After scoring Clint Eastwood’s 2016 film Sully, the Tierney Sutton Band dove into a full-blown tribute to movie music on the new ScreenPlay. Sutton, a superb interpretive jazz singer with a supple voice, and her veteran band tackle both familiar and obscure songs, their finely detailed arrangements glowing with ingenuity while retaining their essence. “Moon River” features splashes of noir piano. “On a Clear Day” is jaunty swing. “If I Only Had a Brain” is hip and soulful. “You’re the One That I Want” is sleek and sophisticated, like the band’s philosophy. –RICK MASON
Once he got to Austin, Maine native Slaid Cleaves fit right into Texas’ distinctive songwriter tradition. Although highly regarded by those treasuring literate lyrics, vivid storytelling, and a fine ear for melodies, widespread recognition has bypassed Cleaves. His latest album, 2017’s Ghost on the Car Radio, offers memorable lines and an alluring mix of folk, country, and folk-rock. Like Woody Guthrie, Cleaves focuses on people “scrappin’ for the do re me” in a world “shaved by a drunken barber’s hand.” Imbued with ragged dignity and quiet defiance, Cleaves’ characters and songs resonate. -RICK MASON