Putumayo

Bossa Nova

Putumayo, 2023

8/10

Listen to Bossa Nova

The Putumayo series finds itself submerged in classic Brazilian sounds here, where emerging artists bring plenty of rhythm, melodies and romance to these cultured 10 tracks.

Ana Caram’s “Blue Bossa” open the listen with some warm jazz flavor that uses keys and brass with much grace, and Mauricio Pessoa’s “Quando Falas Coracao” follows with dreamy flute and a cozy spirit of playful instrumentation.

Landing in the middle, “Provas de Amor”, by Flávia Dantas, showcases her uplifting and flowing voice amid the agile guitar and frisky percussion, while Amanda Martinez’s “Manha de Carnaval” blends her Mexican and South African roots into a stirring intimacy of grace.

Close to the end, “Te Esperei” welcomes Tamy’s inviting voice and meticulous guitar to the textured album highlight, and Orquestra Bamba Social’s “Comeca com S” exits with the 18 band members blending jazz, funk and hip-hop into a truly unclassifiable formula.

An assembly of both originals and interpretations, all the artists present keep the timeless spirit of Bossa Nova alive and flourishing thanks to this exciting, stylish and worldly listen.

Travels well with: New Orleans Mambo: Cuba To NOLA; Putumayo World Café

Caroline Cotter

Gently As I Go

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Gently As I Go

The Portland, Maine singer-songwriter Caroline Cotter brings along an excellent cast for these 11 thoughtful songs that explores the human experience across this 3rd album.

“Coming Your Way” opens the listen with Cotter’s elegant and expressive voice guiding the grooves that benefit from Alec Spiegelman’s warm clarinet, and “Don’t Wait” follows with gorgeous balladry that uses Zoe Guigueno’s intimate bass precisely.

In the middle, “Gone Away” is populated by pretty vocal harmonies amid Jefferson Hamer’s light electric guitar in the folk climate, while “Remind Me Of You” offers a hazy vulnerability that recruits Dave Cole’s agile drumming and Emily Mure’s soothing harmonies.

“Do You Love Me?” and “Morning Mantra” exit the listen, where the former is a more upbeat affair thanks to Dandy McDowell’s glowing upright bass and Cotter’s playful pipes, and the latter makes great use of vocal harmonies from Neha Jiwrajka and Elise Leavey for the largely a cappella warmth.

A very worldly version of folk sounds, Cotter and company touch on love, life and death, and it makes for a very thoughtful and timeless body of work.

Travels well with: Katie Dahl- Seven Stones; Annie Capps- How Can I Say This?

Rachael Sage

The Other Side

MPress, 2023

9/10

Listen to The Other Side

This 15th solo album from the always genuine Rachael Sage welcomes 15 songs of her pop, rock and folk hybrid, where Howard Jones even makes an appearance.

The poetic singing and gentle drumming of “Whistle Blow” opens the listen with a bit of a cryptic presence, and the melodic and brass friendly “Flowers For Free” follows with much soulfulness present and appreciated.

Deeper into the listen, “Rebecca” allows the strings and a more raw component to illuminate the rock focused demeanor, while the pop-rock gestures of “Albatross” does a great job of illustrating Sage’s storytelling abilities.

Further still, “Deepest Dark” relies much on piano for the heartfelt album highlight, and Jones makes his appearance on the final track, “I Made A Case”, where a hazy delivery is populated by violin, upright bass, Wurlitzer, cello, Rhodes, electric guitars, accordion and trumpet.

The CD version of this album comes with a 2nd disc of alternate mixes, and the deluxe vinyl version contains 16 original paintings from Sage’s creative vision. Regardless of what format you choose, you won’t be disappointed by the emotive, sincere performances of one of today’s best songwriters.

Travels well with: Seth Glier- The Coronation; Grace Pettis- Working Woman

Ellen Woloshin

Pop Torch

58th Street, 2023

8/10

Listen to Pop Torch

This 3rd solo album from the former jingle writer Ellen Woloshin offers us songs spanning a century, plus a couple of originals, where her diverse background breathes new life into the 7 interpretations.

“Lucky Star” opens the listen with David Wasserman’s warm bass and Mick Gaffney’s cultured guitar amid Woloshin’s elegant singing, and “Keep Your Heart” follows with Gregory Toroian’s flowing keys and David Silliman’s precise drums for the emotive original.

