Mark Masters Ensemble

Sam Rivers 100

Capri, 2025

9/10

Listen to Sam Rivers 100

The bandleader and arranger Mark Masters brings along his excellent ensemble for these 11 selections that interpret the work of Sam Rivers, and focuses on his Blue Note years.

“Fuchsia Swing Song” gets the 11 tracks off to a lively start, where Billy Harper’s glowing tenor sax and Kendall Day’s frisky drumming won’t go unnoticed, and “Cyclic Episode” follows with Nathan Kay’s animated trumpet complementing the bright jazz climate that’s melodic and flowing.

Further into the listen, “Point Of Many Returns” spotlights Nicole McCabe’s alto sax and Chris Colangelo’s bass via the rich and unpredictable album highlight, while “Downstairs Blues Upstairs” allows for Mike Cottone’s trumpet to shine amid the skilled interaction and timeless songwriting.

Arriving close to the end, “Ellipsis” allows for Jeff Colella’s meticulous keys to guide the dynamic interaction that’s both cautious and adventurous, and “Luminous Monolith” exits with Dave Woodley’s trombone and Tom Luer’s baritone sax radiating tremendous skill and grace.

Masters and company do justice to Rivers’ legacy, where his avant-garde vision is very much present, but with a fresh coat of paint that you can’t not admire.

Travels well with: Mark Masters Ensemble- Dance, Eternal Spirits, Dance!; Phil Haynes- Transition(s)

Alison Tucker

Where You Used To Be

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Where You Used To Be

This debut from the Austin singer-songwriter Alison Tucker reflects on the experiences of a queer woman coming out and sorting through the ups and downs of love and loss.

“New Lover” opens with Mandy Rowden’s warm keys and P. Sloane Michael’s playful percussion illuminating the rich climate, and “When You Close Your Eyes” follows with Matt Smith’s spirited electric guitar that emits bluesy ideas amid Tony Perrino’s cozy B3 and Tucker’s lovely singing that tugs on the heartstrings.

Landing in the middle, the soulful “More Time” uses Brian Mendes’ cautious drums that complement the elegance, while “Three Quarter Time” radiates playfulness via Katie Marie’s crisp drums, Rowden’s charming fiddle and Tucker’s frisky guitar and vocals.

“Long Sleeves” and “Carousel Of Colors” exit the listen. The former allows for Smith’s skilled mandolin to shine alongside the emotive singing, and the latter has Tucker handling banjo and Smith playing dobro for a hint of bluegrass flavor in the sincere songwriting.

A universally relatable first album, Tucker’s been sorting through divorce, taking care of family and dealing with shared custody of children. Those experiences sparked her songwriting interests that had become dormant during career and family life, and it makes for an empowering, sometimes heartbreaking effort.

Travels well with: Ezra Grey- Afterall; Fox And Bones- Long Time Honey

BobKat

Longing For Afterglow

Gutbrain, 2025

8/10

Listen to Longing For Afterglow

This 6th album from the Boston songwriter Bob Davoli brings along the singer and violinist Kathleen Parks and guitarist Julian Lage.

“Longing” starts with Parks’ stirring strings and Davoli’s warm guitar interacting amid the emotive singing, and “Everything But Me” follows with intimate violin that suits the gentle guitar and poetic singing.

“I’m So Easy To Please” lands in the middle and uses soft melodies and eloquent vocals that makes for a heartfelt presence, while “Siren Song Of Freedom” is a fuller moment that’s mesmerizing and enlists the soothing vocal harmonies superbly.

Residing near the end, “What I Remember Most” lands in dreamy territory via its retro folk ideas, and “Still Sitting Backstage” exits with the meticulous strings and cozy guitar alongside Davoli and Parks’ voices both emitting a lovely delivery.

Now in his ‘70s, Davoli didn’t write his first song until age 59, but he’s making up for lost time with his timeless and relatable vision.

Travels well with: Susan Anders- Now I’m A Kite; Annie Stokes- Ghostwriter

Susan Anders

Now I’m A Kite

Zanna, 2025

8/10

Listen to Now I’m A Kite

A singer-songwriter with a penchant for folk-pop sounds, Susan Anders recently made significant changes in her life and also lost a parent, which laid the groundwork for these 13 well thought out, personal tracks.

