Verskotzi

Shiring

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Shiring

The LA artist Verskotzi knows his way around plenty of instruments, and this 3rd LP brings out his eclectic nature across 13 precise and memorable tracks.

The moody and atmospheric “SHIRING” starts the listen with manipulated sounds that unfold with psychedelia, and “iiii need more tiiiime!!!!” follows with thumping drums and expressive singing that unfolds with an animated quality.

Moving into the middle, “Desert Sun” places much emphasis on acoustic guitar, where a warm folk appeal emits much beauty, while “Cosmic Angels” carries a retro-rock spirit that floats via a distinct haze.

Close to the end, the scrappy “The Great Migration” is a busy and meticulous rocker that retreats to calm ebbs, too, and “What’s It Gonna Take” exits with an intimate moment of soulful brass and poetic singing.

An artist with a wealth of talent and a fertile mind, Verskotzi plays nearly everything here but does take help on French Horn, drums and strings for a diverse and timeless listening experience.

Travels well with: Morningbird- Echoes In The Meadow; Nolen Sellwood- Cadence To The Flame

Continental Drifters

White Noise & Lightning- The Best Of The Continental Drifters

Omnivore, 2024

9/10

Listen to White Noise & Lightning- The Best Of The Continental Drifters

A supergroup of artists who spent time in The Bangles, The Dream Syndicate, The dB’s and The Cowsills, Continental Drifters got their start in the early ‘90s, and have reunited many times over the years.

The songs here span their entire career, and are released alongside the publication of Sean Kelly’s White Noise & Lightning: The Continental Drifters Story.

“The Rain Song” starts the listen with a shimmering, harmonic spirit, where the warm voices are complemented by Russ Broussard’s agile drumming and Peter Holsapple’s well timed keys, and “Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway” follows with a rugged spirit, as Mark Walton’s bouncy bass adds much energy to the melodic gestures.

Further along, “Invisible Boyfriend” allows Carlo Nuccio’s cautious drums to illuminate the warm guitars from Gary Eaton and Ray Ganuchea, while “Mixed Messages” is a bright album highlight that benefits much from Vicki Peterson’s fluid guitar and Susan Cowsill’s cozy acoustic guitar.

Closer to the end, “Na Na” emits glowing keys and bouncy bass, as Robert Maché’s meticulous guitar impresses us, and a live version of “Who We Are, Where We Live” exits with firm acoustic guitar and expressive singing that soars for 12 minutes of timeless and memorable songwriting.

A band of unparalleled talent and execution, whether this is your first time or you’ve been following along, you’ll be impressed with the legendary proto-Americana sounds.

Travels well with: The Cowsills- Rhythm Of The World; Holsapple & Stamey- Our Back Pages

William Harries Graham

Annie’s House

Strolling Bones, 2024

10/10

Listen to Annie’s House

The multi-instrumentalist and singer William Harries Graham is joined by an all star cast for songs about memories that embrace the strong songwriting that Austin, Texas is so well known for.

The rhythmic and flowing “Yourself” starts the listen with melodic guitars and Graham’s inviting voice that complement Chris Searles’ skilled drums, and “Annie, Are You There?” follows with soft singing and subdued instrumentation that’s intimate and benefits much from Cameron Riggs’ dreamy keys.

“George And Steve” occupies the middle spot and uses David Goodrich’s emotive guitar amid Amy Cook’s soulful backing vocals, while “On The Outside” is both dense and pretty, where poetic singing is met with spirited electric guitar and calm acoustic strumming.

Close to the end, the mesmerizing dynamics of “Philadelphia” unfolds with a haze of beauty and grit, and “Same As When We Were Kids” exits with a distinct minimalism that’s eloquent, mysterious and occasionally loud.

Somewhere between Americana, rock & roll, and folk, Graham is an exceptional story teller, and he balances rawness with a melodic component that, if there’s any justice, really should make him an indie-rock luminary.

Travels well with: Taxicab Verses- Is What You Make It; Say Zuzu- No Time To Lose

Whiskey Mountain

It Felt Like Fun

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to It Felt Like Fun

An Idaho outfit with plenty of punk spirit, Whiskey Mountain consists of Randy King, Charles Long, Oscar Cupp and Mac Christian, who together celebrate staying young with these 13 rowdy tracks.

