Travis Laplante

The Golden Lock

Panoramic, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Golden Lock

The Brooklyn composer, improviser and saxophonist Travis Laplante is aligned with Erika Dohi, Charles Overton, Eduardo Leandro and Lizzie Burns for 7 unique movements that take on a devotional quality.

The calm and emotive “The Golden Lock I-II” opens with Dohi’s gentle keys that evolve into a swirling display that allows for Laplante’s soulful sax to shine amid Leandro’s crisp percussion.

The middle belongs to “The Golden Lock III- VI”, where Burns’ plucked bass complements the minimal mood, as the setting shifts into flowing melodies via the meticulous sax and frisky percussion.

“The Golden Lock VII” exits the listen, and it’s a mesmerizing finish that’s both intimate and gorgeous, and benefits much from Overton’s subtle harp gestures.

This is Laplante’s eighth album-length composition, and it illustrates a lyrical sound that steers into areas of innocence, tranquility and love that is quite admirable.

Travels well with: Tina Davison- Barefoot; Kate Soper- The Romance Of The Rose

Tower Of Power

It’s Christmas

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to It’s Christmas

The first Holiday album from the legendary outfit Tower of Power, the Bay Area luminaries bring their funk, soul, and R&B ways to songs that we’ve all heard before, but never quite like this.

The rich and warm “The Christmas Song” starts the listen with glorious textures, and “This Christmas” follows with plenty of soulful singing and funk nods that radiate much power.

Further along, “It’s Christmas (A Long Way From Home)” comes with an intimate spirit that’s expressive and heartfelt, while “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” is a lively album highlight that allows the bright brass and animated vocals to shine.

Close to the end, “Mary Did You Know” recruits jazz and gospel nods for the dense and dynamic delivery, and “Christmas Medley (O Christmas Tree, Christmas Time Is Here, What Child Is This)” exits with melodic guitar, playful brass and crisp drumming that suits the diverse and flowing interaction.

Tower of Power have enjoyed a 55+ year existence, and all these years they still have what it takes to be leaders in the area of funk and soul sounds that take influence from cities like Oakland, Detroit, Philadelphia and Memphis.

Travels well with: Ohio Players- Observations In Time: The Johnny Brantley/Vidalia Productions; Blood, Sweat & Tears- What The Hell Happened To Blood, Sweat & Tears?- Original Soundtrack

Tony Romano

Three Chord Monte

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Three Chord Monte

One of the most versatile musicians in the New York City scene, Tony Romano brings along Paul Carlon, Jennifer Vincent and Rob Garcia for this modern jazz listen that’s a bit rugged.

“Cadillac Green” starts the listen with Romano’s edgy guitar alongside Carlon’s bright sax prowess for the rich delivery, and “Rhumba-Esque” follows with dreamy guitar amid Vincent’s strategic bass plucking.

“Onward And Upward” lands closer to the middle, and is melodic and fluid via Garcia’s crisp drums, while the title track is intimate and romantic, where the soulful sax is met with soft bass and meticulous guitar.

Close to the end, the frisky “Squirrelly” carries a bouncy mood that’s rhythmic and the album’s best, and “Home” exits with a mesmerizing demeanor that unfolds with intricate sax and hypnotic guitar interaction.

Romano’s resume is quite impressive, and here he emerges from his usual sideman position to front and center for a stylish, harmonic and dynamic effort.

Travels well with: Terry Waldo- Treasure: Volume 1; Suzanne Pittson- Emerge Dancing

Tom Johnson Jazz Orchestra

Time Takes Odd Turns

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Time Takes Odd Turns

The multi-instrumentalist and renaissance man Tom Johnson fleshes out a debut album, and it brings in a large cast for a timeless jazz affair that is loaded with brass, winds, guitars, synth, and percussion.

“Naught One” opens the listen with plenty of energy, where Nick Recktenwald’s trumpet and Chance Davis’ soulful tenor sax add much coziness, and “Simple Song” follows with a calm demeanor that benefits much from Alex Wignall’s sublime keys and Sam Butler’s well timed trumpet.

