Vector Seven

Dark Metropolis

Darkhan, 2021

8/10

Listen to Dark Metropolis

A German outfit who possess the post-punk spirit of the ‘80s as well as the electro-rock of the ‘90s, Vector Seven certainly know their way around creative synth and throbbing bass lines, and here they bring nostalgia and grit to a quick but exciting listen.

“Carnage” starts the album with dense synth and a firm beat as a dark electronic punk climate unfolds with a throbbing intensity, and “Shirakawa Type 3” follows with a spacey, cinematic approach that’s certainly dance floor friendly amid some ethereal bouts of unpredictability.

In the middle, the thicker “Militech” flows with no shortage of waves of synth alongside the ominous backdrop that carries a playful sci-fi feel, while “Breach” is a more melodic, even dreamy display that buzzes with an immediately memorable energy.

Closer to the end, “Combat Zone” and “Arasaka HQ” are among the best, where the former carries some subtle New Wave nuances packed into the pulsating personality, and the latter weaves in and out of calmer moments of lightness, where vocals are used like an instrument and woodwinds make an appearance at the end.

Somewhere between cyberpunk and synthwave, Dark Metropolis will settle in quite nicely for fans of bands as varied as New Order or Prodigy, and everywhere in between, too.

Travels well with: Lueur Verte- Crystalica; Subduxtion- The Black Point

Patricia Vonne

My Favorite Holiday!

Bandolera, 2021

8/10

Listen to My Favorite Holiday

There’s certainly no shortage of holiday themed albums floating around, but the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Patricia Vonne puts a unique spin on hers by penning 10 originals with some well known guests, as she embraces her Hispanic heritage with plenty of culture present.

“Santa’s On His Way” starts the listen with Vonne’s smooth pipes alongside Scott Plunkett’s graceful piano and Rick Del Castillo’s playful drumming, and “Nochebuena” follows with a duet with Alex Ruiz, where Vonne also brings castanets to the cultured landscape.

Entering the middle, the soft and spirited “Christmas Without You” places Joe Reyes on electric guitar and Stephen Ferrone on drums for the intimate delivery, while “My Favorite Holiday” bounces and shakes with plenty of melody in the sing-along climate that benefits from Johnny Reno’s saxophone. “Santa’s On A Rampage” then brings in the legendary Rosie Flores on back up vocals as some grit enters the rockabilly nods.

Approaching the end, the vocally strong “Carol Of The Bells” recruits Patricia’s sisters for a very cozy interpretation of the lone traditional, and “Old Man Santa” exits the listen with Del Castillo’s rugged electric guitar punctuating the throbbing finish.

A very diverse and atypical take on a Christmas album, Vonne and company bring a whole lot of fun and memorableness to the affair, effectively making My Favorite Holiday! quite possibly your favorite holiday album.

Travels well with: Cruzados- She’s Automatic; Los Lobos- Native Sons

Lady Blackbird

Black Acid Soul

Foundation, 2021

9/10

Listen to Black Acid Soul

The first album from the soul and jazz vocalist Lady Blackbird, the rising artist has assembled an all star band for the 11 rich and inviting tracks that comprise Black Acid Soul.

Nina Simone’s “Blackbird” starts the album with much subdued beauty as Blackbird’s calm, soulful pipes are met with Jimmy Paxson’s bare drums and Deron Johson’s warm keys, and “It’s Not That Easy” follows with a powerful delivery from Blackbird amid the agile piano.

In the middle, “Nobody’s Sweetheart” displays Chris Seefried’s spirited electric guitar and Troy ‘Trombone Shorty’ Andrews’ well timed trumpet where much grace enters the timeless jazz landscape, while “Collage” puts more emphasis on drumming in the precise and poetic album highlight. “Five Feet Tall”, another exceptional track, then bring Seefried’s guitar back for an emotive and heartfelt delivery.

“Beware The Stranger” arrives late in the listen and enters darker areas of lush and dreamy song craft with the hazy backing vocals leaving an indelible impression, and the title track exits the listen with Jon Flaugher’s double bass prowess adding much allure to the mysterious demeanor.

