The Goodwin Brothers

If You Hadn’t Noticed

Pinecastle, 2023

8/10

Listen to If You Hadn’t Noticed

A listen that doesn’t shy away from three-part harmonies, The Goodwin Brothers, i.e. Jonathan Goodwin, Kenneth Chase Bush and William Goodwin, bring their distinct brand of Grassicana to these 10 rich and melodic tracks that make room for plenty of guests, too.

“Midnight Train” opens the listen with the swift strings and Jim VanCleave’s stunning fiddle playing populating the warm bluegrass climate, and “Down To The Mill” follows with Mark Fain’s bass complementing the soaring vocals and melodic string interaction.

“Bottom Of The Holler” occupies the middle spot and trims the pace back with sublime balladry that places Rob Ickes on dobro, while “Monday Morning” benefits much from Shaun Richardson’s emotive guitar that complements Aubrey Haynie’s pretty fiddle playing.

“Shady Grove” and “ Send It On Down” exit the listen, where the former makes great use of Russ Carson’s fluid banjo for the mountain-esque melodies, and the latter is a soft and rich closer that tugs on the heartstrings.

An outfit that formed just in 2021, Jonathan Goodwin has picked up a Grammy already, William previously fronted the gospel band Assembled and Chase Bush impressed us on season 5 of American Idol. Together, they birth a highly memorable version of modern bluegrass.

Travels well with: Danny Burns- Promised Land; Tim Raybon Band- I Could Get Used To This

Hutchinson Andrew Trio

The Senator: A Tribute To Tommy Banks

Chronograph, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Senator: A Tribute To Tommy Banks

Chris Andrew, Kodi Hutchinson and Dave Laing make up this trio, and with cameos from PJ Perry, Al Muirhead and Mallory Chipman they tip their hat to the Honourable Tommy Banks, a jazz musician and performance artist who enjoyed a 60+ year career.

Andrew’s melodic and precise keys start the warm energy of “Jig”, where Laing’s skilled drumming makes quite an impression, and “I’ll Be Seeing You” follows with Hutchinson’s playful voice and Chipman’s pretty pipes residing in the charming climate.

In the middle, the emotive “Make Someone Happy” enlists Perry’s saxophone to complement the expressive singing from Chipman, while “All Of Me” is an upbeat and dance floor ready album highlight that spotlights the animated bass and Muirhead’s lively trumpet.

The last track, “Joy Spring”, benefits much from Perry’s sax and Muirhead’s trumpet, as the colorful finish bops and shakes with an infectious energy.

The resumes of each of the players here is accomplished, and their collective strength makes for a timeless and memorable jazz experience.

Travels well with: Andrew Rathbun- The Speed Of Time; Marc Copland- Someday

Jim Self & John Chiodini Quintet

Touch And Go

Basset Hound, 2023

8/10

Listen to Touch And Go

The tuba wizard Jim Self and esteemed guitarist John Chiodini come together for these 12 lively tunes that also reel in Ron Stout, Ken Wild and Kendall Kay.

The title track gets the listen off to a frisky start, where Self’s thick tuba is met with Kay’s lively drums, and “Ain’t Misbehavin’” follows with Chiodini’s meticulous guitar lines amid Stout’s animated trumpet playing.

Further along, “Ornathardy” uses the shimmering guitar and light drums to its advantage via the intimate landscape, while the upbeat and dance floor ready “Prolepsis” benefits much from Wild’s precise bass playing that populates the melodic album highlight.

Close to the end, the dueling brass is aligned with crisp drumming in “Whisper Not”, and “Dig” exits with a very energetic climate of agile drumming and lively horns that are met with the charming bass plucking of the bebop finish.

This is Self’s 21st album, and it continues his fluid songwriting in a collaborative setting where each track brings new surprises that are very much appreciated thanks to the swingin’, bluesy and jazz fueled moments.

Travels well with: Grant Geissman- Blooz; John Alle- Past Imperfect

Todd Mosby

Land Of Enchantment

MMG, 2023

8/10

Listen to Land Of Enchantment

The guitarist and songwriter Todd Mosby explores the link between nature, culture and art here, where plenty of friends lend a hand for the 8 eclectic pieces.

