Alan Doyle

Back To The Harbour

Warner, 2021

8/10

Listen to Back To The Harbour

A Canadian star and former front man for Great Big Sea, the always impressive Alan Doyle returns with a 6 song effort where he celebrates his love for folk music with 3 originals and 3 covers.

“Back Home On The Island” leads the quick listen with Doyle’s distinct, smooth vocals guiding the graceful folk sounds, and “Into The Arms Of Home” follows with warm piano amid a dreamy climate of heartfelt, mature song craft.

The title track occupies the middle spot and brings precise fiddle and acoustic guitar work together with much cautious melody, while “Leave Here Johnny” is a shanty tune with Irish roots where Doyle’s interpretation is a rich and memorable execution of strategic and careful instrumentation.

Rounding out the EP is the gentle cover “Let It Be Me”, which displays moody fiddle that adds much to the timeless appeal, and the a cappella “Dream Of Home” exits the listen with so much beauty and talent in its minimal but impactful atmosphere.

Doyle is joined by Kendel Carson (fiddle, vocals), Cory Tetford (guitar, piano, accordion, vocals), Tom Doyle (vocals) and Joel Plaskett (guitar, mandola, charango, vocals), and though he’s recently had much success making country music, Back To The Harbour shows us just how diverse and accomplished Doyle continues to be.

Travels well with: David Myles- So Far; The Jerry Cans- Inuusiq/Life

Doug Macdonald

Live In Hawaii

DMac, 2021

8/10

Listen to Live In Hawaii

The veteran jazz guitarist Doug MacDonald invites us to a live performance here, where he’s in the company of Noel Okimoto, Dean Taba and Darryl Pellegrini as they flesh out a small handful of tracks in Hawaii, which is where MacDonald began his esteemed career.

“My Shining Hour” leads with MacDonald’s always meticulous guitar playing alongside frisky percussion from Pellegrini as Okimoto’s lively vibraphone adds much to the glowing atmosphere, and “Cat City Samba” keeps the fun going with a swift delivery of charming and melodic musicianship where the 4 play together dynamically in the MacDonald original.

Further into the evening, “Star Eyes” progresses with complicated and exciting guitar work as the rhythm section anchors the fluid delivery, while “Bossa Don”, the 2nd MacDonald original, showcases a keen attention to detail in the modern jazz landscape.

Approaching the end, the bouncy, swing friendly “Lester Leaps In” will get your moving to the grooves and upbeat demeanor, and “Stranger In Paradise” exits the listen with all the players taking their turn in the spotlight, showcasing their inimitable and timeless talents with much poise.

The tunes here were recorded at the Hawaii Public Radio’s Atherton Performing Arts Studio in Honolulu, and they sound great. In fact, it’s so well executed, it rarely seems live, as MacDonald adds yet another exceptional release to his large catalog of music.

Travels well with: Doug MacDonald Duo- Toluca Lake Jazz; Doug MacDonald- Califournia Quartet

Putumayo

Putumayo World Café

Putumayo, 2021

9/10

Listen to Putumayo World Café

The Putumayo label celebrates singer-songwriters across the globe on this very diverse collection, where artists you just might hear at a cafe are present and bring their well thought out and eclectic song craft to the worldly affair.

Wally Warning (Aruba) starts the listen with the warm accordion and soulful, soothing vocals of “E Ta Gia Mi”, where light melodies flow with much breeziness in the tropical flavor, and Miroca Paris (Cabo Verde) follows with precise strings, cultured percussion and a meditative quality to the elegance that calls for worldwide peace in “Mund Amor”.

Closer to the middle, Alessandro D’Orazi (Italy) flows with cautious acoustic guitar as folk qualities enter the cozy “Profumo di Caffé”, while Constance Amiot and JP Nataf (France) offer “Résonances”, where the bi-lingual approach is packed with hushed beauty and playful, quick songwriting. Idan Raichel’s (Israel) “Achshav Nish’arnu Shney’nu”, an album standout, then bring atmosphere and eloquence to a soaring backdrop of sublime, radiant textures you won’t forget anytime soon.

Further yet, the bouncy and laid back “Choukoun” showcases Carlton Rara’s (Haiti/France) diverse skills amid spirited guitars and island influenced drumming, and Dom La Nena (Brazil) finishes the listen with an infectious melody and sweet singing as marching band style drumming complements the universally adorable exit.

