Anna Tivel

Outsiders

Mama Bird, 2022

9/10

Listen to Outsiders

The Oregon singer-songwriter Anna Tivel returns with an album mostly recorded live to tape, where her honest version of folk-rock takes help from many of the players from her excellent record, The Question.

Tivel places the title track in the lead off position, where her expressive voice is met with Shane Leonard’s well timed drums and a darker spirit of atmospheric folk sounds, and “Black Umbrella” follows with soft guitar, poetic singing and the sort of cautiousness that’s also a bit mysterious.

“Two Dark Horses” and “Royal Blue” land in the middle, where the former is quite gentle, and pairs Tivel’s stirring pipes with graceful piano, while the latter uses synth strategically in the more upbeat demeanor that buzzes calmly.

Arriving near the end, “Invisible Man” is full of playful drumming and a rhythmic, lush delivery that makes this the album’s best, and “The Bell” exits the listen with twinkling acoustic guitar and vivid storytelling in the bare but impactful songwriting.

Certainly a raw recording due to the analog nature, there’s much beauty to be found here, and the themes surround topics of love, loss and loneliness amid the touches of ambience and atypical percussion that only enhances her version of modern folk.

Travels well with: Caitlin Rose- Own Side Now; Andrea Von Kampen- Old Country

David Bloom/Cliff Colnot

Shadow Of A Soul

Fire And Form, 2022

8/10

Listen to Shadow Of A Soul

The composer David Bloom and arranger Cliff Colnot come together for this listen that highlights spiritualism and lyricism, and it’s 15 originals for ensembles, jazz combos and orchestras that welcomes some very celebrated talent.

“Mischievous Mark Colby” opens the listen with Dave Liebman’s glowing sax in the busy, precisely textured climate, and “The Way I See It” follows with a very soothing appeal that uses brass and percussion with much warmth and playfulness.

Elsewhere, the radiant vibes from David Bugher and Steve Duncan’s glowing trombone in the dreamy album highlight “True Bloo” are quite memorable, while “No Reruns” spotlights Ron Parton’s flugelhorn amid the orchestral back drop that sure does make great use out of the dancing, meticulous piano playing.

Deeper on the back half, “Only We” meshes winds with a very cautious delivery, and “Yin And Yang” exits the listen with plenty of melodies, culture and dynamic song craft that makes an indelible impression.

An extremely diverse effort, Bloom and Colnot allow for many exciting solos, and the grooves, harmonies and melodies are never in short supply and are greatly appreciated.

Travels well with: Jim Self- My America 2: Destinations; Jim Witzel Trio & Quartet- Feelin’ It

Chris Ruggiero

Christmas With Chris Ruggiero

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Christmas With Chris Ruggiero

A vocalist who has made many appearance on PBS and is no stranger to touring, Chris Ruggiero interprets some Christmas classics with jazz, pop and classical ideas that welcomes an all star cast of musicians for the occasion.

“This Christmas” opens the listen with twinkling piano from Christian Tamburr, as Ruggiero’s expressive and soaring voice guides the stirring intimacy that later on welcomes Peter Francis’ bright trumpet, and “Sleigh Ride” follows with an upbeat charm that enlists Francisco Dimas on trumpet, John Kricker on trombone and, of course, Ruggiero’s soulful pipes.

Further on, “Grown-Up Christmas List” showcases Darlene Love’s sublime voice to the absorbing duet, while “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” benefits much from Mike Harvey’s agile drumming and Rick Krive’s proficient keys in the booming album highlight.

Approaching the end, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” places Wayne Bergeron on trumpet, as Ruggiero hits some impressively high notes, and “Silent Night” exits the listen with a dreamy, powerful rendition of the classic that is sublime and moving.

The songs here are arranged by Charles Calello and Christian Tamburr, and Ruggiero’s very diverse voice brings much creativity to the listen that you can enjoy all year round.

Travels well with: Mathieu Soucy- Recollecting; Russ Hewitt- Chasing Horizons

IFIHADAHIFI

The Dryad

Naked Muse, 2022

8/10

Listen The Dryad

An outfit spearheaded by the composer, songwriter and producer Gideon Frankel, these 11 originals wrap melodies, harmonies and grooves around a Latin template that is as unpredictable as it is exciting.