The melodic and rhythmic “Place In The Sun” opens the listen with Mosby’s fluid guitar alongside Rhonda Smith’s warm bass and Vinnie Colaiuta’s playful drums, and “Moonrise Samba” follows with folk-rock nods that are complemented by Laura Vall’s wordless vocals and David Leach’s frisky percussion.

“A Distant Light” occupies the middle spot, and ends up in sublime intimacy via the eloquent guitar, stirring cello by Adrienne Woods and strong attention to mood, while “Georgia’s World” benefits much from Dapo Torimiro’s lively keys for the retro-spirit.

“Emerald Springs” and “By The Time I Get To Phoenix” exit the listen, where the former is an acoustic guitar fueled album highlight, and that latter welcomes Charlie Bisharat’s poetic violin and Timothy Bailey’s creative bass that help cultivate a soothing finish.

A listen that carries a global presence and plenty of stylish energy, Mosby and company create an absorbing affair that will certainly age very well.

Travels well with: Louis Stewart & Noel Kelehan- Some Other Blues; Timo Vollbrecht Fly Magic- Givers & Takers

Madre Vaca

Knights Of The Round Table

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Knights Of The Round Table

A 10 segment listen that depicts the Knights of the Round Table, the composer/drummer Benjamin Shorstein brings along 11 musicians for the unpredictable jazz setting that constantly shifts in tone and mood.

“The Lady Of The Lake” opens the listen with a jazz waltz that uses Jonah Pierre’s keys amid many grooves, and “Galahad” follows populated by military-esque horns from Lance Reed (trombone) and Steve Strawley (trumpet) that ends up being pretty romantic.

“Camelot” lands in the middle and is richly textured thanks to Shorstein’s agile drumming, while “The Holy Grail” lands in mysterious areas via the moody guitar from Jarrett Carter’s guitar that suits the dizzying keys.

Close to the end, Juan Rollen’s soaring tenor sax makes “King Arthur” the best selection, and “Lancelot” exits with bright layers that benefit from the soulful brass, dreamy piano and, of course, the proficient drumming from Shorstein.

Shorstein is versed in both jazz and classical sounds, and he brings that plus many other ideas to this modern and cultured body of work that’s immediately striking.

Travels well with: Bobby Kapp And Richard Sussman- Synergy; Doug MacDonald Trio- Edwin Alley

Three Story Sandbox

Artful Dodgers

Tall Grass, 2023

9/10

Listen to Artful Dodgers

An outfit comprised of Janice Borla, Scott Robinson and Jack Mouse, these 13 diverse songs also welcome Mark Feldman to a setting that span duos, trios and quartets and a variety of emotions and textures.

“Twin Rivers” begins the listen with Robinson’s bright tenor sax, as Mouse’s wild drumming enters the free jazz spirit, and “Kalahari Crossing” follows with Borla’s expressive, wordless vocals alongside the unpredictable violin from Feldman that complements the African nods.

Halfway through, “Kamakura” finds a mesmerizing place to reside thanks to the playful scatting and the bamboo flute from Robinson’s creative prowess, while “Tears For Ukraine” recruits much ambience and pretty vocal gestures amid quivering strings and strong emphasis on tonality that mirrors the strife in the Ukraine.

Close to the end, the unique picking and adventurous sax of “Slapshot” is quite interesting, and the frisky drums and swift violin of “Fiddle Sticks” carries a unique rhythm thanks to the iconoclastic interplay between the violin and drums.

A listen that turns improvisation into a highly refined science, Three Story Sandbox’s idea of free jazz is universally embraceable and cohesive in ways that defy convention and stimulate the body, mind and soul.

Travels well with: The Moore-McColl Jazz Society- Up And Gone; Steven Snyder Trio- Prime Vintage

Luke Dahn

The Valkov-Dahn Project

Albany, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Valkov-Dahn Project

A collection of work penned for the pianist Viktor Valkov, Luke Dahn’s vision is fleshed out with much care and precision across these 4 involved pieces.

“Piano Sonata” opens the listen with 23+ minutes of warm and fluid key progressions that can rumble just as they can emit beauty, and “Nocturne” follows with a rare intimacy that unfolds with a pensive, emotive appeal.

On the back half, “Giuoco Piano” spreads out across 5 movements that embrace minimal moments, mesmerizing, firm playing and a radiant dreaminess, and “Eight Mazurkas” exits with 8 diverse segments that showcase fascinating key acrobatics as well as bare moments that focus on mood.

