Edward Smaldone

Once And Again

New Focus, 2020

8/10

Listen to Once And Again

A collection of chamber music from the always imaginative mind of Edward Smaldone, Once And Again recruits classical and modernist influences as soprano vocalists and top notch chamber players all contribute their respective talents across 5 compositions.

The album starts with the soprano, flute and harp of “Cantare di Amore”, where the 3 movements bring lush musicianship, dreamy melodies and plenty of rhythm from Tony Arnold, Helen O’Connor and June Han, and ‘‘Double Duo” follows with flute, clarinet, violin and cello interacting in a groove friendly setting where each instrument is highlighted splendidly.

In the middle, “Letters From Home” benefits greatly from Susan Narucki’s healthy pipes where dramatic keys and versatile flute complement the vivid storytelling, while “Sinfonia” exits the listen heavy on the strings as jazz ideas and dance rhythms populate the agile, orchestral climate.

A captivating effort that embodies the timeless spirit of not only chamber sounds but classical, orchestral and operatic sensibilities, too, Smaldone and company make the most of every second on this elegant and precise experience that you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Travels well with: Jormo Tapio & Kaski- Aliseen; Georgina Isabel Ross/Silvie Cheng- Mobili

Craig Madden Morris

Chamber Music For Our Times

Navona, 2020

8/10

Listen to Chamber Music For Our Times

A record of all originals, Craig Madden Morris returns with an appropriately titled album where piano, violin, viola and cello are all on hand across 4 very thoughtful compositions.

The aptly named “Romance For Violin And Piano” starts the album with the strings and keys interacting in indeed romantic ways with much emotion and intimacy, and “String Quartet: Colors” follows with gorgeous string manipulation that unfolds over 4 movements where a pair of violins, a cello and viola blur together with sublime beauty.

The last 2 compositions of the record are the best, and include “Piano Quartet #1: Johnny And Tony”, where Han Chen’s piano prowess is complemented by the precise strings that pay homage to Brahams and Dvorak, and “Piano Quartet #2: Moods” exits the listen with Chan again taking the lead on a playful and upbeat finish.

Morris has had a lengthy and esteemed career with nods towards 19th century Romantic music, and here takes those influences with him across a rich and tonal adventure that requires repeated listens.

Travels well with: James Lentini- Through Time And Place; Jackson Greenberg- First Light

Shuying Li

World Map

Navona, 2020

8/10

Listen to World Map

A very worldly effort, the composer Shuying Li takes us on a global adventure here, where 5 mini concertos are dished out by the players Joshua Anderson (clarinet), Erika Boysen (flute), Heewon Uhm (violin), Jeremy Crosmer (cello), Christina Adams (violin), Horatio Contreras (cello) and Annie Jeng (piano).

“American Variations” starts the listen with flute, cello, violin and piano interacting in very mature, often dreamy ways as Anderson’s clarinet soloing adds much to the skilled climate that embraces jazz, rock, ragtime, pop and Klezmer, and “The Dryad” follows with Boysen’s solo flute steering the very charming, cinematic appeal of the varied delivery in the European song.

The second half of the listen offers the darker qualities of “Matilda’s Dream”, where Crosmer’s cello prowess is front and center as the landscape gets both tense and mysterious in the Australian bush ballad, while “Canton Snowstorm” showcases Jeng’s piano acrobatics as flute, violin, cello and clarinet complement her skill with adventurous and surreal ideas present.

An extremely diverse effort where plenty of soloing is much appreciated, World Map lives up to its title with sharp, cultured and always dynamic song craft that resonates with a timelessness that will be relevant for decades to come.

Travels well with: Dieter Flury- Aero; Quatra Duo- Painted Music

Nils Wülker

Go

Warner, 2020

8/10

Listen to Go

The German trumpet extraordinaire Nils Wülker returns with Go, where the artist dives into electronics, as loops, beats, synth and the arpeggiator populate this exciting 10th album.

“Distorting Time” starts the listen with warm percussion as Wülker’s sublime trumpet glides alongside sophisticate keys in the light jazz/electronica setting, and “Hidden Intentions” follows with a quicker pace of agile melodies amid dynamic interplay between the mature instrumentation.

Halfway through, “Seat 47” buzzes playfully with lively bass synth as nods to ‘80s funk are present, while “Highline” recruits Theo Croker’s trumpet for a bright and adventurous album highlight. “The Frame” then trims the landscape back to cinematic balladry where sublime beauty is present in spades.

