Ajay Mathur

Talking Loud

Yakketeeyak, 2022

8/10

Listen to Talking Loud

A Grammy-nominated songwriter and guitarist, Ajay Mathur brings us a 5th album where themes of acceptance and acknowledgement stem from Mathur on vocals, guitar, keys and effects along with percussionist Fausto Medici, bassist Richard Hugener and guitarist Christian Winiker, among many guests.

“Sooner Or Later” starts the listen with a bright blast of nostalgic power-pop, where Antonia Gasser’s soulful backing vocals and Medici’s punchy drumming make for an instantly memorable opener, and “Real” follows with Mathur’s melodic guitar and Hugener’s precise bass making for a breezy, pop friendly affair.

Further along, “Anytime At All” opens with gentle piano from Michael Dolmetsch before warm pedal steel thanks to Steve Birrer helps cultivate a more Americana tinted landscape, while “I Need You Now” showcases Gregory Schaerer’s skilled bass alongside Mathur’s strummed acoustic guitar for a calmer, singer-songwriter album highlight.

Nearing the end, the diverse “Comedian” employs strings courtesy of Toni Nesler, where processed vocals give it an orchestral meets psychedelic feel, and “Reasons To Cry” continues this lead into a dreamy, nearly New Age-esque finish.

An artist who was born and raised in India and currently resides in Switzerland, Mathur brings a very worldly vision to an endeavor that will appeal to fans of legends like The Beatles, David Bowie, Tom Petty and Jackson Browne.

And who could possibly have a problem with that?

Travels well with: Kevin Keller- Front Porch Of Heaven; Folks Like Them- Open The Door

Morello/Francel/Faller

Living Is Easy, Mostly

GLM, 2022

8/10

Listen to Living Is Easy, Mostly

A trio of friends who have lived all over the globe, Paulo Morello (guitar), Mulo Francel (saxophones, clarinet) and Sven Faller (bass) bring their inimitable skills to these European jazz, world music moments, American blues and gypsy nods.

“Just The Two Of Us Again” opens the listen with the warm guitar and soulful brass making for a very cozy version of jazz that’s quite soothing, and “Smalltown Girls” follows with strong attention to melody in the very agile, even dreamy climate.

Elsewhere, the title track benefits much from the bouncy bass lines as frisky sax guides a very playful landscape, while “Letters From The Heartland” displays elegant clarinet prowess amid the gentle guitar work in a very reflective demeanor.

Moving towards the end, “Waiting” enters hypnotic territory with the bright brass, plucked bass and atmospheric guitar, and “With The Poet In Italia” exits the listen with the trio interacting with much grace, fluidity and charm.

A record that’s not short on grooves, melodies and dynamic musicianship, Morello, Francel and Faller each bring their own distinct vision to the affair, and it makes for a very enlightening experience.

Travels well with: Quadro Nuevo- Odyssee- A Journey Into The Light; Andreas Hinterseher- Stay Away And Play!

Otis Spann

Otis Spann Is The Blues

Candid, 2022

9/10

Listen to Otis Spann Is The Blues

Considered perhaps the best blues pianist of all time, Otis Spann was making a name for himself in Chicago in the ‘40s, and by the early ‘50s he became the piano player for Muddy Waters.

Here, his debut solo album, recorded in 1960, returns with a remastered version by Bernie Grundman and new liner notes from Nat Hentoff. This first release on the Candid Label also features Robert Lockwood Jr. on guitar and vocals.

“The Hard Way” starts the listen with Spann’s soulful, soaring pipes alongside spirited guitar and warm keys in the cautious blues climate, and “Take A Little Walk With Me” follows with firm keys complementing the rugged yet tuneful singing.

“Country Boy” takes the middle spot, and pairs acrobatic keys with intricate guitar, as the booming vocals guide the vivid storytelling, while “My Daily Wish” flows with a melodic appeal that’s steeped in all the hallmarks of the blues that we will never tire of.

Further still, “I Got Rambling On My Mind #2”, the album’s best, rumbles with a frisky and emotive demeanor, and “Worried Life Blues” exits the listen with Spann’s inimitable Chicago Blues animated precisely.

