Kristen R. Bromley Quartet

Wes 101

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Wes 101

The almost impressive guitarist Kristen R. Bromley is joined by Melanie Shore, David Ian Baker and Matt Coleman for this 5th jazz album as leader, which pays tribute to the almighty Wes Montgomery.

The upbeat and infectious energy of “Bring It On” starts with Bromley’s meticulous guitar alongside Baker’s frisky bass, and “Swing It For The Maestro” follows with a charming groove, where Shore’s lively organ suits the radiant guitar progressions.

“Cherished Moments” and “House Of Fire” land in the middle. The former is cozy, intimate and tugs on the heartstrings, while the latter emits a dance floor ready appeal thanks to the adventurous rhythm section and Bromley’s intricate guitar.

“Indy Blues” exits, and it’s an indeed bluesy finish that’s bouncy, melodic and alone worth the price of admission.

Also an instructor and author, Bromley is surrounded by some excellent talent for swingin’ fun, sublime balladry and unpredictable chord progressions for another top notch addition to her catalog.

Travels well with: Kristen R. Bromley Quartet- Bluish Tide; Kristen R. Bromley- Muagsician

Jason Miles

Cosmopolitan

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Cosmopolitan

The inimitable artist Jason Miles fleshed out these tracks way back in 1979 and just happened to stumble across the DAT tape and realized the sessions held up very well.

The title track opens with Marcus Miller’s playful bass and Gerry Niewood’s well timed sax that align with some buzzing keys from Miles, and “Powder” follows with Niewood’s dreamy flute amid the soft ambience.

The bright spirit of “Gale Warnings” lands in the middle and makes great use of Michael Brecker’s sax acrobatics and Jeff Williams’ furious drumming, while “The Man Who Pushes The Buttons” is a speedy and dynamic album highlight that benefits from Ricardo Silveira’s animated guitar and Henry Castelanos’ strategic congas.

The final tune, “Poetry”, is a bit more intimate, where Miles’ heartfelt keys build into a busy and meticulous exit of lively and cultured jazz-rock.

It’s amazing to think this was recorded in 1979, cause it sure does fit in with today’s version of jazz, as Miles and company were clearly ahead of their time via the fusion and global approach.

Travels well with: Jason Miles’ The Lisbon Electric 4Tet- Jason Miles’ The Lisbon Electric 4Tet; Teis Semey- En Massei!

Jason Miles' The Lisbon Electric 4Tet

Jason Miles’ The Lisbon Electric 4Tet

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Jason Miles’ The Lisbon Electric 4Tet

The Grammy-winning producer, composer, and keyboardist Jason Miles enlists the help of Vicky Marques, Yami Aloelela and Tiago Oliveira for these 7 unclassifiable and distinct tracks.

The playful grooves of “Cactus-Mikells Mix” opens with Miles’ flowing keys that suit Oliveira’s radiant guitar, and “Chude-Lisbon Mix” follows with elegance and richness via the agile drumming from Marques, as well as Aleolel’s frisky bass lines.

“Mr. James” and “Cactus-Verby Mix” land in the middle. The former showcases Miles’ meticulous keys amid the fluid rhythm section, while the latter finds itself closer to rock territory thanks to the quartet’s distinct talents. “Mr James- Radio Edit” exits, and carries a hint of reflection, as the detailed keys are met with colorful and precise instrumentation.

Miles possesses an unparalleled resume and has worked with plenty of household names. This effort after moving to Portugal and aligning with the 3 locals in his band makes for excellent modern jazz, and is yet another noteworthy point in his lengthy career.

Travels well with: Gils Levelt- Playground; Manuel Bienvenu- Oh Do We

Patrick Zimmerli

Songs Of Innocence

Emp, 2025

8/10

Listen to Songs Of Innocence

The composer and saxophonist Patrick Zimmerli returns with his 14th album as leader, where Kevin Hays and Satoshi Takeishi are in attendance for the 5 involved selections.

Hay’s flowing keys and Zimmerli’s rich sax open the melodic climate of “60 Morningside”, and “Crow Or Dove” follows with a mesmerizing quality, as the intimate wind is met with emotive piano.

