Wayne Shorter

Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis

Blue Engine, 2020

8/10

Listen to Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis

The tenor saxophone genius Wayne Shorter is in great company here- 15 players in fact- as Wynton Marsalis handles producer status and trumpet on a recording from 2015 at Jazz at Lincoln Center where the then 81 year old Shorter joined the band onstage across 3 nights.

“Yes Or No” starts the listen with 10 minutes of playful and precise jazz sounds, where Shorter, Marsalis and Dan Nimmer (keys) all provide skilled solos, and “Diana” follows with a more subdued approach as solos from a pair of trumpets help illuminate the cautious atmosphere.

Disc 1 finishes up with the more bare “Contemplation”, where Shorter’s tenor sax prowess is on full display, while “Endangered Species” picks up the pace and even includes a drum solo from Ali Jackson as Shorter provides soprano sax amid plenty of hooks.

Disc 2 highlights include the spirited and dynamic “Armageddon”, and “Teru”, where 2 tenor saxophones help cultivate an elegant and romantic environment. “Mama G” ends the listen with a big band approach, as multiple solos and a busy delivery exit the set with one of the best tracks.

The packaging here is just as glorious as the music- which spans several decades of Shorter’s luminous career- and includes a booklet of detailed liner notes from Christian McBride, which helps make this the complete package for all fans of jazz, and especially Shorter’s impressive catalog.

Travels well with: The Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis- Big Band Holidays II; Robert Wayne- Robert Wayne Plays Wayne Shorter

Trout Steak Revival

The Light We Bring

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to The Light We Bring

The Colorado string outfit Trout Steak Revival never disappoint, and this 5th album continues their esteemed songwriting prowess through themes of love, death and change, as their glorious melodies and complemented with woodwinds, brass and strings.

“Through The Pines” starts the album with acoustic guitars and banjos together in the soaring and eloquent bluegrass influenced opening, and “Arrows In The Dark” follows with gorgeous vocal harmonies amid the rural sounds and warm rhythm.

In the middle, “Loretta” takes on folk qualities in the precise delivery, while “Only A Moment” recruits pretty female vocals in the softer moment of subdued, ballad like tranquility. “How To Make Love Stay”, one of the album’s best, then moves swiftly yet cautiously with dynamic instrumentation that illustrates profound skill.

At the end, “Home” displays acrobatic picking in the radiant setting, and “The Way It Moves” ends the listen gentle, reflective and with another appearance of female singing that really adds much to the entire album.

Though at their onset Trout Steak Revival were certainly a bluegrass focused affair, these days folk, roots, Americana and indie-rock sensibilities are in attendance, as the quartet keep getting more and more creative with their banjo, violin, bass and guitar formula that few, if anyone, could replicate.

Travels well with: Elephant Revival- Sands Of Now; Balsam Range- The Gospel Collection

The Coachella Valley Trio

Mid Century Modern

DMAC, 2020

8/10

Listen to Mid Century Modern

A trio consisting of Doug MacDonald on guitar, Larry Holloway on bass and Tim Pleasant behind the drum kit, The Coachella Valley Trio take inspiration from the beauty of their Palm Springs home, its glorious weather and retro architecture, where 4 originals and 7 standards are offered with sublime instrumentation.

“My Shining Hour” starts the listen with spirited guitar work and light percussion as the gentle jazz landscape glides by with precision, and “Lance Or Lot” follows with a light and agile setting of subdued beauty.

Elsewhere, “What’s New” flows with playfulness as the 3 work together dynamically, while “Give Me The Simple Life” recruits djembe from Big Black to accent the charming jazz atmosphere.

At the end, “Woody ‘N You” moves with a swift pace of meticulous guitar work, and “Bossa Nueva” gets quite adventurous, again with Big Black’s inimitable execution in attendance. “The Way You Look Tonight” ends the listen with elegance and friskiness in the classic tune that’s redone in a way that few could replicate.

MacDonald is nothing if not prolific, and this time around he brings much swing fun to the equation, in one of his most memorable projects in recent history.

Travels well with: Doug MacDonald & The Tarmac Ensemble- Jazz Marathon 4: Live At Hangar 18; Doug MacDonald- Califournia Quartet

Brian Johannesen

Holster Your Silver

Self-Released, 2020

9/10

Listen to Holster Your Silver

A singer-songwriter from Iowa, Brian Johannesen endured much tragedy while finishing this sophomore album, and even though much of the record was finished before the passing of his mother-in-law, the themes of loss and anxiety took on new meaning in the wake of her death.

