This page will feature record and concert reviews from our DJs. John Hammel (Mozart To Motörhead) and Jeff From Oxford (The Perfumed Garden) get the ball rolling.

October Edition

Ami Taf Ra – The Prophet and the Madman – Brainfeeder Records

Ami Taf Ra: vocalist. - Ryan Porter: Trombonist. Miles Mosley: Bassist. Brandon Coleman: Guitarist. Tony Austin: Drummer: Taylor Graves: Vocalist - Cameron Graves: Pianist. Ronald Bruner Jr.: Drummer. Allakoi Peete: Percussionist. Kahlil Cummings: Percussionist.  Kamasi Washington – saxophones.

Ami Taf Ra has a beautifully clear & effulgent voice. This album is infused with the philosophical insights of Kahlil Gibran, exploring themes of loneliness, longing, turmoil and spiritual uplifting. The music is both exemplified by its cultural fusion of North African styles blended with jazz, gospel & its own unique voice created and glued by the astonishing vocals of Ami Taf Ra & where appropriate, Washington’s astonishing solos. The band is exemplary; seamlessly carrying out their mission in creating this wonderful music. JH

Nancy Braithwaite – Wonderings and other Revelations – Etcetera Records

Nancy Braithwaite – clarinet -  Claron McFadden, soprano; Ernst Munneke, piano; Matthias Naegele, cello; Vaughan Schlepp, piano; Michael Stirling, cello; Bas Verheijden, piano; Amarins Wierdsma, violin; Joost Willemze, harp; and Richard Wolfe, viola.

Vibrant new classical works performed with elegance, passion & aplomb by featured clarinetist Nancy Braithwaite. The opening piece Fünf Kommentare zu ‘Ich ruf zu dir…” by composer Carlos Michans is an elegant conversation for clarinet & harpsichord. It is usually translated as I call to you and the intimacy of that statement is captured fully by the two featured musicians. We next hear Edith Hemenway’s - The Voyage of the Owl and Pussy-Cat Trio for clarinet, cello and piano – a musical interpretation of the famous Edward Lear poem that is magnificently told by the three soloists. Wonderful sound painting & execution. Hemenway’s contemplative Wonderings is next up to bat. Featuring Michael Stirling cello - Vaughan Schlepp piano. Hemenway continues with a setting of Maya Angelous’ poem shortened in title to Caged Bird featuring soprano, piano & clarinet. Soprano Clare McFadden renders the text with commitment & clear diction. Hemenway finally presents us with six songs for soprano & piano. Ms. McFadden is accompanied by Vaughan Schlepp in these charming & evocative works. Thomas Oboe Lee’s “Yo Picasso” features five short movements representing some of the late masters most famous creations. Composed for clarinet, viola (Richard Wolfe), cello (Matthias Naegele) & piano (Ernst Munneke). These pieces are colorful evocations (pun intended) and gorgeously performed by the four instrumentalists. Oane Wierdsma’s Sonata for clarinet solo Op. 12 (1985) is what I was waiting for. A true test of the instrumentalist’s skill and artistry, this is a solo feature in four parts for clarinetist Nancy Braithwaite and does she ever rise to the occasion! Beautifully articulated and passionately performed. A bittersweetness hovers over this piece, perhaps due to the fact that Braithwaite & Wierdsma were partners until the composer passed away after a battle with cancer in 2008. Willem Wander van Nieuwkerk - Come, Shepherds, Deck Your Heads for violin, clarinet and piano (2004) concludes our new music journey with an expanded composition on a traditional tune that incorporates both modernity & tradition a la Bartok. A wonderful piece featuring both Braithwaite and her daughter Amarins Wierdsma on violin, as well as Bas Verheijden on piano. I love new and newish music and this album fulfills on every level. Excellent music and world class musicianship. – JH 

Roger Glenn – My Latin Heart – Patois Records – Roger Glenn – flute, vibes, alto sax, marimba, vocals, composer, arranger; David K. Mathews – keyboards; David Belove – bass; Ray Obiedo – guitar, producer; Derek Rolando – percussion; the late Paul van Wageningen – drums; John Santos – vocals, percussion (track 7); Michael Spiro – vocals, percussion (tracks 7, 8).

Roger Glenn is no stranger to this genre, i.e., Latin jazz, as he was a reedman in Cal Tjader’s groups, so he knows this music inside out and upside down. Vibrant and infectiously percussive music rendered expertly and if it doesn’t get your toes tapping and seat swinging, you’re not breathing. Whether pushing forward energetically or pensively persuasive, this album is one of the best Latin jazz outings of the year. Roger Glenn in his 80^th year proves that the music keeps you young or at the very least young at heart. JH

Satoko Fujii & Natsuki Tamura – Ki – Libra Records - Natsuki Tamura - trumpet - Satoko Fujii - piano

This is a typically genius outing from Satoko Fujii & her husband Natsuki Tamura. Two of my favorite improvising, creative music geniuses whose every release is greeted on my part with unabashed enthusiasm and excitement at the wonders awaiting my ears & sensibilities. No disappointment here. Ki is a marvelous work of unfolding elegance, quiet contemplation and at times fiery energy. Their usage of silence in between the notes is sheer heaven & cannot be taught. You either know how to do this and make the music happen in between the spaces or you don’t. Controlled technique and tone allow the music to unfold & flow like a welcome river washing over you and laving your senses into a feeling of tonal ecstasy. Translucent and utterly beguiling music of great depth. JH

Neal Bowen – The Trouble with Dogma – Blue Canoe Records  - Bass, Keys, Guitar, compositions, Co-Producer: Neal Bowen; Drums, Co-Producer: Jason Cooper; Trumpet: Tom Clary; Saxophone: Jim Spake; Trombone: Andrew Cook; Flute: Patrick Register.

Solid funky jazz/pop record with some great players and playing. Gorgeous harmonies add to the strong melodic content. Fans of Steely Dan will love this record sans vocals but feeling strongly vocal by strength of the melodic lines & structure. JH

Sylvie Courvoisier Wadada Leo Smith - Angel Falls – Intakt Records - Sylvie Courvoisier – piano - Wadada Leo Smith – trumpet.

It has been pointed out by some reviewers of the “profound chemistry” between these two extraordinary artists. That is almost a moot statement or point if you will, as these two artists are so exceptionally talented and this record is further proof. Smith at 83 continues to amaze at the depth, vigor and ingenuity of his artistry. Courvoisier, a mere child, at 58, has been in the forefront of modern improvisational creative music for decades now. This is music of high insight, daring & synergy. Emotionally intense with architectural nuance & strength. Both artists excel in the use of making music in between the notes. JH

Amina Claudine Myers – Solace of the Mind – Red Hook Records - Amina Claudine Myers - piano, Hammond B3 organ, and voice.

