Caravela Escarlate

III

Karisma, 2022

8/10

Listen to III

A Brazilian outfit with a penchant for both English and Brazilian prog-rock, Caravela Escarlate return with a 3rd album that touches on historical contexts that point towards Roman Empire, Medieval Times, Pre-Columbian Civilizations and the Age of Discovery.

“Bússola do Tempo” gets the listen off to a busy and driving start, where the thumping drums and swift keys are met with expressive singing, and “Castelos do Céu” follows with a dreamy, rhythmic demeanor that’s a bit nostalgic and not short on melody, too.

In the middle, “Mandala” brings much pretty and atmospheric musicianship to the agile climate, while “Cruz da Ordem” recruits a cinematic appeal that’s a bit haunting, full of bouncy bass and acrobatic keyboards that help make this the album’s best.

The final track, “Filtro dos Sonhos”, puts a firm exclamation point on the affair, and is textured precisely with rich, progressive and dynamic interaction between the trio.

The band consists of Jove David Paiva (bass, guitar, vocals), Elcio Cáfaro (drums), and Ronaldo Rodrigues (keyboards), and together they make for a very unique and worldly version of prog-rock that covers much ground in these very well developed 7 tracks.

Travels well with: Tusmørke- Intetnett; Jordsjø- Jord Sessions

Shira Elias

Services The EP

Self-Released, 2022

7/10

Listen to Services The EP

The LA vocalist Shira Elias returns with her sophomore EP, where her R&B nods and no lack of grooves populate these 6 very well developed tracks.

“Toxic” starts the listen with a warm dreaminess, where Elias’ expressive vocals are met with gentle and flowing pop sounds, and “HOOK’D” continues this formula with plenty of funk flavor alongside the more acute drumming in the playful climate.

In the middle, the intimate “ILSD” welcomes Swatkins for the atmospheric keys that suit the colorful and diverse singing, while “Earth Sun”, the EP’s best, showcases Elias’ impressive pipes in the soulful, energetic and stylish delivery. “OK” exits the listen, and it’s a piano focused finish that’s very much in tune with today’s pop ideas in an R&B sort of way.

Often romantic, and more confident than ever, this body of work has Elias coming into her own in her new city, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if she’s a prominent name in the pop scene very soon.

Travels well with: Con Brio- Explorer; Dumpstaphunk- Where Do We Go From Here

Holly Burke/Bill Runge/Linda Lee Thomas

Dreamride

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Dreamride

After a multi-year struggle with post-concussion syndrome, the composer Holly Burke sat down at the piano again, and, along with her collaborator Bill Runge, they fleshed out these lovely solo piano pieces that Linda Lee Thomas performs here.

The funky 6/8 rhythm of “New” opens the listen, and just invites one to move to the lifting and melodic playing, and “Butterfly” follows with much beauty amid the dancing keys that float and wander much like the insect itself.

Further along, the lively “Shapeshifter” has the keys being used in firm, memorable ways in 6/8 time, while the tango “Amoroso” takes inspiration from Astor Piazolla for the stirring and animated album highlight.

Residing closer to the end, “Fall” embraces transition with its sweet demeanor that takes nods to the ballad “Fairytales”, by Hugh Fraser, and “Music For Maple” exits the listen with a charming waltz that illustrates Burke’s and Runge’s diverse vision and Thomas’ exceptional talent.

Thomas has an impressive resume that includes being the principal pianist with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra since 1972, and this charming body of work touches on pop, jazz, tango, and classical ideas with incredible skill and a captivating, poetic appeal.

Travels well with: Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra- Voices: A Musical Heritage; Will Bonness- Change Of Plans

Steven Beck

Charles Wuorinen: A Tribute

Bridge, 2022

8/10

Listen to Charles Wuorinen: A Tribute

The American pianist Steven Beck pays tribute to both Charles Wuorinen and J.S. Bach here, and it’s a dynamic, intricate and dramatic display of his excellent and exciting skills.

The first half of the listen belongs to Wuorinen’s work, where “The Haroun Piano Book” opens with the expressive, sometimes mysterious keys unfolding with playfulness and intimacy, and “Etude (For Chords And Dynamic Balance)” follows with great use of space and tension in the very focused, mood oriented display.

Deeper into this portion, “Adagio” is full of meticulous and cautious ideas, while “Scherzo” is quite animated in its frisky and unpredictable demeanor.

