Mark Haney

Placentia Bay: Summer Of 1941

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Placentia Bay: Summer Of 1941

The Vancouver composer and double bassist Mark Haney finishes his storytelling trilogy with these 3 involved pieces the recruit many players for a highly intricate effort.

“Tempest, fire and foe” starts the listen with playfully plucked strings, dense drums and strong attention to mood that quivers, is a bit mysterious, yet also very pretty.

The middle track belongs to “An ever rolling stream”, where the mature violins and graceful cello complemen the rich winds of the album’s best.

The final track, “…thro countless ages”, is both cinematic and dreamy, as textured waves and bare moments come together for an often animated finish of colorful songwriting.

Meaghan Williams’ double bass playing is excellent here, and the large amount of musicians in attendance make each selection unique, unpredictable and full of exciting modern composition that embraces classical, chamber and orchestral ideas.

Travels well with: Amy Brandon- Lysis; Colin Fisher- Suns Of The Heart

Matt Panayides Trio

With Eyes Closed

Pacific Coast, 2024

9/10

Listen to With Eyes Closed

The creative jazz guitarist Matt Panayides is joined by Steve LaSpina and Anthony Pinciotti for this first album of standards that displays timeless jazz sensibilities.

The frisky “Simone” begins the record with Panayides’ dreamy guitar amid Pinciotti’s lively drumming via the radiant tone, and “Straight Up And Down” follows with a warm energy thanks to LaSpina’s animated bass lines.

“Hindsight” lands in the middle and welcomes no lack of melody courtesy of the trio’s meticulous interaction, while “Ju Ju” welcomes some rock aspects to the flowing jazz sensibilities that allow for Panayides’ meticulous guitar to shine.

Close to the end, “Moon River” is an intimate moment where the classic song is interpreted with a heartfelt presence, and “Darn That Dream” exits with a reflective mood of minimal but effective guitar.

A more acoustic focused affair for Panayides, this is his first trio album but hopefully not his last, as these standards are illuminated in highly creative and memorable ways leave a significant impression.

Travels well with: David Bailis- Tree Of Life; Doug MacDonald- Live At The Rancho Mirage Library

Needtobreathe

The Outsiders

Omnivore, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Outsiders

Originally released in 2009, this 3rd album from the southern rockers NEEDTOBREATHE extended their reach with plenty of records sold and high profile tours. Out of print for years now, it lives again and even is available on translucent red vinyl.

The title track starts the listen soft and emotive, where Bear Rinehart’s soaring and gritty voice helps the tune build into a powerful, southern rocker, and “Valley Of Tomorrow” follows with guest Scotty Wilbanks on piano for the rich and harmonic delivery.

Further along, “What You’ve Done To Me” uses Sandra Benser and Casandra Williams expressive voices alongside Joe Stillwell’s agile drumming, while “Hurricane” is an intimate moment of mesmerizing keys that ends up pounding pretty hard amid Seth Bolt’s strategic bass.

Sara Watkins makes an indelible appearance on “Stones Under Rushing Water”, where an acoustic template unfolds with a poetic quality, and deeper yet, “Garden” is populated by graceful and stirring strings that illustrate another avenue that NEEDTOBREATHE excel at.

This album didn’t waste anytime climbing the charts when it was released, and allowed the band ever greater fame via their distinct Christian/alt/country rock hybrid that certainly has aged well.

Travels well with: Crowder- Neon Steeple; Collective Soul- Here To Eternity

Gonzalo Rubalcaba/Dongfeng Liu

China Afro Cuba

Zoho, 2024

9/10

Listen to China Afro Cuba

Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Dongfeng Liu bring their skilled piano playing to these 8 diverse songs that employ a ‘non-traditional interpretation of traditional music’.

The dreamy and playful dueling pianos of “Jasmine Flower” starts the listen with much grace, and “Kangding Love Song” follows with a hint of rumbling and much playfulness that balances firm versus soft gestures.

Closer to the middle, we’re treated to the heartfelt “Lofty Mountains And Flowing Waters”, which mesmerizes us for 8 minutes, while “Lofty Mountains And Flowing Waters” showcases tremendous beauty via the meticulous fingers of the duo’s inimitable talents.

