Thélonius Garcia

Marche Nocturne

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Marche Nocture

The Canadian pianist and composer Thélonius Garcia makes an impression on this debut album, where 16 short piano selections illustrate much depth and beauty.

The title track opens the listen with much grace and eloquence, where the key progressions flow with a heartfelt mood, and “Vestiges” follows with a mesmerizing climate that’s gentle and atmospheric.

Further along, “Evocation” emits a stunning intimacy via the meticulous keys, while “Incantare” is full of subdued melodies thanks to the precise piano and Paul Bisson’s gorgeous, wordless vocals.

Arriving near the end, “Les restes humains” is an expressive and charming album highlight, and “Petite marche nocturne” exits with a bit of a quicker vision that swirls with poeticism and agility.

An accomplished first album that blends jazz and classical sounds, anyone with an ear for piano music will be captivated by Garcia’s finger prowess.

Travels well with: Aznavoorian Duo- Gems From Armenia; Will Liverman- Dreams Of A New Day

The Third Mind

Live Mind

Yep Roc, 2025

9/10

Listen to Live Mind

A superstar line up consisting of Dave Alvin, Jesse Sykes, Victor Krummenacher, Michael Jerome, Mark Karan, and Willie Aron, this first live album from The Third Mind captures their jam band ways superbly.

“Sally Go Round The Roses” starts the listen with Krummenacher’s skilled bass and Jerome’s moody drumming complementing Sykes’ distinct voice, and “Doralee” follows with Alvin’s warm guitar that suits the intimate mood via Aron’s atmospheric keys.

Deeper into the set, “Morning Dew” benefits much from the cozy guitar strumming and emotive singing of the sublime climate, while “A Little Bit Of Rain” radiates Karan’s dreamy guitar tone amid the Americana influences of the rich album highlight.

The final track, “Dark Star”, showcases all the inimitable talents of the outfit, where the textured exploration is very much appreciated.

An experience that is full of cosmic psychedelia, there’s also traces of blues, country and folk to be enjoyed from these luminaries that illustrate a fascinating combined strength.

Travels well with: Klark Kent- Klark Kent; Sloan- Steady

This Twisted Wreckage

The Kingdom Of The Blind

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Kingdom Of The Blind

The 6th album from the UK rockers This Twisted Wreckage, the mastermind Luke ‘Skyscraper’ James brings along a lot of experience and talent to a progressive and atypical listening experience.

“Step Into The Air” starts the listen with strong attention to atmosphere, where dense drums and cryptic singing abruptly enter the buzzing landscape, and “The Power” follows with an upbeat and soulful appeal that allows for expressive singing to flow alongside the rhythmic music.

Moving towards the middle, “Then There Was Man” is beat driven and mysterious, while “Somethings Got To Change” thumps with an alt-rock sort of energy that is accompanied by James’ deep voice and swirling guitar.

Closer to the end, “Racing Nowhere” is a charged moment of agile drumming and meticulous guitar that's a bid edgier, and “Leaving Now” exits with Gothic and post-punk undertones that align with plenty of harmonic and memorable song craft.

James handles vocals, lyrics and additional guitar here, and Ricky Humphrey contributes music and arrangements. Together, their inimitable formula might bring to mind David Bowie or Porcupine Tree, and it certainly is one of today’s most interesting mashings of prog, alt, New Wave and Gothic ideas.

Travels well with: This Twisted Wreckage- Billions; Blackout Transmission- Sparse Illumination

Thomas Backman

Nothing

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Nothing

The reed specialist Thomas Backman brings his unique version of jazz to these 7 distinct tracks, where Josefine Lindstrand, Cecilia Linné, David Lindvall and Martin Ohman are in attendance.

“I shall but drink the more” starts the listen with Ohman’s unpredictable drumming that suits the spoken word and Linné’s elegant cello, and “Scherzo demoniaco” follows with Backman’s agile reed prowess amid the energetic climate that benefits from Lindstrand’s mature keys.

