Emily Hicks

Weird Wild Wonderful

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Weird Wild Wonderful

The Utah resident Emily Hicks makes an impression with this debut album, where her folk-pop formula tells stories of unconditional love, letting go of the past, and steering through the challenges of young adulthood.

“Weird Wonderful You” starts the listen with warm acoustic guitar and cozy drumming that suits Hicks’ flowing vocals, and “Far From Home” follows with much elegance, as fluid bass complements the graceful climate.

The middle track belongs to “Different Kind Of Life”, where soft melodies and a dreamy mood enters the intimacy, while “Picket Fenced In” is a fuller album highlight that’s populated by a rich rhythm section, plugged in guitar and Hicks’ powerful singing.

The last 2 tracks resonate well, too. “One Piece At A Time” offers an upbeat and playful moment, and “Let You Stay” exits with a bare but impactful moment of sincerity that builds into a dense and poetic finish to a very thoughtful record.

A listen with a very nature friendly mood, Hicks’ organic formula might make you grab a backpack and head out to the desert, as she blends folk, pop, country and Americana with much appeal.

Travels well with: Ashley E. Norton- Call Of The Void; Erin Ash Sullivan- Signposts And Marks

Robin Simone Hollywood Orchestra

Robin Simone Hollywood Orchestra

Picturesque, 2024

9/10

Listen Hollywood Orchestra

The inimitable singer Robin Simone is aligned with a 17 piece orchestra for these timeless big band selections that make up an impressive debut.

After “Overture” leads and sets the tone for the record, “The Hollywood Medley” follows with Simone’s bright voice amid the playful winds and brass that soar.

Further along, “It’s De-Lovely” is a frisky moment of melodic gestures and bright vocals, while “Everything Must Change” offers a sublime moment of intimacy via the gentle keys and heartfelt singing that tugs on the heartstrings.

Landing near the end, the emotive “The Man That Got Away” illustrates Simone’s impressive range amid restraint and beauty, and “Swingin’ On A Star With Joe (Tribute To Ella)” bops and shakes with an infectious energy thanks to the vocal acrobatics, glowing horns and animated drumming.

Simone has an impressive resume already that includes multiple trips to the Billboard charts and working alongside Jamie Foxx, Burt Bacharach and Sofia Vergara, among others. Here we’re treated to a top notch Big Band affair that will certainly gain her more praise, as she puts a timeless spin on classic tunes.

Travels Well With: Pascal Bokar- I Can Tell; Greg Chako- Standard Roots

Robert Jon & The Wreck

Red Moon Rising

Journeyman, 2024

10/10

Listen to Red Moon Rising

Robert Jon & The Wreck have turned plenty of heads their way since their debut in 2011, and these 12 new, Southern Rock anthems bring a new member to an incredible 8th album.

“Stone Cold Killer” starts the listen with plenty of rugged, blues spirit, where Robert Jon Burrison’s powerful pipes are met with Andrew Espantman’s thumping drums, and “Trouble” follows with a bouncy and melodic spirit, as Warren Murrel’s precise bass suits the calm versus dense moments.

Moving into the middle, the rhythmic “Dragging Me Down” benefits much from new member Jake Abernathie’s well timed keys, while the playful “Help Yourself” puts Henry James’ (Schneekluth) spirited guitar and raw voice to good use for the rich blues landscape.

“Give Love” exits the formal album, and it radiates intimacy and grit, and, of the bonus tracks, “Hate To See You Go” is particularly harmonic, where all the players illustrate much skill and collaboration via the meticulous textures.

A dynamic and positive addition to their glowing catalog, the Orange county outfit mash timeless blues rock and raw Southern ideas in a way that few others could for this top notch effort.

Travels well with: Joanne Shaw Taylor- Heavy Soul; Steve Cropper & The Midnight Hour- Friendlytown

Billy Eli

Lace

Errant, 2024

9/10

Listen to Lace

On this first album in 11 years, the Texan Billy Eli pens personal songs in the aftermath of Covid, where the tunes carry a firm country rock presence.

