Datadyr

Woolgathering

Is It Jazz?, 2022

8/10

Listen to Woolgathering

An exciting jazz trio from Bergen, Norway, Datadyr embrace ideas from jazz’s past as well as current sounds, and they’re quite good at improvising as well.

“Tier” starts the listen with a very exciting version of jazz rock, where the swirling guitar and tumbling drums work together with much energy, and “Krystalldans” follows with a calmer approach of dreamy bouts that can find a warm intimacy, too, amid playful bass work.

“Daybreaking” and “FastUp” land in the middle, as the former recruits Ketil Moster’s strong sax prowess into the unpredictable climate, while the latter shimmers with a hint of Americana in the very dynamic album highlight. “Low Hanging Moon” exits the listen, and finds a bare place to reside initially, before flirting with the blues in a very spirited fashion.

A listen that was recorded with all players in the same room and very few overdubs, Datadyr have roots playing in bands like Kryptograf, Dreamarcher and Atari, among others, and they bring that experience to this exceptional debut.

Travels well with: Soft Ffog- Soft Ffog; Kosmodome- Kosmodome

RedGreenBlue

The End And The Beginning

Astral Spirits, 2022

8/10

Listen to The End Of The Beginning

This first album from RedGreenBlue has the Chicago quartet taking on minimalist ideas that can drone in mesmerizing ways, find itself intimate with a stirring effect, and even flirt with busy territory that illustrates the player’s mastery of their instruments.

“The Beginning” starts the listen with playfully plucked bass and no shortage of atmosphere, where a very hypnotic landscape unfolds as repetition is turned into a refined science. About a third of the way through the 21 minutes the drums come into focus and are used strategically, and setting gets quite abstract towards the end in a blurry, firm, sort of avant-garde fashion.

“The End” is equally unpredictable, and features Ben LaMar Gay on comet and electronics, and uses the brass to complement the mysteriousness of the bass, synth and drums. The 23 minute track possesses the ability to squeal and get nearly intense, but also retreat to a delicate haze that manipulates space well.

Paul Giallorenzo (synth, pump organ, electronics), Charlie Kirchen (bass), Ryan Packard (drums, electronics) and Ben LaMar (cornet, electronics) are the movers and shakers here, and their free jazz exploration and experimental prowess makes The End And The Beginning an excellent starting point.

Travels well with: Adams, Dunns & Haas- Future Moons; The Brodie West Quintet- Meadow Of Dreams

Lawson & Merrill

Signals

Neuma, 2022

8/10

Listen to Signals

The electro-acoustic duo of David Margolin Lawson and David Merrill, as Lawson & Merrill they bring a wealth of studio and engineering skill to ‘sonic sculpture paintings’ that are highly imaginative and incredibly meticulous.

“A Morning Meditation” starts the listen with a mysterious, cinematic appeal that glows with a sonic warmth of mesmerizing ambience for 16+ minutes, and “A Day At The Beach” follows with a presence that seems like more like a day in space with its darker textures of sci-fi electronics that move at a very calm pace.

“Riviére” lands in the middle and offers a hypnotic and dreamy display of brighter, bare textures, while “Dark Angel”, perhaps the best track present, simmers amid a relaxing analog tone that’s nearly New Age in its delivery. “Coda” then exits the listen with much beauty packed into the rich, emotional finish.

The pair take inspiration from composers like Morton Subotnick, Eliane Radigue, Edgard Varése and Steve Reich, and their fascinating attention to detail and use of modern Moogs, ARPs, and vintage analog and modular noisemakers does not disappoint on this artistic endeavor.

Travels well with: Nick Vasallo- Apophany; Tyler Kline- Orchard

Silver Lining

Go Out Nowhere

DWYBO, 2022

8/10

Listen to Go Out Nowhere

An outfit formed from members of The Northern Belle and Louien, as Silver Lining the quartet spread their wings from their acoustic roots into a more expansive version of Americana on this sophomore album.

“Your Everything” starts the listen delicate and emotive, with soft pedal steel complementing the gorgeous singing that welcome harmonies, too, and “Go Out Nowhere” follows with some grit entering the alt-country climate that’s full of breezy melodies.

At the halfway point, “I Can’t Stay” offers a bare and gorgeous display of poetic song craft that’s as intimate as it is impactful, while “Days Like These” finds itself in lush territory, amid a soothing dreaminess that surrounds the prettiness.

