Paul Cohen

Center Chamber

Ravello, 2022

8/10

Listen to Center Chamber

The soprano and alto sax and connosax extraordinaire Paul Cohen brings winds, strings and keys to these original compositions that span intimacy, brooding and animated textures.

“Eclogues” starts the listen with Kathleen Nester’s dreamy flute and Oren Fader’s skilled guitar to complement the ominous appeal of Cohen’s creative connosax, and “Berceuse-Lament” follows with Cohen’s stirring alto sax amid Mark Timmerman’s agile bassoon and Anya Keiserman’s precise piano that’s layered meticulously.

In the middle, “Pavanne” showcases Urara Mogi, Maxim Zheleznyak, Richard Aulden Clark and Peter Prosser’s violins, viola and cello for the very focused bowing and plucking that’s quite mysterious, and that string quartet is present again for the moody and dynamic “Quintet For Connosax And String Quartet”.

The final piece, “Four Movements For Virtuosi”, is among the best, and meshes flute, soprano sax and piano for the cinematic, uniquely dark exit.

There’s a very distinct emotional presence across the listen, and the players certainly interact with incredible skill in both lively gestures and distinctly haunting bouts of very creative songwriting across this atypical chamber affair.

Travels well with: Avner Finberg- The Four Seasons Of Isolation; Ilja Hurník- Gratias

NRBQ

Tiddlywinks

Omnivore, 2023

8/10

Listen to Tiddlywinks

Originally released in 1980, this 8th album from NRBQ had Terry Adams (keyboards), Joey Spampinato (bass), Tom Ardolino (drums) and Al Anderson (guitar), plus The Whole Wheat Horns (Donn Adams and Keith Spring) fleshing out a fan favorite listen that helped bring them much more exposure thanks to consistent airplay on radio stations across the country.

“Feel You Around Me” opens the listen with Ardolino’s playful drumming and the bouncy guitars complementing Adams’ distinct singing, and “Me And The Boys” follows with Spampinato’s swift bass helping cultivate a melodic, driving pop-rocker.

Further on, the warm folk-rock nods of “Beverly” are quite harmonic, while “I Don’t Think Of…” finds a dreamy place to reside, where plenty of breezy rhythm flows with stunning meticulousness.

The last track on the original album, “Hobbies”, recruits the infectious rhythm section amid cozy wordless singing and Adams’ very agile piano, and “Big Goodbyes”, the best of the bonus tracks, is a cultured, diverse rocker that welcomes harmonica to the festive landscape.

The 4 bonus tracks are a great addition to this reissue, and whether you’re an unwavering fan or first time listener, you’ll appreciate these timeless multi-faceted rock gems and the updated artwork and liner notes from original engineer Tom Mark are excellent, too.

NRBQ are still at it, despite member changes, and several passing away. No matter where you start in their vast catalog, you’re guaranteed a good time, and here Tiddlywinks proves that it has aged very well.

Travels well with: Alex Chilton- Live In London: Encore Edition; The Beat Farmers- Tales Of The New West (Deluxe Reissue)

David Starobin

Giulio Regondi: A 200th Birthday Bouquet

Bridge, 2022

8/10

Listen to Giulio Regondi: A 200th Birthday Bouquet

A solo guitar outing from the esteemed David Starobin, we’re treated to previously unissued tracks, as well as re-mastered Regondi gems from Starobin’s superb back catalog.

“Introduction et Caprice, op. 23” opens the listen with very warm and soothing playing that spends 9+ minutes mesmerizing us with its strong attention to beauty, and “Fête villageoise, Op. 20” continues the elegance with unparalleled playing that’s melodic and timeless.

“Air varié No. 1 for Guitar, Op. 21” arrives in the middle and emits much adventurousness and intimacy, while “Concertina Etude in A Minor (Transcr. D. Starobin)” mesmerizes us with its complicated and charming progressions.

Approaching the end “Guitar Etude No. 2 in A Minor”, the best selection, illustrates Starobin’s incredible agility with his instrument in the dreamy, pretty delivery, and “Nocturne ‘Reverie’, op. 19” exits with swift, dynamic string acrobatics that flow like few others could replicate.

