Richard E Brown

Voices Of The Night

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Voices Of The Night

The exceptional composer Richard E Brown brings us a top notch listen that uses a pair of orchestras and composers, where texture and rhythm are present in spades.

The title track opens the listen with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Dave Watkins as conductor, where the moody strings and tense percussion ebbs and flows with a very full, often tense landscape, and “Concerto For Clarinet And Chamber Orchestra” follows with the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava and Karel Dohnal’s clarinet working together with grace and adventurousness under the direction of the conductor Stanislav Vavřínek.

The back half of the listen is entirely the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava and Vavřínek, where “Paisano Suite” emits rich textures that can be dreamy and light as well as booming and lush, and “Expansions For Orchestra” exits with a bit of an ominous quality that’s quite cinematic.

A listen that’s often calm, but also can be very powerful, Brown balances space and tone splendidly, where each composition carries its own emotional depth and unique brand of dramatic song craft.

Travels well with: The Lowell Chamber Orchestra- Miniature Symphonies; Mary Howe- Between Us

Laudon Schuett

Dedications: New Works For The Lute

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Dedications: New Works For The Lute

The lutenist extraordinaire Laudon Schuett brings pieces that vary in period and style here, where the execution includes contrapuntal fantasies, dances, and grounds that give the listener more insight into the instrument’s depth.

“Meredith’s Fantasy” starts the listen with the warmly plucked strings emitting much gracefulness, and this formula continues to the emotive and stirring “Ryan’s Folia”, as well as the playful yet cautious approach of “Caroline’s Pavin”.

In the middle, “Gordon’s Fantasy” is a meticulous and mesmerizing album highlight, while “Kayleen’s Dumpe” offers a bright and uplifting display of skilled string manipulation.

Nearing the end, the tense demeanor of “John And Justin’s Pavin” is full of precise, fascinating song craft, and “The Baker Fantasy” exits with both restraint and adventurousness in the radiant finish.

For those who are already privy to the possibilities of the lute, or who would benefit from exploring its lengthy history, Schuett makes the most of every second here with his inimitable and versatile vision.

Travels well with: Antoinette Perry- Moments Musicaux; Gibbs Street Duo- Memories Unsettled

Antoinette Perry

Moments Musicaux

Navona, 2022

9/10

Listen to Moments Musicaux

A solo piano outing that was documented live from USC Thornton’s Alfred Newman Auditorium, Antoinette Perry’s skills illuminate the works of German, Austrian, Russian, and American composers on this very cultured listen.

Franz Schubert’s “Moments In Musicaux” opens the listen with 3 chapters of graceful and bright key progressions that are quite melodic, and “Prelude In G# Minor, Opus 32 No. 12” follows with a darker approach that’s hypnotic in its atmospheric delivery of Sergei Rachmaninov’s work.

In the middle, Louis Moreau Gottschalk’s “Souvenir de Porto Rico: Marche des Gibaros” emits both beauty and mystery with a lower register that’s quite alluring, while “Davidsbundlertanze” radiates a sublime intimacy but can also flow brightly in the Robert Schumann original. George Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm” exits the listen, and it indeed is rhythmic, as Perry’s meticulous delivery is universally enjoyable.

The sound quality here is incredible and the execution flawless. For fans of solo piano records, it just doesn’t get much better than this.

Travels well with: Sang-Hie Lee- Textures In Classics; Gibbs Street Duo- Memories Unsettled

Peter Drew

Symphony No. 1 “Reminiscence”

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Symphony No. 1 “Reminiscence”

The composer Peter Drew brings along the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra for this versatile listen that touches on musical moments that have impacted Drew’s life.

“Journey” starts the listen with stirring piano, before the animated strings enter the very colorful and rich instrumentation that’s capable of rumbling a bit, too, and “Pictures In An Album” follows with
a dreamy quality that’s also intimate and poetic.

On the back half, the busy “Bach To Bach” moves quickly and with crashing percussion, firm drumming and sweeping strings, and “The Return” exits with flowing melodies and an uplifting, cinematic demeanor that’s quite triumphant in its meticulous nature.

