Chuck Wagon Gang

Radio Days

Mountain Home, 2021

8/10

Listen to Radio Days

An outfit whose origins go way back to the 1930’s, though the members of Chuck Wagon Gang have come and gone, what has remained the same is the the band’s meshing of country and gospel in their sacred and old fashioned formula.

“Two Gardens” starts the listen with gorgeous vocal harmonies in a calm, warm setting of timeless gospel song craft, and “The Record Book” follows with sublime, expressive singing that runs parallel to the spiritual angle of the album opener.

Further along, “Holy Be Thy Great Name” layers the many vocals with much charm in its flawless execution, while “Somebody Called My Name” gets playful as the male baritone vocals make an impression amid the retro climate. “Take Me Back To Col-Ler-Rad-Da Fer To Stay”, a tune that deviates from gospel and one of the album’s best, lands where country and western ideas meet, and do so with much agility.

Near the end, “I’ve Changed My Mind” moves swiftly with religious wordplay that is heartfelt and genuine, and “I’ve Just Seen The Rock Of Ages” exits the listen with the band’s inimitable stamp on the classic tune that is filtered through their vintage sensibilities.

Today’s version of the Chuck Wagon Gang includes Melissa Kemper, Josh Garner, Darrell Morris, Scott Owenby, Penny Shelnut, Justin Owens, and Shay Smith, and they certainly are keeping the time honored tradition of this institution alive and well with these new recordings and selections from the 1940’s and 1950’s.

Travels well with: Lonesome River Band- Singing Up There: A Tribute To The Easter Brothers; The Alex Leach Band- I’m The Happiest When I’m Moving

Lonesome River Band

Singing Up There: A Tribute To The Easter Brothers

Mountain Home, 2021

8/10

Listen to Singing Up There: A Tribute To The Easter Brothers

Am outfit for nearly 40 years now, the Lonesome River Band have remained leaders in the area of bluegrass sounds, and here they tip their hat to The Easter Brothers, whose gospel meets bluegrass ways are preserved across these timeless songs.

“Little At A Time” gets the listen off to a harmonic and string friendly start as the flowing banjo complements the soaring group vocals, and “I’m On The Last Mile” follows with a slower but no less impactful approach that benefits much from Barry Reed’s upright bass.

Halfway through, “I’ll Be Singing Up There” offers a gospel influenced album highlight that’s powerful and melodic in its spiritual climate, while “Lord I’m Just A Branch” recruits a calmer atmosphere of sublime singing amid precise strings. “Every Minute Means A Mile”, another standout track, then flows with a dynamic bluegrass appeal that sounds as great today as it did when the song was originally penned.

At the end, “I’ll Be Gone Gone Gone” illustrates much vocal diversity and beauty in the rural spirit, and “Almost Home” exits the listen swift, memorable and with divine chemistry between the esteemed players on hand.

Some of these songs date back several decades, but they are certainly still very relevant and sound right at home in today’s version of bluegrass, as Lonesome River Band prove they show no signs of slowing down the quality of their work.

Travels well with: Various Artists- Masters Of Slide: Spider Sessions; The Alex Leach Band- I’m Happiest When I’m Moving

Matt Magerkurth

Amends

People Places, 2021

8/10

Listen to Amends

The cellist and composer Matt Magerkurth delivers this debut solo album, where he graces us with a healthy amount of his cello skills as Scott Bell’s layered effects give the listen a diverse range that’s intimate and also very full at times.

Magerkurth starts the listen with the bare, atmospheric “Everything Rises”, where his cello quivers with a stirring, artistic quality, and this exciting approach continues to the skilled string manipulation of “Vicious Cycles”, as well as the hazy, precise mood of “Red Dirt”.

The back half of the listen offers us the 8+ minutes of “Return To Dust”, where an exploratory version of classical sounds are both flowing and sparse in Magerkurth’s inimitable vision, while “The Color Of Distance” finds a cinematic place to reside with low moments of mystery. “Glass Stains” exits the listen, and shifts from delicate to firm as the cello acrobatics are so meticulous, it hardly seems like there’s just one present.

Magerkurth’s textural formula has been strengthened due to his time in the Tulsa music scene, and his chronic wrist injury has altered his playing methods to yield a distinct sound. Certainly worth a listen for those with an ear for cello music, Amends embraces classical, orchestral and chamber ideas with much fluidity across a very strong first record.