The warm and rhythmic spirit of “Trying Not To Drown” starts the listen with playful drumming and well timed backing vocals that complement the smooth singing, and “You’re The Wine” follows with a breezy spirit of flowing Americana via the eloquent pipes.

Deeper still, the intimate and pretty “Here’s To You” is full of bright storytelling, while “All Day” recruits David Serby for the dance floor ready, rural rock flavor.

The last 2 tracks, “Getting Out Of Denver” and “Wine In The Desert”, don’t disappoint either. The former benefits from pedal steel and pretty vocal harmonies with a hint of ruggedness, and the latter carries plenty of classic country nods thanks to the emotive singing, melodic guitar and agile rhythm section.

A sincere effort with a hint of twang, Eli had thought he was done writing years ago, but the songs started to pour in. His years of observing people while on the road make for an insightful and beautiful peek into the human experience, and let’s hope this return from hiatus brings us more music.

Travels well with: Chris Robeson- Euphoriphobia; Ryan David Green- Off And Running

Ashley E. Norton

Call Of The Void

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Call Of The Void

The guitarist and singer-songwriter Ashley E. Norton is joined by Johnny Garcia and Jimmy Mattingly for these 11 well thought out and memorable Americana tracks.

“Americana To Me” starts with the slight jangle and warm spirit from Norton’s cozy voice and hazy guitar alongside Garcia’s bouncy bass, and “Every Woman I Know” follows with Mattingly’s thumping drums that suit the darker mood of the eloquent climate.

Deeper into the listen, the sublime intimacy of “Going To California” amid Mattingly’s elegant cello makes for the unique take on a Led Zeppelin tune, while “The Fortune Teller” is a rich and dreamy album highlight that showcases Norton’s expressive voice.

Near the end, “I Wish” is a firm strummer which is a bit humorous via the relatable folk ideas, and “Songbirds In The Stars” exits with strings, guitars and percussion meeting at a playful intersection that’s also heartfelt.

A genuine effort that uses country, folk, rock and blues to her advantage, Norton wrote or co-wrote all but the lone cover, and the somewhat spontaneous album truly showcases her timeless songwriting abilities.

Travels well with: Erin Ash Sullivan- Signposts And Marks; Katie Oakes- Edge Of A Hurricane

History Of Guns

Half Light

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Half Light

The veteran UK industrial-postpunk legends History Of Guns return with 10 sci-fi friendly and creative tunes that make up this 7th album.

“No Longer Earthbound” starts the listen upbeat and rhythmic, where a dance floor appeal enters a hint of darkness, and “Never Give It Up” follows with a firm beat and playful electronica that’s as mesmerizing as it is memorable.

Landing at the halfway point is the dense climate of “Flashes Of Light (Pt. 5)”, where post-punk flavor enters the strong attention to mood, while “When You Don’t Matter” uses mysterious singing and a cinematic ambience that’s a bit haunting.

Close to the end, “Drug Castle”, brings in spooky storytelling amid a theatric delivery, and “An Invitation” exits with graceful piano that complements the spoken word and textured finish.

An outfit that is comprised of the collaborative pairing of Del Alien and Max Rael, Half Light is made up of 3 acts and is electronically focused. Caden Clarkson is present on guitar, and the template of the album, which began in 2008, is further proof that History Of Guns are one of the most inventive bands out of the UK.

Travels well with: Black Rose Burning- The Year Of The Scorpion; Guitarmy Of One- The Wave Files

Rita Bliss

Peaches And Apple Pies

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Peaches And Apple Pies

The first album from the Rochester, NY native and current Austin, TX resident Rita Bliss, the 10 tracks here welcome Noah Jeffries, Dom Fisher, Jimmie Scott Calhoun and Patrick Herzfeld.

“Drive You To Kentucky” opens with Bliss’ fluid banjo and flowing harmonica that takes help from Fisher’s strategic mandolin, and the title track follows with Bliss’ expressive pipes that benefit much from Jeffries’ meticulous fiddle.

Halfway through, we’re treated to “Darlin’ Darlin’”, where much intimacy unfolds across the soft and heartfelt climate, while “Two Dollar Bill” spotlights Fisher’s well timed bass amid calm melodies and poetic storytelling.

