Robert Prester & Adriana Samargia

Quenara

Commonwealth Ave., 2023

9/10

Listen to Quenara

Robert Prester’s esteemed keys and Adriana Samargia’s stunning voice come together again, and the time it involves 7 standards, 4 Prester originals and a Howard Jones cover for an unpredictable and charming listen.

The ‘80s smash “Things Can Only Get Better” begins the track, and the legendary song only gets better with Prester’s agile keys and Samargia’s soaring, powerful voice hitting some very high notes, and “Altar Ego”, an original, follows with a stirring dreaminess from the keys, as the soulful singing emits much emotion.

Deeper into the affair, “Stolen Moments” showcases Prester’s impressive finger acrobatics amid Samargia’s diverse pipes, while “Body And Soul” uses charming scatting and playful yet cautious interaction between the duo’s inimitable talents.

Approaching the end, “Sophisticated Lady” is indeed a mature interpretation of the Duke Ellington classic that’s richly creative, and Prester’s “Quenara” exits with a bit of a haunting quality alongside the extremely captivating singing and phrasing.

Prester’s been at the piano since the age of 3 and has 4 jazz albums to his credit. Samargia’s journey began in the area of Balkan folk, before finding her voice in jazz harmony. Together, they birth a piano-vocal duet that you won’t soon forget and will certainly revisit often.

Travels well with: Robert Prester & Adriana Samargia- First Snow; Laila Faerman- Awake! Arise!

Generationals

Heatherhead

Polyvinyl, 2023

9/10

Listen to Heatherhead

It’s been 4 years since the indie-pop heroes Generationals (i.e. Ted Joyner and Grant Widmer) penned an album, and this 6th LP is their best to date and fits like the musical version of a cozy sweater.

“Waking Moment” gets the listen off to a crisp and soulful start, where plenty of frisky fun and bouncing bass lines are appreciated, and “Dirt Diamond” follows with a warm melody and smooth singing guiding the bright pop influences.

“Eutropius (Give Me Lies)” lands in the middle and is a busy and richly textured moment of animated drumming and falsetto singing that flirts with funk, while “Elena” recruits Sarah Jaffe’s breathy voice for the buzzing synth and a mysterious climate.

Closer to the end, the post-punk nods of “Hard Times For Heatherhead” leads into a driving pulse that might remind you of New Order, and “Mitsubishi” exits with an upbeat and beat friendly display of stylish and modern electro-pop

The pair actually scrapped an earlier session and restarted with these 11 tracks that capture their hooks, dynamic interplay and plenty of New Orleans influences (the band’s hometown, where Joyner still lives) with an extremely welcoming demeanor that’s quite complicated, but instantly memorable.

Travels well with: Fruit Bats- Gold Past Life; Ages And Ages- Me You They We

Ilaria Crociani

Connecting The Dots

ABC, 2023

8/10

Listen to Connecting The Dots

An Italian-Australian composer and singer who is native to Florence, Ilaria Crociani brings along Paul Grabowsky, Jonh Griffiths, Mirko Guerrini, Geoff Hughes, Ben Robertson and Niko Schauble for these 9 diverse and well thought out tracks.

“Mary Lou” opens the listen with Grabowsky’ warm piano and Guerrini’s soothing clarinet that complements Crociani’ gorgeous voice, and “The Angel Of The Bush” follows with Schauble’s skilled drumming and Robertson’s precise bass making for a mesmerizing climate.

In the middle, “Musicali Affetti” emits much beauty thanks to the poetic singing and Hughes’ subtle but effective guitar, while “Eat My Dust” builds into a melodic, cultured album highlight that showcases a lively rhythm section.

Further along, the more rock focused “The Author Is Dead” illuminates Guerrini’s bright sax and the buzzing guitar amid Crociani’s vocal acrobatics, and “Stones Of Fire” exits with a dreamy demeanor of flowing, powerful jazz song craft that will always be admirable.

Crociani’s voice is quite memorable, and the company she keeps makes for both energetic and calm moments of universally enjoyable jazz ideas.

Travels well with: Roberto Occhipinti- The Next Step; Jan Cronin- I Thought About You

The Harry Allen Orchestra

With Roses

Triangle 7, 2023

8/10

Listen to With Roses

The tenor sax wizard Harry Allen has recorded over 70 albums as leader, and this installment includes 10 originals composed by Roger Frankham with co-writers Bruce Brown, Roger Schore and Mark Winkler for the swinging, melodic listen.

