Erland Cooper & Scottish Ensemble

Folded Landscapes

Mercury KX, 2023

9/10

Listen to Folded Landscapes

The innovative Scottish composer and producer Erland Cooper pens a listen with themes of climate, change, temperature, and time, and it includes the poet Laureate Simon Armitage, the Scottish Ensemble and even Greta Thunberg and Dara McAnulty.

“Movement 1” begins the listen with atmospheric noises that lead into the warm, reflective strings that are graceful and thought provoking, and “Movement 2” follows with a stirring presence of soft string manipulation that carries a cinematic quality.

“Movement 3” and “Movement 4” land in the middle, where the former opens playfully before segueing into intimate and mysterious areas, and the latter carries a gorgeous emotive quality of gentle instrumentation and strong attention to mood that welcomes talking.

The final tracks, “Movement 6” and “Movement 7”, are among the best, where the former is a more upbeat affair as the strings dance around each other charmingly, and the last track carries a soothing, droning aspect of intrigue.

This is Cooper’s 4th album, and he urges us to come together and take action against the climate crisis. His vision is one of a mature, captivating demeanor, and the subject matter should really make this required listening during these pivotal times for our planet.

Travels well with: Steve Reich- The String Quartets; Hildur Guðnadóttir- Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture Tár

Jesse Daniel Edwards

Violensia

Cavity Search, 2023

8/10

Listen to Violensia

The Nashville resident Jesse Daniel Edwards returns with a personal but not autobiographical listen that’s a bit heavier than his earlier work, and emits a multifaceted version of rock which stems from an atypical upbringing.

“I’m So Happy (I Think I Might Cry)” begins the listen with warm piano and Edwards’ expressive singing in the powerful and emotive climate that uses rugged guitars, too, and the flowing and upbeat “Backyard Party MDA” follows with plenty of melody amid the thumping drums and diverse vocals.

“Drop Dead And Die” occupies the middle spot, and is busy and richly textured with dreamy versus thick moments of retro-rock, while “Matches & Gasoline” is quite dense and throbs with some alt-rock blasts that are firm yet tuneful.

Close to the end, “Missed Call From Evangeline” opens loud before segueing into a very pretty and lush album highlight, and “What Ever Happened To” exits with a piano fueled, cautious demeanor of graceful song craft.

Raised in Southern California in a religious house, Edwards moved around as a military brat, and was largely unexposed to popular music when he was young. He left home at 16 and found himself busking all over the world, being a tour manager to Morrissey, Jason Isbell, and Lucinda Williams, and honing his skills outside bars on Nashville’s Music Row.

Certainly a formula that’s not easy to label, his ‘70s rock influences are not hard to spot, and the post-punk, anthemic rockers and piano balladry might remind you of Queen, Bowie or Rufus Wainright, which is something I don’t think anyone is going to have a problem with.

Travels well with: Waldemar- Ruthless; Rufus Wainwright- Rufus Does Judy At Capitol Studios

Benny Benack III

Third Time’s A Charm

La Reserve, 2023

8/10

Listen to Third Time’s A Charm

The trumpeter, vocalist and composer Benny Benack III assembles an impressive New York outfit of Emmet Cohen, Russell Hall and Kyle Poole, plus guests, for these 14 timeless jazz tracks.

The title track opens with Benack’s lively trumpet and smooth vocals alongside Ruben Fox’s agile tenor saxophone for the warm climate, and “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” follows with Cohen’s meticulous keys populating the frisky Burt Bacharach tune.

Closer to the middle, “Thank You For The Heartbreak” benefits much from Peter Bernstein’s lovely guitar for the intimate and heartfelt delivery, while “In A Melllow Tone” makes great use of Bria Skonberg’s trumpet and vocals for playful duet that’s the album’s best.

Near to the end, “Jade” finds a poetic place to reside thanks to the mature keys and dreamy guitar that complement Benack’s expressive pipes, and “Pretty Eyed Baby” exits with Michael Stephenson’s distinct vocals and Russell Hall’s intricate bass for the upbeat and dance floor ready finish.

Benack has been Emmy nominated, and it’s not hard to see why, as he guides the esteemed players through a diverse and dynamic listen that warrants many, many listens.

Travels well with: Steven Feifke- Catalyst; Doxas Brothers- The Circle

Various Artists

I ♥ sparkle*jets u.k.

