Katerina Knezikova, Marketa Cukrova, Adam Plachetka & Radek Baborak Ensemble Mahler

Des Knaben Wunderhorn

Animal, 2021

8/10

Listen to Des Knaben Wunderhorn

The horn player Radek Baborák aligns himself with Kateřina Kněžíková, MarkétaCukrová, and Adam Plachetka here, as they interpret songs by Gustav Mahler from Des Knaben Wunder, which results in a colorful and intimate chamber experience.

“Der Tamboursg’sell” opens the listen with firm drumming and majestic brass as the deep, expressive vocals guide the rich opener, and “Verlorne Muh!” follows with graceful strings and soaring vocals to complement the meticulous beauty.

Further into the listen, “Rheinlegendchen” emits a playful and dynamic blend of bouncy strings in a very energetic landscape, while “Urlicht” moves sublimely, with moody instrumentation that flows with much emotion. “Lob Des Hohen Verstands” then radiates vivid storytelling amid an upbeat and warm mix of strings, brass and glorious singing.

Approaching the end, “Das Himmlische Leben” floats with a dreamy appeal of cinematic sounds and “Adagietto (From Symphony No. 5)” exits the listen with a soulful, stirring and intimate delivery.

A truly captivating body of work. the many players on hand make for an orchestral, classical and symphonic journey that twists and turns with incredible flow and a timelessness that you’ll be immediately drawn to.

Travels well with: Radek Baborák- Pauer, Gliere: Horn Concertos; Tomáš Sýkora- Songs For Orchestra

Kristen R. Bromley Quintet

Bluish Tide

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Bluish Tide

The guitar wizard Kristen R. Bromley returns with her 2nd album as leader, and she’s got Ray Smith (sax, flute), Steve Erickson (piano), Matt Larson (bass) and Jay Lawrence (drums) along for the 9 originals and lone cover.

“Pillar Of Fire” opens the listen with a bright and energetic presence of spirited guitar, frisky drumming and graceful keys, and “Groove O’Clock Time” follows and certainly lives up to its name as no shortage of grooves flow in and out of the dynamic musicianship.

“Between Canyon Walls” arrives at the halfway point and showcases the strategic bass alongside Bromley’s intricate guitar lines, while “Paint Me A Picture My Love” recruits flute for the cautious and very pretty journey of timeless jazz.

Moving towards the end, “Junkyard Dawg” offers a playfully textured album highlight of warm melodies and inviting rhythm, and “Through The Veil” exits the listen with Bromley’s captivating guitar complementing the cozy keys and light drums.

An album that is steeped in swing, bossa nova, funk, and ECM grooves, Bromley and company make the most of every second here, and it makes for a soulful and inspiring listen.

Travels well with: Kristen R. Bromley Trio- Simply Miraculous; Elena Maque- Feel Again

The County Well

Drink More

Floating, 2021

8/10

Listen to Drink More

The 3rd album from this highly experimental and atypical outfit, The County Well are back with founder Don Zimmer and company penning a musical adventure that never sits in one place for very long.

“Gifted Spirit” opens the listen with Graham Guest’s vocals guiding the playful jazz and light buzzing of the charming climate, and “Hope I Fall” follows with Michaela French’s pipes adding a soulful quality to the smooth and bluesy landscape.

Halfway through, “Volume And Speed” flows with much grace and warmth from the intricate strings and light drumming, while “Big Country Love” welcomes Michael Batdorf’s deep vocals to the funky delivery. “Drinkin’ And Smokin’”, one of the album’s best, then showcases the depth of French’s stunning pipes amid the sophisticated keys and the expressive brass.

Near to the end, “Wamwig” recruits Paul Gregory for the groove filled and unpredictable album highlight, and “Drink More” exits the listen with firm country ideas alongside the vocal harmonies and rural melodies.

With the many vocalists on hand and instruments varying from violin to horns, each of the 12 songs here is a surprise that you’ll want to revisit often.

Travels well with: Jangling Sparrow- Telecoaster; Thy Dirty Deuce- Bruised

Adam Glaser

Excursions

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Excursions

An esteemed classical conductor, Adam Glaser brings us 15 instrumentals here, where he covers a wide variety of jazz styles that are rooted in solo production and arranging.

“Naomi’s Binomial Nomenclature” opens the listen with playful keys, frisky drums and funky bass lines, and this creativity continues to the bright melodies of the upbeat jazz prowess that is “The Art Of Science”.

