Håkon Skogstad

8 Concepts Of Tango

Øra Fonogram, 2024

8/10

Listen to 8 Concepts Of Tango

The pianist and composer Håkon Skogstad returns with a sequel to his Grammy awarded 2021 album, and it’s the 3rd installment of a tango trilogy that cultivates a new style following Astor Piazzolla’s death.

“Caserón Porteño” starts the listen with rumbling keys, playful bandoneon and agile strings in the very adventurous climate, and “Retroflections” follows with intimate keys, as stirring violin paints a poetic picture of warmth and grace.

Halfway through, the tense and meticulous “A Contemplative Rhapsody” meshes the furious strings with unpredictable keys and moody bandoneon, while “The Anvil” benefits much from Marit Aspaas firm cello amid a cinematic flavor.

Residing near the end, “Battaglia” is both turbulent and rich via the dense backdrop and animated keys, and “Lamento” exits with a dreamy, eloquent, profound sense of beauty and awe.

Skogstad handpicked the 7 players present, and they each bring their Argentine spirit to tango and classical ideas that suit Skogstad’s technical and inestimable finger acrobatics.

Travels well with: Christian Fabian Trio- Hip To The Skip; Andy Pratt- Trio

Last Word Quintet

Falling To Earth

Origin, 2024

8/10

Listen to Falling To Earth

A Chicago quartet, plus Marc Kelly Smith’s voice, Last Word Quintet pen stories of urban life here, where 12 lively tracks unfold with nods to beat poetry.

The lively spirit of “Iron Tango” starts the listen with Smith’s raw spoken word alongside Sarah Allen’s well timed drums and Doug Lofstrom’s playful bass, and “Children Of Paradise” follows with a hint of rasp, as Bob Long’s warm keys guide the soulful brass.

In the middle, the cautious and poetic “Rage Of Angels” uses Al Day’s emotive guitar that suits the gritty delivery, while “Dream Of Flying” employs Brian Gephart’s agile sax, which complements the firm keys and vivid storytelling.

Arriving close to the end, “Dominguez” isn’t short on melody, where Smith’s performance might bring to mind Tom Waits, and “Daylight” exits with booming brass, eloquent wordplay and plenty of thriving jazz meets beat artist energy.

An outfit whose inception stems from a poetry slam, Last Word Quintet certainly bring both intense and creative ideas to their atypical jazz formula.

Travels well with: Zach Rich- Solidarity; Martin Budde- Back Burner

Jack Wood

The Gal That Got Away

Jazz Hang, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Gal That Got Away

The Southern California singer Jack Wood packs together some of his finest pieces for these 12 jazz tracks that recruits plenty of esteemed musicians.

The Big Band flavor of “Gypsy In My Soul” starts the listen with Greg Floor’s booming alto sax alongside the lively rhythm section, and the title track follows with a calmer approach, where poetic singing is met with dreamy keys and The Salt Lake City Jazz Orchestra’s sweeping strings.

In the middle, the swift and frisky “Secret Love” uses Doug MacDonald’s meticulous guitar playing amid the animated drumming, while “A Foggy Day” benefits from bouncy bass and Wood’s smooth pipes that flow with warmth.

Near to the end, the rich “Come Rain Or Come Shine” is packed with an emotive presence that meshes the brass with sparkling piano and heartfelt singing, and “Someone To Watch Over Me” exits with focus on the lovely keys and gentle storytelling for the timeless finish.

A collection of tunes that can swing with an upbeat flavor or find their way in sublime balladry, Wood and his company embrace the Great American Songbook with a strong attention to detail.

Travels well with: Bob Anderson- Live; Doug MacDonald- Sextet Session

Bob Anderson

Live

Jazz Hang, 2024

8/10

Listen to Live

The well known ‘Singing Impressionist’, the inimitable Bob Anderson steps out into his own voice here, where he reimagines standards with Vince Falcone, Joe Lano and an orchestra on hand.

“So Much Music in Me”, an original, starts the listen, and showcases Anderson’s inviting voice alongside the playful brass and upbeat strings, and the cinematic “Come Rain Or Come Shine” follows with a cautious spirit, where elegant strings and waves of beauty are appreciated.

Further along, the cultured “I Won’t Send Roses” carries plenty of grooves amid the soaring vocals, while “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life” blends the dreamy sax with harmonic strings, as Anderson’s expressive pipes draw us in to the romantic spirit.

