Chris Badnews Barnes

Badnews Rising

VizzTone, 2021

8/10

Listen to Badnews Rising

Though this is the 3rd album from Chris Barnes on the VizzTone label, it’s actually his first of all original material, and he teamed up with the Grammy winner Tom Hambridge as producer and drummer, as well as Kevin McKendree (piano, organ), Tommy MacDonald (bass) and Pat Buchanan (guitar, harmonica) for the 10 diverse tunes.

Barnes starts the album with the cautious and bluesy “You Wanna Rock? You Gotta Learn The Blues”, where calm keys and light drumming erupt into a thick and hazy delivery with Barnes both singing and talking, and “When Koko Came To Town” follows with a lively and dense display of bright brass, crisp drumming and spirited guitar work amid the festive climate.

Closer to the middle, “My Baby Be Cray Cray Cray” bounces with an infectious energy that will certainly get your body swaying to the timeless blue rock, while “I Slow Danced With Joni Mitchell” could soundtrack a slow dance with anyone, as Barnes enters soulful balladry. “Kettleblack” then goes the opposite direction with a grungy, thumping rocker that meshes power, grit and melody into the album highlight.

The final 2 tracks don’t disappoint either, where “Texas Weiner” recruits strategic backing vocals in the playful retro mood, and “I Like Cleavage” exits the listen with the horns front and center, and the finisher is actually more about the country’s current division just as much as it is anatomy.

Barnes has a lengthy and esteemed career in TV for his work on shows like Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, 30 Rock and Carol Burnett, and this first rate solo blues record adds another accomplishment in his creative endeavors, where no shortage of rhythm, wit and memorableness is present and appreciated.

Travels well with: Hector Anchondo- Let Loose Those Chains; Gabe Stillman- Just Say The Word

Sara Trunzo

Cabin Fever Dream

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Cabin Fever Dream

The New Jersey native and longtime Maine resident Sara Trunzo spent much of her 20’s working with food banks to get organic food into the hands of those struggling with poverty, and it was after the abrupt end of a 10 year relationship that she dove head first into songwriting, which brings us to this very articulate EP.

“Kind Bone” serves as our introduction to Cabin Fever Dream, where her Nashville inspired vocals align sublimely with Adam Ollendorff’s warm pedal steel and the soulful backing vocals, and the thoughtful climate continues with the breezy melody and vivid storytelling of “I Work Saturdays”.

“Nashville Time” occupies the middle spot and is quite playful in a pop-friendly sort of way that’s certainly indebted to country ideas, too, while “Free For The Taking” displays Kris Donegan’s precise guitar playing alongside Jamie Dick’s agile drumming amid the folk inspired climate.

The last track is undoubtedly the best, where Dave Cohen’s graceful keys complement Trunzo’s intimate pipes as she births a very heartfelt version of Americana that comes with much depth lyrically, and musically offers a very rich, absorbing delivery.

It’s quite apparent that Trunzo has engaged in some self-examination lately, and that combined with her insightful observations makes for strong wordplay to complement the varied instrumentation that easily puts Trunzo’s work in a category as one of the best Americana EPs of 2021.

Travels well with: Kashena Sampson- Time Machine; Selena Rosanbalm- Selena Rosanbalm

Earl MacDonald

Consecrated

Outside In Music, 2021

8/10

Listen to Consecrated

The Canada native and now Connecticut resident Earl MacDonald has been quite prolific with 7 albums under his belt now. Consecrated places more emphasis on vocals, where Karly Epp pulls off an incredible performance, and David Smith brings trumpet/flugelhorn, Kris Allen holds down saxophone, Karl Kohut plays bass, and Rogerio Boccato sits behind the drum kit.

“Be Still, My Soul” starts the listen with Epp's sublime and smooth vocals guiding the warm jazz climate that showcases MacDonald’s proficient piano playing, and “O God Of Love, Grant Us Your Peace” follows with Smith’s strategic horn amid the expressive singing and cautious landscape.

