Song Review- Katie Knipp – “Santa Cruz Blues” off the upcoming album Live at Theater 5150

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A woman, seated on a reversed chair, looks out toward the viewed.

Katie Knipp is definitely one of my favorite artists and I very unfortunately did not have the opportunity to go to the live event at Theater 5150 where this was recorded.  I did have a couple family members attend though and they were highly impressed with the session and gave it rave reviews.  I have been patiently (well…sort of anyway) waiting for this release and the news that the pre-sale was on had me quickly getting my order placed.  That purchase allowed me to get this one track early and ever since then I have been listening away.  

If you have read my prior reviews (see links below) you already know that “Santa Cruz Blues” is a favorite of mine and originally was on her 2018 album Take It With You.   There is a very tragic and real story behind the song (which you can read about in the bio on her webpage) and you can feel that personal impact in the edginess of the music and the passion in the vocal track.  The opening harmonica is loud and boisterous, cutting sharply through the other instruments each time it rings out.   Even with a dynamic rhythm section and the vibrant accompaniment of the rest of her band that one instrument has always framed the tone of this song for me.  Knipp’s voice, which as always is its own compelling and unique instrument, adds a layer of tension to the soundscape.  This is a strong, energetic live performance of “Santa Cruz Blues” and a great early release to listen to and get psyched up for the remainder of the album.  

Vote here to nominate this for my best of 2026 list: 

Musicians on this are: Katie Knipp (vocals, guitar, piano, harmonica), Neil Campisano (drums), Pancho Tomaselli (bass), Chris Martinez (lead guitar) and Steve Utstein (Wurlitzer, Hammond B3). 

Pre-order here – several options and some cool packages! 

https://katieknipp.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-theater-5150

Please let me know your opinion in the comment section below

Interested in more info on this Artist?

https://katieknipp.com/home

Playlist links 

https://bandcamp.com/jackmesenbourg/playlist/11292025

Prior review links 

Release Alert! Katie Knipp – Dance Me
Song Review- Katie Knipp “Go” (Electro-Funk Remix) 
Song Review- Katie Knipp “Outlaw Doc” from the album Me

Just a few ideas if you have the time:  purchase music when you can as streaming does not pay much even times a thousand, support and get to know your local community, live well and be a good neighbor 🙂 

Album Review- Scott Sean White  – Days Are Long

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A man in a baseball cap is seated and playing an acoustic guitar.

Many thanks to Adam Dawson at Broken Jukebox Media for giving me the opportunity to hear this album.  He has a knack for sending along really great music from artists with whom I am not familiar and this time was no exception.  Days Are Long is an excellent release with some very talented musicians accompanying Scott Sean White on what I would call an introspective musical journey with a foundation in his faith and life experiences.  

The first track is “She’d Be the Bible” which comes in on some light keys and a bouncy rhythm and maintains an upbeat manner and joyful tone throughout the song.   The lyrics are a nice tribute to his wife and her support over his music career.  It gives you some good positive vibes and the guitar solo around 1:45 is pretty cool also.  

I had a few other songs that became favorites over the listening sessions I spent with this album.  “Here to Stay” has a bit of a heavier tone to it and an alternative country feel that includes some well placed stand-up bass action.  There is also harmonica that cuts in to give some extra “back porch anthem” power to the track.  

The fourth song on the album is “Six” and I actually was not an immediate fan but it definitely grew on me.   Part of what changed my mind was listening to the composition and some of the delicate touches of the instrumentation.  It all does a really good job of crafting this musical atmosphere that evokes youth and kid-like energy.  For me this song is about being older and looking back on how maybe you were happier and more joyful as a kid and I think having a musical setting which highlights the youthful side really gives the message more power.  There is some nice fiddle work on this also that really stretches out the background space and gives it room for the music to flow. 

Another great track is “Little Bit of Luck.”  The vocal here is forward and strong and accompanied by some nice electric and steel guitar.   This is one of those numbers that feels hopeful even if the lyrical message does not pertain directly to your life.  The subtle energy of the music and upbeat vocal delivery make it one you can tune in for a listen when you need some encouragement. 

There are ten total songs on Days Are Long and they are all well-crafted and played masterfully by this group of musicians.  Lyrically there are a range of topics but all are centered in real life experiences that are very relatable and relevant.  It was a real pleasure to be able to listen to this album and I will be coming back to it often.  

