Rachel Barton Pine

French Impressions: Chamber Music By Chausson & Tailleferre

Cedille, 2025

9/10

Listen to French Impressions: Chamber Music By Chausson & Tailleferre

The always impressive violinist Rachel Barton Pine is joined by the pianist Orion Weiss and the Pacifica Quartet for these chamber pieces that illuminate the work of French composers Chausson and Tailleferre.

“Concerto for Violin, Piano & String Quartet in D Major, Op. 21”, by Ernest Chausson, opens with the firm keys, elegant violin and rich string interaction with much grace and adventurousness, and Germaine Tailleferre’s “Violin Sonata No. 2” follows Pine’s meticulous violin amid playful keys from Weiss.

The last 3 tracks are also Tailleferre’s. “Pastorale” offers an intimate and touching pairing of violin and keys, while “String Quartet” blends the strings into a dramatic and lovely album highlight. “Berceuse” exits, and it emits a profound intimacy in its poetic demeanor.

This is Pine’s 25th album for the Cedille album, and it’s an enlightening and timeless chamber affair that’s technical, emotional and full of the sort detail that we will always associate with Pine’s vision.

Travels well with: Rachel Barton Pine- Corelli: Violin Sonatas, Op. 5; Rachel Barton Pine- Violin Concertos By Black Composers Through The Centuries

Lili Maljic

The Nearness Of You- In Loving Memory Of Jim Rotondi

Pacific Coast Jazz, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Nearness Of You- In Loving Memory Of Jim Rotondi

The jazz vocalist Lili Maljic pays tribute to the memory of Jim Rotondi with these 10 well thought out interpretations.

Rotondi’s rich trumpet opens the cozy spirit of “The Shadow Of Your Smile”, as Maljic’s crystal clear voice hits some really high notes, and “The Song Is You” follows with quick singing and Mario Gonzi’s playful drumming.

The title track arrives at the halfway point and showcases Milos Colovic’s meticulous bass plucking amid expressive scatting, while “Never Let Me Go” offers a heartfelt moment of romantic songwriting via the soulful vocals and Oliver Kent’s mature piano.

Close to the end, Rotondi’s touching horn aligns with frisky bass and emotive singing across “I Didn’t Know About You”, and “That Old Black Magic” exits with a charming intimacy thanks to Maljic’s touching presence and the cozy keys.

An excellent and timeless debut that can swing, take a dip into bossa nova and radiate balladry, Rotondi passed away shortly after the recording, and just like everything he touched, his contributions to the record are inestimable.

Travels well with: Jim Rotondi- Finesse; Bonnie J Jensen- Rise

Vivabeat

The House Is Burning: The Best Of Vivabeat 1979-1986

Liberation, 2025

10/10

Listen to The House Is Burning: The Best Of Vivabeat 1979-1986

The Los Angeles New Wave pioneers Vivabeat didn’t stick around too long, though they certainly left an impression. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to get enough of their songs out to the public, but the rare tracks here rectify that, where the 16 obscure and unreleased tunes show us just why they toured with the greats during this time- Thompson Twins, Human League, Gary Numan, etc.

“The House Is Burning (But No One Home)” leads with Chris Schendel’s sturdy drums and Terrance Robay and Marina (del Rey) Muhlfriedel trading off vocals in the frisky New Wave delivery, and “Tents” follows with Steve Lynch’s animated guitar and radiant synth that suit the upbeat and fun melodies.

Closer to the middle, the lush and moody spirit of “Blue Guitars” recruits Peggy Max’s soulful voice amid flowing songwriting, while “Man From China”, the band’s most well known tune, is tailor made for the dance floor thanks to its lively synth and mesmerizing whistling.

Moving towards the end, “The Girl The Wind Goes Through” carries post-punk traces thanks to Mick Muhlfriedel’s skilled bass and Robay’s distinct singing, and “2000 Light Years From Home” exits with Keith Washington handling bass and Doug Orilio behind the drum kit for a fuller finish

Vivabeat were discovered by Peter Gabriel, and though they didn’t gain as much attention as the bands they played with, there’s little doubt they were among the best of the early ‘80s New Wave scene. This excellent collection further solidifies that.

Tragically, most of the original members of the band have passed away, but these songs will be forever great.

