Lise Davidsen

Der fliegende Holländer

Decca, 2025

9/10

Listen to Der fliegende Holländer

Lise Davidsen brings her incredible soprano to the works of Wagner, which was recorded live across two nights at the opera house in Oslo during the summer of 2024.

Disc 1 leads with “The Dutchman”, which incorporates Gerald Finley’s expressive and powerful bass baritone alongside the contrast of gentle versus tense strings that unfold with precision and emotion, and “Senta” continues the meticulous climate with Davidsen’s animated pipes which suit the often lovely string interaction.

Further into the story, Brindley Sherratt’s distinct bass guides the vivid landscape of “Daland”, while Stanislas de Barbeyrac contributes intimate tenor for the gripping “Erik”.

Residing close to the end, Eirik Grøtvedt’s glorious tenor soundtracks the lush and sophisticated “The Steersman”, and “Mary” exits with Anna Kissjudit’s mezzo soprano steering the melodic gestures with much warmth.

This is the first full-length opera recording on the Decca label, and it unfolds across 2 discs that preserves Wagnerian history with unparalleled attention to detail, where the orchestra and chorus of Norwegian National Opera only enhance the listening experience.

Travels well with: María Dueñas- Paganini 24: Caprices; Alice Sara Ott- John Field: Complete Nocturnes

Peter Holsapple

The Face Of 68

Label 51, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Face Of 68

This first solo effort in a while from the always impressive Peter Holsapple brings in some well known guests for the rock fueled 11 tracks.

“Anytime Soon” starts, and weaves a groove into the retro-rock and pop spirit, and the title track follows with Holsapple playing all instruments and showcasing bright singing and warm melodies.

In the middle, “High High Horse” recruits a memorable organ solo from Mark Simonsen amid a bit of a jangle, while “That Kind Of Guy” is rugged, powerful and full of crisp drumming in its nostalgic vision.

Landing close to the end, “See About You” touches on the harmonic nods of the ‘70s and uses Robert Sledge’s precise bass, and “She And Me” exits with Holsapple’s signature brand of power-pop complementing Rob Ladd’s thumping drums.

Holsapple’s got an impressive resume that includes playing in the dB's and the Continental Drifters, as well as collaborating with groups like R.E.M. and Hootie & the Blowfish, and he brings much talent and experience to this universally enjoyable effort.

Travels well with: Holsapple & Stamey- Our Back Pages; John McCutcheon- Field Of Stars

The Barlow

High Spirits

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to High Spirits

The Colorado country band, The Barlow, return with a less structured approach to their song craft, where harmonies, melodies and rhythm is all present in spades.

“Standing Next To Me” opens with Ben Richter’s thumping drums and the warm guitars alongside Shea Boynton’s smooth voice, and “It Ain’t Mine” follows with Craig Bennington’s hazy pedal steel that adds much intimacy into the rich delivery.

“Backwater” occupies the middle spot and welcomes both grit and tunefulness to the cautious mood that benefits much from Jason Berner’s skilled bass, while “Clean”, the best track, balances rawness and flowing songwriting that’s heartfelt and timeless.

“Dreams For Tomorrow” and “Lost Angel Saloon” exit the listen. The former makes great use of Brad Johnson’s swirling guitar via an energy you could dance to, and the latter recruits Andy Schneider’s frisky keys for the infectious country nods that are nostalgic and charming.

A diverse effort that embraces grooves, haunting moments and Southern Rock flavor, The Barlow again impress us with their inimitable brand of country rock.

Travels well with: Kerri Powers- Love Is Why; The Barlow- New Year, Old Me

Big Love Car Wash

Daydream

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Daydream

The multi-instrumentalists Sol Chase, Everett Wren, David Rabinowicz and Taylor Turner, i.e. Big Love Car Wash, blend their bluegrass, folk, jazz, Celtic and rock ways via these 16 adventurous songs.

The cozy and warm spirit of “Dream Journal” starts with intimate fiddle and flowing mandolin alongside the poetic singing, and “Janna (She’s Still At Sea)” follows with Turner’s strategic bass suiting the meticulous strings and emotive presence.

