Boston Modern Orchestra Project

Dalit Hadass Warshaw: Sirens

BMOP/Sound, 2025

10/10

Listen to Dalit Hadass Warshaw: Sirens

The Grammy Award winning outfit, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, take direction from Gil Rose for this debut by Dalit Hadass Warshaw, where orchestral sounds from many decades is present and appreciated.

“Responses” opens with 3 chapters, where the strings and winds emit much beauty and wonder amid the strong attention to mood and tonality.

“Camille’s Dance” lands in the middle and is a more firm moment, as loud brass and well timed percussion highlight a striking delivery of tension and sophistication.

“Sirens: A Concerto For Theremin And Orchestra” exits, and finds itself in cinematic territory, where the floating winds and slightly eerie mood makes for an involved and harmonic finish thanks to Carolina Eyck’s theremin.

An ensemble who never disappoints, this installment is among their best, as Warshaw’s inimitable lyricism, orchestral prowess and emotional richness is illuminated so well.

Travels well with: BMOP- Paul Moravec: The Overlook Hotel: The Suite From ‘The Shining’; BMOP- Joan Tower Piano Concerto- Homage To Beethoven

Transcendence

Music Of Pat Metheny

FMR, 2025

8/10

Listen to Music Of Pat Metheny

Bob Gluck, Karl Latham and Christopher Dean Sullivan come together for these 7 adventurous tunes that pay tribute to Pat Metheny, plus others, and it’s a quick peek at some modern interpretations.

“Question & Answer” opens the listen with Gluck’s dreamy keys alongside Latham’s frisky drums for the distinct atmosphere, and “Afternoon” follows with the warm keys and Sullivan’s cozy bass making for a playful and elegant setting.

Landing in the middle, “Offramp” is a busy and rumbling moment of free jazz exploration, while “Dolphin Dance”, by Herbie Hancock, recruits rich ideas and frisky interaction between the trio for the busy yet controlled album highlight. “Everything That Lives Laments” exits the listen, and showcases Gluck’s meticulous keys amid the soft bass and well timed drums via the Keith Jarrett tune.

A very creative set of interpretations, the post-bop moments, harmonic bouts and the lush territory that’s explored makes for an excellent debut from Transcendence.

Travels well with: Bob Gluck- And Every Fleck Of Russet; Karl Latham- Living Standards II

Cassie And Maggie

Gold And Coal

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Gold And Coal

The Canadian sisters, Cassie and Maggie, bring their innovative ways to this Celtic and folk influenced setting that uses a lot of players for the 11 diverse songs.

Maggie’s warm acoustic guitar and Cassie’s intricate fiddle open with “Bow Down”, which is articulate and expressive, and “Nancy” follows with strong attention to production, as the duo harmonize amid the rich instrumentation.

“Dear Imogene” resides in the middle and recruits Jacob McCauley’s bodhrán and Dave MacDougall’s drums that help make for no lack of melodies, while “The Old Miner” allows for Michael Francis’ dreamy electric guitar to suit the heartfelt mood.

Close to the end, “Fool’s Gold” welcomes Scott Alexander’s bass via the rhythmic and folk-rock spirit, and “The Gold Rush Is Over And I’m Moving On” exits with a bouncy energy you should dance to, and the immediate sing-alongs won’t go unnoticed, either.

An effort that comes with a 16 page booklet, Cassie and Maggie bring plenty of heart and soul to these sincere songs that are full of gratitude, wisdom and a personal touch that’s universally relatable.

Travels well with: Rakish- Now, O Now; Hattie Webb- Wild Medicine

Agora Sci-Fi

Finding It Hard To Explain Something So Obvious

Self-Released, 2025

10/10

Listen to Finding It Hard To Explain Something So Obvious

The solo project of Nathania Rubin, as Agora Sci-Fi she breeds a unique version of pop and rock that’s fuzzy, jangly and lo-fi via the very scrappy and raw 5 tracks.

The cozy guitar and soft buzzing of “Portals” leads with Rubin’s expressive singing that brings some gentle alt-rock spirit meets bedroom pop, and “Sloppy” follows with an emotive presence of layered vocals and thumping drums that’s got plenty of lo-fi flavor.

