The King James Boys

Get A Transfer

Pinecastle, 2025

9/10

Listen to Get A Transfer

The bluegrass gospel luminaries The King James Boys return with their signature harmonies, swift string interaction and powerful messages of faith and hope via these 8 detailed tracks.

The soaring and emotive “Glory Ride” begins with Curtis Lewis playful banjo complementing the smooth harmonies, and “The Best Selling Book Of All Time” follows with Cole Spencer’s strategic bass suiting the rich intimacy that surrounds the Bible.

“Power Of Prayer” and “Everything Heaven Won’t Be” land in the middle. The former allows for Randy Spencer’s guitar and voice that tugs on the heartstrings, while the latter showcases Will Hart’s animated mandolin alongside the vivid storytelling.

Near to the end, “Ready And Waiting” allows for all the player’s inimitable talents to shine in the dynamic and driving album highlight, and the title track exits with the lightning quick banjo and plucked bass amid lush harmonies.

The songs are penned by some of the best of the genre and the execution is flawless, where the band’s well received bluegrass gospel makes an indelible impression.

Travels well with: Troy Engle- Back Home; Wilson Banjo Co.- Memory Lane

Kinan Azmeh and CityBand

Live In Berlin

Dreyer Gaido, 2025

9/10

Listen to Live In Berlin

The Arab-jazz quartet Kinan Azmeh CityBand flesh out a live album that’s dedicated to the people of Syria, where the wind, guitars and drums interact with a worldly and energetic version of fusion.

“The Queen Commanded” opens with Azmeh’s soothing clarinet amid soft guitar from Kyle Sanna in the warm and intimate climate, and “The Translator” follows with John Hadfield’s playful drumming and strong attention to mood across the nearly 6 minutes of melodic gestures.

“Jisreen” and “Dance” land in the middle. The former highlights the dreamy guitar alongside the poetic wind and much ambience, while the latter will indeed get your body moving to the frisky dynamics that benefit much from Josh Myer’s skilled bass lines. The last track, “Wedding”, is also intriguing, where a stylish execution builds into rhythmic patterns from the bass and drums, hypnotic bouts from the guitar and unpredictable clarinet.

The emotions of anger, frustration, sadness and hope are all represented here, as the quartet mesh classical, jazz and world music with a profound attention to detail.

Travels well with: Ruckus & Keir Gogwilt- The Edinburgh Rollick; ETHEL- Persist

The Mallett Brothers Band

Higher Up In The Hills

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Higher Up In The Hills

The Mallett Brothers have been at it for 15 years, and their warm brand of country, rock and folk sounds better than ever across these 14 gritty and melodic tracks.

The cozy and flowing spirit of “Nothin’s Working” begins with well timed fiddle and some fuller bouts of soaring rock, and “Edgartown” follows with a scrappy presence, where crisp drumming and rugged singing illuminates the country-rock.

Halfway through, “The Valley Reel” carries some bluegrass sensibilities thanks to the rootsy strings and bouncy bass lines, while “Bandits” swirls with a harmonic energy, as the dynamic rhythm section suits the driving guitars and powerful pipes.

Landing close to the end, “Wind And Snow” balances rawness and melody via the timeless folk rock and “Faster Than It Appears” exits with poetic intimacy that’s heartfelt and timeless.

The brothers Will and Luke Mallett, and Nick Leen (bass), Andrew Martell (fiddle, mandolin), and Brian Higgins (drums) never disappoint, and this installment of their rural Maine spirited songwriting is yet another first rate version of modern Americana.

Travels well with: Hudson Mueller- Welcome To Earth; Shawna Virago- Blood In Her Dreams

Anne Harris

I Feel It Once Again

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to I Feel It Once Again

The singer-songwriter and fiddle player Anne Harris brings us both originals and traditionals across this timeless record, where John Dymond and Jerry Roe, plus others, are in attendance.

“Opus In E Minor” starts the listen with Harris’ gripping fiddle in a solo climate, and “Can’t Find My Way” follows with Colin Linden’s dreamy guitars alongside Regina McCrary’s soulful singing amid much beauty.

