Ever Lovin' Jug Band

Move That Thing

Jalopy, 2024

10/10

Listen to Move That Thing

A highly unique listen from the 21st century jug enthusiasts, Ever Lovin’ Jug Band, the 12 songs here bring psychedelic ideas to a nostalgic template.

“Cabbage White” opens with the raw vocals and thumping drums complementing the adventurous blowing bouts, and “Little Rubber Boots” follows with a scrappy, garage rock appeal that welcomes pretty, harmonic singing.

Further along, the busy “Five Pin” carries a soulful quality amid the thick percussion and waves of atmosphere, while “What’s That Wow?!” sounds like it came from many decades ago and showcases playful female voices via a vintage quality.

Deeper still the bright sax and chunky banjo of “Boom Box Rag” builds into a quirky moment, and “Dreamland” exits with cinematic nods that are colorful and unpredictable.

An incredibly innovative duo, the band dabble in 50s rock-n-roll, psychedelic, garage, jazz, and wall-of-sound sensibilities that make every track here a surprise you’ll visit again and again.

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

Music Soup Organ Trio

Upbeat Mood

Chicken Coup/Summit, 2024

8/10

Listen to Upbeat Mood

Nestor Dimopoulous, Evgenia Karlafti and Vagelis Kotzabasis, i.e. Music Soup Organ Trio, return with 8 new tracks of their inimitable version of jazz.

“Korean Apartment” starts the affair with Dimopoulos’ animated guitar and Karlafti’s playful organ making for cozy gestures, and “A Day In The Park” follows with dreamy guitar amid Kotzabasis’ spirited drumming.

At the halfway point, “My Little Red Book” offers a rich album highlight that illustrates strong collaboration between the trio, while “Fun Island” welcomes guest Kym Purling’s well timed piano to the melodic gestures and timeless appeal.

Residing near the end, the aptly titled “Upbeat Mood” emits a frisky tone and no lack of grooves, and “Appointment In Anthems” exits with Hengry Gergen’s trumpet in attendance for the bop fun that radiates meticulousness.

A highly danceable affair that’s universally accessible, Music Soup Organ Trio and their company are already well known on the Athens jazz scene, and there’s little doubt the rest of the world will enjoy these songs, too.

Travels well with: Matt Booth- Sun Prints; Paul Carlon Quintet- Blues For Vita

Kevin Gordon

The In Between

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to The In Between

On his first release in 6 years, the guitarist and singer Kevin Gordon treats us to 10 songs of his bluesy flavor, where plenty of friends lend a hand.

“Simple Things” opens the listen with dense guitars, as Dave Jacques’ lively bass and Luella Wood’s warm backing vocals complement the rootsy nods, and “Keeping My Brother Down” follows with a swampy mood, where Ron Eoff’s rugged bass enters the Southern spirit.

The middle track belongs to “Tammy Cecile”, which recruits Josh Hunt’s skilled drumming and Fats Kaplin’s intimate fiddle to the calm delivery, while “Coming Up” thumps and shakes with an infectious energy via the timeless country rock that showcases fluid guitar and gritty yet melodic singing.

Arriving close to the end, “Catch A Ride” displays Todd Balden’s well timed backing vocals and Bryan Owing’s animated drums, and “You Can’t Hurt Me No More” exits with Kaplin’s strategic pedal steel amid emotive vocals and a unique dreaminess that’s heartfelt.

In addition to the above, Joe V McMahon handles guitar on all tracks, and it helps makes this excellent effort after a hiatus due to cancer thanks to Gordon’s thoughtful vision and ability to mix blues, country and rock into his own brand of Americana.

Travels well with: Ted Russell Kamp- California Sun; Jeffrey Halford & The Healers- Soul Crusade

Bevan Manson

Talking To Trees

Tiger Turn, 2024

8/10

Listen to Talking To Trees

The pianist Bevan Manson is surrounded by an excellent cast for these 9 jazz tunes where Tierney Sutton and Katherine Liner’s vocals populate this 6th album.

“All Blues” begins the listen with Sutton’s soft scatting alongside Bob Sheppard’s dreamy flute and Manson’s twinkling keys, and “Banyan Tree/Take The A-Train” follows both Sutton and Liner’s radiant voices amid Damon Zick’s rich sax, as the setting turns frisky.

