Subduxtion

The Black Point

Aagoo, 2019

8/10

Listen to The Black Point

Christopher Gimore is the mastermind behind Subduxtion, where the Kansas City, Missouri resident manipulates experimental and instrumental sounds, as industrial, metal, noise and droning dynamics are all part of his atypical formula.

“The Ancients” starts the listen with much ambience, as the mood leads both ominous and mysterious, while bouts of guitar invade the metallic and experimental delivery, and this creativeness is complemented by the darker, sci-fi, cinematic quality of “Frail (Fixed Later)”, which reels us in with its unclassifiable delivery.

Later on, “Abstract Decaying” plods with a thundering, tribal, industrial tone, while “The Black Point” recruits strings for a haunting, orchestral display, where keys are brought in and used strategically.

The records ends with 9+ minutes of “Unseen”, as low piano and chanting sets the pace for a hypnotic landscape as repetition is turned into a refined artform. As the tune evolves, spacey elements enter, giving the exit a psychedelic angle.

Gilmore never involves himself with conventional projects, whether he’s performing as FluiD, or scoring films, and with Subduxtion he continues that path as he births abstract, artistic and electronic doom ideas that are thick, unpredictable and sonically challenging.

Travels well with: Cat Casual & The Final Word- The Secret Self; Friendly Rich- We Are All Terrorists

¡Que Asco!

Reaper

Maiden Voyage, 2019

9/10

Listen to Reaper

A trio of Welsh rockers with an affinity for the noisey parts of ‘90s punk, ¡Que Asco! make quite a dent with this first album, where pop undertones are covered in a healthy glaze of dissonance, grit and rowdy dynamics.

“Marigolds” starts the listen percussive strong as forcefully strummed guitars enter the lo-fi, punk spirited anthem, and “Drive You Home” follows with a post-punk influence where mood is key as the three tip their hat to heroes like Sonic Youth and Unwound.

In the middle, “Dino Jeremy” recruits a turbulent atmosphere of carefully calculated rock, while “Mud Pie Day” glides by with a quirky quality amid the fuzzy, noisey backdrop. “John Gotti”, one of the best tunes here, then alternates between tuneful angular sounds and bouts of busy, brisling alt-rock.

Near the end, “Sharkipelago” finds a more subdued place to reside amid swells of intense percussion, raw guitar and some of the most visceral vocals in the grunge influenced tune, and “Lips Like Sugarcane” ends the listen bass heavy and with nods to the early days of alt-rock.

Recorded on a shoestring budget, these 3 prove that you don’t need high priced studio effects and a team of producers to make some fantastic, melodic racket that fans of the mid ‘90s Olympia scene as well as the post-punk brilliance of the Touch & Go label will digest quite easily

Travels well with: Sebadoh- Bakesale; Unwound- Fake Train

Michael Waldrop

Triangularity

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Triangularity

An artist who wears many hats, the drummer, educator, and composer Michael Waldrop is well versed in both classical and jazz ideas, and with Triangularity he adds a pair of new tracks to this reissue from 2002 where Vlad Girshevich and Eric Thorin lend their talent on the original 8 tunes, while John Lockwood, Steve Snyder and Michael Rosen help flesh out the bonus tunes.

“Twisted Barb” gets the album off to a lively start of skittering contemporary jazz fun with swift keys from Girshevich, and “Belgrade” follows with a more subdued approach of warm piano and well executed bass from Thorin.

In the middle, “Longing”, the longest tune, flows with timeless melodies in the cautious landscape as Waldrop’s strong drumming prowess really shines, while “Doo Dat Tang” offers bouncy rhythm in the elegant yet playful approach. “Ivana”, one of the best tracks present, than displays crisp percussion dancing around the tuneful keys

The bonus tracks finish out the listen, and include the strategic tenor saxophone from Rosen and Lockwood’s bass plucking on “Try Angularity”, which leaves an indelible mark, while “Banja Vrujci” ends the listen a bit louder and with a dynamic approach to the busy exit.

