Brock Davis

A Song Waiting To Be Sung

Raintown, 2022

9/10

Listen to A Song Waiting To Be Sung

The Santa Cruz singer-songwriter Brock Davis knows his way around an Americana tune, and here he brings us a therapeutic 13 selections that uses female harmony vocals, folk-friendly guitars and strong attention to lyricism.

Davis starts the album with the warm and indeed romantic “I Choose Love”, where his soulful pipes guide the cozy pedal steel and gorgeous backing vocals of the sublime Americana, and “Can’t Get Close Enough To You” follows with a quicker pace of well timed organ, more forceful drumming, and, of course, Davis’ rugged yet tuneful pipes.

The title track resides in the middle and is quite eloquent amid the thicker, rootsy delivery, while “We Will Rise” emits an almost gospel tone with strategic backing vocals and much power and emotion present and appreciated.

Close to the end, “Any Lie”, the album’s best, showcases smooth singing alongside thumping drums and a charming rhythm, and “I Don’t Wanna Be That Guy” exits the listen with plenty of breezy melodies in the crisp and highly memorable finish.

Davis has got a rich set of pipes and his wordplay is both insightful and eloquent. Add in some timeless country, folk and roots moments, and you’ve got a first rate Americana listen.

Travels well with: The Twangtown Paramours- Double Down On A Bad Thing; Bruce Cockburn- Greatest Hits (1970-2020)

Thirsty Eyes

A Certain Regard

Haldern Pop, 2022

8/10

Listen to A Certain Regard

The Vienna rockers Thirsty Eyes turn in an impressive debut album, and it’s one that’s not easy to classify as they surround gritty, rough around the edges and sometimes quite minimal ideas in a very adventurous sort of way.

“Slothchild” opens the listen with group vocals and raw guitar in a curious campfire-esque setting, and “Alaska” follows with a light buzzing as ominous singing unfolds with intrigue and mystery.

Moving towards the middle, the drum focused and rhythmic “Chickenbeat” is quite stylish with some post-punk flavor, while “In Viagra” explores spaghetti western like oddities with a furious pace that gallops playfully.

Closer to the end, “Lonely Gold” swirls with a rugged yet tuneful version of colorful, pop fueled ideas, and “Give Your Love To Be Free” exits the listen with some intimacy that’s a bit dark and also absorbing in an atypical fashion.

You might see a resemblance to Thee Oh Sees or maybe even Black Lips here, which could never be a bad thing, and this very unpredictable first record certainly warrants plenty of attention from those with an ear for the iconoclastic.

Travels well with: Babel- Yoga Horror; Astral Swans- Astral Swans

Orion Weiss

Arc I

First Hand, 2022

8/10

Listen to Arc I

The revered pianist Orion Weiss brings us interpretations of work by Enrique Granados, Leoš Janáček and Alexander Scriabin here, and his solo piano prowess certainly shines across the diverse landscape.

“Goyescas: Op 11”, by Granados, starts the listen with Weiss’ graceful and exploratory finger acrobatics emitting much beauty and warmth in a complicated yet universally enjoyable delivery.

The middle track, Janáček’s “In The Mists”, is capable of bare, intimate moments just as it is flowing and melodic key manipulation, where an occasional rumbling bout glides amid the adventurous spirit. Unfolding like more of a diary entry, the 4 movements are laced with despair, death and repetition.

The final track, Scriabin’s “Piano Sonata No. 9 Op. 68, ‘Black Mass”, exits with a charming, dreamy quality that later on gets a bit tense and is subject to quiet chants, too.

The first in a three part series, Weiss makes the most of every moment, and his stunning skill is certainly appreciated on this very well thought out body of work.

Travels well with: Jean-Michel Blais- Aubades; Cameron Carpenter- Bach & Hanson

Micki Free

Turquoise Blue

Dark Idol, 2022

8/10

Listen to Turquoise Blue

A blues-rock guitarist who knows his way around a tune you won’t soon forget, Micki Free is in the company of Gary Clark Jr., Steve Stevens, Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram and Cindy Blackman Santana across these 14 memorable rockers that tip their hat to Free’s Native American heritage.

