Brian Baumbusch

Polytempo Music

Other Minds, 2024

8/10

Listen to Polytempo Music

The inimitable composer Brian Baumbusch is joined by the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players for 12 distinct versions of chamber sounds that embrace virtual reality ideas.

“Opening” begins the listen with the strings and winds interacting with animated and flowing gestures, and “Clockwise” follows with a rare melody via the mesmerizing and cinematic swells.

Moving into the middle, “Hex Tree” places the gentle keys amid the bright textures that swirl with wonder and awe, while “Adzan” finds itself in lower registers thanks to the meticulous oboe that draws us in immediately.

Close to the end, “Heliks 45”, the best track, is richly layered with glowing winds and quick strings, and “Hourglass” exits with a charming, rhythmic presence of beauty.

A truly unique effort that embodies Indonesian gamelan sounds, the bouts of minimalism and colorful bursts are full of rhythmic and harmonic gestures that you can’t not admire.

Travels well with: Guy Barash- Killdeer; Counter)induction- Against Method

Dallas Chamber Symphony

Chasing Home

Albany, 2024

9/10

Listen to Chasing Home

The Dallas Chamber Symphony bring us 2 major works from American composers, where the very thorough selections unfold with incredible attention to detail.

Joseph Thalken’s “Chasing Home” opens with 8 distinct chapters, as warm strings and bright percussive sounds flow across firm, soothing and adventurous moments that benefits much from the dreamy winds.

The back half offers us Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring Suite (Original Version)”, and it opens with a bare intimacy of beauty and grace before cinematic springs enter the eloquent and meticulous 8 selections.

Both of the tracks here are inspired by views of the migrant experience, and the chamber interaction is executed superbly and is appreciated just as much as much as the enlightening subject matter.

Travels well with: Christopher Rouse- Concertos; Cecil Price Walden- Hours

Allison Dromgold Adams

Flames Will Grow

Albany, 2024

8/10

Listen to Flames Will Grow

Allison Dromgold Adams is joined by Andrea Lodge and Liz Bouk for these 7 new works that emit solo, duo and trio settings with eloquence and adventurousness.

The soft and cozy “Rumination And Manifestation” opens with Adams’ poetic tenor sax and Lodge’s emotive keys making for a gripping start via the Keane Southard piece, and Philippe Hurel’s “Opcit” follows with 4 chapters of exploratory sax prowess that’s as unpredictable as it is exciting.

The title track, by Dominick DiOrio, showcases Lodge’s firm keys amid Bouk’s impressive mezzo-soprano, where Adams’ restrained alto sax won’t go unnoticed, while “Dew Of The Moon” is an alto-sax solo moment that’s harmonic and upbeat thanks to Molly Joyce’s vision.

The last 2 tracks don’t disappoint, either. Andrew Sigler’s “Through All Panics” meshes the dense keys with flowing tenor sax in a dizzying album highlight, and Wang Jie’s “Nose On Fire” carries a cinematic quality courtesy of the lively piano and animated sax gestures.

An effort where each track carries its own unique identity, Adams is in excellent company and every moment benefits from the skilled interaction and rich solo bouts.

Travels well with: Christopher Rouse- Concertos; Dallas Chamber Symphony- Chasing Home

The Down Hill Strugglers

Old Juniper

Jalopy, 2024

8/10

Listen to Old Juniper

This first album of all original work in many years from New York’s The Down Hill Strugglers embraces plenty of Appalachian folk from the 3 multi-instrumentalists.

“Gettin’ Ready To Go” starts the listen with warm fiddle and plenty of fluid banjo picking in the raw recording, and “Battle Hollow” follows with guest Hannah Shepard’s flowing cello that complements the meticulous and mesmerizing strings.

Further along, “Graying Waltz” welcomes cello again for the melodic gestures and old time feel, while the title track showcases intricate picking and mountain-esque melodies that you can’t not enjoy.

