Soft Cell

Happiness Not Included

BMG, 2022

8/10

Listen to Happiness Not Included

The English synthpop legends return with their first album in 20 years, where The Soft Cell founders Marc Almond and David Ball are accompanied by some well known artists for a dozen new tracks that reside somewhere between New Wave, electro-pop, synth-rock and dance-pop.

“Happy Happy Happy” opens the listen with buzzing synth and spoken word, before Almond’s inimitable pipes enter the cautious pop fueled climate, and “Polaroid” continues with a playful beat as a darker, nearly post-punk quality populates the throbbing delivery.

The Pet Shop Boys lend their talents to the hazy “Purple Zone”, where a dance floor ready energy is fueled by airy melodies and a warm New Wave spirit that sounds right at home in the mid ‘80s, while the title track moves with a sci-fi feel that embraces some rock sensibilities amid soulful moments of exploration.

“Tranquiliser” and “New Eden” exit the listen, where the former glides with a dreamy introspection, and the latter lands in piano balladry that’s quite pretty, stirring even, in its sublime presence.

An album with no lack of moody melancholy, though they’ll always be known for their 1981 hit “Tainted Love”, Happiness Not Included proves that, 40+ years after they became globally famous, Soft Cell’s synth prowess is still quite exciting and distinct.

Travels well with: Dexys- One Day I’m Going To Soar; Japan- Quiet Life

Spanish Harlem Orchestra

Imágenes Latinas

Oviation, 2022

8/10

Listen to Imágenes Latinas

A New York City outfit spearheaded by the pianist and composer Oscar Hernández, Spanish Harlem Orchestra incorporate plenty of Latin influences into their formula that welcomes bongos, congas, coro, timbales and plenty of other noisemakers.

“Llegó La Hispánica” starts the listen with bright horns, frisky drumming and vocals from Marco Bermudez and Carlos Cascante for the upbeat and festive climate, and the title track follows with a precisely textured display that can be cautious but also playful in the very capable hands of the many musicians.

Further along, “Romance Divino” uses Hernández’s sublime piano amid the soulful brass and cultured percussive sounds, while “Como Te Amo” injects dreamy flute into the vocally harmonic and very warm spirit.

Arriving near the end, “Mi Amor Sincero” offers a poetic and very expressive formula of timeless Latin jazz that will get your body moving, and “La Música Latina” exits with no lack of rhythm and energy that’s as infectious as it is memorable.

Not so surprisingly, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra have won 3 Grammy Awards, and this very adaptable and authentic listen will certainly please longtime fans and make plenty of new ones.

Travels well with: Luis Deniz- El Tinajon; Somi- Zenzile: The Reimagination Of Miriam Makeba

Luis Deniz

El Tinajon

Modica, 2022

8/10

Listen to El Tinajon

This debut album from the Cuban native and Toronto resident Luis Deniz displays some powerful improvisation, where Deniz’s saxophone welcomes several esteemed musicians to help flesh out the Latin jazz.

“Reflexiones” gets the listen off to a soulful start, where Deniz’s soothing brass and cultured percussion from Jorge Luis Torres makes an indelible impression, and “La Ceiba de Mayuya” follows with Ahmed Mitchel’s acrobatic drumming alongside Deniz’s skilled and fluid sax prowess.

Halfway through, “Entre Dos Ideas” showcases Rafael Zaldivar’s agile piano amid the rich sax playing, while “Bolero” moves at a more intimate pace of textured beauty that benefits much from Roberto Occhipinti’s acoustic bass.

“Strong Together” and “Conga para Florida” exit the listen, where the former glides at a frisky pace of worldly jazz dynamics, and the latter finishes with much emphasis on percussion and swirling sax as many voices enter for the raw, absorbing finish.

It’s no surprise that Deniz is Grammy nominated and a Juno Award winner, cause his very atypical approach to song craft and influences from many parts of the globe make for a very enlightening and exciting listen.

Travels well with: Dana Fitzsimons- Fault Lines; Anthony Fung- What Does It Mean To Be Free?

Alexander Smalls

Let Us Break Bread Together

Smallshouse, 2022

8/10

Listen to Let Us Break Bread Together

A culinary artist and singer, Alexander Smalls honors the cultural background and meticulous traditions of the African American Spiritual, and he’s got Ulysses Owens Jr. on drums, percussion and co-producing duties, plus many guests for the creative and authentic listen.

