Stephen Jacques

Pioneers And Fragrant Flowers

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Pioneers And Fragrant Flowers

A singer-songwriter with a penchant for heartfelt song craft, Stephen Jacques has 13 albums to his credit now, and here he’s got some excellent help for 10 powerful tracks.

“Fragrant Flowers” starts with firm acoustic guitar and Jacques’ gritty pipes via the rugged version of folk-rock, and “Native American Sweetness” follows with Vijay Tellis-Novak’s warm keys that suit the eloquent storytelling and soft vocal harmonies.

Halfway through, “Smoking Trail” comes with strong attention to atmosphere via Chris Siebold’s aching pedal steel and Gerald Dowd’s thumping drums, while “Wheel Done Broke” is a swift alt-rocker that welcomes Jason Narducy’s sturdy guitar which aligns with Jacques’ raw pipes.

Further still, “Trailhead Fire” offers an intimate moment of poetic songwriting and emotive interplay, and “Sunset Horsey” exits with Jennifer Hall’s well timed backing vocals complementing the soulful qualities, sincere delivery, and meticulous guitar acrobatics.

A renaissance man who has lived many lives, Jacques possesses a knack for storytelling, and his multi-faceted version of rock is much appreciated.

Travels well with: Finick- Weekends In Purgatory; The Scarlet Goodbye- Speedway

Ruby Dee Philippa

Bag Of Tricks

Earth Island, 2025

9/10

Read About Bag Of Tricks

Most of my knowledge about punk rock life in San Francisco in the ‘80s comes from reading Maximum RocknRoll and the words of Larry Livermore and Ace Backwords. The stories they told made it seem like the Bay Area was the mecca of punk, where an endless amount of characters roamed the streets.

Ruby Dee Philippa lends credence to that idea with this first of three books that follows a rag tag group of punks, the band The Shits, and their groupies The Clits, as they roam from streets, squats and punk shows.

These aren’t the enlightened and politically driven modern day punks you might hear about today. Philippa assembles short stories about youngsters who sell and do drugs, have plenty of sex, steal, dumpster dive, fight and in general reside in between the cracks of society.

Even though most of us didn’t experience anything like what the characters in Bags Of Tricks do on a day to day basis, Philippa’s flowing prose makes for an entertaining read that will bring to mind the spontaneity, recklessness and overall looseness of young adulthood that we all miss in some capacity.

Philippa penned the book after reconnecting with old punk pals from her days in San Franciso, and the stories are mostly true. For someone like myself who has an interest in all things ‘80s punk related, this was an engrossing book about a time I would I could have similarly experienced.

Janet Axelrod

Act One

FRR, 2025

8/10

Listen to Act One

The esteemed flutist Janet Axelrod is joined by the piano for these world premiere recording of six works commissioned by Axelrod from Broadway’s most celebrated composers, arrangers and music directors.

The dreamy wind of “Touch And Go” starts the listen with Joshua Rosenblum’s warm keys adding much to the playful delivery, and “Jump Scher(z)” follows with David Chase’s elegant keys alongside the poetic flute that can also be firm.

Further along, “For Harvey… (A Theatrical Fantasy For Flute And Piano)” recruits Gary Adler’s well timed flute amid the elegant keys that emit much beauty, while “Duet For Flute And Piano #1” welcomes Georgia Stitt’s mesmerizing keys which suit Axelrod’s meticulous and articulate wind.

“Oasis” exits, and in 3 chapters presents intimacy, friskiness and eloquence via Elizabeth DiFelice’s meticulous keys and the strategic flute.

Each selection was penned by the pianist who performs it (except “Oasis”, which was written by Joseph Church), and each track brings its own unique identity that highlights the talents of the Broadway composers.

Travels well with: Dave Anderson- In Lieu Of Flowers; Yuja Wang- Shostakovich: The Piano Concertos/Solo Works

Saul Dautch

Music For The People

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Music For The People

The baritone sax player Saul Dautch brings us a debut of primarily originals, where 8 tracks are fleshed out thanks to an all star cast for the modern jazz approach.

