Seetton

Onirocriticon

Dedali Opera, 2021

8/10

Listen to Onirocriticon

The sophomore album from France’s Seetton, Onirocriticon brings us several compositions inspired by authors, as well as a soundtrack to a film by Gilles Dabeuf, and it’s all delivered with a very precise and enthralling electronic template.

“Incubatio” starts the listen with 13+ minutes of ominous atmosphere as waves of minimal electronic sounds unfold in a way that could soundtrack a sci-fi movie, and “Oneiro I : Phobétor” follows with a 1 minute blast of eerie ambience.

“The White Rabbit” lands in the middle and brings in an intense buzzing that nearly sounds mechanical, as the setting turns more calm with bare percussive noises amid a darker undercurrent that tips its hat to Lewis Carroll, while “Caroline” burns with a faint pulse of twinkling electronica and strategic attention to mood that soundtracks the film A la lisiére.

Deeper still, “Bianca” spends nearly 5 minutes mesmerizing us with its careful and mysterious landscape that takes influence from Bruno Schulz, and “Excito” exits the listen with an often barely detectable execution of electronic manipulation that’s quite effective in its gentleness.

A very creative endeavor, Seetton turns these songs into a refined art form, and the unpredictable and exploratory nature of the environment makes a lasting impression.

Travels well with: Sally Decker- In The Tender Dream; Pulsar Ensemble- Bizarre City

Wilburt Lee Reliford

Seems Like A Dream

Big Legal Mess, 2021

8/10

Listen to Seems Like A Dream

Bruce Watson unearths an obscure 1989 recording from North Mississippi bluesman Wilburt Lee Reliford, where Watson and Will Sexton added overdubs to half the tracks, as George Sluppick’s drums/percussion, Mark Stuart’s bass/guitar, Rick Steff’s organ/piano and Sexton’s guitar/bass illuminate Reliford’s stripped back approach.

Reliford starts the listen with the playful drums, spirited harmonica and bluesy guitars of the title track complementing his soulful and gritty singing in the rhythmic blues, and “Coal Black Mattie” follows with a hypnotic quality as Reliford’s stirring harp guides the full band effort.

Close to the middle, “Tappin’ That Thing” highlights the frisky piano amid the firm southern influences, while “Hello Stranger” is a bare but powerful display of raw blues with just Reliford’s pipes and harp. “Somebody’s Knockin’” then thumps with a fuzzy rock’n’roll spirit, and is easily the best selection of the fuller tracks.

Approaching the end, “Rock Me” is another sparse and authentic tune with just Reliford’s genuine spirit, and “Call Mama” exits the listen similarly, as the mouth acrobatics align with his inimitable and timeless delivery.

Reliford passed way nearly 30 years ago, and left behind only unaccompanied recordings. Blind since the age of 11, which is about when he pursued harmonica, though the North Mississippi blues scene isn’t usually synonymous with a harmonica, his version of delta blues proves just how effective it can be, especially in Reliford’s unrefined vision.

Travels well with: Hanging Tree Guitars- Hanging Tree Guitars; The Last Shall Be First- The JCR Records Story, Volume One

Noa Fort

Everyday Actions

ears & eyes, 2021

8/10

Listen to Everyday Actions

An Israeli born singer, pianist, composer and music therapist, Noa Fort brings Josh Deutsch’s trumpet, Dan Loomis’ bass and Ronen Itzik’s drumming to very abstract and artistic compositions that embrace minimalism in very creative ways on these 8 unpredictable tracks.

“Endless Tea Party” starts the listen with expressive singing that welcomes warm piano in a bare, pretty display of calm song craft, and “The Stories We Tell” follows with bright brass and playful drumming in the animated climate.

The middle tracks impress, too, where “Home Stretch” brings warm vocal scatting to a timeless jazz delivery of strong piano, while the title track recruits much atmosphere as a dreamy mood is cultivated in a very cautious manner. “Rovno”, a particularly great tune, then showcases agile piano work that’s emotive and powerful in its flawless execution.

“Deeping” arrives near the end, and allows each instrument to shine with their respective strengths, and “Nature’s” exits the listen with a sublime poetic quality where Fort’s vocal gestures suit the proficient piano playing superbly.

