love about the blues and its ability to make for a great time.

Travels well with: Patti Parks- Come Sing With Me; Deb Ryder- Memphis Moonlight

Hannah Horton

Live In Soho

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Live In Soho

The esteemed saxophonist Hannah Horton brings us 8 live tracks laid down at the legendary Pizza Express Jazz Club, where both originals and interpretations are present.

“Feed The Birds” starts the set with Horton’s soulful sax that segues into Tim Lapthorn’s playful keys for the melodic climate, and “Surfing Thermals” follows with the flowing brass that’s joined by Rob Statham’s meticulous bass playing.

Arriving in the middle, the groove filled “Keep Walking” draws us in immediately, while the playful and charming “Escape” allows Nic France’s agile drums to guide the rich jazz ideas.

“Forget Me Not” and “Horn Dance” exit the listen, where the former showcases the cozy rhythm section amid firm keys, and the latter is an upbeat and meticulous closer that spotlights the bass acrobatics.

Horton’s baritone and tenor playing is quite exciting here, and her company provide a unique chemistry that makes these selections top notch, modern jazz.

Travels well with: Hannah Horton- Inside Out; Idit Shner- Ngatibatanei

Maurice White

Manifestation

Omnivore, 2024

9/10

Listen to Manifestation

The last recordings from the Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White, the songs here are in collaboration with the award-winning producer/songwriter Preston Glass. A dozen of the songs were released digitally a few years after White’s death, and 6 previously unissued tracks are also included to preserve his legacy.

“Sweet Surrender” gets the listen off to a soulful start, where White’s romantic voice is met with crisp drumming and a dreamy mood, and it isn’t long until the thumping and heartfelt “Storybook Love” uses bouncy bass alongside White’s expressive pipes.

At the halfway point of the re-issued tracks, “True Love Is Forever” is particularly intimate, as the soft singing emits plenty of emotion, while the long version of “Wiggle” presents plenty of playful percussion and rhythmic ideas in the instrumental landscape.

The formal listen exits with “Before The Day You Were Born”, where much timeless R&B flows with grace and melody, and, of the unreleased tracks, “Can’t Fight This Feelin’” isn’t short on funk fun and “Spiritual High” will be sure to get your body moving to the lively energy and flowing vocals.

Excellent liner notes from co-Producer David Nathan are included, as the project stacks further greatness onto White’s lengthy and acclaimed body of work that will be forever admired.

Travels well with: Lenny Williams- Chill; Doris Troy- Another Look

Hardraw

Abyss Of Mankind

Pitch Black, 2024

8/10

Listen to Abyss Of Mankind

The sophomore album from the Cyprus residents Hardraw, the traditional heavy metal ideas present are fleshed out by an updated roster of musicians

The dense and hard hitting “The Cry Of Persaina” opens with Nikolas “Sprits” Moutafis and Andreas Kyriacou’s searing guitars complementing Jimmy Mavrommatis’ well sung vocals, and “Hunter X Hunted” follows with Vangelis Moutafis’ thumping drums that suit the chugging and thick climate.

The middle spot is occupied by “Abyss Of Mankind”, where dynamic and melodic ideas enter the throbbing delivery, while “The Path” benefits much from Adamos Adamou’s skilled bass playing that helps ignite the furious yet meticulous metal prowess.

“Second Coming” and “The Riddle Disciples” exit the listen, where the former presents a thundering and soaring mood that spotlights the animated guitars, and the latter, which is the best tune, allows Mavrommatis’ diverse range to illuminate the buzzing and rich metallic landscape.

Members of Hardraw have connections to bands like Solitary Sabred, Receiver, Dragonbreath and many other outfits, and their combined talents make for a powerful and intense record that will appeal to metal fans from the early ‘80s and on.

