Jessye Norman

The Unreleased Masters

Decca, 2023

10/10

Listen to The Unreleased Masters

A collection of never before heard masters from 1989-1998, we’re treated to Jessye Norman performing multiple roles in Tristan und Isolde across this 3 disc box set of unparalleled and emotional singing.

Disc 1 hosts Richard Wagner’s Tristan un Isolde excerpts, where Thomas Moser as Tristan and a young Ian Bostridge as the Seamann allows for Norman’s stunning range to shine amid the expressive storytelling and booming versus calm musicianship.

The middle disc belongs to Richard Strauss’ “Vier letzte Lieder” and Wagner’s “Wesendonck-Lieder”, which soars with dense string texturing and animated, powerful singing from Norman.

The last disc is a live recording from 1994, where Norman is with Seiji Ozawa and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the interaction between the players is nothing short of sublime, stirring and heartfelt in a way that no one else could emulate.

There’s 6 previously unreleased recordings here, and everything is restored and remastered from the original tapes, which further cements Norman as one of the most revered opera singers and recitalists in the world. Not so surprisingly, she was able to extend her art outside the realm of classical music that had her performing at multiple president’s inaugurations, picking up many Grammy Awards and making fans wherever she went.

Travels well with: Renée Fleming- Greatest Moments At The Met; Richard Wagner- The Golden Ring

CarbonWorks

Vanishing Act

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Vanishing Act

The avant-garde rock outfit CarbonWorks return with a sophomore album, where few genres are off limits, and an all star cast of international musicians and vocalists are present.

“Athena” leads the listen with much atmosphere, as Bobby Read’s soulful sax is met with Lara Lotz’s gorgeous voice and guitarist Neal Barnard’s radiant progressions, and “International Anthem” follows with an aptly titled climate that borrows from many National Anthems and is more drum focused.

“Sparrows” occupies the halfway spot and is full of charming scatting and crisp drums alongside the rock focused bouts and sounds of a thunderstorm amid glowing strings, while “Nemesis” takes on a nearly spiritual quality that buzzes with mysterious talking and some sci-fi exploration.

Near to the end, “Song For An Angel” find an intimate place to reside, where Barnard’s cozy guitar is met with chilling vocals and moody strings, and “Lullaby” exits with a sublime, stirring finish of gentle, absorbing song craft.

A project that began in 2016 under Barnard’s innovative vision, you’ll hear plenty of rock, classical, jazz, fusion and World Music ideas across this unpredictable and often very moving listen.

Travels well with: Luumu- Elephant Love Song; Mario Gaiotto- Cosmopaulista

Jason Kush

Finally Friday

MCG, 2023

8/10

Listen to Finally Friday

The saxophonist and educator Jason Kush brings along Alton Merrell, Jeff Grubbs and David Glover for these songs that surround the idea of the completion of the work week or end of a stressful period.

“Hasty J” starts the listen off with Kush’s bright and inviting sax amid the crashing drums from Glover’s very agile playing, and the title track follows with Merrell’s glowing keys complementing the soulful brass in the melodic climate.

“With Thoughts Of Agnes” lands in the middle and finds an intimate place to reside with the reflective sax and graceful keys making for an emotive landscape, while “Asked And Answered”, the best tune present, is anchored by Grubbs’ precise bass playing.

Landing near the end, the aptly titled “Easy Going” flows with a breezy, cozy appeal thanks to the skilled rhythm section and Kush’s glowing sax, and “Razor Burn” exits with an uncontainable energy of bouncy, animated song craft that will get your body moving.

Kush also has released some excellent solo albums, and this quartet setting makes for a collaborative affair that’s lush, stirring and an often adventurous body of work.

Travels well with: Doug MacDonald- Big Band Extravaganza; Jared Gold- Reemergence

Vance Gilbert

The Mother Of Trouble

Disismye, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Mother Of Trouble

This is the 14th album from the singer-songwriter Vance Gilbert, and it’s a very diverse listen that welcomes Joey Landreth (guitar) Lori McKenna (background vocalist), drummer Marco Giovino (Tom Jones), bassist Crag Akin (Red Molly), organist Dennis Montgomery III (Head of the Gospel Music Department at Berklee), Wynter Pingel (violin), Joe K. Walsh (mandolin), Joey Dalton (vocals), Amy Malkoff (vocals), Fernando Michelin (piano) and Herb Gardner (trombone).

