Dallas Moore

Gems & Jams

SRP, 2024

8/10

Listen to Gems & Jams

The veteran singer-songwriter Dallas Moore returns with 15 honky tonk fueled tracks that comprise an acoustic fueled 18th album.

The meticulous finger acrobatics of “Shade Tree” opens with the guitar flowing with warmth, and “Sing My Song” follows with a heartfelt approach of gentle beauty and gritty singing.

Further along, “Best Thing That I Ever Did Was You” brings rhythm and playfulness to the bright storytelling, while “Blame It On The Weed” is a swift strummer where Moore’s love of weed is quite evident via the melodic gestures.

Deeper still, “Tequila Song” has his raw voice soaring amid the cozy acoustic guitar, and “Up On That Mountain” exits with an indeed mountain flavor thanks to the intricate guitar and sincere vocals that you can’t not sing-along to.

Moore can tell a story you’ll want to hear again, and his musicianship isn’t anything to spit at, either. Somewhere between outlaw country, timeless folk and southern ideas, each track is an acoustic gem to be revisited.

Travels well with: Rob Leines- Headcase; James Carothers- Still Country, Still King: A Tribute To George Jones

Amanda Fish

Kingdom

Vizztone, 2024

8/10

Listen to Kingdom

The powerful singer and guitarist Amanda Fish returns with a 3rd album, where influence from riots, the pandemic and government corruption enters songs of faith, redemption and opitimism in difficult times.

“Mockingbird” starts the listen with upbeat melodies and plenty of blues spirit, as Fish’s glowing voice guides the fun, and “Sell The Record” follows with thumping drums and soulful backing vocals for the animated climate.

The middle track belongs to “The Great Reset”, where a distinct dreaminess enters the reflective mood, while “Work” is a thick and rowdy blues-rocker that balances grit and beauty.

“Mother” and “Kingdom” exit the listen. The former recruits intimate keys and poetic singing for a heartfelt landscape, and the latter carries no lack of southern spirit that builds into an ebullient and busy finish.

Fish is joined by an all star cast including Terry Midkiff, Dom Knott and Glen James, to name a few, and they sure do help her illuminate the 10 originals that emit timeless and graceful songwriting.

Travels well with: Deb Ryder- Live And Havin’ Fun; Patti Parks- Come Sing With Me

Bad Brains

I Against I

ORG, 2024

9/10

Listen to I Against I

Originally released in 1986 on the SST label, this 3rd album from the almighty Bad Brains remains one of the all time greats to this day, where punk, hardcore, ska and reggae collide with blistering fury and here it’s restored and remastered precisely.

The aptly titled “Intro” opens with Dr. Know’s thick guitar and Earl’s pounding drums for the dense 1 minute of rock, and the title track follows with H.R.’s inimitable talk/singing that suits the flowing rhythm section and calmer bits of melodic punk.

In the middle, Darryl’s chunky bass lines and the biting versus soaring vocals of “Secret ‘77” recruit soulful ideas, while “Let Me Help” is a fierce, scrappy album highlight with shouted backing vocals to complement the tuneful moments of H.R.’s diverse pipes.

Closer to the end, “Sacred Love” is vocally a bit different in tone, probably cause H.R. sang his part from prison, and “Return To Heaven” exits with punk, funk and metal aspects, as H.R. shows us even more avenues of his vocal prowess.

Punks have been worshipping this album since it came out, but there’s also plenty of other influences to be enjoyed across the spectrum. H.R. gives us an incredible performance, where his falsetto comes out alongside a more abrasive hardcore style and even some rapid fire, nearly hip-hop flavor.

If you haven’t heard this record, and punk, hardcore, funk, reggae or metal are in your interests, you’re missing out. If you have heard it, well, you certainly will agree a reissue is much warranted.

Travels well with: Seized Up- Modify The Sacred; Cock Sparrer- Hand On Heart

Annie Booth Trio

Here, There And Everywhere

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Here, There And Everywhere

The Denver artist Annie Booth is joined by Patrick McDevitt, Alejandro Castano and guest Glenn Booth for these 12 diverse songs that pay homage to The Beatles and were recorded in a live setting.

