Junko Beat

Satirifunk

Drumparade, 2020

8/10

Listen to Satirifunk

New Orleans has historically never been short on soulful and rhythmic sounds, and we can certainly put Junko Beat on that registry and add experimental to the long list of ideas reeled in by the group founder, drummer/composer Chris Lacinak.

“Control” gets the album off to a spacey, funk display of soulfulness and plenty of adventurous song craft before the bright brass and soothing strings of the classically tinted “After Burn”. “Words” then brings the listen into reggae territory with excellent use of organs as Jane Brody’s strong vocals guide the album highlight.

The back half of the listen is equally unpredictable, with the hazy, prog-rock friendly “Voyage To Gold And Green”, as well as the percussive and pedal steel strong, Indian nods of “Lotus Garden”. “Land Of Milk And Honey” finishes off the listen with Eastern ideas amid the dreamy songwriting that packs grooves in spades.

An extremely progressive funk affair, Junko Beat recruits influences from across the globe, as their unclassifiable formula that’s self-described as ‘funky dance jamtronic’ unites New Orleans with West African sensibilities on this sophomore album that’s as captivating as it is cultured.

Travels well with: Solid Bronze- The Fruit Basket; Cúnao- Rayuela

Good Co

So Pretty

Self-Released, 2020

9/10

Listen to So Pretty

While I generally think of music from Seattle being thick, aggressive and guitar fueled, the Carey Rayburn spearheaded outfit Good Co are all about funk, dance, and swing sounds where electronica ideas unfolds with much creativity in a timeless setting.

“Come Alive”, an aptly titled opener, leads with bright horns and plenty of soulful, jazz friendly sounds that move at a swift pace, and “Home” continues the energy with a rhythmic delivery of cultured swing fun that you can’t help but move your body to.

In the middle, “Good Company (Dance Party Edition)”, a Queen original, certainly is a festive tune with quick percussion, lively keys and extremely fluid brass, while “Monkey And Me” trims the pace back with an old time feel as a whistle solo even appears. “Rhythm”, one of the best selections, then gets extremely dynamic with a layered approach that few could replicate.

Near the end, the bare “Sweet Marie” makes great use of a ukulele and “So Pretty” continues the party with a busy display of strong vocal work, a thriving rhythm section and glowing melody that takes nods to the ‘60s.

An extremely exciting record with multiple vocalists where congas, clarinet and upright bass leave a mark as indelible as the swirling synth, and playful saxophone, So Pretty is an innovative and infectious electro-swing gem that you can’t help but be enamored with.

Travels well with: Caravan Palace- Panic; Trombone Shorty- Parking Lot Symphony

Dave Stryker With Bob Mintzer And The WDR Big Band

Blue Soul

Strikezone, 2020

8/10

Listen to Blue Soul

Dave Stryker has been quite prolific lately, and here he’s aligned with the WDR Big Band and Bob Mintzer where his unparalleled guitar prowess unfolds alongside big band sounds after a week rehearsing in Germany with the ensemble.

“Trouble Man”, a Marvin Gaye tune, starts the listen with intricate guitar from Stryker as Billy Test’s organ glides well with the bright percussion, and “Aha”, a Mintzer original, continues the mood with strong percussion and a big band approach that’s full of spirited and melodic sounds.

In the middle, Stryker’s “Came To Believe” trims the volume down a bit, as Johan Horlen’s alto sax and Hans Dekker’s proficient drumming work together fluidly, and “Blues Strut”, also a Stryker tune, brings back Test on organ and Mintzer on tenor sax for the rhythmic and groove filled fun. The album standout, however, is “When Doves Cry”, where the song is rebuilt in a way that barely resembles the original as guitar acrobatics and dynamic big bang meticulousness yield fascinating results.

Closer to the end, “Wichita Lineman”, by Jimmy Webb, recruits Andy Hunter on trombone as Stryker’s stunning guitar work steals the show, and “Stan’s Shuffle”, a Stanley Turrentine classic, exits the listen with a bouncy quality that glows with stylish interaction between Stryker and Mintzer.

