Hattie Webb

Wild Medicine

Hearts Connect, 2024

9/10

Listen to Wild Medicine

The English singer/songwriter and harpist Hattie Webb brings her inimitable talents to these 15 songs that recruit the help of Roscoe Beck, David Grissom, Ron Blair, Stephen Barber, Patrick Leonard, and Paul Kelly, among others.

The gorgeous and expressive singing of the title track opens with much beauty present alongside the harmonic textures that include Webb’s soothing harp, and “Ruined In The Rain” follows with thumping drums and well timed strings that suit the rich delivery.

Closer to the middle, the twinkling strings of “Shakespeare’s Shores” lands in lullaby territory, while the more rockin’ “A Song Called Love” comes with plenty of warm, rootsy spirit via Beck’s bass and Grissom’s electric guitar.

Deeper still, “You’ll Accompany Me” is bare moment of sublime intimacy that’s touching and welcomes Joel Guzman’s accordion, and “Chapters Of Love” exits with much care, as Leonard’s sparse keys and synth suit Webb’s pretty voice.

The sophomore solo album from an artist who was half of The Webb Sisters, Webb knows her way around a harp, and balances louder moments with plenty of calm introspection.

Travels well with: Anna Tivel- Living Thing; Dawn Landes- Row

Quatuor Bozzini/junctQin Keyboard Collective

Rebecca Bruton + Jason Doell: a root or mirror, blossom, madder, cracks; together

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Rebecca Bruton + Jason Doell: a root or mirror, blossom, madder, cracks; together

Alissa Cheung, Clemens Merkel, Stéphanie Bozzin and Isabelle Bozzini, i.e. Quatuor Bozzini, come together with Stephanie Chua, Joseph Ferretti, and Elaine Lau, of junctQin Keyboard Collective, for these classically influenced pieces that don’t shy away from avant-garde ideas.

Rebecca Bruton’s “The Faerie Ribbon” opens with 4 segments, where the unpredictable keys and atmospheric strings unfold with much beauty, curious ambience and even a haunting nature further on.

The back half belongs to Jason Doell’s “to carry dust & breaks through”, where a single 20+ minute track comes with strategic droning, plenty of cinematic qualities and somewhat of an eerie intimacy.

A highly creative outing that’s tonally aware, uniquely psychedelic and emits solos from many players that seem like one, every moment is engaging and artistic.

Travels well with: India Gailey- Butterfly Lightning Shakes The Earth; Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa- Known And Unknown: Solo Piano Works By Rodney Sharman

Brightwire

Here, But Gone

Self-Released, 2024

10/10

Listen to Here, But Gone

The Houston trio Brighwire return with their inimitable brand of Americana, where few genres are off limits across the 10 carefully crafted tracks.

“Lousy Weather” begins with Samuel Barker’s warm electric guitar and friendly voice that’s aligned with Kim Barker’s harmony vocals in a country rock sort of way, and “Tough As Nails” follows with a swift delivery thanks to Samuel’s scrappy drums and Kim’s expressive pipes amid some punk flavor.

Landing in the middle, “Last Night In Kansas” opens calmly, where Liz Sloan McGovern’s well timed fiddle suits the intimate singing, while “Girl In The War” is a thumping folk-rocker that benefits much from Michael Helfenstein’s steel guitar and both melody and grit.

“Burning Down’ and “Edge Of The World” and exit the listen. The former is a cozy, roots rocker that’s immediately memorable, invites a sing-along and is the album’s best, and the latter focuses on acoustic guitar amid the pretty duet of timeless songwriting.

There’s no shortage of musicians flirting with this sort of alt-country these days, but few are doing it as well as Brightwire, who pen authentic, eloquent and sometimes anthemic songs you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Lucero- Should’ve Learned By Now; Tim Barry- Spring Hill

Michael McNeill

Barcode Poetry

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Barcode Poetry

The pianist, improviser and composer Michael McNeill is joined by the Baltimore musicians Shelly Purdy, Dave Ballou and Susan Alcorn for these 7 avant-garde pieces that touch on jazz and classical ideas.

