Rose Wollman

Breaking Glass Ceilings

SBOV, 2024

9/10

Listen to Breaking Glass Ceilings

The violist Rose Wollman and pianist Dror Baitel bring us a body of work that explores the minds of the female composers Florence Price, Libby Larsen, Rebecca Clarke and Amy Beach.

Price’s “Elfentanz” starts with the dancing keys and intimate viola making for both intimate and playful gestures, and Larsen’s “Viola Sonata” follows with the meticulous piano and string acrobatics emitting a dizzying climate.

“Sonata For Viola And Piano”, by Clarke, arrives on the back half and it’s a rich and unpredictable album highlight that is both quick and soft in its detailed 3 chapters, while Beach’s “La Captive, Op 40 No. 1” exits with so much sophistication and eloquence from the captivating interaction between the duo.

An effort that’s not short on passion or spiritual melodies, the selections pay homage to legacy of these trailblazing women, and it’s executed flawlessly.

Travels well with: Trendafilka- For The Olives; Steven Keene- This World Is Your World

Miró Quartet

Home

Pentatone, 2024

9/10

Listen to Home

The Texas based quartet Miró Quartet are celebrating 30 years together now, and this recent album explores relationships with living composers as well as exploring and documenting the core repertoire of American string quartet music.

“Home” starts the listen with Daniel Ching’s and William Fedkenheuer’s cautious violins interacting with much grace and beauty, and “Quartet No. 1” follows with a sublime mood that tugs on the heartstrings via John Largess’ intricate viola that adds much intimacy.

Halfway through, “Microfictions” blends the stirring strings with adventurousness, too, while “String Quartet In B Minor, Op. 11” showcases Joshua Gindele’s meticulous cello amid the rich strings.

The final track, “Over The Rainbow”, then recruits a very distinct and flowing melody that emits plenty of sophistication and timelessness as Miró Quartet rewrite a classic.

Undoubtedly one of the finest modern string quartets that exists today, every moment here is precise, touching and memorable.

Travels well with: Orion Weiss- Arc III: Brahms, Schubert, Debussy, Dohnányl, Ligeti, Taima; Steven Mackey- Memoir

Laurie Berkner

Victor Vito

Kidz Bop, 2024

9/10

Listen to Victor Vito

The queen of kindie-rock, Laurie Berkner is celebrating 25 years of her classic album, Victor Vito, with this remastered, 25th anniversary special edition that the entire family will enjoy.

The title track opens with upbeat acoustic guitar and playful hand clapping, where plenty of voices harmonize with Berkner, and it isn’t long until “Moon Moon Moon” relies much on Berkner’s pretty voice for the A cappella delivery.

Deeper into the listen, “The Crabs” uses both talking and singing for the fun dialogue, while “Fruit Salad Salsa” is percussively strong, where plenty of rhythm enters the infectious landscape.

Further still, the soaring vocals of the uplifting “Tingolayo” welcomes well timed piano and quick bouts for the cultured album highlight, and “Goodnight” exits with calm, intimate acoustic guitar and plenty of soothing singing.

A sing-along album for any age, if there was any question about Berkner’s songs aging gracefully, well, these songs are further proof that she’s been penning some of the most relevant and memorable family music for decades.

Travel well with: Laurie Berkner- Buzz Buzz; Wendy And DB- Back Home

Kenny Reichert

Switch

Calligram, 2024

8/10

Listen to Switch

The guitarist and composer Kenny Reichert brings along Ethan Philion, Devin Drobka, Lenard Simpson and guest Alyssa Allgood and Geof Bradfield to these 9 modern jazz tracks.

“Switch” starts the listen with Philion’s stylish bass amid Reichert’s spirited guitar progressions for the smooth climate, and “Pivot” follows with Simpson’s animated sax alongside the subtle drumming from Drobka of the minimal landscape.

Moving along, “Acquaintance” showcases mesmerizing guitar that cultivates a distinct dreaminess and incorporates Allgood’s wordless vocals, while “Cherry” allows Bradfield’s stunning tenor sax to guide the grace and beauty.

