Pavel Gintov

Piano Fantasies

Navona, 2021

9/10

Listen to Piano Fantasies

The Ukranian-born pianist Pavel Gintov demonstrates a strong familiarity with his instrument here, as he interprets many time honored compositions that span from Baroque through the late Romantic era.

“Fantasia in C minor, BWV 906” leads the listen with swift and dynamic keys, where Gintov’s interpretation of the Johann Sebastian Bach composition is quite stunning in its meticulous nature, and “Fantasia in C major, H. 284” follows with both quick piano acrobatics as well as calm moments of intimacy, as Gintov certainly does justice to the Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach original.

Elsewhere, “Fantasia in F minor, K. 608”, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, offers a charming and even reflective climate of fascinating progression, while Frederic Chopin’s “Fantasy in F minor, Op. 49” radiates much beauty from both the soft and firm keys that are manipulated with the utmost care.

Landing near the end, “Sonata-Fantasy No. 2 Op. 60 I. Andante. Allegro molto” flows with a dizzying display of complicated but exciting playing, and “Fantasy in B minor, Op. 28” finishes the listen with no lack of melody in its harmonic and rich exit.

The list of composers present here is an impressive one, and Gintov certainly illuminates the many strengths of the pieces, while injecting his own sublime presence into a very impressive piano listen.

Travels well with: Paul Paccione- Music For Piano; Nicki Roman- Unquiet Waters

Randal Clark

Imaginary World

Blue Hour, 2021

8/10

Listen to Imaginary World

A veteran saxophonist who calls Salt Lake City home, this first album from Randal Clark enlists Randy Brecker, Jeff Lorber, Jimmy Haslip and Michael Thompson, among many more, for an exciting contemporary jazz listen where several players bring much skill to the equation.

“Trailblazer” starts the listen with no lack of energy as Clark’s bright and smooth sax playing is complemented by punchy drumming from Gary Novak and Lorber’s dreamy keys, and “New Day” follows with flowing melodies thanks to Haslip’s precise bass playing and Mike Miller’s guitar complementing the soulful brass.

Further down the line, “Discovery” radiates warmth via Thompson’s guitars, Jimmy Branly’s drums and, of course, the strategic sax from Clark, while “Boulevard East” is textured precisely with Jon Herington’s guitar, David Mann’s keys, synth and sax, and Sonny Emory’s drums in the timeless jazz climate. “Tiger Lily”, the album’s best, then offers a busy and firm delivery of soaring sax and spirited guitar work that you can’t help but admire.

Arriving near the end, “Turbocharged” emits a stylish demeanor that benefits from Melanie Shore’s organ and Mononeon’s bass, and the title track exits the listen with Scott Kinsley’s charming synth alongside Clark’s strong sax playing and Branly’s exceptional drumming.

An extremely well done debut, Clark and company make the most of each track present, and it sets them clearly on a path towards further greatness in the area of modern jazz.

Travels well with: June Bisantz- 7 Shades Of Snow; David Larsen- Deviate From Standards

Paulina Owczarek & Peter Orins

You Never Know

Circum-Disc, 2021

9/10

Listen to You Never Know

A pair of creative spirits who met in 2015, Paulina Owczarek and Peter Orins bring their alto saxophone and drumming prowess to a very distinct and exciting version of free jazz across these 5 adventurous tracks.

“What Might Happen” starts the listen, and offers a minimalist quality where strategic tinkering sounds and no shortage of ambience unfolds with an iconoclastic approach, and “How People Behave” follows with an equal amount of unpredictability that squeaks and shuffles before Owczarek’s soulful brass enters the building climate that ends up with swift drumming.

The middle track, “Oh Anything”, then might be the most bare, with soft drumming and raw, experimental noises, while “Three Rules That Live” quivers with bright sax and unusual jazz nods that you can’t help but admire.

“In The House Next Door” finishes the listen and offers both sparse moments of barely audible manipulation, as well as firm bouts of sax amid the thumping drums as the two interact with adventurousness.

Owczarek brings her improvisational and experimental background to these very curious compositions, and Orins’ artistic and inimitable drumming only adds that much more allure to this unusual and fascinating effort.