The rumbling keys of “Timeigrant” opens the listen a firmness that makes great use of Ballou’s distinct trumpet and found object-ish percussion, and the title track follows with playful trumpet and animated piano making for an unpredictable climate.

In the middle, the initially calm mood of “As A Metaphor (Take 1)” offers intimacy and mystery that benefits much from Purdy’s vibraphone, while “Branches” is 4 minutes of cinematic and cautious playing that’s a bit haunting.

The longest song, “Double Memory”, exits and across 10+ minutes mesmerizes us with its atypical ambience that’s populated by Alcorn’s strategic guitar, attentive percussion and atmospheric brass and keys.

The impetus for this album stems from the quartet’s 2022 tour, and the improvisations translate into experimental and unconventional energy from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Nate Wooley- Mutual Aid Music; Susan Alcorn- Canto

Emilie Cecilia Lebel

Landscapes Of Memory

Redshift, 2024

8/10

Listen to Landscapes Of Memory

The composer Emilie Cecilia Leble pens a pair of solo piano tracks, where an Ebow drone is present for the long forms that are unpredictable.

“Ghost Geography” takes the first half of the listen, as Wesley Shen’s delicate keys are often very bare, and allows for the strategic droning to add a hint of mystery to the peaceful and nearly meditative qualities of the 32 minutes. The last few minutes do allow more firm gestures of a lower register and some tension.

The back half belongs to “Pale Forms In Uncommon Light”, and showcases Luciane Cardassi’s expressive piano playing. It, too, is largely sparse, and occasionally welcomes more forceful ideas into the distinct beauty that comes with an atypical intimacy.

A curious effort that bridges contemporary classical sounds with experimental nods, Lebel’s vision is harmonic, colorful and minimal in artistic and exciting ways.

Travels well with: India Gailey- Butterfly Lightning Shakes The Earth; Tim Brady- Imagine Many Guitars

Arlen Roth

Playing Out The String

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Playing Out The String

An acoustic effort from the guitar wizard Arlen Roth, these 11 songs bring plenty of roots flavor to a 20th solo album.

“Walk Right In” opens with Roth’s meticulous guitars alongside the scrappy drumming for a harmonic climate, and “Church Street Blues” follows with a calm spirit, where warm guitar is met with expressive storytelling.

Halfway through, “Gonna Move Across The River” offers a rhythmic moment, where Alex Salzman’s bass adds much appeal, while “Everybody’s Talkin’” is a breezy album highlight of beauty and grace thanks to the flowing guitars.

Near the end, “Java” showcases Roth’s inimitable finger progressions with much spirit, and the title track exits with stylish and timeless song craft that’s bluesy and soulful.

Roth has kept some great company over the years, including Simon & Garfunkel, Don McLean and Janis Ian, and he brings a wealth of experience to these personal songs that embraces country, blues and folk in a way that few others can.

Travels well with: Eric Bibb- In The Real World; Mitch Woods- Happy Hour

Paul Kendall

Vintage Baritone Festive

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Vintage Baritone Festive

The always impressive baritone saxophonist Paul Kendall is joined by the pianist and organist George Grund for these well thought out and beautiful holiday songs.

“Oh Little Town Of Bethelem” opens with the graceful keys and soulful sax emitting much warmth, and “Angels We Have Heard On High” follows with the flowing piano and playful wind creating melody in the mature delivery.

Further along, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” allows for Grund to get frisky with the keys, as Kendall’s progressions mesmerize us, while “Joy To The World” is an upbeat and timeless interpretation of meticulous interaction between the duo.

Residing near the end, “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” moves with much emotion and care that’s heartwarming” and “We Three Kings” places Grund on organ which complements Kendall’s swift sax prowess.

