Clifford/Wright

For All The Money In The World

BFD, 2021

8/10

Listen to For All The Money In The World

The songwriting duo of Doug ‘Cosmo’ Clifford and Steve Wright, with For All The Money In The World they bring some serious talent to these ‘80s influenced songs that are on par with the greatness achieved by the legendary bands these musicians were all a part of.

The title track starts the listen and makes an immediate impression with its bright melodies and smooth singing that brings a slight rootsy feel to the upbeat climate, and “I Need Your Love” follows with Clifford’s thumping drums alongside well timed keys in the ‘80s power ballad.

Packed in the middle, “I See Your Silhouette” flows with a bouncy spirit that benefits much from Wright’s clever bass work and Keith England’s raspy but tuneful pipes in the bluesy setting, while “Real Love” showcases sturdy guitar lines amid grit and plenty of timeless rock’n’roll flavor. “You Keep Runnin’ Away”, one of the album’s best, then flows with an infectious energy thanks to the meticulous rhythm section and swirling guitar acrobatics.

“Lonesome Boy” arrives near the end and brings plenty of grooves to the nostalgic environment, and “You’re Gonna Love Again” exits the listen showcasing strategic backing vocals alongside an anthemic quality that seems like it should have soundtracked an ‘80s action flick.

Culled from recordings that Clifford assembled in his years after being the drummer for Creedence Clearwater Revival, Wright brings his experience playing in the Greg Kihn Band, and with players like Joe Satriani, Greg Douglass (Steve Miller Band), Jimmy Lyon (Eddie Money) and Tim Gorman (The Who), among others on hand, though these songs are 30+ years old, they sure do sound great today, and likely will for decades to come, too.

Travels well with: Gasoline Lollipops- All The Misery Money Can Buy; Maia Sharp- Mercy Rising

Joshua Parker

Home

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Home

The Louisville resident Joshua Parker pens a solo guitar album here, where all 7 tracks are related to the comforts and love of home.

The title track starts the listen with Parker’s fluid and cozy guitar playing that dances around agile melodies with timeless jazz influences, and “Meditation Peace” follows with an indeed soothing quality to the complex but easily digestible chord progressions.

In the middle, “Lullaby For A Delicate Flower” leads with the sounds of children, as the tune about Parker’s twin sons flows with much cautious beauty, while “Despedida (Farewell)” moves swiftly, meticulously and full of bright guitar playing.

“Waltz For Emily” lands near the end, and unfolds with an emotive spirit as Parker dedicates a tune to his partner and the mother of his children, and “Memories/Home (Reprise)” exits the listen with a mesmerizing quality as his skilled and energetic finger acrobatics make an indelible impression.

A listen that will appeal to fans of folk, jazz, classical and fusion related song craft, Parker’s strong attention to melody and easily enjoyable mood make Home a listen that absorbs well instantly and makes for delightful repeated listens.

Travels well with: Reza Khan- Imaginary Road; Dave Stryker- Baker’s Circle

Ro Myra

Nowhere, Nebraska

Ponderosa, 2021

10/10

Listen to Nowhere, Nebraska

You’re probably not familiar with the name Ro Myra, but one listen of this Nebraska native’s rich and sweeping debut album, and you’ll likely find yourself an unwavering fan.

“Half The Time” opens the listen with much beauty as an intriguing warmth and dreaminess lends itself to folk and country qualities amid Myra’s expressive pipes, and “Mama” follows with breezy melodies and agile drumming alongside charming bass work to complement the poetic singing.

The middle tracks are equally inviting, and include the strategic organ and emotive demeanor of the lush “Jump In The Water”, while “More Than Just Okay” starts a cappella, and then blends aching pedal steel with the eloquent singing. “She’s Not The Road” then pick the pace and volume up with a timeless, pretty Americana strummer.

“Irene” and “Railroad Weed” exit the listen, where the former offers a sublime and reflective landscape, and the latter is textured with a firm rootsy appeal that’s focused, charming and just so memorable as Myra pays tribute to her late father.

