Vishtén

Expansion

Kanesmii, 2024

8/10

Listen to Expansion

The debut album of the Connexions project, the 7 tracks here pay tribute to Pastelle LeBlanc, and features many collaborations that revolve around timeless folk qualities.

“Gaillard”, featuring De Temps Antan, starts the listen with flowing strings and plenty of rhythm that emits much energy, and “Sauvage” follows with Catherine MacLellan’s expressive pipes amid the playful climate and percussively strong delivery.

In the middle, “More Love” welcomes 6 Hearts to the cultured and melodic landscape of warm guitars and harmonic singing, while Cédric Dind-Lavoie is present for the accordion and piano fueled “Réflexions”.

The final piece, “Kouma” features Seckou Keita and Catrin Finch for a rhythmic and sophisticated exit of meticulous and worldly ideas.

A highly intriguing take on world folk sounds, every selection here is precisely delivery and resonates tremendous skill and global appeal.

Travels well with: Catherine Maclellan- Coyote; Le Vent Du Nord- 20 Printemps

Belfountain

Some Hearts

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Some Hearts

The first album from the Toronto outfit spearheaded by Chris Graham, Belfountain turn in 10 tracks of alt-folk rock flavor.

The soaring and upbeat “I Give It Up” opens with Davide Direnzo’s fluid drums and well timed fiddle from Brigit O’Regan that complement Graham’s flowing voice, and “Tell Me When It Rains” follows with plenty of soul, as Shirantha Beddage’s strategic sax and plenty of soothing backing vocals enter.

The middle track belongs to “We Will Rise”, where Alien Homzy’s elegant violin suits the crisp, upbeat climate, while “Rattle On” is populated by Jennifer Pierson’s flute that adds much to the rich and emotive album highlight.

Near the end, “Rocks” features Tia Brazda’s inimitable pipes and Jill Sauertag’s precise cello, and the title track exits with much intimacy, as Graham’s poetic singing is met with mature strings that help set a distinct mood of wonder and awe.

Graham has already been behind a JUNO Award Winning album in the area of production, and this heartfelt and meticulous effort will captivate fans of The Lumineers or The Arkells.

Travels well with: Tyler Ellis- Greater Than; Ryan Wayne- Crow Amongst The Sparrows

Double Deüce

Warm Ham In A Foreign Home

BB Island, 2024

9/10

Listen to Warm Ham In A Foreign Home

A Brooklyn outfit who are a sister-brother duo, Toby Goodshank and Angela Carlucci create a very interesting version of anti-folk, where plenty of guests are along for the 11 tracks.

“Pig Walnut” starts the listen with the pair’s playful voices that are met with Matt Colbourn’s lively trumpet, and the title track follows with warm acoustic strumming and cozy vocal harmonies that even welcome animal noises.

Further along, “Snap Backwards” actually ventures into hip-hop territory via Alex Fedorov’s beats and the many layered voices, while “That’s Our Thing” is a timeless folk moment of bright storytelling and spirited electric guitar.

“The Spotter” lands near the end and allows Carlucci’s soaring voice to shine amid the intricate guitar, and “Cream Cheese Like This” exits with a plugged in guitar to complement the expressive singing.

A body of work that sometimes seems silly, other times romantic and often seeming like it could soundtrack a campfire, the addition of brass and beats adds even more allure to this eclectic brand of folk.

Travels well with: Alan Regardin- Ritual Tones; Brazen- Distance

The Jon Irabagon Trio + One

Dinner & Dancing

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Dinner & Dancing

The clarinet and sax extraordinaire Jon Irabagon is joined by Mark Helias, Barry Altschul and Uri Caine for these 2 lengthy, improvised pieces.

The soft and mysterious “Dinner” opens with Irbagon’s curious alto clarinet that is met with Altschul’s unpredictable drumming and squealing sax acrobatics that enter the free jazz exploration.

The back half belongs to “Dancing”, which is much shorter but no less adventurous. It spotlights the stunning drumming, as well as Caine’s wild keys and Helias’ well plucked bass for the furious blast of jazz dynamics that actually retreats to calm, later on.

