Serena Ferrara & Simone Mor

Kemana

Vibra, 2022

8/10

Listen to Kemana

A jazz singer with Sicilian roots, Serena Ferrara aligns herself with the guitarist Simone Mor for these Flamenco friendly and world music songs that put much emphasis on vocals and harmony.

“Zenit” starts the listen with gorgeous wordless singing that’s layered harmonically alongside Ferrara’s expressive, cultured pipes, and “Dimokransa” follows with twinkling guitar that swirls with beauty and grace.

In the middle, “Dia a Dia”, a Brazilian song, floats with breezy melodies in the classical spirit, while “Barat” brings a flurry of strings to the very agile and strategically manipulated climate that quivers with a rare intensity.

Further yet, “Nadir” is a hypnotic and precise display of guitar acrobatics, and “Dimbambé” exits the listen with Ferrara’s stunning voice alongside very meticulous guitar.

Also present on the listen are Daniela Savoldi (cello), Luca Canali (percussion), Varijashree Venugopal, Nicola Fasani (bass), Dudu Kouate (percussion), and Carlo Nicita (flute), and together they make for a truly unique, enlightening and captivating listening experience.

Travels well with: The Art Ensemble Of Chicago- Tutankhamun; Sarah Aroeste- Monastir

Bren Holmes

Everything You Never Wanted (Acoustic)

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Everything You Never Wanted

The acoustic version of the debut album of the same name from Bren Holmes, this stripped back approach welcomes pipes, bodhran, and whistles into the songs about love lost and found, where Holmes’ Irish roots are front and center.

“Sweet Talkin’ Angel” opens the listen with Holmes’ warm, inviting pipes amid the pretty acoustic strumming, and “You Say” continues this formula with a bit of Americana to add some rootsy flavor.

Halfway through, the playful percussion of “Ugly” and smooth delivery makes this one of the album’s best, and even welcomes backing female vocals, while “Love On Your Side (LC Blues)” recruits graceful piano for the intimate and poetic climate.

Further on, the festive spirit of “Take It All Away” turns into an emotive, anthemic landscape, and “Somewhere (Ode To Shane)” exits with a firm Celtic slant on the rugged yet tuneful finish.

Perhaps best known as the bassist for the Celtic rock band Young Dubliners, Holmes is certainly well versed in folk, Americana and roots sounds, too, and with plenty of mandolin from Bryan Dobbs present, he makes for a twangy, bluesy and gritty version of really great originals and an ABBA cover.

Travels well with: Bren Holmes- Everything You Never Wanted; Frank Turner- Love Ire And Song

Xavier Boscher

Cosmic Variations

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Cosmic Variations

A French guitarist who has a lengthy and impressive catalog of music, Xavier Boscher weaves in and out of exciting and unpredictable textures across these 13 prog-fueled tunes.

“Sea Serpent” opens the listen with chugging guitars and thumping drums, as a forceful meets delicate version of prog sounds unfolds, and “Echo 1” follows with a calm, dreamy approach of reflective exploration.

Deeper into the listen, “Reticulum” tosses in shades of metal alongside the angular, radiant textures, while “Denebola”, the album’s best, displays soaring, meticulous prog-rock that embraces intricate guitar work and pounding drums.

Closer to the end, “Astrophel” balances melody and a unique intensity with the utmost care, and “Stellan” exits the listen more abrasive, with a chugging formula that also emits soothing, absorbing guitar work.

A listen that welcomes metal, New Age, fusion and atmosphere into the timeless equation, fans of all things prog-rock won’t be disappointed with Cosmic Variations.

Travels well with: Wobbler- Dwellers Of The Deep; Meer- Playing House

Dave Potter

Dave Potter And Retro Groove

Square Biz, 2022

8/10

Listen to Dave Potter And Retro Groove

Dave Potter knows his way around a set of drums, and here along with Miguel Alvarado (soprano, tenor sax), Will Goble (acoustic bass), Terrell Montgomery (acoustic bass), Austin Johnson (piano), and Angelo Versace (piano) he puts a playful twist on some retro tunes that we’ve never heard quite like this.

“Through The Fire” starts the listen with charming bass lines, scrappy drumming and bright sax illuminating the warm jazz climate, and “Higher Love” follows with a very soulful and dynamic interpretation of the Steve Winwood classic.

“You Got It All” lands in the middle and brings restraint and beauty into the emotive landscape, while “Cult Of Personality” offers a version of the Living Color smash that’s quite colorful, where the lively rhythm section really makes the most of the cover.

