Juniper

Juniper

Confidential, 2020

8/10

Listen to Juniper

A youngster from New Jersey with a penchant for pop that often tips its hat to past decades, Juniper released this debut album in 2020, and it didn’t take long to resonate with fans of smart, youthful, melodic music.

“(It All Started On The) Dragon Coaster” opens with a cute, playful spirit of crisp and warm melodies, and “Kids On The Corner” follows with an infectious energy of lo-fi sounds that are scrappy and charming.

Halfway through, “Boys! Boys! Boys! Boys! Boys!” emits a punchy and rhythmic demeanor that’s got some dreamy moments, while “Sticking With My Henry” comes with plenty of power-pop moments that illustrate Juniper’s frisky guitar playing and irresistible voice.

Approaching the end, “Punk Rock Boy” carries all the hallmarks of young love amid its crunchy guitar and thumping drums that make this the album’s best, and “I Don’t Want To Dream About You” exits with some folk tendencies and well placed keys that make much impact.

It’s not hard to think of legends like Kim Shattuck (The Muffs) or Lisa Marr (Cub) when listening to Juniper, and it’s pretty clear that this teenager has a lengthy and esteemed career in front on her.

Travels well with: Stacey Peasley- Make It Happen; Juniper- She Steals Candy

Electric Beethoven

Hear No Evil

Color Red, 2022

8/10

Listen to Hear No Evil

The brain child of the bassist and multi-instrumentalist Reed Mathis, as Electric Beethoven he interprets the work of Beethoven into a jazz, EDM and funk filled listen that allows room for improvisation which showcases 6 compositions plus plenty of extras that are spread out across a double LP.

“The Fifth” opens the listen with an intricate, dreamy demeanor that welcomes crisp drums and soothing instrumentation, and “Elise” follows with a playful, dance-floor ready energy that’s got grooves in spades.

In the middle, the acrobatic bass lines of “Ode To Joy” complement the frisky drumming of the album’s best, while “Moonlight Sonata” enters darker territory with a hint of mystery and haze in its adaptable climate.

“The Path” and “The Seventh” exit the listen, where the former births calm melodies and a cinematic warmth, and the latter certainly flirts with EDM in its meticulous and stylish personality.

Mathis has an impressive resume that includes playing with the Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey and Tea Leaf Green plus many others, and he brings much experience and skill in jazz, funk, folk, blues and jam-rock to this very unique and exciting listen.

Travels well with: Death By Dub- Abundance; Marcus Rezak- Truth In Sound

Avi Granite 6

Operator

Pet Mantis, 2023

9/10

Listen to Operator

The guitarist, improviser and composer Avi Granite has been quite prolific lately, and these 8 new jazz tracks come with the talents of Jim Lewis, Peter Lutek, Tom Richards, Neal Davis and Ted Warren.

“Crushing Beans” opens the listen with Granite’s warm, radiant guitar lines amid the bright brass and Warren’s agile drumming that takes nods to hip-hop, and “Voracious” follows with Lewis’ soulful trumpet and Richards’ playful trombone prowess making for a very distinct climate.

Halfway through, the funky “Ubiquitous Miles” benefits much from Davis’ very animated bass playing, as the horns and guitar mesh with a lively energy, while “The Long Tomorrow” is a more dense, intense and hazy display of the superb talent present.

“Misanthropic Vindaloo” and “Many Bowls” exit the listen, where the former is a thick, rock influenced album highlight, and the latter carries a bit of intimacy thanks to the well timed brass, soft guitar and bouts of drums.

A listen that surrounds perseverance, connectivity, communication and bringing people to together, this is a record that’s universally enjoyable and extremely diverse, memorable and accomplished.

Travels well with: William Carn- Choices; Matt Greenwood- Atlas

Jay Migliori

Equinox

Omnivore, 2023

9/10

Listen to Equinox

A sax player with a resume that includes playing on The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds, The Byrds’ Younger Than Yesterday, Jan & Dean’s Surf City, recordings from Cannonball Adderly, Harry Nilsson, Frank Sinatra, and many Phil Spector projects, Jay Migliori moves to the front of the stage for this previously unreleased solo album from 1984 that brings us 7 tracks from the original album plus 3 alternate takes.

