Astrid Swan

D/Other

Soliti/Playground, 2021

8/10

Listen to D/Other

A Finnish singer-songwriter who is now 7 albums deep, Astrid Swan is armed with an alluring voice that delivers personal, relatable songs here, that were written over 5 years and embrace pop, folk and indie-rock ideas.

“Drift” starts the listen with twinkling piano that welcomes moody strings from Owen Pallet as Swan’s emotive, expressive vocals guide the bare but impactful opener, and “Silvi’s Dream” follows with a quicker pace that embraces proficient drumming thanks to Alina Toivanen, where a highly melodic indie-pop landscape unfolds with a soulful quality.

Approaching the middle, “True Love” brings a diverse landscape of bright brass, many vocals, and a textured version of folk-pop, while “Luxuries” resides closer to ballad territory, and includes a dreamy demeanor, warm keys and Swan’s diverse pipes that make an immeasurable impact. “In The Woods”, another exceptional tune, then flows with a poetic nature of soft guitars courtesy of Mikael Hakkarainen and sublime intimacy that also finds fuller moments of precise interplay between the musicians.

“Rainbows” and “Daughters” are the last two tracks, where the former brings a hazy beauty amid some charming atmosphere, and the latter exits with strategic keys amid infectious singing from Swan.

Themes on the record surround motherhood, sleeping and dreaming, and Swan continues her honest and intimate song craft that’s garnered plenty of awards and praise in her home country. Now an author, too, her creativity seemingly knows no bounds, as evidenced by this substantial, cautious yet adventurous body of work.

Travels well with: Lucy Kruger And The Lost Boys- Transit Tapes (for women who move furniture around); Alice Phoebe Lou- Paper Castles

Slow Down Molasses

Minor Deaths

Divine Schism/Noyes, 2021

9/10

Listen to Minor Deaths

The Canadian outfit Slow Down Molasses made quite an impression with 2016’s 100% Sunshine, and this follow up continues their rich and raw song craft that offers both quick bursts of visceral rock as well as lengthy, adventurous energy that pushes and pulls with dynamic tension.

The album makes an impressive start with the sonic noise of “I Need Darkness”, that abruptly shifts into melodic, gritty alt-rock that’s hard hitting yet tuneful, and “Revisionists” follows with a firm post-punk approach, where acrobatic drumming and angular guitar work weave in and out of bristling and calm moments.

“Some Fine Action” lands at the halfway point, and emits some shoegaze nods amid very modern indie-rock, while “Please Stop Paying Such Close Attention” recruits atmosphere and an ominous quality as noisy waves of dissonance collide with densely layered post-punk.

Close to the end, “Hot Furnaces Are Hot!” spends 10+ minutes exploring crunchy punk, alt-rock and indie sensibilities with an often abrasive delivery that occasionally finds gentle, dreamy ebbs to reside in, and “Nihilist Whisper” finishes the listen with some spacey, prog-like exploration amid mysterious vocals.

It won’t be hard to spot influences like Sonic Youth, Gang Of Four or even Built To Spill across Minor Deaths, which could never be a bad thing, as Slow Down Molasses put a very exciting and absorbing spin on post-punk.

Travels well with: The Holy- Mono Freedom; Kidsmoke- A Vision In The Dark

Andrea Botticelli

Stimme aus der Ferne- A Voice From the Distance

Céleste, 2021

8/10

Listen to Stimme aus der Ferne- A Voice From the Distance

The Canadian pianist Andrea Botticelli brings a very artistic quality to this debut album, where she interprets works by Robert and Clara Schumann, Frank Schubert and Carl Czerny that are recorded on fortepiano.

The listen opens with Schubert’s “Sonata In A major, D 664”, where graceful, dancing keys showcase tremendous skill and poise through the 3 movements, and Czerny’s “Variations On A Theme by Rode, Op. 33” follows with meticulous and quick key manipulation that’s profoundly stirring and exciting.

In the middle, Schumann’s “Papillons, Op. 2” offers short pieces that emit warmth and intimacy, but then moments later are prone to firm, triumphant strokes, while Schumann’s “Soirées Musicales, Op. 6” is one track of sublime and detailed playing that mesmerizes us immediately. Schumann’s “Novelletten, Op. 21” finishes out the record with a rumbling, dexterous performance that few could replicate as she reworks the classic with an often forceful execution.

