Be

Here

New Garden, 2023

8/10

Listen to Here

The resurrected orchestral project spearheaded by David Hawkins, Be return with their 3rd album, where some heavy hitters are in attendance for these detailed and very diverse 15 pieces.

The dreamy and richly layered “I Need You Like The Sun” begins the listen with some Beatles like nostalgia that’s got plenty of grooves, and “Don’t Cry” follows with a crisp and warm delivery of upbeat pop that uses fluid drumming and well timed winds.

Elsewhere, “Shine Your Love Light” welcomes Zach Warner’s cello and Gary Louris on vocals for the gliding harmonies, while “All Alone With You” is a more intimate moment that recruits focused horns and flute amid soft singing that presents a unique version of romantic folk-rock.

Making our way towards the end, the thumping drums of “Superterranean Homesick Blues” benefits from many vocalists alongside textured brass, winds, drums, and especially Morgan Fisher’s piano and bass harmonica, and “Waiting Reprise” exits with Eastern ideas populating the haze thanks to Randy Morris’s masterful hand drum and tabla.

An effort that doesn’t hide its influence from The Beach Boys’ classic Pet Sounds, there’s plenty of psychedelia and proto-punk to be explored, too, as Hawkins unfolds one surprise after another.

Travels well with: Gary Louris- Jump For Joy; The Jayhawks- XOXO

Pixie Ninja

Hypnagogia

Apollon, 2023

9/10

Listen to Hypnagogia

The 3rd album from the Scandinavian progressive heroes Pixie Ninja, the 7 tracks here illustrate their instrumental, abstract and creative vision with a bigger presence than ever.

“Thanatosis” gets the listen off to a dense start, where hard hitting drums and swirling guitars welcome Jørgen Munkeby’s soaring sax to the calm versus loud dynamics, and “Silver Paper Unicorns” follows with a dreamy appeal that’s heavy on mood via a cinematic draw.

“Dance Macabre” and “Ora Antarctica” land in the middle, where the former is a melodic and radiant version of post-rock meets indie-rock that buzzes amid wordless vocals, while the latter moves with a slow burning, hazy pace of strategic prog-rock nods in a very intimate climate.

The last track, “Oneironaut”, is a bit darker in scope, and comes in waves of mystery, beauty and ambitious, flowing instrumentation that’s nothing short of meticulous.

Pixie Ninja consists of Marius Leirånes, Jostein Haugen and Mattias Olsson, and if you haven’t familiarized yourself with their superb brand of prog-rock you really are missing out, cause few people are doing it this well, currently.

Travels well with: Spirit Tomb- Spiritus Lacrimarum: Dolorem in Lacrimas Efundere; Strange Horizon- Skur 14

Spunsugar

A Hole Forever

Adrian, 2023

10/10

Listen to A Hole Forever

The Swedish alt-rockers Spunsugar certainly know how to remind us of legends like Hole, Cocteau Twins and Electric Youth, and these 10 tracks are armed with plenty of shoegaze, grunge and post-punk spirit.

“Metals” starts the listen with swirling guitars and punchy drumming that’s fuzzy and bristling with post-punk ideas, and “San Jose” follows with a brighter appeal of shimmering guitar and pop bursts amid the dense backdrop.

The middle spot belongs to the cinematic intimacy of “It Never Gave Me Anything”, where a mesmerizing mood is met with a distinct buzzing, while “Skin Unwell” radiates a more emotional angle that’s even soulful in its pretty, retro delivery.

Close to the end, the album highlight, “Words For Others”, balances both light and dark moments of raw beauty amid a lively beat, and “Taxidermy” exits with perhaps the most upbeat burst of sonic manipulation that you could dance to.

A fantastic record that flirts with all the New Wave nods of the mid ‘80s that we could never tire of, whether harrowing or sunny, Spunsugar know how to captivate in a nostalgic fashion across this distorted masterpiece.

Travels well with: Melody Fields- 1991; Endless Love- The House Of Love

Ida Mae

Thunder Above You

VRR, 2023

9/10

Listen to Thunder Above You

The English husband and wife duo Ida Mae have already impressed us with a pair of albums of their distinct blues rock, and this 3rd effort is equally welcoming, where Ethan Johns plays drums and the bassist Nick Pini is present for a listen recorded live to tape in just 7 days.