A 60 year career in music. Think about that. Marvelous. This record has an intimacy and power steeped in her earliest musical upbringing of Baptist & Methodist churches, gospel, R&B, blues, jazz et al. To say Myers employs wisdom and experience is to promulgate moot truths. She is a master in utilizing power through those emotional attributes as well as silences & space w/o the necessity of hitting you over the head. JH

Florence Price – Choral Works – Naxos Classics  - Malmo Opera Chorus & Orchestra – John Jeter – conductor - Sara Swietlicki – soprano – Lindsay Grace-Johnson – mezzo-soprano - Jonas Samuelson – baritone.

Florence Price’s “re-discovery over the past several years has been long overdue and much lamented that it took so look for this superlative artist to have a new heyday. The musical landscape is littered with like artists who have been wronged by the societal & cultural biases of their times. Some would say better late than never and although I have a tendency to agree, I find it appalling nonetheless. This recording led by conductor John Jeter, a Price champion, is simply magnificent. Wonderful orchestral & choral settings of two recording premieres and smaller lyrical pieces that shimmer & charm. The Song of Hope set to Price’s own poetry is imbued with Price’s admiral use of the spiritual form and deals with intercession(s) to God to aid in assuaging & understanding human suffering. The big statement is another recording premiere, Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight, a setting to the Vachel Lindsay poetic magnum opus. In these two pieces and throughout this cd, the Malmo Chorus & the soloists all exhibit clear, precise English diction with a finely detailed emotional lift. This is a wonderful record. JH

Marissa Nadler – New Radiations – Bella Union Records - Marissa Nadler – vocals/guitar – Milky Burgess – electric guitar/organ/synths.

This is classic Nadler with her characteristic breathy vocals, Fahey-ish slooow finger picked guitars soundscapes and plush harmonic schematics. This is not an upbeat record. The main themes are those of loneliness, solitude, isolation, journeying through inner space & time. It’s beautiful. If it’s your thing, then you’ve got yourself a musical belly button navel-gazing wonderland to revel in. If it’s not, you’ll find it boooorrrrrrring. I am in between. I admire the focus & artistry but it becomes a bit tedious to me after a while. JH

Brad Henkel Quartet – Overstory – Trouble in the East Records - Brad Henkel - trumpet, composition - Rieko Okuda – piano - Isabel Rößler -  contrabass -   Samuel Hall - drum set.

Extended technique, i.e., the use of unconventional, unorthodox, or non-traditional methods of playing musical instruments or singing to produce unusual sounds or timbres that go beyond standard techniques, has almost become a trope these days for anyone/everyone to prove their improvisational mettle. Sometimes it is warranted but ofttimes it’s a cop out for not working your standard technique enough. In the case of Brad Henkel and his highly creative quartet, it is more than warranted by tunes and harmonics that grow organically out of the initial musical thoughts, moving seamlessly into attractive exploratory extrapolations. This is ear catching, thoughtful, and highly enjoyable music from this American musician/leader/composer currently based in Berlin. JH 

Jussi Reijonen – Sayr - Salt – Thirst – Unmusic Records  - Jussi Reijonen – steel-string acoustic guitar in one take. – What a beautiful record. Sayr is derived from Arabic, meaning motion or pathway. This record has two long form extrapolations – Salt & Thirst. Reijonen creates a kaleidoscope of introspective emotive feelings with intricately delicate phrasing and creative tunings. This record is the first in a planned series of solo recordings and with this initial release, one’s appetite has been whetted for much, much more. JH

Trio of Bloom – Trio of Bloom – Pyroclastic Records - Keys - Craig Taborn -  drums/percussion - Marcus Gilmore -  6 & 12 string guitars – lap steel guitar – bass tracks 4, 10 - Nels Cline.

Jesus Christos! This record kicks off so propulsively I had to keep checking my vitals to insure I wasn’t directly hooked up to an ICU generator! Wow. This is avant-gardism at the maximal level of ingenuity, energy and engagement. These are extraordinary musical beings (from another planet?) who create incredibly challenging music yet goes down as easy as a smoothie. Alchemical music & performance at an off the charts level. JH

Mark Turner – Reflections on The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man – Giant Steps Arts – Mark Turner – tenor sax & narration – Jason Palmer – trumpet – David Virelles – piano, profit & organ – Matt Brewer – acoustic & electric bass – Nasheet Waits – drums.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light, do not go gently into that dark night. Dylan Thomas wrote that about resisting the physical act of death and the decline of health. It can be applied, as most great art can, in myriad ways & instances. In this case, I immediately channeled those immortal lines from the opening music & narration of this remarkable record. Especially in these troubling times where nearly half the country is okay with historical erasure. This project is a gorgeous interweaving of words & music with both complimenting each other to enhance the message(s). The words are excerpted from James Weldon Johnson’s semi-fictional story of a biracial man passing for white is was consequential when it was published in 1912 and as much so today. The music & musicians use extraordinary restraint and technique to ensure the integration of the story works as well as possible. A masterpiece. JH

Patricia Brennan Tentet – Of the Near and Far – Pyroclastic Records - Modney violin - Pala Garcia violin - Kyle Armbrust viola - Michael Nicolas cello; Sylvie Courvoisier piano - Miles Okazaki guitar - Kim Cass bass; John Hollenbeck drums and percussion - Arktureye electronics; Patricia Brennan vibraphone with electronics, marimba, compositions; Eli Greenhoe conductor.

An ambitious project with yet another eclectic mixology of genres going on. Jazz, classical, alternative rock, electronic……….and with a talent as prodigious as Patricia Brennan and her band members; they make it as easy as baking a pie. A musical mélange with ties to astronomical concepts and themes. Complexity and emotional depth commingle easily in this record and we’re all the better off for it. Superlative large ensemble compositions. JH 

Phil Hayes & Free Country – Liberty Now – Corner Store Jazz Records -  Hank Roberts, cello & lead vocals - Jim Yanda, guitar & vocals - Drew Gress, bass & vocals - Phil Haynes, drums & vocals.

Artists quietly pushing us to examine our past, present and future is exactly what these times need and this album is another welcome addition to a growing list. These musicians have known each other for decades and the fluidity and cohesiveness of their creative interaction reflects that fact. A two-cd set of originals and covers that explores our current times and potential through music that is both invigoration and though provoking. The originals on the first disk ask us to reflect upon what we are and/or have become and where do we wish to land in this chaotic struggle that is America today. The second disk explores covers that remind us of what our aspirations were and the kind of voices we had pushing us to question and to revolt against threats to a humanistic lifestyle and ideals. The incorporation of musical styles is exhilarating. I particularly loved the cello taking the vocal line in Revolution on the second disk. This is vitally important music making. JH

Anat Fort – The Dreamworld of Paul Motian – Sunnyside Records  - Anat Fort – piano - Steve Cardenas – guitar – Gary Wang – bass – Matt Wilson – drums - All compositions by Paul Motian.