“Frosty Hands” and “Silver Lining” finish the listen, where the former emits a warm, rootsy feel, and the latter is a fuller exit of crisp drums, melodic guitars and strong attention to mood that makes great use of the band’s skilled female voices.

It’s not hard to think of legends like Neko Case or even modern heroes like Aaron Lee Tasjan when listening to Go Out Nowhere, as the band’s Nordiciana sounds are quite uplifting, harmonic and extremely memorable.

Travels well with: Peter Donovan- This Better Be Good; Van Plating- The Way Down

Barney Bentall

Cosmic Dreamer

True North, 2022

9/10

Listen to Cosmic Dreamer

The platinum selling and Juno Award winning artist Barney Bentall has enjoyed an lengthy and esteemed career spanning many decades, and here along with Adrian Dolan (piano, keyboards, accordion, mandolin, mandola, fiddle), Kirby Barber (bass, vocals), Geoff Hicks (drums, percussion) plus many guests, he brings us 9 originals and 2 covers of his timeless folk and Americana formula.

The album leads with the graceful keys of the title track, where Bentall’s cozy pipes suit the warm climate superbly, and “Whiskey Jack” follows with some grit in the vocals, but also with glowing harmonies in attendance amid the stirring fiddle and emotive pedal steel.

Elsewhere, “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go” offers spirited harmonica alongside poetic storytelling as folk ideas are front and center on the Bob Dylan original, while “Not Standing Up To You” brings so much intimacy to the gorgeous version of Americana.

Approaching the end, “No Time To Go” offers an eloquent duet packed with Eric Reed’s atmospheric guitar, and “Cody Road” exits the listen with John Raham’s percussion, Rob Becker’s bass, Paul Pigat and Scott Smith’s electric guitars and Daryl Havers’ keyboards illuminating the sincere and heartfelt song craft.

The songs here are heavy with themes of loss, love, hope and longing, and Bentall brings 20 albums of experience (7 of which are solo) to a body of work that is nothing short of stunning.

Travels well with: Bruce Cockburn- Greatest Hits (1970-2020); Murray McLauchlan- Hourglass

Rufus Wainwright

Rufus Does Judy At Capitol Studios

BMG, 2022

8/10

Listen to Rufus Does Judy At Capitol Studios

A project that was livestreamed virtually last year, the always impressive Rufus Wainwright interprets these classic works on the year of Judy Garland’s 100th birthday, and he’s joined by a 4 piece jazz ensemble for the performance.

“Come Rain Or Shine” aligns warm keys and frisky drumming with Wainwright’s expressive and smooth pipes in the swift climate, and “Alone Together” follows with a calmer pace of elegant keys and very stirring singing.

Further into the listen, “The Man That Got Away” showcases cozy guitar and plucked upright bass alongside Wainwright’s soaring pipes, while “Just You, Just Me” bops and shakes with an infectious energy that illustrates Wainwright’s very adaptable voice.

Inching towards the end, “Happy Days Are Here Again/Get Happy” pairs Kristin Chenoweth’s gorgeous delivery with Wainwright’s booming delivery as the songs are meshed together creatively, and the best selection, “Over The Rainbow”, exits the listen with a stripped back atmosphere that allows for Wainwright’s inimitable craft to shine.

These songs are illuminated so well in Wainwright’s boundless talent, and, if you recall, this isn’t the first time he’s done Judy. Back in 2007 he was accompanied by a 36 piece orchestra for Rufus Does Judy At Carnegie Hall. This time it’s a more trimmed back affair, but no less impactful in its sublime beauty.

Travels well with: Martha Wainwright- Come Home To Mama; Rufus Wainwright- Unfollow The Rules

Kim Beggs

Steel And Wool

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Steel And Wool

A 7 song EP from the Yukon resident Kim Beggs, Steel And Wool brings Bob Hamilton (guitars, vocals), Andy Slade (keyboards), Brian Kobayakawa (bass), and Lonnie Powell (drums) to the very sincere, emotional and melodic songs that embrace ideas from folk, bluegrass, old time and roots rock.

Beggs places the title track in the lead off position, where her cozy pipes align with spirited guitar, agile drums and a well timed Wurlitzer, and this cautious approach continues to the breezy demeanor of “Not A Man Of God”, where moody steel guitar and Beggs’ strategic acoustic guitar and expressive storytelling make a big impression.