In keeping with the café theme, there’s even recipes included in the packaging, as well as a very formal download card and eye catching artwork, making this yet another top notch various artists release from Putumayo that any fan of music from across the globe will enjoy.

Travels well with: Putumayo- Yoga Dreamland; Putumayo- New Orleans Mambo: Cuba To NOLA

José Luis Hurtado

Parametrical Counterpoint

Kairos, 2021

8/10

Listen to Parametrical Counterpoint

The Mexican born-American composer and pianist José Luis Hurtado has stayed quite busy playing all over the world in his exceptional and lengthy career. Here, he’s aligned with the Talea Ensemble, and together they deliver 8 original compositions, including 1 composition that appears 4 times in very different forms.

“The caged, the immured” starts the listen with just piano in an unpredictable, sometimes jarring display of key acrobatics that can get bare between bursts of creative thundering, and “Retour” follows with 7 instruments present for an unusual display of plucking, tinkering and even cinematic sounds that embrace brass, woodwinds and percussive noise makers that emits many solos.

Halfway through, “Parametrical Counterpoint Version 2” offers a tense, exploratory version of both minimal and busy song craft, while “Incandescent” radiats a more ominous display of quivering strings, waves of calculated noise and an extremely atypical spirit where a dozen players balance control and freedom.

Approaching the end, “Parametrical Counterpoint Version 4” recruits an almost sci-fi feeling in its furious drumming, bursts of brass and nearly mechanical presence, and “Le Stelle” exits the listen initially bare, even mysterious, as light keys, spacey noises and calculated electronics meet at a very daring intersection.

Hurtado is nothing if not unpredictable, and his vision of avant-garde free jazz keeps the listener enthralled on this very flexible and entertaining 3rd solo record.

Travels well with: Aaron Jay Myers- Clever Machines; SEAMUS- Music From SEAMUS, Vol. 30

Andre Ferreri Quintetto

Numero Uno

Laser, 2021

8/10

Listen to Numero Uno

The guitar wizard Andre Ferreri has enjoyed an esteemed career playing all sorts of different genres of music, and here he’s focused on jazz and brings some exceptional help with him across bebop, swing and soulful textures.

“Mighty Fine” starts the listen with punchy drumming from Kobie Watkins as the frisky jazz climate benefits much from Quintetto’s agile guitar lines and Ziad Rable’s flowing sax, and “Seasons” follows with a calming display of soothing, melodic musicianship, where Mark Stalling mesmerizes us with his piano prowess amid playful drumming and soulful brass.

“Avia Pervia” lands in the middle and is one of the best tracks, as evidenced by Brad Wilcox’s trumpet skill, Philip Howe’s intricate keys, and, of course, Quintetto’s sublime guitar playing, while “We Were All Children”, another exceptional tune, brings much beauty to a cautious atmosphere of elegance. “Good Bones” then gets busy, dynamic and dreamy, as Quintetto’s finger acrobatics are as fascinating as they are exciting.

Close to the end, “Making Minor Changes” glides with stylish, warm and detailed song craft, and “Love Letter To Mary” exits the listen with much grace as it touches on both vintage and modern jazz sensibilities.

An effort that’s mood focused and often European at its core, Ferreri and company balance power and restraint in a very timeless landscape that you’ll want to revisit often.

Travels well with: Gabor Lesko- Earthway; Reza Khan- Imaginary Road

The Last Shall Be First

The JCR Records Story, Vol. 2

Bible & Tire, 2021

8/10

Listen to The JCR Records Story, Vol. 2

The Bible & Tire label resurrect another batch of lost gems of ‘70s sacred soul music, as they cull 17 lost tracks from over 170 reels of tape that were recovered from a foreclosed shack in Mississippi.

“Little Wooden Church”, by The Silver Trumpets, starts the listen with many vocalists working together in a soulful and gospel influenced climate of raw singing and warm instrumentation, and “My Robe” follows with some R&B nods from The Calvary Nightingales, as spirited backing vocals complement the expressive lead vocals and rhythmic guitar.

All the tracks here are worthy of repeated listens, including the upbeat and bouncy “Stand By Me”, thanks to The Dixie Wonder, as well as the emotive and frisky “Leaning On The Lord”, where The Canton Spirituals use call and response singing with exceptional results. One of the album’s best, “I’m A Changed Man”, then displays The Dixieland Singers and their precise use of firm drumming, clever guitars and soaring pipes.

