E.D. Evans

Time For My Generation To DIE

Earth Island, 2023

9/10

Time For My Generation To Die

The poet and ballader E.D. Evans has a penchant for dark humor, morbid settings and clever observations, where her time in the New York punk scene of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s influences her craft across these 65 pages of verse.

The book is divided into 5 parts, where topics like Martha Stewart, fame, music and love, among many other subjects, are touched on with eloquence and descriptive prose. The wordplay flows smoothly, often rhyming, where vivid images via the linguistics and Natalie Woodson’s illustrations arrive in spades.

Evans speaks plenty of universal truths within these pages, in both personal and universally relatable ways, and it comes with a distinct grit and insight from the mind of someone who views the world through an artistic, iconoclastic lens.

A quick read that absorbs better the 2nd or even 3rd time through, I was very much reminded of Dan O’Mahoney’s Four Letter World, which is definitely a high compliment.

Snailmate

Stress Sandwich

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Stress Sandwich

A Phoenix duo consisting of Kalen Lander and Bentley Monet, as Snailmate the pair make a rare version of synth-punk meets grindcore pop, and these 10 songs sure are atypical.

Early in the listen, “Trash, Baby” brings buzzing hip-hop ideas into the synth fueled fun that’s sort of an aberrant take on New Wave, and “The Snailmate Show” follows with a uniquely harmonic and dance floor appeal of pop filled rhythm.

In the middle, “The Laziest Man In The World” brings soulful ideas into the beat driven climate, while “Overwaiter” recruits death metal-esque vocals into the throbbing and curious delivery.

Residing near the end, “The Weird Gross Body” is both quirky and hard hitting, where shouting and singing are met with both ‘80s synth ideas and pummeling, metallic bouts, and “Donuts In The Rain” continues the creativity with sci-fi, processed vocals and thumping drums amid the rare energy.

Snailmate are nothing if not unpredictable, and their wordplay is just as diverse as their songs, where queer identity, hot sauce, or even wearing a robe can be discussed. The two certainly are not concerned about other’s perceptions, and that theme runs through the core of this highly inventive listen.

Travels well with: ERYRX- Psychological Projective; I Am A Rocketship- Mind Grafitti

Maha Maya Band

A New Day

Eternal, 2023

8/10

Listen to A New Day

Truly a worldly effort, the players on this album span many countries, and Emam and Mahalakshmi bring their inimitable talents to a highly fusion filled 10 songs.

The title track opens the listen with flowing melodies and soothing singing, where Steve Robertson’s fluid drumming and Robert Szydło precise bass won’t go unnoticed, and “Song For Mahalakshmi” follows with a distinct dreaminess that uses Chhote Rahimat Khan’s sitar with much grace.

Halfway through, “I Will Come Back Again” offers a rich approach of well timed grooves, where Mukesh Sharma’s sarod radiates, while “Hanged Man” is an intimate and pretty album highlight that showcases Gari Hegedus’ oud prowess.

“11th Hour” and “Dawn” exit the listen, as the former swirls with an Eastern influence that illuminates Mahalakshm’s powerful and expressive pipes, and the latter focuses much on mood, via the wordless vocals that float above the textured instrumentation.

The tracks here take inspiration from the Summer of Love and Indian Classical music, and the meshing of rock, jazz, Indian, choral and New Age medicine music creates a very unique and enlightening experience.

Travels well with: Plena Libre- Cuatro Esquinas; Galeet Dardashti- Monajat

Jim Piela

It Comes With The Territory

ears & eyes, 2023

9/10

Listen to It Comes With The Territory

The adventurous saxophonist Jim Piela welcomes Mark McIntyre, Nick Jost, and Peter Konrief to these 6 originals, 3 improvised and fusion filled jazz tunes that sure are unpredictable.

“Glass Cannon” starts the listen with Piela’s bright sax alongside Kronrief’s fluid drumming, where much melody is present, and “Off Course” follows with a calm approach of stylish song craft that benefits much from Jost’s precisely plucked bass.

Halfway through, “Hinterlands” carries a smooth intimacy that meshes the soulful brass with crisp drumming, while the bouncy and animated “It Comes With The Territory” emits playful bass lines amid McIntyre’s agile guitar playing.

