The Bruce Lofgren Group

Earthly And Cosmic Tales

Night Bird, 2024

8/10

Listen to Earthly And Cosmic Tales

A collection of 8 originals and 2 covers, the guitarist Bruce Lofgren is joined by an excellent cast for plenty of improvised solos and melodic ideas via the instrumental interplay.

The cozy spirit of “Summer Passage” starts the listen with Geoff Nudell’s warm clarinet and Billy Hulting’s playful hand percussion, and “Fields Of Praise” follows with Craig Fundiga’s dreamy vibes that are complemented by Lofgren’s gentle guitar.

In the middle, the frisky “Tripsy” comes with plenty of rhythm thanks to the flowing percussion and bright clarinet, while “Orange Crate Art” benefits much from Hope Easton’s elegant cello that suits the poetic album highlight.

“Spend The Night” and “Desert Flower” exit the listen, where the former is a richly textured moment of exploration and gracefulness that allows Randy Landas’ bass to shine, and the latter truly illustrates Lofgren’s meticulous guitar vision amid the orchestral and chamber influences.

The Stevie Wonder and Van Dyke Parks interpretations are excellent, and the originals aren’t anything to spit at either, as Lofgren and company balance each song splendidly.

Travels well with: Foreign Affair Trio- Sous Le Vent; Eric Frazier- That Place

Aimee-Jo Benoit

Horns Of Hope

Chronograph, 2024

8/10

Listen to Horns Of Hope

The Calgary singer Aimee-Jo Benoit returns with a sophomore album, where The New Assembly helps flesh out songs about hope and heartbreak.

“Barefoot” starts the listen with warm brass, as Daniel Gaucher’s fluid drums complement Benoit’s expressive pipes, and “Bird On A Wire” follows with soulful horns amid the very eloquent singing.

The middle belongs to “Little Green”, where Mark De Jong’s elegant sax emits much beauty in the intimate delivery, while “Moon At The Window” showcases Mark Limacher’s meticulous piano playing that suits the frisky mood and diverse range from Benoit’s pipes.

Close to the end, “You Were There” benefits much from DeJong’s bass clarinet for a highly emotive and soft album highlight, and “Free” exits with the sublime keys and flawless singing meeting at very sophisticated and timeless intersection.

Benoit’s experience during Covid largely sets the mood of this album, and the careful attention to detail sure does strike a cord with the listener and will certainly captivate fans of vocal jazz.

Travels well with: The Way Back Whens- Live At The Yardbird Suite; Audrery Ochoa- The Head Of A Mouse

Adeem The Artist

Anniversary

Thirty Tigers/Four Quarters, 2024

9/10

Listen to Anniversary

The 9th album from Adeem The Artist, the 12 tracks here were captured live to tape over 5 days, and recruits a stunning cast of players for tunes that surround empathy, humor and focused introspection.

“There We Are” leads with Megan Coleman’s dense drumming before the intriguing indie-rock enters, and “Nancy” follows with a crisp rocker that makes great use of Jessye DeSilva’s fluid piano that soars with warmth.

Making our way towards the middle, “One Night Stand” radiates modern country via the cautious melodies, while “Wounded Astronaut” takes nods to John Prine via the acoustic guitar, where Adeem’s poetic singing is met with a heartfelt intimacy.

Deeper into the back half, the festive atmosphere of “Socialite Blues” carries some New Orleans flavor thanks to the lively horns from Owen Fader, Davis Ginn and Michael Daugherty, and “White Mule, Black Man” exits with some unjust history from Knoxville, where 3 verses of storytelling draw us in to the tragic stories.

Adeem is a breath of fresh air in the country scene, and their strong wordplay and eloquent observations continue to make for some of most important modern folk/country that exists today.

Travels well with: Zach Russell- Where The Flowers Meet The Dew; William Matheny- That Grand Old Feeling

Avery Sharpe

I Am My Neighbors Keeper

JKNM, 2024

8/10

Listen to I Am My Neighbors Keeper

The globally esteemed bassist/composer Avery Sharpe brings along his double quartet for these songs that serve as a response to the political and racial division that exists today, and highlights the dedication we have to each other.

