Boots-N-Booze #3

Comic w/Speciall Guest 7”

Pirates Press, 2022

8/10

Listen to Comic w/Speciall Guest 7”

The Boot N Booze series continues with this 3rd installment that’s full of rowdy tales of Santa Cruz in the ‘80s, where we follow the skins, rude boys, street artists and Mods through plenty of antics, and we’re even treated to a 7” from Santa Cruz’s own original ‘80s punks, Speciall Guest.

“Don’t Fit” gets the listen off to a bouncy start with the playful bass lines, as soulful and bright brass guides the rhythmic and driving ska-rocker that’s part punk, part reggae and full of smooth, melodic singing.

“Nite Klub” lands on the back half, and is a raw mashing of partially improvised ska-punk that ends up being a very adventurous, sloppy version of a tune by The Specials that certainly documents their youthful, wild and reckless demeanor in the early ‘80s, when this was recorded.

A project created by illustrators, tattoo artists and graffiti artists, the comic is quite amusing and colorful, and this first official single from Speciall Guest should not be missed.

Travels well with: Boots-N-Booze #2; The Slackers- Blue

Aaron Larget-Caplan

Drifting: Volume 3 Of the New Lullaby Project

Stone, 2021

9/10

Listen Drifting: Volume 3 Of the New Lullaby Project

One of the brightest classical guitarists active today, this installment of Aaron Larget-Caplan’s work focuses on lullabies, where the 15 tracks unfold with a soothing, meditative and absorbing quality.

Tim Pence’s “The Sleeping Guitar” begins the listen with much beauty, as the mesmerizing guitar flows with elegance, and “Counting Backwards”, by Anthony R. Green, emits a hypnotic pattern that comes with a bit of mystery.

Further on, the title track uses both bare and firm playing, where space is used strategically in the Stefanie Lubkowski original, while the intimate “Seeketh Not Its Own”, by Ian Wiese, moves with a focus on mood in the very gentle delivery.

Closer to the end, Boris Rivchun’s “Dreams” is indeed dreamy, and showcases Larget-Caplan’s agile and poetic vision, and “A Lullaby In Restless Times” exits the listen with Martin Max Schreiner’s piece employing a meticulous but universally embraceable charm.

A technically proficient body of work that is both calming and fascinating, there is a profound attention to detail here that you’re not going to experience anywhere else.

Travels well with: Reza Khan- Imaginary Road; Aaron Larget-Caplan- God’s Time: Music Of J.S. Bach On Guitar

The Drowns/Plizzken

The Drowns/Plizzken Split 7”

Pirates Press, 2023

9/10

Listen to The Drowns/Plizzken

Two fantastic punk bands from 2 very different parts of the world come together here, where Seattle’s The Drowns and Germany’s Plizzken each contribute a new and unreleased tune on a limited edition slab of oxblood colored vinyl.

The Drowns take Side A with the punk’n’ roll melodies of “The Lost Boys Of Suburbia”, where gritty singing and soulful backing vocals are met with swirling guitars and punchy drumming that are equally suited for the dance floor and the pit.

The back half belongs to Plizzken, who hit hard but tuneful with the anthemic thundering, fist-pumping energy and gang vocals of “One More Time”, which comes with a bit of an old school feel that’s as timeless as it is memorable.

An excellent way to test the waters of these bristling and harmonic modern punk bands, both have plenty of other records available, too, and as a fan of both, I can assure that they are fantastic as well.

Travels well with: Suzi Moon- Dumb & In Luv; Bishops Green- Grey Skies

Derrick Gardner & The Jazz Prophets

Pan Africa

Impact, 2023

8/10

Listen to Pan Africa

The trumpet wizard Derrick Gardner is in fine company here, as The Jazz Prophets join him for this listen that pays homage to his ancestors via sounds stemming from African rhythm.

“Djemba Kan” starts the listen with Kweku Sumbry’s swift and precise drumming, and this segues right into “Appointment In Ghana”, where the bright brass enters alongside the playful drumming that recruits a contagious energy.

Halfway through, the cultured and highly rhythmic “The Sixth Village” benefits much from Robert Dixon’s soaring sax, while “Highlife Suite” showcases Obasi Akoto’s intricate bass playing and George Caldwell’s strategic piano for the album’s best track.

Closer to the end, “NKRUMAH ‘da RULAH” is populated by lively drums, Gardner’s expressive trumpet and plenty of supporting horns that birth a dynamic and busy landscape, and “Assin Manso… The Last Bath” exits with much beauty, warmth and adventurousness in a dreamy sort of fashion.

