Demetria Taylor

Doin’ What I’m Supposed To Do

Delmark, 2022

8/10

Listen to Doin’ What I’m Supposed To Do

An exceptional blues talent who also injects plenty of R&B into her timeless formula, Demetria Taylor brings us a couple of tunes she penned, as well as tracks by her family, Mike Wheeler, Larry Williams, and Magic Sam on this 2nd release on the Delmark label.

“83 Highway” starts the listen with Brian Flynn’s exceptional guitar skills alongside Brian James’ agile keys and Taylor’s soaring pipes, and “Baby Be Good” follows with Melvin Carlisle’s frisky drums and Wheeler’s spirited guitar making for a groove friendly climate.

Further along, “Welfare Blues” benefits much from Williams’ precise bass, as Taylor’s soulful voice is quite striking, while “I’m Gonna Tell It” emits both power and melody in the timeless blues flavor.

Close to the end, the energetic and rock’n’roll influenced “You Belong To Me” showcases Carlos Showers’ swift guitar and Taylor’s diverse singing, and “Young Gun Taylor” exits with firm keys, crisp drums and, of course, Taylor’s inestimable singing.

There’s no doubt that Taylor is in excellent company, and she even takes help from the legendary Deitra Farr on one track. You might say that she was born to plays the blues, since both her parents and brothers were musicians, and she’s keeping that tradition alive with both traditional and modern sounds on this excellent body of work.

Travels well with: Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames- Nightwalk; Todd Sharpville- Medication Time

Scott Clay

Let It All Lay Bare

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to Let It All Lay Bare

The singer-songwriter Scott Clay pens a very well thought out 5th album, where themes of important relationships, historical events and intimacy are delivered with his very Americana/roots rock formula emitting much beauty.

The title track starts the listen with crisp and rugged yet tuneful country rock that benefits from Sean Lane’s precise drumming alongside Clay’s thick guitar and gritty vocals, and “Nothing Like The Real Thing” follows with plenty of grooves thanks to Daniel Walker’s strategic organ prowess.

Halfway through, “Simple Kind” offers a bare, poetic display of heartfelt folk-rock, while “Chief Joseph” is heavy on atmosphere, where a bit of an ominous quality adds another dimension to Clay’s craft.

“Utah” and “The Captive” exit the listen, as the former showcases Keith Lowe’s skilled bass playing in the lush album highlight, and the latter lands in sparse balladry, as Clay’s vulnerable vocals are met with gentle acoustic guitar.

Clay got his start making music as a teenager, but didn’t really buckle down about it until college, and released his first album in 2005. An artist who spends a lot of time touring, he’s clearly got a knack for storytelling, and his cautious and creative song craft certainly makes him a stand out in the area of modern indie-folk.

Travels well with: John Fullbright- The Liar; Caitlin Rose- Own Side Now

Jeremy Nail

Behind The Headlights

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to Behind The Headlights

The Austin, Texas artist Jeremy Nail returns with a 5th album, and it’s one that surrounds themes of loneliness, and specifically the kind that requires self-examination and the ability to re-prioritize your life.

“Man Who Drove Away” opens the listen with a very reflective tone, where Nail’s soft and poetic singing is met with soothing guitar, and “Crimes Of The Heart” follows with a dreamy folk influenced display of gentle, even meditative song craft.

Closer to the middle, “Silent War” uses strings and piano with much grace, where Nail’s stirring voice mesmerizes us, while “Try As I Might” emits much emotion as Nail discusses the loss of a family member with his expressive nature.

Arriving near the end, “We Are One” uses hypnotic guitar amid the eloquent singing, and “Endless Plain” exits the listen with a bare but powerful anthem about being brave enough to make your own choices.

A record that was fleshed out during the early period of the pandemic, Nail offers us primarily quaint and very literate tunes here, and the strong attention to detail and many contributors on strings, French horn, upright bass, synth and many guitars makes for a unique and absorbing listen in the area of indie-folk.

Travels well with: M. Lockwood Porter- Communion In The Ashes; Ever More Nest- Out Here Now

Shawn Purcell

180

Origin, 2022

8/10

Listen to 180

The DC resident and guitarist extraordinaire Shawn Purcell finds himself in the company of Pat Bianchi (Hammond C3 organ), Jason Tieman (drums, cymbals), Darden Purcell (vocals) and Ben Patterson (trombone) for these 11 adventurous tunes that tip their hat to heroes like Pat Martino, Grant Green and Wes Montgomery.

