Arienne Hearts Charlie

The Greatest Show

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to The Greatest Show

Partners in both marriage and music, the Louisiana native Arienne brings her well seasoned vocals to Charlie’s meticulous guitar playing and diverse pipes, as the pair pen therapeutic and healing songs that tip their hat to funk, Motown, jazz and pop.

“Voyeur” starts the listen with a highly romantic tone, as warm guitar and a dreamy mood complement the soulful singing and crisp drumming, and this formula continues to the well placed brass and pretty singing from Arienne in the cozy “All Of Me”, as well as the graceful duet “Bare”.

In the middle, the intricate guitar of “Autumn Leaves” welcomes Ciaran on flute, where strategic brass and poetic singing make this one of the album’s best, while their version of “No One Knows” puts a clever, jazz spin on the thumping rocker that has never sounded like this.

Closer to the end, “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” offers a fluid instrumental that embraces some Mariachi influences, and the final 3 tracks are different versions of previous tunes, with the naked version of “Solitude” being particularly intimate and stirring.

The duo are both mental health professionals, and they weave that aspect of their lives into their music, and the well thought out harmonies, eloquent wordplay and occasional grooves make each track present a reminder of just how powerful love is.

Travels well with: Ranzel X. Kendrick- Foreglow; Adrian John Szozda- The Life Of Someone I Once Knew

Ingrid Arauco

Resonances

Albany, 2021

8/10

Listen to Resonances

The esteemed composer and educator Ingrid Arauco brings some significant collaborators to these 4 compositions from the past decade, and the varied talent present turn in some impressive performances that embrace both the past and present with its rich tone.

“Sonata For Two Pianos” starts the listen with fascinating and agile keys that are delivered with much poise and adventurousness as both Charles Abramovic and Marcantonio Barone both provide their piano skills, and “Sonata For Piano” follows with both intimacy and a firmness, as Barone provides very diverse, strategic key strikes.

The back half of the listen offers the sublime string arrangements of “String Quartet No. 3”, where the Ying Quartet helps cultivate a stirring mood that benefits much from Robin Scott and Janet Ying’s violin, as well as Phillip Ying’s viola and David Ying’s cello. The title track then finishes the listen, and showcases Abramovic’s sublime piano playing that displays a stirring vulnerability, effectively making this the album highlight.

Certainly an ideal listen for those with an ear towards chamber music, the stunning piano work and captivating strings make every movement here worth repeated listens, and the players on hand do a superb job illuminating Arauco’s vision.

Travels well with: David Holzman- Musical Connections; Stephen Yip- Quietude

Jackson Potter

Restless

Wise Cat, 2021

8/10

Listen to Restless

A young guitarist who takes inspiration from names like Scofield and Metheny, Jackson Potter cut his teeth in the Twin Cities scene when he was in high school, and then continued his craft while at college in Miami.

Here, Potter is in the company of some of Miami’s finest, including Patrick Leavy (bass), Gibb Mandish (drums) and Leo Folsom (piano), among others, as 6 originals and 6 standards are executed with a rock and jazz fusion that’s quite exciting.

“Bird Flu” starts the listen with plenty of warm, dynamic instrumentation as David Mason’s soulful sax is met with Folsom’s agile keys amid the swingin’ fun, and “Falling Grace” continues the strong musicianship with Potter’s spirited guitar work alongside Mandish’s proficient drumming as many solos appear.

Halfway through, “Sophia’s Waltz”, an original about Potter’s girlfriend, trims the pace back with much sublime beauty packed into the thoughtful, intimate climate, while “Amalfi” glides with precise bass plucking from Leavy as a stylish delivery unfolds that’s packed with much melody.

The cleverly titled “Hindsight Is 2020” lands near the end and meshes Joey Curreri’s cautious trumpet with Mason’s sax prowess as the fuller tune emits much sophistication and playfulness, and “Restless” exits the listen with no shortage of thick guitar riffs amid Carter Key’s trombone, Folsom’s key acrobatics and dueling horns that cultivate plenty of grooves.

Potter’s already made quite a name for himself with his playing and writing, and if this strong record is any indication, he’s got a luminous career on the horizon, as his guitar driven jazz sounds wiser than his years and is delivered with a skillset that parallels the names that inspire him.

