Joe Bourdet

Meadow Rock

Mountain Sounds, 2021

9/10

Listen to Meadow Rock

Though the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Joe Bourdet is a Los Angeles resident, his song craft embraces the spirit of the mountainous portions of California, as evidenced by this throwback, organic and guitar driven debut.

“Songbird Revisited” starts the listen with Bourdet’s warm acoustic guitar and smooth vocals alongside Brian Filosa’s precise bass and Justin Smith’s skilled drumming that even welcomes a slide guitar solo, thanks to Jason Soda, and “Unwritten Story” follows with Bourdet handling organ, guitars and piano as Will Scott sits behind the drum kit of the flowing folk song.

Elsewhere, “Call You Friend” offers a duet with Mimi Michel, which finds a breezy place to reside amid timeless Americana, while “Seamist” places Vic Martin on Fender Rhodes piano as much beauty enters the cautious and comforting landscape.

Further still, “Morning Light” recruits strategic double bass from Rob Douglas in a poetic and precise execution, and “Mantra” exits the listen with the fullest selection, where a trio of vocalists help cultivate a vintage folk appeal as Bourdet plays guitar, Moog rogue and slide guitar.

Despite being his first album, Bourdet delivers like a seasoned vet, and the esteemed company he keeps makes Meadow Rock an immediately memorable listen that tips its hat to ‘70s folk music and the Laurel Canyon sound, and could and should soundtrack any adventure to the Yosemite Valley or the Sierras.

Travels well with: K.C. Jones- Queen Of The In Between; Mare Wakefield & Nomad- No Remedy

Some Assembly Required

Some Assembly Required

Odd Pop, 2020

9/10

Listen to Some Assembly Required

A mixed chamber ensemble from Boston comprised of Justin Stanley, Justin Croushore and Cholong Park, Some Assembly Required bring us 4 commissioned pieces and their own arrangement of an Astor Piazzolla piece on this very well executed debut album.

“Salt Veins”, by Tyler Kline, starts the listen with warm, soulful brass from Stanley and Croushore, as Park’s rumbling keys add much to the precise climate, and “Formally Unannounced” follows with acrobatic keys alongside playful trombone that’s both energetic and calm, as the trio illuminate Benjamin D. Whiting’s vision.

The middle tracks make great use of some guests, where “Machinations I” recruits Wolcott Humphrey’s fluid clarinet, which adds even more diversity to the cinematic and flowing atmosphere, while Adam Schumaker’s “Click Here” adds vocals, Andrea C. Baker’s bassoon and Humphrey’s clarinet to the album highlight that displays charming orchestral, chamber, classical and jazz nods.

The final track, “Four Seasons Of Buenos Aires”, unfolds across 4 movements, where “Summer” marches firmly with bright horns and low keys, and “Winter” exits emotively, sublimely and with no shortage of timeless, cozy song craft.

An extremely eclectic and meticulous first record, Some Assembly Required are known for their exciting and enthralling live show, and here they capture that chemistry well with flawless interaction between the players.

Travels well with: Slide Attack- Road Trip; David Larsen- The Mulligan Chronicles

Doug Bielmeier

Ambient Works

Albany, 2021

8/10

Listen to Ambient Works

An artist who has had much success in the area of commercial and experimental music, Doug Bielmeier brings intricate and skilled computer skills to all originals here, where electroacoustic, ambient and experimental moments are captured via the manipulation of found sound files.

“Another Pilot Down” starts the listen with a dreamy atmosphere of soothing, nearly New Age sounds, and “Backscatter” follows with playful key like gesturing that blends in with a surreal, even spiritual angle where wordless vocals make an impression.

The middle track offers the precise noises of “Photo Lab Sanctuary”, where you might interpret the sounds of traffic or water amid cautious texturing, while “Largo. Montego” enters darker territory that’s capable of ominous ideas as well as adventurous ones.

Approaching the end, “St. Martin’s Summer” embraces spacey nods alongside tension and restraint being tweaked precisely, and “No Time” exits the listen with minimalism turned into an art form as soft, agile instrumentation lends itself to reflection.

Certainly atypical, highly unpredictable and capable of both meditative and exciting gesturing, Bielmeier’s version of ambience is one that’s fascinating, comforting and unusual in all the best ways.

