Perry Canestrari

Arrivederci Roma, Love American Style

Stradivari, 2020

8/10

Listen to Love Italian Style

The Montreal tenor Perry Canestrari returns with his esteemed multi-lingual approach to timeless song craft, as he displays his passion for the time honored traditions of Italian music and its rich history on Arrivederci Roma, Love American Style.

“Malafemmena” starts listen with soothing strings and warm keys as Canestraris’ strong vocals guide the emotive, stirring opener, and “Arrivederci Roma” follows with a dreamy, cinematic quality to the classically influenced setting.

Closer to the middle, “Caruso” moves with a bare quality as sublime singing is aligned with pensive keys, while “My Way”, which was popularized by Frank Sinatra, recruits a soulful quality amid strategic percussion and timeless melody. “O Sole Mia”, one of the album’s best, then displays incredible vocal prowess as lush textures enter the romantic mood.

Deeper into the record, “Volare” brings sweeping strings into the soaring atmosphere, and “Opera Medley- Nessun Dorma, La Donna é Mobile, Ave Maria” exits with an indeed operative delivery of precise and cultured songwriting.

Certainly a must hear listen for those who adore Italian music, Canestrari pulls off an impressive performance here with the sort of exceptional singing that has made him a national treasure in Canada.

Travels well with: Jeannie Seely- An American Classic; Jeannie C. Riley- The Music City Sessions

Stuart Weber

Pieces Of Road

Ravello, 2020

8/10

Listen to Pieces Of Road

A classical guitarist and composer, Stuart Weber returns with his Rocky Mountain heritage intact on these heartfelt and creative songs that pay homage to the American West.

“Anniversary Waltz” starts the record with Angella Ahn on violin, Maria Ahn holding down cello, and Antigoni Goni and Weber adding guitar to the dreamy, eloquent landscape that’s certainly not short on sublime beauty.

“Pieces Of Road” takes up the rest of the album and is comprised of 3 movements, and includes deft and cautious guitar work from Weber that varies from calm and emotive to the more firm exit that displays incredible finger picking, as Weber thinks back to his youth.

Now three decades into recording albums, Weber brings his vast talent and imaginative mind to yet another installment of timeless, meticulous and radiant songwriting.

Travels well with: Craig Madden Morris- Chamber Music For Our Times; James Lentini- Through Time And Place

Sean Harrison

Halfway From Nashville

Cosmic Cowboy, 2020

8/10

Listen to Halfway From Nashville

Halfway From Nashville is Sean Harrison’s return to music after many years squandered with drugs and booze. Now sober, the singer-songwriter is making up for lost time with both quirky and heartfelt songs that span country, blues, rock and Americana.

Harrison starts the listen with the title track, where his soft, expressive vocals flow alongside aching pedal steel in the warm country setting, and “Go To Girl” follows with a breezy Americana spirit as subdued melodies populate the rural landscape.

Halfway through, “Wake Up Dead” recruits some folk influences as Harrison’s vivid storytelling benefits greatly from Don Martin’s frisky percussion, while “Fingertips” flows with a firm beat as country rock and romance meet in a kind of eccentric place. “Psychedelic”, one of the best tunes present, then resides closer to traditional rock’n’roll and unfolds with Harrison’s unique charm.

The final two tracks retain the strong song craft present from the beginning, and includes the classic rock guitars of the playful “Worried”, and “Breathe Out Her Names” exits the listen in ballad territory, where Harrison’s gentle execution makes a lasting impression.

Harrison alternates between singing and talking, and he’s got a voice with a wise tone that makes it apparent he’s seen a thing or two in his day. Though this debut probably comes years, if not decades, later than he intended, it certainly showcases his authentic and timeless songwriting splendidly.