A record that climbed the Jazz Charts pretty quickly, it’s not surprising when you consider the strong fusion and post-bop components to Waldrop’s inimitable formula, that, although being nearly two decades old, sounds quite modern and is delivered with sublime precision

Travels well with: Jonathan Ng- The Sphynx; Emilio Solla Tango Jazz Orchestra- Puertos: Music From International Waters

Putumayo

Blues Christmas

Putumayo, 2019

9/10

Listen to Blues Christmas

Leave it to the esteemed world music label Putumayo to assemble one of the best Christmas albums to date, as Blues Christmas brings in some serious talent for the themed affair.

Charles Brown’s “Christmas Comes But Once A Year” starts the listen with jumpy keys and playful horns on the snappy, bluesy opener, and “Kenny Neal’s “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” follows with gritty vocals and a lively rhythm where intricate harmonicas complement the mood.

Elsewhere, Anson Funderburgh And The Rockets offers us the soulful and blues inspired “Lonesome Christmas”, where the guitar licks from Funderburgh illuminate the setting, while “Please Come Home For Christmas”, by Chuck Leavell and Lisa Fischer, offers a stylish and warm duet with some Motown feeling amid Leavell’s incredible keyboard work.

Back half highlights include Paul Oscher’s “Christmas Blues”, where horns and spirited keys help make this one of the album’s best, though the guitar acrobatics of “Merry Christmas” make this contribution from Jesse Thomas a close second. Earl King ends the listen with “Santa, Don’t Let Me Down”, where a classic blues delivery solidifies this as one of the most essential holiday records in recent history.

If you’re a fan of the blues done properly and holiday music, you’re in luck- it just doesn’t get much better than this.

Travels well with: Paris Cafe- Paris Cafe; Putumayo- Joy To The World

Lili Anel

Better Days

Winding Way, 2019

8/10

Listen to Better Days

A New York City native who currently resides in Philadelphia, Lili Anel has performed with some of the biggest names in music, and has even racked up a few awards herself in the area of jazz sounds. Better Days, her 9th album, has the songstress working alongside Dale Melton, Jeffrey Blount and Jonathan Whitney on this very engaging folk/soul/pop/jazz hybrid.

“Thin Line” starts the listen with bright horns before spirited keys enter the soulful and playful formula that’s immediately infectious, and “Better Days” follows with elegant saxophone in the jazz influenced balladry that flows with a soothing quality.

Further along, “Take It From Me” finds itself vocally expressive and R&B influenced, while “The Wrong Time” enters soft folk-rock territory with a calm yet emotive delivery. “A Family Affair”, the album highlight, then recruits multiple voices for a groove filled execution of organ fills and crisp percussion.

At the end, “Supposed To Be” glides with an agile and gentle display of proficient beauty, and “George Bailey’s Lament” exits the listen sublimely with soaring vocals on the lush and cautious example of skilled song craft and flawless dynamics between her esteemed band.

A well balanced and easily enjoyable listen, Anel’s (pronounced Ahn-Yell) rich and versatile voice steers these well though out songs perfectly, and will certainly satisfy longtime fans as well as bring new ears to her varied and timeless formula.

Travels well with: Anna Tivel- The Question; Brooke Annibale- Hold To The Light

Jonathan NG

The Sphynx

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to The Sphynx

A jazz violinist, vocalist and bandleader, Jonathan Ng (pronouned ‘ing’) is well versed in swing jazz and classical sounds, and with The Sphynx Ng and company bringing us back to the ‘30 and ‘40s with this captivating and fun EP.

The title track and sole original tune starts the listen with a jumpy pace where the keys and saxophone interact in a way that will certainly get your body moving with its gypsy jazz formula, and “Maelstrom” follows with an old time feeling of spirited musicianship amid plenty of rhythm and strong tenor sax prowess from Albert Alva.

The back half of the quick listen includes the violin acrobatics of NG and piano skill of Chris Dawson on the Ragtime influenced “Gin Mill Special”, while “Embryo” twists and turns with a playfulness that few could replicate. “Stardust” ends the affair warm and emotive as calm keys dance around NG’s animated violin and sublime guitar picking.

