Solomiya Ivakhiv

Ukrainian Masters

Naxos, 2024

9/10

Listen to Ukrainian Masters

The Ukrainian-American violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv brings us 3 in depth pieces that span 1922-1991, and welcomes the 20th century pianist Steven Beck.

The flowing violin and dancing keys of Viktor Kosenko’s “Violin Sonata In A minor, Op. 18” starts the listen with much grace and beauty, where Ivakhiv’s meticulous playing makes an immediate impression.

Myroslav Skoryk’s “Violin Sonata No. 2” lands in the middle, and illustrates much warmth and emotion from the precise strings, as Beck’s firm versus intimate key progressions won’t go unnoticed.

Sergio Bortkiewicz’s “Violin Sonata in G minor, Op. 26” bookends the listen, and showcases stirring violin playing amid sophisticated piano.

All the composers here are heroes in the Ukraine and inspired Ivakhiv in her formative years. She certainly does justice to the classical pieces, where her own inimitable talents are front and center, thankfully.

Travels well with: Bruce Levingston- Without Words; Weiss Kaplan Stumpf Trio- Beethoven: Complete Piano Trios

Tim Easton

Find Your Way

Black Mesa, 2024

8/10

Listen to Find Your Way

An artist with a colorful career, Tim Easton brings both folk-rock and Americana to 10 songs that highlight his storytelling abilities and renaissance man appeal.

The aching pedal steel and light drumming of “Find Your Way” opens the listen with gorgeous female vocals complementing Easton’s expressive pipes, and “Everything You’re Afraid Of” follows with thumping drums and rootsy melodies that suit the slight grit in the subdued rocker.

The halfway point belongs to “Little Brother”, where heartfelt intimacy flows from the warm keys and timeless folk qualities, while “Banging’ Drum (Inside My Mind)” carries a gentle rhythm amid plenty of soul.

Close to the end, “What Will It Take?” burns slow and richly thanks to the glowing pedal steel, soft guitar and poetic singing, and “By The End Of The Night” exits with a dreamy mood that benefits from romantic singing and a distinct coziness.

A sincere and universally enjoyable body of work that touches on blues, country, folk and roots, Easton’s version of Americana is easy on the ears and timeless in its nature.

Travels well with: Adrian Sutherland- Precious Diamonds; Danny O’Keefe- Circular Times

Frontier Ruckus

On The Northline

Loose, 2024

9/10

Listen to On The Northline

The Michigan indie-folk trio Frontier Ruckus return with a 6th album, where plenty of intimacy radiates via the tracking to a tape machine process.

The rich and punchy “Swore I Had A Friend” begins the listen with David W. Jones’ skilled banjo and guest Connor Dodson’s thumping drums making for a distinct version of folk sounds, and “Everywhere But Beside You” follows with Matthew Milia’s inimitable vocals amid flowing melodies and a crisp delivery.

Moving towards the middle, “Mercury Sable” embraces vivid storytelling, where textured songwriting is both lush and dreamy, while “In The Money” benefits much from Milia’s warm acoustic guitar and hushed singing that emits much beauty.

Coasting in near the end, the chunky banjo and Evan Eklund’s bouncy bass suit the soft brass from Zachary Nichols on “The Machines Of Summer”, and “Wherefore” exits with a dynamic and meticulous instrumental that recruits Pete Ballard’s pedal steel.

A truly unique outfit who flirt with orchestral, bluegrass, pop and a variation of folk-rock that you’re not going to hear anywhere else, whether this is your first taste of Frontier Ruckus of you’ve been around for awhile, you’re going to be impressed.

Travels well with: David Wax Museum- You Must Change Your Life; David Dondero- The Filter Bubble Blues

Andrea Von Kampen

Sister Moon

Self-Released, 2024

10/10

Listen to Sister Moon

The 3rd album from the Nebraska folk artist Andrea von Kampen, the 10 songs here continue to illuminate her inviting storytelling and mesmerizing voice, where guest players are along for the nature-esque mood.

The title track opens the listen and showcases von Kampen’s warm and touching pipes amid cozy guitar, and “Mimas” follows with a quicker pace of glorious folk ideas that allows a diverse range to enthrall us.

