Trini Lopez

The Rare Reprise Singles

Omnivore, 2021

8/10

Listen to The Rare Reprise Singles

Trinidad Lopez III enjoyed a lengthy and well received career that started in the ‘50s, and included 20 albums in the ‘60s, which made him one of the original Latin artists to make it onto the pop charts.

Here, we’re treated to 24 singles released between 1962-1970 that never found themselves on a LP, but certainly represent some of the best work the singer, guitarist and actor ever did.

“A-Me-Ri-Ca” opens the listen with Lopez’s infectious energy in a playful and upbeat tune about all the great things to enjoy in America, and “Let It Be Known” follows with soulful backing vocals in the spirited rock’n’roll tune that’s quite memorable.

Further down the line, “Made In Paris” benefits from warm strumming amid the bright drumming and radiant climate, while “Together” bounces and shakes with a frisky approach that will get your body moving. “Five O’Clock World”, one of the album’s best, then showcases Lopez’s diverse pipes alongside no shortage of melody.

Inching towards the end, “You Make My Day” is a glorious and jangly retro pop tune, and “Let’s Think About Living” exits the listen with Lopez’s strong attention to detail that embraced so much cheerful song craft.

Many of the songs present have never been released on CD before, and with excellent liner notes and photos also part of the package, this is Trini Lopez rarities occasion that serves as a fine introduction for the first time listener and a must for the longtime fan.

Travels well with: Steve Goodman- The Best Of Steve Goodman; Todd Snider- Cash Cabin Sessions, Vol. 3

The High 70s

Glitter Box

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen Glitter Box

An outfit spearheaded by Chris Williams, who wanted to channel his inner ‘70s heroes, as The High 70s he brings along Princess Frank (drums) and LJ Scott (guitar) for an often nostalgic listen that’s packed with energy and punk spirit.

The title track opens the listen with some low rumbling before a firm buzzing enters a meshing of glam-rock, punk and garage rock, and “Manipulation” follows with thumping drums that align with both grit and melody in the moody alt-rock climate.

In the middle, “Astro Van” trims the pace back a bit but is no less impactful in its darker textures of early punk influences, while “Accidents Never Happen” recruits well timed female backing vocals amid the playful bass lines. “Freak House”, one of the album’s best, then weaves in and out of both tension and grace for a very diverse and memorable 5 minutes.

“Hemlock Girl” arrives near the end and hints at ‘90s alt-rock in all the best ways with its grungy, post-punk nods, and “Natural Selection” exits the listen with a stylish and retro delivery of glam, New Wave, and rebellious rock’n’roll undertones.

You’ll certainly recognize traces of Blondie, Joy Division and The Cramps within these tunes, which could never be a bad thing, as Williams and company deliver a very personal effort that’s often ominous, but still very accessible in a Bowie meets Iggy Pop sort of way.

Travels well with: Glaare- Your Hellbound Heart; Creux Lies- The Hearth

Jukka Iisakkila

Clocks And Clouds

Eclipse, 2018

8/10

Listen to Clocks And Clouds

A multi-instrumentalist, composer and conductor, Jukka Iisakkila births a very exciting debut solo album here, where his inimitable instrumental songs are filled with orchestral, symphonic and rock ideas.

“Freefall” opens the listen with a very raw and adventurous mashing of free jazz and prog-rock, where the thumping drums and soaring guitars complement the fusion landscape, and “The Only Sound Is Waterdrops” follows with a thicker approach that’s even a bit dreamy under the cinematic ebbs of beauty.

In the middle, “Interludes” focuses on keys amid the hypnotic, even quirky two and a half minutes, while “Clocks And Clouds” recruits squealing guitar for a powerful and soothing album highlight.

“Darling We’ve Made A Mess” lands near the end and presents a busy, dynamic climate of firm rock influences alongside the dizzying drums and complicated guitar acrobatics, and “Shakin’ It On” exits the listen with curious rhythm and creative jazz nods that few could replicate.