A highly playful outing, the 4 players each illustrate a commanding ability over their instruments, where spontaneity and creativity are key.

Travels well with: Brian Marsella/Jon Irabagon- Blue Hour; I Don’t Hear Nothin’ But The Blues, Volume 3 Part 2: Exuberant Scars

Lara Price

Half & Half

Gulf Coast, 2024

9/10

Listen to Half & Half

The inestimable vocalist Lara Price brings her blues and soulful ways to this debut on the Gulf Coast label, where an incredible performance unfolds across 10 songs that welcome an all star cast.

The warm spirit of “We’re Still Friends” starts with Price’s powerful pipes alongside Kid Andersen’s fluid drumming and Mike Schermer’s gritty guitar, and “Evidence” follows with Trevor Nealon’s animated keys and Dr. Matthew Maldonado’s well timed sax complementing the expressive climate.

“Rain” arrives at the halfway point, and recruits a kitty purr thanks to Jamie Lee Curtis Salgado plus Nick Jay’s bass for the intimate delivery, while “Days Ago” thumps and shakes with an infectious energy via David Jimenez’s lively guitar for the album’s best.

Residing close to the end, “Trouble, Heartache, Sadness” tugs on the heartstrings thanks to Price’s inimitable pipes, where Randy Hayes handles drums, and “Heart On A String” is a glorious and upbeat finish that embraces gospel, soul and blues in spades, where Lisa Leuschner’s soaring backing vocals won’t go unnoticed.

An outstanding first effort at her new home, Price is armed with a voice you won’t soon forget, and these animated and meticulous songs are equally memorable, too.

Travels well with: Eric Bibb- In The Real World; Mike Zito- Life Is Hard

Evan Boyer

The Devil In Me

Medicine For Mary, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Devil In Me

The Dallas resident Evan Boyer makes an impression with this debut album, where his humble Americana welcomes country, folk and rawness.

“Mockingbird & Monticello” starts the listen with much intimacy, as stirring acoustic guitar and a light ambience is met with expressive singing that builds into a thicker presence, and “Home To You” follows with soaring fiddle acrobatics and thumping drums that are tailor made for the dance floor.

“Burn The Ships” lands in the middle and welcomes Della Rose’s pretty pipes to the rich and powerful anthem, while the title track carries some bluegrass spirit and a hint of mystery embedded in the meticulous songwriting and distinct atmosphere.

The last 2 tracks don’t disappoint either. “The Fear” carries a darker tone amid graceful strings, and “Sweet Mary” exits with a poetic demeanor of gorgeous harmonies, heartfelt singing and textured beauty.

Parallels to Jason Isbell or Tom Petty won’t be hard to spot here, as Boyer fleshes out an excellent first record that should easily make him a noteworthy name in the area of modern Americana.

Travels well with: Surrender Hill- River Of Tears; Lynne Hanson- Just A Poet

Melissa Carper

Borned In Ya

Thirty Tigers, 2024

9/10

Listen to Borned In Ya

The singer-songcrafter and upright bassist Melissa Carper returns with another batch of throwback songs, where jazz, blues, soul, and R&B meet at a very creative intersection.

The title track opens with plenty of gospel spirit, as Carper’s distinct voice is met with soulful backing vocals and Doug Corcoran’s bright trumpet, and “I Don’t Love You Anymore” follows with an intimate mood, where Chris Scruggs’ heartfelt guitar suits the emotive singing.

Further along, “There’ll Be Another One” benefits much from Carl Larson’s elegant strings that add much to the rich climate, while “That’s My Desire” welcomes John Pahmer’s graceful keys and Matty Meyer’s fluid drumming via the retro sensibilities.

Landing close to the end, the frisky album highlight, “Lucky Five”, makes great use of Chris Gelb’s animated drumming and Billy Contreras’ meticulous fiddle, and “Waxing And Waning” exits with a soothing quality, where the inimitable singing takes help from Matt Combs’ strings and Pahmer’s twinkling keys.

Yet another genre defying body of work from Carper, her western swing meets country-folk meets honky tonk flavor is again extraordinary and timeless.

