Raquel Marina

Kind Words

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Kind Words

The Canadian jazz singer Raquel Marina fleshes out 7 tracks, where Kae Murphy, Reuven Grajner, Julien Bradley-Combs, Chris Adriaanse and Alyssa Giammaria are in attendance for the effort that takes inspiration from the trumpet legend Kenny Wheeler.

The warm spirit of “All Of It” opens with Marina’s expressive voice alongside Murphy’s animated trumpet and Grajner’s playful keys, and “Thoughts Of You” follows with pretty singing amid the hypnotic keys and Bradley-Combs’ gentle guitar.

“My Bohemian Hour” lands in the middle and recruits Giammaria’s gorgeous pipes that help add even more intimacy to the heartfelt climate, while “Call Me By My Name” is a powerful moment of timeless, emotive vocal jazz that makes great use of Adriaanse’s strategic bass.

At the end, “The Way You Look At Me” blends the rich horn with fluid guitar, frisky keys and Marina’s diverse singing.

This is Marina’s first album of original material and it’s an authentic and captivating listening experience that’s not short on melody, harmonics and relatable themes of healing, love and serenity.

Travels well with: Kathy Sanborn- Romance Language; Liz Cole- I Want To Be Happy

Nelson Bragg

Mélodie de Nelson: A Pop Anthology

Big Stir, 2025

9/10

Listen to Mélodie De Nelson: A Pop Anthology

The LA singer-songwriter Nelson Bragg brings us a fan favorites, new songs and some of his best yet, where 15 tracks span his power-pop fueled catalog.

The retro and melodic climate of “We’re Gonna Laugh About It” opens with Bragg’s expressive voice guiding the flowing and jangly ideas, and it isn’t long until “Live This Life Too Long” comes with plenty of timeless pop spirit in its thoughtful delivery.

Closer to the middle, “Forever Days” makes great use of the warm acoustic guitar amid the cozy harmonies, while “I’m In No Mood” comes with a nostalgic energy that’s layered playfully.

Deeper still, “Glorious Days”, the best tune, uses skilled drumming and a bit more firmness for the college rock influences, and “Death Of Caroline” exits with dreaminess and a lush environment that’s as infectious as it is timeless.

Nods to The Beach Boys, The Byrds, R.E.M. or even Bob Mould won’t be hard to spot or enjoy here, as Bragg offers the best of pop and folk from his work, and the heartfelt demeanor and wealth of harmonics is appreciated.

Travels well with: Chris Church- Obsolete Path; The Bablers- Like The First Time

Spike Wilner Trio Contrafactus

The Children & The Warlock

Cellar, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Children & The Warlock

Spike Wilner, Paul Gill and Anthony Pinciotti are joined by George Garzone for these 7 songs that pay tribute to Wilner’s late mentor, Harry Whitaker.

The bass acrobatics from Gill start “Hey, Open Up!”, as Garzone’s soaring sax enters the frisky climate, and “The Child And The Warlock” follows with Wilner’s meticulous keys aligning with the bright sax prowess.

In the middle, “Miles’ Mode” is a swift and dynamic Coltrane cover that illustrates dynamic chemistry between the players, while “Theme For Ernie” offers a cautious moment via the sublime keys and heartfelt wind that gets busier near the end thanks to Pinciotti’s scrappy drums.

The last track, “Re-Solution”, comes with both cautiousness and adventurousness courtesy of the animated sax and unpredictable keys emitting beauty and wonder.

Very tragically, Pinciotti passed away after this recording, and his performance leaves an indelible mark thanks to the personal and improvised spirit of the session.

Travels well with: Brad Turner Quintet- The Magnificent; Triology- The Slow Method

Knotted Wood

Middle Of Tomorrow

Clearly, 2025

9/10

Listen to Middle Of Tomorrow

The North Carolina quartet Knotted Wood make an impression with this debut album, where themes like life, death, love, and dedication surround songs that will appeal to fans of Tom Petty, Dave Mason, and The Beatles.

The flowing spirit of the melodic “You Are Here” starts with Patrick McDaid’s expressive pipes alongside John Alec Ferrell’s playful bass lines, and “Every Road” follows with quick keys from Mighty Melissa Burriss, as Eric Willhelm’s skilled drums suit the rich delivery.