Although still anchored by Wülker’s top notch trumpet and a jazz template, Go isn’t a record that’s easy to classify, and that’s certainly part of its charm as many types of synth, flugelhorn, vocoder, and programming are also in attendance and executed with much poise.

Travels well with: Kitt Lyles- Wake Before Dawn; Paul English- Girl In Green

Kitt Lyles

Wake Before Dawn

Saluda, 2020

8/10

Listen to Wake Before Dawn

The Chicago bassist Kitt Lyles returns with Wake Before Dawn, and he’s in great company with his band, Real Talk Collective, across 7 jazz influenced adventures that take nods to post-bop, folk, blues, and even roots music.

Lyles starts the listen with the soft, bare and brief “Intro To Birdsong”, which leads into the 19 minutes of “Birdsong”, where Joaquin Garcia’s keys, Emily Kuhn’s trumpet and Rachael Gallman and Jaron Ferrer’s expressive singing add much to the jazz and blues fueled landscape that’s also string friendly. The album highlight, “Sandlapper’s Mood”, follows, and brings dynamic brass, as calm melodies and moments of blues enter the rhythmic and often vintage climate.

The back half of the record is equally as strong, and includes the vocals of Mercedes Inez Martinez on the Latin influenced landscape of “The Water And The Wind”, where Erik Skov’s guitar work is exceptional, while “Think; Repeat” glows with Kuhn’s saxophone guiding the gentle setting. “Old Soul” exits the listen and benefits greatly from Evan Swanson’s sublime piano work, while leaving an indelible impression.

It’s very apparent that a lot of work went into making this record, and I wouldn’t doubt if Lyles labored over every second of it, dissecting every tone to make sure it was what he wanted. Ultimately, the meticulous nature results in an accomplished and agile listen of timeless song craft.

Travels well with: Paul English- Girl in Green; Dave Camwell- Second Wind

Jeff Morris

Close Reeding

Ravello, 2020

9/10

Listen to Close Reeding

Jeff Morris returns with his 4th album on the Ravello label, and this time it’s focused on woodwinds as his live sampling and electronics add an unscripted element to the listen where mystery, adventurousness and a tremendous amount of skill are present.

Morris starts the listen with the live title track, where Jayson Beaster- Jones contributes his tenor saxophone prowess on the frantic and highly unorthodox opening that’s still very much in control of its expressive nature, and “Baby’s On Fire” follows with Harald Kisiedu handling alto saxophone while Morris manipulates feedback on the jazz meets experimental climate.

The back half of the record is equally unpredictable, including “Voclarise”, which is 13 minutes of bass clarinet from Jorge Variego on the dissonant and noisy display, while “What’s In A Whisper” sprawls out over 4 movements, where Johannes Sarjasto, Ilmari Heikinheimo and Kalle van Timonen offer alto sax, drums and synth in the blurry, jagged and highly atypical landscape. The album exits on the Neural Reprise of the title track, where space and spontaneity are turned into a refined science.

For fans of free jazz and electronic ideas, it just doesn’t get any better than this, as Morris and company illustrate an ultra creative vision and an improvisation approach that no one could parallel.

Travels well with: Matthew Burtner- Six Ecoacoustic Quintets/Avian Telemetry; Taktus- Mirrored Glass

Yobrepus

Mycelium Days

Apollon, 2020

9/10

Listen to Mycelium Days

An exciting rock band from Oslo, Yobrepus is fronted by Mats Jorgen Sivertsen, and here with his exceptional band they step into more progressive textures where trip-hop, electronic rock, and indie-rock sensibilities aren’t out of the equation, either.

The title track starts the listen with 22 minutes of ambience that leads with a cinematic quality before thick guitars enter, as does ominous storytelling. Deeper into the song, the setting turns serene with an almost meditative quality wrapped in a dreamy backdrop.

The remainder of the tracks are much shorter but no less interesting, including the strummed acoustic guitar of “Down”, that builds into a busy alt-rocker with ‘90s nods, while “Step Up” leads with keys before residing in quiet territory that touches on meticulous prog-rock. “Piao” exits the listen beautifully, with graceful piano alongside pretty singing that’s both stirring and comforting.

With influences like King Crimson and Pink Floyd, Yobrepus is quickly becoming a must hear band who are expanding their horizons into very compelling and artistic avenues, as evidenced on this very well executed record.

