Joe Bonamassa

Live At The Sydney Opera House

J&R Adventures, 2019

9/10

Listen to Live At The Sydney Opera House

The blues rock superstar returns with a new album that culls tunes primarily from his no. 1 album, Blues Of Desperation, Bonamassa fleshed out these tracks live at the legendary Sydney Opera House with Anton Fig (percussion), Michael Rhodes (bass), Reese Wynans (keys), Paulie Cerra (sax) and Lee Thornburg (trumpet), not to mention several backing vocalists.

After the powerful and musically dynamic “This Train” opens up the set, “Mountain Climbing” follows with intricate picking and inimitable rhythm, and “Drive” continues the varied setting with throbbing percussion and breathy vocals amid plenty of atmosphere.

As to be expected, the set is very guitar focused as few will ever handle the instrument quite like Bonamassa, though organ fills, bright horns and strategic keys add much to the landscape as deeper cuts like “Love Ain’t A Love Song” finds plenty of grooves to reside in, while “No Place For The Lonely” displays the blues in a fashion that few ever well with soaring solos from Bonamassa. The record highlight, though there isn’t a dull moment to be found, is “Blues Of Desperation”, where the brass really shines, though each player gets some time in the spotlight with their esteemed talent.

Now past #15 when it comes to live albums, Bonamassa again proves that his version of the blues sounds amazing in any setting, but here, at the Opera House, it sounds even better. Trimmed down from a 16 song set to 9 tunes, every moment here shines, and the vinyl version even comes with a bonus track, “Livin’ Easy”.

Travels well with: Reese Wynans- Sweet Release; Robert Cray- Bad Influence

Paris Cafe

Paris Cafe

Putumayo, 2019

8/10

Listen to Paris Cafe

Putumayo keeps their tradition of releasing esteemed world music alive, and here they deliver classic French music on the appropriately titled Paris Cafe.

The elegant and agile sounds of “Douce France”, by Charles Trenet, starts the listen with playful keys and clever melodies, and Lucienne Delyle follows with the dreamy, sweeping appeal of “C’est Magnifique”

Halfway through, Norbert Slama offers us “Sous Les Ponts de Paris”, where a nostalgic approach unfolds with bare beauty, while “Gypsy Jazz Caravan’s “La Mer” recruits timeless guitar sounds with flourishing songcraft. Duo Gadjo And Their Hot Friends then delivers one of the album’s best, with the upbeat and meticulous “La Complainte de la Butte”.

Near the end, the accordions of “Flambee Montalbanaise” add much to the varied setting, while “Vous Qui Passez Sans Me Voir”, by Giorgis, uses ukulele and smooth vocals for a bare but impressive exit.

Not only are we treated to sublime and timeless music, but the packaging includes a 13 page booklet where each artists is profiled in depth, making this a must hear for those with an ear for esteemed world music.

Travels well with: Charles Trenet- La Romance de Paris; Putumayo- Joy To The World

The Cutthroat Brothers

Taste For Evil

Hound Gawd!, 2019

9/10

Listen to Taste For Evil

The Cutthroat Brothers don’t waste much time between albums, and here they deliver 10 new tracks about sex, drugs, death and bad relationships where the real life barbers Jason Cutthroat and Donny Paycheck (formerly of Zeke) tear through garage rock, punk rock and swamp rock sounds.

The title track starts the album with a driving pace and smooth melodies amid the gritty rock setting, and “Shake Move Howl Kill” follows with a throbbing backdrop of visceral and nearly bluesy energy that might make you do all the things in the title, except, hopefully, kill.

A quick listen where there just isn’t a dud, “Black Candle” trims the pace back and isn’t short on fuzz and sleazy grooves, while “Killing Time” uses jagged rhythm amid some subtle grunge nods with much success.

Closer to the end, “Candy Cane” offers us charged punk rock with a head bobbin’, toe tappin’ sing-along appeal, and “The King Is Dead” concludes the affair with thick haze and crashing percussion on the slow burning exit.

Even though this is just their 2nd album (they’ve only been together just about 2 years), the duo have already cemented themselves as one of the most exciting outfits in the area of punk rock with their razor sharp song craft and raw yet tuneful formula.

Travels well with: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club- Specter At The Feast; The Cramps- Flamejob

David Newbould

Sin & Redemption

Rock Ridge, 2019

9/10

Listen to Sin & Redemption

A Nashville based singer-songwriter who has a penchant for both lush and intimate forms of Americana, though David Newbould might be a new name for most of us, his songwriting prowess on Sin & Redemption makes an instant and lasting impression.

