Orbel

Lur Hezea

Usopop Diskak/Medication Time, 2022

8/10

Listen to Lur Hezea

The French quartet Orbel return with a sophomore album, where 8 new tracks are powerful, haunting and not lacking any melody as the band spread their wings into more rhythmic territory.

“Orbain Irekiak” gets the listen off to an ominous start, where electronica and dark wave ideas meet with robust singing, and “Ufada” follows with a firm beat amid the soaring vocals and mysteriously textured climate.

Halfway through, “Irentsi” carries a cinematic quality with its gentle singing and reliance on atmosphere, while “Lo” emits pretty, expressive singing against a gentle buzzing in the album’s best selection.

“Hitzordua” and “Gau Batez” exit the listen, where the former is a slow burning, nearly tribal experience, and the latter is a busier, richly layered display of ambient post-rock.

A very creative listen that embraces doom ideas, trip-hop moments and plenty of post-everything nods, Orbel are clearly a band carving their own path, and this 2nd album is quite impressive.

Travels well with: Cosse- Nothing Belongs To Anything; Kabuki Dream- Abstract

Lauren Minear

Invisible Woman

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to Invisible Woman

An artist who plays a very striking brand of folk-pop, Lauren Minear is armed with a stunning voice and this debut album embraces her Nashville upbringing across raw, forthright and very cautious song craft.

“Soul Tied” starts the listen with warm piano and Minear’s indeed soulful and expressive singing in the lush climate, and “Motherlove” follows with pretty acoustic guitar to complement the poetic voice that’s quite intimate.

In the middle, the title track radiates a very stirring quality amid the eloquent singing and cozy guitar, while “Too Much Of You” uses firm piano and Minear’s universally gripping storytelling to make an indelible impression.

Further yet, the folk-friendly strumming of “I See Your Face” pairs with her breezy pipes to make this one of the best, and “The Unknown” exits with a bare but powerful display of soaring songwriting that we could never tire of.

Minear’s formula sounds somewhere between Natalie Merchant, Joni Mitchell and Faith Hill, and her songs emit a heartfelt, tender and timeless nature that you can’t help admire and/or be enthralled with.

Travels well with: Jessica Lynn- Lone Rider; Sweet Megg- My Window Faces South

Roberta Donnay

Blossom-ing!

Village Jazz Café, 2022

8/10

Listen to Blossom-ing!

The 10th album from the award winning jazz vocalist Roberta Donnay, who returns with Mike Greensill (piano), Ruth Davies (bass), Mark Lee (drums), Jose Neto (guitar), David Sturdevant (harmonica) and MB Gordy (percussion) for these 16 diverse and exciting tracks.

“Roberta’s Blues” starts the listen with warm piano alongside Donnay’s sugary sweet vocals and the playfully plucked bass, and “Peel Me A Grape” follows with skilled drumming and Donnay’s unique delivery making for a stylish and inviting version of the Dave Frishberg tune.

Further along, “Inside A Silent Tear” recruits MB Gordy’s elegant percussion for the intimate and poetic climate, while “The Party’s Over” bops and shakes with a dance floor ready energy that benefits much from clever bass and charming keys.

Deeper still, “Spring In Manhattan” spotlights Sturdevant’s spirited harmonica in the romantic and lush album highlight, and “Put On A Happy Face” exits with a very fun and memorable spin on the classic thanks to Donnay’s timeless jazz appeal.

All the songs here are associated with the late jazz singer Blossom Dearie, who Donnay takes inspiration from and pays homage to with her superb backing band of Northern California’s finest.

Travels well with: Melissa Stylianou- Dream Dancing; Laura Karst- Dancing In Darkness

Rebecca Pidgeon

Parts Of Speech Pieces Of Sound

Toy Canteen, 2022

8/10

Listen to Parts Of Speech Pieces Of Sound

On her 10th album of distinct art-pop, the actress and storyteller Rebecca Pidegeon brings her multi-instrumentalist ways to songs that are in tune with the mindset of yoga, and embrace plenty of dreamy, hypnotic and elaborate textures.