A beautiful flowing recording becomes a perfect homage to the musical compositions of the late, great Paul Motian. Many know him for his technical wizardly on drums & percussion but not as many are aware of what a gifted composer he was. Anat Fort has offered her argument in that favor and it’s a stunner of understatement and understanding. She of course surrounds herself with great musical partners. All are given space in this production to shine with their ease of command and communication. Five of the tunes on this album are new that Paul never recorded with anyone and they glide seamlessly into the fabric of this fabulous tribute. JH

Linda May Han Oh – Strange Heavens – Biophilia Records - Linda May Han Oh – bass -  Ambrose Akinmusire – trumpet - Tyshawn Sorey- drums.

What a great record. Without a chordal instrument on hand this trio discovers ways to allow the music to flow like a fast-moving river to the sea, exploring singular voicings along the way. Of course, it feels seamless with musicians of this caliber. There is spontaneity aplenty, emotional brilliance & adventure abounding. This record is a standout of the trio format and Oh’s writing is exceptional. She concludes the record with two covers honoring other esteemed genre composers. Geri Allen’s Skin & Melba Liston’s Just Waiting. Indeed. I hope this trio continues and I can’t wait to see what else they come up with. JH

Jon Batiste – Big Money – Verve Records - Jon Batiste – keys/guitar/vocals - Phil Kuehn – Bass - Joe Saylor – Drums - Eddie Barbash - Alto Saxophone - Ibanda Ruhumbika - Tuba.

Hot on the heels of Batiste’s “classical” records this move celebrates American music at its elemental core. R&B, gospel, jazz, blues, rockabilly! Monsieur Batiste can handle all genres and blend it all up into a fusion of soul quenching musical satisfaction. Even when he’s being socially political he does so with wit and generosity. Jon Batiste is a bridge builder not a house burner and he knows intuitively and better than most that we all live beneath the same big tent. Outstanding contributions from his fine band and the lively featured vocalist peppered throughout. Andra Day, The Womack Sisters, and even fellow southerner Randy Newman helping out on the Doc Pomus classic Lonely Avenue. JH 

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith – Gush – Nettwerk Records  - How emotional can electronic music get? There’s the rub as Mr. Hamlet was wont to say. Well, as emotional as the artist can be and as receptive as the listener allows. Smith is one of my favorite artists. Intelligent and cogent and though provoking as well as, yes, emotional. And this may be her most accessible album yet. The music leans heavily towards moving the hips & weaving (or at least pogoing), making space and silence conjoin with her created sounds blooming forth into color, texture & depth. I mean it’s right there in the title. Gush. One word can mean and say quite a lot and be sensual as heck. JH

SPLORE - BACKSCATTERING (Blue Matter) 

The Bevis Frond singer/songwriter/guitarist Nick Saloman and producer/engineer Dave Palmer settled comfortably numb into Palmer’s studio and started riffing on some tunes, which slowly morphed into the album to hand. Never one to leave a good thing on the cutting room floor, Nick and Dave agreed to expand their material across three sides of vinyl, presenting us with more than 70 minutes of heaviosity, sprinkled with a little help from their friends, including Paul Simmons and Louis Wiggett from the Frond, Nick’s daughter Debbie, and Simmons’ partner Eliza Skelton from The Desperate Ones. Hold on for some heavy rock, krautrocking grooviness, spoken word bits, reggae, and soundtrack vibrations a la De Wolfe Library music. And don’t leave until you’ve fully digested the 25-minute title track!

We open with the 11-minute ‘Il Pirata’ by “Nick Valenti & The Latins”! A little synthy swashy shuffle to ease you through your aperitif, ‘Il Pirata’ is a headswirling, romantic, groovy slice of Italian library music perfectly suited for a ‘70s film montage. ‘Knot Garden’ is a short, sweet Baroque minuet that wouldn’t have been out of place on the Barry Lyndon soundtrack. Debbie Wileman steps up to the mic for a sultry saunter through ‘You Are The Light’ and I have to agree with Saloman’s assessment that this should be the next Bond theme!

Saloman flexes his muscles (and fingers) for the ominous ‘English Wire’, which morphs nicely into a synthy krautrock groove a la Kraftwork and Tangerine Dream. There’s more library music afoot for ‘Anthem #4”.Frond bassist Louie Wiggett takes the vocals for ‘Come Home Melody Moon’ which is exactly what I would have expected a 21^st century Beatles track to sound like. Get Macca on the line; he might need one more track to finish the new album!

Which leaves us alone to contemplate our navels and drift off to 25 minutes of headbanging, wall rattling gloomy, doomy scrunch of the title track. Saloman is no stranger to lengthy jamfests - he issued a compilation called The Long Ones, ‘Tangerine Infringement Beak’, Right On (Hippie Dream)’ and ‘The Shrine’ are in the 20 minute range, and he tossed all caution to the wind and released an entire album’s worth of ‘Homemade Traditional Electric Jam’ across nearly 45 minutes. This one includes some spacey, sci-fi synth for a proggy, krautrock diversion, and then breaks out the big guns for some fiery-fingered fretwork that would do Jimi proud. JFO

THE DESPERATE ONES - 1906 (Blue Matter)

Another archival resurrection from the wonderful Blue Matter label, this one was previously only available as a download from Oh Roy! Records in 2012 (the oblique reference to John Prine’s label noted!).The collaboration between Eliza Skelton and Bevis Frond guitarist Paul Simmons is dedicated to Eliza’s father Roy (perhaps best known as the voice of the Daleks in Doctor Who) who passed away shortly before its original release. Skelton’s vocals throughout are expressive and operatic with occasional gothic embellishments adding an eerie effect, introduced effectively on opener ‘The Murder Book,’ which features the first of several violin solos from Mike Simmonds. ‘A Thousand Days’ is the perfect soundtrack for a stroll through the woods on a misty morning, with chirping birds, rippling guitar and keyboard effects from Simmons and David Bramwell respectively, and hints of Trees and Mellow Candle vocalists Celia Humphris and Allison O’Donnell (Eliza’s sister Sam contributes additional vocals to enhance the atmosphere). It’s a beautiful eye-opener for a melancholic autumn morning.

The almost spiritual ambience of ‘Blood Moon’ is another attention grabber - this is not an album you put on at parties, rather a personal approach with a loved one or dear friend will inspire conversation while Skelton purrs softly in the background. Simmons softly-stroked backing is another soothing element on this album highlight. And after enjoying ‘Tongue-Cut Sparrow’ I’ve decided the world needs more glockenspiel in its music! Thanks for the revival Eliza! JFO

THE CORDS - The Cords (Skep Wax / Slumberland)

One of the hottest releases of the year, Scottish teenagers Eva and Grace Tedeschi twang and bang on things respectively and their love of ‘80s and ‘90s indie music shines through on their debut. ‘Fabulist’ sets the stage for breezy jangly pop with hints of Helen Love, American power poppers Nikki & The Corvettes and C-86 favourites Talulah Gosh and Primitives. Short and sweet - most songs hover at or under the two-minute mark - the sisters make their point with intelligent lyrics and infectious melodies that need no fancy embellishments (both add occasional bass to keep things grounded and moving forward).