“Riding 420” opens the listen with plenty of ruggedness and tunefulness as Free’s blues-rock unfolds with warmth and grit, and “Bye 2020” follows with thick guitar, thumping drums and well timed organ as Free discusses all that was bad about 2020 in his sturdy rock’n’roll presence.

Further along, “All Along The Watchtower” puts an inimitable spin on the classic song with a dynamic, soaring pulse that showcases the strong guitar work superbly, while “Judicator Blues” moves with a timeless blues spirit that’s power and melody amid the charming organ prowess.

Inching towards the end, “Ring Of Fire”, which is not the cover you might think it is, swirls with poetic wordplay and classic rock flavor, and “Blues Memories” exits with cozy acoustic guitar and some playful atmosphere as a softer formula finishes the very well thought out record.

There’s a good reason why legends like Carlos Santana and Billy Gibbons are praising Micki Free, and if you listen to this lyrically topical and eclectic version of the blues you’ll likely find yourself a fan, too.

Travels well with: Albert Castiglia- Wild And Free; Billy Price- Dog Eat Dog

Status Foe

Falling Awake

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Falling Awake

An Indianapolis outfit that runs the gamut of rock’n’roll sounds, Status Foe are just as likely to bring charged guitar riffs as they are warm pedal steel across these 12 timeless tracks.

“Call It As It Is” starts the listen with Colby Holmes’ distinct and inviting pipes steering the rugged climate, and “Why Try/We’re Nothing” follows with a hint of psychedelia under the proficient guitar riffs and dynamic rhythm section.

In the middle, “By Myself” brings grit and melody into a thumping version of lively midwestern rock, while “It Was Overstated” gets rugged and melodic with the band’s unique approach. ”Peeled And Faded”, the album’s best track, then showcases the robust drumming and swirling guitar work as a shimmering quality enters the diverse landscape.

Nearing the end, the album’s best, “Lenses Of Greed”, gets thick and mesmerizing with some hints at prog-rock, and “A Beer For Henry” exits the with all the members contributing their respective strengths to the band’s inimitable formula.

A listen that’s steeped in midwestern traditions, Status Foe are all over the map here, and we’re all better off for it, especially for those with a penchant for guitar driven song craft.

Travels well with: Carrier- When New York Is Drowning; Dizzy Box Nine- Last Call Before The Fall

Manuel Valera New Cuban Express Big Band

Distancia

Greenleaf, 2022

8/10

Listen to Distancia

A long time mover and shaker of the New York City jazz scene, the pianist and composer Manuel Valera brings us a new batch of his dynamic and creative jazz sounds.

“Expectativas” leads the listen with bright trumpet from Alex Norris, soulful sax from Remy LeBoeuf and Samuel Torres’ playful percussion guiding the timeless jazz flavor, and “Gemini” follows with Valera’s precise keys steering the cautious brass that finds a very adventurous place to reside.

In the middle, Hamish Smith’s strategic bass and Jimmy MacBride’s agile drumming complements the warm vocal scatting, while “From The Ashes” focuses on Matt MacDonald’s trombone and Michael Thomas’ soprano sax as Valera’s eloquent keys make an impression.

The title track arrives near the end and allows Charles Pillow’s soprano sax and Mike Fahle’s trombone to emit much beauty, and “Remembered” exits the listen with Alex Goodman’s cozy guitar lines aligned with Andy Clausen’s glowing trombone and David Smith’s lively trumpet prowess.

A very stylish, rich and superbly textured affair, Valera’s been Grammy nominated, and after listening to Distancia it’s quite clear why he’s deserving of such an honor.

Travels well with: Bill O’Connell- Wind Off The Hudson; TriTone Asylum- The Hideaway Sessions

Estraven

Ignored Advice

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Ignored Advice

The first album from the South London jazz improvisers, Alban Claret (guitar), Duncan Eagles (tenor sax), Chris Hyde-Harrison (bass, compositions) and Matt Parkinson (drums), i.e. Estraven, know their way around a modern jazz tune that’s packed with melody and rhythm.

“Invocation Incantation” gets the listen off to a warm start, where the bouncy bass and soulful sax guide a very soothing version of jazz, and “Letters From The Frontline” continues this sophistication with light drumming and dreamy guitar complementing the flowing brass.