Travels well with: David Larsen- Deviate From Standards; Billy Test Trio- Coming Down Roses

Richard Carr

Over The Ridge

Neuma, 2021

8/10

Listen to Over The Ridge

The composer and violinist Richard Carr did something during the downtime of 2020 that he hadn’t done in decades- he wrote notes on paper. After many years of improvised work, Carr offers us a dozen pieces (eight written, 4 improvised) that reel in Caleb Burhans (viola), Laura Lutzke (violin), and Clarice Jensen (cello) for the experimental and chamber, orchestral and classical moments.

“Processional” starts the listen with strong attention to mood as the strings are plucked and bowed with much grace and skill in the stirring climate, and “Narrow Traverse” follows with a more dense display that mesmerizes with its pulsating quality as spontaneity enters the listen.

Deeper into the record, the meticulous string work of “Terrace Dancing” dances around plenty of frisky melodies, while “Celestial Navigation” finds itself blurring the bounds of beauty with a classical angle. “Fulton Avenue Bus”, the album standout, then blends both hazy restraint and playful manipulation with a cinematic approach.

“Over The Ridge” resides near the end and showcases incredible interaction, especially with the cello, and “Westside Docks” exits the listen again with charming improvisation as Carr’s violin prowess adds much tonality to the textured finish.

The meshing of both improvised and written music makes this a particularly exciting listen, and Carr’s creative vision hasn’t appeared to wane after four decades of being a musician. For those with an ear for the strings, Over The Ridge offers plenty of unpredictable and memorable song craft.

Travels well with: Harry Partch- The Bewitched; Juraj Kojs- Imagine

David Holzman

Musical Connections

Albany, 2021

8/10

Listen to Musical Connections

The revered pianist David Holzman takes on a daring project here, where he performs the music of James Ricci and Arnold Schoenberg, and though many of the songs were recorded years apart, the entire listen flows together quite cohesively.

The album leads with Ricci’s vision of modernism, as “Bagatelle” starts the listen with Holzman’s stunning finger acrobatics that make for a warm and diverse opener, and this talent continues to the stirring intimacy of “Nocturne”, as well as the bare but flowing progression of “Sonata”.

In the middle spot, Schoenberg’s work is highlighted across “Five Pieces For Piano, Op. 23”, where the key manipulation varies from serene and pretty to jumpy and energetic, and the technical aspects are quite stunning and easily absorbed.

Ricci exits the listen, and includes the aptly titled “Waltz” while the fluid melody of “Song Without Words” makes this the album’s best. “Boogie Woogie” exits the listen with a charming delivery of rumbling and lively piano that will get your body moving to the jazz fueled finish.

Holzman’s performance is nothing short of captivating on this album, and though some of these songs are nearly 100 years old, he illuminates their timeless nature flawlessly in his inimitable vision.

Travels well with: Stephen Yip- Quietude; Dave Walther- Distance

Music Of Stephen Yip

Quietude

Albany, 2021

8/10

Listen to Quietude

The Hong Kong born but now United States resident Stephen Yip extends on his exceptional catalog of songs with 6 well thought out compositions that welcome the [Switch~ Ensemble], the Hong Kong New Music Ensemble, pianist Shelley Ng, and flutists Pei-San Chiu and Chen-Yu Wu.

“Tranquility In Consanance III” starts the listen cautiously, where flute, bass clarinet, violin, cello, piano and percussion interact in exciting, meticulous ways that emit a nearly futuristic appeal while still being very tied to a unique chamber template, and “Jasmine Blossom” follows with lone piano guiding the intimate and flowing climate.

In the middle, the title track recruits strings and winds for a cinematic and unpredictable 10 minutes, while “White Dew” pairs flute and bass flute into a mysterious and abstract display of detailed songwriting.

Inching towards the end, “Hermit” recruits flute, b-flat clarinet, piano, 2 violins, viola, cello and double bass into a very distinct energy that’s sometimes dreamy, other times experimental, and occasionally rumbles with a unique intensity, and “November White II” exits the listen with a quivering landscape that’s nearly sci-fi amid the fascinating string manipulation.

Yip’s prior work includes orchestral, chamber, vocal, and electronic music, and here he brings many ideas from those genres into a truly unclassifiable listen that you’re not going to hear anywhere else.

Travels well with: Matthew Schreibeis- Sandburg Songs; Dave Walther- Distance

Gerry Eastman Trio

Trust Me

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Trust Me

The exceptional guitarist Gerry Eastman aligns himself with Greg Lewis on organ and drummer Taru Alexander, as they flesh out 9 originals that certainly aren’t short on stunning solos.

