Karel Martínek

Heavy Pedal Vol. 2

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Heavy Pedal Vol. 2

This 2nd installment from the Heavy Pedal series showcases the work of the composers Christopher Hoh, Deon Price, Richard E Brown, and John Rommereim, as Karel Martínek brings his esteemed organ prowess to the 4 involved pieces.

“Chorales for Organ”, by Price, opens the listen with Martínek’s strong attention to detail unfolding with warmth, and “Gesangvoll: Variations on a Theme by Beethoven” follows with a very intimate appeal that emits graceful and poetic techniques in the Rommereim piece.

On the back half, Brown’s “Six Chorale Preludes on Favorite Hymn Tunes” flows with brighter interplay that’s melodic and eloquent in Martínek’s very capable hands, while “Concertino Corona”, by Hoh, enlists the Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice for the dynamic and rich finish.

Martínek truly pushes the boundaries of the organ with these powerful, classical pieces that serve to enlighten the listener about the depths of the instrument with much success.

Travels well with: Dimensions Vol. 5; Meira Warshauer- Ocean Calling

Various Artists

Dimensions Vol. 5

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Dimensions Vol. 5

This 5th installment in the Dimensions series spotlights 7 composers for a diverse, orchestral affair that’s both traditional and modern, and emits an emotive and rich delivery.

“Rememoramini”, by Nan Avant, begins the listen with Charlene Farrugia’s piano, Franko Božac’s bandoneon and the Zagreb Festival Orchestra making for a very warm and graceful delivery that’s heartfelt and poetic, and Christine Jancarz’s “Fate of the Wolf Concert Overture” follows with the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra's agile strings and dynamic interaction that uses booming percussion, too.

Further along, Joseph T. Spaniola’s “The First Step” is populated by Radek Joska’s bassoon and the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava’s cautious attention to detail for the cinematic and tense moments, while “Sinfonia” unfolds across 3 chapters of bright and lush ideas from the Filharmonie Brno that illuminate Scott Brickman’s timeless vision.

“Intermezzo Sinfonico” exits the listen, as the Pietro Mascagni piece is executed by the South Czech Philharmonic for a very intimate, dreamy finish that’s quite stirring.

A listen that takes inspiration from an opera about a mystical wolf, bouts of uncertainty and reflection in life, the music of Handel, and traditional Latvian folk music, each movement here radiates a very compelling, orchestral approach.

Travels well with: Meira Warshauer- Ocean Calling; Courtney Carey- I Wanna Be Ready

Meira Warshauer

Ocean Calling

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Ocean Calling

The composer Meira Warshauer presents 3 stirring pieces that place Phillip Bush and Elizabeth Loparits on piano for a very unpredictable setting and strong attention to sound manipulation.

“Waves And Currents” begins the listen with the pianos making for both frisky and bright instrumentation that welcomes waves of white noise that adds much tension, and “From The Depths” follows with a colorful and creative use of lower registers for an often bare, mesmerizing display of cinematic beauty.

The final track, “The Giant Blue”, rumbles with the tonality of a blue whale, where bouts of dense keys are met with more graceful expressions from the very capable hands.

A listen that surrounds the ideas of large-scale contaminations, overfishing, acidification, and rising temperatures, Ocean Calling speaks volumes on the behalf of the world’s greatest resource with eloquent piano playing via Warshauer’s distinct vision.

Travels well with: Courtney Carey- I Wanna Be Ready; Sirius Quartet- Playing On The Edge 3

Trans-kalahari Quintet

At Last Mo Lapeng

Ansonica, 2023

8/10

Listen to At Last Mo Lapeng

The collective of Matt Dacso, Andrew Chinganga, Zakes Gwaze, Lekofi Sejeso, and Arthur “Makhwenkwe” Mengwe, as Trans-Kalahari Quintet they guide many other players for the funky, afro-jazz listen.

“Ka-Ching” starts the listen with Andrew Chinganga’s lively alto saxophone and Dingalo Mpolaise’s frisky percussion adding much to the soulful and bright climate, and “Chipos” follows with Lamech Nwako and Andrew Lienhard’s stylish keyboards adding much to the jazz meets pop ideas.

