Leonor Falcon

Imaga Mondo Vol. II

Falcon Gumba, 2022

8/10

Listen to Imaga Mondo Vol. II

The Venezuelan violinist and violist Leonor Falcon surrounds herself with Christof Knoche, Juanma Trujillo, Zachary Swanson and Juan Pablo Carletti for this genre defying version of jazz that constantly shifts in tempo, tone and texture.

“Improv I” opens the listen with Falcon’s manipulated strings alongside frisky drumming from Carletti in the very adventurous version of jazz, and this creativity continues to the warm sax courtesy of Knoche and Falcon’s string acrobatics that populate “Para Emilio”.

At the midpoint, “The Monks” recruits soothing clarinet from Knoche as well as gentle guitar thanks to Trujillo, while “A” displays a flurry of free jazz exploration that’s controlled chaos at its finest.

“Improv II” arrives near the end and showcases Swanson’s precise bass plucking amid the calm, mysterious demeanor, and “Nita” exits the listen with dreamy waves of gorgeous jazz qualities.

A very creative peek into the mind of an artist with an unparalleled amount of talent, Falcon’s avant-garde approach to song craft incorporates melody, noise and sonically exciting ideas that are difficult not to admire.

Travels well with: Michael Leonhart Orchestra- The Normyn Suites; Mathis Picard- Live At The Museum

Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves

Hurricane Clarice

Free Dirt, 2022

8/10

Listen to Hurricane Clarice

Allison de Groot brings her banjo skills to Tatiana Hargreaves’ incredible fiddle acrobatics here, where the pair mesh folk, Americana, country and bluegrass into a very unique and memorable 9 tracks.

The album leads with the warm strings and distinct vocal harmonizing of “The Banks Of The Miramichi”, and this dynamic bluegrass continues to the cautious and instrumental “Wellington”, as well as the swift, mountain-esque spirit of the melodic “Nancy Blevins”.

Halfway through, the sublime texturing of “Hurricane Clarice/Brushy Fork Of John’s Creek” makes for a mesmerizing album highlight, while “I Would Not Live Always” brings vocals back for the gritty yet very tuneful string manipulation. The final track, “The Road That’s Walked By Fools”, exits with an old time feel as the pair sing with a charming demeanor and play with incredible attention to detail.

A listen that contains history of both the families of de Groot and Hargreaves, you can hear the audio recordings of their grandmothers, as they pen a very thoughtful listen that will appeal to fans of anything related to bluegrass.

Travels well with: Ric Robertson- Carolina Child; Vivian Leva & Riley Calcagno- Vivian Leva & Riley Calcagno

Kristina Koller

Get Out Of Town

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Get Out Of Town

A celebration of Cole Porter’s music, this 3rd album from the esteemed singer Kristina Koller certainly does justice to these timeless songs, as she incorporates neo-soul, swing, R&B and jazz into her inimitable delivery.

“Get Out Of Town” opens the listen with playful drumming, where Koller’s soulful pipes are met with warm piano, and “What Is This Thing Called Love” follows with a more firm approach of thumping drums, atmospheric keys and very expressive singing.

Halfway through, “It’s All Right With Me” brings a climate of mystery and a bit of a darker spirit, while “Why Don’t We Try Staying Home” flows with cozy melodies and a dance friendly demeanor that swings playfully.

Advancing towards the end, “Just One Of Those Things” recruits acrobatic bass plucking as Koller’s diverse pipes are complemented by adventurous drums and swirling keys, and “Everytime We Say Goodbye” exits the listen with Koller’s fluid ukulele alongside the bright scatting.

Koller is joined by Fima Chupakhin (piano), James Robbins (bass) and Juan Chiavassa (drums), and together they make for interpretations that resonate with incredible attention to detail and a delivery that is nothing short of sublime.

Travels well with: Liz Terrell- It’s All Right With Me; Kristen Lee Sergeant- Falling

Ash & Eric

Sure

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Sure

A folk duo from Worcester, Massachusetts, Ash & Eric were dealing with much uncertainly in 2020, and those challenges have been transformed into this DIY record that was recorded over 30 days in a music classroom at a boarding school.

“Until My Heart Grows Quiet” starts the listen with Ash’s lovely, poetic voice alongside Eric’s equally stirring pipes as soft acoustic guitar and Ethan Bates’ aching cello add much beauty, and “Do Something” follows with a breezy spirit of timeless folk melodies.