Bach’s section leads with the 32 movements of “Goldberg Variations”, where the precise finger gestures capture the essence of the legend’s work with incredible dexterity, and “Prelude And Fugue In A Major, BWV 864” exits the dancing keys making for much melody in the very quick execution.

Beck’s been quite prolific lately, offering us his inimitable work with George Walker's Five Piano Sonatas not long ago, and he continues that direction with this superb tribute record.

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

Joe Locke

Makram

Circle 9, 2022

9/10

Listen to Makram

Perhaps the most esteemed vibraphonist in jazz for many decades now, Joe Locke brings his quartet plus several guests for this stylish, creative and timeless jazz affair.

“Love For Sale” opens the listen with swift drumming by Samvel Sarkisyan, as Locke’s acrobatic vibes sure do make an impression in the animated climate, and “Raise Heaven (For Roy)” follows with a calm pace of dreamy, intimate song craft that benefits much from Doug Beavers’ trombone and Eric C. Davis’ French horn.

Halfway through, “Elegy For Us” showcases Jennifer Wharton’s tuba prowess in the radiant and reflective album highlight, while “Tushkin” welcomes Tim Garland’s flute for the warm melodies and dynamic landscape that’s quite cinematic.

Moving towards the end, the graceful piano from Jim Ridl on “Song For Vic Juris” helps make for a poetic and highly expressive track, and “Lush Life” exits the listen with Locke’s vibes front and center, which are complemented by Lorin Cohen’s precise bass and strong attention to mood.

A fascinating listen that’s packed with plenty of artistic qualities amid the lively interaction that yields a very unique energy, though you may not be used to vibes taking such focus in jazz music, you’re going to really appreciate how Locke does it.

Travels well with: Kenny Barron- The Source; Kirk Lightsey- Live At Smalls Jazz Club

Kenny Barron

The Source

Artwork, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Source

The esteemed pianist Kenny Barron returns with his first solo piano album since 1981, where 4 originals and 5 covers comprise the well thought out and precisely delivered intimacy.

“What If” opens the listen with the meticulous and skilled key progressions that are quite exciting, and “Isfahan” follows with flowing, melodic playing that carries plenty of timeless ideas.

In the middle, the aptly titled “Daydreams” indeed carries a dreamy spirit of elegance, while “I’m Confessin’” moves swiftly, charmingly and mesmerizes us with its strong attention to detail.

Residing near the end, “Sunshower” carries a hypnotic quality that’s executed flawlessly, and “Phantoms” exits with absorbing yet playful patterns of superb piano prowess that few others could parallel.

It’s certainly not surprising that Barron has racked up 11 Grammy Nominations, and this return to solo piano should gain him even more praise. Let’s just hope it isn’t another 4 decades until he decides to do another one.

Travels well with: Simon Belelty- Pee Wee; Kirk Lightsey- Live At Smalls Jazz Club

Chris Cleverley

Broadcast The Secret Verse

Self-Released, 2022

10/10

Listen to Broadcast The Secret Verse

A UK artist with a penchant for dream-folk ideas, this 4th album from Chris Cleverley welcomes John Patrick Elliott (The Little Unsaid/Reveal Records) on production duties for the lo-fi folk, ambient, IDM, dream-pop and post-rock influenced affair.

“Borderlands” begins the listen with a very calming, meditative quality, where warm acoustic guitar and gentle singing makes an impression that might remind you of Elliott Smith amid the hazy backing vocals, and “Chlorophyll” follows with a flowing, folk based template that benefits much from Rob Pemberton’s agile drumming.

In the middle, the darker textures of “Eight Of Swords” recruit Lukas Drinkwater’s atmospheric bass and plenty of dense, ambient waves for the cinematic appeal, while “Paradise” is upbeat, melodic and showcases Cleverley’s skilled acoustic guitar and absorbing vocals for the superb dream-folk.

Advancing towards the end, “The Centre Cannot Hold” uses firm piano strategically in the emotive and precisely layered album highlight, and “If I’d Have Listened” exits the listen with a wiser Cleverley looking back and reflecting with a full, pop friendly finish.

