Lindsay Lou

Queen Of Time

Kill Rock Stars, 2023

9/10

Listen to Queen Of Time

It’s been a transitional last few years for the artist Lindsay Lou. The loss of her grandmother, dissolution of her marriage and the Covid lockdowns have all weighed on her, but they provided the impetus for these powerful, feminine songs that often teeter on heartbreak.

The warm acoustic guitar of “Nothing Else Matters” opens the listen, and it comes with Dominick Leslie’s pretty mandolin that complements Lou’s expressive pipes, and “Nothing’s Working” continues the personal storytelling with Billy Strings’ contributions on electric guitar and vocals for a darker, folk climate.

Deeper into the listen, “Love Calls” makes great use of Joshua Rilko’s glowing mandolin and Melody Walker’s caxixi for the rhythmic and quirky delivery, while the bright and bluegrass fueled “Rules” soars loud thanks to Kyle Tuttle’s banjo and background vocals, plus Royal Massat’s meticulous upright bass plucking.

“Shame” and “Silent” exit the listen, where the former is a more rock focused moment that recruits Alex Bice’s crisp drums and PJ George III’s fluid bass amid Lou’s smooth pipes, and the latter is an intimate finish populated by Phoebe Hunt’s gorgeous violin and background vocals, as well as Matt “Mr. Jimmy” Rowland’s eloquent Rhodes.

Formerly of Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys, Lou has quickly made a name for herself in the singer-songwriter pool, and this pensive and well thought out version of Americana, roots, bluegrass and folk should certainly steer many more ears her way.

Travels well with: Trout Steak Revival- The Light We Bring; Kitchen Dwellers- Wise River

Sukey Molloy

Snow Is Falling!: Songs For Christmas, Hanukkah & Kwanza

PlayMove&Sing, 2023

8/10

Listen to Songs For Christmas, Hanukkah & Kwanza

This first holiday album from the noted children’s musician Sukey Molloy covers a lot of ground, where 18 fun songs welcome plenty of friends to familiar territory.

The always fun “Jingle Bells” begins the listen with Molloy’s bright voice alongside some bluegrass spirit thanks to the frisky banjo and Chris Cardona’s precise violin, and it isn’t long until “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer” recruits glowing keys and warm guitar that complements the expressive singing.

Further along, the upbeat “I Have A Little Dreidel” uses Larry Alexander’s percussive ideas with much agility, while the always enjoyable “Feliz Navidad” radiates Molloy’s charming pipes amid the hand clapping and dreamy winds.

Close to the end, the beat friendly and dance floor ready “Kwanzaa” carries an infectious energy, and “Snow Is Falling” exits with a cozy feeling that just makes you wish it were snowing right now, as gorgeous backing vocals enter the friendly finish.

A splendid collection of songs that celebrates the holidays and is ideal for families, let’s hope that this isn’t the last album of its kind from the always creative mind of Molloy.

Travels well with: You & Us- Calming A Panic; Marsha And The Positrons- Energetic

Afro Peruvian New Trends Orchestra

Cosmic Synchronicities

Blue Spiral, 2023

8/10

Listen to Cosmic Synchronicities

An outfit with incredible fusion capabilities, the Afro Peruvian New Trends Orchestra bring their Latin and Afro ideas to these tracks of mostly originals from Corina Bartra, an artistic director who is multi-rhythmic and multi-dimensional.

“Ecstasy Green” opens the listen with the fluid brass and frisky drumming working together with a rich, soaring delivery, and “Bahia” follows with the melodic keys and soulful horns adding much color to the formula.

Approaching the middle, the swing flavor of “Osiris” recruits Roger Garcia’s animated trumpet, while “Ebano Sky” finds itself in cozy balladry, where the intimate piano and cautious sax adds much beauty to the climate.

Moving towards the end, “Marinera Jazz” benefits much from Carlos Polo’s precise drums on the album highlight, and “Ballan Todas La Razas” exits with a calmer pace of light drumming, reflective brass interaction and pensive songwriting.

A listen that doesn’t shy away from hooks, rhythm, danceable melodies and culture, each track here is packed with worldly and exciting sounds.

Travels well with: Madre Vaca- Knights Of The Round Table; The Santiago Big Band- Santiago Brooklyn Santiago

Davis Hall & The Green Lanterns

Canboro Canborough

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Canboro Canborough

The brainchild of the drummer Jim Casson, as Davis Hall & The Green Lanterns he brings along N. Jay Burr, Wayne DeAdder, Mike Branton and Mark Lalama for these 11 very playful songs.

