George Crumb

Complete Edition, Vol. 21

Bridge, 2024

8/10

Listen to Complete Edition, Vol. 21

A project that began in 1982, this final installment of the Crumb series covers the American composer’s 75 year compositional career, where the world premiere recordings don’t disappoint.

“Processional” starts the listen with Gilbert Kalish’s inviting keys mesmerizing us for 13+ minutes, as much beauty and attention to mood comprises the unpredictable climate.

The middle tracks belong to the 4 segments of “Kronos-Kryptos”, where four tableaux for percussion quintet emit a distinct dreaminess that’s mysterious, cinematic and sometimes minimal via the unique texturing.

The back half of the listen brings us solo violoncello, where Timothy Eddy’s presence extends over 3 pieces that are poetic, and an alternate version of “Processional” exits with Marcantonio Barone behind the piano for firm and rumbling key progressions.

This series has already picked up a pair of Grammy nominations and a win, as Crumb’s eloquent and shy demeanor is captured well and preserved in very high esteem.

Travels well with: Mark Davidson- À la manière; Ursula Mamlok- Vol. 6

The Wicked Lo-Down

Out Of Line

Gulf Coast, 2024

9/10

Listen to Out Of Line

The label debut for the New England blues/roots outfit The Wicked Lo-Down, the 13 lively tracks welcome Mike Zito and Monster Mike Welch to the raw and animated landscape.

The rowdy and powerful spirit of “Kill Me Or Keep Me” starts the listen with Nick David’s soaring pipes alongside Nick Toscano’s acrobatic drumming, and the energy continues to the gritty melodies of the anthemic “Marchin’ On”, where Brad Hellen’s playful bass won’t go unnoticed.

Further along, Zito’s meticulous guitar licks populate the bouncy title track, while “Toxic” places Welch on guitar for the densely rhythmic climate that buzzes with intrigue.

Deeper yet, “You Don’t Know Me” makes great use of David’s glowing harmonica and Paul Size’s sturdy guitar, and “I Just Can’t Make It” exits with a thick and chugging bluesy rocker that’s infectious and will get your body moving to the extraordinary songwriting.

Both the covers and originals sizzle here, as The Wicked Lo-Down comfortably make a home for themselves alongside some of the most luminous blues artists today.

Travels well with: Mike Zito- Life Is Hard; Johnny Rawls- Walking Heart Attack

Stanley Grill

We Will Not Forget

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to We Will Not Forget

The always prolific Stanley Grill returns with a body of work originally composed for duduk and string orchestra, the 7 tracks here were penned in 2020, when Hamas was once again firing missiles at Israel, and recruits Javier Oviedo and the New York Classical Players.

The title track starts the listen with stirring strings, where much emotion and depth is present, as Oviedo’s touching soprano sax guides the beauty and warmth.

“When The War Ends, We Will Dance Again” lands in the middle and radiates plenty of optimism, as the setting shifts from soft and introspective to flowing and upbeat via the meticulous interactions between the players.

The final 2 pieces, “Serenade”, brings back the soprano sax for a rich and agile finish that’s plenty melodic, and makes strategic use of plucked strings and fluid oboe playing.

A symphonic and heartfelt body of work that explores a time when Russian soldiers no longer occupy Ukrainian homes and Ukrainians can reside in freedom, Grill again creates a contemporary classical affair that’s highly relevant.

Travels well with: Stanley Grill- Die Erste Elegie; Stanley Grill- Ahimsa

Curtis Taylor

Taylor Made

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Taylor Made

The trumpet extraordinaire Curtis Taylor has an exceptional career as a sideman, and this debut full length as leader brings some excellent help for the 7 involved jazz tracks.

“Kham’s Dilemma” starts the record with Taylor’s bright trumpet alongside Alex White’s skilled drumming and Theron Brown’s agile keys in the rich climate, and “After The Rain” follows with Jonathon Muir-Cotton’s well timed bass complementing David Castañeda’s intricate percussion via the thoughtful mood.

“For Her” and “Indomitable” reside in the middle, where the former is a precisely textured display of meticulous brass amid a cozy rhythm section, while the latter employs Marcus Elliot’s radiant tenor sax for a mesmerizing album highlight. The quick listen finishes with “Journey”, where the sax and trumpet interact with much care that aligns with the cautious rhythm section.

