Damani Phillips

No More Apologies

Openmind, 2021

9/10

Listen to No More Apologies

The jazz professor Damani Phillips brings his sax and scatting talent to this unique listen, where violin, viola and cello all enter the jazz filled climate that tips it hat to African American culture and welcomes William Menefield (piano, Rhodes), Brandon Meeks (bass) and Cassius Goens (drums).

“So In Love (A Nod To Cannon)” starts the listen upbeat and agile, where warm sax and dancing keys are met with frisky drumming and elegant strings, and “Sunset’s Last Embrace” follows with the soulful brass front and center, where sweeping strings help set a very adventurous mood.

“Corcovado” and “Hymn (For Trayvon)” occupy the middle spots, as the former showcases acrobatic drumming amid very meticulous and flowing sax prowess, while the latter brings cautiousness into the textured and emotive landscape.

Near the end, “Midnight Sun” radiates a sublime and glowing delivery in its timeless jazz appeal, and “But Beautiful” exits the listen with the orchestral strings and dynamic rhythm section making for a very precise and atypical finish.

An album that grooves in a very unique fashion, the many string players contribute an immense amount of talent, and it results in a powerful brand of Black music thanks to Phillips’ inimitable vision.

Travels well with: Thomas Heflin- Morning Star; Randal Clark- Imaginary World

Sergio Pereira

Finesse

Sedajazz, 2022

8/10

Listen to Finesse

The Brazilian Sergio Pereira has a long history playing music, and his formative years of bossa nova influence certainly is present across this jazz friendly listen that hosts many esteemed musicians on his 3rd album.

“White Lion” opens the listen with Pereira’s fluid guitar and warm voice alongside Helio Alves’ agile keys and Emilio Martins’ frisky percussion in the cultured climate, and “Morning Mist” follows with Pereira on acoustic guitar and Marcus Teixeira on electric guitar in the dreamy, upbeat delivery.

“Quase” arrives at the halfway point and showcases Ralph Moore’s alto sax prowess and Maurico Zottarelli’s precise drumming amid the breezy jazz sensibilities, while “Give Me” floats with a charming display of cozy bass from Mark Egan and well timed harmonica thanks to Gabriel Grossi, as Pereira illustrates another avenue of his diverse jazz.

Landing near the end, the pretty vocal scatting of “Let It Out” suits the inviting flute, saxes and keys courtesy of David Mann, and “Dreamsville” exits the listen with Pereira’s elegant acoustic guitar, Paulo Paulelli’s meticulous bass and Zottarelli’s gentle drumming emitting much grace.

Recorded remotely during the pandemic in 2019/2020, Pereira brings the listener hope, positivity and happiness with his craft, and his global adventures and vast experience make for an exceptional and worldly affair.

Travels well with: Bill O’Connell- Wind Off The Hudson; David Finck- BASSic Instinct

The Christiane Karam Quartet

Nar

SR, 2022

8/10

Listen to Nar

The vocalist and composer Christiane Karam finds herself in the company of Vadim Neselovskyi (piano), Naseem Alatrash (cello), Peter Slavov (bass) and Keita Ogawa (percussion) on this very diverse jazz listen that incorporates Middle Eastern influences and Balkan ideas.

The title track opens the listen with quivering percussion and much atmosphere as the warm strings guide the unique climate, and this creativity continues to the expressive singing of “Halla’ Fallayt”, where the elegant piano complements the gorgeous landscape.

Further on, “Beirut” meshes moody cello, thumping drums and Karam’s soaring pipes with much cultured energy, while “Peine” benefits greatly from the plucked bass amid stirring keys.

Nearing the end, “Farandole” moves with an upbeat, festive demeanor of playful vocal scatting, and the reprise version of “Nar” exits the listen introspective, sublime and with a striking beauty.

This is Karam’s 4th album but first with a quintet, and it’s her most developed yet, where a strong sense of artistry documents some recent tough times in her home country of Beirut, and finds itself in song craft that illustrates resilience, connection and the triumphant force of the human spirit.

Travels well with: Kristen Lee Sergeant- Falling; Alexis Cole- Sky Blossom: Songs From My Tour Of Duty

Solomiya Ivakhiv

Poems & Rhapsodies

Centaur, 2022

8/10

Listen to Poems & Rhapsodies

The violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv aligns herself with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, where she interprets the works of European and American composers on the aptly titled Poems & Rhapsodies.