The title track lands in the middle, and is a soothing moment of dreamy reed work alongside Lindstrand’s elegant pipes, while “State Of Day” uses mesmerizing keys and soft reeds for a rare intimacy.

The final piece, “These cowards”, blends Lindvall’s throbbing bass with a cinematic quality that unfolds with an abstract and nearly ominous exit.

A very atypical version of jazz that might be described as ‘Crime Jazz’, Backman and company mesh shoegaze, hip hop and orchestral pop into a really original and exciting affair.

Travels well with: Teis Semey- En Masse!; Julian Sartorius- Hidden Tracks

Tim Brady

Imagine Many Guitars

Redshift, 2024

8/10

Listen to Imagine Many Guitars

The composer and guitarist Tim Brady pens 4 very detailed pieces, where both very busy and highly sparse moments unfold with intrigue.

“This one is broken in pieces: Symphony #11” starts the listen with 8 electric guitars and many sopranos overdubbed for 24+ minutes of dreaminess that segues into rugged rock territory. “Slow/Simple” then follows with 20 electric guitars that flow with rich, swirling bouts of warm, mysterious and cinematic energy.

The back half of the listen offers “Five Times; four guitars”, where a charming, twinkling execution is both soothing but also meticulous via the proficient guitars, while “[very] Short Pieces for (jazz) Guitar” exits with intricate guitar playing from Brady’s very capable hands that illuminate much beauty, grace and diversity.

Brady handles all guitars, conducting, editing and mixing, and the well timed use of vocals and texts helps make this 28th album another melodic and abstract display of atypical gestures.

Travels well with: Stefan Smulovitz- Bow & Brush; Nova Pon- Symphonies Of Mother And Child

Teis Semey

En Massei!

Loumi, 2024

9/10

Listen to En Massei!

The Danish avant-garde artist Teis Semey pens 14 iconoclastic tracks, where their intricate guitar playing is front and center.

“Atlanta Airport Medium Rawdog” starts the listen with fluid guitar and flowing brass that’s complemented by crisp drums, and “The Gun Wielding Power Queen Of Rotterdam” follows with swirling melodies, where the busy rhythm section draws us in immediately.

Further along, “Hippity Hoppity Abolish Private” uses firm guitar amid soulful brass for the rich and swift album highlight, while “Sushi” is both cautious and adventurous via Semey’s meticulous vision and the unpredictable delivery.

Near to the end, “Please Welcome The Giant Of Rotterdam” bursts with free jazz exploration that’s dizzying, and “A Song For My Siblings” exits with a calming intimacy thanks to the soothing winds and charming bass lines.

A highly stylish and modern version of free jazz, Semey’s jazzpunk formula and contributions from drummer Sun-Mi Hong and tenorist Jesse Schilderink make an indelible impression.

Travels well with: Henry Spencer- The Defector; Julian Sartorious- Hidden Tracks

Terry Waldo & The Gotham City Band

Treasury: Volume 1

Turtle Bay, 2024

8/10

Listen to Treasury: Volume 1

The pianist Terry Waldo illuminates classic ragtime ideas, where a large cast accompany him across 10 nostalgic and energetic songs.

The bright spirit of ‘Blame It On The Blues” starts the listen with lively clarinet from Ricky Alexander guiding the frisky energy, and “I Get The Blues When It’s Raining” follows with Tatiana Eva-Marie’s flawless voice alongside Mike Davis’ animated trumpet.

At the midpoint, “Bill Bailey, Won’t You Please Come Home” benefits much from Waldo’s playful keys and Jerron Paxton’s expressive pipes, while “The Frog Song” welcomes Jay Lepley’s agile drums and Jim Fryer’s well timed trombone.

Close to the end, “After You’ve Gone” is an intimate album highlight that uses Veronica Swift’s alluring voice amid Nick Russo’s subtle banjo, and “Maple Leaf Rag” exits with a raw recording of swift keys, Colin Hancock’s scrappy cornet and Sam Chess’ glowing trombone.

