Deborah Silver/The Count Basie Orchestra

Basie Rocks!

Green Hill, 2025

10/10

Listen to Basie Rocks!

The jazz vocalist Deborah Silver has enjoyed a chart topping career, and here we’re treated to 11 interpretations of songs we all love, where The Count Basie Orchestra and plenty of guests are in attendance.

“Paint It, Black” opens with Arturo Sandoval’s bright trumpet and Pedrito Martinez’s lively percussion complementing Silver’s smooth voice, and “Bennie & The Jets” continues the fun with animated brass and light drumming amid the elegant singing.

Further along, the frisky “Tainted Love” welcomes Steve Jordan’s agile drumming and John Clayton’s plucked bass via the soulful climate, while “A Hard Days Night” welcomes Monte Croft’s precise vibes for a real charming reimagining of the classic.

Close to the end, “Every Breath You Take” offers an intimate moment of warm keys and George Coleman’s always impressive sax that suits Silver’s powerful voice, and “Life’s Been Good” exits and bursts into a colorful and timeless jazz finish that recruits Scotty Barnhart’s meticulous trumpet.

Silver’s performance here is flawless, and the instrumentation inserts a Big Band presence that gives already great songs another dimension to enjoy.

Travels well with: Deborah Silver- Glitter & Grits; Robin Simone Hollywood Orchestra- Robin Simone Hollywood Orchestra

Jeannine Wagar

Into The Night

Neuma, 2025

9/10

Listen to Into The Night

The composer, performer and conductor Jeannine Wagar meshes (sampled) acoustic instruments and electronics across this first substantial effort on her own, and it embraces ambience, darkness and post-classical ideas.

The chilling title track opens, and uses playful percussive ideas and cinematic qualities where both mystery and warmth are present, and “Over Here” follows with waves of beauty via the strings and frisky electronics that mesh well with the orchestral slant.

“Easy Does It” and “Lament” land in the middle. The former is strong on atmosphere in a sci-fi sort of way, while the latter radiates tremendous wonder and awe thanks to the cautious bouts of exploration.

Residing near the end, “Over There” offers a mesmerizing and colorful peek into Wagar’s imaginative mind, and “Motion” exits with a rare dreaminess that fades into an ethereal and introspective finish.

A very unique effort that incorporates a chorus, pianist and percussionists to illuminate the light versus dark contrast, every track here is absorbing and capable of deep reflection.

Travels well with: Anna Rubin- Powehi; Duo Aya- Cycles

Jeffrey Schanzer

The Past Is Present

Neuma, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Past Is Present

The New York guitarist and composer Jeffrey Schanzer presents a body of work about the Holocaust survivors and their children, where strings, winds, drums and voices illuminate the very powerful album.

“Lament For Erik” opens the listen with Thomas Meglioranza’s expressive baritone and Ron Lawrence’s stirring viola, and “A Mother’s Story-1939-40” follows with Isabelle Ganz’s stunning soprano alongside Mary Wooten’s elegant cello.

Further along, “Afterture/A Son’s Thoughts” uses Brian McCorkle’s tenor and Ned Rothenberg’s bass clarinet strategically, which suits the rich string presence, while “Conversation With A Cousin” unfolds across 2 chapters that radiate meticulous violin thanks to Laura Seaton, which complements Sylvia Bloom’s robust soprano.

Arriving close to the end, “A Son Questions (You Can’t Make Up For The Holocaust)” recruits Joyce Hammann’s intricate violin and Kevin Norton’s light drumming amid the conversational tone, and “A Father’s Death” exits with Margot Leverett’s dreamy clarinet adding much to the busier selection that uses many voices.

All the text present is taken from the oral testimony of Schanzer’s family, and it embraces classical and opera ideas to further remind us of one of the lowest points of humanity. Sadly, this is as relevant as ever with the abundance of holocaust deniers and pro-fascism minds lingering today.

