Wesli

Tradisyon

Cumbancha, 2022

9/10

Listen to Tradisyon

The Haitian-Canadian songwriter, guitarist and producer Wesli returns to his roots with a record that tells the story of Haiti’s past as well as its future, and it comes with a very diverse skillset that’s all over the spectrum in its cultured presence.

“Peyizan Yo” starts the listen vocally strong, where the traditional Haitian Nago Rhythm is quite warm and spirited, and “Fé Yo Wé Kongo Banda” has Wesli’s soaring pipes guiding the Haitian Congo rhythm amid Ronald Nazaire’s swift percussion.

Further on, “Rara Mawoulé” moves with a very dynamic and percussively fluid delivery thanks to Duverné Racine’s inimitable contributions to the Haitian Pétro Rhythm, while “Simbi” places much emphasis on Wesli’s shimmering guitar, though Moise Matey Yawo’s calabash and udu make an impression as well.

Inching towards the end, “Ay Lina”, the album’s best, carries a festive demeanor that embraces banjo, guitars, accordion, cello and bass for the playful textures, and “Tifi a leve” exits with an upbeat display of Haitian Twoubadou Style that hints at carnival-esque sounds that are quite charming.

This is Wesli’s 6th album, and like everything he’s done, it’s a very worldly affair that resonates much creativity and touches on traditional chants from voodoo religion, no lack of rhythm and folk friendly moments. Thankfully it’s the first of a two-part project, too.

Travels well with: Kolonien- Till Skogen; Lakou Mizik- HaitiaNola

The Ransom Brothers

Resurgence

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Resurgence

An outfit spearheaded by the singer/songwriter and guitarist Sean McHargue and guitarist, mandolinist Daniel Solis, The Ransom Brothers now includes Phil Eckhardt on bass, Austin Wilson behind the drum kit and John Thomas handling fiddle for this well thought batch of Southern rock meets outlaw country sounds.

“Jesus Dancing” gets the listen off to a thick and rhythmic start, where soaring vocals and plenty of firm riffs populate the gritty yet melodic rock, and “Baby Doll” follows with playful organs and well timed harmonica that help cultivate a soulful appeal.

Further on, the soothing fiddle of “Back To Today” complements the agile piano and crisp drums of the country rocker, while “The Pot And The Kettle” thumps with a breezy quality that’s a bit dreamy, too.

Deeper still, “Fighting For Air” emits an intimate demeanor that’s quite lush, and “Black Flags” exits the listen with a loud, anthemic ruggedness that gets quite busy but is just so meticulously executed.

It’s not hard to think of legends like the Allman Brothers or the Marshall Tucker Band when listening to Resurgence, and the band’s meshing of country, roots, Americana, Southern and outlaw rock really do make for a unique and easily enjoyable record.

Travels well with: The Allman Betts Band- Down To The River; John Hiatt With The Jerry Douglas Band- Leftover Feelings

Judy Niemack

What’s Love?

Sunnyside, 2022

8/10

Listen to What’s Love?

The jazz vocalist Judy Niemack brings us an assembly of her favorite romantic songs, both originals and covers, on this aptly titled album, where Peter Bernstein (guitar), Sullivan Fortner (piano), Doug Weiss (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums) and Eric Alexander (alto sax) are in attendance.

“Feelin’ It In Your Bones” starts the listen with much warmth, as light keys and spirited guitar complement Niemack’s elegant and expressive pipes, and “Firefly” follows with a more firm approach, as Niemack shows much range in her playful voice amid the agile drumming.

“I’m Moving On” lands in the middle and is quite intimate, and benefits from a poetic delivery of calm beauty, while “What’s Love Got To Do With It” maintains all the power of the original in Niemack’s soulful interpretation.

Closer to the end, “I’ll Love Again” is a scrappy and rhythmic album highlight that you could and should dance to, and “Right Here, Right Now” exits with a lovely, textured, timeless jazz appeal that incorporates some frisky scatting, too.

A listen that explores the healing capability of love, Niemack’s rich and controlled timbre draws the listener in to her articulate song craft.

Travels well with: Vicki Burns- Lotus Blossom Days; Sheila Jordan- Live At Mezzrow

Lincoln Goines

The Art Of The Bass Choir

Origin, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Art Of The Bass Choir

An extremely unique project, the New York City bassist Lincoln Goines enlists ten world class bassists, as well as drummers and string players for a fascinating listen that explores the many facets of the bass.

