Colin Bracewell

Valley

Self-Release, 2023

8/10

Listen to Valley

A youngster from Canada who know calls Minnesota home, this debut EP from Colin Bracewell illustrates a talent and vision that far exceeds his years, where comparisons to Bon Iver or John Mayer won’t be hard to imagine.

“The Cage” begins the listen with Bracewell’s expressive voice and firmly strummed acoustic guitar that’s full of emotion and sincerity, and “Not Today” follows with a poetic and heartfelt delivery of stirring song craft that has Bracewell hitting some pretty high notes.

The back half of the listen welcomes the intimacy of “Page”, where the setting builds into a powerful and cathartic EP highlight, while “In The Valley” exits with Bracewell’s falsetto present amid the meticulous balance of beauty and tension.

An extremely accomplished listen for an artist barely old enough to legally drink, Bracewell adds R&B, jazz and soulful moments to his formula that’s confessional, eloquent, and very likely to make him a rising songwriter from the always fertile Twin Cities scene.

Travels well with: Jojo Green- The Summer Tree; Eli Gardiner- Live In Minneapolis

Dwight Twilley

The Best Of Dwight Twilley The Tulsa Years 1999-2016 Vol 1.

Paramour, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Best Of Dwight Twilley The Tulsa Years 1999-2016 Vol 1.

Very tragically this is a posthumous release, as the power-pop legend Dwight Twilley passed away last year. As assembly of tracks from the time Twilley moved back to Tulsa following the Northridge earthquake that decimated his home, these 20 tracks came during a prolific period and are available on vinyl for the first time.

“Could Be Love” opens the listen with thumping drums and plenty of warm melody alongside Twilley’s smooth voice, and “It’s Hard To Be A Rebel” follows with a cozy dreaminess that’s soars with much timeless beauty amid the glowing guitar.

Further along, the gritty “No Place Like Home” uses bouncy bass strategically with a rhythm that could make you head for the dance floor, while “Runaway With You” is a more intimate moment that builds into a bright and dynamic pop-rock masterpiece.

Approaching the end, the hazy “Let It Rain” comes with a stirring presence of strings and emotive singing, and “My Friend Billy” exits with a thick rocker that’s dense, anthemic and illustrates another avenue for Twilley’s timeless vision.

Twilley and his wife, Jan, teamed up as a producing and engineering duo during these years, and it made for 6 new original albums, a cover album, a Beatles’ cover album, and a live CD/DVD. The selections here are excellent, and ideal for the unwavering fan or the first time listener to this rock’n’roll legend.

Travels well with: The Customers- Sweet Fatality; Kevin Bowe- Half Past Never

Chris Murphy

The Road And The Stars

Teahouse, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Road And The Stars

A New York native who now calls California home, the multi-instrumentalist Chris Murphy surrounds himself with some excellent company for this compilation listen that showcases songs written years ago that are still so relevant.

“Sailing The World Alone” begins the listen with Murphy’s violin, mandolin, guitar and percussion being complemented by his expressive voice and Ted Russell Kamp’s swift bass for the upbeat, roots rock climate, and “Connemara Ponies” follows with a charming Celtic influence that welcomes Zac Leger’s bouzouki, guitar, flute and penny whistle to the festivities.

Further along, “Small Wonder” benefits from DJ Bonebrake’s fluid drums and Marcus Blake’s glowing harmony vocals via the cautious Americana, while “Hard Bargain” is a live selection that utilizes just Murphy’s animated violin and powerful pipes that emits some bluegrass nods.

“High Country” arrives near the end and places Nate LaPointe on guitar and Dennis Caplinger on banjo for the lush, mountain-esque landscape, and “The Hunter & The Fox” exits with Michael Jerome Moore’s agile drums giving the setting a bit of mystery.

Murphy is a road warrior who plays hundreds of shows a year, and it certainly shows in the excellent live sound, as well as the dynamic, organic studio tracks that populate this folk, roots, country, bluegrass and unique Americana listen.

