Ron Sowell

Dance Till The Music Stops

Mountain Soul, 2025

9/10

Listen to Dance Till The Music Stops

The veteran musical director Ron Sowell returns with a 4th record of his own music, where his distinct voice and guitar guide the 10 carefully fleshed out tracks.

The Latin spirited “Everything That Goes Around Comes Around” opens with an anthemic quality, where Jeff Haught’s playful keys complement Sowell’s smooth voice and playful guitar, and “It’s All Up To You” follows with a ragtime appeal, where Ammed Soloman’s body percussion and washboard aligns with Sowell’s ukulele.

The middle track belongs to “At Home In The World”, which comes with ‘70s folk nods via Ryan Kennedy’s flowing guitars and breezy melodies, while “Who But A Fool” flirts with R&B thanks to the animated horns and soulful backing vocals.

Close to the end, Joel Guzman’s frisky accordion comes out for the Tex-Mex fueled rhythm of “I Never Knew (Nunca Sabia), and “Out There In The Hall/Old Songs” exits with balladry, where a barbershop quartet and Lars Swanson’s skilled bass suit the intimate beauty.

A record with something for everyone, Sowell’s songs surround the ups and downs of life and radiate much sincerity, wisdom and diverse musical talent.

Travels well with: Rees Shad- Porcelain Angel; Tim Grimm- Bones Of Trees

Mihrax

Rox

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Rox

The German prog-rockers Mihrax return with a sophomore album and undated lineup for these 8 diverse and memorable songs that follow a neo-prog vision.

Andreas Wittwer’s thumping drums open “Black Star”, before Tobias Graef’s buzzing synth enters the grooves and warmth, and “Intoxication” follows with more muscle, as Thorsten Schluter’s thick guitar presence suits Boris Elfert’s slightly snarled vocals.

“Unknown Yet” and “Stench” occupy the middle spots. The former radiates much beauty via the cozy acoustic guitar and poetic singing, while the latter is a gritty and dense rocker that makes great use of Thomas Graef’s lively bass amid some grungy ideas.

Residing close to the end, the bouncy “Stuck In A Maze” highlights the chugging rhythm section alongside waves of soft beauty, and “If The Music Dies” exits with a vocally strong intimacy that’s heartfelt.

Mihrax started as a solo effort by Tobias Graef, but have developed into a full band line up, and their strong attention to richness, melody and hooks blends the pop, rock and metal into timeless and top notch, modern prog-rock.

Travels well with: Nicolas De Renty- Retovr av Bercail; Castle Mountain Moon- Six Tales Of Perception

Todd Adelman

Western Soul

Completely Lost, 2025

9/10

Listen to Western Soul

Now 7 albums deep, the singer-songwriter Todd Adelman brings both grit and wisdom to his own brand of Americana.

“Oh Mama, Won’t You Take Me Back Home” starts with Adelman’s raw singing and warm guitar that’s met with thumping drums and playful percussion, and “Out Of Gas” follows with a scrappy, roots-rocker via the playful bass and breezy melodies.

Further into the 14 songs, the intimate mood of “One Of A Kind” comes with plenty of country nods, while “Waiting For Something Else To Go Wrong” benefits from frisky organ and well timed harmonica, as Adelman’s descriptive storytelling makes for an animated album highlight.

Residing close to the end, the dance floor energy of “Opposites Attract” offers a lively duet that uses pedal steel and an infectious energy, and “Trying To Get Through Today” exits with some Mariachi presence for even more diversity to Adelman’s vision.

Somewhere between country, rock and roots, Adelman might draw parallels to John Prine, Tom Petty or Kris Kristofferson, and there’s plenty of classic American traditions to absorb across an album that seems like it could soundtrack both a bar fight and an episode of heartbreak.

Travels well with: Kramies- Kramies; Stephen Peter Rodgers- Speck On A Clover

Marcello Zappareddu

Third Floor

Adhyaropa, 2025

8/10

Listen to Third Floor

The Italian guitarist Marcello Zapperaeddu brings plenty of worldly jazz ideas to these careful and eloquent 10 tracks.

