Sammi Accola

A Candle On A Busy Street

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to A Candle On A Busy Street

A Florida native who now calls Nashville home, the 24 year old Sammi Accola blends Americana and folk-rock into these 8 emotive tracks.

“The Beginning Of An Apology” opens with Accola’s striking voice surrounded by a warm ambience and light guitar, and “Turning The Table” follows with swift acoustic guitar and a more playful spirit amid Lori Chaffer’s thumping drums.

“Holy Woman” lands in the middle and welcomes Summerlyn Powers, Andriana Seay and Michelle Raybourn’s soulful voices to the gospel mood, while “Renaissance” enlists Marissa Colter’s stirring violin alongside the sophisticated and lush album highlight.

Further still, “Survivor’s Guilt” benefits from cozy piano and warm guitar via the heartfelt delivery, and “Waiting Room” continues the thoughtful song craft thanks to the vulnerable singing and moving instrumentation.

Accola balances grit with melody like a seasoned vet, and her voice alone will have you hanging on every word. If she’s a household name this time next year, I certainly won’t be surprised.

Travels well with: Hallie Grace- Motivation; Michael Rudd- Ways Of The World

Resonance Ensemble

Safe Harbor

Aerocade, 2026

9/10

Listen to Safe Harbor

The Portland-based acclaimed choral ensemble, Resonance Ensemble, make an impression with this first album on the Aerocade label, where the double disc allows for 12 world-premiere choral commissions that surround themes of sanctuary, resilience, and hope.

Cecille Elliott’s “We Are Murmurs” opens the listen with warm vocal harmonizing that’s soulful and flowing in its a cappella delivery, and “There’s A Man Goin’ Round” follows with a spiritual mood via Madeline Ross and Onry’s powerful solos.

Deeper into disc 1, “From The Book Of Sankofa, Part 1: Words She Would Have Us Know” welcomes Hannah Brewer’s piano and well timed strings amid the colorful choir, while the title track enlists Maria Collinsworth’s soprano and Joe Kye’s voice and violin alongside the soft ambience and 15 minutes of gorgeous textures.

Disc 2 offers us the live recording of “We Hold Your Names Sacred”, where the many voices complement the radiating keys, and “Shout Out” exits with Valdine Mishkin’s cello emitting much grace between soft and loud group singing.

The 2 discs have different themes, i.e. REflect and REimagine, and both illustrate unparalleled choral singing and messages of the utmost importance that are executed with incredible detail.

Travels well with: Ensemble For These Times- El Tiempo Latine; Meerenai Shim- The Audacity

Jamie Anderson

The Curves Are Still There

Tsunami, 2026

8/10

Listen to The Curves Are Still There

The Canadian singer-songwriter, Jamie Anderson, uses a folk template for her authentic songs, but there’s plenty of other ideas present for the 13 timeless tracks that recruit many guests.

The warm mood of “Guitar On The Wall” opens the listen with Stuart Rutherford’s glowing pedal steel amid Anderson’s expressive singing, and “Ghost Song” follows with James Stephens’ meticulous fiddle that adds much beauty to the heartfelt delivery.

Deeper into the record, “This Old” lands in folk balladry thanks to the reflective climate that spotlights Rob Graves’ soft percussion, while “Mi Corazon’ has Anderson playing ukulele amid a Latin tinted album highlight,

Arriving late, “Chocolate Is Better” enlists Anne Hurley’s bright keys via the bluesy demeanor that compares chocolate to sex, and “When We’re Singing” exits with Brian Sanderson’s animated accordion which suits the upbeat, rootsy flavor of the charming finish.

Anderson touches on jazz, bluegrass, pop and even comedy, and her songs are all relatable and instantly memorable across this uplifting body of work.

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

Matthew Payne

Better Times

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Better Times

This debut album from Austin, Texas artist Matthew Payne takes inspiration from Bruce Springsteen and Willie Nelson, where the 10 songs welcome James Stevens, Marty Muse and Kevin Smith to the authentic climate.

The heartfelt and soft “Better Times” starts the listen with Payne’s emotive voice alongside Muse’s aching pedal steel, and “Heartsick” follows with an upbeat mood via the quick guitar and Smith’s frisky bass.

