Chris 'Bad News' Barnes

Live

VizzTone, 2019

8/10

Listen to Live

Chris ‘Bad News’ Barnes has logged in a lot of stage time over the years, and it sure shows on this recording from 3 different performances on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise #32.

“Back In A Cadillac” gets the album off to a fiery start with sturdy riffs and brights horns in the bluesy fun, and “You Can’t Judge A Book By The Cover” follows with foot stompin’, toe tappin’, dance frenzy playfulness.

Elsewhere, Barnes digs deep in his catalog for the assertive and forthright “Hungry & Horny”, where backing vocals add an R&B feel, while “What’s Coming Next” finds a soulful place to reside in the nearly gospel delivery.

Late in the listen, “I Drink Alone” recruits a spirited delivery of lush ideas, and “Raise Your Hand” exits the set with anthemic quality as piano acrobatics, strong rhythm and a call and response singing adds much to the glorious closer.

An extremely entertaining listen where Barnes’ energy is uncontainable as Gary Hoey handles lead guitar and Steve Guyger holds down harmonica, the only bad news here is that these 13 tracks end too soon.

Travels well with: Bob Margolin- Bob Margolin; David Julia- Inspired

Hunted

Deliver Us

Pitch Black, 2021

9/10

Listen to Deliver Us

The Welsh progressive metal outfit Hunted return with this sophomore album, where the now quartet take influence from all the eras of heavy metal for a very unique and exciting listen.

“Velvet Worm” starts the listen with a hard hitting and rhythmic version of metal that’s both thundering and tuneful as soaring guitars and thumping drums complement the versatile singing, and “Salvation On A String” follows with a firm chugging amid the progressive ideas that give it a very distinct feel.

Entering the middle, “Burning Ones” trims the pace back initially before bursting into manic and charged speed metal like prowess with sinister vocals, while “The Black Shore” sounds right at home in the ‘80s with its dynamic and blistering delivery alongside the strong vocal acrobatics. “One More Time”, a particularly noteworthy tune, then balances both intensity and intimacy as gritty melody and bursts of pounding energy collide.

The final 2 tracks are certainly on par with the greatness of the rest of the album, where “Time Will Tell” displays the muscular rhythm section, and “Our Final Embrace” continues with a calm, haunting 8 minutes that near the end builds into an ebullient, diverse landscape.

It’s been over a decade since Hunted’s debut, and let’s hope we don’t need to wait too long for another batch of tunes, cause Deliver Us has Chris G (vocals), Steven Barberini (guitar), Jon Letson (bass) and Matt ‘Animal’ Thomas (drums) creating a very compelling version of metal that we all could hear plenty more of.

Travels well with: Sinsid- Enter The Gates; Airforce- Strike Hard

Solomon King & The Chosen

No. 5

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to No. 5

A singer-songwriter and guitarist, Solomon King doesn’t confine himself to any single genre, as he brings a nostalgic brand of grit to his Detroit roots on this fusion album.

“Drinking This Whiskey” opens the affair with a slow burning blues tune where the guitar, drums and vocals are textured amid a darker spirit, and “Sunset And Mars” follows with a quicker pace of retro-funk ideas that are stylish, memorable and highly melodic in a Lou Reed sort of way.

Landing in the middle, “City Of Angels” brings a beat poet type of playfulness to the frisky and even dance influenced landscape, while “Ashes & Dust” displays bouncy bass lines alongside the rhythmic, almost hypnotic delivery. “Motor City”, the album’s best, then charges with warm and soulful rock that thumps with crisp drumming and bright brass.

“If I Fall” arrives near the end and might be the most firm song present, where punchy garage rock flows from the soaring guitars, and “Xena’s Blues” exits with piano focused and R&B flavored songwriting that emits much skill in an iconoclastic sort of way.

Probably most closely related to the blues, there’s little doubt that Solomon has lived through some hard times, and he’s parlayed those experiences into this highly interesting and very creative listening experience.

Travels well with: William Hooker- Mindfulness; Johnny Adams- Heart & Soul

Ricci/Krown

City Country City

Gulf Coast, 2021

9/10

Listen to City Country City

The New Orleans musicians Jason Ricci and Joe Krown certainly know their way around a blues tune you won’t soon forget, and here they collaborate with Doug Belote on drums for an accomplished record that often hints at the jazz/blues ideas of the ‘60s, but yet carries a very distinct sound all its own.

