Sakoto Fujii Quartet

Dog Days Of Summer

Libra, 2024

9/10

Listen to Dog Days Of Summer

After 18 years on hold, the pianist and composer Sakoto Fujii resurrects her jazz rock quartet for these 7 adventurous tracks.

The bright and animated “Not Together” opens with Natsuki Tamura’s lively trumpet alongside the jagged bass work from Hayakawa Takeharu, and “Haru wo Matsu” keeps the setting unpredictable via the frisky keys courtesy of Fujii.

“A Parcel For You” and “Circle Dance” reside in the middle. The former is a dense and dynamic album highlight that’s populated by Tatsuya Yoshida’s pounding drums amid the soulful horn, while the latter is strong on atmosphere and rhythmic gestures.

The final selection, the title track, then grooves with a thicker presence that’s more rock focused and showcases all the player’s inimitable talents with melody and density.

A triumphant return for the quartet, this prog/rock/jazz hybrid is nothing short of powerful in its odd meters and fusion fun that few others could replicate.

Travels well with: Satoko Fujii/Natsuki Tamura- Aloft; Ize Trio- The Global Suites

Alffa

O’r Lludw/From Ashes

Recordiau Côsh, 2024

9/10

Listen to O’r Lludw/From Ashes

The Welsh duo Alffa return with a sophomore album, where themes of resilience surround these powerful and emotive rock tunes.

“Darnau Mân” starts the listen with strong attention to mood, before pounding drums enter the ambience, and “Can You Find Me” follows with a dense and buzzing version of post-punk that’s charged.

Moving towards the middle, “Tough Love” offers a thick moment of booming and animated alt-rock, while “Dance Again” indeed carries rhythm amid the sturdy riffs and rowdy drumming.

“Breathe Free” and “Daw Diwedd i'r Da” exit the listen. The former is full of electronic ideas that could soundtrack a night at the club, and the latter leads intimate before building into an atmospheric and tense backdrop.

A highly diverse effort that balances light and dark ideas, Alffa’s blend of punk, hard rock and noise-rock makes every track worth repeated listens.

Travels well with: Mariam The Believer- Breathing Techniques; Koyo- Onism

Andy Wheelock

Whee3trio: In The Wheelhouse

OA2, 2024

9/10

Listen to Whee3trio: In The Wheelhouse

A very unique mashing of jazz. Afro-Latin and West African ideas, the drummer Andy Wheelock brings along Walter Gorra, Gonzalo Teppa and Gilad Hekselman for these 10 worldly tunes.

The rhythmic opening of “Empire” makes an impression thanks to Wheelocks’ frisky drums and Heskelman’s radiant guitar, and “Well Luck Indeed” follows with Teppa’s lively bass lines amid soft grooves and much warmth.

The middle track belongs to “Kewo”, where animated percussion adds to the richness of the album’s best, while “Blossom” moves in waves of soothing, nearly therapeutic ideas that you can’t help but enjoy.

“I’m Not Afraid” and “In The Wheelhouse” exit the record. The former benefits much from dreamy guitar and light ambience, and the latter showcases Gorra’s finger acrobatics on keys for the timeless jazz appeal.

A truly atypical effort that will resonate worldwide, Wheelock and his crew incorporate timbre flashes, dance floor moments and even pop bouts for this infectious and memorable listen.

Travels well with: Jason Keiser- Kind Of Kenny; Benjamin Boone- Confluence: The Ireland Sessions

Andile Khumalo

Tracing Hollow Traces

New Focus, 2024

9/10

Listen to Tracking Hollow Traces

The diverse composer Andile Khumalo is well versed in both jazz and the sounds of his country, South Africa, and the 11 tracks here welcome the Ensemble Dal Niente, Argento Ensemble and Wet Ink Ensemble, among others.

The highly technical “The Broken Mirrors Of Time” starts the listen with the Argento Ensemble’s bright playing amid Mun-tzung Wong’s adventurous piano via the cinematic landscape, and “Bells Die Out” follows with the Wet Ink Ensemble’s inimitable talents making for mystery and unpredictability.

