Pokey Lafarge

Rhumba Country

New West, 2024

9/10

Listen to Rhumba Country

The inimitable artist Pokey LaFarge has seen the highs and lows during his colorful career, and here he focuses on joy for 10 new songs that welcome a large cast to his nostalgic and playful formula.

“One You, One Me” starts the listen with warm keys and playful drums, where LaFarge’s raw vocals and Elliot Bergman’s well timed mellotron make an impression, and “For A Night” follows with a frisky spirit, as Hank Mehren’s skilled organ and Jonny Flaugher’s plucked bass are infectious.

Landing in the middle, “Sister Andre” is a soulful moment, where contributions on electric guitar from Chris Seefried help cultivate a harmonic album highlight, while “So Long Chicago” carries a retro appeal that benefits much from Erik Miron’s electric guitar and much rhythm.

Closer to the end, “Home Home Home” places Alex Hall on drums, Beau Sample on upright bass and Scott Ligon on electric guitar, which suits Casey McDonough’s harmony vocals via the gentle mood, and “You Make My Garden Grow” exits with a country demeanor that’s eloquent, touching and clearly shows LaFarge at a good place in his life.

Somewhere between folk, country, swing, jazz, rockabilly and rumba, LaFarge is always unpredictable and exceptional, and now married and a working on a farm has allowed his songwriting to enter new areas that we will all enjoy.

Travels well with: Pernice Brothers- Who Will You Believe; The Nude Party- Rides On

Juan Megna Group

Mariwô

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Mariwô

The D.C. drummer/percussionist Juan Megna is well versed in many ideas, and here along with Shawn Purcell, Tedd Baker, José Luiz Martins and Leonardo Lucini, as well as a couple of guests, he brings plenty of rhythm to the 7 songs.

The title track starts the listen with Martins’ rumbling keys and Baker’s soulful sax, before guest David Sacks contributes trombone to the dynamic and animated climate, and “Paô” follows with plenty of cultured rhythm, where Megna’s drumming acrobatics shine amid the strategic bass from Lucini.

Further along, the mesmerizing “Si Estuvieras” emits intimate keys and well timed bandoneón from Emmanuel Trifílio for the gripping album highlight, while “Amarelinha” carries a a brighter mood thanks to Purcell’s luminous guitar and Megna’s upbeat drumming.

Close to the end, “Coisa No2”, the only selection with vocals, recruits Alisson Crockett’s playful scatting via a dreamy delivery, and “The Owl Look” exits with a collaborative spirit that’s both cautious and adventurous

A diverse affair that shifts around Afro-Brazilian genres, jazz, and chacareras, to name a few, this is Megna’s first album of mostly originals, and it makes for a worldly and exciting body of work.

Travels well with: Miguel Espinoza Fusion- Gabriella; Shawn Purcell- 180

Sergio Pereira

Bossa+

Tiger Turn, 2024

9/10

Listen to Bossa+

The Brazil native Sergio Pereira has a long history with music that goes back to age 8 and playing guitar. After moving to New York much later, he immersed himself in jazz and in the ‘90s he made a global impression with his flourishing skills, and that developing period is very much present across these rich and sonically exciting 7 tracks.

The title track starts the listen with Ariel Ramirez’s fluid bass alongside Pereira’s flowing guitar and Chipi Chacon’s soulful trumpet, and “Sea Of Love” follows with Luis Guerra’s dreamy keys that suit Pereira’s intimate singing in the warm and pretty climate.

Moving into the middle, “One For Pat” welcomes Ivan ‘Melon’ Lewis’ agile keys and Jose San Martin’s crisp drumming that complements the cozy scatting, while “Saudades” carries plenty of rhythm via the meticulous guitar and eloquent rhythm section.

“There Will Never Be Another You” exits, and it’s a scrappy and lively finish, where plenty of dance floor appeal radiates from the tremendous chemistry and grace.

The tracks here were recorded live and the spontaneity and energy it captures is infectious, as Pereira and company flesh out samba and jazz you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Omer Leshem- Play Space; Ian Wardenski Quartet- Unfoldings

Little Richard

Right Now!

Omnivore, 2024

9/10

Listen to Right Now!

