The Jellyfish

The Jellyfish

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to The Jellyfish

An outfit spearheaded by the clarinetist, saxophonist and flautist Jacob Gorzhaltsan, as The Jellyfish he reels in Ravi Naimpally and Ewen Farncombe for these 8 worldly jazz tracks.

The cozy spirit of “Inkblot” opens with Gorzhaltsan’s hazy wind and Naimpally’s animated tabla making for a distinct climate, and “Silhouettes” follows with intimate sax that aligns with the cautious percussive ideas.

“Shadows” and “Courtyard” land in the middle. The former offers a rich and unpredictable moment that’s a bit cinematic in scope and benefits much from Farncombe’s frisky keys, while the latter occupies mesmerizing territory via the firm keys and animated tabla amid the colorful clarinet.

Arriving late, “Reflections” displays Gorzhaltsan’s flute prowess in the 9 cautious yet adventurous minutes, and “Bazar” exits with a really upbeat and lively bout of skilled improvisation.

An excellent starting point, the use of looping and psychedelic moments enhances the listening experience that’s spontaneous and globally relevant.

Travels well with: Alex Bird and Ewen Farncombe- Songwriter; Alex Bird And The Jazz Mavericks- You Are The Light And The Way

Abate Berihun & The Addis Ken Project

Addis Ken

Origin, 2026

9/10

Listen to Addis Ken

A quartet who draw from worldwide influences, Abate Berihun, Roy Mor, David Michaeli and Nitzan Birnbaum come together for 13 globally exciting jazz tracks.

The distinct mood of “Tefila” opens with Mor’s dreamy piano alongside the soulful sax and expressive singing thanks to Berihun, and “Des Des” follows with the flowing keys amid Birnbaum’s frisky drumming that enlists a charming energy.

Getting close to the middle, “Ya Zaman” makes great use of Michaeli’s playfup upright bass that complements the colorful sax, while “Ashrei Haish” carries a warm melody that’s textured with grace and plenty of harmonic gestures.

Rudi Bainesay’s gorgeous guest vocals land on “Adam (Human)”, which balances intimacy with exploration via the very capable players, and “Batti” exits with an emotive quality that’s cinematic and swirls with grace and cultured ideas.

A diverse outing that pulls from Ethiopian Jewish traditions, pan-African rhythm and modern improvisation, the quartet flesh out an authentic and enlightening listening experience.

Travels well with: Barry Greene- Giants; Jared Hall- Hometown

Cyger & Butterworth

Plaid Pants

Outrageous 8, 2026

8/10

Listen to Plaid Pants

The West Coast musicians Ron Cyger and Brent Butterworth come together for these 8 songs that are rhythmic in nature and use guest drummers for the adventurousness.

“Penquena Diabla” starts with Butterworth’s frisky percussion and Cyger’s rich sax making an impression of warmth, and “Round & Round” follows with Dimitris Terzpiis behind the drum kit for the cozy bass plucking from Butterworth.

The title track lands in the middle and pairs the colorful sax and frisky bass with strong attention to detail that’s got an infectious energy, while “Larry’s Lament” welcomes Leo Oliveira’s drums to Butterworth’s spirited electric guitar.

Residing close to the end, ‘Bye-Bye Whale” finds an intimate place to exist thanks to the heartfelt sax and soft guitar, and “L.P.” exits with Larry Salzman’s bongos, as Cyger contributes flute via the stylish and melodic album highlight.

Cyger and Butterworth each contribute 4 songs, where both minimal and maximal ideas are present for the structural, improvisational and tonal body of work that sounds great and will certainly age well, too.

Travels well with: Tom Lippincott- Ode To The Possible; Wayne Alpern- Alchemy

The Paul Keller Orchestra

Thank You Notes: The Music Of Gregg Hill

Cold Plunge, 2026

9/10

Listen to Thank You Notes: The Music Of Gregg Hill

The string bass player, Paul Keller, brings a long a large cast for these 10 Gregg Hill tunes, where a fresh coat of paint makes already great tracks even better.

