KermesZ à l’Est

Octophilia

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Octophilia

A Belgian outfit who have been active for well over a decade now, KermesZ à l’Est combine jazz, metal, and Eastern European ideas into an inimitable formula of 9 exciting tracks.

“Azerian Dub” opens the listen with 2 parts that bring bright brass, acrobatic drumming and Eastern ideas into a very energetic, worldly version of jazz-rock, and “Kakoschizm” follows with a mesmerizing quality of rhythmic tuba and frisky drumming amid the punk spirited demeanor.

In the middle, the calmer “Trilock” unfolds across 4 chapters that carries a carnival-esque approach that also touches on big band nods and harder versions of rock, while “Pony Wurst” exits the listen with a soulful intimacy that builds into a dance floor ready anthem of festive Balkan sounds.

An extremely unique listen that recruits math-rock, baroque music and poeticism, you’ve probably never heard anything like KermesZ à l’Est before, but you’ll certainly want to hear Octophilia again.

Travels well with: Baby Fire- Grace; You Said Strange- Thousand Shadows Vol. 1

Music Of Debra Kaye

Ikarus Among The Stars

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Ikarus Among The Stars

The inestimable New York composer Debra Kaye explores themes of real and surreal, perpetual and fleeting, nonchalant, and profound across these very distinct 6 pieces that take influences from Spanish poetry and are highly focused on tonality.

“The Exchange” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where Charles Neidich’s clarinet and Hikaru Tamaki’s cello flow with much grace and adventurousness, and “String Quartet No. 1: Encountering Lorca” follows with 4 chapters of cautious and meticulous interaction from the Daedalus Quartet, i.e. Min-Young Kim and Matilda Kaul’s violins, Jessica Thompson’s viola and Thomas Kraines’ cello.

In the middle, “Ikarus — Duo for Binya” places Kinga Augustyn on violin and Jessica Thompson on viola for the soft intimacy of the emotive strings, while “Call of the Dance” is populated by Carl Gutowski’s flute and Marcia Eckert’s piano for the charming dreaminess of the colorful song craft.

The title track exits the listen, and pairs the Portland Youth Philharmonic with David Hattner’s conducting for a minimal versus busy presence of booming, soaring, cinematic qualities.

A rich and eclectic body of work, Kaye’s vision is represented with an unparalleled attention to detail and mood, and it makes for an exceptional chamber listen.

Travels well with: The Music J.A. Kawarsky- Dancing In The Palm Of God’s Hand; Edward Hart- Under An Indigo Sky

William Prince

Stand In The Joy

Six Shooter, 2023

9/10

Listen to Stand In The Joy

The Juno Award winner William Prince returns with his inimitable storytelling which explores the subtle beauty of life that’s heartfelt, introspective and welcomes some excellent help.

“When You Miss Someone” opens the listen with Prince’s very comforting and expressive voice alongside Chris Powell’s agile drumming and Brian Allen’s cozy bass for the Americana spirited climate, and “Only Thing We Need” follows with Prince’s emotive acoustic guitar and poetic pipes being complemented by Alyshia Grace Hobday’s soulful backing vocals.

“Broken Heart Of Mine” occupies the middle spot, and is full of country sensibilities that radiates Paul Franklin’s glowing pedal steel, while “Pasadena” gets a little thicker with its rugged versus pretty qualities of breeziness.

Close to the end, “Peace Of Mind” enters folk territory with its wise and dreamy demeanor, and “Take A Look Around” exits with meticulous finger picking and a thoughtful intimacy that you can’t help but admire.

This is Prince’s 4th album, and his rich, universally relatable vision is as substantial as ever, where roots, country, Americana and folk are present and appreciated across the 10 exceptional songs.