An effort that swings playfully and embraces soul, blues, gospel and bebop nods, Taylor pens a memorable listen in the area of modern jazz.

Travels well with: Tony Monaco Trio- Over And Over; Cliff Beach- You Showed Me The Way

Jeff Rogers

Dream Job

Diesel, 2024

8/10

Listen to Dream Job

The Canadian singer/songwriter Jeff Rogers brings his rootsy flavor and keyboard prowess to these 9 songs that welcome Kelvin Holly, Justin Holder, Shonna Tucker and Clayton Ivey, plus others, to the affair.

“Her Kind Of Trouble” starts the listen with Rogers’ soulful and expressive voice alongside warm piano and Holder’s skilled drums in the bluesy climate, and “Lock & Key” follows with Holly’s spirited guitar alongside bright brass for the rich delivery.

Deeper into the listen, “Mind Of Your Own” recruits Colin Linden on slide guitar, which suits Rogers’ dancing keys for the rhythmic album highlight, while “Saving This Bottle Of Wine” finds a more intimate place to reside, where emotive storytelling is met with soft singing and John Steele’s heartfelt pedal steel.

Close to the end, Kellylee Evans lends her stunning pipes for the dreamy “So Worth The Wait”, where Ivey’s well timed organ makes an impression, and “Deep Cold Water” exits with a choir in attendance for a gospel appeal that’s powerful and soaring.

A luminary in the Ottawa music scene, Rogers has 20 years under his belt performing in the area, and the sincerity and talent present in his songwriting allows the songs to resonate long after the music stops.

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

Luca Sestak

Lighter Notes

Initiative, 2024

8/10

Listen to Lighter Notes

The German native and pianist/composer Luca Sestak brings a wealth of influences to his formula, and here with Alexander Broscheck, Oli Parker and Nicholas Stampf he captures 11 tracks live.

The highly animated keys of “Sarcasmus” starts the listen, where Broschek’s lively bass complements the upbeat mood, and “Toccata” follows with lightning quick keys that use Stampf’s rhythmic drums to chase Sestak’s fascinating performance.

Moving into the middle, the calmer territory of “Minute Waltz” emits much beauty amid the frisky rhythm section in the Chopin original, while “When The Wind Turns” enters intimate areas via the emotive piano, light drums and reflective bass of the poetic climate.

Arriving near to the end, “Blame Game” is where Parker’s radiant trumpet shines thanks to the stylish and meticulous jazz energy, and “Nocturne” exits with a sublime dreaminess that’s strong on atmosphere and tugs on the heartstrings.

Sestak is versed in jazz, funk, pop, blues and electronic beats, and all those ideas are present, where the themes are light and not so serious, but the music is seriously great.

Travels well with: Ellas Kapell- For All We Know; Filip Dinev- Romann

David Leon

Bird’s Eye

Pyroclastic, 2024

8/10

Listen to Bird’s Eye

The atypical saxophonist and composer David Leon blends Afro-Cuban and traditional Korean sounds into these highly unclassifiable 10 songs.

“You Won’t Find It By Yourself” starts the listen with Leon’s bright and mesmerizing sax that’s complemented by frisky drums and plucked bass for the unpredictable opener, and “Ay-ya” follows with plenty of soul and adventurousness via the firm brass and strategic drums.

Moving along, the intimate versus animated gestures of “to speak in flowers” manipulates sounds with a curious delivery, while “Secret Footshake” recruits marching band style drumming to a distinct minimalism of percussive intrigue.

Approaching the end, the nearly sci-fi gestures of “Secret Handshake” carry a cinematic appeal from another dimension, and “Palmetto” exits with the cozy sax emitting beauty, mystery and agility.

A truly iconoclastic outing that forges a unique rhythm, DoYoen Kim’s gayagum and Lesley Mok’s percussion are both employed with worldly, artistic and unforgettable ideas that revolve around progressive jazz.

