Ken Whiteley

Unseen Hands

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Unseen Hands

The is the 35th album by the multi-faceted, award winning artist Ken Whiteley, and it involves his 12 string guitar surrounding themes of the soil, sky and stars and where we all fit in it.

The warm strumming of “Hole In The Clouds” opens with Whiteley’s expressive voice guiding the harmonic climate, and it isn’t long until the poetic mood of “April In Paris” tugs on the heartstrings via the emotive accordion playing of Tom Szczesniak.

Landing in the middle, the scrappy drumming and meticulous guitar of “Fast Freight Train” offers a playful moment that also uses spirited harmonica courtesy of Roly Platt, while “Cosmic Course”, the best track, recruits Sundar Vishwanathan’s sax, Gord Mowatt’s string bass and Bucky Berger’s drums for the intimate and melodic, folk fueled delivery.

Close to the end, “Just So” is full of emotion and spiritual qualities, where Ben Whiteley’s cozy bass won’t go unnoticed, and “So We Sing” exits with Berger’s agile drums, conga and tambourine adding much richness to the rhythmic finish.

Whiteley’s craft has made him plenty of admirers, including children, gospel fans, and lovers of intelligent folk music, though anyone in tune with love, nature, and life will appreciate these organic and inspiring tunes.

Travels well with: John Dawson- Outlier; Evan Rotella- Last Train Home

María Dueñas

Paganini 24: Caprices

Deutsche Grammonphon, 2025

9/10

Listen to Paganini 24: Caprices

The esteemed violinist María Dueñas fleshes out Paganini’s remarkable 24 Caprices, plus additional works by Berlioz, Cervelló, Kreisler, Saint-Saëns, Sarasate and Wieniawski across these 2 discs.

The first disc belongs to “24 Caprices for Solo Violin, op. 1, nos. 1-20”, where Dueñas’ playing is stunning, intricate and is capable of quick flashes as well as soft beauty that radiates much heartfelt song craft.

Disc 2 leads with “24 Caprices for Solo Violin, op. 1, nos. 21-24”, where a gentle climate unfolds with poeticism but ends up in rich, dynamic areas thanks to Dueñas’ agile fingers.

Further into the back half, “Sarasate: Caprice basque, Op. 24” welcomes firm and upbeat keys from Itamar Golan that suit the bright strings, while “Berlioz: Rêverie et caprice, op. 8” recruits the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin and Mihhail Gerts for the rich and layered album highlight that emits melodic and soaring gestures.

“Saint-Saëns: Introduction et rondo capriccioso, Op. 28” exits the record, and it’s an emotional 10 minutes of precise violin that builds into a cathartic finish.

A highly technical effort that embraces solo, chamber and orchestral settings, there’s a lot of color and intimacy to be absorbed via Dueñas’ inestimable playing.

Travels well with: Alice Sara Ott- John Field: Complete Nocturnes; Seong-Jin Cho- Ravel: The Complete Solo Piano Works

Quatuor Bozzini

Jürg Frey: String Quartets

Collection QB, 2025

9/10

Listen to Jürg Frey: String Quartets

Originally released in 2006, this reissue assembles the Swiss composer's first two quartets and other works, where Quatuor Bozzini’s inimitable strings illuminate the timeless vision.

“Streichquartett” leads with Nadia Francavilla’s and Clemens Markel’s violin’s radiating mystery and hypnotic ideas across the cinematic and occasionally plucked 11 minutes, and “(Unbetitelt) VI” follows with the rich bowing of the violins alongside Isabelle Bozzini’s well timed cello bouts.

The back half belongs to the 2 segments of “Zwei allerletze Sachelchen”, where atmospheric is key and dreaminess enters in ways that are cryptic and short lived, while “Streichquartett” exits with nearly 30 minutes of gentle waves of ambience that make great use of Stephanie Bozzini’s viola.

An often slow moving body of work, the Montreal quartet again impress us with their detail, as seemingly simple moments unfold with beauty, wonder and emotion that truly does justice to Frey’s work.

