David Francey

Maps- Songs Of David Francey

Laker, 2025

9/10

Listen to Maps

The Canadian folk artist, David Francey, pulls from 5 decades of songwriting for these 37 tracks that showcase his powerful and poignant vision.

“Red-Winged Blackbird” starts the listen with the mesmerizing acoustic guitar and Francey’s eloquent voice that immediately draws us in, and it isn’t long until “The Waking Hour” emits a soft mood of expressive singing and melodic guitar.

Closer to the middle, Chris Coole’s flowing banjo populates the rootsy “Satellite”, while the poetic “Nearly Midnight” makes for a heartfelt moment of gentle harmonies via a timeless spirit.

Deeper still, “Empty Train” recruits mandolin amid the rich appeal and rootsy flavor, and “Corpus Christi” exits with intricate guitar and Francey’s vivid wordplay front and center.

Francey asked fans to share their favorite songs of his for this project, and he also tossed in some of his own. It’s pretty easy to see why he’s picked up 4 JUNO Awards and had his work covered by names like The Del McCoury Band, The Rankin Family, James Keelaghan and Tracy Grammer, as his Scottish heritage makes for a distinct and inviting form of folk that’s instantly enjoyable, relatable and memorable.

Travels well with: Lennie Gallant- Shelter From The Storms; Ryan Wayne- Functioning Dysfunctionals

America

Hearts

Omnivore, 2025

9/10

Listen to Hearts

This 5th album from the folk trio Hearts arrived in 1975, and 50 years later we’re treated to this Expanded Anniversary Edition that includes 6 bonus tracks with 5 previously unissued alternate versions.

The warm keys of “Daisy Jane” starts the listen with the trio harmonizing with plenty of soft rock beauty that recruits cello, and “Half A Man” follows with Willie Leacox’s thumping drums adding grit to the buzzing climate.

Further along, “Old Virginia” comes with timeless folk qualities that are intimate and cozy, while “Company” makes great use of the keyboards amid a scrappy pop-rock mood.

“Sister Golden Hair”, one of the 3 singles from the album, arrives late and emits an infectious energy that will always be synonymous with the band via the swirling folk-rock, and “Seasons” exits the original album via radiant strings that add much to the sophisticated layers of classic rock.

The bonus songs consists of tracks from the LP in different versions. “Daisy Jane”, the vocals and strings mix, is particularly interesting, as is “Con Tu Pelo Tan Dorado”, the Spanish version of “Sister Golden Hair”.

This was America’s 2nd album with the legendary producer Sir George Martin, and it further propelled the Brit-rockers into worldwide fame. A half a century later, the songs still sound great, and the bonus material is certainly worth the investment.

Travels well with: Steve Young- Stars In The Southern Sky; Dave Edmunds- Swan Songs: The Singles 1976-1981

Euphoria Station

Smoking Gun

Reverie Suite, 2025

9/10

Listen to Smoking Gun

An outfit spearheaded by Saskia Kraft van Ermel and Hoyt Binder, this 3rd album from Euphoria Station continues their classic rock inspired rawness that uses an impressive backing band.

“Amazing Grace (In Memory Of…)” opens the listen with a quick, primitive recording of the powerful classic that’s just guitar, and “Take The Highway” follows with Toss Panos’ fluid drumming that suits van Ermel’s smooth voice amid much melody.

Further along, “Off The Beaten Path” makes great use of Jorgen Carlsson’s meticulous bass licks alongside Binder’s swirling guitar and the expressive singing, while “The Ballad Of Grace Malloy” trims the pace back via a warm instrumental that showcases Binder’s precise guitar and charming dobro.

Arriving near the end, the rhythmic “Living For Today” pairs grit with harmonics in the progressive delivery that’s the album’s best, and “November Came Early” exits with soft versus firm gestures of lush and thoughtful ideas that balance hard rock and folk.

A more stripped down version of the band exists here but not without plenty of hooks and instantly memorable songwriting, where the meshing of prog, southern and roots rock makes for an original and timeless effort.

