Alba Musik

Dawn

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Dawn

The duo of the exceptional vocalist Bárbara Martínez and top notch guitarist Albert Alabedra, as ALBA Musik the pair bring their Latin heritage to Flamenco, pop, funk, blues and salsa fun.

“Te Oro” opens the listen with plenty of warmth thanks to Martínez’s cozy voice alongside Gonzalo Grau’s agile keys and Tim Ries’ bright sax, as Alabedra’s buzzing guitar makes an impression, and “Girasoles” follows with playful finger snapping and no lack of melody thanks to the soulful backing vocals and Ernesto Llorens’ impressive violin.

Into the middle portion, “Contigo” offers a breezy and eloquent album highlight that makes great use of María Toro’s dreamy flute, while “Lovers Not Fighters” benefits much from Joselín Vargas’ charming percussive ideas. The final track, “Abuela”, is more subdued but no less impactful, where the expressive singing is complemented by reflective guitar and plenty of pop spirit that’s universally enjoyable.

A listen where each track radiates in its own light, the large amount of players certainly highlight Martínez and Alabedra’s worldly vision that is fusion friendly in all the best ways.

Travels well with: Plena Libre- Cuatro Esquinas; Dogo Du Togo-Dogo Du Togo

Myroslava Khomik

Protest

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Protest

The inimitable Ukrainian violinist Myroslava Khomik brings her skills to pieces by 4 composers, where James Lent and Fureya Unal are on hand with their piano prowess for songs about freedom and defiance against oppression.

“Ukrainian Poeme”, by Yevhen Stankovych, begins the listen with the emotive violin and Unal’s graceful piano interacting with tremendous beauty, and Witold Lutosławski’s “Partita for Violin and Piano” follows with a more rumbling approach thanks to Lent's dense finger acrobatics alongside the tense strings.

“Post Scriptum Sonata for Violin and Piano” arrives in the middle, and pairs Khomik’s stirring string manipulation with Lent’s agile keys in the Valentyn Silvestrov composition, while “Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1”, by Myroslav Skoryk, uses the violin and piano together for a precise and cinematic quality that’s as thought provoking as it is eloquent.

The composers present hail from Ukraine and Poland, and the turbulence those countries are experiencing is met with the strength and resilience that these songs encapsulate and it’s illuminated flawlessly by the strings and keys.

Travels well with: Trio Casals- A Grand Journey; Georgina Rossi- Chorinho

Bellbird

Root In Tandem

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Root In Tandem

The debut album from Bellbird, i.e. Claire Devlin, Allison Burik, Eli Davidovici and Mili Hong, Root In Tandem brings plenty of modern jazz flavor to a diverse set of influences that are never short on melody.

“Blurred Season” opens the listen with the rich sax from Burik alongside Hong’s playful drumming for the cozy jazz climate, and “Bluff” follows with a very intimate delivery of soothing brass and precisely plucked bass that creates a very introspective mood.

At the halfway point, “Manakin” makes great use of Burik’s bass clarinet amid the agile rhythm section, while “Pigeons & Disco” is quite soft, dreamy even, before building into a lush and adventurous album highlight.

“Ten Dog” and “Maybe I Won’t Go” exit the listen, where the former spotlights the drumming acrobatics, and the latter moves with the expressive saxophones making for a cautious and thoughtful finish that erupts into free jazz dynamics.

The members of Bellbird have pasts in very different situations and countries, but came together in Montreal in 2021 and realized there was a musical connection worth exploring. A listen that’s heavy on solos and improvisation, this is an excellent starting point for the highly creative quartet.

Travels well with: Olivia Maisel- A Moment In Time; Will Clements- Compass

Bernstein/Copland

Music For String Quartets

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Music For String Quartets

The world premiere recording of the revered composer Leonard Bernstein’s long-lost effort, we’re treated to Lucia Lin, Natalie Rose Kress, Danny Kim, and Ronald Feldman interpreting the work of an 18 year old Bernstein. Also, included is a composition by Aaron Copland, a musical mentor, collaborator, and treasured friend of Bernstein’s.

“Music for String Quartet (1936): I” opens the listen with Lin and Rose Kress’ animated violins complementing the moody viola from Kim and Feldman’s graceful cello in the very collaborative setting, and “Music for String Quartet (1936): II” follows with a calmer approach that emits much emotion from the eloquent delivery.

Copland’s “Elegies for Violin and Viola” finishes the listen off with Kress’ stirring violin and Kim’s intimate viola working together with a poetic, cautious demeanor that tugs on the heartstrings.