Close to the end, “Improvisation #3” is a sax solo moment of creative spontaneity, and “We’ll Burn That Bridge When We Get To It” exits with a rich and collaborative finish of timeless and unpredictable jazz ideas.

Somewhat of a nod to Wayne Shorter’s Speak No Evil, Piela and company create a versatile and eclectic landscape that’s artistic, modern and full of charming jazz sensibilities.

Travels well with: Ben Zucker’s Fifth Season- Semiterritory; Elsa Nilsson’s Band Of Pulses- Pulses

Kyra Xuerong Zhao

Vibrant

Albany, 2023

8/10

Listen to Vibrant

The esteemed pianist Kyra Xuerong Zhao turns in pieces by Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, and Schumann here, and it’s a rich and dynamic delivery that retains the spirit of the originals, but with an updated flair, too.

The first 2 tracks belong to Rachmaninoff, where “Etudes-tableaux, Op. 33: No. 8 in G Minor” flows with both melody and tension, as the keys are firm and agile, and “Etudes-tableaux, Op. 33: No. 9 in C-Sharp Minor” takes that lead into louder areas of rumbling keys that make an indelible impression.

In the middle, Scriabin’s “Piano Sonata No. 2 in G-Sharp Minor, Op. 19” emits much dreaminess via the warm keys that tug on the heartstrings but are still capable of dense bouts, while “24 Preludes for Piano, Op. 11: No. 11”, also by Scriabin, offers an elegant and mesmerizing display of careful attention to mood.

Schumann’s “Carnaval, Op. 9” exits the listen, and unfolds across 20 movements of swift bouts, gentle ebbs and animated playing that’s flexible and admirable.

A graduate of Boston University, Yale, and the Mannes School of Music, Zhao is currently on the faculty at the New England Conservatory of Music Pre-College, and her academic achievements certainly help fuel this captivating piano performance.

Travels well with: Anthony Taylor- Raised Structures; Luke Dahn- The Valkov-Dahn Project

Anthony Taylor

Raised Structures

Albany, 2023

8/10

Listen to Raised Structures

The clarinet wizard Anthony Taylor brings his craft to both electronic or electroacoustic components, where Thea Musgrave, Alejandro Rutty, Doina Rotaru, D. Edward Davis and Aleks Sternfeld-Dunn’s work is fleshed out with a very creative approach.

Davis’ “Raised Structures” opens the listen with much attention on mood, where the clarinet quivers with minimal waves of intrigue, and “Narcissus”, by Thea Musgrave, follows with the bright and flowing wind making for a playful, cinematic 15+ minutes.

The middle track belongs to Rutty’s “Guitars”, where Kelly Burke’s clarinet is present for the harmonic gestures, while “Metamorphosis” makes great use of the bass clarinet with a charming, lower register of meticulous playing in the Rotaru piece.

“100 Years Later” is the final selection, and it injects intimacy, initially, before a building tension that, later on, leads into ominous areas enters that mesmerizes us.

Taylor’s resume includes being the Associate Professor of Clarinet at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and also the principal clarinet of the Winston-Salem Symphony. His immense skill certainly makes this a colorful and distinct listening experience.

Travels well with: Vivian Fine- Dreamscape: Chamber Music For Flute By Vivian Fine; Luke Dahn- The Valkov-Dahn Project

Domenico Scarlatti

Scarlatti Sonatas

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Scarlatti Sonatas

An assembly of solo harpsichord sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti, Antonio Soler, and an unidentified composer, Charles Metz brings his inimitable piano playing to these 12 tracks fleshed out on an 1806 square piano built by Muzio Clementi himself.

“Sonata I, K. 378, Allegro assai, F major” starts the listen with Metz’s dancing keys making for a very technical and fluid opener, and “Sonata II, Andante Cantabile, F major”, by anonymous, showcases the intricate finger acrobatics with stunning progressions.

Halfway through, “Sonata V, K. 400, Allegro molto, D major” emits much melody via the rich and animated presence, while “Sonata VI, K. 475, Allegro di molto, E flat major” radiates a dreaminess that playful and adventurous.

