Faye Carol

Forever Dynamic

Getdown, 2026

9/10

Listen to Forever Dynamic

The Bay Area legend, Faye Carol, treats us to 20 songs of jazz, blues, funk R&B and gospel influences across these 2 discs.

The animated “Hello Young Lovers” opens with Joe Warner’s bright keys that suit Carol’s soulful pipes, and it isn’t long until “The Joint Is Jumpin’” showcases Dennis Chambers’ thumping drums, as Carol mixes talking and singing via the infectious energy.

Disc 1 ends with the frisky bass plucking from Tarus Mateen, which builds into the melodic and flowing climate of “Nature Boy”, while Disc 2 leads with “Hallelujah I Love Him So”, which is a quick and lively jazz rocker that benefits from colorful keys, crisp drums and Carol’s inimitable voice.

Deeper into the back half, “Hard Times Won’t Last” makes great use of the precise rhythm section amid the powerful singing, and “I Rise, I Rise, Still I Rise” carries a loose demeanor that radiates a spontaneous presence thanks to Maya Angelou’s prose.

This is Carol’s 10th album, and it retains her Mississippi roots with incredible diversity from track to track that illuminates a talent which has endured for decades, and will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Betty Bryant- nothin’ better to do…; Deborah Shulman- We Had A Moment

Galvezton

Ocean Cabaret

La Izquierda, 2026

9/10

Listen to Ocean Cabaret

This 2nd album from the Texas artist Galvezton (real name Robert Kuhn), sees him playing most of the instruments across his authentic formula that tips it hat to Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark and Bruce Springsteen.

“Origami” opens with warm acoustic guitar and a hazy backdrop, as soft vocals guide the dreaminess, and “Roll To G-Town” follows with thumping drums and spirited harmonica that add much to the richness and raspy vocals which welcomes hip-hop, too.

Halfway through, “Paved Roads” blurs rootsy flavor with a slight jangle that’s bare and cozy, while “Driftin’” offers a laid moment of flowing guitar, playful drumming and gentle singing.

Arriving late, “True” is a textured and ethereal album highlight that comes with vivid storytelling and elegant musicianship, and “One Way Ticket” exits with Raa’s pretty keys alongside Galvezton’s intimate singing for a very heartfelt finish.

A truly unique record that uses country and hip-hop sometimes in the same song, the well timed synth and folk friendly guitar helps make for an introspective and really relatable listen.

Travels well with: Chloe Navarre- Periwinkle; The Grin Lines- Voila

Jozéfinn' Austral View

Fandamane

Protomaterial, 2025

9/10

Listen to Fandamane

A very diverse effort, Jozéfinn (i.e. Jean Pierre Joséphine) and company mesh jazz with influences from Réunion Island, Madagascar, and South Africa via these atypical 9 tracks.

“Mama/Dann Belal” opens with Jozéfinn’s meticulous guitar alongside Ranto Rakotomalala’s frisky bass for the warm delivery, and “Oongquma” follows with conversational vocals and Arjuna Mariapin’s agile drumming that suits the rhythmic template.

In the middle, “Savane 7” offers bright bouts of melodic jazz qualities that allow for Andry Michael Randriantseva’s keys to shine, while “Shap Lamako” spotlights the EWI via the animated and playful album highlight.

Arriving later, “Sekoya Vibe” finds itself in dreamy territory, where the lush vocals and Bongani Sotshononda’s marimba won’t go unnoticed, and “Bambelela” exits with Pascale Joséphine’s lovely voice guiding the uplifting and harmonic gestures of the wordly demeanor.

A highly personal effort that pays tribute to Jozéfinn’s mother, the selections here are fusion at its finest thanks to the detailed polyrhythms and colorful grooves.

Travels well with: Freysteinn- Thoughts.; Copper Curios- Time

Freysteinn

Thoughts.

Protomaterial, 2026

8/10

Listen to Thoughts

The Icelandic artist, Freysteinn, is joined by some excellent players for these 8 experimental and unpredictable jazz tracks.