Moving into the middle, “Such Love Does” layers the vocals with a hint of friskiness via the plucked strings, while “Cottonwoods” welcomes David Von Kampen’s agile piano that complements the sophisticated and heartfelt singing.

Arriving near the end, “Wonder” benefits much from Paul von Kampen’s skilled drums and Korynne Bolt’s graceful cello for the rich album highlight, and “A Fox, A Bird” exits with so much beauty surrounded by wordless gestures that captivate.

If you’re a fan of anything related to indie-folk and not familiar with von Kampen, you’re doing yourself a significant disservice, cause this is a talent that touches the body, mind and spirit.

Travels well with: Natalie Price- Natalie Price; Amy Stroup- Since Frank

Sean Riley & The Water

Stone Cold Hands

Pugnacious, 2024

9/10

Listen to Stone Cold Hands

A legend in the area of New Orleans roots sounds, Sean Riley brings along The Water for this debut album that involves 9 originals that showcase his unique voice and guitar playing.

“Dance Me One More Time” starts the listen with a bouncy rhythm, where Bruce ‘Sunpie’ Barnes makes great of accordion and Mike Barras’ punchy drums suit Riley’s playful voice, and “Go Easy On Me” follows with Phil Breen’s lively organ and Tiffany Pollack’s soulful backing vocals.

Halfway through, “Truck Route Blues” showcases Dean Zucchero’s agile bass amid Riley’s flowing guitar and charming voice, while “High And Lonesome” takes the music of Jimmy Reed and turns it into a rugged and spirited version of the blues, Mississippi style.

“Rosie’s Rag” resides near the end, and is an instrumental that employs Waylon Thibodeaux’s fiddle acrobatics alongside Riley’s strategic dobro, and “Shine A Little Stronger” exits with an energetic rhythm section and plenty of backing vocals that illuminates a gospel inclination.

A record that was probably as fun to make as it is to listen to, Riley and company harness the positivity of the New Orleans scene and parlay it into rootsy masterpiece.

Travels well with: Leo Lyons- Movin’ On; Kevin Burt- Thank You Brother Bill: A Tribute To Bill Withers

Lynne Arriale Trio

Being Human

Challenge, 2024

9/10

Listen to Being Human

This 17th album as leader brings Lynne Arriale’s piano and composing skills to Alon Near’s bass and Lukasz Zyta’s drumming for 10 songs that surround courage, love, soul and faith.

“Passion” opens the listen with Arriale’s flowing keys alongside the skilled drumming, as plenty of breezy melody unfolds, and “Courage” follows with a more firm approach of bright keys, crips drums and dense bass that’s rich and eloquent.

“Curiosity” arrives in the middle, and is indeed frisky thanks to Arriale’s unpredictable keys and the adventurous bass progressions, while “Persistence” rumbles with an animated spirit via the meticulous rhythm section and glowing keys.

Close to the end, “Gratitude” emits a sublime intimacy thanks to the radiant keys, light drums and subtle bass, and the reprise version of “Love” exits the listen with dreamy, wordless vocals that mesmerize the listener.

A luminary in the area of contemporary jazz. Arriale’s formula stimulates the brain, heart, body and soul, and the excellent help in attendance only further extends that connection.

Travels well with: Susan Alcorn- Canto; Sara Serpa and guitarist André Matos- Nightbirds

Tony Monaco Trio

Over And Over

Chicken Coup, 2024

8/10

Listen to Over And Over

The B3 master Tony Monaco offers us plenty of grooves and bluesy ideas, where Zakk Jones and Reggie Jackson accompany him for 7 original tracks.

The bright and warm “Da Daddy” starts the listen with Monaco’s fluid keys amid Jackson’s flowing drums that help create much melody, and “One For Pat” follows with playful keys and Jones’ spirited guitar making for a charming presence.

Halfway through, “Over And Over (I Want You)” meshes the meticulous keys, crisp drums and cozy guitar for a rhythmic delivery, while “Ready Set Go” is a frisky disc highlight that bops and shakes with an infectious energy. The final piece, “Uprooted”, has the trio all exploring their respective talents with intricate and animated interplay that you can’t not enjoy.

