Kenny Kosek

Twisted Sage

Shefa, 2024

8/10

Listen to Twisted Sage

The fiddle wizard Kenny Kosek is joined by the banjo extraordinaire Tony Trischka for these old time and new grass fueled 15 tracks.

“Streak O’ Lean Streak O’ Fat” opens the listen with the swift fiddle and playful banjo interacting with tremendous skill, and the title track follows with timeless bluegrass ideas that unfold with precision and melody.

Deeper into the listen, the cozy and dance floor friendly “Turkeys In The Straw” emits much grace, while “Texas” is a rich and colorful album highlight that blends the instruments with both care and adventurousness.

Further still, the intimate “Maiden’s Prayer” showcases meticulous fiddle acrobatics amid the chunky banjo playing, and “William Cheatham” exits with strong attention to mood that draws us in to the mesmerizing finish.

The pair have been playing together for over 50 years, and that dynamic relationship that also injects Andy Statman, Mark Cosgrove and Marty Cutler’s skills makes for timeless bluegrass and folk song craft.

Travels well with: Andy Statman- Bluegrass Tracks; Gafieira Rio Miami- Bring Back Samba

Hiatus

Is

Lucky Thunder, 2024

8/10

Listen to Is

The British-Iranian producer Hiatus returns with a 5th album, where a more upbeat mood flows across 9 tracks that welcome some guests, too.

The title track starts the listen with swirling keys, as colorful electronica enters the cinematic delivery, and “Flood” follows with a warm beat amid the soft melodies of the textured ambience.

In the middle, Emily Craig’s well timed vocals populate the lush climate of “Living”, while “Door” features Malahat Haddad’s cultured voice via the blurry and stylish album highlight.

Residing close to the end, “Lo” emits pretty piano and charming electronic ideas alongside the gentle waves of harmonic gestures, and “Cease” exits with Bahram Shahrad’s chilling voice for the sci-fi backdrop that suits the wonder and awe.

An effort with no lack of cosmic joy, Hiatus is always creative, and he continues to channel his song craft through his Iranian heritage with much intrigue.

Travels well with: Devarrow- Heart Shaped Rock; KOTO- Onism

Moria Smiley

The Rhizome Project

Self-Released, 2024

10/10

Listen to The Rhizome Project

The always exceptional vocalist and composer Moira Smiley is joined by strings and many backing vocalists for the very unique version of folk sounds that are enlightening and powerful.

“Go Dig My Grave” opens with strong attention to mood, where Smiley’s expressive pipes are met with plenty of backing vocals for the warm spirit, and “Mouring Dove” follows with light strings and a distinct dreaminess that emits much beauty.

Moving into the middle, the sublimely bowed strings of “Now Is The Cool Of The Day” allows for Smiley’s pretty pipes to shine, while “Standing On The Shore” showcases the rich violin and eloquent cello amid the impressive range.

Arriving near the end, “Awake Awake” is a bare moment of stunning musicianship, where the focus on Smiley’s voice radiates a poetic delivery, and “Great Trees” exits with cautious textures via the meticulous strings and emotive singing.

There’s also a book to accompany this album, which tells the stories of the songs, and the guests spots from Merrill Garbus (Tune-Yards), JT Bates (Taylor Swift, Bon Iver), Seamus Egan (Solas), and Taylor Ashton only enhance the intrigue of this incredible body of work.

Travels well with: Mighty Poplar- Mighty Poplar; Lindsay Lou- Queen Of Time

March To August

Songs Inspired By Witness

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Songs Inspired By A Witness

A concept album that’s taken 8 years to create, Derrick and Jodi Mears take inspiration from a novel by Karen Hesse for these folk and Americana fueled stories.

The rich storytelling of “Running Booze” starts the listen with Derrick’s expressive voice alongside fluid banjo, and “Scribbler-Part 1”, which is a brief but impactful minute, follows with soaring vocals and soft instrumentation that’s eloquent.

Further along, “Perfect Son” emits much melody, powerful singing and well timed bass from Jodi, while “Only The River Knows” comes with intricate banjo and a poetic quality that unfolds via a sublime intimacy.

