Narong Prangcharoen

Illuminations

Albany, 2023

9/10

Listen to Illuminations

One on Asia’s most noted composers, the work of Dr. Narong Prangcharoen is fleshed out by the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra and Jeffery Meyer’s conducting across these 7 creative pieces.

The tense and rumbling “Phenomenon” opens the listen with dramatic strings and lively percussive sounds that can retreat to calmer moments of beauty, and “New Horizons” follows with much attention to mood in the gentle climate of softness that increases in intensity.

“Migration Of Lost Souls” and “Illuminating Journey” arrive in the middle, where the former carries a cinematic quality that’s textured precisely, and the latter uses the booming drums strategically amid the agile winds. The final track, “Illuminations”, puts an firm exclamation point on the affair with dense drums, animated strings and radiant brass.

An artist who has received the Charles Ives Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Barlow Prize, Prangcharoen’s work has been interpreted worldwide, and this body of work certainly does justice to his vision.

Travels well with: Matthew Weissman- Frederic Rzewski: 4 Pieces, Squares, 6 North American Ballads; Steven Gerber- String Quartets

Matthew Weissman

Frederic Rzewski: 4 Pieces, Squares, 6 North American Ballads

Albany, 2023

8/10

Listen to Frederic Rzewski: 4 Pieces

The esteemed pianist Matthew Weissman pays tribute to the American composer Frederic Rzewski, where the 4 involved pieces are upfront, firm, unapologetic and are motivated by an unwavering social conscience.

“Four Piano Pieces” opens the listen with rumbling keys making for a dramatic climate of mystery and intrigue, as Weissman’s fingers acrobatics are nothing short of stunning, and “Squares” follows with a very cinematic appeal that is both playful and exciting.

The back half of the listen offers the haunting and mesmerizing “Piano Piece No. 4 Alternate Interpretation”, and the pretty, melodic gestures of the dancing keys that populate “Complete North American Ballads”, which is the album’s best selection.

The compositions here span across 2 discs, and Weissman retains the spirit of Rzewski’s vision with the utmost care and adventurousness.

Travels well with: Steven Gerber- String Quartets; Justin Hellman- Garden Of The Gods

Jonathan Borja/Hector Landa

Flute Music From Mexico

Albany, 2023

8/10

Listen to Flute Music From Mexico

The flutist Jonathan Borja continues his theme of illuminating the work of Mexican composers, and he’s in the company of Hector Landa’s piano for the pieces by Arturo Rodríguez, José Pablo Moncayo, Juanra Urrusti, Samuel Zyman, Diana Syrse, Eduardo Gamboa, and Arturo Márquez.

Rodríguez’s “Introspección” opens the listen with gorgeous flute and warm keys making for a very pretty and graceful climate, and “Amatzinac”, by Moncayo, follows with a highly dreamy demeanor that blends they piano and flute with much richness.

In the middle, Zyman’s “Canción de Cuna” soars with an expressive quality and firm key progressions that are quite mesmerizing, while Syrse’s “Beldad y fuerza” is a hypnotic and meticulous album highlight that is emotive and gripping. The final piece, “Danzón No. 5 Portales de madrugada”, is a playful and melodic finish that spotlights the inimitable skills of the flowing keys and agile flute prowess.

Borja and Landa both have impressive resumes both musically and academically, and together they create cozy and memorable sounds that will always be timeless.

Travels well with: James Adler- That Star In The Picture; Geoffrey Duce- Fantasies & Rhapsodies

Barenaked Ladies

In Flight

Raisin’, 2023

8/10

Listen to In Flight

I only spent any significant time listening to these Canadian stars in 2021, when the highly diverse Detour de Force impressed me. In Flight continues that trend, where the band’s instantly recognizable, quirky pop-rock is in fine form, and much emphasis is on acoustic tracks.

The bright harmonies and very upbeat demeanor of “Lovin’ Life” opens the listen with an appeal that could be played at the club, and “One Night” follows with some alt-rock grit amid the group vocals and thumping energy.

In the middle, Jim Creeggan’s glowing keys populate the intimate and soulful “Just Wait”, while Tyler Stewart’s proficient drumming guides the powerful balladry of the hushed “Wake Up”.