“Walk Beside Me” occupies the middle spot and welcomes strings and heartfelt singing in an intimate climate, while “Stand Still” is an energetic and frisky moment that benefits from Dave Hollinghurst’s animated guitar amid the frisky rhythm section.

Closer to the end, “Far Side Of Midnight” comes with a haunting quality that’s subdued, and the title track exits with a layered, hazy quality that quickly escalates into a lively rocker.

The frontman, McDaid, has been recording music in his home studio for decades, and the musicians holds impressive resumes in bands like The Holy Ghost, The Spongetones, and Live Skull. Together, they combine classic and indie-rock nods for a fantastic first LP.

Travels well with: Applesauce Tears- Balcony Confidential; Kevin Koplar- To A Better Dark

Lennie Gallant

Shelter From The Storms

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Shelter From The Storms

The Canadian folk-rock legend Lennie Gallant embraces love, beauty and laughter via these 14 well thought out tracks that welcome an army of musicians.

The punchy folk-rock of “Counting On Angels” opens with Colin Buchanan’s fluid electric guitar amid Keelin Wedge’s bright mandolin and Gallant’s soaring voice, and the title track follows with a mid-tempo Americana moment thanks to Remy Malo’s skilled bass and Kevin Warren’s scrappy drumming.

Further along, the intimate beauty of “Ready To Dance” is a stirring duet with Patricia Richard that tugs on the heartstrings, while “Sable Island Horses” showcases Gallant’s cozy acoustic guitar alongside Julien Robichaud’s sophisticated keys and Catherine Le Saunier’s sublime cello.

Closer to the end, “Uncle Harold” offers an acoustic guitar fueled moment of vivid storytelling that’s complemented by gentle strings and light drums, and “Trust” exits with well timed harmonica and a gripping poeticism that’s sincere and memorable.

Gallant is a wonderful and wise storyteller, and these songs are relatable, timeless and meaningful. Anyone whose interests are near folk sounds will be in awe.

Travels well with: Steve Gillette- Best Of; Ron Sowell- Dance Till The Music Stops

Peter Lin/AAPI Jazz Collective

Identity

OA2, 2025

9/10

Listen to Identity

The trombonist Peter Lin is joined by the AAPI Jazz Collective for these 11 cultured jazz tracks that explore identity and how it relates to creative work and tradition.

The cautious and warm spirit of “Emperor’s Stride” starts the listen with Weng-Ting Wu’s lively drumming and Erena Terakubo’s soaring sax adding to the building climate, and “Alishan Girl” follows with Lin’s soulful trombone and Mike Bond’s flowing keys that suit the playful nature.

In the middle, “Anh Dau Em Do” welcomes Mỹ Tâm Huynh’s expressive pipes to the rock influenced album highlight, while “Magpie’s New Years Day” is a scrappy and dynamic moment of melodic and rich jazz that benefits much from Daseul Kim’s bass acrobatics.

Near the end, “Moonlight Densetsu” brings Huynh’s colorful pipes back amid Brandon Choi’s well timed trumpet, and “Beo Dat May Troi” exits with balladry via the poetic singing, gentle keys, cozy trombone and dreaminess.

AAPI are versed in classic and traditional Asian songs, and their worldly version of jazz and knack for grooves adds even more allure to this body of work.

Travels well with: Alon Farber Hagiga- Dreams I Dream; Michael Waldrop- Native Son

Keith Lamar/Albert Marqués

Live From Death Row

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Live From Death Row

This is the first live album recorded by an artist on death row who awaits execution, and it was documented in front of a sold out audience at ShapeShifter Plus in Brooklyn, where Keith LaMar and Albert Marqués bring their inimitable skills.

“Woke Up This Morning (With My Mind Stayed On Freedom)” starts the listen with Nia Drummond’s powerful pipes stirring the soul, and “The Journey” follows with Zack O’Farrill’s fluid drums alongside Milena Casado’s warm flute and LaMar’s spoken word that calls for justice.

Further along, “Transformation” pairs Drummond’s stunning voice with Marqués’ elegant keys via the lush climate that picks up speed near the end, while “On, Living” meshes the saxophones and keys with gentle versus busy bouts alongside LaMar’s eloquent words.

