Earl Kim & Isang Yun

Complete Works For Solo Violin

Navona, 2021

8/10

Listen to Complete Works For Solo Violin

The composers Earl Kim and Isang Yun see their work fleshed out by the esteemed violinist Chi Young Song here, where Western musical heritage and traditional Korean music is present across the cultured song craft.

“12 Caprices For Solo Violin” opens the listen with a dozen installments that showcase profound string manipulation that at times can be bare and vulnerable, but then also firmly plucked in the Kim original.

The following two tracks, “Königliches Thema für Violine Solo” and “Li-Na im Garten 5 Stücke für Violine Solo”, by Yun, display sublime, sometimes mysterious and always precise control of the instrument.

“Kontraste Zwei Stücke für Violine Solo”, the final track, then emits much stirring beauty, where Yun’s timeless and unique vision is well received.

A highly technical and often intimate adventure, the nods to ornamental gestures, Korean folk music, and Taoist principles can be traced back to the composer’s heritage, and it is certainly well appreciated.

Travels well with: James Dashow- Synchronies; Bruce Crossman- Heaven To Earth Border House

Various Artists

Dashing: More Sounds Of The Season

Navona, 2021

8/10

Listen to Dashing: More Sounds Of The Season

A very diverse offering of classical and jazz sounds that are inspired by the holiday season, Dashing: More Sounds Of The Season brings us traditionals and new works that are both sparse and busy in their well thought out executions.

“Christmas Wayfarer” opens the listen with the Janácek Philharmonic Orchestra blending their strings, winds and drums with much grace and warmth in its soaring climate, and “Good King Wenceslas” follows with jumpy keys from Kristina Marinova populating the infectious energy.

Further on, David W. Solomon’s “Sleigh Ride” showcases The Budapest Scoring Orchestra’s elegant strings and playful percussion, while “Three Ships & Three Kings” highlights Elizabeth J. Start’s sublime cello playing. “Carol Of The Bells”, one of the album’s best, then places Alan Rinehart’s intricate guitar front and center.

The final track, “Jauchzet, Frohlocket! (Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 I)”, then enlists brass, organ, and timpani for a glorious big band feel that embraces all the hallmarks of timeless jazz that we can’t help but enjoy.

A listen that’s got something for everyone, this compilation puts a fun twist on some classics and certainly isn’t short on unfamiliar songs that you won’t soon forget, too.

Travels well with: Various Artists- Polarities Vol. 2; Various Artists- Sustain Vol. 2

Hyejin Kim

Miroirs

Navona, 2021

9/10

Listen to Miroirs

A stunning debut album, the pianist HyeJin Kim takes us on a journey of self-reflection thanks to her very expressive piano playing, as she offers the works of Maurice Ravel, Enrique Granados and George Gershwin.

The title track opens the listen with Kim’s unimaginably skilled playing that’s quick but controlled across the mesmerizing 5 segments of the Ravel tune, and Granados’ “Goyescas, Op. 11” follows with a low rumbling that shifts into firm, cascading beauty amid the 13+ minutes.

The deeper tracks bring us the busy and tense “La Valse”, where Ravel’s work is again interpreted with agile, daring key progressions, and George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody In Blue” exits the listen with bold and nimble finger acrobatics that certainly do justice to the original.

A very intimate endeavor, Kim makes the most of every second here, and it results in a passionate and glorious listening experience that you can’t play just once.

Travels well with: Christina Petrowska Quilico- Vintage Americana; Monika Gurak- Scenes From A Life

Christina Petrowska Quilico

Vintage Americana

Navona, 2021

8/10

Listen to Vintage Americana

The Canadian pianist Christina Petrowska Quilico turns in a very meticulous listen of 6 tracks from American composers, where tonality, electronic manipulation and Quilico’s atypical vision make for very exciting textures.

Lowell Liebermann’s “Apparations” opens the listen with Quilico’s highly stirring keys emitting both warmth and mystery in a very intimate setting, and “Fantasy Pieces”, by David Del Tredici, follows with an unpredictable approach that’s firm at some points, but then also bare at others.

Moving down the line, the 10+ minutes of “Quivi Sospiri” rumbles low initially, before entering haunting territory, and, later on, displays a hypnotic demeanor in the David Jaeger composition, and “Ocotillo”, by Paul Huebner, exits the listen with a more rugged delivery that quivers with an almost sci-fi angle.