After the bluesy and soulful jazz of the title track opens the album, “St Marteen Swing” follows with no lack of grooves and a sharp organ solo from Lewis.

Halfway through, the trio display their swing sensibilities on the stand out track, “Learn From Your Mistakes”, while “Just A Matter Of Time” makes full use of a timeless melody as the trio work together with a fluid delivery.

As we get towards the end, “Dance One” emits an infectious energy where Eastman’s incredible guitar playing won’t go unnoticed, and “Cuban Sunset” puts a firm exclamation point on the album, where the band’s diverse version of modern jazz makes an indelible impression.

Eastman takes influence from legends like George Benson and Wes Montgomery, and together with Lewis and Alexander Trust Me showcases an organ trio that pulls from the ideas of the past, and injects them into a contemporary vision you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Dave Miller Trio- The Mask-erade Is Over; Doug Macdonald- Live In Hawaii

The Royal Hounds

A Whole Lot Of Nothin’

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to A Whole Lot Of Nothin’

A Nashville outfit comprised of Scott Hinds (bass, vocals), Matheus Canteri (guitar, backing vocals, production), and Nathan Place (drums, percussion, organ), as The Royal Hounds the trio mesh rockabilly, honky tonk and rock’n’roll with a clever sense of humor, and they’ve got some guests along for the diverse outing.

“Cheap Drunk” starts the album with plenty of infectious energy as Hinds’ rugged yet tuneful pipes tune suit the soaring guitar solos and Nathan Place’s thumping drums on the garage rocker, and “I Just Can’t Two Step” follows with some fun honky tonk flavor that benefits from frisky keys amid classic country nods.

Deeper into the listen, the initially swift “I Hope You Go To Hell” settles into a melodic country rocker that’s quite comical, while “Door #3” is a playful, instrumental track that flows with meticulous guitar playing and punchy drumming. ‘Invitation To Be Lonely”, one of the album’s best, then recruits Aaron Till’s fiddle into the dance floor ready, rural rocker.

“Corn Fritters” arrives near the end and offers a rich and highly rhythmic display of dynamic songwriting, and “Dead Guy’s Blues” exits the listen indeed with some bluesy swagger that displays gruff vocals before abruptly ending, which only further cements the band’s lighthearted approach.

The pandemic forced artists to be productive in other avenues and The Royal Hounds tackled that with live streams, a covers album and laying the ground work for this exceptional listen. It’s definitely the most country oriented they’ve been, in a charismatic Spinal Tap sort of way, and puts a very entertaining spin on the Nashville sound.

Travels well with: Lara Hope And The Ark-Tones- Here To Tell The Tale; The Shootouts- Bullseye

Riddy Arman

Riddy Arman

La Honda, 2021

9/10

Listen to Riddy Arman

Although this is the debut album from the Montana singer-songwriter Riddy Arman, it certainly doesn’t seem like it as she delivers like a seasoned vet across 9 minimal tracks that surround country life and can be rooted back to her childhood in rural Ohio.

“Spirits, Angels Or Lies” starts the listen with a song inspired by the story of her father’s passing, where Johnny Cash visited him on his deathbed, as Arman’s expressive pipes are met with calm guitar and sparse drumming, and “Half A Heart Keychain” follows with a break up tune that’s poetic and touches on country and folk ideas with much grace.

“Both Of My Hands” lands in the middle and recruits an ominous quality that’s full of dark, introspective beauty, while “Help Me Make It Through The Night” benefits from warm keys and Arman’s emotive delivery that does justice to the Kris Kristofferson original. “Old Maid’s Draw”, one of the record’s best, then pairs Arman’s eloquent singing with a gently strummed acoustic guitar.

“Too Late To Write A Love Song” arrives near the end and flows with rural melodies that nearly seem therapeutic, and “Problems Of My Own” exits the listen with spoken word mixed into the bare, vulnerable finish.

Arman takes help on strings, bass, pedal steel, drums and backing vocals, however it’s all used sparingly but effectively. The focus of the listen is certainly her inimitable pipes and agile acoustic guitar, and the melancholic, deeply personal and often intimate song craft hints at the greatness achieved by legends like Cash, Parton and Nelson. As far as debuts go, it just doesn’t get much better than this.