The firm acoustic strumming of “Moving Target” opens with Anders’ distinct voice guiding the harmonic bouts, and “More Of That” follows with a playful mood, where vivid storytelling surrounds the folk spirit.

Further along, the soulful and rhythmic mood of “Tiny Hopeful Signs” uses percussion and harmonica strategically, while “I Quit Blaming You” enlists animated keys and plenty of frisky vocals that invites singing along.

“Kite” arrives near to the end and offers pretty songwriting and poetic singing, and “I Don’t Think We’ve Met” exits with Anders’ expressive guitar joined by an accordion for the rich and breezy finish.

Anders and her partner have made 2 cross country moves recently, and her partner survived cancer during that time, too. The songs that flowed out from these experiences are introspective, mature and insightful, where Anders’ inimitable voice engages us from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Annie Stokes- Ghostwriter; Sarah Pierce- Blessed By The West

Robert Deitch

Legacy

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Legacy

The Iowa artist Robert Deitch brings his Americana, country and roots way to these 12 authentic tracks that surround life’s ups and downs.

The rich and warm spirt of “Goodbye Nashville” leads with Tanner Taylor’s soft piano and Ben Mars’ flowing bass adding much beauty to Deitch’s expressive pipes, and “3 Church, 2 Tavern Town” follows with Bryan Vanderpool’s agile drumming amid the eloquent storytelling.

Landing in the middle, “Trailer Park Romance” comes with some grit and honky tonk fun thanks to Dave Ducharm-Jones’ rugged guitar and Emilee Johnson’s firm vocals, while “Bullet Holes” is an intimate moment via Kathryn Severing Fox’s gorgeous strings and Eric Haywood’ stirring pedal steel alongside Deitch’s poetic delivery.

Arriving close to the end, “Dyin’ Day” radiates much cautious melody via the heartfelt songwriting, and “My Old Man” exits with a haze of stripped back and emotive ideas that are executed with much sincerity.

A very soulful and sometimes haunting peek at a highly diverse artist, Deitch’s songs excel in both balladry and energetic environments, and his detailed wordplay is also appreciated.

Travels well with: Ernie Palmer- A Teacher, A Preacher, & A Bad Farmer; LoveSeat- Our Way

Steven Gross/Pascal Salomon

Soundscapes For Solo Horn

Navona, 2025

8/10

Listen to Soundscapes For Solo Horn

Steven Gross and Pascal Salomon bring their inimitable talents to the music of Czech and Germanic horn traditions, where several different composers see their vision fleshed out with care and detail.

Jaroslav Kofroň’s “Sonatina for Horn and Piano” opens with Salomon’s dancing keys and Gross’ booming horn making for much grace and warmth, and “Musica per Corno solo” follows with restraint and emotion thanks to Gross’ pensive delivery of the Klement Slavický tune.

Halfway through, Václav Nelhýbel’s upbeat “Scherzo Concertante” showcases tremendous interaction between the pair that’s melodic and mesmerizing, while "Concerto for Horn in E flat major C49/K III:36”, by Francesco Antonio Rosetti, is a colorful and dynamic album highlight. “Nocturno, Op. 7” exits, and illuminates Salomon’s meticulous keys and Gross’ rich horn via much sophistication and timelessness.

A very technical and often emotional journey, Gross and Salomon bring their respective talents to classical ideas, rhythmic bouts and a soulful execution that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Kristina Marinova- The Bus Came By And I Got On: Grateful Dead Piano Works; Frank Horvat- More Rivers

American Mile

American Dream

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to American Dream

The Southern Rock quartet American Mile play about 200 shows a year, and they turn that stage presence into a timeless and soulful record that brings to mind legends like The Black Crowes or Aerosmith.

The dense and rugged “Get On And Fly” leads with Colton Miller’s thumping drums that suits the loud climate, and “Photograph Of You” follows with Eugene Rice’s expressive and powerful pipes that align with gritty melodies.