Travels well with: Dave Walther- Distance; Bruce Leto, Jr.- Singing Style

True Loves

Sunday Afternoon

Color Red, 2021

8/10

Listen to Sunday Afternoon

The Seattle instrumental outfit True Loves are back with a sophomore album, and they’ve brought plenty of power to the collaborative effort where Jason Cressey, Greg Kramer, Gordon Brown, Skerik, Jimmy James, Bryant Moore, David McGraw and Iván Galvez work together synergistically to produce 10 timeless tunes.

“S.O.S.” starts the listen with a festive spirit as bright brass, frisky drumming and charming guitar meet somewhere between rock, jazz and funk at a block party, and “Objects In Mirror”, the fourth single from the album, follows with an infectious energy rooted in funk, where trombones and saxophones interact in playful, soulful ways.

Moving along, “Robin’s Revenge” displays James’ proficient guitar playing amid McGraw’s swift drumming as the strategic horns add much to the flowing climate, while “Yard Byrds” trims the pace back with much beauty as rhythm and groove are manipulated precisely. “Sunday Afternoon”, the best of the best, then illustrates dynamic chemistry among the band where each member brings their inimitable skill to the formula.

Close to the end, “That’s Good” enters a dreamy atmosphere amid much soul, and “Lavender” exits the listen with equal parts rock, jazz, funk and soul as the band mesh some of the best ideas from the last few decades.

A record that sounds like it could have been made in any decade since the ‘60s, True Loves know how to have a good time, and Sunday Afternoon could certainly soundtrack any party, or even just a lazy weekend when you want to absorb something nostalgic.

Travels well with: Polyrhythmics- Fondue Party; Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal- Natural Born Hustler

Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra & Reuben Blundell

American Discoveries

New Focus, 2021

8/10

Listen to American Discoveries

The 4th release in their ongoing series, the Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra and Reuben Blundell team up again to offer us previously unrecorded orchestral compositions, and this time it’s from a trio of female composers.

Priscilla Alden Beach’s “City Trees” starts the listen with soothing strings and plenty of warmth unfolding amid graceful textures, moments of sublime intimacy and larger swells of booming brass. A colorful 4.5 minutes, the lush climate dances around orchestral and classical ideas with much precision.

Linda Robbins occupies the middle track, where “For A Beautiful Land” bursts with crashing percussion, tense strings and booming drums that occasionally shift into calmer ebbs of beauty. A composition that pays homage to her home state of Iowa, it’s a rhythmic, frisky and cautious 10+ minutes that really displays meticulous woodwinds.

“Behemoth, in five short movements”, by Alexandra Pierce, exits the listen and leads with a haunting quality before segueing into unpredictable, adventurous song craft. The middle movement is the calmest and emits a soothing, cinematic appeal, before exiting on a burlesque focus that places much melody in the hands of the very capable brass.

Blundell leads the ensemble through a very spirited outing, where he illuminates the many strengths of the players as they place some much needed and deserved attentions towards the timeless vision of the women’s robust songwriting.

Travels well with: The City Of Tomorrow- Blow; Daniel Lippel- Aufs Lautenwerk

Trapper Schoepp

May Day

Grand Phony, 2021

9/10

Listen to May Day

The Wisconsin singer-songwriter Trapper Schoepp adds to his impressive and extensive body of work with this 4th solo album, where topics like ghosts and rebirth as well as springtime and renewal surround his always intriguing brand of rock that showcases his piano skills more prominently.

The title track opens the listen with breezy, warm acoustic strumming as Schoepp’s equally cozy vocals guide the flowing Americana, and “Hotel Astor” follows with firm piano, where the breathy vocals are met with strong electric guitar prowess, giving the tune a rougher edge.

At the halfway point, the gentle “Paris Syndrome” enters ballad territory and is accompanied by emotive pedal steel, while “Little Drop Of Medicine” gets thick, gritty and soars in a folk-rock sort of way. “I Am A Rider”, one of the album’s best, then displays timeless, rootsy songwriting that’s heartfelt and immediately memorable.