Close to the end, “The Drowned And The Saved” presents LaMar’s story amid the poetic keys, and “Truth” exits with acrobatic drums, soaring winds, Keyanna Hutchinson’s flowing guitar and Matthew Garrison’s well timed bass for the layered and exciting finish.

LaMar is 30+ years into his sentence and is firm that he is innocent. He performs his art in real-time from a phone at the Ohio State Penitentiary, and this spoken word poetry set to timeless jazz and playful improvisation is both captivating and enlightening.

Travels well with: Triology- The Slow Road; Paul Hecht- Pyrography

John Yao And His 17 Piece Instrument

Points In Time

See Tao, 2025

8/10

Listen to Points In Time

The trombonist and composer John Yao returns to a Big Band setting with these 8 animated selections that recruit some excellent players.

The lively “Upside” opens with Andy Watson’s scrappy drums that complement the soaring horns and winds, and “Not Even Close” follows with Hyuna Park’s firm keys and the layered brass the balance recklessness with melody.

“The First Step” and The Other Way” land in the middle. The former bops and shakes with an infectious energy via Robert Sabin’s bass acrobatics and the quick keys, while the latter allows for Yao’s rich trombone to mesh well with the meticulous saxophone presence in a more rock focused delivery.

Close to the end, the breezy mood of “Song For Nolan” comes with a heartfelt demeanor and hint of intimacy, and “Finger Painting” exits with both elegance and adventurousness meeting at a timeless intersection of fluid jazz.

Yao makes a triumphant return to a larger setting after a 10 year hiatus, and his robust compositional voice and leader skills guide the ensemble through this exciting and detailed effort.

Travels well with: Julian Shore Trio- Sub Rosa; Phil Haynes- Transition(s)

Sarah Louise Bassingthwaighte

Orchestrating The Wild

Aria, 2025

8/10

Listen to Orchestrating The Wild

The London Symphony Orchestra takes on the music of Sarah Bassingthwaighte here, where 4 in depth selections are fleshed out with incredible precision.

The tense and flowing “Cape Flattery” starts the listen with plenty of animated winds, well timed strings and booming percussion, and “Concerto For Double Bass And Orchestra” follows with 3 movements that make great use of Steve Schermer’s meticulous bass solos amid the cinematic backdrop.

On the back half, the conductor Bobby Collins leads the orchestra through minimal moments, rich interaction and plenty of pretty waves of elegance via “Let There Be Sparrows, Then”, while “A Mountain Symphony exits with stirring strings, swirling gestures and harmonics via the dynamic finish.

A project that embraces nature, all the selections are world premiere recordings and the diversity is appreciated just as much as the precise and gripping instrumentation.

Travels well with: Edward Smaldone- What No One Else Sees…; Lee R. Kesselman- Would That Loving Were Enough

Skydiggers

Dreams & Second Chances

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Dreams And Second Chances

The Canadian folk rockers Skydiggers treat us to 14 brand-new songs captured live-off-the-floor at The Tragically Hip’s iconic Bathouse Studio, where themes of love, loss, memory, and hope surround the rootsy affair.

The title track leads with Noel Webb’s crisp drumming alongside Andy Maize’s gravelly vocals in the breezy climate, and “Start Again” follows with Aaron Comeau’s warm electric guitar licks alongside Michael Johnston’s cozy keys.

Closer to the middle, “I Love You, Too, Maybe” makes great use of expressive singing amid a soulful backdrop that’s a bit darker in spirit, while “We Just Carry On” benefits much from Derrick Brady’s bouncy bass lines and no lack of melody.

Landing closer to the end, the intimate and dreamy “Quiet Mind” enlists Josh Finlayson’s acoustic guitar in a rich landscape, and “All Good All The Time” exits with a jangly and upbeat folk-rocker that’s got plenty of universal appeal.

A harmonic and diverse effort that touches on folk, rock, R&B, and country, Skydiggers play music with plenty of heart that you’ll want to hear again and again.

Travels well with: Barney Bentall- Cosmic Dreamer; Don Amero- Broken Record

The Society for Electro-Acoustic Music in the United States

Seamus, Vol. 34

New Focus, 2025

9/10

Listen to Seamus, Vol. 34

The always impressive electronic music advocacy organization, SEAMUS, returns with 9 new selections from the 2024 SEAMUS National Conference.

