Nels Cline

Consentrik Quartet

Blue Note, 2025

9/10

Listen to Consentrik Quartet

The always impressive guitarist Nels Cline returns with a 4th album on the Blue Note label, where Ingrid Laubrock, Chris Lightcap, and Tom Rainey join him for the wealth of grooves, swingin’ fun and plenty of calmness, too.

The warm guitar of “The Returning Angel” opens with a rare intimacy, as Laubrock’s rich sax complements the ambience, and “The 23” follows with Lightcap’s frisky bass plucking that suits the animated sax and atmospheric guitar.

“Allende” lands in the middle and provides a bit of mystery in a cinematic fashion of poeticism, while “Inner Wall” is strong on tonality via the background droning and soft waves of emotion.

Residing close to the end, the upbeat and rich “Down Close”, a late album highlight, allows for Rainey’s meticulous drumming to shine, and “Time Of No Sirens” exits with gorgeous restraint, profound grace and colorful yet cautious instrumentation.

This is the debut of Cline’s new band and it yields the quality of songwriting we’ve come to expect from him, where lush moments, sonic intrigue and pretty jazz shimmering leaves us in awe.

Travels well with: The Nels Cline Singers- Share The Wealth; The Nels Cline 4- Currents, Constellations

Premazzi/Nasser Quartet

From What I Recall

OA2, 2025

9/10

Listen to From What I Recall

The pianist Simona Premazzi and saxophonist Kyle Nasser come together for these 11 melodic, modern jazz tracks that also recruit Noah Garabedian and Jay Sawyer.

“Iacchus” opens and showcases Nasser’s glowing sax alongside Sawyer’s agile drumming in the rich climate, and “Back Seat” follows with a frisky mood, as Premazzi’s swift keys guide the unpredictable jazz delivery.

In the middle, the quick but memorable “Intro To Stalking” allows for the meticulous sax to radiate much warmth, while “Requiem For K.O.” uses Garabedian’s playful bass strategically in a cautious yet playful setting.

Close to the end, the album’s best, the title track, illuminates the quartet’s dynamic interaction with fluid and dizzying jazz, and "Scamander” exits with much emotion and harmonic songwriting to be appreciated.

A sophisticated body of work that borrows from classical music techniques, the 4 artists bring their inimitable talents to raw, timeless and tuneful jazz that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Michael Waldrop- Native Son; Medler Sextet- River Paths

Kris Adams & Peter Perfido

Away

Jazzbird, 2025

8/10

Listen to Away

The exceptional drummer Peter Perfido and esteemed jazz singer Kris Adams come together for these songs that pay tribute to the late guitarist Michael O’Neil.

The cozy spirit of “Play” opens with Adams’ expressive voice alongside Degen’s mature keys, and “Here” follows with Perfido’s precise drumming that suits the cautious landscape.

Closer to the middle, the warm “Anthem” makes great use of André Buser’s meticulous bass amid much beauty, while “No Ordinary Girl” pays close attention to atmosphere via the light drumming, mesmerizing keys and vivid storytelling.

The title track arrives near the end and places breezy melody into the lush album highlight, and “Summer Vacation” exits with flowing and sincere balladry that allows for Adams’ flawless voice to shine alongside the emotive song craft.

Adams and Perfido do just to O’Neil’s legacy with these well crafted interpretations that embrace wordless singing on occasion, haunting bouts and plenty of thought provoking jazz.

Travels well with: Unity Quartet- Samba Of Sorts; Daniel Garbin- Rising

Christopher Dammann

Christopher Dammann Sextet

Out Of Your Head, 2025

9/10

Listen to Christopher Dammann Sextet

The always unpredictable bassiest Christopher Dammann is joined by 5 equally exciting musicians for these 6 avant-garde and improvised tracks that are fusion at its finest.

“If I Could Time Travel I Would Mend Your Broken Heart AKA Why Did The Protests Stop” leads, and allows for Dammann’s strategic bass to set the tone alongside Edward Wilkerson, Jr’s moody clarinet and Mabel Kwan’s atmospheric keys, and “Song For Mabel” follows with a distinct ambience that builds into a busy climate via James Davis’ trumpet and Scott Clark’s animated drums.