“Mother Nature’s Son” opens with Booth’s warm piano, before McDevitt’s warm bass enters the soft climate, and “Hey Bulldog” follows with Castano’s fluid drumming that complements the rich and frisky delivery.

In the middle of the set, “Let It Be” retains all the memorableness of the original thanks to the mature keys, bass plucking and strong attention to mood, while “Come Together” welcomes grooves and a breezy mood for the stylish and laidback album highlight.

Close to the end, “Things We Said Today” features Glenn Booth’s meticulous bass playing for the jazz filled moment, and “Here Comes The Sun” exits with the precise and uplifting piano that’s complemented by a flowing rhythm section.

Most of us have heard these songs before, but never quite like this, and under Booth’s vision they bring shades of jazz to classics that are just as memorable as the originals.

Travels well with: Kim Richey- Every New Beginning; The Twins Of Franklin- This Life

Colin James

Chasing The Sun

Stonyplain, 2024

9/10

Listen to Chasing The Sun

The esteemed singer-songwriter Colin James welcomes some amazing company for these 11 songs, where Charlie Musselwhite, Lucinda Williams and Darryl Jones, among others, are in attendance for this blues fueled affair.

“Protection” starts with Willams’ unmistakable vocals alongside Colin Linden’s warm guitar for the soulful delivery, and “I’m Still Alive” follows with soothing backing vocals and Darryl Jonse’s grooves on bass, where much melody and sophistication enters.

Moving into the middle, the breezy “How It Feels To Be Loved” welcomes Charley Drayton’s precise drumming and Michael Hicks’ well timed keys for the cozy spirit, while “Too Far Gone” is a heartfelt album highlight that benefits much from Rub Amanfu’s lovely harmony vocals and James’ poetic singing and soft guitar.

Near to the end, Musselwhite’s esteemed harmonica populates the southern spirited “Come To Find Out”, and “Open Your Mind” exits with much ambience, as Ann and Regina McCrary’s expressive pipes make for a gospel flavored finish.

James made quite an entrance to music in 1988 when his debut became the fasted selling album in Canadian history and landed him a JUNO award. All these years later, the Vancouver bluesman proves that he’s still got the chops to make some excellent modern blues.

Travels well with: Brock Davis- Everyday Miracle; Seth Lee Jones- Tulsa Custom

David Luning

Lessons

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Lessons

The multi-instrumentalist and songwriter David Luning returns with a 3rd album, where some esteemed help is along for the 10 Americana fueled tracks.

“Every Day I Am” starts with Linden Reed’s thumping drums that suit Luning’s gritty yet melodic pipes for the firm Americana climate, and “Down Below” follows with a darker spirit, where soft acoustic guitar and poetic storytelling emits folk nods.

The middle spot belongs to “Goodnight”, as Luning contributes warms keys alongside Ben Dubin’s gentle bass via the eloquent delivery, while the title track builds into a rootsy flavor that’s raw and emotive.

Landing near the end, “The World Goes Around Again” displays mesmerizing guitar, punchy drums and a timeless country rock appeal, and “Out Of My Head” exits with Rebecca Roudman’s graceful cello complementing the intimate finish that’s stirring.

Luning actually recorded the album in a barn, and it certainly adds to the authenticity of this timeless and memorable affair which makes for his most personal to date.

Travels well with: The Mike Jacoby Electric Trio- Rocket Fuel Logic; Grant Langston- aLAbama

Paula Maya

Rio De Janeiro

Yellow Hope, 2024

8/10

Listen to Rio De Janeiro

The Brazilian singer and pianist Paula Maya is in excellent company for these 6 originals and Jobim cover, where much culture enters the precise textures.

“Rosalie” starts the listen with Fernando Monteiro’s flowing guitar and Tamila Nikazm’s well timed backing vocals for the cultured opener, and “Vivo Sonhando” follows with Nema Antunes’ elegant bass and André Siqueira’s cozy percussion populating the breezy climate.

In the middle, “Iemanjá (Flores Do Mar)” showcases Maya’s graceful piano and warm signing via the melodic textures, while “Mulher” benefits much from Erick Vieira’s precise bass and dreamy flute courtesy of Monica Avila for the album’s best.