“Cat And Mouse” opens the listen with a bouncy rhythm that benefits from swift guitar and frisky drums in its timeless jazz appeal, and the title track follows with stylish keys amid the restrained drums and spirited guitar.

“A Time For Love” is when we first hear vocals, and it comes with an intimate demeanor that complements Darden Purcell’s expressive, poetic pipes, while “A Long Stroll” shakes and rolls with an infectious energy that’s quite mesmerizing in its textured display.

Nearing the end, “Window Games” offers a busy and dynamic interaction of hard bop nods, and “Search And Destroy” exits with all the players lending their inimitable talents to a quick and driving finish.

A listen of primarily originals (Johnny Mandel’s “A Time For Love” is a nice addition), Purcell and company birth a unique energy here that embraces all the hallmarks of post-bop’s past, and injects a very modern appeal that will resonate long after the music stops.

Travels well with: Bruce Barth Trio- Dedication; Dave Slonaker Big Band- Convergency

Bruce Barth Trio

Dedication

Origin, 2022

9/10

Listen to Dedication

An important piece of the New York jazz scene for 4 decades now, Bruce Barth brings his inimitable piano skills to these 7 well thought out and rich pieces that welcome Vincente Archer (bass) and Montez Coleman (drums).

“George’s Party (For George Perry)” opens the listen with a bouncy and frisky display of warm keys, swift drumming and fluid bass lines, and “Courage (For All Of Us)” follows with a calmer display of agile piano and strategic drumming that’s quite unpredictable.

“Let’s Go (For McCoy Turner)” lands in the middle, and emits a playful energy as the dynamic rhythm section really radiates, while “Better Days” uses hypnotic keys and a lively energy that will get your body moving to the charming melodies.

“That’s How It Sometimes Goes (For Tommy Flanagan)” lands closer to the end, and really spotlights Barth’s finger acrobatics alongside the meticulous drums, and “Softly, In A Garden Path” exits with an elegant and intimate track that possesses much beauty in the cautious interaction between the trio.

Very tragically, Coleman passed away a few months after this was recorded, and his inestimable drumming really anchors the album, and his spirit is carried on in the themes of relationships, guidance, and gratefulness that take on an entirely new meaning now.

Travels well with: Chris Walden & LMR Jazz Orchestra- Missa Iubileum Aureum: Golden Jubilee Jazz Mass; Dave Slonaker Big Band- Convergency

Leticia Walker

Lit From Within

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Lit From Within

A powerful gospel/jazz vocalist who survived a massive stroke not too long ago, Leticia Walker returns with Lit From Within, where she honors God, and takes help from Steve Jankowski on horn arrangements, backing vocals, trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone and percussion.

The title track opens the listen with bright horns and soulful backing vocals, as Walker’s fluid and smooth pipes guide the warm grooves of the jazz flavored climate, and “This I Know For Sure” follows with a very intimate, romantic mood, where rich instrumentation is met with flowing vocals.

Further on, the dreamy “Power Of Love” offers a mesmerizing album highlight that benefits from Tommy LaBella’s stunning alto sax solo, while “Highest Praise” emits a very gospel influenced demeanor of breeziness and charming melodies.

Close to the end, the duet with Deb Lyons on “Happy Days/Get Happy” is met with airy flute, and “Jesus Is Mine” exits with a big band feel, where booming brass and some funk filled moments make for a festive finish.

A very well thought out mix of originals and standards, Walker and company inject much sincerity and timelessness into this substantial and textured affair.

Travels well with: Angela O’Neill- Light At The End Of The Tunnel; Marilyn Scott- The Landscape

Jeremy Green

Standing Eight

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Standing Eight

The veteran guitarist Jeremy Green employs the drums of Keith Carlock for this debut album, where many guitarists and bassists are present, as is Chase Baird’s saxophone and Mark Levron’s trumpet.

“Jackets Required” opens the listen with Mike Stern’s flowing guitar and Jimmy Haslip’s fluid bass lines in the melodic and meticulous landscape, and “Ain’t No Chevy” follows with Robben Ford’s precise guitar and Will Lee’s bouncy bass work illuminating the brass friendly climate.

"The Land Of Oz” arrives at the halfway point, and showcases Oz Noy’s always impressive guitar chops alongside Rich Brown’s infectious bass in the rhythmic album highlight, while “Big Shoes” gets a bit more rugged and welcomes Tim LeFebvre on bass for the harmonic and smooth delivery.

