The Rob Dixon/Steve Allee Quintet

Standards Deluxe

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Standards Deluxe

The saxophonist Rob Dixon and pianist Steve Allee come together with some excellent players on hand for 6 standards sung by Amanda King and 5 originals, plus an Ellington piece for Derrick Gardner’s trumpet.

The calm and mesmerizing “Caravan” opens the listen with Allee’s warm keys suiting King’s expressive and smooth voice, and “Love For Sale” follows with Greg Artry’s swift drums complementing Dixon’s soaring sax for the romantic mood.

Deeper into the first half, the mature keys of “Sway” leads into culture rhythm that makes great use of Nick Tucker’s glowing bass, while “One Hundred” starts Gardner’s half with rich brass thanks to Dixon and Gardner’s skills.

Further yet, the busy and stylish delivery of “If We Must Die” spotlights Kenny Phelps’ drumming acrobatics amid the soulful horns, and “Caravan” exits with Allee’s adventurous keys amid the frisky rhythm section and charming sax and trumpet.

A collection of straight ahead jazz selections, Dixon’s originals are quite exciting, and the standards sound great in this swinging, modern jazz setting.

Travels well with: Rob Susman- Top Secret Lab; Andy Pratt- Trio

Rob Susman

Top Secret Lab

Sus4music, 2023

8/10

Listen to Top Secret Lab

The multi-instrumentalist Rob Susman brings plenty of melodic and rich ideas to this Big Band listen that hosts some excellent players.

The bright brass of “Tastes Like Chicken” opens the listen with Yuichi Hirakawa’s lively drums complementing the festive delivery, and “This Time” follows with Susman’s hazy trombone injecting much soul into the cautious landscape.

Moving into the middle, “East Side Infirmary” benefits much from Chris Anderson’s radiant trumpet and Dan Asher’s playful bass, while “Out There” does flirt with some sci-fi gestures amid Chris Hemingway’s adventurous sax bouts.

The powerful “When A Man Loves A Woman” exits the listen, and it’s a thick display of dynamic and emotive horns alongside the charming and timeless demeanor.

This is Susman’s first recording as leader since 2002, and let’s hope he doesn’t wait so long next time, as his funky and swinging ideas sure are colorful and memorable.

Travels well with: Andy Pratt- Trio; Sam Ross- Live At The Mira Room Vol. II

Lizzie No

Halfsies

Thirty Tigers, 2024

9/10

Listen to Halfsies

An Americana artist but not of the typical sense, the Queer and Black artist Lizzie No welcomes blues, folk, country and indie-rock ideas into these 11 ‘protest’ songs.

The cozy title track starts the listen with No’s expressive voice alongside Fred Eltringham’s crisp drums and plenty of strings that emit elegance, and “Sleeping In The Next Room” follows with soaring vocal harmonies and Graham Richman’s precise bass amid No’s dreamy harp.

Deeper into the listen, the radiant “Deadbeat” benefits much from Richman’s swirling guitar that suits the intimate backdrop, while “Mourning Dove Waltz” places Allison Russell’s soulful voice and Graham’s mature piano for the heartfelt delivery.

The final 2 tracks, “Getaway Car” and “Babylon”, don’t disappoint either, where the former is populated by pedal steel and baritone guitar thanks to Josh Grange, which helps cultivate an animated roots rocker, and the latter showcases Daniel Kleederman’s acoustic guitar and ambient manipulation that also makes splendid use of violin, viola and cello.

Comparisons to Rhiannon Giddens and Allison Russell won’t go unappreciated here, as No continues to carve out a very distinct and community related presence in the personal and political landscape of this excellent record.

Travels well with: Lindsay Lou- Queen Of Time; Boy Named Banjo- Dusk

Margot Sergent

Douce France Sweet France

Zoho, 2023

8/10

Listen to Douce France Sweet France

The French singer and harpist Margot Sergent makes an impression on this debut with the Zoho label, where Partrick Brennan, Alec Safy, Linus Wyrsch, Ben Silashi and Vitor Goncalves join her for the rich jazz listen.

The swirling beauty of “Keep The Moon In Mind” starts the listen with Brennan’s warm guitar complementing Sergent’s expressive voice that’s quite soulful, and the title track follows with Wyrsch’s clarinet and Safy’s bass making for an intimate and poetic climate.