The title track starts the affair with Migliori’s fluid sax and Chiz Harris’ very agile drumming making for a warm, jazz climate and “Four Brothers” follows with a swift and dynamic execution that showcases Joe Lettieri’s quick piano prowess amid the sax acrobatics.

In the middle, Jim Crutcher’s bouncy bass is quite exciting in the soulful “Blue Jay”, while “Lunarey” emits plenty of free jazz exploration that’s as meticulous as it is daring.

Closer to the end, “As Me Now” finds a romantic place to reside, as Migliori’s precise brass meshes with the graceful keys and soft drums, and of the alternate takes, “Four Brothers” is particularly frisky and dynamic, where the speedy rhythm section and bright sax sure do make a lasting impression.

These tapes were rescued from under a desk in California, and further tell the story of one of the most prolific jazz artists ever, as Migliori played on 4000 recordings. Cary Baker handles liner notes—which also features conversations with Jay’s wife, Patti, and legendary bassist Carol Kaye (whom Jay worked with as a session player)-, and it was newly mixed by Brian Kehew, mastered by Grammy-winning engineer Michael Graves and produced for release by Patti Migliori and Grammy-winner Cheryl Pawelski.

Migliori passed away in 2001, and this post-humous release sure does illuminate his inimitable spirit and timeless craft superbly.

Travels well with: Kendrick Scott Oracle- A Wall Becomes A Bridge; Lakecia Benjamin- Phoenix

Jill Rogers And Crying Time

Many Worlds Theory

Crying Time, 2023

8/10

Listen to Many Worlds Theory

A very diverse version of country music, Jill Rogers and Crying Time incorporate rock, soul, and bluegrass into these lively and intricate 13 tracks.

“Birdsong” starts the listen with much warmth, as Rogers’ gorgeous pipes are met with cozy fiddle and fluid bass playing, and “California Waltz” follows with a hazy presence that benefits much from agile drumming and glowing pedal steel to complement the poetic singing.

Elsewhere, the rootsy flavor of “Many Words Theory” uses melodic guitar and expressive singing, while “I Only Cry When I’m Thinking” enters Mariachi territory with an energy that requires dancing thanks to its infectious brass.

Moving towards the end, “The Mess (That Used To Be Me)” brings both grit and melody to the country shuffling pace, and “You Left Me A Long Time Ago” exits with a graceful intimacy that’s cozy, adventurous and heartfelt.

Rogers is armed with an alluring and adaptable voice, and together with Ian Taylor Sutton (pedal steel), Maurice Tani (backing vocals), Jeanine Richardson (tambourine), Scott Larson (trombone) and Chris Grady (trumpet) Many Worlds Theory makes for an immediately memorable listen.

Travels well with: Laura Zucker- Lifeline; Helen Cronin- Landmarks

Christopher Houlihan

First And Last

Azica, 2023

8/10

Listen to First And Last

The organist Christopher Houlihan turns in a body of work that interprets the vision of Louis Vierne and César Franck, and it’s fleshed out on the only French built organ in New York.

Franck’s “Grande Piéce Symphonique, opus 17” starts the listen with soothing, smooth organ prowess that’s quite fluid and sometimes firm, before retreating back to calm for the 5 detailed chapters.

The back half of the listen is Vierne’s work, where the dreamy elegance of “Berceuse no. 19” captures an intimate mood of grace, while “Symphonie No. 6, opus 59” opens with a mysterious, cinematic moment that segues into playful gestures and dancing keys that are frisky and memorable.

A listen that truly does justice to what Houlihan calls the first and the last French Romantic organ symphonies, there’s a wealth of talent and experience to appreciate and absorb, especially for those with an ear for the organ.

