Linda Purl

Taking A Chance On Love

Reaching, 2020

8/10

Listen to Taking A Chance On Love

Though you may not recognize Linda Purl’s name, she’s got a long list of TV roles, including Happy Days and more recently The Office and Designated Survivor.

Turns out Purl’s an accomplished jazz vocalist, too, and here along with David Finck, Tedd Firth, Ray Marchica and Nelson Rangell she reinvents classic pop tunes from the Great American Songbook.

“Pure Imagination/Never Never Land” starts the listen with elegant keys from Firth as Purl’s soft, expressive vocals add much beauty to the dreamy opener that shifts to swift and adventurous jazz, and “I Have Dreamed” follows with a gentle approach of majestic song craft.

Closer to the middle, “Taking A Chance On Love” finds a waltz friendly place to reside with Finck’s bouncy bass lines, while “Too Late Now” takes the romantic route with Purl’s strong pipes guiding the gentle tune. “Wave”, one of the album’s best, then brings a dance friendly spirit to the affair with punchy keys and even an appearance from a flute.

Deeper tracks include the charming and upbeat “You Fascinate Me”, and “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)” exits the listen with just Purl’s piano and moving pipes in the bare but sublime environment.

This is Purl’s 5th album and 3rd with Firth, and she again proves that she’s in that small group of artists who are exceptional at both acting and making music as she moves from swing to ballads to bossa nova with seeming ease and much effectiveness.

Travels well with: David Finck- BASSically Jazz; Kaylé Brecher- Kayleidoscope

Tessy Lou Williams

Tessy Lou Williams

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Tessy Lou Williams

The solo debut for Tessy Lou Williams, who usually takes up company with her band, The Shotgun Stars, here the songstress crafts both touching and playful country songs, where banjo, fiddle and several backing singers illuminate the cautious atmosphere.

The album starts with the warm country twang of “Your Forever Will Never Say Goodbye”, as smooth vocals from Williams guide the heartfelt opener, and “Why Do I Still Want You” follows with much emotion in the pedal steel and string friendly setting.

At the halfway point, “One More Night” welcomes some fluid pop melodies amid the rural instrumentation, while “Someone Lonely” recruits gorgeous reflection that moves with an aching yet glorious spirit. “Busy Counting Bridges”, one of the album’s best, then picks up the pace into a barnyard, dance friendly display of timeless skill.

“Round And Round” and “Pathway Of Teardrops” finish the listen, where the former glides with incredible dynamics between the fiddle, guitars and strong vocals, and the latter exits with a nod to ballad territory alongside traditional country prowess.

A Montana native whose musical vision fits perfectly in Nashville, where the album was penned and recorded, Williams has the ability to break your heart and also get your dancing shoes on with her honky tonk ways and flourishing country approach that’s nothing short of impressive.

Travels well with: Mary Bragg- Violets As Camouflage; Reckless Kelly- American Jackpot/American Girls

Sharon Isbin

Affinity

Zoho, 2020

8/10

Listen to Affinity

Sharon Isbin had had quite a prolific year, as Affinity is her 2nd album so far. On this installment, Isbin delivers new works for guitar written by 4 esteemed composers, and in her typical fashion, she puts her inimitable skills to the songs that resonate with beauty, grace and playfulness.

“Affinity: Concerto For Guitar & Orchestra” starts the listen with sweeping strings as incredible guitar playing from Isbin unfolds with precision and timelessness that almost takes on a cinematic quality with jazz sensibilities, and “El Arpa del Guerrero” follows with acrobatic prowess that retreats to calm with plenty of emotive spirit.

In the middle, “Balada de la Doncella Enamorarda” is not short on melody in its hypnotic delivery, while “Waltz No. 3 Natalia”, with Colin Davin, picks up the pace into a swift display of dance friendly dynamics in its two guitar arrangement.