Whether this is your first time with Cleverley or you’re an unwavering fan, you’re going to find much to enjoy, and the acutely effective nylon string guitar, banjo synths, piano, programming, ukulele, and ebow from Cleverley, not to mention Lucy Farrell’s vocals, Kathy Pilkinton’s vocals, Graham Coe’s cello and Ellliot’s piano and programming, certainly adds to the captivating experience.

Travels well with: Tod Lippy- Closer Than They Appear; Ewan MacFarlane- Always Everlong

Baborák Ensemble

Horn Quintets

Animal, 2022

8/10

Listen to Horn Quintets

The globally praised horn player Radek Baborák brings us pieces by three romantic authors, and they’re arranged for French horn and string quartets that includes Milan Al-Ashhab and Martina Bačová (violin), Karel Untermüller (viola), and Hana Baboráková (cello).

Johannes Brahms’ “Quintet in G Major, Op. 111” opens the listen with the soulful brass and dynamic strings interacting with much energy, emotion and grace that flows across 4 movements of very gripping song craft.

The stirring pieces by Alexander Glazunov arrive in the middle, where much intimacy and warmth populates “Serenade No. 2, Op. 11”, while “Idyll, Op. 14” allows the French horn to set the mood with a very soothing, cinematic appeal.

The final track, Jean Sibelius’ “Quintet in G Minor ‘Kayratorvi’”, moves with a very focused and expressive musicianship, where the climate builds into an uplifting, ebullient display of power, melody and charm.

Baborák handles the French horn meticulously here, and the strings don’t disappoint, either, as the ensemble bring both classical and romantic ideas into a very accomplished listen.

Travels well with: Radek Baborák- Des Knaben Wunderhorn; Aneta Majerová- Mieczyslaw Weinberg: Children´s Notebooks

Christopher McBride

Ramon

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Ramon

The Harlem Saxophonist and Grammy Nominee Christopher McBride returns with his 2nd album that embraces his musical experiences from childhood, and they’re all originals that welcome an excellent assembly of musicians.

“Lady D” gets the listen off to a very lively start, where the swift brass and Noah Jackson’s playful bass lines help shape the song about McBride’s mother, and “Welcome” follows with a calmer pace that actually is a verbal introduction to the entire cast.

Further along, J Hoard’s very soulful singing suits McBride’s expressive sax on “Your Eyes Can’t Lie”, while “Intimacy” recruits Morgan Burrs on guitar amid Jonathan Edward Thomas’ agile piano playing for the reflective album highlight.

Deeper still, “Stand Your Ground” unfolds across 3 movements, and addresses the murder of Trayvon Martin with atmospheric bass plucking, swift trumpet and firm keys complementing the precise sax, and Kenny Bentley’s tuba is used well in the festive and animated, dance floor ready, “Girl Get’Em”.

A listen that often swings with an infectious energy, McBride and company embrace the spirit of Chicago, New Orleans and New York here, and R&B and post-bop nods are certainly in attendance for this diverse and very sincere, grateful, jazz endeavor.

Travels well with: Darmon Meader- Losing My Mind; Tito Carrillo- Urbanessence

Steve Hill

Dear Illusion

No Label, 2022

9/10

Listen to Dear Illusion

The veteran blues-rock guitarist Steve Hill returns with his 12th album, and it’s one of his most personal and introspective yet, where the firm, upfront and loud blues doesn’t let up for the entire affair.

“All About The Love” makes an immediate impression, and opens up the listen with a dense and thumping version of blues rock which showcases Hill’s rugged pipes and intricate guitar playing that's complemented by booming horns, and “Keep It Together” follows with spirited harmonica alongside soulful brass and a lively rhythm section.

“Steal The Light From You” occupies the middle spot, and is full of melodic swagger that you could certainly dance to, while “Don’t Let The Truth Get In The Way (Of A Good Story)” recruits driving guitars and acrobatic drumming for the pounding, anthemic album highlight.

Approaching the end, the timeless blues of “She Gives Lessons In Blues” shines in its meticulous yet playful delivery, and “Until The Next Time” exits with a soothing dreaminess, where the excellent bass lines mesh well with Hill’s reflective guitar tone and expressive singing.

This record didn’t come without a tremendous amount of work across 6 years in the making, and Hill is in the company of The Devil Horns, as well as the drummer extraordinaire Wayne Proctor, who contributions are nothing short of stunning. A true renaissance man, Hill even illustrated a comic book for the album, to accompany the equally vivid song craft.