“My Friend, Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help” starts the listen with Sharpe’s lively bass acrobatics alongside Yoron Israel’s fluid drumming for the rich climate, and “Unspoken Words” follows with Zaccai Curtis’ animated keys that suit the well timed strings.

Approaching the middle, “Compassion” allows the elegant violins from Sarah Briggs and Kaila Graef to shine before spirited bass enters, while “All About You” lands in intimate territory via the mature keys and dreamy strings.

Close to the end, “The Good Samaritan” is a fuller moment that flirts with jazz rock thanks to Tony Vacca’s diverse percussion, and “Six On Six” showcases Sharpe’s dreamy guitar work and plenty of soft sensibilities that leave an indelible impression.

A body of work the emphasizes compassion and concern for others despite race, gender, religion or political affiliations, Sharpe’s wise and diverse vision makes every track here worth many, many visits.

Travels well with: Brent Birckhead- Cacao; Alex Madeline- Unexpected Direction

Dustin Kensrue

Desert Dreaming

BMG, 2024

9/10

Listen to Desert Dreaming

Some of us will recognize Dustin Kensrue as the frontman for the post-hardcore outfit Thrice. On his own, things are much calmer, where his singer-songwriter ideas are met with alt-country, and Seth Richardson, Abe Levy, and James McAlister accompany him.

“Death Valley Honeymoon” starts the listen with Cat Clyde’s distinct vocals for the warm country spirit that benefits much from Levy’s pedal steel, and “High Scalers” follows with a bouncy and lush version of Americana, where Kensrue’s expressive voice suits the strong attention to mood.

Halfway through, “Western Skies” carries a poetic appeal, as a very heartfelt delivery benefits much from Richardson’s precise bass, while “Sage & Lilac” comes with a dance floor ready appeal that’s harmonic and playful.

Close to the end, “Leaving Tonight For Santa Fe” allows McAlister’s frisky drums that suit the nostalgic, rootsy flavor, and the title track exits with a dreamy, intimate moment of beauty and grace.

A body of work that’s inspired by childhood trips with his grandparents in the Sonoran Desert, Kensrue is on a path similar to other punk/hardcore luminaries like Chuck Ragan and Tim Barry via this love letter to the Southwest.

Travels well with: Butch Walker- Stay Gold; Dan Mangan- Being Somewhere

Juan J.G. Escudero

Ice Door

Neuma, 2024

9/10

Listen to Ice Door

The Spanish composer and mathematician Juan J.G. Escudero returns with 6 new pieces, where acousmatic and acoustic selections are fleshed out by some of New York’s finest.

The dense and unpredictable “Páginas de Mar” begins the affair with Emilie-Anne Gendron’s violin and Christropher Gross’ violoncello complementing Josh Perry’s many and distinct percussive ideas, and “Sur la Pente du Talus” follows with a mysterious, cinematic quality that’s both ominous and inviting.

Arriving in the middle, “Das Wort als Horizont” embraces plenty of atmospheric noisemakers and minimalistic ideas, while “Underland A20”recruits waves of intrigue that sometimes feels like found objects and ambient tinkering.

The final piece, “Coincidence Threshold”, is the album’s best, where Benjamin Fingland’s clarinet and bass clarinet align with thick bursts of Molly Morkoski’s piano and Gross’ string prowess.

An often raw body of work that embodies improvisation and analogous manipulation with organic measures, every moment here is fascinating.

Travels well with: Rick Baitz- River Of January; Galan Trio- Kinesis Vol. 2

Freddy Trujillo

I Never Threw A Shadow At It

Amexica, 2024

8/10

Listen to I Never Threw A Shadow At It

The California native and Portland resident Freddy Trujillo returns with a 4th solo album, where 10 personal songs revolve around his Chicano experiences.

The melodic and crunchy rock of “Corpus Christi” starts the listen with Trujillo’s fluid vocals alongside thumping drums, and “I Didn’t Cross The Border, The Border Crossed Me” follows with plenty of rhythm, where the bouncy bass won’t go unnoticed amid the powerful singing.

Moving into the middle, “I Never Threw A Shadow At It” is a calmer moment, where well timed brass suits the cautious mood and talk/singing, while “Mexican Hearts” uses plenty of soulfulness for the dreamy, rich album highlight.