Travels well with: The International Treasures- Together, We Are The International Treasures; The Jorgensens- Americana Soul

The Get Arounds

I Wanna Live

Sony/ATV, 2023

9/10

Listen to I Wanna Live

The Vancouver power-pop geniuses The Get Arounds treat us to 15 songs that touch back on the loud female fronted bands of the ‘90s, where plenty of alt-rock, punk and indie-rock moments are present and appreciated.

The thumping “I Want Something More” opens the listen with Lana Ryma’s bright and melodic vocals and crisp drumming that balances grit and harmony, and “A Long Way To Go” follows with Carman Lethbridge’s meticulous guitar fueling the soulful and driving rocker.

Moving towards the middle, the warm organ of “Cry Me A River” cultivates a more intimate landscape, while the blistering pace and anthemic qualities of “Good Times” will certainly get you looking for the nearest pit to leap into while singing along to the charming harmonies.

Closer to the end, “Don’t Come Around” places Damion Gray on backing vocals and Eric Lowe on drums for the firm yet cautious moments of emotive song craft, and “The Last One” balances tension with grace thanks to the firm rhythm section and Ryma’s diverse pipes.

It’s not hard to imagine legends like Babes In Toyland, L7 or even first wave punk bands like The Dead Boys When listening to I Wanna Live, and this debut certainly doesn’t sound like a band who just formed during the Covid lockdown, which we’re all better off for.

Travels well with: The Goods- EP; CC Voltage- Berliner Pilsner

Mae Simpson

Chandelier & Bloom

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Chandelier & Bloom

The Minneapolis resident and singer-songwriter Mae Simpson makes for an impressive debut here, where an all star cast of musicians are on board for these diverse 13 songs.

The bright and soaring “Cap Guns” opens the listen with Simpson’s booming voice amid animated brass and Aaron Silverstein’s meticulous drumming for the powerful rock climate, and “California-Carolina” follows with cultured song craft and plenty of funk spirit thanks to Ricardo J. Romero’s frisky percussion.

In the middle, the more folk inspired “Plain Clothes Dream” uses Jorgen Wadkins II’s warm acoustic guitar alongside Simpson’s poetic pipes, while “Why” benefits from thick guitar and David Kellermann’s throbbing bass for the anthemic rock landscape.

Approaching the end, “Call It What You Will” recruits both power and melody, as Simpson hits some high notes with ease, and “Mountains” exits with a charming intimacy that uses mandolin from Wadkins with much grace.

A listen that successfully balances rock, pop, folk, R&B and funk, Paul Pederson’s trumpet and Brian Powers’ saxophone certainly add much to the formula and complement Simpson’s stunning voice that everyone should be familiar with.

Travels well with: Leslie Vincent- About Last Night; Brynn Andre- Honeymoon

John Raymond/S. Carey

Shadowlands

Libellule, 2023

8/10

Listen to Shadowlands

The Grammy nominated trumpet wizard John Raymond and Bon Iver sideman S. Carey come together for this collaborative listen that finds a very mature and unpredictable place to reside in the area of indie-rock.

“Morning Prayer” gets the listen off to an atmospheric start, where soft trumpet and glowing synth emit a stirring beauty, and “Calling” follows with mesmerizing keys and soulful brass that welcomes Gordi’s eloquent, gentle singing.

“Chrysalis” lands in the middle and uses bass guitar strategically amid the agile drumming from Carey for the more rock focused landscape, while “Hollow” places Aaron Parks on piano amid the dreamy brass from Raymond that flows with a gorgeous intimacy.

“New Meaning” and “Beholding” exit the listen, where the former is bit more thick, rock spirited even, thanks to Dave Devine’s guitar and lush textures, and the latter finishes with a cinematic haze that builds into an exploratory jazz climate of adventurousness and warmth.