Iisakkila plays just about everything on these 7 songs, and takes a hand from Iikka Saarikoski on drums. Together, they make for a fusion experience unlike anything you’ll hear anywhere else.

Travels well with: Pymlico- On This Day; Fatal Fusion- Dissonant Minds

Josh Grider

Long Way From Las Cruces

Boot Strap, 2021

8/10

Listen to Long Way From Las Cruces

The Texas native and current New Mexico resident Josh Grider returns with a 5th album, where an open schedule due to the pandemic allowed him to really focus on these 8 well thought out and stirring songs.

Grider opens the listen with the bouncy, warm and classic country inspired title track that soars with plenty of twang, and “Thank God It’s Raining” follows with a calmer approach of rugged yet tuneful rural rock.

“Can You Feel Me Missing You” lands in the middle and recruits plenty of beauty amid the poetic, reflective climate, while “Two Truths And A Lie” gets a bit thicker with hazy pedal steel to complement the dreamy, sublime album highlight.

Moving towards the end, “I Know I Love You” makes great use of keys in the bare but powerful landscape, and “Boots On My Feet” exits the listen with Grider’s smooth pipes and proficient acoustic guitar guiding the breezy, rootsy finish.

Grider is joined by names like Brady Owen (electric guitar), Jeff Botta (drums, percussion) and Zach Moulton (steel guitar), among many others, and together they continue his consistently timeless, country spirited song craft that is all substance and no flash.

Travels well with: Rob Williams- Weathering The Storm Vol. 1; Julian Taylor- The Ridge

Shea-Kim Duo

The Sound And The Fury

Blue Griffin, 2021

9/10

Listen to The Sound And The Fury

The esteemed pair Shea-Kim Duo return with works by Dvorak, Grieg and Janacek, as Brendan Shea and Yerin Kim weave their strings and keys together in intimate, memorable ways across the impressive performance.

“Op. 49 B. 89” opens the listen with the firm keys and swirling strings interacting with much grace and playfulness, and this chemistry continues to the swift and dizzying melodies of “Sonata for piano and violin No. 3 in C minor. Op. 45”, as well as the calmer moments of the gorgeous “Allegretto espressivo alla Romanza”

The back half of the listen offers the poetic and emotive “Sonata for violin and piano: Con moto”, while “Sonata for violin and piano: Allegretto” offers a quick burst of stirring yet frisky musicianship. “Sonata for violin and piano: Adagio” exits the listen, and blends the flowing keys and tense strings meeting at a sublime intersection.

As usual, the duo display both of their respective talents with much attention to detail, inimitable balance and majestic melodies that will have the listener hanging on every note.

Travels well with: Sergei Kvitko- MOZART. Post Scriptum; Victoria Bond-Illumination: Piano Works Of Victoria Bond

Zan Zone

It’s Only Natural

Randomaxe, 2018

8/10

Listen to It’s Only Natural

A Brooklyn outfit who are spearheaded by Zan Burnham, this 4th album from Zan Zone meshes many different ideas into the very distinct and exciting 11 tracks of It’s Only Natural.

“For The Rising Sun” opens the listen and brings spirited and soothing guitar work into the proficient drumming that hints at the blues, and the title track follows with thumping drums and mesmerizing guitar alongside the strategic backing vocals and warm pop-rock flavor.

Moving towards the middle, the pretty and reflective “He’s Coming Home” brings a moving, soulful quality, while “Here I Go Again” makes great use of the playful bass lines as a dreamy climate unfolds with retro nods. “Things That Make Me Cry”, one of the album’s best, then offers a very poetic and subdued track of powerful singing.

Nearing the end, “Let It Go” approaches alt-rock amid the rugged yet tuneful atmosphere, and “Champagne Enthusiasm” finishes the listen steeped in jazz influences, as a very sophisticated and timeless demeanor exits the listen on a very high note.