Travels well with: Anna Rubin- Powehi; Galan Trio- Embrace

Jed Levy

Faces And Places

A Life, 2025

9/10

Listen to Faces And Places

The tenor sax wizard Jed Levy is joined by Luis Perdomo, Alvester Garnett and Peter Slavov for this 11th album of modern jazz tunes.

The soulful sax of “EMAIL” starts the listen with Perdomo’s graceful keys and Garnett’s frisky drums adding much playfulness, and “Danza de Berrios” follows with bright sax and warm keys that help cultivate the tribute to the late drummer Steve Berrios.

Landing close to the middle, the intimate mood of “Coming To Terms” tugs on the heartstrings with its emotive appeal, while “Personable” is a rich and upbeat album highlight that allows for the scrappy drums and firm keys to illuminate the sax acrobatics.

Close to the end, “Haiku” offers a rhythmic moment that benefits much from Slavov’s meticulous bass plucking, and “Postscript” exits with the quartet’s inimitable chemistry that emits timeless jazz dynamics.

The songs here represent people and places Levy has met or visited in his lengthy career, and it’s a melodic, groove filled and infectious body of work that warrants repeated listens.

Travels well with: Dave Bass- Trio Nuevo Vol. 2; Steve Knight- For Years Gone

Secret Monkey Weekend

Lemon Drop Hammer

Secret Monkey Weekend, 2025

8/10

Listen to Lemon Drop Hammer

A family band consisting of Jefferson Hart and his stepdaughters, Ella and Lila-Brown Hart, as Secret Monkey Weekend the North Carolina residents bring harmonies to 10 power-pop tunes.

The fluid guitar and Lila’s punchy drums open the listen with “So Much Joy”, where both Jefferson and the girls provide singing alongside Peter Holsapple’s well timed organ, and “Na Nanana” follows with a warm jangle that welcomes Brian Yamamoto’s detailed electric guitar.

The middle track belongs to “Things You Threw Away”, which showcases Don Dixon’s well timed trombone amid the retro-rock ideas, while “Lemon Drop Hammer” is a quick and frisky album highlight that makes great use of Ella’s bass and no lack of melodies.

Residing close to the end, “Way Way Out” uses a buzzing climate and crisp drumming alongside the meticulous guitar via the garage rock spirit, and “Mimi” exits with both grit and harmonics present in a flowing and precise finish.

Influences from the Beatles, The Kinks or Squeeze won’t be hard to spot, as the family outfit bring a youthfulness and nostalgia to their brand of rock that will certainly age well.

Travels well with: Tim Easton- Find Your Way; Adrian Sutherland- Precious Diamonds

Disjecta Membrae/Guillaume Tiger

Antiphona

Bitume, 2025

8/10

Listen to Antiphona

An album that consists of 2 lengthy and detailed tracks, Disjecta Membrae’s version of funeral doom and black metal meets Guillaume Tiger’s dark ambience for the crossover effort.

The dense and dissonant “Guttae Sanguinis Decurrentis Terram”, by Disjecta Membrae, occupies the first half, where tortured vocals and a sludgy climate unfold with thick riffs and thumping drums across the 20 minutes.

The back half belongs to Guillaume Tiger’s “Deiclast”, and it’s atmospheric and textured with droning, sound sculptures, field recordings and even soothing aspects via the 21+ minutes of exploration.

A split record with seemingly contrasting visions that actually complement each other well, both emit noise, ethereal elements and cinematic gestures that are compelling and thought provoking.

Travels well with: Casademoni- 64; Faded Remembrance- Dying Age

Anna Rubin

Powehi

Neuma, 2025

9/10

Listen to Powehi

The Washington D.C. artist Anna Rubin creates music stories for voice, piano and electronics here, and it involves both environmental and political themes soundtracked by electroacoustic techniques.

“Everything Goes Bee” leads with Susan Botti’s stunning soprano and Airi Yoshioka’s gripping violin alongside bouts of electronic gestures, and “For The Love Of Bees” follows with Pamela Fields’ spoken word plus Sandrine Erdely-Sayo’s cinematic keys illuminating the 6 expressive chapters.