The albums leads with the warm strumming and timeless melodies of “Sensitive Heart”, and the title track follows with a more rugged approach of flowing Americana as Newbould’s raw but tuneful pipes guide the rural fun.

Elsewhere, “Long Road To Barstow” finds the troubadour in a sparse setting of more country influenced instrumentation, while “Diamonds In The Dark” recruits roots rock with a fuller display of strings and gospel nods.

Deeper cuts shine, too, including the pretty nostalgia and bare beauty of “Love You Too Much (Henry’s Song)”, and “L.A. Dreams” sits firmly in today’s indie-folk with strong song craft. “Oh Katy (Just Gettin’ By)” ends the listen powerful and playful, with Newbould’s most pop friendly offering.

Now 8 albums deep into his career and with plenty of TV and film scoring as well, Newbould brings much talent and experience to the affair, and it’s pretty likely, if you’re like me, you’re going to be immersed in his stories, especially if names like Dylan, Tweedy and Earle mean anything to you.

Travels well with: Dawes- Passwords; Tony Lucca- Ain’t No Storm

Michelle Creber

On Display

Howe Sounds, 2019

8/10

Listen to On Display

A youngster who is also a voiceover artist, actor and mental health advocate, though Michelle Creber’s music is certainly more likely to be absorbed by teen and young adult ears, her universal appeal and relatable lyrics could strike a chord with all ages.

“Kings & Queens” starts the listen with buzzing pop as Creber’s bright vocals guide the FM ready tune, and “On Display” follows with piano balladry, as the songstress sounds wiser than her years in the emotive landscape that builds into lush pop-rock.

Near the middle, “Colorblind” uses strategic piano in a more cautious version of her pop prowess, while “Superhero” recruits male vocals to help cultivate the tense yet melodic atmosphere. “Still Driving”, one of the album’s best, then offers a driving pace of sing-alongs and infectious songwriting.

Near the end, “One For All” explores Creber’s range with great results on the dreamy tune, and “Another Song” ends the listen dance floor friendly with a chorus you won’t forget anytime soon.

At just 20 years old, Creber proves that she’s well versed at both organic and electronic ideas, and her voice resonates whether it’s balladry or radiant pop. Remember her name, you’ll be hearing a lot more of it in the future.

Travels well with: Kate Davis- Trophy; Science Is Fiction- Don’t Everybody Thank Me At Once

Nomad & Lola

Noir

On The Level, 2019

8/10

Listen to Noir

A husband and wife pair where Nomad handles guitar duties and Lola contributes her stunning pipes, the duo give us their interpretations of a few classic tunes from the ‘30s to the ‘70s on this debut EP.

Early in the listen, “Bang Bang” brings twinkling sounds as the dreamy, atmospheric musicianship is complemented by Lola’s pretty pipes, and at the end “The Wall” flows with plenty of playfulness in the classic tune as the couple put a modern pop spin on the Pink Floyd staple.

Elsewhere, “Summertime/My Guitar Gently Weeps” offers elegant keys as the vocals soar from the pair, while some of the best melodies enter the equation, as does bluesy guitar solos on the Simone/Harrison mash up.

Nomad & Lola have already soundtracked hundreds of films and TV shows and are well versed in rock, soul, classical and Latin sounds, to name a few, and here they take that timeless talent and offer us extremely well done versions of tunes we’re all familiar with but have never experienced quite like this.

Travels well with: Sonny & Cher- Look At Us; Cat Casual & The Final Word- The Secret Self

Amberly Chalberg

Hi-Line

Self-Released, 2019

9/10

Listen to Hi-Line

A Denver resident with a penchant for Americana and many genres related to it, Amberly Chalberg delivers an emotionally raw and forthright listen here, where members of Merle Haggard and Lucinda Williams’ bands helped track the thoughtful songs studio live.

“The Whiskey Song” gets the album off to an extremely moving and eloquent display of indie-folk and agile Americana as Chalberg’s pretty and expressive vocals draw us in, and “Everything I Wanted” follows with a more country influenced atmosphere as rural beauty meets the breezy melody.

In the middle, “Lil Bit Country” turns the volume up with spirited guitars and a more forceful approach in the barnyard rocker, while “I Apologize” brings us into ballad territory as Chalberg’s flawless pipes glow in the calm atmosphere. “Tell Me We’re Gonna Make It”, an album stand out, then makes the most out of pedal steel and classic country ideas.