Travels well with: Melissa Carper- Ramblin’ Soul; Melissa Carper- Daddy’s Country Gold

Blackwater Railroad Company

A Lovely Place To Die

Self-Released, 2024

10/10

Listen to A Lovely Place To Die

A community band in Seward, Alaska, Blackwater Railroad Company pens folk and roots flavored songs thanks to the band members Tyson T. Davis, Kyle Comeau, Ben Sayers, Braden Rollins and Will Balcao’s inimitable talents.

The swift and warm “Raging Bull In The Barroom” starts the listen with cozy singing alongside lively fiddle and Braden Rollins’ bright tenor sax, and “Clarity” follows with a distinct energy, where Kyle Comeau’s playful keys suit Davis’ expressive pipes.

“Moving Trees” lands in the middle and carries a dance floor appeal via the flowing sax, bouncy keys and Sayers’ meticulous bass, while “Shape Of Things” is an intimate moment of pretty singing and graceful acoustic strumming that bursts into a rhythmic formula.

Close to the end, “Happy Tune” is a quick and textured album highlight that uses backing vocals strategically, and “Long Nights” exits with plenty of retro nods via the creative, timeless songwriting.

A listen that encapsulates the unique life in Alaska and beyond, Rachel DeTemple and Ryan McLaughlin’s contributions on fiddle are significant, and the country, rock, soul and jazz blend is executed with old school nods and honky-tonk fun for a truly original body of work.

Travels well with: The W Lovers- For A Day Or A Lifetime; Tucker Woods- Sunshine Blues

Robby Ameen

Live At The Poster Museum

Origin, 2024

9/10

Listen to Live At The Poster Museum

The esteemed drummer Robby Ameen is joined by Conrad Herwig, Troy Roberts, Edsel Gomez, Lincoln Goines and Bob Franceschini for these diverse and playful 7 tracks.

The 9+ minutes of “Fast Eye” opens with Gomez’s lively fender rhodes alongside the swift winds and brass for a dynamic jazz climate, and “Una Muy Anita” follows with a calmer mood initially, as much richness enters thanks to Franceschini’s animated sax prowess.

“Oleo” lands at the halfway point, and it spotlights Goines’ meticulous bass acrobatics amid a frisky mood, while “Mixology” is a colorful album highlight that bops and shakes with an infectious energy thanks to Roberts’ bright sax.

Near the end, “Lucia’s Wawa” showcases Ameen’s profoundly skilled druming and Herwig’s stunning trombone, and “Swiftboarding” finishes with a contagious demeanor of playful drums, dueling saxes and fascinating keys.

A really fun listen that uses Afro-Cuban, jazz and post-bop rhythm to its advantage, Ameen and his crew also are versed in hard bop and funk for these creative and memorable tracks.

Travels well with: Mai-Liis- Kaleidoscope; Anthony Stanco- Stanco’s Time

Mai-Liis

Kaleidoscope

OA2, 2024

8/10

Listen to Kaleidoscope

The sophomore recording from Mai-Liis, the 9 songs here welcome some excellent players and equally skilled guests for strong storytelling that touches on her influences, i.e. Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones and Leonard Cohen.

The warm spirit of “Book” starts the listen with Darin Clendenin’s graceful piano and Mark Ivester’s frisky drumming that suits Liss’ expressive pipes, and “Wash Away The Wrong” follows with David Lee Joyner’s twinkling keys and Clipper Anderson’s aching bass via the emotive climate.

Halfway through, the dense “New Year’s Ditty” showcases Alexey Nikolaev’s bright tenor sax amid the vocal acrobatics, while Hans Teuber contributes alto flute to the flowing intimacy of the poetic “Whitehorse, Yukon”.

Landing closer to the end, “Wondrin’” highlights Brian Monroney’s cozy guitar lines that complement Liis’ charming voice, and “Springtime” exits with a glowing melodic nature that embraces radiant sax, mature keys and a soft rhythm section to illuminate the gorgeous singing.

A memorable body of work that’s sensitive and can still swing, Liis fleshes out a timeless vocal jazz affair that’s genuine and compelling.

