Greenhouse Ensemble

Rez-de-Chaussée

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Greenhouse Effect

The debut EP from an assembly of jazz artists from Québec, the Greenhouse Ensemble bring a very colorful and rich delivery to these 6 exciting and precise pieces.

“Introduction” leads the listen with much atmosphere, as Camille Brousseau’s stirring violin and Benjamin Lavoie-Doyon’s emotive upright bass complement the distinct mood, and “Beyond Me” follows with William Lussier’s bright trumpet and Roxane Reddy’s playful vocal scatting making for an animated climate.

The middle belongs to “The Cost Of Lies” and “Medina”, where the former benefits much from Christophe Magnan-Bossé’s mesmerizing piano amid Brousseau’s hypnotic violin, and the latter, the album highlight, makes for a busy and dynamic landscape via the frisky drumming from Simon Desrosiers.

The final 2 tracks are equally impressive, where “Toupet carré” showcases Louis-Martin Ruest’s soothing guitar lines in the intimate demeanor, and “Lucioles” exits with charming scatting, thumping drums, swifts keys and soulful brass for a superbly layered finish.

A highly adventurous and collaborative experience, the 7 members of Greenhouse Ensemble possess much talent, and their combined strength makes for an excellent starting point.

Travels well with: Ally Fiola & The Next Quest- Interblaze; Noah Lemish- Twelve

The Panhandlers

Tough Country

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Tough Country

The Texas Americana supergroup The Panhandlers return with a sophomore album, where Josh Abbott, John Baumann, William Clark Green and Flatland Cavalry’s Cleto Cordero pen 14 tunes that run the gamut of emotions that pay tribute to the West Texas music scene that inspired them.

“Flatland” opens the listen with frisky drumming and warm guitar alongside the smooth and expressive singing of the calm roots rock, and “Where Cotton Is King” follows with cozy banjo and vivid storytelling comprising the powerful country rock ideas.

Further on, “Moonlight In Marfa” recruits a soothing, intimate spirit of agile melodies, while “Valentine, For Valentines” finds itself in lush territory, where a poetic duet unfolds with a very harmonic and radiant landscape.

Close to the end, “Last Hangover”, the pensive album highlight, recruits plenty of rural beauty for the gritty yet pretty delivery, and “I Got Your Back Dog” exits with a bare and dusty presence of aching pedal steel, eloquent singing and timeless song craft.

An album that blends pedal steel, fiddle, banjo, dobro, guitar and percussion into very captivating storytelling, Tough Country will appeal to anyone with an ear for Americana, roots, country or bluegrass sounds.

Travels well with: 49 Winchester- III: The Shootouts- Bullseye

Sukey Molloy

The Adventures Of Little Stubby

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Adventures Of Little Stubby

The beloved children’s author, storyteller, educator and musician Sukey Molloy offers us her first album of storytelling, where Larry Alexander lends a hand on writing and sound effects from the natural world are present.

“Stubby Moves To His New Home” opens the listen with warm percussion and light winds that surround the story of Stubby, a mini donkey, moving to his new residence, and this segues into “Stubby Hides From A Doctor”, where he understandably shies away from his hooves being trimmed.

Further along, gentle keys soundtrack Stubby finding his buddy, Willow, before “Stubby Learns To Swim”, an activity donkeys don’t naturally care for, takes place, as he gets help from his friends during the emotional experience.

At the end of the story, “Stubby Hears A Sound” and investigates until he finds a kitten, and “Stubby Has An Important Job” exits with Stubby finding a missing box of medicine that a baby donkey desperately needs.

Sometimes referred to as ‘today’s Mister Rogers’, Molloy’s soothing voice and timeless storytelling provides much to learn from- for both kids and adults- and the calm instrumentation certainly helps lay the groundwork for involved listening.

Travels well with: Allegra Levy- Songs For You And Me; Stephanie Leavell- Made To Bloom

Fuat Tuac

Immigrant

Tuzu Kuru, 2023

8/10

Listen to Immigrant

The Turkish singer Fuat Tuac found much success in the thriving Canadian jazz scene, and his recorded output has reflected his success on stage. On this sophomore album, he discusses his own journey of immigration, and he’s in the company of some of Canada’s finest for 11 rich tracks.