The title track leads with warm organ and twinkling percussion that segues into Ricci’s spirited harmonica and agile drumming on the playful blues opener, and “Down ‘n Dirty” follows with no shortage of rhythm as the bouncy climate seems tailor made for getting your body moving.

Close to the middle, “Feel Good Funk” displays Ricci’s rugged vocals amid the indeed funk friendly and groove filled landscape, while “It Starts With Me” moves cautiously, where an emotive quality between the harmonica, drums and Krown’s keys is quite stirring. “Drifting Blues”, one of the album’s best, then brings power and melody into the slow burning 8 minutes of gripping song craft.

Arriving near the end, “Just A Playboy” moves swiftly with an infectious energy of timeless, gritty, blues rock, and “Ode To Billy Joe” exits the listen with an exploratory and reserved synergy between the players that you’re not going to hear anywhere else.

Ricci provides vocals on not quite half the tunes, and the intricate and fascinating musicianship between the trio makes for a very precise and impressive debut duo album.

Travels well with: Tito Jackson- Under Your Spell; Mike Zito- Resurrection

Abby Bryant & The Echoes

Not Your Little Girl

Carid Aid, 2021

8/10

Listen to Not Your Little Girl

The debut album from Abby Bryant & The Echoes, Not Your Little Girl sees the outfit exploring their brand of southern rock with no shortage of soul, blues and Americana, where Anthony Dorion (bass), John Ginty (keys), Jeff Sipe (drums) and Bailey Faulkner (guitars) fluidly support Bryant’s glowing pipes.

Bryant starts the listen with the diverse title track, where some country grit and soulful brass complement her soaring, flawless singing, and “Tried” follows with a calmer approach of intimate Americana that benefits from precise drumming and well timed keys.

Further along, the bluesy spirit of “Had To” makes for a rugged yet melodic album highlight, while “Hold Me” displays agile bass lines amid the emotive and dreamy landscape. “Where Do I Go”, another exceptional track, then makes great use of organs alongside expressive singing that nearly channels a gospel like power.

Closer to the end, “Time Wasn’t On Our Side” showcases Bryant’s gorgeous voice via carefully textured grooves and “There’s No Way” finishes the listen with a sublime and charming exit to a very meticulous and memorable effort.

An album that thematically surrounds the shift into womanhood for Bryant as well as the band finding their identity in the music world, this first album solidifies Abby Bryant & The Echoes as future stars in the area of American roots and soul music.

Travels well with: Sara Trunzo- Cabin Fever Dream; Kashena Sampson- Time Machine

Damon Mitchell

Like You’re In A Dream

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Like You’re In A Dream

Although he’s just 25 years old, the Cincinnati musician and singer-songwriter Damon Mitchell plays with a skill that far exceeds his years, and the 8 tracks that comprise Like You’re In A Dream bring in a wide array of rock’n’roll influences, both past and present.

Mitchell starts the listen with the warm and melodic title track, where his mature singing and rootsy appeal make an immediate impression, and “Have I Said It Enough” follows with a quick, bouncy spirit of breezy vocal harmonies and fluid, flowing instrumentation that jangles with charm.

“Blurry” arrives at the halfway point, and showcases Mitchell’s keen attention to detail as classic rock ideas enter the playful, groove friendly song craft, while “Secretary Song” recruits some pop ideas amid some grittier moments of folk-rock.

Towards the end, the well timed organ and thumping drums of “Okay” make for a retro flavored album highlight, and “To Have Lost” exits the listen with graceful piano and gentle guitar in the ballad climate that’s intimate, sublime and wiser than his years.

Mitchell is well versed in pop, rock, soul, folk and even jazz ideas across these diverse songs, and it would be best to keep both eyes on this young talent, as he’s destined for further greatness.

Travels well with: Brad Byrd- Where Were You When The World Stopped?; Mars Hall- Is Anybody Out There?

Backyard Tire Fire

Black Dirt Blue Sky

Black Dirt, 2021

10/10

Listen to Black Dirt Blue Sky

I, rather foolishly, didn’t invest anytime in exploring Backyard Tire Fire during their most active years, from 2000-2010. With that said, it’s good news for me that they’re back, and this 5 song EP has frontman Edward David Anderson guiding the band through some fantastic rootsy, Americana and rock’n’roll gems.