Nearing the end, the acoustic guitar fueled “Clearly Lost” uses Ed Robertson’s smooth vocals amid the dreamy folk-pop ideas, and “The Peace Lady” exits with a poetic and graceful interaction that recruits strings for a very stirring finish.

The opinions on Barenaked Ladies are wide and varied. If you’re already a fan, this is certainly an album you can’t miss out on. If you’re not, well, it probably won’t change your mind. I sort of doubt that the band are much concerned about it anyway, as they seem to be very content with their current position as one of their countries greatest rock’n’roll bands.

Travels well with: Fastball- Step Into Light; The Tragically Hip- Saskadelphia

Vakili Band

Honey

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Honey

A quintet fronted by Lily Vakili, these 9 new songs from Vakili Band brings soul, psychedelia and even punk spirited moments to this retro fueled 3rd album.

“Mapplethorpe” begins the listen with much emphasis on mood, where Ben St. Jack’s thick guitar helps create a haze of psyche-rock ideas amid the powerful singing from Vakili, and “Yves Calls Her Betty” follows with a rich and dense display of expressive songwriting that’s a bit tense, too.

In the middle, the intimate “To The Park” gets dreamy and uses Gordon Kuba’s diverse drumming superbly as the setting builds into an emotive rocker, while “Smeck” is a thumping and bluesy album highlight that showcases Joel Dorow’s spirited harmonica alongside Vakili’s soaring pipes.

Landing close to the end, “Pyro Luv Attack” opens with ambience before finding charged, buzzing areas to reside, as Matt Jovanis’ meticulous bass shines bright, and an extended version of the title track exits with a crisp and soulful climate that radiates timelessness.

It’s not hard to be reminded of names like Patti Smith, Grace Slick, or Grace Potter when listening to Honey, which could never be a bad thing, and each track here carries its own unique identity and is absorbed with a very even appeal.

Travels well with: Lauren Monroe- Messages For Aphrodite; Amy Jay- Awake Sleeper

Audrey Ochoa

The Head Of A Mouse

Chronograph, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Head Of A Mouse

The esteemed trombonist and composer Audrey Ochoa is aligned with an all star cast for this 4th album as bandleader, where her most diverse work to date covers many genres and moods.

The soulful trombone opens the listen, where the fluid title track spotlights Chris Andrew’s lively keys in the melodic climate, and “My Mom (For Phyllis)” follows with a calm spirit thanks to emotive trombone and Jim Head’s warm guitar playing.

Entering the middle, the playful bass from Rubim Detoledo is met with Sandro Dominelli’s agile drumming that comprises “The Con Artist”, while the elegant “Have A Cry” sprinkles the cozy keys over cautious brass and frisky guitar playing.

Close to the end, “The Tall Of A Lion” carries a cinematic quality thanks to its animated bass lines and unique rhythm via Luis Tovar’s percussion, and “I Would Have Told You Anyway” exits with strong attention to atmosphere and incredible progressions from Ochoa’s instrument.

Ochoa is classically trained, and the inclusion of cello from Ian Woodman and violin from Jennifer Bustin reflects that, as The Head Of A Mouse further solidifies Ochoa as one of Canada’s finest jazz performers.

Travels well with: Clark Sommers- Feast Ephemera; Hazelrigg Brothers- Synchronicity

Pablo Masis

Thought And Memory

BJU, 2023

8/10

Listen to Thought And Memory

The trumpeter and composer Pablo Masis pens a record that touches on two places that have influenced his view of the world, New York City and Kabul, and he brings along Adam Hutcheson, Jeff McLaughlin, Jeff Koch and David Hawkins for the rich 7 tracks.

“Super Collider” opens the listen with Masis’ soulful trumpet alongside Hawkin’s light drums in the cozy atmosphere, and “Signal Problems” follows with the glowing trumpet amid McLaughlin’s playful guitar for the melodic energy.

Packed in the middle is the frisky title track, where Koch’s unpredictable bass glides alongside the reflective brass, while “Kabul Suite” exits with 3 movements that use Hutcheson’s alto sax skills for both busy and calm moments of animated and introspective jazz flavor.

