Bill Banfield's Jazz Urbane

Take Time To Listen

Mesa/Bluemoon, 2024

9/10

Listen to Take Time To Listen

A solo guitar effort from the veteran composer Bill Banfield, the 16 tracks here are both originals and standards, where minimal overdubbing and mostly first takes sound like a live concert due to the strategic programming.

“This Time” opens with the warm guitar progressions that emit grace and beauty, and “On The Other Side” follows with meticulous finger acrobatics that showcase a bluesy quality.

Further still, “Autumn Leaves” puts a charming spin on the jazz classic with incredible detail, while “Brooke” balances intimacy and adventurousness in Banfield’s very capable hands.

Deeper yet, “Song For Earl” is full of animated picking that resonates so much skill and timelessness, and “Someday My Prince Will Come” is a flawless interpretation of the jazz classic that shines in Banfield’s inimitable vision.

A well thought out affair that embraces jazz, blues, classical and funk sensibilities, Banfield relies on rhythm, melody and imagination with excellent results.

Travels well with: Paul Carlon Quintet- Blues For Vita; Zachary Bartholomew- Balancing Act

Littrell

Public Love

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Public Love

An Indianapolis outfit spearheaded by Lindsay Littrell and Garrett Langebartels, this debut brings a meshing of moody pop, alt rock and trip hop to an excellent debut.

“Meet Me In The Water” opens with strong attention to mood, where the hazy voice is met with a mesmerizing backdrop, and “Love Songs” follows with Littrell’s warm piano and pretty voice alongside the agile drumming.

Further along, “Forever” comes with ambience and intimacy via the dreamy climate, while “Hungry” is a rich and soulful album highlight that benefits much from Langebartels’ precise guitar and, of course, Littrell’s intriguing vocals.

Near to the end, the poetic and stirring “The Deep End” makes an impression in under 90 seconds thanks to the heartfelt singing and gentle instrumentation, and “Dirty” exits with a romantic spirit, where programming and synth meet at a place of mystery.

Often haunting and sad, there’s a sonically engaging appeal from beginning to end, where Littrell’s singing and contributions on drums from Steve Bradley and LaWoun Cusic might draw similarities to Kate Bush, Lana Del Ray, and Portishead, which I doubt anyone is going to have a problem with.

Travels well with: Herdd- Afterlife; The Sidneys- Sugar Kingdom

Permafrost

The Light Coming Through

Fear Of Music, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Light Coming Through

The Oslo post-punk outfit Permafrost bring us 10 new songs that continue their ‘80s nods with plenty of synth, hooks and Goth filled textures.

“Intro” stars the listen and sets the pace with intricate bass and strong attention to mood for the dense climate, and “Femme Fatale” follows with the dark vocals and mesmerizing guitar that are complemented by a lively rhythm section.

Halfway through, the rumbling bass and thumping drums of “Lights Out” come with a darker appeal, while “Wrong Heart” carries a brighter mood via the melodic song craft that you can sing-along to.

Further along, the punchy and beat friendly “Hourglass” builds into a scrappy and thick album highlight, and “Ultimo August” exits with animated synth amid the frisky drums, swirling guitar and chunky bass for a rhythmic and dynamic finish.

Influences like Joy Division and The Cure won’t be hard to spot or appreciate, as Permafrost, i.e. Kåre Steinsbu, Frode Heggdal Larsen, Robert Heggdal and Daryl Bamonte, make “Optimistic Melancholy” that all fans of alt-rock and post-punk will admire.

Travels well with: Red Telephone- Delay The New Day; Spunsugar- A Hole Forever

Alfredo Colón

Blood Burden

Out Of Your Head, 2024

9/10

Listen to Blood Burden

The saxophonist Alfredo Colón makes for an impressive debut, where Lex Korten, Steve Williams and Connor Parks are in attendance for the 8 experimental and eclectic selections.

“V.M.C.S” starts the listen with Colón’s soulful sax alongside Parks’ playful drumming for the atypical jazz climate, and “Our Simplest Office Clerk” follows with Korten’s graceful keys that emit much intimacy amid the rich delivery of sax.