Although a brief listen, it’s a memorable one, where each player showcases their individual strengths at just the right time and with an unparalleled amount of precision. Fans of any era of jazz, Ragtime and blues will want to devote some attention to The Sphynx.

Travels well with: Frank Kohl- The Crossing; Larry Corban- Emergence

Lois Bruno

And So It Begins

Wise Cat, 2019

9/10

Listen to And So It Begins

Although the veteran performer and esteemed vocalist Lois Bruno has worked alongside some of the biggest and brightest names in the business, And So It Begins is actually her debut solo album, where she reworks traditional tunes in her own, inimitable fashion.

“When Sunny Gets Blue” starts the listen with spirited keys and sporadic horns, as Bruno’s expressive vocals guide the intimate tune, and the upbeat and playful Cole Porter tune, “Love For Sale”, follows with a shuffling, jazz fueled pace.

Near the middle, “Always On My Mind” offers an extremely warm version of the country classic with gentle keys and Bruno’s flawless, heartfelt pipes, while “But Beautiful” finds a stylish and silky smooth place to reside with plenty of memorable bass work. “My Romance” one of the strongest tracks, then recruits frisky percussion in the busy and ultra melodic album highlight.

Near the end, “Cry Me A River” uses soft plucking, bouts of horns and a warm elegance in the timeless balladry, and “Somewhere” ends the listen soulful and vocally sublime in the gorgeous and powerful exit that just might be the most mesmerizing version of this tune to date.

If you’ve got a penchant for music made in the ‘40s-’50s, Bruno’s flawless vocal jazz renditions certainly deserve a spot in your collection and will likely see repeated plays.

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

Emilio Solla Tango Jazz Orchestra

Puertos: Music From International Waters

Avantago, 2019

8/10

Listen to Puertos: Music From International Waters

The Argentina native and Grammy Nominee Emilio Solla returns with his flourishing brand of Tango Jazz where 20+ players and guests appear on this first album from the Tango Jazz Orchestra.

“Sol La, al Sol” gets the listen off to an adventurous Afro-Cuban start with bright horns and dynamic instrumentation, and “Llegara, Llegara, Llegara (to Montevideo)” follows with keys, strings and brass in the cultured and soothing setting where tenor sax and piano solos illuminate the affair.

Even though there’s just 8 tracks, 3 of them surpass 10 minutes, as the varied ensemble offer the elegant “ La Novena”, where flutes and accordions add much to the formula, while “Four For Miles” gets busy and textured with a funk friendly delivery that wouldn’t be out of place on a Gil Evans disc.

Deeper into the record, “Allegron”, with Edmar Castaneda’s harp prowess, results in one of the most exploratory tunes present, and “Buenos Aires Blues (to New Orleans)” exits the listen with a swift pace of energetic instrumentation that certainly tips its hat to the Big Easy with plenty of trombone and trumpet skill

It certainly isn’t surprising that “La Novena” saw a Grammy Nomination, as this collection brings incredible Latin influenced compositions to life, where grooves and melodies arrive in spades alongside world class instrumentation.

Travels well with: The Gil Evans Orchestra- Hidden Treasures Monday Nights, Volume One; Justin Varnes- Survival Instinct: The Evilution Of The Pack

Justin Varnes

Survival Instinct: The Evilution Of The Pack

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Survival Instinct: The Evilution Of The Pack

A proficient drummer who cut his teeth in New York while touring with Icon Phoebe Snow, these days Justin Varnes resides in Atlanta and is a sought after performer for touring bands while also arranging/composing, too, such as the purposefully misspelled Survival Instinct: Evilution Of The Pack.

After the busy and precise opener “Prelude”, where the band introduces themes later occurring in the listen, “Fergimore Island, TX Blues” follows with sweeping melody amid a sax heavy setting that’s very much a pro-cop anthem, while “Tout Le Monde Aime La France” bops and swings with playful energy as it touches on the many attacks in France in recent years.

