Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

Decades Of Love

Club 44, 2022

8/10

Listen to Decades Of Love

As you might expect from the album title, Ernie Haase and company celebrate love on this 2 disc effort, where songs most of us have heard before are interpreted with their lush, smooth and harmonic sensibilities.

“L-O-V-E” opens the listen with warm piano and graceful strings, as the members each contribute flowing, harmonic singing, and “It Had To Be You” follows with a calmer pace of intimate singing and gorgeous piano playing in the heartfelt delivery.

Deeper into Act 1, the bouncy and playful “I Want To Hold Your Hand” showcases strategic baritone singing, while “Can’t Help Falling In Love” allows the group to harmonize in a very dreamy setting that builds into a majestic, cinematic demeanor.

Act 2 doesn’t depart from the formula, and includes the pop friendly keys of the expressive “How Deep Is Your Love?”, as well as the timeless “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?”, where the soulful and soaring voices are quite uplifting. The listen exits on “I Will Always Love You”, which possesses all the beauty of the Dolly Parton classic, but with Haase & Signature Sound’s charming twist.

An album that began as a gift to the member’s wives, the pandemic allowed them to keep on recording, and that’s just fine for the listener, cause we get to enjoy some universally great songs with a fresh coat of paint on them.

Travels well with: Chuck Wagon Gang- Radio Days; Lonesome River Band- Singing Up There: A Tribute To The Easter Brothers

Booker Little

Out Front

Candid, 2022

8/10

Listen to Out Front

The trumpeter Booker Little lived a very short life, passing away at just 23, and this 3rd effort as leader was fleshed out just months before his death in 1961.

“We Speak” gets the listen off to a lively start, where Little’s flowing trumpet is complemented by Max Roach’s precise drumming and Art Davis’ skilled bass, and “Strength And Sanity” follows with Don Friedman’s graceful piano helping make for a stirring, reflective climate.

“Moods In Free Time” lands in the middle, and it showcases Ron Carter’s agile bass work amid Julian Priester’s bright trombone, while “Man Of Words” finds a very intimate place to reside, where an absorbing landscape unfolds with strong attention to mood. The final track, “A New Day”, is one of the best, as the warm brass, frisky drums and hypnotic bass make an indelible impression.

Remastered by Bernie Grundman from the original tapes, Nat Hentoff produced the effort and he provides the liner notes on the LP to this excellent reissue of an enormous talent gone far too soon.

Travels well with: Max Roach- We Insist!; Booker Ervin- That’s It!

Booker Ervin

That’s It

Candid, 2022

8/10

Listen to That’s It

Undoubtedly one of the greatest saxophone players of his generation, Booker Ervin may have recorded many albums with Charles Mingus, but he also penned 17 on his own, too, and this 3rd one as band leader brings us both originals and standards in his inimitable delivery.

“Mojo” starts the listen with Ervin’s bright brass alongside the frisky drumming from Al Harewood and Horace Parlan’s graceful piano, and “Uranus” follows with an intimate spirit, which benefits much from the warm piano to complement the soulful sax.

Halfway through, the lively energy of the melodic “Poinciana” makes this one of the best, while “Speak Low” moves even swifter, and showcases George Tucker’s lively bass acrobatics.

Moving towards the end, “Booker’s Blues” focuses on playful bass plucking before Ervin’s booming sax enters the emotive climate, and “Boo” exits the listen with an infectious and dynamic meshing of the brass, drums, keys and bass in a timeless jazz finish.

Ervin passed away in 1970 at the age of 39, but he left behind an excellent body of work that is still influencing artists today. This reissue is mastered and cut directly from the original tapes by Bernie Grundman, and the LP includes liner notes from Nat Hentoff, who actually produced the album and gives us insight into that experience.

