John Bruce Yeh

Chicago Clarinet Classics

Cedille, 2023

9/10

Listen to Chicago Clarinet Classics

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra clarinetist John Bruce Yeh creates a very accomplished listen here, where intimate pieces by esteemed Windy City composers- past and present- make up the involved tracks.

Alexander Tcherepnin’s “Sonata In One Movement For Clarinet And Piano” starts the listen with Yeh’s flowing clarinet and Patrick Godon’s fluid keys making for a swift and exciting opener, and “Phoenix Rising For Solo Clarinet” follows with Yeh’s stirring presence that’s emotive, poetic, and, later on, quite playful in the Stacy Garrop piece.

In the middle, “Leo Sowerby’s” “Sonata For Clarinet And Piano, H 240a” brings Godon back for the lower registers of the piano and mysterious clarinet that spread out across 4 diverse pieces that are pretty, vulnerable and even upbeat in Yeh’s very capable hands.

Close the end, Teresa Reilly’s clarinet joins Yeh for Reilly’s “The Forgiveness Train For Two Clarinets”, which makes for a mesmerizing and melodic album highlight, and Robert Muczynski’s “Time Pieces For Clarinet And Piano, Op. 43” exits with a charming cinematic quality that, over 4 chapters, births a very precise interaction.

Yeh conceived, researched and pieced together this album during the pandemic, and it includes world premiere recordings packed with his complete mastery over the clarinet and some excellent help from Godon and Reilly.

Travels well with: Rachel Barton Pine- Violin Concertos By Black Composers Through The Centuries; Aznavoorian Duo- Gems From Armenia

Martha Groves Perry

Call Out

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Call Out

The singer-songwriter Martha Groves Perry returns with her 3rd release, where a poetic, melodic and groove filled presence is appeciated across the 12 originals.

“Anyway” starts the listen with a thick atmosphere that welcomes thumping drums and glowing guitar, as well as Perry’s expressive voice, and “You Might” follows with a soft, buzzing quality that suits the lush, cautious territory that’s surrounded by some darkness.

Deeper into the listen, the warm acoustic guitar of “Let The Wind Come” complements the poetic singing, while “Purely Who You Are” emits a stirring dreaminess of graceful song craft.

Close the end, the firm drumming of “Dumping My Delusion” embraces soulful brass for the jazz tinted album highlight, and “Little Life” exits with much beauty and eloquence in attendance amid the folk influences.

You might be reminded of Tom Waits, Tom Petty or Natalie Merchant when listening to these Americana gems, as Perry navigates around light vs dark, love vs hate and beauty against ugliness on this rich, harmonic and very literate body of work.

Travels well with: Helen Cronin- Landmarks; Laura Zucker- Lifeline

Blood, Sweat & Tears

What The Hell Happened To Blood, Sweat & Tears?- Original Soundtrack

Omnivore, 2023

8/10

Listen to What The Hell Happened To Blood, Sweat & Tears?- Original Soundtrack

The American jazz rockers Blood, Sweat & Tears were certainly one of the best bands during their heyday, and here we’re treated to ten previously unissued live recordings from 1970 recorded in Yugoslavia, Romania, and Poland.

“Something’s Coming On” begins the listen with frisky bass, moody organ and punchy drumming amid David Clayton Thomas’ distinct vocals in the busy jazz rocker, and “God Bless The Child” follows with Lew Soloff and Chuck Winfield’s well timed trumpets alongside the ebbs of intimacy that bursts into a snappy, animated fury towards the end.

In the middle, the first live performance of “Hi-De-Ho” arrives, and showcases a powerful, nearly gospel flavored landscape that benefits from Steve Katz’s eloquent harmonica, while “And When I Die” is a playful and rhythmic set highlight that thumps and shakes with Bobby Colomby’s lively drumming.