Travels well with: Chris Vallillo- Forgottonia; Daniel Janke- Songs Of Small Resistance

The Music Of J.A. Kawarsky

Dancing In The Palm Of God’s Hand

Navona, 2023

9/10

Listen to Dancing In The Palm Of God’s Hand

A diverse body of work from the esteemed composer J.A. Kawarsky, the tracks here revolve around bare solo pieces, vulnerable chamber music, and large orchestral works, where an uplifting presence is quite appealing regardless of your religious beliefs.

“Grace Dances for Oboe and Strings” begins the listen with the Zagreb Festival Orchestra’s stirring strings and J. Ricardo Castañeda’s bright oboe interacting with much warmth and grace, and “3 Solos for Saxophone” follows with Jonathan Helton using both alto and soprano sax in very precise ways that showcase his meticulous nature that’s quite reflective.

“Charlottesville: 12 August 2017” resides in the middle and recruits the Siberian State Symphony Orchestra for the soaring, cinematic presence of stunning musicianship, while “Rejoice, O Young Man” places J. Ricardo Castañeda in a solo oboe setting with a very gripping delivery that has the listener hanging on every note.

The listen exits with “Dancing in the Palm of God’s Hand”, where Jillian Krempasky’s mezzo-soprano is quite powerful and melodic amid the Zagreb Festival Orchestra’s bright playing and Jonathan Helton’s well timed alto saxophone.

A recording that surrounds the dynamics between between human and God, Kawarsky’s work inches right up philosophical ideas, and the excellent players on hand illuminate his vision flawlessly.

Travels well with: Hilary Tann- Luminaria Magna; Edward Hart- Under An Indigo Sky

Shara Nova/The Crossing

Tiration

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Titration

A cycle of healing songs by Shara Nova, The Crossing bring their esteemed vocal prowess to these comforting tracks.

“Freeze State” gets the listen off to a harmonic start, where the soaring voices make for a powerful, uplifting opener of sublime beauty, and “Safety In Peril Or Calm” follows with calm and dreamy song craft that emits a stirring presence.

Further on, “Patterns Of Protection” illustrates an unparalleled attention to tone and pitch from the wordless singing and vivid storytelling, while ‘Turn Ya Head” is a bit more forceful with the shifting waves of singing that use both minimal and busier moments to its advantage.

The last 2 tracks include the atmospheric and heartfelt “Stirring”, and the sounds of laughing that populate “Titration 3”, that, in less than a minute, makes a sizable impression with its jovial nature.

A listen that’s full of self-awareness, Nova’s background in indie-rock is certainly appreciated as The Crossing’s inimitable talent is very much radiating across the luminous 17 tracks.

Travels well with: Beth Wiemann- I Give You My Home; London Cello Connection

The Coastal Futures Conservatory

Soundscapes Of Restoration

Ravello, 2023

8/10

Listen to Soundscapes Of Restoration

A collection of experimental, electroacoustic and electronic ideas, Soundscapes Of Restoration explores the sounds of nature with some esteemed composers and players in attendance for the 13 inviting pieces.

“Virginia Barrier Island Soundscape: Listening to Climate Change and Resilience Part 1” opens the listen with the sounds of water, where the soothing field recording sets the tone for “The Dreams Of Seagrasses”, by Matthew Burtner, where the EcoSono Ensemble’s calming delivery benefits from Kelly Sulick’s dreamy flute and Brian Lindgren’s precise viola.

Halfway through, Francisca Rocha Gonçalves’ “The Noise Parade/Die Lärmparade” unfolds with an oddly meditative quality where the field recordings and electronics mesh with a mesmerizing spirit, while “The Metered Tide, Refrain 1” showcases Glen Whitehead’s radiant trumpet and Kevin William Davis’ gripping cello for the artistic, synthetic versus organic album highlight.

Nearing the end, “Oyster Communion” highlights Mari Hahn’s ethereal voice and the actual sounds of oyster shells used as an instrument for the absorbing delivery, and “Virginia Ghost Forest Soundscape: Listening to Climate Change and Resilience Part 2” ends much like how it started, with nature’s beauty front and center.