Yet another radiant record in Stryker’s impressive catalog that includes 30 albums, any and all fans of guitar music, jazz, blues and big band will find much to be enamored with here, as each track is fleshed out superbly.

Travels well with: Ernie Watts Quartet- Home Light; Vito Dieterle- Anemone

John Baumann

Country Shade

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Country Shade

A rising singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas, John Baumann returns with a 3rd album, where his observations on love, friends, relationships and time surround cautious and thoughtful country influenced sounds.

The album starts soft with the atmospheric “The Country Doesn’t Sound The Same”, as Baumann’s vocals emit warmth amid the aching pedal steel and picked acoustic guitar, and “Next Ride Around The Sun” complements the mood with flowing melodies in the rootsy, Americana setting that benefits greatly from a mellotron.

At the halfway point, “If You Really Love Someone” is full of sincerity in the careful, wise love song, while “Sunday Morning Going Up” recruits some folk-rock qualities to the playful story telling. “Second Wind”, the album highlight, then merges grit and beauty in a perfect rural rocker.

“Flight Anxiety” and “Grandfather’s Grandson” bookend the listen, where the former offers a piano friendly, rock’n’roll gem, and the latter resides amid sublime balladry.

Baumann is also a member of The Panhandlers, but let’s hope he still finds plenty of time for solo work, as Country Shade is the sort of humble, honest and striking song craft the world always needs more of.

Travels well with: Birds Of Chicago- Love In Wartime; Tessy Lou Williams- Tessy Lou Williams

Madre Vaca

Winterreise

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Winterreise

The jazz ensemble Madre Vaca take on quite a project here by reworking 10 tunes from Franz Schubert’s Winterreise that were rebuilt for a modern jazz template by pianist and drummer Benjamin Shorstein.

“Good Night” starts the listen with keys and guitar interacting playfully as horns enter the avant-garde equation, and “The Weathervane” continues with a swift pace and busy display of chamber jazz energy that’s also dramatic.

Halfway through, “The Gray Head” finds a calm place to reside as warm guitar from Jarrett Carter and spirited keys from Jonah Pierre highlight the mood, while “The Crow” moves with plenty of rhythm where brass and percussion work together dynamically. “The Last Hope”, one of the album highlights, then showcases all sorts of progressive ideas amid a driving- almost reckless- environment that could very well be improvised.

Close to the end, “The Sun Dogs” emits sublime piano balladry as powerful vocals enter the emotive climate, and “The Hurdy-Gurdy Man” finishes out the listen with experimental and flowing jazz ideas in the multifaceted approach.

Even though they’re still a relatively new outfit, Madre Vaca have quickly impressed many with their unpredictable song craft, and one not need to know anything about Franz Schubert to enjoy these nearly 200 year old tunes that are reinvented with thriving and unique jazz prowess that few could replicate.

Travels well with: John Finbury- Quatro; -Vanderlei Pereira And Blindfold Test- Vision For Rhythm

John Finbury

Quatro

Green Flash, 2020

8/10

Listen to Quatro

John Finbury aligns himself in exceptional company here, as Magos Herrera, Chano Domínguez, John Patitucci, and Antonio Sánchez help him bring Latin and Spanish influences into his cultured, wise and unclassifiable formula.

“Llegará El Día” starts the listen piano heavy as smooth, soaring vocals from Herrera enter the melodic, jazz friendly setting, and “Independence Day” follows with percussion from Sánchez and keys from Domínguez working well together with much beauty, sans vocals.

Deeper tracks include the soft and soothing “All The Way To The End”, where sultry vocals align with the emotive music, while “Comenzar” relies on Patitucci’s plucked bass and strong singing in Spanish. “Romp” exits the listen with playful percussion and bright keys as all instruments take their turn in the spotlight on the multifaceted approach that’s quite festive.

