Jarrod Dickenson

Big Talk

Hooked, 2023

8/10

Listen to Big Talk

The 3rd album from the singer-songwriter and guitarist Jarrod Dickenson, the last few years have brought major label drama, Covid complications and repercussions of the Trump administration into his orbit, and that’s reflected in these direct and unwavering new tunes.

“Buckle Under Pressure” gets the listen off to a driving, melodic start, where flowing country rock is populated by well timed organ, thumping drums and bright guitars, and “Born To Wander” follows with a thick presence of firmly strummed acoustic guitar and calm bits in between the rugged Americana.

“Bamboozled” lands in the middle, and is layered with a hint of darker nods that are a bit mysterious, while “With Any Luck”, the best track, brings both grit and tunefulness to the meticulous guitar playing and upbeat rootsy flavor.

Close to the end, “Don’t Deprive Me” recruits hints of the past amid the slight jangle as Dickenson hits some pretty high notes, and “Goodnight” exits the listen with a poetic and intimate delivery of bare but impactful song craft.

Originally from Texas but now residing in Nashville, Dickenson takes help from Jano Rix (drums, keys), Ted Peccho (bass), JP Ruggieri (guitars) and Claire Dickenson (backing vocals), and it sure does make for a relevant, sometimes growling and very upfront body of work that’s as fierce as it is memorable.

Travels well with: Annie Dressner- Coffee At The Corner Bar; Mark Erelli- Lay Your Darkness Down

Peach & Quiet

Beautiful Thing

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Beautiful Thing

The Canadian folk duo of Heather Read and Jonny Miller, i.e. Peach & Quiet, returns with 12 originals that span Americana, blues, rock and ‘70s psychedelia that often seems rooted in Laurel Canyon ideas.

The lush and warm “Beautiful Thing” opens the listen with Miller’s flowing pipes alongside Gary Craig’s agile drumming and Read’s gorgeous harmony vocals, and “Calgary Skyline” follows with a bit of twang present as thicker bouts touch on retro-rock swagger.

In the middle, “Just Before Dawn” welcomes Steve Dawson on guitar for the gritty yet melodic intimacy that places Read on lead vocals, while “Horse And Saddle” recruits plenty of rhythm, where Chris Gestrin’s keyboard skills won’t go unnoticed.

Nearing the end, “Song From A Tree”, the album’s best, is a timeless, poetic folk tune that radiates a stirring coziness from Read’s sublime singing, and “When You’re Gone” exits with Miller’s pipes front and center, and are complemented by Gestrin’s playful keys and Jeremy Holmes’ precise bass.

A collection of songs straight from the heart, Read and Miller began these songs during the dark times of the pandemic, and they represent moving into the light, and will certainly strike a chord with anyone in tune with sincere and diverse forms of folk music from any period.

Travels well with: Ben De La Cour- Shadow Land; Karen Jonas- Summer Songs

Tim Ball

Upstate Crossroads

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Upstate Crossroads

The veteran musician Tim Ball brings much talent and experience to this well thought out solo record that welcomes many players to songs that revolve around roots, folk, Celtic, bluegrass and old time sounds.

The swift and meticulous “Sugar In The Gourd” starts the listen with Ball’s energetic fiddle and Maddie Whitler’s stunning mandolin prowess making for an upbeat, bluegrass instrumental, and “Chorus Jig And Opera Reel” follows with Ball handling foot percussion, too, alongside Kimberly Holmes’ elegant piano playing for the contra dance climate.

In the middle, the romantic “My Charming Wife” has Ball being joined by David Surette’s mandolin, Andrew Vannorstand’s guitar and Harry Aceto’s bass for the waltz, while “The Fireplace Set” benefits much from Aceto’s playful bass and Holmes’ agile keys that complement Ball’s very animated fiddle.

Close to the end, the very intimate “The Shepherd Medley” has Ball displaying his fiddle, guitar and strings skills amid Owen Marshall’s bouzouki manipulation, and the bouncy “The Democratic Rage” exits with frisky piano and charming bass that suits the inestimable fiddle.

Also a guitarist for the Celtric trio Arise & Go, and a player in festival outfits like Empty Hats and Cantiga, Ball is off to an exceptional solo career, as evidenced by these timeless and infectious 12 songs.

