Morpheus Project

Mozaick

Self-Relesed, 2021

8/10

Listen to Mozaick

A project spearheaded by the musical director Mustafa Khetty, with Mozaick his diverse vision brings in a wealth of musicians to help flesh out the prog-rock, Indian music nods and plenty of experimental and fusion ideas that you’re not likely to hear anywhere else.

The fascinating listen leads with the atmospheric and nearly haunting “Rage Before The Storm”, where warm guitar weaves in and out of sci-fi sounds and wordless vocals in a meticulously textured opener.

Residing near the middle is the ambient and mysterious “Dancing With Elves”, where intricate guitar work unfolds amid the nearly 9 minutes of precision, while “It’s Who We Are Mozaick”, builds from spirited guitar into a layered display of fusion acrobatics and majestic, cultured songwriting that’s cinematic. “Istanbul Swing”, one of the record’s most unique tunes, then lands closer to Eastern music, though classic rock and jazz ideas are certainly at the core of the climate, too.

Near the end, “Nights To Remember” highlights a chunky riff as versatile singing enters the melodic, prog-influenced setting, and “Cry For Freedom” exits the listen with hypnotic keys and moody strings while soaring vocals help cultivate a dreamy landscape that hints at classical music.

Khetty brings a small army with him on this very detailed effort, where clarinet, kanun, ney, sitar and many different programming techniques are present, and it results in a very distinct form of prog-rock that embraces jazz, classical, Eastern sounds and even Western rock’n’roll under the unparalleled creativity of Khetty’s artistic mind.

Travels well with: Matterhorn- Outside; Wudewise- Northern Gothic

Blue Water Highway

Paper Airplanes

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Paper Airplanes

The Texas outfit Blue Water Highway have had an impressive career, and on this 3th album the quartet offer us 13 working class tunes, where their timeless brand of Americana thematically surrounds the differences between childhood and adulthood.

The album leads with title track, where warm, expressive vocals are met with initially bare instrumentation that builds into an emotive and fuller delivery of pedal steel, bright keys and precise drumming, and “Dog Days” follows with a playful, rootsy display of soaring beauty amid a lively energy that’s groove friendly, too.

The middle tracks offer us the subdued and stirring “Bird On A Live Wire”, while “Alchemist” brings in some ambience alongside precise piano on the eloquent album highlight. “Goodbye Jon”, another exceptional tune, then recruits harmonica and frisky drumming for the breezy Americana that will sound just as good 20 years from now as it does today.

Near the end, “Grateful” finds itself with plenty of soul as backing vocals and a nearly gospel approach makes for a unique setting, and “All Will Be Well” exits the listen with a shuffling pace of keys, drums and guitars interacting with a hopeful presence on the highly memorable finish.

Blue Water Highway began with Zack Kibodeaux (lead vocals/guitar) and Greg Essington (vocals/guitar), but have since added Catherine Clark on vocals/keys and Kyle Smith handling bass. Though they hit a bit of writer’s block at the inception of Paper Airplanes, inspiration struck when looking back on an old song, and changing up their recording process by heading to Nashville resulted in a career standout where synthesizers and vocal harmonies accent their formula with much intrigue.

Travels well with: Thomas Csorba- Thomas Csorba; Kolby Cooper- Vol. 2 EP

Reza Safinia

Yin

Music & Texture, 2021

8/10

Listen to Yin

A producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist, Reza Safinia is a London native who resides in Los Angeles, and his resume is diverse enough to include working with Dr. Dre and Britney Spears. The first of two records he’ll release this year, Yin places his classical interests alongside electronic texturing and orchestral nods, too.

“Within” starts the listen with much atmosphere as soft keys and emotive strings work together with a darkly textured classical influence, and “Kali” follows with more firm piano amid an orchestral backdrop that’s even cinematic in its stirring beauty.

