Purusa

Amnesia

Prepaid Friends, 2019

8/10

Listen to Amnesia

Portland, Oregon is never short on exciting music, and this time we’re talking about Purusa, whose alluring brand of guitar driven rock benefits greatly from Ken Stringfellow’s contributions on vocals, many instruments and production on this 4th album.

“Julien”, one of the album’s singles, starts the album with soaring vocals on a dynamic rock’n’roll adventure where folk nods are present, and “My Love” follows with a cautious display of hard hitting yet melodic sounds where tense restraint adds much to the setting.

Near the middle, “Dandelion” flows with emotion and plenty of heartfelt rhythm where complex solos are present, while “Come Home To Me” enters ballad territory with strong vocals amid a lush display. “Light The Bomb”, one of the album’s best, then brings a crunchy rocker with proficient guitar work that’s energetic and overflowing with the sort of melodies that could fill stadiums.

Near the end, “Amnesia” offers a loud, anthemic rocker that’s immediately memorable, and “Salvation Prize” exits the listen with an incendiary and infectious execution of incredible skill.

Purusa broke up in 2004 but then original members Kris Kirkman and Zach Hinkelman got back together in 2014 and filled the band with new players. Often pointing towards the big sounds of ‘90s rock, It’s safe to say that Purusa are in their best version yet, and are clearly making up for lost time.

Travels well with: 7Horse- Songs For A Voodoo Wedding; Jimmy Eat World- Integrity Blues

Jeff Lescher

All Is Grace

Gang Green, 2019

8/10

Listen to All Is Grace

The frontman for the long running Chicago outfit Green, on Jeff Lescher’s first solo album the songwriter plays just about every instrument, though Mark Durante takes up pedal steel on occasion, while Arthur Kubin holds down drums on one track.

Lescher starts the listen warm with the guitar fueled “Can’t Do It Without You”, which brings some crunch and glam rock influences, and “Maybe Someday” follows with a calmer spirit as hazy folk-ideas enter the playful formula.

With 20 tracks included, Lescher keeps us interested with plenty of variety, including the soulful “You Make Life Sweet”, as well as the retro-pop sounds of “She’s A Good Woman”. “I’ll Never Love Again”, one of the album’s best, then recruits a hazy spirit amid warbly singing that’s charming in quirky ways.

Back half highlights include the dreamy “Without You”, and the meticulous, acoustic instrumental “Air On A String”. Closer to the end, the cautious “I Might Shine Again” brings a busy and eclectic landscape, and “Yellow Sky” offers a raw, sonic quality that brings to mind ‘80s punks like Husker Du. “I Just Can’t Remember Your Face (Reprise)” ends the listen in calmer territory with a piano guiding the primitive recording.

Often sounding like a stripped back version of Green, Lescher gets intimate, adventurous and often gritty on this highly diverse record that is sure to appease fans of Green, while also introducing plenty of ears to one of the most underrated songwriters of this generation.

Travels well with: The Long Ryders- Psychedelic Country Soul; The Kinks- Arthur Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire

Billy Price

Dog Eat Dog

Gulf Coast, 2019

8/10

Listen to Dog Eat Dog

The blues soul singer Billy Price returns with another batch of spirited tunes, where congas and backing vocals illuminate the setting as guest appearances from Mike Zito, Alabama Mike and Rick Estrin add greatly to the affair.

“Working On Your Chain Gang” starts the listen with fluid guitar work, bright horns and crisp percussion as Price’s smooth pipes guide the fun, and “Lose My Number” follows with moody keys in a calmer setting of groove filled songwriting where atmosphere is key.

Further along, “My Love Will Never Die”, an Otis Rush classic, finds a warm, bluesy place to reside with strong vocal work from Price, while “All Night Long Café” recruits backing vocals and some funk on the album highlight. Elsewhere, “Remnants”, a collaboration with French Guitarist Fred Chapellier, benefits greatly from piano on the cozy and hazy tune.