Travels well with: Riley Downing- Start It Over; Jamie Wyatt- Neon Cross

David Larsen

Deviate From Standards

DLP, 2021

8/10

Listen to Deviate From Standards

The saxophonist, composer and educator David Larsen already released The Mulligan Chronicles this year, and here he returns with 9 originals that were penned over the last 4 years, and he’s got Greg Yasinitsky (tenor, baritone saxophone) and Ken Pelowski (clarinet), as well as several others for the diverse jazz outing.

“A New Thing Coming’” starts the listen with a bouncy, upbeat appeal as Josh Skinner’s bass and Kate Skinner’s keys add much melody to the brass driven opener, and “Smoke Screen” follows with Danny McCollim’s key acrobatics and Nick Isherwood’s strategic bass playing complementing the swift, infectious brass.

In the middle, “Family” flows with a sublime and soothing quality that recruits all the hallmarks of jazz that will always be enjoyable, while “He Who Getz The Last Laugh” bounces and bops with a charming swing climate. “Into The Light”, one of the album’s best, then showcases Larsen’s incredible sax playing amid warm keys and frisky drumming thanks to Brendan McMurphy.

“Into The Mild” and “Tensai” exit the listen, where the former embraces plenty of rhythm and melody from the esteemed players, and the latter is a superbly textured affair that finishes on a very high note of dynamic modern jazz.

With live music not existing during much of the pandemic, Larsen channeled that desire to play live into making these songs, and it results in yet another top notch jazz listen in his rapidly expanding catalog.

Travels well with: Greg Loughman- Re: Connection; Wayne Alpern- Frankenstein

Barney Bentall & Geoffrey Kelly

Ranch Writers

True North, 2021

9/10

Listen to Ranchwriters

Barney Bentall and Geoffrey Kelly are both Gold-selling artists in their home country, and here they bring their strong backgrounds in folk, bluegrass and Celtic sounds to a dozen instrumental compositions that take help from a large handful of musicians, including Matt Kelly, Adrian Dolan and Kirby Barber, to name a few.

“Chilcotin” starts the listen with warm acoustic guitar and breezy melodies as Geoff Hicks provides light percussion amid the rich landscape, and “Marble Canyon Rag” follows with Kelly providing dreamy flute as Daniel Lapp’s soulful trumpet adds much to the carefully textured climate.

Entering the middle, “Big Turk” highlights the proficient drumming from Hicks, as Good Grdina’s oud and Annie Lindsay’s violin work together with much skill, while “Fred Neil”, one of the album’s best, builds a mesmerizing and stirring display of timeless, soothing song craft. “Sea To Sky” then brings John Raham behind the drum kit for the lush and dreamy execution.

Close to the end, “Winter Flood” welcomes Dustin Bengal on acoustic guitar and Dan Fremlin on mandolin to help flesh out the sublime, organic beauty, and “Earl’s Taxi” exits the listen with firm drumming and Trixie Berkel’s acoustic guitar and Kendel Carson’s fiddle that gives the finisher a more rural slant.

Self-described as ‘Cinematic Canadiana’, Bengal and Kelly know their way around a folk, roots, Americana, bluegrass and country influenced tune just about better than anyone, and these soulful, genuine and comforting pieces make it quite apparent just why they’re so revered with anyone willing to listen.

Travels well with: Murray McLauchlan- Hourglass; Various Artists- Party For Joey: A Sweet Relief Tribute To Joey Spampinato

Brett Deubner & Allison Brewster Franzetti

Mother Earth

Navona, 2021

9/10

Listen to Mother Earth

The revered violist Brett Deubner and the exceptional pianist Allison Brewster Franzetti join forces together here for a batch of extremely eloquent and stirring songs that were birthed from all the turmoil of 2020.

“For Zayd And Zizi” starts the listen with warm, soothing piano alongside the emotive strings, and this sophisticated formula continues to the chilling beauty of “Samarthana”, as well as the quivering string manipulation of the hypnotic “Fratres”.

“Elegy” arrives in the middle and offers a calm delivery that without words conveys much emotion, while “Stone Rose” is just as heartfelt, where the instruments blend together in a melodic and moving demeanor.

The title track lands near the end, and displays much cautious yet adventurous synergy as the pair escalate the tune into a dizzying execution, and “Spiegel Im Spiegel” exits the listen with a lullaby-esque quality amid the twinkling keys and soft strings.