Travels well with: Vivabeat- Party In The War Zone; Translator- Beyond Today: Live At The Farm San Francisco 1986

Teresa Suen-Campbell

My Voice

Navona, 2025

9/10

Listen to My Voice

The Chinese-Canadian harpist Teresa Suen-Campbell performs the work of George Frideric Handel, James W. Campbell and CHAN Ka Nin, and with the Sinfonia Toronto in attendance she spotlights her instrument amid much beauty and originality.

“Harp Concerto in B Flat Major, Op.4, No.6, HWV 294”, by Handel, opens with Suen-Campbell’s dancing harp alongside the bright strings that are often animated but also can retreat to calm areas, too.

Campbell’s “Concerto for Harp and Orchestra in D “Atonement” lands in the middle and blends the rich strings via sublime intimacy and graceful gestures of poetic songwriting that use the harp in dreamy ways.

“Harp Concerto for Harp and Orchestra” exits, and in 21+ minutes mesmerizes us with meticulous interaction between the harp and orchestra that’s often minimal, but not without bursts of colorful soprano singing present.

A highly innovative effort that allows for Suen-Campbell’s skills to radiate tremendous confidence, the baroque and orchestral sensibilities are stunning and guided by Nurhan Arman’s unparalleled conducting.

Travels well with: Allen Sapp- So Smooth, So Sweet; Mika Stoltzman- Memories Of Tomorrow

Vivabeat

Party In The War Zone

Liberation Hall, 2025

10/10

Listen to Party In The War Zone

The seminal Los Angeles New Wave outfit Vivabeat are seeing their small catalog reissued, and this only album released in 1980 further proves just how ahead of their time they were.

“Working For William” opens with thick synth before Doug Orilio’s thumping drums and Terrance Robay’s distinct vocals enter the rhythmic climate, and “From The Bop” follows with a playful energy that you could dance to thanks to Mick Muhlfriedel’s frisky bass and the animated keys.

Halfway through the original album, “Pop Girl” offers an upbeat and lively bout of New Wave fun, while “Man From China”, the band’s hit, mesmerizes us with its spacey appeal, charming whistling and Alec Murphy’s well timed guitar.

“Jet Set” exits the original 10 tunes with plenty of punk spirit that’s harmonic, scrappy and sure has aged well, and of the 4 bonus tunes, “The Power Of Love”, which recruits Jeff Gilbert on guitar and Chris Schendel on drums, is particularly memorable in its uniquely romantic and post-punk fueled template that invites singing along.

Peter Gabriel saw a lot of potential in Vivabeat and got them signed to a British label, which yielded a Top 20 Dance Hit (“Man From China”). Though they stayed together for a few more years and did record other songs, this was their lone album.

Many of the original members of Vivabeat have passed on, but this well done reissue preserves a really great album that definitely deserves attention from anyone with an ear for New Wave, post-punk or even ‘80s dance rock.

Travels well with: Translator- Beyond Today: Live At The Farm San Francisco 1986; 999- Emergency At The Old Waldorf 1979

Stephen J. Kalinich & Friends

I Love My Life

Heyday Again, 2025

8/10

Listen to I Love My Life

The esteemed poet and songwriter Stephen J. Kalinich pens a collaborative effort, where spoken word and instrumentation meet at a very forthright intersection.

The layered vocals and warm keys of “Preamble” starts the listen with a nearly gospel feel, and “Today” follows with spoken word that explores the sometimes difficult aspects of daily life.

Closer to the middle, the soft acoustic guitar of “Beyond Frightened” is paired with emotive singing, while “The First One To Heal Is Yourself” spotlights LuAnn Olson’s expressive voice via the intimate and soulful climate.

Landing close to the end, the gorgeous duet “Across Bridges” finds a lush place to reside, and “I Love My Life” exits with poetry amid dreamy guitar and grateful lyrics that are heartfelt and on the cusp of tears.

Kalinich has a very impressive resume that includes working with Brian Wilson and his songs have been performed by Paul McCartney, Steve Cropper and Diane Ross, plus others. In this often bare setting, he explores homelessness, aging and narcissism with much passion, and it’s very effective in drawing the listener in to his vulnerable song craft.

Travels well with: Jeffrey Runnings- Piqued; Rain Parade- Crashing Dream (Deluxe)

Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus

Two True Loves

Berkalin, 2025

8/10

Listen to Two True Loves

The married duo, Jim Patton and Sherry Brokus, return with more of their heartfelt folk sounds, where some excellent contributors are along for the 14 authentic tunes.