The impetus for the record was born out of a 5 week tour of the coastal savannas of Ghana, where Gardner and The Jazz Prophets visited historical sites pertaining to the transatlantic slave trade, Ghanaian independence and the Pan African movement. This trip moved Gardner so much, it began the journey that led to this body of work that is nothing short of gripping.

Travels well with: Dave Liebman- Live At Smalls; Rodney Whitaker- Oasis

Lund

Right This Time

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Right This Time

The debut from an artist who spent decades as a working musician in New York City and who is formally trained as a vocalist, Lund aligns herself with the guitarists Brandon Townsend and Paul Olsen for these well crafted Americana-esque tracks.

“Paper Tiger” starts the listen with much atmosphere, as Lund’s alluring voice complements the swirling guitars and hint of grunge, and “Don’t You Leave Me” follows with a soulful spirit that showcases Lund’s powerful pipes amid the psyche-influenced musicianship.

At the midpoint, “Bed’s Too Big Without You” meshes folk, roots and bluesy ideas with much charm, while “Not Coming Home” finds a more intimate place to reside, where the agile drumming and poetic singing are quite stirring.

Close to the end, “Good Advice”, is a fuller, firm soul-rocker that welcomes some funk stabs alongside the dynamic rhythm section, and “Something’s Gotta Give” exits with a pretty, breezy and soothing rootsy finish.

A great first album that’s as diverse as it is heartfelt, Lund possesses an abundance of talent and experience, and it makes for a very timeless and creative affair.

Travels well with: Susan Cattaneo- All Is Quiet; Ali Sperry- In Front Of Us

Davis Causey

New Things From Old Strings

Strolling Bones, 2023

8/10

Listen to New Things From Old Strings

Davis Causey turned his fascination with a ukulele at age 10 into a 6 decade long career that had him playing alongside Marvin Gaye, Jackie Wilson and Derek Trucks, to name a few, and here he brings us songs that he’s carried with him through life, and he’s got an all star cast to help him flesh out the authentic sounds.

“Nothing’ Much” opens the listen with Causey’s spirited and warm guitar alongside Michael Steel’s agile bass and Tim White’s well timed Hammond organ in the cautious climate, and “Circadian Swing (Pt. 2)” follows with Chuck Leavell’s eloquent piano complementing Carlton Owens’ precise drums and Causey’s reflective guitar.

Further on, “Dreamtime” gets quite textured, where much focus on mood helps make for a rich, bluesy, jazzy album highlight, while “Mr. Tuesday” heads further into blues, where Tom Ryan’s baritone sax and J.R. Beckwith’s trumpet add much power to the equation.

Residing near the end, “Lari’s Lullaby” showcases Randall Bramblett’s cozy piano in the soothing delivery, and “Oh Kay” exits with Karen Bergmann’s stirring cello and Causey’s bass guitar interacting with sublime grace.

Causey is highly regarded as one of the best guitars that’s alive today, and these songs certainly reinforce that sentiment with his unparalleled attention to detail and timeless vision.

Travels well with: Haunted Shed- Faltering Light; Davis Causey & Jay Smith- Pickin’ On Christmas

Zach & Maggie

The Elephant In The Room

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to The Elephant In The Room

A Nashville based husband and wife duo who are well versed in Americana, folk, pop and bluegrass, Zach and Maggie make music that is as diverse as it is memorable, and these short stories shaped into songs make an immediate impression.

The title track opens the listen with a very warm, old time feel, where Maggie’s charming voice is met with thick brass and the sort of instrumentation that might soundtrack a trip to a speakeasy, and “Caesar Said To Brutus” follows with swift acoustic guitar amid an upbeat folk appeal, where Zach’s expressive voice is front and center and similarities to Paul Simon won’t go unnoticed.

Halfway through, the stylish demeanor and thumping drums of “Gentra Girls” recruits a punchy and pop influenced version of Americana, while “Painting Memories” finds an intimate place to reside that benefits much from Zach’s poetic pipes alongside some cozy twang.

Close to the end, “Happy Goat Lucky” emits timeless bluegrass nods thanks to the very quick, meticulous fiddle acrobatics, and “Settle Down” exits with a bare, pretty acoustic tune that welcomes stirring strings to the emotive and heartfelt demeanor.

Sometimes quirky, other times vulnerable, and always sincere and creative, no two songs here resemble each too closely, and it sure does make for an eclectic and universally enjoyable listen.