An extremely meticulous affair that’s never shy on rhythm and grooves and t hat comes from a political standpoint that embraces diversity, Finbury and company offer plenty of surprises and extremely dynamic musicianship on this very inviting record.

Travels well with: Vanderlei Pereira And Blindfold Test- Vision For Rhythm; Tania Grubbs Quintet- Live At Maureen’s Jazz Cellar

The Tristones

Camaro

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Camaro

An outfit spearheaded by Canada native Tristan Clark, this sophomore album from The Tristones brings a grab bag of sounds across the rock’n’roll spectrum from several decades of inspiration.

“Love Avenue” starts the listen with a timeless approach of warm acoustic guitars and melodic vocals highlighting the pop-rock template that’s a love letter to Clarks’s current home, New York City, and “First World Problems” follows with spirited blues where rhythm is key and is delivered precisely and playfully.

Near the middle, “Permutation” brings a darker approach of guitar fueled rock that isn’t short on ‘80s influences, while “Trump” recruits topical wordplay to a soaring, breezy moment of busy instrumentation that’s not short on synth fills. “Everybody’s Got Their Two Cents” then benefits greatly from organs as a soulful aspect enters the mature formula.

Near the end, “Sick Man” offers plenty of pop appeal in a nostalgic sort of way, and “Tamarindo” exits with some honky tonk fun imbedded in the dreamy atmosphere that lingers long after the song ends.

A listen that’s heavy on riffs and touches and jazz, blues, and funk, too, Clark and company know their way around a tune you won’t forget anytime soon, as Camaro presents one melodic and memorable tune after another.

Travels well with: The Danberrys- Shine; Tweed- Moves

Tony Holiday

Soul Service

VizzTone, 2020

8/10

Listen to Soul Service

The Memphis resident Tony Holiday returns with another batch of blues inspired songs, and this time he’s not on just harmonica but also handles vocals and harp, too. He’s also in great company, with Landon Stone on guitar, Max Kaplan holding down bass and backing vocals, and Danny Banks behind the drum kit.

Holiday starts the listen with the strong guitar work and proficient harmonica of the spirited and R&B flavored “Paying Rent”, and “She Knocks Me Out” complements the setting with soulful keys from Victor Wainwright alongside a bouncy, extremely melodic display.

Although there’s just 8 tunes, each one is a gem, including the rootsy swagger of “Good Advice”, as well as the stylish “Checkers On A Chessboard”, which flows with a darker quality that’s no less captivating and brings in a guitar solo and piano for good measure.

Near the end, “Day Dates” brings the album into quieter, soulful territory with incredible harmonica in the layered climate, and “Ol’ Number Nine” exits the listen with no shortage of rhythm while bluesy dynamics unfold with precision on the train song.

A powerful fusion effort with some humor included, Holiday is proving to be a significant name in the area blues rock, and Soul Service is an ideal companion to his 2019 album, Porch Sessions.

Travels well with: Backtrack Blues Band- Your Baby Has Left; Phantom Blues Band- Still Cookin’

Liar, Flower

Geiger Counter

One Little Indian, 2020

9/10

Listen to Liar, Flower

A duo that were formerly called Ruby Throat, as liar, flower Katiejane Garside and Chris Whittingham shift away from the neo-folk template of their former moniker for a quiet vs. loud dynamic that showcases Whittinham’s guitar prowess alongside Garside’s vocal fluctuations that can be innocently sweet just as they can be intimidating and growling with intensity.

"I Am Sundress (She Of Infinite Flowers)" starts the album with minimal instrumentation around light, breathy vocals in a very serene environment, though "My Brain Is Lit Like An Airport" takes a swift dive into a visceral alt-rock that's as nostalgic as it is gritty and moves with a thundering, anthemic quality.

Further along, "Broken Light" enter lullaby territory that ends with crashing keys, while "Even Though The Darkest Clouds" recruits spirited guitar work alongside a biting, punk filled delivery of calculated noise that you could even dance to. "Little Brown Shoe" then offers a strong beat amid vocal acrobatics and a swirling, busy display of genre mashing avant-garde rock.