“Thoughts” opens with Helgi R. Heiðarsson’s rich sax that aligns with precise bass from Freysteinn for the cautious yet frisky start, and “Pæling” follows with a meticulous setting, where Hilmar Jensson’s intricate electric guitar makes an impression.

Halfway through, “Building Blocks” blend the sax and bass with Óskar Kjartansson’s agile drumming for the textured album highlight, while “Ósköpuður” carries a distinct mood via Freysteinn’s dense bass and the timeless jazz appeal of the sax.

“Hefur Byrjum Alltaf Endi...” and “Hvað Ef?” exit the listen. The former embraces a fuller approach thanks to the animated drumming, and the latter benefits from the quartet’s inimitable chemistry that makes for a spontaneous and exciting finish.

An exploratory effort that’s not short on solos, feedback, distortion, and plenty of always relevant jazz nods, Freysteinn again intrigues us.

Travels well with: Siwane- Amann; Copper Curios- Time

Siwane

Amann

Protomaterial, 2026

9/10

Listen to Amann

The vocalist Mounia Siwane is joined by some of Lyon, France’s best musicians for these 11 songs that take influence from popular melodies from the Al-Andalus era.

“Ya Saki” opens with Wendlavim Zabsonré’s bright drumming that complements the grooves and Siwane’s elegant and expressive voice, and “Noufous” follows with Stani Jardel’s warm guitar amid the light melodies and playful ideas.

“Belhawa” arrives in the middle and is strong on ambience via the intimate singing, scrappy drumming and Vincent Domergue’s electric bass prowess, while “Hamami” showcases Siwane’s adaptable pipes alongside the precise rhythm section and cultured songwriting.

Arriving late, “Shams” is richly textured with Mohamed M'Sahel’s careful percussion that suits the eloquent vocals, and “Ya Ness” exits with a busy and dynamic approach that swirls with an infectious, worldly appeal.

Jardel wrote this selections, and they’re fleshed out with modern jazz nods and a global appreciation that incorporate Abrabic music and improvisation with much skill and timelessness.

Travels well with: Stefan Lovin- Heaven Shines Like Silver; Copper Curios- Time

Stefan Lovin

Heaven Shines Like Silver

Protomaterial, 2026

9/10

Listen to Heaven Shines Like Silver

The inimitable pianist, Stefan Lovin, blends Romanian folk traditions with jazz, fusion, and improvisation across these 10 creative tracks.

“Providential Men” opens with much warmth from the mesmerizing progressions thanks to Lovin’s strong attention to detail, and “Toccata” follows with the animated keys making for an exciting and flowing display of incredible talent.

Halfway through, “Magi From The East” offers a soft moment of heartfelt gestures, while “Veni Emmanuel” benefits from a busy approach that can rumble, just as it can emit much color in its unpredictable nature.

Close to the end, “Childhood” offers an emotive and intimate mood of timeless beauty, and “Tantum Ergo” exits with poeticism and ambience that’s stirring in its meticulous nature.

A highly technical but easily accessible body of work. those with a penchant for piano music will be captivated by Lovin’s presence.

Travels well with: Copper Curios- Time; Freysteinn- Thoughts

Cactus

Temple Of Blues II

Cleopatra, 2026

9/10

Listen to Temple Of Blues II

The original Cactus drummer Carmine Appice is in legendary company for these 11 powerful and raw blues tracks that take plenty of influence for the grooves and rhythm.

The dense climate of “Back Door Man Pt 1 & 2” opens with Eric Gales and Billy Sheehan’s thick guitars guitars adding much to the sturdy blues, and “300 Pounds Of Joy” follows with Ty Tabor’s animated riffs that suit the underlying grooves.

Moving along, “Down In The Bottom” recruits Dug Pinnick’s meticulous bass amid the melodic and gritty album highlight, while “The Little Red Rooster” finds Dee Snider, Tracii Guns and Jimmy Haslip in attendance for the rich and dynamic delivery.