“Church Of The Concrete Wave” lands in the middle and places Eric’s eloquent voice front and center amid strategic acoustic guitar and light drumming, while “Simon, Taylor, Denver, Cash” takes nods to all of those legends with the gorgeous vocal harmonies radiating sublimely.

Nearing the end, “Never Walking Out” offers a scrappy folk tune with upbeat strumming, cozy singing and a bit of ruggedness to it, too, and “The Dogwood & I” exits the listen with much bare beauty and even dreamy flute thanks to Marie Brouillette.

Additionally, Peter L’Esperance contributes trumpet on the very cautious listen, as Ash & Eric birth some captivating modern folk that’s got plenty of soul to it.

Travels well with: Lydia Luce- Dark River; Brennen Leigh- Prairie Love Letter

Toronto Tabla Ensemble

For The Love Of Tabla

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to For The Love Of Tabla

This 8th album from the Juno nominated collective Toronto Tabla Ensemble places the North Indian Tabla right at center stage, as Ritesh Das and company explore themes of love alongside fellow Canadian artists on this stunning listen.

“Encore 21” opens the listen with a dizzying display of swift scatting, mesmerizing tabla and plenty of creative texturing, and “Jovano Jovanke” follows with stirring violin and gorgeous singing in the expressive and poetic climate.

Approaching the middle, “Spellcheck” recruits booming drums and soft percussive ideas into the stylish and rhythmic album highlight, while “Taiko Crush” features Kiyoshi Nagata’s Taiko drum prowess for the hypnotic and cultured landscape.

Near to the end, “Nine To Ten” showcases Raaginder Singh Momi's skilled violin playing alongside firm tabla in the meticulous fusion, and “O Canada” exits the listen with a clever and soothing spin on the country’s National Anthem amid Alysha Addetia’s captivating flute.

In addition to the above, Bif Naked provides her exceptional vocals on the haunting, groove driven rocker “Prayer For The Mother”, and I feel quite confident saying that this is TTE’s best album to date, which is no easy feat considering the magnitude of their catalog.

Travels well with: Satellites- Love And Disaster; Toronto Tabla Ensemble- Unexpected Guests

Horojo Trio

Set The Record

Stonyplain, 2022

8/10

Listen to Set The Record

The first album from the trio of Jeff Rogers (vocals, piano, keyboard bass, keys), JW-Jones (guitar, backing vocals) and Jamie Holmes (drums, percussion, backing vocals), as Horojo Trio they bring soul, blues and rock’n’roll into these very memorable 11 tunes.

“Man Of Steel” gets the listen off to a lively start with the firm keys and bouncy rhythm section of the blues rocker, and “A Little Goes A Long Way” follows with Steve Strongman on acoustic guitar for the breezy melodies and powerful singing.

Deeper into the listen, “The Night” trims the pace with a warm intimacy amid the poetic singing, while “Hard As I Can” thumps with a soulful, gospel demeanor that benefits from cozy backing vocals and spirited guitar.

Approaching the end, “Something You Should Know”, the album’s best, is a quick and frisky display of timeless blues, acrobatic drumming and soaring guitar licks, and “Real Deal” exits the listen with both loud and thick textures alongside slower but no less impactful songwriting.

All 3 musicians have impressive resumes, and their collective strengths makes for a very impressive debut that will be sure to strike a chord with any fan of the blues.

Travels well with: Steve Marriner- Hope Dies Last; Rory Block- Prove It On Me

The Search

Extras

Aenaos, 2022

9/10

Listen to Extras

The long running Swedish outfit that is spearheaded by Razmig Tekeyan, the singer and multi-instrumentalist takes help from Erik Nyberg (bass), Johann Bernovall (drums) and Stephen Burt (guitar) for these heartfelt and cautiously textured 12 tracks.

“Halt” starts the listen with warm acoustic guitar and dreamy singing, as much beauty enters the pop friendly climate, and “Writing On The Wall” follows with a crisp, thumping and buzzing alt-rocker that’s on par with the best of the best from the ‘90s.

Further on, “Bunny” recruits warm piano into the intimate balladry, while “A Night At The Beach” continues that lead into a hazy and very surreal landscape. “Just Passing Through”, another excellent acoustic fueled track, then brings a bit of atmosphere and a post-punk slant to the equation.

“It’s A Void” and “Does It Resonate?” exit the listen, where the former employs swift strumming for a very smooth delivery that builds into a punchy indie-rocker, and the latter finishes the listen with a very gentle spirit of soothing and stirring song craft.

It’s actually pretty hard to believe that The Search aren’t a globally recognized name, cause Tekeyan’s timeless and pensive rock formula sure does resonate well with modern indie-rock, nostalgic alt-rock and even ‘80s post-punk.

