Amy Brandon

Lysis

New Focus, 2024

9/10

Listen to Lysis

The Canadian composer Amy Brandon returns with a diverse offering, where both solo and ensemble pieces unfold with profound attention to detail.

“microchimerisms” starts the listen with Sara Constant’s atypical flute gestures populating the quick ambience, and “threads” follows with an ominous mood, as the Chartreuse Trio emit quivering strings with strong emphasis on pitch and white noise.

The middle tracks belong to “Caduceus” and “Tsiyr”. The former recruits Leah Plave and India Gailey’s cellos amid Brandon’s curious electronics via the down tuned climate, while the latter benefits from Quatuor Bozzini and Ensemble Paramirabo, whose flute, clarinet and piano emits much color and tonality.

The final 2 tracks don’t disappoint either. “Simulacra” welcomes dissonance and melody to the 12+ minutes that puts Jeffrey Zeigler’s cello and the Symphony Nova Scotia to good use, and the title track exits with Bozzini’s prowess, as abrupt shifts in landscape create an unpredictable and intriguing finish.

An unconventional effort that explores microtonality, modern composition and chamber music, Brandon’s vision is lush, exploratory and iconoclastic in its ever changing execution.

Travels well with: Jon Nelson & Metalofonico- Metalofonico; Richard Cameron-Wolfe- Passionate Geometrics

Colin Fisher

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Suns Of The Heart

The multi-instrumentalist Colin Fisher knows his way around an improvised and free jazz spirited tune, and here we’re treated to 6 highly imaginative and unpredictable selections.

“Acts Of Light” gets the listen off to an atmospheric start, where glowing guitar is met with a sense of mystery and cinematic qualities, and “Dues Absconditus” follows with buzzing guitar solos and flashes of sax invading the free jazz exploration.

The middle tracks belong to “Luminous Light” and “Terra Lucida”. The former manipulates feedback and percussive ideas in a mesmerizing fashion, while the latter is uniquely harmonic via the dreamy guitar and strategic repetition.

The record exits with “Illuminato Matutina”, where wonder and awe are present amid the distinct tension and abstractly melodic gestures.

A highly experimental effort that might bring to mind Nels Cline or Oren Ambarchi, Fisher’s impressive attention to detail is very much appreciated across this fascinating 6th solo release.

Travels well with: Jeremy Gignoux- Odd Stillness; Tim Brady- Imagine Many Guitars

David Bailis

Tree Of Life

Create or Destroy, 2024

8/10

Listen to Tree Of Life

The guitarist David Bailis is joined by Chris Speed, Eric Lane and Jason Nazary for these 4 originals and lone cover, where thoughtfulness and creativity are very much appreciated.

“Rays Of Light” opens the listen with Lane’s sophisticated keys that suit soulful tenor sax from Speed amid Bailis’ spirited guitar, and the title track follows with Nazary’s subdued drums and much intimacy via the the wind and guitar.

“Big Dreams” occupies the middle spot and showcases Lane’s well timed synth bass alongside the flowing keys, while “Open Your Eyes” comes with a dreamy flavor thanks to the meticulous guitar from Bailis who turns in a careful interpretation of the Bobby Caldwell tune. The quick listen exits with “Is Eternal”, where the dynamic instrumentation benefits from crisp drums, intricate guitar and lively sax.

The quartet fleshed out the songs in a 5 hour session without any rehearsals, and Bailis’ diverse background is very much apparent throughout the colorful and imaginative affair.

Travels well with: Doug MacDonald- Live At The Rancho Mirage Library; The Haas Company- Celestial Latitude

John Fedchock

Justifiably J.J.

Summit, 2024

9/10

Listen to Justifiably J.J.

The trombone wizard John Fedchock pays tribute to the J.J. Johnson Centennial with this live album that recruits Steve Allee, Jeremy Allen and Sean Dobbins.

The frisky “Naptown U.S.A.” opens with Fedchock’s lively brass amid Allee’s lively keys for the dynamic delivery, and “Short Cake” follows with an emotive mood that uses Dobbins’ precise drums strategically.

The middle spot belongs to “Kenya”, where a cinematic quality unfolds via the meticulous drumming and energetic keys that are complemented by Allen’s playful bass, while “Say When” bops and shakes with an infectious demeanor via the animated rhythm section and Fedchock’s bright trombone.

Arriving near the end, the dreamy “Minor Mist” radiates much beauty and grace, and “Ten 85” exits with a meticulous collaboration between the quartet that emits a timeless jazz appeal.

The sound quality here is top notch and the execution is equally great. The set was captured at the Jazz Kitchen, in Indianapolis, where Johnson was born and died, and it certainly does justice to his legacy- from one trombone master to another.