Travels well with: MOTU- Awareness Or Illusion; Coincidence- Mets tes lunettes et écoute comme ça sent bon – Vol. 2

Eduardo Sánchez de Fuentes

El Caminante

Navona, 2025

8/10

Listen El Caminante

The Boston University Opera Institute are joined by 3 different vocalists for a one act operatic performance thats embrace Latin American ideas.

“Prelude” starts the listen with the orchestra’s flowing strings emitting beauty and color, and “Song of the fountain (Maidens 1-2)” follows with Michelle Johnson’s soaring soprano adding much power to the eloquent climate.

Further along, “Romanza (Yolanda)” showcases Juliette Lee Kaoudji’s stunning mezzo soprano amid the dynamic interplay between the orchestra, while “Racconto (Ginesa)” offers intimacy and emotion thanks to the lush strings and expressive vocals.

Near the end, “Song of the Farmer” enlists David Guzmán’s distinct tenor that guides the cinematic musicianship, and “Finale” finishes with all 3 vocalists lending their inimitable pipes to the meticulous exit.

A highly engaging opera that surrounds miracle and mirage, the Boston University Opera Institute and Symphony Orchestra, conductor William Lumpkin and 3 vocalists certainly do justice to Eduardo Sánchez de Fuentes’ vision.

Travels well with: Reza Vali- The Darkness Of Fury; Trace Johnson- Works For Cello

Patrick Galvin/Jennifer Hou

Dear Camilla

Navona, 2025

8/10

Listen to Dear Camilla

Patrick Galvin’s violin and Jennifer Hou’s piano come together for songs that interpret Sibelius, Chopin, Sarasate, Chausson, Pärt, and Beach while paying homage to Galvin’s former teacher, Camilia Wicks.

Jean Sibelius’ “Souvenir, Op. 79” opens the listen with the graceful keys and skilled violin interacting with warmth and unpredictable ideas, and “Nocturne, Op 9 No. 2”, by Frédéric Chopin and Pablo de Sarasate, follows with the cozy strings and emotive keys that tug on the heartstrings.

In the middle, “Romanza Andaluza, Op. 22 No 1” radiates a playfulness thanks to the meticulous violin and mesmerizing piano of the Pablo de Sarasate original, while Ernest Chausson’s “Poème, Op. 25” offers intimacy in the bare and poetic climate.

“Fratres” and “Romance, Op. 23” exit the listen. The former, by Arvo Pärt, pairs quivering strings with dense keys, and the latter, by Amy Beach, finishes with an indeed romantic spirit that’s lush and stirring.

A very eloquent effort that touches on chamber and baroque ideas, Galvin and Hou’s talents are displayed here with much care and fluidity.

Travels well with: Reza Vali- The Darkness Of Fury; Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra- Convergence

The 8-Bit Big Band

Orchestrator Emulator

Teamchuck, 2025

9/10

Listen to Orchestrator Emulator

The 8-Bit Big Band return with a 5th album, where the band leader, producer and arranger Charlie Rosen guides the many musicians through 13 unpredictable tunes from the Great Video Game Songbook.

After a very quick intro, “Wii Sports Theme (From Wii Sports)” brings plenty of brass and winds to Brian Sheu’s meticulous guitar playing and Andrew Gould’s alto-sax solo, and “Brinstar (From Metroid)” follows with flowing horns and a snappy rhythm section illuminating the animated presence.

Further along, “Waluigi Pinball (From Mario Kart)” welcomes Matthew Whitaker’s playful organ to the frisky delivery, while “No More What Ifs (From Persona 5)” recruits sweeping strings, Martina DaSilva’s expressive voice and Sam Dillon’s meticulous tenor sax.

Arriving close to the end, “Super Mario Praise Break” is a festive moment thanks to Mike Mitchell’s keys, Marcus Reddick’s bass, and Marque Walls’ drums, and the bonus track, “Kass’s Theme (Choro Version)”, exits with plenty of culture and warmth via Ben Rosenblum’s accordion and Mark Dover’s clarinet.