“It Catches Up With You In The End” opens the listen with Warren Vache and Freddie Hendrix’s bright trumpets complementing Allen’s soaring sax in the agile and timeless jazz climate, and “Be The One” follows with dreamy flutes from Steve Kenyon and Kathleen Nester that help make for an intimate climate next to Lucy Yeghiazaryan’s soulful pipes.

Halfway through, “That Far Away Fella” spotlights John DiMartino’s elegant piano and Aaron Kimmel’s light drumming with much maturity, while “Diamonds” allows for Peter Anderson, Will Anderson and Dan Block’s well timed clarinet amid Yeghiazaryan’s poetic pipes.

Close to the end, the emotive “With Roses” benefits much from Mike Karn’s soft bass and reflective singing, and “On My Way” exits with Grant Stewart’s tenor sax and John Allred’s moody trombone making for a rich and memorable finish.

A listen with no lack of melodic and harmonic gestures, Allen and company get friendly with bossa ideas, swing adventurously and flirt with waltz moments, too, across this diverse and forever relevant jazz affair.

Travels well with: Plan R- R For Romeo; The Matt Gordy Jazz Tonite Sextet- Be With Me

Dale Ann Bradley

Kentucky For Me

Pinecastle, 2023

8/10

Listen to Kentucky For Me

The legendary Dale Ann Bradley returns with a listen that surrounds her home state, where collaborations with Sam Bush, Danny Paisley, Larry Cordle, The Po’ Ramblin Boys, JP Pennington (of Exile), John Conlee, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Dave Adkins and John Cowan are present and appreciated.

“The Sun Is Going To Shine” opens the listen with JP Pennington’s warm voice complementing Bradley’s gorgeous pipes alongside the soft and heartfelt strings from Michael Cleveland’s fiddle, and “Kentucky Gold” follows with Sam Bush’s expressive singing and Tony Wray’s flowing banjo making for a very harmonic landscape.

Halfway through, “Appalachian Blue” recruits John Cowan for the intimate delivery of poetic singing and stirring guitar from Jim Hurst and Ethan Burkhardt’s bass, while “I’m Just An Old Chuck Of Coal” is more playful and welcomes Matt Leadbetter’s dobro and John Conlee’s deep singing.

Close to the end, “Poor Man’s Pride” makes great use of Aaron Biblehauser’s soulful backing vocals and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys for the melodic album highlight, and “Stop Dragging My Heart Around” exits with Dave Atkins and Kim Fox’s sublime harmony vocals amid the mandolin, guitar and bass that suits Bradley’s eloquent delivery.

Yet another first rate body of work from the 6 time IBMA female vocalist of the year, Bradley is in great company for this timeless bluegrass listen.

Travels well with: Daryl Mosley- A Life Well Lived; Lindley Creek- Whispers In The Wind

Daryl Mosley

A Life Well Lived

Pinecastle, 2023

8/10

Listen to A Life Well Lived

This 3rd solo album from the bluegrass luminary Daryl Mosley welcomes Tony Wray, Adam Haynes, Jaelee Roberts, Sarah Davidson, Jeanette Williams, Riley Dotson, and Ronnie Booth for 11 songs that are comforting and familiar.

The title track opens the listen with Roberts’ flowing mandolin and Mosley’s smooth voice emitting much beauty, and “Back When We Were Boys” follows with Wray’s warm guitar complementing Mosley’s poetic pipes that radiate much intimacy.

Further along, “Mayberry State Of Mind” showcases the strong storytelling amid the stirring fiddle from Hayne, while “We Need More Of That” welcomes Wray’s harmonic banjo for a highly melodic album highlight.

Closer to the end, the soft “Nobody But Her” is quite eloquent and benefits much from the soulful female backing vocals, and “Thankful” exits with swirling banjo, charming bass and lovely backing vocals.

Themes of fun, faith and family are present and appreciated here, as Mosley again pens a bluegrass listen that will forever be relevant and enjoyable.

Travels well with: Lindley Creek- Whispers In The Wind; The King James Boys- Walk On Faith

Claudio Scolari Project

Intermission

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Intermission

The 7th album from the Italian outfit Claudio Scolari Project, we’re again treated to Claudio Scolari (drums, synth programming), Daniele Cavalca (drums, live synth, rhodes, piano), Simone Scolari (trumpet) and Michele Cavalca’s (electric bass) experimental jazz ideas.