In the area of free jazz and avant-garde sounds, Fort and company are certainly holding their own, and the manipulation of timbre, tone and emotion in Fort’s pipes make for a stunning 2nd album as bandleader.

Travels well with: Lauren Lee- Windowsill; Jeannine Otis- Into My Heart

Kool & The Gang

Perfect Union

Ru-Jac, 2021

8/10

Listen to Perfect Union

The legendary Kool & The Gang are back with their first album in a decade, and thankfully it retains all the hallmarks we’re used to from the Grammy winners, i.e. thriving funk, smooth R&B and some of the most infectious grooves you’ll hear anywhere.

“Pursuit Of Happiness” starts the listen with a warm, positive message as punchy percussion and soulful singing are met with no shortage of melody, and “The Weekend” follows with a playful energy that’s certainly dance friendly in its horn friendly climate.

Deeper into the listen, “High” radiates a timeless pop spirit that comes with a firm beat, while “All To Myself” brings us back to the ‘80s in all the best ways with its bouncy bass lines and driving pace of romanticism. “Hold On”, one of the album’s best, then makes great use of backing vocals amid the dreamy setting and inspirational wordplay.

Near to the end, the aptly titled “Good Time” showcases much rhythm with charming funk leanings, and the rap version of “Pursuit Of Happiness” exits the listen with a frisky variation of the first track that also brings soul and R&B to the equation.

An outfit who will always be known for their ‘80s smash “Celebration”, and who are still sorting through the recent passing of Kool’s brother, Ronald Khalis Bell, who produced the album and penned “Pursuit Of Happiness”, Kool & The Gang again prove that they can work through any hardship to keep their legacy of dynamic and thoughtful, festive songwriting alive.

Travels well with: Dumpstaphunk- Where Do We Go From Here; Pimps Of Joytime- Jukestone Paradise

The Cold Stares

Heavy Shoes

Mascot, 2021

8/10

Listen to Heavy Shoes

Chris Tapp and Brian Mullins, i.e. The Cold Stares, know their way around a diverse and animated rock’n’roll tune, and here they bring us a dozen layered and rich tracks that lyrically touch on weighty topics amid their rowdy and dirty brand of song craft.

The title track starts the listen with a thick and buzzing display of gritty yet melodic blues rock, and “40 Dead Men” follows with an initially quicker pace of thumping rock that, near the end, enters sludgy territory with its dense booming.

In the middle, “In The Night Time” gets soulful with spirited guitar work alongside plenty of grooves, while “Strange Light” brings garage rock ideas to the swampy fuzz that’s raw but very tuneful. “It’s A Game”, one of the album’s best, then embraces current indie-rock ideas in its precise delivery that makes an indelible impression.

Near the end, “You Wanted Love” recruits some classic rock nods in the energetic landscape, and “Dust In My Hands” exits the listen with power and melody meeting at an exciting and memorable intersection.

Recorded partially in Memphis and finished up at their home studio in Indiana, there’s definitely a southern influence across the record, as the duo pen their heaviest record to date, and it’s one that will appeal to fans of plenty of variations of guitar rock.

Travels well with: Joe Bonamassa- Royal Tea; Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band- Straight To You Live

Sally Decker

in The Tender Dream

NNA, 2021

8/10

Listen to In The Tender Dream

Her first record under her own name, the multi-talented artist Sally Decker manipulates sound with a very precise control and in unpredictable ways that spread out over 8 tracks of highly experimental song craft.

Decker starts the listen with the erratic and creative electronica of “The Other Side”, that’s ominous, sci-fi friendly and ambient, and “All Possible Realities” follows with a dense buzzing amid darker textures.

Further down the line, “Abode” enters dreamy territory that drones with a warm delivery, while “In The Tender Dream” recruits a minimal quality that benefits from glitchy moments and strategic hiss. “Affirmation” then brings Briana Marela in on vocals for an effective repetition in its echoing sparseness.

Arriving near the end, the album highlight, “Endlessly”, offers cosmic intimacy that’s as charming as it is mysterious, and “Seen” exits the listen with a thick execution of noisey feedback run through a filter of imaginative songwriting.

