Tony Kadleck Big Band

Sides

Alternate Sides, 2023

8/10

Listen to Sides

The trumpet extraordinaire Tony Kadleck brings along a giant cast of players for these 9 arrangements of his favorite songs in a big band setting that are packed with talent, experience and a whole lot of energy.

“Driftin” starts the listen with much liveliness, as bright horns and frisky drumming are met with calm keys and bouncy bass, and “Recorda-Me” follows with much elegance and warmth from the soulful brass and fluid guitar playing that emits much culture.

Further along, “Use Me” brings a bit of mystery to the dynamic formula that’s cinematic and unpredictable and makes great use of the dreamy flutes, while “Dolphine Dance” is a thick and buzzing album highlight that’s lush and powerful.

Close to the end, “One For Tom” dances with an infectious pulse of rhythm and grooves, and “Can’t Buy Me Love” puts a very fun twist on the classic with stunning sax solos, animated bass plucking and rousing drumming.

You may have heard these songs before, but they’ve never sounded like this, as Kadleck and company inject jazz and swing sensibilities in technical, fluent and exciting ways.

Travels well with: Emilio Teubal- Futuro; Nicholas Brust- Daybreak

Doc City

Welcome To Doc City (Deluxe Edition)

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Welcome To Doc City (Deluxe Edition)

An extremely diverse listen that brings musicians versed in R&B, jazz, country and hip-hop, among other genres, these well thought out songs touch on universal themes of love, loss and hope via Doc City’s (aka Dr. Clarence Taylor) soulful vision.

“What Love Is” gets the listen off to a very intimate start, where soulful brass from Sean Jones and calm drums complement the very powerful and smooth pipes of Evelyn Wright, and “When You Are Near” follows with Lafayette Carthon’s twinkling piano alongside the heartfelt, poetic singing from Tina Farmer.

Further on, “No Goodbyes” showcases Reggie White’s soothing and stirring voice, as the agile piano adds much to the sublime beauty, while “Heart Just Won’t Give Up” is full of Kevin Oliver’s cozy guitar lines and Steven Mackey’s charming bass lines in the dreamy R&B album highlight, where the vocals soar.

Closer to the end, the spiritual and gospel rooted “I’ll Still Be There For You” offers plenty of bare, stirring song craft that uses subdued brass and gentle guitar amid Kelly’s thoughtful singing, and “What’ll I’ll Do”, the last track before a few different versions of earlier songs, brings a dreamy duet of timeless, reflective and wise songwriting.

A very thoughtful listen that discusses social/political issues as well as matters of the heart, Taylor and company make for absorbing balladry as well as groove filled variations of soul/R&B, and the immense amount of talent present sure does warrant revisiting the 12 songs.

Travels well with: Acute Inflections- Let Go; Connie Han- Secrets Of Inanna

Jeremy Facknitz

Smilin’ At The Universe

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Smilin’ At The Universe

Previously of the Detroit outfit The Ottomans, these days Jeremy Facknitz is forging an excellent solo career that includes jazz and folk-rock ideas on this 6th solo album with his six piece band.

“Destiny” starts the listen with a very rich and radiant version of thoughtful rock that benefits much from thumping drums and Facknitz’s expressive voice, and “As Of This Morning” follows with a breezy spirit that points towards ‘70s rock amid its cautious, dreamy moments.

“Broad Strokes” arrives at the halfway point and recruits Edie Carey’s powerful voice for the acoustic guitar and violin fueled beauty, while the title track is a playful, quirky rocker that builds into a charged, rugged album highlight.

Arriving close to the end, the intimate “Lay It On Me” recruits plenty of soulful ideas into the textured climate, and “Unsung” exits with a bare, poetic approach of gentle and stirring song craft.

A listen that successfully touches on both modern indie-rock and classic rock moments, Facknitz is joined by Ricky Sweum (sax), David Siegel (violin), Mike Kimlicko (bass), Brad Plesz (drums) and John Standish (keys) for this multifaceted and very enjoyable body of work.

Travels well with: Glen Phillips- There Is So Much Here; Katy Guillen & The Drive- Another One Gained

Michela Musolino

La Notti Triunfanti

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to La Notti Triunfanti

The esteemed Sicilian-American singer Michela Musolino brings us a Christmas album of a different kind, where the Italian South meets the American South and is fleshed out with Mario Monterosso (guitars, backing vocals), T Jarrod Bonta (keys), Jeremy Barzizza (bass, flute), Alice Hansen (fiddle), Adam Hill (backing vocals) and Tom Lonardo (drums).

