Run Katie Run

Running On Love

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Running On Love

An indie outfit spearheaded by Kate Coleman, Run Katie Run explores a variety of sounds on this quick EP, where Adam Pendlington (guitar, banjo), Stephen Quinn (bass), and Ian Pendlington (drums) help illuminate the harmonies, melodies and power present in Coleman’s song craft.

“15 Minutes” starts the listen with pretty, expressive vocals as firm acoustic guitar and playful percussion help cultivate the soaring folk-rock and Americana hybrid, and “No Way Out” follows with a louder presence of rugged yet melodic roots rock that’s got plenty of energy and grit.

In the middle, “Stolen Time” trims the pace back with sublime beauty before building into an emotive display of warmth, while “Kinda Hoping” jangles a bit with a frisky charm that embraces some country influences in the EPs best track.

At the end, “Stay Or Leave” displays strong guitar work as rhythm and soulful swagger enters the playful climate, and “Running On Love” exits the listen with jam band dynamics amid the strong vocal work and equally strong attention to detail.

A universally enjoyable effort that fans of folk, pop, rock and Americana will enjoy, Coleman and company clearly possess much talent, and let’s hope they’re gearing up for a marathon not a sprint, and much more is on the horizon.

Travels well with: Hope Dunbar- Sweetheartland; Julian Taylor- The Ridge;

Jordsjø

Pastoralia

Karisma, 2021

8/10

Listen to Pastoralia

An accomplished duo who also play in Tusmørke and Black Magic, as Jordsjø the pair put an inimitable twist on prog-rock with this unconventional 3rd album.

“Prolog” starts the listen with a soulful and playful version of folk-rock where unique guitar playing and fluent drumming emit a jazz like influence, too, and “Skumring/Karesuando” follows with a swift prog-rock presence that weaves in and out of flowing textures and also retreats to calm moments of beauty.

The title track lands in the middle, and recruits expressive singing in its soothing and tuneful execution, while “Fuglehviskeren” displays intricate acoustic guitar in a dizzying, cultured and very memorable album highlight.

Nearing the end, “Vettedans” makes great use of flutes and mellotron as they interact in timeless ways, and “Jord III” exits the listen soft and initially bare, with just keys illuminating the pretty landscape that builds into a layered journey of enormous talent.

Håkon Oftung and Kristian Frøland, i.e. Jordsjø, take help from Ola Mile Bruland, Mats Lemjan and Christian Meaas Svendsen, among others, and it results in some of the most interesting Scandinavian prog-rock you’re likely to hear anywhere.

Travels well with: Tusmørke- Nordisk Krim; Wobbler- Dwellers Of The Deep

Joe And The Feels

Unsupervised

Out Of The Past, 2021

8/10

Listen to Unsupervised

An Arkansas outfit spearheaded by Joe Yoder and Dave Hoffpauir, who are both social workers that couldn’t stop discussing music at their jobs, the pair welcomed Andy Warr, Steve Blevins, and Gaines Fricke, who are all healthcare professionals, to what would become Joe And The Feels.

Sidelined from playing live due to Covid after just one show, the quintet hunkered down to record this debut album, where songs about relationships, marginalized characters, and, not so surprisingly, mental health arrive.

“Beef” starts the listen with a firm retro rock approach that’s not short on melody as smooth singing and crisp percussion add much to the timeless climate, and “Concrete Sofas” follows with warm keys accenting the thoughtful, soulful brand of rock that you can’t help but sing-along to.

In the middle, “Lifeline” thumps and charges with power and melody meeting at a very nostalgic place, while “Easy Now” emits spirited guitar lines amid punchy drumming in an anthemic setting that’s both gritty and tuneful. “Till We Enter The Dirt”, one of the album’s best, then mixes a dynamic rhythm section with keys and horns in a festive atmosphere.

Nearing the end, “Our Story” offers a bare setting that’s vocally eloquent and with female pipes present that builds into an emotive, even cathartic display, and “The Bear & The Wolf” exits the listen with the band’s multifaceted version of rock that’s got some power-pop and alt-rock embedded in its precise charm.

