Alice Ping Yee Ho

Chinatown

Leaf, 2023

8/10

Listen to Chinatown

An opera composed by Alice Ping Yee Ho, with librettist Madeleine Thien and translator Paul Yee, these 2 discs tell the story of early Chinese newcomers in search of a brighter future

“Act I: Scene 1” starts the listen with cozy strings and percussion aligning with the expressive singing that tells of a young boy, Xon Pon, who in 1896 joins his father to work in Canada, and “Act I: Scene 2” follows with a conversational tone that also uses a choir amid the twinkling instrumentation that soundtracks the tale of men who died building the railway- a home to their villages in China.

Further along, “Act I: Scene 5” displays harmonic string gestures amid the baritone voices that describe how Saihin can’t save enough to pay the Head Tax for Lingling, while “Act II: Scene 1” finds a highly intimate place to reside with its stirring strings and deep vocals discussing how the girls are in high school, and Anna’s boyfriend, Eugene, is a paper son.

Close to the end, “Act II: Scene 3” details how police raids continue all night, where Uncle Toy, Xon Pon, Anna, and Wenli protect Eugene via the use of the bright winds for a very radiant highlight track, and “Act II: Scene 5” exits with both talking and singing that suit the animated spirit which spotlights Wenli and Anna imagining the future of Chinatown.

A project that was 2 years in the making, the exploration of the roots and history of Chinatown communities and all the love, hope and courage they embrace is quite admirable. It makes for a highly complicated story of found family, and the music is equally compelling, too.

Travels well with: Alice Ping Yee Ho- Blaze; Rich Pellegrin- Passage

Alice Ping Yee Ho

Blaze

Centrediscs, 2023

8/10

Listen to Blaze

The esteemed composer Alice Ping Yee Ho presents 8 pieces inspired by abstract paintings, where the introspective and personal songwriting is fleshed out by the Canadian pianist Christina Petrowska Quilico.

The diverse and meticulous delivery of the title track opens the listen, where Quilico’s skills are immediately striking, and “Shade” follows with both low moments and dreamy dynamics that are equally artistic and cinematic.

At the midpoint, the atmospheric “Aeon” mesmerized us with its rich climate, while “Erupting Skies”, the most adventurous piece, welcomes electronics to the rumbling, ambient demeanor of mystery and grace.

Moving towards the end, the tense and firm “Caprice” seems like it could soundtrack an action flick with its dancing fingers, and “Garage” exits with a slow dirge-like presence that emits an ominous landscape of minimal but impactful sounds.

A very colorful and sometimes dramatic affair, Ho’s work is artistic, stimulating and imaginative, and very much resonates in Quilico’s capable hands.

Travels well with: Rich Pellegin- Passage; Hal Galper Trio- Invitation To Openness

Roger Lin

Exploitation Suite

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Exploitation Suite

The Brooklyn based guitarist and composer Roger Lin returns with a sophomore album, where he explores the dynamics of hard work and talent that’s specific to New York life.

The warm guitar of “Exploitation Suite Part I: They’d Like to Support” gets the listen off to a cozy start, where Willis Edmundson’s calm drumming and Simón Wilson’s light bass create a distinct mood, and “Shore On the Other Side” follows with 2 segments that radiate a unique dreaminess via Quinton Cain’s elegant drums and Lin’s radiant guitar.

In the middle, “Exploitation Suite Part II: At Mount Stupid, At the Bottom of a Well” is a minimal moment of meticulous guitar patterns that builds into a rich landscape thanks to Moshe Elmakias’ fluid piano, while “Sneaky Bastards” benefits much from Chaz Martineau’s soulful sax playing that recruits plenty of timeless jazz qualities.

Occupying a spot close to the end, the stirring intimacy of “Aliens in Capitalized Societies” glows with a soft display of heartfelt song craft, and “Strengths and Insecurities” exits with Isaac Levien’s charming bass lines amid the gentle sax and hazy guitar prowess.

An inviting body of work that uses folk melodies and harmonic gestures to yield introspective and emotional sounds, Lin’s fascinating guitar work alone is worth the price of admission.

Travels well with: Tobie Medland- The Aviary; Paulo Almeida- Oferenda

The Pleasure Dome

Equinox

Hound Dawg, 2023

9/10

Listen to Equinox

A UK trio with an affinity for punk and grunge sounds, The Pleasure Dome bring plenty of intensity to these 13 noisy meets melodic tunes.