Dautch’s animated sax starts “Hello Bright Sunflower”, before Hank Allen-Barfield’s frisky drums enter the playful jazz climate, and “Nighttime On The Red Line” follows with Miki Yamanaka’s bright keys amid the dynamic rhythm section and Noah Halpern’s lively trumpet.

In the middle is where “Grateful” and “L’Chaim” reside. The former carries a swirling intimacy via the soulful sax and graceful keys, while the latter offers a slow moving and emotive presence thanks to the cozy bass and dreamy keys.

Arriving near the end, the energetic and playful “The Climbing Silver” is the album’s best and radiates tremendous interplay between the sax and trumpet, and “Bacher’s Batch” exits with Louie Leager’s strategic bass adding much melody to the breezy jazz finish.

An excellent first album, Dautch’s melodic capabilities with his instrument are surrounded by excellent company and make an indelible impression.

Travels well with: Terry Waldo- Treasury Volume 2; Mike Thompson- 6th Avenue

The Beverage Station

Little Grey Cells

Gold Bolus, 2025

8/10

Listen to Little Grey Cells

The duo of Lainie Fefferman and Jascha Narveson, as The Beverage Station they illuminate their compositional, vocal, and electronic ways with a very atypical take on pop sounds.

“wakeups” begins the listen with a field recording ambience before bright synth patterns enter the playful landscape, and “BLAMO!” follows with wordless vocals, animated drumming and percussive sounds that carry an infectious energy amid spoken word.

“Autumn Song” and “Labor Day” occupy the middle spots. The former is soulful, colorful and recruits processed vocals alongside the shifting electronica, while the latter offers a rhythmic and dance floor ready appeal thanks to the charming synth, well timed beats and pretty vocals.

Close to the end, “One And One” buzzes with style, shimmering gestures and mesmerizing vocals, and “three-eighteen” exits with intimacy, minimalism and emotion.

This is the pair’s first release together and let’s hope it is isn’t the last, cause the influences from Pet Shop Boys, Sylvan Esso and Kraftwerk plus their strategic layering makes for a highly intriguing synth-pop effort.

Travels well with: DU.O- Thoughts From The Future; Dave Ruder- Lil Ol Davy Ru Ru

The Shootouts

Switchback

Transoceanic, 2025

9/10

Listen to Switchback

The Ohio honkey tonkers The Shootouts never disappoint, and this new batch of tunes continues that trend with guest spots from Sam Bush, Rodney Crowell and Vince Gill, among others.

“Trampoline” opens with Lindsay Lou’s warm pipes alongside Ryan Humbert’s flowing guitar via the heartfelt country rock ideas, and “The Other Side Of My Life” follows with a scrappy rocker that benefits from Kevin McManus’ dense bass and Jason Burger’s thumping drums.

Closer to the middle, Rodney Crowell’s wise voice enters the crisp “Half A World Away”, while “Just Another Sunday” features Mickey Raphael’s cozy harmonica amid Emily Bates’ pretty vocal harmonies in the dreamy album highlight.

Landing close to the end, Sam Bush’s intricate mandolin helps fuel the elegant and upbeat “Blue Eyes”, and “Dancing With The Distance” exits with strong attention to mood, where Raphael’s expressive singing adds much appeal to the lush, rootsy finish.

The Shootouts, i.e. Humbert, Brian Poston, and Bates, are making some of the most memorable modern Americana you’ll hear today, and this effort with many exceptional cameos might be their best yet.

Travels well with: The Shootouts- Bullseye; The Shootouts- Quick Draw

Sean Imboden Large Ensemble

Communal Heart

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Communal Heart

The composer and saxophonist Sean Imboden presents a Big Band effort, where a large cast helps flesh out the 5 involved tracks.

The busy landscape of “Fire Spirit” opens with Imboden’s sax surrounded by John Raymond’s bright trumpet prowess, and “Dance Of Inquiry” follows with Andrew Danforth’s well timed trombone amid the dreamy winds.

In the middle, “Certified Organic” benefits much from Joel Tucker’s thick guitar and Cassius Goen’s crisp drumming, as rock fueled ideas enter, while “Someone To Watch Over Us” recruits Matt Pivec’s graceful flute which complements the graceful textures and strategic brass.