The middle spot belongs to “Santo”, where a heartfelt approach of warmth and emotion unfolds with elegance, while “Grinnin’ In Your Face” allows for Williams’ upright bass to shine via the busy and dense free jazz exploration.

Closer to the end, the calm keys of “St. Lucy” carry a cinematic quality, and “Doomknocker” exits with a dynamic and stylish version of modern jazz that spotlights Colón’s soaring sax prowess.

A record with plenty of blues nods and no lack of emotion, Colón and his company illustrate distinct interplay, where fusion is present, as well as timeless jazz sensibilities that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Jessica Pavone- Clamor; Mali Obomsawin- Sweet Tooth

Mr Diagonal

Join The Dots

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Join The Dots

An assembly of home and field recordings from 2018-2024, Mr Diagonal offers us a kaleidoscope peek into his many talents, where the Brussels artists touches on various ideas of pop.

“Hedges” opens with the warm keys and soft storytelling that’s a bit mysterious and theatric, and “California” follows with Yannick Dupont’s drums, Quentin Manfroy’s bass and Annemie Osborne, Maïa Frankowski, Margaret Hermant and Nicole Miller’s strings making for a chamber filled and intimate delivery.

Deeper into the listen, “The Boy From Outer Space” welcomes plenty of synth to the quirky version of indie-pop, while Houssem Ben el Kadhi’s dreamy flute is present for the ambience and meditative qualities of the album’s best that is “Brixton Pastoral”

Close to the end, “David Attenborough” buzzes playfully amid frisky percussive ideas, and “I Feel Terribly Bad” exits with some retro video game adventurousness that puts a firm exclamation point on Mr Diagonal’s diverse ways.

The Scotland native is behind the words, music, arrangements, piano, guitar, voice, bass, percussion and mixing of this colorful listen, where dark humor, timeless pop and avant-garde folk are appreciated.

Travels well with: Juni- Late To The Party; Carmen Sea- Sorry

Albert Castiglia

Righteous Souls

Gulf Coast, 2024

9/10

Listen to Righteous Souls

The always impressive bluesman Albert Castiglia assembles an all-star cast for these 11 timeless and riff filled blues tracks.

“Centerline” opens with Popa Chubby’s soaring guitar chops complementing the rugged yet tuneful blues rock that welcomes plenty of backing vocals, and “Get Down To The Nitty Gritty” follows with a bouncy spirit, as Alabama Mike lends his sturdy vocals to the rhythmic landscape.

Deeper into the listen, “All Our Past Times” welcomes Danielle Nicole and Joe Bonamassa to the heartfelt and meticulous delivery of emotive songwriting, while “Come On In This House” recruits Rick Estrin’s animated harmonica that suits the raw flavor of the album’s best.

Further still, “No Tears Left to Cry” benefits much from Gary Hoey’s precise guitar and Derrick D’Mar Martin’s skilled drumming, and “What My Mama Told Me’ spotlights Monster Mike Welch’s inimitable guitar prowess via the gritty and dense exit of flowing and dynamic blues.

Castiglia never disappoints, and with this stacked lineup he continues to make some of the best modern blues to date that’s all power and sincerity.

Travels well with: Albert Castiglia- I Got Love; Mike Zito- Life Is Hard

Red Means Run

Things You Hold True

Self-Released, 2024

10/10

Listen to Things You Hold True

A Philadelphia roots outfit spearheaded by the guitarist and singer Ryan Wells, Red Means Run bring us 10 sincere and memorable tracks that might bring to mind Johnny Cash and The Replacements.

The firm strumming of “Isn’t What I Wanted” starts the listen with Giacomo Vivanti’s warm keys and John Gulak’s thumping drums complementing the gritty-rock, and “The Other, Better Side Of Me” takes that lead into a dance floor energy thanks to the lively piano and Doug Corrigan’s animated upright bass.

The middle track brings us the powerful “Kill The Lights”, where Wells’ raw but tuneful voice suits the country tinted rock, while “Broken Down Heart” is an intimate moment of heartfelt singing and gentle acoustic guitar.

Further still, the dense burst of alt-country that is “Gone” is both rugged, tuneful and the album’s best, and “She” exits with a hint of dreaminess before building into a sturdy, Americana fueled rocker that instantly invites singing along.