A listen that essentially rewrites what the piano is capable of, Quilico’s solo piano expertise is nothing short of stunning and the moments of electronics only add that much more fascination to the listen.

Travels well with: Monika Gurak- Scenes From A Life; Pavel Gintov- Piano Fantasies

Monika Gurak

Scenes From A Life

Navona, 2021

8/10

Listen to Scenes From A Life

The esteemed composer Monika Gurak is making quick work with her time on the Navona label, as she returns with Michael Davidson’s vibraphone and piano from Emma Colette Moss and Scott Downing on this very modern chamber listen.

“Humoresque” opens the listen with 15 segments, where the playful vibraphone and jumpy keys interact with much warmth and charm. The setting is completely unpredictable, and is full of bright melody and a unique energy that alone is worth the price of admission.

Deeper into the listen, “Romance Sonámbulo” focuses on emotive piano in its sublime delivery that abruptly turns swift, while “A Story” flows with a breezy pace of cascading beauty from the graceful piano. “Scenes From A Life” exits the listen, and glides with a very mature and intricate execution of soft and agile key work.

An album that covers a lot of territory across its 5 compositions, Gurak clearly put much thought into the affair, and the company she brings with emits a keen sense of intimacy and playfulness that you’re not going to find anywhere else.

Travels well with: Pavel Gintov- Piano Fantasies; Paul Paccione- Music For Piano

Nikki Giovanni

Like A Ripple On A Pond

Modern Harmonic, 2021

8/10

Listen to Like A Ripple On A Pond

Originally released in 1973, Like A Ripple On A Pond brings the New York Community Choir and arranger/producer Benny Diggs back for a bold, forthright and timeless performance from Nikki Giovanni.

“Conversation/How I Got Over” opens the listen with a lively gospel feel that welcomes Giovanni’s expressive spoken word, and “Communication/Sing A Song” follows with an equally spiritual energy that displays soulful male vocals alongside playful keys

Approaching the middle, the graceful piano of “Africa II/He’s Sweet I Know” align with the harmonic and emotive choir, while “My House” benefits from frisky drumming and cultured percussion as the many voices complement the busy, melodic instrumentation and firm poetry from Giovanni.

Near to the end, the a cappella “Mothers” transitions into Giovanni’s descriptive prose, and “Straight Talk” exits the listen rowdy, festive and full of R&B leanings that are easy to enjoy and difficult to forget.

Reissued for the first time ever on LP, this sophomore album only further cements Giovanni’s place as one of the most admired African American poets of the 20th century, and is indeed a bright spot in a very strong body of work.

Travels well with: Jaki Shelton Green- The River Speaks Of Thirst; Nikki Giovanni- The Way I Feel

Nori

Nori

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Nori

A very diverse Neo jazz band who reside in Austin, this self-titled album from Nori collects the quintet’s favorite tracks and welcomes plenty of guests as they address love, racism and activism amid the strings to complement their crossover jazz ways.

“The Garden” opens the listen with Akina Adderley’s powerful vocals alongside graceful strings and soulful brass from Erik Telford, and “Wildfire” follows with Andy Beaudoin’s frisky drumming alongside the eloquent singing and bright horns.

“Tumbao” lands in the middle and emits a flowing melody thanks to Aaron Allen’s strategic acoustic bass plucking, while “The Walk” benefits from Nick Litterski’s very agile keys populating the emotive landscape. “Lullaby”, perhaps the best track, then brings an upbeat quality with its frisky, timeless jazz demeanor.

“I See You” and “Four Women” are the final two tracks, where the former is a gorgeous and dreamy display, and the latter, a Nina Simone cover, finishes with a bare but impactful interpretation that’s as sublime as the original.

A very fluid affair that embraces soul, jazz and even folk ideas, there’s much to enjoy across these songs that span 2015-2021, and it’s all executed with incredible detail, warmth and sincerity.

Travels well with: Nina Simone-The Montreux Years; Susana Baca- Palabras Urg’entes

University Of South Dakota Chamber Singers

Lux Aeterna

Navona, 2021

8/10

Listen to Lux Aeterna

Under the conducting skills of Dr. David Holdhusen, the University of South Dakota Chamber Singers bring us an album of choral works where their skilled and rich voices touch on universal human themes that we can all relate to.

“The Word Was God” opens the listen with the powerful vocals meshing with a strategic layering that’s quite busy, but also very soothing and melodic, and this formula continues to the soaring, beautiful “Ave Maria”, where a very spiritual demeanor unfolds with much grace.

