Antoinette Perry

Beethoven Bookends

Navona, 2021

8/10

Listen to Beethoven Bookends

Just as the title implies, the pianist Antoinette Perry brings us on an adventure that covers Beethoven’s Opus 7, Opus 119 and Opus 111, where Perry brings her inimitable vision to the classic compositions that retains the brilliance of Beethoven while also allowing the artist to inject her unconventional vision to the interpretations.

“Sonata #4, Opus 7” starts the listen and offers 4 chapters where Perry’s brisk keys amaze us with so much precision, that it hardly seems like just one piano is present. Deeper into the composition, the setting turns bare with much beauty, but not without firm strikes entering the dreamy climate.

In the middle, “Eleven Bagatelles, Opus 119” is comprised of 11 pieces that vary from hypnotic and lush to light and airy with playful melodies. Near the end of his portion, “Vivace Moderato”, which is under a minute, finds a fascinating and classically timeless place to reside with both a sweeping and restrained approach.

The final track, “Sonata #32, Opus 111”, is just 2 segments, but they’re both long and allow Perry’s vast skill to shine in sparse moments amid rumbling, dramatic swells of intricate progression.

Amazingly, this is actually a live recording, and the sound quality and execution is nothing short of incredible. For fans of Beethoven and piano music in general, this is just not to be missed.

Travels well with: Elaine Freeman- La Speranza; Mark John McEncroe- Musical Images For Piano

Chafe Impett Parra

Time Crystal: Improvisational Works

Ravello, 2021

8/10

Listen to Time Crystal: Improvisational Works

Chris Chafe, Jonathan Impett and Juan Parra Cancino handle violoncello/double bass, trumpet/electronics and electric guitar/electronics respectively on this artistic and experimental listen where 5 tracks turn improvisation into a refined science in their very capable hands.

“Opal” starts the listen shrouded in mystery, as nearly sci-fi sounds are met with organic moments that squeal, buzz and dance around a very atypical delivery, and “Regelation” follows with an ominous quality where a droning approach includes quivering moments, jagged instrumentation and bare moments of beauty.

The middle track, “Sublimation”, is a dark, textured affair, where calculated noises and minimalistic, cinematic flashes captivate, while “Condensation” is a sparse climate of precisely manipulated atmosphere and ambience. The title track exits the listen, and recruits eerie strings into its genre defying formula that will have you hanging on every unpredictable moment.

A truly unconventional and fascinating electroacoustic project, Chafe, Impett and Cancino essentially forge an entirely new, unclassifiable genre here, and it makes for an unparalleled listening experience.

Travels well with: Cotatcha Orchestra- Bigbandová Elektronika/Bigband Electronics; Various Artists- Mind & Machine: Organic And Electronic Works- Volume Three

Dale Ann Bradley

Things She Couldn’t Get Over

Pinecastle, 2021

8/10

Listen to Things She Couldn’t Get Over

The 5 time IBMA Female Vocalist Of The Year and multiple Grammy nominee Dale Ann Bradley returns with another batch of bluegrass tunes, and she’s got Matt Leadbetter on guitar/vocals, Ethan Burkhardt handling bass and Kim Fox’s guitar/vocal talents, among others, to help illuminate Things She Couldn’t Get Over.

Bradley starts the listen with extremely melodic and harmonic “Living On The Edge”, where Ashby Frank’s mandolin prowess adds much to the rural setting, as does Aaron Bibelhauser’s backing vocals, and “Thing’s She Couldn’t Get Over” follows with a calmer pace of timeless beauty where Bradley’s expressive vocals are as fluid as ever.

Further along, “Yellow Creek” displays strong banjo from Mike Sumner as Ronnie Bowman’s pipes complement Bradley’s moving delivery, while “Falling Down” displays incredible finger picking in the poetic and eloquent album highlight. “Lost More Than I Knew”, another exceptional song, then pairs intimacy with playfulness where dynamic interplay between the guitars, bass and mandolin doesn’t disappoint.

Deeper yet, “L.A. International Airport” offers a warm and snappy bluegrass rocker, and the aptly titled “In The End” finishes the listen soft and elegant, where Bradley’s versatile voice tugs on the heartstrings with plenty of sincerity.

