The FBR

Ghost

Limestone, 2023

9/10

Listen to Ghost

The duo of Tim Hunter and Malarie McConaha, as The FBR they create plenty of roots sounds on this debut album that’s steeped in storytelling and southern ideas.

The rich and intimate “Before I Drown” starts the listen with thumping drums alongside fluid vocal harmonies, and “Rain On” follows with McConaha’s spirited electric guitar suiting the louder delivery of retro-rock song craft.

“Bottle Of Blues” and “Deadman’s Highway” land in the middle, where the former carries a frisky energy via the crisp drums and jangly moments, while the latter makes great use of Hunter’s soaring harmonica amid the buzzing guitars and lively demeanor.

Arriving near the end, the calmer “Independence Day” carries a soulful spirit and builds into a textured, Americana anthem, and “Still On The Run” exits with a unique dreaminess that’s both thoughtful and adventurous.

The band’s name is a direct nod to a Leonard Cohen song, and their formula might bring to mind legends like John Prine, Fleetwood Mac or Steve Earle, which no one is going to have a problem with.

Travels well with: Bonnie & Taylor Sims- Bonnie & Taylor Sims; Shadwick Wilde- Forever Home

Leonard Bernstein

Maestro

Deutsche Grammophon, 2023

9/10

Listen to Maestro

The original soundtrack for Netflix’s movie of the same name, all the new recordings on this soundtrack were fleshed out by the London Symphony Orchestra and Yannick Nézet-Séguin, and hand selected by the director, producer and star Bradley Cooper.

“Symphonic Suite from On the Waterfront” open the listen with conversation, before the bright brass and sweeping strings enter the animated climate, and “On the Town: Lonely Town. Pas de deux” follows with a radiant intimacy that showcases rich string interaction that’s quite emotive.

Further along, “St. Louis Blues” showcases bright horns that mix well with the gentler strings, while “Mahler: Symphony No. 2 in C Minor "Resurrection": V. Finale. In Tempo des Scherzos” beams with many harmonic voices amid waves of strings and that build into soaring, tense bouts.

Close to the end, the vocally stunning “Chichester Psalms: Psalm 23” emits much beauty in its dreamy nature, and “Symphony No. 3 "Kaddish": II. Din-Torah” exits with a quick, harmonically engaging finish of sublime singing.

The movie tells the love story of a lifelong relationship between Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein, and the captivating music ebbs and flows with all the emotion and highs and lows that romance embodies.

Travels well with: Jonathan Tetelman- The Great Puccini; Yuja Wang- Rachmaninoff

Andrew Weiss And Friends

Beverly Hills, Thanksgiving Day

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Beverly Hills, Thanksgiving Day

The New York outfit Andrew Weiss And Friends return with another 10 tracks of their eclectic brand of folk rock, where plenty of instruments and ideas enter the thoughtful songwriting.

“Hello Loneliness” opens the listen with bright melodies and Weiss’ smooth pipes guiding the timeless folk-rocker, where crisp drums and bright guitars make an impression, and “Fear Of Dying In Las Vegas” follows with Sam Popkin’s warm guitar and Sara Barsky-Weiss’ well timed bass in the jangly climate.

In the middle, the mature strings of “Life According To A Calendar” helps cultivate a rich yet intimate moment, while “Middle Child Syndrome” is a more subdued bout of vivid storytelling and strategic use of harmonium and sitar thanks to Popkins.

Close to the end, the frisky and harmonic “Keeping Love Alive” sounds tailor made for playing in the summer with the windows down, on the way to the beach, and “I’m Coming Back” exits with a poetic and soft finish of pretty singing and fluid, nostalgic song craft that will always be relevant.

An instantly charming listen that embrace Americana, power-pop, rock and even psychedelic bouts. Weiss and company will make you a fan by track 3.

Travels well with: The Steel Wheels- Sideways; Lindsay Lou- Queen Of Time

Peter Jonatan And Metropole Orkest

Psalms Symphony

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Psalms Symphony

The revered pianist and composer Peter Jonatan brings along the European ensemble the Metropole Orkest for these powerful tracks that surround the biblical Book of Psalms and welcomes the pianist Jasper Soffers, bassist Aram Kersbergen and drummer Martijn Vink.

“God, The Magnificent King” starts the listen with the bright percussion and soaring strings making for a cinematic and melodic landscape that can also trim back the volume and allow the winds to shine, and “God, The Merciful” follows with clam keys and rich winds emitting a very gentle climate.