The final two tracks, “It Didn’t Take” and “Something About You” are just as excellent as everything else before it, where the former showcases Jacob Bicknase’s fluent drumming amid playful Americana, and the latter exits with keys and pedal steel complementing Schoepp’s expressive, poetic singing.

Inspired by classic artists like Bob Dylan (who actually had a co-write on Schoepp’s last record), May Day was born after Schoepp’s European tour was cancelled due to Covid, which, of course, was devastating, but it sure did allow him the time to make this fantastic album.

Travels well with: The Jayhawks- XOXO; Jesse Malin- Outsiders

Pistols At Dawn

Nocturnal Youth

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Nocturnal Youth

The Atlanta rockers Pistols At Dawn make quite an impression with this 4 song EP, where their bristling and intense ways also embrace a powerfully melodic angle, much in part to frontman Chris Pierson’s diverse vocal acrobatics.

“Voices” starts the listen with a thick, chugging presence that thumps loudly will still being quite melodic in a groove friendly way that might remind you of Quicksand, and “Crown” follows with a heavier appeal where thundering drumming from Adam Jaffe and impressive guitar work from Devin White and Tommy Richardson help the EP highlight fall somewhere between metal and post-hardcore.

The back half of the listen is equally strong, and includes the light versus dark textures of the dynamic “Now Is The Time”, and “Gone Black” exits the listen sonically charged with the rhythm section of Jaffe and Billy Sullivan anchoring a rugged yet tuneful version of modern hard rock.

Similarities to Godsmack, Breaking Benjamin, Shinedown or even Tool won’t be hard to spot here, as Pistols At Dawn bring an equally impactful approach to songwriting that will have any fan of hard rock, past or present, enamored.

Travels well with: Rebel Rampage- Divided We Fall; Danko Jones- A Rock Supreme

Ken Stringfellow

Imagines Puleo

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Imagines Puleo

The always exceptional Ken Stringfellow (The Posies, R.E.M., Big Star) collaborates with the author and lyricist Joe Puleo for these 5 well thought out tunes that were penned during quarantine.

“Overcoming Gravity” starts the quick listen with an upbeat and highly melodic delivery of swift drums, well placed piano and sharp guitar work as Stringfellow’s always inviting pipes guide the jangly landscape, and “The Strongest Man” follows with firm keys amid a romantic theme that’s lyrically quite comical and musically playful.

“Measured In Threes” occupies the middle spot and resides in piano balladry as Stringfellow’s expressive and poetic singing radiates alongside a chorus you won’t forget soon, while “My Odyssey” delivers both calm and busy moments of breezy textures that benefit much from Frankie Siragusa’s (The Posies) muscular drumming. “Not Today” exits the listen, and strums loudly and memorably thanks to a rugged yet tuneful formula that pays homage to the late athlete Gabriele Gruenwald.

A project that began with a single tune, Puleo was understandably so impressed with Stringfellow’s portions that they ended up with enough for a damn great EP. Should the pair knock out an LP in the future, I don’t think you’ll hear much complaining, either.

Travels well with: Alex Chilton And Hi Rhythm Section- Boogie Shoes; Matthew Sweet- Catspaw

Annabelle Chvostek

String Of Pearls

MQGV, 2021

8/10

Listen to String Of Pearls

The Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Annabelle Chvostek brings a very worldly slant to this 6th album, where her Slovakian heritage and connections to Uruguay enter the diverse and sophisticated String Of Pearls.

“Je t’ai vue hier soir” starts the listen with a shuffling pace of intricate musicianship that showcases playful vibraphones as Chvostek sings superbly in French, and the frisky jazz of the title track follows with much attention to mood, and just might get you on the dance floor.

Entering the middle, “D’etre humain” offers a soft and warm display of cabaret-folk ideas, while “Come Back” brings a vaudeville spirit to the album highlight, where Chvostek hits some pretty high notes. “Just The Right Bullets” then takes that lead with plenty of tension amid bright storytelling the embraces some gypsy jazz nods.

Closer to the end, the carnivalesque “The Fool” makes great use of accordion alongside soulful brass, and “Baby Baby Baby” exits the listen with a twinkling approach of lullaby friendly song craft that’s dreamy, pretty and soothing.