“Carefree Kids” starts the listen with a warm, rootsy delivery, where acoustic guitar and smooth vocals are complemented by pedal steel from Patrick Lyons amid the playful crunch, and “Little Wren” follows with a highly melodic display of timeless rock’n’roll wrapped up in Backyard Tire Fire’s inimitable brand of Americana.

“Alejandro Escovedo” occupies the middle spot and benefits from a more firm approach of rugged yet tuneful ideas, while “Truck Stop Shower” welcomes Garrison Star on vocals and Jeff ‘Muttonhead’ Erickson handling pedal steel as a rural beauty shines alongside Phil Roach’s fiddle and the sublime vocal harmonies.

“House Of Cards”, the final track, might be the best, though they’re all great, as the band charge into a buzzing alt-country rocker that parallels the greatness of legends like Son Volt, Golden Smog or Old 97’s, as they flawlessly balance grit with melody.

An energetic return that’s not without its cautious moments, too, Backyard Tire Fire possess all the things we love about Tweedy, Petty, Earle and Farrar. If you’re like me and late to the party, don’t waste another second not calling these midwest legends one of your favorite bands, cause they should be.

Travels well with: The Jayhawks- XOXO; The Long Ryders- Psychedelic Country Soul

Freedom Tree

Modern Acoustic World Jazz Rock

Music Makes You Happy, 2021

9/10

Listen to Modern Acoustic World Jazz Rock

Freedom Tree consists of Steinar Aadnekvam (acoustic guitar, vocals), Rubem Farias (electric bass, vocals), and Deodato Siquir (drums, lead vocals), and together they create a very unique version of cultured jazz across these 7 tracks that were recorded live in the studio during the pandemic.

“Freedom” starts the listen with smooth and soaring singing alongside intricate guitar playing as a jam band quality enters flowing jazz ideas, and “Troubled Dogs” follows with much warmth, where fascinating guitar picking and agile drumming highlight the charming fusion climate.

In the middle, the longest track, “For All”, leads with calm moments of intimacy before abruptly shifting into sublime progressions that display an unparalleled attention to detail, while “Turn On Your Light” glides with much grace and charm amid wordless vocals complementing the beauty.

The album remains musically strong until the end, where the drumming acrobatics of “Terra Mae/Motherland” and pretty singing make this the album’s best, and “Cold Shower” exits the listen rhythmic, firm and capable of unpredictable grooves that you won’t soon forget.

Though Freedom Tree are based in Sweden, the members come from Norway, Brazil and Mozambique, and they certainly bring influences from all over the globe on this truly world music album. Originally meant just to be streamed to fans, the quality of the performance certainly warranted this proper release, which is quite evident for anyone willing to listen.

Travels well with: Madre Vaca- The Elements; Gabor Lesko- Earthway

Lizard Music

Arizone!

Omnivore, 2021

9/10

Listen to Arizone!

The New Jersey natives Lizard Music got their start in the late ‘80s when they were in high school, and by the mid ‘90s had assembled a very well received catalog of multifaceted pop and rock records. However, in 1997 the band went on hiatus, and all the members went onto other endeavors in the music world.

Fast forward to 2020, when everyone was stuck indoors, and the band decided to tinker with some new ideas. Three months later they had their first album in 25 years, Arizone!.

“The Crow Flies” starts the listen and makes a significant impression with an energetic and melodic setting where thick guitars and well timed keys make for a precisely layered delivery, and “The Mixtape” follows with a burst of power-pop fun that’s as contagious as it is memorable.

Further into the listen, “Under The Table” finds a dreamy place to reside, where some spacey ideas enter the soulful climate, while the light and airy “They Did Their Best” recruits timeless folk ideas in its cautious landscape. “What’s My Line?”, one of the album’s best, then puts more focus on drumming as a busy and playful climate builds in their version of pop.

Deeper still, “Better Believe” lands in ballad like territory, as calm keys and light drumming are met with gentle singing, and “Naked In Las Vegas” ends the listen with a cozy acoustic strummer, where the many vocals give it a group effort feel that seems like it should soundtrack a campfire.