In addition to those listed above, Ben Lester plays pedal steel and Chris Thompson handles woodwinds, and it makes for a blur of indie-folk, creative jazz, dense pop and mood heavy electronica that’s as innovative as it is memorable.

Travels well with: The Nels Cline Singers- Share The Wealth; Dave McMurray- Grateful Dedication

Kurt Michaels

Stones From The Garden

Melodic Revolution, 2023

8/10

Listen to Stones From The Garden

The Chicago singer-songwriter and guitarist Kurt Michaels has been making music since 1975, and here he’s joined by a lengthy and accomplished cast for the 8 progressive tunes.

The thick and rumbling “Trouble” opens the listen with Len Szymanski’s thumping drums and Michael Sherwood’s flowing keys alongside the soulful backing vocals for the dense climate, and “Why Must Life Be Such A Fight” follows with Scott Williams’ swirling bass and Jim Gully’s warm keys making for a melodic delivery.

Halfway through, “Relax… Nothing’s Under Control!” uses Dennis Johnson’s skilled bass and Amanda Lehmann and Annie Carlson’s pretty voices for the dreaminess, while “Forever (So Completely)” is a more driving affair thanks to John Abbey’s bouncy bass and strong riffs and vocals from Michaels.

“Will I Ever Pass This Way Again?” and “The Road Beyond” exit the listen, where the former places Billy Sherwood on drums for the lush, retro-rock spirit, and the latter spends 17 minutes mesmerizing us with its strategic haze and chilling ambience of prog-rock mystery.

Michaels’ debut solo studio album was in 2003, and this first new release since 2011 offers a hard hitting yet very thoughtful, creative version of prog-ideas that we could never tire of.

Travels well with: Fortunato- From High Above; Overhead- Telepathic Minds

Dulcie Taylor

Edges Of Silver

Mesa/Bluemoon, 2023

8/10

Listen to Edges Of Silver

The esteemed singer-songwriter Dulcie Taylor makes for a quick listen here, where 5 pieces are fleshed out by an all star cast for the nostalgic, moving song craft that balances both love and difficult themes.

“Back Beat In His Blood” begins the listen with Taylor’s smooth voice alongside Bob Gross’ bright bass and Damon Castillo’s spirited electric guitar for the roots rock flavor, and “We Almost Got It Right” follows with a dreamy atmosphere thanks to Taylor’s gentle acoustic guitar, soft voice and George Nauful’s well timed kick drum.

“Soft Place To Fall” lands in the middle, and recruits Kristian Ducharme’s cozy keys amid Sean Sullivan’s crisp drums and the impressive range from Taylor, while “Sometimes Love Ain’t Enough” is an agile, poetic EP highlight that tugs on the heartstrings.

“Somewhere Bright” exits the listen, and is strong on mood thanks to Andrew Schwartz’s keys and Josh Ehrhart’s strong attention to programming.

Taylor floats around folk, pop and rock territory here, where the diversity is just as admirable as the relatable subject matter that’s never short on beauty.

Travels well with: Lynn Miles- TumbleTweedyWorld; Joanna Connor- Best Of Me

Leslie Vincent

About Last Night

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to About Last Night

The Minneapolis artist Leslie Vincent brings us originals, jazz standards and Broadway classics to this powerful listen that brings plenty of strings and brass to the timeless formula.

“Psychedelics With You” starts the listen with plenty of retro jazz fun that benefits from Mitch Van Laar’s roaring trumpet and Vincent’s playful voice, and “What’ll I Do?” follows with a calm pace of intimate singing and Ted Godbout’s warm piano playing.

At the halfway point, “No Moon At All” spotlights Ben Ehrlich’s frisky drumming amid the sensual pipes, while “Stars Fell On Alabama” welcomes cinematic strings from Mary Alice Hutton, Stephanie Skor, Niloofar Sohi and Rosa Thompson-Vieira that helps cultivate a very poetic album highlight.