Near the end, “This Night Of Love…” is a brief, romantic excursion into operatic vocals as Isabel Leonard contributes her powerful pipes, and “Your Beauty…” is certainly pretty, as Leonard’s vocals flow well with the sublime strumming.

Isbin’s healthy back catalog includes 30+ albums and nearly a million copies sold. Now with a pair of stunning albums in 2020, the multiple Grammy Winner again solidifies why she’s so globally revered for her craft.

Travels well with: Sharon Isbin- Strings For Peace; Craig Ogden- Summer Guitar

Sharon Isbin

Strings For Peace

Zoho, 2020

8/10

Listen to Strings For Peace

The multiple Grammy Winner Sharon Isbin is in great company here, as the guitarist performs alongside Sarod experts Amjad Ali Khan and Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, while Amit Kavthekar holds down tabla on the 4 tracks that dive right into textured North Indian Music.

“By The Moon” starts the listen and takes us on an unpredictable journey where Isbin and Amaan work together superbly as an improvisational aspect collides with much rhythm and tempo changes, and “Love Avalanche” follows with fluid tabla and charmingly plucked strings in the brief but mesmerizing setting.

The back half of the listen offers us the indeed emotive and lovely “Romancing Earth”, where 16 minutes of skilled Sarod from Amjad never out welcomes its stay, and “Sacred Evening” finishes out the unique album with Isbin’s guitar, Kavthekar’ tabla and Ayaan’s sarod working together dynamically.

Isbin plays flawlessly here, and the players are equally impressive on this cultured, powerful and meticulous take on classical Indian music that will absolutely enthrall fans of world music.

Travels well with: Craig Ogden- Summer Guitar; Liona Boyd- No Remedy For Love

Reckless Kelly

American Jackpot/American Girls

Thirty Tigers, 2020

9/10

Listen to American Jackpot/American Girls

The Austin, Texas stars Reckless Kelly return with another batch of their esteemed sounds, and this time it’s a pair of albums where the Braun brothers, Jay Nazz and Joe Miller are in the company of Rosie Flores, Gary Clark Jr., Charlie Sexton and Eleanore Whitmore, among many others, on the 20 tracks.

American Jackpot leads with the warm country rock of “North American Jackpot”, as smooth singing aligns with silky melodies, and this formula continues to the acoustic strumming and breezy quality of “Thinkin’ Bout You All Night”, as well as the more ballad friendly “42”.

The highlight on this album, “Another New Year’s Day”, recruits harmonica and thumping percussion in the fluid and lush rock, and “Goodbye Colorado” finishes out this portion with piano accenting the cautious and soaring atmosphere where intricate guitar work mesmerizes the listener.

American Girls starts with “I Only See You With My Eyes Closed”, where the flourishing Americana glides with much beauty, while “Miss Marissa” shines with a timeless quality that brings to mind the greatness achieved by Tom Petty. “Lost Inside The Groove”, the best tune on this disc, then moves with a swift pace of rock’n’roll spirit that’s both gritty yet pretty, and will certainly get your body moving. “My Home Is Where Your Heart Is” finishes out the listen, and is as intimate as the title implies, putting a firm exclamation point on this thoughtful effort.

If you’re a fan of Reckless Kelly, it just doesn’t get any better than this in terms of quantity and quality. And if you’re a first time listener, these gentlemen have a sizable back catalog, so be sure to clear some space in your collection for some of the best country inspired rock ever made.

Travels well with: Steve Earle & The Dukes- Ghosts Of West Virginia; Corb Lund- Cover Your Tracks

King Ropes

Go Back Where They Came From

Big And Just Little, 2020

9/10

Listen to Go Back Where They Came From

I think we can all agree that cover albums excel when they deviate in some way from the originals, and Montana’s King Ropes prove that by putting their own spin on a very diverse set of tunes from across the musical spectrum.

“Tall Trees”, a Matt Mays tune, starts the listen with a firm cello guiding the driving alt-country setting and Al Green’s “Take Me To The River” follows with plenty of rhythm and groove lingering in the stylish delivery.