The pretty and flowing “Eire” opens with the harmonic guitar mesmerizing us, and “Dirty Love” follows with an intimate spirit that’s heartfelt and soothing.

“Song For Ralph” occupies the middle spot and is a playful moment of meticulous progressions, while “Time Remembered” offers a poetic and gentle moment of stirring beauty.

Close to the end, “Mother And Father” radiates cautiousness and sublime song craft via Zappareddu’s very capable fingers, and “Someday My Prince Will Come” exits with spareness that’s emotive and sophisticated thanks to the strong attention to detail.

An effort of globally embraceable jazz guitar songs from a mature and reflective mind, Zappareddu makes every moment here worth repeated visits.

Travels well with: Reza Khan- Imaginary Road; Nels Cline- Consentrik Quartet

Suzie Brown

Songs Worth Saving

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Songs Worth Saving

An album of piano songs that are guided by Suzie Brown’s infectious voice, the practicing cardiologist penned these tracks between hospital shifts and they’re full of blues, folk and soul influences.

“Ain’t It Heartbreaking” leads with Jano Rix’s mesmerizing and twinkling piano that suits Brown’s heartfelt storytelling, and “Mothers And Daughters” follows with an emotive presence which discusses aging and family trees.

“Some Hearts” lands in the middle and is a bouncy, upbeat moment that resides near folk-pop, while “More” offers an a cappella intro before firm keys and funk flavor enter the album’s best.

“Kisses And Stings” arrives close to the end and benefits from the strategic melancholy that emits much beauty and intimacy, and “Songs Are My Tears” exits with soft rock nods and balladry that allow for Brown’s flawless voice and vivid storytelling to shine alongside the intricate piano.

A very relevant body of work that surrounds motherhood, acceptance and even has a protest song, Brown’s vocals are raw, live-in-the-studio and sure do resonate amid Rix’s diverse key prowess.

Travels well with: Kim Beggs- Beneath Your Skin; Mallory Chipman- Songs To A Wild God

Lenny Pickett & John Hadfield

Heard By Others II

Adhyaropa, 2025

8/10

Listen to Heard By Others II

The revered saxophonist Lenny Pickett and drummer extraordinaire John Hadfield come together for these 4 experimental jazz tunes that are as creative as they are atypical.

The incredibly energetic “Dance Music For 4 Saxophones #5” opens with the layered and animated winds alongside the scrappy drumming, and “Joshua Tree” follows with a calmer pace of ambience and synth qualities that radiate mystery and cinematic moments.

The back half belongs to “Dance Music For 4 Saxophones #8” and “Jungle Room”. The former is busy, nearly chaotic, but carries underlying melody and furious drumming. The latter emits a retro, electronic personality that swirls with adventurousness and exciting song craft.

A highly inventive outing, the use of rhythm and grooves in unorthodox ways tips its hat to Terry Riley and Herbie Hancock via the sax, drums, E-mu synthesizer and Teenage Engineering OP1 and EP 133 K.O. II.

Travels well with: David Leach- The Ground That Holds You As You Fall Forever; Tal Yahalom- Mirror Image

Will Holshouser

The Lone Wild Bird

Adhyaropa, 2025

8/10

Listen to The Lone Wild Bird

The Brooklyn composer and accordion player Will Holshouser brings us both originals and standards here, where jazz and world music ideas are present and appreciated.

The warm spirit of “Aviary” opens with Holshouser’s fluid accordion radiating much beauty, and the title track follows with a quicker pace of rich and timeless songwriting.

In the middle, “Shouting Song” carries plenty of harmonics amid the intricate progressions and busy climate, while “Abide With Me” is a very unique take on the Christian hymn via much grace from Holshouser’s hands.

Landing close to the end, “Papillons Et Nuages” is strong on ambience and mood, where the careful accordion makes an indelible impression, and “Chez Seychelles/Balfa Waltz” exits with tremendous attention to detail and infectious melodies thanks to Holshouser’s inimitable skills.

You might think a solo accordion album could be hard to finish, but Holshouer brings a wealth of talent and experience to a body of work you’ll want seconds of.