“Broken Dreams” opens the listen with Jamichael Frazier’s dreamy flute, as Reinaldo Ocando’s agile drumming enters the cultured climate, and the title track follows with Frankel’s strategic bass and Paolo ‘Pee Wee’ Durante’s finger acrobatics complementing the flowing melodies and textured beauty.

Halfway through, the breezy spirit of “Sweet Tears” benefits much from Miguel Valazquez’s clever bass and Antonie Veskovski’s dreamy vibraphone, while “Catch Some Honey” is particularly vibrant, as it meshes the airy flute, playful percussion and atmospheric vibraphone from Gianluca Manfredonia.

Close to the end, “The Start Of Something” showcases Clara Zucchetti’s swift vibarphone prowess amid the frisky drumming, and the aptly titled “Mellow Jive” exits the listen with a meticulous, collaborative appeal that’s globally rich and memorable.

Frankel has an impressive resume in the area of commercial soundtracks, and this first solo artistic endeavor illustrates his worldly vision that injects timeless jazz ideas into a truly outstanding effort.

Travels well with: Acute Inflections- Let Go; Abiola- Abiola Time

Kris Allen

June

Truth Revolution, 2022

8/10

Listen to June

A listen themed around nature, Kris Allen’s alto saxophone is in fine company here, where his 3rd effort as leader finds itself in very mature, even meditative areas of jazz.

“Sunlight” opens the listen with Allen’s glowing sax alongside Carmen Staaf’s swift finger acrobatics on piano and Jonathan Barber’s agile drumming, and “Trees” follows with Michael Mayo’s playful, wordless vocals complementing the calm jazz climate that eventually has Mayo singing with much soulfulness.

“Fallow” and “I Have A Dream” land in the middle, where the former is quite intimate, and showcases Chris Dingman’s radiant vibraphone amid Allen’s cozy brass, while the latter is an upbeat and melodic album highlight that meshes Jeremy Pelt’s well timed trumpet with the dynamic jazz delivery.

The title track exits the listen, and benefits much from Luques Curtis’ frisky bass plucking, as Allen’s emotive playing is expressive and memorable.

There’s certainly no lack of melodies here, and Allen’s ‘pandemic meditation’ record sure does lend itself to reflection, appreciation and beauty.

Travels well with: Craig Davis- Tone Paintings; Wil Swindler’s Elevenet- Space Bugs: Live In Denver

Nastyfacts

Drive My Car

Left For Dead, 2022

10/10

Listen to Drive My Car

The only release from the ‘80s teen punk outfit Nastyfacts, these 3 tunes were originally released in 1981, and despite being far too young to tour, the band saw worldwide exposure for the release, thanks to John Peel playing it repeatedly in the UK.

The title track opens with Genji Searizak’s furious drumming and Brad Craig’s acrobatic bass lines alongside front woman Cherl Boyze’s tuneful but gritty singing in the scrappy punk tune, and “Get To You” continues the energy with a bouncy spirit amid Jeff Range’s firm guitar work that swirls with melody and noisy punk rock.

“Crazy ‘Bout You” exits the quick listen, and it welcomes warm singing versus firm backing vocals and an animated rhythm section that’s so well executed, it doesn’t seem possible that Boyze is the oldest member, at just 18.

The songs here were remastered by Jack Control in Austin, Texas, and it sure does sound great all these decades later. It’s impossible not to think about what Nastyfacts could have done had they kept going, but at least we’ve got these 8 minutes to play repeatedly.

Travels well with: Disturbed Furniture- Continuous Pleasures; Foxy- Can’t Stop Us/X-Ray Spex Tribute

TUSMØRKE

Intetnett

Karisma, 2022

9/10

Listen to Intetnett

Perhaps the most creative and esteemed prog-outfit in Norway, Tusmørke bring us a children’s album about artificial attendance, where two evil scientists plant a self-teaching computer system inside an unsuspecting school.

“Satt i system” opens the listen with a vocally harmonic and very artistic landscape of space-folk sounds, and it isn’t long until the busy, soulful gestures of “Vikaren” emits some groove filled melodies.

In the middle, “Undringstimen” focuses on drumming for the rhythmic and sci-fi climate that’s got some Eastern ideas, too, while “Synth-etisk” recruits a mesmerizing quality to the retro-prog sensibilities.