Travels well with: Peter Orins- VRTN & VBTRN; Adoct- Ouvre-Glace

Paul Paccione

Music For Piano

Navona, 2021

9/10

Listen to Music For Piano

A collection of solo piano pieces penned specifically for Jenny Perron’s inimitable execution, Music For Piano illustrates Paul Paccione’s classical roots as he pays particular attention to harmonies and colorful progressions of the instrument.

The first portion of the listen offers “Tapestry Studies”, where 9 chapters emits warm, graceful and even soothing key manipulation from Perron. While some selections, like “Habanera”, move quicker with much melody, others, like “Serenade”, are calm, intimate moments of beauty.

The middle of the listen belongs to “Books Of Hours”, where dreamy segments like the gorgeous “Matin’s Midnight” and the more firm but certainly very elegant “Terce: Midmorning” illustrate a sublime and very skilled vision. Later in the listen, “Vespers: Sunset” is executed with so much attention to mood that it alone is worth the price of admission.

The final piece, “Unsent Letter”, moves meticulously, with a very strategic attention to key stroke, where Perron’s incredible poise won’t go unnoticed.

An extremely well thought out collaboration between composer and performer, let’s hope Paccione and Perron will work together again the future, cause their collective strength makes for a solo piano effort that you’ll want to revisit often.

Travels well with: James Dashow- Synchronies; Nicki Roman- Unquiet Waters

Elena Maque

Feel Again

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Feel Again

A Russian native, Elena Maque knows her way around a saxophone and has a voice you won’t soon forget, and here along with many musicians she offers us 6 originals and 3 covers on this diverse debut album.

“Hey Friend” starts the listen with playful drumming and warm keys as Maque’s well timed brass and expressive singing guides the cultured jazz opener that welcomes grooves, and “Lover Man” follows with a charming, soulful quality that embraces plucked bass and spirited guitar from Leonardo Amuedo, amid the bright sax bouts.

In the middle, “And I Love Her” flows with a very pretty climate of graceful keys, soft guitar and Maque’s gorgeous pipes, while “Weightless” offers a cautiously textured instrumental that glides with an agile and gorgeous delivery which benefits from Michael Glynn’s bass and Darin Clendenin’s keys.

Near to the end, “Chance” bounces with an infectious energy that showcases Maque’s sublime sax playing, and “Like A Song” exits the listen with Katisse’s dreamy flute, vocal scatting and frisky percussion in the festive and Latin flavored finish.

A very well thought out and precisely executed first album, Maque and company make the most of every track, emitting a timeless and worldly jazz listen that you won’t be able to listen to just one time.

Travels well with: David Janeway- Distant Voices; June Bisantz- 7 Shades Of Snow

Alexander McCabe

Body & Soul

WAMCO, 2021

8/10

Listen to Body & Soul

An accomplished pianist, composer and saxophonist, Alexander McCabe is in the company of Paul Odeh, Ugonna Okegwo and Craig Wuepper for this 6th album as leader, where 4 originals and 2 covers comprise, in his words, the best work he’s done as a leader.

“Elena” starts the listen with McCabe’s flowing sax prowess alongside Wuepper’s frisky drumming and Odeh’s graceful keys in the soothing waltz, and “If I See Her” follows with a very warm and heartfelt approach as Okegwo’s clever bass work complements the timeless jazz landscape that’s pretty close to balladry.

The middle selections, “Christi’s Day” and the title track, don’t disappoint either, where the former glides swiftly with incredible dynamics between the quartet in a bluesy sort of way, while the latter, a Johnny Green tune, truly showcases McCabe’s brass skills amid the mature piano and bouncily plucked bass.

Nearing the end, “Angela”, a ballad for Wuepper’s wife, offers a meticulously textured delivery of playfulness and restraint, and “Countdown”, by John Coltrane, exits the listen with a dizzying display of quick, memorable and universally enjoyable jazz songwriting.

McCabe’s impressive resume includes playing with the Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Big Band, soundtracking many films and TV shows, and also being a member and songwriter for the ska band Memphiskapheles, so when he stakes the claim that Body & Soul is his best yet, we should all be paying close attention.