This is Monaco’s 13th album, and it’s full of driving rhythms and strong attention to detail that has given this Ohio musician a name that belongs in the same sentence as Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff or Shirley Scott.

Travels well with: Cliff Beach- You Showed Me The Way; Mark Winkler- The Rules Don’t Apply

Nick Stefanacci

Secrets

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Secrets

The producer and saxophonist Nick Stefanacci recruits plenty of harmony and rhythm for these 5 jazz tracks that use some excellent guests, too.

“King Of Pop” opens the listen with Stefanacci’s soaring and meticulous brass alongside crisp drums and plenty of melody, and “Mirrors” follows with no lack of grooves present, where the booming sax is met with a crisp rhythm section that emits much power and grace.

The middle tracks offer vocals, too, as “Christmas Eve” reels in Rich Aveo’s adaptable pipes for a rich and soulful display, while “The Masquerade” places Carnell Harrell on keys, which helps cultivate a textured EP highlight. The title track exits the listen, and utilizes a timeless jazz spirit that allows Stefanacci’s playing to really radiate.

An excellent starting point for Stefanacci, he’s clearly well versed in his instrument, and these songs settle in quite nicely.

Travels well with: Troy Roberts- Green Lights; Jim Rotondi- Finesse

Jane Scheckter

I’ll Take Romance

Doxie, 2024

8/10

Listen to I’ll Take Romance

The New York City vocalist Jane Scheckter return with a 5th CD, where Tedd Firth, Jay Leonhart and Peter Grant accompany her for 17 tunes from the Great American Songbook, plus others.

“Love, I Hear” opens the listen with Scheckter’s pretty voice alongside Leonhart’s playfully plucked bass and Firth’s lively keys, and it isn’t long until the flowing “A Beautiful Friendship” showcases Grant’s agile drumming that suits the expressive singing of the rich climate.

Deeper into the listen, the intimate and reflective “My Foolish Heart” displays the impressive range of Scheckter amid the dreamy keys, while “Here I Am In Love Again” pairs the meticulous piano with the lovely singing and brushed drums.

Landing near the end, “Looking Back” tugs on the heartstrings with much emotion that soars with a timeless beauty, and “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life” exits with the keys again supporting Scheckter’s eloquent singing.

A smart body of work that illuminates songs often covered, but in Scheckter’s own inimitable light, both the balladry and swinging selections are immediately enjoyable.

Travels well with: Julie Kelly- Freedom Jazz Dance; Judy Whitmore- Come Fly With Me

Without Willow

Left Behind

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Left Behind

An Irish acoustic folk/singer-songwriting duo, Without Willow make an impression on this debut album, where their County Donegal roots are present and appreciated across these 11 thoughtful and worldly songs.

“Come Back And Say Goodbye” opens the listen with Mark McGirr’s soft drums and Orri McBrearty’s dreaming keys alongside Karen Kelly’s dreamy vocals, and “The Heather Field” follows with Ted Ponsonby’s agile dobro and Laura McFadden’s aching cello adding much beauty to the poetic singing.

In the middle, the rich and intimate “As Autumn Falls” allows Kelly’s gorgeous voice to radiate tremendous eloquence, while “Silver In Colorado” comes with vivid storytelling and cautious instrumentation that’s a bit mysterious.

Residing near the end, “Lay Down Your Troubles” emits a hazy demeanor of introspection and grace that benefits from slow, melodic textures, and “The Show Is Over” exits with Simon McCafferty’s cozy guitar and the crisp drums complemeting Kelly’s distinct pipes that don’t shy away from Irish influences.

A listen that’s both haunting and heartfelt, there’s much balladry to absorb here, and the strong lyrical content matches the intricate and emotive musicianship that resonates timelessness.

Travels well with: Diane Coll- Old Ghosts; Natalie Price- Natalie Price

Yes! Trio

Spring Sings

Jazz & People, 2024

8/10

Listen to Spring Sings

Ali Jackson, Aaron Goldberg and Omer Avital, i.e. Yes! Trio, bring their inimitable skills to these diverse and swing filled 10 tracks.