Deeper into the listen, the dreaminess of “One More Time” welcomes Garrett Fasig’s warm sax spirit, while the peppy “Well You Better” showcases Francis Bassett-Diley’s agile drumming amid the rich delivery.

Deeper still, “Cats And Mouses” is a charming album highlight that allows for Joseph Trahan’s baritone sax and Ana Nelson’s clarinet to shine, and “Simply Stuff And Nonsense” meshes Joel Tucker’s guitar and Leah Warman’s and Marcell Penzes’ trombones for the jazz-rock exploration.

Johnson holds down Yamaha S-80 and Moog Voyager across the album, and his long list of guests sure to help make the transition from psychologist and professor to accomplished musician seamless.

Travels well with: Steve Sieck- Crazy That Way; Ricky Alexander- Just Found Joy

Tone Forest

Tone Forest

Outside In, 2024

9/10

Listen to Tone Forest

Miro Sprauge, Marty Jaffe and Jason Ennis come together as Tone Forest for these unique jazz selections that unfold with creativity.

“Oasis” starts the listen with Sprauge’s frisky keys alongside Jaffe’s acrobatic bass lines for the lively delivery, and “A Wave Away” continues that creativity with warm guitar from Ennis, as the sophisticated keys create much gracefulness.

“A Mother Tree” and “Pendulm” land in the middle. The former comes with a sublime intimacy via the cautious keys that builds into a rich demeanor, while the latter swirls with beauty via the precise bass and dreamy guitar before landing in lower registers thanks to the meticulous keys.

“Whirligig” exits the listen, and it’s a rhythmic and atypical venture into jazz ideas that are accomplished, unpredictable an memorable.

An effort that is ebullient, collaborative, and occasionally abstract, the use of both 7 string classical and archtop guitar really adds to the appeal of this distinct jazz experience.

Travels well with: Lucas Pino- Covers; Dial and DeRosa- Keep Swingin’

Tom DiCillo

Shot Of Blue

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Shot Of Blue

An independent film director/writer and musician, Tom DiCillo brings us 12 original songs that surround love and agony and unfold with a cinematic quality.

“December Sun” starts the listen with a hint of mystery, where DiCillo’s baritone pipes guide the rich climate that uses harmonica sparingly, and the funky title track follows with crisp drums and plenty of grooves.

Further along, “Falling Into You” is uniquely intimate, where fluid guitar and expressive singing guides the mesmerizing climate, while “Girl In A Million” is a pretty duet that’s a bit hazy and certainly rich in flavor.

Residing closer to the end, “Now Is The Time” is a sparse moment of grace and melody, as spirited electric guitar suits the moody ambience, and “Stars” exits with emotive singing and poeticism that tugs on the heartstrings.

A record that took years to make, DiCillo handles guitar, synth, and programmed the drums, and the addition of backup singers, guitarist Dean Parks, accordionist James Fearnley, and Paul Cartright on electric cello illuminate his many talents.

Travels well with: Vili V- In Daddy’s Arms Again; BD Gottfried- Onion Doves

Todd Gaffke

Locally Sourced

Neuma, 2024

8/10

Listen to Locally Sourced

The first album from the Ohio saxophonist Todd Gaffke, we’re treated to selections from Akron composers and one penned by Gaffke’s former student, where some help on piano cultivates a contemporary classical setting.

Robert J. Brownlow’s “Tropospheric Gates” opens with Gaffke’s swirling alto-sax prowess that’s agile and inviting, and “A City Moving Forward”, by Cody Ray, follows with Helena Hyesoo Kim’s keys that dance around the frisky saw prowess in animated ways.

A pair of James Wilding pieces occupy the middle, where “Linea Instrumentalis” finds itself in minimal areas of beauty in a solo sax setting, while “Hiaba Igama” balances intimacy and exploration via Wilding’s unpredictable keys and Gaffke’s luminous tenor sax.