“Shadows” arrives near the end, and it places Bradfield on bass clarinet that suits Allgood’s poetic pipes, and the aptly titled “Farewell” finishes with soft wind, brushed drums and touching guitar lines that make an indelible impression.

A record with plenty of detailed melodies, well timed solos and ethereal guitar playing, Reichert presents a colorful and groove filled experience.

Travels well with: Rob Parton’s Ensemble 9+- Relentless; Neal Alger- Old Souls

Rob Parton's Ensemble 9+

Relentless

Calligram, 2024

9/10

Listen to Relentless

The trumpet wizard Rob Parton has made quite a name for himself in the Chicago scene, and here with a large cast he fleshes out all new, commissioned songs that span plenty of textures.

“Open For Business” starts with vibrant horns and a lively rhythm section, where Brad Leali’s alto sax and Fred Sander’s keys make an impression, and “Straight Life” follows with José Aponte’s animated percussion and Parton and Chris Van Leeuwen’s trumpets radiating much grace.

“Ray’s Idea” lands in the middle, and it bops and shakes with an infectious energy via Steve Barnes’ drums and DJ Rice’s precise trombone, while “Shorter Images” carries a rare intimacy thanks to Lynn Seaton’s well timed bass.

Close to the end, “Ping Pong”, the best track, allows for Rylan Villarreal’s bari sax to complement Parton’s trumpet prowess, and “No Response” exits with a lively demeanor that’s full of timeless jazz fun and Shelley Carrol’s tenor sax skills.

A superb effort that mixes blues, jazz, swing and Big Band ideas, every tune here warrants repeated listens.

Travels well with: Neal Alger- Old Souls; Alex Beltran- rift

Jesse Daniel

Countin’ The Miles

Lightning Rod, 2024

10/10

Listen to Countin’ The Miles

The honky tonk luminary Jesse Daniel pens a 4th studio album, where plenty of twang, heartfelt pedal steel and even punk spirited moments populate the 11 well crafted tunes.

“Comin’ Apart At The Seams” starts the listen with Gene Elders’ fluid fiddle that suits the thumping drums and Daniel’s frisky guitar and melodic pipes, and “That’s My Kind Of Country” follows with Jason Roberts handling fiddle amid the rhythmic mood and dance floor ready appeal.

Further along, “Restless” is a more intimate moment that tugs on the heartstrings with glowing pedal steel from Caleb Melo, while “When Your Tomorrow’s In The Past” welcomes Jodi Lyford’s pretty pipes complementing the dreamy delivery.

Close to the end, “Tomorrow’s Good Ol’ Days” features Ben Haggard’s sturdy voice amid Ted Roddy’s radiant harmonica, and “Cut Me Loose” exits with a swift and dynamic rural rocker that showcases Kris Schoen’s drumming acrobatics and plenty of meticulous guitar progressions.

Daniel has lived a colorful life that includes playing in punk bands and trouble with the law. These days he calls Austin home, and each record he releases expands on the greatness of his craft even further. such as this honky tonk masterpiece.

Travels well with: Pernice Brothers- Who Will You Believe; The Bad Ends- The Power And The Glory

The Old Beef Stringband

Ride Home

Nova Scotia, 2024

8/10

Listen to Ride Home

An old time trio based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, The Old Beef Stringband bring their vintage, bluegrass and country blues to these very fun 5 songs.

“Ride Home” opens with Ellen Kearney’s warm guitar and Dane George’s flowing mandolin in the breezy and melodic climate, and “Cynthia” follows with Amy Lounder’s fiddle acrobatics that guide the mountain-esque sounds of the uplifting instrumental.

In the middle, “Hot Sausage Mama” recruits Jude Pelley’s strategic bass for the playful delivery that’s got plenty of nostalgia, while “Gospel Plough” places Pelley on vocal via the meticulous and vocally harmonic traditional.

At the end, the swift picking of “The Love You Give” makes for a heartfelt and tuneful finish that embraces gorgeous singing and charming string interaction.

Kearney and Lounder both sing on the EP, and their pipes are infectious and gripping. The musicianship is top notch as well, and fans old time sounds won’t be disappointed.