At the halfway point, “Snowden’s Jig” pairs Harris’ meticulous strings and Linden’s rich guitar with hand clapping fun, while “I Feel It Once Again” benefits much from Roe’s strategic guitar alongside poetic singing and tremendous grace.

Arriving close to the end, “I Feel Alright” uses Harris’ plucked fiddle and expressive pipes that suit Linden’s strategic bass lines, and “Time Has Made A Change” exits with a stirring intimacy of gentle instrumentation and much care.

A very unique and authentic Americana effort, Harris and company recruit gospel nods, jangly moments and spiritual bouts for the heartfelt and creative experience.

Travels well with: Vanessa Collier- Do It My Own Way; Nora Brown And Stephanie Coleman- Lady Of The Lake

Love Unfold The Sun

Explode Yourself

Narumba, 2025

9/10

Listen to Exploded Yourself

This first album from New Mexico’s Love Unfold The Sun blends free jazz, Middle Eastern ideas and hard rock bouts into 10 really interesting songs.

“The Bite That Feeds” opens the listen with thick, rock gestures, where Dave Wayne’s skilled drumming suits the rugged climate, and “Delirium” follows with Mustafa Stefan Dill’s dense guitar amid the hard hitting rhythm section.

Halfway through, “Nightpath” finds itself in calmer areas, as Dan Pearlman’s flowing cornet makes an impression with Eastern nods, while “Rising” offers a dynamic and rich landscape of melodic and scrappy songwriting.

Residing close to the end, “Steppe Up” is a highly meticulous album highlight that makes great use of the dreamy oud alongside the layered delivery, and “Saba” exits with nearly 12 minutes of metal, prog, punk and jazz sensibilities that unfold with restraint and adventurousness.

The frontman, Dill, has overcome many health issues lately, and he’s channeled those triumphs into a fusion experience that embraces funk, grooves and world music that we can all appreciate.

Travels well with: Banning Eyre- Bare Songs Vol. 1; Arun Ramamurthy Trio- New Moon

Joveth

Lonely Boy

Voracious, 2025

8/10

Listen to Lonely Boy

The California artist and producer Joveth blends R&B, pop, EDM, rock and soul into these 6 personal and infectious tracks.

The title track opens with warm keys and colorful singing, as plenty of electronic ideas enter the soulful bursts, and “Say My Name” follows with a punchy and dance floor energy that’s melodic and busy.

In the middle, the dreamy “We’re Over” is a heartfelt moment of that’s full of rich EDM qualities, while “Burn It” embraces plenty of modern pop ideas in its upbeat and beat filled demeanor. The final track, “Money Can’t Buy Happiness”, then recruits chunky guitar and thumping drums amid the snappy and rhythmic exit.

A really well done EP, Joveth’s formula is raw but intricate, where the eclectic pop unfolds with catchiness and introspection.

Travels well with: Yahtzee Brown- You Got This; Brian Mackey- Good Morning Ireland

Ingrid Laubrock

Purposing The Air

Pyroclastic, 2025

9/10

Listen to Purposing The Air

The inventive composer Ingrid Laubrock enlists Fay Victor, Mariel Roberts, Sara Serpa, Matt Mitchell, Theo Bleckmann, Ben Monder, Rachel Calloway and Ari Streisfeld for this library of moods based on the poetry of Erica Hunt, plus 4 vocal-instrumental duos.

The early tracks feature Victor’s voice and Robert’s cello across 15 unpredictable segments, where “Koan 46” manipulates the strings in nearly sci-fi ways as Victor uses vocals like an instrument. Serpa and Mitchell’s contributions follows; Serpa’s higher register suits Mitchell’s colorful keys, as “Koan 49” showcases mesmerizing piano amid the striking singing.

Bleckmann and Monder are up next. Monder’s electric guitar is utilized in an iconoclastic fashion alongside Bleckmann’s unorthodox mouth acrobatics, while Calloway’s stunning soprano and Streisfeld’s meticulous violin interact playfully for the unconventional take on classical music of the remaining 15 chapters.