Travels well with: Greg Loughman- Re: Connection; Billy Test Trio- Coming Down Roses

Stephen Sondheim

A Little Night Music (Suite For Violin And Piano)

Bridge, 2021

8/10

Listen to A Little Night Music (Suite For Violin And Piano)

A world premiere recording, this 4 movement suite by Stephen Sondheim is arranged by the veteran Broadway performer Eric Stern, and has the Opus Duo, i.e. William Terwilliger on violin and Andrew Cooperstock playing piano, fleshing out the 1973 Tony Award winning musical.

“Night Waltz” opens the listen with the violin and piano dancing around each in other triple meters amid much melody and rhythm, and “You Must Meet My Wife” follows with a loving musical tribute that leads with both instruments in the upper register and expands from there with lush and colorful textures.

In the middle, the swift “A Weekend In The Country” moves in 6/8 time, where a dramatic setting unfolds with furious and calculated deliveries, while “Send In The Clowns” is a gorgeous ballad that emits much intimacy in its octave manipulation and arpeggio acrobatics.

The reprise version of “Night Waltz” exits the quick listen, and brings the record full circle with a light and heartfelt finish that suits the mood of the suites perfectly.

Terwilliger and Cooperstock play with an incredible chemistry here, where they pay much attention to rhythm and meticulous dynamics between the strings and keys, effectively illuminating Sondheim’s vision with a radiance that certainly does justice to the classic musical.

Travels well with: Newman And Oltman Guitar Duo- The Book Of Imaginary Beings: The Music Of Leo Brouwer For Two Guitars; Florent Schmitt- La Tragédie de Salomé

David Janeway

Distant Voices

SteepleChase, 2021

9/10

Listen to Distant Voices

The pianist David Janeway returns with his 3rd solo album, and along with Cameron Brown on bass and Billy Hart behind the drum kit he pens a record that looks back on those that inspired him by covering Hank Jones and Wayne Shorter, among others, and offering tribute songs to Larry Willis, Ahmad Jamal, Cedar Walton and Herbie Hancock.

“Sweet And Lovely” starts the listen with quick drumming, playful bass lines and Janeway’s graceful keys providing much warmth in the flowing jazz climate, and “Minor Contention” follows with a swift and melodic display of bouncy keys amid the quick drumming

Later in the listen, “Gardenia” offers a cautious and very elegant album highlight that’s as dreamy as it is memorable, while “One For Cedar” illustrates incredible chemistry between the trio as a timeless jazz flavor unfolds in the Janeway original. “Waltz For Zweetie”, another exceptional track, then moves with much beauty via the mature and skilled interplay that is greatly appreciated.

Nearing the end, “In Passing” radiates a reflective quality with the keys and bass working together sublimely, and “Movin’ On” exits the listen with an upbeat, lush and full execution where all the players showcase their respective strengths in spades.

Janeway began playing the piano at age 5, and made the move to New York City in the late ‘70s, where he’s enjoyed a luminous career since. The first recording for his working trio, let’s hope this combination of talent work together again very soon, cause Janeway, Hart and Brown make the most out of the interpretations, and the originals don’t disappoint, either.

Travels well with: David Finck- BASSic Instinct; David Larsen- Deviate From Standards

Alex Bird And The Jazz Mavericks

You Are The Light And The Way

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to You Are The Light And The Way

The sophomore album from Alex Bird and his band, You Are The Light And The Way expands on the greatness achieved of their award winning debut, Whisky Kisses, with much attention to mood as they recruit horns and strings for the occasion.

Bird starts the listen with the smooth and very expressive title track, where his eloquent singing is met with warm keys from Ewan Farncombe as well as soulful brass, and “Where The Blackbird Sings” follows with a haunting quality as stirring strings enter an almost cinematic expanse of tension and grace.

Further along, “Sittin’ By My Lonesome” is a pretty, cautious, slow burner with a poetic feel and well timed saxophone from Patrick Smith, while “Fool For Love” showcases Leighton McKinley Harrell’s carefully plucked bass alongside Bird’s flowing singing. “Old Soul”, one of the album’s best, then benefits from Eric West’s precise drumming, the bright brass and certainly no shortage of melody.

Approaching the end, “Tell Me It’s You” offers a sublime, romantic jazz moment with sparking keys, elegant horns and light drumming, and “Honey Lee Lullaby” exits the listen with an indeed sweet and soft display of dynamic and meticulous interaction between the incredible musicians on hand.