The title track begins the listen with swift drumming, playfully strummed guitar and Gilbert’s expressive singing in the retro feel of the flowing climate, and “One Or Two Of These Things” follows with a calmer approach of warm fiddle and mandolin in a folk friendly sort of way.

In the middle, the intimate “Hand Back The Keys” recruits a country waltz demeanor, while the gentle “A Room Somewhere” emits a dreamy beauty of ‘80s soft rock nods.

Close to the end, “Honeysuckle Fences” is particularly eloquent, where Gilbert’s stirring voice tells the story of being bullied, and “Walk Slowly With Me” exits with a stunning, bare finish about losing our animal friends that’s as hearfelt as it is timeless.

Gilbert covers folk, jazz, R&B, country rock and Americana, and his distinct and inviting storytelling makes each track worth repeated listens.

Travels well with: Bannister Effect- A Life I Knew; Jared Feinman- Love Is An Obstacle

John Allee

Past Imperfect

Portuguese Knees, 2023

8/10

Listen to Past Imperfect

The songwriter and vocalist John Allee doesn’t shy away from jazz, blues and folk on this 4th studio album that enlists some excellent players for songs that make observations about relationships and love.

“Let’s Hear It” begins the listen with Mike Schnoebelen’s playfully plucked bass and John Harvey’s crisp drums amid Allee’s warm voice and charming scatting, and “Like” follows with soulful trumpet from Jeff Kaye populating the stylish and cozy delivery.

Further along, “Some Other Way” welcomes jazz-pop ideas amid Adam Bravo’s precise keys and Allee’s smooth pipes, while “Truth Be Told” finds an intimate place to reside alongside the soaring singing and emotive piano.

Close to the end, “Feather In Your Pajama” embraces pop fueled grooves thanks to Jane Lui’s pretty vocal contributions, and “Where’s The Door?” exits with a soft, dreamy display of timeless, heartfelt songwriting.

A listen that just might make you examine people and their various positions in your life, Allee and company make for a thoughtful jazz affair that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Ben Cassara- What A Way To Go!'; Esthesis Quartet- Time Zones

The Drawbars

One Finger Only

Color Red, 2023

8/10

Listen to One Finger Only

An impressive trio consisting of David Nesselhauf (bass), Chris Haertel (organ, piano, synth) and Julian Gutjahr (drums), One Finger Only offers a very unique and meticulous take on jazz with these 10 memorable tracks.

“Art Form” opens the listen with a chilling atmosphere, as warm keys enter the hazy, dynamic landscape that’s got some funk flavor, and “Cat Call” follows with playful bass and firm keys amid the crisp drumming.

The title track arrives in the middle, and is both intimate and exploratory in the very capable hands of the skilled trio, as breezy melodies unfold, while “Shout”, the lone cover, interprets the Tears For Fears classic with a very stylish demeanor.

“Skyline” and “One TwentyFive” exit the listen, where the former is packed with a lively energy thanks to the intricate rhythm section, and the latter allows all 3 artists to showcase their individual strengths in the swift and flowing finish.

An excellent starting point for players with a wealth of talent, the soul, funk, rock and psychedelic influences present here will leave an indelible mark on anyone with an ear for jazz from any era.

Travels well with: Tim Carman Trio- Key Lime; Alex Dunn- Southern Star

Michael Noble

American Dissident

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to American Dissident

A Washington D.C. pianist who has been playing since the age of 6, this debut from Michael Noble brings us the 20th century piano music of Margaret Bonds and Frederic Rzewski that’s interpreted in his inimitable vision.

Bonds’ “Troubled Water” open the listen, where Nobel’s meticulous playing and complicated patterns make for a very mesmerizing and melodic 5 minutes of intimacy and exploration.

“The People United Will Never Be Defeated!”, by Rzewski, lands in the middle, and expands across 9 chapters of bare moments, firm bouts, bouncy techniques and even tense bursts, as Noble’s very diverse playing is much appreciated, and “Winnsboro Cotton Mill Blues”, also by Rzewski, exits with a low rumbling that builds into an ominous meets energetic appeal.

Noble’s reworking of these protest songs is very detailed, as he uses calming techniques as well as animated dynamics for a highly engaging, unpredictable listen that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Amaro Dubois- Luz; Gibbs Street Duo- Memories Unsettled

David Wax Museum

You Must Change Your Life

Nine Mile, 2023

9/10

Listen to You Must Change Your Life

The husband and wife duo of David Wax and Suz Slezak, as David Wax Museum the pair birth a unique brand of ‘Mexo-Americana’ song craft that, on this 9th album, recruits pop influences and Motown nods that are much appreciated.

