Demondrae Thurman & Kathryn Fouse

Sound & Light

Navona, 2021

8/10

Listen to Sound & Light

An esteemed brass soloist and educator, Demondrae Thurman tackles 5 pieces by his friends here, where Kathryn Fouse’s piano skills are present alongside Thurman’s top notch euphonium playing.

Barbara York’s Sonata For Euphonium And Piano “Child’s Play” starts the listen with warm and vibrant euphonium interacting with fluent keys in a very imaginative opener, and “Sonata For Euphonium And Piano”, by Doug Bristol, follows with a playful and swift display of strong dynamics between Thurman and Fouse that are delivered meticulously.

The middle track, “Insinuacóes”, moves initially gently with much emotion before building into a nearly jazz like climate with hypnotic piano in the Anne Victorino D’Almeida composition, while Patrick Schulz’s “Roonsonata” displays both firm keys and frisky euphonium in its colorful and varied approach that is so well executed, it alone is worth the price of admission.

An often overlooked and left out instrument in the brass family, Demondrae’s artistic and expressive use of the euphonium’s rich tone and diverse range makes Sound & Light a fascinating and exciting adventure that you can’t help but be drawn to.

Travels well with: Jordan Vanhemert Quintet- I Am Not A Virus; Stanley Grill- Remember

Evan Mack

The Travelled Road

Ravello, 2021

8/10

Listen to The Travelled Road

The operatic composer Evan Mack holds an esteemed body of work, and here his progressive and bold vision is fleshed out thanks to John Arida’s skilled piano, Jameson Platte’s subtle cello and Megan Marino’s glowing mezzo-soprano.

“A Little More Perfect” starts the listen with Arida’s warm keys as Marino’s flawless, expressive pipes immediately draw us in to the mesmerizing storytelling, and “Three Reflections Of Sister Dorothy” unfolds across 3 movements of powerful, stirring song craft.

In the middle, the lengthy “Preach Sister, Preach” showcases various text quotes by well known names including Tiny Fey, Ellen DeGeneres, and Ann Landers, among many others, as the landscape gets bouncy, playful and even tense as the atmosphere changes with each minute.

Approaching the end, “The Secret Ocean” finds a dreamy place to reside with flowing keys and text by Mark Jarman, and “The Road And The End” exits the listen with Platte’s fluent cello leaving a strong impression on a very creative finish.

An extremely ambitious project that you’ll want to revisit again and again, Mack’s storytelling and strong attention to detail again proves just why he’s considered one of the most exciting minds in today’s opera scene.

Travels well with: Rosśa Crean- The Priestess Of Morphine; Carl Vollrath- Transit Voices

Al Muirhead Quintet

Live From Frankie’s & The Yardbird

Chronograph, 2021

8/10

Listen to Live From Frankie’s & The Yardbird

A legend in the Canadian jazz scene for many decades now, Al Muirhead finds himself in the company of talent like Reg Schwager, Jesse Cahill and Kelly Jefferson, among several others, as he brings us live selections from 2 of Canada’s best jazz clubs.

The aptly titled “Tenor Madness” starts the listen with bright and playful brass that also allows for calmer moments of soulfulness and bouncy bass work from Neil Swainson, and “I Don’t Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You” follows with a gentle, emotive delivery of stirring jazz that you can’t help but be in awe of.

In the middle, the energetic “A Tune For Cal” swings and bops with spirited sax and muffled trumpet taking their turn in the spotlight amid Ted Warren’s crisp drumming, while “Mona Lisa” glides with a calm yet powerful display of sublime intimacy that resonates long after the song has finished.

Landing near the end is the rhythmic and percussively strong “Four Brothers”, where lively and dynamic interaction between the brass, Jim Head’s fluid guitar work and acrobatic drumming leave an indelible mark, and “Tenor Madness”, only this time at Frankie’s, exits the listen with incredible sax prowess from Jefferson on the glowing finish.

