Ray Charles

Best Of Country & Western

Tangerine, 2024

8/10

Listen to Best Of Country & Western

A collection of some of Ray Charles’ best country songs, this new release also uses soul, jazz, pop and blues to its advantage.

The gripping “Here We Go Again” leads with warm keys and powerful vocal harmonizing amid much beauty, and “Together Again” follows with flowing piano and Charles’ inimitably soulful pipes that welcomes sweeping strings.

Further along, the dreamy “Your Cheatin’ Heart” is full of sublime intimacy in its emotive presence, while “Born To Lose” carries a cinematic quality via the graceful strings, expressive singing and group vocals.

Deeper still, “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” uses spirited guitar in a more rock focused delivery, and “Seven Spanish Angels” exits with Willie Nelson in attendance for a gospel mood of elegant singing and twangy guitar.

The casual fan may not even know that Charles had such an impact on country music, but he truly altered the way the world perceived it, and these 13 timeless tracks are further proof of that.

Travels well with: Ray Charles- Country And Western Meets Rhythm And Blues; Ray Charles- Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music

Ray Charles

Crying Time

Tangerine, 2024

9/10

Listen to Crying Time

Originally released in 1966, these 12 songs by Ray Charles welcome the Raelets and blend country, soul and R&B via his patented formula that’s remastered here.

The elegant and dreamy mood of “Crying Time”, by Buck Owens, starts the listen, and “No Use Crying” follows with Charles’ intimate pipes tugging on the heartstrings via the emotive delivery.

In the middle, the rowdy brass and thumping drums of “Peace Of Mind” brings plenty of energy, while “We Don’t See Eye To Eye”, by Percy Mayfield, showcases much soul amid the bouncy bass and well timed horns.

The last 2 tracks make an impression, too. “Don’t You Think I Ought To Know” emits stirring strings that suit the powerful singing, and “You’ve Got A Problem” exits with some gospel nods present from the background singers.

The album did so well, it netted Charles a Grammy for Best Rhythm & Blues Solo Vocal Performance Male, as well as Producer of Best Rhythm & Blues Recording by The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. “Let’s Go Get Stoned” even landed at #1 R&B Billboard chart, though it’s safe to say that each track included is chart worthy in its own right.

Travels well with: Ray Charles- Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music Volume 2; Ray Charles- Country And Western Meets Rhythm And Blues

Ray Charles

Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music Volume 2

Tangerine, 2024

9/10

Listen to Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music Volume 2

The 2nd installment of Ray Charles’ shift into country music ideas, the 12 tracks originally released in 1962 entail all covers delivered via his inimitable voice and piano playing.

The soulful and soaring “You Are My Sunshine” begins the record with help from the Raelets, where Margie Hendrix’s expressive pipes won’t go unnoticed, and “No Letter Today” follows with crisp drums and heartfelt singing in the hazy delivery.

Moving closer to the middle, “Midnight” is a soft moment of rich intimacy thanks to the well timed brass, while “Your Cheatin’ Heart” uses glowing strings mature and keys amid Charles’ emotive pipes.

Near the end, the glorious strings return for the timeless appeal of “Making Believe”, and “Hang Your Head In Shame” exits with light drums, meticulous strings and Charles’ cozy singing.

Half of the album features the Jack Halloran Singers, and this effort proved to be just as successful as the first volume, which is easy to see why: Charles’ distinct version of Country and Western sounds was well received then, just as it is now.

Travels well with: Ray Charles- Country And Western Meets Rhythm And Blues; Ray Charles- Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music

Ray Charles

Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music

Tangerine, 2024

9/10

Listen to Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music

This 1962 album sure did take people by surprise, as Ray Charles brought his soul ideas into country music, where several tunes from Hank Williams are interpreted in Charles’ unique vision.

The animated brass of “Bye Bye Love” opens the listen with flowing backing vocals that suit Charles’ lively pipes in a swingin’ climate, and “You Don’t Know Me” follows with soaring strings in the sublime balladry of the Eddy Arnold hit.

In the middle, “Just A Little Lovin’” benefits much from the thumping drums and a tenor sax solo thanks to David ‘Fathead’ Newman, while “It Makes No Difference Now” showcases Charles’ meticulous keys amid a Big Band appearance at the end.

