Ben Wendel

All One

Edition, 2023

8/10

Listen to All One

The renaissance man Ben Wendel brings his composing, arranging and multi-instrumentalist skills to these 6 in depth tracks that hosts several players to the timeless, atypical jazz formula.

“I Loves You Porgy” begins the listen with Cécile McLorin Salvant’s rich and expressive voice alongside Wendel’s hazy brass, and “Wanderers” follows with Terence Blanchard’s soulful trumpet adding much to the precisely layered climate.

“Throughout” and “Speak Joy” land in the middle, where the former features Bill Frisell’s warm guitar lines in the distinct dreaminess, while the latter is populated by Elena Pinderhughes’ well timed flute playing that’s quite charming.

Close to the end, “Tenderly” benefits much fom José James’ soaring voice for the very pretty landscape that’s quite intimate, and “In Anima” exits with Tigran Hamasyan’s graceful piano illuminating the atmospheric sax playing that’s as unconventional as it is exciting.

A listen brimming with classical harmony, well timed dissonance, and swirling, sonic bouts, Wendel’s tenor and soprano sax, bassoon, EFX and hand percussion, plus his esteemed company, make for an unpredictable and very memorable listening experience.

Travels well with: Danielle Wertz- Other Side; Nick Finzer- Dreams, Visions, Illusions

Les DeMerle Sound 67

Once In A Lifetime

Origin, 2023

9/10

Listen to Once In A Lifetime

The esteemed drummer Les DeMerle laid down this album with his band, Sound 67, way back in 1967, and here it’s finally released after being lost in the shuffle at Atlantic Records.

“Come Back To Me” starts the listen with DeMerle’s drumming acrobatics alongside Randy Brecker’s bright trumpet and Danny Sandridge’s swift keys, and “Feelin’ Good” follows with Alan Gauvin’s soulful sax complementing the dynamic rhythm section that embraces Terry Plumeri’s bass skills.

In the middle, “Signifyin’” offers a punchy and scrappy jazz rocker that’s got plenty of grooves, while “Alfie” recruits Genya Ravan’s expressive pipes and Lanny Morgan’s emotive sax to the intimate landscape.

Close to the end, “That’s Life” has Ravan’s powerful pipes flowing, as well as DeMerle’s well timed drums and Jack Greg’s strategic bass, and “Takin A Chance On Love” exits with Rosemary Clooney’s inviting voice and the Mike Douglas TV Show Band joining DeMerle for the playful finish.

Amazingly, DeMerle was only 20 years old on this recording, but he plays like a seasoned vet across the very meticulous and powerful tunes that clearly illustrates he was ahead of his time on this debut album which makes an indelible impression 55+ years later.

Travels well with: Michael Dease- The Other Shoe; Rich Thompson- Who Do You Have To Know?

Saturn Quartet

Luz

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Luz

A New Orleans outfit with a penchant for melody and improvisation, Saturn Quartet, i.e. Ricardo Pascal, Brendan Polk, Robin Sherman and Gerald Watkins Jr., make quite an impression with these 8 adventurous tracks.

“Three Of A Kind” opens the listen with Sherman’s charming plucked bass, as Pascal’s inviting sax blend into the cozy climate that’s quite warm, and “Told You” follows with Polk’s firm keys and the frisky drumming making for a very lively demeanor.

The title track and “Hollow Man” arrive in the middle, where the former has the brass dancing around the mesmerizing drums with harmonic progressions, while the latter finds a more intimate place to reside thanks to the emotive piano and ambient backdrop.

Close to the end, the flowing sax and bouncy bass of “Ben” makes this the album’s best, and “Mitsuda” exits the listen with a very calming approach that blends the sax, keys, bass and Watkins Jr.’s precise drumming into a dreamy finish.

A highly collaborative effort that provides a platform for all the member’s strengths to shine, Luz makes for an eclectic and exciting jazz listen that continues on the tradition of top notch and diverse music from The Big Easy.

Travels well with: Isaiah J. Thompson- The Power Of The Spirit; Pat Petrillo Big Rhythm Band- The Power Station Sessions

Danielle Wertz

Other Side

Outside In, 2023

8/10

Listen to Other Side

The NYC vocalist and instrumentalist Danielle Wertz returns with a sophomore album, where a personal and emotive 10 tracks unfolds with help from Javier Santiago, Evan Hyde, Sam Priven, Owen Clapp and Keith Ganz.