Travels well with: Merle Monroe- Songs Of A Simple Life; Flashback- Blues Around My Cabin

Timothy Fallon/Ammiel Bushakevitz

Crepuscolo: Songs By Ottorino Respighi

BIS, 2022

8/10

Listen to Crepuscolo: Songs By Ottorino Respighi

The esteemed American tenor Timothy Fallon and the inimitable pianist Ammiel Bushakevitz come together for these new recordings of works by Ottorino Respighi, where 27 songs span across 3 decades.

“Deitá Silvane” starts the listen with the elegant and atmospheric keys alongside the soaring pipes that spread out across 5 very animated chapters, and “In alto mare” follows with expressive piano paired with very firm singing that builds into a highly emotive presence.

Further on, “Stornellatrice” finds a dreamy and melodic place to reside, while “Storia breve” brings waves of cascading beauty, where the keys twinkle with much warmth.

Approaching the end, the tense versus calm “Lagrime” has Fallon hitting some very high notes amid Bushakevitz’s precise playing, and “Nebbie” exits the listen with sparse moments in between the sublime interaction between the duo.

A pairing of unparalleled talent, the timbre control here is stunning, and the Mezzo vocals make every note worth repeated listens, even if Respighi’s work is unfamiliar to you.

Travels well with: William Grant Still- Summerland; Joann Falletta- Walton: The Complete Facades

Jacob Greenberg

Living Language

Furious Artisans, 2023

9/10

Listen to Living Language

The pianist Jacob Greenberg brings us a body of work of meticulous attention to musical style and the shifting cultural legacy that comes with these timeless pieces by Béla Bartók, George Lewis, Frédéric Chopin, Wang Lu and Leoš Janáček.

“Improvisations on Hungarian Peasant Songs” opens the listen with the very agile and intricate keys radiating warmth and beauty in the Bartók original, which can also be firm and swift, and George Lewis’ “Endless Shout” follows with a playful and upbeat demeanor that can find some lower registers, too.

Chopin’s “Four Mazurkas” lands in the middle, and presents melodic and flowing key acrobatics, while Wang Lu’s “Constellations Apart” focuses much on mood in the unpredictable album highlight. The final track, Janáček’s “In The Mists”, makes an impression, too, where a mild rumbling is met with very adventurous and dynamic playing.

Greenberg has seen global appreciation for his work in both solo and chamber settings, and his experience as a veteran member of the International Contemporary Ensemble certainly helps him interpret these works an unparalleled amount of precision and grace.

Travels well with: Mari Kawamura- Ma: Space Between; Icarus Quartet- Big Things

Louis Armstrong

Louis Wishes You A Cool Yule

Verve/UME, 2022

10/10

Listen to Louis Wishes You A Cool Yule

A first ever collection of holiday music from the legendary Louis Armstrong, his unmistakable trumpet and even more distinct, gravelly singing is again appreciated here, and there’s even a previously unreleased track present.

“Cool Yule” starts the listen with Armstrong’s world famous growl, as frisky drums, bouncy bass and his inimitable trumpet guide the playful climate, and “Winter Wonderland” follows with soft and emotive song craft that will have you peeking out the window for the possibility of snow, anytime of the year.

In the middle, Benny Carter And His Orchestra join ‘Satchmo’ for the timeless jazz nods of the brass fueled “Christmas In New Orleans”, while Gordon Jenkins And His Orchestra are on hand for the stirring and possibly best interpretation ever of “White Christmas”.

Further yet, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” spotlights Velma Middleton’s powerful pipes alongside Armstrongs gruffness in the charming duet, and, of course, “What A Wonderful World” is in attendance, and it’s still quite likely the best song ever recorded.

The project is available on colored vinyl, picture disc, CD and digitally, and the reading of the Samuel Clement Moore poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas”, which is set to piano from Sullivan Fortner, and is thought to be Armstrong’s last recording, is alone worth the price of admission.

Travels well with: Nina Simone- Little Blue Girl; Grant Green- Funk In France: From Paris To Antibes (1969-1970)

Éva Polgár

Liszt – Harmonies patriotiques et religieuses

Hunnia, 2022

8/10

Listen to Liszt – Harmonies patriotiques et religieuses

An esteemed recitalist, concerto soloist, chamber musician, recording artist, educator, and adjudicator, Éva Polgár brings her Hungarian heritage to these interpretations of Franz Liszt’s work.

“Sursum Corda. Erhebet eure Herzen, S163/7” starts the listen with warm keys and precise progressions that emit much beauty, and “Hungarian Coronation Mass, Benedictus, S501/1” follows with a rare intimacy that has Polgár playing with a very stirring appeal.