Near the end, “Family’s Just A Word” finds a darker place to reside with plenty of roots rock flavor, and “Wishing Well” exits the listen playful and charming with dance friendly, folksy alt-country that invites a sing-along.

A very personal effort, the title refers to Montana, where she was raised, and the horse on the cover is symbolic of her father, who recently passed away. Fans of alt-country, blues, country and, most importantly, strong song craft would be wise to add Chalberg to their must hear Americana list, as the songstress has penned a stunning listen with Hi-Line.

Travels well with: Cara Louise- Fragile Heart; Catherine MacLellan- Coyote

Heazza

Heazza

Audible Paint, 2019

8/10

Listen to Heazza

The recording moniker of Chicago artist Heather Leonhardt, on this first EP the songstress delivers a unique and compelling ambient infused version of indie-rock, that’s highly personal and quite eclectic.

“The Dark” gets the album off to a piano heavy and emotive opening of lush beauty, and “Stuck” follows with a beat friendly setting of neo-soul ideas in an extremely creative display.

The back half of the EP offers the graceful and eloquent “Hazy Blue”, while “Crimson Eyes” recruits a classical influence amid the expressive vocals and subtle pop nods. “Winding Forward” ends the listen bare but powerful, with just Heazza’s gripping vocals against warm keys.

Somewhat electro-pop, sometimes down tempo and with touches of jazz and R&B, too, this is a young woman with a wealth of talent who sure has got her career jumpstarted with this impressive debut.

Travels well with: Tom Waits- Mule Variations; Fran- A Private Picture

Amber Weekes

Pure Imagination

Amber Inn, 2020

8/10

Pure Imagination

A Los Angeles jazz vocalist with an impressive set of pipes, Amber Weekes reworks a dozen of her favorite standards on the aptly titled Pure Imagination, as she brings in a small handful of players to help flesh out the warm interpretations.

The title track starts the listen as Sue Raney also contributes vocals to the elegant yet playful opener that sets the mood, and “It’s All Right With Me” follows with swinging jazz fun where brass and lively percussion complement the affair.

Near the middle, “Gotta Be This Or That” lets the trumpets shine as Weekes provides smooth, expressive singing, while “Brown Baby” resides closer to balladry as the calm setting relies on strings. “When October Goes”, the album highlight, then recruits upbeat melodies and a romantic atmosphere with flowing instrumentation in the Bossa-Nova gem.

Near the end, “The Way He Makes Me Feel", a duet with Mon David, is one of the vocal standouts as the twinkling music emits a cinematic quality, and the last formal track, Paul Simon’s “Gone At Last”, is redone with the spirit of New Orleans that’s festive and layered perfectly.

Most of us won’t be familiar with the bulk of these tunes, and even if you are, Weekes reinvents them in her own light, and it results in a must hear album for fans of swingin’ and soulful jazz.

Travels well with: Coniece Washington- Shades Of Shirley Horn; Rebecca Angel- Santa Baby

Frank Colon

Latin Lounge

Technoprimal, 2020

8/10

Listen to Latin Lounge

A veteran percussionist who has played with Manhattan Transfer, Aretha Franklin and Tania Maria, on Latin Lounge the esteemed Frank Colon brings some of Brazil’s best instrumentalists for 10 very diverse originals.

“Emerald Coast” starts the listen with a laid back delivery of soothing melodies and cultured instrumentation, and “Easy Does It” follows and isn’t short on grooves in the stylish setting of superb musicianship.

Elsewhere, “Samba Gitano” finds a playful place to reside amid a danceable atmosphere, while “Spanish Heart” puts Flamenco guitars front and center with much skill in the timeless delivery. “Wishful Thinking”, one of the best tracks, then finds the listen entering funk territory with a cautious yet frisky execution.

At the end, “Tango Lucumi” recruits accordions in the world music fun, and “The Whales Of Bahia” exits the listen key friendly and bass focused with intricate and flowing percussion from Colon.

Colon says this album will ‘move your body, touch your heart and soothe your soul’, and it’s hard to disagree with that. Certainly one of the most accomplished records in the area of Latin Jazz in recent history, Colon and company blend diverse musical backgrounds here seamlessly.

Travels well with: Roger Kellaway- The Many Open Minds Of Roger Kellaway; Guillaume Muller- Sketches Of Sound

Claudio Scolari Project

Upside Down

Principal, 2019

9/10

Listen to Upside Down

An extremely atypical quartet composed of Claudio Scolari, Danielle Cavalca, Simone Scolari, and Michele Cavalca, on this 4th album the outfit combine acoustic and electronic sounds in unconventional ways with exciting results.