Landing near the end, “Ode To The Yellow River” is a colorful and artistic album highlight, and “Colorful Clouds Chasing The Moon” exits with melodic progressions and strong attention to detail that puts rhythm and energy front and center.

A diverse effort that doesn’t shy away from folk songs, grooves, pop and balladry, every moment is filled with dynamic, thoughtful playing.

Travels well with: Livio Almeida- Brasilia Sessions; Sharon Isbin- Live In Aspen

Ruthie Purves Smith

Piano In The Field

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Piano In The Field

The Canadian singer-songwriter Ruthie Purves Smith continues her themes of the downtrodden and underprivileged, where these 11 tracks welcome some exceptional guests to the timeless Americana.

“Call An Angel” starts the listen Smith’s warm voice, where skilled drumming and soulful backing vocals are appreciated, and “Chelsea” opens with spirited guitar and no lack of melody populating the fluid country rock.

Further along, “Look For Love” is an intimate moment of lush song craft and gorgeous piano, while “My Own True Love” carries an infectious energy via the dreamy moments and cozy singing.

Deeper yet, the glowing steel guitar of “Heavy For Us All” is ready for the dance floor with some playful twang amid a frisky mood, and “Water Up The Creek” embraces both grit and harmonic ideas, where gospel nods and bluesy musicianship makes an indelible impression.

Smith handles vocals, electric and acoustic guitars and banjo, and her excellent help make for engaging stories and a really memorable version of Americana.

Travels well with: Mitch Woods- Happy Hour; Duke Robillard- Roll With Me

Geof Bradfield

Colossal Abundance

Calligram, 2024

9/10

Listen to Colossal Abundance

The composer and saxophonist Geof Bradfield blends Southern blues and roots, contemporary jazz and African Diaspora into these 10 tracks that welcome a 12 piece ensemble.

“Mahororo” begins the listen with Bradfield’s mbira and Gregory Beyer’s berimbau for the dreamy and rich lead off, and “Lonnie’s Lament” follows with 10 minutes of exploration that welcomes Greg Ward’s bright sax and Dana Hall’s animated drumming presence.

Landing at the halfway point is the dynamic and cultured “Kaleidoscope”, where Anna Webber’s airy flute and Scott Hesse’s mesmerizing guitar won’t go unnoticed, while “Requiem” benefits much from Clark Sommers’ skilled bass plucking amid a soothing and melodic album highlight that meshes the winds and brass sublimely.

Residing near the end, “Gandanga Blues” showcases Russ Johnson’s well timed trumpet alongside strong attention to mood, and “Bermuda Blues” exits with plenty of grooves and relaxed rhythm, as Ben Goldberg’s clarinet and Norman Palm’s trombone add much to the textured finish.

A highly ambitious effort, Bradfield’s originals are well thought out and the creative interpretations of Coltrane, Shorter, Threadgill and Byard make for an eclectic and meticulous body of work.

Travels well with: Kenny Reichert- Switch; Neal Alger- Old Souls

Enrico Granafei

It’s Hard To Say Goodbye

CAP, 2024

8/10

Listen to It’s Hard To Say Goodbye

The harmonica player, guitar and singer Enrico Granafei is joined by a large cast for these diverse tracks that embrace his eclectic vision and showcase both originals and interpretations.

The frisky and animated “Claudinho” opens with Granafei’s warm harmonica alongside Gordon Lane’s skilled drumming, and “Night Train” follows with Greg Jones’ lively bass and keys from Amina Figarova that suit the thoughtful and cautious delivery.

Landing in the middle, the stylish “L’ultimate cialda” makes great use of Sylvia Cuenca’s lively drums and Claudio Roditi’s precise flugelhorn, while “What Goes Around Comes Around” welcomes Annette Aguilar’s flowing percussion to the cultured album highlight.

Residing close to the end, the intimate “To My Lady” allows for Mike Longo’s mature keys to radiate in a heartfelt fashion, and the title track exits with Christian Fabian’s charming bass and Granafei’s dreamy harmonica.

The album serve as a tribute to 3 people of significant importance, Mike Longo, Claudio Roditi and Toots Thielemans, and their memory is preserved with much beauty, playfulness and worldly jazz sensibilities that are timeless.

