Simon Côté-Lapointe

Animus/Anima/Ataraxie/Hapax

Hecto, 2026

9/10

Listen to Hapax

The pianist Simon Côté-Lapointe takes on a daring project, where 3 double albums of just his piano playing makes for 6 hours of music that span baroque, classical, medieval, jazz and contemporary sounds.

Animus/Anima offers interpretations and traditionals, where the rumbling spirit of “Danny Boy” is a creative take on a standard, and Thelonius Monk’s “‘‘Round Midnight” showcases intricate progressions that are colorful. “Night And Day”, by Cole Porter, lands deep on the 2nd disc and is a busy and dynamic highlight that illustrates tremendous playfulness.

Ataraxie goes further back, where Ennio Morricone’s vision via “Gabriel’s Oboe” radiates so much beauty in its melodic nature, while “Christ lag in todesbanden (cantate no. 4) 8iéme mouvement” illuminates plenty of emotion in the J.S. Bach piece. Hildegard von Bingen’s “O Virtus sapientiae” is especially moody, as space and tension is manipulated with meticulousness.

Hapax are all originals. “Hermine” is full of unpredictable patterns that can find lower registers, and “Sycophante” seeks more firm areas to reside, where the 2 minutes captivates us via Côté-Lapointe’s atypical vision.

Amazingly, this was all recorded in 5 days. Of course, there was 30+ years of practice beforehand, and the spontaneity and unconventional approach sure is admirable.

Travels well with: Simon Côté-Lapointe et Magella Cormier- Topochronies; Disaster Pony- Disaster Pony

Roberto Fonseca/Vincent Segal

Nuit Parisienne à la Havane

Artwork, 2026

8/10

Listen to Nuit Parisienne à la Havane

The Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca and French cellist Vincent Segal make an impression on this first meeting together for the intimate setting that touches on classical, improvisation and Afro-Cuban ideas.

“Rumbo a Tí” starts the listen with Fonseca’s flowing keys alongside Segal’s diverse strings that radiate both warmth and mystery, and “Soul Kiss” follows with a cozy mood thanks to the melodic piano and graceful cello.

Moving into the middle, “Un Homme Qui Dort” offers much emotion via the heartfelt cello that suits the mature keys, while “Day” is a soft bout of sublime gestures that is touching and picks up steam on the back half.

Residing near the end, “Interlude Piano Silence” is a quick moment of lower registers and dizzying keys, and “Te Extrano” exits with lush piano progressions amid the meticulous strings that weave in and out of gentle versus tense patterns.

An album that was recorded over 5 days with no preparations, there’s a spontaneity here that’s admirable, as the pair showcase their inimitable sensitive yet exploratory vision.

Travels well with: Edward Simon- Venezuela; Michael League/Pedrito Martínez/Antonio Sánchez- Elipsis

Michael League/Pedrito Martínez/Antonio Sánchez

Elipsis

GroundUp, 2026

9/10

Listen to Elipsis

The multi-instrumentalists Michael League, Pedrito Martínez and Antonio Sánchez come together for 6 rich and meticulous tracks that will resonate worldwide.

The rhythmic and percussively strong “Obbakoso” opens with League’s soaring voice alongside Martínez’s animated congas and harmony vocals that also use buzzing electronics, and “Caminando” follows with flowing vocals and colorful melodies that builds into a dizzying display.

“Variant” occupies the middle spot and emits waves of ambience thanks to the cautious interplay that bridges the synthetic with the organic and makes great use of League’s bass, while “Mi Tambor” offers a quick and playful moment via Sánchez’s drums, League’s keys and plenty of cinematic qualities.

“Tarpon” exits, and it’s a groove filled album highlight that can get dense in a rock sort of way, though it’s still indebted to plenty of worldly ideas.

A truly unclassifiable effort that touches on Cuban and African music, plus Bantu, Yoruba and Calabar traditions, the level of fusion present between the trio is remarkable.

Travels well with: Edward Simon- Venezuela; Ellen Rowe Quartet- Vinton’s Cove

Edward Simon

Venezuela

ArtistShare, 2026

9/10

Listen to Venezuela

The esteemed composer and pianist Edward Simon dives further into his Latin American skillset with these 6 cultured selections that welcome Reuben Rogers, Adam Cruz and Jackeline Rago.