Camille Saint-Saëns’ “La muse et le poète, Op. 132” starts the listen with Sophie Shao’s warm cello complementing Ivakhiv’s expressive and diverse string manipulation that spans from light and airy to moody, and Ernest Chausson’s “Poème, Op. 25” follows with a sublime spirit of gorgeous violin acrobatics.

In the middle, “The Lark Ascending”, by Ralph Vaughn Williams, floats with a dreamy demeanor of precise string work, while “Poem for Violin and Orchestra in D Minor” is the fullest track, where the orchestra blends their twinkling and firm dynamics into the lush climate.

“American Rhapsody”, by Kenneth Fuchs, arrives near the end and quivers with a cinematic quality of grace and tension, and Myroslav Skoryk’s “Carpathian Rhapsody” exits the listen with a rare piece that showcases Ivakhiv’s flawless playing in a very agile and alluring finish.

An artist who has excelled in both solo and chamber situations, Ivakhiv just recently released her recordings of Mendelssohn Concertos and Haydn and Hummel Concertos, and this effort is yet another exceptional installment of her inimitable talent.

Travels well with: Shea-Kim Duo- The Sound And The Fury; Sergei Kvitko- MOZART. Post Scriptum

David Heatley

Life Our Own Way

Dream Puppy, 2022

8/10

Listen to Life Our Own Way

An eccentric NYC artist, David Heatley, who might best be known as a cartoonist and animation director, delivers a debut album here, where members of Lost Bayou Ramblers and Givers, Julie Odell, Sarah Quintana, Lilli Lewis and Michael Cervis all lend their talents across 15 eclectic tunes.

Heatley starts the listen with the warm and hazy title track, where power-pop ideas enter the cozy guitar and anthemic territory, and “Quarantine Blues” follows with soulful vocals and some anti-folk nods that embrace atmosphere amid a slight jangle.

Further along, the dreamy “If We Became Lovers” flows with a ‘70s AM demeanor, while “My Head Was In The Clouds” welcomes soothing backing vocals in a retro-pop spirit that’s quite breezy and melodic. “You Only Get So Much Time”, the album’s best, then emits much nostalgic beauty that strums playfully with bare moments of very pretty singing.

Deeper still, the busy textures and firm backing vocals of “Johnny’s New Hair” thump and bounce with so much fun, and “Rock My Mind” exits the listen with a thicker presence that sounds so indebted to the hustle and bustle of New York City in all the best ways.

A listen where each track is quite different from the previous, Heatley and company are able to impress with acoustic rockers, throwback pop moments and a quirky version of alt-rock that leaves us asking just why he waited so long to make a record.

Travels well with: Mackin Carroll- Learning How To Swim; Peter Stampfel & The Bottle Caps- Demo ‘84

Kristen Lee Sergeant

Falling

Tiger Turn, 2022

8/10

Listen to Falling

The 3rd album from the composer and vocalist Kristen Lee Sergeant, Falling takes help from Jeb Patton, Jay Sawyer, Jody Redhage Ferber, Hannah Marks and Ted Nash for the emotive and adventurous listen that surrounds the theme of falling.

The title track opens the listen with warm keys from Patton and precisely plucked bass from Marks as Sergeant’s pretty, elegant pipes guide the timeless jazz climate, and “Sisyphus” follows with Sawyer’s agile drumming complementing the lush and powerful delivery from Sergeant.

Halfway through, “Honey” uses Ferber’s cello and the intricate bass superbly in the playful album highlight, while “Infinity Blues” pairs Nash’s stirring saxophone along with plenty of atmosphere in a way that produces much beauty amid a dreamy setting.

Near to the end, “Autumn Nocturne” displays proficient piano where Sergeant hits some pretty high notes as a poetic landscape unfolds, and “That Old Black Magic” exits the listen busy and textured with bright brass, quick keys, frisky drumming, and, of course, Sergeant’s diverse pipes.

Sergeant’s background includes musical theater, chamber music, ‘70s pop and jazz, and those influences are certainly present and appreciated across this thoughtful vocal jazz effort.

Travels well with: Alexis Cole- Sky Blossom: Songs From My Tour Of Duty; Alex Hamburger- And She Spoke

Bruno Karnel

Las Ilusiones

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Las Ilusiones

The French artist Bruno Karnel makes music that is not easy to classify but sure is easy to enjoy, as mandolin, charangos, domra and various sorts of percussion populate these eclectic and exciting rock textures.

“Osijek” opens the listen with graceful keys and much atmosphere as crisp drumming highlights the reflective mood, and “Vlak!” follows with a hypnotic blend of strings and percussion alongside the expressive vocals.