Bernstein’s legacy certainly is still very much influential to this day, and this resurrected recording further solidifies his place as one of the most important figures in the area of conducting and composing from America.

Travels well with: Myroslava Khomik- Protest; Trio Casals- A Grand Journey

Darden Purcell

Love’s Got Me In A Lazy Mood

OA2, 2023

8/10

Listen to Love’s Got Me In A Lazy Mood

The D.C. resident and vocalist Darden Purcell finds herself in the sounds of the ‘60s for this 3rd recording as leader, where Joe Locke, Shawn Purcell, Todd Simon, Jeff Reed and Todd Harrison are along for the timeless listen.

“Willow Weep For Me” opens the listen with Purcell’s smooth voice alongside Simon’s elegant keys and Locke’s flowing vibes, and the title track follows with a sublime intimacy that uses Harrison’s reserved drums superbly amid the expressive singing.

Deeper into the middle, the frisky and rhythmic “I Concentrate On You” welcomes Shawn Purcell’s warm guitar to the lush album highlight, while the upbeat “Chatterbox” makes great use of Reed’s well timed bass, as Purcell shows off an impressive range.

Close to the end, the animated “Taking A Chance On Love” meshes the lively keys and atmospheric vibes with much precision, and “You’ve Changed” exits with a sophisticated and emotive delivery thanks to the rich and cautious instrumentation.

Purcell’s husband, co-producer, arranger and guitarist Shawn helps make for a dynamic listen, where both gentle and swinging moments are to be enjoyed immensely for those with an ear for vocal jazz sounds.

Travels well with: Ted Piltzecker- Vibes On A Breath; Matt Otto- Umbra

Pete McCann

Without Question

McCannic, 2023

8/10

Listen to Without Question

The Wisconsin native Pete McCann has been applying his guitar playing to New York City’s jazz scene for over 3 decades now, and this 7th recording as leader brings Steve Wilson, Henry Hey, Matt Pavolka and Mark Ferber to the 10 detailed tracks.

The title track opens the listen with McCann’s swift guitar acrobatics alongside Hey’s fluid keys and Wilson’s bright sax for the animated jazz climate, and “I Can Remember” follows with a calmer mood of cautious guitar and Ferber’s light drums for the sublime intimacy.

At the halfway point, “Lovely Thing” bops and shakes with a frisky energy thanks to Pavolka’s skilled bass alongside the lively drums, while “Blues For O.M.” uses the soaring brass flawlessly amid the dynamic rhythm section.

“Hindsight” and “Erase The Hate” exit the listen, where the former showcases meticulous progressions from McCann’s guitar, and the latter moves with a reflective, powerful tone that meshes the brass, guitars, drums and piano with much attention to detail.

McCann has played on over 100 recordings, traveled to 20 countries, has played in almost every state in the USA, and he brings a wealth of talent and experience to a modern jazz affair that doesn’t shy away from blues, rock and post-bop fun.

Travels well with: Nick Finzer- Dreams, Visions, Illusions; Dave Stryker- Prime

Various Artists

Composing Israel: The First Three Generations

Neuma, 2023

8/10

Listen to Composing Israel: The First Three Generations

A project that assembles music made in Israel since 1943, the diverse pieces present are mostly recorded live and include both American and Israeli musicians.

Paul Ben-Haim’s “Toccata” opens the listen with Liora Ziv-Li’s fascinating piano acrobatics that quiver with intrigue and rumble with a low intensity, and “Bashrav”, by Betty Olivero, recruits members of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra for the tense strings and well timed winds that emit a very firm execution.

Further into the listen, Abel Ehrlich’s “Death of Dan Pagis” spotlights William Goldenberg’s very expressive piano playing, while Tsippi Fleischer’s “The Gown of Night” layers the voices of Bedouin schoolchildren in an electronic collage that’s quite creative and artistic.

Close to the end, “Three Romances”, by Ari Ben-Shabetai, unfolds across 3 chapters of minimal versus busy playing from Liora Ziv-Li’s very meticulous fingers on the piano, and Oded Zehavi’s “Wire” exits with Denise Lundine’s soprano and Stacey Pearson Stamas’ flute helping make for nearly 20 minutes of pretty, mysterious and poetic song craft.

A listen that documents Israel’s 75th year, there’s a deep history to these songs that touches on the traditions and spirt of the country, and certainly hints at the cultured songwriting that’s still being made today, with much emphasis on chamber and classical ideas.