“Stay” opens the listen with Tuac’s very expressive, deep voice alongside Jordan O’Connor’s precise bass plucking, and “Chez Moi”, a duet with Kim Richardson, follows with Eric West’s frisky drums complementing the cultured singing.

The title track arrives in the middle, and allows Tuac’s smooth voice that makes great use of Eric St-Laurent’s cozy guitar, while “Long & Winding Road” uses the rhythm section strategically amid Kevin Turcotte’s very vibrant trumpet playing.

Close to the end, “La Rua Madureira” finds an intimate place to reside with its dreamy textures and poetic singing, and the duet “Uzun Ince Bir Yoldayim” exits with Yesim Akin’s gorgeous voice and the hazy trumpet making an indelible impression.

A very emotionally aware, worldly listen that touches on many different ideas of jazz, Tuac and company make for a listen that will speak to anyone who embraces all the differences of humans on this planet.

Travels well with: Eric Lilley Trio- Three; David Larsen- The Peplowski Project

Trio Profondo

Mosaic

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Mosaic

The Chicago outfit of Jimmy Farace, Stephen Parisi, Jr. and Paul Barrilles, as Trio Profondo this debut offers a baritone sax trio that presents Black American Music in very rich and exciting ways.

“Orange Lilac” begins the listen with Parisi, Jr.’s bouncy bass lines, as Farace’s soulful sax enters the frisky climate, and “Pannonica” follows with a very playful and warm interpretation of the Thelonious Monk classic that will get your body moving.

In the middle, “When The TV’s On, But No One’s Home” brings both intimate and adventurous ideas amid the flowing brass and stylish bass playing, while “Cloud Splitter” allows each player’s respective strengths to shine in the diverse and soothing delivery.

Arriving close to the end, “Abandoned Name Tag” illuminates the very precise rhythm section as Farace spreads out with his unpredictable sax, and the title track exits with a more free jazz rooted finisher that showcases so much talent and creativity.

All 3 players present have excellent resumes in the area of jazz, and they bring their individual strengths that make for a collectively vibrant and top notch debut.

Travels well with: Jakob Dreyer- Songs, Hymns And Ballads: Volume 1; Steve Shapiro- Plan To Be Spontaneous

Katie Haverly

Triangulating Line

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Triangulating Line

The Tucson, Arizona multi-instrumentalist and singer Katie Haverly finds a charming place to reside here, where soul and indie-pop meet, and she’s got plenty of help to flesh out the 10 diverse tracks.

“Get Ready” starts the listen with dreamy keys, as Haverly’s expressive voice guides Chris Pierce’s playful bass and Tom Beech’s firm drumming, and “ReRoute” follows with a crisp and rich version of indie-rock that comes with a bit of crunch and grit.

“Lost At Sea” arrives at the half way point and thumps with an infectious energy of calm versus busy bouts, while “Nothing But You” welcomes Brian Lopez, Pete Connolly, Ben Nisbet and Gabriel Sullivan’s well timed harmony vocals in the album’s best that’s powerful and thoughtful.

“Wake Up” and “ShiftShock” exit the listen, where the former is an intimate moment of agile acoustic guitar and poetic singing, and the latter showcases Alassane Diarra’s sublime harmony vocals complementing the underlying groove that balances melody and soulfulness.

Haverly handles piano, keyboards, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, vocals and harmony vocals, and together with her esteemed cast, she creates an eclectic and self-empowering body of work.

Travels well with: Mabilene- The Other Side; Ever More Nest- Out Here Now

Joseph Haydn

Heretic Threads

Astrila, 2023

9/10

Listen to Heretic Threads

The trio of musicians, Peter Lutek, Boyd McDonald and Joseph Petric, illuminate the keyboard work of Joseph Haydn, and it’s a very thorough 2 disc set that explores classical music and electroacoustic ideas.

“Sonata in F Major, Hob. XV123” opens the listen with McDonald’s dancing keys highlighting Haydn’s playful vision with the swift melodies and very meticulous progressions, and it isn’t long until “Fantasia in C Major, Hob.XVII4” finds the animated keys making for a very exciting and memorable performance.

The middle tracks belong to Petric’s accordion, where “Sonata in F Major, Hob.XV123” illustrates very precise finger acrobatics in the flowing climate, while “Sonata in E Minor, Hob.XV134” is full of a distinct atmosphere that quivers a bit in a carnival-esque sort of fashion.