Travels well with: Jim Stanard- Color Outside The Lines;; Philip Scott Poli- One Sky

Turning Ground

Crazy House

Pinecastle, 2020

8/10

Listen to Crazy House

The Kentucky bluegrass stars Turning Ground are back with 11 new, original tunes, where traces of outlaw country enter their esteemed Appalachian roots

“Outlaw” starts the listen with a quick pace of string acrobatics in the ultra melodic bluegrass setting, and “Loving Wife” follows with a bouncy spirit as Nathan Arnett’s soaring pipes guide a thoughtful landscape.

Near the middle, “Reverend Jackson” moves with a soulful quality as gospel nods enter the warm climate, while the title track glides with dynamic interplay between the sublime sounds as the vocal harmonies soar high. “Devil In The Dark”, an album standout, then recruits Americana influences amid the strong singing as the band illustrate incredible chemistry.

The band’s country influences are present on “Strongest On My Knees”, which is both stirring and memorable, and “Little Mountain Girl” exits the listen with strategic banjo in the exceptional finish to a first rate effort.

Certainly a bluegrass record at its core, but not without plenty of variety, too, Crazy House solidifies Turning Ground as an outfit worthy of the attention of anyone with an ear for bluegrass, country, roots and Americana ideas.

Travels well with: The Dillards- Old Road New Again; Robert Hale- Blue Haze

Doxas Brothers

The Circle

Justin Time, 2020

9/10

Listen to The Circle

The Doxas Brothers, i.e Chet (saxophone) and Jim (drums), navigate around some very exciting and creative jazz sounds here, where Marc Copland and Adrian Vedady contribute piano and bass respectively.

“Uno a la Vez” starts the listen with soft saxophone as warm keys and light percussion enter the soothing jazz climate, and “Temporal” continues the mature landscape with plenty of plucked bass amid the calm demeanor.

In the middle, “Old Sport” moves with a busy, dance friendly approach of timeless jazz flavor amid excellent percussion, while “A Word From The Wise” is initially a slow burner with dynamic interplay between the sophisticated delivery. “Joan’s Song”, an album highlight, then offers stirring and radiant song craft that gets busy as well as sparse with much beauty.

The record exits on “Another Soap Box” and “Goodbye”, where the former recruits a dizzying display of frisky instrumentation, and the latter finishes cautiously and innovative.

The Canadian siblings first gained fame as teenagers playing Carnegie Hall in 1996, which led to residencies in Montreal and eventually touring in both their home country and America, and they bring that vast experience to this captivating listen that any and all fans of jazz will be in awe of.

Travels well with: Rebecca Hennessy- All The Little Things You Do; Mario Romano- The Journey So Far

Cosmic Convoy

Together Again For The First Time

C-Side, 2020

8/10

Listen to Together Again For The First Time

Originally a trio consisting of Brent Pennington, Chris Gregory, and Andy McAllister, the veteran musicians started Cosmic Convoy by playing a wide range of cover songs. Now with Mark Stalknaker on board playing bass, the band have shifted to all originals on this debut EP.

“Rosanna” starts the album with traditional country shuffling as smooth singing is complemented by a highly melodic rhythm section, and “Up For Grabs” follows with a calmer spirit of soulful, organic instrumentation that’s immediately striking.

In the middle, “Until I See An Empty Cup” recruits a retro spirit with some of the best percussion on the quick listen, while “Anodyne” hints at the blues where all the hallmarks of country music are present in its heartfelt delivery. “Fall And Fly Away”, the last tune on the record, then brings a romantic mood to the intricate guitar work and flowing musicianship.

Amazingly, this first effort was fleshed out in just a few hours and recorded studio live, and the band’s meshing of classic country, soul, rock and Americana make it a fine first effort and a sign of equally exceptional things to come.

Travels well with: Golden Bear- Dear Texas; Great Peacock- Forever Worse Better

Golden Bear

Dear Texas

C-Side, 2020

9/10

Listen to Dear Texas

The Austin residents Golden Bear are back with a love letter to their home state, as the appropriately titled Dear Texas has all members recording parts in their own homes during quarantine for this very careful and heartfelt 5th album.