“All Blues” gets the listen off to a stylish and melodic start, where Goines and Tom Kennedy offer playful bass solos amid Ben Perowsky’s fluid drumming, and “Spank A Lee” follows with Dennis Chamber’s frisky drums that complement Ksenia Vasileva and Victor L. Wooten’s acrobatic bass lines.

Moving forward, “Common Threads” brings a calm intimacy, where Lia Irene Kohl’s cellos provide much warmth alongside the soulful bass playing, while “Three Views Of A Secret” recruits Mark Walker’s agile drums that help fuel Kennedy and Mike Pope’s very radiant bass solos.

Closer to the end, “Hang Up Your Hang Ups” illustrates a groove friendly demeanor between Goines and Chambers that’s quite mesmerizing, and “Vassar Llean” exits with just bass playing, and the solos from Goines and Ed Lucie are quite soothing, almost meditative, actually.

Goines has decades of experience in the area of jazz and Latin sounds, and he brings his vast skills to a highly technical affair that illustrates many different registers of his instrument with awe and wonder.

Travels well with: Eric Jacobson- Discover; Susan Reed- Thousands Of Ways

Tito Carrillo

Urbanessence

Origin, 2022

9/10

Listen to Urbanessence

The seasoned trumpeter and composer Tito Carrillo returns with a sophomore album, where he explores the distinct energy of city life along with Troy Roberts (sax), Ben Lewis (piano), Clark Sommers (bass), Jay Sawyer (drums) and Victor Gonzalez (congas).

“Momentum” starts the listen with a lively energy, where bright brass and frisky drumming help make for a very flowing climate, and “Fire & Ice” follows with a calmer pace of warm keys and playful congas.

In the middle, “Crazy, Stupid Fine” spends 9 minutes mesmerizing us with its rich layers of soulful sax, firm drums and skilled bass lines, while “Up The Down Staircase” moves with a stirring intimacy that is quite emotive in its cautious demeanor.

Approaching the end, “Fly By Night”, the best track, is a more upbeat affair, where the stylish rhythm section and very quick trumpet is fascinating, and “Sublime (For Roy Hargrove)” exits with an indeed sublime delivery of reserved and rich musicianship.

Carrillo and company make the most of these 10 originals, and it’s a superb listen that explores the black music traditions of the 3 Americas with incredible agility and talent.

Travels well with: Eric Jacobson- Discover; Bruce Barth Trio- Dedication

Eric Jacobson

Discover

Origin, 2022

8/10

Listen to Discover

The trumpet extraordinaire Eric Jacobson is in the company of Geof Bradfield (tenor sax), Bruce Barth (piano), Dennis Carroll (bass) and George Fludas (drums) for these 8 harmonic, rhythmic and meticulous jazz songs.

“New Combinations” starts the listen with a frisky pace of warm brass, energetic drums and timeless jazz sensibilities that we could never tire of, and “Discover” follows with a soulful quality that emits much beauty amid the cautious textures.

Halfway through, “The Unknown” is a reflective and rich album highlight that benefits much from Barth’s sublime keys, while “Sir John” bops and shakes with an infectious spirit that spolights Jacobson’s skilled trumpet prowess.

The final 2 tracks, “One Way” and “Old Folks”, don’t disappoint either, where the former radiates a free jazz sort of exploration, and the latter exits with an intimate mood that’s quite absorbing.

A very stylish and accomplished outing, these tracks can swing firmly, but also retreat to calm in the very capable hands of these 5 esteemed musicians.

Travels well with: Susan Reed- Thousands Of Ways; Bruce Barth Trio- Dedication

Susan Reed

Thousands Of Ways

Origin, 2022

8/10

Listen to Thousands Of Ways

The violinist, vocalist and storyteller Susan Reed has enjoyed a diverse and exceptional career, and here she reflects on life, love, the pandemic and politics with help from Craig Wagner’s guitar, David Friesen’s bass and Stever Barnes’ drums.

“Flying My Kite” starts the listen with warmly plucked strings, as Reed’s comforting and eloquent voice guides the gentle climate, and “Fresco” follows with Reed’s playful violin and the light drumming making for a dreamy and Latin friendly delivery.