Near the halfway point, “Dhyana” moves with dancing melodies from the keys as the strings provide much emotional depth, while “Ahimsa” flows with a gentle, moving spirit of subdued waves of elegance. “Ajna”, one of the album’s best, then finds itself in dreamy territory, where mysteriousness lends itself to an almost film like presence, which only makes sense since Safinia has scored several flicks.

Close to the end, “Shakti” brings in vocals as an instrument as a light and airy environment is both surreal and hazy, and “Without” finishes the listen with strategic keys that emit a mesmerizing and absorbing vision that few could replicate.

A very artistic take on post-classical sounds, Safinia does so much with piano and cello in often darker areas that exudes so much creativity and skill on this very unique version of fusion. A fascinating listen, it will be exciting to see what his next album, Yang, will have to offer.

Travels well with: Gina Biver- Nimbus; Wesley Fuller- Seven By Seven

Vivian Leva & Riley Calcagno

Vivian Leva & Riley Calcagno

Free Dirt, 2021

10/10

Listen to Vivian Leva & Riley Calcagno

Though they’re both youngsters, Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno play like seasoned vets on this old-time, classic country influenced album, where they retain their Appalachian roots across a very sophisticated and harmonically inclined 11 tracks.

“Will You” starts the listen with very warm acoustic strumming, as the pair harmonize with much beauty alongside Calcagno’s fiddle and Chris Stafford’s pedal steel, while “Leaving On Our Minds” follows with just Leva’s pretty pipes guiding the more country influenced climate that also welcomes Sam Fribush’s piano.

Closer to the middle, “Red Hen” is a more bare display of timeless folk ideas as both contribute sublime vocals amid Trey Boudreaux’s proficient bass and Matty Meyer’s precise drumming, while “Biding All My Time” tugs on the heartstrings with a poetic quality as Leva’s rhythm guitar and Calcagno’s lead guitar interact meticulously with the stirring pedal steel. “On Account Of You” then touches on bluegrass sensibilities where fiddle and banjo from Calcagno add much to the rural climate.

“You Don’t See Me” and “Good And Gone” exit the listen, where the former is the most bare track present, as eloquent singing is accompanied by soft guitar and fiddle, and the latter finishes the listen with breezy melodies and even welcomes a Wurlitzer thanks to Fribush.

A record that thematically explores space and distance, these songs were fleshed out while the pair were separated by many states at different universities. Their combined songwriting skill and attention to detail ultimately prevailed despite the circumstances, and it results in a heartfelt, charming and even uplifting peek into some very creative minds that just might be record of the year material.

Travels well with: Justin Wells- The United State; Buddy & Julie Miller- Breakdown On 20th Ave South

Wu Man + Kojiro Umezaki

Flow

In A Circle, 2021

8/10

Listen to Flow

A fascinating duo comprised of a world renowned pipa player (Wu Man) and a shakuhachi specialist (Kojiro Umezaki), together the pair touch on folk songs, modern execution and a very precise balance between the ancient Chinese and Japanese instruments on this 5 track listen that thematically surrounds the changes of season in a traditional Eastern garden.

“Winter/Night Thoughts II)” starts the listen with proficient and warm pipa playing from Man, as the carefully played strings dance with gorgeous restraint, a hypnotic quality and, near the end, much attention to space, and “Spring” follows with both pipa and shakuhachi interacting with a playful, graceful quality that’s not short on melody.

In the middle, “Summer” is a more firm delivery of quivering pipa amid a meticulous and often fascinating EP highlight, while “Autumn” displays both instruments pulsating with a charming, inviting energy that can also retreat to sparse moments. “Bamboo” exits the listen with a timeless soulfulness as the strategic shakuhachi emits a very distinct beauty that lends itself to reflection.

The pipa, a stringed instrument that’s a pear shaped Chinese lute, and the shakuhachi, which is similar to a flute but made out of bamboo, radiate a very unique sound, and together in these very capable hands, it’s a 30 minute listen that you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Travels well with: Silkroad Ensemble- Falling Out Of Time; Hilary Hahn & Hauschka- Silfra

Reed Turchi

I’ve Chosen Love

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to I’ve Chosen Love

A Nashville resident who embraces the lineage of his hometown but also touches on the spirit of Memphis, Reed Turchi is in fine company here as Heather Moulder contributes keys/vocals, Wallace Lester takes up drums, and Ben Sparaco handles guitar, to name a few, on a listen where half the album surrounds the theme of love.

