Joann Falletta/Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

Contemporary Landscapes

Beau Fleuve, 2024

8/10

Listen to Contemporary Landscapes

The conductor JoAnn Falletta is joined by the oboist Henry Ward and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for selections by Kenneth Fuchs, Russell Platt, Randall Svane and Wang Jie.

“Point Of Tranquility”, by Fuchs, starts the listen with the intimacy of the orchestra emitting much beauty and wonder amid the 21st century impressionism, and “Symphony In Three Movements”, by Platt, follows with swift and dynamic string interaction that’s powerful and inviting.

On the back half, Svane’s “Concerto For Oboe And Orchestra” showcases Ward’s tremendous abilities via the flowing lyricism and a pastoral mood, while “The Winter That United Us” embraces Jie’s Chinese heritage and creates colorful and dramatic bouts of animated songwriting.

A highly articulate effort that illuminates a wide array of significant and eloquent American voices, the artists present excel in both minimal and busy climates of profound grace.

Travels well with: JoAnn Falletta- The Golden Age Of The Horn; JoAnn Falletta- Walton: The Complete Facades

Lee R. Kesselman

Would That Loving Were Enough

Blue Griffin, 2024

8/10

Listen to Would That Loving Were Enough

The first album to focus on the music of Lee R. Kesselman, these world premiere recordings are fleshed out by Haven, who put much care and thought into the 7 pieces.

“Sakura” opens with Kimberly Cole Luevano’s fluid clarinet before Lindsay Kesselman’s expressive soprano enters, and “Ashes & Dreams” follows with 8 chapters that mesh the mesmerizing wind with Midori Koga’s unpredictable piano and the strategic singing.

Moving along, “Piangeró” allows for Kesselma’s soaring pipes to shine amid the delicate instrumentation that welcomes Allison Rich’s cello, while “Make Me A Willow Cabin” radiates playfulness thanks to the animated clarinet and cinematic piano.

The title track resides near the end and moves cautiously with much power, and “I’ll Build A Stairway To Paradise” exits with a quirky, charming demeanor of upbeat keys, frisky vocals and colorful clarinet.

The interaction between the Haven trio is nothing short of stunning, and Rich’s contributions won’t go unnoticed either, as they illuminate Kesselman’s unique blend of chamber, opera and classical influences.

Travels well with: Vedrana Subotić- Chiaroscuro; Josh Tatsuo Cullen- Scenes In Tin Can Alley

Adam Tendler

Inheritances

New Amsterdam, 2024

9/10

Listen to Inheritances

The revered pianist Adam Tendler interprets the works of several composers, where many avenues of his skills are illuminated with much attention to mood.

“Remember, I Created You” opens with Laurie Anderson’s voice in between the soft and agile piano progressions, and “Forgive Machine” follows with the swirling keys emitting mystery and intrigue that can sometimes be very firm.

Further along, “Outsider” is an intimate moment of wonder, where the lower registers also hint at a moodier vision, while “False Memories” radiates tremendous beauty and unpredictability via the meticulous finger prowess of the album’s best.

Deeper yet, “Area Of Refuge” builds into cinematic moments of mesmerizing songwriting, and “Morning Piece” exits with a heartfelt dreaminess of sublime, poetic gestures.

Tendler took on this project after his father’s unexpected death, and it embraces themes of heritage, parenthood and grief. It’s certainly a dramatic affair, and one that further solidifies Tendler as one of the finest in the area of contemporary classical sounds.

Travels well with: Charlotte Jacobs- a t l a s; Annika Socolofsky- I Tell You Me

The Blasters

The Complete Concert

Liberation Hall, 2024

10/10

Listen to The Complete Concert

A performance that was recorded live at the Venue, London, England May 21, 1982, some of these tracks have been released before, but now we get the entire The Blasters show that comes with new liner notes from Chris Morris, rare photos and memorabilia images.

“This Is It” starts with Bill Bateman’s thumping drums that suits the driving guitars and frontman Phil Alvin’s distinct and inviting voice via a lively Americana climate, and it isn’t long until “Border Ratio” recruits rhythm and animated piano that spotlights John Bazz’s animated bass.