A celebration of not only holiday songs but Kendall’s vintage equipment that’s been restored and used superbly for these memorable jazz interpretations.

Travels well with: Paul Kendall- My Shining Hour; Paul Kendall- Whisper Not

High Horse

High Horse

Adhyâropa, 2024

8/10

Listen to High Horse

A Boston outfit with a penchant for progressive-acoustic sounds, High Horse, i.e. Carson McHaney, Karl Henry, G Rockwell and Noah Harrington, bring a few guests alongside for these 12 organic tunes.

“Tombstone Territory” opens with carefully plucked strings and Rockwell’s melodic guitar adding a nice contrast between soft and firm gestures, and “Holy Water” continues the dynamic interaction with gorgeous female vocals that complement the pretty delivery.

Deeper into the listen, “Dotted Line” makes great use of Harrington’s strategic bass in the busy versus bare moments, while “Discern” benefits much from Henry’s skilled cello amid many voices via the rich album highlight.

Close to the end, “Suite” unfolds across 4 chapters of careful and stirring strings that mesmerize and enlighten, and “Ground Hog” exits with a quick and dance floor ready appeal of bluegrass nods.

A very unique effort, the cinematic moments, tempo shifts, country and folk sensibilities and Appalachia bouts makes every moment here worth repeated visits.

Travels well with: Eureka Shoes- Beautalina; Jacob Jolliff- Instrumentals Vol. 2: Mandolin Mysteries

Margaret Slovak & Chris Maresh

A Star’s Light Does Fall

Slovak, 2024

9/10

Listen to A Star’s Light Does Fall

The nylon string guitarist Margaret Slovak and acoustic bassist Chris Maresh come together for traditional and lesser known Holiday songs that are executed with much care and warmth.

The soft gestures of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” opens with the dreamy guitar and intimate bass interacting with much beauty, and “I Wonder As I Wander” follows with a hint of mystery via the meticulous playing from the duo’s inimitable skills.

Landing in the middle, “Infant Eyes”, by Wayne Shorter, emits much reflection in the bare delivery, while “Away In A Manger” picks up the pace a bit, where the soothing bass suits the intricate guitar.

Arriving close to the end, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” is a very peaceful interpretation of the classic, and “Hallelujah” exits with an emotive version of the Leonard Cohen tune that tugs on the heart strings.

A jazz album that touches on all the hallmarks of Christmas, Slovak and Maresh re-imagine the genre of Holiday music with tremendous impact.

Travels well with: Cliff Korman Trio- Urban Tracks; Dave Stryker- Stryker With Strings Goes To The Movies

Lovella

Outgrown

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Outgrown

The young artist Lovella got started at age 12, when she was playing on stage with her father and his band, Warden and Co. These days, at the age 15, Lovella is on her own, and these articulate 5 tracks certainly seem wiser than her years.

“Reality” opens the listen with warm acoustic guitar alongside Lovella’s pretty and powerful voice that’s full of intimate wordplay, and the title track follows with a distinct dreaminess thanks to the spirited electric guitar and expressive singing.

Halfway through, the lush and keyboard fueled “Even The Ocean” embraces plenty of pop ideas, while “Diving Deep” is strong on atmosphere, where a hazy backdrop suits the mesmerizing vocals. “Paralyzed” exits the listen, and carries a bit of mystery in a busier climate that’s stylish and even cinematic.

An impressive start for a young talent with much potential, something tells me that we’ll all be hearing much more about Lovella in the future.

Travels well with: Birdie Nichols- Into The West; Grace Morrison- Maybe Modern

Gardyn Jazz Orchestra

Vinyl Brews

JC Gardner, 2024

8/10

Listen to Vinyl Brews

A live album from the Philadelphia outfit Gardyn Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Jon C. Gardner we’re treated to 9 tracks of Big Band fun.

