Folk City

The Greenwich Village Musical

Jay, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Greenwich Village Musical

A double disc that celebrates the multi-faceted culture of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, Folk City spans the sounds of doo-wop, folk, blues, pop, psychedelia, Americana and rock

“Greenwich Village Doo Wop” open with upbeat keys and powerful singing radiating much warmth, and it isn’t long until “The Next Big Thing” welcomes fluid banjo and some bluegrass nods alongside the harmonic vocals.

Further into disc 1, the playful nature of “Let’s Hear It For Me” is a bright moment about going off to war, while “Good Goodbye” uses crisp drumming and soulful vocals that emits a cautious beauty.

Disc 2 welcomes the glorious sax of the dreamy “Never Been Taken This High”, where well timed backing vocals won’t go unnoticed, though it’s the cozy guitar and expressive singing of “We Must Become One” that’s the highlight of the back half. “It’s A Shot” exits the record, and it’s a busy and snappy display of timeless pop and rock that carries an infectious energy.

An effort that embraces the Beatniks, bohemians, hippies, folkies, blues players, singer-songwriters, poets, painters and rockers and honors their cultural growth and experiences with plenty of timelessness, all 30 songs present are fleshed out superbly.

Travels well with: Sam Weber- Everything Comes True; Matt Lovell- Nobody Cries Today

Esbe

Mountain Aires

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Mountain Aires

The esteemed composer Esbe has hit the 10 album mark, where we’re treated to a guitar record that takes inspiration from the world’s iconic and more obscure peaks and valleys.

The pretty and calming “Mount Iwaki- Cherry Blossom At Hirosaki Castle” opens with much beauty and eloquence, and “Sunset On Mount Hotaka” follows with a poetic ambience that flows with grace from the meticulous guitar.

Landing in the middle, “Echo Canyon- Only You, Sweet Child Of Mine” incorporates the work of Alison Moyet and Guns N’ Roses for a very dreamy mashing of two classics, while “Lazy Lunch In The Sierra Nevada” moves quicker with gentle melodies and plenty of emotion via the Spanish flavor.

Closer to the end, “Lalibela” offers a very calming and poetic moment of serenity that takes nods to east African jazz, and “Luscation Hills, Walking With Back On A Cloudy Day” carries a similar approach of sublime and touching song craft.

A very organic effort that’s uniquely therapeutic, Esbe’s well thought out riffs and delicate singing echoes themes of nature though the rhythm and harmonies of each country represented.

Travels well with: Esbe- La Serenissima; Esbe- I Might Be Dreaming

Funkrust Brass Band

Make A Little Spark

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Make A Little Spark

The Brooklyn, post-punk flavored brass outfit Funkrust Brass Band make an indelible impression across these 11 animated tracks.

The dizzying “Kill Yr Idols” opens with hard hitting drums and plenty of lively trumpet, where no lack of grooves enter, too, and “What Is Sacred” follows with a bouncy and dance floor ready appeal that touches on ska-punk.

Halfway through, “Quartermain And Victoria” blends the dense horns with frisky percussion that benefits much from Phil Andrews’ booming megaphone, while “Alone” emits rapid fire drumming for a marching band-ish presence with group vocals.

“Prayer Of Resurrection” and “Ignition” exit the listen. The former is a bit more reserved initially before building into a crisp and jangly rocker, and the latter employs upbeat trombone and melodic trumpets and saxes for the rich album highlight that puts Ellia Bisker’s megaphone to good use.

A really creative listen of brass punk, the nods to EDM, metal, funk and Balkan sounds won’t go unappreciated either, where all 20+ musicians contribute their inimitable talents.

Travels well with: The Down Hill Strugglers- Old Juniper; Ever Lovin’ Jug Band- Move That Thing

Ginetta's Vendetta

Fun Size

Kickin’ Wiccan, 2024

8/10

Listen to Fun Size

The multi-talented artist Ginetta M plays trumpet, sings and composes across these 13 tracks that employ Danny Walsh, Jon Davis, Marcello Pellitteri and Beiden Bullock.

