Anthony Branker & Imagine

What Place Can Be For Us?

Origin, 2023

8/10

Listen to What Place Can Be For Us?

The esteemed composer Anthony Branker returns with his 8th release on the Origin label, where 10 pieces surround the idea of ‘place’ and how it pertains to inclusion and belonging, and he’s got a large cast of players for the passionate, rhythmic affair.

“The Door Of No Return” starts the listen with Alison Crockett’s expressive spoken word alongside Donald Edwards’ frisky drums and Pete McCann’s spirited guitar that’s complemented by bright brass, and “Sundown Town” follows with Fabian Almazan’s graceful piano amid the glowing sax prowess that helps texture the album highlight superbly.

At the halfway point, “We Went Where The Wind Took Us” showcases the reflective mood with a sublime dreaminess, while the title track is a louder, dynamic 8+ minutes that benefits from rock influences and is illuminated by Linda May Han Oh’s strategic bass playing.

The quality of the song craft continues to the end, where “Sanctuary City” shakes and bops with an infectious energy, and “Placeless” glides with a very animated presence of free jazz exploration.

Handling the brass are Walter Smith III and Remy Le Boeuf on saxophones, and Philip Dizack brings his trumpet. Together, along with the rest of the ensemble, they make for strong interplay and a rhythmic post-bop listen which provides much insightful social commentary that’s much needed in 2023.

Travels well with: Scenes- Variable Clouds: Live At The Earshot Jazz Festival; Rodney Whitaker- Oasis

Dan Trudell

Fishin’ Again

OA2, 2023

8/10

Listen to Fishin’ Again

The esteemed keyboardist Dan Trudell is no stranger to swing fun and groove filled song craft, and here be brings along Mike Standal, Dana Hall, Pat Mallinger, John Wojciechowski and Joel Adams for the energetic 7 tracks.

The title track starts the listen with Trudell’s agile keys alongside Wojciechowski’s soulful tenor sax and Hall’s frisky drums in the dynamic and flowing 10+ minutes, and “Chocolate Martini” follows with Mallinger’s diverse alto sax prowess and a dense buzzing that make for an extremely adventurous delivery.

In the middle, “Horse” benefits much from the well timed brass and funk stabs in the animated climate, while “Holler Back” shuffles swiftly with acrobatic keys and off kilter melodies that make this the album’s best.

All the songs up to this point were penned by Trudell when he was playing with the drummer Clyde Stubblefield. “Scream”, which exits the listen, is a busy, textured and spirited jazz affair that was recorded live the day after Dr. Lonnie Smith, who it pays tribute to, passed away.

A very diverse and meticulous listen that will appeal to fans of jazz from any period, Trudell and company make for a lively and very memorable experience.

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

Ben Bostick

The Rascal Is Back

Simply Fantastic, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Rascal Is Back

The singer-songwriter Ben Bostick is back with a 5th studio album, and it’s one that’s big, loud, fun and certainly captures the energy of his live show.

The title track starts the listen with plenty of playful twang, where crisp drums and the warm telecaster suits Bostick’s humorous singing, and “You Can Leave In The Morning” follows with finger snapping and cozy acoustic guitar that’s breezy and melodic.

Further on, the thumping Heartland rock of “Big Train” flows with some grit amid the harmonic vocals, while “I Don’t Care” takes that lead a step further punk/Ska rock that welcomes dreamy background vocals and mesmerizing guitar.

Deeper yet, the bouncy bass from Cass Faulconer on “Come Back Home To Me” complements the frisky drums from Jack Jones on the driving country rock, and “I Remember Easy Street” exits with a genuine intimacy that comes with a nostalgic and calm demeanor that seems like it might end a long night at the bar.

Some of these songs have been in Bostick’s arsenal for years, and they fit in here fluidly. He’s again joined by his collaborator Kyle Lalone (guitar, backing vocals), plus several other familiar faces, for a diverse, quirky and really charming body of work.

Travels well with: Matt Hillyer- Glorieta; The Shootouts- Quick Draw

William Carn

Choices

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Choices

Widely considered one of Canada’s best trombonists, William Carn further solidifies that sentiment with this 3rd album of creative and memorable contemporary jazz.

“Breathe In” opens the listen with a meditative dreaminess that places Carn’s trombone amid soothing electronica that borders on New Age, and “The Inertia Of Complacency” follows with Kelly Jefferson’s bright tenor sax and William Sperandei’s glowing trumpet that suits Ernesto Cervini’s inestimable drums with much adventurousness.