The last 2 tracks are also great, and include the soft, romantic “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy”, that’s populated by Fred Lipsius’ agile sax and bursts of chunky bass from Jim Fielder, and “I Can’t Quit Her” exits with a gritty and raw display of emotive and tunefully rugged song craft.

The songs here serve as a soundtrack to a documentary of the same name. Blood, Sweat & Tears were the first American rock band to perform behind the Iron Curtain, and this collection of tunes from that time captures the band at their best, performing some of their biggest hits and new songs that would become classics, too.

Travels well with: Stephen Stills- Live At Berkeley 1971; Jackson Browne- Downhill From Everywhere

You Purple Virgin E.J. Simpson

Truth I Am Looking For A Fabulous Fantasy

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Truth I Am Looking For A Fabulous Fantasy

A superbly atypical listen that brings us 10 original songs packed with psychedelic and theatrical ideas, the multi-instrumentalist E.J. Simpson is joined by a large cast of skilled players,

“Strangebird (If Beautiful)” opens the listen with an inviting atmosphere, where both warmth and mystery enter the spacey guitar and thumping drums, and it isn’t long until “Well-Constructed Illusion” brings cozy keys, playful tabla and echoed singing to the prog-fueled climate.

The title track arrives in the middle, and emits a distinct rhythm amid the bouncy bass and snappy drumming that’s even got grooves, while “It’s Almost A Thing” is particularly melodic, retro, and is the album’s best in a very expressive, smooth sort of way. “Dae Flutrd Bi”, another exceptionally layered tune, possesses airy flute, cultured percussion and a nearly spiritual quality.

Simpson, a Philadelphia resident, plays bass, guitar, mandolin, mandola, ukulele, bandorria, the gong, organ, piano and percussion, and his easy going vocals help make this body of work at a prog, psychedelic, jazzy and classic rock mashing that’s highly memorable.

Travels well with: The Rileys- Way Out Yonder; Kabuki Dream- Abstract

Jeff Johnson

My Heart

Origin, 2023

8/10

Listen to My Heart

The one time Minneapolis and east coast resident Jeff Johnson brings his exceptional bass playing to these 6 in depth and very collaborative tracks that welcome John Gross, Art Resnick and Billy Mintz.

“Linden Station” opens the listen with Gross’ flowing and bright sax alongside the acrobatic bass plucking and frisky drums, and “Leviathan” follows with 11+ minutes of mature piano and moody bass playing that flows in and out of dreamy moments, soulful gestures and lush jazz textures.

“Companions” and the title track arrive in the middle, where the former blends the glowing tenor sax with bouncy bass and firm keys, while the latter emits an intimate and introspective appeal of elegance and grace.

Towards the end, “Studio City” offers a very unpredictable and exciting approach that touches on free jazz, and “Watercolours” exits with meticulous piano, poetic brass and skilled bass playing, where the album’s best tune book ends the affair with a very unique interaction between the four.

Now residing in Seattle, this quartet actually laid down these tracks in 1991, but then went their separate ways and only reconvened occasionally over the years to play more music together. Now, 32 years later, the music is finally available to the public, and it captures the band’s chemistry following a west coast tour and has certainly aged very well.

Travels well with: Jason Keiser- Shaw’s Groove; Michael Dease- The Other Shoe

Jason Keiser

Shaw’s Groove

OA2, 2023

8/10

Listen to Shaw’s Groove

The esteemed guitarist Jason Keiser is joined by John Stowell, Erik Jekabson, Aaron Lington, Dan Robbins and Jason Lewis for these lively and diverse jazz tunes that explore Woody Shaw’s fantastic recordings from the ‘70s.

“Organ Grinder” starts the listen with Lewis’ frisky drums and Lington’s expressive baritone sax making for a lively jazz demeanor, and “Zoltan” follows with cozy guitar lines from Stowell and Jekabson’s well timed brass for the flowing melodies.

The middle belongs to the intimacy of “Katerina Ballerina”, where the soulful brass and dreamy guitar meet at a stirring intersection, while “Blues For Woody” bops and shakes with a contagious energy thanks to Robbins’ strategic double bass.