Near to the end, “He’s A Mighty God” brings southern nods to the spiritual anthem, and “Man On The Moon” has The Breckenridge Singers utilizing graceful keys and incredible singing to illuminate their timeless brand of soul sounds.

These songs were originally intended for the JCR Record label and laid down by radio DJ, Air Force veteran and Baptist Pastor Juan D. Shipp. This 2nd installment of the series brings back stars from Vol. 1 and also adds new names to the bluesy, groovy, doo-wop and R&B moments, and comes with excellent and thorough liner notes. With the massive amount of tape discovered, let’s hope there’s more to the JCR Records story to come, cause these treasures deserve to be showcased far and wide.

Travels well with: The Last Shall Be First; The JCR Records Story, Volume One; Dedicated Men Of Zion- Can’t Turn Me Around

Gabe Dixon

Lay It On Me

Rolling Ball, 2021

8/10

Listen to Lay It On Me

The veteran musician Gabe Dixon returns with his first solo album in 5 years, and he’s made the wait worth it as producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist Dustin Ransom helps Dixon flesh out hooks, melodies, grooves and a whole lot of inspiration on this career highlight record.

After a brief intro of warm, elegant keys, “Lay It On Me” brings Dixon’s expressive vocals that offers just a touch of grit amid a wealth of smooth, heartfelt and diverse skills as playful drumming and soulful musicianship highlight the absorbing climate.

From there, the snappy “Something Good” recruits equal parts pop and rock amid bright keys, while “Don’t Look Down” moves cautiously, where spirited guitar lines, a dreamy atmosphere and Dixon’s falsetto are certainly appreciated. “I Got Your Love (You Got Mine)” then brings Susan Tedeschi in for a percussively strong and poetic album highlight where the pair duet with divine chemistry.

Deeper still, “Reach (In The Middle Of The Light)” glides with a firm beat as a club friendly atmosphere unfolds, and “Last Train Home” finishes the listen in piano balladry, where an eloquent and reflective tone is displayed from Dixon’s creative mind.

Dixon’s impressive career has had him supporting legends like Paul McCartney and Alison Krauss, among others, and here he again proves he’s more than capable of holding down the show on his own, too, as he carefully navigates between pop, rock, funk, soul and R&B on this mature, eclectic and highly articulate 3rd solo effort.

Travels well with: Tony Lucca- Ain’t No Storm; Brendan James- Leap Taken

Hank & Ella With The Fine Country Band

Good At Being Lonely

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Good At Being Lonely

A husband and wife duo who are well versed in vintage country, traditional Americana and all sorts of variations of roots music, Hank and Ella bring The Fine Country Band along with them for a retro and modern effort of 13 originals on this exceptional album.

“Down By The Waterline” starts the listen with Hank’s cautious acoustic guitar and rugged vocals that complement Ella’s pretty pipes as Uncle Dave Magram’s glowing pedal steel adds much to the California country sounds, and “Lucky When It Rains” follows with Ella’s fiddle acrobatics making an impression as fluid, melodic country rock unfolds.

Elsewhere, “The Good Old Days Are Now” injects some honky tonk fun into the playful setting, while “Riding On Easy” benefits from Marty Carpenter’s deft drumming in the lush duet. “Good At Being Lonely”, one of the album’s best, then displays much beauty amid a gentle, reflective climate that tips its hat to classic country sensibilities that we could never tire of.

Near the end, “Double Vision” will get headed to the dance floor with its sing-along quality and barnyard flavor, and “It’s Only Money” exits the listen frisky, highly memorable and includes some bluegrass nods in their irresistible formula.

An excellent outing in the area of rural anthems and timeless country dynamics, Hank & Ella and company remind us that Bakersfield was just as important as Nashville in paving the way for countless bands and records, past and present, and few are interpreting that sound as well as these artists.

Travels well with: Loose Cattle- Heavy Lifting; Craig Cummings- The Gulf Between Us

Scott Matthews

New Skin

Shedio, 2021

8/10

Listen to New Skin

The always impressive UK artist Scott Matthews returns with a 7th studio album, where he brings the spirit of Eno, Yorke and Springsteen across 10 tunes that embrace electronica, minimalism, melody and groove into his always shifting formula.

Matthews starts the listen with the atmospheric and electronic title track, where vocals are initially used like an instrument in a hazy, ambient climate, and “Wait In The Car” follows with a more straight forward indie-rock approach, where warm guitar, precise drumming and a gentle buzzing complement Matthews’ soothing pipes.