Later on, “Eisler On The Go” does justice to the Billy Bragg & Wilco tune with aching strings amid the dreamy landscape, while “Girls Like Us” puts a glaze of psychedelia on the Tandy original with trombone adding much to the atmosphere. My favorite interpretation, Roger Miller’s “King Of The Road”, then uses psyche-rock, country and hip-hop in abstract, crunchy ways that showcase much creativity.

Towards the end, “Song For A Man” offers strong beats and playful instrumentation in the Beastie Boys cover, and “The Danger Zone” (Ray Charles) exits the listen with electro-pop ideas invading the retro haze of jazz and blues.

King Ropes have never surrendered themselves to convention, and this extremely unique effort continues that trend with stunning results. If you only pick up one covers album this year, I’d make it this one, as repeated listens only increase its listening value.

Travels well with: Timber- The Family; Terry Ohms- Cold Cold Shoulder

Joe Edwards

Keep On Running

Tiny Mountain, 2020

8/10

Listen to Keep On Running

A UK multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, Joe Edwards has been plugging away since the age of 16, and ended up in Nashville to record this debut album where folk, Americana, roots and blues ideas are in attendance.

“Beth’s Song” starts the listen with sublime pedal steel as breathy vocals from Edwards steer the pretty Americana setting, and “Capital Blues” follows with some timeless folk sensibilities amid the brushed percussion and bouncy bass lines that point towards the ‘70s.

Near the middle, “The Gambler” stays bare but impactful with aching, introspective song craft, while “Trouble” picks up the pace with organs and calculated bluesy prowess. The title track is one of the album’s best, and recruits a playful spirit with plenty of folksy, country-esque rhythm.

Near the end, “Back On The Road” finds itself in a breezy, gentle moment with a rootsy flavor, and “Mine Oh Mine” finishes out the listen with strong guitar work as the stylish blues unfolds with both precision and power.

A global wanderer, Edwards penned these tunes in different parts of the world, but it was all recorded live in one room with all players on hand, resulting in an intimate and spontaneous warmth to a very impressive start to what will likely be a flourishing career.

Travels well with: Gordon Thomas Ward- Eiderdown; Glenn Thomas- Reassure Me There’s A Window

3D Jazz Trio

I Love To See You Smile

DIVA, 2020

8/10

Listen to I Love To See You Smile

The 3D Jazz Trio consists of Jackie Warren, Amy Shook and Sherrie Maricle, who are not only good friends, but musical soulmates. Together, the 3 rework traditionals and standards from several decades on this feel good record where each member brings their respective talent in spades.

Randy Newman’s “I Love To See You Smile” starts the listen with precise keys, playful percussion and warm bass lines in the striking opener, and “Bésame Mucho” follow with piano from Warren dominating the careful landscape that builds into a frenzied display of vast skill.

In the middle, the rhythmic approach of ”Back At The Chicken Shack” leaves an impression, while “Angel Eyes”, a Matt Dennis tune, finds an elegant, romantic place to reside where piano and bass work together dynamically and with much soul.

Towards the end, “When You And I Were Young, Maggie” finds a soothing melody amid some bluesy spirit that is certainly an album stand out, and “L.O.V.E.”, a tribute to Maurice Hines Jr., exits the listen swiftly with a shuffling pace of adventurous song craft.

An aptly titled effort, this listen is nothing but fun, as the trio shift from powerful to passionate and never without large amount of charm. It’s amazing to think that the ladies have only been playing together for 6 years, as their undeniable chemistry seems like it’s decades in the making.

Travels well with: Jenny Davis- Rearranged; Kaylé Brecher- Kayleidoscope

Daryl Mosley

The Secret Of Life

Pinecastle, 2020

8/10

Listen to The Secret Of Life

An esteemed songwriter who excels at storytelling, singing and guitar playing, Daryl Mosley has made quite a name for himself as a member of the bluegrass outfit New Tradition, as well as The Farm Hands, who have proved time and time again to be among the best of the genre. Here, Mosley offers us 11 originals with an incredible band that includes Adam Haynes on fiddle, Danny Roberts on mandolin and Michael Stockton handling dobro, among others.