Loz Fancourt’s rumbling bass on “Pass The Parcel” gets the listen off to a dense start that swirls with some post-punk flavor, and “Down The Alley” continues the anthemic quality with Bobby Spender’s firm vocals and melodic guitar making for a tuneful yet hard hitting climate.

Further along, “Psychodrama” is packed with furious drumming via Alex ‘Bert’ Elvin’s skills that suits the shouted versus singing dynamics, while “Boiler Room” is a charged and arena ready rocker that also embraces some goth friendly haze.

Arriving near the end, the fragmented “Have You Ever Been In Love?” also recruits intimacy is an oddly pretty sort of way, and “No Guts No Fame” exits with warm acoustic guitar fueling the folk ideas.

A blistering listen that doesn’t shy away from metallic, hardcore bouts amid the infectious, post-punk template, The Pleasure Dome should be required listening for fans of anything alt-rock or punk related.

Travels well with: Danko Jones- Electric Sounds; The Oxys- A Date With The Oxys

Honey Made

Charge It To The Band Fund

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Charge It To The Band Fund

The Austin soul and funk stars Honey Made bring their powerful and fusion filled formula to these 7 lively tracks.

The lively and upbeat “Get On Up” opens the listen with Chris Barnes’ fluid drumming and Lee Braverman’s animated bass complementing the many soulful voices, and “Vibin” follows with Dustin Hunter’s booming sax amid the expressive sing that suits the dreamy and groove filled climate.

“Love It” and “Ashy Pockets (My Mode)” land in the middle, where the former is an intimate moment of Brian Cokeley’s warm keys alongside emotive, falsetto singing, while the latter is rugged and thick display of rock focused song craft that illuminates Andrew Harkey’s dense bass and Willie Barnes II and Donald Ford Jr.’s glowing pipes.

Landing near the end, “FYC” benefits much from Joseph Morrow’s rich trumpet bouts and plenty of funk flavor, and “DFA” exits with a charming buzzing that’s primed for the dance floor.

A listen that tips it hat to the fun of the 90s and ‘00s southern hip-hop era, the strategic use of jazz, soul, R&B and hip-hop makes for a funk-rock experience we won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Bayou City Funk- Down To Funk; Diplomats Of Solid Sound- A Higher Place

Frank Horvat

From Oblivion To Hope

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to From Oblivion To Hope

The Odin Quartet, i.e. Alex Toskov, Tanya Charles Iveniuk, Matt Antal and Samuel Bisson flesh out these Frank Horvat pieces that are full of positivity and hope.

“Oblivion” starts the listen with Bisson’s moody cello alongside Antal’s playful viola in the cinematic climate, and “String Quartet No. 2” follows with Toskov and Iveniuk’s tense violins making firm gestures in the rumbling delivery.

In the middle, “The Four Seasons” unfolds across, you guessed it, 4 chapters, where “Spring is particularly animated, while “Winter” quivers intensely before segueing into lovely, lush string interaction.

The final 2 tracks, “Unity In Distress” and “Hope”, are equally precise, where the former carries a distinct energy, and the latter closes with a heartfelt and gorgeous display of sublime strings and emotive songwriting that’s nearly therapeutic.

A body of work that has the ability to touch one’s soul, Horvat’s vision is carefully conveyed with profound attention to detail here.

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

The Commotions

Volume 3

Yow, 2023

8/10

Listen to Volume 3

An ensemble with a penchant for ‘70s inspired soul sounds, The Commotions are populated by 12 members- 3 of which are lead singers- and this 3rd album is a blast of retro-fun.

The lively and rich “Feel The Commotion” gets the listen off to an animated start, where the bright brass is met with soulful singing, and “Love In The Fast Lane” follows with thumping drums and breezy melodies populating the warm spirit.

Inching towards the middle, the soaring horns and dynamic drumming of “The Time Is Now” is filled with funk flavor, while “Nothing But You” enters intimate areas of dreamy keys and playful percussion that even welcomes strings, too.

Residing closer to the end, “Show Some Love” is textured with no lack of harmony and even some pop spirit that will get you on the dance floor, and “You Complete Me” exits the listen with smooth vocals, agile instrumentation and plenty of vibrant R&B, jazz and soul nods.