Close to the end, “You Make Me Feel So Young” spotlights Falcone’s precise and flowing piano that suits the swift melodies, and “To Love And Be Loved” exits with a hazy demeanor that tugs on the heartstrings thanks to the sincere singing and soft instrumentation.

Anderson does great impressions of legends like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin, and his own voice is just as luminous, where he guides us through classic songs that sure do fit him well.

Travels well with: Doug MacDonald- Sextet Session; Paul Kendall- Whisper Not

Troy Roberts

Green Lights

Toy Robot, 2024

8/10

Listen to Green Lights

A body of work inspired by Wayne Shorter and that documents Troy Roberts’ career as an independent artist, this 16th album as leader welcomes Paul Bollenback, John Patitcucci and Jimmy MacBride for 9 jazz spirited tracks.

The atmospheric title track begins the listen with Roberts’ lively tenor sax and Patitcucci’s glowing bass for the stylish climate, and “The Question” follows with Bollenback’s dreamy guitar amid the soulful brass of the warm delivery.

The middle track brings us the 10+ minutes of “Harry Brown”, where a sense of mystery enters alongside the cinematic interaction, while “Jive Dumpling” benefits much from MacBride’s skilled drumming and, of course, Roberts’ rich sax prowess.

Close to the end, the sparkling intimacy of “The Scotsman’s Ballad” emits much beauty in its poetic appeal, and “Stretch Armstrong” exits with an upbeat and dance floor ready energy that’s as frisky as it is memorable, and really showcases Bollenback’s meticulous guitar playing.

A record that resides in acoustic and straight-ahead jazz territory, Roberts has yet to let us down, and his excellent help sure does make for a versatile and technical outing.

Travels well with: Chris Rottmayer- Being; Jason Arkins- In Focus

John Korbel

Falling Feels Like Flying

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Falling Feels Like Flying

The composer and lyricist John Korbel brings to mind legends like Michael Bublé, Sting and Donald Fagen for these diverse and rich jazz tracks.

The elegant and warm “Wheels Up” starts the listen with Mark Falchook’s playful keys and plenty of soulful spirit, and “Lizard Of Oz” follows with Ezra Henry’s agile drums complementing Korbel’s expressive and cozy singing.

Into the middle, the stylish and melodic “Take A Ride With The Top Down” benefits much from Marco Bojorquez’s strategic bass and well timed brass that carries much beauty, while “Sweet Burning” injects flowing horns amid the intimate singing for the R&B flavor.

Landing near the end, the heartfelt “First Christmas Loving You” reminds us of all the things we love about the holiday season, as Korbel’s impressive range suits the dreamy climate, and an extended version of the opening track exits with more expansive instrumentation that embraces rock ideas, too.

The brass from Alain Bradette (tenor/soprano sax), Sam Zambito (trumpet), Derrick Harris (trombone), Chris West (sax/winds) and Kyle Schroeder (sax/flute) sure is exceptional, and it certainly illuminates Korbel’s influences from Orlando’s jazz culture that’s fueled by talented musicians from Disney, Cirque du Soleil, and Universal Studios.

Travels well with: Michael Costantino- The Song Inside The Tune; Scott Emmerman- Spheres

James Zollar

The Ways In

JZAZ, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Ways In

An artist who started his career at age 9, the trumpet and flugelhorn wizard James Zollar brings along a giant cast for this diverse and memorable jazz experience.

“The Fruit” begins the listen with David Hazeltine’s fluid piano and Gerald Cannon’s bouncy bass complementing Zollar’s soulful trumpet in the rich climate, and “Peace/Blue Silver” follows with Willie Jones III’s strategic drums and Nabuko Kiryu’s soulful pipes that start minimally but build into a textured delivery that’s plenty cozy.

“Jim Jim” occupies the middle spot, and is populated by Chembo Corniel’s lively congos amid Stefano Doglioni’s animated bass clarinet for a cultured demeanor, while “Swing Spring” is drum focused, as Michael Rorby’s trombone enters with much gracefulness via the calm versus rhythmic bouts.

“Downtown Up” and “Checkered Hat” exit the listen, where the former welcomes Patience Higgins on tenor sax for frisky and dance floor ready dynamics that places Zollar on flugelhorn, and the latter is an intimate and heartfelt finish that blurs the flugelhorn over soft keys and the cautious rhythm section.

A body of work dedicated to those we lost during the pandemic, Zollar brings a wealth of talent and experience to these timeless jazz tracks, and we’re all better off for it.