Deeper cuts bring us the R&B flavored “Same Old Heartaches”, and “You Gotta Leave” finishes the listen with a playful dynamic as all the instruments work synergistically amid cautious melodies in the memorable exit.

A 2016 Blues Music Award Winner, Price again illustrates just why he’s worthy of such accolades, as his expressive and rich pipes sound better than ever on Dog Eat Dog.

Travels well with: Jimmy Carpenter- Soul Doctor; Roy Buchanan- That’s What I’m Here For

Jimmy Carpenter

Soul Doctor

Gulf Coast, 2019

8/10

Listen to Soul Doctor

A veteran singer-songwriter who can handle a saxophone like no other, on this 4th solo effort the legendary Jimmy Carpenter is in great company, including Cameron Tyler, Chris Tofield, and Nick Schnebelen, among many others.

“Soul Doctor”, a collaboration with Guy Hale, starts the listen indeed soulful as blues guitars and gritty yet melodic vocal guide the fun, and “When I Met You” follows with a breezy, jangly feel of grooves amid the harmonies from Carrie Stowers.

Near the middle, “Love It So Much” glides with strong percussion and spirited horns on the rhythmic and funky rocker, while “Need Your Love So Bad”, a Little Willie John tune, recruits proficient guitar licks in the restrained, powerful setting. “One Mint Julip”, one of the album’s best, then offers an energetic display of brass prowess in the instrumental Coasters classic.

Near the end, the organs of Red Young on “Lofi Roulette” emit a big of prog-influence, and “Yeah Man” ends the listen with a timeless formula of rhythm and emotion in an upbeat exit to a glorious listen.

An artist who has been active since the ‘80s, Carpenter has played in many bands across several genres, and here he brings his vast skill and experience to an incredible display of contemporary blues.

Travels well with: Mike Zito- A Tribute To Chuck Berry; The Believers- I’m Your Prisoner

Wesli

Rapadou Kreyol

Cumbancha, 2020

8/10

Listen to Rapadou Kreyol

A Haiti native who built his first guitar out of an oil can and shoe lace, Wesli has lived a life surrounded by music, and here his vast skill culminates in an album of intricate and rich song craft where messages of hope, truth and peace resonate.

‘Neg Dahome” starts the listen with creative sounds amid harmonic group vocals, and this continues to the percussively heavy “Ayizan”, as well as reggae influenced and banjo prowess of “Lolé Lolé”.

Elsewhere, “Pran Pasyans” benefits greatly from accordions, while the horns on “Lanmou Nou” breathe plenty of energy into the laid back and groove friendly atmosphere. “Ba Ll Lavi” then unfolds like a cultured folk song and is one of the strongest tracks present.

Back half highlights include the dynamic instrumentation of “Wongol O”, where soaring vocals leave an impression, and “Nan Lakoua” recruits strategic flute and a quick pace of feisty rhythm you could and should dance to. “Legba” ends the listen with a dizzying display of calculated rhythm, as smooth vocals highlight the festive environment.

Now living in Canada, Wesli still holds his Haitian roots close to his heart, as Petro, Congo, Rada, Nago and Rara rhythms are in attendance as he offers us 20 tracks of varied, cultured and exciting songwriting.

Travels well with: Alpha Blondy- Revolution; Tiken Jah Fakoly- African Revolution

Fireside Collective

Elements

Mountain Home, 2020

8/10

Listen to Elements

The Asheville, North Caroline outfit Fireside Collective are certainly well versed in bluegrass and folks sounds, but the quintet don’t shy away from roots rock or even funk nods in their varied and precise formula on this debut for the Mountain Home Music Company.

After the atmospheric “Intro” leads the album, “Winding Road” unleashes soaring vocal harmonies and lively bluegrass sounds that overflow with melody and grooves, and the picking acrobatics of “Back To Caroline” follow right after.

Further along, “Bring It On Home” gets playful and shows beautiful restraint with some funk for good measure, while “Waiting For Tennessee” soars high with a timeless appeal and contagious energy. “Don’t Stop Loving Me”, one of the album’s best, then moves with a soulful quality amid plenty of rural melodies.