“Canzuna di Natali” starts the listen with Musolino’s powerful, expressive voice alongside the warm, bare instrumentation of the Nativity song about the night of Christ’s birth, and “Diu vi Manna I’Ambasciata” follows with a lively spirit of the Sicilian song that’s a tribute to the Blessed Virgin.

In the middle, the dreamy strings and light climate of “Sutta un Pedi” emits much culture and beauty, while “Li Tri Re di I’Orienti” relates the story of the three kings who came to witness Christ’s birth and is a lively and dance floor friendly album highlight.

Closer to the end, “La Strina” trims the pace back with Musolino’s intimate and charming voice guiding the worldly folk demeanor, and “Quanno Nascette Ninno” exits with a sublime, poetic delivery.

A very rich affair that embraces Beal Street swing, Neapolitan yuletide lullabies, rockabilly moments, and traditions from Sicily and Southern Italy, you’ve never heard a holiday album quite like this, but you’ll want to devote plenty of time to it.

Travels well with: Sarah Aroeste- Monastir; Lorraine Klaasen & Mongezi Ntaka- Ukubonga Gratitude

EYRYX

Psychological Projective

Alrealon, 2023

8/10

Listen to Psychological Projective

An atypical outfit comprised of Michael Durek, Robert L. Pepper, and Philippe Gerber, the trio bring along special guests Black Saturn and Ayako Kanda for these iconoclastic and exciting 5 tracks.

“Four Legged Animal” gets the listen off to an experimental and sci-fi friendly start, where dense beats, plenty of random voices and a thick, noisy droning enters in an apocalyptic fashion, and “Crab Lobster Spider” follows with Black Saturn’s hip-hop influence that brings a strong lyrical aspect to the mysterious climate.

“Bat” arrives in the middle, and welcomes Ayako Kanda’s improvised vocal acrobatics to the gentle buzzing and soothing backdrop, while “Human Figures” embraces cozy acoustic strumming for the folk-influenced, calmly executed moment.

The final 2 tracks are just as unclassifiable, where “Animal Skin Skin Rug” brings waves of fuzzed out alt-rock versus industrial-esque electronica amid a busy, futuristic demeanor, and “Butterfly Moth” continues that approach in a colorful, inventive and otherworldly sort of way.

A very unusual version of space-rock meets electronic noise meets artistic rock mashing, the Alrealon label continues to put out music you’re not going to hear anywhere else, but that you’ll want to hear again.

Travels well with: Rapoon & Pas Musique- Confluences 1; Pas Musique- Psychedelic Talismans

Stephanie Leavell

Made To Bloom

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Made To Bloom

The music therapist and songwriter Stephanie Leavell returns with a sophomore children’s album, where her training and experience helps shape the songs that caters to the development of a child’s brain, and yet is simple enough to be universally enjoyable.

“Moon Above” opens the listen with warm ukulele and Leavell’s very pretty, intimate voice that radiates much comfort, and “It’s A Good Day” follows with playful drums from Luke Meade to complement the dreamy, lush textures that touch on folk-pop.

Halfway through, the emotive and dreamy “Slow Down” will have any parent tearing up at the thought of their little one growing up, while “If You Need To Cry” welcomes Brian Leavell’s graceful piano alongside the poetic singing for the gorgeous and stirring album highlight.

“Get Back Up Again” and “Grateful Heart” exit the listen, where the former is a melodic and cozy folk strummer, and the latter pairs Leavell’s expressive voice with mesmerizing keys for the mature and sincere finish.

A listen that's never short on harmonies and is diverse enough to employ harp, mandolin and mandocello, Leavell makes for a heartfelt and absorbing listen for children and parents.

Travels well with: Katie Dwyer Music- Let’s Move; Jenn Cleary- Happy Day

Various Artists

Borodin Symphony No. 2

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Borodin Symphony No. 2

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra illuminates the work of Alexander Borodin, Joseph Vella, and Paolino Vassallo here, where the 3 detailed pieces represent pride and victory in times of hardship and are fleshed out with the orchestra’s stunning detail.

Borodin’s “Symphony No. 2 In B Minor” starts the listen with the rich strings and winds interacting with both grace and adventurous across 4 movements of bright moments, intimate waves and booming brass that depicts the imagery and celebration of war heroes.

