Chicago Jazz Orchestra Featuring Bobby Broom

More Amore

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to More Amor

The always impressive Chicago Jazz Orchestra finds themselves under the direction of Jeff Lindberg and alongside the guitar playing of Bobby Brown for this tribute to Wes Montgomery.

The rich and dreamy “Road Song” opens with Brown’s vibrant guitar amid Kobie Watkin’s agile drumming and Dan Trudell’s elegant keys that complement the well timed brass, and “What The World Needs Now” follows with a charming intimacy via the warm guitar and graceful strings.

“Somewhere” arrives at the halfway point and makes great use of Dennis Carroll’s well timed bass via the gentle climate, while “More, More, Amor” is a playful album highlight that employs a cozy rhythm section and frisky clarinet.

“Dreamsville” and “Boss City” exit the listen. The former relies on the emotive string interaction in a soothing demeanor, and the latter bops and shakes with an infectious energy of dance floor ready musicianship that’s anchored by the meticulous guitar playing.

The large presence of winds, strings and horns helps illuminate Montgomery’s vision, where swingin’ fun and softer bouts are much appreciated.

Travels well with: Alex ‘Apolo’ Ayala & The Bambula Project- Afro Puerto Rican Jazz; Leon Anderson- Live At Snug Harbor

Allison August

August Moon

MoMojo, 2025

9/10

Listen to August Moon

The soul and blues singer Allison August brings her inimitable pipes to these 12 memorable and energetic tracks.

“Afraid Of Love” begins with Bryan Head's lively drums and Les Lovitt’s bright trumpet that suit August’s soaring pipes, and “Dashboard Madonna” follows with Mike Finnigan’s flowing keys and Don Teschner’s well timed violin in the rich and expressive climate.

Further down the line, “Blue Eyed Boy” welcomes Phil Parlapiano’s moody organ amid August’s soulful singing and David J. Carpenter’s playful guitar, while “Honey Jar” brings plenty of grooves via Carpenter’s frisky bass and no lack of vocal harmonies.

Closer to the end, “The Cure” makes great use guitar from Paul Barrere and Billy Watts amid Jimmy Z’s emotive harmonica, and “Born Yesterday” exits with some grit alongside Joe Sublett’s cozy sax that matches August’s colorful vocals.

A really diverse body of work that touches on funk, blues, rock, soul, and R&B, August’s performance is top notch and the players in attendance help flesh out the timelessness superbly.

Travels well with: Eric Bibb- In The Real World; Arlen Roth- Play Out The Strings

AutoReplicant

Drone Down

Self-Released, 2025

10/10

Listen to Drone Down

A Pittsburgh outfit with a penchant for math, grind and thrash sounds, these 7 tracks from AutoReplicant make for a hard hitting and complicated effort.

The title track leads with Grae Hall’s distinct vocals alongside Aaron Myers-Brooks’ quick guitar bouts for a busy, prog-influenced rocker, and “Voids” follows with Michael Laughlin’s furious drumming amid intricate guitar and the sort of vocals that require no enunciation (think Econochrist).

In the middle, the meticulous instrumental, “Artificial Stupidity”, carries plenty of melody beneath the charged rhythm section and razor sharp guitar licks, while “Drowning Voices” is an ultra-quick and atypically rhythmic meshing of singing, background shouting and drumming so swift it almost seems mechanical.

“The Temples Of Syrinx” exits the quick listen and chugs a bit with some moshy tendencies that actually invites singing-along, too.

AutoReplicant’s brand of math-metal is about as dynamic and calculated as anything you’ll hear in 2025. The combined talent of these musicians is unparalleled and this record grabs ahold of all your senses and does not let go.

Travels well with: Aaron Brooks-Myers- Oblique; Blynd- Unbeliever

E.W. Harris

Machine Living In Relief

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Machine Living In Relief

The Brooklyn songwriter E.W. Harris returns with his ‘Romantic Dystopia”, where these 6 tracks of folktronic ideas enter his forward thinking, fusion formula.

The upbeat acoustic guitar and strong attention to atmosphere of “Sooner Or Later” opens with playful percussive ideas in a timeless folk climate, and “Chemical Fire” follows with Harris’ storytelling via a campfire-esque setting that’s powerful and soaring.

