Brent Birckhead

Cacao

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Cacao

An artist with many talents, the multi-instrumentalist, producer, arranger and composer Brent Birckhead is joined by an excellent cast for these diverse jazz songs.

“There’s Salt In The Honey” starts the listen with Birckhead’s warm sax and Mark Meadows’ mature piano for the cozy spirit, and the title track follows with soaring sax alongside CV Dashiell III’s playful and cultured drumming.

Moving into the middle, the lush “Jodeci” welcomes Corey Wallace’s booming trombone for the animated delivery, while “Headspace’ recruits Thejon Allen’s trumpet and flugelhorn, which helps make for a distinct intimacy.

Arriving close to the end, “Late Breakfast” focuses on Birckhead’s flowing and precise sax prowess amid much dreaminess, and “Skyline” exits with Christie Dashiell’s expressive voice and DeAnte Haggerty-Willis’ strategic guitar lines for a textured, hazy finish.

An extremely creative outing that has Birckhead also using synth, flutes, and clarinet in addition to his trio of saxes, every track here is well thought out and expertly executed.

Travels well with: Alex Madeline- Unexpected Direction; Chris Mondak- Blank With Colour

Mel And Friends

Swingset Serenade

WeeZuzu, 2024

8/10

Listen Swingset Serenade

Melanie Dill and Tom Johnson come together for this diverse affair, where their love of music from their childhoods and the music their parents and grandparents played fuels the 10 playful tracks.

The swingin’ fun of the title track starts the listen with bright brass and a shuffling mood that could soundtrack a dance floor many decades ago, and “Jugo De Naranja” follows with plenty of culture thanks to the expressive singing and rhythmic demeanor.

Further along, the Big Band spirit of “Ruth’s Conscous” uses kid’s voice and flowing vocals via the jazz nods, while the frisky keys of “Come Back Balloon” illuminates the intimate duet.

Arriving close to the end, “Bunk Bed” is drum focused and busy thanks to the animated instrumentation and smooth vocals, and “Bedtime” exits with a lullaby-esque moment of dreamy keys and soft vocals from Mel’s soothing pipes.

A Children’s album of a very different kind, Dill and Johnson’s swingin’ vision embraces Latin flavor and plenty of exciting jazz sensibilities that are nostaglic and festive.

Travels well with: Raffi With Good Lovelies- Penny Penguin; Debi Derryberry- Gotta Go Green

Adam Hersh

Tornado Watch

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Tornado Watch

The keyboardist and composer Adam Hersh brings us a live recording, where Evan Abounassar, Devin Daniels, Andrew Renfroe, Jermaine Paul and Myles Martin are in attendance for the modern jazz set.

“Woe V Shade” opens with a lively piece, as Hersh’s swift keys emit elegance and gracefulness amid Martin’s agile drumming, and the title track follows with a calmer approach, where Renfroe’s meticulous guitar lines won’t go unnoticed.

Deeper into the set, “Toys” showcases Abounassar’s soaring trumpet that helps cultivate a rich landscape, while “Everlasting” allows for the dreamy piano to radiate, but Daniels' sax is much appreciated, too.

Bookending the set are “Expansion & Retention” and “Propellant”. The former carries plenty of timeless jazz spirit and much melody, and the latter is more cautious, where Paul’s well timed bass suits the cultured aspect.

A diverse outing that touches on Brazilian ideas, classical moments and even hip-hop, Hersh and company make for a sophisticated and memorable experience.

Travels well with: Dave Bass- Trio Nuevo; Jim Self- Touch and Go

Anthony D'Alessandro

Searchin’

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Searchin’

The pianist and composer Anthony D’Alessandro is joined by Benny Benack III, Neil Swainson, Ernesto Cervini and Caity Gyorgy for these 7 diverse jazz tracks.

“The Golden Mean” opens with D’Alessandro’s flowing keys and Benack III’s bright trumpet for the melodic and lively climate, and “Tune For Monty” follows with Cervini’s frisky drums that suit the radiant brass and warm piano.