“Desert Flower” arrives at the halfway point, and it’s quite bare but also impactful, where the stirring violin adds much to the chilling atmosphere, while “Cat Got Your Tongue” recruits a tabla for the funk filled fun that makes this the album’s best.

Close to the end, the strategically plucked bass of the title track complements Reed’s charming vocal acrobatics, and “Hope” exits with a gorgeous demeanor via radiant violin, precise drumming and cozy guitar prowess.

A listen that spans jazz, classical, and Klezmer nods, Reed and company bring us love songs and observations about today’s political state, as they truly capture the human experience with incredible attention to detail that is very much appreciated.

Travels well with: Shawn Purcell- 180; Bruce Barth Trio- Dedication

Jared Rabin

Chasing The Light

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Chasing The Light

The songwriter and musician Jared Rabin steps even deeper into acoustic territory with these 11 songs, where he’s joined by Dan Kristan (bass), Drew Littell (percussion), Patrick Lyons (dobro), and Ren Patrick (vocals).

“Tunnel’s End” starts the listen with Patrick’s soft singing alongside warm dobro in the very pretty climate, and “Grow Your Own” follows with a very lush and vocally poetic appeal from Rabin’s timeless vision.

Further down the line, “Ball And Chain Stain” showcases Littell’s skilled percussion amid Rabin’s dreamy demeanor, while “Catch The Horizon” touches on psychedelic ideas in the western and bluegrass gestures that are quite unpredictable.

Close to the end, the romantic “We’ve Been There” lands in ballad territory with its intimate singing and very pretty textures, and “Vasoline” puts a frisky bluegrass spin on the Stone Temple Pilots classic.

A record that explores Americana, bluegrass and folk with much depth and meticulousness, Rabin and company deliver a focused and timeless body of work.

Travels well with: Stillhouse Junkies- Small Towns; John McCutcheon- Leap!

Steven Moore

Just A Little Talk With Myself

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Just A Little Talk With Myself

A banjo player and composer who is firmly planted in the area of bluegrass sounds, Steven Moore plays in The David Mayfield Parade, but found time to pen this debut solo album that brings in Stuart Duncan (fiddle), Byron House (bass), Cody Kilby (guitar) and James Seliga (mandolin), plus many others.

“A New Leaf” starts the listen with warm, soulful interaction between the banjo, fiddle and mandolin, where a very soothing version of bluegrass unfolds, and “All Of Me” follows with much restrained beauty that’s emotive and reflective in its sublime nature.

Nearing the middle, Chris Sexton’s strings add much sophistication to the very harmonic climate of “Goodbye, Love”, while “One Small Step” showcases Gaven Largent’s meticulous dobro amid the mesmerizing dynamics.

Approaching the end, “Bent To Fly” features John Cowan’s expressive and poetic singing, where more emphasis on drumming and some more straight forward rock ideas make an impression, and “Angeline The Baker/Welcome To Beijing” exits with flowing melodies and playful attention to detail.

An extremely well done listen, Moore knows his way around a song you won’t soon forget, and all fans of bluegrass would be wise to give Just A Little Talk With Myself a spin.

Travels well with: Tray Wellington- Black Banjo; Route 3- Losing Time

Jessica Lynn

Lone Rider

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Lone Rider

Although this is Jessica Lynn’s debut album, you certainly wouldn’t know it from her radiant and universally enjoyable song craft that’s certainly steeped in country sounds, but also doesn’t shy away from plenty of pop sensibilities, too.

“Now Or Never” gets the listen off to an energetic and melodic start, where modern pop and twang meet with Lynn’s infectious vocals guiding the fun, and “Getaway Car” follows with a breezy approach that welcomes a driving country spirit amid the spirited keys and thumping drums.

In the middle, the intimate mood of “Better Than That” is quite pretty and uses pedal steel strategically amid the gorgeous singing, while “Love Me That Way” blend firm piano and cozy guitar into a lush and soulful album highlight.

Deeper still, “Worth It” is a playful and charming, anthemic roots rocker, and “The Morning Always Comes” exits with an emotive and soaring display of meticulous textures and heartfelt songwriting.

Lynn has already climbed the charts on numerous occasions, and this album charted as well across the globe. It’s not difficult to see why; her song craft is as accomplished as Shania Twain, LeAnn Rimes or Chris Stapleton, and each track present is well thought out and executed flawlessly.