Closer to the end, “She Was An Angel” offers some of the best vocal harmonies on the album, and “Winding Road Reprise” finishes the listen with a calmer interpretation, that’s no less powerful in its meticulous execution.

A band where all 5 members possess incredible skill, each one illustrates their respective skill in spades on this very progressive version of bluegrass that’s impossible not to enjoy.

Travels well with: Sideline- Breaks To The Edge; Balsam Range- The Gospel Collection

David Clayton-Thomas

Say Somethin’

Linus, 2020

8/10

Listen to Say Somethin’

Even if the name David Clayton-Thomas doesn’t ring a bell, we’ve all certainly heard Blood, Sweat & Tears, who enjoyed a glorious career that spanned multiple decades and produced countless hits. Clayton-Thomas has remained quite busy with his solo career, too, and here his inimitable pipes shine across 10 new tunes that are very clued in to today’s politics.

“Burwash” starts the listen with spirited acoustic guitar as Clayton-Thomas mixes talking and singing alongside the blues, and “The System” follows with soaring vocals in an intimate setting that’s sparse but powerful, all while addressing the prison system.

Further along, pianos guide the majestic and gospel influenced “Dear Mr. Obama”, while “This Town” offers cautious rhythm amid the vivid storytelling that’s present across the entire album and varies from eloquent to angry.

Back half highlights include the busy and playful “The Circus”, which certainly brings circus music qualities, and the slight prog-rock tendencies of “The Precipe”. “God’s Country” exits the listen soft and agile, as piano balladry aligns with emotive vocals from Clayton-Thomas as he embraces folk traditions.

Clayton-Thomas has much on his mind lately, and it all unfolds with the folk, R&B, blues, jazz, soul and rock influences that he’s built his name on. Probably most closely related to ‘70s rock, Say Somethin’ does a great job of illuminating the socio-political strife present today from one of the most legendary voices alive.

Travels well with: Chicago- VI Decades Live; Janiva Magness- Change In The Weather

Sea Wolf

Through A Dark Wood

Dangerbird, 2020

9/10

Listen to Through A Dark Wood

Sea Wolf return with their first record since 2014, and it’s their most personal one to date, where themes surround relationships, loss, current events, and, most importantly, holding onto hope through all the pitfalls of life.

After the light and airy opening of the atmospheric “Forward”, “Blood Pact” follows with a shimmering quality of post-rock as smooth vocals from Alex Brown Church complement the agile and anthemic setting.

Closer to the middle, “Fear Of Failure” brings the listen into indie-pop territory and moves with a cautious approach that brings to mind the greatness achieved by Matt Pond, while “Back To The Wind” takes on a moodier tone where plenty of careful melodies unfold amid the dynamic instrumentation.

Some of the best tunes reside closer to the end, including the angular and rhythmic “Under The Spell Again”, as well as “Moving Colors”, where proficient percussion helps the tune glide with a timeless demeanor. “Two Of Us” finishes off the listen vibrant and memorable, with a chorus you won’t forget anytime soon.

Church and company have crafted a stunning album here, where a string quartet and drum machines help flesh out the poetic and cathartic stories that are undoubtedly a career highlight in an already glowing catalog of records.

Radical Face- Therapy; Damien Jurado- In The Shape Of A Storm 

Suzanna Ross

Bewitched- Not Bothered, Not Bewildered

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Bewitched- Not Bothered, Not Bewildered

Suzanna Ross spends quite a bit of time honing her craft in New York City at jazz and cabaret venues, though the songstress is also well versed in Bossa Nova, pop, and French chansons, too. Here she selects some of her favorite tunes from her childhood, where she puts her versatile pipes to good use.

“Haven’t We Met” starts the listen with bright keys in a playful waltz atmosphere as Ross sings with a soaring, expressive delivery, and the title track follows with a bare setting as warm vocals guide the light jazz setting where swing ideas are in attendance.