Masis traveled to Kabul to teach music at Afghanistan’s only music school, and his experiences there certainly shape the contemplative final piece, and his New York life fuels the first half with its vibrant, moody and unpredictable gestures.

Travels well with: Dave Meder- New American Hymnal; Clark Sommers- Feast Ephemera

Aguankó

Unidad

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Unidad

The Mexican native Alberto Nacif spearheads the cultured outfit Aguankó, where these 11 lively tunes also spotlight the skills of Jose Espinosa, Russ Miller, Charlie Miller, Christopher Smith, Patrick Prouty and Kurt Krahnke.

“Kintsugi” opens the listen with playful drumming and lively percussion, as Prouty’s adventurous bass playing really draws the listener in to the upbeat rhythm, and “Discurso” follows with flowing brass thanks to Miller’s fluid trumpet that complements the mesmerizing congas from Nacif.

In the middle, “Un Poco Cubop” showcases Russ Miller’s glowing sax prowess amid the animated percussion, while “Todo Es Todo” places Krahnke on bass, which adds greatly to the melodic aspect of the Rumba climate.

Nearing the end, “Interception” emits Mambo fun via the upbeat horns and Roe’s firm keys, and “Espacio Verde” exits with a hint of intimacy under the worldly jazz flavor and Comparsa dynamics.

This is Aguanko’s 5th studio release, and the Detroit musicians present sure do help illuminate the timeless and infectious Latin jazz tunes that will resonate around the globe.

Travels well with: Technocats- The Music Of Gregg Hill; Jimmy Haslip- New Dreams

Charles Pillow Large Ensemble

Electric Miles 2

Mama, 2023

8/10

Listen to Electric Miles 2

The always impressive Charles Pillow returns with a deep dive into the work of Miles Davis from 1969-1974, where the large cast even includes 3 French horns.

“It’s About That Time” opens the listen with crisp drumming and fluid brass making a melodic impression, where Clay Jenkins’ bright trumpet solo is quite exciting, and “Rated X” follows with an initially cautious approach that uses the horns with much precision, as Tim Hagans’ firm trumpet won’t go unnoticed.

In the middle, “Yaphet” showcases Henry Hey’s finger acrobatics on keyboards for the atmospheric and warm album highlight, while “Agharta” is a rich and textured climate that welcomes Pillow’s dreamy flute and Scott Wendholt’s expressive trumpet. The final track, “Willie Nelson”, is populated by Jimmy Greene’s tenor sax, Mike Davis’ trombone and Dave Rickenberg’s bass for the more rock focused exit.

An extremely involved 7 tracks that utilizes the most of the Big Band arrangement, Pillow and company make for a imaginative and really exploratory take on some classic songs.

Travels well with: Emmett Goods- Another Level; Bill O’Connell- Live In Montauk

Pierce Edens

A Life In Trade

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to A Life In Trade

This 5th solo album from Pierce Edens brings both Americana and folk ideas, where Kevin Reese, Mike Savino, Bryan Minto and Ryan Oslance are on hand for the 10 well thought out tracks.

The soft and agile “The Only Ones” opens with Edens’ fluid acoustic guitar alongside Oslance’s gentle drumming in a cozy folk climate, and “Whisper In The Water” follows with much emphasis on mood, as emotive singing and rich textures emit a distinct intimacy.

Halfway through, “Trouble” gets a bit more rugged and vocally forceful, where Savino’s precise bass is appreciated, while “Near Misses” howls with grit and rhythm via Reese’s thick guitar and Minto’s well timed harmonica.

“Two Pennies” and “I Don’t Want To Live On The Moon”, exit the listen, as the former carries some rawness amid the dense Americana, and the latter finishes with a dreamy demeanor of soulful and sincere songwriting.

A listen that possesses a lot of beauty, Edens employs banjo and mandolin from Savino and Reese, and it sure does help make for a heartfelt and timeless body of work.

Travels well with: Time Sawyer- Dig A Little Deeper; Nicholas Jamerson- Peace Mountain

Summerlyn Powers

The Hive

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Hive

A 5 song EP that explores loss, love, faith and friendship, Summerlyn Powers pens songs that reside somewhere between Americana and country and might remind you of Joni Mitchell or Creedence Clearwater Revival

The title track opens the listen with a hint of twang, as Powers’ warm voice is bright and expressive amid the thumping drums that enters country-rock, and “Always On My Mind” follows with cozy acoustic strumming that is met with powerful singing.