Patrick Reed’s “Primor D’Aion” opens with the waves of electronics emitting grace and adventurousness, and “Jour”, by Leah Reid, places electronics alongside Kyle Hutchins’ flowing soprano sax for a very frisky delivery.

In the middle, Kerem Ergener’s “In Praise Of Shadows” combines Lea Baumert’ flute, Chase Gillett’s percussion and Aaron Gonzales’ violin via the mysterious and cinematic gestures, while “Images” unfolds across 2 chapters that pair Jack Thorpe’s alto sax with Liann J. Kang’s electronics in a blurry, sci-fi sort of way.

Arriving close to the end, Oliver Harlan’s glitchy electronics make for a very atypical moment thanks to “Xerox In”, and Aleu Botelho and Paul J. Botelho both lend their voices and electronics for the harmonic, breathy and abstract finish of “the rain washed away the fear”

An effort where each track carries its own unique identity, the sounds range from haunting to rhythmic and meditative to dramatic, as the SEAMUS series continues to captivate with its sonic intrigue.

Travels well with: Richard Festinger- Then And Now: Chamber Music Of Richard Festinger; The ECCE Ensemble- Remembrances- Chamber Music Of Trevor Weston

Route 3

Live At The Station Inn

Pinecastle, 2025

8/10

Listen to Live At The Station Inn

The seminal bluegrass outfit, Route 3, document this sold out show at Nashville’s Station Inn from November 2, 2024, and it showcases the band’s inimitable live show.

“Losing Time” begins with Janice Martin’s firm banjo playing amid the flowing vocal harmonies, and “Your Love Is A Miracle” isn’t far away with Greg Potter’s expressive mandolin adding much melody to the timeless bluegrass.

Further along, the intimate mood of “Mile High In Denver” allows for all 4 vocalists to harmonize alongside Doug Clifton’s strategic bass, while “Leaves That Are Green” is a rich moment, where the cautious interplay between the strings emits much warmth and beauty.

Closer to the end of the night, the subdued and heartfelt “Southbound Train” benefits much from Joshua Ulbrich’s meticulous dobro, and “Route 3” exits with Jason Jordan’s intricate guitar playing that suits the charming bass, dobro, mandolin and banjo.

The sound quality here is excellent, as are the songs, and anyone with an inclination towards bluegrass isn’t going to be disappointed with this energetic set.

Travels well with: The King James Boys- Get A Transfer; Wilson Banjo Co.- Memory Lane

Shawn Lane & Richard Bennett

1682

Bonfire, 2025

8/10

Listen to 1682

Shawn Lane’s guitar and vocals and Richard Bennett’s guitar come together for these 6 organic tunes that welcome Grayson Lane and Jacob McFadyen.

The warm spirit of the title track opens with warm guitars and heartfelt singing that tugs on the heartstrings, and “Mountains & Miles” follows with melodic interplay between the guitars and Grayson’s soft mandolin amid the flowing vocal harmonies.

Halfway through, “Street Light” radiates a cozy intimacy alongside the meticulous progressions that possess much beauty, while “Grey Wind” offers a mesmerizing delivery of rich guitar playing, elegant mandolin and well timed bass from McFayden.

“Take Me Home” exits, and puts a very mountain-esque spin on the Phil Collins classic via the dynamic guitars, powerful singing and rich harmonies.

Lane and Bennett have significant resumes, and their combined talents make for an instantly memorable EP that will impress anyone with an ear for Americana, folk and bluegrass sounds.

Travels well with: Daniel Grindstaff- Heroes And Friends; Troy Engle- Back Home

Julian Shore Trio

Sub Rosa

Chill Tone, 2025

8/10

Listen to Sub Rosa

The pianist and composer Julian Shore is joined by Martin Nevin and Allan Mednard for these 10 modern jazz selections.

“Messenger” starts the listen with Shore’s elegant keys alongside Nevin’s fluid bass lines, and “Mission” follows with the rich keys and Mednard’s frisky drums meeting at a very unpredictable intersection of warmth.

