Jody Stecher

Instant Lonesome And The Twinkle Brigade

Don Giovanni, 2024

9/10

Listen to Instant Lonesome And The Twinkle Brigade

A San Francisco resident who has been a fixture in the folk scene for 3+ decades, this new record from Jody Stecher welcomes Even Murphy, BB Bowness, Ella Jordan, Nate Sabat and Korey Brodsky for the 14 old time songs.

“A Little Home To Go To” opens the listen with swift picking, where Stecher’s warm voice is met with harmonies and Bowness’ meticulous banjo via the bluegrass climate, and it isn’t long until “Little Black Train” benefits much from Korey Brodsky’s cozy mandolin alongside the group singing.

Further along, the rich flavor of “Young Widow Brown” allows for Murphy’s cozy guitar and Sabat’s well timed bass to draw us into the retro nods, while “Dreadful Morning” spotlights Jordan’s meticulous fiddle as Stecher’s storytelling draws us in.

Residing near the end, the chunky yet tuneful “Got Too Fat For That” is the album’s best, where the playful nature meshes with upbeat and memorable songwriting, and “The Fifty-Fifty Rag” exits with a bouncy mood, as the dynamic instrumental closer leaves an indelible impression.

Stecher’s singing and guitar playing are exceptional, and the help from Mile Twelve illuminates the old style blues and bluegrass bouts with a timeless and memorable folk appeal.

Travels well with: Unholy Modal Rounders- Unholier Than Thou 7/7/77; Peter Stampfel & The Bottle Caps- Demo ‘84

Rob Leines

Headcase

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Headcase

The Texas artist Rob Leines returns with a 3rd album, where the 10 songs unfold with a blue collar rock’n’roll and outlaw country mood, as plenty of friends are in attendance for the gritty affair.

“Double Wide” starts the listen with Lienes’ thick guitar and expressive voice alongside Josh Halp’s thumping drums for the country rock setting, and “Headcase” follows with Derrick Elliot’s flowing bass lines that suit the raw yet melodic spirit.

Halfway through, “Honey Hole” comes with an intimate demeanor via the vivid storytelling and steel guitar courtesy of Zachary Moulton, while “Goldmine” is packed with soaring musicianship amid the muscular rhythm section and ruggedness.

The last 2 tracks, “High In The Cotton” and “Sinner”, don’t disappoint, either. The former is pretty, jangly and touches on folk ideas, and the latter is full of Southern nods and gospel hints thanks to the soulful backing vocals.

A record that just begs the listener to experience the live show, Leines brings power, harmonics, riffs and distorted chords to a diverse rock’n’roll journey you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Holler Choir- Songs Before They Write Themselves; Taxicab Verses- Is What You Make It

Joe Ely

Driven To Drive

Thirty Tigers, 2024

8/10

Listen to Driven To Drive

Now 23 albums deep, the singer-songwriter and guitarist Joe Ely pens his first road album, where songs inspired by travel welcome many players and even a cameo from Springsteen.

“Drivin’ Man” opens with Ely’s distinct vocals and warm guitar alongside Joel Guzman’s well timed accordion, and “Odds Of The Blues” follows with Jeff Plankenhorn’s spirited lead guitar, where Springsteen’s unmistakable voice is along for the grit and melody.

Further on, the lively mood of “Didn’t We Robbie” welcomes Bill Ginn’s rowdy keys that suit the bright singing and Bill Ginn’s fluid organ, while “Ride Motorcycle” is a rugged moment that uses Mitch Walkins’ synth and electric guitar via the upbeat and honky tonk nods.

Deeper yet, “Gulf Coast Blues” is a bare moment of grace thanks to the poetic singing and light accordion, and “Jackhammer Rock” exits with Eddie Beethoven’s voice that complements Ely’s guitar and synth.

Ely released his first record in 1977, and since then it’s been a consistent stream of top notch blues, roots rock, Americana and country, that, at 78 years old, sounds and resonates with sincerity and timelessness.

Travels well with: Driftwood- December Last Call; Boy Named Banjo- Dusk

Russell Haight

Go Forth

Origin, 2024

9/10

Listen to Go Forth

The Austin resident and saxophonist Russell Haight is joined by Sean Giddings, Ryan Hagler and Daniel Dufour for 11 energetic and animated jazz tracks.