Landing near the end, “Sonata X, K. 462, Andante, F minor” illustrates both swift and calm playing that’s as timeless as it is welcoming, and “Sonata XII, No. 29, Allegro, F major”, the lone Antonio Soler song, is packed with agile and dynamic gestures thanks to Metz’s top notch skill.

A solo venture with plenty of baroque leanings, Metz’s performance is superb, and the compositions stay true to the 1791 edits by Clementi.

Travels well with: Vincent Kennedy- Music Of People And Place; Michael Cohen- Aria

Vincent Kennedy

Music Of People And Place

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Music Of People And Place

The inimitable composer Vincent Kennedy brings along the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and Mark Redmond’s uilleann pipes for these textured 18 tracks that take inspiration from the people, mysticism, mythology, history, and landscapes of his home, Ireland,

“Where the North Wind Blows” begins the listen with rich strings and booming drums making for a glorious spirit, and “A Sunny Day in Fethard-on-Sea” follows with much sweeping beauty from the agile strings and soulful brass that glides with precision.

In the middle, “John Fitzgerald Kennedy - The Torch Still Burns Brightly” is a more intimate selection, where the layered instrumentation is quite emotive, especially the winds, while “Brothers to Arms” enters dreamy territory via the floating wind manipulation.

Close to the end, “The Birth Cloak” tugs on the heartstrings with its meticulous strings, and “The Accidental Tango” exits with an upbeat demeanor that’s frisky and infectious.

An orchestral affair that certainly instills a Celtic feeling, each piece is delivered with much care and skill from the very capable hands and Kennedy’s esteemed vision.

Travels well with: Tapestry Of Voices; Michael Cohen- Aria

Various Artists

Tapestry Of Voices

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Tapestry Of Voices

An assembly of pieces in both duo and orchestral settings, Tapestry Of Voices brings 8 composers and plenty of culture and stories amid much technical and artistic ideas.

Christopher Jessup’s “Astronomia: I. When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer” opens the listen with The Kühn Choir of Prague’s harmonic voices interacting with much warmth and beauty in the uplifting climate, and “Ho, Mia Kor”, by David Gaines, follows with Bree Nichols’ bright soprano and Alexandr Starý’s dreamy piano making for much prettiness and intimacy.

Michael G Cunningham’s “Hymn” enters soon after, and in 5 chapters it showcases The Kühn Choir of Prague’s bare versus fuller moments of soaring vocal acrobatics, while Ryan Homsey’s “Your Name” blends the poetic singing of Nichols alongside Starý’s soft and agile key progressions.

Near to the end, “The Poet’s Book Of Wisdom” pairs The Kühn Choir of Prague with Marcel Javorček’s glorious piano playing for the album’s best, and Richard E. Brown’s “The Torment of Medea” exits with 16+ minutes of the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava’s and Nichols’ soprano that populates the dramatic and rich finish.

A listen that’s steeped in Greek mythology and meditations surrounding concepts of loss and mortality, the songs here are diverse, enlightening and timeless.

Travels well with: Michael Cohen- Aria; Randy Bauer- dis/entanglements

Anne Vanschothorst

That I did always Love, an ode to Emily Dickinson, for harp in a soundscape

Big Round, 2023

8/10

Listen to That I did always Love, an ode to Emily Dickinson, for harp in a soundscape

The composer and harpist Anne Vanschothor pays homage to the legendary American poet Emily Dickinson, where 7 poems are put to music, as much intimacy radiates from the emotive presence.

“A Harp Note To Emily Dickinson” opens the listen with the mesmerizing and elegant strings unfolding with much care and atmosphere, and “Nobody knows this little Rose” follows with Annie Einan’s gorgeous voice alongside the emotive harp that suits the poetic climate.

Deeper into the listen, “Where have all the birds gone?” has the harp creating a rich landscape of warmth and mystery, while “I hav’nt told my garden yet” brings back Einan’s vocals to the dreamy demeanor of stirring song craft and vivid wordplay.

The last 2 tracks, “Trees of mercy” and “If I shouldn’t be alive”, are memorable, too, where the former is quite minimal and artistically gentle, and the latter is just as tranquil, via the flowing strings that emit beauty and the sounds of nature that adds much allure.