Formerly of The Wailin’ Jennys, Chvostek’s got a lengthy and esteemed career in music, but one that’s also been plagued with health problems, including hearing loss and tinnitus. Despite those setbacks, her accomplished blend of modern folk, charming tango, timeless jazz and even Tom Waits-ian carnival rock makes String Of Pearls an exploratory, fascinating and absorbing listening experience.

Travels well with: Moon- Shine; Mare Wakefield & Nomad- No Remedy

Ida Mae

Click Click Domino

Thirty Tigers, 2021

9/10

Listen to Click Click Domino

The British duo Ida Mae never disappoint, and this time around they bring guests Marcus King and Jake Kiszka into an atypical version of indie-rock that’s rhythmic, full of sturdy riffs and well timed keys that includes insightful wordplay about the repercussions of today’s reliance on social media.

“Road To Avalon” starts the listen with precisely picked guitar as soft, dreamy singing enters the gorgeous, atmospheric opener that tips its hat to mountain folk music, and the title track follows with King’s talent on hand, where a rugged, bluesy approach unfolds with both grace and adventurousness.

Further into the listen, “Little Liars” pairs synthetic drumming with a cautious, even haunting display of retro-rock, while “Deep River” has King back for a country influenced roots rocker that sizzles with energy. “Calico Coming Down”, another exceptional track, then brings a folksy strummer to the affair, where bare moments are met with busier, flowing textures.

Arriving near the end, the sturdy blues rocker “Mountain Lion Blues” emits soulful qualities amid a thick, southern rock climate, and “Has My Midnight Begun” finishes the listen with a slow burning and sublime execution of incredible skill and agile instrumentation.

Recorded in their Nashville home after their tour was halted due to the pandemic, Ethan Johns handles drumming on the record and Nick Pini plays bass, as Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean bring instruments like a banjo ukulele, vintage synthesizers, a mellotron and others to their most daring work yet. Having spent a massive amount of time traveling the country for the past couple of years, Turpin and Jean’s keen observations are soundtracked by nostalgic rock’n’roll, country, folk and soul moments that are quickly making them one of the most exciting outfits that exists today.

Travels well with: Robert Finley- Sharecropper’s Son; Jonah Tolchin- Fires For The Cold

Lisa St. Lou

Ain’t No Good Man

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Ain’t No Good Man

Although this is Lisa St. Lou’s debut record, the accomplished singer has an impressive resume that includes time on Broadway and a master’s degree in opera, and with Ain’t No Good Man she pulls no punches lyrically while musically finds herself indebted to ‘60s soul.

The title track starts the listen with St. Lou’s sublime, expressive and soulful vocals guiding the warm brass, gospel flavor and powerful song craft, and “Girl, Get On” follows with a playful, bouncy approach of thumping drums, soothing backing vocals and frisky organ.

Elsewhere, the emotive and R&B influenced “You Better Don’t” soars high, while “Nothing Is Ever Enough (For A Man)” recruits spirited guitar work amid versatile singing from St. Lou and Irma Thomas as the precise piano work complements the rich landscape. “Whatcha’ Gonna Do”, the album’s best, then displays a lively duet that’s adventurous and undeniably charming.

The final two tracks, “Are You Ready” and “Flowers In The Rain”, keep the quality of the album consistent, where the former moves swiftly alongside a retro energy, and the latter unfolds poetically, even spiritually in its sublime finish.

In addition to Thomas, St. Lou also brings in Ivan Neville, Ian Neville and Tony Hall, among others, as the songstress delivers an empowering listen that embraces blues, funk, R&B and gospel ideas into a very enjoyable and accomplished first record.

Travels well with: Dumpstaphunk- Where Do We Go From Here; Diplomats Of Solid Sound- A Higher Place

Porter Block

Clean Up The Living Room

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Clean Up The Living Room

The veteran rockers Porter Block return after a half decade hiatus from recorded music, and their sincere and exciting brand of pop sounds more relevant than ever as Clean Up The Living Room thematically surrounds topics like loneliness, empathy and understanding.

“Say Something Nice” starts the listen with firm keys and inviting vocals as warm guitar and precise drumming guide the mature pop climate, and “I Don’t Wanna Wait” follows with acrobatic keys and a busy landscape of soaring melodies that you won’t forget soon.