“Someone To Watch Over Me” and “Outbreak” land in the middle, where the former uses Benack III’s soulful pipes amid much intimacy, while the former swings with infectious grooves via Swainson’s animated bass and D’Alessandro’s finger acrobatics.

The final track, “East Of The Sun”, features Gyorgy on vocals, as the duet exits with a timeless vocal jazz spirit that allows the meticulous rhythm section to complement the expressive singing.

The multi-generational band sure do illuminate D’Alessandro’s groove filled and swingin’ vision, and it makes each song equally great.

Travels well with: The Brenan Brothers- Valley Of Silence; Mike Downes- The Way In

Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra

Groove Junkies

Origin, 2024

8/10

Listen to Groove Junkies

The trombonist Ben Patterson and his D.C. based band treat us to 6 indeed groove filled selections, where diversity and energy are key.

The animated “Exclamation” starts the listen with bright brass that suits Todd Harrison’s frisky drums and Chris Ziemba’s flowing keys, and “Interesting Times” follows with Antonio Orta’s meticulous alto sax front and center amid the strong attention to atmosphere.

The middle belongs to “The Way Of The Groove” and “Stank Face”, where the former allows Patterson’s well timed trombone to complement Shawn Purcell’s strategic guitar, while the latter is a more intimate moment via Xavier Perez’s tenor sax and Luke Brandon’s fluid trumpet prowess.

The last track belongs to the cultured “Espíritu Valiente”, as Fran Vielma’s worldly percussion suits Paul Henry’s agile bass and Kevin Cerovich’s impactful trombone.

A Big Band endeavor that doesn’t shy away from funk, too, Patterson and company flesh out swirling grooves and a festive demeanor that you can’t not enjoy.

Travels well with: Jordan VanHemert- Deep In The Soil; Chuck Owen & Resurgence- Magic Light

Angela Verbrugge

Somewhere

Origin, 2024

8/10

Listen to Somewhere

The Canadian vocalist Angela Verbrugge turns in a heartfelt body of work, where several musicians accompany her for 7 timeless, vocal jazz selections

Miles Black’s warm keys and Verbrugge’s smooth voice open the listen with the soft and stylish “I Had The Craziest Dream”, and “Somewhere” follows with Erik Kalaidzis’ deep pipes complementing the intimacy that makes great use of Jodi Proznick’s cautious bass plucking.

Deeper into the listen, “Until I Met You (Corner Pocket)” benefits much from Anthony Pinciotti’s frisky drums and Ray Gallon’s cozy keys, while “For You, For Me, Forevermore” allows Verbrugge’s poetic voice to radiate much beauty.

Arriving at the end, “If The Moon Turns Green” is populated by Cameron Brown’s meticulous bass and Gallon’s sophisticated keys that make for a cozy, romantic finish.

An often tender listen that’s never short on melody and sincerity, Verbrugge also places an excellent original amid the timeless, creative interpretations.

Travels well with: Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra- Groove Junkies; Jordan VanHemert- Deep In The Soil

Francesco Cataldo

Amaranto

Alfa, 2024

8/10

Listen to Amaranto

A guitarist, composer and arranger, Francesco Cataldo adds pianist to his resume here, where 12 tracks make for much beauty and skill.

“Prologo” begins the listen with warm key progressions that carry a mesmerizing appeal, and the title track follows with a rich delivery of poetic, sophisticated ideas.

Further along, “Better Days” emits a chilling intimacy via the eloquent piano, while “Pictures” speaks volumes without any words, where the gentle melodies and thoughtful playing radiates long after the song ends.

Arriving near the end, the moody and introspective “Our Journey” tugs on the heartstrings, and “Epilogo” exits with a quick, hypnotic moment of meticulousness.

Cataldo traded 6 strings for 88 keys on this detailed body of work, and it makes for a sometimes haunting, other times groove filled and always memorable affair.

Travels well with: Jim Clayton- Lookout; Marcus Persiani- In Motion

The Gabrielle Stravelli Trio

Beautiful Moons Ago

Big Modern, 2024

8/10

Listen to Beautiful Moons Ago

The jazz vocalist Gabrielle Stravelli is joined by Michael Kanan and Pat O’Leary for these 12 primarily interpretations that touch on the American Songbook.