“Jean Marie” and “Shaw’s Groove” exit the listen, where the former is a lively and rhythmic album highlight, and the latter indeed finds plenty of grooves to cultivate amid the fluid rhythm section, lively brass and warm guitar.

A very dynamic and collaborative effort, Keiser and company turn in exceptional originals and covers, and they sound great in any decade.

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

Bob Corritore & Friends

Women In Blues Showcase

VizzTone, 2023

9/10

Listen to Women In Blues Showcase

The always exciting Bob Corritore brings us more gems via his ‘From The Vaults’ series, and this time it spans much geography and styles thanks to powerful and important female voices that make up these 12 blues tracks.

“You’re Gonna Be Sorry” starts the listen with Barbara Lynn’s expressive, upbeat voice alongside Bill Tarsha’s swift drums and Corritore’s spirited harmonica, and “I Just Need A Friend” follows with Carol Fran’s soaring pipes in the empowering climate, which benefits much from her emotive piano, too.

Further along, the frisky “Wang Dang Doodle” showcases Shy Perry’s vocal acrobatics amid Brian Fahey’s fluid drums and Corritore’s animated harmonica, while “Be For Me” places Bob Margolin on guitar and Mookie Brill on bass, which allows Diunna Greenleaf’s stirring voice to shine.

Approaching the end, “Don’t Mess With The Messer” spotlights Troy Sandow’s adventurous bass, Andrew Guterman’s wild drums and Greenleaf’s stunning voice, and “Why Am I Treated So Bad” exits with Francine Reed’s soulful delivery that is illuminated by Kid Ramos and Johnny Main’s meticulous guitar licks.

Corritore recorded all these women- many of whom he has looked up for most of his life- and this collection documents just how important female voices have been in shaping the blues from all eras.

Travels well with: Bob Corritore & Friends- You Shocked Me; John Primer & Bob Corritore- The Gypsy Woman Told Me

Adam Green

Garfield

Org, 2023

9/10

Listen to Garfield

This debut album from Adam Green, who you might know as a founding member of The Moldy Peaches, Garfield originally came out in 2002, and this 20 year anniversary edition brings a whole lot of extras to the anti-folk climate.

The curious listen starts with the folky strumming, robot voices and random noises of “Apples, I’m Home”, and “My Shadow Tags Behind” follows with a soft, acoustic fueled tune that’s bedroom pop at its finest.

Moving deeper into the listen, the sparse “Computer Show” eventually welcomes synthetic drumming and layered vocals, while the poetic “Can You See Me” pairs Green’s eloquent singing with pretty acoustic guitar that, like many of the songs, builds into an oddly atmospheric, somewhat jarring landscape.

The bonus material is largely comprised of demo versions of songs off the original album, plus a few live tracks. The cover tunes are especially great, and include the haunting versus pretty delivery of “Love Will Tear Us Apart” and his distinct and memorable take on “Crystal Ship”, by The Doors.

Available for the first time on vinyl and with unpublished photos and liner notes from Green, his creativity has always appeared boundless, and this very thorough peek into his first solo record further cements his place as an innovator in the area of anti-folk.

Travels well with: Albert Hammond Jr.- Momentary Masters; Jonathan Richman & Modern Lovers- Jonathan Sings!

Sloan

Steady

Yep Roc, 2022

10/10

Listen to Steady

The Canadian power-pop luminaries Sloan have been plugging away for 30 years now, and they celebrate that landmark with this 13th album that has Chris Murphy, Patrick Pentland, Jay Ferguson and Andrew Scott cranking out one memorable rock tune after another.

“Magical Thinking” gets the listen off to a buzzing and rhythmic start of garage-rock ideas that are quite catchy, and “Spend The Day” follows with thumping drums and bouncy bass work complementing the vibrant melodies.