“Wedding Song” occupies the middle spot and offers a lively moment of playful percussion from Takeishi amid the animated sax, while “Dreamscape” is indeed dreamy thanks to the dense backdrop, hypnotic keys and rich delivery via Zimmerli. “Torison” exits, and is a busy, dynamic and exciting finish to a collaborative and unpredictable body of work.

An effort that isn’t short on rhythm and spontaneity, there’s plenty of classical moments and pop nods to enjoy across the modern jazz appeal.

Travels well with: BMOP- Dalit Hadass Warshaw: Sirens; Gail Archer- Dobrich: A Bulgarian Odyssey

Sterling Drake

The Shape I’m In

Calusa/Missing Piece, 2025

8/10

Listen to The Shape I’m In

The Montana troubadour Stering Drake makes an impression with this debut record, where love, heartbreak and purpose surround the 14 heartfelt songs.

The intimate storytelling of the title track opens with Drake’s expressive pipes and soft guitar, and “Calusa” follows with a hint of ruggedness and soulful harmonica amid the hazy climate.

In the middle, the crisp percussion and bluesy harmonica make “Troubadour’s Blues” a really charming moment, while “House Of The Rising Sun” is a scrappy, layered album highlight of flowing keys, thumping drums and warm pedal steel.

Residing near the end, Brennen Leigh’s emotive pipes are on hand for the cautious and vulnerable ambience of “Worthy Of The Name”, and “Reprise” exits with a soothing display of gentle singing, cozy winds and pretty guitar.

An artist who is well versed in country ideas, nods to legends like Willie Nelson and Townes Van Zandt won’t be hard to spot or enjoy, as Drake makes for an excellent starting point.

Travels well with: Zach Russell- Where The Flowers Meet The Dew; Brennen Leigh- Prairie Love Letter

Various Artists

Dave Walther: White Bird Black Bird

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Dave Walther: White Bird Black Bird

Some really skilled outfits come together to interpret the work of the violist and composer Dave Walther, where 5 of his tracks welcome a detailed, chamber experience.

“Toccata” opens with The Elliott Trio’s flowing presence, where the keys from John Blacklow and Jonathan Karoly’s cello align with Walther’s viola prowess, and “Short Story” follows with a rare intimacy via Marcia Dickstein’s elegant harp and Walther’s heartfelt strings.

In the middle, the adventurous spirt of “String Quartet No. 3” showcases the California String Quartet’s precise interplay of dual violins, viola and cello, while “Brass Apple” allows for the animated and rich brass thanks to the Los Angeles Studio Brass.

The Debussy Trio exit with “Trio Domestico”, which spotlights Angela Wiegand’s eloquent flute alongside Dickstein’s cozy harp and Walther’s meticulous viola.

An extremely detailed and precise affair, Walther’s inimitable vision is fleshed out with much complexity while still being very accessible.

Travels well with: Dave Walther- Distance; Paul Cohen- Nightfalls And Midnight Revels

Elijah Johnston

Stupid Soul

Strolling Bones, 2025

10/10

Listen to Stupid Soul

The Georgia singer-songwriter Elijah Johnston may pen songs about trying to figuring stuff out, but he’s clearly figured out how to write a song you won’t soon forget, and he’s surrounded by Gideon Johnston, Drew Beskin, Tommy Trautwein, Aidan Hill and Jordan Reynolds for his 4th or maybe 7th record.

Gideon Johnston’s thumping drums start the listen with “Leonard”, where Elijah’s smooth pipes guide the folk-rock nods, and “Ideas” follows with much attention to atmosphere, where a punchy rock spirit enters the busy, swirling landscape.

Closer to the middle, the breezy “Oxygen” makes great use of Beskin’s well timed keys amid the cozy guitars and heartfelt vocals, while “Days Like These” is a scrappier moment of rugged yet tuneful sensibilities that builds into a soaring album highlight.

Further yet, “Valentine’s Day” opens dreamy, but it isn’t long until dense guitars and a buzzing rhythm section creates a sonic haze, and “Football Season” exits with a dynamic, indie-rock template that’s harmonic and even a bit jangly, but not without some serious guitar acrobatics, too.

Elijah’s songwriting sure is memorable, and it won’t take most people more than one listen to become a fan of his retro nods, sincere wordplay and thick versus gentle formula.