The listen surrounds ecological, future-oriented cultural and cognitive restoration, each composition here is unpredictable, alluring and resonates with earthly, meticulous songwriting.

Travels well with: Avner Finberg- The Four Seasons Of Isolation; Wesley Ferreira- Into The Green

Lee Weisert

Recesses

New Focus, 2023

9/10

Listen to Recesses

The composer Lee Weisert returns with a sophomore album on the New Focus label, where his electroacoustic and electronic pieces welcomes strings, keys, guitars and vocals to the 4 involved compositions.

“Recesses I: Part 1” opens the listen with much warmth and mystery, where Weiser’s chilling electronics, guitar and piano are met with Nicholas DiEugenion’s subtle, stirring violin, and “Recesses I: Part 2” follows with Melissa Martin’s wordless vocals and Matthew McClure’s well timed sax adding much dreaminess to the soothing landscape.

The back half includes the manipulated modular synth from Allen Anderson and haunting electronics of “Recesses II”, while “Similar Speeds” exits with Weisert’s electronics making hypnotic percussive noises that draw the listener in with its abstract appeal.

Also a professor in the music department at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Weisert’s ability to blend orchestral ideas, found sounds, field recordings and digital and analog moments makes for another unclassifiable and enjoyable illustration of creativity.

Travels well with: Olivia De Prato- Panorama; Reiko Füting- Mechthild

Audible Spirits

Audible Spirits

Diskonife, 2023

8/10

Listen to Audible Spirits

The assembly of Matt Moran (vibraphone), Sarah Elizabeth Charles (voice and effects), and Curtis Hasselbring (samples and trombone), as Audible Spirits the trio utilize their instruments with electronic samples of Jamey Aebersold Play-A-Long recordings for the very distinct jazz delivery.

“Stolen Moments” gets the listen off to a stylish start, where Hasselbring’s soulful trombone is met with Moran’s light vibraphone and plenty of atmosphere amid Charles’ inimitable vocals, and “Moment’s Notice” follows with a dreamy ambience of electronic manipulation and swirling dynamics alongside wordless vocals.

Halfway through, the intimate “Misty” turns into a very exciting and busier landscape thanks to Moran’s lively vibes, while “Like Someone In Love” is a breathy and brass friendly display of lively jazz energy.

Close to the end, “All The Things You Are” flows with swift and frisky free jazz exploration that illustrates stunning vibraphone acrobatics, and “Peace” finishes with soft and heartfelt song craft that blends Charles’ gorgeous voice with the expressive trombone and bright vibraphone.

Originally intended as a live theater piece, the sampling and manipulation of sounds blended with the timeless jazz template allows for each song to radiate its own distinct personality that’s very much appreciated.

Travels well with: Rossi/Hess/Moran- You Break You Buy; Darren Johnston- Wild Awake

Duncan Hopkins

Who Are You? The Music Of Kenny Wheeler

TPR, 2023

8/10

Listen to Who Are You? The Music Of Kenny Wheeler

The British/Canadian bassist Duncan Hopkins pays homage to the legendary Kenny Wheeler across these 8 detailed pieces, where Reg Schwager, Ted Quinlan and Michel Lambert accompany him.

“Who Are You?” starts the listen with warm guitar and light drumming in the dreamy, glowing climate of melody, and “Foxy Trot” follows with a stylish energy that showcases a radiant guitar tone amid Hopkins’ skilled bass.

“Nicolette” lands in the middle and balances the meticulous nature with shimmering dynamics between the guitars, while “Mark Time” progresses with stunning finger acrobatics on guitar and frisky drumming from Lambert for the album’s best.

Near the end, The St. Catharines Suite exits with 3 chapters, where “Montebello” emits a stirring, lush appeal and “Salina St.” finishes with Schwager and Quinlan’s intricate guitars interacting with much care and illuminating the attentive rhythm section.

Hopkins sure does justice to Wheeler’s work, as each piece here carries a thorough and exciting interpretation that warrants repeated listens.