In the middle, “The Tide” glides with much beauty as the expressive singing and dreamy delivery of ‘80s friendly synth won’t go unnoticed, while “Morning” emits a poetic display of gorgeous textures amid minimal moments. “Autopilot”, another excellent track, then recruits a soulful quality alongside calm electronica and much poise in a very intriguing landscape.

Near to the end, “Intruders On Earth” is a bare offering of folk ideas mixed alongside much creativity, and “The Light” exits the listen shimmering in a meticulous execution of picked guitar, vibrant synth and, of course, Matthews’ inimitable vocals.

An incredibly consistent songwriter, Matthews shows us another dimension of his many talents, and it’s yet another impressive chapter in a glowing body of work that deserves a very in depth and focused examination.

Travels well with: Josh Rouse- The Holiday Sounds Of Josh Rouse; Greg Laswell- Landline

Jonathan Karrant & Joshua White

Shadows Fall

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Shadows Fall

Jonathan Karrant, an accomplished jazz vocalist, is aligned with the esteemed piano talent of Joshua White on this collection of classic standards, where the pair illuminate their respective talents with poise and precision, including interpretations you wouldn’t quite expect under the jazz umbrella.

“Simply The Best” starts the listen with precise, warm piano as equally cozy vocals express much emotion in the heartfelt opener, and “My Romance” glides with sublime singing as an indeed romantic spirit unfolds with firm keys alongside upbeat moments as well as some playful vocal scatting.

Further down the line, “Lush Life” moves cautiously, but not without some frisky moments of strong vocal acrobatics and divine piano playing, while “Wrap Your Troubles In Dream” glides with a timeless appeal that benefits from scatting and soothing melodies. “So In Love”, another reflective track, then gets dreamy, eloquent and showcases a meticulous interaction between the two.

The final two tracks, “My One And Only Love” and “Bring Me”, continue the well thought out landscape, where the former is nothing short of timeless beauty, and the latter parallels the greatness of legends like Sinatra or Connick Jr., amid much soulfulness.

An intoxicating listen that’s full of charming interplay between the pair and even shows us a humorous side on occasion, let’s hope this isn’t the only time that Karrant and White will collaborate, cause their chemistry certainly deserves more attention.

Travels well with: Brian Woodruff Sextet- A Centering Peace; Dan Moretti- Tres Libre

Tod Lippy

Yearbook

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Yearbook

An artist who is already well known for his award-winning arts journal Esopus, though Tod Lippy consistently put out other people’s music with each issue, he decided to put his classical guitar background to good use by making music of his own.

Culled from many home recorded demos, Lippy starts Yearbook with the key friendly and textured, atypical alt-rock of “Ambitions, where a cautious buzzing flows with much melody, and “More In Common” follows with bright and soaring nods to the ‘80s as firm keys and vocal acrobatics emit much warmth.

“Names” lands in the middle and displays marching band style drumming alongside graceful keys and timeless melodies, while “Entente” moves calmer, amid a poetic quality that’s full of beauty and showcases Lippy’s strong, fluid pipes. “Using You”, another exceptional track, then gets dreamy, reflective and even a bit darker as his versatility is executed flawlessly.

Deeper still, “Singalong” brings a haunting spirit to a very emotive atmosphere, and “Undertow” exits the listen playful, mysterious and even spiritual as the final track manipulates tone and timbre with much expertise.

Though Lippy finished this album just before Covid hit, he actually scrapped the project and started over, giving each track the utmost thought and care, essentially dissecting his process down to the nth degree. A very meticulous effort, Yearbook floats around many different areas of rock and singer-songwriter prowess, as Lippy finds a very unique and interesting place to reside on this exceptional sophomore record.

Travels well with: Oberon Rose- Holographic Blues; Jake Winstrom- Circles

Hilary Scott

Kaleidoscope

Belltown, 2021

8/10

Listen to Kaleidoscope

A diverse multi-instrumentalist whose vision of songwriting rarely sits in a single genre, Hilary Scott moves deftly between the lush influence of her Washington home and the country nods of Nashville, where she recorded these tracks with some of Music City’s finest.

“Just A Shame” leads the listen and makes a warm impression with its cautious guitar and emotive singing from Scott that builds into a soaring display of dreamy Americana, and “Almost Home” follows with a surreal haze that benefits from Lonnie Wilson’s strong drumming alongside Jerry Kimbrough’s sturdy guitar work as a romantic climate unfolds.

