Austin Wulliman

Escape Rites

Sono Luminus, 2025

9/10

Listen to Escape Rites

The violinist, educator and composer Austin Wulliman is a member of the esteemed JACK Quartet, and here he presents 7 avant-garde and classically influenced tunes that defy convention.

The quivering strings of “Late Edition” begins the listen with Wulliman and Christopher Otto’s rich violins alongside John Pickford Richards’ well timed viola, and “Lost One” follows with 10 minutes of mysterious gestures that benefit from Jay Campbell’s atmospheric cello amid the mesmerizing violins and viola.

“Escape Rites” arrives in the middle and emits a rare intimacy via the cinematic bouts and ambient interactions, while “Live News” unfolds across 3 segments that can be tense, droning and abstract in its unique demeanor.

“Totem Ancestor” exits, and it’s an animated finish that’s melodic, rhythmic and presents firm strings thanks to the quartet’s inimitable chemistry.

This is Wulliman’s 2nd album of original songs, and it’s a sonically engaging, polyrhythmic friendly and complicated mix of timbral manipulations that puts an atypical spin on classical nods.

Travels well with: Rachel Yonan- Kiss On Wood; Peter Scott Lewis- Pacific Triptych

Stephen Hough

Piano Concerto, Sonatina & Partita

Hyperion, 2025

8/10

Listen to Piano Concerto, Sonatina & Partita

The inimitable pianist Stephen Hough presents us a world premiere recording of his first Piano Concerto, "The World of Yesterday," which is fleshed out with The Hallé and conducted by Sir Mark Elder, plus the solo setting of 2 other selections.

The 3 detailed segments of “The World Of Yesterday” leads with the soft winds and elegant strings that suit Hough’s bright and melodic key progressions, which that flow in and out of tense and cinematic bouts.

The middle track belongs to the meticulous gestures of “Sonatina Nostalgica”, where intimacy and poeticism are present in spades, while “Paritita” is full of firm keys and dizzying dynamics that few others could replicate.

All the tracks present were penned within 5 years of each other, illustrate nostalgia while illuminating musical motifs of the past, and continue Hough’s position as a respected figure of chamber, choral and, above all, solo piano music.

Travels well with: Cavatina Duo- River Of Fire; Shawn E Okpebholo- Songs In Flight

Reed Turchi

World On Fire

Xenon, 2025

8/10

Listen to World On Fire

The North Carolina native and current Brooklyn resident Reed Turchi has been through the ringer since his last album, and here he revisits his affinity for North Mississippi Hill Country blues with an excellent backing back present.

“Walk With Me” begins with Seth Barden’s plucked bass complementing Turchi’s expressive voice and mesmerizing guitar in the soft opener, and “When You’ve Got A Good Friend” follows with some bluesy spirit via the meticulous guitar and poetic vocals.

“Lay My Burden Down” and “Don’t Leave Me Baby” land in the middle. The former showcases Joseph Yount’s delicate drums amid the breathy singing, while the latter benefits from Eric Burns’ emotive guitar that suits the intimate album highlight.

Landing near the end, “Someday Baby” blends the dreamy rhythm section with Turchi’s inimitably soothing delivery, and the quick “Reprise” exits with intricate guitar, crisp drums and strategic bass for the rhythmic finish.

Turchi’s last few years have involved illness, divorce, and a cross-country move, and he’s managed to turn all those circumstances into raw and haunting song craft that was fleshed out live over two nights without any edits or overdubs and uses Americana, roots, blues and folk ideas with much care.

Travels well with: Reed Turchi- I’ve Chosen Love; Ryan Lee Crosby- Winter Hill Blues

Michael Waldrop

Native Son

Origin, 2025

9/10

Listen to Native Son

The inestimable drummer Michael Waldrop is aligned with some excellent company, as Vasil Hadžimanov and Martin Gjakonovski accompany him across 8 cultured tracks, where Brad Dutz, Jose Rossy and Chris Symer are also in attendance.

The title track leads with Waldrop’s precise drumming amid Dutz’s lively percussion and Hadžimanov’s pretty key progressions that add much melody, and “Vasconcelos” follows with Gjakonovski’s meticulous bass that suits the flowing interaction of the keys and drums which also allows for Rossy’s lively percussion.