Travels well with: The Artie Roth Quartet- Resonants; Redline- Underdog

Flitcraft

House At The Centre Of The Universe

Pitch Black, 2023

9/10

Listen to House At The Centre Of The Universe

A prog-rock and metal influenced outfit from Australia, this first album from Flitcraft on the Pitch Black label has the front man Phillip T. King alongside Zac Halpin and Jack Phillips for the unique hard rock listen.

“Error Era (2137)” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where driving guitars and swift drumming from Phillips’ makes for a dense yet melodic approach to retro metal, and “Earth Is Not A Perfect Sphere” follows with a firm buzzing, as the underlying prog-rock unfolds with harmonic vocals.

Elsewhere, the intimate “Chrysalistless (Uly’s Lament)” emits an absorbing climate of introspection amid the gentle singing that would suit a campfire, while “Galactic Road Trip (Wayworn Travellers)” thunders and shakes with a firm intensity that welcomes smooth singing.

Close to the end, “The Pyre Of John McDonald” finds a dreamy place to reside via the mesmerizing acoustic guitar and poetic singing, and “The House (Entering, Redintegration, Mother Reprise, Era’s End)” exits with Halpin’s precise bass complementing King’s soaring voice and intricate guitar playing.

King brings a wealth of experience that includes playing in the 70’s spirited psych-rockers Butterfly and the speed metal giants Galaxy. This 2nd album from Flitcraft tells the story of Uly, a young writer in the year 2137, where his part human, part android being is soundtracked by this very distinct version of rock from both sides of the spectrum.

Travels well with: Arrayan Path- Thus Always To Tyrants; Age Of Wolves- Age Of Wolves

Pete Francis

PTRNSKY!

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to PTRNSKY!

A New England native who cut his teeth in the powerful alt-rock outfit Dispatch, Pete Francis stepped away from full band life for his mental health, and this first solo album has the artist focusing on depression and anxiety, something he’s been battling his entire life.

“Can’t Get On With It” opens the listen with swirling guitar amid a thick haze of calm versus busy moments of gritty indie-rock, and “Scared Without Your Love” follows with warm acoustic guitar and playful percussive sounds in the very intimate beauty.

In the middle, the dreamy “All Your Tears” emits a hushed quality that’s quite mesmerizing, while “Eyes Of The Jungle”, the best tune, embraces some folk-rock nods amid the vivid storytelling and cozy backing vocals from Francis’ wife, Kate.

Close to the end, “Mind Over Mind” recruits some Americana ideas via the poetic delivery, and “Wild Heart” finishes with cultured percussion alongside Francis’ reflective tone that’s vulnerable and relatable.

A listen that often surrounds darkness, Francis does share his light, and the presence of love is ultimately what steers these highly personal and emotional songs that balance his past with louder rock and the softness of his singer-songwriter vision.

Travels well with: Stephen Kellogg- Blunderstone Rookery; Jesse Malin- Outsiders

Tomas Janzon

Nomadic

Changes, 2023

8/10

Listen to Nomadic

The exceptional guitarist Tomas Janzon pens a calm jazz affair of originals and songs by Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner and Lee Konitz, where 2 different rhythm sections help the listen unfold with much beauty and grace.

The dreamy “Out Door Valley” opens the listen with Steven Nelson’s lively vibraphone and Hilliard Greene’s precise bass plucking complementing Janzon’s shimmering guitar, and “Rob’s Piano” follows with Chuck McPherson’s agile drumming helping cultivate a very stylish and warm jazz climate amid the playful bass and spirited guitar.

“Search For Peace” lands in the middle, and features Tony Austin’s strategic drumming and Jeff Littleton’s frisky bass for the album’s best, while the jazz waltz, “Valse Hot”, picks up the pace a bit with swift, meticulous guitar that suits the animated rhythm section.

