Wilson Banjo Co.

Lonely As It Gets

Pinecastle, 2025

8/10

Listen to Lonely As It Gets

The legendary bluegrass outfit, Wilson Banjo Co., treat us to 5 tracks of their harmonic voices and flowing strings, where their signature storytelling and hard driving ways are intact.

The fluid strings of “Lonely As It Gets” opens with cozy vocal harmonies and Darren Nicholson’s well timed dobro, and “Black Wedding Dress” follows with Jamie Carter’s strategic bass that complements Brandi Colt’s expressive voice.

At the halfway point, “It Always Rains (When I’m Lonesome)” makes great use of Adam Plott’s percussion amid Steve Wilson’s melodic banjo, while “If You Don’t Climb The Mountain” allows for Andrew Crawford meticulous guitar to shine amid the vivid storytelling.

The last track, “My Last Broken Heart”, offers an upbeat and rhythmic moment of timeless and soaring bluegrass that few others could parallel.

Whether you’ve been following all along or this is your first listen, Wilson Banjo Co.’s version of soulful, gritty and intricate bluegrass never disappoints, and this time’s no different, either.

Travels well with: Wilson Banjo Co.- Memory Lane; Route 3- Live At The Station Inn

Sebu

Many Faces

Stereotrain, 2025

9/10

Listen to Many Faces

This debut solo album from the talent responsible for half of Capital Cities has Sebu exploring many genres and moods across 14 adventurous tracks.

The emotive and atmospheric “Look At Me Now” opens with heartfelt singing and plenty of pop ideas, and “Edge Of Nowhere” follows with help from THCSRS for the thumping and club fueled burst of melodica.

Closer to the middle, “What’s The Worst That Could Happen To Us” allows for the sophisticated piano to guide the powerful delivery, while “Love Bullets” uses scrappy drumming sounds and playful bass amid the expressive singing.

Landing near the end, “Dear Friends” welcomes Spencer Ludwig’s well timed trumpet that suits the beat driven album highlight, and “Standing Rock (Jonah Walsh Remake)” comes with a soulful spirit that’s energetic and glitchy.

An effort that balances indie pop, italian disco, jazz, hip hop, and alt rock, Sebu even covers David Bowie and Porno For Pyros, which only adds more appeal to the unpredictable and intriguing listen.

Travels well with: Knotted Wood- Middle Of Tomorrow; Agora Sci-Fi- Finding It Hard To Explain Something So Obvious

Mariachi Mestizo

XXV Aniversario

Little Village, 2025

8/10

Listen to Mariachi Mestizo XXV Aniversario

An effort that was recorded by 7th to 12th graders, these 13 songs from Mariachi Mestizo will be enjoyed by all ages thanks to the global, dance-friendly and heartfelt delivery.

The festive spirit of “El Son De El Tren” opens with a flowing duet from Nathaniel Rios and Pablo Tovar, as the horns and guitars emit much melody, and “Mazatlán” follows with Isadora Bravo’s gorgeous singing amid the mature strings.

Moving into the middle, “Dos Arbolitos” allows for Dayanara Bravo’s expressive pipes to shine in a more cautious climate, while the animated “El Perro Negro” showcases Caleb Prieto’s smooth pipes that will get your body moving.

Close to the end, “Si Nos Dejan” enlists Brianna Felix’s heartfelt singing alongside the stirring strings and rich horns, and “El Cascabel” exits with a busy yet precise delivery and many harmonic voices, plus Joelynn Valencia’s solo vocals.

An outfit created by the composer, arranger, music director, and viheuela player for the legendary Mariachi Los Camperos, Juan, Mariachi Mestizo celebrate 25 years of making music here with plenty of culture, timelessness and dynamic interaction.

Travels well with: La Típica Folklórica- La Diablera; Los Lobos- Native Sons

Styx

Circling From Above

Alpha Dog 2T/UMe, 2025

9/10

Listen to Circling From Above

The legendary rockers Styx return with an 18th studio album, where they dissect the human experience through the influence of technology and nature while balancing their inimitable talents with precision and wonder.