A listen that’s rich with artistry and pays homage to Regondi’s technical prowess, Starobin again impresses us immensely with his six finger performance.

Travels well with: Steven Beck- Charles Wuorinen: A Tribute; Rune Most- Flute Concertos

Marina Pacowski

Inner Urge

Summit, 2023

8/10

Listen to Inner Urge

A France native armed with an exceptional voice and the ability to improvise with the best, this debut from Marina Pacowski enlists some of the most talented players in the country for the 13 memorable jazz tunes.

“Inner Urge” starts the listen with Pacowski’s lively vocal scatting alongside John Clayton’s skilled bass and Joel Frahm’s energetic tenor sax in the flowing jazz climate, and “Pensativa” follows with a calmer approach that’s populated by Roy McCurdy’s agile drums and Josh Nelson’s warm keys amid the expressive pipes.

Further on, “Donna Lee” moves swiftly via the animated scatting that’s complemented by Mike Gurrola’s quick bass, while “I’m Old Fashioned” showcases Bevan Manson’s elegant piano that suits Pacowski’s poetic singing.

Residing closer to the end, “Up Jumped Spring” finds Peter Erskine on drums and Larry Koonse on guitar for the highly melodic affair that has Pacowski singing romantically, and “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?” exits with Nelson’s sublime keys and Clayton’s cozy bass for the intimate and pretty finish.

Also a pianist, Pacowski decided to focus on her distinct timbre and ability to make the most of chord changes instead, and with the large roster of musicians on hand it makes for an excellent first record.

Travels well with: Libby York- Dreamland; Mary Foster Conklin- These Precious Days

D.B. Shrier Quartet

D.B. Shrier Emerges

Omnivore, 2023

9/10

Listen to D.B. Shrier Emerges

A legend from the Philadelphia jazz scene of the ‘60s, D.B. Shrier’s only studio record arrived in 1967, but good luck finding a copy until now. Thankfully, the original master tapes were recovered, and here we’re treated to the 5 tracks from the album, plus 5 bonus tracks.

“Blue Lights” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where the swift drums and adventurous brass is met with frisky bass lines, and “East” follows with a calmer spirit that benefits from soulful sax and restrained drumming.

Deeper into the original tracks, “These Foolish Things” welcomes graceful piano to complement the intimate brass, while “All Blues” meshes the hypnotic bass, animated drumming and strategic sax that certainly flirts with the blues.

The bonus tracks are excellent, and include the powerful and dynamic “Opus #3”, as well as the infectious pulse of the shuffling melodies that comprise Charlie Parker’s “Steeplechase”. “Just You Just Me” exits the listen, and benefits much from the agile keys and lively rhythm section, as Shrier’s flowing sax really does make an indelible impression.

Michael Graves did the mastering and restoration here, and Cheryl Pawelski handled production duties. Both bring their Grammy winning abilities to this important preservation of Shrier’s work, and Alan Sukoenig provides liner notes to Mike Michaels (piano), Tyrone Brown (bass), William Roye (drums), and, of course, Shrier’s stunning tenor sax

Travels well with: Hassan Ibn Ali- Retrospect In Retirement Of Delay: The Solo Recordings; Kenny Barron- The Source

Aaron Larget-Caplan

God’s Time: Music Of J.S. Bach On Guitar

Tiger Turn, 2022

9/10

Listen to God’s Time: Music Of J.S. Bach On Guitar

The inimitable guitarist Aaron Larget-Caplan takes on an impressive project here, where he promotes peace, beauty and understanding through his solo interpretations of J.S. Bach’s large and small keyboard pieces.

“Prelude, Fugue, Allegro in E-Flat Major, BWV 998” opens the listen with flowing, meticulous and very animated six-string manipulation, where Larget-Caplan plays with incredible fluidity, and “Prelude No. 1 in C Major, WTC Book 1, BWV 846” follows with swirling melodies that populate the charming dreaminess.

