Paul Chihara

Complete Piano Works

Naxos, 2024

8/10

Listen to Complete Piano Works

The esteemed pianist Quynh Nguyen is joined by Stephen Barlow and the London Symphony Orchestra, plus guest Rieko Aizawa for these interpretations of the American composer Paul Chihara’s complete piano works

“Concerto-Fantasy For Piano And Orchestra” starts the listen with the sweeping strings emitting much beauty, as Nguyen’s stirring keys suit the 4 chapters with much grace and emotion, and “Bagatelles (Twice Seven Haiku For Piano)” follows with rumbling versus bright key progressions, where the unpredictable mood showcases incredible attention to detail.

On the back half of the listen, “Four Reveries on Beethoven” manipulates space and tension with lush, eloquent song craft that draws the listener in immediately, while “Ami” recruits Aizawa’s hands for the dynamic and careful interaction between the 2 pianos.

A body of work that embraces Eastern harmonies, jazz and Russian classical ideas, Chihara’s lengthy resume of film, TV scores, orchestral, choral and chamber works is preserved well in Nguyen’s highly capable hands.

Travels well with: Daniel Gortler- Grieg Lyric Pieces;; Kodály- Háry János Suite

Christian Fabian Trio

Hip To The Skip

Spicerack, 2024

8/10

Listen to Hip To The Skip

Christian Fabian brings his inimitable bass playing to these 11 tracks that recruit Jason Marsalis and Matt King, and together it makes for a fusion filled listen that’s got plenty of jazz spirit.

The energetic title track starts things off and doesn’t waste anytime making an impression thanks to Marsalis’ speedy drums and Fabian’s bouncing bass in the stylish jazz climate, and “Moanin’” follows with no lack of grooves from the rhythm section, as King’s glowing keys emit much warmth.

Into the middle, the animated “Incognito” makes great use of Fabian’s meticulous bass lines amid the firm keys, while “Zig” gets funky and playful, where the agile drumming suits the adventurous finger work from King.

Landing near the end, “Side Kick” swirls with a quirky, buzzing formula, and “Effendi” exits with all the player’s respective talents meshing with smooth dynamics and exciting interaction.

A listen that was probably as much fun to make as it is to listen to, Fabian and company turned a plan of 2 or 3 songs into 11 tracks we won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Paul Kendall- Whisper Not; Andy Pratt- Trio

K'Mono

Mind Out Of Mind

Apollon, 2023

8/10

Listen to Mind Out Of Mind

The sophomore album from the Minneapolis outfit K’mono, the songwriting duo of Jeffrey Carlson and Chad Fjerstad place influences from King Crimson and Camel into these exciting, progressive 7 tracks.

The title track starts the listen with swirling melodies and bright vocals, where the agile keys are met with Timothy Java’s proficient drumming amid the retro ideas, and “Good-Looking” follows with bright bouts of stylish and harmonic song craft that’s quite crisp.

“Time Will Tell…” occupies the middle spot and is quite dreamy and vocally collaborative, while “Tell Me The Lore” benefits from firm keys, cinematic swells and playful buzzing that’s a bit quirky.

Deeper yet, “Answers In The Glass” finds a hypnotic place to reside thanks to the richly layered textures and dynamic, nostalgic appeal- which pretty much sums up the entire theme of the record.

Jake Wagner handled engineer duties here, and it sure does illuminate K’mono’s timeless vision, where comparisons to Pink Floyd, Wobbler and Genesis are warranted.

Travels well with: Ribozyme- Celestial Low; Strange Horizon- Skur 14

Luigi Perrachio/Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco

Piano Quintets

Da Vinci, 2024

8/10

Listen to Piano Quintets

The revered pianist David Korevaar is aligned with the Carpe Diem String Quartet for these pieces that interpret the work of Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco and Luigi Perrachio, as they certainly do justice to the 2 luminaries in the area of Italian instrumental music.

Perrachio’s “Quintet For 2 Violins, Viola, Cello And Piano” starts the record with Ariana Nelson’s meticulous cello and violins from Amy Galluzzo and Marisa Ishikawa that make for a technical, lively and very rich interaction that touches on folk and dance ideas amid Korevaar’s fascinating key progressions.