Duebner’s resume includes work with the Grammy award-winning New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and Brewster Franzetti has been impressing us with her acrobatic key skills since the mid ‘90s. Together, they address these turbulent times with angst and hope via the universal language that is music, and their inimitable performance makes for an absorbing 10 tracks.

Travels well with: Carl Vollrath- Old & New Poetry; Joshua Ranz- J.S. Bach: Three Cello Suites

Various Artists

Polarities Vol. 2

Navona, 2021

8/10

Listen to Polarities Vol. 2

A classically inspired listen that showcases the visions of Margaret Brandman, Brian Latchem, Beth Mehocic, Mel Mobley, Kamala Sankaram and Larry Wallach, the composers rely on some very esteemed ensembles to flesh out the timeless musicianship.

“Spirit Visions” starts the listen with a symphonic tone poem, where the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra flows in and out of cautious melodies that showcase incredible string work, and “Tango Concerto” follows with Charlene Farrugia’s skilled piano and Franko Bozac’s precise accordion adding much to the bare beauty versus fuller bouts of cultured song craft.

“Species Of Motion” and “91919” occupy the middle of the album, where the Janáček Philharmonic orchestra provide a tense and captivating mood on the former, and the latter finds the Zagreb Festival Orchestra providing a dreamy, sparse quality that builds into cinematic swells of soaring song craft.

The final 2 tracks, “Labored Breathing” and “Suffolk Variations”, are both held down by the Janáček Philharmonic, and they shift from calm moments to firm bursts of chamber sounds, as sublime string manipulation is executed with much grace, especially with regard to the viola.

A truly exceptional project in the area of orchestral sounds, each composition here weaves around its unique textures and strong attention to detail, which makes for a very fulfilling listening experience.

Travels well with: Various Artists- Sustain Vol. 2; Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra- Prisma Vol. 5: Contemporary Works For Orchestra

The Persian Leaps

Drone Etiquette

Land Ski, 2021

9/10

Listen to Drone Etiquette

The St. Paul, Minnesota outfit The Persian Leaps has also been spearheaded by the singer and multi-instrumentalist Drew Forsberg, so it only made sense that with the struggles of making an album during Covid, he just record Drone Etiquette entirely on his own.

The EP leads with the thick guitar work of the power-pop influenced “When This Gets Out”, where a bright energy radiates via the punchy drumming and crisp melodies, and “Angel Complete” follows with a ‘90s college rock appeal that’s got a charming jangle to it.

In the middle, “Sweeps” rocks a bit more firmly, as alt-rock ideas enter the retro-punk moments, while “Over The Under” mixes both dreamy moments and thumping rock that would make Morrissey and Marr proud.

“The Company She Keeps” and “Keep Smiling” exit the listen, where the former emits a charming, ‘80s punk-lite sound that’s immediately memorable, and the latter uses acoustic guitar and some of the best singing in the emotive and meticulous finish.

The list of bands that you might say The Persian Leaps resembles is a lengthy and esteemed one, including Teenage Fanclub, The Smiths or even R.E.M., and Forsberg’s song craft makes a similar impact that’s part modern indie-rock, and part nostalgic modern rock while flirting with punk, New Wave and pop in all the best ways.

The Persian Leaps have built an impressive catalog of releases, and these 6 tunes are yet another installment of some of the best music being made today in the independent music scene.

Travels well with: Swerve- Ruin Your Day; Richard X. Heyman- Copious Notes

Roseanna Vitro

Sing A Song Of Bird

Skyline, 2021

8/10

Listen to Sing A Song Of Bird

It’s been a prolific year for Roseanna Vitro, who has already released Listen Here, and the songstress returns here alongside 3 other vocalists and several musicians as they pay tribute to Charlie Parker, and even add new lyrics to several of his compositions.

“People Chase” starts the listen upbeat and melodic with Alan Broadbent’s frisky piano alongside Dean Johnson’s bouncy bass, and, of course, Vitro’s stunning vocal acrobatics, and “The Scatter” follows with a punchy and smooth delivery of alto sax from Mark Gross as well as call and response vocals from Bob Dorough that make for a fun listen.

Deeper into the listen, “Grapple With The Apple” displays Bill Goodwin’s agile drumming alongside the fluid and diverse singing from Vitro, while “Audubon’s New Bluebird” brings Dorough back for a charming, timeless jazz delivery that benefits from Paul Myers’ strong guitar work. “Quasimodo” then welcomes Sheila Jordan on vocals, where a cautious landscape unfolds with vivid storytelling.