In the middle, “God’s Time Is The Very Best Time, ‘Actus tragicus,’ BWV 106” emits a gripping intimacy that’s quite lovely, mesmerizing even, while “Chromatic Fantasy in D Minor, BWV 903” glides swiftly amid the very complicated progressions and sublime attention to detail.

The final selections, “Six Small Preludes and A Little Fugue”, are packed with agile, alluring and radiant musicianship as Larget-Caplan shows us the depth of his stunning talent.

A highly thought provoking and technical endeavor, there’s much artistry to be absorbed here, and the execution is flawless from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Reza Khan- Imaginary Road; Dave Stryker- Baker’s Circle

Lucie Blue Tremblay

So Many Wows

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to So Many Wows

The folk artist Lucie Blue Tremblay returns with her first album in 5 years, and the Canadian is in the company of some excellent musicians for the honest, empathetic and compassionate 14 tunes.

“The Paradise Club” leads the listen with Tremblay’s soothing acoustic guitar and eloquent singing alongside Phillippe Brochu’s light drumming on the timeless folk opener, and “So Many Wows” follows with warm whistling from Tremblay and Daniel Loyer’s poetic keys making for a gripping folk ballad.

Closer to the middle, “The Woman In Your Life” welcomes Bernard LeBlanc’s well timed bass to complement the expressive and powerful singing in the feminist anthem, while ‘Do Something” is an upbeat and groove friendly album highlight that makes good use of Alain Boyer’s lively drumming.

Near to the end, the country influenced “Stay The Blazes Home” recruits some subtle twang amid its dusty melodies, and “Puppy Afternoon” exits the listen with Denis Fortier’s emotive bass playing in the intimate Bossa Nova finish that’s packed with much beauty.

Tremblay’s first album was released way back in 1986, and her bilingual storytelling and charming melodies have made her fans across the world. Her consistently heartfelt and unwavering attention to humanity continues to this day, and it makes So Many Wows worth so many listens.

Travels well with: Annie Capps- How Can I Say This?; Helen Townsend- Love Lies ‘N’ Leaving

Gilbert Galindo

Terrestrial Journeys

Neuman, 2023

9/10

Listen to Terrestrial Journeys

This first album from Gilbert Galindo culls 8 pieces penned over a dozen years, and it’s full of chamber sounds that are all over the spectrum, from punk to classical, and they don’t shy away from his Tex-Mex roots, either.

“Spunk” starts the listen with Jeff Hudgins’ bright and flowing alto sax alongsider Daniel Lippel’s precise electric guitar and Gregory Chudzik’s strategic contrabass in the very dynamic opener, and “Echoes Of The Divine” follows with a low rumbling that welcomes Gianario Latta, Maren Rothfritz and Clare Monfredo on strings amid Kathleen Supove’s moody piano.

At the midpoint, “Lost In The Caves” showcases Thomas Piercy’s stunning bass clarinet for the mesmerizing solo piece, while “Imagined Passions” places Clara Kim’s stirring violin and Monfredo’s well timed cello against Supove’s haunting keys for the cinematic album highlight.

Near to the end, Supové takes the solo piano composition “My Soul Waits”, and makes quite an impression in the minimal 7+ minutes that uses space and tension well, and “Not The Light, But The Fire That Burns” exits with 3 chapters of adventurous percussion from Chris Graham and Sean Statser, and Supové’s finger acrobatics on keys are quite gripping as well.

Galindo is an artist with many talents, including being an engraver, producer, D.J., and now composer and philosopher, too, and he very smartly carves out a unique place to reside in the area of chamber music with this exceptional debut.

Travels well with: Galan Trio- Kinesis; Juraj Kojs- Orchid Music

Annie Capps

How Can I Say This?

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to How Can I Say This?

The long running singer-songwriter Annie Capps explores dark areas as well as light textures on this very literate, thoughtful love letter to her younger self that brings 40 female artists to the project.

“My Eden” opens the listen with Sav Buist’s sweet violin and viola and Katie Larson’s intimate cello complementing Capps’ sweet singing and warm guitar playing, and “Learning” follows with Diane Perry’s swift violin and Carolyn Koebel’s agile drumming helping make for a flowing folk landscape.