The lush and melodic “Someone To Watch Over Us” exits with Evan Drybread’s stirring clarinet alongside Imboden’s flowing sax, where a heartfelt quality is present and appreciated.

A dynamic, articulate and timeless affair, Imboden leads the ensemble in and out of swingin’ moments and plenty of gentle ebbs, too, that we won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Charles Pillow Large Ensemble- Electric Miles 2; Pony Boy All-Star Big Band- This Is Now

Sharon Isbin

Romántico

KL2, 2025

9/10

Listen to Romantico

The multiple Grammy winner Sharon Isbin adds to her impressive catalog with these World Premiere Recordings of Latin Dance inspired sounds by Karen LeFrak

The the centerpiece of the recording, Miami Concerto, consists of 5 distinct movements.

The soft elegance of “Bailamos” opens with Isbin’s radiant guitar alongside playful drumming and a gripping orchestral presence that complements the guaguanco´nods, and the title track follows with an intimate tango that tugs on the heartstrings.

Halfway through, “Festivo” recruits the rhythmic sensibilities of bembé amid much warmth, while “Habanera Nights” recruits Javier Diaz’s skilled bongos and Carter Brey’s meticulous cello.

“Urban Tango” is the last track, and it carries a soft, radiant spirit via Isbin’s cozy guitar and the timeless Latin qualities.

It’s no exaggeration that Isbin is considered one of the best guitarists in the world, and this body of work highlights LeFrak’s vision with incredible detail and a flawless execution.

Travels well with: Sharon Isbin- Live In Aspen; Sharon Isbin- Affinity

Tad Robinson

Soul In Blue

Delmark, 2025

9/10

Listen to Soul In Blue

The soul-blues vocalist Tad Robinson is a veteran of the blues scene, and he’s joined by an excellent cast for 10 tracks, where 6 are with his longtime road band and 4 with the Delmark Allstars.

The rhythmic spirit of “Keep It In The Vault” begins with Kevin Anker’s fluid keys and Paul Holdman’s lively guitar that suit Robinson’s well timed harmonica and sincere singing, and “Out Of Sight And Out Of Mind” follows with Brian Yarde’s gentle drums and Brandon Meek’s soft bass complementing the intimacy.

“Deeper Than You Think” and “It’s Private Tonight” land in the middle. The former uses Mark Buselli’s rich trumpet amid Robinson’s soulful voice, while the latter gets cozy via Larry Williams’ playful bass and Roosevelt Purifoy Jr.’s moody organ.

Residing near the end, “Forgive And Forget” spotlights David Murray’s intricate bass for the timeless blues, and “This Time” exits with Geraldo De Oliveira’s strategic congas and Mike Wheeler’s dreamy guitar that touches on some retro ideas.

The album is made up of 8 originals and 2 covers, as Robinson’s inimitable take on Chicago blues is nothing short of rich, authentic and memorable.

Travels well with: Mud Morganfield- Portrait; Johnny Burgin- No Border Blues

David Korevaar

Beethoven Piano Sonatas: Heroic To Hammerklavier

Prospero, 2025

9/10

Listen to Beethoven Piano Sonatas: Heroic To Hammerklavier

The esteemed pianist David Korevaar takes on a significant project here, where 2 discs of Beethoven’s interpretations have been honed from years of teaching and playing the works and are fleshed out with precision.

The first half is comprised of The Heroic Period, as “Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53” opens with the dancing keys radiating much meticulousness via the animated delivery, and “Andante favori, WoO 57” follows with a distinct intimacy thanks to the cautious fingers.

The first disc finishes with “Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57”, where both firm blasts and melodic bouts align with incredible attention to detail, while Disc 2, i.e. The Two ‘Hammerklavier’ Sonatas, leads with “Sonata No. 28 in A Major, Op. 101”, which is full of beauty and sophistication from the sensitive gestures and attentiveness to mood.

“Sonata No. 29 in B-flat Major, Op. 106” finishes the album, and offers friskiness, fluid progressions and Korevaar’s unique take on texture.

Korevaar began this vision during Covid, and these recorded pieces give us further clarity and an enhanced sound that truly does justice to the originals while also allowing for his inimitable techniques to shine.