Travels well with: Pee Wee Russell & Coleman Hawkins- Jazz Reunion; Charles Mingus- Charles Mingus Presents Charles Mingus

Pee Wee Russell & Coleman Hawkins

Jazz Reunion

Candid, 2022

8/10

Listen to Jazz Reunion

Two of jazz's finest jazz musicians ever, the tenor-saxophonist Coleman Hawkins and clarinetist Pee Wee Russell come together for this recording session that was their first in 32 years, and it includes Duke Ellington tunes, originals by Russell and standards.

“If I Could Be With You (One Hour Tonight)” opens the listen with Hawkins and Russell’s soulful presence being illuminated by Milt Hinton’s precise bass and Jo Jones’ subtle drumming, and “Tin Tin Deo” follows with Nat Pierce’s well timed piano helping make for a fuller presence that’s textured with much warmth.

“Mariooch” lands in the middle, and showcases just Russell’s skilled clarinet amid the cautious rhythm section, while “All Too Soon” sways with a very cozy, romantic spirit that resonates long after the music stops.

“28th And 8th” and “What Am I Here For?” exit the listen, where the former bops and shakes with a timeless energy that mixes the brass with the keys and drums charmingly, and the latter finishes with a dreamy, reflective demeanor that truly showcases the strength of Hawkins’ sax prowess.

Originally released in 1961, this reissue is an all analog remaster directly from the original tapes by Bernie Grundman, and the LP version comes with detailed liner notes from Nat Hentoff, the founder of Candid Records. There’s little doubt that Russell and Hawkins directly influenced countless other musicians to come, and here we are treated to some of their best work with superior sound quality.

Travels well with: Charles Mingus- Charles Mingus Presents Charles Mingus; Max Roach- We Insist!

Mikel Kuehn

Entanglements

New Focus, 2022

9/10

Listen to Entanglements

The composer Mikel Kuehn returns with his 2nd recording for New Focus, where both electroacoustic and ensemble pieces examine the ability to utilize both powerful and sonic relationships into highly artistic song craft.

“Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird” starts the listen with Deborah Norin-Kuehn’s stunning soprano unfolding in an electroacoustic setting that embraces both singing and talking in monochromatic and dramatic gestures, and “Chimera” follows with a twinkling energy from Conor Nelson’s flute and Thomas Rosenkranz’s piano in the mysterious and fascinating interplay.

In the middle, Doyle Armbrust offers his quivering viola on the 4 improvised sections of “Colored Shadows”, where each one spotlights one of the viola’s open strings, while “Double Labyrinth” blends Kenneth J. Cox’s flute and Henrique Batista’s marimba for a curious interaction that’s harmonic and seemingly both on a specific path that somehow still coincides with each other.

The final track, “Rite of Passage”, is perhaps the best, and hones in on Marianne Gythfeldt’s bass clarinet amid the creative electroacoustics, where the instrument is manipulated with both gentle and more firm bouts of animated and balanced impulses.

A rich listen that pays close attention to environment and allows much freedom for the instruments to explore, but Kuehn’s focused but loose concept makes for a fascinating experience.

Travels well with: American Wind Ensemble- Duos And Trios; Steven Ricks- Assemblage Chamber

Lauren Henderson

La Bruja

Brontosaurus, 2022

8/10

Listen to La Bruja

The proficient vocalist Lauren Henderson embraces Black American Music across these 11 well thought out tracks, where the Latin jazz standards all benefit from an Afro-Latinx experience that recruits many skilled players.

“Perfidia” gets the listen off to an energetic start, as John Chin’s flowing piano and Eric Wheeler’s strategic bass complement Henderson’s expressive pipes, and “Veinte Anos” follows with just Nick Tannura’s melodic guitar accompanying the poetic singing.

Further down the line, “Así” showcases Joe Dyson’s agile drumming in the subdued, romantic climate, while “Amistad” recruits Joel Ross on vibraphone for the lush, mysterious album highlight that’s full of so much dark beauty.