“Tired And Bored” starts with some playful grooves before swift riffs and thumping drums enter the lively rock climate, and “I Don’t Wanna Talk” follows with some animated pop ideas that build into an energetic and melodic delivery.

Further along, the dense and hard hitting “Fragile Ego” brings pretty of grit, especially with the singing, while “Reckon” is a charged moment of punk fueled song craft that both rugged and tuneful.

Nearing the end, “Take Me Down” is a scrappy album highlight that’s gruff, harmonic and uses creative bass lines, and “Brothers” exits with both fierce and anthemic moments that suit the forceful singing, thick guitars and firm drumming.

Somewhere between alt-rock, punk and garage rock, Whiskey Mountain don’t take themselves too serious, but their music is seriously fun, witty, and ideal for fans of wild and rebellious rock and rock flavor.

Travels well with: Sugar Bones- Sugar Bones; 20/20- Back To California

Zaccai Curtis

Cubop Lives!

Truth Revolution, 2024

8/10

Listen to Cubop Lives!

The esteemed pianist Zaccai Curtis treats us to 17 tracks that represent his interest in jazz, Bebop and Afro-Cuban influences, and take help from Luques Curtis, Willie Martinez III, Camilo Molina and Reinaldo De Jesus.

“Earl” starts the listen with Curtis’ lively piano alongside Martinez’s animated drumming for the rhythmic climate, and “Black Rice” follows with Molina’s cultured percussive ideas that flow amid the swift keys and melodic gestures.

Deeper into the listen, “Someday My Prince Will Come” trims the pace back with gorgeous key progressions amid warm bongos from De Jesus, while “Stromboli” is a playful and festive album highlight that can rumble a bit, too.

Close to the end, “Countour” comes with a breezy, timeless jazz spirit that will always be admirable, and “Moose The Mooche” exits with Luques Curtis’ bass acrobatics mesmerizing us alongside the worldly instrumentation.

A body of work that is full of passion and fusion nods, Curtis and company bring us along for a globally enjoyable version of Latin jazz.

Travels well with: Vanisha Gould- She’s Not Shiny, She’s Not Smooth; Triad- Triad

Keiji Haino/Natuski Tamura

What Happened There?

Libra, 2025

8/10

Listen to What Happened There?

The trumpet wizard Natuski Tamura and guitarist Keiji Haino come together for this exciting effort that was recorded at the Aremo Koremo festival, and captures an avant-garde experience.

“What Happened There? Part One” starts the listen with a curious mood, where Tamura’s strategic horn bursts are met with ambience from Haino’s agile guitar for 9+ minutes of exploration, and “What Happened There? Part Two” follows with wild trumpet gestures amid the manipulated guitar that gives the setting a sci-fi appeal.

The final two parts are equally unique, where “Part 3” showcases radiant guitar tones that are quite meticulous and eccentric, and the last selection recruits shouted vocals alongside squealing trumpet and atmospheric guitar.

A truly atypical adventure that explores unorthodox ideas into a very distinct type of jazz, both artists contribute firm voices and Tamura even brings toys to this iconoclastic listen.

Travels well with: Noah Haidu- Standards II; Trio San- Hibiki

Wild Ponies

Dreamers

No Evil, 2024

8/10

Listen to Dreamers

The duo of Doug and Telisha Williams, as Wild Ponies the pair pen songs about the nuclear family and the ups and downs of being in a queer, polyamorous family

“Band Of Cardinals” starts the listen with Ross McReynolds’ skilled drumming complementing the warm vocal harmonies from Doug and Telisha via the rugged Americana, and “Morning Comes” follows with Doug’s expressive pipes amid soft guitar for intimate gestures.

Halfway through, “Hurt Your Heart” is a punchy alt-country moment, where Ellen Angelico’s rhythmic guitar emits much beauty, while the title track is a busy moment thanks to crisp drums, spirited guitar and gorgeous singing.