The final track, “Sintering”, is heavy on Lutek’s fascinating electronics, but also provides a platform for McDonald’s clever keys and Petric’s upbeat accordion for the rich and dynamic album highlight.

An extremely creative sonic journey that takes into account all the player’s extensive resumes, we’re treated to profoundly skilled manipulation of their respective instruments, and an interpretative vision that few others will ever explore.

Travels well with: Anthony Tan- Susurrus; Yang Chen- Longing For_

Colony House

The Cannonballers

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to The Cannonballers

The outfit spearheaded by the brothers Will and Caleb Chapman, as Colony House the Nashville indie-rockers bring surf ideas to this anthemic and guitar driven 4th album.

“Landlocked Surf Rock” starts the listen with a very accurate title, where a nearly mechanical presence is met with bright and soaring indie-rock that’s packed melody, and “Would Ya, Could Ya” follows with buzzing blasts of thick and driving rock that could fill arenas.

Some of the best songs reside in the middle, “Where One Of Those Days” recruits some modern pop ideas in the stylish delivery, while “Don’t I Know You” showcases the sturdy rhythm section of Will’s drumming and bassist Parke Cottrell in the punchy delivery.

Much intimacy is present near the end, where Scott Mills’ cozy guitar is appreciated on the gentle “Do You Ever Feel”, which abruptly bursts into giant swells of pop-rock flavor, and “I’m Not Dyin’” exits with a soothing dreaminess that’s calm, pretty and shows off Caleb’s inviting voice.

If you haven’t familiarized yourself with Colony House yet, there’s really no better time. The band are really coming into their own, and currently in process of becoming a household name.

Travels well with: Vakili Band- Walking Sideways; Trapper Schoepp- May Day

Frode Fivel

All You See

Apollon, 2023

9/10

Listen to All You See

A supergroup of members from Ricochets, Tommy Tokyo, Starving For My Gravy, Navigators, and others, Frode Fivel returns with his cosmic fueled rock that’s quite sophisticated.

“Goat Simulator” starts the listen with dreamy piano and poetic singing in the warm climate, and “Straight Line” follows with crisp drums and breezy melodies that embrace some retro-rock ideas.

Elsewhere, “Ok” offers an intimate and soulful delivery of buzzing and cozy song craft, while “Caught Up In A Smile” brings a hazy and atmospheric album highlight.

Close to the end, “Phony” and “Station Wagon” are a couple of excellent finishers, where the former emits a curious form of folk-rock that’s harmonic, and the latter is populated by some of the best singing that unfolds with a hint of psychedelia towards the end.

Fivel is in the company of Magnus Abelsen (guitar), Fredrik Brarud (drums), André Helle (bass), and Knut Olsen (keyboards), and they help cultivate a very thoughtful and diverse version of Americana-rock.

Travels well with: Laughing Stocks- Songs For The Future; 35 Tapes- Home

Jim Wurster

Three Silly Love Songs

Y&T, 2023

8/10

Listen to Three Silly Love Songs

Formerly of the Miami band Black Janet, these days Jim Wurster is pursuing an esteemed solo career of Americana sounds, and these 3 songs were written and dedicated to the one he loves.

“Brand New Start” opens the listen with a warm and swift rootsy appeal, where his inimitable drawl is met with banjo, pedal steel and warm guitar that’s plenty melodic, and “With You Babe” follows with a charming breeziness that touches on folk ideas in its cozy, rural demeanor.

“Way Up In Topanga Canyon” exits the listen with more presence on drumming, as a meticulous guitar solo and thicker version of country-rock unfolds with grit and tunefulness.

A treasure of the South Florida music scene, Wurster may remind you of Neil Young, Tom Waits or Leonard Cohen, and these 3 well executed tunes certainly warrant exploring more of his laid back roots rock.

Travels well with: Buddy Mondlock- Filament; Brian Blake- Book Of Life

Redline Trio

Underdog

Chronograph, 2023

9/10

Listen to Underdog

A very focused and intricate outfit consisting of Mark DeJong, Steve Shepard and Jeff Sulima, as Redline Trio they birth a formula that touches on jazz’s past, but with plenty of modern ideas that recruit help from Brad Turner and Steve Hudson for the 6 rich tracks.

“No Limes For Jeffrey” opens the listen with DeJong’s bright tenor sax prowess alongside Sulima’s frisky drumming in the timeless jazz climate, and “The Waltz” follows with a soulful approach that showcases Turner’s powerful and dynamic trumpet prowess.

