Waking Dreams

Sliding Lines

Apollon, 2023

8/10

Listen to Sliding Lines

The duo of Angela Chambers and Jason Letkiewicz, as Waking Dreams the pair mesh their love of electronic music and classic rock, and this sophomore album brings us 13 exciting and unique tracks.

“For You” begins the listen with no lack of energy, as bright percussion, throbbing bass and distinct singing guides the warm indie-pop, and “Glance” follows with a calmer spirit that benefits from dreamy guitar and light drumming alongside the eloquent vocals.

Closer to the middle, “Absorb” comes with a mesmerizing quality that’s cautious and buzzes playfully, while “Downfall” blends a soulful, jangly appeal that even carries some folk-traces in its reserved beauty.

“Crush” arrives near the end, and is a bit haunting in its wordless haze of cinematic sounds, and “Tell” exits with more emphasis on drumming and guitar, where more straight around rock moments complement the tense versus harmonic dynamics.

A very atypical formula that somehow reminds us of both Fleetwood Mac and Siouxie And The Banshees, Waking Dreams are clearly paving their own path, and it makes for an interesting listen.

Travels well with: Melt Motif- Particles, Death Objective; Frode Fivel- All You See

Annie Taylor

Inner Smile

Taxi Gauche, 2023

9/10

Listen to Inner Smile

The Swiss outfit Annie Taylor make quite an impression on this sophomore album, where their multifaceted version of rock covers a lot of territory across the 12 firm versus soft tunes.

“Birds” opens the listen much atmosphere and a slight jangle, as pretty singing populates the retro-rock flavor, and “Love Is Blind” follows with a fuzzed out, scrappy garage-rocker that’s full of swirling melody.

Halfway through, the distorted “Push Me” balances both calm and thick moments of ‘90s influenced alt-rock, while the dreamy “Moving Too Fast” touches on shoegaze amid the infectious singing and post-punk backdrop.

Approaching the end, “Call It Off” is full of lively hooks and harmonic ideas that complement the grungy appeal, and “Room 217” exits with a rare intimacy that carries a gritty yet tuneful spirit of shimmering song craft.

The band consists Gini Jungi, Tobias Arn, Michael Mutter and Daniel Bachmann, and together they make for a punk, shoegaze, indie and psychedelic affair that will make you further appreciate all the greatness from the ‘90s.

Travels well with: Low-Res- Därför; Babel- Yoga Horror

Nicholas Jamerson

Peace Mountain

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Peace Mountain

The Kentucky resident Nicholas Jamerson returns with his 6th studio album, where the singer-songwriter is joined by Charles Wesley Godwin, among others, for the 15 country tunes that sit right at the heart of Appalachia sounds.

After the 7 minute spoken word introduction opens the listen, “Bad Imagination” follows with much breezy beauty, where Jamerson’s distinct voice is complemented by glowing pedal steel, agile drumming and melodic guitar.

Further along, the meticulous acoustic guitar of “Hang On” is met with banjo acrobatics and soulful harmony vocals, while “I Love Blue” is full of vivid storytelling in the bare but powerful climate that takes hints at gospel sounds thanks to Magnolia Boulevard’s sublime voice.

Closer to the end, the stirring “Mr. Buzzard” is full of timeless folk qualities that welcomes cozy harmonica and dreamy guitar, and “Peace Mountain” exits with Godwin’s presence for the musically minimal and vocally strong campfire-esque ballad that uses the sounds of insects chirping at night strategically.

A striking album that’s richly delivered and full of deeply intimate wordplay, whether this is your first time with Jamerson or you’ve been listening all along, you’re going to find yourself immersed in his song craft from beginning to end.

Travel well with: Time Sawyer- Dig A Little Deeper; JP Ruggieri- Gradually Descended Into Chaos

Claire Kelly

Hopeful Romantic

Self-Released, 2023

10/10

Listen to Hopeful Romantic

The Nashville singer-songwriter Claire Kelly returns with a quick EP, where her optimism fuels songs about the kindness and love that she chooses to use as her weapons against a world that can seem defeating.

“Tapestry” opens the listen with Kelly’s sweet voice and warm acoustic guitar making for a very heartfelt approach of folk inspired beauty, and “Taxes & Laundry” follows with bright storytelling that unfolds with much grace and a stirring atmosphere to complement the poetic singing.