The final track, Nikola Resanovic’s “Sonata For Tenor Saxophone and Piano”, radiates much sensitivity thanks to the soulful sax and Kim’s well timed keys, that, at the end, get quite lively and exciting.

A highly versatile, passionate and introspective affair, Gaffke is off to a commanding start and it will be exciting to see what he does next.

Travels well with: Denman Maroney Quintet- The Air-Conditioned Nightmare; Bandwidth- Where Songs Go At Night

Tom Maor

Dunes

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Dunes

The debut album from the drummer Tom Maor, the 7 tracks here embrace jazz, world music, post-rock and other idea that illustrate an exciting fusion appeal.

Ronen Shmueli’s intricate piano opens the listen, where the title track welcomes Assa Kook’s glowing trumpet amid Maor’s skilled drums, and “Mid-Lane Syndrome” follows with Oded Segev’s rich tenor sax and Michael Kalisky Schutz’s atmospheric guitar making for a dreamy climate.

In the middle, Éyal Hai’s well timed alto sax and expressive vocals from Rotem Bahar and Yuval Menashe help make “Joy” the album’s best, while “Hsipaw” radiates much beauty thanks to Ilay Shachal’s airy flute and Yonatan Voltzok’s strategic trombone.

The final track, “Honestly, No”, doesn’t disappoint either, where Ron Warburg’s glorious trumpet and Yaniv Bar’s clever bass suit Maor’s meticulous drumming.

A personal effort that was inspired by a life-changing trek through Asia, there’s a lot of heart and soul packed into these 7 well thought out tracks.

Travels well with: Avery Sharpe- I Am My Neighbors Keeper; Brent Birckhead- Cacao

Tom Salvatori

The Nylon String Guitar In Ensemble

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Nylon String Guitar In Ensemble

The former Apocalypse member Tom Salvatori may have got his start in the area of prog-rock, but these days he’s steeped in classical ideas, and this 2023 reissue assembles songs from his releases in 2007 and 2010.

“Sleepy Eyes Lullaby” starts the listen with graceful guitar and stirring strings that emit much warmth, and “Guitar Lament” follows with a flowing intimacy via the careful progressions from Salvatori’s precise fingers.

Further on, “The Ghosts Of Levigliani” radiates a cozy and colorful mood, where the guitar and strings cultivate much beauty, while “Whirlpool Song” comes with a dreamy ambience that’s poetic, cautious and the album’s best.

Deeper still, “As The Nightshade Grows” tugs on the heartstrings thanks to its lovely and romantic demeanor, and “Folk Dance” exits with no lack of melodies guiding the sublime guitar and string interaction.

The contributions on cello, contrabass, violin, viola, and oboe really enhance the experience, as Salvatori’s classical vision is fleshed out with much refined, delicate and timeless songwriting.

Travels well with: Tom Salvatori- La Bella Vita; Apocalypse- The Castle

Tom Salvatori

La Bella Vita

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to La Bella Vita

The inimitable musician Tom Salvatori brings his nylon guitar prowess to these 5 careful selections, where reimagined lullabies and originals unfold with a meticulous nature.

“Mendelssoh’s Andante” opens with the soft and pretty guitar progressions emitting much grace, and “Silvestrov’s Serenade” follows with a soothing demeanor that’s heartfelt and emotive thanks to Salvatori’s strong attention to detail.

At the midpoint, “To And Fro” radiates a mesmerizing quality that’s dreamy, while “Riposo” illustrates sublime progressions via Salvatori’s very capable hands. “Lullaby For Henry” exits the listen and it’s a calming and eloquent finish that’s showcases much skill and timelessness.

Salvatori cut his teeth in the Chicago-based prog-rock band Apocalypse in the ‘70s, and his classical guitar vision leaves an indelible impression across these 15 minutes of gorgeous playing.