“Somewhere Down The Line” starts the listen with immediately alluring acoustic guitar as Johannesen’s crisp and smooth delivery suits the pedal steel, and “Copper Queen” follows with a more rugged approach as fuller sounds offers hints at possible punk roots.

Johannesen delivers one fine track after another here, including the country tinted and fiddle friendly “Way Back Down There”, where a piano solo adds much to the landscape, as well as bouncy spirit of “Music Business Blues Breakdown”, where a firm rock’n’roll angle helps make this one of the album’s best.

At the end, his vivid storytelling is quite prevalent on the shuffling pace and rootsy fun of “Fremont”, and “Holster Your Silver” ends the listen with keys and violins in the emotive exit that would give Lucero a run for their money.

Born and raised in the midwest, Johannesen’s brand of Americana is as authentic as it is timeless, as Holster Your Silver offers us the first great Americana record of 2020.

Travels well with: Will Stewart- County Seat; David Newbould- Sin & Redemption

Salim Nourallah

Jesus Of Sad

Palo Santo, 2020

8/10

Listen to Jesus Of Sad

A songwriter with a lengthy career already, Salim Nourallah has been releasing solo albums since 2003, and has also produced artists like the Old 97’s, and The Damnwells, among others. Though he’s recently released very lengthy albums, here Nourallah offers us just 4 tunes, but each one is certainly worth spending quality time with.

The title track starts the record with Nourallah’s soft and fluid vocals against gentle instrumentation where Matt Hibbard’s piano prowess accents the affair, and “Born With A Broken Heart” follows with a dense beat in a very playful atmosphere where cellos are even in attendance. An appropriate title for a song about his mother’s illness that would take her life right after the song was completed, it’s the EP highlight, as Nourallah gets both adventurous and cautious.

The back half of the listen offers the cleverly titled “This Doesn’t Feel Like Peace, Love And Understanding”, where retro-pop ideas are present in spades, as is strategic reverb, and the songwriting collaboration with Rhett Miller on the piano focused and underlying fuzz of the subdued alt-rocker “Misanthrope” ends the listen with both a full version and a bare piano version.

An EP that takes nods to Nick Lowe with its title, Nourallah certainly draws comparisons to Lowe as well, as his veteran skill and prolific experience make Jesus Of Sad another essential installment of his atypical alt-country song craft.

Travels well with: Sammy Strittmatter- Get Out Of The City; Krief- Dovetale

R.J. & The Assignment

Hybrid Harmony

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Hybrid Harmony

A Las Vegas artist with a penchant for soul jazz, R&B and gospel sounds, Reginald Johnson is in great company here as The Assignment help him flesh out 7 originals and 3 well done covers with Hybrid Harmony.

“I’m Tryin’” gets the album off to a soothing, almost meditative start before expressive female vocals enter the soulful, R&B setting, and “My Mean Ol’ Aunt” follows with a playful spirit that tips its hat to both jazz and funk with lively results.

Later on, the Tears For Fears cover, “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”, recruits vocal scatting in the very atypical and impressive interpretation, while “Prototype” trims the atmosphere back with elegant keys and flawless singing from both Klaiton Johnson and Aja Hawkins.

Closer to the end, “Between Now And Never” puts Julian Tanak’s tenor sax prowess on display in the intricate and agile atmosphere, and “After Service” exits the listen with plenty of grooves amid RJ’s acoustic piano acrobatics which are nothing short of mesmerizing.

This is RJ’s 4th album as bandleader and his best work to date, as Hybrid Harmony delivers one instantly memorable and timeless jazz tune after another. The Tears For Fears remake alone is worth the price of admission.

Travels well with: Matthew Snow- Iridescence; Dave Miller Trio- Just Imagine

Lindsay Foote

Rollercoaster

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Rollercoaster

A Massachusetts native who has spent time recording in Toronto, the youngster Lindsay Foote has quickly been making a name for herself with her infectious pop melodies and playful folk tendencies, which are both on display in spades with Rollercoaster.