Further still, “Golem” carries a darker spirit amid the haunting keys and ominous singing, and “Kontakten brytes” exits with well timed flute and a dreaminess that’s atypical and highly enjoyable.

An enthralling listen that touches on spiritual and psychedelic sensibilities, Tusmørke’s brand of rock is some of the most uniquely progressive you’re likely to hear, and even at 21 tracks it never out welcomes its stay.

Travels well with: Jordsjø- Jord Sessions; Oak- The Quiet Rebellion Of Compromise

Brittany Collins

Things I Tell My Therapist

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Things I Tell My Therapist

An Americana artist who injects much soul into her song craft, Brittany Collins may have not made her way to the stage until her 20’s, but the Pacific Northwest native is quickly making a name for herself with a pair of raw EPs and now this powerful debut album.

“The Apple” opens the listen with Collins’ bright and soaring voice alongside well timed fiddle and frisky drums in the melodic, country rock climate, and “The Journey” follows with thick textures of soulful, rootsy sounds that welcomes well timed keys and spirited guitar playing.

The title track arrives in the middle and is an intimate and poetic display of stirring songwriting that showcases mature piano playing and aching pedal steel, while “Lighthouse” is a breezy, acoustic strummer that emits folk nods amid Collins’ very expressive singing.

“Two Worlds” and “Adria” exit the listen, where the former offers a dreamy, precisely textured album highlight, and the latter finishes with a scrappy and bouncy version of Americana that’s got an infectious, playful energy.

Armed with a voice that parallels the presence of Lucinda Williams or Lydia Loveless, Collins possess both grit and beauty in her songs, and this superb first album easily makes her a talent worth keeping an eye on.

Travels well with: Veronica Stanton- Caught Up On A Feeling; Silver Linging- Go Out Nowhere

Jordsjø

Jord Sessions

Karisma, 2022

8/10

Listen to Jord Sessions

An Oslo, Norway outfit who take influence from old horror movies, ‘70s German synth sounds, Swedish prog and Norway’s nature, Jordsjø consists of Håkon Oftung (vocals, flute, guitars, keys) and Kristian Frøland (drums, percussion), who put a new mix on these old songs and even inject some new instrumentation on a couple, too, as well as including other songs from the 2016 session.

“Over Vidda” opens the listen with dreamy flute, where plenty of atmosphere is present, and “Abstraksjoner fra et Dunkelt Kammer” follows with a precisely textured and flowing display of melodic and nostalgic prog-rock.

“I Momos Tradard” lands in the middle and displays a very pretty and cinematic vision of intimacy and warmth, while “La me forsvinne” recruits much ambience thanks to the manipulated guitar and electronic, spacey synth.

Arriving near the end, “Jord II” benefits much from playful guitar and charming keys as the album highlight builds into a sweeping, thicker presence of crunchiness, and “Nattfiolen Suite” exits the listen with firm keys, crashing drums and meticulous guitar playing in the expansive and diverse finish.

There’s a healthy amount of ‘70s influences present here, and the very skilled song craft adopts both retro and current ideas that mesh prog, folk, electronica and even hard rock into a very interesting formula.

Travels well with: Oak- The Quiet Rebellion Of Compromise; Wizrd- Seasons

Oak

The Quiet Rebellion Of Compromise

Karisma, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Quiet Rebellion Of Compromise

A Norwegian prog-influenced band who began as a folk-rock duo, the 4 members of Oak have backgrounds spanning classical, hard rock and electronica, and they bring those ideas to these very dynamic 7 tunes.

“Highest Tower, Deepest Well” gets the listen off to a bit of a haunting start, where hypnotic keys and programmed drums are met with thick riffs in the firm delivery, and “Quiet Rebellion” follows with a lush and textured display of warm melodies and timeless pop-rock nods.

Further on, “Sunday 8 AM” finds an intimate place to reside, where eloquent piano and creative drumming align with the expressive singing, while “Demagogue Communion” builds into a cathartic and booming display of soaring, majestic prog-rock. “Guest Of Honour” exits the listen, and it’s got a bit of a spacey feel to the dreamy song craft that you can’t help but be enamored with.

Thematically, the album surrounds suicide and psychic health, and the cover art is even pieced together from two suicide notes. The music is quite adventurous, sometimes vulnerable and other times expansive and might even remind you of Pink Floyd, Opeth or Porcupine Tree, which could never be a bad thing.