Bradley’s been busy in recent years with collaboration records as well as co-founding Sister Sadie, and thankfully her many projects aren’t taking away from her top notch solo work, as evidenced by yet another exceptional listen that all bluegrass enthusiasts will adore.

Travels well with: Bradley & Adair- Oh Darlin; Deanie Richardson- Love Hard Work Hard Play Hard

Grant Nesmith

Dreams Of The Coast

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Dreams Of The Coast

The South Carolina artist Grant Nesmith refers to his music as ‘cosmic American surf music’, and these 11 diverse tunes certainly reinforce that description plus add much more, as guests include Sadler Vaden (Jason Isbell), Ed Dennis and Gene Elders (George Strait, Lyle Lovett), among others.

“Never Die” starts the listen with some summery strumming as psychedelic ideas enter a dreamy and very tuneful rock’n’roll opener, and “Kaleidoscope follows with warm piano guiding the retro-pop song craft.

Near the middle, “Morning” brings a crunchy, alt-rock influenced delivery of melody and power, while “Souvenir” offers some variation of baroque-pop that’s jangly, groovy and instantly memorable. “Mountaintop” a particularly great tune, then benefits from swift drumming and fuzzier moments of unique indie-rock that’s unclassifiable and very enjoyable.

“Haunt” and “Such A Crime” finish the listen, where the former moves cautiously with some country influences amid much beauty and pedal steel from Dennis, and the latter exits the listen on an initially calm note, where some twang adds much to the cosmic, harmonic, prog-rock nods.

An extremely versatile and well done effort, Nesmith manages to bring to mind your favorite alt-country outfit, Dinosaur Jr. and The Beach Boys all at once, in an adventurous and precise listen that just might be the first great record of 2021

Travels well with: Sadler Vaden- Anybody Out There?; Aaron Lee Tasjan- Karma For Cheap

George Lewis

The Recombinant Trilogy

New Focus, 2021

9/10

Listen to The Recombinant Trilogy

The esteemed composer George Lewis brings us 3 works for solo instrument here, where electronics and timbre transformation help illuminate the acoustic sounds of each instrument into a sonic experience that spends an hour enlightening us with its very unique execution.

“Emergent” starts the listen with mesmerizing flute from Claire Chase, where initially bare and nearly sci-fi sounds manipulate space well, and this later evolves into multiple flutes dancing around a playful, unpredictable, exciting 12 minutes.

In the middle, “Not Alone” allows cellist Seth Parker Woods to enthrall us with fascinating string acrobatics as ricochet bowings, glissandi, sul ponticello and tremolos unfold with a texturing that’s so precise and technical it hardly seems human.

The last track, “Seismologic”, displays bassoonist Dana Jessen’s very atypical approach, where the brass instrument sounds like a fog horn, a flock of geese and even wind as both the sounds of insects and mechanical noises are mimicked with much skill and attention to layering.

A truly unclassifiable journey, Lewis blends chamber ideas, electroacoustic song craft and much innovation into these lengthy compositions that never out welcome their stay.

Travels well with: Wang Lu- At Atlas Of Time; David Liptak- Dove Songs

Doug Macdonald Duo

Toluca Lake Jazz

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Toluca Lake Jazz

The guitar wizard Doug MacDonald is aligned with the unparalleled bass playing of Harvey Newmark across 7 standards and 6 originals here, as the duo offer us swinging jazz sounds with incredible chemistry.

The pair start the album with the soothing and playful display of incredible guitar prowess on “Flamingo”, and “My Little Boat” follows with intricate picking and gorgeous interplay between the two in the Bossa Nova climate.

Closer to the middle, the cautious and stirring title track emits a strong sense of timeless song craft, while “Is This It? flows with incredible attention to detail. “Village Blues”, the album standout, then uses restraint in pretty ways as the blues unfold with cascading beauty.

As we near the end, “Pleasante Pleasant” showcases talent so mesmerizing that makes one wonder how many hands the players actually have, and “New World” exits the listen with more awe inspiring musicianship that sounds as great today as it will decades from now.

MacDonald is no stranger to exceptional albums, and this collaboration certainly warrants being at the top of his catalog as Newmark’s finger acrobatics add much to the highly melodic and exciting landscape.