Myra takes help from musicians like Darren Garvey (Elephant Revival), Joshua Grange (Lucinda Williams) and Vanessa McGowan (Brandy Clark), among others, and together they make for one of the best Americana-esque albums of 2021.

Travels well with: Dana Sipos- The Astral Plane; Ashley Riley- Set You Free

Hector Anchondo

Let Loose Those Chains

VizzTone, 2021

9/10

Listen to Let Loose Those Chains

The esteemed bluesman Hector Anchondo usually plays with a full band, but here he’s armed with a pair of acoustic guitars and a whole lot of heart to put a new twist on songs that go back 20 years in his arsenal and often point towards influences like John Lee Hooker, Keb Mo and even the Allman Brothers.

Anchondo places the title track in the lead off position, where his smooth vocals glide alongside folk ideas and bare but impactful percussion, and “I’m Going To Missouri” follows with a bouncy spirit of playful, bluesy guitar and crisp drumming.

The middle tracks offer us the very Southern influenced “Candy Shop”, where Anchondo’s meticulous guitar playing doesn’t disappoint, while “Legend”, the best track present, brings breezy Americana to the warm environment. “Strike It Down”, another excellent tune, then brings some gypsy jazz exploration into a very cultured and rhythmic display.

Approaching the end, “Momma’s A Hard Man” enters ballad territory, where Anchondo hits some high notes amid his reflective guitar work, and “You Know I Love You But You Got To Go” exits the listen with a light, soulful and charming blend of blues, folk and Americana.

An artist with an immense amount of talent, Anchondo’s got a set of pipes you won’t forget soon, and he can play a guitar with the best of them. Add Joe Corley on bass and Khayman Winfield behind the drum kit, and you’ve got one of the best acoustic blues records of 2021.

Travels well with: Henry Gray & Bob Corritore- Cold Chills; Bob Margolin- Star Of Stage And Screens

Hands Down

Paintroller

Youth, 2021

8/10

Listen to Paintroller

The recording moniker of Filip Sjogren, as Hands Down he pens personal songs where each song sounds quite different from the next one, while still retaining plenty of harmony, timeless pop ideas and superb production that highlights every detail of the musicianship.

“Mother” starts the listen with a very dreamy and precisely layered version of manipulated vocals and waves of shimmering synth, and this creativity continues to the more indie-rock oriented and falsetto friendly title track, which welcomes subtle brass amid some spacey moments.

Halfway through, “Too Late” brings piano and strings to a very melodic climate, while “Meet Me At The Bar” gets a bit more gritty with strategic fuzz and orchestral moments of raw beauty that you can’t help but be drawn to.

Close to the end, “Why” opens up with acoustic guitar before hypnotic drumming and expressive singing enter the very stylish delivery that builds into a crisp alt-rocker, and “Never Been That Happy” exits the listen with a swirling, meticulously textured version of elegant pop that fades into sparse, mysterious song craft.

Primarily a sound technician and producer, let’s hope this isn’t a one off project from Hands Down, cause Paintroller puts a fresh coat of paint on pop music with Sjogren’s unique and inimitable vision making an indelible mark.

Travels well with: Bonander- Things We Don’t Talk About; Goan Dogs- Call Your Mum

Lindsay Beaver & Brad Stivers

Lindsay Beaver & Brad Stivers

VizzTone, 2021

8/10

Listen to Lindsay Beaver & Brad Stivers

Originally from Canada and Colorado, these days Lindsay Beaver and Brad Stivers reside in Austin, Texas, and they’re quickly making quite a name for themselves with their blues, Americana, soul and R&B hybrid that makes this duo debut a top notch effort.

“One Condition” gets the listen off to a rockin’ start with plenty of bluesy grit as Kirk Fletcher brings his precise guitar work to the duet, and this energy continues to the thumping, harmonica friendly “I Know What To Do”, where Joe Murphy’s stunning guitar makes an impression.

Further down the line, the bouncy, danceable “See You Again” displays Beaver’s soulful pipes amid Garrett Mason’s meticulous guitar, while “Getting Gone” recruits plenty of retro rock’n’roll spirit in the timeless blues landscape. “You’ve Got No Right” then brings Zach Zunis into the busy, layered swirling climate that illustrates dynamic chemistry between the players.