A truimphant return indeed, Chris Apple (bass, keys, vocals), Mikael Jorgensen (keys, guitar, vocals), Erik Paparozzi (guitar, keys, vocals) and Craig Smith (drums, percussion, keys, vocals) turn in a diverse and exciting listen that’s on par with the greatness achieved during their most active years. Let’s hope this isn’t an isolated affair, cause the band’s chemistry is clearly still very much alive and appreciated.

Travels well with: Divine Horsemen- Hot Rise Of An Ice Cream Phoenix; The Dream Syndicate- These Times

Mary Lou Fulton

We’ll Tell Stories

Infinidad, 2021

8/10

Listen to We’ll Tell Stories

The folk-roots singer/songwriter Mary Lou Fulton creates an impressive debut here, where her bilingual approach and political and personal wordplay is illuminated by producer Rob Seals, who also plays guitar, banjo and dobro on the album.

Fulton starts the listen with Carl Byron’s warm keys on “Red, White & Blue”, where her eloquent pipes steer a very graceful folk song, and “We’ll Tell Stories (remix)” follows with a calm, poetic approach where soft singing aligns with light, charming music.

Halfway through, “Eggshell” gets dreamy amid Fulton’s heartfelt storytelling and Byron’s agile keys, while “Come Along” recruits Ryan Brown’s playful drumming as a soulful spirit enters the insightful and stirring song craft. “Might Have Been”, the album’s best, then emits breezy melodies alongside the thoughtful, expressive and romantic landscape.

Moving towards the end, the intimate “Silvy” is sung in both English and Spanish and benefits from Seals’ banjo, and “El Corrido de Suaqui” exits the listen entirely in Spanish, where Byron’s accordion contributes to the cultured finish that tells the story of Fulton’s mother’s village being decimated to make for a dam.

Fulton has a background as a journalist and is the daughter of a Mexican immigrant, which gives her a unique perspective on today’s political climate, though her eloquent, personal songs are equally inviting on this excellent first album.

Travels well with: Jackson Browne- Downhill From Everywhere; Laura Nyro- Tree Of Ages

Fotoform

Horizons

Dismal Nitch, 2021

9/10

Listen to Horizons

The Seattle outfit Fotoform made quite an impression with their self-titled debut, and this sophomore effort sways from their walls of guitars sound to one that’s layered precisely with synth while still making strategic use of guitars in the dream-punk haze.

“Shadow Spreads” starts the listen with angular guitar work before a soaring dream-pop climate unfolds with light vocals complementing the moody post-punk backdrop, and this formula continues to the throbbing mystery of “Running”, as well as the swirling melodies and acrobatic drumming that populates “Too Late”.

In the middle, the hypnotic “We Only Have So Long” brings both beauty and tension to the emotive landscape, while “Let’s Shut Out The World” shimmers with a more firm approach that benefits from playful bass lines and certainly isn’t short on reverb.

Inching towards the end, “Take” embraces some post-rock aspects to its ethereal singing and strong attention to mood, and “We Crystalize” finishes the listen with a more minimal tactic that’s soaked in rhythmic, shoegaze like sweetness.

Spearheaded by the husband and wife team of Geoffrey Cox and Kim House, they’ve now got Michael Schorr (formerly of Death Cab For Cutie) behind the drum kit, and together they will likely remind you of legends like The Cure, My Bloody Valentine or Cocteau Twins, which is something you’ll never hear me complain about.

Travels well with: Bizou- Tragic Lover; Palm Ghosts- Lifeboat Candidate

Twinkle

A Mi Me Gusta Ser Yo * It’s Ok To Be Me

Twinkle Time, 2021

8/10

Listen to A Mi Me Gusta Ser Yo * It’s Ok To Be Me

A Peruvian American pop star who caters to families and kids, Twinkle returns with her 4th album, and injects EDM, hip-hop and Broadway influences into a bilingual listen that’s a whole lot of fun.

The title track starts the listen with a buzzing and infectious energy of club friendly rock, where Twinkle’s smooth pipes relay a very important message, and it isn’t long until “Brand New Day” brings a soulful and lively pop-rock delivery.

