Ben Gage

Two Singing Songs

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Two Singing Songs

The multi-instrumentalist and powerful storyteller Ben Gage brings us 10 very personal songs, where Dan Socha and Tuck Mindrum accompanies him for a folk-friendly and heart felt listen.

“Company” opens the record with warm acoustic guitar and soft, very poetic singing in the bare climate that uses Gage’s harmonica with much care, and “Blue Bird” follows with a quicker pace of playful guitar and a dreamy backdrop.

Halfway through, the highly expressive “Messenger Bird” comes with light melodies and much sincerity, while “Cold Finger Blues” is a fuller, bluesy album highlight that uses drums strategically amid the cozy harmonica and soulful singing.

“Losing Steam” and “Wish” exit the listen, where the former is a gentle duet of back to basics, stripped back folk songwriting, and the latter brings talk/singing to the intimate storytelling of the charming finish.

A listen that balances the ideas of love and sorrow, Gage and company blend bits of Americana, roots and blues into their personal but universally relatable and timeless vision.

Travels well with: Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus- Big Red Gibson; Jared Dustin Griffin- Battle Cry Mercy

Seulah Noh Jazz Orchestra

NohMAD

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to NohMAD

The pianist, composer and conductor Seulah Noh may have been classically trained, but this listen is fully immersed in jazz, and recruits many players for the 6 originals and 2 arrangements.

The incredibly rich “L’illusionniste” opens the listen with Song Yi Jeon’s stunning pipes and Dabin Ryu’s elegant keys adding much to the dreamy, powerful climate, and “Arrogant Or Elegant” follows with Kevin Scollin’s warm guitar complementing Willis Edmundson’s agile drumming, plus the bright brass.

In the middle, “Heartsong” welcomes Will Fredendall’s diverse flute prowess amid Benjamin Young’s clever upright bass and the textured brass, while “Traveler’s Suite” unfolds across 3 chapters of emotive strings from Hannah Chaewon Kim and Haekyung Ju’s stirring violin, Julian Senery’s moody viola and Claire Deokyong Kim’s poetic cello.

The last track before a 2nd version of the lead off tune is “Have You Heard”, where Kan Yanabe’s playful percussion aligns with a highly dynamic and creative meshing of winds, brass and a lively rhythm section.

There’s 17 players in the band, and the diversity present is quite impressive, where the songs contain bits and pieces of the experiences that Noh has gathered as Seoul, Korea native, and it’s parlayed it into some first rate jazz.

Travels well with: Vincent Lyn- Elysian Eclipse; Jimmy Haslip- New Dreams

Susie Tallman

Let’s All Sing

Rock Me Baby, 2023

8/10

Listen to Let’s All Sing

This 10th album from the award winning Susie Tallman brings in plenty of guests for both traditionals and originals that are a whole lot of fun.

The upbeat and pop friendly “Garden Of Sounds” enlists Greg O’Connor for the playful talking and singing, and “The Crawdad Song” follows with Scott Durbin for the swampy, country energy that you could and should dance to.

In the middle, “Gotta Give Love” offers a summery and dreamy ‘80s appeal that benefits from Suzi Shelton, while the cozy guitar and Tallman’s flowing voice makes the Americana tinted “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” one of the album’s best, and it welcomes Michael Reilly Burke.

Landing near the end, the gorgeous “Peace Like A River” is incredibly calming and takes help from Bianca Sings, and “Che Che Koolay” exits with G. Kobiana Nakigan in attendance for the cultured, percussively strong and meticulous finish.

A listen that puts a charming twist on songs we’re all familiar with, plus plenty of enjoyable tunes of her own, Tallman and company create a listen that’s geared for the entire family and it appropriate whenever a good time is necessary.

Travels well with: You & Us- Calming A Panic; Marsha And The Positrons- Energetic

Herb Silverstein

Aspenrose: Live At The Opera House

Silver Tunes, 2023

8/10

Listen to Aspenrose: Live At The Opera House

A world famous ear surgeon who also happens to be an esteemed jazz pianist, Dr. Herb Silverstein is paired with Michael Ross and his fluid bass for these 12 live tracks.

