Sumuposauttaja

SP1ALBUM

Cudighi, 2019

8/10

Listen to SP1ALBUM

Although I may be in the minority opinion here, I’m quite excited about all the new music coming out on cassettes these days. This time it’s Finland’s Sumuposauttaja, and this cassette version of their split LP comes with a pair of remixes and a wide of range of influences in their outsider pop formula.

“Faye” gets the listen off to an ambient start with soft repetition and moody percussive sounds that gets fuller with spacey bits and smooth vocals, and “Murray Craven” follows with a synth heavy approach that touches on R&B influences, but certainly not in your typical fashion.

Elsewhere, “Open Your Heart” relies heavily on world music percussion that recruits art-pop ideas in the unclassifiable fun, while “Emanuel” is 5 minutes of surreal, hazy organ like exploration with soaring vocals.

Deeper in the album, “Face” shines with bright dance-pop sensibilities that are as retro as they are infectious, and “Only 1”, one of the remixes, exits the listen soft and supple, with a dreamy interpretation from Central Spark.

Amazing, this entire record was made with just a Yamaha PSR-48, and, of course, a massive amount of skill. A listen that you could lump under the dance/electronic umbrella, SP1ALBUM is a bedroom pop album like nothing you’ve ever heard before, and I’m pretty confident you’ll want to hear it again.

Travels well with: Lootus- R; TV Dinner Education- Nya Perspektiv

Clickable

The Art Of Persuasion

Ravello, 2020

9/10

Listen to The Art Of Persuasion

An extremely unique effort spearheaded by flutist Zara Lawler and marimbist Paul J. Fadoul, the pair bring us a theatrical concept album, where jingles and protest songs are both in attendance.

“Jingle Without Words” starts the listen with heavy flute and piccolo as all sorts of percussive instruments complement the setting, and “Hedonistic Treadmill 1” follows with 30 seconds of a commercial like pitch, where a washboard and marimba provide minimal instrumentation- a theme continued 3 more times as brief interludes/ commercials for the duration of the album.

Further on, “Sense & Sensibility” offers spoken word as guitars and flutes soundtrack the story, while “LIARS” unfolds like a scathing diatribe set to brief bouts of flutes in an ominous atmosphere.

Deeper in the listen, “Canyon Serenade” recruits vibraphone to the formula on the instrumental beauty, and the highly melodic “The Sweet Shop” tosses banjos amid the harmonizing singing. “Common Thread” ends the listen with multiple voices in the gospel influenced exit where a banjo, guitar, bass and dulcimer interact with much grace and playfulness.

While the Ravello label is certainly home to plenty of atypical and sublime, creative sounds, The Art Of Persuasion might be their most eclectic to date, where lullabies and social commentary run alongside very detailed musicianship.

Travels well with: Anthony Brandt- Maternity/Ulysses,Home; Figments- Vol. 2

Paul English

Girl In Green

Big Round, 2020

8/10

Listen to Girl In Green

The esteemed composer and pianist Paul English brings us some never been heard before renditions of classic tunes, and even some extremely well done originals as his strong soloists help him flesh out the lively jazz of Girl In Green.

“Equinox” gets the album off to a fine start with a John Coltrane tune where Ed Calle and David Liebman trade off on tenor sax solos as crisp percussion help illuminate the jazz setting, and “Beautiful Love” follows with a shuffling pace as Liebman’s sax guides the soulful and playful atmosphere.

In the middle, the Miles Davis tune, “Solar”, finds skittering keys and frisky percussion colliding with quick paced grace, while “One Final Word” adds soprano sax to the festive delivery.

Near the end, “Missing Lady” recruits warm keys and a calmer display of restrained beauty, and Paul English’s original, “Unconditional Surrender”, exits the listen amid soothing piano and cozy soprano sax from Liebman in an almost lounge setting.

A listen rich with instrumentation and beaming with creativity, English handles keys on all tracks splendidly, and the affair unfolds with a healthy amount of precision and liveliness . For being 20 years old (the tracks were lost when a record label folded while in possession of the recordings), Girl In Green sounds very contemporary and glides with an agile timelessness.

Travels well with: Dave Camwell- Second Wind; Fostina Dixon- Vertical Alignment

Patrick Yim

Memory

Navona, 2020

8/10

Listen to Memory

This first album on the Navona label from Patrick Yim follows themes of culture, identity and memory, as the composer explores the massive depths of his violin skill.