Travels well with: Chess Smith- Laugh Ash; Kaze- Unwritten

The Stylistics

Love Is Back In Style

Omnivore, 2024

8/10

Listen to Love Is Back In Style

A Philadelphia soul group who had much success on the charts in the ‘70s, this 1996 release from The Stylistics features original members, and it lives here again with a bonus track.

“I Once Had Love” starts the listen with the soulful and powerful voices meshing with incredible grace in the dreamy climate, and “She’s All That” follows with a bright presence and hip-hop nods, as some funk enters the lively grooves.

Deeper into the listen, “Right Face, Wrong Mind” carries much melody, where the high notes are hit with ease thanks to the trio’s stunning vocals, while “Love Can Heal A Wounded Heart” meshes the baritone and soprano with intimate and flowing instrumentation.

“What You’re Goin’ Through” exits the formal listen with cozy R&B nods that are met with hazy songwriting, and the bonus track, a remix of “She’s All That”, is packed with a dance floor energy that welcomes Biggy Smallz handling the rap vocals.

The Stylistics saw even more attention when “Betcha By Golly Wow” was covered by Prince on his Emancipation album, and this mid ‘90s effort- the final with the original line up of Russel Thompkins Jr., Herb Murrell and Airrion Love- carries the spirit of the ‘70s but with ‘90s sensibilities that still sounds great all these years later.

Travels well with: Doris Troy- Another Look; Lenny Williams- Chill

Mamiko Watanabe

Being Guided By The Light

Jojo, 2024

8/10

Listen to Being Guided By The Light

This 5th album from the pianist Mamiko Watanbe welcomes Billy Hart and Santi Debriano to the 8 songs that contain much grace and exploration.

The title track begins the listen with Watanabe’s flowing and dancing keys that benefit from Hart’s frisky drums, and “Pas De Troi” follows with Debriano’s playful bass playing that suits the colorful delivery.

In the middle, “The Scene Is Clean” carries an infectious rhythm that you can’t not move your body to, while “Atomic Space” showcases Watanabe’s meticulous piano alongside the atmospheric rhythm section that’s cautious yet frisky.

The final 2 tracks, “My Grandfather’s Clock” and “Island Birdie”, don’t disappoint, where the former might be the busiest track that’s not without flowing melodies, and the latter spotlights Watanabe’s exciting piano progressions that are quite impressive.

A varied body of work that can be romantic just as it can possess melancholy, the trio work together dynamically and with much care for these well thought out tunes.

Travels well with: Yotam Silberstein- Standards; Lawrence Fields- To The Surface

Yotam Silberstein

Standards

Jojo, 2024

8/10

Listen to Standards

The esteemed guitarist Yotam Silberstein puts his creative spin on 8 standards here, where John Patitucci, Billy Hart and George Coleman are in attendance.

“Serenata” starts the listen with Silberstein’s glowing guitar amid Hart’s frisky drums in the stylish and warm climate, and “Beija Flor” follows with a calmer approach of dreamy song craft, where the intimate guitar is met with subtle bass lines.

“If I Loved You” occupies the middle spot, and is a rich and cautious album highlight, while “Eclypso”, by Tommy Flanagan, spotlights Hart’s skilled drumming that suits Silberstein’s meticulous guitar.

Deeper onto the back half, Coleman’s stunning sax prowess illuminates the timeless jazz appeal of “Never Let Me Go”, and “Stella By Starlight” exits with clever bass, smooth guitar and gentle drumming populating the breezy finish.

A very precise and admirable interpretation of classic songs, Silberstein and his associates inject blues and bebop ideas into the affair, too.

Travels well with: Gerald Cannon- Live At Dizzy’s Club: The Music Of Elvin & McCoy; Lawrence Fields- To The Surface

Gustavo Cortiñas

Live In Chicago

Desafío Candente, 2024

8/10

Listen to Live In Chicago

A double disc that documents Gustavo Cortiñas’ diverse and esteemed drumming and composing, the tracks here welcome Drew Hansen, Artie Black, Matthew Davis, Joaquín García and Kitt Lyles to the sets captured on December 15th, 2022.

The fluid drumming of “Overture” starts the listen, where Lyles’ frisky upright bass complements Garcia’s gorgeous piano playing on the exciting opener, and “Hanaki” follows with Black’s soulful sax and Cortiñas’ precise drums making for an inviting climate.