Halfway through, “Taking The Boat To Water” enters dreamy territory, where frontman Peter Block’s soulful pipes are complemented by the playful instrumentation, while “Angry” brings hooks and harmony to the sophisticated album highlight. “Mine To Control”, another exceptional tune, then recruits a more rock focused demeanor that bounces with timeless textures.

Landing near the end, the title track is a quick flash of atypical piano balladry, and “Get On The Bus” exits the listen with grit and melody meeting at a glorious intersection that you’ll want to revisit again.

Peter Block penned this album on piano (he’s also versed in guitar), before sending off the demos to his collaborator, Caleb Sherman, who tweaked the songs with his inimitable skills. Block then put some final touches on the effort, and it’s certainly one of the best in their deep catalog of power pop meets modern rock sensibilities.

Travels well with: The Wallflowers- Exit Wounds; The Kinks- Lola Versus Powerman And The Moneygoround Part One

Kristin Callahan

Lost In A Dream

Ivy Door, 2021

8/10

Listen to Lost In A Dream

A versatile and acclaimed vocalist from DC, Kristin Callahan takes an artistic and organic approach to her song craft on Lost In A Dream, where Eliot Seppa takes on bass, arranger and co-producer duties, and Matvei Sigalov, Tom Teasley, Mark Prince, Carroll Dashiell III, Lee Pearson, Joe Herrera and Matt Rippetoe contribute their respective talents.

“Lush Life” starts the listen with Callahan’s romantic, sultry vocals alongside light drumming and a very soothing atmosphere, and “Memories Always Start” isn’t far off and full of soulful brass and a very emotive climate, where the strategic drumming complements the dreamy, instrumental setting.

In the middle, the expressive, poetic “Lost In A Dream” emits much culture in its graceful delivery that benefits greatly from Sigalov’s guitar, while “Caravan” highlights Seppa’s skilled bass plucking and Herrera’s soft trumpet amid the adventurous album highlight.

Later on, “The Shadow Of Your Smile” has Callahan hitting some pretty high notes in a cozy jazz landscape, and “Once I Loved” finishes the listen bare, intimate and full of sublime songwriting.

Callahan has been honing her craft since the age of 8, and has built an impressive list of performances and recordings. Lost In A Dream is right at the top of that list, where a thoughtful, emotive and occasionally Latin flavored version of jazz unfolds in ways you can’t help but adore.

Travels well with: Sue Maskaleris- Love Is The Key; Deborah Silver- Glitter & Grits

Greg Antista And The Lonely Streets

Under The Neon Heat

Primal Beat, 2021

10/10

Listen to Under The Neon Heat

The Southern California supergroup Greg Antista And The Lonely Streets (ex-T.S.O.L., Manic Hispanic, Joyride and Mink Daggers, to name a few) return with a sophomore album and new member Frank Agnew, who brings his impressive guitar skills to a veteran effort where Americana, pop-punk and even modern rock aren’t far from their timeless formula.

“Down On The Commonwealth” starts the listen with the quartet’s punk rock roots intact as a mature delivery of hooky guitars and fiery drumming complement the melodic singing from Antista, and “Feel Alright” continues the strong song craft with soaring vocals amid a punchy rock’n’roll spirit that seems like it should be played loudly near a beach.

Further along, “Rosalita” is precisely charged with firm, dynamic instrumentation but tuneful in a way that will get you singing along immediately, while “One More Mistake” brings some power-pop ideas to a sugary sweet landscape that you can’t help but be smitten with.

On the back half of the record, “Unfinished Business” brings acoustic guitar to the intimate climate, and the album highlight, “Halfway To Whole”, thumps with an anthemic quality as the 4 legends brings their respective talent to gritty yet harmonic landscape. “Carmelita” exits the listen armed with an accordion, where the band illustrate much diversity amid their Hispanic roots that has bassist and accordionist Warren Renfrow on vocals.

A very diverse listen that touches on surf-rock, rootsy ideas and, of course, plenty of time honored punk rock, Antista, Renfrow, Agnew and Jorge E. Disguster (drums, vocals) bring a wealth of experience and memorableness to one of the best records of 2021.

