Rebecca Angel

Love Life Choices

Timeless Grooves, 2021

8/10

Listen to Love Life Choices

The New York songstress Rebecca Angel has given us several great singles these last few years, and now she’s got her first album ready, where she mixes originals with interpretations that showcase her mature, diverse and thriving skill set that welcomes plenty of hands on deck across the 10 tracks.

“For What It’s Worth”, a Buffalo Springfield tune, starts the listen with Reggie Washington’s bouncy bass work as Angel’s diverse pipes enter alongside bright trumpet from Dennis Angel on the highly melodic opener, and “Till Now (Gymnopédie No. 1) follows with a dreamy delivery of warm keys thanks to Jason Miles, playful congas from Mark Rivera, and, of course, Angel’s pretty singing.

Halfway through, “Waiting In Vain” keeps some of the reggae spirit alive from the Bob Marley tune, as Angel’s hazy vocals are met with laid back guitar work from both Nir Felder and Romero Lubambo, while “Corcovado” recruits flugelhorn from Dennis Angel and intricate picking from Romero Lubambo’s guitar amid a very dreamy, cultured climate. “Waters Of March”, one of the record’s best, then moves swiftly with Jay Rodriguez’s airy flute and Pamela Driggs adding her vocals to a lush, even dance friendly spirit.

The album exits with a pair of originals, where “Thoughts And Prayers” brings some modern day pop ideas into her timeless jazz influences as she stays quite topical with lyrical themes, and “Summer Song (Electro Remix)” embraces synth and soprano sax in an eclectic and memorable finish.

Angel mixes up subject matter that’s personal (she was recently married), as well as wordplay surrounding current events, and the inclusion of 3 originals shows us that she’s got the songwriting chops, too. Undoubtedly the work of a young woman with a lengthy and esteemed career on the horizon, Love Life Choices is a big step towards worldwide stardom.

Travels well with: Rebecca DuMaine And The Dave Miller Trio- Chez Nous; Reza Khan- Imaginary Road

Rebecca Angel

Just The Two Of Us

Timeless Grooves, 2021

8/10

Listen to Just The Two Of Us

A precursor to her new album also released this year, Rebecca Angel puts a fresh coat of paint on this Grammy winning classic, where her sublime vocals and soulful, jazz friendly vision certainly points towards our survival instincts during these pandemic ridden times.

The tune starts with playful drumming from Gene Lake as Angel’s smooth, expressive singing enters alongside Ira Siegel’s warm guitar playing and Reggie Washington’s strategic bass, which are complemented by Ada Rovatti’s soulful sax.

Further into the tune, Jason Miles makes an impression with his keyboard prowess and Maya Azucena’s light backing vocals won’t go unnoticed as Angel delivers inviting vocal scatting.

Angel’s debut album, Love Life Choices, will feature this song plus 9 more, and it will be sure to spotlight the young songstresses originals mixed with interpretations, as she welcomes a large cast of musicians to the affair.

Travels well with: Rebecca Hennessy- All The Little Things You Do; Malin Pettersen- Wildhorse

Jack Grace Band

What A Way To Spend A Night

Radia, 2021

9/10

Listen to What A Way To Spend A Night

A Brooklyn native, the multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Jack Grace recently left New York for a stint in the UK, where he played solo shows before assembling a band. With new songs in their set, the trio then fine tuned them in the Cambridge/London scene, and the songs were eventually tracked in England before being brought back to the states where horns and strings were added.

Grace starts the listen with the warm and soulful “The Monster Song”, where his deep vocals are met with moody organ, jumpy keys and frisky percussion as the tune abruptly shifts in tempo and mood, and “You’d Be Disappointed (If I Didn’t Disappoint You)” follows with well timed brass, subtle backing vocals and a stylish delivery that’s full of jazz and blues nods, too.

Deeper into the listen, “Bearded Man” gets more rugged with thick guitars amid strategic organ and soaring guitar solos, while “Broken Melody” simmers lightly in a poetic and melodic climate. “Don’t Wanna Work Today”, one of the album’s best, then shuffles quickly amid playful drumming, bright horns and a dance floor friendly spirit that you can’t help but admire.

