Sweet jazzy soul from Gary Bartz – proof that he always sounds great, no matter what the setting! Production is by the team of Mtume and Reggie Lucas – in a style that has all the jazzy sophistication of their own work – a nice extension of Gary's work at Capitol with Larry Mizell, and in a slightly similar mode overall – but also a bit more soul-based at times, with a great midtempo groove in some of the best moments! Some tracks have vocals, buried somewhat in the mix, but sliding out soulfully next to Gary's alto – and titles include "One Eyed Jack", "After The Love Has Gone", "Need Your Love", "Music", "After Glow", and "Keep Goin' On". CD

Hard to believe this excellent series is hitting its ninth volume – and this time around, Ryley Walker is at the helm – making excellent musical choices that really keep things fresh! As with previous volumes, the focus is on the most creative talents of the acoustic underground – usually heard here in a solo setting, but sometimes with light additional instrumentation – pushing forward that tradition of music that Tompkins Square has been so essential in capturing in recent years – almost as if the label has become the Takoma Records of the 21st Century! Walker makes some great choices here, and focuses on some overlooked and up-and-coming talents, including a few from our hometown of Chicago. Tracks include "Wooden Waltz" by Eli Winter, "Leicester Hwy" by Shane Parish, "Boat Ride" by Kendra Amalie, "World Of Objects (guitar edit)" by Fire Toolz, "Knots Where Never Was" by Lucas Brode, "Seedlings" by Dave Miller, "Variations On Themes For Blind Dogs" by Pete Fosco, and "I Used To Sing" by Matthew Rolin. CD