Deeper into the set, the scrappy “I Love You So” will get you on the dance floor with its infectious energy and soaring vocals, while “I’m Shakin’” recruits upbeat sax bouts from Lee Allen amid Dave Alvin’s meticulous guitar playing.

Arriving close to the end, “So Long Baby Goodbye” makes great use of spirited harmonica and Steve Berlin’s frisky baritone sax, and “Barn Burning” exits with timeless rock’n’roll flavor, where Alvin’s memorable pipes and fluid guitar make for a rootsy appeal.

Undoubtedly one of the pioneers in the area of roots and Americana music, The Blasters may have very well been the first alt-country band, and the incredible live sound of this early concert is further proof that they inspired legions of similar bands.

Travels well with: The Blasters- Mandatory: The Best Of The Blasters; Phil Alvin- Un “Sung Stories”

Past And Secrets

Another Day Another Time

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Another Day Another Time

The brainchild of the guitarist Yohan Delasalle, as Past And Secrets he pens a 22 minute instrumental EP that welcomes solos from 5 different artists.

The twinkling spirit of “Above Us” starts with much warmth and ambience, as Greg Schollaert’s dense guitar enters the thick climate, and “Come On Board” follows with Radek Stojda’s intricate guitar providing a cinematic quality to the intensity.

Brian Bajak arrives for the middle track, “World”, where plenty of metallic bursts enter the melodic atmosphere, while “Sleep Well, Little Child” spotlights Mika Dienst’s swirling guitar acrobatics amid the meticulous balance of light and dark textures.

The final track, “Together On A Mountain”, welcomes Demetrio Scopelliti to the abrasive meets lush ideas that bridges pounding waves and harmonic sensibilities.

Somewhere between prog-rock, metal and djent manipulation, Past And Secrets pull of dynamic riffs, fusion bursts and a sonically engaging experience that’s difficult to forget.

Travels well with: Captain Of The Lost Waves- Beautiful Ugly; Gabriel Keller- Hope Despite Everything

Diana Panton

Soft Winds And Roses

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Soft Winds And Roses

The Juno Award winning jazz vocalist Diana Panton brings us modern classics from the ‘60s and on, where Reg Schwager and Don Thompson are on hand for the romantic spirit.

The pretty keys from Thompson and expressive singing opens with the warm “Your Song”, and “They Long To Be Close To You” follows with Thompson’s playful vibes that suit the colorful singing.

A little later on, Schwager’s dreamy guitar complements the elegant keys and poetic singing of “How Deep Is Your Love”, while “Here, There And Everywhere” is particularly intimate, as the gentle guitar and keys align with Panton’s touching voice.

Landing close to the end, “Hey, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye” is initially a cappella before the emotive keys enters, and “Both Sides Now” exits with the well timed vibes giving even more appeal to the sincerity and heartfelt mood.

This is Panton’s 11th album, and it’s full of vocal jazz song craft that’s fleshed out with ethereal melodies and a delivery that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Diana Panton- Blue; Jessie Baylin- Strawberry Wind

Third Coast Percussion

Philip Glass: Aguas Da Amazonia

Rockwell, 2025

8/10

Listen to Philip Glass: Aguas Da Amazonia

The Third Coast Percussion quartet are celebrating their 20th anniversary with these new arrangements of Philip Glass’ Aguas da Amazonia, where the flutist Constance Volk is in attendance.

The soothing and synth fueled “Amazon River” opens with much attention to mood, and “Purus River” follows with a minimal approach, where dreamy percussive nods emit much mystery amid Volk’s elegant flute.

The middle track belongs to the stylish “Negro River”, which is rhythmic in a way you could dance to, while “Xingu River” carries a cinematic quality that balance sparseness with busier bouts of precise percussion.

“Paru River” and “Madeira River, Part II” exit the listen. The former draws us into its soft demeanor of beauty and grace, and the latter is strong on ambience via a lush presence that’s as fascinating as it is memorable.

