Robby Vee

Double Spin

Paramour, 2023

8/10

Listen to Double Spin

A two-time Rockabilly Hall of Fame inductee who happens to be the son of Bobby Vee, these 13 songs from the Minneapolis artist Robby Vee sure do bring plenty of power-pop and Americana to his energetic formula.

“Buzz” opens the listen with driving guitar, crisp drums and plenty of retro rock’n’roll spirit, and “Moonsoon” sunset follows with an infectious energy of melodic singing amid the warm climate that’s as careful as it is memorable.

Further along, the calm and poetic “Song Of Songs” flows with a charming Americana spirit that’s quite dreamy, while the acoustic guitar fueled “Tucson Girl” touches on folk qualities thanks to the vivid storytelling and gentle instrumentation.

Closer to the end, the answer to “Wanna Dance” is yes, indeed, thanks to the playful piano and dynamic rhythm section, and “Good Morning” exits with a sublime and introspective demeanor that carries a rootsy flavor.

Vee has seen praise from legends like McCartney, Plant and Ronnie Wood, and it’s not hard to see why; his timeless rock’n’roll vision sounds great in any decade since the ‘60s.

Travels well with: The Lowest Pair- Horse Camp; The Scarlet Goodbye- Hope’s Eternal

Nina De Vitry

What You Feel Is Real

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to What You Feel Is Real

The debut album from a Nashville singer-songwriter who is well versed in Americana and jazz ideas, Nina De Vitry takes us on a heartfelt journey with these soulful 11 songs.

The very rich and soothing “History” opens the listen with de Vitry’s captivating voice alongside the soft drumming and cozy keys, and “Wrong Thing” follows with bright horns and soulful backing vocals for the elegant and powerful delivery.

“Being With Myself” lands in the middle, and is both intimate and poetic thanks to the expressive voice and gentle instrumentation, while “Song For You” creates a particularly stirring mood via the agile melodies that touch on pop ideas, too.

“Open” and the title track exit the listen, where the former flirts with timeless vocal jazz nods and burns slow, and the latter aches in a dreamy sort of fashion that’s lush and absorbing in its emotional capacity.

De Vitry is off to an excellent start with these careful songs that inspire self-love, mental health awareness and personal empowerment, and her alto vocals and moving melodies won’t go unnoticed.

Travels well with: Katie Callahan- Extraordinary; Stacy Antonel- Always The Outsider

The Connells

Ring

Craft, 2023

9/10

Listen to Ring

Originally released in 1993, this 30th Anniversary Edition of Ring, the breakthrough album from The Connells, comes with plenty of bonus material from the legendary North Carolina alt-rockers.

“SlackJawed” opens the listen with Peele Wimberley’s crisp drums and the swirling guitars making for a warm and melodic version of college rock, and “Carry My Picture” continues the guitar driven rock and benefits from David Connell’s strategic bass amid Doug McMillian’s soft and expressive voice.

Further on, the acoustic guitar fueled “Find Out” is a poetic and emotive delivery of cautious songwriting, while the rockin’ “Hey You” sounds way ahead of its time in the alt-rock scene of the ‘90s thanks to George Huntley and Mike Connells harmonic guitar interaction.

Approaching the end of the original disc, “Burden” carries plenty of infectious jangle alongside the meticulous rhythm section, and “Running Mary” exits with a dreamy spirit of elegant and memorable songwriting.

The remainder of the release includes 21 bonus tracks, i.e. rare B-sides and 12 previously unreleased demos. The packaging includes new liner notes by the Raleigh-based journalist and author David Menconi, and it does a great job of documenting an important time for one of the more overlooked bands of the early alt-rock scene.

Travels well with: Matthew Sweet- Catspaw; Bob Mould- Blue Hearts

AQ&F

2nd Life

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to 2nd Life

The guitarist and vocalist Arnaud Quevedo brings along plenty of company for these 8 fusion friendly tracks that are as unpredictable as they are exciting.