“Memory” starts the listen with 4 minutes of proficient violin in the bare but powerful environment, and “Away Alone Aloft” continues that mood with manipulated space and tension in the hypnotic delivery that is drawn from a Chinese tale about the loneliness and regret of the legendary Moon Lady.

The only track to bring in sounds other than violin is “Miles Upon Miles”, as subtle electronics add much to the setting in the quivering, sometimes aberrant execution, and “Relics” ends the listen with 8 chapters of experimental prowess that really tests the boundaries of what a lone violin can do.

Also an educator of music, Yim brings a wealth of talent to these arrangements, and they radiate much soulfulness and creativity in his inimitable, artistic vision.

Travels well with: Apollo Chamber Players- Within Earth; Elliott Miles McKinley- Shadow Dancer

Etereo

New Music For Flute

Navona, 2020

8/10

Listen to New Music For Flute

An album anchored by Lindsey Goodman’s inimitable flute prowess, she performs here in solo, duo and trio settings, as both jazz and classical ideas unfold with a complicated but never esoteric delivery.

“Bluez” starts the listen with incredible flute acrobatics from Goodman in the Josh Oxford tune, and this continues to the calmer, emotive “Soliloquy, as well as the chilling alto flute of “Marsyas”.

Elsewhere, Mara Helmuth’s “Butterfly Within” is divided into 4 parts where different moods accompany each calculated, mesmerizing portion, and “Watercolors Of The Master Who Is Accustomed To Paint Oils” recruits The Chrysalis Duo and Robert Frankenberry on piano for the dynamic and captivating album highlight.

At the end, “In Memoriam (GH & FMB)” offers one of the fuller tuned with toy piano, cello and crotales alongside Goodman’s flute, and “Flight 710 To Cabo San Lucas” exits with a surprise as the sounds become more abrasive before settling into gentle, playful and soothing.

An extremely technical listen that soars high and shifts in textures and tempos often, Goodman’s in excellent company on New Music For Flute, and together they illuminate her unparalleled flute skill perfectly.

Travels well with: Apollo Chamber Players- Within Earth; David Maslanka- The River Of Time

Sideline

Breaks To The Edge

Mountain Home, 2020

8/10

Listen to Breaks To The Edge

The bluegrass sensations Sideline have had much success the last couple of years, and here the North Carolina sextet deliver a strong album of both traditional and progressive bluegrass sounds.

“Digging My Own Grave” starts the listen with fluid, harmonic bluegrass as the vocals soar and the finger pickin’ illuminates the tune, and “Return To Windy Mountain” follows with a more subdued, almost haunting approach of dynamic string work between the players.

Near the middle, “Your Selfish Heart” flows with sweet melodies and soothing vocal harmonies, while “Roll On Blues” glides with a swift pace of mountain-esque fun. “I’ll Live Again”, one of the album’s best, then brings in Ray Dean Reese for a vocally strong and musically diverse display of unparalleled skill.

Towards the end, the tragic love song “Amy” recruits emotive vocals alongside the intricate mandolin, and “Down In The Willow Garden” ends the listen with banjo acrobatics and timeless bluegrass song craft.

Now 5 albums deep, Sideline’s storytelling, where folk, country, and gospel ideas are part of the inimitable formula, has never sounded better, as they again prove why they’re considered one of the best of the genre.

Travels well with: Balsam Range- The Gospel Collection; The Grascals- Straighten The Curves

Frank Kohl

The Crossing

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to The Crossing

A long running jazz guitarist, Berklee College of Music graduate and Seattle resident Frank Kohl returns with a 5th album as leader, where he offers originals and standards as John Stowell and Steve LaSpina accompany him.

The title track starts the listen with elegant and soothing dual guitars and much lush expression, and “O Grande Amour” continues the graceful sounds as acoustic bass and nylon string guitar complement Kohl’s prowess on the Bossa Nova influenced tune.

Further along, “The Goodbye” brings the mood to a more contemplative setting alongside spirited and warm sounds with plenty of emotion, while “Yesterdays” gets playful and rhythmic with an arpeggiated approach that dances and flows with timelessness.

Near the end, “Sojourn”, an original, gets bass heavy with much embraceable swing, and “Brigas Nunca Mais” exits the listen bare but effective with LaSpina and Kohl’s guitars playing off each other well in a precise effort that few could replicate.

Kohl released his first album in 1981, and here he proves that he’s still as relevant as ever, as the trio deliver meticulous, artistic and jazz inspired song craft that’s easy to absorb and hard to forget.