“Wade In The Water” starts the listen with soft bass as Smalls’ expressive, deep vocals enter alongside Cyrus Chestnut’s well timed piano, and “St. Thomas” follows with Kevin Hayes behind the piano and John Ellis handling sax on the lively jazz delivery.

Closer to the middle, the graceful keys from Joseph Joubert illuminate Smalls’ powerful and stirring delivery on the title track, while “God Bless This Child” showcases John Ellis on bass clarinet alongside Ben Williams’ skilled bass in the dreamy album highlight.

Approaching the end, “Rent Party” moves quicker with playful piano from Chestnut in timeless, jazz friendly ways, and “Alexander’s Mood” continues this friskiness with Joubert on keys and Smalls contributing spoken word for the very distinct and memorable finish.

Smalls has a background as an opera singer, and his commanding pipes certainly complement the rich melodies and emotive yet adventurous songs on this very well executed album.

Travels well with: Somi- Zenzile: The Reimagination Of Miriam Makeba; The Christiane Karam Quartet- Nar

Dylan Triplett

Who Is He?

VizzTone, 2022

9/10

Listen to Who Is He?

Even though he’s just 21 years old, the vocalist Dylan Triplett sounds like a seasoned vet on this stunning listen, where blues, R&B, jazz and soul are fleshed out with the guitarists Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram, Johnny Lee Schell, Sean McDonald, the drummer Ryan Marquez, keyboardist Mike Finnigan, and sax players Joe Sublett and Kyle Turner.

“Barnyard Blues” opens the listen with Triplett’s soaring pipes complemented by bright keys, thumping drums and soulful backing vocals making for a powerful lead off, and “Who Is He (And What Is He To You)” follows with a more cautious spirit that welcomes R&B nods in the smooth climate.

In the middle, “Junkyard Dog” showcases vibrant, bluesy guitar amid Triplett’s incredibly rich singing, while “I’ll Be There Waiting” steers into balladry with moody keys and well timed sax that suites the stunning singing from Triplett’s 4 and a half octave.

Deeper still, “Feels Good Doin’ Bad” brings both grit and melody into the album’s best selection, and “All Blues” exits the listen with some frisky grooves illuminating meticulous guitar solo and vocal acrobatics.

If you haven’t heard of Dylan Triplett yet, well, you will soon, as he’s probably the next big blues star. Best to familiarize yourself now with these superb tunes.

Travels well with: The Nighthawks- Established 1972; J-Rad Cooley- Yard Sale

Jocelyn Gould

Golden Hour

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Golden Hour

The guitarist and vocalist Jocelyn Gould returns with a sophomore album, where Will Bonness, Rodney Whitaker, Quincy Davis and Jon Gordon accompany her on 6 originals and 4 American songbook standards that are full of dynamic and swing friendly compositions that don’t shy away from calm moments, too.

The title track starts the listen with Bonness’ finger acrobatics on piano as the warm guitar lines and precise drumming make an indelible mark, and “Horizons” follows with a more intimate appeal of gorgeous singing from Gould, as well as Gordon’s well timed sax prowess.

Halfway through, “Gemini” displays incredibly meticulous piano playing alongside Whitaker’s strategic bass in the flowing climate, while “Lover Come Back To Me” brings a stirring display of very poetic guitar playing that builds into a very quick and exciting jazz rocker.

The final 2 tracks, “Tides Are Turning” and “Bright Note”, are equally well executed, where the former shimmers with a reflective tone of cozy beauty, and the latter glides with an upbeat quality that meshes frisky bass, agile keys, lively drums, soulful brass and playful guitar into a timeless jazz exit.

Gould picked up a Juno Award with her 2021 debut Elegant Traveler, and this body of work is certainly as luminous, memorable and rich.

Travels well with: Will Bonness- Change Of Plans; Richard Whiteman- Very Well & Good

Erik Satie

Fragments

Deutsche Grammophon, 2022

8/10

Listen to Fragments

A handful of modern electronic artists interpret the work of the French composer Erik Satie here, where pieces from the late 1800’s are turned into modern electronic focused compositions that embraces ambient music, conceptual art, minimalism and rock.

“Piéces froides II: Danses de travers”, by Two Lanes, opens the listen with a calming and fluid display of soft electronica that’s beat driven with much warmth, and “Gymnopédie No. 3” follows with a cinematic appeal that uses keys strategically amid the radiant textures thanks to Henrik Schwarz.

Landing near the middle, “Avant-derniéres pensées: I Idylle”, by Snorri Hallgrímsson, turns minimalism into a refined science with its peaceful and dreamy delivery, while “Gymnopédie No. 1”, by Dominik Eulberg, is especially bright with its shimmering synth and soft percussive sounds.

