Charlie Daniels

Night Hawk

BFD, 2016

8/10

Listen to Night Hawk

The year 2016 was great for Charlie Daniels, who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and also released Night Hawk, which offers a reflection of stories that were told by cowboys on the trails, and often around a campfire.

“Big Balls in Cowtown” starts the listen with swift fiddle acrobatics as Daniels’ inimitable vocals guide the festive, rural melodies, and “Billy The Kid” follows with a rugged yet very tuneful spirit of rhythmic, vivid storytelling that recruits some Spanish guitar.

In the middle, the pace slows down with the harmonica friendly and sublime beauty of “Goodnight Loving Trail”, while “Stay All Night (Stay A Little Longer)” is a bouncy and playful display of country filled harmonies and swing nods. “Running With The Crowd”, the album highlight, then moves slower with a heartfelt and gritty delivery of classic Daniels song craft.

Close to the end, “Can’t Beat The Damned Ole Machine” illustrates Daniels at his most soulful in a campfire-esque sort of way, and “Yippie Ki Yea” exits the listen bare, emotive and tinted with melancholy.

If you’re even vaguely familiar with Daniels’ work, you’ll know there just isn’t a mediocre spot in his catalog and Night Hawk is certainly another exceptional chapter that his fans will certainly embrace.

Travels well with: The Oak Ridge Boys- 17th Avenue Revival; Confederate Railroad- Lucky To Be Alive

Club 8

Pleasure

Labrador, 2015

8/10

Listen to Pleasure

The long running duo of Johan Angergard and Karolina Komstedt, Club 8 celebrated their 2 decade anniversary with this album where themes about sex, love and jealousy unfold alongside their innovative brand of indie-pop that sounds as vibrant as it did in 1995.

“Love Dies” starts the listen with warm, bare keys as pretty, breathy vocals enter the restrained pop approach, and “Skin” follows and immediately dives into buzzing synth amid a firm beat as a dance friendly climate flows with a mysterious quality.

Further on, “Kinky Love” offers a dreamy landscape of ‘80s friendly melodies, while “Jealousy Remains” heads into darker territory where ambience and bright flashes of New Wave nods are present and appreciated.

As we near the end, “Movement” flirts with post-punk while still being very firmly planted in modern electro-pop, and “Promises We Never Meant To Keep” exits the listen light and airy, where gentle singing glides with bare but effective musicianship.

Sublimely intimate and textured carefully, these 8 songs were trimmed down from 30 that Angergard penned. Club 8 have covered many genres in their lengthy existence, and they’re currently making some of their best music to date, that, thankfully, isn’t drowning in over production so as to allow us to fully enjoy the immense talent.

Travels well with: Djustin- Tryst; Trentemoller- Obverse

Electric Peace

You’re Going To Hell

Barred, 2020

8/10

Listen to You’re Going To Hell

The old school, Los Angeles punk outfit Electric Peace have a colorful history that includes prison, being shot, stealing gas from Kurt Cobain and being declared dead in the near future by Rick James. They were most active in the early ‘80s, but have resurfaced for these 4 diverse and exciting tunes.

The title track starts the quick listen with booming vocals from B.Kild, who also brings bouncy bass lines as Jay Ziskrout’s thundering drums and Greg Welsh’s jagged guitar lines equal a dramatic, groove filled version of punk, and “Dinah Might” follows with a swift delivery of quirky, New Wave influenced rock that also might make you want to go surfing.

The back half of the EP includes the soft and mysterious “Stranded In Love”, which you could actually dance to and might soundtrack an island adventure, and “Tell Me You Hate Me” recruits some classic rock nods into the punk spirited and very memorable finish.

A listen that somehow reminds us of The Damned, Danzig and The B-52s, Electric Peace flirt with both psychedelic and classic rock ideas, too. The trio have been active recently after many years of dormancy, and let’s hope they keep this pace going, cause their eclectic version of punk settles in quite well.

Travels well with: Professor And The Madman- Séance; Foxy- Can’t Stop Us

The Kinks

Lola Versus Powerman And The Moneygoround Part One

BMG, 2020

8/10

Listen to Lola Versus Powerman And The Moneygoround Part One

50 years after it originally came out, this 8th album from The Kinks sees the reissue treatment in a variety of formats and configurations. Here, we’re looking at the double CD version, where the first disc offers a newly remastered version of the original with alternate versions included, and the second disc is entirely alternate versions and mixes.