The title track gets the listen off to a fluid start, where Avital’s firm double bass meets Goldberg’s dreamy keys for much warmth, and “2K Blues” follows with a distinct dreaminess, as Jackson’s playful drums suit the meticulous piano.

“The Best Is Yet To Come” and “Sanción” land in the middle, where the former is rich with melody via the careful bass plucking and agile keys, while the latter finds itself in stirring intimacy via the poetic keys and light drums.

Close to the end, the lively and frisky “Shufflonzo” isn’t lacking any grooves and will get you on the dance floor, and “Fivin’” exits with animated bass gestures amid bright drums and rhythmic keys for the album’s best.

The trio’s backgrounds include being from an African-American jazz family, a hippie with Yemenite and Moroccan roots and a Bostonian with a Harvard degree. Together, they create an original and exciting version of modern jazz that’s globally embraceable.

Travels well with: Alex Norris- Chess Moves; Audrey Ochoa- The Head Of A Mouse

Les Fantômes du jour

Ravages

Ajna, 2024

8/10

Listen to Ravages

The French rockers Les Fantômes du jour take a very progressive approach to their song craft, where 10 songs embrace diversity and energy.

“Origine” starts the listen with a warm ambience, as Alexandre Jadi’s fluid drums enter the mysteriousness, and “Jacqueline” follows with Ronan Cloarec’s swirling guitar and Amine Bousta’s ferocious voice building into a post-metal climate.

Residing in the middle, “Mme F” showcases Bruno Bourrien’s dense bass amid the thick layers of rock, while “Arguments” unfolds across 3 chapters of intimacy and grace, as well as hard hitting and post-hardcore traces.

The final track, “Gwalen”, emits a dreamy demeanor via the post-rock radiance that possesses much beauty.

A creative endeavor that can bring to mind both The Mars Volta and Envy, Les Fantômes du jour’s version of music makes for a debut album that requires many visits.

Travels well with: Baby Fire- Grace; The Poison Arrows- War Regards

Walter Trout

Broken

Provogue/Mascot 2024

10/10

Listen to Broken

The blues-rock legend Walter Trout is in great company here, where Beth Hart, Dee Snider and Will Wide accompany him for the dozen powerful and diverse anthems.

The emotive and heartfelt title track starts the listen with Trout’s eloquent voice and Hart’s gorgeous pipes suiting the dramatic landscape, and “Turn And Walk Away” follows with soaring harmonica amid the firm acoustic guitar playing.

Moving along, the rugged and dense “Bleed” places Wide on harmonica for the swift and flowing blues, while “I’ve Had Enough”, somewhat an answer to Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It”, makes great use of animated keys and Snider’s strategic, raspy voice that’s plenty thick and the album’s best.

Landing close to the end, the spoken versus singing of “Heaven Or Hell” is met with a meticulous and driving rhythm section, and “Falls Apart” exits the record with a melodic dreaminess and no lack of guitar shredding from Trout- something that is thankfully present across the entire listen.

An effort that is thematically universal and can be applied to politics, economics, social media and culture wars, Trout’s muscular solos don’t disappoint, and his excellent guests only further solidify this as one of the best in 2024 in the area of the blues.

Travels well with: Gregory Hutchinson- Da Bang; Joe Bonnamassa- Blues Deluxe Vol. 2

Billions Of Comrades

TROTOP

Rockerill/Black Basset, 2024

8/10

Listen to TROTOP

A creative listen that employs both organic and synthetic ideas, each track from Belgium’s Billions Of Comrades uses energetic, dance punk flavor, where plenty of intensity fuels the diversity.

“Tetons” gets the listen off to a frenzied start, where yelped vocals, acrobatics drums and throbbing bass make it difficult to decide if you need a pit or dance floor, and “Our Hours” follows with the legendary Mike Watts in attendance for the processed vocals and anthemic buzzing that’s quite thick.

“Unitá” occupies the midpoint and is rhythmically adventurous thanks to electronic manipulation and percussive prowess, while “Boomgang” carries loads of post-punk flavor, as synth acrobatics flow amid the biting singing.