Travels well with: Various Artists- Fleeting Realms: Chamber Works, Vol. 2; Anne Neikirk- Spring Shadows

Jackson Browne

Downhill From Everywhere

Inside, 2021

9/10

Listen to Downhill From Everywhere

Now in his 70’s, Jackson Browne shows no signs of slowing down, and this 15th studio album has the legendary troubadour addressing political and social issues alongside an esteemed band.

Browne starts the listen with the cozy and warm “Still Looking For Something”, where his inimitable singing sounds as great as ever next to the spirited guitar work from Val McCallum and Maurico Lewak’s precise drumming, and “My Cleveland Heart” follows with plenty of breezy melodies populating Browne’s signature soft rock that even gets a bit rootsy.

Deeper into the listen, “A Human Touch” recruits pedal steel from Greg Leisz and Leslie Mendelson’s stirring pipes for the expressive balladry, while “Love Is Love” benefits from Jeff Young’s Hammond organ and soulful backing vocals thanks to Alethea Mills and Chavonne Stewart, as Browne finds a breezy place to reside.

Further yet, “The Dreamer” brings singing in Spanish to the cultured atmosphere where Roberto Glaub’s playful bass and Browne’s vihuela guitar make an impression, and “A Song For Barcelona” exits the listen with no shortage of Latin nods amid the rhythmic, melodic and busy finish that strategically uses several guitars, palmas, keys and drums.

Few people will ever have a 5 decade catalog as luminous as Browne’s, and his poetic, humanitarian focused song craft is more important than ever during these turbulent times. Even though he recognizes he’s nearing the end of his existence, he continues to gift us his extraordinary talents.

Travels well with: Laura Nyro- Tree Of Ages; John Hiatt And The Jerry Douglas Band- Leftover Feelings

Bob Gorry

GoBruCcio

NHIC, 2021

8/10

Listen to GoBruCcio

The guitarist Bob Gorry is in the company of bassist Pete Brunelli and drummer Peter Riccio across these 5 exciting and unpredictable tunes that are soaked in jazz ideas, but certainly not limited to one specific genre.

“Safecracker” starts with 10+ minutes of the trio interacting with no shortage of grooves as Gorry’s strong guitar work is especially bright during the adventurous and dynamic improvisation that alternates between busy and calm, and “Always Somewhere” continues the exploration, where Brunelli’s skilled bass work won’t go unnoticed.

Halfway through, “Magic City Madness” flirts with bop qualities amid Riccio’s fascinating drumming, while “Javelina” recruits a playful rhythm where on the surface it may seem like everyone is playing a different song, but upon further inspection it’s a strategic interplay of free jazz creativity. “Papillon” exits the listen, and touches on balladry in its prog-rock and even bluesy moments of timeless song craft.

Brunelli and Riccio have been friends since childhood, and they both have lengthy and esteemed careers in music, and Gorry’s experiences collaborating with many improvisers make for a unique and memorable display of free jazz bouts and calculated spontaneity that warrants repeated listens.

Travels well with: Kendall Carter- Introducing Kendall Carter; Dave Stryker- Baker’s Circle

Various Artists

Amerikinda: 20 Years Of Dualtone

Dualtone, 2021

9/10

Listen to Amerikinda: 20 Years Of Dualtone

The Dualtone label is celebrating two decades of fantastic music with this compilation of some of the best on their roster- past and present- and in a very charming theme the artists cover each other’s songs.

Wild Child starts the listen with the gentle, acoustic guitar fueled “My Favorite Picture Of You” (Guy Clark), where expressive, soft vocals guide the timeless folk opener, and Mt. Joy’s “Ain’t No Reason” follows with a raw yet melodic display of poetic, acoustic songwriting in the Brett Dennen original.

Further on, the always impressive The Lumineers offer us the bare and eloquent “Caves”, where dual gender vocals interact with much beauty as they tip their hat to Gregory Alan Isakov, while Langhorne Slim covers a Lumineers tune as his inimitable brand of grit and warmth that does “Stubborn Love” justice. Drew Holcomb, a personal favorite, then brings Elle Holcomb with for a pretty, fluid acoustic rocker that has the pair harmonizing superbly on “Keep On The Sunny Side”, a June Carter Cash tune.