A commercially successful and critically acclaimed album, the album leads with the country rock influenced “The Contenders”, before moving into the soft acoustic strumming of the bare “Strangers”. Closer to the middle, the reflective soft-rock of “Get Back In Line” illustrates The Kinks at their best, and “Lola”, a massive hit for the band, sounds better than ever here.

Deeper tracks like “This Time Tomorrow” and “A Long Way From Home” further solidify the album as a masterpiece with The Kinks’ brand of Americana holding up well across the decades, and “Got To Be Free” exits the original with banjo playfulness amid the bluegrass nods.

The alternate versions from Disc 1 bring us the Mono Single Remixes of “Lola”, “Apeman”, and “Rats”, as well as the Mono Mix of “Powerman” and the Alternate Version Stereo of “Apeman”, all of which are essential for the completist.

Disc 2 leads with the instrumental demo of “The Contenders”, which is somehow just as fun to listen to as the version we’re used to, and “The Good Life”, a previously unreleased tune, displays Ray Davies’ gritty pipes alongside rugged rock’n’roll swagger.

Of the live tracks, “Get Back In Line” is particularly expressive, and “A Long Way From Home” flows with much bare beauty. Some of the best selections from this portion reside near the end, including the Edit From The Long Distance Piano Player version of “Got To Be Free”, where they keys are particularly luminous.

If you’re a diehard fan, there’s no question you’ll need this release not only for the music, but the deluxe hardback book, new notes, rare photos and memorabilia. And if you’re unfamiliar with The Kinks, well, this wouldn’t be a bad place to start, as some of their best work is present.

Travels well with: Ray Davies- Our Country: Americana Act II; Dave Davies- Decade

Chrissie Romano Band

Somewhere Along The Way

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Somewhere Along The Way

An outstanding outfit from Rochester, New York, the guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Chrissie Romano and her band return with a more guitar focused outing, where Americana is explored with their keen sense of pop sensibilities and powerful rhythm section of Ken Romano and John Pasquarella.

“Reilient Me” starts the listen with swift acoustic strumming as Romano’s smooth and flawless vocals enter the folk-pop influenced opening, and “Hearts And Eyes” follows with a calmer pace where bright Americana is illuminated amid crisp instrumentation and poetic singing from Romano’s heartfelt pipes.

There’s just 7 tracks here, and each one is delivered with precision and playfulness, including the melodic and relatable “When Will I?”, while “Angel Wings”, one of the fullest songs, offers a breezy climate as Romano hits some pretty high notes alongside spirited guitar work. “Fool” exits the listen with one of the punchiest selections, where Romano’s voice soars with much conviction and strong wordplay.

Romano’s previous effort, Photo, was rooted in a pop/rock template, and this sophomore release illustrates much diversity though certainly with the same thoughtful approach to song craft that the band are building their flourishing career on.

Travels well with: Lilly Winwood- Time Well Spent; Charlotte Berg- It’s The Damsel Who Decides

Alabama Slim

The Parlor

Cornelius Chapel, 2021

8/10

Listen to The Parlor

A New Orleans bluesman who takes a minimal but very impactful approach to song craft, Alabama Slim aligns himself with Little Freddie King, Ardie Dean, Jimbo Mathus and Matt Patton across a bluesy, soulful and boogie friendly adventure with The Parlor.

“Hot Foot” starts the listen with spirited guitars and frisky percussion as Slim’s stylish delivery is both singing and speaking in a very rhythmic setting, and “Freddie’s Voodoo Boogie” follows with a timeless blues approach that’s got plenty of soul while making the most out of sparse chords as King takes lead vocals.

“All Night Long” lands in the middle, and displays Slim’s very expressive and warm pipes amid a laid back climate, while “Midnight Rider” shuffles with raw, swampy blues. “Rock Me Baby:, one of the album’s best, then drips with a retro blues appeal that brings plenty of grooves to the inviting landscape.