Deeper still, “Somebody Else Will” trims the pace back with both power and emotion in the slow burning album highlight, and “You’re So Fine”, the sole cover, exits the listen with a raw execution from Beaver’s sublime pipes alongside bare but impactful acoustic guitar.

Beaver handles drums here fluidly, with the perfect balance of firmness and restraint when necessary, and Stivers is no slouch at playing the guitar with much diversity. Their voices blend together seamlessly, and though they’ve both had successful solo work, I don’t think anyone is going to mind if they collaborate again in the future, cause their eclectic blues formula elicits repeated listens.

Travels well with: Gabe Stillman- Just Say The Word; AJ Fullerton- The Forgiver And The Runaway

Gleaming Spires

Songs Of The Spires

Omnivore, 2021

9/10

Listen to Songs Of The Spires

David Kendrick and Leslie Bohem had already played together in Bates Motel and Sparks when they decided to form Gleaming Spires, which is where songs that they penned while on tour with Sparks would live.

Originally released in 1981, this debut album came to life after a demo made its way onto the radio, and thus a record deal came their way. Certainly unusual, but also very much in tune with the New Wave and outsider sounds of the early ‘80s, Songs Of The Spires sees the reissue treatment with a healthy amount of bonus material, too.

The first song Gleaming Spires presents us is the upbeat and infectious “Going Hey Hey”, where New Wave and eccentric dance floor energy makes for an intriguing starting point, and “Are You Ready For The Sex Girls?” follows with buzzing melody that’s instantly memorable and leaves no question as to why this was their biggest hit.

Further on, the luminous synth of “When Love Goes Under Glass” recruits a beat heavy climate, while “The End Of All Good Things” trims the pace back with a dreamy landscape of atmosphere and mystery. “How To Get Girls Thru Hypnotism” then enters darker areas fueled by dense synth and firm vocal acrobatics.

“Talking In The Dark” lands near the end and meshes pop, New Wave and even post-punk ideas into a quirky album highlight, and “Big Hotels” exits the original album with a cautiously textured and poetic finish.

The bonus tracks are especially great, and include the punchy and rhythmic “Real Time”, as well as the driving garage rock nods of “Dedication”, both of which are tunes penned by their previous band, Bates Motel. “Walk Right”, the best tune from this portion of the listen, brings soaring backing vocals that add much charm to the layers of atypical pop.

Gleaming Spires would go on to release two more excellent records, both of which were also just reissued by the Omnivore label, and they make for very important pieces of the seminal New Wave scene that’s more relevant than ever, while documenting the legacy of this criminally under appreciated outfit.

Travels well with: Gleaming Spires- Walk On Well Lighted Streets; Gleaming Spires- Welcoming A New Ice Age

Gleaming Spires

Walk On Well Lighted Streets

Omnivore, 2021

10/10

Listen to Walk On Well Lighted Streets

This sophomore album from Gleaming Spires, i.e. Leslie Bohem and David Kendrick, was released at a time when the pair were also heavily involved with and touring for Sparks. During time away from Sparks, the duo wrangled Bob Haag on guitar and Jim Goodwin on keyboards for this full band effort of their creative music and often ominous lyrics that was never released on CD- until now.

“Mining” gets the listen off to a soulful and frisky start that includes plenty of synth acrobatics amid a thick glaze of guitar, too, and “You’re Right” continues the lively climate with thumping drums amid glorious synth melodies and Bohem’s distinct vocals.

“Fun Type” lands in the middle and bounces with a swift and busy display of rugged New Wave, while “A Christian Girl’s Problems” lends itself to some Sparks influence alongside the throbbing bass work and more pop focused landscape. “Happy Boy”, another memorable tune, then gets a little darker. but with a dreamy appeal that’s indebted to the ‘80s in all the best ways.

Approaching the end of the original album, “The Making Love Project” trims the pace back while still retaining plenty of tuneful New Wave haze and “Yes I Can” flows with a dance friendly, FM ready demeanor that just won’t allow you to sit still.