At 15 tracks, Ross offers us much to absorb, including the French singing on the romantic “Ces Petits Riens”, as well as the timeless melodies of the quick paced “Summer Me, Winter You”. On “Laura”, Ross really gets creative with her art, as her tone shifts to suit the emotive environment.

Late highlights include the bouncy fun of the glorious “Come To Baby, Do!”, and the elegant “Over The Rainbow”. “Live For Life” ends the record on a high note, as Ross exits with a flawless execution and a timeless appeal.

Amazingly, this is the debut recording for Ross. Of course, she’s put in countless hours on stage, and it’s quite evident as she reworks these classics with her incredibly rich and imaginative vision.

Travels well with: Lyn Stanley- London With A Twist; Julie London- Sophisticated Lady

Matt Wilson & His Orchestra

When I Was A Writer

Pravda, 2020

8/10

Listen to When I Was A Writer

Although the rest of the world didn’t quite pick up on the greatness achieved by Matt Wilson’s late ‘80s/early ‘90s outfit Trip Shakespeare, here in Minnesota we were quite enthusiastic about their thriving band of alt-rock. These days, Wilson is back from a songwriting hiatus, and he’s got banjos and harps along with him on this debut record with His Orchestra.

The title track starts the listen with warm plucking as Wilson’s laid back vocals guide the rhythmic opener, and “Decent Guy” follows with some ambience before moving into folksy fun as Phala Tracey’s harp adds an ethereal backdrop and Jacques Wait’s bass lines get a bit funky.

In the middle, “Real Life” brings dreamy backing vocals into the melodic and airy setting, while “I Can’t Return” trims the pace back to elegant and agile with a harmonica amid a campfire-esque feeling. “Dirty Broken Lover”, a stand out tune, then finds a romantic place to reside with a lush delivery as Wilson works dynamically with the orchestra.

Near the end, “Space Cruising” is a percussively strong and especially playful tune, and “Mental Patients” exits the listen with a soaring beauty alongside some grit in Wilson’s pipes as the harp twinkles and the delivery glows.

A legend from the underground rock scene in Minneapolis, Wilson cut his teeth opening for Husker Du and The Replacements, and here he handles vocals, guitar and piano like the seasoned vet he is. Introspective and with much attention to mood, When I Was A Writer is entirely substance, as each song is carefully crafted and executed with rich textures and a timeless appeal.

Travels well with: The Twilight Hours- Black Beauty; Paul Westerberg- Come Feel Me Tremble

Casey Hensley

Good As Gone

VizzTone, 2020

9/10

Listen to Good As Gone

Casey Hensley has already made quite an impression with her 2017 live album, and here we’re treated to her first album of all original material, the extremely heartfelt and passionate Good As Gone.

“Good As Gone” starts the album with Hensley’s incredible pipes before blues guitars enter the soulful atmosphere, as does incendiary drumming, and “You Should Be So Lucky” follows with a calmer delivery that’s no less powerful in its spirited execution.

Elsewhere, “Be My Baby (What Do You Say?)”, brings a healthy amount of melody to the rock’n’roll fun, while “Love Will Break Your Heart” enters softer territory with its playful yet intimate appeal. “Searching For A Man” then soars high with incredible range from Hensley as the music stays agile and smooth.

Near the end, “Don’t Want It To Stop” offers yet another unparalleled vocal performance from Hensley in the gentle atmosphere, and “All In” ends the listen upbeat, dance friendly and full of swing fun that’s as infectious as it is glorious.

Hensley is only in her mid 20’s, and has already won awards as the Best Blues Act (2019 San Diego Music Awards), and here she proves she’s also well versed in rock’n’roll, soul and swing on this stunning album.

Travels well with: Annika Chambers- Kiss My Sass; Gracie Curran & Friends- Come Undone

Chris Moyse

Bitter Ballads & Cynical Prayers

Self-Released, 2020

9/10

Listen to Bitter Ballads & Cynical Prayers

The Nashville resident Chris Moyse has kept quite busy since his first EP in 2016, and here the troubadour offers an exceptional debut album where his sharp songwriting prowess unfolds with a timeless folk and Americana appeal.