Travels well with: David Korevaar- Piano Quintets; Opus Two- Stephen Sondheim: New Chamber Music Arrangements

Elijah Rock

Memories Unleashed- Impulse 1

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Memories Unleashed- Impulse 1

The renaissance man Elijah Rock brings us songs from the Great American Songbook, where arrangements by Rayford Griffin and Todd Hunter do a great job of illuminating Rock’s soaring pipes.

The bright horns and frisky energy of “Route 66” opens the listen with Rock’s smooth pipes guiding the jazz fun, and “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” follows with warm keys and soulful brass that surrounds Rock’s expressive pipes.

“Here’s To Life” lands in the middle and is an intimate moment of sublime beauty and poetic singing, while “I Just Found Out About Life” offers a rich and dynamic album highlight that benefits from the romantic and upbeat spirit.

Landing near the end, “Memories Unleashed (A Word Spoken)” offers an emotive moment fueled by spoken word and sophisticated keys, and “Dedicated To You” exits with Rock’s eloquent wordplay that’s paired with mature piano that tugs on the heartstrings.

A charming effort that swings, touches on New Orleans influences and isn’t short on grooves, Rock now has 3 albums to his credit, and let’s hope there’s more on the horizon.

Travels well with: The Chris Parker Quartet- Heart Of Mine; Greg Chako- The Miami Project

Anaïs Reno

Lady Of The Lavender Mist

Club 44, 2025

8/10

Listen to Lady Of The Lavender Mist

This sophomore album from the jazz vocalist Anaïs Reno showcases the youngsters very developed voice that surrounds love songs most of us are familiar with.

The elegant “Les Feuilles Mortes/The Autumn Leaves” opens with Reno’s expressive voice alongside Peter Bernstein’s dreamy guitar, and “When Lights Are Low” follows with Joe Farnsworth’s frisky drums that suit the charming climate of timeless jazz.

The title track lands in the middle and uses the rich guitar amid Reno’s stunning vocal prowess, while “Take Easy Love” is a crisp moment of romantic storytelling and a hint of playfulness.

“‘Round Midnight” and “Kiss And Run” exit the listen. The former makes great use of David Wong’s strategic voice amid the powerful singing, and the latter bops and shakes with an infectious energy thanks to the lively rhythm section, radiant guitar and Reno’s vocal acrobatics.

An artist with an exceptional career ahead of her, Reno’s first album was recorded at just 16 years of age, and this follow up is a top notch display of vocal jazz that even recruits her mother, Juliet Kurtzman, on violin.

Travels well with: Marina Pacowski- New Jazz Standards Volume 7: The Music Of Carl Saunders; Elaine Dame- Reminiscing

Felipe Salles

Camera Obscura

Tapestry, 2025

9/10

Listen to Camera Obscura

The saxophonist and composer Felipe Salles brings both jazz and chamber ideas to these 10 tracks that welcome some impressive guests.

Nando Michelin’s graceful keys start the title track, where Salles’ rich winds emit much color and playfulness, and “Remembrance (For David Liebman)” follows with strong attention to tonality and mood via the elegant flute and mesmerizing keys.

Halfway through, “Rooms” showcases Steve Langone’s well timed drumming alongside the cinematic qualities, while “Perception” allows for Salles’ skilled clarinet to guide the rich and unpredictable album highlight.

“Lucidity” and “Trem De Prata” exit the record. The former is a darker moment that benefits from The Cushman Quartet’s cautious strings, and the latter rumbles a bit amid the initial intimacy before Salles’ sax acrobatics suit the frisky rhythm section.

A sonically engaging experience that is both imaginative and creative, Salles’ Brazilian roots are very much intact across the atypical jazz where he plays all the wind instruments.

Travels well with: The Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra- Mixed Bag; Phil Haynes- Transition(s)

Elana Sasson

In Between

PKMuscik, 2025

9/10

Listen to In Between

The inimitable singer Elana Sasson brings Persian poetry, Kurdish Mountains songs, plenty of jazz nods and Latin rhythm to these 9 diverse and worldly tracks.