Deep in the record, “Someday Baby” flows with a melodic swagger and foot stompin’ vibe, and “Down In The Bottom” exits the listen with intricate guitar work and strategic percussion alongside Slim’s inimitable singing.

Amazingly, The Parlor was laid down in one take for a straight to tape feel, but when you’ve got members of Drive-By Truckers and Squirrel Nut Zippers in your band, that certainly helps as Slim’s grit and spontaneity is captured and highlighted superbly in this classic blues effort.

Travels well with: Big Bill Broonzy- The Midnight Special; Various Artists- Sunrise On The Blues

Amanda Tosoff

Earth Voices

Empress, 2021

9/10

Listen to Earth Voices

The Toronto pianist and composer Amanda Tosoff returns with her 6th album as leader and her 2nd with vocals, where 7 singers add much to the poetry of Edgar Allen Poe, Walt Whitman, Rumi, Pablo Neruda and more.

“A Dream Within A Dream” starts the listen with Tosoff’s fluid keys flowing alongside saxophones from Allison Au and Kelly Jefferson as Emilie-Claire Barlow brings her smooth pipes to the timeless jazz opener, and “Sonnet 49” follows with Aline Homzy’s graceful violin and Beth Silver’s cello adding to the warm climate where Robin Dann’s soft and expressive singing leaves an impression.

Halfway through, “Birdwings” enters a darker area with an orchestral slant, as Alex Samaras offers his spirited and emotive voice to the mesmerizing delivery, while “Oh, Life” benefits much from Alex Goodman’s intricate guitar work, not to mention the pretty singing from Laila Biali and Samaras.

Near the finish, “To A Stranger” recruits Laurence Schaufele and Jeremy Potts on viola as Felicity Williams injects her intimate vocals, and “Finis” exits the listen with a light and agile jazz friendly conclusion that makes great use scatting by Barlow.

A listen where all 8 tracks radiate in their own richly textured light, Tosoff and company create some instantly enjoyable modern jazz here, and I doubt it would surprise anyone if this one also lands her a Juno nomination.

Travels well with: Dave Restivo- Arancina; Will Bonness- Change Of Plans

Lilly Winwood

Time Well Spent

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Time Well Spent

The rising songstress Lilly Winwood might be a youngster, but she delivers like a seasoned vet on Time Well Spent, where Robbie Crowell, Larissa Maestro, Joe Andrews and Kevin Black, among others, help flesh out the coming of age tunes.

Winwood starts the listen with the warm and pretty “Bruno”, where her inviting pipes guide the soft, spirited climate, and “Few More Records” lands not far later with mild twang as soothing and melodic country rock enters the timeless atmosphere.

Near the middle, “Indiana”moves cautiously with Winwood’s pipes soaring high amid a poetic delivery, while “Nameless” recruits some pop ideas in the diverse landscape. “Smell Of Defeat”, one of the album’s best, then brings in piano as the flawless singing guides a folk influenced setting.

At the end, “One Step Behind” is a playful rural rocker that benefits greatly from Jon Radford’s drumming and electric guitar from Laur Joamets, and “You’ll Know Where To Find Me” exits the listen gentle and with much beauty as Winwood harmonizes alongside fluid acoustic guitar.

Lilly is the daughter of the legendary Steve Winwood, and she’s clearly hinting at a career as luminous as her father with excellent roosty, Americana and country songs like the ones populating the aptly titled Time Well Spent.

Travels well with: Charlotte Berg- It’s The Damsel Who Decides; Sarah Morris- All Mine

Tomás Gueglio

Duermevela

New Focus, 2020

9/10

Listen Duermevela

The debut portrait album from Tomás Gueglio, Duermevela represents the artistic qualities of Chicago and Buenos Aires, which are both hometowns for Gueglio, where his unique approach to chamber music intrigues us immediately.

“Mil Panaderos” starts the listen with solo violin from Austin Wulliman, where the artist mesmerizes us with bare, effective flashes of string acrobatics, and “Apostillas a Mil Panaderos” follows with cello, violin, piano, percussion, soprano sax and clarinet from Latitude 49, who use each instrument sparingly but with much impact.

