Shakey Graves

Fondness, Etc.

Secret Identity, 2026

9/10

Listen to Fondness, Etc.

The Austin, Texas singer-songwriter Shakey Graves returns with a 5th album, where his distinct brand of folk, indie-rock and country unfolds with some excellent players on hand.

“Don’t Change A Thing” opens with a rich and warm presence, where Graves’ soulful voice and cozy guitar shines in a raw recording, and “When The Love Is New” follows with rhythmic guitar and a mesmerizing beat amid the soft singing.

“Suddenly” and “Away It Goes” land in the middle. The former is drum focused in its warm, retro spirit, while “Away It Goes” welcomes Texino for the distinct intimacy surrounding the crisp drums and heartfelt mood.

Arriving late, “On My Own” carries a vulnerability that might remind you of Elliott Smith via it’s eloquent beauty, and “No Place To Be” exits with Graves’ inviting voice and meticulous guitar playing that suits the bluesy flavor.

A lo-fi effort that employs strings and Cameron Neal’s talent on bass, guitar and vocals, Fondness, Etc. benefits from a stripped back formula that carries relatable themes of parenthood, aging and heartbreak alongside the pensiveness, analog approach and bedroom-esque production.

Travels well with: Jake & Shelby- Learning To Love; Pleasure Pill- Hang A Star

Jaana Narsipur

The Re-Collection

In The Pocket, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Re-Collection

The multi-faceted jazz vocalist, Jaana Narsipur, interprets songs from her generation with an all-star cast for the 10 classic tracks.

The warm spirit of “Breakout” opens with Narsipur’s soulful voice alongside Wayne Tucker’s bright trumpet and Nicki Adams’ flowing keys, and “In Your Eyes” follows with the heartfelt singing and Joe Abba’s cautious percussion making for a sophisticated presence that an older Lloyd Dobler would love.

“Behind Closed Doors” arrives in the middle and welcomes Meg Okura’s elegant violin and Hannah Selin’s well timed viola that suits the expressive vocals, while “Love And Anger” benefits from Laura Masferrer’s graceful cello amid playful beats for the very detailed take on the Kate Bush tune.

“You Can’t Get What You Want” arrives late and is a frisky moment thanks to Alex Jeun’s colorful trombone and Marco Panascia’s lively bass, and “Sister Moon” exits with Sean Nowell’s emotive sax prowess amid the cozy singing and lush demeanor.

Each song here radiates in its own light, as Narsipur embraces grooves, rhythm, balladry and a cappella moments in her timeless jazz formula.

Travels well with: Faye Carol- Forever Dynamic; Isabella Isherwood- The Sweetest Sounds

Smag På Dig Selv

This Is Why We Lost

Stunt, 2026

9/10

Listen to This Is Why We Lost

The Danish trio Smag På Dig Selv return with a sophomore album, where some guests are present for the diverse ideas that support a trance like feeling.

“Like A Word I Never Knew” opens percussively strong, where Albert Holberg’s dynamic drumming suits the light buzzing, and “Let’s Go” follows with Thorbjørn Øllgaard and Oliver Lauridsen’s animated sax prowess complementing the lively beats.

Halfway through, “Ya Tal3een” recruits Luna Ersahin’s gorgeous voice for the intimacy that builds into a powerful bout, while “This Is Why We Lost” is strong on ambience via the gentle droning that just might make you mull things over.

Residing late, the mysterious energy of “Hits 4 Kids Vol. 3000” is tailor made for the club with its animated electronic presence and quick rhythmic atmosphere, and “Our Mother’s Made A Punk Band” exits with Mette Halling (saxophone), Lise Øllgaard (saxophone) and Salka Kudsk (drums) handling the jazz-punk textures of the explorative finish.

Somewhere between free jazz, electronic music and underground club culture, Smag På Dig Selv continue to defy classification thanks to their iconoclastic, melodic and exciting formula.

Travels well with: The Man From Delmonte- Better Things; Serious Child- What Lies Beneath

Lone Assembly

Knots & Chains

Metropolis, 2026

9/10

Listen to Knots & Chains

The Swiss quartet Lone Assembly blend New Wave, synth-pop and post-punk into an exciting and dark 10 songs across this excellent debut.