Travels well with: Pixie Ninja- Colours Out Of Space; Laughing Stock- The Island

Bruce Leto, Jr.

Gomitolo!

Navona, 2020

8/10

Listen to Gomitolo!

An album that characterizes the human spirit in the times of Covid, this solo piano effort from Bruce Leto, Jr. takes into account the global response to the crisis, especially in the European countries that have dealt with so much loss from the pandemic.

“Francaise” starts the listen with Leto’s precise, proficient keys that are not short on melody in the glorious climate, and “Novelette I. C Major” follows with a sublime delivery of timeless piano work that’s as meticulous as it is relatable.

Halfway through, Impromptus: No. 3 “Tres Modere” dances playfully with an immediately memorable delivery, while “Improvisation No. 12 In E-Flat Major” continues this adventurous approach with calmer ebbs of intimacy as well as bright spots of agile song craft.

Close to the end, “Ecco Venere” is a live display of gorgeous manipulation of space amid the cautious keys, and the pretty landscape of “Sicilienne” exits the listen and solidifies the massive amount of talent and poise present.

Despite the crisis facing the world, it’s been a good year for Leto Jr., who has picked up several awards, and it’s easy to see why; the pianist plays classical and impressionistic styles with a profound ability, proving to be a reprieve from the devastating year humanity is sorting through.

Travels well with: John McGuire- Lines At Dark; Paul English- Girl In Green

The Works Of Elizabeth R. Austin

Window Panes

Navona, 2020

8/10

Listen to Window Panes

The first album to collect the veteran composer Elizabeth R. Austin’s esteemed work, Window Panes showcases decades of song craft into a very complicated, eclectic and melodic display of unparalleled skill.

Symphony No. 1 “Wilderness” starts the listen tense and dramatic as swells of ominous ideas meet cinematic moments of grace, and Symphony No. 2 “Lighthouse” follows with 3 movements that span bare instrumentation as well as building into firm, busy displays of timeless musicianship.

Deeper into the listen, “Sonnets From The Portuguese” recruits operatic vocals that leave an indelible mark, and “Three Rilke Lieder” exits the listen with proficient keys complementing the soaring singing that’s so well executed, it alone is worth the price of admission.

A record that embraces jazz, blues, opera and classical influences, Austin has been active since the ‘50s and Window Panes is an excellent representation of her vast and exceptional work.

Travels well with: Dieter Flury- Aero: Contemporary Works For Flute; Quatra Duo- Painted Music

Camína

Te Quiero Mucho

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Te Quiero Mucho

The recording moniker of Ariel Saldivar, as Camína the Texas based artist meshes trip-hop, lo-fi, R&B and electronica into a very unique and Spanish inspired formula.

“Cinnamon” start the album playfully with the sounds of toys alongside a dense beat as soulful singing enters the trip-hop setting, and “Forever And Always” continues the mood with a slow groove as expressive singing and some flashes of experimental ideas are present in the unpredictable setting of heartfelt song craft.

The back half of the listen offers the lively “Maleguena”, where more forceful singing arrives in an almost gothic delivery, while “Fly Away”, the stand out track, gets a bit dreamy. The EP exits with “Se Puede”, where a vintage appeal is present in a raw climate where Camína’s opera background is present.

Camína’s resume already includes touring with Broken Social Scene and The Polyphonic Spree, and as evidenced by this very eclectic EP, she’s likely to make quite a name herself with this cultured, haunting and well thought out songwriting prowess.

Travels well with: Caroline Blind- The Spell Between; Wood River- More Than I Can See

The United States Army Band And Soldier's Chorus

Soundtrack Of The American Soldier

Navona, 2020

8/10

Listen to Soundtrack Of The American Soldier

A listen with Col. Jim R. Keene at the helm, the sounds of contemporary works for wind band are delivered here by The United States Army Band and Soldier’s Chorus, where the music of classic American films and video games is present with much eloquence and playfulness.

“Brass Celling (The Journey Of General Ann Dunwoody)” starts the listen percussively strong and builds into a majestic display of diverse and fluid instrumentation, and "Overture To ‘Sergeant York’” follows with an initial giant blast of brass before segueing into calmer, intimate areas of dynamic instrumentation.

Closer to the middle, “American Sniper Suite” recruits marching band drumming and frisky piano as much atmosphere enters the fascinating landscape, while “The Long Road Home: Suite From The Mini Series” is both dramatic and expressive in its bold execution.