The middle tracks belong to “The Nail Beside The Door” and “Casual Violence”. The former has Harris hitting some high notes with much emotion, while the latter uses harmonica and a bit of a jangle for the EP’s best.

“Treble Negative” then exits the quick listen with eloquence and well timed backing vocals amid much bare beauty.

A highly creative effort of modern indie-folk that has the capacity to get adventurous, Harris fleshes out a heartfelt experience that’s rooted in some sci-fi themes.

Travels well with: The Davenports- You Could’ve Just Said That; Annie J- Been Loving You

Elliott Murphy

Infinity

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Infinity

Now 52 albums deep, Elliott Murphy brings us 9 diverse songs here that welcome Olivier Durand, Melissa Cox and Alan Fatras.

The thumping drums from Fatras starts “Granny Takes A Trip”, where Murphy’s vivid storytelling is both warm and melodic, and “Red Moon Over Paris” follows with a soulful spirit via the harmonic backing vocals and Durand’s spirited guitar lines.

“The Lion In The Water/The End Of The Game” and “Fetch Me Water” land in the middle. The former relies on group vocals amid Cox’s elegant violin, while the latter is both gritty and tuneful thanks to the expressive singing and rootsy climate.

Residing close to the end, “Night Surfing” is atypically intimate and heartfelt in Murphy’s cautious, dreamy demeanor, and “Count My Blessings” exits with subtle harmonica, gentle guitar and spoken word that add much allure.

Murphy describes this body of work as a ‘collection of energetic cultural icons dancing their way to all kinds of music’. The songs unfold like novels and hone in on these perplexing times and uncertain future with his always sincere and timeless vision front and center.

Travels well with: Robeone- Optimistica; Hank Wedel- What Happens In Cork

Alex 'Apolo' Ayala & The Bambula Project

Afro Puerto Rican Jazz

PMC, 2025

9/10

Listen to Afro Puerto Rican Jazz

The bassist-composer Alex ‘Apolo’ Ayala bridges the gap between Afro-Puerto Rican music and mainstream jazz here, where the 10 tracks welcome many exceptional players.

The animated climate of “Río Piedras” opens with Ayala’s playful bass acrobatics and Fernando Garcia’s frisky drums making for plenty of cultured rhythm, and “Agonía Suite” follows with 3 colorful segments that present both busy and gentle climates of profound beauty.

In the middle, “Bomba Carambomba” showcases Victor Pablo García’s lively percussion amid Andrew Gould’s bright sax bouts, while “Ngudi” finds an intimate place to reside via the soft melodies and cautious demeanor.

Landing close to the end, “3D Plena” spotlights Nelson Matthew González’s radiant requinto drum that suits the worldly gestures, and “Cueumbé” exits with plenty of modern jazz appeal amid dynamic drumming and percussion.

An innovative effort that also relies on tradition, Ayala and company also inject classical and world music flavor into this exceptional album.

Travels well with: Leon Anderson- Live At Snug Harbor; Jack Leckie- Plantar Of Seeds

Death Spa

Ewwwphoria

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Ewwwphoria

A noise/punk outfit from Seattle, Death Spa are spearheaded by Mia-Rose Malone, who, along with Levi Fuller and Jonathan Rodriguez, fleshes out a rhythmic and intense debut album.

The hard hitting “Make It Hurts” starts the listen with Rodriguez’s abrasive drumming alongside Malone’s throaty voice and plenty of chaotic rumbling, and “Drill The Corpse Lobe” follows with Fuller’s thick bass lines and Malone’s swirling guitar that suits the thundering drums and hardcore climate.

The onslaught doesn’t stop for the middle spots, where the fragmented “Body Horror” shouts and buzzes, while “Blues Skies And Golden Sunshine All Along The Way” pounds amid some animated sax bouts from Skerik for a bizarre punk-jazz explosion.

“The Cyst” and “Escape From Kirkland” exit the record. The former showcases a fierce density of calculated noise-rock with some softer ebbs, and the latter even lets melody seep in via the assault on the ears.