Moving into the middle, Silashi’s agile drums populate the calm demeanor of “Little Miracles”, where Sergent’s soaring voice is striking, while “La Bohéme” benefits much from Goncalves’ glowing accordion, which adds much emotion to the powerful delivery.

Approaching the end, the playful “Silent Steps” recruits firm guitar from Brennan that suits the smooth singing and charming bass plucking, and “Saudade” exits with much emphasis on the harp, as Sergent’s dreamy manipulation of the strings is heartfelt and exciting.

Sergent’s soprano voice is lovely, her harp playing superb, and the musicians on the album help the songs swing gently, waltz with sophistication and emit worldly rhythms.

Travels well with: The Flying Horse Big Band- A Message From The Flying Horse Big Band; The Moore-McColl Jazz Society- Up And Gone

Rolie Polie Guacamole

Diggin’ In The Dirt

Self-Released, 2024

10/10

Listen to Diggin’ In The Dirt

This 11th family album from the Brooklyn outfit Rolie Polie Guacamole brings us a large handful of kindie-rock anthems, where much fun and adventure is ready to be had.

The energetic title track starts the listen with Frank Gallo’s quick guitar and bright singing guiding the scrappy fun, and “I Know You Know” follows with Andrew Tuzhilin’s bouncy bass and Rossen Nedelchev’s thumping drums suiting the dreamy qualities of the dense climate.

Further along, “Princess Dress” swirls with some punk-ish nods that are gritty yet harmonic, while the funky “Lobster” welcomes plenty of island flavor that’s not short on grooves. “Do The Guacamole”, another lively tune, then uses processed vocals, talking and Dean Jones’ playful keys for the festivities.

Deeper still, the rhythmic and aptly titled “Shake Your Body” benefits from Katie Mullins’ vocals via the quirky delivery, and “Daddy’s Gonna Hold You Tight” exits with a folky presence of cozy and heartfelt songwriting that employs Jane Scarpantoni’s gorgeous cello.

A listen where each tune carries its own distinct identity but will resonate with kids and families, in the area of kindie-rock, few bands are as prolific or exceptional as Rolie Polie Guacamole.

Travels well with: Laurie Berkner- Buzz Buzz; Susie Tallman- Let’s All Sing

Michael Costantino

The Song Inside The Tune

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Song Inside The Tune

The jazz pianist, arranger and educator Michael Costantino interprets 9 tracks here, where the bassist Harvie S and drummer Thierry Arpino are in attendance for the standards, tunes from TV and pop idioms and even a reimagined Beethoven piece.

The crisp drums and warm bass of “Yesterdays”, by Jerome Kern, gets the listen off to a flowing start, and certainly complements Costantino’s elegant keys, and “Speak Softly, Love” continues the sophistication with swift piano that suits the playful rhythm section.

Further along, the dense and rumbling “Satin Doll” is a rhythmic highlight that you could dance to, while “Pathetique” is strong on mood, and carries a distinct intimacy via the emotive keys and skilled bass plucking.

Further still, the lively energy of the rich “What’ll I Do” is both firm and melodic in a dreamy sort of way, and Paul Jabara’s “Last Dance” exits with a romantic spirit of beauty and timelessness.

Costantino’s resume includes being a member of the Ralph Graham and Easy Pieces Band and being on the faculty of the Newark School of the Arts since 1996. His piano playing is flexible and sharp, and Harvie S and Arpino's contributions sure do help cultivate much melody.

Travels well with: Harvie S/Roni Ben-Hur/Sylvia Cuenca- Wondering; Jason Arkins- In Focus

Miguel Espinoza Fusion

Gabriella

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Gabriella

The cultured guitarist Miguel Espinoza brings along a large cast for these diverse and worldly songs that are fusion at its finest.

The title track opens with Espinoza’s guitar and Christian Teele’s percussion making for a highly rhythmic landscape, and “Joy” follows with Dianne Betkowski’s cello and Priya Hariharan’s violin cultivating much grace and warmth.