The title track leads with the thick synth presence, as the throbbing bass enters alongside the hazy singing in a very dreamy climate, and “Build And Destroy” follows with Todd Sucherman’s bouncy drums which suits the driving pace of warm prog-rock.

Further along, Tommy Shaw’s bright mandolin helps illuminate the gritty and soaring “It’s Clear”, while “Forgive” employs strings thanks to Stevie Blacke, where much grace and sophistication resides amid the rich textures.

Deeper still, “She Knows” spotlights Jeff Coffin’s clarinet prowess via the rhythmic and melodic gestures, and “Only You Can Decide” exits with cozy acoustic guitar and heartfelt singing.

All 7 members are in fine form here, and the esteemed guests don’t disappoint, either, as Styx continue their thoughtful and sometimes theatrical version of rock that few others will ever parallel.

Travels well with: Foghat- Sonic Mojo; Collective Soul- Here To Eternity

Gasoline Lollipops

Kill The Architect

ALP, 2025

9/10

Listen to Kill The Architect

The Colorado residents and alt-country heroes Gasoline Lollipops pen an album that surrounds managing balance and connection in these times of political strife, and it includes plenty of diversity via the 12 tracks.

The warm spirit of “Tennessee Nights” opens with Scott Coulter’s frisky keys alongside Clay Rose’s gritty voice and bright brass, and “Holy Rebel” follows with Don Ambory’s hypnotic guitar amid the darker mood that gets a bit gruff, too.

Further along, the pretty climate of “Horse Or The Cart” tugs on the heartstrings of the duet with Phoebe Hunt, while the title track is a lively album highlight that benefits much from Brad Morse’s detailed bass, as Rose’s pipes get a bit throaty across the anthemic rocker.

Landing near the end, “Elvis” displays plenty of rowdy punk rock influence, and “The River” exits with a softer spirit that’s rhythmic, soulful and intimate.

I really eclectic outing, there’s traces of blues, punk and folk to be appreciated, as the band balance light and dark imagery that might remind you of Lucero or Old Crow Medicine Show with a gym membership.

Travels well with: Chicago Farmer- Flyover Country; The Mallett Brothers Band- Higher Up In The Hills

Jim Self

My America 3: My Country

Basset Hound, 2025

8/10

Listen to My America 3: My Country

The jazz tuba wizard Jim Self returns with a 24th release, where country ideas enter the 11 songs that welcome a large cast.

“Chompin’ At The Bit” opens with Self’s animated tuba alongside Johh Chiodini’s soaring electric guitar and Joe La Barbera’s frisky drums, and “Wasbashed” follows with a more subdued approach thanks to Phil Feather’s well timed alto sax and Chris Woods’ quick fiddle.

In the middle, “Rocky Top” is a speedy moment via Doug Livinston’s radiant pedal guitar and Mike Valerio’s precise bass, while “The Devil Went Down…” benefits much from Kyle Palmer’s energetic trumpet and Steve Marsh’s colorful tenor sax.

Landing close to the end, “Folsom Prison Line” makes great use of Bill Booth’s soulful trombone and Bill Cunliffe’s strategic keys, and “I Cant’ Stop Loving You/Dog Tags” exits with the keys and tuba interacting with much intimacy via the heartfelt finish.

You might be familiar with many of these songs, but they’ve never sounded like this, as Self and company put their own jazz/Americana spin on classics with a very fun and intriguing appeal.

Travels well with: Jim Self & John Chiodini Quintet- Touch And Go; The Jim Self/John Chiodini Duo- Feels So Good

Keefe Jackson/Jakob Heinemann/Adam Shead

Stinger

Irritable Mystic, 2025

8/10

Listen to Stinger

Keefe Jackson. Jakob Heinemann and Adam Shead bring their inimitable talents to these 8 avant-garde jazz ideas that are as unpredictable as they are exciting.

Jackson’s radiant tenor sax opens the mesmerizing climate of “Regent”, where Heinemann’s lively double bass won’t go unnoticed, and the title track follows with Shead’s strategic and swift drums complementing the animated wind.