The radiant synth and Romain Segu’s thumping drums opens the dark and expressive “Call Of The Swift”, which moves cautiously, and “Fantasy” follows with Raphaël Bressler’s animated keys via the buzzing and melodic bout of timeless post-punk nods.

Halfway through, “The City Works Like This” glides with an ominous beauty thanks to Glenn Le Meur’s dense guitar that helps the tune build into cinematic ideas, while “In The Open” is destined for the club with its lively beat that would sound perfect after a New Order tune.

Arriving later, “Paler Streams” emits intimacy thanks to the heartfelt singing and rich instrumentation, and “A Dark Score”, the best tune, exits with Jim Bodeman’s intricate bass adding much to the swirling dynamics and tuneful versus ominous presence.

If it were 1985, it’s not hard to imagine Lone Assembly on Factory Records, and their Gothic influenced version of New Wave/synth-pop might bring to mind names like Joy Division or Editors, which, for a post-punk fan like myself, is serious praise.

Travels well with: Øyunn- I Know U Can Do It; Serious Child- What Lies Beneath

Conor Hanick/Hans Otte

Books Of Sounds

Pirata, 2026

10/10

Listen to Books Of Sounds

The pianist Conor Hanick puts a fresh coat of paint on Hans Otte’s visionary work for solo piano, where the 12 parts unfold with precision and exploration.

“Part 1” opens with light keys that radiate tremendous beauty and mystery across 10+ minutes of grace, and “Part 2” follows with the flowing and radiant keys emitting cinematic qualities that are absorbing.

Entering the middle, “Part 5” carries a darker mood that’s got some underlying tension amid the meticulous playing, while “Part 6” is a short, very minimal delivery of restraint and emotion.

Closer to the end, the lush and melodic “Part 10”, the album’s best, draws us into the swirling keys and charming ambience, and “Part 12” exits with a dreamy appeal that’s stirring in its calm, therapeutic delivery.

In the area of solo piano albums, it just doesn’t get more engaging than this, as Hanick does justice to Otte’s work with tremendous care, vulnerability and complicated dynamics that few others could replicate.

Travels well with: Percussia- Murmuration; Blue Heron/Dunya- Lessons From Nightingales: Songs Of Sufi Mysteries

Zhengtao Pan Jazz Orchestra

Day By Day

Outside In, 2026

9/10

Listen to Day By Day

The composer/arranger Zhengtao Pan brings along his 17 piece ensemble for this jazz, classical and chamber influenced listen.

The elegant “Childhood” opens with Rufus Reid’s skilled bass complementing the rich brass and warm strings, and “Dave’s Here” follows with Andrew Gutauskas’ firm reed gestures and Chen Wang’s radiant guitar adding much to the meticulousness.

“Endless Cycle” arrives in the middle and is a busy and melodic moment that benefits from Adam Birnbaum’s piano prowess, while “Wind Dance’ welcomes Steve Wilson’s flowing sax amid the dreamy textures.

Arriving late, “Aurora” makes great use of Sara Gazarek’s animated scatting that suits the harmonic quality of the album’s best, and the title track exits with intimacy and grace via Martha Kato’s keys and Sam Dillon’s reeds.

A reflective and gorgeous body of work, Pan’s vision is handled precisely thanks to the esteemed players, where a heartfelt presence and much adventurousness is appreciated.

Travels well with: Zhengtao Pan- Mirror Floating On The Water; Zhengtao Pan Jazz Orchestra- Scenery In My Story

Tehrani Drom & Parisa Karimi Molan

Unveiled

Lulaworld, 2026

9/10

Listen to Unveiled

The vocalist Parisa Karimi Molan and the ensemble Tehrani Drom flesh out an album full of power, resistance and plenty worldly folk and classical ideas.

“Sizeh Salam Getirmishem” opens with the flowing vocals and warm strings that are complemented by Sergiu Popa’s animated accordion, and “Sari Galin” follows with beauty from Molan’s expressive voice amid the melodic and cultured textures.

In the middle, “Improv For Accordion And Tar” blends the rich strings of the tar with the cozy accordion, while “Interlude For Cello And Setar” pairs Noémy Braun’s cello prowess with the 3 stringed lute for a soft and intimate exploration of sublime beauty. “Farangi Posh” exits, and it’s a curious moment that balances an upbeat demeanor with much emotion.

