Windborne

To Warm The Winter Hearth

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to To Warm The Winter Hearth

The Massachusetts singers Windborne bring their inimitable talents to these holiday focused songs that welcome a couple of guest instrumentalists.

“Here We Come A-Wassailing” opens with the harmonizing vocals emitting much beauty and warmth, and “The Boar’s Head Carol” follows with light, dreamy musicianship that complements the expressive singing.

Further along, “Aisim Bernai Kalédaut” mixes the sopranos and baritones with incredible fluidity, while “The Cherry Tree Carol” is an intimate moment of gorgeous, heartfelt voices that touch on timeless folk ideas.

Close to the end, “The Derby Ram” benefits much from Katie McNally’s meticulous fiddle amid the bright storytelling, and “The Turning Year” illustrates their signature four part vocal harmony formula that we could never tire of.

A record of both familiar and not so known winter songs, the subtle use of jaw harp, banjo, drums, guitar, McNally’s fiddle and Yann Falquet’s accordion sure do suit the exceptional singing

Travels well with: Tasha Smith Godinez- A New Day; Roopa Panesar- ATMA

Yi-Ting Lu

An Unopened Seashell

New Focus, 2024

8/10

Listen to An Unopened Seashell

The debut from the composer Yi-Ting Lu, these 5 solo pieces illustrate her ability to use music as a way of exploring extra-musical phenomena.

“Slimy Tracks” starts with Daniel Lippel’s fascinating guitar playing that unfolds with quirky, unpredictable patterns, and “Taxidermy” follows with Ben Roidl-Ward’s clever and artistic bassoon that mesmerizes us with its colorful delivery.

“Half Decorations” lands in the middle, and showcases Ben Melsky’s profound abilities with a harp in very minimal, ominous areas as well as bright and intimate gestures, while “Sewing In Thin Air” places Lam Wong on piano for both pretty and rumbling moments of meticulous keys.

The title track exits, and it involves Thomas Giles’ stunning alto sax prowess that quivers and manipulates sound with breath, slap tonguing, altissimo and multiphonics present.

An excellent introduction to Lu’s iconoclastic vision, each track here is creative, unique and memorable.

Travels well with: Travis Laplante- The Golden Lock; Tina Davidson- Barefoot

Yuko Ito

Seduzir

Funny Baby Face, 2024

8/10

Listen to Seduzuir

A Tokyo native with a penchant for Brazilian sounds, the vocalist Yuko Ito brings us a 4th album where jazz standards and Latin classics are illuminated.

“Caxangá” opens the listen with Romero Lubambo’s flowing guitar and Alxandre Kautz’s skilled drums complementing Ito’s expressive pipes, and “Eu Sei Que Vou Te Amar” follows with Helio Alves’ intimate piano that suits the poetic singing from Ito.

Halfway through, “Besamé Mucho” allows for Edward Perez’s frisky bass to shine in the lively climate, while “O Ronco Da Cúica” is a rhythmic album highlight that benefits from Vanessa Falabella’s animated backing vocals.

Deeper into the record, “Waltz For Debby” radiates a distinct dreaminess via the emotive singing and warm instrumentation, and “You And The Night And The Music” exits with meticulous bass plucking that builds into a firm climate thanks to Steve Wilson’s bright sax and, of course, Ito’s flawless vocals.

A body of work that’s both sophisticated and adventurous, pop, rock, R&B, gospel and free jazz aren’t off limits across the versatile and original landscape.

Travels well with: Mariah Parker- Windows Through Time; Tamuz Nissim- While Birds Fly

Yunchan Lim

Chopin Études

Decca, 2024

9/10

Listen to Chopin Études

The rising pianist Yunchan Lim makes for an impressive debut here, where his ‘classical answer to K-Pop’ formula interprets Chopin’s work with incredible attention to detail.

“Waterfall” leads and emits swirling keys that are so well executed, it hardly seems like only one person is playing, and it isn’t long until “Torrent" radiates an animated and cinematic presence of meticulous and exciting progressions.