Travels well with: Haunted Shed- Faltering Light; Molecular Steve- Molecular Steve

Jeff Pevar & Inger Nova

Hear Me Calling

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Hear Me Calling

The husband and wife duo of Jeff Pevar and Inger Nova bring along some friends for these 9 tunes that explore folk, soul, blues, jazz, funk, and even Latin influences.

Nova’s bright and expressive voice opens the listen with the melodic ideas of “Can’t Get Enough”, and “She Is The City” follows with Pevar’s driving guitar licks that suit Steve DiStanislao’s meticulous drumming and plenty of cultured rhythm.

In the middle, the animated “Diamonds” welcomes no lack of soulful gestures to the graceful textures, while “I’m A River” is a soft, acoustic moment of sublime intimacy, where Nova’s pipes tugs on the heartstrings via the folk spirit.

Residing near the end, the busier “Like It Used To Be” uses brass for the gritty duet that flirts with jazz, and “Take Your Chances” exits with soft-rock nods and Pevar’s fluid guitar playing that radiates warmth and authentic songwriting.

An album where each song brings us another avenue of their talents, Pevar and Nova’s vision is relatable, globally embraceable and shifts seamlessly from genre to genre.

Travels well with: Chris Pierce- Let All Who Will; Cinder Well- Cadence

Dave Anderson

In Lieu Of Flowers

Label 1, 2025

9/10

Listen to In Lieu Of Flowers

The composer and saxophonist Dave Anderson is joined by Grant Richards, Lorin Cohen and Jimmy MacBride for these 10 originals that tip their hat to Wayne Shorter and Maria Schneider.

The lively spirit of “Outer Circle” starts the listen with Anderson’s glowing sax amid MacBride’s frisky drumming, and “One For Wayne” follows with a calmer mood, as Richards’ elegant keys suit Anderson’s rich wind.

The middle track belongs to “Upwind”, where Cohen’s playful bass is aligned with quick piano and soulful sax, while “Lost City” is an intimate moment via the emotive sax, low keys and sublime dreaminess.

“Ghost Bikes” and “Sandy’s Ladies” exit the listen. The former pays close attention to mood thanks to the scrappy drums, lush sax and mature keys, and the latter is a bit more muscular, rock focused even, where the quartet’s inimitable skills are front and center.

A timeless jazz affair that embraces swing fun and balladry, too, Anderson and his crew pay tribute to luminaries and family with this well thought out record.

Travels well with: Trio Xolo- In Flower, In Song; Laila Biali- Wintersongs

Kathy Sanborn

Romance Language

Pacific Coast Jazz, 2025

8/10

Listen to Romance Language

The jazz singer Kathy Sanborn brings us 10 of her ballads, where Wayne Ricci is in attendance to help flesh out the heartfelt and relatable tracks.

The frisky energy of “Romance Language (Homage To A Trumpeter)” opens with Sanborn’s pretty pipes alongside Ricci’s rich brass, and “Never Blue” follows with Sanborn’s warm keys that suit the light drumming and cozy intimacy.

Halfway through, “Si Bon (So Good)” uses Ricci’s colorful trumpet amid Sanborn’s expressive storytellling, while “El Viaje” is an upbeat moment that’s melodic and charming thanks to the scatting and stylish jazz nods.

“Otro” arrives near the end and is both cautious and poetic via the meticulous keys, gentle drums and Sanborn’s dreamy singing, and “El Jardín De La Vida” exits with a cultured presence, lush textures and an adventurous spirit that’s much appreciated.

A highly emotional effort that can occasionally be haunting, too, Sanborn and Ricci create a worldly landscape of timeless vocal jazz sounds.

Travels well with: Deborah Silver- Basie Rocks; Liz Cole- I Want To Be Happy

North Mississippi Allstars

Still Shakin’

New West, 2025

9/10

Listen to Still Shakin’

Now 30 years into their existence, the North Mississippi Allstars celebrate their first album, Shake Hands With Shorty, via these classics from Mississippi that inspired the band’s formative years.

The speedy “Preachin’ Blues” opens with Luther Dickinson’s voice and Cody Dickinson’s scrappy drums making for some authentic blues ideas, and “Stay All Night” follows with Robert Kimbrough’s meticulous guitar alongside Jojo Hermann’s strategic Hammond B3 for the retro climate.