Travels well with: Chris Rottmayer- Being; Three Story Sandbox- Artful Dodgers

Martin Budde

Back Burner

Origin, 2024

9/10

Listen to Back Burner

The esteemed guitartist Martin Budde is aligned with Ben Feldman and Xavier Lecouturier for this first effort as leader on the Origin label, where mostly covers unfold with both uplifting bouts and melancholy present.

“Red” opens and makes an immediate impression thanks to Budde’s sparkling guitar lines and Lecouturier’s meticulous drumming that cultivates many grooves, and the title track follows with a hint of intimacy, where Feldman’s strategic bass won’t go unappreciated.

“Eye To The Sky” and “My Old Man” occupy the middle spots, where the former uses the warm rhythm section amid Budde’s fluid guitar, while the latter enters dreamy territory via the spirited guitar and emotive bass prowess.

Landing near the end, “Eyak” radiates introspective ideas alongside crisp drums and glowing guitar, and “Parker Peak” finishes with reflective beauty that resonates timeless and dynamic jazz intricacy that will always be relevant.

A highly adaptable listen that embraces Budde’s experience with country, folk and Americana, each track here retains a specific identity that continues to illustrate the artist finding his own unique voice.

Travels well with: Zack Rich- Solidarity; Randy Napoleon- The Door Is Open: The Music Of Gregg Hill

Helluvah

Fire Architecture

Dead Bees, Jarane and Araki, 2024

9/10

Listen to Fire Architecture

The brainchild of the French singer Camille W, as Helluvah these 10 songs run the gamut of rock, pop and electro tinted song craft that makes an immediate and lasting impression.

“Best Auspices” starts the listen with a low buzzing amid expressive singing, where a soulful quality enters alongside agile drumming, and “La nuit ámericaine” follows with dense bass throbbing and dark melodies that swirl with a post-punk flavor.

“First Time” arrives in the middle, and allows for Camille’s distinct pipes to flow in the rich and indie-rock spirited climate, while “Somewhere uncertain” is a bit more upbeat, as an infectious energy from the rhythm section unfolds with harmonic gestures, too.

Close to the end, “The River” is not without some pop stabs, but with a keen attention to mood that may bring to mind Siouxsie Sioux, which is certainly high praise, and “Celebrate” exits with a slight jangle which carries a mesmerizing spirit of both raw and tuneful song craft that’s equal parts scrappy and rhythmic.

A very diverse and inviting listen that will appeal to fans of indie, alt-rock and electro-pop, BobX’s contributions to the music help cultivate a breezy, textured and sometimes ominous effort that you can listen to repeatedly with new intrigue.

Travels well with: Princess Thailand- Golden Frames; Baby Fire- A Year Of Grace

Chris Rottmayer

Being

Shifting Paradigm, 2024

8/10

Listen to Being

This 4th album from the jazz pianist Chris Rottmayer welcomes all originals, where his quartet of Russ Johnson, Matt Endres and Rufus Reid accompany him for the 10 timeless tracks.

“On The Street Where Woody Lives” opens the affair with Rottmayer’s bouncy keys and Endres’ playful drums that complement the striking mood, and “Re-United” follows with the meticulous drums amid Reid’s bouncy bass plucking and the firm keys.

“Autumn Evening” occupies the middle spot and trims the pace back with a sublime intimacy thanks to the soft piano, while “Song Of Modes” manipulates the bass via the rumbling and thicker presence of textured jazz rock.

Arriving near the end, “La Seizieme” finds a vulnerable place to reside, where the gentle bass and mature keys explore poetic song craft, and “Run Des Lombards” exits with a frisky meshing of animated bass, Johnson’s bright trumpet and fluid key progressions.

A record that alternates between stirring balladry and melodic, meticulous moments, Rottmayer and company make for a highly enjoyable listen.

Travels well with: Michael Costantino- The Song Inside The Tune; Jason Arkins- Focus

Jan Järvlepp

Sonix And Other Tonix

Navona, 2024

8/10

Listen to Sonix And Other Tonix

The always impressive composer Jan Järvlepp brings along Trio Casals, Benda Quartet, Nishikawa Ensemble and others for these 6 pieces that borrow from his most revered chamber and orchestral works.