Cash, Petty and Westerberg sure are names that might come to mind here, as Red Means Run pen a truly timeless version of modern roots that’s all substance and no filler.

Travels well with: Chuck Hawthorne- Fire Out Of Stone; Ryan David Green- Off And Running

Red Telephone

Delay The New Day

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Delay The New Day

The Cardiff outfit Red Telephone return with a sophomore album, where the 10 tracks are cinematic focused and rely much on the multi-instrumental abilities of their members, Declan Andrews, Tobias Andrews, Kieran O’Brien, Dominic O’Brien and Luke Robinson.

“Who Am I Impressing?” opens with the warm synth and dreamy textures that use expressive singing and fluid drumming, and “Faithful” follows with a hint of mystery, where a low buzzing is met with a darkwave approach.

“Let’s Talk” and “We Broke It Again” land in the middle. The former welcomes emotive vocals amid a haze of soulful backing pipes and spirited guitar, while the latter benefits from post-punk nods and group vocals alongside the harder hitting drumming.

Arriving near the end, “Leave Me Be” builds into a powerful and ebullient rocker that balances psyche and alt-rock flavor, and “Sentimental Dreaming” exits with mesmerizing keys and the precise rhythm section for a glowing and ethereal finish.

A really accomplished blend of neo-psyche, darkwave and indie-rock ideas, similarities to MGMT or Super Furry Animals will be appreciated here, as Red Telephone continue to impress us.

Travels well with: The Pleasure Dome- Equinox; Palm Ghosts- Lifeboat Candidate

Jack Magnet Science

Future Forecast

Floki, 2024

9/10

Listen to Future Forecast

A supergroup consisting of Jakob Magnusson, Peter Erskine and Matthew Garrison, plus others, as Jack Magnet Science they bring incredible improvisation to these 7 exploratory tracks.

The busy and groove filled “Wild Card” starts the listen with Garrison’s playful bass and Eyþór Gunnarsson’s adventurous keys via fusion climate, and “Space Pasadena” follows with a calmer mood, where Sigtryggur Badursson’s lively drumming and the well timed jazz builds into a rich delivery.

In the middle, “Extra Polation” uses Ragga Gísla’s expressive pipes amid a hint of mysteriousness in the atmospheric album highlight, while “ITSYAMO” offers a dreamy moment of beauty and grace thanks to the mature piano, soulful sax and Ari Bragi Kárason’s well timed flugelhorn.

The final track, “RupTures”, is equally meticulous, where the poetic singing and intimate gestures that move calmly and with plenty of ambience.

Each track present comes with its own sonic appeal, as atypical melodies and harmonics are displayed with tremendous jazz ideas that few others could replicate.

Travels well with: The Adam Deitch Quartet- Roll The Tape; The Rare Sounds- Introducing: The Rare Sounds

The Rare Sounds

Introducing: The Rare Sounds

Color Red, 2024

8/10

Listen to Introducing: The Rare Sounds

An all star outfit consisting of Eddie Roberts and 3 founding members of The Greyboy Allstars, i.e. Robert Walter, Zak Najor and Chris Stillwell, as The Rare Sounds the quartet pen a diverse version of jazz across 9 adventurous tracks.

The funk filled fun of “Half A Mind’ opens with Walter’s organ alongside Najor’s frisky drums via the infectious energy, and “Those Things You Do” follows with Stillwell’s playful bass lines that complements the rhythmic climate.

In the middle, the calm demeanor of “Lost Backpack” carries an island spirit that’s instantly soothing, while “Intensive Purposes” emits a dance floor mood thanks to Roberts’ intricate guitar and the animated rhythm section.

Near the end, the flowing and rock template of “One Hand” allows for Roberts’ soaring guitar to shine, and “Through Being Cool” exits with a colorful and stylish finish.

All 4 members have exceptional resumes, and their collective skill makes for a jazz-funk hybrid that’s soulful, boogaloo friendly and highly eclectic and exciting.

Travels well with: Eddie Roberts & The Lucky Strokes- Eddie Roberts & The Lucky Strokes; Alex Dunn- Southern Star

Monika Herzig's Sheroes

All In Good Time

Zoho, 2024

8/10

Listen to All In Good Time

An all female outfit spearheaded by Monika Herzig’s keys, this 10th anniversary record brings us 9 originals and a Beyonce cover.