“Mountain Time” and “Goodbye” exit the listen. The former allows for Bliss’ warm vocals and Herzfeld’s light drumming to shine, and the latter embraces intricate picking and bouts of harmonica alongside the eloquent singing.

A listen with plenty of old time flavor that takes influences from John Prine, Joni Mitchell and Nanci Griffith, and the love stories and nostalgic climate Bliss cultivates is instantly inviting.

Travels well with: Matt Krahula- Last Goodbye 11; Rubyjoyful- The Pie Chart Of Love

David Kaplan

New Dances Of The League Of David

New Focus, 2024

8/10

Listen to New Dances Of The League Of David

A collection of 15 new piano miniatures, the pianist David Kaplan makes an impression with this first solo album, where some of today’s most luminous American composers are weaved into Robert Schumann’s Davidsbündlertänze.

“Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: I. Lebhaft” begins with the adventurous keys embracing both elegance and creativity via the careful key progressions, and it isn’t long until “Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: III. Mit Humor” offers a bright and upbeat quick burst of animated piano.

Further along, “No. 6 Sehr rasch und in sich hinein”, by Gabriel Kahane, recruits meticulous dynamics to the mysterious landscape, while Andrew Norman’s “Vorspiel” is an intimate moment of beauty that’s emotive, engaging and builds into a swift album highlight.

Deeper still, Caroline Shaw’s “XVI. (mit gutem Humor, un poco lol ma con serioso vibes)” is a jumpy and lively bout of finger acrobatics that few others could parallel, and Schumann’s “Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6: V. Einfach” exits with a heartfelt and gentle demeanor of sophistication and timelessness.

A highly technical listen that has the keys dancing with imagination as well as retreating to introspection, Kaplan’s diverse style and rhythmic abilities make each selection shine.

Travels well with: The Rhythm Method- Pastorale; Orlando Jacinto García- La Vida Que Vendra

Juni

Late To The Party

Baciami Disques, 2024

8/10

Listen to Late To The Party

A quick 4 track affair of pop songs with varied influences, Juni makes for a listen that’s ready for the dance floor.

“Bring U Back” opens the party with plenty of beats, grooves and energy that’s packed with glowing bass lines that will get your body moving, and “Gurl” follows with a mesmerizing and rich quality that resonates a thoughtful, club ready appeal.

On the back half, “Get 2 You” is plenty soulful and dynamic via the electronic gestures, expressive singing and undeniable catchiness, while “Late 2 The Party” is textured precisely, kind of dreamy and very stylish in its modern delivery.

A record that doesn’t last a very long time but certainly is a good time, Juni bring uptempo and animated sounds that you can’t not dance to.

Travels well with: Carmen Sea- Sorry; Baby Fire- A Year Of Grace

The Merian Ensemble

The Books Of Spells

Navona, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Book Of Spells

The debut from the Merian Ensemble, the 8 different pieces from 8 different composers unfold with strong attention to detail.

The title track, by Clarice Assad, starts with Emily Brebach’s well placed oboe and Elisabeth Remy Johnson’s dreamy harp drawing us in immediately, and Jennifer Higdon’s “The Sound Of Light” follows with Christina Smith’s charming flute and Marci Gurnow’s playful bass clarinet interacting with much warmth.

Deeper into the listen, “Atalanta”, by Nicole Chamberlain, has the ensemble working collaboratively for a rich and meticulous chamber climate, while “A Boy And A Makeshift Toy” focuses on Johnson’s elegant harp and Jessica Oudin’s strategic viola for the mesmerizing landscape via Mary Kouyoumdjian’s vision.

Landing close to the end, Assad’s “Solais” spotlights Johnson’ harp prowess in a solo setting of tremendous intimacy, and “Just Another Climb”, by Kimberly R. Osberg, blends the winds and strings with beauty and adventurousness.

A recording of all world premiere recordings, the chamber dynamics of each track resonate grace and timelessness.

Travels well with: Alchymy Viols- Deep River; Matthew Burtner- Profiled From Atmospheres

Skyline Sun

Dichotomy

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Dichotomy

A highly creative version of jazz from Berlin, Skyline Sun uses many ideas thanks to inspiration from hip-hop, R&B, soul, and dance music, where the mover and shaker Jarrah Dhyan makes for 8 very distinct selections.