Close to the end, “Black Coffee” thumps a little louder with Tommy Boynton’s meticulous guitar and Matt McIntyre’s strategic bass, and “This Time The Dream’s On Me” exits with mesmerizing keys and a sublime dreaminess that injects soulful brass later on.

Vincent has a history in musical theater, and can interpret the Great American Songbook like few others can. With the immense talent present here, she delivers a quirky, sweet and skilled body of work that spans several decades of influence that, similarly, will be relevant for decades to come.

Travels well with: Mary Strand- Golden Girl; Brynn Andre- Honeymoon

Gafieira Rio Miami

Bring Back Samba

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Bring Back Samba

The debut album from the Brazilian Big Band Gafieira Rio Miami, the songs here capture the spirit of the low-rent halls where the black underclass of Rio de Janeiro would go to enjoy live music that included waltzes, tangos and polkas.

“Deixa Isso Pra Lá” leads the listen with Jair Oliveira’s bright vocals and lively trumpets from Peter Francis and Christian Santiago for the festive climate, and “Nó Na Madeira” follows with Isa Duarte’s soulful pipes amid Hugo Samdim’s animated percussion and Joel Martinez’s moody trombone for the warm delivery.

In the middle, “O Samba É Meu Dom” is illuminated by Julio Andrade and Marco Diaz’s fluid sax playing that suits the expressive singing and gentle rhythm, while the cultured melodies of “A Vizinha Do Lado” welcomes plenty of dynamic interaction between Davi Melo’s acoustic guitar, Pablo Gil’s tenor sax and Marcelo Pizotti’s electric piano.

Near to the end, “Dunas” is quite dreamy and benefits from Ramatis Moraes’ radiant guitar and Vanessa Moreno’s pretty singing, and “Disritimia” exits with Eric Chacón’s airy flute and Liz Rosa’s elegant vocals.

A listen that explores chorinho, pagode and maxixe, the large amount of musicians present makes each track a new adventure, and the 11 members of Gafieira Rio Miami certainly bring their international vision to the infectious formula.

Travels well with: Magos Herrera- Aire; Malika Zarra- RWA (The Essence)

Flóki Sessions

Boots In Place

Color Red, 2023

8/10

Listen to Boots In Place

The all star assembly of George Porter Jr., Eddie Roberts, Nikki Glaspie and Robert Walter found themselves in Iceland for this funk filled collaboration that welcomes plenty of esteemed guests.

The energetic and bouncy “Boots In Place” opens the listen with Glaspie’s lively drums, Nate Miller’s bright sax and Erica Falls’ soulful pipes that create a rhythmic climate, and “Mardi Gras Day” follows with Donald Harrison’s expressive pipes and Porter’s animated bass helping recruit plenty of dance floor ready song craft.

“Jardim” occupies the middle spot and is a more intimate moment of soft singing from GreenTTea amid Roberts’ playful guitar, while “Mud Flap” benefits much from Walter’s unpredictable organ prowess and the flowing drums for a melodic, instrumental album highlight.

At the end, “Jazzamatazz” uses warm brass, meticulous guitar and precise bass for the stylish demeanor, and “Pep Squad” exits with a timeless, vibrant and creative version of funk.

A listen that’s steeped in New Orleans funk flavor, Porter and company bring horns, beats and hooks to the large amount of grooves that populate this exciting and dynamic listen.

Travels well with: The New Mastersounds- The Deplar Effect; Lucas de Mulder & The New Mastersounds- Feel The Spirit

Connor O'Neill

The Same Changes, Vol II

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Same Changes, Vol II

A Philadelphia guitarist, composer and producer, Connor O’Neill brings us all originals here that illustrate bright storytelling that’s illuminated by Alex Delcourt, Steven Perry, Morgan Walbridge, Mervin Toussaint, Jessica Cantone and Micah Graves.

“Disordinance” opens the listen with Walbridge’s atmospheric vibraphone alongside O’Neill’s glowing guitar that populates the light and warm atmosphere of beauty, and “Another Moment Reconciled” follows with Delcourt’s agile bass and Perry’s unpredictable drumming complementing the dreamy guitar tone.