Travels well with: The Great Divide- Providence; The Lied To’s- The Worst Kind Of New

Music Of Eric Richards

The Consent Of Sound And Meaning

New Focus, 2023

9/10

Listen to The Consent Of Sound And Meaning

The inimitable composer Eric Richards took an unusual route of deconstructing music for these 8 iconoclastic tracks, where a tape recorder was used to flesh out these avant-garde and artistic ideas that take some exceptional help.

“A Fanfare For Diebenkorn” opens the listen with loadbang’s Andy Kozar, who brings his expressive and eloquent 3 trumpets to the quick, warm climate, and “Wingsets” follows with 9 instrumentalists and 9 singers who emit much mystery, atmosphere and unpredictableness as Steve Hrycelak’s baritone is quite memorable.

At the halfway point, “Rocks; Gardens” pairs bright trumpet from Kozar with atmospheric keys thanks to Steven Beck to elicit a contrasting climate, while “Owls, Too” showcases 6 female voices that present excerpts texts from an Edward Elgar song with incredible attention to detail.

Approaching the end, the buzzing of “Hymn To Santa Muerta (Rotting Christ)” recruits Jeffrey Gavett’s baritone pipes and Jude Traxler’s cuica for the darker spirit of the rumbling, distorted bass and lower registers, and the title track exits with Robert Black’s basses and Kozar’s trumpets for 16+ minutes of violin recorded to tape that was reversed, looped, manipulated and meshed with 10 double bass parts and 7 trumpet parts for the meditative finish.

Richards passed in 2020 due to renal failure at the age of 84. He artistic and collage oriented view of experimental sounds made him a luminary for decades, and he inspired legions of other musicians. This late period body of work carries on his legacy perfectly.

Travels well with: Stephanie Lamprea- 14 Récitations; Christopher Cerrone- The Air Suspended

Eldad Tarmu

Tarmu Jazz Quartet

Queen Of Bohemia, 2023

8/10

Listen to Tarmu Jazz Quartet

The esteemed vibraphonist Eldad Tarmu is in fine company here, where Adam Hutcheson, Sam Bevan and Cengiz Baysal accompany him for these 9 rhythmic, funky and colorful pieces.

“Cafe Sole” opens the listen with Tarmu’s cozy vibes alongside Baysal’s crisp drums and Hutcheson’ bright and flowing alto sax, and “Self-Inflicted Wounds” follows with the sax front and center in the lively and expressive climate.

“Beneath The Gloss And Shine” arrives in the middle and showcases Bevan’s bouncy bass amid Tarmu’s meticulous vibe prowess, while “Kinda Elegant” emits a cozy intimacy that has the quartet interacting with a cautious warmth.

“Mating Calls” and “Tall Grass Prairie” exit the listen, where the former births adventurous melodies and dynamic musicianship, and the latter finishes with an intricate, poetic and timeless demeanor.

This is Tarmu’s 10th album as leader, and it’s among his best yet, where his meticulous vibraphone skills sure do navigate well around the superb rhythm section and vivid brass.

Travels well with: Skip Grasso- Becoming; John Paul McGee- Gospejazzical

Rachel Therrien

Mi Hogar

Outside In, 2023

8/10

Listen to Mi Hogar

The Canadian trumpet and flugelhorn player Rachel Therrien brings her worldly vision to an ensemble of players from New York, Canada, Cuba, Venezuela and Puerto Rico for these lively and charming 7 tracks.

“Capricho Arabe” starts the listen with Alex Bellagrade’s playfully plucked bass, as Therrien’s soulful trumpet enters the initially calm delivery that welcomes Melissa Lavergne’s well timed congas and bursts into a busy, rhythmic, dance friendly display.

“Moment’s Notice” is then populated by Julian Gutierrez’s agile piano, Lararo Martinez’s upbeat congas and, of course, Therrien’s expressive horn, while “The Wizard” moves slowly, intimately, and benefits from Roman Filiu’s radiant sax, Gabriel Chakarji’s eloquent keys and meticulous trumpet from Therrien.

On the back half, “Con Alma” showcases Manuel Valera’s moody keys, John Benitez’s animated bass and Keisel Jimenez’s swift congas, and “Porcelanosa” exits with a lively, festive blend of Luis Izquierdo’s bass, Willy Soto Barreto’s piano, Nestor Rodriguez’s sax, and, most definitely, the star of the show, the very adaptable trumpet from Therrien.

