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.

November Edition

Bartok – Duke Bluebeard’s Castle – Karina Canellakis – PentaTone Records

Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra – Karina Canellakis – conductor

Rinat Shaham – Judith; Gabor Bretz – Bluebeard. The first thing that strikes me about this stark, psychological drama is the depth of emotion balanced with subtle nuance by the two main protagonists. Both Rinat Shaham & Gabor Bretz bring warmth & intensity to their parts, underscoring the disturbing emotional conflict at the core of this astonishing opera. The orchestra is expertly led by conductor Karina Canellakis who keeps a tight rein on the action and delineates its intense drama. I loved this new version of one of my favorite 20^th century operas. JH

Spinal Tap – The End Continues – Interscope Records   - David St. Hubbins (portrayed by Michael McKean) – lead vocals, rhythm and lead guitar, acoustic guitar, bass guitar   - Nigel Tufnel (portrayed by Christopher Guest) – lead and rhythm guitar, backing & lead vocals, bass guitar, piano, violin, violin bow, mandolin - Derek Smalls (portrayed by Harry Shearer) – bass guitar, backing & lead vocals   - "Caucasian" Jeffery Vanston (portrayed by himself) – keyboards, backing vocals - Didi Crockett (portrayed by Valerie Franco) – drums, percussion.

It’s so good to have the Tap back proving that old rock ‘n’ rollers don’t fade away or die. They just keep on doing what they’ve always done best. Giving the people what they want whether they asked for it or not. But serially, the Tap have their tongues more firmly planted in their cheeks than the last time and this time they’re out to prove their musicianship has come up to the levels of their distorted and self- deluding egos. The reference to Mozart in (Listen To The) Flower People lit my candle. I love the duet with Paul McCartney on Cups and Cakes. Actually Paul takes the lead vocal. Yeah, yeah, yeah! Some critics took them to task for lacking some of the punch and humor they’ve displayed when they were younger, but with age comes wryness & restraint. The production is much more professional incorporating horns, strings and classical elements and that’s fine for classic metal rockers. Perhaps at their encroaching dotage they’re more inclined to tap into your emotions rather than rippin’ yer spines out! They end the album with a collaboration with Sir Elton John. Okay. “Nuff said. Well done ST. - JH

Raphael Pannier – Live in Saint-Louis Senegal – Miel Music Records – Raphael Pannier – drums/arrs/compositions – Yosvany Terry – alto sax/shekere – Thomas Enheo – keys – Francois Moutin – bass – Sabar Percussion Group – Khadim Niang – leader. Raphael Pannier’s quartet live in concert with the Sabar Percussion group led by Khadim Niag from the 2024 Saint Louis Int’l Jazz Festival 2024 in Senegal.

This is a gorgeous melding of covers & originals. John Coltrane, Dave Brubeck & Ornette Coleman’s music helps to illustrate what an international and interrelated concept jazz/music can be and is when it is presented through the personalities & hands of master musicians. Marvelous playing & creates a kaleidoscope of sound that should excite & delight your aural sensibilities. JH

Sara Serpa & Matt Mitchell – End of Something – Obliquity Records – Sara Serpa – voice – Matt Mitchell – piano.

A devotee of Pauline Oliveros’ Deep Listening technique would be well suited to enjoy & served with this release. Sara Serpa is a master of wordless vocalizing & profound emotion. Her partner in glorious musical crime, Matt Mitchell, seems to be joined at the heart. He not only accompanies but effortlessly makes the most ineffably beautiful music with Serpa no matter where her improvisatory muses may take her. He adds to the depth & nuance of these recordings. The tracks all have titles allowing the listener to bring their own memories & emotions to the proceedings. Another marvelous class in how to make the most w/o burning down the house. JH

Joe Hertenstein - The 7th Dinner LIVE - Fundacja Sluchaj! Records - Ray Anderson - trombone - Michael Moore - alto saxophone and clarinet   - Michael Formanek - bass  - Joe Hertenstein – drums.