Arriving close to the end, “Viola” radiates beauty and grace thanks to the soft strings and emotive vocals, and “The Scribbler-Part III” continues with chunky banjo and gentle singing for the brief extension of the earlier Scribbler selections, which are written from the perspective of Reynard Alexander.

An album of all substance, the bluegrass, roots and Americana blend with a soulful quality that illuminates the voices of the downtrodden with much care.

Travels well with: Sarah Pierce- Blessed By The West; Heather Pierson- Back To The Light

Rick Bogart

Rick Bogart Sings Mr. Paganini

Arabesque, 2024

9/10

Listen to Rick Bogart Sings Mr. Paganini

The esteemed vocalist and clarinetist Rick Bogart fleshes out tracks that take nods to Ella Fitzgerald, Ethel Ennis and Barbara Cook, plus standards and originals, and he’s got an excellent cast along for the ride.

The frisky guitar from Marc Daine starts the listen, as Bogart’s playful pipes guide “Since I’ve Been To You”, and “The Magic Of Manhattan” follows with Jon B. Roche’s warm bass complementing the smooth vocals.

Deeper into the listen, “Because Of You” benefits much from Don Edmonds’ warm piano for the heartfelt delivery, while “Come Fly Me” emits bouncy bass and light melodies for the album’s best.

Landing near the end, Bogart’s radiant clarinet adds a distinct mood to “There Will Never Be Another You”, and “American Concerto For Clarinet And Orchestra” exits with the Manhattan String Orchestra and Bogart’s wind interacting via a distinct dreaminess for the 15+ minutes that pays close attention to mood.

Bogart’s singing is internationally revered, and the classical moments and orchestral nods won’t go unappreciated, as the 16 tracks unfold with timeless jazz qualities that you can’t help but admire.

Travels well with: Hollaway- Jazz-ish; Robin Simone Hollywood Orchestra- Robin Simone Hollywood Orchestra

Rebecca Aadland

Stronger Broken

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Stronger Broken

The Minneapolis resident and soulful singer-songwriter Rebecca Aadland pens a tribute to her late husband, and some very well known guest from the Twin Cities are in attendance for the intimate 14 songs.

The upbeat and fluid “Carnival” starts with Lantz Dale’s cozy guitar and Greg Schutte’s fluid drums for the folk fueled delivery, and “I’ll Walk With You” follows with Jacqueline Ultan’s soft cello radiating much beauty amid the emotional singing.

“Broken Pieces” lands closer to the middle, and benefits from Luke Schoper’s agile keys and Elizabeth Ghandour’s soothing backing vocals, while “Darlin’ It’s Bedtime” recruits Paul Winchester’s mature keys for a lullaby-esque delivery.

Deeper still, “Minnesota Morning” showcases Kurt Jorgensen’s meticulous guitar that suits Aadlan’s expressive voice, and “Too Many Songs” allows for Dik Shopteau’s precise bass that helps illuminate the rich and the melodic gestures.

Aadland pens songs that are easily relatable, and her well crafted folk-pop vision unfolds with authenticity, grace and tremendous skill.

Travels well with: Twins Of Franklin- This Life; Tina Schlieske- The Good Life

Rebecca Kilgore

A Little Taste: A Tribute To Dave Frishberg

Cherry Pie, 2024

8/10

Listen to A Little Taste: A Tribute To Dave Frishberg

The Portland jazz vocalist Rebecca Kilgore fleshes out 9 track by Dave Frishberg and some co-writers, plus a pair that Kilgore and Frishberg performed together, and there’s plenty of help in attendance for the timeless jazz.

The title track opens with much elegance, where Nelly Kovalev’s warm violin and Tim Jensen’s dreamy flute complement Kilgore’s bright voice, and “Our Love Rolls On” with Randy Porter’s mature piano and Tom Wakeling’s soft bass alongside the intimate pipes.

Further along, the stirring cello thanks to Hamilton Cheifetz is met with powerful singing and Hillary Oseas’ graceful viola across “Heart’s Desire”, while “Brenda Starr” is an upbeat and dance floor ready moment that benefits from John Moak’s animated trombone and Dick Titterington’s well timed trumpet.