“Cannoli On Board” opens the listen with warm keys and light drumming, where playful brass enters the unpredictable climate, and “Croque Monsieur” follows with a quicker pace of driving and rock focused ideas that benefit from crashing drums and bouncy bass.

Further on, the 7+ minutes of “Don’t Look Back” finds a mesmerizing place to reside, where warm grooves enter the equation, while “Seven Four” spotlights the frisky keys amid agile drumming and soulful brass.

Approaching the ending, “Hidden In The Sand” pays close attention to atmosphere, where minimalist qualities are used strategically via the diverse drumming, and “Pullulation” exits with the lively rhythm section and well timed horns plus electronic gestures making for a stylish and memorable finish.

A listen with more emphasis on acoustic sounds and less reliance on electronics, CSP again impress us with their meticulous nature that emphasizes space and theatrics.

Travels well with: Dan Cavalca- Lights Of Red Island; Claudio Scolari Project- Cosmology

Emily Kuhn

Ghosts Of Us

Bace, 2023

8/10

Listen to Ghosts Of Us

The Chicago trumpeter Emily Kuhn returns with her sophomore album, where Erik Skov, Meghan Stagl, Kitt Lyles and Gustavo Cortiñas are in attendance for the 6 diverse jazz tunes.

The title track leads with Cortiñas’ playful drumming and Stagl’s light keys alongside Kuhn’s soulful brass in the cozy climate, and “Respire” follows with a very reflective tone of dreamy guitar from Skov that suits the pretty trumpet playing that’s heartfelt.

“In Lieu Of Certainty, Movement” lands in the middle and radiates a warm atmosphere of soft, dynamic instrumentation, while “When It Rains” is a bit quicker, dance floor ready even, and showcases the bouncy rhythm section that benefits much from Lyles’ precise bass.

Near the end, the intimate “When The World Is Young” meshes the intricate guitar with emotive brass in a very stirring landscape, and “Home” exits with a gentle melody amid the brushed drums, mature keys and, of course, Kuhn’s glowing horn.

A listen penned during Covid and that carries themes related to the turmoil surrounding it, Kuhn and company make for a cinematic, emotive and harmonic body of work that can bop with friskiness, just as it can land in balladry.

Travels well with: Blue Reality Quartet!- Blue Reality Quartet!; Christopher Parker- Soul Food

Shea-Kim Duo

All Roads

Blue Griffin, 2023

8/10

Listen to All Roads

The esteemed violinist Brendan Shea and inimitable pianist Yerin Kim cover the evolving musical aesthetics that passed through the culture of Vienna over two centuries, and it makes for 4 in depth pieces by Beethoven, Schumann, Schnittke and Beach.

Beethoven’s “Sonata for Piano and Violin, No. 3 in E-Flat major, Op. 12” opens the listen with the keys and strings dancing around each other with precision and adventurous that’s full of beauty and grace, and “Suite in the Old Style for Violin and Piano”, by Schnittke, follows with so much intimacy between the stirring strings and heartfelt keys.

The emotive “Sonata for Piano and Violin No. 1 in A minor, Op. 105” lands on the back half, where the pair interpret Schumann’s work with waves of calmness versus tension that showcases each player’s unparalleled playing, and Beach’s “Romance for Violin and Piano, Op. 23” exits with a tremendous amount of gorgeous instrumentation between the duo’s agile and dreamy interaction.

Shea and Kim have been performing together all over the globe for over 10 years, and that chemistry and attention to detail certainly helps make for a rich and often ebullient display of song craft that leaves an indelible impression.

Travels well with: Wenting Kang- Mosaic; Duo Shu- Duo Shu

Roger Reynolds

For A Reason

Neuma, 2023

9/10

Listen to For A Reason

A body of work that spans three decades, Roger Reynolds recruits Pablo Gómez Cano, Paul Hembree, Irvine Arditti, Steven Schick and Liz Pearse for two discs of very well thought out electroacoustic sounds.

“Dream Mirror (Sharespace I)” opens the listen with Cano’s varied and cultured guitar playing alongside Hembree’s creative computer manipulation that’s firm, bare and sometimes even mysterious, and “Shifting/Drifting (Sharespace IV)” follows with Arditti’s stirring violin that lends itself to the gripping ambience which quivers, floats and blurs itself in a very cinematic fashion.

