Johnnie Johnson

I’m Just Johnnie

Missouri Morning, 2025

9/10

Listen to I’m Just Johnnie

The legendary piano player and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Johnnie Johnson is in the company of some amazing guests for this double CD package, where 13 lively tracks and a disc entirely of interviews arrives 20 years after his death.

Johnson’s lively keys and powerful pipes open the listen with “I’m Just Johnnie”, as Kenny Rice’s scrappy drums guide the smooth blues rock, and “I Get Weary” follows with a thoughtful mood via Paul Willett’s cozy organ and Dickie Steltenpohl’s warm bass.

Moving along, Bruce Hornsby’s keys enter the punchy and dance floor ready “Every Day I Have The Blues”, while “Let The Good Times Roll” recruits Bonnie Raitt’s unmistakable slide guitar to the bright brass and festive spirit.

Landing closer to the end, the grooves and rhythm of “Johnnie Johnson Blues” enlists Johnny Rivers’ meticulous guitar playing, and “Long Gone” exits with Tom Maloney’s lively guitar complementing Johnson’s animated keys amid the scrappy rhythm section.

Disc 2 contains interviews with Radio Hall of Fame and SiriusXM DJ Pat St. John, and also includes Raitt talking about Johnson, which gives us further insight into the seminal artist who played on many of Chuck Berry’s recordings.

Johnson passed away in 2005 and left so much great music behind in the area of blues, jazz and rock’n’roll. These timeless tracks are further proof of that, and serve as a great introduction for the first time listener or a healthy reminder for the unwavering fan.

Travels well with: Chris Vincent & The Raw Deals- Good Crook; Jimmy Vivino- Gonna Be 2 Of Those Days

Louie Blue

Blood & Bones

Booa, 2025

8/10

Listen to Blood & Bones

The Finnish alt-rocker, Louie Blue, returns with a 3rd album, where nods to the ‘80s are present across the 8 diverse and thoughtful tracks.

“Ordinary Girl” opens with a warm ambience, where thumping drums and soulful vocals unfold with a dreamy mood, and “In The Dark” follows with a bright demeanor and layered vocals that touch on soft-rock ideas.

“Toni” and “Alone In My World” arrive in the middle. The former is a rich and stylish pop moment that embraces R&B, while the latter is an introspective bout of slow burning beauty via the soft drums and layered guitars.

Close to the end, “Dusty” uses the charming bass strategically in a fuller tune, and “Diamond” exits with the radiant synth suiting the emotive singing that has Blue hitting some high notes.

Blue took a 4 year hiatus from music, and this comeback effort sees him utilizing influences like Sting, Genesis and Roxy Music for a mature, vintage and soulful effort that’s purposely a big step from today’s excessively polished pop.

Travels well with: St. Catherine’s Child- This Might Affect You; Isolated Youth- miserere mei

Shawn Purcell

Oblivity

Origin, 2025

8/10

Listen to Oblivity

The D.C. guitarist Shawn Purcell is surrounded by some excellent players for these 10 originals that embrace fusion, post-bop and balladry.

The quick and dynamic title track starts the record with Walt Weiskopf’s animated tenor sax amid Jeff Reed’s swift bass, and “Quiet The Chaos” follows with a softer approach, as Chris Ziemba’s graceful keys are met with Purcell’s skilled guitar synth and wordless vocals from Darden Purcell.

“Gentle Giant” occupies the middle spot and offers an intimate moment via the warm guitar and soft piano, while “Lazy Day Reverie” makes great use of Ben Patterson’s lively trombone and Steve Fidyk’s frisky drumming.

“Move The Needle” and “Flow” exit the listen. The former bops and shakes with an infectious energy, and the latter blends jazz and rock into a busy yet meticulous finish.

An artistic, diverse and sonically intriguing body of work, Purcell’s version of jazz never disappoints, and that trend continues here.

Travels well with: Ben Thomas Tango Project- The Hat With The Grim And The Chuckle; Mike Pope- The Parts You Keep

Long Prairie

Humble Love

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Humble Love

The Austin, Texas artist Long Prairie brings just her guitar and voice to these 12 originals that emit plenty of warmth, beauty and sincerity.