“Veluwe (For Janny)” lands in the middle, and benefits much from Shepard’s careful bass plucking in the intimate landscape, while “Galactic Diamonds” spotlights Hudson’s graceful and meticulous piano playing amid the vibrant brass and melodic gestures. “Underdog”, the final song, recruits a contagious energy of rhythmic and precise instrumentation that resonates long after the tune stops.

DeJong, Shepard and Sulima are heavy hitters on the Calgary jazz scene, and their combined strength makes for this exceptional and exciting listen.

Travels well with: William Carn- Choices; Matt Greenwood- Atlas

Miesha & The Spanks

Unconditional Love In Hi-Fi

Mint, 2023

9/10

Listen to Unconditional Love In Hi-Fi

A duo from Calgary, Miesha & The Spanks bring us 15 tracks of their riff heavy and very animated version of garage rock.

After the brief, bright opener, “necwiyewt”, “Dig Me Out” emits thumping drums and buzzing guitars into the New Wave spirit that is filled with Miesha’s radiant and spunky vocals, and “So Mad” continues the driving rock ideas with plenty of fuzzed out melodies.

Elsewhere, “I Can’t Wait” recruits plenty of power-pop ideas amid the well timed backing vocals and thick musicianship, while “Heart Is On Fire” is an anthemic album highlight that’s got so much infectious crunch alongside Miesha’s sing-alongs.

Closer to the end, the dense rocker “Enough Is Enough” places pretty moments in between the thundering, grungy bouts, and “I Was Gonna” exits with a punky spirit that’s friendly enough for the FM dial, but tinted with a fierceness, too.

Miesha is joined by Sean Hamilton’s very lively percussion, and additional help from Paul Rawson and Daniel Farrant for a listen that might remind you of Joan Jett, L7, Buzzcocks or The Stooges. And who could have any problem with that?

Travels well with: Foxy- Can’t Stop Us/X-Ray Spex Tribute; The Hollywood Stars- Sound City

Various Artists

Animo Two

Ravello, 2023

8/10

Listen to Animo Two

The flutist Sarah Waycott and pianist Yanna Zissiadou bring their inimitable talents to these very rich pieces that showcase the work of several composers across 15 meticulous pieces.

Annie Boyd’s “Cloudy Mountain” starts the listen with dreamy keys and eloquent flute meeting at a very calming, stirring intersection, and “The Journey of Alan Kurdi” follows with the duo’s poetic display taking help from drumming sounds that make for a more firm approach in the Lukas Piel original.

Further on, Waycott’s charming flute is complemented by Zissiadou’s warm keys in the lush “The Red Birds”, by Edmund Jolliffe, while Helen Walker’s “Two Pieces For Piccolo And Piano” is a more upbeat and rhythmic album highlight that flows with so much beauty.

Deeper still, “The Last Kiss”, by Geoff Eales, spotlights Zissiadou’s absorbing keys amid the gorgeous flute playing in the emotive landscape, and “Mulberry Cottage”, by William Lloyd Webber exits the listen with creative, harmonic musicianship as the pair both emit very intricate progressions.

An experience that is both tender and adventurous, Waycott and Zissiadou explore modern chamber ideas with incredible attention to detail on this very colorful and focused listen.

Travels well with: Avner Finberg- The Four Seasons Of Isolation; Globe Travel Homeland

Banditos

Right On

Egghunt, 2022

10/10

Listen to Right On

The Southern Country rockers Banditos impressed me with their first couple albums, and this 3rd LP continues that trend, as Mary Beth Richardson's alluring voice guides these alt-country and garage rock influenced 10 tunes.

“Time Wasted” opens the listen with a fuzzed out retro rocker that’s got plenty of bright melody amid the thumping drums and Richardson’s soulful pipes, and “Waves” follows with a hint of psychedelia entering the soaring vocals and spirited guitar in the dreamy climate.

“Right On” occupies the middle spot and showcases Richardson’s powerful and diverse singing alongside Stephen Alan Pierce II’s playful bass, while “Deep End”jangles with a crisp and dynamic nostalgic feel that’s aglow in melodies and harmonic textures.

Close to the end, “One More Time” offers thicker bouts of vintage rock’n’roll mixed with calm moments of beauty, and “Ozone” exits with a poetic and eloquent finish that’s hazy and timeless.