Deeper into the listen, “When You Say Nothing At All” places Skip Ward on bass and Roberta Cooper on cello for the stirring interpretation of the classic popularized by Keith Whitley, while “Cheek To Cheek” is a lush and playful album highlight where Woloshin hits some high notes alongside the jumpy piano and frisky drums and bass.

Residing near the end, “You Can Do Magic” benefits from Aaron Heick’s soulful sax and the uplifting demeanor, and “You And A Blue Moon” exits with a dreamy presence by way of Jonny Rosch’s cozy keys, programming and backing vocals that illuminates the poetic original.

Woloshin puts a fresh coat of paint on songs we’ve all heard before, and her own songs sure do resonate well, too, where her lovely voice is easy to absorb and difficult to forget.

Travels well with: Rebecca Folsom- Sanctuary; Beth Leavel and Jeff Blumenkrantz- Regretting Almost Everything

Rachel Garlin

The Ballad Of Madelyne & Therese

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Ballad Of Madelyne & Therese

The San Francisco singer-songwriter Rachel Garlin welcomes a handful of musicians to her vivid storytelling that’s full of timeless and sincere songwriting.

The swift pace of “Having Slept On It” opens with Garlin’s buzzing guitar and warm vocals alongside James King’s bright brass and Jonny Flaugher’s agile bass, and “Please Therese” follows with Michael Jerome’s frisky drumming and Kenneth Crouch’s well timed keys for the soulful climate.

Halfway through, “Louisa” enters calm areas that benefit from Victor Indrizzo’s strategic percussion and Jordan Katz’s soft horns via the stylish delivery, while “Night Time” is quite bare, and welcomes Chris Roy’s soft bass and Ron Alan Cohen’s atmospheric guitar that makes for the album’s most vulnerable moment.

Near to the end, “Madelyne Why” is a crisp and inviting folk-rocker that showcases Garlin’s expressive pipes, and “Ocean Meets The Sky” exits with Beth Goodfellow’s skilled drumming amid Jason Soda’s flowing guitar and the emotive singing.

A highly literate and melodic affair, Garlin knows her way around a song you won’t soon forget, and the excellent players in attendance only solidify this as a first rate folk record.

Travels well with: Jefferson Berry- Dreams Of Modern Living; Cabin Dogs- On The Creek

David Biedenbender

All We Are Given We Cannot Hold

Blue Griffin, 2023

8/10

Listen to All We Are Given We Cannot Hold

This first portrait album from the composer David Biedenbender recruits the soprano of Linsday Kesselman, Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, Garth Newel Piano Quartet, and settings of poetry by Robert Fanning for the 4 detailed chamber pieces.

“Shell And Wing” opens the listen with Fanning’s text and the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble making for a very intimate and often bare delivery of twinkling keys and expressive singing, and the Garth Newel Piano Quartet follows with the instrumental beauty of “Red Vesper”, which welcomes Mingzhe Wang’s stunning clarinet to the string fueled balance of tension and grace.

The title track arrives on the back half, and unfolds across 7 chapters of music about the fleeting moments of parenthood via the warm keys, subtle clarinet and Kesselman’s gorgeous pipes, and “Solstice”, the second instrumental, exits with the Garth Newel Piano Quartet emitting much mystery and atmosphere via the dreamy keys and strings that interact with poise.

An indeed poetic body of work that’s gripping, sometimes bare and other times textured with more intensity, Biedenbender’s vision is fleshed out with much care here.

Travels well with: Lowell Liebermann- Works For Violin And Orchestra; Duo Shu- Duo Shu

Matt Otto

Umbra

Origin, 2023

9/10

Listen to Umbra

The tenor sax extraordinaire Matt Otto has a lengthy history of live performances, and here he captures that energy with Jeff Harshbarger, John Kizilarmut, Hermon Mehari, Matt Villinger and Alex Frank for these 9 fusion filled songs.

‘Little Things” wastes no time making an impression with Otto’s radiant sax alongside Kizilarmut’s agile drumming, and “Hawk” follows with a radiant demeanor that emits a calming intimacy that makes great use of Matt Villinger’s Rhodes prowess.