Deeper into the listen, “Gatekeeper”, with Jace Blain, offers a stylish and melodic display of mature pop song craft, while short pieces like “No Boxes No Labels” offer sage-like advice and inspiration for our children. “Mask It Up” then bounces and flows with a sing-along quality that will get your body moving as Twinkle reinforces some important behavior.

“LOVE” arrives near the end with a firm beat and subtle R&B nods that you won’t soon forget, and “Together” recruits MC Magic and Izzi Def for a breezy, brass flavored and hip-hop friendly album highlight.

Sometimes referred to as the ‘Lady Gaga for kids’, Twinkle brings immediately memorable music and lyrics that all the youngsters will benefit from, as she channels ‘80s Top 40 as well as today’s dance rock, and it makes for an entertaining and smart listen.

Travels well with: Jenn Cleary- All Together Now; Stacey Peasley- Make It Happen

Michael James

Shelter In Place

Alternator, 2021

8/10

Listen to Shelter In Place

Though the name Michael James might not be familiar to you, we’ve all heard music he’s been a part of, as he’s been producer for bands like New Radicals, Hole and Eric Church, to name a few.

An aptly titled pandemic record, Shelter In Place brings in many musicians and vocalists, who illuminate James’ diverse vision of rock across these 17 tracks.

“When The Penny Drops” starts the listen with a quick blast of atmosphere that leads into a furious bout of drums and bluesy guitar, and this moves into the calm acoustic guitar of the poetic “Come Back Lover”. James plays several instruments on the tune, and Aaron Durr handles vocals, keys and drums, as they cultivate a gentle version of soft-rock.

Deeper into the listen, “Scraping The Guard Rail (All The Way Down)” oozes spirited guitar work alongside strategic synth from Chris Jansen, and Rob Ahlers’ drumming won’t go unnoticed, either, while “Save Me Tonight” brings strings and Hammond B3 from Eric Colvin into the emotive album highlight. “Something”, another exceptional track, then recruits slide guitar thanks to James Zota Baker and Sam Martinez’s bass for a very mature and stirring climate that even gets dreamy.

As we advance towards the end, “Rise Up Into The Light” finds an eloquent place to reside, where much beauty flows amid the layered version of Americana, and “Let’s Connect Our Minds” exits the listen with playful rhythm amid the uplifting finish where Colvin lends his pipes to the rugged yet smooth grooves.

Lyrically, James explores themes that we all dealt with during 2020, i.e. loneliness, isolation, hope, and mortality, and his stunning guitar solos combined with the many guest players makes for a varied and relatable listen that documents the pandemic with much grace, insight and warmth.

Travels well with: Steve Dawson- at the bottom of a canyon in the branches of a tree; Tim Foljahn- I Dreamed A Dream

Long The Night

Illusion

Labile, 2021

8/10

Listen to Illusion

Derrick Stembridge might be the most prolific musician today. In addition to Drifting In Silence and the more electronic focused Unknowndivide, he’s also making music as Long The Night, where he injects a tense component into his electronic vision.

“Divided Souls” starts the listen and makes an immediate impression with its thick haze of dark ambience that sounds like how the cover art looks, and “Untold Mind” follows with a soft droning of wordless vocals and nearly spiritual like textures.

Elsewhere, “Transparent” flows with a meditative dreaminess that’s quite cinematic in scope, while “Through Blind Eyes” rumbles with an ominous quality of shifting moods. “A Forgotten Time”, a late album standout, then swirls with complicated and memorable electronic manipulation.

“The Myth Of Now” arrives near the end and turns minimalism into a refined art with its unparalleled attention to detail, and “Illusion” exits the listen aglow in an emotive and gorgeously layered finish to a very interesting listen.

Other than light chanting, there is no singing to be found, and, quite honestly, it isn’t needed. Long The Night instead focus on field recordings and sonically engaging song craft to let the listener imagine.

Travels well with: Drifting In Silence- False Awakening; Unknown Divide- Existence

The Harmonica Pocket

Sing Your Song

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Sing Your Song

The recording moniker of Keeth Monta Apgar, as The Harmonica Pocket he sings and plays many instruments, and he’s also got plenty of friends helping him flesh out this diverse and quirky album for families with kids.

The title track starts the listen with warm, playful songwriting that recruits Renee Stahl on harmony vocals as Eric Eagle’s precise drumming complements the folk sounds, and “One Two I Love You” is an upbeat and charming pop friendly tune with children providing call and response vocals amid Ethan Sobotta’s bouncy upright bass.