The title track opens with flowing keys, where Wax’s dreamy voice hits some pretty high notes in the quirky climate, and “Best Lover” follows with more emphasis on acoustic guitar, as the couple harmonize amid crisp drums and sweet melodies.

In the middle, the intimate “Desire” carries a warm, cinematic quality, while “Only Ones Awake”, the best tune present, is a busy and buzzing multi-faceted folk rocker that’s bright amid the contagious energy.

Close to the end, the well timed brass and synth bouts of “Summer Wrapped In Gold” illustrates just how diverse the two can be, and “Back In Mexico” exits with a swift, cultured delivery that’s textured precisely and with much charm and intrigue.

This was nearly the last album from the couple, as Wax collapsed in late 2022 and endured heart catheterization. Thinking he was on death bed, he found comfort in knowing that this record was out in the world and you can see why. It’s obvious a lot of work went into the listen, and the skilled use of synth, fiddle, saxophone and plenty of other noisemakers help make for a highly atypical and memorable experience.

Travels well with: The Felice Brothers- From Dreams To Dust; Suz Slezak- Our Wings May Be Featherless

Adam Klein

Holidays In United States

Cowboy Angel, 2023

9/10

Listen to Holidays In United States

The Atlanta by way of Athens songwriter Adam Klein finds himself in some excellent company here, where Matt Patton and Jay Gonzalez, of Drive-by Truckers, and Spencer Thomas, of Futurebirds, lend a hand for these socio-political 8 folk tracks.

“Blood On My Hands” opens the listen with agile drumming and Will Robertson’s fluid bass lines amid Klein’s dreamy singing, and “Wait Til They Come Knockin’” follows with Colin Agnew’s crisp drums alongside the breezy, folk-rock that’s got plenty of melody.

Further along, Schaefer Llana’s well timed Wurlitzer makes an impression on the intimate “I-20”, while “People Are Callin’” places Horace Willis on electric guitar for the rich landscape that’s even got horns from Hank West.

Close to the end, “When Will We Go Marching?” embraces firm drumming, gorgeous vocal harmonies and Klein’s expressive storytelling, and “Bright Rails Shine” exits with a very poetic, pretty delivery of light piano, gentle guitar and wordplay about American folklore.

You might be reminded of a younger version of Paul Simon or Jackson Browne when listening to Holidays In United States, which could never be a bad thing, as Klein’s radiant and personal tones of country/folk will make anyone a fan by the 3rd tune.

Travels well with: Michael Paul Lawson- Love Songs For Loners; Will Payne Harrison- Tioga Titan

Doug Paisley

Say What You Like

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Say What You Like

The Canadian songwriter Doug Paisley sorted through 250 unrecorded songs for this first album since 2018, and it’s a timeless folk affair that’s full of honest and relatable songwriting.

The title track wastes no time making an impression with its frisky guitar playing and soft singing that’s got some playful rhythm to it, and “Sometimes It’s So Easy” follows with a breezy, retro-folk quality that welcomes gorgeous vocal harmonies.

Halfway through, the lovely “Almost” is poetic and hushed amid the twinkling guitar and crisp drums, while “If I Wanted To” thumps with some country flavor that’s dance floor friendly and comes with a hint of grit.

Close to the end, “You Turn My Life Around” offers a gentle and dreamy album highlight of charming melody and personal lyricism, and “Old Hometown” exits with thumping drums and a more lush backdrop of tuneful folk-rock.

Paisley released his debut 15 years ago, and his forthright and soul searching songs resonate with a universal appeal across these 11 really enjoyable tracks.

Travels well with: Bobby Cool- Family Time; Jill Barber- Homemaker

Joanie Pallatto

Accidental Melody

Southport, 2023

8/10

Listen to Accidental Melody

The 13th album from the Chicago resident and singer-songwriter Joanie Pallatto, these 13 songs benefit much from her 4+ decades in the music scene, as well as her husband, Bradley Parker-Sparrow and jazz guitarist Fareed Haque’s contributions.

“Surrender” starts the listen with a warm dreaminess, where Pallatto’s playful scatting and vivid storytelling flow with much skill from Haque’s many guitars, and the title track follows with a salsa feel that recruits John Christensen’s lively acoustic bass.