Originally released in 1974, Right Now! was rumored to exist purely for the band to make some money before a tour, where the 8 tracks were fleshed out in one night and have become one of Richard’s most mysterious albums.

The rowdy keys and signature vocals of “In The Name” opens the listen with plenty of energy, where bright brass matches Richard’s pipes, and “Mississippi” follows with crisp drumming and plenty of grit that suits the rhythm and melody.

Halfway through, “Chain, Chain, Chain (Chain Of Fools)” is a scrappy moment that benefits from well timed female backing vocals, while “Gerald Jones” roars with intensity that meshes loud keys, animated brass and thumping drums with Richard’s inimitable howl.

Close to the end, “Chains Of Love” is a slow burner of sublime intimacy and meticulous instrumentation, and “Hot Nuts” exits with a raw and dynamic mashing of funk, blues, rock and soul that no one will ever parallel.

Restored and remastered, this gem returns after 50 years and for the first time on CD and digital, plus a sunflare colored vinyl release for Record Store Day. Also included is updated artwork and a new essay from Bill Dahl, and it makes for another imperative installment in Richard’s stellar catalog.

Travels well with: The Dave Clark Five- All The Hits; Lenny Williams- Chill

Rome 56

Paradise Is Free

Think Like A Key, 2024

8/10

Listen to Paradise Is Free

An outfit spearheaded by Arthur Lamonica (of the Shirts), along with Kathleen Lamonica, Edgar Goss and Derek Cheever, these 12 songs as Rome 56 mash pop, folk, psych and rock into a timeless formula.

“The Man Behind The Man With A Gun” opens with a breezy spirit, where soaring vocal harmonies give off a hint of Americana and with much melody, and “Hustle Of The Crowd” follows with Cheever’s dense bass amid a calm spirit of stylish folk-rock.

Moving into the middle, the intimate “At The End Of The Street” benefits from Goss’ subdued drums that suit Arthur’s soft singing, while “Invisible Man” flirts with classic rock nods that are complemented by cozy acoustic guitar and swirling electric guitar.

Close to the end, “The Midnight Sun” shimmers with a distinct dreaminess that’s heartfelt, and “Give Myself Up To You” exits with sophisticated keys and soulful backing vocals for the elegant finish.

If artists like Tom Petty, Teenage Fanclub or War On Drugs mean anything to you, Rome 56 will be easy on the ears and worth repeated spins.

Travels well with: The Tremeloes- Master; Ward White- Here Come The Dowsers!

Nicki Adams/Michael Eaton

The Transcendal

Steeplechase, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Transcendal

The pianist Nicki Adams and saxophonist Michael Eaton come together for these selections that honor the work of Coltrane, Hancock, Shorter, Monk, Hill and Hagans.

“Crying Out In The Wilderness” starts with Adams’ swift keys and Eaton’s sax acrobatics that meet at an exciting and unpredictable intersection, and “Intrinsic Value” follows with the soulful wind and meticulous keys that suit one another’s agile and flowing nature.

Further along, the mesmerizing spirit of “Black Narcissus” pairs the rich keys with cozy sax, while “Afro Centric” is both intimate and adventurous, where Eaton’s complicated progressions are particularly luminous.

Close to the end, the dizzying “Inner Urge” illustrates both player’s strong attention to detail and adaptability, and the title track exits with 6 chapters of sublime beauty and cautious interaction between the duo’s inimitable abilities.

A record that embraces minimal moments, harmonic color, and strong emphasis on meter and polyrhythmic ideas, Adams and Eaton make for a worldly and progressive jazz affair.

Travels well with: Michael O’Neill- Arrival; Tom Maor- Dunes

Kyshona

Legacy

Soundly, 2024

9/10

Listen to Legacy

The inimitable artist Kyshona pens an album inspired by ancestral history, family members and community, where a large cast of musicians are along for the 16 diverse tracks.

“Elephants” opens with a strong attention to mood, where Kyshona’s expressive voice is met with Rachael Moore’s drumming and synth adding much to the ambience, and it isn’t long until “Whispers In The Walls” benefits much from Ellen Angelico’s striking singing and Al Gamble’s well timed B3 for the rich and powerful climate.