Entering the middle, “Holy, Holy, Holy” moves with much emotion, where elegance is present amid Kohut’s well timed bass playing, while “By Our Love” recruits french horn from Alex Gertner and bass trombone thanks to Sean Nelson for the stylish delivery that uses vocal scatting with much impact. “Take My Life, And Let It Be Consecrated” is the album standout, and pairs poetic singing with playful interaction between the drums, keys and guitars for a meticulously textured adventure.

“Be Thou My Vision” arrives late in the listen, and moves with a soulful quality in its heartfelt demeanor, and “In HIs Holy Temple” exits the listen with firm drumming and dreamy vocals in the more experimental finish to a very well thought out listen.

A highly personal outing for MacDonald, there’s a nice balance between spiritual moments and frisky bouts of swing fun that make for an exceptional modern jazz record.

Travels well with: Le GGRIL-- Sommes; Alex Lefaivre Quartet- Naufragés

Sideline

Ups, Downs And No Name Towns

Mountain Home, 2021

9/10

Listen to Ups, Downs And No Name Towns

An outfit with some of the best pickers out there today, Sideline are back with a dozen new bluegrass tunes, and they’re delivered flawlessly on Ups, Downs And No Name Towns, where the sextet are in fine form and play off each others strengths superbly.

“Marshalville” starts the listen with soaring vocals alongside fluid string prowess that’s indebted to timeless bluegrass sounds, and “Just A Guy In A Bar” follows with a calmer approach of soothing, emotive songwriting that benefits from lovely vocal harmonies.

Further into the listen, the chunky banjo of “When The Son Rose Up That Morning” brings a gospel angle to Skip Cherryholmes’ slide guitar amid the warm climate, while “Newton Grove” moves swiftly with string acrobatics thanks to agile mandolin, fiddle and guitar in the stunning instrumental. “Miner’s Song”, one of the album’s best, then brings no lack of melody to the dynamic instrumentation that’s just so charming and meticulous.

Deeper still, “Old Guitar Case” flows with a cautious folk spirit that’s full of reflective songwriting, and “Fast As I Can Crawl” exits the listen with a playful, precise and stunning execution of glowing vocal harmonies and sublime string manipulation that clearly illustrates just why Sidelines are so widely revered.

An album that was put together during the shutdowns of 2020, Sideline were forced to work in ways previously unexplored, and there were indeed ups and downs along the way. Never ones to shy away from a challenge, they band persevered, and it makes for one of the most musically elaborate in their catalog, which is no easy feat.

Travels well with: Balsam Range- Moxie And Mettle; Chuck Wagon Gang- Radio Days

Seong-Jin Cho

Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2 Scherzi

Deutsche Grammophon, 2021

8/10

Listen to Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2 Scherzi

The piano wizard Seong-Jin Cho returns with his 6th album, where he interprets the work of Chopin with a poetic and agile delivery that welcomes the London Symphony Orchestra for the final, exciting piece on Piano Concerto No. 2 Scherzi.

“Scherzo No. 1 in B minor op. 20” starts the listen with swift, gliding keys that emit much beauty and awe as the complicated playing is nothing short of fascinating, and “Scherzo No. 2 in B flat minor op. 31” follows with a more eclectic delivery as Cho finds calm moments of intimacy as well as louder swells of warmth to reside in.

Moving down the line, “Scherzo No. 3 in C sharp minor op. 39” rumbles with a lower tone that also flutters with a charming approach, while “Scherzo No. 4 in E major op. 54” dances with a playful, adventurous spirit for 10 minutes amid no shortage of melody.

“Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F minor op. 21” exits the listen, and brings symphonic strings into the meticulous piano playing as energetic textures unfold over 30 minutes and Cho injects plenty of fluid solos.

Cho’s versatile and colorful piano playing sounds better than ever, and even if you’ve never spent any time with Chopin’s work, you’ll find plenty of reasons to be enamored here.

