Roopa Panesar

ATMA

Asian Arts, 2023

8/10

Listen to ATMA

The British-Asian artist Roopa Panesar births a much needed album for these troubled times, where themes of peace and love are present across the western ideas, traditional Indian instruments and electronic moments.

“Journey Home” opens the listen with Panesar’s very meticulous sitar prowess front and center alongside playful drumming sounds from Pirashanna Thevarajah that are quite interesting, and it isn’t long until the precisely textured “Hey Shyam” welcomes Giuliano Modarelli on guitar and Kaviraj Singh Dhadyalla on Santoor for the uniquely rhythmic landscape.

In the middle, “Awakening” places Surdarshan Singh Chana on jori and Shahbaz Hussain on tabla, as they complement Panesar’s sitar prowess, and “Immersed” spotlights Ben Hazleton’s double bass skills for the album’s best piece. “Farewell My Love” exits the listen, and it embraces Modarelli’s guitar for the heartfelt and exploratory finish that allows the sitar to mesmerize us.

A highly diverse and worldly affair, Panesar and company make for a rich listening experience that truly explores the depths of Indian music in an enlightening and exciting fashion.

Travels well with: Esbe- I Might Be Dreaming; Deepak Pandit/Pratibha Singh Baghel- Inheritance

Joann Falletta

Elfman-Hailstork Concertos

Naxos, 2023

8/10

Listen to Elfman-Hailstork Concertos

The esteemed conductor JoAnn Falletta has certainly earned her many Grammy wins, and this body of work continues her astonishing catalog of 125 titles with a recording from two radiant and very antipodal American artists, Danny Elfman and Adolphus Hailstork.

The first half of the listen belongs to Elfman’s Violin Concerto “Eleven Eleven”, where the swift and expressive strings are met with atmospheric percussion that flows in and out of rich, busy and very animated textures. Sandy Cameron’s violin is especially lively during this portion, and helps cultivate a very cinematic presence.

The back half of the listen belongs to Hailstork’s “Piano Concerto No. 1”, where the intimate keys from Stewart Goodyear guide the cautious and dreamy delivery that can be bare, sometimes exploratory and truly showcases Goodyear’s inimitable talent.

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is in attendance, and they certainly contribute much skill and poise, as Falletta’s vision unfolds with a sometimes haunting, often energetic and always unpredictable affair.

Travels well with: Florent Schmitt- La Tragédie de Salomé; Orion Weiss- Arc II: Ravel, Brahms, Shostakovich

Joann Falletta

Scriabin: A Poem Of Ecstasy and Symphony No. 2

Naxos, 2023

9/10

Listen to Scriabin: A Poem Of Ecstasy and Symphony No. 2

The multiple Grammy winner JoAnn Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra flesh out this distinct meshing of Scriabin’s Russian romanticism, which was their first recording project after the pandemic lock downs.

“A Poem Of Ecstasy” opens the listen with soothing strings and dreamy winds making for an elegant and animated 19+ minutes of sometimes bouncy, sometimes therapeutic instrumentation that’s full of tonal shifting and rich, absorbing harmonics.

The back half of the listen belongs to the 40 minutes of “Symphony No.2 in c minor, Op. 29”, where French Impressionism is much appreciated and the music is textured with a soft beauty, bursts of busy, firm string interaction and a radiant warmth.

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra play superbly here, and under Falletta’s sublime guidance, there is just so much to be enamored with.

Travels well with: Florent Schmitt- La Tragédie de Salomé; Orion Weiss- Arc II: Ravel, Brahms, Shostakovich

Joseph Lulloff/Yu-Lien The

New Stories

Blue Griffin, 2023

8/10

Listen to New Stories

The classical saxophonist Joseph Lulloff and esteemed pianist Yu-Lien The come together for these 4 colorful and rich pieces that were commissioned by Lulloff and truly represent his emotional depth as an artist.

Dorothy Chang’s “New Stories For Alto Saxophone And Piano” opens the listen with 4 chapters of soothing, stylish and warm instrumentation that has the two instruments interacting with a very dynamic presence, and “Detroit Steel”, by David Biedenbender, follows with the bright sax that flows with very precise and exploratory ideas.

