Buck Owens And His Buckaroos

Adios, Farewell, Goodbye, Good Luck, So Long: On Stage 1964-1974

Omnivore, 2025

9/10

Listen to Adios, Farewell, Goodbye, Good Luck, So Long: On Stage 1964-1974

Fans of Buck Owens will be delighted to see this assembly of 78 live performances spanning 3 CDs that documents his patented ‘Bakersfield Sound’ across 10 years of selling out venues.

A set from Richmond, VA in 1964 opens, where the warm spirit of the emotive “Together Again” tugs on the heartstrings, and “I Don’t Hear You” appears later on with harmonic vocals and aching pedal steel via plenty of classic country nods.

A night from New York in 1967 follows, where the raw recording of “Sam’s Place” comes with Owens’ signature energy and will get you on the dance floor, and “Catfish Capers”, recorded in 1969 in Vegas, continues that liveliness with animated violin, frisky drumming and the swift bass plucking.

Further along, in 1971 from Reno we’re treated to the scrappy duet “We’re Gonna Get Together” that invites singing-along, while “Big Game Hunter” is signature Owens, where the band’s frisky playing complement the smooth vocals from Bakersfield in 1973.

Close to the end, the rowdy interpretation of “Johnny B. Goode”, from 1973 and also in Bakerfield, rivals Marty McFly’s version, and “Orange Blossom Special”, one of their most requested songs, comes to us from Tokyo in 1974 and showcases furious string interaction and a festive mood.

An incredible project that comes with a full-color, 56-page annotated book with an extensive essay from Grammy-nominated writer and set co-producer Scott B. Bomar, Owens’ influence on popular music and culture is unmatched, and documented here with a decade of concerts.

Travels well with: Buck Owens And His Buckaroos- Bakersfield Gold; Buck Owens And His Buckaroos- Ain’t It Amazing, Gracie

All Things Swamp

Dressed

Little Village, 2025

9/10

Listen to Dressed

An ensemble that began as an impromptu New Orleans Second line funk and blues band, these days the 9 players of All Things Swamp are a well oiled, as evidenced by these 8 meticulous tracks.

“Sidewalk Strut” opens with Luke Kirley’s animated tuba, before the many horns enter amid Jim Pugh’s playful organ, and “Bah-Duey-Duey” follows with plenty of grooves thanks to Gary Novak’s frisky drums and Brian Switzer’s radiant trumpet.

“Mercy Mercy Mercy” and “Rocking Chair” land in the middle. The former allows for Dean Parks’ lively sax to shine, while the latter is softer, soulful moment via Dillon O’Brian’s intimate vocals and the emotive keys.

Close the end, the festive “How Much Fun” is so much fun thanks to the playful atmosphere that’s melodic and dance floor ready, and “Take It To The Street” exits with a busy template, where Tim Hockenberry’s trombone, Aaron Lington’s bari sax and Dan Gordon’s bass trombone won’t go unnoticed.

All the players bring their diverse backgrounds and impressive resumes to the timeless energy of New Orleans, and it’s a party you won’t want to miss.

Travels well with: Mariachi Mestizo- XXV Aniversario; JP Soars- Brick By Brick

Emma Rush

The Life And Times Of Catharina Pratten

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Life And Times Of Catharina Pratten

The Canadian classical guitarist Emma Rush brings her inimitable talents to these 17 well thought out tracks that showcase 7 previously unrecorded selections by Catharina Josepha Pratten alongside first recordings of music by her father Ferdinand Pelzer, her husband Robert Sidney Pratten, colleague Leonard Schulz, and student Frank Mott Harrison, plus pieces by her contemporaries Francisco Tárrega, Giulio Regondi, and Ernest Shand.

“Daisy” starts with a quick display of meticulous and warm guitar playing from Rush’s agile hands, and it isn’t long until “Absence” tugs on the heartstrings with its poetic and emotive progressions.

Further along, “Lágrima” makes an impression in 2 minutes thanks to the calm gestures amid much beauty, while “Evening Song” is even shorter but no less impactful via the harmonic dynamics and strong attention to mood.

Residing close to the end, “Danse Cappriccio” is a brief and rich moment of complicated but easily accessible melodies, and “Lucia di Lammermoor” exits with a hushed quality that’s soothing and nearly lullaby-esque.