“Whistlin’ Down The Street” lands in the middle and makes great use of Espinoza’s fluid guitar amid Randy Hoepker’s precise bass, while “Mermaid” is 8+ minutes David Balakrishnan’s violin complementing the swirling guitar of the album’s best.

Near the end, “La Lluvia” recruits palmas from Espinoza and Hoepker for the mysterious and rich delivery, and “Barrio Latino” exits with Teele’s percussion and Victor Mestas Pérex’s piano contributing much to the animated finish.

An experience that touches on Flamenco, classical, jazz, Celtic and Brazilian flashes, to name a few, Espinoza and company create rich and colorful ideas that will resonate globally.

Travels well with: Seulah Noh Jazz Orchestra- NohMAD; Vincent Lyn- Elysian Eclipse

Chatham County Line

Hiyo

Yep Roc, 2023

9/10

Listen to Hiyo

Now 10 studio albums deep, the veteran bluegrass legends Chatham County Line make a turn into songwriting that embraces synth, drums and other sonic ideas that stray from their usual route.

The 10 track albums opens with the soft “Right On Time”, where Dave Wilson’s warm guitar is met with glowing vocal harmonies and Jamie Dick’s thumping drums, and “Magic” follows with playful synth adding an electronic component to the rootsy flavor of the dreamy climate.

The middle track belongs to “Lone Ranger”, where a cozy sense of ambience flows with a nearly prog-rock feel, while “Under The Willow Tree” makes great use of John Mailander’s agile fiddle via the blurry, rural song craft.

“Stone” and “Summerline” exit the listen, as the former comes with some of best singing thanks to the poetic delivery that emits a heartfelt, folk friendly demeanor, and the latter focuses on piano for the bare, stirring finish.

Certainly a different path for the band, but yet with their Americana and bluegrass ways present, Dave Wilson’s songwriting is as rich as ever, and the stories of love, heartbreak, joy and sorrow still resonate as much as the rest of their catalog.

Travels well with: Steep Canyon Rangers- Out In The Open; Hot Buttered Rum- Lonesome Panoramic

Jason Arkins

In Focus

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to In Focus

The jazz wizard Jason Arkins delivers 5 tracks of creative, fusion ideas here, where Beau Cornelius, Leo Folsom, Mike Ramos and Jack Dratch are all in attendance.

The dense buzzing of “Mister Behaving” opens the listen with Ramos’ playful bass and Folsom’s thick synth that complement Arkins’ lively sax prowess, and “The Higher Road” follows with Dratch’s crisp drums alongside the animated brass bouts.

Halfway through, “Cut Scene” offers a warm intimacy via the soulful sax and agile bass lines, while “In Focus” is strong on mood thanks to the elegant brass and Cornelius’ meticulous piano playing. “A Squeegee Situation” then exits, and showcases the swift bass and rich sax that punctuate the grooves and funk fun.

A distinct and adventurous jazz fusion outing, Arkins and company certainly leave us wanting more.

Travels well with: Scott Emmerman- Spheres; Three Story Sandbox- Artful Dodgers

The Palomar Trio

The Song In Our Soul

Turtle Bay, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Sound In Our Soul

The Palomar Trio, i.e. Dan Levinson, Mark Shane and Kevin Dorn, bring us back to the early stages of swing music, and they put a fresh coast of paint across 11 tracks that helped jazz transition into a new era.

The bouncy keys from Shane suits Dorn’s frisky drums across the rhythmic opener, “Keep A Song In Your Soul”, and “Delta Bound” follows with Levinson’s rich clarinet guiding the calm spirit of the rumbling climate.

Halfway through, the dance floor ready “El Rado Scuffle” blends the lively keys with Levinson’s bright tenor sax, while “It’s Been So Long” showcases the playful clarinet, warm keys and light drumming via the retro landscape.

Landing near the end, the aptly titled “Rompin’ In ‘44” carries an animated energy of fluid melodies and toe tappin’, head bobbin’ fun, and “River, Stay ‘Way From My Door” exits with firm piano, drumming acrobatics and Levinson’s reed prowess.

The influences from legends like Teddy Wilson, Lionel Hampton and Gene Krupa won’t go unappreciated, as the trio swing with a timeless, harmonic and rich appeal that populates this really exciting body of work.