Travels well with: Birds Of Play- Birdsongs Of The American West; Ellen Gibling- The Bend In The Light

Joe Grushecky And The Houserockers

Can’t Outrun A Memory

Omnivore, 2024

9/10

Listen to Can’t Outrun A Memory

The Pittsburgh legend Joe Grushecky returns with his first new work in 7 years, where 17 sincere tracks continue his timeless, heartland rock formula.

“This Is Who We Are” starts with loud guitars, flowing drums and Grushecky’s distinct pipes for an anthemic presence, and “Here In ‘68” follows with warm acoustic guitar, before the thumping rhythm section enters the spoken versus singing.

Further along, the swirling guitar of “Sleeping Dog” invites a more intimate moment thanks to Jeffrey Simmons’ agile drumming and Grushecky’s grit, while “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” is a lively rocker that benefits much from Jamie Peck’s well timed horns and Jeff Garrison’s firm bass.

The end of the formal disc is where “Can’t Outrun A Memory (Coda)” is full of soft beauty that uses poetic singing and grace, and, of the bonus tracks, the acoustic version of “Living In Coal Country” pairs spirited harmonica and gentle acoustic guitar with Grushecky’s touching pipes.

An excellent return that results in a great Animals cover and plenty of nods to Springsteen, Grushecky and company pen an album that will be forever timeless.

Travels well with: Joe Grushecky- Houserocker: A Joe Grushecky Anthology; Martin Zellar- Head West

The Gringo Pistoleros

The Rise And… Subsequent Fall Of The Texas Alien

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Rise And… Subsequent Fall Of The Texas Alien

An outfit spearheaded by Cory Grinder and Lazarus Nichols that began during the lockdowns, The Gringo Pistoleros have also added Bee Roberts, Alexander Buchanon and Stephen ‘Tebbs’ Kearney to their line up, and they present us with 10 honk tonk and swingin’ fueled songs.

“That’s How I Got To Memphis” opens the listen with warm guitar and gorgeous pedal steel for an eloquent version of Americana, and “One Step Further” follows with some honky tonk spirit thanks to the meticulous guitar and frisky drumming.

Halfway through, “I Still Can Remember When” benefits from spirited guitar and a hint of ruggedness that touches on classic country nods, while “High Mileage Heart” is a scrappy and poetic moment of dreamy guitar, frisky drums and playful keys.

Close to the end, the gritty singing of “The Cat Came Back” welcomes well timed brass amid the hints of jazz, and “Dire Wolf” exits with a dance floor rhythm that’s got plenty of rural charm to it.

A body of work that seems tailor made for Texas dance halls, The Gringo Pistoleros make every tune here a rootsy, dusty and country fueled good time.

Travels well with: Tristan Israel Band- Snake Hollow; Dana Cooper- The Ghost Of Tucumcari

Ryan David Green

Off And Running

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Off And Running

The multi-instrumentalist Ryan David Green brings his powerful and inspirational craft to these 11 detailed songs that welcome Jordan Perlson, Kaitlyn Raitz, Ben Plotnick and Abbie Gardner

“The Journey” starts the listen with dreamy guitar, as Perlson’s very capable drumming complements the thoughtful mood, and “Afterlife” follows with much grace, where melodic progressions on guitar are met with bright singing, too.

The title track arrives in the middle, and it’s an expressive and sturdy folk tune, while the swirling guitar progressions of “Song For Beth” tug on the heartstrings with adventurousness and warmth.

Further still, “I Fell” allows for Plotnick’s gorgeous strings to add even more sophistication to the lovely climate, and “Was It Always Like This?” exits with soft and introspective songwriting that uses Green’s keys in elegant and cautious ways.

Green might best be known as half of the duo Ryanhood, and his fingerstyle playing and stirring balladry makes these 8 instrumentals and 3 vocal selections particularly sincere and memorable.

Travels well with: John Shipe- Water This Dark; Heather Little- By Now

The Hollywood Stars

Starstruck

Rum Bar, 2024

10/10

Listen to Starstruck

An outfit who made quite a dent in the ‘70s, The Hollyward Stars treat us to their first album of new material in over 4 decades, where Scott Phares, Terry Rae, Michael Rummans, Jeff Jourard and George Keller flesh out garage rock and punk fueled tunes.

