Dan Wilson, Maximo Park, Benjamin Lazar Davis and others are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately:
DAN WILSON – VESSELS OF WOOD AND EARTH (JAZZ): “The Rhythm Section” kicks things off on Dan Wilson’s latest release, Vessels of Wood and Earth, in excellent form. The guitarist is on fire for his third major label release, and the first since 2017’s To Whom It May Concern. An accomplished sideman with Joey DeFrancesco, Wilson has a proven talent as a fine composer and arranger. Vessels of Wood and Earth is yet another demonstration of those skills, and his warm tone and understated guitar stylings. “Bird of Beauty” offers a lovely and slow-burning contrast to the album opener, while “The Reconstruction” walks the powerful band (which includes keyboardist Christian Sands, drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts, and bassist Marco Panascia plus special guests Christian McBride and vocalist Joy Brown) through their paces. You don’t have to be a guitarist the enjoy these 11 songs; you do have to appreciate musical craftsmanship.
MAXIMO PARK – NATURE ALWAYS WINS (ROCK MUSIC): Maximo Park returns with the veteran England-based rock trio’s first full album of new material since 2017’s Risk to Exit. The opening song, “Partly of My Making,” demonstrates that even though the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the recording process, they still made a cohesive and powerful LP with producer Ben Allen. The songs are jangly and driving, with clear and tight vocals from Paul Smith and straightforward performances from drummer Tom English and guitarist Duncan Lloyd. If the song “Placeholder” doesn’t get your blood going, then something’s wrong with you. This isn’t brain surgery it just good rock ‘n’ roll.
DANIEL THATCHER – WATERWHEEL (JAZZ): Bassist and composer Daniel Thatcher makes his Shifting Paradigm Records debut with the adventurous and powerful album Waterwheel. Thatcher accompanied by guitarist Matt Gold and John Kregor and drummer Devin Drobka ties in strong and vivid melodies with spacious arrangements and stellar musicianship. “Odds are Even” is a keen example of Thatcher’s craft. The guitars and bass engage in a deliberate and respectful dance, while Drobka’s brushwork propels the song forward. The album, available now for order on Bandcamp, covers the gamut of musical moods. “I’m Alpental” is a joyously fun romp and the bonus track, “The Feast is Forward,” makes you ask for a fee more minutes of the musical interplay.
BENJAMIN LAZAR DAVIS – I BET YOU’RE F*CKING (XXXX): Benjamin Lazar Davis has an extensive and diverse discography; his new EP I Bet You’re F*cking is a worthy addition and quite an intriguing ride. Davis, an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, has a keen sense of musical hooks, which are not just drawn to his melodies but are harmonically exciting and beyond the obvious. The gentle charm of “Calling to Prayer” is a perfect example of his ability to paint, using just a few colors in his palette while evoking a vivid vision. The title track has a charm all unto its own. Co-written with Bridget Kearney of Lake Street Drive and Jeremy McDonald, it’s one of my favorite COVID-19 inspired songs. Benjamin Lazar Davis goes beyond the obvious in the song, and does it in a way that will have you singing the chorus at the dinner table. At just 17 minutes, you’ll be begging for more. This EP has already earned a spot on my Best of 2021 So Far list.
DAVID WALTERS – NOCTURNE (JAZZ): David Walters has released an acoustic album with the help of kora musician Ballake Sissoko, bassist Vincent Segal and percussionist Roger Raspail. The results are bold, evoking the feel of a small club where patrons appreciate Afro-Cuban jazz stylings. Even if you are not familiar with the genre, songs like “Freedom” and “Sam Cook Di” are immediately captivating. Nocturne has a flow and presence which takes the listener away and creates a yearning to explore David Walters’ entire catalog.
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