“1480” and “Cabra” exit the listen, where the formers shakes and rattles with a festive appeal, and the latter finishes with an mysterious intimacy that includes soundbites, before building into a hard hitting and jarring delivery.

An often dizzying and sweaty exercise in asymmetrical structures and multi-language dance-rock, Billions Of Comrades won’t have you sitting still for one moment.

Travels well with: Helluvah- Fire Architecture; Jonas Albrecht- SCHREI MICH NICHT SO AN ICH BIN IN TRANCE BABY

Julian Sartorius

Hidden Tracks

Everest, 2024

8/10

Listen to Hidden Tracks

An adventurous listen that was actually fleshed out while the percussionist Julian Sartorius was traveling from Domodossola, Italy (at 272m above sea level) to the peak of the Weissmies in Switzerland (4017m above sea level), the sounds of the surroundings were utilized to birth new melodies.

The ambient noises and percussive sounds of “272m - 500m” starts the listen with an oddly rhythmic approach of mystery, and “500m - 1000m” follows with swift and mesmerizing drumming nods that unfold with a nearly tribal like appeal.

The middle track belongs to “1500m - 2000m”, where space and tension are manipulated with nature-esque ideas, too, while “2000m - 2500m” turns the sounds of water dripping into patterns of intrigue.

Residing close to the end, “3000m - 3500m” unfolds like field recordings amid firm percussive noises and found object-like creativity, and “3500m - 4017m” exits with a nearly sci-fi presence that only uses organic noisemakers.

Everything here was recorded on this hike and climb, and there were no electronic effects or sound processing used. Instead, Sartorius makes great use of a fertile imagination and tones, noises and rhythms secured from nature.

Travels well with: 3’AIN- Sea Of Stories; Henry Spencer- The Defector

The Cyrkle

Revival

Big Stir, 2024

8/10

Listen to Revival

The first album from ‘the 60s hitmakers and Sunshine pop artists The Cyrkle in 50+ years, Revival treats us to 13 new tracks, where original members Don Dannemann and Mike Losekamp are present.

“Goin’ Steady With You” opens the listen with a retro spirit, before brighter production picks up the pace with Danneman’s smooth pipes and lively guitar playing, and “Center Of The World” follows with Scott Langley’s fluid drums that suit the flowing melodies.

Further along, the folky “He Can Fly” sounds right at home in the ‘60s, where Dean Kastran’s precise bass aids the floating mood, while the rugged “I Believe She Believes” bops and shakes with an infectious delivery of soaring backing vocals and a crisp rhythm section that carries an instant sing-along quality.

Approaching the end, the intimate versus mesmerizing “We Thought We Could Fly” is a bit hazy, but not without some classic rock spirit, and “Red Rubber Ball”, a re-recorded hit from the ‘60s, benefits much from Losekamp’s frisky keys and a whole lot of charm.

An album that could have been released in 1968, The Cyrkle make a triumphant return via their inimitable harmonies and distinct melodies, where comparisons to The Byrds, The Beach Boys and The Beatles are very much appropriate.

Travels well with: Jack Rubies- Clocks Are Out Of Time; Shplang- Thank You, Valued Customer

Last Ark Out

Lift

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Lift

The Vancouver/Montréal fusion outfit Last Ark Out brings us 6 fusion filled tracks from North America contributers, where plenty of styles enter the unpredictable climate.

Colin Parker’s thumping drums start “Brackish”, as Sasha Berlinger’s glowing vibraphone enters alongside James Huumo’s bright keys for the animated delivery, and “Dyab” follows with Larnell Lewis behind the drum kit, as Justin Gorrie’s glowing sax guides the frisky jazz energy.

In the middle, the groove filled “Late To The Game” uses David Osei-Afrifa’s dancing keys amid Jeff Gammon’s bright bass lines, while “Libra” recruits a hint of mystery, where Hailey Niswanger’s brass and winds add a dreamy quality of beauty and wonder.