An aesthetically soothing and minimal body of work, Vanschothorst’s playing is striking, and the texts certainly draw us in as well.

Travels well with: David Harris- You Loved Me Then; Natraj- Ragamala Paintings Alive!

Douglas Boyce

The Bird Is An Alphabet

New Focus, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Bird Is An Alphabet

The always impressive composer Douglas Boyce enlists some excellent help for these 3 pieces with voice that showcase his recent chamber works with particularly strong attention to detail.

“A Book Of Songs” starts the listen with 3 chapters, where Molly Orlando’s swirling keys are met with Robert Baker’s glowing tenor that’s expressive and suits the highly animated piano playing that can rumble lowly, too.

“Scriptorium” occupies the middle spot, and features the Byrne:Kozar:Duo, as Corinne Byrne’s soprano soars high amid Andrew Kozar’s well timed trumpet bouts for soulful, intimate moments of beauty.

The last 9 tracks belong to “Ars Poetica”, and they host Marlanda Dekine’s voice, Nurit Pacht’s violin, Daniel Lippel’s guitar and Caleb van der Swaggh’s cello for the unique, rich chamber ideas that are unpredictable and rhythmically aware.

A poetic body of work that embraces distinct harmonics, theatrical nods and atypical grooves, Boyce never approaches songwriting with a conventional spirit, and that theme is continued here.

Travels well with: David Shapiro & The Crossing- Sumptuous Planet; Eric Moe- Strenuous Pleasures

Johnny Winter

The Johnny Winter Story (The GRT/Janus Recordings)

Omnivore, 2023

9/10

Listen to The Johnny Winter Story (The GRT/Janus Recordings)

Undoubtedly one of the greatest guitar players of all time, Johnny Winter has his first ever collection of the albums The Johnny Winter Story (1969), About Blues (1969), and Early Times (1970) assembled with with original 1969 liner notes by Pete Welding.

“Ease My Heart” opens the 2 disc set with gritty, thick blues, where spirited harmonica complements Winter’s meticulous guitar, and “That’s What Love Does” follows with an upbeat and timeless rock’n’roll flavor that benefits from bouncy piano, too.

Further into the listen, the lively energy of the dance floor ready “Road Runner” emits plenty of soulful brass, while “Parchman Farm” showcases Winter’s finger acrobatics and smooth pipes amid the playful organ.

The bouncy and frisky climate of “Bad News” leads off disc 2, where bright percussion and harmonica complement the melodic guitar, and it isn’t long until “I Had To Cry” shows a more intimate side of Winter thanks to the warm acoustic guitar and heartfelt singing. “Please Come Home From Christmas” exits the listen, and is a cozy, holiday blues song with some gospel nods that are powerful and heartfelt.

Winter is a Grammy Winner, Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, and One of Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time, and this project of some of his best work certainly supports all those accolades, where the blues-rock, southern flavor and slide guitar wizardry is unparalleled.

Travels well with: Jimmie Vaughan- The Jimmie Vaughan Story; Robin Trower- Joyful Sky

The Dead South

Chains & Stakes

Six Shooter, 2023

9/10

Listen to Chains & Stakes

The 4th studio record from the Canadian bluegrass sensations The Dead South, the songs here have the quartet exploring their 3 part harmonies and string interaction even further.

The gritty and harmonic “Blood On The Mind” opens the listen with the fluid banjo making an impression, and “Yours To Keep” follows with a hint of folk song craft buried into the rich strings.

Moving into the middle the glowing mandolin of the animated “A Little Devil” soars high, while “Clemency” is a quick dip into intimate areas of heartfelt, dreamy ideas.

Near to the end, “Tiny Wooden Box” showcases the sublime vocal harmonies amid both rugged and melodic waves, and “Father John” exits with vivid storytelling and cautious instrumentation that you can’t help but admire.

There’s little doubt that The Dead South are among the best in the area of modern bluegrass, and the moments of country, Americana, folk and western nods won’t go unnoticed, either, across this career highlight.

Travels well with: Melody Fields- 1991; La Faute- Blue Girl Nice Day

Eric Chapelle/Michelle Schumann

Works For Solo Piano

Companionable Streams, 2023

8/10

Listen to Works For Solo Piano

The esteemed composer Eric Chapelle brings 12 originals to this thoughtful listen, where the classically trained Michelle Schumann interprets the work with strong attention to detail.