A really original record, Rosen and company take songs most of us have heard in some capacity and transform them into an exciting Big Band affair.

Travels well with: The 8-Bit Big Band- Game Changer; Allan Harris- The Poetry Of Jazz

Reza Vali

The Darkness Of Fury

Navona, 2025

8/10

Listen to The Darkness Of Fury

The Iranian-American composer, Reza Vali, returns with a 2nd album of cross-cultural selections, where the 5 songs radiate in solo and fuller settings.

The title track opens with the Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen emitting dense, cinematic ideas in a very precise setting, and “Châhârsegâh” follows with percussion, harp, piano and strings interacting with restraint and playfulness via the melodic and rich avenues.

“Funèbre” lands in the middle and pairs the solo violin with the string orchestra and enlists soft and intimate gestures, while “Châhârgâh” returns again with 10 solo strings that offer a mesmerizing and even haunting delivery.

“The Dervish and the Magus” exits, and spotlights Carol Ou’s graceful cello amid the rich textures from the ensemble that make for both calm and cryptic gestures in often bare bouts.

Vali’s inestimable knowledge of Iranian folk music and Persian ideas mesh well with the Western spirit for this orchestral and worldly endeavor that is both daring and memorable.

Travels well with: Andalusian Legacy; Trace Johnson- Works For Cello

Kemp Harris

The American Chronicles

Righteous Mischief, 2025

9/10

Listen to The American Chronicles

Kemp Harris brings his piano and vocals to 10 tracks that surround the life of a black, 72 year old gay man living in America, and he’s got some excellent help to flesh out the authentic climate.

The mid-tempo blues of “Ruthie’s” starts the listen with Harris’ warm keys and soulful pipes alongside Justin Holder’s agile drumming, and “Don’t You Hear Them America” follows with Freebo’s backing vocals that suit the grooves and reggae influences which address gun violence.

In the middle, “Standing Your Ground” embraces R&B that makes great use of Marie Lewey and Cindy Walker’s backing vocals that examines the ‘Standing Your Ground’ laws, while “Down” swings authentically via Clayton Ivey’s strategic organ and Freebo’s cozy bass.

Close to the end, Stan Corfman’s animated tuba helps make the vaudeville spirit of “This Is America, Right?” the album’s best, and “Good Night America” exits with a 3 step waltz that allows for Harris’ powerful voice to resonate amid Alice Howe’s harmonies in the ballad finish.

An eloquent body of work that dissects social and political issues, Harris uses folk, soul, blues and gospel to enlighten and communicate, and it’s very much appreciated.

Travels well with: Ron Sowell- Dance Till The Music Stops; Rees Shad- Porcelain Angel

Wild Iris Brass Band

Way Up

Ear Up, 2025

9/10

Listen to Way Up

The Nashville collective, Wild Iris Brass Band, make an impression on this debut album, where New Orleans brass traditions embrace many influences.

The busy and dynamic opener, “We’re The Wild Iris”, starts with Ray Mason’s animated trombone and Jeff Coffin’s booming sax amid group vocals, and “9 To 5” follows with Justin Amaral’s lively drumming and Neil Konouchi’s rich sousaphone making for a really fun version of the Dolly Parton hit.

“Bramble Ramble” and “The Slow Express” land in the middle. The former makes great use of Emmanuel Echem’s colorful trumpet and Coffin’s frisky clarinet, while the latter is a rhythmic moment thanks to Bela Fleck’s well timed banjo and the fluid interaction between the band.

“Let It Slide” lands close the end and recruits Yuko Bannai’s strategic vocals and no lack of melody, and “To The Bone” exits with Bernardo Aguiar’s charming Brazilian percussion adding much to the glowing horns of the cultured and exciting finish.

A really distinct first record that uses Afrobeat, Brazilian carnival, jazz, funk and Tennessee traditions to its advantage, every moment should be enjoyed repeatedly and endlessly.

