A number of paying projects have siphoned away much of the free time that is devoted to Musically Speaking, but here are a couple of fine and quite different releases, from Yosef Gutman Levitt and Mike Holober, that I managed to dive into despite the distraction of work.
Guitarist Dimi DiSanti could play with anyone anywhere, and he has, working with Bernard Purdie, James Newton, the Temptations, the Drifters, the Coasters, Sparx, and Lorenzo Antonio, among others. Lucky for us in New Mexico, he chooses to live and play here, and he will celebrate the release of his excellent new album, Our Big Backyard, at the Outpost on August 15, fronting a band that comprises a who’s who of New Mexican musicians.
Pianist/composer Andy Milne and trumpeter/composer Alex Sipiagin turn themselves inside out on their latest offerings, packed with feeling and command.
On Under a Cathedral Sky, award-winning singer/songwriter Ynana Rose distills well-earned wisdom into captivating songs of the heart, and audiences in New Mexico and California will have a chance to hear her live over the next few weeks.
Two accomplished female vocalists, Andrea Wolper and Roxana Amed, backed by superlative musicians, each have a new album in which they address the pleasures and pains of being human.