Halfway through, “Prez” bops and shakes with Mehari’s vivid trumpet front and center amid the frisky climate, while the title track features Frank’s eloquent guitar playing that illuminates the reflective tone of the album’s best.

Close to the end, “Esthesis” meshes the warm brass with Harshbarger’s well timed bass and the atmospheric Rhodes, and “Melisma” exits with a harmonic delivery that uses space and ambience via an unpredictable performance.

All the songs are originals, as Otto and company touch on the ‘70s with plenty of solos and timeless jazz spirit.

Travels well with: Anthony Branker & Ascent- Spirit Songs; Bobby Rozario- Spellbound

Anthony Branker & Ascent

Spirit Songs

Origin, 2023

8/10

Listen to Spirit Songs

The inimitable composer and director Anthony Branker enlists some excellent musicians for this 9th album on the Origin label that is actually a reissue of his 2006 debut for Sons Of Sound Records.

The 7 minutes of “Chant For Peace Eternal” opens the listen with Jonny King’s fluid piano and flowing sax from Ralph Bowen and Antonio Hart for the graceful jazz presence, and “Parris In April” follows with a dreamy demeanor that uses John Benitez’s playful double bass amid the soulful brass.

“Sketches Of Selim” occupies the middle spot and is quite intimate via the twinkling keys, while “Imani (Faith)” uses Ralph Peterson Jr.’s frisky drums with plenty of rhythm and melody.

“Mentor” and “J.C.’s Passion” exit the listen, where the former is a swift and dynamic album highlight that makes great use of “Clifford Adams, Jr'.’s radiant trombone, and the latter is nearly 8 minutes of busy and meticulous interaction between the animated horns, lively drums and mature keys.

A first LP that has aged quite well, Branker is well versed in both classical and jazz ideas, and the abundance of grooves, harmonies and culture won’t disappoint anyone.

Travels well with: Bobby Rozario- Spellbound; Michael Dease- The Other Shoe

Bobby Rozario

Spellbound

Origin, 2023

8/10

Listen to Spellbound

The guitar wizard Bobby Rozario heads right into Latin and Afro Latin ideas here, where plenty of esteemed players are on hand for the 11 cultured tracks.

“Peace Pilgrim” opens the listen with Gary Grainger’s warm bass and Dennis Chambers’ fluid drumming alongside the meticulous guitar playing for the rock focused climate, and “Spellbound” follows with Mauricio Herrera’s playful congas and Ismael Kouyaté’s expressive voice for the busy, exciting delivery.

Deeper into the listen, “Heal Me” indeed carries a therapeutic calmness thanks to Robby Ameen’s light drums and Rozario’s careful guitar playing, while “Freedom” is a very progressive moment of vocals from Chris Alfinez and José Pepito Gomez, plus Edsel Gomez’s moody organ and the swirling guitar.

Landing near the end, “Beat The Devil” is a dynamic and swift album highlight that’s fusion fueled, and “Stronger Together” exits the listen with much emphasis on vocals and Camilo Molina’s lively timbales, percussion and backing vocals.

Rozario was brought up on jazz and blues, and those influences certainly are present and appreciated across these global rhythms and sonically vivid songs that are rich with diversity and grooves.

Travels well with: Jason Keiser- Shaw’s Groove; Michael Dease- The Other Shoe

Forest Sun

Hey Magnolia

Painted Sun, 2023

8/10

Listen to Hey Magnolia

This 12th album from the vocalist and guitarist Forest Sun brings plenty of excellent players to his striking brand of Americana that doesn’t shy away from a handful of varied influences.

“Hey Magnolia” opens the listen with Sun’s warm voice amid Gawain Mathews’ intimate mandolin and Lara Louise’s flowing harmony vocals, and “Only Passing Time” follows with Kyle Caprista’s crisp drums complementing Sun’s vivid storytelling that touches on timeless folk ideas.

In the middle, “Lost In The Dark” uses gorgeous acoustic guitar and expressive singing for the album’s best, while “Underwater” makes great use of the lush textures via the soothing vocal harmonies and spirited guitar.

Approaching the end, “At The End Of Everything” brings some slow burning power to the reflective delivery, and “Sweet Dreams, Caroline” exits with well timed strings for the cultured and memorable exit.