A really complex and sonically engaging experience. Laubrock’s vision is one of an experimental nature that flirts with jazz in ways that few others could parallel.

Travels well with: Patricia Brennan Septet- Breaking Stretch; Modney- Ascending Primes

Electric Blue Yonder

MicroPARTY

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Microparty

The Key West outfit Electric Blue Yonder bring their Alabama roots to this first album for kids and families, where 12 playful songs embrace their inimitable brand of psychedelia.

The upbeat title track opens the festivities with bouncy bass and well timed strings alongside Beth Hataway and Johnny Veres flowing voices, and “World Of Small” follows with warm vocal harmonies that thematically surrounds the microscopic world around us in a charming, educational delivery.

Closer to the middle, “Roly Poly” is a quirky, folk influenced moment that’s retro and a lot of fun, while “Lil’C” comes with grooves in a tune you’d swear you heard in a movie from decades ago.

Deeper still, “Bebop Bo Bobot The Robot” showcases fluid drumming and some space-rock ideas, and “Little Jack” exits with winds, strings and some Baroque nods via the eclectic finish.

A really diverse effort that can bring to mind legends like Neil Young, the B-52s or Peter, Paul and Mary, Hataway and Veres blend folk-rock, prog-rock and cosmic nods into an original and youthful experience.

Travels well with: Little Coyotes- Songs To Howl & Sing; Jenn Cleary- Dreamland

The Far Cry

Once There Was

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Once There Was

A Connecticut progressive outfit spearheaded by Jeff Brewer and Robert Hutchinson, as The Far Cry they touch on the ‘70s via these 4 lengthy and involved tracks.

“Unholy Waters” opens the listen with ambient sounds, before Brewer’s firm bass playing and Brendan Kinchla’s soaring guitar licks flow alongside Hutchinson’s complicated drumming and Chris Dabbo’s buzzing keys. At over 14 minutes, both busy bouts and calm moments are utilized, and “Crossing Pangea” follows with gentle ebbs of intimacy in between the rock fueled parts.

The back half includes the pretty keys of “The Following”, where Brewer’s flowing voice is met with dynamic instrumentation and plenty of melodic gestures, while the title track exits with 30+ minutes of cinematic qualities, spoken word, thick retro-rock and rhythmic interaction.

Both Brewer and Hutchinson were in Holding Pattern at one point in their lives, and that experience helps shape the exciting tempo shifts and atypical time signatures of this modern prog-rock that is quite detailed.

Travels well with: Pymlico- Supermassive; Castle Mountain Moon- Six Tales Of Perception

Charles 'Wigg' Walker

This Love Is Gonna Last

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to This Love Is Gonna Last

The veteran soul singer, Charles ‘Wigg’ Walker, returns with his first album in over 10 years, and it’s full of authentic R&B that surrounds love, trust and commitment.

The cozy title track opens with stirring strings and crisp drumming that suits Walker’s expressive pipes, and “Whatever It Is” follows with a lively spirit thanks to the bright brass and higher range from Walker.

Landing in the middle, “Midnight Rendezvous” is a stylish and intimate moment via the dreamy guitar and soulful singing, while “If I Had Known”, the album’s best, is a rich and powerful display of timeless R&B flavor.

“That Kind Of Love” and “ It’s About Trust” exit the listen. The former is an upbeat and melodic, romantic tune, and the latter is an emotive finish of heartfelt singing and soft musicianship.

Now in his 80’s, Walker’s talents clearly haven’t waned, and the influences from Philly and Detroit to Memphis and more are much appreciated and admired.

Travels well with: Bobby Blue Bland- His California Album; Ray Charles- Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music

Agender

Berserk

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Berserk

A Los Angeles post-punk outfit spearheaded by Romy Hoffman, this 3rd album from Agender brings us 10 raw and relevant songs with plenty of bite.

The scrappy and synth filled “Life Is Acid” opens with Hoffman’s swift vocals and a hint of ominousness, and “Damaged Girls” follows with Cristy Michel’s dense bass and Christy Greenwood’s thumping drums that carries a hypnotic mood.