“American Dream” and “Wiggle For Me” arrive in the middle. The former comes with a reflective mood, where Dezmond Saunders’ skilled bass playing won’t go unnoticed, while the latter is a rhythmic album highlight that balances both hard hitting bouts and melodies.

Landing close to the end, “Hard Working People” offers a frisky moment with some funk flavor, where the lively rhythm section and Joe Perez’s playful guitar are appreciated, and “Junkies Dream” exits with a dance floor energy that’s got some nostalgic country nods

American Mile released their debut in 2020, and they’ve been picking up fans everywhere they’ve gone since. This album will certainly turn more ears their way, as their modern country rock sounds better than ever.

Travels well with: The FBR- Ghost; Shadwick Wilde- Forever Home

Frederick Lawton

Cancioneta

Navona, 2025

8/10

Listen to Cancioneta

The guitarist Frederick Lawton dives into the music of mid-20th century Spain, where the works for 4 different composers unfolds with much detail and warmth.

The 6 chapters of “Suite Compostelana”, by Federico Mompou, opens with mesmerizing and eloquent guitar playing that radiates much beauty, and “Cançion y Danza no. 10”, also by Mompou, offers a heartfelt moment of emotive and meticulous progressions.

Manuel de Falla’s “Homenaje a Debussy” lands in the middle and showcases intimacy and grace, while “Suite Valenciana” pays close attention to mood via the Vicente Asencio selection that allows for Lawton’s unparalleled talent to shine.

The last track, Antonio José’s “Sonata”, gets a bit more firm but also dreamy thanks to the technical playing and melodic sensibilities.

The selections present span 1920 to 1971, and emit elements of French impressionism, Catalonian folk traditions, and centuries-old Iberian influences that are carefully fleshed out with Lawton’s inestimable abilities.

Travels well with: Kristina Marinova- The Bus Came By And I Got On: Grateful Dead Piano Works; Talon Smith- Debut

The Drovers Unlimited Orchestra

Vol. 3

Drovers Archival, 2025

9/10

Listen to Vol. 3

The last and, unfortunately, posthumous record from noted Chicago musician, composer, and producer Mike Kirkpatrick and his outfit, The Drovers Unlimited Orchestra, these 10 songs showcase their inimitable brand of jazz-ish sounds.

“The Hidden Track” starts the listen, and uses scrappy drumming and a Celtic spirit, and “Tomorrow Part 1” follows with Billy Harper’s animated tenor sax that suits the busy brass presence.

The middle spot belongs to “Teardrop Falls”, where Bob Palmieri’s dreamy guitar and much intimacy radiates warmth, while “Two Slides” is a clarinet fueled moment that’s as mesmerizing as it is unique.

Further yet, “138 W 19” allows the pipes and drums to mesh with the meticulous sax presence, and “The Root, The Branch, And The Bright Morning Star” exits with a reflective mood via the haze of piano, drums, winds and brass.

A truly unclassifiable effort that recruits world music and Irish nods, this final piece of Kirkpatrick’s career puts a firm exclamation point on an artist who knew few boundaries and approached musical expression in a way that few others would dare.

Travels well with: Tom DiCillo- Shot Of Blue; Matt Von Roderick- Celestial Heart

Alex Klein

Taming The Impossible

Navona, 2025

9/10

Listen to Taming The Impossible

The Grammy Award Winner, Alex Klein, has turned playing the oboe into a refined science, and here we’re treated to 8 tracks that occasionally welcome help from others.

“Three Characteristic Studies”, by Antonino Pasculli, begins with 3 chapters of dizzying and mesmerizing oboe playing amid Pasculli’s contributions that add much unpredictability, and Niccolò Paganini’s “Perpetual Motion” follows with Alessandra Odazaki’s upbeat keys interacting with Klein’s swift oboe.

In the middle, Paganini’s “Caprices For Solo Oboe” occupies 12 segments of solo oboe acrobatics that are nothing short of stunning, while “L’Abeille”, by François Schubert, swirls with an atypical energy that makes great use of Christopher Thompson’s skilled piano.

Thompson is also present for the last 2 tracks, where Grigoraș Dinicu’s “Hora Staccato” resonates a festive mood of intricate progressions, and Ernesto Nazareth’s “o Fubá (A Sparrow on the Cornmeal)” illustrates quick, adventurous and memorable songwriting.