A record that might get you digging out your Pavement or Matthew Sweet records, Joe And The Feels often take nods to early ‘90s college rock and ‘80s power pop while still being quite relative to the current indie-rock scene. A very solid first effort, Yoder and company are doing the long history of top notch independent music from Little Rock proud, and I would expect future efforts to reach Chino Horde level greatness.

Travels well with: Teen Creeps- Forever; The Persian Leaps- Bicycle Face

Lisa Gerrard & Jules Maxwell

Burn

Atlantic Curve, 2021

9/10

Listen to Burn

A trio comprised of Lisa Gerrard and Jules Maxwell, both of the always impressive Dead Can Dance, as well as James Chapman, of MAPS, in the producer role, though Burn is a new record, its origins can be traced back to 2012, when Gerrard and Maxwell realized they possessed a chemistry that could extend beyond Dead Can Dance.

“Heleali (The Sea Will Rise)” leads the 7 track listen with a gorgeous and soaring opener as Gerrard’s incredible vocals guide the dreamy landscape that benefits from Maxwell’s keyboards, and “Noyalain (Burn)” follows with layered vocals as strong drumming and building, Eastern melodies meet at a very emotive intersection.

The middle tracks offer us the initially bare beauty of “Deshta (Forever)”, which glides with much mystery and seems the most closely related DCD tune, while “Aldavyeem (A Time To Dance)” indeed will get your body moving to its cultured rhythm and piano acrobatics amid a stylish climate of agile, swift instrumentation.

Approaching the end, “Keson (Until My Strength Returns)” buzzes with warm synth and expressive singing that pushes and pulls with sublime tension, and “Do So Yo (Gather The Wind)” exits the listen with a pretty, textured execution of intimate, spiritual and hypnotic song craft.

A truly unclassifiable effort, world music, electronica, alt-rock and cinematic gestures all reside here, and are fleshed out in ways that few others could emulate. Gerrard just might be the best living singer, and the diverse, often intense songwriting accents her presence well on this fascinating project.

Travels well with: Dead Can Dance- In Concert; Lost In The Trees- A Church That Fits Our Needs

Blue Cactus

Stranger Again

Sleepy Cat, 2021

8/10

Listen to Stranger Again

The North Carolina duo of Steph Stewart and Mario Arnez, as Blue Cactus they craft an atypical form of Americana that’s groove, twang and glam friendly, as plenty of esteemed help is embraced on this retro and very cozy listen.

“Blue As The Day” starts the listen emotive and eloquent, where Whit Wright’s glowing pedal steel and Gabe Anderson’s strategic percussion complements the country influenced landscape, while “Stranger Again” finds itself in a very pretty, elegant display of cosmic friendly song craft that showcases Stewart’s alluring pipes.

Near the middle, “Come Clean” benefits from cautious harmonies in a stirring, poetic climate, while the vocally radiant “Rodeo Queen” emits spirited guitar lines amid a dreamy delivery. “I Can’t Touch You”, one of the album highlights, is then soaked in hazy beauty that’s sublime, inviting and even mysterious.

“Radioman” and “Space Country” exit the listen, where the former is a lushly layered and meticulous in a vintage sort of way, and the latter brings some ambience and exploratory ideas that finishes primarily instrumental and even a bit psychedelic.

A very well thought out sophomore album, Blue Cactus touch on some of the best ideas of the ‘70s here, where pop and classic country meet at a very absorbing intersection as songs about many different types of relationships resonate with much timelessness.

Travels well with: Skylar Gudasz- Cinema; Mary Bragg- Violets Are Camouflage

Ted Russell Kamp

Solitaire

PoMo, 2021

9/10

Listen to Solitaire

A longtime globetrotter who plays 200 shows a year either on his own or as the bassist for Shooter Jennings, quarantine found Ted Russell Kamp holed up in his home studio, The Den, where this 13th full album was fleshed out that reflects the loneliness of lockdown life.