Further along, “K.C. Jones (Part II)” welcomes Grahame Lesh’s bass acrobatics to the playful spirit and folk nods, while “Poor Boy” enlists Duwayne Burnside’s inimitable voice and guitar via the buzzing funk bouts.

Close to the end, “John Henry” benefits from Kashiah Hunter’s skilled slide guitar and Luther’s bass prowess, and “Monomyth (Folk Hero’s Last Ride)” exits with a gentle and intimate moment that’s still got some of their signature boogie, too.

The Dickinson brothers sure have grown musically over the last 3 decades, and whether you’ve been along for awhile or this is your first taste of their Mississippi flavor, you’ll appreciate the talent they’ve always surrounded themselves with, as the songs radiate their unclassifiable version of the blues superbly.

Travels well with: North Mississippi Allstars- Set Sail; Cody Dickinson- Homemade

James McMurtry

The Black Dog And The Wandering Boy

New West, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Black Dog And The Wandering Boy

The veteran artist James McMurtry returns with his first work in 4 years, and he’s got some excellent help along for the detailed storytelling via his inimitable brand of Americana.

“Laredo (Small Dark Something)” opens with Daren Hess’s thumping drums and McMurtry’s driving guitar licks that suit his raw vocals, and “South Texas Lawman” follows with a calmer pace thanks to Cornbread’s playful bass amid McMurtry’s vivid storytelling.

The middle spots belongs to “Annie”, where warm acoustic guitar and Sarah Jarosz’ cozy banjo make for a distinct intimacy, while the title track gets gritty thanks to Pat Macdonald’s strategic harmonica and dense guitar from Tim Holt.

“Sailing Away” and “Broken Freedom Song” exit the record. The former makes great use of BettySoo’s backing vocals and Diana Burgess’ cello for the folk-rock album highlight, and the latter benefits from Jim Brock’s drums and Don Dixon’s bass that align with McMurtry’s authentic singing and rhythmic backdrop.

A lyrically well thought out effort that finds inspiration in his family’s past, McMurtry’s formula is all over the map, as he continues to cement his place as one of America’s greatest living songwriters.

Travels well with: Johnny Delaware- Para Llevar; Emily Nenni- Drive & Cry

Marc Ribot

Map Of A Blue City

New West, 2025

9/10

Listen to Map Of A Blue City

An album 30 years in the making, the legendary guitarist and composer Marc Ribot brings us an unclassifiable 9 songs that makes up his first vocal record.

The soft intimacy of “Elizabeth” leads with Christina Courtin’s gentle viola and Pico Alt’s poetic violin complementing Ribot’s light guitar and poetic singing, and “For Celia” follows with a hint of brightness via the warm acoustic guitar and pretty vocals.

“Daddy’s Little Trip To Brazil” lands in the middle and welcomes Doug Wieselman’s flute and sax amid the ambience and haze, while the title track enlists Ches Smith’s well timed glockenspiel that suits the fragile singing and distinct storytelling.

Inching towards the end, “Sometime Jailhouse Blues” spotlights Ribot’s meticulous guitar playing and heartfelt singing in a minimal climate, and “Optimism Of The Spirit” exits with Francois Lardeau lending a hand on drums and percussion for the nearly 7 minutes of cinematic and atmospheric exploration that’s mesmerizing and atypical.

Ribot’s got an impressive resume, and this body of work touches on roots, bossa nova, no wave, noise, and free jazz in a way that few other could, and it’s nothing short of captivating.

Travels well with: Marc Ribot’s Ceramic Dog- Hope; Pokey LaFarge- Rhumba Country

The Wildmans

Longtime Friend

New West, 2025

8/10

Listen to Longtime Friend

An outfit spearheaded by the brother-sister duo of Aila and Elisha Wildman, The Wildmans also welcome Dori Freeman, Jeff Hill, Sam Leslie, Sam Fribush, Redd Volkaert, and Nicholas Falk to these 12 diverse tracks.

The warm mood of “Take Me” starts with Alia’s pretty voice and stirring fiddle alongside Fribush’s graceful keys, and “Sometimes” follows with a hint of ruggedness via Elisha’s flowing pipes and Leslie’s melodic electric guitar that resides closer to folk-rock.