Landing close to the end, “Parking Knife” is a gentle moment that allows Telisha’s remarkable voice to shine amid the aching pedal steel from Joshua Grange, and “Night Sky” exits with strong attention to ambience, as soothing backing vocals add much grace to the poetic finish.

An effort that’s heartfelt, sincere and full of love, Doug and Telisha, who also play bass and guitar respectively, give us a peek into their lives with incredible maturity, as they embrace folk, country, Americana and rootsy nods into their open minded vision.

Travels well with: Robby Hecht- Not A Number; The Resonant Rogues- The Resonant Rogues

Vijay Iyer

Trouble

BMOP, 2024

9/10

Listen to Trouble

The Boston Modern Orchestra Project and solist Jennifer Koh bring their inimitable talents to the debut recording of Vijay Iyer’s Orchestral Works, where the 3 in depth selections are fleshed out meticulously.

“Ashunder” starts the listen with lively strings and flowing winds that are both animated and precise, which later on incorporates strategic drumming and calmer moments of beauty.

Into the middle, we’re treated to “Trouble For Violin And Chamber Orchestra”, which leads intimately and allows for Koh’s stirring violin to complement the rich, cinematic, and, later on, bright chamber presence.

The final piece, “Crisis Modes For Percussion And Strings”, has the strings dancing around the unpredictable percussion in an exciting and timeless execution that few others could replicate.

A listen that’s never short on texture, rhythm and fluidity, the conductor, Gil Rose, illuminates Iyer’s musical response to living in times of struggle with incredible detail.

Travels well with: Boston Modern Orchestra Project- Paul Moravec: The Overlook Hotel: The Suite From ‘The Shining’; Boston Modern Orchestra Project- Joan Tower Piano Concerto- Homage To Beethoven

Yosef Gutman/Peter Broderick

River Of Eden

Soul Song, 2025

8/10

Listen to River Of Eden

The esteemed bassist Yosef Gutman Levitt and instrumentalist Peter Broderick come together for these 12 rich tracks that include Yonathan Avishai, Itay Sher and Yoed Nir.

“The Open Door” begins the listen with strong attention to mood, where Avishai’s stirring piano is met with gentle strings, and “Nigun Al Achat” follows with Broderick’s meticulous violin that suits the calm keys and light melody.

“Revolution” arrives in the middle and allows Nir’s gorgeous cello to complement the emotive spirit, while “The Cinnamon Swirl” spotlights the cozy nylon string guitar courtesy of Sher.

Near to the end, “Reflection” carries a more raw demeanor that tugs on the heartstrings, and “Wave Of Forgiveness” exits with a dreamy landscape of twinkling keys, lovely strings and mysterious effects.

The addition of loops and processing from Broderick really adds much to the affair, and Gutman’s subtle but effective bass won’t go unnoticed either for this folk, neo-classical and harmonic experience.

Travels well with: Yosef Gutman Levitt- The World And Its People; Luigi Perrachio- Piano Quintets

Ward White

Here Come The Dowsers!

Things Like A Key, 2024

8/10

Listen to Here Come The Dowsers

The 15th release from the art-rocker Ward White, the 11 songs here land in cinematic territory, where contributions from Mark Stepro and Tyler Chester won’t go unnoticed.

The melodic and bright “Continuity” starts the listen with fluid guitar from White and Stepro’s agile drumming, and “Here Comes The Dowsers” follows with a darker spirit, where White’s bass complements his distinct vocal delivery that’s quite stylish.

Further along, the mysterious and rich “Johnny Fontane” touches on glam-pop with much detail, while “Common Thread” uses dreamy backing vocals and more rugged guitar work that unfolds with plenty of harmonic gestures.

Deeper still, “Horse Operas”, the album’s best, mixes pop and rock with gorgeous singing amid a charming rhythm section and a crisp tunefulness, and “Speak, Harry” exits with a mesmerizing mood that allows for Chester’s subtle keys to illuminate the radiant textures.

If legends like Bowie, Costello, The Shins or ELO are in your rotation, White’s charming and artistic brand of sounds should be, too, as he continues to prove that he’s as prolific as he is timeless.