“Don’t Go Changing Without Me” starts the listen with twinkling beauty as Foote’s expressive and sweet vocals steer the Americana and folksy setting, and “New York City” follows with a warm pop feeling where a hint of rural beauty shines amid the melodies.

The back half of the listen offers the moody “That Won’t Do Me Any Good”, where the songstress explores her strong vocal prowess amid breezy song craft, while the banjo friendly “For Real” finds ballad territory to reside in. “Resting Place” ends the listen hazy, bare and with backing vocals in an almost gospel atmosphere.

A record that documents the highs and lows of Foote’s experiences during her 20’s, hope, doubt, and fear are all explored in her creative song craft that’s easily relatable and even easier to absorb.

Travels well with: Kate Davis- Trophy; Katey Brooks- Revolute

Jeremy Garrett

Circles

Organic, 2020

8/10

Listen to Circles

A multi-instrumentalist who has already picked up a Grammy for being a member of the always impressive Stringdusters, here Jeremy Garrett brings his guitar, mandolin and fiddle to 8 intimate and bluegrass influenced tunes.

“I Am Who I Am” gets the listen off to a rhythmic and melodic start with Garrett’s smooth vocals guiding the rootsy fun, and “I Can’t Lay Your Lovin’ Down” follows with a soulful quality as intricate string work flows in the cautious atmosphere.

Further into the listen, “What Would We Find?” unfolds with incredible beauty as vocal harmonies and solos highlight the affair, while “Baker’s Jam” offers precise picking and mandolin acrobatics in the instrumental tune.

Closer to the end, “Circles” gets dreamy- almost cinematic- before a more folk based template emerges amid harmony vocals from Prisca, and “The Highway” ends the listen with proficient acoustic guitar and emotive, country spirited song craft.

An innovative listen that uses layers and looping with incredible skill, consider Circles a fusion record where bluegrass, Americana, roots, folk and country ideas are all used strategically and sublimely.

Travels well with: John Bowman- The Hole; Sideline- Breaks To The Edge

LPT

Sin Parar

Bold City, 2020

8/10

Listen to Sin Parar

A 10 piece orchestra from Jacksonville, Florida who are rapidly becoming everyone’s favorite band in the area of Salsa and Afro-Cuban sounds, LPT’s debut album takes nods to old school Salsa while injecting thoughtful wordplay to their dance-friendly formula.

“Guerra Guerra” starts the listen with fluid percussion, bright horns and lively rhythm, and this continues to the groove filled “Llegar Tarde”, where multiple voices fill the affair, as well as the glorious melodies of “Don Manuel”.

Later on in the listen the title track recruits strong keys to help guide the Salsa Dura flavored playfulness, while “Mala Mentira” puts a flute into focus on the soulful and soft moment. “Somos LPT” ends the listen with as much energy as it started, as a festive atmosphere unfolds alongside spirited solos.

An extremely powerful and fun listen, if you’ve got an ear for Salsa you can’t go wrong here, or, if you just appreciate rhythm, grooves and unending melody in your hard swinging, cultured songwriting.

Travels well with: Grupo Fantasma- American Music Vol. VII; Bio Ritmo- La Verdad

Eric Brace & Last Train Home

Daytime Highs & Overnight Lows

Red Beet, 2020

9/10

Listen to Daytime High & Overnight Lows

Starting in the late ‘90s, D.C.’s Last Train Home released a handful of well received albums for about ten years, making quite a name for themselves in the area of roots rock. Having been on hiatus for nearly a decade, in 2019 Eric Brace decided to wrangle up LTH alumni, and together this stunning 7th album was born.

“Sleepy Eyes” starts the listen with upbeat roots rock where warm vocals, shuffling percussion and fluid banjo highlight the mild blue grass setting, and “Caney Fork” follows with aching pedal steel in the more country focused delivery.

An album with incredible musicianship and an equally luminous execution, “Floodplains” flows with soothing and moving rural beauty, while “Hudson River” enters ballad territory amid expressive vocal harmonies. “I Like You”, one of the best of the best, offers us a charming folk song with sweet wordplay that you’ll have a hard time getting off your mind.

Near the end, horns enter the equation on the bouncy “Sailor” and “Wake Up, Were In Love” recruits strategic keys in the jangly, retro-fun, that’s a curiously unexpected exit on a record that’s largely under the Americana umbrella.