Close to the middle, “The Route” carries some bluegrass flavor thanks to the upbeat fiddle and Hill’s playful bass plucking, while “Any Day Woman” makes great use of Elisha’s cozy mandolin and Freeman’s well timed harmony vocals.

Landing near the end, “Absolute Zero” has Elisha handling baritone guitar in a darker ambience of eloquent singing and Falk’s strategic drums, and “Old Cumberland” exits with a festive appeal that allows for the bouncy rhythm section and fiddle acrobatics to shine.

Somewhere between Americana, alt-country, bluegrass, and folk, The Wildmans flirt with old-time nods and mountain music, where both the originals and covers are packed with an authentic and timeless personality.

Travels well with: Richard Thompson- Ship To Shore; Pernice Brothers- Who Will You Believe

Paul Cohen

Nightfalls And Midnight Revels

Ravello, 2025

8/10

Listen to Nightfalls And Midnight Revels

The inimitable saxophonist Paul Cohen takes on an adventurous project of both old and new sounds, where chamber works for trio, quartet and quintet unfold with precision.

Wolfgang Jacobi’s “Kleine Stücke” opens with Cohen’s playful sax alongside Brennan Sweet’s meticulous violin and Allison Brewster Franzetti’s elegant piano, and “Nocturnes”, by Peter Lurye, follows with strings from Urara Mogi, Luke Krafka and Richard Auldon Clark interacting with warmth amid Cohen’s bright wind.

Steve Cohen’s “Fiveplay” lands in the middle and recruits Jarod Apple and Yvette Sakow’s intimate saxes that suit Anna Keiserman’s moody keys, while “Midsummer Suite” is an animated album highlight that benefits much from the violin, viola and cello via the Richard Auldon Clark original.

The last track, Jonathan Sichel’s “Piano Quintet”, moves cautiously, where 4 saxophones and keys are layered with precision, richness and intimacy.

A collaborative effort that’s not short on expression or emotion, Cohen and company present chamber ideas with strong attention to detail and much focus on saxophone.

Travels well with: Matthew Burtner- Profiled From Atmospheres; Jeff Siegfried- Shades

Willie Buck & Bob Corritore

Oh Yeah!

VizzTone, 2025

9/10

Listen to Oh Yeah!

The 2 legends from the Chicago Blues scene, Bob Corritore and Willie Buck, join forces for these 10 timeless blues tracks.

The title track leads with Corritore’s unmistakable harmonica and Buck’s soulful pipes amid Billy Flynn’s warm guitar licks, and “She’s Alright” continues the authentic blues spirit with Bob Margolin’s playful guitar and Ben Levin’s fluid keys that suit Buck’s expressive pipes.

Halfway through, the bouncy and adventurous “Money Can’t Buy Everything” welcomes Jimi Primetime Smith’s rhythmic guitar to the infectious energy, while “Went Home This Morning” showcases Troy Sandow’s sturdy bass and Brian Fahey’s thumping drums that complement the grit.

Deeper yet, “Me And My Baby” enlists Anthony Geraci’s key acrobatics via the dynamic blues interaction, and “Let Me Find Out Your Name” exits with Flynn’s meticulous guitar, Wes Starr’s agile drumming and Bob Stroger’s precise bass helping cultivate a powerful and stylish finish.

Buck and Corritore are surrounded by some heavy hitters, and it makes for a superb old school Chicago blues affair that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Bob Corritore & Friends- Doin’ The Shout; Bob Corritore & Friends- Phoenix Blues Rumble

Ben Bostick

Become Other

Simply Fantastic, 2025

9/10

Listen to Become Other

The prolific Atlanta artist Ben Bostick shifts away from his country roots with this new album, where a genre-skipping effort breeds 12 atypical tracks.

The soft buzzing of “The Tangle” opens with a warm spirit that builds into dense bouts and bright spoken word, and “Heavy Heart” follows with intimate singing and strong attention to ambience that uses animated drums.

Halfway through, “GNTL HZ” comes with a distinct dreaminess that’s poetic and full of graceful strings, while “The Weaver” carries a sci-fi quality via the beats, thumping presence and processed singing.