The back half of the listen leads with Schnick’s speaking percussion that draws us in with its vocals that are used like an instrument amid the thumping and often booming drums, and “Sketchbook (For The Unbearable Lightness Of Being)” exits with Pearse’s low vocals alongside the graceful piano and Hembree’s computer skills for a very expressive and atypical version of contemporary classic sounds.

A 44 page book accompanies the package, as Reynolds and company make for an experimental and intriguing listen that is superbly delivered.

Travels well with: Lebeha Drummers- Biama; Aaron Jay Myers- Late Night Banter

Laura Lentz

Jacob’s Triptych

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Jacob’s Triptych

The flutist, collaborator and teacher, Laura Lentz, joins forces with the composer Jacob ter Veldhuis (JacobTV) and recording engineer Marc Webster for these 3 distinct pieces for flute and electronics that unfold with a very adventurous appeal.

“Lipstick” begins the listen with nearly 10 minutes of bright flute moments, random wordless vocals and exploratory electronica that’s quite exciting in its dreamy, cinematic tone.

In the middle, “Pale Moon In A Very Blue Sky” is a more haunting 11 minutes of reflective flute, buzzing electronics and strong attention to mood for the simmering and cultured atmosphere.

“Loudly And Clearly” exits the listen, and welcomes vocal soundbites to the meticulous flute playing amid lovely tonality that is so well done, it alone is worth the price of admission.

A highly creative listen that explores contemporary classical and atypical electronics, Lentz and company make for a striking and memorable journey of unclassifiable song craft.

Travels well with: Matt Mitchell- Oblong Aplomb; George- Letters To George

The Baseball Project

Grand Salami Time!

Omnivore, 2023

10/10

Listen to Grand Salami Time

The 4th release from the supergroup of Scott McCaughey (The Minus 5/Young Fresh Fellows), Steve Wynn (The Dream Syndicate), Peter Buck and Mike Mills (R.E.M.) and Linda Pitmon (Filthy Friends), The Baseball Project’s garage rock meets power pop ways are captured here live to tape for a listen that those without baseball interests will still enjoy.

The title track opens the listen with buzzing guitar and Pitmon’s pounding drums making for a sturdy garage rock climate, and “The Yips” follows with the warm rhythm section complementing McCaughey’s smooth pipes amid the soaring guitar solos.

Further along, the calmer textures of “Journeyman” flows with a timeless folk-rock appeal that’s a bit dreamy and recruits Stephen McCarthy’s lap steel, while “Stuff” places Mills on lead vocals for the haunting demeanor that builds into psychedelic ideas of creativity.

Deeper still, the crisp and bright tone of “Having Fun” comes with a slight jangle and no lack of summery melodies, and “The Voice Of Baseball” exits the listen with booming vocals, soothing backing voices and the dynamic and memorable instrumentation you’d expect from a line-up of this caliber.

There’s plenty of supergroups around, and then there’s The Baseball Project. Mitch Easter, who worked with Buck and Mills on the early R.E.M. records, worked his magic on this one, and Steve Berlin (Los Lobos) adds saxophone to a track, too, for 16 flawless tunes.

Travels well with: The Bad Ends- The Power And The Glory; The Jayhawks- XOXO

Thomas Abban

Deep Winter

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Deep Winter

The Minneapolis singer and multi-instrumentalist Thomas Abban isn’t easy to classify, but he songs are certainly easy to enjoy, where these 5 tracks span many ideas of his own brand of fusion.

“Winter” begins the listen with much warmth and atmosphere, where the rich textures emit a soulful and dreamy version of rock, and “Getting Over Me” follows with Abban’s diverse pipes complemented by animated guitar and stylish percussive sounds.

The middle track belongs to the acoustic guitar fueled “Truly Loved You”, where a stirring, romantic presence is appreciated, while “Judas” emits a powerful, R&B flavored EP highlight. The final track, “Man”, is quite intimate, where the falsetto singing leads into a cinematic, artistic finish.

An artist that straddles pop, indie and rock with influences that are particularly rhythmic and melodic, Abban is yet another exciting and creative figure from the Twin Cities scene that deserves much attention.

Travels well with: Jojo Green- The Summer Tree; Lake Street Dive- Free Yourself Up

Orli Shaham

Mozart: Complete Piano Sonatas Vol. 4

Canary, 2023

8/10

Listen to Mozart: Complete Piano Sonatas Vol. 4

The world-adored concert pianist Orli Shaham continues to work her way through Mozart’s piano sonatas, where her embracing of new technology allows for a different range of music that Shaham honors with her inimitable playing.

