Emilio Teubal

Futuro

Not Yet, 2022

8/10

Listen to Futuro

The esteemed pianist and composer Emilio Teubal returns with a 6th album as leader, and he brings along an excellent cast of players for the 10 rich and worldly jazz tunes.

The title track starts the listen with Sam Sadigursky’s playful clarinet and Fede Diaz’s skilled guitar in the fusion friendly landscape that’s very energetic, and “Children of MMXX” follows with inspiration from Chick Corea that recruits Chris Michael’s fluid drumming amid Teubal’s graceful keys.

At the halfway point, “Tokyo Trenque” emits a stirring dreaminess thanks to the well timed clarinet and intimate piano, while “Remolinos (Tolerance)” welcomes Chris Dingman’s flowing vibraphone to the busier, textured album highlight that flirts with prog-rock ideas.

Near to the end, “Blackbird” arranges the Lennon/McCartney tune with Chacarera, odd meters and cinematic qualities, and “Los Ultimos Seran Los Primeros” exits with Michael’s drumming acrobatics complementing the hypnotic key progressions from Teubal.

A listen that was fleshed out during the initial lockdown in early 2020, the songs here stem from Teubal’s uncertain feelings related to the pandemic as well as the death of his father, and he turns those difficult times into a very diverse, globally appreciated body of work.

Travels well with: Nicholas Brust- Daybreak; Anat Cohen- Quartetinho

Wedingoth

Five Stars Above

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Five Stars Above

A French prog-rock outfit who are female fronted and illustrate much diversity, these 9 very distinct songs from Wedingoth make for a very exciting 4th album.

The album leads with the warm acoustic guitar and soothing atmosphere of “Dear Universe”, where the setting builds into a dense and powerful climate of melody and ambience, and “Masterpiece Of Life” follows with a thick and soaring, metallic presence that’s full of swirling guitar and thumping drums.

“Time” And “The Spaceman” arrive in the middle, where the former is piano fueled and emits a firm intimacy, while the latter is a buzzing and charged display of hard rock meets pretty singing that’s very creative.

Deeper into the listen, “Cross The Mirror”, the album’s best, uses bouncy bass lines and a crunchy alt-rock display that’s plenty gritty and thundering, and “Love” exits the listen with a spacey presence of mystery and beauty.

A hard hitting, emotive and often cinematic effort, Wedingoth are made up of Steeven Segarra (guitars, keys), Céline Nephthys (vocals), Manon Fortin (bass), Stéphane Rochas (drums) and Olivier Castan (keys on “Cross The Mirror”), and together they make for a very memorable and skilled version of prog-rock.

Travels well with: Moon Letters- Thank You From The Future; Babel- Who Will I Be When I Leave?

Buddy Mondlock

Filament

Sparking Gap, 2023

8/10

Listen to Filament

The Nashville singer-songwriter Buddy Mondlock is making himself new fans wherever he goes, and these 11 new songs further cement his alluring storytelling abilities across some very diverse songs.

The title track opens the listen with Mondlock’s warm acoustic guitar and fluid singing that brings a very distinct version of Americana, and “Perfect” follows with a cozy dreaminess that’s romantic and mesmerizing.

Elsewhere, the setting is more full, with the groove friendly and lush “Sunlight In My Pocket”, where Josh Hunt’s precise drumming is appreciated, while “The Woman In The Window” recruits glowing pedal steel to the hypnotic album highlight.

Approaching the end, the busier “Problem Solved” makes great use of the energetic rhythm section amid Mondlock’s vivid wordplay, and “The Dark” exits the listen with stirring strings and spoken word in the eloquent and classically tinted finish.

Whether this is your first time with Mondlock or you’ve been following all along, you’re going to be impressed with his imagery, richness and gritty yet smooth version of roots/folk/Americana.

Travels well with: Justin Mayse- Bridges And Kerosene; Brian Blake- Book Of Life

Marshall Crenshaw

Marshall Crenshaw

Yep Roc, 2023

9/10

Listen to Marshall Crenshaw

Largely considered one of the greatest albums of the ‘80s, this self-titled debut from Marshall Crenshaw quickly made him a well known name, and he spent plenty of time on the charts and in the ears of fans across the globe.

Forty years later, we’re treated to an expanded CD anniversary edition of the original album, seven bonus tracks (five of which are previously unreleased), including home demos, B-sides, alternate mixes and live recordings.

The reissue leads with the bright melodies and pop meets New Wave spirit of “There She Goes” and “Someday, Someway”, his breakthrough hit, follows with an infectious jangle and playful dreaminess that made this a constant on the FM dial.