Kamp leads with “My Girl Now”, where playful acoustic guitar complements his breezy vocal delivery that’s steeped in timeless folk traditions, and “Path Of Least Resistance” follows with bare beauty as Russell’s strong guitar work and soothing pipes emit a Bob Dylan sort of appeal.

There’s 14 tracks here, and not a dud in the bunch. Closer to the middle, the finger snapping and soulful singing of “As Fas As The Eye Can See” is a sparse album highlight, while “The Hardest Road To Find” recruits some classic rock swagger to the intimate climate. “Western Wind”, another really strong track, then benefits from vocal harmonies amid its poetic storytelling as Kamp again proves he’s as diverse as they come.

Deeper yet, “The Spark” lands in country territory, where John Shreffler’s pedal steel sets the mood well, and “Lightning Strikes Twice” exits the listen with a playful bluegrass template- a first for Kamp, and hopefully not the last.

Kamp plays 90% of the instruments here, and the minimal help he does take adds much to his inimitable brand of Americana that goes an entirely different direction than his last record, which was a full band effort, although it’s certainly no less impactful. In fact, it’s probably some of his best work to date, which is no easy feat.

Travels well with: Alastair Greene- The New World Blues; Dave Alvin- From An Old Guitar: Rare And Unreleased Recordings

Maia Sharp

Mercy Rising

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Mercy Rising

Previously a longtime Los Angeles resident, Maia Sharp now calls Nashville home, where the foundation for this 7th solo album was fleshed out in Joshua Grange’s studio. Sharp then brought the tracks to her home studio and took help from Mindy Smith, Peter Groenwald, Cyd Greenwood and many others to fine tune the forthright and heartfelt songs.

The title track starts the listen with warm atmosphere as soft acoustic guitar is met with Sharp’s expressive vocals in a very eloquent climate, and “You’ll Know Who Knows You” follows with a soulful swagger where breezy melodies populate the poetic mood.

The middle tracks are among the best, and includes “When The World Doesn’t End”, where contributions from PJ Pacifico shine on an Americana influenced display of sublime beauty, while “Whatever We Are” is an emotive and timeless blend of folk and country ideas. “Not Your Friend” then gets more firm musically and lyrically as pop moments enter the highly textured climate.

Towards the end, “Missions” recruits a more bare approach that’s full of subtle power alongside vivid storytelling, and “Always Good To See You” exits the listen with graceful piano accompanying Maia’s comforting pipes in an emotionally stirring finish.

An artist who has enjoyed a well received solo career while also penning songs for legends like Bonnie Raitt, Lisa Loeb and Cher, to name a few, Mercy Rising is both intimate and adventurous in its profoundly personal nature that often points to the ‘70s while leaving an indelible mark.

Travels well with: Jonatha Brooke- The Sweetwater Sessions; Patty Griffin- American Kid

Mark Mallman

Happiness

Eagles Golden Touch, 2021

10/10

Listen to Happiness

If you’ve spent any significant time in the midwest you’ve probably at least heard Mark Mallman’s name in passing. A long time player in the Twin Cities scene (he’s even got a star on the First Avenue wall), Mallman’s been releasing consistently great solo album’s since the late ‘90s, Happiness being his first in 5 years and a companion album to his memoir, The Happiness Playlist: The True Story of Healing My Heart With Feel-Good Music.

The title track opens the listen percussively strong with horns and animated guitar lines adding some funk flavor to the glorious setting, and “Humandemonology” follows with a playful glam-pop delivery that’s dance friendly while floating amid plenty of melody.

Closer the middle, “The Beauty Is Alive” builds into a soaring alt-rock flavored display of vocal acrobatics alongside a firm beat, while “Heartattackland” offers a firm acoustic strummer that’s also soaked in backing vocals and bright drumming. “A Life Can’t Be Replaced”, one of best tracks, then embraces some psyche-rock nods as orchestral ideas enter a very exploratory climate that’s textured meticulously.

Inching towards the end, “Fire Bird Light Bird” recruits piano and strings for poetic, cathartic creativity, and “For Love I Will Let Love Go” exits the listen with a diverse indie-rock anthem that’s got some tribal like drumming and emotion in spades.

