Yelena Eckemoff

Rosendals Garden

L&H, 2026

8/10

Listen to Rosendals Garden

The pianist and composer Yelena Eckemoff is joined by Svante Henryson and Morgan Ågren for 2 discs of jazz fueled ideas that are never conventional and highly creative.

“ABBA Museum” opens with Eckemoff’s graceful keys alongside strategic drums from both Ågren and Olavi Louhivuori, as Henryson’s emotive stings enter, and the title track follows with a distinct dreaminess that radiates beauty via the unpredictable interaction.

Further into disc 1, “Country Orchard Café” emits hypnotic keys and heartfelt cello amid much ambience, while disc a leads with “Skansen Park”, where the setting is quick, dynamic and melodic thanks to the trio’s playful chemistry.

Landing late, “Storanden Nature Reserve” allows for Eckemoff’s meticulous keys to shine and complement the light drumming and elegant cello, and “Gripsholm Castle” exits with a rich and textured landscape that’s touching and enlightening.

Eckemoff’s themes surround history, man's everyday struggles and the beauty of the natural world, and the music embraces sweetness, rhythm and timeless jazz qualities that we could never tire of.

Travels well with: Audrey Ochoa- The Sorceress; Jimmy Farace- Big Shoulders, Big Sounds

Johnette Downing/Nathan Williams & The Zydeco Cha Chas

My Little Snap Bean: Zydeco For Children

Wiggle Worm, 2026

9/10

Listen to My Little Snap Bean: Zydeco For Children

The New Orleans children’s musician and author Johnette Downing and zydeco legend Nathan Williams are joined by The Zydeco Cha Chas for these 12 diverse and playful kids’ songs.

The warm and flowing spirit of “My Parrain is the Loup Garou” opens with Downing’s soulful voice alongside Williams’ playful accordion, and “Going To The La La” follows with Scott Billington’s animated harmonica that suits the lively singing from both Downing and Williams.

Deeper into the listen, “The Fifolet” benefits from Keith Sonnier’s meticulous drumming amid the bright storytelling and softer mood, while “Ready Or Not” is a rhythmic and infectious album highlight that enlists D'Juan Francis’ well timed Rubboard which complements the zydeco fun.

Landing close to the end, “Loop de Loop” invites singing-along and makes great use of Allen Williams’ bass, and “My Little Snap Bean” exits with a dance floor energy that’s melodic, uplifting and festive.

A really fun mix of jazz, Cajun, Creole, and zydeco rhythms, this cultured and timeless record might be aimed at the young ears, but will be enjoyed by anyone with an affinity for the sounds of Louisiana.

Travels well with: Katie Dwyer Music- Warm Fuzzies; Dana’s Music Playground- Wonder FULL

Galasphere 347

The Syntax Of Things

Chaos, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Syntax Of Things

An Anglo—Scandinavian progressive rock outfit of international musicians, Galasphere 347 flesh out a technical batch of songs here that surround longing, nostalgia and the sense of loss.

The busy yet precise energy of “Hiraeth Part 1” opens with Stephen James Bennett’s driving guitar and flowing voice alongside Mattias Olsson’s thumping drums that suit the harmonic versus dense ideas, and “Life As An Architect” follows with a dreamy ambience that benefits from the waves of synth and Jacob Holm-Lupo’s strategic bass.

“Broken Bones” arrives in the middle and enlists Bjørn Riis’ colorful guitar and Myke Clifford’s rich saxophone to complement the 11 minutes of layered and unpredictable rock, while “Nighthawks” offers an intimate moment thanks to Ketil Vestrum Einarsen’s warm keys and the poetic singing.

The title track arrives late and is fully engulfed in prog-rock via the buzzing synth, ethereal backdrop and Bjørn Riis’ guitar and John Jowitt’s bass as the setting gets thicker, and “Hiraeth Part 2” exits with Pete Smith’s bass chops helping cultivate some classic rock nods amid the hazy and textured finish.

The players here have put their time in bands such as White Willow, Henry Fool, Airbag, IQ, Änglagård, The Tim Bowness band, No-Man, John Wetton, Weserbandland and Necromonkey, and they take those experiences and place them into this meticulous, sometimes hectic, other times serene version of progressive music that’s dynamic and memorable.