Approaching the end, the lush and dynamic “Yardbird Suite” moves swiftly with a soulful, swingin’ good time, and “These Foolish Things” places Vitro, Dorough and Jordan on vocals in the slow burning finish of poetic beauty, as all 3 vocalists take their turn in the spotlight.

This is Vitro’s 15th recording, and the vocalist easily proves just why she’s been worthy of a Grammy nomination. Sadly, Dorough passed away in the early stage of recording the album, but he sure did leave us with some excellent renditions of classic songs.

You don’t need to be a Charlie Parker fan to enjoy this project, so long as you enjoy bossa nova, bebop sounds, and creative jazz ideas that will sound as great decades from now as they do today.

Travels well with: Cathy Segal-Garcia- Social Anthems Vol. 1; Tanya Dennis- White Sails Blues Skies

Ray Obiedo

Latin Jazz Project: Vol. 2

Rhythums, 2021

8/10

Listen to Latin Jazz Project: Vol. 2

The guitarist and composer Ray Obiedo brings us 9 originals and 1 cover here, where themes of Latin sounds surround the jazz and R&B leanings, as a large handful of musicians lend their inimitable talents to the diverse outing.

“Still Life” starts the album with playful drumming, warm guitar lines and soothing brass that glides with much rhythm, and this formula continues to the playful “Criss Cross”, which welcomes Sheila E. on congas as David K. Matthews provides a piano solo in the mambo and fusion spirit.

Halfway through, “Santa Lucia” brings Caribbean flavor to the crisp musicianship that makes great use of steel drums, while “Belafonte” recruits a romantic feeling amid bossa nods that benefits from Lilan Kane’s dreamy pipes and Norbert Stachel’s airy flute.

Getting near the end, the always impressive Bob Mintzer displays his tenor sax skills on the funk friendly Cuban influences, and “Big World” exits the listen with Sheila E. offering a conga solo and Mike Olmos on flugelhorn in the 6/8 time finish that illustrates incredible interplay between the many musicians.

This is Obiedo’s 10th album as a leader, and he plays guitar and sometimes keyboards on every track. It’s pieced together with selections recorded pre-pandemic, during lockdown and even online, and together they flow together seamlessly, as the many noise makers in attendance make for a top notch project in the area of cultured jazz.

Travels well with: Antonio Adolfo- Jobim Forever; Franceso Amenta- Midtown Walk

Wave 21

Brace Yourself

E21, 2021

8/10

Listen to Brace Yourself

The Montreal outfit lead by Mary-Lynn Doorschuk, Wave 21 play the sort of riff friendly rock’n’roll that’s not tied to a specific time or genre, but is packed with melodies and harmonies, as John-Henri Macomber (vocals, keys), Stefan Doroschuk (bass, guitar, banjo, bvs, keys), Pete Schofield (drums), Alex Crowe (electric guitar), and Emmy-Lou Doroschuk, as well as some guests, flesh out 10 timeless songs.

“My Latest Song For You” starts the listen with glorious acoustic strumming as a summery folk tune unfolds with some grit and plenty of melody, and “All Over & Over” follows with help from Sam Roberts on backing vocals, where Scofield’s agile drumming helps cultivate a warm, retro-rock’n’roll spirit.

At the halfway point, ‘Way Far Back” recruits Steve Hill on pedal steel as glowing vocal harmonies enter the rootsy climate, while “Long May Love You” soars high with Doroschuk’s diverse pipes and Crowe’s electric guitar being especially noteworthy. “Why Does It Happen”, another graceful and nostalgic track, then welcomes plenty of backing vocals into the pretty atmosphere.

The classic tune, “Dreams”, lands near the end, where the band turn in a playful, upbeat version of the Fleetwood Mac song, and “Over The Moon” exits the listen with some well timed electronica entering the poetic and genuine finish.

The Doroschuk’s have a strong musical lineage, as Stefan was in Men Without Hats, and the name Wave 21 actually comes from the high school band that Ivan, Stefan and Colin Doroschuk played in, which would ultimately become Men Without Hats. The Doroschuk sisters are certainly keeping that familial theme of strong musicianship alive, and Brace Yourself is an accomplished and inviting sophomore album.