An historically significant effort that’s romantic and technically stunning, in the area of solo guitar albums, it just doesn’t get much better than this.

Travels well with: Ken Whiteley- Unseen Hands; Evan Rotella- Last Train Home

Willi Carlisle

Winged Victory

Signature Sounds, 2025

9/10

Listen to Winged Victory

The folk singer Willi Carlisle is back with a 4th album, where some friends are along for the rootsy adventurousness.

“We Have Fed You All For 1000 Years” starts with Carlisle’s flowing banjo and soaring voice alongside Beth Chrisman’s elegant fiddle, and “Wildflowers Growin’” follows with a soft intimacy via Brennen Leigh’s backing vocals and Tony Kamel’s rich mandolin.

In the middle, the festive “Cryin’ These Cocksucking Tears” welcomes Oliver Stick’s accordion and Dees Stribling’s agile drumming, while “Work Is Work” is a harmonic album highlight thanks to Lindsay Greene’s upright bass and the swift guitars.

“Big Butt Billy” and “Old Bill Pickett” exit the listen. The former is full of spoken word and upbeat acoustic guitar, and the latter is a busy and meticulously display of old time flavor and precise string interaction.

A nostalgic effort that touches on bluegrass, polka, blues and country ideas, too, Carlisle is in excellent company and the unique storytelling and inimitable delivery is quite memorable.

Travels well with: Kassi Valazza- From Newman Street; Zack Keim- Battery Lane

The Boneshakers

Live To Be This

Gulf Coast, 2025

9/10

Listen to Live To Be This

The Boneshakers, i.e. Jenny Langer and Randy Jacobs, are joined by many guests for these playful and powerful blues tunes.

“I’ll Kick A Brick (For My Man)” opens with Rodney Lee’s animated keys that align with Langer’s robust pipes and Mark Pender’s bright trumpet, and “They Say I’m Different” follows with a bouncy mood, where Greg Bissonette’s agile drumming and Lenny Castro’s lively percussion won’t go unnoticed.

Moving towards the middle, “Evil No More” recruits Charlie Musselwhite’s spirited harmonica amid the rugged qualities, while “Here I Am” makes great use of Joe Sublett’s rich sax that suits Jacob’s meticulous guitar and Langer’s expressive voice.

Closer to the end, “Tears Of The World”, the album’s best, benefits much from Tully Winfield’s soulful backing vocals via the rich delivery, and “The Cake And The Candle” exits with Scott Mayo and Charlean Carmon’s well timed voices complementing Langer’s intimate singing that’s poetic.

This is the duo's 11th album, and it’s a superb blend of blues, soul and rock that will tug on the heartstrings but also get you on the dance floor thanks to the funk, grooves and anthemic bouts.

Travels well with: Albert Castiglia- Righteous Sounds; Mike Zito- Life Is Hard

Jesika Von Rabbit

Bunnywood Babylon

Dionysus, 2025

8/10

Listen to Bunnywood Babylon

The Joshua Tree artist, Jesika von Rabbit, makes her own kind of pop music, and these 11 songs touch on many thoughtful ideas and textures.

“Pretty Dum” starts with Rabbit’s distinct voice and cozy organ alongside Lee Joseph’s soft guitars and bass that builds into a quicker pace, and “Hooray For Hollywood” follows with whistling and Denny Weston Jr.’s fluid drumming that complements the warm climate.

Moving into the middle, “What Is Your Ism” recruits Ethan Allen’s skilled drumming alongside the radiant synth of the stylish delivery, while “Surf Music” has Rabbit handing everything for the buzzing and modern electro-pop delivery that’s also soulful.

Deeper still, the electric piano and synth from Rabbit suits the pretty singing of the album’s best, “Year Of The Tiger” and “Desert Rain” exits with breezy acoustic guitar for the intimate finish.

The songs revolve around self-deprecation, love, loss and finger pointing, as Rabbit mashes electronica and Americana into heartfelt moments and fuzzy rockers.