Travels well with: Chelsea Guo- Chopin; Lucas Meachem- Shall We Gather

Balsam Range

Moxie And Mettle

Mountain Home, 2021

8/10

Listen to Moxie And Mettle

The North Carolina bluegrass legends Balsam Range return with another batch of their universally embraced song craft, as the 5 members all bring their respective talents to the frisky spirit of Moxie And Mettle.

“Highway Side” starts the album with firm banjo, flowing vocal harmonies and melodic mandolin that guides the timeless bluegrass, and “Rivers, Rains And Runaway Trains” follows with swift string plucking as deeper vocals enter the warm, soothing climate.

The middle tracks offers us the calm and emotive “Franklin County”, while “Richest Man” moves swiftly with fluid bluegrass nods amid the vivid storytelling. “That’s Enough” then resides closer to folk territory, where dual gender vocals spread out across sublime, stirring instrumentation.

Near the end, “Tonight I’m Heading South” emits a playful, mountainous appeal with its dance friendly delivery, and “Santa Barbara” continues with all the trademark Balsam Range ideas present- gorgeous vocal harmonies, intricate string manipulation and sincere, eloquent wordplay from Buddy Melton.

Moxie And Mettle consists of 4 recent singles and 8 other equally well executed songs, and it illustrates Tim Surrett (bass, dobro, vocals), Buddy Melton (fiddle, vocals), Caleb Smith (guitar, vocals), Marc Pruett (banjo) and Darren Nicholson (mandolin, vocals) at their finest, illuminating their rural brand of gospel, country, bluegrass and folk with incredible precision.

Travels well with: Chuck Wagon Gang- Radio Days; The Grascals- Up All Night

EFG Trio

Transliminal Rites

Orenda, 2021

8/10

Listen to Transliminal Rites

A very creative fusion outfit consisting of Eyal Maoz (guitar), Frank London (trumpet) and Guy Barash (electronics), as EFG Trio they bring their respective talents to an improvisational, classical and jazz influenced landscape that’s highly unpredictable and experimental in very unconventional ways.

“Descentered Romance” starts the listen with mysterious ambience in its brief but impactful opener, before “Graphéphelia” follows with playful trumpet alongside atypical electronics as the setting turns into an avant-garde version of jazz.

Deeper into the listen, “Hot Metonymy” recruits an ominous quality amid the cinematic swells, while “Polysemia Deluxe” spends 7 minutes mesmerizing us with both its minimal tendencies as well as the dizzying manipulation that bridges synthetic with organic. “Ouisa!”, one of the album’s best, then pairs unpredictable flashes of brass and jagged guitar with the sparse electronics in a sci-fi sort of way.

Nearing the end, “Transitional Phenomena” offers a 1 minute display of futuristic ideas that are quite fascinating, and “Sweet Thanatos” exits the listen with focus on the trumpet, where much grace and soulfulness comprise the cautious finish.

Transliminal Rites was actually recorded in 2016, but was deemed just as relevant today, so the trio put some final touches on the album and sent it out in 2021. Certainly atypical, but embracing hallmarks of jazz and classical that are timeless, you’re not likely going to hear anything like this elsewhere, and you’re probably going to want to revisit it often.

Travels well with: Ken Field- Transmitter; Wesley Fuller- Seven By Seven

Duo Shu

Duo Shu

Blue Griffin, 2021

8/10

Listen to Duo Shu

This debut album from Duo Shu, which is Yi-Wen Zhang on cello and Nanyi Qiang handling piano, has the pair interpreting a diverse and precise handful of pieces that are full of warmth, culture and charm.

The album leads with the stirring keys and emotive strings of Gabriel Fauré’s “Les Berceaux, Op. 23, No. 1”, where the pair interact with much intimacy, and “Aprés. un Réve, Op. 7, No. 1”, also by Fauré, follows with a mesmerizing quality where the duo emit much beauty.

Moving along, “Vocalise”, by Sergei Rachmaninoff, recruits cautious melody where both players showcase their respective talents with much awe, while the aptly titled titled “4 Romantic Pieces, Op. 75, B. 150” indeed seems like it should soundtrack a cherished evening with someone you love.