Deeper still, “Scratch The Surface” brings plenty of grit amid the punk nods via the fuzzy rocker, while “Dream It All Over Again” recruits a playful jangle that’s got some of the best singing on the album.

Approaching the end, the dreamy “Close Encounters” is both soulful and diverse as it alternates between calm and busier bouts, and “Keep Your Name Alive” exits with a scrappy indie-rocker that’s got some vintage qualities and a summery delivery that you won’t soon forget.

A band who have been consistently great for 3 decades and have maintained the same line up, too, whether you’re a frequent visitor of the Sloan catalog or a newbie, you’re really going to be smitten with these 12 excellent tunes.

Travels well with: Matthew Sweet- Catspaw; The Tragically Hip- Saskadelphia

Taj Mahal

Savoy

Stony Plain, 2023

9/10

Listen to Savoy

The 3 time Grammy Winner and roots music legend Taj Mahal never disappoints, and this time around the songs are interpretations from the swing jazz big band era, and are illuminated in his accomplished vision.

“Stompin’ At The Savoy” begins the listen with a playful, retro spirit, where warm keys and bright brass align with Taj’s mix of talking and singing amid the soulful backing vocals, and “I’m Just A Lucky So And So” follows and puts a very warm glow on the Duke Ellington tune with dreamy flute from Kristen Strom.

Further along, the intimate demeanor of “Mood Indigo” showcases Taj’s gritty, powerful pipes that are complemented by soothing winds, while “Sweet Georgia Brown” emits violin acrobatics from Evan Price and drummer Leon Joyce’s fluent skills, not to mention Taj’s charming scatting for the album’s best.

Close to the end, “Baby Won’t You Please Come Home”, a hit for Bessie Smith in 1923, features Eric Jekabson on trumpet, which suits Taj’s romantic execution, and “One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)” exits with a very mature and cautious finish of sublime, dynamic and memorable musicianship.

Taj certainly preserves the timelessness of the originals while injecting his own inimitable brand of song craft, and with Danny Caron (guitar), Ruth Davies (bass), and John Simon (piano) and several supporting vocalists, this is yet another top notch body of work for the always exceptional Taj Mahal.

Travels well with: Sue Foley- Pinky’s Blues; The Duke Robillard Band- They Called It Rhythm & Blues

Kaze & Ikue Mori

Crustal Movement

Libra, 2023

8/10

Listen to Crustal Movement

The innovative Ikue Mori handles electronics and Kaze, the cooperative quartet of Christian Pruvost, Natsuki Tamura, Satoko Fujii and Peter Orins, come together for this iconoclastic way of making music that meshes pre-recorded files and live performance.

“Masoandro Mitsoka” starts the listen with much ambience, where a cinematic quality unfolds with wild electronics, chaotic drumming from Orins and squealing horns, and “Motion Dynamics” follows with a spacey demeanor of seemingly random noises that benefit from Fujii’s sublime piano playing.

“Rolle Cake” and “Shifting Blocks” reside in the middle, where the former blends the firm keys and brass from Pruvost and Tamura for sci-fi friendly textures, while the latter is quite exciting amid the strategic buzzing and ominous screeching.

The title track arrives at the end, and welcomes lower registers from the piano and rock influenced drumming alongside the unpredictable and exciting electronics from Mori.

Somewhere between music, noise and rich assemblies of sound manipulation, there isn’t a second here that isn’t creative, atypical and enthralling, as Kaze Quartet and Ikue Mori birth an innovative listen.

Travels well with: René Lussier- Au Diable Vert; Adoct- Ouvre-Glace

Easy Star All-Stars

Ziggy Stardub

Easy Star, 2023

9/10

Listen to Ziggy Stardub

It’s been over a decade since Easy Star All-Stars released a tribute album, and they made the wait worth it with this reimagining of David Bowie’s legendary The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars, where a whole lot of special guests are in attendance.