Deeper still, “Always A Daughter” is vocally focused and incorporates Kristin Weber’s intimate violin, while “What’s In A Name” picks up the pace with rhythm and soul via Jackie Clark’s meticulous bass and fluid backing vocals.

Closer to the end, “Carolina” welcomes Keb Mo to the layered and animated album highlight that recruits guitars from Mo and Garry Goin, and “Covered” exits with Larissa Maestro’s eloquent cello that accents the gorgeous vocal harmonizing.

An exceptional effort that embraces blues, jazz, Americana, soul and R&B, Kyshona touches on the human experience with a profound beauty and warmth.

Travels well with: The Resonant Rogues- The Resonant Rogues; Wild Ponies- Dreamers

Judy Sings The Blues

Backstage Pass Live!!

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Backstage Pass Live!!

The esteemed vocalist Judy brings her blues prowess to a 3rd release, where these tracks were captured live and feature Lin Doughten, Jan Zukowski, Ray Lombardo and Brian Cunningham.

“Help Me” starts with Doughten’s sturdy guitar licks alongside Judy’s soulful and powerful pipes that welcome plenty of grooves, and “Tricks” follows with a calm pace that benefits from Lombardo’s reserved drumming that suits Judy’s expressive voice.

“47 Feet” arrives in the middle and is a crunchy rocker that makes great use of Cunningham’s bright sax amid the animated singing, while “Can’t Even Buy One” showcases Zukowski’s strategic bass that matches Judy’s impressive range with much melody.

Close to the end, the intimate “I Miss Your…” tugs on the heartstrings via the emotive singing, and “52 Years” exits with a bouncy and gritty blues rocker that illustrates a dynamic rhythm section and plenty of attention to detail.

Judy’s vocals possess a perfect amount of grace and ruggedness, and her band certainly do illuminate her timeless blues formula that will always be enjoyable.

Travels well with: Judy Sings The Blues- Come Over Here; Deb Ryder- Live And Havin’ Fun

Michael Cloud Duguay

Succeeder

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Succeeder

The Canadian singer, composer and producer Michael Cloud Duguay is never one to follow convention, and that theme continues across these 11 diverse tracks that welcome an army of musicians.

The pretty and dreamy “Introduction” starts the listen with wordless, soaring vocals amid waves of drums and keys, and Andrew Frost’s hazy pedal steel via “A Very Fine Start” follows with expressive vocals from Duguay and soulful sax thanks to Teilhard Frost.

Further along, “Emancipation!” makes great use of Jonas Bonnetta’s flowing voice and Erika Nininger’s mature piano, while the title track brings field recordings and spoken word courtesy of Lumina Beaucage-Frost for a very abstract album highlight.

Close to the end, “Crabtree” possesses much intimacy and poeticism for the stunning beauty, and “He/Hymn” recruits brass, Bertokia’s well timed organ and vivid storytelling for the heartfelt finish.

An effort that pulls from folk, roots, experimental and jazz, to name a few, fans of legends like Cowboy Junkies or Godspeed You! Black Emperor will appreciate Duguay’s iconoclastic vision.

Travels well with: Tim Brady- Imagine Many Guitars; Stefan Smulovitz- Bow & Brush

Michael O'Neill

Arrival

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Arrival

The studio guitar hero and film composer Michael O’Neill is in fine company for these adventurous jazz songs that flirt with the blues in exciting ways.

“Writ Of Habeus Corpuscle” opens the listen with O’Neill’s fluid guitar lines alongside Land Richards’ agile drumming, and “Smoke On The Water (And Beyond)” exits with John Leftwich’s animated bass that suits the grooves and cozy climate.

Halfway through, “Opposing Views” welcomes soulful singing amid Ronnie Foster’s meticulous organ, while “Yet Another Blues” uses O’Neill’s spirited guitar playing for an indeed bluesy landscape of warmth.

Residing close to the end, “Can’t Buy Me Love” is a frisky moment that makes great use of the stylish rhythm section for a fun take on a classic, and “Angles” exits with no lack of rhythm via the meticulous guitar progressions and a very rich, collaborative effort from the rest of the crew.

