Richard Shindell’s Movies of the Mind

Richard Shindell
“Blue Divide”
Shanachie Records
1994

Early on, New York-raised Richard Shindell established himself as a contemplative and gifted songwriter. He was never in better form than on his 1994 sophomore release “Blue Divide.” Over its ten tracks, he paints vivid portraits of what it means to be human, from our loves, deceits, pride, lust, nobility, cowardice, and occasionally redemption.

The album opens with “A Summer Wind, A Cotton Dress,” a reminiscence of unattainable love. Next, “Fishing” takes us inside the mind of an immigration officer as he interrogates his captive. Time has only made this song more poignant in the current age of daily headlines recounting ICE agents’ callousness and inhumanity to man.

“The Ballad of Mary Magdalen” imagines the biblical figure’s feelings for Jesus, first as a man and then as a deity. “Lazy” celebrates a lighthearted moment of savoring quiet domesticity.

In “The Things I Have Seen,” optimistic patriotism collides with disillusionment after the speaker witnesses battle firsthand. The speaker bears the wounds that the world seems never to tire of probing. The Civil War companion piece “Arrowhead” is told from the perspective of a Confederate drummer boy.

Shindell’s movies of the mind next take us inside prison walls, where a condemned man contemplates the hereafter as he bears the weight of his life’s choices in “Ascent.” The album fittingly closes with the title track, leaving a sense of restlessness and a glimmer of hope.

The band lineup for this project includes Richard Shindell on vocals and acoustic guitar, Steve Addabbo on Hammond organ and electric guitar, Kenneth Blevins on drums, Larry Campbell on lap steel, pedal steel and mandolin, Séamus Egan on mandolin and uilleann pipes, Peter Freeman on synthesizer, Mark Hamza on Hammond organ, Lucy Kaplansky on harmony, Juan Patiño on percussion, Dave Richards and Michael Visceglia on bass, and John Whelan on button accordion. 

Richard Shindell is among the most talented storytellers of our time and deserves a much larger audience. His other noteworthy albums include “Sparrows Point,” “Somewhere Near Paterson,” and “Reunion Hill.”

Kim Taylor's Overlooked Classic

Kim Taylor
“Build You Up” EP
Kim Taylor (self-released)
2011

Kim Taylor possesses one of the most stunningly beautiful voices, and the clarity of thought in her lyrics is exceptional! Born in Miami, Florida, in 1973, and making her home today in Cincinnati, Ohio, she delivers a smooth, laid-back contemporary folk sound that is near-addictive. In addition to having recorded several full-length solo albums and EPs over the past two decades, she is also a member of the duo Water and Sand alongside fellow singer-songwriter Todd Thibaud.

Kim Taylor’s 2011 EP “Build You Up” is a seven-track collection that repackaged her earlier EP “The Greatest Story” from 2008 and added two additional tracks: "I Am You" and the title track "Build You Up." If you’re new to Kim Taylor’s music, I enthusiastically recommend the “Build You Up” EP as a bite-sized introduction to her body of work. Taylor shines brightly on every track here, and even Over the Rhine’s stellar cover of “Days Like This” doesn’t match the simple beauty of Kim’s original, life-affirming version featured here.

As with many digital releases, credits are minimal: the piano on the title track, the acoustic guitar and drums on “Days Like This,” and the balance of the tracks are uncredited. What is clear is that Taylor’s beautiful voice and songwriting combine to deliver an immensely satisfying work that remains one of my all-time favorites. If you desire heartfelt lyrics, beautifully delivered, you can do no better than this overlooked treasure. 

The Timeless Music of Maine’s David Mallett

David Mallett
“Parallel Lives”
Flying Fish Records
1997

Between 1977 and 2016, David Mallett recorded over a dozen albums. He wrote songs recorded by Emmylou Harris, "Red, Red Rose”; Alison Krauss, “Never Got Off the Ground”; Kathy Mattea, “Summer of My Dreams”; and Hal Ketchum, “Old Soldiers,” as well as the folk classic “Garden Song.” Although the Maine native found some success as a songwriter in Nashville, he never entirely broke into the mainstream as an artist. This is truly unfortunate, as Mallett is a remarkable talent and his music deserves a wider audience.

I first discovered Mallett in the bargain bin of a used record store in the mid-1990s. The CD was “For a Lifetime,” and I quickly acquired his entire catalog and have followed his career ever since. The friendly warmth in Mallett’s sweet baritone voice is like sitting on your back porch, sharing tales with an old friend. He effortlessly delivers superb, articulate storytelling that explores the human condition, including its triumphs and failures, loves and losses.

During his career, Mallett released three live albums. His 1997 album, “Parallel Lives," recorded live at a club in Dublin, New Hampshire, is an excellent starting point for those unfamiliar with his work, as it captures his warmth, wit, and charming stage presence. He sings many of his best-known songs, along with a mix of new ones, accompanied by his acoustic guitar, and is joined by Steven Sheehan on guitar and Mike Burd on bass.

His relatable songs focus on people who live and work the land through both hard times and good, sometimes reflecting on life’s fragility, as in “Closer to Truth,” which considers the sudden loss of a close friend. “My Old Man” is a heartfelt tribute to his father, and “Phil Brown” honors an artist friend he met in his youth. Mallett skillfully celebrates the simple joys of daily life, the embrace of family and friends, and his love of New England and the riches of nature as the seasons unfold over the years.

David Mallett's life journey ended on December 17, 2024, following a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. He was a much-loved and admired native son in his beloved Maine and will be greatly missed worldwide by all who were blessed to enjoy his artistry. If you've yet to discover his music, you are in for a rewarding adventure. 