Arriving close to the end, “You Are There” places Titterington on flugelhorn and Todd Strait provides light drumming as Kilgore’s expressive voice shines, and “Eastwood Lane” exits with Dan Barrett’s trombone adding much to the thoughtful and emotive finish.

Kilgore is known for her renditions of the Great American Songbook, and this flawlessly executed body of work only adds to the 50+ recordings of careful jazz sensibilities already in her arsenal.

Travels well with: Rosemary Loar- Coraçāo Vagabundo/Vagabond Heart; Olivia Foschi- A Window Within

Redshift Headlights

If You Are Around Still

Self-Released, 2024

10/10

Listen to If You Are Around Still

A quintet from Wisconsin who float around alt-rock, these 9 songs recorded by Steve Albini bring plenty of meticulous and energetic ideas.

“Summertime” starts the listen with strong attention to mood, where Chris Sasman’s thumping drums suit radiant guitars that touch on post-rock ideas, and “Suddenly” follows with Stephen McCabe’s distinct voice guiding Justing Mitchell’s dreamy keys amid the rich landscape.

“All You Do Is Lose” arrives in the middle and showcases Dean Hoffman’s bouncy bass lines in the quicker climate, while “Camera In Every Hole” rumbles a bit, as grit and power enter the more rugged climate.

Approaching the end, “Space Invaders” presents thicker guitar via Jay Spanbauer, where the raw post-punk unfolds with a hint of ambience, and “If You Are Around Still” exits with driving and meticulous alt-rock nods that swirls with wonder and dynamic interaction between the 5.

One of the last albums that Albini helped create before his unexpected death, Redshift Headlights are clearly an excellent rock band, and Albini illuminates their indie, alt, punk and post leanings with strong attention to detail that can be crunchy just as it can be pretty.

Travels well with: Guest Directors- Interference Patterns; Spells- Past Our Prime

Hank Wedel

What Happens In Cork

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to What Happens In Cork

The Irish rocker Hank Wedel brings along some excellent help for these 10 tracks that might bring to mind The Lovin’ Spoonful, Grateful Dead or even Richard Thompson.

The warm and harmonic “Poe Park 2am” starts the listen with playful drumming and cozy guitar alongside the rich singing, and “Lonely Tree” follows with a spoken versus singing approach of prettiness and memorable folk qualities.

“The Time We Share” occupies the middle spot and offers intimate songwriting amid the eloquent vocals, while “Alright! Dynamite! Spiro!’ is more rock focused, but also soulful via the spirited guitar and thumping drums.

The last 2 tracks don’t disappoint, either. The former, “Ain’t Nothing Wrong With Me”, is a charming duet with some bluesy touches, and the latter, “(We Are) The Rakes Of Mallow”, uses mature keys and no lack of rhythm, where a bit of grit enters the strings and well timed background vocals.

A really fun record that’s certainly steeped in Irish-Americana, the folk and blues nods won’t go unnoticed or appreciated across this timeless effort.

Travels well with: David Deacon- Four; Anthony Garcia- Acres Of Diamonds

Little Coyotes

Songs To Howl & Sing

Calheights, 2024

9/10

Listen to Songs To Howl & Sing

The debut album from the indie-folk outfit Little Coyotes, the 10 tracks guided by front woman Becca Mohler surround the idea of nature for kids and their caregivers.

The pretty acoustic guitar and light singing of “Little Adventure” opens with gentle percussion and much intimacy, and “Looking Out My Window” follows with Mohler’s brights storytelling complemented by Billy Mohler’s soft drumming.

“National Parks” occupies the middle spot and is a dreamy moment of timeless folk qualities, while “Shapes Are Everywhere” is full of sublime harmonies and a slight jangle that discusses all the fun to be found with shapes.

“Rainy Day” and “Little Campfire” exit the listen. The former uses ukulele for the charming and bare delivery, and the latter is aptly titled, where banjo, thumping drums and the sounds of insects suit the playful mandolin and expressive singing.

A really heartfelt effort that surrounds the outdoors and the wonder of nature, Becca and Billy take nods to the ‘60s and ‘70s with their folk template, and it’s a big step from their past in loud rock bands that’s sincere, eloquent and enlightening.