On the back half of Disc 1, “The Beekeepers” enlists Michal Schmidt’s meticulous cello prowess amid fixed media via the atypical environment, while “Powehi: The Darkest Heart Of The Galaxy” balances Fields’ voice with keys from Erdely-Sayo and Cynthia Raim for the vivid storytelling.

The 2nd disc is packed with ambience and glitchy ideas. “Automaton Monk” seems suited for a sci-fi movie and is a bit ominous, and “If I Could Sing Like A Bird” exits with field recordings alongside electronic manipulation that’s calming.

An extremely creative effort that explores the ties between humans and bees, as well as migration, identity and historical connections, Rubin’s formula embraces harmonics, poeticism and insightfulness that you’ll be in awe of.

Travels well with: Duo Aya- Cycles; Galan Trio- Embrace

DENIS FRAJERMAN/MARC SARRAZY/LOIC SCHILD

Paysages du Temps

Klang Galerie, 2025

8/10

Listen to Paysages du Temps

A collaboration of significant talent, Denis Frajerman, Marc Sarrazy and Loic Schild come together for a pair of involved tracks that push and pull with a variety of influences and techniques.

“Part 1” starts the listen with Schild’s chilling drumming alongside keys, electronics and ambience. The 20+ minute track comes in waves of minimalistic ideas and free jazz exploration.

“Part 2” follows a similar course and duration. It’s heavy on cinematic gestures and an ominous backdrop, where Sarrazy’s flowing finger acrobatics allow for the piano to steer the adventurous climate.

There’s certainly a Krautrock influence to be enjoyed here, as the trio also utilize winds and bowls that help cultivate the experimental and atypical setting.

Travels well with: Monteceneri- Due; The Conformists- Midwestless

Philippe Massé

Le Vent

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Le Vent

This debut from the Montreal artist Phillipee Massé welcomes Sasha Desjardins and Alexandre Massé to the 7 modern jazz songs that are executed meticulously and with a timeless spirit.

“Fall” begins the listen cautiously, where Phillippe’s skilled bass prowess guides the warm and cozy climate, and “Wav” follows with Alexandre’s firm drums complementing the dense verses soft dynamics.

“Memories” and “Espresso & Coffee” land in the middle. The former benefits much from Desjardins’ mesmerizing keys via strong attention to mood and adventurous bass plucking, while the latter balances scrappy moments with melodic gestures that are elegant.

The last track, “From The Moon”, is another excellent selection. The rich keys draw us in, and Phillippe’s precise bass is nothing short of stunning for the heartfelt and exciting finish.

A diverse first effort, Phillippe is versed in genres as wide as Middle Eastern and metal, and this very pretty record is an excellent starting point of all originals.

Travels well with: Touching- I Can Be Two People At Once; Mike Downes- The Way In

Joseph Santa Maria & David Tranchina

Oblique Rhyme

Orenda, 2025

9/10

Listen to Oblique Rhyme

The saxophonist Joseph Santa Maria and bassist David Tranchina are joined by Gary Fukushima and Colin Woodford for these avant-garde jazz ideas that are never short on color and unpredictable ideas.

The quick and animated “War Crimes” leads with Maria’s detailed sax amid Woodford’s frisky drums, and “Hiden Lake” follows with a soulful quality via the rich sax and Fukushima’s elegant keys.

“Sum Thymes” and “Prism” land in the middle. The former is very cautious, though does utilize lively sax abouts, while the latter is a dynamic album highlight that benefits from the mature keys, agile drumming, strategic bass and meticulous sax bouts.

Close to the end, “Caricature” balances calm moments with busy bursts of jazz rock nods, and “Picking Up The Pieces” exits with a powerful and bluesy fueled finish that might bring to mind Wayne Shorter.

All 4 players bring their inimitable talents to these originals, and it makes for a creative, timeless, improvised effort that emits a rare beauty.

Travels well with: Zhengtao Pan Jazz Orchestra- Scenery In My Story; John Stein- Next Gen

Chris Church

Obsolete Path

Big Stir, 2025

10/10

Listen to Obsolete Path

The North Carolina resident Chris Church knows his way around a melody you won’t soon forget, and here we’re treated to 12 songs that explore his vast skills in many genres.