Elsewhere, “Agnus Dei”, by Samuel Barber, emits a very emotive angle of stirring, dreamy vocals, while “Soon I Will Be Done” shows incredible range between the many singers. “Will The Circle Be Unbroken”, one of the album’s best, then puts an inimitable spin on the classic with incredible harmony amid the gospel influence.

Nearing the end, the mysterious title track flows with an atmospheric quality that’s quite pretty, and “Wake Up, Ollie Brown” exits the listen with a frisky, adventurous execution of sublime yet playful vocal work.

A truly colorful listen that’s full of historical styles, the voices here are quite absorbing and take us on a memorable and spiritual journey that’s difficult not to be in awe of.

Travels well with: Various Artists- Woven In Time; Trio Casals- Moto Eterno

Nikki Giovanni

The Way I Feel

Modern Harmonic, 2021

8/10

Listen to The Way I Feel

The American poet, activist and educator Nikki Giovanni is seeing her first 3 albums reissued by the Modern Harmonic label. 1975’s The Way I Feel shifts a bit in direction from the albums before it, where funk leanings by the legendary Arif Mardin make for 13 tracks of powerful, stylish and iconoclastic ideas.

The title track opens the listen with no shortage of grooves, where playful guitars weave in and out of proficient drumming and light key work as Giovanni’s captivating spoken word enters, and “Seduction/Kidnap Poem” follows with a much calmer tone of romantic song craft.

Near to the middle, the warm keys and soothing climate of “Luxury Poem” welcomes eloquent wordplay and soulful brass, while “My House” offers a dreamy landscape of graceful strings and majestic piano. “The Life I Led”, perhaps the album’s best, then heads straight into gospel territory with its powerful voices aligning with Giovanni’s strategic poetry.

“Winter Poem” arrives near the end and showcases airy flute amid the twinkling demeanor that carries an irresistible charm, and “A Certain Peace/When I Nap” exits the listen aglow with a firm intimacy that’s also fiercely independent.

An artist who has been named one of Oprah’s 25 Living Legends, Giovanni is one of the world’s most known African-American poets, and here the music is equally inviting as the prose, and it certainly deserves to live again as it's not only an important piece of Giovanni’s work, but also the Civil Rights Movement from which she drew much inspiration.

Travels well with: Pamela Z- A Secret Code; Jaki Shelton Green- The River Speaks Of Thirst

Eric Goletz

A New Light

Cap, 2022

8/10

Listen to A New Light

The trombonist Eric Goletz returns with his 2nd album as bandleader, where he extends off the greatness of his debut with a very diverse and exciting performance that recruits Randy Brecker, Jim Ridl and Henry Heinitsh, among many others.

“Prelude: Before The Light” opens the listen with much atmosphere before the horns burst into the intoxicating and big band influenced title track, which benefits much from Goletz’s firm trombone.

Further along, “Dig” bounces and shuffles with a playful Latin rhythm as Ridl’s piano and Brecker’s trumpet are on full display, while “Enchanted” trims the pace back with a romantic and lush climate. “Greene Street Groove” is then populated by blues and funk flavor that’s quite infectious and memorable.

“Don’t Gimme That” lands near the end and is the best track, where the buzzing energy welcomes solos from Allen Farnham’s keys in addition to Brecker and Goletz, and “Postlude: After The Light” exits the listen with all the melody, chemistry and precise attention to detail that’s present in the earlier tunes meshed into one well thought out and charming finish.

Goletz’s decades of experience is certainly evident here, and the eclectic textures, not to mention the esteemed help on hand, make for a horns and strings friendly adventure you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: The Chris Saunders Band- Dancing With The Widow St. James; Eric Goletz- Into The Night…

Keith Secola

Portals

Don Giovanni, 2021

8/10

Listen to Portals

The Native American award winner Keith Secola returns after a 9 year hiatus, where his Anishinabe Nation influence is quite present on these less rock and roll focused tunes that instead are instrumental and very guitar, flute and percussion heavy.

“Eastern Glow” opens the listen with a soothing atmosphere, as calming flute guides the nearly New Age like sounds, and “Arne’s Theme” continues the meditative spirit with soft guitar work to complement the dreamy climate.