It’s not hard to imagine Huey Lewis, Tower Of Power or even modern artists like Bruno Mars when listening to Volume 3. It’s also not hard to find yourself having a great time with their Motown, throwback formula.

Travels well with: Eufórquestra- While We Still Got Time; Pimps Of Joytime- Jukestone Paradise

John Ellis Quartet

Bizet: Carmen In Jazz

Blue Room, 2023

8/10

Listen to Bizet: Carmen In Jazz

A saxophonist and reed wizard, John Ellis surrounds himself with Gary Versace, Reuben Rogers and Jason Marsalis for these 6 Georges Bizet pieces arranged with Ellis’ strong attention to detail.

“Habanera” starts the listen with Rogers’ playfully plucked bass that suits Versace’s dancing keys and, of course, Ellis’ bright brass, and “Seguidilla” follows with a swift and punchy delivery, where Marsalis’ animated drumming complements the soulful sax.

“Flower Song” and “Toreador” land in the middle, as the former is a soft, intimate pairing of gentle keys and soothing brass, while the latter is a rich album highlight of crisp drums, meticulously plucked bass and booming sax bouts.

Arriving near the end, the busy but controlled “Gypsy Song” is packed with melodies via the textured warmth, and “Card Song” exits with Ellis’ charming bass clarinet guiding the dreamy piano.

A stunning performance that embraces much emotion and certainly does justice to the opera, the swing, blues and New Orleans nods won’t go unnoticed, either.

Travels well with: Dylan Jack Quartet- Eine Quartett Des Grauens; Ben Miller Trio- Feathers Of Ma’at

Philippe Côté/François Bourassa

Confluence

Odd Sound, 2023

8/10

Listen to Odd Sound

The multi-reedist Philippe Côté and pianist François Bourassa come together for these jazz and classical inspired tracks that don’t shy away from improvisation, mystery and emotion.

The mesmerizing keys of “Tour 1” opens the listen with soulful and cozy sax bouts that complement the low register of the piano, and “1190 Chemin De La Montagne” follows with the melodic keys amid Côté’s flowing brass.

The title track arrives in the middle, and unfolds across 5 chapters of bare ideas, swirling haze and cinematic bursts of moody key progressions, while “Truc” is quite playful, where the dancing keys and bright sax intersect with a charming unpredictability.

“Hushed Song” and “Tour 2” exit the listen, as the former radiates a stirring intimacy via the pensive keys and rich sax, and the latter rumbles with wandering sax that shifts into an animated and nearly sci-fi finish.

A piano-sax duo of the highest caliber, the textures, rhythm and sometimes dramatic moments keep the listener engaged from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Philippe Côté- Bell Tolls Variations; Montréal Jazz Trio- Montréal Jazz Trio

Sofia Rubina

I Am Soul

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to I Am Soul

The powerful vocalist Sofia Rubina brings her Estonian heritage to the classic songs by Bonnie Raitt, George Duke and Chick Corea, plus a handful of originals that blend jazz and soul with much care.

The twinkling “Home” gets the listen off to a dreamy start, where Evgeny Lebedev’s graceful keys are met with Rubina’s glowing vocals, and “Taim” follows with Ignat Kravtsov’s crisp drums amid the strong attention to mood that allows for Rubina’s soulful pipes to shine.

In the middle, “Great Life” brings a rich climate of warm and melodic gestures, while “I Can’t Make You Love Me” recruits strings for the gorgeous interpretation of the emotive classic that showcases a sublime intimacy.

Landing near the end, “Come To Your Senses” uses Anton Revnyuk’s playful bass via the frisky delivery and well timed grooves, and “Open Your Eyes You Can Fly” exits with a lively energy that comes with an R&B spirit populating the punchy and dynamic finish.

Rubina’s craft also embraces pop, gospel and blues, and she welcomes American influences into her Northern European formula that gives her jazz template a worldly appeal.

Travels well with: Dianne Fraser- You And I; Audrey Silver- Oklahoma

Benjamin Jayne

Broken

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Broken

The recording moniker of Benjamin Wright, as Benjamin Jayne he continues on with darkly tinted folk sounds, where psychedelia is present, as is Drew Skinner’s producing talents for these 10 cautious tracks.