On the back half, “God, The Protector” flows with a soothing dreaminess that radiates tremendous warmth via the meticulous instrumentation, while “God, The Savior And Holy Judge” exits with layered vocals that give the finish a choral presence that suits the animated strings and dynamic keys.

Each movement here describes God’s character as portrayed by the Psalmist, and the strong nods from jazz and classical are very much present, but the gospel, film and video game score influences won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated either.

Travels well with: John Ellis Quartet- Bizet: Carmen In Jazz; Ben Miller Trio- Feathers Of Ma’at

The Incurables

Inside Out & Backwards

Big Stir, 2024

9/10

Listen to Inside Out & Backwards

The Detroit garage rockers The Incurables bring us 10 quick tracks here, where Ray Lawson, Darrin Lawson, Pat Kelly and Dennis Pepperack pump out 30+ minutes of anthemic rock.

The forever young theme of “When I Grow Up brings plenty of melody amid the buzzing guitars and well timed backing vocals, and “Far Away” takes that lead into bouncy bass from Ray and Darrin’s thumping drums for the punk spirited climate.

At the halfway point, “Man Of Few Words” benefits much from Kelly and Pepperack’s playful guitars for the sonic delivery that’s rich with textures, while “Back Into Eloise” is dance floor ready thanks to the head bobbin’ and toe tappin’ that’s got power-pop written all over it.

Approaching the end, “Funhouse” uses dense bass, thumping drums and gritty guitars for the album’s best, and “I Told Myself (Absolutely Nothing)” exits with an instant sing-along that touches on pop-punk fun.

If bands like Ramones, The Stooges, New York Dolls or The Replacements mean anything to you, you’d be wise to spend considerable time with these infectious and youthful tunes.

Travels well with: Shplang- Thank You, Valued Customer; The Lunar Laugh- In The Black

Ruiqi Wang

Subduing The Silence

Orchard of Pomegranates, 2023

9/10

Listen to Subduing The Silence

The vocalist and composer Ruiqi Wang impresses us with this debut, where several skilled players are on hand for the 11 songs of abstract, vocal jazz.

“Xiang Leng Jin Ni #1” starts the listen with Wang’s soft and expressive singing alongside Mili Hong’s well timed drums in the powerful climate, and “A Letter To L” follows with Stephanie Urquhart’s graceful piano complementing the charming vocal scatting of the dreamy delivery.

In the middle, “Shimmering” radiates a rare intimacy via the poetic vocals and profound attention to mood, while “Dream Of The Pines” is a rich, melodic album highlight that uses the Craft Ensemble’s gorgeous strings with much care.

Landing near the end, “Xiang Leng Jin Ni #3” manipulates the strings with creativity and warmth thanks to the precise bowing, and “Fragments For Subduing The Silence” exits with Wang’s absorbing storytelling and the diverse violins, viola and cello interacting with sensitive gestures of intrigue.

A highly thoughtful record with some of the most striking vocals you’ll hear anywhere, Wang and her all female cast leave us enthralled across these 36 minutes.

Travels well with: Eve Egoyan and Maurico Pauly- Hopeful Monsters; James Rolfe- Wound Turned To Light

Byrd Ensemble/Markdavin Obenza

Penitence & Lamentation

Scribe, 2023

8/10

Listen to Penitence & Lamentation

A listen that documents their 20 years together, the Byrd Ensemble and Markdavin Obenza recorded Renaissance motets that includes a world premiere recording by Nico Muhly.

Nicolas Gombert’s “Lugebat David Absalon” opens the listen with the harmonic and rich voices layered with much beauty and grace, and “Domine secumdum actum meum”, by William Bird, follows with the sopranos and baritone pipes interacting with precision and warmth.

In the middle, Thomas Tallis’ “Absterge Domine” is filled with melodic gestures that resonate a heartfelt demeanor, while “How Are The Mighty Fallen” carries a bright spirit amid the poetic singing that’s as flawless as it is stirring in the Robert Ramsey piece.

Close to the end, Muhly’s “Fallings” pays strong attention to mood via the eloquent singing and meticulous note progressions, and Robert Carver’s ““O bone Jesu” is a layered and emotive display of extraordinary singing.