The Hello Darlins Hit All the Right Notes

The Hello Darlins
“The Alders & The Ashes”
Continental Record Services
2024

Canadian Americana band The Hello Darlins consists of highly skilled session musicians who have spent years refining their craft by supporting other artists. In 2016, the three founding members—Candace Lacina as lead vocalist, Mike Little on keyboards and vocals, and Murray Pulver on guitar—formed the group, which often features a stellar cast of guest musicians they’ve met throughout their musical journey. The band delivers a contagious collection of well-crafted original songs with an easygoing, positive vibe.

The band’s second album, “The Alders & The Ashes,” fulfills the promise of their impressive 2021 debut, “Go by Feel.” This release features two CDs of engaging songs, highlighted by Lacina’s beautiful, expressive vocals and an outstanding group of guest musicians, including Russell Broom on guitar, Chad Cromwell on drums, and Bob Glaub on bass. Themes explored here span a wide range of life experiences and emotions, all while holding onto hope.

The collection starts with “Forgiving Cain and Loving Abel,” exploring themes of dealing with pain and conflicting feelings. This is followed by the album's best track, “What Is a Broken Heart For?”, an upbeat, sassy supplication that should be played on every country radio station. Next, J.D. Edwards lends his vocals to “Sea That Meets the Sky,” which contemplates life’s greater meaning.

The next two songs, “Lay Down Low” and “Highway 355,” are clearly very personal. While the former aims to slow down and process life as it comes, the latter is a loving reflection on a loved one lost to dementia. This is followed by Dave Fenley’s well-timed, beautiful, and humble guest vocals on “Better Days,” which is an uplifting assertion that better times are coming.

“Don't You Fall” envisions our existence from nature's vantage point, contemplating what trees have observed and "the conversations that you have overheard." It is an intriguing thought that underscores the depth of Lacina and Little’s songwriting.

Failed relationships are left behind on “Carefree Arizona,” and “Died with His Boots On” is an upbeat tribute to Lacina’s grandfather’s life, featuring her lively yodeling performance.

“Reasons to Cry” candidly expresses the grief and heavy emotions that come with losing a loved one, while “Best Worst Mistake” explores the feelings that arise after the end of a relationship. One of the album's standout moments features the breathtaking, yearning vocals of guest artist Ruby Friedman on the poignant track “Lonely Shore,” which conveys a deep sense of longing.

The uptempo “Mama Knows” celebrates drawing emotional strength through a maternal spirit. Guitarist Murray Pulver then takes center stage with his lead vocals on “Do It Up Right,” a song about living with passion and embracing life.

The album ends with “Devil in the Dark,” a blues-inspired track that examines our darker motives, and “Stranger in the Mirror,” featuring Martin Sexton's guest vocals, which expresses the discontent of losing our sense of self through pretension and compromise.

The best quality in music is authenticity, and The Hello Darlins deliver exactly that. They are honest poets and musicians of the highest caliber, whose sincerity and collective talent will continue to grow their audience. 

Alecia Moore and Dallas Green = You+Me

You+Me
"Rose Ave."
RCA Records
2014

In 2014, the folk-rock duo You+Me was formed, featuring the unexpected musical collaboration between American pop icon Alecia Moore (Pink) and Canadian indie folk artist Dallas Green (City and Colour). Shedding their better-known alter egos, they created vibrant, richly poetic songs perfectly suited to their voices.

The elegant simplicity of each track on their acoustic folk debut album, "Rose Ave.," is a stunning achievement and a delight for the listener. The project was recorded in just eight days, featuring Moore on vocals and percussion, Green on guitar and vocals, Matt Kelly on piano, pedal steel guitar, and organ, and Alex Newport on bass.

The opener, “Capsized,” is a clever metaphor for lovers drifting apart like two ships in the night; like vessels taking on water, they find themselves beyond saving. “From a Closet in Norway (Oslo Blues)” is about retreating from a lover who has grown distant, regretfully questioning the meaning of everything, while “Gently” contemplates the end of life’s journey and being at peace with oneself and life’s eventual end.

“Love Gone Wrong” explores familiar post-relationship wreckage, but this time from both sides of the equation. The love-affirming ‘You and Me” is a lovely duet showcasing the full power and beauty of Moore and Green’s vocal dexterity. They possess a natural vocal quality that feels like it creates a whole new voice as their voices meld in perfect harmony.

“Unbeliever” is about holding on despite our fears and self-doubt, made possible by love’s sustaining promise. “Second Guess” is about being newly unencumbered by love and struggling to trust again.

Moore’s deeply personal “Break the Cycle” explores her journey toward healing and reconciliation with her mother, while Green’s “Open Door” is a heartfelt tribute to his parents. The album concludes with an acoustic cover of Sade’s “No Ordinary Love.”

Returning Home with Fernando Ortega

Fernando Ortega
“Home”
Myrrh Records
2000

In the year 2000, Fernando Ortega released one of the best albums of that year. Note, I’m not qualifying this statement by saying it is one of the best Contemporary Christian Music albums of the year. Yes, Ortega is known as a prominent artist in the genre, but “Home” stands as a beautiful masterwork, thoroughly enjoyable, and shouldn’t be confined to any sub-genre, as it stands strong without any music industry branding. At the same time, this isn’t a watered-down attempt at crossing over into the mainstream arena. His faith and values are on full display, as this is simply part of who he is. However, “Home” isn’t what my grandmother termed “so heavenly minded that it’s no earthly good.” Ortega walks the same streets and breathes the same air as the rest of us, and as one of us, he sings about what he sees and feels.