Travels well with: Alan Rosenthal- Elbow Grease; David Finck- BASSically Jazz

11 Guys Quartet

Small Blues And Grooves

VizzTone, 2020

8/10

Listen to Small Blues And Grooves

An outfit whose inception goes way back to the early ‘80s, these days the 11 Guys Quartet are much less active, but recorded this instrumental album studio live way back in 2008 and are just releasing it now.

“Road Trippin’” gets the album started off right with spirited blues riffs and harmonica acrobatics on the feel good opener that tips its hat to Freddie King, and “Jackrabbit” follows with a swift pace of busy, tuneful instrumentation that finds grooves in spades.

At 14 tracks, there’s much to digest here, but it all goes down easy, including the introspective balladry of “Sleepless”, as well as the shuffling approach of the rhythmic “East Cambridge Cannonball”.

The back half of the listen shines, too, with the cautious and memorable “Down And Dirty”, as well as the harmonica focused and brushed percussion of “Swing Low”. “Midnight Streetcar”, one of the strongest tracks, then glides by with each instrument being showcased with much skill and precision.

At the end, “Rhumba Boogalo” is about as much fun as the title implies, where guitar and harp trade off, and “Swamp Ride” ends the listen with a similar approach of genuine, flowing blues rock.

Consisting of guitartist Paul Lenart, Bill ‘Coach’ Mather on bass, Chuck Purro handling drums and Richard Rosenblatt on harmonica (who is also the president of the legendary VizzTone label), though their heyday may have been decades ago, the quartet prove that they’ve still got the chops to pen a fine blues album that you won’t forget anytime soon.

Travels well with: Brody Buster’s One Man Band- Damn! I Spilled The Blues; Bob Margolin- This Guitar And Tonight

Reuben And The Dark

un/love

Arts & Crafts, 2019

9/10

Listen to un/love

The Canadian alt-folk sensations Reuben And The Dark return with their most forthright album to date, where their mesmerizing song craft hits a career high, complete with a dramatic and often cathartic delivery from Reuben Bollock and company.

“Rising” starts the album with soft acoustic guitars as soaring vocals enter the cautious and dreamy setting, and “Faultline” follows with gentle keys and breathy singing that abruptly shifts into beat friendly indie-rock and quite possibly their best chorus to date.

In the middle, the folky “Breathe” stays calm and agile with much attention to detail, while “Underground” relies on twinkling keys for the moving ballad. The title track then offers emotive and atmospheric sounds, with plenty of nods to the pop ideas of decades past.

Near the end, “Wisemen” adds vocal effects for the blurry, electro-pop standout, and “Dancer” ends the listen with backing female vocals on an Americana tinged exit that is soaked in warm beauty.

Often bare and intimate, there’s an immense amount of power in these soulful tracks that are as poetic as they are timeless. Certainly one of the most exciting outfits under the indie-folk umbrella, Reuben And The Dark just keep getting better with each record.

Travels well with: River Whyless- Kindness, A Rebel; Roo Panes- Paperweights

VvvV

The Wreck

Metro Beach, 2019

8/10

Listen to The Wreck

There certainly doesn’t appear to be a shortage of creative electro-pop outfits in France, and this time we’re talking about the duo of VvvV. Armed with analogue synthesizers, these two play music through amps and sing, but this isn’t any ordinary rock band approach.

“Mirrors” starts the listen spacey and ominous, as the tune builds into a giant delivery of swirling electro-pop, and “The Wreck” follows with a dense beat and bright synth that unfolds with nods to ‘80s post-punk.

Elsewhere, “Wonderland” leads bare with a buzzing quality as smooth vocals guide the tune, before futuristic layering and strategic percussion enter the equation, while “Unslaved” pulsates with a dance friendly approach that’s as infectious as it is mysterious.

The pair exit the listen with the industrial, almost gothic influence of “Angels”, and “Sparkling Neons” ends the listen with traces of New Wave buried in the dreamy, hypnotic conclusion.

A highly varied listen, whether you’re a fan of punk, dance, prog, kraut or shoegaze, The Wreck will have something for your ears, and it’s pretty likely you’ll enjoy the album as a whole, as the pair are full of unpredictable, compelling song craft.

Travels well with: Franco Divine- Solea; Neuland- Neuland

The Diva Jazz Orchestra

Diva + The Boys

MCG Jazz, 2019

8/10

Listen to Diva + The Boys

An assembly of 15 female musicians, The Diva Jazz Orchestra returns here with a live record where featured soloists include Ken Peplowski, Jay Ashby, Marty Ashby and Claudio Roditi.