Wide open musical vistas are summoned and on full display from the onset with Joe Hertenstein setting an exuberant and acrobatic pace on the opening track, The 7^th Dinner, which also happens to be the title of this exuberantly infectious live album recorded during the quartets central European 2024 tour. Hertenstein, laying down rock solid foundational AND creative patterns throughout is flanked by some of the best players on planet earth for creative, swinging improvisational jazz. All the players are in mind meld form with striking interplay between them, turning on dimes and handing out nine cents change. Ray Anderson slips into the stream fully engaged and sounding wonderful, as always, playing with his three musical compadres as if he has been a full member for years, in spite of being a recent addition for this tour. Enough cannot be said for this energetically engaging record chock full of melodious experimentation. These guys know how to stretch your mind without a whiff of alienation. Especial kudos for the second track Alles Jutta (for Jutta Hipp), an all but forgotten female German born jazz pianist, originally influenced by Lennie Tristano, who suffered not only from the vagaries of Nazi censorship, but war displacement and her own battles with depression. Emigrating to America she suddenly ceased playing music in 1955 and spent the remainder of her life working in the clothing industry, rarely playing or even discussing music. This record is an A+ and one of my favorite jazz releases of the year. JH

Walter Trout – Sign of the Times – Provogue Records -   Walter Trout (guitar/vocals) - Teddy Andreadis (harmonica, keyboards, vocals) - Michael Leasure (drums) -John Avila (bass).

Looking for a great blues album to introduce someone to the genre; start here. Blistering, even when subdued, guitar from Trout and a backing band that’s locked into the leader and the blues. At 74 Walter has never sounded better or better able to take on the world. This is a deeply felt and well thought out signifier of the times. Whether it’s the cacophony of emotion involved in personal relationships or questioning this questionable world we’re living in, this record will get you thinking, your feet and hips moving and engage your brain as well. One of W. T’s best records ever. His guitar work in particular shows every other axe-man and/or poseur how it’s supposed to be done. JH

David Byrne – Who is the Sky – Matador Records  - Exuberant music making from David Byrne. Again. He’s always been child-like with his lyrical & musical excursions and continues to build upon his outstanding oeuvre both with Talking Heads and his solo projects with this record, perhaps his most directly focused recording yet. Byrne for me has built his outstanding musical persona & creativity because of his unvarnished curiosity and ability to break things down to their fundamentally constituent parts. His collaboration with The Ghost Train Orchestra and Tom Skinner adds a refined chamber like quality to these arrangements. Rhythmically complex yet pleasing despite the myriad twists and turns. Contributions from Annie Clark a.k.a. St. Vincent & Hayley Williams add to the immense charm of this delightful record. JH

Dave Douglas – Alloy – Green Leaf Music - Dave Douglas, trumpet - Alexandra Ridout, trumpet - David Adewumi, trumpet - Patricia Brennan, vibes - Kate Pass, bass - Rudy Royston, drums.

Alloys are blends of metal to create stronger, more alluring materials. Dave Douglas, an innovator and creative master, has been enticing listeners to deepen their understanding of his art & ergo art in general. With the concept of blend/alloy, the music here leans heavily on harmonics and group interplay and with these masterful musicians on form one gets easily swept up in the swirl of emotional energy they are putting out. The only unfamiliar face to me is new bassist Kate Pass and she easily holds her ground against her more experienced and erstwhile bandmates. JH

Joni Mitchell – Joni’s Jazz – Rhino Records -  4 cds celebrating the jazzier side of Joni Mitchell, one of the world’s musical treasures. I have loved her upon first hearing so many decades ago. Her lyrics could stand alone as fine poetry and her sinuous approach to melody and songwriting in general has always elevated her above the folk music genre in general and most of her peers. Some tracks on this collection stretch the definition of jazz but that is a mere quibble as all of the tracks exemplify her extraordinary range and abilities. Some of the tracks are not the officially released original recordings, but demos. They stand shoulder to shoulder with the album cuts elegantly & eloquently. The sound quality is first-rate and this is a treasure trove of Joni material. JH

Ethel Cain – Willoughby Tucker I’ll Always Love You – Daughters of Cain Records – Magical realism. In literature and music it requires of the audience to accept fantastical elements as normative, in a way to enhance the story and underline themes and metaphors. Ethel Cain utilizes this concept expertly in this densely alluring new record. There are talking animals, ghosts, supernatural events etc. All become part and parcel of this unique universe tied together with modally flowing music that engulfs the listener.  Some may find the flow of time and energy to be trying but I found it immersive. Most of the songs explore themes of lost innocence and the acceptance of death. Painful subjects that ultimately prove rewarding if you’re willing to take the step into the otherworldly soundscape of Ethel Cain. – JH