The middle tracks belong to “Redwood” and “A Dance Of The Mangrove Trees”. The former carries a distinct intimacy via Trey Henry’s warm bass and Joe Locke’s well timed vibraphone, while the latter benefits much from Gayle Levant’s heartwarming harp and Gordon Au’s bright trumpet.

Closer to the end, the firm strings of “Mr. PC” aligns with Tom Rizzo’s well timed guitar and Manson’s flowing keys, and “SprigSpring Epilogue” exits with a mashing of clarinets, bassoons and Sutton’s voice that complements the meticulous keys.

An enlightening and colorful tribute to the natural world, Manson and the Hollywood Studio Symphony put a very rich and creative spin on standards and originals that use jazz and classical ideas to their advantage.

Travels well with: Matt Booth- Sun Prints; The Paul Carlon Quintet- Blues For Vita

Doug MacDonald

Live At The Rancho Mirage Library

Dmac, 2024

9/10

Listen to Live At The Rancho Mirage Library

The always impressive guitarist Doug MacDonald is joined by the Coachella Valley Trio for these live jazz interpretations of standards that sure do sound great in his very capable hands.

“It’s A Blue World” starts the listen with MacDonald’s meticulous guitar playing, as the original ballad climate is replaced with an upbeat delivery, and “Lady Bird” follows with some Latin flavor via Tim Pleasant’s frisky drums and Larry Holloway’s animated bass plucking.

Landing in the middle is the hard swingin’ “Spanish Eyes”, where some chords are altered with much skill and playfulness, while “Triste” emits bossa nova idea amid the chunky bass and radiant guitar tone.

“Fascinating Rhythm” and A Little Tutu” exit the listen. The former is a colorful take on the Gershwin tune that carries an infectious energy, and the latter is a swift blues rocker that has the trio each displaying their inimitable talents with a timelessness you can’t not admire.

Regardless of the setting he’s in, MacDonald never disappoints, and his work here is a set of swingin’ fun that you’ll enjoy over and over.

Travels well with: Doug MacDonald- Sextet Session; Doug MacDonald Trio- Edwin Alley

Lina Bahn

Axolotl

Neuma, 2024

9/10

Listen to Axolotl

An assembly of 6 selections for violin and electronics, Lina Bahn’s esteemed strings are aligned with much exploration for the electroacoustic affair.

Pamela Z’s “Four Movements” begins the listen with Bahn’s elegant and moving violin playing that can be frisky, too, before finishing the movements with animated and cinematic manipulation.

“Deadhorse Paint”, by John Drumheller, then showcases tremendous attention to mood via the quivering strings and electronic gestures, while Morton Subotnick’s “Axolotl” radiates a distinct intimacy, that, closer to the end of the 12 minutes, becomes frantic and exciting.

The final 2 selections are equally memorable. Steve Antosca’s “One Becomes Two” is a bit haunting and flows with meticulous string dynamics, and Daniel Wohl’s “Disappearance” completes the record with classical nods thanks to Bahn’s pretty and timeless violin prowess.

Bahn brings a wealth of talent and passion to the affair, and, with the atypical electronics present, it makes for both striking solo moments and unconventional songwriting that’s modern and unpredictable.

Travels well with: Elisabet Curbelo- Resonance Unbound; Cobus du Toit- From The Rooftop

Elisabet Curbelo

Resonance Unbound

Neuma, 2024

9/10

Listen to Esonance Unbound

The artist, technologist, and educator Elisabet Curbelo makes an impression with this debut album, where both minimal and full climates unfold with plenty of detail.

“Canarian Bayram” starts the listen with the University of Utah Ensemble’s light keys and stirring strings, as soft winds enter the articulate climate, and “Fantasia Flamenca” follows with Beatriz López Salinas’ flamenco footwork adding much to the adventurous and stylish delivery.

In the middle, “Kara Toprak” benefits much from Curbelo’s expressive voice amid Sanaz Nakhjavani’s detailed kanun, where the strings contribute to the cinematic qualities, while “Mikrop” spotlights Ulrich Mertin’s meticulous viola via the haunting ambience.