Further still, “Careless Love” offers new lyrics on the old folk melody that puts even more intimacy into the powerful delivery, and “Hey, Good Lookin’” is a frisky exit that shuffles and swings with much adventurousness in the Williams classic.

This was the first country album ever recorded by a Black artist, and became one of the best-selling albums of all time, topping the Billboard Pop Album Chart for a month and spawning four hit singles. It’s remastered here and sounds excellent all these decades later.

Travels well with: Ray Charles- Country And Western Meets Rhythm And Blues;

Ray Charles

Country And Western Meets Rhythm And Blues

Tangerine, 2024

9/10

Listen to Country And Western Meets Rhythm And Blues

Everyone is well aware about Ray Charles’ contributions to R&B and soul, but he was also was pivotal in the area of country music, and this 1965 album returns remastered, where songs by Buck Owens and others are included.

Owens’ “Together Again” opens with Charles’ signature voice alongside the playful keys that welcomes strings, too, and “I Like To Hear It Sometime” follows with a bouncy spirit that’s got plenty of rhythm amid the powerful pipes.

Further along, “I Don’t Care”, another Owens tune, is a frisky moment that’s melodic, soulful and energetic, while Bill Monroe’s “Blue Moon Of Kentucky (Swingova)” bops and shakes with an infectious delivery that alone is worth the price of admission.

Near the end, the sweeping strings and bass plucking of Curtis R. Lewis’ “All Night Long” is a graceful moment of romantic ideas, and “Watch It Baby” exits with a big band flavor via the bright brass, as Charles’ smooth voice complements the dynamic musicianship.

An album that further explores Charles’ creative freedom, this is his first album recorded in his own RPM International recording studio, and it sounds better than ever here.

Travels well with: Ray Charles- Crying Time; Ray Charles- Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music

Coincidence

Mets tes lunettes et écoute comme ça sent bon – Vol. 2

Castle, 2024

9/10

Listen to Mets tes lunettes et écoute comme ça sent bon – Vol. 2

Originally released is 1979, the French outfit Coincidence make an indelible impression with these bold fusion of jazz, rock, and funk ideas that are never short on rhythm and melody.

The bright mood of “L’autre Face” starts the record with Joel Allouche’s acrobatic drumming amid Jean-Claude Llabador’s buzzing keys via the fusion landscape, and “Miroir” follows with guitar melodies thanks to Jean-Claude and Jean-Pierre Llabador’s meticulous playing.

Further along, “A Toi, A Moi” offers a quirky and lively moment that benefits from Michel Montoyat’s frisky bass, while “Exil N 1” uses intimate guitar and some classic rock nods for the rich album highlight.

Landing near the end, the warm and groove filled “Tu Parles” is dance floor ready and full of detailed songwriting, and “Cote Cour, Cote Jardin” exits with a dynamic interaction that puts Jacky Cataldo’s percussion to good use.

A highly creative affair that allows for reach member’s talents to shine, all 9 tracks are timeless, unpredictable and sure have aged well.

Travels well with: Coincidence-Mets Tes Lunettes Et Écoute Comme Ca Sent Bon!: Volume 1; Delay Tactics- Out-Pop Options/Any Questions?

Coincidence

Archives 1973-1974

Castle, 2024

9/10

Listen to Archives 1973-1974

A collection of rarities from the French, instrumental jazz rockers Coincidence, these 4 live tracks illustrate their prog-influenced ways that made them many fans in the ‘70s.

“Glimpse” begins the listen with 30+ minutes of fusion filled ideas, where Dominique Frasson-Cochet’s animated flute and René Mirguet’s agile drumming suit Jean-Claude Llabador’s raw singing, and “Astronaut/Juggernaut” follows with Jean-Pierre Llabador’s meticulous guitar amid the mesmerizing bass thanks to André Simantirakis that makes for an unpredictable climate.

“Suite Pt. 1” and “Suit Pt. 2” exit the listen, and recruits grooves in spades, where plenty of warmth and expressive singing populates the shorter but no less impactful pieces.