Now well into his 80’s, Muirhead has worked with legends like Paul Anka and Dizzy Gillespie, and he’s been Juno nominated twice. With Live From Frankie’s & The Yardbird, he again gifts us with his innovative vision that’s never short on melody, and where his inventive, organic jazz is captured in its most pristine form.

Travels well with: TuneTown- Entering Utopia; Mike Freedman- Into The Daybreak

Nicole Heartseeker & Mulo Francel

Forever Young

GLM, 2021

8/10

Listen to Forever Young

A very accomplished pair who have been collaborating for well over a decade now, Forever Young presents the piano of Nicole Heartseeker with Mulo Francel’s saxophone and clarinet across 17 very well thought out track that interpret legends like Handel, Schubert, Kempff, among others.

“Delight Inside” starts the album with warm keys alongside soulful saxophone as an elegant, stirring mood is cultivated with much skill, and this formula continues to Bach’s “Sinfonia in F Major”, where their interpretation of classical sounds unfolds with much intimacy.

Further along, “Mia Bella”, an original, quivers with both mystery and intrigue, while Jules Massenet’s “Ouvre tes yeux bleus” uses clarinet strategically amid Heartseeker’s agile piano prowess. “Enlarged Heart”, an album highlight, then injects timeless jazz influences into the pair’s sophisticated formula with much emotion.

Nearing the end, “Lazy Days” flows with a darker quality that still presents much beauty in its lush, cinematic approach, and “Oblivion”, by Astor Piazzolla, exits the listen with firm, creative deliveries from both keys and brass that you’re likely not going to hear anywhere else.

Although much of the music here is rooted in classical lineage, the duo’s improvisational skills, not to mention Heartseeker’s classical training and Francel’s time in the esteemed jazz outfit Quadro Nuevo, help make this a very unique adventure with much attention to melody, that, even at over an hour, never out welcomes its stay.

Travels well with: Zixiang Wang- First Piano Sonatas; Ludwig Van Beethoven- Complete Sonatas For Piano & Violin On Historic Instruments

Frankie And His Fingers

Universal Hurt

SubFamily, 2021

8/10

Listen to Universal Hurt

A New York outfit who actually broke up a decade ago, Frankie And His Fingers return here with a comeback album, where their ‘80s eccentricity and similarities to early 2000’s indie-rock sounds better than ever.

The appropriately titled “Celebrate!” starts the listen with thumping drums and charged guitars as plenty of power-pop energy is met with calmer moments of modern indie-rock, and “Gene Kelly & The Truck My Dad Built” follows with no shortage of melody as an organ adds much playfulness to the lively rocker.

Landing in the middle is “Just Because You Are, Doesn’t Mean You Have To”, where memorable fuzz and some nods to the days of emo enter the introspective yet very animated album highlight, while “To Die Would Be A Great Adventure” alternates between heavier moments of pop-punk influence amid a soaring pop-rock flavor that’s even anthemic.

Approaching the end, “Cake Heart” displays much diversity with keys, soaring backing vocals and sing-alongs amid the busy climate, and “There’s A Dragon In That Cave” finishes the listen with 9+ minutes of dreamy synth, crunchy guitar, and prog and classic rock hints in an unpredictable and exciting exit.

Originally a trio of Frank McGinnis (guitar, vocals, keys), Sammi Niss (drums) and Adam Stoutenburgh (bass), Frankie And His Fingers now includes Ryan Stoutenburgh (guitar, backing vocals), too. If you miss the days of The Get Up Kids, Taking Back Sunday and The Anniversary threatening to invade the mainstream, you’re going to love every second of Universal Hurt.

Travels well with: Ultimate Fakebook- The Preserving Machine; Alkaline Trio- My Shame Is True

Sunny War

Simple Syrup

ORG, 2021

10/10

Listen to Simple Syrup

There are few artists who exist today that are as exciting as Sunny War. A guitarist and singer-songwriter who has her finger on the pulse of all things relevant in today’s social and political climate, the Los Angeles resident is also very capable of penning an intimate, personal anthem, too.