Spann lived a short but prolific life, and this where it all began for the master of Chicago Blues, where his thinking man’s approach to song craft certainly resonates well on the superb reissue.

Travels well with: Charles Mingus- Charles Mingus Presents Charles Mingus; Max Roach- We Insist!

Charles Mingus

Charles Mingus Presents Charles Mingus

Candid, 2022

8/10

Listen to Charles Mingus Presents Charles Mingus

An important piece of jazz history, the songs here were being played by Eric Dolphy (sax, bass clarinet), Ted Curson (trumpet), and Dannie Richmond (drums) for weeks until Charles Mingus brought his bass and vocal skills to the equation.

“Folk Forms, No. 1” starts the listen with bouncy bass before the crisp drums and lively horns enter the very animated jazz climate, and “Original Faubus Fables” follows with gritty vocals alongside the initially more cautious climate that builds into squealing horns and bouts of talking/singing.

The back half of the listen brings us the exploratory “What Love”, where a firm mood is cultivated amid the bare moments as well as avant-garde demeanor, while “All The Things You Could Be By Now If Sigmund Freud’s Wife Was Your Mother” exits with a playful spirit of acrobatic drumming, wild clarinet and sax, and strategic bass lines.

Often mistaken for a live record, Mingus sets the mood to resemble a night club for the compositions, and he introduces the songs as if there were an audience, which gives the listen a spontaneous feel.

This version of the album is remastered by Bernie Grundman and includes new liner notes from Nat Hentoff. Already regarded as one of the best in the vast catalog of Mingus’ work, the improved quality of the recordings really highlights the fierceness of the affair.

Travels well with: Max Roach- We Insist!; Abbey Lincoln- Straight Ahead

Max Roach

We Insist!

Candid, 2022

8/10

Listen to We Insist!

A vocal-instrumental masterpiece, We Insist! was originally released in 1961, and made an indelible statement regarding the Civil Rights Movement that solidified the effort as one of the most significant jazz albums in history.

Remastered from the original tapes by Bernie Grundman, and with new liner notes from Nat Hentoff, the album lives again and features Abbey Lincoln (vocals), Coleman Hawkins (tenor sax), Eric Dolphy, Booker Little (trumpet), Michael Babatunde Olatunji (congas), Julian Priester (trombone), Walter Benton (tenor sax), Thomas DuVall (percussion), Ray Mantilla (percussion) and James Schenck (bass). Max Roach, of course, handles drums, and anchors these timeless pieces.

“Driva Man” opens the listen with Lincoln’s unmistakably powerful vocals alongside bare percussion, and it’s not long before adventurous brass and frisky drumming enter, and “Freedom Day” follows with flowing horns, Lincoln’s political/social prose and no lack of avant-garde ideas.

The middle track belongs to “Triptych: Prayer/Protest/Peace”, where a gospel spirit is emitted amid wordless singing that’s nothing short of stunning, while “All Africa” pairs Roach’s precise drumming with Lincoln’s flawless pipes for an initially sparse delivery that, halfway through, turns into a very busy display of acrobatic, percussive prowess.

The album exits on “Tears For Johannesburg”, where dynamic and flourishing jazz builds into the textured warmth of brass, drums and alluring singing.

A listen that was inspired by the sit-ins at a lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, this was just the 2nd release from the legendary Candid Label, and it cemented them as a major player in the area of jazz.

In the spring of 2022 the album was selected by the Library of Congress as being ‘culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant’, and this fine reissue certainly supports that sentiment in spades.

Travels well with: Abbey Lincoln- Straight Ahead; Charles Mingus- Charles Mingus

Yves Léveillé

L'échelle du temps

Effendi, 2022

8/10

Listen to L'Échelle du Temps

A prominent figure in the Quebec jazz scene for over 20 years now, Yves Léveillé is well versed in jazz, world music and classical ideas, and here he meshes them all with both traditional and experimental nods present and appreciated.