Further along, “I Won’t Write Murder Ballads” comes with both intimacy and richness thanks to the smooth vocals and heartfelt instrumentation, while “Silver Linging” rumbles a bit thanks to Rabinowicz’s intricate keys, before building into dense, rock territory.

Arriving closer to the end, “If Everything Were Free” allows for Chase’s soaring mandolin and Wren’s fiddle to shine in the lush album highlight, and “21st Century Telegraph” exits with much beauty and sophistication thanks to the thoughtful and timeless, organic songwriting.

The combined talents of these artists makes for a very well crafted effort that creates their own version of Americana that’s easy to relate to and enjoy.

Travels well with: Everett Wren- Cascades; Carolyn Kendrick- Each Machine

Casual Fantastic

The Wingle And The Wangle

Mello Farmer, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Wingle And The Wangle Part 1

The Philadelphia outfit Casual Fantastic return with a 3rd album and first double record, where diverse ideas that take nods to the ‘70s and ‘80s are much appreciated.

Disc 1, The Moon, leads with “See The Sky”, where talking and singing enter the breezy climate and warm guitar, and it isn’t long until “Way Station” uses spirited electric guitar and expressive vocals that are met with grace.

Deeper into the first half, the rhythmic and playful “Don’t Say You Won’t Miss Me” emits some grit in it’s folk rock template, and “Living Fine” exits with a charming jangle that suits the frisky melodies.

Disc 2 opens with “Good Things”, where harmonies enter the dreamy mood, and, later on, “Sweet Darling” carries a campfire demeanor that’s bare and timeless. “Land Of The Dollar General” finishes, and uses both acoustic and electric guitar via the mesmerizing tone and immediate sing-alongs.

You might spot parallels to Lou Reed, Gene Clark, Neil Young and the Talking Heads here, as Casual Fantastic continue their eclectic and memorable formula.

Travels well with: Greg Copeland- Empire State; Alan Walker- A Little Too Late

Denielle Bassels

It Goes Like This

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to It Goes Like This

The Juno Nominated singer-songwriter Denielle Bassels brings plenty of ideas and players to these 10 diverse songs that are fusion at its finest.

The smooth singing of “Lighthouse” opens with Andy Mac’s cozy acoustic guitar and Andrew Scott’s scrappy drumming via the quick delivery, and “A Woman Like Me” follows with Ewen Farncombe’s firm keys alongside a very animated energy.

Landing in the middle, “Emmelee” balances both soft and quick jazz ideas with much style, while “Chasin’ Butterflies” is particularly cozy and welcomes Drew Jurecka’s precise strings.

Arriving close to the end, “Stone Love” soars with Bassels’ expressive pipes amid Julien Bradley Combs’ dreamy guitar and well timed clarinet, and “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” exits with a playful mood that you could dance to, and it’s a charming and timeless finish.

A really well executed body of work that embraces jazz, pop and folk, there’s definitely a vintage appeal here and it’s likely Bassels will see more much deserved praise for this effort.

Travels well with: Stephen Fearing- The Empathist; Julian Taylor- Pathways

Quote The Raven

Map The Dark

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Map The Dark

The Canadian duo of Jordan Coaker and Kirsten Rodde-Clarke, as Quote The Raven the pair explore love, loss and memory via these 8 folk and Americana tunes.

“Back In Spring” leads with the pair’s harmonic singing alongside Geoff Arsenault’s precise drumming that carries plenty of folk-rock flavor, and “Oh Lena” follows with punchy drums and Coaker’s warm guitar that balances beauty with grit.

“House On Fire” occupies the middle spot and makes great use of Ronald Hyne’s stragetic bass in the lush climate that’s rhythmic, while “Borrowed Time” is a pretty moment of flowing melodies and heartfelt singing that helps make this the album’s best.

“Tell Me Tell Me” and “One Bed” exit the listen. The former offers a stirring intimacy in its poetic demeanor, and the latter is strong on ambience and, later on, a powerful delivery of cinematic qualities.