Travels well with: Flitcraft- House At The Centre Of The Universe; Age Of Wolves- Age Of Wolves

Kate Soper

The Hunt

New Focus, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Hunt

The inimitable composer Kate Soper brings us a one act chamber opera, where inspiration from a set of medieval tapestries known as ‘The Lady and the Unicorn’ welcomes 3 sopranos who also play instruments.

“Prologue: de Monoceron” opens the listen with the voices harmonizing with much beauty, and it isn’t long until “On The Unicorn” brings ukulele to the radiant singing and warm musicianship.

Further along, “Maiden-Song” presents a cautous intimacy, where the three blend their voices with vivid storytelling, while “Fleur’s Solo” leads bare, before the rich singing is both tense and soothing.

Residing near the end, “Third Sighting” follows the storyline with the galloping of horses and background chatter, and “Coda: de Monoceron” exits with quick ukulele and blur of voices that meet for harmonic bouts amid the stirring violin.

The performers in attendance are Hirona Amamiya, Christiana Cole and Brett Umlauf, who together illuminate Soper’s short story about the experience of being unicorn bait with incredible detail, creativity and modern classical and opera sensibilities.

Travels well with: Paolo Marchettini- Ebony Chants; Jessica Meyer- I Long And Seek After

Michael Torke

Unseen

Ecstatic, 2024

8/10

Listen to Unseen

The 4th installment that completes a tetralogy of work, the composer Michael Torke enlists the East Coast Chamber Orchestra and Michael Torke Orchestra for these 9 pieces that are not short on rhythm, melody and grooves.

“No. 1” starts the listen with bright strings and emit plenty of warmth and interact with precise yet playful textures, and “No. 2” continues with the plucked strings and meticulous bass that suits the firm gestures.

Deeper into the listen, the loud violins complement the percussive ideas of the album’s best, “No. 4”, while “No. 5” leads with atmosphere and intimacy before the striking violas cultivate much mood.

Residing near the end, “No. 8” creates a dizzying and dreamy ambience amid the powerful string progressions, and “No. 9 exits with a charming beat that complements the melodic orchestra and animated brass.

The size of the cast of players brought in here really does enhance the experience, where the timbre is quite tremendous via the strings, brass and winds that embrace orchestral and chamber ideas.

Travels well with: Michael Torke- Time; Third Coast Percussion- Between Breaths

Laurie Lewis

Trees

Spruce And Maple, 2024

9/10

Listen to Trees

The multi-Grammy nominee Laurie Lewis handles guitar, lead vocals and fiddle across these 12 tracks, where bluegrass, old-time and folk ideas are present and appreciated.

“Just A Little Ways Down The Road” gets the listen off to a harmonic, bluegrass-friendly start, as Brandon Godman’s intricate fiddle and George Guthrie’s fluid banjo suit the melodic singing, and “Enough” follows with Hasee Ciaccio’s careful string bass and Tom Rozum’s harmony vocals that add much beauty to the intimacy.

Closer to the middle, “Quaking Aspen” places Patrick Sauber on banjo, as Lewis contributes fiddle alongside her poetic pipes, while the swift strings and expressive singing of “Long Gone”, a Bill Morrissey tune, is particularly memorable.

Arriving near the end, “Down On The Levee” offers a playful and charming album highlight, and “Rock The Pain Away” exits with a gentle, soothing finish of gorgeous instrumentation and pretty singing.

An influential figure in the area of American roots music, Lewis again impresses us with a nature-esque appeal that’s powerful, introspective and authentic.

Travels well with: Swift Silver- Swift Silver; Randy Steele- High Cold Wind

Ian Wardenski Quintet

Unfoldings

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Unfoldings

The theorist, composer, arranger and guitarist Ian Wardenski returns with a 3rd album with his quintet, where the 5 involved pieces embrace chamber ideas into the jazz template.

“Movement I” opens the listen with Savino Palumbo’s unpredictable keys alongside frisky drums from Frank Russo, as Wardenski’s guitar acrobatics suit Tamara Tucker’s soaring wordless vocals, and “Movement II” continues that creativity with a calmer mood via Amy Shook’s manipulated bass before frisky keys and spirited guitar pick up the pace.