Lorie V. Moore and Sadie O'Neill’s powerful pipes are used flawlessly here, and Tom Keenlyside’s sparing but effective sax won’t go unnoticed either. Together with O’Neill’s 4+ decades of experience, they make for a timeless jazz and blues experience.

Travels well with: Tom Maor- Dunes; Brent Birckhead- Cacao

Jake Hertzog

Longing To Meet You

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Longing To Meet You

The inimitable guitartist Jake Hertzog brings along Matt Woroshyl, Perrin Grace and Joe Peri for these 9 adventurous jazz songs.

The title track opens with both elegance and dreaminess via Hertzog’s shimmering guitar and Peri’s diverse drumming, and “A Dream Fades Slowly” follows with Woroshyl’s well placed sax that suits the rich jazz formula.

Into the middle, “A Room With No Doors” carries a hint of ruggedness amid the meticulous instrumentation, while “Loss” benefits from intimacy thanks to the colorful guitar tone and strong attention to atmosphere.

“Whisper You” and “Arrival” exit the listen. The former carries a mesmerizing appeal thanks to the swirling guitar and soulful wind, and the latter is a textured and melodic album highlight.

All the songs here are originals, and they are executed with plenty of spirit and memorableness, as Hertzog and company don’t shy away from folk, classical and rock ideas, too.

Travels well with: Isrea Butler- Congo Lament; John Ambrosini- Songs For You

Isrea Butler

Congo Lament

Vegas, 2024

8/10

Listen to Congo Lament

The trombone extraordinaire Isrea Butler leads Douglas Lawrence, David Loeb, Steve Flora and Bob Chmel through 7 swingin’ tunes that we won’t soon forget.

The title track gets the listen off to a lively start, where Lawrence’s precise tenor sax complements Butler’s agile trombone for the rich climate, and “I.Q. Shuffle” follows with a bouncy mood, where Chmel’s lively drumming adds much playfulness.

“B.G.’s Groove” lands in the middle and indeed finds loads of grooves via the fluid brass, breezy wind and Flora’s strategic bass, while “Pennies From Heaven” carries plenty of rhythm thanks to the soulful sax and trombone.

“See See Rider” exits the listen, and it’s a calmer moment of light keys from Loeb and emotive, powerful trombone that suits the subdued instrumentation.

Butler has an impressive resume that includes being lead trombonist of the Count Basie Orchestra, plus also being a founding member of the Gateways Brass Collective, and he brings an impressive cast to this excellent debut that tips his hat to the legends J.J. Johnson and Bennie Green.

Travels well with: Radam Schwartz- Saxophone Quartet Music; Shawn Maxwell- J Town Suite

Karen Haglof

One Hand Up

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to One Hand Up

The esteemed guitarist and songwriter Karen Haglof returns with a 4th album, where 14 sonically fueled songs take help from Mario Viele and CP Roth, plus many guests.

The rhythmic and country-rock of the title track starts with Roth’s playful keys and plenty of backing vocals, and it isn’t long until the soulful ideas of “Bus Driver” brings both Haglof and Viele’s voices to the warm spirit.

Further along, “D.H.Y.B” recruits Paul Scher’s sax and Roddy Rodriguez’s vocals to the fuzzy version of alt-rock, while “B.Q.E” continues the abbreviations with a dreamy demeanor of melodic and lush rock.

Very close to the end, “Seaesaw Again” finds itself in intimate areas of exploration that are uniquely hazy, and “Rte 66 Revisited” exits with Crispin Cioe’s well timed sax and Jonathan Kane’s skilled drums for a mesmerizing and mysterious finish.

Haglof’s musical interests go way to Minneapolis during the era of The Replacements and Hüsker Dü, but she stepped way to become a doctor. Decades later, she picked up a guitar again, and now we’re treated to memorable riffs, drum looping, and jazz, prog and punk fueled ideas that few others could replicate.

Travels well with: Steve Dawson- Ghosts; Lynn Drury- High Tide

John Ambrosini

Songs For You

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Songs For You

The pianist and singer John Ambrosini tips his hat to the songwriters who inspired him, and he’s got an all star cast to help him flesh out the 10 familiar songs and 2 originals.