Deeper into the listen, “God Bless America” soars high with sublime group vocals and crisp instrumentation that sparkles flawlessly, and “Army Strong” rumbles with a triumphant spirit of glowing brass and divine chemistry between the many players on hand.

A record that celebrates the stories of the men and women who have served, we’ve all heard these songs before, but never quite like this, and you’ll want to hear them again and again, as Col. Jim R. Keene and company are all in fine form from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Michael G. Cunningham- Indiana Collectanea; Kirk O’Riordan- Autumn Winds

Dieter Flury

Aero: Contemporary Works For Flute

Navona, 2020

9/10

Listen to Aero: Contemporary Works For Flute

The flute extraordinaire Dieter Flury is in fine company here, as Dijana Bistrovic (flute), Jeva Osa (piano), Bruno Philipp (clarinet) and Branimir Pustick (cello) help flesh out these 8 selections from contemporary composers.

John Bilotta’s “Capricci” starts the listen with a bouncy, playful spirit where the flute acrobatics are immediately engaging, and “Colors” follows with the flute, piano, and clarinet interacting in sublime ways that are dreamy and soaring and not short on harmonies.

In the middle, “Waltz For Flute And Cello” pairs Bistrovic and Pusticki for a stirring, cinematic display in the Andrew Lewinter composition that comes with a three part structure, while “Three Lais For Solo Flute” spreads out over 3 movements that span from calm and meditative to frantic and firm, with unpredictable tonal shifts.

Near the end, “Ondine’s Flute” is a solo flute outing of much grace and timelessness, and “Mad Rush To The End” exits the listen with 2 flutes working off each other’s strengths in a dizzying display of highly skilled adventurousness.

Flury has an impressive resume that includes playing in the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and well as being a professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz. We can now certainly add top notch recording artist to that list of accolades, too.

Travels well with: Quatra Duo- Painted Music; Zephyr Quartet- Epilogue

Quatra Duo

Painted Music

Navona, 2020

8/10

Listen to Painted Music

Quatra Duo consists of Jeff LaQuatra on guitar and Michelle Stanley holding down flute, and together the pair explore exciting textures across 4 pieces contributed by esteemed contemporary composers.

“Suite For Flute And Guitar” starts the listen with 6 movements where both instruments interact gently and playfully with light melodies floating cautiously in the James Mcguire composition that embraces jazz, pop music and even impressionism.

In the middle, Bryan Johanson’s sonata, “Painted Music”, flows with an adventurous approach that also finds calm ebbs of beauty to reside in as inspiration was drawn from 6 different paintings by the Swiss artist Paul Klee.

The album exits with Phillip Houghton’s “From The Dreaming”, as space is turned into a refined art form across the 3 movements that are emotive, cinematic and charming, where Houghton’s impetus for the sounds came from the Australian outback.

If the idea of guitar and flute working together seems like an unlikely pair, well, LaQuatra and Stanley certainly show no signs of incompatibility as their combined skill and imagination make it very clear that they’ve just scratched the surface of what they’re capable of.

Travels well with: James Lentini- Through Time And Place; Jackson Greenberg- First Light

Mark John McEncroe

Musical Images For Piano

Navona, 2020

8/10

Listen to Musical Images For Piano

The always luminous composer Mark John McEncroe returns with a 3rd installment in his Reflections And Recollections series, where his orchestral works provide fodder for Van-Anh Nguyen’s piano prowess.

“Images Of Times Past” starts the listen with emotive and elegant keys that dance around warm, contemplative melodies with an introspective spirit, and “Movements In The Night” follows with a darker quality that’s no less impactful in its firm, cautious delivery.

In the middle, “Moving Into The Light”, from Natalie’s Suite, 3rd Movement, recruits a cinematic appeal of highly intricate key acrobatics, while “A Celtic Pagan’s Pilgrimage” embraces classical ideas as it is pushes and pulls with precise tension and grace.

Near the end, “Storm Clouds Approaching” rumbles lowly as if it’s brewing up something ominous amid strategic keys that offer fleeting melodies, and “Balmy Summer Nights” exits the listen with a light and upbeat approach that finishes the listen on a very high note.

Nguyen pulls off an enthralling performance here, as McEncroe’s work is stripped back but no less powerful in its execution, and illustrates much depth in its timeless nature.