“April 2020” gets the listen off to an atmospheric start, where Wertz’s dreamy pipes are met with soothing synth work in a nearly New Age sort of way, and “Spring Is Here” follows with twinkling keys, poetic singing and well timed sax from Priven, as the setting turns into a powerful display.

“A Sunday Kind Of Love” arrives at the halfway point, and showcases Hyde’s fluid drumming amid Santiago’s precise keys and, of course, Wertz’s pretty voice, while “When The Walls Crumble, We Return” welcomes playful scatting and Clapp’s lively bass lines for the album’s best and most energetic moment.

Close to the end, “Cloud Shaped Thoughts” is a bare and gorgeous offering that is illuminated by Ganz’s acoustic guitar, and “Other Side” exits with mesmerizing piano for the sublime balladry.

Wertz had another type of record in mind for this installment, but Covid had her shift gears into this body of work that was birthed out of solitude and isolation, and captures just what so many felt during the pandemic thanks to her authentic and impassioned vision.

Travels well with: Nick Finzer- Dreams, Visions, Illusions; Roxy Coss- Disparate Parts

Nick Finzer

Dreams, Visions, Illusions

Outside In, 2023

8/10

Listen to Dreams, Visions, Illusions

The trombone extraordinaire Nick Finzer is surrounded by some esteemed talent for these 10 creative jazz tunes that never sit in one place for very long.

“To Dream A Bigger Dream” starts the listen with Jimmy MacBride’s frisky drumming and Glenn Zaleski’s warm keys complementing the adventurous brass, and “Aspirations And Convictions” follows with a heartfelt and poetic demeanor that unfolds with much beauty thanks to Finzer’s eloquent trombone.

“I Thought I Should Take The Road Less Traveled” arrives in the middle and benefits much from Lucas Pino’s expressive sax, while “But I Did What They Said” showcases the warm rhythm section alongside the stirring horn.

“Waking Up” and “Now, Then And When” exit the listen, where the former is populated by Dave Baron’s animated bass plucking and Pino’s strategic bass clarinet, and the latter is a richly textured finish of melodic jazz that emits fluid guitar work courtesy of Alex Wintz.

Finzer is also a record label owner, and he approaches his own music with a meticulous and emotive presence that makes for a colorful and timeless listen from his long running sextet.

Travels well with: Roxy Coss- Disparate Parts; The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Chicago

Leon Lee Dorsey

Cantaloupe Island

Jazz Avenue 1, 2023

9/10

Listen to Cantaloupe Island

The world renowned bassist Leon Lee Dorsey takes up company with Russell Malone and Mike Clark for these 9 interpretations of songs by names we all know, and the songs sound just as radiant under the vision of this trio.

The title track opens the listen with Malone’s spirited guitar amid the punchy drums and warm bass lines in the stylish jazz climate of the Herbie Hancock piece, and Horace Silver’s “Barbara” follows with the rhythm section providing a very cozy mood for the swirling guitar playing.

In the middle, “Bumpin’ On Sunset”, by Wes Montgomery, does indeed bring an energy you could dance to with its playful rhythm, while “The Very Thought Of You” finds an intimate place to reside with its soft and reflective tone populating the Ray Noble classic.

The last 2 tracks are the best, where “Listen To The Dawn” illustrates a very meticulous dynamic between the trio in a dreamy fashion, and “The Thumb”, a Wes Montgomery original, exits with a crisp and, later on, a more firm presence of adventurous jazz prowess.

This is Dorsey’s 6th collaboration with Malone and Clark since 2019, and let’s hope that prolific streak continues, cause the chemistry they share is undeniable and their delivery flawless.

Travels well with: Vince Ector’s Organatomy Trio +- Live @ The Side Door; Septology- The Black Forest Session

Alyse Korn & Robert Kyle

Tuesday’s Child

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Tuesday’s Child

The jazz pianist and singer Alyse Korn and the long time reed player Robert Kyle come together for these 9 songs that take inspiration from their mutual fondness for jazz, Brazilian and Afro-Cuban music.

“Gratitude” gets the listen off to a warm start, where the expressive scatting and soulful sax work together with much beauty, and “What If” follows with Korn’s pretty pipes alongside Kyle’s dreamy flute populating the poetic delivery.

In the middle, “Distance Between Us” showcases Kevin Winard’s precise and atmospheric drumming amid the flowing sax, while “Blue Jack” features Ahmet Turkmenoglu on bass for the intimate and stirring album highlight.