Inching towards the end, “Spoonful” enlists Ted Nugent and Bob Daisley via plenty of classic rock spirit, and “Feel So Good”, the CD bonus track, benefits from Sheehan and Britt Lightning’s inimitable playing that complements Appice’s furious drumming.

The guest list alone should entice any fan of rock to give this a listen, and there’s plenty of charged, visceral and timeless blues rock to repeatedly enjoy from Appice and his legendary company.

Travels well with: Station- Perspective; Foghat- Sonic Mojo

Alister Spence

Always Ever

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to Always Ever

The Australian composer and pianist Alister Spence explores the many avenues of the piano with this sophomore album, where 16 improvised pieces make an impression.

“Mystic” opens the listen with ambience that’s percussively mysterious in a minimal climate, and “Determination” follows with flowing keys that are meticulous and mesmerizing.

Further along, “Rain Phase” manipulates the piano in fascinating, atypical ways, while “Tonal Dance” is indeed energetic, as the keys find a lower register to reside in via the unpredictable and exciting finger acrobatics.

Much later, “Random Access Counterpoint” explores the range of keys thanks to an iconoclastic vision that’s spontaneous, and “Scrape Rattle Strike” exits with a ‘found objects’ appeal alongside the rhythmic keys.

A creative effort that focuses on contrast, melody and texture, Spence’s unconventional vision makes for each track carrying its own distinct intrigue.

Travels well with: Caleb Wheeler Curtis- Ritual; Simon Hanes- Gargantua

Copper Curios

Time

Protomaterial, 2026

9/10

Listen to Time

Demetris Yiasemides and Eva Stavrou make up Copper Curios, and this debut album sees their experimental and classical influences unfold across 6 very unique tracks.

“Turning World” begins with a chilling ambience, as the rich winds emit mysteriousness amid the warmth, and “Still Point” follows with elegance and poeticism thanks to the melodic flute.

“Flow” and “Echoes” land in the middle. The former buzzes with intrigue in a sci-fi sort of way with bright bouts of piccolo, while the latter turns minimalism into a refined science, where light percussive ideas and striking tonality from the winds make an impression. “Memories” exits, and it’s a layered and reflective mood of beauty and grace.

Stavrou handles flute and piccolo, and Yiasemides navigates flute, trombone, sylphyo, and electronics. Together, they bridge organic and synthetic ideas into a sonic formula of melodies, beats, improvisation and much creativity.

Travels well with: Freysteinn- Að einhverju/To Somewhere; Freysteinn- Thoughts

The Heart Collectors

Twilight Tales

Spins The Gold, 2026

9/10

Listen to Twilight Tales

The always impressive Australian quartet, The Heart Collectors, return with a quick EP, where the 5 songs capture inspiration, innocence and love via their sophisticated and folk friendly ways.

“One Voice” opens the record with calm beauty, where Kymrie Henge’s gorgeous pipes are met with Reuben Loire’s gentle guitar for the harmonic grace, and “Beneath The Fall” follows with the rich mandolin from Tristan Dafoe and Mobius Barnaby’s elegant cello helping cultivate the heartfelt duet.

The middle spot belongs to “Kite Song”, where Dafoe’s playful banjo won’t go unnoticed amid the rootsy sing-alongs, while “Eagles And Horses” comes with hints of bluegrass via the meticulous string interaction and Henge’s vivid storytelling. “Wildfire” exits and leads soft before building into a finger picking and contagious EP highlight that’s intimate but dance floor ready, too.

The songs here are some of the most loved live selections from The Heart Collectors, plus a new tune, and they carry a raw and ambient demeanor that further solidifies their position as one of the best in modern folk.

Travels well with: Dave Gunning- Field Notes; Tom Chapin- Songs Of Hope

Annie & Rod Capps

Never Done

Yellow Room, 2026

9/10

Listen to Never Done

The Michigan folk rockers, Annie & Rod Capps, return with a 10th album, where the songs are full of heartfelt and nostalgic ideas that utilize an exceptional band and guest players.

