Various Artists

Jubaleumsplate- En hyllest til Knutsen & Ludvigsen

Apollon, 2021

8/10

Listen to Jubaleumsplate- En hyllest til Knutsen & Ludvigsen

A tribute album for Knutsen & Ludvigsen, a Norwegian singing duo who were most active in the ‘70s and ‘80s, the Apollon label enlists some of the best from their roster for this diverse set of new recordings.

Racer starts the listen with the thick and gritty, spacey rock of “Sjørøverkaptein Knutsen”, and “Dyrevise”, by the always impressive Arabs In Space, follows with a cautious approach of a buzzing version of prog-rock that features Øystein Dolmen.

Deeper into the listen, Frank Hammersland offers us the soothing “Liten aftensang”, which moves gently and with much beauty, while “Trikken Hjem”, by Bare Egil Band, finds itself in a distinct version of folk music that benefits from intimate strumming. Endre Olson’s “Hei ny dag” is the album’s best, where playful banjo plucking is met with a cozy Americana spirit.

Vulture Industries arrives near the end and they bring a dense and tense display of thumping prog-rock with them, and Kryptograf’s “Dum og deilig” exits the listen with a driving and melodic rocker that’s a bit retro and full of infectious energy.

Knutsen & Ludvigsen inspired legions of other bands, including many that are featured here, and though they were most known for children’s music, the tracks here will be enjoyed by anyone regardless of their age,

Travels well with: Kryptograf- Kryptograf; Tusmørke- Nordisk Krim

Molly Fillmore

Bold Beauty

Blue Griffin, 2021

8/10

Listen to Bold Beauty

The professor Molly Fillmore brings her inimitable soprano to Elvia Puccinelli’s strong piano on these songs by Juliana Hall, and they stem from letters, poems and texts by Edna St. Vincent Millay, Emily Dickinson and Carl Sandburg, among others.

“Letters From Edna” starts the listen with jumpy keys as Fillmore’s bright and expressive singing takes us through 8 animated movements that glide with adventurousness and warmth, and “Syllables Of Velvet, Sentences Of Plush” follows with a calmer approach of sublime beauty as Fillmore’s stunning range is explored alongside the very agile keys.

The back half of the listen offers the emotive and poetic “Theme In Yellow”, where gentle moments are met with fascinating vocal acrobatics from Fillmore that are as consistent as they are stirring.

The final track, “Cameos”, has 6 of Fillmore’s poems set to music, and they express the work of 20th century American women painters, including Sarah Albritton, Kay WalkingStick, Nellie Mae Rowe, Alice Dalton Brown, Agnes Pelton, and Corita Kent. Undoubtedly the best selection present, these 6 pieces highlight the iconoclastic nature of the artists, as Fillmore indeed brings Boldness and Beauty to the affair.

Fillmore, Puccinelli and Hall all have accomplished resumes and a lengthy history in music, and together they make every moment of Bold Beauty worth repeated listens as they explore the power of the soprano.

Travels well with: Andrea Botticelli- Stimme aus der Ferne- A Voice From the Distance; Inna Faliks- Reimagine: Beethoven & Ravel

Flying Norwegians

New Day

Apollon, 2021

9/10

Listen to New Day

Here’s where it all started for Norway’s Flying Norwegians, their debut album from 1974 that planted them firmly on the map of country rock that paralleled The Eagles or the Flying Burrito Brothers. Now available for the first time digitally, there’s also CD and LP versions, and they’re remastered from the original tapes.

“Young Man” gave us our first taste of Flying Norwegians, and it’s a thumping and groovy rocker that’s full of vocal harmonies, punchy drumming and a timeless ‘70s spirit, and “Time’s Drawing Circles” follows with a calmer demeanor of poetic singing and meticulous guitar work that resonates much warmth.

Further down the line, the title track embraces a pretty Americana template that’s delivered with a heartfelt approach, while “Behind The Worlds” uses piano strategically in the melodic soft rock landscape. “Spanish Tragedy” then leads with an accordion as a rootsy flavor develops with an energy you could and should dance to.

Deeper still, the meticulous “Human Need” sounds right at home in the ‘70s with its precise organ and bouncy bass lines, and “It Ain’t Just Another Blow” exits the listen with a quick execution of frisky country rock and soaring vocal harmonies.