The cozy and pretty title track opens with fluid strumming and heartfelt singing, and “Sedona” follows with a timeless folk spirit that invites singing-along.

Moving into the middle, “Love Life With You” offers an emotive moment of reflection that’s relatable and touching, while “The Best Love” radiates much power amid the firm strumming and very convincing vocals.

Landing close to the end, “Memories Of You Run Through My Mind”, the album’s best, carries a poetic quality that’s cautious and memorable, and “Meteorite” exits with a sparse mood that’s stirring and soothing.

With 4 of songs having the word ‘love’ in the title, you get an idea of where Prairie’s themes are, and she delivers from the heart with emphasis on truth in a way that anyone with an interest in folk and Americana will appreciate.

Travels well with: Long Prairie- By Sunrise; Rita Bliss- Pizza And Apple Pies

Mihrax

Medley Of A Life

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Medley Of A Life

The Berlin prog-rockers Mihrax put out 2 releases in 2025, and this EP that unfolds like one song about a person’s life in 5 parts continues their blend of neo-prog, metal, rock, and pop.

“First Steps” opens with ambience and the sounds of a baby, as a dreaminess surrounds the emotive singing, and “Die Another Day” follows with a more dense approach, where Thorsten Schlüter’s driving guitar is met with Andreas Wittwer’s thumping drums.

At the halfway point is where “Jigsaw Of Life” lands, and it swirls with melody and buzzing moments via Tobias Graef’s meticulous keyboards, while “Closed Circle” is a mesmerizing moment thanks to the playful keys and Boris Elfert’s expressive singing that’s heartfelt.

“Peace” exits and indeed is calming due to the graceful musicianship and textured finish to a very thoughtful listen.

A concept record that we can all relate to, Mihrax again bring their progressive rock ways to moments that can be symphonic or hard hitting, and it’s yet another creative and memorable addition to their growing catalog.

Travels well with: Mihrax- Medley Of A Life; Enigmatic Sound Machines- Imperfect Silence

Wink Winkelmann

Be It Known

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Be It Known

The bassist and composer Wink Winkelmann makes an impression with this debut album, where Nate Smith, MAE-SUN, Rashon ‘Ramu’ Murph and Yunus Iyriboz are along for the spiritual jazz affair.

“Vibe Check” opens the listen percussively strong, as SUN’s dreamy flute enters the melodic and stylish delivery, and “Nine” follows with the rich wind alongside a warm backdrop that benefits much from Smith’s agile drumming.

Deeper into the first half, “Cross Elevation” carries a distinct jazz appeal that’s scrappy and hazy, while “Breathe” is an intimate moment via the graceful keys, soft bass and mesmerizing wind that tugs on the heartstrings.

Further on, “Midnight Station” is more rock focused thanks to the firm piano, frisky rhythm section and Yunus Iyriboz’s electric guitar prowess, and “Language Of Light” exits with a hint of mystery amid the hypnotic keys, thumping drums and warm guitar.

Winkelmann took a 15 year hiatus from music to focus on medicine, but you wouldn’t know it from this very dynamic and diverse effort that embraces classical and metal ideas into his unique version of jazz.

Travels well with: Steven Oquendo Latin Jazz Orchestra- A Centennial Salute To Tito & Tito; Matthew Alec And The Soul Electric- Bad Rep In The Rubber City

OneRepublic

The Collection

UMG, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Collection

The pop-rock sensations, OneRepublic, assemble a ‘Best Of’ record here with all their biggest hits, where 2 decades of songs make it pretty clear why they’re a household name.

“I Ain’t Worried”, from the Top Gun: Maverick, opens with a sleek pop formula, where Ryan Tedder’s flowing voice and charming whistling guides the glossy melodies, and “Counting Stars” follows with Eddie Fisher’s lively drums that suit the anthemic appeal of what might be the band’s most known tune.

Further on, “Secrets” uses graceful strings in a more intimate climate that benefits from Brent Kutzle’s skilled bass, while “Sunshine” offers a punchy and crisp rocker that enlists Drew Brown’s meticulous guitar.