Travels well with: Jeremy Monteiro- Sings; Jim Self- Touch And Go

Leslie Evers

Bound For Land

Cumulus, 2024

8/10

Listen to Bound For Land

The folk singer and songwriter Leslie Evers returns with a sophomore album, where some excellent musicians accompany her for the 11 acoustic based tracks.

“Pull Your Heart Away” starts the listen with Evers’ bright voice alongside Rick Ruskin’s warm guitar and John R. Burr’s well timed organ, and “Someday When I’m Losing You” follows with a bare landscape of Ed Johnson’s cozy guitar and Evers’ poetic voice making for much beauty.

Halfway through, “When You’ve Got It” is a more playful moment populated by René Worst’s charming bass and the smooth singing, while “Paul” puts more emphasis on drumming thanks to Ruskin’s crisp delivery amid Evers’ glowing harmony vocals.

Further yet, “You’ve Got That Magic” has Evers handling guitar next to Ruskin’s guitar for a timeless folk delivery that’s eloquent, and the live “Little Bit Harder” exits with Woody Mann’s guitar and Evers’ vivid storytelling for a tune recorded in 2013 but that fits just fine here.

A very pleasant and timeless blend of folk, Americana and American Songbook nods, Evers tackles the subject of love for most of the tracks, and the company she keeps illuminate her vision with a graceful and heartfelt delivery.

Travels well with: Rebecca Folsom- Sanctuary; Lauren Minear- Invisible Woman

Elicio Winds

Convergence

Blue Griffin, 2023

8/10

Listen to Convergence

The flute, oboe and bassoon trio, The Elicio Winds, premiere 5 works penned by esteemed American composers for this listen that praises Alabama’s landscapes, history and culture.

The dreamy “lullaby/ballad/spiritual” starts the listen with Shawn E. Okpebholo’s vision unfolding with Virginia Broffit Kunzer’s light flute complemented by Conor Bell’s poetic bassoon, and “Voyage” continues the elegance thanks to Kathleen Carter Bell’s rumbling oboe that suits the cinematic qualities of the Joshua Burel piece.

In the middle, Margi Griebling- Haigh’s “Usonian Games” mixes lower registers with harmonic gestures of beauty, while “Birds Of Maycomb”, by Timothy Hagen, radiates a shimmering intimacy, where the 3 instruments blend with much grace.

Exiting the listen is Craig Michael Davis’s “Clockwork No. 5”, which has the 5 movement piece describing the Alabama landscapes with lush and rich waves of meticulous song craft.

A flawless display of exciting and memorable wind sounds, the trio find a great balance between passion and adventurousness.

Travels well with: Shea-Kim Duo- All Roads; Yvonne Lam- Watch Over Us

Félix Tellier Pouliot

Hometown Zero

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Hometown Zero

The esteemed guitarist Félix Tellier Pouliot makes quite an impression with this debut album, where Christian Bailet and Martin Auguste join him for improvised, live in the studio, 7 tracks.

The playful mood of the title track starts the listen with Pouliot’s bright guitar amid Auguste’s drumming acrobatics in a progressive jazz sort of way, and “World” follows with flowing melodies radiating much beauty and warmth.

The middle is where some of the best tracks reside, as “Upsy Daisy” shows both restraint and adventurousness in its precise interaction, while “Café de la Grave” benefits much from Bailet’s thick bass lines alongside Pouliot’s swirling guitar prowess.

At the end, the intimate “Valse Perdue” finds itself in dreamy territory, where a very careful delivery unfolds with grace and emotion.

The trio have been playing together for nearly 10 years, and it shows in their dynamic chemistry that explores a fusion formula that pulls from many different angles of jazz.

Travels well with: Heatwaves- Kappa; Barry Coates- New Dreams

Casey MacGill

Love Letter

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Love Letter

The multi-instrumentalist and composer Casey MacGill assembles songs that span many decades, but were recorded between 2019 and 2022, where few genres are off limits thanks to his diverse abilities.

The playful drumming and mesmerizing keys of “Nocturne” starts the listen with much warmth, as the bright brass enters with much soul, and it isn’t long until the frisky climate of “Summer Shade”, which is a smooth and melodic display of rich instrumentation.