“Name” occupies the middle spot and carries a darker spirit via the meticulous guitar and firm singing, while “My Father’s Son” burns gentle and intimate, where well timed harmonica and poetic singing makes an impression.

Arriving late, “Slip Through Me” allows for Payne’s gripping voice to draw us in to the vulnerable and touching songwriting, and “Terlingua” exits with a similar approach of bare but impactful song craft.

Payne’s formula mixes Appalachian styles with Texas tradition, where country, blues, folk, bluegrass and Americana are part of the experience that’s recorded live and will strike a chord with the thoughtful listener.

Travels well with: Kenny Shore- Happiness & Misery; Mathhew Ryan- A Little Imperfect

Jefferson Ross

Low Country Wedding

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Low Country Wedding

The Atlanta artist Jefferson Ross is back with 13 new folk spirited tracks that lean heavily on southern ideas and has him playing all the instruments.

The title track opens the listen with upbeat and warm guitar playing that suits the flowing storytelling that paints a bright picture, and “Mississippi Rain” follows with a more cautious mood that shimmers with beauty and grace.

Moving along, “Red State Blues” touches on country ideas that lyrically surrounds the endless political discussion that exists today, while “United Nations” is a bit more firm and recruits spirited harmonica and thick bass lines amid well timed accordion.

“Too Many Guitars” arrives late and uses spoken word before segueing into a fluid, rootsy moment, and “Peaches And Tomatoes” exits with nostalgia and touching storytelling, as Ross looks back and appreciates what he has with much sincerity.

Ross is nothing if not authentic, and these well thought out songs stir the soul, will revive old memories and embrace all the hallmarks of southern music that we will never tire of.

Travels well with: Jefferson Ross- Backstage Balladeer; Jefferson Ross- Southern Currency

Kenny Shore

Happiness & Misery

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Happiness & Misery

The North Carolina artist Kenny Shore returns with another batch of emotive and relatable songs, where some excellent help joins him for the stories of highs and lows.

“What’s The Difference” opens the listen with Joe MacPhail’s crisp drums alongside the warm guitars and soulful singing, and “I’ll Take Off My Hat” follows with an upbeat spirit thanks to the playful guitars, Robert Sledge’s frisky bass and Shore’s charming pipes.

Arriving in the middle, “Monkey Jungle” comes with a darker mood via the vivid storytelling, eerie backing vocals and Joseph Terrell’s rich guitar, while “Haunted” is brighter than it sounds thanks to the flowing rhythm section and MacPhail’s rich keys amid the expressive singing.

Deeper still, the intimate and pretty album highlight, “If I Ever Needed Someone”, invites singing along, and “Sometimes” exits with a reflective moment of cautious songwriting and timeless folk ideas.

A veteran singer-songwriter, Shore lost his wife to cancer in 2017 and his work is even more heartfelt than ever, where each story touches on the human experience with insight and wisdom.

Travels well with: Mathhew Ryan- A Little Imperfect; Sam Bergquist- Devils & Doves

Nuclear Messiah

Black Flame

Cleopatra, 2026

9/10

Listen to Black Flame

A super group spearheaded by the guitarist Chris Poland (ex-Megadeth), Nuclear Messiah reels in many well known names in the world of metal, and it makes for 11 hard hitting and memorable tracks.

The warmth and beauty of “The Prophet Of Fallout” opens with William Shatner’s spoken world alongside Poland spirited guitar, and “Devil Won’t Let Go” follows with Steve Di Giorgio’s thick bass lines that suit the thumping yet melodic hard rock.

In the middle, “Dice And Thunder” welcomes Rick Wakeman’s moody keys as the charged rocker emits plenty of anthemic energy, while “For Mad Men Only” showcases Shawn Drover’s acrobatic drumming amid the dense guitar shredding and biting vocals.

Close to the end, “She’s So Evil” benefits from the legendary David Ellefson’s intricate bass via the scrappy climate will get you singing along right away, and “Electric Burn” exits with Marty Friedman’s chugging guitar licks that complement the abrasive yet tuneful finish.