The frisky and animated “Sonix” starts the listen with Anna Kislitsyna’s lively piano and Chelsea Meynig’s dreamy flute complementing the strings from Trio Casals, and “Trio No. 3” follows with rumbling keys, Ovidiu Marinescu’s playful cello and Alexandr Kislitsyn’s skilled violin cultivating a rich climate.

“Trio No. 5” arrives in the middle, and uses the Benda Quartet’s precise strings in heartfelt and intimate ways, while “Shinkansen” employs Kohei Nishikawa’s flute and shinobue, as well as Hideko Nara’s piano and Järvlepp’s cello for a textured, eclectic and rhythmic album highlight thanks to the Nishikawa Ensemble.

The lone solo piece is “Insect Dance”, where Kislitsyna’s keys do indeed dance with a keen sense of adventure, and “In Memoriam” exits with the Benda Quartet, where Jakub Černohorský and Petr Grabovský’s gripping violins emit so much beauty alongside Tomáš Svozil’s aching cello.

An effort that’s diverse both topically and musically, Järvlepp and company put a unique twist on chamber and orchestral sounds with a cinematic and daring spirit.

Travels well with: Trio Casals- A Grand Journey; Debra Kaye- Time Is The Sea We Swim In

Cecily Terhune/Carly Hood

Boon Bestowed

Ravello, 2024

8/10

Listen to Boon Bestowed

The debut album from the Indianapolis saxophonist Cecily Terhune, the themes of heroism unfold here with Carly Hood also on sax, and the 7 diverse pieces each come from different composers.

“La Dernière Nuit”, by David Salleras, starts the listen with both calm and adventurous moments between Terhune’s alto sax and Hood’s bari sax, and Gregory Wanamaker’s “Zippy!” follows with the dual sax prowess bringing a colorful and upbeat appeal.

“Six Riffs After Ovid” arrives in the middle, and offers rhythmic and unpredictable ideas thanks to Terhune’s lively versus intimate soprano saxophone in the Michael Daugherty piece, while the dancing progressions of Jim Rhinehart’s “Peppercorn Suite” possess much melody and character.

Arriving near the end, the solo soprano sax of “Flight Mode” has Terhune emitting much warm and eloquence via Rachel Scott’s vision, and the title track, courtesy of Katie Madonna Lee and Cecily Terhune, spotlights Terhune playing alto, soprano and bari sax in the rumbling and mesmerizing finish.

A highly unique record that illustrates tremendous diversity with the sax, Terhune and Hood deliver a chamber listen that makes an immediate and lasting impression.

Travels well with: Jeff Sigfried/Sean Friar- Shades; David Therrien Brongo- Confluence

Heidi Radtke

Convergence: Music For Saxophone & Fixed Media

Navona, 2024

8/10

Listen to Convergence: Music For Saxophone & Fixed Media

The saxophone extraordinaire Heidi Radtke makes an impression on this debut album, where tenor, alto and soprano sax are used precisely across the the pieces by 8 living composers.

Jenni Watson’s “Arabesque” opens the listen with the alto sax making for a very inviting delivery amid the rumbling and graceful backdrop, and “Westland”, by Andy Scott, puts emphasis on the tenor sax, which is a bit more sharp in its skilled delivery.

Further along, “Breonna Taylor (How Many More?)” injects the sounds of birds into the soulful alto sax of the Rahsaan Barber track, while Peter Meechan’s “3 Pieces for Solo Saxophone” recruits ambient sounds for the intimate appeal that tugs on the heartstrings.

Closer to the end, Barry Cockcroft’s “Ku Ku” showcases the soprano sax prowess via a complicated, exciting composition that radiates a distinct energy, and Sang Mi Ahn’s “Convergence” exits the listen with tremendous attention to detail thanks to the mesmerizing demeanor and alto sax manipulation.

An unorthodox listen that utilizes laughter and conversation in some of the tracks and plenty of sonic exploration, the sax playing ties the many ideas together in unconventional and exciting ways that touch on the human experience.

Travels well with: Debra Kaye- Time Is The Sea We Swim In; Jeff Sigfried/Sean Friar- Shades

Debra Kaye

Time Is The Sea We Swim In

Navona, 2024

8/10

Listen to Time Is The Sea We Swim In

The New York resident Debra Kaye pens solo and chamber pieces for this 2nd release on the Navona label, where many players invite diversity and meticulousness to the 10 pieces.