When the pre-release of this album arrived in my mailbox in early 2000, I was not familiar with this artist, although he had already released seven albums by then. I was immediately impressed with Ortega’s ability to deliver each song with conviction. He clearly believes in what he sings, which adds authenticity to this collection of carefully selected songs. Most of the songs are written or co-written by Ortega, and the set includes one traditional African-American spiritual, “Give Me Jesus.”

The album opens joyously with “This Good Day,” a song of joy and appreciation that radiates goodwill and feels like summer. Two of the album's finest moments are “Lonely Road” and “Virginia Rose,” with the former beautifully evoking the feeling of missing one’s lover and home while on the road. At the same time, the latter is a straightforward love song carried by the rousing violin of Stuart Duncan.

While celebrating the joys and loves of this life and the recurring theme of home, these songs do not shy away from the less comfortable aspects of life. “Old Girl" concerns a homeless woman who, despite outward disarray, maintains her dignity, whereas “On the Line” thoughtfully reflects on the lives of lonely elderly individuals.

Returning to the spiritual “Pass Me Not” is a faithful rendition of the 19th-century American hymn, followed by “No One Else,” an upbeat song of praise and thanksgiving similar to the album’s opener “This Good Day.”

“Prayer For Home” and “Winter Song” each feel occasion-specific, with the former suitable for weddings and the latter as a beautiful Christmas meditation. And finally, the spiritual “Give Me Jesus" completes the set.

The album’s warm, introspective tone is achieved with the help of a large and diverse group of outstanding musicians, including: Fernando Ortega on vocals, piano, and acoustic guitar; Steve Addabbo, Rich Nibbe, Dean Parks, Tad Wagner, Jon Hughes, George Cocchini, Bob Somma, Randy Mitchell, Greg Leisz, and Matt Slocum on guitars; Don Heffington and David Raven on drums; Jimmy Johnson and Tim Chandler on bass; John Andrew Schreiner (the album producer) on piano, organ, synthesizer, and accordion; and legendary violin player Stuart Duncan.

The August Empire's Before the Hereafter

The August Empire
“Before the Hereafter”
(self-released)
2013

In the summer of 2013, Dante Marchi and Liz Constantine debuted their first album as The August Empire, titled “Before the Hereafter.” Their journey began years earlier during a TV commercial recording session, where they spent hours sharing a microphone. Their friendship blossomed into a relationship, paving the way for them to collaborate on songwriting.

Marchi grew up in Texas, immersed in country music, while Constantine enjoyed the Beatles and classical music in upstate New York, learning to play classical flute. Their excellent and diverse styles combine to create something beautiful and unique. The album gained attention when the song "There's a Rumor" was featured on the NBC TV series The Night Shift.

The duo wrote all the tracks on “Before the Hereafter,” except for a cover of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb.” Crafted with acoustic guitar and piano, their compositions are beautifully complemented by light strings and mandolin, courtesy of Rich Hyland. The overall sound is genuinely organic, capturing the essence of Americana without lapsing into clichéd modern country music themes. Instead, we are treated to melodic pieces that reflect their understanding of love's peaks and valleys, self-doubt, and our deep longing for connection and acceptance.

Highlights from the album include “There's a Rumor,” “Letting Go,” and “October.”

Skybound Blue Takes Flight on Born to Love You

Skybound Blue
"Born To Love You"
(self-released)
2025

Skybound Blue is a Sisters, Oregon-based duo that met in the jazz choir at Spokane Falls Community College, where they fell in love. Matthew and Jennifer Behnke married and began to pursue their shared dreams of adventure. They spent three summers on Guam, where Matt landed a gig diving for silver bullion on a 17th-century Spanish Galleon. In 2000, they sold everything and sailed around the Bahamas for a year filled with snorkeling, playing music, and making lifelong friends.

I’m indebted to the band’s website for this background information, as sources on the duo are scarce on the internet. Their lives changed forever when Jennifer was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Cancer remains a significant life challenge for the couple who’ve persevered as loving, supportive companions. From this experience comes a sense of urgency to write and play music, regardless of the circumstances; they have a deep-seated need to create. This led the couple to spend thirteen years in Nashville, working with some of the city’s finest writers and players. They have since returned home to the Pacific Northwest to raise a family and continue honing their craft.

Since 2011, Skybound Blue has released three albums and one EP, featuring some of the most enchanting and enjoyable Folk/Americana music I’ve heard. Their third album, “Born to Love You,” was released in January 2025. As with all their releases, it's an upbeat collection that celebrates the pair's love and is forward-looking, embracing every moment as it comes. Jennifer is featured on lead vocals throughout, and Matthew plays guitar and provides harmony on all songs.

“All My Days” opens the album with a celebration of motherhood, setting the tone for this collection of songs, which are filled with gratitude for every day. “Keep it Simple, Sweetheart” encourages us to relax and go with the flow. “Born to Love You” is about finding peace in the embrace of love.

“Another Song” and “At Last” are both love songs, with the latter being a cover of the Etta James classic, demonstrating Jennifer’s interpretive powers as a vocalist. This is a powerful standout that perfectly complements this collection of originals. “Could You” soulfully beckons to a companion during difficult times.

“We Only Have Today” addresses our human frailty and the loss of a childhood friend, while “Tripping Over Paradise” imagines being part of nature and locking in on those moments of peace and tranquility. “More Joy” is a declaration to reach for joy in this crazy, fast-paced world, delivered in a call-and-response style that pushes back against bad news.