Travels well with: Mark John McEncroe- Musical Images For Chamber Orchestra: Reflections & Recollections Vol. 2; Apollo Chamber Players- Within Earth

Body/Negative

Fragments

Track Number, 2020

8/10

Listen to Fragments

A 22 year old queer, non-binary artist who is also a multi-instrumentalist, as Body/Negative Andy Schiaffino meshes textures, looping and field recordings into a very experimental and often unclassifiable journey on Fragments.

“Figure 8” starts the listen with plenty of ambience in the bare but mysterious setting where an ominous, dreamy feeling develops, and “Letterhead” follows with a blurry mix of wordless vocals alongside a surreal. hazy landscape that’s immediately mesmerizing.

The middle tracks follow a similar course, including the sparse keys and spoken word of “Catholic Guilt”, while “With You” benefits greatly from electronic manipulation amid a fuzzy, nearly meditative climate. The album finishes with “The Big Sleep”, where Void Of Course is on hand to help flesh out the less downcast exit of glowing dream-pop.

An extremely creative effort, Fragments never offers singing with any sense of convention, as toy piano, reverb heavy guitars and tape hiss are all used strategically on this fascinating first album.

Travels well with: Bastien Keb- The Killing Of Eugene Peeps; Concetta Abbate- Mirror Touch

Justin Farren

Pretty Free

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Pretty Free

The family man Justin Farren returns with his 4th album that he actually recorded in his shed while playing the bulk of the instruments himself to songs he’s been carrying around in his head. Perhaps an unorthodox way to approach making a record, the Sacramento resident has a long history of doing things unconventionally, which is part of the charm of Pretty Free.

“A Little Less Time” starts the listen quietly with Farren’s warm vocals against a gentle guitar, and “Eyes Be Healed” follows with subtle percussion as vocal acrobatics from Farren contribute vivid storytelling which builds into a louder display of singer-songwriter prowess that parallels the greatness achieved by his neighbor, Jonah Matranga.

Closer to the middle, “There’s No Such Thing As A Bad Day” moves swiftly in its rootsy, shuffling appeal, while “My Uncle Bill” emits sublime beauty in its folk-rock climate. “Mama”, one of the album’s best, then resides in ballad territory with a hushed execution where bouts of fuller moments illustrate just how much talent is present.

Farren keeps the song craft strong until the end, where “Worthy Of The Sea” is pure elegance and creativity, and “Last Year Was The Best Year” finishes the listen piano-friendly, reflective, intimate and with an appearance from his daughter on vocals.

There’s plenty of cameos from friends of Farren here, including the always impressive Anna Tivel, and although he truly defies comparison, we can use a modern day version of Woody Guthrie as a reference point, which I doubt few people will have a problem with.

Travels well with: Anna Tivel- The Question; Damien Jurado- In The Shape Of A Storm

Little Richard

The Second Coming

Omnivore, 2020

8/10

Listen to The Second Coming

Little Richard is a legend who needs no introduction, and here his 3rd album from the Reprise label, The Second Coming, sees the reissue treatment with some bonus tracks and new liner notes to accompany the 1972 album that recruited session players Lee Allen, Jim Horn, Earl Palmer, Chuck Rainey, and Sneaky Pete Kleinow.

“Mockingbird Sally” starts the listen with all the hallmarks of Richard that we’ve come to expect and enjoy- howling vocals, plenty of energy and certainly no shortage of grooves amid the lively piano fueled sounds, and “Second Line” follows with much funk spirit where talking and singing alternate amid bright brass.

Other highlights from the original include the punchy and shuffling take on “The Saints”, where Richard turns the traditional into a dance-friendly, soul rocker, while the busy display of “Prophet Of Rage” possesses rock’n’roll, R&B, funk and soul in a dizzying display of varied skill. “Sanctified, Satisfied Toe-Tapper” exits the listen and lives up to its name with 7 minutes of rhythmic, memorable and infectious instrumentation where Richard’s pipes are absent.

The bonus material includes “Money Is” and “Do It- To It”, both of which are culled from the $ (Dollar) soundtrack and were composed by Quincy Jones, as well as the single edits of “Mockingbird Sally” and “Money is”, all of which add much to the original album and sound right at home here.

Although it wasn’t a commercially successful album, The Second Coming is, of course, an important piece of Richard’s catalog, if not rock’n’roll’s past, too, and it lives here again in an excellent package from the Omnivore label.