Travels well with: Homme- Ma vie en théorémes; Johan Steensland- Duality

Audrey Ochoa

The Sorceress

Chonograph, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Sorceress

The trombonist, vocalist and composer Audrey Ochoa treats us to 14 songs of fusion ideas, where some excellent players join her for the improvised setting.

The lively spirit of “Maintenance Phase” starts with Jon May’s animated drums that suit Ochoa’s playful trombone, and “Lamplight” follows with Mike Lent’s frisky bass lines amid the rhythmic climate.

Moving along, “My Reward” showcases Ochoa’s expressive and rich pipes alongside the soft versus loud dynamics, while “Let’s Give Up” makes great use of Mo Lefever’s warm guitar playing that complements the flowing vocals.

Arriving late, the intimate “Grateful Woman” allows for the soulful trombone and Chris Andrew’s keys to shine, and “Swan Song” exits with a dreamy demeanor that’s textured with beauty.

An accomplished effort that embraces harmonies, hooks, jazz, swing and pop, Ochoa makes for an unpredictable and diverse body of work.

Travels well with: Jimmy Farace- Big Shoulders, Big Sounds; Timo Vollbrecht- Bremen New York

Sky Smeed

Live At The Rock House

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to Live At The Rock House

This 10th album from the singer-songwriter Sky Smeed was captured in a small listening room in Missouri, where the 14 spontaneous songs are void of studio magic or overdubs.

The warm and eloquent “Hanging On” opens with Smeed’s smooth voice alongside cozy guitar, and “Chicken Of The Trees” follows with hand clapping fun that’s got a playful energy.

Further along, “Lunker Bass” comes with a dreamy quality that’s heartfelt and full of vivid storytelling, while “I Don’t Know What To Do” carries a timeless folk spirit that’s emotive and touching in its gentle ambience.

Closer to the end, Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright” unfolds with less grit than the original, as Meed sings melodically and plays with a harmonic quality, and “Good Luck” exits with a frisky, humorous delivery that’s executed with charm.

Smeed is nothing if not authentic, and this set illustrates skills gained from decades of touring and emits songs that touch on the human experience in meaningful, timeless ways.

Travels well with: Matthew Payne- Better Times; Kenny Shore- Happiness & Misery

Elsa Barraine

Symphonies 1 & 2, Song-Koï (Le Fleuve rouge), and Les Tziganes

Wagner, 2026

9/10

Listen to Symphonies 1 & 2, Song-Koï (Le Fleuve rouge), and Les Tziganes

The GRAMMY Award-winning conductor Cristian Măcelaru guides the Orchestre National de France through the symphonic work of Elsa Barraine via these very involved 3 selections.

“Song-Koï: Le Fleuve rouge” opens with 8 chapters of orchestral ideas that follow the symbolic journey of the Red River from its source to the sea, where spiritual and political ideas are present for the detailed and rich gestures.

“Symphony No. 1” lands in the middle and hints at French Romanticism via the modernist edges that are lyrical and rhythmic across the animated and meticulous bouts.

“Symphony No. 2” exits, and embraces conflict, mourning, and renewal, where the lively strings and intimate winds suit the turbulent subject matter and tonally expressive language.

A technical and precise body of work, Barraine’s vision is documented with a rare energy that illuminates Eastern European folk traditions into symphonic genius.

Travels well with: Michael Stephen Brown- Twelve Blocks; New York Polyphony- Sky Of My Heart

Karen Dahlstrom

Love These Days

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Love These Days

The Brooklyn artist Karen Dahlstrom returns to her jazz vocal roots with these 10 songs that can tip their hat to Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holliday, Chet Baker and Julie London.

“Can’t Help Myself” opens with Dahlstrom’s warm voice and guitar alongside Brian Gelmer’s skilled drumming with a timeless folk quality, and “After The Flood” follows with a crisp approach that’s heartfelt and welcomes Brandon Wilde’s flowing bass that suits the sincere singing.