The title track opens the listen with a stirring climate, where Léveillé’s soft, precise keys complement the plucked and bowed strings, and “Couleur grenade” follows with a swifter approach that displays firm violins against the dancing piano.

At the midpoint, “Encodage”, the best track, brings much melody and dynamic interaction between the strings and piano, while “Sans Retour” flows with fascinating intimacy that’s quite poetic and emotional.

Making our way towards the end, “Embrasure” emits a dreaminess where the meticulous piano suits the melancholic strings, and “Le réservoir” finishes the listen with much grace and the strong attention to song craft that Léveillé is known for.

Léveillé is joined by Lizann Gervais (violin), Oliver Thouin (violin), Francois Valliéres (viola), Émilie Girard-Charest (cello) and Étienne LaFrance (double bass) for the occasion, and together they make this 9th album both moody and lively, where modern jazz and chamber jazz are executed superbly.

Travels well with: JoyRide- JoyRide; Greg Amirault- News Blues

Michael Shaw

He Rode On

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to He Rode On

A debut album that took inspiration from his decade+ long stint as a horseman and wilderness ranger in Western Montana, Michael Shaw brings a very authentic approach to these 10 tracks of country and western sounds.

“Bad Honky Tonker” gets the listen off to a rugged start with John McTigue III’s thumping drums and Jeremy Penner’s fiddle acrobatics alongside Shaw’s gritty pipes, and “Outlaw’s Refuge” follows with agile guitar and a very melodic and punchy approach that’s still quite indebted to country, too.

Halfway through, “Shot Down” offers a calmer display of warm pedal steel thanks to Robby Turner, as some bluesy spirit enters, while “Stick A Fork In It” is dance floor ready with its speedy rhythm section and head bobbin’, toe tappin’ demeanor.

Further down the line, “Light Of The Moon” offers a poetic landscape amid soulful backing vocals from Andrina Turrene and Marc Arnold’s well timed keys, and the title track exits the listen with a bare, dreamy execution that truly showcases Shaw’s timeless song craft.

An excellent first album that was recorded to tape with all the musicians in the same room, there’s a very spontaneous and cozy feel present, as Shaw and company navigate around rural anthems and sublime balladry with incredible dexterity.

Travels well with: Scott Martin- Corner Of The World; Jefferson Ross- Southern Currency

Abbey Lincoln

Straight Ahead

Candid, 2022

8/10

Listen to Straight Ahead

The jazz legend Abbey Lincoln was active from the mid ‘50s all the way up to the mid 2000’s, and here her 2nd album lives again thanks to remastering from the original tapes by Bernie Grundman, and with new liner notes from Nat Hentoff.

The title track opens the listen with much soulful brass, as Lincoln’s powerful and expressive pipes enter the substantial jazz climate, and “When Malindy Sings” follows with a similar amount of emotive song craft, where both singing and talking populate the vivid storytelling.

The middle tracks, “In The Red” and “Blue Monk”, are equally memorable, where the former offers brighter brass amid the soaring vocals, and the latter is quite intimate, in Lincoln’s stirring and unique delivery.

Nearing the end, the busier “African Lady” recruits plenty of atmosphere to the cultured album highlight, and “Retribution” exits the listen with punchy drums, blurry horns and Lincoln’s inimitable pipes.

The 7 tracks include Colman Hawkins (saxophone), Eric Dolphy (reeds), Booker Little (trumpet), Mal Waldron (piano) and the iconic drummer Max Roach, and they certainly illuminate Lincoln’s distinct phrasing and unfiltered presence that, even though recorded in 1961, is just as important and relevant today.

Travels well with: Youn Sun Nah- Waking World; Coniece Washington- Shades Of Shirley Horn

Mark Winkler

Late Bloomin’ Jazzman

Cafe. Pacific, 2022

8/10

Listen to Late Bloomin’ Jazzman

The always impressive vocalist and songwriter Mark Winkler returns with an album about growing older and the complications that come with it, where an all-star band accompanies him for the occasion.