Dahn’s resume is quite impressive, including receiving the J.D. Robb International Composition Competition in 2014, and Valkov certainly mirrors the strength of the songwriting with these absorbing and exciting songs.

Travels well with: Vivian Fine- Dreamscape: Chamber Music For Flute By Vivian Fine; Ketty Nez- far sight sun light

Vivian Fine

Dreamscape: Chamber Music For Flute By Vivian Fine

Albany, 2023

8/10

Listen to Dreamscape: Chamber Music For Flute By Vivian Fine

In a career that spanned 70 years, Vivian Fine penned more than 140 works, and here we’re treated to 6 that are flute focused, where Erin K. Murphy’s flute and Hyejin Cho’s piano are joined by many other players.

“Four Pieces For Two Flutes” opens the listen with the animated flute and Andrew W. Parker’s expressive oboe interacting with both beauty and mystery in the colorful climate, and “Sonatina for Oboe and Piano” continues the sophisticated gestures with Cho’s piano adding playfulness to dreamy flute from Murphy.

In the middle, “Duo For Flute And Viola” pairs Jacqueline Skara’s viola with the cautious flute for a unique intimacy, while “Dreamscape” is very involved, and is populated by Murphy’s flute and Alexandra Aguirre (flute); Shelley Martinson (flute); Bree Ahern (cello); Hyejin Cho (piano); Cheldon Gatz (percussion); Christian Hines (percussion); Derek Johnson (percussion); Raygan Mida (percussion); Corbin Thrush (percussion); Benjamin Murphy (lawnmower) and Brad Genevro’s conducting for the cinematic and lush album highlight.

The final piece, “Canticles from the Other Side of the River”, exits with a very gripping performance, where the winds, strings and percussion emit charming gestures that embrace classical ideas, too.

Only 2 of Fine’s flute pieces have been professionally recorded, and this project fills in the gaps with much diversity and chamber sensibilities that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Ketty Nez- far sight sun light; Steven Gerber- String Quartets

Ketty Nez

Far Sight Sun Light

Albany, 2023

8/10

Listen to Far Sight Sun Light

A listen that draws inspiration from East European folk sources like an Anatolian Turkish folk song and Bartok's transcriptions of Rumanian folk tunes, the songwriter, educator and pianist Ketty Nez brings along several musicians and a quartet for these chamber fueled songs.

“far sight sun light” opens the listen with Matthew Lee’s very elegant flute and Thatcher Harrison’s warm guitar making for much beauty in the poetic climate, and “climbing: free fall” employs Nes’ dancing keys and Robyn Julyan’s playful violin for a very upbeat and exciting delivery.

On the backside, “sketches” flows across 4 movements that pair Sarah Brady’s dreamy flute with Aija Reke’s meticulous violin that emits much beauty and adventurousness. The final piece, “keep a secret”, then benefits from Sarah Whitnah and Robyn Julyan’s violins, Stephanie Mientka’s viola and David Short’s cello for the classical leanings that quiver with mystery and pluck with charm for a rich and cautious finish.

A listen that puts a very unique spin on nostalgic folk sounds, Nez and company make the most out of the well thought out and rich compositions that will resonate worldwide.

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

Buxton

A Family Light

Strolling Bones, 2023

9/10

Listen to A Family Light

A record that was overlooked when it came out, this re-release of the Houston outfit Buxton’s early album is available on vinyl for the first time, in celebration of its 15 year anniversary.

The very dreamy “Mane Of Gold” begins the listen with a haze of light acoustic guitars and harmonic vocals, and “Westward” follows with swift mandolin acrobatics and hard hitting drums that make for a bluegrass friendly appeal.

Elsewhere, “Each Horse With A Name” is focused on mood via the ambient noises that segue into crisp indie-rock textures, while “Blood On The Streets” carries a soulful rock appeal that’s even a bit psychedelic.

“Shake Your Head” and “Living Room” exit the formal listen, where the former burns slow with a poetic, folk delivery, and the latter is a louder moment of gritty, passionate folk-rock. Of the 2 bonus tracks, “Feathers” is especially memorable, and builds into a melodic and driving formula of ‘Cosmic Gumbo’.