Further on, “The Punch” welcomes Judy Insley’s intimate mandolin and Jamie Baker’s well timed bass for the very bouncy delivery, while “The Silent” places Sue Demel on vocals in the haunting balladry that’s powerful and emotive.

Landing near the end, “Crowded” enlists a large chorus that helps make for an anthemic and upbeat folk affair that benefits from Cheryl Prashker’s drums and Capps’ impressive banjo playing, and “Yesterday” exits with timeless, melodic folk qualities thanks to Capps’ guitar, banjo and eloquent singing and Emily Slomovits’ graceful violin.

A very articulate body of work that revolves around folk and Americana sounds, Capps touches on innocence, shame and power distribution in this highly engaging and insightful recording.

Travels well with: The Heart Collectors- Timeless Space; Helen Townsend- Love, Lies ‘N’ Leaving

Ben Wolfe

Unjust

Resident Arts, 2023

9/10

Listen to Unjust

The bass wizard Ben Wolfe brings in an excellent ensemble for this rhythmic and very intricate listen, where his 10th album as leader illustrates retrospection, insightfulness and excitement.

“The Heckler” start the listen with Nicholas Payton’s animated trumpet and Addison Frei’s well timed piano amid Wolfe’s very precise bass acrobatics, and “Hats Off To Rebay” follows with a soulful spirit that benefits from Immanuel Wilkins’ agile also sax and Joel Ross’ playful vibraphone.

Further on, “The Corridor” showcases Aaron Kimmel’s soft drums amid the dreamy vibes, while the title track moves swiftly, and combines Nicole Glover’s tenor sax with the lively rhythm section and bright trumpet.

Closer to the end, “Sideways’ is brass fueled, but is anchored by the meticulous bass playing and swings with much charm, and “Reprise (Credits)” exits with fascinating vibe control and frisky keys to finish a very captivating 12 tracks.

Wolfe has enjoyed a lengthy and esteemed career, and this sonically enjoyable is another top notch body of work that illustrates his distinct take on jazz music.

Travels well with: Joe Locke- Makram; Kirk Lightsey- Live At Small Jazz Club

Austin Mayse

Bridges And Kerosene

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Bridges And Kerosene

The vocalist, guitarist and trumpet player Austin Mayse brings along an excellent cast of players for these songs about Mayse’s personal growth that revolves around very diverse forms of Americana.

“Leave Your Leavin’” opens the listen with Ron Flynt’s flowing organ and John Chipman’s bouncy drumming to complement the playful and melodic country-rock, and “Wretch Like Me” follows with a calmer pace of lush melodies amid the soothing backing vocals and warm guitar work.

Halfway through, Geoff Queen’s infectious steel guitar and Mayse’s expressive pipes help make “On My Way” the album’s best, while “Whiskey, I’m Gone” finds a more intimate place to reside, where Harmoni Kelley’s well timed bass and the strategic piano won’t go unnoticed.

Arriving near the end, “The Rose Of Thorndale” welcomes pretty backing vocals for the sublime and harmonic version of roots rock, and “Traveler’s Prayer” exits the listen dreamy, poetic and heartfelt in Mayse’s careful and sincere vision.

A very timeless affair that is varied enough to welcome mandolin, fiddle, cello and brass, Mayse’s songs carry an easy relatable demeanor and the roots, country, Americana and folk sensibilities make a lasting impression.

Travels well with: Brian Blake- Book Of Life; Wyatt Easterling- From Where I Stand

George

Letters To George

Out Of Your Head, 2023

8/10

Listen to Letters To George

The debut record from the drummer/composer/bandleader John Hollenbeck, as GEORGE he welcomes Anna Webber, Aurora Nealand and Chiquita Magic, and it makes for a highly lively and playfully improvised affair.

“Earthworker” opens the listen with Hollenbeck’s agile drumming alongside Magic’s soulful key prowess in the dreamy, groove filled landscape, and “Clinton” follows with adventurous sax flowing alongside the very meticulous drumming in a very avant-garde jazz climate.