Travels well with: Jenn Cleary- Dreamland; Patrick Adams- Imagination Time With Patrick

Mac Leaphart

Motel Breakfast

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Motel Breakfast

An excellent follow up to his 2021 effort that cracked the Top 40 Americana charts, Mac Leaphart returns with his exciting brand of roots rock that seems tailor made for roadhouses and dive bars.

The energetic “Rock & Roll Hey” starts the listen with Fats Kaplan’s frisky fiddle and Matt Menefee’s pretty mandolin complementing Leaphart’s warm voice, and “Walking Slow Down A Busy Street” follows with a calmer and stylish mood that benefits from Ben Chapman’s distinct voice and spirited electric guitar.

Moving into the middle, “Girl From Tuscaloosa” welcomes Kaplin’s glowing pedal steel and Menefee’s swirling banjo for the rootsy flavor, while “Ain’t No Pistol” comes with melodic and rugged gestures via Glen Martin’s fluid bass and Logan Todd’s crisp drumming.

Landing near the end, the intimate “Belly Full Of Peaches” is just Leaphart’s cozy voice, guitar and soulful backing vocals, and the title track exits with Tom Reschke’s soft drums and Brad Jones’ gentle bass suiting the poetic singing.

A record that only a road warrior like Leaphart could pen, there’s plenty of honky-tonk, folk, country and rock’n’roll to absorb here, and the storytelling draws us in immediately, too.

Travels well with: Mac Leaphart- Music City Joke; Jared Deck- Head Above Water

Dave Edmunds

Swan Songs: The Singles 1976-1981

Omnivore, 2024

9/10

Listen to Swan Songs: The Singles 1976-1981

An assembly of 29 tracks, i.e. every A and B side from Dave Edmunds’ time at Swan Song Records, the selections here showcase the Welsh artist’s tremendous and varied skills with guitar and vocals.

The upbeat and playful “Here Comes The Weekend” starts the listen with Edmunds’ melodic voice amid the quick guitar playing, and it isn’t long until the crisp and rhythmic “Juju Man” immediately invites a sing-along and displays animated keys.

Further into disc 1, “Deborah” emits plenty of power-pop fun amid the intricate guitar, while “Trouble Boys” exits this portion and benefits from tambourine and more rugged singing for a more gritty version of Edmunds.

Disc 2 begins with the breezy and rootsy “A.1. On My Jukebox”, and the thick, retro rock and roll spirit of “Bad Is Bad” welcomes flowing harmonica to the festivities. The final track, “(I’m Gonna Start) Living Again If It Kills Me” exits and offers a pretty moment of heartfelt song craft.

An excellent outing of cover and originals, Edmunds first hit the charts in 1968 and remained active until 2017. The songs here illustrate his unique guitar tone, inimitable production style and timeless musicianship that certainly has aged well, and it’s accompanied by liner notes thanks to Joe Marchese.

Travels well with: Traveling Wilburys- Vol. 1; The Tremeloes- Master

December Friend

In A Warmer Way

Mifflin, 2024

9/10

Listen to In A Warmer Way

The Minneapolis outfit December Friend return with a sophomore album, where plenty of varied indie-rock ideas enter the songs that use observations for their thoughtful formula.

The rhythmic and dynamic “Just Beginning” starts the listen with a fluid groove amid the smooth singing, and “Pulling From The Shade” follows with warm acoustic guitar and cozy vocals via the folk influenced delivery.

At the halfway point, “Even When The Night Turns Blue” uses vocal harmonies and a Dylan-esque influence of playful songwriting, while “Face In A Frame” is more drum focused and benefits much from Jeff Victor’s animated keyboards for the cosmic moments.

Landing close to the end, the rich and intimate “Everyone’s Your Child” builds into a melodic and breezy album highlight, and “No Fadeouts” exits with eloquent acoustic guitar and mature keys matching the poetic singing.

This is the 2nd album from December Friend, who are spearheaded by Joel Leviton and John Wlaysewski, and it continues their universal themes and blend of folk, Americana, modern rock and psychedelia that few others could parallel.