The slight jangle of “Can’t Do It Right” opens with Phares’ soaring pipes amid Rae’s crisp drumming for the instant sing-along, while “Taxi Drummer” thumps with hand clapping fun that brings grit and melody to some proto-punk ideas.

Moving deeper into the 15 tracks, “This Merry-Go-Round” benefits much from Rummans’ meticulous bass via the more cautious moment, while the driving guitars of “Sleeping Giant” welcome big riffs and shouted vocals for an anthemic album highlight.

Further still, the rugged “Shortage Of Love” is quite emotive and by far the longest song, thought it doesn’t out welcome its stay, and the extended version of “Revenge” exits with drumming acrobatics, bouncy bass and raw guitar work thanks to Jourard and Keller for the thick and energetic finish.

The history of The Hollywood Stars is significant; they toured with The Kinks and played alongside New York Dolls and Ramones in the ‘70s. Though they disbanded in 1978, they reformed in 2018 for a benefit that set the wheels in motion for this comeback album that serves their legacy well.

Travels well with: Ellen Foley- Fighting Words; Tenant From Zero- Flight

M Wagner

We Could Stay

Extremely Pure, 2024

8/10

Listen to We Could Stay

The Brooklyn artist Matthew Wagner bases his work in electronica, where European ideas enter the glacial, rich and rhythmic textures of this first LP.

“Release Yrself” opens with a dense mood, where mystery and buzzing unfold with a thriving energy, and “We Could Stay” follows with a firm beat and plenty of electronic gestures that are suited for the dance floor.

Further along, “Never Gone” emits a flowing melody amid the mesmerizing dynamics, while “Rome Generator” floats with a dream like haze of soft and intimate songwriting.

Deeper still, “Thanks For Listening” is a busy and quick 4 minutes of firm and meticulous ideas, and “Maybe Plastic Was Our Purpose” exits with ambient keys that fade out in a warm and cryptic fashion.

If names like The Field, Wolfgang Voigt or Vladislav Delay mean anything to you, Wagner’s laptop wizardry will definitely appeal to you, as he turns in an exceptional debut album.

Travels well with: Grandbrothers- Late Reflections; Orions Belte- Box Set

Shaina Hayes

Kindergarten Heart

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Kindergarten Heart

The Montreal resident and singer songwriter Shaina Hayes brings her guitar playing and expressive singing to these 10 songs that welcome some friends for a childlike wonder.

“Early Riser” starts the listen with dreamy guitar and Thanya Iyer’s intimate voice that make for much beauty, and the title track follows with Noémie Sylvestre’s poetic pipes and Jérôme Beaulieu’s sophisticated piano creating a rich and heartfelt climate.

Further along, Étienne Dupré’s synth adds much intrigue to the charming version of folk-pop, while “Heat Wave” recruits a distinct intimacy via the eloquent singing and a light ambience.

Residing close to the end, “Fool Forlorn” is a warm acoustic strummer that showcases Hayes’ gorgeous singing and Francis Ledoux’s agile drumming, and “Mastery” exits with Kaitlyn Raitz’s soft cello and Ben Plotnick’s violin and viola that give the careful closer an orchestral influence.

A sophomore effort that’s full of wonder and awe, Hayes’ songwriting is full of atmosphere, ethereal singing, memorable melodies and well thought out wordplay for a unique version of modern folk-pop.

Travels well with: Abigail Lapell- Anniversary; Lowland Hum- At Home

Grace Pettis

Down To The Letter

Mpress, 2024

10/10

Listen to Down To The Letter

The sophomore release for now Nashville resident Grace Pettis on the MPress label, the songs here surround her somewhat recent divorce and rediscovering of self following betrayal, codependency and heartbreak.

The warm and soothing spirit of “Rain” starts the listen with Pettis’ expressive pipes and fluid guitar alongside Jordan Perlson’s agile drumming for the reflective Americana, and “Horses” follows with a calm demeanor of dreamy keys from Jon Estes, as the poetic singing unfolds with much grace.