“Piano Sonata In F Major, No. 2, K.280” opens the listen with warm, agile playing that emits much intimacy that’s also prone to quick bursts of complicated and exciting progressions.

The middle track belongs to the strong, melodic gestures of “Piano Sonata In C Major, No. 1, K.279”, where calmer moments of beauty enters amid the firm key manipulation.

The final track, “Piano Sonata In D Major, No. 6, K. 284 ‘Durnitz’”, showcases incredible finger acrobatics that are as captivating as they are emotive, and truly illustrates Shaham’s profound vision.

There’s still 2 volumes left in this series (Volumes 5 and 6 will be released on February 9, 2024), and whether this is your first taste of it or you’ve been following all along, you’re going to be in awe of these interpretations.

Travels well with: Orli Shaham- Complete Piano Sonatas Vol. 2 & 3; Josh Tatsuo Cullen- Scenes In Tin Can Alley

Brian Krumm And His Barfly Friends

Just Fade Away

Pravda, 2023

8/10

Listen to Just Fade Away

The debut solo record from the frontman of Chicago’s The Great Crusades, Brian Krumm penned these songs during the pandemic lockdowns of 2020, where a shot of whiskey each evening for 25 days turned into 25 songs that were trimmed to 11 here.

“Barfly Friends” starts the listen with Krumm’s gritty yet inviting pipes alongside warm keys, mesmerizing guitar and much attention to mood for the reflective tone, and “Just Fade Away” follows with Jessie Hotaling’s pretty voice and Brian Wilkie’s emotive pedal steel helping make for a particularly stirring climate.

In the middle, “Easy For Your Heart To Break” uses the lively bass and crisp drums for the rugged yet sophisticated landscape that uses strings, while “Stagger Inn (Again)” offers a rich and poetic album highlight of bare versus busy Americana.

“Lost In Our Own Space” and “Wasn’t Born Yesterday” exit the listen, where the former emits spirited harmonica and thumping drums for some thicker ideas, and the latter buzzes with alt-rock nods thanks to the firm guitar, while the bright brass from Jon Boley, Rich Lapka and Justin Past adds some jazz fun to the equation.

Krumm’s influences like Robyn Hitchcock, the Jayhawks, Warren Zevon and Bob Dylan won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated, as he brings plenty of grit to rootsy moments across this powerful, diverse listen.

Travels well with: The Handcuffs- Burn The Rails; Steve Almaas- Everywhere You’ve Been

Lindley Creek

Whispers In The Wind

Pinecastle, 2023

8/10

Listen to Whispers In The Wind

The rising bluegrass outfit Lindley Creek return with their sophomore album, where 12 new tracks emit much melody and precision from their dynamic and flowing strings.

The warm, bluegrass sounds of “That Page Won’t Turn” opens the listen with Katie Greer’s soaring voice alongside Seth Taylor’s meticulous and fluid guitar playing, and “Every Time A Train Goes By” follows with Aaron Ramsey’s glowing mandolin adding much to the expressive singing and strong attention to mood.

In the middle, “Breathe” showcases Mike Bubb’s precise upright bass amid the soothing vocal harmonies, while the swift “I’m Still Here” spotlights Jase Greer’s smooth pipes and Jim Vancleve’s fiddle acrobatics.

Close to the end, “Satisfied Mind” is a calmer moment of dreamy resonator guitar from Rob Ickes that suits the poetic singing, and “We All Need Grace” exits with Jase and Kathie Greer’s lovely vocal harmonies supporting Katie’s gorgeous delivery across the lush and intimate finish.

Lindley Creek has already made an impression with their exceptional debut in 2019, and there’s little doubt that this effort will bring their some more well deserved attention. In the area of modern bluegrass, it just doesn’t get much better than this.

Travels well with: The King James Boys- Walk On Faith; Route 3- Losing Time

Illegal Crowns

Unclosing

Out Of Your Head, 2023

8/10

Listen to Unclosing

A collective band that includes Tomas Fujiwara, Mary Halvorson, Taylor Ho Bynum, and Benoît Delbecq, as Illegal Crowns they make for a highly avant-garde and improv based version of jazz with these 9 unpredictable tracks.