A highly technical body of work that explores the many facets of the oboe, Klein has overcome focal dystonia and proceeded with a luminous career, as evidenced by this fascinating album.

Travels well with: Lawrence Mumford- Symphony No. 4: For The Soul; Talon Smith- Debut

Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra

Convergence

Albany, 2025

9/10

Listen to Convergence

The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra continue their project into exploring the powerful voices of living, diverse composers, and here we’re treated to 5 pieces by 4 of them.

Patrice Rushen’s “Fanfare And Fantaisie” begins with the booming horns and dynamic strings interacting with plenty of energy and attentiveness, and “Changes”, by Andre Myers, follows with a distinct intimacy that radiates warmth via the dreamy winds.

Michael Abels’s “Nope Suite” arrives in the middle and unfolds across 7 chapters of soaring horns, scrappy drumming and atmospheric strings, while “Umoja: Anthem of Unity”, by Valerie Coleman, uses restraint strategically amid the tonality and constantly changing textures. “Global Warming”, the 2nd Abels tune, exits, and utilizes eloquent percussion and animated strings to its advantage.

A contemporary orchestral affair, this 2nd chapter of Musical Landscapes in Color again showcases the tremendous skill of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra that’s inclusive, glowing and timeless.

Travels well with: David Owens- Sky Legends: The Music Of David Owens; Ketty Nez- Through The Night

Kristina Marinova

The Bus Came By And I Got On: Grateful Dead Piano Works

Navona, 2025

8/10

Listen to The Bus Came By And I Got On: Grateful Dead Piano Works

A truly unique idea, the pianist Kristina Marinova interprets the work of the Grateful Dead in a solo setting.

“Cryptical Envelopment/The Other One” opens with the firm keys radiating much beauty and grace via the melodic gestures that can also rumble, and “China Cat Sunflower” follows with dancing keys thanks to the frisky progressions.

In the middle, “Ramble On Rose” is quite meticulous and melodic, where Marinova’s finger acrobatics won’t disappoint, while “Uncle John’s Band” comes with both cautiousness and exploration via the strong attention to tonality.

Getting close to the end, “Morning Dew” emits much sophistication and harmonic sensibilities, and “Brokedown Palace” exits with tremendous care and detail that does justice to Garcia and company.

It might be difficult to think of Grateful Dead’s psychedelia in a solo piano setting, but Marinova pulls it off with poise and intricacy that, even if you’re never heard the originals, is quite captivating.

Travels well with: Talon Smith- Debut; Frank Horvat- More Rivers

Wendy And DB

Get Your Sunny Side Up

Tigerlily, 2025

8/10

Listen to Get Your Sunny Side Up

The Grammy nominees Wendy and DB return with a 7th album for kids and families, where plenty of pop and blues influences make these 15 songs ideal for anyone with a youthful spirit.

The frisky energy of “Celebration Day” starts with playful keys and punchy drums complementing the duet, and the title track follows with a retro spirit of soulful nods.

Closer to the middle, “Never Give Up” buzzes charmingly with some hip-hop flavor, while “Let’s Make A Mess” possesses some funk funk that benefits much from Wendy’s expressive singing.

Residing deep on the back half, DB’s pipes are front and center for the lively “If You’re Happy And You Know It”, which comes with contagious melodies, and “Science Of Pancakes” exits with young voices complementing the conversational mood that’s musically delicious.

In addition to Wendy and DB’s many talents, we’re treated to guest spots from Flor Bromley, Pierce Freelan and Secret Agent 23 Skidoo via harmonies, sunny ideas and heartwarming songs for any age.

Travels well with: Wendy & DB- Back Home; Flor Bromley- Pachamama

Ernie Palmer

A Teacher, A Preacher, & A Bad Farmer

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to A Teacher, A Preacher & A Bad Farmer

A retired school teacher in his 70s, Ernie Palmer brings his guitar and vocals to these 12 timeless folk songs that welcome Aaron Zimmer, Jay Rudd, Vito Gutilla and Taylor Swan.