“Tell Somebody What Love Is” starts the listen with warm keys and vocals from both Turchi and Moulder, as a thick version of roots rock flows with grit and melody, and “Don’t Let Love Slip Away” follows with a busy, groove friendly and bluesy display of soulful, southern rock ideas.

There’s just 8 tracks present, but each one is exquisitely fleshed out, including the Moulder dominated and very dreamy take on Americana on “I’ve Chosen Love”, while “Cicada Rhythm” offers a 6+ minute instrumental of deft drumming, glowing keys and hypnotic guitars. “All Night Long”, the longest and perhaps best song, then shuffles and bounces with playful guitar lines and crisp percussion as vocals are barely audible and used merely to accent.

The final two tracks are part of the tunes recorded deep into Covid, and were recorded in a Nashville backyard in an improvisational manner. “Hot Dog Of Innuendo” and “Goodnight Goodnight” are equally well done, where the former is full of dynamic, frisky instrumentation, and the latter is a more calm, bare exit of sublime, precise song craft that seems tailor made for late nights.

An album that touches on blues, soul, Americana, roots and with a healthy glaze of soulful grooves, Turchi actually released this album in conjunction with a 2nd record, Creosote Flats, and this prolific bout of creativity is an ideal listen for the long summer evenings on the horizon.

Travels well with: Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters- Rise Up; Erin Harpe- Meet Me In The Middle

Mo Kenney

Covers

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Covers

The Canadian singer-songwriter Mo Kenney has had an impressive career so far, and for this 4th album the multi-instrumentalist offers us, you guessed it, a covers record of varied legends like Patsy Cline, Daniel Romano and even Tom Petty, among many others.

Kenney starts the listen with Big Star’s “Thirteen”, where gentle acoustic guitar complements the soft and expressive singing in the bare beauty, and “Slow Death”, a Seth Smith tune, is even more gorgeous as Kenney’s stirring pipes really shine amid the hypnotic guitar work.

Though the bulk of the tunes are just acoustic guitar and vocals, “Game Of Pricks”, by Guided By Voices, recruits Joel Plaskett on piano, where a darker avenue is explored with much eloquence, while “Sour Girl” is a louder display of rugged yet pretty folk-rock on the Stone Temple Pilots original. “Strange Powers”, the best of the best here, then does justice to The Magnetic Fields tune with agile finger picking alongside Kenney’s sublime singing.

Near the end, “I’m Not Like Everybody Else” brings Plaskett back on organ for the atmospheric version of The Kinks tune, and “Swimming Song” exits the listen with a thoughtful, memorable and graceful interpretation of the Loudon Wainwright III track.

Kenney has made quite a name for herself in her home country, and how she’s evaded global fame is beyond me, as she’s a formidable talent that resonates with a timelessness that parallels the greatness of the artists she reworks here.

Travels well with: David Myles- So Far; Daniel Romano- Mosey

Bludgers

Bludgers Five

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Bludgers Five

An appropriately titled EP, we’re treated to 5 diverse and memorable tracks from the Champaign, Illinois outfit Bludgers, who find a very unique place to reside in the dense pool of Americana sounds being made today.

“Dirty Laundry” starts the listen with raw yet inviting melodies as gritty yet tuneful singing guides the country rocker, and “Frozen Ground” continues with an acoustic guitar fueled and pop friendly step into groove friendly territory that’s irresistible.

The middle track is occupied by “More Things You Don’t Need”, one of the most memorable tunes, which brings some twang to an emotive and eloquent climate, while the warm, classic rock balladry of “Saint Monday” follows with some of the best singing on the album. “Full Steam Ahead” exits the listen and charges with buzzing guitars in a power-pop sort of way that will bring you back to the best sounds of the ‘80s.

