Georg Muffat

Apparatus Musico-Organisticus

Acis, 2023

9/10

Listen to Apparatus Musico-Organisticus

The organ wizard Kola Owolabi brings his agile fingers these pieces by Georg Muffat that unfold across 2 discs and were captured at the Christ Church Cathedral, Cincinnati.

“Toccata prima” opens the first half with the beaming organ emitting much warmth, and it isn’t long until “Toccata tertia” brings rich and fluid progressions of much melody. This portion finishes with the radiant delivery of “Toccata octava”, where the Italian style Fisk organ, Opus 148 is both cautious and adventurous.

The 2nd half leads with “Toccata nona”, where a distinct dreaminess guides the intimacy, and “Toccata duodecima et ultima” lands not long after with its soothing presence and reflective tone. The record exits with “Nova cyclopeias harmonica”, and it’s a colorful and gorgeous finish via the Richards, Fowkes & Co, Opus 24.

This is the debut recording of the two new instruments that were crafted by eminent craft organ builders and influenced by European baroque organs, and in Owolabi’s care they sure are put to profoundly precise use.

Travels well with: Herschel Garfein- The Layers; Michele Kennedy- Agave: In Her Hands

Herschel Garfein

The Layers

Acis, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Layers

The musicians Sophie Shao, John Blacklow, Marnie Breckenridge, Michael Brofman, Dave Eggar and Thomas Bagwell come together for this chamber listen that illuminates the Grammy Winner Herschel Garfein’s inimitable vision.

The title track starts the listen with Shao’s graceful cello and Blacklow’s mature piano unfolding across 3 movements of stirring, reflective song craft that’s inspired by Stanley Kunitz’s poem of the same name.

The middle belongs to Breckenridge’s soaring soprano and Brofman’s absorbing keys, where texts by Jane Kenyon are fueled by the powerful pipes and melodic piano progressions of “The Luminous Particular”, and “Three Rides” exits with Eggar’s lively cello and Bagwell’s dancing keys complementing the expressive and bright vocals from Breckenridge.

A recording that possesses much beauty, Garfein’s work is fleshed out with much emotion and care, and it sure does make for a gripping presence.

Travels well with: Alessandro Scarlatti- La Sposa Dei Cantici; Michele Kennedy- Agave: In Her Hands

Alessandro Scarlatti

La Sposa Dei Cantici

Acis, 2023

8/10

Listen to La Sposa Dei Cantici

The vocalists Meghan Lindsey, John Holiday, Jay Carter and Ryland Angel flesh out the work of Alessandro Scarlatti, where Matthew Dirst’s artistic directing and meticulous musicianship guide the large scale listen.

“Sinfonia, Largo-Presto” begins the affair with pretty and bare strings that abrupt into lively waves, which set the pace for “Sinfonia, Allegro” and "Se la fiamma che m’avviva", where the former emits bright instrumentation, and the latter welcomes Lindsay’s expressive and articulate pipes.

Further into Disc 1, "Ohime qual tormentosa" showcases tense bouts amid the melodic gestures, while "Ne’ chiusi Regni mie" meshes Carter and Angel’s countertenors for the rich and radiant album highlight.

The back half of the listen leads with the dancing strings of "Qual colomba al caro nido", where Lindsay’s animated pipes are quite playful, and "O voi, che l’universo" arrives later and allows Carter’s intimate voice to display poetic and dreamy song craft. The final piece, "Dolce nome, amato figlio", then pairs Linday’s soaring soprano vocals with Holiday’s warm countertenor alongside the upbeat and melodic string interaction.

The Ars Lyrica Ensemble are nothing short of stunning, here, and they certainly illuminate the powerful singing of this rarely heard work that captivates from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Matthew Robertson- Monteverdi Vespers Of 1610; Michele Kennedy- Agave: In Her Hands

The Thirteen/Children's Chorus Of Washington/Dark Horse Consort/Matthew Robertson

Monteverdi Vespers Of 1610

Acis, 2023

8/10

Listen to Monteverdi Vespers Of 1610

The esteemed artistic director Matthew Robertson guides The Thirteen ensemble, Dark Horse Concert and Children’s Choir Of Washington through 2 discs of powerful and intimate performances.