Landing in the middle, “El Vino” is full of intricate piano and dense drumming, while “Bitter End”, the best track, offers an animated landscape of rhythmic nods and colorful piano.

“Still Life” and “Wrong Blues” exit the listen. The former is an elegant moment of intimacy and exploration, and the latter is sublimely emotive, harmonically charming and radiant with timeless jazz qualities.

Both Afro-Cuban influences and Middle Eastern percussion will be enjoyed here, as Waldrop and company flesh out both balladry and energetic selections that will resonate worldwide.

Travels well with: Medler Sextet- River Paths; Ben Markley- Tell The Truth

Jordan VanHemert

Survival Of The Fittest

Origin, 2025

9/10

Listen to Survival Of The Fittest

The always exciting saxophonist Jordan VanHemert is joined by Terell Stafford, Michael Dease, Helen Sung, Rodney Whitaker and Lewis Nash for these 9 rich and colorful jazz tracks.

The textured and melodic “Here And Now” starts with Stafford’s soulful trumpet amid Sung’s mature keys and Nash’s light drumming, and “Tread Lightly” follows with scrappy drums and Whitaker’s playful bass that suit VanHemert’s bright sax bouts.

Landing the middle is “Softly As In A Morning Sunrise” and “Sea Of Tranquility”. The former is a quick moment guided by the meticulous sax that recruits punchy drums, while the latter emits a heartfelt intimacy via the soft keys and reflective wind.

Arriving near the end, “Mo’s Blues” benefits much from the plucked bass and animated trumpet, and the title track exits with a swift and dynamic display of inimitable skills from the players.

This is VanHemert’s 5th album as leader, and much like everything he’s been a part of, it’s full of harmonic, melodic and intelligent interaction that will always be relevant and appreciated.

Travels well with: Nancy Kelly- Be Cool; Medler Sextet- River Paths

Janie May

The Rules

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to The Rules

The Brooklyn Alt R&B artist Janie May pens 8 songs about the inauthenticity of today’s world, where interaction is often guided by social media.

The title track gets the listen started with much atmosphere, where May’s soulful singing is met with graceful keys and playful percussion, and “Transform” follows with expressive singing amid a stylish climate that’s got plenty of pop spirit.

Arriving at the midpoint, “If I Knew” places for emphasis on drumming amid the melodic and electro-pop bouts, while “Heal My Soul (HMS)” comes with an ominous quality via the ambience that leads into expressive singing and a cinematic backdrop.

“Not Alone” and “Together” exit the listen. The former carries an adventurous mood that’s dance floor ready and also very modern, and the latter finishes with beats and buzzing in its creative and engaging demeanor.

An often personal effort, May’s vision is one that embraces electronic pop, R&B and soul, where her Italian-Argentine heritage and classical background might bring to mind the Eurythmics or Lauryn Hill.

Travels well with: Ute Lemper- Pirate Jenny; Melbreeze- Amethyst

James Moody

80 Years Young: Live At The Blue Note March 26, 2005

Origin, 2025

8/10

Listen to 80 Years Young: Live At The Blue Note March 26, 2005

The inimitable flutist and tenor saxophone legend James Moody celebrated his 80th birthday in 2025 with these 8 lively tracks that welcome an excellent cast.

After a quick introduction by George Wein, “Benny’s From Heaven” starts the listen with Todd Coolman’s frisky bass plucking and Moody’s rich sax complementing Adam Nussbaum’s frisky drums, and “Cherokee” follows with David Hazeltine’s mature keys amid Moody’s dreamy flute for the intimate delivery.

Arriving in the middle, “Moody’s Mood For Love/The Television Rap” benefits from playful scatting and the firm rhythm section, while “Birks’ Works” recruits Jon Faddis’ lively trumpet and Slide Hampton’s well timed trombone via the lush album highlight.

Closer to the end, “Happy Birthday” is a really fun spin on the traditional with warm brass and winds, and “Ow” exits the physical version with Cedar Walton’s meticulous keys and Randy Brecker’s flugelhorn adding much to the powerful and timeless jazz that was always present during Moody’s lengthy career.