“She” and “Easy” land in the middle. The former is intimate initially, before the bass acrobatics and squealing sax enter, while the latter carries an infectious energy via the frisky rhythm section and glowing sax.

Residing close to the end, “Oles Anders” emits plenty of free jazz exploration that’s improvised with much creativity, and “God Of The Fickle” exits with the trio each showcasing their respective talents with strong attention to tonality and hypnotic gestures.

A Chicago outfit with a penchant for experimental jazz. each tune here is as memorable as the one before it, and let’s up there’s more coming soon.

Travels well with: Microplastique- Blare Blow Bloom!; Stein/Smith/Shead- Volumes & Surfaces

Entre Amigos

Magpie: The Music Of Joe Clark

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Magpie: The Music Of Joe Clark

The Chicago supergroup Entre Amigos return with a 2nd album, where the 6 tracks illustrates a dynamic and collaborative appeal.

“Bernard” starts the listen with a playful mood, where Hana Fujisaki’s warm keys suit Gustavo Cortinas’ frisky drums, and “Magpie” follows with a cozy intimacy via the mature keys and Kitt Lyles’ soft bass that complements Roy McGrath’s soulful sax.

At the halfway point, “The Parliament” moves cautiously, as the quartet’s interplay builds into a meticulous execution, while “Heaven On Seven” brings a festive appeal thanks to the marching band drumming, quick fingers from Fujisaki and animated bass lines.

The final 2 tracks, “Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker” and “Potato”, don’t disappoint, either. The former allows for McGrath’s rich sax to shine, and the latter exits with the stylish rhythm section helping illuminate the melodic piano and rich sax bouts.

The quartet tip their hat to the legendary trumpeter, composer and arranger Joe Clark here, where swingin’ moments, sublime balladry and plenty of rhythm is executed flawlessly.

Travels well with: Spike Wilner Trio Contrafactus- The Children & The Warlock; Brad Turner Quintet- The Magnificent

Dawn Clement

Delight

Origin, 2025

8/10

Listen to Delight

The inimitable pianist Dawn Clement is joined by Buster Williams and Matt Wilson for these soulful 8 tracks of originals and covers.

“Outstretch”, by Clement, starts and radiates dynamic interplay between thumping drums and lively bass, and “Monk’s Dream”, by Thelonious Monk, follows with the bright keys amid frisky drumming and bouncy bass lines.

Deeper into the listen, “Tokudo” uses Williams’ animated bass alongside the colorful keys, while “Easy E”, another Clement selection, uses both bare and busy bouts for the stylish and unpredictable album highlight.

Close to the end, “Elmer’s Holiday”, by Julian Priester, comes with an infectious energy via the warm keys, crisp drums and playful bass, and “Forgive Me” exits with a cozy intimacy that showcases Clement’s poetic voice accompanying a sublime dreaminess that’s heartfelt.

A highly sincere effort which is both emotive and rich, Clement and company flesh out a record that you can’t listen to just once.

Travels well with: Peter Lin- Identity; Michael Dease- City Life: Music Of Gregg Hill

New York Polyphony

Sky Of My Heart

BIS, 2025

9/10

Listen to Sky Of My Heart

The vocal ensemble, New York Polyphony, present works that span over 480 years, where each of the 13 selections radiates in its own inimitable light.

Willam Byrd’s “Eccentric quam bonum” starts with Andrew Fuchs’ soaring tenor that aligns with much of beauty among the other voices, and “Canticum Canticorum I”, by Ivan Moody, follows with a harmonic intimacy, as the vocals emit strong tonality.

Further along, John Tavener’s “The Lamb” leads in a more minimal climate that tugs on the heartstrings, while “The Last Invocation”, by Paul Moravec, blends Geoffrey Williams’ counter-tenor, Steven Caldicott Wilson’s tenor and Craig Phillips’ bass with Fuchs’ tenor, where each voice emits its own distinct range.