“No Hope At All Other Than I Don’t Want To Die Today - Part 1” arrives in the middle and offers a scrappy version of jazz that’s infectious and firm, while “No Hope At All Other Than I Don’t Want To Die Today - Part 2” finds calmer areas to reside in, as Jon Irabagon’s cozy sax guides the intimate delivery.

The last track, “When I was Young and My Heart Had Windows”, is also impressive, and moves with quick and lively gestures thanks to scrappy drums, fast sax, rowdy keys and skilled bass

Dammann has been creating records for about fifteen years, initially as a member of 3.5.7 Ensemble and recently as the leader of Restroy. This first one under his own name carries themes of time travel, is never short on solos and both forward and backward gestures from the sextet that you can’t not be in awe of.

Travels well with: Adam O’Farrill- For These Streets; Nick Dunston- Colla Voce

The Hemphill Stringtet

Plays The Music Of Julius Hemphill

Out Of Your Head, 2025

9/10

Listen to Plays The Music Of Julius Hemphill

We’re treated to the first ever studio recording of a string quartet performing these 5 Julius Hemphill compositions, as Curtis Stewart, Sam Bardfeld, Stephanie Griffin, and Tomeka Reid, i.e. The Hemphill Stringtet, blend their strings with exciting and skilled ideas.

“Revue” opens and uses Stewart and Bardfeld’s precise violins for both warm and adventurous bouts that are unpredictable and memorable, and “Mingus Gold: Nostalgia In Time” follows with strong attention to mood, where Griffin’s viola is used strategically.

The middle track belongs to “Mingus Gold: Alice In Wonderland”, where swirling strings radiate intimacy and richness, while “Mingus Gold: Better Get Hit In Your Soul” allows for Reid’s meticulous cello to add another dimension to the dynamic string interaction.

“Choo Choo” exits, and it illustrates each of the member’s inimitable talents via a busy and textured display of improvisation.

A really creative effort, The Hemphill Stringtet’s use of improvised and written ideas and their distinct version of contemporary classical really does justice to Hemphill’s legacy.

Travels well with: Adam O’Farrill- For These Streets; Alfredo Colón- Blood Burden

Melissa Kassel & Tom Zicarelli Group

Moments

MK, 2025

8/10

Listen to Moments

The inimitable jazz singer, Melissa Kassel, is joined by Tom Zicarelli, Bruce Gertz, Gary Fieldman and Phil Grenaidier for these 10 originals that touch on love, nature and the beauty of life.

“Lullabye” leads with pensive keys from Zicarelli, as Kassel’s gorgeous voice guides the emotive delivery, and “Dancing” will indeed get your body moving to the frisky bass from Gertz and Fieldman’s lively drumming.

The middle track belongs to “Spring Forth Joy”, where Kassel’s animated singing suits the upbeat mood and Grenadier’s well timed trumpet, while “Glow Of Your Love” is a romantic moment that allows for powerful singing alongside the intimate balladry.

“Morning Breeze” and the title track exit the listen. The former is a breezy moment of elegance and warmth, and the latter carries a soulfulness and expressiveness via the cautious keys and sincere storytelling that’s gripping.

This is Kassel’s 2nd album, and it welcomes melancholy, swinging moments, adventurousness and even haunting ideas to a timeless and memorable jazz affair.

Travels well with: Marilyn Kleinberg- Lead Your Heart Lead The Way; Liz Cole- I Want To Be Happy

The Bablers

Like The First Time

Big Stir, 2025

10/10

Listen to Like The First Time

The Finnish power-pop legends The Bablers resurrect this long out of print record that was previously only available in their home country and Japan, and it’s packed with 14 of their signature ‘90s and Britpop tunes.

The energetic and retro fun of “You’re The One For Me” opens with Janne Haavisto’s precise drumming complementing the harmonic climate, and “Together Forever” follows with Arto Tamminen’s cozy acoustic guitar and smooth vocals illuminating the soft intimacy.

Closer to the middle, “Thinking Of You” has Pekka Gröhn handling spirited bass and firm piano for the dense and melodic delivery, while “That Little Something” allows for Hannu Pikkarainen’s jangly guitar to shine amid the upbeat and dreamy version of pop.