Laura Cannell – The Visible Light of Other Worlds – Brawl Records – I’ve always been intrigued and stop just short of enthralled with Laura Cannell’s music. That doesn’t mean I don’t always find it appealing. Soothing and a reservoir of calm inside a chaotic world we all live in. Perhaps necessary music making. Although I am drawn to its hypnotic appeal it lacks a certain exuberance and joy which would better serve as balm for my soul. Nevertheless, this twelfth release in her canon is another masterpiece of musical synthesis and control. What am I listening to, you could well ask. With elements of medieval music and ambience and neo-classicism, this is music that has the ability to draw you in and keep you in her imaginative musical world(s) as long as it likes. JH

Lucian Ban - John Surman & Mat Maneri - Cantica Profana  - Sunnyside Records

Lucian Ban - John Surman & Mat Maneri – The Athenaeum Concert   - Sunnyside Records - This is creative improvised music taken to a magnificent level! Trio improvisations based on the classical transcriptive extrapolations of Bela Bartok’s musical investigation of Transylvanian folk tunes. These records were released in March & September respectively. There are three versions of Violin Song & two of Dowry Song across the two releases and they put the extravagant talents of these masterful musicians on full display, capturing the essence of dancelike rhythmic vitality with a taffy-eque push and pull; operating on telepathic levels to achieve music of universal relevance and vibrancy. There isn’t a dull track here and ample opportunity for Lucien Ban – piano – John Surman – bass clarinet & soprano sax & Mat Maneri – viola to dazzle you with their artistic mastery. JH

Mike Reid & Joe Henry – Life and Time – Work Song Inc – Mike Reid: Vocals; Joe Henry: Vocals - Levon Henry: Woodwinds (saxophone, clarinet) and bass - Ross Gallagher & David Piltch: Bass and vocals – Patrick Warren – keys – Bonnie Raitt – vocals – The Bridge - Rose Cousins: Vocals on Leaning House - Pedal steel – Steve Dawson.

A beautifully understated release from two celebrated songwriters whose styles enhance & complement each other in these gorgeously understated songs & performances. Poetic lyrics underscore these explorations of the nuanced intricacies of the human spirit: life, loss, sorrow, memory, et al. JH

Wagner – Der Fliegende Hollander – Decca Classics - Dutchman: Gerald Finley (bass-baritone) - Senta: Lise Davidsen (soprano) - Daland: Brindley Sherratt (bass); Erik: Stanislas de Barbeyrac (tenor) - Mary, Anna Kissjudit (contralto) - Steersman, Eirik Grøtvedt (tenor) - Chorus and Orchestra of Norwegian National Opera/Edward Gardner - rec. live, 2024, Oslo Opera House, Norway.

The big draw for this record is certainly Lise Davidsen’s committed performance of Senta. She is the moral crux of this opera and her selfless decision is compelling. Ms. Davidsen’s force of nature vocalizing and interpretation put her in the upper ranks of sopranos in this role. The orchestra is dramatically incisive and exciting under the baton of Maestro Gardner. He keeps a tight rein on the proceedings and has centered this interpretation on narrative drive with verve and energy. Stanislas de Barbeyrac as Erik brings passion galore and vocal beauty to the Steersman. One of the finest I’ve ever heard. The opera’s ultimate success rests firmly with the Dutchman and Gerald Finley is one of the finest singers of our times, so there is nothing untoward to report here. His singing is fully secure and dramatically committed. Overall, a fine recording of this first major success of Wagner and one to be enjoyed again in the future. JH

FRANÇOISE HARDY - Voilà: The Very Best Of (Warner Music France 2LP/CD/CD-DVD)
Whittling Hardy’s 60-year discography down to two-dozen “greatest hits” is a fool’s errand, tantamount to assembling an 80-minute Beatles or Dylan package. Except for a successful Blur collaboration her non-French recordings are omitted, but aside from these minor quibbles this “first-ever career-encompassing” Best Of chronologically traces her transition from ‘60s yé-yé pop superstar to her later chanteuse period that successfully balanced the funky disco of 1978’s ‘J’écoute de la musique saoule’ and her melancholic swan song ‘Le Large.’ Most of the familiar singles are included and her collaborations with husband Jacques Dutronc, “Micky” Jones (Foreigner), Jerry Donahue (Fairport, Fotheringay), Blur, et. al. demonstrate her cache in the rock and folk world. The vinyl includes an extra track, but collectors may want to spring for the limited edition CD/DVD version which includes videos for most of the tracks. JFO

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