Marc Ciprut

Moonshine

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Moonshine

The guitarist Marc Ciprut has enjoyed a lengthy career, and here along with some excellent players he fleshes out 8 fusion filled tracks.

The bouncy and upbeat title track starts with Ciprut’s warm guitar alongside Jimmy Haslip’s fluid bass playing for the rock’n’roll climate, and “No Compromise” follows with Tommi Rautianen’s hard hitting drums that suit the dense guitar licks.

“Cutie” and “Who Got Next?” land in the middle, where the former welcomes Etienne Lytle’s playful organ and Wurlitzer to the grooves, while the latter bops and shakes with an infectious energy via Tobias Ralph’s lively drums and plenty of funk fun.

Arriving near the end, “Slippery Slope” places Charles Ruggiero on drums and Jeremy Manasia on Wurlitzer, which helps illuminate Ciprut’s animated guitar, and “Funk You” exits with indeed plenty of funk thanks to James Genus’ skilled bass and Daniel Sadownick’s impressive percussion.

Ciprut is nothing if not versatile, and these songs mix jazz, rock and blues in a way that brings to mind Jimi Hendrix, Grant Green and Wes Montgomery, which I doubt anyone is going to have a problem with.

Travels well with: Omer Leshem- Play Space; Wayne Alpern- Gotham

Dharma Down

Owl Dreams

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Owl Dreams

Dharma Down, i.e. Duncan Hardy, Mike Effenberger, Scott Kiefner and John Mettam, come together for this genre defying debut that touches on East European and Middle Eastern Music.

The cultured and flowing “Jalla Man” opens with Hardy’s inticate qanun complementing Mettam’s agile drumming, and “Bubu Jinn” follows with a more dense appeal, where Hardy’s lively sax suits Kiefner’s meticulous bass prowess.

In the middle, “A Murder Of Cheerleaders” makes great use of Effenberger’s bouncy keys amid soaring sax, while “Among The Reeds” is a more intimate moment of dreaminess that blends the quartet’s inimitable talents with warmth.

Landing close to the end, “Jurlina”, the album’s best, carries a mesmerizing mood via the dynamic rhythm section and soulful sax, and “Thoughts And Prayers” finishes with a reflective tone that recruits bass plucking, mature keys and soft drums.

An eclectic and unique first album, Dharma Down take inspiration from American and Arabic traditions, and the mashing of modern jazz and middle eastern music yields both power and vulnerability.

Travels well with: Philip Weberndoerfer- Tides; Dred Scott- Cali Mambo

Neil Adler

Emi’s Song

EJA, 2024

8/10

Listen to Emi’s Song

The pianist and harmonica player Neil Adler brings along Jeff Buenz, Akira Tana and Carlitos Medrano to these worldly songs that touch on jazz in uplifting and memorable ways.

The title track starts the listen with Adler’s warm keys and bright harmonica guiding the melodic climate, and “Besame Mucho” follows with dancing piano amid crisp drumming from Tana that suits the global energy.

Further along, “Blues For McCoy” is a thoughtful moment of meticulous keys that builds into a dense delivery that hints at rock and puts Medrano’s congos to good use, while “The Peacocks” benefits much from the dreamy harmonica and Buenz’s atmospheric bass lines.

Near the end, “Los Tres Golpes” blends the piano and harmonica with strong attention to detail and much color, and “Donna Lee” exits with a solo harmonica delivery that’s quite impressive and memorable.

Adler’s formative years involved jazz, Motown, and R&B, and those influences are still present across this eclectic and fusion filled effort.

Travels well with: Stan Harrison- Some Poor Soul Has A Fire; Andy Ezrin- I Was Here

The Lao Tizer Band

Amplify

YSE, 2024

8/10

Listen to Amplify

The esteemed keyboarist Lao Tizer is joined by guests Aaron Janik, Khristian Foreman, Carey Frank, India Carney and Devin Velez, plus his inimitable band for these 9 originals.

“Down” starts the listen with plenty of warmth, where Elliott Yamin’s soulful pipes guide the rich climate, and “Boulevard Of Stars” follows with playful bass and no lack of grooves, as Chieli Minucci’s lends his inimitable talents on guitar.