Crab Apple, 2000

9/10

Listen to I ♥ sparkle*jets u.k.

A globally adored outfit in the area of '90s and early 2000’s power-pop, a large handful of artists come together for versions of fantastic tunes by sparkle*jets u.k., who actually just returned with their first album in over 20 years.

After brief introductions by David Bash and Ben Eshbach, The Masticators bring the swirling power-pop of the crisp and melodic “Real Nice Time”, and it isn’t long until the dreamy “She’s So Mean” welcomes soulful ideas thanks to Mike Randle’s (Baby Lemonade) thoughtful interpretation.

Further along, the buzzing and punchy rock of Nipper And The Seaturtles’ “The Orange County Song” carries plenty of punk spirit, while “In My Dream”, by David Koval, recruits plenty of atmosphere into the unpredictable, mysterious landscape.

Landing near the end, Glowfriends’ “Golden” carries a little jangle amid the pretty singing and harmonic instrumentation, and The Andersons’ “Sparklejets Surprise” finishes with a conversational presence that discusses the greatness of the band with a touch of playfulness.

If there’s a bad sparkle*jets u.k. tune out there I certainly haven’t heard it, and these are really fun takes on songs we can all afford to hear through other people’s vision.

Travels well with: sparkle*jets u.k- Best Of Friends; Popsicko- Off To A Bad Start

John-Henry Crawford

Voice Of Rachmaninoff

Orchid Classics, 2023

9/10

Listen to Voice Of Rachmaninoff

The cellist John-Henry Crawford is joined by the pianist Victor Santiago Asunción to celebrate the 150th anniversary of composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, where these 7 pieces illustrate his ability to sing through the powerful melodies.

“Morceaux de Fantasie, Op. 3, No. 1 Elégie - Moderato” opens the listen with the warm keys and graceful strings making for a very rich and intimate landscape of beauty, and “12 Romances, Op. 21 No. 7, Zdes Khorosho “How fair this spot” follows with gliding melodies and a very poetic demeanor that shows incredible depth between the pair.

Further on, “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43, Var XVII - Andante Cantabile” is full of fluid and lush interaction between the piano and cello that’s quite dreamy, while “Sonata for Cello and Piano in G minor, Op.19” unfolds across 4 chapters that focus on mood and atmosphere via the sublime song craft.

The final track, “Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op 18 “Preghiera”, is the album’s best, and radiates a profound familiarity with each other’s respective instruments that emits a stirring, emotive finish.

This is Crawford’s 3rd installment of Rachmaninoff’s work, and muck like the first 2, it exemplifies his inimitable cello prowess, and Asunción’s piano playing makes an indelible impression, too.

Travels well with: John-Henry Crawford- Corazón; Chelsea Guo- Chopin In My Voice

Steven Feifke

Catalyst

La Reserve, 2023

8/10

Listen to Catalyst

The Grammy Winner, bandleader, composer, arranger, and pianist Steven Feifke never disappoints, and here he brings along so much talent for a big band effort that touches on all the hallmarks of jazz that we could never tire of.

“The Promised Land” opens the listen up with plenty of bright horn interaction amid the swift keys and agile drumming, and “It Could Happen To You” follows with a calmer pace of warm grooves that benefits much from Benny Benack III’s fluid vocals.

At the halfway point, “Catalyst” showcases John Lake’s animated trumpet and Andrew Gould’s reed magic with both cautious and adventurous ideas, while “Cover The Waterfront” emits Martina DaSilva’s gorgeous pipes alongside Alex Wintz’s warm guitar and Bryan Carter’s skilled drumming for the powerful album highlight.

Near to the end, “Patience’s Promise” welcomes Dan Chmielinski’s bass acrobatics and a stirring solo from Feifke for the poetic demeanor, and “Kingpin” exits with a dynamic chemistry between his core group.

Amazingly, this is Feifke’s 6th album in 2 years, and he’s as impressive as he is prolific, where both the originals and classics are very meticulous performed.

Travels well with: Doxas Brothers- The Circle; William Sternoff- Aim To Stay

Diane Coll

Happy Fish

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Happy Fish

The debut album from the Atlanta songstress Diane Coll, the 14 songs here resonate with a timeless and intimate version of folk songwriting that will always be relevant.

After a quick introduction to the affair, “Daylight” emits much warm acoustic guitar playing amid Coll’s expressive singing and vivid storytelling that unfolds with a swift delivery, and “Cowboy Church” follows with a gorgeous, minimal delivery of poetic song craft.