Landing at the halfway point, “Arete” builds into an animated delivery thanks to the lively brass, bouncy bass and graceful keys, while “Dialectics Of Freedom” starts the 2nd set with Hansen’s glowing trumpet that’s heartfelt and intimate.

Arriving closer to the end, “The Man Of Flesh And Bone” leads with bass acrobatics before Davis’ touching trombone guides the cautious landscape, and “Pax Britannica” exits with flowing melodies, intricate piano playing, agile drums and an attention to detail that is quite fascinating.

A body of work that has many ties to his Mexican upbringing, Cortiñas and company create timeless, cohesive and worldly jazz songs where the sound quality and execution are both top notch.

Travels well with: Cory Weeds- Home Cookin’; Ulysses Owens Jr. And Generation Y- A New Beat

Rodrigo Recabarren

Familia

Greenleaf, 2024

8/10

Listen to Familia

The drummer Rodrigo Recabarren, bassist Pablo Menares and pianist Yago Vazquez come together for this sophomore album that unites their Chilean and Spanish heritage for 9 worldly jazz tunes.

Vazquez’s warm piano starts the listen with the rich and energetic “Santiago”, and “Terra” follows with dancing keys and Menares’ agile bass that emits much grace.

The middle belongs to “Aninovo”, where a mesmerizing spirit flows from the firm keys and Recabarren’s swift drumming, while “Viaje” is more cautious via the mature piano progression and light bass plucking that’s quite cozy.

Deeper into the listen, the emotive and pretty landscape of “Lazo” tugs on the heartstrings, and “Después De Todo” showcases finger acrobatics from Vazquez that align superbly with the thick bass plucking and crisp drumming.

A record that’s steeped in the rhythmic language and folkloric ways of the Spanish speaking world, all 3 musicians bring their respective skills to a globally embraceable affair.

Travels well with: Lucas Pino- Covers; Carlos Henriquez- A Nuyorican Tale

Kelly Green

Seems

Green Soul, 2024

8/10

Listen to Seems

The pianist and vocalist Kelly Green has been an impressive force in the New York City jazz scene, and here along with Luca Soul Rosenfeld, Evan Hyde, Elijah J. Thomas and Rich Perry she delivers 9 honest and memorable tracks.

“Down That Road” starts the listen, and uses Green’s graceful keys alongside Thomas’ glowing flute for the rich opener, and “World Of My Own” follows with Rosenfeld’s bouncy bass amid Green’s expressive pipes that make for a playful jazz climate.

“Street Cleaning” and “By The Way” arrive in the middle, where the former is focused on Hyde’s skilled drums before key acrobatics from Green and Perry’s animate sax enter the friskiness, while the latter finds a more intimate place to reside via the smooth melodies and groove filled delivery.

Residing near the end, “Moonlight Saving Time” bops and shakes with swift and animated singing that suits the dreamy flute, and “Try Your Wings” exits via a stirring ballad that’s poetic and mature, where Green’s touching voice is complemented by soft piano.

A body of work that addresses hope, optimism and agreement across humans, Green brings all the listeners together with vocal and instrumental pieces that are sincere, honest and creatively balanced.

Travels well with: Grace Kelly With Strings- At The Movies; Jim Rotondi- Finesse

Grace Kelly With Strings

At The Movies

Pazz, 2024

8/10

Listen to At The Movies

The incredibly prolific Grace Kelly returns with another fusion outing, where a large cast is along for 16 songs that pay tribute to Charlie Parker With Strings, one of her favorite records.

“James Bond Medley” starts the listen with Kelly’s soaring sax alongside Tamir Hendelman’s diverse piano, as both busy and minimal areas are covered with adventurousness and warmth, and “He’s A Pirate” follows with Jake Reed’s lively drumming and Eli Bishop’s mandolino making for a rich landscape.

The stunning interpretation of “Moon River” lands in the middle, and showcases Kelly’s gorgeous voice amid gentle keys and stirring strings, while the upbeat “The Power Of Love” welcomes Cory Wong’s spirited electric guitar and Kelly’s soulful sax to a tune that even rock’n'roll enthusiast Marty McFly would enjoy.