An effort that truly does justice to the vision of Glass, Volk’s contributions are exceptional, as Sean Connors, Robert Dillon, Peter Martin and David Skidmore, i.e. Third Coast Percussion, again prove why they’re world renowned.

Travels well with: Third Coast Percussion- Between Breaths; Rachel Lee Priday/David Kaplan- Fluid Dynamics

Roger Street Friedman

Long Shadows

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Long Shadows

The singer-songwriter and storyteller Roger Street Friedman brings along a large cast for these modern Americana fueled tracks that tip their hat to the ‘60s and ‘70s.

The rich climate of “Rolling In Again” opens with Justin Guip’s thumping drums and Andy Hess’ fluid bass that complements Friedman’s smooth voice and soaring guitar, and “I Think We Know” follows with a soulful quality via the mature keys and well timed backing vocals.

Closer to the middle, “The Banks Of The Brazos” benefits much from Jeff Kazee’s articulate piano amid the rugged country spirit, while “The Land Of The Leaf Blower And The Mighty SUV” showcases Minnie Jordan’s strategic violin that suits the elegance of the album’s best.

Nearing the end, the rhythmic mood of “Without A Fight” welcomes George Rush’s meticulous bass that pairs well with the flowing melodies, and “Lo And Behold” exits with a calm demeanor of rootsy flavor, soothing backing vocals and sincere songwriting.

Friedman runs the gamut of emotions with his songs, including love, anger, dismay, fear, isolation and hope, and his timeless folk, roots, Americana and rock’n’roll formula yet again makes for a thoughtful record.

Travels well with: Roger Street Friedman- Love Hope Trust Acoustic; Roger Street Friedman- Love Hope Trust

Karl Latham

Living Standards II

Dropzone, 2025

8/10

Listen to Living Standards II

The revered drummer Karl Latham brings us some fusion jazz tunes, where east coast legends like Henry Hey, Roger Squitero and Wolfgang Lackerschmid are in attendance for the covers.

The very atypical version of “Break On Through (To The Other Side)” starts with Squitero’s fluid percussion and Hey’s playful keys, and “Rock And Roll Woman” follows with Stein’s flowing guitar that aligns with Latham’s drumming acrobatics that add much intrigue.

“Layla” and “Matte Kudasal” arrive in the middle. The former opens with a drum solo before the frisky rhythm section enters, while the latter finds a dreamy place to reside via the radiant guitar and cautious drumming.

Close to the end, “Magic Carpet Ride” isn’t lacking any rhythm or animated spirit, and “Carry On” exits in 2 parts, where plenty of classic rock ideas unfold amid the player’s inimitable skills.

The 7 timeless tracks get a fresh coat of paint, where they retain the greatness of the originals but with tweaks here and there (the opening tune even has vibraphone courtesy of Lackerschmid), for a thriving jazz-rock and fusion experience.

Travels well with: Joe Syrian Motor City Jazz Octet- Secret Message; Randy Weinstein- Harmonimonk

John Mailander's Forecast

Let The World In

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Let The World In

The multi-instrumentalist John Mailander brings his fiddle, keys and electronics to these 8 spiritual songs that embrace jazz, bluegrass and jam band sensibilities.

The busy, ambient opener, “(open)” leads right into the warm fiddle of “Let The World In”, where Mark Raudabaugh’s thumping drums won’t go unnoticed.

Further along, the breezy climate of “Chapters” makes great use of Jake Stargel’s cozy acoustic guitar amid the rich fiddle, while “Heartland” benefits much from Chris Lippincott’s hazy pedal steel and the mature piano for the album’s best.

Arriving close to the end, the 9+ minutes of “Road” blends Ethan Jodziewicz’s strategic bass, the atmospheric electronics and David Williford’s atypical clarinet with a jam band appeal, and “(reprise)” exits with a solo piano performance of sublime intimacy and grace.

A truly unique effort, Mailander and his friends make for an introspective and sometimes improvisational version of Americana and jam band ideas that are as original as they are memorable.