“Bopportunity” starts with Keith Kaminski’s bright alto sax amid the bright horns and frisky drumming via the infectious energy, and “Dollah Hollah” follows with Adam Mosley’s mesmerizing keys before Paul Finkbeiner’s animated trumpet enters.

Arriving in the middle, “Cadillac Club” enlists Pete Sier’s adaptable drumming and Cary Kocher’s dreamy vibes that suit the busy brass, while “The Speckled Frog” benefits from Steve Wood’s rich tenor sax to complement the textured and thoughtful album highlight.

“Lay Playa” and “Sister Sue” exit the listen. The former allows for Terry Kimura’s elegant trombone to shine amid the cozy melodies, and the latter highlights Mark Kieme’s baritone sax, Lucas Stickley-Miner’s trumpet and Chris Smith’s trombone in a Big Band sort of way that you won’t soon forget.

There’s no lack of Hill tribute records coming out these days, but this one’s among the best, where Keller’s vision is never short on melodies, harmonics and grooves.

Travels well with: Brad Schrader- LateNights; Paul Litteral- The Litteral Truth

Baklava Express

Sabába

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to Sabába

The Brooklyn outfit Baklava Express, which is led by the oud player Josh Kaye, bring their strong attention to rhythm and melody for these 8 worldly songs.

“Nistar” opens with the flowing oud and Jeremy Smith’s animated percussion surrounding the cultured warmth, and the title track follows with Daisy Castro’s animated violin that suits the dynamic and precise interaction of the busy climate.

“Herding The Wind” arrives in the middle and benefits from James Robbins’ meticulous bass plucking, while “A Very Narrow Bridge” is a rich and intricate album highlight that puts Eren Erdogan’s ney to good use.

Close to the end, “Salt And Paprika” sees James Labrosse’s strategic guitar adding much to the global textures, and “Begin Again” exits with a calmer mood via the soft gestures that weave in and out of sophistication and grace.

The band touch on jazz, flamenco and rock, where traditions rooted in Turkish, Greek and Armenian ideas are present for the listen that is as expansive as it is welcoming.

Travels well with: Anupam Shobhakar- Liquid Reality; Juana Luna- Canciones En Blanco Y Negro

Caleb Wheeler Curtis

Ritual

Chill Tone, 2026

9/10

Listen to Ritual

The multi-instrumentalist and composer Caleb Wheeler Curtis recruits some excellent guests for this 6th album that puts a very original spin on jazz.

“Fantasmas” opens with Michael Sarin’s unpredictable drums and Curtis’ stritch interacting with much warm and adventurousness, and “Bleakout” follows with Hery Paz’s animated tenor sax that adds much richness to the energy.

“Black Box Extraction” arrives in the middle and benefits from Orrin Evans’ strategic keys amid that flowing wind, while “You Can’t Just Keep The Magic” finds an intimate place to reside via the cozy playing from Curtis and playful piano.

“The End Of Power” arrives late and makes great use of Vicente Archer’s soft bass amid a reflective mood, and “Ritual” exits with a hazy and textured album highlight that has Curtis playing sopranino sax and trumpet with much care.

A very flexible and timeless body of work, Curtis tips his hat towards Coltrane and Ornette, where improvisation and the dynamic interplay with his company is appreciated.

Travels well with: Brian Landrus- Just When You Think You Know; Simon Hanes- Gargantua

Amelia Ya'el

Voices I

Signbearer, 2026

8/10

Listen to Voices I

This debut from Amelia Ya’el’s baritone sax employs extended techniques, timbral exploration and long-form improvisation for the 4 adventurous tracks.

“Mechanic Of Anger” opens with the skilled sax radiating tremendous range that fluctuates in tone via the colorful and unpredictable delivery, and “Song Of Peace” follows with both soft and firm gestures that are mesmerizing.

“No Evil But Ignorance” starts the 2nd half, and is strong on ambience thanks to the quivering ideas, while “Beneath The Waves” exits with harmonics buried under the hypnotic delivery of meticulous sax playing.

An often intense effort that focuses on keys, breath and vibration, Ya’el has a commanding presence of her instrument that radiates tremendous skill for this superb first record.