Deeper into the listen, “A Little Bit Of Your Love” glides with a very stylish and warm rhythm that you could certainly dance to, while “Lay Low” trims the pace back with much beauty in the romantic mood. “Blues For Planet”, one of the album standouts, then offers a truly exciting fusion formula that’s even a bit sci-fi.

Approaching the end, “A Man Of Few Words” finds a very charming place to reside amid the intricate keys, and “Delivery” exits the listen with bouncy bass, agile keys and well timed drums for an R&B tinted finish.

A very diverse effort that spans pop, jazz, R&B, funk and electronica, Glaser wrote, performed and programmed the entire record, and it sure makes for an adventurous and fun listen.

Travels well with: Adam Glaser Trio- Wide Awake; Jeff Reed- Look For The Light

Norman Blake

Day By Day

Smithsonian Folkways, 2021

8/10

Listen to Day By Day

The veteran multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Norman Blake returns with another batch of his diverse and inimitable folk sounds, as he offers single take recordings of original and traditional tunes.

“When The Roses Bloom” opens the listen with warm acoustic guitar and flowing melody as Blake’s comforting pipes guide the timeless folk climate, and “Just Tell Them That You Saw Me” follows with vivid storytelling alongside a rugged yet tuneful demeanor.

In the middle, the playful banjo of “Old Joe’s March” emits a cozy bluegrass spirit, while “Montcalm And Wolfe” offers a poetic and country influenced landscape. “Three Leaves Of Shamrock”, the album’s best, then showcases intricate guitar playing as Blake’s raw singing is quite gripping.

Near to the end, “The Dying Cowboy” embraces strings in the graceful and eloquent delivery, and “My Home’s Across The Blue Ridge Mountains” exits the listen with much beauty amid the folk and country sounds.

A captivating listen that spans solo guitar and five string banjo, Blake has been a consistent figure in the American roots music since the ‘60s. Now in his 80’s, his luminous song craft doesn’t show any hints of waning, as evidenced by this biblically focused and well thought out effort.

Travels well with: JP Harris’ Dreadful Wind & Rain- Don’t You Marry No Railroad Man; Joe Troop- Borrowed Time

Sam Moss

Blues Approved

Schoolkids, 2022

9/10

Listen to Blues Approved

The North Carolina music genius Sam Moss inspired legions of bands from his area with his blues tinted rock’n’roll that ever stayed in one place too long. Amazingly, he never released a record when he was alive, though these tracks from 1977 were discovered by Chris Stamey, and here they showcase just why Sam Moss was revered by anyone who saw him play.

“Rooster Blood” starts the listen with spirited guitar work and Moss’ bright singing in the rhythmic opener, and “King Of My Hill” follows with a soulful quality entering the warm and agile climate.

Further down the line, “Trying To Do Better” displays Moss’ strong guitar prowess amid a stylish, retro delivery of timeless blues, while “To Those Still At Sea” rocks harder with a bristling energy that’s full of rugged melodies. “Nightflight Over Berlin”, one of the album’s best, then swirls with a nearly cosmic formula of throwback ideas you can’t help but admire.

The bonus tracks arrive near the end, and “Pleasant Valley Sunday” rocks pretty playfully with a crisp and soaring, jangly energy, and “Who’s Driving Your Plane” exits the listen fully emerged in raw and tuneful blues that you can’t and won’t want to sit still to.

The songs here were recorded onto a four track, but have been modified with current technology to enhance the sound. With nearly half the tracks being originals and half being covers, we’re treated to a wide spectrum of Moss’ talents, and the deluxe booklet included gives us further insight into this underexposed talent that truly deserved more attention than he saw in his lifetime.

Travels well with: Holsapple & Stamey- Our Back Pages; Alex Chilton And Hi Rhythm Section- Boogie Shoes: Live On Beale Street

Quadro Nuevo

Odyssee- A Journey Into The Light

GLM, 2021

8/10

Listen to Odyssee- A Journey Into The Light

The German outfit Quadro Nuevo return with a Greek Mythology themed listen, where plenty of grooves and melody align with balladry, as the quartet welcome four others players into their inimitable formula.

“Odyssee Calling” opens the listen with a very playful rhythm that embraces swirling winds, jumpy keys and a swift delivery, and “Between The Waves” follows with a calmer approach of sublime beauty radiating from the warm brass and elegant strings.

Further along, the frisky climate of “And, Pull!” mashes piano and keys with much charm, while “Waiting” burns slower amid a nearly meditative quality of cozy jazz intimacy. “Lullaby For Ikarus”, one of the album’s best, then brings a bit of mystery to the equation with its soulful and very mature texturing.