Travels well with: Allan Harris- The Poetry Of Jazz; Charles Chen- Building Characters

Miró Quartet/Kiera Duffy

Ginastera String Quartets

Pentatone, 2025

9/10

Listen to Ginastera String Quartets

The two-time GRAMMY®-nominated outfit Miró String Quartet and the soprano Kiera Duffy come together for this 30th anniversary effort that draws on decades of live performances and spans Ginastera’s
full oeuvre of string quartet.

“String Quartet No. 1, Op. 20 (1948)” opens with Daniel Ching and William Fedkenheuer’s meticulous violins emitting both tension and grace across the diverse 4 chapters that can get bare and melodic.

In the middle, “String Quartet No. 2, Op. 26 (1958, revised 1968)” moves swiftly, precisely and makes great use of John Largess’ animated viola amid the 5 adventurous and gripping segments.

“String Quartet No. 3, Op. 40 (1973, revised 1978)” exits and enlists Duffy’s soaring soprano alongside Joshua Gindele’s diverse cello playing via the eloquent storytelling and powerful chemistry.

A truly stunning performance of vast contrast and emotion, the Argentine folk traditions, firm modernist language, and sublime sense of expression is fleshed out with tremendous attention to detail, which is no surprise considering Miró Quartet’s catalog thus far.

Travels well with: Miró Quartet- Home; New York Polyphony- Sky Of My Heart

John O'Gallagher

Ancestral

Whirlwind, 2025

9/10

Listen to Ancestral

The alto sax wizard, John O’Gallagher, is in fine company here, where Ben Monder, Andrew Cyrille and Billy Hart accompany him across 8 adventurous jazz tracks.

“Awakening” starts with a soft ambience, where the rich sax and Hart and Cyrille’s agile drumming help create a thoughtful mood, and “Under The Wire” follows with a frisky energy, as Monder’s fluid guitar suits the playful drumming.

The middle spot belongs to “Tug”, where a bit of a droning quality accompanies the colorful sax prowess, while “Profess” builds into exploratory, free jazz fun thanks to O’Gallagher’s animated spirit and the skilled drumming.

“Quixotica” and “Postscript” exit the listen. The former is intimate, poetic even, and tugs on the heartstrings, and the latter finishes with all the players contributing their talents in spades for an improvised and enlightening bout of creativity.

An effort that was influenced by O’Gallagher’s PhD studies into the music of John Coltrane, every moment here is unpredictable, timeless and worthy of repeated visits.

Travels well with: Sam Morrison- Cosmic Trip; Paulo Almeida- Love In Motion

Sam Morrison

Cosmic Trip

M.O.D. Reloaded, 2025

9/10

Listen to Cosmic Trip

The legendary Miles Davis saxophonist, Sam Morrison, is joined by Bill Laswell’s EFX skills for these 10 unclassifiable but striking tracks of electro-fusion.

“High Blood Pressure” opens with a dense beat and cinematic presence that brings electronic bouts into warm soprano sax, and “Jailbreak” follows with energetic synth prowess that buzzes playfully amid the rich wind.

The title track occupies the middle track and carries grooves and elegance that bridges jazz with electro-pop, while “Big Rumble” carries a distinct friskiness that makes it unclear if you should be hitting the club or jazz lounge.

Arriving near the end, “Lab Disaster” emits raw ideas that thump with an infectious demeanor, and “Subliminal” recruits alto flute synth for a truly unique landscape that’s exploratory and enlightening.

Morrison is nothing if not creative, and this peek at a very atypical jazz fusion effort blends woodwinds, software and electronic synths like few others could or would even try to.

Travels well with: John O’Gallagher- Ancestral; Paulo Almeida- Love In Motion

Rebecca Pidgeon

Unillusion

Toy Canteen, 2025

9/10

Listen to Unillusion

This 12th album from the composer, storyteller and actress Rebecca Pidgeon marks a return to the acoustic ideas of her debut, where Fernando Perdomo, Andy Studer, Eszter Balint and Matt Tecu are in attendance.