“Five Years” starts the listen with Steel Pulse on hand for the spacey and laid back reggae that’s full of gripping melodies, and it isn’t long until Naomi Cowan’s flawless and flowing voice enters the bright and lush “Moonage Daydream”.

Further on, the punchy drumming and vivid keys complement Sundub’s contributions to the pretty “Lady Stardust”, while “Hang On To Yourself” showcases Fishbone and Jonnygo Figure for the playful and buzzing album highlight.

Deeper still Macy Gray’s inimitable pipes enter the dreamy “Rock’n’Roll Suicide”, and “All The Young Dudes” exits with Kirsty Rock’s smooth and radiant singing populating the soulful and dynamic finish.

Certainly a reggae fueled listen, but one that’s easily accessible for fans of prog-rock, pop, soul, and hip-hop, each track here brings new surprises and a distinct vision that pays respect to Bowie’s art while cultivating a new, exciting route, too.

Travels well with: John Brown’s Body- Fireflies; Slightly Stoopid- Everyday Life, Everyday People

Meredith Moon

Constellations

True North, 2023

8/10

Listen to Constellations

The Toronto singer-songwriter Meredith Moon brings us a very forthright and honest 10 tracks, where her neo-folk and Appalachian influences are present and appreciated.

“Star Crossed” starts the listen with Moon’s inimitable voice in the dreamy, gentle climate that benefits much from Tony Allen’s atmospheric fiddle, and “I Loved That Town” follows with Alex Merchand’s double bass alongside Moon’s powerful pipes and Will Fisher’s agile drumming.

In the middle, “Lay Your Cards Down” finds a very intimate place to reside that’s poetic, while “Lighthouse Country” features Rachel Melas on double bass for the sublime beauty and eloquent demeanor of the album’s best.

Near to the end, Moon’s lively banjo is front and center on the playful “Needlecase/Blue Goose”, and “Slow Moving Train” exits the listen with the fiddle, double bass and stirring singing meeting at a very thoughtful and honest intersection.

Moon is the daughter of the legend Gordon Lightfoot. She purposely omitted that information when she began he career, and made her presence known without any name association. A multi-instrumentalist who plays banjo, guitar, glockenspiel and podorythmie here, this sophomore album proves that she’s an excellent songwriter, singer and musician in her own right.

Travels well with: Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leah- Canvas; Lynn Miles- TumbleTweedyWorld

Life On Mars

Shadows In A Jar

Spirit Of Unicorn, 2023

9/10

Listen to Shadows In A Jar

The 6th album from the Life On Mars project, and one that took 8 years to make, Earl Kayoss penned all the songs here, and he’s joined by Fernando Perdomo, as well as Billy Sherwood (Yes) and Denny Seiwell (Paul McCartney and Wings).

“Ego” starts the listen with a thick and busy display of charged and tuneful rock that carries a retro-feel, and “The Key” follows with powerful singing and dense riffs in the firm but tuneful ideas that soar loud.

In the middle, the intimate “Rabbits” makes great use of the warm organ and poetic singing that touches on folk-rock, while “She’s Already Gone” flows with gritty melody and a cautious spirit that’s as eloquent as it is memorable.

Deeper yet, “Only One” carries a distinct dreaminess that makes great use of cozy acoustic guitar and light drumming amid Kayoss’ stirring voice, and “Hurricane Jane” exits with a reflective, lush and precisely textured finish.

A very diverse body of work that doesn’t shy away from guitar crunch, prog-gestures, classic rock bouts and even traces of modern rock, Kayoss and company make the most of these adventurous 13 tracks.

Travels well with: Life On Mars- At Stars End; R. Stevie Moore- Afterlife

Downtown Mystic

AmeriKarma

Sha-La, 2023

9/10

Listen to AmeriKarma

The always exceptional artist DownTown Mystic returns with a pandemic record, where laidback singer-songwriter ideas and modern Americana are present and appreciated across the powerful, heartfelt tunes.