The warm acoustic guitar of the title track starts with Church’s expressive voice in the singer-songwriter climate, and “Sit Down” follows with ‘80s pop brightness that makes great use of Brian Beaver’s skilled drumming and Lindsay Murray’s soaring backing vocals.

Further along, “Life On A Trampoline” carries a charming jangle via the timeless alt-rock nods, while “Tell Me What You Really Are” emits a melodic and driving rock template that’s thoughtful and touching.

Bill Lloyd’s harmonic mandolin enters on the dense and flowing “Vice Versa”, and close to the end the setting turns into a thick formula of grungy rock that’s both firm and tuneful thanks to “Like A Sucker”.

Church’s vision never stays in one place long. From radio friendly ideas to folk, prog, hard rock and even country, just about everything is covered here and it’s all delivered with attentive lyrics and precise instrumentation that lingers long after the songs end.

Travels well with: The Bablers- Like The First Time; Librarians With Hickeys- How To Make Friends By Telephone

Miriam

Sing-A-Beast

Dissipatio, 2025

8/10

Listen to Sing-A-Beast

The Italian artist Miriam makes an impression with this debut after several collaborations within her country, and it offers us 10 very atypical and artistic tracks.

The fluid drumming of “Arrivano Le Giraffe” opens with mesmerizing percussion complementing the rich climate, and “The Sleeping Beauty” follows with warm, wordless singing alongside a pretty droning and much ambience.

“The Pangolin Day” occupies the middle spot and welcomes spoken word to the bells, dissonance and unique dreaminess, while “The Capybara Dance” emits pretty singing and repetition via the quick but memorable bout of a capella fun.

The longest track, “Sex In The Sargassi”, arrives close to the end and uses waves of ambience and nature-esque ideas for the soothing album highlight, and “Barracuda” exits with under a minute of firm drums and soaring vocals.

An acutely creative first album, both short songs and lengthy tracks radiate an art-pop flavor and experimental vision that has Miriam handling nagado daiko, theremin, keyboards, guitar, whistles, kick drum, shruti box, melodica, percussion and vocals with intrigue.

Travels well with: Night Collectors- Heat & Fury; C’Mon Tigre- Instrumental Ensemble- Soundtrack For Imaginary Movie Vol 1

Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra

East Meets West: Connections

Chronograph, 2025

8/10

Listen to East Meets West: Connections

This 8th album from the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra features the works of the Canadian composers Fred Stride and Jean-Nicolas Trottier, and it’s one of their best yet, which is no easy task.

“Sounds Of Joy” opens, and makes an immediate impression thanks to Fabio Ragnelli’s lively drums and Victoria Sparks’ well timed vibes that suit the glowing brass, and “Hello Jean-Nicolas” follows with a quick blast of cinematic ideas that blend together with color and richness.

In the middle, the intimate spirit of “Echoes From Within” allows for the emotive trombones to shine, while “The Healing Song” radiates tremendous power and meticulousness via Will Bonness’ sophisticated keys and the sax and trumpet interaction.

Landing close to the end, “Another Look” uses careful moods and bouts of density with strong attention to detail, and “The Great Return” exits with soulful sax, Karl Kohut’s strategic bass plucking and much texturing.

WJO’s history and contributions are nothing short of impactful, and this body of work continues with rhythm, dissonance, shifting layers and timeless jazz orchestra techniques that few others could replicate.

Travels well with: Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra- Tidal Currents: East Meets West; Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra- Voices: A Musical Heritage

Dave Bass

Trio Nuevo Vol. 2

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Trio Nuevo Vol. 2

The veteran musician Dave Bass knows his way around a jazz song you won’t soon forget, and here with Tyler Miles and Steve Helfand we’re treated to 11 originals and standards the embrace many different genres.

“LeGrand/Lester Left Town” leads with Bass’ flowing keys and Miles’ animated bass making for a very inviting climate, and “Heart Above My Head” follows with a tender presence, as Helfand’s soft drums suits the gentle song craft.