Residing near the end, the groove filled and harmonic “Remember Me” is both intimate and heartfelt, and “Many Years Of Minding” exits with an emotive and timeless presence of sincerity and warmth.

A record that revolves around personal experiences, Trujillo’s unique brand of folk, Chicano-rock and pop-driven guitar songs certainly bring to mind the work of his full and, The Delines, as he continues to forge an excellent solo career, too.

Travels well with: Steve Drizos- I Love You Now Leave Me Alone; The Lord Baltimores- The Lord Baltimores

Rick Baitz

River Of January

Neuma, 2024

8/10

Listen to River Of January

A body of work that actually began in 1969 in Rio, Rick Baitz presents 4 diverse pieces that span modern classical and creative indie-rock.

The title track starts the listen with strong attention to mood, where Erin Lesser’s dreamy flute and Jennifer Choi’s gripping violin complement the playful percussion from David Cossin and Baitz’s well timed synth and programming.

In the middle, “Music For A Sacred Place” allows Yoon Lee’s strategic keys and Audrey Chen’s graceful cello amid Baitz’s electronic prowess, while “Dark Fire” is an upbeat 13+ minutes of flowing string interaction between Choi’s violin and Yves Dhar’s cello acrobatics.

The final selection, “Two Poems For Flute And Alto Flute Solo”, allows Lesser’s meticulous flute playing to populate the tonally adventurous and distinct exit.

Baitz has an impressive resume that includes concert music, film, TV theater and dance, and this ‘indie-classical’ effort is yet another exciting and unpredictable moment from his eclectic vision.

Travels well with: Galan Trio- Kinesis Vol. 2; MC Maguire- Dystophilia

Meg Okura & Kevin Hays

Lingering

Adhyâropa, 2024

9/10

Listen to Lingering

The violinist Meg Okura and pianist Kevin Hays bring a wealth of talent to these jazz fueled tracks that refrain from overdubs and effects, where much emphasis on tone and texture is appreciated.

“Improvisation No. 1” starts the listen with Hays’ animated keys alongside the gripping strings from Okura’s emotive violin, and “Without Words” follows with careful plucking amid the subtle, sparing keys.

Further along, “Will You Hear My Voice’ showcases the delicate key progressions that are nothing short of sublime and suit Okura’s delicate violin, while “Seven Short Pieces” allows the 7 movements to showcase lovely interaction between the pair, as well as bright and swift gestures towards the end.

“Improvisation No. 2” and the title track exit the listen, where the former offers a dynamic and flowing album highlight, and the latter combines the eloquent keys with stirring strings for a particularly moving finish.

The is the duo’s debut together, and their exploration of haunting moments, percussive grooves and hushed harmonics is nothing short of fascinating.

Travels well with: Aaron Irwin Trio- (after); Euclid Quartet- Breve

Jiří Bárta/Terezie Fialová

Janáček

Animal, 2024

8/10

Listen to Janáček

The cellist Jiří Bárta and pianist Terezie Fialová bring their heartfelt and skilled playing to 6 selections- a few of which are world premiere recordings.

“Sonata for Violin and Piano, JW VII/7” starts the listen with the firm keys and elegant strings that create much beauty and warmth, and “Pohádka (Fairy Tale) for Cello and Piano, JW VII/5” follows with a dreamy approach, where the swirling piano is met with poetic string prowess.

Into the middle, “Dumka for Violin and Piano, JW VII/4”showcases meticulous bowing from Bárta amid Fialová’s intimate key progressions, while ““Romance for Violin and Piano, JW VII/3” indeed tugs on the heartstrings thanks to the lovely strings and sublime piano playing.

The final piece, “Presto for Cello and Piano, JW VII/6”, is a bit more firm, as rumbling keys and dense strings meet at a very exciting, cinematic intersection.

The duo have already released music that spans Bach and Beethoven, and the chemistry between these artistic and life partners is joyous, moving and tender for this precise and memorable occasion.