The last 2 tracks are equally well thought out, where “Vivian’s Danzón” recruits Hussain Jiffry’s strategic bass and Kyle’s guiro prowess for the eloquent climate, and “Ruby’s Dream” exits with hypnotic keys, Leonice Shinneman’s tabla, wispy scatting and twinkling keys for a very rich and memorable finish.

A very peaceful and uplifting listen, during these often turbulent times, this harmonic and polyrhythmic affair is quite refreshing.

Travels well with: Mark Ortwein- It Was Time; Eric Goletz- Standard-ized!

Dean Mucetti & Rhythm Real

Isolate//Integrate

Orenda, 2023

8/10

Listen to Isolate//Integrate

The drummer and composer Dean Mucetti brings along his all star band for 6 songs that make up this debut that’s full of funky, polyrhythmic and atypical instrumentation.

“Steps West” opens the listen with Mucetti’s swift drums alongside Miguel Ortiz’s bouncy bass lines and Alex Williams’ playful piano in the nearly prog-like delivery, and “Bell Bud” follows with Jon Aparicio’s frisky guitar playing to complement the finger acrobatics from Brian Hargrove’s keyboards.

“Mother Alone” and “Licking Myself” land in the middle, where the former is quite stylish in its funky demeanor, while the latter illustrates Mucetti’s meticulous drumming amid the glowing keys in a dreamy sort of way.

“Loose Satin” arrives near the end, and is textured with no lack of rhythm or harmonic gestures via its groove filled presence, and “Got Lush” exits with a busy, precise and timeless version of jazz that is quite exciting.

An album that was born out of the pandemic and the subsequent methods to make music, there was a lot of work put into these complex tracks, and nods to names like Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane sure are appreciated.

Travels well with: Esthesis Quartet- Time Zones; Ben Zucker’s Fifth Season- Semiterritory

Sanah Kadoura

Duality

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Duality

The Lebanese-Canadian artist Sanah Kadoura is a women of many talents, and she brings her drumming, composing, and vocal skills to these 9 tracks that benefit from many guests for the infectious jazz fusion formula.

“The Gemini’s” gets the listen off to a warm start, where Rachel Therrien’s flugelhorn, Jonathan Micheal’s upright bass and playful scatting from Joanna Majoko and Parham Haghighi complement Kadoura’s drumming acrobatics, and “The Seer, The Soarer” follows with Stacy Dillard’s bright soprano sax helping make for a very soulful and melodic album highlight.

In the middle, the bouncy keys from Michael King and Michel’s electric bass help illuminate the swift drumming of “Hidden Realities”, while “When It’s Time” lands in more intimate areas that recruit the dreamy brass, graceful keys and moody drums.

“Zaytoon” arrives close to the end, and is populated by Virginia MacDonald’s unpredictable clarinet prowess and Therrien’s animated trumpet, and “Rise” exits with the twinkling piano and Majoko’s gorgeous singing amid Flavio Silva’s agile guitar and, of course, Kadoura’s meticulous drums.

A listen that balances light and dark gestures, Kadoura’s vision blends neo-soul and modern jazz with incredible attention to detail and inventive playing that makes for a cultured and very sophisticated experience.

Travels well with: Vince Ector Organatomy Trio +- Live @ The Side Door; Septology- The Black Sessions

Stella Chen

Stella X Schubert

Platoon, 2023

9/10

Listen to Stella X Schubert

The inimitable violinist Stella Chen is aligned with Henry Kramer’s piano for this debut album that embraces her love for Schubert across 4 very detailed pieces.

“Rondo in B minor D.895” starts the listen with Chen’s animated strings alongside the graceful, sometimes firm keys in the emotive and stirring climate, and “Fantasie in C Major, D. 934” follows with 4 chapters of melodic piano and heartfelt, gorgeous violin that emits a very heartfelt demeanor.

On the back half, “Sei mir gegrüsst, D.741” is full of cautious versus playful interaction between the lovely keys and poetic strings, and “Ständchen, D. 920” exits with a charming intimacy that allows both to showcase their respective strengths in a highly eloquent finish.

An excellent starting point for an artist who has already racked up some prestigious awards, Chen interprets the time honored compositions with a profound attention to detail.