Poland knows his way around a 6 string, and the incredible help he has ensures a memorable, propulsive and metallic fueled rock experience that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Soen- Reliance; Dark Chapel- Spirit In The Grass

Bear's Sonic Journals

Concordance: 150 Years Of Charles Ives

Owsley Stanley, 2026

9/10

Listen to Concordance: 150 Years Of Charles Ives

The late Grateful Dead legend, Phil Lesh, and Grateful Dead sound man Owsley Stanley (Bear), preserve the works of Charles Ives across these 2 discs that showcase John Kirkpatrick and Donald Berman’s piano playing.

Kirkpatrick takes the first disc, where a live set from 1974 at the Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium unfolds with the 4 movements of “Piano Sonata No. 2 “Concord, Mass. 1840-1860”. The keys are often played firmly, where tense bouts can border on frantic, but there’s also plenty of serenity and warmth as well.

Disc 2 has Berman handling the selections. His take on “Piano Sonata No. 2 “Concord, Mass. 1840-1860” leads and is a colorful and meticulous version that runs a little longer than Kirkpatrick’s and was captured in 2025.

The last 4 selections celebrate four women Transcendentalists in the spirit of Ives. “As Syllable From Sound”, by Eve Beglarian, offers intimacy and much poeticism that tips its hat to Emily Dickinson, while “Summer on the Lakes, in 1843”, by Elena Ruehr, finds a mesmerizing place to reside via the flowing, dynamic key progressions that pay tribute to Margaret Fuller.

The package includes a 112 page booklet of wonderful backstories, interviews, and liner notes on the album, and the music illuminates Ives’ inimitable take on classical music thanks to the careful and detailed pieces.

Travels well with: Bruce Levingston- The Elastic Heart Of Youth; Rachel Yonan- Kiss On Wood

Ensemble For These Times

El Tiempo Latine

Aerocade, 2026

9/10

Listen to El Tiempo Latine

This 6th album from Ensemble For These Times, i.e. Nanette McGuinness, Chelsea Hollow, Lylia Guion, Megan Chartier, and Margaret Halbig, explores classical music penned by contemporary Latine voices, and it’s spread out over 2 discs.

“Buenos Aires en tres” opens with Chartier’s flowing cello and Halbig’s expressive piano guiding the elegance of the 3 chapters, and “Milontan” follows with the keys and strings interacting with emotion and tense moments of grace.

“Dos canciones argentinas” is where McGuinness’ voice shines amid the 2 colorful and heartfelt movements, while “Manhattan Serenades” exits disc 1 with the rumbling keys and Lylia Guion’s animated violin making for 3 lively segments.

“Sin vos (from Juana)” opens disc 2 and enlists Hollow’s soaring soprano alongside the intimate piano, where much power and beauty unfolds. The remainder of the back half is occupied by “The Unseen”, which pairs the diverse piano playing with Hollow’s adaptable voice that radiates across dense ideas, dreamy bouts and cinematic swells.

The ideas present span jazz, chamber, salsa and many places in between, where the 9 composers from Argentina, Cuba, Mexico, and the U.S. are represented with tremendous eloquence, meticulousness and timelessness.

Travels well with: Meerenai Shim- The Audacity; Elizabeth Robinson- Aviary

NightNight

Total Control

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Total Control

The electronic project from the Brooklyn artist Yasmeen Night, as NightNight the boundaries of trip-hop, alt-pop and experimental ideas are tested across this quick listen that provides a sample of the future album.

“Total Control” opens with an ominous and buzzing electronic presence before Night’s soulful voals enters the dark textures and mysteriousness that unfolds with both dense beats and soft ebbs of ambience.

The Johnny Hostile Remix of the same tune follows, and utilizes whispered vocals, melodic undertones and plenty of gentle textures amid the electronic haze,

It won’t be hard to spot post-punk, goth or dream-pop nods buried within these creative selections, as Night draws comparisons to Chelsea Wolfe, Fever Ray or Massive Attack. If this brief effort is any indication, the forthcoming album, More Weight, will bring the artist much warranted attention.

Travels well with: History Of Guns- Half Light; Black Rose Burning- The Year Of The Scorpion

Paul McCandless Quintet

Live At Kimball’s East

Moosicus, 2026

8/10

Listen to Live At Kimball’s East

The multi-instrumentalist Paul McCandless has a lengthy and esteemed career, and this set from Oakland in 1992 welcomes an all star cast for the jazz filled evening.