Travels well with: Living With Tollways- Eponymously Titled; Randy Trubitt- Place Is Not

Robert Jospé Quartet

The Night Sky

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to The Night Sky

The Robert Jospé Quartet have been plugging away since 2022, and this debut from the 4 esteemed players brings us 9 originals and 2 covers.

The rhythmic “Crooked Mile” opens with Daniel Clarke’s flowing keys and Chris Whiteman’s melodic guitar interacting with much grace, and “Samba Sunrise” follows with firm keys and Jospé’s cultured percussion making for a globally frisky moment.

“Flashback” finds itself at the halfway point and recruits Paul Langosch’s playful bass that draws us into the warm energy, while “The Night Sky” benefits from the skilled rhythm section, unpredictable keys and agile drumming that makes for a rich album highlight.

“Take The ‘A’ Train” arrives late and is a dynamic and harmonic bout where all the player’s talent shine, and “Silver Lining” exits with a solo hand pan present amid the short instrumental.

An excellent startng point for this assembly of accomplished musicians, their timeless jazz appeal and no lack of melodies, grooves and technical prowess is much appreciated.

Travels well with: Steve Husted- Two Nights- Live; Dave Schumacher & Cubeye- Agua Con Gas

The Klezmatics

We Were Made For These Times

Shamus, 2026

8/10

Listen to We Were Made For These Times

The New Yorkers The Klezmatics return with their first album in over decade, where 12 protest songs embrace a worldly approach.

“Un du akerst” starts with Lorin Sklamberg’s animated accordion and Richie Barshay’s quick drums alongside the Lavendar Light Gospel Choir, and “Plane Wreck At Los Gatos (Deportee)” follows with guest Sofia Rei’s warm vocals that suit the flowing melodies.

Halfway through, “Forty Year Freylekhs” enlists Frank London’s soulful trumpet for the rich landscape, while “Kegn Gold Fun Zun/Tatar Dance” is a soft moment that benefits from Enver Izmaylov’s meticulous guitar that builds into a festive climate.

Close to the end, “I Am Willing” offers an intimate moment via the group vocals and soulful spirit, and “Di Tsukunft (El Futuro)” exits with elegance and culture amid Matt Darriau’s expressive sax and the intricate percussion.

An album that surrounds immigration, exile and solidarity, The Klezmatics are in fine form here and the many guests help illuminate their NYC sonic and spiritual appeal that you can’t not admire.

Travels well with: Daniel Kahn & The Painted Bird- The Butcher’s Share; Gils Levelt- Playground

Misty Route

Ethos

Bitume, 2026

8/10

Listen to Ethos

The Athens alt-metal outfit, Misty Route, return with a sophomore album, where plenty of diverse influences enter the 8 charged tracks.

“Hail” starts with Konstantinos Kaloudis’ thumping drums and Lefteris Saatsakis’ thick guitar and growling versus smooth voice making for a thick climate, and “Last Night’s Dream” follows with George Armando Konomi’s meticulous bass that suits the dark and progressive ideas.

In the middle spot, “Blind God” welcomes a choir for the ambience that gets pretty intense, while “No Destination” blends the hard hitting and soft gestures into a driving yet intimate album highlight.

“Freedom” and “Dictator” exit the listen. The former recruits grooves and melody to the sturdy rock, and the latter chugs amid the multi-faceted metal bouts that are timeless and abrasive.

A highly original blend of metal, psychedelic, progressive and alt-rock, Misty Route also inject some synth into this detailed and unpredictable effort.

Travels well with: Cruenta Venganza- Legend; Arbre-dieu-Nuit Noire

India Ramey

Villain Era

Blue Elan/Copaco, 2026

9/10

Listen to Villain Era

The Nashville outlaw siren, India Ramey, doesn’t pull any punches with this album that ‘healed’ her, where grit, humor and cathartic ideas enter the 10 forthright tracks.

“We Ride At Dawn” opens with a Spaghetti Western spirit, where Bob ‘Boo’ Bernstein’s hazy pedal steel and Kevin Brown’s thumping drums complement Ramey’s expressive pipes, and “Welcome To My Villain Era” follows with plenty of honky tonk energy thanks to Eleanor Whitmore’s frisky fiddle and Ramey’s animated singing.