The bonus tracks are culled from The Party EP, two tracks from the Revenge Of The Nerds soundtrack and their sole contribution to the film Bad Manners. “Funk For Children” starts this portion and indeed brings funk flavor to the buzzing formula, and the power-pop friendly “Christine” offers even more diversity to their repertoire. “Brain Button (Part II)” lands near to the exit and finds a groovy place to reside, and the full band version of “Are You Ready For The Sex Girls?”, a radio hit from their debut album, sees a fuller reworking here.

Even though Gleaming Spires were essentially a part time affair at this point with their priority to Sparks, it sure doesn’t seem like it as this 2nd album embraces all the hallmarks of the early ‘80s New Wave and pop that sounds as great today as it did then and likely will for decades to come. Newly remastered and with great liner notes, expanded artwork, photos and interviews, this a lost gem from the ‘80s that has aged quite well and sounds, looks and feels better than ever.

Travels well with: Gleaming Spires- Welcoming A New Ice Age; Dexys- One Day I’m Going To Soar

Gleaming Spires

Welcoming A New Ice Age

Omnivore, 2021

10/10

Listen to Welcoming A New Ice Age

The unsung heroes of 80s New Wave, though you might not be familiar with Gleaming Spires, you’ve certainly heard their associated bands, Sparks and Devo. Spearheaded by Leslie Bohem and David Kendrick, a trio of great, under appreciated albums were released in the ‘80s, and they’re all being reissued from the Omnivore label with bonus tracks and commentary from the members in the liner notes.

“Mercy” starts the listen with the sort of crisp melodies that hallmarked the ‘80s so well, where more forceful moments of guitar are met with Bohem’s smooth pipes, and “Welcoming A New Ice Age” follows with a breezy, even dreamy quality punctuating Kendrick’s very proficient drumming.

Halfway through the original album, “Your Secret Room” enters calmer areas where bagpipes from Campbell Naismith make a big impression, while “Bigger Than Life” bounces and glows with plenty of New Wave pop spirit that’s so well done, it’s quite surprising the tune didn’t saturate the FM dial. “Things I Have Done To Our Love”, another exceptional track, then gets a bit more rugged, even thick, and hints at alt-rock as the band show much diversity.

The final 2 tracks from the 1985 release include “Unprotected” and “Harm”, where the former enters darker territory amid plenty of atmosphere that benefits from airy synth, and the latter thumps amid a club friendly delivery that’s quite quirky, even for the ‘80s.

The bonus tracks are just as great as the album cuts, and include the anthemic and punchy “Here Comes Mr. Funhog”, as well as the guitar focused rock of “I Want More”. “Suspicious Minds”, perhaps the best song across the entire disc, then buzzes with a firm melody and energy that could have soundtracked a John Hughes flick during a house party scene.

Welcoming A New Ice Age would be their swan song, and Kendrick and Bohem would continue to work together as Eleven Blue Men, though they only recorded a pair of tracks. Not long after that, Bohem would transition to screenwriting, and Kendrick would join Devo. Had they not broken up, there’s little doubt they’d be spoken in the same sentence as Tears For Fears, OMD or even Simple Minds, cause, as evidenced by this brilliant release, they had the songs, the talent and the lasting power.

Travels well with: The Psychedelic Furs- Made Of Rain; Gleaming Spires- Walk On Well Lighted Streets

Newman & Oltman Guitar Duo

The Book Of Imaginary Beings: The Music Of Leo Brouwer For Two Guitars

Music Masters, 2021

9/10

Listen to The Book Of Imaginary Beings: The Music Of Leo Brouwer For Two Guitars

The premiere recording of Leo Brouwer’s new guitar duet, this new effort is dedicated to the works by the Newman & Oltman Guitar Duo, and contains a four movement piece inspired by Jorge Luis Borges’ book, The Book Of Imaginary Beings. Additionally, a pair of Lennon/McCartney songs are included, as is Cuban folk music.

Beatlerianas starts the listen with the fluid, flowing and hypnotic interpretation of “The Fool On The Hill”, and “She’s Leaving Home” follows, where a complicated progression unfolds with much grace and playfulness in the pair’s very capable hands.

