Raagaverse

Jaya

Rhea, 2024

8/10

Listen to Jaya

A Canadian JUNO nominated Indo Jazz fusion band, Raagaverse make quite an impression with this debut, where the vocalist Shruti Ramani guides the band through 8 very distinct selections

“Saajan” opens the listen with twinkling keys, before the expressive vocals from Shruti Ramani enter the melodic climate, and “Akom” follows with Nicholas Bracewell’s frisky drums that suit the vocal scatting and Noah Franche-Nolan’s agile keys.

“Naina” occupies the middle spot and emits a glowing intimacy via the string quartet, whose rich violins, viola and cello add much warmth, while “Akhiyan” recruits horns from Feven Kidane, Jocelyn Waugh, Holly Bryan and Casey Thomas-Burns that contribute much unpredictability to the album’s best.

“Moh Ke Dhaage” and “Mandirva” exit the listen. The former lands in piano balladry thanks to the emotional singing, and the latter benefits much from Jodi Proznick’s precise bass that complements the powerful singing and worldly version of jazz.

A highly creative outing, the blending of ancient North Indian Classical (Hindustani) music and Black-American jazz unfolds with artistry and grace that few others could parallel.

Travels well with: Rose Wollman- Breaking Glass Ceilings; Maha Maya Band- A New Day

Planet D Nonet

Echoes Of Harlem: A Tribute To Duke Ellington Vol 2

Eastlawn, 2024

9/10

Listen to Echoes Of Harlem: A Tribute To Duke Ellington Vol 2

The 2nd installment of the Detroit outfit, Planet D Nonet’ salute to Ellington, this time we’re treated to 15 selections that were tweaked and perfected during the band’s touring schedule.

“Happy Anatomy” starts the listen with Michael Zaporski’s bright piano that complements Charlie Miller’s animated trumpet in the frisky climate, and it isn’t long until the powerful “Rocks In My Bed” welcomes Camille Price’s distinct voice to the hazy delivery.

Further along, the rich “Blood Count” layers the horns precisely amid Sean Perlmutter’s subdued drumming, while “Caravan” is an animated moment thanks to RJ Spangler’s lively percussion and Tbone’s expressive singing.

Closer to the end, the intimate atmosphere of “Happy Reunion” allows for Chris Tabaczynski’s tenor clarinet to shine amid the elegance, and “Sophisticated Lady” exits with meticulous piano for the indeed sophisticated finish.

Just like the first time around, Planet D Nonet retain all that we love about these originals but with their inimitable skills present, and it makes for an outstanding venture into Ellington’s catalog.

Travels well with: Planet D Nonet- Blues To Be There, A Salute To Duke Ellington; 3D Jazz Trio- 9 To 5

John Schneider

Pastiches

MicroFest, 2024

9/10

Listen to Pastiches

The Grammy award winning guitarist John Schneider is joined by Matthew Cook and Gloria Cheng for these pieces penned by masters of the art, where the notion of classical guitar is manipulated in Schneider’s very capable hands.

“Preludio In E”, by Manuel Ponce, opens with the intricate guitar playing that unfolds with much warmth that’s quite captivating, and “Alonso Mudarra’s “Fantasia X” follows with strong emphasis on tonality, where the melodic gestures unfold with grace and spirit.

Further along, “3 Renaissance Micropieces” focuses much on mood via the meticulous playing of the Dusan Bogdanovic original, while “Two Sonatas, Usul, Three Jahlas” spotlights Cheng’s eloquent harpsichord playing amid the radiant guitar via Lou Harrison’s vision.

Nearing the end, the soft and intimate “Come Heavy Sleep” is quite soothing thanks to Schneider’s cozy playing that illuminates the John Dowland selection, and the fuller exit, “Preludio In E (Duo)”, allows for Cheng’s harpsichord to flow amid the precise guitar playing.

A highly refined effort that spotlights Schneider’s microtonal guitar prowess, every piece here is executed with much thought, incredible detail and a profound timelessness.