Following the cautious “Interlude”, which takes a bit from The National Anthem, “Thread” moves with a hypnotic quality as glorious brass highlight the frisky delivery that tips it hat to Bryan Stow (who nearly died after being assaulted following a baseball game), and “Red Mouse Blue Mouse” continues the unpredictable listen with soft plucking that builds into an emotive and soothing execution of keys, light percussion and occasionally louder bouts in its 9 minutes.

At the end, “Emanuel” showcases graceful and sublime trumpet in the solo filled setting that gets a bit bluesy, and “Postlude” exits the listen with an extension from “Interlude”, essentially putting the exclamation point on this extremely accomplished listen.

The back of the album states ‘NO GENETICALLY MODIFIED MUSIC”, as the ensemble use no overdubs, headphones or studio trickery, and recorded all tunes in one take. An incredible display of acoustic, instrumental jazz, Varnes and company play flawlessly here and it will surely be well received.

Travels well with: Frank Kohl- The Crossing; Raquel Cepeda- Passion

G. Love

The Juice

Thirty Tigers, 2020

9/10

Listen to The Juice

The esteemed and always creative output of G. Love continues here, as he brings in Keb’ Mo’ on several tracks as Love’s varied delivery collides well with the old school ideas of Mo’.

The title track, with Marcus King, starts the listen with plenty of grooves and rhythm in the fun, anthemic opener, and “Soulbque” follows, where harmonicas add much to the spirited and gritty setting as Roosevelt Collier contributes his vast talent on pedal steel.

Keb’ Mo’s first appearance comes on the funky pop and melodic “Go Crazy”, and not long after, “Fix Your Face” offers a blues tinted atmosphere with Keb’ Mo’ on lead guitar that’s the quintessential G. Love tune- raw, authentic and textured playfully.

Back half highlights include the indeed rootsy and breezy “Diggin’ Roots”, with Ron Artis, as well as another Keb’ Mo’ track, “Shine On Moon”, where an acoustic delivery offers a nice change of pace that even comes with a harp. Before the album ends with the hip-hop reprise version of the title track, “Drinkin’ Wine” recruits whistling and soulful melodies on the album highlight that has Love rapping amid the blues.

Lyrically, Love alternates between person and political wordplay, and this first album in 5 years, much like everything he’s done, has his patented formula sounding just as good as ever, and will be sure to get your body moving and musical palate satiated.

Travels well with: Dr. John- Gris-Gris; North Mississippi Allstars- Up And Rolling

A Girl Called Eddy

Been Around

Elefant, 2020

10/10

Listen to Been Around

Way back in 2004 Erin Moran released her debut solo album as A Girl Called Eddy, which was a wonderful display of soulful indie-rock sensibilities. Since then, Moran’s been busy with other projects, but now, 15 years later, this sophomore A Girl Called Eddy record shows up,

The title track starts the listen with keys in a soulful pop setting that’s nostalgic and instantly memorable and even sneaks in a harmonica solo, and “Big Mouth” follows with a dreamy setting of strong vocals and sweeping music with an orchestral slant.

Near the middle, “Someone’s Gonna Break Your Heart” makes its way into folk-rock territory that’s full of sing-alongs and sublime guitar work that tips its hat to many decades ago, while “Not That Sentimental Anymore” offers a subdued display of cautious beauty that made Moran’s debut so striking. Although there isn’t a bad tune present, “Welcome To The Palisades!” is especially vibrant with horns and breathy vocals amid a busy delivery of elegant yet playful musicianship.

Near the end, “NY Man” gets contemplative with graceful and restrained pop ideas, and “Pale Blue Moon” ends the listen piano heavy as male vocals accompany Moran on the emotive exit.

Although it would be hard to gauge the anticipation of this 2nd album as I have a feeling most of us abandoned that idea many moons ago, Been Around is a glorious return with plenty of heartfelt and powerful song craft in the first essential record of 2020.

