Daniel Bennett Group

Mr. Bennett’s Mind!

Manhattan Daylight, 2024

9/10

Listen to Mr. Bennett’s Mind!

The multi-instrumentalist Daniel Bennett brings along Jason Yeager, Kevin Hailey and Koko Bermejo for this 10th album that finds plenty of unique jazz spots to reside in.

“Turn Clockwise And Push” opens the listen with Yeager’s mesmerizing piano, as Bennett’s alto sax guides the bright delivery, and “The County Clerk” follows with some psyche-rock flavor, where Bermejo’s fluid drums suit the unique climate of warm sax and Hailey’s precise bass.

“Bank Robbers” resides in the middle and finds no lack of grooves to cultivate via the soothing clarinet from Bennett, while “Variations On A Floating Theme” gets dreamy, albeit in an unconventional way thanks to the mature keys and soulful sax.

Landing near the end, the rich and flowing “Bending Bobby Brick” allows for the meticulous rhythm section to shine, and “Three Studies On Emotion” exits with a firm, nearly jarring display of swirling and cinematic jazz spirit that’s as intriguing as it is memorable.

A highly creative outing that flirts with fusion ideas, too, Bennett and company mix folk, waltz, pop and rock sensibilities into a charming, exciting body of work.

Travels well with: Last Ark Out- Lift; Mike Downes- The Way In

Daan Herweg

In Search Of The Lost Chord

Muziek Instrumenten Fonds, 2024

9/10

Listen to In Search Of The Lost Chord

The pianist Daan Herweg brings along an excellent cast for these diverse jazz songs that were penned between 2020 and 2023.

“Cloud Cathedrals” starts the listen with Herweg’s flowing keys alongside Matthias van den Brande’s animated sax in the rich climate, and “Untill My Muse Comes Knocking” follows with a frisky mood, as Jeroen Batterink’s lively drums help cultivate a charming energy.

Further along, the warm delivery of “Onderweg Naar Bloemfontein” showcases Herweg’s meticulous piano amid Lorenzo Buffa’s well timed bass, while “Tyrion” is a highly melodic and poetic moment of sublime beauty that mixes the eloquent keys and soothing wind.

Deeper still, “Tonight” allows for Herweg’s gorgeous piano to mesmerize us, and “Symphony Of Loose Ends” exits with Suzan Veneman’s animated horn adding much to the colorful finish.

A body of work that embraces loss, grief, and bereavement, there’s also a sense of healing present, as Herweg weaves in and out of plenty of skilled and touching songwriting.

Travels well with: Unleashed Cooperation- Trust; Thomas Backman- Nothing

Miranda Hardy

The Price Of Happiness

Great Divide, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Price Of Happiness

The daughter of the legendary singer-songwriter Jack Hardy, the multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Miranda Hardy certainly inherited some of that DNA, as evidenced by this sincere and timeless sophomore album.

The cozy mood of the title track starts the listen with Hardy’s warm voice amid Travis Scelia’s fluid drumming, and “If You’re Falling” isn’t too far away, where Alex Crossland’s expressive pipes make for an intimate duet.

Further along, “Immature” showcases Hardy’s flowing piano prowess, where soulful backing vocals won’t go unnoticed, while “Fear Of Happy Endings” comes with light melodies, emotive singing and plenty of thoughtful storytelling that tugs on the heartstrings.

Deeper still, “Strawberry Moon” carries an eloquent, folk spirit via the poetic vocals and graceful strings, and “The Metaverse” exits with Joe Berson’s well timed bass that suits the crunchy guitar and more forceful climate which still possesses much beauty.

An easily relatable body of work that touches on folk, pop and Americana, Hardy’s songs are easy to absorb and difficult to forget.

Travels well with: Heather Anne Lomax- The Doman Tracks; Rachael Sage- Another Side

Emiliano Lasansky

The Optimist

Outside In, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Optimist

The bassist and composer Emiliano Lasansky makes quite an impression with this debut album, where Devin Daniels, Javier Santiago, Benjamin Ring and Genevieve Artadi are in attendance for the creative 13 tracks.