The quirky and playful “My Whispers Are Wildfire” begins the listen and places Stephanie Jean’s inimitable voice alongside adventurous drums and bluesy riffs from Chris Turpin, and “Into Your River” follows with a warm elegance that spotlights Turpin’s expressive pipes.

Elsewhere, “Doing It For Badness” is a more intimate moment that’s stylish and darker in scope, while “Wild Flying Dove” is charmingly abstract version of textured and thumping alt-rock meets bluesy ideas where the pair share vocal duties.

The very pretty, acoustic guitar focused “Landslide” arrives near the end and emits folk qualities amid the poetic singing from Jean, and “Hold You Like Fading Light” exits with light keys, brushed drums and strong attention to mood for a rare vulnerability.

A body of work that looks back to Turpin’s childhood time with folk music, there’s no lack of grooves and aesthetics present here, as Ida Mae continue their unclassifiable formula that keeps getting more exciting with each passing album.

Travels well with: The Cold Stares- Voices; Cedric Burnside- Benton County Relic

Plínio Fernandes

Bacheando

Decca Gold, 2023

9/10

Listen to Bacheando

The sophomore album from the Brazilian guitar wizard Plínio Fernandes, Bacheando sees the artist interpreting the work of J.S. Bach, where he bridges his Latin influences with the German heritage in highly innovative ways.

“Bachianinha No. 1” opens the listen with the mesmerizing and pretty guitar progressions emitting much beauty, and “Bachianinha No. 2 “ continues the elegant playing with meticulous and melodic gestures.

Elsewhere, the sublime intimacy of “Prelude, Fugue and Allegro in E-Flat Major, BWV 998: II. Fugue” emits a calm and poetic demeanor, while “Preludio Fuga e Vivace: I” radiates much warmth and agility from Fernandes’ acrobatic fingers.

Approaching the end, “Concerto in D Minor, BWV 974: II. Adagio” is full of soft, emotive sounds, and “Bachianas Brasileiras No. 4: I. Prelúdio” finishes with much grace and sophistication from the very precise vision and delivery.

At just 29 years old, Fernandes is native to São Paulo but currently resides in London. His debut already brought him extraordinary success, and this detailed and comforting follow up is certainly just as well done.

Travels well with: Plínio Fernandes- Saudade; Reza Khan- Imaginary Road

Ilios Steryannis

Babylonia Suite

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Babylonia Suite

The Canadian drummer extraordinaire Ilios Steryannis follows his family line on this worldly listen, where Tania Gill, Henry Heillig and Paul Pacanowski, plus guests, are on hand for the 11 diverse tracks.

“Babylonia” starts the listen with Pacanowski’s lovely sax alongside the agile drumming for a melodic and rich climate, and it isn’t long until the Indo-jazz fusion of “Zakir” impresses us with its precise use of tabla, from Ravi Naimpally, and bansuri flute, thanks to Sundar Viswanathan.

Entering the middle of the listen, Gill’s warm keys illuminate the intimate gestures of the flowing “The Procession”, while “Nina’s Dance” comes with upbeat and joyous melodica from the crisp drums, bright clarinet from Pacanowski and Gill’s fluid keys.

Approaching the end, the swinging blues appeal of “Blue Rumba” makes great use of Heillig’s playful bass bouts and “LaPlante” exits with a timeless, textured jazz demeanor that isn’t short on grooves and harmony via the precise rhythm section, unpredictable brass and acrobatic piano.

A very eclectic affair that embraces funk, swing, Afro-Cuban moments and a globally enjoyed jazz spirit, Steryannis draws us in from beginning to end with his distinct vision.

Travels well with: Charles Mingus- Charles Mingus Presents Charles Mingus; Max Roach- We Insist!

Gregory Lewis

Organ Monk Going Home

Sunnyside, 2023

8/10

Listen to Organ Monk Going Home

The organ wizard Gregory Lewis is surrounded by Kevin McNeal and Nasheet Waits for these 7 Thelonious Monk interpretations and lone original.

The playful and meticulous “Who Knows” opens the listen with acrobatic keys from Lewis alongside Waits’ frisky drums, and “Evidence” follows with a deeper tone that’s complemented by McNeal’s warm guitar for plenty of unpredictable, stylish jazz ideas.

Halfway through, “Brilliant Corners” is a calmer moment of intimate and soulful ideas, while “Gallop’s Gallop” bops and shakes with an animated energy that meshes the charming organ with fluid guitar progressions.