Deeper into the listen, "Hole In My Hand" is a pretty tune, where angelic singing flows in a sublime haze, and "Doors Locked, Oven's Off" exits the listen with an acoustic guitar and warm rhythm where vocals are absent, but memorable songwriting and a precise execution is present.

Garside has a well documented past playing with Daisy Chainsaw in the early ‘90s and being an early pioneer of the Riot Grrrl movement, and there’s plenty of that raw energy present here, though not without ebbs of hushed, sometimes haunting song craft that’s an integral part of their captivating formula.

Travels well with: A Giant Dog- Toy; Moving Panoramas- In Two

Gary Brewer & The Kentucky Ramblers

40th Anniversary Celebration

Stretch Grass, 2020

8/10

Listen to 40th Anniversary Celebration

The legendary Gary Brewer is in great company to celebrate his 4 decades in the business, as Sam Bush, Doyle Lawson and T. Graham Brown, among others, are in attendance for this perfect example of modern day bluegrass sounds.

“Goin’ Up Shell Creek” starts the listen with fluid bluegrass and soothing vocal harmonies as The Travelin’ McCourys lend a very capable hand, and it isn’t long until Dale Ann Bradley contributes her strong pipes to the calm, bluegrass balladry of “Daddy And The Old Oak Tree”.

Some of the middle tracks are the best, including the Ralph Stanley II assisted “Home Ain’t The Way It Used To Be”, as well as the string magic of the dynamic “Girl From A Mountain”, where the timeless song craft and superb delivery display impressive skill.

Closer to the end, “Love In The Mountains”, with Ashton Shepherd’s soaring pipes, flows with intricate, highly melodic instrumentation, and “Big Train”, with Doug Phelps of The Kentucky Headhunters fame, comes along for the freewheelin’, stringed masterpiece where the vocal work remains very strong.

A listen that spans country, Americana, gospel, mountain sounds and, of course, bluegrass, Brewer is showing no signs of slowing down with his work, and we’re all better off for it as he continues to produce top notch music.

Travels well with: Dale Ann Bradley- The Hard Way; Carolina Blue- I Hear Bluegrass Calling Me

Music By Gestalt

Debussy’s Fawn

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Debussy’s Fawn

The result of 5 musicians bringing their respective talents to an instrumental setting, Music By Gestalt craft songs that are as mesmerizing and sublime as the cover art of Debussy’s Fawn, where they never follow predictable patterns.

“The Frog’s Song” starts the listen with soft keys from Tim Johnson and strings interacting in elegant ways that certainly draw from classical influences, and “Church Music” continues the sophistication with Ben Scanlan’s percussive presence that builds into a radiant burst of hypnotic melody. The title track, also the album highlight, then finds a cinematic place to reside with a pulsating quality that gets a bit more forceful as Wrenn Miller’s bass work is on full display.

The back half of the listen offers 3 parts to “Rabbit In A Snowstorm”, where violin acrobatics from Shalini Vijayan are center stage and range from soft and melancholic to erratic and wild, occasionally being complemented by skittering keys, agile percussion, and experimental prowess.

Somewhere between classical, jazz, indie and progressive sounds, Music By Gestalt bring incredible poise and even greater skill to this very unique and unforgettable affair.

Travels well with: Casey Gibson- Piano Music; Zephyr Quartet- Epilogue

Rachael Sage

Character

MPress, 2020

9/10

Listen to Character

The New York songstress Rachael Sage has been making quite a name for herself, racking up plenty of awards while creating well received indie-pop and folk across over a dozen albums. On this installment, Sage pens a listen about her journey through cancer, and much like her past work it’s crafted precisely and with plenty of charm.

“Blue Sky Days” gets the listen off to a key friendly start as soft, smooth vocals accompany the soothing, upbeat indie-pop, and this continues to the elegant “Bravery’s On Fire”, as well as the string friendly “Both Hands”, where Sage reinvents an Ani DiFranco tune in her own artistic vision.