Travels well with: David Leisner- Letter To The World; Eric Zuber- The Young Chopin

Ivan Julian

Swing Your Lanterns

Pravda, 2023

8/10

Listen to Swing Your Lanterns

The guitarist and writer Ivan Julian has an impressive resume that includes writing songs for Richard Hell And The Voidoids, The Clash, Shreikback, and The Outsets, among others, and this body of work brings songs that document his experiences over the last 5 years.

“Cut Me Loose” opens the listen with Julian’s powerful voice and swirling guitar alongside Jared Michael Nickeron’s electric bubble bass that adds to the bouncy and raw post-punk climate, and “Can’t Help Myself” follows with Erin Woods’ agile drumming and Derek Brand’s proficient bass complementing Julian’s well timed organ and rugged vocals.

“Love Is Good” takes the middle spot, and places Florent Barbier on drums for the soulful and intimate delivery that recruits many backing vocalists, while “I Am Not A Drone (alone)” builds into a tense and dynamic, jangly rocker that showcases Keith Streng’s precise percussion amid Julian’s guitar, bulbul tarang, bass and tambourine.

Arriving near the end, “Voodoo Christmas” places Nick Tremulis on guitar and Julie Amalric on backing vocals for the darker textures, and “Love Affair” exits with Julian being joined by Sam Chen’s crisp drums for the gritty melodies and poetic finish.

A very distinct listen that touches on the blues and isn’t short on firm grooves, either, Julian and company make for a noisy yet tuneful 10 tracks that certainly don’t shy away from his protopunk past, thankfully.

Travels well with: Nora O’Connor- My Heart; The Handcuffs- Burn The Rails

Mason Razavi

Six-String Standards

OA2, 2023

8/10

Listen to Six-String Standards

The Bay Area guitarist Mason Razavi brings his inimitable vision to songs from the Great American Songbook, where his influences from Joe Pass and Lenny Breau are never far from the surface, and he utilizes both picking and fingerstyle playing.

“Stompin’ At The Savoy” starts the listen with plenty of warmth and playfulness, as Razavi navigates around his guitar with much skill, and “You Stepped Out Of A Dream” follows with a romantic spirit that’s heartfelt and radiant.

At the halfway mark, the stirring “But Beautiful” is full of soft melody, while “Days Of Wine And Roses” finds a dreamy place to reside with its cautious and poetic demeanor that makes this the album’s best.

Close to the end, “I Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out To Dry” strums with a soothing meticulousness, and “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” exits with a charming delivery of stunning guitar prowess.

Razavi handles archtop, nylon string acoustic and steel string acoustic guitars across the listen, and though you may have heard these songs before, they’ve never sounded like this, and you’ll likely want to revisit them again and again.

Travels well with: Dan Trudell- Fishin’ Again; Manzanita Quartet- Osmosis

Brad Goode

The Unknown

Origin, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Unknown

The trumpet extraordinaire Brad Goode brings along Jeff Jenkins, Seth Lewis and Paa Kow for this technically proficient and grove filled 19th solo album that’s as intense as it is exciting.

“Decathexis” starts the listen with no lack of energy, as Lewis’ funky bass lines and Kow’s acrobatic drumming make for a lively jazz spirit, and “Pain” continues the fluid instrumentation with Goode’s radiant brass alongside Jenkins’ playful keys that get a little spacey.

Landing at the halfway point, the bright and animated “Covid Nightmare” buzzes warmly amid the groove friendly rhythm section, while “Khufu’s Horizon” emits a soothing quality but isn’t without firm moments, too.

The dreamy “At Seventeen” arrives close to the end, and showcases Goode’s soulful trumpet and the graceful keys in a sublime fashion, and “Shiprock” exits the listen with fluid melody and a collaborative approach that allows the players to display their talents in spades.

An expressive and imaginative affair, Goode and company include some pop covers that are reimagined wonderfully, and suit the rest of the meticulous originals perfectly.