“Presagio” opens the listen with Simon’s warm keys and Cruz’s crisp drumming that makes for a rhythmic setting, and “Atardecer” follows with graceful keys and much emotion via the pensive bass from Rogers.

Landing in the middle, “Dama Antanona” emits gentle melodies via the meticulous piano and cozy rhythm section, while “Anhelante” swirls with rich harmonics and a strong attention to mood, where Simon’s finger acrobatics are stunning.

Close to the end, Rago’s cuatro and maracas help illuminate the worldly friskiness of “El Vuelo de la Mosca”, and “Sabana” exits with aching bass, pensive keys and reserved drumming tugging on the heartstrings.

A lush endeavor that draws from folk traditions and are elegant, unrushed and complex. each reinterpretation is captivating from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Ellen Rowe Quartet- Vinton’s Cove; Wild Iris Brass Band- Way Up

Kate Olson

So It Goes

OA2, 2026

8/10

Listen to So It Goes

The saxophonist Kate Olson relies on strong interplay between her quartet here, where a wealth of ideas and sounds are scattered across the 9 tracks.

The animated spirit of “Bumbling Thumbs Blues” gets the listen off to an energetic start thanks to Olson’s rich wind and Conner Eisenmenger’s thick trumpet, and “Shouldacoulda” follows with Tim Carey’s mesmerizing bass alongside the textured and thoughtful song craft.

In the middle, “Nominally Challenged” makes great use of Evan Woodle’s adaptable drumming amid the warm sax and well timed horn, while “So It Goes” tugs on the heartstring via the emotive playing and poetic ambience.

“Afterthoughts” and “Weigh Out” exit the listen. The former allows for Wayne Horwitz’s meticulous keys to shine amid much beauty, and the latter is a bright burst of upbeat and exciting jazz that’s scrappy and infectious.

Olson and company play sans chords and whether they’re knee deep in bebop or fleshing out a melancholic moment, this is a remarkable debut and a sign of much greatness to come.

Travels well with: John Gunther- Painting The Dream; Affinity Trio- New Outlook

Mattias Svensson

Embrace

Origin, 2026

8/10

Listen to Embrace

The Swedish bassist Mattias Svensson is in great company, as Bill Mays and Morten Lund are along for these diverse and playful jazz tunes.

The warm spirit of “My Toots Toots (For Toots)” open with Mays’ cozy keys and Svensson’s precise bass making for an inviting climate, and “Bluetiful” follows with a bouncy energy, where the firm keys and Lund’s punchy drums inject plenty of melody.

Moving into the middle, “Steps (Ahead)” showcases the trio’s strong chemistry in a thoughtful moment of beauty, while “Theme From Emmerdale” spotlights Svensson’s admiration of the ‘70s show with frisky bass and dreamy keys.

Arriving close to the end, the emotive “T'ai the Chi(t) Together” pairs the atmospheric rhythm section with colorful keys that make for a lush album highlight, and “Fredrikkson 3” exits with a rumbling presence that’s cinematic and exciting in its density.

Whether it’s the swingin’ fun, waltz nods or theme song interpretations, the trio know their way around a creative and timeless jazz song that won’t soon be forgotten.

Travels well with: Eddie Allen’s Push- Rhythm People; Michael Dease- Spartan Strong

Vance Thompson

Lost And Found

Moondo, 2026

9/10

Listen to Lost And Found

The Grammy nominated vibraphonist and composer Vance Thompson is joined by Taber Gable, Steve Kovalcheck, Tommy Sauter and Marcus Finnie for 9 tracks that has Thompson putting down his horn and picking up mallets.

The upbeat and warm “Tell It Like It Is” starts with Thompson’s lively vibes amid Finnie’s playful drumming and that almost seems like you would expect Kelsey Grammar’s voice to enter, and “The Thread Of All Sorrows” follows with a soft ambience thanks to the cozy percussion, and Kovalcheck’s dreamy guitar.

“Sleight Of Hand” and title track land in the middle. The former is an animated and melodic album highlight that’s infectious, while the latter builds into emotive layers and benefits from Sauter’s meticulous bass playing.