Travels well with: Sharon Isbin- Live In Aspen; Skylark- Clear Voices In The Dark

Koyo

Onism

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Onism

The Leeds quartet Koyo have been quite prolific in recent years, and this 3rd studio album has the outfit delivering riffs, solos and much emotion via 9 energetic tracks.

The intricate guitar of “La Cucaracha” works well with the swift drumming and Layth Ibrahim’s playful bass, and “Mechanical Bull” follows with a mesmerizing mood via the buzzing synth from Jacob Price and Huw Edwards’ soulful pipes.

The midpoint brings us the firm and animated rocker “Electric Eel”, where alt-rock ideas are present, while “Dark Horse” offers stylish and dynamic instrumental prowess.

Residing closer to the end, “Is This Real?” carries a dreamer demeanor amid the falsetto vocals and cinematic landscape, and “Stoneman” exits with a soaring take on modern alt-rock.

A record that was penned following the pandemic, Koyo bring anthems, charged rock’n’roll and plenty of meticulous instrumentation to this often psyche and prog fueled effort.

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

Jared McCloud

Vacancy

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Vacancy

An artist with a history in louder, harder music, these days Jared McCloud is more concerned about substance via these heartfelt and sincere songs that recruit plenty of help.

“A Kind Of Love That Will Tear You Apart” opens the listen with Ian Prince’s thumping drums that suit the melodic energy of the harmonic climate, and “The Score” follows with McCloud’s warm guitar and inviting vocals bringing to mind the almighty Soul Asylum.

Moving into the middle, the bare and emotive “Mama” builds into a firm rocker that benefits from soft versus firm moments, while “Vacancy Blues” is a gorgeous strummer that tugs on the heartstrings in a dreamy mood.

Arriving close to the end, “Landscape” recruits strings from Greg Byers for a lush and rich album highlight, and “Stars & Hearts” exits with a scrappy and upbeat alt-rock influenced finish that’s crunchy and just so memorable.

You can’t not mention Kevin Bowe’s contributions here, where his production, guitars, percussion, melodica and backing vocals help illuminate McCloud’s modern-rock approach that’s enjoyable from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Chris Murphy- The Red Road; Hans Halstead- Minnesota Girl

Philip Weberndoerfer

Tides

Shifting Paradigm, 2024

9/10

Listen to Tides

The German native and guitarist Philip Weberndoerfer is in great company here, where Richard Mikel, Peter Traunmueller and Dayna Stephens join him for the 9 sonically engaging jazz tracks.

“Little B’s Poem” opens with Mikel’s playfully plucked bass amid Weberndoerfer’s spirited guitar that radiates a stylish mood, and “Low Gravity” follows with a dreamy guitar tone, where Stephens’ soulful sax helps illuminate the rich climate.

Further along, “My Ideal” is a gentle and meticulous moment of beauty and grace, while “Salted Sweets” spends 8+ minutes mesmerizing us via Traunmueller’s frisky drums and the well timed sax and bass dynamics.

Closer to the end, “The Gypsy” carries a hint of mystery as the quartet blend their inimitable talents with much energy, and “One Of These Days” exits with a sublime intimacy thanks to the emotive and heartfelt demeanor.

An imaginative body of work that honors space and openness, the interplay here is superb and songs instantly memorable.

Travels well with: Dred Scott- Cali Mambo; Mac Gollehon- Bite Of The Street

Chris Murphy

The Red Road

Tea House, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Red Road

The violinist and songwriter Chris Murphy returns with a largely solo affair, where his strings and intimate voice guide us through 5 heartfelt tracks.

“Never Learned To Drive” starts with Murphy’s playful strings alongside his warm voice that’s instantly memorable, and “Worn Thin” follows with a flowing beat amid the rich violin playing and vivid storytelling.

The title track and “The Complete Works Of Edgar Allen Poe” occupy the middle spots. The former is rhythmic and harmonic, while the latter involves his self-described ‘romantic fatigue’, where his fiddle illuminates the personal storytelling.

Landing at the end is the upbeat and dance floor ready “Tara McKinley”, where a worldly demeanor is much appreciated and won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Coming off a couple of full band records, Murphy proves how impactful he is in bare climates, too, with these sincere, Celtic influenced and jazz and groove filled gestures.