Mallman has dealt with some serious tragedies in recent years, including the death of his mother, and his Happiness Playlist was designed to help him grieve. An effort that spans the spectrum of feelings that tie us together as human, some of the songs here are quite upbeat, glorious even, while others are steeped in despair. Like everything he’s been a part of, it’s well thought out, executed superbly and reinforces my long held belief that Mark Mallman is a musical treasure whose brilliance is all too often overlooked.

Travels well with: Steve Almaas- Everywhere You’ve Been; Jesse Malin- Outsiders

Glaare

Your Hellbound Heart

Weyrd Son, 2021

10/10

Listen to Your Hellbound Heart

The sophomore album the Los Angeles rockers Glaare, the quartet bring some guests to their post-punk, goth friendly and ominous New Wave hybrid that is Your Hellbound Heart, where melancholy, introspection and much beauty reside alongside the often chilling landscape.

“Young Hell” starts the listen with a firm ‘80s post-punk influence as Rachael Pierce’s pretty yet gritty vocals guide the strong drumming from Brandon Pierce and angular guitar work thanks to Rex Elle, and this throwback appeal follows to the swift “For Sale”, where buzzing synth adds much to the charged, melodic environment.

There’s just 8 tracks here, and each one is fantastic. In the middle, “Buyer’s Remorse” injects a danceable quality similar to what we adored so much about New Order, while “Divine Excess” throbs playfully amid crisp percussion and strategic bass from Marisa Prietto, not mention Ross Farrar’s backing vocals on the dreamy album highlight.

Nearing the exit, “2 Cents” offers a lush and layered display of synth-pop meets darkwave greatness, and “Your Hellbound Heart” exits the listen on a calm note, as a surreal climate is built around warbly synth, plenty of ambience and absorbing dream-pop.

If names like Joy Division, The Cure, My Bloody Valentine or Siouxsie And The Banshees occupy a space in your collection, then Glaare certainly should, too, as they embrace all the hallmarks of those legends with a modern spirit that will appeal to the indie-rock crowd as well.

Travels well with: Creux Lies- The Hearth; Blackout Transmission- Sparse Illumination

Various Artists

Sustain Vol. 2

Navona, 2021

9/10

Listen to Sustain Vol. 2

The 2nd installment in the Sustain series, and this one also places focus on the piano as tonality, pitch and execution are all manipulated in a very contemporary fashion from a new cast of composers and performers this time around.

Karen A. Tarlow’s “Toccata Prestidigita” leads with Randall Hodgkinson’s swift and inviting piano prowess that’s not short on melody, and “Caprice-Hesitation” follows with Lucie Kaucka on keys as much elegance and playfulness surrounds the Chen-Hsin Su original.

Elsewhere, “Leaves” displays Hodgkinson’s softer side as sublime beauty enters the Ron Nagorcka composition, while “The Journey Is My Home”, also by Nagorcka, emits both intimacy and exploration from Hodkinson’s very capable playing. “The Reluctant Carnie”, one of the standout tracks, then recruits Kaucka’s precise finger acrobatics amid much flowing grace.

Closer to the end, “Toccata (Short ‘N Sweet)” is a brief, glorious delivery of dizzying playing from Kaucka, and “Bewildered Soliloquies” exits the listen with violin, cello and keys working together synergistically in a dreamy, highly inviting environment.

A very diverse adventure that truly captures the breadth of the piano, the strategic and minimal use of brass and strings accent the mood well as the artists bring us plenty of welcomed surprises on this complex and timeless listen.

Travels well with: Prisma Vol. 5; Apollo Chamber Players- Within Earth;

Joshua Ranz

J.S. Bach: Three Cello Suites

Navona, 2021

8/10

Listen to J.S. Bach: Three Cello Suites

A very interesting project, the esteemed clarinetist Joshua Ranz interprets Bach’s legendary works arranged for bass clarinet here. Ranz decided on Suites #1, #2 and #4 cause they form a cohesive and dynamic whole, as he puts a fresh coast of paint on Three Cello Suites with much skill.