Travels well with: Ofri Nehemya- Time Traveler; Ezra- Froggy’s Demise

Marcus Trummer

From The Start

Gypsy Soul, 2024

8/10

Listen to From The Start

A youngster with the spirt of an old soul, this debut album from Marcus Trummer meshes blues, soul and rock into a very contemporary formula that might bring to mind Al Green or Marcus King.

The warm mood of “Holding Out For You” starts with cozy keys and thumping drums that suit Trummer’s expressive pipes, and “Let You Down” follows with fluid guitar playing and Andrew Moljgun’s well timed sax.

Landing in the middle, Miles Evans-Branagh’s atmospheric keys align with Trummer’s powerful pipes via the heartfelt “The Only Thing”, while the title track benefits from Adam Cannon’s agile drumming amid Tom Moffett’s lively trumpet bouts.

“Ready To Go” and “Let The Devil Win” exit the listen. The formers comes with retro grooves that are thoughtful and timeless, and the latter finishes with a louder appeal that’s both raw and flowing with grit and melody, plus Nicky Lawrence’s soothing backing vocals.

An excellent starting point for a talent we’ll all be hearing more about in the future, Trummer’s already picked up awards in Canada, and his inspiration from the ‘60s and ‘70s won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated.

Travels well with: Jovin Webb- Drifter; Quinn Sullivan- Wide Awake

Ryan Wayne

Functioning Dysfunctionals

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Functioning Dysfunctionals

The multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Ryan Wayne returns with a sophomore album, where plenty of friends are in attendance for the 7 personal songs.

The rich and melodic title track leads with John Bridgens’ harmony vocals and Brain Kobayakawa’s warm bass that suit Wayne’s distinct singing in the psychedelic climate, and “Lion In The Wall” follows with Dennis Holt’s strategic drums and Jean Paul Desaulniers’ stirring violin that complements the dark, textured delivery.

Further along, “No Easy Way Out” comes with a hazy spirit that welcomes Teppei Kamei’s well timed trumpet and no lack of melody, while “Grand Illusions” is pretty, eloquent and enlists Malcolm Burn’s dreamy synth amid Wayne’s dreamy vision.

The last track, “Love’s Lost Languages”, is just as great as the rest of the album, where Kevin Hewitt’s meticulous keys align with a spacey presence and plenty of colorful harmony.

Wayne returned to music after suffering 2 strokes, and his vision embraces blurry, sometimes melancholic artistry that uses swirling introspection and finds its own psyche-folk niche to reside in.

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

John Stein

Among Friends

Tiger Turn/JS Jazz, 2025

9/10

Listen to Among Friends

John Stein brings his guitar to Fay Whiitaker’s lungs and Chris White’s cello for these 11 live tracks captured in Stein’s living room and his office at Berklee.

The cozy spirit of “I Thought About You” opens with Stein’s warm guitar and White’s elegant cello that suit Whittaker’s soulful pipes, and “It Might As Well Be Spring” follows with expressive singing alongside the radiant guitar playing and playfulness.

Halfway through, the romantic mood of “Since I Fell For You” allows for Whitaker’s powerful voice to shine, while “Our Love Will See Us Through” relies on the bowed cello and gentle guitar amid poetic singing.

Close to the end, “Summertime” tugs on the heartstrings via the calm strings, dreamy guitar, and frisky singing that’s got rhythm, and “Switch-A-Roo” exits with Stein’s meticulous and timeless guitar progressions that we could never tire of.

This is Stein’s 20th album, and like everything he’s been a part of, it’s a detailed offering rife with solos, blues nods, jazz bouts and even swing moments and funk, too.

Travels well with: John Stein- Next Gen; Jed Levy- Faces And Places

Yuja Wang

Shostakovich: The Piano Concertos/Solo Works

Deutsche Grammophon, 2025

9/10

Listen to Shostakovich: The Piano Concertos/Solo Works

The Chinese born, American pianist Yuja Wang is joined by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Andris Nelsons for 2 large ensemble pieces and 6 solo piano selections that pay tribute to Shostakovich’s legacy.