Travels well with: Wizrd- Seasons; Kosmodome- Kosmodome

AC Sapphire

Desert Car

American Standard Time, 2022

8/10

Listen to Desert Car

An artist with a penchant for folk-rock, the singer-songwriter and guitarist Ac Sapphire is surrounded by some excellent help for these diverse 11 tunes.

“Stick And Poke Tattoo” opens the listen with Sapphire’s warm, expressive pipes alongside the soulful climate that benefits from Ryan Erskine’s fluid drumming, and “Jesus Are You There” follows with calm, folk-rock tendencies that truly allow for the soaring vocals to shine amid Lynx DeMuth’s emotive piano.

Further on, “Bonsai” burns slow with a poetic, bare quality, while “Thrift Store” employs Aroyn Davis’ bass and Harlan Steinberger’s drums for the crunchier indie-rock album highlight.

Approaching the end, “Thirty Five Millimeter Camera” enlists Nikita Sorokin’s stirring violin and Sapphire’s booming voice to the atmospheric folk nods, and “Full Moon” exits with a swirling, dreamy piano focused finish that’s steeped in eloquent, timeless songwriting.

Sapphire’s got a voice you won’t soon forget, and her nostalgic hybrid of pop, indie, soul and folk sure does make for a charming listen.

Travels well with: Anna Tivel- The Question; Sunny War- Simple Syrup

Lauds

Imitation Life

Fort Lowell, 2022

10/10

Listen to Imitation Life

A North Carolina outfit who sound right at home in England in the early to mid ‘80s, Lauds make the sort of dreamy, punky, shoegazey pop that’s drenched in reverb, is sonically introspective and dark in a noisy sort of way.

“Parallel” opens the listen with a dream-gaze meets post-punk spirit that’s melodic, ethereal and even slightly jangly like your favorites from way back when, and “Somehow” follows with swirling guitars and a lush climate that would sound right at home on a mixed tape with The Smith and New Order.

At the midpoint, “Don’t Mind” offers scrappy musicianship with hazy singing and plenty of warm atmosphere, while “Rust” flows with a dream-pop prettiness that’s got a brooding tone.

Further yet, “Distant Images” is a swift and buzzing display of alt-rock fuzziness that comes with a surf rock solo, and “Misplace A Night” exits with an echoey intimacy and emotive outpouring.

Lauds is made up of Gavin Campbell, Boyce S. Evans, J Holt Evans III, James McKay Glasgow, and Ross Page, which are probably names you don’t know. If you do, however, know the names Robert Smith, Johnny Marr, Siouxie Sioux or Andy Bell, well, Imitation Life just might be your new favorite record.

Travels well with: Too Much Joy- Mistakes Were Made; Desario- Signal And Noise

Atta Boy

Crab Park

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Crab Park

The Los Angeles quartet Atta Boy return with a 3rd album, and it’s an introspective affair that has front woman Eden Brolin’s stunning pipes guiding the cautious melodies.

The title track opens the listen, and it’s full of swirling guitar and soulful singing amid crisp drums from Lewis Pullman that cultivates a very warm version of indie-rock, and “Spring Seventeen” follows with a calm, poetic approach of eloquent, intimate sounds.

“We Ran From Midnight” arrives in the middle, and it balances the expressive singing alongside a dreamy climate with well timed bass, while “Alex” picks up the pace with flowing folk-rock nods that suit the bright storytelling.

“Boys” and “Twin Flame” exit the listen, where the former is a bit fuller and emits a punchy energy of grit and melody, and “Twin Flame” exits in ballad territory, where a bare quality and cozy strumming is met with a stirring ambience.

A very honest and unique brand of melancholy is present and appreciated here, and if current greats like Bad Bad Hats and Diet Cig appeal to you, so will Atta Boy’s forthright indie-pop.

Travels well with: Bird Talker- One; Novo Amor- Birthplace

The Please Help

Dark Days

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Dark Days

The 3rd album from San Antonio’s The Please Help, the 9 well executed tunes here blend their indie, alt-rock and pop ideas into a listen that’s not as gloomy as the title implies.