Deeper still, “Rescue Me” leads soft but builds into an emotive landscape that’s ideal for the dance floor, and “I Don’t Wanna Wait” exits with David Guetta’s voice along for the buzzing and beat driven tune that comes off like a late night soundtrack for the youth.

Perfect for the first time listener, like myself, or the unwavering fan, this is an ideal package, where the band’s anthemic pop-rock, heartfelt wordplay and modern production make it apparent why OneRepublic fans span the entire globe.

Travels well with: Mat Kearney- Just Kids; Needtobreathe- Live From The Woods

Steven Oquendo Latin Jazz Orquestra

A Centennial Salute To Tito & Tito

Truth Revolution, 2025

9/10

Listen to A Centennial Salute To Tito & Tito

The long running Bronx outfit, Steven Oquendo Latin Jazz Orchestra, celebrates the centennials of Tito Puente and Tito Rodriguez with this exciting and timeless live set.

After a quick intro, “Machito Forever” follows with Carlos “Carly” Maldonado’s lively congas and Jerry Madera’s animated bass complementing the many winds and brass, and “El Que Se Fué” follows with soulful singing amid Nelson Matthew Gonzalez’s cultured timbales and booming sax presence.

Further along, “Yambú” showcases front man Leo Gruber’s expressive pipes alongside the 4 rich trumpet players for a festive mood, while “Joy Spring” radiates much melody thanks to Antoine Alvear’s meticulous keys and integration of the alto, bari and tenor saxes.

“Tus Ojos” and “Barbarabatiri” exit the listen. The former is a soft and intimate moment of beauty and grace, and the latter finishes with Jose Claussell’s strategic bongos and the many vocalists emitting plenty of worldly jazz flavor.

The tunes were captured at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club, and they certainly do justice to Puente and Rodriguez’s legacy, where the Big Band presence swings and gets funky and band leader Steven Oquendo’s trumpet won’t go unnoticed, either.

Travels well with: Matthew Alec And The Soul Electric- Bad Rep In The Rubber City; Elijah Rock- Memories Unleashed- Impulse 1

Bruce Gertz Quintet

Octopus Dreams

Open Mind Jazz, 2025

9/10

Listen to Octopus Dreams

This post-bop effort from Bruce Gertz and 4 of his friends showcases Gertz’s bass playing across 7 originals that embrace adventurousness and calming gestures.

The rich spirit of “Power Walk” starts the listen with Gertz’s playful bass alongside Rick DiMuzio’s rich sax and Gary Feldman’s frisky drums, and “Octopus Dreams” follows with a calmer mood, as Gison Schachnik’s warm piano is met with melody and grace.

Landing in the middle, “Mr. Z” benefits from Phil Grenadier’s soulful trumpet amid a dreamy demeanor, while “I’m Busy” is a textured album highlight that pairs the fluid rhythm section with the bright wind and brass.

Further still, “Redacted” focuses on the trumpet, though the lively bass plucking and meticulous keys won’t go unnoticed, and “Opening” exits with a charming piano and detailed interplay between the player’s inimitable talents.

A harmonic, colorful and timeless body of work, Gertz and company flesh out a complex but easily enjoyable jazz effort that any jazz fan will admire.

Travels well with: Chris Wabich- 1978; David Bailis- Running Through My Mind

Candice Ivory

New Southern Vintage

Nola Blue, 2025

9/10

Listen to New Southern Vintage

The Grammy Nominated vocalist Candice Ivory is well versed in the blues, and these 13 tracks welcome an excellent backing band to the authentic listening experience.

“Ain’t So Blind” opens with Ivory’s soulful pipes alongside thumping drums and Jan Hartmann’s lively harmonica for the powerful delivery, and “Blue Blood” follows with a bouncy spirit that’s rhythmic and infectious with its bluesy energy.

Moving into the middle, Ben Levin’s animated keys enter the swift “Looking For My Baby”, while “Let Your Love Shine On” welcomes Anthony Vergara’s cozy pedal steel and Chris Stephenson’s intimate organ to the emotive climate.

Deeper still, “Corrina” makes great use of David Evan’s meticulous guitar that suits Ivory’s expressive pipes amid some gospel ideas, and “Shout The Boogie” exits with Andy Cohen’s guitar and Levin’s keys complementing the lively singing.