An artist with no shortage of praise and awards and who is also an educator, Botticelli brings a timeless approach to these songs, where she creates quite likely the first solo fortepiano album from a Canadian musician, and it’s one that makes for a fantastic first album.

Travels well with: Mathilde Handelsman- Debussy: Images; Inna Faliks- Reimagine: Beethoven & Ravel

Kingston Bolero

Kingston Bolero

Henhouse, 2021

8/10

Listen to Kingston Bolero

A very creative endeavor, the classic, orchestral Bolero piece is reinvented into a dub version here, where production from Emanuel Della Valle and Harlan Steinburger’s editing techniques highlight the many players present.

“Kingston Bolero” starts the listen with marching band style drumming from Kirk Bennet as bright brass thanks to Dean Fraser, Okeel McIntyre and Oshane Love enter the rhythmic and melodic climate. About halfway through, a prog-like energy enters the breeziness, effectively making the tune even more alluring.

The dub version of the same track exits the listen, and it flows across 16+ minutes. During its duration, Carol Bowie McLoughlin’s precise keys, Lincoln Thomasx’s intricate guitar work and Sydney Watson’s playful percussion help make for a fascinating journey, though Trevor McKenzie’s bass and Donaldson Sheldon Bernard’s flute make quite an impression, too.

The band were holed up in Jamaica during the early days of Covid when inspiration for this project began, and the dancehall, reggae and dub spirit they create puts a fresh coat of paint on a very old composition that makes for a particularly memorable listen.

Travels well with: Piper Street Sound- Black Eyed Peace; Reggae Angels- Remember Our Creator

Jon Roniger And The Good For Nothin' Band

Live at 6010

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Live at 6010

Jon Roniger and his band sure do know their way around a diverse and animated tune, and in just 5 years they’ve made quite a name for themselves in New Orleans music scene. With Adam Everett (drums), Evan Paydon (bass), Ellis Seiberling (trombone), Cyrus Nabipoor (trumpet) and Jake Gold (keys) along for the ride, this live recording showcases Roniger and company’s immense and memorable talent.

“Little By Little” starts the listen with bright horns, playful keys and no shortage of rhythm as the players bring a dance friendly spirit to the opener, and “First Call For Alcohol” follows with funk flavor as Roniger’s frisky pipes complement the contagious energy.

Deeper into the set, “Saint Bernard” finds a calm place to reside, where warm piano and soulful horns make for an inviting climate, while “Love In The Time Of Corona” recruits a bouncy, jumpy, snappy appeal that certainly seems indebted to many decades ago. “Regrets”, another fantastic tune, then showcases acrobatic drumming as the busy, precisely layered album highlight is delivered flawlessly.

Nearing the end, “Miss It By A Mile” displays firm jazz influences and isn’t short on melody or dynamic interaction between the band, and “Will You Be There” exits the listen with both intimacy and adventurousness that you can’t help but admire.

Though jazz and blues are used in spades here, there’s still a very radiant rock’n’roll angle to be enjoyed, as listening to Live At 6010 reminds you of that time you wandered into a bar when a random band was playing, and you left being their biggest fan.

Travels well with: Brad Byrd- Where Were You When The World Stopped?; Last Charge Of The Light Horse- The Sand Reckoner

Loveland Duren

Any Such Thing

Edgewood, 2021

8/10

Listen to Any Such Thing

The Memphis duo of Van Duren and Vicki Loveland return with a 3rd album of songs that were inspired by their last 5 years of performing all over the world, and it’s quite possibly their most eclectic to date, as pop, soul, blues and many other ideas enter the 10 tracks.

“Tumbledown Hearts” gets the listen off to a fantastic start, where power-pop and warm Americana meet with much melody and smooth singing from the pair, and “A Place Of No Place” follows with soulful brass and proficient drumming as Loveland’s versatile pipes guide the rugged yet tuneful climate that speaks of the ills of the former administration.

Deeper into the listen, “Ain’t It Pretty To Think So” benefits from playful saxophone as a bouncy spirit enters the album highlight, while “Skywriting (Tasmania)” trims the volume and pace back with Liam Grundy’s sophisticated piano adding much beauty. “Where Are We Going?”, another exceptional tune, then places Tim Horrigan on organ and Adam Holton on bass as Loveland and Duren bring timeless folk qualities to the formula.

Rounding out the listen are “Everyone Is Out Of Tune” and “Ending Again”, where the former offers firm keys amid a nostalgic version of rock that’s insightful both socially and politically, and the latter finishes on a dreamy note with well delivered flute from Jenny Davis alongside mesmerizing harmony vocals.