“A Few Year Ago” starts out heavy on the strings as the bluegrass melodies seep into the warm opener, and the title track continues the strong song craft with a calmer setting as Mosley’s smooth delivery guides the heartfelt atmosphere.

Near the middle, “It Never Gets Old” is acoustic guitar fueled balladry, while “Do What The Good Book Says” is vocally dominant with sing-alongs amid the playful, upbeat picking that takes nods at New Orleans influences. “A Piece At A Time” then highlights fiddles as vocal harmonies enter the sublime environment.

The albums exits superbly, with the cautious approach of “I’d Write You”, and the swift “Heartache’s Moving In” finishes the listen with themes of love that emit both grace and adventurousness.

Mosley’s proficient vocals are complemented by Irene Kelley, Jaelee Roberts and Jeanette Williams, and together they blend country, bluegrass and gospel into timeless and charming ways on The Secret Of Life, which easily parallels the greatness achieved by Mosley’s other albums.

Travels well with: The Farm Hands-Memories Of Home; Nightflyer- Flight

BK Trio

Hit It

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Hit It

Consisting of Brian Kooken on guitar, Greg Hatza holding down Hammond B3 Organ and Robert Shahid behind the drum kit, BK Trio brings much technical prowess to this lively effort where bop, soul, blues and jazz are certainly not in short supply.

The title track starts the listen with spirited, bluesy guitars as the playful percussion and keys add much to the soulful setting, and this continues to the jazz friendly “Always Looking Up”, as well as the calming tone of the precise and rhythmic “Brazilian Blues”.

The back half of the listen offers the melodic and swift swing proficiency of “5 Minutes Late”, while “In That Funk Again” brings funk in spades alongside the acrobatic guitar work that fits nicely with the grooves. “Soul For Shahid” then ends the listen with a wealth of organ amid the giant landscape of timeless blues.

Kooken has a history playing alongside Marva Wright, and here he proves he’s an exceptional band leader, too, making Hit It essential listening for the jazz guitar crowd.

Travels well with: Herb Silverstein & Michael Ross- Looking Back: Play It Again; Radha Thomas & Aman Mahajan- Bangalore Blues

Vanderlei Pereira And Blindfold Test

Vision For Rhythm

Jazzheads, 2020

8/10

Listen to Vision For Rhythm

A veteran drummer from Brazil who has been doing impressive work in the U.S. for over 3 decades now, Vanderlei Pereira brings his keen attention to rhythm and technique as he shines bright on this first effort with his band, Blindfold Test.

The album starts with the quick melodies of the cultured, flute friendly “Misturada”, and “Ponto de Partida”, an original, continues the playfulness with percussion and piano acting together dynamically with plenty of rhythm and soul.

At the halfway point, “O Que Ficou” benefits greatly from soothing brass in the jazz filled setting, while “The Cry And The Smile”, the album highlight, gets dreamy with wordless vocals from Susan Pereira adding to the serene approach. “Les Matins de Rixensart” then trims the pace back for a key focused execution of vast skill.

Near the end, “Alma Brasileira” moves swiftly with dance friendly instrumentation, and the title track exits the listen with strong drumming dominating the finish, as Pereira displays his incredible chops behind the drum kit.

At a running time of 70 minutes, there’s much to absorb here, but Vanderlei and company’s ability to birth rich melodies, thriving solos and gorgeous scat singing never out welcome their stay.