Deeper into the listen, “Leko-Kwasa” spotlights Shabani Mwanasande’s kwasa guitar amid the rich textures of warmth, while “Tobetsa Tobetsa” benefits much from John Selolwane’s meticulous lead guitar for the rhythmic landscape.

Closer to the end, “Nyakurukwa” has the quintet interacting with no lack of melody thanks to Mengwe’s animated drumming, and “Hands Off” exits with Dacso’s charming sax prowess and Nyakurukwa’s intricate bass for the album’s best selection.

A listen that’s never short on guitar solos or dance floor ready moments, the Trans-Kalahari Quintet know their way around a groove you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Hevreh Ensemble- A Path Of Light; Abrazo: The Havana Sessions

Kristina Marinova

Loves Me Not

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Loves Me Not

The Bulgarian native and pianist Kristina Marinova brings plenty of therapeutic ideas to the melodies of these works that span 3 centuries, from Bach to Rachmaninoff.

“Prelude in E minor, Op. 28 No. 4”, by Frédéric Chopin, opens the listen with the warm keys emitting a stirring emotional appeal that’s quite fluid, and Christoph Willibald Gluck and Giovanni Sgambati’s “Melodie from Orphée et Eurydice “Dance of the Blessed Spirits” follows with cozy melodies illuminating the meticulous key progressions.

Closer to the middle, “Étude in D-sharp minor, Op. 8, No. 12” is a fuller piece that’s mesmerizing in Marionva’s interpretation of the Alexander Scriabin original, while Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Elegie, Op. 3 No. 1” carries an absorbing intimacy that’s populated by the cautious piano playing.

Approaching the end, Claude Debussy’s “Rêverie, L. 68” allows for a hypnotic presence of agile key manipulation for the album’s best, and Marinova arranges “Recuerdos de la Alhambra”, originally by Francisco Tarrega, for the strong attention to mood via the quivering keys of the charming finish.

Though the pieces here are often tinted with melancholy, there’s much hope and the idea of new starts to be found buried in Marinova’s superb playing and timeless vision.

Travels well with: Richard Galliano- Madreperia; Courtney Carey- I Wanna Be Ready

Claire Chase

Density 2036: VI, VII, VIII

New Focus, 2023

8/10

Listen to Density 2036: VI, VII, VIII

The Brooklyn flutist Claire Chase packs 3 years of a commissioned project into this release, where many different works from several artists features different players for the experimental setting.

Disc 1 leads with the playful flute prowess of Olga Neuwirth’s “Magic Flu-idity”, where Nathan Davis’ typewriter adds a charming element to the climate, and Pamela Z’s “Louder Warmer Denser” follows with Z’s fixed media wordplay intersecting the unpredictable and avant-garde flute acrobatics.

At the end of this portion, “Reservoir 2”, by Sarah Hennies, welcomes expressive vocal swells from the Constellation Choir that pairs well with the precise tonality of the flute, and disc 2 leads with Matana Roberts’ “Auricular Hearsay (Version 1)”, which makes quite an impression with Susie Ibarra’s atypical percussion and Senem Pirler’s live electronics complementing the atmospheric flute.

Deeper into disc 2, “anfa”, by Ann Cleare, meshes Levy Lorenzo’s mysterious and cinematic electronics with Chase’s dense contrabass flute, while disc 3 is entirely Liza Lim’s “Sex Magic”, which unfolds across 9 chapters of Pirler’s live electronics matching Chase’s contrabass flute, kinetic percussion, alto ocarina, Aztec death whistle and pedal bass drum for the lower registers, unconventional rhythms and poignant intimacy.

A truly unclassifiable listening experience that’s iconoclastic in its own vision, Chase pushes the boundaries of the flute with unparalleled attention to pitch, and it sure does enthrall the listener from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Julia Werntz- Someone Who Loves You Throws Me At You; Zohn Collective- John Liberatore: Catch Somewhere

Tyler Duncan & Erika Switzer

A Left Coast

Bridge, 2023

8/10

Listen to A Left Coast

The baritone Tyler Duncan and inimitable pianist Erika Switzer come together for a heartfelt listen that tips its hat to their home, Vancouver B.C., and its community, geography and artistic spirit via songs penned by friends and colleagues.