Travels well with: Doug MacDonald- Califournia Quartet; Larry Newcomb Quartet- Love, Dad

Larry Newcomb Quartet

Love, Dad

Essential Messenger, 2021

8/10

Listen to Love, Dad

A listen spearheaded by guitarist Larry Newcomb and his son, bassist Jake Newcomb, Love, Dad also benefits from Dave Marsh’s drumming and Thomas Royal’s piano skills across 10 straight jazz tunes where 6 originals and 4 standards unfold with precision.

“You Stepped Out Of A Dream” starts the listen with graceful and spirited interplay between Marsh’s proficient drums and Larry’s intricate guitar lines as a very warm jazz landscape develops, and “Essential Messengers” flows with much beauty as Royal’s key prowess is on full display amid Latin influences.

In the middle, “Tricotism” showcases Jake’s precise plucking as a very agile climate is cultivated between the quartet, while “Soirée” is nothing short of sublime with its dreamy melodies and waltz appeal. Deeper yet, the ballad “Hearts In Suspension” is a calmer and emotive album highlight that we could never tire of hearing.

The last 2 tracks don’t disappoint either, and include the lush and glorious “Love Intentionally”, and “This Song Is You” exits the listen swiftly, with no lack of melodies and swing flavor to finish the record.

Larry has had an impressive career so far, and Love, Dad is certainly some of his best work, where his meticulous guitar playing and innovative jazz sensibilities don’t disappoint.

Travels well with: The Grasso-Ravita Jazz Ensemble- Jagged Spaces; Bob Gluck- Early Morning Star

Goan Dogs

Call Your Mum

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Call Your Mum

The Bristol outfit Goan Dogs make a triumphant return with Call Your Mum, where their distorted guitars and keen sense of melody meets somewhere between electro-pop and alt-rock across a dozen well thought out tunes.

“Anxiety” starts the listen percussively strong as playful guitar work and smooth vocals enter the exciting indie-pop setting, and “I Can’t Sleep” follows with no shortage of hooks as a busy landscape unfolds with a buzzing, pop friendly delivery.

Halfway through, “God Loves A Trier” gets soulful amid thumping drums and falsetto vocals, while “Zombies” is destined for the club with its modern energy and stylish execution. “Now Or Never”, an exceptional tune, then trims the pace back with hypnotic guitars swirling around firm drums and graceful singing.

Near the end, “Drinking On A School Night” flows with a dance rock quality, and “Call Your Mum” exits the listen with a full and dense display of incredible dynamics between the 5 members.

An album full of rhythm, riffs and even jangly moments, this debut from Goan Dogs impresses us with substantial wordplay and equally interesting layers of tuneful, memorable rock and pop nods you can’t help but enjoy.

Travels well with: The Holy- Mono Freedom; Kidsmoke- A Vision In The Dark

Uncle Walt's Band

Recorded Live At Waterloo Ice House

Omnivore, 2021

9/10

Recorded Live At Waterloo Ice House

A late ‘70s and early ‘80s trio comprised of Walter Hyatt, Champ Hood and David Ball, Uncle Walt’s Band were legends in Austin, Texas during their heyday, and here we’re treated to 21 tracks from a 1982 set where their 3 part harmonies and jazz, bluegrass and pop influenced country sounds make it clear why they influenced legends like Lyle Lovett and Lucinda Williams.

“If I Don’t Stop Crying” starts the listen with plenty of vocal harmonies as careful, acoustic strumming and a bit of twang unfolds with a playful spirit, and “Mock, Mock, Mockingbird” follows with a quicker pace of folk like ideas, where some of the best singing on the record resides.

In the middle, “The More I See” flows with a rootsy flavor amid much beauty, while “Desiree” is an emotive and intimate display of dense bass and a very pretty landscape. “I’m Going To Break My Heart In Two”, one of the band’s best, then offers a country spirited duet that’s full of careful, rural picking.

Deeper still, “Lose My Baby” is a stylish plunge into retro rock’n’roll, and “Early Morning Love” exits the listen indeed on a romantic note where timeless songwriting is present and appreciated.