“Carrottown” opens the listen with Lalama’s frisky keys and Casson’s lively drums front and center in the soulful, bluesy climate, and “Homer” follows with Burr’s well timed tuba and Deadder’s agile guitar for the more cautious and melodic gestures.

The middle belongs to the intimacy of “The Comfort In The North”, where Casson’s drums and atmosphere are met with DeAdder’s dreamy bass and guitar, while “Lowbanks” is a lively and dance floor ready album highlight that sprinkles in Branton’s slide guitar for the festivities.

Landing near the end, “Humberstone” has Casson picking up mallets and synth bass for the adventurous and energetic version of jazz rock, and “White Toyota” exits with Casson’s deep pipes alongside Burr’s bright tuba and DeAdder’s cozy ukulele for the diverse finish.

A listen that meshes jazz, blues, swamp-rock, funk and nods to New Orleans, every track here is just so much rootsy fun.

Travels well with: Blackburn Brothers- SoulFunkin’ Blues; The Hogtown Allstars- Hog Town

George Gee Swing Orchestra

Winter Wonderland

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Winter Wonderland

A collection of Yuletide jazz from New York City luminaries in the area of swing, the bandleader George Gee steers plenty of brass through these 10 songs we’re all familiar with already.

The lively “Winter Wonderland Mambo” begins the listen with Freddie Hendrix’s animated trumpet and Anthony Nelson Jr.’s expressive alto saxophone in the big bang climate, and “What Child Is This?” follows with trombone from David Gibson and Steve Einerson’s glowing keys giving the listen plenty of energy.

Halfway through, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” is populated by John Dokes’ baritone voice guiding the melodic jazz delivery, while “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” has Hilary Gardner joining Dokes for the cozy duet that’s plenty adventurous, too.

Further along, “What Are You Doing New Years’s Eve?” is an intimate moment of beauty and grace that welcomes Patience Higgins’s gorgeous baritone saxophone, and “Jingle Bells” allows Chris Latona’s frisky drums to complement the many brass instruments of the rich, timeless finish.

Gee has fronted his swing band since 1980, and this body of work, despite being holiday focused, can be enjoyed all year, especially for those with an ear for Big Band sounds.

Travels well with: Todd Mosby- Land Of Enchantment; Madre Vaca- Knights Of The Round Table

John Magnuson

Barely Noticeable

Self-Released, 2020

9/10

Listen to Barely Noticeable

Formerly of the ‘90s rockers The Carpetbaggers, these days John Magnuson is on his own, and with guest spots from Peter Anderson, Stephen Murray, Ray Barnard, Paul Bergen, Dave Boquist, Alissa Jacobsen, Becky Kapell, Ian Nygaard, and George Turklebaum, he pens 13 well thought out tracks.

“I Trust You Burned Up” opens the listen with both grit and melody, as Magnuson’s raw voice is complemented by some rootsy flavor, and “I Stand Corrected” follows with breezy acoustic guitar and cozy Americana that flows with warmth.

Further along, “Out On A Limb” embraces some folk ideas via the eloquent storytelling and graceful, acoustic demeanor, while “I Can’t Leave Well Enough Alone” is a perfectly delivered harmonic meshing of country, folk and Americana.

Landing close to the end, the rhythmic and sing-along friendly “I Don’t Mind If I Do” is instantly memorable, and “Only In Dreams” exits with a distinct intimacy that’s dreamy, poetic and heartfelt.

Magnuson’s name certainly deserves to be spoken in the same sentence as Minneapolis legends like Westerberg and Louris, and there’s talk of a companion album to this one, which I’ll certainly be spending time with.

Travels well with: Robby Vee- Double Spin; The Scarlet Goodbye- Hope’s Eternal

Kurt Elling And Charlie Hunter

SuperBlue: The Iridescent Spree

Edition, 2023

9/10

Listen to SuperBlue: The Iridescent Spree

The esteemed vocalist Kurt Elling and world renowned guitarist/producer Charlie Hunter come together for this collaborative effort that treats us to originals and covers, and welcomes Corey Fonville and DJ Harrison, plus others.

The dreamy and soulful “Black Crow” opens the listen with Fonville’s frisky drums and Elena Pinderhughes’ airy flute complementing Elling’s smooth pipes, and “Freeman Square” follows with plenty of funk spirit, as Harrison’s playful keys suit the meticulous guitar from Hunter.