“Drunk Girls” and “Hopeful Romantic” land in the middle, where the former strums with a gentle melody as Kelly discusses the lack of kindness that exists today, while the latter is a fuller tune of smooth and harmonic country rock.

Close to the end, the live “Joni Mitchell” doesn’t sound any different from the studio tracks, where Kelly’s eloquent and flawless voice is paired with emotive guitar playing, and the final track, “Heaven’s In The Details”, welcomes gorgeous strings to accompany the sincere, gripping exit.

Kelly’s work has landed on network TV, HBO, reality TV and the Miss Universe Pageant. Ideally, too, it should reside in the speakers of anyone with an ear for folk, country, Americana and singer-songwriter sounds, as she is one of the best songwriters right now.

Travels well with: Megan Lacy- Salvation; Teghan Devon- Little Lion

Film 2

Sorge

BlauBlau, 2023

8/10

Listen to Sorge

A collaboration between Jonas Albrecht, Elias Bierl and Elischa Heller, as Film 2 the trio make experimental noise-kraut sounds that unfold across 1 very long track that embraces both calmness and chaos.

The meticulous piece opens with mesmerizing drumming and much warmth, as a bit of mystery surrounds the droning climate that becomes more dense as it approaches the middle. Deeper into the 40 minutes, a hypnotic buzzing guides the ambience that welcomes more firm drumming and expressive singing that follows the track as it exits furiously.

An extremely adventurous and iconoclastic affair, there’s a very artistic component to Film 2’s formula, and their brand of sonic meditation certainly makes an impression here.

Travels well with: No Metal In This Battle- Disco dans ta cave/Fano; Unik Ubik- I’m Not Feng Shui

Vaster Than Empires

Three Days

New Focus, 2023

10/10

Listen to Three Days

An improvisational outfit consisting of Allen Otte (percussion), Erica Dicker (violin) and Paul Schuette (guitar, synth), as Vaster Than Empires the trio birth textured, sometimes intense bursts of experimental ideas.

“Astral Crosswind” opens the listen with the sound of chimes, before distorted guitar and sci-fi fueled percussive sounds enter the busy landscape that has Dicker playing at a high pitch, and “Seaward Galaxy” follows with images of gulls and foghorns, where squealing electronics and bowed strings mesh with glitchy, rhythmic avenues.

On the back half, “Empyrean Tides” matches the abrupt tambourine with manipulated guitar to yield an electronic versus orchestral aberration, and “Upcoast Drift” exits with walls of sound, strategic repetition, blended ambience and distinct gestures that allow each player to showcase their vision in a droning manner.

The trio all have impressive resumes of their own, and their combined talents make Three Days a example of improvised brilliance.

Travels well with: Lee Weisert- Recesses; Olivia De Prato- Panorama

Melt Motif

Particles, Death Objective

Apollon, 2023

9/10

Listen to Particles, Death Objective

Not even a year after their debut, Melt Motif return with 10 new tracks of their diverse formula that shifts from dreamy moments to pounding, abrasive bouts.

“Broken Floor” gets the listen off to a buzzing start, where Rakel’s seductive voice is met with darkly, cinematic synth prowess that’s highly cinematic, and “Full Moon” follows with a firm beat and upbeat presence that seems like it should soundtrack a late night at the club.

“Where I Want To Die” lands in the middle, and uses dreamy guitar amid the busy electronics and pretty singing, while “Never/again” finds an intimate place to reside with its hazy presence of breathy vocals and dense synth.

“Abyss” and “Fever” exit the listen, where the former is a swift, glitchy display alongside emotive singing, and the latter recruits thick fuzz into the sci-fi friendly landscape of minimal versus busy dynamics.

A band so unique, you might be reminded of Nine Inch Nails, Massive Attack or HEALTH, Joe Irente and Kenneth Rasmus Greve handle synth, programming and guitars, and it suits Rakel’s stunning vocal performance superbly.