Close to the end, Andrew Smith’s “Katarsis” is full of soulful timbre, as eloquent and emotion pour out of the vocalists, and “The Silver Swan” exits with a poetic and soothing quality that will always be relevant.

This is the ensemble’s 10th commercial album, and the guest spots from LeStrange Viols and interpretations of Renaissance composers and 20th and 21st century works makes this a standout effort for the quartet.

Travels well with: Third Coast Percussion- Standard Stoppages; Nathan Davis- Earthworks

Sophia Warren

Adesso

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Adesso

The sophomore effort from the rising artist Sophia Warren, the 5 songs here revolve around alt-pop and presents stories that face inward and sometimes carries a darker spirit.

“Static” starts the quick listen with thumping drums and much warmth, as Warren’s expressive voice guides the heartfelt delivery of modern sounds, and “GRIN” follows with a bit more muscle that touches on alt-rock and comes with fuzzy bouts, too.

At the halfway point, “Doltish” layers buzzing synth and pretty singing for the album’s best, while “BOR” carries traces of grunge amid the dreamy melodies. “Purple” exits, and resides in a swirling, slightly haunting mood that’s hazy and emotive.

Somewhere between ‘80s goth, ‘90s grunge and dream-pop, this is a young talent with a bright future in front of her.

Travels well with: Annie J- Been Loving You; Eddy Lee Ryder- Sweet Delusions

Sumi Tonooka/Alchemy Sound Project

Under The Surface

ARC, 2025

8/10

Listen to Under The Surface

The inimitable composer and pianist Sumi Tonooka is joined by Gregg August, Johnathan Blake and the Alchemy Sound Project for these nature-esque songs that embrace chamber and jazz ideas.

The animated drums from Blake starts the listen with “Points Of Depature”, as Tonooka’s swift keys enter the dizzying climate, and “Savour” follows with Samantha Boshnack’s soaring trumpet amid the rich saxophones thanks to Erica Lindsay and Salim Washington.

“Tear Bright” and “Mother Tongue” land in the middle. The former is intimate with mature keys, soft drums and soulful brass, while the latter makes great use of Washington’s lively flute prowess alongside the busy environment.

The title track exits, and balances cautiousness with frisky bouts, where August’s bass acrobatics won’t go unnoticed and the wild drumming and Michael Ventoso’s well timed trombone make an impression, too.

Tonooka and her fine help move deftly from balladry to swingin’ moments and touch on jazz from many eras, and it’s all fleshed out with strong attention to detail.

Travels well with: Noah Haidu- Standards III; Julian Shore Trio- Sub Rosa

Nils Lassen

Fingerprints

Aenaos, 2025

9/10

Listen to Fingerprints

The Danish artist Nils Lassen has a long history in music, and this debut solo album finds the multi-instrumentalist and singer showcasing personal, poetic songs.

The soaring vocal harmonies of “Going Nowhere And I Hope To Get There Soon” opens with the layered voices making an impression in under a minute, and the rock focused “Fingerprints” follows with Tomas Ortved’s thumping drums amid the swirling guitars.

Further along, “Nobility Of Nerves” uses the buzzing synth alongside thick guitars, while “Midnight By The Lakes” offers a textured album highlight that benefits much from Kitty Drue’s meticulous guitar and Anders Wallin’s strategic backing vocals.

Deeper still, “Close Those Ocean Eyes” lands in dreamy territory that’s heartfelt and even haunting, and “A Little Love, A Little Hate” exits with a rich and harmonic appeal that’s dynamic and rhythmic.

Perhaps best known for his work in the duo BlackieBlueBird, Lassen starts his solo work off with a cinematic, raw and lush effort that balances firm gestures and balladry with tremendous skill.

Travels well with: The Search- Extras; Art Noir- Poems Of An Extinct Species

Various Artists

Something There- Remembering Jeffrey Foskett

Omnivore, 2025

9/10

Listen to Something There- Remembering Jeffrey Foskett

The legendary guitar, singer and studio musician Jeffrey Foskett sees his legacy preserved with these 25 songs that are fleshed out with some well known names.