Further along, “Rising Tide” showcases Coll’s expressive range with an eloquent demeanor that welcomes meticulous keys, while “The Bell Tolls” carries a bit of mystery with a strong focus on mood thanks to the vulnerable guitar and emotive singing.

Closer to the end, “So It Goes” finds a dreamy place to reside with much emphasis on drumming, and “Happy Fish” exits the listen with a sunny, harmonic landscape that resonates retro qualities.

The CD version of this release comes with a 4-panel digipak, a 6-fold insert with photos, liner notes, and song-by-song credits. Even better is that $5 of every purchase will go to No Kid Hungry, so you get to help out a great cause while absorbing thoughtful folk music.

Travels well with: Diane Coll- Into The Fire; Jane Bruce- My Bed

Twilight Muse

A Moment Out Of Time

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to A Moment Out Of Time

The indie-rock duo of Meg Pollaro and Andrew Shapiro, as Twilight Muse the pair pen songs about life, love and longing, where both soothing and firm moments are present and appreciated.

“Dreamspace” opens the listen with much atmosphere, where Pollaro’s sweet pipes are met with warm and cozy instrumentation that also welcomes Shapiro’s expressive voice, and “Oh Mama” follows with agile keys and soulful singing from Pollaro for the intimate and rich landscape.

Packed in the middle is the crunchy guitar of the arena rock ready “Electrify Me”, which is a loud and melodic album highlight, while “Forever” gets a bit spacy and buzzes with some New Wave tendencies that you can’t help but admire. The final track, “Audacious”, offers a dreamy and eloquent exit of classic rock stabs and hazy, gorgeous ambience.

A highly eclectic listen that somehow reminds us of both the Allman Brothers and The Clash, few genres are off limits via the two’s harmonic and lush version of rock.

Travels well with: Love Crushed Velvet- Souls And The Barren Heart; Matt Simons- Identity Crisis

Diane Coll

Into The Fire

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Into The Fire

A quick listen of ukulele inspired songs from the Atlanta singer-songwriter Diane Coll, Into The Fire brings a timeless folk appeal through the 4 personal songs.

“I Get So Tired” begins the listen with swift strumming and Coll’s bright voice making for a warm and infectious delivery, and “Been A Blessing” follows with a calmer approach of vivid storytelling and precise string manipulation that’s quite mesmerizing.

“Summer In A Bottle” and the title track exit the listen, where the former is melodic, sweet and showcases Coll’s pretty pipes, and the latter is charming via the rich display of Coll’s skilled singing and meticulous small guitar prowess.

A precursor to her 2024 album, Old Ghosts, this brief listen is full harmonic and emotive song craft that is ideal for the ukulele fanatic, or anyone with an ear for modern folk.

Travels well with: Amy Stroup- Since Frank; Jane Bruce- My Bed

The South Austin Moonlighters

From Here To Home

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to From Here To Home

The Austin heroes The South Austin Moonlighters return with 10 new alt-country tracks that recruit Steve Berlin (Los Lobos) for the strong attention to detail.

“Nashville” starts the listen with Chris Beall’s raspy, welcoming voice that’s complemented by Daniel James’ flowing and precise drums and Lonnie Trevino Jr.’s well timed bass, and “Make A Livin” follows with Fred Mandujano’s proficient drums alongside the warm singing and spirited guitar from Beall.

At the halfway point, “Faded Into Gray” places Jacob Hildebrand on guitar and Anthony Farrell on keys for the intimate and poetic climate, while “Hearts In Parallel” makes great use of Hunter St. Marie’s guitar prowess for the thicker display of roots rock ideas.

Close to the end, the powerful yet cautious “It’s Only Money (That Makes The World Go Round)” is richly textured with soulful backing vocals and well timed slide guitar, and “Deltaman” exits with fluid country rock that’s dreamy and memorable.

A excellent body of work that has the capacity for grittiness and is still dance friendly and, on occasion, might cause you to mull things over, The South Austin Moonlighters continue to make joyous music.

Travels well with: Mike Tod- Mike Tod; Jaimee Harris- Boomerang Town

Stein/Smith/Shead

Hum

Irritable Mystic, 2023

9/10

Listen to Hum

A two track listen captured on the last couple of nights of a thorough tour of the U.S., Jason Stein’s bass clarinet, Damon Smith’s double bass, and Adam Shead’s drums/percussion come together for this very adventurous listen in the area of free jazz.

