Ocean Alley

Lonely Diamond

UNIFIED, 2020

8/10

Listen to Lonely Diamond

The Australian rockers Ocean Alley are back with a 3rd album, and much like their earlier work it’s an accomplished affair where the 6 members interact dynamically and with nods to legends like Fleetwood Mac or Pink Floyd.

“Dahlia” gets the album off to a cautious start with plenty of ambience as guitars enter the adventurous instrumental, and “Tombstone” follows with warm psyche-influenced rock as expressive vocals align with plenty of rhythm that tips it hat to funk.

Near the middle, “Up In There” shimmers with a soulful approach to the thoughtful landscape with superb drumming, while “All Worn Out” recruits strings and piano in the sophisticated and introspective climate. The title track and album highlight then offers a richly filled pop-rock meet sci-fi journey where all players provide exceptional contributions.

At the end, “Puesta de Sol” illustrates the true strength of the rhythm section on the country influenced, melodic rocker, and “Luna” exits the listen with a dreamy instrumental that displays angular musicianship and precise manipulation of space and tension.

A truly eclectic listen, Ocean Alley make sounds that run parallel to stadium rock, just they do pen intimate moments that could soundtrack a coffee house show, and this ambitious and flawlessly textured effort that often takes up back to the ‘70s is certainly their best work to date.

Travels well with: Kidsmoke- A Vision In The Dark; Sea Wolf- Through A Dark Wood

Toronto Tabla Ensemble

Unexpected Guests

Factor, 2020

8/10

Listen to Unexpected Guests

A long running Canadian outfit spearheaded by Ritesh Das, this 7th album from Toronto Tabla Ensemble recruits no shortage of grooves as Craig Downie, Nagata Shachu, George Koller, Raaginder Singh Momi, Alysha Addetia and Maryem Hassan Tollar are on hand with their respective talents.

“Dream Symposium” starts the listen with playful percussion and plenty of ambience while much cultured rhythm enters the hypnotic landscape, and “Unexpected Guests” follows with spirited bag pipes from Downie in the frisky and dance friendly setting.

Further on, “Toronoto Tabla Youth Ensemble” uses keys strategically in the quick display of acrobatic drumming that almost sounds robotic, while “Monkey Tale” spends over 9 minutes impressing us with its proficient sitar and lush landscape.

At the end, “What’s Going On?” gets a bit spacey in its exploration that emits sublime, wordless vocals as the music mesmerizes with a cinematic quality, and “Raghupati” exits the listen with expressive singing and plenty of melodies, harmonies and memorableness from an Eastern angle.

Das has played everything from rock’n’roll to jazz, and with TTE he’s been Juno nominated, which is no surprise when you hear the gorgeous textures and superbly rich compositions of Unexpected Guests.

Travels well with: Catherine MacLellan- Coyote; Divahn- Shalhevet

Benny Rubin Jr.

Know Say Or See

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Know Say Or See

The tenor and alto saxophonist Benny Rubin Jr. returns with a sophomore album, and together with Lex Korten, Adam Olszewski and JK Kim the rising artist offers us 6 originals and a pair of well done covers.

“Know” starts the listen with Rubin’s proficient tenor sax prowess in the soulful setting that embraces the blues, where Olszewski’s plucked bass enters the background, as does Kim’s gentle percussion, and “Say” continues the dynamic energy with strong piano from Korten as the tune builds into a busy display of massive improvisational skill.

At the midpoint, “NYC Urge” finds a very complicated and memorable place to exist as a busy pace is met with calmer ebbs of grace and plenty of solos, while “Kiss Me Right” delivers a stylish and rhythmic album highlight that packs in no shortage of swing.

Near the end, “Down They Go” burns slow initially before settling into a frisky, soulful jazz atmosphere, and “Or See” exits the listen with ambience as each player brings their respective talents to a dizzying execution with a spiritual slant, too.

Rubin made quite a dent with his debut, What’s Next, and this follow up will certainly turn heads with its intricate and lively approach that often times reminds us of John Coltrane in its spirited and timeless playfulness.