Near to the end, Shovels & Rope deliver a Shakey Graves cover (who is also present on the album), where elegant keys and much soul enter the emotive climate of “Dearly Departed”, and Radney Foster’s “Riding With Private Malone” bounces with a country spirit that’s got plenty of smooth singing as he goes back to 2001 for the David Ball song.

Few independent labels will exist as long as Dualtone and even fewer will be home to so much great music. From household names like June Carter Cash to relatively obscure but no less talented bands like The Lone Bellow, if you happen to be unfamiliar with the label’s releases, this is an excellent starting point if you’re at all interested in folk, Americana and indie-rock.

Travels well with: Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors- Good Light; Shakey Graves- Can’t Wake Up

Dr. Mike Bogle

Let There Be Light

MBP/Groove!, 2021

8/10

Listen to Let There Be Light

A multi-instrumentalist, composer and educator, Dr. Mike Bogle is in the company of Buddy Mohmed on bass, Harrell Bosarge behind the drum kit, Andy Barrus taking up steel pan/percussion and Dana Sudborough navigating vibraphone, as they flesh out plenty of grooves across these 6 contagious tunes.

“Voyager’s Dream” starts the listen with hypnotic keys as frisky drumming enters the groove filled climate that brings plenty of Latin flavor to the equation, and the title track follows with much atmosphere as Bogle’s wordless vocals add much character to the bass and vibraphone solos.

In the middle, “Eat Your Vitamins” brings Bogle’s trombone prowess to the funk flavored and stylish landscape, while “Positano” showcases some of the best piano work amid dreamy vibraphone that you won’t forget anytime soon.

“The Chicken” lands near the end and illustrates incredible bass playing alongside steel pan and a dynamic, busy execution, and an alternate take of “Let There Be Light” exits the listen with an instrumental that again reminds us of just how much talent is present.

Bogle has enjoyed an exceptional career both in collaborations and his own work, and this installment with an exceptional rhythm section proves to be one of his best, which is no easy feat considering his work up to this point.

Travels well with: Dave Miller Trio- The Mask-erade Is Over; Schapiro 17- Human Qualities

Grace Womack

Yellow Cowboy Hat

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Yellow Cowboy Hat

An Austin and Nashville based singer-songwriter, Grace Womack floats around pop territory, but also welcomes R&B and blues, among other genres, to her melodic and harmonic song craft that might bring to mind Lake Street Dive or Sara Bareilles on this 6 track EP.

“Pity The Fool” starts the listen with graceful keys paired with Womack’s soulful pipes, as drums and guitar enter the pop-rock friendly climate, and “Friendship” follows with bright piano where Womack injects infectious melodies into the lush and soaring climate.

The middle tracks bring us the soft and emotive “Oblivion”, where much intimacy unfolds with a poetic touch, while the title track bounces with a playful, dance friendly display that welcomes frisky brass.

Further still, “Miss Tennessee” enters darker territory, where Womack’s vivid storytelling unfolds with a subtle rootsy quality, and “How We Met” exits the listen emitting a rhythmic swagger that showcases smooth, versatile singing.

A performer since the age of 9, Womack makes quite an impression on this debut EP, which is all substance and no flash as she pens heartfelt, genuine songs that aren’t afraid to get your body moving or just might make you want to mull things over to her timeless, thoughtful stories.

Travels well with: Dana Sipos- The Astral Plane; Angela Autumn- Frontiers Woman

The Murlocs

Bittersweet Demons

ATO, 2021

8/10

Listen to Bittersweet Demons

The Australian rockers The Murlocs return for a 5th album, and this time they experiment with their formula while still retaining their signature garage-rock foundation which now flirts with pop, blues, punk and psychedelia with fascinating results.

“Francesca” gets the album off to a lively start, where their rowdy yet precise brand of garage sounds swirls with melody and grit that tips it hat to the ‘80s, and “Dangerous Nature” follows with a warm and playful spirit that benefits from soulful harmonica and dense guitar work thanks to Callum Shortal.

Closer to the middle, “Illuminate The Shade” thumps with an anthemic quality that’s fuzzy and drenched in tuneful rock’n’roll, while “Skyrocket” recruits firm piano from Tim Karmouche and agile drumming thanks to Matt Blach for a blues friendly album highlight that’s quite introspective. “Skewiff”, another excellent track, then initially trims the pace and volume back with a more cautious approach, but then builds into a textured and psyche influenced landscape.