“Happy Daze” opens the listen with the warm keys and playful bass progressions make for a melodic climate, and “Monday Morning” offers more firm gestures that showcase Silverstein’s agile fingers amid the bouncy bass plucking.

“Our Little Secret” lands in the middle, and is full of meticulous keys and light bass, while “SB Blues” bops and shakes with a cozy spirit that indeed touches on the blues and showcases Ross’ precise bass interaction.

Close to the end, the intimate “Waiting By The Window” carries a stirring emotive quality, and “Zorro” finishes with a calm yet dynamic fluidity that’s as timeless as it is memorable.

Now with 17 albums under his belt, Silverstein has been supporting the Ear Research Foundation with his music, and his songwriting will certainly appeal to fans of jazz from any era.

Travels well with: Steve Snyder Trio- Prime Vintage; Pete McCann- Without Question

Aleksandra Panasik

OBOElectronics

PGMaudio, 2023

9/10

Listen to OBOElectronics

A very creative endeavor, Aleksandra Panasik brings her oboe and electronic skills to 7 worldly pieces for this debut solo album.

“#2020…Scream For AleksandraP.” opens the listen with mesmerizing, sometimes raw oboe mixing with the subtle electronica in exciting patterns, and “En dirección al mar, la luz del buho” follows with a quivering intensity that’s oddly dreamy via the Ana Lara original.

Halfway through, the dramatic presence of Sungji Hong’s "EXEPNEFSEN” is especially gripping, while “Civitas terrena- Civitas Dei” is a more intimate moment of emotive oboe manipulation amid the moody electronica of the Katarzyna Arnhold piece.

The final track, GRAleksandra’s “Piotr-Grella-Mozejko”, drones with a distinct demeanor of adventurous oboe, where the ominous electronica is met with wordless vocal bouts, too.

An undertaking like few others in the area of modern classical, Panasik explores a variety of techniques and styles for this atypically expressive and beaming record.

Travels well with: Ronald Hannah- Chamber Music; Tomas Janzon- Nomadic

Dominique Fils-Aimé

Our Roots Run Deep

Ensoul, 2023

9/10

Listen to Our Roots Run Deep

A Juno Award winner, the singer-songwriter Dominique Fils-Aimé blends jazz, blues and soul into a listen that embraces African American heritage, and she’s got some excellent players for the affair.

Hichem Khalfa’s animated trumpet joins Fils-Aimé for the title track, which opens the listen with much soulfulness, as light drumming from Frantz-Lee Leonard and plenty of well timed backing vocals are present, and “Hide From The Drama” follows with a very precise delivery of layered voices and Etienne Miousse’s skilled guitar.

Approaching the middle, the gospel flavored “Give Me A Reason” benefits much from Jacques Roy’s strategic bass amid the light melodies, while “Quiet Down The Voices” is a more intimate moment of mesmerizing singing and a distinct dreaminess.

Nearing the end, “Feeling Like A Plant” spotlights Elli Miller Maboungou’s cultured percussion and “Let Me Go” exits with a 2nd version of a previous tune, and it’s vocally focused and lush beautiful ways.

A body of work that’s often cinematic and pays close attention to mood, Fils-Aimé manipulates space and tension with fascinating and rich songwriting that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Jean-Michel Blais- Aubades; Alexandra Streliski- Inscape

Peter Xifaras

Fusion

Music With No Expiration, 2023

8/10

Listen to Fusion

The multi-instrumentalist Peter Xifaras brings his inventive vision to these 7 indeed fusion friendly tracks that welcome Shunzo Ohon, Xander Nichtin, Max Gerl, Scott Jackson and the Czech National Symphony Orchestra.

“Chaos” starts the listen and is anything but unkept, where Jackson’s frisky drums and Xifaras’ playful guitar help emit an animated climate, and “Shunzo” follows with Ohno’s radiant trumpet that suits Nichting’s meticulous violin prowess.

In the middle, “B Blues” carries a warm beat amid the spirited guitar lines and soulful brass, while “Think Quick” comes with plenty of melodic solos populating the rich and flowing album highlight. The final track, “Till We Meet Again”, exits with all sorts of funk fun, where a retro energy is greatly appreciated.

A listen with no lack of electronic rhythm, brass and string solos and symphonic ideas, Xifaras and company pack plenty of surprises and memorableness into this highly creative record.