Travels well with: Evan Ware- The Quietest Of Whispers; Edmund Campion/Earply- Quadrivium

Chloë Lum & Yannick Desranleau

The Garden of a Former House Turned Museum

No Hay Discos, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Garden of a Former House Turned Museum

The experimental artists Chloë Lum and Yannick Desranleau bring their creative vision to songs that tip their hat to Broadway, where fictitious letters comprise the 6 involved pieces that welcome a handful of artists.

“Letter 1: Observations Of Rio” opens the listen with playful percussion, before Sarah Albu’s soaring voice and bright trombones and trumpets enter the very atypical version of jazz, and “Letter 2: Clarice In Translation” follows with a very animated presence of firm drums and adventurous brass amid Albu’s stunning singing in the mesmerizing climate.

Deeper into the listen, “Letter 3: A Collection Of Words” hosts Karin Aurell’s well timed flute for the cautious yet frisky album highlight, while “Letter 4: Extended, Reshaped By Things” embraces some rock ideas via Pierre-Alexandre Maranda’s precise bass playing and Martin Daigle’s furious drums.

The final track, “Letter 6: What Are The Power’s Of A Ghost?”, spotlights Desranleau’s lively percussion that complements Albu’s vocal acrobatics and the booming horns.

Both Lum and Desranleau have lengthy resumes in the area of performance, text and narration, plus many other avenues, and this venture is highly artistic, unclassifiable and personable thanks to its unique charm.

Travels well with: Meredith Bates- Tesseract; Stranger Still- The Songs Which Are

Matt Von Roderick

Celestial Heart

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Celestial Heart

The esteemed trumpet player and singer Matt Von Roderick brings his creative jazz delivery to 7 songs that welcome Jim Keltner, Mike Valerio and Gil Goldstein.

“Fly Me To The Moon” opens the listen with Valerio’s precise bass plucking and Von Roderick’s playfully manipulated trumpet making for a very distinct atmosphere, and “Waking Up On Mars” follows with much attention to mood, where Keltner’s subdued drumming helps cultivate a setting of mystery.

Halfway through, “Crepuscule On Jupiter” uses plenty of playful percussive sounds amid the frisky drums and warm trumpet, while “Cantaloupe Island” enters dreamy territory that shimmers with both bare and busier moments of post-rock ideas.

The final piece, “I Fall In Love Too Easily”, radiates a rare intimacy, where Goldstein’s light keys accent the sublime demeanor of beauty thanks to the expressive singing.

A listen that’s part arrangements from the American Songbook, and part improvisation and spontaneous interaction, Von Roderick and company make for a striking, cinematic version of contemporary jazz that’s instantly mesmerizing.

Travels well with: Charles Lloyd- Vanished Gardens; Triio- Magnetic Dreaming

Bobby Kapp And Richard Sussman

Synergy

Tweed Boulevard, 2023

8/10

Listen to Synergy

The inimitable drummer Bobby Kapp finds himself in a septet, where Richard Sussman’s piano skills help make for plenty of post-bop fun.

The warm energy of “Tweed Boulevard” opens with Harvie S’ playfully plucked bass and Aaron Irwin’s animated clarinet emitting a timeless jazz climate, and “Infinite Mobility” follows with the cozy keys alongside Kapp’s agile drumming that cultivates a distinct melody.

The middle track belongs to “From My Heart”, as an indeed intimate demeanor unfolds with Zack Brock’s meticulous violin adding much beauty, while “Synergy” bops and shakes with a charming delivery from Abraham Burton’s animated sax.

“Whirling Dervish” and “Radioactive” exit the listen, where the former uses acrobatic keys and fluid drumming, and the latter is populated by vivid brass amid a dynamic and stylish rhythm section.

A listen that’s never short on creativity or solos, Kapp and company illuminate Sussman’s work with some exciting modern jazz.

Travels well with: Doug MacDonald Trio- Edwin Alley; Clifford Jordan- Drink Plenty Water

Technocats

The Music Of Gregg Hill

Cold Plunge, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Music Of Gregg Hill

An outfit from the East Lansing area of Michigan, the Technocats, i.e. Chris Glassman, Nathan Borton, Michael J. Reed, Xavier Davis and Javier Enrique, illuminate the work of Gregg Hill across these well adapted 10 pieces.

“Come On Down” gets the listen off to a lively start, where Glassman’s bright trombone complements Borton’s playful guitar lines, and “Eiden’s Bop” follows with a frisky presence thanks to Reed’s acrobatics drums amid the flowing brass.