It’s pretty apparent from listening to this debut that Flying Norwegians would become legends in the area of country rock not only in their home country but worldwide. New Day remains an influential record to this day, and it’s certainly worth revisiting via this improved version, and a must if you need to acquaint yourself with this seminal outfit.

Travels well with: Flying Norwegians- Wounded Bird; Aadal- Silver

Mauricio J. Rodriguez

Luz

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Luz

The bassist, arranger and composer Mauricio J. Rodriguez puts a very creative spin on Latin jazz here, where Gabriel Hernández Cadenas (keyboards), Zachary Bornheimer (saxophone) and Adrianna Foster (vocals), among many others, accompany him.

“Casualty” starts the listen with graceful keys that emit much beauty as soulful sax enters the cautious jazz climate, and “Monday” follows with flowing brass and crisp drumming as the bright textures weave in and out of the agile delivery.

“Claudio” lands in the middle and enters cinematic territory that benefits from elegant and meticulous guitar playing alongside incredible bass playing and firm keys, while the title track resonates a dreamy quality and poetic singing in the album standout. “Wednesday” then displays sublime skill amid the proficient piano, playful bass plucking and moving brass.

Residing near the end, the cultured version of “My Funny Valentine” puts a worldly twist on the classic with some gorgeous singing, and “Vocalize” exits the listen with wordless singing accenting the swift pace of frisky drumming, bouncy keys and charming bass work

Rodriguez has lived in Cuba, Venezuela and the United States, and he brings influences from all those locations into this memorable and diverse listen where his experiences in the Fervet Opus Jazz Quartet, the Aragua Symphony Orchestra and the Guisando Caliente Latin Jazz, Fusion Beat make for a remarkable listen.

Travels well with: Andre Ferreri Quintetto- Numero Uno; Gabor Lesko- Earthway

Flying Norwegians

Wounded Bird

Apollon, 2021

9/10

Listen to Wounded Bird

Originally released way back in 1976, this sophomore album from Flying Norwegians cemented them as leaders in the area of country rock, and easily able to compete with the greatness achieved by similar American bands.

The 10 tunes here illustrate a more mature version of Flying Norwegians, and the lyrics, largely penned by Per Helge Hansen, netted the band even more attention, though worldwide fame would still elude them. It certainly didn’t help that the record was never released in the United States, either.

“Crazy Eyes” starts the listen with a warm and melodic version of country rock that welcomes soothing vocal harmonies amid the retro climate, and “Turn The Page” follows with soulful harmonica and crisp drumming leading into the glowing, pedal steel friendly delivery.

At the midpoint, the acoustic strummer “Evening Prayer” builds into a lush display of nostalgic Americana, while the title track makes good use of jangly electric guitar as no shortage of rhythm enters the album highlight. “Tangles”, another excellent track, then weaves in and out of pretty textures with a moodiness that illustrates incredible skill.

Close to the end, the emotive “Old Lady” parallels the greatness of Neil Young amid its cautious landscape, and “Absolutely Sweet Marie” exits on an upbeat, rock’n’roll inspired finish that thumps and bounces with a sweet, dance floor ready appeal.

Tragically, this was one of the best records of 1976 and it never saw the widespread praise it deserved. Now back in print CD and vinyl and remastered from the original tapes by Morten Lund, it’s of little debate that Flying Norwegians were the best country rock band Norway ever produced, and we should all be thankful that this reissue exists.

Travels well with: Aadal- Silver; Matterhorn- Outside

Electric Religious

Tragic Lover

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Tragic Lover

A project spearheaded by the Edmonton artist Brandon Baker, as Electric Religious the guitarist and singer-songwriter brings along Reid Thiel, Luke Breiteneder, Brad Simons, Olivia Street and Aubrey Young to this very multi-faceted version of rock.

“Catherine” starts the listen with a very warm and melodic display of modern rock, where soothing backing vocals from Street, Simons and Young complement the crisp drumming from Breiteneder and Baker’s smooth pipes, and “One More Night” follows with a soulful approach that welcomes some spacey moments as psychedelic ideas enter the rhythmic landscape that points towards the ‘70s.

Halfway through, the agile keys, spirited guitar and dreamy nods of “Hard Skin” make this one of the album’s best, while “Paralyzed” touches on alt-rock ideas, where swirling guitar and bouts of tense moments align with much power and precision.