“A Voice Beneath” and “Safe Hex” occupy the middle spots, where the former is a swift and dynamic display of fusion ideas, and the latter showcases guitar acrobatics amid frisky bass and very meticulous drumming.

Landing near the end, “Pariah’s Return” offers a calm, nearly meditative track, and “Last Mahou Shoujo” exits the listen with intimacy, where the guitar and bass feed off one another alongside the mature sax that is nothing short of captivating.

An excellent starting point for the rising quartet, there’s traces of rock and world music to be found here, and it makes for an unpredictable and exciting 7 tracks.

Travels well with: Hannah Horton- Inside Out; Jared Sims- Against All Odds

The BBB Featuring Bernie Dresel

The Pugilist

Dig-It, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Pugilist

The drummer and bandleader Bernie Dresel returns with the BBB for another batch of large jazz orchestra tunes, and this time the entire record was made without the band seeing one another due to the pandemic.

The title track opens the listen with bright and flowing brass that is met with playful bass lines and Dresel’s inimitable drumming, and this liveliness continues to the swift and agile “Running And Jumping”, which displays some very warm guitar work, too.

Further on, “You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To” makes great use of Brian Scanlon’s alto sax and Andrew Synowiec’s smooth guitar in the cautious landscape, while “Positive For The Blues” places Carl Saunders on vocals in the bluesy climate. “I Got Rhythm”, one of the album’s best, then indeed hosts plenty of rhythm as Dresel’s drumming acrobatics make an indelible impression.

“What Could Go Wrong” and “Zomby Woof” exit the listen, where the former displays Saunders’ sturdy trumpet playing and the latter finishes with an infectious and adventurous landscape that has Anthony Bonsera on vocals.

A record with an incredible, animated sound, you’d think the band we’re playing right in front of you, as each instrument is illuminated precisely, making for a swinging good time that doesn’t shy away from calm moments, too,

Travels well with: Flounder- I’m The Flounder; Dennis Mitcheltree- Nevermind The Circus

Mike Zito

Blues For The Southside

Gulf Coast, 2022

9/10

Listen to Blues For The Southside

Few people know their way around a guitar better than Mike Zito, and here the blues legend brings us a live set from November 2021 in St. Louis, which is where it all started for Zito, and it’s heavy on selections from his early albums.

After a quick intro to the live set, Zito leads with sturdy guitar riffs, jumpy keys and thumping drums in the throbbing blues rocker “Mississippi Nights”, and it isn’t long until the slow burning and powerful title track illustrates much precision.

Further on in Disc 1, “Texas Flood” emits both grit and melody in the soulful rocker, while “Back Problems” is full of rhythm and complicated progressions that showcases incredible organ acrobatics and bouncy bass lines.

Disc 2 leads with the energetic and animated “Highway Mama”, where Tony Campanella lends his guitar prowess, and “Voodoo Chile”, the best of the listen, welcomes Eric Gales’ guitar for the cautious, timeless blues rocker that’s quite cathartic. “Johnny B Goode” exits the listen, as Zito puts his own inimitable spin on the classic that parallels the greatness of Marty McFly’s interpretation.

Zito’s excellent band of Matthew Johnson (drums, vocals), Lewis Stephens (piano, organ), and Doug Byrkit (bass, vocals) certainly illuminate the tunes well, and help prove yet again that it just doesn’t get much better than Mike Zito when it comes to modern blues.

Travels well with: Albert Castiglia- Wild And Free; Mike Zito & Friends- A Tribute To Chuck Berry

Various Artists

Legends And Light Vol. 2

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Legends And Light Vol. 2

The follow up to the 2018 release of the Legends And Light series, this installment brings new works for large ensemble, where the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Brno Philharmonic Orchestra lend their vast talents.

Helen Mackinnon’s “The Rinns Of Islay” opens the listen with a radiant, cinematic quality that brings lush, bold moments as well as calm, dreamy ebbs of winds magic, and “Tributum: For Celtic Bagpipes And Orchestra” follows with the soaring strings complementing the great highland and uilleann pipes in the Nan Avant composition.

In the middle, Richard E. Brown’s “Voices Of The Night: A Nocturnal Fantasty For Orchestra” takes a dramatic turn into more ominous territory that’s unpredictable in all the best ways with a booming delivery, while “Lost Voices” emits a busy demeanor of deep brass, sweeping strings and bold percussion thanks to Deborah Kavasch’s vision.