Travels well with: Ward White- Ice Cream Chords; Kelly Hogan- I Like To Keep Myself In Pain

Wayne Alpern

Gotham

Henri Elkan 2024

9/10

Listen to Gotham

The always exciting composer and arranger Wayne Alpern enlists a large cast for these 13 jazz and classically influenced tracks that continue his creative vision.

John Patitucci’s playful bass lines start the upbeat energy of “Batman”, where plenty of brass enters the rich climate, and “Blue Room” follows with Andrew Ezrin’s meticulous keys amid the soulful horns and frisky bass.

Residing near the middle, Clint de Ganon’s thumping drums guide the dense and cinematic “Anyone Can Whistle”, while “Two Sleepy People” carries a romantic spirit that benefits much from Antoine Silverman’s intimate violin.

Very close to the end, the initial brass of “Little Darlin’” leads into warm guitar from Kevin Ramessar and hand clapping that helps make this the album’s best, and "When I’m Sixty-Four” is both reserved and adventurous, where a carnival-esque mood is cultivated with much joy and wonder.

You might be familiar with some of these songs, as the work of Horace Silver, Jobim, Sondheim, Lennon and McCartney, among others, are featured, but Alpern truly makes everything his own across another fascinating body of work.

Travels well with: Stan Harrison- Some Poor Soul Has A Fire; Andy Ezrin- I Was Here

The W Lovers

For A Day Or A Lifetime

Lovewood, 2024

9/10

Listen to For A Day Or A Lifetime

The Seattle duo of Fleur and Wesley Wood, as The W Lovers the pair pen lovely harmonies and sublime acoustic sounds that span across these 11 rich songs.

The warm and cozy “Little Ant” starts the listen with Fleur’s pretty pipes alongside thumping drums and elegant guitar, and “Creek And The Hills” follows with a sense of mystery that unfolds with bright vocals and playful picking that embraces country ideas.

Deeper into the listen, “Jeanne’s Lilac” emits a timeless folk quality via the poetic singing and gentle guitar, while “Roll Up The Highway” gets a bit more forceful, vocally, amid upbeat and dance floor ready instrumentation.

Close to the end, the emotive “Throw The Line” carries a bit of dreaminess via the hazy vocal harmonies that blend in well with the rich music, and “I Loved You Best” exits with romantic songwriting that tugs on the heartstrings.

A very well thought out meshing of Americana, folk, country, roots and even indie-rock, this is a record that is lyrically just as luminous as it is musically.

Travels well with: Tucker Woods- Sunshine Blues; Andrea von Kampen- Sister Mood

Zac Harmon

Floreada’s Boy

Catfood, 2024

9/10

Listen to Floreada’s Boy

The Texas bluesman Zac Harmon brings along his band, The Drive, plus others for these 12 new songs that look back on his formative years in Jackson, Mississippi.

“Babe And Ricky’s Inn” starts the listen with Harmon’s warm and slightly gritty voice amid intricate guitar and rhythmic drumming, and “Fake News” follows with a soulful quality, as fluid organ complements the expressive singing.

Moving into the middle, we’re treated to the romantic and intimate “That’s The Way I Feel About Cha”, while “Sugarman” is a bright and glorious moment of soaring horns, meticulous guitar and Harmon’s inviting voice.

Near to the end, “Never Have A Better Night” welcomes the LA Horns to the melodic and rich album highlight, and “Stop The Killing” exits with Caleb Quaye’s guitar acrobatics that suit the cautious singing of the careful blues finish which uses exceptional female backing vocals.

A record of authentic and timeless blues spirit, Harmon’s vocals, guitar and bass are top notch, and the lengthy list of musicians present sure to help make this a superb blues, soul and gospel outing.

Travels well with: Chris BadNews Barnes- Badnews Travels Fast; Eric Bibb- In The Real World

Margi Griebling-Haigh/Arvo Pärt/Heitor Villa-Lobos

Voices From The Other Side

Navona, 2024

8/10

Listen to Voices From The Other Side

An assembly of chamber works fleshed out by Gabrielle Haigh and the Erie Coast Cellists, the selections from 3 esteemed composers are highlighted with much care.