The album exits with “Blue Frog Return” and “Pressing Forward”, where the former has the guitar and bass interacting with much dynamic, thoughtful song craft that swings gently, and the latter finishes with a mesmerizing energy of adventurousness and control, where Janzon, Austin and Littleton make for a very collaborative vision.

This is Janzon’s 6th album as leader, and it documents 2020-2021 with intimacy and inventiveness, where the esteemed help he brings only adds that much more intrigue to these 11 memorable tracks.

Travels well with: Dave Stryker- Prime; Jared Gold- Reemergence

Setting Sun

The Feelings Cure

Young Love, 2023

9/10

Listen to The Feelings Cure

A Brooklyn indie-rock outfit spearheaded by the guitarist, bassist and singer Gary Levitt, this 6th record from Setting Sun brings plenty of varied song craft into a ‘90s moody-rock formula that is full of unpredictable ideas.

“Cool” opens the listen with Hampus Öhman-Frölund’s fluid drumming alongside Levitt’s warm voice and skilled acoustic guitar in the cozy folk spirit, and “Sometimes” follows with a charming lo-fi feeling that might remind you of Lou Barlow’s soft song craft, where Abby Hollander Levitt’s pretty backing vocals add much to the beauty.

At the halfway point, “Counting The Cows” showcases Erica Quitzow’s stirring violin and Brian Hollande’s well timed dobro for the cautious, elegant album highlight, while “Good Die Young” welcomes Brian Geltner’s skilled drumming for the crisp delivery.

Residing close to the end, the breezy “A Symphony” places Hollander Levitt on violin for the reflective tone, and “Once Had A While” exits with a dense presence of retro alt-rock, where thick guitar and thumping drums suit the tense finish.

A superbly eclectic listen that doesn’t shy away from bedroom-symphonic pieces, baroque waltzes, sturdy rockers, Levitt and company make atypical folk songs you’re going to want to hear repeatedly.

Travels well with: Ken Yates- Cerulean; The Get Right Band- iTopia

Lars Fredrik Frøislie

Fire Fortellinger

Karisma, 2023

8/10

Listen to Fire Fortellinger

The first solo album from Wobbler’s Lars Fredrik Frøislie, the 4 detailed pieces are steeped very much in ‘70s prog-rock ideas, where Nikolai Hængsle plays several types of bass, and Frøislie handles many different instruments.

“Rytter av dommedag” opens the listen with warm piano and a dreamy spirit, where thick bass and spacey exploration allow the tune to build into a dense prog-rocker that’s cinematic and soaring, and “Et sted under himmelhvelvet” follows with an initially intimate landscape that emits buzzing and meticulous patterns that benefits much from the throbbing bass lines.

The back half welcomes the very playful “Jærtegn”, which slips into bare, minimal areas before cultivating a very melodic and reflective tone, while “Naturens katedral” exits with waves of thicker bouts versus calm beauty.

Frøislie plays Ludwig trommer, Paiste cymbaler, vokal, Hammond C3 med Leslie 147, Mellotron M400, Minimoog Model D, Chamberlin M-1, Hohner Clavinet D6, Yamaha CP70B, William de Blaise spinett, Arp Pro Soloist, Arp Axxe, Solina String Ensemble, Tremoloa, Rhodes mkII, Wurlitzer 200, and blokkfløyte here, and it makes for a raw, unprocessed and impulsive display of one takes from a luminary in the area of modern prog-rock.

Travels well with: Wobbler- Dwellers Of The Deep; Meer- Playing House

Matthew Logan Vasquez

As All Get Out

Nine Mile, 2023

10/10

Listen to As All Get Out

The frontman of the much adored outfit Delta Spirit, Matthew Logan Vasquez pens a very diverse and exciting 4th solo album, where settling into adulthood and soul searching make for a raw and energetic affair.

“Untouchable” begins the listen with Judson Johnson’s thumping drums and Vasquez’s melodic singing and warm guitar, where folk-rock ideas are present and appreciated, and “Over It” follows with driving and harmonic indie-rock that welcomes cozy keys to the heartfelt singing that just might be the best song of 2023.