The lively and rhythmic title track opens the festivities with Haight’s bright sax amid Dufour’s flowing drums and Giddings’ well timed keys, and “Rich In Heart” follows with a calmer mood, as Hagler’s precise bass suits the rich and eloquent delivery.

Halfway through, “Mystic Bud” is a speedy and dynamic album highlight that also allows Haight’s skills to impress us, while “Night And Day” brings grooves and blues nods to the meticulous and textured climate.

Deeper still, “A Morning Walk” illustrates strong interaction between the quartet via gentle versus busy jazz, and “Scooch” exits with firm keys and southern funk fun for a finish you won’t soon forget.

The set includes 9 originals and interpretations of Cole Porter and Harold Arlen tunes, and each piece is carefully crafted and executed with tremendous detail and timelessness.

Travels well with: Piet Verbist- El Mar Empieza Aquí; Eric Jacobson- Heading Home

Piet Verbist

El Mar Empieza Aquí

Origin, 2024

9/10

Listen to El Mar Empieza Aquí

The double bass extraordinaire Piet Verbist is joined by some excellent company for these 8 Flamenco jazz tunes that aren’t short on melody and energy.

“Al-Andablues” opens with thick plucking from Verbist, as Carmelo Muriel’s bansuriney and Juan Sainz’s lively drumming cultivate plenty of rhythm, and “Nuevo Alterado” welcomes Carlos Cortés’ frisky percussion amid Tom Van Dyck’s soaring sax prowess.

At the halfway point, “A Child Is Born” leads soft before building into a rich and emotive jazz climate, while “La Filosofía Del Jamón” benefits much from the mature keys, intricate bass and soprano sax for the album’s best.

Deeper still, “Y Allá Ella Está” emits a sublime intimacy via the Flamenco guitar courtesy of Cortés, and “Bull” exits with flowing keys and no lack of timeless energy for the dizzying and dynamic finish that’s busy but controlled precisely.

A fusion experience that’s impossible not to enjoy, Verbist and company inject Flamenco and worldly sensibilities into a cultured and memorable body of work.

Travels well with: Eric Jacobson- Heading Home; Robby Ameen- Live At The Poster Museum

Ize Trio

The Global Suites

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Global Suites

Chase Morrin, George Lernis and Naseem Alatrash, i.e. Ize Trio, bring their inimitable talents to these 4 meticulous pieces that welcome John Patitucci and address social issues via their jazz and Middle Eastern ideas.

“Break G4S” starts the listen with Morrin’s dizzying keys that suit Alatrash’s string acrobatics for the lively opener, and “Resurrecting The Amber Sky” follows with Patitucci’s animated bass and guest Farayi Malek’s gorgeous singing for the global melodies.

On the back half, “All I Loved” allows Alatrah’s gripping cello to shine amid Lernis’ strong percussive bouts for a colorful album highlight, while “Elemeno” exits with Heiraza’s distinct singing that complements the worldly rhythm and dynamic musicianship.

A highly sophisticated yet adventurous affair, Ize Trio bring a wealth of talent and spirit to a record of all substance.

Travels well with: Miles Okazaki- Miniature America; Christopher Zuar Orchestra- Exuberance

Melinda Rose & Frenchy Romero

I’m On My Way

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to I’m On My Way

The vocalist Melinda Rose and pianist Frenchy Romero come together for this first collaborative effort, where Vince Dupont, Matt Wilson and Summer Camargo are in attendance for 10 radiant jazz tunes.

The playful and warm “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off” opens with Rose’s cozy voice alongside Romero’s charming keys and light drumming from Wilson, and “Once Upon a Summertime” follows with meticulous keys and Rose’s Spanish singing amid Latin flavor.

Landing in the middle is the frisky “Don’t Come Back”, where Camargo’s well timed trumpet aligns with Dupont’s meticulous bass plucking, while “I’d Do It Again”, the best track, emits powerful singing and much emotion via the graceful piano and poetic climate.

The last 2 tracks, “You Can Have Him” and “It’s Not You, It’s Me”, don’t disappoint, either. The former is a powerful duo that tells the tale of commitment and attachment, and the latter a fuller, swingin’ good time that’s destined for the dance floor thanks to the infectious energy.

