Mia & Jonah

Spin As One

Self-Released, 2018

8/10

Listen to Spin As One

Partners in life and music, Mia and Jonah are in fine company here, as this 4th album brings contributions from musicians who have played in bands accompanying Tom Waits, David Gilmour, and Vitamin String Quartet.

“Our Old Farm” starts the listen with sweet Americana as breathy vocals guide a very cautious and melodic tune, and “Spin As One” follows with an upbeat and playful atmosphere where harmonica, strings and crisp percussion unfold with country spirited fun as Grammy winning banjoist Chris Pandolfi lends a hand.

The back half of the listen brings us the cautious and dreamy folk tune “Nightingale”, while “Season Of Opening” finds all kinds of lush beauty to reside in amid a breezy and intimate environment. “Daybreak” ends the listens with adventurous percussion that’s both agile and soothing, as the duo show us incredible skill and songwriting prowess.

While both sing across the record, Mia also takes up handsaw for texture, while Jonah plays guitar, harmonica, dobro, mandolin and cello. Together with their ensemble, the pair create moving and eloquent indie-folk that fans of all things Americana, folk and country will admire.

Travels well with: Frontier Folk Nebraska- This One’s For The Kid In The Back; Reed Foehl- Lucky Enough

Richard Thompson

13 Rivers

New West, 2018

8/10

Listen to 13 Rivers

The Grammy nominated luminary Richard Thompson has done much in his lengthy and esteemed career, and here the troubadour offers a self-produced album, his first in over a decade, recorded in ten days to 100% analog.

“The Storm Won’t Come” starts the listen with Thompson’s deep vocals guiding the moody folk-rocker that eventually takes on jam band qualities, and “The Rattle Within” follows percussively strong and with spirited guitar work in the anthemic delivery.

Near the middle, “Trying” brings a soulful aspect with sweet female vocals alongside Thompson’s rugged pipes, while “Do All These Tears Belong To You?” isn’t quite as sad as the title implies, as the singings soars high on the melodic album highlight alongside much atmosphere. “You Can’t Reach Me” then bounces with a punchy and playful swagger where a sing-along chorus adds much to the memorableness of the tune.

Near the end, “No Matter” enters Americana territory with its breezy appeal as Judith Owen contributes harmony vocals, and “Shaking The Gates” ends the listen with a calm, dreamy approach of engaging song craft.

One of the pioneers of British Folk-Rock, few artists will ever be as consistently great as Thompson, who recorded 13 Rivers in his late 60s, and is producing work that’s just as relevant and urgent as his albums from the ‘70s. Penned during a dark time in Thompson’s family life, this installment is an eloquent, intelligent and powerful peek into the mind of one of the best living songwriters.

Travels well with: John Hiatt- The Eclipse Sessions; Steve Earle & The Dukes- Terraplane

Sam Doores

Sam Doores

New West, 2020

8/10

Listen to Sam Doores

Formerly of The Deslondes and Hurray For The Riff Raff, this first solo outing from Sam Doores pulls a wealth of genres into his strong and timeless song craft.

“Tempelhofer Dawn” starts the listen with keys and strings in a classically influenced setting, and “Let It Roll” follows with a soulful approach to Americana where gospel ideas are in attendance.

A record with a seemingly endless supply of influences , “Wish You Well” moves with an old time feel amid the playful percussion and plenty of brass, while “Windmills” recruits harmonicas on a bare, country spirited moment of genuine songwriting. In the middle, “Had A Dream” offers a fuller atmosphere where muffled horns and ebbs of intimacy are on hand, making this one of the album’s best.

Back half highlights include the hushed folk sensibilities of “Red Leaf Rag”, as well as the jangly piano and trumpet fun of the love song “Must Be Somethin’”. “Chicago To Illinois” ends the listen with a brief display of spacey exploration, which is an ideal way to end an effort this eclectic.

Doores is in great company here, as the jazz outfit Skinny Tuba are on hand, as is Mat Davidson of Twain, and his old bandmate Alynda Lee Segarra, and together they take unmistakable nods to his New Orleans home while not shying away from experimental stabs amid his country, folk, psychedelic and R&B spirited endeavor.

Travels well with: The Deslondes- Hurry Home; Pokey LaFarge- Pokey LaFarge

James Lentini

Through Time And Place

Navona, 2020

8/10

Listen to Through Time And Place

The esteemed guitarist and composer James Lentini brings us previous unreleased tunes from his lengthy career on the appropriately titled Through Time And Place, where most of the pieces are commissioned work or competition winners.