On this outing, War focuses on precise yet loose interplay with the many musicians present, as topics like veteran PTSD, Black women artists, and even her own relationship tribulations unfold in a setting that often seems live.

“Lucid Lucy” starts the listen with just War’s distinct vocals and soothing acoustic guitar alongside Niall Taro Ferguson’s emotive cello in a very eloquent, jazz friendly climate, and “Mama’s Milk” follows with Paul Allen’s playful drums amid the fuller folk-rock setting that benefits from Matt DeMerritt’s saxophone.

Near the middle, the bare “A Love So True” recruits Aroyn Davis’ deft bass work as War’s guitar and voice emit much soul in its poetic appeal, while “Losing Hand”, the album highlight, is a sublime yet frisky display of orchestral, singer-songwriter prowess that few others could replicate. “Its Name Is Fear”, which is War solo, then showcases her powerful craft that’s wise, articulate and authentic.

Close to the end, Angelo Moore (of Fishbone fame) makes an appearance on backing vocals and theremin as tambourine and surdo from Allen help texture the cautious, folk punk anthem “Eyes”, and “Big Baby” exits the listen with the most sparse track, where War’s guitar and voice guide a careful, bluesy finish.

A true masterpiece of a record, War embraces jazz, folk, baroque, blues and some punk spirit, and her stories are more stirring, insightful and memorable than ever. Although she truly defies comparison. it’s safe to say that War possesses a vision that runs parallel to the great Tracy Chapman, which, of course, speaks volumes about her impact.

Travels well with: Birds Of Chicago- Love In Wartime; Ida Mae- Chasing Lights

Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal

Natural Born Hustler

Color Red, 2021

8/10

Listen to Natural Born Hustler

Although they’re from Lincoln, Nebraska, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal resided much further south, as their mature and adventurous brand of soul infused funk and blues tips it hat that direction on this vintage yet very modern album.

The 10 track album leads with the psychedelic backdrop of the bluesy “Hustler”, where Blake DeForest’s bright trumpet makes an impression alongside Hoyer’s soulful, rugged singing, and “Whisper” follows with a calmer approach as Benjie Kushner’s spirited guitar suits the expressive pipes. as subdued drumming from Harrison Eldorado anchors the intimacy.

At the halfway point, the funky “Sunday Lies” benefits greatly from Mike Keeling’s lively bass lines amid the busy, soul rocker, while “The Night” roars with a retro energy as thumping drums and Hoyer’s sturdy vocal acrobatics have you hanging on every second. “Take My Chances”, an especially strong tune, then finds plenty of grooves to cultivate as vintage soul meets R&B where Luke Annis makes an appearance with trombone.

The final 2 tracks are just as great as the rest of the album, and include the festive and dynamic “Gimme That Lovin’”, and “Ring The Bells”, where rhythm and gospel meet with much authenticity as Hoyer impresses us with his piano work, too.

Certainly indebted to the ‘60s and ‘70s, Hoyer and company are nothing if not diverse, and these carefully constructed and flawlessly executed tunes will make a fan out of anyone willing to give Natural Born Hustler a spin.

Travels well with: The Reverend Shawn Amos & The Brotherhood- Blue Sky; Monophonics- Mirrors

Chuck McDermott

38 Degrees And Raining

Amber Gate, 2021

8/10

Listen to 38 Degrees And Raining

The veteran singer-songwriter and guitarist Chuck McDermott made me a fan pretty quick with 2017’s Gin & Rosewater, and here he returns with a politically themed EP where Marco Giovino handles drums and production, while Duke Levine holds down electric guitar and appearances by Luther Dickinson and many more are present.

McDermott starts the listen with warm Americana of the title track, where his deep, expressive vocals guide a landscape of textured, mysterious song craft that brings in female vocals and a guitar solo, and “You Always Do That To Me- Sometimes” offers a rugged, even bluesy rocker that recruits slide guitar, organ and The McCrary Sisters on soulful backing vocals.