Further along, “Hungarian Rhapsody No.11, S244/11” quivers with a bit of mystery in its poetic landscape, while “Csardas, S225/1” offers more firm gestures that unfold with much imagination and skill.

Arriving deeper into the listen, “Psaume - de l’église á Généve, S156/7” makes for an emotive and uplifting album highlight, and “Legend No. 2, St. Francois de Paule marchant sur les flots, S175/2” exits with much attention on mood in the rumbling yet dreamy finish.

Polgár has an exceptional resume of performances and recorded music, and this solo affair is certainly another top notch effort that anyone with an ear for the piano will enjoy.

Travels well with: Dave Flynn- Irish Minimalism; Matthew McCright- Hanging By A Thread

Libby York

Dreamland

OA2, 2022

8/10

Listen to Dreamland

The inimitable vocalist Libby York is in fine company here, where Randy Napoleon, Rodney Whitaker and Keith Hall accompany her across these selections of old and new jazz that are delivered with a timeless warmth and intimacy.

“Hit The Road To Dreamland” opens the listen with precise bass plucking from Whitaker, as York’s expressive voice unfolds with a charming, cozy appeal, and “Estrada Branca (This Happy Madness)” follows with Napoleon’s shimmering guitar amid the poetic singing that’s quite memorable.

Packed in the middle, “Throw It Away” showcases Hall’s agile drumming alongside York’s distinct pipes, while “Still On The Road” is full of vivid storytelling that benefits much from the spirited guitar.

Moving towards the end, “An Occasional Man”, one of the fuller tunes, meshes the frisky drums and dreamy guitar work, and “It’s Love” exits the listen with all 4 players interacting with a very mature yet playful dynamic.

York’s armed with a very stylish, inviting tone, and Napoleon, Whitaker and Hall certainly impress us, too, with these thoughtful, cautious pieces that any fan of vocal jazz will adore.

Travels well with: Lincoln Goines- The Art Of The Bass Choir; Eric Jacobson- Discover

George Frederick Bristow/William Henry Fry

Classics Of American Romanticism

Bridge, 2022

8/10

Listen to Classics Of American Romanticism

A pairing of world class talent, George Frederick Bristow’s “Symphony No. 4 the ‘Arcadian’” is recorded here in its entirety for the first time, and it’s complemented by William Henry Fry’s “Niagara Symphony”.

Bristow’s 4 chapters open the listen, where the stirring strings of the intimate “Emigrants’ Journey Across The Plains” welcomes booming orchestra sounds, and “Halt On The Prairie” follows with a very soothing approach that showcases calm melodies amid much reflection and sophistication.

“Arrival At The New Home, Rustic Festivities, And Dancing” exits Bristow’s portion with bright drumming, firm strings and a very festive climate, and Fry’s “Niagara Symphony” closes the listen, and builds into a cathartic, triumphant display of thick drums, animated strings and tense bouts as well as bare ebbs of grace.

Fry and Bristow were among the first generation of significant, native-born composers of instrumental music in the United States, and these works sure have aged well and sound great under the conducting of Leon Botstein and the musicianship of The Orchestra Now.

Travels well with: Rune Most- Flute Concertos; David Starobin- W.T. Matiegka's Six Sonatas, Op. 31

Eric Goletz

Standard-ized!

CAP, 2023

8/10

Listen to Standard-ized!

The trombone extraordinaire Eric Goletz returns with his 3rd release in 3 years, and it’s an imaginative effort that brings modern jazz standards with a very stylish appeal that welcomes Don Braden’s soprano sax plus many other players.

“Now’s The Time” leads with Goletz’s animated brass alongside Steven Johns’ agile drumming and Brian Glassman’s intricate bass in the lively jazz climate, and “Just In Time” follows with a calmer pace that benefits much from playful bass plucking and soulful trombone prowess.

Moving along, the stylish “Train Shuffle” showcases Jim Ridl’s bouncy piano and Henry Heinitsh’s strategic guitar amid much melody, while “The Summer Knows” lands in balladry and has Goletz’s handling poetic piano alongside the dreamy, elegant strings.

Nearing the end, the lush, rich “Windmills Of Your Mind” places Lajuan Carter on vocals and Marco Panascia on electric bass for the album’s best, and “Overjoyed” exits with a sublime appeal of stirring trombone that truly does justice to the Stevie Wonder classic.