Further on, “The Usual Thing” is harmonically rich, warm and immediately invites singing along, while the uniquely layered “Cynical Girl” embraces throwback rock’n’roll nods amid Crenshaw’s punchy, flowing song craft.

The original album ends on the dynamic and crisp college rocker “Brand New Lover”, and of the bonus material, the previously unreleased live version of “Look At What I Almost Missed” illustrates how well his energy translates on stage, and “(You’re My Favorite) Waste Of Time” offers a raw and upbeat demo that proves just how much his songs resonate even in their infancy.

Aside from his lengthy and exceptional solo career (he’s still active to this day), Crenshaw also co-wrote the Gin Blossoms’ hit “Til I Hear It From You” and even fronted The Smithereens for a bit. Here is where it all started for the legend, though, and 4 decades later it still sounds so great.

Travels well with: The Rubinoos- The CBS Tapes; Alex Chilton- Live In London: Encore Edition

Tina Hartt

Absence Of You

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Absence Of You

A woman with many talents, the vocalist, musician and composer Tina Hartt is diverse enough to have played in rock bands and church choirs, and this first album in 20+ years has her in some excellent company for a very diverse listen of standards and originals.

“Amour castagnettes et tango” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where Jonathan D. Lewis’ playful violin and Konrad Pluta’s well timed keys complement Hartt’s very expressive voice, and “Trust Your Heart” follows with an intimate and powerful spirit that showcases much range from Hartt amid a very heartfelt delivery.

Deeper into the listen, the cultured percussion from Luis ‘El Pana’ Tovar helps add much charm to the theatric “Kiss Of Fire”, while “J’attendrai” showcases Cédric Blary’s soothing clarinet and Rob Hutchinson’s bouncy bass in the charming, infectious landscape.

Making our way towards the end, “I Can Look But I Can’t Touch” recruits Jeff ‘El Jefe’ Fafard’s skilled drums, Keith O’Rourke’s bright sax and Hartt’s very adaptable pipes to the album’s best, and “La vie en rose” exits with a powerful, soaring and eloquent display of stunning singing and rich, globally accessible song craft.

A listen that culls her influences from Europe, Latin America and her current Canadian home, Hartt puts her training as a classical singer to great use here, and it sure does make for a timeless, worldly vocal jazz effort.

Travels well with: Heather Ferguson- Lush Life; Deb Rasmussen- Unspoken

Shostakovich/Rachmaninoff

Sonatas For Cello & Piano

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Sonatas For Cello & Piano

Dmitri Shostakovich and Sergei Rachmaninoff have their work showcased by Carmine Miranda’s cello and Robert Marler’s piano here, and it’s a highly expressive, versatile and focused hour of music.

The first half of the listen belongs to Shostakovich, where “Sonata For Cello And Piano in D Minor, Op. 40” has the pair interacting with much skill, grace and exploration, as the 4 segments emit beauty, warmth and sophistication.

The back half of the listen, Rachmaninoff’s “Sonata For Cello And Piano Cello in G Minor, Op. 19'“, leads with much emotion, and it isn’t long until the jumpy keys and playful bowing makes for an exciting, unpredictable and, eventually, a firm rumbling and flowing appeal that’s richly textured.

Miranda and Marler both have a long list of accomplishments, and they certainly illuminate these classic pieces from Shostakovich and Rachmaninoff with much care, talent and imagination.

Travels well with: Alex Klein/Rita Costanzi- Amoroso; Avner Finberg- The Four Seasons Of Isolation

Ian Jones

Results Not Typical

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Results Not Typical

An excellent debut of Northwest flavored Americana, the singer-songwriter Ian Jones pens songs we can all relate to, and they’re full of melodic sensibilities that flirt with folk and pop ideas, too.

“Rollin” gets the listen off to a very warm start, where Jesse Siebenberg’s cozy pedal steel complements Jones’ eloquent wordplay that’s full of expressive Americana, and “You Can’t” follows with firm keys from Dave Palmer and Joey Waronker’s well timed drums for the cautious country-rock nods.

Further along, the frisky “Athens Smiles” welcomes Jacob Cartwright’s string contributions and Gabe Noel’s bouncy bass to the album highlight, while “Again” uses intimate acoustic guitar and light piano from Aaron Embry for the richly textured, thoughtful landscape.