The moody and emotive “A Million Miles” opens the listen with Wright’s deep voice alongside strategic drumming, and “Give Up, Don’t Give Up” follows with warm acoustic guitar amid the mesmerizing vocals that are poetic in an atmospheric sort of way.

“Love” occupies the middle spot, and flows with a rich quality that benefits much from Wright’s mysterious vocals that hit some pretty high notes, while “(Numb) I Can’t Feel A Thing” is a breathy album highlight that carries a cinematic quality that even soars high, too.

Landing near the end, “The Symbol” is packed with a gentle ambience that’s gripping in its textured haze, and “Good Night, Good Bye” exits with very pretty singing that radiates plenty of lightness.

Comparisons to Nick Drake, The National or even Elliott Smith are certainly warranted, as Wright’s brand of melancholy nearly seems like a refined science his very capable hands.

Travels well with: Miirors- Motion And Picture; Charming Disaster- Super Natural History

Marcus Rezak

Guitar Head

Deko, 2023

8/10

Listen to Guitar Head

The inimitable guitarist Marcus Rezak assembles an outstanding cast for these 10 tracks that resonate festive, funk ideas.

The energetic and rhythmic “Sweet Like Mary Jane” opens the listen with Rezak’s flowing voice and guitar acrobatics alongside Adrian Tramontano’s dense drumming, and “Funk It Right” follows with Chris Deangelis’ playful bass lines and Eric Lawrence’s lively horns diving straight into funk territory.

Further into the listen, “Get It Underway” benefits from Rezak’s meticulous guitar amid Ray Paczkowski’s well timed organ bouts, while “Going The Distance” enters calmer areas of soulful song craft that’s emotive and rich.

Approaching the end, the thick rock’n’roll fun of “Grammys Caddy” touches on the blues in its swirling power, and “Funky Bitch” exits with vivid keys, animated brass and the dynamic rhythm section complementing Rezak’s distinct guitar and spirited voice.

An album with plenty of anthemic qualities, the musicians surrounding Rezak come from the Trey Anastasio Band, Little Feat and Twiddle, plus others, and the massive skill present certainly doesn’t go unnoticed.

Travels well with: Andy Frasco & The U.N.- Change Of Pace; ALO- Sounds Like This

Alla Boara

Work & Song

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Work & Song

A Cleveland outfit spearheaded by the drummer and composer Anthony Taddeo, this live set from Alla Boara was captured on July 7 and 8, 2023, at Cleveland’s Bop Stop club, and it assembles 11 songs of the band’s worldly folk ideas.

The dynamic and rich “Almond Sorters” gets the evening off to a warm start, where Amanda Powell’s elegant voice is met with Chris Coles’ soulful sax, and “U Leva Leva” follows with a vocally harmonic intro that segues into Dan Bruce’s meticulous guitar playing amid the cultured melodies.

Halfway through, “Mamma Mia Dammi Cento Lire” benefits much from Tommy Lehman’s bright trumpet, as Powell’s expressive voice soars, while “Ballu” is split into 2 parts, where Taddeo’s frisky percussion leads into Clay Colley’s bright accordion prowess that gives the set highlight a festive feel.

Landing near the end, the vocally strong “Venite Adoremus” carries a distinct dreaminess alongside the light instrumentation, and “Mi Me Ne Fon” exits with a textured mood that meshes accordion, drums, guitar, Ian Kinnaman’s bass and expressive singing.

An excellent outing that showcases the band’s multifaceted approach, the romantic, artistic, and global jazz and folk spirit is enlightening and mesmerizing.

Travels well with: Alla Boara- Le Tre Sorelle; Ben Miller Trio- Feathers Of Ma’at

Andy Pratt

Trio

Thrift Girl, 2024

8/10

Listen to Trio

The guitarist and singer Andy Pratt finds himself in the company of Joe Pollcastro and Phil Gratteau for these 9 swing filled and timeless jazz tracks that pull from the lesser known American Songbook.

The warm and playful “Soon” starts the listen, where the Gershwin original carries much spirit and energy, and “Little White Lies” follows with Pratt’s bright vocals suiting Gratteau’s frisky drums.

Deeper into the listen, “Patricia” offers a rhythmic and textured climate that’s highly melodic, while “From This Moment On” is a bouncy and dance floor friendly album highlight packed with upbeat vocals, crisp drums and Policastro’s skilled bass.