Travels well with: Purdie Fabian Oswanski- Move On!; Swingadelic- Bluesville

Hawk

Fly

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Fly

These days the one time solo project of David Hawkins has morphed into a full band affair, where members of The Posies, Elvis Costello’s Attractions and Mott The Hoople are in attendance to help deliver a very diverse listen that often points to the early ‘90s in all the best ways.

“This is It” starts the listen with an exciting guitar driven rocker where multiple vocals harmonize amid a bright atmosphere that jangles a bit like the ‘60s, and “I Still Want You” follows with organs and acoustic strumming highlighting the fuzzy, alt-rock setting that might be like what The Replacements would have sounded like today if they hadn’t self-destructed.

Further on, “She’s An Angel” displays strong guitar playing in a climate that’s part classic rock, part modern rock and entirely memorable, while “You Are The One I Want” takes a leap into early New Wave ideas that run parallel to the greatness achieved by New Order. “Truth To Power”, another stand out track, then hints at Americana in its playful, rhythmic execution that provides insight about the current administration

At the end, “Everstill” finds a dreamy place to reside, and “Lost Our Way” exits with psyche-rock nods that’s also not short on soulful rock and plenty of exploration.

Although Hawk has always been the brainchild of Hawkins, with Ken Stringfellow, Pete Thomas, Morgan Fisher, and Aaron Bakker officially on board, his multifaceted version of rock that also flirts with New Wave and and power-pop has never sounded better.

Travels well with: Les Nuby- Clouded; The Jayhawks- XOXO

Noshir Mody

An Idealist’s Handbook: Identity, Love And Hope In America 2020

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to An Idealist’s Handbook: Identity, Love And Hope In America 2020

The esteemed fusion guitarist Noshir Mody puts himself in fine company here, as Campbell Charshee, Yuka Tadano, Jarrett Walser, Mike Mullen, Benjamin Hankle and Kate Victor are all on hand to help cultivate the timeless melodies present on Mody’s compositions.

“Radha” starts the album with gentle, spirited guitar playing as light percussion from Walser builds into a rhythmic display on the tribute to a traditional Indian love story, and not long after, “Illusions Grow” radiates beauty with piano from Charshee and guitar solos as Mody’s first lyrics in two decades come from Victor’s sublime pipes.

The album contains several ‘Sketching’ pieces, where brief moments of intricate musicianship act as a precursor to the longer, fuller tunes. While the ‘Sketching’ of “Illusions Grow” offers meticulous guitar playing, ‘Sketching’ “Under A Starlight Sky” is 2 minutes of delicate, dreamy musicianship.

Deeper tracks offer the soaring “Under A Starlight Sky”, where a mysterious landscape builds into a heartfelt and emotive effort, and the reprise version of “Illusions Grow” exits with expressive singing alongside Mody’s exceptional acoustic guitar.

Mody came to the U.S. from India he was just 22, and since then has proved time and time again he’s a guitar virtuoso with a skill set that few can replicate. Here, he also proves that he’s a strong lyricist, as his songwriting takes on a new dimension that, in this very difficult year for America, could help heal some of the wounds or at least provide some relief from all the tragedy.

Travels well with: Paul Shaw Quintet- Moment Of Clarity; Jason Kao Hwang- Human Rites Trio

Les Nuby

Clouded

Cornelius Chapel, 2020

10/10

Listen to Clouded

The multi-instrumentalist Les Nuby has an impressive resume, including sitting behind the drum kit for Verbana in the ‘90s, and playing with Idlewild, Amy Ray (Indigo Girls), Vulture Whale and, currently, Holiday Gunfire. This solo album, however, might be his best work to date as the Birmingham resident reaches all sorts of variations of rock on the exceptional Clouded.

After a bit of a dreamy start to the guitar driven “Never Falling Away”, which falls perfectly somewhere between alt-rock and indie-rock, “Fight Sleep” soars with both power and melody that emits a (late period) Husker Du like energy with plenty of infectious grit.

The rest of the album is gold, too, including the crunchy rocker and crashing percussion of “Come To Us”, as well as the acoustic guitar beauty of “Hey Ivey”. “Ok Let’s Try”, the best of the best, then thumps with an anthemic quality as swirling guitars and contagious melodies invade a tune that could have easily made waves on MTV’s 120 Minutes in 1992.