Travels well with: Quatuor Bozzini- Alexandre David: Photogrammes; Quatuor Bozzini/junctQin Keyboard Collective- Rebecca Bruton + Jason Doell: a root or mirror, blossom, madder, cracks; together

Nour Symon

Je suis calme et enragé·e

Ambiances Magnétiques, 2025

9/10

Listen to Je suis calme et enragé·e

These 6 tracks from Nour Symon showcase 4 vocalists who intone the music in chorus, plus 2 instrumental soloists from Collectif Ad Lib as well as by 6 instrumentalists from Ensemble SuperMusique.

“Nous étions masques, miracles, empêtrées dans l’enthousiasme” begins with a droning backdrop amid many voices that talk and sing, while the brief bouts of music is used sparsely, and “J’espère être absoute” follows with both dramatic and gentler moments, where strings are manipulated with much atmosphere.

“Affalée sur le sol” occupies the middle spot and is firm, nearly harsh, in its tense and emotive presence that employs guttural vocals, though it’s the 12 minutes of the highly experimental and ambient “Ils ont dit que le ciel se couvrirait d’aiguilles” that’s worth the price of admission, as voices are used like instruments and instruments are gestured with sci-fi tendencies.

“Il n’y a rien à dire sur l’humanité” exits the listen, and it’s a harmonic and percussively strong finish that builds into dense layers of strings, brass and winds.

A truly iconoclastic affair that embraces noise, poeticism, jazz and chamber nods, Nour Symon’s vision is entirely their own, and that’s a big part of the appeal.

Travels well with: Quatuor Bozzini/junctQin Keyboard Collective- Rebecca Bruton + Jason Doell: a root or mirror, blossom, madder, cracks; together; Nicola Miller- Living Things

Gabríel Ólafs

Polar

Decca, 2025

10/10

Listen to Polar

The 26-year-old Icelandic composer, Gabríel Ólafs, returns with a 6th album, where science fiction ideas enter the soundtrack to a frozen world.

The aptly titled “Entrance” opens with much beauty populating the mesmerizing and pretty tonality, and “Whale Overture” follows with a rhythmic mood that recruits Hera Hilmar’s chilling spoken word amid elegant strings.

In the middle, “The Winds” flows with sublime orchestral ideas that are comforting and elegant, while “Whale Variation” showcases mature piano alongside a heartfelt presence that instills awe and wonder.

“Elegy” arrives close to the end and builds into a powerful and emotive album highlight of dynamic strings and gentle melodies, and “The True Meaning Of Forever” unfolds with waves of grace and beauty that are thoughtful, stirring and cinematic.

Ólafs employs cello, lap steel, and pedal steel guitars and takes influence from video games for a complex, classical affair that benefits from New York Times-bestselling speculative fiction author Rebecca Roanhorse, who was brought on to write the original story Polar, which is nothing short of captivating.

Travels well with: Alice Sara Ott- John Field: Complete Nocturnes; Ray Chen- Player 1

Manuel Bienvenu

oh do we

Microcultures, 2025

9/10

Listen to oh do we

The French artist Manuel Bienvenu returns with 9 quirky and poetic tracks that blends pop and jazz alongside his unmistakable wit.

“Combini” opens with the warm keys and crisp drums complementing the soulful singing, and “Minortom” follows with dreamy winds amid fluid guitar playing that’s melodic and playful.

Landing in the middle, the intimate “Dissipation” recruits layered vocals that suits the frisky vibes, while “Here Comes” is a cozy, folk strummer that’s got plenty of beauty and grace in its timeless presence.

Close to the end, “Nureta Bara”, the album’s best, is a busy and cultured moment of rhythmic percussion and expressive singing, and “Sun Quiet” exits with jazz and rock nods sprinkled into the stylish and worldly song craft.

A poetic and clever effort that hints at British humor, irony, and subtle lyricism, Bienvenu’s vision is one of charm, adventurousness and creativity.

Travels well with: Gustavo Cortiñas- The Crisis Knows No Borders; Gils Levelt- Playground

Don Amero

Broken Record

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Broken Record

The JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter Don Amero treats us to 6 songs of his heartfelt and relatable craft and country spirited vision.

The warm “What Were You Thinking” starts with Amero’s soft voice alongside gentle keys and cozy guitar, and “Break The Glass” follows with thumping drums and attention to mood via the poetic storytelling and powerful singing.