The back half belongs to Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s “Quintet No. 1 In F Major For 2 Violins, Viola, Cello And Piano Op. 69”, where a sublime attention to detail results in colorful and dynamic song craft that allows for Korine Fujiwara’s viola to radiate much beauty and adaptability, which suits the animated piano prowess.

Korevaar’s resume includes playing across the globe with the world’s best symphonies and orchestras, and The Carpe Diem String Quartet’s diverse presence only further solidifies this effort as a first rate listen in the area of modern classical music.

Travels well with: Daniel Gortler- Grieg Lyric Pieces; Kodály- Háry János Suite

Breezers

Hideaway

Indie AM Gold/Blackbird, 2024

8/10

Listen Hideaway

The brainchild of the LA musician Evan apRoberts, as Breezers this 4th album welcomes Melissa Louise-Castellano, Graeme Gibson and Michael Nau’s talents to a darkly tinted version of Western Folk.

“The Last Rung” starts the listen with cozy acoustic guitar and backing vocals from Louise-Castellano for a rich and slight ominousness to the eerie folk sounds, and “No Problem” follows with a textured and intimate climate that uses Graeme Gibson’s fluid drumming alongside the atmospheric glockenspiel via a nostalgic feel.

Further along, the more bare presence of “Noon Breeze” carries a mesmerizing spirit thanks to the warm guitar and emotive pedal steel, while “Caldera Nights” is a firm moment with a slight jangle, retro melodies and vocal harmonies that carry a sunny disposition.

Residing near the end, the sublime and intimate “Moonlight” emits a charming haze of swirling instrumentation and expressive singing, and “Caverns Reveal” exits with a thick appeal of guitars, drums, percussion and distinct singing.

A raw, sometimes mysterious peek at apRoberts’ atypical vision that also embraces pop and psychedelia, there’s also plenty of grooves and sonic exploration to appreciate here.

Travels well with: Jon Byrd- All Your Mistakes; Mike Miz- Only Human

Galan Trio

Kinesis Vol. 2

Neuma, 2024

8/10

Listen to Kinesis Vol. 2

The piano trio from Greece, Galan Trio continue their Kinesis series, where a double album unfolds with their classical ways very much appreciated thanks to Petros Bouras, Babis Karasavvidis and Marina Kolovou’s vision.

“Mirror/Καθρ?πτης”, by Brooke Joyce. opens the listen with rumbling keys from Bouras, as Kolovou’s elegant cello guides the cautious, unpredictable climate, and Daniel Powers “Before The Fragile Gradual Throne Of Night” follows with strong attention to mood, where the cinematic keys emit mystery.

Further along, “Moto” presents both firm and careful gestures that allow for Karasavvidis’ skilled violin that complements the well timed piano and cello across the Randy Bauer piece, while Larry Alan Smith’s “Piano Trio No. 3” is a bit thicker in tone, as the melodic strings and a poetic delivery make this the album’s best.

Close to the end, “Three Sketches On The Artwork Of Tom Lea” graces us with 3 chapters of elegant and heartfelt instrumentation that are intimate and memorable thanks to Dominic Dousa’s creative mind, and Brian Bondari’s “Persian Dances” exits the listen with dancing keys and a collaborative appeal.

The inspiration here is rooted in children’s books and songs, a Welsh lullaby and nods to Jethro Tull, as the trio recruit plenty of chamber ideas into their diverse and fluid song craft.

Travels well with: MC Maguire- Dystophilia; Ewart Asplund Ricks Trio- Emphatic Now

Mc Maguire

Dystophilia

Neuma, 2024

10/10

Listen to Dystophilia

The always fascinating composer MC Maguire delivers a pair of in depth pieces here that surrounds the rapid breakdown of society and stacks melody on top of metal, jazz, pop and countless other ideas.

“Yummy World” opens the listen with bright textures, wordless vocals and swirling melodies that take nods to Justin Bieber’s “Yummy”, and flows via exciting and imaginative electronic nods for 23+ minutes.

The back half belongs to the highly eclectic “Another Lucid Dream”, where waves of orchestral and metallic ideas collide with profound attention to detail and mood that’s as fascinating as it is inventive.