In the middle, the graceful keys from Parker-Sparrow suit Pallatto’s expressive singing, while “In The Middle Of Life” places Eric Hines on triangle and percussion and Juan Pastor on cajon and bongos for the Latin flavored breeziness.

Near to the end, the pop balladry of “Keeping Track Of Time” is full of timeless melody and Pallatto’s inviting voice, and “The Lost Year”, a tune about the Covid lockdowns’ exits with a rich, reflective look at a very difficult time for the world.

A listen where no two tracks resemble each other, Pallatto and company make for a superbly cultured, lyrically sharp and both intimate and adventurous 4th album of all original songs.

Travels well with: Mary Foster Conklin- These Precious Days; Roberta Donnay- Blossom-ing!

Resurrectionists

Now That We Are All Ghosts

Seismic Wave, 2023

9/10

Listen to Now That We Are All Ghosts

The sophomore album from the Milwaukee outfit Resurrectionists, the 9 tracks of doom influenced chamber/Americana makes for a very unique and cinematic listen.

“A Classic Dictionary Of Vulgar Tongue” opens the listen with Joe Cannon’s raw vocals and moody banjo that’s complemented by Josh Barto’s drums, as the setting turns into a thumping, tense, gothic-folk rocker, and “Hobnobbing With High Value Targets” follows with Jeff Brueggeman’s throbbing bass alongside the swirling guitar from Gian Pogliano in the swift, atmospheric climate.

“The Rest Cure” and “Break & Enter Part 2” land in the middle, where the former uses mesmerizing banjo and a dark beauty for the eerie backdrop, while the latter is intimate, dreamy even, and emits a poetic quality.

Approaching the end, “Let Me Talk You Through This One” offers a warm, reflective album highlight of eloquent storytelling and soft musicianship, and “(hotel with pool)” exits with a calm versus intense bout of noisy, pounding chamber-rock.

A very unique listen that’s often haunting, uses bluegrass friendly picking, and even proto-punk nods, Resurrectionists aren’t easily to classify, but these distinct tracks are quite enjoyable and atypical.

Travels well with: Curse Of Long- Severed; Quiet Marauder- Tiny Men Parts

The Las Vegas Boneheads

Sixty And Still Cookin’

Curt Miller, 2023

8/10

Listen to Sixty And Still Cookin’

An outfit comprised of 6 trombones and a rhythm section, the legendary Las Vegas Boneheads celebrate their 60th anniversary with these 10 swingin’ and infectious tracks.

“Al Cohn Tune” opens the listen with much energy, where the lively horns and Larry Aberman’s frisky drums make for an animated climate, and “Ceora” follows with a soulful spirit of rich brass and Steve Flora’s very skilled bass making for much warmth.

In the middle, “Carl” makes superb use of Curt Miller’s trombone for a lively solo, while “The Nervous Nellie” bops and shakes thanks to Andy Martin’s highly articulate trombone prowess amid Uli Geissendoerfer’s rich piano playing.

Close to the end, the textured and dynamic “Cherokee” welcomes a soothing solo from Nathan Tanouye’s trombone, and “Giant Steps” exits with a precise and radiant John Coltrane cover that’s the perfect finish for this timeless listen.

The band have had long periods of inactivity since their inception in 1962, and this version of The Las Vegas Boneheads is quite possibly the best yet, as evidenced by this excellent jazz outing that’s heavy on the trombone and rhythm.

Travels well with: Marshall Gilkes- Cyclic Journey; Jared Schonig- Two Takes Vol. 1

Cinder Well

Cadence

Free Dirt, 2023

9/10

Listen to Cadence

The experimental folk project spearheaded by the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Amelia Baker, the 9 tracks here seek out the feeling of home, and are populated by some excellent musicians who help cultivate a darker expanse.

“Two Heads, Grey Mare” opens the listen with Baker’s eloquent, distinct voice and mesmerizing guitar alongside Phillip Rogers’ agile drumming for the haunting climate, and “Overgrown” follows with a bare, emotive presence of expressive singing and dreamy song craft.

The title track lands in the middle, and recruits Cormac MacDiarmada’s stirring fiddle for the cautious delivery, while “Crow” radiates warmth, and emits much atmosphere thanks to Jake Falby’s well timed viola prowess.