Travels well with: John Fedchock- Justifiably J.J.; Matt Booth- Sun Prints

Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus

Harbortowne

Berkalin, 2024

8/10

Listen to Harbortowne

The Austin residents and husband and wife duo of Jim Patton and Sherry Brokus return with a 7th album timeless folk sounds and authentic Americana that is present in spades.

The frisky title track opens the listen with Patton’s quick singing alongside Brokus’ soulful backing vocals, as warm acoustic guitar flows, and “The Juggler” follows with some jangly percussion to complement the breezy melodies of the timeless folk qualities.

Further along, graceful keys from Ron Flynt enter “Missing You”, which tugs on the heartstrings, while “Slap In The Face” is an upbeat album highlight that’s full of vivid storytelling and Rich Brotherson’s meticulous mandolin.

Closer to the end, the cozy spirit of “Back In The Storm” offers a soft and rich moment of vocal harmonies, and “Start Again” exits with Warren Hood’s stirring fiddle that complements the emotive finish which places Brokus on lead vocals.

An effort that tips its hat towards their native Maryland, the vocalist BettySoo and percussionist John Bush are also present, and it helps make for a record that will bring to mind legends like Lightfoot, Dylan or even Buffett.

Travels well with: Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus- Big Red Gibson; Brian Kalinec- The Beauty Of It All

Les Arrivants

Towards The Light

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Towards The Light

Les Arrivants, i.e. Amichai Ben Shalev (bandoneon), Abdul-Wahab Kayyali (oud), and Hamin Honari (tombak, daf and percussion), return with a sophomore album, where their unique brand of world music embrace plenty of sonic ideas.

The warm climate of “City Of Ashes” opens with no lack of rhythm and melody from the trio, and “Phoenix Landing” follows with playful percussion and the meticulous bandoneon that emits much intrigue.

In the middle, “Espérances” welcomes Didem Basar’s precise kanun to the dreamy and rich climate, while the title track pays strong attention to mood via the player’s individual, inimitable strengths.

The last two tracks, “Corazón Desolado (Desolate Heart)” and “Mohajer (Migrant)”, host Reza Abaee and Pierre-Alexandre Maranda. The former makes great use of Maranda’s thick bass plucking in the hazy delivery, and the latter emits much beauty and grace via the eloquent strings.

Les Arrivants reside in Canada but come from Iran, Lebanon/Jordan, and Argentina, there’s plenty of influences from their homelands across these introspective, cultured and engaging selections.

Travels well with: Kenny Werner/Alon Michael- Fire And Praise; Rose Wollman- Breaking Glass Ceilings

Amy Brandon

Lysis

New Focus, 2024

9/10

Listen to Lysis

The Canadian composer Amy Brandon returns with a diverse offering, where both solo and ensemble pieces unfold with profound attention to detail.

“microchimerisms” starts the listen with Sara Constant’s atypical flute gestures populating the quick ambience, and “threads” follows with an ominous mood, as the Chartreuse Trio emit quivering strings with strong emphasis on pitch and white noise.

The middle tracks belong to “Caduceus” and “Tsiyr”. The former recruits Leah Plave and India Gailey’s cellos amid Brandon’s curious electronics via the down tuned climate, while the latter benefits from Quatuor Bozzini and Ensemble Paramirabo, whose flute, clarinet and piano emits much color and tonality.

The final 2 tracks don’t disappoint either. “Simulacra” welcomes dissonance and melody to the 12+ minutes that puts Jeffrey Zeigler’s cello and the Symphony Nova Scotia to good use, and the title track exits with Bozzini’s prowess, as abrupt shifts in landscape create an unpredictable and intriguing finish.

An unconventional effort that explores microtonality, modern composition and chamber music, Brandon’s vision is lush, exploratory and iconoclastic in its ever changing execution.

Travels well with: Jon Nelson & Metalofonico- Metalofonico; Richard Cameron-Wolfe- Passionate Geometrics

Colin Fisher

Suns Of The Heart

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Suns Of The Heart

The multi-instrumentalist Colin Fisher knows his way around an improvised and free jazz spirited tune, and here we’re treated to 6 highly imaginative and unpredictable selections.