Deeper into the listen, “I Take Care Of Me Now” builds into an upbeat version of folk-rock, where Pettis’ uplifting voice is met with crisp instrumentation, while “A Thousand Times A Day” welcomes Emily Scott Robinson’s elegant pipes to a hearfelt and minimal moment of tremendous beauty.

Further still, the hazy pedal steel of “Vivian” makes an impression amid the bright storytelling and rich instrumentation, and “When Nobody’s Watching” exits with Robby Hecht’s sophisticated voice and the cozy acoustic guitar making for an emotive and relatable finish.

Pettis has clearly been sorting through much self-examination in the past few years, and it results in a career high body of work where Mary Bragg’s contributions are substantial and add much to the cathartic experience that is both touching and inspiring.

Travels well with: Zoe Boekbinder- Wildflower; Alan Doyle- Welcome Home

Joanne Shaw Taylor

Heavy Soul

Journeyman, 2024

9/10

Listen to Heavy Soul

The British blues-rock guitarist Joanne Shaw Taylor brings her inimitable playing and sultry vocals to 10 new tracks that embrace fusion ideas and welcome Anton Fig, Alison Presswood and Rob McNelley.

“Sweet ‘Lil Lies” starts the listen with Shaw’s animated guitar and expressive pipes that are complemented by thumping drums, and “All The Way From America” follows with strummed acoustic guitar that builds into a more rugged and powerful climate.

Halfway through, “A Good Goodbye” finds more intimate areas to reside in, where bright storytelling is met with soulful backing vocals, while the title track is a dense album highlight via the sturdy singing, bouncy rhythm section and fluid guitar playing.

Further still, the rowdy and rockin’ mood of “Devil In Me” is full of swift melody and “Change Of Heart” exits with a rhythmic and gospel friendly finish.

A display of top notch, modern blues songwriting with soulful pop nods, Taylor is now 9 albums deep after being discovered at age 16 by Dave Stewart (of Eurythmics fame), and her craft is easily in a category with Vaughn and Bonamassa.

Travels well with: Joanne Shaw Taylor- The Blues Album; Steve Cropper & The Midnight Hour- Friendlytown

The Nausea

Requiem

Absurd Exposition, 2024

9/10

Listen to Requiem

A chamber experience of an entirely different caliber, The Nausea bring a presence of doom and noise to these 10 very iconoclastic tracks.

“Respice Finem” opens with Anju Singh’s droning violin that builds into a tense, cinematic climate, and “Eleison” follows with orchestral beauty and ambience that unfolds with precision and mystery.

Further along, “De Morte Transire” tugs on the heartstrings via meticulous string manipulation that welcomes noisy bouts of abrasiveness, while “Abyssal Depths” also leads with elegant strings before venturing into doom filled gestures.

Closer to the end, “Purgatorium” pairs thick strings with electronic waves of crypticness, and “Finis” exits with a chilling, intense and mesmerizing demeanor that leave an indelible impression.

Singh handles all strings, electronics, vocals, noise and sound art, and the nods to classical music amid sound attacks and contributions on synth and percussion from Graham Christoferson make for a truly experimental and uniquely dark affair.

Travels well with: Jeremy Gignoux- Odd Stillness; Nova Pon- Symphonies Of Mother And Child

Randy Weinstein

Harmonimonk

Random Chance, 2024

8/10

Listen to Harmonimonk

There’s been plenty of interpretations of the work of Thelonious Monk, but few are as unique as this, as Randy Weinstein brings his blues and jazz ways to these 7 classic tracks armed with a harmonica, though there are some other players in attendance, too.

“Bright Mississippi” starts the listen with Michela Gomez’s frisky guitar that suits Weinstein’s expressive harmonica playing, and “Bye-Ya” follows with clever drum samples amid the glowing harmonica progressions that emit a distinct energy.

Further along, “In Walked Bud” is strong on mood via the unpredictable guitar and warm harmonica, while “Ruby My Dear” finds an intimate place to reside via Pete Smith’s dreamy guitar and Weinstein’s strategic harmonica, keys and percussion.