A very worldly listen that allows the symphony to explore a global appeal, Ivan Josip Skender’s conducting skills certainly impress, too, as Drew’s universally enjoyable compositions make an indelible impact.

Travels well with: The Lowell Chamber Orchestra- Miniature Symphonies; Mary Howe- Between Us

Mr. Sam & The People People

People People People People!

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to People People People People!

A New Orleans outfit spearheaded by Sam Gelband, who cites his music as ‘songs for enjoyment and medium dancing’, the 9 songs here are full of breezy songwriting that’s never short on melodies and rarely sits in one genre for very long.

The title track opens the listen with much warmth, where Matt Bell’s steel guitar and Howe Pearson’s skilled drumming complement the soulful version of folk rock, and “Mars Is Alright” follows with a playful jangle that welcomes Dave Hammer’s electric guitar and Gina Leslie’s strategic bass in the very thoughtful climate.

Close to the middle, “Pictures Of Us” is an intimate and dreamy display that takes help from Camille Weatherford and Casey Jane Reece-Kaigle’s charming backing vocals, while “That’s Alright! That’s Okay! is a fuller moment that recruits Sam Doores on keys and Ross Farbe’s electric guitar that carries a bit of rootsy qualities.

Approaching the end, “Thank You, Conan O’Brien” is a clever strummer that illustrates gratitude with much sincerity, and “Sal” finishes the listen with just Sam’s guitar and voice in the bare but impactful singer-songwriter exit.

Sam’s got a knack for heartwarming and cozy songwriting, and the songs here unfold with a smooth baritone that’s akin to talking to an old friend via a blues, folk, pop, retro and Americana tinted soundtrack.

Travels well with: Riley Downing- Start It Over; Izaak Opatz- Marichi Static

Motihari Brigade

Algorithm & Blues

Creative Destruction, 2022

8/10

Listen to Algorithm & Blues

A precisely layered and lively effort, Motihari Brigade, an outfit spearheaded by the UK songwriter and guitarist Eric Winston, bring us 12 originals and 1 cover of their Orwell inspired ‘Rock-N-Roll Thoughtcrime on this 2nd album.

The title track gets the listen off to an energetic start with soaring guitar and plenty of rhythmic, gritty rock that’s indeed bluesy, and “Reality Show” follows with soulful and bright horns complementing the breezy melodies that are textured playfully.

Near to the middle, the thumping drums of “Identity Theft” helps balance the loud versus soft moments of thoughtful song craft, while “Minefields And Downfalls” benefits much from dreamy acoustic guitar in the flowing climate.

Making our ways towards the end, “Too Big To Fail” is a loud, festive rocker that’s big on horns, drums and guitars, and “Morningstar” exits the listen with an intimate spirit of nostalgic, hazy rock that sounds like could have been birthed in the ‘60s.

You’d be hard pressed to find anyone out there who sounds like Motihari Brigade, and their thinking person’s music is just as thought provoking and musically powerful here as their excellent debut.

Travels well with: Motihari Brigade- Power From Below; G. Love- The Juice

Blue Moon Marquee

Scream, Holler & Howl

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Scream, Holler & Howl

The Canadian roots duo of A.W. Cardinal (vocals, guitar) and Jasmine Colette (vocals, upright bass), as Blue Moon Marquee they welcome plenty of esteemed guests into this diverse affair that flirts with blues, jazz and rock, among many other ideas.

The title track leads the listen with warm guitar and crisp drumming amid the gritty vocals and well timed hammond organ, and “Thunderbird” follows with a pair of swirling electric guitars and raspy howling in the thick blues climate.

Closer to the middle, “Lowlands” recruits soulful trumpet for the powerful, slow burning display, while “Long Black Train” spotlights baritone sax and upright bass in the retro and raw album highlight.

Approaching the end, “Old Alberta” features the always impressive Duke Robillard on acoustic guitar for the breezy and intimate landscape that benefits much from Colette’s stunning voice, and “Another Night To Cry” exits with Robillard again present in the stirring and dynamic finish.

Darcy Phillips (piano, Hammond organ), Jerry Cook (saxophones), Paul Pigat (guitar) and Bonnie Northgraves (trumpet), among many others, accompany the pair, and it sure does make for a groove heavy, highly melodic and charmingly rhythmic body of work.