Near to the middle, the title track is bit more firm as playful drumming adds a dance friendly aspect, while “Seeds” mixes keys into the cautious and mysterious demeanor. “Spirit Journey”, one of the album’s best, then emits a very stirring and emotive display that’s cosmically enticing.

Close to the end, “The Spin Of The Earth” is a bit fuller with percussive ideas entering the rhythmic landscape, and “Waves Of Gitchi Gumi” exits the affair with pop ideas populating Secola’s unique formula of genre defying song craft.

Not so surprisingly, Secola has been dubbed the ‘Neil Young of the Native Rock world’, and this very unique listen certainly solidifies that sentiment with timeless, diverse and very humble sounds. Perhaps you weren’t aware that you needed more atmospheric flute music in your life, but one listen here and you’ll be convinced otherwise.

Travels well with: Juraj Kojs- Imagine; Ros Bandt- Medusa Dreaming

Greg Amirault

News Blues

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to News Blues

The Montréal rooted musician Greg Amirault knows his way around a guitar, and here along with Steve Amirault, Adrian Vedady and Jim Doxas he brings us his 3rd recording as leader, where originals and covers unfold in his memorable jazz formula.

The title track opens the listen with Greg’s fluid, warm guitar work alongside cozy keys and Doxas’ very precise drumming amid the timeless jazz climate, and “Tribute Tune” follows with a reflective tone that benefits much from Steve’s agile keys.

In the middle, “Song For Nova Scotia” makes the most of its gentle melody alongside the stirring guitar and emotive folk landscape, while “Uninvited” shakes and bounces with a frisky charm thanks to playful keys, punchy drumming and Vedady’s strategic bass.

“If You Could See Me Now” appears near the end and offers much grace and beauty in the classic ballad, as Greg takes this one on solo with stunning results, and “Embraceable You” takes a similar approach, where the bare exit flows with much emotion.

News Blues is a diverse affair, where hard swingin’ tracks as well as contemplative moments illustrate Greg’s strong attention to detail, and the quartet’s 20+ years of playing together in some form are certainly evident and appreciated, too.

Travels well with: Carn Davidson 9- The History Of Us; Wild Blue Herons- You & I

Martha And The Muffins

Marthology: In And Outtakes

Pop Guru, 2021

8/10

Listen to Marthology: In And Outtakes

A long running Canadian outfit whose inception aligned with the rising punk/New Wave/art-pop scene, this collection of tracks includes a dozen rare singles, B-sides and unreleased tracks from the duo of Mark Gane and Martha Johnson, i.e. Martha And The Muffins.

“On A Silent Summer Evening (Echo Beach Version)” starts the listen with plenty of atmosphere, as crisp drumming and hazy keys make for a dreamy opener with Johnson’s rich vocals front and center, and “Summer Of Song” follows with a calmer tone of warm cello and pretty, poetic vocals.

Towards the middle, “Don’t Monkey With My Love” recruits plenty of rhythm amid the dance friendly climate, while “Talking Through My Hat” rumbles with a quirky, playful appeal that sounds right at home in the ‘80s, and not just cause of its Reagan subject matter. “There Comes A Day”, one of the album’s best, then pairs an ethereal backdrop with some post-punk nods that give the song a bit of an ominous quality that’s still quite pretty.

Near to the end, “Delicate” is a percussively strong and vocally diverse selection from 2003, and “I Am Vertical!” exits the listen with thumping drums and Johnson’s flowing vocals populating the diverse pop landscape.

Martha And The Muffins released their debut back in 1980, and have produced a very well received 7 studio albums since then. The tracks here span 35 years and showcase a great sampling of their vast talent that’s ideal for the longtime fan and also the first time listener.

Travels well with: Japan- Quiet Life; Richard Hell And The Voidoids- Destiny Street Complete

Samuel Mösching

Ethereal Kinks

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Ethereal Kinks

A Swiss guitarist and composer who is currently residing in Chicago, Samuel Mösching is well versed in jazz and classical sounds, and here along with some very skilled guests he touches on many other genres across this well thought out 5th album.

“No Dancing” opens the listen with warm guitar and fluid drumming as some timeless jazz nods enter the very sophisticated climate, and “Beauty And The Best Roleplay” follows with complicated drumming alongside bouncy bass linse as blues ideas enter the equation.

Further into the listen, Juan Pastor’s flowing drums complement the hypnotic “Modesta”, while “Strict Dancer” mesmerizes us with its dreamy atmosphere and careful guitar work. “Winnemac” then recruits Jeremiah Hunt on bass and Reuben Gingrich’s drums for the breezy melodies that you can’t help but admire.