Deeper yet, the lovely fiddle of “Whistle Won’t Blow” welcomes harmony vocals from Walker Shepard and Jackson Lynch via the richly textured album highlight, and “Let The Rich Go Bust” continues the mood with vivid storytelling that suits the layered string interaction.

Walker Shepard and Lynch handle vocals, guitar, banjo and fiddle, and Eli Smith contributes banjo, guitar, banjo-mandolin, pump organ and harmonica. Together, they create a nostaglic string effort that was recorded live to tape with one microphone, which gives it a very organic and authentic personality.

Travels well with: Aquarian Blood- Counting Backwards Again; Wyndham Baird- After The Morning

Christopher Rouse

Concertos

Albany, 2024

8/10

Listen to Concertos

The winner of the 1993 Pulitzer Prize in Music, Christopher Rouse’s work is interpreted here by the Albany Symphony Orchestra, who take conducting from David Alan Miller.

“Heimall’s Trumpet” starts the listen with Eric Berlin’s precise and impressive trumpet prowess alongside the booming orchestra that make for 4 lively and unpredictable chapters.

“Oboe Concerto” arrives in the middle and welcomes Katherine Needleman’s curious oboe playing to the soothing and cinematic qualities that, in the last segment, erupt into animated and loud interactions.

The final selection, “Bassoon Concerto”, showcases Peter Kolkay’s bassoon amid both tense and pretty gestures that embrace dramatic swells and upbeat collaboration.

An effort that retains Rouse’s emotional intensity, the orchestral and chamber approach makes each track here colorful, imaginative and memorable.

Travels well with: Agustin Muriago- Sur; Cecil Price Walden- Hours

Carnage Asada

Head On A Platter

Historical, 2024

8/10

Listen to Head On A Platter

The Los Angeles punks Carnage Asada bring plenty of energy to these 12 anthems, where the 6 members plant much diversity and substance to the affair.

The hard hitting yet melodic “Black Trench Coat” opens the listen with plenty of grit between the thick guitar from Tony Fate and Vince Meghrouni’s bright wind, and “Chinese Lady Aluminum Foil” swirls with George Murillo’s talking and singing drawing us into the droning mood.

Landing in the middle is the softer “Psychedelic Experiment”, where a distinct intimacy welcomes David O. Jones’ moody bass amid the cryptic storytelling, while “Norteno” is a quirky and playful moment that uses Steve Reed’s light drums and a mesmerizing rhythm as Murillo speaks in Spanish.

Further yet, the jagged and dynamic “Septiembre” is the album’s best and benefits much from the animated rhythm section, and “Blood Of Thorns” exits with cozy bass lines and busy bouts of experimental and insightful song craft.

The members of Carnage Asada have impressive resumes that include time in bands like Legal Weapon, Saccharine Trust and Alice Bag Band, and this ‘punk orchestra’ setting with trumpets and cello from Dave Travis makes for a very modern and artistic take on punk.

Travels well with: Danko Jones- Electric Sound; The Oxys- A Date With The Oxys

Nichole Wagner

Plastic Flowers

Star Catcher, 2024

8/10

Listen to Plastic Flowers

The Austin resident Nichole Wagner knows her way around an Americana song you won’t soon forget, and here she’s added folk, pop and rock to the 10 relatable tracks.

The lively drumming and warm strumming of “Monsters” starts the listen with Wagner’s spirited voice radiating much beauty, and “Raised By Wolves” follows with fluid electric guitar and bright storytelling for the folk influenced delivery.

The title track occupies the middle spot and it’s got some grit amid the melodic gestures, while the swift “I Know Better This Time” comes with a punchy mood of playful, rootsy flavor.

Deeper still, “Until The Water Comes” emits charming vocal harmonies amid the breezy and eloquent demeanor that makes this the album’s best, and “Road That Jim Built” exits with dreamy acoustic guitar and eloquent wordplay for an intimate finish.

The framework for these songs began during the Covid lockdowns, and similarities to Neko Case or Jenny Lewis won’t be hard to recognize or appreciate thanks to the heartfelt song craft and timeless nature of Wagner’s vision.