The middle tracks belong to “Spare Change” and “Tangled”. The former uses fluid banjo alongside Amero’s touching voice, while the latter is a pretty and intimate moment thanks to the gentle acoustic guitar and flawless signing. The last track, “I Just Want To Talk”, employs strings, keys and Amero’s gripping voice with plenty of emotion.

A lush, harmonic and rootsy effort, Amero is joined by cellist Gideon Klein; guitarist/Dobro player Sam Hunter; bassist John Dymond; drummer/percussionist Gary Craig; Joe Ernewein on pedal steel; string arranger Drew Jurecka; and keyboardist/producer Douglas Romanow. Together, they make for a timeless and touching effort.

Travels well with: Mark Schirmacher- Losing Things; Domenic Cicala- As Good As It Gets

Amy Irving

Always Will Be

Queen Of The Castle Records/Missing Piece, 2025

9/10

Listen to Always Will Be

The actress Amy Irving fleshes out songs by her pal, Willie Nelson, where plenty of guests help illuminate the emotive landscape.

The soulful and harmonic “It’s A Dream Come True” opens with Lizzie No’s expressive pipes drawing us in, and “Yesterday’s Wine” follows with Goolis’ frisky voice complementing the playful and bright climate.

Landing in the middle, the brisk pace of the scrappy“If You Want Me To Love You I Will” brings a blast of alt-rock, while Steve Earle’s gritty presence joins in for the intimate “I Wish I Didn’t Love You So”, which is a cozy moment that’s piano driven.

Landing close to the end, “Always Will Be” enlists Amy Helm’s pretty and heartfelt folk ideas to the melodic delivery, and Nelson himself is in attendance for the last tune, “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground”, where strings, brass and much elegance surround the dreamy and emotive finish.

A very diverse sophomore album with incredible musicianship, Irving puts an inimitable spin on some already great songs, and it makes for a record with something for everyone.

Travels well with: Hannah Gill- Spooky Jazz Vol. 2; Steve Earle & The Dukes- Ghosts Of West Virginia

Mark Fredson

Company Man

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Company Man

The Washington native Mark Fredson has a long history with songwriting and even landed a record deal in high school. These days he’s floating around pop and rock, and these 10 well thought out tracks surround ideas about growing up with still embracing the chaotic beauty of youth.

The title track opens with warm keys and playful percussive ideas, as Fredson’s smooth pipes emit much grace in an ‘80s friendly climate, and “Just As God Intended!” follows with a frisky dreaminess, where the rich instrumentation makes for a lush moment.

In the middle, “Love You So Bad” comes with a soulfulness and thumping drums that suit the lively bass, while “Me And Sarah” is a bit hazy and textured with grace amid the stirring strings.

“Desperate Measures” and “That’s That” exit the listen. The former comes with a darker appeal that uses meticulous guitar and builds into quicker bouts, and the latter exits via intimacy, melody and fluid musicianship that’s heartfelt.

Now a Nashville resident, Fredson’s vision might bring to mind Tom Petty, HAIM or Warren Zevon, and he brings a lifetime of experience to classic rock, indie pop, and soft rock that emits much timelessness.

Travels well with: Freddy Trujillo- I Never Threw A Shadow At It; Steve Drizos- I Love You Now Leave Me Alone

Libby Larsen/Reinaldo Moya/Katherine Bergman

Here At The River

Navona, 2025

8/10

Listen to Here At The River

The Winona Symphony Orchestra and conductor Erik Rohde come together for these songs about the immense amount of natural wonder to be found in Minnesota.

Larsen’s “Raspberry Island Dreaming” leads with Clara Osowski’s stunning mezzo-soprano guiding the orchestra’s powerful and detailed interaction, and “Minnesota Suite”, by Moya, follows with dramatic moments that are also poetic and rich with grace.

On the back half, “Superior”, by Bergman, comes with a darker presence that’s cinematic and intimate, while “Emergency Haying” exits with 21+ minutes of busy bouts and rich interaction, where Alan Dunbar’s stunning bass baritone won’t go unappreciated.