Comparisons to Grace Jones and Celeste are certainly warranted here, and along with influences such as Billie Holiday and Gladys Knight, Lady Blackbird absolutely holds her own against those names, and is clearly on a path to similar greatness, if this impressive debut is any indication.

Travels well with: Nina Simone- Little Blue Girl; Coniece Washington- Shades Of Shirley Horn

Various Artists

Woven In Time

Navona, 2021

8/10

Listen to Woven In Time

A very diverse listen that showcases pieces from Richard E Brown, Scott Brickman, Marilynn Bliss, Jay Anthony Gach, and Joseph T Spaniola, Woven In Time documents contemporary orchestral works performed by the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra, Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, and Brno Philharmonic.

“Concerto For Clarinet And Chamber Orchestra” starts the listen with the gliding, tense strings meeting Karel Dohnal’s precisely played clarinet at a very adventurous place in its very agile 25+ minutes, and “Symphony No. 5” follows with an initially firm burst of chamber ideas that segues into unpredictable, even mysterious sounds from the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra.

In the middle, “Veils”, by Bliss, unfolds with a strategic cinematic quality amid the dynamic instrumentation, while “Gangsta‘ Noir” emits bursts of dramatic energy and booming percussion as the piece rises and falls with meticulous and mature interaction.

“Thomas Jefferson: Life Lines” exits the listen and offers a dreamy 3 chapters with the Brno Philharmonic and the voices of Markéta Cukrová, Jakub Kubín, Pavel Valenta and Kornél Mikecz working together for the very creative finish.

A captivating listen that bridges the past with current ideas, Woven In Time examines cultural themes, and that, combined with the variety of the compositions, makes for an engaging orchestral outing.

Travels well with: Trio Casals- Moto Eterno; Mark John McEncroe- Fanfare Suite

Trio Casals

A Grand Journey: Works For Piano Trio & Solo Piano

Navona, 2021

8/10

Listen to A Grand Journey: Works For Piano Trio & Solo Piano

The Trio Casals return with another exceptional body of work, as they turn in pieces by Richard E Brown, Ovidiu Marinescu, and Mark G. Simon that land in contemporary chamber sounds, and are as diverse as they are distinct.

“The Journey For Piano Trio” starts the listen with Alexandr Kislitsyn’s violin, Ovidiu Marinescu’s cello and Anna Kislitsyna’s piano interacting with a busy, dynamic appeal where all the instruments emit much beauty and playfulness, and “Trio No. 1- Koreana” follows with the three displaying much emotion as the moody strings and firm keys dance around each other amid incredible fluidity.

The back half of the listen offers the poetic and stirring “Trio No. 2- Pastoral”, where the cello is particularly absorbing, although the eloquent keys won’t disappoint either, and “Caucasus Sonata” finishes the listen with just Kislitsyna’s dizzying piano prowess that’s capable of intimate moments as well as swift, complicated bouts of fascinating playing.

A very technically proficient affair that explores melodic Korean folk patterns, Greek mythological icons, Irish fiddling, tango, and gestures towards the Black Sea and English countryside, there’s many good reason why Trio Casals are internationally adored, and this body of work offers plenty more of those reasons.

Travels well with: Carl Vollrath- Old & New Poetry; Anne Neikirk- Spring Shadows

Thomas Bowes

Telemann Fantasias: 12 Fantasias For Solo Violin

Navona, 2021

8/10

Listen to Telemann Fantasias: 12 Fantasias For Solo Violin

The violin enthusiast Thomas Bowes proves that there’s a lot more to the Baroque period than Johann Sebastian Bach, as he interprets all of Georg Philipp Telemann’s solo violin fantasias on this daring effort.

“Fantasia no. 1 in B flat major” starts the listen with 4 chapters that illustrate sublime and very focused string manipulation that brings much timelessness and grace to the opener, and “Fantasia no. 2 in G major” follows with the dreamy, playful violin emitting much beauty.

Further on, “Fantasia no. 5 in A major” has the strings dancing in and out of very exciting gestures, while “Fantasia no. 7 in E flat major” emits a very reflective tone where the attention to detail is nothing short of stunning.