Loveland and Duren have both had lengthy, exceptional careers on their own, and here they handle a variety of instruments and sing on all the tunes. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and talent, and a long with their esteemed help have created an intimate and also frisky listen that’s often nostalgic, entirely diverse and glowing in creativity.

Travels well with: Jenny Davis- Rearranged; Willie Nile- The Day The Earth Stood Still

Joe Troop

Borrowed Time

Free Dirt, 2021

8/10

Listen to Borrowed Time

The frontman for the Grammy nominated Che Apalache, Joe Troop used his time away from touring during Covid to connect with and educate the voters in North Carolina and the American South, and those experiences provided plenty of fodder for this debut solo album.

“Horizon” starts the listen with swift banjo acrobatics from Troop, as Trey Boudreaux’s upright bass complements the bluegrass friendly opening, and “Love Along The Way” follows with precise and quick mandolin thanks to Tim O’Brien. who also adds vocals to the mountain-esque rocker.

Entering the middle, “Sevilla”, which was inspired by Troop’s college years in Spain, offers a meticulous instrumental where banjo, Boudreaux’s bass and Brevan Hampden’s cajón interact in frisky, dynamic ways, while “Purdy Little Rainbows” recruits Sam Fribush on piano and Charlie Hunter’s guitar to the retro-folk landscape. “Red, White & Blues” then benefits from Nokosee Fields holding down upright bass as O’Brien’s fiddle prowess and Troop’s versatile pipes make this one of the album’s best.

Further yet, “Mercy For Migrants” brings a gospel spirit to the affair, where Abigail Washburn’s sublime vocals make the gorgeous duet quite memorable, and “Heaven On Earth” exits with whistling, congas, cowbell, and drumstick manipulation across a very busy and exciting finish where 6 different vocalists add much culture and allure.

A year of political activism seems to have only strengthened Troop’s songwriting, as he brings creative bluegrass and varied World music ideas into a very substantial yet quite playful first album on his own.

Travels well with: Che Apalache- Rearrange My Heart; Steep Canyon Rangers- Out In The Open

Mathilde Handelsman

Debussy: Images

Sheva Collection, 2019

8/10

Listen to Debussy: Images

The Paris born and bred concert pianist Mathilde Handelsman turns in an impressive debut album here, where she interprets Debussy’s complete works for piano from 1903-1907, and brings her technically proficient skill set and keen sense of balance and color to these impressionistic and abstract works.

“Reflets dans l'eau” starts the listen with Handelsman’s graceful and gentle keys flowing with both intimacy and exploration, and “Hommage à Rameau”, a tribute to Rameau, follows with a sublime, methodical approach that’s both dreamy and melodic.

“La soirée dans Grenade” lands in the middle and offers a mysterious quality as Handelsman manipulates the keys both calmly and firmly, while “Jardins sous la pluie” emits a meticulous and bouncy spirit that hardly seems like just one piano is present. “Et la lune descend sur le temple qui fut”, a late album highlight, then rumbles lowly but is also full of emotive, uplifting key work.

Approaching the end, “D'un cahier d'esquisses” flows with both serene and firm moments of beauty, and “L'isle joyeuse” exits the listen with a quivering delivery of fascinating and timeless piano prowess.

Handelsman has already played all over Europe and the United States as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral pianist, and the strength of this first record certainly hints at more greatness on the horizon for this enormous talent.

Travels well with: Inna Faliks- Reimagine: Beethoven & Ravel; The City Of Tomorrow- Blow

Eden Prairie

Give Up The Ghost

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Give Up The Ghost

A band assembled from players in the Helsinki punk rock scene, these days Eden Prairie reside closer to alt-country territory, and this sophomore album has Peter Tierney (vocals, guitar), Jarkko Immonen (drums, percussion, trash can), Tommi Kokkonen (guitar, backing vocals) and Manu Hilden (bass, guitar, harmonica lapsteel) penning introspective and poetic songs tinted with melancholy.

“Take The I Train” starts the listen with warm strumming as expressive singing and crisp drumming meet at a timeless Americana and country intersection, and “Birch Street” follows with soothing harmonica, where a charming grit enters alongside rugged melody.

Landing in the middle, “First Time I Lost You” tugs on the heartstrings with its dreamy, stirring song craft, while “Dead Weight” benefits from a more firm approach that approaches a rural rock mood. “Sam Cooke”, a truly outstanding tune, then displays a sublime intimacy amid some very pretty singing.