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

Scott L. Miller

Coincident

New Focus, 2023

9/10

Listen to Coincident

The Minneapolis composer Scott L. Miller aligns himself with the Twin Cities outfit Zeitgeist for these experimental, electroacoustic pieces that were recorded through remote technology, and it makes for a technical, aesthetically exciting 8 tracks.

“Coincident Episode 5” opens the listen and makes an immediate impression thanks to Joseph Horton’s mysterious, often wordless vocals and Pat O’Keefe’s well timed bass clarinet in the unpredictable climate, and “Exit Velocity” follows with Nikki Melville’s playful piano and Cara Tweed’s moody violin complementing the percussion acrobatics from Heather Barringer and Patti Cudd.

At the halfway point, “Coincident Episode 4” benefits much from Miller’s kyma manipulation in the droning, intimate landscape, while “Sonata II” places Melville on piano and Miller with kyma for a sometimes sparse, sometimes rumbling album highlight that focuses much on tone and mood.

Approaching the end, “Sonata III/Sonata IV” is a charming percussive track with Barringer and Cudd making much deliberate noise in an ambient versus nature-esque fashion, and “hARvest” exits with the percussion, clarinet piano and kyma spreading out over 14+ minutes of dynamic, distanced interaction.

Part avant-garde, part chamber and entirely creative and iconoclastic, Miller and company make for a captivating and unparalleled listen that explores telematic collaboration superbly.

Travels well with: Guy Barash- Killdeer; Aaron Myers-Brooks- Oblique

Craig Bickhardt

Outpourings

Stone Barn, 2023

8/10

Listen to Outpourings

The singer-songwriter and guitarist Craig Bickhardt brings along an excellent cast of musicians for these 13 tracks of Americana and folk sounds that comes with eloquent storytelling from a life well lived.

“Breaking The Bread” starts the listen in folk balladry, where Bickhardt’s smooth voice is wise and warm alongside the intricate acoustic guitar, and “Ancient Lullabies” follows with Pete Wasner’s graceful piano complementing the emotive singing.

Moving along, “She Won’t Be Yours Alone” comes with a cozy melody that benefits from Byron House’s well timed bass and soothing harmony vocals, while “Ha’penny Standup” welcomes timeless folk-rock that’s full of vivid imagery and Bickhardt’s inviting voice.

Nearing the end, Bill Miller lends his Native American instrumentation (flute, gourd, war cry) to the powerful and breezy “Hills Of Geronimo”, which is the album’s best, and “I Live For This” exits with jazz nods to complement the charming guitar and soothing backing vocals.

A very sincere and heartfelt body of work, the inclusion of Michael G. Ronstadt’s cello, John Mock’s classical guitar, pennywhistle and harmonium and Tommy Geddes’ drums only adds to the appeal of this well thought out record.

Travels well with: Gordon Thomas Ward- Whispers From The Woods; Ken Dunn- Anthology, Volume 1

Rapoon & Pas Musique

Confluences 1

Alrealon, 2022

8/10

Listen to Confluences 1

Rapoon, the founding member of the industrial group :zoviet*france, joins forces with the New York City artist Robert L. Pepper, i.e. Pas Musique, for this very creative and lengthy single track album that is 42 minutes of ambient, experimental song craft.

The title track, and only track, unfolds with busy versus calm moments, where a swirling energy is met with gentle guitar, strategic droning, and a noisy, hypnotic climate.

Further into the listen, the setting gets a bit spacey, sometimes ominous, and uses vocals like an instrument with no lack of mesmerizing electronica. The final 10 minutes might be best, though, as a serene, meditative quality enters waves of cinematic exploration.

A truly unique listen, the packing is equally creative, and includes a 16-page art booklet of
collaborative drawings made in 2021, a collaborative 6”x6” original acrylic on canvas art piece (limited 100 run). The release is wrapped in a custom made muslin bag with a zipper, too, and houses some truly exceptional, artistic music.