The warm “Ginetta” opens with Davis’ soft keys, before Walsh’s soulful sax enters, and “Blues For Pop-Pop (Holy Man)” follows with an infectious spirit via Pellitteri’s playful drums and Ginetta’s flowing trumpet.

Closer to the middle, “Tell Your Story Walkin’” leads bare before the rhythmic brass and wind help cultivate plenty of grooves, while “Little Sunflower” is an intimate moment thanks to Ginetta’s stirring horn, cozy keys and light drumming.

The classic “Misty” resides near the end, and showcases Ginetta’s powerful and flawless pipes in the dreamy climate, and “Christmas Time” recruits a holiday theme that benefits from Bullock’s precise bass and the frisky singing.

Among the standards are a pair of originals, where Ginetta and her band interpret the classics in their own vision and create plenty of swingin, fun, too.

Travels well with: Joe Syrian Motor City Jazz Octet- Secret Message; Vincent Virgillito- Precondition

Ethel

Persist

Sono Luminus, 2024

9/10

Listen to Persist

The string quartet Ethel welcome the flutist Allison Loggins-Hull for these 5 detailed pieces that mesh experimental and contemporary classical ideas with much creativity.

The atmospheric title track, by Loggins-Hull, opens with Ralph Farris’ strategic viola amid the rich textures and Loggins-Hull’s well timed flute, and “Pillow Talk” follows with dreamy flute and manipulated strings that emit much mystery via the Xavier Muzik piece.

In the middle, Migiwa ‘Miggy’ Miyajima’s “The Reconciliation Suite” unfolds across 4 chapters that showcase Corin Lee and Kip Jones’ meticulous violins in an animated album highlight, while “Terraria”, by Sam Wu, is full of a unique intimacy that spotlights the agile flute playing.

The last track, Leilehua Lanzilotti’s “we began this quilt here”, makes great use of Dorothy Lawson’s cello alongside the playful violins, viola and ambient flute that’s quite charming.

This is Ethel’s 8th album, and much like everything before it, it’s technical, atypical and an extremely accessible version of neo-classical sounds that’s impossible not to admire.

Travels well with: Aaron Irwin Trio- (after); Euclid Quartet- Breve

Bett Padgett

Beneath Blue Water

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Beneath Blue Water

The inimitable multi-instrumentalist Bett Padgett takes help from some friends for these timeless and authentic 13 folk songs.

The warm spirit of “We Are All Family” opens with pretty guitar from Padgett, where Steve Eisenstadt’s fluid upright bass complements the mood, and “Boy And The Apple Tree” follows with inspiration from Shel Silverstein and showcases Padgett’s vivid wordplay amid well timed mandolin.

Closer to the middle, the reflective ambience of “First Day Of School After Summer Vacation” welcomes Julia Savovivi’s stirring violin that suits the flowing vocals, while “We Stand Together”, a song for Ukraine, using spoken word as well, and recruits Jonathan Kramer’s eloquent cello via the thoughtful delivery.

Nearer to the end, the meticulous banjo and strategic bass of “His Name Was Bard” is the album’s best, and “If I Were A Cloud” exits with a distinct dreaminess that’s full of grace and beauty.

A body of work that also draws from Americana and bluegrass, Padgett touches on political and social points with poise, and her handling of guitar, harp, clawhammer banjo, piano, mandolin and vocals makes for timeless storytelling.

Travels well with: Bett Padgett- Turning Over Stones; Brooksie Wells- Stops Time

Alex McLaughlin

A Brand New State

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to A Brand New State

The bassist and composer Alex McLaughlin is in the company of Jeremy Siskind, Tina Raymond and Jeremy Pelt for these 8 modern originals.

The cautious bass opens with “Desert Chapel”, as Jeremy Siskind’s warm piano enters the strong attention to mood, and “Trailhead” follows with rumbling keys and Pelt’s animated trumpet for the stylish jazz climate.

At the halfway point, “The Solar Punks” offers a rhythmic moment populated by playful bass plucking and soulful brass, while “Lily” is an initially bare moment of intimacy that finds soft gestures amid the rich keys and Raymond’s agile drumming.

“Trial” and “Elevation” exit the listen. The former is reflective, melodic and alone is worth the price of admission, and the latter comes with a more rock focused appeal that’s dynamic and mesmerizing.