Travels well with: Beastii- Follower; Danko Jones- Electric Sounds

Alec Goldfarb

Shadows

Long Echo, 2025

9/10

Listen to Shadows

The guitarist-composer Alec Goldfarb brings along many guests for these worldly jazz tunes that were recorded between Southeast Asia and New York City.

“Reliquary/Quartet” starts with Steven Crammer’s drums and tabla alongside Goldfarb’s unpredictable guitar playing, and “Relics” follows with Gideon Forbes’ well timed soprano saxophone that adds much richness to the melodic climate.

“Lullaby” lands in the middle and welcomes Rani Blanco’s distinct pipes to the Eastern influences, while “Rehab Consort” enlists Roni Driyastoto’s rebab for the strong attention to atmosphere and tonality via the gripping strings.

Residing near the end, “Trancing” makes great use of Yustiawan Paradigma’s gender sandikala amid the harmonic voices and indeed mesmerizing spirit, and “Epilogue” exits with Agnesia Nandasari Nuringtyas’ sindhen and vocals that are enlightening and globally enjoyable.

A body of work that draws from Southeast Asia’s classical and folk traditions and was assembled from winters and monsoon season spent in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam between 2022 and 2023, Goldfarb’s melodic, harmonic and groove filled vision is fleshed out superbly.

Travels well with: Keefe Jackson/Jakob Heinemann/Adam Shead- Stinger; Illegal Crowns- Unclosing

Teskey

White Wolf

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to White Wolf

The Arizona blues rockers Teskey make an impression with this debut album, where plenty of fusion ideas enter the 11 sturdy tracks.

The thumping and powerful “Under The Sun” opens with Brandon Teskey’s gritty pipes alongside Bradon Gaddy’s firm drums, and “Cast Aside Child” follows with Matt Baldwin’s playful bass that suits the raw but melodic blues climate.

Further along, “Lemon Tree” makes great use of warm acoustic guitar and plenty of rhythm via the southern spirit, while the title track is a busy but meticulous album highlight that enlists Teskey’s sturdy guitar amid the dense rhythm section.

Landing close to the end, “Shadow Side” opens with many voices before the frisky mood aligns with gruff singing, and “Make The World Sing” exits with an intimate moment of poetic song craft, much sophistication and plenty of intricate guitar solos.

A top notch listen that pulls from Delta blues, jazz, psychedelic ideas and alt-rock, Teskey are never short on riffs, energy and soulful blues rock that you can’t help but admire.

Travels well with: Brody Buster- Redemption; Sean Chambers- Sean Chambers Live with the Savoy Brown Rhythm Section

Adam Tilzer

Cult Leader

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Cult Leader

The unpredictable rock artist and producer Adam Tilzer turns in a solo album of 10 tracks that runs the rock spectrum with plenty of experimental ideas.

“Choking On Vomit” starts with talking and a softer quality before the dense guitars and thumping drums enter the chugging rock, and “I’m Gonna Start A Cult” follows with tense singing and a melodic backdrop that does pull any punches, lyrically.

At the halfway point, the swift and energetic “My Man” recruits Kiirstin Marilyn and Trophy Wife for the searing alt-rock, while “Gram” trims the pace back via Giselle’s pretty pipes for a soulful moment.

Residing close to the end, “Les Lius” finds groove and rhythm via the warm guitar and bluesy nods, and “And I’ll Die” exits with folk rock nods that builds into thick and passionate bursts of scathing songwriting.

The influences here are vast, where you might be reminded of Less Than Jake, Leonard Cohen or Jimi Hendrix, as Tilzer calls out injustice and runs the gamut of rock from punk to poetry.

Travels well with: Couldn’t Be Happiers- Couple(t)s; The Davenports- You Could Have Just Said That

Daniel Pesca

Walk With Me, My Joy

New Focus, 2025

9/10

Listen to Walk With Me, My Joy

The composer and pianist Daniel Pesca pens a portrait of chamber sounds, where a few guests enter solo, duo and quartet settings.

“Gestures” leads with 5 dreamy segments, where Sarah Frisof’s airy flute and Pesca’s animated keys radiate much beauty and wonder, and “In Solitude” follows with just Christine Lamprea’s intimate cello that’s heartfelt and rich.