An effort that brings us back many, many decades, Waldo’s vision of ragtime and early jazz makes us wish we could visit a speakeasy and dance wildly. Since we can’t, this is the next best thing.

Travels well with: Tania Grubbs Quintet- The Sound Of Love; Suzanne Pittson- Emerge Dancing

Teni Rane

Goldenrod

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Goldenrod

The Tennessee singer-songwriter Teni Rane turns in an impressive debut, where 13 songs are full sincerity, warmth and diversity.

“Firefly” opens the listen with much coziness, where Rane’s expressive pipes are met with Dave Eggar’s graceful cello, and the title track follows with much emphasis on mood, as a poetic delivery unfolds with tremendous beauty and uses bowed strings sublimely.

Further along, “Caramel” mixes the soft guitar with a hint of mysteriousness amid the lush textures, while “Return To Dust” mesmerizes us with its strategic bass and agile melodies.

Closer to the end, “Cold Wind (Ghost)”, the best track, makes great use of emotive cello, gentle acoustic guitar, and light steel guitar from Roger Gustaffson, and “Don’t Look Down” exits with tremendous beauty, where Rane’s soaring voice tugs on the heartstrings alongside the sweet melodies.

An excellent first LP that’s full of eloquence and themes of loss, fear, identity and strength, this is a body of work designed for the aware and involved listener.

Travels well with: Crow And Gazelle- as above now so below; Without Willow- Left Behind

Ternoy Cruz Orins

The Theory Of Constraints

Circum-Disc, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Theory Of Constraints

The trio of Jérémie Ternoy, Ivann Cruz and Peter Orins return a decade after their last outing together for these experimental and iconoclastic jazz selections.

“Drum Buffer Rope” starts the listen with a very meticulous mood that nearly sounds like a field recording via the frisky drums, well timed guitar and minimal keys, and “The Thinking Processes” follows with a dreamy approach, where Cruz’s pretty guitar tone is met with sparse piano.

Halfway through, “Throughput Accounting” offers a bare landscape that resembles found objects, while “The Five Focusing Steps” pairs plucked guitar with gentle drumming for a nearly therapeutic delivery.

The final tune, the title track, unfolds across 2 segments, where a distinct droning resonates via the mesmerizing interaction between the 3.

A highly unpredictable body of work, the avant-garde and improvisation techniques are nothing short of fascinating, where all the players contribute their inimitable talents in spades.

Travels well with: Kaze- Unwritten; Trapeze- Level Crossing

Stacy Garrop

Oratorio Terra Nostra

Cedille, 2024

8/10

Listen to Oratorio Terra Nostra

A body of work commissioned by the San Francisco Choral Society and the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir, this environmentally themed listen illuminates Stacy Garrop’s lyricism and storytelling.

“Part I: Creation Of The World” starts the listen with rumbling drums, animated strings and soaring voices that harmonize with vast beauty but can retreat to bare moments, too.

The middle belongs to “Part II: The Rise Of Humanity”, where tense bouts and very vivid storytelling guides the shifting climate and Jesse Donnor’s glowing tenor.

The final installment, “Part III: Searching For Balance”, allows Michelle Areyzaga’s flawless soprano to shine via the ebullient landscape that doesn’t shy away from intimacy, either.

This is the 13th album from Garrop to feature her music, and the symphony, choir and soloists make for an enlightening and memorable experience.

Travels well with: Minnesota Orchestra- Mahler 8; Bridget Kibbey- Crossing The Ocean

Tania Grubbs Quintet

The Sound Of Love

Travlin’, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Sound Of Love

A vocally focused listen of very precise storytelling from Tania Grubbs, the jazz singer brings along David Budway, Jeff Grubbs, Ron Affif and James Johnson III for these 14 careful tracks.

The frisky “But Not For Me” starts the listen with Johnson’s lively drums that suit Grubbs’ strong range and the bouncy bass lines from Jeff Grubbs, and “Slow Hot Wind” follows with Budway’s elegant keys that complement the rich singing.