“Little Fairy Carpenter” lands in the middle, and is full of slow burning intimacy that allows Elling’s expressive voice to shine, while “Only The Lonely Woman”, an Ornette Coleman original, recruits plenty of ambience via the powerful jazz climate.

Close to the end, the Huntertones Horns are present, where “Not Here/Not Now” showcases Jon Lampley’s trumpet, Dan White’s saxophone and Chris Ott’s trombone for the lively spirit, and “The Afterlife” exits with spoken word around the stylish and melodic textures.

Elling and Hunter’s last work together was Grammy nominated, and this body of work certainly holds its own against that, where the blurring of genres and atypical approach to jazz makes every track a stand out.

Travels well with: Veronica Swift- Veronica Swift; Christian McBride’s New Jawn- Pawn

Kenneth Thompkins

Compelling Portraits

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Compelling Portraits

The inimitable trombonist Kenneth Thompkins brings along some excellent help for these compositions from contemporary Black composers.

Kevin Day’s “Sonata In One Movement” opens the listen with Thompkins’ soulful trombone and Zhihua Tang’s graceful piano interacting with much warmth, and “Moments For Alto Trombone And Harp” follows with the bright brass amid Maurice Draughn’s harp that creates a dreamy presence of intrigue.

The middle belongs to the intimate landscape of “Three Psalmic Meditations”, where Katrina Van Maanen’s soaring soprano is met with stirring keys and emotive trombone in the Shawn Okpebholo piece, while Brian Raphael Nabors’s “Rhapsody For Trombone And Piano” pairs Thompkins’ vivid horn with Tang’s swirling piano.

The last piece, “Compelling Portraits”, by James Lee III, recruits Hannah Hammel Maser’s flute and Abraham Feder’s cello for the rich and poetic exit that’s highly memorable.

A listen that illustrates Thompkins’ incredible versatility, the affair does a great job of illuminating the contribution of contemporary Black composers to a rich musical legacy.

Travels well with: Christina Rusnak- Voices Of The Land; Myroslava Khomik- Protest

Christina Rusnak

Voices Of The Land

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Voices Of The Land

The composer Christina Rusnak walks us through America and pays tribute to its people and land, where the Juventas New Music Ensemble fleshes out the rich and rhythmic listen with much detail.

“Coal Creek” opens the listen with Ryan Shannon and Mina Lavcheva’s stirring violins interacting much attention to mood alongside the light percussion, and “Free Land” follows with Robinson Pyle’s booming trumpet adding an unpredictable element to Sho Kato’s well timed flute and Thomas Schmidt’s atmospheric marimba.

The middle tracks belong to “The Way Through” and “Canyon Voices”, where the former provides much precision from Thomas Barth’s cello, while the latter is populated by Jonathan Hess’ marimba and percussion and Celine Ferro’s clarinet for the meticulously textured album highlight.

The final piece, “Pine Meadow”, is a very distinct exit focused entirely on percussion, where Brian Gardiner, Will Ren, Nick Rose and Wanyue Ye all lend their talents to the creativity.

A listen that certainly embraces some nature-esque moments just as it does culture, history, and art, Voices Of The Land is as complicated as the country it revolves around and lends itself to reflection.

Travels well with: Myroslava Khomik- Protest; Georgini Rossi- Chorinho

Jenny Owen Youngs

Avalanche

Yep Roc, 2023

10/10

Listen to Avalanche

It’s been over a decade since Jenny Owen Youngs has released any music, and she’s got plenty to talk about. Marriage, divorce, grief, discovering love again and remarriage have been a big part of her life since we last heard from her, and that all comes out with these gorgeous, lush songs.

The cautious title track opens with Josh Kaufman’s warm keys, before soft guitar from Youngs enters the shimmering folk qualities that are met with indie-pop melodies, and “Knife Went In” follows with drum machines and mesmerizing guitar that creates a very poetic and elegant climate.

In the middle, the sublime intimacy of “Bury Me Slowly” is devastatingly beautiful in its soft and pensive delivery, while “It’s Later Than You Think” recruits Matt Barrick’s crisp drums for the brighter textures of rich indie-rock.

Close to the end, “Salt” benefits from Christian Lee Hutson’s backing vocals that add much to the dreamy song craft, and “Now Comes The Mystery” exits with warm keys complementing the expressive singing and confessional finish.