The listen exits on the playful and animated “Romanian Folk Dances”, where the 6 movements showcase firm key acrobatics and jumpy strings in a very exciting and memorable finish.

Zhang and Qiang have been collaborating for many years now, and that is quite apparent as they play off each other’s strengths flawlessly across this often meditative and reflective body of work that highlights the many facets of their respective instruments.

Travels well with: Molly Fillmore- Bold Beauty; Inna Faliks- Reimagine: Beethoven & Ravel

Lucas Meachem

Shall We Gather

Rubicon, 2021

9/10

Listen to Shall We Gather

A husband and wife collaboration, the Grammy winner Lucas Meachem brings his esteemed baritone to Irina Meachem’s very agile piano playing, as the pair offer American art songs that honor resilience, and togetherness.

“American Anthem” starts the listen with warm, graceful keys alongside the flawless, striking pipes in the Gene Scheer composition, and Arthur Farwell’s “Song Of The Deathless Voice” follows with a sublime delivery of firm piano and versatile singing.

Further into the listen, “The Rich Man” rumbles with a strong attention to detail in the vivid storytelling, while “Night” interprets Florence Price’s work with a stirring intimacy from the flowing keys and poetic vocals. “In The Mornin’” then truly showcases Meachem’s inimitable talent amid the soft, pretty keystrokes.

Approaching the end, “Hard Times Come Again No More” builds into a passionate landscape, and “At The River” exits with Aaron Copland arranging the Robert Lowry tune with the Meachem’s lush chemistry illustrating a timelessness you can’t help but admire.

This is the first solo album from Lucas, and, as to be expected, it is exceptionally rich with both fuller moments and ebbs of sparse, moving song craft. All proceeds from the album will go towards Meachem’s non-profit, Perfect Day Music Foundation, which promotes diversity in classical music, and gives us another great reason to explore Shall We Gather.

Travels well with: Voces8- Infinity; Max Richter- Exiles

Warp Trio

Warp Trio’s Pandemic Disco Fantasy

People/Places, 2021

10/10

Listen to Warp Trio’s Pandemic Disco

A New York City outfit with a penchant for chamber, orchestral and classical moments in their very eclectic version of indie-rock, Mikael Darmanie (piano, keyboards), Josh Henderson (violin, electric bass, guitar), J.Y. Lee (cello) and Rick Martinez (drums, synth), i.e. Warp Trio, don’t squander a moment across 6 tracks of energetic and adventurous tracks that welcome plenty of guest vocalists.

“Captivity” starts the listen and makes an immediate impression with its dreamy strings that flow into punchy drumming and playful guitar work, effectively bridging classical ideas with modern indie-rock, and “Welcome To The Pandemic Disco” follow with hip-hop influences amid a firm beat as Likwuid and Mirah contribute their inimitable vocals to the busy, dynamic landscape.

Halfway through, “The Well” recruits Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez in a poetic and lush display of graceful piano, strategic drums and Gonzalez’s expressive singing, while “Snake Eyes Run Dry” buzzes with a more firm approach, where Daniel Henri Emond’s inimitable contributions make for a diverse version of chamber rock.

“Dragon Dance” lands near the end and offers a dizzying display of elegant strings, frisky drumming and acrobatics keys, and “Release” exits the listen with Claire Wellin’s stunning pipes guiding the precisely textured and meticulously executed finish.

Like many artists, Warp Trio were unable to tour during the pandemic, and instead focused their efforts on this album. Certainly a complicated affair that would be very difficult to replicate live, the concept album explores current social/political issues, and offers a sense of optimism of pulling through it all and being stronger and wiser on the other side. Musically, it’s all over the place, radiating incredible skill and musicianship, and just might be the most interesting record of the year.

Travels well with: Wolff Parkinson White- Favours; The Mystery Plan- You Also Have Eyes

Marcus Rezak

Truth In Sound

Color Red, 2021

8/10

Listen to Truth In Sound

The guitar wizard Marcus Rezak surrounds himself with incredible talent on this EP, where Russ Lawton (drums), Tony Markellis (bass) and Ray Paczkowsk (keyboards) of Trey Anastasio Band are on hand, as is the esteemed tabla player Kaylan Pathak.

