Music

'So New York' is grand! This Steven Blane album is full of vintage jazz/pop aromas that give off tantalizing wisps of elusive familiarity similar to the heady music of the ‘40s and ‘50s.

'Tall Pines & Tangled Vines' by The Rabbitts comprises a tasty collection of folk tunes that, for the most part, should please aficionados of mellow folk music.

With 'Chas Randall,' Randy Forte delivers a strong album of country rock replete with bluesy savors.

Works by John Adams, George Lewis, and Courtney Bryan explored the interaction between man and machine, in three very different ways. And there wasn't a pianola (player piano) in sight.

'Beneath the Redwoods' by Morrison Kincannon is simply glorious, like a gem buried deep in the earth. Once exposed to the light of day, their music glows.

The 'Nostalgia' score easily earns high marks (3.5 stars), as French composer Laurent Eyquem showcases piano, strings, and horns in essential music that emits amazing emotion, even at a fairly minimal 31-minute running time.

'Hush Now' is a wonderful album. Even though the songs are lullabies, adults will enjoy the elusive familiarity of the tunes.

The 'Four Seasons' benefitted especially from the outdoor setting. A real bird sang during the twittering of the violins in the first movement of 'Spring.' A dog barked. During 'Summer' real crickets formed a chorale as, in the music, a goatherd wept and a storm threatened.

In 'Gorerunner,' Jane in Space hypnotises listeners by creating delicious tension through the combination of alternative rock, industrial, and electronic sounds.

'Bigger Waves' is remarkable because of its cool alt rock/punk blend of energy.