In the middle, the more cautious “Long Line Of Lovers” showcases strings from the Parkington Sisters that helps illuminate the bright storytelling of the lush delivery, while “Shawna” showcases the versatile voice of Vasquez amid the dreamy song craft.

Close to the end, the funky and soulful “Holiday” will get you on the dance floor with its playful bass playing and animated landscape, and “I Found A Reason” exits with layered vocals and a head bobbin’, toe tappin’ spirit that embraces talking and some gospel leanings, too.

Now sober, married and with 2 sons, Vasquez does a great job of balancing the rawness of his rock’n’roll life with the calmer aspects of family, and it’s some of the best modern indie-rock that exists today.

Travels well with: Aaron Lee Tasjan- Karma For Cheap; T. Hardy Morris- The Digital Age Of Rome

Matt Ulery

Mannerist

Woolgathering, 2023

8/10

Listen to Mannerist

The bassist, composer, bandleader and record label head honcho Matt Ulery blends chamber music and jazz for this 14th album as leader, where a handful of musicians accompany him for the 6 well thought out pieces.

“Bridges” gets the listen off to a dreamy start, where Constance Volk’s flute and Jon Deitemyer’s light drumming complement the woodwinds and brass with much grace and melody, and “The Brink Of What” follows with Paul Bedal’s warm piano and Dustin Laurenzi’s soulful sax adding much to the textured atmosphere.

The middle tracks belong to “Another Book Of Ornaments” and “Left Window”, where the former benefits much from Zachary Good’s moody clarinet and, of course, Ulery’s precisely plucked double bass, while the latter flows with a reflective tone thanks to playful keys and stunning bass work.

At the end, “Under A Dusken Crown” comes with a bit of mystery in the cinematic and lush display that spotlights James Davis’ trumpet, and “The Prairie Is A Rolling Ocean” exits with a cautious, rich, dynamic quality that’s heartfelt.

A listen that isn’t short on philosophical leanings and a cryptic vision, there’s certainly an artistic aspect present, too, as Ulery meshes harmonies, timbre and rhythm with much intrigue.

Travels well with: Nick Finzer- Dreams, Visions, Illusions; Alex Weitz- Rule Of Thirds

Sarah Albu & Gayle Young

According To The Moon

Farpoint, 2023

8/10

Listen to According To The Moon

The Canadian artist Gayle Young is aligned with Sarah Albu, plus many others for a highly diverse body of work that is full of modern, experimental and uniquely textured environments.

The title track begins the listen with distinct wordless vocals amid a mysterious climate that’s quite fascinating in a haunting sort of way, and “Tea Story” follows with manipulated sounds in an abstract, sci-fi fashion that’s oddly blurry.

Further on, the dueling voices of “The State Of Corn” makes for an interesting conversational versus singing exploration, while “Arbretreebaum” unfolds with a curious take on poetry that’s sometimes hushed, other times repetitive and sort of eerie.

The final track, “Ancient Ocean Floor”, brings the sounds of water amid tonal shifting and pretty singing that uses Genevieve Liboiron’s stirring violin subtly but effectively.

A highly inventive listen that embraces electroacoustic ideas, the addition of voices from Reinhard Reitzenstein, Gabriel Dharmoo, Elizabeth Lima and Liboiron, plus EMS snythi from Dean Batute and frequency shifters via William Blakeney only enhance this unclassifiable experience.

Travels well with: Beatings Are In The Body- Beatings Are In The Body; Stranger Still- The Songs Which Are

Javier Red's Imagery Converter

Life & Umbrella

Desafio Candente, 2023

8/10

Listen to Life & Umbrella

The Chicago resident and esteemed pianist Javier Red brings along Gustavo Cortinas, Ben Dillinger and Jake Wark for these complicated and adventurous 12 tracks that recruits fusion jazz ideas.