“Where To Begin” starts the listen with warm melodies and a bit of melancholy buried in the cozy rhythm section and vivid storytelling, and “Just What I Need” follows with a mature brand of indie-rock that benefits much from a cautious mood of mesmerizing song craft.

“Love Song” lands in the middle and does carry an intimate spirit amid the harmonic singing and charming guitar, while “Landslide” is a bit thicker, with plenty of grit amid the alt-rock crunch.

“Stuck In My Head” and “Shine” exit the listen, where the former carries a charming rhythm that is aptly titled, and the latter finishes with optimistic lyrical themes and a nostalgic, smooth version of rock’n’roll.

An album that came with a lot of mental hurdles, Phillip Luna (synth, vocals), Javier Padilla (guitars, synth), Jerry Rincon (bass) and Juan Ramos (drums) pens songs about love, faith and universal topics we can all relate to, and their easy going and timeless demeanor sure does settle in nicely.

Travels well with: Matthew Davies- Skywriter; Stephen Kellogg- Blunderstone Rookery

Nick Revel

Dream Collider

Sapphire, 2022

8/10

Listen to Dream Collider

The Grammy Nominated violist and composer Nick Revel returns with a sophomore album, where he fuses many genres and takes on the roles of producer and engineer for the self-composed and highly creative 13 tracks.

“Launch Pad” opens the listen with Revel’s swift string acrobatics amid the playful percussive sounds and spacey electronica, and “Contact” follows with robotic talking alongside the sci-fi and pop nods that even get dance floor friendly.

Deeper into the affair, “GodSpeed” blips and beeps with a bit of mystery as a gentle beat enters, while ”USE HEADPHONES” places Ben Russell’s violin, Brandon Ridenour’s trumpet, Hamilton Berry’s cello, Yoonah Kim’s clarinet, Greg Chudzik’s double bass and Nora Krohn’s vocals into the highly animated album highlight.

Closer to the end, “666” showcases Revel’s intimate viola prowess that welcomes a dreamy ambience, and “Father And Daughter” exits the listen with sublime string manipulation and calm gestures of meticulous song craft.

Revel is a founding violist of PUBLIQuartet, who have seen Grammy Nominations and charted quite high, and he brings his experience and skill to a extremely technical and innovative body of work here.

Travels well with: David Leisner- Letter To The World; Orion Weiss- Arc II: Ravel, Brahms, Shostakovich

Talkdemonic

Various Seasides

Self-Released, 2022

10/10

Listen to Various Seasides

The Brooklyn artist Kevin O’Connor, aka Talkdemonic, has impressive roots in the Portland, Oregon indie-rock scene, and after much ruminating through the pandemic, the multi-instrumentalist returns with this 5th album.

O’Connor wastes no time showing us his very creative vision with the calm versus busy dynamics of “Barely Dawn”, which pairs acoustic guitar with bright synth, and “Playland” follows with gripping keys and a swirling shoegaze formula.

Further on, O’Connor’s cinematic qualities are upfront on the piano and drum focused “Night Walk”, while “Time Conscious” finds a charming groove to occupy, and the meticulous drumming is not to be forgotten.

Deeper on the back half, “Abandoned City” lands in haunting territory, where a distinct ambience is guided by the intimate piano, and the title track exits with a haze of post-gaze that’s nothing short of mesmerizing.

If names like Brian Eno, Joy Division and My Bloody Valentine mean anything to you, you’re going to absolutely be enamored with Talkdemonic’s sonic vision that produces some of the best instrumental music today.

Travels well with: Luminous Beings- Horrors; Charming Disaster- Spells + Rituals

Wino-Strut & Friends

Contemporary Blazin’

American Standard Time, 2022

8/10

Listen to Contemporary Blazin’

David Phillips, aka Wino-strut, a veteran Los Angeles artist and musician, continues his laid back and stress free approach to song craft, where friends drop by for these 9 eccentric, roots rock tunes that never sit in one place for very long.

“Creation Of A Stone” starts the listen with a sort of psyche-friendly twang and gritty singing in the atypical rootsy flavor, and “Master Plan” follows with soaring harmonica and thumping drums populating the rugged country-rock that welcomes brass.

Halfway through, the hazy “Peace, Love & Shade” brings a warbly sense of intimacy that’s quite charming, while “Time Zones” emits soulful female vocals to the lush, textured and dreamy album highlight.