The warm and playful “Did I Remember” starts the listen with Stravelli’s fluid voice alongside Kanan’s lively piano for the timeless climate, and “June Night” follows with O’Leary’s well timed, plucked bass that suits the intimate singing of the lovely mood.

Further along, “Messin’ Around”, an original, emits bright keys and soaring singing that has Stravelli hitting some high notes, while “With The Wind And The Rain In Your Hair” is a rich album highlight that benefits from meticulous keys, light bass and flawless singing.

The title track arrives near the end, and showcases gorgeous singing amid the mature piano and strategic bass, and “I Walk A Little Faster” exits with dreamy keys and powerful vocals tugging on the heartstrings.

This is Stravelli’s 5th release, and it places a modern angle on classic songs that will forever be relevant and enjoyable.

Travels well with: Francesco Cataldo- Amaranto; Jim Clayton- Lookout

Matthew Dirst

J.S. Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier Book I

Acis, 2024

9/10

Listen to J.S. Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier Book I

The harpsichord wizard Matthew Dirst interprets 48 Bach selections from 1722’s Das Wohltemperierte Clavier (The Well-Tempered Clavier), where Dirst’s complete mastery of his instrument exemplifies much consistency and adaptability.

The bright keys and strings of the mesmerizing “Prelude No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846” opens the listen, and it isn’t long until “Prelude No. 3 in C-sharp Major, BWV 848” showcases plenty of melody and strong attention to timbre via the meticulous progressions.

Deeper into Disc 1, “Fugue No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 851” emits a dreamy presence of swirling dynamics, while “Prelude No. 10 in E Minor, BWV 855” carries a distinct intimacy that radiates amid the intriguing tonality.

Disc 2 leads with “Prelude No. 13 in F-sharp Major, BWV 858”, where Dirst’s finger acrobatics draw us in to the dizzying delivery, and much further along, “Fugue No. 19 in A Major, BWV 864” unfolds with a very animated appeal of timeless, careful instrumentation. The lengthy affair exits with “Fugue No. 24 in B Minor, BWV 869”, where Dirst’s technical prowess is front and center.

A highly imaginative, intense and emotive endeavor, Dirst’s performance is top notch from beginning to end, and will leave classical fans in awe.

Travels well with: Trinity Church Boston/Colin Lynch- The Great Glad Tidings Tell: Carols From Copley Square; Ian Pomerantz/Byron Schenkman- Art Songs Of The Jewish Diaspora

Daniel Janke Winter Trio

Available Light

Chronograph, 2024

8/10

Listen to Available Light

The pianist Daniel Janke is joined by Basile Racola and Ariel Tessier for these 9 originals that surround Janke’s experience composing for film, and it welcomes roots, jazz and gospel ideas.

“Song For Margaret” opens the listen with Janke’s flowing keys alongside Tessier’s meticulous drumming that helps create a very rich climate, and the title track follows with a calmer mood, as mature piano is met with atmospheric drums.

Halfway through we are treated to a couple of traditionals, as “Blessed Assurance” presents much intimacy, where sophisticated keys and Racola’s gentle bass lines cultivate soft beauty, while “Man Of Constant Sorrow” swirls with dense piano, lively drums and playful bass for the album’s best.

Close to the end, “Cafe Bonton” radiates warmth and gracefulness via Janke’s mesmerizing fingers, and “Gospel For Betty” exits with more emphasis on drums, though the intricate bass plucking won’t go unnoticed, either.

The international collaboration (France, Spain and Canada) present adds even more intrigue to the trio, and both structured and improvised bouts make each track here eclectic and memorable.

Travels well with: Anthony D’Alessandro- Searchin’; The Brenan Brothers- Valley Of Silence

Karrin Allyson

A Kiss For Brazil

Origin, 2024

8/10

Listen to A Kiss For Brazil

The esteemed vocalist, pianist and percussionist Karrin Allyson adds to her catalog of Brazilian sounds with these 10 adventurous tracks that recruit Rosa Passos, Vitor Goncalves, Yotam Silberstein, Harvie S and Rafael Barata.