“In Your Eyes”, the best selection, arrives near the end, and certainly does justice to the Peter Gabriel tune with its breezy, cozy spirit, and “I Can’t Help It” exits the listen with a busy and meticulous energy that emits so much skilled instrumentation.

Potter did plenty of homework when deciding which tunes would translate to jazz effectively, and with his esteemed cast of players they sure do reinvent some great songs into a very enjoyable listen.

Travels well with: Kenny Shanker- Vortex; Joe LoCascio- Book Of Days

The Duke Robillard Band

They Called It Rhythm & Blues

Stony Plain, 2022

8/10

Listen to They Called It Rhythm & Blues

The multiple Grammy nominee and winner of many Blues Music Awards, Duke Robillard really has outdone himself on this lengthy and accomplished effort, where his band of Chris Cote (guitars, vocals), Bruce Bears (piano, organ), Marty Ballou (acoustic, electric bass), Mark Teixeira (drums) and Doug James (baritone, tenor sax) are joined by some luminous guests.

“Here I’m Is” opens the listen with Cote on vocals in the bright and melodic blues-rock that you can’t help but enjoy, and “No Good Lover” follows with Sue Foley’s contributions on vocals and guitar for the swift and spirited swing fun.

Further into the listen, “Champagne Mind” shakes and bops with Michelle Willson’s warm pipes guiding the retro rock’n’roll climate, while “She’s My Baby” recruits Sugar Ray Norcia on vocals and harmonica for the soulful, nostalgic blues that benefits much from the jumpy bass and radiant sax.

Close to the end, “Eat Where You Slept Last Night” offers a busy and dance friendly version of the blues that benefits much from frisky drums, playful brass and acrobatic keys, and “Swingin’ For Four Bills” exits on a calmer note, where Mike Flanigin’s organ and solos from Duke and Foley make for an intimate finish.

Robillard’s impressive resume includes the sounds of electric and acoustic blues, jazz, jump, swing, ballads and standards, and he brings all those skills to this exceptional and exciting blues affair.

Travels well with: Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters- Rise Up; Bob Margolin- Star Of Stage And Screens

Perry

Maximize

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Maximize

The alias of the smooth jazz and experimental artist Max Clemmons Jr., as Perry he welcomes Mr. Nigel Innis on saxophone across these 8 retro flavored tunes that are ideal for fans of downtempo sounds.

“Do You” opens the listen with a beat driven and piano friendly display of pop, funk and soul ideas meshing in playful yet sophisticated ways, and “Dinner Table” follows with wordless vocals complementing the hip-hop nods and warm grooves.

Halfway through, the title track brings radiant keys and no shortage of melody to the R&B tinted textures, while “I Like What You Do” showcases the soulful sax amid a cozy buzzing in the very stylish album highlight.

“Hot Sake” and “Finale” exit the listen, where the former flirts with electro-pop in unpredictable ways, and the latter highlights the sophisticated piano with a nearly classical spirit.

Although there’s a distinct jazz undercurrent to be found on the record, Perry is no stranger to pop, soul, R&B, and funk ideas, too, and it makes for a ‘neo-retro’ listen that’s quite charming.

Travels well with: Matt Olson- Open Spaces; Stephen Martin- High Plains

Unik Ubik

I’m Not Feng Shui

Humpty Dumpty, 2022

8/10

Listen to I’m Not Feng Shui

An extremely eclectic version of iconoclastic rock sounds, the Belgian-French outfit Unik Ubik bring us some sort of voodoo magic on these highly interesting and genre defying 11 tracks.

“Dan-jun” opens the listen with flowing sax amid the driving guitars that blends psyche and prog ideas into the curious equation, and this creativity follows into “Rolled In Flour”, where much energy is transformed into a jazz-punk delivery.

Moving along, “Mesmerize & Vanish” enters darker territory with a hypnotic version of post-punk, while “This Is The Day” features G.W. Sok, of The Ex fame, for the mysterious climate that’s full of strong bass acrobatics and calm, nearly haunting textures.

Residing near the end, “Maggie Debloque” is a furious brass venture of avant-garde jazz and psychedelic exploration, and “Right Or Contract”, the album highlight, exits the listen with a driving display of timeless post-punk that showcases meticulous guitar, thumping drums and atypical vocals.

You might be reminded of names like Television, James Chance or Black Midi when listening to I’m Not Feng Shui, though this is truly a unique journey of festive, dance-able anthems for the most adventurous kind.