“Halfbreed” and “Fading On The Vine” exit the listen, as the former employs some classic rock riffs in the dense setting, and the latter recruits a ballad friendly climate of intimate and eloquent song craft

The name Electric Religious actually stems from something Jimi Hendrix said, and while that influence is certainly front and center, you’ll also hear grunge, jam, classic and alt-rock moments that help make each track present wonderfully diverse and unforgettably timeless.

Travels well with: Mars Hall- Is Anybody Out There?; The Guilty Lenses- Somewhat Romance, Somewhat Poetry?

Spells/Custody

Split 7”

Snappy Little Numbers, 2021

9/10

Listen to Split 7”

Colorado meets Finland on this split record, where the 5 piece Denver rockers SPELLS and the tuneful Helsinki punks Custody each bring us 1 tune of their gritty and memorable version of rock.

The Custody side leads with thumping drums from Joose, before swirling guitars from Ilkka and Pasi lay the foundation for the charged and anthemic rocker that wouldn’t be out of place on a mixtape with Samiam, The Get Up Kids or even Planes Mistaken For Stars. Frontman Sami does a great job here, where his smooth pipes are also a bit rugged while still tying into the melodic sing-alongs quite fluidly.

Spells make great use of their side with an infectious, hand clapping romper that benefits from Stevie Shithead’s gruff vocals as well as Ella Sugar’s soulful pipes. The rhythm section of Duke ‘Box’ Standard (bass) and Peter ‘P’ Bohner (drums) anchor the bristling yet rhythmic version of vacation rock, that’s as unique as it is exciting.

Limited to just 500 physical copies (there’s just 16 left as I type this), but also available digitally as a ‘name your price’ option, if you're unfamiliar with either of these bands this is a great place to start. For the current fans, well, devouring this is an absolute must.

Travels well with: Spells & Hooper- ‘Rock N Roll Swap Meet: Day 1’; State Drugs- Live. Laugh. Love

Adrianne Duncan

Gemini

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Gemini

The jazz vocalist, pianist and composer Adrianne Duncan brings in an all-star cast of Los Angeles musicians to these 5 lengthy tracks, where Nick Mancini (vibraphone), Dan Lutz (bass), Jimmy Branly (drums), Katisse Buckingham (flute, saxophone) and John Tegmeyer (clarinet) illuminate her classically inspired jazz song craft.

Duncan starts the listen with 9 minutes of “He’s Not Quite You”, where her eloquent and stirring vocals are met with gentle piano, soft drums and very strategic bass plucking in the warm, romantic setting, and “Elijah” continues with a very poetic appeal that embraces dreamy flute and well timed clarinet further into its 10 minutes.

The title track lands in the middle and gets off to a playful start with acrobatic keys, subtle but effective vibraphone, crisp drumming and meticulous flute playing, while “Home At Last” enters cautious territory where Duncan’s flawless singing builds into a busier, dynamic execution of timeless jazz.

“Roxanne” exits the listen, and offers a very creative take on a classic that starts with charming vibraphone before segueing into a more firm performance as Duncan’s range is explored, animated and admired.

A musician since the age of 6, Duncan has appeared on numerous recordings, soundtracks, and has even done quite a bit of acting, too. With this exceptional solo effort, her many talents are showcased with much grace, adventurousness and skill, making this a must for fans of fusion and modern jazz.

Travels well with: Susan Krebs With Mixed Remotions- Daybreak; Roseanna Vitro- Sing A Song Of Bird

Alexis Parsons

Alexis

New Artists, 2021

8/10

Listen to Alexis

The jazz vocalist Alexis Parsons returns with her 3rd album as leader, and she again interprets jazz standards in her inimitable and timeless delivery.

Cole Porter’s “Easy To Love” starts the listen with much intimacy as David Berkman’s precise piano work complements the opener, and “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was” follows and benefits much from a fascinating bass solo from Drew Gress, where Parsons vocals are nothing short of sublime.

Entering the middle of the listen, “Organ Grinder” displays some improvisation that showcases Arturo O’Farrill’s sharp piano work, while “Summertime” leads with the sounds of percussion and keys that provide much ambience as Parsons’ emotive and poetic pipes guide the emotive landscape of the Gershwin original.

Deeper still, “Gentle Rain” lands in balladry, as Jonathan Gilley’s bass and Willard Dyson’s drums complement the cautious and well thought out interpretation, and “In The Still Of The Night” finishes the listen with a 2nd Cole Porter tune, where Matt Wilson’s proficient drumming anchors the gorgeous exit.

