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