In the middle, the firm keys of “Chaconne” allows for Pesca’s stunning keys to mesmerize us, while “Three Intermezzos” enlists Dieter Hennings’ warm guitar that’s poetic.

The title track exits and it’s the fullest selection, as Frisof’s flute, Lamprea’s cello, Pesca’s piano and Ian Rosenbaum’s percussion create haunting moments, grooves and plenty of colorful instrumentation.

An effort that uses lyricism, character areas and straight forward architecture, Pesca’s vision is harmonic, intricate and rhythmic in its own distinct execution.

Travels well with: Susan Botti- River Spirits; Seamus- Seamus Vol. 34

Long Tall Deb & Colin John

Light It Up

VizzTone, 2025

9/10

Listen to Light It Up

The powerful vocalist Long Tall Deb and British-American guitarist Colin John return with a 3rd release that showcases their blues-rock ways with plenty of excellent guests.

The animated title track leads with Chris Butler’s playful bass complementing John’s intricate guitar and Deb’s soulful pipes, and “My Love” follows with Zac Var’s thumping drums alongside the dense guitar and sturdy singing.

Halfway through, “Hear Them Moan” places Jason Edwards on drums and John on lap steel via the calmer mood, while “Spoonful” recruits Steve Marriner’s lively harmonica and flowing rhythm section from Butler that helps make this the album’s best.

Further still the swift and rhythmic “Out For A Rip” allows for Pascal Fouquet and Alastair Green’s meticulous guitars to shine, and “Crooks, Thieves And Liars” exits with Deb’s emotive voice amid the intimate and thick bouts of timeless blues.

Deb’s versatile pipes possess beauty but can still growl, too, and John’s handling of guitar, six string bass, lap steel and baby sitar is nothing short of stunning, as they turn in a top notch, blues rock outing.

Travels well with: Willie Buck & Bob Corritore- Oh Yeah!; Big Al And The Heavyweights- Blues Power

Gillian Margot And Geoffrey Keezer

Gillian Margot And Geoffrey Keezer

MarKeez, 2025

8/10

Listen to Gillian Margot And Geoffrey Keezer

The esteemed duo of vocalist Gillian Margot and pianist Geoffrey Keezer return with a 4th album, where 10 songs traverse the American Songbook with a heartfelt and playful mood.

Keezer’s warm keys open up the cozy spirit of “Blame It On My Youth”, where Margot’s soulful pipes enter, and “Thou Swell” follows with animated scatting and firm keys that are both infectious and memorable.

Halfway through, “Lush Life” is strong on atmosphere, as the expressive setting unfolds across colorful keys, while “Eternal Child” balances unpredictable piano and diverse scatting for the album’s best.

Close to the end, “Day In, Day Out” showcases Keezer’s quick and meticulous fingers amid the charming vocals, and “All My Tomorrows” exits with intimacy and emotion via the sincere singing and heartfelt piano.

An effort of both sublime interpretations and frisky bouts, Margot and Keezer have been playing music together for over 10 years and are partners in life, too, and that chemistry is evident and appreciated.

Travels well with: Lauren Henderson- Sombras; Alyssa Allgood- From Here

Crossword Smiles

Consequences + Detours

Big Stir, 2025

9/10

Listen to Consequences + Detours

The Detroit duo Crossword Smiles return with a sophomore album, where Tom Curless and Chip Saam welcome guests and inject plenty of melody into their pop and rock template.

The jangly and breezy warmth of “Counting By Fives” opens with Lenny Grassa’s flowing guitar that suits the cozy vocal melodies, and “Falling All Over Myself” follows with Curless’ thumping drums and Saam’s animated bass that complements the melodic college rock spirit.

Deeper into the listen, “Night Train” welcomes David Baldwin’s bright trumpet alongside Timothy Monger’s well timed accordion, while “Typical Waving Goodbye” recruits Rod Capps sophisticated violin and viola that illuminates the rich and atmospheric album highlight.

Further still, “Fake A Smile” flirts with ‘80s sensibilities via the textured and ambient qualities, and “The Never Seens” exits with some grit entering the more muscular finish.