Landing near the end, “Aeolian Echoes” relies heavily on piano for its emotive and poetic spirit, and “Swinging Odyssee” exits the listen indeed upbeat, dance-friendly and full of a contagious energy.

A very daring effort that’s packed with splendid improvisation and even offers accordion solos and moments ska sounds, there’s a very worldly tone to the listen, and the moments of serenity certainly flow well alongside the Latin vibes and busier bouts.

Travels well with: Andreas Hinterseher- Stay Away And Play!; Quadro Nuevo- Mare

Fred Hostetler

Fontuna Redux

Mukthiland, 2021

8/10

Listen to Fontana Redux

The singer-songwriter Fred Hostetler returns with a 3rd album, where he collects his released singles and adds some remixing and additional recordings to put a fresh coat of paint on already great tunes.

“Taming The Wolf” opens the listen with Hostetler’s version of blues and soul emitting much warmth and melody in a dreamy sort of way, and “Shelter From The Storm” follows with proficient slider guitar as folk tendencies enter the climate change themed album highlight.

In the middle, “Ain’t No Sunshine” puts plenty of bluesy riffs and soulful singing into the Bill Withers classic, while “Lady Luck Fortuna Redux” flows with much haze entering the pretty, poetic landscape.

Deeper still, “He’s Gone Rogue” is a playful mix of acoustic guitar fingerpicking, layered drums and pedal steel adding much mood, and “I’m A New Man” exits the listen loud, thumping, and packed with rock’n’roll flavor.

Hostetler has an impressive resume that includes playing in Blue By Nature in the ‘90s and working alongside legends like Jeff Beck, The Knack and Billy Squire, to name a few. Since returning to music in 2018, he’s put together an impressive body of work, and these 7 songs certainly are further proof of his fluid and timeless blues prowess.

Travels well with: Pete Thelen- Best For Last; Jeff Fetterman- Southern Son

Jangling Sparrows

Telecoaster

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Telecoaster

The guitarist and singer-songwriter Paul Edelman returns with Jangling Sparrows for another batch of diverse and exciting tunes that illustrates their timeless brand of roots-rock.

“Ready Or Not” opens the listen with proficient drumming and sparing but effective brass as the smooth singing guides the rugged folk-rock, and “Hey There, Brother” follows with a very soulful quality to the rhythmic and dynamic musicianship.

Deeper into the listen, “Photograph” carries a retro spirit that’s quite stylish with playful guitars and a nearly cosmic feel, while “Dance Around The Fire” is a fuller tune with classic rock nods that are rugged in all the best ways.

Further still, “Flags You Don’t Fly” strums warmly amid eloquent wordplay that unfolds with a firm folk quality, and “Rain On The Rooftops” lands not long after and shimmers with a very unique and thriving version of roots sounds that you can’t help but admire.

An album that revolves around country, folk, soul and rock’n’roll, Edelman again proves that he’s a master of his craft, as each track present here is carefully constructed and expertly executed.

Travels well with: Steve Earle & The Dukes- Ghosts Of West Virginia; Corb Lund- Cover Your Tracks

Brian Straw

Baby Stars/Dead Languages

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Baby Stars/Dead Languages

This debut album from the singer-songwriter Brian Straw sees the artist moving past alcoholism to refine songs he penned many years ago, as well as offering pieces formed during his recovery.

“Sleep Sturdy” opens the listen with warm keys and Straw’s gritty yet inviting pipes in the emotive and expressive climate, and “I Have Not Wandered (Far From You)” continues the heartfelt approach with a very poetic and powerful delivery that embraces a soulful quality, too.

Closer to the middle, “Murmurations” displays a dreamy demeanor that flows with intricate acoustic guitar paired with Straw’s intimate vocals, while “Keys To My Room” offers a fuller track of timeless folk-rock ideas in a very introspective execution.

On the back half of the listen, “Out Of Doors” place more emphasis on drums, as Straw’s vision enters a nearly gospel feel amid the thumping, atmospheric landscape, and “Half-Buried Crow” exits the listen vulnerable, forthright and full of Straw’s vivid, wise storytelling.

An extremely delicate and often stirring peek into the mind of someone who’s dealt with the lowest points of life and found the will to better his existence, Straw’s heartland folk, thoughtful rock and subtle experimental moments make for a profoundly cathartic listen.