Near to the end, “Close With The Jab” places Michel Cusson on guitar and Moto Fukushima on bass for a very charming 6 minutes, and “Car Rock” finishes with Oz Noy back and in the presence of Ian DeSouza’s intricate bass to help make for a mesmerizing exit.

An album that took a year to make, this funk fusion formula that Green and company create makes for a very exciting and unpredictable listen, where the rotating cast of guitars adds to the experience.

Travels well with: Barry Coates/Jimmy Haslip/Jerry Kalaf- New Dreams; Troy Roberts- Nu-Jive: Nations United

Henry Godfrey Jazz Orchestra

Attitude & Gratitude

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Attitude & Gratitude

The drummer and composer Henry Godrey has explored plenty of sounds in his exceptional career, and this sophomore album continues that trend with 5 elaborate and eclectic tracks.

“For McCoy” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where Pritesh Walia’s guitar and Rowan Barcham’s piano complement the flurry of bright horns that emit much warmth, and “Mad Max” follows with Godfrey’s meticulous drumming and percussion providing the backbone to the Eli Block’s soulful trumpet solo amid the highly rhythmic 13 minutes.

“Forgetting What Will Never Be” occupies the middle spot, and it’s full of Anna Abondolo’s strategic bass plucking in a more cautious demeanor, while “Hot Water” showcases Jasmine Sloane’s trumpet Anton Derevyanko’s sax prowess in the very collaborative album highlight.

The final track, “We’ll Get There”, makes great use of Nicholas Suchecki’s fluid sax and Matt Kelly’s well timed trumpet, as Godfrey anchors the setting with much attention to detail that is appreciated and admired.

Godfrey’s got an accomplished academic resume in the area of music, and his experience with post-bop, rock and funk are also present here. Toss in the large numbers of solos, too, and you get a listen with much universal appeal.

Travels well with: Chris Cortez- Live At Blue Bamboo; The Jazz Professors- Blues And Cubes

Brian Lynch And Spheres Of Influence

Songbook Vol. 2: Dance The Way U Want To

Hollistic, 2022

8/10

Listen to Songbook Vol. 2: Dance The Way U Want To

The Grammy Award winner Brian Lynch brings his esteemed trumpet skills to this adventurous listen where he takes plenty of help for 2 discs of modern jazz, Afro-Caribbean flavor and fluid interaction.

“E.P’s Plan B” starts the listen with plenty of bright brass, as playful drumming and acrobatic bass lines populate the lively climate, and “Change Of Plan” follows with graceful piano and Hilario Bell’s restrained drumming that complements Lynch’s soulful trumpet prowess.

Elsewhere on Disc 1, “The Disco Godfather” recruits a flurry of horns and Murphy Aucamp’s cultured percussion to the worldly landscape, while “Awe Shocks” exits this portion with the saxophones and trumpet flowing alongside the very dynamic rhythm section.

Disc 2 consists of alternate and radio versions of all 9 tracks from Disc 1, and highlights include the pretty demeanor of the meticulous “Across The Bridge”, and the absolutely fascinating bass work, percussive qualities and beaming brass of “Tom Harrell”.

Somewhat of a ‘Best Of’ release, the songs here are pieces that Lynch recorded for other labels over the years, plus 2 new pieces specific to this release, and it does a great of spotlighting his lengthy and inestimable body of work.

Travels well with: The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Kansas City; Neil Swainson- Fire In The West

Doug Macdonald

I’ll See You In My Dreams

DMAC, 2022

8/10

Listen to I’ll See You In My Dreams

The guitarist Doug MacDonald is as prolific as he is impressive, and here along with Tamir Hendelman (piano), John Clayton (bass) and Jeff Hamilton (drums) he brings us 9 originals and standards that all fans of jazz will enjoy.

“I’ll See You In My Dreams” opens the listen with MacDonald’s swift guitar acrobatics populating the energetic and warm climate, and “I Got It Band (And That Ain’t Good)” follows with graceful piano to complement the reflective guitar playing that emits a soothing intimacy.

Further on, “My Ship” showcases frisky drumming amid the playful album highlight, while “Easy To Love” moves with a very cozy spirit thanks to the meticulous rhythm section and well timed keys.

Near to the end, “More Yesterdays Than Tomorrows”, an original jazz waltz, will certainly get your body moving to the many grooves, and “Will You Still Be Mine” exits with a busy and precisely textured display of exciting and memorable jazz rock.

Whether they’re residing in bossa territory, swinging hard or finding calmer areas to reside, MacDonald and company impress us again, and I doubt it will be long until he has a new batch of tunes ready, too.