Halfway through, “Latin Journey” uses mesmerizing piano and plenty of playful progressions from Bass’ very capable fingers, while “Questions” illustrates much restraint via the intimate and dreamy album highlight.

Arriving close to the end, the indeed body shaking “Dance Of The Infidels” emits melody, playfulness and charm, and “Lennie’s Pennies” exits with flowing drums, swift keys and frisky bass interacting with a dynamic and memorable finish.

Bass possesses an unparalleled skill and vision, where influences from pop, Bach and bepop are all present and appreciated across this 8th album as leader.

Travels well with: Dave Bass- Trio Nuevo; Dave Bass The Trio- Vol. 3

Christian Parker/Patrick Cleary

American Comic Revival Volume 1: Back At Home

Subcat, 2025

9/10

Listen to American Comic Revival Volume 1: Back At Home

The artists Christian Parker and Patrick Cleary come together with Earl Poole Ball and Jay Dee Maness for this tribute to the International Submarine Band, where the timeless country rock from Gram Parsons and company is preserved well.

The warm, rural spirit of “Blue Eyes” leads with plenty of melodic twang thanks to the smooth singing and scrappy drumming, and “I Must Be Someone Else You’ve Known” follows with playful keys and Jay Dee Maness’ well timed pedal steel that balances grit with harmony.

Further along, the frisky energy of “Knee Deep In The Blues” is full of dance floor ready fun that’s infectious, while the classic “I Still Miss Someone” is a lovely interpretation that parallels the greatness of Whiskeytown’s version.

Approaching the end, “Luxury Liner” offers a quick and playful moment that’s both meticulous and animated, and “Do You Know How It Feels To Be Lonesome” exits with the intimate and dreamy country ideas that tug on the heartstrings.

Ball and Maness played on the original album way back in 1968, and these interpretations recruit California country and garage rock influences that might bring to mind Buck Owens or Merle Haggard, and I doubt anyone is going to have a problem with that.

Travels well with: Shane Alexander- Forever Songs; The Roamers- The Roamers

Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs

Death Hilarious

Missing Piece, 2025

9/10

Listen to Death Hilarious

This 5th album from the UK rockers Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs brings plenty of hard hitting ideas to their well thought out wordplay and synth stabs.

“Blockage” opens with Adam Ian Sykes’ searing guitar work alongside Matthew Baty’s deep and powerful pipes with plenty of metal ideas, and “Detroit” follows with Ewan Mackenzie’s dense drums amid the thick guitars in a thundering climate.

In the middle, the bouncy and melodic “Stitches” balances John-Michael Joseph Hedley’s playful bass with atmospheric guitar, while “Gilb Tongues” welcomes El-P’s Word class lyricism to the crunchy and soaring delivery.

“Coyote Call” and “Toecurler” exit the listen. The former makes great use of Sam Grant’s meticulous guitar via a chugging setting that invites singing-along, and the latter allows for Baty’s bellowing vocals to surround the thick riffs and swirling dynamics.

Nods to Black Sabbath or Sleep won’t be hard to spot or appreciate, as Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs play sludge metal like no one else, and we’re all better off for it.

Travels well with: Blynd- Unbeliever; Hardraw- Abyss Of Mankind

Pollyanna

Man Time Deluxe

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Man Time Deluxe

The France resident Pollyanna released this charming indie-rock record in 2022, and now we’re treated to 6 additional tracks of acoustic versions of the original album.

The meticulous acoustic template of “Your Smile Is Cold” opens with Pollyanna’s expressive pipes alongside graceful strings, and “Love Twice” follows with warm acoustic guitar and thumping drums via the crisp indie-rock nods.

“Man Time” and “Railroad Boy” exit the original album. The former is a fuller moment that alternates between mesmerizing and harmonic, while the latter emits a timeless folk mood that’s musically frisky and rich.

Of the bonus material, the solo version of “Four Seasons” is especially poetic and pretty in its bare beauty, and the solo “Man Time” offers cozy singing and sophisticated strings via the folk-rock presence.