“Thoughts Unable To Be Contained” opens the listen with Wark’s soft sax and Cortinas’ frisky drumming helping make for a cozy landscape that builds into busy free jazz exploration, and “The Happiness Of Hope” follows with a soft, intimate demeanor, where Red’s dreamy keys are met with soulful sax.

Halfway through, “Umbrella” is one minute of Wark’s meticulous finger acrobatics on saxophone, while “This Is What They Found” benefits much from Dillinger’s playful bass playing amid the crisp drumming and well timed keys.

Close to the end, the swirling “Different Tempos” illustrates a dynamic interaction between the 4 that’s melodic, mesmerizing and groove filled, and “Future, Umbrella and Life” exits with both bare and full bouts, where each member’s strengths are on display in spades for the multi-faceted jazz delivery.

A collective sophomore effort that embraces improvisation and composed moments, Red and company make for an unpredictable and highly memorable affair that balances quite versus intense songwriting.

Travels well with: Magos Herrera- Aire; Ben Wendel- All One

Brian Thornton & Iranian Female Composers Association

Sirventes

New Focus, 2023

8/10

Listen to Sirventes

The Cleveland cellist Brian Thornton brings us a collection of works for cello, solo and in ensemble, where members of the Iranian Female Composers Association contribute their inimitable talents to the 6 classically influenced pieces.

Mahdis Golzar Kashani’s “And The Moses Drowned” begins the listen with Katherine Bormann’s violin, Alicia Koelz’s violin, Eliesha Nelson’s viola and Thornton’s cello interacting with a quivering beauty that radiates a sublime intimacy but gets more firm at the end, and the solo cello “Vulnerable”, by Nina Barzegar, follows with 11+ minutes of meticulous string manipulation from Thornton’s very agile playing that bows and plucks precisely.

In the middle, Kiloufar Iravani’s “The Maze” unfolds across 3 chapters that highlight the Callisto Quarter, where Paul Aguilar and Rachel Aguilar’s violins are aligned with Eva Kennedy’s viola and Hannah Moses’ cello for the poetic and eloquent album highlight, while the title track has Amahl Arulanandam’s cello and Nathan Petitpas’ percussion making for a chilling, cinematic exercise in minimalism that uses pitch strategically.

The final selection, Mina Arissian’s “Suite For Cello”, then spotlights Thornton’s highly skilled playing that’s emotive, heart felt and explores migration, hope and renewal.

A superbly meticulous affair, the playing on hand is unmatched and truly showcases the unique vision of these Iranian composers.

Travels well with: Olivia De Prato- Panorama; Reiko Füting- Mechthild

The Grascals

Straighten The Curves

Mountain Home, 2019

8/10

Listen to Straighten The Curves

In their decade and a half career, The Grascals have done just about everything a band would want to do, including playing some of the most legendary venues, racking up multiple Grammy Nominations, as well as many late night TV appearances.

Straighten The Curves, their 11th album, brings new member Chris Davis into the fold as their esteemed brand of country, bluegrass and gospel has never sounded better.

“My Virginia Mama” starts the album strong with vocal harmonies, crisp instrumentation and precise bluegrass sounds, and “Callin’ Your Name” follows with cautious melodies in the rural oriented fun.

Of the ballads, “Don’t Leave Your Memory Behind” is especially pretty with pensive picking and emotive singing amid country influences, while the mandolin acrobatics of “AndiWayne” go the opposite direction with an upbeat and festive instrumental setting.

One of the album’s best, though, is their version of Eddie Rabbit’s “Drivin’ My Life Away”, where the playful banjos illuminate the atmosphere, though the warm gospel and breezy melodies of “What Does God Look Like” are a close second.

One of the most noted modern bluegrass outfits, The Grascals are a prime example of the power of bluegrass music, and their skilled picking, soaring harmonies and timeless song craft are moving them into legendary status very quickly.

Travels well with: The Cleverlys- Blue; Dailey & Vincent- Patriots & Poets