The middle tracks are some of the best, and include “On A Night Like This”, which flows with much beauty as subtle keys and precise percussion unfold alongside Anne Lyon McDermott’s eloquent backing vocals, while “Hold Back The Water (Remix)” takes hints to country sounds as spoken words enters the lush, dreamy rocker.

Near the end, “Dreamers Lullaby” makes an impression, where accordion and violin interact with much agility and intimacy, while “Here’s The Thing About America” exits the listen with much focus on McDermott’s rugged vocals and sublime guitar playing as upright bass, trumpet and light drums accompany him on the working class anthem that really grasps the tone of present day America.

McDermott has a lengthy and accomplished career in politics, too, and here both of his passions collide as he takes a very thoughtful look at the state of the country in 2020, when these songs were laid down. Far from a listen that preaches, McDermott and company are insightful, genuine and diverse in their Americana approach that should be required listening for all Americans.

Travels well with: Steve Earle & The Dukes- Ghosts Of West Virginia; Todd Snider- Cash Cabin Sessions, Vol. 3

Courtney Yasmineh

The Sun Shines On Ruby

Self-Released, 2018

8/10

Listen to The Sun Shines On Ruby

The seasoned singer-songwriter and author Courtney Yasmineh offers us a tune here not present on her 2019 album, Songs From The Open Road, where she’s aligned with Rob Genadek for a song about a Doberman Pinscher named Ruby.

An indeed upbeat track, “The Sun Shines On Ruby” starts with Jon James’ playful guitar and Yasmineh’s gritty yet melodic singing as Jeff Victor’s soulful organ adds much to the feel good atmosphere. Light touches of ukulele, tambourine and electric bass from Genadek won’t go unnoticed either, as the wordplay discusses all the joy our canine friends can bring, and in this case it’s Magic Marc Percansky’s loyal companion, Ruby.

A song inspired by Yasmineh’s handmade book series Try To Live The Life Of A Dog, if you’ve somehow managed to miss any of her 9 albums, this single would be a great start to familiarize yourself with one of the Midwest’s hardest working and most dedicated songwriters.

Travels well with: Steve Almaas- Everywhere You’ve Been; John Hiatt- The Eclipse Sessions

Chris Trinidad

Chant Triptych II

Iridium, 2018

8/10

Listen to Chant Triptych II

The San Francisco Bay Area luminary Chris Trinidad has had a lengthy and impressive career, and here we’re looking at a second in a series of albums that reimagines Gregorian chant melodies under Trinidad’s exciting and daring vision.

“Sinite Parvulos” starts the listen with playful percussion from Mario Salomon and warm guitars as accordion acrobatics from Colin Hogan really highlight the cultured, jazz friendly atmosphere, and “Beatus Quem Elegisti” follows with Salomon’s bongo adding much spirit to Neelamjit Dhillon’s bansuri amid the textured, creative landscape.

In the middle, “Venite Filii” is a calm, emotive and initially bare album highlight that builds into a heartfelt meshing of guitars, basuri, accordion and percussion, while “Qui Timent” flows with no shortage of melody as Hogan’s skilled melodica playing makes a sizable impression.

As we approach the end, “Timeat Eum” resides in dreamy territory, where strategic maracas align well with accordion and melodica, and “Qui Fecerit” exits the listen very much indebted to classic jazz sounds, where Dhillon’s alto sax prowess and Trinidad’s deft bass playing interact with the frisky Brazilian influences.

In using instruments rooted in countries like Bulgaria, India, the Caribbean, and America, while also flirting with Argentinian, Brazilian and many other folk traditions, Chant Triptych II again illustrates the tremendous talent and diversity that has comprised Trinidad’s stunning catalog of music.

Travels well with: Wesli- Rapadou Kreyol; Cúnao- Rayuela

David Olney & Anana Kaye

Whispers And Sighs

Schoolkids, 2021

10/10

Listen To Whispers And Sighs

David Olney enjoyed a lengthy and esteemed career in the area of folk sounds, where his work was covered by legends like Emmylou Harris and Steve Earle, among many others. On this final LP, Olney is joined by Anana Kaye, a rising Eastern European vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, the guitarist and singer Irakli Gabriel and about a dozen others as they produce a wise and diverse swan song from one of folk music’s most treasured souls.