Deeper still, “F Minor" is an emotive and intimate moment that comes in waves of beauty, while “The Bees” mesmerizing us with the agile fingers moving swiftly and beautifully.

Close to the end, “Sixths" carries a distinct energy that’s bright and joyful in spirit, and “Ocean" exits with firm keys, strong attention to atmosphere and truly captivating key manipulation that few others could replicate.

It’s amazing to think that Lim is just 20 years old, cause he plays with a skill well beyond his years and a vision that will always be relevant and necessary for those with an ear for classical, piano music.

Travels well with: Will Liverman/ Jonathan King- Show Me The Way; Yuja Wang- Rachmaninoff

Zoe Fitzgerald Carter

Before The Machine

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Before The Machine

A singer-songwriter from the Bay Area, Zoe FitzGerald Carter brings alongs some excellent musicians for these very diverse songs that are inspired by a world before smart phones.

The title track starts the listen with Carter’s warm voice alongside Jeri Jones’ cozy guitar and Greg Sankovich’s fluid keys for the eloquent, folk presence, and “Magic Pill” follows with a hint of ruggedness, where Paul Olguin’s skilled bass and Dawn Richardson’s agile drumming complements the dreamy moments.

“Starlight Blue” lands in the middle, and uses Lila Sklar’s well timed violin amid the poetic singing, while “Let’s Just Stay Friends” place Erik Jakobsen on flugelhorn for the distinct intimacy

Close to the end, “Staying Home Tonight” bring gritty guitar via Michael Papenburg and a harmonica solo for some rootsy flavor, and “Lockdown” exits with Pam Delgado’s strategic backing vocals for much reflection about Covid times.

A listen with something for everyone, we’re treated to folk, country, rock, jazz and blues ideas, as Carter pens much beauty, some rawness and a whole of timelessness.

Travels well with: Jefferson Berry- Prairie Fire; Rachel Garlin- The Ballad Of Madelyne & Therese

William Horne

Chamber Music Of William Horne, Vol. III

Blue Griffin, 2024

9/10

Listen to Chamber Music Of William Horne, Vol. III

The New Orleans composer William Horne brings us 3 in depth chamber works, where the meticulous delivery is as timeless as his inimitable vision.

“Sonata For French Horn And Piano” starts the listen with Mollie Pate’s rich French horn and Xiting Yang’ firm keys that flow through 3 chapters of elegant and meticulous instrumentation.

The middle belongs to “Sonata For Alto Saxophone And Piano”, where Walter Puryear’s animated sax is met with stunning finger acrobatics from Joonghun Cho’s animated keys that help the 3 segments swirl with a dynamic execution.

“Trio For Flute, Alto Saxophone, And Piano” is the final piece, and it meshes Brandon LePage’s dreamy flute, Puyear’s glowing sax and Cho’s lively keys for an uplifting and highly melodic exit.

The selections here are penned in Horne’s latter-day, lyrical style, and really illuminate the individual talents of the musicians via the harmonic language and strong attention to tonality.

Travels well with: Rick Sowash- Voyageurs; Elicio Winds- Convergence

Well Tempered Madness

Well Tempered Madness

Vegas, 2024

8/10

Listen to Well Tempered Madness

The brainchild of guitarist Steve Fansler, the Las Vegas outfit Well Tempered Madness make an eclectic sound of rock with Uli Geissendoerfer, Mike Merritt, Tom Bolton, Jeanette Jurado and Jose "Pepe"Jimenez in attendance.

The animated and rich “D’FUNK’D” starts the listen with Bolton’s lively drums and Fansler’s meticulous guitar making for plenty of grooves, and “FOMO” follows with no lack of soulful spirit via Jurado’s expressive singing amid Merritt’s agile bass.

Halfway through, “Line Change” benefits much from Jimenez’s playful percussion that suits the funky mood, while “Everything Changes” finds itself in dreamy areas thanks to the soft guitars, light drumming and textured haze.

“The Chase” and “Psycho” exit the listen, The former is a more hard hitting track that’s not without melody, too, and the latter is strong on atmosphere and spoken word, where flowing keys and the charming rhythm section don’t disappoint.