Further along, “Why” benefits much from agile drumming, soaring vocals and Tizer’s meticulous keys for the flowing melodies, while “The Labyrinth” features Karen Briggs on violin and Danny Janklow’s flute that adds much to the colorful and textured album highlight.

“Carousel” and “Lullaby” exit the listen. The former makes great use of Eric Marienthal’s bright sax amid the animated keys, and the latter lands in balladry thanks to the emotive and heartfelt piano.

There’s a nice balance between instrumentals and sung tracks included, as Tizer and his company mix R&B, jazz, world music and jam band nods into unclassifiable and exciting song craft.

Travels well with: Jeff Coffin- Look For Water; Oz Noy/Ugonna Okegwo/Ray Marchica- Riverside

Jeff Rupert

It Gets Better

Rupe, 2024

8/10

Listen to It Gets Better

The jazz saxophonist and educator Jeff Rupert brings us 6 originals and 3 standards, where Kenny Barron, Peter Washington and Joe Farnsworth are in attendance.

“Petrichor (In The Cote Dazur)” starts the listen with Rupert’s smooth sax alongside Farnsworth’s frisky drumming for the stylish mood, and “Comanche Crush” follows with Barron’s upbeat keys guiding the melodic aspect of the rhythmic delivery.

Arriving in the middle is the complex and heartfelt “Lana Turner”, where classical ideas enter the timeless jazz, while “It Gets Better” offers technical playing amid Washington’s precisely plucked bass.

Residing near the end, “Nowhere To Go But Up” embraces the collaborative spirit of the quartet with modern nods via a hopeful message, and “Promenade In Blue” exits with bluesy bouts of introspective song craft thanks to the rich layers.

The interplay present is superb, as Rupert and company tip their hat to the past while still being very much in tune with contemporary jazz.

Travels well with: Planet D Nonet- Echoes Of Harlem: A Tribute To Duke Ellington Vol 2; 3D Jazz Trio- 9 To 5

Rachel McIntyre Smith

Honeysuckle Friend

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Honeysuckle Friend

The Tennessee native Rachel McIntyre Smith knows her way around a twang friendly tune you won’t soon forget, and this 5 tracks recruit Dran Michael and Michael Knight for the sophomore EP.

“Grow Up Slow” starts with Smith’s cozy and expressive voice alongside warm banjo and fluid acoustic guitar for the pretty delivery, and “Parentheses” follows with strong attention to mood, where thoughtful wordplay surrounds the pretty and intimate musicianship.

“Memories In The Middle” lands in the middle and is an upbeat and playful Americana rocker that touches on bluegrass ideas, too, while “Stoke The Coals” makes great use of agile drumming and flowing banjo for the EPs best.

The final track, “Hold The Ladder”, benefits much from aching steel guitar and, of course, Smith’s strong range that fills the rural spirt via the soaring exit.

Smith’s songs might bring to mind names like Kacey Musgraves or Alison Krauss, and this quick listen is yet another example of her timeless country/Americana ways that really should make her a household name.

Travels well with: Kylie Fox- Sequoia; The Magnolia Janes- The Light Years

Eighth Blackbird/David Lang

Composition As Explanation

Cedille, 2024

8/10

Listen to Composition As Explanation

A world premiere recording, Eighth Blackbird offer their take on David Lang’s Composition As Explanation, where the strings, winds, percussion and keys blend together with a meticulous nature.

“There Is Singularly Nothing” opens with dialogue that welcomes Lisa Kaplan’s warm piano playing, and “Those Who Are Creating” follows with harmonizing vocals versus talking that draws us in.

Deeper into the record, “It Is Understood By This Time” spotlights Lang’s spoken word, while “And Now To Begin As If To Begin” features Lina Andonovska’s flute and Maiani da Silva’s violin to its advantage in intimate and mesmerizing ways.

Arriving close to the end, the strategically placed percussion from Matthew Duvall across “The Problem From This Time On” makes an impression, and “The Time In The Composition” exits with a busy mood of swift talking, bouncy keys, animated strings and dreamy percussion.