An original but somehow still familiar album, you might be reminded of The Replacements (late period), R.E.M. or Crowded House, as Curless and Saam deliver plenty of melodies, hooks and harmonies that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Nelson Bragg- Mélodie de Nelson: A Pop Anthology; Chris Church- Obsolete Path

Claudio Scolari Project

Bloom

Principal, 2025

9/10

Listen to Bloom

Italy’s Claudio Scolari Project return with 9 songs of modern jazz that embraces the organic building of musical ideas that evolve and flourish amid their improvisation.

The animated “New Ground” leads with Ilaria Cavalca’s frisky keys and Michele Cavalca’s lively bass alongside Claudio’s inventive drumming, and “Velvet Currents” follows with strong attention to mood via Simone Scolari’s rich trumpet.

“Bloom” and “Broken Thumb” land in the middle. The former is a mesmerizing moment thanks to buzzing synth and Daniele Cavalca’s well timed drums, while the latter is full of colorful grooves alongside the unpredictable drumming and quick keys.

Landing near the end, “Acid Roots” benefits much from the creative improvisation that’s busy, and “Whispers Of Life” exits with cinematic qualities, where all the members showcase their inimitable talents.

A truly unique sonic experience, the addition of new member Ilaria Cavalca adds even more allure to the textures that embrace jazz in avant-garde and experimental ways

Travels well with: Claudio Scolari Project- Opera 8; Claudio Scolari Project- Intermission

Charles Chen

Building Characters

Cellar, 2025

9/10

Listen to Building Characters

The pianist Charles Chen is joined by an all-star cast for these 8 songs that draws from heroes from jazz, fiction, mythology and anime for this 2nd album.

“Kismet” starts with Chen’s soft keys that builds into a frisky climate thanks to Adam Nussbaum’s agile drumming, and “Zhang Fei, Fierce Warrior” follows with a busy delivery thanks to Bob Sheppard and Lawrence Feldman’s soaring tenor saxophones.

Halfway through is where “Colossus Of Rhodes” lands, and it radiates intimacy via the soulful winds and Mike Richmond’s strategic bass, while “Alice In Wonderland” emits warmth and coziness courtesy of the mature keys and light drums.

Close to the end, “Soph, Aeon Of Wisdom” allows for Randy Brecker’s stirring trumpet to guide the dreamy album highlight, and “Stardust” exits strong to attention to interplay between the skilled players.

An exceptional album that spans balladry, grooves, and plenty of timeless jazz sensibilities, Chen and his company possess a stunning chemistry.

Travels well with: Cory Weeds- Home Cookin’; Spike Wilner Trio Contrafactus- The Children & The Warlock

Darragh Morgan

For Violin And Electronics Volume II

Diatribe, 2025

9/10

Listen to For Violin And Electronics Volume II

The Irish violinist Darragh Morgan explores electronics with these 9 atypical tracks, which features collaborations with many diverse and artistic minds.

“Zohra” opens with the chilling violin alongside Shiva Feshareki’s cinematic and unpredictable contributions, and “Sole Injection” follows with the animated strings and Zack Browning’s electronic tinkering that adds much intrigue.

Further along, the dreamy “Overstrung” pairs the light strings with Donnacha Dennehy’s rich and tonally inspiring gestures, while “fixation” welcomes Ibukun Sunday’s skills to the ambient beauty that’s heartfelt.

Arriving close to the end, “Liminalis” floats with an ethereal mood via Irene Buckley’s fixed media presence and the graceful strings, and “Dazed By The Haze” showcases firm violin and Frank Lyons’ tape manipulations that unfold with a sci-fi presence.

A truly iconoclastic effort that embraces contemporary classical nods and experimental qualities that few other could replicate, Morgan’s meticulous violin is matched by the captivating strength of the many contributors.

Travels well with: Scott Wollschleger- Between Breath; Josh Modney- Near To Each

Danny Paisley

Bluegrass State Of Mind

Pinecastle, 2025

8/10

Listen to Bluegrass State Of Mind

The bluegrass legend Danny Paisley returns with his first album since 2021, and it’s a hard driving, traditional effort that’s full of heartfelt storytelling.

The title track opens with Paisley’s distinct voice alongside the swift strings, where Darrin Vincent’s bass won’t go unnoticed, and “Have I Stayed Away Too Long” follows with Adam Leftwich’s meticulous fiddle that complements the flowing vocal harmonies.