Maguire’s vision might remind you of Phillip Glass or Canada’s R. Murray Schafer, and yet another post-modern hybrid, sampled and edited journey from the Canadian keeps us hanging on every second of this gripping body of work.

Travels well with: Hanna Hurwitz Colin Stokes Daniel Pesca- This Night Shall Break; Ewart Asplund Ricks Trio- Emphatic Now;

Hanna Hurwitz Colin Stokes Daniel Pesca

The Night Shall Break

Neuma, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Night Shall Break

Hanna Hurwitz, Colin Stokes and Daniel Pesca bring their respective talents to these classically influenced 5 works that were composed in the ‘20s and ‘30s, and are presented with an updated and diverse personality.

Florence Price’s “Fantasie No. 1 For Violin And Piano” starts the listen with Hurwitz’s gripping string prowess amid Pesca’s intricate progressions on the keys for much warmth and adventurousness, and “Piano Trio”, by Rebecca Clarke, unfolds with both tension and grace populating the rich and dynamic landscape that makes excellent use of Stokes’ adaptable cello.

Halfway through, Carlos Chávez’s “Sonatina For Violin And Piano” matches the meticulous strings and flowing piano that present a distinct beauty , while “Théme Et Variations Pour Violon Et Piano” allows for a swift collaboration between Hurwitz and Pesca’s exciting delivery.

The final track, Bohuslav Martinu’s “Duo No. 1 For Violin And Cello, H. 157”, showcases a very unique kinship between the violin and cello, where an expressive exit complements the entire scope of the detailed record.

Influences included range from African American and Mexican folksong to impressionism and Post-Romanticism, as the trio flesh out a colorful and captivating experience.

Travels well with: Ewart Asplund Ricks Trio- Emphatic Now; Kamala Sankaram- Crescent

David Friesen

This Light Has No Darkness: Volume 1

Origin, 2024

8/10

Listen to This Light Has No Darkness

The multi-instrumentalist David Friesen has a long history in the jazz world, and here along with Paul Lees, Charlie Doggett and Rob Moore he fleshes out 12 tracks orchestrated by Kyle Gordon for a 33 piece orchestra.

“Recovery For Two” starts the listen with a charming dreaminess, where Friesen’s well timed bass plucking is met with calm winds and goregous strings, and “Motivation” follows with a graceful, cinematic appeal that uses builds into lush sounds with Lees’ sublime piano front and center.

In the middle, “Basic Strategy” benefits much from the playful percussion and bright bass, where the meticulous interaction between the strings is much appreciated, while “A Beautiful Moment” offers a rich and harmonic delivery that tugs on the heartstrings via its cozy and radiant climate.

“The Repetition” and “Return To The Father” exit the listen, where the former shows firm progression of elegance and melody with marching band style drumming, and the latter emits a sublime intimacy that’s agile and soothing.

Originally conceived for the National Academic Symphonic Band Of Ukraine, the themes of hope, forgiveness and purpose are handled superbly in Friesen and company’s skilled hands.

Travels well with: Bill Anschell- Improbable Solutions; Peter Erskine- Bernstein In Vienna

Ewart Asplund Ricks Trio

Emphatic Now

Neuma, 2024

8/10

Listen to Emphatic Now

Douglas R. Ewart, Christian Asplund and Steven Ricks come together for these 8 unpredictable tracks that were captured at Madsen Recital Hall, in Provo, Utah in October of 2022.

“Call To Attention” gets the listen off to a percussively strong start, where Asplund’s manipulated strings and Ewart’s well timed woodwinds make for a distinct, off kilter warmth, and “Water Song” follows with a bit of rumbling before Ricks’ animated trombone enters the cinematic landscape.

At the halfway point, “The Struggle To Receive The Breath” allows the distinct didgeridoo to radiate in firm ways, while “Did You See That?” recruits Ewart’s spoken word amid the rich brass, electronics and keys.

Close to the end, “Upperstanding Everpresence” carries an atypical, sonic energy that plucks and shakes with mystery, and “The Determination To Be Free” might the most exploratory selection, as eastern ideas and jazz stabs mesh with intrigue.