At the end, “When The Circus Came To Town” resides in calm waters initially, where bouts of pedal steel and quick, even dance friendly moments make this one of the best tracks, and ‘Pinecones And Needles” exits the listen with a hazy, folk influenced finish that’s as absorbing as it is memorable.

An album probably very suited for the long, desolate winters of their home country, Give Up The Ghost sounds right at home in Nashville, too, as well as adjacent to the legions of veteran punks channeling their inner Leonard Cohen and Johnny Cash. A very well thought out record, Eden Prairie should be on everyone’s list of bands from Finland that we need to be acquainted with.

Travels well with: Wild Earp And The Free For Alls- Dyin’ For Easy Livin’; Annie Keating- Bristol County Tides

Gordie 'Crazylegs' MacKeeman

Folk For Little Folk Volume 1

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Folk For Little Folk Volume 1

A Canadian fiddle genius who has picked up plenty of awards along the way, Gordie MacKeeman also handles vocals, banjitar, foot percussion, drums/percussion and acoustic guitar on this first album for kids and families, and he’s got plenty of folk musician friends to help him flesh out the 17 tracks.

“All Around The Kitchen” starts the listen with warm strings and many voices meeting for a playful, bluegrass friendly opening, and “Big Rock Candy Mountain” follows with a bouncy, mountain-esque spirit where MacKeeman’s fiddle prowess and vocal acrobatics don’t disappoint.

Deeper into the listen, “Get Out There And Dance” certainly will get your body moving to the folk influenced fun, while “Dancing In The Bathtub” brings the sounds of water to a raw and percussively strong 48 seconds. “Old MacDonald” then recruits chunky banjo from Tom Webb and soaring fiddle to the swift, memorable instrumental.

Nearing the end, MacKeeman’s version of the “Hokey Pokey” puts fresh paint on the standard with some barnyard flavor, and “Dreamland” brings Richard Wood’s sublime piano playing to wordless, angelic female singing as well as MacKeeman’s soft, expressive pipes that highlight the waltz and indeed dreamy climate.

An entertainer since the age of 6, by 14 MacKeeman was already playing festivals, and he’s currently got 5 albums under his belt. With sharp and diverse songwriting like this, fans of all ages of bluegrass, classic country and Western swing won’t want to miss out on this extraordinary talent.

Travels well with: Alison Faith Levy- You Are Magic; Carrie Ferguson- The Grumpytime Club

Laura Mihalka

Feels Electric

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Feels Electric

The multi-instrumentalist Laura Mihalka might have taken a decade between albums, but she’s certainly stayed busy joining the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra, as well as working on many film/commercial projects while also raising her daughters.

On this sophomore album, Mihalka starts the listen with the pensive title track, where warm keys, punchy drumming and soaring vocals make for a highly melodic opener, and “Falling Apart” follows with a cautious and intimate display of well timed organ and subtle prog-rock nods.

At the halfway point, “Forgiven” radiates sublime beauty as the agile strings add much appeal, while “Out For The Night” offers a brighter demeanor of timeless pop ideas amid a chamber rock delivery that benefits much from David Levita’s guitar work. “Battleground”, the album’s best track, the meshes glowing pedal steel from Jesse Siebenberg with precise keys to complement an introspective mood.

Landing near the end, “She’s Everything” finds an ethereal place to reside under a haze of tension and tunefulness, and “Looking Back” exits the listen in piano balladry before working its way into a particularly dreamy execution of timeless, lush musicianship.

Mihalka handles cello, key, vocals and electric guitar on one track, and her unique and diverse formula brings to mind Pink Floyd, Elliott Smith, Pixies or even Father John Misty. The attention to detail and strong hooks, harmonies and emotive song craft certainly won’t go unnoticed, either, as she brings an artistic and often stirring dynamic to this superb sophomore record.

Travels well with: Van Dyke Parks Orchestrates Verónica Valerio- Only In America Solo En America; Brian Wilson & Van Dyke Parks- Orange Crate Art

Roman Miroshnichenko & Henrik Andersen

New Shapes

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to New Shapes

Roman Miroshnichenko and Henrik Andersen certainly know their way around a guitar, and here the pair bring some notable guests in for 8 tracks that explore intimacy and exploration with jazz-fusion, Flamenco and Latin nods that unfold with stunning meticulousness.

