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