A body of work that is focused on timbre, abstractness and improvisation, the diverse instruments, including self-built bamboo wind instruments, makes every moment here an enjoyable surprise

Travels well with: Kamala Sankaram- Crescent; Philip Blackburn- ORDO

Kamala Sankaram

Crescent

Neuma, 2024

10/10

Listen to Crescent

The debut album from the musician and composer Kamala Sankaram, the 8 pieces here focus on the impact of human technologies and use plenty of field recordings alongside strings and percussive ideas.

“Crescent” occupies the first 8 chapters of the listen, where Sankaram’s flowing voice is met with Brian Shankar Adler’s strategic use of found objects, light percussion and inviting tabla add much appeal. Drew Fleming provides spoken word across 3 of the movements, which aligns with buzzing electronics that provides a distinct contrast between the synthetic and organic landscape that embraces the sounds of birds and water, too.

The final track is the 10+ minutes of “Rasas”, where Andie Tanning and Ludovica Burtone’s violins emit much grace amid Joanna Mattrey’s moody viola and Mariel Roberts’ aching cello. Sankaram does offer vocals and electronics as well, and it cultivates a hint of mystery- even ominousness- to the creative finish.

An atypical outing that embraces improvisation and composed settings, the presence of junk metal, plastics and orchestral strings only further solidifies Crescent as an avant-garde and post-classical masterpiece.

Travels well with: Philip Blackburn- ORDO; Linda Dusman- Flashpoint

Alon Farber Hagiga With Dave Douglas

The Magician: Live At Jerusalem

Origin, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Magician: Live At Jerusalem

The sax enthusiast Alon Farber and trumpet extraordinaire Dave Douglas come together for these 4 celebratory songs that were recorded on June 27, 2023 in Jerusalem, and welcome Yehonatan Cohen, Oded Meir, Katia Toobool, Assaf Hakimi and Roy Oliel.

“Persistence Of Memory” opens the listen with Farber’s radiant soprano sax and Douglas’ soaring trumpet amid Oliel’s precise drums and Cohen’s intricate clarinet for the rich textures of warmth, and “The Magician” follows with Farber handling alto sax for the swift and melodic climate that showcases Toobool’s dynamic piano playing.

The middle track belongs to the dreamy elegance of “Minuet For Maya”, where Hakimi’s playful bass complements the building atmosphere of animated jazz acrobatics, while “Farbalak” is not without grooves thanks to the throbbing bass, bright brass and lively drumming. “Spring Ahead” exits the listen, and doesn’t lack any energy via the firm keys, Meir’s skilled trombone and plenty of style.

A body of work that isn’t lacking any powerful or collaborative interaction, Farber and company create sonically engaging and timeless jazz songs that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Bill Anschell- Improbable Solutions; Francesco Cosara- Circular Motion

Rasgueo

Eleven

Galileo, 2023

8/10

Listen to Eleven

This 3rd album from the Berlin quartet Rasgueo brings both Flameno and jazz ideas to a very wordly listen that makes great use of new member, José Ruiz Motos ‘Bandolero’.

The title track starts the listen with Nikos Tsiachris’ fluid Flamenco guitar for the energetic climate that’s also capable of calm moments, too, and “First Step” follows with Martin Auer’s radiant trumpet that suits the more jazz oriented mood of unpredictable melody.

Further along, “Secret Mind” carries a dreamy demeanor of gentle beauty thanks to ‘Bandolero’s’ atmospheric drumming, while “Crossing Paths” emits bright brass and flowing guitar, where Martin Lillich’s strategic bass won’t go unnoticed.

Arriving near the end, the intimate and rich “Dilemma” is not without harmonic gestures of textured ideas, and “White Nights” exits with an introspective appeal of meticulous guitar, cozy bass and agile drumming.

Bandolero’s Spanish influenced percussion is a fine addition to Rasgueo’s formula, and these 11 flawlessly executed songs resonate with a global jazz presence that you can’t not admire.

Travels well with: Lina- Fado Camões; Esbe- La Serenissima

Lina

Fado Camões

Galileo, 2024

8/10

Listen to Fado Camões

The Portuguese singer Lina highlights the lyrics of Portugal's most revered poet, Luís de Camões, where an excellent cast helps flesh out the worldly sounds of these 12 tracks.

“Desamor” starts the listen with John Baggott’s emotive piano and Pedro Viana’s warm guitar complementing Lina’s expressive pipes, and “Quando Vos Veria” follows with Justin Adams holding down electric guitar amid the poetic singing from Lina’s gorgeous voice.