“While We Were Sleeping” starts the listen with Craig Ketter’s graceful piano mesmerizing us with its fluid and intimate gestures, and the title track follows with Desirée Ruhstrat’s violin, David Cunliffe’s cello, and Marta Aznavoorian’s piano, i.e. The Lincoln Trio, creating both mystery and elegance in the atypical chamber setting.

In the middle, “three zen poems” unfolds across 3 chapters, where James Nyoraku Schlefer’s shakuhachi is complemented by David Yang’s viola and Hikaru Tamaki’s cello, which makes for gentle melodies and a dreamy demeanor, while “String Quartet No. 2” quivers with playful string manipulation via the Voxare String Quartet’s rich and poetic interaction.

Approaching the end, Kaye plays solo piano for the eloquent and harmonic “At Liberty”, and “Colossus 1067” exits with Dan Block’s bright tenor saxophone that suits David Meade’s lively drums and Steve Sandberg’s firm piano.

A colorful body of work that touches on poetry of Zen monks, European Romanticism to a philosophical, and also abstract meditation on time and the creative process, Kaye’s vision is one of artistic and residual value.

Travels well with: Jeff Sigfried/Sean Fria- Shades; Symphonic Chronicles Vol. II

Mike Downes

The Way In

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Way In

The composer, arranger and bassist Mike Downes possesses an incredible resume, and here with Ted Quinlan, Robi Botos, Joaquin Nunez Hidalgo and Davide Di Renzo he pens his first effort for piano, bass and guitar trio.

The upbeat and playful “Gratitude” opens the listen with Downes’ skilled bass plucking that’s surrounded by Hidalgo’s frisky cajón and Botos’ warm keys, and the title track follows with a cinematic quality thanks to Quinlan’s fluid guitar playing and the emotive piano.

Deeper into the listen, the melodic climate of “Banff Nights” uses Hidalgo’s adventurous percussion amid the pretty guitar tone, while Di Renzo holds down percussion for the glowing jazz delivery of “Crimson”.

Nearing the end, “Sirilessly” showcases Downes’ meticulous bass acrobatics alongside the graceful keys, and “Beautiful Lie” exits with an infectious energy of dynamic and cozy songwriting.

The core trio present radiate inimitable skill, and the chamber ideas that unfold are rich, memorable and timeless song craft that’s admirable in every aspect.

Travels well with: Will Régnier- Traces; Casey MacGill- Love Letter

Jonas Albrecht

SCHREI MICH NICHT SO AN ICH BIN IN TRANCE BABY

Irascible, 2024

8/10

Listen to SCHREI MICH NICHT SO AN ICH BIN IN TRANCE BABY

A very drum focused 4 tracks, Albrecht relies on ritualism and a trance-like presence to fuel this inventive, drumcore body of work.

“LIECHT” starts the listen with plenty of ambience, as waves of mystery float in amid the distant vocals and thumping drums that carry a tribal appeal across the 15+ minutes, and “LEIB” follows with swift, hypnotic drumming patterns that draw the listener in with strategic repetition and rawness that embraces mesmerizing vocals.

On the back half, the processed vocals of “LUST” lead into throbbing ideas of playfulness and atmospheric gestures, while “LACK” flirts with industrial nods in its sonic exploration and nearly mechanical like drumming that buzzes with intrigue.

A truly atypical experience that sometimes seems overwhelming, Albrecht hammers on the listener with profound detail in oddly meditative ways that you can’t not be enthralled with.

Travels well with: Mokroie- Moving Forward; Taughtme- Laugh On Me

Stella Burns

Long Walks In The Dark

Brutture Moderne/Love And Thunder, 2024

8/10

Listen to Long Walks In The Dark

The brainchild of Gianluca Maria Sorace, as Stella Burns the Italian plays the bulk of the instruments here, but also welcomes plenty of help for the diverse and unpredictable 12 tracks.

The brief and warm “Amor” starts the listen with Christian Scazzieri’s fluid guitar and Filippo Ceccarini’s bright trumpet that suit the cultured climate, and the title track follows with Damiano Trevisan’s agile drumming that complements Burns’ expressive pipes in the harmonic delivery.

Moving into the middle, “Long Black Train” benefits from Diego Sapignoli’s animated percussion that helps cultivate worldly melodies, while “Her Kiss Your Smile” is an intimate, acoustic guitar fueled moment of dreamy, folk-rock ideas.

Landing near the end, “Make A Wish” features Marianna D’ama on vocals, which, along with Davide Grotta, emits a distinct beauty, and “We Cannot Decide” exits with a rich and cautious finish of heartfelt song craft.