An album that was birthed when Decker moved to Oakland, her own personal growth aligned with her artistic growth, and it results in a very unique and alluring brand of electronic exploration that you’re not going to find anywhere else.

Travels well with: Alice Cohen & The Channel 14 Weather Team- Artificial Fairytales; Jorma Tapio & Kaski- Aliseen

Lauren Lee

Windowsill

ears & eyes, 2019

8/10

Listen to Windowsill

A composer, vocalist and pianist, the New York City artist Lauren Lee aligns herself with Brad Mulholland, Marcos Varela and Andy O’Neill on this timeless jazz flavored debut album.

The title track starts the listen with Lee’s sublime vocal scatting, as her warm keys are complemented by Mulholland’s soulful sax and O’Neill’s precise drumming, and “X-Berg” follows with fascinating vocal acrobatics as Varela’s carefully plucked bass adds much atmosphere to the creative climate.

Halfway through, “Peaks And Valleys” brings Mulholland in on flute as the dreamy mood unfolds with cautiousness, while “Tomorrow Is Coming” explores a nearly prog-like delivery that pairs melodic singing with a sonically adventurous landscape.

The final two tracks, “Aback” and “She Who Journeys”, are equally unique, where the former nearly redefines free jazz in Lee’s inimitable vision, and the latter exits with frisky scatting amid strategic brass and agile drumming that is layered superbly.

Lee is armed with a captivating set of pipes that are entirely unpredictable and often serve to accent her piano playing, while other times providing texture to the musicianship, and each track here takes on its own distinct journey that you’ll be glad you were able to experience.

Travels well with: Jeannine Otis- Into My Heart; Diane Moser- Birdsongs

The Hobbs Sisters

Turn It Up

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Turn It Up

The Pennsylvania twins Hannah and Lauren Hobbs make quite an impression with this debut album, where their skilled singing and genuine songwriting sounds right at home in Nashville across these 10 very relatable songs.

The title track starts the listen with gritty guitar from Nate Dugger as the sisters guide the playful country rock with their smooth, expressive singing, and “Never Find Another” follows with warm acoustic guitar as the pair bring folk influences to a cautious landscape of rural beauty.

At the midpoint, “Mistakes Like You” is not short on melody in the country flavored strummer, while “Don’t Know What Is” is one of the calmest tunes present, and displays a timelessness with some of the best singing alongside proficient drumming from Ben Jackson. “Summer On A Slow Burn” then recruits a dreamy appeal amid emotive singing as the duo showcase their diverse pipes.

Approaching the end, “What If It Was” brings plenty of pop ideas into the country template, where the sisters harmonize superbly, and “Grown Up Things” exits the listen with a poetic, reflective quality that’s heartfelt, sincere, and quite memorable.

The siblings are quickly turning heads wherever they go, and have played some high profile shows already. A strong debut album, if Lauren and Hannah Hobbs become the next superstars in the country-pop scene, well, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit.

Travels well with: Alyssa Trahan- Baby Blues & Stilettos; Southern Halo- Just Like In The Movies

Wayne Alpern

Frankenstein

Henri Elkan, 2021

8/10

Listen to Frankenstein

Wayne Alpern sure is prolific, and here the composer and arranger returns with David Mann on reeds, John Patitucci on bass and Clint DeGanon behind the drum kit, as well as many guests, as they interpret a wide selection of very well known tunes.

“You’ve Got A Friend” starts the listen with a strong brass presence from Brad Mason’s trumpet and Mike Boscarino’s trombone, as Andy Ezrin lends his keys on the busy, precise opener that injects soundbites from President Obama, and “Thinking Out Loud” follows with a modern jazz spirit in the Ed Sheeran tune that benefits much from Patitucci’s skilled bass.

Closer to the middle, “Send In The Clowns” displays soulful horns amid the calm, reflective climate, while “Cantaloupe Island” puts a very playful spin on the Herbie Hancock original that’s quite animated and flows with a bright, timeless delivery. “Dancing In The Street”, one of the record’s best, then recruits Tatum Greenblatt on trumpet for the festivities that flirt with funk.