Close to the end, the more drum focused “Brake’s Sake” is met with firm key playing and no lack of melody, and “Jaclyn’s Eyes”, a Lewis original, exits with a distinct dreaminess that blurs the 3 instruments in a haze of cozy, inviting songwriting.

Lewis grew up on soul and funk, and he incorporates those influences into this highly creative reworking of Monk’s vision, plus an extremely well crafted original- the latter being one of the best selections.

Travels well with: Todd Mosby- Land Of Enchantment; Clifford Jordan- Drink Plenty Water

Mount Mary

Diamonds Of A Fool

Emsalo, 2023

9/10

Listen to Diamonds Of A Fool

The Finnish blues-rockers Mount Mary return with their ‘70s brand of hard hitting rock that embraces plenty of blues and classic rock ideas.

“Screamin’” starts the listen with Otto Haapanen’s pounding drums and Petri Majuri’s thick riffs, as front woman Maria Hänninen's powerful vocals guide the firm climate, and “Diamonds Of A Fool” follows with a dense buzzing that showcases Jukka Jylli’s strategic bass amid some timeless classic rock nods.

“Color Of My Tear” and “Now You Gotta Cry Alone” land in the middle, where the former is a bit more subdued, but no less impactful via the soulful qualities, while the latter welcomes to the swirling guitar and lush climate that balance melody and grit.

Close to the end, the scrappy “I Will Find My Way To You” flirts with garage rock ideas alongside the crisp drums and charged guitars, and “Heavenly Light” exits with plenty of animated interplay between the rhythm section and Hänninen's diverse range and inimitable delivery.

It wasn’t that long ago that Mount Mary released their debut, and they’re quickly making a name for themselves with an abrasive but calculated version of blues/classic rock spirit that parallels names like Greta Van Fleet and Rival Sons.

Travels well with: Mount Mary- Mount Mary; Meer- Playing House

Art Song Colorado

Art Song Colorado

DASP, 2023

8/10

Listen to Colorado Sky

A new children’s opera from the music of Ben Morris and the libretto of Laura Fuentes, Colorado Sky brings in Claire McCahan, Sabina Balsamo, Andrew Garland, the Lírios Quartet and Nicholas Carthy for 9 very expressive pieces.

“Prologue” begins the listen with alluring singing before the strings enter a vibrant and soaring landscape of beauty, and “Home At Least” follows with strong attention to mood via the stirring violin, as McCahan’s stunning mezzo soprano guides the powerful storytelling.

Moving along, “Move Along” spotlights Chas Carbard’s gripping cello alongside Garland’s booming baritone, while “Sky’s Aria” pairs the meticulous plucking that is full of bare beauty and dynamic string interaction that’s both tense and pretty.

Approaching the end, the highly animated “Coyote Attack” showcases Balsamo’s stunning soprano range with gorgeous howling and dancing strings, and “Finale” exits with Yuri Santos’ strategic viola amid the vivid storytelling

A superbly eloquent and fascinating listen that surrounds the reintroduction of wolves to the state, Morris’ vision is one of a lush and emotive appeal, and the delivery from Ben Goldstein and Maggie Brady’s violins won’t disappoint, either.

Travels well with: Art Song Colorado- El Rebelde; Maya Magub- Consolations

Tim Fischer

The Holy City Sessions

Slimtrim, 2023

9/10

Listen to The Holy City Sessions

The guitarist and composer Tim Fischer returns with a 3rd album as leader, where he’s joined by Randy Napoleon, Brett Belanger, Quentin E. Baxter and Eric Schoor for 10 songs dedicated to Charleston, South Carolina.

“Morning Buns” opens the listen with Belander’s playful bass lines alongside Fischer’s spirited and warm guitar in the crisp jazz climate, and “Nite Time Slippers” follows with Baxter’s skilled drumming interacting with Napoleon’s meticulous guitar for the radiant energy.

At the halfway point, “Next Stop” swings with a charming appeal that benefits much from meticulous guitar progressions that touch on the blues, while “What Is This Thing Called Love” is a scrappy and dreamy album highlight that’s melodic and infectious.

Residing near the end, “Cyclic Journey” shakes and bounces thanks to Schoor’s tenor sax prowess that complements the dynamic rhythm section, and “Low Country Boil” exits the listen with a jazz/blues hybrid that’s upbeat and aglow in timeless jazz qualities that will always be relevant.

A listen that alternates between balladry and modern, swinging bursts, the grooves, melodies and rhythm present are executed flawlessly. Truly, an amazing record.