Concluding with “Feather” and “Can’t Hold On,” these two songs explore our powerlessness in the face of mortality, leaving us with a peaceful image of floating on the breath of love. Here, they return to the theme of being grateful for today and finding peace in whatever one’s beliefs may be.

If one role of art is to delve into our inner selves—to explore our hopes, loves, dreams, and fears—then reflect on those we cherish and the world around us, and share what we’ve discovered, this album excels. Skybound Blue focuses on what they understand: life is transient, and it’s our task to reach out, love, and appreciate the love we have, while celebrating each heartbeat.

Since discovering these talented singer-songwriters, I’ve been listening to their entire catalog and continue to find nuance and meaning that I believe everyone can relate to. My deep dive into this group’s music has been very rewarding, and I'm sure yours will be too.

Finding Beauty Among the Ashes with Beth Nielsen Chapman

Beth Nielsen Chapman
“Sand and Water”
Reprise Records
1997

Beth Nielsen Chapman knows a lot about songwriting, having written or co-written for some of the most beloved artists in music. From Alabama to Neil Diamond, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Bette Midler, and Michael W. Smith, she has established herself as a respected songstress and artist in her own right. Like all great songwriters, she writes about everything that makes life the wonderfully complex experience we all share. In 1994, life dealt her what must have seemed like a cruel hand with the loss of her husband to cancer, and yet, out of immense personal loss, she gave the world a remarkable gift with her 1997 album “Sand and Water.”

Make no mistake, what we have here isn’t an artist's embarrassingly sentimental indulgence. This collection of songs is entirely relatable, as Chapman’s well-executed statements reflect our own life journey. It is a beautiful, thoughtful statement that explores the many conflicting emotions we all experience during times of personal loss while seeking to find our way back to hope and joy.

“The Color of Roses" is a delicate piano piece with strings arranged and conducted by Michael Omartian that looks for meaning in loss. Michael McDonald adds lovely backing vocals to “Seven Shades of Blue,” evoking nostalgia for past days filled with love and tenderness. “Beyond the Blue” conveys a profound longing and a desire to reconnect with what has been lost. “All the Time in the World" reflects on how quickly time slips away in our busy lives, especially when we think about the moments spent with loved ones. “These precious days we experience, discarded like tissue, I wish I could offer you all the time in the world."

The eloquent beauty of the title track, “Sand and Water,” encapsulates the album's essence: love, loss, mortality, our place in this vast universe, and the hope of something more. Such matters have rarely been explored with the beauty and vulnerability presented here, resulting in an ultimately uplifting and enduring package.

Beth Hart Reaches That Elusive Good Place on "Better Than Home"

Beth Hart
“Better Than Home"
Provogue Records
2015

California blues powerhouse Beth Hart has released passionate blues, rock, and R&B albums since 1993. She shares honest and heartfelt stories of life's trials, drawing from her personal struggles with addiction and bipolar disorder. She presents songs with grit and intensity reminiscent of Janis Joplin. Hart has achieved sobriety in recent years and received well-deserved Blues Music Awards for over a decade. Often touring with Joe Bonamassa, she has garnered an impressive international following.

According to Hart, her 2015 release “Better Than Home” was recorded under "painful" circumstances in five days. Producer Michael Stevens battled cancer, while Hart faced stress and mental health issues. None of this prevented her from delivering an outstanding artistic statement. These self-penned tracks form a collection that celebrates reaching that elusive good place of peace in one’s life and holding on. “We’re Still Living in the City," and the title track reflect this, while “Trouble” and “The Mood I’m In” focus on letting go and enjoying oneself. “Mechanical Heart” explores the pursuit of love in the face of our flaws and failures.

The album finishes with the touching and heartfelt track “Mama, This One’s for You.” In this song, an adult reflects on her growing appreciation for her mother through life’s experiences, highlighting the renewed importance of their relationship. Notable tracks include "Might as Well Smile" and "As Long as I Have a Song."

Finding Gold in Mariposa County

Bootstrap Circus
“Painted Face”
(self-released)
2011

Adam Burns grew up in the rural Peak District National Park in England. He moved to the United States in 2004 and today makes his home, creates music, and teaches in the one-time gold rush town of Mariposa, California. Burns has created music in various incarnations over the years; first as a solo artist, as the Adam Burns Band, which became Bootstrap Circus, and most recently in the duo Little Tiger.

Burns' rock and new wave influences, combined with his energetic powerhouse of a band, have created an upbeat and highly contagious sound on Bootstrap Circus’ third release, “Painted Face.” Burns' lyrics come alive through each band member’s contributions to the arrangements, skillfully creating a unique sound that is engaging and often joyful.

The collective talents of Burns on guitar and vocals, Kristin Ramsey on violin, vocals, and keyboards, Greg Archer on bass, and Mark Albosta on drums are truly special. From the opening notes of the gypsy sway of “Dirty Water,” with its strains of surf guitar and soaring violin, there’s a sense of embarking on a journey. “Don't Rock the Heater” is a plea to a restless youth, prone to trouble, to not "rock the heater, Jimmy Jones." This is followed by the beautiful "Sunsets And Shooting Stars," a straightforward song of love and devotion.

"The Dark Waltz" is a slow, moody, and mysterious piece elevated by Ramseya's violin. "Drink" is a devil-may-care romp through a wild night of debauchery and treacherous encounters. Meanwhile, "Brenda, The Teenage Arsonist" reflects on the secret passions of an outsider."You're Not Alone" and "Don't Call Me Zero" confront fascism. This is balanced by the light-hearted revelry of "Down In the Alley," declaring "I've got everything I'll ever need." 