Nearing the end, “Smokehouse Discrepancy” is an instrumental tune that’s full of strong and unpredictable interaction between the esteemed players, and “Chinatown” exits the listen with a scrappy garage rocker that displays Grace’s gritty pipes alongside intricate guitar work.

Grace is joined by Fabian Bonner (bass), Ian Griffith (drums), J Walter Hawkes (trombone), Chris Lucca (trumpet) and Bill Malchow (keys, viola, accordion), and together they embrace many variations of rock that take influences from the ‘60s on, and are never tied to a specific genre, but emit much timelessness and familiarity.

Travels well with: Rod Picott- Wood, Steel, Dust & Dreams; Matt Eckstine- Lil’ Blue

Welcome Center

Talk Talk Talk

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Talk Talk Talk

An electronic rooted outfit comprised of Aaron Sternick and Jesse Smith, as Welcome Center the pair birth a very interesting and often nostalgic brand of synth fueled rock that meshes post-punk, dream-pop and even New Wave odds.

“Parasite City” starts the listen calm, even dreamy, with soft piano alongside swift percussion that quickly builds into a buzzing post-punk meets modern electro-pop hybrid that’s quite infectious.

The middle track, “Burn”, flows with charming synth and indie-rock ideas unfolding with both warmth and adventurousness, where breathy singing aligns with hazy instrumentation.

The final track is on par with the greatness of the work before it, as “Losers” finds itself more indebted to pop amid a bouncy and upbeat delivery that welcomes brass from Weston Smith into the busy, textured climate.

A listen that would be ideal to be played alongside New Order, The Postal Service or even Jukebox The Ghost, Welcome Center certainly have an inclination for EPs, and I can’t see anyone not fully enjoying these songs, but let me say that just 3 is not enough when you’re as exceptional as this. Thankfully, repeated plays never out welcome their stay.

Travels well with: Bizou- Tragic Lover; Palm Ghosts- Lifeboat Candidate

Michelle And Jason Hannan

Cheater’s Waltz

Waiting For Lester, 2021

9/10

Listen to Cheater’s Waltz

A husband and wife duo, the Hannan’s create a concept album here, where the story revolves around a woman who’s been dealt a bad hand with love, but then meets a stranger in a bar. Things turns from good to bad and then even worse, and it actually ends in murder. Musically, it’s not quite as turbulent, as the couple take help from Howard Parker, Jim Robeson and Shannon Bielski on their unique brand of Americana.

“Nothing Left To Lose” starts the listen with Michelle’s smooth, pretty pipes guiding the melodic folk rocker that benefits much from Parker’s pedal steel, and “Before I Met You” follows with a frisky pace of rural shuffling that’s full of punchy drumming and warm twang as Jason’s agile pipes take center stage.

Moving on, the title track brings the listen into sublime balladry, as a duet unfolds with aching pedal steel and much emotion, while “If You Won’t Say It’s Over” enters classic country territory in its precise execution as Michelle’s stirring singing is nothing short of breath taking. “Everything I’ve Got’s In Tennessee”, one of the record’s best, then emits a breezy quality amid spirited guitar work and soothing fiddle thanks to Bielski.

Approaching the end, “The Sentence” is mesmerizing Americana that’s both intimate and playful, and “Feel Like My Time Ain’t Long” exits the listen a cappella with plenty of soul and strong vocal acrobatics.

An extremely accomplished outing, it’s nice to see a record meant to be digested as a whole, rather than a couple singles surrounded by filler. Whether your interests lean towards vintage folk, honky tonk fun, timeless country or even bluegrass, you’re going to find much to enjoy here, as the pair obviously put much thought into this captivating album.