Further yet, “More Than Yesterday” glides with agile drumming by DeGanon, where the players emit much melody, and “Gimme Some Lovin’” exits the listen with Kevin Ramessar on guitar and Mike Davis on trombone in the muscular jazz finish that does Steve Winwood proud.

Much like everything Alpern does, we’re treated to both adventurous moments as well as subdued bouts, and his careful attention to even the most minor details of each song won’t go unnoticed. Though we’ve all heard these songs before, Alpern’s vision guarantees that they’ve never sounded like this, and we’re all better off for it.

Travels well with: Billy Test Trio- Coming Down Roses; 2B3- Jimi

Chris Standring

Wonderful World

Ultimate Vibe, 2021

8/10

Listen to Wonderful World

The guitarist, composer and arranger Chris Standring has enjoyed a career that includes 13 Billboard Top 10 singles and 6 singles that hit #1, as well as being praised worldwide. On this 14th album as leader, he steps aside from songwriting and primarily interprets classics from the Great American Songbook, and he’s got an all star cast with him for the ride.

“How Insensitive” starts the listen with Standring’s eloquent and soothing guitar alongside David Karasony’s calm drumming and Geoff Gascoyne’s strategic bass in the light jazz climate, and “Night & Day” follows with Peter Erskine behind the drum kit and Chuck Berghofer holding down bass in the soulful and dreamy delivery.

Deeper into the listen, “What A Wonderful World” brings Kathrin Shorr’s stunning pipes to a lovely rendition of the classic, while “Green Dolphin Street” possesses no shortage of melody as Standring works superbly with Harvey Mason’s drumming and Darek Oles’ bass. “Falling In Love With Love” then benefits much from the orchestral arrangements alongside Berghofer’s charming bass and Erskine’s clever drumming.

Further still, “Sunrise” recruits Randy Beecker’s flugelhorn as a cozy groove is cultivated, and “My Foolish Heart” exits the listen with a cinematic quality where Standring’s intricate guitar work is on full display.

Standring and company retain the timeless spirit of these tunes while effectively putting a fresh coat of paint on them with a contemporary approach, and it’s an experience that comes with a 19 piece orchestra to complement the intimate and lush textures.

Travels well with: The Chris Saunders Band- Dancing With The Widow St. James; Eric Goletz- Into The Night

Kenny Shanker

Beautiful Things

Wise Cat, 2021

8/10

Listen to Beautiful Things

A saxophonist, pianist, vocalist and esteemed composer, Kenny Shanker brings Bill Mobley, Daisuke Abe, Mike Eckroth, Yoshi Waki and Brian Fishler to these diverse originals and standards that illuminate the bebop, classical and melodic jazz mood.

“Cool Mint” gets things off to a warm start, as crisp drumming and soulful sax guide the spirited original, and “Prestissimo” follows with a dizzying display of brass acrobatics, where Mobley’s strong trumpet prowess adds much to the busy climate.

In the middle, “L’ Impossible” brings radiant beauty to the piano friendly and stylish landscape, while “Orange And Gray” glides with a timeless jazz quality where the keys, drums, trumpet and guitars blend together with much melody and poise. “I’m Old Fashioned”, one of the best tunes present, then benefits much from Waki’s bass work as the setting turns reflective.

Close the end, “In Walked Bud” shuffles quickly with a playful free jazz spirit that you can’t help but admire, and the title track exits the listen with a classical influence as Shanker’s incredible sax skills take focus.

This is Shanker’s 4th album, and it continues his firm attention to detail that still allows for adventurous moments amid the universally enjoyable jazz sensibilities that certainly does the covers proud, and is full of top notch originals, too.

Travels well with: Billy Test Trio- Coming Down Roses; Max Highstein- Tiptoes

Pulsar Ensemble

Bizarre City

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Bizarre City

An Italian outfit spearheaded by Filippo Sala, this sophomore album from Pulsar Ensemble brings 5 multi-instrumentalists to a concept album about an imaginary city, as each track distinctly highlights the many talents of their psychedelia, post-rock and electronic formula.