Travels well with: Anthony Stanco- Stanco’s Time; Clarence Penn- Behind The Voice

Minnesota Orchestra

Mahler 3

BIS, 2024

9/10

Listen to Mahler 3

The long running Mahler recording project comes to an end here, where the Minnesota Orchestra interpret Mahler’s Third Symphony under the conducting of Osmo Vänskä.

Disc 1 consists of “Symphony No. 3 in D Minor: I. Kräftig. Entschieden”, where the 35+ minutes entails booming percussion, quivering strings and well timed brass for both busy and calm gestures that unfold with fluidity and precision.

The 2nd disc is broken into 5 segments, where “II. Tempo di Menuetto (Sehr mäßig)” welcomes the dreamy winds amid plenty of cinematic qualities, while “V. Lustig im Tempo und keck im Ausdruck” showcases the women of the Minnesota Chorale and Minnesota Boychoir that complement Jennifer Johnston’s soaring mezzo-soprano.

“VI. Langsam (Ruveholl) Empfunden” exits the listen, and it’s an intimate finish that’s full of softness and beauty that’s richly textured.

An excellent way to end an 8 year long journey to document all 10 of Mahler’s symphonies, the orchestra again provides a stunning performance. For those with significant interest in the series, a forthcoming box set of the entire project will be especially enjoyable.

Travels well with: Minnesota Orchestra- Mahler 8; Pacifica Quartet- American Voices

Kitty Solaris

James Bond

Solaris Empire, 2024

8/10

Listen to James Bond

A Berlin artist who doesn’t hide influences from Sonic Youth, Cat Power or The Cure, Kitty Solaris brings us 9 electric guitar fueled songs that don’t shy away from dark melodies or diversity.

The dreamy and smooth title track starts with soft melodies and a light ambience, and “Follow The Beatniks” follows with a firm beat amid a calm groove that’s soulful.

“Peace Train” occupies the middle spot and comes with some post-punk flavor via the playful bass lines and strong attention to mood, while “Spring Air” is a slow burner of rich and moody dynamics.

Close to the end, Robert Palmer’s “Johnny And Mary” recruits plenty of synth for the ‘80s drenched sensibilities, and “Heroes” continues the eclectic climate with a stylish version of modern indie-rock.

A record where each track brings new surprises, we’re treated to funk bouts, electro-pop and even grungy nods, as Solaris pens a highly unique and memorable listening experience.

Travels well with: Half Asleep- The Minute Hours | Les Heures Secondes; Carmen Sea- Sorry

Sharon Isbin

Live In Aspen

Zoho, 2024

9/10

Listen to Live In Aspen

The Grammy Award-winning guitarist Sharon Isbin is in some excellent company here, where India’s lsarod wizards Amjad Ali Khan, his sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, and the tabla virtuoso Amit Kavthekar join for the 10 live selections.

“Capricho Árabe” starts the listen with much care, where Isbin’s meticulous guitar emits much beauty and grace, and “Sacred Evening” follows with Kavthekar’s precise tabla and Ayaan Ali Bangash’s spirited sarod adding much culture and grace to the landscape.

In the middle, the breezy “By The Moon” unfolds across 2 segments, where the playful interaction is nothing short of stunning, as Amaan Ali Bangash’s lends swift sarod to the mesmerizing execution, while “Raga Bahar” is a quick moment of tabla and sarod working together collaboratively amid much meticulousness.

The final 2 pieces that are “Romancing Earth” use Isbin’s guitar in gorgeous ways that complement the sarod from all 3 players and Kavthekar’s well timed tabla.

The sound quality here is exceptional, as is the performance, where spiritual, artistic and folk qualities embrace joy, devotion and even melancholy.

Travels well with: Sharon Isbin- Affinity; Paul Kendall- My Shining Hour

JD Souther

You’re Only Lonely

Omnivore, 2024

9/10

Listen to You’re Only Lonely

Originally released in 1979, this out of print 3rd album from JD Souther welcomes some excellent guests to 11 songs that features a pair of additional tunes for this return after 35 years.

The warm guitar and radiant keys thanks to Don Grolnick start the listen with the title track, where Souther’s expressive voice guides the coziness, and “If You Don’t Want My Love” follows with Kenny Edwards’ meticulous bass that suits the heartfelt and rich delivery.