A multi-faceted listening experience that represents all the places Therrien has lived and studied, this is a very ambitious, exciting and memorable body of work from the Juno Nominated artist.

Travels well with: Jesse Davis- Live At Smalls Jazz Club; Tyler Mitchell Octet- Sun Ra’s Journey

Planet D Nonet

Blues To Be There, A Salute To Duke Ellington

Eastlawn, 2023

8/10

Listen to Blues To Be There, A Salute To Duke Ellington

The work of Duke Ellington has been interpreted by many artists, but it’s never sounded quite like this, as Planet D Nonet bring their arsenal of brass and some very special guests to the 16 tracks.

“Spacemen” starts the listen with Charlie Miller’s lively trumpet and Alex Harding’s swift baritone sax making for a radiant and flowing jazz climate, and “Pie Eye’s Blues” follows with a calmer pace that benefits from James O’Donnell’s well timed trumpet and Michael Zaporski’s firm piano playing that welcomes much rhythm.

Further on, “Swingers Gets The Blues Too” has Christopher Tabaczynski’s intimate sax front and center, as well as Tbone Paxton’s trombone, while “Way Early Subtone” showcases Alex Colista’s meticulous alto sax prowess and Harding’s baritone sax working together dynamically.

Moving towards the end, “Bonga” allows RJ Spangler’s congas much room to explore in the cultured delivery, and “VIPs Boogie/Jam With Sam” exits with a swingin’, festive appeal that is populated by Goode Wyche II’s sax, Colista’s soprano sax and Ryan Bills’ tenor sax.

The outfit are spearheaded by Spangler and O’Donnell, and they’ve had great success reimaging classic blues and jazz music, and this project that focuses on Ellington’s later work continues that trend and should be required listening for fans.

Travels well with: 3D Jazz Trio- 9 To 5; Christopher McBride- Ramon

Markus Rutz

Storybook

JMARQ, 2023

8/10

Listen to Storybook

The trumpeter and composer Markus Rutz returns with a 6th studio effort, where he’s joined by an excellent cast for the autobiographical listen that incorporates the modern day sounds of Chicago.

“Somethings’s Blowing In” starts the listen with Rutz’s soulful trumpet alongside Kurt Schweitz’s strategic bass, as much attention is paid to mood, and it isn’t long until the Adrian Ruiz’s warm keys and Kyle Ashe’s skilled drums complement Rutz’s elegant brass on “The Everyday Escapades Of M&M”.

Elsewhere, “Third Coasting” welcomes Sharel Cassity’s graceful saxophone to the timeless, rich jazz textures, while “Buffalo” benefits much from Samuel Peters’ very agile bass that meshes well with the dynamic and expressive brass.

Deeper yet, “Soul Eyes” recruits a stirring intimacy that showcases Rutz’s very eloquent trumpet prowess in a poetic demeanor, and “Right At Home” exits with strong interaction between the rhythm section amid Rutz’s glowing horn.

Rutz is heavily influenced by legends like Miles Davis, Kenny Dorham, Ellis Marsalis, Mal Waldron and Lil Hardin, and this well crafted mix of standards and originals is yet another excellent body of work that all fans of jazz will enjoy.

Travels well with: Ben Wolfe- Unjust; Joe Locke- Makram

Jo Lawry

Acrobats

Whirlwind, 2023

9/10

Listen to Acrobats

The Australian vocalist Jo Lawry has enjoyed an impressive career that includes working intimately with Sting, Paul Simon and Peter Gabriel, and this first solo album in over a decade brings Linda May Han Oh and Allison Miller to the 10 jazz tunes.

“Travelling Lights” starts the listen with Lawry’s extremely eloquent and smooth voice alongside Han Oh’s very intricate bass plucking, as Miller’s frisky drums enter the infectious climate, and the title track follows with pretty singing amid the frisky rhythm section.

Halfway through, “‘Deed I Do” welcomes playful scatting and expressive singing to the bouncy album highlight, while “You’re The Voice” is a bit more firm with thumping drums and swift bass lines that welcomes rock influences.

Moving towards the end, “317 East 32nd Street” is populated by warm scatting, brushed drums and meticulous bass, and “If I Were A Bell” exits with Lawry’s very distinct enunciation in the stylish and highly memorable finish.

Let’s hope it isn’t another 10 years before Lawry graces us with another release, cause that voice is a thing of beauty that we could never tire of, and the musicianship is top notch jazz.

