“A Holiday’s a fine time for a mitzvah… whether you’re a Gentile or a Jew!” If you’ve been thinking that it’s about time someone came out with a new Jewish-Appalachian holiday song, you’re in luck. We can thank the band Handsome and the Humbles for answering our prayers. They’ve released the song “That’s A Mitzvah!” … Continue reading
The exclamation marks in the title of Duduka Da Fonseca & Quarteto Universal’s new album — Yes!!! — are a fair warning. By the time you’re listening to the first track, however, you realize that they are unnecessary; each note played is an exclamation mark. The musicians at work here are Vinicius Gomes (guitars), Helio … Continue reading
From a Window to a Screen, the new album from Kirsten Lambert is described as a “new classic” jazz recording. It is that, and more. It is an invitation to enter a magical world of song, guided by an assured voice of the utmost clarity who interprets each note with a purposeful intimacy. The songs … Continue reading
There’s always a feeling of immense anticipation when Rory Block releases a new album. Her latest, Ain’t Nobody Worried, does not disappoint. There simply is no blues guitarist and singer around who covers as much territory (musically and emotionally) and with as much artistry as Ms. Block. She has an authority that allows her to … Continue reading
Label: Blue Arrow Records Ethan Daniel Davidson knows how to establish a mood, how to sustain it, and how to explore every emotional space in it. He knows how to create and inhabit a musical world that makes total emotional sense to the listener. He does this on his new album, Stranger. His luminous vocals … Continue reading
Michael Kaeshammer — The Warehouse Sessions When I sat down this evening to listen to jazz pianist Michael Kaeshammer’s new album, The Warehouse Sessions, I found myself wishing I had put it on as soon as my day began. I would have loved listening to it all day long. It’s a collection of invigorating performances … Continue reading
Label: Capitol Records Nashville Honky tonk nights might are alive and well, thanks to Jon Pardi. He has a knack for blending the current requirement of having a musical hook with a classic sound. Mr. Saturday Night is the fourth studio album from Jon Pardi and features the #1 hit, “Last Night Lonely.” Jon produced … Continue reading
Label: True North Records You could say that singer-songwriter Crystal Shawanda’s voice is her own section in a band — part brass, part percussion, and thoroughly electric — and you’d be correct. Need proof? Listen to her newest release, Midnight Blues. Enough said. It’s a fiery, raspy, siren that challenges the band to keep up. … Continue reading
Label: Capitol Nashville Mr. Sun is the first album by Little Big Town that I’ve actually enjoyed. What’s changed? My expectations. After years of frustration, watching the super group sweep Country Music awards with songs that felt like they blonged in other categories, and while I wondered when the heck they were ever going to … Continue reading
Label: Gypsy Soul Records This is what you call a band. And what a band they are! Toronto-based band Bywater Call have a love for blues, soul, and roots music, and they’ve made a convincing argument for all three genres on their most recent release. Remain features Meghan Parnell’s powerful vocals and Dave Barnes’ equally emotive … Continue reading
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