Landing near the end, the meticulous “Blue Eyed Runner” offers a diverse form of garage-rock that’s certainly indebted to the past while still sounding quite modern, and “Misinterpreted” exits the listen with no shortage of beauty in its sunny and glorious finish.

The most emotional record in their catalog so far, these songs were laid out on piano first before being brought to life in a full band setting, and they illustrate The Murlocs much wiser, in control of their destiny and making some of the most diverse music of their career.

Travels well with: Acid Dad- Acid Dad; Post Animal- When I Think Of You In A Castle

Brad Byrd

Where Were You When The World Stopped?

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Where Were You When The Wold Stopped?

A Los Angeles artist who’s well versed in pop-rock, psyche-rock and even country/folk ideas, these 5 tunes from Brad Byrd are nothing if not heartfelt, as he pays much attention to detail while in the company of Taylor Kropp (guitar), Daniel Rhine (bass), and Dan Joeright (percussion), among others.

Byrd starts the listen with the reflective and warm title track, where his dreamy singing aligns with the light atmosphere that uses synth and steel guitar effectively, and the punchy drumming of “The Bright Lights (Fade Away)” follows with a crunchy indie-rock climate that’s both gritty and melodic.

The middle spot is occupied by the swift and busy “When You Need Me”, where Jadea Kelly’s backing vocals add much to the introspective mood, while “Just Make Me Ok” enters folk territory with strategic keys from Jerry Borge interacting sublimely with the steel guitar. “Chasing Down The Sun” exits the listen and displays strong acoustic guitar and sparing harmonica as a poetic finish puts a firm exclamation point on Byrd’s timeless vision.

Somewhat of a nomad who has lived all over the country, Byrd brings diverse influences from a very imaginative mind, and he’s racked up many songs in film and TV, as well as plenty of soulful, cinematic and intimate records, and this one in particular deserves plenty of attention.

Travels well with: Grant-Lee Phillips- Lightning, Show Us Your Stuff; Joe Bourdet- Meadow Rock

Lauren Lee

Queen Of Cups

ears & eyes, 2021

8/10

Listen to Queen Of Cups

The vocalist, composer and pianist Lauren Lee made me a fan with 2019’s Windowsill, and this 3rd album as leader again impresses with her inimitable version of modern jazz in a solo environment.

“Cogitation” starts the listen with elegant piano alongside Lee’s warm scatting that brings an expressive and timeless jazz atmosphere, and this formula continues to the vocally layered and playful “Up In The Air”, as well as the frisky vocal acrobatics of the quirky “Mad House”.

The middle tracks offer us the sublime beauty and melodic landscape of “Another Reality”, while “Unity Village” flows with intricate keys and inviting singing that aligns with much harmony in the Pat Methany tune.

Moving deeper, “Boxes”, the best tune present, offers vivid storytelling amid a dreamy atmosphere, and “Cocoon” exits the listen with an intimate spirit as Lee showcases a haunting angle to her varied song craft.

An album that’s both bare and rich and never short on imagination, though several of the tracks were penned prior to the pandemic, many of them were penned during the height of Covid in 2020, and were placed under a microscope as Lee dissected them to the nth degree. A truly unique jazz experience, Queen Of Cups is an excellent starting point for those who want to familiarize themselves with this talented woman.

Travels well with: Diane Moser- Birdsongs; Anne Neikirk- Spring Shadows

Yola

Stand For Myself

Easy Eye Sound, 2021

9/10

Listen to Stand For Myself

The English sensation Yola is back with a sophomore album, and her healthy pipes are certainly in fine form across a dozen diverse and substantial tracks that illustrate her politics, life experiences and sentimental side with much power and precision.

“Barely Alive” starts the listen with Yola’s flawless and smooth pipes guiding the R&B flavored climate that takes help from Aaron Frazer on drums and Tom Bukovac on electric guitar, and “Dancing Away In Tears” follows with some firm pop ideas embedded in the dreamy delivery.

Moving on, “Great Divide” trims the pace back with sublime balladry where Yola’s stunning pipes are spotlighted alongside soothing backing vocals, while “If I Had To Do It Again” enters darker territory in its stylish and retro landscape. “Whatever You Want”, the album’s best, then puts an Americana spin on Yola’s delivery as the timeless Nashville influence is present.

Further still, the rowdy “Break The Bough” illustrates an amazing vocal range as the lively energy will get your body moving, and the title track exits the listen with some very modern sounds amid her funk filled talent that again proves just why she’s been worthy of 4 Grammy nominations already.