Travels well with: Julia Kasdorf- Motel; Domenic Cicala- Come On Over

Garrett Wieland

What Keeps The Heart Afloat

Thieves’ Den, 2021

8/10

Listen to What Keeps The Heart Afloat

A Texas multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter that some of us will recognize as a member of the Americana outfit The Independent Thieves, here Garrett Wieland finds a place for his quieter songs to reside, as songs about mental health, love and and literature unfold with a heartfelt, sincere delivery.

Wieland starts the listen with the calm strumming of “Resolutions”, where his smooth, poetic singing is met with agile drumming from Mason Shirley on the warm Americana, and “Dennis” follows with a gentle approach of soft guitar alongside eloquent storytelling amid the folk influenced climate.

Further on, “The Firewatch (Gabriel’s Story)” displays Wieland’s pensive song craft where subtle cello from Carrie Mae Pierce makes a big impact, while “Devotion” gets a bit more rugged while still embracing much beauty in the country rock spirit. ‘A Hand In The Dark”, one of the best selections, then illustrates bare but impactful songwriting with much attention to detail.

Close to the end, “Jesus What I Mess” welcomes pedal steel from Shirley as Wieland’s piano helps lay the foundation for an intimate and stirring album highlight, and “Mustard Seed” exits the listen with just Wieland and his guitar emitting a timeless approach of organic, meticulous sounds.

An effort that illustrates Wieland’s divers skill set, his folk and country nods are certainly appreciated, and let’s hope he finds time for more solo work in the future, cause he knows his way around a song we won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Megan Lacy- Salvation; Last Year’s Man- Brave The Storm

Angela Autumn

Frontiers Woman

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Frontiers Woman

A Pennsylvania native who now calls Tennessee home, the multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Angela Autumn’s absorbing brand of Americana welcomes bluegrass, folk, country and rootsy moments across these 7 well thought out tracks.

Autumn starts the listen with the warm acoustic strumming of “Old Time Lovers”, where her expressive, poetic singing is complemented by Julian Pinelli’s fiddle and Kate Haldrup’s agile percussion, and “Sowin’ Seeds” follows with flowing banjo from Keagan Justice and playful fiddle thanks to Nate Leath as Autumn delivers a country rooted, breezy rocker.

In the middle, “Shooter” benefits from Scott Murray’s pedal steel alongside Autumn’s versatile pipes in the sublime climate, while “Back In Line” touches on folk sounds amid Nick Harley’s guitar prowess and stirring, emotive singing.

The final two tracks, “Fine Blue Sky” and “Texas Blue Jeans”, don’t disappoint either, where the former showcases Shawn Mazzei on lead guitar and Max Somerville’s well timed keys as roots ideas are touched on, and the latter exits both rugged and melodic and includes Austin Stambaugh’s contributions on bass and Phil Madeira offering organ towards the Laurel Canyon influenced atmosphere.

A listen that’s all substance both musically and lyrically, Autumn sings from the position of an empowered female who’s traveling and examining her life, and together with the exceptional musicians in attendance, she’s well on her way to becoming a very prominent name in modern day Americana.

Travels well with: Run Katie Run- Running On Love; Hope Dunbar- Sweetheartland

Merle Monroe

Songs Of A Simple Life

Pinecastle, 2021

8/10

Listen to Songs Of A Simple Life

The bluegrass outfit Merle Monroe made quite an impression with their 2019 debut, Back To The Country, and this sophomore album continues their strong song craft where firm nods to Merle Haggard and Bill Monroe are thankfully still present and very appreciated.

“Hello Sunshine” starts the listen swift and glorious, as precise mandolin and flowing guitar complement the soaring vocal harmonies, and “Goodbye Marie” follows with warm banjo and much emotion entering the reflective climate.

In the middle, “Harlin Darlin’” benefits much from the moody fiddle as upbeat banjo acrobatics make this one of the album’s best, while “(I’d Be) A Legend In My Time” burns slow and gentle, where much beauty surrounds the introspective songwriting. “Sings His Praises Forever” then places a significant gospel influence into the rural song craft where dynamic interaction between the strings won’t go unnoticed.