Travels well with: Miriam K. Smith- Momentum; Apollo Chamber Players- MoonStrike

Ellie Turner

When The Trouble’s All Done

Muhly Grass, 2023

8/10

Listen to When The Trouble’s All Done

The folk troubadour and Nashville resident Ellie Turner recorded these 10 tracks live to tape, and it showcases her vintage version of song craft that welcomes Jack Schneider, Wes Langlois and Jared Manzo to the thoughtful listen.

“One More Day” starts the affair with Langlois’ warm harmonica, as Turner’s inimitable and sweet voice guides the heartfelt climate, and “The ‘I Love You’ Song” follows with breezy acoustic guitar complementing the romantic wordplay that possesses much beauty.

“A Little Farther Down The Line” occupies the middle spot, and finds an intimate place to reside with Turner’s breathy voice alongside gentle guitar, while “Katabatic” benefits much from Schneider’s melodic guitar and voice that pairs well with Turner’s absorbing pipes and gorgeous vocal harmonies.

Close to the end, “Holyoke” offers a bare and poetic delivery of timeless folk sounds, and “When The Trouble’s All Done” exits with a lullaby-esque demeanor of gracefulness and coziness that’s universally embraceable.

A hushed listen that often seems like Turner is playing just for you and in your presence, together with her esteemed help she makes music that anyone with an ear for folk from any era will enjoy.

Travels well with: Jake Ybarra- Something In The Water; Lauren Morrow- People Talk

Vince Ector Organatomy Trio +

Live @ The Side Door

Cabo Verde, 2023

8/10

Listen to Live @ The Side Door

Vince Ector’s drums are joined by Justin Jones’ sax, Paul Bollenback’s guitar and Pat Bianchi’s organ for this live recording of a set of rhythmic and Philadelphia influenced jazz that took place in early 2020, just before the pandemic struck.

“South Philly Groove” starts the listen with indeed plenty of grooves thanks to the frisky drums and warm sax playing amid the spirited keys, and “Sister Ruth” follows with Ector’s drum acrobatics making for a very exciting jazz climate.

In the middle, “Love Won’t Let Me Wait” showcases the soulful, romantic brass, while “Dex Blues” illustrates so much meticulousness from Bianchi’s organ alongside the spirited guitar playing from Bollenback.

“Wives And Lovers”, a tune penned by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, arrives near the end and flows with much melody and unpredictable jazz textures, and “Reprise And Thanks” exits with the band taking turns being applauded and appreciated.

Everything here was recorded on a single take, and that reflects the massive skill present and consists of music across Ector’s last 4 records as a leader, which captures some first rate East Coast jazz.

Travels well with: Septology- The Black Forest Session; Scott Petito- Many Worlds

Sam Bardfeld

Refuge

Bjur, 2023

8/10

Listen to Refuge

The violinist and composer Sam Bardfeld aligns himself with Jacob Sacks’ piano and Michael Sarin’s drums and melodica for these blues and folk influenced jazz tunes.

“It Might Not Work” starts the listen with Bardfeld’s very distinct string prowess amid hypnotic keys in the highly interesting climate, and “Atlantic City” follows with a stirring presence of emotive strings, well timed drums and twinkling keys in the atypical Springstreen interpretation.

“On The Seat Of Which” arrives in the middle and emits an unorthodox rhythm that showcases dynamic interaction between the trio, while “That Greeny Flower” carries a mysterious ambience of avant-garde ideas amid the intimately experimental nods. The title track and 2nd cover exits the listen, where the clever tonality of the strings, firm keys and strategic drums illuminate the Andrew Hill original.

This is Bardfeld’s 4th album as leader, and it’s a unique, harmonic and creatively textured 7 songs that will resonate with any fan of jazz from any era.

Travels well with: Emilio Teubal- Futuro; Nicholas Brust- Daybreak

Elio Villafranca

Standing By The Crossroads

artistShare, 2023

8/10

Listen to Standing By The Crossroads

The pianist and composer Elio Villafranca brings us a very spiritual listen that surrounds his own journey as an artist living in Cuba, and it focuses much on Congolese music via his inimitable vision.

“H.B.C. (Habana Blues Chronicle)” starts the listen with Domo Branch’s acrobatic drumming and the bright brass complementing Villafranca’s very precise piano, and the title track follows with the playful sax interacting with the quick clarinet in the highly textured landscape.