A diverse outing that meshes blues, funk, jam and jazz into an inimitable formula, each member of Well Tempered Madness brings a wealth of talent and experience to the table.

Travels well with: Custard Flux- Phosphorus; Western Jazz Collective- Dark Journey: The Music Of Andrew Rathbun

Works

Scouring For The Elements

Connection Works, 2024

9/10

Listen to Scouring For The Elements

The trio of Michel Gentile, Daniel Kelly and Rob Garcia, as Works they pen diverse variations of jazz across 12 original tracks.

“Something That You Can Do” starts the listen with Gentile’s animated flute that soars alongside Garcia’s frisky drums, and “Forgotten Memories” follows with a calm, emotive presence that benefits much from Kelly’s mature keys and the soothing winds.

Moving into the middle, “Diary Of A Missing Voice” is both reserved and exploratory via the warm keys and dreamy flute, while “Free Candy” is full of firm gestures and crisp drumming for a more forceful version of the trio’s improvisation.

Close to the end, “Sound Sanctuary” emits a hazy intimacy that rumbles and is cinematic, and “Gravitas” exits with low keys and rich flute for a contrast of dirge like density versus brighter tones.

A collaboration with a lot of depth and innovative musicianship, the individual strength of the players is admirable, and the combined effort is nothing short of stunning.

Travels well with: Tone Forest- Tone Forest; Stephen Philip Harvey Octet- Live At Radio Artifact

Wonderly

Wolves

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Wolves

The duo of Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk, as Wonderly the Portland residents welcome many guest players for these songs inspired by the winter season.

The warm and cozy “It Was Written That Way” starts the record with expressive singing in a dreamy climate of beauty, and “Wall Of China” follows with Steve Berlin’s baritone sax entering the strong attention to mood that’s emotive and powerful.

Further along, the rich “My Damn Self” welcomes Veronica Sparling’s well timed trumpet and Dana Sparling’s strategic flute for a chamber influenced moment, while “Starfucker” carries a frisky tone via Pete Thomas’ scrappy drums and melodic guitars that complement some high notes sung.

Deeper still, the rootsy flavor of “Dancin With The Devil” benefits much from Paul Brainard’s glowing pedal steel, and “Words To Say Goodbye” exits with plenty of grit amid the gorgeous vocal harmonies, firm organ and hazy guitar.

A body of work often tinted with melancholy, both light and dark ideas from the human experience are fleshed out across this careful and touching listening experience.

Travels well with: Jim Brunberg- Crooning Through The Apocalypse; William Matheny- That Grand Old Feeling

Zachary Bartholomew

Balancing Act

Bemuse, 2024

8/10

Listen to Balancing Act

The exceptional pianist Zachary Bartholomew is joined by Marty Quinn, Rodolfo Zuniga, David Fernandez and Benny Benack III for this debut of all originals.

The lively and rich “Crazy Socks” opens the listen with Fernandez’s glowing sax amid Bartholomew’s agile keys, and “Sunny Days Driven By” follows with swirling keys and Zuniga’s flowing drums that help create much warmth.

Halfway through, the title track benefits much from Quinn’s meticulous bass lines amid the dense keys, while “There And Back Again” carries a mesmerizing tone via the swift piano and frisky rhythm section.

Landing close to the end, “Mirror Image” allows for the bright sax to guide the timeless jazz melodies, and “Midnight Nefarity” exits with both busy and calm gestures that radiate much precision and coziness.

An eclectic listen that touches on post-bop as well as melancholy, Benack’s strategic trumpet is much appreciated across an outstanding and innovative debut.

Travels well with: Tony Romano- Three Chord Monte; Terry Waldo- Treasury: Volume 1

Vedrana Subotić

Chiaroscuro

Blue Griffin, 2024

9/10

Listen to Chiaroscuro

The Croatian American pianist Vedrana Subotić delivers several interpretations of folk songs from the former Yugoslavia, where her solo piano prowess illuminates the selections she learned as a child.