“Smoke In C Minor” starts the listen with synth noise amid keys and drums in the jazz meets electronica hybrid, and “Underground Soul” follows with even more experimental flourishes of synthetic sounds as elegant piano and shuffling percussion complement the playfulness.

Further along, “Upside Road” relies on strong trumpet from Simone Scolari to guide the avant-garde jazz and funk friendly setting, while “Twister” builds from bare to a busy display of free jazz sensibilities that births endless grooves.

Towards the end, “Wired” offers us 7 minutes of unpredictable ideas where it almost seems as if 3 tunes are being played simultaneously, and “Fast And Last” ends the listen with incredible drumming from both Claudio and Daniele on the brief exit.

Having recently expanded to a trio with the addition of Michele Cavalca on electric bass, while Claudio Scolari Project embrace rhythm, harmony and melody, it’s all executed in experimental and unpredictable ways on this fascinating effort that, amazingly, was recorded live in one shot.

Travels well with: Bonzo Squad- There’s Always Tomorrow; Le Grand Sbam- Vaisseau Monde

Dave Soldier

Zajal

Mulatta, 2020

8/10

Listen to Zajal

Now here’s something really unique, a jazz record that’s often sung in Hebrew, Arabic and Spanish from Andalusia 900-1400 C.E. Spearheaded by multi-instrumentalist and composer Dave Soldier, he’s got a small army of musicians contributing atypical instruments to us Westerners like sentur, timbales, and palmas, among others.

“Raqib" (The Spy) starts the listen with plenty of culture buried in the many voices and “Ma’an Walnaar” (Water And Fire) follows with adventurous keys and world music influenced percussion as expressive singing guides the enchanting tune.

Near the middle, “Bi-moa” (Without Myself) recruits strong guitar work and calm vocals as the music occasionally bursts into fuller moments as spoken word also enters the equation, while “The Stars Of Country Music Greet The Spring”, which features David Castellano, offers an english sung moment that recruits plenty of worldly noisemakers.

Near the end, “Krav” (Battle) brings some of the best vocal work on a gorgeous landscape of Hebrew folklore, and “Hal-dara Zabyu al-Hima” (If) ends the listen elegant and rhythmic as dynamic instrumentation illuminates the creativity.

A fusion listen of the highest degree, Soldier has dabbled in countless genres in lengthy career, including blues, R&B and punk, but here he’s outdone himself on the first truly fascinating record of 2020 where klezmer, flamenco and Greek ideas, to name a few, are part of inimitable formula.

Travels well with: Bonzo Squad- There’s Always Tomorrow; Pearring Sound- Nothing But Time

Tamuz Nissim

Capturing Clouds

Street Of Stars, 2020

8/10

Listen to Capturing Clouds

An artist with a set of versatile and soaring pipes, the Israel born Tamuz Nissim is accompanied by George Nazos, Harvie S, and Tony Jefferson on guitar, bass and drums across these mesmerizing and carefully crafted 11 tunes.

“On The Sunny Side Of The Street” gets the listen off to an upbeat start with Nissim’s pretty pipes over the playful jazz atmosphere, and “Make It Last” follows with frisky percussion and vocal acrobatics that few could replicate.

Across the entire listen, Nissim doesn’t waste a moment, and brings calm melodies on the pop friendly “I Don’t Want To Grow Up”, while “Ray Of Hope” retreats to balladry with sensual vocals and gentle guitar work. “Saturday Sun”, one of the album’s best, then recruits strong rhythm and agile instrumentation in the timeless effort.

Near the end, the percussively strong “Listen” displays the varied skill of the band, and “Here Comes The Sun” exits the affair eloquent and cautious with a calm jazz interpretation of the legendary song.

Though she began her musical interest with classical sounds as a youngster, by her teens the now New York resident was fully immersed in jazz sounds, and that long running interest shines bright on this 4th solo album from Nissim.

Travels well with: Deline Briscoe- Wawu; Miki Purnell- Midnight Bloom

Glafkos Kontemeniotis

Yugen

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Yugen

A veteran jazz pianist who is also an esteemed composer, Cyprus native and New York resident Glafkos Kontemeniotis brings us 11 originals on this sophomore solo album where esteemed musicians from his current home are also on hand.

“Never Enough” starts the listen with playful keys as elegant saxophone from Joel Frahm enters the agile jazz opener, and “Dingane” follows with graceful piano from Kontemeniotis on the rhythmic display as vocals used as an instrument from Eleni Arapoglou add much to the setting.