A record that both swings playfully and can get vulnerable in its stirring beauty, Parsons again reinvents classic songs in a way that only she can, and it makes for a listen that draws us in immediately.

Travels well with: Lady Millea- I Don’t Mind Missing You; Lorraina Marro- Love Is For All Time

Andreas Hinterseher

Stay Away And Play!

GLM, 2021

8/10

Listen to Stay Away And Play!

Andreas Hinterseher is a member of Quadro Nuevo, who have enjoyed an exceptional career since the mid ‘90s, which includes having released over a dozen albums and having played 1000+ concerts. However, that touring ended in 2020 when the world stopped.

Not one to be stifled creatively, Hinterseher went right to work on this solo album, where he puts his multi-instrumental skills to good use, and welcomes help from Mateo Stoneman, Enrique Lazaga, Tanja Conrad and Chrisa Lazariotou, among others.

“Noi Due e ll Gallo Caruso” starts the listen with a very soulful delivery where the warm accordion flows alongside the fluid brass, and “Bajo Las Palmas” follows with expressive vocals amid the gentle drumming and strategic bass in the very intimate landscape.

“El Ultimo Tango en Cuarentena” arrives near to the middle and displays acrobatic keys alongside tense strings as a distinct cinematic quality unfolds, while “La Nostalgia per il Mare” finds itself in a very pretty setting as mature piano, brushed percussion and soothing accordion complement the agile trumpet. “Suenos De Buenos Aires” might be the best track present, and it glides with a cautiousness that brings a timeless classical spirit to the occasion.

Inching towards the end, “Oblivion” offers a stirring and poetic 4 minutes that benefits from elegant singing and lush, stirring song craft, and “I’ll Be Loving You Again” exits the listen with a raw, folk friendly finish that is universally embraceable.

Hinterseher delivers an aptly titled effort here, where his vast talent and experience comes together via playful, exciting bouts as well as vulnerable moments of extremely accomplishing songwriting .

Travels well with: Quadro Nuevo- Mare; Kilian Kemmer Trio- Und Zarathustra Tanzte

Various Artists

SLN- 210: 10 Year Anniversary Compilation

Snappy Little Numbers, 2021

10/10

Listen to SLN- 210: 10 Year Anniversary Compilation

Surviving for a decade as an independent label is no easy feat, and Colorado’s Snappy Little Numbers are celebrating the occasion with this massive double disc collection of tracks from the label’s past, present and future roster.

Lawsuit Models starts the listen with the driving guitar rock of the highly melodic and punk fueled “Comatose”, and Giggly Boys follow with the punchy and post-punk inspired “…And Other Claims To Fame”.

Further down the line, Heaty Beat brings playful keys into the energetic hip-hop of “In My Head”, while Sunshine Satellite plows through the gritty, punk rock of “Crowded”. Some of the best tracks land in the middle, including the thick buzzing of Broken Record’s “Weightless”, as well as swift garage rock of Jiffy Marx’s “If He’s So Great”.

Approaching the end, Night Court gets a bit jangly with their swirling “Fuck Art School”, and deeper yet The Drolls offer us the powerful and rugged “Sad Little King”. The always impressive Empty Palace exit the listen, where their psyche-friendly approach embraces classic rock licks and some futuristic ideas, too.

Let’s face it, compilation albums are rarely good all the way through, but usually worth the investment to discover a couple new bands you’ll become infatuated with. Here, we’re treated to 30 songs that span garage, punk, hardcore, indie and hip-hop, and they’re all excellent, and will likely have you scrambling to scoop of plenty of records by the bands present.

Also, 30% of each compilation sold- digitally and physically- will be donated to Stop AAPI Hate and Elimin8Hate, and you’ve got to respect that.

Travels well with: The Animal Steel- A Surefire Way To Get Sober; Friends Of Cesar Romero- War Party Favors

Recap

Count To Five

Innova, 2021

8/10

Listen to Count To Five

New Jersey’s Recap consists of Arlene Acevedo, Alexis Carter, Tiahna Sterling and Aline Vazquez, and here they bring compositions from 6 different composers that mesh modern classical music with a strong percussive angle.

The title track starts the listen with unique percussive manipulation that segues into background talking and ambience which flows with both mystery and allure, and “Hammers” follows with Tiahna Sterling’s dreamy flute amid the versatile drumming.

Halfway through “Fear/Release’, by Ellen Reid, recruits a very playful display of percussion that twinkles with bells, while “Hedera” places Lesley Flanigan on vocals in the 20 minutes of dreamy, spiritual song craft that unfolds with a meditative quality.