An effort that’s culled from the influential 1926 lecture of the same name by modernist icon Gertrude Stein, Eighth Blackbird’s tremendous talents that also include Zachary Good’s clarinet and Ashley Bathgate’s cello cultivate a theatric and chamber presence that few others could replicate.

Travels well with: Mary Elizabeth Bowden- Storyteller; Pacifica Quartet- American Voices

Michael Dease

Found In Space: The Music Of Gregg Hill

Origin, 2024

8/10

Listen to Found In Space: The Music Of Gregg Hill

The trombonist and baritone saxophonist Micheal Dease explores the works of Gregg Hill, and he’s got an excellent cast with him or the adventurous 10 tracks.

The busy and animated “The Last Pop Tune” starts the listen with Bill Cunliffe’s flowing keys and Sharel Cassity’s bright flute making an impression, and the title track follows with a calmer mood, where Gwendolyn Dease’s dreamy marimba suits the well timed winds and brass texturing.

At the halfway point, “The Stray Moonduck” benefits much from Katie Thiroux’s precise bass and Colleen Clark’s agile drumming, while “The Puppet Thief” bops and shakes with a stylist demeanor that benefits much from Matt White’s distinct trumpet.

Residing near the end, “Anthem”, the album’s best, balances intimacy with Dease’s meticulous sax prowess, and “A Wrinkle In Time” exits with a dizzying and festive spirit via the pounding drums, blurry brass and lively winds that are unpredictable and exciting.

Dease’s career has been nothing short of luminous, and this installment is yet another example of timeless jazz appeal, where, in addition to the above, Virginia MacDonald (clarinet), Rudresh Mahanthappa (alto sax), Jason Hainsworth (tenor sax) and Nanami Haruta (trombone) contribute their inimitable talents.

Travels well with: Russell Haight- Go Forth; Eric Jacobson- Heading Home

Howard Gladstone

Crazy Talk

Sonic Peach, 2024

8/10

Listen to Crazy Talk

The Canadian roots artist Howard Gladstone returns with an 8th album, and the 12 songs welcome many players for a diverse and memorable effort.

“Show A Little Love” starts the listen with Gladstone’s distinct voice alongside Glenn Anderson’s agile drumming and Jacob Gorzhaltsan’s soulful tenor sax, and the title track follows with Bob Cohen’s precise bass and Laura Fernandez’s pretty backing vocals adding much beauty and grace.

Moving into the middle, the stirring strings of “Sea Of Sorrow” suits the intimate and poetic climate, while “Oh The Waters” benefits much from Ed Michael Roth’s strategic accordion amid Tony Quarrington’s meticulous mandolin.

The final 2 tracks don’t disappoint, either. “Bodies In Motion” places Alan McKinlay on backing vocals that complement the frisky delivery, and “That’s How It Goes” exits with Shelley Coopersmith on viola and violin and George crotty handling cello for the rich finish.

A well thought out body of work that embraces folk, jazz, orchestral and world music, Gladstone and company pull from a variety of influences for the timeless and enlightening record.

Travels well with: Mike Evin- Something Stirs When You Sing; Ian North- Everything Is Incomplete

Jett Holden

The Phoenix

Black Opry/Thirty Tigers, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Phoenix

The Tennessee artist Jett Holden delivers an impressive debut album, where his roots and country ways address plenty of current social and political topics with some excellent guest spots.

“Taxidermy” starts the listen with a response to police brutality, where Holden’s powerful voice is met with warm acoustic guitar, and it isn’t long before “Karma” welcomes Cassadee Pope and thumping drums for the crisp, country-rock nods.

Halfway through, the rich and melodic “Scarecrow” uses eloquent storytelling amid the intimate textures, while “When I’m Gone” recruits Emily Scott Robinson to the dreamy climate that benefits from emotive pedal steel.

Close to the end, “West Virginia Sky” comes with both grit and beauty, as keys and steel guitar mix with wonder and awe, and “Backwood Proclamation” exits with Charlie Worsham and John Osborne in attendance for the crunchy and rugged finish.

