The Great Necks

Impressions Of Spain

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Impressions Of Spain

The Great Necks guitar trio brings us Spanish-influenced compositions from revered composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where the guitar acrobatics explore themes of love, poetry and literature, spanish dance, as well as the spirit of Spain itself through music

Isaac Albéniz’s suite from “The Magic Opal” opens the listen with much warmth, as the guitars dance around each other with fluid and swift dynamics, and Maurice Ravel’s “Don Quichotte A Dulcinée” follows with much cautiousness illuminating the very pretty and poetic textures.

In the middle, the precise gestures of the introspective “Cinco Piézas Populares” spotlights the cultured work of Enrique Granados, while Joaquin Turina’s “Poema En Forma De Canciones” moves with a very agile demeanor that’s mature and melodic.

“Cuatro Piézas Espanolas”, by Manuel De Falla, exits the listen, and presents a bit of playfulness in the uplifting and exciting album highlight, where the trio illustrate much chemistry.

Gregg Nestor adapted and arranged the affair for guitar, and Adam Levin, Scott Borg, Matthew Rohde, i.e. The Great Necks trio, don’t waste a second mesmerizing us with their impeccable attention to detail and flawless delivery.

Travels well with: Figments Vol 3: Contemporary Chamber Works; Peter Dayton- Stories Out Of Cherry Stems

Vanilla Bloom

Promise

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Promise

A highly creative outfit spearheaded by the multi-instrumentalist Jacob Cloutier, as Vanilla Bloom he brings along Kenneth Zierman and Nolan Juusola for this sometimes otherworldly pop adventure that rarely sits in one place for very long.

“Sour Patch” starts the listen with plenty of atmosphere, where falsetto singing, warm drumming and jangly guitar make for a very distinct pop landscape, and “Ithaca (On & On)” follows with haze of vocal effects amid rhythmic drumming and buzzing synth that’s both cautious and adventurous.

In the middle, “Metro Transit Gloria” enters firm electro-pop territory with its video game-esque noises amid the dreamy textures, while “Ticket To Ride” offers a colorful, psyche-pop display of soulful, sonically playful gestures that are percussion friendly.

Arriving at the end, “Renegade” unfolds with 2 tracks of soothing, cinematic sounds that are beat filled, warbly, experimental and soaked in pop melodica, and “Ourora Borealis” exits the listen with charming group vocals alongside a retro spirit of timeless pop.

A record that thematically surrounds the progression of the inner child, Cloutier and company mash genres and layer their vocals with a fascinating attention to detail on this truly unclassifiable listen.

Travels well with: Blynd Birds- Songs To Sink Yachts To; Trippy Hearts- Lacewing

Sugar Harp

Sugar Is My Name

Music Maker, 2022

8/10

Listen to Sugar Is My Name

The harmonica wizard Sugar Harp dealt with some tragedy recently as his van with all his belongings caught fire, and it wasn’t long after that that the pandemic struck, which only added to the uncertainly of him playing music again.

Fortunately, friends helped Harp with a new vehicle and harmonicas, he’s still plugging away with his upfront lyrics and groove filled blues on this first album.

The title track leads the listen with soulful harmonica alongside the brushed drums and Harp’s raw, powerful singing, and “Special Recipe” follows with the raw vocals complemented by soaring bouts of harmonica and cautious drumming.

Halfway through, “Lemon Squeezin’ Fool” brings plenty of rhythm into the infectious, southern energy, while “My Truck My Dog My Wife” benefits much from bluesy electric guitar amid Harp’s distinct, gritty pipes.

“Mojo Hand” and Murder Murder Murder” exit the listen, where the former is stripped bare with just a guitar and the expressive singing, and the latter illustrates vivid storytelling and much attention to detail via the harmonica, guitar, drums, and, of course, Harp’s strong voice.

Ardie Dean handles drums here and Microwave Dave plays guitar. Together, they illuminate Harp’s very authentic and timeless version of blues from the Birmingham, Alabama songsmith.

Travels well with: Bob Corritore & Friends- Down Home Blues Revue; Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames- Nightwalk

Dana Fitzsimons With Bill Graham And Brandon Boone

Fault Lines

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Fault Lines

The Atlanta trio of Dana Fitzsimons (drums), Bill Graham (piano) and Brandon Boone (bass) bring us 11 rhythmic, free-style jazz improvisations on this very collaborative and diverse listen.