Halfway through, “Gears” showcases Toussaint’s soulful sax that helps emit an introspective climate, while “Early Departure”, the only song with vocals, showcases Cantone’s gorgeous singing via the sublime intimacy of the record’s best. The final track, “Jade”, then blends reflective guitar, soft vibes and brushed drumming for the heart felt exit.

Themes of depression, doubt and insecurity surround these thoughtful songs, and it makes for a genuine, relatable body of work that’s gripping from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Nic Vardanega- New Beginning; Jon Menges- Spirit Of 3, Spirit Of 4

The Customers

Sweet Fatality

Big Bliss, 2023

9/10

Listen to Sweet Fatality

A long running rock outfit from Los Angeles that formed in 1995, The Customers are now back in Minnesota, the home state of frontman Ryan Sexton, and this long awaited album features appearances by Daniel Murphy (Soul Asylum/The Scarlet Goodbye), Terrance J. Fisher (Run Westy Run), Ivan Julian (Richard Hell and the Voidoids), Patricia Lacy (Luther Vandross), and Minneapolis’ own John Eller, Terry Isachsen, Peter Anderson, Pat Frederick, Ian Prince, and Noah Levy

The animated “One Delight” opens the listen with Sexton’s flowing voice and warm guitar complemented by Rich Manik’s well timed sax and Prince’s thumping drums, and “Duel” follows with a calmer pace thanks to Isachsen’s intimate guitar and Kevin Bowe’s moody bass that helps cultivate a stirring intimacy.

Halfway through, the bouncy climate of “Forgot The Reason” recruits Murphy’s distinct vocals and Eller’s lively keys and guitar for the bright melodies, while “Chain Or Disguise”, the album’s best, is populated by Dirty Dave Randall’s skilled bass and Murphy’s swirling guitar via the modern rock appeal.

Near to the end, the busy rocker “All Over Town” spotlights the firm rhythm section of Prince and Bowe amid Eller’s moody keys for the brisk delivery, and “Everything” exits the listen with Isachsen’s Ebow and Patricia Lucy’s strategic backing vocals that elicit the hazy, tense finish.

Even though Sexton has stayed busy with other projects, songwriting has always been a big part of his creativity, and these tracks that surround unfulfilled existences, the futility of knowledge, and an inherent need for answers make for an excellent comeback listen.

Travels well with: Kevin Bowe- Half Past Never; Jesse Norell- Aorta Borealis

The Rockford Mules

The Last Camaro

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Last Camaro

The long running Twin Cities outfit The Rockford Mules return with their first new in music in over a decade, where The Last Camaro heads straight in the ‘70s with its balance of beauty and grit.

“Leave The Dirt On” opens the quick listen and wastes no time making an impression with the crisp drums and thick guitars that suite the rugged singing, and “Sweet Highway Mile” follows with buzzing guitars and a charged climate that’s both raw and melodic.

The middle spot belongs to the thumping intensity of “Gringo”, where swirling guitar and vocal harmonies help make this the album’s best, while “Honeydripper” carries hints of psychedelic flavor amid the animated guitar and versatile singing. The title track exits the listen, and is a more intimate affair that utilizes graceful piano and poetic singing for the soft versus loud dynamics of the powerful finish.

The Rockford Mules have shared the stage with legends like Soul Asylum, Lucero and Fu Manchu, who they certainly draw comparisons to, and let’s hope that it isn’t too much longer before more new tunes arrive, cause these throwback rock tunes certainly are appreciated.

Travels well with: The Scarlet Goodbye- Hope’s Eternal; Kevin Bowe- Half Past Never

Nic Vardanega

New Beginning

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to New Beginning

The esteemed guitarist/composer Nic Vardanega brings along Ben Allison and Allan Mednard for these 8 new tracks that surround new beginnings in both his professional and personal life, as he’s recently become a father.