The middle belongs to Vassallo’s 10+ minutes of “Malta”, where a flowing cinematic appeal unfolds across the calm versus busy moments of sublime interaction between the tense strings and dreamy winds that touch on the patriotic ideals of Romantic period artists.

Vella’s “Rebbieha, Op. 45a” exits the listen, and it’s an animated and firm display of thundering, giant swells of song craft that reference Malta’s national anthem in lively and thought provoking ways.

A triumphant listen that has the full philharmonic orchestra emitting daring and superbly textured musicianship, every second here is gripping, exciting and stirring.

Travels well with: Michael Nix- Aperçu: New Classic Banjo Project; Laurence Sherr- Fugitive Footsteps

Stacy Gabel

Straight To Voicemail

CMR, 2023

8/10

Listen to Straight To Voicemail

A rising singer-songwriter from the East Coast, Stacy Gabel brings us 5 original songs that illustrate her Broadway meets pop formula that benefits much from her warm acoustic guitar and uplifting voice.

The title track starts the listen with Gabel’s swift and cozy strumming alongside the infectious and charming vocals, and “High Heeled Shoes” follows with some frisky finger snapping and very expressive singing that illustrates an impressive range and youthful energy.

Halfway through, “Stir Crazy” showcases Gabel’s stunning pipes as a very swift version of folk-pop unfolds with a hint of grit, while “Sunny Days” radiates a more traditional idea of folk that’s layered with a dreamy, nearly jam band influence. The final track, “A Little Magic”, is an intimate, acoustic exit that showcases Gabel’s thoughtful lyricism and careful attention to mood.

A very smooth and theatrical listen, Gabel is also an actress and TV writer, but let’s hope she still finds time to devote to music, cause her anthemic, relatable and timeless vision is much appreciated in these often difficult times.

Travels well with: Jon Fuller- When Did You Get So Damn Scared; Robin Tucker- The Way Out

Ontario Pops Orchestra

Breaking Barriers

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Breaking Barriers

Carlos Bastidas founded the Ontario Pops Orchestra in 2014, and this debut album spotlights 3 soloists, i.e. violinists Tanya Charles Iveniuk and Yanet Campbell Secades and bassoonist Marlene Ngalissamy across 2 discs of interpretations of Bach and Vivaldi, plus others.

Mozart’s “Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550” starts the listen with very animated and fluid strings amid the flowing winds of the agile opener, and “The Four Seasons, RV 315 "Summer", by Vivaldi, follows with much emotion in the cautious, stirring string interaction.

Disc 1 exits with “St. Paul's Suite for String Orchestra, Op. 29, No. 2”, by Gustav Holst, where the dancing strings and meticulous energy is very much appreciated, while “Serenade in G Major, K. 525 "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" interprets the classic with plenty of charm and a timeless appeal.

Moving deeper into disc 2, Bach’s “Violin Concerto in A minor, No. 1, BWV 1041” showcases very skilled violin playing that’s complemented by the dynamic collaboration between the orchestra, and “Bassoon Concerto in E minor, RV 484”, by Vivaldi, finishes the listen with a uniquely layered approach that’s creatively executed.

Perhaps the most diverse orchestra in Canada who illuminate the work of women and BIPOC composers/instrumentalists, the selections here are colorful, flexible and extremely well fleshed out.

Travels well with: Apollo Chamber Players- MoonStrike; John-Henry Crawford- Dialogo

Katy Hobgood Ray

Long Way To Go

Confetti Park, 2023

8/10

Listen to Long Way To Go

The singer-songwriter Katy Hobgood Ray brings along an excellent cast of musicians to these very thoughtful songs that surround themes of a solo traveler longing for adventure and new horizons, as well as the ups and downs of relationships and moving on.

“Flying Down The Road” starts the listen with the thumping drums and warm guitar complementing Ray’s pretty pipes in the cozy, country-rock climate, and “Lola Jean” follows with swirling guitars and rugged yet melodic rootsy ideas that are breezy and memorable.

“Morning Glory” arrives at the halfway point and emits a soothing intimacy with some charming twang, while “One Steel Kiss” recruits a very poetic spirit that welcomes Sean Carey’s well timed harmonica amid the sublime dreaminess.

Closer to the end, the cautious “Tonight’s The Night” uses crisp drums and soulful backing vocals for the ethereal album highlight and “Baby I’m Gone” exits with a bit more ruggedness thanks to the lively rhythm section and driving Americana that’s heartfelt.