Travels well with: Jared Gold- Reemergence; Dave Stryker- Blue Soul

Steve Earle & The Dukes

Ghosts Of West Virginia

New West, 2020

9/10

Listen to Ghosts Of West Virginia

The number of artists who have put out as many albums as Steve Earle that are consistently essential is very small. On his 20th album, Ghosts Of West Virginia, Earle & The Dukes, which now consists of Chris Masterson, Eleanor Whitmore, Ricky Ray Jackson, Brad Pemberton and Jeff Hill, theme the record around the Upper Big Branch coal mine explosion in 2010 that killed 29 men.

“Heaven Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” starts with Earle’s comforting, raspy vocals on an a cappella tune where his band provides harmonies in a gospel sort of way, and “Union, God And Country” follows with his always enthralling storytelling amid flowing country sounds.

In the middle, the pretty “Time Is Never On Our Side” moves with a timeless folk appeal, while “It’s About Blood” finds a fuller place to reside with gritty rock entering the equation. “If I Could See Your Face Again” then recruits gripping vocals from Whitmore to the pedal steel friendly setting.

The album is bookended well with the punchy blues fun of “Fastest Man Alive” and the ultra raw singing of “The Mine”, where Earle’s deep country roots come through in the sublime balladry.

An album about an unimaginable tragedy, Earle dealt with his own devastation when his long running bass player, Kelley Looney, passed away right before they recorded this album. Ultimately an effort for the working class population, Earle has released many incredible records in his lengthy career and this one is right at the top of that list.

Travels well with: Justin Townes Earle- The Saint Of Lost Causes; Corb Lund- Cover Your Tracks

Ben De La Cour

Shadow Land

Flour Sack Cape, 2020

9/10

Listen to Shadow Land

While there’s certainly no shortage of singer-songwriters from Nashville these days, few are as skilled and memorable as Ben de la Cour. On this 4th album, the troubadour delivers an intimate, forthright and often dark peek into his creative mind, where mandolin, accordion, clarinet and saxophones are in attendance.

The swift acoustic strumming and western influences of “God’s Only Son” opens up the listen as de la Cour’s gritty vocals flow alongside the haunting atmosphere that also brings in strings, and “High Heels Down The Holler” follows with a calmer spirit as vivid storytelling illuminates the warm Americana and bluesy nods.

In the middle, the bright percussion and harmonicas of “Shadow Land” blend in well with the dreamy melodies, while the electric guitars and rowdy keys of “Basin Lounge” sounds like it could incite a bar room brawl. “From Now On” then recruits a cello in the ballad setting that moves with sublime beauty.

At the end, “Harmless Indian Medicine Blues” certainly offers blues amid a thicker display of brass filled rock, and “Valley Of The Moon” exits the listen with a poetic, playful execution that highlights the top notch storytelling.

De la Cour tackles some very sensitive issues here, including mental illness and suicide, and the music is equally thoughtful. Despite residing where countless records are made, de la Cour actually ventured to Canada to record this album, and it’s definitely going to be one of the best this year.

Travels well with: Eric Brace & Last Train Home- Daytime Highs & Overnight Lows; Rod Picott- Tell The Truth & Shame The Devil

Jefferson Berry & The UAC

Double Deadbolt Logic

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Double Deadbolt Logic

This 3rd album from Philadelphia’s Jefferson Berry & The UAC brings in a small army players to flesh out these folk-rock gems where flutes, mandolins and hand clapping is also in attendance.

“At The Festival” starts the listen with bright folk-rock where warm strumming and expressive vocals aren’t in short supply and a mandolin makes an impression, and “She Was Baking Bread” follows with organic rhythm alongside soothing singing with some jazz nods.

Elsewhere, “Shattered Glass” recruits percussion and bluesy guitars for a fuller tune that embraces classic pop ideas in the most universally accessible track, while “Troubles With The Mood” brings a moodier approach of cautious melody as a flute joins the effort. “Locks And Guns”, the album highlight, then delivers timeless folk-rock that’s as playful as it is memorable.

Late in the listen, “Everyone’s Got Their Stuff” displays strong banjo and harmonica prowess in the Americana atmosphere, and “Crime In The City” exits the listen with a busy display of rockin’ blues as Berry guides the radiant finish.