The final track, “Straight No Chaser”, places George Rush on tuba, and it sure does complement the playful harmonica and subtle keys and percussion of the creative and charming exit.

Weinstein plays both chromatic and diatonic harmonicas, and his vision of Monk’s work is atypical, exciting and highly memorable as he puts a fresh coat of paint on vintage tracks.

Travels well with: Jake Hertzog- Longing To Meet You; Steve Smith- New Perspective

Jay Sanders

Evanescent

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Evanescent

The guitarist and composer Jay Sanders brings along plenty of friends for these 7 lively rock songs that touch on blues, jazz, and even improvised ideas.

“Ode To Voyager” starts the listen with an indeed spacey appeal, where the mysterious climate goes right into the bright textures of “Morningtide”, where Steve Alford and Jacob Rodriguez’s animated saxes and Evan Martin’s lively drums make for a rich delivery.

“Libby’s Theme” and “Krekel” land in the middle, where the former is an intimate moment via Sanders melodic guitar and Casey Driessen’s warm fiddle, while the latter emits a crunchy rock appeal thanks to Zack Page’s strategic bass and Justin Ray’s well timed trumpet that suits the dense guitar.

The title track exits the listen, and it’s a hazy moment of agile grooves and subdued yet adventurous interaction between the skilled players.

Sanders brings a wealth of experience and diversity to the affair, where jazz, rock, blues, metal, and African influences are all apart of this timeless and exciting formula.

Travels well with: Michael O’Neill- Arrival; Brent Birckhead- Cacao

Jazz At The Ballroom

Flying High: Big Band Canaries Who Soared

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Flying High: Big Band Canaries Who Soared

The California non-profit, Jazz At The Ballroom, treat us to 15 timeless jazz tracks, where the pianist Champian Fulton guides the band and vocalists through a swingin’ good time.

The instrumental, “On The Sunny Side Of The Street”, starts the listen with Fulton’s warm keys and Neal Miner’s frisky bass, and “Secret Love” follows with Vanessa Perea’s expressive voice alongside plenty of rhythm and Tainaka Fukushi’s lively drumming.

Moving along, “I Only Have Eyes For You” showcases Jane MonHelt’s gorgeous pipes amid Fulton’s dreamy piano and Charles Ruggiero’s cautious drumming, while “Sweet Georgia Brown” allows Olivia Chindamo’s vocal acrobatics to shine in the animated album highlight.

Deeper still, “Tea For Two” places Carmen Bradford’s striking voice front and center for a bouncy and melodic delivery, and “Exactly Like You” bookends the listen with a charming instrumental that’s both heartfelt and meticulous.

A fun and instantly memorable affair that touches on the Great American Songbook, the vocalists here are top notch, and the players certainly don’t disappoint, either, for this classic jazz outing.

Travels well with: Jake Hertzog- Longing To Meet You; Israe Butler- Congo Lament

The Bright Smoke

Gross National Happiness

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Gross National Happiness

The Brooklyn based pair The Bright Smoke return after a 4 year hiatus from new music, and their artistic and blues influenced indie-rock formula has never sounded better.

“Broken Party” starts the listen with a quick blast of atypical indie-rock with expressive vocals and tense music, and “American Proletariat” follows with an ambient feel amid warm, flourishing grooves.

Near the middle, “Orbit” offers a sultry and emotive tune, where Mia Wilson’s sturdy pipes are especially charming, while “The Lion And” gets bouncy, spacey and buzzes with nods to the early days of alt-rock.

Deeper tracks yield the stylish, hypnotic “Again Again” and the multifaceted “Mauretania”, where precise drumming and a haunting setting punctuate the mood well. The short album exits on “Lower 48”, as experimental moments and breathy vocals from Wilson unfold with cautious skill.

Wilson, who previously played with The French Exit, and Quincy Ledbetter have a dynamic chemistry here, making The Bright Smoke one of the most unique and captivating duos in today’s indie-rock. Their time away certainly didn’t diminish their prowess, as Gross National Happiness is easily their best work to date.

Travels well with: Radiohead- Hail To The Thief; PJ Harvey- To Bring You My Love