A very well thought out and precisely delivered listen, Sun and company know their way around folk, roots, country, bluegrass and soul friendly tune that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Peter Mulvey- There Is Another World; Mark Erelli- Lay Your Darkness Down

Rachel Burns

What A Nasty Woman

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to What A Nasty Woman

A diverse artist who often uses humor to relay important messages, this quick listen from the Washington DC native Rachel Burns surrounds her disdain for the patriarchy

“Mansplainin’” opens the listen with a quirky, charming country spirit, where Burns’ playful voice is met with soulful backing vocals and bright brass, and “All Shook Up” follows with spirited guitar and expressive singing amid some funk nods that are quite memorable.

Halfway through, the piano focused “Pollyanna’s Lament” is a more intimate moment of beauty and warmth that builds into an emotive landscape, while the frisky “Tiny Hands” heads back many decades for the eloquent, retro ideas that welcome gritty horns, moody organs and wordplay about the status quo. The last proper song (the final tracks is a radio edit) is “Sundown Of The Macho Man”, where Burns’ throwback vision is met with a theatrical and memorable finish.

Burns is a cancer survivor, an activist and even though this is her sophomore release, she’s been an active musician for 2+ decades, and her inimitable brand of comical yet socio-political wordplay is much needed during these often troubling times.

Travels well with: Lauren Monroe- Message From Aphrodite; Amy Jay- Awake Sleeper

The Common Practice

Theater Kids

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Theater Kids

A Minneapolis outfit who do not stay in one place long, the 6 tracks here are all over the map, and the four part harmonies and use of orchestral strings only adds even more allure to the formula of The Common Practice.

“That Love Came First” begins the listen with Bryce Tuitt’s fluid drums and Liz Cates’ mesmerizing guitar making for a very warm version of classic rock ideas, and “Heliotrope” follows with a very elegant appeal of pop-rock nods that benefit from a dreaminess and Andrew Lentz’s skilled piano.

The middle tracks welcome the melodic and rich textures of “Walkabout”, where Daniel Lentz’s violin won’t go unnoticed, while the country spirit of “Adelaide” uses cozy vocal harmonies amid the dense guitars and Ani Macy’s strategic bass. The last track, “Valentine”, might be the best, where a playful beat is met with a dance floor appeal that’s charming and lushly romantic.

C.B James (cello, vocals) and Caley Factorial (guitar, vocals) penned these timeless songs, and the band’s careful attention to detail sure does illuminate the eclectic vision that’s fusion friendly, progressive and just so memorable.

Travels well with: Leslie Vincent- About Last Night; Jojo Green- The Summer Tree

Adrian Dennis

Moon Rising

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Moon Rising

The esteemed Toronto guitarist and composer Adrian Dennis is aligned with Mark Ballyk, Matt Woroshyl and Malcolm Connor for these 7 originals that are as creative as they are harmonic.

Dennis’ warm guitar populates the intimate and exploratory title track, which opens the listen with Ballyk’s fluid drumming, and “The Archer” follows with Connor’s strategic bass plucking making for an inviting lead into the soulful sax from Woroshyl.

In the middle, the frisky “New Blues” showcases the agile drumming amid bright brass and meticulous guitar, while “Convergence” is precisely layered with glowing melodies and cozy interaction that makes this the album’s best.

The last track, “The Pioneers”, is excellent, too, where a soothing quality flows from the elegant sax, gentle drums, hypnotic bass and mesmerizing guitar.

This is Dennis’ first record as leader, and it’s an impressive outing that spotlights his inimitable vision, plus the many strengths of the band for a very fun jazz experience.

Travels well with: Will Bonness- Is This A Dream?; Matt Greenwood- Atlas

Pump5

Paradise Place

HPH, 2023

8/10

Listen to Paradise Place

The Southern California veteran rockers Pump5 return with 10 hook and riff filled rock tunes, where frontman Steven Barnett is in fine form alongside Drew Cates, Andre Bonter, and Alex Kane.

The intense and hard hitting “Hello” starts the listen with Barnett’s fierce vocals complemented by Bonter’s intense drums in the anthemic climate, and “Make Me” follows with Kane’s swirling guitar adding much melody to the gritty yet tuneful presence.