“Deus, in audjutorium” opens the listen with soaring voices making for a very warm climate, and “Antiphon: Dum esset rex in accubitu suo” follows with a higher register of soothing and dreamy singing that emits a bright tone.

Deeper into the listen, “Duo Seraphim” welcomes Aaron Sheehan, Steven Soph and Oliver Mercer to the richly layered vocals, while “Nisi Dominus” is a highly melodic album highlight that radiates so much beauty.

Moving to the 2nd disc, “Hymn: Ave maris stella” hosts Michele Kennedy’s glowing pipes amid Katelyn Jackson and Edmund Milly’s expressive voices, and “Magnificat” exits with 5 chapters that utilize string, winds and voices with much care and strong attention to tone.

A listen with plenty of operatic gestures, choral singing and well timed brass, the involved pieces draw us in immediately and repeatedly.

Travels well with: Michele Kennedy- Agave: In Her Hands; Shawn Crouch- Chaos Theory

Michele Kennedy

Agave: In Her Hands

Acis, 2023

8/10

Listen to Agave: In Her Hands

The solo debut from the stunning soprano Michele Kennedy, the songs shift in time and subject matter, where plenty of contrast is present and appreciated.

Margaret Bonds’ “Hold On” opens the listen with Kennedy’s flowing vocals amid the soft strings of the harmonic landscape, and “Prelude & Fugue in E Minor, Op. 16, No. 3”, by Clara Wieck Schumann, follows with a stirring intimacy via the precise string interaction.

Deeper still, “Canzona Seconda à 4” emits glorious and warm songwriting from Claudia Francesca Rusca that’s uplifting, while “To My Little Son”, a Florence Beatrice Price original, showcases Kennedy’s diverse range and powerful pipes.

Nearing the end, Ethel Kathleen Sutton’s “Pastorale” offers a dreamy and reflective mood of beauty, and “She’s Got the Whole World in Her Hands” exits with the classic tune delivered in a very gentle mood that suits Kennedy’s touching vocals.

Kennedy’s execution is flawless, and her ability to handle Baroque and Haitian ideas with meticulousness in the purposeful tension creates a very inviting atmosphere.

Travels well with: Shawn Crouch- Chaos Theory; Rose Wollman- Loop: Ligeti’s Inspiration & Legacy

Various Artists

That’s Why We Stand

New Folk, 2023

8/10

Listen to That’s Why We Stand

A charity compilation of songs that honors those who have served, the tunes here come from legends we’re all familiar with, as well as new names we should also be acquainted with.

Rockie Lynne’s “We Want To Thank You” opens the listen with the smooth and fluid country rock that’s full of emotion and power, and “Home From Iraq”, by Geoff Elvee, follows with warm acoustic guitar and soft singing that builds into a soaring and fiddle friendly climate.

Further into the listen, the intimacy of “Quietly” allows Beyond The Badlands to emit both grit and melody amid the sincere delivery, while The Charlie Daniels Band’s thumping and soulful “Iraq Blues” is both dense and harmonic.

Landing near the end, “Keep It Up” brings John Schneider’s inimitable vocals alongside Mike Huckabee for the anthemic and breezy ideas, and “God Bless America” presents the stunning guitar playing from Doyle Dykes that puts an exciting spin on the timeless track.

All the artists donated their work without any fees, and all proceeds will go to guitars4vets.org, which is an organization that helps out those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and should always be honored.

Travels well with: Robert Hale- Blue Haze; Gary Brewer- 40th Anniversary Celebration

Mark Joseph

Palisade Peach

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Palisade Peach

An artist with a penchant for many genres, Mark Joseph brings his guitar, bass and vocals to these rugged yet melodic 9 tracks that host many friends for the occasion.

The dense blues-rock of “Back-Water Blues” opens the listen with Stanley Behrens’ sax adding to the soulful climate, and “Whole World’s Got The Blues” follows with Jerry Jemmott’s agile bass playing and Michael Jerome’s lively drums alongside Joseph’s expressive pipes.

Moving along, “I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” welcomes Tony Austin’s thumping drums and Steve McCormick’s thick guitar to the infectious delivery, while the bouncy title track showcases Ricky Cortes’ playful upright bass and Jill Mikelson and Alex Steele’s soothing backing vocals for the rich album highlight.