An effort that captures the splendor of the Land Of 10,000 Lakes, there’s much beauty to absorb, much like Minnesota.

Travels well with: David Owens- Sky Legends: The Music Of David Owens; Scott Brickman- Baltic Sketches

Phil Haynes

Transition(s)

Corner Store Jazz, 2025

8/10

Listen to Transition(s)

It’s been a busy year for Phil Haynes, and this 2nd album of 2025 has the drummer joined by Ben Monder’s guitar for the creative, jazz inspired 13 tracks.

“Ben I” leads with a climate of mystery, where waves of ambience flow with intrigue, and “Untitled” follows with a cinematic simmering of shuffling sounds surrounded by a haze of electric guitar.

The title track lands closer to the middle, and showcases Haynes’ meticulous drumming amid the intricate guitar via more rock focused sounds, while “Phil III” is a quick bout of improvised and playful meandering.

Landing close to the end, “‘Too Easily” blends the warm guitar with frisky drumming that’s melodic, and “Epilogue” exits with a gentle, nearly post-rock demeanor that’s rich, reflective and engaging.

Haynes’ works is as memorable as it is prolific (he actually released 3 albums in 2025), and this ambient and avant-garde experience is both stylish and innovative.

Travels well with: Phil Haynes- Return To Electric; Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio- Dream A Dream

Sebastian Currie/Trevor Weston

Deep-Sky Objects/Stars

Navona, 2025

9/10

Listen to Deep-Sky Objects/Stars

The composers Sebastian Currier and Trevor Weston enlist the vocals of Karol Bennett and the many musicians of Musiqa for these 2 involved chamber pieces that explore themes of outer space.

Currie’s “Deep-Sky Objects” opens with Bennett’s soaring soprano and the precise strings from Maureen Nelson (violin), Lisa Burrell (violin), James Dunham (viola) and Lachezar Kostov (cello) that flow alongside the strategic background, sci-fi sounds and Tali Morgulis’ well timed piano.

Weston’s “Stars” occupies the back half and employs Amanda Galick’s flute, Maiko Sasaki’s clarinet, Laura Bleakley’s piano, Jackson Guillen’s violin and Mayara Velasquez’s cello. Bennett’s lovely pipes guide the 5 chapters, as plenty of beauty and cautious exploration mesmerizes us.

A truly remarkable listen, the lyrics from Sarah Manguso’s poetry, attentiveness to the great Romantic song cycles and electronic manipulation suits the intergalactic mood with unparalleled creativity and timelessness.

Travels well with: Marcus Eley- That’s A Different Groove; Toivo Tulev- Dawn, Almost Dawn

No Hay Bando/Steven Kazuo Takasugi/ Huei Lin

Il Teatro Rosso

No Hay Discos, 2025

9/10

Listen to Il Teatro Rosso

Now nearly a decade old, Montreal’s No Hay Banda have evolved from a trio into an ensemble that’s steeped in adventurous and experimental ideas via their modern compositons.

“Scene 1: The Red Theater” starts this new record with detailed attention to atmosphere, where Daniel Áñez’s unpredictable keys are met with plenty of ambient noises that sometimes seems like ‘found objects”, and “Scene II: The Spasms Of Trapped Animals” follows with more emphasis on Geneviève Liboiron’s strategically plucked violin amid the ambience.

“Scene IV”: Tar Pits” lands in the middle and blurs Felix Del Tredici’s animated trombone alongside the percussive gestures, while “Scene V: The Drowning” uses Sarah Albu’s soprano like an instrument and complements the cinematic bouts.

“Scene VII: Grumpy Old Man” exits, and it’s a glitchy, somewhat ominous finish of artistic and intriguing sound manipulation.

A body of work that took 3 years to develop, this single work by the Los Angeles native Steven Takasug recruits acoustic and electronic bouts and also spotlights Noam Bierstone’s percussion, Lori Freedman’s bass clarinet and Émilie Girard-Charest’s cello, which only adds to the unconventional experience.

Travels well with: Nick Storring- Mirante; Alfredo Santa Ana- Before The World Sleeps

Alex Paxton

Delicious

New Amsterdam, 2025

9/10

Listen to Delicious

The inimitable London composer and trombonist, Alex Paxton, brings a wealth of ideas and instruments to these 13 adventurous tracks, where plenty of color and melody are present.