“Goodbye Espanola” resides in the middle and recruits Ginger Dolden’s viola for the intimacy and grace, while “Cottonmouth Blues” enlists Annie Nero’s upright bass amid the soulful and old time mood.

“Broken Golden” and “Let’s Go Out Tonight” exit the listen. The former moves soft and poetically with much emotion, and the latter is just Andrew Ryan’s upright bass and Dahlstrom’s vulnerable voice and guitar that tugs on the heartstrings.

A highly thoughtful and articulate effort, Dahlstrom’s vision seems therapeutic sometimes, other times melancholic, as she sorts through anxiety, disconnection, regret and grief with an inspiring and relatable power.

Travels well with: Elly Kace- The Seventh Gate; Jared Dustin Griffin- Sisyphus

Laura Chavez

My Voice

Ruf, 2026

9/10

Listen to My Voice

This debut solo album from Laura Chavez brings plenty of soul, rhythm and blues that says much without words via the 10 dynamic tracks.

The thumping and animated “Born On The Bayou” opens with Chavez’s intricate guitar licks alongside Lea Worms’ bright keys, and “Mind Your Step” follows with plenty of rhythm thanks to the playful guitar and bouncy rhythm section.

“El Cascabel” lands in the middle and carries a cinematic quality courtesy of the animated guitar playing and skilled drumming, while “Chinese Checkers” blends the keys, drums, bass and Chavez’s guitar into a mesmerizing climate.

Further still, the bouncy energy of “Napa Street” is full of grooves that will get your body moving, and “La Llorona” exits with Tomek Germann’s meticulous bass that suits the softer delivery of the precise finish.

An exceptional first album, Chavez’s technical prowess, emotional appeal and luminous tone is quite memorable.

Travels well with: Erin Harpe- Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me: A Tribute To Mississippi John Hurt; Sue Foley- One Guitar Woman

Laurie Altman

Songs & Poems Briefly

Navona, 2026

9/10

Listen to Songs & Poems Briefly

The New York City composer Laurie Altman sees their work interpreted by soprano, piano and guitar, where the diverse tracks provide a suitable soundtrack to the hustle and bustle of New York City.

After the quick spoken intro “Poem: Intro”, by Altman, “Smile” follows with Altman’s piano and Isabel Pfefferkorn’s stunning vocals making for much grace and beauty.

In the middle, “Inside Things” allows for Pfefferkorn’s powerful voice to mesmerize us without any instruments, while “Autumn Leaves” illuminates Altman’s sensitive piano playing that shines amid much richness.

Arriving late, “What Is A Leg” pairs Clipper Erickson’s piano with Pfefferkorn’s impressive pipes via the bright storytelling, and “In Another Time” exits with Alexander Gil’s electric guitar interacting with Pfefferkorn’s unpredictable singing for the colorful finish.

An interesting mix of half recited poetry, half art song cycle, Altman’s vision is minimal but effective in its profound and unconventional space.

Travels well with: Katherine Jolly- No Ordinary Woman; Patrick Moore- Four Generations

The Third Mind

Spellbinder!

Yep Roc, 2026

9/10

Listen Spellbinder!

We here at Take Effect Reviews are privy to the greatness of The Third Mind, and their psychedelic improvisation here provides a companion listen to last year’s Right Now!, where 4 tunes embrace spontaneous musical conversation.

“Spellbinder (Tchad Blake Mix)” opens with Michael Jerome’s animated drumming alongside Dave Alvin’s meticulous guitar playing, as the setting turns busy and prog-friendly thanks to Victor Krummenacher’s mesmerizing bass, and “Reap What You Sow” follows with Willie Aron’s intricate keys and Jesse Sykes’ expressive voice making for much emotion and power that’s also cinematic.

On the back half, “Before We Say Goodbye (With Strings)” makes great use Stevie Blacke’s graceful strings amid the dreamy ambience, while “Darkness, Darkness /The Creator Has A Master Plan (Tchad Blake Mix)” exits with lust textures that are pretty, sometimes mysterious and flow with melody and sophistication.

A nostalgic and soulful effort that hints at blues, folk, jam, Americana and rock, few bands play music like The Third Mind, and we’re all better off for it.