The digital version of this album comes with 4 more tracks that welcome other players (Roberta Gamberini and Satoshi Inoue), though the handful on the physical copy sure are great and illustrate Moody’s top notch playing. He would live another 5 years after this recording, but his 60+ year career will be enjoyed for decades to come.

Travels well with: Charlie Ballantine- East By Midwest; Rodney Whitaker- Mosaic

Laurie Berkner

Greatest Hits

Kidz Bop, 2025

8/10

Listen to Greatest Hits

Narrowing down a catalog as large as the much adored children’s musician Laurie Berkner is no easy task, but here we’re treated to 28 fan favorites that span more than a quarter of a century.

The dense keys and scrappy drumming of “We Are Dinosaurs” opens with Berkner’s always playful voice, and it isn’t long until “Rocketship Run” uses warm acoustic guitar and group vocals amid cozy melodies.

Closer to the middle, “I Know A Chicken” is a frisky moment of call and response singing that’s got some soul, while “The Airplane Song” uses animated percussion and plenty of jangly fun.

Residing close to the end, “Clean It Up” makes great use of bright brass that’s as infectious as it is timeless, and “Moon Moon Moon” exits with an A cappella climate that’s harmonic and pretty.

Whether this is your first time with Berkner or you’ve been following along for a while, you’re going to find plenty of family friendly topics to enjoy and diverse music to sing-along to.

Travels well with: Laurie Berkner- Victor Vito; Laurie Berkner- Buzz Buzz

ALO

Frames

Brushfire, 2025

8/10

Listen to Frames

The long running jam band, ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra), treat us to 10 new songs of their fusion ways, where few genres are off limits and Steve Adams, Zach Gill, Dan "Lebo" Lebowitz and Ezra Lipp are in fine form.

The warm and rich “Blank Canvas” begins with Lebowitz’s fluid guitar alongside Lipp’s agile drumming via the soft rock nods, and “Separated, Come Together” follows with a quicker approach, where Adam’s playful bass suits the melodic gestures.

Landing in the middle, the intimate “Rescue Our Demons” benefits much from Gill’s agile keys before turning into a scrappy album highlight, while “In The End” is full of meticulous guitar work and a frisky rhythm section that’s immediately infectious.

Arriving near the end, the slight buzzing of “Simple Sentimental Dream” unfolds with a breezy and rhythmic mood, and “Friends” exits with graceful keys, heartfelt storytelling and an emotive appeal that uses all the member’s vocals.

An effort that’s never short on retro ideas, ALO also flirt with alt-pop, R&B, folk, dance and funk via their always impressive eclectic vision that’s been consistently enjoyable since 1998.

Travels well with: Sean McConnell- Skin; Lucinda Williams- Sings The Beatles From Abbey Road

Stef.In

Icterus II

Barnyard, 2025

9/10

Listen to Icterus II

A Toronto outfit with a penchant for experimental ideas, stef.in bring us 8 rock songs that are never typical, where each selection runs a lineage entirely different from the previous tune.

“Three Wars” leads and makes an impression thanks to Stefan Hegerat’s fluid drumming that suits Mark Godfrey’s meticulous bass in a post-rock sort of way, and “Here’s To Circle” follows with much attention to mood, as Robyn Gray and Patrick O’Reilly’s guitars help cultivate a mysterious landscape.

“Dosage” and “Juan Soto” reside in the middle. The former emits a cinematic quality thanks to the distinct ambience that builds into free jazz dynamics, while the latter manipulates the guitars with a mesmerizing tonality of abstract rock.

Near the end, “Our Circle” radiates a rare dreaminess via the meticulous interaction between the quartet, and “Leave Unattended And Suffer The Consequences” exits with math-rock sensibilities and plenty of distorted grooves.

A truly unconventional experience, parallels to Don Caballero or Kayo Dot are warranted, as stef.in recruit improv, complex time signatures and iconoclastic riffage that you can’t not admire.

Travels well with: No Hay Banda- Il Teatro Rosso; Nick Storring- Mirante

Ciompi Quartet

A Duke Moment

New Focus, 2025

9/10

Listen to A Duke Moment

The Duke University string quartet, Ciompi Quartet, present 3 works that touch on inspiration from different aspects of the Duke experience, which includes the countryside and athletics.