A record that has aged very well, the songs here might closely resemble indie-folk, but it’s of the most unconventional kind, and a big piece of the excellent catalog of music that belongs to Buxton.

Travels well with: Natalie Price- Natalie Price; Amy Stroup- Since Frank

Bowmanville

Bowmanville

StonEagle, 2023

8/10

Listen to Bowmanville

A Chicago outfit with their own unique style, Bowmanville blend portions of Django Reinhardt’s Quintet of the Hot Club of France with the blues from their hometown for these 11 very energetic tracks.

“Annie & Me” opens the listen with Ethan Adelsman’s fluid violin and Graham Nelson’s spirited harmonica adding much color to the climate, and “Metal Bird” follows with Noah Plotkin’s frisky drumming packing intrigue into the lively rock influences.

Further along, “Don’t Force It” finds more intimate areas to reside in, where Ethan Phillion and Oliver Horton’s precise bass playing help cultivate a distinct dreaminess, while “Fly Me To The Moon” carries a peppy jazz demeanor thanks to Mason Jiller’s playful guitar and Nelson’s expressive pipes.

Close to the end, the emotive “La Vie En Rose” spotlights the poetic strings amid the cautious rhythm section, and “Weapons Of Mass Destruction” exits the listen with a bouncy and thumping delivery that touches on rock’n’rolls past with meticulous interaction that’s also quite festive.

A listen that’s not short on solos, the originals mix in well with the covers, and it makes for a swingin, cultured and diverse affair that warrants multiple listens.

Travels well with: Jack Jones- Artwork; Bobby Kapp- Synergy

Annika Socolofsky

I Tell You Me

Carrier, 2023

9/10

Listen to I Tell You Me

The singer-songwriter Annika Socolofsky and the -Nois Saxophone Quartet celebrate queer joy and defiance with these 6 diverse songs that welcome plenty of guests to the avant and unpredictable climate.

The moody and atmospheric “Sugar And Spice” opens the listen with Socolofsky’s expressive and engaging voice alongside a haze of mystery, and “What Are Little Girls Made Of?” follows with poetic singing alongside ambience from the gentle brass that’s uniquely dreamy.

The middle tracks belong to the bare and melodic “They Tell Us We”, which builds into a mesmerizing demeanor, and Phong Tran’s Chemical X Remix of “Sugar And Spice”, which balances both calm and firm gestures with plenty of synthetic sounds. The final piece, No Plexus’ Transcendence Remix of “They Tell Us We”, expands off the original with a club ready energy that’s suited for the dance floor.

A listen that challenges gender roles and relishes in queer empowerment, the feminist rage present is articulate and presented from a very artistic stand point that’s musically unclassifiable but no less enjoyable.

Travels well with: Wet Ink Ensemble- Missing Scenes; Loadbang- Quiver

You & Us

Calming A Panic

Emerald Sketch, 2023

8/10

Listen to Calming A Panic

The vision of the art therapist and musician Nicole Porter, You & Us make music for children and families that promotes healing and touches on a variety of genres across these 9 tracks.

“Rhythm” opens the listen with bright keys and animated vocals, as Lee Falco’s playful drums help invite much carnival-esque fun, and “Shake Shake” follows with a thumping climate and thick guitar for the theatrical delivery.

Deeper into the listen, the Caribbean flavor of “Abacabama” uses soulful horns strategically, while the funk filled festivities of “Do The Vowel Howl” is full of charming scatting and lively brass amid the frisky rhythm.

“Tiger In A Hammock” and “Stay Wild Moon Child” exit the listen, where the former recruits some garage-rock spirit that’s anthemic and the album’s best, and the latter welcomes eloquent harmonica to some retro ideas that sure are a lot of fun.

Porter is also joined by the multi-instrumentalists Michael Farkas, and Wyndham Garnett, and they certainly contribute much to the songs that are as adventurous as the spirit of a child, and touch on plenty of timeless pop and rock sounds.

Travels well with: Marsha And The Positrons- Energetic; Kelli Welli- Baby Ninja

Danny Burns

Promised Land

Pinecastle, 2023

9/10

Listen to Promised Land

The Ireland native Danny Burns is in some excellent company here, including Sam Bush and Bryan Simpson, to name a couple, as these 10 new tracks illustrate his thoughtful version of bluegrass superbly.