Occupying the middle spot is the dreamy and harmonic “Tabs”, which uses dense bass bouts as well, while “For Jandek” might be the most rugged moment, and emits fuzzed out rock that’s a bit grungy, too. “To Be Free” is the last song, and emits intimacy thanks to pretty singing and strong attention to atmosphere.

An exceptional EP that’s tinted with melancholy and much reflection, Rubin’s use of indie/garage/dream-pop sensibilities ends entirely too soon, and will make anyone a fan real quick.

Travels well with: Jack Manley- Unmeasureable Terms; Littrell- Public Love

James Davis' Beveled

Arc And Edge

Calligram, 2025

9/10

Listen to Arc And Edge

The trumpet extraordinaire James Davis is surrounded by some excellent players for these 11 colorful, harmonic and textured tracks.

The soothing and warm “Long Road Home” leads with Davis’ soulful Flugelhorn and Juan Pastor’s agile drumming, and “Search For Itness” follows with soulful brass and Daniel Thatcher’s gentle bass mesmerizing us.

Landing in the middle, “Unending Path” allows for Geof Bradfield and Michael Salter’s hypnotic bass clarinets to create a mood of mystery, while “Balancing Act” takes that step further via the enthralling rhythm section and strategic repetition of the winds.

“Pulsar” is a late album highlight, and emits much richness and emotion as the players blend their talents with a distinct groove, and “As The Crow Flies” exits with a similar, collaborative approach of skilled layering and timelessness.

Mostly a gentle affair, the classical and improvised bouts make for much to enjoy across this atypical and engaging effort.

Travels well with: Alyn Cosker- Onta; Chris Varga- Breathe

Schmaltz & Pepper

Schmaltz & Pepper

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Schmaltz & Pepper

A Toronto outfit who know their way around a jazz, chamber and Klezmer influenced tune, Schmaltz & Pepper treat us to 11 meticulous tracks for this debut.

The playful bass of “Stirring The Pot” opens the listen, where Eric Abramovitz’s clarinet acrobatics make an impression, and “Mozart The Mensch” follows with Rebekah Wolkstein’s elegant violin adding much beauty to the cautious climate.

Landing in the middle, “I’m Sorry Mama” uses Wolkstein’s vivid storytelling alongside Jeremy Ledbetter’s bouncy keys, while “The Yiddish Bullfighters” showcases swift strings, lively keys and complicated clarinet for the rhythmic album highlight.

Deeper still, “Hershel And The Goblins” benefits from Michael Herring’s frisky, plucked bass via much eloquence, and “King Solomon’s Judgment” exits with emotion and rich instrumentation that’s intricate and mesmerizing.

An excellent starting point for the young band, each member contributes their own distinct talents, where traditional Yiddish sounds are tweaked with soulful and unique songwriting that’s globally embraceable.

Travels well with: Foaie Verde- Phoenix: Balkans And Beyond; Siach HaSadeh- Hapam Yilaveh

Masha Campagne

Alegre Menina

Impetus, 2025

8/10

Listen to Alegre Menina

The San Francisco vocalist, producer and songwriter Masha Campagne fleshes out a love letter to Brazil with these 9 detailed and cultured tracks.

The warm mood of “Bahia Com” opens with Rafael Barata’s frisky drums that suit Campagne’s elegant pipes, and “Samba Carioca” follows with Ricardo Peixoto’s cozy guitar playing amid the flowing vocals and gentle melodies.

In the middle, Julio Lemos’ 7 string guitar helps illuminate the well timed flute and Campagne’s swift singing for “Baiao de Lacan”, while “Cobra Criada” showcases grooves and rhythm via Scott Thompson’s frisky bass and some rock influences.

Arriving close to the end, “So Mad So Young” finds a dreamy place to reside thanks to Frank Martin’s meticulous keys and the poetic vocals, and “Estrada do Sol” exits with intimacy and grace that suits the mature piano and Campagne’s stirring singing which tugs on the heartstrings.