Deeper into the listen, “Cave” offers a quiet moment with vivid storytelling while “Open The Door” displays Sage’s strong vocal prowess alongside breezy melodies. One of the best tracks comes near the end as “Be The Same” flows with bare beauty and sophisticated musicianship, though the alt-rock flavored title track is a close second. “Catch The Light” exits the listen with an orchestral backdrop as layered vocals complement the agile setting.

Certainly a darker version of Sage than we’re used to, considering the subject matter its seems appropriate, though it’s no less creative, articulate and poetic. Now cancer free, Character is a career standout in a very luminous catalog as Sage takes up help from her touring band The Sequins on this often intimate body of work.

Travels well with: Ani DiFranco- Allergic To Water; Peter Mulvey- There Is Another World

Tania Grubbs Quintet

Live At Maureen’s Jazz Cellar

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Live At Maureen’s Jazz Cellar

The vocalist Tania Grubbs is in great company here, as she’s accompanied by David Budway on keys, Ron Affif holding down guitar while Jeff Grubbs takes up bass, and James Johnson III sits behind the drum kit on this love letter to Pittsburgh jazz legend Maureen Budway.

“A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing” starts the listen with vivid keys and a frisky jazz pace that aligns with expressive, sultry vocals from Grubbs, and “Bird On A Wire” continues the mood with soaring singing amid the dynamic musicianship that’s got plenty of pop spirit, too.

Elsewhere, “Hope Is A Thing With Feathers” flows with breezy melodies and flawless singing, while “Ornithology”, a Charlie Parker tune, displays incredible vocal acrobatics with some playful scatting. “Harvest Moon”, the longest and one of the best tunes, then finds a soft place to reside, with plucked bass and friskiness highlighting the Neil Young classic.

Close to the end, “I Remember” enters ballad territory with stirring results and “Don’t Take Your Love From Me” exits the listen with plenty of emotion as reserved percussion and blues influences are present.

The live recording captures a very fluid energy between Grubbs and the players, as they pay homage to Maureen with much respect and unparalleled skill on this strong, timeless jazz listen.

Travels well with: Diane Schuur- Running On Faith; Sharon Isbin- Affinity

Holy Hive

Float Back To You

Big Crown, 2020

8/10

Float Back To You

The Brooklyn trio of Paul Spring, Homer Steinweiss and Joe Harrison, as Holy Hive they make quite an impression on this much anticipated debut album where plenty of soul, folk, jazz and funk ideas flow freely from their creative minds.

“Broom” gets the listen off to a soulful, percussively strong start where Spring’s falsetto shines bright and Steinweiss, who has played with Amy Winehouse and Bruno Mars, handles the drum kit superbly, and “Hypnosis” continues the setting with stylish rhythm and plenty of timeless melody that often points towards the ‘70s.

Near the halfway point, the title track emits warmth as Spring hits some pretty high notes, while “Be Thou By My Side”, a Honeybus cover, offers a dreamy moment of hushed, folk inspired song craft. “Embers To Ash”, one of the best here, then finds a textured, rich place to reside with proficient dynamics between the players.

Deeper cuts bring us “Red Is The Rose”, where soft horns and playful musicianship are danceable with a modern energy on the traditional Irish folk song, and “Sophia’s Part” finishes out the listen piano heavy, as soothing sounds flow alongside a careful, sublime delivery.

Spring, Harrison, and Steinweiss have impressive resumes of their own, and together their collective skill results in an intimate, often slow burning formula that’s never short on appeal and is clearly destined for more greatness.

Travels well with: Quinn Deveaux & The Blue Beat Revue- Book Of Soul; Bassel & The Supernaturals- Smoke & Mirrors

G.F. Patrick

One Town Over

Need To Know, 2020

9/10

Listen to One Town Over

A flourishing singer-songwriter and guitarist from Philadelphia who’s very much acquainted with alt-country and Americana sounds, though this is G.F. Patrick’s debut solo album, his strong storytelling and top notch song craft has already been showcased during his time in the band Black Horse Motel.