A roots rock record that’s not like any other you’ve heard, Brace is a fine songwriter, and the banjos, mandolins, horns and pedal steel help make this comeback album well worth spending an hour with.

Travels well with: Randy Lewis Brown- Red Crow; Ben Davis Jr.- Suthernahia

Massimo Silverio

Ø

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Ø

An Italian artist who’s skilled at guitar, cello, and singing, Massimo Silverio proves he’s got some serious songwriting prowess on this first EP that offers us 4 tracks that are incredibly diverse and often filled with much cryptic beauty.

“Tiere” starts the listen with ambience as strings, hazy vocals and plenty of experimental ideas invade the chilling setting that’s part orchestral, too, and “Som” follows with a brief display of soft and agile music alongside soaring, wordless vocals.

The back half offers the 10+ minutes of the title track, where a breathy and sparse delivery slowly builds into a emotive and dizzying display of loud, textured sounds and “Jevá” ends the listen gentle but playful with a moody rhythm underlying the unclassifiable landscape.

Silverio handles vocals, cello, guitars and samples here, but has help on theremin, keys, electronica and drums, and together they create music that’s much like the cover art- vivid, intricate and mysterious in all the best ways.

Travels well with: Thom Yorke- The Eraser; Paolo Spaccamonti- Volume Quattro

Rachel & Eliyahu

Open The Gates

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Open The Gates

A couple who are well versed in world music, with Open The Gates, Rachel Valfer & Eliyahu Sills bring us the very lush sounds of Jews indigenous to the Middle East in a very modern package.

“El Ginat Egoz” starts the listen with soothing string work as expressive and lovely vocals sweep into the poetic setting, and “Sapari” follows with a quicker pace of rhythmic and cultured sounds amid sublime vocal harmonies.

Deeper tracks offer us the cautious and dreamy “Istanbul Nights”, which builds into a swift display of boundless skill, while “Oseh Shalom” offers acrobatic plucking in a folk influenced atmosphere. Near the end, “Hit’oreri”delivers some of the prettiest singing, as gentle melodies flow alongside the spiritual landscape.

Previously of The Qadim Ensemble, Rachel and Eliyahu grew their love for world music- and each other- and this collection of tunes radiates with traditional songs in Hebrew and Ladino, where poems and chanting during religious services is highlighted in their testament to their own love and heritage.

Travels well with: Yasmin Levy- Sentir; Yuval Ron- In Between The Heartbreak

hackedepicciotto

The Current

Potomak, 2020

9/10

Listen to The Current

This 4th album from the duo of hackedepicciotto is quite possibly their most muscular yet, where the energy and rhythms are manipulated with dense percussion and adventurous electronica is also part of the equation.

“Defiance” starts the album with an iconoclastic approach that’s rooted in droning, mysterious qualities as vocal effects deliver cryptic storytelling, and this unconventional formula continues to the futuristic and tribal like ambience of “Onwards”, as well as the hazy and string friendly title track.

Further into the listen, “The Banishing” offers a busy display of almost dance-rock meets post-punk, while “Third From The Sun” is a slow burning affair with spacey noises amid an ominous, cinematic delivery. “Loreley”, the shortest and most luminous moment, pairs spoken word with an orchestral backdrop as they interpret a classic German poem with ingenuity.

The deeper cuts are also exciting, including the very unusual “Upon Departure”, which recruits thick percussion into the booming environment, and “The Black Pool” concludes the listen with soundbites and soft vocals as ambience and gothic tones fill the tense mood.

Hackedepicciotto consists of Danielle de Picciotto, who is well versed in classical sounds and brings that experience to the record, and Alexander Hacke, who has a long history as a member of the German industrial outfit Einsturzende Neubauten, and together they breed a highly unorthodox dose of self-described ‘cinematic-drone’.

A listen with absolutely zero attempt at commercial appeal, The Current is a dramatic, dark and richly textured example of gloomy prog-rock sensibilities that often unfolds like the soundtrack to another sinister dimension, and, if you’re like me, you’ll be enthralled with every second of it.

Travels well with: Le Grand Sbam- Vaisseau Monde; Subduxtion- The Black Point

Carol Albert

Stronger Now

Cahara, 2020

8/10

Listen to Stronger Now

A composer and pianist, Carol Albert penned all 10 tracks on the aptly titled Stronger Now, as the Atlanta based songstress offers us much diversity on the extremely proficient album.