The final 2 tracks are also top notch, where “Have Mercy” is populated by Johnny Flaugher’s superb bass and Jason Soda’s strategic guitar for the nostalgic appeal, and “Goodbyes Are The Hardest Words” exits with a lush, rootsy demeanor that’s breezy, rugged and timeless.

A highly accessible first album that touches on ‘70s outlaw country and might even have you digging out your Tom Petty and Jackson Browne records, Ian Jones is a name we’ll all be hearing a lot more of in the future, and for good reason; the guy can write a song you won’t soon forget.

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

Nicholas Brust

Daybreak

Outside In, 2023

8/10

Listen to Daybreak

The composer and saxophonist Nicholas Brust is joined by Lage Lund, Julia Chen, Rick Rosato and Gary Kerkezou for these colorful jazz tunes that are never short on creativity or melody.

“The Absence Of You” starts the listen with Chen’s swift piano prowess amid Brust’s glowing sax in the warm and agile climate, and “Diamonds And Clubs” follows with a charming dreaminess that showcases Kerkezou’s skilled drumming and Rosato’s precise bass bowing.

In the middle, “To Carry The Torch” emits a reflective and meticulous energy thanks to Brust’s stunning sax acrobatics, while “Suspense In Blue” pays tribute to the blues with a sublime intimacy that unfolds with grace and beauty.

Nearing the end, “The Tempest” offers a rich album highlight that’s textured with a timeless jazz demeanor that’s as exploratory as it is controlled, and “A Midsummer Night” exits the listen with no lack of rhythm in the flowing dynamics.

An excellent sophomore album, Brust and company make for a highly memorable affair that might remind you of Pat Metheny, Brian Blade or George Foreman, and I don’t think anyone will have a problem with that.

Travels well with: Roxy Cross- Disparate Parts; Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Kansas City

Alex Klein/Rita Costanzi

Amoroso

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Amoroso

Alex Klein’s oboe and Rita Costanzi’s harp come together for these archetypally romantic and warm chamber songs of classics by Debussy, Fauré, Massenet, Rachmaninoff, Piazzolla, and Rodrigo.

“Canção Pequena” starts the listen with the pair interacting with much grace and beauty, where a charming, cinematic quality unfolds, and “Rêverie, L. 68” follows with a very intimate spirit that flows with a poetic demeanor.

Further along, “Adagio” carries a cautious, stirring and dreamy personality that really allows the duo’s strong attention to detail flow, while “Première Arabesque” emits a twinkling that’s just so absorbing and articulate.

Advancing towards the ends, “Oblivion” offers a bare and reflective album highlight that allows the strings and wind to tug on the heartstrings, and “Nana” exits with a calm, introspective vision that’s timeless.

A very eloquent and careful take on contemporary romanticism, though a harp and oboe combination might not be a very common occurrence, Klein and Costanzi certainly navigate around the affair in alluring and memorable ways.

Travels well with: Peter Sulski- Bowed Colors; Paul Cohen- Center Chamber

Peter Case

Doctor Moan

Sunset Blvd, 2023

8/10

Listen to Doctor Moan

An artist with an exceptional resume and a small handful of Grammy nominations, Peter Case returns with a 16th solo album, and it’s largely performed on piano and he’s joined by Jonny Flaugher (bass) and Chris Joyner (B3 organ) as well.

The firm piano and strong attention to mood of “Have You Ever Been In Trouble?” starts the listen with an expressive, cinematic presence, and “That Gang Of Mine” follows with much emotion fueling the poetic piano playing and vivid storytelling.

In the middle, the upbeat and rock’n’roll spirited “Give Me Five Minutes More” is one of the album’s best that recruits bluesy harmonica, too, while “Wandering Days”, the sole guitar driven track, is full of summery melodies and folk friendly strumming.

Near to the end, the stirring piano of “4D” doesn’t need singing to illustrate its emotional depth, and “Brand New Book Of Rules” exits with Case’s powerful pipes amid the flowing piano of the timeless finish.

Although his early days were steeped in punk rock sounds, Case has since pursued more acoustic endeavors, and his hit with The Plimsouls, “A Million Miles Away”, is still one of the best tunes ever penned. These 11 tracks are certainly well crafted, too, as Case’s talents are still very much abundant and articulate.

Travels well with: Joe Henry- All The Eye Can See; Dave Alvin- From An Old Guitar: Rare And Unreleased Recordings

Lucero

Should’ve Learned By Now

Thirty Tigers, 2023

10/10

Listen to Should’ve Learned By Now

The Memphis alt-country heroes Lucero are constantly tweaking their approach across their 12 studio albums, and this time they make room for some goofy, clever and upbeat tracks that are never far from their roots in the punk rock scene.