Travels well with: You Said Strange- Thousand Shadows Vol. 1; The Poison Arrows- War Regards

You Said Strange

Thousand Shadows Vol. 1

Exag, 2021

9/10

Listen to Thousand Shadows Vol. 1

A French quartet with a penchant for the grittier sounds of rock, this sophomore album sure is meticulously produced, and it yields some very exciting and timeless textures.

“Mourning Colors” starts the listen with a burst of atmosphere, as scrappy drumming and angular guitar work is met with a warm post-punk formula, and “So Sorry’ follows with a pounding display of swirling psyche-influenced rock that’s quite infectious.

“Mediterranean” lands in the middle and delivers a hypnotic appeal of thumping drums and fuzzy guitars, while “Talking To The Rats” roars loudly with an arena rock instrumental that makes a giant impact despite its short duration.

“Treat Me” and “Landed” exit the listen, where the former is a bit breezy in a retro-rock sort of way, and the latter hints at shoegaze in a very dreamy, melodic finish that’s the album’s best.

A very sonically engaging 8 tunes that are highly psychedelic, sometimes prog-rockish, other times punk friendly and entirely creative, You Said Strange just might be your new favorite band if you give them a chance.

Travels well with: The Poison Arrows- War Regards; Pulsar Ensemble- Bizarre City

Liz Terrell

It’s All Right With Me

Westmont, 2022

8/10

Listen to It’s All Right With Me

The captivating vocalist Liz Terrell has explored many genres in her exceptional career, and she’s landed in jazz territory here, where she’s joined by Daniel Clarke (piano), Chris Brydge (bass), Emre Kartari (drums), Alan Parker (guitar) and Eddie Williams (saxophone) for the 11 well thought out tracks.

“People Make The World Go Round” starts the listen with Terrell’s powerful and soulful pipes alongside graceful keys, playful sax and plenty of timeless jazz spirit, and the title track follows with both intimacy and exploration entering the poetic landscape.

In the middle, “Time After Time” puts a charming spin on the classic with frisky drums, strategic bass and, of course, Terrell’s skilled pipes, while “I’m Gonna Laugh You Right Out Of My Life” brings much elegance and warmth to the emotive delivery.

Close to the end, “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” offers both scatting and bright singing to the bouncy and dance friendly spirit, and “What The World Needs Now” exits the listen with well timed brass, a cozy rhythm section and Terrell’s breezy singing.

Terrell and company offer a very heartfelt and charming spin on these songs that many of us will already be familiar with, and they sure sound great in the very capable hands that are rich in their textured beauty.

Travels well with: Kristen Lee Sergeant- Falling; Mark Winkler & David Benoit- Old Friends

Curse Of Lono

People In Cars

Submarine Cat, 2022

9/10

Listen to People In Cars

The London alt-rockers Curse Of Lono return with a 3rd album, and much like everything they’ve done, it’s a curious mix of alt-folk and gothic Americana that’s haunting in its exploration.

“Let Your Love Rain Down On Me” starts the listen with a soft and agile delivery that mixes Americana with mysterious pop ideas, and “I Think I’m Alright Now” follows with dreamy melodies amid the crisp drumming and spirited guitar work.

Deeper into the listen, “Steppin’ Out” offers breathy singing alongside a hypnotic landscape that’s got a retro soft-rock quality to it, while “So Damned Beautiful” recruits Tess Parks for a stylish yet ominous version of goth tinted indie-rock.

Approaching the end, the quicker “Buy The Ticket, Take The Ride” emits a smooth and nearly post-punk fueled display of precise musicianship, and “Timeslipping” exits the listen soft, intimate even, though quite powerful in its subdued presence.

A delicate and dark affair, the title comes from frontman Felix Bechtolsheime history of driving and listening to music when the weight of the world was falling upon his shoulders. This time, though, he brings his own songs with and us along for the ride, and it’s a cinematic, expressive and atmospheric journey that bridges country, roots, rock and psychedelia in a way that few others would dare to try.

Travels well with: William The Conqueror- Maverick Thinker; Treetop Flyers- The Mountain Moves

Bad Daddy

It’s A Mad Mad Bad Dad World

PieHole, 2022

8/10

Listen to It’s A Mad Mad Bad Bad World

The Bad Daddy singer/guitarist Paul Waring was about halfway through penning this sophomore album from Bad Daddy in 2021, when a few beers with the guitarist Pete Galanis got the ball rolling on these 9 originals and lone cover that mesh the band’s blues and roots rock in very modern ways.