“Sinfonia di Festa” starts the listen with the the Bohuslav Marintu Philharmonic Orchestra on a mesmerizing opening of sweeping beauty, ebbs of mysteriousness and an overall playful setting, and “Through Time And Place (Symphony No. 1)” continues the sophistication where a cinematic quality enters the cautious, innovative landscape.

The back half of the performances offers the hazy “The Angel’s Journey”, as moments of dramatic swells meet languid periods of exploration, while “Dreamscape” exits the listen with both bouts of tense adventurousness and sublime beauty, as strategic percussion adds much to this album highlight.

Lentini has a knack for injecting the calm and intimate with the busy and energetic, as his classical guitar prowess shines bright on this contemporary listen that’s overflowing with creativity.

Travels well with: Zephyr Quartet- Epilogue; Jackson Greenberg- First Light

Juliana MacDowell

Leaving Home

Conch Town, 2020

8/10

Listen to Leaving Home

The home renovator turned songstress Juliana MacDowell returns with her sophomore album, and she’s in great company as musicians who have played with Elton John, The Mavericks, and Playing For Change are on hand to flesh out the cautious and upbeat affair.

“I Like” starts the listen with bluesy guitar work and a warm setting as Macdowell’s rich, expressive pipes make an immediate impression on the soulful opener, and “Turn It Back Around” follows with a punchy pop spirit amid the Americana influenced instrumentation.

In the middle, “What More Must I Say” benefits greatly from pedal steel on the country tinted rocker, and “In The Dark” keeps the song craft varied with a dip into rhythmic soft-rock where a soothing guitar solo adds much to the flowing melodies. “Midnight Hour” then finds the record entering ballad territory with keys and strings as MacDowell’s voice soars high.

Near the end, “Best Friend” has MacDowell in an emotive environment amid moody musicianship, and “Leaving Home” finishes out the listen with bright horns on an energetic exit to an eclectic and well crafted effort.

Although MacDowell’s inception into music had her questioning her ability to front a band, she clearly possesses a wealth of talent, as these folk, blues, country and rock inspired stories are delivered with a timeless and memorable quality that settles in quite nicely.

Travels well with: Kathy Mattea- Pretty Bird; Gretchen Peters- Dancing With The Beast

Divahn

Shalhevet

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Shalhevet

A New York City ensemble who are well versed in Mizrahi and Judeo-Arab music, Divahn enlighten us with Middle Eastern influences amid their spirited delivery on the accomplished Shalhevet.

“Ya’alah Ya’alah” starts the listen with strong, soaring vocal prowess as elegant strings guide the cultured opener, and “Oseh Shalom” follows this lead with fluid percussion and enchanting rhythm, as does “Am Ne’emanay”, which brings a lush and busy display of precise instrumentation to the love song.

Deeper cuts offer us the stylish and mysterious “Lecha Dodi”, which moves with a dance friendly appeal, while “Khazan” highlights the proficient strings alongside playful melodies and chanting.

Close to the end, “Banu” places group vocals in the energetic atmosphere, and “El Nora” ends the listen vocally strong and full with plenty of taba and drums strategically used.

A captivating listen that’s arranged superbly, both minimal and maximal ideas are covered as all the women contribute vocals on a effort that’s unique and brimming with world music innovation.

Travels well with: Yair Dalal- Azame; Natacha Atlas- Halim

Jackson Greenberg

First Light

Ravello, 2020

8/10

Listen to First Light

A composer and producer who is probably most known for scoring film, on First Light Jackson Greenberg brings us two very ingenious pieces from his artistic and innovative mind.

The title track starts the listen with the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra and Arturo Rodriguez coming along for the journey on the 16 minutes of chilling, atmospheric texturing that remains light and airy for the entire electronic, mesmerizing duration.

“The Panther” exits the listen and is set to a Rainer Rilke poem, where darker flourishes of precise instrumentation surround the deep German speaking, giving it a cryptic, mysterious angle that leaves an immediate impression.

An ethereal affair that’s often blurry, somewhat trance like and beaming with creativity, Greenberg made the opening tune by extending shorter compositions with a computer program that increased their length significantly, and it’s pretty safe to say that no one could replicate the effort.

