Atlantic Road Trip

Watch As The Echo Falls

Calligram, 2026

9/10

Listen to Watch As The Echo Falls

The inimitable outfit, Atlantic Road Trip, find themselves in trio form here, where folk and jazz meet at a creative and timeless intersection.

“Exoridum” opens with a warm haze, where Chad McCullough’s rich trumpet is met with Paul Towndrow’s precise sax and “Parting Of The Adriatic” follows with Miro Herak’s playful vibraphone amid the animated flute from Towndrow.

Landing in the middle, “Fading Photograph” radiates much beauty thanks to the layered wind and brass that suits the cozy vibes, while “Past Memories” floats with grace and poeticism via the soulful trumpet and Herak’s dreamy vibes.

“Epilogue” and “Singularity” exit the listen. The former is quite adventurous in its free jazz nods, and the latter carries plenty of melodic undertones thanks to the intimate trumpet, sax and vibes.

An album that says a lot with often minimal ideas, Atlantic Road Trip incorporate cinematic moments, rhythmic bouts and strategic introspection across this exceptional and stripped back 3rd album.

Travels well with: Chris Madsen- Threefold; Joshua Achiron- Climbing

Bob Corritore & Friends

Ernestine Blues

VizzTone, 2026

8/10

Listen to Ernestine Blues

A collection of tracks captured between 2023-2025, Bob Corritore is joined by luminaries in today’s modern blues scene for the 16 diverse tracks.

“How You’d Learn To Shake It Like That” opens with Tony Coleman’s sturdy drums and soulful pipes complementing Corritore’s flowing harmonica via the Chicago blues, and “Tell Me Darling” follows with Carla Denise’s expressive voice that suits the upbeat keys and lively rhythm.

Getting deeper into the listen, “Ernestine” recruits Tia Carroll’s distinct and powerful vocals amid well timed backing vocals and thick horns, while “I Love The South” showcases Johnny Rawls’ inimitable and gritty voice alongside the warm guitar in a smooth delivery.

“She Might Need Me” arrives late and pairs Oscar Wilson’s flawless singing with Corritore’s spirited harmonica, and “Shoes” exits with Teeny Tucker’s animated voice that’s complemented by plenty of gospel nods surrounding the timeless blues formula.

The large amount of singers present makes every track unique in its own way, and Corritore’s harmonica is as luminous as ever, where these blues tracks entertain R&B, Mississippi Country nods, and plenty of soulfulness for yet another great collaboration record from Corritore.

Travels well with: Bob Corritore & Friends- Doin’ The Shout!; Bob Corritore & Friends- Phoenix Blues Rumble

Isabella Isherwood

The Sweetest Sounds

Sabrina, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Sweetest Sounds

The Chicago jazz vocalist, Isabella Isherwood, tips her hat to the Great American Songbook with these 12 classic tracks that pay close attention to tone and narrative.

“Devil May Care” opens with Isherwood’s expressive voice alongside Mike Allemana’s warm guitar playing in the rich climate, and “The Sweetest Sounds” follows with Alejandro Salazar’s frisky drums amid the seductive singing and romantic spirit.

Further along, “Don’t Think Twice Alright” is a unique take on the Bob Dylan tune that’s elegant and smooth, while “My Buddy” offers an intimate momenty of beauty and stirring vocals that tugs on the heartstrings.

Moving closer to the end, “Teach Me Tonight” allows for Joe Policastro’s skilled bass to shine alongside the playful vocals, and “I Love Being Here With You” exits with the bouncy rhythm section and meticulous guitar aligning with Isherwood’s flawless and animated singing.

An eclectic body of work that explores the blues, jazz, swingin’ fun and plenty of introspection, Isherwood breathes new life into already great songs.

Travels well with: Judy Whitmore- Christmas; Hannah Gill- Spooky Jazz Vol. 3

Rick Vito

Slidemaster

MoMojo, 2026

9/10

Listen to Slidemaster

The slide guitar wizard Rick Vito treats us to an instrumental album, where some excellent guests are in attendance for the timeless and meticulous blues.