“It Ain’t Necessarily So” opens the listen with David Benoit’s playful keys, John Clayton’s strategic bass, and, of course, Winkler’s booming vocals on the lively lead off, and “Don’t Be Blue” follows with a frisky pace thanks to Grant Geissman’s fluid guitar and Clayton Cameron’s agile drums that complement Winkler’s storytelling.

Moving towards the middle, “In Another Way” enters balladry, where the intimate singing is met with Benoit’s cautious keys and Christian Euman’s soft drums, while “Bossa Nova Days” flows with much beauty thanks to Bob Sheppard’s elegant flute and Kevin Winard’s cultured percussion.

Deeper yet, “Old Enough” welcomes Jamieson Trotter on piano for the timeless jazz landscape, and “If Gershwin Had Lived” exits the listen with Winkler’s dreamy pipes amid Rich Eames’ poetic piano and Bob Sheppard’s subtle brass.

This is Winkler’s 20th album as leader, and, like all of his work, it’s diverse, fluent and easily accessible, where he pens lyrics to 8 of the 12 tracks and delivers one mature and memorable tune after another.

Travels well with: Alexis Cole- Sky Blossom: Songs From My Tour Of Duty; Mark Winkler & David Benoit- Old Friends

Christopher Lockett

At The Station

Gritbiscuit, 2022

8/10

Listen to At The Station

Christopher Lockett is a man with many talents, and here we’re treated to his songwriting skills, where his baritone pipes, guitar, harmonica and banjo are present alongside a glowing cast of players who bring his very thoughtful stories to life.

“The Reckoning” leads the listen with gritty guitar, thumping drums and Lockett’s rugged vocals guiding the unique version of country rock, and “In The By And By” follows with breezy fiddle and pretty female vocals making for a warm version of roots sounds.

Entering the middle, “Bring Your Love On Home To Me” flows with a very melodic spirit that’s tuneful yet rugged, while “Blues For DeFord Bailey” highlights harmonica acrobatics and fascinating drumming for the indeed bluesy album highlight.

Landing near the end, “Whiskey For Everything” emits smooth piano and a bit of a folk quality, and “There’s No Getting Over It” exits on a gorgeous duet amid the glowing pedal steel.

Lockett lost his father not too long ago, and his mother has end stage Alzheimer’s, and the subject matter reflects that. A record that is forthright and touches so much on the human experience, there is much to admire on this very well crafted affair.

Travels well with: Dan Weber- The Way The River Goes; Silver Lake 66- Ragged Heart

Curtis Stigers

This Life

Pandemic Poodle, 2022

8/10

Listen to This Life

A multi-instrumentalist and singer who has enjoyed a 30+ year career, Curtis Stigers revisits some of his most revered songs to date on the aptly titled This Life.

“(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, And Understanding” opens the listen with plenty of warmth amid the soft guitar, cozy percussion and soulful brass, and “You’re All That Matters To Me” follows with a stylish version of jazz that’s cautious and pretty with a poetic quality that benefits much from Stigers’ expressive pipes.

The title track lands in the middle and recruits an alluring brand of intimacy where well timed keys add much to the radiant atmosphere, while “Summertime” showcases bass acrobatics alongside firm keys and Stigers’ soaring voice.

Near to the end, “Swingin’ Down At 10th And Main” indeed swings with a playful and uplifting demeanor, and ‘Never Saw A Miracle” exits the listen on a romantic note where so much beauty is present and appreciated.

These songs have all undergone transformation from when they were first penned, as Stigers plays them differently in concert, so this isn’t your standard ‘Best Of’ collection by any means. He’s joined by John “Scrapper” Sneider (trumpet), Matthew Fries (piano and Wurlitzer electric piano), Cliff Schmitt (bass), Paul Wells and Keith Hall (drums), plus special guest Larry Goldings on organ, and together they make for an exceptional and timeless jazz listen.

Travels well with: Thomas Heflin- Morning Star; David Larsen- Deviate From Standards

The Andy Rothstein Band

Truth Against The World

Vemicious Knid, 2022

8/10

Listen to Truth Against The World

The Brooklyn native Andy Rothstein has a long history playing guitar, and here he joins forces with some esteemed players for a diverse and very accomplished set of 11 originals.