An album about the ‘the good love, the bad love and these strange times’, Berry and company have crafted a fun, thoughtful and unpredictable listen that anyone with an ear for folk and Americana will have no trouble enjoying.

Travels well with: The Danberrys- Shine; Gordon Thomas Ward- Eiderdown

Diane Schuur

Running On Faith

Jazzheads, 2020

8/10

Listen to Running On Faith

On her first release in 6 years the multiple Grammy winner Diane Schuur pays homage to some of her idols as blues, gospel and jazz sounds prevail from the always impressive pianist/vocalist.

“Walking On A Tightrope”, a Percy Mayfield tune, starts the listen with Schuur’s mix of talking and singing with piano fueled blues, and “The Danger Zone” follows with strong vocals alongside the reflective tone.

Near the middle, “The Sun Will Shine On You”, a Jeff Lynne original, offers a ballad with an emotive landscape, while “Everybody Looks Good At The Starting Line” flows with an upbeat approach where Ernie Watts leaves an impression with his saxophone prowess. “This Bitter Earth”, one of the album’s best, then relies heavily on Schuur’s piano skills as the melancholic climate tugs at the heartstrings.

At the end, “Way Over Yonder” displays poetic storytelling that’s both eloquent and striking, and the spiritual “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” puts a soulful spin on the classic with just Schuur’s piano.

Schuur’s pipes sound as rich and inimitable as ever here, as the songstress moves deftly from one track to the next with esteemed help from Ernie Watts and Bruce Lett, among others, resulting in another fantastic listen in her vast catalog of work.

Travels well with: Coniece Washington- Shades Of Shirley Horn; Lyn Stanley- London With A Twist

Bloods

Seattle

Share It, 2020

9/10

Listen to Seattle

An Australian trio fronted by Marihuzka Cornelius, the 6 tunes here are full of all the hallmarks of the city it was recorded in and named after, i.e. loud guitars, gritty melody and a rumbling intensity that defined Seattle through most of the ‘90s.

“U & M E” leads with a dark spirit of punchy garage rock that’s pure power and melody, and the speedy punk sounds of “Girls Are Just Fucking Cool Like That” points at some of the best rock ever made in Seattle with a soaring guitar solo amid the buzzing, anthemic setting.

The back half of the listen offers the bouncy bass lines of “Waste Of Time”, where melody is never in short supply, while “I Hate It” takes a page out of ‘90s alt-rock with some grunge nods, almost as if Letters To Cleo grew up on Mudhoney. The EP ends with the classic “Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others”, where Bloods rework The Smiths tune from a feminist slant with their fuzzed out formula adding plenty of muscle to the affair.

A band who grew up in awe of Kurt Cobain and Chris Cornell, Bloods certainly brings those influences to the effort, but are never derivative in this very well done grunge, alternative, punk and garage rock hybrid that easily warrants repeated plays.

Travels well with: Bully- Feels Like; Surfer Blood- Snowdonia

Quinn Deveaux & The Blue Beat Revue

Book Of Soul

QDV, 2020

8/10

Listen to Book Of Soul

An artist with roots all over the country, Quinn DeVeaux brings blues, country, R&B and soulful textures to this very versatile and meticulously crafted 4th album, Book Of Soul.

“Been Too Long” starts the listen with plenty of soul and grooves as DeVeaux’s smooth vocals match the flowing music perfectly, and “All I Need” follows with strong percussion alongside the backing female vocals in the gospel friendly setting.

Towards the middle, “Think About You” is a playful display of organ filled melody with call and response singing, while “Gimme Your Love”, one of the album’s best, then glides with pretty instrumentation that’s warm and inviting.

Deeper into the listen, “Good Times Roll” moves with a danceable pace as the rollicking piano steals the show, and “Trouble” recruits brass for the vocally expressive, ‘70s spirited atmosphere that’s not short on rhythm. “Stay The Night” finishes the listen cautiously, as keys add much to the rich execution that’s both retro and modern.