Molan honed her voice in Iran for decades in secrecy (women are banned from singing publicly), before relocating to Canada to pursue her art, which is full of depth, cultural significance and historical nods for this stunning effort of Kurdish, Persian, and East Azerbaijani music.

Travels well with: Dánae Olano Trio- Children’s Corner; Rachel Therrien- Mi Hogar

Sean Shibe

Vesper

Pentatone, 2026

9/10

Listen to Vesper

The guitarist Sean Shibe reimagines the work of Thomas Adès, Harrison Birtwistle, and James Dillon, where the world premieres blends illusion and ritual into the meticulous performances.

Adés’ “Forgotten Dances” opens with 6 chapters that showcase Shibe’s inimitable familiarity with his instrument, where soft and often harmonic gestures are presented with care and exploration.

Birtwistle’s “Beyond the White Hand: Construction with Guitar Player” follows with a mesmerizing spirit that’s thoughtful and unpredictable, while “Sleep Song”, also by Birtwistle, is a quick moment that could lull one into slumber’s grasp via its preciseness.

Deeper still, Birtwistle’s “Sad Song” is indeed tinted with melancholy in its expressive and emotive demeanor, and Dillon’s “12 Caprices” exits with 12 short pieces that resonate Lorca, Scottish piping and modernist miniatures with tremendous detail.

There’s over an hour of guitar sounds to explore here, as Shibe continues to push the envelope of contemporary classical music with his inventive and inestimable approach.

Travels well with: Austin Wulliman- Escape Rites; Michael Stephen Brown- Twelve Blocks

Mativetsky Amiri Pagé

Metamorphose

Fifth House, 2026

9/10

Listen to Metamorphose

The Montreal artists Shawn Mativetsky, Amir Amiri and Sarah Pagé come together for 5 unclassifiable and worldly tracks that incorporate electronics into organic ideas.

“Yavaran” opens with Amiri’s warm santur and Mativetsky’s flowing percussion that suits Pagé’s swirling harp for the dreamy climate, and the title track follows with the shimmering strings and flowing tabla that draws us in to its mesmerizing mood.

Halfway through, “Quarter Tone Suite” is strong on tonality in its rich and ambient qualities of beauty, while “Maktrismos” blends the chilling electronics into a cinematic fueled moment of exploration and global instrumentation. “Pathos” exits and allows for each player to mesh their respective skills into a layered tribute to the late Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, the master of the Indian santoor.

A world fusion outing that’s experimental and full of sonic sophistication, the trio touch on jazz, folk, classical and electronic influences with a technical and timeless approach.

Travels well with: No Hay Banda- what came before me is going after me; Arid Landscapes- Arid Landscapes

Rob Garcia

Sizzle Ensemble

Connection Works, 2026

8/10

Listen to Sizzle Ensemble

The New York drummer Rob Garcia makes an impression with his new band, Sizzle Ensemble, who help him flesh out 13 energetic originals and interpretations.

“Epistrophy” opens with Garcia’s animated drumming and Kim Cass’ bouncy bass amid the bright keys thanks to Gary Versace, and “Early Celebration” follows with Noah Preminger’s lively tenor sax guiding the swift mood and colorful dynamics.

Further along, “Department Of Peace” moves intimately via the soulful sax and meticulous rhythm section that helps cultivate plenty of grooves, while “Bully” finds itself in dreamy territory thanks to the lush and cautious interaction between the quintet.

Landing near the end, “Ghosts Present” allows for Shane Endsley’s flowing trumpet to shine alongside the stylish keys and sax, and “Sizzle” exits with a fast and exciting bout of quick bass, mature keys, thumping drums and rich sax and trumpet.

An album that explores a wide range of emotions, Garcia and his company use rhythm, grooves and a tremendous chemistry that we could never tire of.

Travels well with: Michel Gentile Flow- Light Of Day; David Smith Quintet- Redstone

David Smith Quintet

Redstone

Bju, 2026

8/10

Listen to Redstone

The trumpeter and composer David Smith Quintet is surrounded by some excellent company for this 4th album that was captured on 2-track analog tape using exclusively vacuum tube equipment on April 21, 2025.