Originally released on their own label in 1982 with 14 tracks, on this package we’re given 7 songs from the original record, plus 4 previously unissued alternate takes, and 10 previously unissued performances. If some of these songs sound familiar to you, they should; turns out they’ve been adopted by many artists, which is a certainly a testament to the legacy that Uncle Walt’s Band left.

Travels well with: Steve Earle & The Dukes- Ghosts Of West Virginia; Erika Wennerstrom- Sweet Unknown

Life On Mars

Observer

Extremely Huge, 2020

9/10

Listen to Observer

The New York City artists Life On Mars, i.e. Earl Kayoss and Fernando Perdomo, return with a 4th album, and they’ve got 17 very diverse tracks for us, where guests include Zak Nilsson, Salvador Navarra and Scarlet Rivera across 70+ minutes of unpredictable and exciting song craft.

“And One Day” starts the listen with careful acoustic guitar as light and intimate vocals guide the prog-rock influenced climate, and “Cement” follows with folk-rock ideas unfolding alongside vivid storytelling and meticulous guitar lines.

A listen with no filler, middle tracks like “The Tall Man” are charged rock’n’roll at its finest, while “I Ride The Train” sounds very indebted to the ‘70s in all the best ways. “Target”, the best of the best, then flows with both gritty and melodic sensibilities in its complicated yes accessible climate.

Deeper yet, “I’m A Good Man” is a rhythmic and snappy display of pop-rock spirit, and the unusually titled “Maggots Eating A Dead Rat On High-Speed Film” is actually a calm, maudlin moment of bare beauty. “Gray” exits the listen, and brings retro-rock spirit to a busy execution of energetic and inviting songwriting.

While 17 tracks might be a lot to digest unless you’re a diehard fan, Life On Mars never out welcomes their stay, as a dynamic and eclectic formula of rock keeps us anticipating each subsequent track.

Travels well with: Quiet Marauder- Tiny Men Parts; R. Stevie Moore- Afterlife

The Quiet Stars

Sum

Self-Released, 2018

8/10

Listen to Sum

The New York City duo of Steve Belvilus and Patryce Williams, as The Quiet Stars the pair embrace a variety of graceful textures where horns, flutes, keys and guitars are handled by their esteemed band, and there’s many guests joining the festivities, too.

“Welcome To SUM” starts the listen vocally strong with several vocals harmonizing alongside a soulful, hip-hop influenced setting that includes a trumpet solo from John Lake, and the aptly titled “Power Anthem” follows with intimate singing, a flurry of horns, and a warm contrast between soft and busy textures.

Close to the middle, “Last Prayer For A Change” recruits soothing wordless vocals amid a bright sax solo from Jacques Schwarz-Bart in the dreamy atmosphere, while “Test The Waters” displays soaring singing as jazz ideas unfold. “Sinking Sand”, an especially strong tune, then illustrates timeless fusion where funk is present and appreciated.

The final 2 tracks are equally exciting, and include the hip-hop indebted “Funk Hip Nasty”, and “It’s Alright To Be Me” exits the listen with a diverse finish of lively drumming, frisky melodies and an intoxicating spirit.

Belvilus composed, arranged, and produced everything here, and he did an incredible job as Sum is full of unpredictable, intricate and engaging song craft that covers countless genres with fluidity.

Travels well with: Tenant From Zero- Flight; Allbut6ix- Like A River

Chandrika Tandon

Shivoham- The Quest

Soul Chants, 2017

8/10

Listen to Shivoham- The Quest

The Grammy nominated Indian-American artist Chandrika Tandon took on an ambitious project with this 4th album, where 90 minutes of music unfold with five choirs, orchestras, several soloists and a recording process that spanned 9 studios and 4 countries.

The aptly titled “Song Of The Beginnings” starts the listen with a mix of singing and chanting as a soaring, spiritual quality enters the landscape that’s complicated yet still accessible, and “Song Of The Seeker” follows with a dreamy delivery, while “Song Of The Worldly Dance” recruits playful percussion and plenty of cultured rhythm.

Deeper into the listen, “Song Of Destruction” takes a turn into sparse territory, where Tandon’s expressive singing and piano work together amid swift melodies, and “Song Of Surrender” dances around playful keys, emotive singing and frisky percussion with a delicate balance.