“Cello Suite #1 In G Major, BWV 1007” leads the listen with 6 movements where a low pitch shows us much depth and playfulness, and this creativity continues to “Cello Suite #4 In E Flat Major, BWV 1010”, where a hypnotic approach also injects plenty of melody and even some intimacy in the later movements.

The album exits on “Cello Suite #2 In D Minor, BMV 1008”, as a warm and cozy delivery spreads across 6 chapters of emotive, swift and even vulnerable playing that Ranz executes with a meticulous energy.

Though his name might not be familiar to you, if you’ve seen Toy Story 3 &4, Catch Me If You Can or Star Wars Episodes VII and IX, you’ve already heard Ranz’s work. Here, he proves just how diverse his talent can get while offering just as much beauty as the originals thanks to his timeless vision.

Travels well with: Stanley Grill- Remember; The Crossing- Tower And The Garden

Art Noir

Poems Of An Extinct Species

Aenaos, 2021

9/10

Listen to Poems Of An Extinct Species

The brainchild of the German film composer Jan Weber, as Art Noir he returns a decade after his last album, Silent Green, and, very unfortunately, an ALS diagnosis that slowly decreased his muscle movement. As a result, he had to complete this album with an assistive eye tracking communication device, and he also reeled in Thomas Navas (Lost In The Void) and Stefan Vesper (Steve Dragon, In Strict Confidence) for mastering, mixing and production.

“Gloomy Sunday” starts the listen with a very unique approach to electro-pop ideas, where pretty female vocals from Nadine Stelzer and playful instrumentation reside closer to dreamy than gloomy, and “Shadows Of The Past” follows with a light buzzing as plenty of ambience unfolds with a sci-fi sort of delivery.

At the midpoint, “All They Left Behind” charges with a spacey, prog-rock introduction that bursts into a highly melodic display of modern pop prowess, while “Time And Eternity” enters a darker territory that’s a bit ethereal while embracing an industrial like presence. “The Imagined World”, one of the best tracks present, then pairs an ominous landscape with expressive singing that’s shrouded in both mystery and elegance.

Close to the end, “Thorns And Lilies” emits an intimate beauty as strong drumming complements the poetic climate, and “Moving Sky (Wasted Life Remix)” offers another version of an earlier track that is layered superbly here, and carries a cinematic demeanor amid much precise songwriting.

A very creative journey that addresses adaptive human-nature interrelationships through time and space in a time when technology has essentially become an extension of our bodies, Weber’s vision and execution is stimulating, thought provoking and, at times, vulnerable in a very compelling, fascinating and inspiring experience.

Travels well with: Uzul- Evolve; Julien Boudart- Nome Polycephale/Ancient And Modern Myths Vol. 1

Ralph Sorrentino

Lo & Behold

Ravello, 2021

8/10

Listen to Lo & Behold

The percussion extraordinaire Ralph Sorrentino brings much attention to these 5 pieces, where both solo and chamber settings highlight many moods, textures and emotions in Sorrentino’s very capable hands- both figuratively and literally.

Askell Masson’s “Rhythm Strip” starts the listen, and displays proficient snare drum from Sorrentino and Chris Hanning, who also brings a field drum to the captivating landscape, and “Five Structures For Four Timpani”, by David Corkhill, unfolds across 5 movements, where Sorrentino’s timpani skills amaze us with his inimitable diversity.

“Portraits Of A Waltz” occupies the middle spot and puts a unique spin on the Robert McCormick original with just a rapid fire snare drum, while “Duo Fantasia” recruits Sophia Anastasia’s dreamy flute to multi-faceted percussion that does justice to Maurice Wright’s vision. “Lo And Behold” exits the listen, and just enlists concert bass drum as an ominous quality finishes on a very exciting note.

A listen that truly pushes the bounds of what one can accomplish in a percussive environment, even though this is a highly technical affair, it’s also one that’s easy to absorb and contains much lasting power.