Travels well with: Art Noir- Poems Of An Extinct Species; Daydream Three- The Lazy Revolution

Bobby Cole

A Point Of View

Omnivore, 2022

8/10

Listen to A Point Of View

A jazz singer and pianist who was the arranger for Judy Garland, this 1967 album from Bobby Cole sees the reissue treatment with 13 previously unissued tracks authorized by Cole’s estate, which gives us an even deeper glimpse into the talent that eluded so many during Cole’s short life.

The original album leads with the tumbling drums and swift jazz spirit of the lively “Status Quo”, and continues to the firm keys of the frisky “The Name Of The Game Is Trouble”, as well as the energetic melodies of the soulful “Heat”, which welcomes female vocals.

Deeper into the listen, “A Change Of Scene” trims the pace back with much beauty alongside Cole’s powerful pipes, while “No Difference At All” exits the original with a romantic spirit in a bit of an unusual way that’s actually quite comical.

The bonus tracks are especially exciting, and include the gritty yet tuneful folk nods of “Checkerboard Life”, and the emotive, poetic “I Never Saw The Shadows”. “Get Off Looking Good”, perhaps the best tune present, then glides with acrobatic drumming, warm keys and Cole’s raw yet fluid singing.

Produced for release by the Grammy winner Cheryl Pawelski and remastered by the Grammy winner Michael Graves, this version also includes an essay by Randy Poe, and is sure to turn legions of jazz fans onto Cole’s under appreciated and timeless jazz song craft.

Travels well with: Kenny Shanker- Beautiful Things; Thomas Heflin- Morning Star

Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters

The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea

Organic, 2022

9/10

Listen to The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea

There’s been much going on in the personal lives of Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters, just as there has been in the world the last couple of years, and that’s provided a whole lot of fodder for this double disc of singles that are grouped into The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea on this rich and very well thought out collection.

“New York” starts the listen with warm acoustic strumming before gentle drumming and agile keys enter alongside Platt’s gorgeous pipes that benefit from Evan Martin’s harmony vocals, and “Burn” follows with a slow burning, bluesy appeal that showcases Matt Smith’s electric guitar prowess.

Further on in this portion, “Saint Sebastian” showcases Smith’s glowing pedal steel in the expressive climate, while “Eurydice” blends Mark Platt’s harmonica, Andrew Platt’s electric guitar, and Kevin Williams’ keys with Platt’s inimitable, stirring voice. “Perfect Word”, the best selection from disc 1, then recruits Williams’ piano for the more gritty landscape of poetic roots rock.

The 2nd disc leads with the soulful and bare “Open The Door”, where Platt’s pipes are accompanied by Martin’s keys and Smith’s pedal steel, and it isn’t long until “Reverie” incorporates resophonic guitar into the charming bass and poetic singing. “Lessons In Gravity”, a late album highlight, then emits a glowing intimacy amid Platt’s vivid storytelling.

Even though all these tracks were recorded at different times, and sometimes in a hurry, they flow together seamlessly here, and are further proof that Platt and company are making some of the most luminous Americana today.

Travels well with: Karen Jonas- Summer Songs; Brennen Leigh- Prairie Love Letter

Sally Terrell

Feel Alive

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Feel Alive

The singer-songwriter Sally Terrell turns in several well done interpretations as well as some very cautious originals across these dozen tracks, where a pandemic theme makes for an emotionally genuine and socially aware peek into her creative mind.

The title track opens the listen with a warm, soulful climate, as bright brass complements Terrell’s flowing vocals, and “Blues Skies” follows with an uplifting tone that showcases a swinging, waltz demeanor in the Irving Berlin tune.

Approaching the middle, the darker personality of “Lights And Sirens” recruits the esteemed vocalist Giacomo Gates to the stylish atmosphere, while the aptly titled “Beautiful” places both blues and gospel into the very cozy album highlight.

Moving towards the end, “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most” is an intimate and poetic delivery armed with Wesley Amorim’s charming acoustic guitar, and “Some Other Time” exits the listen with a heartfelt and romantic display of soft piano and stirring singing.

The always impressive John di Martino takes on the role of arranger, director, pianist, organist and keyboardist, and his inimitable vision helps illuminate Terrell’s stunning pipes on this lush, topical and timeless jazz outing.

Travels well with: Corina Bartra- Amber Light; Laura Stllwell- Out Of A Dream

Thus Owls

Who Would Hold You If The Sky Betrayed Us?