An first album that’s full of anthemic qualities and much sincerity, there’s little doubt that Jett Holden will make a fan out of anyone willing to listen.

Travels well with: Joe Ely- Driven To Drive; Melissa Carper- Borned In Ya

Forest Sun

No Finish Line

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to No Finish Line

The San Francisco multi-instrumentalist Forest Sun returns with a 13th album, where some excellent musicians join him for his distinct brand of folk.

“America I Love You” starts the listen with warm acoustic guitar and Sun’s smooth pipes populating the timeless folk climate, and “Music Is My Medicine” follows with Sun handling piano alongside Aaron Kierbel’s fluid drumming and Lara Louise’s soothing harmony vocals.

The title track lands in the middle and uses Gawain Mathews’ agile drumming that suits the personal storytelling that builds into a frisky energy, while “Take Along Our Love” recruits banjo from Mathews for an intimate delivery of heartfelt song craft.

Landing close to the end, “Too Much Of Everything” offers a bluegrass inspired moment that’s cozy, and “Autumn In Montreal” exits with Mathews’ meticulous electric guitar and Sun’s rich singing that tosses in hints of nostalgia.

A prolific and imaginative artist, Sun’s mix of folk, bluegrass, country, gospel and soul ends up being some of the most intriguing Americana you’ve heard recently.

Travels well with: Lindsay Lou- Queen Of Time; Tom Freund- The Year I Spent In Space

Laurie Altman/Clipper Erickson

From Somewhere

Navona, 2024

8/10

Listen From Somewhere

The composer Laurie Altman and pianist Clipper Erickson come together for these 8 involved pieces that spread across 2 discs of solo instrumental ideas.

“Prelude 17” starts the listen with adventurous keys that are quite unpredictable and memorable, and “Preludes and Fugues Set I” follows with both calm and busy bouts of exciting and precise keys from Erickson.

Halfway through, “That Day” serves as a memorial for George Floyd, and it unfolds with both gentle and dramatic playing that suits the heavy mood of that day, while “Piano Sonata # 10 “Aleppo”, the album’s best, offers cinematic nods and meticulous manipulation of space.

Arriving near the end, “Soliloquy” emits melodic gestures that tug on the heartstrings, and “Boogie, Movement I, Sonata # 8” exits with a rumbling spirit and strategic energy that illustrates highly creative progressions.

A highly technical outing that touches on jazz, classical, and boogie, the sonatas, fugues and solos make for a universal appeal.

Travels well with: Franz Liszt- Majestic Liszt; Lawrence K. Moss- Unseen Paths

Mike Evin

Something Stirs When You Sing

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Something Stirs When You Sing

This 7th album from the pianist and vocalist Mike Evin, these intimate 11 tracks welcome a small handful of guests to timeless pop.

“Outside With A Guitar” opens with the bright keys and expressive singing that’s harmonic and heartfelt, and “The Ham In You” follows with much emotion amid the thoughtful songwriting and rich piano.

Landing at the halfway point is “I Almost Called You Babe”, which resides in ballad territory and is highly melodic, while “No Carnival” uses percussion strategically amid the flowing keys for album’s best.

Further still, “Birds In The City” benefits much from Devon Henderson’s upright bass that suits the animated vocals, and “We’ve Got To Believe In Love” exits with a warm spirit that’s guitar focused and charming in its hooky demeanor.

An effort that is all heart, Evin’s melodic and forthright nature is very much appreciated, where similarities to Ben Folds and Elton John sure are warranted.

Travels well with: Ian North- Everything Is Incomplete; Belfountain- Some Hearts

Anthony Brandt

LiveWire And Meeting Of Minds

Navona, 2024

9/10

Listen to LiveWire And Meeting Of Minds

An assembly of 2 creative dance scores that recruit the NobleMotion Dance and the University of Houston IUCRC BRAIN Center, the strings here explore mental lives and how we engage with others.

The first half of the listen belongs to the title track, where Jacob Schafer and Evie Chen’s cinematic violins complement Sebastian Stefanovic’s moody viola and Bree Ahern’s graceful cello for the 5 distinct and collaborative chapters.