At the midpoint, “After L’Addio/Felt: After L/Addio” recruits Ben Melsky’s stunning harp prowess on the finger dragging technique that often twinkles with a dreamy quality, which continues to “After L’Addio/Felt: Felt”, where a calmer approach unfolds amid the introspective song craft.

The final track, “Canción en Duermevela”, exits the listen with 4 movements, where a guitar quartet utilize plucking, tapping and scraping gestures that align with rhythm, intimacy and melody, which arrives at a very unpredictable place.

A very precisely layered effort where tone, timbre and technique are all tweaked, manipulated and illuminated in Gueglio’s inimitable vision, you’ve probably never heard a chamber record quite like this one, and that’s a big part of the charm here.

Travels well with: Wang Lu- An Atlas Of Time; Collage Project- Off Brand

Wang Lu

An Atlas Of Time

New Focus, 2020

8/10

Listen to An Atlas Of Time

Wang Lu returns with her 2nd album on the New Focus Label, and like everything the label does, it’s a very unclassifiable journey of chamber, orchestral and classical ideas where each track hosts unbound creativity from different musicians.

The title track starts the listen and unfolds with 5 movements of frantic keys, bursts of vocals, and haunting moments of orchestral mystery that seems like they could soundtrack a horror movie, and “Ryan And Dan” follows with a minimal approach where Ryan Muncy’s saxophone and Daniel Lippel’s electric guitar work strategically alongside one another as they manipulate space and texture with plenty of reverb.

Further on, “Double Trance” brings in the Momenta Quartet as a trio of violins and cello work together for a moody and stirring delivery of tranquil melodies and dynamic chord progressions, while “Unbreathable Colors” makes great use of Miranda Cuckson’s violin skills as both plucked and bowed techniques are executed.

“Siren’s Song” exits the listen, and showcases the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, who also started the album, and it results in an artistic and abstract finish of highly atypical melodies that rumble, distort and scatter with unpredictable beauty and adventure.

A native of China, Lu brings a wealth of experience and talent to these introspective and autobiographical pieces that are full of wonder, awe and so much intrigue.

Travels well with: Collage Project- Off Brand; Dave Liptak- Dove Songs

Cotatcha Orchestra

Bigbandová Elektronika/Bigband Electronics

Big Round, 2020

8/10

Listen to Bigbandová Elektronika/Bigband Electronics

A very ambitious effort, the Cotatcha Orchestra brings big band music and electronic music together, where, essentially, a hybrid form of jazz is birthed under the vision of trumpeter Jiri Kotaca.

“Sen Sei” starts the listen with much atmosphere as adventurous, soulful sax from Marek Kotaco complements the mysterious opener, and “Billy’s Pilgrimmage” follows with soft keys from Martin Konvicka, as soothing vocals from Lenka Dusilova add much to the gorgeous landscape.

Close to the middle, "[Sarda] Napalm” is a busy display of hazy melodies and dreamy qualities where Jiri Kotaca’s trumpet is both vibrant and stirring, while “Modal Song” unfolds with both moments of bare intimacy and big band prowess as flugelhorn and saxophone from Kotaca and Radek Zapadlo guide the exploratory song craft.

Deeper still, “Gloryhole Waltz” puts Peter Korman’s double bass to good use amid Konvicka’s piano skills in the reflective, calm climate, and “A Very Old Lady Driving A Ferrari” finishes the listen with loud, bright trombone thanks to Ilja Reijnoud, as swift drumming complements the memorable exit.

Although it may be an unlikely pairing, the organic versus synthetic sounds here mesh in a way that is both fascinating and rhythmically innovative, as Kotaca and company bring fusion to an entirely new area.

Travels well with: James Dashow- Songs From A Spiral Tree; Mind & Machine: Organic And Electronic Works- Volume Three

Elaine Freeman

La Speranza

Big Round, 2020

8/10

Listen to La Speranza

The composer and songwriter Elaine Freeman offers us an album of piano music with La Speranza, which, amazingly, was penned by ear, without sheet music. Using memory and touch, the songstress lands somewhere between classical and pop music, as Freeman packs turmoil, grief, nostalgia and so much more into these minimal but impactful compositions.