All the tunes present are originals and fully ready to be added to The Great American Songbook, where their thriving brand of jazz embraces grooves, funk, swing and big band ideas that won’t disappoint from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Jazzlab Orchestra- LOGUSLABUSMUZIKUS; Montréal Jazz Trio- Montréal Jazz Trio

Legendary Shack Shakers

Cockadoodledeux

Alternative Tentacles, 2021

9/10

Listen to Cockadoodledeux

The long running and always innovative Legendary Shack Shakers, spearheaded by the multi-instrumentalist J.D. Wilkes, return with an album to celebrate their 25 years of making music, and they’ve got past members alongside current members and even a cameo from Jello Biafra.

“Rawhide” gets the album off to a mysterious start that seems like it might segue into horror punk, galloping cowboy rock or maybe even something that could soundtrack a Spaghetti Western with its precise yelping from Biafra and dusty instrumentation, and “Let Me Tickle Your Innards” follows with fiddle friendly, rural rhythms and sounds tailor made for a barnyard dance.

Further on the swirling guitar and retro-rock of “U-Can-Be-A-Star” flows with adventurous piano acrobatics, while “Port Arthur Boys” hint at Ragtime influences amid the smooth singing and agile instrumentation. “I Don’t Remember Loving You”, the album’s lone cover, then tips its hat to classic country with a rugged spirit.

Approaching the end, the clever “Punk Rock Retirement Plan” offers a bouncy, country punk climate, and “Farewell Ye Rovin’ Eyed Girls” exits with plenty of beauty in the breezy, even dreamy, album highlight.

Certainly a more country and western focused affair compared to their previous work, Wilkes and his current band of Gary Siperko, Fuller Condon and Preston Corn are in the company of former members Chris Scrugggs, and Morgan Jahnig, as well as guests Stanley Walker, Jack Martin and ‘Hillbilly’ Bob Prather.

This first quarter century of the Legendary Shack Shakers as been as colorful and exciting as any rock’n’roll band, and the next 25 years sure do look to be just as eventful if this rockabilly, Western Swing, bluegrass and Tex Mex adventure is any indication.

Travels well with: The Devil Makes Three- Chains Are Broken; Possessed By Paul James- As We Go Wandering

Daniil Trifonov

BACH: The Art Of Life

Deutsche Grammophon, 2021

9/10

Listen to BACH: The Art Of Life

The pianist Daniil Trifonov takes on a very adventurous effort here, where he interprets 2 discs worth of compositions by J.S. Bach, as well as works by his 4 sons and family favorites.

Johann Christian Bach’s “Sonata No. 5 in A major” starts the listen with swift and incredibly complicated finger acrobatics that are as mesmerizing as they are memorable, and Wilhelm Friedemann Bach’s “Polonaise No. 8 in E minor” follows with a much calmer approach where the gentle keys emit a very dreamy climate that unfolds with much beauty.

Later on in the first disc, Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach’s “Allegretto con variazioni (“Ah, vous direai-je, maman”) displays extremely agile manipulation of the piano as many short pieces illustrate a strong attention to detail amid the flowing diversity.

The 2nd disc continues Johann Sebastian Bach’s “The Art Of Fugue BWV 1080”, which began on the first disc, and occupies many segments that dances around sublime, jumpy bouts of playfulness that puts an inimitable spin on the Bach masterpiece. Interestingly enough, the record exits on the very expressive reading of Dame Myra Hess’s transcription of “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.

A Grammy Award winner, Trifonov absolutely proves that he’s worth the praise on a solo piano outing that spans many moods, weave in and out of spellbinding piano work, and certainly keeps the contributions from the Bach family alive with his inimitable spirit and flawless execution.

Travels well with: Hania & Dobrawa- Inner Symphonies; Buchbinder- Beethoven Piano Concertos

Hania & Dobrawa

Inner Symphonies

Deutsche Grammophon, 2021

9/10

Listen to Inner Symphonies

The two youngest composers to date on the Deutsche Grammophon roster, the pianist Hania Rani and cellist Dobrawa Czocher welcome electronics into this very fascinating debut album that’s quite artistic while still being very relevant in the area of classical sounds.