Ben Marino’s “Yrast 2.0” lands near the end, and finds a hypnotic place to reside with swirling melodies, and “Striadica: A Symphonic Passage” exits the listen with both intimacy and exploration populating the Kim Diehnelt piece.

A listen that highlights cultures, locations, forces of nature, and human life, each track here brings its own unique presence and is executed with tremendous skill.

Travels well with: Trio Casals- Moto Finale; Carl Vollrath- Old & New Poetry

Chuck Lamb & Peter Mack

Exit 33

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Exit 33

The acoustic bassist Peter Mack joins the pianist and composer Chuck Lamb for a handful of originals and interpretations here, where their improvisational skills and strong attention to detail are certainly appreciated.

The title track starts the listen with Lamb’s warm keys steering a very poetic display of sublime talent, and “The Haunt” follows with a hypnotic presence, where cascading waves of light beauty and more firm dynamics enter.

In the middle, the precisely plucked bass and playful keys of “It Could Happen To You” makes for a very charming take on a classic, while “Pete’s Song” emits much intimacy in Lamb’s very capable hands and Mack’s meticulous string manipulation.

Advancing towards the end, “B.E.” births an upbeat and cozy spirit where both players shine with their respective talents, and “C.L. Blues” exits the listen equally as luminous, and full of chemistry that could only stem from resumes as grand as Lamb and Mack’s.

Even though there’s just two instruments, the pair never sound thin, and their timeless jazz ways sure do unfold with a memorableness that will resonate for decades to come.

Travels well with: Brent Fischer Orchestra- Pictures At An Exhibition; Victor Gould- In Our Time

James Gaiters Soul Revival

Understanding Reimagined

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Understanding Reimagined

The drummer and bandleader James Gaiters makes quite impression across these 6 interpretations that pay tribute to John Patton’s 1968 Blue Note album, Understanding.

“Ding Dong” starts the listen with Robert Mason’s warm and playful organ and Eddie Bayard’s bright sax, as Gaiters’ proficient drums anchor the timeless jazz climate, and “Soul Man” follows with indeed a soulful aspect, where Kevin Turner’s guitar lines add much to the cautious and stylish delivery.

The middle tracks, “Alfie’s Theme” and “Chitlins Con Carne”, are among the best, where the former displays frisky organ acrobatics amid soaring brass, while the latter moves with a slow burning pace of deep grooves.

“Understanding” arrives near the end and glides swiftly with firm drumming from Gaiters that interacts playfully with the sax and bass, and “Congo Chant” exits the listen with charming, dynamic interplay between the musicians, and truly does justice to Patton’s legendary work.

This is the 3rd album from Gaiters as bandleader, and it’s one that’s not short on grooves, rhythm and blues nods in its very capable and alluring execution.

Travels well with: James Gaiters And The All-Star Octet- Overtones; Dave Stryker- As We Are

Doug MacDonald And The All-Star Octet

Overtones

Dmac, 2022

8/10

Listen to Overtones

The esteemed jazz guitarist Doug MacDonald never disappoints, and here he’s with an indeed all-star cast who help him flesh out 7 originals and 1 standard of straight forward, timeless jazz.

“Night By Night” starts the listen with Kim Richmond’s alto sax and Bill Cunliffe’s skilled acoustic piano complementing MacDonald’s playful guitar lines, and “Bossa For PK” follows with a soft and soothing approach that benefits much from Aaron Janik’s soulful trumpet and Roy McCurdy’s precise drumming.

Deeper into the listen, “Hortense” displays Chuck Berghofer’s plucked bass amid the glowing climate of waltz beauty, while “Lover Man” emits a romantic demeanor as MacDonald’s guitar acrobatics are nothing short of stunning.

Further still, “Ground Up” bops and shakes with a swingin’ good time, and “Rickey Speaking” exits the listen lively, rhythmic, and full of mid-tempo friskiness that you can’t help but enjoy.

MacDonald has now released 4 records recently, and he’s got 18 ahead of those, too. An artist with a wealth of talent, he packs funk and blues ideas into Overtones, as he again proves that he’s the best of the best in the area of jazz.