A very thoughtful and articulate effort, Pollyanna draws parallels to PJ Harvey, Calexico or Neil Young, and the subtle New Orleans brass moments only heighten the listening experience.

Travels well with: ByDS- Our Long Weekend; Carolina Lee- It’s Still Now

BYDS

Our Long Weekend

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Our Long Weekend

The German duo, ByDS, pen an album about love, which Bee and Diego have plenty of material for, since they’ve been a couple for 24 years.

“Faith” opens with warm acoustic strumming, as rhythmic drumming and Diego’s expressive pipes enter the heartfelt climate, and “Fan” follows with frisky drums and buzzing synth, as the pair take turns singing alongside a busy, glitchy backdrop.

“Open Up” and “Regret” land in the middle. The former is a bit hazy, where Bee’s soaring pipes guide the psychedelic flavor, while the latter allows for Michael Klotz’s animated synth amid a firm beat and spoken word.

Close to the end, “Hay Amor” unfolds with a dreamy and lush appeal that’s shrouded in mystery, and “Full Of You” exits via a stylish demeanor that’s electronic focused, cultured and radiates tremendous beauty and adventurousness.

An extremely detailed effort, the use of beats, bass, synth and guitars and presence of Latin, New Wave, dance and techno ensures a lively listen with universal themes.

Travels well with: Ronan Courty- Synesthesia; C’mon Tigre- Instrumental Ensemble- Soundtrack For Imaginary Movie Vol 1

Charming Disaster

The Double

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Double

The Brookly goth-folk duo of Ellia Bisker and Jeff Morris, i.e. Charming Disaster, have never let me down, and these new songs about nature, mortality, magic, ritual, and literary genres continues their dark ways with much skill and creativity.

The pretty yet ominous “Black Locust” leads with the pair’s expressive voices in a soft climate that uses strategic reeds from Stefan Zeniuk, and “New Moon” follows with a dense delivery, where Don Godwin’s thumping drums suit the playful percussion and moody guitar.

“Scavengers” occupies the middle spot and recruits Kate Wakefield’s elegant cello amid the eloquent wordplay, while “Haunted Lighthouse” welcomes Mike Dobson’s adventurous percussion and Peter Bufano’s animated accordion via the distinct energy.

The last 2 tracks, “Gang Of Two” and “Green Things”, are also atypical in the best ways. The former showcases vocal harmonies alongside warm keys, and the latter exits with rich and colorful folk nods that aren’t lacking any melodies or grace.

There’s no dull spot in Charming Disaster’s discography, and this outing continues their fantasy based song craft that pulls from the past yet breeds a modern cabaret, folk, gothic and indie fueled vision.

Travels well with: Charming Disaster- Super Natural History; Charming Disaster- Our Lady Radium

Nicholas Altobelli

Vertigo

Dalton, 2019

9/10

Listen to Vertigo

After a 4 year break from releasing music, Texas resident Nicholas Altobelli is back with his self-described ‘sad songs’ that utilize country, folk and rock in imaginative, intimate ways.

“Red, White & Blues” starts the album with warm keys and a breezy setting of melodic Americana that touches on earlier decades, and “Thunderstorms” follows in a quieter display as Altobelli’s expressive vocals punctuate the atmospheric tune.

Elsewhere, “Midnight Songs” offers a bare delivery of singer-songwriter excellence with a smart, poetic touch, while “Odd Numbers” lets keys guide us through the thoughtful and building track where backing female vocals add much to the affair.

Deeper cuts bring us the folksy strumming of “Tell Me What I Got To Do”, and the gentle, lullaby-esque “Go To Sleep”- a leftover tune from a Children’s record. “Trains” ends the listen hazy and agile, as the introspective instrumental manages to be both glorious and downcast, with much sparse beauty present.

The past few years have involved much change for Altobelli with a new career and a divorce to sort through, but thankfully this musician is back to his art, and it’s some of the most pensive, articulate and genuine music being made today.

Travels well with: Bright Eyes- I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning; Mansions- Dig Up The Dead