Travels well with: Emily Hicks- Weird Wild Wonderful; Ashley E. Norton- Call Of The Void

Karen Slack/Michelle Cann

Beyond The Years

Azica, 2024

8/10

Listen to Beyond The Years

The soprano Karen Slack and pianist Michelle Cann come together for these 19 unpublished songs from Florence Price, where both the artists contribute their inimitable talents.

The soaring and gorgeous “Decline” starts the affair with powerful singing alongside the flowing keys, and it isn’t long until “Pittance” emits a stunning beauty, as Slack’s expressive pipes meet the rich key progressions.

In the middle, “Sacrament” carries a distinct intimacy, where Slack’s range is explored meticulously, while “The Dawn’s Awake” showcases swirling finger acrobatics amid the inimitable singing for an absorbing album highlight.

Closer to the end, “Your Leafy Voice” isn’t short on melodies or heartfelt gestures, and “Song Is So Old” exits with strong attention to mood via the emotive piano and flawless pipes.

The record hosts 16 world premieres, and the duo pay homage to Price with wonder and awe that remains true to the original vision but with Slack and Cann’s abilities very much present.

Travels well with: Christopher Cerrone- Beaufort Scales; Kris Bowers- For A Younger Self

The Roamers

The Roamers

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Roamers

The Los Angeles collective The Roamers, led by Matt Rice, come together for these 10 collaborative songs that touch on timeless Americana ideas that we could never tire of.

The energetic and warm “Playboy” gets the listen off to a radiant start, where Luke Adams’ thumping drums suit Rice’s expressive pipes amid some buzzing, and “I Can Be Lonely” follows with a calmer spirit, as Matt Pynn’s fluid pedal steel complements the rootsy flavor.

The middle tracks are among the best, where the rowdy yet precise “Room To Roam” welcomes well timed backing vocals and Brian Whelan’s animated keys, while “Do What You Wanna Do” comes with timeless Americana nods that balances calm and driving songwriting.

Residing near the end, “They Come Around” lands closer to country territory, where Rice’s bright storytelling won’t go unappreciated, and “Where The Road Is Always Open” shifts gears into a distinct twang filled, folk rocker.

A very diverse outing that is as likely to get you on the dance floor just as it could get you to mull things over, blues and punk spirit isn’t off the table, either, for this infectious body of work.

Travels well with: The Lost Weekend Band- One Hell Of A Time; David Luning- Lessons

Nick Dunston

Colla Voce

Out Of Your Head, 2024

8/10

Listen to Colla Voce

The inimitable artist Nick Dunston brings his diverse talents to these 13 unconventional tracks that welcome the JACK quartet and others for an avant-garde experience.

“Ova’Churr” opens with plenty of distortion, as processing enters the erratic and controlled chaos approach, and it isn’t long until “Blinding, Joyous, Fearful” emits manipulated strings and a sci-fi approach that unfolds with incredible detail.

Moving into the middle, “Lo And Behold” showcases plenty of tinkering and adventurousness amid a hint of melody, while “Argon” drones with a mesmerizing approach of swirling and cinematic qualities.

Near the end, “Anglo-Adjacent Phonetic Approximations” blends the harmonic voices in a lighter mood that benefits from Moritz Baumgärtner’s agile drumming, and the title track exits with mysterious vocals used as an instrument alongside the precise double bass from Dunston for the nearly soothing 9+ minutes.

A superbly experimental outing that touches on jazz sensibilities, Dunston and his crew make for much intrigue and playfulness to be absorbed.

Travels well with: Alfredo Colón- Blood Burden; Hannah Marks- Outsider, Outlier

Kenny Werner/Alon Michael

Fire And Praise

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Fire And Praise

The jazz pianist Kenny Werner is aligned with the esteemed interfaith/activist Rabbi Alon Goshen-Gottstein (Alon Michael) for these fusion friendly tracks that emobdy the Psalms and the melodies of Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu Taub.