“2nd Life Part 1: Awakening” opens the listen soft and mesmerizing, before Marin Michelat’s fluid keys and Eloise Baleynaud’s soaring voice guide the lush, prog-rock climate, and “Any 2.0” follows with Quevado’s dreamy guitar amid Lucille Mille’s pretty flute, as Anthony Raynal’s diverse drumming suits the calm versus dense moments.

The controlled chaos of “2nd Life Part 2: Journey” arrives at the halfway point, and is both hard hitting and melodic thanks to Noe Russell’s precise bass and crunchy guitars, while “No Soy Breton” flirts with jazz ideas via the pretty singing and bright sax from Julien Gomila.

The last two tracks, “2nd Life Part 3: Inner Demons” and “2nd Life Part 4: Hindsights”, are equally meticulous, where the former pairs the stunning rhythm section with expressive, wordless vocals, and the latter spends 8+ minutes enthralling us with Eva Tribolles’ moody double bass and the crunchy guitars that bridge firmness with beauty.

An emotive and atmospheric effort that takes an iconoclastic approach to rhythm, 2nd Life takes the listener on a fascinating journey that’s quite captivating.

Travels well with: Kurt Michaels- Stones From The Garden; Fortunato- From High Above

Bobby Rush

All My Love For You

Deep Rush/Thirty Tigers, 2023

9/10

Listen to All My Love For You

The legendary bluesman Bobby Rush brings influences from his very diverse and lengthy career for these 10 songs that are both raw and accessible, and he’s got Dexter Allen and Joey Robinson along for the fun.

“I’m Free” opens the listen with plenty of funk spirit, as Rush handles harmonica, too, alongside his soulful and gritty pipes, and “Running In And Out” follows with Allen’s bouncy bass and Robinson’s thumping drums making for a rhythmic climate.

The middle track belongs to “I Can’t Stand It”, where Rush’s warm electric guitar emits a careful blues presence that’s quite intimate, while the powerful energy of “TV Mama” is both playful and melodic thanks to Robinson’s frisky keys.

Near to the end, “I’m The One” is dance floor ready with its southern charm and head bobbin’, toe tappin’ blues sensibilities, and “I’ve Got A Proposition For You” exits with Rush’s sturdy singing and the bright piano, spirited harmonica and crisp drums.

Rush has a pair of Grammys, is a Blues Hall of Famer, a 16-time Blues Music Awards Winner, and at age 90 is still making exceptional blues music, as evidenced by this superb listen.

Travels well with: Robert Finley- Sharecropper’s Son; Mike Zito/Albert Castiglia- Blood Brothers

Kentucky Colonels

1966

Sundazed/Modern Harmonic, 2023

9/10

Listen to 1966

The bluegrass legends Kentucky Colonels left an indelible impact in the early ‘60s, and 1966 (originally released in 1978) contained a pair of originals plus plenty of covers and traditionals. This reissue packs in previously unissued tracks for a wider peek into the sextet’s timeless influence.

The first 12 tracks, recorded 2/1967, feature swift tunes like the brief opener “Soldiers Joy”, as well as the more reserved and harmonic “The Fugitive”, where Roland White’s warm mandolin and the well timed group vocals make an impression.

Further along, the melodic and dynamic “One Tear” spotlights Bob Worford’s agile banjo and Bobby Crane’s fiddle prowess, while the very quick “Take Off Your Cheaters” benefits from Clarence White’s meticulous guitar and Eric White’s playful bass plucking. “Cotton Eyed Joe” wraps up this portion, and blends the vocal harmonies amid Dennis Morse’s rhythm guitar.

The back half of the listen, which was recorded between 1959-61, brings Leroy McNees on dobro for the raw recordings of “I’ll Go Steppin Too”, and the bluegrass love song “I’ll Never Love Anybody But You”. The record ends on “Mad Banjo”, where Roger Bush’s skilled bass complements Billy Ray Latham’s fluid banjo acrobatics.