Further along, the loud versus calm dynamics of “Go The Distance” enters dreamy territory via the emotive sax and cinematic strings, and “Circle Of Life” exits with a precisely textured take on the classic that’s soothing, inviting and glorious.

This is Kelly’s 15th album in 20 years, and the fresh coat of paint on songs that are universally adored sure does sound great here.

Travels well with: Jim Rotondi- Finesse; Mike Ledonne Groover Quartet- Wonderful!

Doris Troy

Another Look

Omnivore, 2024

8/10

Listen to Another Look

The R&B legend Doris Troy, known as Mama Soul to her fans, grabbed everyone’s attention in 1963 with “Just One Look”, and would later be signed to The Beatles’ label. Here, we’re treated to rare and hard to find tracks from the mid to late ’70s, many that have lived in obscurity until now.

The energetic and warm spirit of “Can’t Hold On” opens the listen with plenty of soulful qualities and no lack of rhythm, and “Another Look” follows with crisp drumming, as Troy’s flawless voice soars over some funk moments, too.

Further along, the 1970 Disco Version of “You Got Me Baby” will indeed get your body moving to the bouncy instrumentation and hand clapping fun, while “It’s All In The Game”, also the 1979 Disco Version, showcases fluid guitars and strong percussion via a dreamy climate.

Approaching the end, “Lyin’ Eyes” comes with plenty of gospel spirit in a more a raw environment, and, at the end, “What’cha Gonna Do” recruits Mystic Merlin’s soul funk prowess for a bright and rich finish that’s stylish and modern.

A collection that includes both 7″ and 12″ versions of the Midland International material, Troy passed away 20 years ago, but her influence lives on in the artists who still cover her music, and this excellent release certainly keeps her legacy alive, too.

Travels well with: Jackie Deshannon- The Sherry Lee Show; Honey Made- Charge It To The Band Fund

Orli Shaham

Mozart: Complete Piano Sonatas Vol. 5 & 6

Canary, 2024

8/10

Listen to Mozart: Complete Piano Sonatas Vol. 5 & 6

The final installment of the world revered pianist Orli Shaham’s vision to cover all of Mozart’s piano sonatas, these 2 last compositions unfold with very wise and cautious interpretations.

Volume 5 occupies the first 65 minutes, and across 9 segments, where Shaham’s dizzying key acrobatics radiate tremendous beauty and agility, as the key progressions are swift, fascinating and memorable.

The back half belongs to Volume 6, where “Piano Sonata in F Major, No. 15, K. 533/494” is particularly luminous, and emits both rapid and calm bouts of timeless musicianship that is handled precisely in Shaham’s very capable hands.

An excellent way to bookend a project that fans of Mozart or classical music would benefit from being attentive to, Shaham continues to solidify her craft as some of the finest piano work today.

Travels well with: Orli Shaham- Mozart: Complete Piano Sonatas Vol. 4; Orli Shaham- Complete Piano Sonatas Vol. 2 & 3

Ernesto Cervini's Turboprop

A Canadian Songbook

TPR, 2024

9/10

Listen to A Canadian Songbook

The always impressive drummer Ernesto Cervini returns with his sextet, Turboprop, for these 7 songs penned by Canadians that embraces 3 horns and much creativity.

The drum focused “Skeletons” starts the listen, where the James Hill original has synth traded out for brass via the lively climate, and “When I Fall” follows with a very calm take on the Barnaked Ladies classic thanks to Dan Loomis’ precise bass plucking and William Carm’s animated trombone.

The radiant “Stuck Inside” arrives in the middle, and reflects on the pandemic, where Cervini’s original benefits much from Adrean Farrugia’s graceful keys, while “Clumsy”, a big hit for Our Lady Peace, is a rich and meticulous album highlight that uses Tara Davidson’s alto sax and Joel Frahm’s tenor sax in flowing, exciting ways.

The final selection, Carn’s “The Inertia Of Complacency”, emits a timeless jazz presence of both busy and calm gestures, where bright melodies are met with booming horns.