Travels well with: Professor And The Madman- Séance; Foxy- Can’t Stop Us/X-Ray Spex Tribute

Dennis Lloyd

Some Days

Arista, 2021

8/10

Listen to Some Days

An Israeli musician, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Dennis Lloyd has been making a significant global impression lately, and this first album brings a very worldly approach to his highly meticulous version of pop.

“Changes” starts the listen with much atmosphere as soulful singing flows amid soundbites and a buzzing version of modern pop ideas, and “Alien” follows with swift acoustic guitar and playful percussion as soaring vocals and plenty of warm beats will get you headed straight for the dance floor.

Entering the middle, the graceful piano and expressive singing of “Hold On” make this one of the album’s best, while the bright brass and dreamy “Dogs” resides closer to reggae territory with its laid back climate. “The Way”, another exceptional track and the first single, then showcases intricate texturing as Lloyd sorts through the ups and downs of overnight stardom.

Landing near the end, “Meditation” offers a busy and lyrically very straight forward peek at Lloyd’s song craft alongside playful brass, precise electronica and spirited guitar work, and “Leave It All Behind” exits the listen calm, sublime and intimate, where Lloyd’s heartfelt pipes are very much appreciated.

A profoundly personal effort, making Some Days was a therapeutic experience for Lloyd, who was trying to fix what was broken internally. Like much art that stems from personal strife, it’s a literate, emotive and creative venture, and one that will certainly please his enormous fanbase, while making plenty of new ones, too.

Travels well with: Hiatus- Distancer; Wassailer- I, The Bastard

The Flatlanders

Treasure Of Love

Thirty Tigers, 2021

9/10

Listen to Treasure Of Love

The veteran rural rockers The Flatlanders are back after over a decade long hiatus from a new album, and they’ve made the wait worth it as Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock deliver a handful of gems packed with twang, harmony, humor and heartbreak.

“Moanin’ Of The Midnight Train” starts the listen with acoustic guitar and pedal steel laying the groundwork for a country spirited opener that’s rugged, melodic and embraces multiple electric guitars, and it isn’t long until the rootsy ideas of “Snowin’ On Raton” arrive, where warm acoustic guitar aligns with the expressive singing.

There’s 15 tracks present, most of which are covers, and each one is executed flawlessly. Some of the middle tracks are the best, and include the heartfelt Americana of “Give My Love To Rose”, while the title track will have you headed straight for the dance floor thanks to the honky tonk fun.

Closer to the end, the smooth country rock of “She Belongs To Me” is full of breezy songwriting, and “Mobile Blue” indeed brings a bluesy spirit to the infectious, twang friendly energy. “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” exits the listen, and lacks no chemistry as the trio offer soaring harmonica amid the frisky instrumentation that’s as wild as it is memorable.

An institution in the area of Americana, and quite possibly the first alt-country band, although they haven’t seen much commercial success in their 50 years as a band, The Flatlanders have produced nothing but substantial, timeless and precise song craft that sounds as great today as it did 10, 20, 30 etc. years ago.

Travels well with: The Jayhawks- XOXO; The Long Ryders- Psychedelic Country Soul

Lorraina Marro

Love Is For All Time

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Love Is For All Time

The Los Angeles vocalist Lorraina Marro brings selections from jazz, R&B and Latin sounds on this ballad and swing friendly listen, where Steve Rawins, Jennifer Leitham, Grant Geissman, Steve Pemberton, Dr. Bobby Rodriguez and Rickey Woodard all accompany her on the 10 track listen.

“Stairway To The Stairs” starts the listen with warm keys from Rawlins as Marro’s equally inviting vocals guide the soulful saxophone and precise drumming in the Latin flavored climate, and “I’m Not Alone” continues with much grace, where Pemberton’s cautious drumming aligns with the poetic landscape.

Entering the middle, “Rain Sometimes” benefits much from powerful, emotive singing alongside Woodward’s strategic sax, while “My Baby Just Cares For Me” showcases Leitham’s playful bass plucking in an equally frisky atmosphere. “When The World Turns Blue”, a particularly strong track, then flows with much beauty and builds into a swift display of timeless, heartfelt jazz.