“Ouverture” starts the listen with warm ambience, where the duo’s piano and cello are weaved between the strategic electronic manipulation, and “Con Moto” follows with playful keys flowing alongside the precise strings, as a radiant, cinematic quality unfolds.

Close to the middle, “Scream” offers a hypnotic landscape with mesmerizing keys amid the plucked strings, while “Anima” flows with a dreaminess that’s full of waves of beauty as the pair interact with a sublime chemistry. “Demons”, another exceptional track, then gets playful with its calculated balance of adventurousness and poise.

As we near the end, “Dunkel”, perhaps the most atmospheric track, lends itself to a rare intimacy, and “Spring” exits the listen with 7 minutes of gorgeous piano work and intricate strings with a haze of electronics to accent the emotive finish.

Recorded in their home of Poland, Inner Symphonies is a very soulful and highly creative take on contemporary classical ideas, where the duo’s collective strength makes for an immediately absorbing listen.

Travels well with: Buchbinder- Beethoven Piano Concertos; Peter Gregson- Patina

Chickenbone Slim

Serve It To Me Hot

VizzTone, 2021

9/10

Listen to Serve It To Me Hot

A San Diego bluesman who has plugging away as Chickenbone Slim for a decade now, Larry Teves knows his way around a blues tune that flirts with West Coast swing, rockabilly and Americana, and he’s got Laura Chavez, Marty Dodson and Andrew Crane in his band these days, plus some guests, too, for this 4th album.

The title track gets the listen off to a warm and rugged start, where Dodson’s thumping drums and Chavez’s thick guitar chops complement his gritty yet tuneful pipes on the firm blues rocker, and “Wild Eyed Woman” follows with no shortage of rhythm amid the power and melody.

Elsewhere, “Love To Be True” trims the volume back with plenty of beauty alongside the cautious rock textures, while “Squares Everywhere” shakes and bounces with a retro appeal as playful backing vocals add much to the dance friendly demeanor. “Laying Down In The Weeds” then hosts producer Christoffer Andersen on organ for the busy blues landscape that’s executed with a timeless precision.

Further on, “I Will Stand For You” benefits much from Crane’s precise bass work that welcomes Americana entering the formula, and “Hook Me Up” exits the listen with no shortage of groove filled rock as the album finishes on a very sturdy blues rock adventure.

An album with zero filler, Chickenbone Slim and company play the blues with a spirit akin to John Lee Hooker or T-Bone Walker, and their roots rock influences gives these 13 originals a distinct appeal that you’ll have a hard time not enjoying.

Travels well with: Chris Badnews Barnes- Badnews Rising; Gabe Stillman- Just Say The Word

Sergei Kvitko

MOZART. Post Scriptum

Blue Griffin, 2021

8/10

Listen to MOZART. Post Scriptum

The pianist and producer Sergei Kvitko brings us some very detailed Mozart interpretations here, where the Madrid Soloists Chamber Orchestra, lead by the conductor Tigran Shiganyan, helps these classics live again with distinct orchestration, ornamentation and articulation.

“Rondo for Piano and Orchestra in D major, K. 382” starts the listen with the bouncy strings flowing alongside Kvitko’s swift and playful keys, and “Rondo for Piano and Orchestra in D major, K. 382” follows with a meticulous attention to detail where the strings and piano weave in and out of exciting, unpredictable textures.

“Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 20 in D minor, K. 466” rounds out the listen and unfolds in 3 chapters that displays majestic, firm dynamics as well as soft, intimate moments, where the beauty and poise are only matched by the timelessness of the entire effort.

Mozart’s brilliance is certainly captured very well here, as Kvitko’s very capable hands and the orchestra’s skilled players make for a classical listening experience you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Victoria Bond- Illumination: Piano Works Of Victoria Bond; Duo Shu- Duo Shu

Over The Moon

Chinook Waltz

Borealis, 2021

9/10

Listen to Chinook Waltz

A Western Canada outfit spearheaded by the married couple Suzanne Levesque and Craig Bignell, as Over The Moon they pen a distinct brand of Americana that welcomes vintage western swing, Appalachian old time, and cowboy blues to the very diverse Chinook Waltz.