Although this is a primitive recording, it’s actually quite crisp, and honors Jean-Claude’s legacy (he died in a car accident in the ‘70s) while showcasing a band who were ahead of their time and flourishing.

Travels well with: Coincidence- Mets Tes Lunettes Et Écoute Comme Ca Sent Bon!: Volume 1; Delay Tactics- Out-Pop Options/Any Questions?

NEEDTOBREATHE

Live From The Woods

Omnivore, 2024

8/10

Listen to Live From The Woods

The Southern rockers NEEDTOBREATHE were quickly rising the charts in 2014, and this performance on September 13, 2014 at The Woods Amphitheatre at Fontanel in Nashville, Tennessee sees the reissue treatment on double-CD (with bonus tracks) and double-LP (pressed on limited-edition ocean blue vinyl).

“State I’m In” opens with Bear Rinehart’s soaring voice and Randall Harris’ thumping drums making for a flowing, arena rock ready delivery, and it isn’t long until “Difference Maker” brings atmosphere to the evening with its intimate singing and Seth Bolt’s well timed bass.

Disc 1 exits with the warm acoustic guitar of “Wasteland”, where Josh Lovelace’s skilled keys help the tune build into a powerful moment, while “Keep Your Eyes Open” starts Disc 2 with a rich and meticulous Southern fueled rocker that’s dense and dynamic.

Deeper into the back half, the animated ideas of “Girl From Tennessee” swirls with an uncontainable energy, and “Devil’s Been Talkin”, a bonus track, exits with a gospel demeanor of grace, soul and their inimitable version of rock that’s been constant since 1999.

Long time fans will certainly find plenty to adore here, and for the first time listener there’s plenty to explore from one of most prolific and influential bands in the area of modern Christian rock.

Travels well with: Josh Lovelace- Shelters; NEEDTOBREATHE- Acoustic Live Vol. 1

NEEDTOBREATHE

Acoustic Live Vol. 1

Omnivore, 2024

8/10

Listen to Acoustic Live Vol. 1

A set captured on their acoustic tour in 2017, NEEDTOBREATHE’s inimitable live show is captured via the 12 songs that span five of their six studio albums.

“Let’s Stay Home Tonight” opens with Josh Lovelace’s ambient keys, before the vocal harmonies enter alongside Randall Harris’ fluid drumming, and “Drive All Night” follows with Seth Bolt’s precise bass helping illuminate the melodic climate.

In the middle, “Washed By The Water” showcases Bear Rinehart’s powerful pipes amid Lovelace’s mature piano, while “Oh Carolina” is a rowdy and meticulous rocker that uses group vocals and dynamic musicianship for the set’s best tune.

Landing near the end, “White Fences” offers a rich and pretty moment of southern ideas and plenty of pop-rock nods, too, and “Brother” exits with Bo Rinehart’s contributions on guitar and vocals adding much to the grit versus harmonics of a nearly jam band feel.

The heroes of Southern rock explore over a decade of their catalog here, and it serves as both an excellent, unplugged greatest hits experience and superb documentation of their live show.

Travels well with: Josh Lovelace- Shelters; NEEDTOBREATHE- The Outsiders

Christopher Cross

A Christopher Cross Christmas

Omnivore, 2024

9/10

Listen to A Christopher Cross Christmas

Originally released in 2007, this Holiday album from the legendary Christopher Cross illuminates 12 time honored songs in his distinct and timeless vision.

The gorgeous vocals and touching spirit of “Silent Night” opens with Cross’ familiar voice amid gentle keys, and “Christmas Time Is Here” follows with graceful strings and much emotion present.

Deeper into the album, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” uses soft acoustic guitar to complement Cross’ expressive pipes, while “Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep” pairs the fluid keys with the soaring vocals and a spiritual mood.

Closer to the end, playful harmonica enters “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”, where the timeless, joyful tune that is just as cozy in Cross’ interpretation, and “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” exits with a sublime and dreamy demeanor of touching artistry thanks to Cross’ delivery.

Cross has been revered worldwide and the multi-Grammy winner puts an inestimable spin on familiar songs with great results.