The graceful and flowing “Akh Leil” opens with Santiago Bertel’s sophisticated keys that complement Sasson’s gorgeous pipes, and “Bahari Digar” follows with Kaveh Sarvarian’s well timed ney and Victor Goldschmidt’s detailed drums amid the expressive singing.

In the middle, “Nerges” showcases Manos Stratis’ skilled double bass alongside the colorful vocal acrobatics, while “Elaneven” allows for Miron Rafaljovic’s strategic trumpet to help illuminate the rich album highlight.

Nearing the end, “Laye Laye” enlists Matthieu Saglio’s stirring cello and Bertel’s fender rhodes via the rare intimacy, and “Hevi” exits with the mature keys and dynamic rhythm section aligning with the articulate singing.

An often tender and moving effort that can incorporate grooves, too, Sasson and company explore living between cultures, identities and emotional states with tremendous eloquence.

Travels well with: Rose Wollman- Breaking Glass Ceilings; Moira Smiley- The Rhizome Project

Couldn't Be Happiers

Couple(t)s

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Couple(t)s

The duo of Jordan Crosby and Jodi Hildebran, who are husband and wife, as Couldn’t Be Happiers they bring their diverse vision to folk sounds for these 12 songs that often explore the dynamics of their marriage.

Hildebran’s warm voice joins the playful guitar and drumming of the upbeat opener, “Come Back Tomorrow”, and “When I Die” follows with cozy acoustic guitar and Crosby’s vivid storytelling that touches on folk ideas that’s not short on harmonies.

Closer to the middle, “Tear It Down” welcomes Jack Gorman’s lively accordion and Kenny Butler’s radiant trumpet for the anthemic climate, while “Pretty Polly” showcases Nick Nathey’s well timed pedal steel via the rugged interplay that’s got some rootsy flavor to it.

Deeper still, “I Got You” has Hildebran playing harmonica and drums amid Doug Davis’ guitar, bass and percussion for the scrappy, country-esque delivery, and “Lydia’s Bridge” exits with intimacy and grace thanks to Pete Pawsey’s banjo and lap steel that suit the poetic wordplay.

A varied effort that can be haunting, find plenty of grooves and also emit protest songs, the pair pen a relevant, heartfelt and sometimes powerful display of song craft that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: The Davenports- You Could Have Just Said That; E.W. Harris- Machine Living In Relief

John Sturino

Blow Globe

Outside In, 2025

8/10

Listen to Blow Globe

This first release as bandleader from John Sturino is a very diverse effort, where many players are on hand for the 7 distinct tracks.

“Year Of The Globe” begins with Chris McCarthy’s warm keys and Raul Reyes’ fluid bass that suits the rich winds, and “Renewal” follows with Sturino’s meticulous drumming that aligns with the animate saxophones.

“Slug” and “Bonafides” land in the middle. The former leads soft, before the frisky drumming layered brass and winds enter, while the latter is 10+ minutes of Big Band nods amid Max Light’s radiant guitar for the album’s best.

“Morning Sun” lands near the end and welcomes Mar Vilaseca’s elegant and poetic singing via the sublime intimacy and Garrett Wingfield’s lively clarinet, and “PLG (Prophets Lefferts Gardens)” exits with a gentle mood of emotion that, near the end, showcases Summer Camargo’s trumpet prowess.

A first album that embraces rock, singer-songwriter, electronic, jazz, and classical sounds, Sturino is in great company and it makes for an excellent display of modern jazz.

Travels well with: 3 Cohens/WDR Big Band- Interaction; Jimmy Farace- Hours Fly, Flowers Die

Sabeth Pérez

Searching For Beauty

Tone Rogue, 2025

9/10

Listen to Searching For Beauty

The vocalist and composer Sabeth Pérez is well versed in jazz and South American folklore, and here we’re treated to 12 heartfelt and enlightening songs that recruit an excellent cast.

The expressive singing and warm keys from Jon Cowherd makes “Familiar” a cozy opener, and “Dream Boat” follows with playful scatting and Charles Altura’s radiant guitar that cultivates a heartfelt mood.

In the middle, “Reconciliation” pairs Pérez’s gorgeous, wordless delivery with Ingrid Jensen’s rich trumpet, while “Convertidos en Perfume” places Gabriel Pérez on saxophone amid Ben Tiberio’s meticulous bass for the album’s best.