“Acts Of Light” gets the listen off to an atmospheric start, where glowing guitar is met with a sense of mystery and cinematic qualities, and “Dues Absconditus” follows with buzzing guitar solos and flashes of sax invading the free jazz exploration.

The middle tracks belong to “Luminous Light” and “Terra Lucida”. The former manipulates feedback and percussive ideas in a mesmerizing fashion, while the latter is uniquely harmonic via the dreamy guitar and strategic repetition.

The record exits with “Illuminato Matutina”, where wonder and awe are present amid the distinct tension and abstractly melodic gestures.

A highly experimental effort that might bring to mind Nels Cline or Oren Ambarchi, Fisher’s impressive attention to detail is very much appreciated across this fascinating 6th solo release.

Travels well with: Jeremy Gignoux- Odd Stillness; Tim Brady- Imagine Many Guitars

David Bailis

Tree Of Life

Create or Destroy, 2024

8/10

Listen to Tree Of Life

The guitarist David Bailis is joined by Chris Speed, Eric Lane and Jason Nazary for these 4 originals and lone cover, where thoughtfulness and creativity are very much appreciated.

“Rays Of Light” opens the listen with Lane’s sophisticated keys that suit soulful tenor sax from Speed amid Bailis’ spirited guitar, and the title track follows with Nazary’s subdued drums and much intimacy via the the wind and guitar.

“Big Dreams” occupies the middle spot and showcases Lane’s well timed synth bass alongside the flowing keys, while “Open Your Eyes” comes with a dreamy flavor thanks to the meticulous guitar from Bailis who turns in a careful interpretation of the Bobby Caldwell tune. The quick listen exits with “Is Eternal”, where the dynamic instrumentation benefits from crisp drums, intricate guitar and lively sax.

The quartet fleshed out the songs in a 5 hour session without any rehearsals, and Bailis’ diverse background is very much apparent throughout the colorful and imaginative affair.

Travels well with: Doug MacDonald- Live At The Rancho Mirage Library; The Haas Company- Celestial Latitude

John Fedchock

Justifiably J.J.

Summit, 2024

9/10

Listen to Justifiably J.J.

The trombone wizard John Fedchock pays tribute to the J.J. Johnson Centennial with this live album that recruits Steve Allee, Jeremy Allen and Sean Dobbins.

The frisky “Naptown U.S.A.” opens with Fedchock’s lively brass amid Allee’s lively keys for the dynamic delivery, and “Short Cake” follows with an emotive mood that uses Dobbins’ precise drums strategically.

The middle spot belongs to “Kenya”, where a cinematic quality unfolds via the meticulous drumming and energetic keys that are complemented by Allen’s playful bass, while “Say When” bops and shakes with an infectious demeanor via the animated rhythm section and Fedchock’s bright trombone.

Arriving near the end, the dreamy “Minor Mist” radiates much beauty and grace, and “Ten 85” exits with a meticulous collaboration between the quartet that emits a timeless jazz appeal.

The sound quality here is top notch and the execution is equally great. The set was captured at the Jazz Kitchen, in Indianapolis, where Johnson was born and died, and it certainly does justice to his legacy- from one trombone master to another.

Travels well with: Bevan Manson- Talking To Trees; Matt Booth- Sun Prints

Debra Lyn

A Cold Wind Blows (Evolution)

Palette, 2024

8/10

Listen to A Cold Wind Blows (Evolution)

A Nashville based artist with a penchant for Americana and folk sounds, Debra Lyn brings us 12 original songs, where emotions and relationships are touched on with much eloquence.

The title track starts with much warmth, where Lyn’s cozy voice is met with soft guitar and moody percussion, and “One Heart” follows with mesmerizing guitar and intimate singing that tugs on the heartstrings.

“Closer To Goodbye” arrives in the middle and comes with a dreamy mood that welcomes graceful strings, while “If I Never Wake Up Again” uses Jeff Silverman’s ambient keys alongside the short but impressive singing.

Landing close to the end, the breezy “Swim The River”, the album’s best, offers a charming and powerful moment of sublime beauty, and “Till I’m Gone” exits with a live tune that benefits from Tyler Reese’s meticulous acoustic guitar that suit Lyn’s soaring pipes.

