Best of 2018 #41: Saunier, Halvorson, Miles – “New American Songbooks, Volume 1”

This is a conceptual Great American Songbook.  It is a collection of music that frames us as a country and defines our character in the same passing moments that it shapes us in return.  It’s with that thought in mind that the trio of cornetist Ron Miles, guitarist Mary Halvorson, and drummer Greg Saunier reinterpret works by Elliott Smith, the Beach Boys, the Partridge Family, Fiona Apple, and John L. Williams, and give a present day voice to music that situates itself as the modern collection of Tin Pan Alley tunes.  There isn’t a moment on this recording that doesn’t deal in fascination and reverence.

Released on Sound American.

I wrote about the album for The Bandcamp Daily.

Music from New York City and Denver, CO.

Available at:  Bandcamp | Amazon