“Yawning Flock” occupies the first half, where exploratory reed and string manipulation are present alongside the unpredictable drumming that fluctuates between the calm and busy moments of improvised fun.

“Precipitous Halo” finishes off the listen, and showcases stunning clarinet acrobatics that suit the swift drumming and frisky bass lines that forego any sort of structure for a creative and memorable 21+ minutes.

A truly exciting endeavor in the area of free jazz and avant-garde ideas, Stein, Smith and Shead make for a jazz affair like no other.

Travels well with: The Heavy Hitters- The Heavy Hitters; Aaron Seeber- First Move

Geanies

Can’t See The Sun

Mule Kick, 2023

8/10

Listen to Can’t See The Sun

The debut from the Venice, California outfit that’s spearheaded by Sean Michael Rowe, Geanies brings us 5 tracks of their bluesy version of alt-rock that rarely stays in one place too long.

“Bury Me” starts the listen with thick guitar and expressive, gritty vocals from Rowe, as Eliot Lorango’s precise bass helps the song weave in and out of soft versus loud moments, and “Can’t See The Sun” follows with a dreamy demeanor that spotlights Ethan Maxwell’s proficient drumming amid the powerful, swirling climate.

The middle spot belongs to the raw yet melodic “Nowadays” that uses acoustic guitar strategically, while the best track, the busy and rich textures of “I’d Like To Buy The World”, showcases the dynamic rhythm section amid Rowe’s meticulous guitar playing. The final track, “Here She Comes”, carries some ‘90s alt-rock ideas that complement the glowing riffs and hard hitting drums.

Rowe is just 19 years old, but writes songs like a seasoned vet. If this excellent starting point is an indication, expect a luminous career from Geanies.

Travels well with: Mike Pope- Ripening (Ain’t It Strange); Tony Holiday- Motel Mississippi

No Alternative

Live At Mabuhay Gardens: November 7, 1980

Liberation Hall, 2023

10/10

Listen to Live at Mabuhay Gardens: November 7, 1980

Liberation Hall Records again unearths some under appreciated punk sounds from San Francisco, and this time it’s from the bristling outfit No Alternative, who ripped through this set in 1980, and they even tossed in a pair of previously unreleased studio tracks.

“Damned To Hell” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where Hugh Patterson’s raw, slurred voice is met with Jeff Rees’ bouncy bass making for a melodic, fuzzed out punk climate, and “The Good Die Young” follows with a similar approach that benefits from Greg Langston’s furious drumming amid the sing-along chorus.

Further into the set, “Boy With A Needle” thumps with a contagious energy of buzzing proto-punk ideas, while “Rockabilly Rumble” is a toe tappin’, head bobbin’ 2 minutes of darker, hypnotic post-punk nods.

The studio tracks arrive at the end and include “Witch Doctor” and “Working Class Boy”, where the former burns slower with rhythm and mood being particularly important, and the latter builds into a more fierce finish that benefits from the scrappy rhythm section, swirling guitar and well sung vocals.

Back in the day, No Alternative played with The Germs, Black Flag, D.O.A and Flipper and they released a 3 song EP Subterranean Records in 1980. They are still around today, only with John Hansen behind the drum kit, and this excellent recording captures an exciting time for punk in the Bay Area, where the trio we’re leading the charge with their anthemic vision.

Travels well with: Lloyds- Attitude Check; The Mutants- Curse Of The Easily Amused

The Scooches

Lift You Up

On The Bol, 2023

8/10

Listen to Lift You Up

The Scooches, i.e. Betina Hershey and Nick Russo, bring along some excellent help for these 12 diverse songs that emit an unpredictable and worldly version of Americana.

“Lift You Up” starts the listen with plenty of timeless folk ideas that benefit from Russell Hall’s electric bass and Miles Griffith’s expressive voice alongside Hershey’s flowing pipes that touches on reggae nods, and “Let’s Grow Our Roots Deep And True” follows with Hershey’s fingerstyle guitar playing and Russo’s precise banjo in the intimate landscape that carries a mountain-esque demeanor.