“Children Of Conflict : ‘Samar’s Song;” lands near the end and showcases Andie Tanning’s stunning violin prowess in the quivering tension, and “Will There Be Any Stars In My Crown” exits the listen with Caroline Shaw’s expressive pipes alongside the cautious strings that emit a very meticulous nature.

Recap also enlist Evelyn Wadkins (cello, vocals), Sara Budde (clarient/vocals), David Friend (piano, vocals) and Joe Bergen (percussion, vocals), and together they make for an exceptional debut with their inimitable spin on classical sounds that we could never tire of.

Travels well with: David Maslanka- The Red Door ; Dave Walther- Distance

Brent Fischer Orchestra

Pictures At An Exhibition

Clavo, 2021

9/10

Listen to Pictures At An Exhibition

The esteemed composer/arranger/composer Brent Fischer brings his inimitable orchestra to jazz, pop and symphonic sounds here that flow with dexterity, timelessness and much variety.

“Promenade” starts the listen with warm strings, spirited guitar work and flowing brass working together with much melody and grace, and this dynamic interaction continues to the low rumbling and cautious winds as Scott Whitfield contributes a soulful trombone solo, as well as the tumbling drums of “Castle”, where a small army of horns are present on the flowing beauty.

In the middle, the bouncy “Garden” recruits plenty of grooves amid the jumpy keys, while “Landscape” displays soaring clarinet alongside Brian Clancy’s tenor saxophone prowess. “Chicks” then bops with a frisky energy that showcases 4 clarinets, soprano sax and contrabassoon.

“Bazaar” lands close to the end, and meshes piccolo, alto flute, contrabass clarinet and trumpet into a lively and infectious landscape, and “Castle On Another World” exits the listen with Alex Budman’s meticulous flute and Mike Stever’s trumpet, which won’t go unnoticed, nor will Kirsten Edkins’ alto saxophone solo.

This is actually an interpretation of Modest Mussorgsky’s work, and the 22 piece big band ensemble put their rich, unpredictable and diverse spin on the classic with incredible attention to detail, effectively putting new life into the nearly 150 year old compositions.

Travels well with: Lucasz Pawlik- Long-Distance Connections; Porterfield- Rome

Terry Kitchen

First Album (Remastered)

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to First Album (Remastered)

The folk singer-songwriter Terry Kitchen has been at it for a long time now. So long, in fact, that he reissued this first album from 1991 with some additional songs, and it’s remastered, too.

“Property” starts the listen with a timeless folk presence as Brice Buchanan provides harmony vocals alongside Chris Peeler’s agile drumming, and “The Favor” continues this formula with Kitchen’s intricate guitar playing that benefits from Matt Darriau’s soprano sax amid some jazz nods.

Elsewhere, the very pretty “This Diamond Ring” recruits Leslie Sterling’s harmony vocals to the Gary & The Playboys original that Kitchen puts a very playful twist on, while “Tender Lee” indeed brings much warmth and emotion, not to mention Jack Paradis’ soulful harmonica. “That’s The Way”, one of the album’s best, then showcases Geoff Poister’s moody violin as well as firm drumming and rich guitar licks.

The original album ends with the bare and powerful “Take Me Blues”, which seems like it could soundtrack a long drive through the desert, and of the bonus tracks, “Fix My Bike” is particularly exceptional, and puts Kitchen on slide guitar and harmonica in the frisky and creative landscape.

Even though these songs are 30 years old, they sound just as relevant today, as Kitchen’s leap into solo music after the dissolution of Boston’s Loose Ties clearly set him on a path to further greatness. Still very active all these decades later, revisiting this early album reminds us of just how long Kitchen has been penning timeless folk music, and how consistently fantastic it’s all been.

Travels well with: Jackson Browne- Downhill From Everywhere; Jesse Brewster- The Lonely Pines

Opium Moon

Night + Day

Starry Void, 2021

9/10

Listen to Night + Day

The quartet Opium Moon made quite an impression in 2019 with their debut album, which actually netted them a Grammy Award, and this follow up is certainly just as accomplished, as the Los Angeles artists create diverse, substantial and absorbing song craft.

“Opium Moon: Night” starts the listen with a low buzzing before meticulous santoor and precise drumming enter the complicated strings as a very cinematic landscape flows, and “Wisdom” follows with sublime violin guiding the very cautious, worldly climate.