With haunting strains of the guitar work of Duane Eddy, "The Godless Girl" depicts a small-town girl's rude awakening in the big city, and the closing title track continues this theme with its refrain "Oh Mama, there's no shame in what I've done." While this is a comedown from where the album began, it doesn't badly mar the project; it simply demonstrates that even a gifted songwriter like Burns can sometimes paint himself into a corner. This is the point where I return to track one and restart this enjoyable, if bumpy ride.

Kate Wolf's Music Still Resonates

Kate Wolf
“Poet’s Heart”
Kaleidoscope Records
1985

During her brief career, Kate Wolf released five studio albums and one double live album. “Poet’s Heart” was her final release during her lifetime. I was privileged to see Kate perform in the fall of 1985 at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. Although her music was new to me, I was charmed by her solo performance in this historic venue. As she stood onstage with her guitar, all eyes and ears were entirely focused on the captivating presence of the gentle poet. I sensed that this was something special. She had a way of drawing one into the stories of the lives and places she sang about with sincerity that was mesmerizing and poignant.

In the days following the concert, I acquired her entire catalog and was thrilled to have discovered such a remarkable talent. Weeks later, the news of her battle with leukemia became public, and I was devastated. She passed from this life at the age of 44 on December 10, 1986, leaving behind a body of work that is to be treasured.

“Poet’s Hart” is an album of honesty and vulnerability, with a depth and precision that disarm with its understanding of the subtleties of our lives. “All He Ever Saw Was You” tells the story of a conflicted musician’s devotion to his craft and the woman he loved more than he could convey. “In China or a Woman's Heart (There are Places No One Knows)” she explores the deeper meaning of a keepsake and the innermost mysteries and secrets kept in the heart. In “Slender Thread’ she sings of the fragility of love: “Sometimes the strongest love hangs by such a slender thread.”

Kate Wolf was on the verge of breaking through to a larger audience, having appeared on Austin City Limits and A Prairie Home Companion just before the onset of her illness. The Kate Wolf Music Festival was founded in 1996 by Kate’s family and friends in collaboration with Cloud Moss and the event management company Cumulus Presents. It ran from 1996 to 2022. During its 25-year run, artists such as Taj Mahal, Emmylou Harris, John Hiatt, Dar Williams, Neko Case, and a breathtaking list of other notable musicians have performed at the event.

In 1998, Red House Records released “Treasures Left Behind... Remembering Kate Wolf,” a tribute album featuring some of her most beloved songs. Among the collection's highlights are Dave Alvin’s performance of “These Times We're Living In” and Kathy Mattea’s “Give Yourself to Love.” Nanci Griffith, Greg Brown, Ferron, Emmylou Harris, Nina Gerber, Terry Garthwaite, and others each honor the artist as they keep this special music alive.

Navigating Life's Invisible Forces with The Whispering Tree

The Whispering Tree
“Invisible Forces”
Eyelash Soup Music LLC
2018

With the promise of a new album release later this year, it seems like a good time to revisit The Whispering Tree’s 2018 second album, “Invisible Forces.” The name The Whispering Tree evokes an image of wind-kissed leaves gently in motion, as if nature’s voice were delivering a message. This moniker, along with all the mysterious wonders and delights it suggests, is fitting for the genre-bending duo of classically trained vocalist/pianist Eleanor Kleiner and guitarist/bassist Elie Brangbour.

Make no mistake, these highly intelligent musicians are deep thinkers; they express themselves without self-consciousness or apologies, as none is necessary when done with such artistry and precision. With only eight songs and a runtime of just over half an hour, this album demonstrates that brevity is the soul of wit. In this concise package, they succeed in exploring the human condition from various angles and articulating some of our deepest fears. However, fear not; the stunning vocals and collective efforts of the duo and their band are never dull or tedious.

Beginning with “These Houses,” the lyricist contemplates the deterioration of dwellings whose previous inhabitants are no longer present, “returning to the earth like growing in reverse,” serving as a metaphor for life itself. “Heavy” is a weight-of-the-world ballad contrasted by “California’s” hopeful longing for a new beginning and starting one’s life anew.

“Fat Cat” calls out wealth and privilege and wonders, “How do you sleep?” as it rhythmically confronts an egotistical, greed-driven figure in their survival-of-the-fittest world. The marvelous bass-driven “Split in Half” captures the isolation we can feel within our communities and even inside our own homes.

“Garden” is by far the darkest offering here, with its apocalyptic vision of a scorched and ruined earth. Remembering all the wonders lost, it’s a vivid, startling lamentation delivered with beautiful, haunting guitar and piano. By contrast, “Bells'” hopeful declaration, “I hear bells ringing for change,” concludes the album with a positive song that would fit comfortably on a playlist alongside Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” While this collection of songs navigates some turbulent waters, the enduring hope for a better tomorrow is ultimately within reach. 

The Heart and Soul of A.J. Croce

A.J. Croce
“Heart of the Eternal”
BMG Rights Management (US) LLC
2025

A.J. Croce was two years old when his legendary father, Jim Croce, died in a plane crash and four when he experienced total vision loss. He later regained sight in his left eye at age ten. He found comfort in his late father's music collection, exploring artists such as Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Jackie Wilson and learning to play the piano. As a young man, he was mentored by R&B virtuoso Floyd Dixon and quickly gained the attention of B.B. King, Ray Charles, and other influential musicians. As an adult, he has established himself as an artist of integrity and innovation, delivering soulful rhythm and blues that defy a single genre label.