“Perfect Storm” starts the listen with dizzying guitar acrobatics as frisky drumming from Tom Cottone and Steve Jankowski’s precise trumpet and trombone make for a bright opener, and “SDPM” follows with Tony Senatore’s frisky bass and Tom Timko’s sax complementing the flowing jazz.

The middle tracks are among the best, and include the D Pappas’ warm keys and Rothstein’s agile guitar on “Mystic Mud”, while “Step Out” places Ken Gioffre on sax for the dynamic and layered melodies that you won’t soon forget.

“Funk 7” lands closer to the end, and finds plenty of grooves amid the meticulous rhythm section and, of course, Rothstein’s inimitable guitar playing, and title track exits the listen with no lack of rhythm as an undeniable energy finishes on a very high note.

A listen with much appeal for fans of rock, blues, jazz, fusion and soulful sounds, Rothstein and company don’t squander a second on this charming record.

Travels well with: The Scott Silbert Big Band- Jump Children; Kenny Shanker- Vortex

Palaver Strings

Ready Or Not

Azica, 2022

8/10

Listen to Ready Or Not

A very accomplished listen comprised of works by female composers, Palaver Strings welcomes the vision of Grazyna Bacewicz, Maddalena Casulana, Barbara Strozzi, Akenya Seymour, Liz Knowles and Elizabeth Moore to these expressive compositions.

“Concerto For String Orchestra”, by Bacewicz, opens the listen with soaring, firm strings that flow with both tension and grace across 3 chapters of extremely meticulous instrumentation, and “Non Puó il mio cuore” follows with a stirring and cautious approach in the very unique landscape.

“Lagrime mie” occupies the middle spot and recruits Sophie Michaux’s powerful mezzo-soprano for the emotive and poetic album highlight, while Seymour’s “Fear The Lamb” is quite playful between its charming picking, cinematic swells and sublime intimacy.

“Treehouse/Jig for John #2/Fore Street” exits the listen, and displays 10 minutes of fiddle acrobatics, a warm jig and traditional Irish nods, where Moore and Knowles’ artistry won’t go unappreciated.

Historically, women’s contributions to classical music have been significantly overlooked, but here they’re front and center on some very diverse pieces that the Portland, ME ensemble certainly preserve with much integrity and an unparalleled attention to detail.

Travels well with: Catalyst Quartet- Uncovered Vol. 2: Florence B. Price; Apollo Chamber Players- With Malice Towards None

The Nighthawks

Established 1972

VizzTone, 2022

8/10

Listen to Established 1972

The Washington D.C. legends The Nighthawks celebrate their 50 years together with this new album, where the founder, lead vocalist and harp wizard Mark Wenner is joined by the drummer Mark Stutso, guitarist Don Hovey, and bassist Paul Pisciotta for the 14 memorable tracks.

“Nobody” starts the listen with plenty of upbeat blues flavor, where the driving guitar and punchy drums complement the gritty lead vocals and soulful backing vocals, and “You Seem Distant” follows with spirited harmonica and a sharp rhythm section laying the groundwork for a timeless blue rocker.

Closer to the middle, “Take It Slow” bounces and shakes with a bit of cautiousness amid the smooth delivery, while “Johnny Too Bad” recruits thick guitar and well timed backing vocals for the head bobbin’, toe tappin’ fun. “West Memphis” then trims the pace back with an emotive and intimate landscape.

Nearing the end, “Fuss And Fight” brings us all the hallmarks we love about the blues, i.e. rhythm and melody, and “Driving” exits the listen breezy, poetic and nostalgic in all the best ways.

Few bands will ever make it as long as The Nighthawks, and even fewer will have the quality and consistency present across their entire catalog. Whether you’re a first time listener or an unwavering fan, Established 1972 will satiate your blues appetite superbly.