A record that feels like a live performance, McLaughlin and his crew bring style, adventurousness and edginess to timeless jazz.

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

Pinhead Gunpowder

Unt

1 2 3 4 Go!, 2024

10/10

Listen to Unt

Few side projects in the world of punk rock will ever be as great or lengthy as Pinhead Gunpowder, whose first EP in 1992 established them as a supergroup of massive talent. Sure, they’ve had lengthy periods of dormancy, but they’ve always come back with more great tunes, including the 14 that make up this 3rd album.

The title track gets the listen off to a very catchy start, where Billie Joe Armstrong’s razor sharp guitar and Aaron Cometbus’ scrappy drumming invites some garage rock spirit, and the ultra melodic “Difficult But Not Impossible” follows, where grittier singing and Bill Schneider’s complicated bass lines won’t go unnoticed.

Moving along, the buzzing “Draw It In” is full of vocal harmonies and timeless pop punk nods, while “Here Goes The Neighborhood” puts Jason White on vocals, who also contributes detailed guitar work for the album.

Later on, “Chowchilla” is a more forceful moment, where the hard hitting rhythm section and dense guitars suit Armstrong’s raw singing, and “Song For Myself” exits with is a breezy moment of light melodies and vocals from both Armstrong and White.

The members of Pinhead Gunpowder have resumes that include playing in Monsula, Chino Horde, Crimpshrine and Green Day. Maybe you only recognize one of the those bands, but they’re all great, and so is this tuneful and instantly memorable punk rock record.

Travels well with: Night Court/The Dumpies- Shit Split; Suzi Moon- Animal

Paul Neebe

Undiscovered Trumpet Concertos

Albany, 2024

9/10

Listen to Undiscovered Trumpet Concertos

The trumpet extraordinaire Paul Neebe and The Budafok Dohnáyi Orchestra flesh out 4 involved tracks from 4 different modern composers with strong attention to tonality.

“Longing for Ancient Times”, by Enjott Schneider, starts the listen with Neebe’s animated horn alongside the rich strings and twinkling percussion that occasionally gives way to booming drums, and Jozef Podprocký’s “Concert Piece for Trumpet and Orchestra, Op. 70” follows with giant swells of glorious interplay between the orchestra and well timed trumpet.

On the back half, “Fantasia for Two Trumpets” displays tense and cinematic musicianship via Carl Roskott’s distinct vision, and Terry Mizesko’s “Lamento for Don Quixote – 12 Variations” exits with softer moments of introspection amid the larger presence.

Neebe’s performance is unmatched, and the orchestra complement his prowess with meticulousness for the stunning world premiere recordings.

Travels well with: Dallas Chamber Symphony- Chasing Home; Allison Dromgold Adams- Flames Will Grow

Benjamin Ferry Wenzelberg/Jeanne Minahan

Lyric Fest

Navona, 2024

8/10

Listen to Lyric Fest

The composer and conductor Benjamin Perry Wenzelberg and poet Jeanne Minahan bring vocal and orchestral ideas to these diverse movements.

“Christmas Forecast, Poem” opens with just Minahan’s voice relaying the eloquent wordplay, and “Listen, My Love” follows with Rebecca Myers’s soprano, Stephen Ng’s tenor, Steven Eddy’s baritone and Devony Smith’s mezzo-soprano guiding the atmospheric winds and keys.

Further along, “The Outside In” benefits much from Ráyo Furuta’s bright flute and Laura Ward’s unpredictable piano for the animated delivery, while “Winter: The Antidote” showcases Daedalus Quartet’s lively strings amid powerful singing.

Residing close to the end, “Any of Those Decembers, Poem” is another track of Minahan reciting poetry with much expressiveness, and “Any Of Those Decembers” exits with the voices, keys, strings and wind emitting much poeticism and care.

A body of work that’s often vulnerable, wistful and aesthetically pleasing, there’s certainly a seasonal feeling to these charming and memorable pieces.