Travels well with: Neil Swainson- Fire In The West; Craig Davis- Tone Paintings

Ana Nelson

Bridges

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Bridges

A rising artist who is armed with exceptional skills in the area of saxophone and clarinet, Ana Nelson’s doesn’t disappoint on this debut that welcomes a handful of players for these 7 originals that incorporate classical and Brazilian nods into her timeless jazz formula.

“Wanderlust” starts the listen with lively drumming from Carter Pearson, as Nelson’s soulful alto sax and Jamaal Baptiste’s warm piano help make for a very playful lead off, and “Waltz” follows with Brendan Keller-Tuberg’s well timed bass complementing Nelson’s strategic clarinet on the more cautious landscape.

“Blue Flower” and “NelBap Choro” occupy the middle spots, where the former moves with a dreamy quality thanks to Marina Alba López and Jodi Dunn’s stirring violins, Alice Ford’s viola and Kevin Flynn’s cello, while the latter offers a bright display of meticulous clarinet thanks to Nelson’s melodic vision.

The final track, “Fruit Of The Groove”, recruits Jeremy Allen’s bass, Steve Houghton’s drums, and Nelson’s swift sax for a very dynamic and flowing exit that makes an indelible impression with its energetic swinging.

Although she’s quite young compared to her peers, Nelson plays with the skill of a seasoned veteran, and if this exceptional first album is any indication, expect great things from her in the near future.

Travels well with: Billy Drummond- Valse Sinistre; Craig Davis- Tone Paintings

Tracye Eileen

You Hit The Spot

Honey Crystal, 2022

8/10

Listen to You Hit The Spot

The Chicago vocalist Tracye Eileen returns to her jazz roots with these 8 standards that are executed with a very modern edge and take help from an all star cast of players.

“I Love Being Here With You” opens the listen with bright brass and Jeremy Kahn’s skilled piano to complement Eileen’s expressive and radiant vocals, and “You Hit The Spot” follows with Steve Eisen’s precise reed skills and Stewart Miller’s playful bass adding much allure alongside Eileen’s soulful pipes.

At the halfway point, “Almost Like Falling In Love” showcases Linard Stroud’s frisky drumming and Dennis Luxion’s upbeat piano in the cozy climate, while “The Very Thought Of You” gets intimate and emotional with Paul Martin’s well timed bass accenting Eileen’s very stirring voice.

The album highlight, “This Can’t Be Love”, arrives near the end, and bounces with a charming energy, and “The End Of A Love Affair” exits with Victor Garcia’s trumpet and Raphael Crawford’s trombone in the cautious, memorable finish.

Eileen possesses a voice that can parallel the greatness of legends like Billie Holiday or Nina Simone, and her calming, uplifting and swinging interpretations illuminate these classics in an entirely new light.

Travels well with: Vicki Burns- Lotus Blossom Days; Craig Davis- Tone Paintings

Mountain City Four

Mountain City Four

Omnivore, 2022

8/10

Listen to Mountain City Four

A Montreal folk outfit who were active from 1963-1967, Jack Nissenson, Peter Weldon, Kate McGarrigle and Anna McGarrigle, i.e. Mountain City Four, made quite an impression during their short existence, and here 15 previously unreleased recordings are resurrected.

“Jesulein Suss/Will The Circle Be Unbroken” starts the listen with the voices harmonizing with much warmth that’s accompanied by hand clapping, and “Mean Old Frisco” follows with a spoken intro that segues into the acoustic guitar climate that recruits rhythms and blues.

Further on, the gorgeous harmonies of “Blue Moon Of Kentucky” illustrates an incredible range with a bare drum and banjo acrobatics providing the instrumentation, while “Walk That Lonesome Valley” offers a call and response singing that embraces a soulful, gospel demeanor.

Close to the end, “All The Good Times” emits timeless folk influences in the mountain-esque song craft, and “Shenandoah” exits with cozy harmonica and elegant piano to complement the spiritual and powerful finish.

For most of us, this will be an introduction to the 4 bright talents of Mountain City Four, and it sure captures the essence of the ‘60s folk scene perfectly. The packaging is excellent, too, and contains photos and liner notes from Weldon, both Jane and Anna McGarrigle, and Joe Boyd, which traces the history and shares memories of the Mountain City Four.

Travels well with: John Fullbright- The Liar; Ian & Sylvia- The Lost Tapes

Jimmy Carpenter

The Louisiana Record

Gulf Coast, 2022

10/10

Listen to The Louisiana Record

The inimitable sax player Jimmy Carpenter is in excellent company as he fleshes out a Louisiana themed cover album that embraces rock’n’roll, blues, soul and New Orleans influences by artists like Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint and Dr. John.