“Slant Anagrams” starts the listen with a playful energy of frisky drums, unpredictable keys and thriving bass, and this creativity continues to the warm piano and well timed drumming of the reflective “Agitation Lullaby”.

In the middle, “Borders” shows much restraint as the trio interact with a distinct cautiousness, while “When Or Where” finds an intimate place to reside, where much beauty and grace enter the ballad.

Approaching the end, “Intersections” allows each member’s inimitable strengths to shine in the soft versus loud dynamics, and “Amelia” exits the listen with a very imaginative version of the Joni Mitchell classic.

Not so surprisingly, Boone and Graham are also drummers, and the strong attention to rhythm and energy that comes with much optimism reflects that, and with Fitzsimons having changed his drum kit during Covid to welcome a new way to express himself, Fault Lines is quite an exciting journey.

Travels well with: Bill Ortiz- Points Of View; Chris Standring- Simple Things

Bergamot Quartet

In The Brink

New Focus, 2022

8/10

Listen to In The Brink

The debut album from Ledah Finck (violin), Sarah Thomas (violin), Amy Tan (viola) and Iréne Han (cello), as Bergamot Quartet they bring their strings to the works of Suzanne Farrin, Tania León, Paul Wiancko, and Ledah Finck with much chamber appeal from their very capable hands.

Wiancko’s “Ode On A Broken Loom” starts the listen with the swift and dynamic strings flowing with much grace, as a rich and subtly melodic landscape unfolds, and Leon’s “Esencia” follows with plenty of culture populating the adventurous interaction that highlights the rhythmic gestures.

“Undecim”, by Farrin, lands on the back half, and is a darker moment, where strategic bowing and a distinct harmonic vision make for a mysterious execution, and Finck’s “In The Brink” exits the listen with both busy and sparse moments that illuminate the unpredictable vocalizations, angular bouts and sonic vision that takes company from Terry Sweeney’s drums.

A truly exceptional first record that spotlights living composers, Bergamot Quartet make for a very accomplished and exciting chamber listening experience.

Travels well with: String Noise- Way; Marti Epstein- Nebraska Impromptu

Matt Dorrien

Blue Pastoral

Mama Bird, 2022

8/10

Listen to Blue Pastoral

The singer-songwriter Matt Dorrien returns with a sophomore album, where themes of aging, new love and peace surround the bright, rich and colorful textures.

“Twenty Years” starts the listen with warm piano, as smooth vocals and upbeat drumming enters the folk meets baroque climate, and “Baby, Will You Come Back Home?” follows with some breezy jazz ideas entering the cozy melodies that Dorrien seemingly delivers with ease.

Halfway through, “The United States Of Nothing” finds an intimate place to reside, where poetic singing is met with mature keys and strings, and “Friendly Face” takes a similar route with the stirring keys matching the introspective singing.

Close to the end, the frisky “Teddy Wilson” is a charming spin on today’s indie-pop with plenty of soulful backing vocals, while “Strangers Alone” exits the listen sparse, eloquent and very memorable.

A very diverse outing that embraces surf, samba and jazz, Dorrien’s inimitable version of cautious, comforting indie-rock unfolds like an evening with an old friend.

Travels well with: Anna Tiven- The Question; Yves Jarvis- The Same But By Different Means

Majamisty Trio

Wind Rose

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Wind Rose

The Serbian pianist Maja Alvanovic and her trio return with a 4th studio album, where intricate jazz sensibilities are filled with lyrical melodies and delicate song craft that makes their inimitable chamber formula so alluring.

“The City Of Jewels” starts the listen with emotive and flowing piano, as tense drumming and expressive bass playing enters the meticulous 9 minutes, and “Passarola” follows with an upbeat approach of dreamy, melodic musicianship that’s as dynamic as it is timeless.

“Green Room” and “With Or Without You” land in the middle, where the former is initially bare before erupting into a rhythmic album highlight, and the latter moves cautiously, amid well timed bass and mesmerizing keys.

Near to the end, “Long Embrace” welcomes clarinet into the moody and mysterious landscape, and the title track exits the listen with the stylish rhythm section guiding the wordless vocals and busy textures that are quite pretty,

A listen that tips its hat to Bill Evans and the Nordic icons E.S.T., Ervin Malina (double bass), Lav Kovač (drums), Aneta Georg (vocals), and Ulrich Drechsler (bass clarinet, basset horn) are in fine form here, and their cinematic and ambient gestures makes every second here impressive.