Bludgers share similarities to legends like Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt, both musically and geographically, though moments of thicker ‘90s rock and ‘80s power pop certainly add much dimension to their formula. A band that have been intermittently active for decades, let’s hope more work is on the horizon, as the 5 songs here is just not enough.

Travels well with: Jesse Brewster- The Lonely Pines; Robert Connely Farr- Country Supper

Putumayo

Yoga Dreamland

Putumayo, 2021

9/10

Listen to Yoga Dreamland

An aptly titled record, the Putumayo label assembles a global cast here, where gentle and varied songs can easily soundtrack a peaceful yoga session or even a restful night of slumber.

Poland’s Justyna Steczkowska’s “Zamknij Oczka” starts the album with warm keys in a bare setting of elegant, dreamy singing, and Nitin Sawhney’s “The Boatman” follows with expressive vocals from Acharya Jayanta Bose alongside graceful keys and Indian influences.

Landing in the middle, “Fantang”, by Malick Pathé Sow, brings his African roots into the intricate guitar picking and soothing backing vocals of the traditional ode to bravery, while Zoe Conway & John Mc Intyre’s “The Curra Road” unfolds like an Irish folk tune with much intimacy in the album highlight. Marta Gómez’s “Arroró”, another exceptional track, then has the Colombian Grammy winner in lullaby territory amid much beauty.

Towards the end, Mirabal Ceiba offers the minimal but impactful and emotive quality of “Claro Lucero del Dia”, and “Midnight Dreaming” exits the listen with low keys and plenty of calming ambience to finish the listen perfectly thanks to Peter Kater & Michael Brant DeMaria.

In addition to the 9 splendid songs, the packaging includes photos and explanations of several basic yoga poses performed by children, which only adds to the universal appeal of this very relaxing and cultured collection.

Travels well with: Putumayo- New Orleans Mambo; Putumayo- Celtic Women

The Laurie Berkner Band

Let’s Go!

Two Tomatoes, 2021

10/10

Listen to Let’s Go

The always impressive Laurie Berkner returns with her 14th album, where her kids’ oriented song craft is just as wise, entertaining and educational as ever. Her usual bandmates, Susie Lampert (keys), Brady Rymer (bass) and Bob Golden (drums/percussion) are present, and guests like Lucas Stratmann (violin), David Mann (sax), Trevor Neumann (horns) and A.T.N. Stadwijk (organ) add much to the textured and rich listen.

Berkner starts the listen with the brief and punchy title track, where a bouncy and snappy delivery immediately draws us in to the ensuing fun, and “When It’s Cold” follows with an initially slower pace that’s no less exciting as Berkner gets soulful, before bursting into a Latin flavored rocker.

Like most Berkner records, there’s many songs, but most don’t surpass 3 minutes as she constantly shifts subject matter, tone and genre. Near the middle, “I’m On Vacation” is a summery, upbeat display of ‘60s vibes, while the dreamy “Listen To The Sounds” is a sublime tune where Berkner encourages us to appreciate the magic of seemingly minor actions like breathing and your heart beating. “Jumping Jack”, a particularly playful song, then benefits from Stadwijk’s organ and will get your body moving as you sing-along to the liveliness.

As we near the end, “Happy New Year” recruits Neumann’s horn on the Latin folk rhythms that will leave you smiling wide, and “Beautiful Light” finishes the formal portion of the album with Lampert’s graceful keys alongside much intimacy. “The Superhero Mask Song”, the bonus track, is just Berkner’s pipes and acoustic guitar that addresses the benefits of masks during this very appropriate time.

Berkner’s career has included millions of albums, songs and DVDs sold, and she’s even the first children’s artist to reach the Billboard’s Top Music Video chart at #1. Most importantly, though, she’s an ideal role model for our children, and she plays energetic, inspiring and thoughtful music that the world needs now more than ever.