“Port Aransas” starts the listen with a calm guitar line and smooth vocals before entering a fuller country rock setting of warm melodies amid a sing-along quality, and “Mustang Mile Island” follows with a gentler pace of agile and reflective rootsy rock.

At the halfway point, “Roadtrippin’” indeed should be played loud while driving down the highway with its punchy rock’n’roll spirit that embraces Americana, while “Two-Wheeled Hoss” trims the landscape back with deep vocals and a more firm country approach. “Texas Highway”, a particularly noteworthy tune, then recruits pedal steel in the introspective and playful climate that’s so well executed, it alone is worth the price of admission.

“CB Workin’” and “Fort Davis Sky” exit the listen, where the former recruits frisky percussion alongside the rural melodies, and the latter simmers gently, with Jonah Pennington’s Spanish guitar adding much to the sublime landscape.

Golden Bear have been at it since 2002, and they’ve dabbled in many genres during their existence. Here, they’re firmly in Americana territory, and even if you’re not as big a fan of The Lone Star State as Golden Bear, you’re going to have hard time not enjoying these flawlessly crafted gems.

Travels well with: Great Peacock- Forever Worse Better; Sadler Vaden- Anybody Out There?

The Channel

Electronic Luck

C-Side, 2020

8/10

Listen to Electronic Luck

A long running Texas outfit spearheaded by brothers Brent and Colby Pennington, The Channel returns with a quarantine record, where 20 tracks unfold with their diverse, throwback influences and there’s even a Daniel Johnston cover, too.

“Songbird” starts the listen vocally strong with a psychedelic haze covering the many voices, and “Let’s Fall” follows with a playful guitar jangle as crisp percussion guides the melodic retro rocker.

Further along, “I Saw The Night” brings a folksy strumming to a tune with much atmosphere, while “Mello” offers a busy display of vintage rock that’s not short on sing-alongs and even some ambience. “The Entire Room Was An Inside Joke But Everyone Left Happy”, one of the best of the best, then adds some mystery to a sunny delivery of dreamy, soaring instrumentation.

Back half highlights include the nostalgic atmosphere of the college rock tinted “Silver Snake”, and “The End Is Near, But Not Here” injects some minor country nods to the unclassifiable dynamics. “Lord, Give Me Hope”, the Johnston cover, resides near the end and alternates between emotive, calmer moments and fuller, buzzing outsider rock that we all loved so much from the legend.

The Channel have been unusually prolific recently, with 2 albums in 1 year, and let’s hope that trend continues as their ‘60s indebted formula sounds better than ever on this career highlight record.

Travels well with: The Flaming Lips- King’s Mouth Music And Songs; The Black Angels- Death Song

Honey Made

Brand New

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Brand New

The Austin, Texas funk and soul outfit Honey Made follow up their recent EP with this debut album, where the 9 members work together with a playful chemistry that’s both mature and frisky, and even touches on jazz and reggae, too.

“Chicken Sweats” starts the listen with bright horns as plenty of soulfulness and adventurousness enter the R&B influenced atmosphere, and “Brand New” follows with a calmer setting, where smooth grooves unfold with no shortage of warm melodies.

At the midpoint, “Smoove” moves with some nods to reggae as strong vocals guide the agile setting, while “Can You Feel It” recruits a festive spirit that will get your body moving to its Latin rhythm. “Canadian Mist”, an album standout, then flows percussively strong as strategic backing vocals add much to lively climate.

Near the end, “Southern Friend Funk” offers an instrumental where funk and jazz collide amid much creativity, and “So Good” finishes the listen with talking mixed in with the gospel leaings and dynamic musicianship from the talented players.

An album that parallels the energy of George Clinton And Parliament Funkadelic, but also possesses the capacity for slow burning timelessness, too, Brand New is an excellent starting point for a band we will all be hearing much more about in the future.

Travels well with: Maceo Parker- Soul Food; Grant Green- Funk In France

Rebecca Hennessy

All The Little Things You Do

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to All The Little Things You Do

The award winning trumpeter, vocalist, composer and bandleader Rebecca Hennessy returns with an all star cast as the Canadian luminary addresses love, grief and mental health with incredible poise and much diversity.