Travels well with: Esthesis Quartet- Esthesis Quartet; Chris Mondak- Glass Spheres

Monica Taylor

Trains, Rivers & Trails

Horton, 2022

8/10

Listen to Trains, Rivers & Trails

On this 3rd solo album, the singer and guitarist Monica Taylor finds herself alongside many musicians for a mix of originals and covers in a folk, blues, Americana, roots and honky tonk hybrid.

“The Sound Of A Train” leads the listen with Taylor’s inviting and smooth singing alongside emotive strings, light drums and mesmerizing guitar, and “Gentle On My Mind” follows with a timeless folk spirit that embraces elegant fiddle and playful bass lines.

Elsewhere, “Down In Louisiana” picks up the pace with a toe tappin’, head bobbin’ country appeal that will get your body moving, while “Minor Key” showcases John Fullbright and Jared Tyler’s expressive pipes on the Woody Guthrie and Billy Bragg classic.

Very close to the end, “Train Take Me Away” makes great use of Taylor’s very articulate singing amid the fiddle acrobatics and crisp drums, and “Ocoee Love Song” exits the listen with much intimacy in the bare, stirring Civil War love song.

A batch of songs that seem tailor made for a train ride, a walk through the mountains or a trip down a river, Taylor and company bring us on a creative and rich journey that’s authentic and relatable.

Travels well with: Stacy Antonel- Always The Outsider; Jess Jocoy- Such A Long Way

Brett Wiscons

Late Bloomer

Mad Diamond, 2022

8/10

Listen to Late Bloomer

The Indianapolis resident Brett Wiscons balances the best parts of roots rock with pop sensibilities across these 10 diverse tracks, where Niko Albanese (drums); Steven Potaczek (keys, accordion); Mark Bryan (mandolin); Megan Campbell, Rachel McGoye, and Sarah Scharbrough McLaughlin (background vocals); Craig Shields (saxophone); Seth Jenkins (slide guitar); Kadell Randle Jr. (keys); and Mark Evitts (string arrangements) help him flesh out the pandemic record.

“Vertical City” gets the listen started off with energetic and thumping country rock, where Wiscons displays both melody and grit, and “Walk Tall” continues with warm piano and poetic singing that’s heartfelt as a very soulful climate builds with much power.

“Collection Of Hearts” occupies the middle spot and brings stirring intimacy amid some gospel leanings, while “When You Can’t Breathe” surrounds George Floyd’s death and showcases Wiscons’ strong attention to detail and a meticulous guitar solo that embraces some classic rock nods.

Close to the end, “French Café (Inside A Dream)” is indeed a bit dreamy and meshes cozy keys, quick drumming with Wiscons’ diverse pipes, and “October” exits the listen with eloquence and mood being key in the timeless and memorable finish.

A full time musician since 2008, Wiscons makes music that runs parallel to Andy Grammer, Edwin McCain, Hootie & the Blowfish, Gavin DeGraw, and whether you're an unwavering fan or a first time listener, you’ll find much to enjoy across this authentic and vulnerable body of work.

Travels well with: Jack Barksdale- Death Of A Hummingbird; Jon Tyler Wiley- The Longing

Kelli Welli

Robots Don’t Tell Jokes

8 Pound Gorilla, 2022

8/10

Listen to Robots Don’t Tell Jokes

The 3rd album from the very diverse singer-songwriter Kelli Welli, Robots Don’t Tell Jokes hosts many esteemed guests, and the creativity of the many minds helps make for a family record that’s a bit pop, a little country, a smidge opera and even with some Irish punk to add some flavor.

“Rainbow Love Song” starts the listen with much warm vocal harmonizing as punchy drums and smooth guitars enter the sing-along, and “Ezra’s Frickle Song” follows with a carnival-esque feeling that’s a bit quirky and upbeat amid an infectious energy.

Elsewhere, hilarious “Stinky Shoe” is a more bare offering initially before building into a busy, festive rocker that embraces accordion and flute, while “I Love You Echo Song” recruits Kira Segelken and Ryan Segelken for the lullaby friendly display that’s just so cute and heartfelt.

Further along, “Five Little Ducks” unfolds like a country tune that’s got rural rhythm, and Welli’s version of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” puts a cultured spin on the classic with a verse in Japanese and some mandolin moments.

Luminaries like Joanie Leeds, Flor Bromley and Timothy James Uecker lend their talents here, and Welli’s resume is quite impressive, too, as she won the 2021 John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Her Americana adult album, Wandering Hearts, is due quite soon, and in the meantime this clever, funny and wise family album is a great listen.