“The Times Of The Mountains” starts the listen with punchy drumming, dreamy vibraphone and hypnotic guitar work as the quintet blend electronica and post-rock in a fascinating display, and “Timelapse” takes this lead into ambient territory, where buzzing synth, animated drumming and spacey electronics make for a busy, dizzying climate.

Halfway through, “Flipper” touches on post-punk in its firm delivery that welcomes shouted vocals, while “Clouds” floats calmly in a dreamy two minutes. “Waiting”, one of the album’s best, then builds into a dense and mysterious illustration of crashing drums, soulful brass and soaring alt-rock.

“Fine Final” and “Sensation_2” exit the listen, where the former offers whispered vocals amid a very playful and diverse set of instruments, and the latter nearly approaches jam band status and benefits from loud vocals and strong chemistry between the musicians.

There’s a whole lot going on in these songs, and it’s likely you’ll pick up on post-jazz, electro-pop and powerful rock, among other influences, as Sala and company produce a unique and infectious energy you won’t forget anytime soon.

Travels well with: Paar Linien- Paar Linien; you. Guru- Young Adult Fiction

Gregario

Nomads On Hold

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Nomads On Hold

A veteran player of the Luxemburgish DIY music scene, and who is well versed in indie-rock, electronica and post-rock, Gregario, i.e. David André, takes up piano on this classically influenced and stripped back EP.

“Menthol Issues” starts the listen with cascading keys as agile drumming from Paul Fox enters the jazz friendly setting, and “Manhunt” follows with a quick pace of dense keys that are complemented by Fox’s firm drumming as post-rock ideas unfold with precision and an adventurous spirit.

The middle tracks, “PolyStena” and “Volganic”, both illustrate André’s proficient piano skills that’s capable of swift, lush movement as well as calm and hypnotic, where a stirring mood is created.

The deeper tracks, “Just Another Sisyphos” and “Nomads On Hold”, are among the best, where the former offers a diverse, even mysterious landscape, and the latter finds plenty of mesmerizing melody in its flawless execution.

Nomads On Hold is a far cry from André’s work in Mount Stealth, and his exceptional minimalism and sonically warm song craft makes for a listen that’s worth revisiting often.

Travels well with: Gilles Poizat- Champignon Flamme; Selfless Orchestra- Great Barrier

Paul Dutton

Parallel Spark

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Parallel Spark

Also a member of Spirit Fox, the New Jersey native Paul Dutton’s first solo album brings us a retro rock listen that often touches on folk ideas in a lush setting where Dutton plays just about everything on the record.

“Walls Of Light” starts the listen with warm guitars and crisp drumming as Dutton’s smooth vocals guide the colorful, textured climate, and this expressive formula continues to the ambient and dreamy “Parallel Spark”, as well as the hazy, warbly “Long Lasting”, which transitions into a firm and driving rocker.

The middle tracks, “Pantheon” and “Bitter Hellish Truth”, continue the strong attention to detail, where some of the best singing highlights the melodies of the former, while the latter buzzes slowly with power, grit and harmonies.

At the end, “Collective” recruits psyche-folk nods amid the intricate guitars and light singing, and “Twelve Years” finishes the listen with a throwback quality to the acoustic and electric guitars that weave in and out of each other with fluidity.

Dutton recently relocated back to East Coast after spending a decade in California, and he brings influences from both coasts to this very well executed and precisely produced effort that will appeal to fans of guitar music from the ‘70s on.

Travels well with: Other Houses- Twins Who Fence; Beingmoved- Smiles And Bigger Hearts

Billy Test Trio

Coming Down Roses

ATM, 2021

8/10

Listen to Coming Down Roses

The Pennsylvania musician, arranger and educator Billy Test is in the company of Evan Gregor on bass and Ian Froman behind the drum kit here, as the trio offer both originals and covers with much attention to detail.

“All Of You” starts the listen with the trio interacting in playful, pretty ways that do justice to the Cole Porter tune, and “Spinning” follows with Test’s warm keys complementing the precise drumming from Froman in the gentle original.

Halfway through, “Hardly” moves with a swift pace of playful jazz that includes a fascinating drum solo, while “Empty Spaces” moves cautiously, where Test’s heartfelt approach pays tribute to his deceased father. The title track then showcases dynamic chemistry between the three, where each take their turns soloing with vast skill.