Friends since high school, Rose and Romero illustrate a rare chemistry, and these time honored songs and well thought out originals are certainly worth many listens.

Travels well with: Karen Mack- Catch & Release; Jo Harrop- The Path Of A Tear

Christopher Cerrone

Beaufort Scales

Cold Blue, 2024

9/10

Listen to Beaufort Scales

The Brooklyn composer Christopher Cerrone presents a platform for women’s voices and electronics, where the Lorelei Ensemble flesh out these 11 adventurous pieces.

“Prelude” starts the listen with much attention to tonality via the harmonic voices and stirring backdrop, and “Step 1” follows with wordless voices providing ambience before the pretty singing enters a cinematic climate.

Further along, “Interlude 2” features vivid storytelling alongside a backdrop of mystery, while “Interlude 3” recruits some of the most lovely vocals amid the echoes and whispers.

Close to the end, the fuller “Steps 10 & 11” uses repetition to its advantage via the rich singing and ominous instrumentation, and "Postlude” exits with radiant droning that employs mouths like an instrument and builds into a emotional high before an abrupt exit.

A very precise effort that focuses on the 8 females, the chilling electronics, strategic distortion, and well timed intensity, Cerrone draws us in from the beginning, and fill us with wonder and awe.

Travels well with: Kris Bowers- For A Younger Self; Scott Wollschleger- Between Breath

Eric Jacobson

Heading Home

Origin, 2024

9/10

Listen to Heading Home

The trumpet extraordinaire Eric Jacobson is joined by an all star cast for these timeless and rich jazz selections.

“Survival” starts the listen with no lack of energy, where George Fludas’ animated drums suit Jacobson’s glowing trumpet, and “Three Of A Kind” follows with bit of intimacy, as Bruce Barth’s mature keys align with soulful horns.

Halfway through, “My Love For Amy” is an intimate moment, as the stirring trumpet tugs on the heartstrings, while “Pause Time” bops and shakes with an infectious mood via the frisky rhythm section, glowing keys and Dennis Carroll’s lively bass.

At the end, “You’re Alright, The World’s All Wrong” allows for Geof Bradfield’s sax to shine amid the dynamic landscape, and “Heading Home” exits with the sax and trumpet interacting with tremendous skill that complements the busy finish.

All the tracks here are originals, and they bring us on a sonic adventure from Miwaukee to Chicago to New York, and it’s a hard bop journey that you’ll repeat again and again.

Travels well with: Robby Ameen- Live At The Poster Museum; Mai-Liis- Kaleidoscope

Molecular Steve

Molecular Steve

Strolling Bones, 2024

10/10

Listen to Molecular Steve

The debut from the Austin outfit Molecular Steve, these 14 songs present an unclassifiable version of indie-rock, where few ideas are off the table, which is very much appreciated.

“Heavens To Betsy” starts the listen with bouncing drums amid the melodic guitars and smooth singing from Steve, and “Last Of His Kind” follows with thick guitar and a playful ruggedness that benefits much from a tuneful demeanor.

Closer to the middle, “Agamemnon” welcomes acoustic strumming and rich layers for a very distinct climate, while “It’s On” is both bare and busy, as crashing drums and swirling guitar make this the album’s best.

Further still, “Fair Enough” spotlights the playful rhythm section and Steve’s meticulous guitar via the memorable keys from Patrick Byrd, and “Lost In The Weather” exits with a heartfelt and intimate acoustic moment that even welcomes strings from Byrd for a particularly dreamy finish.

A project that began as a father and son collaboration, the songs grew into a much larger ensemble, where members of Prescott Curlywolf, The Damnations and The Meat Puppets, plus others, are in attendance, and they make for plenty of hooks via a mashing of indie, alt, punk and roots rock that sure doesn’t disappoint.

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

Gabriel Keller

Hope Despite Everything

Takaprod, 2024

9/10

Listen to Hope Despite Everything

The French guitarist Gabriel Keller brings us 11 powerful and detailed tracks that embrace the timeless nuances of prog-rock.

“Why?” starts the listen with much emphasis on atmosphere via the soundbites before soft guitar enters and Lucas Bigquet-Mermet’s well timed drums, and “The Letter-Part 1” follows with Emi B’s soaring vocals that suit the thumping and charged climate that balances hard hitting and soft gestures.