“Senhora Minha” lands in the middle, and pairs Baggot’s moody organ with the stirring vocals, while “Se De Saudade Morrerei Ou Nau” carries a rich tone thanks to the moog, synth programming and Portuguese guitar that suits Lina’s agile delivery.

Close to the end, “Lina Vaz De Camoes”, the best track, flows with a pensive nature and stunning singing that uses Baggot’s keys and Viana’s guitar in sublime ways, and “Pois Meus Olhos Nao Cansam De Chorar” exits with a hint of atmosphere via the nature-esque backdrop that’s bare, dreamy and memorable.

A record that isn’t short on Latin rhythm, the spare but effective violin from Ianina Khmelik only accents the folkloric appeal of this very well thought out body of work.

Travels well with: Esbe- La Serenissima; Kuom Tara- Baraaim El-Louz

Helene Blum & Harald Haugaard Band

Den Store Sommer

Gailileo, 2024

8/10

Listen to Den Store Sommer

The 2nd album from the Denmark artists Helene Blum and Harald Haugaard, the 12 songs here unfold with Nordic folk ideas that don’t shy way from dark melancholy, too.

“Velkommen Her” starts the listen with Blum’s gorgeous voice alongside Haugaard’s subime violin and Christoffer Moller’s graceful keys for the expressive climate, and “Sander” follows with emphasis on the firm violin, as Mikkel Grue’s skilled dobro complements the fluid delivery.

Halfway through, “Den Store Sommer” benefits much from Tapani Varis’ agile double bass and Suine Rahbek’s well timed percussion, as Haugaard’s fiddle acrobatics don’t disappoint, while “The Garden” brings back Blum’s poetic singing alongside Kirstine Elise Pedersen’s sophisticated cello and backing vocals for the album’s best.

Nearing the end, “Mosen” recruits vocals from Blum, Haugaard and Pedersen for the dreamy, rich landscape, and “Sov Sodt. Du Lille Sonja” exits with just Blum’s distinct pipes and Haugaard’s bare but impactful violin emitting much beauty.

A listen that thematically surrounds summer, Blum, Haugaard and their esteemed help make for thoughtful, timeless and textured folk from their part of the world that will resonate globally and indefinitely.

Travels well with: Esbe- La Serenissima; Roopa Panesar- ATMA

Claudia Gibson

The Fields Of Chazy

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Fields Of Chazy

The guitarist and singer-songwriter Claudia Gibson is in fine company here, where her Celtic background is present across the folk and Americana landscape.

The warm and cozy title track starts the listen with Gibson’s vivid storytelling that welcomes Rich Brotherton’s bright mandolin, and “Unbound” follows with Geoff Queen’s glowing pedal steel amid Gibson’s expressive pipes that emit much beauty.

“Rain” and “The Days” arrive in the middle, where John Chipman’s fluid drums help create rhythm to the fuller climate on the former, while the latter carries timeless folk qualities that embrace soothing vocal harmonies from Tina Mitchell Wilkins and Walk Wilkins.

Arriving close to the end, “Angels Fly” spotlights Ron Flynt’s graceful keys and Gibson’s poetic and powerful singing, and “Shine On” exits with flowing acoustic guitar and Warren Hood’s well timed fiddle that carries some Irish spirit.

The wide variety of instruments and emotive presence here makes every tune worth repeated listens, where Gibson’s song craft finds a universal and warm appeal.

Travels well with: Scott Sean White- Even Better On The Bad Days; Eric Brace & Thomm Jutz- Simple Motion

Ezra Grey

Afterall

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Afterall

The sincere and heartfelt Brooklyn singer-songwriter and guitarist Ezra Grey brings his timeless brand of songwriting to these cozy 6 songs.

“Yael” emits his expressive singing and fluid guitar chops to a slightly rugged yet pensive version of Americana, and it isn’t long until the intimacy of “Bliss” makes an impression thanks to the eloquent song craft and personal wordplay.

Further into the back half, the folk influenced and dreamy “Into The Sun” comes with glowing melodies and a hazy backdrop, while “Whispers In The Dark” exits with focus on Grey’s stirring pipes and cautious acoustic guitar that draws us in immediately.