Moving towards the end, “Fantasia no. 10 in D major” handles tone with incredible agility and no lack of melody, and “Fantasia no. 12 in A minor” exits the listen with both tension and warmth as Bowes showcases a wealth of talent.

An extremely well done listen, Bowes retains the upbeat and energetic nature of the compositions, and his meticulous execution makes every second here worth spending plenty of quality time with.

Travels well with: Joshua Ranz- J.S. Bach: Three Cello Suites; Stanley Grill- Remember

Sharon, Lois & Bram

Best Of The Best Live

Red Brick, 2021

9/10

Listen to Best Of The Best Live

Undoubtedly some of the best musicians in the area of music for families, Sharon, Lois & Bram bring us the magic of their live concert experience on this aptly titled album, where we’re treated to more than 25 never-before heard live recordings.

“Rig A Jig Jig/One Elephant” starts the listen and immediately brings a sing-along quality with it as the trio all sing with much playfulness, and it isn’t long until the upbeat and energetic “She’ll Be Coming Round The Mountain” offers an inimitable version of the classic.

Further on, “Head And Shoulders Knees And Toes” brings bright brass and a rock’n’roll spirit to the affair, while “How Much Is That Doggie In The Window” recruits strings and canine sounds to the piano driven climate. “Skip To My Loo/Put Your Finger In The Air/Eensy Weensy Spider” then brings a medley of favorites for the young ears as the three weave in and out of each with a whole lot of fun.

Arriving near the end, “Hucklebuck” displays some charming three part harmonies in the retro-rock feel that bounces and shakes plenty, and “Hey Dum Diddeley Dum” welcomes plenty of crowd participation as the dreamy flute makes a big impression in the perfect finisher to the festivities.

It’s been over two decades since Sharon, Lois & Bram released a record, and they sure make up for it with these recordings culled from 1985-1995. Full of cheery banter, timeless melodies and musicianship that’s contagious enough to make you smile from ear to ear, these Canadians speak directly to the child in everyone.

Travels well with: The Laurie Berkner Band- Let’s Go; Stacey Peasley- Make It Happen

Marcos Ariel

Piano Blossoms

Moondo, 2021

8/10

Listen to Piano Blossoms

The esteemed Brazilian pianist Marcos Ariel knows his way around a piano, and here he brings us 10 tracks inspired by his love of nature in his native Brazil, and he’s armed with a grand piano for the serene and meditative effort.

“Passionflower” starts the listen with graceful, gorgeous keys that are played with the utmost care amid the very soothing climate, and “Narcissus” follows with a very precise delivery that offers occasional low moments alongside the intimacy.

At the midpoint, “Lantana” showcases a cautious, dreamy landscape of sublime musicianship, while “Lavender” is a highly poetic and stirring execution of meticulous playing. “Fuchsia”, another excellent track, then emits a spirit so calm, it almost seems like a mental massage.

At the end, “Orchid” rumbles a bit more firmly as a mesmerizing demeanor illustrates Ariel’s incredible talent, and “Calla Lily” finishes the listen with a very fluid, introspective and memorable exit.

This is actually Ariel’s 33rd album as leader, and his interests in jazz, classical and traditional Brazilian music are well represented, as each track possesses its own unique personality, much like the flowers each one is named after.

Travels well with: Paul Jost Quartet- While We Were Gone; Adrianne Duncan- Gemini

Davis Mallory

Little Victory

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Little Victory

The Tennessee artist Davis Mallory returns with a sophomore album, and it welcomes many guest appearances as the 12 tracks cover a lot of ground in the area of modern pop and largely surrounds themes of relationships.

“Atlanta” starts the album with breathy vocals and warm keys as buzzing synth enters the electro-pop that’s still got a hint of Nashville in it, and “Ain’t Afraid” follows and features Luma, whose pretty pipes add much to the flowing and energetic climate that sure seems like it would fit on the FM dial.