The playful and cozy “Flor de Lis” begins the listen with Silberstein’s warm guitar and Barata’s frisky drums that complement Allyson’s flowing vocals, and “Month Of March In Salvagor (Dunas)” continues the worldly flavor via Passos’ fluid rhythm guitar and Goncalves’ well timed accordion.

The middle spot belongs to the charming scatting of “Antigua”, where S contributes meticulous bass for the dreamy landscape, while “The Island” benefits much from Goncalves’ stirring keys that suit the intimate singing of the album’s best.

Arriving close to the end, “So Many Stars” tugs on the heartstrings thanks to the powerful vocals and Allyson’s elegant keys, and “Only Trust Your Heart” exits with Allyson’s gorgeous pipes and emotive piano making for a memorable, relatable finish.

It’s certainly not shocking that Allyson has received 5 Grammy Nominations, and along with this excellent cast she pens a love letter to Brazil that’s full of sincerity, grooves and sonic exploration.

Travels well with: Angela Verbrugge- Somewhere; Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra- Groove Junkies

Zoe Boekbinder

Wildflower

Are And Be, 2024

8/10

Listen to Wildflower

The New Orleans artist Zoe Boekbinder returns with 11 indie-folk songs that often touch on imporant but difficult topics.

“Cover Up The Moon” opens the listen with Boekbinder’s distinct vocals alongside Ryan Madora’s cozy bass and Megan McCormick’s dreamy pedal steel making for much beauty, and “Hold My Hand” follows with Megan Coleman’s agile drumming complementing the careful, rhythmic climate.

Moving towards the middle, “Scared To Mess Up” is particularly intimate, where Boekbinder’s expressive pipes draw us in, while “I Tried To Be Good” uses soothing vocal harmonies amid cozy guitar.

Deeper still, the melodic and fuller “Where Time Is Free” is the album’s best thanks to the breezy mood and strong attention to detail, and “Oh Sophia” exits with a timeless, poetic spirit that’s heartfelt.

A child of scientists who was around music from a young age, Boekbinder was involved in the sibling band Vermillion Lies from 2005-2009, and this solo work extends on that organic, sincere and thoughtful song craft and will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Alan Doyle- Welcome Home; Taylor Rae- Mad Twenties

Live Edge Trio With Steve Nelson

Closing Time

Origin, 2024

9/10

Listen to Closing Time

The Live Edge Trio, i.e. Ben Markley, Seth Lewis and Andy Wheelock, come together with Steve Nelson for these 7 infectious jazz tunes that will get your body and spirits in motion.

“Ben’s Tune” starts the listen with Nelson’s bright vibes alongside Markley’s glowing keys, and “Closing Time” follows with Lewis’ rumbling bass that suits the animated mallets from Nelson’s precise playing.

“Fantasy For Cede” and “Old Folks” arrive in the middle, where the former flows with rich idea via the firm keys and Wheelock’s agile drumming, while the latter carries a distinct dreaminess thank to the cautious rhythm section and lovely vibes.

The swift and dynamic “Cape Verdean Blues” exits the listen with all the player’s inimitable contributions making for a playful and textured jazz experience that you won’t soon forget.

An exciting listen that’s harmonic, swingin’ and full of top notch interplay, the 5 originals and 2 interpretations are easy to enjoy and difficult to forget.

Travels well with: Karrin Allyson- A Kiss For Brazil; Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra- Groove Junkies

Pillow Queens

Name Your Sorrow

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Name Your Sorrow

The Irish rockers Pillow Queens return with a 3rd album, where the quintet explore queerness, insecurity, desire and heartbreak with plenty of energetic, intimate and punk ideas present.

“February 8th” opens the listen with Rachel Lyons’ dense drums alongside the strong attention to atmosphere, as Pamela Connolly’s expressive pipes complement the powerful delivery, and “Suffer” follows with Cathy McGuinness’ firm guitar amid the melodic singing of the raw yet melodic climate.