Close to the end, “Say Love” recruits an organ in a hazy atmosphere that jangles a bit towards folk, and “The Shadowlands” finishes out the listen with a driving, charged, mid-tempo rocker that leaves us wanting more- a lot more.

Nuby played everything on this record where he penned each tune and he did a hell of a job. Whether your interests steer towards southern rock, punk, shoegaze, modern rock or the glory days of alt-rock Clouded resonates well and only gets better with repeated spins.

Travels well with: Bob Mould- Sunshine Rock; Porcupine- What You’ve Heard Isn’t Real

Purdie Fabian Oswanski

Move On!

CAP, 2020

8/10

Listen to Move On!

Much to my surprise, this is the first time Ron Oswanski, Christian Fabian and Bernard Purdie have played together on a recording, cause you certainly wouldn’t think it due to the strong chemistry and dynamic energy present on the 9 tracks of Move On!.

“The Red Plaza” opens the disc with Fabian’s bass and Oswansk’si Hammond organ bringing plenty of grooves as frisky percussion from Purdie aids in the festive, funky jazz setting, and “BPP Blues” continues the playfulness with a calmer display of blues amid the soulful atmosphere.

Elsewhere, the aptly titled “Got Groove (pt. 2)” pairs intricate bass work with organ acrobatics in the mesmerizing execution, while ‘Love You Madly”, a Duke Ellington original, moves slow and warm with a romantic quality. The title track, one of the highlights, then illustrates sublime interplay between the trio as melody isn’t spared in the rhythmic delivery.

At the end, “The Battle Hymn Of The Republic”, a Julia Ward Howe tune, puts an adventurous spin on a classic, and “So What” finishes out the affair with plenty of style and grace packed into the hypnotic bass lines, soothing keys and shuffling percussion.

Entirely instrumental, the trio deliver a delightful listen where a studio live recording captures a spontaneous mood that will be sure to satiate jazz heads and funk fanatics.

Travels well with: Swingadelic- Bluesville; Bob Gluck- Early Morning Star

Class M Planets

Ravenswood

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen Ravenswood

The brainchild of Adam Goldman, as Class M Planets the vocalist and guitarist is armed with an unusual pop prowess that explores all sorts of atypical areas as saxophone, cello, flute, bass and many other sophisticated instruments accompany him on the journey.

“Awkward” starts the album with warm, fluid, folk song craft as a spirited guitar guides expressive and poetic singing, and this formula continues to the playful template and bright saxophone of “Invasive Species”, as well as the soothing psyche-pop of “Yer Wings”.

Halfway through, “Skyward” offers some type of prog-folk in the vivid storytelling amid unusual time signatures, while “Changes” moves with a bare approach as Goldman sings with much sincerity. “Free Wishes”, one of the standout tunes, then pairs frisky acoustic guitar alongside the dreamy atmosphere that has us hanging on every word.

The record ends strong, with the elegant and percussive heavy “Flat Earth”, which points at experimental ideas, and “Ok” exits the listen intricate and delicate, as if it could soundtrack a campfire.

A record where each tune brings welcomed surprises, whether it’s mid-tempo sounds, art-rock, or chamber influenced moments, Goldman and company defy convention here with plenty of charm, intrigue and lasting power packed into their own brand of Americana.

Travels well with: thebrotheregg- Dandelion Wine; Brian Wilson w/Van Dyke Parks- Orange Crate Art

Jason Kao Hwang

Human Rites Trio

True Sound, 2020

8/10

Listen to Human Rites Trio

Jason Kao Hwang sure is a prolific artist, and thankfully his craft is extremely well executed and always thoughtful. This time, he’s aligned with Andrew Drury behind the drum kit and Ken Filiano handling string bass while Hwang utilizes violin and viola with stunning results.

“Words Asleep Spoken Awake” starts the album with 2 parts, where part 1 benefits greatly from playful bass as acrobatic strings from Hwang mesmerize and captivate, and part 2 moves at a quick pace with frisky percussion and equally adventurous strings in the furious and calculated setting that embraces funk and swing.