“Blackley” opens with Smith’s bright trumpet and Allan Mednard’s animated drumming that complements Dan Pratt’s rich sax prowess, and “Almost” follows with a calmer spirit, as Nate Radley’s warm guitar suits the intimacy and grace.

The title track arrives in the middle and burns slow with soulfulness before building into a textured climate, while “Pulse” moves with a frisky demeanor that benefits from the radiant guitar and crisp drumming.

Arriving late, “Misao” balances the flowing wind with the meticulous rhythm section that allows for Gary Wang’s bass to shine, and “Central Park West” exits with the glowing trumpet that segues into a brisk pace of dynamic and exciting jazz that’s not short on melody.

Smith has appeared on over 60 recordings now, and this body of work illustrates his unparalleled abilities with his instrument, and the company he keeps excel in both balladry and uptempo bouts.

Travels well with: Michel Gentile Flow- Light Of Day; Samuel Torres- Trio Libre

Michel Gentile Flow

Light Of Day

Connection Works, 2026

9/10

Listen to Light Of Day

The flutist/composer Michel Gentile makes a dent with this first album as leader, where Michael McGinnis, Jacob Garchik, Chris Lightcap and Tom Rainey are in attendance for the 10 unpredictable tracks.

“Light Of The Day” opens with Lightcap’s frisky bass lines alongside the flowing flute and Rainey’s frisky drums, and “Chthonian” follows with a rich climate thanks to Mcginnis’ adventurous clarinet that suits Garchik’s thick trombone.

“This Reminds Me Of You” occupies the middle spot and it’s a cautious moment with intimate interplay that’s spontaneous, while “The Genbergs” picks up the pace via the bright winds and lively rhythm section of the album’s best.

Arriving late, “Ici lá-bas” is a colorful moment that spends 8+ minutes mesmerizing us with its dynamic chemistry, and “Hold Infinity In The Palm Of Your Hand” exits with an abstract and cinematic appeal that allows each member’s respective talents to shine in an atypical fashion.

Gentile handles flute, alto flute, bass flute and piccolo, and his influences from Charles Mingus, Henry Threadgill and Duke Ellington make for an a unique and exciting debut at the front of the stage, and hopefully there’s more on the horizon.

Travels well with: Samuel Torres- Trio Libre; Audrey Ochoa- The Sorceress

Roger Davidson with The Frank London Klezmer Orchestra

Villages Of Old

Soundbrush, 2026

8/10

Listen to Villages Of Old

The composer and pianist Roger Davidson is in some fine company for these folk, Klezmer and world music ideas that are a lot fun and quite diverse.

The title track opens with Davidson’s fluid piano before Dennis Lichtman’s animated clarinet enters, and “Dance Of The Five Olives” follows with Richie Barshay’s playful drums amid the warm wind and rich mandolin.

Closer to the middle, the thoughtful and cautious “Prayer For A Friend” allows for Davidson’s intimate keys to blend with the emotive clarinet, while the frisky “The Jester” enlists Will Holhouser’s accordion and Frank London’s bright trumpet for the cultured album highlight.

Arriving late, the dreamy “Waltz Of The Stars” showcases the intricate layering with much attention to mood, and “The Village Marketplace” exits with a festive spirit that’s colorful and timeless.

A creative blend of Klezmer and world music influences, there’s plenty of Eastern Europe Jewish folk ideas and modern jazz nods to appreciate across the 15 tunes.

Travels well with: Anne Kalmering- Tshiribim; The Klezmatics- We Were Made For These Times

Thomas Csorba

Tender Country

Turtlebox, 2026

9/10

Listen to Tender Country

The Dallas artist Thomas Csorba returns with a 3rd album, where his sincere and sometimes humorous version of country and Americana explores marriage, joy, routine and discovery alongside some first rate studio players.

The warm guitar playing and smooth singing from Csorba on “The Big Time” opens with Jordan Richardson’s crisp drumming making an impression, and “Homemade Margaritas” follows with a frisky mood, where Aden Bubeck’s skilled bass adds much to the vivid storytelling.

Halfway through, “Bigger Wheels” benefits from Matt Tedder’s infectious guitar playing amid the punchy melodies, while “Tony Rice & Beans” allows for Ross Holmes’ animated fiddle to shine in the southern fueled album highlight.