An effort that’s not for the faint of heart, Death Spa use harsh beats, prog-rock nods and even cello from Lori Goldston for this pummeling noise-punk adventure.

Travels well with: Horsefight- Volunteer; The Blasts- The Blasts

Opus Two

Stephen Sondheim: New Chamber Music Arrangements

Bridge, 2025

9/10

Listen to Stephen Sondheim: New Chamber Music Arrangements

The revered piano and violin pair, Opus Two, celebrate the work of Stephen Sondheim with these 10 selections that recruit Elena Shaddow, Andrew Garlend and Beth Vanderborgh.

“Suite From A Little Night Music” leads with William Terwilliger’s emotive violin alongside Andrew Cooperstock’s meticulous piano via much beauty and a hint of playfulness, and “Not While I’m Around” follows with the dreamy keys amid the intimate strings.

Arriving in the middle are the firm keys and striking strings of “Main Title From Stavisky”, while “Every Day A Little Death” showcases the swirling keys, graceful cello from Vanderborgh and tense violin in the album’s best.

Further yet, “Finishing The Hat” is both frisky and melodic, where the upbeat keys welcome Garland’s expressive baritone, and “Fleet Street Suite” exits with a very dynamic and animated interaction between Terwilliger and Cooperstock.

The arranger Eric Stern’s contributions here cannot be understated, as the duo pay tribute to Sondheim’s legacy by spotlighting his Broadway shows with unparalleled meticulousness.

Travels well with: JoAnn Falletta/Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra- Contemporary Landscapes; John Schneider- Pastiches

Galan Trio + Zacharias Tarpagkos

Embrace

Neuma, 2025

9/10

Listen to Embrace

The Athens, Greece outfit Galan Trio join forces with Zacharias Tarpagkos and his inimitable flute playing for these 8 selections that carry worldly themes.

Garry D. W. Judd’s “In the Light of Greece (and the Parthenon Sculptures)” starts the listen with much grace and emotion, where Petros Bouras’ swirling piano suits the graceful strings, and “George in Paris: Andante | Allegro | Adagio | Presto” continues the sophistication with Babis Karasavvidis’ heartfelt violin complemeting Tarpagkos’ animated flute playing in the Ilan Chouraki selection.

Véronique Bracco’s “The Forest: A Tale of the Fenghuang” occupies the middle spot and benefits much from Marina Kolovou’s rich violoncello amid the dense keys and bright wind, while “Rain, Water and Life”, by Vincent Kennedy, unfolds across 3 chapters of upbeat and dynamic instrumentation.

Nearing the end, Vasco M. N. Pereira’s 4 segments of “O jardim extravagante- The Fancy Garden” allows for the trio’s inimitable chemistry to shine alongside the dreamy flute, and David Martynuik’s “Humoresque” exits with a cinematic and upbeat delivery of meticulous strings, radiant keys and colorful flute.

Yet another great outing for Galan Trio, the composers here represent 7 nations, and the abundance of melodies and harmonies ensure an enlightening and memorable experience.

Travels well with: Christopher Clarino- Parlando; Hypercube- The Force For Good

Christopher Clarino

Parlando

Neuma, 2025

9/10

Listen to Parlando

The San Diego artist Christopher Clarino is well versed in interdisciplinary work, solo settings, and American Sign Language and these 5 detailed pieces showcase his percussion skills with help on one of the selections.

The title track, by Igor Santos, starts the listen with Shaoai Ashley Zhang’s strategic synth alongside Clarino’s mesmerizing vibraphone, where pitch and range are explored, and Anthony Donofrio’s “Meditation on Italo Calvino’s ‘The Castle of Crossed Destinies’” follows with nearly 19 minutes of ambient drumming and unpredictable percussive bouts that are executed with attention to space.

The middle track, “Glockenspiel”, by Barbara Monk Feldman, is a captivating moment that’s full of rhythmic intricacies and ringing sonorities, while Thomas DeLio’s “jeu de timbres” displays colorful bell prowess that’s rife with tonality.

The final tune, “The Narrow Path”, spotlights the vast possibilities of the vibraphone via profound detail to harmonics for 16+ minutes that somehow still ends too soon.