Travels well with: Rachael Sage- Pseudomyopia; Rebecca Turner- The New Wrong Way

Parker & Alexander

All Of Us: Bible Songs For Everyone

Bootjack, 2020

8/10

Listen to All Of Us: Bible Songs For Everyone

A project from the duo behind Spaghetti Eddie, as Parker & Alexander the pair bring us family friendly Bible stories with their varied and skilled musicianship guiding the experience.

“Celebration Of Creation” starts the listen with summery pop-rock where infectious melodies soundtrack the Biblical wordplay, and “In The Beginning” continues with folksy strumming amid the flowing and upbeat atmosphere.

Elsewhere, “Jonah” trims the pace back to reflective with a warm rootsy feeling, while “Ten Commandments” uses playful retro rhythm to tell the timeless story. “Good Samaritan”, one of the album’s strongest tunes, then offers frisky yet precise songwriting in the soft rock.

At the end, “The Lord’s Prayer” is a more bare example of their pop-rock stylings with a dense beat, and “Three Dark Days” ends the listen a bit darker in scope with much attention to detail, but, when you consider the subject matter, the mood makes perfect sense.

Both Oklahoma residents, Brendan Parker and Erick Alexander are also both parents and long time musicians, and that veteran talent is certainly present on this adventurous rock’n’roll religious affair.

Travels well with: Jesse Jukebox- Awesome!; Again Again- Listen. Love. Repeat

Jesse Jukebox

Awesome!

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Awesome!

An aptly titled album, Jesse Friedberg, aka Jesse Jukebox, brings a massive amount of energy and skill to Awesome!, where the Berklee College of Music graduate taps into his inner child across these 6 adventures.

“Awesome!’ gets the listen off to a rockin’ start where Jesse talks about how awesome pancakes, polar bears and Mac & Cheese, among many other things are, and the music buzzes with a quick pace, and “Listen To Your Gut” follows with whistling and acoustic guitar strumming in the folksy influenced fun.

The back half of the listen offers the horn friendly “Complicated Kid”, which bursts into an agile soft rocker with an infectious chorus, and “I Wanna Learn!” flows with a retro feel of soaring vocals as random facts are relayed from some young voices. “Right Where You Belong” ends the listen calm and smooth with a breezy singer-songwriter exit where wise wordplay follows suit to the timeless music.

Friedberg didn’t have the easiest childhood, dealing with behavioral and learnings problems, and was even diagnosed with ADHD. With his music he strives to reach children dealing with similar issues, as a way to remind them that they’re not alone and with the idea to communicate to them to seek out their inner awesome. I’d say he’s going to strike a chord with both kids and adults on this very lively and contagious record.

Travels well with: Sharon & Bram- Sharon & Bram And Friends; Moozika!- Moove To The Moozika!,

Barnes & Barnes

Holidaze In Lumania

Demented Punk, 2019

8/10

Listen Holidaze In Lumania

If you’ve been milling around the outsider rock scene for awhile now, but might recognize the name Barnes & Barnes, as the pair secured some fame in the late ‘70s with their hit “Fish Heads”. Here, Artie and Art Barnes (real names Robert Haimer and Bill Mumy), return with their first album of original tunes in over a decade, as the pair address holidays in their comedic and highly unusual fashion.

“Christmas In Lumania” starts the listen with raspy, troll like vocals and soft acoustic guitars in the quirky opener, and “Down By Candy Cane Lane” continues the theme with humorous storytelling alongside bare instrumentation that you might think of as the anti-pop Christmas tune.

At 15 tracks there’s a lot cover, and the pair tackle other traditions, too, including “Kwanzaa’s Here Again”, where light music glides amid the educational singing that might be the most ‘normal’ tune present, while “Hanukkah At Our House” is a fuller display of multifaceted skill.

Back half highlights include the indie-folkish, gospel parody “Jesus Is Groovy”, and the atmospheric “The Angel Of Death Is Near”, which uses gruff vocals strategically. Closer to the end, “Christmas Is Coming Better Start Running” brings keys to the affair with a more dramatic delivery, and “Silent Night, Holy Newt” puts a bizarre spin on the traditional with snarled vocals the follow soaring, angelic, background singing.