Travels well with: Madre Vaca- Knights Of The Round Table; Bobby Kapp- Synergy

Gabriella Raelyn

Nephele: Act 1

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Nephele Act 1

A Los Angeles artist who is very much steeped in modern pop ideas, Gabriella Raelyn pens a concept album here, where a 21 year old enchantress from the ‘80s sorts through internal struggles.

The warm keys and light buzzing of the “Nephele… Is My Name…” opens the listen with mysterious storytelling, and “Wish Upon A Star” follows with bright keys and a firm beat, as Raelyn’s smooth voice guides the playful electro-pop.

In the middle, the dance floor ready “Peace Or Love” is packed with plenty of infectious grooves, while the darker spirit of “The Music Man” is both bare and busy with New Wave nods amid the dream-pop. The last track, ““The Waking Hour…”, exits much like how it started, where strong attention to mood and Raelyn’s spoken word fuels the mesmerizing finish.

Raelyn was raised on a steady diet of Madonna, Depeche Mode and The Cure, and those influences are certainly present across this diverse listen that embraces synthwave, darkwave, R&B and house sounds.

Travels well with: Charlie Risso- Alive; Alessandro Incorvaia- It Emerged To Hold Me

Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus

Big Red Gibson

Berkalin, 2023

8/10

Listen to Big Red Gibson

An Austin based folk duo, Jim Patton brings his inimitable guitar playing and Sherry Brokus lends her expressive voice for 11 tunes that welcome Cordy Lavery, Ron Flynt, Steve McCarthy and Eric Hisaw to the affair.

“Dead End Town” opens the listen with Patton’s storytelling that segues into a crisp folk-rocker that uses McCarthy’s agile drums superbly, and the title track follows with intricate strumming alongside Lavery’s spirited electric guitar.

Elsewhere, the louder and breezy “Here’s To My Friends” thumps with a retro energy that makes great use of Bettysoo’s backing vocals, while “Janey Has A Locket” spotlights Hisaw’s lead guitar amid the scrappy and melodic delivery.

Residing near the end, the dreamy “Promises To Keep” is wise, timeless folk nostalgia, and “I Still Believe In You” exits with a focus on Flynt’s graceful piano that complements the descriptive text.

A body of work that lands on the rockier side of the equation for Patton and Brokus, the excellent players they bring with help make this one of their best yet, which no easy feat considering their extensive back catalog.

Travels well with: Ed Sweeney- A Sunday Drive; Brian Kalinec- The Beauty Of It All

Tomas Fujiwara

Pith

Out Of Your Head, 2023

8/10

Listen to Pith

The drummer and composer Tomas Fujiwara brings along his 7 Poets Trio, i.e. cellist Tomeka Reid and vibraphonist Patrician Brennan, for a dizzying and genre defying 6 tracks.

“Solace” gets the listen off to an atmospheric start, where Brennan’s playful vibes are met with Pith’s precise drumming, and “Swelter” follows with flowing drumming amid the radiant vibes that touches on avant-garde rock ideas.

At the midpoint, “Resolve” resides in a unique intimacy that allows the cozy vibes to shine, while “Josho” carries a charming, frisky appeal, where the crisp drums are met with strategically plucked cello from Reid. The final track, “Breath”, carries a free jazz demeanor that’s stylish, meticulous and infectious in its distinct energy.

An atypical effort that is both classical and jazz influenced, Fujiwara and company use both composed and improvised bursts for a modern, experimental and exciting record.

Travels well with: Jessica Pavone- Clamor; Curt Sydnor- Deep End Shallow

Jared Dustin Griffin

Battle Cry Mercy

Need To Know, 2023

8/10

Listen to Battle Cry Mercy

An artist who is well versed in Americana, blues and country sounds, Jared Dustin Griffin brings in a large cast for these songs that thematically surround plenty of struggle, sacrifice and redemption.

The spirited harmonica and thumping drums start the listen, as Griffin’s deep pipes populate “My Name Is Cannonball”, and “Bleed You Away” follows with elegant keys and soulful backing vocals, as much attention is paid to mood.

“Bottle On The Stove” occupies the middle spot, and uses playful fiddle and frisky drums for the upbeat, rural energy, while the raspy and intimate “Hold My Troubles” comes with an inviting rawness that’s just so gritty.

