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