Travels well with: Pas Musique- Psychedelic Talismans; Pas Musique- Amateur Radio

Byrne: Kozar: Duo

It Floats Away From You

New Focus, 2023

8/10

Listen to It Floats Away From You

Corrine Byrne brings a healthy set of soprano pipes to Andy Kozar’s well manipulated trumpet for this debut recording, where compositions by Alexandre Lunsqui, Beth Wiemann, Li Qi, Vid Smooke, Jeffrey Gavett, Christian Carey, Lei Liang, and Chris Cresswell make for a distinct and exciting version of chamber music.

Lunsqui’s “Solis” starts the listen with playful vocal scatting and gorgeous singing that illustrates a stunning ability alongside the well timed brass moments that point towards The Beatles’ classic, “Here Comes The Sun”, and Wiemann’s “It Floats Away From You” follows with poetry from Marianne Moore, where 3 movements pay close attention to pitch and mood thanks to the stunning voice and expressive trumpet.

Further along, “Lonely Grave”, by Qi, finds a meditative place to reside, where the intimately sonic landscape is mournful and heartbreaking, while Carey’s “A Lady” puts forth strategic harmonization from Kozar that complements the vocal acrobatics of the colorful text.

Closer to the end, “All That’s Left Is Dirt And Sky” recruits field recordings, ambient noise and room tone for the love song about environments, and Lunsqui returns for the final track, “Two Patches”, where a pair of voices in rhythmic unison rely much on timbre, articulation and diction, and the instrumentation provides a sparse backdrop.

The duo are well versed at interpreting work, and their inimitable delivery and meticulous nature makes for a highly atypical chamber and baroque experience.

Travels well with: Guy Barash- Killdeer; Christopher Cerrone- The Air Suspended

Roger Street Friedman

Love Hope Trust Acoustic

The Playroom, 2023

8/10

Listen to Love Hope Trust Acoustic

The folk/Americana artist Roger Street Friedman is as exceptional at storytelling as he is songwriting, and these 12 tunes welcome help from Larry Campbell on several instruments, plus many others for the tracks about modern living.

“Ghosts Of Sugarland” starts the listen with Friedman’s vivid storytelling alongside acoustic guitar, banjo, fiddle and mandolin that quickly turns into a crisp, fuller folk-rocker, and “Mother And Son” follows with a ‘70s influenced ballad that details the unique love between mother and son.

Further on, the Latin spirited “Vapor In The Air” brings accordion from Gil Goldstein to the cultured warmth, while “Cut Your Losses” recruits glowing pedal steel and strategic upright bass to the finger picked acoustic guitar and expressive pipes.

Residing near the end, the baritone guitar and string section from Larry Campbell helps make “Thankful For This Day” the album’s best in its timeless folk-rock demeanor that highlights Lev and Allie Freidman’s backing vocals, and the title track exits with an upbeat, bluesy rocker that showcases a frisky rhythm section that’s quite animated.

This is Friedman’s 4th album, and the musicians Jim Toscano (drums, percussion), Matthew Schneider (bass), Jason Crosby (keys, harmonium), and Ben Odom, L. Schamell Thompson, Teresa Williams and Lucy Kaplansky’s backing vocals continue a path of music that fits in well with Cat Stevens and Jackson Browne.

Travels well with: Lara Taubman- Ol’ Kentucky Light; Roger Street Friedman- Love Hope Trust

David Helbock

Austrian Syndicate

ACT, 2023

8/10

Listen to Austrian Syndicate

The always impressive David Helbock brings his rhodes, synth and effects to this fusion effort that tips its hat to the Austrian legend Joe Zawinul, and there’s several musicians on hand for the energetic and diverse listen.

“Money In The Pocket” opens the listen with Alex Acuna’s lively percussion alongside Herber Pirker’s fluid drumming and Helbock’s playful synth, and “Hymn To Vienna” follows with a warm intimacy thanks to Peter Madsen’s agile piano and plenty of atmosphere that’s quite graceful.