Travels well with: Mike Zito & Friends- Rock’n’Roll: A Tribute To Chuck Berry; Jerry Lee Lewis- Touching Home

D.L. Marble

One Line At A Time

Casa, 2020

10/10

Listen to One Line At A Time

An Arizona singer-songwriter who has extensive touring of both the US and Mexico under his belt, though D.L. Marble might not be a name you’re familiar with, a single listen of One Line At A Time is enough to make you an unwavering fan.

“Ocean Beach” starts the listen with warm acoustic strumming as Marble’s smooth vocals steer a rhythmic and melodic Americana opening, and “Same Damn Thing” follows with a cozy, rootsy approach where girt and melody are both in attendance and appreciated.

In the middle, “One Line At A Time” is a fuller display of crunchy alt-country that’s not short on grooves, while “Break Even” enters ballad territory where much beauty exists in the reflective atmosphere. “Bombay”, one of the album’s best, then shuffles quickly with a vintage feel of honky tonk fun that will be sure to get your body and spirits moving.

Closer to the end, the soft “California Memory” lets Marble’s versatile pipes shine in the introspective execution, and “Chasing You” exits the listen loud, full and packed with a jangly, retro-rock’n’roll appeal that will sound just as fantastic decades from now as it does today.

Marble is in fine company with Eric Ambel handling production as well as guitar and vocals, while A.D. Adams sits behind the drum kit and Roger Singleton, Paul Williams and Gigi Dixon contribute electric guitar, bass and keys respectively. Together, with Marble at the helm, I feel quite confident saying that they produce one of the year’s best in the area of Americana.

Travels well with: RB Morris- Going Back To The Sky; Andy Baker- North Country Sky

Terry McBride

Rebels & Angels

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Rebels & Angels

The Nashville legend Terry McBride returns with his first solo record, and he’s in fine company as Rebels & Angels brings on Chris Stapleton, Luke Laird, and Brice Long, among others, to help with songwriting duties, and an appearance by the always impressive Patty Loveless doesn’t go unnoticed, either.

“Callin’ All Hearts” starts the listen with McBride’s proficient guitar and strong vocals alongside a very playful country influenced setting that’s not short on melody and ‘90s nods, and “She Shows Up” follows with some extremely well executed honky tonk fun that flows with adventurous grit amid its memorable shuffling.

At the midpoint, “Went For One” is a swift rootsy rocker that’s key friendly and recruits Delbert McClinton for the lively climate, while “Love Me Some Texas” trims the pace back with sublime balladry about McBride’s native state. The aptly titled “Honkiest Tonkest Time I Ever Had”, which is one of the album’s best, then brings a festive spirit and a lot of fun to the warm and energetic formula.

Near the end, “Leave The Neon Light On” offers an anthemic quality with a bouncy spirit and sing-alongs where fiddle and steel guitar work together dynamically, and “Lampasas Lady” exits the listen calm, emotive and with intimacy in McBride’s timeless delivery.

Even if McBride’s name doesn’t ring a bell, we’ve all heard his work as he’s penned tunes for Brooks And Dunn, Garth Brooks, Reba and George Strait, and many others, and it’s nice to see him stepping into the spotlight on this exceptional listen that all fans of country music, past and present, will enjoy.

Travels well with: Steven Bruce- Same Time, Same Place, Same Station; Corb Lund- Agricultural Tragic

Julia Haltigan

Trouble

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Trouble

A New York City songstress with a penchant for motorcycles, acting and gritty rock’n’roll, Julia Haltigan brings us a true NYC record here with rugged, poetic and street wise song craft here.

“ice Cream Switchblade” starts the album with a firm rock’n’roll spirit as Haltigan’s vocals find a place to reside between sweet and biting, and “You Don’t Even Know It” follows with a calmer delivery where backing vocals and horns complement the affair.

Elsewhere, “Walk Away” brings ‘80s nods to the driving, fuzzy setting and Haltigan shows us her softer side with the warm balladry of “Wool”. “Mind Eater”, one of the best tunes, thrives with a darker demeanor and pop sensibilities that take nods to her other bands, as Haltigan proves that her bristling formula can get FM friendly, too.

Though her full time gig is as a jazz crooner, Haltigan has the spunk, energy and talent to become a formidable rock icon, also, as Trouble proves with each gripping, powerful track.

Travels well with: Blondie- Plastic Letters; Lou Reed- Coney Island, Baby