The final 2 tracks don’t disappoint either. “Epulos” displays Tommy Babin’s skilled prepared double bass for 11+ minutes of exploration, and “L’anello” allows for the RENGA Ensemble and Steven Schnick’s conducting and percussion to emit quivering moments, found object-ish percussion and a rare eloquence.

A highly innovative peek at Curbelo’s nomadic life, there’s Flamenco, Turkish and Canarian ideas mixed into the electroacoustic techniques for a unique, experimental journey.

Travels well with: Cobus Du Toit- From The Rooftop; Richard Carr- August Light

The Half/Cubes

Pop Treasures

Big Stir, 2024

9/10

Listen to Pop Treasures

The singer and bassist Gary Frenay and drummer and producer Tommy Allen step aside from their main project, The Flashcubes, for this double album that interprets some classic songs with no lack of power-pop appeal.

“Love’s A Melody” opens with the thumping drums and bright guitar emitting plenty of melody amid Frenay’s smooth voice and a bit of a jangle, and it isn’t long until “For Life” welcomes Bertolf Lentink’s expressive pipes for the loud versus soft dynamics of the emotive delivery.

Moving along, “My Girl” welcomes Nick Frenay’s keys and voice to the busy and animated landscape, while “Spinning The Wheel” recruits Mark Hudson’s pipes to the harmonic and retro-rock flavor.

Much deeper, “Disappearing” allows for Jonn Savannah keys and voice to add much grace and sophistication to the melodicism, and “Best Day On Earth” exits with Randy Klawon’s swirling guitar that suits the hooks and instantly memorable finish.

Additionally, Fernando Perdomo provides guitar on many tracks, as the band put their inimitable spin on some already great songs, where the sounds of the ‘70s on get a fresh coat of paint via plenty of pop fun.

Travels well with: The Armoires- Octoberland; Blake Jones & The Trike Shop- and still…

The Haas Company

Celestial Latitude

Psychiatric, 2024

9/10

Listen to Celestial Latitude

The inimitable guitarist Frank Gambale joins the drummer Steve Haas, keyboard extraordinaire Pete Drungle and the Haas Company for this detailed fusion effort.

The groove filled and animated “Meekat Rock” starts the listen with Pete Gallio’s warm sax and AJ MacDowell’s playful bass, and the title track follows with Gambale’s dreamy guitar that makes for a soothing and expressive landscape.

Halfway through, “Ariel” emits a dreamy mood via Drungle’s bright keys and the soaring guitar acrobatics, while “Drawn And Quartered” recruits Jay Rodriguez’s sax skills and piccolo bass via MacDowell’s agile playing for a buzzing and prog-filled album highlight.

Landing near the end, “Memories Of The Future” benefits much from Kirwan Brown’s meticulous bass and Samuel Hallkvist’s swirling rhythm guitar for the hazy delivery, and “Liquid Crystal” exits with the dynamic rhythm section, where Haas’ inestimable drumming won’t go unnoticed or appreciated.

A technical body of work that embraces fusion, rock and jazz, there’s no lack of solos and plenty of rhythm that makes each selection unpredictable and memorable.

Travels well with: Paul Kendall- My Shining Hour; Carl Clements- A Different Light

Mitch Woods

Happy Hour

MoMojo, 2024

9/10

Listen to Happy Hour

The key wizard and vocalist Mitch Woods brings us 13 songs with Kid Andersen, Larry Vann, Dave Somers and Kedar Roy on hand for the timeless blues sensibilities.

The energetic and melodic “Jukebox Drive” starts the listen with Larry Vann’s upbeat drumming complementing Woods’ soulful pipes, and “Long, Lean, And Lanky” follows with gritty singing amid Anderson’s warm guitar and plenty of dance floor playfulness.

Further along, Woods’ elegant keys make an impression across the slow burning “Cryin’ For My Baby”, while “Amber Lee” is an infectious and retro spirited album highlight that benefits much from Roy’s precise bass.

Deeper yet, “Queen Bee” showcases Dave Somers’ soaring sax via the rich landscape, and “Solid Gold Cadillac” exits with rumbling and glowing keys that are met with an animated rhythm section and Woods’ inimitable pipes.

This is Woods’ 14th album and contains all originals that are packed with boogie fun, New Orleans nods and his patented piano fueled vision that no one else can replicate.