Close to the end, “Our Love Will Grow Complete” offers a lush and heartfelt moment of swirling melodies and expressive singing, and “Where The Wind Blows Free” exits with strings thanks to Jussi Alho, Maija Kontunen, Jukka Pohjola, Jukka Ranta, Aino Turunen and Juha-Pekka Vikman, which complements the sophisticated finish.

The Bablers came together as teenagers over 40 years ago, and have made a name for themselves worldwide with their power-pop vision. The songs here- and many are hit singles- are among their best, but there is no dull spot in their catalog that will appeal to fans of the Byrds, the Beatles, Supergrass, Teenage Fanclub or even Oasis.

Travels well with: Librarians With Hickeys- How To Make Friends By Telephone; The Half/Cubes- Pop Treasures

Brandon Santini

Which Way Do We Go?

MoMojo, 2025

9/10

Listen to Which Way Do We Go?

The singer and harmonica extraordinaire Brandon Santini brings us 11 blues tracks here, where an all star cast accompany him for an effort that was laid down in his former hometown of Memphis.

The soulful and warm title track opens with Santini’s powerful pipes alongside Jeff Jensen’s spirted guitar via the authentic climate, and “The War Ain’t Over” follows with buzzing guitar and Ron James’ thumping drums that suit the gritty singing.

Further down the line, “Do What Comes Naturally” showcases Santini’s soaring harmonica amid the dense rhythm section, while “Working On A Mystery”, the best track, moves with rawness and melody, where Cliff Moore’s animated bass won’t go unnoticed.

Landing near the end, “Blues So Bad” is an initially calmer moment thanks to the mesmerizing acoustic guitar, well timed harmonica and Santini’s vivid storytelling, and “She Got That Way” exits with rhythm, energy and timeless blues rock that makes great use of Timo Arthur’s meticulous electric guitar.

An excellent outing for the 7 time Blues Music Award nominee, Santini’s blend of modern blues and American roots music sounds better than ever.

Travels well with: Mitch Woods- Happy Hour; Allison August- August Moon

Talon Smith

Debut

Navona, 2025

9/10

Listen to Debut

Though he’s just 23 years old, the pianist Talon Smith brings his stunning artistry to these 27 tracks that are never short on harmony, melody and rhythm.

“Sonata in C Minor, Op. 2” starts the listen with 3 movements, as quick, dizzying keys unfold with dynamic and elegant playing that’s hard to comprehend from someone so young.

The last 24 selections belong to “24 Preludes, Op. 1”, where the vignettes only exceed 2 minutes once and each one embraces an identity all its own with incredible attention to detail, tender bouts, gritty bursts and an infectious energy.

A profoundly technical outing, Smith’s expressive nature and sensitive abilities will mesmerize those with an interest for solo piano albums.

Travels well with: Marcus Eley- That’s A Different Groove; Frank Horvat- More Rivers

Kristina Koller

Walk On By

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Walk On By

The vocalist, songwriter and arranger Kristina Koller reimagines the Burt Bacharach songbook here with a fusion quality that’s modern and infectious.

The warm and mature “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” opens with Fima Chupakhin’s elegant keys that suit Koller’s pretty pipes, and “Close To You” follows with Cory Cox’s agile drumming that complements the soft melodies and emotive vocals.

The duet, “That’s What Friends Are For”, then pairs Rosemary Minkler’s expressive voice with Koller’s cozy delivery, while “Don’t Make Me Over” showcases James Robbins’ sublime bass playing amid the dreamy and intimate album highlight.

Residing close to the end, “Loving Is A Way Of Living” allows for Chupakin’s gorgeous keys to radiate tremendous beauty via the heartfelt climate, and “What The World Needs Now” exits with a lush and harmonic display of timeless songwriting that’s executed with much appreciation for jazz.

Most of us have heard these songs before, but they’ve never sounded quite like this, as Koller preserves Bacharach’s legacy put also puts her own, diverse spin on the classics.

Travels well with: Judy Whitmore- Let’s Fall In Love; Deb Bowman- Reflection

The Love Dogs

Get Off My Lawn

T Ray, 2025

9/10

Listen to Get Off My Lawn

The New England R&B rockers The Love Dogs return with 12 new tunes, where the infectious winds and brass are much appreciated.