The bare and intimate “Healing Like I Am” lands in the middle, and is both poetic and emotive, while “Nana & Papa’s House” carries a distinct dreaminess which enters folk territory with much sincerity. The final track, “Let’s Roll”, comes with a frisky swagger that’s got some bluesy, soulful spirit to the dance floor destined appeal of the rowdy finish.

Even though she’s a youngster, Powers is an old soul with a wealth of talent, and along with her band of Jackson Anderson (guitar), Tom Davis (bass), Cole Pomeroy (drums) and Cole Ritter (fiddle, piano), she delivers rich and harmonic songs of substance.

Travels well with: Nina De Vitry- What You Feel Is Real; Katie Callahan- Extraordinary

The Diva Jazz Orchestra

‘30’ Live At Dizzy’s Club

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to ‘30’ Live At Dizzy’s Club

An outfit spearheaded by the drummer Sherrie Maricle, the DIVA Jazz Orchestra bring their large cast to this 30th Anniversary listen that includes both band and fan favorites from their extensive catalog of songs.

“Something’s Coming” opens the listen with bright brass, where Erica Von Kleist’s alto saxophone solo suits the lively climate, and “In A Mellow Tone” follows with a calm demeanor that features Jen Krupa’s mesmerizing trombone playing.

The big band presence of “Everyday I Have The Blues” features Sue Giles’ expressive vocals amid Scheila Gonzales’ precise alto sax, while “I Feel Pretty” is a rich and powerful album highlight that’s populated by Barbara Laronga’s playful flugelhorn.

“Inka Dinka Doo” arrives near the end, places Tomoko Ohno on piano and is textured meticulously, and “Airmail Special” exits with Kellin Hanas’ trumpet, Noriko Ueda’s bass and Sherrie Maricle’s drums for the rock tinted and dynamic finish.

The sound quality here is excellent, as are the tunes, as the ensemble prove that they’ve forged a significant and timeless arsenal of jazz tunes that we could never tire of.

Travels well with: The Diva Jazz Orchestra- DIVA Swings Broadway; The Grace Fox Big Band- Eleven O’Seven

Vincent Lyn

Elysian Eclipse

Exxeo, 2023

8/10

Listen to Elysian Eclipse

Not only is Vincent Lyn an esteemed pianist, but he’s also well versed in martial arts and acting. Here, he blends both an ethereal and introspective appeal that traverses plenty of emotions and textures, where Sami Turunen, Hector Ruano, Glenn Weiman and Yoed Nir are all in attendance.

“Emeral Vibration” opens the listen with pretty and emotive piano playing from Lyn that creates a very warm mood, and “Emanate Aurora” follows with the stirring keys and reflective tone mesmerizing the listener.

Halfway through, the mysterious “Empyrean Redemption” flows alongside Yoed Nir’s gorgeous cello, while “Euphoric Bloom” is strong on mood via the rumbling moments and meticulous piano playing.

The best track, “Exalt To Exosphere”, arrives near the end, and uses sublime strings and Weiman’s light percussion for the rich landscape, and “Escalation Red White And Blue” exits with the keys and strings interacting with much beauty and poeticism, as Turunen’s well timed electric guitar adds some rock influence.

A listen that focuses much on nature and atmosphere, Lyn’s career with the piano started at age 11, and he’s in fine form here for a global listening experience that draws us in immediately.

Travels well with: Vin Venezia- The Venetian; Nic Vardanega- New Beginning

The Moore-McColl Jazz Society

Up And Gone

Madison, 2023

8/10

Listen to Up And Gone

An Atlanta outfit spearheaded by Beth Moore and Chance McColl, there’s plenty of help on brass for these groove filled and retro friendly songs that unfold across 8 very rich tunes.

The melodic and upbeat “What’s Still Happening!!” opens the listen with McColl’s spirited guitar and Moore’s lively keys alongside the bright horns, and “Somebody Calling” follows with funky bass lines thanks to Tim Aucoin that complement Joel Morris’ frisky drums.