Elsewhere, “Shirtless” is a beat friendly dance rocker that could soundtrack a night at the club, while “Heavy” recruits Blake Leider and Daisha McBride for the thumping and soulful pop-rocker that’s a bit more firm in very stylish ways. “Sink Or Swim”, the album’s best, then gets dreamy, where processed vocals and elegant piano benefit the adventurous landscape.

Close to the end, “Forget You” showcases Mallory’s strong, expressive pipes that builds into a lively version of EDM, and “Faith” exits the listen with Madeline Finn’s fluid voice complementing Mallory’s vivid storytelling in the well thought out finish.

Mallory has a history with reality TV, as does some of his guests, and the many appearances from others helps bring diversity into a very sleek and shiny listen that certainly could make Mallory a household name.

Travels well with: Kasper Bjorke- Sprinkles; Bonander- Things We Don’t Talk About

Hilary Demske

Journey For One: A Winterreise Fantasy For Solo Piano

Navona, 2021

8/10

Listen to journey for one: a winterreise fantasy for solo piano

It’s been a couple of centuries since Schubert penned Winterreise, and though many others have interpreted the work before, here the pianist Hilary Demske, armed with a Steinway, transforms the cycle into a series of works as Journey For One.

“Gute Nacht” starts the 24 track listen with flowing keys that are as chilling as they are exciting where both restraint and adventurousness enter, and it isn’t long until “Erstarrung” emits complicated progressions that comes with a bit tension amid the cascading beauty.

Elsewhere, “Der Lindenbaum” showcases a percussive effect alongside the swift keys, while “Irrlicht” glides with a reflective quality amid the agile mood. “Die Post”, one of the album’s best, then illustrates meticulous key manipulation as the swift playing is nothing short of stunning.

Nearing the end, “Der Stürmische Morgen” rumbles with a booming, cinematic presence that’s quite exciting, even ominous, in its grand gesture, and “Der Leiermann” exits the listen with a gentle, poetic demeanor that benefits from Demske’s sublime vision.

Far from a standard reworking of this classic, Demske adds an entirely new personality with her prepared elements, detailed attention to melody and profound dexterity with her craft.

Travels well with: Dmitry Ishkhanov- Virtuoso; Kristina Marinova- 4 Rhapsodies

Thomas Mesa

Division Of Memory

Navona, 2021

8/10

Listen to Division Of Memory

The cello extraordinaire Thomas Mesa takes on pieces written by composers Lydia Jane Pugh, George Holloway, Ben Yee-Paulson, Jonathan Chenette, and Elizabeth Start, and each composition takes on a personality of its own, sometimes with the help of Yoon Lee’s piano skills.

“Carolina’s Jig” starts the listen with Mesa solo, where he manipulates the cello in ways that are percussive, almost rock’n’roll like even, while still making the most of the strings, and “Novella (Chapter One)” follows with Mesa’s cello and Yoon Lee’s piano interacting with a stirring intimacy that’s a bit mysterious in its unique beauty.

In the middle, “Suite For Solo Cello No. 1” unfolds across 3 chapters with just the cello emitting an emotive quality that’s capable of bare moments as well as playful bouts of incredible string manipulation, while “Elegy And Affirmation” brings Lee back on keys for the very intricate and cautious delivery where the pair weave in and out of reflective musicianship.

“Echoes In Life” finishes the listen and highlights Mesa’s sublime cello prowess with a poetic and heartfelt approach that makes an indelible impression in its stunning conclusion.

An extremely enlightening listen that focuses on an instrument that’s often overlooked, the inspiration from traditional Paiute Indian melodies, ideas lifted from Asian bowed string instruments and traditional fiddle playing makes for a very unique experience that’s easy to enjoy and difficult to forget.

Travels well with: George David Kieffer- The Ambassador’s Wife And Other Stories; Bruce Crossman- Heaven To Earth Border House

Noam Lemish

Erlebnisse

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Erlebnisse

A solo piano record from the Toronto resident Noam Lemish, Erlebnisse brings an improvisational spirit to jazz, western art music, Eastern European Jewish music and Israeli popular song across 16 tracks of spontaneous skill.