Travels well with: The Duke Robillard Band- They Called It Rhythm & Blues; Bob Margolin- Star Of Stage And Screens

Karl Silveira

A Porta Aperta

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to A Porta Aperta

The debut album from the trombonist Karl Silveira, the Toronto resident is in the company of David French (tenor sax), Allison Au (alto sax), Chris Pruden (piano), Dan Fortin (bass) and Nico Dann (drums) for a listen that’s as diverse as Silveira’s background in folk, classical, jazz, and Bossa Nova.

“Nymark Plaza” starts the listen with firm bass plucking and agile drumming as soulful sax guides the modern jazz climate, and “Perimeter” follows with dizzying piano and much atmosphere that unfolds with a bit of mystery amid the timeless landscape.

The title track lands in the middle and is both intimate and exploratory with much emphasis on the dynamic keys and precise bass, while “Trip The Light, Fantastic” brings a flurry of brass, crisp drums and fascinating layers.

The swift and bouncy “Rye & Lilacs”, which is the album’s best, will make an immediate impression with its dancing melodies, and “A Serretinha em Julho” exits the listen with much beauty present alongside the elegant piano, cozy brass and precise bass.

Recorded in just 2 very productive days, Silveira and company touch on both contemporary and traditional ideas, and their strong attention to detail and flowing chemistry makes for an exceptional first album.

Travels well with: Bernie Senensky- Don’t Look Back; Greg Amirault- News Blues

Bonnie Pointer

Like A PIcasso

Omnivore, 2022

8/10

Listen to Like A Picasso

The final album from the legendary Bonnie Pointer, who is of course a founding member of The Pointer Sisters, Like A Picasso was originally released in 2011, and here it lives again with bonus tracks, updated artwork, remastering, new liner notes in the packaging and a worldwide release.

Pointer places the buzzing, stylish title track in the lead off spot, where Laura Bilodeau’s precise drumming and Robin Taylor’s skilled keys complement the soulful, expressive singing, and “Hide” follows with Gary Mallaber’s thumping drums and Lloyd Poe’s bouncy bass helping make for a gritty and melodic rocker.

Further along, “You Will” makes great use of Marty Rifkin’s steel guitar in the sublime balladry that’s quite powerful, while “Long Ago”, the album’s best, recruits Taylor’s guitar and keys, and Tony Sales’ adventurous bass for the layered and lush delivery.

Moving towards the end, “He Don’t Like Love” benefits from Doc Wendell’s harmonica and Adam Reesman’s proficient drumming for the emotive appeal, and of the bonus tracks, “You Will” emits warm acoustic guitar in the poetic finish.

At this point in her career Pointer hadn’t sung a note in a studio in years, but her performance is nothing short of stunning. A superb swan song, the record possesses all the hallmarks that made Pointer’s career so luminous, where R&B, soul, pop and rock all meet at her inimitable intersection. Unfortunately, she passed away in 2020, but the widespread availability of this release will certainly help her legacy live on.

Travels well with: Diana Ross- Supertonic; Heazza- Heazza

Chris Torkewitz

NY Ensembles

Goschart, 2022

8/10

Listen to NY Ensembles

Recorded live in 2013, the composer, arranger, saxophonist, flutist, and pianist Chris Torkewitz is aligned with his Jazz Chamber Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra on this highly creative and solo filled adventure.

“Vista” starts the listen with fascinating string picking as playful winds and charming percussion enter the very unpredictable climate, and “Farbtoene” follows with a sublime delivery of atmospheric keys and cautious yet adventurous song craft amid the balladry. “Noticias”, the best selection from this portion with the Jazz Chamber Orchestra, then brings a charming cinematic quality that’s capable of tense moments as well as bouts of bright beauty.

The back half of the listen offers the precise drumming, energetic brass and melodic structure of “Filou”, while “T.S. (Tentet)” emits a stylish and bouncy version of jazz that swings alongside a cozy spirit that spotlights Torkewitz’s flute prowess. The listen exits with the stirring strings of “Ausblick”, where the meticulous manipulation is quite absorbing.

An extremely intricate listen that is still very accessible to any ears pointed towards jazz ideas, past and present, it may have taken a long time to see the light of day, but NY Ensembles is certainly worth the wait.