Landing in the middle, “The Son” showcases Charlie Henry’s meticulous guitar and Charlotte Gagnor’s backing vocals via the textured bouts, while “Oppression” features Lucia Lacour’s sophisticated violin and Manon Coursol’s expressive pipes for the chugging and radiant album highlight.

Near the end, the pretty dynamics of “Your Way” offers a melodic and harmonic moment of gorgeous singing and rich song craft, and “Mahaut” exits with a sublime intimacy and much grace.

A diverse effort that involves inspiration from legends like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree and Opeth, Keller handles guitars, percussion, bass and backing vocals, and every track present is carefully crafted and timeless in nature.

Travels well with: Long Earth- An Ordinary Life; Age Of Distraction- A Game Of Whispers

Richard Cameron-Wolfe

Passionate Geometrics

New Focus, 2024

9/10

Listen to Passionate Geometrics

The composer and pianist Richard Cameron-Wolfe brings us 8 detailed chamber pieces, where a variety of players lend their inimitable talents.

Marc Wolf’s poetic guitar and hushed singing starts the listen with the cozy and reflective mood that is “Heretic”, and “Time Refracted” follows with “Gayle Blankenburg’s low keys and Caleb van der Swaagh’s gripping cello for the cinematic swells.

Halfway through, “O minstrel” welcomes Stephanie Lamprea’s expressive soprano and Daniel Lippel’s meticulous guitar via the conversational tone and pretty backdrop, while “Kyrie(Mantra)IV” is populated by Roberta Michel’s dreamy flute and Lippel’s guitar for the solos and polyrhythmic moments of the album’s best.

“Lonesome Dove: a True Story” and the title track exit the record. The former brings Geoff Landman’s tenor sax and Umber Qureshi’s watcher to the melodic and timbral focused landscape, and the latter recruits Nina Berman’s soprano that complement the wind, guitar and strings for a finish that relies on tuning and pitch with great effect.

An impactful body of work, both tiny gestures and fuller, rich bouts will be appreciated here, as Cameron-Wolfe pens an engaging and memorable chamber experience.

Travels well with: Fotina Naumenko- Bespoke Songs; David Kaplan- New Dances Of The League Of David

Fotina Naumenko

Bespoke Songs

New Focus, 2024

9/10

Listen to Bespoke Songs

The soprano Fotina Naumenko presents a works of commissioned pieces, where texts by female authors and well executed instrumentation unfolds with strong attention to detail.

Jonathan Newman’s “Bespoke Songs” starts the listen with Garrick Zoeter’s dreamy clarinet and Timothy Roberts’ alto and soprano saxophones complementing the elegant strings and Naumenko’s soaring and precise voice. The 12 chapters are calm, poetic and emit much beauty, where Marika Bournaki’s mature keys make an impression, too.

The middle belongs to “‘Hope’ Is The Thing With Feathers”, by Jennifer Jolley, as Julietta Curenton’s airy flute and Colin Davin’s warm guitar add much to the thoughtful and harmonic climate.

On the back half, Carrie Magin’s “How To See An Angel” benefits much from Ryan Romine’s low bassoon and Bournaki’s mesmerizing keys via the rhythmic and chamber nods, while “Let Evening Come” welcomes Nadia Pessoa’s swirling harp and Julian Schwarz’s sophisticated cello to the dramatic bouts and bright textures of the Benedict Sheehan composition.

A highly articulate and tonally aware effort, Naumenko’s diction and expression guides the tracks through neo-romanticism, theatric moments, jazz and strategic minimalism that leaves an indelible impression.

Travels well with: David Kaplan- New Dances Of The League Of David; The Rhythm Method- Pastorale

Rose Mallett

Dreams Realized

Carrie-On, 2024

9/10

Listen to Dreams Realized

The veteran soul singer Rose Mallett brings plenty of emotion and skill to these 11 interpretations of standards, where Jamison Trotter, Trey Henry, Mike Shapiro, Robert Kyle and ‘Munyungo’ Jackson are in attendance.

“Ain’t Nobody” starts the listen with Kyle’s warm sax and Trotter’s dreamy keys that suit Mallett’s inimitable delivery, and “Feeling Good” follows with incredible vocals that are surrounded by Shapiro’s drums and elegant strings.