Travels well with: Stacey Peasley- Make It Happen; Andrew & Polly- Go For The Moon

Mike Freedman

Into The Daybreak

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Into The Daybreak

A veteran musician, composer and instructor, Toronto’s Mike Freedman has enjoyed a 3 decade career that’s included playing on countless jazz albums and making many of his own, too. Into The Daybreak, his first record as a solo instrumental jazz artist, has Freedman in excellent company across 9 stunning tracks.

“Day Of Change” starts the record with warm, gorgeous guitar as crisp drumming from Max Senitt and Jeremy Ledbetter’s fluent piano accent the swirling jazz opener, and “May The 4th Be With You” follows with Alexis Baro’s trumpet prowess adding much to the swift and elegant atmosphere.

“Samba On The Sand”, one of the album’s best, then recruits Louis Simao on Cuica for the Latin flavored rhythms, while “Snake In The Grass” trims the pace back with a more dramatic landscape of carefully timed keys, precise drumming and, of course, Freeman’s exceptional guitar work. “Tomorrow Is Yesterday”, another strong track, then welcomes Curtis Freeman’s fretless bass amid no shortage of melody and guitar acrobatics.

Deeper yet, “Journey Beyond Seven” is a versatile and dreamy display of jazz and blues ideas, and “Resolve” exits the listen with Chris Gales’ tenor sax skills adding much to the sophisticated and very memorable finish.

Freedman’s guitar playing is inspired by legends like Pat Metheny and Wes Montgomery, who his work definitely parallels in greatness, and he’s even helped Tia Brazda hit the top of the jazz charts. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Into The Daybreak sees a similar destination with its flawless attention to detail and top notch execution.

Travels well with: David Restivo- Arancina; Doxas Brothers- The Circle

Deep Rivers

Nothing Ever Happens To Me

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Nothing Ever Happens To Me

Montreal’s Deep Rivers aren’t your typical folk rock band. For starters, they incorporate violins, violas and synth into their formula, and while they’re capable of vulnerable intimacy, they’re also able to produce sonically challenging indie-rock that you can’t help but be in awe of.

“Straight Shooter” starts the album with emotive acoustic strumming as plenty of atmosphere enters the folk-friendly climate, and “No More Mister Nice Guy” follows with a more firm approach as a lush landscape builds into a haunting, almost prog-rock climate.

In the middle, “When The Money’s Gone” is both bare and full as plenty of soaring textures and no shortage of hooks are present, while “Nothing Ever Happens To Me” is a sparse and eloquent display of timeless, stripped back rock that eventually adds marching band style drumming alongside strategic ambience. “Keeping Up”, one of the record’s best, then showcases Deep Rivers’ curious brand of melancholy amid much pensiveness that may remind you of Radiohead.

The last 2 tracks don’t disappoint either, and include the soothing strings and Elliott Smith-ish guitars of “Bottle Of Rye”, and “Maybe Someday” finishes the listen with double bass from Mathieu Désy on the synth fueled, dreamy and nearly jazz like exit

An album with an immense amount of depth and that is subtly very meticulous. Nothing Ever Happens To Me settles in quite nicely on the first listen, and gets even better with subsequent spins, while defying easy classification in all the best ways.

Travels well with: Big Fox- See How The Light Falls; Jules Maxwell- Songs From The Cultural Backwater

Austin John

The Better Way Back When

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to The Better Way Back When

The long running Canadian outfit Austin John start off 2021 on a very high note with this 4th album, where they reflect on better times and also make the best of our current, turbulent times across groove friendly rock tunes.

“Keep Looking” gets the album off to an impressive beginning with spirited organ, playful guitar work and some of the best singing to date from frontman/guitarist Todd Elsliger on the pensive yet punchy rocker, and “Indifference” follows with a quick pace of layered vocals, upbeat drumming and a very modern version of folk-rock.

There’s 9 tracks here, and each one shines in its own light, including the soaring female vocals of “Honeymoon”, where Elsliger’s rugged yet smooth pipes complement the playful piano, while “Somebody Else” displays strong acoustic guitar prowess on the bare setting. “Purple Tribute Song” then dives into soulful, funky territory where grooves arrive in spades as Elsliger and company tell a great story about Prince’s legacy.