Travels well with: Benji Kaplan- Untold Stories; Albare- Beyond Belief

Todd Hearon

Impossible Man

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Impossible Man

A Texas native who now calls New Hampshire home, Todd Hearon has produced an impressive body of work in the area of Americana, and that continues to these 11 songs that welcome Don Dixon, Rob Ladd, Sam Wilson and Peter Holsapple.

The cozy “Deadman’s Cove” starts the listen with Hearon’s deep voice amid Wilson’s warm pedal steel and Ladd’s agile drumming, and “A Dark Place” follows with Hearon’s emotive acoustic guitar and much attention to mood, where the vivid storytelling lends itself to mystery.

Halfway though, “Guillotine” benefits much from Dixon’s skilled bass and a hint of ruggedness, while “Adeleine” allows Holsapple’s sophisticated keys to add much grace and depth to the album highlight.

Close to the end, “Looking For A Friend” is a rich and melodic moment of smooth and charming roots rock, and the title track exits with Holsapple’s accordion present for the layered and powerful finish to a very well thought out record.

A super effort that focuses on classic and modern Americana and rock, there’s also bits of country, fok and indie-rock to be enjoyed, too.

Travels well with: Todd Hearon- Yodelady; Ross Cooper- Lightning Heart

Tobias Hoffmann Jazz Orchestra

Innuendo

Mons, 2024

9/10

Listen to Innuendo

The esteemed saxophonist, composer and arranger Tobias Hoffmann finds himself in a Big Band setting again for these 8 new tracks that includes players from Vienna, Graz and Germany.

The title track starts with dynamic strings and swift drumming that makes for a cinematic opener of energy and beauty, and “Summer Solstice” continues the meticulousness with the dreamy keys and soulful brass emitting much grace.

“Sanctuary” and “Convictions” land in the middle. The former is an intimate moment of sophistication and warmth that features a tenor solo from Martin Harms, while the latter is a rich album highlight that employs intricate bass lines amid soaring brass.

Arriving near the end, “The Lake” adds mystery to the recording, as the moody winds glide with intrigue, and “Perseverance” exits with a mesmerizing quality that allows the frisky drums and dense horns to illuminate a timeless version of jazz.

A true hero in the area of contemporary large ensemble jazz, Hoffmann again turns in a first rate effort, where eclectic songwriting, personal moments an even a tribute to the rock band Queen don’t disappoint.

Travels well with: Tobias Hoffmann Jazz Orchestra- Conspiracy; Tobias Hoffmann Nonet- Retrospective

T.K. Blue

Planet Bluu

JaJa, 2024

9/10

Listen to Planet Bluu

The sax, flute and kalimba player T.K. Blue brings along a lot of help for these 11 colorful tracks that dance around plenty of jazz ideas.

“The Hue Of Bluu” starts the listen with flowing sax and Dishan Barber’s playful bass lines that emit much energy, and “Valley Of The Bluu Rose” follows with Orion Turre’s lively drumming that guides the rich delivery where Davis Whitfield’s glowing keys won’t go unnoticed.

In the middle, “Sky Bluu, Part 1” spotlights Blue’s animated kalimba, while “Sky Bluu, Part 2” makes great use of Wallace Roney Jr.’s soaring trumpet for the mesmerizing album highlight.

Close to the end, “Turquoise Bluu” allows for Steve Turre’s trombone to align with Blue’s meticulous sax, and “The Bluu Sea Of Our Tomorrows” exits with the busy and dense meshing of brass, bass and drums cultivating a dizzying finish.

This is Blue’s 14th release as a leader, and the inclusion of African influences helps make for a worldly and dynamic version of jazz.

Travels well with: Willie Rodriguez- Seeing Sounds; Alyssa Allgood- From Here

Tim Solook

Changed Lives

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Changed Lives

The Texas drummer Tim Solook returns with a 5th solo album, where the original tunes welcome Paul Chester, David Craig, Warren Sneed and Andrew Lienhard and take inspiration from the past 4 years.