“Mud” starts the listen with bright country-rock as Patrick’s soulful yet gritty vocals draw us in immediately, and “Trucker’s Song” continues the mood with spirited guitar work as a quieter but no less impactful formula moves with a pretty, rural approach.

Further along, “Anger Of Magdalene” recruits a punchy delivery of rhythmic, shuffling Americana inspired rock’n’roll, while “James McGovern” brings a fuller template that would make outlaw country fans froth at the mouth. “Blood On The Bottle”, one of the album’s best, then recruits breezy folk ideas as the rhythm section of Billy Conway (drums) and Frank Swart (bass) work together fluidly.

Near the end, “Till The Day We Die” flows with a swift pace of alt-country ideas as does the intricate electric guitar work from Mark Blasquez on “Beauty Fades”.

A very humble, often eloquent effort, G.F. Patrick has delivered an exceptional record, where topical subject matter surrounds mature tunes that any fan of country, folk, or Americana will have no problem embracing.

Travels well with: Chris Moyse- Bitter Ballads & Cynical Prayers; Sarah Morris- All Mine

Gina Sicilia

Love Me Madly

Blue Élan, 2020

9/10

Listen to Love Me Madly

A blues and soul singer from Pennsylvania who currently resides in Nashville, Gina Sicilia takes some fine help from Cody and Luther Dickinson, of North Mississippi Allstars fame, to help her flesh out this 9th album of her genre defying song craft.

Sicilia starts the album strong with her powerful pipes guiding the soulful, percussively focused “Like The World Has Never Seen”, and “Hey Love” follows with horns and warm melodies highlighting the spirited atmosphere.

Near the middle, “Gotta Be A Way” brings a full setting of bluesy dynamics amid plenty of soul, while “Misery With You” has Luther Dickinson’s slide guitar prowess contributing much to the elegance. “Love Me Madly”, one of the album standouts, then moves with plenty of emotion as Sicilia’s voice impresses us even more while strings emit an orchestral backdrop alongside plenty of pop influences, too.

Close to the end, “How My Dreams They Go”, another track with Luther, glides with a swift pace of soothing background vocals and a punchy rock feel, and “Answer The Phone” exits the listen with Sicilia hitting some high notes as piano accompanies her timeless approach.

Sicilia purposely made this effort a bit grittier in nature, and that aspect certainly helps make Love Me Madly a standout in her exceptional catalog of music. She sure was wise to have Cody produce and play the bulk of the instruments on what will most likely be one of the best soul records this year.

Travels well with: Black Pistol Fire- Deadbeat Graffiti; North Mississippi Allstars- Up And Rolling

Siren Songs

Siren Songs

Self-Released, 2020

9/10

Listen to Siren Songs

A new duo comprised of Meredith Kaye Clark and Jenn Grinels, Siren Songs brings a strong vocal presence to thoughtful song craft where radiant vocal harmonies flow alongside viola, banjo and dulcimer on this folk and Americana record.

“Goodnight Sun, Hello Moon” starts the listen with sublime acoustic guitar as the gorgeous female vocals bring much harmony to the folk friendly opening, and “Jolene”, a Dolly Parton tune, continues the graceful landscape with melodic banjo complementing the soothing singing.

Although there’s just 9 tracks, the women make each one count, including the eloquent “100”, where incredible vocal acrobatics are in attendance, while “Chelsea Morning” is a louder tune where more forceful strumming flows alongside vivid storytelling.

Near the end, the calm and emotive “For Good” is certainly one of the album’s best, and “Time After Time” puts a warm spin on the Cyndi Lauper classic that just might be one of the best interpretations of this timeless tune.

Clark and Grinels both have an esteemed past, i.e. Grinels touring with 10,000 Maniacs and Edward McCain to name a couple, and Clark with much theater work, and together they create music that reminds us of all the things we love about Simon & Garfunkel, Indigo Girls, and Dolly Parton, who, incidentally, has become a fan of Siren Songs.