The lively setting of “Vegas Jump” opens with Vito’s distinct guitar alongside Rick Reed’s animated drumming, and “Steal Away” follows with a cautious mood, as the heartfelt guitar is met with Charles Johnson’s restrained drumming.

Landing in the middle, “Albatross” is an emotive moment via Charlie Harrison’s cozy electric bass and the dreamy guitar from Vito, while “A Change Is Gonna Come” enlists Mark Horwitz’s well timed organ to the thoughtful and intimate album highlight.

Arriving late, “The Supernatural” benefits from Lynn Williams’ skilled drumming amid Vito’s intricate guitar playing, and “The Lord’s Prayer” exits with Kevin McKendree’s organ complementing Vito’s soft gestures of beauty.

Instrumental albums focused on slide guitar are in short supply, and Vito’s contribution is, like all his work, is detailed and executed flawlessly, where the complete mastery of the guitar is admirable.

Travels well with: Rick Vito- Soul Shaker; Duke Robillard- Blast Off!

Joe Troop & The Truth Machine

Joe Troop & The Truth Machine

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to Joe Troop & The Truth Machine

The Grammy nominated artist Joe Troop is aligned with The Truth Ensemble for these 5 originals that are steeped in bluegrass sounds.

“Billionaires” opens the listen with Troop’s warm banjo and Deb Shebish’s flowing fiddle that aligns with harmonic group vocals, and “Runnin’ From The Weather” follows with Lu Furtado’s warm guitar and Olivia Fernandez’s rich mandolin adding much color to the lively mood.

“Sweet Pea” arrives in the middle and allows for Jimmy Washington’s bass to shine via the cautious melodies amid an oldtime feel, while “Overdrive” benefits from the dynamic strings and timeless bluegrass flavor.

“Mercy For Migrants” exits, and it lands in gospel territory, where both intimacy and grace are present for the soft atmosphere.

A very well thought out effort, the selections span social justice, protest songs and love songs, where a hint of twang is in attendance and much sincerity is appreciated.

Travels well with: Joe Troop- Borrowed Time; Steep Canyon Rangers- Out In The Open

Brian Landrus

Just When You Think You Know

BlueLand/Palmetto, 2026

9/10

Listen to Just When You Think You Know

The multi-instrumentalist and composer Brian Landrus finds himself in a quintet setting, where some well known names are along for the fusion filled 14 songs.

“All In Time” starts the listen with Zaccai Curtis’ bright keys and Landrus’ rich sax in the rich and playful climate, and “Continuance” follows with Landrus handling flute amid the soft melodies and Rudy Royston’s agile drumming.

Inching into the middle, “Dear Fred” radiates a distinct intimacy via the soulful sax and warm keys, while “Beyond” benefits from Dave Stryker’s inimitable guitar amid the dreamy spirit.

“Under Dark” arrives late and makes great use of Lonnie Plaxico’s dense bass licks across the rock focused album highlight, and “Paroxysm” exits with textured beauty and much sophistication, where the quintet’s chemistry is impressive.

An album with a spontaneous feel, Landrus and company flirt with bebop, funk, R&B, bossa nova, and plenty of swing for this really fun effort.

Travels well with: Simon Hanes- Gargantua; Javon Jackson- Jackson Plays Dylan

Aaron Irwin Trio

Spark

Adhyâropa, 2026

8/10

Listen to Spark

The composer, saxophonist and clarinetist Aaron Irwin is joined by Mike Baggetta and Bill Campbell for these blues and folk spirited songs that are sophisticated and grounded via their inimitable chemistry.

“Spark” opens with Baggetta’s light guitar amid the soft sax for an ambient and flowing delivery, and “Mississippi Hurt” follows with a gentle mood, where Campbell’s agile drumming is surrounded by much richness and intimacy.

The middle track belongs to “Goodnight Laverne”, as the soulful sax is met with minimal drumming before the radiant guitar enters, while “a song in the front yard (after Brooks)” places Irwin on clarinet amid the frisky and rhythmic album highlight.

Arriving late, “The Snow Man (after Stevens)” blurs the wind alongside dreamy guitar and brushed drums, and “Goodnight Shirley” exits with much care via the trio’s meticulous and thoughtful interaction.