Moving towards the end, French 79 interpret “Gnossienne No. 5” with a low droning and agile keys alongside a meditative buzzing on the album’s best, and Sascha Braemer’s dance floor ready “Sonneries de la Rose+Croix: I. Air de l’ Ordre” exits the reworkings and recruits a very stylish energy that’s immediately memorable.

A very daring effort that succeeds on all levels, from tranquil to lively and with much care to preserve the integrity of the originals, every moment is executed flawlessly on this very unique listen.

Travels well with: Albrecht Mayer- Mozart: Works For Oboe And Orchestra/Piano; Anna Netrebko- Amata Dalle Tenebre

The Strongman Blues Remedy

Volume 1

Stony Plain, 2022

8/10

Listen to Volume 1

A new blues musical ensemble spearheaded by Steve Strongman alongside an all star cast of Canadian luminaries, this debut listen recruits a wealth of talent and experience and applies it to songs about celebrating life and the joys of being on the other side.

“Hard Luck” opens the listen with a nice balance of melody and grit, where Jesse O’Brien's playful keys and Dave King’s agile drumming complement Strongman’s sturdy pipes, and “Swansong” follows with Steve Marriner’s vocals and harmonica adding a soulful quality to the rugged blues.

The middle spot belongs to the rhythmic and groove friendly “I Like To Ride”, where Harrison Kennedy’s smooth pipes flow alongside Strongman’s skilled guitar, while “White Lightnin’” welcomes Alec Fraser on bass for the powerful, slow burner.

“True To Me” arrives late in the listen and benefits much from Strongman’s spirited harmonica, precise bass and soaring vocals on the album’s best, and “Love Comin’ Down” exits the listen with a thumping and bouncy display of grit, soul and melody that you won’t soon forget.

Strongman’s got an impressive resume that includes 7 solo albums and a JUNO Award, and his experience in swampy sounds, sublime balladry and energetic rockers certainly doesn’t disappoint, nor does his esteemed company that help make this first effort exceptional.

Travels well with: Sass Jordan- Bitches Blues; Mike Stevens- Breathe In The World, Breathe Out Music

Mista Savona Presents

Havana Meets Kingston Part 2

Cumbancha, 2022

8/10

Listen to Havana Meets Kingston Part 2

The follow up to their well received 2017 debut album, this installment from Mista Savona collects exceptional musicians from Cuba and Jamaica for 15 energetic tracks that span reggae, dancehall, rocksteady and with plenty of Cuban son, timba and salsa present.

“The Fire From Africa” starts the listen with PunchoMan, Micah Shemaiah, The Gideon, and Anyilena working together in warm, soulful ways that embrace hip-hop and reggae alongside fluid drumming and many skilled vocalists, and “Siempre Si” follows with Brenda Navarrette, Dayán Carrera Fernández and Randy Valentine emitting no lack of grooves in the very expressive, flowing climate.

Elsewhere, “The Human Chain” recruits Clinton Fearon, the lead singer of The Gladiators, for a powerful rocksteady anthem that makes great use of agile keys alongside Fearon’s gravelly pipes, while “La Grimás Negras” showcases Beatriz Márquez’s stunning voice in the beat driven, brass friendly album highlight.

Deeper yet, “Beat Con Flow” offers a mashing of old school, funk, hip-hop and reggae into a lively, dance floor ready jam, and “We Are One” exits the listen with a more intimate track, where a dreaminess surrounds Prince Alla’s roots reggae singing that again reiterates the theme of unity running through these uplifting songs.

An extremely rich and versatile listen that’s populated by unparalleled talent, Robbie Shakespeare handles bass, Winston ‘Bopee’ Bowen plays guitar and Jacinto Herrera contributes percussion. Under the vision of Mista Savona, they illuminate timeless sounds from the Cuba and Jamaica flawlessly.

Travels well with: Kolonien- Till Skogen; Lakou Mizik- HaitiaNola

Bob Margolin And Bob Corritore

So Far

VizzTone, 2022

8/10

Listen to So Far

The blues heroes Bob Margolin and Bob Corritore collaborate for this first acoustic duo album, and they’ve brought along Jimmy Vivino for the intimate and personal tunes that stem from decades of friendship.

“Steady Rollin’ On” starts the listen with spirited harmonica and bluesy guitars as Margolin’s inimitable pipes guide the Americana influenced climate, and “Running Through High Water” follows with Vivino’s distinct guitar playing complementing the southern influenced demeanor of the soulful setting.