The final track, '“Água Sagrada”, exits with a rich and dynamic performance, where soaring vocals and agile drumming thanks to Téo Lima won’t go unnoticed.

Maya made her recording debut in 1995, and her contributions to popularizing Brazilian music in America are many. This 12th album is yet another first rate display of worldly jazz, and is sure to be as globally appreciated as anything she’s done.

Travels well with: Livio Almeida- Brasilia Sessions; Paul Kendall- My Shining Hour

Richard Guba

Songs For Stuffed Animals

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Songs For Stuffed Animals

The seasoned saxophonist Richard Guba makes for an impressive debut, where 4 originals and 4 standards unfold via the octet’s strong attention to detail and texture.

“Morning Dance” leads with Guba’s bright sax alongside Ken Zimmerman’s colorful keys for the lively opener, and “The Gospel According To Lewis” follows with rich winds and James Burcky’s animated drumming.

At the halfway point, “To Wisdom The Prize” is a frisky moment where David Mueller’s electric bass suites the layered horns, while “Simply Do Not” offers a mesmerizing mood via the guitar prowess thanks to Nicholas Carico and the hypnotic keys.

The last 2 tracks, “Tributaries” and “Search For Peace”, don’t disappoint, either. The former is an intimate moment of beauty and grace, and the latter showcases Guba’s precise sax skills amid the soft melodies and Rodney Laster’s dreamy flute.

In addition to the above mentioned, Joel McCord handles trumpet and flugelhorn and Jim Tavener plays trombone. Together, with Guba’s inimitable talents, the 8 song program is an excellent first record that comes with 50 years of playing the sax, which is very much appreciated.

Travels well with: Carl Clements- A Different Light; Jake Hertzog- Longing To Meet You

Rebecca Frazier

Boarding Windows In Paradise

Amtoco, 2024

9/10

Listen to Boarding Windows In Paradise

The Nashville artist Rebecca Frazier brings us on a journey of folk, roots and bluegrass sounds, where an all star cast is on hand for 11 thoughtful and uplifting tracks.

“High Country Road Trip” starts the listen with Frazier’s bright voice alongside Béla Fleck’ warm banjo and Stuart Duncan’s fiddle prowess for the mountain spirit, and “It’s Over” follows with cozy melodies thanks to Sam Bush’s swirling mandolin and Josh Swift’s meticulous dobro that complement the soaring vocals.

In the middle, “Saro Jane” benefits much from Erik Alvar’s strategic bass amid the vocal acrobatics, while “Seasons” in an intimate moment of sublime beauty via harmony vocals courtesy of Shelby Means.

Deeper yet, “Hurricanes” is an acoustic tune populated by Frazier’s dreamy guitar and poetic singing, and an alternate version of a earlier song, “Borderline”, exits with a really fun take on the Madonna classic that’s interpreted in a bluegrass fashion.

Frazier has a voice you won’t soon forget, and the creative covers and adventurous originals make each track here worth repeated listens.

Travels well with: The Magnolia Janes- The Light Years; Christian Parker- Sweethearts

Livio Almeida

Brasilia Sessions

Zoho, 2024

9/10

Listen to Brasilia Sessions

The Brazilian tenor sax wizard Livio Almeida is joined by Daniel Castro, Pedro Almeida and Misael Silvestre for these worldly jazz tunes that are never short on grooves and texture.

“Sambasus” opens with Almeida’s fast and meticulous sax playing that’s complemented by Pedro’s agile drumming, and “Partido Cerrado” follows with Castro’s playfully plucked bass that aligns with Silverstre’s well timed keys.

The middle spot belongs to “Folhas Secas”, where a dreamy intimacy unfolds thanks to the soulful sax and elegant piano, while “Rocks In My Path (Pedras no caminho)” flows with chunky bass amid frisky drums and rich sax prowess.

The last 2 tracks, “Um Girassol Da Cor Do Seu Cabelo” and “Q Train Samba”, don’t disappoint either. The former leads with solo sax before the dynamic and subdued instrumentation invades the thoughtful album highlight, and the latter is a bouncy and animated finish of melodic and groove filled jazz that you can’t not admire.