An album with vivid storytelling, Quote The Raven use both haunting and anthemic moments that are never lacking emotion and honesty.

Travels well with: Grace Pettis- Down To The Letter; Sam Robbins- Bigger Than In Between

Triology

The Slow Road

Cellar, 2025

8/10

Listen to The Slow Road

The assembly of three of Canada’s finest jazz musicians, Jodi Proznick, Miles Black and Bill Coon come together as Triology for these 9 well thought out tracks.

“Luna” opens with Coon’s radiant guitar and Black’s agile keys that are warm and mesmerizing, and “Pompton Turnpike” follows with a bouncy spirit, where Scott Hamilton’s soulful tenor sax complements the playful climate.

“Slow Road” and “Moose The Mooche” land in the middle. The former benefits much from Proznick’s frisky, plucked bass, while the latter is an upbeat and dance floor ready album highlight that mixes the trio’s inimitable talents with a rare energy.

“Thanks For The Memories” arrives near the end, and offers a moment of intimacy via the soulful sax, cozy guitar and light bass, and “Blues For Fraz” follows with the meticulous keys and animated bass interacting with much skill and timelessness.

An outfit since 2008, Triology’s drummerless formula parallels the greatness of Nat King Cole and Oscar Peterson Trio, and these tunes will appeal to fans of jazz from any era.

Travels well with: Cory Weeds- Home Cookin’; April Varner- April

Paul Hecht

Pyrography

Ears & Eyes, 2025

8/10

Listen to Pyrography

The inimitable pianist Paul Hecht is aligned with Ben Dillinger, Gustavo Cortinas and James Davis for these 11 originals that are both composed and improvised jazz.

The warm spirit of “He Made Up His Mind” leads with Davis’ rich trumpet alongside the cozy keys, and “Waltz For Franny” follows with a soft intimacy, where the expressive keys are met with Dillinger’s gentle bass.

In the middle, “Femme R” uses dense bass plucking and upbeat drumming via the frisky mood, while “Idler” bops and shakes with an infectious energy thanks to the firm keys and playful bass and drums.

Close to the end, the cinematic and uniquely dreamy “Rejoice” comes with mystery and grace, and “Dasha” exits with a crisp and dynamic interaction, where the quartet each radiate their own strengths in a precise and timeless jazz climate.

A fascinating listen that balances intricate with basic ideas, there’s much beauty and sophistication to be enjoyed from Hecht and his esteemed company.

Travels well with: Matt Booth- Sunprints; Esthesis Quartet- Time Zones

Mehmet Ali Sanlikol

7 Shades Of Melancholia

Dunya, 2025

8/10

Listen to 7 Shades Of Melancholia

The Grammy nominated pianist and composer Mehmet Ali Sanlikol is joined by James Heazlewood-Dale, George Lernis, Ingrid Jensen and Liki Haruvi-Means or these jazz, classical and prog-rock fueled 7 tracks.

“A Children’s Song” starts the listen with Sanlikol’s fluid keys alongside Lernis’ agile drumming for the melodic and warm gestures, and “One Melancholic Montuno” follows with Jensen’s soulful trumpet adding much richness to the cautious climate.

In the middle, “Huseyni Jam” uses vocals like an instrument amid the dizzying keys, while “Nikriz Semai” is a calmer moment via the cozy piano, expressive singing and Heazlewood-Dale’s precise bass for the cultured album highlight.

“My Blues” exits, and it’s an intimate moment thanks to the emotive piano and Haruvi-Means’ stirring sax that tugs on the heartstrings.

An effort that doesn’t shy away from Sanlikol’s Turkish heritage, the folk, cinematic and poetry nods are all represented with powerful, pretty and tender song craft.

Travels well with: Leon Anderson- Live At Snug Harbor; Jack Leckie- Planter Of Seeds

Manoeuvres Sentimentales

Delightfully Deceitful

Circum Disc, 2025

9/10

Listen to Delightfully Deceitful

Laurent Rigaut, Andrea Bazzicaluop and Peter Orins come together as Manoeuvres Sentimentales for these 7 improvised tracks that embrace avant-garde and free jazz exploration that few others could replicate.