“Cryin’ In My Lingerie” and “Nobody’s Coming” land in the middle. The former enlists Chris Masterson’s skilled electric guitar amid the heartbreaking storytelling, while the latter benefits from Jordan Katz’s soulful trumpet that suits the galloping mood and darker demeanor.

Arriving close to the end, “Red Red Roses” comes with plenty of crisp melodies via Ted Russell Kamp’s bass and Ramey’s infectious singing, and “Ghost Town” exits with Eric Corne’s backing vocals adding much to the alt-country nods.

A body of work that is both cinematic and emotive, Ramey tips her hat to Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash with her distinct formula and unwavering conviction that further solidifies the Nashville resident as one of the most interesting artists in modern country.

Travels well with: India Ramey- Baptized By The Blaze; Caitlin Cannon- Love Addict

Thin Lear

Many Disappeared

First City Artists, 2026

8/10

Listen to Many Disappeared

Matt Longo, i.e. Thin Lear, fleshes out 10 tracks of elegant melancholy, where some excellent players are in attendance for the thoughtful climate.

The warm strumming of “Silver Bridge” starts with much intimacy in its stirring beauty, and “Harmony & Gold” follows with Ken Coomer’s light drumming that aligns with the eloquent ambience.

“Mattoon” and “The Haunt” arrive in the middle. The former benefits from Rick Steff’s sophisticated keys amid the pretty singing from Longo, while the latter is textured with a poetic quality that makes great use of Dave Smith’s bass.

Arriving later, “The Visit” is an upbeat moment that’s steeped in rugged folk-rock, and “Healing Alone” exits with Will Sexton’s meticulous guitar complementing the expressive singing and soft atmosphere that’s heartfelt.

A very mature version of indie-folk, Thin Lear hints at chamber and orchestra ideas with an attentiveness that might bring to mind David Berman or Leonard Cohen, and those similarities alone should be enough to warrant repeat listens.

Travels well with: Nic Panken- Nearly Divine Or Nearly Rhyme; Karen Dahlstrom- Love These Days

Barry Greene

Giants

Origin, 2026

9/10

Listen to Giants

The legendary jazz guitarist Barry Greene is joined by an all star cast for these 10 songs that pays tribute to the luminaries that shaped his musical voice.

“Backtrack” starts with Pat Bianchi’s warm keys alongside Greene’s soft guitar in the gentle ambience and melodic climate, and “Unit 7” follows with an upbeat flavor, where Marco Panascia’s frisky bass suits the cozy guitar lines and Steve Nelson’s lively vibes.

“SOS” and “My One And Only Love” arrive in the middle. The former moves swiftly thanks to David Kikoski’s colorful piano and Greene’s animated guitar, while the latter is a heartfelt moment via the intimate guitar and emotive demeanor.

“Jingles” arrive late and benefits much from Ulysses Owens Jr.’s upbeat drumming that helps cultivate plenty of grooves, and “El Hombre” exits with guitar, B3 and drums interacting dynamically and playfully.

You might spot influences like Pat Martino and Grant Green, as Greene and his friends flesh out harmonic, textured and timeless jazz that are guided by incredible guitar playing.

Travels well with: Jared Hall- Hometown; Owen Chen- The Ghibli Collection

Ben Markley Big Band

Tuesday Morning Feeling

OA2, 2026

9/10

Listen to Tuesday Morning Feeling

The pianist Ben Markley presents a 3rd Big Band effort, where 7 originals and a few arrangements welcome many esteemed players.

The frisky title track opens with Steve Nelson’s playful vibes and Terell Stafford’s well timed trumpet making an impression, and “JIFE” follows with Steve Kovalcheck’s meticulous guitar front and center via the busy and textured delivery.

Moving along, “Snowy Range Blues” benefits from Steve David’s skilled trombone across the rich and indeed bluesy mood, while “Old Folks” finds an intimate place to reside thanks to Kyle Swan’s restrained drumming and the heartfelt brass.