The middle tracks, from Música Incidental Campesina, brings mystery and warmth to “Prelude”, as well as the sunny melodies of “Interludio”. The appropriately titled “Final” ends this portion of the listen with swift, precise guitar acrobatics as the duo blend their respective talents alongside much beauty.

El Libro De Los Seres Imaginarios (The Book Of Imaginary Beings)- Duo Concertante finishes the listen, and displays the fascinating string manipulation of the dreamy “El Unicornio (The Unicorn)”, while “El Minotauro (The Dinosaur)” presents a firm climate of very deliberate, dynamic and profoundly skilled playing. “La Gorgona y la Mantícora (The Gorgon And The Manticore)” rounds out the listen, and makes a lasting impression where the two pull off a dizzying performance of energetic, tense and even orchestral influences.

Michael Newman and Laura Oltman illuminate Bouwer’s inimitable vision with incredible strength and poise, and their diverse background in classical, baroque and Latin sounds helps makes this a must for those who appreciate the guitar and recognize its boundless possibilities.

Travels well with: JoAnn Falletta And The Buffalo Philharmonic- The Four Seasons; Florent Schmitt- La Tragédie de Salomé

Gabe Stillman

Just Say The Word

VizzTone, 2021

9/10

Listen to Just Say The Word

In the area of young blues talent, it doesn’t get much better than Gabe Stillman, who plays guitar like a seasoned vet and sings with a set of powerful pipes. Here, he brings us 13 originals and a pair of covers, as Colin Beatty (bass), Ray Hangen (drums, percussion), Taylor Streiff (Hammond B3 Organ, piano, keys) and several guests accompany him.

“Stillman” starts the listen with the rhythmic and precisely textured bluesy fun of “Give Me Some Time”, and this energy continues to the spirited guitar work of the soulful “Let It Go”, as well as the thick and rugged “No Time For Me”.

The middle tracks offer us the warm and pretty Americana of “Alabama Wildflowers”, while “No Matter What You Wear” recruits Anson Funderburgh and Sue Foley” to the bouncy, piano fueled fun. “Ain’t Gonna Change”, another fantastic track, then shakes and rattles with a firm rock’n’roll spirit that will be relevant for decades to come.

“Don’t Go Cold” lands near the end, and benefits from a poetic, emotive mood, and “See BT Blues” exits the listen with organ and guitar working together as Stillman’s vocals channel a beat poet sort of feel.

A diverse, mature and exciting listen, if you’re a fan of anything blues related, you’d be wise to familiarize yourself with this youngster, cause he is very quickly going to become one of the best.

Travels well with: AJ Fullerton- The Forgiver And The Runaway; Bob Corritore & Friends- Spider In My Stew

Rosie's Ghost

Bandida

Deer Lodge, 2020

8/10

Listen to Bandida

The debut album from the bassist Jessica Kunze and guitarist/vocalist Sally Peters, as Rosie’s Ghost they pen a listen about one woman’s journey, and they’ve brought Jaimie Meldrum, Joshua Kunze, Jesse Cunningham, Scott Pettitt, Neil Mangrum, Hank Rasco, Paul Brainard, and Aaron Meader along for the well thought out 12 songs.

“Brave Pete” gets the listen off to a warm, breezy start, where gentle acoustic guitar and brushed drumming align with pretty, expressive singing, and “Big City Days” continues the poetic climate with a folk influenced, pedal steel friendly delivery.

Deeper into the listen, “Lyris’ Song” resides in soothing Americana territory that benefits from gentle guitar playing, while “Dimestore Cowboy” flirts with country ideas amid the fluid guitar lines and strategic percussion. “Romance Novel Cover”, one of the album’s best, the brings some ruggedness to the cautious melodies that we could never tire of.

Nearing the end, “Requiem For A Cowdog” recruits a fiddle in the brief instrumental, and “Wind In The Mountains” exits the listen with a retro-folk quality that swirls with subtle horns and precise, timeless instrumentation.

Both Peters and Kunze have lengthy backgrounds in music and live a very rural lifestyle. It’s not so surprising that the sounds here revolve around folk, classic country and even bluegrass, as the pair collaborate for what is hopefully the first of many rich, organic and charming records to come.