Nearing the end, the melodic and eloquent “Black & Gold” employs Stefano Intelisano’s calming accordion superbly, and “Landmines” exits with Mai Bloomfield’s subtle cello adding much to the bare but impactful finish.

A listen that can remind us of Tom Waits, Griffin has plenty of stories to tell, and his creative and articulate songwriting is nothing short of moving.

Travels well with: Anton O’Donnell- Tomber Sur PRW; Nathan Bell- Red, White And American Blues

Karyn Oliver

Cherchez La Femme

Buxom County, 2023

8/10

Listen to Cherchez La Femme

The Texas singer-songwriter Karyn Oliver brings her timeless and relevant version of folk ideas to these 11 very thoughtful and female oriented songs.

The group vocals of “Lay Your Burden Down” opens the listen with Cheryl Prashker’s crisp drums and warm guitar complementing the comforting climate, and “Jenny” follows with an upbeat, rootsy flavor that benefits much from expressive singing and Carolann Solebello’s playful bass lines.

Halfway through, “Fabulous Flying Machines” pays close attention to atmosphere amid the emotive, dreamy musicianship, while “Pelican” recruits Heather Ewer’s tuba and Lynn Ligammari’s soulful sax for the rich textures.

Close to the end, the intimate “Dance With Me” makes great use of Dirje Childs’ stirring cello for the poetic album highlight, and “Cry Hallelujah” exits with a passionate variation of gospel that’s elegantly delivered.

A highly diverse and substantial listen, Oliver and company get both personal and political with this empowering and truth seeking song craft that is more important than ever in these divided times.

Travels well with: Laurie Marie- Too Sweet: Songs For Setting Boundaries; Erika Olson- This Is How I Pray

Anton O'Donnell

Tomber Sur PRW

Need To Know, 2023

9/10

Listen to Tomber Sur PRW

The singer-songwriter and guitarist Anton O’Donnell brings his Scottish influence to these thoughtful, descriptive songs that welcome plenty of guests to his unique version of Americana.

The warm and cozy “Kindness” begins the listen with O’Donnell’s fluid acoustic guitar and expressive voice alongside Derrek Phillips’ soft drums and Russ Pahl’s glowing pedal steel, and the rugged “Skuld” follows with Roscoe Wilson’s spirited electric guitar complementing John Deaderick’s firm keys.

The intimate “Dreams Fade Under The Weight” arrives in the middle, and uses Rob Ickes’ pretty dobro and Eamon McLoughlin’s fiddle and mandolin amid Shannon Hynes’ harmonic backing vocals, while “Shine A Light” enters dreamy territory thanks to Mai Bloomfield’s moody cello and Dennis Crouch’s precise upright bass.

Close to the end, “Set It On Fire” makes great use of Frank Swart’s meticulous bass that complements O’Donnell’s poetic pipes, and “Django” exits with Pahl’s aching pedal steel and McLoughlin’s stirring fiddle and mandolin suiting the gentle and stirring vocals and acoustic guitar from O’Donnell.

An artist with a wealth of talent, O’Donnell’s vision resides somewhere between folk, country, Americana and bluegrass, and the songs are so well written you will want revisit them again and again.

Travels well with: Funkwrench Blues- Soundtrack For A Film Without Pictures; Nathan Bell- Red, White And American Blues

Bonnie & Taylor Sims

Bonnie & Taylor Sims

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Bonnie & Taylor Sims

It’s been a busy few years for Bonnie and Taylor Sims, whose distinct version of Americana is making them fans across the globe, and these songs about our constantly changing world pack much grit and melody into the record.

“The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea” opens the affair with warm acoustic guitar and Bonnie’s pretty, soaring pipes populating the crisp, roots rocker, and “Liza” follows with a mandolin and guitar duet that illustrates the power behind Bonnie’s pipes amid much emotion.

Halfway through, “Texas Again” flows with folk influences that allow Taylor’s expressive voice to shine, while “I Am A Woman” emits playful drumming alongside the plugged in guitar and firm singing, as the pair enter more rugged area of their formula.