Travels well with: Taktus- Mirrored Glass; Lachlan Skipworth- Lachlan Skipworth

Eleanor Alberga

Wild Blue Yonder

Navona, 2021

8/10

Listen to Wild Blue Yonder

The Jamaican composer and pianist Eleanor Alberga brings us 4 very diverse and modern chamber pieces here that were penned over 22 years, and she’s got some esteemed help to illuminate the wide range of emotions across the human spectrum.

“No-Man’s-Land Lullaby” opens the listen with Alberga’s dreamy piano alongside Thomas Bowes’ stirring violin as the two interact in sublime, moody ebbs of introspection that extends back to World War I, and “Shining Gate Of Morpheus” follows with Richard Watkins handling horn as the Ensemble Arcadiana brings violin, viola and cello to a triumphant, energetic display of soaring orchestral ideas.

The back half of the listen offers “Succubus Moon” and “The Wild Blue Yonder”, where the former benefits greatly from Nicholas Daniel’s strong oboe presence alongside the cautious string arrangements that are drenched in emotive manipulation that explores the darker points of the human psyche, and the latter exits with just violin and piano emitting both bare beauty and firm moments of exploration.

An ideal soundtrack to these often turbulent times, Alberga delivers a thought provoking and timeless body of work that’s bold, creative and so relevant to the human experience.

Travels well with: Semir Sammy Hasić- No More War It’s Time For Love; Carl Vollrath- Transit Voices

Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra

Prisma Vol. 5: Contemporary Works For Orchestra

Navona, 2021

8/10

Listen to Prisma Vol. 5: Contemporary Works For Orchestra

The Prisma series continues with the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra’s sublime contributions, where Jiří Petrdlík and Stanislav Vavřínek take the position of conductor across imaginative performances by 7 diverse composers.

“Adagio Of Times And Seasons”, by Lawrence Mumford, starts the listen gentle and warm, where glorious stings and a soaring spirit radiate much grace, and Kevin McCarter’s “All Along” follows and emits flowing melody and much beauty.

In the middle, “A Kiss In The Dark” places a romantic approach to the Samantha Sack composition, while “Bell And Drum Tower” moves more firmly, where rumbling drums and a majestic demeanor also recruit a cinematic quality amid the Alexis Alrich song.

Deeper still, “Nunatak” resides in calmer territory via sophistication and elegance as the ensemble do justice to the Katherine Saxon original, and “This Full Bowl Of Roses Part III” finishes the listen steeped in intimacy and exploration that highlights the vision of William Copper.

Like every installment in this series, there’s much complexity to be absorbed, but it’s all laid out with an inviting and universally embraceable originality in the area of orchestral music that you’re not going to hear anywhere else.

Travels well with: Prisma Vol. 3; Anne Neikirk- Spring Shadows

N Kelsey

Delta

Self-Released, 2021

7/10

Listen to Delta

A Montana native who has since resided in several places around the world, the multi-instrumentalist N Kelsey brings a worldly approach to this solo EP, where his distinct singing and classical guitar prowess resides in a unique spot among singer-songwriters.

“Jackson” starts the quick listen with soft, expressive vocals alongside gentle, hypnotic acoustic guitar as folk and dreamy qualities enter the soothing climate, and “Trophies” follows with warm strumming and strategic keys that lands in indie-pop territory.

Halfway through, “Indigo” displays intricate guitar work and a bit more forceful singing in a very poetic atmosphere, while “New Love”, the EP stand out, meshes Americana, indie and folk into an eloquent and easily embraceable formula. “You Found Me” then exits the listen with plenty of atmosphere amid much diversity in Kelsey’s strong vocal range.

A very charming and pleasant effort, Kelsey clearly possesses much talent, as the now Los Angeles resident shows much promise in the area of modern folk that’s as timeless as it is thoughtful.

Travels well with: Moon And Bike- One; DL Rossi- Lonesome Kind

Robert Honstein

Middle Ground

Other Minds, 2021

8/10

Listen to Middle Ground

The ultra creative mind of Robert Honstein meets the divine violin playing of Kate Stenberg on this 3 movement EP, where hints of electronics help illuminate the contrasts between the diverse potential of the instrument.