“Place In Landscape (Baga Beach)” opens the listen with the atmospheric keys radiating much beauty and melody in their precise delivery, and “In The Presence Of Beauty” follows with a hint of mystery amid the graceful gestures.

In the middle, “Transformation” rumbles a bit, where much emotion is appreciated, while “Full Circle” lands in dreamy territory via the meticulous mood of pretty key progressions.

Close to the end, “Nocturne No. 1”, the album’s best, offers a rich delivery of intimate songwriting and poetic ideas that are nothing short of awe inspiring, and “Dusk To Dawn” exits with a bare but impactful closer of heartfelt and stirring key manipulation.

Recorded during two sessions, one in 2021 and the other in 2023, Schumann’s adaptable playing and colorful presence truly does justice to Chapelle’s technical and timeless vision.

Travels well with: Fanya Lin- Rhapsodic; Our Stories;

Catbells

Partly Cloudy

Sqft, 2023

8/10

Listen to Partly Cloudy

The debut album from the dream-pop artist Catbells, these 13 tracks might remind you of Nico and Mazzy Star in a lo-fi, bedroom pop sort of way.

“Fade (Rainy Day Demo)” opens the listen with soft acoustic guitar and crisp drums that complement Catbells’ calm, expressive singing which pays close attention to mood, and “Wilderness” follows with just a hint of grit amid the thumping drums, melodic guitar and pretty vocals.

Further along, “Like A Memory” touches on nostalgic folk ideas via the very dreamy song craft, while “Ask Me Tomorrow” swirls with a haze of sad beauty that’s heartfelt and poetic.

Arriving near the end, the atmospheric “Leaves” benefits much from warm bass lines that suit the soothing climate of emotive singing, and “Riding Tides” exits with a stripped back approach of rawness that’s personal and sincere.

Billy Mohler’s contributions are quite enormous here, and the electronic bouts add much to the melancholic and intimate vision that draws us into Catbells’ soul-stirring presence.

Travels well with: Alpha Cat- Venus Smile; Hushdrops- The Static

Aaron Lehrian

A Joyous Opus

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to A Joyous Opus

The jazz pianist and Savannah, GA resident Aaron Lehrian makes quite an impression with this debut album, where classical and worldly ideas enter the 10 well thought out tracks.

The title track leads with Stan Piper’s throbbing bass that suits Lehrian’s bright and fluid keys that emit much melody, and “Time’s Knockin’ At The Door” follows with Stefan Klein’s crisp drumming populating the rich and dynamic climate that has the piano mesmerizing us.

“Whispers Of A Sleepless Night” arrives at the halfway point and finds itself in intimate areas, where emotive keys are spotlighted, while “Prayer’s March” rumbles a bit lower amid a hint of mystery buried in the cautious song craft.

Close to the end, the dreamy “Why Do The Stars Fade?” is packed with agile key gestures and warm bass lines, and “Words Forgotten” exits with Lehrian’s flawless playing surrounded by gentle drums and cozy bass work.

A deeply personal body of work, the rhythm section on hand is superb, and they sure do illuminate Lehrian’s expressive and diverse piano playing that’s heartfelt and soulful.

Travels well with: Joel Goodman- An Exquisite Moment; Craig Akin- Me, My Bass And I

Bryan Lubeck

Welcome Winter

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Welcome Winter

A guitarist with a penchant for romantic, Spanish influenced songwriting, Bryan Lubeck brings his esteemed skills to 8 holiday songs with an inimitable spin on them.

The really smooth version of “Deck The Halls” opens the listen with playful vibes, crisp drums and, of course, lively and warm guitar, and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” follows with a moody spirit of graceful strings and intricate guitar picking for the thoughtful climate.

At the halfway point, Eric Salazar brings his rich clarinet to the intimacy of “The Christmas Song”, while “Jingle Bells” is a frisky version that uses the vibes, drums and fluid guitar in a way that just might be the best interpretation yet.