In the middle, “Get Up” moves quickly with HiFiLo’s (Todd Pentney) playful keyboards and Larnell Lewis’ agile drums complementing Jesse Ryan’s soulful alto sax, while “Goodbye Old Friend” finds a more intimate place to reside with its strong attention to atmosphere and mood.

The album’s best track, “The Gift”, arrives near the end and welcomes Davide DiRenzo’s skilled drumming to Carn’s poetic trombone with a reflective, heartfelt quality that even uses soft singing, and “Breathe Out” exits much like how it started- calming, nearly therapeutic.

An album created during the lockdowns, Choices was made entirely in Carn’s home, and the guest musicians all submitted their portions from their own dwellings. It was also augmented, edited and mixed remote, but you certainly can’t tell, as the chemistry and dynamics between the artists emits a very unique and animated energy.

Travels well with: Matt Greenwood- Atlas; RJ Leblanc- Heyday

Jason Lang

Handled With Care

Outside, 2023

8/10

Listen to Handled With Care

A 3rd album that’s dedicated to his late mother, the Canadian folk artist Penny Lang, Jason Lang records some of her favorite songs and uses country, folk, blues and plenty of other ideas for the raw and melodic execution.

“Firewater” starts the listen with a frisky and warm meshing of country and blues that’s both acoustic and electric, and “Senses Of Your Leave” follows with spirited harmonica and very powerful, soulful singing in the bare, folk influenced climate.

At the midpoint, “Ain’t Life Sweet” is indeed sweet, where cozy harmonica, agile finger pickin’ and upright bass create much beauty, while “Carry On Children” lands in folk territory amid the acoustic guitar and eloquent storytelling about parents dealing with their children leaving to live their own lives.

“Living With The Blues” and “You Are My Sunshine” exit the listen, where the former is a swift and dance friendly album highlight that’s lively and crisp, and the latter exits with a heartfelt, romantic delivery that’s vocally absorbing and musically intimate.

Lang plays everything on this record, which was fleshed out in just 2 days, and used old, classic instruments from the ‘50s and ‘60s. An aptly titled affair, he certainly does the memory of his mother justice, and illuminates her work and the two covers with a stirring and authentic presence.

Travels well with: Tim Ball- Upstate Crossroads; The Heart Collectors- Timeless Space

Cowboy Dave

Venture South

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Venture South

The first album from Cowboy Dave Wilson, the honky tonker pens a listen from the position of a 19th century cowboy as well as the struggles of the modern working man, and he’s got an all-star cast with him for the ride.

“247” starts the listen with plenty of energy, where Dave’s swift singing is met with Hank Singer’s fiddle acrobatics for the dusty rocker, and “Honky Tonk Hot Sauce” follows with Andy Sweetser’s fluid drumming matching the frisky delivery.

Further along, Jay Dee Maness brings warm pedal steel and Leslie Brown handles electric bass for the intimate spirit of “Sandhill Girl”, while “Cruel Cruel Queen” features Kristina Murray’s pretty pipes for the rhythmic country rocker.

Close to the end, the dance floor ready “Mama Drove A Big Rig” oozes melody in a barn yard sort of way, and “You’ll Never Be A Prophet” exits with glowing pedal steel and Dave’s vivid storytelling that’s as authentic as it is memorable.

Cowboy Dave certainly is indebted to the Bakersfield Sound, and this debut comes with a timelessness that parallels Buck Owens or Merle Haggard, and is rugged, rich and ideal for any fan of country and western folklore.

Travels well with: Austin Mayse- Bridges And Kerosene; Helen Cronin- Landmarks

John Daversa & Tal Cohen

The Art Of Duo: Volume One

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to The Art Of Duo: Volume One

The Grammy winning trumpet extraordinaire John Daversa is aligned with the jazz pianist Tal Cohen for these improvised 9 tracks that illustrate dynamic chemistry and a willingness to involve electric instrumentation and vocals into the formula.

“Artful Sparring” opens the listen with swift, mesmering keys amid the soulful and expressive brass that embraces much culture, and “But Beautiful” follows with a dreamy, introspective spirit that meshes the pair’s beauty with much adventurousness, too.

Further on, the spoken and sung moments of “Little Black Spider” complement the warm piano playing with a poetic quality, while “The Fool And The Emperor” places Daversa’s bright brass front and center with an infectious energy.

Close to the end, the reflective keys and intimate demeanor of “Radiant Heart” is the listen’s best, and “In Your Own Sweet Way” exits with firm trumpet playing and agile piano prowess that’s romantic and timeless.