Travels well with: Carpenters- Christmas Once More; Rich Willey- Boptism Christmas

Andrew Weiss And Friends

the world’s smallest violin

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to the world’s smallest violin

The New York artist Andrew Weiss returns with his friends for more of their folk-rock meets retro power-pop, and this time it yields 14 memorable tunes.

“Somewhere Between I Love You And I Told You So” starts with Weiss’ warm guitar and expressive voice alongside John Venezia’s thumping drums in the melodic climate, and “Jericho” follows with Jesse Kessler’s well timed keys amid a cozy spirit of beauty and power-pop nods.

Further along, “Rockin’ It Since ‘83” benefits much from Pete Donnelly’s skilled bass and Weiss’ flowing keys, while “The World Has Moved On Without Me” showcases Jesse Siebenberg’s aching pedal steel and Sara Barsky-Weiss’ pretty backing vocals via the playful version of folk-rock.

Deeper yet, “Emergency Contact” is a bit more rugged but no less tuneful, where a rich version of Americana radiates the album’s best, and “Last Time (I Was In New York)” recruits strings thanks to Kevin Kuh, Theo Payen, Anna Stromer and Tiger Darrow that emits a dreaminess and intimacy you can’ t help but be in awe of.

Another top notch body of work from Weiss, fans of legends like Cheap Trick and Buffalo Tom will certainly gravitate towards his “Power Pop-icana” formula that sounds better than ever here.

Travels well with: Pete Mancini- Killing The Old Ways; The Salt Collective- Life

Alex Bird And The Jazz Mavericks

Another Christmas Day

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Another Christmas Day

A holiday album of all originals, the inimitable vocalist Alex Bird is joined by Ewen Farncombe, Jacob Gorzhaltsan, Julian Anderson-Bowes and Norbert Botos for the 10 jazz tunes.

Farncombe’s lively keys open “Prelude To Christmas”, before Bird’s smooth voice enters the upbeat climate, and “Another Christmas Day” follows with Gorzhaltan’s atmospheric wind amid the dreamy mood and Bird’s expressive singing.

“The Forecast For Today” lands in the middle spot and is a frisky moment thanks to Anderson-Bowes’ playful bass and Botos’ animated drumming, while “Every Time This Year” is an intimate moment of stirring beauty that tugs on the heartstrings.

Landing close to the end, “It’s December” pairs the mature keys with Bird’s glowing pipes alongside some ambience, and “Christmas Eve” exits with softness and a lullaby spirit that’s not short on romance.

Bird has been quite busy making a name for himself in the Canadian jazz scene in recent years, and this addition to his catalog is full of swingin’ fun and emotional balladry that still sound great when it’s sunny and 80 degrees out.

Travels well with: Alex Bird & Ewen Farncombe- Songwriter; Tony Glausi- Everything At Once

Dan & Faith

Who We Are

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Who We Are

A husband and wife duo from New Hampshire, Dan & Faith describe their music as ‘Dream-Inspired Folk”, and these 16 songs are full of vivid storytelling and easily relatable topics.

The cozy spirit of “Ghosts” opens with flowing vocal harmonies, where Michael G. Ronstadt’s touching cello suits Dan and Faith’s expressive pipes, and “Where Are You Now” follows with Dan’s fluid banjo and frisky fiddle amid the war themes.

Further along, “My Name is George” benefits much from Raianne Richards’ skilled clarinet via the emotional duet, while “Gently Sleep” carries a lullaby mood thanks to ukulele, guitar, fiddle and glockenspiel that will appeal to all the parents.

Nearing the end, “Let’s Go For A Ride” is a bit quirky and relatable, where Mark Dann’s bass won’t go unnoticed in a tune about dogs, and “You Won’t Leave Hungry Today” pairs Dan’s banjo with Joe Jencks’ bouzouki, and makes for a joyful and festive finish.

Dan & Faith’s songs touch on joy, sadness and hope, and their multi-instrumental ways unfold with familiarity and a heartfelt demeanor across this timeless effort.