Vote here to nominate this for my best of 2026 list: 

Other musicians on this are: Brian Fullen (drums), Justin Ostrander (electric guitar), Brian Douglas Phillips (steel guitar), Josh Matheny (dobro, lap steel), Byron House (upright bass), Ross Holmes (fiddle), Carole Rabinowitz (cello), Alex Wright (piano, B3 organ), Dave Brainard (bass, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, keyboards, accordion, mandolin, percussion and background vocals).  Brainard is also the producer on this album.  Other background vocals by: Dani Flowers, Helene Cronin, Susan Gibson and Victoria Rudd.  

Streaming link:

I could not find a place to order a physical copy of this on his website but maybe that will be up soon! 

Please let me know your opinion in the comment section below

Interested in more info on this Artist?

https://www.scottseanwhite.com

https://www.instagram.com/scottseanwhite

Just a few ideas if you have the time:  purchase music when you can as streaming does not pay much even times a thousand, support and get to know your local community, live well and be a good neighbor 🙂 

Song Review-Tornado Lobster Killer – “Rhya” off the upcoming album Lobsteria

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Four men stand in front of musical equipment on a stage.

cover artwork by Nora and Croma

This is a new band to me and it is always cool to hear good music coming from other countries.  This group is out of Italy and they have a back catalog that I checked out on Bandcamp of one album and four singles.  Their 2022 self-titled LP is a nice ten song set with my favorite being “Rainy Days.”  It has the rough edges and raw feeling of an early release while showing a good musical foundation.  

You can hear the growth, both in song composition and overall sound, that this group has gone through in these past four years when you hit play on “Rhya.”  It comes out loud and fast with a heavy drum presence framed by a groovy guitar riff.   The song keeps that rhythm forward mix going all the way through with the vocals in a lighter tone that give a little lift to the overall feel.   The track gave me kind of a punchy but dark feeling and the lyrics are meaningful and worth a little reflection.  I enjoyed this song and will be interested to hear what mix of sounds they offer up on the new album.  

Vote here to nominate this for my best of 2026 list: 

Streaming link:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/tornadolobsterkiller/rhya

Cool video here:

Please let me know your opinion in the comment section below

Just a few ideas if you have the time:  purchase music when you can as streaming does not pay much even times a thousand, support and get to know your local community, live well and be a good neighbor 🙂 

Album Review- Dead Rock West – Honey and Salt

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A black and white photo of a man and a woman standing in the near foreground of the image. Behind them there are scattered bushes along with a hill in the background.

Band photo by Masen Larsen

Just how in the heck did we get to the point where I am writing about this album from 2007?  Well, a few days ago I was on one of my regular tours through Bandcamp, partially scanning items in my feed and also just jumping around looking for new music.  At some point I happened to slam into the 2018  Live at McCabe’s release from this band and it lit up a reminder to me that it had been a long time since I listened to Honey and Salt.  I do not have an exact recollection of when I first heard that LP but I do know it came at a time when I was listening to a lot of very loud and ferocious punk.  That is what made this album stick out so much at the time, both in my musical experience and still now in my memory.  The music on that release is not anywhere near the hard, heavy or noisy spectrum.  It is a unique listening experience; part pop punk, part rock, part rockabilly with pieces of lounge singing and country mixed in.  It might sound like a lot but Dead Rock West blend it all together seamlessly and deliver a truly unique album.  It also takes you through a range of feelings along the way with some moody moments, some upbeat kickers, a couple introspective numbers…a varied and enjoyable ride.  

There are twelve total tracks and my favorites are “Highway One,” “Rocket from the Crypt,”  “Desert Rose” and “Telephone.”  

If you want to step up your listening journey after checking out Honey and Salt that live album mentioned above is excellent as is their 2015 Everly Brothers covers collection It’s Everly Time. There are also a few new singles out on their website along with mention of an upcoming album.  

Vote here to nominate this for my best of 2026 list: 

Dead Rock West are Cindy Wasserman and Frank Lee Drennen.  They play with a collection of very talented musicians but I could not get a definitive list of the other talent on Honey and Salt. I do believe that it included:  David Carpenter (bass), Phil Parlapiano (organ, mandolin) and Bryan Head (drums).  

Please let me know your opinion in the comment section below

Interested in more info on this Artist?

https://www.deadrockwest.com

https://deadrockwest.bandcamp.com

Just a few ideas if you have the time:  purchase music when you can as streaming does not pay much even times a thousand, support and get to know your local community, live well and be a good neighbor 🙂 

Darryl Jenifer –  Song Review “Sacred Love II” off the upcoming album The Weather Channel

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A man with a short beard is looking upward towards the viewer.