Iman Habibi’s “False Morning” opens the listen with Duncan’s inviting pipes alongside Switzer’s elegant keys in the very eloquent delivery, and it isn’t long until Jean Coulthard’s “Three Love Songs” radiates a highly intimate tone of beauty and wonder.

Deeper into the listen, “Love Songs”, by Stephen Chatman, emits gentle melodies thanks to Switzer’s pretty key progressions amid Duncan’s impressive range, while Leslie Uyeda’s “Plato’s Angel” is particularly stirring via the piano manipulation and Duncan’s expressive delivery.

Jeffrey Ryan’s “Everything Already Lost” exits the listen, and showcases playful piano acrobatics alongside the agile singing that finishes the listen with as much intrigue as it began.

A poetic, even romantic body of work, the duo handle the songs with much care, and the attention to detail ensures a memorable experience for the listener.

Travels well with: William Bland- Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2; Yoojung Kim- Scriabin Recital

Ravi Shankar

Shankar Family & Friends

Dark Horse, 2023

8/10

Listen to Shankar Family & Friends

Originally released in 1974 and produced by George Harrison, the Indian artist Ravi Shankar meshed Eastern and Western types of music on this pioneering album that sees the reissue treatment for the first time on CD as a standalone release, alongside an orchid color vinyl version, too.

The very pop friendly “I Am Missing You” opens the listen with plenty of Eastern ideas amid the jangly melodies of the lush climate, and “Kahān Gayelavā Shyām Saloné” follows with the warm vocals and flowing instrumentation that’s both mesmerizing and cultured in the busy delivery.

Elsewhere, “Jaya Jagadish Haré” unfolds with a very expressive Indian folk prowess that welcomes plenty of voices to the poetic landscape, while “Overture” carries a dreamy, Caribbean quality to the light melodies and relaxing climate.

Further on, the call and response techniques of “Dispute & Violence” turns into a lively dance number, while “Peace & Hope” exits with a rare intimacy that segues into a rhythmic and worldly finish.

A ground breaking listen that integrates Indian, pop, classical and jazz music, Shankar Family & Friends sounds incredible all these decades later, and it’s certainly necessary to find itself readily available again on these formats.

Travels well with: Krishna Das- Kirtan Wallah; The Rileys- Way Out Yonder

Giorgia Fumanti

Cinema Collection

Vega2, 2023

8/10

Listen to Cinema Collection

The Italia soprano singer Giorgia Fumanti delivers classic songs from composers such as John Barry, Henry Mancini, Giorgio Moroder, Ennio Morricone and John Williams, plus others, which have populated some of the most treasured movies of our time.

“Over The Rainbow” gets the listen off to a heartfelt start, where Fumanti’s delicate and powerful voice flows with a calming intimacy, and “Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing” follows with a pretty dreaminess that uses elegant keys alongside the powerful singing.

Further on, “Moon River” finds a stirring place to reside thanks to the expressive vocals and warm keys, while “Angel” puts a very unique spin on the Sarah McLachlan hit with so much lovely instrumentation amid each soaring note.

Closer to the end, Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away” places an orchestral slant on the rich album highlight, and “Your Love” exits with a soft and absorbing cinematic quality, as Fumanti hits some incredibly high notes with ease.

We’ve all heard these songs before, but never quite like this, and they’ll certainly strike a chord with anyone who appreciates the originals.

Travels well with: Jan Cronin- I Thought About You; Vanessa Racci- Jazzy Italian

Monster Mike Welch

Nothing But Time

Gulf Coast, 2023

9/10

Listen to Nothing But Time

The Boston blues guitarist Monster Mike Welch makes quite an impression on this first album on the Gulf Coast label, where Kid Andersen handles producing, engineering and plays on the record, and the two time Grammy Winner Jerry Jemmott is in attendance, too.

“Walkin To You Baby” opens the listen, and welcomes Eric Spaulding’s bright tenor sax and John Halblieb’s well timed trumpet to the lively climate that’s guided by Welch’s spirited guitar, and “If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day” follows with Vicki Randle’s strategic percussion and Bob Welsh’s animated keys for the frisky, raw climate.

Further on, “Offset Blues” showcases Andersen’s precise bass playing amid Welch’s rugged yet tuneful pipes, while “In Case You Care” places Dr. Aaron Lington and Mike Peloquin’s soaring sax for the rich, soulful album highlight.