Travels well with: Bevan Manson- Talking To Trees; Matt Booth- Sun Prints

Debra Lyn

A Cold Wind Blows (Evolution)

Palette, 2024

8/10

Listen to A Cold Wind Blows (Evolution)

A Nashville based artist with a penchant for Americana and folk sounds, Debra Lyn brings us 12 original songs, where emotions and relationships are touched on with much eloquence.

The title track starts with much warmth, where Lyn’s cozy voice is met with soft guitar and moody percussion, and “One Heart” follows with mesmerizing guitar and intimate singing that tugs on the heartstrings.

“Closer To Goodbye” arrives in the middle and comes with a dreamy mood that welcomes graceful strings, while “If I Never Wake Up Again” uses Jeff Silverman’s ambient keys alongside the short but impressive singing.

Landing close to the end, the breezy “Swim The River”, the album’s best, offers a charming and powerful moment of sublime beauty, and “Till I’m Gone” exits with a live tune that benefits from Tyler Reese’s meticulous acoustic guitar that suit Lyn’s soaring pipes.

Silverman’s contributions on production, mixing and mastering can’t be ignored, as Lyn’s sincere and universally relatable songwriting makes an indelible impression.

Travels well with: Rosemary Loar- Coraçāo Vagabundo/Vagabond Heart; CeCe Gable- Love On The Tyrrhenian

Eddy Lee Ryder

Sweet Delusions

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Sweet Delusions

The ‘demented pop’ artist Eddy Lee Ryder makes an impression with this sophomore album, where introspective songs touch on romance, regret, broken hearts, and hope for the future.

The title track opens with Ryder’s powerful and bright voice alongside lush strings and a very rich climate, and “Highwaymen” follows with crisp drums and a calm mood, where melody and a nostalgic approach won’t go unnoticed.

Moving into the middle, “Antarctica” unfolds with a unique dreaminess that’s intimate, while “Simple Touch” builds into a scrappy, indie-rock delivery that’s poetic and adventurous.

Further still, the rhythmic and dance floor friendly “Smoke And Mirrors” uses keys strategically amid the frisky vocals and infectious energy, and “County Fair” exits with an acoustic guitar focused tune that tugs on the heartstrings.

An album that’s very focused on storytelling, Ryder is creating her own brand of Americana, and the no lack of hooks or retro nods make for an excellent listen that might even remind you of Stevie Nicks or Kate Bush.

Travels well with: Vakili Band- Tannersville; TT- Man On The Corner

Cathy Segal-Garcia

Social Anthems Volume 2

Dash Hoffman, 2024

8/10

Listen to Social Anthems Volume 2

The always impressive vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia returns with another batch of songs that touch on the challenging times we are living in, and she’s got an all star cast along for the 8 tracks.

“In Your Eyes” starts with a lush appeal, where Nick Mancini’s glowing vibes complement Segal-Garcia’s distinct singing in the Peter Gabriel hit, and “Inner City Blues/Make Me Wanna Holler” follows with playful drumming and infectious bass for the rhythmic setting.

The middle track belongs to “Russians/My Russia”, where a hint of mystery enters the rich delivery, while “The Book Of Love” benefits much from cautious drumming and Carey Frank’s well timed keys.

Close to the end, “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” meshes the radiant vibes, agile drumming and melodic singing into the album’s best, and a remix of “Inner City Blues” exits with a adventurous mood and dance floor ready appeal that’s both stylish and memorable.

Segal-Garcia’s alto pipes are in fine form here, and her esteemed company help put a fresh coat of paint on songs from the ‘70s through the ‘90s with plenty of jazz flavor.

Travels well with: Cathy Segal-Garcia- Social Anthems Volume 1; Alexis Cole- Jazz Republic

David Leisner

Charms To Soothe

Azica, 2024

8/10

Listen to Charms To Soothe

Now 20 albums deep, the esteemed guitarist David Leisner brings us 19th century music by Mertz, Sor, Guillani, Schulz and Regondi.

Mertz’s “Nocturne, op. 4, no. 2” opens the listen with Leisner’s warm and inviting guitar playing that instantly draws us in, and “Three Etudes (from op. 40)” follows with the graceful progressions that are intimate and melodic in their precise delivery of the Schulz tune.

Sor’s “Two Etudes” arrives in the middle and carries an intimate quality via the cautious playing, while Giuliani’s “Four Pieces (from op. 148) [in the form of a Sonata]” balances both soft and firm gestures that radiate much exploration.

Near the end, “Two Etudes”, courtesy of Regondi, is a mesmerizing and rich album highlight that benefits much from Leisner’s meticulous craft, and “Two Pieces (from Bardenklänge, op. 13)” exits with a colorful and enlightening finish that showcases Leisner’s tremendous abilities.