Halfway through, “Send In The Clowns” welcomes Yvette Devereaux’s violin for the soft versus hard swingin’ gestures, while “The Way He Makes Me Feel” leads with elegant sax before firm keys and Henry’s precise bass enter the rich album highlight.

Further still, “It’s Impossible” displays a heartfelt mood which benefits much from the pretty singing and graceful instrumentation, and the dramatic “If I Never Sing Another Song” exits with profound beauty amid a soaring atmosphere of timelessness.

Mallett formed her first band at the age of 16, and she’s stayed busy since then with her dynamic range and both tender and animated voice that captivates us here.

Travels well with: Monika Herzig’s Sheroes- All In Good Time; Paul Kendall- My Shining Hour

Hazel Gaze

Hazel Gaze II

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Hazel Gaze II

The NYC outfit Hazel Gaze return with 9 new songs, where the band’s diversity and rock’n’roll spirit is greatly appreciated.

“Dirty Little Secrets” opens with plenty of classic rock flavor, where Hanz’s powerful pipes are met with Spiros Arnakis’ hard hitting drums, and “Who’s Sorry Now” follows with Russ Soper’s intricate guitar that suits the grooves and rhythm of the blues nods.

Moving into the middle, “What Coulda Been” benefits much from Konrad Payne’s precise bass, where soulful backing vocals balance ruggedness and melody, while “No Regret” thumps with an infectious energy that you could dance to.

Closer to the end, “Do As You Please” allows for Molly Klein’s backing vocals to complement the riff filled and lively rock’n’roll mood, and “Father’s Ruin” exits with a calmer approach, as Hanz’s gritty voice is met with bright keys and harmonic interaction between the players.

An eclectic affair that brings the ideas of the ‘70s and ‘90s, reference points like Led Zeppelin and The Black Crowes will give you some idea of how timeless Hazel Gaze are.

Travels well with: Eb & Hal- On My Way Home; Sun Q- Myth

Augie Haas + 8

Live At The Speakeasy

Playtime, 2024

9/10

Listen to Live At The Speakeasy

A set of 10 tracks from the trumpeter and singer Augie Haas, each selection was captured in one take before a live audience in May of 2024.

“Jamo Rocks” starts the fun with Dick Sarpola’s playful bass before the bright brass enters with much energy, and “The Sound” follows with Hailey Brinnel’s quick scatting that suits the frisky drumming and rich sax prowess from Troy Roberts and Todd Groves.

“You Can Fly!” occupies the middle spot and showcases Rick Germanson’s fluid keys amid Haas’ glowing trumpet, while “I Put A Spell On You” features Kacie Sky’s soulful pipes and the textured horns that complement the precise rhythm section.

Close to the end, “Feelin’ Alright” comes with a charming intimacy, where the meticulous trumpet matches the cozy mood, and “Za Toba Pójde Jak Na Bal” exits with a festive demeanor and no lack of melody thanks to the dynamic interaction of the esteemed players.

A top notch jazz performance with excellent sound quality, whether this is your first time with Haas or you’ve been following along for a while, you’re going to be impressed with the blues nods, playful spins on classics and abundance of grooves.

Travels well with: Augie Haas- Have We Met?; Steve Elci & Friends- All Together Now

Brock Davis

Everyday Miracle

Raintown, 2024

8/10

Listen to Everyday Miracle

The Santa Cruz resident and singer-songwriter Brock Davis returns with 13 new Americana tunes that he describes as ‘agnostic gospel’ and welcomes plenty of friends for the occasion.

“Everyday Miracle” opens with Davis’ warm voice and Pat McGrath’s stirring acoustic mandolin, as a fuller climate builds with much emotion, and “Keep On” follows with Marcus Finnie’s thumping drums that complement Michael Rojas’ well timed piano for the rugged versus melodic gestures.

Moving along, “You’d Think I’d Know By Now” offers a crisp and rootsy appeal thanks to Duncan Mullins’ strategic bass and spirited electric guitar, while “It Takes Just One” is an intimate moment of beauty that erupts into a gospel delivery thanks to the many backing vocalists.