Further along, “Washington Carver” pairs moody keys with airy flute from Webber for the very animated album highlight, while “Can You Imagine This?” squeals with a busy, nearly frantic approach that benefits from soaring, wordless vocals.

Landing near the end, “Floyd” showcases Hollenbeck’s drumming acrobatics amid the hazy demeanor that’s as cautious as it is exciting, and “Iceman” exits with a very bright appeal of flowing jazz that’s melodic and universally enjoyable.

The member’s bring with them influences from Brooklyn’s diverse scene, the time honored traditions of New Orleans and futuristic exploration, and it makes for a very fusion friendly, sonically charming and highly creative first album from GEORGE.

Travels well with: Mali Obomsawin- Sweet Tooth; Curt Sydnor- Deep End Shallow

Turn Turn Turn

New Rays From An Old Sun

Simon, 2023

9/10

Listen to New Rays From An Old Sun

The Minneapolis/Eau Claire, Wisconsin trio Turn Turn Turn made quite an impression with their midwest Americana on their debut in 2020, and this follow up continues the strong attention to detail and timeless approach, where themes of personal events, human connection and the very present news media are touched upon.

“Stranger In A Strange Land” opens the listen with flowing acoustic guitar, thumping drums and dreamy vocals in the ‘70s spirited rock that’s quite soulful, and “Powder” follows with swirling electric guitar and crisp drumming amid the glowing harmonies and retro sensibilities.

Halfway through, the playful banjo and well timed organ of “7 Kids” helps make for a cosmic Americana demeanor, while “If You’re Gonna Leave Me” is layered precisely with a thick delivery of flourishing classic/folk-rock.

The last 2 tracks don’t disappoint either, where the bright personality of the rugged yet melodic “Towards The Light” is the album’s best, and “Acceleration Dreams” isn’t far behind with its slight jangle and universal appeal that seems like it could have been penned in any decade since the ‘60s.

The band consists of Barb Brynstad (bass, vocals), Savannah Smith (guitar, vocals) and Adam Levy (guitar, vocals). Josh Kaplan sits in on drums and Peter J. Sands plays keyboards. Together, they make for a country, psychedelic, lush, fuzzy and Laurel Canyon influenced listen that will make you a fan instantly.

Travels well with: The Lowest Pair- Horse Camp; Barrel Flash- A Guide To Dancing Alone

Helene Cronin

Landmarks

Self-Released, 2023

10/10

Listen to Landmarks

The superb vocalist Helene Cronin brings her alto pipes to this often swift, driving listen that also doesn’t shy away from balladry in a way that only she can deliver.

“Yesterday’s Heavy” opens the listen with spirited electric guitar and Cronin’s inimitable singing alongside Jerry Roe’s bright drumming and Byron House’s proficient bass lines in the melodic landscape, and “Make The Devil” follows with Bobby Terry’s atmospheric banjo and Cronin’s vivid storytelling making for a darker, precisely textured climate.

Halfway through, the cozy steel guitar of “What Do You Lean On” helps cultivate a powerful, lush album highlight that’s first rate folk-rock with a hint of country, while “Your Cross” finds a very intimate place to reside, where Cronin’s gritty yet pretty formula emits radiant Americana.

Approaching the end, Paul Eckberg’s skilled drumming on “What They Didn’t Build” complements Kenny Vaughan’s dense electric guitar, and “Cross That River” exits with a very playful demeanor that you can dance to and certainly is uplifting.

There’s no question why Cronin is considered one of the best singer-songwriters that exists today, and these layered, robust tunes that take help from effects, harmonies and much diversity further cement that. If you haven’t listened to any of Cronin’s work yet, I wouldn’t delay any further- it is vital music.

Travels well with: Laura Zucker- Lifeline; Angela Easterling- Witness

Afton Wolfe

Twenty-Three

Grandiflora, 2023

9/10

Listen to Twenty-Three

The inimitable southern troubadour Afton Wolfe returns with 5 songs that span R&B, Doo Wop, gospel, jazz, blues and folk sounds, and it’s rich with a long list of exceptional players, too.