A very sincere and worldly effort, this is Campagne’s 4th studio album and it’s a passionate and jazz tinted listen that’s striking from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Maria Puga Lareo- My Universe; CeCe Gable- Love On The Tyrrhenian

Nicolas Ferron Trio

Multiverse

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Multiverse

The Canadian guitarist Nicolas Ferron is joined by Jonathan Cayer and Louis-Vincent Hame for these adventurous and groove filled 8 jazz tunes.

The title track opens with Ferron’s expressive guitar and Hame’s scrappy drumming for the rock influenced delivery, and “Valencia” follows with much attention to atmosphere, as Cayer’s swirling keys add a hint of mystery to the cinematic presence.

Landing in the middle, “Complot” offers a dynamic album highlight that’s radiant and buzzes a bit, too, with some dense bouts, while “Mithridate” is a more intimate moment that leaves an indelible impression in its sparse setting.

“Éveil” and “Un Peu Confus” exit the listen. The former emits ambience amid the soft guitar, and the latter uses the trio’s individual strengths for a reflective tone of prog-friendly nods.

A really original effort that embraces psychedelic moments, modern jazz, spaghetti westerns and daring improvisation, every track here warrants repeated listens.

Travels well with: Elsa Elisson- Atlas Of Sound, Coast Redwoods, 41°32’09.8”N 124°04’35.5”W; Touching- I Can Be Two People At Once

Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet & Elden Kelly

Catalyst: The Music Of Gregg Hill

Cold Plunge, 2025

9/10

Listen to Catalyst: The Music Of Gregg Hill

The revered bassist Dave Sharp is in some excellent company for 8 tracks that honor Gregg Hill’s work, and it’s a detailed and timeless effort.

“Traveling With Gregg” opens with Sharp’s strategic bass that complements the mysterious mood which makes great use of Mike List’s percussion, and “Rue de Royal” continues with a rhythmic spirit via Henrik Karapetyan’s meticulous violin and Elden Kelly’s dizzying guitar playing.

“Ducks Night Out” occupies the middle spot and benefits much from the tense violin and Sharp’s agile bass, while “Catalyst” is an upbeat album highlight that’s percussively strong and has Kelly handling bass in a textured and dense climate.

Landing near the end, “Savana” offers an elegant yet exploratory moment of buzzing guitar and meticulous songwriting, and “The Stray Moonduck” exits with Igor Houwat’s glowing oud adding much culture to the detailed finish.

An indeed worldly affair, Sharp and company recruit Eastern ideas, classical influences, global jazz and Flamenco fun to a truly remarkable and memorable listen.

Travels well with: Tim Jago- Time Shift; Rodney Whitaker- Mosaic

Marina Pacowski

New Jazz Standards Volume 7: The Music Of Carl Saunders

Summit, 2025

8/10

Listen to New Jazz Standards Volume 7: The Music Of Carl Saunders

The inimitable jazz vocalist Marina Pacowski returns with a 2nd album, where the tribute to her friend, Carl Saunders, unfolds with a large cast of players on hand.

The bright mood of “August In New York” opens with Roy McCurdy’s animated drumming and Rickey Woodard’s glowing sax that complements Pacowski’s soaring pipes, and “High On Blueberry Pie” follows with a softer spirit, where Josh Nelson’s elegant keys suit the expressive singing.

Moving along, “Looking At You” benefits much from Scott Whitfield’s rich trombone and Josh Clayton’s bouncy bass, while “Sweet Talk” radiates tremendous beauty via John Proulx’s vocals amid Pacowskil’s playful singing for the heartfelt duet.

Further still, “Can You Dig Being Dug?” allows for Ron Stout’s well timed trumpet to shine thanks to the rich album highlight, and “Minute Waltz” exits with the dizzying keys making an indelible impression.

Pacowski does justice to Saunders’ vision, and there’s no lack of harmony and melody to be appreciated across the swingin’ fun and emotive balladry.