A fantastic listen that balances cozy twang, buzzing bursts, creative folk-rock and a throwback energy, the remainder of the band consists of Timothy Steven Corey Parsons (rhythm guitar), Jeffery David Salter (lead guitar) and Randy Taylor Wade (drums), and together with Richardson and Pierce the make one of the best records in recent history.

Travels well with: Lilly Hiatt- Walking Proof; Lauren Morrow- People Talk

Allegra Levy

Songs For You And Me

Little Moon, 2023

9/10

Listen to Songs For You And Me

The jazz singer-songwriter Allegra Levy brings us her first album for children and families, and it’s packed with originals that are diverse, fun and full of clever storytelling for all ages.

“Hello Song” starts the listen with soft acoustic guitar and Levy’s very friendly voice that harmonizes with the backing vocals amid Jason Yeager’s frisky keys, and “Noodles” follows with upbeat singing and radiant banjo from Andrew Baird that welcomes occasional group vocals from kids.

Elsewhere, “In The Tub” touches on Levy’s jazz skills thanks to Dan Urness and Mike Fahie’s brass moments, while “Toodalo, Kangaroo!” is just so infectious with its charming singing, Timothy Norton’s animated bass and Katie Seiler’s well timed backing vocals.

“The Way Of The World”, the best track, arrives close to the end, and showcases Roxy Coss’ bright tenor sax and Aidan Levy’s glowing tenor sax to complement Levy’s soaring vocal scatting, and “A Quiet Song” exits the listen indeed soft, where a lullaby brings ukulele from Baird for the soothing finish.

Already a very esteemed artist in the area of jazz music, Levy is quickly making a name for herself in the area of ‘kindie folk’, as evidenced by this creative, joyful and excellent use of silliness that’s aimed at the younger ears.

Travels well with: Stephanie Leavell- Made To Bloom; Katie Dwyer Music- Let’s Move

Doug Cox And Linda McRae

Beyond The Great Pause

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Beyond The Great Pause

A pair of esteemed Canadian vocalists and multi-instrumentalists, Doug Cox and Linda McRae bring their inestimable talents to these very thoughtful songs that welcome a few guests and some covers to the timeless affair.

The title track opens the listen with warm acoustic guitar and McRae’s very eloquent singing in the bare folk climate as the duo pay tribute to John Prine, and “Last Song You Played” follows with Cox’s gritty yet inviting pipes that uses banjo strategically from McRae.

“Listen To The Water” lands in the middle, and it showcases Daniel Lapp’s agile fiddle and Cindy Larsen/Marcotte’s well timed backing vocals in the rich delivery, while “All Vine No Tater” is a powerful and very real take on life’s constant nuisances executed with a bit of playfulness.

Landing near the end, “Waterloo Sunset” brings Lapp’s fiddle back for the dreamy Ray Davies interpretation that has Cox hitting some high notes, and “New Tim Hortons” exits with Kim Richey’s pretty backing vocals that spotlights McRae’s spoken word skills.

This is the pair’s first album together, and let’s hope it isn’t their last, cause they complement each other’s strengths perfectly, and it makes for a folk, country, Americana and blues hybrid that’s highly memorable.

Travels well with: Craig Bickhardt- Outpourings; Gordan Thomas Ward- Whispers From The Woods

Delta Wires

If Somebody Told Me

Mud Slide, 2023

8/10

Listen to If Somebody Told Me

The San Francisco blues legends Delta Wires, who are fronted by Ernie Pinata’s vocals and harmonica, continue their excellent song craft for this new album that arrives 30+ years into their energetic career.

“Can’t Win For Losin’” starts the listen with the soulful and powerful harp alongside Tony Huszar’s thumping drums and John Christensen’s bright trumpet for the gritty yet melodic climate, and the title track follows with Richard Healy’s spirited guitar and Pinata’s expressive pipes in the intimate, soothing display.

At the halfway point, “Voodoo Cadillac” showcases Tom Gerrits’ playful bass lines that populate the smooth demeanor, while “I Pity The Fool” brings rawness to the rich brass thanks to David Bowman’s animated trombone.

Close to the end, “Dimples” benefits much from lively harp, dynamic rhythm section and mesmerizing bass in the classic interpretation, and “Blues In Hoss’ Flat” exits with the strategic horns and bouncy melody illustrating much warmth and adventurousness.