Travels well with: Baborák Ensemble- Horn Quintets; Aneta Majerová-Mieczyslaw Weinberg: Children´s Notebooks

The Way Back Whens

Live At The Yardbird Suite

Chronograph, 2024

8/10

Listen to Live At The Yardbird Suite

The 8 piece, traditional jazz band The Way Back Whens brings us the spirit of Louis Armstrong, Bennie Goodman and Django Reinhardt for this energetic and spontaneous live set.

“One More Once” starts the party with Dan Davis’ lively clarinet and Dan Stadnick’s frisky drums making for a dance floor ready opener, and “Sorry ‘bout Your Luck” follows with Audrey Ochoa’s well timed trombone complementing the fluid melodies.

Halfway through, “I Got Rhythm” sure does, where Eric Weiden’s bright trumpet won’t go unnoticed, while “Just A Closer Walk” is an intimate moment of beauty and grace thanks to the soulful brass and Keith Rempel’s strategic bass.

Residing close to the end, “Leda’s Melody” tugs on the heartstrings via the elegant, exploratory horns, and “One Night In Invermere” exits with a busy and dynamic display of strong interplay that allows Dan Gervais’s fiddle to shine.

Even though they’re brand new (this is their debut), The Way Back Whens play old-fashioned music that pairs jazz with Big Band sensibilities that could have been made decades ago and will still sound great decades from now.

Travels well with: Audrey Ochoa- The Head Of A Mouse; Daniel Janke Winter Trio- Available Light

Lynne Hanson

Just A Poet

Panda Cave, 2024

9/10

Listen to Just A Poet

The Ottawa singer-songwriter Lynne Hanson never disappoints, and this 10th studio album continues her poetic wordplay and folk friendly ways with more emphasis on country sounds.

“Outlaw Lover” opens the listen with a calm spirit, where Philippe Charbonneau’s skilled bass suits Hanson’s expressive pipes, and “Just A Little Bit” follows with Marshall Bureau’s thumping drums alongside the flowing vocals of the harmonic delivery.

Moving into the middle, the crisp and melodic “Can’t Let Go” benefits much from Jim Bryson’s warm keys, while “About Yesterday” carries plenty of radiant and lush roots rock that makes this the album’s best.

Arriving close to the end, “Light In Me” is both soulful and bluesy, where Hanson’s voice floats above the meticulous musicianship, and “Halfway Whole” exits with intimate acoustic guitar and heartfelt songwriting that certainly embraces country nods, too.

In addition to the aforementioned, backing vocals are provided by Emma Lamontagne, Tara Holloway and Ken Yates. Together, and with Bryson’s production skills, we’re treated to another relatable and cozy record from ‘Canada’s own Queen of Americana’.

Travels well with: Lori Triplett- When The Morning Comes; Annie Moscow- Land Of Dreams

Ricky Alexander

Just Found Joy

Turtle Bay, 2024

9/10

Listen to Just Found Joy

The saxophone, clarinet and singer Ricky Alexander brings us a listen that dips into ragtime, swing and stompin’ fun, where some excellent players and a very special guest are in attendance.

“People Will Say We’re In Love” starts the listen with Alexander’s bright clarinet alongside Jon Thomas’ playful keys and Rob Adkins’ bass acrobatics in the lively climate, and “Sweet Lorraine” follows with Brennen Ernst’s rumbling keys alongside Kevin Dorn’s frisky drums that suit the harmonic singing courtesy of Vanisha Gould.

Further along, the classic “It Had To Be You” showcases Gould’s distinct voice amid Jon-Erk Kellso’s meticulous cornet, while the bright brass of “High Society” sounds like could soundtrack the dance floor of a speakeasy.

Further along, “Spring Is Here” embraces a distinct intimacy via the mature keys and expressive singing from Gould, as Alexander’s dreamy clarinet enters, and “Rubber Plant Rag” exits with a charming and swift delivery of quick bass, drums, keys and sax.

Other than the lone original, all the songs here were penned between 1901 and 1943, where Alexander and company span rowdy moments as well as melancholy for this truly timeless affair.

Travels well with: The New Wonders- Steppin’ Out; Dave Bass- Trio Nuevo

Radam Schwartz

Saxophone Quartet Music

Arabesque, 2024

8/10

Listen to Saxophone Quartet Music

The jazz organist and composer/arranger Radam Schwartz pens a colorful listen, where several esteemed players flesh out the 8 melodic and meticulous tracks.