Travels well with: Frode Fivel- All You See; Laughing Stock- Songs For The Future

Tatiana Eva-Marie & Jeremy Corren

Two At The Most

Turtle Bay, 2023

8/10

Listen to Two At The Most

The esteemed jazz singer Tatiana Eva-Marie brings a wealth of personality and charm to these 10 timeless tunes from the Great American Songbook that places Jeremy Corren on piano.

“The End Of A Love Affair” opens the listen with the twinkling keys and eloquent singing making for a sublime intimacy, and “Penthouse Serenade” follows with flowing melodies that find a very poetic place to reside.

At the halfway point, “I Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good)” allows Eva-Marie’s impressive range to be displayed amid the meticulous key progressions, while “You Go To My Head” possesses a striking mood of warmth and grace.

Approaching the end, “The Nearness Of You”, the album’s best, is full of emotion and beauty, and “I’ve Grown Accustomed brings in Mark Buchan on vocals for the heartfelt and memorable finish.

This is Eva-Marie’s 7th album as leader, and it illustrates much talent and depth, where Corren helps illuminate the classics that sound even better coming from Eva-Marie’s pipes.

Travels well with: Joanie Pallatto- Accidental Melody; Mary Foster Conklin- These Precious Days

Jessa Campbell & The Saplings

Forest Flow

Saplings, 2023

8/10

Listen to Forest Flow

A listen of ecology themed songs for the whole family, Jessa Campbell brings her vocals and songwriting expertise to these diverse tracks that welcome some very luminous musicians to the affair.

“Rainbow Flow” opens the listen with warm percussion and buzzing synth, where SaulPaul and LDW are in attendance for the club ready, melodic approach, and “Movement Is Chemistry” follows with some funk friendly flashes amid the bright singing and electronic bouts.

The middle track belongs to “Vuela, Vuela Fly”, where Palo-Mah is present for the soulful version of pop that is a bilingual story about Monarch butterflies, while “Ripple Ripple Flash” places a hip-hop backdrop to mesh with Campbell’s expressive and cozy singing.

Near the end, “Walking Goats” brings Palo-Mah back for the energetic duet that soars with harmonic richness that makes this the album’s best, and “Tree Canopy” exits with group vocals alongside the flowing beats and bouncy bass lines that showcases young voices for some information about the benefits of trees.

A very imaginative listen that seeks to have kids explore the natural world while moving their bodies, Campbell brings some superb company to a unique experience that is suitable for the dance floor and a campfire.

Travels well with: Sukey Molloy- The Adventures Of Little Stubby; Allegra Levy- Songs For You And Me

Franglais

Pairings

Momentary Flight, 2023

8/10

Listen to Pairings

An intriguing set of duets from Eva Seltzer’s vocals and Ben Wood’s guitar, the husband and wife duo put a fresh coat of paint on standards with plenty of swing flavor here, and they even toss in a couple originals, too.

“Too Close For Comfort” opens the listen with Seltzer’s smooth and sweet voice alongside the warm guitar playing that’s playful and inviting, and “I’m Old Fashioned” follows with animated vocal scatting that welcomes swift playing from Wood that comes with plenty of retro flavor.

In the middle, “Spring Can Really Hang You Up on The Most” offers an intimate delivery where Seltzer’s expressive voice soars bright, while “Joseph Josesph” strums quickly across the Jewish folk song that’s highly articulate.

Further on, “Stolen Moments” has Wood plugging his guitar in for the reflective and dreamy tone, and “Save The Country” welcomes Dallas Vietty’s accordion and Justin Lee’s guitar that complement Seltzer’s impressive range for the modern interpretation of the Laura Nyro classic.

A professional singer since the age of 8, Seltzer’s pipes are superb, and along with Wood’s inimitable playing, they turn in a bluesy, jazzy, optimistic body of work that will be relevant for decades to come.

Travels well with: Matt Barber- The Song Is You; Maria Jacobs- Back At The Bop Shop

3'Ain

Sea Of Stories

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Sea Of Stories

The trio of the accordionist Piet Maris, trumpeter Yamen Martini and bassist Otto Kint, as 3’Ain the outfit make for a cautious listen that uses tango, jazz, and Middle Eastern music with much appeal.

“Schuimkop” opens the listen with a creative atmosphere, where Martini’s soulful trumpet guides the mesmerizing climate, and “(Lacht)” follows with precise bass plucking, soft accordion and intimate brass making for a very cozy landscape.