Travels well with: Jenn Cleary- Happy Day; Eric Herman And The Puppy Dogs- Magic Beans

Haunted Summer

Whole

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to Whole

The husband-and-wife duo of Bridgette Eliza Moody and John Seasons, as Haunted Summer the duo employ psyche-rock and dream-pop ideas into their harmonic and occasionally other worldly textures on this very well executed 3rd album.

“Empty Nostalgia” starts the listen with much dreamy warmth, as a gentle folk spirit enters the spacey moments, and “Camera” follows with soft singing amid gentle drums, cozy pop melodies and a nostalgic haze.

The title track lands in the middle, and glides with a very agile and stirring appeal, while “The Tree” brings charming acoustic guitar and a poetic delivery of very memorable indie-pop meets dream-gaze.

Closer to the end, the more firm “The Big Knife” soars with a cosmic demeanor and “Retrogade” exits the listen intimate, eloquent and abstract in very memorable ways.

On more than one occasion I was reminded of My Bloody Valentine, Mazzy Star and Simon & Garfunkel, and I doubt anyone is going to have a problem with that, or the pair’s chilling, tranquil and heartfelt melancholy.

Travels well with: Alice Cohen- Artificial Fairytales; Panda Riot- Extra Cosmic

Various Artists

Bluegrass 2022

Pinecastle, 2022

8/10

Listen to Bluegrass 2022

The Pinecastle label assembles 10 traditional and classic instrumental bluegrass tunes, where Scott Vestal is joined by Cody Kilby (The Travelin’ McCourys), Byron House (Sam Bush/Robert Plant), Tim Crouch (Dolly Parton), Randy Kohrs (Tom T. Hall) and Jonah Horton (The Trailblazers) for the spirited and timeless affair.

“John Hardy” opens the listen with swift banjo and playful bass lines in the upbeat and infectious bluegrass climate, and “EMD” continues this formula with incredible string precision that flows with plenty of grace and adventurous surrounding the melodies.

“Blackberry Blossom” lands in the middle and brings both restraint and excitement to the acrobatic picking fun, while “Welcome To New York” emits much emotion in its moutain-esque song craft.

Nearing the end, “Lonesome Fiddle Blues” indeed brings a bit of the blues to the meticulous fiddle playing, and “Train 45” exits the listen with some experimental moments that segue into very fast string playing that will certainly get your body moving to the rural energy.

A listen that will delight fans of bluegrass new and old, the compositions by Bill Monroe, David Grisman, John Hartford and many more sound crisp and animated in Vestal and crew’s very capable hands.

Travels well with: Jim Hurst- From The Ground Up; Kim Robins- Leave The Porch Light On

PD Adams

This Curious Wonder

Lake Front, 2022

8/10

Listen to This Curious Wonder

A long time musician who released 13 well received instrumental albums under his full name, Paul Adams, in the ‘90s, this time around Adams brings plenty of words into the equation, some of which go back 35 years for the now 70 year old artist.

Adams places “Sometimes I Feel” in the lead off position, where a bare duet is met with Elizabeth Geyer’s expressive pipes and Bradley Harper’s aching steel guitar, and “Man At 4th & Vine” follows with warm acoustic guitar to complement the eloquent storytelling of the intimate folk song.

Inching towards the middle, “I’m Lonely” is indeed a reflective and cautious offering, where mood is key, while “Freaks” bring a more rich climate to the harmonica friendly Americana that benefits much from both Adams and Geyer on vocals.

Although there isn’t a track present that isn’t excellent, “Songbird” is particularly stirring, where elegant piano and cozy steel guitar mesh well with Adams’ emotive singing, and “The Picnic” exits the listen with spoken word amid much atmosphere in an almost New Age sort of way that’s quite soothing.

Adams plays guitar, dobro, harmonica, oud, dulcimer, mandolin and sitar here, and along with Geyer and Bradley he also welcomes Andy Hatfield (mandolin) for the very diverse listen that touches on country, folk, jazz, bluegrass, Americana, ambient and world music in Adams’ wise and articulate vision.

Travels well with: Silver Lake 66- The Space Between Us; Jefferson Ross- Southern Currency

Yosh & Yimmy

Three Rivers

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Three Rivers

Yosh and Yimmy each sing, play guitar and banjo, and together with plenty of help on hand they flesh out a very unique take on Americana that welcomes strings, looping and atypical percussion to these 12 well thought out songs.