“Bigger Than Your Hat” and “Something” exit the listen. The former is an intimate moment where Csorba’s heartfelt singing is touching and Robert Ellis’ keys are comforting, and the latter finds a lush and uniquely dreamy place to resides that’s surrounded by beauty and atmosphere.

A songwriter since the age of 15, Cscorba’s soulful and authentic presence makes for another album of timeless, relatable and memorable song craft that is quickly making him not only one of the best from Texas, but in the area of modern country as a whole.

Travels well with: Thomas Csorba- Thomas Csorba; Justin Wells- The United State

Divka

Folk Fatale

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Folk Fatale

The Ontario duo of Alina Kuzma and Zoë Santo, as Divka they pen an album of songs created by women, carried through centuries of war, displacement, and cultural suppression.

The expressive vocals and upbeat strings of “Of Storms, Babas, and Fiddling Rabbits” flows with much warmth and adventurousness, and “Zhuravel” follows with Santo’s strategic viola amid the emotive singing.

Moving into the middle, the dance floor spirit of “IDK” is full of melodic spirit via the vocal harmonies, while “Volodor” blends the viola and Kuzma’s bandura with hand clapping and firm bouts.

Getting close to the end, “Kailalliri” mesmerizes us with its meticulous strings and colorful singing of the traditional Karelian + Crimean Tatar, and “Kozel” exits with the animated voices aligning with playful instrumentation.

A daring effort that employs polyphonic singing, raw moments and a rebellious nature, Divka flesh out a post-modern feminist experience that should be required listening in 2026.

Travels well with: Duende Libre- The Dance She Spoke; Naima Shalhoub- Siphr

Anne Kalmering & Stahlhammer Klezmer Classic

Tshiribim

Kakafon, 2026

8/10

Listen to Tshiribim

A collection of Yiddish songs for children, the actress and vocalist Anne Kalmering is joined by Miriam Oldenburg, Semmy Stahlhammer and Isabel Blommé for these pretty and cultured tracks.

The satirical song that embodies the poorer areas of East Europe, “Bulbes”, opens with Oldenburg’s animated accordion guiding the upbeat mood, and “Dire-Gelt” follows with Stahlhammer’s meticulous violin adding much to the traditional that discusses not being able to pay rent.

At the halfway point, “In Majn Shtetl” benefits much from Blommé’s rich cello amid Kalmering’s expressive voice that illuminates the poet Zalmen Rozenthal’s words, while “Lecha Dodi” comes with a heartfelt demeanor thanks to the stirring strings of the Hebrew prayer sung on the Sabbath.

Near the end, The 1955 children’s song by Noach Nachbush, “Di Frosh”, relies on playful vocals and frisky strings for the charming spirit, and “Bulbes v.2” exits with the colorful accordion alongside the distinct singing.

A gripping, educational and historical effort that touches on folk and Jewish classical ideas, Kalmering and company make for an enlightening and really fun listen.

Travels well with: The Klezmatics- We Were Made For These Times; Boiled In Lead- King Of The Dogwoods

Daughters Of Donbas

Songs Of Stolen Children

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Songs Of Stolen Children

An all female, non-binary outfit from Ontario, Daughters Of Donbas use their talents to document the 20,000+ Ukrainian children who have been abducted from the occupied regions of Ukraine and taken to Russia, and they explore many different genres to relay these tragedies.

The gorgeous singing of the sublime “Foreign Land” starts the listen with soft keys from Marichka that add much to the elegance, and “Rusalka” follows with firm strings and expressive vocals that suit the ebullient delivery.

Moving further into the listen, “Enchantress” opens with a dreamy ambience before Alina Kuzma’s radiant bandura enters the rich climate, while “4.5.0.” blends the keys, strings, eloquent singing with much melody and warmth.

Inching closer to the end, “Another Heaven”, 1 of 2 songs that was captured live in the Ukraine, benefits from Denys Markevych’s double bass and Valeria Bezdukha’s well timed viola for the detailed album highlight, and “Soon, I Will Be Back” exits with a bare quality that’s mesmerizing thanks to the plucked bandura and harmonizing vocals.

The songs here span indie pop, neo-classical, and Ukrainian folk polyphony, and they represent activism at its finest, where the real stories of stolen children are illuminated with tremendous care.