‘You’ adds a looser, garage touch, ‘I’m Not Sad’ is perky perfection, side 2 speeds things up into Ramones territory, and ‘Yes It’s True’ even skinnydips into shoegaze! ‘Weird Felling’ returns to dream pop fantasies, and tearjerker ‘When You Said Goodbye’ avoids maudlin sentimentality. An exciting debut that belies their youth and suggests a bright future as evidenced by BBC 6Music sessions with Radcliffe & Maconie and sold-out gigs across the UK. Keep an eye on these "kids", they're going places! JFO

September Edition

Theon Cross – Affirmations – Live at the Blue Note New York – New Soil Records -  Theon Cross – tuba/compositions – guitar - Nikos Ziarkas – drums -James Russell Sims - sax - Isaiah Collier – Tuba as a progressive, innovative & creative jazz instrument? Yes indeed, in the hands of virtuoso (both technically & intellectually) Theon Cross. This is a fantastically well recorded live record and Theon and his bandmates lay on their influences, loud & proud. Rock, jazz, dub, funk et al, for a richly integrated & layerd soundscape. Peter Biedermann listed this as his favorite/best record of the year and it would be difficult to argue based on the aural evidence. JH

Azymuth – Marca Passo – Far Out Records  - Alex Malheiros - Bass, Acoustic Guitar & Vocals is the only original member of this solid Brazilian funk/jazz unit alive. This album pays homage to members past and the sounds are cemented into the band’s core sound. There are numerous musicians contributing to this solid throwback to their glory years and plenty of production and energy to keep them thrusting energetically into the future. JH

Earscratcher – Otoliths – Aerophonic Records - Dave Rempis – soprano/alto/tenor saxophone - Elisabeth Harnik – piano - Fred Lonberg-Holm – cello - Tim Daisy – drums – Wow. Another stunner from Dave Rempis and his label Aerophonic.  All four musicians extend the parameters of what you’d expect their instruments can do. And how. Unconventionally creative music of the highest order. Texturally nuanced yet cohesive and challenging. JH

Wet Leg – Moisturizer – Domino Records  - Hester Chambers – guitar, background vocal, lead vocals, synthesizer , electric piano, tin whistle - Ellis Durand – bass guitar, piano, background vocals - Henry Holmes – drums, percussion, background vocals - Joshua Mobaraki – guitar, synthesizer, keyboards, background vocals - Rhian Teasdale – lead vocals, guitar, background vocals – I love to see young artist grow & mature and these folks are doing it in spades. Relentless rhythms and edgy melodies combined with an earnestness and lyrical maturation. Hester Chambers still imbues her lyrics with humor but she is now coupling that penchant with more incisive & deeper musings. This record could wind up in the record of the year lists. JH

Brian Eno & Beatie Wolfe – Lateral – Verve Records -   Brian Eno – keys/producer – Beatie Wolfe – lyrics/vocals – Both records released simultaneously. Lateral leans heavily on Eno’s ambient strengths creating expansive sonic landscapes similar to his early work as the father of this genre of music. Obviously there is an enormous amount of pulling & pushing at the ears w/o straining the sensibilities too much. Nothing new or earth-shaking here but if you’re in the mood to let things go through you w/o leaving a bitter aftertaste thrown this in the cd player or stream away. I’m not sure of the depth of Wolfe’s contribution to this record. Luminal on the other hand caters more to his vocals & lyrical gifts. The ethereality is not lost and Wolfe’s vocals are more on the softer side to accommodate the music. There is a bit more heft in the form of keys & guitars with Eno’s signature ambiance, but not enough to strain the emotions in spite of a few darker lyrical perambulations. JH

Avi Avital & Between Worlds - Song of the Birds – Deutsche Grammophon

Avi Avital (mandolin), Alessia Tondo (vocalist), Marina Heredia (vocalist), José Quevedo "Bolita" (guitar), Paquito Escudero (percussion)

Between Worlds - Avi Avital – Mandolin - Simos Papanas – Violin - Davide Dalpiaz – Violin - Jenny Anschel – Viola - Jakob Nierenz – Cello - Uxía Martínez-Botana – Double bass - Gilad Harel – Clarinet - Alex Sopp – Flute - Louise Grandjean – Harp - Itamar Doari – Percussions - Ensemble Rustavi – vocal ensemble – Avi Avital, world class mandolinist and mastermind behind one of the year’s most gratifyingly gorgeous records of the year, takes us on a journey through three distinct regions. The Iberian Peninsula; Southern Italy and the Black Sea area. Classical, folk, traditional music’s are all seamlessly blended by the extraordinary ensemble he has put together along with two striking vocalists; Marina Heredia & Alessia Tondo. They all contribute to a theme of celebrating rather than distrusting differences and finding paths to sharing our intrinsic human values. A better “world music” recording will be difficult to find this year. JH

Ned Rothenberg – Looms & Legends – Pyroclastic Records - Ned Rothenberg – alto sax/Bb & A clarinets/shakuhachi  - If you’re an adventurous sort who revels in the art of creative improvisation, then this is an album for you. Beautifully rendered solo compositions by Ned Rothenberg who explore not only the range (and beyond) of his instruments but of human emotion as well. Where does the composition begin & improv intersect and ultimately does it even matter. A gem of a record and listening to it felt like I was having a conversation not only with the artist but perhaps more importantly, myself. JH

The Doobie Brothers – Walk This Road – Rhino Records - Patrick Simmons – guitar, banjo, recorder, vocals - Tom Johnston – vocals, lead guitar, keyboards, harmonica - Michael McDonald – vocals, keyboards, synthesizers - John McFee – guitar, mandolin, banjo, violin, cello, pedal steel guitar, harmonica, vocals – Wow. Michael McDonald’s return to the band since 1980. The Doobie’s always were expert at blending rock, pop and soul elements and M M’s return makes that blend an easy formula on this occasion. The whole is a well-balanced return to form & easy going craftsmanship. A solid B from me. JH

Ches Smith – Clone Row – Otherly Love Records -  Ches Smith - Percussion
Mary Halvorson - Electric guitar - Liberty Ellman - Electric guitar - Nick Dunston – Bass – It’s the new thing to show off your eclectic compositional & technical skills these days. In most case it leaves the music stilted and not all that interesting but in the case of Ches Smith and this assemblage of skilled musicians & craftsmen (& women) it is a jumping off point for the most energetically structured and aggressive music being created. Mary Halvorson especially seems to blossom in collaboration & in this case competing with and weaving new ideas & textures with Liberty Ellman. All the members of this conglomerate work cohesively, creating imminently listenable and inspiring music from the mind & pen of Ches Smith. Elite. JH