Freeman starts the listen with the brief “Intro To La Speranza (Song For Angelo)”, where her agile and warm keys set the foundation for the remainder of the listen, and “Mantova” follows with soothing, melodic and inviting key work, as does the playful and precise “Going Home”.

The middle portion brings us the sweeping beauty of the title track, where plenty of emotion is present, while “I Love You So Much, I Love You Always (Vincenzo’s Theme)” flows with fascinating chord progressions that are full of timeless intimacy.

Near the end, “Leave Me At The Border”, the stand out track, then dances around heart warming melodies, and “Closing” exits on a short, swift finish of elegant and frisky song craft.

If you’ve got an ear for piano focused songwriting, you won’t be disappointed here, as Freeman doesn’t fit firmly into one category, but embraces countless influences into a very compelling and creative journey.

Travels well with: Mark John McEncroe- Musical Images For Piano; Jonathan Badger- Piano Quartets

James Dashow

Songs From A Spiral Tree: The Vocal Works

Ravello, 2020

8/10

Listen to Songs From A Spiral Tree: The Vocal Works

A very ambitious double disc, James Dashow brings his vocal works into organic instrumentation and electronic manipulation on Songs From A Spiral Tree, where poems by Theodore Roethke, John Ashberry, John Berrymen, Gian Giacomo Menon are illuminated with a creative vision.

“Songs From A Spiral Tree” starts the listen with 4 movements, as mezzo soprano, flute, piccolo and harp interact with an operatic quality where intimacy and exploration unfold with much beauty, and “Ashberry Setting” follows with 26 minutes of a poetic execution that’s precise and full of flutes, keys and Lisa Pierce’s sublime pipes.

Disc 2 leads with “Sul Filo Dei Tramonti”, where electronic flourishes complement Aldo Orvieto’s keys and Sonia Visentin’s sturdy vocals, while “Some Dream Songs” recruits strategic yet jarring moments of dramatic and very playful song craft. “Second Voyage” exits the listen, and also brings electronic ideas amid George Shirley’s tenor as the sonic manipulation adds much to the very unique landscape.

Dashow’s artistic vision is nothing if not rich and eloquent, as the composer leaves us with an unpredictable and meticulous body of work that few could emulate on this fascinating effort.

Travels well with: Jonathan Badger- Piano Quartets; Various Artists- Mind & Machine: Organic And Electronic Works- Volume Three

James Houlahan

Ordinary Eye

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Ordinary Eye

A veteran artist of the Los Angeles roots scene, James Houlahan’s 5th album arrives with influences like Bob Dylan and Tom Waits intact, as his autobiographical song craft flows with contributions from Fernando Perdomo, Scarlet Rivera, Danny Frankel and Esther Clark across the dozen originals.

“As It Is” starts the listen with cautious rootsy sounds where Houlahan’s gritty yet melodic vocals suit the warm acoustic guitar and cozy ambience, and “Tomorrow’s Had Enough Of Me” follows with well timed violin from Rivera amid the folksy strumming and vivid storytelling where Houlahan hits some high notes.

In the middle, “Down In The Mud” brings an electric guitar to the poetic atmosphere of emotive Americana, while “Walking Through The Fire”, the album’s best, is a quicker display of glorious alt-country where guitar, violin and percussion blend together seamlessly. “The Jailer” then offers firm drums from Frankel amid a rugged version of folk-rock meets garage rock spirit.

Deeper yet, “On My Own” resides in dreamy territory, with light falsetto vocals and soaring violin, and “Writ In Water” exits with atypical rhythm as Houlahan recruits classic rock nods into the versatile landscape.

Houlahan cut his teeth playing in New England rock bands, and he brings that experience to a very well executed formula of folk/Americana/roots ideas on this very sincere and thoughtful listen.

Travels well with: Cody Lee- Woodpecker Crisis; John R. Kjellstrom- John R. Kjellstrom

FivePlay Jazz Quintet

Summer Dusk

Self-Released, 2020

9/10

Listen to Summer Dusk

The 4th album in just 2 years from the Bay Area outfit FivePlay Jazz Quintet, Summer Dusk offers 9 originals penned by guitarist Tony Corman and pianist Laura Klein, where their contemporary jazz ideas welcome vocalist Clairdee, as well as a small handful of flutists, among others.