“The Narrative Changes” leads with Paul Hoyle Gutierrez’s fluid bass and David Guy’s thumping drums that make for a rock fueled template that’s stylish, and “Change” follows with Dhyan handling guitar, bass, keyboards and synths amid hip-hop influences.

The halfway point brings us “Sakarun”, where Davide Incorvaia’s playful keys add much to the rhythmic climate, while “You Are Your Only Foe” places Dylan Greene’s behind the drum kit, as Dhyan mesmerizes us with his smooth voice and spirited guitar lines.

“Compliant” and “Compliance” exit the listen. The former is acoustic guitar focused and dreamy, and the latter showcases Bernhard Ludescher’s keys amid restraint and richness from the rhythm section and precise guitar.

A technical body of work that dissects Western capitalist society, there’s plenty of grooves, rhythm and experimental ideas to absorb via these nu-jazz meets neo-soul gestures.

Travels well with: Unleashed Cooperation- Trust; Daan Herweg- In Search Of The Lost Chord

Alchymy Viols

Deep River

Navona, 2024

8/10

Listen to Deep River

An enlightening listen that assembles a rich selection of 21 African American spirituals, the selections are interpreted by the countertenor Michael Walker II and early music consort Alchymy Viols.

“Over My Head” begins the listen with Michael Walker II’s sublime countertenor illuminating the traditional, and the title track follows with Stephanie Hall’s dreamy harp and Erica Rubis’ moody bass viola adding much to the rich and intimate delivery of the Moses Hogan selection.

Deeper into the affair, H.T. Burleigh’s “My Lord, What A Morning” allows for Thomas Gerber’s electric organ to add much beauty alongside the elegant strings, while “Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child” benefits much from Philip Spray’s poetic, consort bass viol and Allison Nyquist’s baroque viola.

Arriving close to the end, “Every Time I Feel The Spirit” is populated by Wendy Gillespie’s tenor viol and Joanna Blendulf’s lyra viol amid much meticulousness thanks to vision of Nolan Williams, Jr., and Hogan’s “Walk Together Children” exits with the strings, vocals and keys interacting with color and care.

A timeless display of America’s first folk songs, each selection here is precisely executed and full of harmonic, chamber nods and tremendous singing.

Travels well with: Dan Goble/Russell Hirshfield- Second Flight; Carlos Manuel Vargas- Souvenirs

Matthew Burtner

Profiled From Atmospheres

Ravello, 2024

8/10

Listen to Profiled From Atmospheres

The 6th release from the ecoacoustic composer on the Ravello label, Matthew Burtner brings some excellent help for these detailed and unique selections.

“Piece for a Northern Sky” starts the listen with Burtner’s vibraphone and atmosphere ecoacoustics that emit plenty of wonder and cautiousness, and “Auroras” follows with the northern lights ecoacoustics that are meshed into a light buzzing with sci-fi nods.

Further along, “Arbor” unfolds across 5 chapters that blend Bruno Eicher’s violin, Mary Hammann’s viola, Sarah Crocker Vonsattel’s violin and Kari Jane Docter’s cello and tree ecoacoustics into an intimate and engaging warmth and cinematic qualities, while “Nocturne (Moth Music)” places Burtner on soprano sax, as Glen Whitehead handles trumpet, signal processor, ultrasonic speakers an noise generator for the 8+ minutes of ambience and serenity.

The last piece, “Profiled from Atmospheres”, is populated by Weiss/Soflin Duo, where Michael Weiss’ alto saxophone ane Elizabeth Soflin’s percussion and atmosphere ecoacoustics emit a rich and unpredictable album highlight of creativity.

A very atypical effort that spotlights humanity’s top three greenhouse gas emissions, Burtner’s atmospheric presence and the strong collaboration present makes every track unique and memorable.

Travels well with: David Therrien Brongo- Confluence; Avner Finberg- The Four Seasons Of Isolation

Paula Fong

Chestnut Mare

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Chestnut Mare

The Americana/folk singer-songwriter Paula Fong pens 6 timeless tracks, where plenty of friends are along for the heartfelt and genuine quick listen.