“Now Begins” starts the listen with a thick and cultured presence that allows Pidgeon’s expressive voice to flow alongside Satnam Ramgotra’s precise tabla, and “Svayambhu” follows with Matt Tecu’s skilled drumming that complements the poetic singing and animated climate.

“Tiny Room” occupies the middle spot and recruits chanting and Andy Studer’s precise strings to the mesmerizing landscape, while “Silent Sound”, the best track, emits so much radiant beauty from the dreamy voice and Fernando Perdomo’s agile guitar playing.

Close to the end, the mysterious “Savasana” injects both talking and singing into the haunting gestures, and “Clouds Are Clearing” exits with Eastern ideas amid the hazy bouts and very absorbing vocals that finish the listen entirely too soon.

Pidgeon enjoyed an esteemed career with the band Ruby Blue before going solo, and her acting has been featured in Bird Box and Red, among many other flicks. This very artistic and spiritual listen draws comparisons as wide as Kate Bush, Enya and Weyes Blood, and draws us in immediately while resonating long after the music ends.

Travels well with: King Of Foxes- Twilight Of The Empire; Diana Panton- Solstice/Summer

Christopher Tin

The Lost Birds

Decca, 2022

9/10

Listen to The Lost Birds

The Grammy Winning composer Christopher Tin brings along the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and highly esteemed vocal ensemble VOCES8 for this concept album that explores and the loss and beauty of our bird friends.

“Flocks A Mile Wide” opens the listen with gentle strings flowing amid a very soothing display of emotive song craft, and “The Saddest Noise” follows with VOCES8 harmonizing beautifully alongside the meticulous interaction from the orchestra.

Approaching the middle, “Wild Swans” uses wordless vocals strategically alongside the dreamy song craft that radiates so much grace, while “Thus In The Winter” builds into a more dense display of orchestral, chamber and classical sounds with the booming voices front and center.

Landing deeper onto the back half, “I Shall Not See The Shadows” emits a shimmering, cinematic appeal in its soaring vocals and dynamic instrumentation, and “Hope Is The Thing With Feathers” finishes with a distinct, stirring intimacy that is flawlessly executed.

Tin took inspiration from Emily Dickinson, Christina Rossetti, Edna St. Vincent Millay, and Sara Teasdale for the project, and together with the esteemed help present it makes for a romantic, cathartic and folk-tinted journey that enthralls the listener from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Sheku Kanneh-Mason- Song; Christian Li- The Four Seasons

King Of Foxes

Twilight Of The Empire

Crystal Baby, 2022

9/10

Listen to Twilight Of The Empire

The brainchild of the Canadian guitarist and singer-songwriter Olivia Street, as King Of Foxes she returns with a 3rd album that brings pop, rock and indie ideas into a very well crafted 10 songs.

“Doomed To Repeat” starts the listen with no lack of melody, as Street’s bright vocals guide the firm keys and fluid guitar playing, and “Only Here On Loan” follows with a mix of indie-pop meets Spaghetti-western in the charming, retro flavored climate that’s quite fun.

In the middle, the intimate “Dark Horse” builds into a soaring, piano-fueled rocker, while “Good Man” is a cautious display of poetic singing and segues into a swirling display of spirited indie-rock.

Further on, the darker nods of “Talk About Love” comes with a hint of punk influence, as Street’s expressive singing makes for a gripping rock formula, and “Walls” exits the listen with both dream-pop and alt-rock ideas present and appreciated in the gritty yet polished finish.

It’s not hard to think of Liz Phair, Jeen or Kate Bush when listening to Twilight Of The Empire, and it’s no surprise that the album went to #1 on the CKUA Radio charts, cause Street’s strategic use of shoegaze, punk and alt-rock makes for a very memorable and timeless listen.

Travels well with: Mariel Buckley- Driving In The Dark; Skye Wallace- Skye Wallace

The Claudettes

The Claudettes Go Out!

Forty Below, 2022

9/10

Listen to The Claudettes Go Out!