“End Of We” and “Junkman” occupy the middle spots, where the former is a bit more subdued and showcases Cates’ skilled bass chops, while the latter is full of fist pumping and soaring energy that could fill arenas.

Close to the end, the punky spirit of “Break’N Down” spotlights the lively rhythm section amid Barnett’s diverse pipes, and “Cheers” exits with an instant sing-along demeanor that warrants repeated listens.

The members of Pump5 have a history playing in legendary outfits like The Poorboys and Enuff Z’Nuff, and their often ‘90s rock influenced sound will certainly strike a chord with fans of Buckcherry, Lit and Stone Temple Pilots, and you certainly won’t hear me complain about that.

Travels well with: Aeges- Drømmen; Oh Lonesome Ana- Megadeth Tee

Eugene O'Brien

Algebra Of Night

New Focus, 2023

8/10

Listen to Algebra Of The Night

The Indiana resident and composer Eugene O’Brien brings along the 21st Century Consort for these 2 in depth, rich chamber pieces that are harmonic and exciting.

The title track begins the listen with much atmosphere, where Lisa Emenheiser’s stirring piano and Rachel Young’s intimate cello complement Deanne Meeks’ stunning mezzo soprano across the 9 chapters. Deeper into this portion, Jeremy Black’s unpredictable violin and Daniel Foster’s moody viola find themselves adding much energy to the diversity of the thoughtful climate.

The final composition, “Elegy To The Spanish Republic”, welcomes Emenheiser’s rumbling keys amid Elizabeth Plunk’s well timed flute and Paul Cigan’s strategic clarinet. Near the end of the 9+ minutes, Amy McCabe’s bright trumpet, Lee Hinkle’s ambient vibraphone and the tense strings add firmness on top of the mystery.

A listen that pays close attention to structure and technique, O’Brien and company blend the meticulous text with the sophisticated music via the adventurous gestures and ominous melody that’s as creative as it is memorable.

Travels well with: Ashley Bathgate- 8-Track; Julia Werntz- Someone Who Loves You Throws Me At You

Jill Andrews

Modern Age

Vulture Vulture/Tone Tree, 2023

8/10

Listen to Modern Age

The Nashville songstress Jill Andrews pens an album that surrounds looking back, and she’s got some excellent company along for the listen, where Tyler Chester, Juan Solorzano, Graham Bechler, Anthony Da Costa, and special guests Ben Cramer and Becca Mancari (on backing vocals) are all in attendance.

“80’s Baby” opens the listen with Andrews’ soft and eloquent singing alongside warm keys in the thoughtful climate, and “Connection” follows with more emphasis on guitar, as cozy indie-pop unfolds with strong attention to melody.

Deeper into the listen, the intimate “Kids” offers a lush and dreamy appeal of gorgeous singing and stylish instrumentation, while “Wrong Place Wrong Time” is piano focused and poetic thanks to the mature vocals and sophisticated key progressions.

Arriving near the end, “Patience” welcomes Da Costa to the harmonic duet that’s hushed, and “Boundless Love” exits with a sublime and rich vision, which is the album highlight.

A listen that balances confessions that are acoustic based, charming pop bouts, and glowing synth, Andrews possesses a voice that you could never tire of, and it sure does make for 10 very absorbing tracks.

Travels well with: Mary Bragg- Violets As Camouflage; Vanessa Peters- Modern Age

Allan Harris

Live At Blue Llama Jazz Club

Blue Llama, 2023

8/10

Listen to Live At Blue Llama Jazz Club

The globally adored vocalist and guitarist Allan Harris returns with his first live album in 13 years, where Arcoiris Sandoval, Marty Kenney, Norman Edwards and Irwin Hall are in attendance for the lively jazz set.

“Sunny” opens the listen with Sandoval’s cozy keys and Edwards’ animated drumming complementing Harris’ soulful pipes, and “Jeannine” follows with a dreamy delivery of agile guitar and subdued bass from Kenney for the intimate landscape.

The middle track belongs to the upbeat and playful “So What?”, as the bouncy keys and frisky drums cultivate plenty of melody, while “Black Coffee Blues” uses Hall’s bright sax and the bluesy guitar to its advantage.

“There She Goes” and “Nature Boy” exit the listen, where the former is a gentle yet dynamic album highlight that’s strategically firm, too, and the latter has twinkling keys that builds into a wild free jazz explosion of controlled chaos.