The title track opens with Rosa Avila’s lively drums complementing Reut Regev’s soulful trombone in the stylish delivery, and “Parade Of Sadness” follows with Gina Schwarz’s playful acrobatics that suit the thick brass presence.

The lone cover, “Run The Girls”, lands in the middle and showcases firm drumming amid Camille Thurman’s bright sax presence, while “PC” benefits much from Herzig’s lovely piano and Leni Stern’s flowing guitar that illuminates Jamie Baum’s dreamy flute.

The last 2 tracks, “Arrival In Forever” and “Jamie’s Song”, don’t disappoint either. The former is a rich album highlight that’s full of melodic gestures, and the latter focuses on Herzig’s intimate piano and Baum’s emotive flute for a stirring and thoughtful exit.

A very diverse version of jazz that uses funk and Big Bang nods, there’s plenty of harmonies, melodies and balladry to be enjoyed across this solo filled and improvised body of work.

Travels well with: Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra- Things Will Pass; Paul Kendall- My Shining Hour

Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra

Things Will Pass

Pacific Coast Jazz, 2024

8/10

Listen to Things Will Pass

The esteemed composer and arranger Hyeseon Hong leads her 19 piece jazz orchestra through 9 originals that mesh American jazz with Korean influences for a very unique East swings West experience.

“Road To Hana” starts the listen with bouncy keys from Broc Hempel, well timed brass and plenty of adventurousness that enters the rich climate, and “Memoirs Of Ladies” follows with Jeff Davis’ thumping drums adding much to the busy versus soft gestures that use the winds in soothing ways.

“Run Away” lands in the middle and showcases Aubrey Johnson’s bright pipes amid the layered brass and animated gestures, while “Waltzing With Dad” in an intimate moment of sublime beauty via the mature piano and Evan Gregor’s meticulous bass.

Close to the end, “Night Climbing” is a more minimal exercise of soulful and dynamic sax prowess in a cautious environment, and “We Will Meet Again” exits with the horns and winds meeting at a cozy place of timeless jazz.

Rich Perry’s tenor sax adds much appeal to this well thought out record, and the no lack of grooves, swingin’ fun and moody bouts makes every track here memorable.

Travels well with: Paul Kendall- My Shining Hour; Randy Weinstein- Harmonimonk

Vincent Varvel

Mystery Street

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Mystery Street

The inimitable guitarist Vincent Varvel brings along Joel Vanderheyden, Eric Warren and Joe Meyer to these ethereal jazz tunes that unfold across 8 distinct tracks.

“On The Lam” opens with 11+ minutes of intricate guitar from Varvel, as Vanderheyden’s bright sax enters alongside Warren’s fluid bass lines, and “Mistaken Continues” the radiant climate with some restraint, where Meyer’s well timed drums flow alongside the dreamy guitar.

The middle tracks belong to “For ALD” and “From Whence She Comes”, where the former is intimate and packed with rich sax, while the latter comes with a mesmerizing quality via the meticulous rhythm section and soulful wind.

The last 2 tracks don’t disappoint, either. “Osiria Rose” carries an intimate demeanor of beauty and reflection, and the title track finishes with both minimalism and busy bouts, as all 4 players emit their respective talents in spades for the rhythmic jazz finish.

Varvel was born and raised in St. Louis, and picked up a guitar at age 15. A professional musician since college, he’s in fine form and excellent company here, for 8 songs that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Jake Hertzog- Longing To Meet You; 9 Horses- Strum

The Felice Brothers

Valley Of Abandoned Songs

Million Stars, 2024

9/10

Listen to Valley Of Abandoned Songs

A collection of songs leftover from their 2019 and 2023 albums, The Felice Brothers settle in quite nicely at their new label run by Conor Oberst.

“Crime Scene Queen” opens, and brings James Felice’s fluid keys and soulful backing vocals to the textured folk, and “Flowers By Roadside” follows with Ian Felice’s warm acoustic guitar and poetic singing that benefits much from Will Lawrence’s light drumming.