The middle spot is occupied by “Too Much Is Not Enough”, where Scott’s versatile pipes guide a textured and rock driven display of playfulness, while “And Just” recruits key from Matthew Wilder as a musically calmer setting offers pop influences that includes Scott hitting some pretty high notes. “Free Country” exits the listen with drum programming and backing vocals from John Goodwin as Scott heads straight for the club with her horn friendly and cultured version of dance music.

A very appropriately titled EP, Scott plays music with a very eclectic appeal, and one that comes with much skill, grace and adventurousness across these 5 really superb tunes.

Travels well with: Ashleigh Lynn + The Riveters- Live From The Blue Moon; Beth Lee- Waiting On You Tonight

Brian Woodruff Sextet

A Centering Peace

QJOG, 2021

8/10

Listen to A Centering Peace

The drummer and composer Brian Woodruff brings several esteemed players with him for these 9 originals, where his 3rd outing at leader offers diverse and precise songs that shine in both loud and firm moments, as well as soft and agile environments.

“The Welcome Song” leads the listen with Lisa Parrott’s atmospheric saxophone alongside Elisabeth Lohninger’s sublime vocals in the cautious jazz climate, and “What Happened” follows with a lively energy of soulful trombone from Alan Ferber as frisky drumming thanks to Woodruff anchors the adventurous and warm spirit.

Landing near the middle, “War Paint” displays incredible synergy between the players as Pete McCann’s glowing guitar work mesmerizes in the rock filled landscape, while “Pirouette en Dedans” glides softly with an emotive delivery that highlights the soothing brass acrobatics from Mike Rodriguez. “Every Detail Minding”, the album’s best, then showcases solos from Woodruff, Parrott and Ferber with no shortage of Wayne Shorter influence.

Deeper into the listen, “Freeway Doctor East” flows with an up tempo approach of timeless jazz sensibilities, and “King Size Blues” exits the listen with Lohninger returning on vocals as the break up song emits much depth and emotion.

A very heartfelt and often eloquent affair, Woodruff and company radiate a strong chemistry while still soloing with much effectiveness, as their melodies, grooves and soaring song craft make for a first rate album that’s as unpredictable as it is charming.

Travels well with: Troy Roberts & Tim Jago- Best Buddies; Dan Moretti- Tres Libre

Lara Hope And The Ark-Tones

Here To Tell The Tale

Sower, 2021

10/10

Listen to Here To Tell The Tale

The Hudson Valley rockers Lara Hope And The Ark-Tones certainly have an identity problem and we’re all better off for it, as evidenced by this stunning 3rd album that welcomes swing, pop, jazz, rockabilly, country and much more into their unique version of rock’n’roll.

“Let’s Go!” starts the record and truly deserves the exclamation point as clever guitar work, soulful backing vocals and quick drumming offer a contagious energy, and “Stop, Drop, & Roll” follows with a retro-rock spirit that will get you headed towards a dance floor in a much, much earlier decade.

Further on, “Woah Is Me” shuffles with a swift, rural delivery that’s part rockabilly, part country rock and features Rosie Rion Porco on fiddle, while “It’s A Crime” shifts into haunting areas of bluesy introspection. “Knocked Out” then swings with so much nostalgic charm as Hope’s inviting pipes are sweet and poetic amid warm guitar work and jazzy moments you can’t help but admire.

Close to the finish, the speedy and swampy “12 Minutes Of Hot Water” brings plenty of southern greatness to the album highlight, and “I Drink To Your Health” exits the listen steeped in gospel nods before building into an enthusiastic vintage rocker where The Ark-Tones, many guest musicians and choral singers help capture the live demeanor that Hope and company are known for.

A record that should be shelved alongside Brian Setzer, Tiger Army or Reverend Horton Heat, there just isn’t a moment wasted on this exceptional and diverse listen, where, according to Hope, their best songs to date reside, and I’m certainly in agreement with that.

Travels well with: Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band- Dance Songs For The Hard Times; Possessed By Paul James- As We Go Wandering

Slide Attack

Road Trip

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Road Trip

An aptly titled band led by the trombonists Alan Goidel and Howard Levy, Slide Attack are well versed in jazz standards, popular songs, bebop, hard bop, and, on this outing anyway, originals that touch on many different facets of jazz sounds.