For The Living And The Dead, 2022

10/10

Listen to Who Would Hold You If The Sky Betrayed Us?

The 5th album from the duo of Erika and Simon Angell, as Thus Owls the Canadian residents birth a very atypical and unpredictable form of jazz meets indie-rock, and it’s unclassifiable in the best ways.

“Bleeding” starts the listen with soft, poetic singing as dreamy guitar and strategic drumming makes for a hypnotic and gorgeous opening, and “I Forgot What I Remembered” follows with a darker quality that embraces some electronic manipulation alongside a warmly textured display.

Further on, “I Miss Her Like My Country” offers playful vocal scatting amid the gentle keys and mysterious atmosphere, while “Who Would Hold You?” recruits spoken word and seemingly random brass bouts in the avant-garde jazz exploration.

Deeper yet, “Peregrine” welcomes Claire Devlin and Adam Kinner on tenor sax and vocals in the hazy and charming landscape, and “Bouncy Castle” exits the listen firmly in jazz territory, where both intimacy and adventurousness inhabit the iconoclastic finish.

A daring listen that’s improv friendly and quite artistic, contributions from Samuel Joly (drums), Jason Sharp (bass sax, modular processing) and Marc-André Landry (electric bass) only add much allure to this unconventional masterpiece.

Travels well with: Pathos Trio- When Dark Sounds Collide; Eric Nathan- Missing Words

The Lied To's

The Worst Kind Of New

Hollow Body, 2022

10/10

Listen to The Worst Kind Of New

The Lied To’s made me a fan with 2018’s Lesser Of Two Evils, and this 3rd album from the Boston husband and wife duo of Susan Levin and Doug Kwartler only further solidifies my interest in their rich brand of Americana.

“Midnight Kiss” opens the listen with Levine’s powerful pipes alongside warm keys in the dreamy climate, and “It’s Not Who You Love” follows with a swift, country spirit that recruits plenty of melody in a dusty sort of way.

Moving along, “Missing You” makes the most of gentle guitar amid the poetic, expressive singing, while “Brokedown Jamboree” offers a frisky delivery of dance floor friendly song craft. “Two Days”, the album’s best, then thumps louder and showcases some rugged qualities paired with timeless folk-rock.

Deeper still, “Long Way Home” is a pretty Americana ballad that’s got some gorgeous vocal harmonizing, and “It’s Only Love” exits the listen equally beautiful, sublime even, with musicianship that tugs on the heartstrings.

Both Kwartler and Levine lost parents recently, and this thoughtful listen certainly is tinted with that melancholy, but also hosts some rowdy rockers, too, as The Lied To’s continue to create some of today’s finest music.

Travels well with: Jefferson Ross- Southern Currency; Dana Cooper- I Can Face The Truth

Katriona Taylor

Blind Passion

DivaDoll, 2022

8/10

Listen to Blind Passion

The British singer-songwriter Katriona Taylor brings us 6 originals and 6 covers of blind artists here, where she’s joined by Vasillis Xenopoulos (saxes, flute), Robin Banerjee (guitar), Dominic Ashworth (spanish guitar), John Crawford (piano, percussion), Peter Hammond (piano, electric piano, Hammond organ), Dave Jones (bass) and Chris Nickolls (drums) for the jazz, soul and Latin influenced songs.

“Things Have Changed” opens the listen with Taylor’s soaring, expressive pipes alongside warm piano and calm drumming in the powerful climate, and “It Don’t Mean A Thing” follows with a swinging vibe that’s got a frisky rhythm section amid bright brass.

Elsewhere, “Master Blaster” brings plenty of cozy melody and funk nods to the cultured Stevie Wonder original, while “A Song For You” recruits an intimate landscape of soulful and emotive jazz sensibilities. “In The Name Of Love”, a Taylor original, then moves with a sublimely textured spirit of poetic song craft.

Further yet, “Light My Fire” puts a very unique spin on a tune we’ve all heard, but never quite like this, and “As You See Me Now” finishes with a Jools Hollland track interpreted with a lush and lively display of blues ideas.

Legally blind since the age of 7, Taylor’s arranging skills and songwriting prowess are certainly illuminated in this worldly, rich and timeless listen that wastes no time making a sizable impression.

Travels well with: Liz Terrell- It’s All Right With Me; Courtney Freed- Big Crazy Love

Lynne Hanson

Ice Cream In November

Panda Cave, 2022

8/10

Listen to Ice Cream In November

The Canadian singer-songwriter Lynne Hanson returns with another batch of Americana spirited tunes, and this time she’s branching out with synth, guitar pads and electronic drums.