A superb record that’s steeped in Brazilian traditions, this is somewhat of a soundtrack to Almeida’s transition from Brazil to New York, and each track present is memorable and radiant.

Travels well with: Sharon Isbin- Live In Aspen; Paul Kendall- My Shining Hour

Michael Sarian

Live At Cliff Bell’s

Shifting Paradigm, 2024

8/10

Listen to Live At Cliff Bell’s

The trumpet and flugelhorn player Michael Sarian explores both composed and improvised sounds here, where he’s joined by Santiago Leibson (piano), Nathan Ellman-Bell (drums) and Marty Kenney (bass) for the adventurous 9 tracks.

“Primo” opens the listen with a frisky energy, where Kenney’s bouncy bass meets Sarian’s animated trumpet, and “Aurora” follows with a calmer mood of soft drums complementing Ellman-Bell’s cozy bass.

“The Pilgrim” lands in the middle and offers a hypnotic mood thanks to Leibson’s cinematic keys and the lush instrumentation, while “Glass Mountains” uses the brass in exciting ways that are lively and unpredictable amid the chilling rhythm section.

“Portraits Of Haile” and “Living At The End Of The World” exit the listen. The former is a rich album highlight that meshes the firm horn with agile drumming and plucked bass, and the latter finishes with a rare intimacy of mature keys and soulful brass.

An album with a wealth of melody and a mix of composed versus spontaneous song craft, Sarian and company flesh out a dynamic and memorable performance via a powerful set.

Travels well with: Conrad Herwig- The Latin Side Of McCoy Tyner; Emiliano Lasansky- The Optimist

Jason Kao Hwang

Soliloquies, Unaccompanied Pizzicato Violin Improvisations

True Sound, 2024

9/10

Listen to Soliloquies, Unaccompanied Pizzicato Violin Improvisations

The always impressive violinist Jason Kao Hwang presents a stirring album of solo pieces, where 12 personal and improvised pieces emit tremendous skill.

The aptly titled “At The Beginning’ opens with Hwang’s quivering strings that emit both adventurousness and warmth, and “Hungry Shadows” follows with carefully plucked strings that are strategic and soothing.

Further along, “Remembering Our Conversation” offers an eloquent and carefully structured album highlight, while “Dreams Dream” is a thought provoking moment of meticulous string manipulation.

Landing near the end, “Shards” uses space and tension superbly via Hwang’s inimitable vision, and “Before God” exits with strong attention to tonality that’s nearly cinematic in scope.

A record of gentle emotional qualities, Hwang never disappoints, and this excellent affair continues that trend.

Travels well with: Jason Kao Hwang- Uncharted; Jason Kao Hwang- Human Rites Trio

Karen Jonas

The Rise And Fall Of American Kitsch

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Rise And Fall Of American Kitsch

The highly prolific Virginia singer-songwriter, Karen Jonas, returns with a 7th album, and it embraces themes of optimism and scrutiny that includes a live in the studio approach which adds plenty of spontaneity.

“Rich Man’s Valley” starts the listen with upbeat keys, playful fiddle and Jonas’ inimitable voice making for a frisky country rocker, and “Four Cadillacs” follows with well timed organ and spirited guitar, as Jonas talks and sings with an infectious energy.

In the middle, “Let’s Go To Hawaii” comes with a breezy, island flavor, while “Black Jacket/Red Guitar” is a stylish rocker that soars with some grit and loads of melody.

Near the end, the soulfulness of “Online shopping” embraces doo-wop sensibilities and finger snapping, and “Buy” exits with cozy acoustic guitar and Jonas’ diverse singing.

A detailed record that examines the highs and lows of the mid-century, Jonas and her band layer the Americana with quirkiness, fun and plenty of nostalgia.

Travels well with: Karen Jonas- Summer Songs; The W Lovers- For A Day Or A Lifetime

Jerry Phillips

For The Universe

Omnivore, 2024

8/10

Listen to For The Universe

Even though this is his debut album, Jerry Phillips has a long history with music, as his dad was Sam Phillips of Sun Music fame, and these 10 songs embrace all that we’ve grown to love and admire about the sounds of Memphis.