The album leads with the graceful strings of “The Station”, which, at 20 seconds, lays the foundation for the listen, and the emotive yet playful “My Favorite Goodbye” follows, where Olney’s expressive singing guides the timeless folk setting.

Elsewhere, the frisky “Thank You Note” displays Kaye’s diverse and unique, smokey pipes in an atypical form of Americana you could dance to, while “Behind Your Smile” flows with an orchestral quality in its eloquent and heartfelt instrumentation. “Last Days Of Rome”, a particularly exciting tune, then cranks up the volume with some guitar crunch amid an anthemic rocker that hints at the best days of The Stones.

Near the end, ““World We Used To Know” resides in ballad territory, where a poetic touch aligns with Chris Benelli’s deft drumming and a dreamy haze thanks to Austin Hoke’s cello, and “The Great Manzini (Disappearing Act)” exits the listen vocally strong and musically bare, as Kaye’s soft singing and Olney’s storytelling are met with gentle guitar and moody strings interacting with much sophistication.

Tragically, Olney passed away while on stage in early 2020, mid song. Fittingly, his guitar remained attached to this body. Though there’s nothing but bright spots in his vast catalog of music, this posthumous listen illustrates so much sage like intimacy and fuller moments that tweak Americana and folk in exciting ways, it sure seems appropriate to land at the end of his exceptional output.

Travels well with: Adam Carroll- I Walked In Them Shoes; Steve Earle & The Dukes- Ghosts Of West Virginia

Reza Khan

Imaginary Road

Painted, 2021

8/10

Listen to Imaginary Road

The guitarist Reza Khan has been following a path uniquely his own since day one, and he continues that unpredictable journey with Imaginary Road, where Miles Gilderdale, Mark Egan and Maurizio Zottarelli, among others, accompany him.

“Waiting For The Sky” starts the listen with crisp, smooth guitar from Khan as Zottarelli’s precise drumming anchors the highly melodic and breezy jazz climate, and “Neo Funk” follows with bright guitar solos from Khan and Gildedale, as synth from Philippe Saisse adds much to the busy delivery.

Sitting at the halfway point, “Midnight Runner” brings much atmosphere to the listen with its meticulous guitar playing and strategic bass from Egan that helps make this the album highlight, while “Seven Miles Road” benefits greatly from David Mann’s flute as playful melodies dance around the dynamic instrumentation.

Closer to the end, “Somewhere East” points towards Khan’s Eastern heritage (he was born in Bangladesh), where modern jazz and bright saxophone make an impression, and “Imaginary Road” finishes the listen with all the players getting their time in the spotlight on a textured and exciting exit.

Inspired by names like Pat Methany and Wes Montgomery, Khan’s early training in Indian percussion gives him a unique vision of his craft, and his string of well received albums over the last decade continue to make him one of the most versatile and creative minds in contemporary jazz.

Travels well with: Dave Stryker- Baker’s Circle; Jared Gold- Reemergence

Josh Caterer

The Hideout Sessions

Pravda, 2021

9/10

Listen to The Hideout Sessions

If Josh Caterer’s name sounds familiar to you, well, it should. The founder and frontman of the seminal Chicago pop-punk outfit Smoking Popes, him and his brothers brought their buzzing guitars and very distinct actual singing to the mid ‘90s punk scene.

On this release, Caterer is in the company of John San Juan (Hushdrops) and John Perrin (NRBQ) to lay down modern interpretations of songs that were recorded many decades ago, including some Smoking Popes classics, all tracked live to tape at the Chicago venue the Hideout.

“My Funny Valentine” starts the listen with a playful buzzing climate as Caterer’s unmistakable vocals sound as good as ever on this alt-rock influenced version, and “Rags To Riches” follows with a rhythmic, punchy delivery as thumping drums and swirling guitars make a big impression.