“Robin” opens with McCandless’ soaring sax amid Lyle Mays’ warm piano for the elegant and rich start, and “Punch” follows with Steve Rodby’s frisky bass lines that complement the animated delivery.

Halfway through, “Rainland” makes great use of Fred Simon’s synth and McCandless’ oboe that suits the distinct mood, while “Hard Eights” enlists Mark Walker’s drums via the busy versus soft gestures of the unpredictable 12+ minutes.

“Tail Wind” arrives late and blends Rodby’s bass, Mays’ keys, Simon’s synth, Walker’s drums and McCandless’ EWI into a textured and mesmerizing set highlight, and “Slink” exits with McCandless handling both alto and soprano sax for the dynamic and melodic bout of timeless jazz.

The DAT cassette of this performance was located in McCandless' private archive for decades before being discovered a year ago, and it illuminates his always relevant vision and strong chemistry with his quintet that has aged very well.

Travels well with: Mac Richter- Hamnet: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack; David S. Lefkowitz- Preludes And Fugues For Piano

Mark Christian Miller

Strange Meadowlark

Sliding Jazz Door, 2026

8/10

Listen to Strange Meadowlark

This 4th album from Mark Christian Miller sees the vocalist and pianist in fine company for the eclectic and timeless interpretations.

The frisky “Mr. Kicks” starts with Miller’s smooth pipes and warm piano for the rhythmic mood, and “You Make Me Feel So Young” follows with Robert Kyle’s dreamy flute that suits the upbeat singing and playful spirit.

Further along, Kyle’s cozy sax helps illuminate the intimacy of “Hello Love”, while “Dream” finds a cozy place to reside via Joe Labarbera’s soft drums and the emotive singing.

Deeper still, “Early In The Morning” makes great use of Josh Nelson’s keys amid a gentle and lush moment, and “Sometimes” exits with Miller’s flawless voice accompanied by pretty piano playing that tugs on the heartstrings.

The songs here are quite sensitive but can swing, too, where Miller sings with his heart and soul across the strategic phrasing and strong storytelling.

Travels well with: Darren Litzie- On My Own Time; Dave Wilson Quartet- When Even Goes East

The Montvales

Path Of Totality

Free Dirt, 2026

10/10

Listen to Path Totality

The Knoxville, Tennessee outfit The Montvales, which is spearheaded, by Sally Buice and Molly Rochelson, welcome some friends for these 12 organic tracks that have roots in a touring route that matched a total solar eclipse.

“World Of Trouble” opens with Rochelson and Buice’s smooth voices harmonizing alongside Aaron Goodrich’s thumping drums for the crunchy folk-rock, and “Hellbent On Colorado” follows with flowing banjo and Eddy Dunlap’s well timed pedal steel adding much grace to the dreaminess.

Moving along, “The Wicked” makes great use of Jesse Noah Wilson’s meticulous bass via the rich and cozy climate, while “Cincinnati” offers a heartfelt moment of crisp and immediately memorable Americana that you can’t not be enamored with.

Deeper still, “Our Lady” is both cautious yet adventurous thanks to the hazy instrumentation, and “Eastern Bluebird” exits with firm strumming and soaring folk-rock that could have been penned decades ago and will be relevant for decades to come.

An album that’s political but not rigid, the duo’s voices radiate with much empathy and eloquence, and it suits their really inviting brand of folk, country and Americana that is nothing short of captivating.

Travels well with: Cat Clyde- Mud Blood Bone; John Calvin Abney- Transparent Towns

Dave Gunning

Field Notes

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Field Notes

The folk storyteller Dave Gunning treats us to an album that was recorded outdoors on vintage equipment and with a very bare bones approach for his authentic and poetic tunes.

“World Of Make Believe” opens with an elegant protest song that pairs Gunning’s warm voice with soft acoustic guitar that’s insightful, and “Going Nowhere Tonight” follows with a cozy mood and romantic spirit via the upbeat and timeless mood.

Further along, “Sunrise Trail” burns slow with touching balladry that’s both beautiful and tragic, while “Pursued By Grace” recruits grooves and rootsy flavor which suits the vivid storytelling.