“A Scorched Lament” and “I Will Close In The Midnight” exit the listen, where the former offers a rich and always relevant folk song of self-reflection, and the latter finishes with Baker’s gorgeous voice and gentle piano for the highly intimate closer.

Baker is also joined by Neal Heppleston on bass and Nich Wilbur on organ, and they certainly add much to this trance friendly and doom tinted affair that tips its hat to the Laurel Canyon sound, embraces strings and is full of forthright self-examination.

Travels well with: Mighty Poplar- Mighty Poplar; Joe Troop- Borrowed Time

William McClelland

Where The Shadow Glides

Naxos, 2023

8/10

Listen to Where The Shadow Glides

The globally esteemed composer William McClelland rarely stays in one area of music, and this collection of songs inspired by poetry makes for a diverse and timeless body of work that enlists superb artists.

“Cædmon's Hymn” begins the listen with The New York Virtuoso Singers lending their inimitable voices to the 9+ minutes of gorgeous, stirring singing that possesses much power and beauty, and “Autumnal” follows with Donald Berman’s absorbing piano and Krista River’s stunning mezzo-soprano making for an expressive climate.

Further along, the swift “Storm” is indeed turbulent, where Thomas Meglioranza’s radiant baritone is met with Berman’s meticulous, firm keys, while “Five For Piano” showcases Blair McMillen’s dancing piano prowess that’s quite adventurous and intimate.

Closer to the end, “The Defective Record” benefits from Meglioranza’s vivid storytelling amid the animated keys from Berman, and “These Last Gifts” exits the listen with poetic, harmonic interaction that we could never tire of.

The excellent musicians and vocalists sure do illuminate McClelland’s vison that’s mystical, symbolic and nature-esque, and it makes for a captivating and very rich listen.

Travels well with: JoAnn Falletta- Elfman-Hailstork Concertos; Orion Weiss- Arc II: Ravel, Brahms, Shostakovich

Marc Jordan

Waiting For The Sun To Rise

Linus, 2023

8/10

Listen to Waiting For The Sun To Rise

Even if you don’t recognize Marc Jordan’s name, you’ve heard his work, as he penned the Rod Stewart hit, “Rhythm Of My Heart”.

Here, along with an all-star cast, he creates a wise and rich body of work that’s romantic, reflective and full of timeless originals and well thought out covers.

“The Last Buffalo” opens the listen with elegant strings from the Prague Smecky Orchestra, as a soothing, cinematic quality unfolds, and “The Best Day Of My Life” follows with Lou Pomanti’s twinkling keys and Mark Kelso’s warm drums complementing Jordan’s very expressive, rich pipes.

In the middle, “Rio Grande” welcomes Roly Platt’s cozy harmonica and Scott Alexander’s precise bass to the reflective tone, while “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” showcases John Johnson’s soulful sax and William Carn’s meticulous trombone in the very unique cover of the Tears For Fears classic.

“Bad Time To Say Goodbye” arrives near the end, and places the mature strings amid the dreamy demeanor and Jordan’s emotive singing, and “Cradle To The Grave” exits with Kevan McKenzie’s well timed drums and the lush strings suiting Jordan’s poetic finish.

In addition to writing songs that have been recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Joe Cocker and Diana Ross, to name a few, Jordan is a Juno and Genie Award Winner, and this well thought out body of work will certainly gain him even more praise.

Travels well with: Steve Smith And Vital Information- Time Flies; Skip Grasso- Becoming

Elour

Blood Running

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Blood Running

The singer-songwriter and guitarist Elizabeth Ghandour has a penchant for punk tinted Femme Rock, and these 10 anthems unfold with an ebullient, powerful demeanor that challenges the patriarchal view that still lingers to this day.

“Reputation” opens the listen with Joe Scarpellino’s lively bass and Will Flynn’s thumping drums in the gritty, buzzing rocker that showcases Ghandour’s adaptable voice, and the funky “Waste Of My Time” follows with Jason Shannon’s fluid guitar playing suiting the diverse singing.

The middle track, “Beautiful Girl”, welcomes Jeff Hile’s lively sax to the rhythmic musicianship and upfront lyrics, while “Break Me” places Drew Stamps on drums for the calm versus busy bouts of cathartic song craft.

“Good Girl” and “Up All Night” exit the listen, where the former is highly melodic, soulful even, and Ghandour’s voice is quite lovely, and the latter exits with a firm, swirling, frenzied display of intense yet harmonic songwriting that will always be relevant.