The warm acoustic guitar and expressive singing of “By My Butterfly” opens with Tecu’s flowing drums adding much to the folk-rock template, and “Dasharatha” follows with Studer’s well timed strings helping make for sophistication amid the hint of grit.

Later On, “The Pleasing Waters Of Jahnavi” offers a pretty moment of rich singing and swirling guitar, while “Drumlins” makes great use of Perdomo’s strategic bass and spoken word via the mesmerizing album highlight.

Deeper yet, Balint’s meticulous violin complements the charming melodies and graceful textures of “Monkey Man”, and “Myself” exits with Pidgeon’s poetic singing alongside the dreamy backdrop and precise layering.

An often minimal effort, Pidgeon embraces raw and emotional ideas into a very mature and intimate peek at a highly articulate mind.

Travels well with: Karen Haglof- One Hand Up; Pamela McNeill- Wave After Wave

Per Bloland

Shadows Of The Electric Moon

New Focus, 2025

9/10

Listen to Shadows Of The Electric Moon

The composer, Per Bloland, treats us to solo and chamber works across these 5 well thought out selections that incorporates electronics, too.

“Los Murmullos” leads with Keith Kirchoff’s rumbling keys mesmerizing us for 13+ minutes of cinematic qualities, and “Points Of Light In Shadow” follows with Stephen Marotto’s ambient cello emitting mystery and tension.

The middle track belongs to “Displacement Pressure”, where the Unheard-of//Ensemble” blend their keys, strings and wind into a chilling and fascinating bout of haunting ideas, while the title track recruits Bill Solomon’s inventive percussion for what seems like the sounds of power tools and marching band style drumming.

“Solis Overture” exits, and enlists Wild Rumpus’ percussion, piano, electric guitar, violin and cello with electronics that seems like it could soundtrack a sci-film thanks to its soothing and buzzing delivery that can also get frantic.

A truly diverse outing that explores both synthetic and organic moments, Bloland’s version of chamber and classical music is far from conventional, and that’s a big part of the charm.

Travels well with: Amos Elkana- Que Sais-Je?; Alejandro Flórez- Beaches Of Riches

Maia Sharp

Tomboy

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Tomboy

This 10th solo album from Maia Sharp brings us another batch of her genuine and eloquent Americana, where she dips her toes into digital ideas, too, with a synth.

The title track opens with playful percussive sounds alongside Sharp’s smooth voice in the harmonic climate, and “Counterintuition” follows with a soulful quality, where warm keys and eloquent singing flows amid much melody.

Halfway through, the dreaminess of “Edge Of The Weatherline” is a pretty moment that’s heartfelt, while “Asking For A Friend” is a fuller moment via Terri Clark’s rich singing alongside a rootsy flavor that’s crisp.

Further yet, “Any Other Way” welcomes Sarah & Shannon to the atmospheric and accordion friendly album highlight, and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” exits with Garrison Star in attendance for the intimate and lush, folk influenced version of the U2 classic.

Sharp’s vision is always timeless and relatable, and the many guests present help make another introspective, thoughtful and diverse body of work.

Travels well with: Maia Sharp- Reckless Thoughts; Maia Sharp- Mercy Rising

Ned Rothenberg

Looms & Legends

Pyroclastic, 2025

9/10

Listen to Looms & Legends

It’s been well over a decade since the multi-instrumentalist Ned Rothenberg released a solo album, and he’s made the wait worth it with these 14 experimental tracks.

The curious energy of “Dance Alone” starts the listen with winds swirling in a way that sounds nearly electronic, and “Denali” follows with a soothing spirit, where rich alto sax draws us into to its radiant beauty.

Halfway through, “Urgency” quivers with a meditative quality that’s bare in an atypical sort of way and focuses much on clarinet, while “Flurry” is a more straightforward moment of timeless jazz qualities that are meticulous and creative.

Arriving near the end, “Tender Hooks” explores the bounds of the alto sax with precision and exploration, and “‘Round Midnight” exits with a soft and poetic intimacy that’s minimal but impactful.