A harmonic, melodic and often reflective outing, Irwin and his company draw us into each moment thanks to their attentiveness and strategic spontaneity.

Travels well with: Patrick Zimmerli- Songs Of Innocence; Gail Archer- Dobrich: A Bulgarian Odyssey

Corey Harris/Alvin Youngblood Hart/Guy Davis

Fight On! True Blues Vol. 2

Yellow Dog, 2026

9/10

Listen to Fight On! True Blues Vol. 2

Three of the best in today’s acoustic blues scene, Corey Harris, Alvin Youngblood Hart and Guy Davis, come together for 9 soulful and authentic songs that allow their respective talents to shine.

Harris starts with the warm guitar playing and melodic singing of “We Are Almost Down To The Shore (Fight On)”, where he puts much sincerity into the traditional, and “Screamin’ And Hollerin’ The Blues” follows with Hart’s distinct pipes that suit the rhythmic guitar playing.

In the middle, “What’s That I Smell” sees Harris getting playful amid upbeat guitar, while Davis handles “Deep Sea Diver” via the conversational tone that illuminates the meticulous guitar that’s instantly memorable.

Near the end, we see Hart handling “Highway 61” with his lively voice and spirited guitar, and “Everything I Got Is Done In Pawn” exits with Davis’ firm strumming and slight grit leaving a lasting impression.

Harris, Hart and Davis met in 1996, and here they illuminate African American blues with much care, talent and creativity that respresents the modern image of traditional black lifeways.

Travels well with: Duke Robillard- Blast Off!; Al Basile- Blues In Hand

Quinsin Nachoff

Patterns From Nature

Whirlwind, 2026

9/10

Listen to Patterns From Nature

The saxophonist and composer Quinsin Nachoff presents 2 distinct selections, where improvisation, flow and sonic exploration are at the core of the classical and jazz inspired effort.

The title track opens with Matt Mitchell’s curious piano that makes for mystery and cinematic qualities amid much ambience across “Branches”, and “Flow” follows with the Molinari String Quartet and Satoshi Takeishi’s percussion blending with a haze of experimental and cautious ideas.

“Cracks” and “Ripples” finish of the first half, where the former enlists Francois Houle’s clarinet and Carlo De Rosa’s bass via the frisky and rich album highlight, while the latter spotlights Nachoff’s animated tenor sax and Ryan Keberle’s well timed trombone for the busier and dense climate.

Winding Tessellations exits the listen. “Winding Paths” blurs the winds and percussion with intrigue and adventurousness, and “Tessellations” finishes with a lively free jazz bout that’s meticulous but loose.

A technical and fascinating record that balances chamber nods with plenty of solos, Nachoff’s view of contemporary classical and modern jazz unfolds with awe and excitement.

Travels well with: Simon Hanes- Gargantua; Patricia Brennan- Of The Near And Far

Tierney Sutton And Tamir Hendelman

Spring

BFM, 2026

9/10

Listen to Spring

An incredible pairing, Tierney Sutton’s vocals and Tamir Hendelman’s keys come together for this first studio effort that yields 12 memorable jazz tracks.

The first 2 songs are by Jobim. “Double Rainbow” showcases animated piano playing amid the expressive and pretty singing, and “Waters Of March” follows with the playful scatting and bright key progressions that are upbeat and charming.

Further along, “I Can Get Along Without You Very Well” lands in intimate territory thanks to the lovely keys and emotive singing, while “Spring” is a lush and poetic album highlight that blends the piano and flawless vocals with much sophistication.

Closer to the end, “Spring, Spring, Spring” starts a cappella before Hendelman’s frisky fingers enter, and “L.O.V.E.” exits with vocal acrobatics and bright piano making an indelible impression.

The rapport between the pair is admirable, and the songs have a spontaneous feel, where the musical conversation seems effortless via the duo’s respective talents that touches on timeless piano and vocal jazz.