Travels well with: Taktus- Mirrored Glass; Patterns- Chamber Works

Zephyr Quartet

Epilogue

Navona, 2020

8/10

Listen to Epilogue

An outfit comprised of Belinda Gehlert (Violin), Emily Tulloch (violin), Jason Thomas (viola) and Hilary Kleinig (cello), as Zephyr Quartet the Australians put a very pop and rock influenced spin on classical sounds.

“Great White Bird” starts the listen with stirring, mysterious strings that push and pull with intricate tension, and this continues to the moody “Femme Fatale”, where the 3 parts each elicit a warm and adventurous, emotional response.

Deeper into the listen, “Exquisite Peace”, an aptly titled tune, glides with a calming- albeit slighter darker- feel of quivering beauty, while “Blindfold Gift” prances around gently plucked strings. “Our Lovely Star”, one of the album’s best, then finds a dreamy place to reside with meticulous precision.

Near the end, “Time’s Timeless” relies heavily on ambience in the cinematic appeal, while “Epilogue” exits the listen with a busy display of sublime beauty amid unparalleled skill.

A record where each member contributes individual songs, the album flows seamlessly, with unpredictable, rich textures that are best taken as a whole and will certainly warrant repeated listens.

Travels well with: Apollo Chamber Players- Within Earth; David Maslanka- The River Of Time

Putumayo

Celtic Women

Putumayo, 2020

8/10

Listen to Celtic Women

Much like the title implies, the Putumayo label brings us sublime female voices from Ireland, Scotland and others, where a cultured, enlightening, and glorious listening experience unfolds with varied beauty.

Emily Smith starts the listen with the breezy, Scottish folk sounds of “Take You Home”, where elegance and beauty are both in attendance, and Karen Matheson follows with “Ca Na Dh’fhag Thu M’fhichead”, where cautious strings and a subdued mood are easy to be enamored with.

In the middle, the playful “Spanish Lady”, by the sister duo Maighread and Triona Ni Dhomhnaill, offers gorgeous vocal harmonies, while Cathy Ryan’s “Garden Valley” is a piano focused highlight of warm timelessness. Another late stand out includes “Cailin Mo Runsa”, where Eilis Kennedy’s vocal acrobatics illuminate the sophisticated atmosphere as a harp and strings are both contribute much.

At the end, Rebecca Pidgeon finds a lovely mood with “Fhear a Bhata”, where a hint of Americana illuminates the landscape, and Rose Laughlin’s “Wild Mountain Thyme” exits the listen with flowing harmonies as the Scottish folk tune is reinvented in her stunning vision.

Like all the compilations the Putumayo label releases, Celtic Women maintains a substantial theme, as we’re treated to artists from across the globe who are all proficient at their respective art which makes for a lovely and fascination listening experience.

Travels well with: Putumayo- Paris Cafe; Putumayo- Joy To The World

Luke Wallace

What On Earth

Come To Life, 2020

8/10

Listen to What On Earth

A modern day protest singer, Luke Wallace takes the political spirt of legends like Woody Guthrie and places it in modern day indie-rock ideas, where memorable choruses and breezy folk sensibilities are never in short supply on the well thought out What On Earth.

“Biosphere” starts the listen with warm intimacy as Wallace’s smooth pipes guide the gentle folksy setting that builds into a sing-along near the end, and “Jetlag” follows with gentle acoustic strumming that’s full of calm melodies as the wordplay questions the motivations of the world’s leaders.

In the middle, “Passing Through” swirls with organic beauty amid the introspective atmosphere, while “The Permit Song” allows Wallace’s strong vocal skills to shine in the subdued and rhythmic album highlight. “Sons And Daughters”, another standout tune, then stays breathy and agile with a light and airy demeanor.

Towards the end, “Devices” has the troubadour entering raw territory with just a bare acoustic guitar and his genuine pipes, and “Pale Kids” exits the listen with meticulous guitar picking alongside some very topical lyrical themes about today’s socially unjust climate.

A prolific artist, this is Wallace’s 5th release, and the Canadian is quickly proving that his songwriting prowess is both eloquent and insightful, as it never comes off as preaching and instead enlightens with poetic beauty.

Travels well with: Possessed By Paul James- As We Go Wandering; Mark Erelli- Blindsided

Laguerre/Noetinger

DnT

Rev. Lab., 2020

8/10

Listen DnT

A collaboration between Anthony Leguerre (drums, vocals, mouth organ, voix, etc) and Jérôme Noetinger (tape recorders Revox B77, electronics), together the pair birth an unusual listen where feedback, distortion and processing are all tweaked under an energetic rock meets electroacoustic template.