Later on, the pace picks up with the mandolin and telecaster friendly, rootsy flavor of “I Wanna Be A Flower”, while “When She Divides The Town” recruits a harmonium to the distinct version of Americana. “They Shut The Greyhound Down” exits the listen, and brings a dance-friendly appeal that has Hamilton on vocals to complement the harmonic, rural finish.

Beggs has made quite a name for herself in her home country with a handful of award nominations, and this 6th album certainly continues the timeless, genuine and memorable song craft.

Travels well with: Jackie Bristow- Outsider; Brennen Leigh- Prairie Love Letter

Vanessa Lively

Truth Is

Animada, 2022

8/10

Listen to Truth Is

An album that was birthed during the dissolution of a 20 year marriage, Vanessa Lively underwent unimaginable self-examination while penning Truth Is, and her meshing of folk, funk, pop and worldly sounds helps make for a very powerful and enlightening listen.

“(Truth Is) I Am Found” opens the listen with Lively’s soulful pipes alongside hand clapping, warm bass from Katie Marie and Dirje Childs’ strong cello playing in the very expressive climate, and “Crumbling Down” follows with a very poetic approach that benefits from Lively’s intimate pipes and Nicolette Good’s well timed backing vocals.

In the middle, the playful strings of “Running With Wolves” are met with vivid storytelling, while “In Between” offers a delicate, acoustic guitar fueled, folk friendly album highlight.

Closer to the end, “I Am A Skylark” showcases Mark Hallman’s ukulele and Andre Moran’s electric guitar in the more haunting display that uses spoken word, too, and “Besando la Tierra” exits the listen with Lively handling piano and Good playing glockenspiel on the very eloquent and stirring finish.

An extremely cathartic endeavor, Lively’s work is optimistic, empowering and represents an artist in a transitional phase that brings us on a journey into peaceful, engaging song craft.

Travels well with: Jess Jocoy- Such A Long Way; Lynne Hanson- Ice Cream In November

Esbe

I Might Be Dreaming

New Cat, 2022

8/10

Listen to I Might Be Dreaming

A London singer, producer and composer, this aptly titled album has Esbe exploring mood, tonality and grooves with much intimacy, where keen attention to layering and well timed electronica certainly provides much allure.

“Cry From The Soul” starts the listen with much emotion and grace as Esbe’s expressive pipes are met with warm keys and soft drumming, and “I Might Be Dreaming” follows with an indeed dreamy climate of poetic beauty and a soothing atmosphere.

“I Needed You” occupies the middle spot, and emits a powerful presence that’s quite agile in a nearly New Age sort of way, while “Angry Sun” layers the gorgeous pipes with a bit of mystery in the bare landscape that buzzes delicately, too.

“Breathe” and “Restless” exit the listen, where the former recruits a gentle beat to the haziness, and the latter benefits from a larger presence of electronica in the lush and exploratory finish.

You might be reminded of Portishead when listening to I Might Be Dreaming, which I doubt anyone could have a problem with, and the hypnotic, artistic and echoing moments don’t disappoint either.

Travels well with: Martha D Lewis- All That You See; La Típica Folklórica- La Diablera

An Laurence

Almost Touching

People Places, 2022

8/10

Listen to Almost Touching

A very compelling artist armed with strong guitar skills and a mysterious voice, An Laurence takes some subtle help from electronics on this very atypical listen of solo guitar interpretations of works by Amy Brandon, Kim Farris-Manning, Elisch Kaminer, Shelley Marwood, Arthur Keegan-Bole and Sofia Gubaidulina.

“Artificial Light” starts the listen with much atmosphere, as twinkling guitar is met with sci-fi like background ambience, and the title track follows with a minute of near silent breath before a haunting intimacy enters with soft, poetic singing.

In the middle, “Chants D’amour” is an hour long and spread across 11 tracks of whispered moments, gorgeous guitar, and bouts of sparse dissonance, while “Reconciling Duality” balances intensity and serenity with colorful gestures of beauty and restraint. “Nocturne” exits the listen, kind of, with a dreamy blur of guitar and electronics, though there’s a hidden track worth sticking around for, too.

Laurence has made quite an impression in the area of new/experimental sounds and performance/multimedia areas, and Almost Touching certainly embraces those strengths in her inimitable brand of song craft.

Travels well with: Matt Magerkurth- Amends; Warp Trio- Warp Trio’s Pandemic Disco Fantasy

Ori Dagan

Click Right Here

Scat Cat, 2022

8/10

Listen to Click Right Here

A Toronto based vocalist who is as creative as he is clever, Ori Dagan can swing with a lot of fun, just as he can provide some insightful commentary about today’s technology worshipping society.