“Fly” opens the listen with Steve Holley’s cozy drumming alongside the smooth singing and breezy guitar from DTM, and “Day Of Reckoning” follows with Tony Trischka’s fluid banjo giving the melodic roots rocker some rural spirit in the soaring climate.

Halfway through, “Superstar”, which is dedicated to Sir Elton, brings both grit and harmony to the swift and energetic heartland rock, while “Losing My Mind” benefits much from the skilled guitar of Lance Doss via the busy versus calm moments of the dynamic country rocker.

Close to the end, the bluesy spirit of “No Exceptions” recruits some rawness amid the loud and charged delivery, and “And You Know Why” continues the strong song craft with appearances from Max Weinberg and Garry Tallent for the reflective finish that’s tinted with intimacy, too.

This is DownTown Mystic’s 9th album, and for fans of artists like Jack Johnson, Mumford & Sons or Tom Petty, be prepared to spend a lot of quality time with AmeriKarma.

Travels well with: Downtown Mystic- 21st Century Rock’n’Roll; Benjamin Dakota Rogers- Paint Horse

Dave Bass The Trio

Vol. 3

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Vol. 3

The pianist and composer Dave Bass brings his diverse vision to these 12 tracks that embrace the American Songbook, jazz standards and Piazzolla tango, and welcome Kerry Kashiwagi, Scott Gordon and Barry Finnerty.

“As Long As There’s Music” opens the listen with Bass’ intricate and flowing keys alongside Gordon’s brushed drumming in the graceful climate, and “Criss Cross” follows with Kashiwagi’s acrobatic bass plucking that complements the swift piano of the energetic landscape.

Finnerty appears on 3 tracks, where he contributes spirited guitar and melody to the frisky “Agenbite Of Inwit”, a Bass original, while later on he’s present for the mesmerizing and dreamy album highlight, “Libertango”

Further on the back half, the intimate mood of “If You Could See Me Now” showcases the emotive piano from Bass alongside the gentle drumming, and “Another Ending” exits the listen with a rich and dynamic finish that blends the bass, guitar, drums and piano with a very harmonic appeal.

The standards present are reimagined with much creativity, and the originals are top notch and timeless jazz, as Bass and company make for a swingin’, soulful and exploratory listen.

Travels well with: Esthesis Quartet- TimeZones; Dewayne Pate- On The Upside

Malika Zarra

RWA (The Essence)

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to RWA (The Essence)

The Moroccan singer Malika Zarra makes quite an impression here, where she meshes African and Arabic roots alongside jazz and R&B grooves for a worldly listen that recruits an all star cast of players.

“Feen” begins the listen with Zarra’s very expressive and animated voice that’s complemented by Adhil Mirghani’s strategic percussion and the soulful brass, and “La!” follows with firm drumming and a very lively rhythm that’s stylish and cultured.

In the middle, “Ouhelt” uses the pianist Amino Belyamani with great results, while “Dreamer” finds a very intimate place to reside with its atmospheric horns and poetic singing that suits the hazy backdrop.

Close to the end, “Loukt” focuses on Zarra’s very distinct voice, where the fluid sax and agile drumming are superbly layered, and “Zrigh” exits with the album’s best, where the rich textures and diverse singing make for a festive and memorable finish.

Zarra sings in Moroccan Arabic, Amazigh, French and Malagasy across the listen, and is also joined by trumpeters Carlos Sarduy, Miron Rafajlovic and Philippe Hulot; saxophonists Dan Blake and Hugue Maillot (on bass clarinet as well). Additionally, Senegalese kora virtuoso Cheikh Diallo and keyboardist Leo Genovese (on Rhodes and Farfisa organ) lend their artistry on two tracks. Together, they make for a very unique and globally enjoyable version of jazz on a remarkable 3rd release for Zarra.