Burnham is joined by Sabrina Clery and Philip Dessinger on vocals, and Arianna Burnham handles backing vocals, Kurt Bergland sits behind the drum kit, Bill Ware plays vibes and Saadi Zain holds down bass. Together, they make for a listening experience that covers a lot of ground, and the unpredictable nature and meticulous song craft certainly does not disappoint.

Travels well with: The Grand Undoing- In A Vigil State; Charles Brown- Explorer In Life

The Grand Undoing

In A Vigil State

Secret Candy Rock, 2020

8/10

Listen to In A Vigil State

The Boston based rockers The Grand Undoing make quite an impression with this 4th album, where their formula of power-pop, punk, prog and psychedelia is packed with plenty of hooks and beats for the lively listen.

“Into The Glitter” opens the listen with no lack of warm, dreamy melody as Dave Westner’s playful bass and Andy Plaisted’s precise drumming adds much power to the equation, and “A Little Piece Of Ground” follows with energetic keys alongside Ted Powers’ soulful backing vocals as they touch on retro-rock ideas.

In the middle, “Wave” recruits Dana Colley’s well timed saxophone into the adventurous rocker, while “Darkness” benefits from B.J. Cole’s pedal steel amid the rootsy flavor. “Sunsetter”, one of the album’s best, then showcases Chris Coughlin’s meticulous keys as the thumping rocker emits both grit and tunefulness.

Arriving near the end, “Step In” is full of hooky pop fun that you can’t not enjoy, and “Giving All My Things Away” finishes with hypnotic bass lines that are met with spirited guitar and a hazy, psyche-filled fade out.

Spearheaded by Seth Goodman, who handles vocals, guitars and songwriting, there’s a rotating cast of players present, which keeps the diversity consistent as The Grand Undoing deliver an exciting rock’n’roll journey that we should all be present on.

Travels well with: Cary Heuchert- Hourglass; Meer- Playing House

Charles Brown

Explorer Of Life

Self-Released, 2017

8/10

Listen to Explorer Of Life

A prog-rock guitarist with a vision for captivating fusion ideas, Charles Brown brings us a very well thought out effort here, where you won’t have a hard time recognizing influences from classic rock, classical and jazz, too.

Brown opens the listen with the warm synth of the title track, as buzzing guitar and crashing drums enter the very melodic and driving landscape, and “Parallel Journey” continues the creativity with swirling, dreamy prog-rock that’s both firm and intimate in its dynamic nature.

In the middle, Brown offers the very intricate “Prelude (From Cello Suite #1)”, where he interprets a Bach composition with incredible guitar skill, while “Above The Mist” carries a chilling, spacey backdrop amid the soothing acoustic guitar and wordless backing vocals. “Wind Of Darkness”, another excellent tune, then showcases agile synth as crunchy guitar and drum acrobatics make this the album’s best.

Nearing the end, the meticulous guitar of “Spectral Voyage” is met with a hazy, ethereal mood that's quite cinematic, and “When The Sun Rises” finishes the listen with gorgeous acoustic guitar weaved into an enveloping, surreal exit.

The keyboardist Steve Espinosa accompanies Brown’s unparalleled guitar playing, not to mention his skilled synth and percussion, too, and it makes for 10 tracks that you just can’t wait to hear again.

Travels well with: Jimmy Ryan- Astral Café; Strat Andriotis- Night Manager

Jimmy Ryan

Astral Café

Grooveyard, 2021

9/10

Listen to Astral Café

Though you may have never heard of the guitarist Jimmy Ryan before, one listen of Astral Café and you certainly won’t forget him as he pens a mostly instrumental rock listen that covers a lot of territory across 13 powerful tracks.

“Starlord” starts the record and makes an indelible impression with the robust guitar playing from Ryan and equally skilled drumming that recruits plenty of ideas from rock’n’roll’s past, and “Shatterbrain” follows with the thumping drums and soaring guitar working together precisely, as calmer moments are explored, too.

Moving along, “Skydance” offers much melody as both grit and tunefulness enter the fusion formula, while “Black Ice” gets a little crunchy as Ryan enters more firm areas of his diverse vision that also embraces prog-rock sensibilities. “I’m Ready” then takes the listen into thicker avenues, where Ryan’s deep, rugged pipes guide the bristling energy.