Travels well with: Chris Murphy- The Road The Stars; Morningbird- Echoes In The Meadow

David Liebman & The CNY Jazz Orchestra

If A White Horse From Jerusalem…

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to If A White Horse From Jerusalem…

The always impressive saxophonist David Liebman is joined by the CNY Jazz Orchestra for these 5 in depth selections that were fleshed out live in Temple Adath Yeshurun, Syracuse, NY on November 21, 2022.

The title track, by Bret Zvacek, opens, and emits a busy and textured mood of swirling sax from Liebman, as playful keys and Larry Luttinger’s agile drumming enter the 4 diverse chapters that allow for bright horns, too.

Bernstein and Sondheim’s “Somewhere” follows and welcomes much intimacy via the soulful winds and Spencer Phillips’ precisely plucked bass, while Lou Marini’s “Starmaker” benefits much from Rick Montalbano’s elegant keys amid the rich clarinet presence.

The last track, “Where Or When”, by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, meshes the winds and brass with a dynamic rhythm section and plenty of energy for a Big Band presence.

A highly creative endeavor that welcomes solos, harmony and rhythmic ideas from Jewish, Arabic and Klezmer traditions, Liebman and company flesh out a globally embraceable version of jazz.

Travels well with: Dred Scott- Cali Mambo; David Bixler- BEATitude

Dred Scott

Cali Mambo

Ropeadope, 2024

9/10

Listen to Cali Mambo

The inimitable pianist Dred Scott brings along Tom Beckman, Matt Pavolka and Moses Patrou for this lively version of jazz where each track is equally luminous and adventurous.

The title track opens with Beckham’s colorful vibes amid Scott’s meticulous keys and Pavolka’s animated bass, and “Star Eyes” follows with flowing vibes that suit the dynamic and melodic climate.

Moving towards the middle, “La Enganadora” is a rhythmic and playful moment of frisky drumming from Patrou, while “Danza Cubana #2” brings mystery to the slower pace of the romantic delivery.

Arriving close to the end, the swift keys of “You And The Night And The Music” is an exploratory take on a standard that swings with fun amid the Latin nods, and “Manteca” exits with a charming interpretation of the Dizzy Gillespie classic that emits plenty of grooves via the contagious energy.

An assembly of dance floor ready selections, Scott and company recruit much Latin and Afro-Cuban influence for this return to his musical roots and worldly jazz flavor.

Travels well with: Triad- Triad; Obed Calvaire- 150 Million Gold Francs

Meer

Wheels Within Wheels

Karisma, 2024

9/10

Listen to Wheels Within Wheels

A Norwegian prog outfit spearheaded by the brother and sister duo of Knut and Johane Nesdal, Meer return with a 3rd album, where their symphonic and pop friendly formula is full of tuneful ideas.

“Chains Of Changes” opens with much attention to mood, where pretty keys lead into bright singing and Mats Fjeld Lillehaug’s thumping drumming, and “Behave” follows with a frisky climate, as vocal harmonies recruit Eivind Strømstad’s soaring guitar.

“Golden Circle” and “Today Tonight Tomorrow” occupy the middle spots. The former makes great use of Åsa Ree’s intricate violin and Ingvild Nordstoga Sandvik’s well timed viola, while the latter is emotive and powerful thanks to the heartfelt singing and rich instrumentation that bridges rock and orchestral ideas.

Near the end, “Something In The Water” is a dense moment of cinematic nods via the tense strings, gorgeous singing and firm drums, and “This Is The End” exits with 9+ minutes of thick rock, meticulous strings and soft versus hard hitting gestures.

A truly original effort, Meer create a complex, exciting and textured version of symphonic prog-rock that few others could parallel.

Travels well with: Ritual- The Story Of Mr. Boyd- Part 1; Lars Fredrik Frøislie- Fire Fortellinger

Kelly's Lot

The Blues Remind Me

PK, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Blues Remind Me

The long running outfit Kelly’s Lot celebrate 3 decades together with these 10 songs, where all originals unfold thanks to their strong attention to the blues.