This is Clarino’s debut, and it meshes sound, body, and language in a fusion vision that speaks to the soul.

Travels well with: Hypercube- The Force For Good; Kyle Jones- Dualities

Nathan Davis

Earthworks

Sono Luminus, 2025

8/10

Listen to Earthworks

The composer and percussionist Nathan Davis is aligned with Syliva Milo’s spoken word for these 7 atypical pieces of eco-focused ideas and encouragement for everyone to consider the world around them.

“Exposition” opens with much attention on atmosphere, where Milo’s voice guides the playful gestures of Davis’ samples and percussive sounds, and “Circulation” follows with Josh Modney’s distinct violin and Joshua Rubin’s well timed clarinet amid the cinematic qualities.

Moving into the middle, “Weathering” showecases Levy Lorenzo’s sci-fi influenced percussion and Katinka Kleiin’s manipulated cello prowess, while “Extraction” radiates an ominous quality of mechanical sounds.

“Regeneration” exits the listen and presents the wind, strings and percussion in unconventional ways that bridge the organic and synthetic into an artistic and field recording-esque finish.

An iconoclastic vision that examines the link between humans and natural and built environment, each selection makes the listener think critically about world around them and appreciate the thoughtful and creative song craft.

Travels well with: JACK Quartet- John Zorn: The Complete String Quartets; Akropolis Reed Quintet/Pascal Le Boeuf/Christian Euman- Are We Dreaming The Same Dream?

Stephen Fearing

The Empathist

Ging, 2025

10/10

Listen to The Empathist

The JUNO Award Winner and multi-instrumentalist Stephen Fearing brings along many players for 10 tracks of his timeless and wise storytelling.

The punchy spirit and soaring vocals of “Bring This Song” finds itself in the lead off position, where Ken Coomer’s skilled drumming and Jim Hoke’s animated sax add much warmth, and “Far From The Middle” follows with Sue Foley’s rugged guitar and John Dymond’s strategic bass that makes for an animated, rootsy delivery.

“Marie” and “Best Road I’ve Known” land in the middle. The former is an intimate moment that benefits much from Kelly Prescott’s pretty voice and MC Hansen’s gentle acoustic guitar, while the latter showcases Hoke’s frisky piano that complements Fearing’s lively singing.

Arriving near the end, “Where Will I Be” offers a minimal tune via Dala’s expressive pipes and strong attention to ambience and mood, and “Valentine’s Day” exits with Kristen Webber’s aching viola and Austin Hoke’s graceful cello that adds even more elegance to the heartfelt finish.

The company Fearing surrounds himself with is unparalleled, and the songs are fantastic, too. An effort with plenty of harmonies, finger picking, protest songs and nods to folk, blues and country, this is some the finest music in the area of modern Americana.

Travels well with: Julian Taylor- Pathways; Howard Gladstone- Crazy Talk

Hypercube

The Force For Good

Neuma, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Force For Good

In the area of modern chamber sounds, few are as daring and exciting as New York’s Hypecube, who present 2 involved pieces across this debut EP.

Louis Andriessen’s “Hout” opens with bright gestures, where Erin Rogers’ animated sax suits Chris Graham’s playful percussion and Andrea Lodge’s frisky keys for the vibrant climate.

The back half belongs to the title track, by Michael Fiday. It flows across 18+ minutes, and opens with softness and mystery via the precise drumming, and soon after the atmospheric keys, dreamy percussion and Jay Sarce’s meticulous electric guitar build into rich and thoughtful textures of both melodic and firm songwriting.

A really diverse first record, we’re treated to both intense and calm bouts, where rock, jazz, classical and minimalism are all explored with tremendous capabilities.

Travels well with: Thomas DeLio- anti-paysage; Kyle Jones- Dualities

Owls

Rare Birds

New Amsterdam, 2025

9/10

Listen to Rare Birds

An all-star outfit of soloists and current and former players in yMusic, Aizuri Quartet and Kronos Quartet, Owls treat us to 6 very distinct and creative songs.

The 8+ minutes of “When The Night” leads with the cellos blending with warmth alongside Alexi Kenney’s precise violin, and “Ricercar” follows with Ayane Kozasa’s skilled viola that suits the soft melodies and dreaminess.