Travels well with: Jared McCloud- Vacancy; Chris Murphy- The Red Road

Dallas Orbiter

Spaceman Things

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Spaceman Things

The veteran Minneapolis outfit Dallas Orbiter continue their psyche-influenced ways with these 10 adventurous songs that are as timeless as they are creative.

“Into Position” starts the listen with thick guitar and playful keys from Jon Schmig, as plenty of prog-rock ideas enter the grooves, and “To The Breakdown” follows with Greg Flanagan’s agile drums that suit the mesmerizing bass from Dan Gahres for both soft and loud bouts.

Deeper into the listen, “The Fragile Epigram” makes great use of Mark Miller’s expressive voice in the more intimate landscape that gets powerful, too, while “Blue Sky, Chrome White” radiates swirling melodies and a dynamic presence that makes this the album’s best.

Further still, rich and complex nature of “Star Flutes” shimmers with dreamy, soulful qualities, and “Fade Away, Just Begun” exits with gentle moments amid a buzzing quality.

A truly unique record, the Krautrock nods and Miles Davis influences won’t be hard to spot or appreciate either, as Dallas Orbiter pen some memorable spaced out, retrogaze.

Travels well with: Verskotzi- Shiring; d’Lakes- Heaven Is A Silent Disco

Andy Statman

Bluegrass Tracks

Shefa, 2024

8/10

Listen to Bluegrass Tracks

The mandolin player Andy Statman leads an excellent cast for these 12 timeless and detailed bluegrass tracks.

The quick mandolin playing of “Stoney Lonesome” starts the listen, and it welcomes Byron Berline’s twin fiddle to the warm bluegrass, and “Sycamore Street” follows with the flowing mandolin and Ron Stewart’s fiddle emitting much beauty and grace.

Further along, the very fast “Bile’em Cabbage Down” showcases meticulous string dynamics and uses Tim O’Brien’s smooth voice superbly, while “Blessing” trims the pace and mood back with intimacy via Bryan Sutton’s cozy guitar and emotive mandolin.

“Katy Hill” and “Starday Hoedown” exit the listen. The former benefits much from Ricky Skaggs’ intricate mandolin, and the latter is full of careful yet adventurous string interaction that we could never tire of.

Fleshed out over 4 days in pre-pandemic times, the esteemed cast present and Statman’s inimitable talents make this a must for fans of anything related to bluegrass.

Gafieira Rio Miami- Bring Back Samba; Malika Zarra- RWA (The Essence)

Gino Amato

Latin Crossroads

Ovation, 2024

8/10

Listen to Latin Crossroads

The pianist and arranger Gino Amato is joined by many guests for these 11 Latinized versions of songs most of us are familiar with, and it makes for some very creative interpretations.

The lively energy of “Blackbird” starts the listen with Kevin Bryant’s animated trumpet and Amato’s soulful pipes guiding the rhythmic delivery, and “The Summer Knows” follows with Claudette Sierra’s powerful voice amid Amato’s intricate piano and Ruben Rodriguez’s playful bass.

In the middle, “Shower The People”, originally by James Taylor, welcomes Vince Cherico’s skilled drumming and David Mann’s bright alto sax prowess, while “Bad Things” allows for Robin McKelle’s radiant voice alongside Doug Beavers’ well timed trombone for the album’s best.

“Romeo And Juliet” and “Green Flower Street” exit the listen. The former uses Bobby Porcelli’s tenor sax and Luis Bonilla’s trombone to its advantage, and the latter is an animated finish that benefits from Kevin Osborne’s voice and Samuel Torres’ percussion.

The themes of Broadway Shows, the Beatles and the Great American Songbook are transformed into highly infectious Afro-Cuban jazz, and it’s a fantastic debut for Amato in the leader position.

Travels well with: Eric Person- Rhythm Edge; Matt Panayides Trio- With Eyes Closed

Dawn Clement/Steve Kovalcheck/Jon Hamar

Clement/Kovalcheck/Hamar

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Clement/Kovalcheck/Hamar

The inimitable trio of Dawn Clement, Steve Kovalcheck and Jon Hamar bring us 11 sincere songs influenced by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and Tennessee.