The Claudettes, i.e. Berit Ulseth (vocals), Zach Verdoorn (bass, guitar, vocals), Johnny Iguana (piano, keyboards, vocals, snapping), and Michael Caskey (drums, percussion, snapping, shouting) return for a batch of celebratory songs that are quite diverse and exciting.

“A Lovely View” starts the listen with warm piano and gorgeous singing, as soft melodies populate the heartfelt approach, and “Park Bench” follows with an upbeat and flowing spirit that welcomes Jim Cooper’s string arrangements, Andra Kulans’ violin and viola, Nora Barton’s cello and Anthony Gravino’s acoustic guitar.

Halfway through, “Time Won’t Take Our Time Away” comes with a playful and dreamy appeal that’s as charming as it is memorable, while “The Waves” recruits an intimate spirit to its shimmering textures of sublime introspection.

Approaching the end, “Cowboy” is full of a frisky rhythm that you could dance to, and “The Show Must Go On (And Then The Show Must End)” exits with a full and loud presence that’s soulful, anthemic and the perfect way to finish a superb record.

The band have come along way since their inception as the duo of Caskey and Iguana, and their piano fueled, powerful roots meets pop formula sounds better than ever across these very striking tunes.

Travels well with: The Claudettes- High Times In The Dark; Lake Street Dive- Free Yourself Up

The Kinks

Muswell Hillbillies/Everybody’s In Show-Biz- Everybody’s A Star

BMG, 2022

9/10

Listen to Muswell Hillbillies/Everybody’s In Show-Biz/Everybody’s A Star

The legendary outfit The Kinks are celebrating the 50 year anniversary of some of their classic work, as this double disc assembles the 1971 album Muswell Hillbillies and 1972’s Everybody’s In Show Biz- Everybody’s A Star into a package where both original albums are remastered and combined, bonus tracks of 4 new Ray Davies remixes are included, plus “hardback-book” packaging, and a booklet containing sleeve notes with new band quotes and rare photos, too.

Muswell Hillbillies gets the listen started with the acoustic guitar fueled melodies of “20th Century Man”, and it isn’t long until the soulful singing and warm piano of “Holiday” is present. Deeper into this portion the twang friendly and hazy “Complicated Life” makes a big impression, while the title track flows with timeless melodies and a thumping energy.

The bonus tracks include the 2022 mixes of “20th Century Man”, “Acute Schizophrenia Paranoia Blues”, and “Traveling With My Band”, the latter being especially vibrant with its animated keys and vivid brass.

“Here Comes Yet Another Day” opens disc 2 with a busy, retro-rock appeal, and the more cautious “Sitting In My Hotel” pairs intimate piano with agile drumming in a way that only The Kinks can.

Moving into the live cuts from Carnegie Hall, “Holiday” has Ray Davies in fine form on vocals, and the festive, rockin’ “Baby Face” is full of vocal acrobatics and a wild demeanor that sure has aged well. The 2022 mix of “Celluloid Heroes” exits the listen, and recruits an inviting dreaminess that again cements just how influential The Kinks were and still are.

There’s many different combinations of formats for this release (Box Set, 2xLP, etc), and for fans of The Kinks, the bonus material and packaging are more than worth the price of admission.

Travels well with: The Kinks- Lola Versus Powerman And The Moneygoround Part One; Dave Davies- Decade

Eric Ferring

No Choice But Love: Songs Of The LGBTQ+ Community

Lexicon, 2022

8/10

Listen to No Choice But Love: Songs Of The LGBTQ+ Community

The tenor vocalist Eric Ferring and the inestimable pianist Madeline Slettedahl come together for a double album that highlights diverse LGBTQIA+ composers, and it includes world premiere recordings and commissioned work, too.

Ben Moore’s “Love Remained” starts the listen, and the 4 chapters unfold with expressive and radiant singing alongside the gripping, warm piano playing, as the wordplay surrounds a councilman coming out to his community, and includes excerpts from Harvey Milk’s ‘Hope Speech’.

Manuel de Falla’s “Preludios” and “Oración de la madres que tienen sus hijos en brazos” follow, and emit a stirring intimacy as the songs discuss dialogue between parents and their kids with much beauty.