The back half belongs to “Meeting Of Minds”, where Christopher Ellis’ animated cello and Molly Wise’s strategic viola add much to the meticulous violins from Astrid Nakamura and Nanki Chugh. The 10 chapters are quite diverse, where dancing strings, plucked bouts and dramatic shifts won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated.

A body of work that contributed to science, several dancers wore mobile brain-body imaging devices, with live visualizations of the neural synchrony between their brains displayed in real time, where Brandt’s creative vision made for ‘sonic brain scans’ via these adventurous string settings.

Travels well with: The Merian Ensemble- The Book Of Spells; Alchymy Viols- Deep River

Kylie Fox

Sequoia

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Sequoia

The Canadian artist Kylie Fox returns with a sophomore album, where plenty of ‘70s ideas unfold with a fusion exploration that might bring to mind Sharon Van Etten.

The atmospheric title track starts the listen with Fox’s alluring voice alongside Camilo Villamizar’s dense bass and Sean Hutchins’ rich guitar, and “Brandi Baby” follows with Ryan Barrie’s thumping drums and a distinct dreaminess that swirls with wonder.

Further along, “Flush” recruits Kelly Waterhouse’s well timed flute and retro grooves to the nostalgic fun, while “Alberta” is an intimate moment of sublime beauty via the soft keys and hints of jazz.

“Ali’s Wedding” arrives close to the end, and it showcases Fox’s tremendous pipes amid subdued, rich musicianship that comes with vivid storytelling, and “Certain” exits with a unique warmth, where Daniel Ledwell’s pedal steel makes an indelible impression.

A record that’s steeped in Canadiana elements, Fox blends rock, pop, jazz and folk into her own brand of Americana, and it’s full sincerity and relatability that draws us in.

Travels well with: The Magnolia Janes- The Light Years; Evan Boyer- The Devil In Me

Cornelia Sommer

New Enchantments

Navona, 2024

8/10

Listen to New Enchantments

The bassoonist Cornelia Sommer fleshes out 6 world premiere recordings, where magical archetypes are explored via the living composers.

“Märchenbilder”, by Robert Schumann, opens with Sommer’s agile oboe and Hilda Huang’s eloquent piano interacting with tremendous beauty across the 4 rich chapters, and Iván Enrique Rodríguez’s “Mamá María: Cuento de Hadas para Fagót y Piano” follows with a hint of mystery amid the moody wind and striking keys.

Jean-Philippe Rameau’s “Un conte de fées” arrives in the middle and welcomes baroque bassoon, and strings via Rachell Ellen Wong’s baroque violin and Jonathan Salamon’s harpsichord that complement Bethanne Walker’s animated baroque flute, while “Rumpelstilzchentanz”, by Max Grafe, presents dueling bassoons thanks to Kathleen McLean for the distinct and intriguing landscape.

The final piece and lone original, “Fantasy on Rossini’s “La Cenerentola”, pairs the poetic bassoon with Huang’s meticulous piano for an emotive and flowing exit.

An effort that touches on chamber, romantic and baroque ideas, Sommer and company present a fairy tale-esque affair that’s detailed and striking.

Travels well with: Dan Goble- Second Flight; Yoko Hirota- Small Is Beautiful

Beastii

Follower

Dark Circles, 2024

9/10

Listen to Follower

The Chicago rockers Beastii return with 13 hard hitting yet very tuneful new songs that pull from a varied set of influences that includes Joy Division, Kate Bush and Devo.

“Justine’ starts the listen with Chris Lee’s thumping drums and Jen Dot’s fierce but melodic voice guiding the dance-punk ideas, and “The Limit” follows with scrappy guitar and bouncy bass that complement the soothing backing vocals.

Deeper into the listen, “Evil Eye” uses electronic drumming and a swirling atmosphere for the infectious mood that touches on post-punk, while “Sell Out” offers a calmer moment of spirited guitar via Jesse Fevvers that suits Dot’s heartfelt pipes.