Residing near the end, the more intimate ideas of “There’s Always Something There To Remind Me” is a thoughtful interpretation of the Burt Bacharach classic, and “Something Big”, another Bacharach tune, exits with an animated presence that’s clever and so precisely executed.

A listen that explores songs that we should all really be more familiar with, Pratt’s 20+ years of experience certainly are appreciated, and the mix of instrumental versus singing selections is strategically welcomed.

Travels well with: Sam Ross- Live At The Mira Room Vol. II; Dave Stryker Trio- Groove Street

Alla Boara

Le Tre Sorelle

Shifting Paradigm, 2023

8/10

Listen to Le Tre Sorelle

A highly cultured outfit consisting of Anthony Taddeo, Amanda Powell, Dan Bruce, Tommy Lehman, Ian Kinnaman, and Clay Colley, as Alla Boara they illuminate Italian folk sounds via their careful arrangements that hosts many guests.

“Alla Boara” opens the listen with Michael Ward-Bergeman’s warm accordion complementing Powell’s expressive voice and Chris Coles’ soprano saxophone and effects, and “Le Tre Sorelle” follows with harmonic singing that benefits much from Jamey Haddad’s diverse percussion.

Moving into the middle, “Fimmene, Fimmene” is a very pretty moment of poetic singing and playful drumming from Taddeo, while “Almond Sorters”, the album’s best, is a rich track thanks to Lehman’s radiant trumpet and Kinnaman’s animated bass.

Closer to the end, Dan Mihelarakis’ guitars are much appreciated across the hazy “Funeral Lament”, and “Mi Me Ne Fon” exits with soulful horn, powerful singing and Colley’s flexible accordion.

An effort of hymns, lullabies, and festive moments, there’s a unique, worldly flavor to these songs, and it results in both an enlightening and memorable listening experience.

Travels well with: Dylan Jack Quartet- Eine Quartett Des Grauens; Ben Miller Trio- Feathers Of Ma’at

Bees Deluxe

Hallucinate

Slapping Cat, 2023

8/10

Listen to Hallucinate

The Boston British/American blues rockers Bees Deluxe bring us a very collaborative effort of hard rockin’ tunes, where topics like aliens, gasoline, french bread and many other subjects allow the 9 members to display their respective talents.

The smooth and rich “Sharkskin Suit” gets the record off to a stylish start, where Paul Giovine’s warm drums complement rich guitar playing by Jared Egan, and “When Is Yesterday” follows with the bright keyboards and soulful singing finding a very groove friendly place to reside.

Further along, the rumbling piano of “How To Play 96 Tears” makes for an agile solo track, while “Nitro” is a bit more rugged via Poogie Bell’s lively drumming and Conrad Warre’s glowing trumpet amid the ‘80s influences.

Residing close to the end, “Gary Burton’s ex-Guitar Player Stole My Highschool Girlfriend And Now I Can’t Stop Dreaming About Her” is populated by dreamy and meticulous guitar playing, and “What’s Wrong With Me” exits with a thumping and gritty energy that’s rhythmic and sonically exciting.

A listen where each song carries its own identity, the occasionally, sometimes improvised and acutely melodic textures make Hallucinate a rather charming listen.

Travels well with: Jangling Sparrows- Telecoaster; Delta Wires- If Somebody Told Me

Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio

A Shade Of Blue

Evosound, 2023

8/10

Listen to A Shade Of Blue

The veteran Japanese pianist Tsuyoshi Yamamoto tips his hat to Erroll Garner, Wynton Kelly and Red Garland, where Toshio Osumi and Hiroshi Kagawa are in attendance for these 12 lively tracks.

The animated “Speed Ball Blues” begins the listen with Yamamoto’s dancing keys alongside Kagawa’s playfully plucked bass in the frisky jazz climate, and “Speak Low” follows with a glowing intimacy via the mature piano that tugs on the heartstrings, as Osumi’s lively drums enter with much charm.

The middle track belongs to the atmospheric “Black Is The Color”, where dreamy keys segue into the stylish rhythm section’s dynamic interaction, while “Midnight Sugar” spotlights Kagawa’s precise bass prowess amid Yamamoto’s flowing fingers for the album’s best.