Travels well with: Anya Hinkle- Eden And Her Borderlands; Zoe & Cloyd- I Am Your Neighbor

Laura Nyro

Go Find The Moon: The Audition Tape

Omnivore, 2021

10/10

Listen to Go Find The Moon

There’s legions of Laura Nyro fans out there, like myself, who never got the chance to see her live. Thankfully, the Omnivore label is giving us the next best thing by assembling two volumes of rare recordings, including Go Find The Moon: The Audition Tape, which is actually her 1966 audition.

“And When I Die” starts the listen with Nyro’s warm keys and equally cozy pipes that abruptly shifts to a swift display of her inimitable talent that spans pop, folk and jazz, and “Lazy Susan (False Start)” follows with a brief mishap that’s still quite interesting in its spontaneity.

The middle tracks offer us the eloquent beauty of the rich “Enough Of You”, while “In And Out” brings her precise piano prowess to a minute of inimitable, heartfelt singing. The title track is one of the best, and finds Nyro hitting some high notes amid charming key work, and it certainly hints at the greatness to come from her future work.

Near the end, the meshing of “When Sunny Gets Blue (Fragment)/Kansas City (Fragment)/I Only Want To Be With You (Fragment)” makes for a particularly interesting medley of sorts, and “Lazy Susan” appears in its full form for a very stirring, emotive finish.

It’s amazing to think that Nyro wasn’t even 20 years old when this was recorded. She plays with a sage like wisdom and sings with the soul of someone who has already lived a very full life. Not so surprisingly, this audition led to a record deal and a manger, and this glimpse of where her lengthy and esteemed career started is quite striking. Very tragically, Nyro died at age 49 in 1997 from ovarian cancer. Her spirit, however, is immortal and lives on in the countless covers of her songs, her own expansive body of work, and now a pair of excellent live recordings, too.

Travels well with: Jackson Browne-Downhill From Everywhere; Marissa Nadler- The Sister

L.A. Cowboy

The Big Pitch

Reconcile, 2021

8/10

Listen to The Big Pitch

The recording moniker of J. Frederick Millea, as L.A. Cowboy the industry outsider began the groundwork for this album many decades ago, and saw plenty of interest in his songs. However, contempt for the major label game put the project to rest, until now.

“Stories To Tell” gets the listen off to a smooth and memorable start with bright brass, punchy drumming from Claudius Kannbanger, and, of course, infectious singing from Cowboy that welcomes soulful backing vocals, and “Forget About Her” follows with Sam Hirsch’s piano skills alongside Fino Roverato’s warm guitar lines punctuating the melodic climate.

“Angel In L.A.” occupies the middle spot, and shuffles with a rhythmic approach that embraces well timed sax alongside Cowboy’s versatile pipes, while “The Museum” offers a calmer landscape of timeless jazz nods as agile keys and light drumming complement the gentle singing.

Close to the end, the festive “Love Songs” emits a playful, upbeat and swinging album highlight, and “Why Do I?” exits the listen with a charming duet of beauty, grace and fusion ideas that transcend time.

L.A. Cowboy also penned a record that his daughter, Lady Millea, just released, and his keen attention to detail and diverse influences make both the albums worth checking out for the jazz inclined.

Travels well with: Bob Gorry- GoBruCcio; Pearring Sound- Socially Distanced Duos

Lady Millea

I Don’t Mind Missing You

Reconcile, 2021

8/10

Listen to I Don’t Mind Missing You

The daughter to the artist J. Frederick Millea (AKA L.A. Cowboy), Lady Millea makes an impressive debut here, where her instantly mesmerizing pipes guide us through 9 inviting tunes penned by her father.

The title track starts the listen with Millea’s glassy smooth vocals surrounded by Fino Roverato’s warm nylon guitar, Phil Finesse’s agile drumming and subtle brass from Glen Burger, and “Almost” follows with soulful sax that’s complemented by Sam Hirsch’s playful keys in the soothing jazz climate.