“Russian Mountains” starts the listen with intricate steel string Ovation guitar from Miroshnichenko as swift vocal acrobatics align with Russian folk music, and “New Shapes” follows with contributions from Bickram Ghosh on tablas and konnakol, as well as Gumbi Ortiz on percussion, where a very rhythmic and cultured setting arrives.

At the halfway point, “Flying Dragon” recruits Trilok Gurtu’s percussion and konnako skills amid the precisely layered and fusion friendly landscape, while “Corona Funk” moves cautiously with much beauty entering the fascinating guitar work from the duo.

Approaching the end, the dreamy “Salvador” places flamenco influences into the swirling atmosphere, and “Simona’s Summer Samba” exits the listen with help from Frank Colón, whose percussion and cuica prowess make this one of the best tracks present.

A truly fantastic pairing and with so much talent present, Miroshnichenko and Andersen pen a progressive, fusion, and primarily instrumental affair that puts a very unique spin on jazz that you won’t be able to stop listening to.

Travels well with: Frank Colon- Latin Lounge; Guillaume Muller- Sketches Of Sound

Larkin Poe & Nu Deco Ensemble

Paint The Roses

Tricki-Woo, 2021

8/10

Listen to Paint The Roses

The Nashville sister duo and Grammy nominated outfit Larkin Poe found themselves unable to tour after releasing Self Made Man last year, so they aligned with the Nu Deco Ensemble’s collaborative concert, which allowed Rebecca and Megan Lovell the first chance to play these new songs live.

“Sometimes” starts the set with soulful vocal harmonies from the pair, as a hand clapping, rootsy feel unfolds amid bright brass, drumming acrobatics and an orchestral backdrop, and “Back Down South/Blue Sky” follows with a firm southern angle where Rebecca’s booming pipes soar high over the bluesy moments.

In the middle, “Danger Angel” emits a dreamy quality amid both grit and melody in the dense climate, while “Tears Of Blue To Gold” flows with a bouncy spirit that just might be the best selection here, though there truly isn’t a dull moment.

Nearing the end, “Every Bird That Flies” offers an initially calmer demeanor that weaves in and out of emotive, even ebullient moments, and “She’s A Self Made Man” exits the listen rugged yet tuneful, where the Nu Deco Ensemble’s contributions mesh superbly with the Lovell’s timeless, warm vision.

The Nu Deco Ensemble is home to 20+ musicians, and they bring a wide variety of instruments and textures to Larkin Poe’s American South and Southern Gothic themes on this incredible live effort. Other than actually seeing Larkin Poe yourself, this is the next best thing to experiencing the true depth of Rebecca and Megan Lovell’s many talents.

Travels well with: Beth Hart/Joe Bonamassa- Black Coffee; Lilly Hiatt- Walking Proof

Dave McMurray

Grateful Dedication

Blue Note, 2021

8/10

Listen to Grateful Dedication

The saxophone extraordinaire Dave McMurray turns in an interesting concept, as he interprets songs from The Grateful Dead’s catalog, and he’s bringing his gritty Detroit background to the San Francisco tunes that enlists some esteemed help to flesh out the atypical time measures and meticulous chord progressions.

“Fire On The Mountain” starts the listen with McMurray’s dizzying saxophone skills alongside warm keys from Maurice O’Neai and soothing guitar lines thanks to Wayne Gerard, and “Dark Star” follows with precise upright bass courtesy of Ibrahim Jones to complement the glowing melodies and playful interaction.

At the halfway point, “Eyes Of The World” flows with a timeless spirit as McMurray’s soulful brass flows amid Jeff Canady’s agile drumming, while “The Eleven” highlights the moody keys and the quivering sax, though the drumming acrobatics certainly don’t disappoint, either. The album’s best tune actually lands early in the disc, where Bob Weir And Wolf Bros and Bettye LaVette contribute their sublime talents to the soulful and richly textured “Loser”.

Arriving near the end, timeless jazz nods and bluesy ideas enter “Franklin’s Tower”, and “The Music Never Stopped” exits the listen with all the players working together dynamically as they add pop, rock and many other ideas to the classic finish.

One doesn’t need to be a fan of The Grateful Dead to enjoy this record, so long as pop, rock, jazz, blues. gospel, soul and R&B appeal to your musical palette. If you are a Deadhead, though, well, you’ve probably heard many other tribute albums, but none quite like this, as McMurray and company interpret with an inimitable vision that you can’t help but admire.