Travels well with: Randy Napoleon- Puppets: The Music Of Gregg Hill; Hal Galper Trio- Invitation To Openness

Teri Parker

Shaping The Invisible

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Shaping The Invisible

The pianist Teri Parker returns with a sophomore album, where Luis Deniz, Andrew McAnsh, Mark Godrey, and Ernesto Cervini help flesh out a fusion friendly and very distinct 9 tracks.

“Becoming” opens the listen with much warmth from Deniz’s soulful sax and Parker’s twinkling keys, and “Humph” follows with a more upbeat demeanor that uses Cervini’s frisky drums and McAnsh’s lively trumpet splendidly.

Moving towards the middle, the strategically plucked bass from Godfrey on “Kitchen Timer Tune” segues into very melodic gestures, while “Desolate Places” is an intimate moment of gorgeous piano alongside the meticulous sax prowess that’s quite poetic.

“Retrograde” and “Strolling” exit the listen, where the former places Cervini’s soft drums amid elegant brass and graceful keys, and the latter is both cautious yet playful, and illustrates a very exact interaction between the skilled players.

The level of creativity present here runs parallel to names like Aaron Parks, Joshua Redman, Aaron Goldberg or Fred Hersch, as Parker and company flesh out a listen of really inviting modern jazz.

Travels well with: Hutchinson Andrew Trio- The Senator: A Tribute To Tommy Banks; Andrew Rathbun- The Speed Of Time

Elsa Nilsson's Band Of Pulses

Pulses

Ears And Eyes, 2023

8/10

Listen to Pulses

The flutist and composer Elsa Nilsson is in the company of Santiago Leibson, Marty Kenny and Rodrigo Recabarren for these 8 avant-garde pieces that is nothing short of inventive.

The title track opens the listen and presents soft flute with twinkling keys from Leibson in the very intimate climate, and “The River, Rock, Tree” follows with Dr. Maya Angelou’s text matching the colorful musicianship that meshes the flute with Recabarren’s well timed drums.

Entering the middle, “Bruising Darkness” is an extension from the previous track, and quivers with playful keys and unpredictable drumming, while “Praying For A Dream” is initially bare, before building into a fuller landscape of dreamy flute surrounded by dense keys and crisp drums.

Rounding out the listen are “Faced With Courage” and “Up And Out”, where the former uses Kenney’s pretty bass playing with much emotion, and the latter is a more tumultuous affair that meshes the keys, drums, bass and atmosphere into an experimental and iconoclastic finish.

A listen that’s constructed around the voice of Dr. Maya Angelou, though jazz is certainly at the center of their formula, there’s a whole lot else going on here, and it all unfolds with a sonic and poetic demeanor that’s rhythmic is it own inimitable way.

Travels well with: Mathis Picard- Live At The Museum; Anthony Fung- Fo(u)rth

Melody Fields

1901

Coop, 2023

8/10

Listen to 1901

The Gothenburg, Sweden outfit Melody Fields had a productive 2023, where 2 records of their sonic psychedelia that covers themes of spirituality, faith, trust and conviction were released.

The warm and melodic “Going Back” opens this listen with some cosmic qualities that are quite inviting, and “Jesus” follows with a soaring approach of melody and rich textures.

Halfway through, “Transatlantic” buzzes with a noisy appeal that’s focused much on drumming, too, while “Home At Last” is a harder hitting psyche-rocker that flirts with prog-rock nods amid much precision.

“In Love” and “Mayday” are the last tracks, where the former is full of grit and harmonic layers of fuzzy indie-rock, and the latter is a more intimate moment of bright keys and softness that’s both cozy and memorable.

A listen that’s focused much on mood and atmosphere, there’s more rock than psychedelia present on this album versus 1991, where the riffs, distortion and three-part harmony vocals are quite impressive.

Travels well with: Melody Fields- 1991; Low-Res- Därför

Coffin/Perlson/Krauss

Coffin/Perlson/Krauss

Ear Up, 2023

8/10

Listen to Coffin/Perlson/Krauss

A 9 track debut from the esteemed saxophonist Jeff Coffin, noted drummer Jordan Perlson, and bass wizard Viktor Krauss, these originals possess a lot of artistic qualities and sonic exploration in the trio format.

“On The Precipe Of Change” opens the listen with Krauss’ plucked bass and Perlson’s agile drumming complementing Coffin’s soulful sax, and “Moonchild” continues that interaction with Coffin’s playful clarinet and light drums amid the cozy bass lines.