Silverman’s contributions on production, mixing and mastering can’t be ignored, as Lyn’s sincere and universally relatable songwriting makes an indelible impression.

Travels well with: Rosemary Loar- Coraçāo Vagabundo/Vagabond Heart; CeCe Gable- Love On The Tyrrhenian

Eddy Lee Ryder

Sweet Delusions

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Sweet Delusions

The ‘demented pop’ artist Eddy Lee Ryder makes an impression with this sophomore album, where introspective songs touch on romance, regret, broken hearts, and hope for the future.

The title track opens with Ryder’s powerful and bright voice alongside lush strings and a very rich climate, and “Highwaymen” follows with crisp drums and a calm mood, where melody and a nostalgic approach won’t go unnoticed.

Moving into the middle, “Antarctica” unfolds with a unique dreaminess that’s intimate, while “Simple Touch” builds into a scrappy, indie-rock delivery that’s poetic and adventurous.

Further still, the rhythmic and dance floor friendly “Smoke And Mirrors” uses keys strategically amid the frisky vocals and infectious energy, and “County Fair” exits with an acoustic guitar focused tune that tugs on the heartstrings.

An album that’s very focused on storytelling, Ryder is creating her own brand of Americana, and the no lack of hooks or retro nods make for an excellent listen that might even remind you of Stevie Nicks or Kate Bush.

Travels well with: Vakili Band- Tannersville; TT- Man On The Corner

Cathy Segal-Garcia

Social Anthems Volume 2

Dash Hoffman, 2024

8/10

Listen to Social Anthems Volume 2

The always impressive vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia returns with another batch of songs that touch on the challenging times we are living in, and she’s got an all star cast along for the 8 tracks.

“In Your Eyes” starts with a lush appeal, where Nick Mancini’s glowing vibes complement Segal-Garcia’s distinct singing in the Peter Gabriel hit, and “Inner City Blues/Make Me Wanna Holler” follows with playful drumming and infectious bass for the rhythmic setting.

The middle track belongs to “Russians/My Russia”, where a hint of mystery enters the rich delivery, while “The Book Of Love” benefits much from cautious drumming and Carey Frank’s well timed keys.

Close to the end, “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” meshes the radiant vibes, agile drumming and melodic singing into the album’s best, and a remix of “Inner City Blues” exits with a adventurous mood and dance floor ready appeal that’s both stylish and memorable.

Segal-Garcia’s alto pipes are in fine form here, and her esteemed company help put a fresh coat of paint on songs from the ‘70s through the ‘90s with plenty of jazz flavor.

Travels well with: Cathy Segal-Garcia- Social Anthems Volume 1; Alexis Cole- Jazz Republic

David Leisner

Charms To Soothe

Azica, 2024

8/10

Listen to Charms To Soothe

Now 20 albums deep, the esteemed guitarist David Leisner brings us 19th century music by Mertz, Sor, Guillani, Schulz and Regondi.

Mertz’s “Nocturne, op. 4, no. 2” opens the listen with Leisner’s warm and inviting guitar playing that instantly draws us in, and “Three Etudes (from op. 40)” follows with the graceful progressions that are intimate and melodic in their precise delivery of the Schulz tune.

Sor’s “Two Etudes” arrives in the middle and carries an intimate quality via the cautious playing, while Giuliani’s “Four Pieces (from op. 148) [in the form of a Sonata]” balances both soft and firm gestures that radiate much exploration.

Near the end, “Two Etudes”, courtesy of Regondi, is a mesmerizing and rich album highlight that benefits much from Leisner’s meticulous craft, and “Two Pieces (from Bardenklänge, op. 13)” exits with a colorful and enlightening finish that showcases Leisner’s tremendous abilities.

Leisner released his album in 1979, and his resume has been busy and accomplished since. This body of work comes at a very difficult time in history, and the indeed soothing aspect is very much appreciated.

Travels well with: David Leisner- Letter To The World; Sahan Arzruni- By Women: Piano Works By Armenian Woman Composers

New Math

They Walk Among You

Propeller, 2024

10/10

Listen to They Walk Among You

New Math were definitely ahead of their time when this EP was released in 1981, and in this remastered and expanded reissue treats us to 6 bonus tracks that exemplify their post-punk and Goth filled ways.