Moyse starts the listen with the alluring folk quality of the expressive “Time’s Gonna Tell”, where a warm acoustic guitar and sweet female vocals accompany him, and “Live Till We Die” follows with soft nostalgia as Americana influences are present.

Near the middle, “Drinking Song” is nothing short of pure folk beauty in its minimalist delivery, while “Dancing Round A Fire” is a busier display of lush song craft that’s full of cautious melody. Though there’s not a track present that isn’t top notch, “Hurricane Blues” is especially noteworthy with its vivid storytelling and intimate execution.

Near the end, “I’m Not Your Man” brings a darker quality to Moyse’s thoughtful formula, and “Maria”, the last formal song, recruits some mild country spirit in the elegant exit that takes nods to Leonard Cohen.

Moyse has a knack for writing memorable tunes that don’t take long to ingrain themselves into your mind, and his subtle blues and rootsy moments certainly add to the intrigue as he creates a stand out record in the singer-songwriter genre.

Travels well with: Randy Lewis Brown- Red Crow; Grant Peeples- Bad Wife

Stu Mindeman

Woven Threads

Sunnyside, 2018

8/10

Listen to Woven Threads

The pianist and composer Stu Mindeman bridges the gap between North and South American cultures on this 8 track album, which was inspired by Mindeman’s trips to Chile.

“Casi, Casi” starts the listen with help from Francesca Ancarola, who appears many times on the record, as Mindeman’s key prowess flows alongside the strong singing, and “El Aparecido” continues the playful atmosphere with a cultured tune where drum and alto saxophone add much to the setting.

In the middle, “La Rueda” benefits greatly from bouncy bass work and brass as ethereal backing vocals accent the mood, while “La Casa de al Lado” uses trumpet strategically in the elegant affair.

Close to the end, “A Thousand Stars”, with Kurt Elling, offers piano balladry as Elling’s flawless pipes steal the show, and “No Puedes Volver Atras” exits the listen with Ancaroloa’s expressive vocals steering the sophisticated atmosphere.

An extremely personal album, Mindeman’s recent visits to Chile have brought him back to his childhood memories growing up in Santiago, and much like the culture of Chile, these songs bring rich and diverse textures to a timeless and fascination adventure.

Travels well with: Kurt Elling- Man In The Air; Francesca Ancarola- Templanza

Hanna Barakat

Siren

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Siren

An Austin artist with a penchant for hard rock sounds, Hanna Barakat delivers a powerful record here, where Arab influences and metal ideas are fleshed out with the help of John Moyer of Disturbed fame.

The title track starts the listen with plenty of atmosphere as it builds into a dramatic but melodic rocker where Barakat’s sweet, soaring pipes guide the intensity, and “Let Go” follows with dynamic interplay amid the rhythm section in a bristling yet restrained tune.

The middle of the album offers the Eastern sounds of “Cycle”, which gradually shifts into a crunchy rocker, while “Damage Done” benefits greatly from atmosphere as Barakat’s strong pipes flow alongside shimmering beauty that’s also hard hitting. “Separation”, one of the album’s most intriguing moments, then glides with a calm approach but one that’s no less impactful in its execution.

Near the end, “Criminal” recruits some universal pop melodies into the energetic display, and “Wanting To Go Home” exits the listen with a multifaceted approach where strings and ambience are part of the alt-rock equation.

Though the songs were written over a 10 year period, Siren is a cohesive effort, where Barakat’s vocal acrobatics and precise attention to detail make it an exceptional listen.

Travels well with: 3 Doors Down- Us And The Night; Muse- Drones

Tigers & Monkeys

Saturday Destroyer

Little Lamb, 2018

9/10

Listen to Saturday Destroyer

A NYC outfit spearheaded by Shonali Bhowmik, Tigers & Monkeys bring pop, blues and garage rock into their exciting formula, and this 3rd album continues their glowing song craft that puts a unique twist on modern rock’n’roll.