Futher along, “Funk University” brings the funk in spades via the booming brass, while “Love Letter” is a romantic moment of piano balladry. Moving into disc 2, the cultured delivery of “San Gabriel” seems like it could soundtrack an adventure on a tropical island.

Inching towards the end, “Late Night Swing” will get you headed right for the dance floor thanks to the retro spirit, and “It’s Gonna Be A Long Long Time” exits with a demeanor that goes back even further and takes nods to ragtime fun.

A highly eclectic affair that touches on big band swing, Latin jazz, bossa nova and funky soul, plus many other ideas, MacGill is joined by 56 musicians for the occasion.

Travels well with: John Herberman- Spring Comes Early; Peripheral Vision- We’ve Got Nothing

Skip Wilkins Trio

In Morava/Na Morave

Newport Line, 2023

8/10

Listen to In Morava/Na Morave

The esteemed pianist and composer Skip Williams finds himself in the company of the bassist Josef Fečo and drummer Tomáš Hobzek for these tracks that pay tribute to Wilkins’ many travels across both sides of the Atlantic.

“My Beautiful Stranger” starts the listen with Williams’ warm keys amid Hobzek’s fluid drumming for the rhythmic climate, and “Nearly Good Wine” follows with swift melodies that benefit much from Fečo’s playful bass lines.

The pace trims back in the middle for the intimate “Kaja (Take Two)”, thanks to Wilkins’ emotive key progressions, while “Bohunka’s Cakes” meshes the trio’s respective skills into a rich and dynamic display of cozy, timeless jazz sounds.

The last 2 tracks don’t disappoint either, where “Kaja (Take One)” glows with an introspective and dreamy appeal, and “Threads” exits with adventurous vocal scatting populating the unpredictable bass and diverse drumming which suits the radiant keys.

Travels well with: Donald Vega- As I Travel; Anthony Fung- Fo(u)rth

Geri Allen & Kurt Rosenwinkel

A Lovesome Thing

Motéma/Heartcore, 2023

9/10

Listen to A Lovesome Thing

The jazz legends Geri Allen and Kurt Rosenwinkel came together here for a set captured at the famed Philharmonie de Paris on September 5, 2012, and it pairs their guitar and piano playing with much care.

“A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing” starts the performance with Rosenwinkel’s radiant guitar alongside Allen’s graceful keys, where much atmosphere is present, and “Embraceable You” follows with light melodies populating the agile piano and warm guitar progressions.

Further along, “Simple #2” recruits waves of dreaminess from the firm piano and reflective tone of the guitar, while “Ruby My Dear” is a highly intimate moment, as the duo’s strong attention to detail emits a very pretty and rhythmic highlight.

The listen exits with “Open Handed Reach”, which has the keys and guitar meshing with emotion, grace and a timelessness that will always be relevant.

This is the only recording of Allen and Rosenwinkel, and it’s a wonderful tribute to the memory of Allen, who passed away before a proper studio recording could be done. It further illustrates their respective talents and compatibility that will never be paralleled.

Travels well with: Kurt Rosenwinkel- Stars Of Jupiter; Lucas Pino- Covers

Don Thompson & Rob Piltch

Bells… Now And Then

Modica, 2023

8/10

Listen to Bells…Now And Then

Don Thompson brings his piano, bass and vibraphone to Rob Piltch’s guitars for these 2 new tracks, while the rest are reissued from their 1982 album, Bells, which illustrates their dynamic chemistry.

The profound beauty of “Circles” opens the listen with Piltch’s intimate guitar alongside warm keys, and “Caribe” follows with a quicker pace of playful guitar that’s paired with Thompson’s calm bass.

Into the middle, “Stratford Stomp” is a swift delivery of meticulous guitar progressions amid the adventurous keys, while “Bells” focuses much on Thompson’s piano playing via the mature climate.

Deeper into the listen, “Suite” unfolds across 5 segments of glowing bass, intimate keys, dreamy guitar waves and much introspection, and “11 Days Gone By” exits with a calm demeanor of minimal song craft that’s stirring, soothing and memorable.

Thompson and Piltch are among Canadian’s finest in the area of jazz, and their collaborative appeal certainly has and will continue to age well.