The back half of the listen is equally exciting, and includes the tense, emotive “2 AM”, as well as the quivering and nearly chaotic “Battle For The Indelible Truth” that’s got avant-garde written all over it. “Defiance” ends the listen and is one of the best, where space is manipulated well as each player allows their respective talents to shine in the call and response environment.

Hwang and company finished this album during the Covid 19 pandemic, and they dedicate the record to the doctors, nurses, and frontline workers who put their life on the line each day, and, of course, the many lives who have been lost during this tragedy. Now having worked together on and off for 15 years, the trio illustrate dynamic chemistry amid a rich and daring climate on this exceptional outing.

Travels well with: Swingadelic- Bluesville; The Nels Cline 4- Currents, Constellations

The Jayhawks

XOXO

Sham/Thirty Tigers, 2020

10/10

Listen to XOXO

Here in Minnesota we truly embrace and admire the musical legends from the Land f 10,000 Lakes, and even though the long running and seminal outfit The Jayhawks will never see the fame of, say, Prince or Bob Dylan, I feel quite comfortable saying they’ve written some of the best songs in the history of recorded music across their 35 year career.

XOXO, their 11th studio, brings a line up of Karen Grotberg, Gary Louris, Marc Perlman and Tim O’Reagan, as the luminaries deliver a very diverse effort where all 4 members take up lead vocals at some point and contribute songwriting, too.

“This Forgotten Town” starts the listen in familiar Jayhawks territory with warm guitar and gritty yet tuneful vocals from Louris that are supported by O’Reagan and Grotberg as keys and percussion enter the strong rootsy opener, while “Dogtown Days” dives into a louder display of spirited rock’n’roll fun with thumping drums and plenty of power-pop energy that would make Alex Chilton smile in his grave.

A record where every song could be your favorite, “Ruby” radiates graceful piano in the Grotberg sung and pedal steel friendly atmosphere, and “Society Pages” glides with a retro indie-rock appeal as Americana nods are present and appreciated. “Bitter Pill” might be the quintessential Jayhawks tune, where harmonizing vocals, a memorable chorus and rugged yet pretty instrumentation brings in John Jackson on mandolin.

Deeper cuts offer us the soulful swagger of “Little Victories”, as well as the gentle strumming of O’Reagan’s masterpiece, “Looking Up Your Number”. The limited edition version offers 3 bonus tracks, which of course are worth seeking out, and includes the organ led, gospel approach of “Jewel Of The Trimbelle”, and “Hypocrite’s Lament” finishes out the exit with a lovely duet where a harmonica adds much to the mood.

The Jayhawks have played several genres since their inception, including baroque-pop, alt-country, anglophile tinted rock and classic folk, among others. Here, they incorporate all those ideas into another superb and timeless record in their glowing catalog that is certainly their most democratic, eclectic, and adventurous to date.

Travels well with: The Long Ryders- Psychedelic Country Soul; John Hiatt- The Eclipse Sessions

Easy Love

Wander Feeler

Loantaka, 2020

8/10

Listen to Wander Feeler

The solo project of Justine Brown, who cut her teeth playing drums and singing with her sister, Chelsea, in Summer Twins, as Easy Love the songstress was inspired by watching Melle from Mozes And The Firstborn perform guitar acrobatics.

After the guitar driven melodica and calculated musicianship of the instrumental “Intro”, “Alright” flows with a pretty, ‘90s alt-rock quality as a jangly quality enters the dreamy setting that settles in well from the get-go.

Brown does inject brief instrumentals into the listen, including “Golden Hours”, which moves precisely with a hypnotic quality to the shimmering guitar, while the playful “Blue Eyes” makes great use of an acoustic guitar in the vivid, universally embraceable atmosphere. “Wander Feeler”, one of the fuller and most noteworthy tracks, then resides closer to indie-folk with soaring backing vocals

The record ends strong, with the hazy strumming of the introspective “I Want It All”, and “Leave Me” exits the listen with a bare and sincere delivery about heartbreak as Brown lays it all on the line with eloquent forthrightness.