“Into The Ground” arrives near the end, and embraces ambience with some psychedelic nods, and “Be Sweet” exits plenty of lively rock’n’roll flavor that’s harmonic and retro tinted, too.

A diverse body of work that touches on ‘60s surf, ‘80s post-punk and ‘90s grunge, if you’re a fan of The Buzzcocks, PJ Harvey or Wire, Beastii could be your new favorite band.

Travels well with: Danko Jones- Electric Sounds; Circlons- When Only The Music Is Pretty

David Weiss Sextet

Auteur

Origin, 2024

8/10

Listen to Auteur

The trumpet extraordinaire David Weiss is joined by Myron Walden, Nicole Glover, David Bryant, Eric Wheeler and E.J. Strickland for these 7 lively jazz tunes.

The lively “Too Little, Too Late” starts the record with Weiss’ bright trumpet alongside Strickland’s rowdy drums and Bryant’s animated keys, and “Resilience (For George)” follows with a calmer appeal that benefits from soulful trumpet and warm sax prowess via Walden and Glover.

In the middle, the dance floor ready “Rebop” showcases the dynamic interaction between the sextet via an infectious energy, while “The Mirror” is an intimate moment that benefits from Wheeler’s strategic bass and much emotion, but later builds into a swift delivery.

The final selection, “One For Bu”, is another exciting moment, where the brass, winds and rhythm section emit much melody and powerful bouts of timeless jazz.

A body of work that isn’t lacking any solos, Weiss and company make the 5 originals and 2 interpretations a collaborative and harmonic affair.

Travels well with: Russell Haight- Go Forth; Eric Jacobson- Heading Home

Delia Fischer

Beyond Bossa

Origin, 2024

8/10

Listen to Beyond Bossa

The Brazilian pianist, singer and songwriter Delia Fischer has enjoyed a 40+ year career, and this first album in English welcomes plenty of guests to the cultured and timeless listen.

“A Little Samba” opens the record with much warmth, where Marcelo Costa’s soft drums complement the graceful singing, and “Song Of Self Affirmation” follows with Gretel Paganini’s stirring cello alongside the poetic vocals.

Moving into the middle, “Lemon Jugglers Of Rio” welcomes careful winds via Levi Chaves that suits the many voices present, while “Every Hopeful Corner” is populated by Matias Correa’s well timed bass and Fischer’s lovely pipes and mature piano.

Landing near the end, the frisky album highlight, “Workaholic”, benefits much from Diogo Gomes lively trumpet and Elias Correa’s soulful trombone, and “My Voice In Your Head” exits with programming courtesy of Antonio Fischer-Band for an animated and eclectic finish.

Fischer’s keys and singing are top notch, and the Brazilian jazz sentiments mix well with the pop nods and Bossa Nova spirit that makes every track worth repeated listens.

Travels well with: Karrin Allyson- A Kiss For Brazil; Angela Verbrugge- Somewhere

Forgetter

Parts Of Anything

Blight, 2019

8/10

Listen to Parts Of Anything

The brainchild of Washington D.C. multi-instrumentalist David Klinger, as Forgetter the artist brings a very eclectic and cautious display of massive skill with Parts Of Anything.

After the brief key heavy and soft “Old Field”, the album moves into the warm textures of “Colorblind”, where flashes of alt-rock and indie-rock highlight a tune where it almost seems like 3 songs are playing simultaneously, yet with much fluidity.

At 17 tracks, there’s much to absorb here, but Forgetter keeps the setting varied with the hazy, orchestral baroque-pop of “Never Gonna Find You”, the upbeat and sunny “Skeleton”, and the tense, cinematic “Maple Seeds”, where psyche-rock and folk ideas are in attendance.

Near the end, the title track offers a serene and mysterious elegance that’s on par with Thom Yorke’s work, and “On A Wave” ends the affair with graceful keys in a bare execution of singer-songwriter brilliance.

Formerly of the much adored outfit Frau Eva, as Forgetter Klinger offers heartfelt, thoughtful and constantly changing sounds that make Parts Of Anything a bright spot in today’s version of indie-rock.

Travels well with: Radiohead- The King Of Limbs; Elliott Smith- Figure 8