The middle spot belongs to the melodic and warm “Inside Straight”, where Davis’ rich piano playing won’t go unnoticed, while “Loisiana” uses Enrigue’s bass strategically to accent the textured horn, guitar and keys for the album’s best.

Close to the end, “Sunny Daze” is especially intimate thanks to the cautious guitar, and “Thank You Notes” exits with each player's respective talents being showcased via the the dynamic and timeless jazz playing.

All the players here have ties to Michigan State University, and they bring a wealth of talent and experience to the swinging fun that you can’t help but enjoy.

Travels well with: Nic Vardanega- New Beginning; Randy Bernsen- Heart Mind And Soul

Eric Nachtrab

Bastard Ideals

Spiritual Slop, 2023

9/10

Listen to Bastard Ideals

A long running sideman, the bassist Eric Nachtrab is front and center here, where David Dunham, Galen Bundy and Sean Perlmutter are along for this very exploratory and adventurous version of modern jazz.

“Ask Questions” begins the listen with Nachtrab’s flowing bass alongside Dunham’s playful guitar playing and strong attention to atmosphere, and “Blemish” follows with a distinct intimacy that unfolds across 15+ minutes of dreamy tones that benefit from Bundy’s glowing synth.

“ADHD” occupies the middle spot, and highlights Perlmutter’s agile drumming acrobatics with more emphasis on rock ideas, while “Everywhere But Here” radiates a unique warmth thanks to the unpredictable guitar and charming keys.

“Unraveling” and “Song For Alyson” exit the listen, where the former emits a chilling cinematic quality thanks to the waves of synth and strategic drumming, and the latter is a cozy jazz display of pretty, rhythmic and dynamic musicianship.

An outstanding debut as leader, Nachtrab and company flirt with New Wave, prog-rock, post-rock and improv nods, where each song here finds its own unique place to reside, and it’s as original as it is memorable.

Travels well with: Dennis Mitcheltree- Nevermind The Circus; Blue Muse- It Never Entered My Mind

Trio Casals

A Grand Journey

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to A Grand Journey

The Trio Casals, i.e. Alexandr Kislitsyn (violin), Ovidiu Marinescu (cello) and Anna Kislitsyna (piano), bring their inimitable delivery to modern chambers pieces by Richard E Brown, Bruce. Babcock, Elizabeth Vercoe, André E. Godsey, John Summers and Brian Field, and it’s a technical, timeless and exciting body of work.

Babcock’s “Nevertheless” opens the listen with the rumbling keys amid the dynamic and exciting string interaction in the cinematic delivery, and “Sonatina for Cello and Piano”, by Brown, follows with a graceful beauty that flows with much attention to detail thanks to the warm melodies.

In the middle, Vercoe’s “Sonaria” is a solo cello piece that has the unpredictable strings emitting a charming beauty as well as quivering with mysteriousness, while Godsey’s “String Trio No. 1”, the album’s best selection, uses the strings and keys with very expressive, poetic gestures that tug on the heartstrings.

The final track, Fields’ “...and all that jazz...”, pairs the violin and cello in frisky, exciting and rhythmic ways that make for an all too soon exit, and an ideal way to finish the meticulous affair.

A listen that alternates between time honored classical bouts to jazz fueled rhythms and uses mixed meters and even bare, intimate moments, the Trio Casals never disappoint, and this body of work is no different.

Travels well with: Georgina Rossi- Chorinho; Meira Warshauer- Ocean Calling

Triio

Magnetic Dreaming

Elastic, 2023

8/10

Listen to Magnetic Dreaming

This 3rd release from the Toronto outfit Triio, which is spearheaded by Alex Fournier’s double bass and creative jazz vision, brings experimental ideas and strong attention to grooves that won’t go unnoticed across the 6 distinct tracks.

“Prelude Seven Hundred Steps Descending To The Gates Of Magnetic Sleep” opens the listen with plenty of brief ambience before “Basalt Pillars And The Field Outside The Ferrimagnetic Order” bursts into free jazz exploration thanks to Bea Labikova’s wild sax prowess and Michael Davidson’s bright vibes.

Halfway through, “The Dance That Wrought The Faciality Of The Lower Metaphysicians” focuses much on Stefan Hegerat’s playful percussive ideas amid Naomi McCarroll-Butler’s well timed sax in the more reserved climate, while “Fires Of The Icy Desert Plateau Of Terrella” drones with a charming mysteriousness that benefits from the dreamy vibes.