Pink Pantheress – Fancy That – Warner Brothers Records – Victoria Beverly Walker – High energy, electronica pop drawing from numerous influences that add up to nothing really substantial. Infectious. Sure. Earwormy? Sure. Worthy of your deep attention. Nah. A rather nice diversion from the worries & troubles of your day and if you wanna dance, well, jump up and do it. JH

Cynthia Erivo – I Forgive You – Republic Records – Cynthia Erivo is a phenomenal actress & singer. Her new album showcases her vocal talents to the nth degree. Terrific performances, depth of emotion & communication. A bit overlong and banal at points but easily overshadowed by her enormous talent. A singer I would go out of my way to listen to at every chance. JH

North Mississippi All Stars – Still Shakin’ – New West Records  - Cody Dickinson - Drums, vocals on 4 and 5 - Luther Dickinson - Guitars, keys, vocals, bass on 1 and 10  - Rayfield “Ray Ray” Holloman - Pedal steel guitar on 1 and 2  - Bass on 2, 3, 6, and 8 - Synth bass on 7 - Joey Williams  - Vocals on 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8 - Guitar on 1, 4, and 6 - 9 - Bass on 1 – Not much has changed for the Dickinson bros. Still the same nonpareil songwriting and funk infused blues rock they excel  at and this outing is no exception. Guests abound to keep the proceedings as high powerfully funkified as possible, i.e., the Norman Sisters, Robert Kimbrough, et al. Beautiful textures throughout on slide and keys help to glide these guys between genres and keep them looking ahead while their feet are firmly planted in the traditions they obviously relish. JH

Eugenia Canale Rebus Quartet – Turandot – Abeat Records - Eugenia Canale piano, electric piano and arrangements - Achille Succi alto sax, bass clarinet, Tito Mangialajo Rantzer doublebass - Roberto Paglieri drums – A marvelous blend of classicism and ambitious exploration. Arranging the classics for jazz is a long honored tradition and this album furthers the progressions wonderfully. Great arrangements from the opening overture through to the most powerful arias in the repertoire, Nessun Dorma, Non piangere Liu, & Tu che di gel sei ginta. There are even two composed extrapolations to Puccini’s incisive score and these are seamlessly blended with the originals. All the players are on the same page and this is music worth listening to whether you’re an opera fan; a jazz fan or neither. JH

Mary Halvorson – About Ghosts – Nonesuch Records  - Mary Halvorson, guitar (1-8), synth (Pocket Piano) (1–3, 8) - Immanuel Wilkins, alto saxophone (1-2, 4-5)
Brian Settles, tenor saxophone (1-2, 5, 8) - Adam O’Farrill, trumpet (1-8) - Jacob Garchik, trombone (1-8) - Patricia Brennan, vibraphone (1-8) - Nick Dunston, bass (1-8) - Tomas Fujiwara, drums (1-8) -  Complexity, adventurousness, rich tonalities combined with nuanced subtlety underscore the compositions & execution of this fine new release under Mary Halvorson’s name. Add maturity and growth in her writing as well as her technical restraint all in the service of outstanding works. An utterly compelling addition to M.H.’s catalog. JH

Gary Wilson – Come On Mary – Cleopatra Records – A uniquely gifted artist. Lo fi bedroom pop rock. Navel gazing of a high order. Confusion, loneliness, & tension magnificently exposited. Gary Wilson keeps popping up and has been doing so since 1977 rarely changing his modus operandi and why should he. Bizarrely appealing music. JH

Mary Chapin Carpenter – Personal History – Lambert Light Records - Mary Chapin Carpenter – vocals/guitar - Matt Rollings (piano, Hammond organ, Phillips organ, accordion, xylophone), Duke Levine (electric guitar, hammer dulcimer, Chris Vatalaro (drums, percussion), Cameron Ralston (bass), and Josh Kaufman himself (guitar, organ, harmonium, harmonica). – The poetry and promise of universally shared emotions & experiences has been a common theme in MCC’s oeuvre since she first broke on the musical scene in 1987 with her first album,  Home Town Girl. As she has aged her initially inherent insights & wisdom has deepened and expanded. Poetic lyrics and spare arrangements add to the color and richness of her artistry. JH

Mark Turner – We Raise Them To Lift Their Heads – Loveland Music - Mark Turner - Tenor Saxophone. All compositions by Jakob Bro except Slow & Fast by Mark Turner and Misterioso by Thelonious Monk. – If you want to truly understand the creative process and mental processes of an artist………..catch them in a solo atmosphere. This album does just that with perception & acuity on the part of Mark Turner, one of the jazz genre’s shining lights for decades now. I believe possibly the most underrated if not the most under appreciated virtuosos of the modern era. Turner provides the listener with not only his creativity on naked display but also offers ear catching subtlety & articulation. JH

The Leaking Machine - Sound On Sound (Jenny’s Feather Factory)

Third album from Birmingham’s power pop powerhouse trio (actually named after their debut album recorded as Rockingham), Sound On Sound launches the new label from former BBC presenter Adrian Goldberg. Power pop is enjoying a renaissance of late, its jangly, relaxing melodies, exquisite harmonies, and friendly presentation offering a soothing balm to these troubling times. Sporting the talents of ex-Mighty Mighty members Russell Burton and Peter Geoghegan and Winnebago Orchestra’s Spence Roberts, the band continue their finely honed C86 ear candy across eight sprightly toe tappers.

The title track is a crystalline parade march on a sunny summer day, ‘The Love Lawn’ is a holly, jolly marshmallow embrace, and ‘When Time Passed Slow’ looks back kindly on the good old days. There’s a hint of the Ray Davies’ fictional storylines in the latter and ‘Love Is The Word’ is a wonderful Rockpile/Green Pajamas pastiche that ends everything on an upbeat note. JFO

August Edition

Wheelhouse – House and Home  (Aerophonic Records) - Jason Adasiewicz – vibes; Nate McBride – bass; Dave Rempis – soprano/alto/tenor/baritone saxophones.