An outfit who were largely responsible for moving bluegrass into the modern era, Kentucky Colonels inspired legions of other bands who are still tracing their lineage today, and this well done expanded edition certainly does their legacy justice.

Travels well with: Merle Monroe- Songs Of A Simple Life; Williamson Branch- Heritage & Hope

The Cucumbers

Old Shoes

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Old Shoes

These 7 new tunes from The Cucumbers, i.e. Deena Shoshkes, Jon Fried, Jamie Fried, and Rick Wagner, carry on the tradition of their influence on the Hoboken jangle pop scene of the ‘80s, only here they’re unplugged for the acoustic effort.

“Gotta Start Somewhere” opens the listen with Shoshke’s sweet voice alongside the warmly strummed guitars and Jamie’s punchy drumming that’s melodic and cozy, and the title track follows with a calmer approach that places Jon on banjo amid the poetic storytelling that touches on folk ideas.

“Mr. Moon” and “Blue Guitar” arrive in the middle, where the former is playful and harmonic thanks to the brushed drums and Wagner’s agile bass, while the latter benefits from Jon and Shoshke’s harmony vocals and the cautiously layered guitars.

The last track, “I’m Over That”, is equally charming, and flows with gentle melodies and intimate songwriting that touches on indie-pop nods with much timelessness.

Although they had most of their commercial success in the ‘80s, The Cucumbers have released records in every decade since, and these pandemic born songs resonate with a garage-rock meets back porch appeal that you can’t not enjoy.

Travels well with: Alex Chilton- Live In London: Encore Edition; Sarah Shannon- Demo 98

Jon Nelson & Tom Kolor

Secret Messages

New Focus, 2023

9/10

Listen to Secret Messages

The trumpet wizard Jon Nelson and percussion extraordinaire Tom Kolor come together for this assembly of work by Moshe Shulman, Dave Ballou, Jeffrey Stadelman, Dafnis Prieto and Emil Harnas 2.

Shulman’s “Secret Messages II” opens the listen with the soaring horn amid the lively percussion, as found sounds and a three dimensional approach is appreciated, and Ballou’s “Samskara” follows with the lone trumpet making for a pitch diverse climate.

Deeper into the listen, “Koral 17”, “Koral 18” and “Koral 1” are short pieces that showcase solo muted trumpet, a duo that reminds us of street musicians, and electronics mixed with percussion for the unpredictable textures of the Stadelman piece, while “Trail Of Memories”, by Prieto, pairs dreamy percussive moments with meticulous and eloquent brass prowess.

The final track, Harnas’ “Ice Fishing In Kanona”, is an electroacoustic highlight that uses delays, glitches, electric organ and sonically engaging trumpet for very unique grooves that unfold with a cinematic quality.

A very diverse and unpredictable listen that’s open to much interpretation, Nelson and Kolor are well versed in contemporary classical ideas, and they sure do make great use of electronica, too, for this creative venture.

Travels well with: Eugene O’Brien- Algebra Of Night; Ashley Bathgate- 8-Track

Ted Piltzecker

Vibes On A Breath

OA2, 2023

8/10

Listen to Vibes On A Breath

The vibraphonist Ted Piltzecker makes quite an impression with this first large ensemble recording, where plenty of rhythm and melodies resides among the 11 songs that welcome Brad Goode, Paul McKee, John Gunther, Wil Swindler, Paul Romaine, Gonzalo Teppa, Judith Leclair and Javier Diaz.

The playful bass plucking of Teppa starts off the warm “If I Only Had A Brain”, as Piltzecker’s flowing vibes sure do impress us, and “Nature Boy” continues the elegance with Romaine’s sturdy drums amid the chilling atmosphere of dense brass and dreamy vibes.