“Djelem Djelem ( I Went, I Went)” starts the listen with the flowing keys and distinct tone that emits much grace and warm, and “Kad Ja Podjoh Na Bembašu (When I Went To Bembasa)” follows with an emotive presence that radiates a timeless intimacy.

Halfway through, “Makedonsko Dvoječe (Macedonian Girl)” swirls with a mesmerizing mood, while “Još Ne Sviće Rujna Zora (Crimson Dawn Has Not Yet Broken)”, the best selection, unfolds with a rich, expressive quality that builds into swift and meticulous finger acrobatics.

The final track, Liszt’s “Sonata in B minor”, spreads out over 30+ minutes of rumbling, dynamic and exciting keys that exit the record on a very high note.

Subotić has been globally praised for her astounding performances, and that trend continues here, where themes of love, hope, beauty and loss are fleshed out flawlessly.

Travels well with: Orli Shaham- Mozart: Complete Piano Sonatas Vol. 5 & 6; Solomiya Ivakhiv- Ukrainian Masters

Wendy And DB

Back Home

Tigerlily, 2024

8/10

Listen to Back Home

The Grammy nominees Wendy and DB return with a blues album for families, where Billy Branch, Libby Rae Watson, Ruthie Foster, and Doug MacLeod, plus others, join for the groove filled affair.

“Back Home” starts the listen with Ruthie Foster’s powerful pipes and Anne Harris’ stirring violin for the warm climate, and “Put Down The Phone!” follows with Rising Stars Fife and Drum Band’s creative drumming for a tune with a very important message.

Further along, “Moving Mountains” welcomes Billy Branch and HHW Youth Choir to the jazz fueled landscape that’s frisky and infectious, while “Hemingway The Wonderdog” allows Wendy and DB’s inimitable talents to shine via the hand clapping, upbeat album highlight.

Close to the end, the dreamy and rhythmic “Be You/Walk To Your Own Beat” is a rich and positive tune that’s winds and string friendly, and even further the piano fueled “Peace In The Valley” is a powerful moment that carries some gospel spirit, too.

A multicultural, Chicago duo, Wendy and DB bring two guitars, a ukulele, and their voices to these community minded and empowering tracks that benefit much from the many guests for this fun, inspirational and wise body of work.

Travels well with: Star Forest- Let Me Be Real; Jessie Baylin- Strawberry Wind

Woo

Hoo-Ha

Circum-Disc, 2024

9/10

Listen to Hoo-Ha

The trio of Christine Wodrascka, Paulina Owczarek and Peter Orins, as Woo they pen 3 detailed, free jazz pieces that are both artistic and unpredictable.

The distinct mood of “Why Not” starts the listen with Wodrascka’s animated keys alongside Orins’ skilled drumming and soulful sax bouts from Owczarek for the 30+ minutes of atypical jazz.

“Spacer w angielskim ogrodzie” follows, and uses field recording like sounds amid sparse keys and much ambience, and “Hoo-Ha” exits with a nearly sci-fi presence that emits wild sax, exciting keys and animated drumming.

The trio became acquainted in 2022, and it didn’t take long for them to realize there was a connection that needed to be explored. This effort is both live and studio produced, and it balances power, experimentation and sonically charged free jazz with incredible, technical gestures.

Travels well with: Ternoy Cruz Orins- The Theory Of Constraints; Kaze- Unwritten

Yuka Mito

How Deep Is The Ocean

Nana Notes, 2024

8/10

Listen to How Deep Is The Ocean

The NYC jazz singer Yuka Mito interprets 7 standards in her own distinct vision, where Hiroki Morioka, Iwao Masuhara and Yoshifumi Nihonmatsu are in attendance.

The frisky “Too Darn Hot” showcases Mito’s flowing voice amid Morioka’s meticulous keys and Masuhara’s lively bass lines, and “Close To You” follows with intimate piano that suits Mito’s poetic pipes that emit much beauty.

In the middle, “How Deep Is The Ocean” spotlights the strategic bass and Mito’s impressive range in a bare climate, while “How High The Moon” is a lively album highlight where Nihonmatsu’s animated drums shine.

