There’s a sound that never gets old. It’s the sound of keen observations—things we all but might not realize—wrapped in chords that lead right to the soul. It’s the sound of someone speaking up by singing out, and it gives your heart reassurance. This sound comes in many forms. With Brandon Santini‘s new album, Which … Continue reading
“This new Johnny Rawls album is called Make Them Dance and that’s what it’s going to make you do.” — Johnny Rawls No matter how many albums the incredibly dependable Johnny Rawls releases, it’s never enough, especially since the favorite is always the most recent recording. Once again that is the case with his latest, Make … Continue reading
Allison August‘s new album, August Moon (released on March 21 by MoMojo Records), is some of the best company you could ask for. With August Moon, Allison August explores a range of theme: marriage, motherhood, resilience, and life as we actually live it. The album overflows with songs that cover zig-zagging emotional territory, but—in every … Continue reading
A Tribute To The International Submarine Band, with Christian Parker a Patrick Cleary (and pianist Earl Poole Ball and pedal steel guitarist JayDee Maness Cosmic California country music from a golden age is back on Back At Home, the new album that embraces the enduring legacy of Gram Parsons… It is both a tribute and a … Continue reading
Allison August’s new album, August Moon (on MoMojo Records), showcases the multiple talents of this Southern California-based singer. The album is produced by Grammy-winner Tony Braunagel, who also performs drums on most tracks. August Moon highlights August’s exceptional vocal abilities, supported by a group of renowned musicians, including Paul Barrere (guitar), Mike Finnigan (keyboards), Lenny … Continue reading
Guitarist and sitarist Daniel Garbin‘s new album, Rising, is an alluring interplay of rhythm, melody, and harmony. Garbin (who wrote and produced all songs on the album, with the exception of three tracks co-written with Simona Pop) leads an equally gifted quintet: Camila Cortina Bello (piano & keys), Scott Litroff (alto saxophone), Eddy Khaimovich (electric and … Continue reading
After several acclaimed jazz-rock trio albums, guitarist Jake Hertzog shifted to a more intimate sound with 2016’s solo electric guitar album Well Lit Shadow, followed by the duet projects Stringscapes in 2018 and A Turn of Events in 2023. With this album, he has created a large-scale work for jazz orchestra, guitar, and string quartet, … Continue reading
At first, the question arises, “What is this?” After a few moments, the answer comes. It is everything you’ve been wanting out of new music… but just didn’t realize it yet. It is kinetic, spirited, and sprawling, while being thoughtful, rooted, and incredibly precise. It’s a unique fusion of bluegrass and large orchestral jazz. The … Continue reading
On Max Hightower‘s new album—Nothin’ But The Truth—his vocal style, reminiscent of some of the best blues musicians, is framed by a crew of equally gifted instrumentalists, and because of that each track shines. Hightower’ earthy, raw approach feels both invigorating and timeless. It’s an album that sends you in search of information about his … Continue reading
Why go out? Now you can avoid the winter weather and heat things up at home with Steve Smith & Vital Information‘s new album — New Perspective. It is a thrillingly realized display of musical teamwork that is as satisfactory as it is ambitious. Mr. Smith is particularly inspiring when he deconstructs and reconstructs “Don’t … Continue reading
parcbench .live 