“Rhythm Suite #1” starts the listen with indeed plenty of rhythm via the intricate drumming and “January” follows with soaring sax from Sneed and Lienhard’s dreamy keys.

Halfway through, “I’m Not Sayin’ Nothin’” recruits plenty of funk for the melodic gestures, while “Old Friends” benefits much from Craig’s precise bass and Solook’s agile drumming that’s rich with texture.

“Steve Gadd” and “Twenty Three” exit the listen. The former uses rapid fire drumming that mesmerizes us, and the latter finishes with Chester’s meticulous guitar amid the cultured energy.

A fusion affair that embraces smooth jazz, funk jazz and progressive ideas, Solook and his company make instrumental jazz that is among the best of its kind today.

Travels well with: MOTU- Acceding To The Apocalypse; Madlen Keys- Event Horizon

3 Pairs Of Boots

Boot Scootin’

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Boot Scootin’

The husband and wife duo of Andrew Stern and Laura Arias, as 3 Pairs Of Boots the couple blend Americana, rock, folk and country with no lack of hooks and vivid storytelling.

The title track starts the listen with Arias’ uplifting voice guiding the melodic country rock, and “Tempt My Fate” follows with a soft moment of warm acoustic guitar and fluid drumming that’s dance floor ready.

“Long Rider” occupies the middle spot and comes with a frisky energy that’s complemented by Arias’ soaring voice, while “Lost & Found” meshes both grit and melody with a hint of retro-rock that’s the album’s best.

Residing near the end, “My American Boy” is an intimate moment that builds into a rich, banjo fueled, rootsy climate, and “Runaway” exits with a heartfelt and dreamy demeanor that you can’t not admire.

Influences from Fleetwood Mac, Buffalo Springfield and The Byrds won’t be hard to spot here, as this 4th album from the proficient pair embraces the ‘70s in technical and memorable ways.

Travels well with: Slaw- Here I Come; Tim Easton- Find Your Way

Tim Berne

Yikes Too

Out Of Your Head, 2025

9/10

Listen to Yikes Too

The always unpredictable Tim Berne finds himself in a trio setting with Tom Rainey and Gregg Belisle-Chi, and it makes for a double album where half of the songs are studio and the other half were captured live in Seattle in March, 2024.

“Oddly Enough” starts the listen with Berne’s lively sax amid Rainey’s wild drumming for the lively opener, and it isn’t long until “Yikes” allows for Belisle-Chi’s intricate guitar playing to complement the calm versus busy bouts.

Further along, “Bat Channel” trims the pace back with Berne’s soulful sax front and center, while “Sorry Variations” makes great use of Rainey’s adaptable drums for a timeless jazz appeal.

On the live portion, the powerful sax of “Curls” builds into a dizzying display, though it’s the atypical intimacy of “Trauma” that rumbles a bit that really highlights the trio’s live chemistry. “Middle Seat Blues” exits this portion, and it spotlights Berne’s radiant sax, the glowing guitar and subdued drumming.

An effort that blurs the lines of avant-garde, free jazz and fusion exploration, this outing adds yet another exciting and unclassifiable body of work to Berne’s accomplished catalog.

Travels well with: Hannah Marks- Outsider, Outlier; Marc Ducret- Palm Sweat: Marc Ducret Plays The Music Of Tim Berne

Tindersticks

Soft Tissue

Lucky Dog/City Slang, 2024

9/10

Listen to Soft Tissue

The veteran English alt-rock outfit Tindersticks return with a 14th studio album, where their much recognized diversity is still present and guided by frontman Stuart Staples and his baritone pipes.

The mature and rich “New World” starts the listen with soulful bass lines and expressive singing that is met with horns, and “Don’t Walk, Run” follows with skilled drumming that suits the stylish baroque-pop nods of the calm climate.

Moving into the middle, “Falling, The Light” comes with a unique dreaminess that’s poetic and absorbing, while “The Secret Of Breathing” is minimal and melodic, where melancholic gestures unfold with a rare beauty.