Plenty of people possess a great voice and can sing. However, few will ever come near the greatness Yola achieves with her instrument, and with guests like Dan Auerbach and Brandi Carlile, among many others, it’s quite likely that Stand For Myself will see just as much, if not more, praise as her debut.

Travels well with: Lilly Hiatt- Walking Proof; Robert Finley- Sharecropper’s Son

John Hiatt With The Jerry Douglas Band

Leftover Feelings

New West, 2021

9/10

Listen to Leftover Feelings

Few artists will ever be as consistently great as John Hiatt, who, in the midst of a pandemic, hooked up with Grammy winning producer and musician Jerry Douglas and his band for an aptly titled album that was recorded in RCA’s famed Studio B.

“Long Black Electric Cadillac” starts the listen with a warm, bluesy spirit as Hiatt’s gritty pipes are met with Christian Sedelmyer’s agile violin playing, and “Mississippi Phone Booth” follows with a swampy southern flavor as raw singing and meticulous guitar playing draw us in immediately.

Towards the middle, “I’m In Asheville” brings much beauty to the lap steel friendly and poetic climate, while “Little Goodnight” bounces with a rugged yet pretty delivery where Carmella Ramsey’s smooth vocals complement the expressive album highlight that discusses the loss of Hiatt’s brother many decades ago. “Buddy Boy”, another strong track, then burns soulfully with Hiatt's gruff pipes emitting a sage like presence.

Deeper yet, “Keen Rambler” swaggers amid a timeless bluesy approach and no shortage of grooves, and “Sweet Dream” exits the listen showcasing a stirring, rootsy finish that looks back with much poise.

Now approaching 50 years of recorded music, Hiatt shows no signs of slowing down, and this live off the floor effort is made that much better thanks to the stunning dobro work from Douglas. Hiatt has played many styles of music in his vast career, and here he’s firmly planted in country-rock and bluegrass ideas that may leave out drums, but offers a wealth of intimate and diverse music that we will adore for decades to come.

Travels well with: Los Lobos- Native Sons; The Long Ryders- Psychedelic Country Soul

Riley Downing

Start It Over

New West, 2021

8/10

Listen to Start It Over

A vocalist and guitarist for the New Orleans outfit The Deslondes, Riley Downing’s debut solo album continues the diverse and genuine song craft of his full band, where a one off tune with John James Tourville, also of The Deslondes, for a split 7” led into the 12 track of Start It Over.

“I’m Not Ready” starts the listen with warm piano alongside Downing’s gruff pipes that are complemented by gospel backing vocals in the soulful folk formula, and “Deep Breath” follows with Downing’s acoustic guitar alongside Jimmy Lester’s agile drumming and Dennis Crouch’s well timed upright bass.

Further along, “Looking Forward” enters calmer territory that benefits from Billy Contreras on strings, fiddle and violin as a poetic quality enters the cautious songwriting, while “Never Coming Home” thumps a bit more forcefully amid Tourville’s strategic pedal steel and Downing’s rugged singing. “Won’t Somebody Play”, an album highlight, then gets dreamy, where Peter Keys displays his soothing vibraphone skills.

Deeper yet, Tourville’s banjo prowess and Derry DeBorja’s synth work complement the soaring backing vocals of the spiritual climate of “Crazy”, and “I’m Right There With You” exits the listen with much grace and emotion in the precisely textured mix of soul, gospel, folk and country ideas.

Though we would never want The Deslondes to not exist, let’s hope that Downing finds more time for solo work, too, as his blues, soul, R&B, bluegrass and soul formula is pieced together in charming, often romantic ways on this very well thought out listen.

Travels well with: Melissa Carper- Daddy’s Country Gold; Thomas Csorba- Thomas Csorba

Los Lobos

Native Sons

New West, 2021

8/10

Listen to Native Sons

The veteran and eclectic rockers Los Lobos pay tribute to their Los Angeles home with 13 tracks of covers that are run through their inimitable filter of rock’n’roll that has been consistently great and with the same line up since the ‘70s.

“Love Special Delivery” gets the listen off to an energetic start with acrobatic drumming from guests Aaron Ballesteros and Dannie Ramirez’s bright trombone as the band bring a loud, soulful rocker, and “Misery” follows with a calmer pace that welcomes Jason Lozano on drums and Barrence Whitfield’s strategic backing vocals.