“Bright Golden Sunshine” starts the listen vocally strong as playful keys from Klein and drums from Jason Lewis complement the very harmonic setting, and “Lost And Found” follows with a very thoughtful approach where flutes add much to the dreamy quality that flows with much attention to detail. The title track and lone ballad is where Clairdee’s vocals shine bright as her soulful and expressive execution alone is worth the price of admission.

Near the middle, “Springhill Road” is a swift and creative offering with marching band style drumming and vibrant flutes amid a charming display of timeless jazz prowess, while “Once Upon A Time” enlists wordless vocals as the album highlight soars with soothing melody. “Sparks”, another strong track, then showcases Dave Tidball’s exceptional sax skills alongside Tony Corman’s sublime guitar lines.

“Evanessence” and “Divide Meadow” exit the listen, where the former move cautiously yet with a frisky delivery of universally enjoyable jazz ideas, and the latter recruits strategic clarinet from Tidball on the graceful finish.

FivePlay Jazz Quintet have been quite prolific in recent years, and if that pace continues you won’t hear me complaining as this is some exceptional modern jazz that draws you in immediately and leaves a lasting impression.

Travels well with: Dicosimo/Pagan- Con Moto; The Jeff Benedict Big Big Band- The Weather Is Here, Wish You Were Beautiful

David Restivo

Arancina

Chronograph, 2021

9/10

Listen to Arancina

A revered Canadian jazz artist, Dave Restivo has an impressive resume that includes playing with Rob McConnell’s Boss Brass and Tentet as well as the Mike Murley Quintet, among others, and on this 3rd album as leader he’s in the company of Jim Vivian, Alyssa Falk and Fawn Fritzen across the 9 diverse tracks of Arancina.

“Sicilian Suite” opens the listen with 4 chapters, where agile keys align with proficient drumming from Falk as Restivo navigates plenty of harmonies, rich textures and unpredictable song craft that unfolds with much skill, and “Kintsugi” follows with Fawn Fritzen’s sublime vocals guiding the warm, emotive jazz climate.

Further along, “Raven’s Wing” bops playfully with incredible interplay between Falk’s drums and Restivo’s keys, while “Baby Steps” glides soulfully, precisely and with ingenuity in his take on Coltrane’s “Giant Steps”.

Near the end, Fritzen returns on the dreamy, feel good climate of “Bittersweet Goodbye”, where Vivian’s plucked bass mesmerizes, and “It’s You Or No One’ exits the listen swift, frisky and with a contagious bebop vibe that you won’t forget anytime soon.

When it comes to piano focused jazz sounds, it just doesn’t get much better than this, as Restivo and company excel at both busy, energetic landscapes as well as intimate moments of timeless beauty.

Travels well with: Will Bonness- Change Of Plans; Mario Romano- The Journey So Far

Jeremiah Fraites

Piano Piano

Dualtone, 2021

8/10

Listen to Piano Piano

Probably best known as the co-founder, drummer, pianist and songwriter of The Lumineers, while I think we’re all used to members from seminal folk-bands putting out solo albums, I don’t think most of us expected Jeremiah Fraites to release his as a piano centered, instrumental effort.

“Departure” starts the listen very brief and pretty with warm keys, and “Chilly” follows with a exciting, precise and melodic landscape of restrained beauty where his unparalleled piano work is just so radiant.

Elsewhere, “Nearsighted” finds a dreamy place to reside where much atmosphere and rhythm invades the string friendly backdrop, while “Dreams” dances around plenty of emotion as quicker moments of tension meet stirring moments of serenity. “Possessed”, the album standout, then gets a bit moody, and with no lack of complicated but universally embraceable song craft that you can’t help but admire.

Close to the end, “Simplest Of Matters” takes on a cinematic quality with sweeping strings amid a nearly spiritual demeanor, and “Arrival” exits the listen with a sublime presence of delicate and poetic instrumentation as the strings complement the keys perfectly.

A record that Fraites has been working on for nearly a decade, it’s very apparent that much thought went into these songs, as he paints a very intimate landscape of quiet beauty and fascinating textures on a fantastic listen that says so much without the need for words.