DeVeaux wrote and produced this entire album and it radiates a timeless quality that’s comparable to Al Green, and, much like Green’s work, will sound just as good decades from now as it does today.

Travels well with: Luther Dickinson- Blues & Ballads; North Mississippi Allstars- Up And Rolling

Ken Dunn

Ashes In The Morning

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Ashes In The Morning

Ken Dunn returns with his 9th album after 2 years of working on it, and as usual it’s a listen packed with topical lyricism and stripped back song craft that resonates with sincerity and soulfulness.

Dunn leads with the warm folk sounds of “King High Tide”, where backing vocals from Anna Green and fiddle from Tyler Beckett add much to the bare beauty, and “Come Back Joni” continues the timeless approach with a hurdy gurdy in the dreamy atmosphere.

Further on, "Red And Purple Too” turns a bit darker though not without soft and agile acoustic guitar, while “Deep In The Hive” recruits cello from Michael G. Ronstadt in the the album highlight that benefits from strong percussion, too.

The album is bookended by “Laughter In Your Veins” and “Farewell To The Cages”, where the former brings the only appearance from a plugged in instrument and the latter has Anna Green’s sweet pipes again punctuating the heartfelt execution of folk and Americana.

The world would benefit greatly from listening to Ashes In The Morning right now. Dunn’s peaceful, eloquent display of wordplay and music in a time with so much strife is the sort of positivity, inclusiveness and compassion that we could all use more of.

Travels well with: Roger Street Friedman- Rise; Surrender Hill- A Whole Lot Of Freedom

Lizzy Long

Dreaming Again

Vine, 2020

8/10

Listen to Dreaming Again

The award winning bluegrass and Americana artist Lizzy Long returns with her much anticipated sophomore album, where she offers originals and covers as her fiddle prowess and strong vocal work sounds better than ever.

Long starts the listen with the elegant and soothing sounds of “Fireflies And Falling Stars” as her fluid, expressive pipes guide the country influenced opener, and the Queen tune, “Keep Yourself Alive”, follows with precise picking in the swift bluegrass, rootsy setting.

Near the middle, “Old Fashioned Heart” flows with timeless melody as Long discusses modern technology versus the pursuit of love, while “Cherry Pickin’” glides with a firm spirit where playful, dynamic musicianship aligns with Long’s forthright wordplay.

Close to the end, “Final Curtain” displays Long’s soaring pipes amid strong, rural song craft, and “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again”, from Phantom Of The Opera, exits with warm balladry that tugs on the heartstrings as aching strings and beautiful restraint highlight the climate.

Long is among the youngest fiddlers to be inducted into America’s Old-Time Country Hall of Fame, and it turns out she’s an equally great songwriter, too (she co-wrote 5 tunes here). An extremely soulful and versatile effort, it appears that Long is going to enjoy an esteemed career.

Travels well with: Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road- True Grass Again; The Garrett Newton Band- Bluegrass Barn

Peter Greve

The Palace Of The Dreamking And Other Works

Navona, 2019

8/10

Listen to The Palace Of Dreamking And Other Works

Though he began his formal musical journey late in life, Peter Greve is making up for lost time quickly with his eclectic and experimental vision.

“The Palace Of Dreamking” starts the listen with the New Europe Symphony Orchestra, where a tense setting allows for a varied cinematic appeal, and “Partita” follows with an adventurous exploration that allows the large ensemble of 11 brass instruments to work together dynamically.

In the middle, “Trio” brings violin, cello, piano and clarinet into the fold with quivering moments of spareness, as well as jubilant moments of loud swells, and “Aria” ends the album with trumpet and organ on a spirited and calculated exit of timeless execution.

Greve has been quite busy since taking on music in the early 2000’s after entering retirement, and this installment again illustrates his creative vision and sublime delivery.

Travels well with: Steven Masi- Brahmsiana; Figments- Vol. 2