The warm strumming of “Here’s To The Moments” opens with Annie’s cozy voice and Jason Dennie’s expressive mandolin making for an authentic start, and “Pardon My Dust” follows with a quick pace thanks to Rod’s spirited electric guitar and Michael Shimmin’s frisky drums.

The halfway track belongs to the intimate “Imitation Of Happy” that welcomes Drew Howard’s aching pedal steel, while “Repair” touches on funk and jazz nods via Mike Lynch’s graceful keys and backing vocals courtesy of Jim Bizer and Jan Krist.

Closer to the end, “Thread” benefits from Daniel Andrews’ bass for the timeless, midtempo folk and “Out Of Mind” exits with an anthemic quality, where Lynch’s organ prowess adds much to the rhythmic and melodic album highlight.

A very self-aware and sometimes humorous effort, the Capps bring a lot of diversity to their unique brand of folk-rock that sounds better than ever here.

Travels well with: Annie & Rod Capps- Love And Rain; Jamie Anderson- The Curves Are Still There

Glasblume

City In Rain

Gymnocal, 2026

9/10

Listen to City In Rain

Oslo's Glasblume make an impression with this debut that combines triphop, alternative pop and noise rock into 11 really well thought out tracks.

“Tram Sighs” opens the listen with ambient sounds before distortion and thumping drums enter alongside breathy singing, and “Nara” follows with graceful strings and emotive vocals, as the setting builds into busier bouts of melodic noise.

“Peal” and “Vertigo” arrive in the middle. The former uses minimalism in an abstract fashion, while the latter embraces a late night appeal of strategic layering and beats alongside expressive singing.

The title track arrives late and pairs the soft vocals with keys that gets pretty hectic via the purposeful, disjointed moments, and “Bitter Sun” exits with a light buzzing beneath the cinematic atmosphere of exploration and warmth.

The theme of the album surrounds 2 people’s words to each other that involve desire, as they navigate around their respective cities, and the excellent use of strings, harp, synths, guitars drum beats, toy piano and theremin keep us engaged from beginning to end.

Travels well with: A Flying Fish- El Pez Que Voló Act II; Robec- The Forest Is Too Loud

Dusty Wright

Dusted Off

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Dusted Off

The New York singer-songwriter Dusty Wright fleshes out a covers album, where each interpretation is filtered through his folk, indie and Americana flavor.

“Little Black Egg” opens with Wright’s breezy guitar and smooth voice alongside Pete DeMeo’s frisky drumming for the folk-rock climate, and “Walk On The Wild Side” finds itself in dreamy territory thanks to Erik Deutsch’s skilled keys and the soft delivery.

In the middle, “Carmelita” benefits from Jonathan K. Bendis’ bass via the darker spirit of the Warren Zevon original, while “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” lands in ‘D’ tuning via the lush take on the classic by The Monkees.

Later on, “High Heels Are Dangerous” enlists Kevin Mackall’s bass amid the thumping Americana that has Wright handling harmonica, and “4+20” sees Steve Candlen handling bass for a minimal but impactful exit.

We’ve all heard some of these tunes before, while others I think very few people have heard. Either way, Wright illuminates them with his own distinct vision that’s thoughtful, memorable and timeless.

Travels well with: Peter Holsapple- The Face Of 68; Bob Hillman & Spooky Ghost- Bob Hillman & Spooky Ghost

John Beasley/SWR Big Band

Invisible Piano

O-Tone, 2026

9/10

Listen to Invisible Piano

The arranger John Beasley and inimitable outfit SWR Big Band come together for 5 originals and 2 interpretations that are full of timeless Big Band ideas.

The upbeat keys of “Concentric” opens the listen before the playful drums and Magnus Lindgren’s animated flute guide the adventurous climate, and “Woman Without Chariot” follows with Martin Auer’s rich brass complementing the cautious and cinematic delivery.