The title track starts the listen with Lasanky’s bass acrobatics amid Daniels’ bright alto sax and Ring’s frisky drumming, and “L.P.’s Tune” follows with much elegance, as Santiago’s gripping keys match the glowing bass in the dreamy climate.

Deeper into the listen, “Follow The Thread” showcases intimate keys and gentle bass lines via much attention to mood, while “Motionless” is a busier moment of soulful sax, twinkling keys and meticulous bass from Lasansky.

Residing closer to the end, Artadi’s gorgeous voice populates the poetic album highlight, “Love In Small Places”, and “Young Corn” exits with Artadi’s pipes again for a rich finish that’s both minimal and louder via the quartet’s inimitable talents.

An excellent representation of modern jazz, Lasansky allows for plenty of solos, harmonic gestures and artistic qualities that illustrate his tremendous vision.

Travels well with: Alex Weitz- Rule Of Thirds; Tone Forest- Tone Forest

Fantastic Cat

Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat

Missing Piece, 2024

9/10

Listen to Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat

A supergroup with perhaps the best band name yet, Fantastic Cat, i.e. Anthony D’Amato, Brian Dunne, Don DiLego, and Mike Montali, bring their inimitable talents to these 11 diverse and well crafted tunes via their sophomore album.

The animated “Oh Man!” opens with a lively spirit that radiates soaring and melodic folk-rock that welcomes plenty of sing-alongs, and “Little Bit Broken” follows with a soft, acoustic guitar fueled track which bursts into a fluid strummer that’s vocally harmonic.

Entering the middle, “The Hammer & The Nail” is an intimate moment of sublime beauty and poetic singing that’s a bit scrappy, too, while “I Don’t Know Why” carries plenty of grooves, where rhythm is part of the memorable formula.

Close to the end, “Sometimes Your Heroes Let You Down” is an emotive and rich Americana anthem which is quite wise, and “Head Down, Shots Fired” exits with a busy tune that’s packed with soulful swagger and no lack of style.

Somewhere between alt-country, indie-folk and straight ahead Americana, the fab fur that is Fantastic Cat turn in another batch of tunes that are indeed are both the cat’s meow and pajamas.

Travels well with: Fantastic Cat- The Very Best Of Fantastic Cat; John Calvin Abney- Familiar Ground

Franz Liszt

Majestic Liszt

Navona, 2024

8/10

Listen to Majestic Liszt

The pianist Sandrine Erdely-Sayo tips her hat to the composer Franz Liszt with these middle-to-late period selections from his repertoire that emit much intimacy and richness.

“Romance in E minor, S.169” opens with much grace and beauty from Erdely-Sayo’s cautious fingers, and “Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude” follows with strong attention to mood, as the melodic keys flow with maturity and wonder.

Moving into the middle, “Consolation” unfolds across 6 chapters of expressive and poetic piano playing that will always be timeless, while “Liebesträume No. 3 In A-Flat, S.541” swirls with dizzying key acrobatics that are inimitable.

The last piece “Schwanengesang No. 4, D. 957 - IV. Ständchen (Serenade)”, then finishes with a soft dreaminess, where the key gestures are stirring and memorable.

Whether you’re versed in Liszt’s work or you’re a first time listener, you’re going to be impressed with the emotive and delicate techniques that Erdely-Sayo employs here.

Travels well with: Lawrence K. Moss- Unseen Paths; Jan Järvlepp- Flights Of Fancy

Dun-Dun Band

Pita Parka Pt. 1: Xam Egdub

Ansible, 2024

8/10

Listen to Pita Parka Pt. 1: Xam Egdub

A Toronto outfit spearheaded by the guitar genius Craig Dunsmuir, with this new-ish ensemble he dives headfirst into a mashing of jazz, prog, blues, post-rock, and even African ideas.

“No. 1” starts with Josh Cole’s bass acrobatics, as Ted Crosby’s fluid clarinet enters the 11+ minutes of unpredictable and often soothing songwriting.

The middle belongs to “No. 20 (Once Raw: The Aging G)”, where Blake Howard’s well timed congas and Mike Smith’s mesmerizing keys add to the gentle and melodic gestures.