The middle track belongs to the intimate “Sunlit Flower (Against The Sky)”, where Moore’s poetic voice is paired with warm acoustic guitar, while the powerful “Back To Atlanta” showcases a precise rhythm section amid the well timed brass bouts.

Close to the end, the dreamy “A Song For Vince” makes great use of soaring scatting and adventurous percussion, and “No Apology” exits with lively horns and a booming presence that finds plenty of soulful places to reside, too.

The brass is handled by Randy Hunter (alto sax), Caleb Lattimore (trumpet), Justin Powell (trumpet) and Declan Ward (alto saxophone), and their collective skill contributes greatly to the animated, cinematic moments and calmer ebbs of nostalgic beauty that’s ideal for jazz fans who enjoy gritty, funky, soulful songwriting.

Travels well with: Steve Snyder Trio- Prime Vintage; Pete McCann- Without Question

Steve Snyder Trio

Prime Vintage

DPU, 2023

8/10

Listen to Prime Advantage

The educator, pianist and organist Steve Snyder has played on 20 recordings since 1992, and here along with Joel Tucker and Kenny Phelps he turns in 8 lively modern jazz tunes.

“Legacy” opens the listen with Snyder’s very cozy keys alongside Tucker’s dreamy guitar for the stylish climate, and “Message From The Meters”, the lone cover, benefits much from Phelps’ agile drumming, as plenty of grooves are cultivated.

“So Be” lands in the middle and pairs the shimmering guitar with crisp drums, while “Fourth Sixth” spotlights the key acrobatics, where the organ creates a mood of both intimacy and exploration.

“Those Two” and “So That’s What This Is About” exit the listen, where the former presents plenty of distinct organ manipulation that’s quite ambient, and the latter is an upbeat and rhythmic album highlight that you won’t soon forget.

A debut for this trio, let’s hope it isn’t a one off effort, cause the dynamic chemistry between Snyder, Tucker and Phelps makes for a funky, cautious and memorable version of jazz that tips its hat to Wes Montgomery, Jimmy Smith and Larry Young.

Travels well with: Pete McCann- Without Question; Vin Venezia- The Venetian

William The Conqueror

Excuse Me While I Vanish

Chrysalis, 2023

9/10

Listen to Excuse Me While I Vanish

The UK trio William The Conqueror return with 10 new tracks that mesh their anthemic ways amid plenty of hooks that populate their thriving rock textures, and it has Ruarri Joseph, Naomi Holmes and Harry Harding in fine form.

“The Puppet And The Puppeteer” opens the listen with Holmes’ bouncy bass and Joseph’s talk/singing making for a stylish and smooth beginning, and “The Bruises” follows with thick guitar from Joseph, whose melodic singing guides the cautious alt-rock climate.

The middle track belongs to the breezy and crisp “Somebody Else”, where Harding’s thumping drums help emit much warmth, while “Shots Fired From Heaven” carries some bluesy flavor in the subdued and powerful buzzing.

“A Minute’s Peace” and “In Your Arms” exits the listen, where the former is a soulful and mesmerizing moment, and the latter finishes with poetic harmonies and a cozy dreaminess that tugs on the heartstrings.

This is William The Conqueror’s 4th album and their best yet, where cathartic bouts are met with louder, animated songwriting that further solidifies their eclectic brand of rock as some of the most exceptional today.

Travels well with: Curse Of Lono- People In Cars; Native Harrow- Old Kind Of Magic

Arina Fujiwara

Neon

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Neon

The rising pianist, composer and arrangers Arina Fujiwara brings along Jaycee Cardoso, Sammy Andonian, Jeremy Klein, Clara Cho, Vid Jamnik, Brad King, Dan Finn and Mikkel Blaesild Vuust for this 6 song debut.

“Yuki Ga Furu” opens the listen with Fujiwara’s elegant piano alongside the quivering strings from Cardoso, Andonian and Klein, as a stirring orchestral presence unfolds, and “Hotaru Koi” follows with Cho’s lively cello amid the mature keys and light drums from Vuust.