Deeper still, “Hard To Get Along With” spotlights Fabrice Bessouat’s agile drumming alongside the powerful and meticulous guitar from Welch, and “Kind Hearted Woman Blues” exits with a bare but highly memorable pairing of Welch’s bright storytelling that hits some high notes with soft guitar playing.

Welch is a seasoned vet with 3 decades of touring and recording to his credit, and this excellent body of work continues his position as one of today’s leaders in the area of the blues.

Travels well with: Mike Zito- Blues For The Southside; Albert Castiglia- Wild And Free

Richard Galliano

Madreperla

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Madreperla

The composer, orchestrator, arranger and accordion extraordinaire Richard Galliano brings his diverse version of dance sounds from the pavane, the mazurka, the milonga, the forró, the waltz, which are fleshed out by the South Czech Philharmonic and Miran Vaupotić’s conducting.

“Petite Suite Française” opens the listen with Galliano’s accordion and the South Czech Philharmonic interacting with much grace and warmth across the calm versus jumpy moments of precise instrumentation.

In the middle, “Contrastes” allows Sébastian Giniaux flowing guitar and cello to emit an elegant intimacy that’s spread out across 7 agile chapters.

Close to the end, “Madreperla” makes great use of the Philharmonic’s dynamic abilities amid Galliano’s instrument, which are mesmerizing, hypnotic even, thanks to the tense bouts of booming percussion and ebullient strings.

A highly creative way to blend accordion with orchestra, Galliano expands on the capacities of the accordion via this unique chamber and orchestral listen.

Travels well with: Courtney Carey- I Wanna Be Ready; Sirius Quartet- Playing On The Edge 3

Mafalda Minnozzi

Natural Impression

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Natural Impression

The inimitable vocalist Mafalda Minnozzi sings in Portuguese, French, Italian and English across these 15 worldly songs that benefit from Helio Alves, Eduardo Belo, Rogerio Boccato, Don Byron, Doug Beavers, Joe Locke, John Patitucci, Michael Wolff and Kassin.

“Águas De Marco” opens the listen with Boccato’s warm percussion suiting Minnozzi’s stunning vocal acrobatics, and “Comecar De Novo” follows with Alves’ flowing keys complementing the elegant singing of the dreamy climate.

Deeper into the listen, Byron’s playful clarinet occupies the cautious yet adventurous display of “Ne Me Quitte Pas”, while “Estate” is a very intimate track of charming bass from Belo amid the very cultured pipes of Minnozzi.

Landing near the end, “Bruma” is a charming duet that uses Ricci’s sublime guitar strategically, and “Samba De Uma Nota Só” exits with frisky scatting joined by rhythmic and dance floor ready songwriting.

Minnozzi is well versed in Bossa Nova, French chanson, Italian standards and American jazz, and this collection of tracks are soulful, inventive and sophisticated in her powerful delivery.

Travels well with: Elena Maque- Feel Again; June Bisantz- 7 Shades Of Snow

The Arcadian Wild

Welcome

Vere, 2023

8/10

Listen to Welcome

The eclectic trio of Isaac Horn, Lincoln Mick and Bailey Warren, as The Arcadian Wild they bring classical, country, bluegrass and folk ideas to this very well thought out album that recruits Erik Coveney on bass.

“Lara” opens the listen with warm vocal harmonies, as the cozy fiddle and playful mandolin make for a rich landscape, and “Dopamine” follows with poetic singing and a cautious folk climate entering amid the burst of fuller strings.

Halfway through, “Little Bird” uses expressive falsetto singing and firm guitar playing for the vivid storytelling, while “Corner” showcases sublime vocals that suits the rural textures of a very pretty delivery.

Close to the end, “Two Kinds” emits some of the most radiant singing amid meticulous finger picking for the mountain-esque mood, and “The End” exits with a bright and upbeat display of timeless, organic song craft.

A band that has humble roots playing house shows, these days The Arcadian Wild rack up millions of streams, tour heavily and make great, unique music like the 12 songs here.