Landing at the halfway point is the indeed dance floor ready “Dissonant Disco” that soars with plenty of ‘80s nods, while “Vacuums” is a bouncy and rhythmic album highlight that allows for Hoffman’s synth to complement the punk attitude.

Closer to the end, “Logo” is a thicker moment, where a swirling delivery and buzzing guitar flirts with fuzzed out alt-rock, and “I Need A Break From The U.S.A.” exits with plenty of disco-punk fun that’s as infectious as it is relative to the world today.

A record that examines hyper-information, capitalism, and self-improvement culture, Agender’s brand of schizo-synth-punk makes an indelible impression and is as insightful as it is rebellious.

Travels well with: The Wants- Bastard; Permafrost- The Light Coming Through

3 Cohens/WDR Big Band

Interaction

Anzic, 2025

9/10

Listen to Interaction

A really impressive cast consisting of Anat Cohen, Avishai Cohen and Yuval Cohen, plus Germany’s famed WDR Big Band, the 7 selections here are animated and precise.

“Shufla de Shufla” opens with Anat’s bright clarinet and Avishai’s lively trumpet amid the Big Band’s booming presence, and “Catch Of The Day (For A&M)” follows with Yuval’s flowing sax complementing the frisky mood that’s dynamic and melodic.

In the middle, the intimate spirit of “Naked Truth Pt. 2” trims the pace back with beauty and mystery, while “Festive Minor” blends the clarinet, trumpet and sax with much playfulness and sophistication.

The last track, “Footsteps & Smiles”, is also great, and comes with a dance floor presence that welcomes radiant solos and a very fun blending of brass, winds and the meticulous rhythm section.

The quality of the songs is just what you’d expect from the esteemed siblings, and the Big Band’s contributions are nothing short of exceptional across the superb performance.

Travels well with: Dave Stryker With Bob Mintzer And The WDR Big Band- Blue Soul; Anat Cohen- Quartetinho: Bloom

Marian Mastrorilli

Sea Salt And Sawdust

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Sea Salt And Sawdust

The singer-songwriter Marian Mastrorilli doesn’t shy away from melodies and harmonies across these moody and playful folk songs.

The soft yet upbeat “Begin” is indeed at the beginning, where both folk and rock ideas welcome warm piano, and “Cardinal In The Snow” follows with cozy balladry, where pretty singing is met with precise acoustic guitar.

“Beach Musings” and “Patience” land in the middle. The former recruits violin and cello alongside the quick climate, while the latter showcases a romantic spirit via the poetic singing and emotive guitar.

Landing close to the end, “A Shore Thing (My Jersey Shore)” touches on indie-rock ideas in a fuller moment of timeless songwriting, and “Angels (Angel In Transition)” exits with a sublime dreaminess that’s touching and even flirts with alt-country nods.

Mastrorilli’s formula is very diverse and at different points might bring to mind R.E.M., Billie Eilish, The Decemberists or Ben Folds, where each song resonates with timelessness and grace.

Travels well with: Jenny Burtis- Woodbird; Amy Speace- The American Dream

Rees Shad

Porcelain Angel

Shadville, 2025

8/10

Listen to Porcelain Angel

This 17th solo album from Rees Shad steps back into Americana and welcomes plenty of guests to the relevant and humble songs.

The cozy acoustic guitar of “Ain’t That Way” opens with vocals from Wanda Houston and Kemp Harris complementing Shad’s wise singing, and “Brighter Daze” follows with Doug Ford’s claps and Jeff Link’s skilled bass that suits the upbeat climate.

Landing in the middle, “Isn’t It A Lovely Day” benefits from Shad’s elegant piano and powerful singing, while the title track pairs the pretty guitar and expressive singing for a bare album highlight of timeless folk ideas.

Arriving close to the end, “Thumbing The Scales” recruits RB Stone’s spirited harmonica, as the setting builds into firmer songwriting, and “Your Last Straw” exits with a dreaminess thanks to Rick Ruskin’s graceful guitar and Natalia Zukerman’s touching lap steel.

Shad has his roots in Americana, and this is a memorable trip there with tender and relatable song craft that embraces blues, jazz and folk qualities that will certainly age well.