A band that began as a project in college, Delta Wires have traversed the globe with their timeless and universally enjoyable formula, and in addition to the above mentioned, Caleb Murray holds down saxophone and Richard Sylvester contributes keys to this exceptional blues affair.

Travels well with: The County Well- Drink More; Fred Hostetler- Fontuna Redux

Towner Galaher Organ Trio

Live

Rhythm Royale, 2023

8/10

Listen to Live

An outfit spearheaded by the drummer and composer Towner Galaher, this 4th album as leader welcomes Lonnie Gasperini’s drums and Marvin Horne’s guitar for the spontaneous set that pays tribute to ‘50s and ‘60s jazz groups.

“One For McGriff” opens the listen with an infectious energy of bouncy rhythm and very fluid keys from Gasperini, and “Fever” follows with a warm groove flowing across the stylish landscape.

Further along, “Lover Man” leads with a stirring atmosphere before Horne’s meticulous guitar guides the expressive climate, while “Lonnie’s Funk” indeed gets funky with its strong attention to melody and animated presence.

Residing near the end, “Little Bit Of This. Little Bit Of That” illustrates a dynamic chemistry between the trio that’s hypnotic and alluring, and “Mellow Mood” continues that interaction with a dreamy, timeless jazz appeal.

Recorded during the Covid lockdown in a restaurant with a limited amount of friends and family present, Galaher and company play like they’re in a stadium and these 14 nostalgic tracks came out in less than 4 hours with plenty of bluesy, funky, swingin’ fun.

Travels well with: Esthesis Qarteut- Time Zones; Mark Ortwein- It Was Time

deVon Russell Gray/ Nathan Hanson/ Davu Seru

We Sick

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to We Sick

The saxophone improviser and composer Nathan Hanson is joined by deVon Russell Gray’s piano and Davu Seru’s drums for these well thought out 6 pieces that are very much influenced by the murder of George Floyd and the repercussions of Covid.

“Letters” opens the listen with the unpredictable and exciting sax alongside well timed drum bouts and warm keys that all seem to be on their own course, but also align uniquely, and “They Stay Breathing Here” follows with Hanson’s soulful brass laying the foundation for the strategically intimate landscape.

In the middle, the playful “Solve for Malcolm” arrives in 2 movements, where the first illustrates mesmerizing piano prowess amid the firm sax, and the remainder leads bare and powerful, before erupting into controlled chaos with its squealing and dynamic interaction between the 3.

The final track, “Paths Open and Tolling”, pays close attention to mood, and emits a distinct dreaminess with its pretty keys, focused drums and sturdy brass.

The trio actually live and recorded this not far from where George Floyd lost his life. The songs were fleshed out in a Covid forced vacant church, and it documents this very interesting improv and experimental jazz that speaks volumes without any actual words.

Travels well with: Christopher Cerrone- The Air Suspended; Greg Stuart- Subtractions

Diesel Park West

Let It Melt

Palo Santo, 2019

8/10

Listen to Let It Melt

While England’s Diesel Park West might not be a name you’re immediately familiar with, in their nearly 4 decade career the outfit have done just about everything a band can do in the business, and they’re still plugging away with new music and a long running creative spark.

The title track starts the listen with soulful, bluesy rockin’, where rugged yet tuneful vocals illuminate the setting, and “Pictures In The Hall” follows with an upbeat spirit of retro-rock where the rhythm section shines.

At the middle, “Scared Of Time” recruits country and folk ideas into the timeless, warm melodies, while “Everybody’s Nuts” flows with a vintage quality where gritty, bluesy guitars are in attendance.

Near the end, “You Got The Whole Thing Wrong” uses harmonicas and keys for a rollicking and rowdy album highlight, and “Across The Land” brings us a bouncy atmosphere of playful, addictive music. “Incredible Things” ends the listen with light melodies and the sort of feel good delivery that will sound just as great 20 years from now.

This 9th studio album is an exercise in rock’n’roll mastery from a band who remind us of all the things we love about The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Lou Reed and many other fixtures of rock’s past. Sure, they never did become household names like many of their peers in the early ‘90s, but I’d be willing to bet that Diesel Park West have a significantly stronger lasting power than most rock outfits who began in the ‘80s.

Travels well with: The Black Crowes- Amorica; The Waterboys- Where The Action Is