Near the end, “My Three Suns” gets a bit funky thanks to the chunky bass that suits the radiant vibes and crisp drums, and “Over The Rainbow” exits with an intimate and dreamy take on the classic that’s sublime and heartfelt.

Thompson had to end his time with the trumpet due to a neurological disorder, but he sure does a great job with vibraphone, and these lush, cultured and striking jazz tunes cover plenty of styles and moods with much charm.

Travels well with: John Vanore & Abstract Truth- Easter Island Suite; Lena Bloch- Marina

The Brook And The Bluff

Werewolf

Dualtone, 2026

9/10

Listen to Werewolf

The Nashville indie-rockers The Brook & The Bluff return with a 4th album, where they turn up the energy and volume for 10 howling tracks.

The title track opens with Joseph Settine’s inviting and flowing voice alongside Alec Bolton’s driving guitar and much melody, and “Get By” follows with John Canada’s thumping drums amid timeless pop and rock ideas that are immediately infectious.

“Baby Blue” and “105” occupy the middle spots. The former is a softer moment thanks to the heartfelt singing that builds into an emotive bout thanks to Kevin Canada’s well timed keys, while the latter is a blistering country rocker that’s raw, harmonic and requires singing-along.

Residing near the end, “Change My Mind” makes great use of Micah Tawlks’ chunky bass which complements the gentle versus busy textures, and “Moving Along” exits with strategic harmonica and plenty of southern spirit that’s got a rootsy flavor.

The quartet bring us on a wild ride here, but that’s not without some pit stops in heartfelt territory, as their live energy translates well to this retro tinted and modern indie effort.

Travels well with: Dear Boy- Celebrator; Newton Faulkner- Octopus

Ellen Rowe Quartet

Vinton’s Cove

Smokin’ Sleddog, 2025

8/10

Listen to Vinton’s Cove

Ellen Rowe’s keys are joined by Mike Sakash, Dennis Carroll, Pete Siers and Sunny Wilkinson for these personal songs that explore nature, music and human connection.

“The Loons Of Vinton’s Cove” starts the listen with Rowe’s mature keys alongside Sakash’s uplifting sax amid much melody, and “Refractions” follows with a gentle mood, where the atmospheric piano and Carroll’s moody bass make an impression.

In the middle, “The Phoenix” welcomes Wilkinson’s diverse singing and playful scatting amid Siers’ frisky drums, while “Kind Folk” moves with a rich demeanor via the soulful sax, sophisticated keys and light drums.

Landing near the end, “All The Things You Are”, by Joni Mitchell, sees a fresh coat of paint that’s meticulous and warm, and “I’ll Remember April” exits with the quartet interacting with a lively energy that bounces and shakes with an inimitable jazz appeal.

An eclectic outing that uses grooves, balladry and swingin’ moments to her advantage, Rowe and company flesh out a thoughtful, timeless and harmonic body of work.

Travels well with: Vancouver Jazz Orchestra- Meets Brian Charette; Wild Iris Brass Band- Way Up

Vancouver Jazz Orchestra

Meets Brian Charette

Cellar, 2025

9/10

Listen to Meets Brian Charette

An impressive debut recording from the Vancouver Jazz Orchestra, the many esteemed players are aligned with the New York city organist/pianist Brian Charette for the 10 lively tracks.

The animated “Equestrian Interlude” starts with Steve Kaldestad’s glowing tenor sax alongside Charette’s frisky organ, and “Don’t Call Before 10” follows with a calmer pace thanks to Andy Hunter’s soulful trombone.

Halfway through, “The Sorcerer” welcomes Brad Turner’s rich trumpet that suits the colorful delivery, while “Shimmy!” enlists Dave Sikula’s meticulous guitar playing amid the booming brass and stylish rhythm section.

“Honeymoon Phase” arrives late and offers an intimate and textured bout of beauty, and “The Same Old You With The Same Old Blues” exits with Cory Weeds’ tenor sax, Nebyu Yohannes trombone, and Derry Byrne’s trumpet helping cultivate a dynamic and timeless Big Band finish.

Some of Vancouver’s best jazz players are present here, and along with Charette’s agile fingers they flesh out creative and traditional ideas that embrace all the hallmarks of jazz that we could never tire of.