Further along, “Strange Meadowlark” is a melodic and warm album highlight that showcases Grubbs’ expressive pipes, while “Blackbird” benefits much from Affif’s meticulous guitar in the dreamy Beatles classic.

Close to the end, “Dreamsville” radiates intimacy via the mature keys and agile drumming, and “Two For The Road” exits with gorgeous keys that interact with Grubbs’ flawless and emotive singing which tugs on the heartstrings.

A very sensitive and adaptable body of work that can waltz, swing and even get funky, Grubbs and her cast flesh out a top notch jazz vocal album.

Travels well with: Suzanne Pittson- Emerge Dancing; Jacqui Naylor- Treasures Of The Heart

Tai Shan

Wildflower Moon

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Wildflower Moon

The folk artist Tai Shan pens 9 relatable and timeless songs, where nods to Joni Mitchell and Bonnie Raitt won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated.

“Road Back To Me” starts the listen with Neilson Hubbard’s thumping drums and plenty of breezy melodies, as Shan’s soaring voice draws us in, and “Wheels And Gasoline” follows with an emotive version of Americana, where Danny Mitchell’s mature keys add much elegance.

“Jump On In” and “Simple Things” land in the middle. The former carries much soul via a gospel spirit that is present amid Lex Price’s strategic bass and Shan’s colorful pipes, while the latter comes with a vintage appeal that showcases Shan’s incredible voice.

Close to the end, “Lullaby Rendevous” is an intimate moment of hushed beauty, and “Sailing Into The Sunset Again” exits with much sophistication and poeticism from Shan’s fertile imagination.

There is a lot of talent and sincerity here, and the hooks, grooves and wise wordplay make revisiting these songs a worthwhile endeavor.

Travels well with: Shawna Virago- Blood In Her Dreams; The Northern Belle- Bats In The Attic

Tasha Smith Godinez

A New Day

Ennanga, 2024

8/10

Listen to A New Day

The harpist Tasha Smith Godinez brings traditional ideas to her talents that express timbre and color via the electric and acoustic harp which occupies these 9 detailed tracks.

The lovely and enlightening “Passion Flower” starts the listen with the soft harp alongside Domenico Hueso’s emotive viola, and “Synergy” follows with a distinct dreaminess, where a gentle melody swirls with introspection.

Deeper into the program, “The Least Of These” uses the electric harp in exciting ways that emits much warmth via Christopher Garica’s lively percussion, while “Look Up” welcomes Leonard Patton’s agile singing that’s soulful and suits the radiant tone from the harp.

“After Here” and “Lament (for a world right-side up)” exit the listen. The former is full of twinkling beauty, and the latter mixes the harp and strings with much grace and adventurousness.

A truly original listen that embraces jazz, world, blues and avant-garde ideas, Godinez and company touch the soul and instill much emotion with these gripping selections.

Travels well with: Rasgueo- Eleven; Lina- Fado Camões

Sykofant

Sykofant

Self-Released, 2024

10/10

Listen to Sykofant

The Oslo rockers Sykofant make quite an impression on this debut, where the concept album came to life during the strict Covid guidelines, and the 6 lengthy tracks express a lot of detail and diversity surrounding the prog-rock template.

The animated and rich “Pavement Of Color” starts the listen with Sindre Haugen’s bass acrobatics and Melvin Treider’s exciting drums that complement the angular guitar work and gritty singing, and “Between Air And Water” follows with both soft and loud dynamics, as Per Semb’s meticulous guitar suits the textured haze.

“Monuments Of Old” and “Between The Moments” occupy the middle spots. The former carries hints of post-rock that are dreamy with color, and, eventually, hard hitting, while the latter swirls with a rare intimacy of beauty and power, especially thanks to Emil Moen’s thick guitar at the end.

“Forgotten Paths” is the last track, and it uses acoustic guitar and lovely singing from Moen, where rock ideas flow in and out of the pretty landscape.

An incredible first effort, we’re treated to grooves, distortion, jazz nods and funk bouts, as Sykofant prove themselves to be among the best of today’s prog-rock bands.