The playful and charming “Let’s Hear It For The Boyz” uses Marcus G. Miller’s soprano sax, Irwin Hall’s alto sax, Anthony Ware’s tenor sax and Max Schweiger’s baritone sax with much fluidity, and “Sway In Rincóin” follows with Misha Josephs’ intricate guitar complementing the swirling sax prowess.

Halfway through, “Half/With These Hands” welcomes Carrie Jackson’s vocals to the rich and soulful climate, while “Validation” is an upbeat and animated album highlight, where the 4 saxophones play off each other with much fun.

Closer to the end, “As Long As You’re Remembered (You’re Still Alive)” benefits much from Andrew Atkinson’s skilled percussion that suits the expressive brass, and “My Ship” exits with a sublime intimacy via the textured and frisky sax manipulation.

Three of the players here are former students of Schwartz, and this atypical setting and his creative mind make for swingin’ sounds, no lack of rhythm and strong attention to tonality.

Travels well with: Foreign Affair Trio- Sous Le Vent; Shawn Maxwell- J Town Suite

The New Wonders

Steppin’ Out

Turtle Bay, 2024

8/10

Listen to Steppin’ Out

An outfit spearheaded by the cornetist and arranger Mike Davis, The New Wonders breathe new life into classic jazz songs, many of which date back many decades.

“Do Do Do” opens the listen with plenty of retro-swing, where Ricky Alexander’s alto sax makes an impression, and “Everybody Loves My Baby” follows with lively interplay that benefits much from Jared Engel’s flowing banjo and Andy Schumm’s animated keys.

“Half Seas Over”, the only original, arrives in the middle and births plenty of distinct harmonic progression, while “My Melancholy Baby” makes great use of Josh Holcomb’s well timed trombone and no lack of solos.

Arriving close to the end, “Cornet Chop Suey” welcomes Colin Hancock’s cornet prowess to the rich album highlight, and “My Blue Heaven” exits with a snappy pulse and playful rhythm that you know Steve Martin would admire.

Even though the styles here are a century old, Davis and company prove that they’re still relevant and enjoyable today.

Travels well with: Dave Bass- Trio Nuevo; Cliff Beach- You Showed Me The Way

Sun Q

Myth

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Myth

The Russian outfit Sun Q bring a diverse set of rock ideas to these 9 tracks, where plenty of power and melody are present.

The buzzing and dense “Jane Doe” opens the record with plenty of warm, soulful singing, and “Children Singing” follows with a dreamy spirit, where the setting tosses in loud bursts of ebullient rock, too.

Halfway through, “Animals” brings strings to the dynamic climate, while “Dionysus” is an abrasive moment the even recruits grooves amid the thumping drums, thick riffs and prog-rock nods.

Arriving close to the end, “Still Searching For The Skulls” pairs the pretty, expressive singing with some fluid garage-rock sensibilities, and “Crystal Doors” exits with a hint of mystery that evolves via psychedelic stabs, blues bouts and plenty of memorable songwriting.

A truly eclectic affair that pulls from rock across the entire spectrum, you can enjoy thundering song craft, harmonic gestures, well timed brass and African percussion across this exciting listen.

Travels well with: Nick Fletcher- Quadrivium; Glorious Wolf- Mysterious Traveler

Sofaburn

Volume 3

Sofaburn, 2024

9/10

Listen to Volume 3

A large sampling of some of the best and brightest from the Sofaburn camp, the independent label is never short on diverse and exciting music, and here we’re treated to 19 different artists.

Paige Beller’s “Failed Attempts And Cigarettes” starts the listen with an intimate, hazy and soulful version of retro-rock, and it isn’t long until “North San Juan”, by B. Hamilton, brings a powerful rock trio that’s plenty riff fueled.

Moving further into the listen, Lori Goldston’s “The Waves And What’s Under” showcases her meticulous cello acrobatics, while “Revolution Row” recruits lively strings to the timeless folk qualities amid harmonic voices from The Tillers.