Leisner released his album in 1979, and his resume has been busy and accomplished since. This body of work comes at a very difficult time in history, and the indeed soothing aspect is very much appreciated.

Travels well with: David Leisner- Letter To The World; Sahan Arzruni- By Women: Piano Works By Armenian Woman Composers

New Math

They Walk Among You

Propeller, 2024

10/10

Listen to They Walk Among You

New Math were definitely ahead of their time when this EP was released in 1981, and in this remastered and expanded reissue treats us to 6 bonus tracks that exemplify their post-punk and Goth filled ways.

The title track starts with crisp drums and rich synth that suits the dark climate of raw, post-punk that might bring to mind Joy Division or The Cramps, and “Garden Of Delight” follows with a brighter appeal, as a swirling climate radiates a nostalgic energy that bursts into a speedy tune.

Deeper into the original EP, “Invocation” offers a haze via Chris Yockel’s thick guitar amid Gary Trainer’s strategic bass, while “American Survival” is a scrappy and almost pop tinted EP closer that makes great use of Kevin Patrick’s distinct singing.

Of the 3 studio outtakes, “Dead Of Night” allows for Mark Schwarz’s animated synth to shine alongside the thumping drums and mesmerizing guitar, and, of the live selections, “Second Language” pounds hard before finding more melodic gestures, where the sound quality is excellent and the songwriting timeless (this was recorded in 1983.

New Math were one of upstate New York’s first punks, and were active from the late ‘70s until 1984, when they changed their name to Jet Black Berries. They released a fairly limited amount of records, and this reissue resurrects a magic that will appeal to fans of The Damned, Psychedelic Furs or The Dandy Warhols.

Travels well with: Apothek- Apothek; Highasakite- In And Out Of Weeks

Sam Phillips

A Boot And A Shoe

Omnivore, 2024

9/10

Listen to A Boot And A Shoe

This 10th album from the singer-songwriter Sam Phillips was originally released in 2004, and here it lives again for the first time on vinyl and with new liner notes from Phillips.

“How To Quite” starts the listen with playful acoustic guitar alongside well timed drums, as Phillips’ distinct voice makes for an animated folk climate, and “All Night” follows with a hint of rhythm amid the frisky drums and fluid strumming.

Moving into the middle, “Red Silk Five” emits much beauty and melody via the intricate guitar and expressive singing, while “Infiltration” is quite pretty, intimate and showcases the lovely singing amid strategic guitar and gorgeous strings courtesy of the Section Quartet.

Landing close to the end, the album’s best, “If I Could Write”, blends the strings and guitar with a unique poeticism, and “One Day Late” exits with the inviting singing and colorful musicianship that’s charming and memorable.

Even if you don’t recognize the name, you’ve likely heard Phillips’ work as she’s soundtracked plenty of TV shows, and with an all star cast including T BoneBurnett, Marc Ribot (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello), Mike Elizondo (Fiona Apple, Eminem), and legendary drummer Jim Keltner, this reissue is a great way to become acquainted with some under appreciated pop/rock/folk.

Travels well with: Grant-Lee Phillips- All That You Can Dream; Rufus Wainwright- Rufus Does Judy At Capitol Studios

The Flaming Lips

King’s Mouth Music And Songs

Warner, 2019

9/10

Listen to King’s Mouth Music And Songs

The Flaming Lips never do anything conventional, and this 15th album continues that trend with cinematic narration from Mick Jones, of The Clash, that soundtracks Wayne Coyne’s art installation, the aptly titled King’s Mouth.

“We Don’t Know How And We Don’t Know Why” starts the album with spoken word from Mick Jones on a spacey, ambient affair, and “The Sparrow” follows with Coyne’s raspy vocals alongside a bare acoustic, cosmic gem.

Elsewhere, “Mother Universe”recruits classical undertones amid an ethereal delivery, while the quirky “ “How Many Times” is part hushed, part soulful pop flavor.

The back half of the listen brings Jones back on the experimental and dense rock of “Funeral Parade”, and “Mouth Of The King”, also with Jones, elicits a sunnier approach of acoustic guitar prowess. “How Can A Head” finishes out the listen with a retro-pop, orchestral and anthemic feel, a completely stunning exit to the creative environment.

Much like their exceptional Yoshimi album, the tunes here tell a vivid story while delivering further proof that a band who have made an international impression with their iconoclastic version of neo-psychedelia, aberrant post-punk and prog-rock nods are clearly nowhere near running out of ideas.

Though concept albums at this level of skill might alienate a lot of listeners, King’s Mouth might actually be one of the most accessible albums in decades from Coyne and company.

Travels well with: Pink Floyd- Wish You Were Here; Radiohead- The King Of Limbs