The soft and warm gestures of “Blind” opens the listen with Clement’s mature keys matching Hamar’s precisely plucked bass, and “Spirit Spin” follows with Kovalcheck’s cozy guitar emitting much grace and wonder.

In the middle, the frisky “Hard Ball” is a quick 2 minutes of playful keys and lively guitar, while “It’s About Time” offers a rhythmic and bouncy moment fueled by meticulous bass and spirited guitar tone.

The final 2 tracks, “For Now” and “Tree Hugger”, don’t disappoint either. The former is a mesmerizing moment that’s dreamy, and the latter uses the trio’s inimitable talents for a heartfelt and collaborative exit of love, gratitude and environmental consciousness.

An effort of elegance, complexity and enlightenment, Clement, Kovalcheck and Hamar excel in both energetic and cautious climates across this thoughtful affair.

Travels well with: Marc Ciprut- Moonshine; Neil Adler- Emi’s Song

The Linda Brady Revival

Deep Brain Stimulator

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Deep Brain Stimulator

The Washington D.C. artist Linda Brady returns with her first album in 30 years, where the guitar driven songs are fueled by her backing band, the Revival.

Early into the listen, Brady makes an impression with bright and power-pop tinted “Shut You”, where crisp drums and warm guitar suit the expressive singing, and “Build Something” continues with the infectious rhythm section helping guide the immediately memorable melodies.

Landing in the middle is the intimate and heartfelt “SSV”, where warm piano complements the emotive vocals, while the acoustic guitar based “The Barkers” builds into a rich album highlight.

Deeper still, “Up The Incline” offers a rhythmic moment of playful bass and background ambience, as a thick presence enters, and “Same Wolf” exits with a slight jangle surrounding the dense rock versus folk rock finish.

An incredible comeback album, the power-pop and indie-rock influences amid Brady’s well thought out lyrics make for a relatable and memorable record.

Travels well with: Bob Mould- Blue Hearts; Matthew Sweet- Catspaw

Dario Acosta Teich

Tierra Infinita

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Tierra Infinita

The globally revered guitarist Dario Acosta Teich brings us a live record of fusion ideas, where the 7 tracks welcome many guests to the modern jazz template.

“Kachariy” opens the listen with harmonic, wordless vocals and Yulia Musayelyan’s dreamy flute amid the Andean folk ideas, and “Low Tide” follows with hand clapping and Eleanor Dubinsky’s expressive voice guiding the melodic gestures of the rich delivery.

In the middle, “Zamba para la Noche” showcases Franco Luciano’s warm harmonica playing via the flowing intimacy, while “Pétalo del Sur” spotlights Maria Gómez’s pretty pipes and Pipi Piazzolla’s fluid drumming for the frisky folk highlight.

The last track, “Milonga Hermética”, then pays homage to Brazilian avante-gardener thanks to the bass solo courtesy of Fernando Huergo and the charming flute.

A globally exciting and mashing of contemporary jazz and Argentine folk, Teich makes for a technical and memorable body of work that will resonate worldwide.

Travels well with: Bokanté- History; Atlas Maior- Hadal

Glutton

Eating Music

Apollon, 2019

9/10

Listen to Eating Music

A post-rock and prog-friendly outfit from Norway, Glutton make great use of horns and strings as well on this 3rd album that really showcases the strong talent in this trio.

“Far Away” starts the listen with nearly 10 minutes of rhythmic melodies that mix alt-rock with jazz sensibilities in a unique fashion, and “The Tomb Of The Unknown Ontonaut” follows with fuzzy guitars, a soaring atmosphere and dynamic interplay between the instruments.

Elsewhere, “Pinhole” initially shimmers with pop influences in a calmer setting of nearly post-punk ideas, while “Future Blue” shines bright with prog-rock nods on the album highlight. “Space & Our Hearts” ends the listen and indeed finds spacey ebbs in between the propulsive and calculated power and melody- a recurring theme across the entire affair.

A listen that sounds like it could have been created in any decade since the ‘70s, Glutton birth creative, warm textures that never unfold in predictable ways on this stunning record that’s charmingly familiar yet very atypical.

Travels well with: Radiohead- In Rainbows; The Mars Volta- Frances The Mute