Travels well with: K’mono- Mind Out Of Mind; Arabs In Aspic- Progeria

Sweet Megg

Bluer Than Blue

Turtle Bay, 2024

9/10

Listen to Bluer Than Blue

Although the New York City songstress Sweet Megg got her start in the area of jazz, these days she doesn’t shy away from country sounds, too, and these 12 new songs recruit some of Nashville’s best for themes of heartache.

The upbeat and animated “Bluer Than Blue” starts the listen with the lively brass and Billy Contreras’ glowing fiddle complementing Megg’s distinct voice for a tune that should soundtrack an evening at a speakeasy, and “Once More With Feeling” follows with a classic country approach that makes great use of Dalton Ridenhour’s glowing keys.

Entering the middle, “Someday Sweetheart” is full of nostalgic energy that benefits from Chris Gelb’s frisky drums, while the dusty “Little Bit” showcases Dennis Crouch bass acrobatics and Wild Bill’s backing vocals that you could dance to.

“It’s All Over Now” lands close to the end, and flirts with plenty of swing fun via Justin Poindexter’s meticulous guitar, and “(Remember Me) I’m The One Who Loves You” allows Megg’s voice to soar amid the large brass presence and Ricky Alexander’s strategic clarinet for the vintage exit.

It’s hard to tell what decade Megg identifies most closely with, and it’s part of her charm. Whether you gravitate towards twang, the early days of jazz or swing from even earlier times, you’re going to be impressed.

Travels well with: Nancy Erickson Lamont- Through The Passages; Andrea Wolper- Wanderlust

Sunface

Cloud Castles

Apollon, 2025

9/10

Listen to Cloud Castles

The Olso rockers Sunface return with a sophomore album 8 years after their debut, and it’s a hard hitting but also atmospheric take on psyche-rock that’s ritualistic in its own way.

The riff filled title track starts the listen with dense grooves and meticulous drumming, and “New Natures” follows with a hint of mystery before thick guitar and a buzzing melody unfold.

“Second Voyage” lands in the middle and is a tribal influenced and distorted blend of harmonics, while “Thunder Era” is percussively detailed, where cultured ideas invade the stoner rock sensibilities.

Close to the end, “Green Fields And Familiar Faces” comes with poetic singing and intricate guitar lines, and “…Through The Snow And Beyond” exits with a strategic dissonance that’s mesmerizing.

A triumphant return for a band who mesh alt, punk and metal in very unique ways, the djembe, congas and tabla add another dimension to their hard hitting yet ambient ways.

Travels well with: Yobrepus- A Rhizome Revolution Part 1; The Dredge- Torches

Suzanne Jamieson

Love Is…

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Love Is…

The globally revered singer-songwriter Suzanne Jamieson returns with new songs for families and kids, and it embraces plenty of ‘80s ideas thanks to the co-writers and producers The Pop Ups.

“I Turn Towards Love” starts the record with bright keys and lively singing that’s got plenty of soulful qualities to it, and “8 Hugs” follows with much pop spirit, where bouncy bass and synthetic drumming adds much energy.

“Life Each Other Up” lands in the middle, and carries an electro-pop mood that’s dance floor ready, while “Unconditional” is strong on mood, where a fluid beat guides the anthemic and animated album highlight.

Close to the end, “Kid, I Love You” showcases plenty of grooves amid the R&B nods, and “Sycamore” exits with a soaring and rhythmic version of pop-rock that invites a sing-along.

Jamieson covers many different kinds of love here- family, community, self and pet love to name a few, and the many hooks, vibrant synth and strong positivity makes for a fun and important listen.

Travels well with: Star Forest- Let Me Be Real; Sharon, Lois & Bram- Sharon, Lois & Bram’s Elephant Show Stoppers

Surrender Hill

River Of Tears

Blue Betty, 2024

9/10

Listen to River Of Tears

The duo of Robin Dean Salmon and Afton Seekins Salmon, as Surrender Hill they return with their grittiest album to date, where rock, soul, classic country and western ideas are present.