At the halfway point, “Blues In Blueprint” indeed recruits the blues amid the scrappy drumming, bouncy bass and animated keys, while “All The Things You Are” showcases a frisky delivery of timeless jazz sensibilities.

Further still, the intimacy of “It Was A Dream” tugs on the heartstrings via the emotive mood, and “Pegasus (excerpt)” exits with each player’s inimitable talents making for a dynamic and swirling finish.

A diverse effort that can be introspective, energetic and even retreat to melancholy, Shore’s guiding of the jazz trio setting is nothing short of superb and memorable.

Travels well with: Phil Haynes- Transition(s); Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio- Dream A Dream

Kadialy Kouyate

Toña

ARC, 2025

9/10

Listen to Toña

The Senegalese kora extraordinaire Kadialy Kouyate returns with a 9th album, where he touches on our experiences, both personal and collective, which shape our beliefs, values, and decisions via these cultured 10 tracks.

“Kana Cumbo (Don’t Cry)” begins with the flowing kora alongside playful bass and a very warm spirit, and “Kibaroh (News)” follows with meticulous string interaction that emits much wonder and beauty amid the frisky percussion.

Moving into the middle, “Famo Keta (It’s Been A While)” recruits Josh Middleton’s rich accordion that adds much to the melodic climate, while “Jamba Dongo (Dance Of Leaves)” uses Kouyate’s intricate strings and drumming qualities for the melodic album highlight.

Near the end, “Hameh Julo (Song of Ambition)” emits soaring vocal acrobatics alongside the radiant kora and layered song craft, and “Ca Ira (It’s Going To Be Alright)” exits with plenty of rhythm and grooves that you could dance to, which unfold with elegance and worldly flavor.

A very personal effort that embraces Kouyate’s cultural upbringing, local traditions and migration, also in attendance are Davide Mantovani (double bass, electric bass); Mamadou Sarr (calabash, jembe, sabar percussion); Abdoulaye Samb (guitar); Al MacSween (keyboard); and Mina Mikhael Salama (oud), who enhance the appeal of this authentic effort.

Travels well with: Alvorada- Faz Tempo; Ozan Baysal- Tel ve Ten

Matthew Alec And The Soul Electric

Bad Rep In The Rubber City

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Bad Rep Rubber City

The Cleveland fusion supergroup Matthew Alec And The Soul Electric are already making a name for themselves in their hometown, and these new 9 songs expand on their jazz, pop and funk hybrid via mostly live recordings.

Alec’s rich tenor sax opens the disc with “Blue Train”, where Minus The Alien adds vocals and Greg Banaszak’s alto sax won’t go unnoticed, and “Quantum Entanglement” follows with dueling saxes that radiate tremendous interplay.

Moving into the middle, “Gravity” features Brian Woods warm piano and soulful singing alongside Jared Lees’ fluid bass, while “Bambu” offers an energetic moment via Miguel Tarin Torres’ funky bass lines and Jeremiah ‘The Franchise’ Hawkins’ acrobatic drumming.

Arriving near the end, the dance floor ready “Whinin’ Boy Moan” recruits Steven Forrest Sanders’ animated guitar licks and vocals that suit the lively saxophones, and “Thinking Out Loud” exits with a dreamy ambience thanks to the rich sax and Brian Randall’s cozy percussion.

This is the 4th album from the outfit, and the live tracks sound just as meticulous as the 2 studio selections, where hip-hip, Big Band and plenty of old school nods enter the fusion fun.

Travels well with: The Chris Parker Quintet- Heart Of Mine; Elijah Rock- Memories Unleashed- Impulse 1

Teddy Abrams

Preludes

New Amsterdam, 2025

9/10

Listen to Preludes

The Grammy winner Teddy Abrams returns with 16 pieces that take inspiration from classical work such as Bach’s Inventions and Bartok’s Mikrokosmos and are fleshed out via his strong compositional language.

The cozy mood of the reflective “Microcosm” starts the listen with much grace, and it isn’t long until the atmospheric “The Scream” enters with waves of ambience.

Close to the middle, “Combined Species” radiates a cinematic quality via the precise fingers, while “Found Material” moves softly, intimately and with a warm spirit that’s heartfelt.

Arriving near the end, “Pyotr” rumbles a bit in its meticulous execution that’s also pretty, and “Macrocosm” exits with the swirling keys radiating tremendous melodies and no lack of timelessness.