At the end, the country rockin’ “Forget About You” bounces with a playful, timeless spirit, and “God’s Still In Control” exits the listen sublime, wise and stirring in its gorgeous exit.

Not so surprisingly, 3 singles here have already charted at number one, and the entire album is top notch bluegrass from beginning to end, as founding members Daniel Grindstaff and Tim Raybon and company are in peak form.

Travels well with: The Farm Hands- 4.0; Wilson Banjo Co.- Six Degrees Of Separation

Wilson Banjo Co.

Six Degrees Of Separation

Pinecastle, 2021

8/10

Listen to Six Degrees Of Separation

An all star ensemble spearheaded by Steve Wilson, who brings his esteemed skills as a recording engineer and custom banjo builder to this very well crafted effort, Six Degrees Of Separation also hosts names like Joey Newton, Michael Cleveland, Shawn Lane and Clay Hess to name a few.

“When The Crow Comes Down” starts the listen with banjo acrobatics from Wilson and Richard Bennett’s proficient guitar alongside Sarah Logan’s warm, harmonic singing in the agile bluegrass opener that gets a bit haunting, and “Midnight On The Highway” follows with flowing mandolin thanks to Alan Bibey, as Logan’s soaring pipes guide the melodic rural rocker.

Approaching the middle, “Colors Of My Life” enters ballad territory with sublime singing as Michael Branch’s skilled bass and Wilson’s banjo make an impression, while “Just A Few More Miles” recruits Dale Ann Bradley on harmony vocals and Dale Perry on banjo/harmony for the album’s best track. “Autumn Leaves”, another exceptional track, then displays Stephen Hudon’s fiddle prowess alongside Gena Britt’s banjo skills.

Near the end, “Wrong Turn That Led Me To You” places Colton Rudd on lead vocals as Glen Crain’s reso guitar helps cultivate a very lush atmosphere, and a pair of versions of “Long Hard Day” exit the listen, and both showcase Adam Plott’s drums amid Tony Wray’s banjo and Wilson’s harmony vocals that are both rugged and highly tuneful.

A listen that embraces all the hallmarks of bluegrass that we will never tire of, Six Degrees Of Separation presents an edgier side of the band than we’re used to, and the caliber of artists on hand make it their best to date, too.

Travels well with: The Farm Hands- 4.0; Merle Monroe- Songs Of A Simple Life

The Farm Hands

4.0

Pinecastle, 2021

8/10

Listen to 4.0

The bluegrass stars The Farm Hands are back with another batch of timeless gems, and this version of the band brings Tim Graves, Kimberly Bibb, Kelsey Crews, David Mansfield III and Bryan Graves to 13 new tracks where all members sing and contribute their respective instrumental talent.

“Pride” starts the listen with warm strings and sublime vocal harmonies in the rural flavored melodies, and “Circle Of Wood” follows with a calmer spirit of beauty amid precisely picked strings.

Near the middle, “Shoal Creek Road” takes a very cautious approach initially before bursting into soaring string dynamics as country rock ideas enter their flourishing brand of bluegrass, while “This World Of Mine” displays incredible fiddle prowess amid radiant singing. “Cuttin’ The Grass” then gets swift, playful and instantly memorable in its instrumental climate.

Not far from the finish, the gospel influenced “He’s My Rock And Salvation” showcases much emotion and power in its sincere execution, and “I Wanted To Be Saved” exits the listen gentle, stirring and with a memorableness that has characterized all of their music to date.

As a five piece now, The Farm Hands again prove just why they are one of the best in today’s modern bluegrass scene, and anyone with an ear for banjo, fiddle, mandolin, reso guitar and harmony vocals won’t be disappointed with 4.0.

Travels well with: Bobby & Teddi Cyrus- Bobby & Teddi Cyrus; Williamson Branch- Heritage & Hope

Chelsea Guo

Chopin In My Voice

Orchid, 2021

9/10

Listen to Chopin In My Voice

A debut album that pays homage to some of Chopin’s greatest work, Chelsea Guo brings a rare period Steinway and her stunning pipes to these exceptional interpretations.