The album gets off to a swift start with the speedy drumming and dusty melodies of the spaghetti western “Shadowland”, and “Hip Like Cohen” follows with a warm beat and plenty of rootsy flavor that’s quite playful and precise in a retro sort of way.

Moving along, the piano balladry of “Orion’s Belt” is quite intimate in its poetic beauty, while “Birds Without A Feather” get a bit darker in scope amid dense drums, an introspective atmosphere and mysterious singing.

Approaching the end, “Puzzle Pieces” channels a ‘70s soul sort of feeling with its smooth delivery, and “This Heart Of Mine” exits the listen with some grit present and appreciated in the very heartfelt exit.

A very diverse listen that balances indie-rock, nostalgic sounds and a whole lot of creativity, Hanson’s got an impressive catalog of music already, and this 9th studio album is another installment that’s worth many spins.

Travels well with: Annie Keating- Bristol County Tides; Rod Picott- Wood, Steel, Dust & Dreams

Bailey Bigger

Coyote Red

Madjack, 2022

8/10

Listen to Coyote Red

Although she’s just in her mid-20s, the Arkansas native Bailey Bigger performs like a seasoned vet on this very well thought out version of Americana that’s steeped in vintage sounds but is also quite modern.

“You, Somehow” opens the listen with Bigger’s flowing pipes guiding the retro-country spirit of the very warm climate, and “No Falling Out Of Love” follows with a more bare approach of gentle, poetic beauty.

In the middle, “Wyly” is a sublime display of rural intimacy that’s just so graceful, while “Coyote Red” is a flawlessly executed album highlight of timeless and melodic roots rock.

Further down the line, “The Levee” showcases sophisticated piano alongside Bigger’s stunning pipes as her old soul is certainly present, and “Mississippi You’re On My Mind” exits the listen with soothing, folk ideas amid the cozy acoustic guitar and skilled singing.

Bigger cites influences like Joni Mitchell and John Prine, which she thankfully doesn’t try to hide, and she pulls off an incredible debut album here that’s impossible not to admire for the Americana inclined.

Travels well with: The Whitmore Sisters- Ghost Stories; Jefferson Ross- Southern Currency

Stefania de Kenessey

In Her Words

Neuma, 2022

8/10

Listen to In Her Words

The exciting composer Stefania de Kenessey brings us a dance record that’s entirely electronic, but still channels classical ideas, as well as Hungarian and Bulgarian folk songs, and even American pop music.

The eloquent keys and classical spirit of “Mossy” opens up the listen with much warm exploration, and “Unorthodox” follows with firm drumming sounds entering the highly melodic, hypnotic landscape of orchestral influences.

“Altogether” lands in the middle and flows with swirling, charming wind traces and keys that help make for a cinematic delivery, while “With You” emits intimate and stirring keys in a very elegant fashion.

Nearing the end, “On Our Own” uses talking strategically amid a dreamy haze of beauty, and “Lead Me Alone” exits the listen with a bit of mystery entering the soft instrumentation that does build into a very focused and emotive display of unparalleled skill.

A very rich and meticulous affair that pays close attention to tone and rhythm, the tracks here thematically surround the difficulties that women confront everyday, and unfold with a very distinct, engaging behavior.

Travels well with: Nick Vasallo- Apophany; Tyler Kline- Orchard

Calling Cadence

Calling Cadence

Hi-res, 2022

8/10

Listen to Calling Cadence

An outfit spearheaded by Oscar Bugarin and Rae Cole, as Calling Cadence the pair blend their voices, vintage keyboards, strong guitar work, and no shortage of adventurous percussion into an analog friendly, retro affair that flirts with rock, soul and pop in atypical ways.

“Throw My Body” gets the listen off to a classic rock fueled start, where a breezy quality is met with some well timed electronic tinkering and a spirited harmonica solo, and “Good Day” follows with some playful buzzing amid soulful ideas that are very much indebted to the ‘70s.

Approaching the middle, “Took A Chance” is an intimate and powerful display of harmonizing vocals, charming keys and a hint of country sounds, while “This Time” picks up the pace with smooth and melodic nostalgic rock that flows with a punchy, yet dreamy quality.

Closer to the end, “Enough” offers a gorgeous and precisely layered album highlight that also can get bare, and “Wasn’t It Good” exits the listen with both and grit and tunefulness entering the firmly strummed and agile keys of the soaring finish.