The frisky “Stolen Moments” lands in the middle, and features Diaz’s lively percussion for the cultured presence that spotlights the saxs and Goode’s agile trumpet, while “Subconcious Lee” is quite animated thanks to the dynamic horns and, of course, Piltzecker’s vibe acrobatics.

Arriving near the end, the more intimate appeal of “Seven Steps To Heaven” then abruptly shifts into a dance floor ready jazz rocker, and “Bus” exits with Leclair’s well timed bassoon that adds much charm and dimension to the textured album highlight.

There’s 3 originals and 8 classics present, where Piltzecker and company sure do make for a timeless and exciting jazz affair.

Travels well with: John La Barbera Big Band- Grooveyard; Matt Otto- Umbra

John La Barbera Big Band

Grooveyard

Origin, 2023

8/10

Listen to Grooveyard

The conductor and arranger John La Barbera steers this New York City Big Band into hard-swinging territory, where the 4 arranged tunes and 6 originals are fleshed out with plenty of brass, winds and a stunning rhythm section.

The title track opens the listen with plenty of energy from the bright brass, before calmer bouts of grooves and Brandon Coleman’s precise drums that make an impression, and “My New Summer Samba” follows with a friskiness that benefits much from the flowing clarinets and Ryan Keberle’s animated trombone.

At the halfway point, “Tranesome” is full of melodic gestures via Pat La Barbera’s souful tenor sax, while “K’s Delight” places Brandon Lee on trumpet and Sam Sadigursky’s on tenor clarinet for the eloquent and adventurous album highlight.

The last two tracks, “Sweetness” and “Keiko’s Birthday March”, exit with much timeless interaction, where the former spotlights Andy Gutauskas’ flowing baritone bass clarinet and Mike Davis’ well timed trombone, and the latter meshes Clay Jenkins’ booming trumpet and Joe La Barbera’s swift drumming for a meticulous finish.

John La Barbera played an integral role in helping solidify the sounds of the Buddy Rich Band, Woody Herman and Bill Watrous, to name a few, and this big band effort is equally unforgettable.

Travels well with: Matt Otto- Umbra; Bobby Rozario- Spellbound

Lowcountry

Lowcountry

Ropeadope, 2023

8/10

Listen to Lowcountry

A very distinct version of jazz that surrounds cultural artifacts of southern folk oral histories and celebrations of Gullah culture, Lowcountry consists of Gracie Gadsen, Rosa Murray, Joseph Murray, Ron Daise, and is co-led by percussionist Quentin E. Baxter and composer/trumpeter Matt White, and they welcome many guests, too.

“Forgotten Moments” starts the listen off with Ron Daise’s narration that segues into “Welcome/Buzzard Lope”, where the vivid storytelling is met with Mark Sterbank’s bright tenor sax and Jerald Shynett’s soulful trombone for the frisky jazz setting.

Elsewhere, the gospel leanings of “Raise The Hymn” showcase Tim Fischer’s fluid guitar playing amid Baxter’s meticulous drumming, while “Were You There?” places Gadsen on vocals for the powerful anthem that builds into a groove filled album highlight that benefits much from Demetrius Doctor’s playful keys.

Close to the end, “Cheraw” bops and shakes with an infectious energy via Rodney Jordan’s agile bass and The Charleston Symphony String Quartet’s precise interaction, and “Come By Here” exits with a dreamy demeanor of sophisticated yet adventurous songwriting.

The Gullah are an African American ethnic group who take up residence in the Lowcountry portion of the U.S. (Georgia, Florida, the Carolinas), and they embrace southern folk ideas into these rich and cultured tracks that you can’t help but admire.

Travels well with: Claudia Acuña- Duo; Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah- Ancestral Recall

James Adler

That Star In The Picture

Albany, 2023

8/10

Listen to That Star In The Picture

A Celebration for his forthcoming musical theater and art songs, James Adler places spoken word into song, and he’s got plenty of Broadway stars and esteemed musicians present for the 8 detailed tracks.