The creative spontaneity present is exciting, daring and seamless, as Daversa and Cohen make the most of every second that populates one of the best duo listens you’ll come across.

Travels well with: John Daversa- All Without Words: Variations Inspired By Loren; John Daversa Quintet- Cuarentena: With Family At Home

you.Guru

UNtouchable

Antena Krzyku, 2023

8/10

Listen to UNtouchable

A Polish outfit with an affinity for looping, psychedelic song craft and experimentalism, you.Guru bring us 7 tracks recorded during a 3 day live session, which superbly captures their energy and flow.

“Direct Commotion” gets the listen off to a lively start, where thumping drums and hypnotic electronica enter alongside the rumbling bass and swirling melody, and “Sunny Spot In The Black Hole” follows with bouncy synth work that touches on ‘80 post-punk but is still quite modern, too.

In the middle, “Untouchably Smooth Skin” find a dreamy place to reside with a hint of ominousness that buzzes warmly, while “Quick Feeling” is quite cinematic, eerie even, in a sci-fi sort of way that drones uniquely. The final track, “Simple Connections”, doesn’t disappoint either, where tribal-esque drumming and frisky bass lines certainly suit the dance floor.

A creative mixture of both arrangements and improvisation, we’re treated to rock, funk, jazz and plenty of other ideas on this very interesting sophomore listen.

Travels well with: TYTO-Mirai; Orbel- Lur Hezea

Ella & The Bossa Beat

In The Moment

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to In The Moment

The father-daughter duo of Ella and Margrus Borges, as Ella & The Bossa Beat the pair bring a Brazilian jazz/pop formula that doesn’t shy away from grooves and soulful jazz qualities on these 9 layered tracks.

“Speak From The Heart” opens and is indeed heartfelt, where Ella’s pretty, soulful voice is met with Magrus’ agile drumming for the romantic mood, and “Why” follows with Rodrigo Sha’s well placed saxophone complementing Ella’s expressive singing and playful bass for the timeless jazz delivery.

In the middle, “Tempo Traz” highlights Ella’s cozy keys and very sublime singing alongside her dad’s playful and diverse drumming for the cultured album highlight, while “Forever” welcomes Alain Bradette’s colorful sax and Greg Little’s bright trumpet to the superbly groove friendly demeanor.

Approaching the end, the poetic “Slipping Away” showcases Kim Freitas’ gentle acoustic guitar amid the soaring singing, and “What Happened To Our Love” exits with R&B influences present and appreciated in the sophisticated and melodic finish.

An extremely memorable sophomore album, the songs are sung in both English and Portuguese, are all originals, and bring in a worldly roster of musicians for a very sincere and diverse listen.

Travels well with: 3D Jazz Trio- 9 To 5; Acute Inflections- Let Go

Matt Greenwood

Atlas

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Atlas

A Zimbabwe native who now calls Toronto home, the guitarist and composer Matt Greenwood makes quite an impression with this debut, where improvisation and aesthetics are key.

“Constellations” gets the listen off to a warm start, where Greenwood’s atmospheric guitar is met with Joshua Stanberry’s agile keys in a nearly prog-rock sort of way, and this segues right into Dhaivat Jani’s dense drums that complement the meticulous guitar progressions of “Dehyah”.

Halfway through, “From Sunshine” recruits James Griffith’s alto sax and Steve Carson’s tenor saxophone for the intimate landscape, while “Campfire Ghosts” emits a sublime beauty that benefits from Greenwood’s stirring guitar and Jani’s calm drumming.

Close to the end, Mark Kelso sits in on drums for the more rock influenced “Redemption”, and “Commitment” exits with Matt McCormack’s eloquent electric bass, Stanberry’s expressive keys, and, of course, Greenwood’s glowing guitar work that is just textured so radiantly.

A first album where much of the music was recorded live off the floor in studio, the strategic use of overdubbed guitars, and precise mixing from Greenwood ensures a unique and exciting listening experience.

Travels well with: RJ Leblanc- Heyday; Noah Lemish- Twelve

Peter Sulski

Bowed Colors

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Bowed Colors

The British-American violist Peter Sulski shows us the depths of his instrument with these mostly solo pieces that showcase 5 composers that embrace neoclassical and bare moments of tonal fascination.

John McGinn’s “Capriciously Strung” starts the listen with Randall Hodgkinson’s low piano and Sulski’s stirring string manipulation making for a very distinct, sometimes sparse, sometimes swift delivery, and “Tak Tak Tak!”, a solo viola piece. has Sulski illuminating Benjamin Ellin’s vision with precise and playful musicianship.