Travels well with: Twin Flames- Omen; Satellites- Love And Disaster

Paul Salerni

People, Places, & Pets

Bridge, 2021

9/10

Listen to People, Places, & Pets

The Bowers Fader Duo interpret the timeless work of Paul Salerni here, where Jessica Bowers brings her mezzo-soprano pipes and Oren Fader graces us with his proficient guitar playing across the diverse and charming tunes that Salerni penned in four song cycles over two months.

“Golden Retrievals” starts the listen with Fader’s intricate guitar playing alongside Bowers’ expressive singing, as Miranda Cuckson’s well timed violin adds much to the bare and busy opener, and it’s not long before “Mission” pairs warm piano with the poetic vocals amid a powerful climate.

Further down the line, “Rocker” emits much beauty alongside the gentle keys and vivid storytelling, while “Repentance” displays Fader’s incredible guitar playing that complements the versatile singing and light strings. “A Young Woman”, the album standout, then makes a significant impression in two minutes, where Bowers’ elegant and impressive range has us hanging on every note.

Getting near the end, “Harvesters Resting” showcases a hypnotic quality from the guitar, as both melody and tension are present, and “Alley Cat Love Song” exits the listen with a very adventurous rock’n’roll spirit that even welcomes animal references in the quirky and infectious finish.

The duo have been around for over a decade now, and have commissioned 20 works since then. This is their sophomore album, and with Fader’s fascinating picking technique and Bowers’ strong attention to tonality, they’re making a lasting impression with anyone willing to devote some time to their craft.

Travels well with: Robert Kyr- In Praise Of Music; Van Stiefel- Spirits

Voces8

Infinity

Decca, 2021

8/10

Listen to Infinity

The revered vocal group Voces8 return with a nearly even mix of cover and originals, where concepts like space are executed with a soothing, meditative quality that relies on just a few instruments to accent the 8 incredible voices.

“By Night” gets the listen off to a very warm and dreamy start, where the wordless singing is met with gorgeous strings and an emotional angle that also displays intricate harp playing, and “Slow Meadow” follows with many voices harmonizing amid a technique that involves a bow and a vibraphone, which elicits incredible beauty.

In the middle, the soaring vocals of “Find Our Way” glides with a timeless radiance, while “Momentary” offers a choral version of the Olafur Arnalds tune that recruits agile strings to complement the meticulous singing. The title track is among the best, and displays sublime singing that’s a bit mysterious, entirely poetic, and full of rich song craft that will never wane in its impact.

Arriving near the end, “My Mind Is Still” showcases incredible range amid an uplifting landscape thanks to the award winning composer Nainita Desai, and the pianist and composer Luke Howard’s “There Is A Solitude” exits the listen with a memorable a cappella climate that few could perform quite like this.

One of Britain’s most esteemed vocal ensembles, Voces8 shine bright whether in an orchestral, chamber or classical setting, or even without instruments at all, and Infinity again proves just how versatile these artists are, and how vast their talent runs.

Travels well with: Verona Quartet- Diffusion; Apollo Chamber Players- With Malice Toward None

Brody Buster's One Man Band

Damn! I Spilled The Blues

VizzTone/Booga, 2019

9/10

Listen to Damn! I Spilled The Blues

Though he might not be a big star yet in the world of blues rock, Kansas City’s Brody Buster isn’t wasting anytime making a name for himself on this superbly executed display of multifaceted talent where he handles all instrumentation by himself.

“Old Dog Blues” gets the album off to a spirited start of harmonica, bluesy guitars, and a harp solo as Buster’s gritty vocals guide us, and “Bad News” follows with traces of Motown in the soulful and authentic delivery.

Further along, ‘The Reason” offers us a raw execution of forthright blues, while “Alligator Blues” recruits strong percussion on the anthemic setting and full display of head boppin’, toe tappin’ fun.

Near the end, “The Hustle” thumps and shakes with plenty of unforgettable rhythm, and “Week Long” glides with a swift pace of harmonica acrobatics and rugged melodies. “This Time I Got The Blues” finishes the album with a heartfelt release that puts the exclamation point on this genuine listen.

The list of people who can play drums, guitar and harmonica is a pretty short one, and even fewer can play all 3 at the same time, but Buster does it here seemingly with ease, as he produces rock’n’roll that pulls from country, blues and even slight jazz nods on this stunning record.

Travels well with: Scott H. Biram- The Bad Testament; Ben Levin- Before Me