“Corcovado” exits the listen, and it’s a sophisticated and rich delivery of pretty keys, soft singing and subtle drums and bass for an emotive finish.

A fun listen that can swing just as it can tug on the heartstrings, Mito and her Japanese musicians do justice to these classics with a fresh coat of paint.

Travels well with: Julia Vari- Somos; Yuka Mito- Love In The City

Wesley Dean

Music From Crazy Hearts

Hall Of Flames, 2024

8/10

Listen to Music From Crazy Hearts

The Australian native and Nashville resident Wesley Dean brings plenty of grit to these 11 careful tracks, where the sounds of the ‘60s and on are present.

“Mercy” starts the listen with some mystery and strong attention to mood, where Dean’s distinct singing suits the rhythmic climate, and “Burn This House” follows with swift acoustic guitar, as raw vocals and vivid storytelling unfolds with thumping drums and spirited harmonica that flirts with grunge.

Entering the middle, “Crazy Hearts” is a slow burner of mesmerizing emotion, while “Tennessee Road” is full of soulful qualities that bursts into a giant, heartland rocker that gives Springsteen a run for his money.

Further still, Dean explores psychedelia with the desert blues of the stylish “Doorways”, and “Tomorrow” exits with string filled beauty and intimacy that’s poetic and heartfelt.

Dean won Australian Idol, and didn’t waste any time making a name for himself with an ARIA-certified Platinum single. He’s also released several well received albums, and this is certainly another one that uses his folk, rock and pop formula with much sincerity and warmth.

Travels well with: The Lowdown Drifters- Last Call For Dreamers; King Calaway- Rivers

Veronica Thomas

They Say It’s Wonderful

Nica Carrington, 2024

8/10

Listen to They Say It’s Wonderful

The superb vocals of Veronica Thomas illuminate these 12 jazz standards, where John Proulx, Bob Sheppard, Mike Gurrola and Kevin Van Den Elzen are in attendance.

The elegant and warm “Almost In Your Arms” opens with Proulx’s graceful keys complementing Thomas’ smooth voice, and “Get Out Of Town” follows with much beauty radiating from the dreamy piano and Sheppard’s soaring sax prowess.

Moving along, “If I Were A Bell” comes with an infectious energy that benefits from Gurrola’s playful bass, while “Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered” is a stirring, intimate moment of sublime singing amid gorgeous keys.

Approaching the end, “A Sleepin’ Bee” showcases Elzen’s frisky drumming that suits the lively sax and “Two For The Road” exits with Sheppard handling flute and Proulx contributing vocals to the hazy and touching finish.

An excellent outing of balladry and swingin’ moments, Thomas pulls off a tremendous performance, and the musicians certainly accent her talents in spades.

Travels well with: Tania Grubbs Quintet- The Sound Of Love; Suzanne Pittson- Emerge Dancing

Wedingoth

Five Stars (A)live

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Five Stars (A)live

Recorded live at CGR, Rotonde, Lyon, Frace in 2023, these 9 tracks emit a rock/metal/prog hybrid thanks to Wedingoth’s dynamic and collaborative delivery.

“Dear Universe” starts with mystery, as Steeven Segarra’s warm acoustic guitar is met with Céline Nephthys’ stirring vocals in an intimate climate, and “Masterpiece Of Life” follows with a hard hitting formula that’s still melodic and embraces Stéphane Rochas’ thumping drums.

Deeper into the set, “Life” balances calm and busy bouts with pretty singing and powerful instrumentation, while “The Space Man” leads with thumping drums before thick guitars and Manon Fortin’s meticulous bass enter the record’s best.

Near to the end, “Cross The Mirror” comes with a frisky mood of chunky bass and expressive singing, and “Love” exits with emotive singing that builds into a dense and furious finish.

The ambience, fierceness and pretty moments of this accomplished prog fueled listen is captured superbly and truly illustrates the depths of Wedingoth’s talents.

Travels well with: Wedingoth- Five Stars Above; Babel- Who Will I Be When I Leave?