Moving towards the middle, “Wade Through Water” showcases Cezarre Strydom’s skilled piano alongside Danré Strydom’s moody clarinet, while the title track is a solo clarinet venture thanks to Carol McConnell’s rich wind prowess.

Arriving close to the end, “Cry Out” benefits much from Ammie Brod’s viola, Andrew Nogal’s oboe, Kyle Flens’ marimba and Mabel Kwan’s keys for the album’s best that’s cautious yet nearly sci-fi, and “Beyond Her Mask” exits with Carrie Henneman Shaw’s expressive soprano surrounding the eloquent and dynamic instrumentation courtesy of the Ensemble Dal Niente.

An effort that resides close to his home continent, there’s also plenty of artistic bouts, timbral manipulation and curious implementation of silence that only adds more intrigue.

Travels well with: Metalofonico- Metalofonico; Richard Cameron-Wolfe-Passionate Geometrics

Billy Coulter

5ingles

Confluence, 2024

9/10

Listen to 5ingles

A quick listen of rootsy Americana and British power pop, these 5 songs might bring to mind Tom Petty or David Bowie, as Billy Coulter brings in quite a few friends.

The warm and smooth approach of “A Million Pieces” opens with Coulter’s heartfelt singing alongside Carson Groenewold’s fluid drumming, and the rich “Haven’t You Fallen In Love With Me Yet?” follows with Arch Alcantara’s cozy bass and Brian Simms’ well timed keys complementing the intimacy.

“Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time” lands in the middle and comes with grit, as Doug Tull’s crisp drumming suits Max Evans’ intricate guitar, while “Ready, Fire, Aim” is a rockin’ good time thanks to firm riffs, bright keys and expressive singing that makes this the EP’s best.

The final track, “Never Better”, is a soft and touching moment, where poetic singing builds into a melodic and roosty finish.

A great way to test the waters of Coulter’s timeless songwriting, these 5 authentic songs resonate long after the music stops.

Travels well with: Sarah Pierce- Blessed By The West; Brian Kalinec- The Beauty Of It All

Doug Ferony

Alright Okay You Win

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Alright Okay You Win

The long running vocalist Doug Ferony turns in 14 on his favorite standards, where a 16 piece band accompanies him for the meticulous interpretations.

“We’ve Only Just Begun” opens the listen with Ferony’s smooth pipes alongside many soulful backing vocalists and bright brass, and the title track follows with Nadav Snir Zelniker’s playful drumming complementing the call and response singing.

Moving towards the middle, Regan Nyzuk’s intimate keys align with Ferony’s heartfelt vocals on “Always On My Mind”, while “You Make Me Feel So Young” is a frisky and dance floor ready moment that benefits from animated keys, bouncy bass and Ferony’s uplifting pipes.

Residing close to the end, “All Of Me” pairs the soaring vocals with rich horns, and “I’ve Got The World On A String” exits with the booming saxes, trumpets and trombones amid a lively rhythm section.

Ferony’s style mirrors the greats like Sinatra, Bennett and Darin, and these classic tracks sure do sound great under his precise and timeless vision.

Travels well with: Doug MacDonald- Live At The Rancho Mirage Library; Eric Person- Rhythm Edge

Kaito

Collection

Infiné, 2024

8/10

Listen to Collection

The seminal Japanese artist Kaito brings us 9 ambient and melodic tracks that were penned during the pandemic, and are full of harmonic and minimal ideas.

“Silent Cloud” gets the listen off to an atmospheric start, where fluid beats and hazy synth floats effortlessly, and “A Call From The Ground” follows with a chilling dreaminess that’s soothing.

Halfway through, “Summer Ocean” uses gentle keys and much intimacy for the graceful presence, while “Silent Sky” is a rich moment of cozy electro-pop that’s stylish and dance floor friendly.

Arriving close to the end, “Summer Sketch” unfolds almost as if a lullaby, as the gorgeous textures are aglow with beauty, and “Nexus 2” exits the listen with a cinematic appeal of droning, sci-fi stabs that enter the waves of resilience.

The recording moniker of Hiroshi Watanabe, the musician, photographer and DJ turns in a therapeutic and spiritual effort that takes the road of serenity during a very difficult time for the world.