Hennessy starts the listen with the sounds of birds before her soft, expressive singing enters the playful setting of the title track as bouncy bass and warm keys complement her soulful trumpet, and “Magnolia” follows with a gentle delivery of soaring vocals and dreamy instrumentation.

Close to the middle, “There’s Only One” moves with marching band style drumming alongside gentle brass and spirited guitar work, while “Dr Good” recruits banjo acrobatics in the shuffling pace of dance friendly sensibilities. “Dig Up The Stories”, a deep album highlight, then displays Hennessy’s sublime pipes in the stirring piano focused balladry.

Near the end, “Nothing Passes For Favour” leads with narration from Thomas King before a calm jazz landscape unfolds where Hennessy’s trumpet prowess doesn’t disappoint, and “When You Say Goodnight To Me” exits the listen with a lullaby of subdued beauty.

This is Hennessy’s first time working with producer and engineer David Travers-Smith, and Kevin Breit contributes guitars, mandolin, and organs, while Tania Gill brings piano, Michael Herring offers doubles bass, and Dave Clark sits behind the drum kit. They all contribute to vocals, too, on this flourishing and timeless jazz outing where Hennessy’s debut as a singer-songwriter impresses us immensely.

Travels well with: Manteca- The Twelfth Of Never; Mario Romano- The Journey So Far

Cartalk

Pass Like Pollen

Self-Released, 2020

9/10

Listen to Pass Like Pollen

A Los Angeles outfit spearheaded by Chuck Moore, although this is Cartalk’s debut album, it sure doesn’t seem like it as their unique brand of Americana, shoegaze, alt-country and indie-rock flows together seamlessly on this exceptional break up record.

“Arroyo Tunnels” starts the listen with warm guitar as Moore’s smooth, expressive vocals take center stage on the cautious landscape, and “Noonday Devil” starts the listen with a thicker presence where drums and crunchy guitar unfold with some minor grunge nods.

Near the middle, “Wrestling” moves swiftly with a smattering of Americana mixed into the driving indie-rock, while “Car Window” recruits mild atmosphere as a buzzing climate of alt-rock like appeal enters the cautious delivery. “A Lesson’, another noteworthy track, then simmers lightly as eloquence and pensiveness are part of the thoughtful formula.

At the end, “Something Or Nothing” emits hushed, dreamy song craft in an almost lullaby sort of way, and “Sleep” exits the listen with one of the record’s best as country nods are present amid thriving, passionate song craft.

A record that manages to remind you of Jason Isbell, Dinosaur Jr., and My Bloody Valentine- sometimes all in the same song- Cartalk are nothing if not original, and this first album is quite possibly the best debut of 2020.

Travels well with: Hop Along- Bark Your Head Off, Dog; Rainer Maria- Past Worn Searching

Alastair Greene

The New World Blues

Whiskey Bayou, 2020

9/10

Listen to The New World Blues

The always impressive Alastair Greene returns with 11 new, original tunes, and he’s aligned with the Grammy Nominated Tab Benoit, who produced the affair and even helped out with drums, vocal harmonies, and songwriting, too.

“Living Today” starts the listen with Greene’s inimitable guitar prowess and husky vocals guiding a quintessential blues rocker with no shortage of gritty melody, and ‘Lies And Fear” follows with a bit of classic rock flavor amid the crisp percussion and rhythmic riffage that even embraces funk.

In the middle, “No Longer Amused” finds a calmer place to reside amid plenty of soulful musicianship and restrained, raw interplay, while “Back At The Poor House” rumbles with a bouncy spirit that’s as adventurous as it is memorable and with some excellent soloing. “Heroes”, a late album highlight, then flows with elegance and a laid back approach that’s both introspective and stirring.

Deeper still, “Alone And Confused” recruits guitar acrobatics alongside Greene’s underrated soaring pipes and the title track exits the listen with a buzzing display of guitar crunch and swampy blues that make an indelible impression.