A listen that’s never short on funk, Latin, swing and jazz ideas, Goletz spent 30 years as a composer and sideman, and he brings that experience to interpretations of work by Charlie Parker, Horace Silver and Michel Legrand, among many others, that you’ll likely enjoy just as much as the originals.

Travels well with: Lakecia Benjamin- Phoenix; Wayne Shorter- Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis

Justin Benavidez

Storyteller

Bridge, 2022

8/10

Listen to Storyteller

The tuba extraordinaire Justin Benavidez brings us his skills in three new tuba concertos, two recent solos, and excellent transcriptions of works by Gustav Mahler and Claude Debussy across this very well executed listen.

Viet Cuong’s “Concerto For Tuba And Wind Ensemble” opens the listen with bright tuba and atmospheric winds from the Florida State Wind Ensemble, as the setting turns hazy later on, before finishing with much warmth, and “Songs Of A Wayfarer”, by Mahler, moves with much grace and intimacy between the soulful brass and Deloise Lima’s stirring piano.

Further on, Anna Baadsvik’s “New Kid” brings much atmosphere thanks to Benavidez’s poetic prowess and Lima’s articulate keys, while “Prelude From Suite Bergamaque” rumbles a bit amid the firm tuba playing and finger acrobatics on piano in the Debussy original.

The final track, Allen Vizzutti’s “Cityscape For Solo Tuba And Wind Ensemble”, recruits the Florida State University Symphonic Band to the cinematic and dynamic exit that comes entirely too soon.

An often overlooked member of the brass family, Benavidez showcases the rich possibilities and lower registers of the tuba with exceptional attention to detail, and it makes for 80 minutes you’ll want to revisit again.

Travels well with: Rune Most- Flute Concertos; George Walker- Five Piano Sonatas

Linda Carone

Lemon Twist

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Lemon Twist

A vocalist with a penchant for blues and jazz sounds, Canada’s Linda Carone is surrounded by some exceptional company on this lively sophomore album.

The title track wisely sits in the lead off position, and brings Jeremy Ledbetter’s warm keys and Ben Wittman’s agile drumming to the timeless jazz climate, and “Having It All” follows with a calmer pace thanks to the expressive singing and skilled bass from George Koller.

Occupying the middle spots, the soulful sax from Johnny Johnson complements Carone’s powerful pipes across “Free And Easy”, while “So Many Beautiful Men So Little Time” recruits Perry White on sax for the lighthearted and charming album highlight.

Closer to the end, “Don’t Be On The Outside” benefits much from Luis Orbegoso’s cultured percussion amid the animated keys and soaring vocals, and “Eso Es El Amor” exits with plenty of Latin flavor in the rhythmic and rich finish.

A listen that’s not easy to classify but very easy to enjoy, fans of jazz, retro-sounds, world music and blues from any period will find much to revisit on this fusion filled affair.

Travels well with: Jacqui Naylor- The Long Game; Kate Hamann- Momentary Beauty

Lakecia Benjamin

Phoenix

Whirlwind, 2023

8/10

Listen to Phoenix

The alto-saxophonist and composer Lakecia Benjamin brings an all-star cast for primarily originals that were penned across all the seasons and embrace plenty of varied jazz sensibilities.

“Amerikkan Skin” opens the listen with spoken word from Angela Davis, well timed synth from Julius ‘Orange Julius’ Rodriguez, as well as E.J. Strickland’s frisky drumming in the very topical tune about being black in America today, and “New Mornings” follows with an upbeat and stylish demeanor that benefits from Josh Evans’ animated trumpet and Jahmal Nichols’ skilled double bass.

Further along, “Jubilation” welcomes Patrice Rushen’s lively piano amid Benjamin’s dynamic and soaring sax acrobatics, while “Blast” showcases the poet Sonia Sanchez and Wallace Roney Jr.’s soulful trumpet alongside much melody and warmth.

Approaching the end, Wayne Shorter makes an appearance with spoken word on the brief, atmospheric “Supernova”, and a second version of “Amerikkan Skin” exits and again brings Davis’ spoken word to the police sirens and insightful commentary.

A very personal body of work, Phoenix contains plenty of spoken moments that leave no room for misinterpretation, and the music certainly tips its hat to those who have inspired Benjamin, and she, in turn, inspires anyone willing to listen.