Coming in near the end, “Neil” is a glorious piano led rocker that’s indebted to the past while still being very much a modern rocker, and “Listen” exits the listen with a pensive quality as a memorable dreaminess enters the well thought out finish to a career highlight album.

I trust that Austin John are well known in their hometown and draw massive crowds when they play, cause they possess a timeless knack for songwriting and deliver with immense skill on this easily enjoyable and very relatable record.

Travels well with: Steve Almaas- Everywhere You’ve Been; William The Conqueror- Maverick Thinker

Japan

Quiet Life

BMG, 2021

8/10

Listen to Quiet Life

If you’ve been around for awhile, the name Japan might be familiar to you. An innovative outfit who were active during the infancy of New Wave, the UK outfit had several hits in their home country, and were just starting to see worldwide fame when they broke up in 1982.

Quiet Life, their 3rd and undisputedly best album, sees the reissue treatment here, as BMG does the classic justice with this remastered version that includes exclusive liner notes. The Deluxe Version even adds 2 additional discs plus an LP of alternative mixes, b-sides, singles, rarities and live material.

The title track starts the listen with the spacey, New Wave feel that we love so much from the ‘80s, as plenty of synth melodies enter the vibrant atmosphere, and “Fall In Love With Me” follows with a busy display of thumping drums, intricate guitars and even some minor post-punk nods.

In the middle, “In-Vogue” gets mysterious with plenty of ambience as expressive baritone singing from David Sylvian guides the calm setting, while “Halloween” recruits warm brass for a rhythmic display of glam-pop that was prevalent in their early years.

Further down the line, Mick Karn’s frisky bass lines on “Alien” help make this one of the more memorable tunes present as the climate shifts to bare, and “The Other Side Of Life” exits the listen with piano balladry from Richard Barbieri that embraces strings and much grace in an emotive finish.

Originally released in 1979, Quiet Life firmly put Japan at the top of the heap in the area of synth-pop, while still retaining the artistic quality they were known for. Had they made it even 2 more years, there’s little doubt they would have been a household name in the global New Wave craze. Since that didn’t happen, at least their catalog is being well preserved for both the casual fans and completists.

Travels well with: Richard Hell And The Voidoids- Destiny Street Complete; The Psychedelic Furs- Made Of Rain

Tele Novella

Merlynn Belle

Kill Rock Stars, 2021

9/10

Listen to Merlynn Belle

The Texas duo of Natalie Ribbons and Jason Chronis, as Tele Novella the pair have always been supported by a full band, but here they’ve stepped into minimal territory, where each song was recorded in one full take and fleshed out one at a time with just Robbins’ captivating pipes and Chronis’ multi-instrumental skill.

“Words That Stay” starts the listen with distinct, expressive singing that aligns with psyche-friendly, folk melodies and “It Won’t Be Long” follows with a quirky spirit of retro ideas that seems like they could soundtrack a musical.

As we approach the middle, the whistling of “Wishing Shrine” draws us in to the spacey-folk setting that likely might emanate from the AM dial, while “One Little Pearl” is a vocally strong and tuneful display of strategic tambourine and agile guitar playing that showcases atypical harmonies. “A Lot To Want”, one of the album’s best, then takes a darker turn into a percussively strong and richly textured, psychedelic cowboy nods.

Near the end, “Desiree” contains a near lullaby quality in its mysterious beauty, and “Technicolor Town” exits the listen with plenty of ambience amid soft, soothing singing that highlights the rustic balladry.

Having moved from Austin to Lockhart, Texas recently, Tele Novella seems to be shifting into their most creative work to date, as evidenced by this profoundly unique sophomore album. If you find yourself identifying with outsider country, baroque folk or lo-fi, psyche-pop, or just want to hear something iconoclastic, Merlynn Belle will not disappoint.