Ok, we are obviously here to talk about this new single from Jenifer and there is plenty of good things to say about it in a minute.  First though, a quick piece of informational content / PSA for your musical enlightenment.  If you are not aware, Jenifer is part of the groundbreaking group Bad Brains who came blasting out of the Washington D.C. scene in the late 70’s.  You could easily call that band punk but that label does not really tell the whole story.  I know that the first time I heard their 1986 album I Against I it was basically a mind-bending experience. I would encourage you to take a ride down their discography – it will be a fantastic adventure.  

This first single off the upcoming release is actually a redux of the Bad Brains song “Sacred Love” off the above referenced album.   That original has a very memorable rhythm section and that stays true on the reimagined version. It comes in on a brief rat-a-tat and then a full bass blooms out, prominent but with some soft edges that give it kind of a comforting feel.  The drums throughout are also key to the foundation and contribute some subtle but important light touches.  The keys play in several different tones along the way and, along with some nice guitar interludes, provide the melodic highlights and variety.  When I first hit play I was definitely feeling the lingering vibes of the original but by the midway point this song had expanded beyond that inspiration and become its own composition.  I think that is the magic of it and this is a very enjoyable, well-crafted track in the jazz fusion space.   This is out now to add to you collection and the full album drops July 17th via Org Music.  

Vote here to nominate this for my best of 2026 list: 

Musicians on this album are: Darryl Jenifer (bass, melodica), John Medeski (keys), Ben Perowsky (drums, percussion), Karma “Chogyi” Marco (guitar) with appearances by Jack DeJohnette and Karl Berger.

Streaming link:

https://bio.to/darryljenifer

Pre-order the vinyl here (both the single b/w F.A.LS. and the upcoming album): 

Darryl Jenifer

Please let me know your opinion in the comment section below

Interested in more info on this Artist?

https://jeniferventures.com

http://www.instagram.com/badbrainsofficial/

Just a few ideas if you have the time:  purchase music when you can as streaming does not pay much even times a thousand, support and get to know your local community, live well and be a good neighbor 🙂 

Song Review- Chaser – “Three Little Birds” 

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Four casually dressed men sitting on some tiered bench seating. They seem to be happy.

It goes without saying, and I have said it before anyway, that not every attempt to take a song from one distinct genre and mold it into a song for a different genre is successful.  Fortunately this is a case where it all worked out very well for the redux of this classic Bob Marley song.  

It starts off with a nice stylistic change, converting the well-known synth melody line to guitar and hitting a tone that sets the music in that alternative / punk space right away.  The bass provides some very cool buzz to that intro chorus.  Right as the first verse kicks in this track takes on a jumpy groove driven by a spirited drum section.  The vocals  are delivered with a pep that definitely brings some extra energy to the performance.   The band stays on that path for most of the song although there is a nice slip down into a brief reggae moment right after the two minute mark.   This song in its original classic version by Marley always left me with a “just chill out, it’s cool, you are going to be ok” feeling.  It always brightened up my mood.  Chaser’s version does a really great job of amping up that message to “Yes! You are totally going to be ok – we all got this!”  I enjoyed the heck out of listening and will be looking forward to the release of their two track EP Gonna Be Alright on May 29th.

Vote here to nominate this for my best of 2026 list: 

Musicians on this are: Jesse Stopnitzky (bass, vocals), Bill Hockmuth (guitar), Davey Guy (drums) and Mike LeDonne (vocals)

Streaming link:

https://chaser.hearnow.com/three-little-birds

Please let me know your opinion in the comment section below

Interested in more info on this Artist?

https://www.instagram.com/chaserpunk

https://chaser.bandcamp.com/music

Just a few ideas if you have the time:  purchase music when you can as streaming does not pay much even times a thousand, support and get to know your local community, live well and be a good neighbor 🙂 

Album Review- Neale Eckstein – Build Our Dreams

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A man sits surrounded by studio recording equipment. He is holding an acoustic guitar.

This is a new artist for me and thanks to Adam Dawson at Broken Jukebox Media for giving me the opportunity to preview this album which will officially drop today.   After doing a deep dive through the tracks on this new release I went back and caught up on some other music from Eckstein.  I found 2014’s Click which features a number of the talented musicians that also appear on Build Our Dreams.  The songs on that album are written or co-written by Eckstein and performed by the various artists.  A couple favorites there are “Stormchaser” (Matt Nakoa) and  “Devil’s Gate” (Jeremiah Birnbaum).  I also enjoyed “January Thaw” off 2024’s Never Too Late.