Closer to the middle, the calmer “I Only Have Eyes For You” flows with a powerful and emotive demeanor that’s even soulful, while “What Kind Of Fool Am I” carries an oldies spirit amid its modern rock sensibilities. “Need You Around”, one of Smoking Popes’ most known tunes, is stripped back here and slower, as Caterer proves that the love song has aged well (it was originally released in 1994).

Approaching the end is “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”, which really showcases Caterer’s vocal range as the song builds into a busy display of crashing percussion and thick guitars, and “Someday I’ll Smile Again”, another Caterer original, exits the listen with much calm beauty that radiates a forthrightness not unlike The Smiths, but with plenty of guitar crunch.

An intimate, raw and sincere outing, Caterer and company float mostly around the area of power-pop, though not without Caterer’s punk roots at the surface, too, and it results in another exciting and well done body of work for an artist whose career has been unpredictable and always exciting since 1991.

Travels well with: Mo Kenney- Covers; Steve Almaas- Everywhere You’ve Been

Brigitte Demeyer

Seeker

BDM, 2021

8/10

Listen to Seeker

The veteran singer-songwriter Brigitte DeMeyer, who has called Nashville home for many years (which is a fitting city for her unique brand of Americana), Seeker hosts a long list of players including Jano Rix (piano, organ, drums shuitar, vocals), Alfreda McCrary (harmony/backing vocals) and Viktor Krauss (upright bass, electric bass), among many others, to flesh out the songs that were inspired by an abrupt move back west.

“All The Blues” starts the listen with upright bass, pedal steel and shuitar as Demeyer’s inviting and expressive singing brings us on a warm Americana adventure, and “Cat Man Do” follows with playful piano, plucked electric bass and harmony vocals from Freda McCrary that add much to the eclectic, soulful landscape.

In the middle, “Calamity Gone” places no shortage of melody and powerful singing into the key driven atmosphere of the bluesy protest song, while “Already In” finds a bare place to reside as acoustic guitar and mellotron gently accompany Demeyer’s strong pipes on the love song for her husband. “Ain’t No Master”, a late album highlight, then recruits both jazz and soul ideas in a memorable and groove friendly display of timeless skill.

Near the end, “Seeker” lands closer to folk music, where upright bass and gentle guitars help build a very spiritual affair, and “Roots And Wings And Bones” exits the listen with a song about children, where blues and gospel sounds are well done and greatly appreciated.

DeMeyer’s got an impressive catalog that goes all the way back to the beginning of the century, and this chapter of her work is some of the best yet, where her California roots are certainly intact, as she points towards the influence of the Music City, as well as deeper south, with much accomplished and thoughtful diversity.

Travels well with: Lynne Hanson- Just Words; Amy LaVere- Painting Blue

Floraleda Sacchi

Ludovico Einaudi

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Ludovico Einaudi

An Italian artist who is well versed in the harp as well as being a composer, Floraleda Sacchi brings her harp, crystal harp and granulators to this very well thought out album, where she manipulates her instrument in ways that often resemble a guitar or even a piano.

“Oltremare” starts the listen with 12 minutes of intricate and flowing harp playing that’s dreamy, meditative and flowing with so much beauty, and “Nightbook” follows with a hypnotic quality as the strings dance with incredible dexterity and glowing songwriting that you can’t help but be in awe of.

Closer to the middle, the emotive “Elegy For The Arctic” resides in calm, bare territory where much emphasis is on mood, while “Dietro I’incanto” twinkles with a pretty, playful and yet very graceful approach that is so well done, it alone is worth the price of admission.

Near to the end, “Divenire” displays fascinating, meticulous playing with an incredibly melodic delivery, and “Primavera” exits the listen with a dizzying execution of unparalleled skill and unimaginable harp acrobatics.

Sure, one might think that an entire record of just harp sounds would be better suited for an EP, but in Sacchi’s capable hands, you’ll actually want to hear more of her inimitable work. Thankfully, the complicated arrangements are just as exciting on subsequent listens.