This is the sophomore album from the California native, and her keen sense of rock, pop, and folk sensibilities combined with her extremely proficient guitar playing, layered vocals and occasional nods to ‘60s girl groups help make it an exceptional and accomplished effort.

Travels well with: Rogue Wave- Nightingale Floors; Mozes And The Firstborn- Dadcore

David Boswell

The Story Behind The Story

My Quiet Moon, 2020

9/10

Listen to The Story Behind The Story

A proficient guitarist who is also a strong songwriter, David Boswell is in fine company here as he offers 8 originals and 1 tune penned by his producer on this 6th album as leader.

“Miraculous” starts the listen with soothing guitar as frisky percussion from MB Gordy enters the calming jazz setting, and “A Los Angeles Minute” continues the mood with superb saxophone prowess from Andy Snitzer and flawless bass from Bart Samolis as the dynamic landscape shifts from busy to bare.

Near the middle, the title track brings in piano from Mitchel Forman that adds much to breezy melodies and festive climate, while “Prayer For The Planet” benefits greatly from intricate picking from Boswell on the sublime ballad. “Alta”, one of the album's best, then displays Scott Kinsey’s key talents alongside remarkable guitar from Boswell.

Near the end, “Los Olivos” moves with a playful and swift execution of timeless jazz, and “The Sun And The Moon” finishes out the listen with a dizzying performance of saxophone and drum meticulousness that exits on a very memorable note.

Boswell is undeniably influenced by Pat Metheny, who he used to study under, and his technical guitar playing anchors this exceptional effort where an all star cast helps make this one of the best modern jazz records of 2020.

Travels well with: Dave Stryker- Eight Track III; Jared Gold- Reemergence

Local Nomad

Local Nomad

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Local Nomad

This 2nd EP from Michael Desmond, aka Local Nomad, has the multi-instrumentalist handling all noisemakers but drums as his universally enjoyable song craft makes an immediate impression.

“Love Is Gone” starts the listen with soulful singing and a dance-friendly atmosphere that takes nods to earlier decades with plenty of stylish and energetic beats, and “Gates” continues with a more cautious approach that’s very much in tune with today’s pop, where a firm beat and precise musicianship highlight the mood.

The back half follows a similar path, including the bright and highly melodic “Young Vampires”, which also dips into quieter moments of playfulness, while “Summertime” uses keys strategically amid a soaring atmosphere that indeed deserves to be played loudly during the summer months.

Desmond cut his teeth playing in Gabriel The Marine, and he takes that experience and adds ‘70s nods to this very well executed sophomore effort that draws similarities to artists as varied as Phil Collins and Tears For Fears.

Travels well with: Kylie Odetta- Roots & Petals; Ronny Morris- Sweet Silence

Carnivore

Carnivore

Roadrunner, 2017

8/10

Listen to Carnivore

The criminally overlooked debut album from Carnivore gets the reissue treatment, complete with bonus tracks and a digital remaster of the classic from the trio that featured Peter Steele, who would later go on to form Type O Negative before his untimely death in 2010.

“Predator” starts the listen with a raw delivery of thrashy, propulsive speed metal that growls with a classic intensity, and “Carnivore” follows with a biting and blistering setting where gang vocals complement the hardcore sensibilities.

Further down the line, “God Is Dead” barks with a dark energy, while “Thermonuclear Warrior” chugs and thunders with an old school doom metal feel. “World Wars III And IV”, the album highlight, then pounds and throbs with acrobatic drumming and forceful riffs that accent the turbulent environment.

The last 3 tunes are demo tracks, and include the frenetic pace and shouted chorus of “U.S.A. For U.S.A.”, as well as “Sex And Violence”, which exits the listen with a punk fueled execution of early New York City Hardcore nods.

Amazingly, this album originally came out in 1985, when thrash metal was still in its fancy, and crossover bands were very few and far between. Steele would of course go on to spearhead Type O Negative, while guitarist Keith Alexander joined Primal Scream before dying in 2005. Louie Beato would spend time playing in Agnostic Front, and is the only original Carnivore member alive.

Certainly an important piece of thrash metal history, it’s great to see this reissue with the songs sounding better than ever.