Travels well with: Karissa Ella- Blossom; Angela Easterling- Witness

Leroy Van Dyke

True Treasures

Country Rewind, 2022

8/10

Listen to True Treasures

An important part of country music history in both music and TV, Leroy Van Dyke sees some of his work packed with additional electric and acoustic guitars, upright bass, keyboards, drums and background vocals thanks to Paul Martin, who also serves as engineer and remix engineer for this project.

“Walk On By” gets the listen off to a twangy and scrappy start, where Van Dyke’s playful vocals are met with a very fluid delivery of drums and guitars, and “Oklahoma Hills” bops and shakes with a very dance floor friendly spirit.

Further on, “San Antonio Rose” showcases Van Dyke’s expressive and inviting pipes amid the punchy country melodies, while “Be A Good Girl” uses backing vocals strategically alongside the dynamic musicianship that makes this the album’s best.

Closer to the end, the upbeat and tuneful “The Other Boys Are Talking” offers a very smooth and rock’n’roll shuffle, and “Ol’ Man Mose” exits with both singing and talking from Van Dyke, where his classic country ways make a lasting impression.

Van Dyke’s career began in 1956 and he’s still at it today. These unreleased treasures have been brought up to 21st century standards, and do a great job of illustrating his long running and timeless talents.

Travels well with: Webb Pierce- A Country Boy Singing His Heart Out; Bob Luman- Honky Tonk Man

Webb Pierce

A Country Boy Singing His Heart Out

Country Rewind, 2022

8/10

Listen to A Country Boy Singing His Heart Out

The ‘50s were a great period for the American honky tonk singer and guitarist Webb Pierce, who amassed more #1 hits than any other country artist during that decade. Here, we’re treated to 15 of his classics, where his unique vocal delivery and inimitable guitar playing sounds better than ever with this upgraded sound and additional instrumentation.

“Ain’t I Never” starts the listen with some warm, calm honky tonk, where soulful vocals complement the spirited guitar, and “Why Baby Why” follows with Ernie Reed’s skilled fiddle helping add much appeal to the melodic country climate that allows Pierce’s vocals to really soar.

Further along, “Memory #1” welcomes cozy twang amid Pierce’s emotive singing, while “There Stands The Glass” gets quite dreamy, although the wordplay is about being down on your luck and sure does illustrate Dug Grieves’ meticulous electric guitar.

Deeper on the back half, “Fool, Fool, Fool” emits a very retro beauty that twinkles a bit and benefits from Pierce’s stirring voice, and “It’s My Way” exits the listen with a heartfelt and very intimate landscape.

An innovator during his time, Pierce’s contributions to honky tonk are substantial, and his way of meshing country with rockabilly inspired legions of artists. A truly exceptional collection of music, these songs are essential for the classic country fan.

Travels well with: Bob Luman- Honky Tonk Man; Tex Ritter- The Songs Of The West

Nick Carter

Fountain Pen

Many Hats, 2022

8/10

Listen to Fountain Pen

The guitarist and vocalist Nick Carter births an excellent debut in the area of contemporary folk, where personal songwriting and an acoustic template welcome plenty of musicians and singers into the formula.

“My Guitar Is My Compass” starts the listen with Carter’s eloquent singing and intricate guitar, as Abbie Gardner and Laurie MacAllister contribute soulful backing vocals, and “Comfort In Your Cup” follows with a cozy folk tune that displays Seth Glier’s warm keys and Reed Sutherland’s well timed bass.

In the middle, “Handrail In The Dark” is indeed a darker moment, where Kelly Halloran’s stirring violin and Rob Griffith’s strategic drumming make an impression, while “Arizona Sunsets” is a more breezier affair thanks to Ryan Hommel’s glorious pedal steel.

Deeper still, “Old Hat” is just Carter’s poetic voice and agile guitar to illuminate his timeless song craft, and “Rumble Of The Train” exits with a loud and thumping version of roots rock that recruits Ellis Paul’s inimitable pipes.

Carter’s lyrical imagery is quite animated, and the music often tender, sometimes rugged, and always relative to the human experience. He may have gotten a late start on being a songwriter, but the New England resident is making every moment of his artistic vision worth repeated listens.