Near to the end, the tense and flowing “Mary Did You Know” benefits much from the stirring strings amid Lubeck’s precise guitar, and “Carol Of The Bells” exits with a mesmerizing and textured moment of dreamy ideas.

A truly unique holiday record that carries a worldly appeal, Lubeck’s guitar work is unparalleled, and the songs radiate in a way that may make you wish it was December.

Travels well with: Wayne Alpern- Rezurrektion (String Quartets); Nic Vardanega- New Beginning

Aurallaura

Exetastes

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Exetastes

The composer and singer Laura Chu Wiens, aka AurallaurA, has an impressive resume that includes fronting The Jazz Conspiracy, Lora, Belgrade Boys, and, currently, RML, and here she brings a worldly influence to 11 diverse tracks.

Greg Lutz’s bright keys open up “But, You Know”, before Nick Costa’s warm drums and Wiens’ animated and soulful pipes enter alongside the glowing sax, and “Shelter; Storm” follows with Billy Sokol’s agile bass and Ben Townsend’s strategic fiddle suiting the smooth and stylish climate.

Halfway through, “Mind The Gap” welcomes Alex Price’s stirring violin that complements the intimate yet frisky delivery, while “The Last Nostalgic Wait” is focused much on Wiens’ expressive voice, where Ellen Perkins’ cozy guitar won’t go unnoticed.

Landing close to the end, John Dahlman’s skilled bass adds much to the rich album highlight, “Press The Word”, and “Yuan Fen” exits and benefits much from Gracie Zielinski’s strategic violin via the poetic finish that puts Lutz’s clarinet to good use, too.

A body of work with a global presence, Wiens and company flesh out a distinct and memorable spin on jazz that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Aguankó- Unidad; The Moore-McColl Jazz Society- Up And Gone

The Flying Horse Big Band

A Message From The Flying Horse Big Band

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to A Message From The Flying Horse Big Band

This 8th album from the Flying Horse Big Band tips its hat to legendary jazz figures, where songs by Wayne Shorter, Hank Mobley, Benny Golson and others are fleshed out by the esteemed ensemble.

The frisky “Free For All” opens the listen with the animated brass and lively drumming from James Fortune that complements Edmund ‘Quint’ Johnson’s vibrant tenor sax, and “Hipsippy Blues” follows with Steven Grant’s agile sax alongside Michael Santos’ skilled bass that help illuminate the rich landscape.

The middle belongs to the distinct spirit of “Mosaic”, where Jack Hoag’s well placed keys and the colorful horns mesmerize, while “Peace” trims the pace back with much intimacy that’s populated by Jamesly Jean-Mary’s calm drums and Noah Mosca’s moody baritone sax.

Residing near the end, the upbeat and dance floor ready “Whisper Not” benefits from Micah Silverstein’s glowing alto sax, and “On The Ginza” exits with a scrappy presence via Paul Van Wormer’s alto sax and a solo from Josh Mercado’s meticulous trumpet.

A listen packed with inimitable interpretations, the Flying Horse Big Band never disappoint, and that trend continues here.

Travels well with: Andrew Binder- Conspiracy Deliracy; The Pacific Jazz Group- The Pacific Jazz Group

Patterns

Chamber Works

Navona, 2019

8/10

Listen to Chamber Works

A record where multiple composers are on hand, Patterns turn minimalism into a highly refined art form across the appropriately titled Chamber Works.

“Asymmetry” starts the listen with dual guitars on a fast paced picking and strumming opener, and “Disintegration” follows with a lone guitar on a meticulous track with a unique melody.

Further along, “Two Lords” is divided into 3 parts, each with world class guitar playing from Santiago Kodela, while “Road Traversed And Reversed” relies heavily on a marimba in the playful setting.

Deeper cuts offer us the two part “Suite For Sarro”, where violin, viola and cello all bring sophisticated interplay, and the three part “Bassoon Quartet” ends the listen with 4 bassoons showing us much versatility in the woodwinds.

A listen that relies heavily on classical ideas, Patterns prove to us that the sounds of chamber music have few boundaries, or at least in their calculated, fascinating vision.

Travels well with: Grupo Encuentros-Tangos & Something More; Eliane Rodrigues- The Gershwin & Bernstein Connection