Travels well with: Rezet- Deal With It!; Final Breath- Of Death And Sin

Curse Of Lono

EP

Submarine Cat, 2016

9/10

Listen to EP

This first EP from the UK outfit Curse Of Lono might be a quick one, but it’s quite memorable as the 5 piece bring ominous qualities into their atypical brand of folk and Americana.

“Five Miles” starts the listen with jangly acoustic strumming as harmonic vocals enter the atmospheric setting that’s got a bit of gothic Americana flavor to it, and “London Rain” continues with more emphasis on percussion as talk/singing and organs enter the retro and stylish delivery that’s a bit dark, too.

The back half offers the quiet “He Takes My Place”, which takes on a folk quality with a campfire-esque feeling of bare beauty, while “Saturday Night” finishes out the listen with a slow burner of graceful, simmering emotion.

Since this debut, Curse Of Lono have released 3 albums (2 studio, 1 live), have been the subject of 2 short films, and have picked up plenty of awards for their subdued brand of alt-rock that defies categorization, but just keeps getting more and more interesting.

Travels well with: Sons Of Bill- Oh God Ma’am; Will Stewart- County Seat

Cascao & Lady Maru

Spleenism

Cochon, 2015

8/10

Listen to Spleenism

A duo from Rome who are have been a part of the no-wave/punk scene, Cascao & Lady Maru bring a very artistic approach to their song craft, where samples and proto ‘70s and ‘80s no-wave ideas run wildly in their guitar, synth and percussion heavy delivery.

“Coconauts And Astronauts” starts the listen with a firm beat as curious electronica enters the adventurous landscape, and “Tropical Tasting” follows with a dance-friendly delivery of tropical sounds meets Nowave fun.

Near the halfway point, “Don’t Break The House” flows with strong percussion and expressive vocals in the cultured atmosphere, while “Meet Us Out” offers processed vocals alongside experimental electronica that takes nods at post-punk. “Only One Place”, the album’s best, then uses a bare setting strategically with much attention to mood.

At the end, “Burn My Feet In Rome” moves quickly with swift drumming and spirited guitar work in its fuzzy formula, and “The Spleen”exits the listen with plenty of soul amid the tribal spirit and soothing vocals.

Cascao has a background as a theater actor and sound engineer, while Lady Maru has been a techno and house DJ. Together, they bring their respective backgrounds to a very ambitious listen, where synthetic and organic moments collide with futuristic, funk, and inventive pop moments that sticks out in a very crowded pool of like minded outfits.

Travels well with: Dada Swing- Cut, Cut, Cut; Trouble Vs. Glue- Die Trauerweide

Cory Branan

Adios

Bloodshot, 2017

9/10

Listen to Adios

The Mississippi singer-songwriter Cory Branan has been plugging away for about 20 years now, with a handful of accomplished albums under his wing. 2017’s Adios is among his best, as Branan finds himself penning a career high record where themes of death are present.

“I Only Know” starts the listen with swift alt-country as Branan’s joined with backing vocals from punk celebrities Laura Jane Grace and Dave Hause across the vivid storytelling that’s gritty yet plenty melodic, and “Imogene” continues the setting with a heartfelt and Americana influenced atmosphere that’s horn friendly, too.

Further on, “The Vow” illustrates Branan’s strong vocal prowess alongside the spirited guitar work and dynamic rhythm section, while “Cold Blue Moonlight” burns slow, with a soulful, bluesy approach as an organ leaves an impression. The album highlight, “Another Nightmare In America”, which was written from the perspective of a racist killer cop, then displays Branan’s rugged punk spirit amid the charged rocker.

Close to the end, the energetic “Visiting Hours” moves with a dance-friendly formula alongside the fiery New Wave rocker, and “My Father Was An Accordion Player” exits the listen with a welcomed dip into waltz territory, further illustrating Branan’s diversity.

Branan again proves that his name deserves to be spoken alongside stars like Lucero, Chuck Ragan and Tim Barry with this exceptional 5th album that sits firmly in both punk and country and offers plenty of surprises along the way.