“New Beginning” gets the listen off to a warm start with the glowing guitar amid Mednard’s frisky drumming, and “Cardenas” follows with a shimmering intimacy that uses the jazz guitar prowess meticulously.

Halfway through, “Looking Back” is indeed reflective in its stirring presence that radiates Allison’s bass strategically, while “Inner Episode” is a little quicker, busier and certainly showcases the trio’s dynamic playing with swift melody.

“Summers” and “M’s Lullaby” exit the listen, where the former emits rock textures with the energetic rhythm section front and center, and the latter focuses on Vardanega’s fluid and dreamy guitar tone that’s as absorbing as it is memorable.

Vardanega is quickly making a name for himself on the international jazz scene, and this inventive 3rd album will be sure to impress anyone with an ear for guitar heavy jazz ideas.

Travels well with: Randy Bernsen- Heart Mind And Soul; Jimmy Haslip- New Dreams

Michael Ragonese

Stracci

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Stracci

The pianist, composer and arranger Michael Ragonese is surrounded by Luca Alemanno and Mark Ferber for these 6 originals and 2 standards that honor his Italian-American heritage.

“Solar”, by Miles Davis, opens the listen with a very playful, modern spin that uses Ferber’s meticulous drums alongside the flowing keys from Ragonese, and “Escape”, an original, follows with classical nods that leads into an exciting drum solo, but not before some reflective and warm song craft.

“Tides Of Tomorrow” comes with 2 parts and lands in the middle, where Alemanno’s skilled bass plucking suits the darker melodies and contemplative spirit, while “La Pioggia, a live selection, finds Ragonese’s staccato playing mimicking the sound of rain amid the dynamic and energetic rhythm section.

The listen ends with “Copycat”, as complicated rhythms and glowing harmonies populate the swing ideas that make this the album’s best.

This is Ragonese’s sophomore album, and his experience touring, performing and recording with some of the best in the industry helps make for a charming, contemporary jazz affair.

Travels well with: The Harry Allen Orchestra- With Roses; John Allee- Past Imperfect

John Surge And The Haymakers

Almost Time

Blackbird, 2023

9/10

Listen to Almost Time

The guitarist and singer-songwriter John Surge brings along Randy Volin’s guitars and harmony vocals, plus the Texas Players, for these 10 country influenced rockers.

“You’re So Right” begins the listen with Tommy Detamore’s flowing pedal steel and Brennen Leigh’s harmony vocals complementing Surge’s warm voice and acoustic guitar for the country climate, and “Rattle Me” follows with Tom Lewis’ thumping drums and Brad Fordhan’s playful bass adding much to the roadhouse delivery.

“Lesson I Never Learned” occupies the middle spot and brings both grit and melody to the more firm country rock that benefits from Floyd Domino’s strategic piano, while “Almost Time” spotlights Volin’s rugged electric and baritone guitars for the thicker presence.

“All You Gotta Do” and “Sister Honeybee” exit the listen, where the former is a dance floor ready and bouncy album highlight, and the latter exits with haze of stirring intimacy that’s poetic amid Jess Meador’s glowing fiddle and Leigh’s gorgeous backing vocals.

Surge and company cover a lot of ground here, where similarities to Waylon Jennings or Lucinda Williams won’t be hard to spot, and the honky tonk bouts, folk spirit and Texas sensibilities make each tune present equally great.

Travels well with: Ryan Traster- Low Mirada; Christopher Lockett- At The Station

Eli Gardiner

Live In Minneapolis

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Live In Minneapolis

Originally from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but now a Minneapolis resident, the long running singer-songwriter and guitarist Eli Gardiner captured these tracks live on February 3rd, 2023 with the help of Greg Schutte, Dan Schwartz, Kevin Gamble and Nick Salisbury.

“People Of The Bear” begins the set with some rugged strumming and warm atmosphere thanks to Schutte’s thumping drums and Schwartz’s cozy pedal steel amid Gardiner’s raw yet smooth voice, and “Boat At Sea” follows with a thicker display of hazy folk-rock that carries a slight jangle, too.