The emotive and elegant “Someone Like You” opens the listen with Burns’ warm voice alongside Scott Vestal’s precise banjo, and “Field Of Gold” follows with Billy Contretas contributing stirring fiddle to the intimate climate.

The middle track belongs to the harmonic interaction of “Some Might Say”, where the expressive singing is quite alluring, while “Danny Boy” puts a sublime bluegrass spin on the classic thanks to Tim O’Brien’s poetic string prowess.

Approaching the end, “Magnolia Wind” enters dreamy territory via the flowing vocals, cautious strings and Ethan Burkhardt’s meticulous bass, and "Living In The Promiseland” exits with Justin Schipper’s aching pedal steel that adds much power to the album highlight.

A very diverse affair that embraces accordion and singing from O’Brien, Dennis Parker, Simpson, Aine Burns and Bush, too, this is a very moving and cultured version of bluegrass.

Travels well with: Tim Raybon Band- I Could Get Used To This; Dale Ann Bradley- Kentucky For Me

Tim Raybon Band

I Could Get Used To This

Pinecastle, 2023

8/10

Listen to I Could Get Used To This

Tim Raybon and his band are quickly making a name for themselves in the bluegrass scene, and this 3rd album in 4 years continues their exciting string interaction across 10 new tunes.

“Leaving Cleveland” opens with fluid banjo and Andy Leftwich’s meticulous fiddle complementing Raybon’s smooth and expressive pipes, and “Can’t Get Away From This Broken Heart” follows with soaring vocal harmonies and Ben Isaac’s playful bass for the heartfelt yet adventurous delivery.

“That Reunion” lands in the middle and showcases Leftwich’s mandolin prowess amid the swift bluegrass ideas, while “Nothing So Blue” benefits much from Gavin Larpent’s skilled dobro for the intimate and soulful delivery.

The last 2 tracks are among the best, where “Headed Back To Tulsa” isn’t short on melody and plenty of rhythm that you could dance to, and the title track exits with very quick banjo amid the stirring fiddle and glowing vocal harmonies that immediately invites a sing-along.

Not so surprisingly, 4 of the songs here have charted at #1, as Raybon and company continue to solidify their position as one of the best in modern day bluegrass sounds.

Travels well with: Lorraine Jordan And Carolina Road- A Little Bit Of Bluegrass; Daryl Mosley- A Life Well Lived

Aretta Woodruff

A Tribute To Denise LaSalle

Music Makes, 2023

8/10

Listen to A Tribute To Denise LaSalle

The Birmingham R&B and blues legend Aretta Woodruff brings her powerful pipes to the songs of Denise LaSalle, and she pays tribute to her mentor via the diverse 10 tracks.

The soulful and retro-spirit of “Blues Reputation” begins the listen with Woodruff’s soaring voice alongside soothing backing vocals, and “May The Funk Be With You” follows with indeed plenty of funk fun that will get your body moving to the lively grooves.

“There Ain’t Enough Hate Around” lands in the middle and uses warm guitar and pretty vocal harmonies that complement Woodruff’s expressive singing, while the horn filled “Keep It Coming” is full of crisp drums, too, and no lack of melody.

“What It Takes Got Get A Good Woman” and “Trapped By A Thing Called Love” exit the listen, where the former is a bit more firm and carries some grit, and the latter offers bright brass and warm keys that suit Woodruff’s inimitable delivery superbly.

The listen that focuses on LaSalle’s early years, each track is a heartfelt love letter to LaSalle’s family and the inspiration from legends like Whitney House and Aretha Franklin sure is appreciated.

Travels well with: Leonard ‘Lowdown’ Brown- Blues Is Calling Me; Gail Ceaser- Guitar Woman Blues

Gregory Hutchinson

Da Bang

Warner, 2022

9/10

Listen to Da Bang

An accomplished debut solo album from the drummer and songwriter Gregory Hutchinson, the 15 tracks here welcome some serious talent to the rich and diverse climate.

'“Straight From The Heart” opens the listen with Leona Berlin and Karriem Riggins along for the dreamy, soulful atmosphere that spotlights Hutchinson’s drumming acrobatics, and “What’s Best For Us” follows with PJ on hand and no lack of rhythm alongside the expressive singing that comes with an infectious energy.