“Reqs” lands in the middle and is an animated and cinematic meshing of playful string interaction, while “Les Barricades Mystérieuses” allows for Gabriel Cabezas and Paul Wiancko’s cellos to emit much grace and poeticism via the rich album highlight.

The final track, “Good Medicine”, is nearly 13 minutes of firm gestures, gentle ebbs and flowing string interaction that’s heartfelt and timeless.

An eclectic affair that embraces folk and classical ideas, Owls make the most of baroque harmonies, lively rhythm and gentle textures.

Travels well with: Adam Tendler- Inheritances; Charlotte Jacobs- a t l a s

Ute Lemper

Pirate Jenny

The Audiophile Society, 2025

8/10

Listen to Pirate Jenny

The singer and actress Ute Lemper celebrates Kurt Weill’s 125th birthday with her updated and glowing version of songs that are still very much relevant today.

“Mack The Knife” gets the listen off to a stylish start, where Lemper’s seductive voice is met with well timed sax and a late night ambience, and “Speak Low” follows with the expressive pipes alongside crisp, synthetic drums and flowing strings.

“My Ship” and “Pirate Jenny” occupy the middle spots. The former emits soft melodies via the mysterious delivery, while the latter is a frisky moment of layered vocals and pop ideas that unfold with playfulness.

Close to the end, “Die Ballade von ertrunkenen Madchen” is a lush and rich album highlight of timeless jazz song craft, and “Salomon Song” exits with sultry vocals and lively beats guiding the memorable finish.

An accomplished tribute, Lemper performs like she’s in a smoky Berlin jazz club, and the grooves and melodies certainly do justice to Weill’s work.

Travels well with: Jospeh Turrin/Richard Einhorn/Gilda Lyons- Crimson Roses; Laird Jackson- Life

Thomas Delio

anti-paysage

Neuma, 2025

9/10

Listen to anti-paysage

The composer and theorist Thomas DeLio uses both instrumental or electroacoustic strategies that tip their hat to Morton Feldman and John Cage for these 2 discs of avant garde sounds.

“a content/of echo” opens with 15+ minutes of sounds that seem both organic and synthetic, where minimalism and space are explored, and “sound/shivering/silence” follows with Zeca Lacerda’s atypical percussion illuminating the 5 curious chapters.

Deeper into the listen, “Transparent Wave X” recruits Lisa Cella’s intriguing bass flute alongside a rare intimacy, while “sinnfäden #2” exits with 2 minutes of primarily silence, other than occasional drop of sound.

The 2nd disc offers both bare and busier ideas. “…klingend II” employs Melody Quah’s piano and Lee Hinkle’s percussion, which interact with firm and soft gestures of artistic and mysterious song craft, and “from this condensery II” arrives close to the end with Rachel E. Copeland’s soaring soprano amid the Penn State Percussion Ensemble’s meticulous presence that radiates creativity and powerful singing.

A complicated effort that pays close attention to pitch, rhythm, or isolated elements, the sonic experience and unconventional exploration is much appreciated.

Travels well with: Kyle Jones- Dualities; Drew Whiting- All In

Leon Anderson

Live At Snug Harbor

Outside In, 2025

9/10

Listen to Live At Snug Harbor

The inimitable drummer Leon Anderson makes for an impressive debut, where John Michael Bradford, John Michael, Ricardo Pascal, Oscar Rossignoli and Rodney Jordan accompany him for the 10 live tracks.

“P.J.’s” starts the listen with a frisky energy, where Pascal’s swift and colorful sax suits Anderson’s drumming acrobatics, and “Lil Miss Ariel” follows with Rossignoli’s playful keys that matches the wind and brass with a cozy spirit.

“Understanding” occupies the middle spot and benefits from Jordan’s pretty bass lines for the sublime intimacy, while “‘88 To 1621” is an animated album highlight that showcases Bradford’s bright trumpet amid the meticulous rhythm section.

Close to the end, “The Bruz Of AD2” highlights each player’s inestimable talents via the rich and dynamic jazz delivery, and an alternate take of “Lil Miss Ariel” exits with melody and harmonics front and center for a timeless finish.