An album that touches on the blues from a southern angle, Ivory tips her hat to those who inspired her, as well as living legends, and anyone who appreciates the blues will find much to admire here.

Travels well with: Chris Vincent & The Raw Deals- Good Crook; Jimmy Vivino- Gonna Be 2 Of Those Days

Chris Wabich

1978 (STEEP)

ADW, 2025

8/10

Listen to 1978 (STEEP)

The drummer Chris Wabich is joined by Josh Nelson and Dan Lutz for these 6 tracks that take inspiration from Leonard Cohen, Mark Murphy and Omar Faruk Tekbilek.

The soft mood of the elegant “Jiang (Sage Ember)” starts with Nelson’s warm keys and Wabich’s light drumming, and “Ruby On The Old Street/1978” follows with strong attention to mood via the mature keys, cozy drumming and Lutz’s well timed bass lines.

“Oolong” and “Magitama (On Slow Shinkansen)” land in the middle. The former is poetic and heartfelt in its cautiousness, while the latter allows for the keys to explore melodic and animated bouts amid the gentle rhythm section.

“Graduation” exits the listen, and it showcases all 3 player’s inimitable talents with grace, introspection and beauty.

A soothing and sophisticated body of work, Wabich’s grooves, melodies and subtle interplay with his band is very much appreciated.

Travels well with: David Bailis- You’re Running Through My Mind; Billy Lester Trio- High Standards

Gideon Broshy

Nest

New Amsterdam 2025

9/10

Listen to Nest

The composer, pianist, and producer Gideon Broshy, makes an impression with this debut album, where a few friends are along for an unconventional and absorbing listen that explores chamber ideas.

“Stutter” starts the listen with quick and mesmerizing electronic prowess that’s nothing short of captivating, and “String” follows with soft melodies and Mantawoman’s flowing Yangqin.

Further into the 12 songs, “Clocks” is a layered and lush bout of colorful dynamics, while “Slash” carries a cinematic quality that’s rhythmic and animated via Broshy’s creative vision.

“Undertow” arrives late and offers a softer ambience that’s key friendly, rich with warmth, and “Folds” exits with glitchy, synthetic exploration that’s dreamy, a bit abstract and memorable in its unconventional approach.

Broshy handles harpsichords, celestes, Rhodes, pianos, synths and programming, and the subtle but effective use of Gleb Kanasevich’s clarinet and Matt Evans’ drums help make this a kaleidoscope of sounds, gestures, strangeness and melody that you’re not likely to hear anywhere else.

Travels well with: Darian Donovan Thomas- A Room With Many Doors; Adam Tendler- Inheritances

Gilad Atzmon/Daniel Bulatkin/Taras Volos/Dušan Černák

Praying For More Songs To Come

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Praying For More Songs To Come

An all-star quartet who tracked these 5 pieces in 4 hours and with no edits, Gilad Atzmon, Daniel Bulatkin, Taras Volos, and Dušan Černák bring their inimitable talents to a modern jazz approach.

“The First Day Of The Year” is the first song of the album, and emits a cozy spirit thanks to Volos’ warm bass and Atzmon’s detailed sax playing, and “Early Blues (I Listen To)” follows with Bulatkin’s meticulous keys amid the plucked bass and rich wind.

“My Old Flame” occupies the middle spot and is a romantic moment of timeless beauty and much soulfulness, while the title track benefits from a more firm presence via the animated sax, rumbling keys and atmospheric drumming.

The last track, “Autumn In Baghdad”, is also excellent, where cautiousness and emotion enter, as Černák’s restrained drumming really adds to the distinct intimacy.

There’s an undeniable introspection to the effort, where strong interplay between the quartet and spontaneity are appreciated via the timeless jazz and fusion dynamics that you can’t not admire.

Travels well with: Teis Semey- En Massei!; Henry Spencer- The Defector

Mighty Joe Castro And The Gravamen

Between The Lightning And The Thunder

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Between The Lightning And The Thunder

The Philadelphia roots rockers, Mighty Joe Castro And The Gravamen, return with 10 new songs that tip their hat to Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash and Nick Cave.