Moving towards the end, “Mother’s Day With Freud” glides with a bouncy, upbeat feel as the original explores the trio’s wild side, and “Belonging” exits the listen with sublime intimacy, as the mature piano and slow burning finish concludes the listen entirely too soon.

Test is also a member of Germany’s Grammy Winning WDR Big Band, and this debut as leader showcases his strong songwriting skill and timeless vision that should gain the young pianist many new fans.

Travels well with: Dave Stryker with the WDR Big Band and Bob Mintzer- Blue Soul; 2B3- Jimi

Cruzados

She’s Automatic

Scamco, 2021

9/10

Listen to She’s Automatic

The Los Angeles rockers Cruzados return after a 30 year hiatus, and founding member, songwriter and bassist Tony Marsico is in excellent company that includes members of Little Caesar, as well as guests John Doe (X), Dave Alvin (The Blasters), David Hildalgo and Steven Berlin (Los Lobos) and Melanie Vannem (The Muffs), who accompany him across 11 rock’n’roll gems.

“On The Tilt A Whirl” starts the listen and makes an immediate impression with thumping drums, spirited guitars and smooth yet gritty singing, and “Across This Ghost Town” follows with a rugged rocker that’s got plenty of crunchy melodies and strategic backing vocals.

In the middle, “Son Of The Blues” certainly brings some bluesy spirit amid a soulfulness that’s quite powerful, while “Sad Sadie” recruits acoustic guitar and some intimacy in the Americana influenced climate. “Long Black Car”, one of the album’s best, then finds plenty of rhythm and groove in its playful nature that showcases a tremendous amount of skill between the musicians.

Approaching the end, “54 Knockouts” benefits from brass and keys in its bouncy and driving pace, and the rowdy “Rock That Boat” exits with frisky harmonica and a fiery rhythm section guiding the sturdy rocker.

The core of the tunes here were recorded live, with the guests sometimes doing their portions at home, as Marsico and company cover everything from country to punk. A band who were criminally under appreciated during their most active point, Marsico does the Cruzados legacy proud with this 3rd album that tips it hat to the spirit of original members Marshall Rohner and Chalo Quintana, who passed away in 2005 and 2018.

Travels well with: The Rubinoos- The CBS Tapes; The Krayolas- Savage Young Krayolas

Purgatory Line

Purgatory Line

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Purgatory Line

The debut album from this midwest outfit, Purgatory Line, i.e. Dave McAnally and Matt Kettman, are well versed in hard hitting sounds, and the lyrical themes of universal struggles aligns superbly with the well thought out instrumentation.

“Welcome To The Show” starts the listen with an abrasive yet very tuneful version of hard rock where swirling guitars and pounding drums are met with ominous singing, and “Yield” continues the intensity with a fierce thumping alongside some firm grunge nods.

At the halfway point, “The Bottom” enters initially calmer territory before bursting into metallic chugging amid layered vocals, while “Rock ‘n Roll Ain’t Free” recruits acoustic guitar for some diversity, as thicker layers of busy alt-rock come and go in the anthemic climate.

The final two tracks retain the strong songwriting of the entire album, where “All The Way In The Dark” stays gentle with warm acoustic guitar and a playful singer-songwriter feel, and “Realize In The End” finishes with a loud, rumbling display of power and melody meeting at a throbbing but tuneful intersection.

McAnally and Kettman were both players in the late ‘90s Iowa metal scene, and came together during the pandemic to work on these tunes in isolation. Certainly indebted to the ‘90s, Purgatory Line would fit in well with the sounds of Seattle in the early ‘90s, classic metal from the late ‘80s and even modern day alt-rock, as the pair bring a wealth of talent and experience to a bristling, memorable first record.

Travels well with: Rezet- Deal With It: Final Breath- Of Death And Sin

Malcolm Holcombe

Tricks Of The Trade

Need To Know, 2021

9/10

Listen to Tricks Of The Trade

A veteran musician who’s been quite prolific in recent years, Malcolm Holcombe possesses a wise, weathered voice that has plenty of stories to tell, and along with longtime band members Dave Roe and Jared Tyler, among other guests, he delivers 13 tunes very much indebted to his mountainous heritage.