“Psalm 113” opens the listen with Werner’s flowing keys that are complemented by Michael’s soaring voice, and “Psalm 114” follows with intimate and powerful singing that suits the mature key progressions.

In the middle, “Psalm 116” pays close attention to mood via the mysterious piano and expressive voice, while “Psalm 118” tugs on the heartstrings with the intimate playing from Werner amid poetic singing via Michael’s graceful pipes.

The final track, “Good To Praise You”, welcomes upbeat keys and an impressive range that’s powerful and memorable.

A thoughtful effort that’s jazz oriented and never short on harmonies, both of the artist’s talents are present amid improvisation and much beauty.

Travels well with: Rose Wollman- Breaking Glass Ceilings; Trendafilka- For The Olives

Mariam The Believer

Breathing Techniques

Repeat Until Death, 2024

8/10

Listen to Breathing Techniques

The Swedish singer-songwriter Mariam The Believer returns with a 3rd album, where the appreciation of air, space and breath radiates via her tender and sincere vision.

“Both Arms” starts the record with strong attention to mood, where a mesmerizing quality unfolds with soft keys and soothing vocals, and “Home” follows with drums and violin making for a poetic and rhythmic delivery.

“A Heart” and the title track land in the middle. The former is quite soulful and moves quicker with beauty, while the latter allows for Mariam’s intimate singing to emit mystery and warmth alongside rich textures.

Deeper still, “Dreams” showcases the impressive range of Mariam’s pipes amid playful strings, and “Highest Peak” exits with no lack of ambience from the haunting mood that complements the distinct singing.

A creative effort that revolves around jazz, soul and even spiritual sounds, the subtle but effective use of synth and harp adds even more grace to this enlightening listen.

Travels well with: Melody Fields- 1991; Endless Forms- The House Of Love

Life In Grooveland

The Hymnal

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Hymnal

An instrumental affair spearheaded by the dummer and percussionist Justin Amaral, the 10 detailed tracks welcomes some heavy hitters to the indeed large amount of grooves present.

“All Creatures Of Our God And King” starts, and pairs Amaral’s agile drumming with meticulous fiddle from Billy Contreras for a unique mashing of strings versus rock sounds, and “Holy Holy Holy” follows with Ilya Portnov’s harmonicas and jaw harp that align with unpredictable drums.

The middle spot belongs to “On Christ The Solid Rock”, where Fats Kaplin lends Sacred Steel to the Southern spirited hymn, while Paul Hiehaus’ steel guitar makes an impression for the well thought out and melodic “Come, Thou Font Of Every Blessing”.

Landing near the end, “Doxology” features Dave Coleman’s precise electric guitars amid thumping drums that emits plenty of bluesy flavor, and “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” exits with Daniel Seymour’s acoustic and electric bass for counter melodies and a dynamic interaction that finishes on a very strong note.

A highly creative effort, Amaral interprets traditional hymns with a world beat flavor, and with a different musician present on each track, the album is one pleasant surprise after another.

Travels well with: Steve Dawson- Ghosts; Jeff Coffin- Look For Water

Alexis Cole And The Taipei Jazz Orchestra

Jazz Republic

Tiger Turn, 2024

9/10

Listen to Jazz Republic

The revered vocalist Alexis Cole is joined by the Taipei Jazz Orchestra, where the 11 Big Band songs unfold with much energy and precision.

The busy presence of “Common Ground” starts the listen with Cole’s soaring voice alongside Yi-Hsuan Kuo’s lively drums and the bright brass, and “Begin The Beguine” follows with a calm mood that recruits talking and elegant vocals amid the soothing winds thanks to Cheng-Yu Jimmy Lee.

Moving deeper into the listen, the charming scatting of “Bye Bye Blackbird” emits an infectious mood via Keda Kinya’s rhythmic bass, while “Here’s That Rainy Day” offers an intimate moment that benefits from expressive singing and Michael Wang’s well timed trombone.