Entering the middle, “Play On” recruits Burger’s dreamy flute prowess as the setting unfolds with grace and breezy melody, while “The Museum” showcases Millea’s strong, soaring pipes amid playful keys and Johnny Hatton’s precisely plucked upright bass. “You And I”, another well done song, then finds a romantic place to reside alongside airy flute, meticulous drumming and Millea’s eloquent storytelling.

“Hold Me” lands near the end and is a bit bluesy as each player gets their time in the spotlight, and “Why Do I?” exits the listen with a timeless appeal that’s textured with beauty, sophistication and plenty of mystery.

A young talent with a stunning career on the horizon, Lady Millea makes the most of every moment here, where each song is full of heartfelt singing and jazz sensibilities that will sound relevant for decades to come.

Travels well with: Rebecca Angel- For What It’s Worth; Rebecca Hennessy- All The Little Things You Do

Rodney Jordan & Christian Fabian

Conversations

Spicerack, 2021

8/10

Listen to Conversations

A collection of tunes that span free improv/conversation to DeSpiritu-tone rows that tip their hat to Hildegard von Bingen, Rodney Jordan and Christian Fabian bring their upright basses to a very creative effort that was done in A=432hz, the original tuning of Mozart’s time.

“Just For You” gets the album off to a imaginative start with the low basses interacting with both playfulness and beauty, and this chemistry continues to the quicker, bouncy “Happy To Be Alive”, as well as the warm, romantic “My One And Only Love”.

In the middle, the album standout, “The Ride Over”, displays precise and memorable plucking, while “Body And Soul”, one of the few covers present, is indeed soulful as the pair interact in soothing, sparse ways. “Despiritu #2”, another exceptional track, then bows the strings with much emotion and grace in its stirring climate.

The final two tracks, “432” and “Conversations #2”, don’t disappoint either, where the former brings nature sounds into a meditative ambience of tuning, and the latter exits the listen with the duo playing off one another in a very fun, charming manner.

A listen that’s not short on melody, rhythm and elegance, even though it’s just two players, this is a musically rich journey that touches on classical, jazz and avant-garde sounds and sometimes interprets songs almost 2000 years old, which is no easy task.

Travels well with: David Finck- BASSically Jazz; Doug MacDonald- Live In Hawaii

Scott Hirsch

Windless Day

Echo Magic, 2021

9/10

Listen to Windless Day

Perhaps best known as a founding member of the eclectic outfit Hiss Golden Messenger, Scott Hirsch brings his ultra creative prowess to this third solo album, where his producer skills illuminate the timeless and thoughtful song craft.

“Spirit True” starts the listen with a soulful, smooth delivery of soothing backing vocals and warm, crisp instrumentation, and “Much Too Late” follows with clever bass lines and agile percussion as a stylish form of folk-rock unfolds.

“Big Passenger” lands in the middle and recruits synthetic drumming and a bouncy spirit as Hirsch’s playful vocals howl with charm, while “Redstone” moves calm amid cautious strumming in the meditative instrumental. “The Price Of Gold”, one of the album’s best, then cultivates a firm melody alongside some psychedelic nods that are as unique as they are enticing.

At the end, “Drummer Of Shiloh” focuses on mood thanks to the precise, bare guitar picking that hints at country ideas, and “Love Is Long” exits the listen with much beauty as a dreamy quality swirls with a lush, textured finish.

Hirsch is no stranger to diverse, groove filled songwriting, and this effort has both in spades. Certainly on par with the greatness achieved by Hiss Golden Messenger, Windless Day benefits from contributions by Daniel Wright, Jesse Siebenberg, Greg Loiacono, and M.C. Taylor, among others, and it makes for yet another fascinating body of work from Hirsch.

Travels well with: T. Hardy Morris- The Digital Age Of Rome; Dhani Harrison- In///Parallel

Electric Peace

Hate Is A Special Feeling

Barred, 2021

8/10

Listen to Hate Is A Special Feeling

You sure won’t hear me complain about 4 new tunes from Electric Peace, especially when it’s quite possibly a few of their best yet, as Brian Kild and company bring punk, metal, alt-rock and garage rock ideas to this blistering, wild and precise listen.