“Fly Away” opens with Myranna and Rob Lee’s bright saxophones and Steve Brown’s frisky drums making for a festive climate, and “Hard To Be Mad At You” follows with Mark Poniatowski’s playful bass that suits Mark Paquin’s dense trombone.

Further along, “Keep On Lyin’” benefits much from Bobby Gus’ flowing guitar amid the animated brass, while “Circular Reasoning” enlists Eddie Scheer’s lively percussion for a rhythmic album highlight.

Landing close to the end, the soulful “Here Comes The Blues” allows for Scheer’s expressive pipes to shine, and “Get Off The Lawn” spotlights Alizon Lissance’s meticulous keys amid the upbeat and melodic delivery.

An album that was probably as much fun to make as it is to listen to, The Love Dogs should soundtrack your next party, cause few albums possess this level of timeless energy.

Travels well with: Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne- Ooh Yeah!; Mitch Woods- Happy Hour

ECCE Ensemble

Remembrances- Chamber Music Of Trevor Weston

New Focus, 2025

9/10

Listen to Remembrances- Chamber Music Of Trevor Weston

The Massachusetts outfit ECCE Ensemble illuminate the work of Trevor Weston and are under the direction of John Aylward, as the 7 involved pieces radiate tremendous grace.

“A.N.S.” opens with Emi Ferguson’s animated flute and Geoffrey Burleson’s piano interacting with much playfulness, and “Images” follows with 2 chapters, where Natalie Boberg’s flowing violin and Robbie Bui’s dense cello are complemented by the mature keys.

“Eurythmy Variations” and “Remembrance” land in the middle. The former is a solo piano outing that showcases Burleson’s colorful techniques, while the latter pairs Joe Eller’s dreamy clarinet with the lively piano for the album’s best.

Near the end, “Verve Music” recruits Ferguson’s flute, Hassan Anderson’s oboe and Bui’s cello via the 3 rich, chamber chapters, and “Legacy Works” exits with Boberg’s violin, Sam Kelder’s viola, Eller’s clarinet and Bui’s cello working together with intimacy and friskiness.

A really well done effort where each track takes on a life of its own, Weston’s affinity for impressionism and modernist techniques is preserved, as the ensemble bring rhythm, harmonics and jazz nods to the creative chamber template.

Travels well with: Ciompi Quartet- A Duke Moment; Load Bang- A Garden Adorned

Satoko Fujii This Is It!

Message

Libra, 2025

9/10

Listen to Message

The always unpredictable pianist Satoko Fujii is aligned with her trio, This Is It!, for a 3rd album that brings us 6 animated and unclassifiable tracks.

“Message” opens with Fujii’s rumbling keys alongside Takashi Itani’s frisky drums and Natsuki Tamura’s animated trumpet bouts, and “Cryptography” follows with intimate piano that leads into soulful brass in a lyrical manner.

In the middle, “Falafel Feast” comes with mystery and atmosphere via the rich trumpet and dreamy keys that are anchored by the soft drums, while “Ernest” showcases Fujii’s dizzying finger acrobatics with fascinating piano playing.

The final track, “Orange Flicker”, is also memorable, as glowing vibes and emotive trumpet are complemented by the mature key progressions.

An effort that balances improvisation and structure strategically, the strong attention to tonality and meshing of rock, classical and jazz makes for yet another outstanding installment of Fujii’s 100+ albums as leader.

Travels well with: Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio- Dream A Dream; Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio- Jet Black

Poncho Sanchez & His Latin Jazz Band

Live At The Belly Up Tavern

Regime, 2025

9/10

Listen to Live At The Belly Up Tavern

The Grammy Award winning percussionist and bandleader, Poncho Sanchez, fleshes out these live tracks at the Southern California venue Belly Up Tavern, and it captures their inimitable rhythm and memorable storytelling superbly.

“A Bientot” opens with the warm keys and playful percussion that benefits from Tom Luer’s tenor sax, and “Poncho's Beat” continues the festivities with Andy Langham’s firm keys that suit the lively brass and group vocals.

Arriving in the middle, Ron Blakes’ meticulous trumpet guides the melodic “Night Dream”, while “Aunque Tu” trims the pace back with cultured intimacy via the pretty singing and gentle instrumentation that’s heartfelt.

