Jimmy Branly Trio

The Meeting

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Meeting

The esteemed drummer Jimmy Branly finds himself as a leader on this very well thought out affair, where Will Brahm’s guitar and Ahmet Turkmenoglu’s bass accompany him across the rhythmic and harmonic 10 tracks.

“Bis Bis” starts the listen with warm guitar, restrained drumming and soothing bass work in the very cozy Afro-Cuban jazz setting, and “If I Should Lose You” follows with a calm melody and plenty of intimacy surrounding the agile song craft.

“Infant Eyes”, by Wayne Shorter, holds down the middle spot and showcases a dreamy quality amid the heartfelt Bolero, while “The Meeting” moves swiftly, with dynamic interaction between the trio that emits a meticulous, mesmerizing display of unparalleled skill.

Close to the end, “Blues 14” bounces and shakes with an addictive energy that’s indeed bluesy and cultured, and “Cherokee” exits the listen with a glowing delivery that allows all players to take their turn in the spotlight.

Branly has kept so busy touring and playing with A-list jazz artists that he’s shied away from the lead position. He more than makes up for that absence with this worldly listen, where his Cuban heritage is certainly present alongside blues, balladry and fusion fun.

Travels well with: Antonio Adolfo- Jobim Forever; David Binney- Tomorrow’s Journey

Linda Hoover

I Mean To Shine

Omnivore, 2022

9/10

Listen to I Mean To Shine

In 1970, the 19 year old singer-songwriter Linda Hoover recorded this debut album with the help of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. However, the album was shelved due to business issues, and, until now, has only existed on a copy that Hoover took when she left New York to retreat to her parent’s home in Florida.

The title track opens with warm horns and stirring piano, as elegant strings complement Hoover’s pretty, expressive pipes, and “Turn My Friend Away” follows with graceful acoustic strumming as Hoover hits some very high notes with her flawless delivery.

Further on, the bare intimacy of “Autumn” unfolds with a timeless folk quality, while “In A Station” uses guitar and drums strategically amid soulful backing vocals with a nearly gospel feel.

Approaching the end, “City Mug” is bright and playful with meticulous guitar, crisp drumming and well timed brass, and “The Dove” exits the listen showcasing the depth of Hoover’s voice in a dreamy, moving finish.

Hoover actually made the leap from high school talent show discovery to a record deal that, very unfortunately, fell apart due to circumstances beyond her control. “I Mean To Shine” was actually recorded by Barbra Streisand about a year after Hoover tracked her version, and there’s little doubt if this album were released it would have resonated quite well, cause 50+ years later, it still sounds great.

Travels well with: Jess Jocoy- Such A Long Way; Lynne Hanson- Just Words

Free Radicals

White Power Outage, Vol. 2

Midtown, 2022

8/10

Listen to White Power Outage, Vol. 2

The musical, political and cultural heroes Free Radicals return with a 2nd installment of their diverse and revolutionary music, where they take a firm stand against white supremacy in all avenues of life.

“Mutiny On The Bayou” starts the listen with D-Ology’s rapping skills alongside unpredictable brass and frenzied beats, and “El Ritmo Contra Gitmo” follows with Karina Nistal’s flowing vocals amid the world music flavor that’s full of festive rhythm.

Further along, “Pokke Koebes” recruits Jitsvinger for the soulful, hip-hop friendly display of power and melody, while “Frozen Power Outage” offers a less hectic, timeless jazz template where the horns, drums and guitars interact fluidly. “America’s Blues”, perhaps the best tune present, then showcases Equality for the indeed bluesy, spoken word friendly and dreamy demeanor.

Nearing the end, “Over” makes great use of Michele Thibeaux’s sultry pipes on the R&B influenced tune, and “The Border Crossed Me” exits with Free Rads Chamber Ensemble contributing much warmth to the strings and flutes.

With the large cast of guests on hand for the affair, from rock to rap to funk and many places in between, Free Radicals brings us on an organic journey that’s free of MIDI and packed full of substantial wordplay and a fusion appeal that few could replicate.

Travels well with: Free Radicals- No State Solution; The Slackers- Blue

Susie Suh

Invisible Love

Self-Released, 2022

10/10

Listen to Invisible Love

This 3rd album from the esteemed singer-songwriter Susie Suh brings us on a personal journey via her honest, emotive and organic vs synthetic vision.