“Cry” starts the listen with Wolfe’s rugged pipes alongside Mike Miz’s agile guitar, Zachery Gregory’s soulful trumpet and plenty of flowing backing vocals, and “The Moon Is Going Down” follows with a rugged intimacy that welcomes Chad Stuible’s warm keys and Seth Fox’s dreamy flute in the bare, poetic climate.

Halfway through, “Truck Drivin Man” enters darkers areas that benefit from Rebecca Weiner Tompkins’ stirring violin, Asa Lane’s moody percussion and Bretty Ryan Stewart’s strategic bass, while “So Purple” places Hayden Cotcher on drums, Daniel Seymour on autoharp and highlights Fox’s flute acrobatics for the EPs best track.

At the end, “Late Nite Radio” focuses on Justin Amaral’s restrained drums, Robin Wolfe’s pretty voice and Stuible’s graceful keys amid Wolfe’s gravelly demeanor and eloquent song craft that finishes the affair much too early.

It’s not hard to imagine Tom Waits, Randy Newman or Otis Redding when listening to Wolfe, and his authentic, heartfelt and substantial art is understandably making him many new fans thanks to his distinct brand of Americana.

Travels well with: Laura Zucker- Lifeline; Peach & Quiet- Beautiful Thing

Arrayan Path

Thus Always To Tyrants

Pitch Black, 2022

8/10

Listen to Thus Always To Tyrants

The Cyprus metal veterans Arrayan Path return with their 9th album, and though it still retains their signature power metal ideas, it also brings in some surprises and many guest musicians, including Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery), Paolo Viani (Warlord), Enzo Donnaruma (Enzo and the Glory Ensemble), Louis Syrimis (Zivanished, Infected Syren), Harrys Pari (Minus One) and the lyre player Christina Polycarpou.

“Oh Dark Tears (Aftermath)” starts the listen with a very mature and melodic opening that even welcomes strings, but abruptly shifts into a booming and powerful metal delivery that soars high, and “The Usurper” follows with giant riffs, pounding drums and a retro-metal appeal that’s both tuneful and hard hitting.

In the middle, the chugging “The Battle Of Cnidus” carries a symphonic feel amid its thick and energetic textures, while “Crossing Over To Phoenicia” touches on thrash metal ideas alongside the singing versus shouting and very dynamic musicianship.

Approaching the end, the vocally strong and bristling “Of Royal Ancestry” is the best tune with its speedy, ominous and busy formula, and “Army Of The Myrmidons- Return To Troy Pt. II (Origins)” ends the formal disc (there are 2 bonus tracks) with an emotive and expressive finish.

A concept listen that examines the story of King Evagoras, the ruler of the Kingdom of Salamis in Cyprus, and his life, death, wars, achievements and a short aftermath, and the band’s melodic metal that’s sort of theatric, hints at operatic and is entirely nostalgic and intense sure does tell that story well.

Travels well with: Age Of Wolves- Age Of Wolves; Hunted- Deliver us

Hayden Arp

With Eliza

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to With Eliza

A songwriter, producer and mixer from Alexandria, Virginia, Hayden Arp makes a sizable impression with this debut album of his organic and intimate version of indie-folk.

“Deja Vu” opens the listen with Arp’s breathy, expressive singing amid soft guitar and a very dreamy mood that uses backing vocals strategically, and “When The Light Is Ours” follows with a more upbeat delivery that places drums strategically in the highly poetic demeanor.

“Eliza” arrives at the midpoint, and it’s a bit ominous initially, before segueing into a very unique version of folk-rock, while “Passenger” emits cozy melodies and a nostalgic appeal that’s soulful, too.

“A Parable” and “An Offer” exit the listen, where the former benefits from elegant piano and gentle drumming amid Arp’s hazy voice, and the latter carries a subtly powerful demeanor of articulate and memorable songwriting.

A listen that was inspired by a road trip with friends many years ago, With Eliza explores relationships with much cautiousness, beauty and timelessness.