In the middle, the mesmerizing delivery of “Movement III” guides Tucker’s very animated vocal gestures amid the lively rhythm section, where Mercedes Beckman’s soulful sax brings the setting to gentler ebbs, while “Movement V” presents rhythmic and rock focused bursts of rich, jazz fueled songwriting.

A complicated outing that never alienates the listener, Wardenski’s strategic use of melody and rhythm is always present across the innovative texturing.

Travels well with: Ian Wardenski Quartet- Trust; Kenny Shanker- Vortex

Jubal Lee Young

Wild Birds Warble

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Wild Birds Warble

An artist with some very accomplished, musical parents, Jubal Lee Young brings his singing, guitar and harmonica skills to 14 tracks that welcome several esteemed players.

“White Trash Song” starts the listen with Young’s soaring voice alongside Charlie Pate’s meticulous mandolin for a very rich opener, and “Jig” follows with a moody spirit that’s a bit mysterious, as Markus Stadler’s mandolin and Christian Sedelmyer’s stirring fiddle add a hint of bluegrass.

Deeper into the listen, “Traveling Kind” recruits much beauty via the warm guitar and poetic singing from Young that’s complemented by Stadler’s precise banjo, while Warren Zevon’s “Carmelita” employs Jeff Taylor’s accordion for the festive and textured grace.

Further still, “Rock Salt & Nails” emits an intimate and dreamy demeanor in the sublime interpretation of the Utah Phillips tune, and “Why You Been Gone So Long?” exits with careful vocal harmonies and eloquent mandolin.

Young is the offspring of Steve Young and Terrye Waylon (the former he actually covers here 5 times), and the musical skill embedded in his DNA is very much present for the diverse and heartfelt effort.

Travels well with: Dana Cooper- The Ghost Of Tucumcari; Tipps And Obermiller- MacGuffin

John Shipe

Water This Dark

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Water This Dark

A 9 song listen that’s full of soul searching and rich songwriting, John Stipe’s timeless Americana approach is front and center here, as many friends accompany him.

The warm spirit of “What Do I Owe?” starts the listen with Bryan Daste’s aching pedal steel that complements the emotive singing, and “Water This Dark” follows with firm acoustic guitar and Erin Flood Fortier’s soulful backing vocals that suit the vivid wordplay.

Halfway through, “Counting Song” benefits much from a stirring intimacy of poetic singing and subtle keys from Mike Walker, while “Starting Over And Over Again” is full of fluid melody via Sam Howard’s agile bass and Nate Barne’s cautious drumming.

“Lessons (Do They?)” and “By Now” exit the listen, where the former is a minimal moment beauty and grace, and the latter allows Lilli Worona’s absorbing violin to add much appeal to the striking finish.

A very thoughtful body of work, Shipe’s wordplay is particularly moving, and the roots, country and folk sensibilities are much appreciated.

Travels well with: Domenic Cicala- Bitter Blues; Heather Little- Bye Now

Eric Frazier

That Place

EFP, 2024

8/10

Listen to That Place

The percussionist and singer Eric Frazier is joined by plenty of talented players for these 12 cultured and varied tunes.

“That Panther Woman” starts the listen with Frazier’s soulful pipes alongside Isaac Ben Ayala’s warm keys and Lonnie Plaxico’s funky bass for the groove filled opener, and “Everything You Got To Give” follows with John Cooksey’s meticulous drumming that suits the spirited backing vocals of the uplifting delivery.

Elsewhere, the flowing melody of “You Don’t Know” benefits much from Wayne Jeffrey’s warm guitar and Frazier’s well timed congas, while “Chili Pepper” is full of rhythmic ideas that welcomes a frisky rhythm section and infectious chorus.