Travels well with: Alpha Cat- Pearl Harbor 2020; Beth Lee- Waiting On You Tonight

Austin John

Lilac

Self-Released, 2016

8/10

Listen to Lilac

A Toronto outfit spearheaded by Todd Austin John Elsliger, on this 3rd album they undertook a project that involved bringing in several of their favorite singers to each put their spin on an Austin John song.

“Want” starts the listen with firm keys, as strong electric guitar and Danielle Knibbe’s soulful vocals enter the timeless rock template, and “The Older We Get (The Less We Go Out to Dance)” will indeed get your body moving with its synth stabs and groove friendly climate that benefits from Ainsley McNeaney’s expressive singing.

Closer to the middle, “High Waisted Jeans” makes great use of spirited organ as nods to the ‘70s flow amid cautious melodies, while “Late Again” displays playful percussion and Justin Bacchus’ sturdy pipes as soothing backing vocals highlight the dreamy setting.

The last few tracks are equally well done, including the acoustic guitar fueled and breathy “Box Of Letter”, as well as the rhythmic “Plenty Of Fish”, where Connor Walsh’s soaring vocals suit the upbeat climate. “Lilac” exits the listen initially bare and warm, but builds into a romantic and lush finish.

A varied listen that often seems like a mixtape, the subject matter and textures may vary significantly, though the strong songwriting is certainly present from beginning to end, where parallels to Elvis Costello, Ron Sexsmith or even legends like Death Cab For Cutie won’t go unnoticed.

Travels well with: Gary Lucas- The Essential Gary Lucas; Matthew Sweet- Catspaw

Steve Almaas

Everywhere You’ve Been

Lonesome Whippoorwill, 2021

9/10

Listen to Everywhere You’ve Been

If you’ve spent anytime in the midwest, and especially if it’s Minnesota, you’ve certainly heard the name The Suicide Commandos before. An early punk outfit who inspired legends like Husker Du and The Replacements, Steve Almaas handled bass and vocals for their brief but impactful existence (The Suicide Commandos would end up reforming for a new album in 2017).

Almaas has had a colorful and busy career since, including playing in The Crackers and Beat Rodeo, and he’s now 6 albums deep into a solo career that welcomes pop and roots song craft alongside a handful of esteemed friends/musicians.

The title track starts the listen with warm vocal harmonizing as pedal steel and crisp percussion enters the rootsy rock setting that’s aglow with beauty, and “Goodbye Nicolina” follows with proficient acoustic guitar and dual gender vocals helping emit a breezy form of Americana.

Elsewhere, the album highlight, “1955”, shuffles with a contagious energy of jangly, classic rock and rockabilly nods that might get you heading for the dance floor, while “The Way I Treated You” displays meticulous nylon-string guitar playing from Jon Graboff as Almaas looks back on the past in a Roger Miller sort of way. “She Don’t Love You”, another exceptional tune, then gets a bit gritty but certainly melodic as Almaas take a look in the past, musically.

Close to the end, “Bred In The Bone” displays some subtle gestures towards the punk past of Almaas includes keys and electronica amid a scrappy rock formula, and “The One Thing That I Cannot Do” exits the listen with an aching and spirited delivery of lush, country friendly ideas.

An artist who has seen and done just about everything one can do in the music industry, though he’s a school teacher by day, Almaas is still first and foremost a songwriter, and while his punk rock days might be long gone, he uses all the things he’s picked up along the way on this diverse and often nostalgic masterpiece.

Travels well with: The Jayhawks- XOXO; The Long Ryders- Psychedelic Country Soul

William The Conqueror

Maverick Thinker

Chrysalis, 2021

9/10

Listen to Maverick Thinker

Although the English trio William The Conqueror probably get lumped under the indie-rock umbrella, there’s a whole lot more to their riff heavy and hook friendly formula that touches on the early days of alt-rock, as well as blues and even grunge, too.

The album opens with the warm guitar of “Move On”, that quickly builds into a loud, crunchy alt-rocker that’s guided by smooth singing, and “The Deep End” follows with a soulful groove running under the bluesy display of playful, melodic song craft.