Travels well with: Todd Sharpville- Medication Time; Al Basile- Through With Cool

Mary Foster Conklin

These Precious Days

Mock Turle, 2023

8/10

Listen to These Precious Days

The New York jazz vocalist Mary Foster Conklin brings us a soulful listen that surrounds love and loss, and she’s got an all star cast of players along with her for the occasion.

“Summertime” opens the listen with Ed Howard’s bouncy bass alongside Conklin’s very expressive vocals amid Sara Caswell’s stirring violin in the unique jazz climate, and “Some Cats Know” follows with Guilherme Monteiro’s spirited guitar alongside the cozy singing of the charming delivery.

Halfway through, “Scars” uses both singing and talking in the lush, emotive demeanor that benefits much from John Di Martino’s elegant piano, while “Just For Now” is textured precisely with Vince Cherico’s agile drums complementing Conklin’s diverse range.

Arriving close to the end, “Rainbow” offers a poetic and very eloquent album highlight that truly showcases the powerful singing, and “September Song” exits the listen with a sublime intimacy that’s populated by graceful keys, quivering strings and, of course, Conklin’s inimitable pipes.

This is Conklin’s 5th album, and like everything she’s done, it’s heartfelt, timeless and a lot of fun, as the interpretations of lesser known jazz and pop songs are illuminated with much creativity.

Travels well with: Libby York- Dreamland; Robert Donnay- Blossom-ing!

The Heart Collectors

Timeless Space

Spins The Gold, 2023

9/10

Listen to Timeless Space

A folk inspired quartet with a penchant for the harmonies of the ‘70s, these Covid penned songs from The Heart Collectors thematically surround when the world came to a halt, via the 5 cautious tracks present.

The quick listen opens with a love song, where “Eyes Wide Open” uses acoustic guitar, banjo and Celtic influences for the absorbing Americana meets folk sounds that welcomes gorgeous singing, and “Sirius” follows with an atmospheric, sometimes haunting precisely delivered EP highlight that makes great use of 4 part harmonies.

Halfway through, “Inside Out” showcases elegant finger picking, where the cello highlights the swirling melodies and dreamy singing, while “You Were Gone” recruits piano, strings and ambient vocals for the intimate landscape. The final track, “Pieces II”, finds a more rootsy place to reside, where banjo is employed strategically, and the echoing voices are captivating.

An extremely alluring listen, the subtle bluegrass, country and moutain-esque moments won’t go unnoticed, as The Heart Collectors continue to impress with their unique and progressive version of folk sounds.

Travels well with: Helen Townsend- Love Lies ‘N’ Leaving; Kim Beggs- Steel And Wool

Frances Luke Accord

Safe In Sound

Two-Dale, 2023

8/10

Listen to Safe In Sound

A duo made up of Nicholas Gunty and Brian Powers, as Frances Luke Accord the Chicago residents birth a nostalgic brand of indie-folk that’s also progressive and timeless.

“Window” starts the listen with soft guitar and equally gentle singing in the dreamy, emotive climate, and “Dust To Dust” follows with warmly strummed guitar amid a soothing atmosphere that welcomes poetic vocals.

Elsewhere, “Thank You, Derrick Watson” moves with a mesmerizing appeal thanks to the pretty progressions on guitar and the very distinct singing that hits some pretty high notes, while “This Morning” features Liz Chidester for the harmonic, almost spiritual delivery that’s quite gripping.

Nearing the end, “All The Things” benefits much from banjo, percussive sounds and whistling in the rootsy album highlight, and “In My Life” exits with help from Darlingside for the lush, textured folk-rock finish.

A listen that might bring to mind legends like Simon & Garfunkel, as well as modern day heroes such as Bon Iver or Rocky Votolato, anyone with an interest in indie-folk will be impressed with these 11 well thought out songs.

Travels well with: Dawg Yawp- Dawg Yawp; H.C. McEntire- Every Acre

3D Jazz Trio

9 To 5

Diva, 2022

9/10

Listen to 9 to 5

An assembly of crazy cat ladies who also happen to be very skilled at swinging, powerful jazz, Jackie Warren, Amy Shook, and Sherrie Maricle, i.e. 3D Jazz Trio, bring us songs that have been in their arsenal for years, and were laid down just for this record.