Further along, the crisp “Friend Of Mine” benefits from Sarah Corcoran’s agile bass, where a distinct dreaminess enters, while the noisey “Gone” comes with tuneful distortion and soulful singing that makes this the album’s best.

Deeper still, “One Night” escalates into a thick, nearly grungy appeal of hard hitting yet harmonic ideas, and “Notes On Worth” exits with Collin Pastore’s pretty keys cultivating a gentle haze of graceful song craft.

A thoughtful affair that balances loud versus soft dynamics, Pillow Queens recruit fuzzy guitars, melancholic bouts, sonic exploration and sublime introspection for a masterpiece of lush grit.

Travels well with: Agender- No Nostalgia; Psychic Lines- Sunset On Sunset

Hannah Fairlight

Lone Wolf

CEN/The Orchard, 2024

9/10

Listen to Lone Wolf

The guitar rocker Hannah Fairlight delivers a career high with this 4th album that covers a wide spectrum of sounds and styles that brings to mind legends like Patti Smith, Jack White and Jenny Lewis.

“Fever” opens the listen with firm guitar and thumping drums, as the rock-girl anthem unfolds with grit and melody, and “Sum Ppl R Jerx” follows with a scrappy garage rock appeal that’s also quite harmonic amid the mesmerizing guitar.

Entering the middle, “Just Feel Better” is a calmer moment that surrounds depression with much warmth and intimacy, while “Emotional Men” benefits much from Paul Simmons’ agile drums and Billy Mercer’s throbbing bass that suits the talking versus singing formula.

Arriving close to the end, “Apologetic Me” recruits some surf-rock nods, where nostalgia enters the powerful delivery, and the title track showcases Fairlight’s expressive pipes and raw guitar that are met with mature keys and moving vocals.

Fairlight possesses the spirit of Joan Jett or Kathleen Hanna, and each track here commands attention for both its upfront demeanor and eloquent nature.

Travels well with: Marina Rocks- Texcentric; Mare Wakefield & Nomad- No Remedy

Raffi With Good Lovelies

Penny Penguin

Craft, 2024

9/10

Listen to Penny Penguin

The esteemed children’s musician and global troubadour Raffi returns with a 24th studio album, where Caroline Brooks, Kerri Ough, and Sue Passmore, i.e. Good Lovelies, join in for the 14 lively tunes.

The playful “The Birdies Sing” starts with the sounds of birds and Raffi’s uplifting voice, plus the trio harmonizing alongside warm piano, and “You’ll Sing A Song” follows with fluid strumming and group vocals for the lovely melodies.

Moving along, the charming “Mama Loves It” uses strings strategically and plenty of ‘guest’ vocals from our animal friends, while “Hum Hummingbird” carries a soothing appeal of eloquent singing and flowing acoustic guitar.

Close to the end, “By The Bay” uses the Good Lovelies for some sublime harmonizing amid deeper vocals from Raffi, and “Doucement S’en Va Le Jour” exits with a cultured moment of gentle instrumentation, fun whistling and much authenticity.

Largely considered the most influential children’s entertainer, Raffi’s folk-pop ways are infectious and timeless, where he keeps the attention of any age across these worldly selections.

Travels well with: Debi Derryberry- Gotta Go Green; Rolie Polie Guacamole- Diggin’ In The Dirt

Mira Goto

Before

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Before

A California native who now calls Nashville home, the rising artist Mira Goto pens 5 tunes of her ‘diet country’, where plenty of heart and pop ideas are present.

“Enough To Try” starts the listen with a powerful duet thanks to Derek Garten’s soaring pipes that suit the heartfelt climate, and “Before” follows with mature keys alongside breezy melodies, as the poetic singing unfolds with much beauty.

The middle track belongs to the charming “Bright Eyes”, where folk qualities enter the dreaminess, while “Wanted” showcases Goto’s impressive range alongside sophisticated piano and strong attention to mood. The final track, “Loving You Is Killing Me”, is the best selection, where a fuller approach of modern Americana could make her a household name.