“Crooked Frame” opens the listen with Delbecq’s warm piano and Fujiwara’s light drumming, as intricate guitar enters the rhythmic delivery, and “Unclosing” follows with a soft atmosphere of elegant keys, gentle percussion and soulful brass.

In the middle, the intimate ambience of “Fading Wave” makes for a mesmerizing climate that builds into cinematic exploration, while “Osmosis Crown” makes great use of Halvorson’s meticulous guitar patterns that builds into a fuller, jazz fueled execution.

The last two tracks are among the best, where the artistic horn from Bynum aligns with low drumming for a bit of mystery in “Les mots et les choses”, and “Soul Of The Frey” exits with a dreamy expanse of subtle guitar, mature piano, soulful brass and brushed drums.

A very modern effort that balances the inimitable talents of the 4 players, there isn’t a second here that’s not exciting, memorable and articulate in an atypical, free jazz sort of way.

Travels well with: Matt Mitchell- Oblong Aplomb; George- Letters To George

The Mike Jacoby Electric Trio

The Long Haul

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Long Haul

The guitarist and vocalist Mike Jacoby brings a band back into his formula, where Mike Levin and Don Read, plus others, are in attendance for these diverse 11 tracks.

“Right Off The Bat” opens the listen with plenty of energetic, retro rock’n’roll that showcases Lisa Jackert’s animated violin alongside Levin’s acrobatic drumming, and “Everybody I Know” follows with a warm melody and a bit of grit amid the harmonic backing vocals.

Deeper into the listen, the soft “She’s Funny That Way” bursts into a dynamic, roots rock appeal that makes great use of Read’s precise bass, while the punchy “Bend” highlights Art Bailey’s lively piano and immediately welcomes a sing-along.

Landing near the end, “Everything” carries a bit of a jangle amid the lush melodies, and the title track exits with some ruggedness buried in the dynamic and driving songwriting. 

Jacoby’s revered brand of Americana and alt-country is always heartfelt, sincere, and sometimes even funny, as he makes a very enjoyable and timeless listen with The Long Haul.

Travels well with: Parker Ferrell- Love Runs Through; Ryan Traster- Low Mirada

Jefferson Berry

Dreams Of Modern Living

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Dreams Of Modern Living

Jefferson Berry makes quite an impression with this first solo album, where his guitar and vocals flow alongside the substantial wordplay that includes a couple of covers, too.

“Locks And Guns” opens the listen with warm acoustic strumming alongside Berry’s expressive and eloquent vocals, and “Sleeping In Public” follows with lyrics surrounding homelessness that emits a cozy and thoughtful folk climate.

Further along, “Come Down In Time” is a very thoughtful interpretation of the Elton John song that’s poetic, while “Rendezvous With Destiny” discusses love lost with a dreamy, romantic demeanor that’s universally relatable.

“The Ballad Of Sammy Rodriguez” and “Water In The Well” exit the listen, where the former is full of rich melodies and diverse singing where Berry’s range is explored, and the latter is a quicker, upbeat display of vivid storytelling and timeless folk songwriting.

Berry has made plenty of great music with his band, the Urban Acoustic Coalition, and this more stripped back version of his song craft is equally impactful, memorable and necessary for the acoustic guitar inclined.

Travels well with: Jay Carlis- Alive In The Radio Age; Cabin Dogs- On The Creek

James Levy

Somebody

Innit/The Orchard, 2019

8/10

Listen to Somebody

The long running New York City indie-artist returns with a solo effort where some of Nashville’s best musicians help James Levy flesh out these thoughtful and mature tunes.

“NYC” starts the listen with a firm beat and harmonica swells, as Levy’s warm vocals guide us through the soft rocker, and “Holiday” follows with spirited keys as Levy’s pipes turn deeper alongside pedal steel.

Elsewhere, “Somebody” delivers graceful piano balladry where harmonicas complement the setting, while “Songs Of Love” allows Levy’s strong pipes to soar in an orchestral setting of divine beauty.

Near the end, “Young Again” puts an Americana slant on the listen with breezy melodies, and “Walk With Me” continues that angle with strategic pedal steel and the strong songwriting that has been consistent throughout his career.

An artist who seemingly never stops being creative, Somebody has Levy reaching new heights in his craft, resulting in some of his most memorable and easily enjoyable reflection.

Travels well with: The Decemberists- The King Is Dead; The Mountain Goats- The Sunset Tree