The intimate and cozy title track starts with Fong’s soft guitar alongside Phil Glenn’s warm banjo and poetic singing, and “A House Is Not A Home” follows with Cory Tramontelli’s upbeat bass and Glenn’s well timed mandolin.

The middle tracks belong to “As Memories Fade” and “Ophelia”. The former is a gorgeous EP highlight of stirring singing in a bare climate that uses plenty of backing vocals, and the latter welcomes Deacon Marquinn’s atmospheric drumming and Michael Starr’s thicker electric guitar to the rugged yet eloquent delivery.

The final track, “The Fallen Lamb”, continues the well thought out songwriting, where Glenn’s violin adds much grace to the sophistication and beauty of the exit.

This is Fong’s debut as a solo artist, and it spotlights her diverse abilities, where her formative years in choirs and acapella groups is present and appreciated across the finger style guitar and old time flavor.

Travels well with: Grant Langston- aLAbama; Breezers- Hideaway

Ritual

The Story Of Mr. Boyd- Part 1

Karisma, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Story Of Mr. Boyd- Part 1

Legends in the Swedish prog-rock scene since the ‘90s, Ritual return after a long hiatus for this album that tells the unusual story of Mr. Boyd.

“A Hasty Departure” starts the listen with Lovissa Hallstedt’s precise violin before Patrik Lundstrom’s soaring guitar and expressive pipes enter the busy climate, and “The Inn Of The Haunted Owl” follows with Fredrik Lindqvist’s meticulous picking techniques that help allow the track to soar.

Residing at the halfway point is the playful “Mr. Tilly And His Gang”, where Jon Gamble’s firm keys suit the vivid storytelling, while “Through A Rural Landscape” is a calmer, intimate moment that’s lush and cinematic.

Towards the end, the buzzing and dense “Read All About It!” allows for Johan Nordgren’s drumming acrobatics to shine amid much melody, and “The Three Heads Of The Wall” finishes with Lindqvist’s bouzouki resonating much culture and adventurousness.

A triumphant return, this 5th album continues the band’s inimitable version of prog-rock, and it’s just Part 1, so we’ll be expecting more soon.

Travels well with: Yobrepus- A Rhizome Revolution Part 1; The Dredge- Torches

Patrick Stoyanovich

Rue Paradis

Bridge, 2024

8/10

Listen to Rue Paradis

A chamber fueled listen by Patrick Stoyanovich, the players include Sophia Stoyanovich, Aaron Wolff and Derek Wang for the 4 involved pieces.

“Romance For Violin And Piano” starts the listen with the keys and strings interacting with much emotion and poeticism that tugs on the heartstrings, and “Sonata No. 1 For Violin And Piano” follows with Sophia’s elegant and precise strings that suit the unpredictable and sometimes rumbling piano from Wang.

On the back half, “Duo For Violin And Cello” unfolds across 3 segments that emit wonder, mystery and animated gestures, while “Sonata No. 2 For Violin And Piano” exits with both tension and grace via the superb collaboration between the strings and keys.

All 3 players contribute tremendous skill and it makes for a unique and emotionally wide body of work that’s focused on tone, dynamics and wisdom.

Travels well with: David Starobin- Virtuosi; George Crumb- Complete Edition, Vol. 21

Ben Sollee

Long Haul

sonaBlast!, 2024

8/10

Listen to Long Haul

The Kentucky resident Ben Sollee returns with his first solo studio effort in seven years, and it revolves around his battle with Covid, where his cello and singing takes nods to Paul Simon.

“Shine” opens the listen with the flowing cello that suits the expressive singing and Dan Dorff’s agile drumming for the rich delivery, and “Misty Miles” follows with strong attention to mood, as the emotive strings are met with Patrick Duke Graney’s warm percussion.

At the halfway point, “Sweet Blood” showcases Brandon Coleman’s intricate guitar for the cinematic and brass filled album highlight thanks to Stuart Bogie’s well timed horns, while “One More Day” benefits much from Alana Rocklin’s strategic bass and much soulfulness amid plenty of rhythm.