The record begins with a beautiful tonal chord from the vibes and is quickly answered by a gorgeous reply by Dave Rempis on tenor. All the tracks on the record were recorded live and the sound is magnificent. Wheelhouse is a reunion of the band from their early days at the beginning of this century and they haven’t missed a step. Remarkable chemistry & energy are shared by these three heavyweight musicians. So much nuance and depth to this music reflecting on themes close to home but refracted and extrapolated to offer a path to solace in chaotic times. Again, a special shout out to Jason Adasiewicz’s brilliant vibes playing throughout. JH

Aruán Ortiz – Créole Renaissance – Piano Solo (Intakt Records) On the heels of his highly acclaimed 2024 solo piano record, Cub(an)ism – Aruan Ortiz releases a further exploration of the melding of the musical mixology of Creole music. This music also doesn’t quite go for the full flavor but offers tinges of that unique olio of sounds relying on Ortiz’s own whimsically idiosyncratic twists and turning. Some might even go so far as to suggest tunings! Imaginatively rigorous music from a genius player who doesn’t always play to your expectations yet offers mindfulness and cerebral passion via paths less taken. JH

Eric McPherson – Double  Bass Quartet (Giant Steps Arts) - Eric McPherson – drums; David Virelles – piano; John Hébert – bass; Ben Street – bass. Three originals, one each by the leader, John Hébert & David Virelles and the rest of the workout focusing on music from pianist composers, Monk, Jaki Byard, Stanley Cowell and two from Andrew Hill.  Two basses adds depth & gravitas to the music leaving Virelles to carry a heavy load which he accomplishes elegantly & eloquently. Eric MacPherson is a master percussionist and he provides complimentary subtlety & shading, bobbing and weaving around the musical iterations with a few great ideas of his own. An A+ recording. JH 

Morcheeba – Escape the Chaos (100% Records) - Skye Edwards – vocals; Ross Godfrey – bass/guitar/electronics – Skye Edwards would be any band's not-so-secret weapon. A great vocalist able to convey strength, deep emotion, subtlety, nuance, et. al. without screaming.  She and fellow member Ross Godfrey paint vast landscapes of cinematic sound by blending elements of a number of modern British sound, i.e., trip hop, pop, soul, rock and movie music. Their best record in years. JH

Charlie Musselwhite – Look Out Highway (Forty Below Records) - Charlie Musselwhite – harmonica/vocals; Matt Stubbs (guitar); Chris Andersen (guitar/piano/organ/producer); Randy Bermudes (bass); June Core (drums/percussion) & Al Kapone (vocals: “Ghosts In Memphis”) – At age 81 Charlies hasn’t lost his passion nor vigor for the blues or his astonishing abilities as one of the premier blues harp virtuosos of all time. Another strong, worthy addition to the canon from a perennial exponent of one of America’s finest art forms. Staunchly supported by a crackerjack band.  Edna Luckett duets with Charlie on Ready for Times to Get Better and they get better from the opening notes to the end. The band gets to strut their stuff, sans CM, with a slow blues, Blue Lounge, and they kill it. Swampy and you can feel the steam rising to the ceiling. JH

Thalia Zedek Band – The Boat Outside Your Window (Dear Life Records) - Winston Braman - bass guitar; Gavin McCarthy - drums, percussion; Karen Sarkisian - pedal steel guitar - Thalia Zedek - electric guitar, vocals. With special guests Nancy Asch - percussion on “Shoes” and Beth Heinberg - piano on “Aliyah.”

I’ve always been a fan of Thalia Zedek’s unique voice and musical compositions. Deeply heartfelt poetic lyrics & imagery tied to propulsively energetic & forceful playing. Karen Sarkisian’s pedal steel voicings add atmospheric depth to this record in spades. Wide-ranged emotional music with things to say and they all say it so well. JH

Chris Cheek – Keepers of the Eastern Door (Analog Tone Factory) - Chris Cheek - tenor and soprano saxophones; Bill Frisell - electric and acoustic guitars; Tony Scherr – bass; Rudy Royston – drums. – A fascinating new record from Chris Cheek blending elements of the kitchen sink of music. Trad, contemporary jazz, classical, pop, et. al. Chris is a smooth and by that I mean a lyrical player of world class sensibilities. He enjoys a perfect foil to his ideations in Bill Frisell and the seasoned rhythm section of Scherr and Royston. Richly melodic & strikingly harmonic music. - JH

PlainsPeak – Server Farm (Irabbagast Records) - Jon Irabagon – alto saxophone; Russ Johnson – trumpet; Clark Sommers – acoustic bass; Dana Hall – drums. – Eschewing his other horns & electronics, Jon Irabagon chooses instead to speak with his alto on this outing with a bevy of new compositions and a stellar lineup of bandmates helping him to achieve his musical visionary landscape. This is heavily grounded music in an all-acoustic vein. As always Irabagon requires you to tap your toes to the rhythms but also to engage your mind with the circuitous weavings of his always intriguing and harmonically daring compositions. This is his most engaging and inviting release in years. JH

Tessa Souter – Shadows and Silence – The Erik Satie Project (Noanara Records) - Tessa Souter - vocals/lyrics/arrangements; Luis Perdomo - piano/percussion/arrangements; Yasushi Nakamura - bass; Billy Drummond - drums and cymbals)/arrangement of track 6; Nadje Noordhuis - trumpet and flugelhorn; Steve Wilson (soprano saxophone; Pascal Borderies - spoken word.

Loss, grief, love, transcendence. These themes dominate this re-imagining of the music of the great French post-impressionist composer, Erik Satie. Tessa Souter has written lyrics to accompany these timeless melodies and for the most part they work wonderfully. The music of Satie is striking & spare and these interpretations and words fit that sound world very well. Souter’s fellow musicians are all first class and they rise to the occasion admirably. This record has been received extremely well in most circle but has taken some hits in the French press. Perhaps they feel this a desecration of sorts of a beloved member of the celebrated classical circle Les Six, but for me I view it as an honorable celebratory hybrid. I’m sure Satie at the very least would be amused. JH

Grace Potter – Medicine (Hollywood Records) - Grace Potter – lead vocals, Hammond organ; Scott Tournet – lead guitar, loops, vocals; Benny Yurco – rhythm guitar; Catherine Popper – bass guitar; Matt Burr – drums, percussion; T-Bone Burnett – producer.

A bit more elision, a dash of more soulfulness and we have a different Grace Potter this time out. Is this coming from herself? Producer T-Bone Burnett? Or a combination of the two? Whichever, this is a strongly soulful outing for Ms. Potter and it sounds wonderful! The maturation of Grace Potter is welcome indeed. This record has been in and out of release since 2008 and the finished product is well worth the wait. JH

Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell - We Insist 2025! (Candid Records - Terri Lyne Carrington – percussion; Christie Dashiell – vocals; Weedie Braimah – percussion; Milena Casado – tpt/flgh; Devon Gates – bass; Morgan Guerin – multi-instrs; Zacchae’us Paul – vocals; Emmett G. Price III – voice; Tamia Elliott – vocals;- Ian Michael – guitar; Simon Moullier – vibes; Matthew Stevens – guitar; Julian Priester – trombone; Ayodele Casel – tap dancer.

This is the type of music that energized the protest movements of the sixties & early seventies in America. A fusion of jazz, soul, latin, funk, rockin’ blues……….. This is meant to be a direct comparison to those turbulent times and the equally turbulent times we exist in now. Music & lyrics that urge, implore & at times push you out of your complacency and into action of any sort. Great playing by all but especially the two main forces in play here. TLC ‘s drumming both punctuates and underscores the music and the message that is being imparted by Christie Dashiell, who sings with the requisite urgency and understated subtlety as needed. JH 

José James – 1978: Revenge of the Dragon (Rainbow Blonde Records) - José James - Vocals; Talia Billig - Vocals; BIGYUKI - Synthesizers, Keyboards; David Ginyard - Bass; Kyle Miles - Bass; Ebban Dorsey - Alto saxophone; Takuya Kuroda - Trumpet; Jharis Yokley - Drums; Ben Wendel - Tenor saxophone, effects.