“No. 7 (Nilan)” is the final selection, and it meshes bright winds with well timed grooves and Dunsmuir’s creative, intriguing guitar playing for an unconventional but memorable exit.

A very atypical take on jazz sounds, Dunsmuir and company utilize ambience, polyrhythm and cacophony via a distinct and exciting meticulousness.

Travels well with: Joel Chadabe- Emergence; Jeremy Gignoux- Odd Stillness

David Bixler

BEATitude

Tiger Turn, 2024

8/10

Listen to BEATitude

The saxophonist, composer and educator David Bixler has been busy since moving to NYC thirty years ago, and here along with Jon Cowherd, Ike Sturm and Rogerio Boccato he continues a very prolific time in his life.

“A Power Deferred” starts the listen with Bixler’s warm sax alongside Cowherd’s bright keys for the grooves and melody, and “Balm” follows with comes with a gospel rhythm that showcases Sturm’s playful bass prowess.

At the halfway point, “Down/Up” carries a waltz appeal that benefits much from Boccato subtle percussion, while “Peace Prize” allows Bixler’s eloquent sax to shine amid Latin nods and meticulous solos.

“Clement” arrives close to the end, and pairs Bixler’s intricate wind with Cowherd’s agile keys for the album’s best, and “Lost Hours? No” exits with a 4 note motif that mesmerizes us with its strategic delivery.

Bixler’s resume includes playing in the bands of Lionel Hampton and Toshiko Akioshi, as well as Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Big Band, and this diverse vision of jazz illustrates the artist’s spiritual side with much intrigue.

Travels well with: Omer Leshem- Play Space; Wayne Alpern- Gotham

Emily Nenni

Drive & Cry

New West, 2024

9/10

Listen to Drive & Cry

The Nashville singer-songwriter Emily Nenni returns with a 3rd album, where she penned the entire listen on her own after reflecting on the last couple of years of her life.

“Get To Know Ya” starts the affair with plenty of rural energy, where swift keys and crisp drums suit Nenni’s flowing voice that draws us in immediately, and “Greatest Hits” follows with a calmer spirit, as the pretty twang tugs on the heartstrings.

Halfway through, the title track carries an infectious mood that’s dance floor ready and shuffles with timeless country nods, while “I Don’t Need You” is a scrappy bar rocker that could soundtrack a brawl.

Close to the end, the warm and pretty “We Sure Could Two Step” showcases Nenni’s impressive range amid much stirring fiddle, and “Amarillo Highway” exits with a dense and sing-along friendly anthem that’s got plenty of rootsy flavor.

Nenni knows her way around a guitar and a song you won’t soon forget, where honky tonk, classic country, ‘60s girl groups and even some funk make this an absolute must for fans of modern country.

Travels well with: Caroline Rose- The Art Of Forgetting; Lilly Hiatt- Walking Proof

Dan Loomis

Revolutions

Adhyáropa, 2024

9/10

Listen to Revolutions

A collection of both sung and spoken word pieces, Dan Loomis brings his bass skills to a contemporary jazz affair that is both artistic and thought provoking.

“…every revolution makes a new world…” opens with Taina Ligonde’s eloquent vocals about injustice and change with much insight, as Ches Smith’s tanbou complements the mood, and it isn’t long until “Skies” showcases Loomis’ strategic bass and Owen Broder’s soothing clarinet that’s poetically delivery.

Deeper into the listen, “The Road” provides much ambience, where Rodrigo Reccabarren’s fluid drums help cultivate a coziness, while “…spring back from the roots” is a quick spoken moment that dissects the cycle of nature with much grace.

Very close to the end, “Ember” allows Sebastian Noelle’s stirring guitar to mesmerize us alongside thick bass plucking, and “Hay Una Mujer” exits with a gentle minimalism that unfolds via a unique intimacy.

A very enlightening affair, the record is rooted in jazz, but embraces the Black American experience and emits haunting and cinematic moments that are easy to admire.