Deeper into the listen, “Everything Is Everywhere” benefits from Apgar’s soulful harmonica, as Tom Gilhuley brings chicken sounds to the positively fun climate, while “Apples On The Sun” is Apgar solo with his guitar, harmonica, glockenspiel and imagination. “Twinkle Twinkle” then puts a spirited spin on the classic with both acoustic and electric guitar illuminating its timeless glow.

“Stand By Me”, another song we all love, then flows with my much beauty as harmonica, finger snapping and Johnny Bregar’s cautious drumming make this an interpretation worth the price of admission alone, and “Ukulele Lullaby” exits the listen with sublime picking alongside BigTalk Jon Rÿser’s saxophones in the indeed dreamy, soothing finisih.

This is the 5th album for The Harmonica Pocket, which has already nabbed a pair of Parents’ Choice Gold Awards, and Sing Your Song will certainly be embraced with the same amount of praise, as Apgar and company make universally enjoyable music with themes that surround all the enjoyment of family life.

Travels well with: Alison Faith Levy- You Are Magic; Carrie Ferguson- The Grumpytime Club

Unknowndivide

Existence

Labile, 2021

9/10

Listen to Existence

The sophomore effort from Unknowndivide, which is Derrick Stembridge, of Drifting In Silence fame, under this moniker the multi-instrumentalist brings a larger electronic presence into the highly atmospheric soundscapes.

“Below” gets the listen off to an initially spiritual start before dense beats and firm electronic prowess enters the unique delivery of meditative versus club friendly sounds, and “Unreal” follows with a futuristic approach of soothing ambience alongside playful sound manipulation.

“False” lands at the halfway point, and recruits a firm landscape of techno nods amid garage rock ideas, while “Transmission” glows with an ethereal demeanor and then filters in buzzing synth, dance floor rhythm and infectious beats. “Limitless”, the album’s best, then glides with a glitchy, animated and dizzying display of electronica utilized with incredible precision.

“Time” and “Existence” finish the listen, where the former offers a meditative backdrop while swift beats guide the frisky landscape, and the latter spends 5 minutes impressing us with minimal and maximal ideas fleshed out in ways only he could create.

Essentially pairing the calm moments of Drifting Into Silence with a firm IDM and techno slant, Existence is yet another superbly creative venture for Stembridge, whose talents are clearly boundless and his vision exemplifies a balancing act that’s artistically absorbing.

Travels well with: Drifting In Silence- False Awakening; Heron- Sun Release

Drifting In Silence

False Awakening

Labile, 2021

9/10

Listen to False Awakening

Drifting In Silence impressed me with 2019’s Away, and here Derrick Stembridge returns with more inventive instrumental song craft, where his post-rock, New Age and meditative sounds highlight themes of nature and dreams.

“Silent Patterns” starts the listen with plenty of atmosphere, where 6 minutes of soothing, dreamy musicianship unfolds with grace and warmth, and “Myth Of Memory” follows with the sounds of water before segueing into an ambience of cascading beauty.

In the middle, “Unknown Archetype” drones with mystery amid a darker approach with moody, subtle piano, while “The Shadow” cultivates a mesmerizing, sonically creative landscape of wonder and awe.

“Preconscious Mind” resides near the end and radiates a spiritual aspect of profound elegance, and “False Awakening” exits the listen in a haze of surreal, cinematic sounds that makes meticulous use of guitar.

A very interesting effort that brings field recordings into guitar, piano and synth layers, as Drifting In Silence, Stembridge’s post-ambient formula is as stunning as ever on this unimaginably detailed listen.

Travels well with: Heron- Sun Release; Wing Vilma- Spirit Practice

Levi Dover Sextet

Imaginary Structures

Three Pines, 2021

8/10

Listen to Imaginary Structures

The debut album from the Montreal bassist, Levi Dover brings along Lex French (trumpet), Erik Hove (alto sax), Oliver Salazar (vibraphone), Andrew Boudreau (piano) and Kyle Hutchins (drums) for the very imaginative 10 tracks.