The fluid and warm spirit of “The Horses” starts with Ambrosini’s upbeat keys alongside David Binney’s well timed alto sax and Zachary Swanson’s meticulous bass, and it isn’t long until “High And Dry” benefits much from Matt Miller’s agile drumming and David Phelps dreamy guitar for the incredible interpretation of the Radiohead classic.

Deeper into the listen, William Gallson’s glowing harmonica adds much to the rhythmic “Pretzel Logic”, while “Lover”, an original, invites Randy Brecker on trumpet for the dynamic and careful album highlight.

Approaching the end, “New York State Of Mind” retains all the beauty of the original with Joel Frahm’s tenor sax complementing the lush delivery, and “The Long And Winding Road” exits with the cozy keys, proficient winds and flowing rhythm section creating a very breezy and timeless finish.

The interpretations here are fantastic, and the originals aren’t anything to spit at, either. Ambrosini certainly knows his way around a jazz tune you won’t soon forget, and the grooves, solos and melodies are top notch.

Travels well with: Steve Smith- New Perspective; The Bruce Lofgren Group- Earthly And Cosmic Tales

Habibi

Dreamachine

Kill Rock Stars, 2024

8/10

Listen to Dreamachine

A meticulous 3rd album from New York’s Habibi, the 9 tracks present swirl with analog and digital components that extract from their garage-rock roots and expands into many other other genres, too.

“On The Road” starts the listen with Yukary Morishima’s skilled bass and a slight droning that’s mesmerizing and melodic, and “In My Dreams” follows with an indeed dreamy spirit, where the swirling synth is met with Lyla Vander’s thumping drums.

Into the middle, “Do You Want Me Now” buzzes with plenty of ‘60s girl group ideas amid the distorted guitar from Ana Becker, while “My Moon” makes great use of vibraphone that segues into soulful areas via a rich landscape.

Deeper still, “Fairweather Friend” allows front woman Rahill Jamalifard’s bright voice to shine alongside the frisky and post-punk friendly ideas, and “Alone Tonight” exits with thick bass and thumping drums that suit the vintage nods that even embraces brass.

Now active for nearly 15 years, Jamalifard and Lenny Lynch started the band in Detroit and their adventurous take on ‘60s girl group pop is constantly evolving; this just might be their best work yet.

Travels well with: Sneaks- Happy Birthday; Rich Ruth- Water Still Flows

Seth Lee Jones

Tulsa Custom

Horton, 2024

9/10

Listen to Tulsa Custom

The blues/roots guitarist Seth Lee Jones relies on his Oklahoma roots for these 10 memorable songs, where Bo Hallford, Matt Teegarden, Chebon Tiger and David Teegarden, Sr are along for the sophomore album.

The spirited and dense “110” starts the listen with Teegarden’s thick drums complementing Jones’ guitar shredding for the raw opener, and “All I Ask” follows with Hallford’s animated bass lines that suit the crisp drums and gritty singing of the rugged climate.

Halfway through, Tiger’s soaring harmonica adds much to the dynamic delivery of “Good Dog”, while “Outta My Mind” places Teegarden on tambourine for plenty of melody and emotion for the album’s best.

Close to the end, “Walter” benefits much from Teegarden’s shaker prowess amid the meticulous guitar and thriving blues, and “Don’t Waste A Thing” exits with intimacy and beauty from Jones’ heartfelt and genuine formula of timelessness.

Jones doesn't stray far from his humble roots, thankfully, and the funk and boogie nods sure are appreciated across this top notch blues affair.

Travels well with: Zac Harmon- Floreada’s Boy; Chris Badnews Barnes- Badnews Travels Fast

Various Artists

Protest, A Revolutionary Rock Opus

Buffalo Gal, 2024

9/10

Listen to Protest, A Revolutionary Rock Opus

An effort that pays tribute to the Women Activists who have made a dent in their communities, politics and world, the protest songs here span a wide variety of socio-political topics and are fleshed out by 15 different songwriters and musicians.

Barbara Cohen’s “Together, We Won’t Fall” opens the listen with fluid keys and plenty of eloquent singing that emit much soul, and “I Saw Vietnan” follows with thumping drums and no lack of ruggedness, where Kat Perkins and Eric Warner make for some sturdy rock.