A body of work that also marks the 400th anniversary of the death of the ensemble’s namesake, composer William Byrd, these 11 selections surround grief and loss in universally appealing ways

Travels well with: Eric Ferring- We Have Tomorrow; Aizuri Quartet- Earthdrawn Skies

The Problem With Kids Today

Born To Rock

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Born To Rock

A trio of rock’n’roll misfits from Connecticut, The Problem With Kids Today flirt with the ideas of the ‘70s, where punk, pop and countless others genre aren’t off the table across these quick 11 tracks.

The lively energy of the “Rock Show” opens the listen with Tate Brooks’ dense riffs alongside Reena Yu’s rowdy drumming via the scrappy climate, and “Johnny Rockets” follows with Silas Lourenco Lang’s playful bass lines populating the melodic and garage-rock spirited delivery.

Halfway through, “Slobberknocker” is a speedy, glam-punk blast of swirling intensity, while “All I Wanna Be” comes with plenty of toe tappin’ and head bobbin’ fun that’s kind of shouted but still very tuneful.

Near to the end, the hypnotic guitar and crisp drums lead into the proto-punk nods of the best track, “CEO”, and “Bittersweet” exits with some harmonica tossed into the tuneful rock’n’roll that’s retro and timeless.

All 3 members sing here, and the instructions on the packaging to ‘Be Played Loud!’ definitely enhances these 27 minutes of uninhibited fun.

Travels well with: Strange Parade- The Watchers; Bizou- Tragic Lover

Mark Winkler

The Rules Don’t Apply

Cafe Pacific, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Rules Don’t Apply

The veteran singer and songwriter Mark Winkler is as prolific as he is exceptional, and these 13 new tracks bring a handful of musicians to the swingin’ yet sensitive affair.

The bright and sunny “Sunday In LA” starts the listen with the frisky keys from Greg Gordon Smith and Dan Schnelle’s fluid drumming that complements Winkler’s smooth pipes, and “I.G.Y. (What A Beautiful World)” follows with Brian Schwartz’s warm trumpet and Bob Sheppard’s graceful sax adding much beauty to the climate.

In the middle, “Got To Get You Into My Life” brings is a rhythmic and playful moment that benefits from George Doering’s agile guitar playing amid Winkler’s expressive voice, while “Just Around The Corner” spotlights Katisse Buckingham’s tenor sax and flute, and Scott Mayo’s baritone sax for the animated album highlight.

Further still, “Jazz Swings” is populated by Rich Eames mature keys, Dan Lutz’s strategically plucked bass and Sheppard’s lively clarinet, and “Here’s To Jazz” exits with Jamieson Trotter’s meticulous piano, Gabe Davis’ fluid bass and Clayton Cameron’s charming drums that suit Winkler’s stylish delivery.

This is Winkler’s 21st album, and like everything he’s done it will appeal to fans of jazz from any era thanks to its universal demeanor and wide range of ideas.

Travels well with: Mark Winkler- Late Bloomin’ Jazzman; Mark Winkler & David Benoit- Old Friends

Kelly Garner

It’s Not Over

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to It’s Not Over

The powerful gospel singer Kelly Garner brings us songs about faith, hope, and the ability of music to heal and uplift across these 14 personal tracks.

The soulful and booming “Good Ole Gospel Sing” opens the listen with a lively and rhythmic quality that showcases playful piano, and “Waymaker” follows with a stirring intimacy thanks to Garner’s dreamy pipes and glowing strings that lends itself to worship.

In the middle, the frisky and dance floor ready “Testimony” is full of melody, while “I Will Not Hope In Something Less” trims the pace back with spiritual balladry and glorious songwriting.

Close to the end, “When I Call On The Name Of The Lord” is more drum focused and recruits plenty of well timed backing vocals, and “Forgive Myself” exits with a gripping duet that carries a cinematic quality and glows with a heartfelt demeanor.

There’s a large cast of musicians along for the songs, including Jim Hammerly (piano, B3 organ), Preston Shewbridge (bass guitar), Dave Cleveland (electric and acoustic guitars) and Scott Williamson (drums and percussion), to name a few, and they sure do brighten Garner’s faith based formula.

Travels well with: Girls Next Door- Now Or Never; Patti Page- This Can’t Be Love

Re Mattei

Believin’ Is Seein’

Trendy Girl, 2023

8/10

Listen to Believin’ Is Seein’

The country singer and guitarist Re Mattei brings along a large cast for these 10 warm and playful songs that are both heartfelt and authentic.