Travels well with: Kris Allen- June; Eddie Palmieri- Sonido Solar

Mimi Fox Organ Trio

One For Wes

Origin, 2023

8/10

Listen to One For Wes

The esteemed guitarist Mimi Fox pays tribute to the late, great Wes Montgomery on the 100th anniversary of his birth, where Brian Ho brings his Hammond B3 Organ and Lorca Hart sits behind the drum kit for the 8 diverse tracks.

“Mr. White’s Blues” opens the listen with the frisky drums, spirited guitar and playful keys in the indeed blues-friendly sounds, and “Moanin’” follows with intimate guitar playing in a soulful, reflective climate.

“Judy’s Song” lands in the middle, and is full of dreamy and absorbing song craft in the calm delivery, while “Pack Of Lies” picks up the pace with swift organ prowess and agile drumming that makes this the album’s best.

Nearing the end, the meticulous and shimmering “For Django, Avec Amor” has the trio interacting with a sublime cautiousness, and “In My Life/Old Friends” exits with a very technical, emotive display that retains the spirit of those who penned it, i.e. John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Paul Simon.

An excellent tribute to an artist who inspired legions of others, Fox and company are extremely skilled in blues, funk, bebop and balladry across this fascinating body of work.

Travels well with: Hal Galper- Ivory Forest Redux; Rodney Whitaker- Oasis

Catherine Lee

Remote Together

Redshift, 2022

8/10

Listen to Remote Together

A skilled oboist and improviser, Catherine Lee returns with a sophomore solo album, where themes of pandemic culture are put through cathartic, adventurous and atypical songs with a rare, sonic appeal.

Josh Nobles’ “Nocturne” starts the listen with solo oboe, where a very eloquent and meticulous delivery is quite expressive, and Dana Reason’s “Chanson de Fleurs: Eleanor of Aquitaine” pairs the stirring oboe with soundscapes that give the track a very nature-esque appeal.

Residing in the middle, “Alluvium”, by Taylor Brook, brings dreamy electronics to the synthetic versus organic ambience, while “Red Eyes, Green Lion’s Teeth, Golden Heads” recruits tape to the oboe d’amore for a more percussive focused display amid the flowing oboe of the Julian Snow piece.

The final two tracks are among the best, where Matt Carlson’s “Chiasmus” blends french horn and synthesizer into a unique buzzing, droning landscape, and Lee and Juniana Lanning’s “Silkys” exits with the oboe, field recordings and sound manipulation making an indelible impression.

A body of work that’s often reflective and addresses the dynamics of transformation, there’s a very artistic presence that comes with a profound familiarity with her instrument, and the technical demeanor is nothing short of stunning.

Travels well with: Instruments Of Happiness- Slow, Quiet Music In Search Of Electric Happiness; Joseph Petric- Seen

New York Festival Of Song

Paul Bowles: A Picnic Cantata

NYFOS, 2022

8/10

Listen to Paul Bowles: A Picnic Cantata

Recorded at Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center on February 22 and 23, 2017, this very well thought out listen showcases the artists Amanda Lynn Bottoms (mezzo-soprano), Amy Owens (soprano), Chelsea Shephard (soprano), Naomi Louisa O’Connell (mezzo-soprano), Barry Centanni (percussion), Michael Barrett (piano) and Steven Blier (artistic director).

“I Feel Funny Today” opens the listen with flowing keys from Michael Barrett and soaring sopranos in the very expressive and adventurous climate, and “In Our Search For Order” follows with meticulous harmonizing amid the intimate piano playing.

Further along, the bright spirit of “Happy Birthday, Taurus!” also showcases calmer moments of grace and beauty, while “I Knew This Other Man Was Married” trims the pace back with powerful singing and glorious piano playing.

Landing near the end, the busy and frisky “I Never Miss The Garden Section” uses firm keys and several voices for the textured album highlight, and “How Quick We Came From Where We Were” focuses much on the proficient piano and precise group vocals.

Originally performed in 1953 with the piano duo of Arthur Gold and Robert Fizdale, the composer Bowles and the poet James Schuyler, this classical and opera heavy interpretation illustrates incredible skill and a flawless delivery.

Travels well with: Yarn/Wire- Andrew McIntosh: Little Jimmy; Lorelei Ensemble- Antigone

Tyler Mitchell Octet

Sun Ra’s Journey

Cellar, 2022

9/10

Listen to Sun Ra’s Journey

The bassist extraordinaire Tyler Mitchell brings his veteran jazz experience to these reworkings of Sun Ra Arkestra classics, which were tracked live at Smalls Jazz Club.