Travels well with: Hillary Hahn & Hauschka- Silfra; Sue Maskaleris- Love Is The Key

Natalie D-Napoleon

You Wanted To Be The Shore But Instead You Were The Sea

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to You Wanted To Be The Shore But Instead You Were The Sea

An Australian singer-songwriter, poet and author who used to front the band Bloom, Natalie D-Napoleon planted herself on the porch of her 100 year old cottage to write this very thoughtful album, which is her first new batch of songs in 8 years.

“Thunder Rumor” starts the listen with warm intimacy as fluent acoustic guitar and Napoleon’s powerful, pretty pipes guide the folksy strummer that’s a bit haunting, and “How To Break A Spell” follows with a poetic approach as strategic piano and playful drums enter the moving Americana.

Near the middle, the playfully plucked bass and creative percussion of “Soft” help make this one of the album’s best as Napoleon displays diverse singing, while “No Longer Mine” builds into a rugged yet melodic country rocker that you could and would want to dance to. “Gasoline & Liquor”, another excellent track, then recruits an orchestral quality as aching pedal steel adds much eloquence to the reflective climate.

Closer to the end, the nearly spiritual, dreamy, “Reasons” showcases Napoleon’s soaring, flawless singing alongside soft, agile guitar and strings, and “Broken” exits the listen with layered vocals, an emotive spirit and a timeless dimension to her multifaceted songwriting.

A very wise album that thematically highlights the complexities of women, Napoleon takes help from pianist/drummer Dan Phillips, bassist/producer James Connolly and guitarist/pedal steel/mandolin player Doug Pettibone, and it results in a vulnerable, inspiring and profoundly articulate journey that truly touches on the human experience in immeasurable ways.

Travels well with: Melody Duncan- Wolf Song; Megan Lacy- Salvation

Joanna Connor

4801 South Indiana Avenue

Keeping The Blues Alive, 2021

8/10

Listen to 4801 South Indiana Ave

A Chicago blues guitarist and singer-songwriter, Joanna Connor’s career has been nothing if not consistently great, and here she’s back with her 14th album that was even produced by the almighty Joe Bonamassa.

“Destination” starts the listen with thumping drums and Connor’s wailing, bluesy guitar as keys and plenty of rhythm enter the raging opener that benefits from raw, soulful singing, and “Come Back Home” follows with playful keys from Reese Wynans guiding the emotive and powerful slide guitar.

Near the middle, “I Feel So Good” boogies heavily amid strategic vocal techniques and Lamer Carter’s powerhouse drumming, while “For The Love Of A Man”, which takes nods to Albert King, flows with bright brass alongside Connor’s soaring pipes and high energy blues. “Please Help”, one of the best present, then pays homage to Hound Dog Taylor, as plenty of gritty melody and guitar acrobatics impress us in immeasurable ways.

Close to the end, the cathartic “Part Time Love” tips its hat to Chicago blues as Connor’s versatile pipes are on display alongside stirring horns, and “It’s My Time” exits the listen with careful spoken word as a slide guitar duet between Connor and Josh Smith add much agility to the nearly psyche-rock flavored finish.

The album title was the actual street address of Theresa’s Lounge, a venue for blues magic, and this listen takes a similar path by giving us the best seat in the house to absorb Joanna Connor’s authentic spirit that embraces all the hallmarks of timeless blues that we will never tire of.

Travels well with: Casey Hensley- Good As Gone; Annika Chambers- Kiss My Sass

Elliott Sharp

Filiseti Mekidesi

Infrequent Seams, 2020

9/10

Listen to Filiseti Mekidesi

A longtime leader of the experimental New York scene who has released over 80 records of just about every genre you can think of, and a few you’ve never heard of, Elliott Sharp brings us a 2 disc opera of varied and thriving sounds that were recorded live in concert at Ruhrtriennale in Bochum, Germany on September 2018.

“Cosmic Gifts” starts the listen with much atmosphere as a dark, cinematic, nearly sci-fi quality inhabits the 7 minute opener, and this unique formula continues to the percussively strong and chilling strings of “Humans Move”.