The highly atmospheric “Touching Sweetly” starts with Ensemble Modern and Impulse Graz’s animated winds and unpredictable percussive sounds making for a colorful and dynamic climate, and “Scrunchy Munchy” follows with the Nouvel Ensemble Contemporain (NEC) and Riot Ensemble making for a busy and textured version of atypical jazz sounds.

The middle tracks are fleshed out by the Explore Ensemble, where “Justgum Friends” showcases swift keys and wordless vocals via the unusual, avant-garde melodies, while “Mouldy Moany Snog Drip” is a bit calmer, but no less intriguing via the layered voices.

Close to the end, “Flowery Preserve String Mulch Dress Dump” quivers with beauty and blurriness alongside an emotive presence, and “Levels Of Affection” exit with vivid horns, playful percussion and charming harmonics.

An electro-acoustic adventure that’s never short on classical, experimental and improvisation bouts, Paxton’s vision is illuminated with samples, electronic prowess, and orchestral stabs that mesmerize.

Travels well with: Owls- Rare Birds; Adam Tendler- Inheritances

St. Catherine's Child

This Might Affect You

Shamus, 2025

9/10

Listen to This Might Affect You

The recording moniker of Ilana Zsigmond, as St. Catherine’s Child the transatlantic musician recruits plenty of musicians for this well thought out debut.

The first track, “The Stranger”, allows for Zsigmond’s expressive voice to mesmerize us alongside Dave Ormsby’s gentle drumming in a calm, intimate climate, and “The Other Side Of Twenty Five” follows with Joe Smithson’s warm electric guitar helping illuminate the smooth vocals via the rich delivery.

Further along, “Leave A Light On” uses cozy acoustic guitar and poetic singing thanks to the folk friendly mood, while “Flaming June” recruits Tom Ashbrook’s emotive piano playing that suits Zsigmond’s stirring pipes amid much cautiousness.

Deeper still, the violins, viola and cello of “I’m Not Ready Yet” help make this the album’s best, as Danny Miller’s precise bass complements the melodic atmosphere, and “I Guess That’s What Dying Will Do” exits with a heartfelt and emotional display of forthright song craft.

An effort that turns personal tragedy into timeless art, Zsigmond’s eloquent storytelling and vulnerability is met with a touching folk presence and various influences that draws us in from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Sofia Härdig- Lighthouse Of Glass; Mariam The Believer- Breathing Techniques

Phil Haynes

Return To Electric

Corner Store Jazz, 2025

9/10

Listen to Return To Electric

The drummer and composer Phil Haynes embraces the future and past with these 13 unclassifiable tunes that welcome Steve Salerno and Drew Gress.

“Crystal Silence” opens with Gress’ playfully plucked bass, as Salerno’s dreamy guitar enters the soft climate, and “Spectrum” follows plenty of rock gestures, where Hayne’s thumping drums align with the soaring guitar.

Further along, “Spell” recruits plenty of rhythm via the trio’s meticulous grooves, while “Cycle” is a more artistic moment that’s gentle, unpredictable and even intimate.

Closer to the end, “Some Sick Slick” wanders with intrigue, where the meticulous guitar, frisky drums and well timed bass interact playfully, and “Paraphernalia” exits with 7+ minutes of a busy and animated bout of free jazz dynamics.

A fusion album of massive creativity, the 3 musicians possess a chemistry that’s rare, and the songs unfold with edgy and ‘60s nods that you can’t not admire.

Travels well with: Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio- Dream A Dream; Ingrid Laubrock- Purposing The Air

Nick Storring

Mirante

We Are Busy Bodies, 2025

9/10

Listen to Mirante

The Toronto artist Nick Storring returns with a 9th album, where he pays tribute to Brazil that’s strong on percussion and rhythm.

The ambient and soothing “Roxa I” leads and builds into waves of cinematic, rhythmic gestures, and “Roxa II” follows with spare percussion and bouts of sci-fi exploration amid the atypical melodies.