Travels well with: Rone- Tohu Bohu; Almeeva- To All My Friends

Arild Brøter

A Spectre Of Sounds

Apollon, 2024

9/10

Listen to A Spectre Of Sounds

A founding member of the prog-rock heroes Pymlico, this debut album from Arild Brøter reimagines James Bond’s music with much creativity.

The moody and detailed “Gun Barrel/James Bond Theme Intro” starts the listen with dense electronics, and “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service Suite- Part 1” follows with Bjorn Riis’ flowing guitar acrobatics amid Petter Lien’s well timed trumpet for the prog-rock textures.

Deeper into the affair, “Journey To Blofeld’s Hideaway” is a calmer moment of beauty via Oda Rydning’s well timed glockenspiel and Brøter’s lush guitars and drumming, while “007 Theme” welcomes Are Nerland’s precise bass and Filip Brekke Steigedal’s sturdy trombone alongside much mystery.

Further yet, “We Share The Same Passions” offers a dreamy moment of radiant guitars and soft bass, and “The Final Ascent” exits with Mads Tvinnereim Horn’s meticulous guitar and Tora Mari Bredesen Bjorgeengen’s oboe contributing much to the cinematic grace.

There’s certainly no lack of James Bond inspired albums in existence, but few bypass the title songs and focus on the scores, and Brøter and company turn this approach into highly artistic, instrumental electric rock that you can’t help but admire.

Travels well with: Alwanzatar- Engsyre; Trojka- Strobemørke

Ron Houston

R.O.A.M.

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to R.O.A.M

An emotional body of work that encompasses a lot of highs and lows for Ron Houston in recent years, there’s a handful of players present for songs that revolve around anger, empathy, sadness and happiness.

The rugged and harmonic “Whiskey Train” starts with crisp drums and a reflective mood that welcomes Cathryn Beeks’ warm backing vocals, and “Lines On My Face” follows with Shawn Rolf’s fluid banjo that suits the raw intimacy.

In the middle, “Waiting On A Miracle” showcases the eloquent wordplay amid much subtle power, while “Blood On The Mountain” benefits from chunky banjo and skilled bass alongside the vivid storytelling.

Close to the end, the rowdy “Raise A Lotta Hell” allows for Melissa Harley’s meticulous fiddle to shine, and “Gun Sale At The Church”, the fullest tune, is a plugged in rocker that’s melodic, driving and gritty.

Houston has been sober since 2020, and survived a serious bout of Covid. These are some of his most intense and personal songs to date, and they are balanced between sparse and busy moments that are fueled by Houston’s distinct baritone via this unique listening experience.

Travels well with: Billy Coulter- 5ingles; Sarah Pierce- Blessed By The West

Liv Greene

Deep Feeler

Free Dirt, 2024

9/10

Listen to Deep Feeler

The sophomore album from the Nashville resident Live Greene, the queer folk artist pens 10 songs that surround self-acceptance and are delivered with much sincerity.

The title track opens with Greene’s distinct singing and warm spirit that flows with emotion that suits Matt Andrews' well timed organ, and “Made It Mine Too” follows with strong attention to mood, where Mike Robinson’s aching pedal steel matches the intimate vocals.

Landing in the middle, “Katie” pairs Greene’s poetic pipes and cozy acoustic guitar with Christian Sedelmyer’s graceful fiddle, while “You Were Never Mine” flows with harmony vocals that welcomes Jordan Tice’s pretty acoustic guitar via the bare beauty.

Landing near the end, “Halfway Out” benefits much from Hazel Royer’s skilled upright bass and Elise Leavy’s charming accordion for the album’s best, and “I Can Be Grateful” exits with just Greene’s sublime guitar and gripping voice for the stirring finish.

A very mature and introspective affair, Greene’s version of Americana embraces country and folk and is as touching as it is universal to the human experience.

Travels well with: Cinder Well- Cadence; Kaia Kater- Strange Medicine

Laughing Stock

Shelter

Apollon, 2024

9/10

Listen to Shelter

The 6th album from the prog-rock heroes Laughing Stock, the trio welcome many guests to these 8 carefully crafted tracks.