Travels well with: Amy Speace- The American Dream; Carla Sciaky- Heart Of The Swan

DNA

Continuum

Dash Hoffman, 2024

8/10

Listen to Continuum

The singer, composer and arranger Mon David is joined by Josh Nelson and Larry Koonse for these well thought out covers and originals.

“Long As Your Living” opens with playful vocal acrobatics, as Koonse’s soft guitar suits the unique delivery, and “Blowin’ In The Wind” follows with pretty guitar and light keys for the expressive version of the Dylan classic.

Halfway through, “Spirit” relies on Nelson’s mature piano amid the wordless vocals that emit much melody, while “The Two Lonely People” has David showing an impressive range that’s accompanied by Nelson’s finger acrobatics.

Near the end, “Luiza” retains all the beauty of the Jobim tune with powerful singing in Portuguese and fluid keys, and “Scars” exits with an intimate and rich interpretation of the Fran Landesman song.

A heartfelt effort that’s full of emotion and relatability, David and company make for elegance and timelessness.

Travels well with: Eric Bell- Vulnerability; Matt Booth- Sun Prints

Chuck Prophet

Wake The Dead

Yep Roc, 2024

10/10

Listen to Wake The Dead

The California artist Chuck Prophet is accompanied by the Cumbia group, ¿Qiensave?, for these 11 cultured versions of Americana.

“Wake The Dead” opens the listen with strong attention to percussion, where grooves and rhythm suit Prophet’s inimitable voice, and “Betty’s Song” follows with crisp drumming and animated strings that unfold with worldly melodies.

Further along, “Sally Was A Cop” lands closer to rock territory thanks to the spirited guitar and tuneful grit, while “Same Old Crime” balances elegance and hard hitting bouts with punk nods and a bit of haze.

Closer to the end, the thumping “Sugar Into Water” is dance floor ready, where bright keys and an instant sing-along won’t go unnoticed alongside the accordion, and “It’s A Good Day To Be Alive” exits with a gentle and wise moment of dreaminess that benefits from Stephanie Finch’s pretty voice.

A lymphoma survivor, there’s darkness but hope in Prophet’s songs, where this celebration of life embraces rock and roll, punk, surf, and soul that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Dave Alvin- From An Old Guitar: Rare And Unreleased Recordings; James McMurtry- The Horses And The Hounds

Sean Kiely

Postcards Of The Reckoning

Multiple Logo, 2024

8/10

Listen to Postcards Of The Reckoning

A New Jersey artist with a penchant for folk and bluegrass sounds, Sean Kiely pens poetic and pretty songs here surrounded by an all star cast of players.

The love song, “Irises”, opens with Minnie Jordan’s pretty violin and Maddie Witler’s expressive mandolin alongside Kiely’s soft voice, and “One More” follows with Bobby Hawk’s bright violin amid the animated singing of the anthemic nod to George Harrison.

At the halfway point, we’re treated to “Reckoning”, where Abbie Gardner’s eloquent guitar suits the sublime balladry, while “Hold Me Out (Or, Hold Me In)” recruits Elizabeth Ziman’s inimitable pipes for the intimate and hazy album highlight.

“Oh, Sarah” and “The Time Old Rag” exit the listen. The former benefits much from a hint of ambience and Jared Engel’s strategic bass, and the latter offers a nostalgic campfire tune, where Bill Campbell’s playful drums align with Witler’s skilled mandolin and Kiely’s friendly singing.

A highly genuine affair that touches on heartbreak and other universal themes, Kiely and company make for a memorable version of modern folk.

Travels well with: Colin O’Brien- Thirteen; Jenny Burtis- Woodbird

Josh Lovelace

Shelters

Stonycroft, 2024

8/10

Listen to Shelters

Perhaps best known as the keyboardist and backing vocalist for the Grammy nominated outfit NEEDTOBREATHE, these 11 songs that revolve around self-doubt, angst, and hope, and bring plenty of friends for the occasion.

“Better Days” begins with much emphasis on mood, where Lovelace’s warm voice is met with Julian Dente’s waves of synth, and “Miracles” follows with cozy acoustic guitar and fluid drumming complementing the hazy version of folk rock.