“One Last F.U.” starts the listen with driving grit, where the thick melodies suit the ultra raspy vocals and nostalgic rock’n’roll spirit, and “Macon If We Make It” follows with remnants of country rock planted amid the firm guitar crunch and immediately memorable sing-alongs.

Right in the middle, the thumping energy of the anthemic “Nothing’s Alright” uses keys strategically, as well as dreamy bouts, while “Raining For Weeks” trims the pace back with graceful keys and cozy acoustic guitar complementing the poetic storytelling that emits some folk qualities.

The title track arrives close to the end, and it’s a dense bar rocker that’s darker in spirit and charged in a raw, country-punk fashion, and “Time To Go Home” exits with a playful intimacy that’s charming, relatable and timeless.

The band are of course led by Ben Nichols and his signature gravelly pipes, and he’s aligned with Brian Venable on guitar, Roy Berry on drums, John C. Stubblefield on bass, and Rick Steff on keys. A band that have found a very unique spot to reside, Lucero somehow play with a presence that can fill a stadium or a mostly empty, dingy basement, and though they’ve never released anything that wasn’t great, this might be their best.

Travels well with: Cory Branan- The No-Hit Wonder; Tim Barry- Spring Hill

Roy McGrath

Menjunjue

JL, 2023

8/10

Listen to MenJunje

The Chicago resident Roy McGrath brings a very worldly approach to his song craft and saxophone playing, and here, along with an all star cast, he honors the spirit of improvisation to tracks revolving around folkloric rhythms native to his Puerto Rico home, Bomba and Plena.

“Guamani” starts the listen with bright brass and Efraín Martínez’s playful drums that guide the cultured and lively jazz climate, and “Loquito Por Ti” follows with an infectious energy destined for the dance floor, where Eduardo Zayaz’s beaming piano and Constantine Alexander’s soulful trumpet make an impression.

Halfway through, “Groove #4” showcases Victor Junito González’s skilled congas in the warm, textured delivery, while “For Zee” lands in ballad territory thanks to its poetic keys and meticulous bass plucking from Kitt Lyles.

“Linda Morena” and “Bolerito” exit the listen, where the former swirls with glowing melodies and strong attention to percussion thanks to Javier Quintana-Ocascio, and the latter exits with a calm demeanor of very focused and dynamic instrumentation that’s packed with charm and grace.

A project that began in 2017, McGrath and company make for a rich and creative Latin jazz listen that you’re not going to find anywhere else, and that will resonate for decades to come.

Travels well with: Skip Grasso- Becoming; Doug MacDonald- I’ll See You In My Dreams

Richard Beaudoin

Digital Memory And The Archive

New Focus, 2023

8/10

Listen to Digital Memory And The Archive

The esteemed composer Richard Beaudoin brings his inimitable vision to solo and duo pieces here, where a contemporary classical approach makes the most of the 7 well thought out pieces.

“Reproducció” (after Casals/Bach)” starts the listen with Neil Heyde’s graceful, stirring cello prowess that spends 6 minutes mesmerizing us with its fluid bowing, and “Unikat (after Argerich/Chopin)” follows with the cello emitting left hand chords and focusing on the length of variable arpeggios with much grace.

Further along, “Nachzeichnen/Tracing (after Gould/Schoenberg)” is performed entirely without a bow, and is as expressive as it is colorful, while “You Know I’m Yours (after Monk)” takes inspiration from Thelonius Monk and is bright, rhythmic and adventurous.

The final 2 tracks are among the best, where “Les deux lauriers (after Teyte/Cortot/Debussy)” welcomes Rohan de Saram on cello, which interacts with Heyde’s cello in a poetic, emotive fashion, and “La chevelure”, from Debussy’s Trois Chansons de Bilitis, places Alfred Cortot on piano and showcases Maggie Teyte’s stunning soprano for the raw, powerful finish.

A very rich and creative endeavor that pays close attention to timing and uses information from the initial recordings that directly affects the new compositions, Beaudoin turns interpretation into a refined science here.

Travels well with: Scott L. Miller- Coincident; Guy Barash- Killdeer

Ashby Frank

Leaving Is Believing

Mountain Home, 2023

8/10

Listen to Leaving Is Believing

Although he released his debut album in 1999, the singer/songwriter and mandolinist Ashby Frank is just now returning with his follow up. Turns out, the professional musician since the age of 16 has just been too busy until now, but he’s made the wait worth it with these 13 bluegrass rooted songs.