Elsewhere, “The Third Man” welcomes Dhafer Youssef’s oud to the animated and cinematic landscape, while “The Ups And Down” features Lakecia Benjamin’s soulful sax that complements Raphael Preuschl’s funky bass acrobatics.

Approaching the end, Fred Wesley’s radiant trombone helps illuminate the superb bass plucking of the album highlight, “Crimson Woman”, and “Komm, Lieber, Mai und mache” exits with a busy, cultured delivery that uses Maria Joao’s very frisky vocals and Claudio Spieler’s dynamic percussion strategically.

A listen that spans talent across the globe, Helbock and company make for 12 tracks that never stay in one place long, and puts much excitement into the jazz flavored, worldly mood that’s as contagious as it is accomplished.

Travels well with: Skip Grasso- Becoming; Russ Hewitt- Chasing Horizons

The Vogues

At Co & Ce- The Complete Singles & More

Omnivore, 2023

8/10

Listen to At Co & Ce- The Complete Singles & More

Although they saw success in high school as The Val-Aires, it wasn’t until after college and the army that the members regrouped as The Vogues to really make an impact, and it resulted in many charting singles that are collected here for the first time, i.e. the A- and B-sides to all eight original Vogues singles from 1965–1967, plus seven tracks from 1996’s out-of- print You’re The One: The Best Of The Vogues (The Co & Ce Sessions).

“You’re The One” starts the listen with scrappy drumming and warm vocal harmonies, as a soulful version of pop unfolds, and it isn’t long until the doo-wop influenced “Nothing To Offer You” showcases the sublime vocal interaction amid fluid bass lines as well as some very high notes being hit.

Further along, “Please Mr. Sun” illustrates very smooth and expressive vocals in the dreamy climate, while the raw and harmonic “Midnight Dreams” moves with a longing, emotive appeal that seems tailor made for youthful love.

Closer to the end, the swift and upbeat “Brighter Days” shows the band in a more firm climate, and “How Wonderful Our Love Is” is an animated and highly melodic late album highlight that allows all the member’s vocal talents to shine.

If you’ve seen the movies Good Morning, Vietnam or Big Fish, or the TV show The Drew Carey Show, you’ve already heard The Vogues, and this release culls together some of their best that easily proves why they were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

The release includes production by Grammy winner Lee Lodyga and Cary E. Mansfield, with restoration and mastering thanks to the Grammy winning engineer Michael Graves. There’s also new liner notes from Scott Schinder, which have been approved by both remaining original members of the band, Hugh Geyer and Chuck Blasko.

Travels well with: Dave Clark Five- All The Hits; The Cowsills- Rhythm Of The World

Say Zuzu

No Time To Lose

Strolling Bones, 2023

10/10

Listen to No Time To Lose

On their first album of new music in over 20 years, the New Hampshire 6 piece Say Zuzu (Cliff Murphy, brothers Jon and James Nolan, Steve Ruhm, Tim Nylander, and Jon Pistey) bring folk, rock, alternative and country to very mature, insightful and harmonic song craft that’s more modern than their exceptional work in the ‘90s.

“Waking Up” gets the album off to a warm start, where punchy drums and the swirling guitars welcome much breezy, rootsy songwriting, and “Big Horizon” follows with gentle acoustic guitar and poetic singing that embraces folk-rock ideas into their very sophisticated version of Americana.

“Look Whatcha Done” lands in the middle, and emits some grit amid the thicker textures that flirt with alt-country, while “As Much Love” is full of lush, pretty songwriting that benefits from harmony vocals, a powerful rhythm section and spirited guitar work.

Nearing the end, the intimacy of “This Fire Won’t Burn” carries a bit or ruggedness that spotlights James Nolan’s chunky bass, and “Take Me With You When You Go” exits with well timed pedal steel to complement the vivid storytelling.

Surprisingly, Say Zuzu saw most of their commercial success in Europe from their inception until the mid 2000’s. Now older, wiser and still with so much talent intact, this might be the best Americana album of 2023, no matter where you’re located on the globe.