Stephen Jaffe’s “String Quartet No. 3 (‘A Tapestry’)” opens with quick and unpredictable violins thanks to Eric Pritchard and Hsiao-me Ku, as Caroline Stinson’s well timed and elegant cello adds much to the rich and dynamic landscape.

“Sidelines”, by Anthony M. Kelley, arrives in the middle and showcases precise and animated gestures from the quartet, where Jonathan Bagg’s meticulous viola won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated.

Scott Lindroth’s “Schley Road” exits, and recruits Susan Fancher’s heartfelt saxophone that helps illuminate the intimate beauty and grace of the first segment, while the back half is a dizzying and cinematic finish.

A creative effort that’s vigorous and capable of pulling from ragtime, jazz and blues, Ciompi Quartet’s chamber prowess is unmatched and hasn’t waned after all these decades.

Travels well with: Loadbang- A Garden Adorned; Nils Vigeland- Perfect Happiness

Judy Whitmore

Let’s Fall In Love

Arden House, 2025

9/10

Listen to Let’s Fall In Love

The continually impressive singer Judy Whitmore returns with a 5th album, where her timeless jazz ways are highlighted by an impressive backing band.

“I’ll Take Romance” opens with bright strings that suit Whitmore’s elegant pipes, and “All Of You” follows with Hendrik Meurken’s flowing harmonica that complements the cozy and romantic mood.

Landing in the middle, “How Long Has This Been Going On” showcases Josh Nelson’s eloquent piano amid the sublime intimacy, while “Let’s Fall In Love” offers a charming duet that showcases Edwin Livingston’s frisky bass, too.

Residing close to the end, “More Than You Know” comes with a dreamy climate of timeless beauty, and “How Deep Is The Ocean” exits with Laura Brenes’ flowing French horn adding much richness to the heartfelt finish.

Whitmore is aligned with Chris Walden here, who arranged and produced these tracks that transport us back to the golden age of big band music, where, as always, Whitmore’s performance is flawless.

Travels well with: Judy Whitmore- Come Fly With Me; Judy Whitmore- Isn’t It Romantic?

With Child

Undressing In The Wind

Moon Ruins, 2025

9/10

Listen to Undressing In The Wind

A Boise, Idaho outfit that’s the brain child of Elijah Jensen-Lindsey, as With Child these songs are assembled from 2 EPs from many years ago that were reworked with a contemporary vision.

“Armor” leads with warm acoustic guitar and expressive singing, where crisp drums help give the tune a bit of a jangle, and “Come Near Me” follows with cozy vocal harmonies amid gentle strumming and country nods.

Closer to the middle, “Slender Flower” carries a dreamy spirit via the gentle backing vocals and light percussion, while “Graceful Growth” is a bit more firm, as Jensen-Lindsey’s singing is more forceful alongside Johanna Kunin’s lifting voice and much intimacy.

Landing near the end, the emotive “Your Touch” offers well timed flute, and “We Sing In Praise Of Our Hope In Thee” employs synthetic drumming and charming Omnichord to complement the bright singing.

A very exciting and memorable take on modern folk sounds, With Child are also versed in bedroom pop, indie and noise ideas, and the Moondog cover is quite great, too.

Travels well with: Breezers- Hideaway; Whiskey Mountain- It Felt Like Fun

Adam O'Farrill

For These Streets

Out Of Your Head, 2025

9/10

Listen to For These Streets

The New York artist Adam O’Farrill is joined by Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, David Leon, Kevin Sun, Kalun Leung, Tyrone Allen II, and Tomas Fujiwara for these iconoclastic jazz tunes that started as a dream.

The cautious spirit of “Swimmers” begins with Allen’s soft bass plucking and Halvorson’s gentle guitar alongside O’Farrill’s bouts of brass, and “Nocturno, 1932” follows with rich sax and Fujiwara’s scrappy drumming that helps cultivate cinematic qualities.

“Speeding Blots Of Ink” arrives in the middle and mesmerizes us with its meticulous guitar, playful bass and strong wind interaction, while “Streets” carries a dreamy backdrop amid O’Farrill’s animated trumpet.