Travels well with: Daniel Janke Winter Trio- Available Light; Strat Andriotis- Exits

David Murray Quartet

Francesca

Intakt, 2024

9/10

Listen to Francesca

The saxophonist David Murray brings his inimitable skills to these 8 tracks that feature the trio of Marta Sanchez, Luke Stewart and Russell Carter.

The eloquent and flowing title track opens wit Murray’s soulful sax alongside Carter’s fluid drumming, and “Ninno” continues the rich landscape with acrobatic bass plucking from Stewart that allows for the soaring sax to shine.

“Come And Go” arrives at the midpoint and is a dizzying display of frisky jazz dynamics that are quite melodic, while “Am Gone Get Some” bops and shakes with an infectious energy that benefits much from Sanchez’s lively keys.

Close to the end, “Free Mingus” carries plenty of strategic grooves amid the animated rhythm section, and “Cycles And Seasons” exits with crisp drums, bright sax, warm bass and well timed keys.

Murray’s catalog is deep with over 100 records, and this installment is further proof of his boundless creativity and endless diversity that will always be in demand.

Travels well with: Jihye Lee Orchestra- Infinite Connections; Roger Kellaway- Live At Mezzrow

David Serby

Low Hanging Stars

Blackbird, 2024

9/10

Listen to Low Hanging Stars

The alt-country artist David Serby returns with his first new collection of songs in a decade, and he’s got Dale Daniel, Gregory Goaz, Darice Bailey and Carl Byron along for the 10 tracks.

“Fishtail Cadillac” starts the listen with plenty of energy, where Daniel’s thumping drums and Bailey’s key acrobatics suit Serby’s smooth voice, and “Lonely Motel Days” follows with Serby’s breezy guitar amid the playful bass from Goaz.

At the halfway point, “She Ain’t Changed At All” showcases the tuneful rhythm section in a slightly more intimate delivery, while “Why Leave Los Angeles” is a thick and frisky moment of lively country rock that’s ready for the dance floor.

Further still, “Trying To Get To Encinitas” showcases Serby’s meticulous guitar and Byron’s well timed accordion thanks to the harmonic album highlight, and “Is It Lonely In Here” exits with a dreamy mood and plenty of careful versus busy song craft.

Serby has occupied an influential spot in the Los Angeles alt-country scene, and this 6th album embraces ruggedness, vintage rock’n’roll, rootsy moments and shuffling fun that’s immediately memorable.

Travels well with: Jon Byrd- All Your Mistakes; Grant Langston- aLAbama

Heather Anne Lomax & Michael Doman

The Doman Tracks

Blackbird, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Doman Tracks

The always impressive vocalist Heather Anne Lomax releases songs with Michael Doman, who passed away in 2020, and it serves as a memorial to his spirit and work.

“Be The One” starts the listen with jangly acoustic guitar and Lomax’s expressive pipes that welcome group vocals, and “Bits And Pieces” follow with Doman’s voice that duets with Lomax for the melodic folk-rocker.

The middle belongs to “Breaking Forth”, where the 12 string guitar, acoustic guitar and bass emit much beauty, grace and hope, while “The Joni Mitchell Song” is a ballad of sublime intimacy that makes great use of rich accordion.

Close to the end, “Down” carries a soothing aspect via the rich singing and dreamy musicianship, and an acoustic version of “Bits And Pieces” exits with much heart and soul via the poetic singing, light guitar and Michelle Packman’s gorgeous cello.

Doman produced the effort, too, and it captures plenty of haunting beauty, anthemic moments, rootsy bouts, thoughtful introspection and the quality songwriting we’ve come to expect from Lomax.

Travels well with: Heather Anne Lomax- All This Time; Rachael Sage- Another Side

Du.0

Thoughts From The Future

Gold Bolus, 2024

8/10

Listen to Thoughts From The Future

The violin duo of Charlotte Munn-Wood and Aimée Niemann, as Du.0 (du-point-oh) they explore the possibilities of their instrument with exciting and atypical sounds.

Emily Praetorius’ “That It Was To Say” starts the listen with a distinct droning, where the violins and voices are pitched in unison, and, later on, a distorted chorale presents itself alongside the manipulated strings.