Late in the set, “Batiri Cha Cha” keeps the party strong thanks to the Jose Perez’s timbales and Ross Schodek’s animated bass, and “Guachi Guara (Soul Sauce)” exits the evening with Luer’s quick flute and Giancarlo Anderson’s meticulous drumming adding much energy.

Now 30+ albums deep in his catalog, Sanchez leads his band through plenty of grooves, cha cha moments, vocal hooks, mambo and many other festive ideas that sound great and are executed flawlessly.

Travels well with: Tower Of Power- It’s Christmas; Spanish Harlem Orchestra- Imágenes Latinas

Oak

The Third Sleep

Karisma, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Third Sleep

This 4th album from Norway’s Oak explores both light and darkness, where societal complacency and individual turmoil are soundtracked by raw, progressive, and diverse bouts of prog-rock.

The flowing, melodic rock of “No Such Place” opens with Simen Valldal Johannessen’s smooth voice alongside Steinar Refsdal’s rich saxophone and the dynamic rhythm section, and “London” follows with Sigbjorn Reiakvam’s thumping drums and Johannessen’s mature keys that mesh well with the buzzing versus harmonic textures.

In the middle, the darker spirit of “Shimmer” benefits much from Oystein Sootholtet’s precise bass amid the powerful and expressive landscape, while “Shapeshifter” welcomes Dave Foster’s soulful guitar to the intimate and sometimes tense song craft that’s pretty, poetic and crunchy.

“Sensory Overload” is the last track and it’s also great. Stephen Hvinden’s meticulous guitar is much appreciated, as are the sophisticated keys, well placed dreaminess and intricate musicianship.

An eclectic body of work that embraces electronica, classical, folk and metal, Oak’s vision of prog-rock is nothing short of fascinating, and makes an immediate and lasting impression.

Travels well with: Lars Fredrik Frøislie- Gamie Mester; Meer- Wheels Within Wheels

Lars Fredrik Frøislie

Gamie Mester

Karisma, 2025

9/10

Listen to Gamie Mester

On this sophomore solo album, Lars Fredrik Frøislie plays many instruments while taking nods to the greats of prog-rock’s past, where the 6 detailed tracks unfold with unparalleled attention to mood.

“Demring” opens the listen with strong attention to atmosphere, where pounding drums, animated keys, flowing winds and Nikolai Haengsle’s intricate bass weave in and out of throbbing melody, and “Jakten På Det Kalydonske Villsvin” follows with expressive singing that suits the rich layers.

The title track occupies the middle spot and balances the meticulous rhythm section with Frøislie’s buzzing bouts, while “Medusas Flåte” is a thicker moment of hard hitting bursts amid harmonic singing that’s often lush.

“De Tre Gratier” and “Skumring” exit the listen. The former offers an intimate moment that bursts into busy and meticulous prog-rock greatness, and the latter finishes with a soothing and, at times, powerful dynamic that leads into dreamy minimalism.

The instrumentation here is incredible, and any and all fans of anything prog-related will be enamored with the mythology and history of the album.

Travels well with: Meer- Wheels Within Wheels; Ritual- The Story Of Mr. Boyd- Part 1

Push Puppets

Tethered Together

Flowering Tree, 2025

9/10

Listen to Tethered Together

The Chicago rockers Push Puppets return with a 4th album, where the band’s frontman and songwriter, Erich Specht, recruits plenty of melodies and even strings and horns.

The bright climate and power-pop nods of “Similar” opens with Greg Essig’s thumping drums adding much to the tuneful delivery, and “Hearts And Souvenirs” follows with Steve Frisbie’s razor sharp guitars alongside the mature strings and some grit.

Landing in the middle, “Launching A Satellite” balances crunch with a dreaminess, while “This Whole Endeavor” benefits much from Kyle Magnusson’s animated keys and poetic singing via the heartfelt mood.

“Hearts Are Fragile” and “The Logical Conclusion” exit the listen. The former employs acoustic guitar and Erich’s expressive singing to a light atmosphere, and the latter allows for John William Lauler’s precise bass to help illuminate the calm ebbs versus dense bouts.

A highly diverse outing that can bring to mind The Who, Death Cab For Cutie, Matthew Sweet or even Elvis Costello, Push Puppets are versed in arena rock ready anthems just as they are lush harmonies, and this excellent outing will be enjoyed repeatedly by fans of rock from any era.