“Lonesome Bluebird” starts the album with warm banjo and soothing vocal harmonies in the dreamy opener that welcomes Aaron Young’s high strung guitar, and “Someday Soon” follows with Levesque’s poetic singing amid Bruce Hoffman’s glowing pedal steel and Denis Keldie’s well timed accordion.

At the midpoint, “I Can’t Get Over You” is a very intimate interpretation of the Buddy and Julie Miller classic, where Keith Floen’s graceful piano makes a big impression, while “John Ware” offers a quicker tune with fiddle, mandolin, accordion and others meshing in a cozy, rootsy feel. “I’m Not Cool”, one of the album’s best, is then a stylish, retro flavored track with Cedic Blary’s clarinet and Jason Valleau’s bass helping cultivate a climate that might best be suited for a speakeasy.

“When She Rides” arrives near the end and soars with incredible singing from Levesque and Bignell alongside the melodic fiddle, mandolin, keys and acoustic guitars, and the title track exits the listen with much rural beauty that even adds the sounds of nature into the background.

A very detailed effort that’s full of folk and roots qualities, too, Over The Moon are well versed at both vulnerable moments and swinging sounds on a listen that’s all substance and heartfelt from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Rigby Summer- Geography; Riddy Arman- Riddy Arman

Mala Oreen

Awake

Motherwest, 2021

9/10

Listen to Awake

A Swiss-American folk singer-songwriter who handles guitar and violin quite well, Mala Oreen has been solo now for over a decade, and here with her exceptional band she touches on folk, bluegrass, roots and Americana with a very sincere and creative vision.

Oreen starts the album with the poetic and agile singing of “Ragged Queen”, which includes dobro, fiddle and some bluesy acoustic guitar, and “Moon Same Moon” follows with her expressive pipes flowing alongside the precise pedal steel and emotive guitar that injects even more beauty to the affair.

The middle tracks offer us the dreamy, absorbing “Soldier On”, which benefits much from aching cello, while “Threshold” is a fuller track with a waltz quality that showcases Oreen’s inimitable eloquence and gorgeous vocals. “Ghost Cat” then pairs fiddle and mandolin with some dramatic moments as the meticulous climate is textured flawlessly.

“Mosaic” and “Untied” exit the listen, where the former is a bare but powerful display of hymn like radiance, and the latter lands in ballad territory with 2 guitars, sparse keys, fiddle and pedal steel for a heartfelt and intimate finish.

Plenty of folk singers have great voices, but Oreen is armed with a set of pipes that will reach straight to your soul, and the very well thought out musicianship and strong lyrical content won’t disappoint either, as she pens one of the best folk records in recent history.

Travels well with: Brooksie Wells- Stops Time; Carole Wise- The Long Way Home

Hanna PK

Blues All Over My Shoes

VizzTone, 2021

9/10

Listen to Blues All Over My Shoes

A South Korea native who now resides in Rochester, New York, Hanna PK knows her way around a piano and has an incredible set of pipes, too, as she brings much talent to 10 originals and 1 cover with help from the esteemed bluesman Kenny Neal on production.

“Mirror Mirror” gets the listen off to a lively start with Neal’s warm harmonica alongside PK’s soulful pipes and fluid keys, and “Bad Woman” follows with a bouncy spirit, where Michael Harris brings his energetic drumming into PK’s piano acrobatics on a tune that will get your body moving.

“I’m Lost Without You”, the only track not penned by PK, brings swift melodies and Miguel Hernandez’s strategic bass to the busy landscape, while “Love Keeps Walking In” enters ballad territory, where PK’s expressive singing flows amid her graceful keys. “No One Will Ever Know” then benefits from Brandon Adams’ well timed organ in the powerful, emotive album highlight.

Approaching the end, “Bad Habit” offers a cautious piano rocker with just PK’s playful vocals for the occasion, and “Two And Four” exits the listen with rumbling keys alongside Paul Emden on brushes as the setting unfolds with a timeless blues demeanor where PK’s vision is nothing short of stunning.

An album that is certainly steeped in blues ideas, PK also flirts with retro-rock and Americana moments, too, where her unique creativity showcases a seemingly boundless skill.