The title track starts with crisp drums and rich synth that suits the dark climate of raw, post-punk that might bring to mind Joy Division or The Cramps, and “Garden Of Delight” follows with a brighter appeal, as a swirling climate radiates a nostalgic energy that bursts into a speedy tune.

Deeper into the original EP, “Invocation” offers a haze via Chris Yockel’s thick guitar amid Gary Trainer’s strategic bass, while “American Survival” is a scrappy and almost pop tinted EP closer that makes great use of Kevin Patrick’s distinct singing.

Of the 3 studio outtakes, “Dead Of Night” allows for Mark Schwarz’s animated synth to shine alongside the thumping drums and mesmerizing guitar, and, of the live selections, “Second Language” pounds hard before finding more melodic gestures, where the sound quality is excellent and the songwriting timeless (this was recorded in 1983.

New Math were one of upstate New York’s first punks, and were active from the late ‘70s until 1984, when they changed their name to Jet Black Berries. They released a fairly limited amount of records, and this reissue resurrects a magic that will appeal to fans of The Damned, Psychedelic Furs or The Dandy Warhols.

Travels well with: Apothek- Apothek; Highasakite- In And Out Of Weeks

Sam Phillips

A Boot And A Shoe

Omnivore, 2024

9/10

Listen to A Boot And A Shoe

This 10th album from the singer-songwriter Sam Phillips was originally released in 2004, and here it lives again for the first time on vinyl and with new liner notes from Phillips.

“How To Quite” starts the listen with playful acoustic guitar alongside well timed drums, as Phillips’ distinct voice makes for an animated folk climate, and “All Night” follows with a hint of rhythm amid the frisky drums and fluid strumming.

Moving into the middle, “Red Silk Five” emits much beauty and melody via the intricate guitar and expressive singing, while “Infiltration” is quite pretty, intimate and showcases the lovely singing amid strategic guitar and gorgeous strings courtesy of the Section Quartet.

Landing close to the end, the album’s best, “If I Could Write”, blends the strings and guitar with a unique poeticism, and “One Day Late” exits with the inviting singing and colorful musicianship that’s charming and memorable.

Even if you don’t recognize the name, you’ve likely heard Phillips’ work as she’s soundtracked plenty of TV shows, and with an all star cast including T BoneBurnett, Marc Ribot (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello), Mike Elizondo (Fiona Apple, Eminem), and legendary drummer Jim Keltner, this reissue is a great way to become acquainted with some under appreciated pop/rock/folk.

Travels well with: Grant-Lee Phillips- All That You Can Dream; Rufus Wainwright- Rufus Does Judy At Capitol Studios

The Flaming Lips

King’s Mouth Music And Songs

Warner, 2019

9/10

Listen to King’s Mouth Music And Songs

The Flaming Lips never do anything conventional, and this 15th album continues that trend with cinematic narration from Mick Jones, of The Clash, that soundtracks Wayne Coyne’s art installation, the aptly titled King’s Mouth.

“We Don’t Know How And We Don’t Know Why” starts the album with spoken word from Mick Jones on a spacey, ambient affair, and “The Sparrow” follows with Coyne’s raspy vocals alongside a bare acoustic, cosmic gem.

Elsewhere, “Mother Universe”recruits classical undertones amid an ethereal delivery, while the quirky “ “How Many Times” is part hushed, part soulful pop flavor.

The back half of the listen brings Jones back on the experimental and dense rock of “Funeral Parade”, and “Mouth Of The King”, also with Jones, elicits a sunnier approach of acoustic guitar prowess. “How Can A Head” finishes out the listen with a retro-pop, orchestral and anthemic feel, a completely stunning exit to the creative environment.

Much like their exceptional Yoshimi album, the tunes here tell a vivid story while delivering further proof that a band who have made an international impression with their iconoclastic version of neo-psychedelia, aberrant post-punk and prog-rock nods are clearly nowhere near running out of ideas.

Though concept albums at this level of skill might alienate a lot of listeners, King’s Mouth might actually be one of the most accessible albums in decades from Coyne and company.

Travels well with: Pink Floyd- Wish You Were Here; Radiohead- The King Of Limbs