“Voices from the Other Side”, by Griebling-Haigh, opens the listen with Haigh’s soaring pipes alongside the 8 cellists who emit much grace and adventurousness, and Pärt’s “Fratres” follows with a calming intimacy that unfolds across 10+ minutes of gorgeous cello interaction.

Deeper still, Griebling-Haigh’s “Cantilena” showcases the rich chemistry between the cellists via the mysterious landscape, while “L’Abbé Agathon” brings back Haigh’s expressive voice amid the powerful delivery of the album’s best. The final selection, Villa-Lobos’ “Bachianas Brasileiras”, pairs meticulous string picking and pretty bowed gestures that complement the minimal but effective singing.

The cellists on board include David Ellis, Gabriel Ramos, Robert Nicholson, Jeffrey Singler, Ralph Curry, Julie Myers King, Richard Weiss and Khari Joyner. Together, they illuminate Haigh’s harmonic techniques and plenty of 20th and 21st century chamber ideas.

Travels well with: Songs For A New Century; Jan Järvlepp- Flights Of Fancy

Wanu

Magma

No Sun, 2024

8/10

Listen to Magma

The solo project of Sébastien Pittet, as Wanu he takes some help for these experimental and atypical 7 songs.

“In Utero” starts the listen with much ambience, as percussive sounds unfold with mystery, and “Mystére follows with mesmerizing guitar amid a slight droning that creates a nearly therapeutic mood.

“Voie” and “Ciel” land in the middle, where the former is uniquely melodic via a distinct tonality of coziness, while the latter is awash in a sonic gesturing that’s nearly sci-fi. “Origine” exits the listen, and it recruits Saadet Türköz’s inimitable vocals that float above the ominous waves and, eventually, gorgeous minimalism.

A very artistic affair, there’s subtle jazz nods present, as Pittet makes for a technical and textured experience with much intrigue and improvisation.

Travels well with: Helluvah- Fire Architecture; Princess Thailand- Golden Flames

Kombos Collective

Uproot: Greek Refuge Songs From Asia Minor

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Uproot: Greek Refuge Songs From Asia Minor

A collection of Greek Songs that stem from Asia Minor, the Kombos Collective, i.e. Katerina Clambaneva, Ellie Falaris Ganelin, Emma Selmon, and Mary-Victoria Voutsas, welcome a few guests for the chamber jazz setting.

The bright and dreamy “Apo Xeno Topo” starts the listen with Voutsas’ elegant keys that suit Clambaneva’s gorgeous singing, and “Menexedes Kai Zouboulia” follows with flowing melodies via Selmon’s graceful and pretty clarinet.

Deeper into the 13 tracks, “Na Zei Kaneis Sti Monaxia” uses firm keys and poetic vocals that are complemented by Ganelin’s well timed flute, while “Sto ‘pa Kai Sto Xanaleo” makes great use of guest Anastasis Sarakatsanos’ meticulous qanum in an intimate setting.

Nearing the end, the uplifiting “Dimitroula Mou” employs playful percussion from Anders Eliasson that contributes to the album’s best, and “Ehe Geia Panagia” exits with a distinct dreaminess that unfolds with a frisky appeal.

An extremely accomplished body of work, all the players bring a wealth of talent and experience to very worldly pieces.

Travels well with: Tom Maor- Dunes; Avery Sharpe- I Am My Neighbors Keeper

Vanisha Gould

She’s Not Shiny, She’s Not Smooth

Cellar, 2024

8/10

Listen to She’s Not Shiny, She’s Not Smooth

The inimitable vocalist Vanisha Gould is surrounded by some excellent players for these 11 songs that surround the beauty present in and alongside flaws that exist in everyone’s perfect plans.

The title track leads with John Sims’ bass acrobatics that suit Gould’s expressive and distinct voices in the timeless jazz climate, and “Demure” follows with Chris McCarthy’s upbeat keys that flow amid the adaptable vocals of the scrappy demeanor.

Deeper into the listen, “Get Out Of My Way” allows Jongkuk Kim’s frisky drums to shine amid the powerful singing, while “Oh My Dear Friends” is a rich and dynamic album highlight that illustrates Gould’s incredible range.