Travels well with: Casey Gibson- Piano Music; Rachel Grimes- The Clearing

Melbreeze

I Love Paris

Blue Canoe, 2021

9/10

Listen to I Love Paris

A native of Turkey, these days Melbreeze calls Los Angeles home, where she’s been collaborating with a handful of esteemed musicians. Here she debuts her first co-produced album, which stems from jam sessions with Scott Kinsey, as Melbreeze and company rewrite standards in their own inimitable fashion.

“Autumn Leaves” starts the listen with Melbreeze’s unique, expressive vocals alongside bright keys from Scott Kinsey and strategic trumpet from Tim Hagans in the cultured landscape, and “I Fall In Love Too Easily” follows with a playful approach where frisky percussion from Brad Dutz anchors the soulful, jazz influenced atmosphere.

Near the halfway point, “Sentimental Journey” leads with the sound of a train before flowing into a cozy and agile display of soft melodies, plenty of grooves and a bit of seductive quality, while “Don’t Explain” brings upright bass from Tim Lefebvre and bluesy guitar lines from Yotam Silberstein to the album highlight. “My Funny Valentine”, another exceptional track, then offers sublime guitar acrobatics from Josh Smith, as well as paper effects from Dutz to a very inviting interpretation of the classic.

As we approach the end, “What Lola Wants” benefits greatly from Hagans’ brass as vocal scatting and a lush execution unfold, and “Killing Me Softly With His Song” exits the listen with Kensey’s keys front and center as Melbreeze turns in a charming reworking of the timeless finish.

A very diverse collection that makes exquisite use of bossa nova, calypso, and Latin Swing, among many other ideas, Melbreeze brings much universal beauty to songs that we’ve never heard quite this, but will want to hear over and over again.

Travels well with: Sue Maskaleris- Love Is The Key; Wayne Alpern- Jukebox

Mike Scott

Collecting Things

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Collecting Things

The guitarist and composer Mike Scott aligns himself with Joe Bagg, Darek Oles and Jake Reed here, where the quartet flesh out these 10 agile and cozy jazz tunes that embrace Scott’s classical training and keen sense of songwriting prowess.

“Sol Minor Prelude” starts the listen with intricate and warm nylon string classical guitar acrobatics, which flows into “Sol Minor”, where keys from Bagg and frisky drums from Reed radiate much beauty in the waltz setting.

Close to the middle, “Jack’s Dilemma” shimmers with a reflective, bluesy quality as Bagg’s spirited organ makes an impression, while “Boom Diddle It” swings with playful bass plucking from Oles. “On A Clear Day”, one of the album’s best, then displays incredible dynamics between the quartet amid the timeless jazz climate.

Near the end, “Rondo” glides with a Brazilian influence as quick finger picking from Scott radiates incredible talent, and “49” exits on a duet between guitar and drums, as the two interact with both rock and jazz textures.

Scott is a veteran player in the Los Angeles jazz scene, and he turns in a first rate effort here, where swing, classical, blues and rock are all represented with much sincerity and even more precision.

Travels well with: Dan Bonsanti And The 14 Jazz Orchestra- Cartoon Bebop; Henry Robinett Quartet- Jazz Standards Volume 2: Then Again

Fostina Dixon

Vertical Alignment

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Vertical Alignment

The frontwoman for Winds Of Change, Fostina Dixon brings her strong alto, soprano and baritone saxophone prowess to these soulful and funky 11 tracks.

“Good Vibes” starts the listen with Al Turner on bass as the rhythmic and groove filled opener sets the pace for the album, and “More” follows with Monty Q. Pollard’s keys complementing Dixon’s sax acrobatics.

Elsewhere, “Thank You” benefits greatly from Jeff Canady’s skilled drumming, while “Neckbrace”, with Ray Chew, flows with sublime beauty.

At the end, “Blessing Me Now” uses strings strategically in the cautious album highlight, and “He Is Risen” exits the listen playful and dynamic, putting the punctuation mark on the strong song craft present here.

Dixon made a triumphant comeback in 2016, and continues her glowing presence with this highly articulate, eloquent and frisky adventure.

Travels well with: Ray Blue- Work; Bernie Mora & Tangent- No Agenda