Travels well with: The Bolshoi Brothers- The Bolshoi Brothers; The Awakening- The Awakening

WDR Big Band

Bluegrass

MCG, 2025

9/10

Listen to Bluegrass

The always exciting WDR Big Band bridge 2 musical genres into this exceptional and involved effort where all 9 tracks are nothing short of impressive.

The animated and roaring “Slip And Slide” opens with Karolina Strassmayer’s swift sax and Mike Marshall’s precise mandolin adding much fluidity to the upbeat delivery, and “Elzic’s Farewell/Yew Piney Mountain” follows with Johan Horlen’s lively sax and Ruud Breuis’ rich trumpet emitting much color.

In the middle, “Green Lawn” benefits much from Bob Mintzer’s tenor sax and Darol Anger’s meticulous violin that won’t go unnoticed, while “Emy In The Woods”, one of the album’s best, balances melody and harmonics with incredible attention to detail.

Close to the end, “Dexter”, Billy Test’s quick keys mesh well with the frisky brass and winds, and “Borealis” exits with Mike Marshall’s emotive guitar amid soft ideas and dreaminess that’s heartfelt.

An adventurous body of work that injects bluegrass nods into large orchestral jazz, WDR make for an exceptional and memorable fusion affair.

Travels well with: 3 Cohens/WDR Big Band- Interaction; The Haas Company/Samuel Hällkvist- Song For Mimi

Marilyn Kleinberg

Let Your Heart Lead The Way

Waking Up, 2025

8/10

Listen to Let Your Heart Lead The Way

The long running jazz singer, Marilyn Kleinberg, is joined by Will Galison, John DiMartino, Noriko Ueda and Victor Lewis for these sensitive and romantic 11 standards.

The powerful and cozy “Invitation” leads with Kleinberg’s expressive pipes alongside Galison’s soaring chromatic harmonica, and “Alfie” follows with much intimacy, as the emotive harmonica suits DiMartino’s pretty keys and the poetic singing.

Landing in the middle, “I Just Found Out About Love” builds into a bouncy and rhythmic climate thanks to Lewis’ frisky drums and Ueda’s playful bass, while “Never Let Me Go” is a intimate tune where Kleinberg’s heartfelt delivery is met with warm keys.

Arriving close to the end, “If Only I Had A Brain” pairs the cautious instrumentation with Kleinberg’s sincere singing, and “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was” offers an upbeat and swingin’ moment of timeless vocal jazz, where Galison’s animated harmonica won’t go unappreciated.

A fixture in the New York club scene for a long time, Kleinberg’s performance is moving here, and the band’s chemistry adds much to the mature and uplifting mood.

Travels well with: Liz Cole- I Want To Be Happy; Laird Jackson- Life

Natalie Rose LeBrecht

Mandarava Rose

Galtta, 2019

8/10

Listen to Mandarava Rose

Though it’s been nearly a decade since Natalie Rose LeBrecht released music, she’s stayed quite busy with meditation, hypnosis, and the concept of space. With these influential ideas in mind, Mandarava Rose finds the artist entering new avenues of her psyche-influenced experimentalism.

“Rishi Stars” starts the listen with twinkling synth and moody keys as LeBrecht’s breathy voice settles in nicely to the spacey, calming setting that even includes flutes from multi-instrumentalist David Lackner, who also handles bells, synth and brass on the record.

The remainder of the album is equally enchanting, including the emotive and ethereal ten minutes of “Rosebud & Lotus”, the vocally expressive and subtle pop influences of “Lost”, and the indeed dreamy and hypnotic atmosphere of “Autonomy Dream”.

At the end, “Ocean Of Ah” brings a strong psychedelic impulse on an angelic tune with quivering saxophone from Lackner, and “Hear Today” ends the affair with chilling vocals and strategic sax in the contemplative and moving exit.

An intimate and adventurous listen, LeBrecht places atypical avant-garde jazz moments in this highly unique listen, where traces of folk and classical invade the sonically intriguing delivery. Let’s hope that Rose has more art coming soon; 9 years would be too long to wait to hear more from this ingenious mind.

Travels well with: Phillip Glass- Passages; Alice Coltrane- World Galaxy