“I Belong To You” arrives in the middle, and showcases Cécile McLorin Salvant’s gorgeous voice alongside Villafranca’s emotive keys, while “San Isidro” unfolds across two parts that emit much melody thanks to the complicated piano progressions, Edward Perez’s excellent bass and the firm brass.

Further still, the dynamic and busy landscape of “Keep The Eye On The Bull” is the album’s best, and “Picture Window” exits the listen with a very worldly and rhythmic finish to a truly artistic body of work.

A very eclectic listen that incorporates classical, Afro-Caribbean ideas, modern jazz and modern Latin sounds, Villafranca makes for an enlightening and timeless experience.

Travels well with: Isaiah J. Thompson- The Power Of The Spirit; Arturo O’Farrill- Virtual Birdland

Septology

The Black Forest Session

HGBS Blue, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Black Forest Session

The debut album from a collection of Canadian all-stars, Septology make a very focused, collaborative listen here, where modern jazz ideas and bebop moments aren’t in short supply across the 8 originals.

“Dig That!” wastes little time making an impression with its bright brass and Bernd Reiter’s agile drumming in the textured climate, and “The Time Being” follows with Kirk MacDonald’s soulful tenor sax complementing Brian Dickinson’s very graceful piano playing.

“Silent Voices” arrives in the middle and showcases Virginia MacDonald’s moody clarinet via the mysterious demeanor, while “Highway 9” bops and shakes with Neil Swainson’s playful bass adding much charm to the album highlight.

“Terre de SuSable” and “One Thing Led To Another” exit the listen, where the former is swift and unpredictable and spotlights Derrick Gardner’s flowing trumpet, and the latter emits much beauty from the meticulous guitar and flawless rhythm section.

An excellent first effort, there’s much talent present, and their combined talents easily make Septology one of the best in area of contemporary jazz from Canada.

Travels well with: Scott Petito- Many Worlds; Greg Ward’s Rogue Parade- Dion’s Quest

Astrocolor

Moonlighting- AstroJazz Vol. 1

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Moonlighting- AstroJazz Vol. 1

An outfit who recently won ‘Instrumental Artist Of The Year’ in their home country, Astrocolor mesh jazz, electronica and psychedelia into a highly experimental and unique formula that you might call ‘AstroJazz’.

“Starswing” starts the listen with Amrit Basi’s fluid drumming, Anand Greenwell’s flowing sax and Andrew Poirier’s spirited guitar in the soulful climate, and “Spacewalk” follows with some progressive ideas amid the soft grooves that benefit from cozy bass and the agile percussion.

In the middle, “Dimension Four” emits a hazy, intimate demeanor of precisely layered ideas, while “Folding Time” showcases Lindsay Bryan’s playful scatting amid the charming brass and frisky drumming.

Close to the end, Paul Kannaspuro’s flute adds much atmosphere to the dreamy “Meteor Shower”, and “Coming Home”, the best track, exits with Bryan’s voice singing in a very pretty tone alongside the bouncy rhythm section of the meticulous finish.

It’s no surprise that Astrocolor are picking up awards, and they’ve also amassed 10 million streams thanks to their inimitable and exciting vision that truly rewrites the notion of what jazz should sound like via nods to ‘90s electronic music and cosmic adventurousness.

Travels well with: Redline Trio- Underdog; William Carn- Choices

Brian Dunne

Loser On The Ropes

Kill Rock Stars, 2023

8/10

Listen to Loser On The Ropes

The multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Brian Dunne explores defeat and denial on this first album with Kill Rock Stars, and it unfolds with a very adventurous version of indie-folk from the New York City resident.

The title track begins the listen with cozy acoustic strumming, Jeremy Wheatley’s well timed drums and Dunne’s distinct voice, and “Stand Clear Of The Closing Door” follows with a thumping, buzzing version of indie-rock that carries a jangle and is quite melodic.

“The Kids Are All Grown” lands in the middle, and showcases Jojo Glidewell’s dreamy synth in the pop meets Americana formula, while “Optimist” uses Lizzie No’s backing vocals for the summery folk friendly rock.

“Bad Luck” and “Something To Live For” exit the listen, where the former moves swiftly with bouncy bass, punchy drums and moody keys that are thickly layered and the album’s best, and “Something To Live For” exits with a stirring intimacy that’s poetic, introspective and cautiously pretty.

Dunne attracted the Kill Rock Stars label on the strength of the demos for this album, and the use of analog synth and reverb soaked guitars makes for a great balance between fuzzy punk moments and absorbing singer-songwriter prowess.