Residing near the end, “The Cost” offers a mid-tempo moment that’s more driving in nature as Gunning reflects on the life of an artist, and “She Is The Swan” exits with a spiritual and intimate aspect to the powerful yet sparse songwriting.

A Canadian treasure, Gunning’s vision touches on the human experience and this 15th solo album is another emotive and humble peek into a very thoughtful mind.

Travels well with: Tom Chapin- Songs Of Hope; John McCutcheon- Field Of Stars

Gafieira Rio Miami

Beleza Pura

Brazilianaire Music/DBB, 2026

9/10

Listen to Beleza Pura

The Miami based outfit, Gafieira Rio Miami, carry on the spirit of Rio de Janeiro’s dance halls of the ‘40s and ‘50s with these lively 10 tracks that enlist a small army of players.

The lively mood of “I’m Coming Back” opens with Isa Duarte’s flowing voice alongside Peter Francis and Kate Hamann’s lively trumpets in the festive climate, and “Ideal Lady” follows with Tito Camargo’s animated keys and Jason Arkin’s rich sax that suit the expressive singing.

The halfway point brings us the quick pace of “One To Zero”, where Yamandu Costa’s meticulous guitar won’t go unnoticed amid the fast melodies, while “The Voice Of The Favela” spotlights Luciana Mello’s smooth voice for the textured and rhythmic album highlight.

“Jazz Samba” arrives late and benefits from Antonio Adolfo and Nestor Torres, plus Amed Torrecilla’s tenor sax via the rich delivery, and “The Return Of Gafieira” exits with Eggy’s soaring voice and Diogo Brown’s rapping that illustrates another avenue where the ensemble shine.

An effort that’s all over the place musically, culturally and expressively, Gafieira Rio Miami are never short on energy whether they’re flirting with funk, jazz, tangos and waltzes, as they provide the soundtrack to anything fun, anywhere on the globe.

Travels well with: Sacha Boutros- Paris After Dark; Socrates Garcia Latin Jazz Orchestra- Shadows Of Tomorrow

The Riflebirds Of Portland

April

Regional, 2026

9/10

Listen to April

Originally released on cassette in 1989, this debut from The Riflebirds Of Portland lives again and showcases the band’s humble roots and emotional capacity for folk spirited melodies.

“Pieces Of Time” opens the listen with Kate Oser’s flowing and expressive voice that suits Kevin Kraft’s pretty guitar and guest Phil Parlapiano’s well timed accordion, and “Memory Street” follows with Lee Oser’s skilled bass amid Jerry Donahue’s thick guitar playing in a moody climate.

Landing in the middle, “Michael” benefits from Greg Leisz’s emotive pedal steel and Michael Danner’s sophisticated piano that complement the powerful singing, while “The Rain” recruits Marvin Etzioni’s mandolin and Skip Parente’s fiddle for the poetic and heartfelt delivery.

Getting closer to the end, the animated and jangly “And Your Bird Can Sing” is a bright and melodic roots rocker that’s so well executed it should have made the band a household name, and “Might As Well Stay” exits with Kevin Jarvis’ frisky drums amid the soulful soft rock nods.

The album sure sounds great 36 years later, and it seems like Kraft, the Oser’s and Jarvis definitely were ahead of their time but dissolved before they could be globally appreciated. Thankfully, they’re back together, and revisiting this first album is a must for anyone interested in ‘80s folk-rockesque sounds.

Travels well with: The Far West- Everything We Thought We Wanted; KP Hawthorn- Til The Glitter End

Benjie Porecki

Faster Than We Know

Funklove, 2026

8/10

Listen to Faster Than We Know

The keyboardist Benjie Porecki is joined by Cory Baker and Mark Prince for 8 originals and a cover, where plenty of diverse ideas are present and appreciated.

The dreamy mood of “Chrysalis” opens with Porecki’s warm keys alongside Prince’s agile drumming that helps create much beauty, and “Right Direction” follows with Baker’s playful bass that suits the scrappy drumming and quick keys.

“Headed Home” and “Make It Bring You Up” land in the middle. The former is a rich and reflective moment of cautiousness, while the latter comes with infectious melodies and plenty of frisky interaction.