Halfway through, “Medialuna” brings backing vocals and more forceful guitar to an artistic and buzzing climate that flirts with funk, while “Fernweh” takes that lead into even more charged areas of rugged and scrappy garage rock. “Nuevo Eden”, the best track here, then offers an initially bare, ambient quality that even gets a bit mysterious in a prog-rock sort of way.

The final two tracks are both acoustic, and include “Calopsittes”, where a poetic intimacy is appreciate, and “Icnocuicatl”, which is a Lila Downs cover that resides in haunting territory and is delivered with much care and exploration.

Entirely unclassifiable and powerful in unconventional ways, Karnel makes an indelible impression here, and the 14 tracks included are all superbly written.

Travels well with: Delwood- Delwood; Daydream Three- The Lazy Revolution

Alex 'Apolo' Ayala

Bámbula

Truth Revolution, 2022

8/10

Listen to Bámbula

The debut album from the bassist and composer Alex ‘Apolo’ Ayala, Bámbula also showcases the talents of Ivan Renta (alto/soprano saxophones), Fernando García (drums), Nelson Mateo Gonzalez (bomba drum, percussion) and Anna Louise Andersson (vocals) on this Afro-Puerto Rican influenced jazz listen.

The title track opens the listen with swift drumming and soulful saxophone guiding the precise and quickly plucked bass, and “Jibaro Negro” follows with incredible synergy between the brass, percussion and bass as the 3 makes a very cultured form of jazz.

Further on, Anna Louise Andersson’s playful vocals add much creativity to the energetic “Cafe y Bomba Eh”, while “Matriarca” moves at a calmer pace of fascinating bass progressions amid the calm drums and stirring saxophone.

Near the end, “Ma, Bendicion” offers an initially sparse tune, but then builds into free jazz exploration that’s quite furious, and “Las Caras Lindas” exits the listen with nearly 10 minutes of charming grooves, gentle moments and acrobatic bouts of drumming.

A truly unique outing, Ayala takes inspiration from the social unrest following the killing of George Floyd, and the album serves as a tribute to his late mother and grandmother. It also serves as a fine introduction to an artist that we should all be paying close attention to.

Travels well with: Bill O’Connell- Wind Off The Hudson; Mathis Picard- Live At The Museum

Mason Jennings

Real Heart

Loosegroove, 2022

9/10

Listen to Real Heart

The veteran Twin Cities singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mason Jennings returns with a forthright folk record, where Stone Gossard and Regan Hagar’s presence on production helps capture a tone of pure warmth and intimacy.

“Tomorrow” starts the listen, and welcomes warm acoustic guitar as Jennings’ dreamy voice brings a poetic quality to the introspective opener, and the title track follows with graceful piano amid the expressive singing.

Moving towards the middle, “On The Brink” offers a elegantly textured, folk friendly album highlight that recruits soft trumpet, while “The Demon” emits a hypnotic and hazy display of sparse beauty. “The Game” then showcases Keith Lowe’s low bass and Hans Teuber’s cozy accordion in the eclectic and inviting climate.

Near to the end, the subtle flute of “Faded” adds even more allure to the acoustic guitar and vivid storytelling, and “How Many Days” exits with punchy drumming from Jeff Busch alongside a scrappy, more rock’n’roll focused exit.

I’m a little ashamed to say that I’ve never listened to a Mason Jennings record before or seen him play live, despite venturing to hundreds of concerts in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area for 30+ years. Turns out I was missing out, cause his honest and genuine brand of folk-rock is quite impressive.

Travels well with: G. Love- The Juice; Joe Pug- The Flood In Color

Artikal Sound System

Welcome To Florida

Controlled Substance Sound Labs, 2022

8/10

Listen to Welcome To Florida

The South Florida reggae rockers Artikal Sound System return with another batch of tunes, where Chris Montague (guitar), Fabian Acuna (bass), Christopher Cope (keys), Adam Kampf (drums) and Logan Rex (vocals) bring 14 diverse selections to the party.

“Stayed” opens the listen with showcases Rex’s pretty vocals amid hip-hop and reggae ideas in the percussively strong opener, and “One With You” follows with bright horns and contributions from Dubbest, as plenty of grooves enter the more reggae focused landscape.

Packed in the middle is the dreamy and melodic “Dissolve”, which displays no lack of rhythm, while “Spiritual Broadcaster” welcomes The Elovaters to the festive spirit that’s full of intricate guitar and punchy drumming.