Further on, “Meeting Issues” balances gentle melodies with a very meticulous dynamic between the trio, while the swift “Tango Soleil du Nord” brings plenty of culture to the rich instrumentation that flows in and out of calm versus busier moments. The final track, “Perron O”, is perhaps the best, with a bit of subtle tension amid the dreamy demeanor and highly capable, unpredictable playing.

A very worldly listen, the three emit imagery of Byzantine Syria and the Levant, where their acoustic instruments tell their stories in very articulate and eloquent ways you can’t help but admire.

Travels well with: Kosmos Trio- Brev til en ven; Mario Gaiotto- Cosmopaulista

Gaye Adegbalola

Satisfied- An Anthology

VizzTone, 2023

10/10

Listen to Satisfied- An Anthology

A founding member of Saffire- The Uppity Blues Women, Gaye Adegbalola has enjoyed a lengthy career on her own, and the songs here span 9 of her solo projects across the 20 selections.

“Big Ovaries, Baby” begins the listen with soulful backing vocals and plenty of rhythm complementing Adegbalola’s smooth and powerful pipes amid the flowing blues climate, and “Look At The Forehead, Maury” follows with a toe tappin’, head bobbin’ energy that’s melodic and instantly memorable.

Further on, the warm piano of “Let It Be Me” guides the intimate duet of gorgeous, empowering singing, while “The Cleanest Kid” uses call and response vocals for the highly animated, dance floor ready retro rocker.

Closer to the end, the Southern spirit of “Winona- For Mrs Fannie Lou Hamer” uses harmonica strategically alongside Adegbalola’s very expressive pipes, and “Lift Every Voice And Sing (With Prologue)” comes with some educating on the background of the spiritual, anthemic finish that’s uplifting and radiates so much vitality.

A women with an unwavering independence, Adegbalola bares her soul here, and it makes for a wise, humorous and robust collection of blues that showcases her life’s work that the world needs more of.

Travels well with: Hannah PK- Blues All Over My Shoes; Annika Chambers & Paul Deslauriers- Good Trouble

Jorma Kaukonen

Live At The Bottom Line

Omnivore, 2023

9/10

Listen to Live At The Bottom Line

The co-founder of Jefferson Airplane in the mid-’60s, the guitarist Jorma Kaukonen also had much success with his side project, Hot Tuna, as well as an exceptional solo career.

Live At The Bottom Line captures Kaukonen in 2003, where 16 tracks span from Blue Country Heart, Hot Tuna, Quah, Reverend Gary Davis, and more.

The rhythmic and smooth “Blue Railroad Train” opens the listen with Kaukonen’s warm vocals alongside meticulous guitar playing, and “Waiting For A Train” follows with much melody entering the calm display of timeless folk music ideas.

Deeper into the set, “Do Not Go Gentle” is full of indeed calm guitar playing that’s quite dreamy, while “I’ll Let You Know Before I Leave” finds a playful, bluesy place to reside with its meticulous nature.

The 2nd disc leads with the 11+ minutes of the spiritual song, “Good Shepherd”, where Kaukonen’s vivid storytelling is illuminated from his superb guitar playing, and closer to the end, the swift picking of “Just Because” brings some bluegrass spirit, including mandolin, to the jam band-ish interaction.

Largely considered one of the best guitarists of all time, and an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Kaukonen, who is in his ‘80s, is still active today, and this set pulls songs that span many avenues of his career and is packaged with excellent liner notes from drummer (The Mahavishnu Project, Nels Cline, Todd Rundgren), author, and The ProgCast host, Gregg Bendian.

Travels well with: The Felice Brothers- From Dreams To Dust; Calexico- Algiers

Yolanda Kondonassis

Five Minutes For Earth

Azica, 2023

9/10

Listen to Five Minutes For Earth

An American classical harpist with a giant body of work, Yolanda Kondonassis celebrates our planet and the obstacles surrounding preserving it across this solo harp listen that spotlights some of today’s most revered composers.