Rigaut’s unpredictable reeds open with “Whiles Cubes In A Drop Or Pellets Of Shape Fit”, where irregular time signatures and bursts of Orins’ drums mesmerize us, and “Not Loud Enough For Wind” follows with emphasis on space and atypical interplay that won’t be hard to be in awe of.

“Just Infinite Of Nought” and “Blisters The Adamant!” occupy the middle spots. The former blends the firm reeds and sonically engaging dynamics, while the latter emits percussive-esque bouts amid Bazzicalupo’s manipulated guitar.

“Let us Play Yesterday” arrives at the end, and showcases fascinating reed prowess, dreamy guitar and well placed drums via the experimental finish.

The trio flesh out complex and energetic song craft, and it’s a contemporary and precise exercise that you’ll be enamored by.

Travels well with: Joke Lanz & Petr Vrba- Mutants In Siberia; Almufaraka- Master Of Disorder

Raven Chacon

Voiceless Mass

New World, 2025

8/10

Listen to Voiceless Mass

The inimitable artist Raven Chacon presents 3 very complex pieces here, where each one embraces chamber ideas, but not in any easily classifiable sort of fashion.

The title track leads with pipe organ and large ensemble enthralling us for nearly 18 minutes via the mesmerizing droning and subtle melodies that surrounds the idea of space and how we gather, how it’s accessed and the land it occupies.

The middle track, “Biyán”, blends flute, clarinet, violin, cello and percussion with strong attention to repetition and minute details of acoustic gestures.

“Owl Song” exits, and uses sinfonietta and vocals strategically, where timbre and ambience are manipulated with intrigue and expressive bouts that tips it hat to the nocturnal hunting bird.

A highly artistic and relevant body of work, Chacon’s imagination is matched by the musician’s adaptable playing, and it ensures a very unique and memorable experience.

Travels well with: Susan Alcorn- Canto; Yarn/Wire- Andrew McIntosh: Little Jimmy

Vince Guaraldi

Oh, Good Grief!

Omnivore, 2025

8/10

Listen to Oh, Good Grief!

You may not recognize the name Vince Guaraldi, but we’ve heard his work. The jazz pianist is responsible for the piano melody that we associate with Charlie Brown, and here we see his 1968 album reissued on CD and vinyl.

“Linus And Lucy” starts the listen, and it’s nice to hear it in its entirety, since we only get a taste of it on TV, where the unmistakable, rumbling keys instantly brings nostalgia from childhood.

“You’re In Love, Charlie Brown” follows with a brighter mood that’s subtly romantic, and the playful spirit of “Peppermint Patty” continues the fun with Carl Burnett’s frisky drums.

On the back half, the softer display of “Oh, Good Grief” offers elegance and warmth and benefits from Stanley Gilbert’s gentle bass, while “Red Barron” showcases Eddie Duran’s meticulous guitar lines that suit the graceful keys.

Guaraldi died very young, but his work will always be recognizable due to the Peanuts franchise, and this 10th album that also relies much on harpsichord sure sounds great after all these decades.

Travels well with: Dave Brubeck Trio- Live From Vienna 1967; Grant Green- Funk In France: From Paris To Antibes (1969-1970)

Juri Seo/Latitude 49

Obsolete Music

New Amsterdam, 2025

9/10

Listen to Absolute Music

The creative composer Juri Seo turns in 6 selections that use traditional classical and modernist ideas which welcomes the chamber sextet, Latitude 49.

“Ostinato” leads with Jani Parsons’ lively keys that complement Andy Hudson’s animated clarinet in the swift climate, and “Rondeau” follows with Andy Hall’s well timed saxophone that dances alongside the flowing harpsichord.

In the middle, “Fantasia” uses both composition and improvisation via a dreamy mood, while “Fugue” benefits much from Timothy Steeves’ meticulous violin amid the lush and dynamic album highlight.