“Venice Grind” and “Sad Mississippi Blues” exit the listen, where the former is a dance floor ready tune that makes great use of Toby Lee Marshall’s animated organ, and the latter finishes with a hazy display of spirited guitar, powerful singing and Marshall’s graceful piano via the emotive presence.

A listen that touches on Americana, country, psychedelic ideas, gospel and, of course, the blues, Joseph’s range is impressive, as is his sturdy guitar playing across this timeless affair.

Travels well with: Eli Gardiner- Live In Minneapolis; Scott Allen- My Own Grown Eyes

d'Lakes

Heaven Is A Silent Disco

Konstiga, 2023

9/10

Listen to Heaven Is A Silent Disco

A creative Minneapolis glam-pop outfit, d’Lakes aren’t easy to classify but certainly are easy to enjoy, as these 12 quirky tunes that touch on ‘80s New Wave.

“Dare To Be Bogus” opens the listen with fuzzy guitars and Ben’s thumping drums, as both soft and dense moments are present, and “Laughing As A Symbol (Note Passing)” follows with plenty of grooves, where Patrick’s warm synth draws us in.

Landing in the middle, the soulfulness and funk fun of “Chardonnay Chalet” will get you headed right for the dance floor, while “Four Steps” benefits much from Graydon’s playful bass and Drew’s charming vocals for the upbeat, New Wave nods.

Arriving near the end, the dreamy “Pleasantness” offers bright synth stabs amid the punchy rhythm section, and “Electric Spring” exits with some punky spirit buried in the buzzing and anthemic finish.

Drew began the groundwork for d’Lakes in 2008, and his iconoclastic view of pop structure is as nostalgic as it is memorable across this throwback affair.

Travels well with: Dilly Dalley Alley- Make You Whole; The Customers- Sweet Fatality

Skarlett Woods

Letters To The West

Cedar Woods, 2023

8/10

Listen to Letters To The West

An artist who grew up in rural Minnesota surrounded by rock’n’roll, show-tunes, pop and film scores, Skarlett Woods has much to talk about with this sophomore album, where she sings with much care and plays many instruments.

The bare and warm banjo of the brief “Overture” opens the listen and sets the tone for “Portland, OR”, where Kevin Bowe’s precise bass and Peter Anderson’s agile drumming suits the punchy folk-rock.

Deeper into the listen, Gregory Byers brings his violin, viola and cello to the intimacy of “Somewhere Between Stanley & Lotus”, while “Close To You (Braver These Days)” places Bowe on electric guitar, as Woods’ eloquent singing guides the soulful, powerful album highlight.

Residing near the end, “Somehow (Letters To The West)” comes with a distinct dreaminess that has Woods hitting some very high notes, and “Minnesota Farm Girl” exits with Tommy Barbarella’s B3 organ adding some punch to the frisky Americana.

Woods has lived a colorful life that includes biking 6000 miles across the country and living in a tiny home for 5 years sans running water, and those experiences help her carve out a unique place in folk music that makes this a charming effort.

Travels well with: Mae Simpson- Chandelier & Bloom; Leslie Vincent- About Last Night

Martin Zellar

Head West

Owen Lee, 2023

8/10

Listen to Head West

Despite living in Minnesota, I’ve never listened to a Gear Daddies record. Not that I’ve had any reason not to, it’s just that the occasion never arrived. However, that didn’t stop me from enjoying these 11 songs from Marin Zellar- the frontman and songwriter for Gear Daddies.

The title track opens with Scott Wenum’s crisp drums complementing Zellar’s expressive pipes in the upbeat and melodic climate, and “The Road Led Here” follows with Clementine Zellar-Beaudot’s playful percussion and Brian Beken’s well timed banjo and mandolin populating the rhythmic delivery.

Further along, “Boats Slowly Sinking” welcomes Presley Haile’s soothing backing vocals and Randy Broughten’s pedal steel to the richness, while “Goodbye Wild Bill” showcases Dominic Ciola’s skilled bass amid Geoff Queen’s hazy pedal steel that illuminates Zellar’s vivid storytelling.