“Verpertillion” starts the listen with artistic percussion that manipulates space and tension with a cosmic and experimental approach where countless ideas enter the 8 minutes, and this ingenuity continues with the unexpected “Étage en panne”, which is just 2 minutes of mysterious ambience that’s sometimes barely audible.

Deeper cuts include “Frisson furtif”, which recruits a dizzying display of building percussion that’s as ominous as it is intriguing and that eventually becomes so acrobatic it almost seems like a machine, while “Réveil” ends the listen with a frantic, busy execution of jagged sci-fi meets horror cinematic sounds.

Recorded over two days with a large tape loop set up on two reel-to-reel tape recorders, the duo show much skill and agility across these adventurous tunes, where zero predictability or mundanity exists.

Travels well with: Subduxtion- The Black Point; VvvV- The Wreck

Cedric Burnside

Benton County Relic

Single Lock, 2018

8/10

Listen to Benton County Relic

A Mississippi bluesman who is actually the grandson of the legendary R.L. Burnside, here the esteemed Cedric Burnside showcases his proficient acoustic and electric guitar skill on a authentic, emotional listen that is entirely substance.

“We Made It” starts the album with bluesy guitars in a punchy and rhythmic opening as Burnside’s tuneful yet gritty vocals guide setting, and “Get Your Groove On” continues the mood with, of course, plenty of grooves amid a soulful atmosphere that even recruits some fuzz.

Near the middle, “Give It To You” finds a cautious place to reside in its hypnotic delivery, while “Hard To Stay Cool” keeps the reflective landscape with some of Burnside’s best vocal work. “Death Bell Blues”, one of the album’s best, then offers some classic blues prowess on a cover of one of his grandfather’s tunes.

Near the end, “Call On Me” shines with meticulous guitar work and strategic percussion in its hazy beauty, and “Ain’t Gonna Take No Mess” exits the listen with a louder, fuller display of rock’n’roll fueled fun that’s anthemic and reverb friendly.

Cedric was Grammy nominated for his 2016 album, which is no surprise when you consider the strength of his craft, and together with Brian Jay’s contributions on slide guitar and drums, Benton County Relic is yet another raw version of his inimitable blues that certainly deserves our attention.

Travels well with: North Mississippi Allstars- Up And Rolling; Bob Corritore- Do The Hip-Shake Baby

The Hollywood Freeway Ghosts

On The Way

Freeway, 2019

8/10

Listen to On The Way

Spearheaded by Gordon Tichell, the former Los Angeles resident moved to Luxembourg and formed The Hollywood Freeway Ghosts, who tackle some fiery rock’n’roll, but not without Americana, jazz and even indie-rock influences in their varied formula.

“Lake” starts the listen with crickets and ambience before keys, strings and horns enter the soulful formula, and “Last Mile” follows with a punchy pop-rock delivery where rhythm and melody flow in spades.

Deeper into the listen, “Flying” glides with soothing alt-country sensibilities amid a breezy delivery that might remind you of The Jayhawks, while “Richer Than You” offers warm acoustic strumming alongside some ‘90s modern rock nods not unlike The Lemonheads.

At the end, “Super Star” finds itself in a busy display of soaring, textured alt-rock that’s so well done it alone is worth the price of admission, and “On The Way” ends the listen with horns and whistling in a playful finish to an extremely adventurous record.

In a time with endless self-promotion available, there’s a bit of obscurity surrounding The Hollywood Freeway Ghosts. Perhaps it’s best to let the music do the talking anyway, and here it speaks volumes about their eclectic and strong song craft that sounds quite refreshing in a time with so much of the same old same old.

Travels well with: The Persian Leaps- Electrical Living; The Rails- Cancel The Sun

Coddiwomple

The WALK And Other Stories

À Tant Rêver Du Roi, 2020

8/10

Listen to The WALK And Other Stories

A trio comprised of a pair of guitarists, Nicolas Lafourest and Olivier Mellano, the veteran musicians are joined by co-founder of The Ex, G.W. Sok, who handles vocal duties on this very unusual album.

“Pumpkin Head” starts the listen with talking before atmospheric guitars enter the mysterious equation, and “Response” follows with a more frantic storytelling template alongside noisey, jagged instrumentation.