“Erlebnis 1” starts the listen and offers intimate, elegant progressions that flow with both beauty and mystery, and this sophistication continues to the hypnotic melody of “Erlebnis 2”, as well as the lower register of the absorbing “Erlebnis 3”.

Deeper selections include the initially sparse but then agile “Erlebnis 6”, while “Erlebnis 8” both rumbles with an ominous quality but also embraces a minimalist spirit at times. “Erlebnis 10”, one of the record’s best, doesn’t last long but amazes us with its unpredictable and charming, even quirky manipulation of the keys.

Further still, “Erlebnis 14” gets a bit dense with a thick landscape of creativity, and “Erlebnis 16” exits the listen with a complicated and dizzying display of profound and imaginative playing that puts a firm exclamation point on the captivating listen.

A record that’s as diverse as Lemish’s heritage, Erlebnisse embraces jazz, classical and chamber ideas, and much like the title states (Erlebnisse is German for ‘deeply felt experience’), this single take and real time affair is one that comes with a unique emotional experience that you’ll likely be taken with immediately.

Travels well with: Jazzlab Orchestra- LOGUSLABUSMUZIKUS; Philippe Côté With Marc Copland- Bell Tolls Variations

ELDR

Nowhere Else To Go

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Nowhere Else To Go

The pairing of Jameson Elder and Hanna Rae, as ELDR the two set aside their individual music careers during the lockdowns to pen this first effort together, where they retain the spirit of their Nashville home with much attention to detail.

“Coming Undone” starts the listen with warm keys and soothing atmosphere as gorgeous and poetic singing from Rae and Elder’s smooth pipes steer a dreamy opener, and the title track follows with a louder, driving Americana rocker that showcases grit and melody.

Halfway through, “Safe With You” has the pair harmonizing amid the breezy climate that’s rootsy, folksy and emits a timeless memorability, while “My Love Looks Good On You” offers a gentle acoustic ballad where both take their turn on lead vocals amid the eloquent wordplay. “You’re What Makes A Good Day” then exits the listen and flows with a bouncy, playful dynamic that’s got some country swagger to the banjo friendly and uplifting exit.

Both Rae and Elder have released music of their own that’s drawn comparisons to Brandi Carlile and Tom Petty, and this collaborative EP continues those influences with heartfelt, sweet and relatable songs that just might make them your new favorite Americana duo.

Travels well with: Katie Callahan- The Water Comes Back; Ro Myra- Nowhere, Nebraska

Dmitry Ishkhanov

Virtuoso

Navona, 2021

8/10

Listen to Virtuoso

Even though he’s just a teenager, Dmitry Ishkhanov plays like a seasoned vet, and his talent with the piano appears boundless as he interprets the work of Frédéric Chopin on this very accomplished listen.

“4 Mazurkas Op. 17” opens the listen with 4 chapters that showcase Ishkhanov’s agile and alluring skills that flow with much attention to detail and melody across the elegant pieces, and “Nocturne Op. 27 no. 1” follows with a stirring, dreamy appeal that builds into a firm and captivating landscape of timeless classical sounds.

The album concludes with “Études, Op. 25”, where the dancing keys weave in and out of rich moments, bouncy bouts and very swift, charming manipulation that hardly seems possible from someone just 16 years old.

Often considered Chopin’s most meaningful and most difficult compositions to play, the Russian virtuoso Ishkhanov makes it appear effortless as he shifts from track to track with finesse, grace and a playfulness that rivals some of best who have ever pulled up a seat to the piano.

Travels well with: Kristina Marinova- 4 Rhapsodies; Pavel Gintov- Piano Fantasies

Kristina Marinova

4 Rhapsodies

Navona, 2021

9/10

Listen to 4 Rhapsodies

A solo piano effort from the very capable hands of Kristina Marinova, 4 Rhapsodies offers rich and technically proficient interpretations of work from Ernő Dohnányi, Astor Piazzolla, Franz Liszt and George Gershwin.

“Four Rhapsodies op. 11” starts the listen, and showcases firm, nearly rumbling keys that are also occasionally calm and intimate, as the very eclectic piece unfolds across 4 chapters.