In the middle, “Barge Captain Gets The Blues” offers a chilling and emotive peek into the dynamic instrumentation present, while “Yugen” recruits vibraphone by Alexander Gagatsis that complements the key acrobatics in the timeless jazz atmosphere.

Deeper into the record, “Exhibit A” gets frisky and memorable with Dave Meade’s proficient drumming while the sax dances around the melodies, and “Hope” exits the listen upbeat and danceable with glorious musicianship that glows with precision and control.

Although certainly a jazz record at its core, classical ideas are absolutely in attendance, as are plenty of solos, as Kontemeniotis and company make contemporary sounds that are as fluid as they are impressive here.

Travels well with: Matthew Snow- Iridescence; Alan Rosenthal- Elbow Grease

Nu-Blu

The Stories We Can Tell

Voxhall/Turnberry, 2019

8/10

Listen to The Stories We Can Tell

The North Carolina acoustic sensations Nu-Blu, spearheaded by husband and wife duo Carolyn and Daniel Routh, return with 11 tunes, including their #1 hit “640 Battlefield Drive”, as well as interviews and behind the scenes footage on The Stories We Can Tell.

The DVD opens with the gorgeous vocals and picking acrobatics of “Still Small Voice”, and this continues to the flowing melodies of “Good Hearted Woman”, as well as dual gender vocals of the cautious yet playful “A Fool And Her Heart”.

Further along, “Troublemaker” offers a more restrained version of their inimitable bluegrass formula, while their version of “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” finds a country influenced place to reside with incredible singing from Carolyn. “Gypsies On Parade” ends the listen with an elegant and rootsy version of the classic that certainly does justice to the original.

An outfit skilled at furious picking and highly textured settings just as they are bare, warm balladry, whether you’re an unwavering fan or a first time listener, Nu-Blu’s formula of bluegrass, rootsy, and country sounds is an experience you’re not likely to forget anytime soon.

Travels well with: Balsam Range- The Gospel Collection; John Bowman- The Hole

The Ninth

Olympic Dream/Nightmare

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Olympic Dream/Nightmare

A New York City outfit with an affinity for funk sounds amid their rock’n’roll template,The Ninth’s Olympic Dream/Nightmare is actually a concept record surrounding the Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding scandal.

The title track starts the listen with a mashing of funky horns and bluesy guitars on the soulful opener, and “Saving Grace” follows with a retro feel of calm melodies as smooth female vocals guide the playfulness.

Elsewhere, “Pipe Dream” finds plenty of grooves amid the throwback sounds that offer some jazz nods, while “Why Me?” puts the listen into classic rock territory where calmer ebbs of spirited guitars and vocal acrobatics complement the affair. “Oksana”, one of the best tunes, then offers a driving pace of lush rock’n’roll prowess.

At the end, “Big Night In The Limelight” trims the pace back to a multifaceted approach, and “Bad Guy” exits the listen in an upbeat display of all their varied styles into a single jam band-esque exit of massive skill.

If your interests float anywhere around rock, funk, R&B, theater music or, of course, figure skating, this exceptional listen will be a nice addition to your collection.

Travels well with: Fostina Dixon- Vertical Alignment; Rich Willey’s Boptism Funk Band- Conspiracy

Alessandro Cortini

Volume Massimo

Mute, 2019

9/10

Listen to Volume Massimo

A solo artist who is also a member of Nine Inch Nails, on Alessandro Cortini’s first album with guitar, Volume Massimo, the Italian delivers a maximalist approach to his extremely fluid and progressive electronic work.

“Amore Amaro” starts the listen with soothing synth on the ambient and exploratory opener, and “Let Go” follows with cautious and carefully manipulated electronica that touches on psyche influences.

Though there’s just 8 songs present, Cortini makes the most of each track, including the shimmering and upbeat, club friendly “Batticuore”, which is full of beats and dynamic percussion, as well as the propulsive “Momenti”, where strategic dissonance adds much to the formula.

Near the end, “Sabbia” reels in a darker spirit with a chilling cinematic quality, and “Dormi” ends the listen with a buzzing display of multifaceted talent that challenges the listener sonically.

Cortini turns layering and texturing into a highly refined art form here, on an instrumental record that’s highly complicated that soars high with traces of pop amid the fuzzy, haunting and unpredictable ingenuity.