Inching towards the end, “Dreadhulk” is a muscular and dynamic display of meticulous drumming amid charming guitar acrobatics, and “Quiet Flight” exits the listen gentler, where Johnny Ryan makes an appearance on guitar as much beauty is cultivated.

Ryan is joined by Dan Van Schindel on drums (he also co-produced), and he certainly adds much intrigue to the hard rock, symphonic, jazz, prog and blues ideas that are never in short supply on the positively glowing fusion affair.

Travels well with: Strat Androitis- Night Manager; Ari Lehtela- The Year The Earth Stood Still

Steinar Karlsen

Destination Venus

Orangutwang, 2021

8/10

Listen to Destination Venus

The guitar wizard Steinar Karlsen is in fine company here, as a dozen rock fusion tunes are fleshed out in unpredictable and exciting ways, where synth, mellotron and organ, among others, are part of the equation.

“The Goodbye” opens the listen and wastes little time making an impression with its bouncy bass and very precise drumming that’s quite warm and even hints at twang, and “Night Flight” follows with an upbeat and very dynamic approach of flowing, buzzing prog-rock.

Elsewhere, “Picnic On The Moon” shuffles with a playful energy you could dance to, while “Space Camel” brings a bit of culture to the equation amid plenty of intimacy thanks to some vintage keys. “The Trip”, one of the album’s best, then gets busy and rhythmic as Karlsen’s guitar acrobatics don’t disappoint.

“Venus” lands near the end and recruits chunky bass and thumping drums that flow with a timeless rock appeal, and “Acid Rain” exits the listen with much atmosphere as spacey, experimental ideas are present and appreciated in the brief finish.

Karlsen is joined by Martin Langlie (drums), Eirik Øien (bass), and Marita V. Igelkjøn (musical saw), and together it makes for a captivating listen that occasionally touches on jazz or New Age and is most certainly an instrumental listen that you’ll be immediately enamored with.

Travels well with: Magnatar- Parallel Worlds; Pixie Ninja- Colours Out Of Space

Strat Andriotis

Night Manager

Dekatria, 2018

9/10

Listen to Night Manager

The esteemed guitarist and composer Strat Andriotis aligns himself with the jazz-fusion violinist Jerry Goodman and the pianists Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Adrean Farrugia for this very calculated version of gypsy jazz ideas.

“Song 21” opens the listen with agile guitar playing as adventurous keys from Rubalcaba add much to the warm, jazz filled climate, and “Secrets” continues the creativity with Farrugia’s key prowess complementing the graceful strings and mature guitar playing.

Halfway through, we’re graced with the fascinating guitar acrobatics from Andriotis amid much melody, while “Avid” blends the guitar and violin in sublime ways that are just so heartfelt but also quite playful.

Approaching the end, “The Arrival” allows Goodman’s violin to soar with much beauty alongside the soothing guitar progressions, and “I Hear A Rhapsody” exits the listen aglow in romantic, gorgeous jazz sensibilities that showcase Andriotis’ unparalleled guitar playing.

For fans of atypical forms of jazz, Andriotis’ meshing of modern, acoustic, instrumental and very atypical jazz sounds make for an absorbing instrumental affair that you can’t listen to just once.

Travels well with: Ari Lehtela- The Year The Earth Stood Still; Matt Smith- Being Human

Håkon Høye

Nights At The Surf Motel

Big H, 2021

9/10

Listen to Nights At The Surf Motel

The sophomore album from the bluesman Håkon Høye, who, along with his co-writer Bill Troiani, brings us a handful of original tunes that are soaked in blues, rock and Americana flavor on Nights At The Surf Motel

“Junkyard Of Dreams” opens the listen with Høye’s spirited guitars alongside playful keys as a fluid blues climate unfolds with rawness and melody, and “Stay Awhile” follows with a soulful quality that’s got plenty of poetic singing amid the subdued beauty.