The sound quality here is first rate, as are the songs, and the wealth of grooves and nods to New Orleans ensures a really memorable listening experience.

Travels well with: Ken Peplowski- Live At Mezzrow; Jack Leckie- Planter Of Seeds

Gustavo Cortiñas

The Crisis Knows No Borders

Desafio Candente, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Crisis Knows No Borders

The esteemed drummer and composer Gustavo Cortiñas is joined by Jon Irabagon, Dave Miller and Mark Feldman for these 10 songs that were inspired by the socio-political implications of climate change.

“The Basic Economic Farsity” starts the listen with Feldman’s meticulous violin prowess that’s both elegant and adventurous, and “The Growth Imperative” follows with Cortiñas’ flowing drums and Miller’s melodic guitar making for much intrigue.

“Wishcycle” occupies the middle spot and uses plucked strings and much ambience in a sci-fi sort of way, while “Sea Levels Rising” allows for Irabagon’s rich sax playing to illuminate the thoughtful climate.

Deeper still, “Your Right Under The Sun” finds itself in rock territory thanks to the dense drums, firm guitar, lively strings and well timed sax, and “Meditation On The End Of Times” exits with Cortiñas’ drumming acrobatics across the nearly 6 minutes of exciting and unpredictable songwriting.

An album of profound importance, Cortiñas and his company make for a fusion sort of jazz that has a worldly appeal and employs improvisation strategically.

Travels well with: John Chin- Journey Of Man; Ken Peplowski- Live At Mezzrow

Jefferson Berry & The UAC

Born Into A Blizzard

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Born Into A Blizzard

Philadelphia’s Jefferson Berry is a songwriting machine, and this 4th album brings us another batch of folk tunes, where his excellent backing band don’t disappoint.

The upbeat guitar and and Berry’s smooth voice begins with “Leaving Santa Maria”, where Bud Burrough’s dancing mandolin makes an impression, and “Guitar On The River” follows with Dave Brown’s well timed banjo adding much to the rootsy climate.

Further along, the frisky “Philly Eats Its Own” welcomes Scott Bricklin’s swift guitar and Uncle Mike’s flowing bass playing, while “Sleeping In Public” makes great use of Adam Stranburg’s agile drumming that suits the intimate delivery and Matthew Gordon’s atmospheric dobro.

Further yet, “Puddles/Here No More” is a rich moment via Theresa Ratliff’s harmony vocals and Burroughs' mature piano, and “Born To Payday” exits with a rhythmic approach that’s catchy and melodic.

Whether this is your first time with Berry or you’ve been following all along, you’re going to enjoy the jazz rock bouts, well timed grooves and vivid storytelling of yet another top notch album.

Travels well with: Jefferson Berry & The UAC- Prairie Fire; Jefferson Berry- Dreams Of Modern Living

Melbreeze

Amethyst

MCC, 2019

8/10

Listen to Amethyst

The Turkish born, now Los Angeles artist returns with another batch of avant-garde exploration that has Melbreeze and company interpreting tunes by Gershwin, Paul Simon and Billie Holiday, among others.

“Summertime” gets the album off to a stylish, beat friendly affair of club friendly sounds, and “The Sound Of Silence” follows with an initially quieter setting that allows Melbreeze’s rich vocals to shine before moving into electronic areas.

Elsewhere, “Everything Must Change” manipulates mood well with a jazz lounge feeling amid expressive singing, while “Friendless” brings in some bluesy guitars from Oz Noy on one of the best tracks present.

Near the end, “Greensleeves” recruits plenty of instruments on a busy and artistic adventure, and the percussively strong “Hallelujah” gets frantic yet controlled on an example of meticulous fusion with plenty of grooves. “Missing You” ends the listen with a breezy twist on the John Waite popularized classic that does justice to the ‘80s hit.

Although Amethyst was released as an import years ago, it’s more easily accessible with this release, and fans of jazz fusion, strong vocal work and bouts of ambient, experimental ideas will be thrilled.

Travels well with: Oz Noy- Who Gives A Funk; Sara Marlowe- True Stories