After the brief, atmospheric crystal bowls of “The Beginning (Intro)”, the title track follows with lush and darkly pop ideas amid the intimate singing, and “Best Friend” continues with a sonic haze of very cautious electro-pop.

Further along, the warm acoustic guitar of “Down The River” comes with a reflective folk spirit, while “Winning Feeling” welcomes vivid storytelling and both adventurous and vulnerable moments of hypnotic, swirling song craft.

Moving towards the end, the chilling “This Is Love” carries a bit of a haunting quality with much attention to mood, and “Blood Moon”, the album’s best, displays Suh’s incredible range and poetic demeanor with a very moving, sublime process.

Truly a raw, dreamy and gripping affair, if you haven't familiarized yourself with Suh, I wouldn’t wait any longer; this is an artist with an unparalleled amount of skill and a delivery that you can’t not admire.

Travels well with: Joshua Radin- The Ghost And The Wall; Ane Brun- It All Starts With One

Jenn Cleary

Happy Day

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Happy Day

The Boulder, Colorado award-winning songstress Jenn Cleary returns with a 2nd family album, where her charming folk-rock welcomes plenty of diverse influences as she brings an upbeat appreciation for our earth.

“Happy Day” starts the listen with Mad Dog Friedman’s spirited harmonica before Christian Teele’s thumping drums enter alongside backing vocals from children, and “Magical Musical Train” follows with a playful approach that’s full of fun storytelling that’s vocally adventurous and musically warm.

Halfway through, “A Walk In The Woods” brings an anthemic quality that’s full of grit and melody, while “Turtle Time” embraces some folky ideas into the banjo friendly delivery.

Further still, “Fly Seagull Fly” is an acoustic guitar fueled and pretty album highlight, and “It’s Time To Go To Sleep” exits the listen with a dreamy intimacy that’s quite soothing,

A record that’s clearly steered towards the young ears, but will also be appreciated by adults, Cleary and company have a great time while also touching on very important issues such as self-care, enjoying nature and relaxation across the aptly titled body of work.

Travels well with: Eric Herman And The Puppy Dogs- Magic Beans; Sylvia- Nature Child- A Dreamer’s Journey

Nick Nace

The Harder Stuff

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to The Harder Stuff

The Nashville resident Nick Nace made his way back to his birthplace of Canada during the pandemic, where he spent much time penning this new album of acoustic based songs that takes help from Jon Latham (guitar), Todd Bolden (bass), Erin Nelson (drums), Megan palmer (fiddle), John Henry Trinko (keyboard and accordion), Owen Beverly (organ) and John Calvin Abney (accordion and bell).

Nace starts the listen with much beauty, as the warm organ and soothing vocals of “Figure 8’s” is a hard luck story that mixes folk and Americana with strategic backing vocals, and “There’s No Music In Music City” continues the strong songwriting with a thicker approach that’s a bit crunchy in a poetic, dreamy fashion.

Halfway through, “The Piece That Fits” brings subtle accordion to the intimate landscape, while “Someday Is Too Far Away” is bit more firm initially before Nace settles into an introspective tone that benefits from Nelson’s drums and Trinko’s keys.

Further still, the upbeat melodies of “The Skin Of Our Teeth” emit a very memorable version of roots rock, and “Last Call” exits the listen with a haze of atmosphere and a bit of a cosmic country that you can’t help but be smitten with.

Nace is a hell of a storyteller, he’s got a set of pipes that greet you like an old friend, and his alt-folk, rugged country and flowing rootsy ways are at a creative high on this excellent listen.

Travels well with: Silver Lake 66- Ragged Heart; Michael Shaw- He Rode On

The Bennett Matteo Band

Shake The Roots

Gulf Coast, 2022

8/10

Listen to Shake The Roots

The powerful duo of Gino Matteo (guitar) and Jade Bennett (vocals), this debut album from The Bennett Matteo Band enlists some excellent players in the area of blues for their self-described ‘dirtfunk and desert soul’ formula.

“Doesn’t Really Matter” gets the listen off to a groove filled start, where thumping drums from Carson Ford and Bennett’s soulful and flowing pipes guide the thick blues, and “Shiny Creatures” follows with an emotive quality that welcomes strategic backing vocals and well timed keys.

Halfway through, “Moving On” showcases intricate guitar amid a cautious approach that builds into an ebullient rocker, while “Warm Inside” is indeed warm with fluid and driving guitars for the more rock focused album highlight.