“Piano Concerto No. 1 In C Minor” starts the listen with elegant strings and bright trumpet that suit Wang’s attentive keys and strong attention to tonality, and “Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Major” follows with the orchestra’s animated dynamics that align with swift, dynamic keys.

Of the Wang only selections, “Prelude In F-Sharp Minor” radiates dizzying keys that are profoundly meticulous, while “Prelude In A Minor” takes on a dreamy quality via the moody demeanor.

Landing close to the end, the firm and melodic keys of “Prelude In D-Flat Major” is a rich and animated moment, and “Fugue In D-Flat Major” is a quick blast of energetic and technical prowess that few other pianists could replicate.

A truly stunning body of work, Wang’s complicated, emotional and often fun delivery is complemented by Nelsons’ skilled conducting for this impressive installment.

Travels well with: Alice Sara Ott- John Field: Complete Nocturnes; Seong-Jin Cho- Ravel: The Complete Solo Piano Works

Ofri Nehemya

Time Traveler

Adhyaropa, 2025

9/10

Listen to Time Traveler

The Brooklyn jazz drummer Ofri Nehemya pens an album of all originals that are personal and carry a fusion angle, where Tomer Bar, Nitzan Bar and Tal Mashiach are all present.

The rhythmic and bright “Drive” starts the 8 songs with Nehemya’s flowing drums alongside Nitzan’s rich guitar lines, and “Katniss” follows with a dreamy demeanor, as Tomer’s pretty key progressions complement the warm rhythm section.

“Memories, A Mother’s Light” and “Armors And Doubts” land in the middle. The former is both intimate and adventurous via Mashiach’s precise bass that makes an impression, while the latter uses scrappy drumming, eloquent guitar and dense keys for the album’s best.

“Endless Universe” lands close to the end and is an upbeat moment that you could dance to, and “One For Myself” exits with Nehemya’s drumming acrobatics front and center for 3 stunning minutes.

A real exciting and often stylish blend of jazz, rock and Middle Eastern ideas, Nehemya and his company touch on dentity, transformation, and self-expression with much precision and timelessness.

Travels well with: Ezra- Froggy’s Demise; David Leach- The Ground That Holds You As You Fall Forever

Black Oak Ensemble

Dance Of The Night Sky

Cedille, 2025

9/10

Listen to Dance Of The Night Sky

This 3rd album on the Cedille label from Black Oak Ensemble returns with 8 contemporary works, including 4 world premiere recordings by British women.

The title track opens with the dancing strings emitting much grace and precision in the Shirley E. Thompson piece, and “The Bagpiper’s String Trio”, by Judith Weir, showcases Desirée Ruhstrat’s meticulous violin amid much intimacy.

In the middle, Bulawayo Railway” allows for Aurélien Fort Pederzoli’s viola to shine alongside the striking, cinematic climate thanks to Dobrinka Tabakova’s distinct vision, while “Conjure”, by Freya Waley-Cohen, is highly intimate in its eloquent demeanor that radiates tremendous beauty and poeticism.

Landing close to the end, Grace-Evangeline Mason’s, “Into The Abyss, I Throw Roses” illuminates David Cunliffe’s intricate and stirring cello that tugs on the heartstrings, and “Making Hay” exits with each member displaying their inimitable talents with much care.

An outfit who never disappoints us, Black Oak Ensemble again mesmerize with their unparalleled chamber presence.

Travels well with: Stephen Hough- Piano Concerto, Sonatina & Partita; Cavatina Duo- River Of Fire

Gail Archer

Dobrich: A Bulgarian Odyssey

Meyer, 2025

8/10

Listen to Dobrich: A Bulgarian Odyssey

The organist and esteemed interpreter of classical sounds, Gail Archer, spotlights 9 works of contemporary organ sounds from Eastern Europe.

“Erendira”, by Sabin Levi, opens with the fluid and firm keys engaging us with Archer’s intricate delivery, and “Es kommt ein Schiff, geladen” follows with a lower register that illuminates Velislav Zaimov’s vision.

In the middle, Neva Krysteva’s “Victmae Paschali Laudes” offers bright and melodic moments in a rich, atmospheric delivery, while “Evharistia” comes with a distinctly harmonic appeal via Radosveta Hurkova’s songwriting.