Further along, “White Rhythm And Blues” welcomes Dan Dugmore’s glowing steel guitar amid a tender mood, while the rugged “The Moon Just Turned Blue” is a firm moment that benefits from a playful country spirit and powerful singing.

“Trouble In Paradise” exits the original and showcases David Sanborn’s bright sax prowess alongside a fuller rock’n’roll presence, and, of the bonus tracks, the alternate take of “Bad News Travels Fast” is a lively blend of country and folk rock that we could never tire of.

Souther continued to play up until is death in 2024 at the age of 78. He released an acclaimed body of work and is considered influential in the Southern California sound. This debut for the Colombia label consists of songs recorded by other artists, and Souther’s take on them had him landing at #1 on the Adult Contemporary Chart for good reason. The new, detailed liner notes from Joe Marchese complete the package nicely, too.

Travels well with: Steve Young- Stars In The Southern Sky; Terry Adams- Terrible

Natsuki Tamura/Satoko Fujii

Aloft

Libra, 2024

9/10

Listen to Aloft

The pianist Satoko Fujii and trumpeter Natsuki Tamura come together for this 9th duo album, where 6 exploratory tracks blur the lines of jazz.

“Migration” opens the listen with Fujii’s soft keys that welcome Tamura’s soulful and rich horn to the 8+ minutes of spontaneous songwriting, and “Wintering” follows with ambience that segues into delicate keys and manipulated trumpet for a highly unclassifiable delivery.

“Traveling Bird” and “Lifting” occupy the middle spots. The former is populated by firm keys and strategic use of space amid the brass bouts, while the latter places twinkling keys into a mesmerizing album standout. The last selection, “Waiting For Dawn”, balances sparseness with careful piano and sparing but effective trumpet for a cinematic closer.

A profoundly technical affair that uses improvising in artistic ways, both forcefulness and restraint are present, as the pair contribute unparalleled skill to an atypical vision.

Travels well with: Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio- Jet Black; Keiji Haino/Natuski Tamura- What Happened There?

Blake Jones & The Trike Shop

and still…

Big Stir, 2024

9/10

Listen to And Still…

The Fresno, CA guitar pop outfit Blake Jones & The Trike Shop return with their first major release in 6 years, where 12 songs embrace plenty of melody.

“Record Cover Girl” starts the listen with John Shafer’s frisky drums alongside warm guitar and flowing vocals where Jones hits some high notes, and “Fascit Bumblebee Winter Formal” follows with Mike Snowden’s playful bass that suits the bright keys from Scott Hatfield.

Moving along, the strong atmosphere of “Dreaming About Sleeping” benefits much from Mike Scott’s distinct guitar, while “String Lights And Hold On” showcases a dynamic rhythm section that complements the rich landscape.

Residing close to the end, “Mr. Saturday Sun” is a bit quirky and cautious with vivid storytelling, and “We Love The Tower” exits with call and response singing and a hint of soul embedded in the nostalgic finish.

An album with plenty of global appeal, Jones and company have been at it since 1997, and their formula certainly has remained consistently strong, as evidenced by this retro fun.

Travels well with: The Armoires- Octoberland; Sparkle* Jets U.K.- Box Of Letters

Christian Parker

Change Is Now: A Tribute To The Byrds

Subcat, 2024

10/10

Listen to Change Is Now: A Tribute To The Byrds

The guitarist and vocalist Christian Parker brings along an excellent cast for this tribute to The Byrds, where the interpretations are full of fun, jangly country rock.

The title tracks leads off the 15 song set, where the 3 part harmonies and glowing guitar work is met with Ron Keck’s precise drumming, and “She Don’t Care About Time” follows with Paul Davie’s flowing bass that suits Parker’s radiant guitar and smooth pipes.

Deeper into the listen, “Wild Mountain Thyme” welcomes Randy Tennant’s pretty bass lines and Stevie Blacke’s soaring strings, while “Time Between” showcases Earl Poole Ball’s meticulous keys via the classic country nods and timeless country rock dynamics.