“Too Far” starts the listen with a bare atmosphere that’s shrouded in mystery, as the lone violin is manipulated in ways that don’t sound quite like what you’d expect where subtle electronics add much to the cautious mood.

In the middle, “Too Close” moves at a much quicker pace, and the string acrobatics are so well done, it hardly seems possible by just one musician as pitch and tone are weaved in and out of with careful attention to detail.

“Bridging The Gap” then exits the listen, and borrows from elements of the first two movements, as rhythm and melody are both fleshed out with intimacy and tension, and certainly never in any predictable ways.

The compositions here actually soundtrack a 20 minute film by Four/Ten Media, where the song craft balances subdued introspection along with frenzied moments of controlled chaos. Not so surprisingly, Stenberg continues her strong chamber presence, and absolutely puts an inimitable stamp on the highly innovative project.

Travels well with: 113 Composers & Duo Gelland- Resistance/Resonance; Curtis K. Hughes- Tulpa

N.O.A

Afterallogy

Naive/Believe, 2021

8/10

Listen to Afterallogy

Even though Noa and Gil Dor have been performing and recording together for 30 years now, Afterallogy is actually their first true jazz album, where the duo bring both originals and classics that are handled with the utmost care, love and respect for the songs.

“My Funny Valentine” starts the listen with Noa’s sublime, stirring vocals flowing alongside Dor’s precise guitar playing as they reimagine the standard in their own light, and “The Masquerade” follows with Noa’s stunning range on display amid the playful climate.

Landing near the middle, the romantic “But Beautiful” offers a gorgeous peek into the timeless vocal prowess and sublime guitar work, while “Something’s Coming” moves at a quicker pace that possesses plenty of beauty in its frisky delivery. “Darn That Dream”, a late album highlight, then resides in passionate balladry as Noa impresses with her versatile craft, and Dor’s intricate finger work isn’t anything to spit at either.

Towards the end, “Waltz For Neta”, a Dor original, plants an instrumental that’s so meticulous it hardly seems that just one guitar is present, and “Every Time We Say Goodbye” finishes out the listen on an emotive and dreamy note that resonates much warmth.

A pair whose divine chemistry has been consistent since their first performance together in 1990, whether it’s a radiant original or a glowing interpretation, Noa and Dor handle the setting with much poise on this careful and cozy collaboration.

Travels well with: Sue Maskaleris- Love Is The Key; Linda Purl- Taking A Chance On Love

113 Composers & Duo Gelland

Resistance/Resonance

New Focus, 2021

8/10

Listen to Resistance/Resonance

An extremely adventurous project, Resistance/Resonance brings the 113 Composers Collective together with Duo Gelland for 6 pieces that allow Cecilia and Martin Gelland to showcase their inimitable and vast violin dynamics.

Jeremy Wagner’s “Oberleitung” leads the listen with both tense and playful string manipulation that’s equally haunting and exciting in its calculated precision where the violins even sound percussive, and “A Lifeless Object, Alive (Dysarthia)”, by Michael Duffy, follows with an artistic approach to space and time being adjusted with the utmost care that’s capable of noisy as well as soft moments.

The middle tracks offer us 3 chapters of Joshua Musikantow’s “Autochrome Lumiére”, where the violins dance around each other with sublime melody, furious string acrobatics, and even calming gestures of bare beauty. The title track, one of the album’s best, then quivers with a cinematic appeal that’s blurry and innovative in its pitch focused range.

The final two tracks, Adam Zahller’s “Difficult Ferns” and Tiffany M. Skidmore’s “cistern. anechoic. sonolucent.”, continue the creative landscape, as the former alternates between calm and swift across its 3 movements of fascinating tonality, and the latter finishes with a dreamy 10 minutes that explores the serene side of the violin.

For fans of unconventional violin music, or those that absorb atypical chamber and orchestral sounds, this is a journey worth taking that embraces intimacy and exploration in ways that few could replicate.

Travels well with: Curtis K. Hughes- Tulpa; Douglas Boyce- The Hunt By Night