“Blues At Home” starts the listen with rugged yet tuneful blues rock that’s powerfully executed with spirited guitar work, and “Just My Luck” follows with warm organ and meticulous guitar acrobatics to highlight the gritty singing.

In the middle, “Pork Pie Hat” brings a breezy quality with soulful backing vocals in the album’s best, while “The Blues I Can Use” moves at a slower pace that’s full of sublime beauty as R&B ideas enter the dreamy landscape.

Nearing the end, “Trip On Your Love” brings a bit of funk flavor to the dynamic climate, and “Where You Been So Long” exits the listen with a very stylish and melodic approach that showcases precise guitar playing amid the playful rhythm section.

An inimitable cast of Chicago players, including Elton Jaan (Hammond organ), Ari Seder (bass), Jason ‘JROC’ Edwards (drums), and Andrea Miologos and Bree Gordon (backing vocals) help make for a collaborative effort that is sure to appeal to any and all fans of the blues, past and present.

Travels well with: Albert Castiglia- I Got Love; Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne- Blues From Chicago To Paris: A Tribute To Memphis Slim And Willie Dixon

The Scott Silbert Big Band

Jump Children

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Jump Children

The multi-instrumentalist and arranger Scott Silbert sure does make an impression on this first album as band leader, where some lesser known works of the ‘30s and ‘40s are fleshed out with the rhythm section of Tony Nalker (piano), Craig Gildner (guitar), Amy Shook (bass), Ken Kimery (drums) and a handful of players on sax, trombone and trumpet.

“Jump Children” opens the listen with Gretchen Midgley’s bright and soaring vocals adding much to the upbeat and warm brass that’s anchored by Kimery’s frisky drums, and “Annie Laurie” follows with Shook’s precise bass complementing the soulful sax playing of the retro spirit.

Further down the line, “Tootsie’s Rag” will certainly get your body moving with its nostalgic energy and playful keys thanks to Nalker, while “Lullaby In Rhythm” trims the pace back with smooth melodies and dynamic interaction between the horns to yield the most amount of memorableness.

Elsewhere, “She’s Crazy With The Heat” alternates between busy textures of brass playing and bits of calm keys, and “Stompin’ At The Savoy” showcases the meticulousness of the rhythm section amid strategic horns.

A charming listen that brings us back to much simpler times, Silbert and company swing with immense skill and a whole lot of fun on this throwback affair.

Travels well with: Kenny Shanker- Vortex; Joe LoCascio- Book Of Days

Vakili Band

Walking Sideways

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Walking Sideways

The vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Lily Vakili sure does make an impression across these 10 robust tunes, where influences like Patti Smith, Joan Jett and Brandi Carlile won’t be hard to spot or appreciate.

The title track starts the listen with thick guitars, thumping drums and Vakili’s soaring pipes in the retro-rocker, and “Sharp Devil” follows with plenty of grit invading the spirited harmonica, soaring vocal acrobatics and rowdy keys.

“Rachel”, the best tune present, lands at the halfway point and brings ‘70s rock and the early days of punk into a charged, melodic and energetic setting that’s got a sing-along quality, while “When 21” trims the pace back with calm keys and intimate singing that welcomes a soulful demeanor.

“Dreamy Dreamer” and “Father’s Son” exit the listen, where the former is a vocally powerful and a musically warm display of diverse skill, and the latter finishes the listen loud, forthright and full of spoken word, bright brass and very agile musicianship.

Vakili is joined by the guitarist Ben St. Jack, Joel Dorow on harmonica, Gordon Kuba behind the drum kit and bassist Matt Jovanis. Together, they flesh out songs of social issues and personal matters with a tremendous amount of force, strong attention to detail and a memorableness that you can’t help but admire.

Travels well with: Brian Straw- Baby Stars/Dead Languages; The Wandering Hearts- The Wandering Hearts

Albert Castiglia

I Got Love

Gulf Coast, 2022

9/10

Listen to I Got Love

The blues-rock guitarist Albert Castiglia brings us a very personal album, where Justine Tompkins (bass, vocals), Ephraim Lowell (drums, vocals) and Lewis Stephens (Hammond B3 organ, piano) help him make the most out of the very genuine songwriting.