The indeed soft “How Gently” starts with Palmer’s unique voice in an intimate duet that uses Zimmer’s harmonica strategically, and “Gainesville Mill” follows with Rudd’s skilled banjo which suits the raw singing.

Entering the middle, “The Last Night At Tony’s” blends Palmer’s gentle guitar and poetic storytelling with warm banjo, while “The Ticket” is a fuller album highlight that benefits from Zimmer’s electric guitar and Rudd’s proficient bass.

Close to the end, “Garland Reese” comes with some bluegrass spirit amid the vivid storytelling and Rudd’s flowing mandolin, and “Comanche Moon” exits with Gutilla’s precise fiddle alongside rich textures and Palmer’s gritty pipes.

Palmer has enjoyed a hard working and dedicated life, and his observations unfold here with earthy, rugged and authentic song craft that will appeal to ears that appreciate old timey ways.

Travels well with: C. Daniel Boling- It Matters; Eric Schmitt- Wait For The Light

Lawrence Mumford

Symphony No. 4: For The Soul

Navona, 2025

8/10

Listen to Symphony No. 4: For The Soul

The inimitable composer Lawrence Mumford enlists the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava and a trio of conductors for these 5 detailed pieces that interpret the ideas of internal struggles of duty, sacrifice, and hope.

“Prelude. The Race Before Us” opens the listen with Stanislav Vavřínek’s precise conducting amid the dynamic strings and rich attention to detail via the animated textures, and “Of Times and Seasons” follows with a cautious spirit, where Vavřínek guides the waves of beauty and grace.

The middle spot belongs to “Hope and a Future”, which moves swiftly with a booming presence thanks to Jan Kučera’s conducting that’s cinematic, while Jiří Petrdlík is in attendance across “Sacrifice”, which uses winds and drumming strategically for the album’s best. “In Golden Light” exits, and also enlists Petrdlík for the heartfelt and intimate moment that builds into dense strings and dancing winds.

A classical body of work that’s rife with tonality and symphonic songwriting, the calm moments and busy bouts all mesh well under Mumford’s distinct vision.

Travels well with: Talon Smith- Debut; Marcus Eley- That’s A Different Groove

Mark Masters Ensemble

Dance, Eternal Spirits, Dance!

Capri, 2025

9/10

Listen to Dance, Eternal Spirits, Dance!

The esteemed arranger and bandleader Mark Masters interprets the work of the saxophonist Billy Harper, where these 8 tracks feature an all star cast and plenty of solos.

The animated climate of “Was It Here… Is It Here?” opens with bright horns, where Kendall Kay’s lively drumming makes an impression, and “The One Who Makes The Rain Stop” follows with Billy Harper’s meticulous tenor sax and Francesca Tanksley’s playful keys adding much richness.

Landing in the middle, the intimate spirit of “If One Could See” tugs on the heartstrings thanks to Jerry Pinter’s graceful sax and the dreamy keys, while the title track builds into a dynamic and fluid execution thanks to Tim Hagan’s colorful trumpet and Chris Colangelo’s strategic bass.

Close to the end, “Insight” features Kirsten Edkins’ tenor sax amid the dizzying brass and winds via a festive mood, and “Credence” exits with Aaron Janik’s flugelhorn and Ido Meshulam’s trombone complementing the timeless, Big Band appeal.

This is just 1 of the 2 albums Masters released in 2025, and these new arrangements certainly do justice to the originals, where the meticulous jazz ideas won’t go unappreciated.

Travels well with: Phil Haynes- Transitions; Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio- Dream A Dream

Kazdoura

Ghoyoum

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Ghoyoum

This debut from the Toronto fusion duo, Kazdoura, i.e. Leen Hamo and John Abou Chacra, brings plenty of ideas to the template of Arabic Maqams that touches on both eastern and western ideas.

“Marhaba Ahlen” begins with scrappy drumming and plenty of eastern melodies that suit Hamo’s expressive singing, and “Ya Banat” follows with grooves and soulfulness surrounding the retro climate.

“Hmool El Safar” lands in the middle, and emits both mystery and style via the psychedelic stabs, while “Mili” radiates some jazz spirit thanks to the worldly rhythm.