“Spring Roll” gets the album off to a lively start, where tumbling drumming from Chuck Zeuren and frisky piano from Hiroshi Yamazaki complements the bright and soulful brass, and “Road Trip” follows with a bouncy spirit that benefits from Levy and Goidel’s flowing trombones alongside the dynamic rhythm section.

Residing near the middle, the playful “Struttin’” emits some Latin influences amid a charming energy, while “Look Within” moves slowly, emotively and with Michael Goetz’s skilled bass plucking adding much to the reflective climate. “Owen”, one of the most animated tunes present, then shuffles with an infectious delivery that you can’t help but move your body to.

Approaching the end, “Early Morning” showcases precise drumming and soothing brass mixed into a timeless jazz presence, and “Bluedemic” exits the listen vibrant, swift and with all the members showcasing their respective talents in the textured, thriving climate.

Inspired by the group formerly spearheaded by J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding, Road Trip is nothing if not a good time, as Slide Attack’s joyful version of jazz and proficient rock influences make all of these 9 tracks worthy of repeated listens.

Travels well with: Dan Moretti- Tres Libre; David Larsen- The Mulligan Chronicles

Julia Kasdorf

Motel

Tiki Sounds, 2021

8/10

Listen to Motel

The songstress Julia Kasdorf has enjoyed an eclectic and lengthy career that’s included everything from punk to country, and here she’s aligned with Les Thompson, Dustin Delage and many others for 8 originals and 3 deep catalog covers that are fleshed out with much care and attention to detail.

“The Minute I’m Gone” starts the listen with Kasdorf’s cozy guitar playing and soft, expressive singing in the groove friendly, bluesy climate, and “Cold Saturday” follows with a calm pace of careful acoustic guitar alongside vivid storytelling that’s somewhere between folk and Americana.

Further along, “Cool Water” gets a bit rugged but still with plenty of warmth in Kasdorf’s organic formula, while “Long Chain” shuffles with a country spirit that’s bouncy and benefits from Walter Tates’ sax prowess and soulful backing vocals. “Reservations”, one of the album’s best, then displays Lynn Kasdorf’s glowing pedal steel and and Gary Ferguson’s electric guitar amid the breezy melodies.

At the end, “A Lover’s Farewell” makes great use of Buddy Dunlap’s rhythm guitar as tuneful grit and eloquent song craft are present, and “Blue Veil” finishes the listen with Jon Carroll’s strategic organ alongside Kasdorf’s versatile pipes in a flawlessly crafted exit.

Kasdorf brings a timelessness with her that runs parallel to legends like Lucinda Williams or Patty Griffin, as Motel lands somewhere near roots, folk, country and Americana, and comes with much skill, grace and memorableness.

Travels well with: Megan Lacy- Salvation; Jenny Reynolds- Any Kind Of Angel

George Porter Jr. & Runnin' Pardners

Crying For Hope

Controlled Substance Labs, 2021

9/10

Listen to Crying For Hope

The bass extraordinaire and funk legend George Porter Jr. returns with the Runnin’ Pardners for their first LP in a decade, and it’s a pandemic effort where the members recorded their respective parts in their homes, resulting in a dozen robust anthems about struggle, perseverance, comfort, social justice and rejuvenation.

The title track leads the listen and makes a strong impression with its thick grooves and soulful singing that’s not short on retro melody or plenty of funk fun, and “Porter 13A” follows with a frisky pulse of spirited guitar work alongside playful keys as the rhythm arrives in spades.

Entering the middle, the upbeat and powerful “I’m Barely” displays grit and melody working together with a heartfelt approach, while “Cloud Funk” bounces with an uncontainable energy where the precise drumming aligns with incredible guitar work. “Spanish Moss”, an extremely noteworthy tune, then buzzes with beaming synth prowess in its cinematic demeanor that illustrates much diversity within the ensemble.

Moving towards the end, “A Taste Of Truth” integrates organ, drums and guitars with Porter’s version of New Orleans influenced fun, and “You Just Got Tired” exits the listen with his expressive, poetic pipes guiding a lush and dynamic setting of timeless textures.

An artist who cut his teeth as a founding member of The Meters way back in 1965 and who has picked up a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, now in his 70’s, Porter proves that he’s skilled at vintage and modern funk on this top notch adventure.