“Viruses” starts the listen with upbeat brass, crips drums and warm guitar to complement Dagan’s inimitable pipes that takes help from Erik Flow’s rapping, and “Clicked On Romance” follows with a swift pace of flowing vocal acrobatics and playful keys amid bright brass that thematically surrounds internet dating.

Halfway through, “The Social Media Tango” brings some cultured rhythm to the energetic landscape, while “Hashtag World” recruits Jane Bunnett for a dreamy landscape with airy flutes and some comical wordplay about the pound sign’s new identity.

Closer to the end, “Rebirth Of The Cool” benefits much from playful bass, agile keys and some vocal scatting in the cozy jazz demeanor, and further still, “Googleable (Version 2.0)” emits a scrappy energy and bops charmingly in a humorous way.

Dagan’s rich baritone touches on life in a the digital age with a very witty appeal, and the many players and singers in attendance help make for a very distinct and exciting version of modern jazz.

Travels well with: Ariane Racicot- Envolée; Chris Mondak- Glass Spheres

Peter Donovan

This Better Be Good

Red Parlor, 2022

8/10

Listen to This Better Be Good

A more personal outing for the guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Peter Donovan, This Better Be Good recruits Dune Butler (bass guitar, synthesizers), Kate Dinsmore (background vocals), William Mapp (drums, percussion), Cole Schuster (electric guitar), Owen Thayer (pedal steel), Charles Wicklander (organs, pianos) and Bradley Laina for the diverse and genuine song craft.

The title track opens the listen with Donovan’s bright and expressive vocals that takes help from warm guitar and crisp drumming as a pop-friendly version of Americana unfolds, and “Sweet Trouble” follows with elegant keys and a very poetic approach that touches on folk ideas.

Deeper into the 11 tracks, “Phone Call From A Ghost” is indeed a bit haunting as Thayer’s well timed pedal steel makes for a very reflective atmosphere, while “I Won’t Just Stand There” picks the pace up with a scrappy indie-rock appeal.

Making our way towards the end, “Don’t Drag Me Down” offers breezy melodies in the very timeless version of roots rock, and “If I Knew Then” exits the listen with some grit amid the firm keys, thumping drums and bouncy bass.

Sometimes pointing towards the ‘70s for influences, while other times sounding quite modern, luminaries like Bob Dylan, Conor Oberst, Randy Newman and Kelly Clarkson won’t be hard to spot, and Donovan’s balancing of intimacy and power-pop moments makes him quite a stand out in the area of Americana.

Travels well with: David Quinn- Country Fresh; Van Plating- The Way Down

Marc Jordan & Amy Sky

He Sang She Sang

Linus, 2022

8/10

Listen to He Sang She Sang

The hit songwriters and married couple Marc Jordan and Amy Sky interpret some much adored classics here, where Jordan’s smoky pipes and Sky’s gorgeous alto breathe new life into songs we’re all familiar with.

The pair start the listen with a very spirited and emotive version of “Free Fallin’”, and “Fallin’ For You” follows with a slow burning display of lush, sublime vocal harmonizing.

Further down the line, Amy and Marc trade off on the gritty yet breezy melodies of “Long Shot”, while “Dimming Of The Day” brings traces of country to the very eloquent and warm climate.

Deeper still, “Can We Stay” emits a very poetic display of romantic song craft, and “Baby It’s Cold Outside” puts a very charming twist on an already frisky tune with the duo’s voices complementing each other superbly.

Amazingly, this is the couple’s first album together. Perhaps they’ve stayed so busy writing chart toppers for Rod Stewart, Bette Midler, Bonnie Raitt and Cher, among many others, to find the time. Turns out, they can not only pen a song that will resonate around the globe, but they can deliver one, too.

Travels well with: Mark Stevens- Breathe In The World, Breathe Out Music; Ronnie Earl And The Broadcasters- Mercy Me

Gentlemen Rogues

Francy b/w I’ve Got A Match

Snappy Little Numbers, 2022

9/10

Listen to Francy b/w I’ve Got A Match

An Austin, Texas quartet who are equal parts indie, punk, and power-pop, Gentlemen Rogues know their way around a guitar fueled tune that rocks and rolls in a way that brings to mind names like Mould, Westerberg or Schwarzenbach.