“Rose” and “Late June” exit the listen. The former builds into a busy and textured haze of free jazz exploration, and the latter benefits from Brennan’s charming vibes amid the elegant sax.

A body of work that has its roots literature, O’Farrill’s vision is one of emotion, rhythm and melodicism, where avant-garde, chamber and improv enter his atypical version of jazz.

Travels well with: Nick Dunston- Colla Voce; Alfredo Colón- Blood Burden

Rami Levin

Silk Apples

Acis, 2025

9/10

Listen to Silk Apples

This 2nd album from the inimitable composer Rami Levin brings us songs composed for colleagues, where nods to her much adored Brazil and vulnerable moments are appreciated.

The first 3 tracks belong to “Trio for Viola, Cello, and Piano”, where Anthony Devroye (viola), Cheng-Hou Lee (cello) and Kuang-Hao Huang (piano) interact with intimacy, warmth and much eloquence, and this leads into the Cavatina Duo, i.e. Eugenia Moliner (flute) and Denis Azabagić (guitar), creating a melodic and dreamy landscape across the title track.

In the middle, “This Much and More” pairs Amy Broadbent’s soaring soprano and Kuang-Hao Huang’s meticulous piano in 3 rich and emotive chapters, while “Dois Irmãos, for piano four hands” benefits from Winston Choi’s primo and Kuang-Hao Huang’s secondo via the flowing song craft that’s uplifting.

The detailed album finishes with “Danças brasileiras”, where the Quintet Attacca, i.e. Jennifer Clippert (flute), Erica Anderson (oboe), Barbara Drapcho (clarinet), Collin Anderson (bassoon), and Jeremiah Frederick (horn) dance around each other playfully and charmingly with much color.

A splendid sophomore album from Levin, both gentle and bright moods are explored, and the textures and harmonies are nothing short of engaging.

Travels well with: Rami Levin- Wings; Richard Kolb- Michelangelo Galilei, Suites For Lute

Justin J. Murphy-Mancini

Organ Music In New England

Acis, 2025

9/10

Listen to Organ Music In New England

The inimitable organist Justin J. Murphy-Mancini fleshes out 27 distinct and timeless selections across this 300th Anniversary Program.

“Washington’s March” leads with the fluid keys emitting much warmth that resonates grace, too, and it isn’t long until “Soft Organ Voluntary” radiates plenty of melody, where the careful progressions are indeed gentle.

Closer to the middle, “The Last Rose of Summer, Varied for the Organ, Op. 59” is full of richness and color via Murphy-Mancini’s capable hands, while “Suite in E major” unfolds across 4 segments of strong tonality and flowing gestures.

“I’ll sing on” lands close to the end, and carries a mesmerizing tone that’s minimal, and “Partita on “Detroit” exits with 11 quick bouts that showcase Murphy-Mancini’s diverse ability and timeless vision.

An effort that comes with detailed liner notes, the playing is flawless and technical, but never esoteric in its dynamic appeal.

Travels well with: Daniel Knaggs- The Joyful Mysteries; Jeremy Beck- Requiem

Jaki Byard

Blues For Smoke

Candid, 2025

9/10

Listen to Blues For Smoke

The pianist Jaki Byard released this album in 1960, this reissue is an all-analog remaster from original tapes that captures his inimitable presence.

The dizzying keys of “Excerpts From European Episodes a) Journey / Hollis Stomp b) Milan To Lyon” opens with plenty of complicated and accessible progressions, and “Aluminum Baby” follows with a softer approach, where a dreaminess enters the warm climate.

Deeper into the 9 tracks, “Spanish Tinge No. 1” offers a mesmerizing landscape that can bounce with a playful energy, while “Flight Of The Fly” uses darker moments amid the upbeat fingers for a fluid and diverse album highlight.

Residing near the end, the infectious mood of “Jaki’s Blues Next” illustrates meticulous finger acrobatics, and “One Two Five” exits with a dynamic and wild display of piano playing that few could parallel.

A highly technical and versatile effort that has stood the test of time, Byard’s performance is stunning and embraces bebop and ragtime via his inestimable jazz vision.