Travels well with: The Wandering Hearts- The Wandering Hearts; Andrea Von Kampen- Old Country

Dawn Derow

My Ship: Songs From 1941

Zoho, 2021

8/10

Listen to My Ship Songs From 1941

The jazz vocalist Dawn Derow brings us back to World War II times on this very well thought out listen, where her esteemed help illuminate these classics in an entirely new light.

“Lover Man (Oh, Where Can You Be?)” opens the listen with the brass and keys mixing with much elegance as Derow’s gorgeous pipes guide the timelesss jazz opener, and “Let’s Get Away From It All/How About You” follows with plucky bass and Aaron Heick’s bright flute as the playfulness unfolds with much charm.

Further along, “Chattanooga Choo Choo” makes great use of Daniel Glass’ drums alongside Derow’s diverse pipes in the frisky album highlight, while “Blues In The Night” flows with much attention to melody and rhythm as Derow displays her soulful side.

Near to the end, “At Last” offers a romantic mood amid pretty strings, warm piano and well timed horns, and “(There’ll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs Of Dover” exits the listen with Derow taking an operatic approach to the cautious finish that’s aglow with much beauty.

Derow explores the emotional landscape of America during this trying time with a peacefulness and compassion that is quite nostalgic and certainly retains its uplifting demeanor splendidly.

Travels well with: Jan Daley- Home For Christmas; Alexis Parsons- Alexis

Dee Bell

Love For Sailin’ Over Seas: Then & Now

Laser, 2022

8/10

Listen to Love For Sailin’ Over Seas: Then & Now

The Bay Area lyricist and vocalist Dee Bell brings us some interpretations of classic songs, as well as a pair of new ones to this timeless jazz offering, where she’s got plenty of esteemed help with her.

“I Got Thunder (And It Rings)” opens the listen with Bell’s pretty, poetic pipes guiding Marcos Silva’s charming keys and Romero Lubambo’s spirited guitar, and “I’ll String Along With You” follows with a calmer pace of graceful keys and Celso Alberi’s subdued drumming in the dreamy atmosphere.

Halfway through, “You’re My Thrill” recruits Houston Person’s sax and Michael Spiro’s percussion for the worldly flavor that’s got plenty of grooves, while “By Chance” enlists Erik Jekabson’s flugelhorn and Tyler Harlow’s well timed bass for the romantic album highlight.

Rounding out the listen is “Watch What Happens” and “The Face I Love”, where the former shuffles warmly with plenty of rhythm, and the latter glides with a frisky pace that benefits from Phil Thompson’s playful drumming, and, of course, Bell’s diverse and absorbing pipes.

Bell possesses a voice that’s immediately cozy and the musicians on hand sure do know their way around samba, swing and ballad sounds that you can’t listen to just once.

Travels well with: Nicole Henry- Time To Love Again; Dave Stryker- As We Are

Radek Baborak, Prague Symphony Orchestra & Tomas Brauner

Pauer, Gliere: Horn Concertos

Animal Music, 2021

8/10

Listen to Pauer, Gliere: Horn Concertos

The horn player and conductor Radek Baborák aligns himself with the FOK Prague Symphony Orchestra and their principal conductor, Tomáš Brauner, for this horn focused affair that highlights two rarely recorded pieces from the 20th century.

Jiri Pauer’s “Concerto For French Horn and Orchestra” opens the listen with Baborak’s warm, bright French Horn and well timed strings from the Prague Symphony Orchestra, as tense, booming moments occupy the very vivid and articulate musicianship.

Reinhold Gliere’s “Concerto For French Horn and Orchestra In B-Flat Major” bookends the listen, and guides us through a very scenic and melodic display of smooth orchestra sounds that complement Baborák’s flawless brass.

Baborák is easily one of the world’s best horn players, and he deftly steers the ensemble in and out of articulate textures that truly do justice to these overlooked composers.

Travels well with: Terezie Fialova/Jiri Barta-Beethoven The Sonatas For Piano & Cello; Tomáš Sýkora- Songs For Orchestra

Aneta Majerova

Mieczyslaw Weinberg: Children´s Notebooks

Animal Music, 2021

8/10

Listen to Mieczyslaw Weinberg: Children´s Notebooks

The pianist Aneta Majerová interprets the work of the Soviet composer Mieczyslaw Weinberg here, as 20+ short pieces unfold with a very diverse and accomplished spirit.

“Children’s Notebook No 1, Op. 16” opens the listen with graceful and intricate keys that flow in and out of swift, agile and intimate moments that are capable of both rumbling and gliding.