Approaching the end, “You’re An Asshole” is actually quite sweet, and even embraces some breezy pop ideas and a bit of soul, and “Bald Tires” exits the listen with acoustic guitar and folky nods amid the beats.

A band since 2012, the founding members Montague and Acuna sure are in great company, and together they’re making some of the most exciting modern reggae that exists today.

Travels well with: Sneezy- Open Doors; Roots Of Creation- Dub Free Or Die Vol. 1

Bob Corritore & Friends

Down Home Blues Revue

VizzTone, 2022

8/10

Listen to Down Home Blues Revue

The harmonica extraordinaire Bob Corritore returns with more tunes from the vault, and here it’s a batch from 1995-2012 that brings old school blues and juke joint dance numbers and features a large cast of luminaries from the blues scene.

“Rooster Blues” opens the listen with Johnny Rapp’s soulful guitar and Robert “Bilbo” Walker’s rugged pipes alongside Corritore’s warm harmonica, and “Clara Mae” follows with Tomcat Courtney’s deep vocals amid Chris James’ bluesy guitar and, of course, Corritore’s spirited harmonica.

Elsewhere, “Still A Fool” moves slowly, with powerful singing from Walker as Chico Chism’s proficient drums anchor the thick climate, while “Take A Little Walk With Me” features Homeboy Edwards on vocals and Paul Thomas on bass for the raw and melodic take on the blues.

Nearing the end, “I Asked For Water” brings T-Model Ford’s inimitable voice to the sturdy and rhythmic album highlight, and “Blue Bird Blues” exits the listen with Big Jack Johnson handling vocals on the southern influenced exit.

With the rotating vocalists and numerous musicians on hand, each track here is a bit different from each other, though still with Corritore’s inimitable harmonica present, as all angles of the blues are explored with his time honored formula.

Travels well with: Louisiana Red & Bob Corritore- Tell Me ‘Bout It; Bob Corritore & Friends- Spider In My Stew

George Walker

Five Piano Sonatas

Bridge, 2022

8/10

Listen to Five Piano Sonatas

The exceptional pianist Steven Beck pays homage to George Walker with 5 very accomplished interpretations of Walker’s diverse and timeless compositions.

“Piano Sonata No. 1” opens the listen with extremely agile playing as Beck’s finger acrobatics impress us with his dizzying execution and strong attention to detail, and “Piano Sonata No. 2” follows with a calmer approach of complicated progressions that have the ability to rumble low, and also dance with a frisky, upbeat quality.

Halfway through, “Piano Sonata No. 3” flows in and out of tense yet melodic waters as space is manipulated precisely, while “Piano Sonata No. 4” gets a bit dreamy in its restrained and adventurous landscape. “Piano Sonata No. 5” exits the listen, and is a lush, mesmerizing album highlight.

Walker was actually the first African-American to win the Pulitzer Prize, and his vast body of work showcased his ability to draw from a wide pool of influences, and that spirit certainly lives on in Beck’s incredible performance.

Travels well with: Hyejin Kim- Miroirs; Monika Gurak- Scenes From A Life

Suz Slezak

Our Wings May Be Featherless

Nine Mile, 2022

9/10

Listen to Our Wings May Be Featherless

Perhaps better known as half of the indie-folk duo David Wax Museum, here Suz Slezak pens a solo debut, where she sorts through her journey and acceptance of bipolar disorder with an articulate angle that utilizes her fiddle, harp, accordion and piano, as well as Jason Burger’s drums.

Slezak starts the listen with the light harp and soft singing of “This Life Is Kindly”, which unfolds like a lullaby in her poetic and pretty delivery, and “Beautiful Mess” follows with gentle drumming complementing Slezak’s dreamy pipes in the cautious, melodic landscape that embraces a rock’n’roll flavor.

In the middle, “Take Me” offers a bare, emotive display of mature keys amid the expressive singing about a traumatic childbirth, while “Secret Places” is a bit more lush, and full of a warm atmosphere that welcomes a hint of country influences.

“Blaze Of Gold” and “Now It Is Morning” exit the listen, where the former is full of intimacy in a sparse landscape, and the latter displays Slezak’s vivid storytelling and is accompanied by sophisticated piano and Slezak’s daughter even makes an appearance on vocals.

In addition to her mental health battle, Slezak has been dealing with a best friend’s suicide, a difficult child birth, and, of course, the cessation of touring during the pandemic. She used her non-touring time to flesh out this record, and it’s a cathartic and artistic brand of Americana that is nothing short of absorbing.