Travels well with: Wild Iris Brass Band- Way Up; Allan Harris- The Poetry Of Jazz

The Crimestoppers

On The Case

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to On The Case

The trio of Anthony ‘Amp’ Daniels, KeAmber Daniels and Christy ‘Kree’ Moody, as The Crimestoppers they bring spiritual and soul influences to these 9 authentic tracks.

“Body Shop” starts the listen with some playful, funky flavor, as Anthony’s smooth voice is met with KeAmber and Moody’s rich backing vocals, and “Shackled And Chained” follows with Moody’s expressive voice guiding the melodic spirit.

Further along, the sublime harmonizing of “Sneaky On The Weekend” uses crisp drums amid plenty of R&B nods, while “I Ain’t Feelin’ It” allows for Moody’s powerful pipes to shine alongside plenty of bluesy swagger.

Residing near the end, “Dirty Hustlin’” enlists meticulous guitar licks and bouncy bass lines that complement the talking and singing, and “I Got A Love” exits with KeAmber’s intimate voice that fuels the heartfelt and emotive finish.

A truly timeless effort that’s not short on grooves, the trio’s voices interact flawlessly and might bring to mind the greatness achieved by Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke or the Staple Singers. The backing band led by Jimbo Matus, of Squirrel Nut Zippers fame, don’t disappoint, either.

Travels well with: Leonard ‘Lowdown’ Brown- Street Party; Anthony ‘Big A’ Sherrod- Torchbearer Of The Clarksdale Sound

The Johnny Max Band

Johnny Max & His So-Called Friends

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Johnny Max & His So-Called Friends

The long running Canadian blues rockers The Johnny Max Band are back with an 8th album, where plenty of guests are along for the originals and covers.

The lively “You Can Do Better Than Him” starts with Max’s flowing voice alongside Bill Evans’ upbeat keys and Jim Casson’s frisky drums, and “How The Other Half Lives” follows with driving guitars and a frisky rhythm section that’ll get you on the dance floor.

Closer to the middle, “I’ve Never Met A Bridge” recruits Jay Burr’s lively tuba that suits Max’s distinct voice, while “Memphis Women & Fried Chicken” is a thicker moment via spirited guitars, thumping drums and colorful keys that suits the bluesy climate.

Landing near the end, “When You Love Somebody” brings group vocals into the contagious energy that will get you singing-along right away, and “Plastic Jesus” exits with a parody that tips it hat to Cool Hand Luke and uses the raw recording strategically.

Max and his band have seen a pair of JUNO award nominations and received a handful of Maple Blues awards, and there’s probably more on the horizon thanks to these rhythm and blues tunes that don’t take long to admire.

Travels well with: Grant Lyle- And Now; Ross Neilsen- Within Tension

Betty Bryant

nothin’ better to do…

bry-mar, 2026

8/10

Listen to nothing’ better to do…

The Los Angeles vocalist Betty Bryant has been a staple in the jazz scene since the ‘50s, and this 15th album treats us to 3 originals and 6 tunes that you may not be familiar with before, but certainly will be after.

“You Are Not My First Love” starts the listen with Bryant’s expressive voice alongside Richard Simon’s playfully plucked bass and Robert Kyle’ bright sax, and “I Can See You Lookin’” follows with Bryant’s warm keys amid Kevin Winard’s light drums.

In the middle, “I Haven’t Got Anything Better To Do” welcomes Niall Taro’s elegant cello that complements the intimacy, while “Time Was” has Kyle handling flute and Hussain Jiffry’s playful bass via the rich album highlight.

“Awrite Then” and “Winter Warm” exit the listen. The former carries an infectious energy via Tony Guerrero’s lively trumpet and the charming rhythm section, and the latter enlists Luanne Homzy’s strings that help cultivate a poetic and dreamy finish.

At 96 years young, Bryant’s still got a voice that’ll draw you in, and her timeless jazz that touches on the blues is as memorable as ever.

Travels well with: Betty Bryant- Lotta Livin’; Josie Falbo- Kickin’ It

David Boyce/PC Muñoz/Chris Trinidad/Francis Wong

Red Fast Triple Luck

Iridium, 2025

9/10

Listen to Red Fast Triple Luck

A quartet with some serious improvisation skills, David Boyce, PC Muñoz, Chris Trinidad and Francis Wong bring their respective talents to 19 abstract and exciting tracks.