The warm spirit of “Gotta Sing The Blues” starts with Mo Beeks’ soulful pipes complementing Kelly Zirbes’ powerful voice and Mike Sauer’s skilled drumming, and “Boogie Bus” follows with plenty of energy, where Matt McFadden’s bouncy bass suits the liveliness.

Halfway through, “Man In The Moon” benefits much from Gary Bivona’s well timed flugelhorn and graceful keys courtesy of Beeks for the intimate delivery, while “Without You” is a bit rugged but certainly melodic, as Perry Robertson’s spirited guitar adds much to the richness of the album’s best.

“Just Tell Me The Truth” arrives deeper, and takes on a cozy spirit via Aviva Maloney’s bright flute and Rob Zucca’s frisky electric guitar, and “Love And Understanding” exits with a charming and timeless demeanor of raw, tuneful song craft.

A superb collaborative effort, I can’t not mention Bill Johnston’s sax that helps make this a top notch blues affair that we won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Bees Deluxe- Hallucinate; Delta Wires- If Somebody Told Me

Rosemary Loar

Coraçāo Vagabundo/Vagabond Heart

Atlor, 2024

8/10

Listen to Coraçāo Vagabundo/Vagabond Heart

The veteran jazz singer Rosemary Loar brings us 12 standards and originals that welcome an all star cast for the thoughtful listen.

The title track opens with Frank Ponzio’s warm keys and David Longworth’s well timed triangle that complement Loars’ gorgeous pipes, and “Just A Fairy Tale” follows with Vito Lesczak’s lively drumming and the bright singing for an uplifting mood.

Landing close to the middle, “Your Turn To Be Brave” welcomes Tom Hubbard’s bouncy bass to the intimate versus dance floor ready delivery, while “Fascinating Rhythm” is a calmer moment of soulful singing that aligns with dreamy keys, subtle drums and, towards the end, a charming friskiness.

Deeper still, “Show Me” benefits much from the flawless singing and meticulous instrumentation via the timeless jazz, and “Cool” exits with playful vocal acrobatics amid the colorful rhythm section, where some scatting enters, too.

A jazz artist for 35 years, Loar’s first album arrived in 2008, and, along with her excellent help, she proves she’s still making top notch and memorable jazz that flirts with samba, swing, waltz and multi-lingual song craft.

Travels well with: CeCe Gable- Love On The Tyrrhenian; Heather Anne Lomax- The Doman Tracks

Greg Copeland

Empire State

Hemifran/Paraply, 2024

8/10

Listen to Empire State

A veteran singer-songwriter, the Los Angeles resident Greg Copeland brings plenty of emotion and strong lyrical prowess to these 5 Americana fueled songs.

“Boon Time” opens with Tyler Chester’s warm bass and Jay Bellarose’s well timed percussion that suits Copeland’s laidback voice and rhythmic vision, and “We Are The Gathered” follows with some ambience, before Copeland’s acoustic rhythm guitar and Greg Leisz’s glowing pedal steel guide the rich and mysterious landscape.

The middle spots belong to the intimate and hushed “4:59:59”, where warm acoustic guitar and light piano complement the slight grit in Copeland’s bright storytelling, while “Coyotes” is a quick field recording of the animal in its natural habitat. The final piece, “Empire State”, is the best selection and utilizes Jennifer Condos’ flowing bass and Val McCallum’s spirited electric guitar for the diverse version of Americana that’s heartfelt and eloquent.

Copeland’s debut arrived in 1982, and his very literate and sincere songwriting is still very much aglow via these timeless folk, country, rootsy ideas.

Travels well with: Alan Walker- A Little Too Late; Laurie Lewis- Trees

Blynd

Unbeliever

Pitch Black, 2024

9/10

Listen to Unbeliever

The Cypriot metal band, Blynd, return with a 4th studio album, where a dark spirit enters these diverse selections that include well thought out lyrics and blistering musicianship.

“Internal” starts the listen with a mysterious ambience, before thick guitars and hard hitting drums enter alongside the gravelly vocals from Andreas Paraschos, and “Between Two Worlds” follows with Alex Iacovou’s hard hitting, drum acrobatics that guide the thrashy rocker.