José James gets a bit funky and weird here. This record is accompanied by a short kung fu film and it takes it’s inspiration and title from blaxploitation & kung fu films. Originals sit side by side with covers of the Stones’ Miss You, Michael Jackson’s Rock With You & the Bee Gees Inside Out. Cool stuff designed to ease you through the hot streets of summer. Nothing earthshaking here, just a finely honed rhythm & horn section with James’ fine vocals to help you take it slow and chill. JH

Taj Mahal - Keb Mo – TajMo - Room on the Porch (Concord Records) - Taj Mahal: Vocals and percussion, acoustic guitar, and more; Keb' Mo': Electric and acoustic guitar, vocals, and harmonica; Jimmy Nichols: Hammond organ and Wurlitzer; Brian Allen: Upright bass; Keio Stroud: Drums; David Rodgers: Hammond+ organ/synth; Michael B. Hicks, Ron Poindexter, Gene Miller: - Background vocals; John Oates: Contributes to "She Keeps Me Movin'"; Billy Branch: Harmonica on "Better Than Ever";Jenee Fleenor: Violin on the title track; Jeff Coffin: Saxophone on "Blues'll Give You Back Your Soul".

Plenty of room on the porch for these two wonderful artists. A blend of blues, soul, Americana, et. al., from Taj (who’s been doing this for decades) and Mo (who’s been doing this for, er, well, decades now, too), beautifully blending their voices, gruff & mellow, to extraordinary effect. Wonderful songs of peace, love & unity w/o sounding tacky. Guests Ruby Amanfu on Room on the Porch & Wendy Moten on Better Than Ever, provide a distaff sensibility to the harmonies. JH

Haim - I Quit (Polydor Records) - Alana Haim – vocals, guitar, keyboards, percussion, piano, synthesizer; Danielle Haim – lead vocals, drums, guitar, percussion; Este Haim – vocals, bass guitar, percussion. – A bit of a rawer sound from the Haim sisters and it fits them well. Songs of heartache & resilience. Love the mix on this record with the vocals more up front. Some folks might opine that the overall musical texture is a bit of old school and I say yes, I like it. Familiar & fresh at the same time. All songs co-written with Rostam Batmanglij, with his production and engineering. So his fingerprints are all over the record but it’s still definitively a Haim record. Their personalities are too strong for it to be otherwise. JH

Matt Haimovitz – Alfred Schnittke – Cello Concerto No 1 (PentaTone Records) – Matt Haimovitz – cello; MDR Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra - Dennis Russell Davies – conductor. This work was originally commissioned for cellist Natalie Gutman in 1985. It was written by Alfred Schnittke after he survived a stroke & he composed it with the themes of life, death and transcendence in mind. It was immediately recognized as a strong addition to the cello repertoire. Matt Haimovitz is one of our premier cellists today and he delivers on this piece with aplomb and depth of intensity and emotion. The MDR Orchestra is superbly conducted in accompanying Haimovitz in this piece. Not unexpectedly as Dennis Russell Davies is one of our leading & living musical legends in his own right. JH

Keith Jarrett – New Vienna (ECM Records) - July 9, 2016, Goldener Saal, Musikverein, Vienna – Well anything by Keith Jarrett is worth a listen. No exception here. Keith improvising madly and proving yet once again why he is/was the greatest living improviser. His technique coupled with the flair & facility of his musical thought processes are simply astounding. I mean, jeez the rapidity with which he works, blending genres at mind numbing speed and with extraordinary dynamism! After two devastating strokes in 2018, which left him partially paralyzed, it is doubtful that he will ever perform again. The richness of his legacy and the music on this album shouldn’t make anyone morose but instead wash over and fill you with the unmitigated joy and genius that is, was and always will be the musicianship and creativity of Keith Jarrett. JH

Stereolab – Instant Holograms on Metal Film (Duophonic UFH Discs) - Timothy Gane – guitar, organ, synthesizer, mixing; Lætitia Sadier – guitar, keyboards, synthesizer, trombone, vocals, mixing; Andy Ramsay – drums, synthesizer, mixing; Joe Watson – organ, Rhodes, synthesizer, vocals, Wurlitzer, mixing; Xavi Muñoz – bass, vocals, mixing. Additional contributors: Cooper Crain – drums, drum machine, synthesizer, mixing, engineering; Bo Kondren – mastering; Rob Frye – clarinet, flute; Ric Elsworth – glockenspiel, marimba, percussion, vibraphone; Marie Merlet – vocals.

After a 15 year vacation Stereolab is back with one of their warmest albums yet. Some refer to the band's “new-found” engagement and vocals. With Laetitia Sadier providing said vocals, well, she’s always been the heart core at the center of this band's ability to resonate. They are not exploring new sonic territory but re-affirming their firm place in the musical universe. JH

Marc Ribot – Map of a Blue City (New West Records) - Christina Courtin – viola (1, 4) - Pico Alt – violin (1, 4); Christopher Hoffman – cello (1, 4); Greg Lewis – Hammond B3 organ (3); Tony Lewis – drums (3); David Pilch – bass (3, 4); Doug Wieselman – flute & sax (4); Ted Reichman – accordion (4); Jeremy Gustin – drums (4); Ches Smith – glockenspiel (5); Eszter Balint – background vocals (6); Francois Lardeau – drums & percussion (9); Marc Ribot – all guitars & vocals.

Marc Ribot’s first vocal album! Wow. Unexpected. We all know Marc as one of the premier genre mixologists and technical guitar players on the planet, with nuance galore. This is more of an Americana singer-songwriter exercise. The tunes are well crafted and the accompaniment by all is tastefully expert. The lyrics deal with loss, and consequent disorientation inherent in loss. Some have suggested that the record is NOT singer-songwriter in nature but I would disagree. A fine outing with singing notable for its warmth & humanity. After all the confessional toning of the previous 8 songs the final track, Optimism of the Spirit, provides both a lyrical & musical coda to that which has gone before and brings us into more “familiar” Ribot territory with an extended instrumental workout suggesting a sort of catharsis from the preceding emotional turmoil. JH

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 – Heavier Yet (Lays the Crownless Head) (Record Kicks) - Seun Kuti – (vocals/sax/keys); Anikulap Kuti Oluwaseun - (singer/sax/keyboard); Nicolas Timon Sebastien (trumpet); Kunle Justice (bass); Adebowale Adewunmi Osunnibu (baritone sax); Akinola Adio Oyebola (rhythm guitar); Balogun Cynthia Abimbola (dancer/singer); Adeniran Iyabo Folashade (dancer/singer); Fabrice Fila (tenor sax); Mario Orsinet (drums).