Halfway through, “Flatlands” makes great of Gamble’s moody keys alongside the vivid storytelling that emits a bit of mystery, while “Mountain”, a song about Montana, uses harmonica strategically and a slight twang that would go well with Rocky Votolato’s classic tune, “Montana”.

The evening ends with “Bad Weed” and “Saints Among Us”, where the former is an electric guitar fueled stand out track that embraces blues and classic rock nods, and the latter buzzes with Salisbury’s skilled bass and the subtle keys complementing Gardiner’s distinct singing.

Certainly Americana and folk inspired, but not shying away from Heartland Rock, too, Gardiner is quickly making a name for himself in the always fertile Minneapolis singer-songwriter scene, and he made me a fan thanks to these relatable and well thought out songs.

Travels well with: Scott Allen- My Own Grown Eyes; The Jorgensens- Americana Soul

Linda Purl

This Could Be The Start

Reaching, 2023

8/10

Listen to This Could Be The Start

The always impressive jazz vocalist Linda Purl brings her timeless and flawless pipes to classic tunes that take the help of Tedd Firth, David Finck, Ray Marchica and Nelson Rangell for these 12 reimagined tracks.

“This Could Be The Start Of Something Big” opens the listen with a contagious energy thanks to Firth’s jumpy keys and Marchica’s frisky drums amid Purl’s expressive pipes, and “I’m In The Mood For Love” follows with Finck’s bass acrobatics helping cultivate the romantic mood.

In the middle, “Dream Dancing” unfolds with a stirring, intimate quality that showcases Purl’s emotive singing, while “Live Alone And Like It” carries a mesmerizing spirit via the warm keys, melodic rhythm section and Purl’s poetic voice.

Close to the end, the busier and charming album highlight, “I Love Being Here With You”, welcomes Rangell’s animated sax playing, and “Wrap Your Troubles (In Dreams)” exits with a sublime, indeed dreamy display of moving song craft.

Purl might best be known as Richie Cunningham’s girlfriend, Fonzie’s fiance, Matlock’s daughter or Pam’s mom (from The Office), but her powerful and engaging voice is certainly just as memorable as her acting, as evidenced by these lovely pieces.

Travels well with: Jan Cronin- I Thought About You; Vanessa Racci- Jazzy Italian

Jonah Tolchin

Fires For The Cold

Yep Roc, 2019

8/10

Listen to Fires For The Cold

This 4th album from the New Jersey troubadour Jonah Tolchin brings some massive talent as Sara Watkins, Jackson Browne, Rickie Lee Jones, and Fred Tackett, among others, are in attendance for this therapeutic and very emotive effort.

“Supermarket Rage” starts the album exactly opposite of its title with soothing acoustic guitar, violin from Watkins and warm vocals from Tolchin and Watkins that flow with a timeless folk quality, and “The Real You” follows with an even softer approach of campfire-esque strumming and soft percussion.

Elsewhere, “Honeysuckle” is a fuller effort of Americana playfulness with Watkins’ fiddle acrobatics, while the cover of Little Feat’s “Roll Um Easy offers breezy melodies in a vocally strong setting where Browne and Jones are on board with backing vocals.

Near the end, “Day By Day” tips its hat to ‘70s sounds with much grace and even a cello, and “Timeless River” brings us a bare offering and sturdy beat. “Maybe, I’m A Rolling Stone” exits the listen gentle and agile with a live delivery and reserved yet powerful interplay between the instruments.

Primarily anchored by upright bass, acoustic guitar and calm percussion, though Tolchin isn’t even 30 years old, his work resonates like an old soul, and his graceful, introspective song craft carries shards of Springsteen and Dylan with it, and is executed with a similar impact.

Travels well with: Aaron Lee Tasjan- Silver Tears; Justin Townes Earle- The Saint Of Lost Causes