“I Got Love” opens the listen with Castiglia’s gritty yet tuneful guitar licks, as the rugged vocals guide the sturdy blues rocker, and “Don’t Pray With The Devil” follows with the thumping rhythm section complementing the groove spirited climate.

Deeper into the listen, the playful and lively “Double Down” will get you searching for the nearest dance floor, while “Long Haul Daddy” bounces and shakes with an infectious rock’n’roll flavor that’s full of frisky piano.

Further still, “Freedomland” balances power and melody in a raw formula, and “Take My Name Out Of Your Mouth” exits the listen thick, emotive and full of significant guitar shredding, finger acrobatics on the keys and Castiglia’s memorable, expressive pipes.

Castiglia has been through much in the last two years, including loss, depression, illness and fear, and he channels those struggles into some of his best work to date, which is no easy feat considering the strength of his catalog of first rate blues.

Travels well with: Albert Castiglia- Wild And Free; Mike Zito & Friends- Rock’n’Roll: A Tribute To Chuck Berry

Laura Loriga

Vever

Ears & Eyes, 2022

8/10

Listen to Vever

The pianist and singer Laura Loriga returns with her 4th album and first under her actual name, and she brings along Otto Hauser (drums), Ran Livneh (upright bass), Josh Werner (electric bass), Anni Rossi (violin), Stefano Michelotti (Nichelharpa, dilruba, electric guitar) and many guests for the very creative and unique 9 tracks.

“Mimi” starts the listen with atypically manipulated strings, as Loriga’s pretty, mysterious vocals guide a very dreamy, climate, and “Door Ajar” follows with a more ominous tone, where meticulous upright bass from Frank Meadows and soft drumming add much allure.

In the middle, “Citizens” recruits trumpet from Enrico Pasini to complement the folk influenced and experimental tone, while “August Bells” is a calmer affair with a distinct beauty amid the electric guitar thanks to Ben Seretan and Janis Brenner’s soothing backing vocals.

Further still, “Passes The Flame” benefits much from Aaron Rourk’s winds on the poetic album highlight, and “The Sun Rises Where It Rises” exits the listen with Gareth Dickson’s acoustic guitar complementing the twinkling piano and charming intimacy.

Loriga and company create an absorbing body of artistic song craft here, where each track finds its own inimitable path of unclassifiable textures that will appeal to the those with adventurous ears.

Travels well with: Kee Avil- Crease; Andrea Parkins- Two Rooms From The Memory Palace

Shawn E. Okpebholo

Lord, How Come Me Here?

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Lord, How Come Me Here?

The esteemed composer Shawn E. Okpebholo reimagines the works of enslaved Africans and American folk hymns here, where J’Nail Bridges, Will Liverman and Paul Sánchez contribute their inimitable talents to the critique of contemporary racial injustices.

“Shall We Gather At The River” leads with Sánchez’s intimate keys and Liverman’s stunning baritone in the very warm opener, and “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands” follows with a stirring interpretation of the standard that has Bridges handling mezzo-soprano alongside the graceful piano.

Deeper into the listen, the rumbling, vibrant “Ride On, King Jesus” flows with a spiritual angle, while “Oh, Glory” moves calmly amid expressive singing and poetic keys.

Moving towards the end, “Two Black Churches” brings Liverman’s baritone back for the emotive album highlight, and “God Is A God” exits the listen with Liverman and Sanchez interacting sublimely and meticulously.

A collection of anthems that celebrates faith and hope over fear and hate, Okpebholo and company create a folk record of the utmost importance, where these songs are reborn with much attention to detail.

Travels well with: Joys Abiding- Soprano And Baritone Duets By Historical Women Composers; Soul Sanctuary- Spirituals & Hymns

Kee Avil

Crease

Constellation, 2022

8/10

Listen to Crease

The debut album from Vicky Mettler, aka Kee Avil, the 10 tracks here are quite experimental in nature, where her producer, guitar and singer status is utilized amid the atypical and thriving song craft.

“See, my shadow” starts the listen with upbeat guitar alongside breathy but firm singing as the climate turns quite artistic, nearly sci-fi and entirely unpredictable, and this creativity continues to “saf”, where a poetic and hazy approach sounds like it should soundtrack a trip to another dimension.

“And I” lands in the middle and places acoustic guitar at the beginning, where a hypnotic, hushed atmosphere unfolds, while “Okra Ooze” finds all sorts of atypical rhythm and iconoclastic percussive ideas to cultivate in the curious post-punk fueled affair.