Travels well with: The Third Mind- Right Now!; The Third Mind- Live Mind

Jesper Lindell

3614 Jackson Highway

Yep Roc, 2026

9/10

Listen to 3614 Jackson Highway

The Swedish artist Jesper Lindell fleshed this album out at the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, where plenty of diverse ideas enter the 9 meticulous songs.

“If Love Was Money” opens with Lindell’s soulful pipes and fluid guitar alongside bright horns and Rasmus Fors’ animated keys for the retro mood, and “She Ain’t Gonna Do Right” follows with a calmer demeanor thanks to Anton Lindell’s cozy bass and the well timed backing vocals.

“Rainy Night In Georgia” and “Pretend I Never Happened” land in the middle. The former is a crisp moment courtesy of Simon Wilhelmsson’s strategic drums and Lindell’s intimate pipes, while the latter recruits grooves and melody via the bluesy nods.

Residing close to the end, “Heavy Makes You Happy” welcomes Michaela Holmberg’s distinct voice to the upbeat, R&B influenced album highlight, and “Drift Away” exits with Phil Campbell’s powerful voice that suits the classic tune which sounds excellent here.

This album was fleshed out by Lindell and crew on a trip to a pair of legendary studios that yielded 2 albums worth of material in 4 days. Though it’s rooted heavily in the soul sounds from many decades ago, there’s plenty of other genres present across the live recordings that utilize grit in a way that might bring to mind Joe Cocker or Otis Redding.

Travels well with: Grant-Lee Phillips- In The Hour Of Dust; The Third Mind!- Right Now

Jimmy Farace

Big Shoulders, Big Sounds

Shifting Paradigm, 2026

9/10

Listen to Big Shoulders, Big Sounds

The Chicago baritone saxophonist Jimmy Farace is joined by Dana Hall and Clark Sommers for these originals and covers that embrace improvisation and plenty of adventurousness.

The bright mood of “Decorah’s Dance” starts with Farace’s animated sax and Hall’s frisky drums that help make for a rich opening, and “Just Us Blues” follows with a bouncy mood thanks to Sommers’ playful bass amid the rich sax.

“DST” and “I’ll Be Seeing You” land in the middle. The former showcases Hall’s acrobatic drumming before the melodic sax enters, while "I’ll Be Seeing You” emits a sublime intimacy via the emotive wind that builds with the animated rhythm section.

Arriving late, “Chelsea Bridge” moves softly with warmth and beauty that tugs on the heartstrings, and “Three Headed Dragon” exits with meticulous bass, squealing sax and unpredictable drumming.

An excellent addition to his well received debut, Farace’s powerful, soulful and avant garde vision is again exceptional.

Travels well with: Jimmy Farace- Hours Fly, Flowers Die; Timo Vollbrecht- Bremen New York

William Clark Green

Watterson Hall

Bill Grease, 2026

8/10

Listen to Watterson Hall

The adored singer-songwriter William Clark Green returns with a 7th album, where he is now a husband and father, and these songs reflect those changes in his life.

“Stubborn And Remains” opens with warm acoustic strumming and some grit alongside Green’s flowing voice via the heartfelt climate, and “Watterson Hall (Me & You)” welcomes cozy fiddle to the soft delivery and well timed steel guitar from Eddy Dunlap.

Near the middle, “Something You Would Die For” carries a breezy spirit that blends classic country ideas into the powerful wordplay, while “I Am The Kite” is an intimate moment of emotive vocals and thoughtful musicianship that’s dreamy.

“Man On The Moon” and “Drinkin’ And Drivin’” exit the record. The former is a driving, roots rocker that invites singing along, and the latter enlists frisky drumming and a dance floor ready energy that’s quirky and fun.

An artist who is well known in his home state of Texas, Green’s version of country and Americana includes sophisticated and relatable songs that are poetic, sincere and radiate timelessness.

Travels well with: 49 Winchester- III; Sean Kiely- Postcards Of The Reckoning

The Three Seas

Antahkarana

Earshift, 2026

9/10

Listen to Antahkarana

The Bengali-Australian ensemble, The Three Seas, recruit Baul mysticism, Himalayan folk, rock and dub for their most spiritual album yet.