Travels well with: Contemporary Colors Vol. 2; Reza Vali- ESFAHÂN: The Chamber Music Of Reza Vali

Malta Philharmonic Orchestra

Contemporary Colors Vol. 2: New Music By Maltese Composers

Navona, 2024

8/10

Listen to Contemporary Colors Vol. 2: New Music By Maltese Composers

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra flesh out the work of 8 different Maltese composers under the conducting of Miran Vaupotić, where the themes surround Greek tragedy, religious symbolism, existential philosophy and struggles that shape the human experience.

“Longing”, by Kris Spiteri, begins the listen with tense strings and booming drums for a rich and powerful landscape, and Steven-Joseph Psaila’s “Elegy” follows with much color and eloquence, where the pretty string interaction emits much wonder.

In the middle, Joseph Sammut’s “Adagio No. 2, Op. 40” emits a gripping intimacy with much melody present, while “Two Episodes from Antigone” is full of mystery and atmosphere via the Albert Pace album highlight.

“Cataclysmus”, by Kristian Schembri, arrives near the end and showcases restraint in the haunting climate, and “Waiting for Godot” exits with precise and atmospheric layering that’s cinematic.

A very diverse representation of the talent on Malta, there is much detail, expressiveness and timelessness to be appreciated here.

Travels well with: Rezi Vali- ESFAHÂN: The Chamber Music Of Reza Vali; Julia Glenn- Ink Traces

Vincent Virgillito

Precondition

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Precondition

The multi-instrumentalist Vincent Virgillito pens 10 originals and puts his own spin on 2 covers, where overdubbing only occurs on 1 track and the creativity is spread evenly across the entire affair.

The playful bass plucking of “Through Windows” starts the listen with much care and unpredictable ideas, and “Reset” follows with a distorted and sonically charged climate of wonder.

In the middle, “Stars In My Mirror (My Sons)”, the only selection with overdubs, uses mesmerizing patterns and much ambience via a cinematic quality, while “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” , a Charles Mingus original, is full of complicated bass prowess that’s often bare and soothing.

“Danny Boy (remembering Bill Evans)” arrives near the end and is highly meticulous but still easily accessible via Virgillito’s finger acrobatics, and “…and then stop and go” exits with a distinct dreaminess that’s mesmerizing and atmospheric.

A really unique body of work, Virgillito handles electric bass, double bass, fretless 4 and 5 strings and analog pedals with his classical and jazz training present for the colorful, haunting and often rock focused formula.

Travels well with: Joe Syrian Motor City Jazz Quartet- Secret Message; Doug MacDonald- Santa Monica Session

Joe Syrian Motor City Jazz Octet

Secret Message

Circle 9, 2024

9/10

Listen to Secret Message

The drummer Joe Syrian is joined by a large cast for these 8 creative interpretations that span legends as diverse as the Beatles and Stevie Wonder.

“Bye Bye Blackbird” opens the listen with Tim Ries’ animated tenor sax and Nick Marchionne’s lively trumpet that complement the rich rhythm section and Syrian’s agile drumming, and “Star Eyes” follows with Adam Birnbaum’s precise keys amid the frisky drums and Lorin Cohen’s playful bass.

Further along, “People Make The World Go Round” welcomes Kenny Washington’s inimitable pipes and Luisito Quintero’s worldly percussion, while “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing” recruits plenty of Big Band ideas via the colorful brass and Carl Maraghi’s sax prowess.

“Night And Day” and “I Should Care” exit the listen. The former makes great use of Dave Riekendberg’s smooth tenor sax and Doug Beaver’s strategic trombone, and the latter is textured, meticulous and timeless jazz that is so well done, it alone is worth the price of admission.

A record where each track brings new ideas to the table, Syrian and crew put a fresh coat of paint on already great songs that sure do resonate well there.

Travels well with: Randy Weistein- Harmonimonk; Jake Hertzog- Longing To Meet You

Liz Cole

I Want To Be Happy

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to I Want To Be Happy

The debut record from the vocalist Liz Cole, the 10 songs here revolve around jazz and welcome many players to the standards, South American tracks and a Tom Waits’ cover.

The title track leads with Cole’s animated pipes alongside Aaron Serfaty’s playful drumming and Jacob Mann’s frisky keys, and “Mean To Me” follows with an intimate spirit that uses Darek Oles’ precise bass amid the expressive singing.