Further into the listen, “When Their Wings” spend 9 minutes mesmerizing us with its playful string manipulation, reserved drumming and dreamy delivery, while “Messengers” flows with a calm, gorgeous display of orchestral, chamber and even New Age nods. “Opium Moon: Day” then places spoken word and soothing harmonies into a more forceful execution of firm drumming and dynamic violin playing.

Arriving near the end, “Feast Of Sevens” benefits from charming bass work amid the rhythmic and retro energy, and “100 Ways To Kiss The Ground” exits the listen weaving in and out of adventurous textures and fascinating interaction between the 4 as they all showcase their respective talents with awe.

An album that’s split into Night and Day portions, Opium Moon, i.e. Lili Haydn (violin, vocals), Itai Disraeli (bass), Hamid Saeidi (santoor), and M.B. Gordy (percussion) know their way around a rich and cultured endeavor, and it makes for a world music experience that you’re absolutely not going to forget.

Travels well with: Lowland Hum- At Home; Lanterna- Hidden Drives

Davy Knowles

What Happens Next

Provogue, 2021

9/10

Listen to What Happens Next

The esteemed guitarist and singer Davy Knowles is back with his 3rd solo album, and he brings soul, folk, R&B and rock influences into his inimitable rootsy-blues formula.

“Light Of The Moon” starts the album with a firm riff and thumping drums as gritty and melodic blues unfolds with much allure, and “Heartbreak Or Nothing” follows with Knowles’ soaring pipes guiding the rhythmic and soulful rock’n’roll that even gets a little psychedelic.

There’s a dozen tracks here, and each one is top notch, including the warm piano and subdued approach of the slide guitar friendly “Devil And The Deep Blue Sea”, while “One & The Same” bounces with a rugged spirit that alternates between louder swells and calmer moments of gritty song craft. “Side Show”, one of the album’s best, then recruits no shortage of melody amid the moody organ and buzzing guitar.

Deeper still, “Hell To Pay” displays a retro soul delivery as Knowles’ strong voice is showcased alongside the meticulous guitar work, and “If I Ever Meet My Maker” exits the listen with a sublime folk song that flows with a poetic beauty.

Knowles cut his teeth in the band Back Door Slam when he was just 20 years old, and as soon as that outfit dissolved he started on his esteemed solo career. Inspired by legends like Dire Straits and Peter Green, at just 34 years old he’s building a body of work that’s just as impressive as his idols, as evidenced by this exceptional listen.

Travels well with: Alastair Greene- The New World Blues; Reese Wynans And Friends- Sweet Release

Tommy Womack

I Thought I Was Fine

Schoolkids, 2021

10/10

Listen to I Thought I Was Fine

The veteran musician and author Tommy Womack (Government Cheese, Bis-quits, etc.) returns with an 8th solo album, where he visits his rock’n’roll roots, and he brings Jonathan Bright and Lisa Oliver Gray along for the raw, punk rock spirit that often lines these 13 lively tracks.

“Pay It Forward” gets the album off to a swift, melodic start, where Bright’s agile drumming and Gray’s soothing backing vocals complement the gritty rock’n’roll, and “I Thought I Was Fine” follows with Womack’s intricate guitar work alongside playful ukulele fueling the retro rocker.

Womack and company deliver one fantastic song after another, and in the middle “I Got No Place To Go” chugs along with some garage rock spirit that you can’t help but adore, while “Call Me Gary” recruits spoken word into the charming storytelling. “I Do” then bursts into a power-pop friendly 3 minutes that’s genuine and full of humble energy.

“Job Hunting While Depressed” arrives near the end, and embraces some very Nashville-esque ideas that sound like they might be fleshed out around a campfire, and “I Wish I’d Known You Better” exits the listen with a soft folk song that illustrates Womack at his most reflective.

A late entry for album of the year, Womack channels all the facets of Paul Westerberg, Jesse Malin, Jeff Tweedy and even Hamell On Trial that we love, and his vast experience makes for one really memorable and relatable listen. It’s been a tough few years for Womack, who nearly died in a car accident and also survived cancer 3 times, and now approaching 60 years old, he’s making some of the best music of his life.

Travels well with: Jim Lauderdale- Hope; I See Hawks In L.A.- On Our Way

Grace Morrison

Daughter

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Daughter

The New England songstress Grace Morrison has a lengthy history in the music industry, but it’s usually been just to the side of the spotlight. A backing singer for legends like Eddie Money and Joey Molland, here Morrison is front and center, and she’s got a handful of original tunes that embrace country rock and pop in very articulate and timeless ways.