Travels well with: Libby York- Dreamland; Ben Wolfe- Unjust

Dave Liebman

Live At Smalls

Cellar, 2023

9/10

Listen to Live At Smalls

A free jazz performance from the inestimable saxophonist Dave Liebman, who is accompanied by Peter Evans, Leo Genovese, John Hébert and Tyshawn Sorey, this 75 minute set turns improvisation into a highly refined science thanks to the exceptional talent present.

“The Beginning” starts the set with Liebman’s unpredictable and inviting sax that welcomes Sorey’s well timed drums and Peter Evans’ bright trumpet for the swift and daring free jazz exploration that spreads out across 15 minutes.

“The Middle” is in the middle, of course, and opens with a calm, soulful demeanor that meshes the brass with much control, as the keys enter with a furious pace of stunning finger acrobatics from Genovese. Closer to the end of the 33 minute piece, the setting turns intimate, pretty even, which only adds more allure to the execution.

The listens exits with, what else, “The End” where an obliquely dreamy mashing of exciting brass, furious bass lines, animated drumming and firm keys populate the 25 minute finisher.

An active player since the ‘60s, Liebman brings a wealth of experience to this project, and amazingly these lengthy pieces were the first time these 4 played together, which is further proof of their unparalleled talents.

Travels well with: Kirk Lightsey- Live At Smalls Jazz Club; Rodney Whitaker- Oasis

Metropolitan Jazz Octet Featuring Paul Marinaro

The Bowie Project

Origin, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Bowie Project

The Chicago ensemble Metropolitan Jazz Octet joins forces with the vocalist Paul Marinaro for this very well crafted listen that illuminates David Bowie’s work with much creativity.

The aptly titled “Slow Burn” opens the listen with the soulful, emotive brass meshing with Bob Stutter’s warm keys and Rob Rummage’s firm drums in the very dreamy climate, and “5:15 The Angels Have Gone” follows with Marinaro’s expressive vocals being complemented by John Kornegay’s well timed clarinet and Doug Bistrow’s agile bass.

In the middle, Mike Freeman’s very cozy vibraphone helps make this the album’s best, and the bright sax certainly won’t go unnoticed either, while the upbeat and frisky “Stay” emits much melody amid the sax solos and punchy rhythm section.

“Conversation Piece” and “Life On Mars?” exit the listen, where the former is a stirring, intimate display of restrained horns and poetic singing, and the latter has Freeman on marimba for the cautious yet exploratory finish.

If you’re a Bowie fan, you’ll certainly appreciate how these songs are interpreted without just replicating the originals, and you’ve never heard these songs before, well, you’re in for some precisely textured jazz that comes with captivating singing and colorful song craft.

Travels well with: Libby York- Dreamland; Eric Jacobson- Discover

Doug MacDonald

Big Band Extravaganza

Dmac, 2023

9/10

Listen to Big Band Extravaganza

The long running guitarist extraordinaire Doug MacDonald returns with a 17 piece jazz orchestra for this aptly titled 10 tracks that swings with the best of them, and illustrates very inventive song craft.

“Toluca Lake Jazz” starts the listen with an infectious energy, where MacDonald’s spirited guitar guides Kim Richmond’s alto sax and Ivan Malespin’s trombone in the soulful yet playful climate, and “Rashomon” follows with Tim McKay’s baritone sax making an impression amid Paul Kreibich’s precise drumming that complements the cautious mood.

In the middle, “Desert Jazz” shakes and bounces with Rickey Woodward’s tenor sax and Aaron Janik’s trumpet front and center, while “De Ha” is a charming and booming album highlight that welcomes Andy Langham’s animated piano prowess.

Close to the end, “Minor Mess” benefits much from Les Benedict’s soaring trombone and Kreibich’s acrobatic drumming, and “Ya Know Bill” exits with Carl Saunders handling trumpet and Bill Cunliffe’s fantastic piano alongside MacDonald’s fluent and adaptable guitar playing.

An ensemble that formed in 2020, let’s hope that MacDonald has more Big Band recordings on the horizon, cause the flowing melodies, abundance of solos and lively energy makes for a swinging experience like no other.

Travels well with: Joe Locke- Makram; Dave Stryker- Prime

Aaron Larget-Caplan

Honey Cadence

Tiger Turn, 2022

8/10

Listen to Honey Cadence

The guitarist, composer and arranger Aaron Larget-Caplan penned these 6 solo pieces at the end of 2021 and beginning of 2022, and they are quite gentle, tone and timbre attentive and meditative in nature.