“Light Of The Moon” starts the listen with intricate guitar work and warm keys as a smooth climate unfolds amid the punchy drumming and soaring vocals, and “Borderline” follows with no shortage of melody, where the agile rhythm section complements the dreamy, jam band ideas.

The final two tracks don’t disappoint either, as “Leaving” weaves charming organ into a rugged yet tuneful version of bluesy, psychedelic rock that swirls with a strong memorableness, and “Glitter Pillow” exits the listen with a swift, meticulous display of jam band prowess that mesmerizes us via the funk, jazz and prog-rock bouts populating the infectious instrumental.

Rezak offers respite from the often dark, downcast times of Covid with these uplifting and powerful tracks, where each player is allowed ample space to showcase their talents, making for a very unique and admirable version of jam band exploration that ends entirely soon. Thankfully, repeated spins never out welcome their stay.

Travels well with: Marc Ribot’s Ceramic Dog- Hope; ALO- Sounds Like This

Swamptooth

B-Flat Earth

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to B-Flat Earth

The Georgia outfit Swamptooth bring us 11 originals on this debut album, where Cory Chambers, Evan Rose, Jay Rudd, Jimmy Wolling and Vito Gutilla showcase their bluegrass influences with much creativity and timelessness.

“Space Base” indeed starts out with a quick black of spacey atmosphere before abruptly shifting into swift bluegrass string plucking that soars with muscular melodies, and “I Lost My Soul” follows with soulful singing and a bouncy spirit of warm, mountain friendly sounds.

Elsewhere, the chunky “Twelve Nights Of Drinking” brings cozy vocal harmonies to the agile song craft, while “The Fictitious Wild West” trims the pace back with strategic banjo amid sublime fiddle in the emotive climate. “Goa”, the longest song at nearly 8 minutes, then benefits from a sitar as much culture and grace enters the dreamy, absorbing delivery.

Approaching the end, the energetic “Only Blue” is the album’s best, where dynamic strings complement Chambers and Rose’s paired voices that emit much beauty, and “That’s The Way It Is” finishes the listen with folk and country ideas weaved into their inimitable formula.

An outfit that began when other bands fell apart during the pandemic, Swamptooth’s cosmic leanings and firm attention to detail make this first album a must for all fans of bluegrass sounds, past and present.

Travels well with: Matt Eckstine- Lil’ Blue; Bruce T. Carroll- First Bird To Sing

The Immediate Family

The Immediate Family

Quarto Valley, 2021

9/10

Listen to The Immediate Family

An assembly of some well seasoned vets in the music industry, The Immediate Family brings together Danny Kortchmar (guitar and vocals), Waddy Wachtel (guitar and vocals), Leland Sklar (bass), and Russ Kunkel (drums), as well as the esteemed touring, session guitarist, and songwriter Steve Postell (guitar and vocals). Collectively, they embrace the spirit of legends like James Taylor, Stevie Knicks and David Crosby, plus many more on this versatile self-titled album.

“Can’t Stop Progress” starts the listen with plenty of grit and melody as a thick and memorable version of blues rock unfolds with most members singing, and “Slippin’ And Slidin’” follows with crisp drumming and sturdy guitar work complementing the rugged, soaring vocals and subtle funk nods.

Further down the line, “Divorced” flows with a breezy quality of tuneful and harmonic songwriting that’s much brighter than the song’s lyrical theme, while “Fair Warning” thumps with some classic rock spirit in its sing-along climate. “Things To Do In Denver When You’re Dead”, the album’s best, then recruits a rootsy flavor into the flowing and agile demeanor.

Deeper yet, “Turn It Up To Ten” bounces with a rhythmic and timeless rock approach, and they exit the listen with the charming cover of “Somebody’s Baby”, where the band retain all the hallmarks of the classic that make this one of the best songs of the early ‘80s, and it sounds just as great here recorded live.