“Slipped Disc”, a Benny Goodman tune, starts the listen strong with soothing horns and incredible clarinet solos, and “A Felicidade” follows with plenty of grooves in the elegant yet playful setting where the saxophone shines bright.

In the middle, “Noturna” finds a more subdued place to reside amid soft percussion and low brass, while “The One I Love Belongs To Someone Else” flows with memorable melodies and the swingin’ fun the outfit are known for.

At the end, “Estate” finds a more cinematic place to reside with a darker atmosphere of lush beauty, and “Bucket O’ Blues” exits the listen with the Diva leader, Sherrie Maricle, showcasing her proficient drumming skills amid the strong riffs.

A very well done collection of originals, jazz songbook tracks and Brazilian standards, it’s no surprise that Diva + The Boys hit No. 1 on the Jazz Charts for multiple weeks, as the talent here is immense, and the delivery unparalleled.

Travels well with: Negoni’s Trio- Acustico; Frank Colon- Latin Lounge

Gaby Moreno & Van Dyke Parks

¡Spangled!

Nonesuch, 2019

8/10

Listen to ¡Spangled!

Now here’s an impressive collaboration, as Guatemalan singer Gaby Moreno aligns her sublime bi-lingual vocals with musician, arranger and composer Van Dyke Parks. Together, the pair offer 10 tracks that span more than a century and draw in countless influences south of America.

“Across The Borderline” starts the listen with Jackson Browne in the elegant and timeless setting of soulful, nostalgic sounds that bring in strings and woodwinds, and not long after “The Immigrants” follows with bright brass and a festive setting that is actually a protest song at its core.

In the middle, “Nube Gris” shines with a cinematic quality alongside vocal acrobatics in the timeless waltz, while “I’ll Take A Tango” certainly gets dance friendly amid cultured melodies on the Harry Nilsson tune.

Towards the end, “El Sombreron (Revisited)” offers beautiful tension in the dynamic and meticulous instrumentation, and “O, Cantador” flows with a universal grace and smooth vocals. “Esperame En El Cielo” ends the listen rhythmic and dreamy in their superb interpretation of the Puerto Rican song.

A very diverse listen, while Latin American sounds certainly dominate the record, orchestral nods are present as are big band sounds as the 37 year old Moreno, and 76 year old Parks prove that quality music stands the test of time regardless of where it originated.

Travels well with: Lake Street Drive- Bad Self Portraits; Lyn Stanley- London With A Twist

Sam Weber

Everything Comes True

Sonic Unyon, 2019

8/10

Listen to Everything Comes True

The Canadian troubadour Sam Weber returns with his 3rd album, and his song craft sounds even more intimate, well thought out and skilled than his previous work, which, if you’ve heard his earlier work, is saying much about this impressive talent.

The title track starts the album with graceful keys as Weber’s soulful voice guides the elegant, slow burning tune that builds into a warm Americana setting, and “It’s All Happening” follows with a dense beat and lively atmosphere of spirited indie-rock.

In the middle, “Avenir” recruits tuneful backing vocals on the simmering balladry where shuffling percussion adds much to the mood, while “Mendocino” showcases Weber’s strong guitar prowess on the pedal steel friendly, folky standout.

Near the end, “Promise Of The Road” delivers breezy melodies amid the introspective track, and “No” ends the listen with percussion to complement the rhythmic exit where eloquent storytelling unfolds with calculated, timeless musicianship.

Even though it’s his most personal recording to date, Weber had much help fleshing out these tunes, as session players associated with Jenny Lewis, Norah Jones and Vampire Weekend, among others, helped illuminate the bluesy, rootsy and even retro-vision of this career highlight.

Travels well with: Katie Toupin- Magnetic Moves; The Building- Petra

Pascal Gamboni

Everybody Wants The Honey

Waterfall Of Colours, 2019

8/10

Listen to Everybody Wants The Honey

A singer-songwriter who was born in Switzerland but has spent plenty of time in England, too, Pascal Gamboni delivers a home recorded LP here, where Astrid Alexandre, Ursina Gigger, and Isabella Fink, among others, are in attendance.

“La Forza Da Surviver” starts the listen with warm acoustic strumming and rhythmic percussion in the cultured tune, and “Te Ed Ju” follows with memorable folk tendencies in the campfire-esque setting where female backing vocals add much to the equation.

Elsewhere, “So Good” offers a bare but impressive track where a flute like instrument and many voices are involved, and “Vegi Paul Unics” continues the diverse atmosphere with a dance friendly delivery amid upbeat, playful grooves. “Bien Di Sera”, a back half highlight, then uses strategic strings and expressive vocals in the elegance.