Travels well with: Anna Tivel- Outsiders; Brianna Lea Pruett- Gypsy Bells

Laura Zucker

Lifeline

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Lifeline

The vocalist and guitarist Laura Zucker returns with her 6th album of original tunes, where themes of regret, surprise, wonder and adjustment are fleshed out with some excellent musicians on hand.

Zucker is joined by Ed Tree on bass, guitar, harmonium and mellotron for the swift and warm folk opener, “Takes The Shape Of You”, and “Highwire” follows with Tree’s bass and electric guitar for the intimate and reflective climate.

Further on, “Time/Love” benefits much from Richard Dodd’s elegant cello on the stirring album highlight, while “Autumn” welcomes Ben Zucker’s vibes to the atmospheric and heartfelt mood that’s poetic.

Landing near the end, Zucker’s piano and synth pad emit much beauty on the graceful “Do You See The Moon”, and “Holy”, one of the fuller selections, is populated by Scott Babcock’s drums, Marty Axelrod’s acoustic piano and Hammond organ, Tree’s bass and guitar, and, of course, Zucker’s expressive pipes

A very honest and insightful listen, Zucker’s songs are packed with bright imagery and her charming melodies certainly won’t go unnoticed across these very thoughtful 13 pieces.

Travels well with: Angela Easterling- Witness; Megan Bee- Cottonwood

Richie Goods & Chien Chien Lu

Connected Vol. 1

Richman, 2023

8/10

Listen to Connected Vol. 1

The bassist Richie Goods and vibraphonist Chien Chien Lu come together here in the name of love and peace, as they address the unwarranted violen against African Americans and the Asian community in these troubled times.

“Water” opens the listen with Lil John Roberts’ proficient drums alongside the dreamy vibes and skilled bass lines in the very energetic climate, and “Treasure Mountain” follows with Brett Williams’ moody keys adding much atmosphere to the very colorful and textured delivery.

Halfway through, “Rain” benefits much from Danny Sadownick’s well timed percussion amid the pretty vibes and strategic upright bass as much beauty unfolds, while “Rain Interlude” places Lu on vocals and Goods on upright bass for the bare but impactful landscape.

Advancing near the end, “Someday We’ll All Be Free” welcomes Jamison Ross’ pipes to complement Shedrick Mitchell’s well timed organ and Quintin Zoto’s precise guitar, and “Someday Interlude” takes this lead with Dr. Alophus Lacey’s powerful spoken word making an indelible impression.

A very ambitious body of work that was born during the pandemic quarantine, the pair’s inestimable talents are front and center across this harmonic, dynamic and extremely thought provoking jazz listen.

Travels well with: Marcus Strickland Twi-Life- People Of The Sun; Ron Carter- Skyline

Bill Scorzari

Now I’m Free

Self-Released, 2019

10/10

Listen to Now I’m Free

Bill Scorzari made me a fan pretty quick 2 years ago when I was lucky enough to become acquainted with Through These Waves, so I was pretty excited to see this 3rd album surface.

“Into The Light Of Day” leads the affair with flowing acoustic guitar and Scorzari’s chiseled vocals on the introspective folk tune, and “Over Again” follows with an aching feeling amid Americana and gorgeous female vocals complementing Scorzari’s gritty pipes.

Near the middle, “When Will My Time Come Along” is a bare, emotive highlight with moody strings backing the setting, while “Treat Me Kind” kicks the listen into high gear on a bouncy, rugged, upbeat rural anthem.

The back end of the listen glows, too, with the rollickin’ and cautiously rowdy “Steel Wheels”, the talk/singing of “Yes I Will”, and the gravelly ballad, “Cypress Tree”. “New Mexico (I To Mine)” ends the listen with gripping storytelling alongside melodic guitar, exiting just as compelling as he started.

Born out of eloquent introspection, Scorzari’s picking acrobatics and rough vocals (think Tom Waits, Frankie Stubbs and Lemmy Kilmister at a campfire) sound better than ever on this poetic, wise and soulful record that will likely capture your heart by the second track.

Travels well with: Jonah Tolchin- Fires For The Cold; Alice Howe- Visions