A record that took much time to make and was clearly very carefully fleshed out, Burns plays electric, slide and acoustic guitars, Farfisa Pianorgan, banjo, mandolin, piano, harmonica, organ, drum programming, percussion, string and winds. You might be reminded of names like Nick Cave, Ken Stringfellow or Mick Harvey (both Stringfellow and Harvey appear on a track), as the listen winds around folk, roots, Americana and noir rock bouts with much intrigue.

Travels well with: Carmen Sea- Sorry; Baby Fire- A Year Of Grace

Leo Lyons/Hundred Seventy Split

Movin’ On

Flatiron, 2024

9/10

Listen to Movin’ On

The bassist extraordinaire Leo Lyons turns in 10 sturdy rockers here, where the Hundred Seventy Split accompany him for the powerful, blues occasion.

“Walking In The Devil’s Shoes” starts the listen with Lyons’ thick bass and Joe Gooch’s swirling guitar and bright voice making for a timeless blues climate, and “It’s So Easy To Slide” opens the listen with a playful demeanor, where Damon Sawyer’s frisky drums suit the bouncy melodies.

“Mad, Bad And Dangerous” occupies the middle spot and chugs with grit and tunefulness that you could dance to, while “Meet Me At The Bottom” makes great use of meticulous acoustic guitar amid the precise rhythm section and expressive singing.

Arriving near the end, “Beneath That Muddy Water” carries plenty of rhythm with a rugged charm that’s firm yet emotive, and “Time To Kill” illustrates all the player’s respective talents in the driving, harmonic and exciting blues rock.

An adventurous first effort on the Flatiron label, Lyons flirts with swing, southern and swampy ideas and brings in Bob Hadrell on organ for a record you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Kevin Burt & Big Medicine- Thank You Brother Bill: A Tribute To Bill Withers; Paul Reed Smith/Eightlock- Lions Roaring In Quicksand

Alex Jordan

Queen Kerosene

ALP, 2024

9/10

Listen to Queen Kerosene

The inimitable guitarist and songwriter Alex Jordan surrounds himself with an all-star cast of Austin musicians for these 10 diverse Americana tunes.

The title track opens the listen and wastes no time making an impression thanks to the rugged guitar, thumping drums and bright singing that emits a gritty, roots rock flavor, and “Blue” follows with plenty of soul and grooves thanks to the R&B spirit.

“Welcoming Call” occupies the middle spot and is a bit more dense, where a fluid, country rock template allows for cozy melodies and fiddle acrobatics, while “Tidefall” comes with a retro spirit that might bring to mind Jackson Browne and is as stylish as it is memorable.

“Canyonland” and “Saving Grace” exit the listen, where the former emits traces of jam band ideas, and the latter benefits from bright keys and booming brass via the jazz friendly nods.

Jordan’s resume includes playing in the West Coast outfit Midnight North, and his very adaptable formula makes for a charming effort where each track takes on its own unique identity.

Travels well with: Rodney Rice- Rodney Rice; Los Lobos- Native Sons

Shawn Purcell

Symmetricity

Armored, 2019

8/10

Listen to Symmetricity

A man who wears many hats, Shawn Purcell is a musician, educator, composer, and arranger who has shared the stage with some of the best of the best in jazz and has also performed on 30 recordings. With Symmetricity, Purcell’s first time as band leader, he offers us 9 originals and 1 cover with some heavy hitters helping him flesh out the affair.

“Swirl” starts the listen with strong guitar before a busy setting sits in as all instruments collide with precision in a post-bop fashion, and “Steady Comin’ At Ya” follows with a calmer atmosphere of soothing, agile jazz sounds and creative blues influences.

Further along, “A Bela (For Darden)” uses subtle but strategic keys on warm, expressive highlight where wordless vocals from Darden Purcell are used for effect, while “You, And You Alone” recruits playful percussion in the adventurous yet cautious gem.

Late in the listen the standard “Here’s That Rainy Day” is a slow burning affair, tinted with melancholy but still so beautiful, and “Norm’s View” ends the listen with soaring singing and vibrant percussion that builds into a dizzying display of deft skill.

Purcell makes his first trip at the helm a valiant effort with varied instrumentation, impressive textures and a fresh take on modern guitar jazz sounds that unfolds with much creativity and lasting power.

Travels well with: John Scofield-Country For Old Men; Peter Bernstein- Earth Tones