Deeper into the 13 tracks, “So Long John” welcomes a dreaminess thanks to Jesske Hume’s well timed voice and Ian’s distinct pipes, while “Raccoon, Rooster And Crow” offers a crisp and throwback flavor that carries a festive spirit.

Further yet, “Tomorrow Is Just A Dream Away”, the album’s best, is a timeless folk tune that’s pretty yet rugged and intimate as well, and “To Be A Papa” exits with a more Americana focused appeal that’s rich, heartfelt and timeless.

Plenty of artists dump their leftover songs onto albums like this with often mediocre results. When The Felice Brothers do it, it’s absolutely engaging and creative, where their indie-folk ways are as colorful and intriguing as the cover art.

Travels well with: The Felice Brothers- From Dreams To Dust; Joe Pug- The Flood In Color

The Magnolia Janes

The Light Years

Be A Jane, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Light Years

The duo of Sarah Bonsignore and Ashley Riley, as The Magnolia Janes the pair bring their respective talents to 11 rich and diverse versions of Americana.

“Stones On The Road” starts the listen with warm vocal harmonies, as Bonsignore’s graceful keys are met with thumping drums for a folk-rock presence, and “Speed Of Life” follows with Riley’s cozy acoustic guitar complementing the stirring intimacy of the gentle delivery.

Further along, “Pretty Baby” welcomes soulful ideas via the dreamy guitar and expressive singing, while “Gotta Leave A Good Thing” spotlight Dubi Silverstein’s meticulous acoustic guitar, as the duo sing with much beauty and poeticism.

The title track lands near the end and uses emotive keys and stirring vocals, and “This Old World” exits with a powerful, piano ballad, where the pair both lend their inimitable voices via the passionate finish.

Riley and Bonsignore both have accomplished solo careers, and their combined talents make for a classical, rock, folk and opera influenced affair that’s universally relatable and tugs on the heartstrings.

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

Hollaway

Jazz-ish

Nembleu, 2024

9/10

Listen to Jazz-ish

The vocalist Eric Hollaway bring his bass tone to these 8 timeless tracks that welcome some excellent help for a jazz listening experience.

The upbeat and rich “Playing Your Game” starts the listen with Josh Green’s gentle drums suiting Hollaway’s deep, expressive voice amid much warmth, and “Feel Like Makin’ Love” follows with Benito Gonzalez’s dreamy piano, as Hollaway enunciates every word with prettiness in the romantic setting.

The middle spot belongs to “Here I Stand”, where Will Slater’s agile bass lines complement the sublime beauty of the album’s best, while “Pure Imagination” builds into a frisky and playful delivery of memorable jazz qualities.

Arriving close to the end, the intimate keys and sophisticated gestures of “In The Wee Small Hours” uses Peter Mongaya’s calm guitar in elegant ways alongside the flawless pipes, and “Lush Life” exits with Hollaway’s craft unfolding via a captivating spirit, where the mature musicianship is textured with gorgeous sounds.

You may have heard some of these songs before, but they’ve never sounded quite like this, as Hollaway and his company flesh out a stunning, acoustic jazz performance with a soulful bass voice that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Jim Clayton- Lookout; Marcus Persiani- In Motion

Papo Vazquez Mighty Pirates Troubadours

Songs Del Yucayeke

Picaro, 2024

8/10

Listen to Songs Del Yucayeke

The Grammy Nominated Papo Vazquez returns with his 11th disc, where his band, Might Pirates Troubadours, are along for 14 new selections of his jazz fusion ways.

“NYP 9 Hudson” opens with Vazquez’s vibrant trombone alongside Rick Germanson’s flowing keys with plenty of worldly flavor, and “Guaracatu” follows with Alvester Garnett’s fluid drumming that complements the brass and percussive climate.

Elsewhere, the lively mood of “Dos Tito’s” welcomes Carlos Maldonado’s timbales to the rhythmic album highlight, while “Gate Of Lost Souls” trims the pace back with intimacy via the graceful keys, soulful trombone and Ivan Renta’s well timed tenor sax.

Closer to the end, “Donde Esta al Amor” is an intimate instrumental that tugs on the heartstrings thanks to the soft and romantic musicianship, and “End Percussion Jam” is deeper still, where acrobatic drumming and percussive prowess unfold with incredible attention to detail.