“Children’s Notebook No. 2, Op. 19”, the middle track, then utilizes firm playing alongside sophisticated and highly melodic gestures that exhibit dreamy, stirring song craft.

The final track, “Children’s Notebook No 3, Op. 23”, emits much playfulness in its meticulous nature, and just might be the best portion of the listen, although there really isn’t a dull moment to be found across the entire effort.

A truly beautiful assembly of pieces, Majerova is only the 3rd performer to tackle the collection’s complete recording, and it’s executed with immense skill and a keen attention to detail that keeps the listener enthralled for the entire 40 minutes.

Travels well with: Terezie Fialova/Jiri Barta- Beethoven The Sonatas For Piano & Cello; Tomáš Sýkora- Songs For Orchestra

Bannister Effect

A Life I Knew

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to A Life I Knew

The collaborative efforts between the lyricist Joe Puleo and singer-songwriter Eli Wenger, as Bannister Effect the pair flesh out a diverse brand of folk songs that are quite unpredictable and explore themes of love, death, divorce and reemergence.

“What We Need” starts with a sound bite from an interview with Roger Bannister before cautious and expressive singing aligns with careful guitar and light percussion, and “Again” follows with a fuller approach of buzzing rock that’s got some punk tendencies and ends up thumping pretty loudly.

In the middle, “Rainbows” uses soft piano strategically in the poetic ballad, while “Happy For You” strums playfully in a folk-rock sort of way that’s not short on melody or very mature lyricism about a break up. “In Between”, another excellent track, then embrace indie-rock ideas on the folky side of the equation amid some frisky rhythm.

“A Life I Knew” arrives near the end and offers a bare and dreamy tune that showcases the eloquent wordplay, and “How And When” exits the listen with soothing backing vocals in a more dramatic landscape that builds into a cathartic, energetic group effort that you could dance to or sing loud to.

Wenger has a lengthy history in music that includes fronting the Philadelphia outfit Los Halos, and Puleo is an athlete with a competitive history. Together, their creative ways make for a very forthright and timeless listening experience that’s quite sophisticated yet adventurous.

Travels well with: Richard X Heyman- Copious Notes; Tim Foljahn- I Dreamed A Dream

K. Campbell

Breaking Glass b/w More Than A Memory

Poison Moon, 2021

9/10

Listen to Breaking Glass b/w More Than A Memory

The Houston artist K. Campbell has racked up an impressive body of work, and here he adds 2 more memorable tunes that embrace power-pop, indie-rock, punk and alt-rock ideas.

“Breaking Glass” opens the listen with a powerful and crisp delivery of pop melodies and buzzing alt-rock, where Campbell’s smooth pipes guide the pounding drums and swirling guitars.

“More Than A Memory” is a calmer tune, but no less impactful, as a dreamy quality enters the very cautious version of indie-rock that we could never tire of.

There’s really no bad place to start in Campbell’s catalog, but these 2 tracks are especially great, and further solidify him as a talent we should all be more familiar with.

Travels well with: Britt- Kill The Man; Pearl Crush- Coax Me Out

Terezie Fialová/ Jiri Bárta

Beethoven The Sonatas For Piano & Cello

Animal, 2021

8/10

Listen to Beethoven The Sonatas For Piano & Cello

The pianist Terezie Fialova and cellist Jiri Barta align for this double CD, where they interpret Beethoven’s sonatas for piano and cello with fascinating chemistry and a timeless delivery that truly embraces the strength of the compositions.

“Sonata No. 1 In F Major, Op. 5, No. 1” opens the listen with the strings and keys interacting with much grace, beauty and precision as waves of elegance flow for the entire 24+ minutes, and “Sonata No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 5, No. 2” follows with much attention to mood as a stirring, dreamy climate unfolds.

The back half of the listen offers the sublime and absorbing “Sonata No. 4 In C Major, Op. 102, No.1”, where calm ebbs of warmth are met with firm keys and fuller moments, and “Sonata No. 5 In D Major, Op. 102, No. 2” exits with incredible attention to detail, as playfulness and intimacy are explored in meticulous gestures.

There’s certainly no shortage of musicians reworking Beethoven’s catalog, and these 2 are doing it as good as anyone, and it makes for a listen that ears for piano, cello and classical sounds will admire.