Travels well with: Greg Copeland- Empire State; Alan Walker- A Little Too Late

Scroggins + Rose

Speranza

Adhyâropa, 2025

9/10

Listen to Speranza

Alisa Rose and Tristan Scroggins bring their inimitable talents to these bluegrass and baroque fueled tracks that are highly technical.

The meticulous mandolin from Scroggins opens “Pandemic Buddy”, before Rose’s stirring fiddle enters the touching climate, and “Wayfaring Stranger” follows with the intimate fiddle complementing the melodic mandolin gestures.

“Walk Along John To Kansas” lands at the halfway point and showcases dancing mandolin amid the flowing fiddle, while “Lasso The Squirrel” is a uniquely rhythmic moment of playfulness from Scroggins amid Rose’s bright dynamics.

“Reaper” is the final track, and it’s strong on ambience, where the careful interaction between the pair yields much emotion and wonder.

This is the duo’s 3rd effort and it was conceived during the Covid lockdowns. Somewhere between Americana, newgrass, classical and folk, their partnership is entering new areas of sonic allure, as evidenced by this exceptional body of work.

Travels well with: High Horse- High Horse; Eureka Shoes- Beautilina

Christian Sands

Christmas Stories

Mack Avenue, 2023

9/10

Listen to Christmas Stories

The pianist and composer Christian Sands put a very unique spin on some memorable holiday music, where Yasushi Nakamura, Ryan Sands, Max Light, Marvin Sewell, Jimmy Greene and Stefon Harris are in attendance for the festivities.

The bluesy spirit of “Jingle Bells” opens with fluid guitar licks and Ryan Sands’ agile drumming making for a very distinct version of the classic, and “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” follows with Sands’ meticulous keys complementing the elegant sax from Greene.

Further along, the rockin’ “Snow Dayz” spotlights Light’s flowing guitar playing amid many melodies, while “Silent Night” allows for Sewell’s radiant guitar tone in a very dreamy and cinematic landscape.

Arriving close to the end, “The Gift” benefits much from Harris’ well timed vibes that illuminates much intimacy, and “Last Christmas” exits with the graceful keys and strings thanks to Eli Weinberger and Andrew Joslyn for an extra helping of beauty.

A very atypical but easily embraceable holiday album that you can play all year long, Sands again impresses us with his finger acrobatics and timeless vision.

Travels well with: Christian Sands- Embracing Dawn; Emmet Cohen- Vibe Provider

Eugenie Jones

Eugenie

Open Mic, 2025

9/10

Listen to Eugenie

The powerful vocalist Eugenie Jones returns with a 6th album, where a large cast of players accompany her for a diverse listening experience.

“Why I Sing” begins the 13 songs with Jones’ soulful pipes alongside warm keys and Russell Carter’s precise bass, and “Starlight Starbright” follows with a dreamy presence via the elegant strings that emit sublime balladry.

Moving along, “It’s Okay” comes with a Latin mood thanks to playful percussion from Kahlil Bell, while “I Love Being Here With You” showcases a frisky bass solo that leads into plenty of grooves amid the Peggy Lee classic.

Deeper still, “Say What You Will” is packed with bluesy guitar riffs and radiant melodies complemented by Jones’ expressive pipes, and “Harlem Nocturne” exits with Rico Jones’ inimitable and meticulous sax alongside Jones’ emotive singing.

An effort that parallels the greatness achieved by Nina Simone or Abbey Lincoln, the themes of passion, betrayal and revenge surround blues, soul and jazz sounds that we won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Alyssa Allgood- From Here; April Varner- April

Adolphus Hailstork

Chamber Works

Navona, 2024

8/10

Listen to Chamber Works

The esteemed composer Adolphus Hailstork meshes African, American, and European traditions for these 2 involved pieces that recruit The Harlem Chamber Players.

“Piano Quintet “Detroit” opens with David Berry’s animated piano alongside the unpredictable violins from Ashley Horne and Claire Chan for the 4 exciting and meticulous chapters.