A really enjoyable and timeless listen that embraces Americana, roots, country and folk ideas, the sparing use of cello and mandolin certainly only add to the experience of an excellent body of work from Katy Hobgood Ray.

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

Dan Wilson

Dancing On The Moon

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Dancing On The Moon

The legendary front man for Semisonic, Dan Wilson has enjoyed an excellent solo career, too, and these 6 tracks find the Minnesota native exploring a more pop-centric and experimental sonic appeal than his previous work.

“Island” starts the listen with Wilson’s soft and dreamy voice amid playful acoustic guitar that emits a soothing folk-pop presence, and “On The Floor” follows with well timed backing vocals that’s certainly indebted to modern pop ideas thanks to its playful percussive moments.

In the middle, “Dancing On The Moon” and “Red Light”, both co-written with Jenny Owen Youngs and Ethan Gruska, are quite intimate, where they bring a dreamy, nearly spacey demeanor that’s poetic and pretty.

Close to the end, “Can’t Think Straight” welcomes plenty of voices and a playful beat to the soulful EP highlight that you could certainly dance to, and “Under The Circumstances” exits calmly textured and buzzing in a cozy way that touches on electro-pop with a cautious energy.

If you haven’t familiarized yourself with Wilson’s work since his days penning bar closing anthems, his music now is much more subdued, highly meticulous and always unpredictable, as he continues his presence as one of the best songwriters of this generation.

Travels well with: Matthew Sweet- Catspaw; Josh Rouse- Going Places

Michael Nix

Aperçu: New Classic Banjo Project

Big Round, 2023

8/10

Listen to Aperçu: New Classic Banjo Project

The banjo innovator Michael Nix defies convention with this banjo focused listen, where creative folk and classical styles are spread out across 10 very detailed pieces.

“Koromanti” starts the listen with the very melodic and warm progressions flowing with much grace, and “Barton Cove” follows with a more firm presence that mesmerizes us with its plucked precision.

Further along, “Keningale’s Mystery Serenade” is indeed mysterious and manipulates space and mood precisely, while the title track uses 5 chapters to emit much emotion, sophistication and adventurousness in the very diverse techniques.

Closer to the end, Jim Dalton’s “Overcome” is both dreamy and radiant in its strategic calmness, and “Spanish Fandango Variations” finishes with a cozy, cultured approach that’s lovely, charming and memorable.

Essentially crafting a new genre of New Classical Banjo, Nix has us rethink all the possibilities of his instrument, and it makes for a very interesting listen.

Travels well with: Laurence Sherr- Fugitive Footsteps; Vincent Ho- Sandman’s Castle

Anthony Iannaccone

Looking Back, Moving On

Navona, 2023

9/10

Listen to Looking Back, Moving On

The New York composer Anthony Iannaccone brings along the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Warsaw Philharmonic and Richard Stoltzman on clarinet for these distinct contemporary symphonic pieces that spread out across 2 discs of superbly textured song craft.

“Night Rivers, Symphony No.3” opens the listen with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s flawless attention to detail in the 20+ minutes of careful, radiant and booming musicianship that’s full of mystery and intimacy, and “Bridges, Symphony No.4” follows with a similar meticulousness that emits dynamic strings, thundering percussion, and flowing winds.

“Waiting For Sunrise On The Sound” exits disc 1, and it’s a much calmer affair that finds plenty of dreamy textures to reside in, while “Concertante for Clarinet and Orchestra” is populated by Richard Stoltzman’s clarinet and the Warsaw Philharmonic’s busy versus clam approach that’s cinematic and rich in nature.

The final track, “From Time to Time, Fantasias on Two Appalachian Folksongs”, brings back the Royal Scottish National Orchestra for playful, light moments as well as bursts of ebullient, powerful instrumentation that finishes the listen as memorably as it started.

George Manahan and Alexander Jiménez handle the conducting portion of the listen, and together with the exceptional players they illuminate Iannaccone’s imaginative, often subtle and very exciting vision.

Travels well with: Laurence Sherr- Fugitive Footsteps; Sydney Hodkinson- Chamber Works

Lei Liang

Hearing Landscapes/Hearing Icescapes

New Focus, 2023

8/10

Listen to Hearing Landscapes/Hearing Icescapes

An extremely detailed listen, the composer Lei Liang treats us to a multidisciplinary affair that touches on Chinese landscape painting and folk song, oceanography, software development, earth science and underwater acoustics across these 2 well thought out pieces.