Deeper into the listen, “I Broke The Egg” is quite playful, dance friendly even, and spotlights Kenny Kosek’s fiddle and Jennifer Vincent’s double bass, while “What’s Meant To Last Will Last” emits bright 1920’s ideas thanks to frisky banjo and Michela Marino Lerman’s tap.

Near the end, “Give It To Me Real” is packed with R&B flavor thanks to Hershey and Griffith’s soulful delivery, and “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round- Gullah Geechee” exits with a global folk presence of freestyle spoken word via the live recording that illustrates Dr. David Pleasant’s percussion and vocal skills.

Formerly called Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches, this shorter name certainly doesn’t affect the band’s eclectic formula that flirts with Motown, gospel and rural moments for a unique and memorable listen.

Travels well with: Austin Mayse- Bridges And Kerosene; M. Lockwood Porter- Communion In The Ashes

Zohn Collective

John Liberatore: Catch Somewhere

New Focus, 2023

8/10

Listen to Catch Somewhere

A collection of pieces inspired by poetry, the composer John Liberatore’s work is fleshed out by the Zohn Collective for these 4 creative chamber works.

“A Very Star-Like Start” opens the listen with the collective’s warm strings and light winds making for a charming and light demeanor, and “Gilded Tree” follows with Molly Barth’s elegant flute guiding the 4 chapters of dreamy, expressive song craft.

Halfway through, “Catch Somewhere” uses Dieter Hennings’ guitar, Daniel Pesca’s prepared piano and Paul Vaillancourt’s clever percussion for much stirring intimacy that’s gentle and thoughtful, and “Hold Back Thy Hours” exits with Zach Finkelstein’s soaring tenor amid the collective’s meticulous and careful attention to detail.

A body of work that’s never short on rhythm, inspired solos and plenty of poignant interaction between the players, Liberatore’s vision is executed with unparalleled tonality, skill and harmony.

Travels well with: Seamus- Music From Seamus, Vol. 32; Lee Weisert- Recesses

Alex Hamburger

What If?

Unit, 2023

8/10

Listen to What If?

A flutist, vocalist and composer, Alex Hamburger returns with a sophomore album, where Patrick Graney, Chase Elodia, Tyrone Allen II, José Luiz Martins and Andrew Bailie accompany her across the jazz fusion affair.

“Ladybug” starts the listen with a spacey ambience, where Hamburger’s dreamy flute is met with the atmospheric synth and Elodia’s acrobatic drumming, and “Lion’s Den” follows with a sublime intimacy that benefits from floating keys, light drums and Hamburger’s expressive voice.

Further on, “Surface Unknown” recruits Graney’s mysterious percussion for a gripping ambience of cinematic qualities, while “November 3rd” pairs the elegant flute with mature keys that make for a reflective, engaging album highlight.

Near the end, “Plastic Stars” meshes acoustic with electric sounds for a lively, dynamic landscape of stylish jazz nods, and “Gone Too Soon (For Lowell And Aaron)” exits with Bailie’s articulate bass complementing Hamburger’s gorgeous singing.

A listen that successfully transforms feeling to sound, Hamburger’s vision is abstractly comforting, highly innovative and lyrically just as substantial as it is musically.

Travels well with: Nadia Washington- Hope Resurgence; Danielle Wertz- Other Side

Strange Horizon

Skur 14

Apollon, 2023

9/10

Listen to Skur 14

The doom metal legends Strange Horizon return with 4 dense tracks that place Kryptograf’s Eirik Arntsen behind the drum kit to fuel the sturdy riffs and progressive climate.

“The Road” opens the listen with warm, intimate acoustic guitar from frontman Stig V. Kviljo before Christer S. Lindesteg’s throbbing bass enters the thick and booming metallic rock, and “Cursed And Cast Out” follows with Arntsen’s hard hitting drums guiding the crunchy, melodic grunge rock that’s firmly harmonic.

Populating the back half is the punky, buzzing “Candles”, which spends 7+ minutes mesmerizing us with its charged rhythm section and calm versus busy bursts, and “Tusser Og Troll” exits with a bit of mystery, where cinematic moments meet haunting waves of creativity.

A listen that reminds us of Black Sabbath, Melvins or even Saint Vitus, Strange Horizon bring influences from 5 decades of thick sounds, and these 4 involved tracks make an immediate and lasting impression.