The warm and crisp opener, “I Want It All”, begins with Patton’s distinct voice alongside Brokus’ harmonies and Scrappy Jud Newcomb’s playful guitar, and the title track follows with a rugged spirit, as John Chipman’s scrappy drumming suits the heartfelt singing.

Moving along, “Leave Me Alone” makes great use of Ron Flynt’s well time keys amid the vivid storytelling, while “That Cup Of Coffee We Never Had” is a poetic folk strummer that benefits from Patton’s eloquent lyrics and the soothing harmonies.

Much later, “What If You’re Fooling Me Now?” offers an emotive duet that uses dreamy guitar and soft melodies for the album’s best, and “One More Song” exits with mature piano and relatable wordplay via Patton’s inimitable talk/singing.

Similarities to Neil Young or Tom Petty won’t be hard to appreciate, as the married couple pen country-rock, timeless folk and blues tinted songs that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus- Big Red Gibson; Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus- Going The Distance

Bobby West

Requiem For Mary Turner

Soulville, 2025

8/10

Listen to Requiem For Mary Turner

The pianist/composer Bobby West pays tribute to Mary Turner, a young Black woman who was lynched in Georgia in 1918, which includes a 22-piece symphonic orchestra as he touches on many different genres.

The title track opens, and it’s 13 minutes with the orchestra that carries a heartfelt and booming presence, and “Spirit Move Sunrise” follows with a busy mashing of keys, winds and brass in a timeless jazz sort of way.

Closer to the middle, “Lovers Reflection On Still Water” showcases the pretty piano via a quick bout of elegance, while “A Scene From Sunday” blends piano and organ amid soulful and powerful singing that carries hints of gospel.

Landing near the end, the fuller delivery of “Spirit Move Sunset” welcomes firm drums, animated winds and dense horns into free jazz exploration, and “Funeral March Of The Uninvited” exits with marching band style drumming, dynamic brass, cautious key and an uplifting finish.

An effort that focuses on healing and unity, the songs serve as remembrance and resistance to Turner’s memory and span gospel, classical and jazz across unpredictable and exciting avenues.

Travels well with: James Moody- 80 Years Young: Live At The Blue Note March 26, 2005; Live Edge Trio- Closing Time

Liquid Mind

Liquid Mind XV: In The Love

Chuck Wild, 2025

8/10

Listen to Liquid Mind XV: In The Love

The recording moniker of the Los Angeles composer and musician Chuck Wild, as Liquid Mind he pens soothing instrumental sounds that surround therapeutic focus on relaxation, meditation, sleep aid and wellness in general.

“Gratitude” opens with a calming ambience of warm synth that allows for vocals from A. J. Teshin, Michael Whitfield, Jimmy Demers and Wild, and “Soul Whispers” follows with gentle melodies wrapped around an emotive presence that’s heartfelt.

In the middle, “A Willing Spirit” unfolds with cinematic quality that’s full of beauty and grace, while “In the Love” recruits Bryan Baker’s well timed flutes that add even more sophistication and intrigue to the gorgeous layering.

The final track is “Coming Home” and it benefits from Wild’s meticulous keyboards and synth that interact with an enlightening mood.

Somewhere between New Age and electronica, Liquid Mind enlist plenty of healing and meditative qualities to a truly beneficial experience.

Travels well with: African Yoga; Yoga Dreamland

Tav Falco

Desire On Ice

Org, 2025

9/10

Listen to Desire On Ice

The veteran rock’n’roller Tav Falco returns with a 14th studio album, where a large cast of excellent players are on hand for the diversity.

The cinematic opener, “Prologue”, leads with Kid Congo’s deep pipes and Rev. Horton Heat’s distinct guitar setting the tone for the record, and “Gentlemen In Black” follows with swampy blues and vivid storytelling alongside Jimmy Rip’s fluid guitar.

Deeper into the record, “Vampire From Havana” enlists Ann Magnuson and Bubba Feathers, who help make for a melodic and retro spirit, while “Crying For More” lands in balladry, as Richard Barone’s rhythm guitar and Scott Bomar’s bass suit the aching mood.