“Number One Girl” opens the listen with an infectious energy, where Danny Banks’ animated drums and TJ Bonta’s lively keys suit the soulful and rockin’ spirit, and “Treat Her Like She Was Mine” follows plenty of retro fun, as Phillips’ warm acoustic guitar and cozy voice is met with Matthew Wilson’s playful bass and the bright horns.

At the midpoint, “I Like Everything I See” welcomes soothing backing vocals and radiant electric guitar thanks to John Paul Keith alongside Phillips’ dreamy voice, while “That’s All Right” benefits much from rowdy horns and a fiery rhythm section for the dance floor ready album highlight.

Near to the end, the nostalgic swagger of “New Pair Of Everything” showcases a timeless mood with no lack of melody and sincerity, and “Specify” exits with Rick Steff’s organ and well timed backing vocals courtesy of Susan Marshall and Reba Russell that builds into a gritty, blues climate.

A record that balances bar room rockers and country soul nods, there’s also plenty of Southern sensibilities and blues-rock to enjoy across this authentic and memorable affair.

Travels well with: JD Souther- You’re Only Lonely; Steve Young- Stars In The Southern Sky

Jon Nelson & Metalofonico

Metalofonico

New Focus, 2024

8/10

Listen to Metalofonico

The trumpeter Jon Nelson returns with a 2nd album on New Focus, where works for brass ensemble host many composers who have their visions illuminated via the diversity and expressive sounds.

Tom Pierson’s “Music For A Solemn Occasion” starts the listen with the rich brass and booming percussion making for both soft and loud bursts, and “Fanfare For Double Brass Sextet”, by Milton Babbitt, follows with tension and adventurousness via the well timed tubas and bright trumpets that unfold with a cinematic approach.

David Felder’s “Shredder” lands in the middle and emits distorted and highly animated gestures that soar with incredible detail, while Nelson’s lone piece, “Insominio”, allows for the strong percussion and vibrant brass that cultivates both busy and bare moments.

Residing near the end, Giovanni Gabrieli’s “Canzona XXV” is populated by melodies and warmth, and Dimas Sedicias’ “Tuba Out Take” exits with the lone tuba impressing us for a minute of grace.

A truly exciting and meticulous effort, Ken Pasiack’s well timed guitar and Michael Orland’s strategic synth add much to this eclectic journey, where rock, contemporary classical and avant-garde ideas are all present and appreciated.

Travels well with: Richard Cameron-Wolfee- Passionate Geometrics; Fotina Naumenko- Bespoke Songs

Hana Zara

Bloom Where You Fall

POR, 2024

9/10

Listen to Bloom Where You Fall

The inimitable singer-songwriter Hana Zara is aligned with the artistry of Kelly Mulhollan for these 7 very intimate and captivating tracks.

“Our Work Here Is Not Done” starts the listen with warm, pretty singing alongside the soothing, nearly lullaby feel of the guitar, and “Tatterhood” follows with an orchestral feel, as much gratitude flows from the sincere vocals.

Further along, the dreamy mood of “Little Fires” carries some ambience in the bare folk climate, while “Subtle Hand” isn’t short on melody via the romantic spirit of the heartfelt album highlight.

The last track, “Time Irreverant”, impresses us with its haunting demeanor, powerful balladry and poetic storytelling that emits gorgeous singing and rich musicianship.

Zara’s perspective on the world is refreshing, and her songs embrace all the hallmarks of folk music that will always be relevant and, in this case at least, touching and relatable.

Travels well with: The Magnolia Janes- The Light Years; Christian Parker- Sweethearts

Matt Booth

Sun Prints

Ears & Eyes, 2024

9/10

Listen to Sun Prints

The bassist and composer Matt Booth treats us to his first album of all original music, where Steve Lands, Sam Taylor, Oscar Rossignoli and Peter Varnando are in attendance for the 11 meticulous tracks.

“In Tongues” starts the listen with Booth’s lively bass acrobatics amid Varnado’s animated drumming, and “For Your Consideration” follows with Rossignoli’s dreamy keys complementing the rich delivery of timeless jazz.

In the middle, “Time To Spare” leads soft before building into an adventurous album highlight thanks to Lands’ soulful trumpet and the quick drumming, while “Old News” is an intimate moment that’s not without a playful rhythm section and precise piano playing.