“What About Tomorrow?” opens the listen with the expressive delivery of Elizaveta Ulakhovich’s soprano and Perry Sook’s baritone complementing Kyle Walker’s subtle horn and James Adler’s warm piano, and “Pie Jesu” follows with Francis Novak’s soothing clarinet alongside Adam Fisher’s graceful cello amid Victoria Livengood’s stunning mezzo-soprano.

In the middle, Kennedy Kanagawa’s radiant tenor and Denise Koncelik’s dreamy flute help make “Growing” the album’s best, while “Dreams” benefits from Michael Buchanan’s poetic tenor and Fisher’s mesmerizing strings and Adler’s sophisticated keys.

The final track, “That Star In The Picture”, places Shana Farr on soprano, Denise Koncelik on flute, and Brian Shaw on oboe for a soaring and textured precision of articulate song craft.

A listen of thoughtful and melodic gestures, Adler’s vision is fleshed out with a delicate and gripping version of modern classical sounds that will be forever timeless.

Travels well with: Geoffrey Duce- Fantasies & Rhapsodies; Justin Hellman- Garden Of The Gods

Andrew Danforth

Homegrown

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Homegrown

The trombonist and composer Andrew Danforth brings along Sean Imboden, Christopher Pitts, Nick Tucker and Carrington Clinton for this emotive, modern jazz experience.

“Homegrown” begins the listen with Pitts warm keys amid the soulful brass and flowing melodies of the gentle climate, and “New Wood Floors” follows with Clinton’s crisp drums and Tucker’s playful bass complementing the bright trombone.

At the halfway point, “Absence Of The Avenue” uses lower registers of the piano amid the dense horns of the layered album highlight that’s darker in scope, while “Vacant” is an intimate and bare display of Danforth’s sublime trombone prowess.

“Orange Hue In The Uplands” and “Prairie Breeze” exit the listen, where the former is a hazy and dynamic delivery of timeless jazz spirit that benefits much from Imboden’s sax skills, and the latter finishes with a dreamy demeanor of elegance and grace that’s highly thoughtful.

An excellent debut that’s inspired by his upbringing in Indiana, Danforth’s formula is one of an articulate, harmonic, beautiful and sometimes sad vision that, at 8 tracks, ends entirely too soon.

Travels well with: Craig Akin- Me, My Bass And I; Trio Profundo- Mosaic

Christopher Whitley

Describe Yourself

Redshift, 2023

8/10

Listen to Describe Yourself

The Canadian violinist and composer Christopher Whitley has an impressive body of work on his own, but this first effort as an interpreter explores another avenue of his art, where a violin built by Antonio Stradivari from 1700 is used.

“Bellatrix”, by Jeffrey Ryan, begins the listen with howling vocals and quick string playing that creates a very unpredictable mood, and Nicole Lizée’s “Don’t Throw Your Head In Your Hands” follows with plenty of atmosphere to complement the playful mood.

In the middle, “Patterns In High Places”, by Kara-Lis Coverdale, emits quivering strings and a dreamy haze of mysterious playing, while “Six Tableaux For Violin” employs laptop electronics and processing from Evan J. Cartwright for the distinct intimacy of the six electroacoustic vignettes of the Cartwright original.

The final piece, Fjóla Evans’ “In Bruniquel Cave”, layers Whitley’s violin over itself with much delicacy and warmth that resonates long after the track ends.

Whitley is well versed in Baroque, electronic, jazz and pop sounds, and along with his place as a founding member of the Thalea String Quartet, he brings a wealth of talent and experience to this unique classical listen.

Travels well with: Christopher Butterfield- Souvenir; Joseph Petric- Seen

Taylor Ashton

Stranger To The Feeling

Signature Sounds, 2023

9/10

Listen to Stranger To The Feeling

The Canadian folk songwriter Taylor Ashton returns with this sophomore album, where a 4000 mile cross country roadtrip welcomes plenty of friends to the rich melodies.