“Canon” exits, and presents bright winds, soaring strings, and Chris Seis’ well timed percussion that aligns well with the busy versus bare moments of exploration.

A striking record that seems rooted in classical one moment, and then shifts right into rock territory, Seo’s vision is fleshed out superbly thanks to harmonic, rhythmic and timbral attention.

Travels well with: Alex Paxton- Delicious; Owls- Rare Birds

Jamie Shew

Spicy, Classy And A Little Sassy

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Spicy, Classy And A Little Sassy

The vocalist, songwriter and arranger Jamie Shew returns with a 3rd album, where her commanding voice is surrounded by an all star cast for these 12 jazz tracks.

The bouncy spirit of “Invitation” opens with Shew’s bright voice alongside Lyman Medeiros’ playful bass, and “Comes Love” follows with Jeremy Siskind’s rich piano that suits the retro mood of the timeless climate.

Entering the middle, the heartfelt demeanor of “Ghost Of A Chance” benefits from Mike Scott’s light guitar and Shew’s high notes, while “Secret Love” is a quick and dynamic bout of scrappy drumming from Mark Ferber.

Landing close to the end, the frisky delivery of “All Or Nothing At All” allows for Shew’s expressive pipes to shine amid the swingin’ rhythm section, and “I’m Glad There Is You” exits with no lack of melody or sincerity from Shew’s flawless delivery and the band’s inimitable chemistry.

Shew has been using music as healing after becoming a widow at a young age, and her adaptable voice works superbly in calm, fast and lush moments.

Travels well with: Kristina Koller- Walk On By; Hannah Gill- Spooky Jazz Vol. 2

Champian Fulton & Klas Lindquist

At Home

Turtle Bay, 2025

8/10

Listen to At Home

The pianist/vocalist Champian Fulton and saxophonist/clarinetist Klas Lingquist come together for these jazz standards that were fleshed out in an intimate, living room setting.

“The Very Thought Of You” starts the 10 tracks with Fulton’s warm keys and cozy voice alongside Lindquist’s playful clarinet, and “Don’t Do That To Me” follows with frisky piano and rich saxophone emitting both beauty and liveliness.

In the middle, “Serenade In Blue” offers a heartfelt moment, where the meticulous keys and rich sax interact with much chemistry, while “Someday You’ll Be Sorry” is an upbeat album highlight that showcases Fulton’s smooth and flowing pipes.

Residing close to the end, the dreamy “My Monday Date” builds into a swift and bright jazz climate, and “P.S. I Love You” exits with a more conversational tone that uses intricate keys and sax bouts with plenty of charm.

Fulton has 19 albums to her name, and Linquist is one of Sweden’s most in demand musicians. Together, they make for a memorable and timeless take on classics in a cozy environment.

Travels well with: Leon Anderson- Love At Snug Harbor; Jack Leckie- Plantar Of Seeds

Jon LaDeau

Chateau Ladeau

Adhyâropa, 2025

9/10

Listen to Chateau Ladeau

The multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter Jon LaDeau breeds his own kind of Americana, and he’s got some excellent help for these 8 nostalgic and well crafted tracks.

“Cactus Tree Boogies” opens the listen with warm acoustic guitar via LaDeau’s agile fingers and timeless vision, and “Take Me Away” follows with a fuller appeal, where double tracked vocals, strummed and plucked guitar and lo-fi tendencies might bring to mind Elliott Smith.

In the middle, synthetic drumming is present across “East Tennessee Wrecker”, where rhythm is in attendance amid Emily Jackson’s vocals, while “This Town” then welcomes crisp drumming and buzzing guitars for the louder folk-rock that is so well done, it alone is worth the price of admission.

“Heartworks” and “Memory In Mind” finish out the record. The former is indeed heartfelt, where David Butler’s meticulous drumming and Steve Okonski’s well timed organ complements the emotive singing, and the latter tips its hat to Roy Orbison thanks to the cautious and powerful exit.

A truly exceptional record that borrows from folk, rock, blues and country, LaDeau’s songs might draw parallels to Tom Petty or The Traveling Wilburys, but they reside in a space entirely his own, and anyone willing to listen with certainly find much to enjoy here.