Closer to the end, the frisky spirit of “Deseo” illustrates a meticulous rhythm section amid Henderson’s superb enunciation, and “Silencio” exits with Wheeler’s plucked bass and Chin’s bright keys helping make for a cultured, memorable finish.

This is Henderson’s 9th album as leader, and it’s a worldly affair that illustrates a profoundly captivating voice that breathes new life into Latin traditionals and fuels very diverse originals, too.

Travels well with: Nicole Henry- Time To Love Again; Chiara Izzi- Live In Bremen

Gonzalo Rubalcaba/Aymee Nuviola

Live In Marciac

5 Passion, 2022

8/10

Listen to Live In Marciac

Friends since childhood in Cuba, Gonzalo Rubalcaba brings his esteemed piano playing to Aymee Nuviola’s world renowned vocals on this live performance that’s full of well done classics and a few originals, too.

“Besame Mucho” starts the listen with Rubalcaba’s emotive keys alongside the very soulful and expressive singing in the intimate landscape, and “Lagrimas Negras” follows with a more upbeat approach that’s playful and poetic.

In the middle, “Bemba Colora” has Nuviola getting more firm in her diverse delivery, while “Dos Gardenias” benefits from calm, cultured moments, as well as rich gestures of sublime beauty.

Deeper yet, “El Manisero”, the set’s best tune, offers a swift and dynamic demeanor where Nuviola hits some pretty high notes amid Rubalcaba’s unpredictable playing, and “El Ciego” exits with a bit of tension in the powerful and meticulous finish.

The pair share a very specific and unique chemistry together, and their respective talents make these 9 songs a very memorable and timeless example of Latin jazz.

Travels well with: Joy Lapps- Girl In The Yard; Chimytina- Constellations

James Keelaghan

Second-Hand

Borealis, 2022

9/10

Listen to Second-Hand

The JUNO and CFMA award winner James Keelaghan returns with 10 well thought out pieces, where co-writes from Catherine MacLellan, Coco Love Alcorn and Lynn Miles, among others, help illuminate his rich baritone across the eloquent landscape.

“Walk On” starts the listen with Bob Stagg’s spirited organ alongside Adam Lalonde’s precise drumming and Keelaghan’s expressive singing, and the title track follows with soothing backing vocals from Pharis and Jason Romero to complement the timeless folk quality.

“Before The Morning Sun” resides at the halfway point, and it’s a poetic album highlight that sprinkles graceful piano over the sublime acoustic guitar, while “Gave It All Away” lands in ballad territory, where Kelly Prescott’s gorgeous voice adds even more allure to the profound beauty.

“Eulalie” and “The Benefits Of Surrender” exit the listen, where the former is quite heartfelt in Keelaghan’s cautious, stirring delivery, and latter contains much mature song craft that lyrically addresses the importance of surrender.

There’s a reason why Keelaghan is considered by many to be Canada’s greatest songwriter, and these folk rooted tracks certainly reinforce that idea, and are likely to garner even more praise his way.

Travels well with: Murray McLauchlan- Hourglass; Stillhouse Junkies- Small Towns

Dennis Mitcheltree

Golden Rule

Dengor, 2022

8/10

Listen to Golden Rule

The inestimable composer and saxophonist Dennis Mitcheltree brings along Johannes Wallmann (tenor sax), Jesse Crawford (bass), and Bill McClellan (drums) for this 6th album as leader, where all the compositions are originals.

“Waltz For Tai” start the listen with Mitcheltree’s warm sax guiding the crisp drums and flowing melody, and “Omicron” follows with Wallmann’s piano acrobatics matching the dynamic rhythm section that births a unique, timeless energy.

Halfway through, “Genghis Kant” moves swiftly, with a meticulous attention to mood that’s full of modern jazz prowess, while “Via Dance” finds a more intimate place to reside, where a cozy, romantic spirit flows from each member’s respective contributions.