Western Jazz Collective

Dark Journey: The Music Of Andrew Rathbun

Origin, 2024

9/10

Listen to Dark Journey: The Music Of Andrew Rathbun

A collection of musicians who have the Western Michigan University in common, the 7 players on hand flesh out the music of saxophonist/composer Andrew Rathbum with much precision.

“Making No Sense” starts the listen with Matt Landon’s frisky guitar lines alongside Rathbun’s soulful sax for a timeless jazz spirit, and “Infinite Being” follows with a calmer pace of light drums from benefit much from Scott Cowan’s radiant trumpet.

Deeper into the program, “Different Directions” blends the brass with Matthew Fries’ key acrobatics for much warmth, while “Longer Wait” is an intimate moment of mesmerzing horns and atmospheric percussion.

Further still, “Echoes” is a rich album highlight, where John Hébert’s well timed bass suits the dreamy landscape, and “Reading The Exits” finishes with Greg Jasperse’s wordless vocals that radiate a distinct coziness amid the dynamic and textured instrumentation.

The band members have origins in New York, Los Angeles and Boston, and together their respective talents unfold with strong attention to detail and top notch modern jazz.

Travels well with: Live Edge Trio With Steve Nelson- Closing Time; Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra- Groove Junkies

The Young Fresh Fellows

The Fabulous Sounds Of The Pacific Northwest

Omnivore, 2024

10/10

Listen to The Fabulous Sounds Of The Pacific Northwest

The debut album from one of alt-rock’s earliest bands, Seattle’s Young Fresh Fellows see the reissue treatment, where this 40th Anniversary Edition brings us a bonus disc of 14 rare tracks.

“Rock’n’Roll Pest Control” starts the listen wtih bouncy guitars and crisp drumming for the energetic and scrappy delivery, and it isn’t long until “Think Better Of Me” follows with harmonic singing that comes with plenty of soaring punk energy.

Further into the original album, “Big House” carries a slight jangle amid the raw climate, while “Teenage Dogs In Trouble” emits swirling guitars solo alongside the smooth vocals. “The Young Fresh Fellows Theme” exits, and it’s a playful and retro moment with soulful backing vocals.

Disc 2 starts with “Down By The Pharmacy (Xmas Version)”, where well timed keys add much to the dynamic rhythm section, though it’s the meticulous guitar work and emotive singing of “Sharing Patrol” that really makes this portion worth a peek. “Merry Croutons Mr. Gulp Gulp” exits the listen with a charming and novel holiday tune that’s prefaced by nods to The Replacements.

The band are still going strong today with current members Scott McCaughey, Jim Sangster, Kurt Bloch, and newcomer John Perrin, and this peek at their early work makes it easy to understand why they’ve influenced legions of other musicians and have easily achieved legendary status.

Travels well with: Hoodoo Gurus- Chariot Of The Gods; The Baseball Project- Grand Salami Time!

Bill O'Connell And The Afro Caribbean Ensemble

Wind Off The Hudson

Savant, 2019

8/10

Listen to Wind Off The Hudson

A 40 year veteran to jazz and Latin sounds, Bill O’Connell is in great company here as The Afro Caribbean Ensemble make their recording debut on this complicated and timeless collection or covers and originals.

The title track starts the affair with playful keys and plenty of festive rhythm in the graceful yet frisky opener, and “Gospel 6” follows with a more subdued exploration of the immense talent present, as horns become front and center.

Further on, “I Don’t Have An Answer” has the mood shifting to contemplative on the breezy, calming jazz highlight, while “Perdido” recruits a soulful shuffle to the cultured fun.

Near the end, “C Jam Blues” indeed brings a blues spirit to the intoxicating interplay between the instruments, and “Discombobulation” ends the record with acrobatics keys and meticulous sax playing in a strong exit to a powerful, sophisticated album.

Even though O’Connell is the leader, he gives much space to trumpets, trombones, congos and flutes, as the entire ensemble rework several classics in their thriving and enthralling vision. Fans of jazz and Latin music with plenty of brass on hand will find much to adore on Wind Off The Hudson.

Travels well with: Eddie Palmieri- Mi Luz Mayor ; Tito Puente- Lo Mato