Vivino lends his vocals on the reflective and poetic “It Makes No Difference”, while “Salt Water Stomp” showcases Corritore’s harmonica acrobatics amid Margolin’s playful yet sophisticated guitar playing in the vocal-less landscape.

Moving towards the end, “Red Hot Kisses” brings both power and melody into the stirring blues, and “Little Machine” exits the listen with rhythm and grit as Margolin’s rugged yet inviting pipes match Corritore’s harmonica with a timeless raw energy.

Bob M contributes 7 new songs here, and Bob C offers 1 original instrumental. Toss in some covers of their favorites, and you’ve got an essential listen for those with an ear for unplugged blues.

Travels well with: Bob Margolin- Star Of Stage And Screens; Bob Corritore & Friends- Spider In My Stew

Sheila Jordan

Live At Mezzrow

Cellar, 2022

8/10

Listen to Live at Mezzrow

The veteran jazz vocalist Sheila Jordan returned to the stage after nearly a decade long hiatus in 2021, and the performance is captured here with Harvie S on bass and Alan Broadbent playing piano across the 10 jazz standards.

“Bird Alone” opens the listen with warm, elegant piano to complement Jordan’s poetic delivery that tips it hat to the early days of vocal jazz, and “The Touch Of Your Lips” follows with some playful crowd interaction that leads into the upbeat and romantic spirit of the playful vocal scatting.

Halfway through the set, “Look For The Silver Lining” is a wise and powerful display of much emotion, while “Falling In Love With Love” showcases the precise bass work amid Jordan’s mix of talking and singing that’s quite charming.

Further along, the rhythm section works together fluidly in the stylish and timeless album highlight “Autumn In New York”, and “Lucky To Be Me” exits the listen with Jordan’s booming and expressive pipes sounding incredible for being in her ‘90s.

A pioneer in the area of bepop and an artist who can swing with the best of them, Jordan’s commanding voice handles the melodies splendidly, and the soulfulness of her craft certainly hasn’t waned in her 7 decade career.

Travels well with: Aaron Seeber- First Move; Shannon Gunn- On A Mountain

Sour Ops

Deep Fake

Feralette, 2022

9/10

Listen to Deep Fake

The Nashville rockers Sour Ops return with another batch of their power-pop meets proto-punk tunes, where plenty of other genres enter what could possibly be their most diverse outing yet.

“Navy Blue” gets the listen off to a sonically charged and soulful version of power-pop, where frontman Price Harrison’s smooth vocals are complemented by thumping drums and well timed organ, and “Now You’re Gone” continues the creativity with a reflective tone that’s quite pretty and even welcomes strings for an orchestral slant.

At the halfway point, “More With Less” enlists Paul Niehaus on pedal steel for the Americana tinted cautiousness, while “What I Thought I Wanted”, one of the album’s best, then mixes some breezy folk ideas, gritty punk flavor and cozy roots sensibilities into a lush rocker that’s a bit dark lyrically.

Approaching the end, “Texas Punk 66” recruits plenty of sturdy riffs amid a charged energy that flirts with punk, and “Fall Into The Sky” exits the listen with no lack of power and melody as the players work together dynamically and memorably.

In addition to Harrison, Tony Frost plays bass and George Lilly sits behind the drum kit. There’s plenty of guests in attendance, too, and whether you’re a regular visitor or a first timer, Deep Fake has plenty to offer around the rock’n’roll spectrum, especially if bands like Wilco, The Replacements, The Kinks or Cheap Trick mean anything to you.

Travels well with: Jesse Malin- Outsiders; Alex Chilton- Boogie Shoes: Live On Beale Street

Claudio Scolari Project

Don’t Know

Principal, 2022

8/10

Listen to Don’t Know

The Italian artists Claudio Scolari Project return with a 6th album, where their experimental jazz ideas and fascinating improvised sounds sure do impress across the 11 unpredictable pieces.

“Siculiana” starts the listen with crisp drums and soulful trumpet amid the dancing piano prowess of the warm and adventurous 6+ minutes, and “Binary Code” follows with plenty of atmosphere as some spacey moments are complemented by the bouncy bass work.

The title track arrives in the middle, and moves with an intimate spirit of reflective song craft that does get a bit more firm later on, while “Wet Sand”, the album’s best, glides swiftly with dynamic keys, acrobatic drumming and the animated brass.