“Into the Night”opens with much atmosphere, where Deo Ashis Mothey’s expressive voice is met with warm dotora, and “Murano” follows with the Bengali folk banjo adding much care to the soft rhythm and reflective mood.

“Khyentse” arrives in the middle and sees the tantric chant embracing a meditative and spiritual quality, while “Chhau” benefits from Raju Das Baul’s distinct pipes via the energetic and raw spirit that will get you dancing.

Close to the end, “The Doctrine” spotlights Matt Keegan’s baritone sax amid the grooves and tips it hat to Nepali folk, and “Lasha” exits with a dreamy and lush ambience that’s adapted from a poem by Laxmi Prasad Devkota.

The title of the album means inner instrument in Sanskrit, which refers to the intersection of memory, intuiton, identity and soul, and those ideas are parlayed into a trance like, fusion and cultured effort that’s enlightening and timeless.

Travels well with: Amira Kheir- Black Diamonds; LINA_ & Jules Maxwell- Terra Mãe

Simon Hanes

Gargantua

Pyroclastic, 2026

9/10

Listen to Gargantua

The inimitable composer, Simon Hanes, enlists a large ensemble, where 3 drum sets, 3 electric basses, 3 trombones, 3 French horns and 3 soprano voices are present for these 10 adventurous pieces.

“A Series Of Waves Tremble In A Sea Of Blood” opens with a frantic and jarring burst of loud voices, horns and drums before a droning, mesmerizing quality enters with pretty singing, and the dense, rock gestures of “Gigantes” follows with thundering drums versus bright brass.

“The Number Of The Beast Is 666” arrives in the middle and comes with melody thanks to the French horns, while “Submit To Fabulosity” swirls with an uncontainable energy that blends charged drums, flowing horns and frisky basses.

Arriving late, the cinematic and intimate “I Am” benefits from gorgeous vocals amid the rich textures, and “Hekla 1970” exits with a dynamic and animated climate that’s busy in a noisy yet graceful fashion.

A highly creative effort that balances hard hitting versus gentle bouts, Hanes makes for a progressive, psychedelic and experimental affair that defies genre and comparison.

Travels well with: Patricia Brennan- Of The Near And Far; Brandon Seabrook- Object Of Unknown Function

Salon De Musica

MMXXV

Bird’s Robe, 2026

9/10

Listen to MMXXV

The Australian outfit, Salon De Música, treat us to 10 unclassifiable tracks, where many players are in attendance for the fusion experience.

“Gravity” opens with flowing guitars and swift drumming that swirls with warmth, melody and plenty of rock ideas, and “White Aurora” follows with a shimmering quality, where a sonic appeal mesmerizes us.

At the halfway point, “Male Gaze” is strong on atmosphere thanks to the cozy jazz ideas, while “Floyd” blends meticulous sax, soothing guitar playing and crisp drums via much ambience.

“Salience Of Prosody” and “Crak Blows” exits the listen. The former leads gentle before dense ideas enter the jam nods, and the latter emits stadium rock gestures that are bold and memorable.

Somewhere between prog-rock, jazz fusion and jam band fun, there’s 15+ players present for an exciting and spontaneous listen that just begs to be heard live.

Travels well with: Brandon Seabrook- Hellbent Daydream; Vance Thompson- Lost And Found

Javon Jackson

Jackson Plays Dylan

Solid Jackson/Palmetto, 2026

9/10

Listen to Jackson Plays Dylan

The saxophonist Javon Jackson interprets 3 decades of tunes by Bob Dylan, where some esteemed guests are along for the really creative listen.

“One For Bob Dylan” opens with Jackson’s rich sax and Ryan Sands’ frisky drums making for a melodic and smooth climate, and “Blowin’ In The Wind” follows the bright sax amid Jeremy Manasia’s flowing keys in the quick delivery.

“Lay, Lady, Lay” lies in the middle and trims the pace back with elegance and warmth, while “The Times They Are A-Changin’” focuses on piano for the textured jazz mood that’s adventurous and precise.