Nearing the end, the warm and radiant “Levelland” is a lush album highlight of country spirited poeticism, and “Lay Yourself To Sleep” exits with a stirring dreaminess that’s soft and mesmerizing.

A listen with plenty of harmonies and a striking, soulful quality, the bond the Sims share in life and music is extraordinary, as evidenced by this memorable and captivating effort.

Travels well with: Shadwick Wilde- Forever Home; Calling Cadence- Calling Cadence

Ronald Hannah

Chamber Music

PGMaudio, 2023

8/10

Listen to Chamber Music

A listen of chamber and solo pieces that showcases many different techniques, aesthetics and inspirations, Ronald Hannah’s work is fleshed out by some serious players in the Canadian and Austrian scene, and they span nearly half a century of his vision.

“Piano Trio No. 2 ‘The Armenian’" opens the listen with Wolfgang David’s precise violin alongside Christopher Devine’s moody keys in the very descriptive landscape, and “Holland Point Music” follows with Trevor Brandenburg’s lively marimba and William H. Street’s animated sax making for a very cinematic delivery.

Further on, “Concert Piece for Flute & Piano” pairs Shelley Younge’s dreamy flute with Sylvia Shadrick-Taylor’s emotive piano in highly rich, dynamic ways, while “Meditation for Cello & Piano” allows Margaret Gay’s violoncello and Eve Egoyan’s piano to emit much mysterious intimacy.

Arriving near the end, “String Quartet” showcases The Penderecki String Quartet, where Christine Vlajk’s skilled viola and Paul Pulford’s eloquent violoncello won’t go unnoticed, and “Devil's Dance” exits excitedly, as Joanna Ciapka-Sangster’s adventurous violin and Mikolaj Warszynski’s piano dance around each other with incredible interplay.

A listen that can be introspective just as it can be outgoing, both the bare and busy moments here won’t be hard to appreciate, as Hannah’s inestimable work sounds very modern in these very capable hands.

Travels well with: Gregory Lewis- Organ Monk Going Home; Tomas Janzon- Nomadic

Tina Raymond

Divinations

Imani, 2023

8/10

Listen to Divinations

An esteemed drummer, composer and bandleader, Tina Raymond brings along Andrew Renfroe and Karl McComas-Reichi for these 6 very diverse and unclassifiable jazz tunes that don’t stay in one place for long.

The playful and upbeat “Swainson’s Hawk” begins the listen with Raymond’s acrobatic drumming amid the worldly rhythm, and “Eight Of Wands” follows with radiant grooves alongside Renfroe’s bright guitar playing and McComas-Reichi’s frisky bass lines.

The louder, rock focused “The Emperor” lands in the middle and is both dense and meticulous, while “The Lovers” is an intimate moment of beauty and grace thanks to the atmospheric guitar and soft drumming.

“Seven Of Wands” and “Ace Of Pentacles” exits the listen, where the former presents a very stylish, dreamy version of modern jazz-rock, and the latter is a mesmerizing finish of precise bass, elegant drumming and warm guitar playing.

An album of all originals, each track is distinctly its own, as the skilled trio weave in and out of each other with incredible flow and unpredictability that is highly appreciated.

Travels well with: David Binney- Tomorrow’s Journey; Ben Morris- Pocket Guides

Ursula Mamlok

Vol. 6

Bridge, 2023

8/10

Listen to Vol. 6

A listen that celebrates the German-born American composer and teacher Ursula Mamlok’s 100th birthday, the new recordings present were made in Berlin and New York City, and bring in some excellent help.

“Polarities” gets the listen off to a lively start, where Upama Muckensturm’s agile flute and Clemens Linder’s firm violin complements Holger Groschopp’s exploratory keys, and “Music For Clarinet, Cello And Percussion” follows with Ruben Staub’s moody clarinet suiting the adventurous percussive sounds from Haris Dzanic and Moisés Santos Bueno.

Halfway through, Cheryl Seltzer and Joel Sachs bring their piano playing to the calm versus busy ideas of “Mosaics”, while “Terzianum”, the best track, pairs Kolja Lessing’s violin with Kasper Zehnder’s flute for the uniquely dreamy, expressive climate.