Closer to the end, Chris Larcombe’s B-Bender guitar and Joe Thomas’ keys populate the rich and dreamy “Bugler”, and “Last Thing On My Mind” exits with a bare presence, where Parker’s warm guitar and heartfelt voice make for an intimate finish.

The record focuses much on the Roger McGuinn side of The Byrds’ catalog, and whether you’re a fan or not, you’re going to appreciate and admire this top notch and genuine country-rock.

Travels well with: Adeem The Artist- Anniversary; Zach Russell- Where The Flowers Meet The Dew

Erin Ash Sullivan

Signposts And Marks

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Signposts And Marks

The sophomore album from the New England artist Erin Ash Sullivan, the 12 songs here emit a bluegrass influence and welcome Doug Kwartler on production and additional instruments.

“Goat On A Stone Wall” starts the listen with Sullivan’s bright voice alongside warm guitar and fluid picking that suits the quick pace, and “Rest Stop Bird” follows with pretty strings and much intimacy to complement the poetic singing.

Deeper into the listen, “One Time I Stole A Book” comes with a distinct dreaminess that highlights the vivid storytelling of the cautious climate, while “Eat The Pie” is a folk influenced moment that’s playful and wise while also making us hungry.

Landing close to the end, “We Walk The Flats”, one of the best tracks, allows Sullivan’s flawless pipes to shine amid harmonic string interaction, and “Before You Go” exits with a heartfelt demeanor, where much beauty is present.

Sullivan handles vocals, guitar and ukulele, and Kwartler’s contributions are many for a record that explores all the small moments that make up the human experience, and they’re delivered with eloquence, emotion and relatability.

Travels well with: Karyn Oliver- Cherchez La Femme; Katie Oates- Edge Of A Hurricane

Chris Robeson

Euphoriphobia

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Euphorphobia

The Texas singer-songwriter Chris Robeson pens folk and Americana friendly tunes here, where 13 songs are full sincerity and strong lyrical detail.

“Built To Fall Apart” opens with warm acoustic guitar and expressive singing that’s heartfelt, and “Fistful Of Cash” follows with playful singing and a soft rhythm that builds into a fuller approach with more voices and drums.

Further along, “What’s That Say About Me” is particularly intimate, where soft drums and percussion make an impression, while “Feel The Good Things Too” carries much gentle melody amid forthright wordplay and glowing pedal steel.

Close to the end, the stirring keys of “Take Me Too” is a dreamy moment of poetic singing and rich musicianship, and “I’m Comin’ Home (If You’d Let Me)” exits with Robeson’s touching pipes and cozy acoustic guitar that tell a tender tale.

Robeson’s influences from names like Prine, Waits and Van Zandt certainly are present, as this debut album was trimmed down from nearly 1000 songs. This, of course, means that he’s got plenty leftover for subsequent albums, thankfully.

Travels well with: Ryan David Green- Off And Running; John Shipe- Water This Dark

Cirkus Prutz

White Jazz Black Magic

Metalville, 2019

8/10

Listen to White Jazz Black Magic

A pub-rock outfit with a penchant for blues sounds, musicians with lineage in bands like The Quill, W.E.T. and Electric Boys comprise Cirkus Prutz, and they produce 9 originals here with a wealth of talent on hand.

“Leave Me Alone” starts the album with a rollicking and bluesy rocker of fun guitar licks and warm vocals, and “Mojo” follows with a slower pace where strong guitar work and a rhythmic affair tips it hat to Eric Clapton.

In the middle, “Aim To Please” recruits a festive spirit to the upbeat setting, while “Hell To Pay” finds a creative place to reside somewhere between classic rock and blues influenced Southern Rock.

Near the end, “Friends” might be the most accessible song with sweet melodies and a sing-along approach that gets pretty close to pop-rock, and “Zombie Stomp” closes out the listen as firm as it started, and isn’t as ominous as it sounds, instead offering dynamic interplay with bursting creativity.

This Swedish quartet know their way around a rock tune that’s full of boogie, blues and even subtle country moments, and White Jazz Black Magic finds the veterans at a career high.

Travels well with: Gary Moore- Run For Cover;Rival Sons- Hollow Bones