“Any Trouble” gets the listen off to a warm start, where Seth Taylor’s agile guitar and Deanie Richardson’s well timed fiddle complement Frank’s smooth voice in the Paul Westerberg original, and “Midnight Highway” follows with a speedy approach that benefits from Josh Hunt’s drum prowess and Matt Menefee’s glowing banjo as Frank hits some high notes.

Elsewhere, the calm climate of “Sea Of South Dakota” welcomes Travis Anderson’s precise bass and Andrea Zonn’s radiant fiddle and harmony vocals, while “Jump On It” brings a frisky appeal, where Sturdivant Cromwall’s juiceharp and Josh Shilling’s animated piano will get your body moving to the lively rhythm.

Closer to the end, “Where I’m Bound” places Thomas Wywrot on banjo and Jim Van Cleve on fiddle for the bright spirit, and “Your Face Again” exits with Brandon Bostic’s dobo skills and Frank’s meticulous mandolin in the comical and relevant finish.

Let’s hope it isn’t another couple decades before Frank pens an album of his own, cause his mandolin skills are unparalleled and he sure does surround himself with excellent company.

Travels well with: The Alex Leach Band- All The Way; Fireside Collective- Across The Divide

Jill Barber

Homemaker

Outside, 2023

8/10

Listen to Homemaker

The Canadian songstress Jill Barber returns to her roots in folk music with these songs that revolve around motherhood, marriage, and the push and pull that come with finding one’s own identity.

“Instant Cash For Gold” starts the listen and makes an immediate impression with Barber’s distinct voice alongside very warm guitar and glowing pedal steel, and “Beautiful Life” follows with a quicker pace that’s still quite intimate, where Barber’s poetic wordplay is much appreciated.

Halfway through, “Woman Of My Own Dreams” welcomes graceful piano to the storytelling about raising children and navigating a family, while “My Mother’s Hand” is particularly pretty, where Barber’s meticulous guitar playing and eloquent singing really does draw us in to her imagery.

“Helium” and “Still In Love” exit the listen, where the former is a bit fuller, with agile drumming and firm keys to complement the pop influences, and the latter places playful rootsy nods into the flowing, melodic finish.

A much more stripped back affair than her recent works, Homemaker is no less impactful, and her multiple Juno Award nominations certainly are warranted as Barber again proves just why she’s one of Canada’s most loved songwriters.

Travels well with: Martha Wainwright- Come Home To Mama; Catherine Russell- Send For Me

Rebecca Folsom

Sanctuary

Sunshine, 2023

8/10

Listen to Sanctuary

A Colorado resident who is well versed in folk and rootsy sounds, this 13th album from Rebecca Folsom is her most emotional and sonically polished to date, where each track was penned with marginalized communities in mind.

“New Way Home” gets the listen off to an emotive and intimate start, where cozy acoustic guitar and Folsom’s stunning, expressive voice unfolds with a poetic quality, and “Mercy” follows with her eloquent storytelling alongside the soft, dreamy instrumentation.

In the middle, graceful piano enters the sophisticated and gospel influenced “Only Kindness”, while “Home” is particularly powerful, with sublime bass plucking and well timed backing vocals that steer the album into lush areas.

Nearing the end, “Power Of Love” welcomes melodic acoustic strumming in the upbeat and positive folk delivery, and “One At A Time” exits with a stirring presence of timeless, absorbing song craft that illustrates Folsom’s beautiful and heartfelt craft.

A very cautious and sincere body of work, Folsom makes the most of every authentic moment of this universally enjoyable listen.

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

Dewayne Pate

On The Upside

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to On The Upside

Dewayne Pate stays quite busy as a sideman playing bass. So busy, in fact, that it’s taken him 14 years to lay down this 2nd album as leader, but he’s made it worth the wait with these 9 tracks- 5 of which are originals- and he’s got a large cast of players along for the ride.

“4 The 5 Of It” starts the listen with Frank Martin’s warm synth and Norbert Stachel’s soulful sax complementing Pate’s agile bass playing in the cozy climate, and “Iceman” follows with plenty of funk flavor thanks to Chris Cain’s spirited guitar and David Kirk Mathew’s playful organ fills that welcome Tony Lindsay’s smooth pipes.

“Oliver’s Twist” lands in the middle and is populated by Stachel’s lively sax and Mathews’ key acrobatics, as well as Pate’s adaptable bass solo, while “Imperial Strut” showcases Stachel’s dreamy flute amid Robben Ford’s meticulous guitar playing for the album’s best that touches on Latin ideas.