Arriving near the end, “It’s Gonna Be Alright” touches on gospel ideas in its sincerity and “Faster Than We Know” exits with Baker’s intricate bass lines adding much to the laidback mood.

Porecki and his company find plenty of exciting places to reside in between Latin sounds, balladry and plenty of grooves for this timeless and meticulous effort.

Travels well with: Todd Herbert- Captain Hubs; Bruce Gertz Quintet- Octopus Dreams

Living With Tollways

Eponymously Titled

Signbearer, 2026

9/10

Listen to Eponymously Titled

This first album as Living With Tollways has Matt Riggen, Randy Trubitt and Kevin Almazan fleshing out a handful of tracks of New Jazz ideas that are as creative as they are unpredictable.

“Waller Em” opens with Trubitt’s animated tenor sax alongside Almazan’s frisky drumming, and “News From Home” follows with an infectious energy via the rich wind and scrappy drumming.

In the middle, “Brett Quasar And The Search For More Juuls” offers a calm moment that benefits from Riggen’s upright bass playing, while “Stellar Nurseries” is attentive to mood and improvisation in its dynamic interaction.

“Flannel” and “Eponymously Titled” exit the record. The former enlists wordless, manipulated vocals for the mysteriousness that bursts into an upbeat jazz rocker, and the latter carries a contagious energy that’s dance floor ready and immediately inviting.

A diverse outing that’s cinematic, touches on spaghetti western ideas and even ‘90s grunge, the trio’s chemistry is undeniable and 8 songs is just not enough.

Travels well with: Finely Tuned Elephants- No Goats; Dave Wilson Quartet- When Even Goes East

Finely Tuned Elephant

No Goats

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to No Goats

The Canadian instrumental quartet Finely Tuned Elephant return with a 3rd album, where a highly technical version of jazz fusion unfolds via their first recording as a full quartet playing together.

The warm spirit and grooves of “Chunky Monkey” starts with Alex Lugli’s flowing keys and Jordan Robinson’s spirited electric guitar making for an inviting climate, and “Gamblin’ Man” follows with frisky drums thanks to Kyle Iveglia that suit the colorful interaction.

At the halfway point, “Over Yonder” allows for Cryrus Robertson Orkish’s funky bass lines to complement the animated melodies, while “Thievius Raccoonus” bops and shakes with an infectious energy that mixes in fierce guitar licks.

“Rush Hour” and “No Goats” exit the listen. The former pays close attention to mood alongside the meticulous rhythm section and firm keys, and the latter spends 10+ minutes mesmerizing us with its harmonic yet gritty bouts of progressive jazz ideas.

An extremely technical outing that displays some top notch instrumental jazz-rock fusion, each song carries its own distinct identity amid the melodic, cinematic and cohesive environment.

Travels well with: Dave Stryker- Blue Fire: The Van Gelder Session; Russ Spiegel- Nitty Gritty

Critical Mess

Man Made Machine Made Man

Metalville, 2019

8/10

Listen to Man Made Machine Made Man

Though you might think Germany’s Critical Mess are a new outfit, they’ve actually existed in some form since 2012, though their core line up wasn’t solidified until 2016. On this, their sophomore album, the metal heads bring old school death metal, hardcore/punk and even some current metallic ideas to the affair, resulting in a brutal display of riffs, breakdowns and frontwoman Britta Gortz’s intense vocal performance.

After the atmospheric opening of “Revolution 5” that builds into chugging guitars and guttural vocals, “Echo” follows with an incendiary rhythm section and a blistering pace of throaty metal.

The band stick to their abrasive formula all the way through, and the first single, “Cut The Cord”, puts thundering percussion on display in a furious anthem, and the booming vocals and apocalyptic setting of “Demise” complements the mayhem.

Near the end, Critical Mess injects some hardcore punch into the pit friendly “No Gods”, and the album ends on the dark, hard hitting “Prequel”, where strategic classic metal guitar licks are present.

A listen that will appeal to fans of thrash metal, death metal and even the harsher side of hardcore, these Germans are a band to keep an eye on, as they’re clearly getting better with each subsequent album.

Travels well with: Walls Of Blood- Imperium; Rezet- Deal With It!