“Turned My Back” and “Soon To Be April” exit the listen. The former is beat driven, as powerful backing vocals complement the mood, and the latter finishes with pretty guitar and soothing singing that tugs on the heartstrings.

A band that have never fit any easy category, since 1992 Tindersticks have consistently released original music that redefines rock, and here it comes with chamber, soul and jazz influences that are introspective, stylish and captivating.

Travels well with: Calexico- Algiers; Giant Giant Sand- Tucson

Tina Davidson

Barefoot

New Focus, 2024

9/10

Listen to Barefoot

The composer Tina Davidson is aligned with the Jasper String Quartet and the pianist Natalie Zhu for these 6 detailed and memorable chamber selections.

“Tremble” opens with J. Freivogel’s stirring violin and Rachel Henderson Freivogel’s elegant cello that meet at a very graceful intersection, and “Barefoot” follows with 10+ minutes of atmosphere via calm violin and Andrew Gonzalzes’ moody viola that suit Zhu’s mesmerizing keys.

“Wepan” and “Hush” land in the middle, where the former tugs on the heartstrings with the string manipulation from Karen Kim’s violin, while the latter illustrates meticulous fingers from Zhu amid the aching violin.

“Leap” finishes with 2 chapters, where Freivogel’s precise cello weaves in and out of the swirling piano for the record’s best that, on the back half, gets quite animated.

A body of work with a wealth of emotion and no lack of color, this is a highly personal chamber outing that illustrates the depths of Davidson’s talent and vision.

Travels well with: Kate Soper- The Romance Of The Rose; Richard Carrick- lanterne

Thy Apokalypse

Fragment Troisiéme

Bitume, 2024

8/10

Listen to Fragment Troisiéme

A French metal outfit who have been active since 2005 but were on hiatus between 2017-2023, Thy Apokalypse released Fragment Troisiéme in 2014, and here it lives again with a remixed and remastered appeal.

“I” opens the listen with a hard hitting and charged climate, where drumming acrobatics are met with screeching vocals that carry a doom metal approach, and “II” continues the intensity with an ominous demeanor that emits an atmospheric backdrop that’s actually dreamy.

“III” and “IV” land in the middle, where the former pairs the gruff vocals with searing guitars and strategic pounding, while the latter is full of chugging guitars, tortured singing and rapid fire drumming. At the end, “VI” is particularly impressive, as a hint of melody invades the industrial versus metal delivery.

A concept album that embraces punk, hardcore, grunge and black metal bits, too, Thy Apokalypse have a new album slated for later this year, and there’s little doubt that it will grab us by the throat and firmly keep our attention.

Travels well with: Bruno Karnel- Las Ilusiones; Subduxtion- The Black Point

Ben Winship

Acorns

Snake River, 2019

8/10

Listen to Acorns

On the more organic, earthy of the two albums that Winship released on the same day, Acorns brings mandolins, fiddles and banjos to the rural fun.

“A Little Goes A Long Way” starts the album with fiddle acrobatics on a rollicking, bluegrass inspired opening, and “Shakin’ Down The Acorns” follows with warm beauty sans vocals, where dynamic interplay between the strings yields a mountain music setting.

Much like the companion album to Acorns, Toolshed, Winship brings in many contributors, and together the variety offers the folk inspired “I’ll Live On”, the playful picking of “Cherry Tree” and the timeless country approach of the graceful duet “Fit To Be Tied”.

Near the end, “Lily Green” recruits breezy melodies for one of the album’s best, and “Boys Them Buzzards Are Flyin’” ends the album with swift instrumentation that puts the exclamation point on the massive skill present.

The perfect complementary listen to the fuller, band oriented Toolshed album, Winship’s old time, deep roots and jam band nods make this string focused record another impressive effort in his glowing catalog of genuine, timeless songwriting.

Travels well with: Tim O’Brien- The Crossing; Alison Krauss- Forget About It