“Prelude No. 1 in C major- Agitato” starts the listen with a brief display of meticulous and flowing finger acrobatics, and this sets the tone for “Prelude No. 2 in A minor- Lento”, where the cautious piano work shows much beauty and restraint.

Deeper into the listen, “Prelude No. 7 in A major- Andantino” is another short track that emits much reflection, while the much longer “Prelude No. 12 in G-sharp minor- Presto” has Guo playing firmly, in an exciting, flawless execution of unparalleled skill. “Prelude No. 16 in B-flat minor- Presto con fuoco”, one of the best selections, then moves at a very quick pace of fascinating, even hypnotizing song craft that’s so intricate, it hardly seems like only one piano is present.

Approaching the end, the tense and lush “Barcarolle in F-sharp major, Op.60” enters dreamy territory that, even at 8+ minutes. doesn’t out welcome its stay, and “Di piacer mi balza il cor”, from La Gazza Ladra, showcases Guo’s incredible vocals amid the graceful, jumpy keys.

The top prizewinner of the 2020 U.S. National Chopin Piano Competition, this young woman plays with a heartfelt, charming and spellbinding skill on what just might be the best debut of 2021.

Travels well with: Scott Lee- Through The Mangrove Tunnels; David Liptak- Dove Songs

Laura Nyro Live In Japan

Tree Of Ages

Omnivore, 2021

9/10

Listen to Tree Of Ages

The Omnivore label unearthed a couple of rare Laura Nyro recordings for us, and this one was actually a Japan released only disc, and collects 16 tracks recorded at Kintetsu Hall, plus 5 taken from On Air West. The songs span across her entire exceptional and, unfortunately, far too short career, and illustrate the many dimensions of Nyro’s thoughtful, piano fueled song craft.

“Dedicated To The One I Love” starts the listen with warm piano and Nyro’s inimitable and radiant vocals in the company of soulful backing vocals, and this poetic approach continues to the playful yet graceful climate of “A Woman Of The World”, as well as more upbeat and melodic “Walk The Dog & Light”.

The middle tracks offer us the vivid storytelling of the absorbng “And When I Die”, where Nyro hits some pretty high notes, while the jumpy keys of “The Descent of Luna Rosé” lends itself to a flowing, sublime delivery that makes this one of the best. “Trees Of The Ages/Emmie” then embraces much beauty and eloquence amid harmony vocals from Diane Wilson, Dian Sorrell and Diane Garisto.

Close to the end, “Wind” is an a cappella tune that is so well executed you may not even notice there are no instruments, and “Art Of Love” exits the listen vocally strong and soothing, much like everything Nyro did in her lifetime.

Nyro not only wrote hits for legends like Barbara Streisand and Three Dog Night, among many others, but has inspired names like Cyndi Lauper, Todd Rungren and many more. She released 10 studio albums of her own before being stricken with ovarian cancer and passing away at age 49.

An excellent package with updated artwork and new liner notes from John Kruth, all the tracks here were recorded in 1994, and sound incredible. It’s so well done, in fact, that there is just no denying that this live release is just as essential as any of her studio work.

Travels well with: Cat Stevens- Back To Earth; Don Mclean- Botanical Gardens

The Tragically Hip

Saskadelphia

Universal, 2021

9/10

Listen to Saskadelphia

Well, well, what an incredible surprise this is. A new EP of old songs recorded in 1990 but that were shelved, though the Canadian legends The Tragically Hip have made it clear they will not continue on without their much revered leader Gord Downie, who passed way in 2017, they’ve hinted at future records and that day in finally here.

“Ouch” starts the listen with no shortage of melody as grit and rhythm enter a lively version of modern rock that’s already climbed the Canadian charts, and “Not Necessary” continues that lead with an energetic rhythm section that flows alongside driving guitar work and rugged singing that almost brings us back to the very early days of the almighty Live.