Bizarre, demented and boldly ignoring any preconceived ideas of how music is supposed to sound, Barnes & Barnes are still doing what they do best, i.e. an avant garde approach that’s kind of like Weird Al on acid making music that isn’t bound by any societal expectations.

Travels well with: Wild Man Fischer- Nothing Scary; Crispin Glover- The Big Problem Does Not Equal The Solution. The Solution= Let It Be

Bossacucanova & Roberto Menescal

Bossa Got The Blues

Six Degrees, 2019

8/10

Listen to Bossa Got The Blues

The Brazilian pioneers who have very successfully meshed electronic sounds with Bossa Nova ideas, this 7th album from the legendary Bossacucanova brings in several guests to help flesh out the varied and instrumental listen.

“1937” gets the party started off right with bright horns, slinky guitar lines and lively percussion in the festive opener, and this continues to the woodwind heavy “Mandacaru”, as well as the elegant yet frisky “Train To Ipanema”.

The back half of the listen glows, too, with the spacey sounds and harmonica fun of “Laudir’s Theme”, while the strong, cultured rhythm of “Bossa Got The Blues” is impossible to forget and easy to adore.

Closer to the end, “Vou Nessa” recruits some funk fun amid the dynamic instrumentation, and “Galeria Menescal” exits the affair softer and jazz friendly with a cautious delivery that punctuates the intimacy.

Bossacucanova have already been Latin Grammy nominated, and here they again prove why they’re considered the best of the best in Latin influenced jazz and blues sounds, and with Roberto Menescal revisiting his role as guitarist and composer, it’s quite likely this is their best work to date.

Travels well with: Guido Spannocchi- All The Above; Meklit- When The People Move The Music Moves Too

The Pink Dust

Fathom

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Fathom

A very atypical alt-rock outfit comprised of Cliff Littlefield and Roy Mitchell-Cardenas, this 5th release from the duo brings us an extremely varied and sonically engaging experience that few could replicate.

The title track starts the quick listen with ambience before spirited guitars and a dense mood surround the soulful vocals in a post-rock inspired opening, and “I’m Gone” continues that atmosphere with playful synth amid a dreamy setting of electro-pop that tips it hat to the ‘80s.

The back half of the listen offers us “Things That Matter Most”, where the duo manipulate space and tension well in the curious, prog-rock influenced tune, and “Lonely Still” ends the listen soft and agile, in a spacey conclusion that’s both ominous and fascinating.

A well layered effort that often flows with a cinematic quality, the pair are both nostalgic and progressive here, and never follow any predictable patterns in this exciting and mesmerizing EP.

Travels well with: Drifting In Silence- Away; Lights Fluorescent- Kingdoms

This Time

Two

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Two

A Canadian outfit who return with an appropriately titled sophomore album, Two was recorded live off the floor and truly documents This Time’s energetic and playful delivery where 4 guitars are on hand and interact with much skill.

“Around” gets the album off to a warm and melodic start with smooth vocals alongside catchy musicianship that’s immediately memorable, and “Runaway” follows with timeless pop-rock and a mild alt-rock slant where a sing-along chorus instantly makes its way into the recesses of your brain.

The remainder of the album is equally contagious, including the bluesy spirit and driving pace of “Solace Unexpected”, and “Right In Front Of You” moves with plenty of rhythm and synth nods in the friskiness. “Caught You In Love”, a late album standout track, recruits call and response vocals and crisp percussion in the dynamic landscape of fuzzed out prowess.

At the end, “The Turnaround” finds the band getting into reckless yet calculated bar-rock territory, and “Mother’s Son” exits the listen soft and acoustic fueled, with traces of folk rock in their precise formula.

Thought they might be a bit obscure in the giant pool that is indie-rock today, if you’ve got an ear for guitar rock that soars loud with plenty of harmony, rhythm and, of course, gritty melody, it’s time to get real familiar with This Time.