Travels well with: Mark Christian Miller- Strange Meadowlark; Darren Litzie- On My Own Time

Vaiano's Paisanos

Vaiano’s Paisanos

Jalopy, 2026

8/10

Listen to Vaiano’s Paisanos

This debut from Louisville outfit Vaiano’s Paisanos takes us back to other times and locations thanks to the detailed string interaction from Rachel Meirs, Maxwell Apra, Van Burchfield, Quentin Bardinet and Albanie Faletta.

“Masurka Do Meu Pae” opens with Meir’s intricate violin and Burchfield’s warm guitar making for elegance and adventurousness, and “Primo Amore” follows with Apra’s animated mandolin adding much color to the textured climate.

“Pioggia Di Rose” arrives at the halfway point and benefits from playful banjo amid the rich violin, while “Una Bambola” will get you on the dance floor thanks to the nostalgic mood and frisky string dynamics.

Later on, “Riviera Bote” carries a romantic demeanor that seems tailor made for a night in Europe, and “Roses Of Caracas Waltz” exits with a busy yet precise delivery that textures the instruments with sophistication.

An album that could soundtrack daydreams of a cafe in France or a dinner in New York’s Little Italy or what you’d imagine immigrants danced to in the ‘20s and ‘30s, this is an eloquent and truly timeless listen.

Travels well with: Wyndham Baird- After The Morning; Jackson And The Janks- Write It Down

Frank Viele

The Silo

Bigger Beast, 2026

8/10

Listen to The Silo

The singer-songwriter Frank Viele pens a unique brand of Americana and blues rock hybrid that takes inspiration from his New England home across these 5 authentic tracks.

The title track starts with much ambience, where Nico Grossfield’s moody drums surround Viele’s descriptive singing and warm guitar, and “We Can’t Have It All” follows with an upbeat climate thanks to the flowing acoustic guitar and breezy melodies.

“Better Late than Too Soon” occupies the middle spot and is a heartfelt moment of emotive songwriting that’s relatable and stirring, while “She Sleeps Better In The Rain” has Grossfield contributing keys and Leon James’ strategic resonator guitar via the eloquent and rich EP highlight.

“Against The Wind” exits and brings grit and power to Viele’s inimitable and bare take on the Bob Seger classic.

A quick listen that’s less cinematic and rock focused than his previous work, the use of slide guitar, layering the instruments and doing his own backing vocals illustrates the many avenues of Viele’s creativity.

Travels well with: Hallie Grace- Motivation; Tobacco + Rose- Tobacco + Rose

Portland Percussion Group

Patterns & Form

New Focus, 2026

9/10

Listen to Patterns & Form

The Portland Percussion Group present us 3 commissioned works that allows for the ensemble’s inimitable talents to shine in very diverse and technical settings.

The title track, by Alejandro Viñao, opens the listen with the 8 players using the marimbas, xylophones, vibraphones and glockenspiels in fluid and exciting ways across the 3 detailed and colorful segments.

Mendel Lee’s “The Spaces Between” arrives in the middle and enlists the bells in meticulous ways amid the strong mallet work on the back half of the track that radiates an atypical rhythm.

“Whatever was lost never thenceforth mattered” exits, and showcases robust drumming, chime dynamics and percussive attentiveness you’re unlikely to find anywhere else thanks to Daniel Webbon’s vision.

The Portland Percussion Group have been plugging away since 2011, and this effort sees the outfit again impressing us with their contemporary vision, delicate moments, interlocking spaces and extremely intricate exploration.

Travels well with: Richard Carrick- I’Algérie; Jonathan Bagg- Viola Revival

Asher Brinson

Midnight Hurricane

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to Midnight Hurricane

The 16 year old left handed guitar picker, Asher Brinson, is an old soul with a youthful perspective, and here he offers 8 originals, 1 cover and 2 traditionals that enlists an all star cast.

“Midnight Hurricane” opens with Sierra Hull’s animated mandolin that suits Brinson’s flowing vocals and warm guitar, and “Lonesome Hobo Song” follows with Sam Bush handling mandolin that complements the thoughtful storytelling and lush mood.