Travels well with: Doug MacDonald- Serenade To Highland Park; Dave Stryker- As We Are

Farzin Farhadi Trio String Quartet

The Cure

Interage, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Cure

The American-Iranian saxophonist and composer Farzin Farhadi brings along Christian Jacob (piano), Trey Henry (upright bass) and a string quartet under the direction of Benedikt Brydern for this romantic jazz outing.

“Love Unexpectedly” opens the listen with warm strings as the soulful and gentle sax enters a very soothing climate, and “After All” follows with the plucked bass and adventurous brass working together with much grace.

In the middle, “Black Rose” places more emphasis on the meticulous strings amid the eloquent piano, while “She Moves Through Me” lands in very intimate territory that emits much beauty from the keys and sax.

“Inside” and “The Cure” exit the listen, where the former moves swiftly with a cinematic quality, and the latter exits the listen with soaring sax, agile piano and calm ebbs of reflective, timeless song craft.

A listen where each track flows with its own unique identity, this is Farhadi’s fist solo album of instrumentals that are all originals, and it sure is executed superbly.

Travels well with: Thomas Heflin- Morning Star; Adam Glaser- Excursions

Simon Phillips

Protocol V

Phantom, 2022

8/10

Listen to Protocol V

The self-taught composer and drummer Simon Phillips began the Protocol series in 1989, and here he’s aligned with Ernest Tibbs (bass), Otmaro Ruiz (keys), Jacob Scesney (sax) and Alex Sill (guitar) for the 7 tracks of diverse and exciting instrumental sounds.

“Jagannath” opens the listen with a fluid and dynamic meshing of all the players’ strengths in a warm, inviting jazz fusion climate, and “Isosceles” follows with some funky bass lines complementing the acrobatic drumming as the setting gets quite busy but controlled.

“Undeviginti” lands in the middle and emits soaring keys amid the complicated guitar work in an almost sci-fi sort of way, while “When The Cat’s Away” trims the pace back with plenty of grooves that showcases the bright sax prowess.

Close to the end, “Dark Star” is indeed a bit ominous, where are spirited guitar, agile drumming and hypnotic keys makes for a dreamy landscape, and “The Long Road Home” exits with some firm prog-rock ideas entering the captivating finish.

An album that’s layered meticulously and heavy on melodicism, Phillips’ proficient drumming anchors the listen splendidly, and his company certainly make an indelible impression, too.

Travels well with: Rick Holmstrom- Get It!; Bob Corritore- Spider In My Stew

Scott Kinsey/Mer Sal

Adjustments

Blue Canoe, 2022

8/10

Listen to Adjustments

The keyboard wizard Scott Kinsey and stunning vocalist Mer Sal join forces here, and they’ve got Scott Henderson, Nir Felder, Oz Noy, Josh Smith, Alex Machacek, Pedro Martins, Steve Tavaglione, Jimmy Haslip, Tim Lefebvre, Hadrien Feraud, Gary Novak, Gergö Borlai, Danny Carey and many others along with them for the fusion affair.

“Tiny Circles” opens the listen with Sal’s strong pipes alongside Kinsey’s proficient keys and Carey’s agile drumming in the mature and soulful climate, and “Seroquel” follows with a thicker presence as the instruments mesh with a slight haunting feel amid the lush delivery.

Further into the listen, “This Shell” makes great use of spirited guitar in the bluesy demeanor, while “Crying Smile” ventures into dreamy territory as much atmosphere enters the cautiousness.

Approaching the end, “Fifty Circles Around The Sun” embraces a campfire-esque mood with its breezy melody and soft backing vocals, and “Don’t Let Go” exits the listen with Mer’s poetic vocals guiding a dynamic and exciting album highlight that’s gritty yet tuneful.

Let’s hope that Kinsey and Sal will collaborate again, cause their collective strength makes for an atypical and very captivating version of jazz that warrants multiple listens.

Travels well with: Steve Hunt- Connections; Vinnie Riccitelli- For The Record

John C. O'Leary III

The Sundering

Arbors, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Sundering

A pianist and neuroscientist, John C. O’Leary III focuses on solo piano works here, where a couple of guest players complement his diverse approach to song craft.

“Aurora” opens the listen with O’Leary’s eloquent and precise piano playing that flows in and out of complicated waves of grace and beauty, and “Contextual Binding Theory” follows with a hypnotic formula that carries much emotion.