The 3 chapters of “Hearing Landscapes” opens the listen with strategic use of vocals and thickly textured electronics that come in waves of dissonance, droning and noise. The middle portion is just sporadic voices pieced together from famous Chinese comedians from the ‘50s, and it finishes with the nature-esque moments of “Water And Mist” that are quite soothing.

The back half of the disc, “Hearing Icescapes”, recruits David Aguila’s trumpet, Teresa Diaz de Cossio’s flute and Myra Hinrich’s violin that are sparingly used in between the ambient gestures, sci-fi quivering and sparse moments of minute tweaks of sound.

A highly creative display of contemporary classical and artistically manipulated ideas, both synthetic and organic, Hearing Landscapes/Hearing Icescapes uses instruments like tools for a uniquely unclassifiable and fascinating experience.

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

Collin J Rae/Red Gnein Sextet

Pandemia

Neuma, 2023

8/10

Listen to Pandemia

An extremely unique listen, Collin J Rae (Ultra Vivid Scene, Slug, Telium Group, etc) and mysterious Red Gnein Sextet make a very calculated, noisy and experimental listen here that responds to 3 summers in isolation.

“Pandemiya” starts the listen with a mechanical-esque droning that occasionally seems like field recordings are present, as it emits waves of intrigue, and “Heimsfaraldur” follows with a similar approach that blends synthetic versus organic noise.

“Trapan” arrives at the halfway point and flows with a lower register of sci-fi like exploration, while “Janga Kubwa” involves an almost nature like presence of an ominous storm on the horizon.

“Pandemikku” and “Jayiha” exit the listen, where the former hisses with an animal like slithering, and “Jayiha” finishes with all sorts of playful tinkering and precise static that’s as hypnotic as it is fascinating.

A companion listen to Rae’s best selling photography books, Pandemic Portraits Volumes 1 & 2, each song title is pandemic in a different language, and the sonic landscape is rich, cathartic and mesmerizing.

Travels well with: Gilbert Galindo- Terrestrial Journeys; Galan Trio- Kinesis

Laurence Sherr

Fugitive Footsteps

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Fugitive Footsteps

The composer Laurence Sherr surrounds the ideas of persecution, trauma, and survivor’s guilt and how it relates to Holocaust resistance and survival across these 8 involved pieces, where many players lend their talents for the remembrance and tribute.

“Sonata For Cello And Piano- Mir Zaynen Do!” starts the listen with Inbal Megiddo’s swift cello and Jian Liu’s playful piano interacting with beauty, warmth and adventurousness, and “Khayele’s Waltz” follows with Deborah Rawson’s clarinet and Megiddo’s cello making for a cinematic, dreamy climate that uses plucking amid the smooth wind delivery.

The middle recruits the Kennesaw State University Chamber Singers and Cory Schantz’s soaring baritone for the rich title track, while “Khayele’s Waltz” for Friedrich Edelmann’s bassoon and Rebecca Rust’s cello emits a rare charm and intimacy from the pair’s dynamic interaction.

The final track, “Elegy Vision”, is just Meggido’s lone cello, and it emits much emotion and poeticism thanks to its stirring presence.

A listen that focuses much on tonal language and truly surrounds the notion of overcoming adversity, every moment here is carefully executed and resonates opposition, hope and renewal.

Travels well with: Sydney Hodkinson- Chamber Works; Vincent Ho- Sandman’s Castle

Sydney Hodkinson

Chamber Works

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Chamber Works

The prolific composer Sydney Hodkinson penned over 250 pieces in his life, and here we’re treated to four live recordings of his string quartets and a trio, “Rogatio Gravis”, which are illuminated by performances from the Benda Quartet, the Jupiter Quartet and Joaquin Valdepeñas, Mayumi Kanagawa and Joshua Roman.

“String Quartet No. 6” gets the listen off to an intimate start, where the stirring strings of the violins, viola and cello of the Benda quartet spread out across 2 chapters that can abruptly shift into busier moments of poetic interaction, and “String Quartet No. 8” follows with dancing strings, as Jakub Černohorský (violin), Ondřej Pustějovský (violin), Petr Benda (viola), and Tomáš Svozil (cello), i.e. Benda Quartet, impress with their dynamic collaboration.

The middle tracks belong to Jupiter Quartet, where the tense and cinematic “String Quartet No. 7” flows with a stunning delivery of exploration, while “String Quartet No. 5” emits mystery and a very animated presence that is just so carefully executed.