Moving into the middle, “Jesus Delivered Today” recruits Justin Moses’ dobro that aligns with the gospel fueled climate, while “Queen Anne’s Waltz” benefits from Bronwyn Keith-Hynes’ meticulous fiddle via the intimate landscape of beauty and grace.

Landing close to the end, the quick picking of “Black Mountain Rag” invites David Grier’s guitar playing amid much melody, and “Cattle In The Cane” exits with Bush’s mandolin and Brinson’s colorful guitar interacting with a timeless and rural spirit.

An impressive effort that uses country, folk, Americana, roots and bluegrass ideas, Brinson’s playing is detailed and the excellent company he keeps adds much to the authentic, heartfelt and soulful songs.

Travels well with: Bill Scorzari- Sidereal Days (Day 1); Larry Keel & Jon Stickley- Larry Keel & Jon Stickley

Nic Panken

Near Divine Or Merely Rhyme

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to Near Divine Or Merely Rhyme

This debut solo album from the Kingston, New York artist Nic Panken brings in an excellent cast for the retro and sweet version of Americana.

After the bare and warm 30 seconds of “Prelude”, “Into Eternitty” follows with crisp drums and cozy strumming, as Panken’s sincere singing draws us in.

In the middle, “2 Hearts” is a bit thicker, where a ruggedness enters the folk-rock ideas, while “I Believe That I Know” carries a hazy quality via the hearfelt and emotive songwriting that you’ll be singing along to pretty quick.

Arriving later, “Out In The Rain” benefits from dense guitar that suits the intimate storytelling which recruits some pop ideas, too, and “Time” exits with a rich and thoughtful formula of timeless Americana.

Panken also fronts the folk outfit Spirit Family Reunion, and his ability to bridge indie-folk with an old time feel makes for an authentic and touching first solo record.

Travels well with: Karen Dahlstrom- Love These Days; Elly Kace- The Seventh Gate

Amani Burnham

Roots & Wings

Blind Pig, 2026

8/10

Listen to Roots & Wings

This first album from the guitar wizard Amani Burnham makes a sizable impression in a trio setting, where the 20 year old turns in some top notch blues rock.

The quick and energetic “Fastlane” opens with Burnham’s meticulous guitar amid the charged rhythm section, and “I Wanna Know” follows with a calmer approach, where Burnham’s warm guitar, soulful pipes and meticulous licks benefit from Ray Hangen’s thumping drums.

In the middle, “Bluejay” allows for Matt Raymond’s animated bass to shine alongside the scrappy drums and driving guitar, while “Sideways Thru Time” carries a bit of a jangle that mixes well with the gritty melodies which invite singing-along.

Further yet, “Some Sorta Love” showcases the dynamic chemistry between the trio, where Burnham fleshes out a precise solo, and “Bleeding Heart” exits with a heartfelt and intimate appeal that unfolds with power, precision and timelessness.

Burnham gained some online fame when he was 19, playing a Muddy Waters tune, and this first album will be sure to please any blues fan, where his right-hand thumb instead of a pick technique helps make every tune worth revisiting.

Travels well with: Altered Five Blues Band- Hammer & Chisel; Jovin Webb- Drifter

Flutronix

Black Being

Cedille, 2026

9/10

Listen to Black Being

Fluxtronic, i.e. Nathalie Joachim and Allison Loggins-Hull, come together for these electro-acoustic songs that illuminate the Black Female Experience and welcome the Chicago Sinfonietta and conductor Mei-Ann Chen.

“Angels” opens with a cinematic quality thanks to the pulsating strings and mysterious winds that align with the poetic singing and strong attention to atmosphere that occasionally builds with tension via the well timed drums.

In the middle, the soft ambience of “Water Babies” emits much beauty and grace before the animated gestures erupt into busy and meticulous ideas, while “Moonpies And Stardust” enlists the dreamy flutes amid an often minimal expanse that recruits expressive singing.

“Black Lights” finishes with thundering drums and dramatic strings which rumbles with the sort of energy that could soundtrack an action flick, as the 8 minutes captivates us with its unparalleled dynamics.

A collaborative effort that utilizes chamber nods, orchestra bouts and electronic tinkering, this is a fusion outing like few others that’s enlightening and powerful.