“I Only Have Eyes” for you starts the listen with Maricle’s frisky drumming and Warren’s adventurous piano meeting at a very warm, unpredictable place, and “Tin Tin Deo” follows with careful progressions on keys aligning with the lively rhythm section.

The title track lands in the middle, and emits a nice balance of grace and exploration, as the meticulously bowed cello is met with thumping drums, while “Some Other Time” resides in intimate areas of dreamy, reflective song craft thanks to Warren’s sophisticated playing.

At the end, “Blues For G-C” bops and shakes with an infectious energy that certainly tips its hat to the blues, and “Theme For B.T.” finishes with an animated and cozy tribute to a Brown Tabby that purrs in all the right places.

Another excellent outing for 3D Jazz Trio, the Afro-Cuban influences and no lack of colorful moments will be sure to win over any jazz fan.

Travels well with: Libby York- Dreamland; Wil Swindler’s Elevenet- Space Bugs: Live In Denver

Dave Stryker

Prime

Strikezone, 2023

8/10

Listen to Prime

As if Dave Stryker’s super guitar playing wasn’t enough, he brings along Jared Gold on organ and McClenty Hunter behind the drum kit for these 8 new pieces and a timeless standard.

“Prime” starts the listen with swift drums and agile guitar in the very radiant and flowing climate, and “Lockdown” follows with a calmer pace of reflective progressions from Stryker, as Gold cultivates a very warm mood with his keys.

“Hope” and “As We Were” land in the middle, where the former has the trio interacting with playfulness and restraint, and focuses much on Gold’s finger acrobatics, while the latter emits a very intimate appeal that’s stylish, too.

The lone standard, “I Should Care”, arrives close to the end, and spotlights Stryker’s clever, charming guitar prowess amid the bright organ, and “Dude’s Lounge” exits with shimmering grooves, unpredictable song craft and lively jazz nods that we could never tire of.

There is just no bad place to start in Stryker’s lengthy and exceptional catalog of music, and fans of guitar driven jazz need not look any further than Prime to find one of the best to ever do it.

Travels well with: Dave Stryker- As We Are; Jared Gold- Reemergence

Galan Trio

Kinesis

Neuma, 2023

8/10

Listen Kinesis

The Galan Trio, i.e. Petros Bouras (piano), Babis Karasavvdis (violin) and Marina Kolovou (cello), spent their lockdown wisely, and it results in this double album of 10 brand new pieces that commissions US based composers, some of which have Greek heritage.

Paul Richards’ “Hairpin Turn” opens the listen with the playful strings and dancing keys making an indelible impression amid the carefully plucked cello, and Martin Gendelman’s “Ictus” follows with a bit of a haunting quality that uses firm piano and strong attention to mood in a cinematic sort of way.

Further on in Disc 1, “Look Of Sky”, by Scott Robbins, displays intimate playing from Bouras alongside the quivering strings, while Ken Steen’s “Attempting To Conjure Joy” leads off Disc 2 with the flowing keys alongside the soaring, uplifting violin playing.

Deeper into the back half, John Levey’s “Ghost Town Sounds” unfolds across 3 movements of meticulous string interaction that’s heartfelt, even dreamy, and “Piano Trio #1- Kinematic Contraption”, by David Martynuik, exits with charming keys making for a dynamic, animated, and focused finish.

A very unique listen that’s artistic, orchestral and chamber tinted, and truly does encapsulate the difficult emotions of the pandemic, Galan Trio’s inimitable vision is expertly captured here.

Travels well with: Stefanie Abderhalden and Kyle Flens- Ilta; Juraj Kojs- Orchid Music

Skip Grasso

Becoming

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Becoming

The Baltimore jazz guitarist, composer and arranger Skip Grasso makes quite an impression with this debut as bandleader, where Harvie S, Billy Drummond and Anthony Pocetti join him for the 8 eclectic originals.

“Belew’s Knot” opens the listen with Pocetti’s very elegant keys meshing with the frisky drums in the very warm climate, and “Harvie Livingston Seagull” follows with Grasso’s dreamy guitar illuminating the mesmerizing, soothing delivery of the cinematic album highlight.

“Don’t Forget” and “Canto Belo” arrive in the middle, where the former is full of frisky progressions amid the bouncy bass lines from Harvie, while the latter moves with a sublime intimacy that showcases the agile keys and stirring guitar work.