The listen gets off to an energetic start with the bouncy and rhythmic appeal of “I Hear You Knocking”, where Carpenter’s booming voice and soulful sax benefits from Wayne Maureau’s thumping drums, and “I Got Loaded” follows with an infectious spirit that showcases Mike Zito’s melodic guitar in the dance floor ready delivery.

“All These Things” arrives in the middle and moves with an intimate appeal that illuminates John Gros’ reflective keys alongside Carpenter’s powerful voice, while “Cry To Me” spotlights Casandra Faulconer’s strategic bass lines in the cautious, blues-rocker.

Deeper still, “Bring It On Home To Me” is full of cozy sax solos amid the warm rhythm section, and “Rockin’ At Cosimo’s” exits with a timeless blues-rock instrumental where all the players emit their respective strengths with precision.

Though he lives in Las Vegas now, Carpenter resided in New Orleans from 2004-2016, and that period left a significant mark on his musicianship, which is quite evident across this melodic, groove filled and laid back masterpiece.

Travels well with: Annika Chambers- Kiss My Sass; Todd Sharpville- Medication Time

John Fullbright

The Liar

Thirty Tigers, 2022

10/10

Listen to The Liar

After an 8 year hiatus, the acclaimed singer-songwriter John Fullbright returns with a collaborative effort that includes the Oklahoma musicians Paddy Ryan, Stephen Lee, Paul Wilkes, Aaron Boehler and Jesse Aycock.

“Bearden 1645” opens the listen with graceful and fluid piano, as Fullbright’s slightly gritty vocals guide the flowing climate that welcomes pedal steel and drums as it builds into a rich rocker, and “Paranoid Heart” follows with an acoustic guitar driven display of warm, folk influenced song craft.

Moving towards the middle, “Unlocked Doors” explores sublime areas of intimacy that benefit from Fullbright’s poetic singing and the aching pedal steel, while “Social Skills” picks up the pace with a crisp and cathartic country rocker.

Near to the end, “Poster Child” offers louder keys and a bit of a chilling atmosphere that’s a bit more abrasive with call and response singing and a nearly theatrical delivery, and “Gasoline” exits the listen with jumpy piano and a charming friskiness that’s as upbeat as it is infectious.

Fullbright’s version of Americana isn’t easy to classify, but it sure is easy to enjoy, and these diverse 12 songs are full of sharp lyricism, soulful moments, humorous bouts, and sounds as wide as honky tonk and alt-country.

Travels well with: Adam Carroll- I Walked In Them Shoes; Joe Pug- The Flood In Color

Angela Easterling

Witness

De L’est, 2022

8/10

Listen to Witness

The veteran singer-songwriter Angela Easterling takes much help from the multi-instrumentalist Brandon Turner for these observational and powerful Americana originals plus, one Woody Guthrie cover.

“California” opens the listen with Easterling’s gorgeous pipes amid the hazy Americana that benefits from thumping drums and a reflective guitar tone, and “Home” follows with a more folk-influenced display that comes with expressive storytelling and a breezy melody.

Elsewhere, the tempo picks up with the dance floor ready, rural fun of “Keep Your Head Down, Johnny”, while “Witness” gets much thicker with a gritty country rocker that’s an immediate sing-along.

Approaching the end, the intimate “Hero”, which is the album’s best, flows with a very pretty, rootsy feel, and “Grow Old” exits with Ian Guthrie’s harmony vocals to complement the cautious and tuneful Americana.

Also on hand for the affair are Don McGraw (bass), Jeff Hook (drums, percussion), and Ted Lucktenberg (mandolin), plus a few others, and they help make for a very rich, timeless and memorable listen from a songwriter with a wealth of talent and sincerity.

Travels well with: Derek Hoke- Electric Mountain; Mary Bragg- Violets As Camouflage

The Adam Larson Trio

With Love, From Kansas City

Outside In, 2022

8/10

Listen to With Love, From Kansas City

The top notch saxophonist Adam Larson reports from Kansas City this time (his last trio effort was from Chicago), and he’s got Ben Leifer along on bass and John Kizilarmut behind the drum kit for these melodic and dynamic 7 tracks.

“New Thread” starts the listen with bright brass and playful bass lines, as the acrobatic drumming also impresses in the lively energy, and “Life Cycle” continues the meticulousness with soulful and swift sax that is matched by the agile and unpredictable drumming.