Further along, “We Are One” lands in folk territory thanks to Timothy Levy’s vision that pairs cozy acoustic guitar with Ashley DuBose’s powerful voice, while “How Dare You” allows Linnea Mohn’s stunning voice to shine amid electronica and swirling keys for much intrigue.

Deeper still, the many voices of “March Like A Girl” welcomes fiddle for a harmonic landscape, and “Voice Of The People” exits with DuBose and Ben Obi’s vision making for rhythmic and important wordplay about plight of the oppressed.

A listen that was inspired by George Floyd’s murder, the variety of sounds and textures here ensures something for everyone, though the lyrical themes of Black Lives Matter, Climate Change, voting rights, immigrant rights and gun violence, among others, is universally important during these difficult times.

Travels well with: Splash!- Breaking The Dam; Dilly Dalley Alley- Make You Whole

Hans Halstead

Minnesota Girl

Self-Release, 2024

9/10

Listen to Minnesota Girl

The renaissance man and Duluth, Minnesota resident Hans Halstead may have cut his teeth in classical music, but these days his songs sit closer to rootsy areas, as evidenced by the 2 well thought out tracks here.

The cozy spirit of “Better In Your Arms” starts the listen with Joe Savage’s pedal steel and Noah Levy’s fluid drums making for a rich and hazy version of Americana that’s harmonic and melodic.

The back half consists of “Minnesota Girl”, where a heartfelt delivery emits much warmth via Halstead’s emotive singing and guitar, not to mention Scottie Miller’s well timed keys.

An artist who seems wiser than his years, Halstead’s formula might draw comparisons to Bob Dylan and Tom Petty, and these 2 songs are a strong introduction to a voice we’ll be hearing much more about in the future.

Travels well with: George Marinelli- Except Always; Morningbird- Echoes In The Meadow

Kaia Kater

Strange Medicine

Free Dirt, 2024

8/10

Listen to Strange Medicine

The Canadian vocalist Kaia Kater is in fine company here, where guest vocalists Aoife O’Donovan, Allison Russell and Taj Mahal, plus others, are along for these 10 folk spirited songs.

“The Witch” starts the listen with O’Donovan’s expressive pipes and Phil Melanson’s skilled drumming that suits the strong attention to atmosphere and jazz ideas, and “Maker Taker” follows with Kater’s soft banjo alongside poetic singing.

“The Internet” lands in the middle, and is a mesmerizing and dreamy moment of sublime folk songwriting, while “Fédon” uses Rob Moose’s strings and Mahal’s inimitable pipes for the cultured and rich album highlight.

“History In Motion” and “Tigers” exit the listen. The former blends the distinct banjo with Kater’s gorgeous pipes, and the latter finishes with stirring strings and a soft demeanor of tremendous beauty.

A powerful and sometimes haunting affair, Kater’s vision is one of lush and diverse sensibilities, where each track carves out a unique and memorable place to reside.

Travels well with: Chris Pierce- Let All Who Will; Cinder Well- Cadence

Blueridge Mountain Bluegrass Band

Leaving On A Jet Plane

Country Rewind, 2019

8/10

Listen to Leaving On A Jet Plane

Created by seasoned veteran guitarist John Kribbs with the vision of birthing the ultimate bluegrass album, these 15 meticulously crafted tunes sure do make a valiant run at that goal.

“Adrenaline Hayride” starts the album with lightning quick instrumental banjo acrobatics, and the title track follows with warm, soothing vocals on a cautious tune with much rural melody on the classic.

Elsewhere, “Bartender’s Blues” does recruit a blues spirit on the spirited ballad, while “Dixie Hoedown” will get any fan of bluegrass looking for the nearest dance partner with its swift, intricate musicianship.

Deeper cuts include beautiful interplay of “Foggy Mountain Breakdown”, and the sublime vocal melodies of “More Pretty Girls Than One”. “Salt Creek” ends the listen with gorgeous picking and upbeat playfulness on the ideal exit to an accomplished batch of songs.

Kribbs has an all star cast with him on this record, and together the ensemble breathe new life into these timeless tunes that will fit quite well in the collection of any bluegrass fan.

Travels well with: Williamson Branch- Free; Carolina Blue-I Hear Bluegrass Calling Me