Travels well with: Memphis Slim- Memphis Slim U.S.A.; Nancy Harrow- Wild Women Don’t Have The Blues

Memphis Slim

Memphis Slim U.S.A.

Candid, 2025

9/10

Listen to Memphis Slim U.S.A.

John Len Chatman, i.e. Memphis Slim, made over 500 recordings during his lengthy career, and this 1961 album sees the reissue treatment with remastering from the original tapes.

“Born With The Blues” opens with spoken word alongside Slim’s frisky keys, and the playful “Just Let Me Be” follows with Arbee Stidham’s strategic guitar that suits the soulful singing.

Deeper into the 14 songs, “I’d Take Her To Chicago” is a happier moment that pairs the quick keys and swift storytelling with well timed guitar, while “I Just Landed In Your Town” showcases the distinct piano playing and atmospheric guitar amid Slim’s vivid tales.

Close to the end, “Bad Luck And Troubles” is a rhythmic album highlight that captures Slim’s hardships in a timeless blues fashion, and the title track exits with his trademark artistry front and center.

Jazz Gillum’s vocals and harmonica are also present here, and it helps capture the raw and heartfelt song craft of a legend whose presence from the ‘30s to the ‘80s influenced and inspired legions of others.

Travels well with: Nancy Harrow- Wild Women Don’t Have The Blues; Jaki Byard- Blues For Smoke

Nancy Harrow

Wild Women Don’t Have The Blues

Candid, 2025

9/10

Listen to Wild Women Don’t Have The Blues

The iconic American jazz singer Nancy Harrow sees her debut album reissued here, where the 1961 release benefits from remastering to highlight the standards and classics.

The lively “Take Me Back Baby” opens with Dick Wellstood’s warm keys and Oliver Jackson’s frisky drums complementing Harrow’s inimitable pipes, and “All Too Soon” follows with the layered saxophones, which suits the expressive and smooth singing.

Further along, the bouncy spirit of “On The Sunny Side Of The Street” makes great use of Tom Gwaitney’s lively clarinet and Kenny Burrell’s meticulous guitar, while the title track benefits much from Dickie Wells’ booming trombone amid Harrow’s inimitable storytelling.

Landing close to the end, “I Don’t Know What Kind Of Blues I Got” is an intimate moment of soft playing that builds into an emotive album highlight, and “Blues For Yesterday” follows with Buck Clayton’s booming trumpet which helps illuminate the timeless blues climate.

An album that set off a lengthy career that’s still active, Harrow’s performance sure has aged well, and the top notch backing band spotlight the many solos, swing bouts and no lack warm and substantial blues ideas.

Travels well with: Jaki Byard- Blues For Smoke; Memphis Slim U.S.A.- Memphis Slim

Mrs. Henry

The Last Waltz

Blind Owl, 2019

8/10

Listen to The Last Waltz

Recorded live at the Belly Up Tavern in Solano Beach, California, Mrs. Henry pay homage to The Band by performing The Last Waltz 40+ years after it initially happened.

“Up On Cripple Creek” starts the listen with playful classic rock where multiple voices, keys and spirited guitars ensure a good time, and the rugged yet melodic “The Shape I’m In” continues the formula with meticulous precision.

A double disc or 3xLP, there’s much to take in here, but with the horn filled fun of Life Is A Carnival”, the soulful, key driven “The Weight” and swampy blues of “Mannish Boy” included, the record never out welcomes its stay, as Mrs. Henry touch on many variations of rock’n’roll.

Deeper cuts like the emotive and percussion heavy “Dry Your Eyes”, as well as the propulsive rock’n’roll of “Baby Let Me Follow You Down” are late album highlights, and the set ends on the rollicking “Don’t Do It” while achieving the feat of being 30+ tracks and still leaving us wanting more.

A massive amount of work went into this involving preparation, as Mrs. Henry certainly understood how important it was to do this right and respectfully. Along with musicians from bands like The Schizophonics, Sacri Monti and Louise XIV, this isn’t just a tribute, it’s a celebration of a legendary band who absolutely inspired Mrs. Henry and countless others, but whose spirit is captured well here.

Travels well with: Creature And The Woods- J Tree; Little Feat- Dixie Chicken