Travels well with: Brock Davis- Everyday Miracle; Duke Robillard- Roll With Me

Patricia Brennan Septet

Breaking Stretch

Pyroclastic, 2024

9/10

Listen to Breaking Stretch

The composer, vibraphonist and marimbist Patricia Brennan is joined by an excellent cast for these adventurous 9 tracks that are experimental in a jazz fueled sort of way.

“Los Otros Yo” opens the listen with much rhythm, where Brennan’s lively vibes are met with Mark Shim’s glowing tenor sax and Marcus Gilmore’s frisky drums, and the title track follows with Jon Irabagon’s radiant sax amid Adam O’Farrill’s rowdy trumpet acrobatics.

In the middle, “Palo de Oros” spends 9+ minutes mesmerizing us with its minimal versus festive bouts thanks to Mauricio Herrera’s lively percussion, while “Five Suns” benefits much from Kim Cass’ skilled bass and Brennan’s meticulous mallets via the cultured album highlight.

Arriving near the end, “Manufacturers Trust Company Building” is full of agile winds, brass and drumming ideas that are uniquely melodic, and “Earendel” exits with O’Farrill handling electronics for the rich and dynamic finish.

An unpredictable journey that’s constantly shifting in tone and aesthetics, the septet touch on Brennan’s Mexico roots with funk and salsa nods to complement the jazz backdrop.

Travels well with: Modney- Ascending Primes; Ches Smith- Laugh Ash

Mr. Gnome

A Sliver Of Space

El Marko, 2024

9/10

Listen to A Sliver Of Space

The Cleveland husband and wife duo, Mr. Gnome, never disappoint, and this time their sonically exciting and artistic sounds explore electronica, desert rock, punk, indie rock and other ideas with much creativity.

“Nothing And Everything” gets the listen off to a radiant start, where the warm synth and pop melodies are met with Nicole Barille’s bright voice, and “Fader” follows with dense guitar and no lack of grit via the swirling rock.

Arriving in the middle is the intimate and heartfelt “Mind’s Gone”, while “The Importance Of Being Cool” offers a thumping and buzzing album highlight that straddles alt-rock and electro-pop with strong attention to detail.

Residing near the end is the animated and lush “The Other Side Of Nowhere”, where dynamic drumming sounds and expressive singing won’t go unnoticed, and the title track exits with both restraint and adventurousness via the soulful and powerful songwriting.

A thoughtful body of work that explores dreamy spaces amid life and death, consciousness and unconsciousness, Barille and drummer/pianist Sam Meister have been crafting a sound all their own since 2005, and this 6th record is among their best.

Travels well with: Mr. Gnome- The Day You Flew Away; M Wagner- We Could Stay

Sarah King

The Masquerade Is Over

Birdwatcher, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Masquerade Is Over

The Brooklyn vocalist Sarah King is in some excellent company for these 10 timeless jazz tracks that balance lively moments with balladry.

“Willow Weep For Me” begins the record with King’s distinct voice alongside Stefan Vasnier’s playful keys and Aidan O’Donnell’s animated bass, and “I’ve Got You On My Mind” follows with charming singing and Ben Cliness’ frisky drums amid the flowing keys.

Halfway through, “Steppin’ Out With My Baby” makes great use of Charlie Caranicas’ skilled trumpet via the bouncy energy, while “Why Try To Change Me Now” lands in intimate areas thanks to Greg Ruggiero’s warm guitar and King’s soaring pipes.

Landing close to the end, “When Sunny Gets Blue” is a soft and nostalgic moment, and “Wash That Man Right Out Of My Hair” exits with the soulful brass, meticulous keys and David Langlois’ agile percussion making the finish an album highlight of jazz that anyone can enjoy.

King’s voice won’t take long to develop an affinity for, and the rest of the players don’t disappoint, either, across this diverse and really fun listen.

Travels well with: Alexis Cole- Sky Blossom: Songs From My Tour Of Duty; Veronica Swift- Veronica Swift

Jordie Lane

Tropical Depression

ABC/Sony, 2024

9/10

Listen to Tropical Depression

The Australian native and Nashville resident Jordie Lane returns with an unclassifiable 4th album, where ‘60s ideas and folk moments won’t be hard hard to spot or appreciate.