“Strong Hands” starts the listen gentle, with Rachel Price’s gorgeous vocals and Michael Winograd’s well timed clarinet for the warm, expressive climate, and “Like A Movie” follows with Louis Cato’s crisp drums and Jacob Blumberg’s Wurlitzer and bass complementing the soulful delivery.

“Afterlife” lands in the middle and is quite bare, with David Moss’ stirring guitar amid the poetic singing, while “Green Moon” benefits from Cynthia Tolson’s absorbing strings and Nora Fox’s dreamy flute for the lush album highlight.

Approaching the end, “Skylight” is a cozy duet with Jacob Sharp that’s eloquent and harmonic, where both voices, light guitar and whistling make an indelible impression, and “Stranger” exits with Monica Martin’s sublime pipes and woodwinds from Alec Spiegelman for the dynamic finish.

A listen that touches on all the timeless sensibilities of folk music, Ashton plays clawhammer banjo, acoustic and electric guitar, string guitar and wurlitzer, and his mature and articulate wordplay certainly makes for a superb version of modern folk music.

Travels well with: Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves- Hurricane Clarice; Suz Slezak- Our Wings May Be Featherless

Mehmet Ali Sanlikol & What'snext?

Turkish Hipster: Tales From Swing To Psychedelic

Dunya, 2023

8/10

Listen to Turkish Hipster: Tales From Swing To Psychedelic

The esteemed multi-instrumentalist Ali Sanlikol brings a large cast of players for this 7th album of global jazz sounds that rarely sits in place for long.

“A Capoeira Turca” opens with Anat Cohen’s warm clarinet complemented by the frisky percussion and bright brass, and “Times Of The Turtledove” follows with Miguel Zénon providing his excellent alto sax skills to the 16+ minutes of flowing musicianship that’s both cautious and busy.

“The Boston Beat” and “Estarabim” land in the middle, where the former benefits from Antonio Sanchez’s agile drumming amid spoken word rap by Raydar Ellis into the rhythmic and beat driven album highlight.

The last piece, “Abraham Suite”, unfolds with 3 chapters of dreamy, textured interaction between the horns, winds, drums and guitars for varying degrees of intimacy and fusion nods that also touch on rock dynamics, too.

A highly accomplished mashing of world music, timeless jazz and rock spirited songwriting, Sanlikol and company make for much global fun across this unpredictable affair.

Travels well with: Septology- The Black Forest Session; Greg Ward’s Rogue Parade- Dion’s Quest

Firefall

Friends & Family

Sunset Blvd, 2023

8/10

Listen to Friends & Family

The frontman Jock Bartley returns with his long running outfit, Firefall, for an album that covers some of the most legendary acts ever, where the 13 tracks surround the ‘70s and all its glory.

“Long Train Running” opens the listen and wastes no time making an impression, where Jim Waddell’s sax bouts adds much energy to The Doobie Brothers classic, and it isn’t long until “What About Love?” features Heart’s original guitarist, Howard Leese, and the newest Firefall member, John Bisaha, on bass and vocals.

Further along, Loggins & Messina’s contribution, “Angry Eyes”, spotlights acoustic guitars and plenty of vocal harmonies, while “World Turning” is full of retro-rock ideas that help make this the record’s best.

Close to the end, The Flying Burrito Brothers’ “Colorado” is full of cozy piano amid the soulful backing vocals and gentle warmth that uses pedal steel superbly, and “Ooh Las Vegas”, by Gram Parsons, exits with an upbeat and dance floor ready demeanor that’s as infectious as it is memorable.

Firefall certainly put their own spin on songs that most of us will be familiar with, and their country-rock leanings are present and appreciated as they prove that nearly 50 years after their first hit single, they can still play music you’ll want to hear repeatedly.