“Invisible Piano” and “Danseur Espagnol” arrive in the middle. The former finds itself in mesmerizing territory via Andreas Maile’s glowing sax, while the latter enlists Marc Godfroid’s skilled trombone that adds much elegance to the textured album highlight.

“Can’t Hide Love” exits, and showcases Beasley’s meticulous keys that surround the melodic and infectious instrumentation.

This is the 2nd collaboration between Beasley and the band, and it yields a creative, organic and sonically engaging effort that’s orchestral jazz at its finest.

Travels well with: Aaron Irwin Trio- Spark; Lontano Ensemble- Choctaw Places

Feaster

Big Super

Bad Catt, 2026

9/10

Listen to Big Super

This first album from the Philadelphia outfit Feaster showcases their diverse version of rock that’s as unpredictable as it is exciting.

The thick guitars of “Surprise” starts with density and powerful singing that could fill stadiums, and “Bang Bang Bang” follows with Andreas “Dre” Constantinou’s skilled drumming that suits the scrappy indie-rock that’s pretty forceful at times.

“Simple John” arrives in the middle and flirts with punk ideas thanks to Ian Lozinski’s radiant guitar amid Jared Rodriguez’s mesmerizing vocals, while “Come To” is a calmer moment via a dreamy backdrop that’s inviting.

Landing close to the end, the rhythmic “Eyes Wide” offers a textured and dynamic album highlight which benefits from Chris Hranj’s precise bass, and “BABA” exits with animated riffs, a fiery rhythm section, and shouted vocals that emit a contagious energy.

Somewhere between punk, psychedelic, cosmic and stoner rock, this is an incredible debut record for a band that anyone with a penchant for rock should be familiar with.

Travels well with: Janie May- The Rules; Mike Cyril- Radiant Sorrow

James Limerick Kerr

Lute Fantasias Of Molinaro

Acis, 2026

9/10

Listen to Lute Fantasias Of Molinaro

The fingerstyle and classical guitarist, Dobro guitarist, and educator, James Limerick Kerr, puts a fresh coat of paint on Molinaro’s lute fantasias here, where the steel stringed guitar illuminates the timeless vision.

“Fantasia quarta” opens with a sublime warmth, where the careful progressions radiate beauty, and “Fantasia sesta” follows with a mesmerizing delivery that pays close attention to mood.

“Fantasia XV” lands in the middle and offers intimacy and grace via the emotive playing, while “Fantasia prima” is full of melodic gestures that unfold with a lush quality.

Arriving late, “Fantasia settima” moves with a cozy demeanor that’s heartfelt, and “Fantasia quinta” exits with meticulous and enlightening guitar playing that few others could replicate.

Kerr illuminates the under appreciated work of Molinaro, where an inventive and technical approach unites Renaissance ideas with modern composition.

Travels well with: Reena Esmail- Exaltations; Susanna Mendlow- Travels Well With Cello

Sawtooth Witch

The Chariot

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to The Chariot

The multi-instrumentalist Pat ‘Doc’ Dougherty and fiddle player Haley Fleming come together for this debut as Sawtooth Witch, where plenty of diversity surrounds these 8 unpredictable songs.

The soulful and bluesy “The Hustle” opens with Doc’s distinct voice and warm guitar playing making an immediate impact, and “You See Me?” follows with thumping drums and Fleming’s atmospheric strings making for a unique sort of dance music.

“The Weight” and “Coming To America” occupy the middle spots. The former comes with beats and frisky guitars amid the stirring violin, while the latter showcases Doc’s expressive voice that balances intimacy and grit with much grace.

Arriving later, “The Dream” is a bit hazy and textured with a cozy spirit that’s heartfelt, and “Leave The Light On” exits with a rhythmic and harmonic presence that will get your body moving.

Somewhere between soul, blues, country and house music, this is a band worth keeping an eye on, as their atypical vision and authentic delivery makes a lasting impression.