Primarily tracked live with very few overdubs and often on the first or second take, Greene and company sure do embrace the Louisiana heritage where this was recorded with slide guitar and plenty of funk moments that add much to diverse landscape of yet another top notch Greene album.

Travels well with: Albert Castiglia- Wild And Free; Billy Price- Dog Eat Dog

Suzzy Roche & Lucy Wainwright Roche

I Can Still Hear You

Storysound, 2020

8/10

Listen to I Can Still Hear You

Suzzy Roche and her daughter, Lucy Wainwright Roche, used their quarantine time wisely, as they recorded these 11 tracks from their New York City homes where members of the Indigo Girls contribute to the thoughtful, soul searching songs.

The title track starts the listen with soft, pretty vocals from both mother and daughter as a dreamy demeanor emits elegance and grace in a waltz setting, and “Ruins” follows with a similar approach as sublime singing flows alongside warm instrumentation where Emily Saliers and Amy Ray (both of Indigo Girls) lend their vocal harmonies.

In the middle, “Swan (Duck) Song” benefits greatly from Scott Mulhavill’s bass amid the hushed beauty, while “Factory Girl”, an Irish folk tune, brings plenty of guitar to the soaring landscape where Ray lends her impressive pipes again. “Little”, one of the album’s best, then recruits a soulful quality as dulcimer, keys and a drumbeat work together with rich textures in a song about Stuart Little.

Closer to the end, “Jane” is key focused with mellotron in the slow burning atmosphere, and “Bein’ Green”, the Sesame Street song originally sung by Kermit The Frog, exits the listen with stirring jazz qualities and a mood that lends itself to late night reflection.

An album born out of loss, (Suzzy lost her sister and mother in recent years), the album embraces both love and melancholy, as much hope still lingers in this highly introspective and hauntingly gorgeous effort.

Travels well with: The Wainwright Sisters- Songs In The Dark; Ana Egge- Is It The Kiss

Dave Riley & Bob Corritore

Travelin’ The Dirt Road

VizzTone, 2020

9/10

Listen to Travelin’ The Dirt Road

Bob Corritore is a songwriting machine, and he gives us a pair of previously unreleased tunes with a reissue of this 2007 debut album where Dave Riley’s inimitable pipes are along for the bluesy festivities.

“I’m Not Your Junkman” starts the listen with Riley’s gravely pipes and Corritore’s soulful harmonica interacting in a timeless blues fashion, and this formula continues to the gritty melody of “Travelin’ The Dirt Road”, as well as the carefully strummed guitars from Johnny Rapp on “Overalls”.

In the middle, “Let’s Have Some Fun Tonight” moves cautiously with strategic percussion from Tom Coulson, while playful bass from Paul Thomas makes “Let’s Have Some Fun Tonight” one of the album’s best. “Way Back Home”, another stand out tune, then takes nods to the south with its bouncy spirit.

Near the end, “Country Tough” certainly carries country influences amid its raw moments, and “Safe At Last” exits the listen soft yet powerful with gospel flavor injected into Corritore’s unmistakable song craft.

A debut that embraces both Chicago and Mississippi blues, it’s certainly no surprise that Corritore would go on to have the career that he is currently enjoying, and this well packaged reissue clearly illustrates that there’s never been a dull moment in his exceptional catalog.

Travels well with: John Primer & Bob Corritore- The Gypsy Woman Told Me; Johnny Burgin- Live

Caiola

Only Real When Shared

Workaround, 2020

8/10

Listen to Only Real When Shared

The debut solo album from Jordan Caiola, who might best be known as the frontman for Philadelphia’s Mo Lowda & The Humble, has the guitarist, vocalist and songwriter offering us 10 songs penned during quarantine that explore his folk songwriting ability.

The title track starts the listen with plenty of ambience as Caiola’s inimitable vocals enter the playful, dreamy formula, and “Back Then” follows with warm acoustic guitar building into a rhythmic display of breezy song craft that jangles in all the right ways.