Deeper into the listen, “All The Things You Are” features Shaun Martin and recruits an intimate versus playful climate of meticulous progressions, while “Christmas 1992” uses wordless vocals amid the stirring piano.

“Samba Jelly”, the lone track with Dick Hyman, brings a unique energy that’s swift and colorful, and “The Coupling” exits the listen with a mesmerizing quality that’s as absorbing as it is creative.

O’Leary had a complicated upbringing that involved moving to the United States from Mexico and being raised by divorced parents, and his past certainly is reflected in his art on this ideal listen for those with an ear for the piano.

Travels well with: Bill O’Connell- Wind Off The Hudson; Dave Stryker- As We Are

David Liptak

Brightening Air

New Focus, 2022

8/10

Listen to Brightening Air

The veteran composer David Liptak brings us a compilation of his music for wind ensemble, where the soprano Tony Arnold and the Eastman Wind Ensemble help illuminate his strong attention to lyricism and orchestration.

“Folgore’s Months” starts the listen with 4 movements that bring tension and grace into the powerful and precise climate that showcases Arnold’s stunning soprano as well as the ensemble’s strong attention to detail.

In the middle, “Surroundings” is an atmospheric 14 minutes that alternates between cinematic, dreamy and colorful as glockenspiel and crotales make an appearance, while “Through The Brightening Air” utilizes winds in a haunting fashion that benefits much from the creative percussion.

“Octet” and “The Sacred Harp” finish the listen, where the former employs layered voices and atypical rhythm, and the latter flows with rich textures from the wind ensemble that embraces folkloric qualities.

Liptak’s music has been played all over the globe and it’s easy to see why; his glowing harmonies, sharp balance and absorbing version of chamber sounds makes for a very appealing listening experience.

Travels well with: David Liptak- Dove Songs; John Aylward/Klangforum Wein- Celestial Forms And Stories

Simone Prattico

Oriundo

Zamora, 2021

9/10

Listen to Oriundo

The drummer extraordinaire Simone Prattico returns with a sophomore album, where he focuses on the combination between Mediterranean culture and the imprint of Afro-American music, and he’s got an all star cast of musicians for the effort.

“Quartieri Spagnoli” starts the listen with Prattico’s frisky drumming alongside bouncy bass lines from Essiet Okon Essiet, as a very adventurous version of jazz unfolds, and this creativity continues to the gorgeous, calm landscape of “Bay Ridge”, which makes great use of Rubin Khodeli’s cello and Carrie Frey’s viola.

“Helene” And “Tanger” occupy the middle spot, where the former places Edward Perez on bass amid Prattico’s precise, restrained drums, and the latter moves with my style and mystery as Klaus Mueller’s dizzying keys make a sizable impression.

“Promise Me You’ll Remember” arrives near the end and brings a sublime intimacy with its warm keys and sparse nature, and “That’s It” follows with a drum focused exit that’s also percussion friendly in Prattico’s very capable hands.

A listen that’s heavy on grooves and rhythm, Prattico and company make the most of these 8 compositions that touch on both romantic and tribal gestures, and ensure that the listener will be hanging on every unpredictable moment.

Travels well with: Eliane Amherd- La Dégustation; Adrianne Duncan- Gemini

James O'Callaghan

Alone & Unalone

Ravello, 2019

8/10

Listen to Alone & Unalone

The Canadian composer James O’Callaghan is no stranger to praise, and here he offers traditional instruments and ambient landscapes that bind together in very innovative and abstract configurations.

“Subject/Object” starts the listen with woodwinds, rhythm and strategic screeching as the tune manipulates silence with strong musicianship, and “On Notes To Selves” continues with flutes and voices that help produce an aberrant texturing of unorthodox sounds.

The back half offers us “AMONG AM A”, where noises and distant voices invade the ominous setting, and “Alone And Unalone” ends the affair with nature-esque sounds and violin skills amid a cinematic delivery.

O’Callaghan penned this installment for the Ensemble Paramirabo, and the outfit did justice to the tunes with mysterious intimacy and adventurous musicianship that few could replicate.

Travels well with: Sirius Quartet- Playing On The Edge; Patterns- Chamber Works