Getting closer to the end, “‘Mon Back” is a lively moment that showcases Gabe Mervine’s trumpet and Will Swindler’s sax amid much energy, and “Groundwork” exits with Jared Cathey’s colorful sax that suits David Wong’s quick bass and, of course, Markley’s precise keys.

The unparalleled talent present makes for a tremendous listen, where plenty of solos, no lack of melody and handfuls of harmony are much appreciated.

Travels well with: Jared Hall- Hometown; Ted Piltzecker- Peace Vibes

Peter Kramer

To A Green Thought In A Green Shade

New Focus, 2026

9/10

Listen to To A Green Thought In A Green Shade

The composer Peter Green enlists an excellent cast for these 11 diverse tracks where he often plays keys in the chamber and classical settings.

“Heights” starts with Zachary Good playing the alto recorder with a playful spirit in the solo climate, and “Copse Of Trees” follows with Ben Roidl-Ward’s bassoon and Kramer’s keys interacting with a distinct mood that’s mysterious and even a bit haunting.

Entering the middle, “In Miniature” pairs John Popham’s meticulous cello with Kramer’s soft keys that radiate an atypical and minimal atmosphere that’s emotive, while “Pietá” benefits from Pala Garcia’s violin, Popham’s cello and Renate Rohlfing’s piano which emits a cinematic quality across 17 minutes of unpredictable and intimate ideas.

Moving close to the end, “ Three Children’s Pieces” unfolds across 3 segments where just Kramer’s keys draw us in to the precise progressions that are strong on tonality, and “Heights (Clarinet Version)” exits with Good playing the wind with a frisky and animated ability that makes an impression.

Kramer has an excellent resume as a composer, keyboardist and educator, and his ability to shine in solo, duo and trio settings makes for a timeless body of work that draws from his vast framework of songs.

Travels well with: Richard Carrick- I’Algérie; Andy Kozar- Ein Horn

Jared Hall

Hometown

Origin, 2026

9/10

Listen to Hometown

The always impressive trumpet wizard, Jared Hall, returns with a lyrical effort that’s steeped in reflection on place, purpose and artistic growth, where Troy Roberts, Ben Markley, Michael Glynn and Kyle Swan lend a hand.

“Hometown” opens with Markley’s bouncy piano amid Hall’s rich trumpet for the warm and cautious climate, and “Step By Step” follows with Swan’s frisky drumming that complements Hall’s meticulous brass.

“Echoes And Origins” and “Family Groove” land in the middle. The former moves playfully via Glynn’s meticulous bass and the soulful horn, while the latter allows for Roberts’ tenor sax to shine alongside the timeless jazz interaction that’s textured.

“Room 111” arrives late and emits dynamic interaction from the quartet for the album’s best, and the reprise version of “Hometown” exits with calm and busier moments of grooves, melodies and careful musicianship.

Hall and his friends know their way around a modern jazz and hard bop tune, and the expressive and varied ideas present make each tune worth repeated listens.

Travels well with: Owen Chen- The Ghibli Connection; Carl Schultz- The Road To Trantor

Paul Silbergleit Trio

The Stillness Of July

Calligram, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Stillness Of July

The Milwaukee guitarist Paul Silbergleit finds himself in a trio setting for these straight ahead jazz tunes that make an indelible impression.

“How Shallow The Duck Pond” opens with Clay Schaub’s frisky bass amid Silbergleit’s warm guitar playing and Devin Drobka’s playful drumming, and “Ribbons Down My Back” follows with a dreamy mood via the cozy guitar and strong attention to atmosphere.

In the middle, “Getting To Know You” carries an infectious energy thanks to the melodic rhythm section and radiant guitar tone, while “Poinciana” allows for Drobka’s mesmerizing drums to shine alongside the animated guitar lines.

“With You” and “Enter The Fall” exit the listen. The former comes with cinematic qualities to complement the gentle harmonics and light ambience, and the latter moves quickly, meticulously and with plenty of rhythmic energy.

A timeless effort that can swing with much fun and also retreat to balladry, Silbergliet and his company touch on old school ideas and avant-garde exploration with incredible results.