An album that explores some of Canada’s finest, Cervini and company show their gratitude to their country with these charming interpretations and flawless originals.

Travels well with: Last Ark Out- Lift; Mike Downes- The Way In

Tucker Woods

Sunshine Blues

Self-Released, 2024

10/10

Listen to Sunshine Blues

The sophomore album from the New York duo of Tucker Woods, the modern and retro moments of these 14 songs make great use of vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Chris Hurd and bassist Brian Motel’s respective talents.

“The Ballad Of Captain Pat & The Spooky Rock Lagoon” starts the listen with a chamber-rock sort of presence that’s dense, rich and mesmerizing in a folk-rock sort of way, and “Somersault” follows with flowing acoustic guitar and lively piano for an animated presence of melody and grit.

Further along, the breeziness of “Right On Time” puts Motel’s meticulous bass to good use in a dreamy climate, while the title track is a soaring and anthemic roots rocker that swirls with a charming energy.

Residing close to the end, the thick and driving “Carousel” flirts with arena ready rockin’, and “…Goodbye Spooky Rock Lagoon” exits with a hint of intimacy under the buzzing guitars and thumping drums that builds into some throwback rock ideas.

A record that might remind you of Oasis, The Who, the Kinks, Tom Petty, Foo Fighters or even The Decemberists, Tucker Woods create an admirable rawness and cinematic scope that just might be the best indie-rock of the year.

Travels well with: Andrea von Kampen- Sister Moon; Natalie Price- Natalie Price

Ndidi O

Simple Songs For Complicated Times

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Simple Songs

The British Columbia native Ndidi carries a voice like few others, where these 10 songs recorded mostly live off the floor bring in Steve Dawson and others.

The cozy intimacy of “Get Done” starts the listen with Ndidi’s soulful pipes alongside Sam Howard’s lively bass and plenty of soothing backing vocals, and “Ode To Death” follows with much emphasis on mood, where a diverse range from Ndidi is paired with Gary Craig’s agile drums and Chris Gestrin’s glowing keys.

The hazy and stirring “Don’t Come Back” arrives in the middle and comes with a retro spirit that has Dawson’s flowing guitar shining bright, while “Change This Life” is percussively strong, and allows Ndidi’s unique pipes to radiate tremendous charm.

The last 2 tracks, “Working Girl” and “Worth”, aren’t anything to spit at either. The former soars with a smooth and atmospheric appeal, and the latter finishes a with rich and textured ability to mesmerize.

Ndidi is versed in roots, blues, soul and trip-hop, and all those elements are present and appreciated here, where comparisons to Etta James and Dionne Warwick won’t go unnoticed.

Travels well with: Davis Hall & The Green Lanterns- Canboro Canborough; Blackburn Brothers- SoulFunkn’ Blues

Slim Gambill

Fake Jazz & Theme Songs

Ludlow St., 2019

8/10

Listen to Fake Jazz & Theme Songs

Though Slim Gambill’s name may not immediately ring a bell, we’ve all heard his work as the longtime guitarist of the global superstar Lady Antebellum. On this first solo album, Gambill’s acts, in his words, like a tourist of jazz sounds, and he’s in some very strong company for the debut.

“Last Time Thing” starts the listen with a lively jazz sound where many instruments mesh into a precise, melodic, groove filled setting, and “Levitations” follows with a brisk pace of warm shuffling and swing jazz fun.

Elsewhere, “Silly time” offers some serious guitar playing and gorgeous interplay between the rhythm section, while “Cop Show”, with Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band), recruits bright saxophone for the laid back, spirited affair.

Deep in the listen, “Also Shuffle”, which brings in Kenneth Crouch (Mariah Carey), flows with a dynamic, festive tone, and “4 Guitars Having A Conversation” ends the listen with sublime musicianship that few, if anyone, could replicate.

If you’re scratching your head about why a country star like Gambill would release a mostly instrumental jazz album, well, it’s really just Gambill returning to his roots. And while he hasn’t dedicated his life to jazz like many of his peers, he does a fantastic job as a visitor to the genre, and would sound right at home on the Blue Note record label.

Travels well with: Augie Haas- Dream A Little Dream; Mike Pachelli- High Standards