Landing near the end, “HHHH” is a bit glitchy, sometimes bare and mostly spacey in a cosmic sort of way, “Gone Again” exits the listen with a twisted sort of lullaby that’s vocally soft and musically mysterious.

There’s help from Eric Craven on drum samples across a track, and Mark Molnar’s cello makes an appearance, too. Otherwise, this is a raw, abstract and sonically challenging peek into the mind of a very talented artist.

Travels well with: Andrea Parkins- Two Rooms From The Memory Palace; Eli Wallace- Precepts

Idit Shner & Mhondoro

Heat Wave

Origin, 2022

8/10

Listen to Heat Wave

The saxophonist and bass clarinet wizard Idit Shner is in the company of John Mambira (percussion, vocals), Torrey Newhart (piano, keyboards, vocals), Garrett Baxter (bass), Ken Mastrogiovanni (drums) and Ratie D (mbira, vocals) for this powerful debut album.

“Obsidian Horses” starts the listen with soulful, wordless vocals that are met with firm keys and playful percussion for the very cultured opener, and “Heatwave” follows with a swift and very lively display of soaring sax, frisky drumming and playful keys.

In the middle, the warm bass clarinet of “Mhondoro” complements the strategic bass work in the unpredictable album highlight, while “Usavabvumire” brings bright textures amid the brass exploration and energetic rhythm section.

Approaching the end, “Step By Step” recruits jazz and world music flavor together for a mesmerizing 7+ minutes, and “Fingerprints” exits the listen with vibes adding a dreamy element to the spirited sax and pretty scatting.

An extremely diverse affair, the players’ roots reside in Israeli, Zimbabwe and Oregon, and the meshing of American jazz with global ideas makes for an exciting and stylish pandemic record that’s hopefully the first of many to come.

Travels well with: Xose Miguélez- Contradictio; Hal Galper Trio- Invitation To Openness

The Poison Arrows

War Regards

File 13, 2022

9/10

Listen to War Regards

The 4th album from Chicago’s The Poison Arrows, War Regards has Patrick Morris (bass), Adam Reach (drums) and Justin Sinkovich (guitar, vocals) expanding of their punk/hardcore template with no shortage of exploration and creativity.

The title track opens the listen with thumping drums, jagged guitar and rugged singing that makes for an interesting version of math-rock, and this creativity continues to the charged and angular “Mood Swings I Don’t Know”, which carries traces of post-punk.

In the middle, “Night Coffee” gets hypnotic with its firm, swirling version of post-hardcore, while “We Are Collateral” moves with a slower pace of thick and hazy rock that seems indebted to the D.C. scene in the ‘90s and also welcomes the rapper Sterling Hayes (SaveMoney). “Laterally Speaking”, another slow burner, then brings power and grace into the tense but very agile climate.

Further still, “Seek Harbor” pairs throbbing bass with very meticulous guitar that might remind you of Girls Against Boys, and “Altered Medication” exits the listen calm, mysterious, and balanced to yield the most amount of grit and beauty.

If you’re like me and had never heard of The Poison Arrows before and own a significant amount of records on the Dischord label, you’d be wise to acquainting yourself with War Regards.

Travels well with: Blackout Transmission- Sparse Illumination; Girl Loves Distortion- You Better Run, Your Highness

The Music Of Jeffrey Jacob

Dreamers

Navona, 2019

8/10

Listen to Dreamers

A pianist, composer and educator, Jeffrey Jacob has had his hand in over 120 works, and is consistently regarded as one of the greatest performers of 20th century music. With Dreamers, the artist is inspired by children brought to the United States by their undocumented parents, as Jacob brings a wealth of skill and emotion to the profoundly touching affair.

“Symphony No. 5 (Dreamers)” starts the listen and is divided into 3 parts that shift from twinkling and calm to more tense and abrasive before ending in an ominous, cinematic tone with bells and keys. “Sanctuary I” then complements the affair with emotive and spirited instrumentation, while “Adagietto” finds a chilling place to reside with mystery and beauty thanks to the Moscow Symphony Orchestra.

Near the end, “Epitaph” is an orchestral highlight as Jon Mitchell conducts, and “Final Sanctuary” exits the listen with oboe and electronics steered by Jacob that makes for an impressive and innovative conclusion.

An extremely proficient take on classical, chamber and orchestral sounds, Dreamers again proves why Jacob’s name is synonymous with quality, timeless, moving art.

Travels well with: Sirius Quartet- Playing On The Edge; Arcadian Winds- Windswept