Arriving late, “Lady From Shanghai” offers a dark and soulful moment thanks to Rene Coman’s plucked upright bass and Alex Greene’s keys, and “Epilogue” finishes with a quick, dreamy bout that pairs Eddie Angel’s gentle guitar with Nicole Atkins’ soft voice.

The songs span 4 decades of Falco’s work and they do justice to his timeless vision that embraces jazz, rockabilly, tango, Americana and many other ideas and employs his current touring band, i.e. Panther Burns, Mario Monterosso, Giuseppe Sangirardi and Walter Brunetti.

Travels well with: The Blasters- The Complete Concert; Phil Alvin- Un ‘Sung Stories’

Reflection

The Battles I Have Won

Pitch Black, 2025

8/10

Listen to The Battles I Have Won

The Greek metal giants, Reflection, return after 8 years without an album, and they’ve certainly made the wait worth it thanks to these 9 diverse and hard hitting tracks.

“Only The Swords Survive” begins with Stathis Pavlantis searing and complicated guitar alongside Kostas Toka’s powerful and nearly operatic vocals, and the title track follows with George Pavlantis’ furious drums that suit the thick presence and dynamic climate.

In the middle, the dark mood of “Siren’s Song” uses backing vocals amid the dense rhythm section in a way that balances abrasiveness with melody, while “Celestial War” allows for John Litinakis’ precise bass playing to help illuminate the intense album highlight.

“Lady War” and “City Walls Of Malla- The Great Siege” exit the listen. The former showcases Tokas’ incredibly detailed singing alongside the animated riffs, and the latter finishes with a cinematic presence that’s layered and ominous.

An effort that tips its hat to all the hallmarks of heavy metal that we appreciate, Reflection approach their craft with top notch musicianship and some really harmonic singing that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Blynd- Unbeliever; Hardraw- Abyss Of Mankind

Anthony 'Big A' Sherrod

Torchbearer Of The Clarksdale Sound

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Torchbearer Of The Clarksdale Sound

The Mississippi guitarist and singer Anthony ‘Big A’ Sherrod brings his authentic blues to these 5 tunes that take help from Heather Crosse, Jimbo Mathus and Lee Williams.

“Baby That Hurt” opens with warm guitar and Mathus’ playful keys alongside Sherrod’s soulful and very expressive singing, and “Don’t Make Me Pay” follows with an animated approach, as Williams’ thumping drums align with meticulous guitar and powerful vocals.

In the middle, “Good Woman” is an upbeat and rhythmic EP highlight that benefits from Crosse’s frisky bass, while “My Life” showcases Sherrod’s distinct storytelling amid timeless blues. “Everybody Ain’t Your Friend” exits, and it’s a lively burst of raw yet tuneful blues rock that we could never tire of.

Sherrod began playing guitar at age 5, and his familiarity with his craft allowed for these songs to be tracked in just 2 hours. Add in a top notch band, and we’re treated to genuine Clarksdale blues and a hint of psychedelia via songs about love and loss.

Travels well with: Aretta Woodruff- A Tribute To Denise LaSalle; Clarence ‘Bluesman’ Davis- Shake It For Me

Little Falls Trophy

Rehashed

Rock Ridge, 2025

9/10

Listen to Rehashed

An outfit spearheaded by the mult-instrumentalist Doug Albregts, as Little Falls Trophy he returns with an album that puts a fresh coat of paint on some earlier tunes and even tosses in a couple of covers.

The warm guitar of “My Little Sunshine” opens with a powerful duet, where Christy Lynn’s expressive pipes suit Albregts deeper voice amid some ambience, and “Tranquilizer Pill” follows with cozy acoustic guitar amid a lush backdrop.

“Addiction” and “Project 6636” land in the middle. The former benefits from Aaron Shafer-Haiss’ skilled drumming alongside a thicker presence of folk-rock, while the latter is a more intimate moment of soulful and heartfelt songwriting.

The covers arrive later into the album. Fountain Of Wayne’s “All Kinds Of Time” unfolds with a hazy and calming presence, and “The Weight”, by The Band, hints at some grit, where no lack of melody is present.

Albregts takes inspiration from The Beatles via this simple yet effective approach, and it further illustrates his authentic and timeless spirit.

Travels well with: Little Falls Trophy- Dutch Motel; Moonsville Collective- A Hundred Highways

Pryzme

True Stories… And Other Lies

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to True Stories… And Other Lies

The French prog-rockers Pryzme are back with a sophomore album, where the 7 rich tracks surround themes of anger, ecology and confusion as it relates to tragedy.