The title track starts the listen with some dense chugging before entering a swirling display of noisy rock and gritty melody, where wailing guitar solos from Honey Davis and thundering drums thanks to Rick Winward make for a hard hitting climate, and “Stay Up All Night” continues the energy with Kild’s bouncy bass lines amid timeless punk rock flavor that’s quite indebted to their Los Angeles home.

“Crankin Into Oblivion” gets the back half of the listen off to a rollicking start thanks to crashing percussion, soaring guitar work and firm vocals that guide the raw, rhythmic rocker, and “Plymouth Roadrunner” extends the intensity into a punchy and vocally strong finish that’s got plenty of retro spirit amid a thumping and even dance friendly exit where Jim Hawkinson’s keys are on full display.

Kild’s got a lengthy history in music that even includes some beef with Kurt Cobain in the early ‘90s that nearly went to fisticuffs. These days, though, he’s channeling his creativity into some fantastic, rebellious rock’n’roll, and his band help flesh out another fine installment.

Travels well with: Greg Antista And The Lonely Streets- Under The Neon Heat; Foxy- Can’t Stop Us/X-Ray Spex Tribute

James McMurtry

The Horses And The Hounds

New West, 2021

9/10

Listen to The Horses And The Hounds

It’s been 6 years since James McMurtry has released a record, and he’s made the wait worth it as he brings some exceptional talent to these 10 well thought out tunes that span folk, country and rock’n’roll, where the veteran musician delivers with plenty of youthful energy.

“Canola Fields” starts the listen with a rugged and melodic version of Americana as Daren Hess handles drums with much poise and Harry Smith’s mandolin and banjo complements the harmony vocals, and “If I Don’t Bleed” follows with a quicker pace of gritty roots rock that benefits from Bukka Allen’s strategic organ.

“Decent Man” lands in the middle and displays McMurtry’s vivid storytelling alongside David Grissom’s cozy guitar work, while “Vaquero” moves cautiously amid breezy melodies and well placed accordion. The title track is one of the best present and gets more firm with a country rock appeal that hosts Betty Soo and Akina Adderley on backing vocals.

Towards the end, “What’s The Matter” bounces with a playful spirit that’s complete with a mando guitar solo from Grissom, and “Blackberry Winter” exits the listen in rural rock territory that’s tuneful while still being raw with emotion and melody.

McMurtry has been releasing records since the late ‘80s, and he’s only getting better with age. A listen that’s largely focused on looking back, he’s got enough bite for the alt-country crowd while still having much to offer the Americana and country inclined, too. Ultimately, though, he knows how to pen a song you won’t forget soon, as evidenced by this superb effort.

Travels well with: Dave Alvin- From An Old Guitar: Rare And Unreleased Recordings; Buddy & Julie Miller- Breakdown On 20th Ave. South

Blinker The Star

Careful With Your Magic

Nile River, 2019

8/10

Listen to Careful With Your Magic

The long running Canadian outfit return with a 7th album and first one in over 5 years, as the only constant member Jordon Zadorozny finds plenty of creative and memorable ways to deliver his cautious indie-pop prowess.

“Wild Something” starts the listen with keys amid the soulful, pop influenced setting where orchestral nods are also present, and “Sweet Nothing” follows with a sleek dance-rock appeal as expressive and melodic vocals guide the affair that’s indebted to ‘80s New Wave in all the best ways.

Elsewhere, “Phantom Tongue” is a key driven rocker with a soaring setting of sunny, surf-rock ideas, while “Top Of The Pops” finds a warm place to reside between indie-rock and pop-rock with a meticulous delivery.

Late in the listen, “Island Swan” unfolds like a modern day electro-pop version of Footloose, and “An Exit” concludes the record with a calmer moment of flowing melody as backing female vocals add greatly to the soothing and agile conclusion.

An extremely unassuming and thoughtful listen, though Zadorozny takes help from other artists, Blinker The Star is essentially his baby now, and he handles it with both restraint and playfulness and a strong sense of songwriting skill.

Travels well with: Ken Andrews- Secret Of The Lost Satellite; Ken Stringfellow- Touched