Nearing the end, “Table For Two” brings a slow burning track that recruits R&B nods, and “When I Close My Eyes” exits the listen with Nic Clark’s spirited harmonica and Michael Burnham’s skilled bass complementing the lush and soaring climate.

In addition to those mentioned above, Kid Andersen (guitar, keys), Jim Pugh (keys), Dmar (percussion), Lisa Leuschner Anders and The Sons of the Soul Revivers (backing vocals) all lend their talents, and it makes for an atypical blues listen that you will not forget anytime soon.

Travels well with: Kat Riggins- Cry Out; Early Times & The High Rollers- Electric City

Tragic Assembly

Instability

Soul City, 2022

9/10

Listen to Instability

The debut album from Tragic Assembly, the 7 tunes present shy away from rhythm, groove or any semblance of song structure for a very unique and compelling peek at odd meters, loud vs soft dynamics and bouts of furious free jazz stabs.

“Best Static” starts the listen with exploratory bass from Phil Venable, seemingly random drumming thanks to Charles Chace and wandering clarinet by way of Crowmeat Bob Pence, and this unclassifiable approach continues to the more cautious, even cozy “A Person Followed”, as well as the improvised genius of “Reasonable Trash”.

On the back half, the quick “Dedicated To Shoegaze” drones a bit with mystery and warmth, while the bright brass of “Stilted Transmission” leads into the acrobatic drumming, swift bass work and controlled chaos formula. “That Vacation Friend” exits the listen, and is equally as unpredictable as the rest of the album, where the trio each display a frenzied demeanor that tips its hat to punk and indie-rock.

Not so surprisingly, Venable, Chace and Pence have roots in firm, edgy rock’n’roll territory, and they bring that influence into some very atypical forms of jazz that you can listen to repeatedly listen and remain perplexed in the best way possible.

Travels well with: Phil Venable- Bassworks, Vol. 1; Jaki Shelton Green- The River Speaks Of Thirst

Grant Stewart Quartet With Bruce Harris

The Lighting Of The Lamps

Cellar Music, 2022

8/10

Listen to Lighting Of The Lamps

The tenor sax extraordinaire Grant Stewart is aligned with Bruce Harris (trumpet), David Wong (bass), Tardo Hammer (piano) and Phil Stewart (drums) for these originals from Elmo Hope, Thad Jones, and Clifford Jordan, among others, that flow with much attention to detail.

“Little Spain” starts the listen with the keys and brass dancing around each other with plenty of frisky warmth, and “A Piece Of Art” follows with swift drumming and adventurous horns making for a lively jazz setting.

“Out Of The Past” lands in the middle and resonates with a glowing intimacy that showcases intricate bass lines, while “Mo Is On” is a rowdy and festive album highlight that, despite being so busy, is just so meticulous, too.

“Bearcat” and “Bitty Ditty” exit the listen, where the former is quite stylish and displays lively trumpet and sax amid the fascinating key progressions, and the latter finishes with the quintet interacting with much dynamic and timeless skill.

An exceptional 8 tracks, Stewart and company make for a thriving and sonically exciting listen embraces all the hallmarks of jazz that we will never tire of.

Travels well with: Matthew Muñeses- Noli Me Tángere; Jonathan Barber & Vision Ahead- Poetic

Or Bareket

Sahar

Enja, 2022

8/10

Listen to Sahar

The bass wizard Or Bareket pens a very interesting and atypical jazz affair here, where Morgan Guerin (tenor sax, EWI, organ), Jeremy Corren (piano, Fender Rhodes), Savannah Harris (drums, percussion) and Joel Ross (auxillary percussion, co-arranger, producer) help the listen radiate flawlessly.

“Root System” opens the listen with playful percussion and meticulous bass plucking, as a very welcoming spirit flows amid the creativity, and “Soil” follows with firm keys and crisp drumming to complement the strategic bass and buzzing climate.

Halfway through, “Temperance” finds an intimate place to reside with its poetic demeanor and soulful sax, while “Kapara”, the album’s best, meshes keys, drums, bass and percussion in the adventurous jazz foundation.

“Sundial” and “Sahar” exit the listen, where the former offers a bright and lush display of brass and bass working together in a dynamic setting, and the latter finishes in a dreamy haze of textured warmth.

It’s no surprise that Bareket is the first call bassist for Leon Parker, Joel Ross, Ari Hoenig and many others, cause his artistry and strong attention to detail is quite impressive across these harmonic, melodic and worldly 10 tracks.