The stylish and soulful “Back, Out There” opens the listen with Lane’s expressive pipes and plenty of atmosphere that’s not lacking grooves, and “Biscuit House” follows with a rare intimacy that’s aglow with sincerity and warmth.

Moving into the middle, “Different Worlds” comes with a stirring dreaminess that unfolds via a heartfelt mood, while “Friends” is a retro and frisky moment that benefits from harmonic singing and timeless folk song craft.

Deeper still, “Internal Dialogue” unfolds with a poetic quality that’s cozy and relatable, and “Been Lucky” exits with sophisticated keys and expressive singing that’s gentle and strategically repetitive for effect.

Lane was born to parents who were a comedian and clown, and he was raised in a circus life. His music, however, is no joke, and quite possibly some of the best modern folk you’re likely to hear.

Travels well with: The W Lovers- For A Day Or A Lifetime; Tucker Woods- Sunshine Blues

Duke Robillard

Roll With Me

Stony Plain, 2024

9/10

Listen to Roll With Me

The blues artist Duke Robillard has an impressive resume that includes multiple Grammy nominations, and this album a long time in the making finds him surrounded by an excellent cast for the 12 timeless tracks.

The frisky “Bluecoat Man” opens the listen with Robillard’s soulful pipes amid Mark Teixeira’s lively drums and Doug James’ animated sax, and “Just Kiss Me” follows with Al Basile’s well timed cornet that suits the powerful pipes and Carl Querfurth’s rich trombone.

In the middle, the dance floor mood of “Boogie Uproar” welcomes Rich Lataille’s exciting sax prowess and Matt McCabe’s finger acrobatics on piano, while “Look What You Done” bop and shakes via Brad Hallen’s bouncy bass and Chris Cote’s impressive vocals.

Landing close to the end, “You Got Money”, the album’s best, is a rhythmic and rich delivery that benefits from Doug Woolverton’s skilled trumpet and Mark Early’s strategic sax, and “Don’t You Want To Roll With Me” exits with Marty Ballou’s infectious bass lines and Pam Murray’s playful trombone that align with Robillard’s inimitable guitar and voice.

A fantastic collection of originals and covers, Robillard and his crew mesh blues, R&B, soul and rock’n’roll into a swingin’ great time you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: The Duke Robillard Band- They Called It Rhythm & Blues; Brock Davis- Everyday Miracle

The Armoires

Octoberland

Big Stir, 2024

10/10

Listen to Octoberland

The Burbank indie-pop outfit The Armoires make an impression with this 4th album that might just remind you of Belle & Sebastian, The Sundays, or even The New Pornographers.

“We Absolutely Mean It” starts the 11 tracks with Larysa Bulbenko’s stunning viola alongside the retro, folk songwriting, and “This One’s For The Swedes” follows with Rex Broome's animated guitar strumming and Christina Bulbenko's inviting pipes that welcome synth, too.

In the middle, “Green Hellfire At The 7-11” tips its hat to cow-punk via the charming jangle, while the cozy keys of “Here Comes The Song” presents harmonic singing in an intimate and soaring album highlight that embraces chamber ideas.

Approaching the end, “Snake Island Thirteen” has Bulbenko singing with passion about her ancestral homeland of Ukraine, and “Music & Animals” exits with a lively rhythm section, fluid vocal harmonies and emotive strings.

An album that could have been made in any decade since the ‘60s, The Armoires blend psyche-pop, twee-pop and dream-rock into a hook filled affair that’s superb.

Travels well with: Blakes Jones & The Trike Shop- and still…; Sparkle* Jets U.K.- Box Of Letters

Catharine Cary

Air Cake And Other Summery Occupations

Orchard of Pomegranates, 2024

8/10

Listen to Air Cake And Other Summery Occupations

The multidisciplinary artist Catharine Cary creates a highly atypical debut album, where surreal stories and improvised music emits much creativity.

“Daisy Day” starts with Eyvin Bamford’s lively drumming sounds amid the flowing spoken word for the unpredictable opener, and “Lazy Day” follows with Eric Lewis providing cornet amid Cary’s bright storytelling via the jazz spirited climate.