The title track starts the listen with quaint keys and agile melodies floating in a lush setting, and “Love Again” follows with soothing percussion and elegant keys dancing around each other with soaring beauty.

Deeper into the listen, “Femme Fight” recruits Brazilian influences into the brisk pace with lively rhythm, while “Winter Rain” finds a memorable beat amid playful keys in a dance friendly environment.

Near the end, “I Am Fine”, one of the more vocally heavy selections, unfolds with a dreamy display of cautious elegance, and “Til We Meet Again” ends the listen flowing with flamenco style guitars and dynamic instrumentation that’s immediately memorable.

Albert has dealt with much personal tragedy in recent years, and she channels that profound loss into a career highlight, as begins a new creative chapter on this Latin tinted and piano fueled gem.

Travels well with: Amber Weekes- Pure Imagination; Anne Phillips- Live At The Jazz Bakery

Paige Cora

Instant in Time

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Instant In Time

The Canadian songstress Paige Cora introduces herself on this gorgeous and thoughtful debut where she wrote and produced the entire affair herself.

“Bicycle Bells” starts the listen soft with strings and keys as Cora’s pipes make an immediate impression with their expressive beauty as the tune builds into a chamber influenced gem, and “Stray Balloons” follows with an emotive delivery of cautious and mature song craft.

The remainder of the album, thankfully, follows a similar approach, and includes the percussively strong and pop spirited “Instant In Time”, as well as the dreamy and atmospheric “Facing The Grass”. “Echoes”, one of the album’s best, then finds a soulful place to reside as Cora’s vocal prowess is on full display. “Forest Pine” ends the listen strong, where ambience is key in the tense yet pretty exit that isn’t short on synth and rhythm.

Cora built a name for herself playing in the Toronto rock band The Ruby Spirit, and more recently has been scoring film. With Instant In Time, the singer-songwriter is clearly coming into her own with this poetic, thoughtful and rich album that’s engaging from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Jordan Whitmore- Good Things; Karen Jonas- Butter

Motihari Brigade

Power From Below

Creative Destruction, 2020

9/10

Listen to Power From Below

An outfit who are very in tune with the current social/political climate, Motihari Brigade, lead by singer/guitarist Eric Winston, brings us 8 originals and 3 covers on this high energy and very profound listen that’s self-described as ‘Bernie Sanders meets Helter Skelter’.

The title track starts the listen with bright horns and plenty of groove friendly, ska influenced rock’n’roll in the political themes, and “Talking To Crazy” follows with an anthemic quality amid the energetic delivery that’s full of riffs and insightful wordplay.

In the middle, “Hold On (Eyes On The Prize)”, popularized by Pete Seeger, tips it hat to the early days of punk rock with a soulful atmosphere, while “Power To The People” flows with a sing-along chorus in the melodic protest song that puts a reggae slant on a John Lennon song.

Some of the best tracks reside near the end, including “Buy This Product”, where a lyrically strong presence finds its way into the mature yet playful setting, and “Which Side Are You On”, the best selection, unfolds like a working class anthem. “Waiting For The Revolution” ends the listen musically diverse, where plenty of horns are in attendance as Motihari Brigade place a firm exclamation point on this substantial record.

An extremely powerful listen that captures the intensity that is often prevalent in today’s turbulent world, Motihari Brigade certainly contain a retro spirit, but are also very modern in their fiery approach. Power From Below is certainly thinking person’s music, and should be required listening in 2020.

Travels well with: Pete Seeger- Pete; The Clash- London Calling

Cave Flowers

Cave Flowers

Self-Released, 2020

9/10

Listen to Cave Flowers

A Los Angeles outfit who recorded this self-titled album live over just 2 days, Cave Flowers take inspiration from legends like John Prine, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson into their rugged Americana meets outlaw country rock formula.

“Best Lonesome Friend” starts the listen with breezy melodies amid the rootsy rock setting where light keys add much to the affair, and “Renter’s Life” follows with a calmer pace as rugged vocals flow alongside the organic musicianship.