“Try To Break My Heart” starts the listen with Mattei’s smooth voice alongside Michael Johnson’s warm pedal steel and Marshall Richardson’s thumping drums for the breezy country rock, and “Feels Like It’s Gonna Rain” follows with the cozy acoustic guitar and eloquent singing that highly emotive.

Entering the middle, the thicker “Ya Got Two Wheels” uses dense electric guitar, Steve Peffer’s well timed keys and plenty of grit, while the title track recruits soulful backing vocals that complement the dreamy melodies.

The last 2 tracks are among the best, where “Country Love” is populated by Pete Huttlinger’s skilled banjo and Rex Schnelle’s agile electric guitar, and “Santa’s Gone Country” exits with a swift, roots rocker that’s destined to get your body moving to the contagious rhythm.

Formerly of the 7 piece The Uptown Girls, Mattei’s move to Nashville in the ‘90s set her solo career in motion, and these timeless, well executed and classic country tunes sure are memorable.

Travels well with: Rebecca Folsom- Sanctuary; Laura Zucker- Lifeline

Thin Edge Music Collective + Linda Catlin Smith

Darkflower

Redshift, 2023

8/10

Listen to Darkflower

The Toronto composer Linda Catlin Smith is aligned with the Canadian chamber outfit Thin Edge Music Collective for these 6 contemporary classical pieces.

The lovely “Wanderer” opens the listen with Anthony Thompkins’ clarinet, Ilana Waniuk’s violin and Amahl Arulanadam’s cello providing much warmth and atmosphere for Cheryl Duvall’s graceful piano, and “Duo For Two Cellos” follows with Arulanadam and Dobrochna Zubek’s bowing techniques emitting much beauty and sophistication.

The title track and “Dreamer Murmuring” land in the middle, where the former showcases Duvall’s emotive keys that suit Arulanadam’s stirring violin, while the latter carries a hint of mystery via the distinct dreaminess of the keys, violin and cello.

The final 2 tracks are among the best, where “With Their Shadows Long” meshes Duvall’s gentle piano with Waniuk’s gripping violin, and “Unbroken, For Howard Skempton” exits with solo piano, which illustrates Duvall’s fluid and heartfelt progressions.

A collaboration that assembles 3 never before released pieces and a commissioned track, the profound attention to timing, melody and harmonics works well in both sparse settings and experimental bouts of modern classical.

Travels well with: James Rolfe- Wound Turned To Light; Christopher Whitley- Describe Yourself

Antonio Gavrila

Tango Suite Buenos Aires

Zoho, 2023

8/10

Listen to Tango Suite Buenos Aires

The Romanian native and esteemed pianist Antonio Gavrila tips his hat to the Buenos Aires legend Astor Piazzolla here, where Walther Castro, Quique Sinesi and Horacio ‘Mono’ Hurtago accompany him for the 8 rich tracks.

The rumbling keys of “Michelangelo” starts the listen with an energetic appeal that benefits much from Castro’s flowing bandoneon, and “Introduccion Al Angel” follows with a sublime intimacy thanks to the atmospheric bandoneon and warm keys.

At the midpoint, “Amor Sin Palabras” is rich with beauty and calm melody that tugs on the heartstrings, while “Tristeza” spotlights Gavrila’s meticulous key prowess that unfolds with grace and adventurousness.

Near the end, “Nostalgico” is textured precisely with Hurtado’s cozy bass, and “Todo Piazzolla” exits with the firm keys, lively bandoneon and Sinesi’s well timed guitar emitting a worldly and harmonic presence.

This is Gavrilo’s debut for the Zoho label, and it’s a superb interpretation of Argentinian tango that welcomes solo piano pieces, dramatic bouts and cultured jazz flavor that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: The Santiago Big Band- Santiago Brooklyn Santiago; Arturo O’Farrill- Virtual Birdland

Zach Russell

Where The Flowers Meet The Dew

Thirty Tigers, 2023

9/10

Listen to Where The Flowers Meet The Dew

The Tennessee native Zach Russell actually left Nashville and then found himself inking a record deal, and it results in these 10 very diverse and warm songs.

The soft and intimate “ What You Want Comes To You” opens the listen with Russell’s rich voice alongside his twinkling acoustic guitar, and “I Thought I Was The Trees” follows with Daniel Ryan’s calm drums and Jake Smith’s spirited electric guitar complementing the poetic landscape.