Grey plays the bulk of the instruments here, but does take help from Zaki Ali on drums, and he creates a very thoughtful listen of singer-songwriter qualities that warrant much attention.

Travels well with: Ellen Woloshin- Pop Torch; Josh Fortenbery- No Such Thing As Forever

Daniel Gortler

Grieg Lyric Pieces

Prospero, 2024

9/10

Listen to Grieg Lyric Pieces

The Israeli-American pianist Daniel Gortler brings us 21 of his favorite pieces from Grieg’s poetic piano diary penned between 1867 and 1901.

“Arietta” opens the listen with the light and agile keys emitting much warmth and beauty, and “Berceuse” follows with much grace being emitted from the meticulous and stirring progressions.

Further along, “To The Spring” carries a bright tone of playful yet precise finger acrobatics, while “Album Leaf” has the keys dancing around a melodic and lush climate that is the album’s best selection.

Nearing the end, “Peasant’s Song” pays close attention to mood, as Gortler’s profound control of his instrument yields harmonic gestures, and “Peace Of The Woods” continues the sophistication with radiant songwriting that we could never tire of.

Gortler’s resume includes being a soloist with the London Philharmonic, Berlin Radio Symphony, and Bavarian Radio Symphony, to name a few, and this debut album for Prospero Classical is executed with much care and superb, inimitable playing.

Travels well with: Kodály- Háry János Suite; Quynh Nguyen- The Flower Of France

Annie Chen

Guardians

JZ, 2024

8/10

Listen to Guardians

A New York resident and Beijing native, Annie Chen brings her vocals and lyrics to these songs inspired by a trip th Acadia National Park in Maine, and welcomes instrumentation from Marius Duboule, Fung Chern Hwei, Mathew Muntz, Alex LoRe, Vitor Goncalves and Satoshi Takeishi.

“Rozpacz (Despair)” starts the listen with Chen’s exciting vocal acrobatics amid Goncalves’ frisky keys and Takeishi’s unpredictable drums making for an animated presence, and “Underground Dance” follows with harmonic singing and accordion from Goncalves that emits a mesmerizing spirit.

Halfway through, “Gule Gule Instanbul” carries a distinct dreaminess that unfolds with a rich delivery thanks to Duboule’s warm guitar, while “Guardians Suite” flows across 4 chapters that emit lively sax from LoRe and cryptic storytelling that suits the minimal versus busier bouts where Muntz’s strategic bass and Hwei’s strings won’t go unappreciated.

A very diverse body of work, Chen’s vision touches on jazz, opera, Middle Eastern ideas and classical elements, as she navigates this very unique record with grace and adventurousness.

Travels well with: Richard Nelson- Dissolve; Ches Smith- Laugh Ash

Ronnie Earl And The Broadcasters

Beyond The Blue Door

Stony Plain, 2019

8/10

Listen to Beyond The Blue Door

Ronnie Earl is no slouch when it comes to playing the guitar, and here he’s backed up by his esteemed band The Broadcasters with appearances by Kim Wilson, David Bromberg and Greg Piccolo.

“Brand New Me” starts the listen with warm keys and guitars alongside soulful, Motown influenced vocals, and “Baby How Long” follows with a bluesy spirit and plenty of playful rhythm where Wilson handles harmonica and vocals.

In the middle, “The Sweetest Man” offers plenty of sophisticated melody amid fluid piano, while “It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry” recruits an atmospheric setting as it reinterprets the Bob Dylan song with plenty of detailed musicianship and smokey, gritty vocals from Bromberg.

Near the end, “Wolf Song” illustrates incredibly skilled guitar work, and “Bringing Light (To A Dark Time)” moves at a quick pace with grooves, rhythm and timeless melody. “Blues For Charlottesville” ends the listen with grace, restraint and sublime instrumentation in the moving, topical exit.

Earl and company offer 15 tunes here, and it gives them plenty of time to display their unparalleled, respective skills. Now 20+ albums into their career, Beyond The Blue Door proves they’re in no danger of running out of ideas and that their delivery isn’t waning one bit.

Travels well with: Roomful Of Blues- Dressed Up To Get Messed Up; Bob Margolin- Bob Margolin