Deeper yet, The Light Wires’ “Each Note Secure” offers a heartfelt, Americana flavored album highlight, and “Diamonds In The Distance” exits with Swarming Branch’s ‘70s psyche nods that emit much nostalgia and warmth.

A fantastic way to peruse music from one of the best indie-labels in the country, each song here invites repeated listens.

Travels well with: Mosant- Midnight Television; Shadwick Wilde- Forever Home

Mosant

Midnight Television

Sofaburn, 2024

9/10

Listent to Midnight Television

The debut record from Mosant, Chandler Hoffert, Zach Swelbar, Joey Gibson and Nathan Hoeweler bring their soulful, power-pop ways to these 9 timeless songs.

The warm guitar of “Can’t You Tell?” starts the listen, before crisp drums and melodic singing enters the harmonic climate, and “3AM” follows with a scrappy demeanor, as frisky drums guide the more rugged approach.

Deeper into the listen, the sublime intimacy of “Ninety-Five” makes for plenty of dreaminess, while “Whispered Words” is indeed calm, as cozy acoustic strumming is met with strong attention atmosphere and vocal harmonies.

Further still, “Goodbye” recruits plenty of retro-soul ideas amid the playful bass lines and spirited guitar, and “Tangled Affair” exits with a throwback appeal of grit and melody, where the falsetto bouts suit the meticulous instrumentation.

An excellent first outing for the Cincinnati quartet, there’s plenty of hooks, prog-rock nods and buzzing pop-rock that won’t take long to find an affinity for.

Travels well with: Your Heart Breaks- Drone Butch Blues; Shadwick Wilde- Forever Home

Jessie Baylin

Strawberry Wind

New West, 2024

8/10

Listen to Strawberry Wind

Originally released in 2018, this deluxe version of Nashville’s Jessie Baylin’s Strawberry Wind recruits the spirit of the ‘70s and hazy vocals for the 15 tracks that are suited for parents and kids.

The indeed dreamy mood of “Dream Catcher” opens with a nostalgic energy that uses bouncy bass alongside the expressive singing, and “Supermoon” follows with more emphasis on drumming, where plenty of pop melody enters.

Further along, “Sparkle Shoelaces” uses backing vocals strategically for the warm and retro ideas, while “Magic Of Your Mind” pairs playful guitar with Baylin’s cozy voice and no lack of throw back ideas.

Close to the end, the crisp and lush “Come Over” is the best selection and flows with timeless harmonies, and “A Beautiful Life” exits with mesmerizing keys and agile drumming, where Baylin’s inviting voice illuminates the tuneful and sincere finish.

An active musician since the early 2000’s, Baylin’s alluring voice and excellent guitar playing make each track here worth repeated visits, where Laurel Canyon/Brill Building nods and plenty of dream-pop will be enjoyed.

Travels well with: Debi Derryberry- Gotta Go Green; Laurie Berkner- Buzz Buzz

Alice Cohen

Artificial Fairytales

NNA, 2019

8/10

Listen to Artificial Fairytales

Alice Cohen never does anything ordinary, and Artificial Fairytales, the songwriter, musician and visual artist’s 6th album, is further proof of her iconoclastic vision of pop.

“Keep On Keeping On” gets the album off to a hazy start with a ‘70s soulfulness as spirited, melodic vocals guide us through the retro fun, and “Plastic Paradise” follows with plenty of rhythm and playfulness on the charming, warm rocker.

Further along, “Broken Bubbles” brings a cultured setting of Eastern ideas in an instrumental tune, and “Hourglass” recruits a ‘80s approach with a memorable delivery.

Near the end, “Faces In The Rain” offers a dreamy highlight, and “Ravers At Dawn” moves into psyche-rock territory with spacey exploartion. “Bubblegum Heart” ends the listen with sugary sweet melodica and pretty instrumentation, putting a firm exclamation point on this accomplished record.

Cohen is in great company here with indie luminaries Adrian Knight and David Lackner lending a hand, and together the flutes, saxophones and synth shine bright in unconventional ways. Even though Artificial Fairytales was recorded at home, this is no stripped back, bedroom pop affair, as Cohen’s unique and artistic take on pop makes this another must hear chapter in her long, eclectic career.

Travels well with: The Vels- Velocity; Kristeen Young- The Knife Shift