Further on in Disc 1, “Filiseti Music I” offers bright flute from Helen Bledsoe and a flurry of brass that radiates a hypnotic quality, while “Under The Thicket” benefits from expressive and eloquent soprano singing amid a warm climate of classical sounds. “In Liquid State” exits this portion of the record with a dreamy, stirring display of avant-garde, classical ideas that you’re not going to hear anywhere else.

The 2nd disc leads with the operatic approach of “Tempest”, that quivers with both beauty and mystery, and “Time To Go”, a 2nd disc highlight, finds itself rumbling lowly as many voices converge for a soaring, ambient experience.

Further on, “The Thing You Want” is a vocally heavy, though often wordless, execution as tense instrumentation soundtracks a very textured climate, and “Endless Migration” exits the listen with a blurry, cautious and inventive finish that puts a firm exclamation point on a very unusual, captivating adventure.

Like everything that Sharp has been behind, this is an unclassifiable, absorbing listen that allows Kamilya Jubran and the vocal group Voxnova Italia’s pipes to shine, while also allowing the instrumental ensemble Musikfabrik to mesmerize. Certainly atypical, there just isn’t a moment here wasted, and you’ll likely want to revisit every one of them.

Travels well with: Ty Citerman- Bop Kabbalah + Voices: When You Speak Of Times To Come; The Nels Cline Singers- Share The Wealth

Palm Ghosts

Lifeboat Candidate

Ice Queen, 2021

9/10

Listen to Lifeboat Candidate

Seeming much more like an outfit from Manchester in 1985 than a current band residing in Nashville, Palm Ghosts sound like a cinematic version of your favorite New Wave, post-punk and shoegaze legends, and this pandemic record is as topical as it is exciting.

“Blind” starts the listen with thick bass lines as energetic drumming, bouts of synth and deep vocals that recruit an ‘80s New Wave/post-punk appeal hint at even greater things to come, and “Easy Math” follows with a dynamic display of dream-pop, where hypnotic guitar work and a precise rhythm section make a hell of an impression.

There’s just 8 tracks here, and each one is top notch, including the nostalgic ideas of “Revelation Engines”, which could soundtrack a late night at the roller rink, while “Carry The World” enters darker territory as the band channel their inner Joy Division, where grit and melody meet at a very enthralling intersection.

The last 2 tracks bring us “The Perfect Tool” and “The Dead Inside”, where the former is textured with both an ominous and creative quality that’s certainly goth friendly, and the latter buzzes like a New Order song you can’t wait to hear again and again.

If you grew up on The Cure and The Smiths and names like David Bowie and Siouxsie inhabit your record collection, Palm Ghosts will be your new heroes, and be prepared to spend much quality time with Lifeboat Candidate.

Travels well with: The Psychedelic Furs- Made Of Rain; The Persian Leaps- Electrical Living

Dave Stryker

Eight Track Christmas

Strikezone, 2019

8/10

Listen to Eight Track Christmas

Leave it to the legend Dave Stryker to bring a swingin’, groove filled spirit to these 10 holiday classics.

“This Christmas” gets the album started with calm rhythm in the vibraphone and percussion friendly opener, and “What Child Is This?” follows with a playful delivery of lively drums and spirited guitar work.

The remainder of the album continues the strong atmosphere, with the indeed soulful execution of “Soulful Frosty”, the elegant and bare “Christmas Time Is Here”, and the quick paced, festive and danceable “Sleigh Ride”.

At the end, “We Three Kings” offers some of the most detailed guitar acrobatics, as Stryker puts his vast talent on display, and “O Tannenbaum” exits the listen graceful yet frisky with skilled interplay between Steve Nelson, Jared Gold and McClenty Hunter.

Stryker’s Eight Track series has already produced several fine albums, and this installment continues that trend with a timeless theme that few could do better.

Travels well with: Jared Gold- Reemegernce; Rich Willey’s Boptism Funk Band- Conspiracy