Travels well with: Jackie Bristow- Outsider; The Lied To’s- The Lesser Of Two Evils

Big Al And The Heavyweights

Love One Another

VizzTone, 2022

8/10

Listen to Love One Another

The New Orleans resident Al Lauro sure knows his way around a set of drums, and here along with The Heavyweights, i.e. Wayne Lohr (piano, vocals), Marcel Anton (guitar, vocals) and Mark Parsons (bass, vocals), as well as many guests, a truly diverse blues formula unfolds with precision and adventurousness.

The title track opens the listen with soulful backing vocals, Luther Dickinson’s spirited guitar and Jason Ricci’s harmonica acrobatics populating the warm blues, and “I Need A Fix” follows with thumping drums and gritty singing amid some charming gospel hints.

Further down the line, “Alright With Me” offers smooth vocals and fluid melodies thanks to the bouncy bass lines and crisp percussion, while “Stop This Messing Around” flows with sharp guitar work, powerful pipes and a dynamic rhythm section anchoring the anthemic blues tune.

Near to the end, “Too Cold” recruits some playful funk moments and no shortage of rhythm, too, and “Zydeco Love” exits the listen upbeat, irresistible and full of a dance-friendly energy thanks to Gina Forsyth’s fiddle.

Lauro has made 6 albums since 1998 under this moniker, and this version of The Heavyweights is certainly one of the best, as evidenced by this truly unique and memorable effort.

Travels well with: Louisiana Red & Bob Corritore- Tell Me ‘Bout It; Chickenbone Slim- Serve It To Me Hot

Trentemøller

Memoria

hfn, 2022

9/10

Listen to Memoria

The veteran electronic artist Trentemøller never disappoints, and these 14 tracks are no exception as the Danish musician explores discovery, eloquence, recitation and rhetoric in his inimitable vision.

“Veil Of White” opens the listen with a warm atmosphere of soft hazy instrumentation against wordless vocals as a soothing quality enters the cozy electronica, and “No More Kissing In The Rain” follows with a louder climate of punchy drumming and dreamy melodies that you can’t not adore.

Halfway through, “The Rise” flows with a ghostly demeanor that’s a bit haunting, while “When The Sun Explodes” brings beats, quick drumming and an ambient charm that buzzes and radiates with an incredible glow.

Moving towards the end, “Drifting Star” recruits plenty of fuzzy synth for the extremely pretty and ethereal album highlight, and “Linger” exits the listen with intimacy and exploration balanced in the meticulous and alluring song craft.

As with all Trentemøller releases, Memoria is rooted in electronic manipulation, but also hints at indie, alt-rock and post-punk ideas, and the blurred vocals, intricate bass chords and unpredictable drumming makes for a career highlight.

Travels well with: Kasper Bjorke- Fool; Lusine- The Waiting Room

Dominick Diorio

Fetter & Air

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Fetter & Air

A very daring effort, the composer Dominick DiOrio employs the many voices of the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia for the 562 audio files and 61 chorus members that explore hopes, dreams, fears and desires.

The title track- and only track- brings a collage of voices, some of which are talking, some that are singing, and it flows with a busy meshing of soaring vocal harmonies as they all converge into a very exciting climate.

The instrumentation is subtle, primarily, but very effective, where Ting Ting Wong (piano), Brendan Fullam (synthesizer), Kyle Conner (flute), Amanda Pfannenstiel (bassoon), Albert Crawford (trombone) and Mark Davidson (trombone) all accent the vocally strong listen with poise and much, much skill.

A very emotional and sometimes haunting collaboration, this is a raw and highly articulate venture that will resonate both musically and lyrically for those who really dissect the words and music of songwriting.

Travels well with: Jonathan Rhodes Lee- French Connections; Trio Casals- Moto Finale

Louisiana Red & Bob Corritore

Tell Me ‘Bout It

VizzTone, 2022

8/10

Listen to Tell Me ‘Bout It

Louisiana Red and Bob Corritore were long time friends, and here they share with us 11 tunes from 7 different recording sessions between 2000 and 2009, where their deep chemistry and musical synergy is present in spades.

“Mary Dee Shuffle” opens the listen with Corritore’s soulful and gritty harmonica complementing Red’s raw vocals and Matt Bishop’s well timed piano, and “Early Morning Blues” follows with a calmer pace of raspy singing alongside the spirited harmonica.