Often times a fragile listen, Youngs has clearly done much soul searching in recent years, and she turns that into heartfelt, reflective and forthright songwriting that will touch anyone immensely.

Travels well with: Peter One- Come Back To Me; Caroline Cotter- Gently As I Go

Daniel Hersog Jazz Orchestra

Open Spaces- Folk Songs Reimagined

Cellar Music, 2023

8/10

Listen to Open Spaces- Folk Songs Reimagined

The inimitable composer Daniel Hersog puts a fresh coat of paint on these time honored songs, and also injects some originals, where Kurt Rosenwinkel, Scott Robinson and many others contribute to the folk-inspired affair.

The rumbling “The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald” layers the brass over Dan Weiss’ fluid drumming in the agile Gordon Lightfoot cover, and “How Many Roads”, a Hersog tune, emits Rosenwinkel’s dreamy guitar and Frank Carlberg’s subime piano for intimate climate.

Further along, “I Hear” benefits much from Noah Preminger’s tenor saxophone and Brad Turner’s trumpet for the free jazz exploration, while “Canadian Folk Song” is a breezy, gentle moment of rich horns, light keys and hazy guitar from the album’s best.

Close to the end, “Sarracenia Purpurea” makes great use of Scott Robinson’s skilled bass clarinet with firmness and sophistication present, and “Red River Valley” exits with Rosenwinkel’s meticulous guitar playing for a very intriguing and textured finish.

Most of us have heard these songs before, but they never sounded like this, as Hersog and company make an indelible impression with their own work, too,

Travels well with: Aline Homzy- Éclipse; Kaze & Ikue Mori- Crustal Movement

Brass Tacks 2

Brass Tacks 2

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Brass Tacks 2

A listen that spotlights 7 different composers, there’s certainly no lack of brass to be found across these 9 pieces that embrace a diverse range of styles and plenty of different emotions from the very capable players.

The radiant “Echoes”, by Lawrence K. Moss, opens the listen with the Filharmonie Brno’s orchestral interaction being both upbeat and reserved in exciting ways, and Edward Messerschmidt’s “Fantasia For Horn And Piano” follows with Anne Howarth’s horn and Julia Scott Carey’s piano creating agile and melodic gestures of warmth.

In the middle, the brass quartet of Lukáš Soldán (1st trumpet), Josef Zimka (2nd trumpet), Zbyněk Pavluš (trombone) and David Křížek (tuba) interact with no lack of playfulness and grace in the Henry Wolking piece, while Janice McCaulay’s “Chorale, Fanfare, And Prayer” is an intimate moment that employs NdBrass for the calming, emotive presence.

The last track, Paul Paccione’s “Radical Ears”, pairs NdBrass with Stanislav Slavíček’s piano and Petr Hladík’s percussion for the haunting and textured finish that’s quite distinct and gripping.

A listen that touches on jazz, fusion and explores the bounds of brass dynamics, each song present carries a tremendous amount of care and exploration.

Travels well with: Trio Casals- A Grand Journey; Sirius Quartet- Playing On The Edge 3

Caroline Davis

Alula: Captivity

Ropeadope, 2023

9/10

Listen to Alula: Captivity

This first social justice listen from the saxophonist, juno player and vocalist Caroline Davis has the artist aligned with a few guests for electro-free pieces that pay tribute to 8 heroes who are still inspiring others from incarceration.

“[the day has come]” begins the listen with Val Jeanty’s samples and Chris Tordini’s bass prowess populating the powerful and progressive climate, and “burned believers (for Agnes and Huguette)” follows with Davis’ fluid alto sax amid Tyshawn Sorey’s well timed drums and light buzzing for a stylish delivery.

At the midpoint, “sychronize my body where my mind has always been (for Jalil Muntaqim)” blends free jazz nods with spacey sci-fi bouts, while “a way back to myself (for Keith Lamar)” moves with a calming intimacy of soulful sax and adventurous drumming alongside the well placed soundbites.

Near to the end, the busy and quick album highlight, “(i won’t be back, ms. Susan Burton)”, blends furious drumming with exploratory sax playing, and “put it on a poster (for Sandra Bland)” exits with a unique dreaminess that makes great use of Ben Hoffmann’s prophet 6, which adds much allure to the rich finish.

A body of work that provides insightful and artistic truths on the injustice present today, the jazz community has long championed the civil rights movement, and the experimental song craft from Davis certainly continues that tradition with much impact.