As we approach the middle, “Jesus Died A Young Man” shuffles with an Americana friendly energy you could dance to, while “Quiet Life” is indeed gentle, as female vocals add to the beauty amid piano and soft guitar work. “Fiction”, a truly outstanding track, then moves swiftly with a charged rhythm section that approaches stadium rock status.

The album exits on “Reasons” and “Maverick Thinker”, where the former is a scrappy and thumping indie-rocker meet roots rocker, and the latter displays bare and eloquent songwriting that’s folk influenced and even welcomes accordion into its poetic spirit.

This is the 3rd LP from William The Conqueror, which is Ruarri Joseph, Harry Harding and Naomi Holmes, and if you’re like me you haven’t heard the first 2 records, but won’t waste anytime seeking them out. A listen that can be intimate enough to soundtrack a campfire, just as it can stack layers of fuzz around blues, southern and gritty rock, I see Maverick Thinker being one of the highlights of 2021.

Travels well with: Built To Spill- Keep It Like A Secret; The Felice Brothers- Undress

Terry Kitchen

Lost Songs

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Lost Songs

A Boston singer-songwriter with a penchant for the type of music that would be appropriate at a campfire, Terry Kitchen found himself with an abundance of time after a cancelled tour last year, and used that opportunity to rework these songs that never quite found a place on his many projects.

Kitchen starts the listen with warm acoustic guitar and tambourine complementing his vivid storytelling and expressive vocals on “Opposite Day”, and this folk-friendly formula continues to the emotive pedal steel of the elegant “Here’s To Us”, as well as the breezy melodies of “Nickel Bag”.

The middle of the listen offers the upbeat and rhythmic “Walk Around The Block”, that benefits from dreamy backing vocals, while “The Way Of The World” contains much beauty in its Americana climate that welcomes Deede Bergeron’s pipes. “Brand New Laces (Same Old Shoes)” is particularly noteworthy with its brass opening and Rebecca Lynch’s pretty vocals, as strategic piano adds much to the soulful climate that’s both jazz and blues heavy.

Deeper yet, “Don’t Kick The Cat” is a bouncy 2 minutes of humorous wordplay that’s perfect for the kid in all of us, and “No Heroic Measures” exits the listen with some of Kitchen’s best singing as intricate guitar work flows with much sophistication and timelessness.

A veteran musician who has been performing in the New England area since the ‘90s, Kitchen has recently made his way up the charts and it’s easy to see why; his humble, forthright storytelling and intimate yet diverse body of work places him firmly in a category of folk artists we should all be more familiar with.

Travels well with: Jesse Brewster- The Lonely Pines; Domenic Cicala- Come On Over

Deline Briscoe

Wawu

Gaba, 2019

8/10

Listen to Wawu

Though this is Deline Briscoe’s debut solo album, the songstress has an impressive resume that includes widespread touring for a decade with Australia’s leading Performing Arts Company, Black Arm Band.

Here, along with an esteemed band and several guest artists, Briscoe tells the story of four generations of women from one family, and does so with highly skilled fusion.

The title track starts the listen with sparkling keys and Briscoe’s elegant singing in Yalanji, and “Heartbeat” follows with finger snapping as multiple voices add to the soothing tune that touches on gospel.

Near the middle, “Ignorance Is Bliss” recruits spirited keys and soft horns on a melodic jazz setting, and “Trust Us” follows with flowing rhythm and gorgeous singing amid the lush atmosphere. “Ngadijina”, one of the album’s best, then places spoken word over calm vocal cooing.

Near the end, “All Things Broken” puts Paul Coyle’s trumpet prowess on display in the cautious delivery, and “Need Your Love” exits the listen bare and powerful, with a massive amount of beauty present.

It’s pretty hard to tell if Wawu is a jazz, soul, funk or R&B album. Most likely, it’s somewhere in the realm of World Music that’s truly unclassifiable and unfolds with a mesmerizing quality that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Lauryn Hill- The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill; Janelle Monae- The Electric Lady