The mysterious backdrop of “Echo Of Silent Place” begins with a quick burst of guitar during the last few seconds, and “Earth Song” follows with 8 minutes of harmonic singing and Lucas Planque’s meticulous drumming guiding the tuneful landscape.

“Green Eyes” and “Reality Of Dreams” land in the middle. The former is an intimate moment of poetic singing that’s dreamy and heartfelt, while the latter illustrates a dynamic interaction between the guitarists Dominque Blanchard and David Chollet amid floating melodies.

“Silent Place” exits, and in over 12 minutes never out welcomes its stay thanks to the hard hitting drums, Benoit Toquet’s intricate bass lines and the swirling guitars.

A really well done album in the area of modern prog-rock, Pryzme have been together for over a decade now, and that chemistry is present across all the influences and facets to this exciting listening experience.

Travels well with: Hoopy Frood- Mostly Harmless; Ambient Den- Ambient Den

Vincent Cross

A Place Where Songs Come To Live

Rescue Dog, 2025

8/10

Listen to A Place Where Songs Come To Live

The New York singer-songwriter Vincent Cross uses country, folk and roots ideas in his authentic song craft, and these 12 songs were captured live in Brooklyn and radiate tremendous grace.

The melodic mood of “Heart Of Hearts” begins with Cross’ flowing voice and warm guitar that’s complemented by Mike Robinson’s glowing pedal steel, and “In The Eyes Of My Father” follows with James Panagakos’ meticulous bass alongside the emotive singing and heartfelt climate.

Deeper into the listen, “Barefoot With The Blues” benefits from Shane Kerwin’s strategic drumming that suits Cross’ eloquent storytelling via much caution, while “Water Under The Bridge” offers a more frisky appeal thanks to the scrappy drums and charming vocal harmonies.

“Boombox” and “The Bright Crystal Fountain” exit the listen. The former is a bit crisp and flirts with rock’n’roll flavor, and the latter enlists Stephen Anthony Elkins on bass, as the touching intimacy unfolds with a stirring presence that’s poetic.

All the songs are originals and easy relatable, as Cross places much sincerity and soulfulness into his timeless songwriting.

Travels well with: From The Dirt- Colored Edge Of Memory; Ernie Palmer- A Teacher, A Preacher, & A Bad Farmer

Joseph Decosimo

Fiery Gizzard

Dear Life, 2025

8/10

Listen to Fiery Gizzard

The Tarheel-via-Tennessee fiddle and banjo player Joseph Decosimo brings his Appalachia and American South influences to these 10 organic and rich songs.

“Ida Red” starts the listen with a warm spirit, where Cleek Schrey’s fluid pump organ suits Decosimo’s flowing fiddle and expressive voice, and “Glory In The Meetinghouse” follows with Andy Stack’s electric bass amid Decosimo’s atmospheric banjo via the textured climate.

The middle track belongs to “Shady Grove”, where Matthew O’Connell’s well timed synth is aligned with the meticulous fiddle, while “Billy Button” recruits Libby Rodenbough’s pretty voice and intimate keys alongside poetic banjo.

Close to the end, “The Queen Of Rocky Ripple” might be the best track, as Joe O’Connell’s smooth voice and cozy acoustic guitar pair with Stephanie Coleman’s soft pipes, and “Boatsman” exits with hardanger d’amore from Schrey populating the minimal and memorable finish.

Sometimes haunting but always possessing beauty, Decosimo’s resume includes work on records by Jake Xerxes Fussell, Wye Oak, and Hiss Golden Messenger, and this 3rd solo album spotlights his take on traditional music with much care and charm.

Travels well with: Allison de Groot/Tatiana Hargreaves- Hurricane Clarice; Scorggins + Rose- Speranza

Nicholas Finch

Cellostatus

Shiny Things, 2025

8/10

Listen to Cellostatus

The cellist Nicholas Finch is joined by the NouLou Chamber Players and conductor Jason Seber for these 12 contemporary classical tracks.

The emotive presence of “Manusa” starts, and allows for the intimate cello to guide the sometimes quick and other times reserved chamber orchestra via Dorian Wallace’s imagination and across 5 gripping segments.