Travels well with: Amos Gillespie- Unstructured Time; Gerry Eastman Trio- Trust Me

J-Rad Cooley

Yard Sale

VizzTone, 2022

8/10

Listen to Yard Sale

A youngster from Salt Lake City, J-Rad Cooley knows his way around a blues tune you won’t soon forget, and his singing, harmonica and piano skills are certainly impressive beyond his years on this debut album.

“Livin’ Downtown” opens the listen and wastes no time making an impression with its spirited harmonica, thumping drums and soulful backing vocals as flowing blues rock unfolds, and “Baby Won’t You Please Come Home” follows with a warm, breezy delivery that benefits from agile piano and Cooley’s cozy pipes.

In the middle, “Running From My Hometown” brings both grit and melody to the timeless blues landscape, while “Yard Sale” is a playful, even comical retro-rock display.

Moving towards the end, “The World Will Call Me Mister” bounces and shakes with plenty of rhythm in a more subdued environment, and “Til Hate Is Gone” exits the listen calm, emotive and soft in Cooley’s very mature formula.

Cooley aligned himself with the esteemed producer Tony Holiday for the affair, and Victor Wainwright plays piano on about half the tunes. Additionally, Kasik and Josh Karrick (bass), Aubrey McCrady (guitar), Shake E. Fowlkes (drums), Tim “Too Slim” Langford (guitar) and Hannah Jason (backing vocals) are in attendance, and they help cement Cooley as a rising talent in modern blues that deserves much attention.

Travels well with: Ben Levin- Still Here; Hector Anchondo- Let Loose Those Chains

Disorientations

Memory Lane

Pias, 2022

10/10

Listen to Memory Lane

A trio from Belgium who have a history in playing in bands like Melting Time and Laguna, Lukas Van Camp (bass), Tomas Serrien (drums) and Niels Elsermans (vocals, guitar) play some incredible and intense music on this first album as Disorientations, where nods to the melancholic punk of the ‘80s is front and center.

“Wandering” starts the listen with some dense atmosphere, where thick bass and crashing drums lead into throbbing post punk that’s quite noisey but also retains melody under the tension, and “Words” follows with some New Wave traces under the bristling alt-rock.

“Allied” lands in the middle and presents a hypnotic landscape that pushes and pulls with jagged, angular instrumentation, while “Waiting For” sounds indebted to ‘80s post-punk and goth-rock in the best ways that are both ominous and tuneful.

“Close To Disappearing” and “Zinfandel” exit the listen, where the former and album highlight is full of energetic and dynamic songwriting that charges with hooks, and the latter recruits crisp drumming and melodic guitar that builds into a furious wall of sonic noise that’s stunningly raw.

A raging affair that’s all at once haunting, rhythmic and unrelenting in its powerful and booming execution, this just might be the best album of 2022.

Travels well with: Teen Creeps- Forever; Editors- The Weight Of Your Love

Johnny Young And The Stellar Dogs

Cosmic Alley

Echo Orange, 2019

8/10

Listen to Cosmic Alley

Multi-instrumentalist Johnny Young has had his hand in many outfits, including The Mick Taylor Band and The Artimus Pyle Band, and here The Stellar Dogs (Jernej Bervar, Akos Forgacs, Milos Branisavljevic) help him flesh out this fusion listen.

“Starship” starts the listen with gentle jazz ideas in a synth friendly, almost prog-rock like fashion, and “Seven Wonders” follows with playful rhythm in the cinematic and adventurous setting.

The back half of the listen offers the restrained “Across The Tracks”, where guitar solos highlight the affair, while “The Vampire’s Lair” recruits a tense atmosphere of keys and strong riffs. “The Seventh Day” exits the listen on a duet between Johnny and Jernej, as keys and guitar intertwine with much grace and beauty.

With all songs being 6+ minutes, Young and company spread their wings into several genres, as their electric jazz formula finds an innovative and extremely skilled place to reside.

Travels well with: Edgar Winter Group- Jasmine Nightdreams; Weather Report- Procession