Travels well with: Modern Love Child- MLC; Science Is Fiction- Don’t Everyone Thank Me At Once

Albare

Albare Plays Jobim

ALFi, 2019

8/10

Listen to Albare Plays Jobim

A musician since the age of 8, Morocco native Albare has spent considerable time in multiple countries, and brings his worldly expertise to this 12th album where he interprets the Brazilian legend Jobim’s timeless melodies.

“One Note Samba” starts the listen with bright keys and soaring strings as Albare’s sublime guitar playing steers the ship, and “Corcovado” follows with a more dramatic execution of brushed percussion while the spirited guitars flow with gorgeous restraint.

Halfway through, “Desafinado” unfolds with superb Latin jazz influences amid the cautious strings, while “Agua de Beber” just oozes breezy sounds against the classically inspired backdrop.

Close to the end, “Aguas de Marco” recruits plenty of rhythm in the playful delivery, and “Brazil” ends the listen quick paced as bouncy keys and skittering percussion illuminate the setting, although it’s Albare’s inimitable guitar acrobatics that steal the show.

Currently playing entirely by ear due to a genetic illness that’s causing vision loss, Albare pays homage to one of his inspirations with exceptional skill and a flawless delivery.

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

Rozina Patkai

Taladim

Tom-Tom, 2019

8/10

Listen to Taladim

A Jazz singer, songwriter and visual artist who resides in Budapest, Hungary, Rozina Patkai returns with a 3rd album where poetry from T.S. Eliot, William Blake and Paul Verlaine, among others, is soundtracked by an all star ensemble of saxophone, cello, synth and much percussion players.

The title track starts the listen percussively strong as Patkai’s expressive and playful vocals guide the rhythmic opening, and “Lorelei” follows with soft guitar and sensual melodies in the feel good tune.

Deeper into the listen “Sea Song” uses strategic cello to set the mood, as saxophones help illuminate the cultured elegance, while “Szerelem?” showcases the pretty and soothing pipes from Patkai. “Llagas De Amor”, the most moving tune present, than offers us emotive balladry that tugs at the heartstrings.

At the end, “Chanson D’ Autumme” flows with a poetic quality as Patkai speaks over more experimental ideas while still being anchored by an acoustic guitar, and “O Leaozinnho” exits the listen with swift strumming amid the upbeat and folk inspired conclusion.

Patkai has been fronting bands for nearly a decade now, and even dabbles in electronic music, too. Taladim expands further from the Brazilian sounds of her earlier work and unfolds with a rich, textured approach where she sings in both Hungarian and French in a multifaceted, worldly approach that’s immediately gripping.

Travels well with: Bin-Jip- Enter; Laura Noejovich- Laura Has New Standards

TV dinner Education

Nya Perspektiv

Cudighi, 2019

8/10

Listen to TV dinner Education

A collection of tunes that are as colorful as the cover art, TV dinner Education’s iconoclastic brand of international psychedelia is a captivating one, where few genres are off limits on this live set recorded in Sweden at Nya Perspektiv in 2016.

“Dyslectic Clam: A” starts the listen bare and eerily calm, before bursting into an aberrant display of percussive skill and unpredictable art-rock , and this continues to the fragmented and hypnotic “Easy Busy”, where voices are used like instruments, as well as the guitar focused “Excellent Choice”, where punk ideas come into the experimental equation.

The back half of the listen offers the extremely unusual “Little Birds”, as alien like voices guide the buzzing and fragmented approach, while “Figure It Out” incorporates jazz sensibilities into the genre defying exploration. “Exploration Borders” ends the listen percussive heavy and rhythmic, with a throbbing, dissonant execution that’s both mesmerizing and perplexing, but in the best way.

Spearheaded by Loti Solovitsky (vocals, drums, tapes, FX) and Julesy Bejbi (toy guitar, tapes), don’t let the fact that this one is on a cassette stop you from experiencing TV dinner Education’s inimitable and artistic vision, cause if you don’t have access to a tape deck, it comes with download code.

Travels well with: Sumuposauttaja- SP1ALBUM; Gong Gong Gong- Phantom Rhythm