Residing close to the end, the symphonic and soaring “World Without Measure” can retreat to calm ebbs of wind beauty, and “Transfigured Night” exits with a highly lush and eloquent display of chamber ideas.

An effort that tips it hat to both Trent Reznor and Beethoven, Become Other follows a hero’s journey through despair, relief and metamorphosis in exciting and unpredictable ways that further illustrate’s Bostick’s artistic capabilities.

Travels well with: Ben Bostick- The Rascal Is Back; Ben Bostick- Grown Up Love

Beebe Gallini

Begged, Borrowed And Stealed!

Soundflat, 2025

9/10

Listen to Begged, Borrowed And Stealed!

The sophomore album from the St. Paul, Minnesota garage rockers Beebe Gallini, this party sountrack brings us tunes that should have been hits years ago.

The energetic and scrappy “Run Run Run” opens with Miss Georgia Peach’s flowing voice alongside Keith Patterson’s rhythmic guitar, and “Hold Tight” follows with Travis Ramin’s thumping drums amid Amy Larson Pearson’s throbbing bass and the animated vocals.

In the middle, “I Believe” welcomes Melanie Vammen’s well timed keys that suit the retro rock fun, while “Cry Girl” enlists Russel Quan’s rugged pipes for the rowdy album highlight that’s equal parts grit and melody.

Arriving close to the end, “Kvar I Min Bil” uses strategic backing vocals and Swedish singing for the mesmerizing garage rock, and “Rowed Out” exits with Peach’s soulful and expressive vocals alongside the dynamic rhythm section and soaring guitar solos.

A really playful throwback effort, plenty of Minnesota garage rock classics are presented with a lively and memorable delivery that you’ll revisit over and over.

Travels well with: Kung Fu Hippies- North; Finick- Weekends In Purgatory

Barbara Dang & Muzzix

Michael Pisaro-Liu- Tombstones II

Circum-Disc, 2025

9/10

Listen to Michael Pisaro-Liu- Tombstones II

The musicians of the Muzzix Collective are aligned with Barbara Dang for these 11 sonically engaging and unclassifiable tracks.

“It Doesn’t Matter” opens with a bare presence, where soft vocals are met with sparse guitar and plenty of attention to space, and “Like I See” follows with sublime harmonizing that’s artistic and poetic.

“Rattle” occupies the middle spot and is strong on ambience and warm guitar, while “Time May” drones in a very rich and mesmerizing fashion thanks to the well timed keys.

Residing close to the end, “Kill That Black Cat Dead” rumbles and buzzes a bit before the high notes are sung with grace, and “The Darkness Is Falling” exits with a meticulous minimalism that’s shrouded in mystery, sophistication and cinematic waves.

A calculated effort that pays much respect to timbre, texture and silence, the precise and subtle use of double bass, trumpet, flute and objects complements the whispers, speaking and singing via an experimental and memorable approach to jazz.

Travels well with: Manoeuvres Sentimentales- Delightfully Deceitful; Joke Lanz & Petr Vrba- Mutants In Siberia

Penny & Sparrow

Finch

Thirty Tigers, 2019

8/10

Listen to Finch

The 6th album from Andy Baxter and Kyle Jahnke, i.e. Penny & Sparrow, has the esteemed Austin duo telling moving stories about loss and faith, among other personal topics, on a heavily soul and R&B influenced affair.

“Long Gone” starts the listen with smooth, soulful vocals in a slick setting of pop flavored R&B, and “Eloise Preamble” follows with a bare a capella delivery that flows into “Eloise”, where acoustic instruments enter the cautiousness with soaring falsettos.

Moving along, the folky “Bishop” recruits strings for a breathy and hushed album highlight, while “Recuerda” continues with a romantic spirit and gorgeous instrumentation with strategic synth.

Near the end, “Stockholm” utilizes acoustic guitars in a snappy, playful moment and “It’s Hysterical” offers a slow burning affair of sublime beauty. “Gumshoe” ends the listen soft and agile, as expressive vocals suit the articulate and emotive exit perfectly.

While their early work had the pair sitting comfortably in the indie-folk realm, Penny & Sparrow have covered much ground in their prolific career, and here 10 years of touring pour out in a contemplative listen of adept self-awareness.

Travels well with: Novo Amor- Birthplace; Tall Heights- Neptune