“Heart of the Eternal,” his 2025 release, features 11 new tracks and is produced by Shooter Jennings, son of Waylon Jennings. It’s a well-balanced collection of energetic, soulful pieces ranging from “Complications of Love” and “Didn't You Want That Too,” which explore the complexities of relationships, to the lighthearted reality check of “So Much Fun,” which celebrates good times with friends — "it’s so much fun to see them come, but man it’s good to see them go.”

Optimistic and forward-looking, "The Best You Can" is balanced with "All You Want," a moody meditation on navigating those inevitable down times that come our way. Even the album’s weaker tracks, “I Got a Feeling” and “Hey Margarita,” are lifted by the power and diversity of the overall collection. The haunting and beautifully hypnotic duet “The Finest Line,” featuring Margo Price, wraps up the album with style and grace. 

The band features A.J. on piano and lead vocals, as well as rhythm and lead guitar, David Barard on bass, Gary Mallaber on drums, and James Pennebaker on guitar. If you haven’t yet experienced the artistry and sincerity of this immensely talented artist, this release is a great place to start. I saw A.J. near the end of his Croce Plays Croce tour in October 2024 in Eugene, Oregon, where he not only paid tribute to his father but also performed an eclectic set of originals from his impressive catalog, as well as a host of landmark R&B, blues, and rock hits. An evening with A.J. in concert is highly recommended. 

Australian Roots Band, The Audreys, Returns Following Long Hiatus

The Audreys
"Ruin & Repair"
(self-released)
2025

The Audreys formed in 2004 in Adelaide, Australia. The original line-up consisted of Taasha Coates on lead vocals; Cameron Goodall on guitar, bass guitar, and backing vocals; his brother Tristan Goodall on guitar and banjo; and Michael Green on violin, lap steel guitar, and backing vocals. Over the years, the band has undergone numerous personnel changes, with Coates remaining the consistent creative force. 

The band took an 11-year break from recording after their fourth album, 2014’s “'Til My Tears Roll Away.” Their 2025 release, “Ruin & Repair,” marks a welcome return for this folk-rock favorite. Opening with "I Remember Everything" is a beautiful duet that showcases the vocal talents of Taasha Coates and the album's co-producer, Ryan Martin John, along with Tom Kneebone's delicate banjo playing. “Beatles V Stones” and “Secondhand Boots " explore ill-fated mismatched romance, while “Subterranean” and “To Want to Be Loved” are resolute in their pursuit of love.

The group lineup for this venture includes Taasha Coates on lead vocals, Tom Kneebone on guitar and banjo, Beej Barker on drums, and Felicity Freeman on bass. These skilled musicians effectively bring to life Goodall and Coates' compositions. From the upbeat songs to the more reflective “Norfolk Island Pine," "Beyond Compare," and “You’re in A Dream," they never fail to satisfy.

Tristan Goodall succumbed to cancer in 2022, leaving a significant void in not only The Audreys but also the lives of his brother, Cameron, and longtime friend and musical soulmate, Taasha Coates. "Beyond Compare" and "You're In A Dream" are heartfelt tributes to Tristan. In the former, Taasha sings, "Between love and loss is a great big lake full of all the choices that you never got to make." The latter imagines their loved one safe and warm, free of pain and far from the Winter's chill. The album dedication reads, “In loving memory of our brother & best friend Tristan Goodall, 1974-2022.”

This album features Taasha Coates's warm, beautiful lead vocals throughout and songs that linger with the listener long after the last note has played. The songs have a natural flow that feels like a laid-back evening spent with friends, reminiscing and sharing memories of days gone by. Best of all, "Ruin & Repair" reveals greater depth and charm with each listen, making it a record worth revisiting frequently.

Mike Farris Comes Home to Muscle Shoals

Mike Farris
“The Sound of Muscle Shoals”
Compass Records
2025

After his southern rock band, the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies, disbanded in the 1990s, Mike Farris emerged as a gifted and soulful solo performer, overcoming the excesses of rock ‘n’ roll. He plays a solid mix of rock, rhythm and blues, soul, and gospel and has released half a dozen albums. He is a Grammy, Americana Association, and Dove Music Award winner who has lent his vocal talents to album projects for artists including Patty Griffin, Rodney Crowell, and Gloria Gaynor. He’s enjoyed a lasting friendship with Mavis Staples, whom he honored in his song “When Mavis Sings.” He was invited to be a featured performer at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 16th Annual American Masters concert in 2011, honoring Aretha Franklin alongside some of the industry's biggest stars.

In 2018, Mike Farris joined numerous artists to pay tribute to Muscle Shoals' legacy on the album “Muscle Shoals ... Small Town, Big Sound,” where he and the Blind Boys of Alabama delivered the finest track, “Respect Yourself.” This sparked curiosity about what a complete project by Farris in this storied environment would be like. Now, we have the answer with the 2025 release of “The Sound of Muscle Shoals” recorded at FAME Studios in Alabama.

This is an exceptional collection of nine original songs and two covers, delivered with the powerhouse vocals that only Farris can provide. “Heavy On the Humble,” “Her,” “Learning to Love,” and “Before There Was You & I” each celebrate the enduring relationship he shares with his wife, Julie. “Bird In the Rain” is a smooth, soulful ballad that would make the late Aretha Franklin proud. The gospel song "Slow Train” is a brilliant cover of the Staple Singers' 1968 classic. “Bright Lights” is a solid country tune that captures the struggles of a road-weary troubadour as he chases his passion for music, featuring Philippe Bronchtein's excellent steel guitar.

Rounding out this collection is an excellent cover of Tom Petty's “Swingin'” and “I'll Come Runnin',” featuring a slow, glorious build and plateau, pledging love and commitment. “Sunset Road” ponders a lover’s getaway, leaving worries behind and reclaiming what matters.