On the back half, the moody “Wrath” recruits plenty of atmosphere, as Lullof’s expressive brass is met with low rumbling from Yu-Lien’s keys in the album’s best, which is a Stacy Garrop piece, that also hosts a stirring intimacy from the pair. The final composition, Carter Pann’s “Sonata For Alto Saxophone And Piano”, showcases much melody and grace, where the duo make a dreamy, swirling and very lush finish.

A listen that’s lyrically substantial, romantic in areas, and touches on both jazz and classical ideas, Lulloff and Yu-Lien both illustrate a complete mastery of their instruments and much dexterity in their talents.

Travels well with: Duo Shu- Duo Shu; Molly Fillmore- Bold Beauty

Steve Smith And Vital Information

Time Flies

Wounded Bird, 2023

8/10

Listen to Time Flies

The drummer Steve Smith has been at it for a long time, and this 40th anniversary release with Manuel Valera (keyboards) and Janek Gwizdale (bass), plus others, unfolds across 2 discs of exciting and timeless jazz sounds.

“Emergence” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where Smith’s fluid drumming and Valera’s swift keys are quite animated, and “Time Flies” arrives soon after with George Garzone’s soulful tenor sax helping make for a groove filled climate.

Deeper into disc 1, the frisky “No Qualm” showcases Mike Mainieri’s dreamy vibes for the warm, melodic delivery, and “Erdnase” exits with calm textures that benefit from Gwizdala’s reflective bass.

Disc 2 opens with John Coltrane’s “One Down, One Up”, where Garzone’s furious sax is complemented by Valera’s firm keys, and, of course, Smith’s drumming acrobatics, while “A Prayer For The Generations” finishes the listen with 8 chapters of dynamic and collaborative jazz ideas that allows all the player’s individual strengths to shine amid the rich improvisation that takes on mid-tempo grooves, blues nods and balladry.

Smith might best be known as the former drummer for the rock legends Journey, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He brings much experience and talent to this body of work that’s diverse, meticulous and full of jazz, rock and blues influences that you can’t not admire.

Travels well with: Peter Erskine- Live In Italy; Steve Gadd Band- At Blue Note Tokyo

Daniel Janke

Songs Of Small Resistance

Northern Town Films, 2022

8/10

Listen to Songs Of Small Resistance

The first international release from the singer-songwriter, filmmaker and composer Daniel Janke, his singing and piano playing is supported by Jordy Walker, Dave Haddock, Jay Burr and Lonnie Powell here.

“Time You Thief” gets the listen off to a melodic start, where Janke’s smooth voice and warm piano is complemented by Powell’s precise drumming, and “Icarus” follows with some rootsy flavor that benefits much from Burr’s well timed tuba.

At the halfway point, “Man In Love” recruits Haddock’s strategic bass amid the crisp drums and vivid wordplay from Janke, while “Three Days In Rain” is particularly intimate, where a poetic delivery is met with eloquent keys and much atmosphere.

“Remember My Name” and “Dancing Man” exit the listen, where the former finds plenty of grooves to reside in, and the latter is a bit fuller, as Walker’s guitar playing adds much to the rockin’ climate.

Janke might best be known for his work in the area of jazz, and there’s plenty of that to be found here, but the hints ot indie-rock, gospel, rock and roots help make for a very unpredictable and exciting listen.

Travels well with: Greg Greenway- Between Hello & Goodbye; Tim Grimm- The Little In-Between

Beth Leavel And Jeff Blumenkrantz

Regretting Almost Everything

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Regretting Almost Everything

The Tony Winner Beth Leavel and Tony Nominee Jeff Blumenkrantz come together for this musical theater concept album that illuminates Lauren Taslitz’s lyrics and Danny Ursetti’s music, which tells the story of a middle aged woman, Anne, seeking more passion in marriage and adventurousness in her life with her husband, Clay.

“Anymore” opens the listen with Paul Staroba’s bouncy keys and the sophisticated strings, as Leavel’s talking and singing sets the tone for the listen, and “We Made Kids” follows with a duet about their children that’s dreamy and warm.

Further along, “It’s Normal” spotlights Blumenkrantz’s voice discussing the status quo when a marriage lasts many years, while “The Baby Likes Me Best” again spotlights Blumenkrantz’s pipes amid the stirring strings and sometimes firm keys in a tune you could dance to.