Travels well with: Eluvium- False Readings; SONOIO- Fine

West Of Corey

Slammed

SK, 2019

8/10

Listen to Slammed

A Minneapolis outfit comprised of music veterans Corey Birkholz and James West Foster, the pair recruited Janine Taft and her sturdy pipes to help flesh out these tunes that embrace rock, blues and metal in all sorts of unpredictable ways.

“No Resistance” gets the listen started with soaring guitar work as Taft’s rich vocals guide the gritty yet proficient rocker, and “Misty Mound” follows with a groove filled affair that’s both hard hitting yet elegant.

Further along, “Consider This” finds a more restrained place to reside amid a soulful delivery from Taft as the spirited guitar and cautious drums complement the setting, while “Halfway To Walker” recruits acoustic guitars and backing vocals for a harmonic adventure. “Alligator Breath”, the album standout, then emits throbbing bass work and a more ominous setting for one of the most abrasive tunes that metalheads will appreciate as Taft shows us her impressive range.

Near the end, the dueling guitar and bass of “You’re So Bad” finds the tune being one of the most rhythmic, and “Crosshairs” ends the listen with a rowdy yet precise display of the band’s bristling hard rock formula.

The always fertile Twin Cities music scene has some fantastic talent currently (I’m looking at you, The Persian Leaps and Porcupine), and I feel pretty confident we can put West Of Corey on that esteemed list with this muscular, charged and timeless record.

Travels well with: Terry Datsun- Fable Of The Seas; Fred Argir- No Pushover

Allan Clarke

Resurgence

BMG, 2019

8/10

Listen to Resurgence

Though he retired two decades ago, Allan Clarke, the former frontman of the Hollies, returns with 10 new tunes where his inimitable skill is resurrected and sounds as if not a day has passed.

“Journey Of Regret” starts the listen with spirited guitar work alongside Clarke’s gritty, soaring vocals on the fluid country tinged opener, and “You Broke My Heart” follows with a melodic rocker that glides with a strong rhythm section that’s even danceable.

In the middle, “I’m Only Sleeping” enters blues territory with emotive vocals from Clarke, while “Heart Of Stone” recruits strong riffing and classic rock nods on the thumping rocker. “I Don’t Know The Reason”, one of the album’s best tracks, then finds a darker place to reside with a timeless, introspective appeal.

At the end, “Long Cool Woman’s Back In Town” flows with nostalgic rhythm in a retro-rocker alongside harmonica solos that is most closely linked with his time fronting Hollies, and “I’m Comin’ Home” exits the listen with keys and robust percussion on the dreamy, soaring conclusion.

If you were a fan of Clarke’s work back in the day, you certainly won’t be disappointed here, and if this is your first taste of his song craft, and you appreciate calculated, memorable rock tunes that take influence from some of the most elegant genres, you will also find much intrigue within. Recorded at home using modern technology at his own pace, let’s hope that this isn’t an isolated effort from Clarke, as he’s clearly got much creativity left to share.

Travels well with: The Kinks- Arthur Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire 50th Anniversary; John Fogerty- 50 Year Trip

Andrew VanNorstrand

That We Could Find A Way To Be

Great Bear, 2019

8/10

Listen to That We Could Find A Way To Be

This first album from upstate New York’s Andrew VanNorstrand finds the producer, musician and songwriter in great company as he addresses love, faith and loss with both elegance and playfulness.

“What Am I Supposed To Say” starts the listen with warm, fluid instrumentation as VanNorstrand’s smooth vocals guide the Americana tune, and “Lesson Learned” follows with a fuller spirit of expressive and eloquent folk-rock prowess.

In the middle, “The Coming Spring” recruits a banjo and pretty vocals from Kailyn Wright on the soft and agile rural ballad, while “The Waterthrush/Original Reel” offers fiddle acrobatics that also dive into jazz/prog like territory on the multifaceted instrumental. “(Two Years) Looking For A Home”, the album’s strongest track, then unfolds with timeless musicianship as VanNorstrand’s emotive pipes complement the acoustic guitar fueled gem.

Deeper into the listen, “Tell Me What You Want To Do Now” finds a soulful place to reside amid gentle instrumentation, and “The Lucky Reel/Sail The Other Side” exits the listen vocal-less with clarinet from Anna Patton adding much to the versatile landscape.

VanNorstrand cut his teeth touring and recording with Great Bear for nearly 20 years, but here he proves he’s a very capable solo artist as he takes on political/social commentary, as well as queer issues with his charming and moving brand of folk sounds where country, Americana and roots rock are certainly part of the formula, too.

Travels well with: The John Byrne Band- A Shiver In The Sky; Mike Stapleton- The Long Haul