Towards the end, “Valentina” flows with a shuffling pace of infectious melodies, and “Il Flad Dil Mund” ends the listen cautiously, where a moving execution comes with intricate guitar work.

An unassuming listen where cellos, cantau, harmonium, battaria and plenty of other unconventional noisemakers are present, Gamboni and company delivery an impressive and memorable performance here, that easily warrants repeated listens.

Travels well with: Atlas Clouds- Neuerscheinung; Soften- See You Swoon

Soften

See You Swoon

Waterfall Of Colours, 2019

9/10

Listen to See You Swoon

Now residing in the country, the Lausanne based artist Soften, i.e. Nils Aellen and contributors, takes influence from his new surroundings on this acoustic focused album that’s quite possibly his most intimate and personal to date.

The album starts with the soothing sounds of “Twice The Cost”, as smooth vocals glide alongside beats and synth in the alt-pop setting, and “Neon Demon” follows with acoustic guitars that builds into a folk-influenced and pop friendly atmosphere where drum fills and ‘80s synth leave an impression.

Further along, “Classical” certainly does bring in classical ideas with moody strings amid the subdued delivery and top notch fingerpicking, while the title track finds a more indie-rock place to reside, complete with a chorus you won’t forget anytime soon.

Back half highlights include the vocally expressive and somewhat haunting “Slow Burn”, and “Sleep No More” flows with an emotive quality that brings to mind Elliott Smith with its breathy singing and simple but effective guitar work. “True Love” ends the listen with atmosphere and an artistic quality that puts the exclamation on this superb record.

Extremely well done indie sounds from Switzerland, Soften have been at it since 2006 and it shows in the fluid and thoughtful song craft present on See You Swoon. If artists like the aforementioned Smith or Peasant are of any interest you, Soften will strike a chord, too.

Travels well with: Marinho- tilde; Jonah Tolchin- Fires For The Cold

Joe Buchanan

Back From Babylon

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Back From Babylon

A Texan who is well versed in country music, this sophomore album from Joe Buchanan injects influence from the Torah into his Southern sounds, as the troubadour delivers 14 tracks of agile and well thought out song craft.

“Sing A Song” starts the listen with Buchanan’s rural melodies and country fueled textures amid the bare beauty, and “How Good It Is” follows with a sublime delivery of rustic Americana where organs stand out in the full band setting.

In the middle, “Lion And Lamb” recruits a timeless approach of strong storytelling and cautious, organic instrumentation, while “Say What You Will” offers a fuller delivery of crisp percussion and a dreamy display of nearly pop influenced ideas. “Better Together”, with Carly Abramson, then aches with sublime melodies on the soothing duet where pedal steel adds much to the formula.

Deeper into the record, “The Unbinding” is a slow burning effort of agile grace, and “Small Town Tonight” ends the listen with a lush arrangement of sweeping melodies dynamic instrumentation.

Self-described as ‘Americana With A Jewish Soul’, Buchanan delivers a listen with much depth as shards of honky-tonk and a healthy amount of twang aren’t far from the surface, this convert to Judaism has plenty of fodder for his feel good tunes.

Travels well with: Nick Nace- Wrestling With The Mystery; Sarah Lee Langford- Two Hearted Rounder

Jeremiah Tall

From Bare Bones

Pork Belly, 2019

8/10

Listen to From Bare Bones

A Pennsylvania folk musician who returns with his 3rd album, Jeremiah Tall takes a very hands on approach here, playing many of the instruments on the very live sounding and raw record.

“Cocaine Money” starts the album with a rhythmic and gospel fueled opening that’s vocally heavily and musically sparse, and “Lucy” follows with quick acoustic banjo strumming in the brisk, seemingly autobiographical Americana tinted track.

Further along, “This Is All I Know” finds the troubadour entering folk-like territory with rugged vocals and glowing mandolin, while the instrumental “Celestial Lights” recruits a more atmospheric approach to Tall’s organic formula where a Farfisa makes an appearance. “Idle Hands”, one of the album’s best tracks, then shifts to a darker quality where Tall’s vocals soar under a forthright delivery of timeless song craft.

Near the end, “The Ballad Of Big John And Those Smoky Mountains” is a swift display of rural, mountain-esque beauty, and “From Each Of You” exits the listen both cautiously and playfully, with strategic hand clapping and organs.