Disc 1 exits on Francis Poulenc’s “Tel jour, telle nuit”, which contains 9 movements that tell the autobiographical story of Poulenc destroying a manuscript, and spans bare and introspective, as well as swift and turbulent moments alongside low rumbling.

Disc 2 opens with the bouncy keys and playful storytelling of Ethel Smyth’s “On The Road”, and further down the line we’re treated to the absorbing keys and stunning singing of Willie Alexander III’s “Sure On This Shining Light”, which is inspired by his experience as a gay African-Mexican-American.

Further yet, Ricky Ian Gordon’s “Prayer” and “Joy” displays his poetic based song craft that unfolds with a therapeutic quality and spotlights the meticulous playing from Slettedahl.

Ferring’s performance is nothing short of powerful and Slettedahl’s agile fingers on each track here results in a carefully crafted experience that resonates much insight and feeling into the deeply personal artistry.

Travels well with: Josh Modney- Near To Each; Apollo Chamber Players- MoonStrike

Joan Beckow

Legacy Project

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Legacy Project

A debut, posthumous release from the Jewish, Canadian composer Joan Beckow, though she was prolific during her time, female composers were often not given the credit they deserved, despite Beckow’s work being performed on stage thousands of times.

Here, 30 musicians interpret 22 of her songs across a pair of discs that are quite different in scope, but that both possess much melody, harmony and emotion.

The Musical Theatre disc opens with Jessica Stuart’s lovely pipes alongside the airy flute in the dreamy “Once There Was A Tailor”, and isn’t long until “A Christmas Wish” recruits Alex Samaras’ expressive voice amid Wendy Bross Stuart’s mature keys.

Further on, “One Perfect Rose” showcases Rebecca Talbot’s rich voice for the melodic landscape, while “On The Other Side Of Nowhere” benefits from Kat Palmer’s poetic singing on the elegant highlight of the first half of the listen.

The back half of the project is the Classical/Sacred portion and leads with the sublime vocal harmonizing of the intimate “May The Words”, and soon after “Loveliest Of Trees” pairs Alex Samaras’ fluid singing with the agile keys that emit a very stirring quality.

Deeper still, Doug MacNaughton returns with his strong baritone for the emotive “Psalm 8”, and “How Goodly Are Thy Tents” finishes with Beckow’s voice in a raw recording that gives us even more insight into her underrated vision.

Until now, Beckow’s music was never recorded in a studio in her 50+ year career, and this documentation of her vast talents certainly does justice to her legacy, and will hopefully preserve her work for decades to come.

Travels well with: Deb Rasmussen- Unspoken; Kate Wyatt- Artifact

Mario Gaiotto

Cosmopaulista

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Cosmopaulista

The debut album from the Brazilian drummer and composer Mario Gaiotto, the 10 tracks here are themed around the city of São Paulo and are steeped in cultured jazz sounds that take help from the pianist Daniel Grajew and the bassist Sidiel Viera.

“Going To Maghreb” opens the listen with playful bass plucking, as bright keys and acrobatic drumming enters the stylish landscape, and “Tempura de Maxixe” follows with no lack of rhythm, where the precise drums and bass flow with much meticulousness.

“Seventy Times Seven” arrives in the middle and showcases Grajew’s stunning piano playing that doesn’t lack any melody, while “Tambu e Viola” rumbles a bit more firmly amid the crisp drums and mesmerizing spirit.

Residing near the end, “Armenian Jazzy Metal” certainly does hint at both jazz and metal in its dense climate that’s quite creative, and “Maracapiba” exits the listen with swift drums, vivid piano and bouncy bass lines that are as energetic as they are absorbing.

Recorded during the height of the pandemic, the trio didn’t have much time to prepare, but their inimitable talents sure are present and appreciated as they birth a worldly jazz adventure that’s highly memorable

Travels well with: Plínio Fernandes- Saudade; Billy Drummond- Valse Sinistre

Julian Velasco

As We Are

Cedille, 2022

8/10

Listen to As We Are

The creative saxophonist Julian Velasco brings us a very exciting contemporary classical listen here, where Winston Choi’s piano prowess complements the tenor, alto and soprano sax that also flirts with electronics.