An incredible starting point, it will be exciting to see what’s next for Siren Songs.

Travels well with: The Sweater Set- Fly On The Wall; Jess Jocoy- Such A Long Way

Ben & Winnie

La Próxima Traición

Tanguero, 2020

8/10

Listen to La Próxima Traición

A unique duo that use just a piano and a bandonéon, Ben Bogart & Winnie Cheung cover traditional Argentine tango pieces from the 1920’s on La Próxima Traición but stripped bare and delivered with much creativeness.

The title track starts with Bogart’s bandonéon and Cheung’s keys interacting dynamically with plenty of playfulness and beauty, and this continues to the reserved yet spirited “Comme ll faut”, as well as the upbeat and glorious “Guapeando”.

The back half of the listen impresses, too, and includes the cinematic quality of “Desde el alma”, while “Milonga del angel” moves with a sparse delivery of keys, while the bandonéon finds an adventurous route to take. “La yumba” finishes the listen more forceful, with inimitable chemistry that few could replicate.

An album that was recorded in Buenos Aires, there’s certainly much culture to be found here, but it’s also universally enjoyable as the pair move gracefully, sometimes with a festive spirit, effectively putting an entirely new spin on tango.

Travels well with: Marla Leigh- Rhythms Of Tof Miriam; Eileen Ivers- Scatter The Light

Pat Irwin & J. Walter Hawkes

Wide Open Sky

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Wide Open Sky

Pat Irwin and J. Walter Hawkes both have impressive resumes, and here their combined skill makes for a trombone and guitar meshing that’s full of chamber jazz ideas that often move into unpredictable areas.

“In Another Time” starts the listen with soothing guitar and soft brass on the smooth and agile opener, and “Radiate” follows with muffled trombone in an elegant yet playful setting.

Further along, the title track flows with a gentle spirit and calculated precision, while “Apache” recruits a darker spirit with strategic percussion and a cinematic quality where Spaghetti Western nods are present.

Near the end, “The Set Up” recruits an ambient display of much grace, and “On The QT” exits the listen with an even fuller display of atmospheric texturing in the experimental, artistic environment.

It’s no surprise that Norah Jones and The B-52’s are just a couple of the stars that Irwin and Hawkes have played with, and this collaboration has them expanding their arsenal even wider into surf, Americana and twang territory with fascinating results.

Travels well with: SUSS- Ghost Box; The Raybeats- Guitar Beat

Jaime Wyatt

Neon Cross

New West, 2020

8/10

Listen to Neon Cross

A veteran singer-songwriter who has gone through just about everything possible in the music industry, Jaime Wyatt’s first album on the New West label runs her honky tonk formula through a very diverse filter where honest, sometimes dramatic, song craft unfolds with much precision.

“Sweet Mess” starts the listen with elegant keys from Wyatt as her robust vocals soar with both rawness and beauty on the ballad, and the title track follows wth a galloping country spirit as gritty melodies highlight the rockin’ Americana template.

Elsewhere, “By Your Side” flows with plenty of emotion amid the cautious, pedal steel friendly delivery, while “Just A Woman”, with Jessi Colter, recruits warm acoustic guitar as Colter’s backing vocals add much to the aching, rustic approach. “Mercy”, one of the album highlight, then sits firmly in pensive territory, with a rootsy quality that’s immediately alluring.

Near the end, Shooter Jennings, who produced the record, makes an appearance on “Hurt So Bad”, which embodies plenty of rock’n’roll spirit, and “Demon Tied To A Chair In My Brain” exits the listen with strategic fiddle from Aubrey Richmond on the soft and agile finish.

Wyatt’s been battling demons her whole life, and much of that is evident on the forthright wordplay here, as she tweaks her outlaw country with pop moments and plenty of lush, layered song craft that’s as powerful as it is liberating for a songstress who is clearly coming out on the winning side of her struggles.

Travels well with: Ted Russell Kamp- Walkin’ Shoes; Lilly Hiatt- Walking Proof