In the middle, Vernon Reid and Kameron Corvet are in attendance for the rock focused “My Turn Now”, that'‘s loud and unpredictable, while “Last Time We Gon Be Polite” welcomes Christian Scott’s pipes to the hip-hop meets chamber rock ideas.

“New Dawn”, the album’s best, lands near the end, and benefits from Liselotte Östblom’s flowing vocals amid the pop filled melodies, and “Fly Away” exits with Nicholas Payton present for the free jazz exploration that makes great use of the meticulous drums and soaring brass.

Hutchinson’s resume is stacked with work that includes luminaries like Roy Hargrove, Dianne Reeves and Wynton Marsalis, to name a few, and this excellent solo outing is another step in the direction of legendary status from the multi-instrumentalist.

Travels well with: The Cold Stares- Voices; Ivan Neville- Touch My Soul

Debbie Spring

Tocamos

CR, 2023

8/10

Listen to Tocamos

The jazz violist Debbie Spring brings her 5 string instrument to this sophomore album that contains 7 originals and 1 cover, and welcomes a handful of players.

“Mockingbird” opens the listen with Spring’s elegant violin alongside Rusty Hekc’s precise bass and Ettiene Fuentes Jr.’s agile drumming for the rich climate, and “Fragile” follows with Scott Marischen’s dreamy harp interacting with the emotive viola with much care.

The title track arrives in the middle and uses Eddy ‘Oriente’ Balzola’s spoken word amid the frisky rhythm that will get your body moving, while “Bossa Minha” is a more intimate moment of poetic strings and Hal Roland’s sublime piano playing.

The best two tracks land at the end, where “Senegal” makes great use of David Schanzer’s playful percussion for the cultured delivery, and “Tocamos”, the Spanish version, exits with the spoken word and Julio Matta’s animated percussion that complement the worldly energy.

A listen that’s as heartfelt as it is technical, Spring and company make for Latin, Brazilian, jazz, pop and classical fueled songs that will resonate across the globe.

Travels well with: Hannah Gill- Everybody Loves A Lover; Michael Ragonese- Stracci

Exile

A Million Miles Later

Clearwater, 2023

8/10

Listen to A Million Miles Later

The Kentucky legends Exile celebrate their 6 decades together with this first album in 30 years, and they bring 16 new and old songs that illustrate their unparalleled talent.

The title track opens with warm and fluid country rock that thumps with grit and melody, and “Too Far Gone” follows with spirited guitar and some rawness amid the cozy vocal harmonies and bursts of brass.

Moving towards the middle, “Valentine Sky” is an intimate moment of beauty and grace, while “Rough Around The Edges” is a wild and anthemic barnyard burner that will get you on the dance floor immediately.

Closer to the end, the stirring “Just To Get Home” offers a poetic and emotive album highlight, and “Sixteen Tons” exits with some gospel leanings that segues into a finger snapping, bluesy climate that you can’t help but enjoy.

The songs here span country, pop, R&B and reggae, among others, were primarily penned by J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire, and they continue on Exile’s tradition of diverse and timeless country music.

Travels well with: John Berry- Find My Joy; Dallas Remington- Huntin’ Season

Mark Martyre

Light Years

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Light Years

A Canadian troubadour and highly literate artist who has been quite busy since 2012, Mark Martyre has released 6 albums as well as publishing his poetry, and this new record continues his strong storytelling ability and gritty folk sounds with a timeless, soothing delivery.

“Wait” starts the listen with Martyre’s gravelly vocals and warm acoustic strumming on a bare but impressive opener, and “College Kids” follows with a fuller sound of elegant and folk inspired songwriting.

Even though there’s just 8 songs present, each one leaves an indelible impression, including the darker “All That Remains”, where aching strings add much to the setting, while the cautious “The Last Song” also recruits strings in the lush album highlight.

Near the end, “Down That Country Road” offers a reflective delivery that’s both raw and sophisticated, and '“Carried Through The Night” ends the listen soft and agile, as Martyre’s pipes get less raspy and are accompanied by female vocals on a cathartic exit.

Though he may be a bit obscure south of his home country at the moment, Mark Martyre knows his way around a carefully penned tune, and every piece of Light Years proves that this is an underappreciated talent.

Travels well with: Tom Waits- Mule Variations; Chuck Ragan- Till Midnight