Further along, “Rachel” spotlights Mitcheltree’s inimitable brass playing alongside the firm keys, and “Pacifisticuffs” exits with the sax front and center before abruptly shifting to a fuller display of dance floor ready jazz.

A listen that celebrates humanity, Mitcheltree and company touch on our shared experiences in life, where topics like family, lost friends and inspiration are present in the creative, harmonic and passionate gestures enjoyed here.

Travels well with: Bruce Barth Trio- Dedication; Marshall Gilkes- Cyclic Journey

Stillhouse Junkies

Small Towns

Dark Shadow, 2022

8/10

Listen to Small Towns

The trio that is Stillhouse Junkies are certainly making an impression wherever they go, and here Alissa Wolf (fiddle, vocals), Cody Tinnin (upright bass, vocals) and Fred Kosak (mandolin, guitar, vocals) showcase their hometown of Durango, Colorado with a dozen roots, blues, funk, swing and bluegrass tunes.

“Moonrise Over Ridgway” starts the listen with the warm harmony vocals complemented by string acrobatics in the timeless bluegrass climate, and “Over The Pass” follows with Fred Kosak’s skilled mandolin and soaring lead vocals helping make for a cautious yet melodic display of funky and groovy ideas.

Further along, “Never Going Back Again” showcases Tinnin’s expressive vocals amid Wolf’s stirring fiddle, while “Colorado Bound” has Kosak playing octave mandolin and back on lead vocals for the harmonic and uplifting song craft.

“El Camino”, the best track, places Wolf on lead vocals, as it emits lively solos and benefits much from Becky Buller on second fiddle, and “Haskell Town” exits with Tinnin’s pipes flowing alongside the driving bluegrass and lush demeanor.

A listen that’s full of heartfelt, emotive and sincere songwriting, Stillhouse Junkies are certainly paving their own path, and fans of legends like Gillian Welch, John Hiatt and The Wood Brothers will certainly want to pay close attention to this extremely talented outfit.

Travels well with: Damn Small Buildings- Sleeping Dogs; Fireside Collective- Across The Divide

So Long Seven

Only Elephants Know Her Name

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to Only Elephants Know Her Name

A very unique outfit who mesh jazz, classical, blues, folk and world music into their inimitable formula, this 3rd album from So Long Seven focuses much on mood and tone as they flesh out 8 tracks inspired by frogs, elephants, stars and the work of modern painter Kenojuak Ashevak.

“Mazimhaka” opens the listen with a very absorbing atmosphere, where warm drumming and smooth guitar playing emits a radiant, soothing quality, and “Kenojuak” follows with fluid banjo that is complemented by violin, viola and cello from Andrew Jin-Kyo Chung, Brenna Hardy-Kavanagh and Jillian Sauerteig.

At the halfway point, ‘L’unique étoile de la tolérance” is a very stirring, intimate display of softly plucked strings and subtle guitars, while “Mara” flows with a cinematic, dreamy demeanor that benefits much from restrained banjo, poetic guitars and agile drumming.

Approaching the end, “Frolic of the Monsoon Frogs”, the only song with vocals, showcases Samidha Joglekar’s subtle pipes amid the swift orchestral feel, and “Ghost Ocean”, the best track, exits with a dynamic interaction between the players that resonates a complex beauty.

The band consists of Neil Hendry (steel string, nylon string, electric guitar, bass guitar), Tim Posgate (5 string banjo, gourd banjo), William Lamoureux (violin, viola, guitar, bass) and Ravi Naimpally (tabla, dumbek udu, percussion), and their collective strength makes for a fascinating listen.

Travels well with: Chet Doxas- Rich In Symbolism II; Jacob Chung- Epistle

Helen Townsend

Love Lies ‘N’ Leaving

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Love Lies ‘N’ Leaving

The Australian, Fremantle-based singer/songwriter and guitarist Helen Townsend focuses much on harmony with this quick EP, where folk, country and blues are all part of her inimitable brand of Americana.