“The Weekender” starts the listen with a rhythmic and lush approach to today’s version of indie-rock, and “Tiger On A Leash” continues the setting with a calmer approach as spirited guitars and soaring vocals punctuate the mood.

In the middle, “In An Instant” offers punchy and playful grooves while “Too Good To Forget” shuffles with a quick pace of highly melodic sensibilities that flirts with folk ideas. “Not Your Little Girl”, one of the album’s highlights, then finds plenty of rhythm amid riffs so contagious they linger long after the song ends.

Near the end, the title track finds a soulful place to reside with a cautious landscape as flutes and keys add much to the affair, and “Driver’s Seat” ends the listen with synth fun and fluid guitar work, as backing vocals complement the festivities.

A record that’s loose but precise, energetic but still willing to show restraint and flowing with creative songwriting, let’s hope that Tigers & Monkeys have something new on the horizon, cause Saturday Destroyer is one of the most interesting moments of indie-rock’s recent past.

Travels well with: Sloan- Commonwealth; Divine Fits- A Thing Called Divine Fits

Ray Edwards

A Golden Anniversary Celebration

Pinecastle, 2018

8/10

Listen to A Golden Anniversary Celebration

A banjo player since the age of 13 and a world champion in the ‘70s, Ray Edwards has had a lengthy and esteemed career, playing in High Country Boys, Southbound, and many other outfits. Here, the legend offers us a handful of well thought out covers and originals, where his banjo prowess and strong vocals shine bright.

Edwards starts the listen with the indeed mountainesque sounds of the bluegrass fueled “The Life Of A Mountain Man”, an original tune where Alan Bibey’s mandolin adds much to the setting, and Edwards continues this approach with the soaring foundation of “Wanda Lou”, where Junior Sisk takes lead vocal duties.

Deeper into the listen, “Tennesse” brings in Danny Paisley’s pipes on the quick paced, string acrobatics, while “When The Golden Leaves Begin To Fall” finds the listen entering ballad territory with warm harmonies alongside gorgeous instrumentation. “Boat Of Love” ends the listen with 4 vocalists as a gospel influence enters the timeless exit.

Edwards is well versed in folk, country, bluegrass and gospel sounds, and here he again proves why his luminous career has spanned across 5 decades and counting.

Travels well with: Merle Monroe- Back To The Country; Ray Cardwell- Stand On My Own

Mi Amigo Hamlet

Happy Land is Tierra Feliz

Hamlet Meneses, 2018

8/10

Listen to Happy Land Is Tierra Feliz

A debut album from the bilingual, Guatemalan artist Mi Amigo Hamlet, his brand of self-described ‘Bilingual Latin Alternative’ comes with plenty of cultured rhythm and influences from merengue, salsa, rumba and many other timeless ideas.

“Happy Land” starts the album and indeed can make any day brighter with its bright percussion and melodic vocals amid a festive rhythm of ska and merengue, and “Dias De La Semana” follows with spirited guitar work alongside plenty of cultured fun.

Elsewhere, “Go Go Go” brings a shuffling pace with an electronic feel, while the acoustic “Pajarito” flows with a folk appeal that’s flute friendly. “Hola” then takes a sparse route with soulful vocals as hypnotic guitar work builds into hand clapping fun.

Back half highlights include the warm, tropical feelings of the glorious “How Much I Love You”, as well as the beat heavy and dance friendly “Months Of The Year”. Close to the end, “Thankful” shows appreciation with darker spirited music as a pair of male vocals dominate the mood, and “Little Fish” finishes out the listen with the sounds of the ocean as agile keys and smooth instrumentation complements the rich singing.

A listen that is both in English and Spanish, Hamlet’s well versed in many genres as both folk and reggae are in attendance across these 16 tracks that also bring an educational angle that’s aimed for the young ears.

Travels well with: Evan And Vanessa- In Our World There Are No Strangers; Parker & Alexander- All Of Us: Bible Songs For Everyone

Evan And Vanessa

In Our World There Are No Strangers

Banyan, 2018

8/10

Listen to In Our World There Are No Strangers

A husband and wife duo who take a bilingual approach to their family oriented sounds, Louisville’s Evan And Vanessa brings us a very eclectic listen here, where Evan plays over 20 instruments while Vanessa handles the bulk of the vocal duties with much grace.