Travels well with: Tim Grimm- Bones Of Trees; Kim Beggs- Beneath Your Skin

Tim Grimm

Bones Of Trees

Vault, 2025

9/10

Listen to Bones Of Trees

The veteran artist Tim Grimm brings us 9 originals and 2 covers here, where his timeless folk vision takes help from friends in both America and the UK.

The slow balladry of “Up In The Attic” opens with Sergio Webb’s soft guitar and Beth Malcolm’s harmony vocals in the bare beauty, and “Gettin’ Older” follows with a warm groove that benefits from Nate Borofsky’s graceful keys that suit the vivid storytelling.

Moving close to the middle, “Hunting Shack” is a quicker moment of Cash influenced songwriting which showcases Jono Manson’s playful vocals and percussion, while “Bow And Arrow” allows for Webb’s graceful dobro and Alissa Branch’s pretty voice to complement Grimm’s authentic delivery.

“Broken Truth” and “Hadley’s Banjo” exit the listen. The former pairs the aching guitar and intimate keys with Grimm’s emotive pipes, and the latter recruits Webb’s banjo and Manson’s percussion via the minor-key ballad that uses spoken word.

Certainly an effort with a protest-song appeal, Grimm’s delivery is well thought out, insightful and, much like everything he’s done, resonates with a heartfelt and reflective personality.

Travels well with: Tim Grimm- Broken Truth; Tim Grimm- The Little-In Between

Hudson Mueller

Welcome To Earth

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Welcome To Earth

The Austin native and Brooklyn resident Hudson Mueller pens an impressive debut solo album here, where inspiration from Willie Nelson and Kurt Vonnegut makes for timeless songwriting.

The strong atmosphere of “Money Vs. Fame” opens the listen with Roy Williams’ aching pedal steel and Alex Hargreaves’ well timed fiddle in the cautious yet rootsy climate where Mueller’s storytelling is a bit haunting, and “Maintain” follows with spirited harmonica and Jeff Barton’s crisp drums alongside a breezy spirit.

In the middle, “Pull Up A Chair” benefits from flowing piano and Quinn McCarthy’s precise bass amid Mueller’s emotive pipes, while “Goodbye Blue Monday” is an intimate moment thanks to soulful ideas and grooves via Whitney Lockert’s slide guitar prowess.

“Quarantine Waltz” and “The Last Last One” exit the listen. The former allows for Mueller’s eloquent voice to shine, and the harmonies from Elysse and beccs don’t disappoint, either, and the latter is less than a minute but makes an impression with some warm folk qualities.

A heartfelt and poetic first album, Mueller knows his way around a folk, Americana and country tinted song you won’t soon forget, and let’s hope more work is on the horizon soon.

Travels well with: Mike Montrey Band- Love, Time & Mortality; Mac Leapheart- Motel Breakfast

Bianca Rossini

I’ve Been Alone

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to I’ve Been Alone

The Brazilian singer, songwriter, and actress Bianca Rossini surrounds themes of loneliness, betrayal, and self-love across these 10 elegant tracks.

The gentle and intimate title track opens with Eliezers Alves’ calm string arrangements and Ricardo Rito’s elegant piano that emits much warmth, and “I Have Waited Like A Fool” follows with Peter Roberts’ rich percussion that suits the colorful singing from Rossini’s very capable pipes via the dreaminess.

“Do You Remember?” and “We Made A Promise” land in the middle. The former benefits much from Elberton Paixao’s fluid drumming amid cultured melodies and plenty of pop appeal, while the latter soars high thanks to Roberts’ meticulous guitar and Rossini’s impressive range.

Landing close to the end, “Greatest Love” showcases Rossini’s cello arrangement alongside much sophistication, and “Christmas Night” exits with Sezin Turkmenoglu’s precise bass and Eduardo Ferreira’s touching piano playing, and, of course, Rossini’s flawless pipes.

A touching effort that’s timeless, Rossini’s storytelling draws us into the soulful and pop tinted songs that continue her worldly appeal.