Closer to the end, “In The Same Place” makes great use of Gene Ghee’s bright sax prowess amid the breezy mood, and “Fu Man Shu” exits with an animated, timeless jazz appeal that blends the dynamic sax with lively keys and stylish singing from Frazier.

A really fun listen that incorporates African ideas, Afro-Caribbean beats and straight forward jazz bursts, every track here is a delight.

Travels well with: Shawn Maxwell- J Town Suite; Ronny Smith- Struttin’

Dennis Van Aarssen & Jeff Franzel

Just Call It Love

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Just Call It Love

The 4th studio album from vocalist Dennis van Aarssen and pianist/composer Jeff Franzel, there’s a striking intimacy present here, where much maturity and emotional appeal populates the 11 tracks.

The sophisticated keys and expressive singing of “Cloudy” starts the listen with a calm intimacy, and “Cry For A Day” follows with poetic vocals and cozy piano playing that tugs on the heartstrings.

In the middle, “Golden Days” allows Van Aarssen’s powerful pipes to soar, while “The Little Things” pairs the dreamy key progressions with heartfelt singing that resonates so much grace.

Residing near the end, the charming and touching “She” has Aarssen illustrating the depth of his voice amid the firm keys, and “Do Some Good” recruits drums for the upbeat and dance floor ready fun.

Van Aarssen won The Voice of Holland and it’s not hard to see why. Together with Franzel he delivers a jazz-pop fueled affair that’s sincere, vulnerable and timeless.

Travels well with: Alex Madeline- Unexpected Direction; Chris Mondak- Blank With Colour

Sue Foley

One Guitar Woman

Stony Plain, 2024

9/10

Listen to One Guitar Woman

An acoustic solo album from the always impressive Sue Foley, the 12 tracks here are a tribute to the female pioneers of guitar, where Foley tips her hat to those that paved the way for many to follow.

“Oh Babe It Ain’t No Lie” starts the listen with Foley’s soft and mesmerizing guitar that suits her flowing and distinct singing, and “In My Girlish Days” follows with a spirited, bluesy appeal that allows her diverse range to be explored with much soul.

Further along, “Motherless Child Blues” recruits Foley’s meticulous guitar playing amid much beauty from the flawless singing, while “Nothing In Rambling” is a bit more playful and a bit quicker via the bright melodies and southern flavor.

Residing near the end, “Freight Train” uses finger picking for the album’s best that carries a retro-appeal with louder singing, and “La Malaguena” exits with a Flamenco delivery that’s cultured and captivating.

Foley is now 13 albums deep, and like everything she’s done, it’s a top notch blues affair, where a nylon-string acoustic guitar and flamenco Blanca are put to excellent use.

Travels well with: Sue Foley- Live In Austin Vol. 1; Angela Strehli- Ace Of Blues

Stephanie Sammons

Time And Evolution

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Time And Evolution

The Dallas singer-songwriter Stephanie Sammons brings along an excellent cast for these personal and melodic songs that are relatable and carefully fleshed out.

The cozy and fluid Americana of “Make Me Believe” starts the listen with Sammons’ expressive voice alongside plenty of rootsy flavor, and “Innocence Lost” follows with a calm intimacy that benefits from soft acoustic guitar and subtle pedal steel.

Halfway through, “Faithless” carries a timeless folk spirit, where vivid storytelling adds much allure to the thoughtful climate, while “Living And Dying” features the always inimitable Mary Bragg for a dreamy album highlight that’s touching, poetic and timeless.

Closer to the end, Verlon Thompson is in attendance for the rich and eloquent delivery and “Holding On To Jesus” exits with a spiritual angle that’s heartfelt and authentic.

It’s not hard to think of names like Emmylou Harris and Bonnie Raitt when exploring these folk, Americana and country tinted songs that immediately draw us in, and settle in nicely after repeated listens.