Travels well with: Ben Levin- Still Here; Lindsay Beaver & Brad Stivers- Lindsay Beaver & Brad Stivers

Bett Padgett

Turning Over Stones

Ceilidhe’s, 2021

8/10

Listen to Turning Over Stones

A teacher, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Bett Padgett returns with her 10th album, and it’s packed full of universally enjoyable folk songs where she plays a variety of instruments and explores gentle, soothing moods.

“Sittin’ On The Fence” starts the listen with Padgett’s cozy and warm vocals gliding alongside her careful and lovely strumming with a hint of blues, and “A Pair Of Wings” follows with her playful and radiant banjo soundtracking the expressive storytelling with some mountain flavor.

Closer to the middle, “The Fruit And The Flower” recruits Padgett’s graceful piano alongside her flowing pipes in a very harmonic, poetic climate, while “Don’t Take My Yard Signs” is a bit more firm, albeit in a charming way, as Padgett scolds those who take yard signs. “The Storm”, one of the album’s best, then swirls with dreamy melodies as the songstress gets a bit tense, too, and even includes a mandolin.

Near the end, “Wild Mountain Thyme” is full of sublime beauty, where Padgett’s gorgeous singing is complemented by a Celtic harp, and “Where Did Papa Go?” exits the listen with a lullaby quality that’s not without rhythm as the clawhammer guitar and piano interact with strong attention to detail.

Padgett plays and sings with an immediately memorable delivery, where her wise and eloquent stories make an impact akin to seeing an old friend that you’ll want to visit with again and again.

Travels well with: Brooksie Wells- Stops Time; Carole Wise- The Long Way Home

Jeremiah Lockwood

A Great Miracle: Jeremiah Lockwood’s Guitar Soli Chanukah Album

Reboot, 2021

8/10

Listen to A Great Miracle: Jeremiah Lockwood’s Guitar Soli Chanukah Album

The guitar wizard Jeremiah Lockwood brings his immense talent to this holiday album, where inspiration from 1968’s The New Possibility: John Fahey’s Guitar Soli Christmas Album results in 8 (mostly) solo guitar tracks, 1 for each night of Chanukah.

“Ritual” starts the listen with warm and fluid playing that emits a timeless folk quality in Lockwood’s very graceful vision, and “Al Hanisim” follows with a cultured, meticulous approach that’s mesmerizing in its skilled execution.

At the halfway point, “Al Hanisim Izhar Cohen” is full of melodic and quick finger acrobatics as Lockwood manipulates his Gibson with much awe, while “Maoz Tzur”balances intimacy and playfulness in its detailed precision.

“Drey Dreydl”, one of the album’s best, then dances with a charming energy that’s quite hypnotic, and “Chanukah Oy Chanukah” finishes the listen with a subdued and very poetic execution that exits the well thought out effort perfectly.

Lockwood cut his teeth playing the blues, and those roots are certainly still present, as he pens a listen that could certainly become a holiday standard, and sure will impress those with an ear for bluesy and folk friendly guitar playing.

Travels well with: Arturo O’Farrill And The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra- Virtual Birdland; Sarah Aroeste- Monastir

Doug MacDonald & Tarmac Ensemble

Jazz Marathon 4: Live at Hangar 18

DMAC, 2019

8/10

Listen to Jazz Marathon 4: Live At Hangar 18

A concept initiated by Don Thompson in Hawaii, these days Doug MacDonald is at the helm of the jazz marathon concept, and here MacDonald and company bring us 14 traditionals and 2 originals on this double disc effort.

“San Fernando Blvd” starts the listen with a lively swing jazz flavor of spirited guitar work and shuffling percussion, and this continues to the elegant and romantic “Lollipops And Roses”, as well as the dynamic horn work of “Maiden Voyage”. Disc 1 ends on the highlight, “Strike Up The Band”, where playful vibraphone really adds to the experience.

Disc 2 is just as solid, including the emotive, warm and flutle friendly “LL”, though the brass prowess and contemplative “Body And Soul” is certainly a must hear tune with its vibrant trumpet solos. The best track on this disc is easily the precise instrumentation of “Where Or When”, as Rickey Woodard’s tenor saxophone skills shine bright.

As always, MacDonald’s guitar work here is flawless, and with the vast expertise of the ensemble, the timeless jazz sounds here are enjoyable from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Dave Miller Trio- Just Imagine; Guillaume Muller- Sketches Of Sound