Travels well with: Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames- Nightwalk; Henry Gray & Bob Corritore- Cold Chills

Little Destroyer

1134

Tiny Kingdom, 2022

9/10

Listen to 1134

The debut album from a Vancouver trio who have a penchant for noisy versions of alt-rock that are full of feminist anthems, Little Destroyer are as intimidating as they are memorable across these 8 fierce tunes.

“godcomplex” opens the listen with some ethereal ambience, before bursting into a beat driven display of dance-punk that’s equally inviting and jagged, and “sucker4u” continues this iconoclastic approach with plenty of dense fuzz amid the slight industrial feel.

“Only Way Out” lands at the halfway point, and moves swiftly with firm drumming and some pop nods buried alongside the thick bass lines, while “timezone” is quite calm, intimate even, and benefits from graceful keys in the vocally powerful album highlight.

Residing near the end, “xbar” possesses an atypical rhythm and a bit of an ominous quality that’s guided by a thick beat, and “it’s been awhile” exits the listen with an initially bare climate that bursts into a fury of grungey punk.

Front woman Allie Sheldan’s armed with an impressive set of pipes, and the brothers Chris and Michael Weiss are multi-instrumentalists who fuel the listen with bright synth, dense guitars and heavy drums, where influences from Sonic Youth, Portishead, Prodigy and Garbage won’t be hard to spot or enjoy.

Travels well with: Thirsty Eyes- A Certain Regard; Babel- Yoga Horror

Lara Taubman

Ol’ Kentucky Light

Atomic Sound, 2022

9/10

Listen to Ol’ Kentucky Light

The New York resident and singer-songwriter Lara Taubman returns with a sophomore album, where substantial topics like mortality, mental health and spirituality and their balance in this often difficult world makes for a very artistic and intimate listen.

“Darkness Before Dawn” starts the listen with charming warmth in the gentle climate that illustrates much soulfulness in Taubman’s soothing pipes alongside the hypnotic bass lines, and “Ol’ Kentucky Light” follows with a gentle, poetic spirit that allows the expressive singing to shine amid the rich musicianship.

Half way through, “The Other Side Of The River” recruits cozy folk-rock ideas that benefit from radiant keys and crisp drumming, while “Mercy” relies on a minimal approach that showcases powerful singing in a gospel friendly delivery.

Arriving near the end, “The Water” is a charming duet that’s a bit rugged but also very melodic in its lush landscape that welcomes graceful piano, and “Grace” exits the listen with mesmerizing acoustic guitar complemented by Taubman’s flawless and captivating voice.

An album that just carries an aura of healing, Taubman pours her heart and soul into these songs, and it makes for an absolutely stunning, therapeutic journey of an artist sorting through some of life’s biggest obstacles.

Travels well with: Leland And The Silver Wells- Leland And The Silver Wells; Annie Keating- Bristol County Tides

The Lowell Chamber Orchestra

Miniature Symphonies

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Miniature Symphonies

The conductor Orlando Cela and his Lowell Chamber Orchestra bring us many short pieces from various composers here, and it makes for a very striking chamber and orchestral listen.

Quinn Mason’s “Petite Symphonie de Chambre Contemporaine” starts the listen with flowing strings that emit much warmth and occasionally fall into calm ebbs of beauty amid the busy interaction, and “Symphonie de chambre No. 4, Op. 74”, by Darius Milhaud, finds itself rumbling a bit with firmness alongside the stirring string dynamics.

Further on, Yoko Nakatani’s “La Giclée” glides with a bit of mystery and some dreamy moments, while “Symphonie de chambre No. 5”, a Milhaud original, has the winds making for a very atmospheric, even haunting album highlight. Kevin Scott’s contribution, “second little symphony” arrives near the end and it’s a busy, meticulous and fascinating display of inimitable playing.

An effort that showcases work from France between 1917 and 1922 (Milhaud’s compositions), as well as the remaining contemporary composers, this is a charming listen with brief blasts of stylish and timeless song craft.