Travels well with: James Keelaghan- Second-Hand; Helen Townsend- Love Lies ‘N’ Leaving

Brûlez les meubles

Tardif

Ramble, 2022

8/10

Listen to Tardif

The duo of Louis Beaudoin-de la Sablonnière and Éric Normand, as Brûlez les meubles the pair have had a prolific year, as Tardif is their 2nd album, and it brings Jean Derome (alto sax, bass flute) and John Hollenbeck (drums, percussion) into the fold.

“Stoique” starts the listen with warm guitar, where gentle brass and light drums enter the cautious climate, and “A Jazz Tune I Hope” follows with a louder approach that uses Normand’s skilled bass alongside Beaudoin-de la Sablonnière’s agile guitar work for a very spirited album highlight.

Halfway through, “Journée Pédagogique” offers a dense and very energetic mashing of crashing drums and firm sax that’s quite exciting, while “Maiange” focuses much on rapid fire drumming amid the soulful brass, where bare moments of mystery are met with frenzied bouts.

Close to the end, “Dialogue” brings both restraint and adventurousness to the dreamy, minimal instrumentation, and “J’en Ai Connu D’autres” exits with a very dynamic and busy appeal that’s still quite controlled.

Another installment of highly imaginative contemporary jazz and improvised skill, Brûlez les meubles make the most of the quartet setting with unpredictable and mesmerizing sounds.

Travels well with: Brûlez les meubles- L’Appel du Vide; Adoct- Ouvre-Glace

Gene Ess

Ah-Bop

Simp, 2022

8/10

Listen to Ah-Bop

The exceptional guitarist Gene Ess is aligned with Scott Colley (bass) and Clarence Penn (drums) for this very eclectic version of jazz that’s never short on rhythm and energy.

The title track starts the listen with frisky drums and warm guitar with a shimmering approach that resonates much beauty, and “Waltz” follows with a flowing charm, as the guitars and drums work together with much meticulousness.

Halfway through, “Array” gets a bit thicker with its hard rock sensibilities that are much appreciated, while “Dark Blues” brings both restraint and adventurousness to the glowing and dynamic landscape.

The final 2 tracks are quite interesting, too, and include the mesmerizing tone of the aptly titled “Trance”, as well as the minimal and absorbing “Ending Credits”.

Ess has an impressive resume that includes playing with the Rahsied Ali Quintet and sharing space with Eddie Henderson and Carlos Santana, among others. Ah-Bop is his first album in 4 years, and let’s hope he’s got more on the horizon soon, cause he makes the most of the trio set up with memorable songs.

Travels well with: Steve Gadd Band- At Blue Note Tokyo; Doug MacDonald- I’ll See You In My Dreams

Yola Nash

Manhattan Whispers

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Manhattan Whispers

The inimitable vocalist Yola Nash brings her distinct delivery to Eastern European folk and Latin grooves across this very diverse body of work.

The title track opens the listen with playfully plucked bass from David Baron alongside Luisito Quintero’s acrobatic drumming, as Nash’s mix of talking and singing is quite alluring, and “Lover’s In Paradise” follows with Alex Meixner’s warm accordion amid the emotive vocals that’s never short on rhythm.

“World On Fire” lands in the middle and uses agile piano from Edsel Gomez, where Nash’s eloquent pipes are very expressive and complement the grooves, while “Angel’s Tears” finds a very spiritual place to reside with its warm keys and poetic delivery from Nash.

Near to the end, “Truth Tango” brings both tension and beauty into the meticulous tango climate, and “Wonderful Life” exits with the best tune, where a lush and very upbeat demeanor is filled with a glorious spirit that celebrates life in a worldly fashion.

This is Nash’s 3rd album, and it’s a mashing of pop, Latin, jazz and European flavor that’s highly infectious, exceptionally timeless and exciting from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Kirsten Lambert- From A Window To A Screen; The Margaret Slovak Trio- Ballad For Brad

Jim Witzel Trio & Quartet

Feelin’ It

Joplin & Sweeney, 2022

8/10

Listen to Feelin’ It

The guitarist, composer and educator Jim Witzel returns with a sophomore album, where Brian Ho (Hammond B3 organ), Jason Lewis (drums) and Dann Zinn (tenor sax) accompany him across 4 standards, 3 originals and a fun interpretation of a pop hit.

The title track gets the listen off to flowing and vibrant start, where bright brass and playful guitar help make for a lively jazz climate, and “Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise” follows with Witzel’s spirited guitar guiding the stylish and frisky demeanor of the dance friendly affair.