In the middle, the reflective “Quiet” is full of eloquent ideas that allow the soft drums and stylish bass to flow alongside Coffin’s bright brass, while “A Handful Of Beans” emits an unpredictable, free jazz demeanor that’s exciting and dynamic.

The last 2 tracks don’t disappoint either, where “Su Filindeu #6” focuses much of Krauss’ meticulous bass playing, and “Here To Be Me” is more rock focused, as the bright sax is met with thumping drums and acrobatic bass prowess.

The three have been playing together since 2020, and the chemistry they share is undeniable and evident across this fascinating listen.

Travels well with: Caroline Davis- Alula: Captivity; Brad Turner Quintet- The Magnificent

Melody Fields

1991

Coop, 2023

9/10

Listen to 1991

An experimental Swedish outfit who actually released a pair of albums one month apart, 1991 has the quintet exploring neo-psychedelic dance with bits of shoegaze across the 8 lively tunes.

“Hallelujah” opens the listen with much atmosphere, where throbbing bass lines and playful bongo drums add much allure to the unpredictable climate, and “Blasphemy” follows with a distinct buzzing that’s firm but melodic in its psyche-rock delivery.

“Dandelion” and “Talk With A Jesus” land in the middle, where the former carries a bit of a jangle that places crisp drums with swirling guitar, while the latter touches on post-punk via the darker textures that flirt with dream-pop, too.

Near to the end, the droning “Bhagavana Najika Cha” carries an almost chanting like appeal surrounded by dense guitar and waves of synth, and “Son Of Man” exits with a percussively strong and harmonic tone of jazz fueled, progressive nods.

A highly creative listen that combines psychedelia and indie rock, inspiration from Spiritualized, Moon Duo, and La Düsseldorf won’t be hard to spot or appreciate across this highly unique effort.

Travels well with: Low-Res- Därför; La Faute- Blue Girl Nice Day

Carlos Henriquez

A Nuyorican Tale

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to A Nuyorican Tale

The bassist and composer Carlos Henriquez knows his way around a Latin jazz song, and here he brings us 9 of them with help on brass, keys and percussion.

The soulful and rhythmic “Nuyorican Tale” opens the listen with Obed Calvaire’s frisky drums and Melissa Aidana’s animated tenor sax making an impression, and “Bodegas Groove” certainly does bring grooves thanks to Robert Rodriguez’s playful keys and, of course, Henriquez’s fluid bass playing.

Entering the middle, “Afro Monk” makes great use of Jeremy Bosch’s dreamy flute for the melodic delivery and flowing horns, while “My Isla Bonita” is packed with beauty amid the graceful keys and Anthony Almonte’s subdued percussive sounds that allow the emotive brass to stir the soul.

Approaching the end, the festive and bright “Robert’s Red Line” emits Bosch’s cultured pipes alongside the smooth and dynamic musicianship, and “Winds Of Change” exits with a swift meshing of worldly jazz flavor that will get your body moving.

A listen that explores Henriquez’s Nuyorican heritage, he illuminates the challenging history of Puerto Ricans in New York City with his strong attention to detail and contributions from Mike Rodriguez (trumpet, coro), Terrel Stafford (trumpet) and Marshall Gilkes (trombone) that you can’t help but admire.

Travels well with: Jonathan Suazo- Ricano; Hery Paz- Jardineros

Shakura S'Aida

Hold On To Love

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Hold On To Love

The Canadian artist Shakura S’Aida has been traveling the world for 20+ years, sharing her powerful voice with others, and this first new album in a decade features collaborations from names like Eric Gales, Lee Oskar, Terra Lightfoot and others.

The title track gets the listen off to a soulful start, where S’Aida’s flowing voice is met with uplifting backing vocals and plenty of playful bass lines, and “Takin’ It To The Streets” follows with an intimate moment of sublime beauty thanks to the calm, rootsy spirit.

Further along, “You’re The One” enters gospel areas with the rich singing and emotive musicianship of warmth, while the jazz fueled “Too Late”, showcases singing and talking that are met with bouts of brass and stylish interplay.

“Don’t Wait For Me” and “Heart Of Gold” exit the listen, where the former is a calm, poetic album highlight of gentle beauty, and the latter has S’Aida putting a very cozy spin on the Neil Young classic with classic rock nods amid the eloquent vocals.