Close to the end, the thick and driving “Scorpio” places Sarah Thawer on drums for a more abrasive moment that employs Arthur Pascau Smith’s meticulous guitar, and “It’s That Dream Again” exits with a rich, dynamic mood that’s uniquely soothing.

A diverse body of work that brings plenty of surprises, few genres are off limits across this fascinating and accomplished record.

Travels well with: Mike Downes- The Way In; Will Régnier- Traces

Richard Crosby

By The Waters Of Memory

Navona, 2024

8/10

Listen to By The Waters Of Memory

The composer and pianist Richard Crosby pens solo works for piano, viola, cello and oboe, where Latin influences enter for the 6 well thought out pieces.

“By The Waters of Memory Op. 9” starts the listen with Crosby’s flowing keys that mesmerize with incredible warmth and grace, and “Sonata for Piano in B Minor Op. 21” follows with a rumbling spirit, where the meticulous progressions from the keys are both firm and melodic.

In the middle, “Sonata for Viola and Piano Op. 10” welcomes Sila Darville’s striking viola that suits Crosby’s dancing keys via the firm gestures, while “Sonata for Cello and Piano Op. 19” showcases Nathan Jasinski’s gorgeous cello that glides alongside the elegant and frisky piano. “Four Latin Dances for Oboe and Piano Op. 14” is the final piece, where Julie Smith’s precise oboe helps bring much culture and radiance to the album highlight.

A highly technical body of work that unfolds with a very timeless appeal, the solo and duo settings that embrace classical-romantic nods will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Heidi Radtke- Convergence: Music For Saxophone & Fixed Media; Debra Kaye- Time Is The Sea We Swim In

Heather Little

By Now

Need To Know 2024

10/10

Listen to By Now

A Texas artist with a penchant for blues, folk and country, Heather Little creates a sincere and warm version of Americana that spreads out across 13 songs that touch on the human experience.

The gorgeous and gripping “Five Deer Country” starts the listen, and showcases Little’s lovely voice alongside Rusty Van Sickle’s warm guitar and singing, and “Hands Like Mine” follows with Patty Griffin in attendance for the bare beauty and poetic demeanor that builds into rich layers thanks to Griffin’s unmistakable pipes and Stefano Intelisano’s fluid accordion.

Further along, “Better By Now” welcomes Ronnie Bowman’s bluegrass influences to the powerful vocal harmonies, while the thicker presence of “Transistor Radio” blends the crisp drums, Russ Pahl’s mysterious pedal steel and, of course, Little’s inviting and comforting voice.

Landing near the end, “Saint Christopher” benefits from Crystal Bowersox’s stunning voice that adds much intrigue to the sublime intimacy, and “Gunpowder & Lead” exits with Van Plating’s contributions on a song that Miranda Lambert popularized (Little co-wrote it), and here it radiates with meticulous violin and an autonomous energy.

Little has had her work covered by plenty of household names, and her wise and compassionate songwriting makes every song here a moment to be absorbed and explored. This is truly music that enriches other people’s lives.

Travels well with: Claudia Gibson- The Fields Of Chazy; Karyn Oliver- Cherchez La Femme

Sheldon Pickering

Blessed Assurance

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Blessed Assurance

This 5th album from the composer, arranger and pianist Sheldon Pickering has the artist reworking 8 classic hymns while holding down keys, as guitars, violin, strings and percussion are handled by Ryan Tilby and Aaron Ashton.

The title track opens the listen with sublime keys from Pickering as gentle guitars and strings complement the affair, and “Swing Low” follows with much jazz influence in the highly rhythmic affair.

Further along, “Be Though My Vision” adds plenty of soul and emotion to the dynamic album highlight, while “I Need Thee Every Hour” finds the listen entering gospel territory with much thoughtful beauty.

Near the end, “Poor Wayfaring Stranger” soars with breezy melody and a tint of a haunting quality, and “Take Time To Be Holy” exits with a calming, meditative quality that could sooth anyone’s anxieties.

While there certainly are jazz and classical influences to be found here, there’s also New Age nods, as Pickering and company deliver an engaging and fascinating instrumental record.

Travels well with: Bill Evans- Undercurrent; Eliane Rodrigues- The Gershwin & Bernstein Connection