Halfway through, Tara Guram’s “Sonata For Solo Viola” unfolds across 9 chapters of stirring, poetic, even haunting sounds that are never short on atmosphere and spans plenty of intimate moments, while “Sonatina For Viola And Piano”, by Richard E. Brown, recruits Hodginson’s cozy piano playing for the album’s best selection that births plenty of melody.

The final track, John Biggs’ “Invention For Viola & Tape”, leads with voices before segueing into the low viola that quivers with intense and gentle prowess.

Sulski was a member of the London Symphony Orchestra for seven years, and he brings that experience and his superb bow control to this contemporary listen that’s all finesse and detail.

Travels well with: Inviting Worlds Vol. 3; Paul Cohen- Center Chamber

Various Artists

Inviting Worlds Vol. 3

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Inviting Worlds Vol. 3

This 3rd installment of the Inviting Worlds series brings us a new roster of today’s composers, where inspiration from historic poetry, iconic stories, and memories is fleshed out via some impressive ensembles.

Patricia Morehead’s “Voyage Across Centuries” opens with the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava and Stanislav Vavřínek’s conducting making for stirring strings, booming drums and agile brass that weaves in and out of pretty, tense and soothing textures, while “Colours Of Memory”, by Richard Vella, has the South Czech Philharmonic and the conductor Miran Vaupotić bringing rock influences into the dreamy, cinematic climate.

At the midpoint, Jay Anthony Gach’s “Anne Rutledge (“Bloom Forever, O Republic”) enlists the Moravian Philharmonic and Vavřínek for the dramatic versus gorgeous instrumentation, while “Coriolan Overture” has the South Czech Philharmonic and Miran Vaupotić turning in a stunning, meticulous and expressive interpretation of the Beethoven piece.

The last piece, Deems Taylor’s “Marco Takes A Walk”, benefits much from the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava and Vavřínek, where the dancing strings and dynamic interaction won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated.

A powerful and often nostalgic body of work, whether this is your first time with this series or you’ve been following all along, you’re going to find much to enjoy.

Travels well with: Paul Cohen- Center Chamber; Avner Finberg- The Four Seasons Of Isolation

Mike Stinson & Johnny Irion

Working My Way Down

Blackwing, 2023

9/10

Listen to Working My Way Down

Veteran musicians who got their start as sidemen decades ago, Mike Stinson and Johnny Irion started writing songs in the mid ‘90s, and eventually added Andy Jones to the band. Tragically, Jones passed way, and the band went dormant for 25 years, but now the album they always wanted to make is here.

“The Bottle And Me” gets the listen off to an energetic start in a retro, country-rock sort of way that’s full warm guitar and gritty vocals, and “Working My Way Down” follows with a calmer spirit that’s got a bit of haze to its powerful delivery.

In the middle, “Cosmic Candy” swirls with firm moments as well as gentle bouts of rootsy rock nods, while the spirited harmonica of “Brand New Love Song” helps cultivate a breezy, timeless version of Americana that seems like it could have been penned in any decade since the ‘60s.

Further on, the nostalgic rock’n’roll flavor of “You Came A Long Way From St. Louis”, the album’s best, recruits a crisp and stylish flavor that’s even got some garage rock swagger, and “Stranger Here Myself” exits with a big some crunch amid the vivid storytelling and no lack of melody.

Several of the tunes here were penned by Jones, and the rest are split up between Stinson and Irion. They recorded these songs to analog tape on a tape machine that lived in Jackson Browne’s studio, and Stinson’s drumming and Irion’s guitar playing sure have aged splendidly.

Travels well with: Matt Hillyer- Glorieta; Jim Lauderdale- Hope

Mr. Chair

Better Days

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Better Days

A very unique fusion listen that embraces prog-rock, jazz and classical ideas, Mr. Chair are a Wisconsin ensemble who penned these songs between January 2020 and February 2021.

“March” starts the listen with Jason Kutz’s warm keys and Mike Koszewski’s calm drumming in the very cozy jazz climate that showcases Mark Hetzler’s bright trombone, and “Fuchsia” follows with a very dreamy delivery of twinkling piano, hypnotic drums and Ben Ferris’ well timed bass that complements Buzz Kemper’s bright storytelling.

Halfway through, “Elegy” welcomes Eddie Barash’s stunning sax prowess to the reflective tone, while “Abandoned Cities” recruits a stirring intimacy that’s poetic, emotive and the album’s best selection.