“Beyond Beijing” arrives in the middle, and is a bit busier in its dynamic and meticulous delivery, while “I Love You, Porgy” is quite intimate, thanks to the gentle guitar playing.

The final 2 tracks are just impressive, where “Ms. Information” emits a very charming energy that bounces and shakes with a hard swing, and “The Old Country” exits with Witzel, Ho and Lewis showcasing their immense talent and strong attention to detail.

A listen steeped in modern jazz but that also incorporates the ‘60s sensibilities of Blue Note legends like Wayne Shorter or Herbie Hancock, although Witzel has a lengthy resume as a sideman, his solo work should easily make him very familiar in the area of contemporary jazz.

Travels well with: Connie Han- Secrets Of Inanna; Doug MacDonald- I’ll See You In My Dreams

Michael Paul Lawson

Love Songs For Loners

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Love Songs For Loners

The singer-songwriter Michael Paul Lawson now calls Texas home, but he also has roots in New York and Virginia, and he brings those influences to this lush and diverse sophomore album.

Lawson wisely places “I Know Where I’m Going Tonight” in the lead off position, where his smooth and expressive pipes mesh well with the country fueled hooks and dusty melodies, and “The One Before The One” follows with a more folk influenced acoustic guitar alongside light drumming and a hint of twang in the poetic delivery.

“The Snow” lands in the middle, and recruits some retro-rock spirit that showcases some bluesy guitar playing, while “Maple” finds a darker place to reside with its emotive textures and dense mood.

“849” and “Varick Street” exit the listen, where the former is a thick and driving country-rocker that is so well done, it alone is worth the price of admission, and the latter is fueled by acoustic guitar and emits some alt-country grit alongside flowing melodies.

A listen that thematically surrounds heartbreak and alienation, Lawson brings along Laur Joamets (guitar) and Billy Mercer (bass), and it’s a very thoughtful listen that will settle in well with fans of Justin Townes Earle and Wilco.

Travels well with: Derek Hoke- Electric Mountain; Will Payne Harrison- Tioga Titan

Christian Winninghoff

Cloud Sounds

GLM, 2022

8/10

Listen to Cloud Sounds

The Cologne trumpeter and composer Christian Winninghoff spent the pandemic years crafting this 4th album, where a very soulful delivery of both originals and interpretations takes help from many esteemed musicians.

“Two Of Us” starts the listen with warm brass, as Sam Leigh Brown’s stunning pipes guide the stirring, poetic climate, and “Wonderful Life” follows with Kirill Vorwold’s graceful piano and Kai Schonburg’s precise drumming illuminating Winninghoff’s absorbing trumpet.

Further on, Nora Becker’s dreamy pipes enter alongside Stephan Emig’s playful percussion on the pretty “Playing With The Clouds”, while “Flow Circus” has Winninghoff on vocals for the hand clapping fun, lush textures and flowing dynamics.

Closer to the end, the soothing version of “Surf’s Up” makes for a unique presence that mixes winds from the Hi Hornz, and “The Fool On The Hill” exits with Nico Brandenburg’s skilled bass lines amid Martin Schulte’s meticulous guitar in a very mesmerizing finish.

Winninghoff is also a member of the Jazzkantine and the Cologne Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, and he brings a wealth of talent and experience to these jazz, soul and funk songs that, amazingly, were recorded live over just a weekend.

Travels well with: Mulo Francel- Mountain Melody; Quadro Nuevo- Mare

Talisco

Kings And Fools

Roy, 2019

8/10

Kings And Fools

Though many artists might feel a bit drained after touring for over a year, Talisco, on the other hand, went right into the studio for this 3rd and most personal album yet.

“King For One Day” starts the listen with soaring, electro-pop fun and strategic looping, and this theme continues through the folk-pop influenced “Sunny Boy”, as well as bright melodies and anthemic quality of “Closer”.

Deeper tracks bring us the dance-rock frenzy of “To You”, while “Black” illustrates a more restrained but no less playful side to his multifaceted pop formula. “Sun” exits the listen with keys and a spirited delivery of timeless, warm and easily accessible sounds.

An extremely polished affair, Talisco balances guitars and synth with both stadium rock moments as well as intimate settings on his best work to date.

Travels well with: Yuksek- Away From The Sea; Hyphen Hyphen- Wild Union