Travels well with: George Benson- Weekend In London; Wayne Shorter- Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis

Taylor Rae

Mad Twenties

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Mad Twenties

A concept album that documents Taylor Rae’s 7 years in her 20’s, the aptly titled Mad Twenties brings Dave Francis, Wayne Killius, David Flint and Chris Nole along for the diverse and well thought tunes.

“Windows” starts the listen with much warmth and grace as Rae’s distinct and inviting vocals guide the introspective climate that’s folk friendly, and “Home On The Road” follows with strategic organ alongside some grit amid the bluesy and jazzy delivery.

Further on, “Never Gonna Do” comes with a rhythmic feel courtesy of Flint’s exceptional guitar work that you won’t forget anytime soon, while “5:25” displays sophisticated piano from Nole that complements Rae’s poetic storytelling. ”Something Familiar”, the album standout, then flows with no shortage of melody as Rae’s stunning pipes don’t disappoint.

“Wait And See” lands near the end and showcases Killius’ strong drumming that accents the rootsy appeal, and “Taking Space” exits the listen with a raw beauty as Rae’s song craft is stripped bare and executed with much emotion.

A California native who now resides in Austin, Texas, Rae’s influence from legends like Janis Joplin, Norah Jones and Steely Dan thankfully aren’t stifled here, as she cultivates a unique and memorable version of Americana that hints at an exceptional career on the horizon from this very talented young woman.

Travels well with: Kate Schutt- Bright Nowhere; Jacqui Naylor- The Long Game

Karen Jonas

Summer Songs

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Summer Songs

The Virginia songstress Karen Jonas offers us a quick but impactful listen with this 4 song EP, where her always captivating vocals steer the very appropriately themed listen.

Jonas places “The Boys Of Summer” in the lead off position, where she puts a warm, lush spin on the Don Henley classic, complete with her soulful, expressive singing that benefits from Seth Brown’s proficient drumming, and “Summer’s Hard For Love” follows with a calm version of Americana that displays Tom Hnatow’s aching pedal steel and, of course, poetic vocals from Jonas.

The back half of the listen brings us the darker spirit of the bluesy “Thunder On The Battery”, where Tim Bray’s electric guitar prowess won’t go unnoticed, and “Summer Moon” exits with Jonas handling acoustic guitar on the studio live love song, as a timeless folk quality enters the eloquent finish.

Jonas released a collection of poems the same day as this EP, which only further proves just how much talent she possesses, and her easy relatable intimacy and breezy melodies are just as impressive here as they are on all of her work.

Travels well with: Jess Jocoy- Such A Long Way; Siren Songs- Siren Songs

Dar Williams

I’ll Meet You Here

Renew, 2021

9/10

Listen to I’ll Meet You Here

It’s been 6 years since Dar Williams has released an album, but the singer-songwriter has stayed plenty busy being an educator, urban-planning expert and also writing a new book. On this 12th LP, Williams and her longtime producer, Stewart Lerman, actually tracked most of I’ll Meet You Here in 2019, but the repercussions of Covid delayed the record until now.

Williams starts the listen with the warm acoustic strummer, “Time, Be My Friend”, where her comforting vocals and eloquent storytelling unfolds with grace and melody, and “You Give It All Away” follows with bright brass as playful drumming and takes help from Bryn Roberts on Hammond B3 and Steuart Smith’s agile electric guitar.

Entering the middle, “Magical Thinking” offers a gentle and soothing climate that takes help from Paul Socolow’s precise bass and Doug Yowell’s reserved drumming, while “Little Town” displays Dave Eggar’s well timed cello and Erik Della Penna’s subtle electric guitar as Williams’ emotive singing makes a big impact. “Berkeley”, a truly exceptional tune, then places Entcho Todorov’s viola and David Mansfield’s violin into a very sophisticated and stirring version of chamber rock.

The final 2 tracks continue the strong songwriting of what comes before it, where “Sullivan Lane” welcomes The Sweet Remains on harmony vocals as the setting turns dreamy with pop leanings, and “You’re Aging Well” exits the listen with just Williams and piano, where she resurrects a tune off her first album and delivers with sublime intimacy.

Williams is at a great place in her life, personally and professionally, and that vantage point lends itself to some of her best songs to date, as evidenced by the rootsy/Americana ideas that are never far from the surface, and the diverse contributions match the versatility of her timeless vision.