An outfit with incredible chemistry, Kortchmar, Kunkel, and Sklar all played together in The Section several decades ago, and this debut LP certainly proves that their skills haven’t waned one bit and just might make them one of the most exciting supergroups today.

Travels well with: Jackson Browne- Downhill From Everywhere; Too Slim And The Taildraggers- The Remedy

Hank!

Guilty Pleasures (Are The Best Ones)

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Guilty Pleasures (Are The Best Ones)

The North Carolina resident Hank Close has a lengthy and esteemed career playing music, and here as Hank! he debuts with a handful of diverse and exciting tunes that run the gamut of firm rock’n’roll sounds.

“The Twitch” opens the listen with a dense display of precisely layered indie-rock that’s loud, melodic and sonically challenging, and “1000 Fools” follows with a brisk pace of frisky and highly energetic, retro flavored rock’n’roll.

Deeper into the listen, “Alchemy” moves with a powerful and thick display that’s organ heavy before abruptly shifting into a thumping alt-rocker, while “Don’t Go Out” embraces folk ideas in its dreamy beginning that builds into intricate textures. “Why Go?”, one of the album’s best, then swirls with a post-punk sort of feeling that bounces and shakes with plenty of ‘80s sensibilities in a Morrissey sort of way.

“Friend Is Gone” arrives near the end and tosses in some oldies spirit to the slow burning affair, and “Mood Swings” exits the listen with meticulous guitar work and some prog/psyche ideas in a very creative and memorable finish.

A listen that’s sometimes soaked in fuzz, other times jagged and punk rooted, and yet also can get quite dark and tense, Close brings the experience of his previous bands, Absent Boundaries and Hank & Brendan, to this unique first record as Hank!, and let’s hope there’s more on the horizon, cause modern indie-rock could learn a lot from Hank Close’s mind.

Travels well with: State Drugs- Live. Laugh. Love; Spells- Stimulants & Sedatives

Sean Rowe

The Darkness Dressed In Colored Lights

Fluff & Gravy, 2021

9/10

Listen to The Darkness Dressed In Colored Lights

The consistently impressive singer-songwriter and guitarist Sean Rowe returns with his 6th studio LP, and it’s a break up album, where the troubadour finds himself steeped in folk-rock, but certainly not in the traditional sense.

Rowe starts the listen with the bare, poetic “What Are We Now”, which brings Ben Lester on pedal steel and Jeremy Boettcher’s upright bass to stark and atmospheric indie-folk, and “To Make It Real” follows with a quicker pace of lively drumming from Shane Leonard and Troy Pohl’s warm electric guitar as Rowe’s gritty, poetic vocals guide the tune into a dreamy, pretty delivery.

Closer to the middle, “Honey In The Morning” benefits from John Dehaven’s soulful trumpet and Chris Carey’s strategic bass in a dance friendly landscape, while “Married To The Lord” burns softly, amid a hazy intimacy complemented by Lester’s synth, Pohl’s keys and mellotron, and, of course, Rowe’s inimitably rugged version of gospel. “Squid Tattoo”, one of the album’s best, then shuffles with a charming energy of brass, keys, and guitars that takes nods at jazz.

“Rabbit Hole” lands near the end and might be the busiest track, where many guitars, violin, and keys make for a multifaceted version of indie-rock under Rowe’s iconoclastic vision, and “Toast” exits the listen with a powerful sparseness that turns minimalism into a cathartic, artistic and stirring finish.

Rowe cites Radiohead’s In Rainbows as a sonic influence here, and that’s certainly evident in the very creative textures that sometimes unfolds like a therapeutic body of work, exploring both the acute beauty of life and the inherent ugliness present, too.

If you’re unfamiliar with Rowe’s work, well, you’re missing out on one of today’s most substantial talents, and The Darkness Dressed In Colored Lights is yet another thoughtful addition to his glowing body of work.