Halfway through, the thumping and firm “REL” doesn’t disappoint with its strategically plucked bass, while “Chi-Chi” glides with a bouncy and dance friendly appeal, where all 3 players illustrate much strength and diversity. The album exits with the chunky bass and vivid drumming of “Beatitudes”, where Larson’s flowing sax is quite mesmerizing.

Larson actually relocated to Kansas City in 2019, and he certainly found himself a creative home in the local scene while maintaining a national presence, too. Much like his previous work in this series, the trio set up allows for a very liberating presence where all the players can shine in their own light while also working together to produce a creative and timeless jazz rooted body of work.

Travels well with: The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Chicago; Ron Carter- Skyline

Daphne Parker Powell

The Starter Wife

Pleasure Loves Company, 2022

9/10

Listen to The Starter Wife

This is the 6th album from the Louisiana songstress Daphne Parker Powell, and the first one under her new name following a difficult divorce, which is what this entire listen surrounds.

“Little Prince” opens the listen with Powell’s powerful voice and stirring strings that emits a very elegant and emotive display, and the title track continues with warm guitar and well timed keys, as the expressive singing guides the rootsy climate that’s lyrically very forthright.

Further on, “Sentimental Pessimism, Pt. 1” emits a breezy melody alongside the crisp drums and poetic singing, while “Ghosting”, the best track present, is particularly striking and meshes the mature violin and keys amid Powell’s devastating vocals.

Near to the end, “Murderer’s Row” combines classical strings and piano balladry to even further enthrall us, and “Worth The Weight” exits with a pensive and eloquent delivery of a very distinct version of folk-rock.

This isn’t the album that Powell wanted to write, but the cathartic and therapeutic process of doing so was certainly liberating, and her substantial lyricism combined with Kieran Ledwidge’s sublime violin really does captivate the listener from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Bailey Bigger- Coyote Red; Oberon Rose- Holographic Blues

Neil Swainson

Fire In The West

Cellar, 2022

8/10

Listen to Fire In The West

The exceptional Canadian bassist and composer Neil Swainson brings us a quintet effort that takes his past as a side musician for Woody Shaw, George Shearing and Roberta Gambarini into account for this sonically luminous jazz experience.

The title track starts the listen with bright brass, frisky drums and a dynamic, timeless jazz energy that makes an impressive introduction, and “Fool’s Gold” follows with a cautious approach that benefits much from the graceful piano amid a reflective tone.

The setting moves quite soulfully with the middle tracks, where “Kyushu” beams with radiant horns amid the playful drumming, while “Late Afternoon” allows the graceful piano to shine as both calm and more firm moments are present.

Nearing the end, “Gone Away” emits a very intimate demeanor that’s accented by gentle brass and burns slow with much emotion, and “Silver Mine” exits the listen upbeat, festive and with glowing melodies as all players contribute their respective strengths in spades.

This is actually Swainson’s sophomore album after a 35 year hiatus as band leader, and with Renee Rosnes (piano), Lewis Nash (drums), Brad Turner (trumpet) and Kelly Jefferson (tenor sax) in attendance, he makes for plenty of post-bop and rhythmic song craft that’s quite memorable.

Travels well with: Billy Drummond And Freedom Of Ideas- Valse Sinistre; Aaron Seeber- First Move

Sack Of Lions

White Lightning

Sower, 2019

8/10

Listen to White Lightning

The rising Nebraska outfit Sack Of Lions return with a 2nd LP of their country, blues, bluegrass and Americana formula, and it sounds more accomplished, memorable and moving than ever.

“Callin’ For Rain” gets the listen off a country fueled start with fiddles and melodic singing alongside a dusty setting, and “Street Jammer” follows with a rural shuffling and a quick pace that you can’t but help move your body to.

Further along, “Made Of Stone” recruits warm acoustic balladry that touches on folk influences, while “Run, Tell Ya Mama” moves with a thundering feel of rugged yet pretty country rock spirit.

The back half of the record shines, too, with the lush and playful “Die”, and the title track, which is one of the album’s best, moves with a haunting approach that’s immediately gripping. “Some Other Man” then offers a gritty yet soothing alt-country tune, and “Waiting Every Time” exits the affair with gorgeous Americana.

It’s no surprise that White Lightning has quickly moved up several charts- even to the top spot on the Heatseekers North West Central- as these guys really know their way around an authentic, spirited and unforgettable song.

Travels well with: Cody Jinks- Less Wise; Kane Brown- Experiment