Approaching the end, the highly intimate “How Do You Measure A Marriage?” focuses on Leavel’s sublime voice as she dissects the state of her marriage, and “Blind Date”, the last track, features Mary Ann McSweeney’s playfully plucked bass amid a very comical delivery that surrounds Anne meeting Stu for the first time, who she eventually marries.

A very thorough listen that spans their children growing up, grandchildren, and eventually divorce and marrying again, the music here is thoughtful, unpredictable and cinematic. Leavel and Blumenkrantz tell the story with much poise, and it’s so vividly expressed, it sometimes seems like an audio book.

Travels well with: Voces8- Infinity; Verona Quartet- Diffusion

Dave Flynn

Full Circle

Frisbee, 2023

8/10

Listen to Full Circle

Recorded when he was between 24 and 27 years old, these 21st century post-minimalistic songs from Dave Flynn were recorded live with many different musicians on hand, and they represent the early years of his Celtic influenced song craft.

“Polymetric Cycles” opens the listen with The Dave Flynn Collective and conductor Bjorn Bantock working together for a stylish and playful version of classical sounds, and “Quirk No. 1 ‘Show Me Those Jazz Hands’” showcases meticulous string interaction thanks to Michael Jorgensen (violin) and Adrienne Winninsky (cello).

The middle chunk belongs to the 4 chapters of “Full Circle”, where Maya Kasir and Johan Tötterström’s gorgeous vocals and Nigel Foster’s stunning piano make for a very eloquent and flowing execution.

Close to the end, “Slip”, which won Flynn the 2004 Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival Composer's Award, is a bit more forceful, where the dynamic strings and strong attention to atmosphere are exciting, and “Electric Guichair” exits with the very interesting sound collage that Flynn and Dr. Nye Parry created, which is unpredictable and oddly soothing.

Flynn is very much influenced by Adams, Glass and Reich, and this documents his time as a compositional student and incorporates folk, EDM, pop and plenty of other components, too.

Travels well with: Seamus Egan- Early Bright; Dave Flynn- Irish Minimalism

Joshua Blue And Steven Blier

Black & Blue

NYFOS, 2023

9/10

Listen to Black & Blue

The first solo effort from the tenor Joshua Blue and pianist/arranger Steven Blier, the 13 tracks present surround themes of racial equality and human resilience across pieces that cover five decades.

“Big Brother” opens the listen with Blue’s expressive pipes and Blier’s flowing piano, as Jay Sawyer’s crisp drumming enters the rich climate, and “Day Dream” follows with intimate keys and very emotive singing that benefits much from subtle brass.

Further on, “Negrita” showcases Alex Levine’s meticulous guitar playing and Oskar Stenmark’s trumpet in the playful and smooth album highlight, while the soulful title track welcomes Jasim Perales’ trombone to the timeless jazz delivery.

Approaching the end, “Strange Fruit” is quite intimate and poetic, as the gentle piano and powerful singing work together fluidly, and “At Last” exits with agile keys and Blue’s diverse voice making for a memorable finish.

Some of these songs are nearly 100 years old, and they sound great and are as relevant as ever under Blue and Blier’s articulate and meticulous vision.

Travels well with: New York Festival Of Song- Paul Bowles: A Picnic Cantata; Yarn/Wire- Andrew McIntosh: Little Jimmy

Overhead

Telepathic Minds

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Telepathic Minds

The Finish prog-rockers Overhead pack a lot of ideas into these 2 discs of diverse and exciting song craft which illustrates their unique chemistry that comes after 20 years of constant playing.

The listen begins with the thick and soaring “War To End All Wars”, where Jaakko Kettunen’s dreamy guitar and the very eloquent singing make for a pretty versus rugged approach, and “Ghosts From The Future” follows with much ambience that benefits from Ville Sjöblom’s thundering drumming and Alex Keskitalo’s airy flute for the 12 minutes of melodic and flowing bouts that alternate between calm and busy.

At the halfway point, “Sleep Tight Sweetheart” relies much on Janne Katalkin’s strategic bass to anchor the thick, spacey album highlight, while the title track spreads out across 5 chapters that range from gentle, acoustic guitar fueled to richly textured, cinematic musicianship.

“Sheep Stay Silent” and “Almost Always Near The End” finish the listen, where the former chugs with a heavier appeal that borders on hard rock, and the latter is a bright and tuneful blast of buzzing prog-rock that illuminates Jere Saarainen’s keyboard acrobatics.