Nearing the end, “Night Moon” is heavy on mood with a charming demeanor of sci-fi like programming and curious jazz bouts, and “Cold Water” exits the listen with a clever dreaminess that benefits from a dance friendly beat, blurry horns, cultured percussion and skilled bass lines.

CSP consists of Claudio Scolari (drums, synth programming), Daniele Cavalca (drums, live synth, rhodes, piano), Simone Scolari (trumpet) and Michele Cavalca (electric bass), and together their collective strength and experience makes for an avant-garde listen like no other in the area of European experimental and contemporary jazz sounds.

Travels well with: Dan Cavalca- Lights Of Red Island; Claudio Scolari Project- Cosmology

Beverley Church Hogan

Sweet Invitation

Cafe Pacific, 2022

8/10

Listen to Sweet Invitation

The jazz vocalist Beverley Church Hogan brings her inimitable, smoky pipes to 9 romantic songs from the Great American Songbook, and she’s got an all star cast of players to help her flesh out the classic tunes.

“Don’cha Go Way Mad” leads the listen with warm piano, bright brass and Hogan’s expressive and smooth pipes guiding the timeless jazz spirit, and “Falling In Love With Love” follows with Bob Sheppard’s soulful sax and Lyman Medeiros’ playfully plucked bass emitting a very cozy demeanor amid Hogan’s vivid storytelling.

Halfway through, “I Got Lost In His Arms” trims the pace back with a twinkling intimacy that benefits much from John Proulx’s graceful keys and Kevin Winard’s dreamy percussion, while “Invitation” recruits a mysteriousness to the lush and vibrant textures.

“When October Goes” and “Why Try To Change Me Now” exit the listen, where the former is quite introspective and poetic, and the latter showcases the strong brass prowess alongside calm keys and Hogan’s emotive pipes.

At 86 years old, Hogan brings a wealth of experience to these interpretations, where the songs swing delicately and are full of a sensitive and heartfelt quality that we will never tire of.

Travels well with: Ada Bird Wolfe- He & Me; Mark Winkler- Late Bloomin’ Jazzman

João Luiz

From Spain to São Paulo

Zoho, 2022

8/10

Listen to From Spain to São Paulo

A master guitar player, João Luiz brings his Brazilian classical roots to a very well executed listen that pays homage to Spanish composers who were very much involved with creating the 19th and 20th century repertoire for guitar.

“Fantasia, Op. 7: Largo non tanto” opens the listen with Luiz’s expressive and warm progressions making for a very inviting lead off track, and this glides right into “Minueto Op. 25”, where quicker fretboard acrobatics mesmerize us.

Further into the listen, “Suite Compostelena” unfolds across six movements, where cinematic bouts, reflective moments, and much grace is present and appreciated, while Andrés Segovia’s “Oracion” emits a stirring intimacy as Luiz manipulates his instrument flawlessly.

The final pieces, by Federico Moreno Torroba, are “Aires de la Mancha”, and they illustrate very quick finger acrobatics and a glorious execution that makes such an impression, it alone is worth the price of admission.

An extremely absorbing body of work, Luiz’s delivery is full of unparalleled beauty, and an often dream-like landscape that brings new life into these time honored pieces.

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

George Lernis ft. John Patitucci

Between Two Worlds

Dunya, 2022

8/10

Listen to Between Two Worlds

The sophomore album from the drummer, percussionist and composer George Lernis, the 8 tracks here feature John Patitucci on upright and electric bass, plus many very capable players for a very atypical jazz endeavor.

“Prayer” starts the listen with Burcu Gulec’s voice alongside Lernis’ strategic drumming and Mehmet Ali Sanlikol’s warm keys in the calm, dreamy climate that picks up the pace and volume later on, and “The Passage” follows with Lernis’ profoundly talented percussion swirling with a hypnotic, nearly trance like haze.

“Between Two Worlds” lands in the middle, and across 2 portions it brings Middle Eastern ideas and timeless jazz qualities into the meticulous string manipulation. The 3rd portion of “Between Two Worlds” arrives near the end, and showcases very soulful singing, well timed trumpet from Emiel De Jaegher and plenty of agile piano.

The final track, “Kalinihta”, exits with brass, expressive vocals, skittering keys and Patitucci’s incredible bass work lending itself to both cautious and exploratory moments.

Lernis, an immigrant from Cyprus, brings a very worldly demeanor to the album, and his background in poetry and Mediterranean and Middle Eastern roots makes Between Two Worlds a fascinating listen.