Goto released an album in 2013 under the name Mira Parfitt, but her debut album in 2020 as Mira Goto and this EP have showcased her classic country meets modern songwriting abilities that certainly have her destined for stardom.

Travels well with: Alyssa Jacey- Alyssa Jacey Live!; Rachael Sage- Another Side

Lynn Drury

High Tide

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to High Tide

The 10th album from the New Orleans resident Lynn Drury, these diverse 11 songs recruit Rene Coman, Malcolm “Papa Mali” Welbourne, Doug Belote and plenty of guests for the soulful occasion.

The cozy and charming spirit of “Blue” starts the listen with Belote’s frisky drums complementing Drury’s upbeat voice, and “Fade” follows with some grit from Welbourne’s fluid guitars that help give the climate some rootsy flavor.

Elsewhere, “I Waited Too Long” comes with a soft intimacy, as Andrui Yanovski’s sophisticated keys suit the poetic singing, while “Great Divide” is a rowdy, bar room rocker that will get your body moving to the infectious grooves and animated delivery.

Close to the end, the dreamy “When It All Comes Down” is a more minimal moment of grace and beauty, and “Love Bomb” exits with a crisp version of Americana that radiates a tuneful rawness that even embraces Rurik Nunan’s sublime violin.

A highly memorable batch of tunes, the subtle use of strings, brass and accordion make Drury’s work even more interesting, and the Southern influence beneath the roots and Americana is some of the best being made today.

Travels well with: Charming Disaster- Super Natural History; Benjamin Jayne- Broken

Kari Van Der Kloot

Window

TPR, 2024

8/10

Listen to Window

The 3rd album from the singer and composer Kari van der Kloot, the 10 songs here recruit Elsa Nilsson, Jamie Reynolds, Gary Wang and Nathan Ellman-Bell for the modern jazz listen.

The bright and playful “Outside” starts with van der Kloot’s warm scatting alongside Nilsson’s animated flute, and “Trust Exercise” follows with a mesmerizing repetition that uses cinematic synth to its advantage before shifting to Reynolds’ flowing keys.

Halfway through, “Tattoo” carries a sublime intimacy via the pretty singing and dreamy backdrop, while “Cost” places more emphasis on Ellman-Bell’s frisky drums amid the soaring flutes and poetic singing.

“Totem” and “Keeping Quiet” exit the listen, where the former is a bit busier and makes great use of Wang’s strategic bass, and the latter pairs the eloquent keys with flawless, colorful singing courtesy of van der Kloot’s inimitable delivery.

Van der Kloot resides in Brooklyn, and the sounds here touch on the varied indie-rock ideas from her city, and certainly are steeped in timeless jazz with plenty of precise layering and earthy sensibilities.

Travels well with: Sarah Jerrome- Magpie; Andrea Superstein- Oh Mother

Zoe & Cloyd

I Am Your Neighbor

Organic, 2019

8/10

Listen to I Am Your Neighbor

This 3rd album from the North Carolina duo of Zoe & Cloyd has the pair getting even more creative as they touch on bluegrass, klezmer and vintage sounds with I Am Your Neighbor.

“Looking Out For You And Me” gets the album off to a warm spirited, bluegrass start with wordplay that surrounds the poisons in all our food, and “Neighbor” follows with gentle balladry as Zoe’s pretty vocals are highlighted under the moody strings.

Further along, “The Past Keeps Getting In The Way” offers a emotive tune with flowing melodies, while “Rising Waters”, one of the album’s best, has the pair harmonizing with timeless beauty.

Near the end, “Build Me Up” recruits a folk spirit alongside some agile solos, and “No Difference” exits the listen impassioned and reflective as the two illustrate dynamic chemistry that few could replicate.

A record of substance both lyrically and musically, the husband and wife outfit deliver a unique formula rooted in Appalachian sounds, and fans of bluegrass, folk and even Eastern European music will find much to enjoy here.

Travels well with: Tellico- Woven Waters;Small Town Therapy- Dreams And Circumstances