Travels well with: Elaine Dame- Reminsicing; Kristina Koller- Walk On By

The Ed Palermo Big Band

Prog Vs Fusion

Sky Cat, 2025

9/10

Listen to Prog Vs Fusion

The atypical Big Band leader, Ed Palermo, recruits a large cast for these 19 adventurous and exciting tracks, many of which you’ll be familiar with.

The quick pace of “Resolution” opens with manipulated vocals and swift bass and drums that builds into a soaring climate, and it isn’t long until “Tarkus” showcases complicated keys, bouts of scrappy drums and bright brass for the prog fueled delivery.

Further along, the chunky bass of “Snake Oil” leads into animated saxophones amid Ray Marchica’s thumping drums, while “There’s No Mystery About My G-Spot” welcomes softer moments and flowing melodies to the avant-garde nature.

Residing near the end, “The Fish” is an intricate and quirky album stand out that benefits much from layered winds and brass, and the booming “Pictures Of A City” exits with a hint of a haunting quality and Bruce McDaniel’s meticulous guitar for the firm rock finish.

All the songs present are covers, but Palermo puts his inimitable spin on them. The aptly titled record gives us a great idea of what to expect, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Travels well with: Ric Harris And The Heat Merchants- Along The Avenue; Joe Elefante’s Wheel Of Dharma- Wheel Of Dharma

Albare

Electricity

Alfi, 2025

9/10

Listen to Electricity

The always impressive guitarist Albare is joined by some exceptional guests for these 10 powerful and rhythmic jazz tunes.

The elegant “All Night Blues” leads with Albare’s gentle guitar and Felix Bloxsom’s skilled drumming making a cozy impression, and “Song For Bird” follows with Phil Noy’s rich sax and Salva Persico’s frisky percussion emitting a charming climate.

“Simplicity” occupies the middle spot and is an upbeat moment that benefits from Phil Turcio’s meticulous keys, while “Israel Blues” allows for Phil Rex’s meticulous bass to shine in the eloquent and radiant album highlight.

“New Dawn” and “Round Trip” exit the listen. The former illustrates Albare’s profound skill with the guitar alongside well timed accordion thanks to Joe Chindamo, and the latter finishes with Mat Jodrel’s animated trumpet guiding the timeless jazz flavor.

Like everything Albare’s been a part of, this is top notch and memorable jazz that is technical, rhythmic and creative in a way that few others could match.

Travels well with: Albare- Beyond Belief; Albare & Co.- Freedom

The Alexis P. Suter Band

Just Stay High

Nola Blue, 2025

9/10

Listen to Just Stay High

A Brooklyn 5 piece who blend soul, blues and rock into an inimitable formula, Alexis P. Suter brings her band to 14 powerful and relatable tracks.

The spiritual “God Gave Me The Blues” leads with Suter’s soaring pipes, Peter Bennett’s skilled bass and Lee Falco’s thumping drums emitting much soulfulness, and “Some People” follows with softer singing and Jimmy Bennett’s warm guitar making for careful melody.

Deeper into the listen, “My Only Need” uses cozy acoustic guitar and Suter’s sincere storytelling amid much intimacy, while “Big Girl Panties” is a thick moment of rhythmic blues that benefits from Daniel Weiss’ frisky keys.

“Isolation” arrives closer to the end and is strong on atmosphere via Byron Isaac’s meticulous bass and a hint of dreaminess, and “Piece Of Clay” exits with Vicki Bell’s expressive pipes alongside Suter’s emotive delivery in a wise and timeless finish.

An effort that began during Covid thanks to Zoom sessions, the themes surround life and the inevitable changes, as well as strong emphasis on love, and it makes for a heartfelt and groove filled experience.

Travels well with: Allison August- August Moon; Blue Moon Marquee- New Orleans Sessions

Siach HaSadeh

Hapam Yilaveh

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to This Time Will Come

A Canadian outfit with a penchant for wordless melodies and detailed chamber ideas, Siach HaSadeh bring winds, strings and harmonica to these 11 cultured tracks.

“Kaayal Taarog” starts the listen with Yoni Kaston’s flowing clarinet alongside the warm strings for a very rich climate, and “Avinu Malkeinu” follows with Joel Kerr’s thick double bass complementing a hint of mystery in the somewhat haunting delivery.