“Caligo” lands in the middle, and it’s an often cinematic album highlight that balances soft features with dramatic bouts thanks to Alyssa Weinberg’s vision.

The title track exits, and uses playful plucking and upbeat gestures in the Ljova selection, where the animated strings emit incredible precision and a booming demeanor.

A very innovative effort that touches on modern concepts, too, Finch’s cello is stunning, and the classical and chamber nods are very much appreciated.

Travels well with: Elizabeth Newkirk- The Americanist; Curtis Stewart- Seasons Of Change

Curtis Stewart

Seasons Of Change

Bright Shiny Things, 2025

8/10

Listen to Seasons Of Change

The violinist Curtis Stewart interprets the work of Vivaldi here, and it recruits a layered ensemble for an effort that surrounds climate change, class and the nature of digital memory.

“An Introduction Of Sorts” starts the listen with much ambience and cryptic vocals that set the foundation for the record, and “A Recent Summer” follows with Lara St. John’s tense violin bouts that align with Stewart’s distinct vision of experimental ideas.

In the middle, “Fallback” recruits Njioma Grievious’ playful violin plucking amid spoken word and percussive moments, while “Again” blends classical with unconventional bursts that mixes in voices that are expressive.

Charles Yang brings his violin to the last track, “Life Times”, which is full of emotion and radiates lush and adventurous waves of passionate song craft.

Stewart does justice to Vivaldi’s vision with unparalleled attention to detail and the use of unhoused people’s voices is layered into a truly fascinating version of modern classical.

Travels well with: Elizabeth Newkirk- The Americanist; Nicholas Finch- Cellostatus

Hoopy Frood

Mostly Harmless

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Mostly Harmless

The UK outfit Hoopy Frood returns with a 4th album, where a variety of influences unfold across the 10 detailed tracks.

“Already Home” opens the listen with Steven Varman’s ambient synth alongside Myshell Higgins’ expressive pipes in the flowing, prog filled climate, and “Chocolate Factory” follows with curious effects amid Andy Aust’s bright drums and plenty of pop influences.

“Shine” occupies the middle spot and makes great use of Rich Walgate’s playful bass via the rhythmic delivery, while “Chasing The Sun” carries a cinematic quality thanks to the buzzing synth and Ruari Hignell’s animated percussion.

Further on, “Waiting Room” carries an infectious energy, where the rich textures make this the album’s best, and “Give” exits with a distinct dreaminess of pretty singing, a cozy rhythm section and soothing grooves.

An instantly memorable outing that meshes classic rock, psychedelic and electronica, Hoopy Frood’s version of psychtronica even incorporates flute, mandolin and acoustic guitars and certainly showcases a unique chemistry that is 20+ years in the making.

Travels well with: Ambient Den- Ambient Den; Mihrax- Rox

Rod Picott

Tell The Truth & Shame The Devil

Welding Rod, 2019

9/10

Listen to Tell The Truth & Shame The Devil

The impetus for Rod Picott’s 12th album was, unfortunately, a serious health scare that could have left the longtime guitarist and singer-songwriter in dire trouble. Thankfully, the Nashville resident is in good health now, although back surgery coincided with his health issues, further giving Picott a new perspective on his art.

“Ghost” gets the listen started off with comforting acoustic strumming and Picott’s vocals that are both warm and rugged, and “Baililng” follows with a folk spirit running through the organic beauty that’s reflective and lacking all pretense.

Further along, “Mark” has Picott delivering poignant storytelling about a young man who took his own life, while “Too Much Rain” offers a hint of gospel with harmonica in the haunting, folk-ish tune.

The second half of the listen flows with the blue collar spirited picking of “A Beautiful Light”, with births much intimacy and grace, the authentic “80 John Wallace” and the raw “Sunday Best”, where Picott finds himself emitting a sage like delivery. “Folds Of Your Dress” ends the album with his imperfectly perfect vocals and subtly powerful execution that defines the entire listen.

Recorded in his home, alone and with no engineer, this is as raw as it gets, as Picott’s captures the human experience stripped back to its basic form, with just his poetic songs, guitar and harmonica- which, really, is all he needs. Though he may not be the most well known troubadour, Picott is certainly one of the best of this generation, and deserves to be have his name spoken alongside Springsteen and Dylan.

Travels well with: Elliott Smith- Either/Or; Justin Townes Earle-The Saint Of Lost Causes