“Kohola Sings (Humpback Whales)” opens the listen with much swirling beauty, as the dreamy string acrobatics unfold with unparalleled beauty in the Takuma Itoh piece, and “Hear The Dust Blow” follows with sublime intimacy radiating from the introspective song craft of Michael Daugherty’s vision.

Deeper into the listen, Keith Fitch’s “Earth Dreams” flows with very cautious, atmospheric manipulation of her instrument, while the twinkling spirit of “Time Lapse”, by Patrick Harlin, emits so much warmth and comfort from the meticulous playing.

Close to the end, “Earthview” is full of strong attention to mood via the cinematic and fluid progressions of the Nathaniel Heyder piece, and Stephen Hartke’s “Fault Line” exits with a lower register that’s mysterious and captivating.

A listen that’s all substance, the important themes match the flawless playing that draws the listener in from the first note, and keeps them engaged throughout.

Travels well with: Miriam K. Smith- Momentum; Apollo Chamber Players- MoonStrike

Mira Choquette

In Reel Time

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to In Reel Time

The Montreal vocalist Mira Choquette brings plenty of intimacy to these 9 songs that were recorded in a living room, and she’s got Ewen Farncombe, Josh Goldman and Morgan Childs with her for the live recording.

“No Moon At All” opens the listen with Farncombe’s warm piano and Childs’ light percussion alongside Choquette’s expressive voice in retro-climate, and “Just One Of Those Things” follows with Choquette’s diverse range amid the rhythmic delivery that benefits much from Goldman’s lively bass.

In the middle, “There Are Worse Things I Could Do” interprets the ballad from Grease with a powerful performance from Choquette’s soaring pipes, while “What Is This Thing Called Love” bops and shakes with an infectious energy thanks to the playful rhythm section of the Cole Porter original.

Further down the line, “Jump In The Line” recruits some Caribbean flavor with vocal harmonies that tip their hat to Choquette’s mother’s ties to Trinidad and Tobago, and “The Old Country” exits with frisky keys, animated bass and agile drumming that suits the charming singing.

A record that was fleshed out in 2 days of playing live with a few vocal overdubs, Choquette was sorting through a break up and the loss of her father, and those hardships helped fuel her stunning performance.

Travels well with: Emily Braden- Cannon & Sparrow; Tina Hartt- Absence Of You

Various Artists

Bowed Colors 2

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Bowed Colors 2

The violist Brett Deubner takes on a substantial project here, where these Bach inspired tunes that are occasionally in the presence of Allison Brewster Franzetti’s piano make for 7 thoughtful pieces.

The listen starts with Paul Osterfield’s “Ablaze”, where Deubner’s stunning string acrobatics are executed with much intrigue, and “Longitude”, by Sean Hickey, has the viola and piano making for an intimate and stirring interaction of warmth.

In the middle, “Suite” unfolds across 3 chapters of cautious and precise playing from Deubner that illuminates Joseph Gregorio’s vision with much care, while the playful “Suite For Viola And Piano” has the pair illustrating a dynamic, collaborative appeal that’s both tense and bright in the Christopher Jessup original.

Approaching the end, Heidi Jacob’s “Metamorphosis I” isn’t short on atmosphere, where Brewster Franzetti’s key acrobatics are mesmerizing against the meticulously bowed strings, and “Short/Suite” exits with Jonathan Sheffer’s vision emitting complicated but accessible progressions from the viola.

A listen that explores chamber, baroque and solo settings with much fluidity, this is a robust body of work that’s superbly meticulous and possesses much agility to be enjoyed.

Travels well with: Sirius Quartet- Playing On The Edge 3; Music Of Debra Kaye- Ikarus Among The Stars

Various Artists

Symphonic Chronicles Vol 1

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Symphonic Chronicles Vol 1

A diverse assembly of works from living composers that bring different backgrounds and influences, the London Symphony Orchestra and Royal Scottish National Orchestra flesh out these 6 very involved pieces.

“Desert Storm”, by Deborah Kavasch, has the London Symphony Orchestra making for a precisely textured, and soaring display of collaborative strings, percussion and winds, and Steve Law’s “Piano Concerto” follows with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Joseph Havlat’s dreamy piano birthing a very scenic and absorbing climate.