Deeper yet, “I Wished On The Moon” shuffles with a charming energy that’s as glorious as it is infectious, and “Esta Tarde Vi Llover (Yesterday I Heard The Rain)” exits the listen with both English and Spanish singing as Marro brings much culture to the well thought out finish.

Marro is in fine form on this career highlight record, and together with the sextet on hand, she makes each interpretation her own in a diverse and sincere body of work.

Travels well with: Andre Ferreri Quintetto- Numero Uno; Kendall Carter- Introducing Kendall Carter

Tomáš Sýkora

Songs For Orchestra

Animal, 2021

9/10

Listen to Songs For Orchestra

The pianist and composer Tomáš Sýkora is joined by David Farek on saxophone, Tomas Liska handling double bass, Roman Vicha behind the drum kit and the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra on this impressive live performance where the ensemble pay homage to Karel Ruzicka with incredible chemistry and improvisational strength.

“Lovebird” starts the listen with elegant strings and much grace, as warm brass and light drumming surround the flowing piano, and “Hidden Songs Suite”, an original composition, follows with 5 chapters that span from busy and playful amid crisp drumming, as well as cinematic and dreamy qualities. Deeper into this portion, “In Memory Of Time” even recruits a rock’n’roll spirit as a contagious energy unfolds, armed with soaring strings, jumpy keys and firm percussion.

The final track, “Grace & Gratitude”, spends 25 minutes mesmerizing us with soulful sax, sophisticated strings and strategic drumming that’s capable of intimacy as well as explosive moments that illustrate fascinating talent and synergy.

The orchestral portions of the recording were conducted by Stepanka Balcarova, whose attention to detail is very much appreciated, and together with the esteemed players and Sýkora’s inimitable vision, they deliver a jazz, classical and orchestral experience like no other.

Travels well with: Dave Walther- Distance; Bruce Leto, Jr.- Singing Style

Inna Faliks

Reimagine: Beethoven & Ravel

Navona, 2021

8/10

Listen to Reimagine: Beethoven & Ravel

The piano genius Inna Faliks turns in an incredible interpretation of Beethoven and Ravel with Reimagine, where she brings ingenuity to classic compositions while still keeping the integrity of the originals intact.

“Bagatelle” starts the listen with agile and precise keys that flow with much beauty and grace, and “Bagatelle Opus 126 #1” follows with quick and intricate finger acrobatics as Faliks displays incredible flexibility.

Further on, “Bagatelle Opus #4” glides playfully, amid a bouncy spirit of frisky sounds, while “Sweet Nothings” moves sublimely alongside a cautious and elegant delivery. “Variations On A Spell”, the album highlight, then twinkles with a meticulous manipulation of keys as Faliks offers a dreamy, absorbing landscape.

Deeper yet, “Old Ground” emits a hypnotic quality that’s full of emotional song craft, and “Pursuit” exits the listen with both busy, even furious flashes, as well as calm moments of divine musicianship.

Nine modern day composers were brought in for this effort, including Richard Danielpour, Billy Childs and Timo Andres, to name a few, and together with Faliks’ technical prowess, they offer us Classical, Romantic and contemporary pieces that breathe new life into already exceptional music.

Travels well with: Carl Vollrath- Old & New Poetry; Ilja Hurník- Gratias

Anthony Brandt

Maternity/ Ulysses, Home

Navona, 2019

8/10

Listen to Maternity/Ulysses, Home

The esteemed composer Anthony Brandt comes through on his Navona debut with 2 very antipodal compositions that share a massive amount of creativity.

“Maternity” starts the listen with 17 minutes of sounds from the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra as Karol Bennett delivers her stunning soprano in the operatic setting, and “The Founding Mothers” follows with a reading from David Eagleman that’s both touching and clever as he touches on the lives of 21 woman through millions of years of history.

The last portion of the listen, “Ulysses, Home”, is divided in 6 parts where strings by the Del Sol String Quartet are used playfully as Bennett’s pipes are complemented by Liam Bonner’s baritone vocals as Brandt imagines Homer’s story of Ulysses and his return to Penelope following the Trojan War.

Both musical pieces here, amazingly, were recorded live, and the sublime delivery touches on the human experience in a gripping, inimitable fashion.

Travels well with: Society Of Composers, Inc- Flux; Dimensions Vol. 2- Works For Orchestra