The lively, power-pop spirit of “Tell Me” opens with no lack of melodies and plenty of sing-alongs thanks to The Pranks, and it isn’t long until “I Live For The Sun” showcases Foskett and Brian Wilson’s summery pop fun that radiates plenty of harmony.

Deeper into the listen, “Cool And Gone” illuminates Christopher Cross’ smooth pipes in a hazy delivery, while “I Wanted You To Know” allows for Foskett and Gary Griffin to align via the dreamy ambience of beauty.

Further still, Los Straitjackets are in attendance for the surf-rock fun of “Little G.T.O.”, and “Love Me Do/From Me to You” exits with David Pack accompanying Foskett amid the folksy acoustic guitar and retro nods.

Foskett was an imperative part of The Beach Boys as both a touring and studio musician, and enjoyed a solo career from ‘96 until just a few years before his death in 2023. His falsetto and ability to harmonize are documented well here, and certainly do justice to his many talents.

Travels well with: Christopher Cross- Christopher Cross; The Rubinoos- The CBS Tapes

Noah Haidu

Standards III

Infinite, 2025

9/10

Listen to Standards III

The inimitable pianist Noah Haidu is joined by some serious talent for this debut with a new band that features 11 modern jazz tracks.

Haidu’s lively keys start the energetic “Yesterdays”, where Gervis Myles’ animated bass line won’t go unnoticed, and “Lover” follows with an indeed romantic spirit via Charles Goold’s agile drumming that suits the flowing piano.

Further along, “A Child Is Born” places Billy Hart on drums and Buster Williams on bass for the intimate climate, while Lewis Nash’s frisky drums and Steve Wilson’s radiant alto sax make “Slipstream” the album’s best.

Close to the end, Haidu’s meticulous keys are front and center for the melodic and stylish “Stevie W.”, and “Teach Me Tonight” exits with emotive piano, light drums and moody bass surrounding the cautious spirit of the heartfelt finish.

This 3rd installment from Haidu is just as exceptional as the first 2, where luminaries from the New York scene help him explore grooves, melody and adventurousness.

Travels well with: John Yao & His 17 Piece Instrument- Points In Time; Julian Shore Trio- Sub Rosa

Susan Botti

River Spirits

New Focus, 2025

9/10

Listen to River Spirits

The composer and soprano Susan Botti meshes ideas of Renaissance motet, operatic aria and the unpredictable nature of avant-garde for these 3 involved pieces.

The title track leads, and in 4 movements presents Tyler Neidermayer’s bass clarinet, Robert Eisenstein’s electric viola da gamba and a trio of voices for the rhythmic bouts, high register placement and building intensity that’s sometimes guttural, other times melodic.

The middle piece, “Narration of Prologue (“Once Upon Time”)”, is just Botti’s eloquent spoken word alongside the sounds of water, while “Eau de Waltz” allows for Neidermayer’s bass clarinet and Samuel Zagnit’s double bass to complement Botti’s expressive voice via the playful waltz that’s strong on timbre and meticulousness.

Botti’s musical language is full of lush and earthy sensibilities, where the classical, chamber and opera influences won’t be hard to appreciate.

Travels well with: Seamus- Seamus Vol. 34; Richard Festinger- Then And Now: Chamber Music Of Richard Festinger

Meltem Ege

Solitude

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Solitude

This debut album from the jazz vocalist Meltem Ege embraces her American and Turkish roots across 8 meticulous originals.

“Anlayana” opens with Serkan Alagok’s frisky drums and Ozan Musluoglu’s animated double bass amid the expressive singing, and “We Must Not Say Yes” follows with a calmer spirit via Sarpay Ozcagatay’s well timed flute and Theo Bleckmann’s cozy voice that adds much beauty.

At the midway point, “Aklinda Kalmasin” follows with Senova Ulker’s rich trumpet and Onder Focan’s spirited guitar making an impression, while “Dawn” is an emotive moment thanks to Derek Bomback’s meticulous guitar that helps the tune build into a powerful display.