“Hawk & Crows” and “When You Gonna Learn” exit the listen. The former is soft and intimate via the stirring strings and powerful singing, and the latter exits with a heartfelt demeanor and much grace thanks to the gentle instrumentation.

A highly personal affair, Sollee has sorted through much in recent years, from health issues to the death of loved ones, and it’s all expressed here in thoughtful and universal ways that touch on folk, blues, R&B and singer-songwriter ideas.

Travels well with: Jeremiah Fraites- Piano Piano; The Gloaming- The Gloaming 3

Jenn Cleary

Dreamland

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Dreamland: Relax & Imagine

The 3rd family album from Colorado’s Jenn Cleary, the 10 songs here provide a venue for kids and adults to breathe deeply, smile, imagine and dream.

“Celtic Dream” starts the listen with an indeed Celtic spirit, where Enion Pelta-Tiller’s meticulous fiddle and Eric Moon’s warm accordion suit Cleary’s expressive voice, and “Sail Away” follows with a breezy spirit that benefits much from Christian Teele’s agile drumming and John McVey’s fluid guitar.

“Relax On An Island” arrives in the middle and is aptly titled, where rhythm and haze carry some reggae nods, while “Clouds” is an intimate moment of poetic storytelling amid a timeless folk nature.

Near the end, “Soothing Rain” welcomes Giselle Collazo’s cozy backing vocals and Moon’s gentle keys, and “Guided Relaxation” exits with 7+ minutes of Cleary leading us through a mesmerizing, meditative finish that helps us de-stress.

An ideal listen for pre-slumber or anytime that’s serene, Cleary’s blues, folk and dreamy rock is something we could all benefit from during these hectic times.

Travels well with: Jenn Cleary- Happy Day; Patrick Adams- Imagination Time With Patrick

Pascal Bokar

I Can Tell

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to I Can Tell

The guitarist and vocalist Pascal Bokar brings his distinct talents to these 6 eclectic tracks that blend Afro-funk, blues, bluegrass and jazz with a large cast of musicians present.

The rhythmic and energetic title track opens with Avram Siegel’s animated banjo and Chad Manning’s lively fiddle that illuminates Bokar’s frisky voice and the call and response backing singers, and “Let It Groove All Night Long” follows with Kid Anderson’s animated voice and Bryant Mills’ agile drumming for much warmth and spirit.

The middle belongs to “Everytime I See You There” and “Your Smile Inside My Nights”. The former is a swift and dynamic rocker that welcomes Nate Ginsberg’s jumpy keys and Bokar’s meticulous guitar for a soulful and melodic album highlight.

The final piece, “I Wanna See You In My Dreams”, is an intimate moment, where dreamy ideas are populated by LeAnne Perez’s glowing vocals, Michael Robinson’s graceful keys and Dennis Smith’s well timed bass.

A superbly executed fusion affair, Bokar and his AfroBlueGrazz Band make every track here a groove filled and powerful display of worldly ideas.

Travels well with: EYM Trio- Bangalore; Greg Chako- Standard Roots

The Dangerous

Made Of Gold

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Made Of Gold

A young outfit out of San Jose, California, The Dangerous bring indie-rock and reggae together with their breezy and detailed formula where peace and love are reoccuring themes across these well thought out tunes.

“Drivin’” starts the album with fluid grooves and lite-reggae sensibilities and further along “One Love” brings warm vibes on a vocally expressive highlight. “Made Of Gold (For You)” then flows with bright melodies and dynamic interplay between the proficient instrumentation on a feel good reggae anthem.

Late in the disc, intricate guitars and the fuller atmosphere of “She Comes & Goes” get a bit spacey with plenty of rhythm, and the calm guitars and spirited percussion illuminate the romantic “So High”,

Although this is their debut, the members of The Dangerous have already cut their teeth in outfits like Citabria, The Cool Bus Experience, and Yeshua & The Hightones, and their collectively chemistry here brings us an easily enjoyable record with tremendous lasting power.

Travels well with: Rocky Dawuni- Beats Of Zion; 311- Uplifter