David Preston, Rob Meany, Esthesis Quartet 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:
TAALI – TAALI (SINGER-SONGWRITER/FOLK): Labeling these 13 tracks from Taali Billig (who goes by Taali) as eclectic is a disservice. Taali composed all the songs, produced them with Brian Bender, and handled the vocal and string arrangements. The result a sometimes mystifying yet often stunning collection of work, with songs that reflect introduction, isolation, and triumph. “Did We Die” sets the rollercoaster in motion, with a stark, chilling account of an honest confrontation with death. “Anywhere” takes on the leap into a new world with a nuanced and tender view. “Did We Survive” culminates the journey but hints at new ones. Taali, with her crack band, paints outside the lines, which makes this album so engaging and brilliant.
WENDEL – THESE TIMES (POP/ROCK): Wait, the invention by Roger Nichols has an album? Well, no. Available for download on Bandcamp and in limited-quality vinyl, These Times has more feel and grit than anything the late engineer could get out of his first or second-generation drum machines. Wendel is the brainchild of songwriter, guitarist, and producer Tom Welsh, and the music oozes sophistication with his funky guitars, touches of synths and quirky melodies. “Rolling Stoney” with Elliott Randall has a classic ’70s vibe. “I Would Be King” further ups the ante. Guests Nathan MacAdams (Fender Rhodes) and Keith Carlock (drums) provided a subtly effective backing to Welsh’s potent pop-rock melody and earnest vocals. These Times contains nine tracks of premium rock not to be missed.
DAVID PRESTON – PURPLE/BLACK VOL. 1 (JAZZ): David Preston’s Purple/Black Vol. 1 was initially conceived as a solo guitar album; however, the producer and songwriter expanded the concept to include bass, keyboards and drums. His opening track, “O. Winton,” is an excellent example of how the listener has benefited from that decision. Preston’s distracted jazz tone creates a tantalizing interaction with keyboardist Kit Downes’s style. Kevin Glasgow, on six-string bass, adds to the fascinating sonic mix, while drummer Seb Rochford adds touches of rock and jazz to hold the elements together. “Purple Black” adds a fascinating contrast to the previous songs, with its brooding, almost mystical elements, and haunting guitar, piano/organ interplay. “VHS Peom” is my favorite of the 10 compositions on the album. The song, which is a classic from the Preston/Glasgow/Lowe canon, is mystical and vivid. This LP is captivating from beginning to end and sparked a deeper dive into David Preston’s discography while we wait for the follow up. Purple/Black Vol. 1 will be released on April 28, and can be ordered via Bandcamp.
ROB MEANY – FERRIS WHEELS UNBOUND (POP/ROCK): Rob Meany’s 2023 single, “Beautiful Circles,” was an excellent reminder for me of how much I love Terramara. The Minneapolis-based group hasn’t released an album since 2008’s Dust & Fiction, but keyboardist and band leader Rob Meany has been very active in the local scene. Ferris Wheels Unbound was Meany’s proper solo debut, incorporating his Terramara songwriting acumen while expanding on the musical arrangements that made the group so endearing. Co-producer Andy Thompson worked with Meany to cast his jazzy chords and piano-based composition in a more sophisticated light. “Quiet Desire” features a natural and enchanting pop feel which highlights Meany’s voice. “The View” verges into Steely Dan territory with its precision touches and horn section. The title track is vividly poignant, highlighting Rob Meany’s piano and arranging skills, while the string ensemble and piano arrangement on “Cover Of Snow” could not be more beautiful. Available through his website, Ferris Wheels Unbound is an excellent addition to Terramara’s catchy catalog.
ESTHESIS QUARTET – TIME ZONES (JAZZ): Four stellar musicians living in four different time zones in the U.S. produced a robust and dynamic work. The all-female band shared and arranged this second album via Zoom, finding time between their roles as educators to complete Time Zones. “Serial” smokes with a dynamic passion, urged along by flight-of-fancy drumming by Tina Raymond and flute work by Elsa Nilsson. “Blue Light” shimmers thanks to pianist Dawn Clements’ terrific touch and bassist Emma Dayhuff’s feel. The album-closing “Getting Through” only cements the feeling that the Esthesis Quartet held nothing back in the composing and playing these compelling original songs.
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