Travels well with: Tom Heyman- 24th Street Blues; Peter Case- Doctor Moan

Yvonne Lam

Watch Over Us

Blue Griffin, 2023

8/10

Listen to Watch Over Us

The Academy Award winning violinist Yvonne Lam makes quite an impression with this debut solo album, where electronics and music by Anna Clyne, Eve Beglarian, Kate Moore, Katherine Balch and Missy Mazzoli, plus a world premiere thanks to Nathalie Joachim, makes for a modern, classical listen.

“Tooth And Nail”, by Mazzoli, opens the album with the mesmerizing strings making for busy versus calm moments of beauty, and Balch’s “Apartment Sounds” follows with the playful electronics complementing the precisely plucked strings.

In the middle, the low buzzing of “Watch Over Us”, which is a Joachim piece, blends the organic versus the synthetic in fascinating, thoughtful ways, while Beglarian’s “Well-Spent” quivers with dynamic string manipulation and chilling electronics. The final track, “Synaesthesia Suite”, finds itself in cinematic territory via the hypnotic electronica and colorful violin that unfolds across 17+ minutes of exploration.

Lam was the violinist and Co-Artistic Director of Eighth Blackbird from 2011-2019, and she brings plenty of experience in many orchestras that help make this solo effort an exciting and innovative affair.

Travels well with: David Biedenbender- All We Are Given We Cannot Hold; Duo Shu- Duo Shu

The Kennedys

Headwinds

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Headwinds

The folk-rock duo of Pete and Maura Kennedy, as The Kennedys the pair use plenty of guitar licks, gospel moments and rich roots ideas for this first listen of original songs in 5 years.

“A New Set Of Wheels” opens the listen Maura’s bright and harmonic singing alongside the firm acoustic strumming and Vince Santoro’s agile drumming, and the intimate pedal steel of “Late September Breeze” follows and finds itself in gorgeous balladry.

Further along, “The Boy From The East River Shore” welcomes crisp folk-rock that’s plenty melodic, while “Little Green Bottles” uses precisely picked guitar for a retro-spirit that’s as charming as it is memorable.

Approaching the end, “Yolanda” is a soft and dreamy moment of pretty acoustic guitar and glowing vocal harmonies, and “Waging Peace” exits with gentle, expressive singing in the bare but impactful finish.

Maura and Pete began writing and touring 30 years ago in Nanci Griffith’s Blue Moon Orchestra, and now 16 albums into their own music, they’re keeping the sounds of timeless folk music alive thanks to their sharp multi-instrumentalist skills and lovely singing.

Travels well with: Buttercup- Grand Marais; Julian Taylor- Beyond The Reservoir

Kazyak

Odyssey

Self-Released, 2019

9/10

Listen to Odyssey

Though the Minnesota outfit Kazyak recorded this sophomore album live, you really wouldn’t know it as Odyssey is a daring leap into psychedelic texturing with extremely tight musicianship where synth and electronics add much to the mood.

“Contravertical” starts the listen with a languid venture into psyche-rock exploration that touches on hazy ideas in its sonic warmth, and “Discover” follows with an adventurous spirit in its atypical indie-rock approach with extremely intricate guitar work.

A listen where no two songs sound that much alike, “Camouflage” finds Kazyak entering stoner rock territory with some post-rock nods, while “Zombie Dream” goes the other direction into calm slow-core that certainly gets dreamy in its blurred beauty.

Near the end, the brief “Rocket” recruits fuzzy, breezy melodies and “Be The Sun” exits the listen as dynamic as it started, with a mysterious dip into alt-folk that parallels the greatness achieved by Thom Yorke.

A fascinating, complicated listen that one can peruse repeatedly without fear of ennui, we can easily put Kazyak on a list with The Persian Leaps as some of the most exciting bands that exists in the Twin Cities today.

Travels well with: Wilco- Yankee Hotel Foxtrot; Pink Floyd- The Dark Side Of The Moon