Travels well with: Pacifica Quartet- The Korngold Collection; Karisa Chiu- Home

The Alexis P. Suter Band

Just Stay Live

Nola Blue, 2026

9/10

Listen to Just Stay Live

The Brooklyn roots rockers The Alexis P. Suter Band see much help from the multi-instrumentalist Garth Hudson (of The Band) for these 11 live selections that were captured in 2011 at The Falcon in Marlboro, New York.

The gospel spirit of “John The Revelator” opens with Suter’s powerful pipes amid Jimmy Bennett’s thick guitar and Hudson’s warm keys, and “Garth Piano Solo” follows with 5+ minutes of finger acrobatics that are heartfelt.

Halfway through the set, “Whistling In The Dark” allows for Ray Grappone’s thumping drums that suit Suter’s husky pipes and Vicki Bell’s soulful pipes, while “Knocking On Heavens Door” is an emotive interpretation of the Dylan classic where Peter Bennett’s skilled bass adds much to the rich delivery.

“Only I” and “Isn’t It A Pity’ exit the listen. The former blends the dense rhythm section with soaring vocals from Suter that are complemented by Bell’s pretty singing, and the latter benefits from Hudson’s elegant piano and accordion alongside the intimate and stirring songwriting.

A tremendous performance that uses roots, Americana, blues, rock and gospel to their advantage, Suter and company make the most of Hudson’s presence for an evening that we are grateful to relive here.

Travels well with: Peter Stampfel- Song Shards; Ryan Lee Crosby- At The Blue Front

Jason Miles

100 Miles For Miles Davis

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to 100 Miles For Miles Davis

The renaissance man, Jason Miles, pays tribute to his friend, Miles Davis, for his 100th birthday with these 8 originals that take inspiration from the legend.

The rich title track opens with Miles’ playful keys alongside Randy Brecker’s animated trumpet and Vicky Marques’ meticulous drumming, and “The Girl With The Purple Hair” follows with Miles’ also handling programming amid Kat Dyson’s frisky guitar lines.

The middle spot belongs to “Malibu Midnight Blue”, where Jeff Coffin’s soprano sax adds much to the lush and dreamy climate, while “Samba Para Miles” recruits James Genus’ cozy bass and Cyro Baptista’s warm percussion for the cultured album highlight.

Near the end, “Miles To Miles” is a solo setting where Miles’ Steinway Grand emits beauty and grace, and the 1994 Bonus Track, “Miles To Miles”, exits with guitars from Dean Brown and Bill Washer that add much to the infectious energy and melodic spirit.

A body of work that isn’t short on solos, grooves, funk and fusion ideas, Miles and company play jazz in a way that seems like Davis is still around to lend a hand.

Travels well with: Nikola Bankov- Everwanted; Matt Bianco- Masquerader

Daddy Long Legs

Lowdown Ways

Yep Roc, 2019

8/10

Listen to Lowdown Ways

The Brooklyn trio return with their 3rd studio album of unclassifiable rock’n’roll sounds that bring punk, blues, jazz and garage rock to the party.

After the warbly and retro “Theme From Daddy Long Legs”, “Pink Lemonade” dives right into retro-rock that’s fuzzy, fun and playful. A record where no 2 songs sound the same, “Ding Dong Dang” is a weirded out country-ish tune, while “Mornin’ Noon & Nite” brings riffs and harmonicas to a swampy rocker.

Later on, the harmonica acrobatics and tambourine work of “Celaphine” howl in all the best ways, and the rock’n’roll spirit and sing-alongs of “Winners Circle” shows us that Daddy Long Legs are capable of more traditional song structures, too. Near the end, “Snagglepuss” is a darker, blues fueled anthem, and “Wrong Side Of The River” ends the listen with a rockabilly offering that shakes, rumbles and unfolds with dusty turbulence.

The band cover a lot of ground here with 12 tunes in under 40 minutes, and their ultra-stylish cowpunk meets soul meets proto-punk mashing keeps us hanging on every unexpected and welcomed moment.

Travels well with: Luther Dickinson- Blues & Ballads;Dex Romweber-Carrboro