Close to the end, “Wayra” benefits much from Martin Bruhn’s strong attention to percussion alongside the vocal acrobatics, and “Yearning To Punish” exits with strong attention to ambience and intricate interplay between the musicians.

A diverse effort that’s authentic, harmonic and cultured, Pérez also blends Chacarera, Carnavalito and Zamba into this highly intriguing version of jazz that stirs the soul.

Travels well with: Ben Kono Group- Voyages; Michael Sarian- Live At Cliff Bell’s

Steve Gillette

Best Of

Compass Rose, 2025

9/10

Listen to Best Of

A veteran artist with 14 albums under his belt, Steve Gillette was overdue for a ‘Best Of’ album, and the 12 tracks assembled here sure do fill that void.

“Grapes On The Vine” leads with Gillette’s friendly voice amid the warm guitar and quick drumming, and “Down Where The River Meets The Road” follows with a sweet love story that’s elegant and crisp in its folk-rock mood.

Further along, the nostalgic “Home By Dark” looks back at his younger days with melodic and cozy songwriting, while “Spots On The Dice” lands in blues territory and isn’t short on grooves or timelessness.

Close to the end, the romantic “When The First Leaves Fall” tugs on the heartstrings via the emotive singing and sophisticated keys, and “The Old Trail” exits with a mid-tempo delivery and nature-esque appeal.

Gillette’s work has been sung by plenty of household names (i.e. John Denver, Garth Brooks, Kenny Rogers, etc.), and it’s easy to see why. He’s got a knack for folk and country-pop sounds that are lyrically relatable and often uplifting.

Travels well with: Ron Sowell- Dance Till The Music Stops; Rees Shad- Porcelain Angel

The Heart Collectors

Alchymie

Spins The Gold, 2025

9/10

Listen to Alchymie

The Australian folk outfit The Heart Collectors treat us to 5 new tracks, where their harmonies, acoustic template and careful songwriting is much appreciated.

“Alchymie” starts with a cinematic quality, where mandolin, guitar, cello and strings interact with beauty and ambience that benefits from Kymrie Henge’s flowing voice, and “Carolina Mountains” follows with a hint of Americana via the heartfelt balladry and Mobius Barnagy’s expressive pipes.

The middle spot belongs to “Shenandoah”, where fingerpicked acoustic guitar and a haunting spirit unfold intimately, while “Symmetry Pt. 1” emits a dreamy delivery of meditative qualties and angelic waves of grace. “Chalice Hill” exits, and carries a Celtic mood via the banjo, cello and bells, as the rich dynamic and meticulous instrumentation leaves us in awe.

A highly detailed and sonic peek at love, the quick listen swirls with emotion, atmosphere and wisdom, which are certainly hallmarks of The Heart Collectors that fuel their folk friendly formula.

Travels well with: The Heart Collectors- The Space Between; Suzie Brown- Songs Worth Saving

Pepper

Local Motion

LAW, 2019

8/10

Listen to Local Motion

Pepper are back with their 8th album, and much like everything they’ve done, their reggae, dub and ska-influenced punk rock sounds are full of uncontainable energy and light subject matter that’s often as laid back as their music.

“Warning”, with Stick Figure, starts the listen with soothing vocals and a mellow groove, and “Carnaval”, featuring Henry Fong and Jinco, follows with bright horns and a full setting of reggae playfulness with precise bass work.

Elsewhere, “Candy” has the band settling into a moody groove of sugary sweet melody, while “Brand New Day” offers us an upbeat atmosphere of pop influenced fun to their breezy island formula.

Near the end, “Goddaugther”, where E.N. Young lends his talents, is the most sentimental tune, and “My Holiday”, with Micah Brown (of Iration), ends the listen with warm horns and lively percussion on one of the fullest tracks that will certainly get your body moving.

Probably considered an institution now in the area of punk/reggae/ska sounds, for over two decades the trio of Pepper have been maturing in all the best ways, and Local Motion unfolds like the perfect summer album.

Travels well with: Slightly Stoopid-Everyday Life, Everyday People; The Green- Black & White