Elsewhere, “Word” finds a more emotive place to reside with some chanting, while “Whisper” indeed simmers lightly with a gentle guitar and vocals that builds into an ominous setting. “The Boat”, one of the album’s best, then glides softly, reflective and with post-rock qualities.

At the end, “Memories” actually brings in some singing in the hypnotic post-punk, and “Frau Wilke” exits the listen with sonically hazy and soothing sounds amid engaging storytelling.

Based on a Robert Walser book of the same name, the 3 artists bring literature into a very iconoclastic delivery where psychedelic ideas are present alongside plenty of intricate guitar sounds, and, perhaps most importantly, much detail to atmosphere. I certainly haven’t heard anything like this before, and that’s a big part of its attraction.

Travels well with: Moss Icon- Lyburnum Wits End Liberation Fly; John Greaves- Life Size

Eamon Ra

Meat Bones Chemicals Electricity

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Meat Bones Chemicals Electricity

Formerly of Sterling Loons and Truly, these days Eamon Nordquist is recording as Eamon Ra, and on this solo album the multi-instrumentalist tips his hat to legends like The Byrds, The Beatles and The Kinks with his varied and charming brand of throwback sounds.

A record that often sounds like it’s illuminating the history of rock’n’roll, whether he’s delivering the breezy melodies of “Future History” or the jangly, baroque pop of “Pitches And Torches”, Eamon does a great job of pointing towards the past without sounding derivative.

Deeper highlights include the timeless power-pop of “Waiting For The Morning”, as well as the more cautious and acoustic “Nightingale”. The glorious and upbeat fun of “Happiest Day In History” is one of the album’s best, though the strong guitar work and equally proficient vocal work of “Such Good Friends” is a close second.

Eamon knows his way around a hook you won’t forget anytime soon, and his ‘60s influences shine bright amid psychedelic and folk moments on this accomplished debut record.

Travels well with: Terry Datsun- Fable Of The Seas; Terry Ohms- Cold Cold Shoulder

Brownout

Berlin Sessions

Fat Beats, 2020

8/10

Listen to Berlin Sessions

An Austin, Texas 9 piece with a penchant for Latin funk sounds, Brownout return with the appropriately titled Berlin Sessions, where Steve Berlin, of Los Lobos, handles producing duties.

The album starts out with the rhythmic and soulful “Somewhere To Go”, where smooth vocals from Alex Marrero guide the playful opener, and “Nain” follows with Latin influences amid a very dance friendly environment where the singing is in Spanish.

Further along, “Upon This Rock” uses strategic horns in a dreamy setting where R&B is in attendance, while “You’ve Got To Change”, with Anthony Farrell, brings a loud tune of funk filled fun. “Hold Your Way”, an album stand out, then flows with gorgeous melodies and soaring vocals that are immediately irresistible.

Near the end, “In-Between” uses strategic keys and bluesy guitars in a cultured, textured affair, and “After November” exits the listen with an orchestral slant that’s entirely instrumental as violins and trumpets add much to the atmosphere.

An outfit who are an offshoot of Grupo Fantasmo, as Brownout they enter a unique version of fusion where grooves, retro rock’n’roll and cinematic qualities are part of the unique experience that is Brownout.

Travels well with: Diplomats Of Solid Sound- A Higher Place; Monophonics- Mirrors

Al Gold

Al Gold’s Paradise

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Al Gold’s Paradise

The New Jersey legend Al Gold returns with a blues oriented album that isn’t short on other influences, as an all star cast of players including Jared Gold, Dave Stryker and Tom Rice, among others, are in attendance.

“That’s My Baby” gets the album off to a bluesy start with vivid keys, warm brass and Gold’s inimitably gruff vocals, and this follows to the soulful “Paradise (Downhome)” as well as the rhythmic “Tramps Take Linden”, which brings a darker quality to the affair.

In the middle, “Ramblin’ Pony Blues” finds a nice groove to reside in alongside the quick tempo, while the aptly titled “Boogie In The Dark” makes great use of harmonicas and shuffling percussion. “Won’t Sleep Tonight” then showcases Gold’s skilled guitar work on the slow burning, organ friendly atmosphere.

At the end, “Paradise (Uptown)” puts organs front and center amid the spirited guitar work where the always impressive Dave Stryker is on hand, and “Maplewood Limbo” exits the listen with dynamic instrumentation and glowing percussion that will certainly get your body moving.