“Sweet Nuance” begins the listen with very warm, bare playing that emits much warmth and grace in its stirring presence, and the title track follows with a hypnotic and moody approach that carries a bit of mystery amid the eloquent delivery.

“Moving Still” and “Minding Play” land in the middle, where the former cultivates a calm melody that’s intimate, and the latter showcases meticulous progressions that are as gripping as they are timeless.

Arriving near the end, “Hidden Anticipation” quivers a bit in its cautious yet adventurous demeanor, and “Slight Nuance” exits with a swirling and reflective tone that certainly leaves the listener eager for more.

A great introduction to Larget-Caplan’s melodic, tranquil and pitch specific playing, there’s little doubt that this quick listen will pique your interest enough to seek out his other work.

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

Stephanie Lamprea

14 Récitations

New Focus, 2023

10/10

Listen to 14 Récitations

The soprano vocalist Stephanie Lamprea births a very daring effort here, where she performs Georges Aperghis’ 14 Récitations for solo voice, and it’s a very avant-garde experience that focuses on tonality, repetition and puzzles.

“Récitation 1” opens the listen with Lamprea’s stunning vocal acrobatics that are both melodic, flowing and often are used like an instrument and lets us know that this will be no typical a cappella listen.

Further on, the expressive storytelling of “Récitation 3” unfolds like dialogue, while “Récitation 5” has Lamprea showcasing an impressive range that’s bright and uplifting. “Recitation 7”, one of the album’s best, then illustrates a very impressive ability to make sounds with her very animated pipes.

Approaching the end, “Récitation 10” moves with a swift pace of very focused and atypical gestures, and “Récitation 14” exits with much emphasis on breathing via the often whispered bouts of song craft.

A Colombian-American artist who delivers classical music in very unorthodox ways, Lamprea manipulates timbre and dramatic flair for this truly unique record that you could never listen to just once.

Travels well with: Christopher Cerrone- The Air Suspended; Aaron Myers-Brooks- Oblique

Francine Kay

Things Lived And Dreamt

Analekta, 2023

8/10

Listen to Things Lived And Dreamt

The superb pianist Francine Kay brings us Czech music on this very well thought listen, where the work of Dvořák, Smetana, Janáček, Suk, and the rarely-heard Czech woman Vítězslava Kaprálová are performed flawlessly.

“Sonata 1.X. 1905” opens the listen with the firm, rumbling keys emitting much power in its swirling energy that can retreat to plenty of calm, pretty moments, and “Jaro (Printemps/Spring), Op. 22a” follows with a stirring intimacy that shows much restraint in Kay’s sublime playing.

In the middle, “Humoresques” emits a very meticulous appeal that’s focused much on mood, while “Zivotem a snem” spans 10 chapters that are often firm and swift, but are also capable of bare beauty. The final piece, “Czech Dances1, JB 1: 107”, is quite adventurous, and is indeed able to get your body moving with its animated progressions and unparalleled attention to detail.

This is Kay’s 4th recording on the Analekta label, and her esteemed body of work has gained her a JUNO Nomination and worldwide appreciation. A colorful, rich and exciting body of work, Things Lived And Dreamt is a real treat for fans of the piano.

Travels well with: Mark Abel- Spectrum; Orli Shaham- Complete Piano Sonatas Vol. 2 & 3

Bill Whitley

Then Elephant Speaks

Ravello, 2019

8/10

Listen to Then Elephant Speaks

Bill Whitley doesn’t strike me as one to turn away from telling a story in song, and here he does with both acoustic and electric instruments with plenty of power, melody and including some very adventurous remixes.

The title track starts the listen with elegant keys before playful guitars and harps turn the setting a bit more tense, and the same song as a remix by Shaun Michaud shows up later with a chilling, mysterious approach that abruptly bursts into a dizzying display of electro-classical fun.

There are 3 versions of “The Circles” included, too. Version For Piano & Electronics is certainly more key focused, while electronics help punctuate the sophisticated mood, and Version For Piano & Electronics Shaun Michaud Mix gets highly experimental with ambient manipulation of sounds that’s both dramatic and hypnotic.

Version For Solo Piano ends the listen with Whitley’s proficient keys in an engaging, melodic exit, where the lone instrument leaves an indelible mark.

An extremely educated musician, Whitley has been making music since his early teens. Then Elephant Speaks shows us a glimpse of his vision and interesting interpretations of his work, resulting in a compelling, unique listen of much grace.

Travels well with: Lachlan Skipworth- Lachlan Skipworth; Patterns- Chamber Works