Elour resides in Minneapolis, which has never been short on important and aggressive rock’n’roll, and Blood Running could certainly be played alongside albums by Zuzu’s Petals, Kitten Forever or Babes In Toyland.

Travels well with: Jillian Rae- I Can’t Be The One You Want Me To Be; Tegan And Sara- Hey, I’m Just Like You

Matt Barber

The Song Is You

MB, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Song Is You

The jazz vocalist Matt Barber possesses a set of pipes you won’t soon forget, and here with an exceptional cast of players he delivers a 7th album as leader that puts his inimitable spin on 11 standards and an original.

“Oh! Look At Me Now” leads the listen with Marc LeBrun’s graceful piano, David Enos’ warm bass and Joakim Toftgaard’s well timed trombone that complements Barber’s smooth and vivid singing, and the title track follows with Bradley Young’s frisky keys and Brian Ward’s bouncy bass illuminating the expressive singing that emphasizes every note.

In the middle, “I Remember You” features Tony Guerrero’s dreamy flugelhorn and Dori Amarillo’s cozy guitar in calm demeanor, while “Love Like You” welcomes Mack Goldsbury’s animated sax to the soulful, heartfelt album highlight.

Close to the end, the stirring “Moon River” twinkles with emotive piano, Greg Sandler’s restrained drums, and, of course, Barber’s absorbing voice, and the lone original, “Moments In Time”, exits with Daniel Dennis’ drums, Barry Rigby’s bass and Madison Hardy’s back up vocals illuminating Barber’s flawless singing.

Barber’s voice shines in swing moments just as it does in intimate areas, and the excellent band certainly help him showcase some of his favorite songs, and they might just be yours, too, after a listen or two of this memorable jazz outing.

Travels well with: Russ Hewitt- Chasing Horizons; Craig Davis- Tone Paintings

Backtrack Blues Band

A Day By The Bay

Gulf Coast, 2023

8/10

Listen to A Day By The Bay

The St. Petersburg, Florida rooted outfit Backtrack Blues Band turn in a live record for their debut release on their new home, Gulf Coast Records, and it’s a great example of their unbounded energy and uncontainable excitement for their version of the blues.

The set gets started off with Kid Royal’s animated guitar and Joe Bencomo’s agile drumming complementing Sonny Charles’ smooth pipes amid much melody, and “Make My Home In Florida” follows with Charles’ spirited harmonica and Wayne Sharp’s well timed Hammond B3 making for a very powerful and cautious blues landscape.

Halfway through, “Dixie Grill” places Royal on lead vocals, as Little Johnny Walker’s rhythm guitar is quite meticulous, while “Natural Born Lover” benefits much from Stick Davis’ precise bass work and the soulful backing vocals thanks to Latonya Oliver and Dana Merriwether.

The final two tracks, “Times Is Hard” and “You’ll Come Back Someday”, are also excellent, where the former offers an intimate landscape of eloquent singing and emotive blues song craft, and the latter shakes and rattles with a lively pulse of harmonic and precisely textured, timeless blues rock.

One of the longest running blues bands that exists today, Backtrack Blues Band have been at it since 1980, and their Chicago style delivery and Texas influences sound better than ever across these superb 9 tracks.

Travels well with: Eric Demmer- So Fine; Albert Castiglia- I Got Love

Eric Woodring

Jackson County Line

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Jackson County Line

A Texan with a penchant for country and Americana sounds, Houston’s Eric Woodring cut his teeth playing in the Texas Speedbump Band in the late ‘90s, but these days he’s taking his 2+ decades of songwriting experience the solo route.

“All My Friends Are Married” starts the listen with all the hallmarks of classic country sounds- twang, sincerity and cautiousness- and “Just Give Me A Reason” follows with a more restrained approach of soothing, rural exploration.

Further along, the title track yields much beauty in an elegant delivery of soulfulness, while “Long Lonesome Winter” has pedal steel guiding the rustic highlight.

Near the end, “Roadtrip 89” offers an upbeat and shuffling, playful tune that you could dance to, and “Stage 4” ends the listen with sophisticated strings that are both meticulous and adventurous.

Woodring still finds time to play in a full band, too, (The Recollection), but let’s hope his solo work will remain active, as his country, roots, Americana and folk prowess resonates the sort of warmth and timelessness that we can never tire of.

Travels well with: The Recollection- True Texas True; Matt The Electrician- Long Way Home