An extremely varied album where each player gets a chance to shine with their respective talents, Chicago blues, New Orleans funk and Americana nods are all present on this highly addictive record.

Travels well with: Jared Gold- Reemergence; Dave Stryker- Eight Track III

The Soul Practitioners

The Soul Practitioners

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to The Soul Practitioners

A duo comprised of Forrest Heusinkveld and Robert Monroe, the pair explore their skilled songwriting as a drums and keys operation, where they recorded the album live, before adding additional tracking and mixing.

“Day By Day” starts the listen with bright keys from Monroe as Heusinkveld adds his rapping prowess on the soulful and playful opener, and “Can’t Hesitate” continues the elegance with a punchy and rhythmic delivery that’s got plenty of style.

Elsewhere, “So Alike” benefits greatly from crisp drumming on the dance friendly tune, while “Help Me Be” finds a cautious yet melodic place to reside. “Phace”, one of the album’s best, then offers a hypnotic approach with an almost lounge feel in the instrumental fun.

Closer to the end, “Standin’ Over There”, with Katherine Ruestow, offers both graceful singing and proficient rapping on the charming and highly memorable setting, and “Cancelled Checks” exits the listen with cascading musicianship that gets extremely exploratory on the vocal-less finisher.

Both artists here play in other bands, too, and they bring their vast talent to lo-fi hip-hop, funk, soul, piano rock and jazz nods across this extremely lively listen that was actually made 7 years ago but sat on a hard drive until recently. Let’s hope this isn’t a one off effort from Heusinkveld and Monroe, as their chemistry really deserves to be explored further.

Travels well with: Diplomats Of Solid Sound- A Higher Place; The Uniphonics- The Uniphonics

Hot Club Of Los Angeles

Cinema Swing

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Hot Club Of Los Angeles

An assembly of Los Angeles musicians who are well versed in country, jazz, folk, blues, pop and world music, Hot Club Of Los Angeles return with a sophomore studio album, where their fusion of Nuevo Django/jazz manouche/gypsy jazz unfolds with incredible musicianship and a whole lot of fun.

“Cinema Swing” starts the album with playful rhythm that dances around intricate picking and acrobatic keys, and “Douce Ambiance” continues the good time with a festive spirit of crisp, dynamic instrumentation.

Closer to the middle, the classic “Swing Gitan” recruits eastern influences into the sweeping melodies, while “Nuages” trims the pace back to graceful balladry with soothing vocals in French amid the dreamy atmosphere. “Valse Angeles”, one of the standout tunes, then allows the accordion to shine alongside the mesmerizing setting.

Closer to the end, “Drinking Song” takes on an almost waltz quality with its precise musicianship and Gypsy jazz sensibilities, and “Noto Swing” finishes the listen with a bouncy, punchy feel that exits the listen just as strong as it started.

An album with meticulous guitar and key work, the band do a great job of capturing an energy that almost seems like it’s live, and there’s also bits of Latin influences and post-bop ideas to be found on this varied and enticing affair.

Travels well with: Dorado Schmitt- Family; Django Reinhardt- Swing Guitar

Society Of Composers, Inc

Flux

Navona, 2019

8/10

Listen to Flux

Featured here are 9 composers from the Society Of Composers Inc., as each one brings their own unique set of skills to a very enlightening display of new, contemporary sounds.

Ryan Carter’s “On A Better Filtering Algorithm” starts the listen abruptly with abstract chamber work, and “The Earthy And Ethereal Bond”, by Wendy Wan-Ki Lee, follows with cello and flute working together dynamically with mystery and intrigue.

Elsewhere, “Echo Caves” (Igor Karaca) places soprano saxophone alongside piano on the South African influenced affair, while Jonah Elrod’s “Urban Sky Glow” places the marimba front and center on an adventurous tune that explores the relationship between city and starlight.

Near the end, “Crumbs”, by Leah Reid, focuses on percussion in unpredictable ways, and Nathaniel Haering’s “Medical Text p. 57” uses voices as instruments on the extremely unusual exit that ties the varied sounds and exploratory delivery of the entire listen.

Though each track here follows its own unique path, the listen as a whole flows seamlessly from one experience to the next from the some of the brightest and most creative minds in today’s classically influenced scene.

Travels well with: Mikarimba- Tapereba; Jeffrey Jacob- Dreamers