The middle tracks belong to “Falta de Ar” and “Parque Tingui”. The former carries a beat and thumps with a nearly tribal mood, while “Parque Tingui” radiates with bright tonality and colorful exploration.

“Terra de Garoa” lands close to the end and carries some funk flavor and no lack of grooves that welcomes mandola, mandocello and bass, and “Roxa III” exits with an artistic intimacy and sonic intrigue that’s heartfelt.

A highly creative affair that recruits field recordings and traditional instrumentation, Storring’s vision is one of grace, adventurousness and cultural significance that even incorporates beatboxing and bamboo saxophone.

Travels well with: India Gailey- Butterfly Lightning Shakes The Earth; Alfredo Santa Ana- Before The World Sleeps

Hank Stone

Pie For Breakfast

Paradiddle, 2025

9/10

Listen to Pie For Breakfast

The New York guitarist and harmonica player Hank Stone returns with his 4th album, where he treats us to 15 originals that are as diverse as they are timeless.

“Moon’s Gonna Rise” opens with Stone’s expressive voice alongside crisp drums and well timed dobro and accordion making an impression, and the title track follows with Toby Walker’s playful guitar that suits the warm and rootsy delivery.

Further along, “Dark Side Of The Mind” comes with eloquent storytelling and a soulfulness that’s plenty intimate, too, while “Gray Day” offers introspection and a rare beauty that’s even dreamy at some points.

Deeper still, the cozy, folky spirit of “November Rose” recruits a heartfelt love song that invites singing along, and “The Sun Rose Right Out Of The Sea” exits with meticulous guitar and lush, organic musicianship that’s also a bit jangly.

An album that’s full of sincerity, relatable themes and nods to folk, singer-songwriter sounds, roots and Americana, Stone’s vision is one that will be relevant for decades and sure is easy to appreciate.

Travels well with: C. Daniel Boling- It Matters; Eric Schmitt- Wait For The Night

Deb Bowman

Reflection

Mama Bama, 2025

9/10

Listen to Reflection

The actress and vocalist Deb Bowman has a diverse resume that includes plenty of different sounds, and these 9 tracks welcome plenty of guests for the timeless jazz occasion.

“Send In The Clowns” opens with Bowman’s soaring voice alongside Jakubu Griffin’s precise drums and Dean Fransen’s elegant keys, and “Moon River” follows with Tim Aucoin’s cozy bass that suits the graceful and gorgeous singing.

“This Girl’s In Love With You” lands in the middle and uses Tom McCaffrey’s strategic guitar amid the powerful pipes, while “He Was Too Good To Me” is an intimate moment of emotive keys and heartfelt singing that tugs on the heartstrings.

Close to the end, “‘Til There Was You” benefits much from Jared Lanham’s calm drumming and Marla Feeney’s playful winds, and “Baby Mine” exits with Bowman’s expressive pipes complementing the gentle instrumentation.

Bowman’s delivery is exceptional, and the sparing but effective contributions from Kurt Bacher’s wind, Bruce Harris’ trumpet, Rashaan Salaam’s trombone and Jim Donica’s bass help make an indeed reflective effortt.

Travels well with: Ellie Martin- Morning Glories; Elaine Dame- Reminiscing

Missingno.

808-Bit Music

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to 808-Bit Music

A debut album that’s tagged as ‘8-bit chiptune hip-hop’, this Texas raised artist whose name references Pokemon brings a heavy ‘80s influence that even samples various video games.

“Fanfare” gets the listen off to an eclectic start with a soulful hip-hop approach, and “Crystal Castle” follows with buzzing synth in a dreamy affair with an interesting manipulation of electro-pop ideas.

The rest of the album is equally adventurous, with the ultra-melodic and quirky pop of “Los Shambeles”, while the stylish “TX.RR” recruits a dense beat to a dance friendly tune.

Near the end “The End” finds the listen entering a darker territory that’s no less impactful while taking on a cinematic quality, and “Genesis” exits the listen with playful keys and expressive vocals that touch on R&B.

An ideal listen for fans of both hip-hip and Nintendo, Missingno. finds a charming niche with his ‘chip-hop’ prowess that’s easy to embrace and hard to forget.

Travels well with: Tyler The Creator- Wolf; Groundislava- Frozen Throne