In the middle, “Wolves” burns slows with much atmosphere as Caiola’s soaring pipes shine bright amid crunchy guitars, while “Hydroplane” recruits a laid back spirit that’s not short on subdued melody and features a slide guitar appearance. “Finders Keepers”, one of the record’s best, then moves with a fuller quality of deft percussion, intricate guitar work and a light display of timeless harmony.

Deeper still, “22nd Time” offers reflective, pretty instrumentation, and “Petrichor” exits the listen with sublime balladry, where an orchestral quality is present and easily embraced.

The title of the record comes from a Christopher McCandless quote (of into The Wild), who certainly knew about isolation, and Caiola’s time alone emits an intimacy that’s atmospheric, sometimes a little psychedelic, and really quite eloquent.

Travels well with: My Morning Jacket- It Still Moves; Buck Meek- Buck Meek

Douglas Olsen

2 Cents

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to 2 Cents

The New England trumpeter Douglas Olsen is in fine company here, where top notch local players like saxophonist Dino Govoni and trombonist Angel Subero are in attendance across these timeless jazz tunes that also embrace Latin and bop ideas.

“Tailwind” starts the listen with lively percussion as Olsen’s strong trumpet presence takes focus on the quick paced, jazz setting, and “2 Cents” follows with frisky keys from Tim Ray as Olsen’s horn and Mark Walker’s drums interact playfully alongside Govoni’s sax solo and Dave Zinno’s bass solo.

Closer to the middle, the festive “Rat-Race” dances with a swift delivery of dynamic, bop-friendly song craft, while “Miles Rumba” brings some Latin flavor to the upbeat atmosphere. “Critical Mass”, another exceptional tune, then alternates between calmer moments of soulfulness as well as busy bouts of hard pop prowess you can’t help but admire.

The album exits with “Una Para Ti” and “Passage”, where the former burns slower with pretty balladry, and the latter glides quickly, with no shortage of thriving rhythm as each player takes their turn in the spotlight on the furious jazz finish.

Although he’s most known regionally in the New England area, this first album as band leader will certainly bring much deserved attention to Olsen, whose straight forward jazz and memorable Latin influences are sharp, focused and engaging.

Travels well with: Jim Waller Big Band- Bucket List; Hazar- Reincarnated

Carla Marciano Quartet

Psychosis- Homage To Bernard Herrman

Challenger, 2020

9/10

Listen to Psychosis- Homage To Bernard Herrman

The Italian saxophonist and composer Carla Marciano is recognized as one Europe’s brightest talents, and this 5th effort brings in Alessandro La Corte on piano/keyboards, Aldo Vigorito’s bass and Gaetano Fasano behind the drum kit as Marciano pays homage to the film score master, Bernard Herrmann.

“Theme From ‘Taxi Driver’ (Betsy’s Theme)” starts the listen with some ominous atmosphere before Marciano’s sax prowess takes over as light keys complement the free jazz landscape, and “Theme From ‘Marnie’ (Prelude)” follows with firm keys from La Corte adding much to the playful, energetic delivery.

Halfway through, “Theme From ‘Twisted Nerve’ (Themes & Variations)” recruits squealing sax and acrobatic piano to the busy display before softer ebbs of bass plucking enter, while “Theme Song From ‘Psycho’ (Prelude)” isn’t as dark as you might think, where a hypnotic execution of intricate musicianship makes this one of the album’s best.

“Homage To John Williams : Theme From ‘Harry Potter’ (Hedwig’s Theme)” finishes the listen with brass, percussion, keys and bass working together sublimely and with a hectic execution of nearly chaotic meticulousness that’s as dizzying as it is fascinating.

Marciano and company pull off an impressive outing here, where deft and daring textures are never predictable and always exciting.