“Weaving Leaves” and “Dust And The Middle” land in the middle. The former emits gripping wordplay alongside squealing clarinet thanks to Lewis, while the latter carries a bit of droning and mystery courtesy of the strong attention to ambience and wordplay.

Close to the end, the more rock focused “Climbing The Rhune” showcases the proficient drumming that suits the descriptive talking, and the title track exits with artistry and cinematic nods.

Cary resides in France, and brings that influence to a jazz fueled and spontaneous effort that’s unique, cultured and adventurous in its own light.

Travels well with: Joel Chadabe- Emergence; Jeremy Gignoux- Odd Stillness

Filippo Dall'Asta

The Hot Club Of Tenerife

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Hot Club Of Tenerife

The Italian guitarist Filippo Dall’Asta tips his hat to Django Reinhardt’s seminal band ‘Quintette du Hot Club de France’ here, where 4 originals and interpretations of standards unfold with the mood of the Gypsy Jazz sounds of the ‘30s.

“After You’ve Gone” begins the listen with Kepa Martinez’s flowing clarinet complementing Dall’Asta’s playful guitar techniques in the upbeat climate, and “Cherokee” follows with wordless vocals that complement Fernando Angulo’s frisky drumming.

Further along, Aldona Trybulec’s graceful viola and Monika Wursten’s elegant cello suit the charming violins from Ada Kwasniewicz and Krzysztoí Katana for the poetic “Not Yet, Sofia!”, while “Nico’s Dream” comes with a lullaby appeal, as the cozy guitar could easily let us slip into slumber.

Deeper yet, Gershwin’s “The Man I Love” bounces and shakes with an infectious energy via Agustin Buenafuente’s frisky double bass and Dall’Asta’s finger acrobatics, and “Lonely” exits with a heartfelt demeanor that benefits much from the rich clarinet and soft guitar playing that abruptly shifts into a lively and melodic finish.

An unpredictable and adventurous body of work, Dall’Asta’s guitar playing is immediately memorable and the company he keeps breathes new life into a 100 year old genre.

Travels well with: Luca Sestak- Lighter Notes; Filip Dinev- Romann

Leslie Uyeda

The Sex Lives Of Vegetables

Redshift, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Sex Lives Of Vegetables

The Vancouver pianist and artists Leslie Uyeda presents her first monograph recording, where poetry and contemporary, classical ideas unfolds with strong attention to detail.

The opening segment, The First Woman, starts with Rachel Kiyo Iwassa firm keys, where Heather Pawsey’s soaring pipes belt out poetry by Lorna Crozier, and Hahawo Shinobite follows with gentle keys and a distinct intimacy of beauty.

The title track is the longest portion, as 15 chapters unfold with AK Coope’s dreamy clarinet. “Tomatoes” showcases powerful singing amid the upbeat keys, while “Watermelons” is a rich and eloquent album highlight that’s melodic in nature. The album exits on “Radishes”, which radiates tremendous strength and diversity thanks to the flowing musicianship.

A highly colorful and dynamic effort, Uyeda’s vision is executed with much charm and both introverted and animated gestures.

Travels well with: Stefan Smulovitz- Bow & Brush; Nova Pon- Symphonies Of Mother And Child

Eye Said So

Eye Said So

Number 9, 2019

8/10

Listen to Eye Said So

A self-described ‘shizo rock’ outfit from Austin, this first EP from Eye Said So brings uncontainable energy to a listen where many different ideas from the rock spectrum unfold with much creativity.

“Ipso Facto” gets the album started with a driving rock tune that’s both crunchy and spacey, and “State Of Mind”, with Taeryn Rayne, brings the pace down to a mysterious setting that builds into a buzzing atmosphere.

At the halfway point, “Shove” brings us a firm beat in a hazy environment that bursts into industrial like energy, while “Chrome” puts a fun spin on fuzzed out alt-rock.

The EP ends on the throbbing bass work of the charged “Wall”, and “Stock King”, with DJ Centipede, exits with restrained melodies in a finish that pushes and pulls with busy moments of exploration.

Although they’re just a duo, Eye Said So make full, loud and atypical sounds that all fans of anything related to alt-rock will find much enjoyment in. A fine debut indeed, this is a band to keep an eye on.

Travels well with: Queens Of The Stone Age- Songs For The Deaf; Twenty One Pilots- Vessel