Deeper into the listen, “One Last Dance” showcases George Masouras and Andreas Hadjipandelis’ searing guitar riffs amid dense chugging, while “Until We Die” recruits guest Dobromir Ganchev’s distinct vocals for the swirling and intricate metal.

Further still, “Fire In The Sky” allows for Paraschos’ bass to shine via the swift drums and powerful guitar work, and “Ground Zero” exits with Marilena Christofi’s pretty voice alongside the incendiary rhythm section and firm guitar for an operatic version of metal.

An accomplished return after nearly a decade, both fast and calm moments are explored, where prog-rock nods and melodies still retain all the hallmarks of thrash and death metal that the band are so well known for.

Travels well with: Hardraw- Abyss Of Mankind; Flitcraft- House At The Centre Of The Universe

Reginald Policard

Boarding Pass

Encuentro, 2023

9/10

Listen to Boarding Pass

An assembly of artists who embrace the sounds of Latin America, the Caribbean, and Miami, the Haitian performer, composer and player Reginald Policard welcomes some incredible guests to this worldly listen.

“Encuentro Theme” opens with a rich spirit, where Sammy Figueroa’s animated percussion and Jean Caze and Teddy Mulet’s bright trumpets add much intrigue, and “Sabor Caribenó” follows with Angelique Kidjo’s soulful pipes alongside Policard’s warm keys.

“Sa’K Pasé” occupies the middle spot and showcases flowing winds for the dreamy and rhythmic climate, while “Choucoune” features Jeff Policard’s distinct pipes amid the well timed backing vocals for an intimate album highlight.

Residing near the end, “Celebration” is indeed a festive moment of upbeat drumming, hand clapping fun and many harmonic voices, and “Toda Fé” exits with Gilmar Gomes’ inimitable percussion complementing the vocal combo of Richard Bona and Angélique Kidjo.

The resumes of the players here is tremendous, and their collective skill makes for an infectious and globally exciting body of work.

Travels well with: Sergio Pamies- Time To Say; Omer Leshem- Play Space

Long Earth

An Ordinary Life

Grand Tour, 2024

8/10

Listen to An Ordinary Life

An esteemed Scottish prog-rock outfit, Long Earth return with a 3rd album, where 8 detailed and meticulous rockers make an indelible impression.

“Fight The Hand That Bleed You” opens with charged riffs, thumping drums and a warm synth presence for the animated climate, and “Morpheus” follows with a dreamy mood that comes with mesmerizing guitar and soulful singing.

The middle spots belong to “Sand” and “Shadows”. The former is both rugged and tuneful, where thick guitars meet a rich rhythm section, and the latter is an introspective moment of beauty and poeticism that flows for nearly 11 minutes.

Close to the end, “Moscow” contains some of the best singing amid the harmonic layers, and “Life iii-Empty Shore” exits with a soothing ambience of shimmering and elegant textures.

An effort with both top notch singing and precise instrumentation, fans of prog-rock on the melodic side of the spectrum are going to appreciate Long Earth’s approach.

Travels well with: Wedingoth- Five Stars (A)live; Age Of Distraction- A Game Of Whispers

Ian North

Everything Is Incomplete

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Everything Is Incomplete

The Canadian artist Ian North returns with a 3rd album, where 12 new songs balance jazz and folk with the sort of thoughtful songwriting that might bring to mind Paul Simon, Jackson Browne or David Gray.

The intimate gestures of “Tumbledown” starts with North’s slightly gritty voice and warm guitar that welcomes light drums, too, and “China Moon” follows with soulful backing vocals that suit the rich musicianship that tugs on the heartstrings.

Landing in the middle, the gorgeous “Dream Of Eden” emits a poetic quality amid the soft singing and intricate guitar, while the title track is more ambient focused, as a thicker presence unfolds with much sophistication and beauty.

Close to the end, “Spider’s Web” carries a timeless folk-rock mood that’s crisp and lush, and “Sonny Rollins Said” exits with some playful jazz spirit embedded into the meticulous finish.