This new LP kicks off with “Always Been Older Than Me” which has one of those cool mandolin riffs at the beginning and the song then quickly settles into a light, swaying rhythm.  The instrumentation is fairly sparse which leaves plenty of room for the strong vocal as he tells a story about not quite fitting into the world.  “All The Little Things” is soft and mellow with a nice little guitar melody playing just slightly in the background.  The arrangement is just right to convey the “long time love” theme of this track, rising up slightly like one of those heart-swelling moments you get if you are lucky enough.  Things get a little interesting with the addition of the cello on “Still We Build Our Dreams” as it adds some nice tension which fits the mood of this song. 

“Make It Through Bad Times” is next, followed by “Empty Frame on the Wall.”  Even though a couple of the selections on this album have the “spoken poem” feel to them, this is the one that really hits that mark for me.  The lyrics are so descriptive and build this small world you can feel yourself stepping into and experiencing.  I really like the multiple violins here and the bass fills out the mood well.  A fairly straightforward cover of Kris Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make It Through the Night” is then followed by “I Just Want to Talk to You” which is centered on a peaceful piano vibe and a plaintive vocal.   It left me with a feeling of resigned sadness.  

The next track, “Keep Christmas in Your Heart,” fits in as a fairly traditional style holiday number, introspective and nostalgic.  The storytelling ability of Eckstein lifts this one up though and it could easily become a regular on your December playlist.   That song is followed by “Everyone Was Watching” and it is my favorite on the album.  It starts off with a slow country groove but quickly picks up some energy and adds in some electric guitar for a nice change of pace.  The arrangement here is very well done and includes some light but perfectly played percussion that makes this a danceable number.  “If You Could See Me” steps down the tempo as it opens on a somber cello and light guitar melody that are the foundation of this thoughtful and reflective tune.  The album closes on “Mr. Ashe” which hit me as a traveling song in just the first few seconds of play…something about that guitar tone and those beginning notes.  It is a solid finish for Build Our Dreams.

Overall this is an album with strong songwriting and a definite storytelling focus as each selection really paints a vivid picture.  Some are sad, some thoughtful, some a little upbeat…it is a good combination and the large group of musicians that collaborated do an excellent job of bringing these stories to life.

Vote here to nominate this for my best of 2026 list: 

Musicians on this change for each song – the complete list:   Neale Eckstein (vocals, guitar, dobro), Bruno Milgliari (bass), Jagoda (drums), Pedro Silveria (electric guitar), Steve Lewis (pedal steel), Eric Schwartz (organ), André Vasconcellos (bass), Bruno Werner (drums), Nikos Mavridis (violin, viola), Ben Trigg (cello), Keris Choi (violins), Rene Pfister (violins), Josué González (piano), Sophie Buskin (harmonies), Matt Nakoa (electric guitars), Chris Powers (drums, percussion) and the Eckstein family choir.  

You can purchase this on his Bandcamp page 

Please let me know your opinion in the comment section below

Interested in more info on this Artist?

https://nealeeckstein.com

https://nealeeckstein.bandcamp.com/album/build-our-dreams

Just a few ideas if you have the time:  purchase music when you can as streaming does not pay much even times a thousand, support and get to know your local community, live well and be a good neighbor 🙂 

Release Alert- High On Stress – Still Here 

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Four male musicians playing on an elevated stage to a crowd of people.

It is always a good day when High On Stress release new music and May 8th was the date of this particular gift of happiness.   It might be me but as a Minneapolis native this band just sounds like the Twin Cities.  Their songs often have themes that undoubtedly hit the mark across many people but there is something about the spirit, sound, vibe…just the overall groove that their songs hit that evokes this area.  There is a moment in time long ago…rolling down Lyndale on the MTC past Painter Park, OarFolk, Mortimers…it sits in the songs of High On Stress with me. Maybe it is all in my head since I have been listening to them for so long but my opinion on that is never going to change.  

This latest set (on Rum Bar Records) is the follow-up to 2020’s Hold Me In although they did also release some singles in the interim between full albums.   There are twelve tracks total here and it is a great listen all the way through.  They open with the pointed “House of Cards” which is a song that has a subdued energy that feels like it is just itching to burst out.  Also included are the energetic “Over/Thru” (several cool guitar tones on this one) and “Time Will Tell You” (rhythm section powered awesomeness).   

There are also some nice slower tempo numbers like “Cliffhanger” and “Ambassador” (which has a interesting drum line that gives this track a bit of an unsettled vibe). For my own favorite song I have to go all the way to the title track in slot twelve.   There is something just a little bit different about the tone and sonic atmosphere of this one – a little edgier, sharper…maybe a little bit colder sound.   Whatever it is, it works really well on this very poignant, straightforward track that also features a couple boisterous bridges that made me happy.  