Fela’s son Seun continues the tradition with this engagingly energetic outing. The groove never ceases, driving the rhythms forward propulsively while also keeping the social & political issue to the fore. As Bootsy or was it George Clinton once said, and I’m paraphrasing here, "Shake the ass & the heart will follow." Strong contributions in both playing & production from both Damian Marley & Lenny Kravitz. JH

Laura Cannell – LyreLyreLyre (Brawl Records) – Laura Cannell – Sutton Hoo Lyre – An interesting exposition for Ms. Cannell, one of our leading musical creative forces. This time she sets her sights on the sounds of the Sutton Hoo Lyre, an instrument that was discovered in a burial site and thought to be owned by an ancient Anglo-Saxon King. She plays a copy of this 7^th century instrument and utilizing her usual (extraordinary) mix of imagination, creativity, looping & electronics, conjures a world long forgotten and/or perhaps never imagined. A magical journey. JH

Paquito D'Rivera & Madrid-New York Connection Band - La Fleur de Cayenne (Sunnyside Records) -  Paquito D'Rivera - clarinet & alto saxophone; Pepe Rivero – piano; Reynier Elizarde "El Negron" – contrabass; Georvis Pic – drums; Yuvisney Aguilar – percussion; Sebastian Laverde – vibraphone; Antonio Serrano - harmonica (2 & 8).

Afro-Cubano jazz is some of the most infectious on the planet and two of it’s biggest exponents join forces to titillate our musical sensibilities with this newest outing. Paquito and Pepe Rivero share most of the songwriting duties along with some beautiful interpretations of Ennio Morricone’s Cinema Paradiso & Ernesto Lecuna’s works. The music is sinuous and seductive, enticing the ear and getting the feet & hips working. JH

Miley Cyrus – Something Beautiful (Columbia Records) – Do artists as well known as Cyrus even need a review? Will it affect their sales or their fan base? That’s a rhetorical question. The answer is obvious. With that said, this album is publicized as a concept album of sorts. It’s self-indulgent and precious in equal parts and yet in spite of that………..I like it. Not love it. Miley is a great artist and capable of spinning you around and pinning you to the ground with her innate talent but this one feels like a slight misstep. Perhaps she spent too much time with Wayne Coyne & The Flaming Lips. What works for them isn’t even necessary for a pop star of Cyrus’ magnitude. Still it’s heartening to see Miley striving for the creative stars. JH

Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts – Talkin’ to the Trees (Reprise Records) - Neil Young – lead vocals, guitar, piano, vibraphone, production; Anthony LoGerfo – drums; Corey McCormick – bass, background vocals; Micah Nelson – guitar, background vocals; Spooner Oldham – keyboards, organ.

Is this one of Neil’s best records? C’mon. Ole Shakey has been around for a loooonnnng time and has released at least a dozen classic records. Is it always good to hear Neil singing about home and hearth and heart and love and shaking his fists at the societal & cultural ills. I’m glad he hadn’t needed to be invented and has blessed us with his insights time and time again. So glad you’re still with us Neil. Keep on rockin’ in the free world. JH 

Miguel Zenon – Vanguardia Subterranea – Live at the Village Vanguard (Miel Music) - Miguel Zenon – alto sax/compositions; Luis Perdomo – piano; Hans Glawischnig – bass; Heny Cole – drums.

Recorded at the venerable lower NYC jazz venue last September 20-21, this record jumps out at you from the first flurry of chords & notes. High energy abounds. Amazingly Miguel Zenon (one of our premier composer/saxophonists) insisted this gig and subsequent records be presented with minimal rehearsal in order to increase the tension & spontaneity.  As always with Zenon, the music pushes against established musical norms. He is a risk taker whose deep musicianship and innate talent require him to seek out constant shifts & changes in his music. He always makes it work and part of doing so is surrounding yourself with other musicians of high caliber and deep emotional commitment who challenge and enhance the shape of the music. This is deep and fearless music-making of the highest magnitude. JH

The Black Watch - For All The World (ATOM) - John Andrew Fredrick has crafted a spirited collection of “psych/jangle/shoegaze songs” on his first double album (25^th overall). The first album’s grungier vibe brings loud guitars and drums to the fore, but Andy Creighton’s strings and keyboards soften the blow allowing Fredrick’s melodic streak to shine. Highlights include the meditative ‘The Hook Stuck’, ‘Lord Marchpane’’s playful Hitchcockian touches, and a Jeff Lynne sheen on the plonky ‘Effective Forthwith. ‘Achilles Past’ feels like a killer single while ‘There’s A Place’ oozes spaceage bachelor pad grooviness! Misha Bullock brings his formidable talents to the spacier, more experimental second album (imagine a shoegaze Cure), with ‘Maybe Tomorrow Then’, ‘The Tents Around The Lake', and ‘Bright Blue Sun, Gold Sky’ worth a few extra spins. ‘Madcap Girl’ is the Cure on steroids, and ‘The Knife Cliché’ recalls the wonderful Montgolfier Brothers. A 2-for-1 treat you won’t want to miss. JFO

Flopsy's Dream - Pleasant Pudding (Podge) - It’s amazing what a few (million) hits on YouTube can do for your budding career! In the footsteps of  Beabadoobee’s meteoric rise to superstardom we have Tom Davies, aka Geowizard. If only a small fraction of his quarter of a billion followers beat a straight line to his latest release as Flopsy’s Dream he should be a happy camper indeed. This is bedroom pop in the style of Cleaners From Venus, Barbara, and the gentler side of the Elephant 6 Collective: smooth, dreamy atmospheres, mellow West Coast vibes (America, Beach Boys), and light-as-a-feather vocals (Beach House, Everything But The Girl, Belle And Sebastian).‘Going To Waste’ and ‘Never Be Annoyed Again’ fiddle with the whammy bar for trippy effects (although the latter’s radio transmissions and sonic dropouts belie the title), and the sleepy floater ‘Garden Trouble’ completes this breezy soundtrack for your next cross-country trek. JFO

Whitney's Playland - Long Rehearsal EP (Dandy Boy/Meritorio) - Whitney’s Playland expand to a quartet on this short (10 minute) 3-track EP following on from their 2023 debut album. The expanded line-up develops their lo-fi blueprint allowing the songs to explore more sonic spaces while remaining true to their short-and-sweet ethic. The 100-second title track is a power pop gem that floats effortlessly on Inna Showalter’s glistening vocals - a Go Go’s/Bangles burst of effervescent energy. ‘Only Daughter’ is based on a free-spirited neighbor of co-founder multi-instrumentalist George Tarlson. Its grungier approach sets fuzzy guitars against a 50’s-style ballad in support of the lyric about a nonconformist who doesn’t mind upsetting the suburban status quo. The five-minute ‘Talk’ drizzles multiple layers of fuzz guitars, glockenspiel, tambourines, percussion, and keyboards over Showalter’s dreamy vocals enabling the band to experiment with eerie effects to create a hypnotic dreamscape. JFO