The final piece and lone trio offering, “Rogatio Gravis”, places Joaquin Valdepeñas on clarinet, Mayumi Kanagawa on violin and Joshua Roman on cello for the atmospheric and cautious finish that is textured with a fascinating appeal.

A posthumous listen from a mind that was versed in educational literature, chamber arrangements, and large-scale orchestral pieces, this project sure does preserve Hodkinson’s legacy well, and captures his inimitable vision.

Travels well with: Vincent Ho- Sandman’s Castle; The Lowell Chamber Orchestra- Miniature Symphonies

Casey Ruff

Casey Ruff And The Mayors Of Ballard

Ruffstock, 2022

8/10

Listen to Casey Ruff And The Mayors Of Ballard

The Seattle singer-songwriter and guitarist Casey Ruff is in fine company here, as some of the Northwest’s best musicians accompany him across 7 well thought out, Americana-esque tunes.

“The Loudest And The Proudest” opens the listen with warm acoustic guitar, before Charles Wicklander’s playful piano and the soulful brass join in on the rich delivery, and “Deep Sea Diver” follows with Kirby Casual’s frisky drums amid Ruff’s cozy vocals and the textured horns.

Deeper into the listen, “(Seriously) Stop Me From Loving You” flows with plenty of emotion in the intimate delivery, while “Move Me” brings much melody to the thoughtful spirit that benefits from Dan Walker’s electric guitar.

At the end, the dense rocker “Born To Be Dead” swaggers with a firm yet tuneful presence that welcomes harmony vocals, and “(It’s Hard To Live In) Hardin, Montana (But It’s Still Better Than Hysham)’ exits with classic country nods that takes inspiration from Neil Young in its rural rock display.

The brass players include Sean Jensen (baritone sax), Ethan Robb (trumpet) and Mike Ayer (trombone), and their skilled contributions certainly help illuminate Ruff’s distinct version of Americana across this diverse, gritty and very creative listen.

Travels well with: Silver Lake 66- The Space Between Us; Jefferson Ross- Southern Currency

Marta Brankovich

Marta The Tempest

Navona, 2023

9/10

Listen to Marta, The Tempest

The inimitable pianist Marta Brankovich makes quite an impression with these interpretations of Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Kaufman, Jirásek, and Webber, where special guest Denver Cooper brings some superb acoustic guitar, too.

“Prelude in C-sharp minor Op.3, No.2” opens the listen with atmospheric and firm key progressions that welcome much emotional depth, and “Nocturne in C-sharp minor, Op.posth., No.20” has Brankovich manipulating the piano with strong attention to detail and mood.

In the middle, “Partita for a Virus” is quite swift and meticulous, where the playing seems effortless in Brankovich’s capable hands, while “Soulmate” lands in intimate territory thanks to the cautious demeanor and minimal qualities.

The final 2 tracks enlist Cooper’s guitar skills, where “Requiem for a Dream” is a dramatic, cinematic and rock influenced album highlight, and the thick climate of the thundering “Phantom of the Opera” is packed with dense drums and soaring guitar.

A powerful, diverse and focused affair, Brankovich takes a very artistic approach to her craft and it certainly makes for a memorable and exciting listen.

Travels well with: Peter Sulski- Bowed Colors; Avner Finberg- The Four Seasons Of Isolation

Carolyn Lee Jones

Close Your Eyes

Catn’round Sound, 2019

8/10

Listen to Close Your Eyes

This 4th album from the long running jazz vocalist has Carolyn Lee Jones singing about new love, lost love and forever love as nearly 20 musicians lend a hand across the fluid, engaging and memorable tunes.

The title track starts the listen lively and sensual with flowing rhythm in the jazz setting, and “No Moon At All” follows with a more cautious but no less captivating atmosphere of sublime beauty.

Elsewhere, “That Old Black Magic” gets vocally expressive with an upbeat, festive approach where horns shine bright, while “Love After Midnight” is a romantic offering where muffled horns and crisp percussion illuminate the affair. “Confession”, an album highlight, recruits piano balladry that’s as timeless as it is moving.

At the end, “All Night Long” glides with a cinematic quality to its soothing, agile delivery, and “I Only Have Eyes For You” exits with a dreamy, feel good quality.

Jones pulls of an incredible performance with her multifaceted vocal work, and makes all these tunes her own with her creative jazz approach and cabaret nods. Now over a decade into her career, the songstress just keeps improving with each subsequent record.

Travels well with: Yvette Norwood-Tiger- Love Is; Mad Love- ISH