Travels well with: Annabelle Chvostek- String Of Pearls; Duende Libre- The Dance She Spoke

Jakob Dreyer

Songs, Hymns And Ballads Vol. 2

Fresh Sound, 2023

8/10

Listen to Songs, Hymns And Ballads Vol. 2

The inimitable bassist Jakob Dreyer returns for the 2nd installment of his modern jazz songs, and again he’s got Jason Rigby, Jon Cowherd and Jimmy Macbride along with him.

“Neuland” starts the listen with Rigby’s warm sax and Macbride’s agile drumming in the dynamic jazz climate, and “Ypsilon” follows with Cowherd’s graceful piano playing complementing the acrobatic bass plucking from Dreyer.

“Mandalay” and “Tamara’s Waltz” arrive in the middle, where the former moves swiftly with bright brass amid the frisky rhythm section, while the latter recruits an intimate spirit of poetic and emotive song craft.

Close to the end, the dance floor ready “Fat Cat” blend the player’s respective strengths into a rich and melodic album highlight, and “Beauchene” exits with both gentle and fuller moments of meticulous, thoughtful musicianship.

All of Dreyer’s company have had much success in other bands they’re in, and together they make for another batch of memorable, creative and timeless jazz tunes.

Travels well with: The Pat Petrillo Big Rhythm Band- The Power Station Sessions; Jakob Dreyer- Songs, Hymns And Ballads: Volume 1

Clarence "Bluesman" Davis

Shake It For Me

Music Maker, 2023

9/10

Listen to Shake It For Me

The 78 year old bluesman Clarence Davis was born and raised in the Black Belt of Alabama, and he brings that upbringing into his one man band formula that uses electric guitar and bass pedal alongside his raw voice.

“Not Your Fool” opens the listen with the spirited electric guitar and thumping drums amid plenty of grit and melody in the authentic blues rocker, and “Gotta Rock It”, an original, follows with plenty of rhythm flowing through the bouncy climate.

Further along, the title track recruits a very primitive and harmonic demeanor with its raw recording, while “Facebook Blues”, another Davis original, pairs mesmerizing guitar playing with his expressive pipes in the strong southern influence.

Approaching the end, the dense and powerful “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl” is the album’s best and makes for timeless and harmonic blues rock that’s as meticulous as it is infectious, and “Just Gettin’ Good” recruits well timed harmonica for the highly melodic and dynamic musicianship.

Davis and his family spent their days working in the fields for $2.50 a day, and used a battery operated radio to listen to Muddy Watters and Jimmy Reed. An abandoned guitar floated in his family and ended up in his hands, and it wasn’t long until his fingers were too sore from playing to pick cotton.

Davis’ version of the blues as about as genuine as it comes, and his ability to play multiple instruments while singing is nothing short of impressive here.

Travels well with: Gail Ceasar- Guitar Woman Blues; Sugarharp- Sugar Is My Name

Dred Scott

Rides Alone

Ropeadope, 2019

8/10

Listen to Rides Alone

An extremely prolific artist, Dred Scott has either played on or been the leader of over 60 albums now, in addition to being a co-founder of the innovative outfit Alphabet Soup.

On Rides Alone, the legend plays all instruments to tunes he penned (minus the lone Eric Crystal track), as the nature-esque elements unfold fluidly from beginning to end.

“Coal Creek Road” starts the listen with keys and light percussion in a shuffling setting that meets classical sounds, and “Wonder” follows with piano acrobatics in a dreamy, reflective setting.

Elsewhere, the tumbling sounds of “Remember, PN” where elegance and a cinematic quality are in attendance, flows with a timeless quality, while “Consolations” has pop sensibilities and synth invading the soothing yet playful album highlight. “Goodbye, America” ends the listen cautious yet adventurous with restrained melodies and a skilled, universal appeal that permeates the entire affair.

Although most of us know Scott as a piano player, he’s remarkable with bass, drums and shaker, too, showing us just how versatile he can be on this fantastic piano focused record.

Travels well with: Bari Koral Family Rock Band- The Apple Tree & The Honey Bee; Sasha Dobson- Into The Trees