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