In the middle, “Die To Myself” is gentle but powerful thanks to Russell’s heartfelt delivery and the rich instrumentation, while “Playing House” recruits Ellen Angelico’s flowing mandolin amid the crisp drumming of the flowing folk-rock.

The last 2 tracks are among the best, where the honky tonk fun of “Nothin’ To Haul” will get you looking for the nearest dance floor, and “What I Know Now” exits with a raw delivery of eloquent singer-songwriter ideas that’s still got plenty of grit.

Alex Leach’s well timed backing vocals and Chas Covington’s skilled bass can’t no unmentioned here, and they sure to help illuminate Russell’s sincere, humble and timeless song craft.

Travels well with: William Matheny- That Grand Old Feeling; Rodney Rice- Rodney Rice

Eve Egoyan + Mauricio Pauly

Hopeful Monsters

No Hay, 2023

8/10

Listen to Hopeful Monsters

The inimitable artists Eve Egoyan and Maurico Pauly bring their improvisation abilities to these truly unique electroacoustic 10 tracks.

Egoyan’s warm and agile keys open the listen with “Spore”, where Pauly’s electronic ideas are both gentle and inviting, and “Dive (Wait)” follows with a hint of ominousness that’s shrouded in mystery via the dense droning.

Halfway through, the pretty keys of “Stilled Shadow” lead into a bare intimacy of subdued exploration, while “Agree No Frown” is a firm and unpredictable display of wordless vocals and wild drumming acrobatics.

“Height” and “Effort Grind Braid” exit the listen, where the former carries an atypical dreaminess of cinematic qualities, and the latter comes with a strategic disjointedness that radiates an iconoclastic vision.

The affair was captured in June of 2022 at the Fei and Milton Wong Experimental Theatre in Vancouver, and it illustrates Egoyan’s bold timre on piano and Pauly’s inimitable samples, processing, chromaharp and drum bundle that few others could replicate.

Travels well with: Noam Bierstone- Mountains Move Like Clouds; No Hay Banda- I Had A Dream About This Place

Sick Boss

Businessless

Drip Audio, 2023

9/10

Listen to Businessless

The Canadian experimental outfit Sick Boss are spearheaded by the guitarist and songwriter Cole Schmidt, who guides the sextet through 6 chamber influenced tunes.

The unpredictable energy of “Useless Genius 1” opens the listen with Dan Gaucher’s animated drums alongside James Meger’s buzzing synth that suits Schmidt’s driving guitar, and “When The Buzzards Leave The Bones” follows with Josh Zubot’s plucked violin taking focus across the avant-garde presence of string manipulation.

“Useless Genius 2” and “Doctor Dawn” land in the middle, where the former drones with a hint of ominousness that benefits from Zubot’s thick bass and JP Carter’s booming trumpet, while the latter is a more intimate moment of rich brass, agile strings and crisp drumming.

At the end, the dense bouts of “Useless Genius 3” bridges hard rock with chamber nods that are highly creative, and “CJ Blues” exits with the most gentle moment of gorgeous cello via Peggy Lee that blends in nice with the dreamy finish.

You won’t have a hard time appreciating similarities to Godspeed You! Black Emperor or Tortoise when spending time with Businessless, and the precise textures, agile grooves and exciting interplay warrant repeated listens.

Travels well with: Malleus Trio- On/Off; Christopher Whitley- Describe Yourself

James Rolfe

Wound Turned To Light

Redshift, 2023

8/10

Listen to Wound Turned To Light

The Toronto composer James Rolfe recruits a handful of vocalists to these 19 text focused tracks that are guided by Lara Dodds-Eden’s precise piano playing.

The warm spirit of “Marigold” opens the listen with Alex Samaras’ elegant voice amid the intimate keys for the hushed beauty, and the title track follows with Samaras’ talk-singing suiting the radiating piano progressions that mesmerize.

In the middle, “Bombastic” is a bouncy, playful piece fueled by Andrew Adridge’s charming pipes and the lively keys, while “Set Me As A Seal” showcases Jeremy Dutcher’s eloquent voice that benefits much from Dodds-Eden’s dreamy finger acrobatics.

Residing near the end, “Songs Of Joy” is a poetic moment of grace and rich song craft, and “Spirit Tree” exits with Samaras’ distinct delivery and the bare yet impactful piano.