As always, Leet’s vocals throughout are delivered with a clarity and earnest energy that feels very real and true.  They combine well with the other talented musicians in High on Stress for an excellent album.   I highly recommend Still Here to your attention and hope you can make time to listen to it soon!

If you have time and are interested it is also worth picking up their Live at First Avenue album – just a sweet concert recording to enjoy.   

Vote here to nominate this for my best of 2026 list: 

Musicians on this are: Nick Leet (vocals, guitar, piano, organ), Mark Devaraj (drums), Jim Soule (bass guitar, backing vocals), Chad Wheeling (guitar). 

Order this one here – several options! 

https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/album/still-here

Please let me know your opinion in the comment section below

Interested in more info on this Artist?

Highonstressband.com

https://www.instagram.com/highonstressmpls

Playlist links 

5 To Spin for 05.06.2026: Belvedere, High On Stress, Amyl and the Sniffers, Avenues, Aree and the Pure Heart

https://bandcamp.com/jackmesenbourg/playlist/03022026

Prior review links 

Song Review- Dan Murphy & High On Stress  –  “Tethered” 
Song Review- Nick Leet “Edge of Town” from the album Detours

Just a few ideas if you have the time:  purchase music when you can as streaming does not pay much even times a thousand, support and get to know your local community, live well and be a good neighbor 🙂 

Album Review- John Mailander’s Forecast – Little Wheel // Hope Looming 

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One woman and six men are seated on a low brick bench in front of a similar wall. They all appear happy.

Band photo by Steph Heath with Smiling Eyes Media 

This is a new group / collective to me and I also had not heard of John Mailander prior to getting the opportunity to preview this album.  Much thanks to Erin Scholze at Dreamspider Publicity for the opportunity as I really enjoyed this EP.

The first song on this release is an interpretation of Buffy Sainte-Marie’s “Little Wheel Spin and Spin” which first came out on the 1966 album of the same title.  The opening thirty seconds set a slightly tense vibe with a sharp melody line that is tempered by some softer touches.  Train’s vocals ride the edge of the sonic atmosphere here, mostly in front but occasionally falling back, swallowed up in a wave of emotive sound.  The arrangement does a great job of continuing to build tension behind the vocal, gradually bringing in sparse but dynamic percussion.  The song continues to wind itself up through the first three minutes.  The most interesting part for me is that you do not get a big release here, no great cascade that finally breaks the tension.  It kind of washes itself out through the interplay of the instruments and leaves things unresolved at the end.  

“Hope, Looming” is next and this is a purely instrumental track.  It starts wistful and slow with a  quiet guitar melody punctuated by a stark bass and light piano touches.  The arrangement here is very well done, shifting toward a tone that grows more uplifting as other instruments join in.   As you cross over the 2:05 mark of this song things change as the rhythm section gains prominence and the beat quickens.  It is quiet at first and then volume builds along with a blooming musical atmosphere that gathers force and energy.  Right after the four minute mark it dissolves into atmospheric keys followed by aggressive percussion and then a final section that I think can be interpreted several ways but it left me with mostly a nostalgic feeling.  

The final track is “(turnstile)” and although it is a short fifty-five seconds this one is interesting enough to warrant multiple loops of listening.  I will leave you to sort it out when you have a chance to give this album as listen.  

Overall I really enjoyed this EP and felt that the listening and emotional experience it delivered was quite noteworthy.  I would recommend that you get a copy (see purchase link below), find some quiet space and really tune in to the music,  

Vote here to nominate this for my best of 2026 list: 

Musicians on this are:  John Mailander (fiddle, piano, electronics), Ethan Jodziewicz (upright & electric bass), Chris Lippincott (pedal steel guitar, Wurlitzer), Dean Miller (tenor saxophone), Mark Raudabaugh (drums, percussion) and Jake Stargel (acoustic guitar).  Special guest doing vocals on “Little Wheel Spin and Spin” – Kristina Train.

Streaming link: 

https://ffm.to/pkmbjow

Purchase link: 

https://johnmailander.bandcamp.com/album/little-wheel-hope-looming

Please let me know your opinion in the comment section below

Interested in more info on this Artist?

https://www.johnmailander.com

https://www.instagram.com/johnmailander

Just a few ideas if you have the time:  purchase music when you can as streaming does not pay much even times a thousand, support and get to know your local community, live well and be a good neighbor 🙂