The final 2 tracks don’t disappoint either, where “Misty” offers gentle reflection via the subdued and agile instrumentation, and “Bye Bye Blackbird” bop and shakes with an infectious exit of hard driving, timeless jazz.

The sound quality here is excellent, and the trio perform with a collaborative appeal that illustrates profound appreciation for the legends of jazz, which influences the swingin’ and gentle moments here.

Travels well with: Alex Norris- Chess Moves; Audrey Ochoa- The Head Of A Mouse

Bridget Kibbey

Crossing The Ocean

Pentatone, 2023

9/10

Listen to Crossing The Ocean

The harpist Bridget Kibbey treats us to six solo works penned by composers from across the globe, where a special appearance from Dawn Upshaw adds much to the cultured and intimate landscape.

David Bruce’s “Caja de Música” starts the listen with the twinkling strings emitting a strong attention to mood and warmth, and “Northern Lights”, by Kati Agócs, follows with extremely meticulous patterns that radiant mystery, playfulness and a charming, adventurous spirit across the 5 segments.

Halfway through, Upshaw’s stunning soprano occupies the bare climate of the chilling “Three Butterfly Songs”, while Kinan Azmeh’s “It’s About Time” is a dizzying display of swirling harp sounds that benefits from ambience.

Arriving at the end, “The Ocean Within” uses firm gestures of grace and tension to illuminate Du Yun’s vision across the album’s most exploratory track, which carries a nearly sci-fi appeal.

An effort of world premiere recordings, Kibbey handles her instrument like few others can, and her ability to express, distort and illuminate its many possibilities really does captivate us.

Travels well with: Chicago A Cappella- Miracle Of Miracles: Music For Hanukkah; Anne Vanschothor- That I did always Love, an ode to Emily Dickinson, for harp in a soundscape

Sam Ross

Live At The Mira Room Vol. II

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Live At The Mira Room Vol. II

The pianist and keyboardist Sam Ross brings soul, jazz, bebop and funk ideas into this tribute to Chick Corea, where Simba Distis and Dr. Mimi Mured are in attendance for the 5 lively originals.

“Breakfast For Dinner” starts the set with Ross’ agile keys that emit much melody before Distis’ playfully plucked bass enters, and, lastly, Mured’s lively drums, and “New Shoes” takes that lead into a frisky climate of quick bass, warm keys and crisp drumming that flirts with funk.

“What Is TOP” occupies the middle spot, and carries a mesmerizing quality that’s busy yet precise, while “New Socks” radiates a hint of intimacy, where a soulfulness enters the grooves. “Dear Chick” exits the listen, and it’s a speedy, animated moment of finger acrobatics on keys amid the unpredictable drumming and charming bass.

A listen that swings with much enthusiasm, the crowd certainly appreciated the effort, and the at home listener will be impressed by the fusion dynamics and timeless jazz nods.

Travels well with: Mike DiRubbo- Inner Light; Ben Miller Trio- Feathers Of Ma’at

Paul DesLauriers

Bounce

VizzTone, 2019

8/10

Listen to Bounce

A blue rock super trio from Montreal, Paul DesLauriers is joined by Sam Harrisson on drums and Alec McElcheran on bass for the 13 tracks- 12 originals plus a cover of Peter Green’s “Jumpin’ At Shadows- on this follow up to their esteemed 2016 album, Relentless

After the brief ambient opener “Here We Go”, “It’s All On You” dives headfirst into strong blues riffage and firm vocals from DesLauriers on the rhythmic and memorable tune.

Further along, “Happy Wasting Time With You” offers a soulful bar rocker with a punchy feel, while “Driving Me Insane” displays guitar acrobatics in the groove friendly atmosphere. The album highlight, “Picked A Bad Day”, with JP Soars, finds a nice place to reside between melodic and gritty with a chorus you won’t soon forget.

Towards the end, “Feeling All Kinds Of Good” recruits a rockabilly spirit in the danceable rocker, and “Waiting On You” ends the listen with warm guitars and organs on the powerful and emotive exit.

A must if you’re a fan of intricate guitar sounds and, of course, sturdy blues rock, DesLauriers and company deliver the sort of quality music we’re used to from the VizzTone label on this impressive outing.

Travels well with: Ben Levin- Before Me; Terry Hanck- I Still Get Excited