“A New Home” starts the listen with dense guitars, as Jan Mikael Sorenson’s pounding drums align with both hard hitting and soft moments, and the title track follows with a soothing dreaminess thanks to pretty singing and Håvard Enge’s pensive keys.

The middle tracks belong to “In You” and “Waterfall”. The former welcomes guest Torjus Moland’s stirring violin to the elegance, while the latter makes great use of Jan Erik K Nilsen’s meticulous guitar via the cinematic and rich album highlight.

Deeper yet, “Radio” emits a textured haze, where the trio’s dynamic interaction yields much power and cautiousness, and “The Flood” exits with Tim Bowness’ expressive voice and Terje Johannesen’s soulful trumpet amid the thick buzzing and reflective bouts of diverse and memorable songwriting.

The stunning cover art was provided by the legendary artist James Marsh (Talk Talk), and it suits the top notch prog sounds that balance the tension, melody and grace that Laughing Stock are known and adored for.

Travels well with: Alwanzatar- Engsyre; Sunface- Cloud Castles

Effie Zilch

Multitudes

Redfone, 2024

9/10

Listen to Multitudes

The duo of Steve Wyreman and Evanne Barcenas, as Effie Zilch they pens songs that touch on the ‘60s San Francisco scene, where nods to legends like Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix and The Staples Singers won’t go unnoticed.

The warm keys and soft grooves of “Prayin’ Amos” starts the listen with Barcenas’ smooth voice guiding the stylish mood, and “Taking Me Over” follows with a charming dreaminess that’s stirring and powerful.

“Carousel” and “One Hundred Years” reside in the middle. The former is rhythmic, upbeat and just asks to soundtrack the dance floor, while the latter has both contributing acoustic guitar for the intimate, folk influenced song writing. The final track, “Unsung Pages”, welcomes Tiffani Marie for the vocal harmonies, mature keys and gospel fueled exit.

An excellent EP that balances bare versus full moments, Effie Zilch embrace gospel, soul, blues and folk with undeniable chemistry.

Travels well with: India Ramey- Baptized By The Blaze; Melissa Carper- Borned In Ya

Arthur Levering

OceanRiverLake

New Focus, 2024

9/10

Listen to OceanRiverLake

The esteemed composer Arther Levering pens a diverse record, where orchestra, quartet, trio and solo settings emit much adventurousness and care via the 4 distinct selections.

The title track begins the listen, and it recruits the Boston Modern Orchestra for the 3 rich chapters that are quite cinematic in scope, and “Giocattolo” follows with Sarah Brady’s piccolo, Maarten Stragier’s guitar and Donald Berman’s celesta interacting with wonder and mysterious dynamics.

The back half offers the flowing strings of “Squeezebox”, where the Lydian String Quartet emit much grace and beauty via the meticulous delivery, and Berman’s piano populates “Garland For Steven Stucky”, as the keys balance bare and busy moments that finish the affair.

A body of work not short on detail and clarity, Levering’s brand of fusion is stunning from beginning to end.

Travels well with: David Kaplan- New Dances Of The League Of David; The Rhythm Method- Pastorale

Jamie McLean Band

One Step Forward

Harmonized, 2024

9/10

Listen to One Step Forward

The New York singer-songwriter Jamie McLean and his band treat us to 8 tunes that revolve around roots, country and Americana, and the personal themes of true love, true happiness and cherished childhood memories are quite relatable.

“Summer Of Who Knows When” opens with warm melodies, as McLean’s flowing guitar is met with Jon Solo’s well timed keys and smooth vocal harmonies, and “Calendar” follows with a hint of grit via Brian Griffin’s thumping drums and Chris Anderson’s fluid bass lines.

The midpoint belongs to “Don’t Leave Us Now”, and it’s an intimate moment of dreaminess that tugs on the heartstrings, while “New York Penny Lane” allows for the bright keys to shine amid McLean’s expressive pipes.

“I Believe In Love” and “One Step Forward” exit the listen. The former invites a sing-along thanks to the rich and timeless songwriting, and the latter carries a hint of soul in the well thought out finish.