“Money Train” gets the album off to a gritty start as Holcombe’s gravelly vocals flow alongside bluesy guitars and light drumming, and “Misery Loves Company” follows with warm acoustic guitar and a more folk oriented approach that’s still rugged, but also quite melodic in a rural sort of way.

Further into the listen, “Your Kin” balances fluid strumming and vivid storytelling that’s got some bite to its breezy climate, while “Damn Rainy Day” recruits a soulful quality amid the firm southern spirit. “On Tennessee Land”, the album’s best, then displays intricate guitar picking amid proficient drumming as a charming energy unfolds with much beauty.

The title track lands near the end and pairs pretty music with Holcombe’s ragged yet tuneful rasp, and “Shaky Ground” exits the listen with a poetic and genuine illustration of Holcombe’s timeless formula.

Holcombe is no stranger to blues, country, folk, bluegrass, gospel and rock’n’roll, and all those ideas together with backing vocals from Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris make for a listen that’s all substance, comes straight from the heart and leaves an indelible impression.

Travels well with: Jack Grace Band- What A Way To Spend A Night; Garrett Wieland- What Keeps The Heart Afloat

Porterfield

Rome

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Rome

Coming off a well received EP in 2018, the very unique outfit Porterfield brings Jacob Aviner (vocals, piano, guitar), Jared Yee (tenor sax, fx), JP Goldman (MOOG bass), and Raphael Lehnan (drums) to 11 tracks that are difficult to categorize, but easy to enjoy.

“Intro” starts the listen with much atmosphere, as soft brass and distant drumming are complemented by the hazy approach, and this segues into the dreamy “Always”, where Aviner’s expressive singing is met with gentle guitar, soulful sax and a very stylish delivery.

The middle tracks bring us the calm, soothing “Christine”, which benefits from sparing trombone, while “Willow Tree” makes good use of flute in its harmonic and breezy climate. “Amber”, the album standout, then uses hypnotic guitar work amid a precisely textured display of indie-rock ideas and jazz undertones that highlights violin and viola, too.

Near the end, the warm piano of “Cold Sun” offers a quick instrumental of mature and emotive songwriting, and “Paul” exits with some of the best drumming present alongside playful horns and a creative vision that’s complete with a clarinet.

It’s quite apparent that much work into this debut album that spanned 5 years to make and reeled in 30-ish collaborators, and it makes for a listening experience that’s rock, pop, indie, jazz, orchestral and electronica all meshed into one exciting formula.

Travels well with: Dave Shelton Trio With Beth Kuhn- Drift; Dennis Mitcheltree- Nevermind The Circus

Ana Egge

Is It The Kiss

Storysound, 2019

8/10

Listen to Is It The Kiss

The Brooklyn resident Ana Egge has been at it for over 20 years now, releasing one impressive album after another of her thoughtful, unpredictable, folk-influenced song craft.

Coming off her alluring 2018 LP White Tiger, Is It The Kiss continues Egge’s thriving art with Buck Meek, Alex Hargreaves and Matt Davidson lending a hand on guitar, fiddle and pedal steel.

“Cocaine Cowboys” starts the listen with gentle acoustic strumming and Egge’s soft, expressive vocals on the indie-folk gem that hints at honky tonk, and “What Could Be” follows with a percussively strong and fuzzy instrumentation as she finds a soulful place to reside.

Further along, “Hurt A Little” brings a raw edge to Egge’s singer-songwriter prowess with sturdy rhythm, while “Teacake And Janey” is a bare and pretty moment where orchestral nods and playful sounds make this one of the album’ best.

Near the end, “Rise Above” is a lyrically strong and musically jangly affair, and “Stay The Night” recruits woodwind instruments and horns on the multifaceted approach. “Chasing Rabbits In The Sun” ends the listen soft and agile, where pedal steel and trumpet add much to the atmosphere.

A powerful yet also vulnerable 11th album, is it The Kiss has Egge sounding older, wiser and more soulful than ever, as her creativity and delivery are more admirable than ever, too.

Travels well with: Buck Meek- Buck Meek; Twain- Rare Feeling