Barbash returns near the end, where the playful, cultured “Fuchsia” makes great use of José Guzmán’s meticulous guitar playing, and “Uncanny Valley” exits with soulful brass, eloquent keys and gentle drumming that bursts into a lively, eclectic jazz finish.

A listen where each song is paid equal attention, Mr. Chair flirts with romantic, mysterious, cinematic and whimsical moments across this highly creative effort.

Travels well with: Christopher McBride- Ramon; Darmon Meader- Losing My Mind

BÄRLIN

State Of Fear

Lilian Prod, 2023

8/10

Listen to State Of Fear

A French outfit who are well versed in bass loops and post-rock ideas, Bärlin rarely sit in one place too long, as evidenced by these powerful 9 tracks that might remind you of Tuxedomoon, Morphine, Einstürzende Neubauten, or Portishead.

“Deer Fight” starts the listen with booming vocals, dense bass and crisp percussive sounds in the dark, mysterious textures, and “Revenge” follows with buzzing bass, growled singing and a nearly tribal spirit that’s quite atypical.

Halfway through, “Glowing Whale” enters cinematic territory with its dreamy waves and moody clarinet, while “Farewell Song” flows with a turbulent, heartbreaking demeanor via its low bass and quick bursts of drumming.

The title track arrives near the end, and is vocally haunting, almost scary, and is jagged in a very exploratory fashion, and “Sturm” exits the listen with an ominous haze of violin notes and precise whispering.

A very atypical listen that’s intimate, experimental and creative in profound, iconoclastic ways, this is a trio that needs to explored for those who prefer the unconventional.

Travels well with: Savana Funk- Ghibli; The Somnambulist- Some More Songs Lost In Themselves

Deborah Moriarty & Zhihua Tang

Connecting Cultures

Blue Griffin, 2022

8/10

Listen Connecting Cultures

The pianists Deborah Moriarity and Zhihua Tang bring their exceptional skills to this listen that seeks to connect with cultures around the world, and they share a piano bench for pieces by Amy Beach, Florence Price, Antonín Dvořák, Wang Jianzhong and Gong Huahua, among others.

Dvořák’s “Slavonic Dance” opens the listen with 2 segments that display precise, playful and firm key acrobatics that are as swift as they are mesmerizing, and “Andante and Five Variations in G Major, K. 501”, by Mozart, follows with a flowing beauty that’s dreamy and exciting in the duo’s very agile hands.

In the middle, Manuel de Falla’s “Two Spanish Dances from “La Vida Breve” has the keys dancing with a very charming, meticulous delivery, while Amy Marcy Cheney Beach’s “Summer Dreams, Op. 47” brings 6 chapters of warmth, adventurousness and intimacy.

Gershwin’s “Rhapsody In Blue” exits the listen, and it’s the best selection, where the 17 minutes is packed with daring, fluent and timeless musicianship that interprets the classic with much grace.

Both artists are on faculty at Michigan State University and have performed around the world. They bring that experience and skillset to this universally enjoyable and profoundly detailed listen.

Travels well with: Shea-Kim Duo- The Sound And The Fury; Sergei Kvitko- MOZART. Post Scriptum

Jimi "Primetime" Smith & Bob Corritore

The World In A Jug

Vizztone/Swmaf, 2023

9/10

Listen to The World In A Jug

The Chicago legends Bob Corritore and Jimi “Primetime” Smith come together for firm, authentic and modern blues fun that brings a small army of players to the 10 lively tracks.

“I Got The World In A Jug” gets the listen off to a lively start, where Fred Kaplan’s animated piano and Brian Fahey’s crisp drums complement Smith’s gritty pipes and Corritore’s flowing harmonica, and “Love Her With A Feeling” follows with Johnny Rapp’s warm guitar and Bob Stroger’s bouncy bass adding much to Smith’s emotive pipes.

Further down the line, “In A Spin” finds an intimate place to reside, where the romantic demeanor benefits from Shea Marshall’s organ and Yahni Riley’s bass, though Corritore’s moody harmonica is quite luminous, too, while the dance floor ready “Soul Food” showcases Doug James’ radiant sax and soulful backing vocals from Celia King and Eboni McDonald.

“Southbound” and “Fire And Ice” exit the listen, where the former shakes and rattles with Henry Gray’s playful keys and Mary Dodson’s agile drums amid the soaring harmonica and frisky singing, and the latter finishes with a gentle yet powerful spirit of timeless blues that pairs Smith’s inimitable voice with Corritore’s distinct harmonica.