I truly memorable record that might bring to mind Tom Petty, McLean and crew blend strong guitar work and a pop-rock spirit into the timeless rootsy flavor.

Travels well with: Zoe Fitzgerald Carter- Before The Machine; Jefferson Berry & The UAC- Prairie Fire

Reza Vali

ESFAHÂN: The Chamber Music Of Reza Vali

Navona, 2024

8/10

Listen to ESFAHÂN: The Chamber Music Of Reza Vali

A listen with 8 cross-cultural selections by the inimitable composer Reza Vali, there’s a lot of diversity present for the rich and adventurous song craft.

“Hajiani (Reality Music No. 1)” opens the listen with Khosrow Soltani’s meticulous karnâ amid the swirling electronics, and “Four Persian Mystic Poems” follows with Kara Cornell’s voice, Tom Godfrey’s guitar, Abigail Langhorst’s percussion, Marisa Knaub Avon’s harp, and Brian Gilling’s piano making for an expressive and melodic 4 chapters.

Further along, “Esfahân (Calligraphy No. 17)” recruits the Carpe Diem String Quartet for sublime string interaction that’s complex but accessible, while “Zand (Calligraphy No. 2)” benefits much from the wind and strings that cultivate a cautious, global mood of beauty.

Moving into disc 2, “Persian Suite No. 2” allows for Marcia McHugh’s flute and alto flute to shine in addition to Charles Paul’s strategic bass that complements the wealth of strings, and “Sornâ (Folk Songs, Set No. 17)” exits with tense bouts and rumbling ideas that utilizes Soltani’s Persian wind instruments, plus many other winds, percussion and keys for a distinct chamber finish.

A unique body of work that meshes Persian and Western classical traditions, the ensemble moments, mezzo-soprano bouts, polyphonic gestures and Iranian folk music influences are very much appreciated.

Travels well with: American Woman; Julia Glenn- Ink Traces

Long Prairie

By Sunrise

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to By Sunrise

A Texas resident Long Prairie and Minnesota native, Long Prairie pens 10 heartfelt songs here, wheres soulfulness, nature and nostalgia are all present.

The upbeat and playful Americana of “The Little Things” starts with warm fiddle and frisky drums that suit Prairie’s flowing voice, and “In My Mountain Dreams” follows with gorgeous cello and much intimacy that’s heartfelt.

Halfway though, “By Sunrise” benefits from vivid storytelling and emotive singing, while “Lonely Winter” showcases meticulous guitar playing amid rich strings.

Residing close to the end, the pretty and melodic “Sunflowers Touch The Sky”, the best track, is poetic and embraces timeless folk qualities, and “Give Thanks” exits with quick strumming, aching strings and expressive singing.

A really authentic blend of folk, Americana, country and bluegrass, Long Prairie excels in both fuller bouts and introspective ebbs, where each song present is relatable and memorable.

Travels well with: Rebecca Frazier- Boarding Windows In Paradise; Rita Bliss- Peaches And Apple Pies

Jason Keiser

Kind Of Kenny

OA2, 2024

8/10

Listen to Kind Of Kenny

A tribute to Kenny Wheeler, Jason Keiser brings his guitar prowess to these 10 playful songs that welcome John Stowell, Danielle Wertz, Erik Jekabson and Michael Zilber.

The dreamy and mesmerizing “Kind Of Kenny” starts the listen with Wertz’s wordless vocals alongside Keiser’s mesmerizing guitar, and “Hotel Le Hot” follows with Stowell’s intricate electric guitar and Jekabson’s bright trumpet making for much warmth.

The middle spot is occupied by “Wheeler’s Waltz”, where a distinct intimacy unfolds amid Zilber’s cozy sax and the gentle guitar, while “W.W.” is a rich moment of soulful sax and trumpet that’s complemented by the elegance of Keiser’s guitar.

Arriving near the end, “For Jan” allows for Wertz’s expressive voice to shine and the meticulous guitar isn’t anything to spit at, either, and a guitar duo version of “Wheeler’s Waltz” exits with a pretty mood of melodic gestures.