Travels well with: Atlantic Road Trip- Watch As The Echo Falls; Joshua Achiron- Climbing

Brian Citro

Keep Moving (Home)

Calligram, 2026

9/10

Listen to Keep Moving (Home)

The guitarist Brian Citro is joined by Nick Mazzarella, Matt Ulery and Quin Kirchner for these songs that are pulled from his experiences as a lawyer and a musician.

The soft mood of “Stay Where You Feel” opens with Citro’s warm guitar amid Kirchner’s crisp drumming before Mazzarella’s rich sax enters, and “The Take Down” follows with a busier approach, as Ulery’s playful bass surrounds the frisky grooves.

Getting close to the middle, “Risks & Opportunities” makes great use of the meticulous rhythm section alongside the soulful sax, while “Rolling Down, Back Up” finds a cinematic place reside thanks to the melodies and dreamy backdrop.

Inching towards the end, “Bloom In Gloom” allows for Citro’s precise and radiant guitar to shine in the cautious album highlight, and “Take Your Time” exits with ambience front and center via the hazy finish.

Citro started these tracks as solo guitar pieces before filling in the remainder with the quartet, and the influences from Thelonious Monk, Pat Metheny, Stevie Wonder and Neil Young won’t be hard to spot and appreciate.

Travels well with: Atlantic Road Trip- Watch As The Echo Falls; Chris Madsen- Threefold

Chicago Soul Jazz Collective

No Wind & No Rain

Calligram, 2026

9/10

Listen to No Wind & No Rain

This 4th album from the Chicago Soul Jazz Collective finds the 7th piece incorporating plenty of influences into their distinct and timeless formula.

“The Laughing Heart” opens with Keith Brooks III’s thumping drums and John Fournier’s rich sax adding much to the rich climate, and “A Town Called Mercy” follows with Micah Collier’s playful bass lines that suit Dee Alexander’s soulful pipes.

The title track arrives in the middle and benefits from Larry Brown Jr.’s funky guitar amid plenty of grooves, while “Message To A Child” brings a lushness to the textured album highlight that enlists Ryan Nyther’s well timed trumpet.

Arriving late, “There Is Light Somewhere” spotlights Amr Fahmy’s elegant keys that align with flowing sax, and “There Is A Light Interlude #2” lands in dreamy territory via the gentle interaction.

An album with themes of perseverance, No Wind & No Rain embraces folk, blues, and gospel ideas into its harmonic bouts and infectious energy.

Travels well with: Atlantic Road Trip- Watch As The Echo Falls; Chris Madsen- Threefold

Damn Tall Buildings

Don’t Look Down

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Don’t Look Down

The Brooklyn quartet Damn Tall Buildings have come a long way since their busking days, and Don’t Look Down continues their self-described ‘guerilla roots’, where 4 part harmonies are never in short supply, nor are fiddle and banjo acrobatics.

The Berklee grads don’t take long to reel you in to their charming brand of bluegrass with the ambient opening and smooth banjo fun of “Late July”, where vocal harmonies accompany the skilled musicianship. Deeper cuts like the barnyard dancin’ fun of “Had Too Much”, with Sasha Dubyk’s strong, soulful pipes, and the intimate yet playful setting of “Angeline’s Blue Dream” aren’t anything to spit at, either.

The back half of the album is loaded with plenty to skilled song craft, too, with the swift bluegrass friskiness of “Loving Or Leaving”, the warm, soothing balladry of “Allison”, and the rowdy folk tune “Green Grass And Wine” which could easily soundtrack any mountain party. The album ends on “Location”, a gently plucked closer where an orchestral slant and introspective mood exit the album as effectively as it started.

These youngsters are taking the time honored tradition of bluegrass and injecting with some much embraced youthfulness while still retaining all the tenets of the genre that have made it so timeless. For fans of roots rock, Americana and folk, there’s also plenty to enjoy here, although most of us will find every tune here to be exceptional.

Travels well with: The Devil Makes Three- Chains Are Broken;- Greensky Bluesky- Shouted, Written Down & Quoted