“Nobody Know” finishes the listen, and welcomes Kenneth Overton’s powerful baritone amid William Frampton’s eloquent viola and Wayne Smith’s stirring cello that suits the dynamic and articulate 18 minutes.

Hailstork pens a listen that draws parallels to Shostakovich or Prokofiev, and the excellent musicians illuminate the profound climate of contemporary classical ideas.

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

Flamin' Groovies

Let It Rock: Live From The San Francisco Civic Center 1980

Liberation Hall, 2024

9/10

Listen to Let It Rock: Live From The San Francisco Civic Center 1980

The early ‘80s were a pivotal time for the punk rock pioneers Flamin’ Groovies, and this live set was captured when their contract with the label Sire had just ended. The band were also dealing with much internal strife, but you wouldn’t know it from this playful and unpredictable evening of originals and covers.

After an introduction, “Never Been In Love” follows with front man Cyril Jordan’s gritty and tuneful voice guiding George Alexander’s frisky bass amid the triple guitars, and the fuzzy and speedy “Back In The U.S.S.R.” puts a garage rock spin on the classic tune.

Deeper into the night, the bouncy and dance floor tailored “Around And Around” is a really lively version of The Rolling Stones’ hit, while the harmonic vocals from Jordan, Chris Wilson and Mike Wilhelm makes for a raw take on a song by you know who via “A Hard Day’s Night”.

Closer to the end of the 12 song set, “Paint It Black” showcases the scrappy rhythm section thanks to David Wright’s drums and precise guitar interaction, and, of the 3 bonus tracks, “Shake Some Action”, which was captured at the Old Waldorf on October 24, 1980, is an excellent original that bridges the bands proto-punk spirit with no lack of melodies.

This is the first time this show has ever been released, and it further solidifies Flamin’ Groovies as one of the most impactful and influential bands from the Bay Area.

Travels wells with: 999- Emergency At The Old Waldorf 1979; APB- The Radio 1 Sessions

Swingin' Utters

BOOTSnBooze #4

Pirates Press, 2023

10/10

Listen to BOOTSnBooze #4

This 4th installment from the Boots N Booze crew brings back the Santa Cruz punk legends Swingin’ Utters, where we’re treated to a pair of Cock Sparrer covers to go along with the comic book surrounding the tales of the Santa Cruz skinheads, punks and assorted rude boys.

The bouncy and melodic “I Got Your Number” occupies Side A, where Darius Koski’s buzzing guitar suits Kevin Wickersham’s lively bass lines and frontman Johnny Peebucks’ signature vocals that are as distinct as ever.

Side B offers the rhythmic and dance floor ready “Sunday Stripper” that makes great use of Greg McEntee’s hard hitting drums and Max Huber’s raw guitar via the raw and timeless energy.

A top notch package where the colorful artwork and storytelling of the 44 page comic book matches the rowdy and authentic spirit of the music, every installment of this series has been a must for fans of comics and punk.

Travels well with: Swingin’ Utters- Live At Ritchie’s New Years Eve Party 7”; The Liquidators- Long Time Again/Soul Steppin’

Kyle Jones

Dualities

Neuma, 2025

9/10

Listen to Dualities

The inestimable saxophonist Kyle Jones defies boundaries for this debut album, where Timothy Jones and Julian Hernandez accompany him for the 6 colorful tracks.

Miriama Young’s “This Earthly Round (Redux)” opens with the light piano from Timothy complementing Kyle’s distinct alto sax prowess that’s both mysterious and exciting, and “Las Dolly Sisters”, by Gabriela Ortiz, unfolds with a playful energy via the firm sax and Hernandez’s lively clarinet.

In the middle, Rodney Rogers’ “Lessons Of The Sky” emits much melody via the swift keys and dreamy sax, while “Tableau IX” is an intimate moment of solo alto sax dynamics from Kyle’s meticulous skills in the Tyson Gholston Davis original.