Landing in the middle, “Nigun Pinchas M’Kortiz” finds itself in mesmerizing territory, where Daniel Fuchs’ meticulous violin hypnotizes us, while “Ashrei Ha’am Yodei Serua” allows for intimacy via the gentle clarinet, as the strings enter with much emotion.

Closer to the end, “Tikun Chatsot-Tfilas Tal” welcomes Didem Basar’s kanun and Jason Rosenblatt’s harmonica for the textured album highlight, and “Bevo’o Me’edom (Oy Golus Golus)” exits with the eloquent wind, manipulated cello from Gael Huard and nearly sci-fi, cinematic qualities that are impressive and memorable.

An accomplished effort that embraces Jewish, klezmer, spiritual and world music ideas, this is truly an enlightening and intricate listening experience.

Travels well with: Galeet Dardashti- Monajat; Divan- Shalhevet

The Chris Parker Quartet

Heart Of Mine

M’bubba, 2025

8/10

Listen to Heart Of Mine

The drummer Chris Parker has an impressive resume and he excels in a quartet setting, too, as evidenced by these 11 timeless jazz tracks.

The lively mood of “Bijou” opens with Yuto Kanazawa’s playful guitar alongside Parker’s frisky drums, and “Long, Long Summer” follows with Kyoko Oyobe’s warm keys that suit the rhythmic climate.

“Heart Of Mine” lands in the middle and is a snappy album highlight that’s melodic and animated, while “You Are The One” is a heartfelt moment of meticulous keys, strategic drumming and charming bass.

Arriving close to the end, “This Here” displays a dynamic interaction between the quartet that’s timeless, and “You’re A Giver” exits with Parker’s drums hitting a little harder amid the rugged rhythm section and fluid guitar playing.

Parker tips his hat to influences like Ralph Burns, Thelonious Monk and Bob Dylan thanks to these authentic and well fleshed out jazz tunes that you’ll instantly be enamored with.

Travels well with: Greg Chako- The Miami Project; The Furgos- Retrospective

Rolie Polie Guacamole

On The Stoop

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to On The Stoop

The prolific and always impressive Brooklyn kindie-rockers Rolie Polie Guacamole bring in plenty of friends for these 10 family centered tunes.

The thick guitar and buzzing synth of “Yum Yum Yum I Love A Tasty Dinner” leads with some retro-garage rock fun, and “Little Miss Moon” follows with a ‘60s jangle that’s harmonic and nostalgic.

Halfway through, the ambient “Library Ghost” is shrouded in mystery with spoken word and strings, while “Out In The Rain” offers a soft and quirky moment of light singing and folk nods.

Close to the end, “Ghost Car” uses more rugged ideas and gritty singing amid upbeat, even playful guitar playing, and “Brahms’ Stoker’s Lullaby” exits with gentle cello and front man Frank Gallo’s expressive singing for a rare intimacy.

An album where no 2 songs resemble each other that much, Gallo and company are about two decades into Rolie Polie Guacamole’s existence, and they continue to prove just they’re so revered in the kindie-rock realm.

Travels well with: Rolie Polie Guacamole- Chips & Salsa; Rolie Polie Guacamole- Diggin’ In The Dirt

Royce Campbell

Vagabond

Max Frank, 2025

9/10

Listen to Vagabond

The veteran jazz artist, Royce Campbell, brings us 10 originals, where a Big Band presence fleshes out the live and spontaneous vision.

The warm energy of “Peppers” opens with Campbell’s radiant guitar and Matt Niess’ soulful trombone adding much to the rich climate, and “Gentle Breeze” follows with Matthew Billings’ mature keys and Chris Magee’s skilled trumpet complementing the cautious spirit that builds into a commanding delivery.

Moving into the middle, “Mambo Puente” comes with a dance floor ready mood thanks to lively saxophones and animated brass, while “Moon Cycle” makes great use of Alex Moser’s heartfelt flugelhorn and Bill Schnepper’s soprano sax via the emotive album highlight.