“Eyes Of Innocence” and “Brush Strokes” exit the listen. The former enlists Bulut Gulen’s trombone that meshes well with the timeless jazz delivery where Ege’s voice soars, and the latter welcomes violins from Rachel Iba and Alejandro Moreno and Carson Rick’s viola that suits the sophisticated storytelling.

An enlightening and charming effort, Ege’s uplifting voice guides us through cross cultural jazz which is full of heart and soul.

Travels well with: Anaïs Reno- Lady Of The Lavender Mist; Elaine Dame- Reminiscing

Holly Holden

al andar

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to al andar

The teacher, singer and Venezuelan cuatro player Holly Holden showcases her love of both London and Latin America with these 8 cultured tracks.

The dreamy spirit of “Te Vi Volar” opens with Holden’s expressive singing alongside the playful keys and mesmerizing cuatro, and “This Body Liquid” follows with Fabio De Oliveira’s frisky percussion that aligns with the layered instrumentation which swirls.

Halfway through, “Libertad” makes great use of Yelfris Valdés’ trumpet and Ernesto Marichales’ many percussive instruments via the festive delivery, while “I Went To The Mountain” employs Will Fry’s percussion and Greg Sanders’ keys amid the rich and melodic album highlight.

Close to the end, “Easy” has Holden playing nylon string guitar across the heartfelt mood, and “Leona” exits with so many percussive noise makers that complement the pretty vocals and cultured atmosphere.

The songs are sung in both English and Spanish, and the many esteemed players only heighten the experience of memorable and enlightening world music that’s universally enjoyable here.

Travels well with: Esbe- Mountain Aires; Tasha Smith Godinez- A New Day

Jennifer Lee

Glimpse

SBE, 2025

9/10

Listen to Glimpse

The vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jennifer Lee returns with a 4th album as leader, where mostly originals are dedicated to her husband.

“I Caught A Glimpse Of Your Soul” starts the listen with Lee’s cozy voice alongside the warm keys that segues into a frisky jazz climate, and “Farewell To Comfort” follows with Duncan Moore’s playful drums that suit Peter Sprague’s lively guitar playing.

“If I Only Had A Brain” lands in the middle and uses Lee’s mature piano amid Rich Kuhns’ light accordion, while “Warrior Drop Your Sword” makes great use of Gunnar Biggs’ strategic bass and Adam Shulman’s meticulous keys that align with Lee’s high notes.

“Here You Are” and “Strange And Beautiful” exit the listen. The former showcases Randy Brecker’s soulful flugelhorn, as Lee also contributes pretty guitar, and the latter recruits Anton Schwartz’s saxophone, John Wilitala’s bass and Vince Lateano’s drums that complement the expressive singing.

A diverse effort that touches on jazz, blues, balladry and Brazilian influences, Lee’s adaptable voice illuminates the heartfelt and adventurous ideas superbly.

Travels well with: Kristina Kollar- Walk On By; Judy Whitmore- Let’s Fall In Love

The Phoenix Project

Play It Twice

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Play It Twice

Spearheaded by songstress Robin Lyn Treger, The Phoenix Project brings some serious talent in addition to Treger, including Steve Starger and Dave Stoltz, among others, as the all star ensemble deliver 4 strong, timeless Americana tunes here.

“(I Put My) Hand In The Fire” starts the EP with warm, soulful vocals in a groove friendly opener that flirts with blues and country sounds, too. “Vagabond Heart” then follows with a ballad feel, as emotive qualities infiltrate the rootsy track.

The last two tunes shine bright, too, and include the breezy melody and tropical backdrop of “Play It Twice”, where rhythm is present in spades, and the cautious yet playful exit, “The Way It Was”.

This Connecticut outfit cover a lot of bases here, especially some of the more expressive and sophisticated genres near Americana, and it should be very apparent to anyone who hears this EP that 4 tunes is just not enough. The best advice is in the album title, while we impatiently wait for an LP.

Travels well with: Tedeschi Trucks Band- Let Me Get By; Bonnie Raitt- Luck Of The Draw