“Hacha” starts the listen with much attention to atmosphere, where Boyce’s electronics are met with Muñoz’s playful percussive ideas and waves of thick winds, and “Hugua” follows with a firm beat amid the squealing dynamics that surrounds the rhythm.

Further along, “Gunum” leads with ambience, as Wong’s distinct tenor sax enters the unpredictable climate, while “Sigua” is a bout of free jazz exploration that’s frisky, animated and emits much charm via Boyce’s sax prowess.

Moving towards the end “Månot Na Gai Tulu” comes with melody, where the dueling saxophones collide with animated drumming, and “Månot Na Gai Sigua” exits with Trinidad’s lively bass guiding the soulful winds and infectious percussion.

If names like Bill Laswell, Pharaoh Sanders and Albert Ayler mean anything to you, you’re going to be smitten with this collage of sounds that is improvised genius.

Travels well with: Francis Wong- Wong Works; Glenn Horiuchi- Zen Of Glenn

Glenn Horiuchi

Zen Of Glenn

Iridium, 2025

9/10

Listen to Zen Of Glenn

The legendary Asian American jazz artist Glenn Horiuchi sees his work preserved by an all star cast who pay homage to him via the free jazz and avant-garde listen.

The playful mood of “Mochi Groove” starts the listen with Erika Oba’s animated flute and Chris Trinidad’s bouncy bass ukulele, and “Dreamwaters” follows with Helen Palma’s gorgeous voice amid Oba’s warm keys and Trinidad’s cozy bass.

Further along, “Tear Dem Walls” benefits from Carrie Jahde’s thumping drums and Palma’s animated voice alongside the stylish rhythm section, while “Oxnard Beet” places Oba on piccolo and Trinidad on chopstick bass for the mesmerizing climate.

“Issei Spirit” and “Dew Drop” exit the listen. The former blends the flute and synth bass in a more bare and unpredictable bout, and the latter allows for Wong’s inimitable tenor sax to shine alongside Palma’s spoken word.

Horiuchi’s work is illuminated well courtesy of arrangements by Wong, and the excellent players on hand help draw parallels to the greatness of Cecil Taylor, Thelonious Monk and Joseph Jarman.

Travels well with: Chris Trinidad- Certain Times; Francis Wong- Wong Works

Francis Wong

Wong Works

Iridium, 2025

9/10

Listen to Wong Works

The tenor sax wizard Francis Wong has nearly 5 decades of work for us to enjoy, and her free jazz and Asian influences are fleshed out with Karl Evangelista, Chris Trinidad and Jimmy Biala in attendance.

“Prayer For Melvin Truss” starts the tribute with Wong’s rich sax alongside Evangelista’s light guiar and Trinidad’s dense bass that complements the cautious mood, and “Great Wall” follows with Biala’s frisky drums that suit the animated sax and Trinidad’s skilled bass ukulele.

The middle track belongs to the mesmerizing “Fire This Time”, where rock ideas enter thanks to Trinidad’s synth bass prowess and Wong’s colorful wind, while “Wuxijing” benefits from the bass ukulele and Evangelista’s meticulous guitar amid the soulful sax,

Close to the end, “A Kaleidoscope Of Butterflies” bops and shakes with an infectious energy via the meticulous bass and spirited guitar licks, and “Remembrance Rising” exits with Trinidad contributing both bass guitar and synth bass to the building climate that’s creative, timeless and dynamic.

Fans of John Coltrane, Max Roach or Fred Anderson won’t be disappointed here, as Wong and company flesh out a fusion effort that’s daring, exciting and just so memorable.

Travels well with: Chris Trinidad- Changing Tides; Glenn Horiuchi- Zen Of Glenn

David Lang/The Crossing/Donald Nally

The Sense Of Senses

Cantaloupe, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Sense Of Senses

This 39th album from The Crossing welcomes Donald Nally’s conducting for 5 selections of David Lang’s song craft, where the spiritual connection to our common sense of humanity radiates via the tremendous vocal harmonizing.

The title track leads with the layered, flowing voices that emit much warmth and grace thanks to the many ranges and strong attention to atmosphere.