“Early Sun” starts the listen with warm guitar and some sci-fi like effects that helps create a very distinct version of cautious Americana, and “Breathe Again” follows with timeless folk ideas entering the banjo friendly and percussively spirited album highlight.

Closer to the middle, “Without A Barrier” welcomes Melodie Chase’s sophisticated cello into the intimate delivery, while “I Can’t Help Myself” showcases Mason Shirley’s gorgeous pedal steel amid the poetic storytelling and stirring musicianship that builds into an emotive display.

Further yet, “McKinley Farm” offers an upbeat and playful roots rocker that flirts with bluegrass nods, and “Ghosts In The Darkness” exits in piano balladry, where Emily Nelson’s sublime cello complements the eloquent singing.

An extremely great first album, Yosh & Yimmy know their way around a tune you won’t soon forget, and contributions from Kris Redus (drums), Andrew Reyes (piano), Owen Stroud (organ) and Ty Dietz (harmonica) only add that much more appeal to the rich layers, vocal harmonies and very literate wordplay.

Travels well with: Peter Donovan- This Better Be Good; Wes Collins- Jabberwockies

Silver Lake 66

The Space Between Us

Guitarmony, 2022

9/10

Listen The Space Between Us

Maria Francis and Jeff Overbo, i.e. Silver Lake 66, return with their 3rd album, and much like all their work, it’s a very moving combination of classic country, folk and blues that’s delivered with incredible poise.

“Bun E. Carlos” starts the listen with frisky drumming, soulful backing vocals and plenty of bright brass in the upbeat climate, and “Let Your Heart Break” follows with a swift melody and rugged yet pretty roots flavor occupying the cozy delivery.

Further on, “Relief” brings a bit of blues via the spirited guitar and restrained drumming, while “When You Fall” is musically bare and vocally harmonic with a country inspired duet that’s just so gorgeous.

Deeper still, the swift and scrappy “Blue Sky” uses Bryan Daste’s pedal steel strategically amid the expressive singing, and “I’ll Sing The Blues” exits the listen with much sublime intimacy, where the poetic singing and careful attention to detail won’t go unnoticed.

If you’re not familiar with this Portland, Oregon duo and your interests are anywhere near heartfelt and groove friendly Americana, you truly are missing out, cause their songs resonate with tremendous warmth and are capable of both stirring and adventurous textures.

Travels well with: Jefferson Ross- Southern Currency; Stacy Antonel- Always The Outsider

Sass Jordan

Bitches Blues

Stony Plain, 2022

8/10

Listen to Bitches Blues

The powerhouse vocalist Sass Jordan returns with 8 new tracks, and it’s full of very animated and exciting blues-rock, where sturdy guitar licks, occasional harmonica and a very adaptable rhythm section populate the listen.

“Still Alive And Well” starts the listen with Jesse O’Brien’s playful keys before thick guitars and Jordan’s rugged yet inviting vocals enter the thick blues rocker, and “Chevrolet” follows with Cassius Pereira’s strategic drumming in the soulful and gritty display of southern rock ideas.

At the halfway point, “Still The World Goes Round” benefits from group vocals before a scrappy rocker unfolds with thumping drums and spirited guitar complementing Jordan’s vivid storytelling, while “You Gotta Move” trims the volume back with a powerful, gospel friendly demeanor.

“Ain’t No Big Deal On You” lands near the end, and showcases warm piano, swirling guitars, Jordan’s raw pipes and Stever Marriner’s well timed bass, and “Change Is Coming” exits the listen with some Eastern nods before settling into an intimate yet sturdy display of Jordan’s timeless blues prowess.

It’s certainly no surprise that Jordan is Platinum selling and has been picking up awards along the way; her inimitable rasp and hard hitting yet eloquent version of the blues makes an immediate and lasting impression.

Travels well with: Beth Hart- A Tribute To Led Zeppelin; Alan Doyle- Back To The Harbour

Phil Venable- Paul Swest Duo

Kaolin

Soul City, 2022

8/10

Listen to Kaolin

The bass wizard Phil Venable pairs up with the drummer Paul Swest/Charles Chace for these spontaneous 5 tracks that employ ambience and some restraint and were recorded on the fly, with little editing or overdubbing.

“Cave, Steve, Process” opens the listen with swift guitar playing, some screeching dissonance and a whole lot of imagination in the hypnotic and jagged improvisation that few could replicate, and “Damned Thing” follows with a much more calm display, where intricate bass and a low atmosphere rumbles a bit with mystery.