Travels well with: Matthew Muñeses- Noli Me Tángere; Jonathan Barber & Vision Ahead- Poetic

Matthew Muñeses

Noli Me Tángere

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Noli Me Tángere

The saxophonist, composer and educator Matthew Muñeses pays tribute to the late 19th century Philippine national hero José Rizal with these 7 originals that embrace very worldly jazz ideas with an all star cast behind him.

“Alin Mang Lahi” starts the listen with Muñeses’ soulful sax complemented by Zubin Edaji’s animated trumpet and Dana Hall’s playful drumming in the cultured jazz climate, and “Kundiman Nj Rizal” follows with Stu Mindeman’s graceful piano adding much emotion to the cautious delivery.

Further along, “I. A Son Returns” showcases Clark Sommers’ bass amid the reflective, pretty tone, while “II. Cruelty And Injustice” recruits Miguel Zenón on sax for dueling brass that’s quite adventurous and unpredictable.

The record exits on “IV. Revolution And Liberation”, where brass, keys, bass and drums all intersect in dynamic and flowing ways that finish the listen much too early.

A very poetic, moving and often exciting sophomore album, Muñeses and company bring much melody and richness into this modern jazz outing that will resonate with fans of the genre around the globe.

Travels well with: Jonathan Barber & Vision Ahead- Poetic; Anthony Fung- What Does It Mean To Be Free?

Los Angeles Guitar Quartet

Opalescent

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to Opalescent

The Grammy Award winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet return with a 14th album, where John Dearman, Matthew Greif, William Kanengiser and Scott Tennant again prove just why they’re one of the most impressive guitar ensembles to date.

Andrew York’s “Hidden Realm Of Light” starts the listen with warm tones spread out over call and response textures as the guitars dance around the African nods, and “Alki Point” follows with no lack of rhythm or plenty of jazz gestures in the Kevin Callahan composition.

In the middle, “Opals”, by Phillip Houghton, unfolds in 3 parts that explore colorful tone and timbre with the four guitars meshing with much beauty, while Robert Beaser’s “Chaconne” glides with a stirring intimacy alongside harmonic progressions.

“Suite Transcendent” lands near the end, and showcases French and English impressionism that carries a distinct character thanks to Tiffany Hoppstock’s vision, and “Wave Radiance” exits the listen on a second Houghton piece, where strong attention to notes and arpeggios and bare texture and harmony make for the album’s best selection.

A listen that truly illuminates each composers’ distinct vision, LAGQ celebrate 40 years as a touring ensemble with Opalescent, and it also serves as a tribute to Houghton, who passed away in 2017, and whose memory they keep alive thanks to their inimitable approach to music.

Travels well with: Sharon Isbin- Affinity; Palaver Strings- Ready Or Not

Wayne Willingham

Temptation Row

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Temptation Row

The long running Texas singer-songwriter Wayne Willingham returns with his 5th album, and he draws inspiration from legends like Joni Mitchell, John Denver, and Paul Simon for the mostly originals that are quite stirring and sometimes haunting.

“Runnin’ Away” starts the listen with both folk and Americana ideas entering the poetic storytelling and warm musicianship that showcases Willingham’s diverse voice, and “Dancing With Him” follows with much beauty amid the twinkling and pretty songwriting.

At the halfway point, “Hot Rod” is both rugged and tuneful and flows with some country nods, while “Cresson Train” emits playful bluesy moments thanks to the intricate guitar work.

The title track lands near the end and benefits from vivid storytelling amid the rich and cozy song craft, and Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne” exits the listen with much eloquence and dreaminess that certainly does justice to the original.

Willingham took nearly 20 years off from music while working a corporate job, but he’s quickly making up for lost time with heartfelt and sincere songs that float around folk, Americana and country, and are delivered with much grace and timelessness.

Travels well with: Rod Picott- Paper Hearts And Broken Arrows; Wes Collins- Jabberwockies

Fritz Michel

On The Rocks

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to On The Rocks

Although best known as an actor, during the pandemic Fritz Michel turned his creativeness to songwriting, and these 5 fun tunes illustrate his bilingual roots, diverse experience and affinity for pop music.

“On The Rocks” starts the listen with a smooth, pop-friendly appeal that’s got a bit of soul in a scrappy sort of way, and “King Of Corona” follows with a retro-rock spirit that’s sometimes dreamy and always melodic.