Travels well with: Trendafilka- For The Olives; Anna Pidgorna- Invented Folksongs

Clay Dubose

Father Time & Mother Nature

Lazy River, 2026

9/10

Listen to Father Time & Mother Nature

The Texas singer-songwriter Clay DuBose pens his most personal work to date, where love, loss and family are explored with his rock, blues and country hybrid.

“When Heroes Say Goodbye” starts with some ruggedness, as Mitch Marine’s thumping drums suit DuBose’s smooth pipes and Carl Byron’s well timed organ, and “Winning Streak” follows with Ted Russell Kamp’s bass guitar and acoustic guitar adding much warmth to the rootsy flavor.

In the middle, the calmer mood of “I Hope You’re Watching” recruits Sasha Smith’s cozy organ and John Schreffler’s emotive pedal steel that complements DuBose’s heartfelt singing, while “Waiting For The Day” benefits from Doug Pettibone’s meticulous guitar amid the gentle melodies.

Later on, “Growing Wild” is an energetic album highlight that makes great use of Eric Corne’s spirited harmonica and Jamie Douglas’ scrappy drumming, and “Scotch And Soda” exits with Dean Parks’ acoustic guitar and Kamp’s acoustic bass adding much to the intimate finish.

DuBose’s resume goes all the way back to the Sunset Strip scene of the ‘80s, but after staying busy in the ‘90s and early 2000’s he stepped way to focus on family. The songs here represent a lot of changes in his life, and he approaches that with mature self-reflection and timeless songwriting meshes Americana and rock superbly.

Travels well with: The Riflebirds Of Portland- April; The Far West- Everything We Thought We Wanted

Center Of The River

Center Of The River: Americana Art Music From Mississippi

CotR, 2026

9/10

Listen to Center Of The River: Americana Art Music From Mississippi

Center Of The River is comprised of David Buchbinder, Mark Rubin and Michael Ward-Bergeman, who take influence from river’s cultural currents, where Black American music, folk song, and improvisation meet with much creativity.

“Camp Meeting” opens with the bright horn, frisky accordion and playfully plucked bass making for an upbeat start, and “Mississippi” follows with warm banjo being complemented by the soulful singing and much sincerity.

Entering the middle, “White Horse” is strong on percussion amid the harmonizing voices that unfold with much authenticity, while “Little Milton” is piano focused and allows for Ward-Bergeman’s expressive pipes to shine alongside the rich brass.

“Stranger” arrives late and is a powerful moment that pairs Ward-Bergeman’s sturdy voice with mature keys and some gospel spirit, and “Darkness Light” exits with intimacy and grace via the poetic piano playing.

The trio utilize trumpet, accordion, guitar, banjo, bass, alto horn, flugelhorn, tuba, percussion and some other noise makers, as they embrace the sounds cultivated around the banks (blues, gospel, early jazz, country song, riverboat calliopes) with a truly timeless appeal.

Travels well with: Triad- Triad; Pierre Lacocque’s Mississippi Heat- Don’t Look Back

The Dave Wilson Quartet

One Night At Chris’

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to One Night At Chris’

Recorded live in March 2018 at the legendary Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia, this 5th album from The Dave Wilson Quartet offers 4 originals and 6 covers, although under the skill of the 4 players here, the reworkings are all reinvented with strategic jazz sensibilities.

“Ocean Blues” gets the album off to an energetic start with crisp percussion, bright horns and a shuffling pace, and this carries over to the playful, romantic “Friend Of The Devil”, a Grateful Dead tune. Elsewhere, The Beatles’ “Norwegian Food (This Bird Has Flown)” brings the pace to a lounge setting, while Creed’s “My Own Prison” moves with a healthy rhythm that you won’t be able to sit still to.

The back half of the album brings us the soulful and frisky “Movin’ On”, the spirited rendition of “God Only Knows” (The Beach Boys), and the swift keys of the ultra jazzy “Untitled Modal Tune”. The album ends on “Spiral”, a lengthy tune that’s percussively upbeat and glides with a quick tempo and beautiful interplay between the instruments.

A flawless recording with no overdubs, second takes, or studio manipulation, this set captures jazz at its finest, and Wilson’s choice of rock covers only adds to the appeal of their addictive energy.

Travels well with: Joe Lovano- From The Soul; Stan Getz- Serenity