“Come As You Are”, by Steven Banks, starts the listen with the soothing tenor sax and eloquent keys interacting with incredible warmth and beauty, where moments of swift playing and firm bouts of dense musicianship are quite unpredictable, and David Maslanka’s “Tone Studies No. 5: Wie bist du, Seele” follows with a very intimate delivery of stirring song craft.

In the middle, the adventurous spirit of “Court Dances”, by Amanda Harberg, showcases incredible chemistry between the soprano sax and piano, while Elijah Daniel Smith’s “Animus” brings electronics into the soprano sax that emits a dreamy, cinematic and very atypical presence that makes this the best track.

Christopher Cerrone’s “Liminial Highway” exits the listen, and is also packed with electronics in a sci-fi sort of way that manipulates the soprano sax via a hypnotic and mesmerizing fashion that uses flutter-tongue, slap-tongue, and key clicks, all while enlisting a harmonica and empty beer bottles, too.

This is Velasco’s first album as a soloist, and he sure makes an impression with his fusion, worldly and poetic version of classical sounds that are easy to admire and hard to forget.

Travels well with: Black Oak Ensemble- Avant l’orage: French String Trios 1926-1939; Aznavoorian Duo- Gems From Armenia

Fearful Symmetry

The Difficult Second

Distrokid, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Difficult Second

The sophomore album from the UK progressive outfit Fearful Symmetry, these 10 diverse songs embrace rock, crossover, classical, jazz, world music and retro-prog for a very intricate and exciting listen.

“Mood Swings And Roundabouts” starts the listen with bright singing, well timed bass, angular guitar and crisp drums, and “The Difficult Second” follows with a warm buzzing amid the scrappy rhythm section and meticulous guitar.

“Eastern Eyes” occupies the middle spot and recruits Eastern influences in the fusion-rock delivery, while “The Song Of The Siren” showcases graceful piano that is quite poetic and segues into plenty of pop-spirited melodies.

Approaching the end, “Sandworm” is a thicker offering that is quite dynamic and both firm and tuneful in its place as the album’s best, and “Warlords” exits the listen with radiant synth and plenty of lush textures that expands across 14+ minutes of adventurous song craft.

The multi-instrumentalist Suzi James is the brains behind Fearful Symmetry, and composed, produced, mixed and mastered the record. Additionally, Yael Shotts (vocals, arrangements) and Sharon Petrover (drums, arrangements) are on hand for the very symphonic, cultured and timeless prog journey.

Travels well with: Nemo- Les Nouveaux Mondes; Babal- Who Will I Be When I Leave?

Chad Fowler/Zoh Amba/Ivo Perelman/Matthew Shipp/William Parker/Steve Hirsh

Alien Skin

Mahakala, 2022

8/10

Listen to Alien Skin

Chad Fowler (stritch, saxello) leads this sextet, where Zoh Amba (tenor saxophone, flute), Ivo Perelman (tenor saxophone), Matthew Shipp (piano), William Parker (bass) and Steve Hirsh (drums) are on hand for an improvised affair that recruits a very distinct energy that’s highly unpredictable.  

“Occupation Day 2” starts the listen with adventurously bowed bass, as strategic keys enter the initially calm setting that erupts into squealing sax and furious drumming in its 19 minutes of wildness, and “In Pairs” follows with the keys and brass interacting in fascinating, sometimes bare gestures that, at the end, builds into giant swells of avant-garde jazz-rock.

The title track occupies the middle spot, and meshes keys, brass and drums into a firm, oddly rhythmic album highlight, while “Sentient Sentiment” finds a soulful place to reside, where bouts of controlled chaos are met with gentle ebbs of reflection. “Broken Language” exits the listen with its bursts of fragmented spontaneity mixed with playful piano and sparse drum fills.

A collaboration that was documented on their 2nd day together, the stars aligned for the 6 to be in the same place for the journey, and if it never happens again, we at least have these 5 unorthodox, raw and sometimes ballad-like gems to embrace.