S’Aida has been picking up prestigious awards for decades now, and she’ll likely gain more with this rich, thoughtful and timeless body of work that meshes blues, rock and soul with much appeal.

Travels well with: Davis Hall & The Green Lanterns- Canboro Canborough; Blackburn Brothers- SoulFunkn’ Blues

Joel Goodman

An Exquisite Moment

A64, 2023

8/10

Listen to An Exquisite Moment

The composer and multi-instrumentalist Joel Goodman brings along an excellent cast for these very rich jazz tracks that are full of improvisation and personal songwriting.

“What Dreamers Dream” opens the listen with Brandee Younger’s twinkling harp and Scott Colley’s carefully plucked acoustic bass complementing Goodman’s hazy synth in the very warm climate, and the title track follows with Lisa Fischer’s stunning vocals amid Philippe Saisse’s atmospheric piano and plenty of dense synth stabs.

In the middle, the thicker presence of “Rumi And The Whirling Dervish” features Eric Harland’s acrobatic drums and Adam Rogers’ swirling electric guitar for the rock focused album highlight, while the more cautious “The Mystery Of Trees” spotlights Donny McCaslin’s soprano saxophone and Randy Brecker’s flugelhorn via the lush and emotive landscape.

The final piece, “Astral Projection”, unfolds across 4 movements, where Mino Cinelu’s percussion, Marcus Rojas’ tuba, Charlie Morillas trombone and violas from Matt Naabours, Karolina Naziemiec, Drew Forde, plus many others, are on hand for the fusion dynamics that are as dizzying as they are exciting.

An album of all first takes, the spontaneity here is excellent and it’s all progressive and jazz fueled in unconventional ways.

Travels well with: Andrew Danforth- Homegrown; Craig Akin- Me, My Bass And I

Pathos Trio

Polarity

Imaginary Animals, 2023

9/10

Listen to Polarity

The Brooklyn residents Pathos Trio returns with 6 new pieces for this sophomore album that showcases the minds of Ian Chang (Sun Lux), Phong Tran (MEDIAQUEER), Andrew M. Rodriguez (Close Your Eyes), Vicente Hansen Atria, Paul Mortilla, and Clara Warnaar, where much emphasis on percussion and electronic focused manipulation is appreciated.

Cheng’s “Mega Cicada” opens the listen with a distinct buzzing, where cinematic swells of dense drumming sounds and bright keys are met with plenty of atmosphere, and Tran’s “Split” follows with a dense haze of thick percussive bouts and dreamy piano.

The middle belongs to “PITY", by Rodriguez, and “Monolitos”, by Atria, where the former segues into dance floor ready electronica via the swift keys and dizzying electronics, while the latter spends 10+ minutes mesmerizing us with its sci-fi tendencies and fragmented interaction that’s quite alluring.

The final piece is the intimate and warm “Home/Gone”, where graceful keys and mesmerizing percussion surrounds the calming Warnaar original that builds into a lush, pretty finish.

The band consists of Felix Reyes (percussion), Marcelina Suchocka (percussion), and Will Healy (piano), and together they create another highly inventive and inviting body of work that presents classical ideas in modern, unconventional bursts of synthetic versus organic interplay.

Travels well with: Matthew McBane & Sandbox Percussion- Bathymetry; Timuçin Şahin’s Flow State- Funk Poems For ‘Bird’

Maya Beiser

delugEON

Islandia, 2019

8/10

Listen to delugEON

An Israel born artist now residing in NYC, Maya Beiser tackles many current environmental issues with her esteemed cello playing on this daring and fluid record that was recorded over 7 days and uses no digital or artificial effects.

“Moonlight Sonata” starts the listen with soothing strings and a setting of elegance and mystery in the Beethoven masterpiece, and “Slow Seasons” follows with 4 different portions to represent each season, and each flows with its own distinct atmosphere.

Deeper cuts bring us the tense mood of “Ah Dolente Partita”, where ambience is key, while “Stabat Mater” pushes and pulls with gorgeous restraint. “When I Am Laid In Earth” ends the listen with incredible cello playing from Beiser as she manipulates sound and tone with a solemn haze of timeless beauty.

Beiser has already played alongside legends like Brian Eno and Philip Glass, as well as being a founding member of Bang On A Can All-Stars, and here she refines classical music into her artistic vision where nature sounds are incorporated into the sublime instrumentation.

Travels well with: Zoe Keating- Into The Trees;Vicky Chow- Tristan Perich: Surface Image