Travels well with: Zoe Scott- Shades Of Love; Bianca Rossini- Kiss Of Brasil

Bianca Rossini

Kiss Of Brazil

BDM, 2025

8/10

Listen to Kiss Of Brazil

This 2011 album from the singer-songwriter Bianca Rossini brings plenty of Bossa Nova flavor to the sensual and cultured songs that might remind you of Antônio Carlos Jobim or João Gilberto.

The elegant and warm “Ipanema Paraiso” opens with soft keys and cozy sax alongside Rossini’s pretty and playful singing, and “O Tempo vai Contar” follows with fluid percussion and dreamy keys that suit the heartfelt vocals.

Halfway through, the lively climate of “Verdadeiro Amor” will get you on the dance floor thanks to its cultured melodies and rich guitar playing, while “Circular” places much emphasis on drumming amid the upbeat vibes and Rossini’s breathy pipes.

Landing close to the end, “Primeiro de Dezembro” is a highly intimate moment via the poetic singing and gentle instrumentation, and “Corazón de Oro” exits with a frisky demeanor that’s got plenty of grooves, too.

An album that sure has aged well, Rossini’s vision illuminates the spirit of Brazil with no lack of pop, jazz and Bossa Nova gestures.

Travels well with: Zoe Scott- Shades of Love; Bianca Rossini- I’ve Been Alone

Red Camel Collective

Red Camel Collective

Pinecastle, 2025

8/10

Listen to Red Camel Collective

The debut album from a bluegrass outfit who honor tradition but also bring creativity to the table, Red Camel Collective present both originals and covers for the collaborative and timeless 10 tracks.

The swift and harmonic “Roll On Mississippi” opens with Heather Berry Mabe’s soaring voice alongside Johnathan Dillon’s quick mandolin amid much energy, and “In Spite Of Me” follows with Tony Mabe’s fluid banjo and Jeff Partin’s animated dobro helping illustrate rootsy warmth.

Landing in the middle, “Leavin’ You And Mobile Too” benefits much from Curt Love’s precise bass and Dillon’s expressive lead vocals, while “All I Need” is an intimate moment of sublime beauty via Stephen Burwell’s eloquent fiddle and the poetic singing from Mabe.

Close to the end, “Half Way Down” blends the banjo, mandolin, bass, dobro and Mabe’s harmony vocals and guitar with a timeless bluegrass template that’s meticulous and memorable, and “Last Time I Saw Him” exits with harmony vocals from Sharon White and Suzanne Cox that complements the rich, heartfelt musicianship.

An excellent starting point for the outfit, the powerful vocals and first rate playing ensures a pleasant listening experience for anyone interested in bluegrass.

Travels well with: Troy Engle- Back Home; Wilson Banjo Co.- Memory Lane

Mike Jacoby

Long Beach Calling

Self-Released, 2019

9/10

Listen to Long Beach Calling

And the winner for Best Cover Art Of The Year goes to Mike Jacoby, and, thankfully, the multi-instrumentalist can pen a tune you won’t forget anytime soon, too, as evidenced on this Americana influenced version of the classic album by The Clash.

The title track starts the listen with a raw energy not unlike Strummer and company, where swift strumming and melodic vocals flow with a timeless spirit, and “Here And Now” follows with a bouncy setting that just sounds like Southern California.

Near the middle, “Your Love Song” offers a country influenced, dance friendly affair, while “Know Right Away” has Jacoby channeling his inner Tom Petty with soulfulness and grace.

Deeper cuts gift us the more sparse “BBQ Pit”, and “Play Like Richards” puts a classic rock spin on the romper as raw guitar licks punctuate the mood. “Long Live The King” ends the formal record with a cautious exit before a bonus tune shows up 14 seconds after the album, a technique utilized by some of the legends that inspire Jacoby.

Previously a member in the long running outfit Haymaker, on this 3rd solo album Jacoby brings a varied, highly skilled and rugged rock’n’roll approach to his humble, sometimes humorous and always adventurous tunes that resonate long and far.

Travels well with: Todd Snider-Cash Cabin Sessions Vol. 3; The Rolling Stones- Some Girls