Travels well with: The Art Ensemble Of Chicago- Tutankhamun; Christopher Parker & The Band Of Guardian Angels- Soul Food

Circlons

When Only The Music Is Pretty

Poison Summer, 2022

8/10

Listen to When Only The Music Is Pretty

The debut record from an outfit comprised of Kjehl Johansen, Hunter Crowley, Tom Hofer and Steve Andrews, though Circlons might be a new outfit, the members have roots in legendary bands like Trotsky Icepick, The Last, and the Leaving Trains, and they bring that experience to these diverse tunes.

“I Wanna Be On Your Radio (Not In Your Arms)” starts the listen with plenty of pop friendly melodies alongside the punk spirit, as John Talley-Jones (Urinals/100 Flowers) handles vocals, and “When Only The Music Is Pretty” follows with Adam Marsland (Cockeyed) singing amid a string section that complements the orchestral rock.

The back half of the listen includes the R&B flavored “Blue Cheer”, where Lisa Kekaula’s (Bellrays) soulful pipes add much to the rhythmic climate, while “Moon Over Babaluma” showcases Barbara Manning’s spoken word prowess and a swirling improvisation that spreads out over 8 minutes of post-punk and experimental song craft.

A precursor to their forthcoming LP, Circlons might be a punk band at heart, but they certainly embrace plenty of mature influences into these very eclectic and enjoyable tunes.

Travels well with: Boulevards- Electric Cowboy: Born In Carolina Mud; Acid Dad- Acid Dad

Duo Sequenza

Yes… It’s Still A Thing!

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Yes… It’s Still A Thing!

Debra Silvert (flute, alto flute) and Paul Bowman (classical guitar), i.e. Duo Sequenza, offer us a collection of songs from living classical voices, where a very colorful and diverse delivery from the pair illuminates each composer’s unique vision.

“John Doe’s Running”, by Deirdre Lynds, opens the listen with the airy flute and intricate guitar making for a very adventurous start, and Gary Shocker’s “Mysterious Barcodes” follows with a very soothing quality that radiates much calming beauty.

Halfway through, Andrea Clearfield’s “Farlorn Alemen” finds a very intimate place to reside, where the gentle dynamics between the artists emits a very stirring climate, while “Four Romantic Songs Without Words” does justice to Frederic Hand with very bright musicianship that’s quite melodic in its playful gestures.

The album exits on perhaps the most animated track, where Harvey Sollberger’s “Gazzedolphylloni” flows with charming, vibrant playing from the pair’s very capable skillset.

The chemistry between the duo is quite accomplished, as Silvert and Bowman deliver a flexible and harmonic listen that is a must for fans of classical music.

Travels well with: Peter Drew- Symphony No. 1 “Reminiscence”; The Lowell Chamber Orchestra- Miniature Symphonies

Edward Enman/India Gailey/David Potvin

Breathe In, Breathe Out

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Breathe In, Breathe Out

The pianist and composer Edward Enman brings along India Gailey (cello) and David Potvin (piano) for this well thought out listen that touches on folk, pop, Celtic, rock and even metal ideas in its 4 striking originals.

The title track opens the listen with both Enman and Potvin playing piano, where 8+ minutes of swirling, mesmerizing key acrobatics unfold with precision and warmth, and “Relentless” follows with 3 movements that showcase adventurous progressions that can be acutely energetic, just as they can be calm and stirring.

The middle track, “A Dream”, is indeed dreamy, and unfolds with lower registers that can rumble amid the brighter moments, while “Imagined Shapes” pairs cello and piano through 6 movements of gripping, introspective song craft that’s heartfelt in its cautious nature. “Fire + Light” exits the affair, and allows the aching tenderness of the cello and the hypnotic keys to mesh with much meticulousness.

A record very much rooted in classical nods, Enman and company make the most of the compositions with strong attention to detail and skilled, timeless playing that warrants multiple listens.

Travels well with: Richard E Brown- Voices Of The Night; Mary Howe- Between Us

Anat Cohen

Quartetinho

Anzic, 2022

9/10

Listen to Quartetinho

The clarinet wizard Anat Cohen brings her inimitable skills to a more intimate affair here, where Vitor Goncalves (piano, accordion, Fender Rhodes), Tal Mashiach (bass, guitar) and James Shipp (vibraphone, percussion, glockenspiel, analog synth) are along for the world folk presence.