Travels well with: Lisa Marie Simmons- Notespeak 12; Claudio Acuna- Duo

Brad Turner Quintet

The Magnificent

Cellar Music, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Magnificent

The pianist and trumpeter Brad Turner is in some fine company here, where Cory Weeds, Peter Bernstein, Neil Swainson and Quincy Davis are present for the 9 timeless jazz pieces.

The calm presence of the soulful “You’re Ok” opens the listen with Turner’s warm trumpet amid Swainson’s mesmerizing bass, and the frisky energy of “Barney’s Place” follows with Weeds’ bright sax and Davis’ animated drums making for a lively climate.

In the middle, “Virtue Signals” is quite intimate, and benefits from the graceful keys in a very reflective mood, while “Bernice” uses Bernstein’s guitar superbly alongside the cozy rhythm section and glowing brass.

“Theme For Jocie” and “Rosemary” exit the listen, where the former burns slow with much emotion from the brass and guitar, and the latter is a bright and upbeat finish that will get your body moving to the harmonic jazz textures.

Turner has already picked up a Juno Award, and has been an integral part of the Canadian jazz scene for 2 decades. Amazingly, this ensemble only played together for 2 nights before recording these tracks for this partially live, partially studio listen that tips its hat to Thad Jones’ The Magnificent Thad Jones.

Travels well with: Jalen Baker- Be Still; Kirk Lightsey- Live At Smalls Jazz Club

Pert Near Sandstone

Waiting Days

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Waiting Days

This 8th album from the Minnesota luminaries Pert Near Sandstone further solidifies Justin Bruhn, Kevin Kniebel, J Lenz, Matt Cartier and Nate Sipe as one of the best string outfits today, and with new member Chris Forsberg on hand, we’re treated to even more richness in their bluegrass ways.

The swift and harmonic “I’ve Been Traveling” opens the listen with flowing group vocals and precise strings that soar with much warmth, and “All Waves Break” follows with mature beauty, as the sublime singing soars amid the meticulous plucking.

Deeper into the listen, “End Of The Line” uses Kniebel’s banjo and Sipe’s fiddle in highly melodic gestures, while “Clouds Are Gathering” lands further in folk territory via Bruhn’s strategic bass and the expressive vocals.

Close to the end, the album highlight, “On To Dawn”, will get your body moving to the mountainous rhythm and vivid storytelling, and “Lay Down Your Burdens” finishes with a stirring intimacy that’s bare, atmospheric and dreamy in a rural-esque sort of way.

Active since 2004, Pert Near Sandstone have made fans out of Trampled By Turtles and anyone with an ear for bluegrass sounds, and it’s no surprise really; they band really know how to navigate around harmonic and melodic string acrobatics that no one will tire of.

Travels well with: Randy Steele- High Cold Wind; Damn Tall Buildings- Sleeping Dogs

Nick Fletcher

Quadrivium

Rough Draft Audio, 2023

9/10

Listen to Quadrivium

An esteemed UK jazz guitarist, Nick Fletcher recruits Anika Nilles, Caroline Bonnett, Dave Bainbridge and Tim Harries for these 11 progressive and fusion tracks.

“A Wave On The Ocean Floor Of Eternity” opens the listen with much attention to mood, as the spirited guitar from Fletcher radiates a shimmering warmth, and the driving “Overture To The Cosmos” follows with Nilles’ hard hitting drums guiding the bristling prog-rock.

Further along, “The Fifth Parallel” showcases a dynamic and melodic interplay that benefits much from Bainbridge’s fluid keys, while “The Helix” finds a dreamy place to reside thanks to Harries’ meticulous bass and Bonnett’s unpredictable keys.

Approaching the end, “The Journey To Varanasi” is populated by the dense rhythm section amid Fletcher’s intricate guitar progressions, and “Standing On The Edge Of Time” exits with rich guitar playing and a touch of ambience.

Fletcher is also well versed in classical sounds, and his immense skill and experience makes for a cosmic and textured display that’s soulful and creative.

Travels well with: AQ&F- 2nd Life; Kurt Michaels- Stones From The Garden

Affinity Trio

Hindsight

Origin, 2023

8/10

Listen to Hindsight

The trio of Eric Jacobson, Pamela York and Clay Schaub, as Affinity Trio the midwest outfit pen a timeless version of jazz that spreads out across 10 diverse tracks.

The vivid trumpet from Jacobson and warm keys from York opens the listen with the glowing “Open Windows”, and “Fitzroy” continues the dynamic interaction with soulful brass and well timed bass lines.