The use of alto sax, clarinets and shakuhachi flute embraces distinct arpeggios and vivid harmonics, which makes for a sonically nostalgic and highly inventive body of work.

Travels well with: Ingrid Laubrock- Purposing The Air; Patricia Brennan Septet- Breaking Stretch

Kirk Fletcher

Keep On Pushing

VizzTone, 2025

9/10

Listen to Keep On Pushing

The blues legend Kirk Fletcher is in fine company here, where JD Simo, Jason Smay and Ron Eoff help him flesh out 10 timeless tracks.

“It’s Love Baby” opens with Fletcher’s warm voice and spirited guitar alongside Smay’s lively drums, and “Just A Dream” follows with Eoff’s dense bass adding much allure to the rhythmic blues climate.

At the halfway point, “Lost Love” tugs on the heartstrings thanks to the meticulous guitar and emotive mood of the bluesy intimacy, while “Croke” bops and shakes with an infectious energy courtesy of Simo’s inimitable guitar playing that will get your body moving.

“Here In The Dark” and “Blues For Robert Nighthawk” exit the listen. The former is a cautious, eloquent and stylish album highlight, while the latter recruits Simo’s slide guitar and powerful, textured blues that will always be relevant.

Fletcher never disappoints, and his top notch Nashville band help illuminate his diverse vision of the blues that we will never tire of.

Travels well with: Long Tall Deb & Colin John- Light It Up; Big Al And The Heavyweights- Blues Power

Various Artists

Andalusian Legacy

Albany, 2025

8/10

Listen to Andalusian Legacy

David Russell’s violin guides the keys, guitar, vocals and castanets of these 5 selections from 5 composers that touch on the Andalusian folk tradition.

“La Vida Breve - Dansa Espagnole No. 1”, by Manuel De Falla and Fritz Kreisler, opens with Russell’s animated violin alongside Pedro Gavilán’s firm piano and Estefanía Brao’s lively castanets, and “Spanish Dances, Op. 23: No. 1, Playera” follows with the same trio in a calmer climate of cultured and gripping songwriting thanks to Pablo de Sarasate.

In the middle, “El Vito”, a traditional, injects Fabio Bosch Friere’s meticulous flamenco guitar into the intimate strings and well timed castanets, while “Three Songs in Andalusian Style on Poems of Lorca, Op. 1” pairs Johnathan White’s expressive tenor with Zaiba Sheikh’s elegant piano that populates the 3 rich chapters of the David Russell piece.

“El Poema de Una Sanluqueña, op. 28”, by Joaquín Turina, exits and recruits Russell’s diverse violin and Sheikh’s skilled piano to 4 chapters that are heartfelt, commanding, bare and tense via the strong chemistry between the duo.

A record where each track brings its own unique identity, the musicianship is top notch, where poeticism and spiritual bouts enhance the listening experience tremendously.

Travels well with: Trace Johnson- Works For Cello; Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra- Convergence

Sail By Summer

Casual Heaven

Apollon, 2019

8/10

Listen to Casual Heaven

A Norwegian outfit who take inspiration from legends like The Cure and Pink Floyd, Sail By Summer’s William Hut and Jens Kristian inject a very nature-esque approach to their flourishing electro-pop.

“Fetch Your Roses” starts the album with cautious yet sunny indie-rock sounds that are as gorgeous as they are adventurous, and “Facing Dullness” follows with a vocally strong and upbeat blast of melodic and anthemic rock.

Elsewhere, “Corner Kid” offers a breezy and playful album highlight, while “LowLowLow” flirts with electro-pop heavily in charming ways on the retro highlight.

At the end, “Lower Your Voice” recruits a subdued setting of elegant ideas, and “I Can’t Rely On My Memories” ends the debut album strong with a spacey, ethereal and ambient instrumental.

Hut, who has already won a Grammy Award, handles guitars and vocals, while Kristian holds down keys and programming, and together they weave a universally palatable listen of thoughtful, and often moving songcraft.

Travels well with: Subshine- Easy Window; Leland And The Silver Wells- Leland And The Silver Wells