Every song here is pure excellence. Farris's vocal delivery is spot-on, and his songwriting is sincere and compelling. The band, featuring Clayton Ivey on piano, Hammond organ, and Wurlitzer; Will McFarlane, Kelvin Holly, and Wes Sheffield on guitar; Jimbo Hart on bass; Justin Holder on drums and percussion; Wendy Moten, Kevin Clayborn, Lashanda Evans, Cindy Walker, and Angela Hacker on vocals; Philippe Bronchtein on steel guitar; Brad Guin on saxophones; and Drew White on trumpet, is exceptional. This album is a must-experience for all who appreciate authentic, soulful rhythm and blues.

Love and Empathy Run Deep in Caroline Spence's True North

Caroline Spence
“True North”
Rounder Records
2022

In 2022, Caroline Spence released the brilliant and beautiful album “True North.” This is art of the highest caliber, a significant accomplishment in the music industry. Being constrained by the limitations imposed by major record labels doesn’t foster uninhibited creation, which is unfortunate for both the artist and the eventual listener. Fortunately, on her final album for Rounder Records, this remarkable singer-songwriter’s insightful, thoughtful, and personal reflections are available for everyone to enjoy.

At the time of “True North’s” release, Spence stated, “this is an album of deep love - love for time on this earth, love for all the people that pass through your life, love for yourself exactly as you are… love for your partner, love for unanswered questions, love for searching and yearning and feeling. This is also an album of grief, which is a form of love. I've felt hesitant to hang my hat here because I don't want sadness to be the headline for this record, because grief is more than sadness, it's love.” And in that spirit of openness, rolling with life’s punches, feeling the pain, and embracing healing, she has succeeded.

The album opens with “Mary Oliver,” invoking the late American poet while exploring the details of daily life and living with grief. "The Gift” is about the fleeting quality of time and how it is the only thing we have. “Clean Getaway” confronts the reality that we must face our truths, and there's no escaping some things we’d rather run away from. The title track celebrates a friend finding their true calling and purpose.

The gentle waves carrying this collection of songs convey themes of friendship and connectedness. “Scale These Walls” invites a lover or friend to penetrate the walls she’s constructed. “Walk the Walk” and “I Know You Know Me” offer friendship and support to a troubled companion. “The Next Good Time” advises that when trouble finds you, “Grit your teeth, get through it, and wait for the next good time.” While this might seem routine fare, it isn’t in the masterful hands of this songstress. Her beautiful expression of love and empathy is genuine and sincere.

“Blue Sky Rain” grapples with the unyielding forces in a failing relationship, while a loner finds renewal in the healing power of love in “I Forget the Rest.” Many emotional stones are turned here, and the precision of Spence’s delivery of her lyrics is always on target. The Greek mythology referencing “Icarus” celebrates a life free of fear and open to adventure, without trepidation about flying too high.

The album concludes with “There’s Always Room,” a poignant expression of revelations gained through loss and self-discovery: "Oh, I have lost, but oh, I have found parts of you I never knew I carried." Our familial bonds often run deeper than we realize; like love, they are to be cherished when everything we hold dear feels lost.

A Timely Tribute to Woody Guthrie

Reg Meuross
“Fire & Dust: A Woody Guthrie Story”
Hatsongs Records
2025

“Fire & Dust: A Woody Guthrie Story” was conceived by The Who's Pete Townshend, who commissioned and produced the project. In 2019, he enlisted fellow musician Reg Meuross to bring his vision to life. Meuross combined his musicianship, research skills, keen historical insight, and strong sense of social justice to create a significant portrait of the folk icon and his music.Townshend’s vision is realized by a stellar band featuring Reg Meuross on guitar and lead vocals, Geraint Watkins on accordion and keyboards, Pete Townshend himself on bass guitar and keyboards on “Fire & Dust,” Phil Beer on mandolin, slide guitar, and fiddle on “The Gypsy Singer,” Marion Fleetwood on fiddle and additional strings on “The Gypsy Singer,” Roy Dodds on drums and percussion, Simon Edwards on bass guitar, Bethany Porter on cello and additional vocals on “Red Shoes,” and Katie Whitehouse on backing vocals.

Listening to these eloquently narrated tales of Woody Guthrie's life alongside the legend's originals reminds one that the America of the 1930s and 1940s wasn’t so different from our world today. This inevitably leads to the question: Can music bring about lasting change? The answer seems to be a cautious yes, with the caveat that society must remain vigilant, lest the lessons learned and the price paid by past generations be forgotten. Guthrie was an activist whose music and writing served as a voice for the working class in their fight for social justice. Today, the fight continues as our collective ideas of fairness and humanity evolve and devolve, influenced by shifting political perspectives.

All songs are written by Meuross, except for four Guthrie standards: "So Long It’s Been Good to Know Ya,” “This Land Is Your Land," “Ain’t Got No Home," and “Deportee,” which was co-written by Guthrie and Martin Hoffman.

The biographical title track, “Fire & Dust,” opens the album, recounting the trials of Dust Bowl migrants and the elements that upended their lives, leading many to poverty and despair. “Is this the same god in who you trust, the god of fire, the god of dust?” is asked as the foundations of any remaining faith was shaken to their core. “A Folk Song's A Song” serves as a concise mission statement for the vagabond troubadour, paraphrasing some of the poet’s own words in a simulated collaboration among Guthrie, Dylan, and Meuross.