Travels well with: Mya Byrne- Rhinestone Tomboy; Fantastic Cat- The Very Best Of Fantastic Cat

Ellis Paul

55

Rosella, 2023

8/10

Listen to 55

The esteemed folk artist Ellis Paul has enjoyed a 3 decade career, and he celebrates that accomplishment with 12 new songs penned when he was 55 years old and in the midst of a global pandemic.

“Cosmos” opens the listen with warm acoustic guitar and Paul’s very expressive, poetic singing that makes for a highly emotive landscape, and “Who You Are” follows with Abbie Gardner’s dobro and backing vocals providing much beauty in the dreamy delivery.

In the middle, Radoslav Lorkovic’s graceful keys are met with vivid storytelling in the mature climate of “Holy”, while “Gold In California” benefits from Tiberius Logic III’s agile violin and Seth Glier’s soulful backing vocals in the rich album highlight.

Close to the end, the lush “Sometimes Trouble Is Good” welcomes Mark Dann’s strategic bass via the busier folk-rock, and “A Song To Say Goodbye” exits with intimate piano from Paul, Logic III’s dreamy flute and Laurie MacAllister’s soaring backing vocals.

Paul suffers from Dupuytren’s contracture, a disease that closes the fingers into a fist very tightly, which of course can make it difficult to play guitar. Thankfully, his hand is opening up, and he’s out there playing shows to support this excellent 23rd recording of his timeless folk sensibilities.

Travels well with: Peter Mulvey & Sistastrings- Love Is The Only Thing; Mark Erelli- Lay Your Darkness Down

Mya Byrne

Rhinestone Tomboy

Kill Rock Stars, 2023

9/10

Listen to Rhinestone Tomboy

The diverse artist Mya Byrne continues her unique and thoughtful version of Americana on this first album on the Kill Rock Stars label, where the 12 songs present surround redemption, and were penned after Byrne became sober and was still sorting through trans life one day at a time.

“It Don’t Fade” gets the listen started off with more than a hint of Nashville- one of the places Byrne calls home- with its warm pedal steel and shuffling drumming amid the gritty melody, and “I’m Gonna Stop” follows with a breezy version of Americana that’s warm and benefits much from spirited organ.

Elsewhere, the buzzing psychedelia of “Come On” is full of a bristling energy, while “Smoking And Bones” unfolds in a haze of acoustic guitar, firm drums and soaring vocals.

Close the end, grab your cowboy boots for the frisky dance floor ready honky tonk of “Sweetheart Of Mine”, and “That’s What Lucky Means” exits with the demeanor of a raw tune emanating from an AM radio many decades ago.

Byrne splits time between Oakland, Brooklyn and Nashville, and brings influences from all those cities to this bluesy, indie-rock, dusty country and glam-pop fueled affair that’s an outlaw album of a very distinct kind that reacts to difficult times and captures the essence of being human.

Travels well with: Lauren Morrow- People Talk; Ben de la Cour- Shadow Land

Disturbed Furniture

Continuous Pleasures

Arevarc, 2019

9/10

Listen to Continuous Pleasures

An outfit who were very active in the thriving underground New York City scene in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, Disturbed Furniture left an indelible mark on artistic and club fueled music during their brief career, and here they return 35 years later with 5 tunes lead by frontwoman Alexa Hunter.

“Halo Of Pain” starts the EP with a throbbing pulse of power and melody in a dark spirited, post-punk haze, where strong vocals from Hunter sit well alongside the organ and fuzzy atmosphere. “Ill In Paris” follows and brings the setting down to a quieter setting with congas and a guiro in the diverse tune.

The last 3 tunes are just as memorable, including the more bare, surreal and raw beauty of “Angel Of Losses”, the charged punk sounds and angular guitar work of “Hit Or A Miss”, and the funky bass lines and percussive heavy “In The Front”, which is full of boogie spirit and playful rhythm.

While there is no shortage of bands from the ‘80s reuniting, few are doing it as well and with the strong songwriting prowess of Disturbed Furniture. Though the band were making quite a name for themselves back in the day, playing alongside The Clash, Psychedelic Furs and even the Go-Go’s, this version of Disturbed Furniture looks to trump anything they’ve done in the past, or at least the New Wave, Art-Punk fueled formula on Continuous Pleasures seems to be pointing towards that.

Travels well with: The Stranglers- Black And White; Sector 27- Sector 27