Close to the end, “Donovan” meshes the mature keys, subdued drumming and heartfelt singing, and “New Dance” exits with playful bass plucking that hosts plenty of meticulous interaction between the instruments and Gould’s inimitable delivery.

This is Gould’s leader-debut, and it comes with a strong message that’s supported by equally robust jazz sounds that are commanding and timeless.

Travels well with: Vanisha Gould and Chris McCarthy- Life’s A Gig; Jim Rotundi- Finesse

Vakili Band

Tannersville

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Tannersville

A quick listen from Lily Vakili’s extraordinary pipes, this solo EP stemmed from a tour supporting John Douglas, where Reed Turchi’s skills help make for 4 rich songs.

“Photograph” opens with Reed Turchi’s slide and acoustic guitar that suit Lily’s expressive pipes amid much warmth, and “Rocket” follows with poetic singing and light guitar that’s quite pretty.

On the back half, “April Fools” pays close attention to mood via the dreamy guitar and soulful singing, and the title track exits with a beat poet appeal that’s lyrically intriguing and musically bluesy.

Lily embodies all that we adore about Patti Smith, Grace Slick and Janis Joplin, and whether in bare of busy settings, she continues to impress us with this captivating EP.

Travels well with: Sarah King- When It All Comes Down; Vakila Band- Honey

Vanessa Collier

Do It My Own Way

Phenix, 2024

9/10

Listen to Do It My Own Way

The Philadelphia soul singer and multi-instrumentalist Vanessa Collier brings along an excellent cast for these 8 rich and powerful songs.

The upbeat and rhythmic “Elbow Grease” opens with Byron Cage’s thumping drums and Doug Woolverton’s lively trumpet complementing Collier’s soulful voice, and “Do It My Own Way” follows with a hint of ruggedness amid the thick guitar from Laura Chavez and Scot Sutherland’s agile bass.

“Wild As A Rainstorm” and “Shoulda Known Better” land in the middle. The former carries a bright tone via soothing backing vocals as Collier hits some high notes, while the latter is an animated album highlight that’s textured with funk and jazz flavor.

Close to the end, “Rosetta” isn’t short on gospel influences thanks to the joyous and uplifting mood, and “Warrior” exits with a gentle intimacy that recruits cozy guitar and builds into a soaring and emotive finish.

Collier handles alto and tenor sax, slide guitar, flute, resonator guitar and, of course, vocals, and her esteemed help sure do make for a groove friendly, old school fueled and bluesy, R&B masterpiece that you’ll revisit repeatedly.

Travels well with: Nora Brown and Stephanie Coleman- Lady Of The Lake; Jonah Tolchin- Dockside

Bill Bloomer

Bounty

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Bounty

A world traveling Buddhist Monk with a penchant for folk and country sounds, Bill Bloomer may have gotten a late start in the world of recorded music, but he’s making up for it quickly as Bounty is his 5th album in just over a decade.

“Doing Things Different” starts with Bloomer’s warm acoustic picking and deep vocals, as harmonicas complement the campfire-esque folk delivery, and “Earthly Sensations” follows with gravelly singing in the old time feel of the horn filled, retro fun.

Near the middle, “Lonely People” offers a sparse setting where percussion and female backing vocals are present, while “No Hay Otro” recruits plenty of rhythm into the cultured album highlight.

At the end, “Hog Leg Stew” taps into subtle R&B nods in the swampy blues setting, and “Anyway I Found You” strips the atmosphere bare with Bloomer’s rugged yet melodic vocals soaring amid strategic keys. “Thoroughbreds” ends the listen on one of the fullest tunes, as marching band style drumming and playful Americana punctuate the rich experience.

A previous rodeo star whose career was ended by an injury, though Bloomer only picked up a guitar at age 36, he delivers like a natural troubadour, and is backed up by violins, accordions, and pedal steel, among others, on this poetic and timeless collection of 11 original and compelling tunes.

Travels well with: Woody Guthrie- Dust Bowl Ballads; Bob Dylan- Bringing It All Back Home