“Devil’s Curse” gets the listen off to an acoustic guitar fueled start, where Shannon Smith’s harmony vocals are met with James Church’s dobro to illuminate the poetic storytelling, and “If I Didn’t Know Better” follows with a duet cover where the pair weave their harmonies around the emotive climate.

“Where Are You Now” lands in the middle, and it recruits a warm bluegrass feel that benefits from Ian Simpson’s banjo to complement the lush beauty, while “If You Were Real” places Lucky Ocean on dobro and Ben Franz on double bass alongside Townsend and Smith’s expressive voices.

“We’re Through” exits the listen, and it’s an upbeat break up tune that’s not short on melody and harmony, where much prettiness surrounds the wordplay of the dissolution of love.

Townsend makes for a very spontaneous feel to the affair, where the songs are meticulous, but the delivery seems like it’s happening right in front of you, and the esteemed help on hand only further solidify the record as a very accomplished version of Americana.

Travels well with: Kim Beggs- Steel And Wool; Vanessa Lively- Truth Is

The Hungry Williams

Let’s Go

Rochelle, 2022

8/10

Listen to Let’s Go

A New Orleans sounding outfit who are actually from the midwest, the bandleader and drummer John Carr assembled this impressive cast of players to form The Hungry Williams, who flesh out these very memorable 10 tracks.

“Mardi Gras Day” starts the listen and indeed is festive, where Kelli Gonzalez’s soulful and playful vocals are complemented by Lech Wierzynski’s bright trumpet and Carr’s frisky drums, and “Movin’ On” follows with flowing sax and Mike Seiger’s fluid bass in the rhythmic and retro spirit.

“Gee Baby” occupies the middle spot, and showcases the harmonic vocals amid the lush sax bouts, while “Boss Man” illustrates timeless and powerful blues rock that truly illuminates Gonzalez’s flawless pipes.

Close to the end, “Oooh-wow” places Joe Vent on lead vocals, who also contributes meticulous guitar to the rowdy but tuneful album highlight, and “669 (Across The Street From The Beast)” exits with a top tappin’ and head bobbin’ finish that’s as graceful as it is adventurous.

An infectious listen that embraces R&B, blues, soul, gospel, swing and vintage rock’n’roll flavor, half the songs are originals and half are covers, but the likelihood of your body moving and smile widening is 100%.

Travels well with: Demetria Taylor- Doin’ What I’m Supposed To Do; Annika Chambers- Kiss My Sass

The Breakers

Strange Shores

Sharawaj, 2022

8/10

Listen to Strange Shores

A Chicago area based band with a penchant for instrumental sounds in the area of surf-rock, The Breakers assemble new songs, remixes, singles and compilation track for this very unique listen that even puts Dan Klapman and Gary Kretchmer on horns.

“Crystal Pistol” gets the listen off to a warm, atmospheric start, which then segues into a driving garage rock climate that benefits from swift drums and bouncy bass lines, and “Rotation” follows with a calmer spirit, where soulful sax and some curious psychedelia enters the flowing landscape.

In the middle, “Tubular Bells” recruits a dynamic prog-friendly delivery in the Mike Oldfield original, while “Vodka Sonic (Techno Tonic)” flirts with surf rock in a way that also seems like it could soundtrack a spy flick.

Deeper still, “Icicle Park” meshes surf and psychedelic textures into the sonically expressive gestures, and the title track exits with exciting string manipulation in a way that points towards Eastern influences.

The Breakers consists of Jim Abrahams (lead guitar), Marc Lockett (drums, percussion), and Jayson Slater (bass), and their precise version of surf-rock and beyond makes this a very distinct and memorable listen.

Travels well with: Willie Nile- The Day The Earth Stood Still; The Long Ryders- Psychedelic Country Soul

Marina Rocks

Austin To Houston

Two-Fisted Pixie, 2022

9/10

Listen to Austin To Houston

The veteran guitar player and songstress Marina Rocks brings us 8 diverse and memorable tunes on this 4th album, where she plays nearly all the instruments and births a timeless version of Americana.