The festive “Dinero de Sangré” opens with Dan Hanrahan’s fluid guitar and Sean J. Kennedy’s flowing drums complementing the soaring brass, and “By The Stoney Creek” follows with Jacob Kaplan’s playful alto sax and Michael Cruse’s animated trumpet adding much color to the climate.

Arriving in the middle, “Walking On Clouds” is a stylish moment where Jordan Graef’s tenor sax prowess won’t go unnoticed, while “Meh… It Happens” recruits both intimacy and playfulness via the cautious winds and layered brass.

The last 3 tracks are alternate takes, where “The Golden OG” recruits Seth Dowdell’s well timed trombone and Jack Ozment precise piano, and “Walking On Clouds” showcases Andrew Esch’s strategic trumpet amid much rhythm and melody.

The tunes are inspired by award winning beers from the Von C. Brewing Company in Norristown, PA, and it makes for a frisky journey of swing, funk and Latin sensibilities that anyone with an ear for Big Band will enjoy.

Travels well with: Neil Adler- Emi’s Song; Andy Ezrin- I Was Here

Romero Lubambo & Pamela Driggs

Christmas In Rio

Sunnyside, 2024

8/10

Listen to Christmas In Rio

The Brazilian guitarist Romero Lubambo and esteemed vocalist Pamela Driggs come together for an intimate holiday record that surrounds love and gratitude.

The warm and cozy “Have Yourself A Very Little Christmas” opens with Driggs’ pretty pipes alongside Victor Goncalves’ soothing according and Itaiguara Brandao’s calm bass, and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” follows with Peter Martin’s agile piano playing that complements the fluid guitar and soft singing.

Deeper into the listen, “Silent Night” offers a dreamy moment of stirring vocals and touching guitar, while “Winter Reverie” makes great use of Joe Locke’s atmospheric vibraphone and Rafael Barata’s skilled drumming for the album’s best.

“Jingle Bells” and “Toyland” exit the listen. The former puts a very cultured spin on the classic, and the latter finishes with a haze of poetic beauty that tugs on the heartstrings.

A superb collaboration that hosts many exceptional musicians, Lubambo and Driggs flesh out rhythms of bossa nova, samba, and Brazilian waltz with much care and timelessness.

Travels well with: Neff Irizarry- Cambio (Change); Marc Ciprut- Moonshine

Joseph Turrin/Richard Einhorn/Gilda Lyons

Crimson Roses

Naxos, 2024

8/10

Listen to Crimson Roses

The New York City chamber choir, Musica Viva NY and director/conductor Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez welcome the vocalists Frederica von Stade and Erinn Sensenig for these selections by Jospeh Turrin, Richard Einhorn and Gilda Lyons.

Turrin’s “And Crimson Roses Once Again Be Fair” opens the listen with the harmonic voices and both pretty and tense bouts, where poetry from Siegfried Sassoon, Wilfred Owen and Vera Brittain and Sensenig’s soaring soprano won’t go unnoticed.

Einhorn’s “The Luminous Ground” arrives in the middle and leads with mystery, as the reflective and spiritual ideas unfold with meticulous keys and strings aligning with the bright voices.

“Momotombo”, by Lyons, exits, and takes inspiration from Nicaragua while showcasing vivid storytelling amid the rich group vocals and nature-esque delivery of sublime beauty.

Included are 30+ singers to complement the precise orchestra, where the work of these living composers is fleshed out with unparalleled attention to detail.

Travels well with: Naomi Moon Siegel- Shatter The Glass; Vijay Iyer- Trouble

Birdie Nichols

Into The West

OMG, 2024

9/10

Listen to Into The West

The debut from the youngster Birdie Nichols, at just 17 the songstress delivers like a seasoned vet across these 10 country spirited tunes.

The upbeat and warm title track opens with West’s smooth pipes guiding the melodies and timeless mood, and “Tough As Diamonds” follows with flowing acoustic guitar as Nichols shows us her range alongside bright storytelling.