Arriving close to the end, “Prelude and Toccata”, Kiril Lambov’s lone organ piece, is the album’s best thanks to the rhythmic gestures and changing metrics, and Zaimov’s “O Heiland, reiss die Himmel auf” exits with the Lutheran chorale melodies front and center thanks to Archer’s meticulous fingers.

Archer illuminates often overlooked Bulgarian composers here, and it’s a highly technical and globally embraceable journey into her sonic approach.

Travels well with: Kinan Azmeh CityBand- Live In Berlin; Ruckus & Keir GoGwilt- The Edinburgh Rollick

Whispering Worlds

Cosmic Cliffs

Adhyaropa, 2025

8/10

Listen to Cosmic Cliffs

An outfit spearheaded by the trumpet player Aaron Shragge, as Whispering Worlds he’s joined by Luke Schwartz, Damon Banks and Deric Dickens for these creative and unconventional jazz tracks.

The title track leads with Shragge’s radiant horn alongside Dickens’ frisky drumming, as the setting builds into a thick and busy delivery, and “Pillars” follows with a soft ambience, where Schwartz’s dreamy guitar complements the mystery.

In the middle, “Seen By The Moon/Secretly Happy” unfolds with a nearly meditative quality, where the soulful trumpet guides the light drumming and atmospheric electronics, while “Light Echoes” is an exercise in ambient minimalism via the 11 minutes of gentle and cinematic qualities.

“Crystals” and “Serpentine Suspension” exit the listen. The former blends the quartet’s individual skills into a chilling and eloquent album highlight and the latter is another 11 minutes of dynamic and careful instrumentation that emits beauty and wonder.

Shragge also handles shakuhach here, and the processing/sampling adds another avenue to the sonic intrigue of this very distinct body of work.

Travels well with: David Leach- The Ground That Holds You As You Fall Forever; Ezra- Froggy’s Demise

Ezra

Froggy’s Demise

Adhyâropa, 2025

8/10

Listen to Froggy’s Demise

A truly unclassifiable meshing of classical, jazz, bluegrass and rock, the quartet known as Ezra make for a very atypical and exciting version of chamber sounds with these 10 tracks.

“Waldeinsamkeit” leads with Max Allard’s warm banjo that creates both intimacy and melody, and the title track follows with a more firm approach, as Jacob Jolliff’s swift mandolin playing is met with Craig Butterfield’s well timed bass lines.

“Too Late” occupies the middle spot and showcases playful string interaction via the rich dynamics, while “Narny” offers emotion and grace thanks to the heartfelt songwriting that’s both busy and calm.

“Golden Hill” and “Hannigan’s Hollow” exit the record. The former radiates a soft and mesmerizing display of cozy interaction, and the latter makes great use of Jesse Jones’s guitar that suits the banjo, mandolin and bass with both precision and exploration.

A rhythmic effort that uses jazz, folk and roots nods, the abrupt harmonic changes and rare chemistry between the players ensures a listening experience you’ll want to revisit.

Travels well with: Tal Yahalom- Mirror Image; Scroggins + Rose- Speranza

Nick Adema

Urban Chaos

Zennes, 2024

8/10

Listen to Urban Chaos

The Canada native and Amsterdam resident Nick Adema is joined by some excellent company for these unclassifiable 12 tunes that revolve around jazz ideas.

The aptly titled “Beginnings” starts with a quick bout of scrappy drumming and flowing keys that welcomes rich winds, and “The Fool” follows with a calmer pace, where Noah Preminger’s soulful tenor sax suits the intimate piano.

Deeper into the listen, “The Friendly Ghost” balances bright sax with Ante Medic’s meticulous guitar playing, while “Oak” showcases Liva Dumpe’s smooth and expressive singing via a gentle beat and warm dreaminess.

Close to the end, the funk flavor of “Fracture” benefits from Azubike Onwuka’s playful bass and Adema’s finger acrobatics for the album’s best that’s busy and melodic, and “Demetra” exits with Michael Murray’s rich alto sax in a hazy and cinematic finish.