Further on, “Song Of Light” channels a religious like energy amid a soothing presence of beauty, and “Songs Of Blessings” exits the listen with string acrobatics, playful vocals and contagious, dynamic songwriting prowess.

An album dedicated ‘seekers of the light everywhere’, Tandon cultivates a rich, meticulous and very unique spin on World Music where New Age ideas are embraced and executed with a tremendous amount of innovation that you’re unlikely to hear anywhere else.

Travels well with: Anoushkar Shankar- Traces Of You; Pandit Jasraj- Anuraag

Chris Daniels And The Kings

Blues With Horns Vol. 1

Moon Voyage, 2017

8/10

Listen to Blues With Horns Vol. 1

The long running outfit Chris Daniels and The Kings celebrated 33 years of music making with this 15th album, and they’ve brought along Freddi Gowdy for the blues, funk and jazz festivities where the 7 piece band puts their inimitable song craft on display with much proficiency.

Daniels and company lead with the bluesy fun of “Sweet Memphis”, where lively horns from Darryl Abrahamson and backing vocals from Hazel Miller and Coco Brown add much to the soulful yet playful opener, and “Fried Food/Hard Liquor” follows with plenty of swampy swagger as Daniels’ guitar lines and warm harmonica enter the raw and powerful delivery.

Halfway through, “Wouldn’t Treat A Dog (The Way You Treated Me)” offers funk nods with no shortage of melody amid a gritty and tuneful climate, while “Baby’s In Love With The Radio” is a festive album highlight that grooves, shakes and flows with R&B stabs. “Can’t Even Do Wrong Right”, another exceptional track, then makes great use of keys alongside a bouncy spirit in the rhythmic atmosphere that will get your body moving.

As we near the end, “Them Changes” is a swift and glorious display of timeless blues rock, and “Rain Check” exits the listen on a calmer note of keys and harmonica alongside smooth vocals.

An album indebted to the sounds of Memphis and New Orleans, Daniels and his band company offer both covers and originals here, and any and all fans of blues, R&B, soul, funk, rock’n’roll, jazz and Motown will be amazed by the incredible performances and top notch songwriting.

Travels well with: Henry Gray & Bob Corritore- Cold Chills; Artur Menezes- Fading Away

Neil Jacobson

Sliver Park

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Sliver Park

The New York native Neil Jacobson has an impressive resume that includes producing, composing and developing several animated TV series. On this 4th solo album, Jacobson plays all the instruments on 9 tracks with a very unique delivery and well thought out wordplay.

“I’m Trying” starts the album with spirited organ as Jacobson’s raw but inviting vocals enter the restrained rock climate, and “Top Of My Cycle” follows with a rugged quality to the precise drumming and radiant guitars that occasionally break into a solo.

Near the halfway point, “Voodoo” benefits from bouncy bass work as a playful, rhythmic setting builds, while “Brand New Product” is even more bare but with some atmosphere and louder bouts of alt-rock. “Lightning”, a particularly memorable track, then recruits acoustic guitar amid a darker quality as Jacobson illustrates much depth musically and lyrically.

“Victim Of Poor Choices” and “My Own Murder (Revisited)” bookend the listen, as the former moves cautiously but with a bit more density, and the latter finishes the record with much beauty and grooves where psychedelic nods are present.

Jacobson covers a lot of territory on the rock’n’roll spectrum here, and he excels in both loud and quiet settings. Ultimately, a concept record about technology making the world smaller, and in the process taking it’s toll on the poor, the animals, and our forests, he suggests we rethink our priorities and uses his vast experience and talent in an imitable fashion to persuade us.

Travels well with: John R. Kjellstrom- John R. Kjellstrom; Wudewuse- Northern Gothic

Chris Wilhelm

This Too Shall Pass

Self-Released, 2020

9/10

Listen to This Too Shall Pass

The Asheville, North Carolina singer-songwriter Chris Wilhelm returns with his 7th album, and, like everything he’s been a part of, it’s full of forthright and sincere song craft that takes help from an all star cast to flesh out the 12 tunes.

“Mists Of Misunderstanding” starts the listen and makes an immediate impression with driving, rhythmic folk-rock guided by Wlhelm’s smooth pipes, and “Long Live Your Tomorrows” follows with warm pedal steel adding much to the soothing, rural climate.