Overhead began in 1999 and have consistently released accomplished and well received albums that have been complemented by plenty of live shows. Keskitalo handles vocals and is nothing short of stunning and adaptable, and together with rest of the band, they make Telepathic Minds one of the best modern prog records in recent history.

Travels well with: Fearful Symmetry- The Difficult Second; Wedingoth- Five Stars Above

Erika Olson

This Is How I Pray

EZ Come Ez Go, 2023

8/10

Listen to This Is How I Pray

The first album from the singer-songwriter and guitarist Erika Olson, the 10 songs here are honest, rebellious and relatable, where plenty of folk and soulfulness is present and appreciated.

“Mom Life” opens the listen with cozy acoustic guitar and Olson’s wordplay that surrounds motherhood and welcomes Jonny Wright’s warm drumming, and “Hungry Little Bird” follows with Wright contributing piano and synth stabs to the playful folk-pop that you could dance to.

Elsewhere, the intimate spirit of “Wreckage” builds into dance-pop ideas where Olson’s voice soars, while “As I Am” showcases Dan Raza’s vocals and acoustic guitar in the sweet and mature Americana climate.

The final 2 tracks are among the best, where Chris Hillman’s emotive pedal steel adds much to “Momma Ain’t Got No Time”, and “Little Shoulders” places Wright on vocals for the powerful and lush finish of beauty, strength and dreaminess.

You might be reminded of Tracy Chapman, Brandi Carlile or Joni Mitchell when listening to This Is How I Pray, and Olson’s voice resonates with a similar timelessness that you won’t soon forget.

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

Danny Fox Trio

Time Took Care Of It

Adhyaropa, 2023

9/10

Listen to Time Took Care Of It

The pianist Danny Fox is is the company of bassist Chris van Voorst van Beest and drummer Max Goldman for this 4th album of classical meets jazz sounds, where Fox’s creative song craft unfolds across 15 unpredictable tunes.

“Altbauer” begins the listen with Fox’s warm keys amid the cautiously plucked bass that helps cultivate a charming atmosphere, and “So Long Mel” follows with hypnotic keys and superb drumming that illuminates the exploratory mood.

Further along, “Dr. Bob” offers a very animated presence that bops and shakes with a unique energy, while the mesmerizing “Here He Comes” focuses much on the scrappy drumming that’s complemented by the highly melodic piano.

Deeper still, “Something In The Shed” swirls with a focused, meticulous album highlight, and “Post Vals” exits with all the player’s strengths front and center for the adventurous, rhythmic and memorable finish.

A very distinct take on the jazz piano trio formula, Fox and company make for much diversity across this exceptional listen.

Travels well with: Matt Aronoff- Morning Song; Dana Kaufman- Emily & Sue

Wild Child

End Of The World

Reba’s Ranch, 2023

9/10

Listen to End Of The World

This 5th album from the atypical folk-rockers Wild Child and first with new member John Calvin Abney is an aptly titled affair that touches on natural disasters and pandemics,

“Bottom Line” starts the listen with warm acoustic guitar, before glitchy, percussive sounds enter the folk-pop presence, and “Champagne” follows with a stirring atmosphere that’s got some soul imbedded into the powerful indie-rock presence.

In the middle, the exploratory and busy bouts of the title track buzz with a nearly alt-rock appeal, while “Love On A Bad Day” is a very pretty, intimate album highlight that uses strings strategically amid the spacey moments.

Near to the end, the acoustic guitar fueled “Sleeping In” showcases the very poetic singing alongside the timeless folk sensibilities, and “Wearing Blue” exits with graceful piano, soothing strings, light drums and dreamy singing that makes for a rich and lovely finish.

A very thoughtful and diverse affair, front woman Kelsey Wilson’s voice is quite alluring, and Alexander Beggins’ contributions certainly won’t disappoint on one of the most charming and eclectic indie-pop records of the year.

Travels well with: Birdtalker- One; Novo Amor- Birthplace

Ben Cassara

What A Way To Go!

Audophile, 2022

8/10

Listen to What A Way To Go

The New York vocalist Ben Cassara showcases songs from the Great American Songbook, which also includes 4 originals from the pianist Ronny Whyte, who is present on a few pieces, too.