Landing in the middle, “New Jersey Blues” welcomes Chico Chism’s agile drumming and Buddy Reed’s intricate guitar to the powerful blues climate, while “Freight Train To Ride” bounces and shakes with Johnny Rapp’s muscular guitar and Paul Thomas’ precise bass as Red’s soaring pipes don’t disappoint.

Near to the end, the thick and rhythmic “Bessemer Blues” is the album’s best, and “Bernice Blues” exits the listen with Corritore’s harmonica and Red’s guitar and vocals meshing together with a rich and genuine finish to some sturdy blues rockers.

Red passed away in 2012, and left behind a legacy of inimitable song craft that spanned 50+ albums. Corritore is, of course, handling his memory with the utmost care, and these rare tracks are fuller proof of his revered blues vision that we could never tire of.

Travels well with: Henry Gray & Bob Corritore- Cold Chills; Bob Corritore & Friends- Spider In My Stew

Ron Ledoux Quartet

A Stone’s Throw Away

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to A Stone’s Throw Away

The composer and guitarist Ron Ledoux brings along Paul Shrofel (keys), Gilbert Joanis (bass, arrangements), and Rich Irwin (drums) for this first rate jazz listen, where each of the 11 songs carves a very distinct and unique path.

“Fourth Impression” starts the listen and makes quite an impression with its swift and spirited guitar alongside frisky drumming and groove friendly bass lines, and “Late’ish News” follows with a warm melody guiding the timeless jazz flavor.

Near the middle, “Windmills” flows with an emotive, introspective demeanor that’s packed with much beauty, while “Granny’s Squeaker Chair” integrates the guitar and bass in a way that’s playful but also very mature. “Noted In Blue”, the best track here, then moves quick with cozy jazz energy that will get your body moving.

The last 2 tracks, “Get It Out Of Here” and “Pourpe”, don’t disappoint either, where the former glides with all the players contributing their respective strengths, and the latter burns slow, powerfully and with a dreamy appeal amid creative songwriting.

A listen that’s full of both swinging fun and moments of sublime intimacy, Ledoux and company don’t waste a second on this debut that’s hopefully the first of many to come.

Travels well with: Adam Glaser- Excursions; Jeff Reed- Look For The Light

Jonathan Rhodes Lee

French Connections

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to French Connections

An album just of harpsichord playing from Jonathan Rhodes Lee, the 3 compositions here tip their hat to the small, tight-knit pantheon of 17th-century French harpsichordists who paved the way for the instrument’s trajectory.

“Pieces In F” opens the listen with 5 chapters that illustrate Lee’s very agile harp playing as much beauty and awe flows with charming progressions that are never predictable.

“17th Ordre” lands in the middle and offers a swift and very alluring manipulation of the strings, where Lee’s dazzling finger acrobatics make the most of the 5 segments in an exciting fashion.

“Selections From Seat No. 5” exits the affair, and emits a warm, contemplative spirit that’s full of creative and rich playing in Lee’s very capable hands.

Louis Couperin, François Couperin and Antoine Forqueray handle the composition side here, and Lee illuminates their vision with flawless playing that allows for a truly unique solo album influenced from the Baroque period, but that has aged very well.

Travels well with: Marti Epstein- Rumpelstiltskin; Trio Casals- Moto Finale

Jake La Botz

They’re Coming For Me

Hi-Style, 2019

8/10

Listen to They’re Coming For Me

A Chicago raised artist who is also a stage and film actor, Jake La Botz delivers engaging storytelling on this multifaceted listen of sophisticated, mature texturing.

“They’re Coming For Me” starts the listen expressive and rhythmic with La Botz’s fluid pipes and unique version of Americana, and “Johnnybag The Superglue” follows with a playful and upbeat delivery of blues with extremely meticulous guitar work.

In the middle, “Snow Angel” finds a reflective and warm place to reside, while “Hey Bigfoot” recruits bright keys on a funk rock gem. “Grace Of The Leaves”, one of the album’s best, then trims the volume back to a heartfelt acoustic tune with a waltz appeal.

Near the end, “Are We Saying Goodbye?” offers a bare but powerful moment, and “Shaken And Taken” ends the listen loud and festive on the gospel flavored exit.

Now nearing the 10 album mark, La Botz has lived a life colorful enough for 2 people, and his music takes a similar approach with layers that embrace folk, gospel, country and blues amid his inimitable Americana formula.

Travels well with: Buddy & Julie Miller- Breakdown On 20th Ave. South; JD McPherson- Undivided Heart & Soul