Arriving near the middle, "Good Thing” offers more firm drumming that highlights the warm backing vocals, while “You Must Believe Me” bounces and shakes with a busy, festive feel that’s got plenty of rhythm packed into the fun. “My Darkest Hours”, perhaps the album’s best, then resides in timeless, powerful blues which interacts with the drumming with much precision.

Close to the end, “Wastin’ My Time With You” moves smoothly with a toe tappin’, head bobbin’ demeanor that you can’t help but enjoy, and “Nights At The Surf Motel” exits the listen with much emotion as Høye’s eloquent singing is met with skittering keys, absorbing guitar and well timed drumming.

Per Tobro plays bass on the listen and Vetle Larsen sits behind the drum kit, though there’s many other guest spots, too, and together they help produce a very eclectic and timeless blues affair that places Høye front and center as an artist we should all be paying close attention to.

Travels well with: Mike Zito- Resurrection; Sean Chambers- That’s What I’m Talkin About

Kornmo

Fimbulvinter

Apollon, 2021

8/10

Listen to Fimbulvinter

An outfit that stems from a nearly 50 year musical collaboration between Odd-Roar Bakken and Nils Larsen, Kornmo was born out of the ashes of their previous band, Morild, and embraces heavy nods to the ‘70s prog-rock and symphonic rock scene and even touches on folk, too.

The title track starts the listen with warm, smooth guitar playing that welcomes agile keys and balanced drumming across the 8 minutes of melodic prog-rock, and “Jutulhogget” follows with glowing synth and a more firm presence of drumming that benefits much from prominent bass lines.

“Dovre Faller” lands in the middle and showcases intricate acoustic guitar and soaring electric guitar as the 19 minutes unfolds with changing tempos and precise textures, while “Kjempene Vakner”, which is even longer, meshes keys, guitars and drumming with some psychedelic nods that get hazy and dreamy.

The final track, “Mega Annum”, then brings strings to a very well thought out exit that gets a bit spacey in all the best ways.

Armed with an arsenal of instruments and a home studio, this concept album is a bit darker than their previous work, but certainly no less interesting or creative as the pair cultivate very technical and memorable song craft.

Travels well with: Dang!!!- Sociopathfinder; Mythopoeic Mind- Hatchling

The Supertones

Made In Japan

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Made In Japan

The New York City legends The Supertones don’t disappoint on this studio live album, where they offer us their versions of Japanese pop hits that are reinvented in their always top notch, surf rock ways.

“Sayonara Siberian Road” starts the listen with shimmering guitar work and punchy drumming as the very agile surf-rock flows with much melody, and “Geronimo” follows with a calmer spirit of sparking guitar tone and warm chord progressions.

Moving towards the middle, the bouncy and playful “Message In Rouge” will likely get your body moving with its upbeat approach, while “Blue Star Dust” buzzes with a slight jangle that seems like it could soundtrack an action flick. “Hula”, one of the album’s best, then emits a reflective quality amid the hypnotic bass.

Residing near the end, “The Rocket Man” gets a bit groovy in its stylish demeanor, and “Subway” exits the listen with a firm and timeless appeal that will make you want to grab a board and hit the first wave that comes your way.

Most of us have never heard the originals of these songs, and that’s quite alright; under the expert playing of The Supertones it’s quite likely they resonate better than ever here anyway, and the sound quality is incredible for being live- further testament to them being masters of their craft.

Tim Sullivan (lead guitar), Seth Lipscher (rhythm guitar), Simon Chardiet (bass, production) and J.J. Murphy (drums) are in fine form on Made In Japan, and their signature sound is as inviting as ever, and a must for those who peruse instrumental rock.

Travels well with: The Neptunas- Mermaid A Go Go; The Fleshtones- Face Of The Screaming Werewolf

Alan J. Bound

Deep Space: The Alan J. Bound Retrospective 2005-2014

Self-Released, 2015

8/10

Listen to Deep Space: The Alan J. Bound Retrospective 2005-2014

The creative and esteemed guitarist Alan J. Bound collects some of his best work from the years 2005-2014 here, and it’s a fine representation of his powerful, progressive, instrumental rock that takes help from some very talented guests.