“Tango Rhapsody” lands in the middle and is full of complicated but easily enjoyable progressions that spend 9 minutes mesmerizing us, while “Rhapsodie Espagnole” is prone to bouncy, playful moments of swift and glorious key manipulation that pays strong attention to mood.

“Rhapsody In Blue” then exits the listen, and presents both adventurousness and restraint in the album highlight that showcases an unparalleled amount of talent from Marinova.

Marinova puts a fresh coat of paint on some very old songs here, where she retains the spirit of the originals while still putting her stamp on with an exceptional amount of skill and diversity, and it makes for a solo piano journey that’s quite absorbing.

Travels well with: Paul Paccione- Music For Piano; Pavel Gintov- Piano Fantasies

Avi Wisnia

Catching Leaves

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Catching Leaves

The Philadelphia songwriter Avi Wisnia returns with his sophomore album, and it comes after the tragedy of losing his brother, which had Wisnia walking away from music.

After being inspired by his grandfather, who he was invited to play with, a reinvention of sorts took place, which provided the catalyst for this very well thought out body of work.

The title track starts the listen with warm piano and Wisnia’s soft, poetic singing and elegant strings making for a very mature opening, and “Heat Lightning” continues that formula with more firm drumming and a soulful quality that embraces some folk-pop ideas,

There’s 14 tracks included and each one is precisely delivered, including the upbeat and melodic “You’re Wrong”, while “Make Me Cry” is actually a swift and flowing peek at jazz pop fun that welcomes light horns. “It’s Gonna Rain Today”, then brings some atmosphere to the intimate landscape of dreamy, absorbing song craft.

Close to the end, “Just Another Daydream” pairs piano and brass with Wisnia’s versatile pipes in the cozy climate, and “Sky Blue Sky” exits the listen with a frisky rhythm to the bossa nova flavored finish that’s quite charming in its execution.

Although he often lingers towards jazz sounds, Wisnia also embraces Americana, folk, pop and singer-songwriter ideas, as each track here shines in its own light. A decade between albums is a long time, but Wisnia has needed the space to process his feelings, and ultimately it’s made him a better musician, as evidenced by this eloquent and articulate effort.

Travels well with: Davy Knowles- What Happens Next; Eric Bibb- Dear America

Lyia Meta

15013

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to 15013

A Malaysian singer-songwriter who is quickly making a name for herself on her side of the globe, Lyia Meta meshes blues, R&B, soul and rock across these 6 very well thought out songs

“Daylight” starts the listen with crisp drumming and smooth guitars as Meta’s husky and alluring pipes guide the soft melody, and “Leaving Was The Last Thing On My Mind” follows and makes great use of soothing brass amid the soaring vocals where a soulful climate unfolds with much beauty.

The middle tracks, “What Would They Think” and “Sing A Sad Song”, are among the best, as the former offers a dreamy soft-rock feeling, and the latter moves swifter amid twinkling guitar and playful percussion to complement Meta’s heartfelt delivery.

Moving towards the end, “This One’s For You” offers a gorgeous and uplifting R&B execution, and “Thinkin’ Blues” exits the listen indeed blues friendly with strings, organ, sax, vibes and other noise makers alongside Meta’s more forceful singing that shows impressive range.

Bob McGilpin plays all the instruments on the EP and does a great job of highlighting Meta’s emotive singing, and Denise Dimin, who penned most of the songs, provides timeless songwriting that probably lands closest to jazz, but welcomes many influences, that, combined with Meta’s inviting vocals, ends entirely too soon.

Travels well with: Dimitri K- I Am Not Yours; Francesco Amenta- Midtown Walk

Buck Owens & Susan Raye

Together Again

Omnivore, 2021

9/10

Listen to Together Again

Buck Owens brought along the singer Susan Raye when he took over Hee Haw in 1969, and it wasn’t long until the pair would be recording albums together. Raye proved to be an exceptional talent herself, and secured three Top 40 country hits on her own, and here we’re treated to 22 tracks recorded between 1970-1975, where 10 are Raye solo performances and 12 are duets with Owens.