Travels well with: Castaway Hounds- Come On Down; Suburban Savages- Demagogue Days

Lloyds

Attitude Check

Liberation Hall, 2023

10/10

Listen to Attitude Check

A very well received San Francisco outfit who were active from 1979-1984, the only song from Lloyds that got much global attention was when Lita Ford covered “Rock And Roll Made Me What I Am Today” on her 1983 album.

Finally, we’re treated to some further documentation of this criminally overlooked band, where songs captured live in 1980 at the Old Waldorf in San Francisco and the Catalyst in Santa Cruz, plus some studio tracks and a cover of the Exciters, are spread out across 20 tracks.

“And That’s Why (I Don’t Like You)” opens the listen with Lulu Lewis’ spunky and exciting voice alongside playful, melodic garage-rock ideas amid the speedy drumming, and “Curiosity” follows with throbbing bass and crisp drums illuminating the proto-punk ideas.

Deeper into the listen, “Tell Him” recruits ‘60s girl group nods for a very harmonic and frisky album highlight, while “Attitude Check” is a bit darker in scope, and carries plenty of punk rock spirit amid the swirling guitars and dense drumming.

Later in the listen, the live version of “Kill Me” places male vocals in the spotlight for a rowdy and subtly harmonic, busy climate, and “Tell Him” exits with soulful backing vocals that complement the infectious New Wave bursts and power-pop greatness.

The songs here are culled from 2022’s vinyl release, Let’s Go Lloyds!, plus 7 previously unreleased live cuts. It’s not hard to see why Lloyds made fans all over their hometown, but without a record deal during this time, getting much attention further away was unlikely. Thankfully, their legacy is alive and well, where David Martin (lead guitar, piano, synth), Ronnie Jay (guitar, harmonica), Alan Thiele (drums), Peter M. Heimlich (original bassist) and Dan DeShara (late period bassist) sure do complement Lewis’ inimitable pipes.

Travels well with: APB- Three; The Mutants- Curse Of The Easily Amused

Annie Keating

Hard Frost

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Hard Frost

The Brooklyn songstress Annie Keating returns with another batch of heartfelt songs, where Steve Williams, Richard Hammond, Todd Caldwell, Teddy Kumpel, Lynne Hanson and Kate Steinberg are all in attendance for 11 thoughtful tracks.

“Lies And Dynamite” opens the listen with warm vocals and Williams’ soft drumming helping make for an intimate landscape that recruits Hanson’s soulful backing vocals, and “Looking For Trouble” follows with Hammond’s cozy guitar amid Keating’s expressive pipes.

In the middle, “Falling” soars with much beauty, where the breezy melodies and slide guitar help make this the album’s best, while “Belly Of The Beast” flows with a stirring Americana that’s as meticulous as it is memorable.

“Feels Like Home” lands near the end, and is a poetic, cautious display of rich and cozy textures, and “So Lonely” exits with a bit of grit buried into the rhythmic nature.

Influences such as Lucinda Williams. John Prine, Bob Dylan, Allison Krauss and Willie Nelson won’t be hard to spot, as Keating blends folk, country and roots into a very memorable brand of Americana ideas.

Travels well with: Lynne Hanson- Ice Cream In November; Amy Speace- Tucson

Janiva Magness sings John Fogerty

Change In The Weather

Blue Elan, 2019

8/10

Listen to Change In The Weather

A Grammy nominated songstress, Janiva Magness reworks the classic songs of John Fogerty here, where each tune is reinvented in her creative, emotive and artistic vision.

The title track starts the listen with hand clapping fun and a shuffling pace of organic, timeless sounds, and “Lodi” follows with a blues spirit and warm, melodic vocals from Magness.

Near the middle, “Don’t You Wish It Was True” finds the songstress getting soulful with a playful duet, while Magness retains the classic spirit of “Bad Moon Rising” with frisky tambourines and exceptional guitar work.

Deeper cuts offer us the dynamic interplay of the musicians on the rockin’ “Fortunate Son”, and “A Hundred And Ten In The Shade” calms the mood down to graceful balladry that recruits an almost R&B feel. The listen ends on “Lookin’ Out My Back Door”, which carries on the feel good atmosphere of the original, as Magness and company put their fun spin on the quintessential Fogerty tune.

Now 15 albums deep, Change In The Weather again proves why Magness has carved out a unique spot in musical history, and although countless musicians have covered Fogerty, no one has done it quite like this.

Travels well with: Sue Foley- The Ice Queen; Joanna Connor- Slidetime