Halfway through we’re treated to a live version of “Montreal”, where a darker qualities enter the more cautious setting, while “Crack My Spine Like A Whip” moves swiftly, including strong attention to detail that unfolds with memorable riffs and an edgy appeal that sounds right at home in the early ‘90s.

Close to the end, the thick rocker “Just As Well” takes not so subtle nods to bar rock with rowdy results, and “Reformed Baptist Blues” exits the listen with Downie’s signature snarl sounding like an old friend you needed to catch up with, as the band flirt with jam band qualities and bluesy sensibilities.

If you’re a diehard fan, you may have heard these songs on bootlegs or in concert, and it’s great to have them here in their recorded form. The recorded version of “Montreal” couldn’t be located, so the live version is included here, which no one is going to complain about. Whether you’ve been following along this whole time or are a first time listener, these 6 tracks from their early years (they were originally recorded for 1991’s Road Apples) won’t disappoint and hint at further greatness from one of the best rock bands of this generation.

Travels well with: Paul Weller- Fat Pop (Volume 1); Arkells- Morning Report

Paula Cole

American Quilt

675, 2021

9/10

Listen to American Quilt

Even if the Grammy winning songwriter Paula Cole hasn’t achieved the mainstream success that made her a household name in the ‘90s, the now 53 year old artist has maintained her prominent voice and remained quite busy in recent decades, as American Quilt is her 7th album since the year 2000.

An aptly titled record, and perhaps her most diverse work to date, Cole brings much experience and skill to relatable songs that span many genres and would be suited for mountains or cities, rivers or fields.

Cole starts the listen with the emotive and soulful “You Don’t Know What Love Is”, where gentle keys, precise upright bass and a guitar solo from Kevin Barry complement the sublime singing, and “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” follows with a gospel spirit that benefits much from Darcel Wilson’s backing vocals and Jay Bellerose’s punchy drumming.

At the halfway point, “Black Mountain Blues” embraces a rural flavor as adventurous fiddle and plucked bass help cultivate a warm climate, while “Good Morning Heartache” enters folk territory, where well timed clarinets and a Wurlitzer add much to the thoughtful, dreamy landscape. “Bye Bye Blackbird”, one of the album’s best, then touches on jazz sensibilities amid strategic finger snapping and cozy guitar lines.

Near the end, the bare and powerful “Steal Away/Hidden In Plain Sight” is a poetic and creative take on a traditional but with Cole adding an original, personal angle onto it, and “What A Wonderful World” exits the listen with a gorgeous interpretation of the classic that reminds us again of just how special the human experience is.

Cole has come a long way from her formative years as a back up singer for Peter Gabriel, and American Quilt again proves how timeless her well thought out song craft, radiant voice and personal wordplay continues to be.

Travels well with: Sweetlove- Goodnight, Lover; Evvan- Home

Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate

Lowak Shoppala’

Azica, 2021

8/10

Listen to Lowak Shoppala’

The composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate brings us a fascinating body of work here, where he expresses Chickasaw identity through modern classical music and theatre. It features the Chickasaw Nation Children’s Chorus and Nashville String Machine, among many others, to convey the genuine and spirit of Tate’s rich heritage.

Act I starts the listen with the calm storytelling of “Fire And Light”, where soft instrumentation complements the talking that, halfway through, welcomes gentle chanting, and “Double Header” continues this approach with firm drumming, lively percussion and an authentic call and response from the Chickasaw voices.

The Clans portion of this act also brings in eloquent narration that gets a bit more intense with “Foshi (Bird)”, as well as the cinematic, atmospheric “Acho’ chaba’ (Alligator)”, and the dreamy strings of “Fani’ (Squirrel)”. “Minko (Chief)” exits the act, and displays sublime singing alongside vivid storytelling that builds into a cathartic, even ebullient finish.

Act II leads with “Entr’ acte”, which branches off from Act I with a similar vocal quality amid a triumphant spirit before settling into the calm, stirring “Removal”, where faint singing adds much to the surreal landscape. “Finale: Fire And Light” exits the listen initially with just narration, before a powerful conclusion armed with glowing voices from the Children’s Chorus leaves an indelible mark.