Near the middle, “Hideaways” uses acoustic strumming fluidly as the music builds into a brisk pace of Americana beauty, while “Upperhand” recruits a ballad like execution of warm, soothing sounds around a raspy vocal delivery. “Trick Tears”, an album stand out, then finds a more traditional country approach to reside, where a restrained pulse emits timelessness.

At the end, “Great Hits” moves at a brisk pace with plenty of rugged rock nods, and “Little Worries” ends the listen more subdued as gritty, emotive and imaginary alt-country exits the strong album.

If legends like Son Volt, The Jayhawks and Uncle Tupelo mean anything to you, or if the younger alt-country scene holds your attention, Cave Flowers are simply a band you must familiarize yourself with.

Travels well with: David Newbould- Sin & Redemption; Sam Weber- Everything Comes True

Mortimer

Fight The Fight

Easy Star, 2019

8/10

Listen to Fight The Fight

A rising reggae artist who made appearances on the last two Protoje albums, Mortimer works alongside Grammy nominated producer Winta James to help fine tune these varied and spirited 6 tracks.

“Careful” starts the album with cozy horns and hazy rhythm in the groove filled and dub friendly atmosphere, and “Lightning” follows with a soft and soothing reggae spirit that’s filled with expressive singing from Mortimer that’s both soulful and breezy.

The back half of the listen offers us the dreamy title track, which takes heavy nods to Bob Marley, while the aptly titled “Style & Grace” hints at funk with strategic synth and reverb. “No Lies” ends the listen with some well executed R&B influences and pop melodica, as Mortimer exits just as strong as he started.

It’s not surprising that this EP landed at #3 on the Billboard Reggae Chart and #1 on the iTunes Reggae Chart, as Fight The Fight glides with a smooth and agile delivery where jazz, hip-hop and roots ideas are all part of Mortimer’s immediately memorable formula.

Travels well with: The Green- Black & White; The Expanders- Old Time Something Come Back Again, Vol. 2

Jason McMahon

Odd West

Shinkoyo, 2020

8/10

Listen to Odd West

The guitarist Jason McMahon has an impressive resume, playing with Skeleton, Janka Nabay & the Bubu Gang, and Chairlift, and with Odd West McMahon unplugs his guitar for an incredible display of 6 string prowess.

“Old Career In An Old Town” starts the listen with dreamy, hypnotic guitar acrobatics that few could replicate, and this sublime delivery continues to the hand clapping and angelic, wordless vocals of “If It Rhymes, It’s True”.

Further on, “The Sky For Falling” trims the pace back with experimental- almost New Age- soothing qualities, while “The Ballad Of Fat Lightning” certainly retains a ballad quality with shimmering beauty and precision. “Big Earth”, one of the album highlights, then displays his unparalleled finger picking alongside surreal singing, that again doesn’t use any actual words but has plenty of effect.

Near the end, “Ambisinistrous” is a sparse delivery of sweeping beauty with Spanish influences, and “Never Stop Exploding” ends the listen with a somewhat darker appeal, as the lone electric guitar solo pairs well with the rich, inventive music.

Part Americana, park folk and with traces of rock, New Age, jazz and chamber sounds, Odd West is an ambitious and exciting journey, where each tune brings new surprises that are as mesmerizing as they are timeless.

Travels well with: William Tyler- Goes West; Damien Jurardo- In The Shape Of A Storm

Valentina Sounds

Bring On The Fire

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Bring On The Fire

This debut album from the Philadelphia songstress Valentina Sounds brings a wealth of talent, as she’s paid her dues in outfits like Sunshine Superman and Sparkle Pony.

A listen that documents the end of a relationship and the onset of another, this isn’t your typical break up album, as Sounds injects humor and optimism into her graceful formula.

After the piano heavy, calm setting and emotive singing of “I Will Share Your Road”, Sounds gets quite varied with the rhythmic and subtly powerful “Bring On The Fire”, the warm country nods of “Flying”, as well as the ultra soulful, almost gospel delivery of “Seeking You”.

One of the best tunes resides at the end, as the busy atmosphere of “It’s Gonna Be Alright” recruits countless influences into the melodic and vocally expressive exit.

Sounds has a strong background in jazz, and that combined with her more recent endeavors with rock music come together here with soul, blues, country and pop ideas that unfold with a timeless, universal appeal.

Travels well with: Tori Amos- Little Earthquakes; Regina Spektor- Begin To Hope