“N365” starts the listen with a thick and hazy undercurrent of mysterious prog-rock that benefits much from Jaki Liebezeit’s thumping drums, and “Solaris 2014” follows with Janusz Korzen’s proficient drumming and H.T.’s playful bass alongside Bound’s precise synth and guitar weaving in and out of the dreamy landscape.

Deeper into the experience, “Dune” pairs the soaring, spacey vision with punchy drums from Liebezeit, while the gentle buzzing of “Ikarus” marches forward with a firm presence of cinematic qualities that bridges electronic rock and psychedelic nods with much allure.

Placed near the end, “Moonglider 2014” then displays Bound’s spirited guitar prowess amid the eerie keys and Omar Ibrahim’s well timed bass, and “Float 2014” finishes the listen sound very much like it could soundtrack a sci-fi film with its creative prog-rock melodies and meticulous song craft.

A timeless listen that sounds relevant in any decade since the ‘60s, Bound and company offer a memorable listen in the area of space-rock that takes us on a journey of sonically engaging songwriting.

Travels well with: Erik Dahl Ensemble- Gethenian Suite; Magnatar- Parallel Worlds

Chikiss

Something Natural

Crash Symbols, 2021

8/10

Listen to Something Natural

Chikiss consists of the Russian singer, composer and electronic artist Galina Ozeran, who has been making music for nearly 20 years now, and rarely sits in one place too long, as evidenced by this diverse and very alluring listen.

“Тема дома” leads the listen with a healthy amount of synth, where a dreamy climate is cultivated with plenty of warmth and charm, and “Maaaмм” follows with an ambient sense of mystery that’s nearly sci-fi in its iconoclastic vision and strategic droning.

Deeper into the listen, “Gizem” offres a hazy blast of atmosphere, while “Fete” nearly feels like she’s playing a child’s toy as it emits a soothing, lullaby feel. “Progressive Class”, one of the album’s best, then thumps and glides with a more rock focused display that flirts with prog-rock, too.

“Как вороны” lands near the end and bristles with a low intensity that’s quite cinematic in its unique appeal, and “Только для тебя” exits the listen aglow in cozy keys and a buzzing landscape where vocals are blurred like an instrument.

Somewhere between New Wave, folk, psychedelic and avant-garde sounds, Chikiss makes the most of every second present in a very atypical bedroom pop sort of way, and, like everything on the Crash Symbols label, it comes on a high quality and very eye catching cassette.

Travels well with: Log Across The Washer- It’s Funny How The Colors; Julie Hill- Julie Hill

Log Across The Washer

It’s Funny How The Colors

Crash Symbols, 2021

8/10

Listen to It’s Funny How The Colors

The recording moniker of the New Jersey multi-instrumentalist Tyler Keene, as Log Across The Washer he self-produced and self-recorded this album in his practice space, and brought plenty of eccentric pop ideas to a very curious listen.

“Plates Of Grass” starts the listen with warm acoustic strumming that welcomes a retro-pop spirit that wouldn’t be out of place in much earlier decades, and “Lonely Bill” follows with thumping drums and playful keys guiding the warm haze.

Deeper into the listen, “Listen To Xasthur” floats with psychedelic nods amid the jangly melodies, while “Simulation Saturday” is a bit more hushed vocally as blues stabs enter the very creative climate. “Haggard Affairs”, another excellent track, then embraces soulful singing that benefits from gentle, buzzing synth.

Arriving near the end, “Arizona” is the perfect folksy strummer that’s made for glorious summer days, and “Them Old Stuff Inside The Well” exits the listen with a busier execution where more forceful drumming is met with gentle guitar and unusual vocal effects.