Further yet, “Beyond The Sea” spotlights James Linahon’s animated trumpet and vivid storytelling, where Cole’s pipes captivate us, and “You Make Me Feel So Young” exits with a dance floor demeanor that’s infectious and memorable.

Cole already has 12 albums under her belt, and this installment is yet another display of her inimitable talents, but in a cross-cultural setting.

Travels well with: Alexis Cole- Sky Blossom; Natalie Jacob- Sooner Or Later

The Lost Weekend Band

One Hell Of A Time

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to One Hell Of A Time

The Los Angeles Honky Tonkers The Lost Weekend Band make an indelible impression with just 5 songs here, where a guy named ‘Hardcore Dave’ fronts a country-ish band.

“Pay The Rent” starts the listen with firm guitar from Parker Richey and Carl Bryon’s rowdy keys that complement Dave’s raw and animated pipes, and “Sunlight” follows with Dave handling harmonica, too, as a bouncy and dance floor mood fills the bluesy spirit.

The middle track belongs to “Sing With Me”, where intimacy and beauty radiate amid the heartfelt storytelling, while “Madison Country” is a thick bar rocker that benefits from Eliot Lorango’s precise bass and well timed backing vocals.

The final tune, “In The Morning”, is another creative moment, as pedal steel and percussion suit the emotive singing of the sincere exit.

A band with an interesting backstory, Hardcore Dave got turned onto the outlaw country of Merle Haggard when he was touring with the hardcore outfit Agnostic Front. Still very much clinging to his roots, there’s plenty of fierceness to be embedded in these blues, country, Honky Tonk and rock’n’roll anthems.

Travels well with: David Luning- Lessons; Breezers- Hideaway

Jimbo Ross

Jazz Passion & Satin Latin

Bodacious, 2024

8/10

Listen to Jazz Passion & Satin Latin

The viola and violin player Jimbo Ross heads back to his roots for these 13 songs, where the jazz sounds touch on American standards, classics and even originals.

The bright and harmonic “Delilah” begins the listen with Ron Wagner’s playful drumming and Ross’ meticulous strings that suit the upbeat delivery, and “Polka Dots & Moonbeams” follow with a sublime intimacy, as Stuart Elster’s mature keys align with pretty string manipulation.

Closer to the middle, the bouncy “Lolita” benefits much from Joe Gaeta’s fluid guitar and a frisky rhythm section, while “Emily” showcases Peter Marshall’s upright bass amid the eloquent album highlight.

“Know It All” lands deeper and offers a dynamic and richly executed moment, and “Say’s You” continues the strong interaction with an animated delivery that’s destined for the dance floor.

Ross has an excellent resume and a wealth of experience, which is all clearly evident across these timeless jazz tunes.

Travels well with: Matt Booth- Sun Prints; Bill Banfield’s Jazz Urbane- Take Time To Listen

India Ramey

Baptized By The Blaze

Mule Kick, 2024

9/10

Listen to Baptized By The Blaze

The singer-songwriter and guitarist India Ramey returns with a 5th studio album, where honkytonk and Spaghetti western influences enter the 11 tracks.

The bouncy spirit of “Ain’t My First Rodeo” opens with Tommy Hardin’s lively drums and James Mitchell’s flowing guitar that suits Ramey’s playful voice, and the title track follows with a calmer mood, as Scotty Sanders places strategic pedal steel amid the soaring vocals.

Halfway through, “She Ain’t Never Coming Home” makes great use of Alyson Prestwood’s meticulous bass alongside the powerful pipes, while “Down For The Count” comes with plenty of classic country nods via the expressive singing and punchy climate that will get you on the dance floor.

Residing near the end, “Never Going Back” is a rich and thoughtful album highlight that’s harmonic, and “Go On Git” exits with a slight jangle and no lack of melody that invites singing along.

It’s not hard to think of Loretta Lynn or Neko Case when enjoying these tracks, and it’s pretty safe to say that Ramey is a luminous voice in the area of modern country.