Travels well with: Noah Gundersen- Lover; Damien Jurado- In The Shape Of A Storm

Bruce T. Carroll

First Bird To Sing

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to First Bird To Sing

The singer-songwriter and guitarist Bruce T. Carroll has survived plenty of obstacles in his life, and, like any good artist, he’s turned those experiences into songwriting fodder on this intimately personal listen that also touches on the country’s current woes.

“Nobody Knows” starts the listen with comforting keys alongside Carroll’s poetic and gentle singing as the sincere climate builds into a soulful, folk rocker, and “What’s The Rush” follows with a charming country spirit that welcomes vivd storytelling where violin from Sara Milonovich and mandolin thanks to Will Bryant will be greatly appreciated.

In the middle, “‘Til It’s Time To Go” enters warm balladry, as Carroll’s expressive pipes are complemented with calm piano and Connor Kennedy’s precise electric guitar, while “Dragonfly In A Jar” embraces subtle harmonica from Gary Schreiner and dreamy moments amid the melodica Americana. “I Let Go” then gets a bit more rugged, where swift guitar playing and frisky drums make for a playful roots rocker that’s even a bit anthemic.

Nearing the end, the breezy tone of “Don’t Take Love Lightly (MAGA Girl)” showcases Carroll’s gruff vocals alongside flowing melodies, and “Grandfather Walks” exits the listen with much emotion that benefits from moody strings, light drumming, well timed accordion and Carroll’s eloquent storytelling.

Carroll’s prose is especially inviting, and this 3rd album in 5 years illustrates that he’s as skilled as he is prolific, where he effectively takes elements from country, rock, folk, roots and Americana and creates 8 songs worthy of many visits.

Travels well with: Malcolm Holcombe- Tricks Of The Trade; Jack Grace Band- What A Way To Spend A Night

Billy Joe Shaver & Kinky Friedman

Live Down Under

Omnivore, 2021

8/10

Listen to Live Down Under

The outlaw country legend Billy Joe Shaver was going through a lot of personal turmoil when these live recordings from 2002 were culled from 3 nights alongside the fellow Texas legend Kinky Friedman, who also contributes vocals and acoustic guitar.

Additionally, Little Jewford brings keys, melodica, kazoo and backing vocals, and Jesse Taylor and Washington Ratso both handle acoustic guitar, with Ratso also offering backing vocals to the animated and playful evenings.

“Intro Coin Toss” starts the listen with a proper introduction, before segueing into the swift acoustic sounds of “Georgia On A Fast Train”, where the vivid storytelling draws us in immediately.

There’s 22 tracks here, and each shines in its own light, including the warm meshing of guitar and keys on the country rock of “Old Chunk Of Coal”, while “Ride Me Down Easy” moves calmly, but with plenty of grit in the very meticulous delivery. “You Asked Me To” might be the best tune, and displays fascinating guitar work in a mesmerizing setting.

Deeper into the listen, “Honky Tonk Heroes” certainly brings a honky tonk spirit to the firm keys and guitar acrobatics, and “Old Five And Dimers Like Me” flows with gentle balladry in Shaver’s inimitable vision. The last actual tune on the album is “Try And Try Again”, where Shaver discusses the recent loss of his son and wife with much forthrightness amid the strong attention to detail that comprised his lengthy, esteemed career.

Shaver passed away last year at the age of 81, and this collection sure does do a great job of capturing his unique and timeless live show. It comes with excellent liner notes and amazing sound quality, too, and is absolutely the next best thing to actually seeing Billy Joe Shaver live.

Travels well with: Bobby Bare- Great American Saturday Night; Buck Owens And His Buckeroos- Sweet Rosie Jones

Le Ggril

Sommes

Tour de Bras, 2021

8/10

Listen to Sommes

A Quebec rooted collective with a penchant for improvisation and the ability to use guitars, strings, wind instruments and percussion in entirely iconoclastic ways, Le GGRIL play a very art and noise influenced version of free jazz across these 3 discs.

“Alice” starts the listen with some unpredictable string plucking amid some unique atmosphere to set the mood, and “Chat (Luke)” continues this journey with bowed strings explored strategically.