At the halfway point, “Love” is an emotive moment populated by Otmaro Ruiz’s elegant piano and Cole’s flawless voice, while “Lobo Bobo”, the best track, makes great use of Jonathan Richards’ playful bass alongside the festive scatting and Spanish singing.

“Lazy River” and “I’m Still Here” exit the record. The former showcases Larry Koonse’s radiant electric guitar in a soft setting, and the latter finishes with sublime balladry that aligns the powerful voice with light keys and bass.

An excellent first outing for the diverse singer, Cole knows her way around a tune that can swing just as it can get sensitive, and these worldly selections certainly warrant repeated listens.

Travels well with: Laird Jackson- Life; Shannon Gunn- On A Mountain

Danaë Xanthe Vlasse

Mythologies II

Studio Hill, 2024

8/10

Listen to Mythologies II

The composer Danaë Xanthe Vlasse sees her work fleshed out by the vocalists Sangeeta Kaur, Hila Plitmann and Omar Najmi and Robert Theis’ piano, where The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra soundtrack the 8 selections.

The soaring vocals and flowing instrumentation of “Medusa & Perseus” opens with Najmi’s booming tenor voice alongside the glorious strings and Theis’ elegant piano.

The middle belongs to “Andromeda”, where 6 chapters emit mystery, tension and rich interaction between the many violins, violas and cellos. Theis’ poetic keys become the focus in the middle of the track, and Kaur and Plitmann’s harmonic sopranos create much sublime beauty.

“Dreams Of Ithaca” exits the listen, and it’s a calm, intimate moment, where the emotive piano is met with glorious singing, dreamy bouts and cinematic swelling and meticulous, orchestral dynamics.

A record that pays homage to Vlasse’s Greek heritage, this is a complex effort but easily accessible, and will resonate with ears towards classical, chamber and orchestral ideas.

Travels well with: Amber Weekes- A Lady With A Song; Yuka Mito- How Deep Is The Ocean

Doug MacDonald

Santa Monica Session

Dmac, 2025

9/10

Listen to Santa Monica Session

The seminal guitarist Doug MacDonald is a music making machine, and this time he brings us 5 standards and 3 originals that welcome Bill Cantos, Hussain Jiffry and Kevin Winard.

The animated and rich “Lady Bird” opens with MacDonald’s inimitable guitar amid plenty of grooves and Jiffry’s playful bass lines, and “Minor Makeup” follows with Winard’s frisky drumming that suits the radiant guitar chops.

The middle tracks offer “Tele Time” and “Walkin’”. The former is a bit dreamy and moves with a stylish demeanor that benefits from Winard’s percussion, while the latter is a tad calmer but no less intriguing, as it builds into a hand clapping, toe tapping album highlight.

Landing near the end, “dmac” finds itself in textured and melodic areas of timeless jazz, and “Perdido” exits with no lack of culture, where the mesmerizing rhythm section and Cantos’ elegant keys help illuminate the signature guitar playing.

If you’re a fan of guitar focused jazz, there is no bad place to start in MacDonald’s lengthy back catalog, and these 8 tracks are further proof that he’s as prolific as he is impactful.

Travels well with: Doug MacDonald- Live At The Rancho Mirage Library; Doug MacDonald- Sextet Session

Joann Falletta

The Golden Age Of The Horn

Naxos, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Golden Age Of The Horn

The esteemed composer JoAnn Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra come together for this project that fleshes out double concertos for horn from the 18th century by composers Friedrich Witt, Franz Anton Hoffmeister, Leopold Mozart and František Xaver Pokorný.

Witt’s “Concerto for 2 Horns (No. 3) in F Major” begins the listen with dancing strings and the well timed winds unfolding with grace and melody, and “Concerto for 2 Horns No. 3 in E-Flat Major”, by Hoffmeister, follows with rich instrumentation that allows for Jacek Muzyk and Daniel Kerdelewicz’s animated horns to shine.

On the back half, “Concerto for 2 Horns in E-Flat Major” showcases the flowing strings that are nothing short of meticulous via the Mozart selection, where the well timed horns add to the appeal, while Pokorný’s “Concerto for 2 Horns in F Major” exits with the orchestra and horns interacting with a call and response that’s playful and timeless.