In the middle, “Upon The Wheel”, by Leah Asher, presents jagged strings and bright bursts of violin noises before fuzzed out, strategic slides and rowdy vibrato enters.

The final piece, Scott Wollschleger’s “Dead Horse Bay… thoughts from the future…”, gives off the impression of found objects making noise, as well as meticulous drone cycles, melodic ambience and pitch tweaking for an unconventional exit.

The studio version of a concert they performed in 2020, these explorations into improvised and noise-rooted ideas embrace harmonized singing and gorgeous racket that is gloriously iconoclastic.

Travels well with: Robert Carl- Infinity Avenue; Rick Baitz- River Of January

Douglas J. Cuomo

Savage Winter

Albany, 2024

8/10

Listen to Savage Winter

The composer Douglas J. Cuomo interprets Wilhelm Müller’s poetry cycle Winterreise, where Tony Boutté, Frank London and Alan Johnson are along for the 24 distinct selections.

“Good Night” starts the listen with Boutté’s glowing tenor that is joined by Cuomo’s electronics for a very atypical climate, and it isn’t long until “Numbness” allows for London’s soulful trumpet to flow amid Cuomo’s well timed guitars, keys and electronics.

Closer to the middle, “Rest” illustrates Johnson’s subtle piano amid strong attention to ambience, while “The Grey Head” pairs vivid storytelling with firm musicianship that’s unpredictable and cinematic.

Further still, “Signpost” benefits much from Cuomo’s spirited electric guitar as a more rock focused delivery unfolds, and “The Hurdy-Gurdy Player” exits with the keys, brass, guitar, electronics and signing intersecting at a very rich, dynamic and thoughtful finish.

Cuomo is best known for his concert, operatic, theatrical, television, and film compositions, and his influences from jazz, world music, classical and popular sounds certainly are present and appreciated here.

Travels well with: Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra- Alone/Together: The Dreams & Diversity Of The American Composer; Clara Kathleen Rogers- Songs Of The Gilded Age & Beyond

Eric Kutz

The Six Cello Suites Of J.S. Bach

Albany, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Six Cello Suites Of J.S. Bach

An effort that goes back to the pandemic, Eric Kutz faced plenty of cancelled performances, and he focused on the Bach Suites from the angle of adulthood that unfold here across 2 discs.

“Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007” opens the first half with his swift and detailed string manipulation that radiates much skill and maturity, and “Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009” follows with a more melodic aspect that flows with strong attention to mood.

Advancing towards the middle, “Suite No. 5 in C Minor, BWV 1011” finds lower moments to reside in via the meticulous cello prowess, while “Suite No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1008” is an intimate moment of sublime beauty that’s heartfelt and stirring.

The final and best track, “Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012”, then exits with a rich, poetic and highly memorable display of timeless playing.

Kutz is active as a teacher, a chamber musician, an orchestral musician, and a concerto soloist, and this body of work illustrates careful and timeless interpretations of Bach that we’ve never heard quite like this.

Travels well with: Bradley Ellingboe- StarSong; Patrick Yim- New Waves

Eden Brent

Getaway Blues

Yellowdog, 2024

9/10

Listen to Getaway Blues

The Mississippi Blues Pianist, Eden Brent, returns with her first new music is close to a decade, where Bob Dowell, Rob Updegraff and Pat Levett join for the 9 diverse tracks.

Brent’s firm and rhythmic keys open with the title track, where her soulful and soaring voice is front and center as Levett’s thumping drums enter, and “Watch The World Go By” follows with Updegraff’s light guitar complementing the powerful, bluesy delivery.

Moving into the middle, the dreamy “You On My Mind” allows for Dowell’s soft bass to accent the pretty singing of the romantic mood, while “He Talks About You” recruits plenty of grooves via the meticulous rhythm section, where Brent’s bright storytelling guides the stylish album highlight.

Closer to the end, “Mississippi River Got Me Crying” is the most intimate moment that tugs on the heartstring thanks to the emotive vocals and gentle instrumentation, and “Gas Pumping Man” exits with a lively and festive soul rocker that you could never listen to just once.