In the middle, “#elijah for Solo Violin and Orchestra”, by John Wineglass, places the London Symphony Orchestra alongside Yumi Hwang-Williams’ stirring violin for the emotive presence, while “Fantasy on Jazz”, by Barbara Jazwinski, showcases Samuel Brandão Marques’ playful clarinet alongside the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s atmospheric, cinematic interaction.

The final track, Simon Andrews’ “Interlude No. 3 from “The Scars On His Back”, illustrates a very animated and frisky presence from the London Symphony Orchestra, where both tense and melodic components are present.

A thematically wide listen that touches on jazz, the COVID pandemic and racial injustice, there’s much pop, minimalism and plenty of orchestral moments to be admired here.

Travels well with: Sirius Quartet- Playing On The Edge 3; Patterns- Chamber Works

Sirius Quartet

Playing On The Edge 3

Navona, 2023

9/10

Listen to Playing On The Edge 3

The composers Bernard Hughes, John Summers, Liova Bueno, Mark Edwards Wilson, Nathan Ball, Peter Dickinson Lopez, L Peter Deutsch, Mark Elliot Jacobs, and Adam Grimes see their work fleshed out by the Sirius Quartet on this 3rd installment of their esteemed chamber presence.

“Dream- Crossed Twilight” opens the listen with Fung Chern Hwei and Gregor Huebner’s precise violins interacting with much grace and adventurousness across the 3 meticulous chapters, and “String Quartet No. 1: III. Energico, Ben Ritmico” follows with Ron Lawrence’s inimitable viola playing adding much to the mesmerizing climate.

In the middle, “I Must Grow Less” finds a very intimate place to reside thanks to Jeremy Harman’s moving cello, while “City Poem” illustrates a very cautious, dynamic interaction between the quartet that unfolds with so much beauty.

The final track, “MISE-EN Series II: Episode 1”, is the album’s best, and radiates a quivering demeanor that’s cinematic, atmospheric and full of striking, memorable song craft.

An often lush display that uses electro-acoustic instrumentation and nature-esque ideas, much like everything Sirius Quartet is apart of, the string execution is flawless.

Travels well with: Sirius Quartet- Playing On The Edge 2; Patterns- Chamber Works

Floris Kappeyne Trio

Closer

Zennez, 2023

8/10

Listen to Closer

An Amsterdam based contemporary piano trio movement, the Floris Kappeyne Trio consists of Floris Kappeyne, Tijs Klaassen and Wouter Kuhne, who use ASMR techniques for their soothing brand of jazz.

“Mirror II” begins the listen with warm piano alongside the mysterious atmosphere that’s quite meditative and even uses founds sounds gently, and “Closer” follows with an emotive key presence that welcomes agile percussion to the mesmerizing spirit.

“Fantasy” and “Demon” land in the middle, where the former utilizes strategic bass plucking amid soft piano for the dreamy demeanor, while the latter is packed with much beauty unfolding from the gentle ambience and stirring keys.

The final track, “Power Blue, Burgundy And Sage” is the best, where light background shuffling is met with the low register of bass, eloquent drumming and poetic piano playing.

A highly comforting listen that one can easily find themselves enthralled with, Kappeyne’s piano playing is sublime, and the addition of ASMR only enhances the intimate listening experience.

Travels well with: Tigeroak- Living And Living; Luumu- Elephant Love Song

Greane

Amour

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Amour

A sharp multi-instrumentalist with an impressive academic background in music, Arian Greane brings a heartfelt and intimate quality as well as a politically/socially aware aspect to 8 thoughtful songs here.

“Belong” starts the quick LP with warm melodies and soaring vocals in the indie-folk opener, and “Disguise” follows with a darker spirit and plenty of power and emotion.

Elsewhere, “Night” offers a hushed setting of cautious, thoughtful singer-songwriter prowess, while the playful strumming and articulate wordplay of “Heart” makes this the album highlight both musically and lyrically.

Near the end, “Who I Am” recruits a sparse atmosphere with timeless beauty and the soulful exit “Home” drives home just how skilled Greane is.

A strong debut album, Greane’s organic and rootsy ways unfold here with an immediate appeal that certainly makes the troubadour an artist to keep a close eye on.

Travels well with: City And Colour- Bring Me Your Love; Ray LaMontagne- Part Of The Light