Landing near the end, “Al Ain” uses soaring sax bouts and a firm beat for the album’s best, and “Killo Birooh” exits with upbeat instrumentation, playful percussion that radiates timelesness.

Kazdoura’s vision embraces groovy rhythms, psychedelia, and soulful aspects, and the heartfelt and personal delivery illuminated their Arab heritage with tremendous sophistication and adventurousness.

Travels well with: Arun Ramamurthy Trio- New Moon; Galeet Dardashti- Monajat

Mark Rubin, Jew Of Oklahoma

Dispatches: Songs From A World Gone Mad

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Dispatches: Songs From A World Gone Mad

The always impressive multi-instrumentalist, Mark Rubin, brings his voice and guitar to these songs that poured out of him after some serious tragedies in his life, and it makes for folk music that is entirely his own.

“Dog Whistle” starts with Rubin’s animated voice and playful guitar playing that’s got some frisky Americana ideas present, and “Blues For The Innocent” follows with an indeed bluesy spirit that enlists plenty of soul, too.

Closer to the middle, Dylan Blackthorn’s accordion makes an appearance on the soaring “Staying Put”, while “Bear At The Door” is a lively moment of quick guitar playing and strategic accordion.

On the back half, the bluegrass influenced “Wild Bill Jones” is a bit chunkier and uses detailed storytelling via a more raw climate, and “The World Is A Wheel” exits with Matt Smith’s pipes and Blackthorn’s moody accordion complementing the tense finish.

Even though some of the songs are light, even upbeat in their delivery, Rubin submits this body of work as ‘an act of defiance to Trump and other with evil plans’, and it serves as a protest record that’s diverse and sincere in its rebellious vision.

Travels well with: Mark Rubin, Jew Of Oklahoma- The Triumph Of Assimilation; Hot Buttered Rum- Lonesome Panoramic

Manika Kaur

Devocean

Six Degrees, 2025

9/10

Listen to Devocean

The Indian singer Manika Kaur embraces Sikh devotional ideas with her craft, and these genre mixing songs recruit traditional chants from around the globe, reimagined via modern sonic textures.

“Ahwen” starts the listen with much richness, where warmth and elegant strings surround Kaur’s lovely voice, and “Wakan Tanka” follows with a light buzzing and harmonic voices that are layered with beauty and grace.

“Aum” lands in the middle and builds into a rhythmic and mesmerizing album highlight that’s percussively strong, while the title track radiates a distinct dreaminess via colorful and soothing gestures.

Near the end, “Ong Namo” utilizes Kaur’s intriguing vocals amid a lush atmosphere which is cultured and enlightening, and “Wa He Gu Ru” exits with waves of breeziness and gorgeous instrumentation that’s heartfelt and timeless.

A highly authentic body of work that uses New Age, spiritual and world music to its advantage, Kaur’s flawless delivery suits the precise and globally appreciated instrumentation superbly.

Travels well with: Chandrika Tandon- Ammu’s Treasures; Ravi Shankar- Shankar Family & Friends

Pablo Ziegler

Radiotango

Zoho, 2019

8/10

Listen to Radiotango

An Argentine composer, arranger and pianist who now calls New York City home, Pablo Ziegler tosses classical and jazz ideas into his tango template here, with an all star cast on hand to help flesh out the 9 originals and 1 reworking.

The title track gets the album off to a graceful yet playful start of cinematic, lush sounds, and “Maria Ciudad” follows with an intricate, contemplative approach with much skill present between the instruments.

Further along, “El Empredado” recruits very cultured rhythm on the retro tango that is one of the album’s best, while “Desde Otros Tiempos” manipulates mood well with glorious precision.

Near the end, “La Rayuela” offers a darker spirit running through vibrant melody, and “Fuga y Misterio”, the lone cover, ends the album with some of best interplay between the cello, bass, keys and bandoneon.

It’s no surprise that Ziegler is a Grammy winner, as he brings his rich history to the listening experience here with plenty of soul, precision and timelessness, successfully putting a new spin on early sounds.

Travels well with: Astor Piazzolla- Summit;Paquito D’Rivera- Blowin’