Travels well with: Samuel A. Livingston- American Scenes And Other Works For Concert Band; Mary Howe- Between Us

Samuel A. Livingston

American Scenes And Other Works For Concert Band

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to American Scenes And Other Works For Concert Band

The superb composer Samuel A. Livingston pays tribute to America with these pieces, where the conductor Stanislav Vavrínek and the Winds of Filharmonie Brno are in attendance for a very meticulous, orchestral listen the embraces all the hallmarks of the U.S.

“Celebrating The Fourth” starts the listen with bright interaction and lively percussion, as the melodic winds flow with much agility that certainly seems like it could soundtrack a 4th of July celebration, and “Three American Scenes” follows with busy moments of dynamic interaction as well calmer moments of serenity in the very fluid delivery.

The back half includes the dreamy flute of Martina Venc Matusinská on “Silvertube Variations”, where a very poetic setting unfolds with grace and adventurousness, and “Balkan Dance” recruits Emil Drápela’s clarinet that dances around the animated melodies in the folk based exit.

A very carefully crafted affair, Livingston and company illuminate their appreciation of the country and the world beyond with much depth and sincerity.

Travels well with: Mary Howe- Between Us; Lee Bradshaw- The Ties That Bind

Wendy And DB

Into The Little Blue House

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Into The Little Blue House

The kindie duo Wendy And DB return with a 5th album, where a timeless blues flavor enters their jazz inspired formula that welcomes plenty of esteemed blues musicians from their current home, Chicago.

“Little Blue House” opens the listen with warm harmonica from Billy Branch, and Wendy’s soulful vocals certainly add much charm to the busy blues climate, and “Going To The City” follows with frisky drumming from Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith in the hard driving landscape.

Deeper into the listen, “Tie My Own Shoes Blues” uses firm and adventurous piano alongside Wendy’s soaring vocal acrobatics, while “Time To Shine” brings in Ivy Ford for a gospel tinted album highlight that illustrates powerful and expressive singing.

Close to the end, “Work To Be Done (A Work Song)” recruits hand clapping into the group vocals that uses instruments minimally and harmonizing voices in spades, and “Gonna Dance Out The Blues” exits the listen with plenty of rhythm and melody in the indeed dance friendly finish.

A very diverse effort that even welcomes violin from Anne Harris and makes a statement about the male dominated blues scene, Wendy’s voice is always inviting, and Darryl Boggs (DB), plays guitar with much diversity on this cultured and sophisticated yet very playful listen.

Travels well with: Again Again- Your Voice Is Magic; Jesse Jukebox- Just A Minute

Megan Ihnen

Currents In Time

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Currents In Time

The American mezzo-soprano Megan Ihnen is armed with an impressive set of pipes, and here they’re on display across 14 track from various composers that take help from strings, bassoon and piano.

“Come Up From The Fields, Father” opens the listen with Marianne Parker’s flowing keys alongside the powerful, expressive singing, and “Sea Calm, Moonlight Night, Island” follows with the lone vocals emitting much warmth and intimacy in the Jason Huffman composition.

In the middle, the dreamy bassoon from Darrel Hale complements Ihnen’s bright vocals in the David W. Solomons original, “The Centipede-Le Mille-Pattes” while Michael Hall’s viola and Parker’s piano add much grace to the emotive “Landscapes”, by Regina Harris Baiocchi.

Near to the end, Danya Katok’s brief “‘Tis A Fearful Thing” again showcases the strength of Ihnen’s singing sans music, and Jesse Guessford’s “River House” finishes with Parker’s hypnotic keys alongside the haunting demeanor of a very chilling exit.

A listen that shines in both a cappella and lightly orchestrated situations, Ihnen explores grief, joy, modesty, hubris, self-doubt and unshakable faith and valor on this vocally stirring body of work.

Travels well with: Sang-Hie Lee- Textures In Classics; Gibbs Street Duo- Memories Unsettled

Wenting Kang

Mosaic

Blue Griffin, 2022

8/10

Listen to Mosaic

The award winning violist Wenting Kang aligns herself with Sergei Kvitko’s inimitable piano skills on this debut album that brings pieces from France and Spain.