Further into the listen, “To That Well (Lisa Cay Miller)” unfolds across 17 minutes of busy brass, string and harp rumbling with a very charming fusion appeal, while “Éistphéist” welcomes Martin Arnold’s precise banjo into the dreamy foundation that quivers with mystery. “Rivers And Mountains Remain”, one of the album’s best, then moves minimally with ambience and a strong manipulation of mood and space.

Approaching the end, the low buzzing of “CUMULI” puts forth an ominous tone that nearly seems mechanical, and “Une note n'écoutant qu'elle-même” swirls with fascinating strings surrounding sparsely plucked guitar that eventually builds into a dizzying and infectious energy.

Trying to comprehend or classify Sommes would be an exercise in futility. Instead, just enjoy it for the sonically challenging and experimental 211 minutes of sounds you’re not going to hear anywhere else, where accordion, violins, many different kinds of guitars, synth, oboe, and bass clarinet, among others, are along for the adventure.

Travels well with: Alex Lefaivre Quartet- Naufragés; Jonathan Bauer- Sings & Plays

Mythopoeic Mind

Hatchling

Apollon, 2021

8/10

Listen to Hatchling

This sophomore album from the Norwegian prog-rock outfit Mythopoeic Mind was birthed during the lockdowns due to the pandemic, where the 6 members brings a wealth of instruments to the diverse and creative 6 tracks.

“Fear Fiesta” begins the listen with creative brass before thumping drums enter the 8 minutes of soulful singing and retro rock spirit, and “Winter Of ‘73” continues the creativity with a light buzzing amid playful percussion and soaring guitar work that illuminates the firm prog-rock.

In the middle, “Fog Vision” leads with bare brass and mysterious ambience, which segues into a dreaminess and ethereal singing, while “Cottage Of Lost Play” flows with a charming cinematic appeal of strategic brass, expressive vocals from Veronika Hørven Jensen and emotive guitar playing that finds a nice groove.

The final two tracks are “Hatchling” and “Supreme Vision”, where the former is a folk influenced journey of beauty and grace that benefits from a bassoon, and the latter showcases glowing saxophone amid a hazy atmosphere that fades out with a curious finish.

Sometimes touching on classical and jazz ideas, the shifting moods and creative melodies make Hatchling a listen that the prog inclined will adore, as Mythopoeic Mind continue to refine their craft.

Travels well with: Alwanzatar- Den Glemte Dalen; Vestamaran- Bungalow Rex

Chad Carrier

Legend

Lord Cash Pockets, 2019

8/10

Listen to Legend

Though this might be his debut solo album, Chad Carrier has a long history in the music industry, most notably as the bassist/vocalist for Big Mess, who are still very much active. Here on his own, Carrier brings us timeless acoustic tunes, some of which were originally written for the many bands he’s played in over the years.

“Stop What You’re Doing” starts the listen raw and memorable with Carrier’s strong vocals on the unplugged track that even brings in some gang vocals, while ”Pete Spratt’s Tavern” continues with a gritty spirit as Carrier’s punk roots are evident on the playful rocker.

In the middle, “Chelsea Jeanne” recruits backing female vocals on the rugged Americana highlight, and “DMV” follows with humorous wordplay alongside spirited guitar work.

Deeper in the listen, Carrier covers Iggy Pop’s “I Wanna Be Your Dog”, which retains the biting vocals but injects a rustic quality with the instrumentation, and “Trouble” continues the rebellious setting with a swift strummer and nods to folk-punk. “Everything Is Going To Be Ok” ends the listen brief with keys alongside a dreamy atmosphere of cautious musicianship.

An artist who is very much embraced in the Southern California punk scene, this solo effort unfolds with much grace and vivid storytelling as contributions from Dave Corrardi on guitar help make this outing another must hear chapter in the esteemed career of Chad Carrier.

Travels well with: Mike Ness- Cheating At Solitaire; Frank Turner- Poetry Of The Deed