“Can’t We Just Start Again” opens with a warm spirit, where Castro’s heartfelt singing is met with cozy guitar and Dallas’ light drums, and “Embers In The Ash” follows with a frisky energy that flirts with folk-rock.

In the middle spot, “Look Of Eagles” comes with atmosphere and Mike Stingle’s fluid guitar in a dance floor ready moment, while “Automatic Amnesia” is full rockabilly and reverb in its textured and cautious delivery.

Moving towards the end, the light jangle and soft melodies of “The Dying Breed” are heartfelt and memorable, and “I’m Just An Old Chunk Of Coal (But I’m Going To Be A Diamond Someday)” exits with a gritty demeanor and Matt Hagele’s lively upright bass that does justice to the Billy Joe Shaver classic.

A really fun record that floats around Americana, rockabilly, folk, retro-rock’n’roll and many other rootsy flavors, Castro and company take their vision the more cinematic route, and it’s their best work yet.

Travels well with: Mighty Joe Castro & The Gravamen- Come On Angels!; Miss Georgia Peach- Class Out The Ass

Jovino Santos Neto Quarteto

Mais Que Tudo: Live At Kerry Hall 1995

Origin, 2025

9/10

Listen to Mais Que Tudo: Live At Kerry Hall 1995

Jovina Santos Neto’s piano is joined by Hans Tueber, Chuck Deardorf and Mark Ivester for these jazz, classical and Brazilian inspired 7 tracks that document their first public performance.

The animated spirit of the lead off track, “Metamorph”, benefits from Neto’s quick keys and Teuber’s lively winds, and the title track follows with much elegance, where the keys and wind welcome Ivester’s skilled drums.

In the middle, “Chorelético” showcases Deardorf’s meticulous bass before the bright interplay starts between the 4, while “Candango/Haja Juntas” spotlights Teuber’s colorful flute amid much melody and warmth.

“Happy Birthday, Ariel!” exits, and allows for the atmospheric keys and festive mood that’s busy, swift and exciting thanks to all the player’s dynamic prowess.

Although this recording is over 30 years old, it sounds very current and illustrates a worldly flavor from the Quarteto that exudes life, creativity and love.

Travels well with: Randy Napoleon- Waking Dream: The Music Of Gregg Hill & Randy Napoleon; Ben Thomas Tango Project- The Hat With The Grim And The Chuckle

Milan Verbist Trio

Time Change

Origin, 2025

8/10

Listen To Time Change

Milan Verbist, Toon Rumen and Jens Meijer come together for this debut recording that showcases their inimitable chemistry with 9 adventurous jazz tracks.

“Time Change” leads with Verbist's dense keys that eventually take company from Meijer’s restrained drums and Rumen’s unpredictable bass, and “Bosonossa” follows with playful bass plucking amid the firm keys and crisp drumming.

“Happy House” and “Brigitte’s Waltz” occupy the middle spots. The former is a frisky and animated moment that allows for the trio to dance around each other, while the latter is a lush and melodic album highlight that radiates timeless, improvised jazz.

Further on, “The Silence Between” illuminates each player’s individual strengths that shine in both busy and soft gestures of melody, and “Flutter Step” exits with a more introspective nature that uses colorful keys, meticulous bass and subdued drumming via a mesmerizing fashion.

The trio make an impression on both the originals and covers here, and it’s an excellent starting point for the Belgians that will resonate with anyone who appreciates jazz.

Travels well with: Marc Seales w/Ernie Watts- People & Places; Mike Pope- The Parts You Keep

Third Of Never

Damage The Pearl/Original Sountrack

343, 2025

9/10

Listen to Damage The Pearl/Original Sountrack

The North Carolina outfit, Third Of Never, make for an unclassifiable listen here, where the songs soundtrack a road movie that’s hitting the film festival circuit.

“Grab The Ground” opens with Doug MacMillan’s smooth voice alongside Jon Dawson’s flowing guitar for the garage rock spirit, and “Rolling Down A Hill” follows with Steve Kilbey’s fluid backing vocals alongside Jade Haskins’ playful bass via the driving rock delivery.