A skilled display of Puerto Rican folkloric music and plenty of other Afro Caribbena sounds, Vazquez and company continue to make some of the the most exciting Latin jazz that exists today.

Travels well with: Greg Chako- Standard Roots; Olin Clark- Ephemera

Elevation

Are You Looking For Me?

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Are You Looking For Me?

A collection of choral works by many different composers, the 9 selections here welcome 39 vocalists for a very well thought out sophomore album from Elevation.

“Laus Trinitati”, by Faith Zimmer, starts the listen with the textured vocals harmonizing with incredible warmth and tonality, and Christopher H. Harris’ “Were You There?” follows with a stirring beauty via the soft singing and strong attention to mood.

Further along, “Tides”, by Reginal S. Wright, pairs the stirring strings with dreamy vocals that emit much elegance, while “Joy Never Leaves” allows the firm keys to shine alongside glorious and powerful voices for the album’s best thanks to Harris’ vision.

“Hymn To Time” (Lee R. Kesselman) and “Worthy Of All The Praise” (Kevin B. James) exit the listen. The former is very much gospel influenced and radiates wisdom and serenity, and the latter takes that a step further with soul and R&B influences with plenty of worship songwriting.

An introspective body of work that includes all world premiere recordings, the Delaware ensemble embrace expertise, passion and dedication to their craft, and that’s evident from every authentic moment here.

Travels well with: The Crossing- Tower And The Garden; The Crossing- Rising w/ The Crossing

La Cozna

Ni Nuit Ni Jour

Raffut Collectif, 2024

9/10

Listen to Ni Nuit Ni Jour

A French quartet with a penchant for folk and experimental ideas, these 12 songs are as diverse as they are distinct.

“Réveillez-vous” opens the listen with Clémence Baillot d'Estivaux’s expressive singing alongside Clémentine Ristord’s elegant clarinet for the soft opening of eloquence, and “Marguerite” follows with Benjamin Garson’s dreaming guitar complementing the poetic pipes of the intimate landscape.

Further along, “Les transformations” takes on a mesmerizing mood via Pierre-Antoine Despatures’ sophisticated contra bass that suits Bruno Ducret’s heartfelt singing, while “Lá-haut dedans la tour” emits much ambience amid an atypical droning and Baillot d'Estivaux’s pretty singing.

Later on, “Le jardin des amours” uses agile string bowing, calm guitar and flawless singing to its advantage, and “Songez á votre monde” exits with a backdrop of mystery that illuminates the cultured vocals.

A body of work that’s inspired by La Nóvia, Pagans or Hart Brut and that tells stories of love, violence and freedom, every moment here is filled with intrigue and gracefulness.

Travels well with: tellKujira- tellKujira; Lovataraxx- Sophomore

David Finck

BASSically Jazz

Burton Avenue, 2019

8/10

Listen to BASSically Jazz

An artist with 4 decades of experience with his instrument, David Finck has an impressive resume including collaborating with George Michael, Dizzy Gillespie and Ivan Lins, among others, and BASSically Jazz, Finck’s 3rd album as leader, again illustrates his unparalleled talent on bass.

“Old Devil Moon” starts the mostly instrumental album with crisp, fluid jazz sounds as swift percussion and spirited vibraphone complement Finck’s strategic bass playing, and “O Barquinho” follows with tumbling musicianship where softer ebbs are intertwined with the busy, flowing rhythm of bossa nova.

The instrumentation remains intricate and playful the entire listen, as middle tracks like the sparkling “Moment’s Notice” and the slower, contemplative “When I Look In Your Eyes” illustrate much diversity, and album highlight “Alfie” offers gentle bass plucking amid a mysterious, alluring setting.

Near the end, “Walkin’ My Baby Back Home” recruits creative interplay between the keys and bass, and “All My Tomorrows” concludes the album with expressive vocals from Finck in a romantic, light jazz exit.

An extremely well done affair where flutes, trombones, guitars and drums are all also delivered sublimely, the production is also top notch, making this a ‘basically jazz’ record that is impossible not to enjoy.

Travels well with: Christian McBride- Kind Of Brown; John Patitucci- Line By Line