“Foolin’ Around” starts the listen with Raye’s inimitable and pretty singing alongside snappy and bouncy instrumentation that will get your body moving, and “High As The Mountains” continues with Owens’ familiar pipes guiding the playful country rocker, where Raye’s contributions add much grace to the breezy climate.

Deeper into the listen, “Think Of Me” blends the pair’s voices with much beauty alongside the playfully plucked bass, while “Your Tender Loving Care” is a calmer, emotive track that’s quite heartfelt. “I’ve Got You On My Mind Again”, a Raye tune, then welcomes well timed piano for a gospel influenced album highlight that soars with a dreamy spirit amid the pedal steel.

Inching towards the end, “The Good Old Days (Are Here Again)” flows amid a sublime duet as warm piano and soft drumming complement the cozy landscape, and “Love Is Strange” exits the listen with frisky drumming and charming guitar as the 2 harmonize splendidly.

Of the tracks here, six reached the Top 40 and five entered the Top 20. However, every song here is a gem, and shows us the early days of the future country superstar Susan Raye, and, of course, Owens’ delivery is top notch and as timeless as ever.

Travels well with: Buck Owens And His Buckaroos- Ain’t It Amazing, Gracie; Buck Owens And His Buckaroos- In The Palm Of Your Hand

Adrian Sutherland

When The Magic Hits

Self-Released, 2021

10/10

Listen to When The Magic Hits

The frontman for Canada’s Midnight Shine, this debut album from Adrian Sutherland has the guitarist and singer exploring personal issues with co-writes from Chris Gormley (The Trews) and Colin Cripps (Blue Rodeo), among others, and help on instrumentation from Janice Powers (keys, organ), Johny Dymond (bass), Gary Craig (drums) and Jerry Roe (drums).

“Big City Dreams” gets the listen off to an impressive start with a warm intimacy that has Sutherland’s expressive pipes alongside calm drumming and well placed strings, and “Paranoia” follows with an upbeat and soulful version of roots rock that’s a bit more firm with its spirited guitar and thumping drums.

Moving along, “Once That Was You” flows with a hazy quality that displays Sutherland’s poetic singing in a very romantic delivery, while “Nowhere To Run”, the album’s best, is a flawless and melodic moment of touching Americana. “Right Here” then turns the volume up a bit as Sutherland incorporates a slight indie-rock buzzing into the swift rural rocker.

Nearing the end, “Make Me Better” lands in piano balladry, where Sutherland’s relatable story telling unfolds with a very heartfelt and forthright appeal, and “Politician Man”, 1 of 2 bonus tracks, exits the listen with some bluesy nods as both grit and melody enter the country rocker.

As one would expect considering the greatness achieved by Midnight Shine, When The Magic Hits is an incredible listen that’s emotionally honest, musically memorable and balances ruggedness with beauty in ways that resonate long after the music ends.

Travels well with: Leeroy Stagger- Strange Path; Midnight Shine- James Bay

The Drunken Hearts

Wheels Of The City

LoHi, 2019

8/10

Listen to Wheels Of The City

The Colorado Americana stars The Drunken Hearts return with another batch of their folk and country influenced formula, as Wheels Of The City unfolds with themes surrounding love, risk and realization.

“Fire In A House” starts the listen with plenty of atmosphere before the husky vocals and sparking setting of emotive roots rock enter, and “Shining Eyes” follows with a rugged spirit of cautious and dense Americana.

Halfway though, the piano rock of “Unrest” moves with style and rhythm that even touches on prog-rock, while the title tracks trims the volume back to a more bare delivery where pedal steel, horns and strings complement the affair.

Deeper into the listen, “In The Middle” flows with grooves amid the funk and country ideas, and “The Cave” exits the record with spoken word that breaks into a thicker version of their rock prowess that’s entirely instrumental and even recruits psyche-rock nods.

The band recorded one song a day until the album was finished, and together with the string and horn section have made an impressive listen that’s fit for mountain life as well as urban adventures, especially with frontman Andrew McConathy’s Eddie Vedder-ish pipes.

Travels well with: Elephant Revival- Sands Of Now; Devotchka- This Night Falls Forever