Also in attendance are Richard Ray Whitman, Lynn Moroney, and Wes Studi (narration), Stephen Clark (baritone), and Chelsea Owen and Meghan Vera Starling (soprano), and together with Tate’s vision they deliver a rich, absorbing and highly cultured adventure that’s both inspiring and enlightening.

Travels well with: Verona Quartet- Diffusion; Catalyst Quartet- Uncovered Volume 1

Scatman Crothers

Groovin’ With… Scatman

Panda Digital, 2021

8/10

Listen to Groovin’ With… Scatman

Benjamin Sherman ‘Scatman’ Crothers lived an amazing life as a star of stage, film, and TV. After starting out singing and playing drums as a teenager in clubs, Crothers ended up quite famous for his acting in hundreds programs, though music was always a big part of his life, too. Culled from a recording session in 1975, these songs are finally seeing a formal release, and it’s a diverse and very entertaining peek into his many talents.

The aptly titled “Going Strong” starts the listen with bright horns, Crothers’ sturdy pipes and frisky drumming in the soulful jazz opener, and “Scatman’s” follows with a festive spirit that will get your body moving to the playful backing vocals, charming vocal scatting and lively energy.

There’s just 8 tracks present, and each one is a gem, including the dreamy vibraphone of the smooth, pop friendly “You’re Pretty”, while “Louis Is Your Garbage Man” flows with a punchy approach of gritty yet melodic timeless and memorable song craft where Scatman pays tribute to a character he played.

Nearing the end, “Stanley (Does It All)” is a raw and bare tune with just Crothers’ voice that pays homage to Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining (which Crothers was apart of), and “Going Strong Theme” exits the listen firm and busy, with jumpy keys, vocal acrobatics and a glowing personality that comprised all of his work.

Crothers passed away in 1986, but, thanks to this release, he’s still finding ways to put a smile on people’s faces, and these songs sound just as great today as they would have in the ‘70s.

Travels well with: Joe Bowden- Roots- Tales Of The Urban Yoda; Dave Young Quartet- Ides Of March

Richard Ford

Basso Profondissimo

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Basso Profondissimo

Although he spends most of his time in the area of music for film, the veteran bass player Richard Ford steps away from any commercial activity for some music of his own here, and he’s got a handful of esteemed musicians, vocalists, engineers and mixers with him to help birth this very unique album.

Ford starts the listen with the playful ‘Rivers, Rivers”, where Jake Reed’s drum skills are aligned with Ford’s very precise bass manipulation that emits a vast amount of atmosphere, and “Spongelanding” follows with frisky percussion from both Reed and Aaron Serfaty as Lisbeth Scott’s wordless vocals match Ford’s bouncy bass lines in terms of impact.

The middle tracks bring us the bare “Martinique”, which is just Ford handling basses with much precision and warmth, while “The Stepwell” enters darker territory that gets quite ominous as Ford drones with fascination in yet another inventive way to use his instrument.

Moving deeper into the listen, “Even Further Offshore” relies on brass from Steve Elson and Juan Chaves to complement Reed’s drumming and Ford’s bass as the setting shifts from gentle to firm amid much groove and rhythm, and “Tale Of Two Mangos” exits the listen with keys, vibraphone, harmonica and vocals from Michelle Gonzalez, which all contribute to an initially calm, even meditative beginning that leads into a flowing, jazz spirit alongside cozy vocal scatting and lush textures.

Falling somewhere in the area of ambient jazz fusion, while rubbing elbows with funk, bossa nova and world music gestures, even if you’ve heard many bass focused albums before, they’ve probably never sounded like this, and I mean that in the best way possible.