After the birds chirping and atmospheric warmth of “Welcome To Our Album” opens up the album, “Sun Sun Sun” follows and radiates a playful dynamic and percussively strong setting of rhythm set to Vanessa’s breezy pipes.

Further on, “Los Politicos”, a song entirely in Spanish, flows with a lullaby quality alongside gentle musicianship, while “Somewhere Out There” brings a dreamy delivery to the sophisticated landscape where a clarinet and flute add much to the formula. “Coloring Book”, one of the album’s best, then uses charming percussion and twinkling strings for a varied and instantly memorable display of immense skill.

Close to the end, the title track offers plenty of melodies as light and airy sounds complement the gentleness, and the last formal song, “Goodbye Friends”, recruits ambience with the sounds of water that unfold with an almost New Age approach.

A unique record in many ways, the pair actually offer the same album twice here- one entirely in Spanish. A feel good listen for any age, Evan and Vanessa know their way around a well crafted tune that’s eloquent, heartfelt and timeless.

Travels well with: The Green Orbs- Thumb Wrestling Champions; Jesse Jukebox- Awesome!

John McLaughlin & The 4th Dimension with Jimmy Herring & The Invisible Whip

Live In San Francisco

Abstract Logix, 2018

9/10

Listen to Live In San Francisco

Recorded live on December 8, 2017 at the Warfield Theatre, this could be John McLaughlin’s last album, and if so, he certainly goes out with a bang on this incredible listen that brings back Mahavishnu Orchestra material as guitar genius Jimmy Herring, not to mention a small army of other musicians, lend a hand.

“Meeting Of The Spirits” starts the listen busy with crashing percussion in a 9 minute display of orchestral meets rock’n’roll fusion as spirited guitar works guides the adventurous opener.

Deeper into the set, “The Dance Of Maya” leads with an infectious riff before firm grooves enter the equation as do jazz qualities, while “Trilogy” moves with calmer ebbs of shimmering beauty as well as more forceful bouts of timeless rock.

Near the end, “Earth Ship” soars high with majestic beauty, and “Be Happy” exits the listen with strong violin prowess as funk influences invade the memorable conclusion.

A listen with plenty of inimitable solos and sublime contributions from Herring and many others, this is 73 minutes of unparalleled, extended jam, fusion that no one else could replicate. Amazing to think that McLaughlin was 75 when this was recorded, as he sounds as agile as ever, as he bookends a remarkable career.

Travels well with: Wayne Shorter- Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis; Grant Green- Funk In France

Elise Davis

Cactus

Self-Released, 2018

9/10

Listen to Cactus

This sophomore album from the rising songstress Elise Davis has the artist delivering her most personal effort to date, where themes of independence, liberation and resilience flow through the well crafted and flawlessly executed tunes.

Davis starts the listen with “Hold Me Like A Gun”, where warm acoustic guitar and aching pedal steel align with her rich, expressive pipes guiding the textured folk tune, and “The Burn” follows with some pop melodies buried in her Americana template as strings add an orchestral slant.

in the middle, “Lone Wolf” delivers a bare setting of emotive balladry with strong wordplay, while “33” keeps the landscape soft and again with strings accompanying the confessional tone. “Last Laugh”, one of the album highlights, then brings much atmosphere into the cautious, agile exploration.

Near the end, “Moody Marilyn” is a slow burning affair of sublime beauty, and “Don’t Bring Me Flowers” ends the listen with a full display of ebullient, soaring melody in the lush exit.

Davis took inspiration from legends like Tom Petty and Aimee Mann during the 6 months of making Cactus, and it certainly shows in her timeless songwriting of alt-country meet folksy sensibilities that strike a cord immediately.

Travels well with: Neighbor Lady- Maybe Later; Ryan Culwell- Flatlands