Travels well with: Tomáš Sýkora- Songs For Orchestra- Aneta Majerová- Children’s Notebooks

Chris Castino & Chicken Wire Empire

Fresh Pickles

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Fresh Pickles

A very adventurous project, Chris Castino (of The Big Wu fame) aligns himself with Chicken Wire Empire to reimagine 11 of his tracks bluegrass style, and he’s got a healthy amount of guests with him for the occasion.

“Kangaroo” opens the listen with intricate finger picking, as a very warm and playful bluegrass setting unfolds, and “Red Sky” follows with flowing banjo thanks to Jon Peik and meticulous fiddle from Sam Bush alongside Castino’s expressive singing.

In the middle, the agile “Minnesota Moon” is full of cozy melody and frisky string interaction, while “Texas Fireball” recruits Keller Williams (vocals) and Andy Hall (dobro) for the swift and meticulous, rural energy. “Rhode Island Red” then continues the state theme with soothing vocal harmonies amid the quick pickin’ fun.

“The Ballad Of Dan Toe” lands near the end and showcases Peter Rowan (vocals) and Jerry Douglas (dobro) for the subime musicianship and vivid storytelling, and “Irregular Heartbeat” finishes the listen with a hypnotic appeal and some country and folk ideas present and appreciated.

A very colorful and exciting way to rework already great songs, there’s certainly a festive demeanor to the occasion, as well as some well done balladry, and let’s hope this isn’t the last time Castino will collaborate with Chicken Wire Empire, cause it makes for a real fun listen.

Travels well with: Old Salt Union- Where The Dogs Don’t Bite; Them Coulee Boys- Die Happy

Hank Williams

I’m Gonna Sing The Mother’s Best Gospel Radio Recordings

BMG, 2022

8/10

Listen to I’m Gonna Sing The Mother’s Best Gospel Radio Recordings

Available for the first time on vinyl as a 3xLP collection and also a 2 CD set, the legendary Hank Williams sees 40 gospel tinted songs collected from his 15 minute radio show that gave him a platform for religious songs.

“I Am Bound For The Promised Land” opens the listen with Williams’ inimitable pipes guiding the very gospel influenced landscape, and it isn’t long until “Thirty Pieces Of Silver” follows with a warm, stripped back spirit.

“Thy Burdens Are Greater Than Mine”, one of the disc 1 highlights, is then a raw and expressive delivery of timeless Williams songwriting, while “Lord Build Me A Cabin” emits a very spiritual and wise tone.

“Gathering Flowers For The Master’s Bouquet” starts disc 2, and truly showcases the strength of Williams pipes, and “Steal Away/The Funeral” utilizes very soulful harmonizing amid much power. The emotive and vivid “I Dreamed About Mama Last Night”, the standout from this portion, mixes Williams sturdy pipes with storytelling, and Williams’ inimitable version of “When The Saints Go Marching In” exits the listen on a very high note.

The songs here were culled from an incredibly creative time in Williams’ career, and offers some pretty obscure selections that illustrates much gospel depth to one of the best to ever pick up a guitar. For Hank fans, it’s an absolute must.

Travels well with: Buck Owens- Ain’t It Amazing, Gracie; Bobby Bare- Great American Saturday Night

Georgia Weber & The Sleeved Hearts

Keeping It Real

Self-Released, 2019

9/10

Listen to Keeping It Real

An Australia native who has dabbled in several genres so far, Georgia Weber brings her many years of experience to an unclassifiable listen with Keeping It Real, as her punk roots are still evident across sophisticated landscapes.

“So Quite New A Thing” starts the listen soft and warm amid the bare instrumental, and “Eleven O’Clock” follows with Weber’s sweet and smooth vocals guiding the jazz influenced, indie-rock gem.

Towards the middle, “Recover Or Repeat” offers an elegant and initially quiet take on Weber’s eclectic vision that builds into a fuzzy rocker, while “Parachute” recruits strings and a hazy setting of orchestral playfulness. The title track, one of the album highlights, showcases Weber’s unclassifiable mix of chamber sounds, alt-rock and singer-songwriter confession with sublime beauty and underlying intensity.

Near the end, “Leave It With Me” finds a soulful place to reside among a sparse, moving atmosphere, and the reprise version of the opening tune exits the listen with grace and memorableness.

Along with Nathan Ellman Bell on drums and Kenji Herbert on guitar, Weber’s versatile vocals and double bass prowess make Keeping It Real one of the most exciting jazz-ish records in recent history that fans of indie-rock will also embrace.

Travels well with: Death Cab For Cutie- Transatlanticism; Lake Street Dive- Bad Self Portraits