The title track starts the listen with Morrison’s smooth and expressive pipes being complemented with some minor twang in a pop friendly sort of way, and this easily enjoyable formula continues to the warm and emotive “Lone Star”, as well as “Alice”, where Teddy Matthews contributes his soulful pipes to the mature climate.

In the middle, “Small Town Lament” flows with a breezy quality that’s full of cautious, rootsy melodies, while “Sloppy” makes sublime use of pedal steel thanks to Lloyd Maines amid Morrison’s diverse pipes and a memorableness that could make her a household name. “Just Loving You” then brings Matthews back for a pretty, dreamy album highlight that’s also pedal steel friendly.

“The Edge Of I Am” and “Mothers” exits the listen, where the former offers a bare, acoustic strummer and the latter finishes with a soothing duet of graceful charm and very well thought out songwriting.

Along with the aforementioned musicians, Jon Evans contributes bass and Matthias Bossi plays drums. Morrison holds down the bulk of the instruments, and her eloquent and insightful self-examination and strong attention to detail makes Daughter an absolute must for those with an ear for country-pop sounds.

Travels well with: Anya Hinkle- Eden And Her Borderlands; Ana Egge- Between Us

Pokey LaFarge

In The Blossom Of Their Shade

New West, 2021

9/10

Listen to In The Blossom Of Their Shade

Prior to the pandemic, Pokey LaFarge was in a pretty ominous place, as evidenced by his forthright album, Rock Bottom Rhapsody. However, 2020 actually provided LaFarge a period to settle down, reflect, and really take stock of his art and its direction, which brings us to this very mature 10th record.

“Get It ‘Fore It’s Gone” starts the listen with LaFarge’s trademark old time feel, where Lady Blackbird’s harmony vocals and Scott Ligon’s well timed organ make for a memorable opener, and “Mi Ideal” follows with LaFarge’s acoustic strumming complementing his soft vocals in the breezy climate.

Entering the middle, “Drink Of You” flows with much emotion as Alex Hall’s drums and vibraphone and Doug Corcoran’s lap steel add much to the pretty landscape, while “Rotterdam” bops with a playful energy that benefits from Joel Paterson’s electric guitar and Beau Sample’s upright bass prowess. “Long For The Heaven I Seek”, an album standout, then enters balladry, where a gospel spirit guides the reflective delivery that’s quite stirring.

Approaching the end, “Yo-Yo” offers another gentle tune, where Ligon handles nylon string guitar and piano in the dreamy setting as LaFarge hits some pretty high notes, and “Goodnight, Goodbye (Hope Not Forever)” exits the listen with a very graceful and poetic finish that truly shows LaFarge’s profound self-examination.

A much brighter body of work this time around, LaFarge really expands on his lyrical abilities here, and the melodies, grooves and sophistication illustrates another avenue of songwriting that has LaFarge creating a career high record.

Travels well with: The Felice Brothers- From Dreams To Dust; Amy LaVere- Painting Blue

Cass Clayton Band

Play Nice

Self-Released, 2019

9/10

Listen to Play Nice

A Denver songstress with a healthy set of pipes who can play a mean slide guitar, Cass Clayton returns with a 2nd album where her rock template is full of influences that are delivered with grace, grit and a new level of forthrightness as Clayton purposely trimmed back her filter.

“Dawes County” gets the listen off to a soulful start with gentle instrumentation and strong vocals from Clayton, and “Little Things” follows with spirited nods to funk and R&B in the playful setting.

In the middle, “No Use In Crying” offers an anthemic take on her varied brand of Americana as keys and horns leave an impression, while “Tattered And Torn” brings us warm and genuine balladry with some rawness amid the beauty.

Near the end, “Flowers At My Feet” gets all sorts of funky with infectious guitar work, and “Slow Kiss” surprises us with a minute of vocal-less ambience. “Strange Conversations”, the lone cover, ends the listen gentle yet powerful, with Clayton’s fluid pipes guiding us through a soothing roots and blues exit.

An extremely detailed listen with a massive amount of skill present, Clayton continues to impress with her eclectic song craft and inimitable vocal work on this lovely sophomore album.

Travels well with: Susan Tedeschi- Wait For Me; Valerie June- The Order Of Time