Not exactly roots rock, country, folk or Americana but certainly containing bits from all those genres, Tall’s formula is a unique one that’s as unclassifiable as it is enjoyable, and could soundtrack your lively campfire, just as it could late night contemplation.

Travels well with: The Drunken Hearts- Wheels Of The City ; Ryan Culwell- Flatlands

Raquel Cepeda

Passion

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Passion

An artist who is well versed in both Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian sounds, Raquel Cepeda also brings a healthy amount of American swing to this Latin Jazz record that’s quite personal and absolutely flawless in its delivery.

“Caravan” gets the album off to an energetic start with bright brass and shuffling percussion as Cepeda’s fluid and varied pipes guide the fun, and this continues to the soft and alluring “Moliendo Cafe” as agile keys and sensual vocals in Portuguese define the tune.

The middle of the disc brings us the festive setting of “Mil Congojas”, as proficient percussion dances around the warm melodies, while “Lloraras” offers 7 minutes of light key and moody strings in the cultured ballad atmosphere where strategic flute solos leave an impression. One of the strongest tunes present, the aptly titled “Little Gem”, then uses accordions and sublime singing for a playful, pop influenced standout.

Near the end, “Luz De Luna” finds a glorious and lush place to reside, and the ultra tuneful “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” ends the listen with a spirited presentation of dance floor friendly grooves and lively rhythm.

A native of Venezuela who now resides in Houston, Cepeda is in fine company here as world class players help these 5 originals shine while the 8 covers are reborn in her esteemed multi-lingual and multi-cultural approach where her world jazz vision is unparalleled.

Travels well with: Tamuz Nissim- Capturing Clouds; Deline Briscoe- Wawu

Jumpstarted Plowhards

Round One

Recess, 2019

10/10

Listen to Round One

Two of the most legendary names in the underground rock community, Mike Watt (Minutemen, FiREHOSE) and Todd Congelliere (Toys That Kill, F.Y.P.), come together on a project that punks of all ages won’t have a problem latching onto, as they use a rotating cast of drummers on the energetic listen.

“On The Counter” gets the record off to a scuzzy punk fueled start where gritty guitars, fuzzed out rock and surf nods make an instant impression, and “The Punk Setup” follows with throbbing bass work and a rawness we tend to associate with the early days of punk.

At just 8 tunes and most hovering around 2 minutes, it’s a quick listen, but leaves an indelible mark with the proto-punk tendencies of “Claws Break Down” where Patty Schemel (Hole) lends her talents behind the drumkit, as well as the jagged, off-kilter execution of “Yeah, We’re Gonna Learn To Fall”.

Near the end, “Makin’ It Al Settle Down” illuminates Watt’s incredible bass playing well in the most abrasive tune, and “Babylon Gone” ends the fun with nods to garage rock where F.Y.P. alumni Raul Morales is on hand.

A phenomenal listen that occasionally touches on Watt’s SST days as well as ‘80s post-punk, with 8 different drummers on the recording each track brings new surprises in the often anthemic and hooky, yet chaotic delivery. Modern day punk rock rarely sounds this good.

Travels well with: Unknown Instructors- Unwilling To Explain; FITTED- First Fits;

Negroni's Trio

Acustico

Sony, 2019

8/10

Listen to Acustico

A 3 time Grammy Nominated outfit, this 10th album from Negroni’s Trio brings their esteemed bass, piano and drums formula to a new level of Latin Jazz prowess with the aptly titled Acustico.

“Let’s Go Camping” starts the listen with dynamic percussion, vivid keys and a free jazz formula that’s as wild as it is calculated, and this continues to the rhythmic and powerful “Air”, as well as the furious pace and busy setting of “I Remember You”.

The back half of the listen is equally unpredictable, with the scattered vocals of “No Me Voy De Aqui”, while “Cantando” breeds timeless melodies in its memorable execution. Deeper cuts like “I Hear A Rhapsody”, which is 1 of 3 covers present, are filled with glorious and hypnotic musicianship, and “Monica’s Drums” exits the listen percussive strong with quieter moments amid the tumbling creativity where the drum solos are nothing short of superb.

Comprised of a father and son team of Jose Negroni on keys and piano, while his son, Nomar Negroni, handles drums and percussion, the acoustic bass is held down by Josh Allen. Together, the trio birth both intimate and busy landscapes, where a unique energy offers rhythm and melody in unconventional ways that you’re not likely to hear anywhere else.

Travels well with: Eddie Palmieri- Mi Luz Mayor; Frank Colon- Latin Lounge