“Francy” starts the listen and makes an immediate impression with its firm drumming, smooth guitar pop melodies and powerful delivery that manages to remind us both of UK punk from the early ‘80s, as well as more recent heroes like Superchunk or even Dillinger Four.

“I’ve Got A Match” is equally enjoyable, and swirls with plenty of sharp hooks and a bit of a jangle in the more indie-rock focused approach that certainly does justice to They Might Be Giants, who penned the tune.

Available on 7” vinyl that’s tri-color striped and comes with a download code, Gentlemen Rogues are no strangers to excellent singles, and these 2 tracks continue that trend with pop-friendly and gritty punk that we can never tire of.

Travels well with: Falsetto Boy- People Crying In Cars; Night Court- Nervous Birds

India Gailey

To You Through

Redshift, 2022

9/10

Listen to To You Through

A quickly rising American-Canadian artist who knows their way around a cello, India Gailey returns with a sophomore album that showcases the versatility of the instrument in 5 interpretations and 1 original of stunning solo performances.

“Augun”, by Fjola Evans, starts the listen with Gailey’s fascinating string manipulation emitting much atmosphere in a very hazy sort of way, and “Ghost”, an original, continues the meticulousness with space and tension utilized with a very distinct sense of awe and beauty.

“Orbit” arrives halfway through and is more firm with the bowing, as Gailey interprets the work of Philip Glass with a very rich and cautious approach, while Michael Gordon’s “Light Is Calling” radiates mystery in a nearly sci-fi fashion with the acoustic cello being handled sublimely.

A composition from Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti exits the listen, where “ko’u inoa” radiates both delicacy and adventurous in Gailey’s inimitable vision.

A truly exceptional display of unparalleled talent, Gailey certainly does justice to all the composers, and her own work is certainly just as luminous, which makes for a first rate listen in the area of contemporary classical sounds.

Travels well with: Instruments Of Happiness- Slow, Quiet Music In Search Of Electric Happiness; Noam Bierstone- Mountains Move Like Clouds

Ester Wiesnerová

Blue Journal

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to Blue Journal

A Slovakian jazz vocalist with a stunning set of pipes, Ester Wiesnerová brings along Sam Knight (sax), Charles Overton (harp), Kan Yanabe (percussion) and Michal Selep (bass) for these rich and cultured tracks.

“Sinking Deep” opens the listen with Wiesnerová’s gorgeous voice alongside dreamy harp and carefully plucked bass in the emotive climate, and “Circles” follows with a warm intimacy that showcases the expressive singing in a very stirring delivery.

Further into the listen, “Feet Are Screaming” is a bit busier, as soulful sax and adventurous percussion complements the bright vocals, while “Who Are You Now” twinkles with a sublime beauty that reflects on Wiesnerová’s trip to the U.S.

Closer to the end, “Dripping” offers a bare and eloquent display of well timed harp and Wiesnerová’s inimitable voice, and “Epilogue” exits the listen with many wordless voices making for a creative, alluring finish.

Although she has been living and performing in New York City in recent years, when the pandemic shut the city down, Wiesnerová returned to Slovakia to work on this record. A very introspective listen, journaling helped Wiesnerová shape this album, and the packaging of the physical release actually comes with a journal as well.

Travels well with: Jo Harrop- The Heart Wants; Nicole Henry- Time To Love Again

Adema Manoukas Octet

New Roots

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to New Roots

The trombonist Nick Adema and saxophonist Alex Manoukas head up this ensemble, and their band of Toronto luminaries help cultivate a very solo filled and unique version of Canadian jazz sounds.

“Tour de Force”, by Dizzy Gillespie, opens the listen with Josh Smiley’s quick keys and frisky drumming amid the bouncy bass in the dynamic jazz energy, and “Eastern Avenue” follows with soulful brass and plenty of cautiousness populating the cozy climate.

The title track occupies the middle spot and displays a vibrant and animated delivery of glowing modern jazz, while “In The Weeds” flows swiftly amid skittering piano, bass acrobatics from Leighton Harrell and superb horns.

“Three Step Deal” and “Runnin’” exit the listen, where the former leads intimately, before segueing into a dance-floor ready rhythm, and the latter exits with Keith Barstow’s acrobatic drumming alongside expressive brass from Evan Dalling’s trumpet and David Hodgson’s sax.

Amazingly, this is a debut album, cause these 8 artists illustrate an incredible chemistry that is never short on melodies, harmonies and a distinct energy that makes an indelible impression.