Travels well with: Roberto Occhipinti- The Next Step; Dave Young Quartet- Ides Of March

Cory Weeds

Home Cookin’

Cellar, 2023

8/10

Listen to Home Cookin’

The inimitable tenor saxophonist Cory Weeds returns with his Little Big Band for 5 arrangements by renowned jazz artists and arrangers Bill Coon and Jill Townsend, plus a pair of originals

The title track opens with playfully plucked bass thanks to John Lee, before the bright brass enters the frisky climate, and “Corner Kisses” follows with melodic keys alongside Weeds’ inviting and meticulous sax prowess that suits the animated drumming courtesy of Jesse Cahill.

“Power Station” and “Thedia” arrive in the middle, where the former is indeed powerful via the soulful sax, graceful keys and crisp drums, while the latter bops and shakes with an infectious energy you could dance to.

Arriving near the end, “Lullaby Of The Leaves” carries a distinct intimacy amid the elegant brass and dreamy keys from Chris Gestrin, and “Metamorphosis” exits with an upbeat and rich flavor of timeless jazz qualities that swings with a memorable delivery.

A body of work that takes inspiration from the sounds of Vancouver, where plenty of hard bop as well as pensive moments populate the fun, the contributions from Brad Turner, Chris Davis, Jim Hopson, Brian Harding, Dave Say, James Danderer, and Steve Kaldestad on horns are much appreciated.

Travels well with: Brad Turner Quintet- The Magnificent; Jalen Baker- Be Still

The 8-Bit Big Band

Game Changer

Teamchuck, 2023

9/10

Listen to Game Changer

This 4th album from an ensemble with a penchant for the video game multiverse, this time around The 8-Bit Big Band also bring the jazz and pops orchestra ideas to these 12 adventurous tunes.

After a brief intro, “Can You Feel the Sunshine?”, from Sonic R, comes with bright drums, swift brass and flowing strings amid the smooth vocals, and “I Wanna Take You for a Ride” takes inspiration from Marvel vs. Capcom 2 for the soulful and funk filled fun that recruits grooves in spades.

In the middle, “Super Bell Hill”, from Super Mario 3D World, is a highly creative meshing of swingin’, jazz fun that benefits much from a piano solo courtesy of Miki Yamanaka, while “Beneath the Mask” spotlights singing by Aisha Jackson and a guitar solo thanks to Nir Felder via the rich climate of beauty.

Close to the end, “Passing Breeze” is a very fluid album highlight that’s populated by Jared Schonig’s drum solo and alto sax by Andrew Gould, and “Last Surprise” exits with Jonah Nilsson’s vocals and synth alongside Jake Silverman’s piano acrobatics in the bright and dreamy finish.

Perhaps best labeled as the '‘Great Video Game Songbook’, though you may have heard these songs before, they’ve never sounded like this, and its makes for an imaginative version of Big Band traditions that you’re not going to hear anywhere else.

Travels well with: The Eyal Vilner Big Band- The Jam!; The Grace Fox Big Band- Eleven O’Seven

Pet Fangs

Ultra Deluxe

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Ultra Deluxe

This debut album from the New Orleans, multifaceted pop outfit Pet Fangs certainly doesn’t seem like their first trip to the plate as each track present on Ultra Deluxe could be a hit single.

After the brief and spacey “Introduction”, “Barberella” brings us into glorious indie-pop fun that’s addictive and ultra stylish with plenty of crunch.

Further on, “Afterglow” brings a darker spirit with falsetto vocals in a tune that seems tailor made for a late night at the club, while “Problemz” recruits synthetic drumming on an electro-pop tune with strong soul influences.

Deeper cuts like “Hermanos Y Hermanas” illustrate just how exploratory the band can get with manipulated vocals and an almost sci-fi setting, and “Candy, Baby” finds a nice place to reside between melodic dance-pop and sleek indie-rock. The album ends on “She’s Alright”, where a contemplative atmosphere suits the cautious, dreamy and psyche-influenced landscape.

There’s much talent present here, and it’s very apparent that a whole lot of work went into each track on this addictive, dizzying and highly memorable affair. Remember the name Pet Fangs- you’ll be hearing a lot more about them, most likely everywhere.

Travels well with: Generationals-Alix; Baby Bee- The Shaker