A really articulate and melodic effort that’s never short on color and accessibility, North handles guitars, vibraphones, bass, nature sounds and keyboards for this truly memorable and sincere listen.

Travels well with: Belfountain- Some Hearts; Tyler Ellis- Greater Than

Mary Elizabeth Bowden

Storyteller

Cedille, 2024

9/10

Listen to Storyteller

The trumpeter Mary Elizabeth Bowden brings her inimitable talents to these 7 world premiere works that recruit the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra and Allen Tinkham.

James M. Stephenson’s “The Storyteller” starts the listen with soft winds, as graceful strings enter the rich climate that benefits much from Yvonne Lam’s elegant violin, and “Bohemian Queen”, by Clarice V. Assad, follows with a tense mood that utilizes Bowden’s precise trumpet with intrigue.

Moving towards the middle, Vivian Fung’s “Trumpet Concerto” spotlights Bowden’s diverse skills with a cinematic quality, while “Caritas” allows for the flowing strings to interact with beauty amid the mature textures via the Sarah Kirkland piece.

Residing near the end is the dreamy “Rosa d Sal”, where the trumpet and Chamber Orchestra meet at a cautious yet exciting intersection thanks to Reena Esmail’s vision, and Stephenson’s “Scram!” exits with animated gestures courtesy of the orchestra’s dynamic and glowing musicianship.

This is Bowden’s first album with a full orchestra, and third solo outing, and it’s an adventurous and well thought out affair that anyone with chamber inclinations will admire.

Travels well with: Pacifica Quartet- American Voices; Stacy Garrop- Oratorio Terra Nostra

Cobus Du Toit

From The Rooftop

Neuma, 2024

8/10

Listen to From The Rooftop

The international artist Cobus du Toit brings his flute playing to these 7 distinct chamber and classically influenced pieces.

Amanda Harberg’s “Court Dances” starts the listen with Toit’s dancing flute alongside Harberg’s piano acrobatics for an animated opener, and Paul Hanmer’s “Sarabande For The Days” follows with the keys rumbling amid dreamy flute thanks to the intimate mood.

The middle selections, “Treuerwatersrand” and “A Room Of Quiet”, are equally intriguing. The former, also by Hanmer, offers a rich landscape, while the latter, by Nathan Hall, recruits spoken word and Doreen Lee’s calm, poetic keys.

Close to the end, Joseph Adams’ “Misinterpreted Cries” is a heartfelt and emotive piece that addresses violence against animals, and “From The Rooftopo”, by Felipe Salles, exits with adventurous flute and atmospheric piano for a pitch focused finish.

A body of work that surrounds healing in a time of pandemics, wars and racially charged strife, each track here is eloquent, unpredictable and full of beauty.

Travels well with: Richard Carr- August Light; Percussia- Plucked & Struck

Davina And The Vagabonds

Sugar Drops

Red House, 2019

8/10

Listen to Sugar Drops

The Minnesota stars return with another installment of their blues and jazz friendly sounds, and this time the outfit recorded in a formal studio in Nashville to help capture their unique Americana formula.

“Bone Collection” starts the listen with sultry vocals and a classic New Orleans jazz feel with plenty of crisp instrumentation, and “I Can’t Believe I Let You Go” follows with a breezy pop feel as the band inject a soulful gloss to the fun.

Further along, “Little Miss Sunshine” recruits bright keys into R&B, sing-along playfulness, while “Another Lonely Day” uses strategic horns and organs in the contemplative atmosphere.

Near the end, “Mr. Big Talker” utilizes strings to punctuate the sophisticated waltz mood, and “Magic Kisses” offers a festive setting of danceable and feel good vibes in the album highlight. “Deep End” exits the listen soft and emotive in a key heavy ballad where the intimacy seemingly knows no bounds.

A band who are only getting better with each subsequent release, the decision to record in a proper studio paid off in spades here as Davina and company move their jazz, blues, pop and retro hybrid onto another level of greatness.

Travels well with: Preservation Hall Jazz Band- That’s It!; Haley- Pleasureland