The Refugees- California

Combining three stellar singer-songwriters and great classic rock songs is not a guarantee of success. Fortunately, Cidny Bullens, Deborah Holland, and Wendy Waldman know how to deliver tasty arrangements and stellar vocals. California, a tribute to the golden state, is a primarily acoustic affair produced by Waldman and Abraham Parker. The tender covers of classic California rock songs run the gambit from the expected (Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth) to deep cuts ( Sly and The Family Stone’s “Stand”). 

The arrangements superbly match the band’s vocal talents, as the acoustic guitars by Holland and Waldman, along with Bullens’ mandolin, sparkle. 

The Rufugees shine in California, and the album is an excellent gateway to their solo and group catalogs.

Shawn Maxwell’s Story at Eleven

Chicago-based saxophonist Shawn Maxwell released a dynamic four-track album, Story at Eleven. Maxwell’s four-movement work, his eleventh release, has a feel and enthusiasm which is infectious. Composed by Maxwell, who reproduced the album with Nick Eipers, Maxwell’s focus for the album was to create four distinct points of view for each epic track. His band, which features Collin Clauson on electric piano and organ, Michael Barton on bass, and Greg Essing on drums, compliments Maxwell’s bold arrangements and powerful alto sax sound. “Appointment With…” starts the flight with its pensive Fender Rhodes and melodic alto sax and bass interplay. Over the next ten minutes, the intensity and tension build. Reaching “Answer & Arrival” at the album’s end, the listener has been guided on a wonderous long-form journey with daring time signature changes and equally evocative solos. It’s evident that there has been some sort of transformation during this 40-minute ride. Perhaps repeated listening will uncover the details of the joyous ride. 

Rickie Lee Jones – Pieces of Treasure

One would think that after listening to Rickie Lee Jones for almost 50 years, she would no longer stir strong emotions. Her current release of jazz standards, Pieces Of Treasure, conjures the same feelings that I had when I first heard her self-titled debut in the late ‘70. Granted, Jones has released a few cover albums, some brilliant ( A Girl and Her Volcano) and one godawful ( the flaccid David Was Produced Pop Pop). Jones, never one to ignore her muse, is an artist in the truest sense. Reconnecting with producer Russ Titelman at New York’s Sear Sound in the summer of 2022, Jones, with a tight band including Rob Mounsey on piano, guitarist Rusell Malone and Jon Herington, bassist David Wong and drummer Mark McLean provide the subtle and texture support to Jones’ still unique and expressive voice. The result is songs like “All the Way” and “Nature Boy” take on a new life. Each song is born again by Jones, while Titelman keeps the playing loose and breezy. Add Pieces Of Treasure to the list of classic Rickie Lee Jones albums. This is ten pieces of musical gold. 

Alexis Evans- Yours Truly 

Yours truly is authentic and compelling neo-soul. Writer, producer, and composer Alexis Evans gathered an energized band to enliven his compact and vivid stories.

Evans’ 2019 album, I’ve Come A Long Way, was a perfect sophomore effort. Yours Truly doesn’t attempt to reinvent his formula. That’s fine, as songs like “What Is This Feeling” and “Let Them Loose” are emotional, descriptive, and fun. Add to this formula Evans’ powerfully soulful voice and Memphis-like guitar, and you have one of the best albums of the year. 

Bokante’ – History

Out on June 30th on Real World Records, Bokante’s latest album, History is a stunning mashup of Creole, African, Arab, and blues. The resulting stew is a compelling, pulsating collection of songs. “Bliss” is a fine example of these styles with powerful bass and gusty guitars. The underlying busy influence is prevalent throughout the office, but songs like “Pa Domi” tie in the strong West African influences. Additionally, Snarky Puppy leader Michael League effortlessly integrates Western music with Middle Eastern and African themes. Roosevelt Collier (lap steel) and guitarists Chris McQueen and Bob Lanzetti meld with Jamey Haddad and Keita Ogawa, producing an album that is more than the sum of its parts.