The warm and hazy title track starts the listen with Robin’s expressive voice alongside cozy pedal steel and thumping drums, and “Holding Me” follows with fluid guitar amid Afton’s pretty pipes that embrace plenty of country traditions.

Moving into the middle, the rich and emotive “Last Goodbye” is a dense and powerful duet, while “Palomino” is an intimate and poetic moment that places much attention on mood and builds into a rugged album highlight.

Further still, the dreamy “Black Birds Are Black” tugs on the heartstrings via the jangly and sincere songwriting, and “Angel, The Devil And Me” exits with an initial calm demeanor that shifts into a frisky, dance floor ready appeal that emits an infectious energy.

If legends like Rodney Crowell, Waylon Jennings, Bruce Springsteen, Dolly Parton, Stevie Nicks and Emmylou Harris are of your interest, Surrender Hill’s top notch brand of Americana should be in your collection.

Travels well with: Lynne Hanson- Just A Poet; Moonsville Collective-A Hundred Highways

Swamp Dogg

Blackgrass: From West Virginia To 125st St

Oh Boy, 2024

8/10

Listen to Blackgrass: From West Virginia To 125st St

The Virginia native and Los Angeles resident Swamp Dogg has enjoyed a 7 decade long career, and this installment of his work meshes folk, roots, country, blues, and soul and welcomes guests like Margo Price, Vernon Reid, Jenny Lewis, Justin Vernon, and The Cactus Blossoms.

“Mess Under That Dress” starts the listen with swift finger pickin’, where soulful backing vocals complement Dogg’s inimitable pipes, and “Ugly Mans Wife” follows with a calmer spirit, as a timeless rootsy flavor is present and appreciated.

Deeper into the listen, “To The Other Woman” features Margo Price’s colorful voice for the rich climate that’s powerful, while “Count The Days” welcomes Jenny Lewis’ bright singing for the rhythmic and gospel fueled album highlight.

Closer to the end, “Rise Up” showcases Vernon Reid’s robust electric guitar amid melodic strings and “Murder Ballad” exits with Dogg’s spoken word prowess that floats across the subtle instrumentation.

Now in his 80’s, Dogg shows little signs of slowing down, and along with the musicians Noam Pikelny, Sierra Hull, Jerry Douglas, Chris Scruggs, Billy Contreras, and Kenny Vaughan he keeps his legacy going with a bluegrass focused affair.

Travels well with: The Staple Singers- Africa 80; Ohio Players- Observations In Time: The Johnny Brantley/Vidalia Productions

Ben Levin

Before Me

VizzTone, 2019

8/10

Listen to Before Me

The Cincinnati pianist and singer-songwriter Ben Levin brings some heavy hitters in on this sophomore album, as Bob Margolin, Bob Corritone and Philip Paul help bring these soulful and mature tunes to life.

“I Feel So Good” starts the listen with strong rhythm, bluesy guitars and Levin’s youthful yet wise vocals as playful keys guide the way thorough the authentic opener, and “Pappy” follows with a feel good spirit that you can’t help but move your body to.

Elsewhere, “Confessin’ The Blues” further displays Levin’s talent with the piano on an emotive offering, while “Creole Kitchen”, a Levin original, tumbles with hypnotic melody on a vocal-less highlight.

Deep in the record, “Load Off My Back” recruits a hand clapping retro setting with a timeless approach, and “Lightnin’’ picks up the pace into a busy display of massive skill. “Open Late” ends the album with Levin’s keys front and center as soft harmonicas and restrained percussion come together on an adventurous exit.

Though Levin is still a youngster, he plays like a seasoned vet here, drawing parallels to Harry Connick Jr. while putting a fresh coat of paint on some classic tunes and offering some well thought out originals you won’t forget anytime soon, too. Not bad for a guy who’s not even old enough to legally drink, right?

Travels well with: Bob Margolin-Bob Margolin; Bob Corritore & Friends; Do The Hip-Shake Baby!