An extremely literate body of work that touches on opera, classical and experimental ideas, Rolfe’s vision is executed here with tremendous personality and dexterity.

Travels well with: Paramorph Collective- All We’re Made Of Is Borrowed; Christopher Whitley-Describe Yourself

Minnesota Orchestra

Mahler 8

BIS, 2023

8/10

Listen to Mahler 8

The Minnesota Orchestra tackle Mahler’s Eighth Symphony, where Osmo Vänskä’s direction is captured both live and recorded, starting in June 2022 at Orchestra Hall.

Part 1, “Veni creator spiritus”, starts the listen with the harmonic and expressive voices from Carolyn Sampson and Jacquelyn Wagner’s sopranos, and Sasha Cooke and Jess Dandy’s altos amid the rich strings and detailed attention to mood. The booming percussion won’t go unnoticed either, as the setting builds into soaring bouts of harmonic interaction.

The back half of the listen, Part II “Schlussszene aus Faust II”, is equally meticulous, as Sampson’s glowing pipes shine alongside Christian Immler’s commanding bass baritone and no lack of melodic gestures from the orchestra’s very capable hands.

This is the 9th release in this series that will record all 10 of Mahler’s symphonies, where the precise blending of voices and instrumentation is remarkable, and the addition of Minnesota Choir, National Lutheran Choir, Minnesota Boychoir and Angelica Cantanti Youth Choir is much enjoyed.

Travels well with: Chicago A Cappella- Miracle Of Miracles: Music For Hanukkah; Bridget Kibbey- Crossing The Ocean

Kevin Burt & Big Medicine

Thank You Brother Bill: A Tribute To Bill Withers

Gulf Coast, 2024

8/10

Listen to Thank You Brother Bill

The soulful guitarist and singer Kevin Burt and his band, Big Medicine, treat us to the songs of Bill Withers, where Scot Sutherland, Ken Valdez and Eric Douglas are all along for the ride.

“Who Is He (And What Is He To You?)” begins the listen with Burt’s soulful voice amid Valdez’s funky guitar riffs and plenty of sincerity, and “Kissing My Love” follows with Burt’s warm harmonica and Douglas’ thumping drums for the expressive delivery.

Further along, the always relevant “Lean On Me” carries a stirring intimacy thanks to Burt’s powerful pipes and Sutherland’s skilled bass, while the gospel tinted “Grandma’s Hands” is strong on mood via the vivid storytelling and rich guitars.

Arriving near the end, Burt’s flawless pips are the focus of the bare “Hope She’ll Be Happier”, and “Thank You Brother Bill” exits with a textured and rhythmic album highlight that displays the chemistry of the superb band.

For almost 30 years, Burt has been bringing his brand of the blues to the midwest, and similarities to legends like Aaron Neville, B.B. King and, of course, Bill Withers won’t be hard to spot or appreciate across this authentic and heartfelt record.

Travels well with: Mike Zito- Life Is Hard; Albert Castiglia- Wild And Free

Pieta Brown

Freeway

Righteous Babe, 2019

9/10

Listen to Freeway

Pieta Brown returns with an 8th album of her poetic and eloquent folk tunes, and this time she recorded them live in just 3 days with players from Bon Iver and Andrew Bird to help flesh out the glorious affair.

“Ask For More” leads the album with pretty vocals and melodic acoustic strumming from Brown, where subtle jazz influences seep in, and “Morning Fire” follows with a percussively strong and rhythmic setting of detailed, playful musicianship.

Near the middle, “Bring Me” offers a bare and slightly mysterious backdrop alongside reverb friendly guitars, while “The Hard Way”, with Mark Knopfler, delivers a full setting of bluesy, rootsy rockin’ fun anchored by Knopfler’s superb skill.

Deeper cuts bring us the indeed sunny and vocally expressive “Beyond The Sun”, and “Before We Break” trims the pace back with beautiful, bluesy introspection. “Shelter Now” ends the listen with calm keys and a playful setting of breezy melodies and hushed vocals.

Though her name doesn’t carry quite the prestige of, say, Ani DiFranco or Brandi Carlile, a Pieta Brown record carries all the hallmarks of timeless, memorable song craft, where folk, country, blues, and Americana are meshed with splendid results that can parallel the greatness achieved by the aforementioned luminaries.

Travels well with: Sara Watkins-Young In All The Wrong Ways; Patty Griffin- American Kid