“Care Free” starts the listen with bright sax and Wayne Smith’s very precise drumming, as Mitchell’s agile bass guides the rhythmic jazz climate, and “Velvet” follows with the fluid brass interacting with the playful percussion and Farid Barron’s dynamic piano playing.

Halfway through, “Eddie Harris” trims the pace back with soulful, intimate song craft that benefits much from the eloquent sax playing, while “Bouncing At Smalls” is quite adventurous with its squealing horns, frisky keys and lively percussion in a free jazz sort of way.

Arriving near the end, “Cosmic Hop” isn’t short on energy and precision, where Mitchell’s bass playing sure does make an impression, and “Fate In A Pleasant Mood” exits with a stylish and light hearted display of thoughtful, timeless jazz.

A set that truly captures the essence of Sun Ra’s work with power, richness and strong attention to detail, Mitchell and company certainly do the legend’s legacy proud with this superb live recording.

Travels well with: The Heavy Hitters- The Heavy Hitters; Aaron Seeber- First Move

Bitter Moon & After 5:08

Berliner Kinder

Blau Blau, 2022

8/10

Listen to Berliner Kinder

A highly creative duo from Switzerland, Bitter Moon brings much atmosphere and color to their unique brand of pop that never stays in one place for long and makes quite an impression across these 6 tracks.

“Pretty In The Dark” opens the listen with hushed vocals and hypnotic electronica, as a soothing dreaminess enters the hazy delivery, and the title track follows with a chilling ambience that’s cinematic and mysterious.

“Atmen” and “In Dreams” occupy the middle spots, where the former emits beauty and sophistication amid a low rumbling, and the latter is awash in sci-fi friendly minimalism that uses soft singing like an instrument.

The last 2 tracks continue the exploratory formula, as “Tränenpalast” flows with a striking ambience that’s even a bit haunting, and “Krad eht ni Ytterp” finishes with a rare presence of sparse percussive sounds that are acutely focused.

A truly unclassifiable listen, Bitter Moon’s synthetic and distinct pop prowess never follows any predictable avenues, and that’s definitely part of the charm of this atypical record.

Travels well with: TYTO- Mirai; Unik Ubik- I’m Not Feng Shui

Tungz

A Good Dream

Heist Or Hit, 2023

8/10

Listen to A Good Dream

The debut album from the psych-pop quartet Tungz, they certainly don’t hide their admiration of ABBA across these 11 shimmering tracks.

“If” opens the listen with a light buzzing, as soulful vocals enter the dance-pop climate that radiates warmth, and “80,000” follows with crisp percussive sounds amid the layered vocals and playful beats.

Further on, “Nothing To Do With You” mixes softer, dreamy moments with groove filled pop that seems indebted to the ‘70s, while “One Night” uses processed vocals and dense synth work for the snappy and animated album highlight.

Nearing the end, the hypnotic “Messages” is packed with bright melodies and sugary-pop ideas, and “A Good Dream” exits with a hazily textured and acutely memorable finish.

An excellent starting point that flirts with ‘70s soul, ‘80s funk and psychedelic swagger, for fans of ABBA or anything similar to today’s retro-pop meets dance floor sounds, A Good Dream is a great time.

Travels well with: Blue Amber- Rockland’s Workshop; St. Arnaud- Love And The Front Lawn

Ben Davis Jr.

Suthernahia

Self-Released, 2019

9/10

Listen to Suthernahia

Born in Southern Ohio, Ben Davis Jr. and his band The Revelry construct some very thoughtful tunes on the appropriately titled Suthernahia, and their meshing of roots, country, punk and folk, among other genres, makes for an enlightening, engaging listen.

“I Think You Should” starts the listen with lush Americana sounds as Davis Jr.’s husky vocals guide the way through power and melody, and “Can’t Get Enough” follows with a rockabilly spirit that’s a little bit rowdy and a whole lot of fun.

Further along, “Porchlight” offers a quieter moment of campfire-esque songcraft, while “Sunday Morning” blends blues influences into the riff friendly, roots rock setting.

Near the end, “(I’m Doing") Fine Girl” recruits softer percussion on the alt-country highlight, and “Carly” ends the listen bare, with much intimacy and melancholy in the rustic beauty.

A listen that primarily surrounds relationships, Davis Jr. and company are always eloquent, unpredictable and absolutely one of the most dynamic outfits in today’s Americana scene.

Travels well with: Steve Earle- Guy; David Childers- Run Skeleton Run