“I Just Found Out About Love” opens the listen with Josh Richman’s warm and graceful keys alongside Cassara’s smooth and expressive voice and Harry Allen’s soulful sax, and “Living On Dreams” follows with Boots Maleson’s well timed plucked bass and Tim Horner’s fluid drumming complementing Cassara’s charming singing.

In the middle, the intimate “Fotographia” places Richman’s emotive keys around Cassara’s poetic delivery, while “Throw Me A Word” bops and shakes with Ronny Whyte’s animate piano amid the upbeat rhythm section.

Landing near the end, the rich and harmonic “Wheelers And Dealers” benefits from Allen’s bright sax, Richman’s swift keys and Cassara’s flawless speak-singing, and “I Think I Fell In Love Today” exits with Whyte’s dreamy piano suiting the strong range Cassara explores.

Cassara possesses a very diverse set of pipes that is often conversational, and the esteemed players he brings along help make for a swingin’, heartfelt and bluesy good time that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Dave Bass The Trio- Vol. 3; Mark Ortwein- It Was Time

The Composers Collective Big Band

The Toronto Project

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Toronto Project

An extremely involved listen that brings together many of Toronto’s finest, the Composers Collective Big Band, spearheaded by Christian Overton, commissioned some of their hometown’s best composers to pen these songs about the city that inspires them.

The first tune with actual music (in between each song are field recordings to add some ambience), “West Toronto Ode” has the soaring winds and soulful brass complementing Erk Patterson’s lively guitar playing, and “Non-Sequitur” continues that dynamic interaction with Justin Gray’s animated bass plucking amid the dreamy and very focused instrumentation that’s packed with atmosphere.

Further along, “Finding Home” benefits much from Carissa Neufeld’s graceful piano and Maya Killtron’s eloquent and poetic singing, while “Interweave” spends 9+ minutes mesmerizing us with its mysterious collaborative ways that mesh horns, winds and Jeff Halischuk’s precise drumming into the album’s best.

The last 2 tracks are excellent, too, where “The Commuter” spotlights the flowing brass and the agile drumming that’s quite stylish, and “Transit” exits with buzzing electric bass, frisky drums, warm keys and meticulous horn prowess.

Toronto has a long history of flourishing and time honored jazz music, and this body of work certainly adds to that with Overton and company’s strong attention to detail and colorful, textured song craft.

Travels well with: Chet Doxas- Rich In Symbolism II; Robert Diack- Small Bridges

Greg Greenway

Between Hello & Goodbye

Sheen Of Heat, 2023

8/10

Listen to Between Hello & Goodbye

The singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Greg Greenway continues his globally embraceable song craft with this 10th solo album that thematically surrounds personal and social issues.

“Hello Hello Hello” begins the listen with warm piano, drums, bass and, of course, Greenway’s diverse voice, and “Big Wide World” follows with a powerful, gospel influence that makes great use of slide and electric guitar.

In the middle, the romantic “Saving The Best For Last” uses cozy guitar and Greenway’s expressive pipes to emit much charm, while the dark tango spirit of “Another Day” recruits ukulele to a very insightful, cultured moment.

Near to the end, the bouncy and wise “Get Out Of The Left Lane” sends an important message to certain drivers, and “I’ll Call That Love” exits with solo piano piece that’s emotional, timeless and stirring.

Greenway might best be known as a founding member of the folk trio Brother Sun, and his records on his own continue that timeless approach, as evidenced by this memorable effort that’s populated by Reggie Harris (vocals), Pat Wictor (guitar, vocals), Chico Huff (bass), Matt Scarano (drums), Boaz (harmonica) and Austin Woodlin (Hammond B3).

Travels well with: Tim Grimm- The Little In-Between; Jason Lang- Handled With Care

Various Artists

African Yoga

Putumayo, 2023

9/10

Listen to African Yoga

The Putumayo label celebrates their 30th anniversary with this gorgeous collection of relaxing sounds curated by the Putumayo World Music founder Dan Storper and New Orleans musician and yoga instructor Seán Johnson.

Ballaké Sissoko and Vincent Ségal start the listen with the calming kora and cello of “Mako Mady”, and Fetsum’s “Birth Of A River” follows with dreamy acoustic guitar that was inspired by his world travels.

“Ndikhawulele”, by Berita, follows, with her stunning and expressive voice floating across the soft melodies, while Suntou Susso’s “Ekanasong” showcases his kora skills and cultured voice amid the rich album highlight.