“Baroquen Spirit” opens the listen with a gentle chamber appeal, where the dreamy vibraphone takes focus alongside the charming percussion, and “Palhaco” follows with a soaring demeanor that allows for solos from Cohen, Goncalves, and Shipp.

In the middle, “Canon” finds a very calm place to reside with its nearly meditative movements, while “The Old Guitar” brings a moody landscape that showcases the accordion with much allure.

Near to the end, “Louisiana”, the best track, recruits. blues friendly qualities for the dynamic song craft, where the piano is especially radiant, and “Vivi & Zaco” exits with an acoustic guitar driven and very introspective finish that radiates so much timeless beauty.

A listen that’s meticulous in its timbral orchestrations, Cohen and company make for highly melodic effort where each member’s respective strengths are appreciated in yet another Brazilian music body of work from the always impressive Cohen.

Travels well with: Ron Carter- Skyline; Charles Lloyd- Vanished Gardens

Marco Pignataro

Chant For Our Planet

Zoho, 2022

8/10

Listen to Chant For Our Planet

The Italian saxophonist and composer Marco Pignataro brings along a first rate cast of musicians for this project, where John Patitucci (bass), Joe Lovano (saxophone), Terri Lyne Carrington (drums) and Chico Pinheiro (guitar), as well as the rising talents of Anastassiya Petrova (piano) and Nadia Washington (vocals) are in attendance.

“Suite Terra-Mare-Cielo (Earth-Sea-Sky)” opens the listen with 3 segments, where Pignataro’s soulful and rich sax playing is met with clever bass playing from Patitucci and gorgeous wordless vocals from Washington. Deeper into the movements, Carrington’s acrobatic drumming and Petrova’s elegant keys take focus, as grooves arrive in spades.

Halfway through, “Moon Threads” spotlights the mature keys, as stirring moments from Pignataro’s brass and Pinheiro’s guitar make an impression, while “As It Should Be” benefits much from Washington’s expressive voice amid cautious song craft that does get more intense, and embraces blues nods in its adventurous jazz formula.

Landing near the end, the thumping “On Irene’s Path” recruits a dizzying energy that parallels the unpredictable nature of hurricane Irene, and the brief title track exits the listen with Washington’s rapping skills front and center alongside Carrington’s hip-hop drumming as they address the stability of the planet for future generations.

A listen that’s all substance, Pignataro and company mesh jazz and social change in an inspiring gesture that’s progressive musically and lyrically about as important as any issue facing the planet today.

Travels well with: Doug MacDonald- I’ll See You In My Dreams; Roger Lewis- Alright!

Todd Warner Moore

Starry Sounds

Self-Released, 2019

9/10

Listen to Starry Sounds

The Kansas City troubadour Todd Warner Moore doesn’t sit still in one genre, as the prolific songwriter brings all sorts of sophisticated ideas to his 2nd album of 2019.

The title track gets the listen started with warm strumming and fragile vocals from Moore on the initially sparse tune that builds into a sweeping, orchestral gem, and “Ebb And Flow” follows with moody strings in the dual gender, emotive tune with vivid wordplay.

Elsewhere, “See So Clearly” twinkles with a folk spirit and a darker spirit, while “Lapis Largo” offers a fuller display of instrumental prowess in the upbeat tune that’s textured beautifully.

Near the end, “Coffee Conversations” has Moore hitting some high notes in the reflective atmosphere where a cello adds greatly to the experience, and “All The Lives” strips the landscape bare with just an acoustic guitar on the singer-songwriter album highlight. “Slate” ends the listen with subdued rhythm and strategic percussion that tips its hat to Latin flavor.

His 4th album since June 2018, though Moore puts much music out, his volume doesn’t detract from his quality, as Starry Sounds is rich with subtle power and gorgeous intimacy that’s both moving and timeless.

Travels well with: Matt Pond PA- Still Summer; The Rightly So- Vandura