In the middle, “Flames & Smoke” layers the vocals amid much rich and soaring song craft, while “Praying Wrong” uses a meticulous rhythm section that suits the expressive singing of the melodic rock gestures.

Close to the end, “I Stopped Drinking Yesterday” relies on mature piano and forthright wordplay that’s heartfelt, and “Soul” exits with a distinct ambience, where dreaminess and Chelsea McGough’s strategic cello add even more elegance.

An album of aching introspection, Lovelace plays keys, guitars, drums, bass and some other things, and the songs give us insight into his artistry and imagination.

Travels well with: NeedToBreathe- The Outsiders; Mat Kearney- Just Kids

Bruce Brubaker

Eno Piano 2

Infiné, 2024

9/10

Listen to Eno Piano 2

The inimitable artist Bruce Brubaker explores the work of Brian Eno with these 5 adventurous tracks using a Steinway concert grand piano with electromagnetic bows.

“Music For Airports 1/1 (Radio Mix)” begins with agile and soft keys that emit much beauty and grace amid a stirring intimacy, and “Music For Airports 1/2 (Bows Version)” follows with strong attention to tonality that’s therapeutic.

Halfway through, “Failing Light” radiates wonder and melody via Brubaker’s capable hands, while “The Big Ship” takes us on a short, emotional journey of sophistication and intrigue. The final piece, “Music For Airports 1/2”, then displays meticulous patterns that carry a cinematic quality.

An eloquent body of work that may bring to mind Philip Glass, Brubaker’s execution is nothing short of sublime and certainly does justice to Eno’s vision.

Travels well with: Murcof- Twin Color (Vol.1); Kaito- Collection

Murcof

Twin Color (Vol. 1)

Infiné, 2024

9/10

Listen to Twin Color (Vol.1)

The Mexican native and Spain resident Fernando Corona has been operating under the alias Murcof since 2002, and here he dives further into experimental ideas via the 11 creative tracks.

“Going Home (IRCAM Version)” opens with a dreamy ambience of beauty and warmth via the waves of electronic ideas, and “Cosmic Drifter” continues that lead into indeed spacey areas of background talking and eerie synth that’s cinematic.

Further along, “All These Worlds Part I” and “All These Worlds Part II” use atmosphere to its advantage, alongside a therapeutic quality, while the later installment showcases beats and a hypnotic backdrop thanks to the stylish climate.

Deeper still, “They Glow” buzzes like the soundtrack to another world and incorporates dense manipulation, and “Fight” exits with an emotive simmering that gradually builds in tension amid much mystery.

A highly artistic affair, Murcof blends techno pop nods and meticulous synth stabs that recruits post-punk and modern-electronica with much imagination.

Travels well with: Kaito- Collection; Rone- Tohu Bohu

Jeannie C. Riley

The Music City Sessions

Country Rewind, 2019

8/10

Listen to The Music City Sessions

In 1968 Jeannie C. Riley accomplished a rare feat by hitting #1 on the Billboard Charts in both the pop and country categories for her hit “Harper Valley PTA”, although this was just the beginning of her lengthy and esteemed career.

Here we get to take a peek at tunes recorded in 1970 that were never commercially released and intended for a TV show that featured country music artists.

“Country Girl” starts the record indeed firmly in country sounds as the songstress delivers flawless singing over warm, twangy sounds, and “That’s A No-No” follows with a rural shuffle that will easily get your body moving.

“Harper Valley PTA”, her massive hit, is included here and sounds as timeless as ever with plenty of soul in the tune, and “There Never Was A Time” follows later on with an emotive spirit and a touching delivery from Riley.

Deeper cuts like “Back Side Of Dallas” inject a Motown influence to the affair, while “Wish You Were Here” will get your head bobbin’, toe tappin’ and have you looking for your dance partner. “Roll In My Sweet Baby’s Arms” ends the fun with fluid, playful instrumentation, and encapsulates all the timelessness Riley displayed during her peak years.

Although Riley would later take up gospel sounds and deviate from her country roots, this rarities listen spotlights the songstress in her prime in the country world, and it truly is a thing of beauty.

Travels well with: Carl Smith- Mr. Country; Johnny Russell- All I Gotta Do Is Act Naturally