“First Impression” gets the listen off to warm start as Salazar’s elegant vibraphone and French’s soulful trumpet guide the creative jazz opener, and “In Hindsight” follows with Boudreau’s playful keys and Hutchins’ subtle drumming adding much to the cautious atmosphere.

Halfway through, “MK” emits much beauty in its precise and unpredictable nature, while “Galapagos” showcases Dover’s sublime bass plucking amid mesmerizing keys and no shortage of reserved yet adventurous songwriting.

Arriving near to the end, “The Fox And The Cat” meshes brass, drums, piano and bass into a darker texture that’s no less impactful in its rumbling template, and “Imaginary Structures” exits the listen with a flowing delivery of stirring, reflective and timeless progressive jazz nods.

Also a player in the Gentiane MG Trio, Dover mixes post-bop, classical and progressive ideas here, where his strong attention to detail and superb execution make for a thriving first album.

Travels well with: Earl MacDonald- Consecrated; Le GGRIL- Sommes

Film School

We Weren’t Here

Sonic Ritual, 2021

10/10

Listen to We Weren’t Here

The Los Angeles and San Francisco indie-rock sensations Film School are back with their 6th album, We Weren’t Here, and the newest member/drummer Adam Wade (of Jawbox, Shudder To Think, The Jealous Sound fame) certainly turns in a superb performance as the band recorded the entire album never even seeing each other in person other than Wade and frontman Greg Bertens meeting to lay down drum tracks.

The aptly titled “Superperfection” starts the listen with some charming atmosphere, before thumping drums and dreamy vocals enter the smooth post-punk climate, and “Said Your Name” continues the creativity with some spacey sounds flowing alongside warm guitar work from Nyles Lannon and agile drumming that emits a psychedelic angle on indie-rock.

There’s 10 tracks here, and each one is a gem, including the driving beat of the hypnotic “The More I Know”, as well as “Soft Reflections”, which showcases Jason Ruck’s buzzing synth amid playful New Wave nods that brings us back to the best times of the ‘80s. “Drone 2”, another excellent selection, then mesmerizes with its dance friendly appeal that’s still got plenty of alt-rock spirit and strategic bass thanks to Justin LaBo.

Further still, “CPPT” recruits an ominous mood that swirls with waves of hazy, mysterious song craft and wordless singing, and “Take What You Need” finishes with a firm melody amid the shoegaze influences entering the nostalgic and very memorable exit.

Part dream-pop, part post-punk and part psyche-rock, Film School released their debut 20 years ago, and here they prove they’re playing this sort of music better than anyone currently, and this socially distanced record is easily one of the year’s best.

Travels well with: Lanterns On The Lake- Until The Colours Run; The Psychedelic Furs- Made Of Rain

David Finck

BASSic Instinct

Burton Ave. 2021

9/10

Listen to BASSic Instinct

The legendary New York bassist David Finck has enjoyed a lengthy and exceptional career that includes working with Rod Stewart and Elton John, among many others. Since his debut as bandleader in 2009, he’s released consistently great acoustic jazz albums, the latest being BASSic Instinct, which showcases both originals and covers with an all star cast present.

The title track leads the listen with Ryan Quigley’s trumpet and Mike Davis’ trombone complementing Finck’s incredible bass playing in the smooth, fluid jazz opener, and “The Best Thing For You (Would Be Me)” follows with warm piano from Tedd Firth in the playful yet soothing delivery.

Further into the listen, “Seascape” moves calmly, sublimely and poetically with just Meg Ruby’s agile keys accompanying Finck’s cautious bass, while “Tea For Two” brings Cliff Almond’s precise drums and Quinn Johnson’s light keys to the precisely textured landscape. “So What”, one of the album’s best, then recruits a soulful quality amid Kelly Mittleman’s soaring pipes and Andy Snitzer’s well timed saxophone.

“Tico Tico No Fubá” lands close to the end and showcases jumpy keys from Ruby, and Nelson Faria’s meticulous guitar won’t go unnoticed either, and “I Remember” exits the listen with Melissa Errico’s eloquent pipes alongside Firth’s delicate piano and Finck’s versatile bass playing.

Few people will ever play bass quite like Finck, and his unique interpretations and timeless originals make this 6th album ideal for those with an ear for anything jazz related, past and present.

Travels well with: David Larsen- Deviate From Standards; Jackson Potter- Restless