In the middle, the Americana spirited title track benefits from Josh Maddox’s crisp percussion and harmonic backing vocals from Asher Leigh and Debrissa McKinney, while “I’m Still Praying For A Miracle” flows with breezy melodies in its organic beauty. “Why’d Ya Have To Go"?”, one of the record’s best, then jangles a bit with a retro flavor you can’t help but admire.

Close to the end, “Don’t Worry Darling” is an emotive and powerful display of country influenced song craft, and “This Dirty Old River” exits the listen with keys from Chris Rosser and expressive singing from Wilhelm in the bare, heartfelt finish.

Somewhat of a therapeutic effort for Wilhelm, his strong wordplay and attention to detail make this an ideal listen for fans of roots, folk, Americana or country songwriting, and his execution is nothing short of flawless.

Travels well with: James Houlahan- Ordinary Eye; Cody Lee- Woodpecker Crisis

Brian Smalley

Chosen

Gator Boner, 2020

8/10

Listen to Chosen

A veteran musician from Central Florida, Brian Smalley offers us a folk opera with Chosen, where players like Grant Peeples, Marianne Lerbs and many others help flesh out the musical murder mystery that’s set in Belle Glade, Florida.

“Cuttin’ The Cane” starts the listen with gentle, effective acoustic guitar as Smalley is joined by pretty female vocals on the vivid storytelling, and “The Hillsboro” follows with aching strings as Smalley pulls off some vocal acrobatics amid the bluegrass spirited climate.

Further on, “Wah Wah” is a sparse but inviting display of gospel like song craft, while “Leaf On The Wind” takes on a poetic and playful example of melodic folk sounds. There’s a mix of singing and talking on the album, and in the case of “The Hillsboro Don’t Roll” it’s nearly preaching, as Smalley and company keep us interested with much diversity.

Deeper yet, the precise guitar of “Chosen” aligns well with the expressive singing, and “Boom Chicky Boom” is a vocally heavy and campfire-esque album highlight with meticulous chord progressions. “Talisman” lands near the end with no shortage of harmonies and melodic guitars, as Smalley’s gritty yet tuneful pipes keep us hanging on every word.

Smalley essentially cultivates his own genre of music that he calls ‘acoustic novels’, where a theatric, sometimes dramatic, form of art unfolds across a fascinating body of work that you’ll want to revisit again.

Travels well with: Scott Garred- Scott Songs Vol. II; New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers- Volume 1

Steve Drizos

Axiom

Cavity Search, 2021

9/10

Listen to Axiom

Perhaps best known as the drummer for Jerry Joseph And The Jackmorons, Steve Drizos puts his engineering and producing skills to work here as he plays many instruments and sings alongside help from his wife, Jenny Conlee Drizos, who you might recognize from The Decemberists.

The title track starts the listen with atmospheric, post-rock ideas as sound bites provide the only vocals amid psychedelic influences that enter the dense landscape, and “Juggling Fire” follows with acoustic guitar and versatile singing from Drizos, where folk ideas and strings add much diversity.

In the middle, the keyboard friendly “You Don’t See That Now” brings in Kyleen King for a strumming duet where much beauty exists, while “Softer, Please” is actually a louder display of melodic and gritty alt-rock that could fill stadiums with its punchy and anthemic quality.

Near the end, “Take You Home” benefits from cautious keys amid an intimate and poetic delivery that’s not without its fuller moments, and “Liminal Space” exits the listen with an emotive and soaring execution of power and melody, which enters jam band territory for the back half of the finish.

Drizos has been a touring musician for 25 years now, and he uses that vast experience to pull off an exceptional debut solo album that’s often indebted to the best moments of the ‘90s, and run through his inimitable vision of multifaceted rock.

Travels well with: Quiet Marauder- Tiny Men Parts; R. Stevie Moore- Afterlife

Zoe Scott

Shades Of Love

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Shades Of Love

Formerly a member of the much louder outfit Black Leather, these days Zoe Scott is residing in jazz territory, and here Bossa Nova ideas unfold with help from Torcuato Mariano, Paulo Calasans, Andre Vasconcelos, and Felipe Alves, plus many guests.