Falletta and her company highlight a time when the horn was becoming more prominent, and it makes for a striking and sophisticated addition to her large catalog, where Muzyk and Kerdelewicz’s contributions are nothing short of profound.

Travels well with: JoAnn Falletta- Elfman-Hailstork Concertos; JoAnn Falletta- Walton: The Complete Facades

Lucinda Williams

Sings The Beatles From Abbey Road

Thirty Tigers, 2024

9/10

Listen to Sings The Beatles From Abbey Road

The always impressive Lucinda Williams turns in 12 interpretations of classic songs by the Fab Four, where the 71 year old who survived a stroke not too long ago shows us that her inimitable talents haven’t waned.

“Don’t Let Me Down” opens with Butch Norton’s agile drumming and Richard Causon’s firm keys complementing the rich dynamics, and “Can’t Buy My Love” arrives soon after with an infectious energy that does the original justice via Williams’ unmistakeable pipes and David Sutton’s frisky bass.

Halfway through, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” makes great use of Doug Pettibone and Marc Ford’s spirited electric guitars that balance intimacy with grit, while “Let It Be” is a calm moment of pretty guitars and heartfelt singing.

Arriving closer to the end, “I’m So Tired” is textured cautiously and benefits much from Siobhan M. Kennedy’s soulful backing vocals, and “The Long And Winding Road” exits with Pettibone’s aching pedal steel and Causon’s B3 organ giving the finish a dreamy tone of beauty.

Williams puts her own spin on songs we all know and some deeper cuts, too, where this 7th installment in her Jukebox series continues her 5 decade career with the quality and authenticity she’s held since her 1978 debut.

Travels well with: Cris Jacobs- One Of These Days; Patty Griffin- American Kid

John Stein

Next Gen

Tiger Turn, 2025

8/10

Listen to Next Gen

The esteemed guitarist John Stein returns with a 19th album, where Ed Lucie and Mike Connors join him for standards and originals- the latter being inspired by his grandchildren.

“A.J.” opens the listen with Stein’s radiant guitar alongside Connors’ frisky drums, and the warm spirit of “Lover Man” follows with a cozy mood that benefits from Lucie’s skilled bass.

Further along, “Ellie” bops and shakes with an infectious energy of timeless jazz qualities, while “Lidianna” showcases meticulous guitar playing amid the elegant rhythm section for the album’s best.

“Road Song” and “Infant Eyes” exit the listen. The former offers a lush and dynamic climate where the trio interact playfully, and the latter, a Wayne Shorter original, finishes with sublime balladry and grace.

An effort that’s never short on rhythm and harmonics, Stein and his company make for swinging, bossa nova and gentle tracks via the memorable, guitar jazz.

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

Johnny Russell

All I Gotta Do Is Act Naturally

Country Rewind, 2019

8/10

Listen to All I Gotta Do Is Act Naturally

A singer-songwriter and comedian who was most active in the ‘70s, All I Gotta Do Is Act Naturally collects some of the more rare tunes from Johnny Russell that were recorded for a broadcast in Nashville.

“Good Hearted Woman” starts the album with acoustic strumming and Russell’s warm, strong pipes on a melodic country tune, and “She’s In Love With A Rodeo Man” follows with pedal steel and an emotive spirit that’s both pretty and soulful.

Further along, “Johnny B Goode” has Russell doing the classic tune justice with his rural fun, and the barnyard swagger of the title track will certainly get your body moving.

Near the end, “Jambalaya” brings plenty of melody and crisp instrumentation to the album highlight, while “Mr. and Mrs. Untrue” recruits aching balladry in a contemplative setting. “The World’s Meanest Man” ends the listen with a rugged delivery that still retains the universally embraceable country template that Russell built his career on.

The Country Rewind label seems to have a knack for unearthing timeless recordings that deserve to be resurrected, and this collection from Russell is certainly continuing that trend. It’s no surprise that Russel’s tune have been recorded by Jerry Garcia, Buck Owens and Dolly Parton; the guy could write a country tune with lasting power.

Travels well with: Carl Smith- Mr. Country; Roy Drusky- It’s My Way