Close to the end, the graceful piano and absorbing voice of Ami Faku illuminates “Ndikhethe Wena”, and Geoffrey Oryema’s “Land Of Anaka” exits with a haunting yet soothing atmosphere that allows Oryema’s distinct voice to resonate warmth, mystery and emotion.

An ideal listen for those with an interest in yoga, or who just want to explore the diverse and rich music from Africa, these 12 songs certainly warrant repeated listens.

Travels well with: Putumayo Presents: Acoustic Paris; Putumayo Blues Christmas

The Rifters

The Enchanted World

Howlin’ Dog, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Enchanted World

The New Mexico trio The Rifters bring their ‘Southwestern Americana’ to this 7th album, where their rhythmic and acoustic fueled formula suits the mountains, valleys and canyons of where they live.

“The Circle” gets the listen off to a warm start, where expressive singing and soothing vocal harmonies flow from the trio’s cautious delivery, and “The Greatest Mystery” follows with carefully plucked mandolin amid the poetic climate of folk beauty.

Further along, the upbeat and playful “At The Foot Of The Mountain” benefits much from Jim Bradley’s well timed bass, while “The Dollar Worth Of Mother Earth” tugs on the heartstrings with its emotive quality that makes great use of Don Richmond’s aching pedal steel.

Nearing the end, the deep voice from Rod Taylor guides the introspective landscape of “That Lucky Old Sun”, and “Gentle On My Mind” exits with Richmond’s frisky banjo making an indelible impression in the bluegrass influenced finish.

There’s a great mix of originals and covers here, as the 3 turn their desert life into sweet, harmonic and timeless song craft that’s the musical equivalent of an old friend coming for a long, overdue visit.

Travels well with: Kenny Shore- Time Stands Still; Wyatt Easterling- From Where I Stand

The Rough & Tumble

Only This Far

Self-Released, 2023

10/10

Listen to Only This Far

The Nashville duo of Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler, as The Rough & Tumble they’re back with 12 more tracks of their diverse and timeless folk songs, and they’ve got several friends on hand for the authentic and heartfelt affair.

“Ain’t That The Way” begins the listen with Alice Wallace, Doug Williams and Zach Vinson all contributing vocals to the very melodic, acoustic guitar fueled folk-rock, and “A Little Less” follows with a breezy roots rocker that welcomes Chris Benelli’s agile drums and Telisha Williams’ strategic upright bass.

In the middle, Wallace returns to the intimate and eloquent “The Weather”, while “Carry You” is a sublime and poetic album highlight that’s bare but powerful in its hushed beauty.

Further on, the frisky demeanor of “Trouble” showcases Dave Coleman’s spirited electric guitar amid the charming accordion, and “Shallow Fall” exits with a stirring soulfulness that’s sincere and memorable.

Vocals, baritone ukulele, banjulele, accordion, piano, bells, melodica and wine glass are handled by Graham, and Tyler takes on vocals, guitar, piano and harmonica. Together, and with their first rate cast, they make some of the best modern Americana that exists today.

Travels well with: Claire Kelly- The Scenic Route; Megan Lacy- Salvation

Emi Takada

Why Did I Choose You?

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Why Did I Choose You?

A Japan native who’s been singing since the age of 10, in 2010 Emi Takada became fully immersed in jazz sounds, and released her well received debut in 2014. This sophomore album brings us 10 standards reworked in Takada’s soothing formula of emotion and playfulness balanced perfectly.

“It Might As Well Be Spring” starts the listen with adventurous, gentle jazz sounds alongside Takada’s pretty and soothing pipes, and “All The Things You Are” follows with elegance and grace in the light jazz setting.

Elsewhere, “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” offers a heartfelt duet where keys complement the agile atmosphere, while “Stormy Weather” recruits a classic jazz spirit in the melodic and rhythmic album highlight that’s full of plenty of soul and blues, too.

Near the end, the title track resides near balladry with just keys against Takada’s flawless singing, and the dreamy “Miagete Goran Yoru No Hoshi Wo” ends the listen with male vocals adding much to the hazy landscape.

Takada picked some fantastic tunes that her and her esteemed band reinvent with plenty of swing, authenticity and skilled musicianship on this very well done affair.

Travels well with: Julie London- I Love You; Sophie Milman- In The Moonlight