Advancing towards the end, the fuller “For Lou Lou, Where Ever You Are” glides with dynamic melodies and meticulous interaction between the quartet, and “Spring Forward” exits with an upbeat pace that benefits much from the stunning rhythm section and Grasso’s fluid six string.

Hopefully the first of many recordings with Grasso at the helm, both bare and busier moments populate this timeless jazz affair, and it’s one you can’t listen to just once.

Travels well with: Dave Stryker- As We Are; Doug MacDonald- I’ll See You In My Dreams

Darmon Meader

Losing My Mind

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Losing My Mind

The vocalist, saxophonist, arranger and composer Darmon Meader brings us a handful of selections from the Great American Songbook, plus a couple of originals, and he’s got some excellent help to flesh out the meticulous affair.

“It Could Happen To You” opens the listen with warm vocal scatting, before expressive singing and Andy Ezrin’s charming piano enters the uplifting delivery, and the title track follows with Ben Wittman’s agile drumming and Steve Kenyon’s dreamy flute complementing Meader’s well timed clarinet.

Halfway through, “Gaia’s Lament”, an original, finds an intimate place to reside, where Marcello Pellitteri’s brushed drums and Ezrin’s elegant keys match Meader’s smooth singing, while “I Hear Music” makes great use of Jay Anderson’s strategic bass amid graceful pipes and, later on, a swifter demeanor.

Approaching the end, “All My Loving” showcases Romero Lubambo’s swirling guitar and the romantic singing in the McCartney and Lennon classic, and “The Song Is You” exits with a bouncy, animated and timeless spirit that is populated by Frank Greene and Scotty Barnhart’s booming trumpets and Mike Davis and Jay Ashby’s radiant trombones in the big band finish.

Meader is also a founding member of New York Voices, and this sophomore solo outing has him interpreting classic songs with much appeal, and his own tunes are equally enjoyable, too.

Travels well with: Jonathan Mills- No Mentions, No Worries; Andy Adamson Quintet- A Coincidence Of Cats

Jesse Davis

Live At Smalls Jazz Club

Cellar, 2023

8/10

Listen to Live At Smalls Jazz Club

A long running alto-saxophonist who has been prominent in the jazz scene for nearly 4 decades now, Jesse Davis is joined by Spike Wilner, Peter Washington and Joe Farnsworth for this set of ‘neo-bop’ tunes.

“Gingerbread Boy” opens the listen with Davis’ animated sax amid Farnsworth’s frisky drums in the energetic climate, and “Ceora” follows with Washington’s proficient bass work complementing the soulful brass and well timed drums.

At the midpoint, Wilner’s warm piano is met with intimate sax that’s quite stirring, while “Juicy Lucy” flows with an upbeat and rhythmic demeanor that has Davis showcasing his acrobatic brass skills.

“Street Of Dreams” and “Love For Sale” exit the listen, where the former unfolds with much attention to mood in the dreamy delivery, and the latter finishes with all 4 players contributing their talents in dynamic, lively and memorable ways.

A very lively interpretation of 8 jazz standards, Davis and company put much heart and soul in Davis’ return to New York City, and the all star rhythm section backing him illuminates his instrument superbly.

Travels well with: Aaron Seeber- First Move; Kirk Lightsey- Live At Smalls Jazz Club

Ben Eunson

ACE

Ocean Road, 2019

8/10

Listen to ACE

A long running guitarist from Australia who now resides in New York City, Ben Eunson has built an impressive resume playing with John Legend, Marcus Strickland and Queen Latifah, among others, and this debut album brings Alexander Claffy on electric bass and Kush Abadey behind the drum kit.

A very meticulous effort, “Ace Of Hearts” offers strong, thriving rhythms as jam band and prog-rock ideas enter the proficient tune, and “Three Of A Kind” follows a similar path, but with a soaring setting and crisp percussion that’s immediately memorable.

Other album highlights include the restrained, dynamic jazz influenced “Growing Pains”, the rich, playful and soothing sounds of “Ocean Grove”, and one of the most adventurous tracks, the bristling, driving energy and blues solos of “Flight Of The Aces”

A young musician with an old soul, Eunson’s debut album is a stunning collection of varied sounds, and his chemistry with Claffy and Abadey results in a fine instrumental record that’s worth multiple spins.

Travels well with: Kurt Rosenwinkel- Starts Of Jupiter; John Scofield- A Moment’s Peace