Travels well with: Tal Yahalom- Mirror Image; Eli Greenhoe & Hans Bilger- Orchids

Richard Festinger

Then And Now: Chamber Music Of Richard Festinger

New Focus, 2025

9/10

Listen to Then And Now: Chamber Music Of Richard Festinger

The esteemed composer Richard Festinger presents 5 chamber selections that all feature different line ups for the elegant and timeless songwriting.

“Invocation” opens with the Calefax Reed Quintet’s strong chemistry that radiates fluid alto sax and clarinet amid a flowing oboe solo, and “To A Pilgrim” follows with Alan R. Kay’s moody bass clarinet and Michael Nicolas’ bright cello emitting attention to timbre and harmonics.

The middle track, “Hidden Spring”, recruits the Cygnus Ensemble and blends the flute, oboe, violin, cello, guitar and mandolin via dreamy textures and plucked strings, while “II était une fois…” benefits much from Collage New Music’s restlessness and meticulous strings that suit the firm keys.

“Windsongs” exits, and allows for Windscape’s quick winds to fill 3 movements of 16th notes, chord voicings and even haunting moments.

A highly diverse outing that uses chamber and classical nods with much imagination, Festinger’s balancing of sophistication and powerful song craft is very much admirable.

Travels well with: Ecce Ensemble- Remembrances- Chamber Music Of Trevor Weston; Ciompi Quartet- A Duke Moment

Kassi Valazza

From Newman Street

Fluff & Gravy, 2025

9/10

Listen to From Newman Street

The recently transplanted New Orleans artist, Kassi Valazza, has been making quite a name for herself in modern folk circles, and these new tracks continue her thoughtful vision that recruits plenty of players for the diverse sounds.

“Better Highways” opens with firm acoustic guitar and Valazza’s rich voice alongside Ned Folkerth’s scrappy drumming and Erik Clampitt’s warm pedal steel, and “Birds Fly” follows with much intimacy, where a hazy mood is met with psychedelic flavor.

The middle spot belongs to the folk friendly “Roll On”, where pretty singing is complemented by mesmerizing guitar, while “Your Heart’s A Tin Box” carries rhythm and sing-alongs thanks to lively percussion and Sydney Nash’s strategic bass.

“The Weight Of The Wheel” and title track exit the listen. The former lands in country territory via the heartfelt singing and cozy demeanor, and the latter is a bare but impactful moment of soulful vocals and meticulous guitar progressions.

A songwriter from a very young age, this is Valazza’s 3rd album and it’s a poetic, raw and honest peek into folk rock that doesn’t shy away from many influences.

Travels well with: Liv Greene- Deep Feeler; Anna Tivel- Living Thing

NTHNL

Cosmic Flute

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Cosmic Flute

The recording moniker of Jacob Rudin, who is a trained pianist and flute enthusiast, as NTHNL he brings Andes flute music into modern day EDM and some variation of classically influenced indie-rock on the appropriately titled Cosmic Flute.

The title track starts with plenty of spacey flute sounds before a soulful groove settles in to the unique landscape, and “Cutchatparri” follows with breezy melodies in a busy display of eclectic skill.

Further along, “Phoenix Tail In The Moonlight” recruits mystery and psyche-rock tendencies in the curious setting, while “Chemtrails” unfolds with a cinematic quality as New Age and electro-pop collide in the best ways.

Near the end, “Syncretism” offers horns in its busy display of frenzied skill, and “Run Away” ends the listen with vocals as the quirky yet graceful exit reminds us again of just how creative this endeavor is.

Though this is his debut as NTHNL, Rudin was previously a part of Primal Feelings and Sausagemang Soup, and though he brings a wealth of experience from those outfits, Cosmic Flute is indeed an entirely new animal, and one that fans of jazz, fusion, IDM, and electronic sounds that are from typical would benefit from experiencing.

Travels well with: Lina Tullgren- Free Cell; Caroline Kuhn- EP