Travels well with: Carla Campopiano- Chicago/Buenos Aires Connections, Vol. II; Jim Waller Big Band- Bucket List

Partington & Sweeney

Commonplaces

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Commonplaces

The guitarist and banjo extraordinaire Ed Sweeney and esteemed vocalist Mary Lee Partington are in fine company here, as Sheila Falls brings her fiddle and Torrin Ryan his uilleann pipes, flute and whistle to songs that tell stories about immigrants, farmers and factory workers during 19th and 20th century America.

“The Manchester Mule Spinner” starts the album with expressive, soulful vocals from Partington as Falls’ fiddle makes a strong impression on the cultured folk song, and “Times Are Getting Hard Boys” follows with warm vocal scatting as Sweeney’s guitar work adds much beauty to the bare setting.

Although there’s just 7 songs, each one is carefully crafted, including the powerful and introspective “Deer Island”, while “New England’s Daughter” benefits greatly from Sweeney’s banjo prowess. The album exits on “So Here’s To You”, where a whistle from Ryan contributes much to the playful spirit of the record highlight.

With a good mix of originals and traditionals, the 4 players here all have a healthy list of accolades on their resumes, and this rich and vintage folk listen is certainly another impressive endeavor.

Travels well with: Jim Stanard- Color Outside The Lines; Philip Scott Poli- One Sky

Carla Campopiano

Chicago/Buenos Aires Connections Vol. II

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Chicago/Buenos Aires Connections Vol. II

The now Chicago based Carla Campopiano has a colorful history of meshing tango sounds from her native Argentina with jazz sensibilities, and on this 2nd installment of her Chicago/Buenos Aires Connections theme, the flutist brings some of her best melodic improvising to date.

“El Portenito” leads with Campopiano’s flute prowess front and center on the playful opener where Kitt Lyles contributes bass, and “Zamba Soltera” follows with guitar from Gabriel Datcu aiding in the breezy melodies of the soothing, nature-esque landscape.

Of the two songs the feature singing from Alba Guerra, “Vieja Viola” is a pretty delivery of cultured song craft that’s romantic, while “La Pomena” is an eloquent and dynamic execution of expressive singing alongside guitar and flute.

Near the end, “Payadora” moves swiftly with Zac Selissen’s guitar and Gustavo Cortinas’ drums complementing the frisky atmosphere that takes nods to classical sounds, and “Lo Que Vendra” exits the listen precise, busy and with no shortage of jazz spirit as Campopiano pays tribute to Guerra, who passed away after this recording was finished.

Campopiano has had a very diverse career that includes playing Americana and metal and just about everything in between, and here her jazz, World Music, tangos and classical mashing proves that she excels at anything and everything she creates.

Travels well with: Sukyung Kim- Lilac Hill; Julio Botti- Pure Tango

Josh Rouse

The Holiday Sounds Of Josh Rouse

Yep Roc, 2019

9/10

Listen to The Holiday Sounds Of Josh Rouse

A holiday record from a guy who has never formally dabbled in the genre before, Josh Rouse delivers an album that’s certainly festive, but not in the traditional sense, as he (thankfully) avoids all the triteness we associate with music this time of the year.

“Mediterranean X-Mas” starts the listen lively and smooth with warm melodies and funk nods as the tune yields island grooves, and “Red Suit” follows with a rich setting of folk-pop ideas.

Elsewhere, “Easy Man” offers light melodies with Rouse’s strong pipes at the helm, while “Sleigh Brother Bill” flows with playful percussion in the frisky atmosphere.

Near the end, “Letters In The Mailbox” brings the listen into lounge territory with a tint of melancholy, and “Heartbreak Holidays” takes nods to earlier decades with its retro melodies. “Christmas Songs” ends the listen one a high note with keys, rhythm and a glorious universal appeal that’s as dreamy as it is memorable.

An artist who has never sat still in one genre too long in his lengthy, esteemed career, this installment of Rouse’s work is absolutely varied, as traces of his midwestern roots and time in Spain are certainly evident.

If you only buy one holiday album, I’d make it this one.

Travels well with: Andrew Combs- Ideal Man; Rogue Wave- Nightingale Floors