“Quiet Nights” starts the album with much grace as Scott’s pretty, expressive vocals steer a very romantic spirit, and “I’ll Stand By You” follows with Tim Pierce’s agile electric guitar aiding much to the very warm interpretation of the Chrissie Hynde classic.

Not far from the middle, “Wave” benefits from Daniel Jobim’s acoustic piano and soft vocals that complement Scott’s dreamy delivery, while “Baby It’s You” recruits Jesse Sadoc’s intimate flugelhorn amid the timeless jazz flavor. “Once I Loved”, the album’s standout track, then strategically used an orchestral backdrop and EWI from Steve Tavaglione to highlight the emotive and poetic mood.

Near the end, “Triste” is a swift and melodic display of mesmerizing bass lines courtesy of Felipe Melanio e Viny Melanio, and “You Know I’m No Good” exits the listen with Torcuato Mariano’s B3 drawing us immediately to the rugged and playful Amy Winehouse cover.

Inspired by the work of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Scott was seeking a way to channel her freedom, sensuality and romance by shifting her musical direction, and it’s pretty clear that she’s reaching even deeper into the soulful aspect of her craft with the aptly titled Shades Of Love.

Travels well with: Michaela Steinhauer- Changes And Choices; Jeni Slotchiver- American Heritage

Jonathan Kane And Dave Soldier

February Meets Soldier String Quartet

EEG, 2021

8/10

Listen to February Meets Soldier String Quartet

The power duo of Jonathan Kane and Dave Soldier come together here for 4 lengthy tracks that embrace, blues, jazz, no-wave, and selections from the great American Songbook, and there’s certainly no lack of experimental, avant-garde and unconventional ideas present.

“Hate To See You Go” starts the listen with proficient drums from Kane as bluesy guitar acrobatics from Soldier instantly mesmerize. Later on down the line, orchestral strings and a violin solo enter the riff heavy and so precisely executed opener that makes an immediate impression.

The middle tracks bring us the reserved and atmospheric “It Was A Very Good Year”, which was popularized by Sinatra, where some post-rock dynamics are brought to the lushly layered album standout, while “Requiem For Hulis Pulis” spends 16 minutes with minimalist qualities that glide alongside a swagger that brings to mind John Lee Hooker or even Muddy Waters.

“Vienna Over The Hills” exits the listen, where much emphasis is on strings as a hazy, very atypical and especially exciting version of orchestral sounds unfold.

A record that will appeal to both fans of rock music and classical sounds and many points in between, Kane and Soldier bring a wealth of talent and experience to this very engaging and highly captivating effort.

Travels well with: Dave Soldier- Zajal; Bonzo Squad- There’s Always Tomorrow

FITTED

First Fits

ORG, 2019

9/10

Listen to First Fits

Now here’s something exciting- a new outfit from Matthew Simms (Wire), Mike Watt (Minutemen), Bob Lee (The Freeks) and Edvard Graham Lewis (Wire). As FITTED, the legends swirl around gritty pop, psyche-rock and retro-rock’n’roll as Watt and Lewis trade vocal duties on an unclassifiable affair.

“Plug In The Jug” starts the listen with some ambience before sonically engaging crunchy rock sounds enter the hazy atmosphere, and “Training Pit Bulls For The Navy” follows with a bristling rhythm section that complements the unpredictable setting of melodic, yet noisey sounds that are never short on power.

The remainder of the album is equally unexpected, including the pulsating, psyche flavored “Magically Blessed”, while “The Chunk That Got Chewed” really showcases Watts’ bass prowess on the almost carnival-esque action of nostalgic nods.

“The First Fit” exits the affair calmly, with surreal texturing and distant vocals that fade into bare, repetitive ideas that are a far cry from the primarily loud execution of the rest of the album.

A group that were meant to just be one practice session, FITTED is a jam band like nothing you’ve ever head before, something that aging punks, prog-rock fans and experimental, artistic types can get on board with. Let’s hope there’s more on the horizon very soon for FITTED, cause today’s rock scene needs this badly.

Travels well with: fiREHOSE- Flyin’ The Flannel; Wire- Nocturnal Koreans