A killer hangover has a way of focusing things. Stuck in a purgatory between languid apathy and metaphysical torment, "Spacious Heart" met the moment for me. It's a balm, the gentle rock of a boat, a warm current. It's a melancholy sound, sweet and sad, a bit of California saudade.

Lush and inviting, akin to stepping into the heady warmth of a greenhouse--"Total Blue" was one of the releases of 2024. The trio of Anthony Calonico, Nicky Benedek, and Alex Talan weaving synths, and organic instruments to create a modern fusion classic. Basslines (hat tip to the don Sam Wilkes) and chord changes recalling peak Pat Metheny group. A solo turn from Anthony, Spacious Heart is an exercise in sublime subtlety and presence, full of nuance and wonder. Half the tracks feature vocals--poetry and interjections in a timbre somewhere between Milton Nascimento and Arthur Russell on a mellow tip.

"Ether" sets the tone, brushed cymbals, what could be a dubbed out clarinet, meandering synth and piano. "Hillside" brings in the vocal against a tide of piano wash, a gorgeous bassline from Sam. "Gray Glow" another plaintive vocal against drum machine and piano. "Soft Blue" is an exercise in melancholy, a blue mood that finds Anthony mourning lost loves, reflecting on nature, until the tears start to flow. "Collapsing" features gorgeous tracked vocals, verses turn and slowly unwind and collapse upon themselves in a whirled decrescendo. "Swallow me down..."

Spacious Heart is out NOW on Music from Memory HERE and also on Bandcamp HERE.