The halfway point belongs to “Cream In My Coffee”, where Greg Cole’s strategic percussion adds much to the frisky climate, while “Another Long Sleepless Night” enlists Scott Vestal’s fluid banjo prowess amid the precise album highlight.

Close to the end, “Six More Miles” is a more cautious moment via Ryan Paisley’s skilled dobro alongside Paisley’s soaring pipes, and “What Crosses Your Mind” exits with Sage Palser’s rich voice guiding the gorgeous and intimate finish.

Paisley recent beat throat cancer, and this triumphant return to music has him making some of the best music of his career, where anthems, gospel and plenty of emotion will be appreciated.

Travels well with: Ashleigh Graham- I’ll Just Drive; Wilson Banjo Co.- Lonely As It Gets

Adam Chaffins

Trailer Trash

Spirit Nashville, 2025

8/10

Listen to Trailer Trash

The Nashville singer-songwriter Adam Chaffins tell us tales of American life from the viewpoint of an Appalachian influence via these 5 sincere songs.

The quick and playful spirit of “Living Till My Dying Day” starts with plenty of country rock flavor, and the title track follows with a cozy mood that’s heartfelt and soulful, as Chaffins’ authentic pipes guide the strings and rural flavor.

The middle spot belongs to the “Dive Bar Moses”, where animated keys and frisky drumming complements the colorful storytelling, while “Kentucky Girl” makes great use pedal steel and plenty of rhythmic gestures via the animated delivery.

“Little Bit At A Time” exits, and it benefits from backing female vocals, intricate acoustic guitar and some folk rock sensibilities.

Chaffins is a Kentucky native with some trailer living experience, and he turns those experiences into a really fun and memorable version of modern country.

Travels well with: Thomas Csorba- Thomas Csorba; Margo Cilker- Valley Of The Heart’s Delight

Ashleigh Graham

I’ll Just Drive

Pinecastle, 2025

8/10

Listen to I’ll Just Drive

A rising voice in the area of bluegrass, this debut from Ashleigh Graham showcases her unique storytelling via plenty of emotion and tradition.

The pretty singing of “Dozen Reasons” starts with Stephen Burwell’s detailed fiddle adding much beauty, and “Fiddle And Bow” follows with Eli Johnston’s colorful banjo and harmony vocals complementing Graham’s vivid storytelling.

Further along, “Head Over Heels” makes great use of Kameron Keller’s precise bass fiddle amid the expressive singing, while “The Life Of Jesus” has Graham handling mandolin alongside Scott Patrick’s rich guitar for the spiritual album highlight.

“Me And My Mandolin” and “Tomorrow” exit the listen. The former is a soothing moment via John Meador’s flowing guitar that suits Graham’s harmonic pipes, and the latter finishes with dynamic string interaction that’s as infectious as it is memorable.

An excellent starting point for a strong talent, Graham’s vision embraces balladry and gospel bouts weaved into the powerful and relatable bluegrass ideas.

Travels well with: Wilson Banjo Co.- Lonely As It Gets; Route 3- Live At The Station Inn

Ramoms

Problem Child

Pirates Press, 2019

9/10

Listen to Problem Child

The Philadelphia mothers returns with more fun for the whole family, and certainly the most fun for fans of the Ramones as the ladies put their motherly spin on classic tunes from Joey and company.

“Gritty Is A Punk” starts the quick listen with buzzing guitars, melodic yet raw vocals, and a speed that stays on par with Joey and the crew on this anthemic pop-punker where Judy is swapped out with Philadelphia mascot Gritty, and “Boogie Not Snot” follows with a lightning quick tempo where rapid fire drumming matches the pace of the original (“Blitzkrieg Bop”).

“Rockaway Beach” finishes out the 7” with, thankfully, more of the same, as the quartet retain the power of the original with pretty yet punk singing on the lone tune that they don’t tweak much.

Though they’ve just released 5 songs now since their inception in 2017 (a split with Dad Brains came out in 2018), each one has been a gem and I feel quite confident speaking for everyone when I ask when is the LP?

Travels well with: The Donnas- Spend The Night; Ramones- Rocket To Russia