“Big City Man” and “Forty Years Along” exit the listen, where the former benefits from Wilson Zellar’s fluid guitar and Pat Manske’s animated percussion, and the latter finishes with a poetic appeal that’s heartfelt and stirring.

A family affair, Zellar’s kids all play on or engineered the record, and though the alt-country ideas of his full band are present, the diverse Americana bleeds into every moment of this thoughtful and textured listen.

Travels well with: Robby Vee- Double Spin; Chris Murphy- The Road And The Stars

Lillian Leadbetter

State Of Romance

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to State Of Romance

The Vermont native Lillian Leadbetter brings along an excellent cast for these 8 well thought out folk and Americana songs that resonate much warmth.

“Not In The Mood For Heartbreak” opens the listen with Leadbetter’s gorgeous singing alongside the gentle acoustic guitar and dreamy ambience, and “American Sweetheart” follows with Phil Cohen’s meticulous guitar that builds into a rich and soaring climate thanks to Dan Ryan’s soft drums and Jacob Weiss’ emotive fiddle.

“State Of Romance” and “Leo Moon” land in the middle, where the former carries narration from Sophia Ciriganon surrounding the atmospheric waves, while the latter flows with a haze of pretty singing amid Ben Rodgers’ distinct pedal steel and Marie Hamilton’s well timed harp.

Close to the end, “In Dreams” uses soulful backing vocals that suit the intimate minimalism, and “Silver Lining” exits with Eli Gold’s graceful piano that builds into a lush and powerful finish.

A record that is very much focused on mood, the subtle use of trumpet and flugelhorn by Connor Young and Rodgers’ banjo only adds that much more allure for this meditative and soothing body of work.

Travels well with: Birds Of Play- Birdsongs Of The American West; Crowes Pasture- Don’t Blink

The Lunar Laugh

In The Black

Big Stir, 2023

10/10

Listen to In The Black

The Oklahoma City rockers The Lunar Laugh return with their 4th album, where 10 tracks encompass all the hallmarks of a timeless pop song, and the chemistry between the quintet is top notch.

The swirling guitars of “Born Weird” begins the listen, where soaring vocal harmonies and Levin Sherman’s precise drums make an impression, and the summery sounds of “Allegiance” follows with a charming dreaminess that makes great use of Triston Lightner’s flowing bass.

In the middle, the melodic and retro ideas of “Stranger Than Oz” welcome some breezy ‘60s ideas, while “So So Long” showcases the smooth singing and crisp rhythm section of the album’s best.

Landing near the end, the bouncy and infectious “Out Of Love” is a jangly moment of harmonic gestures, and “Picture Perfect” exits with a sublime intimacy that makes great use of glowing pedal steel and stirring cello.

A listen with no shortage of hooks and plenty of infectious pop-rock, nods to The Byrds and Fleetwood Mac sure are appreciated, too, and the excellent use of strings and Motown bits aren’t anything to spit at, either.

Travels well with: The Flashcubes- Pop Masters; Popsicko- Off To A Bad Start

Gabriel Vicéns

Mural

Stradivarius, 2024

8/10

Listen to Mural

The Puerto Rican native and New York City guitarist-composer Gabriel Vicéns brings his contemporary classical composition skills to this album of chamber music that explores 12-tone serialism, experimentalism, and minimalism via his creative vision.

The title track begins the listen with Raissa Fahlman’s expressive clarinet and Corinne Penner’s unpredictable keys alongside Joenne Dumitrascu’s playful violin for 11+ minutes of the tonally exciting piece.

Further into the listen, “El Matorral” rumbles with the agile keys being complemented by Roberta Michel’s rich flute prowess that helps make for a cinematic landscape, while “Una Superficie Sin Rostro” is a solo piano feature which showcases Penner’s bare and tense pianistic skills.

Deeper yet, “Ficción” is a woodwind affair, as the Nu Quintet mesh flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn with much mystery and texture that’s quite adventurous, and “La Esfera” exits with the cellist Julia Henderson and pianist Mikael Darmanie working together with gentle versus firm bouts of key and string manipulation.

A listen where each instrument sees equal attention, Vicéns’ use of melody, harmony, timbre and register won’t go unnoticed, as his idea of contemporary classical sounds unfolds with intrigue and innovation.