Travels well with: Austin Lucas- Immortal Americans; Todd Snider- Cash Cabin Sessions, Vol. 3

Charley Pride

Music In My Heart

Music City, 2017

8/10

Listen to Music In My Heart

After a 6 year hiatus from recorded music, the veteran country star Charley Pride returned with this batch of new tunes that are planted right in the heart of the traditional country sounds that he built his 50+ year career on.

“New Patches” starts the album with soulful country as twang and melody meet at a very warm place, and “Make Me One More Memory” follows with a quicker pace of rural sounds as Pride’s emotive vocals highlight the thoughtful landscape.

Near the middle, “The Same Eyes That Always Drove Me Crazy” offers a bouncy spirit amid the timeless song craft that embraces steel guitar, while “I Learned A Lot” enters ballad territory and flows with a soothing quality of dreamy songwriting. “The Way It Was in ‘51”, a Merle Haggard tune and one of the album’s best, then displays all the hallmarks of classic country that we will never tire of.

Close to the end, “Standing In My Way” uses pedal steel in strategic ways alongside the pensive environment, and the playful setting of “Music In My Heart” exits the listen with sing-alongs present in the immediately memorable execution.

Pride recorded this aptly titled album right before he turned 80 years old, and it doesn’t appear that his skill, sincerity and heartfelt approach have waned one bit. Certainly one of the most revered icons in the history of country music, Pride proves again that some things just get better with age.

Travels well with: Bobby Bare- Great American Saturday Night; Randy Travis- Precious Memories

Charles Lloyd New Quartet

Passin’ Thru

Blue Note, 2017

8/10

Listen to Passin’ Thru

The always impressive Charles Lloyd did us all a favor by celebrating the 10th anniversary of his quartet by performing and old and new original compositions with his esteemed band on Passin’ Thru.

“Dream Weaver”, a song from 1966, starts the listen percussively strong as quivering saxophone from Lloyd enters the imaginative setting that gets busy with skittering keys by Jason Moran but also retreats to subdued beauty, and “Part 5, Ruminations” continues the unpredictable formula as Reuben Rogers plucks his bass while playful percussion from Eric Harland and Lloyd’s brass prowess dance around a controlled chaos approach.

Deeper into the listen, “How Can I Tell You” moves with a graceful jazz quality that’s both timeless and stirring, while “Tagore On The Delta” glides with shuffling percussion and Lloyd’s flute guiding the precise interplay. Shiva Prayer” exits the listen with sophisticated keys and soulful sax steering the dreamy finish that pays homage to a friend of Lloyd’s who passed away.

Lloyd formed his first quartet way back in 1965, but his current bandmates are among his best to date, as this exciting and meticulous recording proves. Though the tracks were recorded in 2 different locations, it all flows together cohesively and with plenty of awe amid the dynamic musicianship.

Travels well with: Charles Lloyd & The Marvels + Lucinda Williams- Vanishing Gardens; Wayne Shorter- Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis

Moozika!

Moove To The Moozika!

Ruminator, 2019

8/10

Listen to Moove To The Moozika!

An educator, multi-instrumentalist and bilingual singer-songwriter, Jesse Goldman, aka Moozika!, knows how to have a good time, as evidenced by this charming debut family album.

The title track gets the album started off with hand clapping fun in the Latin flavored pop song, and “Moose On The Moose” follows with a rugged folk spirit that’s full of animated storytelling for the kids.

Near the middle, “Wiggle Wagglin’” offers a finger snapping, nearly a cappella tune filled with animal impressions, while “Wave Your Scarf” recruits a dance rock spirit to the world party. “Sleep My Child”, one of the album’s best, then illlustrates Goldman’s strong vocal prowess in the acoustic guitar fueled, soft strummer.

Near the end, “Limpia” is a quirky xylophone tune, and “Roly-Poly Train” plows ahead with frisky blues fun and harmonica stabs. “Hasta Luego” ends the listen percussive strong and rhythmic with the multifaceted talent of Goldman on full display.

A listen that draws from Goldman’s experiences growing up in NYC, the artist brings folk, jazz, blues, samba and many versions of rock to the festivities, as he sings in both English and Spanish on this incredibly exciting and entertaining 30 minutes.

Travels well with: The Laurie Berkner Band- Waiting For The Elevator; Again Again- Listen. Love. Repeat