Claude Debussy’s “Beau Soir” opens the listen with the stirring strings alongside gentle piano, as the pair emit much emotion and depth, and “Recuerdo de la Alhambra”, by Francisco Tárrega, follows with the swift viola being manipulated in fascinating ways the quiver with a subtle intensity.

Further on there are 4 pieces by Gabriel Fauré, the highlight being the poetic, somewhat haunting demeanor of “Elégie in c minor, Op. 24”, while Isaac Albéniz’s “Tango In D Major, Op. 165 No. 2” dancing with agile keys amid the expressive strings.

Closer to the end, the gripping “El Cant dels Ocells-Song of the Birds” flows with a very intimate and lush delivery between the pair, and the final track, Manuel de Falla’s “Polo”, rumbles with firm piano as Wenting’s finger acrobatics make quite an impression on the very dynamic exit.

Kang and Kvitko illuminate these works with much color and rich musicianship, as they spotlight this era of cultural exchange with meticulous fluidity.

Travels well with: Sergei Kvitko- MOZART. Post Scriptum; Duo Shu- Duo Shu

Lauren Monroe

Messages From Aphrodite

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Messages From Aphrodite

An artist with a penchant for soulful Americana, Lauren Monroe knows her way around a hook you won’t soon forget, and her harmonies are nothing to spit at, either, on this 3rd album.

“Gold” opens the listen with warm acoustic strumming, as Monroe’s poetic and soulful vocals guide the stirring climate, and “If You Want” follows with a breezy Americana feel that’s full of gentle melodies amid the agile drumming and, of course, the inviting singing.

Halfway through, the swift and playful “Dream Again” uses spirited organ strategically, as charming folk-rock is appreciated, while “Kiss Me Now” uses pedal steel in all the right places. where a dreamy, rootsy setting enamors us.

Deeper yet, the rugged and bouncy “Can’t Let Go” might be the best track, and recruits some country-rock nods, and “Calling All Angels” exits the listen in intimate territory, where Monroe’s stunning voice emits much emotion and grace.

Monroe takes help from Rick Allen (Def Leppard), John Ginty (Neal Casal), Steve Ferrone (The Heartbreakers) and Tyler Bryant (Larkin Poe), among many others, and together they make for a very timeless version of folk-rock that’s as diverse as it is memorable.

Travels well with: Monica Taylor- Trains, Rivers & Trails; Derek Hoke- Electric Mountain

Clocks In Motion

Oneira

Aerocade, 2022

9/10

Listen to Bellor

The long running percussion trio Clocks In Motion, i.e. John Corkill, Christopher G. Jones, and Sean Kleve, return with a highly detailed project, where they embarked on a collaborative relationship with a single composer, Jennifer Bellor, over a four-year period.

“Of Maker And Movement” opens the listen with 3 movements of animated and dreamy mallet manipulation that emits a very unique energy that radiates with warmth and playfulness.

The title track lands in the middle, and it blends the trio’s many strengths into a climate that touches on jazz, ambient and New Age ideas in the very creative demeanor.

At the end, “This We Have Now” alternates between intimacy and exploration, where a charming, cinematic appeal is very much appreciated.

The 3 are joined by the guest percussionists Megan Arns and Kyle Flens, and together they illuminate Bellor’s vision with fascinating and exciting musicianship that illustrates an inimitable approach to percussion that few will ever replicate.

Travels well with: EFG Trio- Transliminal Rites; Gina Biver- Nimbus

Kristy Chmura

Where The Light Gets In

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to Where The Light Gets In

A New Jersey resident who is well versed in the harp, the singer-songwriter Kristy Chmura brings her heartfelt voice to this quick EP that’s full of beauty and emotional depth.

“Leigh” starts the listen with much twinkling beauty, as Chmura’s expressive pipes guide the calm, dreamy climate, and “Lie Awake” follows with sublime vocal inflections that emit a very stirring presence of lush, careful song craft that is complemented by graceful piano.

“Come Home” recruits hand clapping and plenty of playfulness in the soulful display of poetic song craft, while “Only Love” radiates a very emotive quality amid the gentle keys and diverse vocals. “Soul’s Revolution” exits the listen, and it soars with an uplifting spirit that resonates long after the music stops.

A captivating body of work, this is a songstress with the ability to mesmerize with her stunning and moving creativity.