Smith and Corritore reconnected 7 years ago, and let’s hope the collaborations don’t stop anytime soon, cause they make some fantastic, hard hitting and memorable blues that the world needs more of.

Travels well with: The Lucky Losers- Standin’ Pat; Ben Levin- Take Your Time

Greg Ward's Rogue Parade

Dion’s Quest

Sugah Hoof, 2023

8/10

Listen to Dion’s Quest

The saxophonist Greg Ward returns with his excellent five piece ensemble for this sophomore album that documents his journey both personally and artistically, and also references the pandemic, George Floyd and the 2020 election.

“Crimson Clay” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where Quin Kirchner’s frisky drums complement Ward’s glowing sax in the warm jazz delivery, and “Dashing Towards First Light” follows with Matt Gold’s dreamy guitar solo alongside the soulful sax and melodic gestures.

“Blues Of The Earth” lands in the middle, and showcases Dave Miller’s meticulous guitar amid squealing sax as free jazz exploration unfolds, while “Bravo Constantine” meshes the reflective sax with swift drums, and Gold’s intricate guitar for the album’s best selection.

Arriving near the end, “Beware Of The Oh EEE’s” gets a bit spacey, with plenty of adventurous synth manipulation for the sci-fi friendly demeanor, and “Ocean Of Faith” exits with much sublime intimacy, where Ward’s stirring brass leaves a sizable impression.

Ward and company saw much praise for their 2019 debut, and I’d be willing to bet that this follow up will be just as well received, cause it’s a raw, diverse and relevant take on contemporary jazz that uses voices sparingly and instrumentation in atypical, exciting ways.

Travels well with: Ben Wolfe- Unjust; Marcus Strickland Twi-Life- People Of The Sun

Guy Barash

Killdeer

New Focus, 2023

8/10

Listen to Killdeer

The composer and performer Guy Barash brings along Nick Flynn and his poetry for this contemporary chamber listen that welcomes Frank London, Eyal Maoz and Kathleen Supové to the inimitable affair.

“The Space Between Silence And Enough” opens the listen with Barash’s glitchy delivery alongside London’s well timed trumpet and Maoz’s bouts of colorful guitar that helps texture the lead off with a playful charm, and “Confessional” follows with Flynn’s vivid storytelling amid much atmosphere and bits of rumbling piano from Supové.

“Jesus Knew” lands in the middle, where London’s bright trumpet suits the echoes and distorted climate, while “Saint Augustine” has the piano’s distinct tone complementing the dream context of Flynn’s texts.

Approaching the end, “I Will Destroy You” meshes the trumpet and piano in a haunting fashion that uses electronics strategically, and “Pied Piper” exits the listen and showcases firm keys, wild electric guitar and howling brass for an atypical groove glazed over Flynn’s poetry.

Barash’s electronic prowess is quite fascinating here, and the players on hand all contribute in unconventional ways, where Flynn’s spoken pieces might bring to mind Kurt Vonnegut, and I doubt anyone will have a problem with that.

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

Billy Strings

Home

Rounder, 2019

8/10

Listen to Home

The young bluegrass prodigy returns with a sophomore studio album, and this time Billy Strings is tweaking his formula with pieces of country, punk, folk and psyche tendencies as he showcases his unparalleled picking.

“Taking Water” starts the album with swift, organic instrumentation and bluegrass wizardry, as Strings’ smooth pipes guide us with plenty of melody, and “Must Be Seven” follows with a more cautious approach as fiddle acrobatics highlight the setting.

Near the middle, “Watch It Fall” flows with an emotive spirit in its vocally harmonic delivery, while “Long Forgotten Dream” glides with gorgeous instrumentation and vocal manipulation for effect. “Enough To Leave”, one of the album’s best, then takes a turn into calmer waters, where sublime interplay between the players results in powerful and melodic balladry.

Deeper cuts offer us the quick, playful “Everything’s The Same” and “Guitar Peace” yields superb guitar playing alongside some spacey sounds. “Freedom” exits the affair with soothing group vocals on a barbershop influenced conclusion, adding yet another dimension to the record.

Strings was just named guitar player and new artist of the year by the International Bluegrass Music Awards, and Home proves me certainly deserved the accolade as the mid 20s artist plays like a seasoned vet here.

Travels well with: The Marcus King Band- The Marcus King Band; Greensky Bluegrass- Shouted, Written Down & Quoted