“sleeper’s prayer” follows with John Grecia’s cozy organ that suits the intimate singing that’s poetic, while “just” takes a more minimal approach via the gentle and stirring dreaminess.

Near the end, “make peace” carries a soothing demeanor that’s heartfelt and mesmerizing, and “stateless” exits with a conversational tone courtesy of the colorful and flawless vocal inflections.

An effort that spans stories, myths, beliefs and dreams, The Crossing once again prove just why they’re considered the most luminous chamber choir in existence and their profound beauty is again executed in a way that only they can create.

Travels well with: The Crossing- Meciendo; The Crossing- Born

Simon Cote-Lapointe et Magella Cormier

Topochronies

Hecto, 2024

9/10

Listen to Topchronies

The pianist, keyboardist, composer, improviser, and video artist, Simon Côté-Lapointe, has an impressive catalog, and this body of work has him fleshing out a concept album with the esteemed drummer Magella Cormier.

“Introduction : les tranches du passé” opens with a dreamy ambience and spoken word that builds into a busy and fusion filled climate that’s got plenty of energy, and it isn’t long until “Et. je puis vous dire ...” showcases Nicola Carillo’s guitar acrobatics via the dense and soaring delivery.

Further along, “Répons de la nuit de la poési” showcases Lapointe’s animated bass and keys via the ambient backdrop that’s plenty rhythmic, while “Témoins muets des récits effacés” allows for Tariq Amery’s colorful sax to shine amid the flowing melodies.

At the end, “Anthropologie interculturaliste/Épilogue/ Oublions le passé (partie 2)” exits with a busy display of electro-acoustic ideas that includes a strong percussive presence, wordless vocals, cinematic swells and plenty of buzzing synth.

A fusion filled effort, Côté-Lapointe handles keys, bass, synth and kalimba, and he balances electronic with organic sounds that explore free jazz and improvisation in exciting and memorable ways.

Travels well with: Disaster Pony- Disaster Pony; Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra- Tidal Currents: East Meets West

Charlie Parr

Book

Borrowed Light Press, 2025

9/10

More Information About Five

The folk legend Charlie Parr is also an established author, and this 2nd book from the Minnesota musician brings us five stories that run parallel to this honest and non-pretentious songwriting that often surrounds the emotion and conditions that we share as humans.

Parr’s conversational mood of his writing sometimes defies grammar purposely, as his imagination relays tales of a bird nursing home, AI predators, thieves drifting and lonely people and animals. They’re full of dark humor, are melancholic anecdotes and are seemingly wandering rambling that’s still somehow insightful.

Consider Five the eloquent equivalent of your semi-intoxicated family member cornering you at Thanksgiving with an awkward story about befriending a raccoon, only when Parr tells the tale, you’re not dodging bad breath and instead hanging over word.

Whether your interest is piqued by murder or you prefer to hear about the minutia of day to day life in small town America, Parr’s quick stories will resonate.

Big Tide

Sync Or Swim

A Turntable Friend, 2019

9/10

Listen to Sync Or Swim

Ben Thomas, aka Big Tide, isn’t that keen on today’s electronic scene, and in his protest he’s made one hell of a guitar album in Sync Or Swim, where he’s in great company with members of Hookworm, Spectrals, Cowtown and Deadwall.

“The Crash” gets things off with playful acoustic strumming and dreamy sounds that bring us back to the early days of folk music, and “Hide Me In Your Spaceship” follows suit with warm rhythm and universal appeal. From here, things only get better with the horns and punchy spirit of “Wrong Number”, the lush and highly melodic “Make A Baby”, and one of the album’s best, the jangly and upbeat “Half The Time”.

Near the end, the title track recruits low keys and a soulful spirit, while “Thirst For The Limelight” is a swift and cautious power-pop gem. The album ends on “I Could Walk Away”, the quietest tune, where indie-folk ideas are present in the thoughtful, pensive exit.

The A Turntable Friend label is quickly becoming the go to spot for thriving indie-rock sounds, and this mashing of ‘60s pop, ‘70s folk and timeless guitar rock is among their best and the sort of record that would have Alex Chilton smiling from his grave.

Travels well with: The Lemonheads- Car Button Cloth; Teenage Fanclub- Man-Made