A very diverse outing that also recruits a string quartet, Adema’s vision embraces the noise of an urban environment with a modern jazz appeal that’s stylish and universally enjoyable.

Travels well with: Phil Haynes- Transition(s); Satoko Fujii-Tokyo Trio- Dream A Dream

The Christopher Dean Band

Steppin Out Tonight

Lost World, 2025

8/10

Listen to Steppin Out Tonight

The veteran musician Christopher Dean and his esteemed band return with their 6th album on the Lost World label, where plenty of diverse ideas unfold across the 14 well crafted tunes.

The frisky energy of “My Road Is Rough And Rocky” opens with Carl Snyder’s playful keys alongside Dean’s distinct voice and rhythmic guitar, and “Serves Me Right To Suffer” follows with Arcellus Sykes’ playful bass that complements the retro rock ideas.

Further along, “You Are The Reason” welcomes Joshua Colon’s cozy bass alongside the smooth guitar and poetic singing, while “Party Like Back In The Day” is indeed playful, where Steve Lombardelli’s animated keys and well timed horns suit the bouncy rhythm section.

Arriving close to the end, “Thank You For Letting Me Know” comes with soulfulness and a beat that’s dance friendly, and “She’s Gone” exits with Dave Hollingsworth’s mesmerizing drums that suit the nostalgic, boogie mood.

An eclectic outing that uses soft rock, samba, blues and gospel to his advantage, Dean and his company are never short on grooves, melody and timelessness.

Travels well with: The Christopher Dean Band- Need A Friend; Shawn Pittman- Make It Right!

David Leach

The Ground That Holds You As You Fall Forever

Adhyaropa, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Ground That Holds You As You Fall Forever

The pianist, poet and composer David Leach is joined by Livi Haruvi, John Lockwood and Dor Herskovits for these 9 experimental jazz tracks that are as unpredictable as they are creative.

“Chrysalis” opens with Leach’s warm keys alongside Haruvi’s rich and elegant sax for the uniquely dreamy climate, and “Ravens” follows with more emphasis on Herskovits’ animated drumming via the rock fueled delivery.

“Drawing Monsters” occupies the middle spot and showcases swift keys and sax amid the dynamic and lively rhythm section, while “Fireworks In His Pockets For The Funeral Pyre (A Joyful Heart)” explores intimate areas thanks to soft piano and jazz friendly sax bouts that get friskier as the tune goes on.

Landing close to the end, “Antiphonal Trance” displays a lower register and benefits from Lockwood’s well timed bass alongside much ambience, and “The Ground That Holds You As You Fall Forever” exits with sophisticated and meticulous keys that illuminate Leach’s sublime craft.

An effort that explores classical, jazz, folk and rock gestures, Leach and company blend both minimalism and busier bursts with plenty of care and adventurousness.

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

Pablo Embon

Reminiscent Moods

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Reminiscent Moods

An accomplished listen where Pablo Embon plays all the instruments on the tunes he wrote and produced, Reminiscent Moods brings pop, jazz, folk and fusion ideas into a highly melodic affair.

“All Stars Above” gets the listen started with keys and drums in a swift, soothing environment, and “Getaway” follows with a slower pace in an emotive setting with spirited guitar work.

Entirely instrumental, songs like the playful and intricate “Two Minutes Of Joy” certainly don’t need any singing to keep you engaged, while the moody, dreamy “Ocean Deep” recruits a cinematic quality to the cascading beauty.

Deep in the listen, “Rainy Day” brings a push and pull of elegant tension to the affair, and the album highlight, “Wild Wild East”, is indeed a bit reckless with jumpy keys and a quick pace of frisky sophistication. The album ends on “Out Of Tears”, where brilliant cohesion between the instruments results in sublime jazz fusion.

A musician since the age of 7, Embon’s longevity is apparent in this well crafted, uplifting and dynamic album, and his vast experience from living on 2 different continents and playing in several bands over the years helps make Reminiscent Moods an experience that nearly finds itself in a new genre.

Travels well with: Pat Metheny- Secret Story; Brad Mehldau- After Bach