Travels well with: Kate Schutt- Bright Nowhere; Alyssa Jacey- Alyssa Jacey LIVE!

Derek Hoke

Electric Mountain

3Sirens, 2022

8/10

Listen to Electric Mountain

The East Nashville resident Derek Hoke returns with a more upbeat effort than his last work, where influences from Appalachian folk music, Peter Gabriel and Bruce Springsteen are present and appreciated.

“Wild And Free” starts the listen with warm acoustic guitar and soft singing in the very dreamy climate of timeless folk ideas, and “Let Go Of My Heart” follows with a much fuller display of gritty yet pretty country rock nods as Hoke’s smooth pipes are complemented by soulful backing vocals.

“If You Need My Love” resides at the halfway point, and is full of stirring atmosphere that’s poetic amid a bit of mystery, while “That’s My Woman” relies on thumping drums and much attention to rhythm.

Moving towards the end, the moody keys of “Novocaine” are met with a thicker presence of southern rock sensibilities, and “On Top Of The Mountain” exits with some futuristic sounds to accent the hypnotic bass lines.

A lifelong fan of music and someone who’s paid his dues working in the industry as well, with this instantly memorable listen, Hoke easily cements himself as an artist in the fertile Nashville scene that we should all be more familiar with.

Travels well with: Lynne Hanson- Ice Cream In November; M. Lockwood Porter- Communion In Ashes

Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal

Green Light

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Green Light

The 6th studio album from Hoyer and company, Green Light incorporates pain, solitude and spiritual ideas that serve as an honest and forthright reaction to the reality of life today, and their unique brand of soul and R&B that’s never short on melody, lyricism and grooves is as luminous as ever.

“Evolution” gets the listen off to a very soulful start, where the gritty but tuneful vocals are accented by bright brass and intricate drumming, and “Loneliness” follows with an intimate spirit amid the dreamy melodies.

“Mr. One Up” occupies the middle spot and recruits some gospel leanings to the very warm climate, while the title track showcases moody organ, some frisky funk nods and well timed backing vocals.

Approaching the end, “Business As Usual” is textured with both grace and adventurousness, where the horns and rhythm section complement each other splendidly, and “Shou Shou Do” exits the listen with a stylish presence that’s dance floor ready and emits plenty of timeless energy.

Hoyer handles Hammond organ, electric piano and lead vocals, and his band includes Stephen Cantarero (bass), James Cuato (sax), Blake DeForest (trumpet), Harrison ElDorado (drums), and Benjamin Kushner (guitar). Self-described as their current masterpiece, their strong attention to detail and dynamic song craft is certainly top notch.

Travels well with: Kirk Fletcher- Heartache By The Pound; John Fusco And The X-Road Riders- John The Revelator

Rich Willey's Boptism Funk Band

Conspiracy

Wise Cat, 2019

8/10

Listen to Conspiracy

Florida native Rich Willey has paid his dues playing music all over the western side of country in the ‘80s, before taking a hiatus from the traveling life to finish up school.

Now a North Carolina resident and educator, Willey gets back to the original essence of jazz on Conspiracy, with a fun, danceable, and easily accessible album.

“Mister Magoo” gets the album off to a horn fueled start where organs and a bouncy rhythm add to the setting, and “Goofin’ Off” follows with grooves and elegance amid the jazz friendly atmosphere.

Near the middle, “Adrenaline Rush” recruits a playful delivery of bright and creative instrumentation, while “Brother Kenya’s Paradigm” injects plenty of culture into the world music influenced good time.

Deep in the listen, “Nude Eel” showcases the deft horn prowess and spirited guitar work the ensemble possess, and “Eenie Meanie Beanie Weenie” displays fleeting vocals in the busy, textured highlight. “Blues For Bobby” ends the listen indeed with fluent blues in the multifaceted approach that puts the exclamation point on this fine listen.

An extremely meticulous affair (the details of how this record came together are explained in the packaging), Willey already released Down & Dirty this year, and if he continues to deliver this type of quality, I don’t anyone will mind if another album lands before the year is up.

Travels well with: Dave Stryker- The Eight Track III; Dan Fornero- Not So Old School