Harris has been impressing audiences with his radiant voice for almost 4 decades now, and the ‘Jazz Vocal King of New York’ is as relevant and powerful as ever across these timeless tracks.

Travels well with: The Rodriguez Brothers- Reunited Live At Dizzy’s Club; Doug Beavers- Luna

Will Clements

Compass

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Compass

The queer vocalist Will Clements brings bits and pieces of his time in Montreal, Paraguay and Vancouver into this mature listen about transitioning into adulthood, and he’s got an all star cast of players along for the vocal jazz listen.

“On A Clear Day” begins the listen with Miles Black’s warm piano and Todd Stewart’s frisky drums complementing Clements’ cozy and smooth voice, and “Trails” follows with Allison Au’s glowing alto sax helping make for a dreamy and intimate climate.

Further along, the sublime “Your Eyes” welcomes Rachel Therrien’s eloquent trumpet to the soft atmosphere, while “Montréal” is packed with light melodies thanks to Alvin Brendan’s skilled guitar and Jodi Proznick’s agile bass.

Amy Winehouse’s “Back To Black” lands near the end, and maintains the rich and soulful presence of the original, and “Lookout” exits with a playful rhythm and eloquent singing that’s more rock focused and the album’s best selection.

This is Clements’ 3rd album, and it’s a diverse effort that can swing playfully just as it can get introspective, where his inviting voice makes for an immediately enjoyable listening experience.

Travels well with: Will Bonness- Is This A Dream?; James McGowan Ensemble- Reaching In

Dave Meder

New American Hymnal

Outside In, 2023

8/10

Listen to New American Hymnal

The pianist and composer Dave Meder is joined by Philip Dizack, Marty Jaffe, Michael Piolet and Isabel Crespo Pardo for these non-religious worship tracks that embrace much culture and creativity.

“Modern Gothic” starts the listen and wastes little time making an impression with its swirling keys, subdued trumpet from Dizack and Piolet’s very meticulous drumming, and “Invocation (Call To Worship)” follows with just the sublime piano making an indelible impression in under a minute.

“Adortion (Of All That Is Good)” lands at the halfway point, and meshes the keys with Jaffe’s precise bass plucking and soulful brass, while “Chorale (Disillusionment)” takes a darker turn thanks to the strong attention to mood and emotion.

The songs with vocals arrive at the end, where “Hope Is The Thing With Feathers” welcomes Pardo’s gorgeous pipes to the poetic and dreamy landscape, and “Chorale (Press Onward, Abide With Me)” places Meder on vocals for the busiest and most dynamic track present that, despite its density, is quite meticulous.

This is Meder’s 3rd album as leader, and the first with this assembly of musicians, and the themes of faith, hymns and American values mesh with the gospel jazz vision that you can’t not be drawn to.

Travels well with: Clark Sommers- Feast Ephemera; Hazelrigg Brothers- Synchronicity

Katie Dahl

Wildwood

Leaky Boat, 2019

9/10

Listen to Wildwood

A midwestern songstress, Katie Dahl is armed with a strong alto voice and a penchant for smart, unassuming and timeless song craft on this 4th album.

“Anna Lee” starts the listening with aching pedal steel, playful acoustic guitar and Dahl’s expressive vocals on the thoughtful tune, and “Worry My Friend” follows with a quicker pace of Americana pickin’ fun.

Further along, “Helen” recruits a warm rootsy spirit, while “Wildwood Girl” injects a timeless folk approach with vivid storytelling- a common theme throughout the listen.

Deeper cuts bring us the vocal harmonies of “Valmy”, the lone cover, which moves with a frisky, rural shuffling, and “In The Dark” flows with graceful melodies that warrant repeated listens. “Breathing Room” exits the listen with strings, gentle backing vocals and gorgeous organic instrumentation, as Dahl and company end the record as fluid as they started it.

Recorded live in just 3 days, Dahl’s delivery is crisp, spontaneous and captures the true essence of her craft, as players from outfits like The Milk Carton Kids and Birds Of Chicago help ensure this is a folk journey you won’t want to miss.

Travels well with: Birds Of Chicago- Love In Wartime; Gillian Welch- Soul Journey