A highly intricate and memorable experience, Keiser and company weave harmonics and rhythm into the well thought out selections that certainly does justice to Wheeler’s vision.

Travels well with: Benjamin Boone- Confluence: The Ireland Sessions; Russell Haight- Go Forth

Midland

Barely Blue

Big Machine, 2024

8/10

Listen to Barely Blue

The Grammy nominated trio of Jess Carson, Mark Wystrach and Cameron Duddy, these 8 tracks from Midland brings unparalleled storytelling to their country sounds that are never short on harmonies.

The warm keys of “Lucky Sometimes” starts the listen, as cozy guitars and flowing vocal harmonies enter the melodic spirit, and the title track follows with Wystrach’ soaring pipes amid crisp drums and a very rich version of classic country nods.

At the halfway point, “Old Fashioned Feeling” recruits plenty of intimate twang and a cozy dreaminess, while “Vegas” spotlights the radiant guitars and expressive harmonizing.

“Halfway To Heaven” and “Lone Star State Of Mind” exit the listen. The former carries some grit in a fuller climate of soulful and powerful song craft, and the latter emits a hint of gospel amid the hazy, memorable finish.

A truly unique outfit who embrace the ideas of the Western Plains, Laurel Canyon, Bakersfield, the Lone Star state and country music, reference points like George Strait or The Eagles won’t be hard to spot or appreciate.

Travels well with: Randy Travis- Precious Memories; Dwight Yoakam- 21st Century Hits: Best of 2000-2012

The Joymakers

Down Where The Bluebonnets Grow

Turtle Bay, 2024

8/10

Listen to Down Where The Bluebonnets Grow

An Austin outfit spearheaded by the multi-instrumentalist Colin Hancock, this first recording by The Joymakers takes us back many decades for a nostalgic jazz listen.

The energetic and dance floor ready “Papa’s Gone” begins the record with lively horns and Ryan Neubauer’s animated drums, and “I’m A Thousand Miles From Home” follows with a slower pace via Lauryn Gould’s distinct voice amid Dylan Blackthorn’s playful keys.

Further along, “Everybody Stomp” showcases Shane Dickens’ flowing piano alongside the bouncy brass, while “Tia Juana” allows for the rich saxophones to shine, although David Jellema’s meticulous clarinet doesn’t disappoint, either.

Arriving close to the end, “Hot Aire”, the record’s best, is a festive moment of dynamic and rhythmic song craft that sounds as great today as it would have in 1920, and “Tiger Rag” finishes with speedy and retro flavor that seems like it should soundtrack a night at a speakeasy.

An aptly titled band, it’s difficult not to find yourself smiling through these stompin’ and solo-friendly tracks that transport us back a century.

Travels well with: John Fedchock- Justifiaby J.J.; Matt Booth- Sun Prints

Gretje Angell

In Any Key

Grevlinto, 2019

8/10

Listen to In Any Key

An artist who is following in her father’s footsteps, on this debut solo record Gretje Angell continues the jazz lineage in her family with an eclectic and timeless approach to tunes by Ellington, Gershwin and Youmans, among others.

“(Our) Love Is Here To Stay” starts out the listen with Angell’s silky smooth vocals against fluid and agile light jazz sounds on this bossa nova version, and “I’m Old Fashioned” follows with a bouncy, playful setting and brushed percussion in a swing atmosphere.

Even though there’s just 9 tracks, each one leaves an indelible impression, including the cinematic and emotive ballad “Deep In A Dream”, and the guitar fueled grace of the cultured “Berimbau”.

Near the end, “One Note Samba” puts Angell’s incredible pipes on display in a hushed environment with some of the best guitar work present, while “Tea For Two” is a cozy offering of classic jazz appeal. The unassuming listen ends on “Them There Eyes”, where vocal acrobatics and a swift, charming closer continue the strong, accomplished songwriting.

It’s no surprise that Angell is classically trained, as her delivery is precise and first rate. Though she’s fronted plenty of bands in her day, this effort proves that her musical vision works just as well on her own, too.

Travels well with: Diana Krall- Quiet Nights; Ella Fitzgerald- The Best Is Yet To Come