“Atop The Onyx Tower; Plumbing The Sentient Field” exits the listen with a chilling cinematic appeal that uses the drums, brass, bass and Tom Fleming’s subdued guitar for the rich and textured finish.

A highly unclassifiable listen that is both creative and inventive, Triio make for an atypical jazz experience that is short supply these days.

Travels well with: Triio- Six-ish Plateaus; Jacob Chung- Epistle

Various Artists

Voices Of Earth And Air Vol V: New Vocal Works

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Voices Of Earth And Air Vol V: New Vocal Works

Six modern composers from around the globe present us diverse vocal pieces that comes with power storytelling and both bare and full moments of timeless song craft across this 5th installment of the Voices Of Earth And Air series.

“Friendship Song”, by Bruce Lazarus, opens the listen with Aliana de la Guardia’s mezzo-soprano and Karolina Rojahn’s piano making for a very intimate and expressive lead off, and Beth Wiemann’a “Young Charlotte” follows with Guardia’s vocal acrobatics amid Yoko Hagino’s unpredictable piano for the vivid storytelling and bright instrumentation.

The middle tracks belong to L Peter Deutsch, where “The Dimensions of Love” hosts Vox Futura and Andrew Shenton’s conducting skills for the harmonic gestures, while “A Bird Came Down the Walk”, by Anthony Wilson, makes great use of Alexis Peart’s mezzo-soprano and Hagino’s piano for the upbeat, melodic album highlight.

Close to the end, Martha Hill Duncan’s “Saskatchewan Songs Excerpts” showcases fluid and stirring interaction between Guardia’s mezzo-soprano and Hagino’s graceful piano, and “Litany”, by Arthur Gottschalk, meshes The Prairie View A&M Concert Choir, John Cornelius’ piano, and the Axiom String Quartet for a busy and precisely textured finish.

A listen that spans balladry to choral arrangements and can even soar with bursts of triumphant songwriting, each track here radiates in its own light.

Travels well with: Georgina Rossi/Silvie Cheng- Chorinho; Meira Warshauer- Ocean Calling

Tobie Medland

The Aviary

Future Fable, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Aviary

A driving force in the UK gypsy jazz scene, the violinist and composer Tobie Medland pens an avant-garde listen that brings Tom Smith, Sam Leak, Kit Massey, Helen Sanders-Hewitt, Bim Williams, Shirley Smart, Sol Grimshaw and Marcus Penrose to the unpredictable and modern formula.

“The Aviary Part 1” begins the listen with warm keys from Leak, before stirring strings enter the pensive and eloquent climate, and “Murmuration” follows with a fuller presence that benefits from Grimshaw’s animated guitar and Penrose’s lively double bass for the rock focused delivery.

Halfway through, “Del Sasser” showcases Smart’s cello acrobatics with much melody and playfulness, while “Django” is quite intimate and poetic before building into a rhythmic and dance floor ready album highlight.

The last piece, “The Aviary Parts 2 & 3”, leads bare but is quite busy soon after, and is populated by Smith’s clarinet and strings that can be frisky, just as they can quiver with emotion.

Though they were a quartet in the past, these days the band consists of some of the UK’s brightest players, and its makes for a complicated, stylish and atypical version of jazz.

Travels well with: Paulo Almeida- Oferenda; Tigeroak- Living And Living

Maddie Vogler

While We Have Time

Origin, 2023

8/10

Listen to While We Have Time

The alto-sax player, composer and educator Maddie Vogler brings us on an adventure through the subtle beauty of everyday life, and the Chicago resident brings along Tito Carrillo, Matt Gold, Jake Shapiro, Samuel Peters and Neil Hemphill for the 9 originals.

“The Need To Be” opens the listen with flowing brass, Shapiro’s agile keys and Hemphill’s skilled drums for the warm jazz climate, and “Corridors” follows with a calmer presence that uses Sam Peters’ cozy bass superbly amid the soulful sax playing.

Further along, the rich “Industrielle” spotlights Carrillo’s radiant trumpet that helps make this the album’s best, while “Between Wakefulness And Sleep” allows Gold’s spirited guitar to complement the lush and dreamy delivery.

Close to the end, “Sunday Colors” focuses much on the cautious piano playing alongside the soft drums, and “Check Engine Light” exits the listen with a very collaborative and dynamic finish.

A listen to surrounds her Cuban roots, Vogler’s got a knack for storytelling, and her rhythmic and soulful approach to modern jazz is certainly appreciated.