“Better Than Me” and “Belief In Magic” exit the listen, where the former glides with both style and meticulousness, and the latter thumps and soars with a cinematic, blues-rock quality that illustrates tremendous attention to his craft.

A listen that rarely sits in one place very long, Mösching and company make the most of the 11 tracks present, with unpredictable and unforgettable variations of rock that embrace funk, blues, dub and many other sounds.

Travels well with: Zac Harmon- Long As I Got My Guitar; Albert Castiglia- Wild And Free

Various Artists

Putumayo Presents: Acoustic Paris

Putumayo, 2021

8/10

Listen to Putumayo Presents: Acoustic Paris

The Putumayo label has assembled yet another fantastic collection of rare and inviting songs, as Acoustic Paris offers 10 tracks of French chansons and manouche jazz from some very talented artists.

Pomplamoose’s “Je Me Suis Fait Tout Petit” opens the listen with charming guitar and seductive singing for the melodic and pop friendly version of the French classic, and “Un Bateau Une Ile” follows with warm piano and expressive singing thanks to Daniel Roure.

Further down the line, the playful accordion of “Je Viens Vers Toi” pairs well with the sophisticated violin from Baguette Quartette, while Lollo Meier’s “La Route de Paris” showcases intricate and memorable guitar playing across the radiant climate.

Nearing the end, “J’attendrai”, by Swing de Gitanes, has the Israeli trio putting their inimitable spin on the French jazz, and Alain Schneider’s “Va Oú Le Vent Te Méne” exits the listen with a breezy and poetic duet that resonates much culture.

A worldly listen that captures the personality of the bustling streets of Paris, the tracks here explore both vintage and current music and culture, and certainly embraces the magic of the city in a way that only truly substantial song craft can.

Travels well with: Jazz Christmas; Putumayo World Cafe

Various Artists

Putumayo Presents: Jazz Christmas

Putumayo, 2021

8/10

Listen to Putumayo Presents: Jazz Christmas

A primarily instrumental listen of upbeat Christmas songs, Putumayo assembles a very diverse and enjoyable selection of artists who contribute songs most of us are familiar with, but will certainly enjoy hearing in these interpretations.

Tom Grant starts the listen with the warm piano, brushed drumming and timeless spirit of “Winter Wonderland”, and “The Christmas Song” follows with the Dixieland Ramblers emitting much beauty and grace amid the dancing keys and carefully plucked bass.

Oscar Peterson’s “Let It Snow” arrives in the middle and places strategic piano riffs into the classic, while Houston Person’s “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” gets a bit frisky with its lively bass, meticulous piano and agile drumming.

Close to the end, Papa Don Vappie’s New Orleans Jazz Band put a very soulful spin on “Silver Bells” with their banjo and brass interacting with much attention to detail in a rowdy sort of way, and Charles Brown’s “Bringing In A Brand New Year” exits the listen with a finger snapping, hand clapping good time that’s not short on melody, rhythm and grooves in its bluesy demeanor.

The excellent liner notes provide explanations and histories of each track, and as always with the Putumayo label, you get visually exciting artwork and a download code, too.

Travels well with: Putumayo World Café; Putumayo:New Orleans Mambo: Cuba To NOLA

Nina Simone And Her Friends

An Intimate Variety Of Vocal Charm

BMG, 2021

8/10

Listen to An Intimate Variety Of Vocal Charm

Originally released in 1959, An Intimate Variety Of Vocal Charm collects songs by Nina Simone, Carmen McRae, and Chris Conner, and here it lives again with brand new stereo mastering and a new essay by Daphne A. Brooks, the author of Liner Notes For The Revolution.

The album starts with the piano led “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands”, where Simone’s stunning vocals make an immediate and memorable impression, and “Someone To Watch Over Me” follows with soulful brass complementing the poetic and gorgeous pipes from Connor.

Elsewhere, the radiant keys of “I Loves You, Porgy” suits the passionate singing of the romantic album highlight, while “You Made Me Care” picks up the pace with brushed percussion and an upbeat jazz spirit to the highly melodic setting. “Too Much In Love To Care”, another exceptional track, then displays winds, keys and, of course, McRae’s diverse pipes with a rare charm.