Travels well with: Peter Erskine- Live In Italy; Grant Stewart Quartet- The Lighting Of Lamps

JNA

I Have Good Taste But For Some Reason I Like You

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to I Have Good Taste But For Some Reason I Like You

A Seattle soul-pop artist, JNA (Jen-Nuh) makes the most of this quick listen with 4 tracks tailor made for any dance club from the ‘70s on, and she’s got Thione Diop’s drums and Shane Hawley’s guitar along for the ride.

“Only One” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where funk, pop and disco meet at a very stylish and beat friendly intersection that’s guided by JNA’s smooth pipes, and “I Need You” follows with a light buzzing that quickly escalates into a playful and agile version of dance-pop.

“Freak” and “Tell Me Why” exit the listen, where the former recruits bright synth and firm drums for a dreamy EP highlight, and latter finds plenty of grooves to reside in as the infectious R&B and soulful demeanor makes for a very adventurous yet sophisticated finish.

If artists like Prince, Chic, Donna Summer, Diana Ross or KC And The Sunshine Band mean anything to you, this debut EP will be a great addition to your disco, funk and pop collection.

Travels well with: Sundae Crush- A Real Sensation; VvvV- The Wreck

Tony Wray & Tim Crouch

Acoustic Lullaby

Pinecastle, 2022

8/10

Listen to Acoustic Lullaby

A very peaceful collection of traditional songs performed by Tony Wray and Tim Crouch, Acoustic Lullaby leave the lyrics out and instead focuses on the stirring and serene qualities of the instruments.

“Brahm’s Lullaby” leads the listen with warm guitar and eloquent strings as much beauty surrounds the soothing climate, and “Hush Little Baby” follows with a very intimate and calming spirit that pays close attention to mood.

Halfway through, the uplifting and dreamy “Three Blind Mice” moves with a very fluid delivery, while “Jesus Loves Me” recruits a gospel appeal that’s full of sublime string interaction.

Closer to the end, “Silent Night” embraces all the timelessness of the original but with the pair’s strong attention to detail, and “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” exits the listen with a very mature and gorgeous version that might just be your favorite yet.

A highly cozy listen of songs we’ve all heard, these interpretations are certainly top notch and executed with a very memorable demeanor.

Travels well with: Bluegrass 2022; Jim Hurst- From The Ground Up

Green Sky Accident

Daytime TV

Apollon, 2022

10/10

Listen to Daytime TV

A Bergen, Norway outfit who play the sort of indie-rock that flirts with the ‘90s in all the best ways, the 10 songs here from Green Sky Accident are quite animated, riff focused and melodic in both rugged and pretty ways.

“Faded Memories” starts the listen with a haze of warm prog sounds that flows with dreamy and thicker moments, and “In Vain” follows with a dynamic alt-rock spirit that’s both firm and melodic.

“Screams At Night” occupies the middle spot and thumps with a rich and precisely textured climate that’s quite dense, while “Finding Failure” jangles a bit with a glowing indie-rock appeal that’s got an infectious energy.

Deeper still, “Lid” is a more bare display of atmospheric keys in its brief, instrumental prowess, and “While it Lasted” exits the listen with a thick glaze of angular post-rock nods amid the lush and, later on, booming finish.

A band that truly offers something for everyone, fans of punk, metal, power-pop and prog-rock are going to adore every minute of this amazing, multi-faceted rock masterpiece.

Travels well with: Anders Buaas- The Edinburgh Suite; Sleepyard- Head Values

Mira J. Spektor

Daytime & Night Songs

Navona, 2019

8/10

Listen to Daytime & Night Songs

A listen where composer Mira J. Spektor draws inspiration from poetry, the vocal work here glides with beauty alongside the graceful instrumentation.

“Sunday Psalm” starts the listen with soothing piano as Sarah Mesko’s mezzo soprano guides us, and “Quiet” follows with a playful delivery from both Mesko and the keys, as Spektor’s 12 year old granddaughter contributes her own words.

Later on, Four Songs On Poems By Ruth Whitman comprises 4 tracks where flutes and cello work together to create a stirring mood, and further down the line Three French Songs offers 3 tracks of French sung piano compositions that are as thought provoking as they are sublime.

Spektor has a lengthy and esteemed career in the arts, and this installment of her work continues her mature, passionate and varied execution that makes Daytime & Night Songs a pleasant companion to anyone with an ear for classical, operatic music.

Travels well with: Katherine Jolly- Preach Sister Preach; Andrea Cheeseman- Somewhere