Travels well with: Ted Piltzecker- Vibes On A Breath; Matt Otto- Umbra

Wet Ink Large Ensemble

Missing Scenes

Carrier, 2023

8/10

Listen to Missing Scenes

A highly unique oufit who bridge classical and electronic ideas into a blur of precise noise, the 3 pieces here are penned by the core members of Wet Ink Large Ensemble, i.e. Alex Mincek, Sam Pluta, and Kate Soper, and there’s plenty of other players present, too.

Pluta’s “Actuate/Resonate” gets the listen off to a glitchy, ominous start, where a calm mysteriousness is present alongside plenty of strategic bursts thanks to Jacqui Kerrod’s harp and Julia den Boer’s piano that complements Pluta’s electronics.

“point, point, point, point” follows, and spends 20+ minutes mesmerizing us with its cinematic qualities that use Emmalie Tello’s bass clarinet, Nanci Belmont’s bassoon and Michael Clayville’s trombone in exciting and unpredictable ways that are both busy and bare in Mincek’s vision.

The title track exits the listen, where Soper’s bright spoken word and soaring singing guides Erin Lesser’s flute, Rane Moore’s clarinet and Mariel Roberts’ cello across the 3 chapters that can be tense, melodic and sometimes dense in texture.

Certainly one of the most atypical ensembles in New York City, this is Wet Ink Large Ensemble’s 3rd album, where influence from text by Henry James and several Greek playwrights is met with abstract and operatic ideas that hold much intrigue.

Travels well with: Josh Modney- Near To Each; Loadbang- Quiver

Mike Thomas

Diamonds

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Diamonds

The rising country/Americana artist Mike Thomas had big dreams when he moved to Nashville many years ago, but that turned into a decade long break from songwriting. His interest in music never waned, though, and a return to playing live started in 2017 brings us to this sophomore album that is a personal and diverse effort which recruits some excellent players.

“Room On The Dance Floor” opens the listen with expressive singing and warm guitar from Thomas, as Mark Huhta’s gorgeous pedal steel adds much to the melodic climate, and “In Your Arms Again” follows with a big, lush appeal that welcomes David Colella’s crisp drums to the punchy delivery.

In the middle, the intimate demeanor of “When The House Is Flush” benefits much from Tres Sasser’s skilled bass and the poetic singing, while the rockin’ “Tryin’ Ain’t Enough” is flawless country rock that makes great use of Donald Bright’s electric guitar.

“Daddy’s Blue Collar” lands near the end and shuffles with a dance floor ready spirit that employs Tania Elizabeth’s fiddle superbly, and “Out Back” exits with a dreamy vision of timeless country sounds that showcases Thomas’ inviting voice and breezy songwriting.

Thomas takes influences from names like Prine, Dylan and Haggard, and his thoughtful and sincere songwriting certainly runs parallel to those legends. Though he never saw his ‘big break’ in the early 2000’s, he’s making some great modern Americana now, and we’re all better off for it.

Travels well with: Scott Clay- Let It All Lay Bare; Julian Taylor- Beyond The Reservoir

Larry Wolf With Four Cats & A Canary

Mood Swings

Whole Big, 2019

8/10

Listen to Mood Swings

A longtime character actor and singer, this debut from Larry Wolf has the jazz enthusiast using his expressive baritone to guide us through reworkings of some of his favorite tunes alongside his esteemed Los Angeles band.

“Blue Skies” starts the album with upbeat and easy going jazz sounds and sublime clarinet playing, and this follows to the key heavy and emotive “Laura”, as well as the more rugged vocals and blues nods of “Make Me A Pallet On Your Floor”.

Near the middle, the more stripped back “Good Night Irene” recruits warm vocal harmonies and deft guitar work, while “Lucky Old Son” flows with a sage like quality and folk undertones in one of the album’s best.

Deeper cuts offer us a fun, harmonica friendly version of “You Are My Sunshine”, and the breezy melodies of “I’ll Be Seeing You”. The album exits on “Twinkle”, another traditional that the ensemble reinvent in their creative, rich vision.

Formerly the frontman for The Electric Chair Rock Band, Wolf has had a lengthy and varied career, and here he proves his creative prowess is not declining one bit. At 14 tracks there’s much to absorb here, but there’s not a dud to be found as Wolf and company offer inimitable singing and versatile, moving instrumentation.

Travels well with: Tony Bennett- To My Wonderful One; Bing Crosby- That’s Jazz