“No Cattle Kind Of Cowboy” occupies the middle spot and welcomes some twang to the dusty delivery, while “Gunslinger” is a pretty and emotive album highlight where Nichols sounds much older than her years with a wise delivery.

Near the end, the punchy and rich “Golden Fields Of The Sun” comes with a hint of mystery, and the acoustic version of “Blue Lightning Ambush” exits with a soaring and powerful finish to an excellent first record.

You might be reminded of Taylor Swift, LeAnn Rimes, and Tanya Tucker when spending time with Nichols’ music, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if she achieves the success of those household names, too.

Travels well with: Grace Morrison- Maybe Modern; Angela Easterling- Witness

Banning Eyre

Bare Songs Vol. 1

Lion Songs, 2024

9/10

Listen to Bare Songs Vol. 1

The debut solo guitar release from the veteran musician Banning Eyre, the 14 songs here came from lockdown sessions where Eyre explores African sounds, among other genres he’s well versed in.

“Fifteen Rounds And No Decision” starts the listen with flowing and warm progressions that are rich with melody, and “4th Of July Follies” isn’t far away with its playful nature and meticulous delivery.

Further along, “Mindelo” uses 2 guitars for a playful interaction, while “Three Way”, the album’s best, showcases flowing and mesmerizing song craft that says much without any words.

Near the end, “Lamban” carries a hint of introspection thanks to the careful and adventurous techniques, and “Faku Hiva” exits with frisky ukulele that’s bright, animated and memorable.

A truly unique listening experience, the folk, blues, rock roots, jazz and African fingerstyle traditions are all executed with an authentic and timeless spirit.

Travels well with: Arun Ramamurthy Trio- New Moon; Moira Smiley- The Rhizome Project

Cliff Korman Trio

Urban Tracks

SS, 2024

8/10

Listen to Urban Tracks

The pianist Cliff Korman is joined by Harvie S and Rafael Barata for these 9 Brazilian and jazz classics that showcase meticulous interaction between the trio.

The lively mood of “Cheio de Malícia” opens with Barata’s playful drums alongside Korman’s finger acrobatics on piano, and “Manhã de Carnaval” follows with a calmer pace, where the warm keys and frisky bass from S make an indelible impression.

Landing in the middle, “Canhoto” offers a swift and dynamic burst of flowing, Latin song craft, while “Whisper Not” finds itself in sublime balladry thanks to the emotive piano and stylish drumming.

Close to the end, “Trilhos Urbanos” is full of rhythm and melody and is the best tune present, and “Saudade Do Paulo” exits with a rich and animated meshing of the trio’s inimitable talents for a timeless jazz appeal.

Korman’s skills are unparalleled, the company he keeps help do justice to these top notch composers via the worldly and memorable jazz exploration.

Travels well with: Eric Person- Rhythm Edge; Matt Panayides Trio- With Eyes Closed

Dan Moretti & Brazilia

Live At The Pump House Music Works

Roots Grooves, 2025

9/10

Listen to Live At The Pump House Music Works

The revered saxophonist Dan Moretti is joined by Oscar Stagnaro, Maxim Lubarsky, Ernesto Diaz and Steve Langone for these 8 tracks that celebrate the work of Wayne Shorter.

The festivities start with the animated “Black Nile”, where Moretti’s soulful sax is met with Diaz’s lively percussion, and “Fee Fi Fo Fum” follows with Langone’s skilled drumming aligning with the booming sax.

In the middle, the bouncy energy of “Speak No Evil” allows for Stagnaro’s playful bass to shine, while “Witch Hunt” spotlights Lubarsky’s meticulous keys amid unpredictable sax playing.

“Oriental Folk Song” and “Footprints” exit the listen. The former is a rich and textured album highlight that pays close attention to mood, and the latter thumps and shakes with no lack of melodies, grooves and timelessness.