Abrams works with Gabriel Kahane and Casey Foubert on the production and recording side here, and together they create an introspective, harmonic and sometimes manipulated affair that resonates long after the music stops.

Travels well with: Juri Seo/Latitude 49- Obsolete Music; Alex Paxton- Delicious

Jack Barksdale

Voices

Truly Handmade, 2025

9/10

Listen to Voices

An artist who made a dent while still in his teens, the youngster Jack Barksdale delivers like an old soul, and here he brings us 11 songs penned entirely by himself and recruits an all star cast.

The warm spirit of “The Man, The Myth, The Legend” opens with Barksdale’s soft voice that suits the gentle ambience, and “Martyrs” follows with Sarah Jarosz’s elegant mandolin complementing the poetic beauty.

Moving into the middle, “A Funny Song” allows for Barksdale’s intimate guitar to radiate amid his heartfelt singing, while “Song Of The Artist” is a fuller moment that benefits from the layered guitars.

Landing near the end, Mike Meadows’ light drums complement the lullaby mood of “The End Of Days”, and the title track exits with strategic percussion and stirring strings surrounding Barksdale’s touching delivery.

Although Barksdale’s pipes and guitar are the focus here, the sparing but effective use of accordion (Bukka Allen), oahu slide guitar (Jeff Plankenhorn), cello (Diana Burgess) and violin and viola (Luke Moller) won’t go unnoticed across this thoughtful and mature body of work.

Travels well with: Jack Barksdale- Death Of A Hummingbird; Jack Barksdale- Live From Niles City

Joel Arnow

Woken Up In Broken Places

Adhyaropa, 2025

9/10

Listen to Woken Up In Broken Places

The esteemed producer and songwriter Joel Arnow takes inspiration from Blake Mills, Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois for these 11 adventurous tracks.

The warm ambience of “Get Up And Shake” opens with cozy singing and fluid acoustic guitar before crisp drums enter, and “Woken Up In Broken Places” follows with playful bass lines that suit the punchy, roots rock flavor.

Entering the middle, “Feels Like A Lonely Time To Be Alright” emits dreamy electric guitar and pretty female backing vocals thanks to the frisky pace, while “I Won’t Change My Mind” carries soulfulness amid the ambience and retro fueled melodies.

Closer to the end, “Bend Down Your Heart” welcomes nostalgic keys and Sophie Buskin’s cozy pipes to the heartbreaking album highlight, and “Everybody Wants The Same Thing” exits with nods to the Beatles via a scrappy and memorable finish.

A highly diverse effort that touches on jazz, folk, Americana and the undying spirit of rock’n’roll, Arnow benefits from the help of Michael Bellar (keys), Paul Orbell (guitar) and Alastair Ottesen (vocals) for this timeless body of work.

Travels well with: Marcello Zapperaeddu- Third Floor; Will Holshouser- The Lone Wild Bird

Peter Lewis

The Road To Zion

Omad, 2019

8/10

Listen to The Road To Zion

Though the name Peter Lewis may not ring a bell, most of us will have heard of his band Moby Grape, who have been active in every decade since the ‘60s. Taking plenty of nods from his seminal band, on this solo effort Lewis has his spirit firmly planted in the ‘60s, but injects plenty of modern ideas as well.

The title track gets the album started with acoustic guitars and soft vocals from Lewis that seem familiar and comforting, and “Down By The Water” follows with a dusty country influence in the memorable tune.

Further along, “When I Think Of Me” brings in a warbly Americana feeling to an introspective moment, while “In This Place”, which is one of the record’s best, offers a bright, jangly moment of pop influence.

Deeper in the listen we get “A Song For Kris (This Memory)”, a folk influenced moment of graceful beauty, the highly rhythmic “When I’m Gone”, and the harmonica and key friendly “Only A Fool”. “For The Gypsy” ends the listen calm and agile, as Lewis gets intimate and wise.

Sure, it’s only his 3rd solo album, but Lewis has been behind so much inspiring music and his vast experience helps make The Road To Zion on par with the greatness of anything he’s done, both on his own or with Moby Grape.

Travels well with: Buffalo Springfield- Last Time Around; The Byrds- Farther Along