Travels well with: Flutes & Low- Lay Fallow; The Long Honeymoon- The World Is Waiting

Squirrel Nut Zippers

Squirrel Nut Zippers Starring In ‘Fat City’

Music Maker, 2026

9/10

Listen to Squirrel Nut Zippers Starring In ‘Fat City’

The ‘90s were great to North Carolina swing legends Squirrel Nut Zippers, and though they were inactive for well over a decade, lately frontman Jimbo Mathus has stayed busy with his new line up New Orleans all stars.

This album inspired by Mathu’s grandfather starts with the thumping drums and warm keys of “Dark Eyes” before the flowing brass and Mathus’ unmistakable voice enters, and it isn’t long until “Where The Wild Things Go” brings Jelly Drag’s raw voice to the cabaret mood that’s suited for late night lounge fun.

Further along, “Monday Night At The Mark” makes great use of Terrie Dikoff’s playful bass amid Dexter Sloan’s cautious keys, while “Town Where Nobody Lives” allows for Mathus’ powerful pipes to tug on the heartstrings via the intimate delivery.

Deep on the backside, “I Left My Heart In Reno” showcases dollyfuckingparton’s crisp drumming and Eddie Lehwald’s rich trombone alongside the smooth singing, and “Our Lady Of Sorrow” exits with a 40 second instrumental to cap off the three acts of jazz, swing and cabaret ideas.

If you’re like me and only heard of Squirrel Nut Zippers cause your were positioned near a radio in the ‘90s, you’re going to be impressed with this theatrical, old time meets gypsy jazz effort that swings and gets bluesy in all the best ways.

Travels well with: Dedicated Men Of Zion- Coming Up Through The Years; Leonard ‘Lowdown’ Brown- Street Party

Daphne Parker Powell

The Death Of Cool

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Death Of Cool

The guitarist and singer-songwriter Daphne Parker Powell is joined by many players for these 10 diverse songs that never sit in one place too long.

“Perpetual Light Of The Void” starts with Parker’s expressive voice alongside Banjo Bergfeld’s firm keys and the rich sax that makes for a unique take on folk rock, and “Scorched Earth & The Flood” follows with a softer mood via the strategic bass and Caroline Brunious’ well timed clarinet.

“The Stranger” occupies the middle spot and allows for Parker’s distinct voice to radiate intimacy amid the gentle guitar, while “In The Soup Until The Pot Rots” is a melodic and flowing moment that benefits from lively horns.

Arriving late, “Object Impermanence” gets pretty close to jazz thanks to the winds and brass that complement the elegance and heartfelt singing, and “Do I Want A Warm Body” exits with cautious instrumentation and thoughtful wordplay that's reflective and stirring.

The influence from Powell’s New Orleans home won’t be hard to spot, as folk, southern and Americana nods seep into a well crafted effort that might bring to mind Neko Case or Ani DiFranco, which is warranted and appreciated.

Travels well with: Daphne Parker Powell- The Starter Wife; Oberon Rose- Holographic Blues

Daniela Savoldi

Ragnatele

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Ragnatele

The sophomore release from the Italian-Brazilian cellist brings us a poetic and classically slanted listen where Daniela Savoldi’s varied past playing rock, pop, folk and Indian music also contributes to the accomplished affair.

The title track starts the 6 track EP with quivering strings in an elegant yet haunting setting of sublime beauty, and “Improvviso” follows with a hazy atmosphere of organic, ambient exploration.

At the halfway point, “Storia Di Un Attentato” turns minimalism into a highly refined art form with plenty of attention to mood that builds into a swift journey, and “Space” follows and brings us into soft and agile areas moving grace.

The EP ends on “Modulatori”, where a hypnotic quality adds greatly to the affair as background manipulation supports the proficient cello playing.

An extremely expressive, emotive and engaging record, Savoldi’s wordless beauty is delivered with unimaginable talent and a timelessness that will make Ragnatele a relevant listen for decades to come.

Travels well with: Zoe Keating- Into The Trees; Julia Kent- Delay