“Mary’s Song” tells the story of Guthrie’s first marriage to Mary Jennings, as expressed from her perspective, regretfully recounting their ill-fated union. “I Sent For A Wife” humorously imagines Guthrie’s father, Charley, feeling discontent as he seeks a mail-order bride following the death of his wife, Nora Belle, only to discover there’s no truth in advertising; she turns out to be a seller of snake oil and a con artist.

The upbeat sing-along “So Long It’s Been Good to Know Ya” belies the seriousness of the dust storms descending on the Texas high plains, understanding that sometimes one has to laugh to push back the tears.

The unraveling of Guthrie’s marriage to Mary culminates in “Woody Come Home,” which captures the tug-of-war between the activist artist and his responsibilities to his wife and children. Though well aware of the impending day of his daughter's birth, he chose to play the cotton workers’ strike that day instead. While “Ain’t Got no Home” is about the plight of migrant workers, the same could be said of its writer, as this was the choice he’d made by distancing himself from his family.

“Fit for Work (Illegal Hands)” stands out among Meuross’ originals as it humanizes the ever-present immigration debate. The struggle for sustenance and a semblance of dignity has long plagued Mexican laborers, who are used and cast aside by a country that remains hostile to them. Paired with Guthrie’s “Deportees,” it illuminates the dehumanization that is all too familiar in U.S. relations with those on whom we depend.

“Red Shoes” takes us inside the fateful 1948 Los Gatos Canyon plane crash, which killed 28 migrant workers being deported, three crew members, and an immigration guard. This is the same flight that inspired “Deportees.”

“This Land is Your Land” was Guthrie’s response to Irving Berlin’s song “God Bless America.” Feeling that it wasn’t representative of the real America in which he lived, he set out to write something better. Thus, one of the United States' most beloved folk songs was born out of a desire to tell the truth while extoling the scenic glories of his homeland.

“Woody Guthrie’s Chains” relates to Guthrie being confronted by a listener who objected to his use of an offensive racial word while discussing the blues. Awakened to his ignorance and the crass insensitivity he had displayed, he vowed never to use the word again.

Woody Guthrie faced significant heartache and grief in his life, and like any dedicated journalist, Meuross confronts these realities. In 1945, Guthrie married Marjorie Greenblatt. They lost Cathy, one of their four children, in a tragic fire. Losing Stackabones, his nickname for her, plunged him into a drunken spiral. He returned to the road even as Huntington's disease began to take its toll on his health. “Stackabones and Runaway Boy” covers this passage in his life.

“I Ain’t Dead” is an up-tempo declaration of endurance and reflects a man holding on even as he knows his illness is pulling him away. “Riding to Jerusalem” asks questions that only one’s soul can answer. Guthrie was a walking contradiction like the musical legends that would follow him, such as Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. While he lived to effect change and give voice to the unheard, he also desired a home, family, and a sanctuary to retreat into when he felt the need. He made his choices much to our benefit, if not his own.

The album concludes with “The Gypsy Singer” channeling Guthrie as the troubadour imparts the great commission to carry on his mission through song. In this regard, Reg Meuross has admirably risen to the challenge.

Perhaps the Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown," which sparked interest in Guthrie and “Fire & Dust: A Woody Guthrie Story," will further his enduring legacy and ignite interest among a new generation. We live on as long as we are remembered and our songs are sung. Long live Woody Guthrie and his legacy.

  

Kristen Grainger & True North Go Deep on Ghost Tattoo

Kristen Grainger & True North
“Ghost Tattoo”
(self-released)
2020

Based in Salem, Oregon, Kristen Grainger and True North released their 2020 album “Ghost Tattoo” as the world was shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Plans for an extensive international tour starting in Ireland had to be scrapped, and promoting the project became nearly impossible. Nevertheless, the album, a blend of folk and Americana with a touch of bluegrass, is one of their best efforts.

The album is a delicate balance between an unflinching look at who we are today in these polarizing times and a sense of optimism for who we might become. “Ghost of Abuelito” pulls at the heart as it confronts the crisis of children being separated from parents at the Mexico border and being held in detention centers. Grainger’s lyrics pierce the heart, as a child finds comfort in the spirit of his grandfather, giving him the courage to believe he will return to his parents.

The title “She Flies with Her Own Wings” is derived from Oregon's state motto and is an inspired tribute to former Governor Kate Brown, for whom Grainger worked as communications director. It is also a nod to all women in leadership positions. In "Light by Light," a survivor describes the hard truths of domestic violence.

Kristen Grainger speaks eloquently as an advocate for female empowerment and social justice. She understands her folk music heritage and is a voice for the unheard, much like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. This may offend some, but since they are likely part of the problem rather than the solution, I doubt she loses any sleep over it.

Two covers, Tim O'Brien's and Darrell Scott’s whimsical “When No One's Around” and Peter Rowan’s “Lonesome L.A. Cowboy,” lighten the mood, balancing some of the weightier subjects examined here. While lost love and the wish for what might have been are the focus of “Wishes and Dreams.” “Keep the River on Your Right” is an upbeat song reminiscent of Alison Krauss and Union Station. “Fine Young Companion” imparts wisdom from the older generation to the young about the importance of embracing a simple life.

These songs are beautifully delivered by the band’s namesake on lead vocals, alongside the True North band, which includes Dan Wetzel, Grainger’s husband, on guitar, resonator guitar, mandolin, octave mandolin, banjo, mandola, ukulele, and vocals; Martin Stevens on mandolin, fiddle, octave mandolin, and vocals; and Josh Adkins on upright bass and vocals. Guest artists Dale Adkins on banjo and Cameron Elmore on bowed bass also contribute to this impressive lineup.