Further yet, “You Came Along” benefits much from a mesmerizing delivery via the hypnotic keys and technical bass prowess, and “Happenstance” exits with much focus on the sax and trumpet before fascinating drums and bass enter the busy finish.

A technical and dynamic effort, Booth and his company are never short on melody for this complicated but easily accessible, jazz fun.

Travels well with: The Paul Carlon Quintet- Blues For Vita; Bill Banefield’s Jazz Urbane- Take Time To Listen

Lou Dominguez

Hanging At The Luna Star

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Hanging At The Luna Star

The esteemed songwriter and musician Lou Dominguez returns with a 4th album, where an excellent cast are along for the 13 relevant and well thought out folk songs.

“United States Of Debt” opens the listen with Bruce Brown’s meticulous mandolin alongside Dominguez’s bright voice and Rich Creadore’s flowing sitar, and “Our Maldives” follows with a calm spirit, as Polly Launay’s stirring violin adds much grace.

Further along, “Feels Like Saying Amen” welcomes grooves and timeless folk ideas to the eloquent song craft, while “Just Anyone” showcases intricate picking and bass thanks to Ross Sermons via the descriptive storytelling.

Deeper yet, “Hugging Saint” is a rich and thoughtful album highlight that displays a modern folk vision, and “Once Upon A Time” exits with an orchestral backdrop that touches on difficult times that evolved into much better moments.

You might be reminded of legends like Seeger, Springsteen or Ochs when spending time with Dominguez’s music, and the inclusion of accordion, strings, sitar, dobro and mandolin only adds to the appeal.

Travels well with: Steve Erickson- Crooked Road; Crow And Gazelle- as above now so below

Kiely Connell

My Own Company

Thirty Tigers, 2024

8/10

Listen to My Own Company

The singer-songwriter Kiely Connell made quite an impression with her 2021 debut, and this sophomore effort will likely turn many more ears her way, where much personal strife is parlayed into top notch songwriting.

“Through To You” opens with warm guitar and Connell’s instantly mesmerizing voice that flows with plenty of beauty and classic country ideas, and “Restless Bones” follows with a calm approach of poeticism and introspection that’s sublimely intimate.

Halfway through, “Beautiful” certainly is, as Connell draws us in with her heartfelt delivery and strong attention to mood, while “Damn Hands” is a thick and melodic display of soaring and crisp songwriting.

The last 2 tracks, “On The Mend” and the title track, don’t disappoint either. The former is a bit more rugged and thumps with energy, and the latter is a powerful and textured finish of timelessness.

An artist with a wealth of talent, Connell is quickly making a name for herself in the area of modern Americana, where she excels in both gentle and intense moments, as evidenced by this striking listen.

Travels well with: Jess Jocoy- Such A Long Way; Grace Pettis- Down To The Letter

Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers

Bon Ton

Red Hot, 2019

9/10

Listen to Bon Ton

An accordion enthusiast, recent Grammy nominee and frontman for his New Orleans band, Dwayne Dopsie knows his way around a blues, funk, and cajun influenced tune that’s full of contagious rock’n’roll spirit, and Bon Ton proves that in spades.

“Harry’s Creole Bar” starts the listen with dialogue before bursting into vibrant, animated and bouncy accordion fueled fun with flowing melodies and a danceable beat, and “Pretty Lil Girl” follows with a rugged approach running through the rhythmic rocker.

Elsewhere, “Hey La Bah” recruits a festive spirit with a jumpy and upbeat formula that’s sung in French, while “Such A Good Man” trims the pace back with a retro feel injected into the hazy, feel good tune.

The back half of the listen offers the power and melody of “I’m Your Man”, as well as the accordion and washboard acrobatics of the instrumental “Louisiana Morning”. “Give Me What I Want” ends the fun on an uproarious yet meticulous anthem where guitar solos add greatly to the experience.

A listen with plenty of soul and and an unparalleled amount of energy, Dopsie and company have crafted a very unique and irresistible record that’s going to be one of the best this year.

Travels well with: Lost Bayou Ramblers- Kalenda; Walter Washington- Wolf At The Door