Deeper into the listen, “Jamaica Say You Will” benefits from Phil Parlapiano’s precise keys in the breezy Jackson Browne tune, while “Never No More” shuffles with a contagious energy of bouncy bass lines, Steve Berlin’s sax prowess and a timeless rockabilly spirit. “Sail On Sailor”, one of the record’s best, then captures the spirit of California in the sunny and melodic Beach Boys cover.

The pace picks up considerably with the jumpy and busy retro rock’n’roll climate of “Flat Top Joint”, and “Where Lovers Go” exits the listen with a sublime instrumental that emits an exceptional dreaminess.

A collection of tunes that Los Lobos grew up listening to and that served to document the fertile Los Angeles scene, this isn’t the first time the band have released a covers record, and hopefully it won’t be the last, cause their Chicano rock, Tex Mex, and diverse variations of Americana make for interpretations that parallel the greatness of the originals.

Travels well with: Dave Alvin- From An Old Guitar: Rare And Unreleased Recordings; The Long Ryders- Psychedelic Country Soul

The Wallflowers

Exit Wounds

New West, 2021

9/10

Listen to Exit Wounds

If you’re like me, you can’t hear the name The Wallflowers without thinking about their mid ‘90s hit “One Headlight”, which propelled the band into international fame. An outfit spearheaded by Jakob Dylan and a rotating cast of musicians, though the ‘90s were good to The Wallflowers, they’ve done some great work since, too, and this first album in 9 years is further proof of that.

“Maybe Your Heart’s Not In It No More” starts the listen with warm acoustic strumming as Dylan’s gruff yet melodic vocals guide the bluesy Americana that welcomes backing vocals from Shelby Lynne, and “Roots And Wings” follows with a charming roots flavor as Dylan’s vivid storytelling is illuminated by the Mark Stepro’s fluid drumming and Whynot Jensveld’s precise bass work.

At the halfway point, “Darlin’ Hold On” burn slow with much emotion in the ballad climate where much beauty exists, while “Move The River” is a playful and cultured display of frisky drumming from Brian Griffin amid rugged and pretty moments that embraces grooves. “Wrong End Of The Spear” then has Dylan taking inspiration from his father in the folk friendly landscape that’s full of intimacy, too.

Closer to the end, “Who’s That Man Walking ‘Round My Garden” showcases a lively indie-rocker with firm keys and a bright chorus, and “The Daylight Between Us” exits the listen with a mid tempo gem that possesses both folk and blues in Dylan’s very capable hands.

The always impressive Butch Walker handles guitar, keyboards, percussion and backing vocals, and those contributions, along with the other esteemed help, make Exit Wounds another very well executed chapter of The Wallflowers story that is now 30+ years strong.

Travels well with: Butch Walker- Stay Gold; Fastball- Step Into Light

T. Hardy Morris

The Digital Age Of Rome

Normaltown, 2021

8/10

Listen to The Digital Age Of Rome

The always exceptional T. Hardy Morris had an albums worth of demos to flesh out in early 2020, but when the pandemic hit he had to rethink the entire process and ultimately started over to pen an album that reflects these uncomfortable times.

“DirtRocker” starts the listen with a hazy and melodic formula that brings country and lo-fi ideas into a very distinct southern glam approach, and “New New New… Next Next Next” follows with a warm folk quality entering the steel guitar bareness that also embraces pop sensibilities.

Halfway through, “Shopping Center Sunsets” brings twang to the dreamy climate that’s got a firm beat and much beauty, while “Down & Out”, one of the album highlights, puts a playful spin on indie-rock with smooth singing alongside dynamic musicianship from the many players present. “First World Problems”, another exceptional tune, then gets a bit more firm with strong drumming amid thicker guitars in an alt-rock flavored landscape.

Close to the end, “I Assure You (an ode)” presents strategic keys from the producer Adam Landry alongside the romantic atmosphere, and “Just Pretend Everything Is Fine” exits the listen with snappy, frisky garage rock influences that bounce playfully and memorably.

Morris brought in Brad Morgan (Drive-By Truckers), Faye Webster, and Shelly Colvin, among others, for the effort, and together it makes for his most personal and daring release to date, where he captures the mood of the unstable country with his inimitable brand of dream-pop.