“We Are What We Are” arrives at the half way point and soars with a very mature warmth that’s quite personal, while “Suddenly You Love Me” is a bit frisky, entirely memorable and flows with some Brit-pop nods. “Siffler sur la Colline” exits the listen with singing in French, and sure does put a playful spin on the Joe Dassin popularized classic.

With the pandemic (hopefully) winding down, there’s little doubt that Michel will go back to acting. Let’s hope he still finds time to play music, too, as his nostalgic vision reminds us of all the great sounds of the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Travels well with: Matt Simons- Identity Crisis; Eddie Berman- Broken English

Zero

Naught Again

Omnivore, 2022

8/10

Listen to Naught Again

A previously unissued performance from the San Francisco legends that was recorded in 1992, the founding members guitarist Steve Kimock and drummer Greg Anton are joined by Nicky Hopkins (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who) Pete Sears (Jefferson Starship), Vince Welnick (The Tubes, Grateful Dead) and John Kahn (Jerry Garcia Band), among others, for the 2 discs of timeless jam band sounds.

After the spoken prologue from Robert Hunter, the warm guitars and crisp drumming of “Cole’s Law” flows with much beauty amid the jazz friendly brass, and it isn’t long until the soulful melodies of “Tangled Hangers align with firm keys and animated drumming for a prog-like journey. Disc 1 ends on “Golden Road”, where classic rock spirited guitar and no shortage of grooves span out across the 11 minutes of rhythmic moments and even bluesy harmonica bouts.

Disc 2 is equally adventurous, and begins with the hypnotic and swirling “Gregg’s Egg’s”, and it isn’t long until the dreamy textures and intimate ebbs of “Little Wing” make this the set highlight. The performance ends on “Roll Me After”, which showcases sax acrobatics, meticulous keys and a very playful yet meticulous interaction between the band.

Naught Again is newly mixed by the Emmy-nominated Brian Risner from the original multi-track tapes recorded by Dan Healy and Don Pearson (Grateful Dead). The band are back at it and playing shows in 2022; for the longtime fan or first time listener, this is a great package that sounds, feels and has aged so great.

Travels well with: Flounder- I’m The Flounder; The Rileys- Way Out Yonder

doubleVee

Treat Her Strangely

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to Treat Her Strangely

An outfit spearheaded by Allan (of Starlight Mints fame) and Barb Vest, as doubleVee they bring a very diverse and atypical version of indie-rock that welcomes brass and strings to these 9 tracks.

“When Dawn Comes Tonight” pairs thumping drums with fluid bass lines, as a playful, even quirky version of indie-rock unfolds with both grit and melody, and “The Fever Is You” follows with bright brass, where a soulful quality enters the meticulous and busy climate.

In the middle, the acoustic strumming of “Walk Away” is met with strategic brass amid the cinematic demeanor, while “Your Love Is It Real?” uses piano with much grace, and embraces strings via a calm chamber rock sort of way.

The final two tracks, “Matador Bell” and “The Question’s Closed”, are just as creative as the rest of the album, where the former makes great use of soaring backing vocals, cozy brass and firm drums, and the latter moves at a quick pace of dreamy, even ‘80s influenced rock.

Brent Williams handles violin and viola, Christi Wans plays trumpet and piccolo and Kevin Webb contributes trombone on the affair. Together, along with the Vest’s avant-garde vision, Treat Her Strangely is indeed unorthodox and in all the best ways.

Travels well with: Charming Disaster- Our Lady Of Radium; Cinema Cinema- CCXMDII

Courtney Hale-Revia

Growing Pains

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Growing Pains

The Southeast Texas singer-songwriter Courtney Hale-Revia brings us a collection of highly personal stories, where acoustic based songs are highlighted by Ryan Len Johnson, Brian Baker and Cody Eldridge.

“One Way Out” starts the listen with warm strumming and Hale-Revia’s pretty singing adding even more beauty to the light drumming and playful finger picking, and the title track follows with some bluesy guitar moments amid the introspective and poetic nature of the timeless folk song.

“Cutting Lines” arrives in the middle and brings intricate fiddle and punchy drumming as a scrappy version of Americana unfolds, while “Who Are You” finds an intimate place to reside with its eloquent delivery of expressive singing and very graceful musicianship.