Travels well with: Tim Easton- Find Your Way; Maia Sharp- Reckless Thoughts

Nancy Erickson Lamont

Through The Passages

Vital Flame, 2024

8/10

Listen to Through The Passages

This 4th album from the award-winning vocalist Nancy Erickson Lamont treats us to a dozen new tracks, where some of the best musicians from the Pacific Northwest are in attendance

“Tick Tock” starts the listen with Shawn Schlogel’s warm keys and Chris Symer’s playful voice, which suits Lamont’s impressive range, and “Miles Between” follows with Johnaye Kendrick’s well timed viola alongside the expressive and poetic singing.

Into the middle, “Leo” places Michael Glynn on bass amid Josh Nelson’s mature piano that complements the soaring vocals, while “Rainy Season Love Affair” welcomes Brent Jensen’s sax, Jerome Smith’s trombone and Derek Smith’s bass clarinet to the rich and flowing jazz that is the album’s best.

Close to the end, “Haiku New Love” recruits Jean Chaumont’s elegant guitar to the dreamy demeanor that utilizes Lamont’s pretty pipes, and “Auf Weidersehen, Goodnight” exits with calm keys and stirring vocals for a minimal but impactful finish.

The songs here revolve around motherhood, aging, divorce and new love, as Lamont’s relatable craft tugs on the heartstrings with much care and sincerity.

Travels well with: Jacqui Naylor- Treasures Of The Heart; Andrea Wolper- Wanderlust

Alex Madeline

Unexpected Direction

Lyonhill, 2024

8/10

Listen to Unexpected Direction

The saxophonist, composer and string arranger Alex Madeline is joined by an esteemed sextet and string quartet for these adventurous jazz tunes.

“Direction” begins the listen with warm, cautious strings, as Sami Steven’s expressive pipes enter alongside the fluid keys from Chris McCarthy, and “Balance” continues the creativity with Madeline’s dreamy sax that suits the poetic singing and Clemens Grassmann’s agile drumming.

The middle track belongs to “OR3”, where a mesmerizing intimacy unfolds with hypnotic keys, soundbites and Clovis Nicolas’ well timed plucked bass, while “Voyage” uses charming vocal scatting amid the lush rhythm section and Michael Valeanu’s glowing guitar for the album’s best.

The final track is “Dream”, where a light mood unfolds with elegant brass, much sophistication and sublime interaction, where the sextet’s precise delivery is much appreciated.

Madeline’s sax prowess is top notch here, and this debut is as unpredictable as it is engaging, is inspired by his journey as a young musician, and will strike a cord with fans of jazz from any corner of the world.

Travels well with: Stephen Phillip Harvey- Library Card; Chris Mondak- Blank With Colour

Troy Roberts

Days Like These

Toy Robot, 2019

8/10

Listen to Days Like These

Troy Roberts has been bandleader on 11 albums now, and with Days Like These the jazz sensation is accompanied by Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts on drums, who has already played on 2 albums of Roberts’ already.

“My Girl Is Just Enough Woman For Me’ starts the listen with snappy, playful jazz sounds where saxophones and robust organs from Joey DeFrancesco highlight the setting, and “Why Was i Born” follows with cautious sax and light percussion in a very introspective delivery.

Elsewhere, “The Waltz Of Parting Days” balances restraint and frisky sounds in a soothing display, while “Sly Old Dog” unleashes a busy, dizzying fury of sophisticated interplay at a quick tempo.

Near the end, “Little Man You’ve Had A Busy Day” winds the listen down with organs fills from Emmet Cohen and plenty of adventurous percussion, and “Wizard Of Ozroop” exits the listen with an upbeat romping of timeless and melodic jazz fun.

Roberts is a tenor saxophone wizard here, and his skilled band help make Days Like These an ambitious, balanced and extremely fun listen that, amazingly, was recorded in just one day- further proof of the talent present.

Travels well with: Larry Wolf With Four Cats & A Canary- Mood Swings;Mad Love- ISH