Travels well with: Davis Causey- New Things From Old Strings; Haunted Shed- Faltering Light

Manzanita Quintet

Osmosis

Origin, 2023

9/10

Listen to Osmosis

The assembly of Josh D. Reed, Peter Epstein, Adam Benjamin, Hans Halt and Andrew Heglund, as Manzanita Quintet the members bring much skill and experience to these creative, unpredictable and modern 10 tracks.

“Hansepts” opens the listen with Heglund’s precise drums meshing with Epstein’s lively sax prowess in the animated jazz climate, and “Pajaro Dunes” follows with Reed’s bright trumpet alongside the animated drums and swift sax that’s not short on grooves.

Landing in the middle, “Leaping Foward” brings a bit of cautiousness thanks to the soulful brass and restrained drums, while “To Quincy” is quick, bold and full of Benjamin’s key acrobatics that are as mesmerizing as they are memorable.

Close to the end, the rhythmic and dance floor friendly “Bemsha Swing” indeed with get you moving thanks to Halt’s precise bass and Heglund’s crisp drums, and “Silence” exits with a sublime intimacy that allows all the players to illustrate stirring control of their instruments.

The quintet have associations to Kneebody, Dave Douglas, Ralph Alessi, Jerry Granelli, Art Lande, Beck and others, and those vast influences help make for a unique record that warrants many listens.

Travels well with: Dan Trudell- Fishin’ Again; Libby York- Dreamland

Reggie Garrett

York’s Lament & Other Stories

Wonder Dog, 2023

8/10

Listen to York’s Lament & Other Stories

A record that’s been in the making his whole life, Reggie Garrett brings us on a journey of black life in America in a very authentic manner that incorporates blues, gospel, folk and pop ideas.

“Stagecoach Mary” opens the listen with stirring fiddle from Ben Hunter and Garrett’s warm and flowing vocals that make for a harmonic start, and “Mama’s Calling Me” follows with Richard Middleton’s graceful piano and Will Dowd’s light drums making for a very expressive climate.

Further along, “A Woman’s Work (Is Never Done)” burns slow, with Wayne Horvitz’s mature keys and Keith Lowe’s cozy bass helping cultivate the intimacy, while “Can’t Get Satisfied” lands in gospel territory with its rich and powerful song craft that places Middleton on electric guitar and showcases Garrett’s absorbing pipes.

Advancing towards the end, “Newsman” uses meticulous finger picking and recorders for a very a dreamy, poetic mood, and “Street Scenes (Down On The Corner)” exits with a cautious, reflective tone that’s a solo guitar display of Garrett’s timeless vision.

A very articulate listen that was inspired by the shooting of Treyvon Martin and Ta-nehisi Coates, there’s much diversity and emotion to be experienced, as Garrett’s version of urban folk music is as important as it is accessible.

Travels well with: Lucie Blue Tremblay- So Many Wows; Annie Capps- How Can I Say This?

Brad James Band

At Fellowship Hall

Horton, 2019

8/10

Listen to At Fellowship Hall

This debut album from the Brad James Band has the long standing Tulsa musicians delivering a jam band influenced record where folk, blues, Americana, honky tonk and good old fashioned rock’n’roll are all in attendance in their groove filled formula.

The 8 track album gets off to a fun and rhythmic affair with the ‘‘70s vibes of “No Dress Rehearsal”, and “Heather Grows” follows with plenty of soul in the thoughtful rock.

Further on, “Effort” uses organs and female backing vocals strategically on the cautious album highlight, while “Together” is a slick effort of warm guitar work alongside hushed singing.

At the end, “Blues For Rollo” will get your body moving with its playful keys and tambourine shaking prowess, and “Trust” ends the affair soft and agile with pretty balladry that resonates with authenticity.

An outfit who have been playing together for nearly a decade now, their dynamic chemistry is certainly evident here, as each tune is meticulously crafted and delivered with precision.

Travels well with: Grateful Dead- Shakedown Street; The Allman Brothers Band- Brothers And Sisters