Travels well with: Geanies- Can’t See The Sun; Rosie Flores- Working Girl’s Guitar

New Earth Farmers

The Sky From The Underground

Windfall, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Sky From The Underground

The Bay Area luminaries New Earth Farmers return with 8 originals and 2 covers, where their unclassifiable craft is as interesting and memorable as anything before it.

“Big Questions” gets the listen off to a rich start, where Nigel Twist’s dense drums and Kevin T. White’s precise bass complement Paul Knowles’ expressive voice, and “In The Sunlight” follows with warm acoustic guitar and swirling electric guitar via the retro-nods and dreaminess.

The middle tracks offer “Have Love Will Travel” and “Behind That Locked Door”. The former is melodic and intimate, where Melissa Phillips DePrato’s lovely harmony vocals won’t go unnoticed, while the latter welcomes Dave Zirbel’s touching pedal steel via a heartfelt climate.

Approaching the end, the rugged “Windfall” thumps and shakes with plenty of rock’n’roll spirit that invites a sing-along, and “He Broke Your Heart” exits with Adam Rossi’s soft B3 via the building landscape that soars with beauty and wonder.

A very meticulous body of work that explores many angles of Americana with nods to The Clash, The Who and The Beatles, every track here is full of substance and creativity.

Travels well with: The Mike Jacoby Electric Trio- Rocket Fuel Logic; David Luning- Lessons

Chief Keegan

The Piles High Club

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Piles High Club

The Irish band, Chief Keegan, return with Eddie Roberts, NOLA Trombone Legend Big Sam and Eddie Barbash for these 11 diverse and creative tracks.

“Crocs ‘n’ Jocks” opens the listen with Eddie Roberts’ flowing guitar for the funk filled climate that’s playful, and “Creamy Screamers” follows with Luke Dunford’s adventurous keys that suits the meticulous drumming.

Halfway through, “Love Pudding” showcases firm piano amid Mark Dudley’s spirited guitar licks for the rich album highlight, while “Frosty Nips” recruits Eddie Barbash’s skilled sax alongside exploratory grooves and timeless jazz nods.

Closer to the end, Richard Farrell lends his stunning voice via the intimate and elegant soulfulness of “Waking Up To The Light”, while “Shallow Gander” is populated by Big Sam’s bright trombone and Alan Elliott’s precise bass which makes adds much to a textured and busy finish.

A record with a very unique approach, the Irish sensibilities are complemented by jazz, funk and grooves that are nothing short of exciting and memorable from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Hollaway- Jazz-ish; Papo Vazquez- Songs Del Yucayeke

Eyal Vilner Big Band

Swing Out!

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Swing Out!

The Eyal Vilner Big Band have built up a lot of momentum with their last 3 albums, and this 4th effort continues their jazz and swing prowess with 18 of New York’s best musicians on hand.

“Downhill” gets the listen off to a vibrant and sophisticated start of big band sounds with hard bop nods, where horn solos are in attendance, and Duke Ellington’s “In A Mellow Tone” follows and indeed stays calm with keys and strong, soaring vocals from Brianna Thomas.

Elsewhere, the swift shuffling and washboard fun of “Dinah” is perfectly suited for the dance floor, while the elegant “Do You What It Means” offers us piano and brass solos on the feel good tune.

Deeper cuts like the festive, solo filled “Big Apple Contest” and the soulful, retro sounds of “My Baby Just Cares For Me” keep the song craft top notch, and near the end “5-10-15 Hours” lets the baritone sax shine on the ultra melodic album highlight with call and response fun. The album exits on the ambient “I’m On My Way To Canaan Land” where emphasis on drums invades the highly creative, flute friendly and cultured conclusion.

Swing Out! was recorded live in the studio, and it’s quite obvious with the boundless energy present, though the flawless musicianship hardly seems possible without overdubs. Vilner, an Israel native who now lives in NYC, crafts one memorable tune after another here, primarily rooted in the ‘50s style of Big Bands, although all ages will appreciate the timeless appeal here.

Travels well with: Duke Ellington- Blues In Orbit; Count Basie- Warm Breeze