Arriving at the end, “On The Upside” highlights Dennis Chambers’ intricate drumming and Barry Finnerty’s stunning guitar playing, and “People Get Ready” exits with Karl Perrazo’s strong attention to percussive mood and Amikaeyla Gaston’s gorgeous singing for the intimate finish.

Let’s hope it isn’t another 10+ years before Pate decides to step to the front of the stage, cause his fusion vision and rich, worldly approach is much appreciated.

Travels well with: Mark Ortwein- It Was Time; Eric Goletz- Standard-ized!

Steve Reich

The String Quartets

Deutsche Grammophon, 2023

8/10

Listen to The String Quartets

The New York-based Mivos Quartet recreate 3 of Steve Reich’s string quartets, all of which were inspired by the music of speech, echoes of Bartók and the events of a day transformed by terror.

“WTC 9/11” starts the listen with the an eerie backdrop and vocal soundbites before the haunting strings are mixed in with clips that outline the fear, panic and confusion of the day.

The middle track, “Triple Quartet”, illustrates the dynamic and precise interaction between the quartet, where the quivering strings emit both tension and grace in their very fluid delivery on the purely instrumental selection.

The final piece, the 3 chapters of “Different Trains”, is filled with an anxious energy that’s textured precisely with both live and pre-recorded pieces for effect.

Available for the first time on one album, Reich’s trilogy is fleshed out here with strong attention to detail, as the Mivos Quartet got plenty of input and insight from Reich for the project, and it makes for a substantial and flawless listen.

Travels well with: Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla- Weinberg Symphonies Nos. 3 & 7 and Flute Concerto No. 1; Hildur Guðnadóttir- Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture Tár

Mark Ortwein

It Was Time

Terra Voce 2023

8/10

Listen to It Was Time

The multi-instrumentalist Mark Ortwein finally delivers his own album, and it’s an effort that recruits his decades of experience in jazz groups and classical orchestras where he handles woodwinds and welcomes plenty of help.

Ortwein places the title track in the lead off position, as his tenor sax and bass clarinet create an intimate mood and Frank Glover’s warm piano won’t go unnoticed, either, and “Pepperoni Grande Con Queso Mas” follows with baritone sax and electrified bassoon being navigated by Ortwein with much adventurousness.

“Basso Bossa” lands in the middle, and places Peter Hansen on bass and Ortwein on alto sax for the frisky jazz delivery, while “No More Butterflies” welcomes Carrington Clinton’s precise drums and John Fell’s graceful guitar to Ortwein’s soulful baritone sax and dreamy flute.

“Schizoid” and “Bigfoot” exit the listen, where the former is a bright and superbly textured album highlight that enlists Craig Hetrick on drums alongside Ortwein’s bassoon, and the latter benefits from Olas Ortwein’s guitar, keys and bass in the dense, rock filled finish.

An artist who has been so busy for the last 30 years playing all over the world and collaborating with countless musicians, the pandemic finally allowed him time to flesh out a record as leader, and it sure is a diverse and exciting effort.

Travels well with: Eric Goletz- Standard-ized!; Jim Self- My America 2: Destinations

Camille Harris

Baby On The Subway

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Baby On The Subway

While there’s more and more children’s music coming out these days, it’s not that often you hear it coming from a jazz angle. Camille Harris, a multi-talented Brooklyn artist, finds this niche and fills it well with a strong sense of humor and superb backing band on the highly entertaining Baby On The Subway.

“The Jiggly Wiggly” starts the listen with a energetic, jazz influenced tune with plenty of bright percussion and a trumpet solo, and “Chopsticks” follows with timeless four part harmony vocals on the humorous and playful setting.

Near the middle, “The Wheels On The Bus” is a bare, playful take on a traditional, while the title track illustrates a wide range of rock ideas and the robust vocals of Harris as the music builds into a fuller, anthemic display. The album highlight, “Get Up And Try Again”, recruits strategic horns with more jazz friendly ideas that never out welcome their stay.

Near the end, “The Alphabet Backwards” is literally that- the alphabet sung backwards- with graceful keys and beach rock vibes, and “Lullaby” ends the listen soft and agile, as breathy singing resides alongside strings and sophisticated piano.

A longtime participant of musical theater and stand up comedy, Harris brings her radiant personality into this truly adventurous listen that’s innovative, clever and just so much fun.

Travels well with: Andrew & Polly- Earsnacks: Songs From The Podcast; The Shazzbots- Lightspeed!