Travels well with: Andy Frasco & The U.N.- Change Of Pace; Dumpstaphunk- Where Do We Go From Here

Turner Cody And The Soldiers Of Love

Friends In High Places

Capitane, 2021

8/10

Listen to Friends In High Places

The prolific artist Turner Cody is now 15 albums deep into his diverse career, and Friends In High Places continues his inimitable vision with a skilled balance of country and folk ideas alongside groove friendly and French indie-rock influenced song craft.

“Boozing and Losing” starts the listen with Cody’s warm, eloquent singing alongside light drumming and gentle guitar as timeless country qualities are present, and “The Four Thousand Dollar Days” follows with a soulful approach that brings us back to the ‘70s with its gritty, waltz presence.

Landing near the middle, “Mr. Wrong” points towards darker textures as much atmosphere enters mysterious storytelling, while “Telling Stories” moves swiftly with an upbeat display of rural influenced indie-rock where the intricate guitar lines are just so inviting. “What I Tell You”, a particularly great tune, then shuffles with a charming melody that’s indebted to earlier decades and delivered with a frisky appeal.

Closer to the end, “Nothing But Regrets” offers a cautious, reflective tone amid some of the best guitar playing on the record, and “Drink A Toast In Heaven” exits the listen soft and somewhere between Cowboy balladry and gospel sensibilities, as Cody channels a timelessness parallel to Dylan, Cohen or Van Zandt.

Part beat poetry, part retro-folk sounds and certainly indebted to classic country, you might think of Cody’s work as ‘continental country’, and with his stellar band The Soldiers Of Love, he’s making some of his best art to date, and that’s no easy task considering the strength of his back catalog.

Travels well with: K.C. Jones- Queen Of The In Between; Sam Robbins- Finally Feeling Young

Jefferson Berry & The UAC

Soon!

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Soon!

The Philadelphia roots rockers Jefferson Berry & The UAC are back with a 4th album, and their jam band and folk qualities certainly aren’t off the table amid an inimitable vision where the UAC, i.e. Bud Burroughs, Dave Brown, Marky B. Berkowitz, Uncle Mike and Caleb Estey work superbly alongside Berry.

“We’ll Soon Be Together” starts the listen with flowing singing and a very warm, melodic climate of rootsy sounds, and “Cloudy Day Daydream” follows with emotive pedal steel and intricate picking as the rural landscape emits much beauty.

The middle tracks are among the best, and include the playful and rugged yet tuneful “Too Old To Matter”, while “RW&B” recruits soulful harmonica and dynamic interaction between the skilled players. “That Guy Was Fun”, a tribute to Gene Shay, then displays meticulous banjo acrobatics and precise drumming under a contagious energy.

Rounding out the listen are “Changes In Kensington” and “When The Earth Moves Again”, where the former is a cautious and rhythmic tune of strategic keys, and the latter exits with no shortage of timeless Americana alongside vivid storytelling and sublime finger acrobatics that do justice to the Jefferson Airplane classic.

An album that was written and recorded during quarantine, Berry and company tell stories of city life with a soundtrack that’s usually suited for rural folk, as the 7 originals and 2 covers present again illustrate just how talented this ensemble are. In the area of folk, roots, jam and Americana, few are doing it better than this.

Travels well with: The Danberrys- Shine; Sons Of Bill- Oh God Ma’am

Ben Lee

Quarter Century Classix

New West, 2019

8/10

Listen to Quarter Century Classix

Culled from hotel room recordings that Ben Lee made while touring, here the Australian veteran pays homage to the legends that helped shape his own musical vision.

“Web In Front” starts with acoustic strumming from Lee in a dreamy interpretation of the Archers Of Loaf classic, and Fugazi’s “Blueprint” follows as he turns the post-punk classic into a hazy, atmospheric singer-songwriter tune.

This stripped back formula continues to the twinkling “Car” (Built To Spill), as well as the wispy “Get Me” (Dinosaur Jr.), while one of the best covers, Sebadoh’s “Brand New Love”, recruits keys and backing ambience for this intimate version.

At the end, Lee peels away the fuzz from Superchunk’s “My Noise” but does make this one of the fuller selections, and Beat Happening’s “Godsend” exits the listen with a hypnotic and warm version of the lo-fi anthem.

There’s an impressive list of guests on this recording, including Mike Watt, Maria Taylor and Petra Haden, among others, though the bulk of this is Lee, his guitar and vocals.

If you, too, also were immersed in ‘90s alt-rock, Quarter Century Classix will be a great nostalgic listen.

Travels well with: Sebadoh- Harmacy; Built To Spill- Keep It Like A Secret