Travels well with: Mimi Fox Organ Trio- One For Wes; Andreas Varady- Andreas Varady

Sarah Jane Scouten

Turned To Gold

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Turned To Gold

This 4th album from the folk/country artist Sarah Jane Scouten comes after an attempt to leave songwriting for work in the medical field, where darkness and intimacy comprise the 10 thoughtful tunes that brought the Canadian back to her art.

The very warm and harmonic “Wanderlust” opens the listen with James McEleney’s mesmerizing bass suiting Scouten’s absorbing vocals, and “The Great Unknown” follows with Leon Power’s light drums and Anna Scouten’s harmony vocals adding much allure to the dreaminess.

The middle spot belongs to the jangly fun of “Dragonheart”, where nods to Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks are much appreciated, while the title track benefits highly from Matt Kelly’s well timed keys amid the soulful quality of the timeless folk climate.

Near to the end, “Is It Just The Whisky Talking?” is a vulnerable album highlight that’s poetic and pretty, and “Little Band Of Gold” exits with piano balladry that’s powerful, emotive and stirring.

Scouten’s got an impressive resume that includes 4 Canadian Folk Music Awards, a Western Canadian Music Award and an International Folk Music Award, and this soul searching body of work will certainly stack more accolades on top of that.

Travels well with: Setting Sun- The Feelings Cure; Lily & Madeleine- Nite Swim

Arthur Kell Speculation Quartet

Live At LunÁtico

Origin, 2023

9/10

Listen to Live At LunÁtico

The bassist Arthur Kell is in the company of Nate Radley, Brad Shepik and Allan Mednard for these lively jazz tunes that were captured live on February 15-16, 2022, in Brooklyn.

After a brief introduction of hazy warmth, “Hafrlat Zifaf” welcomes Mednard’s frisky drumming alongside Kell’s bouncy bass, and “The Djado” follows with Radley and Shepik’s fluid guitar lines guiding the bright climate.

Halfway through, “Pisciotta Blue” finds itself in dreamy territory, where the hypnotic bass is met with radiant guitar, while “Dry Delta” brings in cascading waves of flowing and melodic jazz rock nods.

Closer to the end, the chunky bass of “Regatta” suits the meticulous guitar energy, and “Speculation” exits with a very rich and densely layered landscape that nearly touches post-rock.

An extremely creative and exciting set, the double guitars really add a fun dimension to Kell’s dynamic and diverse vision, where the sounds quality is as exceptional as the execution.

Travels well with: John Bishop- Antwerp; Gabriel Guerrero & Quantum- Equilibrio

Gabriel Guerrero & Quantum

Equilibrio

Origin, 2023

8/10

Listen to Equilibrio

The inimitable pianist Gabriel Guerrero brings his Colombian heritage to these worldly 11 tracks that put him in the company of Seth Trachy, Will Slater, Felix Lecaros, Fung Chern Hwei and Guillermo Barrón.

The textured warmth of “Present Moment” opens the listen with Trachy’ elegant sax aligning with Guerrero’s playful piano playing, and “Ozpal” follows with Lecaros’ animated drums amid the dancing keys of the frisky climate.

Halfway through, “Nunu” radiates a dreaminess that swirls with plenty of warmth thanks to Slater’s agile bass, while “No Return” rumbles with dense keys and moody drumming in the haunting delivery.

Residing near the end, Hwei’s intricate strings help make “Permanent Diversion Part II” one of the album’s best thanks to its rhythmic nature, and “Encrucijada” welcomes Barrón’s meticulous percussion for a textured and captivating finish.

Guerrero now calls New York home, and his esteemed company helps mesh the improvised and composed pieces with no lack of harmonic and rich layers.

Travels well with: John Bishop- Antwerp; Frank Kohl- Pacific

John Bishop

Antwerp

Origin, 2023

8/10

Listen to Antwerp

The always impressive drummer John Bishop brings his inimitable sound to these 9 creative jazz tracks that welcome Piet Verbist and Bram Weijters.

The distinct tone of “Rücksichtslos” begins the listen with Bishop’s innovative drumming alongside Weijters’ flowing piano in the melodic climate, and “Trip The Light Fantastic” follows with more firm keys suiting the meticulous drum progressions.