Entering the middle, “Frank And Paul’s Theme” is strong on atmosphere thanks to Sara Bell’s strategic mandolin and Dawson’s tabla guitar, while “Safety Pin” makes great use of Steve Potak’s piano and Dawson’s synth prowess in a dreamy landscape.

Further still, “Damage The Pearl” benefits from thumping drums, a bit of a jangle and soaring alt-rock nods, and “Alone At The Fair” exits with field recordings entering the experimental and spacey exploration.

A superbly unique effort that surrounds progressive, psychedelic and post-rock ideas, every track here carries a healthy amount of intrigue that requires repeated listens.

Travels well with: Hattie Webb- Wild Medicine; Slinky Vagabond- King Boy Vandals

Musica Sierra

Garden

Self-Release, 2025

9/10

Listen to Garden

The Grammy-nominated composer and educator Owen McIntosh is joined by The Nightbirds and Fire & Grace for this family affair that incorporates the cycles of growth, care and renewal found in a garden.

“Dawn” opens with Ashley Hoyer’s warm mandolin and the playful percussive sounds emitting much warmth, and “Grow” follows with Jade Hendrix’s expressive and uplifting voice guiding the graceful strings.

Moving into the middle, “Drought” enlists William Coulter’s fluid guitar amid Edwin Hulzinga’s stirring violin, while “Give” allows for Samantha Harvey’s animated accordion to complement the pretty and colorful singing.

“Dig It” and “Harvest” exit the record. The former is a frisky and organic album highlight, and the latter finishes with a rich, bluesgrass inspired moment of sublime beauty and organic ideas.

A very lush and enlightening effort, McIntosh’s vision strengthens families’ understanding of nature and how it relates to us all, and we’re all better off for listening.

Travels well with: Debi Derryberry- Go To Sleep; Andy Z- My Voice

Rodney Crowell

Airline Highway

New West, 2025

9/10

Listen to Airline Highway

The legendary singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell is joined by some of the brightest stars in today’s country and blues scene for these heartfelt and authentic 10 tracks.

The dense guitar licks of “Rainy Days In California” opens with Lukas Nelson’s warm voice alongside the thumping drums of the country rocker, and “Louisiana Sunshine Feeling Okay” follows with Larkin Poe in attendance for the breezy folk presence that’s got plenty of melody.

Halfway through, “Taking Flight” welcomes Ashley McBryde’s pretty pipes to the intimate spirit that makes great use of piano, while the frisky “The Twenty-One Song Salute” features Tyler Bryant’s meticulous guitar via the bouncy mood that’s infectious.

“Heaven Can You Help” and “Maybe Somewhere” exit the listen. The former showcases Charlie Starr’s distinct pipes amid glowing keys and a gritty rhythm section, and “Maybe Somewhere Down The Road” finishes with much emotion, as strings from Eleanor Denig emit stirring sophistication.

Like everything Crowell does, this one’s relatable, touching and some of the best modern Americana being played today. The large amount of guests sure do add to the appeal, too.

Travels well with: James McMurtry- The Black Dog And The Wandering Boy; Elijah Johnston- Stupid Soul

Slimboy

Hopeless & Addicted

Ambulance, 2019

10/10

Listen to Hopeless & Addicted

I’m pretty embarrassed to say that this was my first time listening to Switzerland’s Slimboy, because, as a longtime fan of all things punk related, this trio parallels the greatness achieved by MXPX, Millencolin or The Ataris and should have already been in my collection.

The title track starts out the EP with a loud and thundering display of gritty melodies and a kinetic rhythm section in the blistering opener, and “‘92” follows with a punky spirit amid a raw execution of anthemic sing-alongs.

Elsewhere, “Hey Brother” recruits fuzzy guitars and alt-rock tendencies that would make J Mascis smile, while the turbulent “Never Let It Die” really showcases the band’s busy, buzzing appeal that flows alongside immediately irresistible hooks. “14.10.15” ends the listen initially sparse but builds into a throbbing, triumphant execution of power and pop.

A fantastic record that embodies all the hallmarks of punk rock, Hopeless & Addicted is nothing if not timeless in its incendiary, reckless and fluid delivery.

Travels well with: The Menzingers- On The Impossible Past; Face To Face- Three Chords And Half A Truth