Travels well with: The Accidentals- Time Out Session #2; Birdtalker- One

Randall Goosby, Yannick Nézet-Séguin • Max Bruch & Florence Price

Violin Concertos

Decca, 2023

8/10

Listen to Violin Concertos

The esteemed violinist Randall Goosby returns with a 2nd album on the Decca label, where pieces by Max Bruch and Florence Price take help from Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Bruch’s “Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op 26” opens the listen with a strong emotional resonance, where the stirring strings are met with a booming presence from the orchestra that unfolds with an unparalleled attention to detail.

The remainder of the tracks are Price’s, where much beauty flows in and out of “Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major - II. Andante”, and “Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major - III. Allegro” exits with a swift and dynamic interaction between the fascinating string manipulation.

A listen packed with drama, excitement and heartbreak, among many other emotions, Goosby’s ability to interpret classical sounds in his own inimitable fashion continues to impress us.

Travels well with: Isata Kanneh-Mason- Childhood Tales; Eric Whitacre- Home

Dan Bonsanti And The 14 Jazz Orchestra

Islands

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Islands

The composer and arranger Dan Bonsanti aligns himself with the always impressive 14 Jazz Orchestra for these swinging, modern jazz tracks that don’t shy away from fusion ideas.

“Man From Tanganyika” opens the listen with bright flutes and Dennis Marks’ animated acoustic bass being complemented by Peter Erskine’s fluid drums, and “Islands” follows with Tim Smith’s lively electric bass amid Dante Luciani’s soulful and playful trombone for the cultured climate.

Deeper into the listen, “Carmencita” benefits much from Mike Levine’s skilled piano and Nicky Orta’s electric bass prowess for the stylish delivery, while “Jitterbug Waltz” places Mike Harvey on drums and Lindsey Blair on guitar for the frisky yet intimate landscape.

Close to the end, the dreamy “Some Other Time” features Jamie Ousley on acoustic bass alongside the rich flutes for a lush album highlight, and “When She Loved Me” exits with Randy Bernsen’s meticulous guitar and Mark Egan’s electric bass for the thoughtful, heartfelt finish.

A listen where each track is as good as the one before it, Bonsanti and company make for a very fun 4th effort that’s as colorful as it is textured.

Travels well with: Dan Bonsanti And The 14 Jazz Orchestra- Cartoon Bebop; The Harry Allen Orchestra- With Roses

Noble Dust

A Picture For A Frame

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to A Picture For A Frame

A folk band but not in the typical sense, Noble Dust bring plenty of atmosphere to these 12 unique songs that are inspired by World War II era letters between the guitarist/vocalist Emily Cunningham’s grandfather, who was planted in the South Pacific, and her grandmother, who was back home in Massachusetts.

The very rich title track opens the listen with expressive singing amid Kai Crull’s stirring cello and Cunningham’s mesmerizing guitar, and “At Last At Home” follows with soulful trumpet from Lindsey Cook for the poetic delivery that welcomes Ryan MacDougall’s well timed drums.

Further along, the fuller “A New King” uses Evan Spetrini’s playful bass and many voices for the harmonic and rich album highlight, while “87” is more drum focused and brings an orchestral versus rock formula that’s quite pretty.

Close to the end, “The Architect” cultivates a very cautious mood to the cozy brass and gentle instrumentation, and “Red Letters” exits with Dave Smith’s elegant piano making for a very charming finish.

This is Noble Dust’s 2nd album, and much like their first it’s a curious blend of Americana, folk and pop, where progressive ideas are always close to the surface and greatly appreciated.

Travels well with: Miriam K. Smith- Momentum; Annie Bartholomew- Sisters Of White Chapel

Olivia Maisel

A Moment In Time

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to A Moment In Time

The Montreal resident Olivia Maisel makes quite an impression with this debut album, where decades of personal stories unfold with a timeless jazz flavor that welcomes Thélonius Garcia, Luc Herrmann, Sergiu Popa, Noémy Braun, Alex Le Blanc and John Buck.

“Crazy He Calls Me” opens the listen with Maisel’s stunning voice alongside Garcia’s intimate piano and Herrmann’s skilled guitar in the dreamy delivery, and “My Foolish Heart” follows with Le Blanc’s precisely plucked bass adding much to poetic landscape of beauty.