Landing near to the end, “Music For Stony Brook” is particularly striking, and benefits much from Adele Bitter’s elegant cello, and “For Seven” exits with a cinematic presence of intrigue that makes great use of Bertold Stecher’s well timed trumpet and Christine Felsch’s strategic double bass.

Although Mamlok passed away in 2016, her influence is still very much present today, and the colorful, tonally focused songs here are culled from more than a half century of her career and handled with much care.

Travels well with: William Bland- Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2; Yoojung Kim- Scriabin Recital

Wayne Alpern

Rezurrektion (String Quartets)

Henri Elkan, 2023

8/10

Listen to Rezurrektion (String Quartets)

The New York City composer, arranger and academic Wayne Alpern is as prolific as he is exceptional, and here he interprets some classics in a string setting, where fluctuations in style, mood and tone are appreciated.

The very elegant “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” begins the listen with Chern Hwe and Gregor Huebner’s stirring violins flowing with much warmth and melody, as picked strings linger in the background, and “G Minor Quintet” follows with Jeremy Harmon’s low cello creating a bit of mystery that spotlights the strong attention to mood that really draws us in.

“F Major Sonata” and “C Major Sonata” land in the middle, where the former allows the sweeping strings to emit a profound beauty, while the latter is quite animated, and balances the violins and Ron Lawrence’s viola with much playfulness.

“Black Beauty” arrives near the end and is a highly intimate moment of heartfelt string interaction on the Ellington original, and “Porgy And Bess” exits the listen with a rich approach that lets all 4 player’s strengths shine in the collaborative finish.

Alpern is well versed in both jazz and classical ideas, and his always innovative vision puts a lot of modern attention on these timeless compositions.

Travels well with: Vincent Lyn- Elysian Eclipse; Nic Vardanega- New Beginning

The Black Gold Orchestra

Genesis

Sessions Lane, 2023

8/10

Listen to Genesis

A 19 piece big band that’s rooted in Atlanta, this debut from The Black Gold Orchestra provides a platform for some of today’s best for a jazz fusion listen that’s as unpredictable as it is exciting.

“Gyau (Walton’s Call)” opens the listen with the bright brass and moody keys, where plenty of exploration unfolds, and “On The Move” continues the climate with booming horns and frisky drums for the festive delivery.

In the middle, “The Creation” is rich with textured brass amid the light drums and agile rhythm, while the aptly titled “Intoxicating Beauty” flows with strong attention to atmosphere that uses the emotive sax superbly.

The last 2 tracks are among the best, where “Merging Lanes” emits a loud and dynamic meshing of horns, drums, keys and upright bass, and “Nutville Remix” exits with soaring melodies, riff filled guitar and plenty of rock focused instrumentation.

A superb first effort that balances originals and covers in their skilled presence, those with an ear for big band sounds will find much to enjoy here, especially if R&B, soul, hip hop, house, rock, blues, and gospel are also on your radar.

Travels well with: Braxton Cook- No Doubt; R+R=Now- Collagically Speaking

Michael Cleveland

Tall Fiddler

Compass, 2019

9/10

Listen to Tall Fiddler

Michael Cleveland has had an impressive career so far, racking up 11 wins as Fiddler Player Of The Year, a Grammy Nomination, and has even performed for the United States Congress. On Tall Fiddler, his 5th solo album, the virtuoso is in great company as Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, Tim O’Brien and several others are also on hand.

From the opening track “Arkansas”, which puts Cleveland’s fiddle acrobatics on display- a common occurrence on the entire listen- we’re treated to one dynamic tune after another here.

Album highlights include the strategic mandolin and swift pace of “Beauty Of My Dreams”, the vocal harmonies and banjo fun of “Son Of A Ramblin’ Man”, and the soothing dobro of “Mountain Heartache”.

“Tarnation”, a duet with Bela Fleck, is hands down the best tune present, and emits plenty of power in an eclectic setting, though we certainly can’t not mention Cleveland’s cover of John Hiatt’s “Tennessee Plates”, which rocks with a bluegrass and country spirit that even brings in drums.

Cleveland surrounds himself with talent that can keep up with his level of skill, and it pays off with one of the most animated and exceptional bluegrass albums of 2019.

Travels well with: Tommy Emmanuel- The Journey;Old Salt Union- Where The Dog’s Don’t Bite