Further still, “September Rain” emits plenty of timeless folk qualities via the poetic storytelling, and “My Promise To You” exits with a rich and dreamy demeanor of heartfelt song craft.

A body of work that surrounds life after resetting yourself, Davis blends country, rock, folk and roots into his own sincere and memorable version of Americana.

Travels well with: Ollee Owens- Nowhere To Hide; Seth Lee Jones- Tulsa Custom

Charlie Apicella & Iron City Meet The Griots Speak

Call To Action/Call To Prayer

OA2, 2024

9/10

Listen to Call To Action/Call To Prayer

The composer and drummer Charlie Apicella brings along The Griot Speak and Iron City for these spiritual and cosmic tracks that illustrate a very worldly vision of jazz.

“Call to Action: An Invocation of Those Who Came Before” starts the listen with William Parker’s mesmerizing bass and Juma Sultan’s playful percussion for the soothing opener, and “Call to Action: With One's Elders” follows with a busier approach of flute via Daniel Carter which suits the drumming from Apicella and adventurous spirit.

Deeper into the listen, “Call to Prayer: Zen Flesh, Zen Bone” strategically places Carter’s sax and Sultan’s shaker with much appeal, while “Call to Prayer: Il Nostro Sogno” is percussively daring and welcomes organ thanks to Brad Whitely for the unpredictable album highlight.

Residing close to the end, “Call to Prayer: These Boxes Are Mostly Empty” comes with a hypnotic delivery of jazz fueled ideas and global rhythm, and “Call to Prayer: Cascading Wave of Change” exits with well timed flute, rowdy keys and thumping drums.

A highly eclectic affair that touches on NYC’s loft scene of the ‘60s as well as hard bop sensibilities, there’s no lack of droning, grooves and swirling, urban energy that showcases fascinating improvisation to be enjoyed here.

Travels well with: Robby Ameen- Live At The Poster Museum; Mai-Liis- Kaleidoscope

Kris Bowers

For A Younger Self

Orchid Classics, 2024

9/10

Listen to For A Younger Self

The first platform for symphony orchestra from the Academy Award winning composer Kris Bowers, this emotive body of work recruits Charles Yang and the American Youth Symphony for 4 very well thought out selections.

The title tracks starts the listen with 3 in depth chapters. “Moderato ma non troppo” begins with Yang’s gripping violin alongside the atmospheric and moody backdrop via the AYS, and “Larghetto (Gently)” takes that lead into an intimate and dreamy display of poetic and heartfelt song craft that illustrates incredible strings.

This portion exits with the animated gestures of “Presto (With Ease and Confidence)”, where the lively mood showcases tremendous interaction between Yang and the orchestra.

The last selection, Arnold Schoenberg’s “Chamber Symphony No. 1”, is quite rich and unpredictable thanks to the charming winds and well timed brass that unfold with cinematic qualities.

An enlightening set of performances, Carlos Izcaray’s conducting won’t go unappreciated, where the players and Yang’s presence blend classical, orchestra and chamber moments into detailed and memorable songwriting.

Travels well with: John-Henry Crawford- Dvořák | Tchaikovsky; Scott Wollschleger- Between Breath

Drum & Lace

Semi Songs

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Semi Songs

The brainchild of Italian native and current Los Angeles resident Sofia Hultquist, as Drum & Lace she brings sampled field recordings, plenty of synth and moments of contemporary electronica on this very unusual and alluring spin on classical music.

“Outsider Complex Part 1” gets the EP started off with a dizzying display of jarring classical sounds before a calmer setting enters of strings and keys, and “Parhelion” follows with a moody atmosphere where a cinematic quality of cascading beauty winds between the cellos and violin.

The last two tracks follow a similar course, including the sparse opening of “Gardenia” that, in its 14 minute duration, offers twinkling keys amid a soulful ambience that unclassifiable, and “Outsider Complex Part 2”, which ends the listen with a bouncy approach where the strings dance and the keys ruminate with a thoughtful spirit.

Although she has primarily worked in the area of film, this debut penned for two cellos, violin, piano and electronics proves that Hultquist absolutely should be devoting her time to formal albums, too, as her eclectic and captivating skill is impossible to deny.

Travels well with: Sound X Sound-Music For 8 Recorders; Lost In The Trees-A Church That Fits Our Needs