Deeper into the listen, “Send In The Clowns” spotlights Maisel’s expressive voice amid the graceful keys and meticulous guitar, while “Embraceable You” finds Braun on cello for the orchestral feel of the longing album highlight.

Close to the end, “Que Reste-t-il De Nos Amours?” benefits much from Sergiu Popa’s playful accordion for the traditional French song, and “Last Time For Love” exits with a gorgeous display of guitar and vocal duo songwriting that will always be relevant.

An extremely heartfelt and emotional first album, Maisel uses her background in musical therapy for this soothing, meditative formula that anyone can draw inspiration from.

Travels well with: Mira Choquette- In Reel Time; Emily Braden- Cannon & Sparrow

Angelo De Augustine

Toil And Trouble

AKR, 2023

9/10

Listen to Toil And Trouble

This 4th album from the singer-songwriter Angelo De Augustine brings plenty of cosmic influence into his whispering versus howling vocals, and his deft finger picking and strong attention to melody certainly won’t go unnoticed, either.

“Home Town” opens the listen with a distinct dreaminess, where the faint vocals are met with warm keys and plenty of attention to mood, and “The Ballad Of Betty And Barney Hill” follows with cozy bass and light drums that unfold with an emotional resonance that might remind you of Elliott Smith.

Further along, the mesmerizing acoustic guitar of the very pretty “The Painter” flows with folk sensibilities, while “Another Universe” is quite stirring, psychedelic even, and welcomes some pop ideas into the careful song craft.

Closer to the end, “Naked Blade” uses De Augustine’s meticulous finger picking and impressive vocal range for the pensive, heartfelt delivery, and the title track exits with a sublimely breathy appeal that makes it seem like he’s singing just for you.

A listen that tries to sort through all the madness in the world, De Augustine is nothing if not eloquent, and his vulnerable and absorbing song craft sounds right at home in a living room venue.

Travels well with: Damian Jurado- In The Shape Of A Storm; Fruit Bats- Gold Past Life

Aizuri Quartet

Earthdrawn Skies

Azica, 2023

9/10

Listen to Earthdrawn Skies

The Grammy nominees Aizuri Quartet balance the idea of humankind and nature via these 4 stunning pieces where they continue to ‘sing through their instruments’.

Hildegard von Bingen’s “Columba Aspexit” opens the listen with Alex Fortes’ arranging skills making for a poetic and gripping display of string interaction with a slight atmosphere, and “String Quartet No.1”, by Eleanor Alberga, follows with the swift and dynamic violins complemented by the low cello rumbling for a very agile climate.

On the back half, “Armenian Folk Songs”, by Komitas Vardapet, emits much beauty via the skilled bowing and plucking techniques, while Jean Sibelius’ “String Quartet In D Minor Op. 56, Voces Intimae” exits with much self-reflection and intimacy.

This recording marks the last with the founding violist Ayane Kozasa and founding cellist Karen Ouzounian, and it certainly parallels the greatness of their Grammy Nominated Blueprinting, as they continue to create a unique and inviting place to reside in the string quartet setting.

Travels well with: Yolanda Kondonassis- Five Minutes For Earth; Miriam K. Smith- Momentum

Jessi McNeal

The Driveway

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to The Driveway

A songstress with a knack for storytelling and a gorgeous set of pipes, Jessi McNeal won’t take long to win you over on the country and folk sounds of The Driveway.

“Paint It In The Sky” starts the listen with harmonic vocals and a full, lush setting of cautious instrumentation, and “Out Of Reach” follows with plenty of melody in a pretty, rural rocker.

Elsewhere, “Won’t Run Dry” offers a busy, rhythmic tune where psyche-rock tendencies are in attendance, while “When The Fire Came” recruits mandolin and pedal steel in a bluegrass inspired affair.

Late in the disc, “In Between” emits a calm, powerful moment of Americana beauty as McNeal’s soaring pipes are complemented by the bare, lovely music, and the title track has McNeal’s father handling pedal steel on the warm, sparse and comforting exit.

A reflective 3rd studio album where the themes largely surround transition, McNeal has had much going on in her life in recent years, and she documents it beautifully here with her strong songwriting prowess that’s both intimate and playful, and flows fluidly from one thoughtful track to the next.

Travels well with: Patty Griffin- American Kid; Erika Wennerstrom- Sweet Unknown