Near to the end, the frisky “African Mailman” bounces and shuffles amid a stylish energy that showcases Simone’s incredible piano playing, and “Last Time For Love” finishes the listen with some of the finest work, where twinkling piano, calm drums, carefully plucked bass and playful winds support the spellbinding singing from McRae.

A fantastic affair that showcases 3 amazing vocalists, this is a masterpiece in the area of soul, jazz and blues, and this updated version is certainly worth a revisit and is a must if you’ve never sat down with the original.

Travels well with: Nina Simone- Little Blue Girl; Nina Simone- The Montreux Years

Céu

Um Gosto De Sol

Urban Jungle/Warner Music, 2021

8/10

Listen to Um Gosto De Sol

The Brazilian singer Céu returns with a covers album, where the songstress interprets 14 classic songs in her inimitable and Grammy Award winning formula.

“Ao romper da Aurora” opens the listen with much subdued beauty as soulful backing vocals complement Céu’s pretty pipes alongside intricate guitar and strategic drumming, and “Teimosa” follows with a breezy, poetic feel that unfolds with beauty and warmth.

Elsewhere, “I Don’t Know” flows with a gentle rhythm and cultured percussion, while “Feelings” emits a very emotive spirit of sublime singing amid the romantic landscape. “Bim Bom” then glides with a very stylish execution of frisky vibraphone and agile guitar playing.

Landing near the end, “Pode esperar” radiates a timeless, cultured presence and “Criminal” exits the listen with a more firm appearance of drumming that’s punctuated by Céu’s diverse and powerful singing.

Céu actually began her career in the ‘90s doing covers, and has established worldwide fame with 5 albums of original music. Um Gosto de Sol returns to her formative years, and puts a very exciting and alluring spin on international pop that spans many decades.

Travels well with: Susana Baca- Palabras Urg’entes; Tanika Charles- The Gumption

Ben Tatar And The Tatar Tots

Seconds

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Seconds

An aptly titled sophomore album, Chicago’s Ben Tatar is back with a 2nd family record, where themes of food are fleshed out with 33 musicians on hand for the delicious and satisfying listen.

“Jambalaya” starts the listen with warm brass as Tatar’s smooth pipes guide the funky, jazzy fun that welcomes soulful backing vocals, and “Peanut Butter!” follows with plenty of lively rhythm populating the playful and cultured climate that welcomes flute from Corbin Andrick.

At the mid-point, “The Breakfast Song (Start It Right)” showcases Mike Bruno’s precise drumming amid a calmer tone that benefits much from Tatar’s glockenspiel, while “Bake Me A Cake” is a fuller offering of trumpets, trombone and saxophones making for a swingin’ good time.

Arriving near the end, “Thinking Of Pizza” is as universally enjoyable as its subject matter thanks to the flowing melodies and “Sweet Nectarine” exits the listen with an old time feel that includes Al Scorch’s banjo alongside punchy brass and Tatar’s inviting pipes.

Included among Tatar’s help are the LowDown Brass Band and the funk trio, Spare Parts, and together with Tatar’s timeless and playful vision it makes for a very diverse and irresistible listening experience that goes well perfectly with your favorite dish.

Travels well with: Sharon, Lois & Bram- Best Of The Best Live; The Laurie Berkner Band- Let’s Go

Freeloader

The Path Of Least Resistance

Rum Bar, 2019

8/10

Listen to The Path Of Least Resistance

An assembly of Boston veterans with a penchant for retro rock sounds, Freeloader bring us 8 originals and 2 covers on this dual guitar record that’s all substance and no filler.

Though “Let’s Give Love Another Try” gets off to a ‘70s restrained, bluesy rock start, it isn’t long until the pace picks up with the riff heavy “Back Of The Line”, as well as the calculated power and melody of “The Thing To Do”.

Further a long, Freeloader toss in a spirited reworking of “Rag Doll”, where backing vocals are in attendance, while the kinetic rhythm section of “Chick A Boom Boom” helps make this fuzzy rocker one of the album’s best.

Near the end, “Will It Go Round In Circles” touches on hard rock influences of many decades ago with funk nods, and “Ten Songs Make An Album” ends the listen with a bouncy power-popper where falsetto vocals are touched on.

If you’re a fan of rock’s past, the collective skill that is Freeloader will be a nostalgic, memorable and absolutely refreshing leap into garage rock, proto-punk and classic textures that we will never tire of.

Travels well with: AC/DC- High Voltage; Leon Russell- Carney