Getting closer to the end, Nicole Zuraitis lends her powerful and expressive pipes to the soulful “Forever Young”, and “Make Me Feel Your Love” exits with Jackson’s intimate wind and the dreamy keys that suit the gentle rhythm section.

Most of us have heard these songs before, but not quite like this, as Jackson and company put a jazz spin on classics from Dylan’s catalog that are worth revisiting over and over.

Travels well with: Brandon Seabrook- Hellbent Daydream; Patricia Brennan- Of The Near And Far

Jon Irabagon

Focus Out

Irabbagast, 2026

9/10

Listen to Focus Out

The saxophonist and composer Jon Irabagon finds himself in a quartet setting, plus guests, for these 7 tunes that were inspired by the juggling act of making music and raising a family.

“Morning Star” opens with Irabagon’s bright sax alongside Dan Weiss’ unpredictable drumming that suits the animated climate, and “Focus Out”follows with a warm groove amid Matt Mitchell’s playful keys.

“Evening Star” and “Indigo Stains” land in the middle. The former blurs the sax from Miles Okazaki, Danny McCaslin and Mark Shim with Chris Lightcap’s skilled bass playing, while the latter recruits Kokayi’s vocals that aligns with atypical rhythm and free jazz exploration.

“Center Post” exits, and it’s a busy and flowing album highlight where the frisky rhythm section, bright sax and charming keys make an indelible impression.

Irabagon sure is prolific, and is attention to melody, improvisation, funk moments and bop make for another top notch effort in the area of post-modern jazz.

Travels well with: Jon Irabagon- Server Farm; Jon Irabagon Trio + One- Dinner & Dancing

Versa

A Voyage/A Destination (Round Trip Edition)

Self-Released, 2026

10/10

Listen to A Voyage/A Destination (Round Trip Edition)

A 20th Anniversary Double CD from the Victoria, British Columbia prog-rockers Versa, both chapters of their pandemic fueled albums are present here.

“Pool Of The Naiads” opens the listen with warm piano and soft singing before cozy guitar enters the rich textures that are melodic and lush, and “Sea Of Vapours” follows with dreamy flute and stirring strings that are heartfelt and swirl with beauty and grace.

“Voyage” exits disc 1 with pretty singing and a mesmerizing climate of mystery and cinematic qualities that unfolds across 26+ minutes.

Disc 2 leads with the gentle and meditative “Prelude”, but it isn’t long until Ross Jennings’ extremely touching voice guides the pretty “Flew The Coop”. Much later, “Ocean Of Storms” blends the keys and strings with eloquence that’s gripping before the thumping drums enter, and “Destination” exits with horns and an ethereal backdrop that soars with intimacy and texture.

A stunning assembly of international players, fans of both the louder, rock spirited side of prog and the serene, thoughtful aspects will be enamored.

Travels well with: Homme- Ma vie en théorémes; Johan Steensland- Duality

Crooked Colours

Langata

Sweat It Out, 2019

8/10

Listen to Langata

The Australian trio return with a sophomore album, and, much like their debut, it’s full of energetic and creative indie-dance sounds that move with unpredictable fun and calculated rhythm.

Crooked Colours don’t waste anytime getting right into their vivid and detailed song craft with the percussive heavy and clever “I’ll Be There”, and “Do it Like You” follows with dance friendly indie-rock that’s as addictive as it is inventive.

Elsewhere, “Heart String” is a snappy affair of mysterious sounds and refined minimalism, while “Just Breathe” brings a soulful aspect to the electro-pop vibe that’s never short on spirit.

The back half of the album offers us the synth heavy and ‘80s influenced “Hold On”, the hypnotic and guitar focused “Langata”, and the hushed yet proficient “Mirror Ball”. One of the best tracks, “Never Dance Alone”, resides near the end and brings in Ladyhawke on the smooth and stylish duet that beams with indie-dance sensibilities.

An extremely polished and adventurous second outing, it won't be long until these Aussies are seeing worldwide fame with their dynamic interplay between vocals, guitars and synth that’s never short on ingenious ideas.

Travels well with: Vallis Alps- Fable; Sylvan Esso- Sylvan Esso