Residing near the end, Ortiz’s “Mambo Ninón” benefits from firm keys and swirling alto sax for the mesmerizing album highlight, and Chris DeBlasio’s “Walt Whitman In 1989” exits with a soothing demeanor of rich song craft and precise interaction between the piano and sax.

A highly technical but accessible body of work, the presence of rhythm, texture and color makes for sonic bouts and meter shifting that’s fascinating.

Travels well with: Juraj Kojš + Pioneer Winter Collective- Birds Of Paradise; Drew Whiting- All In

Jeremy Beck

Song Of The Sky

Neuma, 2025

9/10

Listen to Song Of The Sky

The esteemed composer Jeremy Beck creates songs for orchestra and soloists here, and it makes for a contemporary classical and operatic body of work.

“Cello Concerto 2020” starts with Atanas Krastev’s elegant cello and the Sofia Session Orchestra flowing through 4 movements of harmonic and melodic gestures of beauty and sophistication.

The middles tracks belong to “Rhapsody” and “The Highway”. The former uses Dora Dimitrova’s stirring violin to cultivate a lush climate, while the latter recruits many voices for the intense storytelling that soars with emotion that benefits much from Seth Thomas’ well timed guitar.

“Song Of The Sky” exits the record, and includes Denitza Dimitrova’s dreamy harp that suits the meticulous interaction from the orchestra via the heartfelt and uplifting finish.

The pieces were recorded in both America and Europe and illustrate his artistic and timeless vision through the chamber, classical, orchestral and operatic dynamics.

Travels well with: Kyle Jones- Dualities; Juraj Kojš + Pioneer Winter Collective- Birds Of Paradise

Pioneer Winter Collective + Juraj Kojš

Birds Of Paradise

Neuma, 2025

9/10

Listen to Birds Of Paradise

An electronic score by the highly creative Juraj Kojš and the dancers of Pioneer Winter Collective, the 8 tracks of experimental and atypical sounds touch on spoken word, dance music and social justice.

The beat driven “Barbara” opens with strategic humming and rich percussive ideas, and “Josue” follows with warm piano and powerful wordplay from the spoken word amid a spacey backdrop.

“Gabriela” and “Katrina” occupy the middle tracks. The former is rich and dreamy with very precise instrumentation that’s aligned with wordless singing, while the latter enters sci-fi territory via the mysterious ambience and jarring bouts.

Residing near the end, “Shamar” seems like the soundtrack to another dimension with its highly unusual electronic exploration, and “Lotte” exits with a breathy demeanor and radiant instrumentation that builds into an emotive and buzzing finish.

A very inventive affair that embraces singing, humming, speaking, breathing, stomping, and heart-beating, Kojš’ electronic prowess is nothing short of gripping, either.

Travels well with: Dan Román- DVXNS; Drew Whiting- All In

Julio Botti

Jazz Tango Fusion

Zoho, 2019

8/10

Listen to Jazz Tango Fusion

An Argentina native and saxophone virtuoso, the Grammy Nominee Julio Botti returns with electric guitar, Hammond B3 organ and Rhodes piano to help fuel these tango influenced tunes.

“Imagenes 676” starts the listen with both restraint and playfulness in the cultured jazz fusion fun, and this continues on with highlights like the organ friendly and breezy melodies of “Celtic Feast”, as well as the multifaceted dynamics of “Chin Chin”.

Although there isn’t a dud to be found here, “Milongueta”, with its tense drumming and soothing saxophones, is one of the album’s best where elegance and mystery are both in attendance.

Of the originals (the rest are Pablo Ziegler and Astor Piazzolla songs), “Tango Blues” is exceptionally rhythmic with plenty of blues, too, while “Upper West” recruits Latin-bop fun with an intricate solo from Botti.

Botti is aligned with Andrew Bird, Juampy Juarez (guitars), Eduardo Withrington (keys) and Tiego Michelin (drums), and though Botti’s soprano and tenor saxophone acrobatics are certainly the focal point, he’s in esteemed company on this expertly crafted affair.

Travels well with: Pablo Ziegler- Los Tangueros; Astor Piazzolla- Spain Again