Halfway through, “Themes For Ernie” focuses much on the emotive horn and twinkling keys, while “The End Of A Love Affair” is a rich album highlight that integrates the trumpet, piano and bass with much precision and care.

“Hindsight” and “Segment” exit the listen, where the former spotlights the meticulous keys with incredible warmth, and the latter bops and shakes with an infectious energy you can’t not enjoy.

A solid debut of both originals and covers, the trio take nods towards legends like Bill Evans, Charlie Parker and Cedar Walton via their smooth, moody and graceful formula.

Travels well with: Benjamin Boone- Caught In The Rhythm; Ben Winkelman- Heartbeat

Nathan Graham

Saint Of Second Chances

Pravda, 2023

8/10

Listen to Saint Of Second Chances

The Chicago singer-songwriter Nathan Graham makes a sizable impression with this debut album, where his South Side blues and Nashville Americana unfold with a soulful quality that places him in some excellent company.

“Pride” leads the listen with Cody Messick’s gritty electric guitar, as the soulful female backing vocals complement Graham’s soaring voice and the thick key presence, and “Fake Friends” follows with a hint of gospel alongside Michael J. Maimone’s lively piano and Ian Tsan’s thumping drums.

In the middle, the groove filled “Right One” uses John MacNeil’s bass superbly via the dreamy climate, while “Worrying My Life” flirts with R&B sensibilities amid the cozy textures of the retro flavor.

Approaching the end, “Already Won” spotlights the bright keys and welcomes some classic rock nods in the expressive album highlight, and “I’ll Get It Right” exits with Dorian Gehring’s pedal steel adding much personality to the lush Americana leanings.

An artist who was raised on Prince and Earth, Wind & Fire, Graham has an impressive resume as a hired gun on guitar, and this first effort as frontman certainly makes him a voice that warrants plenty of praise.

Travels well with: The Handcuffs- Burn The Rails; Brian Krumm And His Barfly Friends- Just Fade Away

David Harris

You Loved Me Then

Big Round, 2023

8/10

Listen to You Loved Me Then

A highly diverse listen and his first of all originals in over 30 years, David Harris has his timeless vision illuminated by Paul English, Lynn Seaton, Rich DeRosa, David Cacares and Evilena Protektore.

The very pretty “Ready To Fly” opens the listen with Protektore’s sweet vocals and DeRosa’s fluid drums making for a very inviting climate, and “One Grey Day” follows with English’s graceful piano cultivating a very intimate delivery of soft jazz ideas.

The middle spot belongs to the frisky energy of “I’m Not The One”, where Seaton’s lively bass suits the soulful and bright sax from Caceres, while “Our Love Affair Is Over” is quite heartfelt, where poetic singing and sophisticated keys are met with a calming rhythm section.

“Hello Silly Rainbow” arrives near the end and showcases the depth of Protektore’s diverse range in a dreamy demeanor, and “You Loved Me Then” exits with cozy brass, delicate keys and very expressive singing.

Harris has penned 3000 or so songs across pop, classical and jazz sounds, and these are some of his favorites. They will likely be yours, too, after spending anytime significant time with them.

Travels well with: Michael Nix- Aperçu: New Classic Banjo Project; Jordan VanHemert- Nomad

Matthew Squires

Visions Of America

Self-Released, 2019

9/10

Listen to Visions Of America

Austin’s Matthew Squires might best be known as your favorite bands favorite obscure songwriter, but with Visions Of America the DIY artist could easily secure him a brush with fame, as his offbeat brand of pop is nothing if not addictive here.

“American Fever Dream” starts the listen with an adventurous indie-folk tune that’s full of quirky pop ideas, too, and “Perfect Eye” follows with a subdued approach and strong storytelling prowess.

Further along, “Strange Day” flows with breezy melodies and ‘80s influences, while “Joke Song” offers a busy setting with keys and a dreamy backdrop of plentiful hooks.

Near the end, “Fire Song” recruits a darker tone with poetic, folk-rock, and the title track exits the listen with subtle fuzz, psyche-rock influences and some experimental touches on his varied formula.

An extremely prolific artist, Squires never does anything ordinary, and while there is certainly familiarity in his delivery, his ‘80s New Wave meets bedroom pop meets outsider folk mashing makes this one of the most adventurous and interesting records of the year.

Travels well with: Built To Spill- Perfect From Now On; Grandaddy- Sumday