Travels well with: Gretchen Peters- Dancing With The Beast; Erin McKeown- Manifestra

Sarah Aroeste

Monastir

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Monastir

A Ladino singer, author and activist, Sarah Aroeste offers us 10 tracks that give us an honest and often troubling peek into the life of a Jewish Monastir before WWII decimated the area.

“Oy Qui Muevi Mezis” starts the listen with warm percussion, wind instruments and Aroesta’s flowing, expressive singing in the cultured, world music climate, and “Od Bitola Pojdov” follows with playful accordion aligned with Shai Bachar’s agile keys as Mimi Markovski’s vocals complement the melodic landscape.

Further along, “Jovano, Jovanke” benefits from spoken word thanks to Akiva Eskayo, which pairs well with Odelia Dahan Kahila’s very poetic, emotive singing in the love song, while “Edno Vreme Si Bev Ergen” emits much beauty thanks to Uri Sharlin’s strategic accordion and Sefedin Bajramov’s eloquent vocals.

Landing near the end, “Mi Monastir”, an original, illustrates sublime beauty as Aroeste’s stirring singing about her family suits Tal Yadin’s calm guitar, and “Bitola, Moj Roden Kraj”, a song from the ‘50s, exits the listen with Vevki Amedov’s clarinet and Itamar Doar’s percussion working together with both intimacy and exploration.

Using artists primarily from Macedonia and Israel, Aroeste and company clearly put a lot of work into this record, and though it’s often a somber affair as it details the loss of a community, there is much poise, beauty and strength to be found here, and the 30+ contributors truly make this an important endeavor on so many levels.

Travels well with: Esbe- Under Cover; Avishai Cohen- Two Roses

Blaue Blume

Bell Of Wool

hfn, 2019

8/10

Listen to Bell Of Wool

A Copenhagen quartet with a penchant for dark yet exploratory sounds, this sophomore album from Blaue Blume has the outfit refining their artistic pop with plenty of creative synth.

“Swimmer” starts the listen with a soulful, dreamy delivery as the setting moves between light and airy, and “Someday” follows with a full, glowing display of electro-pop that’s shimmering in summery ideas.

Further along, “Vanilla” moves with a shuffling beat and acoustic guitars in the darker spirited album highlight, while “Rain Rain” gets sparse and moody with plenty of innovative ideas and even saxophones.

Near the end, “Lovable” recruits R&B influences into the blurry, hazy affair, and “New Navel” exits the record with a sonically challenging display and melody and restraint in the surreal conclusion.

Though Bell Of Wool is certainly indebted to ‘80s legends like Talk Talk and The Smiths, Blaue Blame’s version of soft-pop with pretty falsetto vocals from frontman Jonas Smith makes this 2nd LP an engaging listen of substance with charming, gripping atmospheres.

Travels well with: Kasper Bjorke- After Forever; Choir Of Young Believers- Grasque

9 Horses

Omegah

Adhyaropa, 2021

8/10

Listen to Omegah

An extremely diverse and unclassifiable outfit spearheaded by Joe Brent, 9 Horses brings a small army of musicians and instruments to a post-everything formula that embraces acoustic and electric ideas across 8 atypical tunes.

The title track starts the listen with hypnotic guitar, as agile drumming and firm strings enter a very atypical climate that’s part rock focused, somewhat orchestral and weaves in and out of chamber sounds, and “S7rophe” follows with moody organ that flows into some subtle funk nods as graceful piano and well timed brass cultivate a calm, classically influenced setting.

At the halfway point, “The Grain Of The Wood Of The Frame” pairs emotive strings with proficient drumming as a cinematic quality enters playful jazz bouts, while “Max Richter’s Dreams” places dreamy vocals amid low strings with a sublime balance of beauty and tension.

Close to the end, the upbeat and louder “All The Beautiful Rockwood Kids” lands in melodic and diverse chamber rock territory, and “Let’s Just Make It Me And You” finishes the listen aglow in dynamic interplay as keys, strings, guitars, drums and electronics all swirl with precision and adventurousness.

Although their inception was more rooted in jazz, this sophomore album from 9 Horses highlights Sara Caswell’s top notch violin, Andrew Ryan’s incredible bass playing and Glenn Zaleski’s flawless piano, among many others, for a listening experience you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Ofer Pelz & Meitar Ensemble- Trinité; Boston Modern Orchestra Project- Walter Piston: Concerto For Orchestra