“Joy Ride” opens the listen with a charming rhythm, where Marina does a very alluring version of talk/singing that’s quite fluid and is complemented by upbeat drumming and smooth guitar playing, and “Cray Cray” follows with breezy melodies, where her very pretty singing finds a dreamy place to reside.

“Shine” arrives in the middle, and is a bit more subdued with some roots rocks moments amid the gritty bouts, while “Last Goodbye” gets really intimate in its poetic appeal that showcases Marina’s diverse range and eloquent vision.

Further still, “Comeback Kid2” flirts with country rock ideas that emit a very cozy, emotive quality, and “Sleepy Hollow” exits with a lullaby-esque moment of sublime beauty.

If names like Edie Brickell and Melissa Etheridge resonate with you, Marina Rocks should certainly be on your radar, and these songs easily possess a universal appeal for those who really like to absorb the entirety of a song.

Travels well with: David Newbould- Sin & Redemption; M. Lockwood Porter- Communion In The Ashes

The Civilians

Lush And Tumble

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to Lush & Tumble

A five piece from Seattle who generally pull influence from many areas on the softer side of the rock’n’roll spectrum, this 3rd full length from The Civilians sounds like it could have been birthed in any decade since the ‘60s, and features guest spots from Steve Nieve (Elvis Costello) and the producer Don Farwell.

The title track opens the listen with a breezy and lush version of roots rock, where a touch of grit in the vocals complements the ‘60s sensibilities, and “Incoming” follows with warm piano and soothing vocal harmonies, as some power-pop nods enter the playful formula.

“Eyes On The Prize” occupies the middle spot, and it comes with fluid guitar playing, skilled bass and plenty of timeless folk song craft, while “Darling” finds a more intimate place to reside, where soulful backing vocals suite the gentle delivery.

Approaching the end, “Oh, Happy Day” benefits much from the graceful piano and expressive singing in the powerful climate, and “True North” exits the listen with pounding drums and a much more driving pace that hints at roots in punk rock.

A listen with engaging and thoughtful storytelling and that’s capable of introspective moments just as it is adventurous and more firm bouts, fans of Paul Westerberg, Mark Lanegan and Richard Thompson will be enamored with Lush And Tumble.

Travels well with: Peter Donovan- This Better Be Good; The Jayhawks- XOXO

Joybomb

American Cult Candy

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to American Cult Candy

The debut from the Memphis rockers Joybomb, these 11 tracks are full of power-pop, alt-rock and pop-punk sounds that fans of Mike Ness, Matt Skiba and Dave Grohl would be wise to familiarize themselves with.

“New Light” starts the listen with bright, melodic guitars to complement the smooth singing, as both calm and loud moments enter with an anthemic quality, and “Twin Hearts” follows with pounding drums, no lack of warmth and buzzing bouts of fist pumping rock.

Further on, “High Crimes & New Lows” showcases the chunky bass, and it’s not long until swirling guitars and frisky drumming fills the busy setting, while “Foreign Affair” trims the pace back with a charming intimacy that’s both pretty and rugged.

“Speak Shallow” and “The Charade” exit the listen, where the former is quite firm, bordering on abrasive, but still retains plenty of soft melody amid the arena rock thundering, and the latter finishes with an initially acoustic track that abruptly bursts into energetic and timeless punk rock.

A punk album at its core with themes of American political and consumer culture present, Joybomb, i.e. Grant Beatty (guitars, vocals, percussion), Adrian Lewis (bass) and Todd Rowan (drums, vocals, guitars, keys) know their way around a powerful, feedback friendly and hook filled tune you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Alkaline Trio- My Shame Is True; The Menzingers- On The Impossible Past

Howdytoons

Dinosaurs & Monsters

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to Dinosaurs & Monsters

The fourth album in the band’s award winning series of ‘Dinostory’ themed songs, Howdytoons, i.e. the Toronto resident Mike Whitla, returns with this hard rock influences in attendance for an imaginative listen about real and imagined dinosaurs.