“Dancing Waterfall” arrives late in the listen and benefits much from Kerry Moffit’s firm trumpet, and “Viper” exits with an infectious energy that enlists James Cotton’s tenor sax prowess.

A Big Band effort that’s full of technical playing, timeless interaction and jazz sensibilities that few others could parallel, Campbell and company make every track here an adventure.

Travels well with: Tim Jago- Time Shift; Planet D Nonet- Doctor Professor Leonard King: In Tribute To Joe Williams

Greg Chako

The Miami Project

Mint 400, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Miami Project

The veteran guitarist Greg Chako, along with Ed Blanco, had been planning this concert for years, and with the help of the bassist Jamie Ousley, they got it done in December of 2023.

The elegant yet frisky “Love For Sale” opens with Chako’s lively guitar and Ousley’s animated bass that emits much energy, and “Wayne’s Waltz” follows with a calmer pace, where Jim Gasior’s meticulous keys won’t go unnoticed.

“All Roads Lead Home” lands in the middle and radiates warmth and intimacy via the soft keys and dreamy guitar, while “Bassa-Nova” makes great use of the plucked bass and intricate guitar work for the lush album highlight.

“Organomics” and “Changes” exit the listen. The former swings playfully with bright melodies thanks to the quartet’s undeniable chemistry, and the latter allows for the precise rhythm section to guide the timeless jazz and upbeat mood.

The sound quality here is incredible and hardly seems live, and the interaction between Chako and company is stunning, timeless and definitely worth the wait.

Travels well with: The Furgos- Retrospective; Red 123- Newtown

Alyn Cosker

Onta

Calligram, 2025

9/10

Listen to Onta

The Scottish drummer Alyn Cosker is joined by a large cast for this love letter to his hometown of Ayr, where plenty of diverse ideas enter the jazz spirited sounds.

The title track leads with Cosker’s skilled drums and soothing vocals alongside Miro Herak’s pretty vibes and Jim Cosker’s fluid keys for the dreamy landscape, and “Lullapalew” follows with Ewen Vernal’s strategic bass and Paul Towndrow’s well timed whistle via the uniquely rhythmic delivery.

“Cassillis” and “Downtown AYR” land in the middle. The former makes great use of Juliette Lemoine’s mature cello amid the sublime intimacy, while the latter showcases Cosker’s scrappy drumming and Rachel Lightbody’s expressive singing for the groove filled highlight.

“Lárach do Thacaidean” exits, and allows for Karen Matheson’s vocal acrobatics to shine alongside Davie Dunsmuir’s playful guitar licks thanks to a very playful Gaelic song.

An effort that doesn’t shy away from his Scottish roots, there’s also funk, rock and Celtic nods to be appreciated in between the rhythm. melodies and solos.

Travels well with: Chris Varga- Breathe; Jarod Bufe- Brighter Days

Panzerpappa

Summarisk Suite

Apollon, 2019

9/10

Listen to Summarisk Suite

More greatness from Norway, Panzerpappa describe themselves as ‘progressive rock with a friendly face’, and this 7th album brings us more of their avant-garde and instrumental prowess

“Algerisk Symfo” gets the album off to a mysterious start with an ominous setting that segues into thriving prog-rock, and “Belgerisk Impro”, which was improvised, complements the atmosphere well with a cinematic quality with saxophone guiding the way.

Even though there’s just 6 tunes present, they all leave quite an impression, especially the atypical rhythm and driving pace of “Permutert Panzerrock”, though “Revidert Malist” is nothing to spit at either with its strategic bells and haunting melodies. The album ends on “Seriell Ballade”, where sparse keys lead into calculated saxophones and building guitar work that soars in all sorts of complicated and enthralling ways.

The band scrapped an earlier effort to start from scratch for this album, sometimes using old templates and other times building entirely new ones, and it’s clear they made the right choice as Summarisk Suite is vocal-less genius that runs parallel to some of the greatest prog-rock records of all time.

Travels well with: Happy The Man- Crafty Hands; King Crimson- Discipline