An effort that sure does justice to Shorter, Moretti and crew embrace the ideas of Latin Jazz via these classic tunes that get a fresh coat of paint.

Travels well with: Marc Ciprut- Moonshine; Omer Leshem- Play Space

Neff Irizarry

Cambio (Change)

Blue Canoe, 2024

9/10

Listen to Cambio (Change)

The composer, guitarist, author and educator Neff Irizarry meshes Latin, Puerto Rican and Nordic ideas into these 11 worldly tracks that recruit Martin Fabricius, Jimmy Haslip and Ricardo Padilla.

The frisky energy of “Adelante (Come Forward)” starts with Padilla’s lively percussion alongside Irizarry’s warm guitar tone, and “Cuatro Minutos (Four Minutes)” follows with Haslip’s fluid bass and Fabricius’ glowing vibraphone complementing the rich delivery.

“The Rain Song” lands in the middle and is full of soft beauty via the dreamy guitar and light percussion, while “El Swing de La Finca (Farm Swing)” comes with rhythm and playfulness that you could dance to.

Residing near the end, “San Miguel de Los Acordes (St Michael of the Chords)” is a rich and dynamic album highlight thanks to the swift percussion, flowing bass, meticulous guitar and animated vibes, and “Todo lo que Fuiste (All That You Were)” exits with an infectious and cultured energy that makes for a lasting impression.

A superb body of work that pays homage to the pairing of guitar and vibraphone, there’s no lack of rhythm, melodies and fusion to be adored here.

Travels well with: Randy Hoexter- Tomorrowsville; Bill Moio- Try This

John McCutcheon

Field Of Stars

Folk Music, 2025

9/10

Listen to Field Of Stars

The 72 year old folk star John McCutcheon had intended to release this album in 2020, but shelved it to work on other projects.

“Here” begins the listen with warm piano from Jon Carroll and Stuart Duncan’s soft fiddle, where McCutcheon’s friendly voice guides the authentic storytelling, and the title track follows with a sublime duet with Carrie Newcomer that’s full of calm beauty.

Further along, “Stubby” recruits JT Brown’s fluid bass and harmony vocals for a hint of grit, while “At The End Of The Day” enlists a choir and Pete Kennedy’s well timed electric guitar via the uplifting album highlight.

Deeper still, “Tired” is a darker moment of blues nods, where moody lap steel guitar suits McCutcheon’s emotive pipes and “Blessing” exits with a hymn appeal that makes great use of a chorus by Windborne amid much grace and honesty.

This is McCutheon’s 45th album(!), and it’s yet another eloquent and timeless version of his inimitable folk songwriting.

Travels well with: Tom Paxton & John McCutcheon- Together; Sean Kiley- Postcards Of The Reckoning

Joe Pug

The Flood In Color

Nation Of Heat, 2019

8/10

Listen to The Flood In Color

After a nearly half decade hiatus from recorded music, Joe Pug returns with a career highlight, where an organic process that was never forced allowed this back to basics approach to resonate with a cautious, timeless feel.

“Exit” starts the listen soft and agile, as Pug’s wise, warm vocals guide us through timeless folk sounds, and “The Flood In Color” follows with pristine harmonicas as the setting finds a sparse, emotive delivery.

Elsewhere, “The Letdown” and “Long Midnight” are full of vivid storytelling with a rustic quality, while “Blues Came Down” unfolds with a calm blues touch on an intimate, contemplative stand out.

Late in the disc, “Here Again” flows with bare beauty, and “The Stranger I’ve Been” recruits a playful approach with accordions. The album exits on “Empty Hands And Broad Shoulders”, where more grace and sublime songwriting helps solidity this as Pug’s best work to date.

Now a family man with plenty of hobbies outside of music, Pug seems like he’s in a great place in his life, and his music follows suit with stripped down reflection that’s easy to embrace.

Travels well with: M. Ward- Post-War; Justin Townes Earle- The Saint Of Lost Causes