“Allosaurus” opens the listen with a thundering, dense display that’s met with smooth, flowing vocals that brings plenty of tunefulness into the metallic backdrop, and “Dimetrodon” follows with a very educational track that booms with some classic metal ideas as both singing and talking are present.

Deeper into the listen, “Brontosaurus Is Back!” actually recruits some ska-friendly rhythm to the very upbeat spirit, which brings us to the similar approach of the breezy, island flavor and brass fueled “Diplodacus”.

Moving towards the end, “The Kraken” offers a thick and buzzing talk about the Scandinavian sea monster, and “Kronosaurus” exits with a theatrical performance into the dramatic, eclectic and highly textured finish.

A really clever listen that’s full of statistics and facts, Whitla’s influences like Iron Maiden, Pink Floyd, Thelonious Monk, Mastodon and classical Carnatic ragas of South India are sprinkled throughout the affair, and it makes for a charming and unpredictable experience.

Travels well with: Jesse Jukebox- Just A Minute; Kelli Welli- Robots Don’t Tell Jokes

Jimmy Ryan

The Healing Guitar

Salvatori, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Healing Guitar

The exceptional guitarist and composer Jimmy Ryan brings along Dan Van Schindel for these 5 tracks that the producer Tom Salvatori culled from pieces that Ryan performs sans vocals.

“Walden” opens the listen with a very dreamy tone, where the cautious guitar and restrained drumming emit a nearly meditative tone in their hazy exploration, and “Twilight” follows with a very pretty melody guiding the reflective nature.

Halfway through, “Alphaville” offers a very intimate landscape, where the more pronounced drumming is quite absorbing alongside the stirring guitar, while “Equinox” moves a bit more firm, where waves of beauty flow with a poetic demeanor.

“The Healing Guitar In Nature Suite” exits the listen, and it’s a 28+ minute track the embraces the sounds of birds into the comprehensive finish that incorporates bits of the previous 4 tracks, and brings the recently located selection “Continuum” along for the ambient texturing.

A very aptly titled body of work, Ryan’s relaxing delivery was inspired by his recent health struggles, and it makes for a very refreshing journey for the body, mind and soul.

Travels well with: Jimmy Ryan- Astral Cafe; Steinar Karlsen- Destination Venus

San Fermin

The Cormorant I

Better, 2019

9/10

Listen to The Cormorant I

As far as orchestral pop goes, it doesn’t get much better than San Fermin, the outfit spearheaded by Ellis Ludwig-Leone. Now 4 albums deep, Ludwig-Leone and company are always coming through with thoughtful, innovative song craft that never lingers in one category for very long.

“The Cormorant” starts the listen with melodic piano as the pop influence seeps into the artistic prowess, and “Cerulean Gardens” follows with a quiet, acoustic tune where strings and dual gender vocals add much to the gentle landscape.

Though there’s just 8 tracks, each one leaves an indelible mark, especially the soft horns and elegant textures of “Hickman Creek”, while the immense beauty of the vocally expressive Samia adds to the building power of “The Hunger”, which is one of the album’s best.

Back half highlights include the multifaceted folk approach of “Summer By The Void”, and the subdued, rhythmic modern-pop of “The Living”. “The Myth” exits the listen with pretty female vocals on the flowing and breezy, ultra-melodic and soulful delivery.

A record that tells a story of a man and a woman from childhood to adulthood to death, Allen Tate’s vocals are weaved together with 4 different female lungs here, and the vast skill of the rest of the players unfolds with much precision in their avant-garde formula.

Travels well with: Sufjan Stevens- Seven Swans; Lost In The Trees- A Church That Fits Our Needs