Further along, the louder “Bull” allows Verbist’s bass acrobatics to shine in the forceful delivery, while “Lawns” sparkles with an intimate dreaminess that’s poetic in its sublime beauty.

Approaching the end, “Two For The Road” benefits much from the emotive piano that complements the light drumming, and “Contemplative” exits with each players respective strengths emitting precise and dynamic instrumentation.

This is Bishop’s first album under his own name in 15 years, and the unparalleled attention to percussive ideas and playful chemistry that exists in the trio is hard not to admire.

Travels well with: Frank Kohl- Pacific; Affinity Trio- Hindsight

Kuba Cichocki

Flowing Circles

Brooklyn Jazz Underground, 2023

8/10

Listen to Flowing Circles

The pianist and composer Kuba Cichocki is surrounded by an all star cast for these traditional and experimental pieces that explore dimensions beyond or even between what is typically explored.

“Quirks” opens the listen with Brian Sanders’ lively cello and Lucas Pino’s bright sax helping make for a rich and dynamic climate, and “Where The Selves Meet” follows with Cichocki’s meticulous key progressions amid Colin Stranahan’s agile drumming that cultivates a free jazz delivery.

In the middle, Edward Perez’s thick bass plucking impresses us on the turbulent “Blob Jump”, while “Birthday” recruits plenty of atmosphere via Sana Nagano’s stirring violin and Benjamin von Gutzeit’s moody viola, as Bogna Kicinska’s vocals soar.

“Coming Back” and “First Smile” finish the listen, where the former uses scatting and graceful keys with much charm, and the latter focuses on Cichocki’s skilled key prowess for the mesmerizing exit.

A listen that embraces both improvised and composed ideas, Cichocki and company make every moment here unpredictable, exciting and memorable.

Travels well with: Pablo Masis- Thought And Memory; Dave Meder- New American Hymnal

APB

Cure For The Blues

Liberation Hall, 2023

9/10

Listen to Cure For The Blues

Originally released in 1986, this sophomore album from Scotland’s APB came out during a time when the band were extremely prolific and active, where much touring on the East Coast brought them legions of new fans.

The vocally strong and warm grooves of “Crooner’s Lullaby” opens the listen with an infectious energy, and “Sunset Song” follows with bouncy bass and crisp drums illuminating the melodic climate.

“Simone” and “Wonderdrug” land in the middle, where the former buzzes with a thumping and rhythmic delivery, while the latter is a soulful album highlight that touches on New Wave nods amid the punchy landscape.

Arriving near the end, “Partners In Love” brings cultured drumming to dynamic and soaring vocals, and “Better Life” exits with a dance floor ready appeal that’s beat friendly and musically far ahead of its time.

There is simply no bad place to start in their catalog if APB are new to your ears. Much of their music has been out of print for years, and thankfully the reissues keep coming to help preserve one of the early alt-rock bands who weren’t afraid to bring funk and post-punk into their timeless formula.

Travels well with: APB- Three; The Kingsnakes- Live At The Old Waldorf

Noah Gundersen

Lover

Cooking Vinyl, 2019

8/10

Listen to Lover

A Seattle artist who has been quite prolific since 2008, Noah Gundersen has established himself as a rising name in the area of indie-folk sounds, and Lover finds the troubadour offering his most personal record yet.

“Robin Williams”, a song about mental health, starts the listen with much attention to mood in the emotive and intimate opener, and “Crystal Creek” follows with a beat driven, atmospheric display of soulful beauty.

In the middle, “Lose You” has keys guiding us through the cautious landscape where Gundersen’s vocals soar over beats, while “Out Of Time” recruits pop influences amid falsetto vocals and psyche-rock stabs.

Near the end, “Wild Horses” uses a strategic acoustic guitar for the bare beauty of the poetic singer-songwriter gem, and “So What” complements the setting with hushed yet adventurous sounds. “Kamikaze” ends the listen vocally strong and musically sparse with a dreamy, reflective exit.

Gundersen took 2 years to make this record, and it’s very apparent in the meticulous nature of each track. Although the subject matter is often very weighty, it’s never esoteric, and delivered with a cathartic quality that you can’t help but admire.

Travels well with: Penny And Sparrow- Finch; Ben Howard- Noonday Dream