Further down the line, “Keep Climbin’” makes great use of well timed banjo and raw singing for the swampy southern sounds, and “Not So Secret, Secret Song, Song” exits with a poetic folk tune that’s just Strut’s warm pipes and soothing strumming.

A very iconoclastic version of country ideas, Strut’s cosmic and artistic vision of songwriting sure does make an impression that lingers long after the music stops.

Travels well with: This Lonesome Paradise- Nightshades; Will Stewart- County Seat

Loud Hound

It’s Okay To Be Lonely Part 1

Pendant, 2022

9/10

Listen to It’s Okay To Be Lonely Part 1

The songwriter/producer/multi- instrumentalist Tommy Florio sure is a creative guy, and this home studio album fleshed out over 2 years has him birthing a very distinct version of indie-pop that’s personally themed, but with a universal appeal both musically and lyrically.

“Keep Ya Head Up” opens the listen with a spacey ambience, before thumping and crisp indie-pop flows with plenty of dance floor inclinations, and “Idwfu” follows with a charming spirit of rhythmic, garage rock meets dream-pop delivery.

“Monday Morning” occupies the middle spot, and bounces and shakes with a soaring approach that recruits plenty of busy melodies, while “Take Some Time” heads straight into balladry with its intimate, darker textures of echoed vocals that are poetic.

“Magnet” and “Who’s Laughin Now” exit the listen, where the former carries a bit out soulfulness, and the latter is a blast of lo-fi rock that’s firm, dynamic and finishes the listen far too soon.

You might be reminded of greats like Bright Eyes, Modest Mouse, Cage The Elephant, or The Strokes when listening to these 8 tunes, and let’s hope that Part 2 is in the works soon, cause every moment here is superb.

Travels well with: Fotoform- Horizons; Bizou- Tragic Lover

The Stone Foxes

On The Other Side

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to On The Other Side

The brothers Shannon and Spence Koehler are the driving forces behind The Stone Foxes, who embrace ideas from blues, psychedelia and Americana in their very creative formula.

“Man’s Red Fire” opens the listen with moody organ and a thick, soaring presence of bright, orchestral ideas amid the marching band style drumming, and “Time Is A Killer” follows with some garage rock swagger that’s stylish and punchy.

Further on, “On The Other Side” starts with whistling and a mysterious atmosphere before a lush, pretty climate flows with a distinct dreaminess, while “Norah Jones” bring plenty of hand clapping fun to the playful folk-pop ideas.

Landing near the end, “On The Vine” almost touches on gospel influences, where plenty of soul is present and appreciated, and “Perfect For Me” exits with a lush intimacy that’s poetic, warm and makes great use of pedal steel.

The siblings welcome Ian McDonald (Farfisa keys), Elliott Peck and Zola (high-octave vocalists), Marcus Stephens (horns), Mario Silva (trumpet), and Danny Lubin-Laden (trombone) to the listen, and together it’s a cinematic, nostalgic, sonically exciting listen that made me a fan pretty quick.

Travels well with: Patrick Sweany- Close To The Floor; Churchwood- 6: The Boule Oui

Andrew Combs

Ideal Man

New West, 2019

8/10

Listen to Ideal Man

This 4th album from Nashville resident Andrew Combs comes with a new hobby, as painting has consumed much of the artists time, and spills over into his songwriting approach, too, as he leads with emotion on Ideal Man.

“Stars Of Longing” gets the album off to a retro and dreamy start with fuzzy grooves and sharp melody, and “Ideal Man” follows as Combs gets warm and folky with great range in his singing.

Near the middle, “Hide And Seek” finds the setting getting calm and elegant with shiny synth, while “Firestarter” has the atmosphere turning sparse and Americana influenced with soaring vocals from Combs.

Near the end, “Born Without A Clue” uses strategic synth in the cautious delivery that’s one of the album’s best, and “Golden” exits the listen with delicate beauty as country, folk and Americana traces seep into the gentle conclusion in a song about his new child.

Though Combs has only recently found a home at New West Records (he previously recorded for Razor & Tie), he’s certainly holding his own alongside their outstanding roster of folk/country/blues artists with his creative, eclectic and flourishing songwriting.

Travels well with: Aaron Tasjan- Karma For Cheap; Justin Townes Earle- Kids In The Street