Keene came back to songwriting a few years ago after he took a long break and was in the process of selling off all his equipment. His creative spirit flowed quickly, and the 16 tracks here are just the surface of what he’s been penning, which is just fine with me cause his lo-fi, off kilter and minimal yet experimental and abstract formula never out welcomes its stay.

Travels well with: Chikiss- Something Natural; Peter Stampfel & The Bottle Caps- Demo ‘84

Fox Stevenson

Killjoy

Antifragile, 2019

8/10

Listen to Killjoy

A UK DJ and producer, Fox Stevenson bridges electronic production and live instrumentation on this rich, textured and very meticulous first album.

“Out Of My Head” starts the listen with an atmospheric display of modern pop prowess, and the title track follows with calm, reflective instrumentation that shows much diversity early in the affair.

Deeper in the listen, “Dreamland” is a busy and quick delivery of club friendly ideas, while “California” offers a subdued execution of pop-rock influences that builds into a fuller, sunnier display. “Hold Steady”, one of the album’s best, then finds a soulful place to reside with plenty of electronic noises.

Near the end, “Perfect Lie” enters a more indie-rock oriented realm of his song craft, and “Headlights” exits the listen soft and dreamy, but quickly produces giant synth rock that could fill stadiums.

Though Stevenson is only in his mid 20s, he delivers like a seasoned vet here, as he mashes pop, dance, punk and rock amid dense beats on a listen that may be unclassifiable, but is impossible not to enjoy.

Travels well with: Maduk- Never Give Up; Flite- The Cure

Laurence Cook-Jacques Coursil-Warren Gale-Perry Robinson-Steve Tintweiss

Ave B Free Jam

Inky Do, 2021

8/10

Listen to Ave B Free Jam

A very adventurous occasion, Ave B Free Jam brings 5 very creative musicians to 21 tracks where there’s no audience, no plan and no expectations other than Laurence Cook, Jacques Coursil, Warren Gale, Perry Robinso and Steve Tintweiss improvising as they see fit.

Essentially moving as one long, lengthy, unpredictable tune, Coursil and Gale’s trumpets are often at the forefront, while the rhythm section of Cook (drums) and Tintweiss (bass) keep the rhythm anchored through plenty of captivating solos and playful horn interaction.

Robinson’s bass clarinet is particularly well timed, and complements the often controlled chaos approach that makes the listen an avant-garde experience you’re not going to hear anywhere else.

It’s amazing that this was recorded way back in 1967 (in New York City), and it clearly illustrates just how ahead of their time these musicians were.

Travels well with: Judy Stuart- The Apostolic Session; Steve Tintweiss And The Purple Why- Markstown

Mulo Francel

Mountain Melody

GLM, 2021

8/10

Listen to Mountain Melody

An esteemed saxophonist who might best be known as a member of the highly creative outfit Quadro Nuevo, Mulo Francel takes on a very daring project here as all the tracks were recorded on the top of 10 peaks in Norway, Greece, Italy, China, Iran and Egypt.

“The Viking” leads the listen with Francel’s soulful sax alongside playful horns and winds, where twinkling percussion adds much to the very diverse climate, and it isn’t long until “The Wise” moves with a mysterious, elegant and warm spirit that welcomes plenty of Eastern ideas.

Elsewhere, “Olympic Voice” is 2 minutes of Francel’s sublime sax prowess, while “Poet On A Mountaintop” recruits strategic harp for the gorgeously textured delivery. “Ikarus’ Dream”, one of the album’s best, then blends winds, brass, drumming and piano for a dreamy and absorbing album highlight.

Close to the end, “Vulcano” emits an upbeat quality that’s layered with much attention to detail, and “With Or Without The Glacier” flows with the keys and sax interacting amid the meticulous and hypnotic precision.

Amazingly, Francel and company hauled all the instruments and recording equipment up these mountains, and with the 20+ musicians on hand across the listen, it makes for another must listen effort in Francel’s catalog of 40+ albums.

Travels well with: Quadro Nuevo- Mare; Andreas Hinterseher- Stay Away And Play!