Travels well with: David Finck- BASSically Jazz; Kristin Callahan- Lost In A Dream

Verona Quartet

Diffusion

Azica, 2021

8/10

Listen to Diffusion

The Verona Quartet, i.e. violinists Jonathan Org and Dorothy Ro, violist Abigail Rojansky and cellist Jonathan Dormand, offer us a very thoughtful debut album here, where they celebrate the cross-cultural connection and migration through music of compositions by Janácek, Szymanowski and Ravel.

The album leads with Leoš Janáček’s “String Quartet No. 2 ‘Intimate Letters’”, where an indeed vulnerable spirit surrounds the diverse strings that are as likely to be bare as they are radiant, where both dramatic moments and much sophistication highlight the meticulous energy.

The middle track, “String Quartet No. 2, Op. 56”, by Karol Szymanowski, then displays a sublime, sparse approach that occasionally shifts into giant swells of tense, precise instrumentation. The players are acutely aware of each other’s presence, while twisting and turning with grace and playful navigation.

Maurice Ravel’s String Quartet in “F Major, M. 35” exits the listen, and does so with fascinating synergy between the players, as each one somehow recruits chamber, orchestral and classical qualities to the highly well thought out finish.

A very worldly effort, the members of Verona Quartet hail from all over the globe (Asia, North America and Europe), and their respective talents bring plenty of timeless string traditions, while also exploring the depths of their inimitable chamber music formula on this top notch first record.

Travels well with: Catalyst Quartet- Uncovered Volume 1; Eric Lyon- Giga Concerto

JP Harris' Dreadful Wind & Rain

Don’t You Marry No Railroad Man

Free Dirt, 2021

9/10

Listen to Don’t You Marry No Railroad Man

An actual carpenter who also makes his instruments, the banjo wizard JP Harris interprets traditional songs here with Chance McCoy (ex-Old Crow Medicine Show), who lends a hand on fiddle and backing vocals across the intimate and rootsy affair.

“House Carpenter” starts the listen with fascinating, plucked banjo alongside moody fiddle, as Harris’ warm, expressive singing draws the listener in to the haunting folk song, and this creativity continues to the swift, rural flavor of the lively “Closer To The Mill (Going To California)”, which could soundtrack a party at the barn.

Moving along, “Country Blues” brings both of those ideas to the quick banjo acrobatics and vivid storytelling, while “Last Chance” offers a brief instrumental where Harris displays incredible banjo playing. “The Little Carpenter”, one of the album’s best, then pairs soft instrumentation alongside an almost gospel like delivery that drones with an alluring quality.

The final two tracks are among the best, and include the quick, upbeat “Otto Wood”, where vocal harmonies and a much brighter tone balance out the other, often bleak selections, and “Wild Bill Jones” exits the listen with chunky banjo illuminating the murder ballad.

Recorded in the mountains of West Virginia in a studio the two had to finish by digging trenches and repairing the roof, this is about as authentic as it comes. Seeing as how some of these songs go back to the 17th century, for most of us, this is our first time hearing them, and I’ll tell you what, Harris and McCoy are the perfect mediums for it, as a shift from Harris’ previous honky tonk ways makes for a gothic Americana experience that few others could replicate.

Travels well with: Will Stewart- County Seat; Justin Wells- The United State

Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters

Christmas On A Greyhound Bus

Organic, 2019

8/10

Listen to Christmas On A Greyhound Bus

Leave it to Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters to release the best holiday record, as they include both originals and covers that explore their versatile and skilled delivery.

“Pretty Paper”, a Willie Nelson tune, starts the listen gentle and sparse with Platt’s elegant pipes guiding the bare beauty, and the title track, an original, follows with a fuller spirit of warm instrumentation that tips its hat to old school country sounds.

The back half of the listen offers the 2nd original, the Americana flavored “One For The Ages”, and the swift “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace Love And Understanding”, where smooth melodies highlight the rhythmic version of the Nick Lowe classic.

Together with her band Rick Cooper, Matt Smith and Evan Martin, these 5 tracks put a rootsy, playful and timeless spin on holiday music that will never tire upon repeated listens.

Travels well with: Birds Of Chicago- Love In Wartime; Sarah Shook & The Disarmers- Years