In the middle, the dreamy atmosphere of “Neon” illustrates Fujiwara’s intimate appeal that benefits from Jamnik’s playful vibes, while “Komorebi” carries an almost lullaby feel that’s full of melody thanks to warm vibes and Finn’s soft bass.

The final track, Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag”, is a quick EP highlight that’s solo piano and unfolds with frisky and meticulous progressions that are a lot of fun.

An excellent first outing, Fujiwara might be a youngster, but she holds her own like a seasoned vet.

Travels well with: Colette Michaan- Earth Rebirth; Dimitri Landrain Trio- Astor’s Place

Colette Michaan

Earth Rebirth

Creatix, 2023

8/10

Listen to Earth Rebirth

The flute extraordinaire Colette Michaan is joined by the superb rhythm section of Leo Genovese, John Benitez, Luisito Quintero, Yusnier Sanchez Bustamante and Mireya Ramos for these worldly jazz tracks that adds to her excellent catalog of 4 previous albums.

The title opens with Michaan’s atmospheric flute alongside the playful percussion from Quintero and Bustamante in the very dreamy climate, and “Campina” follows with Genovese’s lively piano progressions amid the more firm emphasis on drumming.

The middle tracks belong to “El Raton” and “Ni Contigo”, where the former uses the flute in highly harmonic ways that complement the cozy percussion, while the latter is a lush and sublimely textured album highlight of light rhythm and melodic interaction between the keys, flute and Benitez’s acoustic bass.

The last track, “Throw It Away”, doesn’t disappoint either, and pairs the finger acrobatics on piano with expressive flute playing and Latin tinted percussion.

A very unique listen that balances improvised and raw moments with bursts of beauty that embrace Michaan’s time spent in Africa, Asia, South America and the Caribbean, these are 6 very rich and inviting tracks.

Travels well with: Dimitri Landrain Trio- Astor’s Place; Ben Shur- Samba For Tarsila

Andrew Rathbun

The Speed Of Time

Steeplechase, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Speed Of Time

The Canadian saxophonist and composer Andrew Rathbun has two decades under his belt in the area of recording music, and here along with Gary Versace, John Hébert and Tom Rainey he turns in 8 songs that revolves around how the world has existed the last few years.

The title track opens the listen with half the players using four beats and the other half playing in a cycle of 11 beats, as the crisp drums from Rainey are met with warm brass, and “Could It Be” follows with sublime balladry that uses Hébert’s cozy bass strategically.

The halfway point belongs to “Wandering”, where the expressive sax is full of graceful harmony, while “Fast 5th” is indeed full of 5ths on piano as the rhythm sections flirts with reggae ideas.

“Still A Thing” and “Tooth And Nail” exit the listen, as the former offers both tenor and soprano sax amid Versace’s glowing keys, and the latter is a drum focused improvisation that swirls with intrigue.

A listen that’s focused on metric manipulation and harmonics, there’s a nice smattering of abstractness present that makes this listen both creative and timeless.

Travels well with: Marc Copland- Someday; Bellbird- Root In Tandem

Mad Love

ISH

Gladitude, 2019

8/10

Listen to ISH

Spearheaded by the Portland artist Kathleen Hollingsworth, the veteran songwriter is aligned with Brent Follis on drums and Dave Captien on bass as Mad Love, and together with a few collaborators they bring their thoughtful rock’n’roll to life on ISH.

“Wave The Sun Goodbye” starts the listen with soothing vocals amid keys, guitars and soft percussion on the soulful, jazzy opener, and “Whisper Not Benny Golson” follows with a bouncy, upbeat tune of playful rhythm.

Elsewhere, “Hey There, Rider” offers tumbling percussion on the country influenced, shuffling fun, while “Passing Of The General” recruits a contemplative and emotive display of power and melody.

At the end, “Weightless” puts the focus on piano as Hollingsworth’s elegant, pretty vocals steal the show, and “Candy Man” finishes the listen with warm, busy jazz and plenty of grooves.

An extremely mature outing, ISH is a feel good record where plenty of sophisticated genres are touched on, as Hollingsworth’s flawless pipes are complemented by strong musicianship.

Travels well with: Yvette Norwood- Tiger- Love Is; Larry Wolf And Four Cats & A Canary- Mood Swings