An animated and sometimes careful listen that embraces soul, funk, honky tonk, pop and blues, this is a triumphant return for Brent, and let’s hope there’s more on the horizon soon.

Travels well with: Kim Richey- Every New Beginning; Zach Russell- Where The Flowers Meet The Dew

Dr. John

Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya: Singles 1966-1974

Omnivore, 2024

9/10

Listen to Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya: Singles 1966-1974

Malcolm John Rebennack, Jr., i.e. Dr. John, has made quite an impact from the late ‘60s until today with his mashing of New Orleans R&B, blues, jazz, funk, and rock, and here we’re treated to 26 A and B sides from 1968-1974.

The gritty title track starts the listen with light drumming filtered between the inimitable delivery, and further on the funk fueled “Jump Sturdy” is quite playful and rhythmic in away that only Dr. John can deliver.

Landing closer to the middle, the meticulous guitar of “Wang Dang Doodle” emits a bluesy mood that’s quite infectious, while “Stack-A-Lee” is a piano fueled and raw moment of rugged beauty that’s as timeless as it is memorable.

Closer to the end, the well timed brass of “Traveling Mood” is full of southern spirit that carries a vintage rock’n’roll flavor, and “Me-You = Loneliness” exits with a soulfulness that recruits background vocals and gentle singing from Dr. John for the touching finish.

An assembly of sublime musical medicine, this is available as a 2-LP on double opaque purple vinyl for Record Store Day or a CD, and the liner notes from Gene Sculatti give even more insight into the brilliance of this icon.

Travels well with: Blood, Sweat & Tears- What The Hell Happened To Blood, Sweat & Tears?- Original Soundtrack; The Staple Singers- Africa 80

Collective Soul

Here To Eternity

Fuzze-Flex, 2024

8/10

Listen to Here To Eternity

Collective Soul are celebrating 3 decades together with this double album, where their distinct brand of alt-rock unfolds across 20 new tunes.

“Mother’s Love” starts with Jesse Triplett’s dense guitar that suits frontman Ed Roland’s unmistakable, gritty pipes, as plenty of melody enters the thick climate, and it isn’t long until the flowing acoustic guitar of “Not The Same” gives off an intimacy that benefits much from Johnny Rabb’s fluid drums.

Further along, mature keys guide the powerful “Be The One”, while “Bring On The Day” carries a dreamy mood via Dean Roland’s rhythm guitar and warm group vocals that illustrate another avenue of the band’s talents.

Deeper yet, “I Know You, You Know Me” showcases Will Turpin’s precise bass amid the thumping modern rock dynamics that are cautious yet firm, and “Over And Out” exits with cozy acoustic guitar and poetic singing that leaves a lasting impression.

Now 12 studio albums deep, fans of Collective Soul fans have appreciated the band’s consistency over the years, and the diversity present here is quite admirable, where the band shift from hard rock to gentle singer-songwriter ideas seamlessly.

Travels well with: Fastball- Step Into The Light; Barenaked Ladies- Detour de Force

Britt

Kill The Man

Poison The Moon, 2019

8/10

Listen to Kill The Man

A listen that’s not as intimidating as the title and cover art may lead you to think, Brittany Johnson, aka Britt, offers us 6 tunes on her debut of thoughtful, reflective pop that’s guitar focused and lyrically very personal.

After the brief 30 seconds of the dreamy “Out”, “Crisco” dives into ambient indie-pop that builds into a guitar and percussion spirited affair where ebbs of shimmering sparseness add greatly to the tune.

In the middle, “Middle Man” displays her strong vocal range on a fuller excursion into indie-rock meets post-punk, while “For Show” recruits acoustic guitars on a warm, agile strummer.

Near the end, “Handle It” brings us into a swift setting of infectious and melodic pop ideas, and “Trial Period” ends the EP strong with pretty singing on a cautious alt-rocker that jangles in all the right ways.

A very impressive start for the young artist, Britt is yet another talented, creative Houston based songwriter we should all be keeping an eye on.

Travels well with: Pearl Crush- Coax Me Out; K. Campbell- Heads Up