Also appearing on the record are Josh Adams (drums), Mitchell Yoshida (keys) and Elijah Thomson (bass), and together under Bugarin and Rae’s vision they make for a swirling, layered and very unique brand of hybrid folk-rock.

Travels well with: Teddy Grossman- Soon Come; Mackin Carroll- Learning How To Swim

Sophie & The Broken Things

Delusions Of Grandeur

Petaluma, 2022

10/10

Listen to Delusions Of Grandeur

The frontwoman Sophie Gault embraces all the best aspects of folk, Americana and roots songwriting across this stunning album, where an exceptional backing band the Grammy Award winning producer Ray Kennedy illuminate the sublime tunes.

“Golden Rule” opens the listen with warm acoustic guitar and a cozy, timeless folk spirit that showcases Gault’s gorgeous pipes, and “Churches & Bars” follows with intricate finger picking and vivid storytelling in the rootsy rocker.

“Feel Better” occupies the middle spot and emits a poetic display of well timed drumming from Lemmy Hayes and Jules Belmont’s agile electric guitar, while “Fire And Ice” showcases Twon Haugen’s strategic bass amid Gault’s acoustic guitar and expressive pipes.

Nearing the end, “Heavy Metal” indeed gets more forceful, where Micah Hulscher’s precise keys and Belmont’s guitar complement the gritty melody, and “Parting Words” exits the listen intimate, moving and very much benefitting from Austin Hoke’s cello and Ryon Westover’s backing vocals.

A listen that’s heavy on atmosphere, contains some reverb, and an occasional duet, Gault and company have created quite possibly the best Americana record of 2022.

Travels well with: The Whitmore Sisters- Ghost Stories; Jess Jocoy- Such A Long Way

Le Vent Du Nord

20 Printemps

La Compagnie du Nord, 2022

8/10

Listen to 20 Printemps

In honor of their 20 year anniversary, the Canadian folk heroes Le Vent Du Nord have assembled songs that signify rebirth and rejuvenation, where originals and traditionals are packed full of rhythm, gorgeous harmonies, and dynamic interaction between the 5 members.

“Tour du monde” starts the listen with glorious string interaction, where the bright melodies and strong attention to detail make an indelible impression, and “Dans l’eau-de-vie de l’arbre” follows with flowing vocals to complement the swift strings and festive spirit.

Halfway through, “Marianne” emits an intimate quality, as soulful singing is met with cautious, emotive string manipulation, while “Turlute du mai” is a vocally expressive and musically bare display of timeless song craft.

Further down the line, the warm demeanor of “Si vous voulez” makes this the album’s best, and “Petit reve IV” exits the listen calm, meticulous and with a worldly glow that will appeal to all corners of the globe.

The band’s firm Celtic influence is very much at the forefront of these songs, and the sublime use of accordion, hurdy-gurdy, fiddle, piano and Irish bouzouki makes for an uplifting and captivating listen for the longtime fan, as well as the first time listener.

Travels well with: The Accidentals- Time Out Session #2; Greg Greenway- Songs From The Beginning

Jesse McReynolds & Friends

Play The Bull Mountain Moonshiner’s Way

Pinecastle, 2019

8/10

Listen to Play The Bull Mountain Moonshiner’s Way

A long running bluegrass musician and Grand Old Opry star, this installment of tunes from the always impressive Jesse McReynolds pays homage to his grandfather, Matthew McReynolds, as he uses his antique instrument and style from the landmark Bristol sessions.

The title track starts the listen with fiddle acrobatics from Steve Thomas as the raw, melodic vocals guide us through the timeless bluegrass sounds, and “Billy In The Lowground” follows with Corrina Rose Logston lending a hand on the flowing and lush instrumental.

At 16 tracks, there’s much to take in here, but most songs reside around the 2 minute mark and there’s plenty of diversity. While “The Girl I Left Behind Me” brings a country spirit to the affair, “Kennedy Rag” offers folk influences amid the stunning string work from Jim Brock.

Near the end, “Leather Britches” is a quick paced masterpiece of bluegrass sounds, and “Turkey In The Straw” exits the listen strong and memorable with a classic country and bluegrass approach.

Amazingly, the fiddle used on all these tunes was purchased for $7 in the 1800s, and nearly a dozen players make precise use of it on this listen. Even more amazing is that Jesse Reynolds is 90 years old now, and plays like he hasn’t missed a beat since his inception in the 1940s.

Travels well with: Hot Buttered Rum- Lonesome Panoramic; Dailey & Vincent- Patriots & Poets