“Objects Romantic” lands in the middle, and showcases meticulous, mesmerizing guitar playing for 8+ minutes, while “Echoe Lake Paragraph” drones a bit with carefully plucked bass and a bit on cinematic manipulation that’s sci-fi friendly. “Violet Timber” exits the listen, and presents a nearly mechanical feel that truly defies classification and is quite fascinating.

Both Venable and Swest/Chace play in the free jazz outfit Tragic Assembly, and they bring a wealth of talent to these truly unique songs that could never be replicated, and utilize shakers, bells, sakara, tumbi, shehnai and ocarinia.

Travels well with: Phil Venable- Bassworks Vol. 1; Tragic Assembly- Instability

Icarus Quartet

Big Things

Furious Artisans, 2022

8/10

Listen to Big Things

The debut album from the half piano/half percussion outfit Icarus Quartet, Big Things brings us compositions by Michael Laurello, Brad Lubman, and Paul Lansky.

Laurello’s “Big Things” opens the listen with mysterious percussion that complements the atypical rhythmic quality of the 10+ minutes of firm keys and well timed marimba that’s quite unpredictable.

“Tangent”, by Lubman, lands in the middle, and showcases a versatile 20 minutes that includes swirling mallet work, two sets of keys and much imagination in the dreamy and uniquely textured climate.

Lansky’s “Textures” finishes the listen, and in 8 chapters it touches on classical ideas, rock moments and plenty of emotional appeal as both sophisticated and playful bouts characterize the very distinct energy.

Icarus Quartet consists of Larry Weng, Yevgeny Yontov, Matt Keown, and Jeff Stern, and their collective strength makes for a listen full of dynamic chemistry, classical nods and chamber exploration that’s as memorable as it is accomplished.

Travels well with: Robert Pollock- Entertwined; David Loeb- Between Sea & Sky

The AKA Project

Innovation, Exploration, & Expression

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Innovation, Exploration, & Expression

The tenor sax extraordinaire Kirk Edwards is aligned with Donald Vega (piano), Dave Baron (double bass) and Pete Van Nostrand (drums) for these lively and very well thought out 11 jazz tunes.

“Cloud Ten” starts the listen with the soothing brass and crisp drumming making for a swift and warm climate that benefits much from the acrobatic keys, and “El Corredor” follows with the intricate bass work and bright sax emitting a rhythmic and very memorable delivery.

Halfway through, “Hojaldres Y Patacones” brings a bit of intimacy to the frisky instrumentation that’s got plenty of melody, while “Incognito” gets quite soulful with a reflective tone that welcomes agile keys and stylish drumming.

“Silhouhette” and “AKA” exit the listen, where the former displays Edwards’ sublime sax prowess, and the latter bops and shakes with an infectious mood of timeless, thriving jazz.

Edwards and company sure do make the most out of these compositions, and fans of any era of jazz will find much to adore here.

Travels well with: Albare & Co.- Freedom; Doug MacDonald- Overtones

Mark John McEncroe

Musical Images For Chamber Orchestra Reflections & Recollections Vol. 1

Navona, 2019

8/10

Listen to Musical Images For Chamber Orchestra Reflections & Recollections Vol. 1

An Australian composer with a long history in the music industry, Mark John McEncroe doesn’t spend much time thinking about the kind of music he makes as much as he does just letting his ideas flow on this double disc of orchestral, classical and chamber sounds.

“Introspective Moments” starts the listen with glorious strings in a thoughtful setting of grace and emotion, and “Ripples On Still Water” follows with soaring beauty as well as calmer ebbs of majestic, orchestral sounds.

Other Disc 1 highlights include cinematic swells and tense atmosphere of “The Gargoyle Fountain”, as well as the percussive strong and dynamic instrumentation of “Dancing In The Light”.

Disc 2 doesn’t disappoint either, and includes the countless ideas and textures of “Shades Of Autumn”, which at over 11 minutes never out welcomes its stay, while the sweeping melodies of “A Lazy Summer’s Afternoon” is one of the album’s best. “Shadows Of An Old Memory” ends the affair with a meticulous nature that never alienates the listener, and instead draws us in with its gorgeous, organic delivery.

Recorded with the Janacek Philharmonic and Anthony Armore conducting, McEncroe’s inspiring vision is brought to life here with perfect balance, flow and precision in the pleasant, mesmerizing affair.

Travels well with: Andrea Cheeseman- Somewhere; Jeffrey Jacob- Dreamers