Travels well with: Chris Mondak- Glass Spheres; Ariane Racicot- Envolée

Nicki Bluhm

Avondale Drive

Little Knickers, 2022

8/10

Listen to Avondale Drive

A San Francisco native and current Tennessee resident, Nicki Bluhm pens a very introspective album that was recorded in her home and takes helps from an all star cast including James Pennebaker (pedal steel), Jen Condos (bass) and Lucy Wilson (percussion), to name a few.

“Learn To Love Myself” opens the listen with Bluhm’s expressive and pretty pipes alongside the slight twang of the folk-rock climate, and “Love To Spare” follows with help from AJ Croce on guitar and vocals as well as well timed organ from Al Gamble that helps make for some warm intimacy.

Halfway through, “Juniper Woodsmoke” offers a bare, poetic display of Bluhm’s stirring song craft, while “Friends (How To Do It)” features Oliver Wood’s pipes and guitar amid the crisp drumming from Jay Bellerose in a very soulful delivery.

Approaching the end, “Leaving Me (Is The Loving Thing To Do)” emits sublime balladry with the aching pedal steel setting an emotive mood, and “Wheels Rolling” exits the listen with piano from Kai Welch and Jesse Noah Wilson’s guitars and bass complementing the cozy Americana.

A substantial listen that blends folk, country, blues, funk and roots rock, Bluhm has undergone much self-examination lately as a result of trauma, divorce and estrangement, and it makes for genuine, timeless song craft.

Travels well with: Brennen Leigh- Prairie Love Letter; Amy Speace- Tucson

Strange Parade

The Watchers

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Watchers

A Los Angeles outfit who are well versed in the sort of indie-rock that’s country, blues, post-punk and art-rock friendly, Strange Parade bring us 9 very distinct and inviting tunes here.

“Are You There?” starts the listen with warm acoustic guitar and smooth vocals, as hazy lap steel and crisp drumming guides the dreamy opening, and the title track follows with a cosmic sort of folk-rock that benefits much from well timed keys.

In the middle, “The Sometimes Girls” buzzes a bit more intensely in between poetic moments of beauty, while “Bag Of Blood” showcases thumping drums, firm keys and the sort of guitar work that lends itself to alt-rock.

Further yet, “Second Face” displays the band’s unique version of Americana that’s got a hint of twang, and “Yesterday’s Point” exits the listen with strategic psychedelia buried into the rich and lush finish.

Strange Parade was founded by Brian Cleary (vocals, keyboards, guitar), who co-wrote songs for The Movies and Radar Brothers, and these days he’s surrounded by Dan Allaire (drums, percussion), Paul Lacques (lead guitar, lap steel) and Ashley Berry (bass). Together, they make for live sounding record that’s diverse enough to remind us of both Elton John and My Bloody Valentine, and you won’t hear me complaining about that.

Travels well with: Lord Baltimore- Angel; Fotoform- Horizons

The Laurie Berkner Band

Waiting For The Elevator

Two Tomatoes, 2019

8/10

Listen to Waiting For The Elevator

It’s hard to think of a more consistently great songwriter- and not just under the umbrella of Children’s Music- than Laurie Berkner. Now on her 13th album, Berkner surrounds the theme of growth, whether that be with regard to feelings, movement, language, colors, etc.

The title track starts the listen with Berkner’s signature acoustic strumming and sweet, melodic vocals on a tune where animal noises from kids add to the fun, and “A Dollar” follows and is rich with playfulness and hand clapping that even makes math exciting.

Elsewhere, “Look At All The Letters” brings folky-pop sounds with sing-alongs, while “I Know How That Works” recruits some jazz influences in the horns amid the upbeat setting. Though there isn’t a bad tune on any Berkner record, the heartwarming “A Hug From My Mama” is among her best as her sweet vocals flow alongside keys and soft percussion on the gorgeous track.

Deeper highlights include agile strumming and a cappella opening of “Big Blue Box”, and one of her most forceful tunes “I Am Angry (Yes I Am)”, where Berkner actually raises her voice about an emotion we all experience. “This Mountain” ends the listen with flowing melodies and a memorable exit of beauty, grace and timelessness.

Laurie’s got an all-star cast on hand, including Susie Lampert on keys, Brady Rymer holding down bass, and Bob Golden behind the drum kit. In addition, appearances by Gavin Creel, David Mann and Nicholas Marchione help make this another glowing release in the always expanding Laurie Berkner catalog.

Travels well with: Renee And Friends- Kindred; Andrew & Polly- Go For The Moon