Advancing towards the end, “Rainbows At Night” brings a very soothing energy to the bright melodies and roots rock fun, and “The Sheep Who Sleep With Coyotes” exits the listen with Hale-Revia’s unique meshing of folk, rock, Americana and country into the album highlight.

Also a mother, teacher, wife and music promoter, this 3rd album from Hale-Revia is one that carries heavy themes like suicide and the loss of her father to Covid, but there’s also much optimism and fun to be found across these very well crafted songs that strike a chord immediately.

Travels well with: Jefferson Ross- Southern Currency; Surrender Hill- A Whole Lot Of Freedom

Rod Picott

Paper Hearts And Broken Arrows

Welding Rod, 2022

8/10

Listen to Paper Hearts And Broken Arrows

A former construction worker who put down his hammer and picked up a guitar, Rod Picott knows his way around a genuine and moving song, and here he brings us a dozen more on this 14th album.

Picott starts the listen with the warm and heartfelt, acoustic guitar fueled “Lover”, where his weathered voice possesses much rugged beauty, and “Mona Lisa” arrives soon after with poetic storytelling as his gentle voice emits a wise demeanor.

Elsewhere, “Sonny Liston” showcases Picott’s cozy guitar playing amid his raw voice, while “Washington County”, the best track present, strums a bit quicker alongside vivid wordplay about the workingman blues as Picott gets a bit more firm with his singing.

Arriving near the end, “Lost In The South” is particularly intimate with forthright lyrics and “Mark Of Your Father” continues the eloquence with a dreamy ambience amid the careful musicianship.

A very raw body of work that’s often minimal, Picott brings along Lex Price on bass and tenor guitars; Juan Solodzano on pedal steel slide and guitars; Evan Hutchings on drums; Neilson Hubbard on percussion, vocal harmonies and piano. Together, they make for a very literate, sometimes dark and memorable listening experience.

Travels well with: David Olney & Anana Kaye- Whispers And Sighs; Malcolm Holcombe- Tricks Of The Trade

Christine Sweeney

Heart In A Hurry

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to Heart In A Hurry

Although her formative years had her singing along to Whitney Houston, these days Christine Sweeney is steeped in folk friendly sounds, and here she brings us 7 animated and diverse originals.

“The Better Parts” starts the listen with a playful melody, as Sweeney’s warm pipes and cozy guitar playing take help from Sam Kantor’s soulful backing vocals, and “Denial” follows with a calmer pace of smooth singing and precise drumming from Mike Leuci on the timeless folk-rocker.

“Do You Have To Go” lands in the middle and is a bit more rugged with nods to blues-rock, while “Feeling So Low” showcases Sweeney’s diverse pipes alongside Dave Ferro’s meticulous electric guitar amid the Americana hints. “Down To The River” exits the listen with powerful and spirited finish where Sweeney plays piano and her R&B history is certainly on display, too.

Sweeney is well versed in pop, blues, Americana, folk and R&B, and with her esteemed help she balances louder moments with intimacy in a way that will make you revisit these tunes often.

Travels well with: Laura Benitez And The Heartache- With All Its Thorns; Ericka Lewis- A Walk Around The Sun

Libby Koch

Redemption 10: Live At Blue Rock

Berkalin, 2019

8/10

Listen to Redemption 10: Live At Blue Rock

A full band recording of her now decade old debut album Redemption, Libby Koch and company cut this set live in the studio with a small audience to help capture the intimacy of the project.

“Houston” starts the set with Koch’s gritty yet pretty vocals that soar as pedal steel, mandolin and violins guide the opener, and “Just The Way” follows with harmonica and rugged melodies on the breezy Americana tune.

Deeper into the recording, “Stay With Me” offers a bare, expressive folk-influenced highlight, while “Redemption” illustrates skilled picking in the emotive, reflective setting.

Near the end, “Don’t Give Up On Me” recruits a swift pace with gorgeous interplay between the instruments as piano really adds much to the formula, and the upbeat strumming of “Ready Now” unfolds with a timeless rural beauty. The lone cover, “I Still Miss Someone”, ends the listen, and Koch interprets it as good as anyone has with her moving pipes alongside deft musicianship.

Originally released as a solo acoustic album, this version of Redemption clearly illustrates how much Koch has grown as an artist in the last decade, as she sounds more confident and precise than ever.

Travels well with: Susan Gibson- The Hard Stuff; Helene Cronin- Old Ghosts & Lost Causes