Travels well with: Alex Chilton And Hi Rhythm Section- Boogie Shoes: Live On Beale Street; Acid Dad- Acid Dad

Mike Zito

Resurrection

Gulf Coast, 2021

9/10

Listen to Resurrection

The always exceptional Mike Zito is back again, and he’s got Doug Byrkit (bass), Lewis Stephens (keys), Zach Zito (acoustic guitar) and many others with him for a very personal album that mixes in some well done covers, too.

Zito starts the listen with the smooth and agile sounds of the flowing “I’ll Make Love To You”, where punchy drumming from Matthew Johnson and melodic guitar work suits his warm singing, and “Don’t Bring Me Down” follows with a rugged blues rocker that showcases Zito’s sturdy guitar work amid his soulful pipes.

Deeper into the listen, the calm “In My Blood” welcomes soothing backing vocals in the expressive climate, while “Presence Of The Lord” brings a soaring landscape of booming rock amid the gospel flavored delivery. “You Don’t Have Me”, the album stand out, then recruits a playful Americana spirit to the tuneful, dance floor ready rocker.

Landing near the end, the gritty “Evil” emits much muscle into a versatile blues template, and the title track exits the listen with much beauty as Zito and company finish with a heartfelt, emotive and even stirring finish.

It seems like every new Zito album becomes the current career highlight, and this one’s no exception. The sparing use of Eric Demmer’s saxophone and Fernando Castillo’s trumpet, as well as Lisa Andersen’s backing vocals, are an effective touch, and certainly help cement Resurrection as a blues masterpiece.

Travels well with: Sean Chambers- That’s What I’m Talkin About; Joe Bonamassa- Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From The Ryman

Sean Chambers

That’s What I’m Talkin About

Quarto Valley, 2021

9/10

Listen to That’s What I’m Talkin’ About

For his 8th album, the Florida bluesman Sean Chambers brings his inimitable guitar and singing prowess to a tribute listen to Hubert Sumlin, who was the guitarist for Howlin’ Wolf. Joining him for the occasion are Todd Cook, Andrei Koribanics and Rick Curran, and together there’s no shortage of soul, Americana and country nods to the robust blues flavor.

“Chunky” starts the listen with Chambers’ muscular guitar acrobatics alongside Koribanics’ proficient drumming and Curran’s strategic keys in the flowing blues climate, and “Do The Do” follows with rugged yet tuneful singing from Chambers as the busy landscape welcomes power and melody.

“Hidden Charms” lands in the middle and moves swiftly with the rhythm section of Cook and Koribanics making for a dance friendly setting, while “Forty Four” trims the pace back with a rugged and emotive quality to the dense blues. “Hubert’s Song”, one of the album’s best, then offers a firm blast of retro rock with soaring guitars, bristling drums and throbbing bass work.

Approaching the end, “Howlin’ For My Darling” bounces with a playful energy that’s raw in its precise nature, and “Louise” exits the listen with agile keys alongside a thick presence of robust and timeless blues.

Sumlin was a friend and mentor to Chambers, and even gave him his first big break in the industry way back in 1998. A project that truly does justice to Sumlin’s legacy, Chambers continues his streak of first rate song craft, and it makes a great starting point for the first time listener, and a must for the long time fan.

Travels well with: Various Artists- Party For Joey: A Sweet Relief Tribute To Joey Spampinato; Murray McLauchlan- Hourglass

Andrea Cheeseman

Somewhere

Ravello, 2019

8/10

Listen to Somewhere

A musician and educator who has much experience playing solo and in chamber settings, Andrea Cheeseman excels at electroacoustic sounds, as evidenced on the stunning work on Somewhere.

“Arioso/Doubles” starts the listen with skilled clarinet from Cheeseman in the haunting yet playful setting that touches on folk influences, and “Somewhere” follows and brings ambience to the mysterious affair.

Further on, “Ultraviolet” recruits all sorts of aberrant sounds to the adventurous highlight, while “Penelope’s Song” where a weaving loom provides percussion, shows just how innovative Cheeseman can get.

At the end, “Breath” offers a soft and solemn, meditative atmosphere, and “Favorable Odds” ends the listen with glowing harmonies and adventurous textures that get both experimental and frisky with hints of blues.

While Cheeseman takes nods to Stravinsky and Bartok, the artist is clearly walking her own path, that, although anchored by her clarinet acrobatics, recruits countless ideas into her sonically engaging formula.

Travels well with: Sabine Meyer- Fantasia; Benny Goodman- Benny Rides Again