Sarah Moulton Faux

Yuliya

Azica, 2025

9/10

Listen to Yuliya

Sarah Moulton Faux’s stunning soprano and Konstantin Soukhovetski’s keys come together for these Julia Weissberg Rimsky-Korsakov lost scores that were retrieved by Faux and have been unheard for decades.

The elegant “3 Romances, Op. 1” opens with Faux’s expressive pipes matching Soukhovetski’s colorful keys with much power and emotion, and “Rautendelein, Op. 3” follows with a quick demeanor of colorful piano amid the soaring storytelling.

In the middle, “Gulnara's Song, Op. 32” radiates tremendous grace thanks to the flowing keys and lovely vocals, while “2 Chansons, Op. 2: No. 1” embraces intimacy and soulfulness via the heartfelt delivery.

Deeper still, “Moon Fairy Tale, Op. 8” showcases the duo’s inimitable chemistry thanks to much beauty and wonder, and “From Chinese Poetry, Op. 7: No. 2” exits with Faux’s impressive range that allures us alongside Soukhovetski’s animated finger acrobatics.

A highly technical effort that allows for these buried gems to be heard again with a timeless harmonic language and much emotional range, under Faux’s vision we are moved and awed.

Travels well with: Apollo Chamber Players- Ban Stories Of Censorship; Franci Poulenc- Métamorphoses

Frank Morelli

From The Soul

Musica Solis, 2026

9/10

Listen to From The Soul

The bassoonist Frank Morelli returns with a 6th solo album, where the works of Wynton Marsalis, Dominick Argento, Lori Laitman, Jeff Scott and Nirmali Fenn are fleshed out with strong attention to detail.

Scott’s “Elegy For Innocence” opens with soothing bassoon playing that is met with Wei-Yi Yang’s thick, pounding keys, as the setting turns ominous and mysterious, and “I Never Saw Another Butterfly”, by Laitman, follows with Morelli’s wind that’s complemented by Janna Baty’s soaring mezzo-soprano across 6 movements of beauty.

Halfway through, Argento’s “Man With A Paint Box Aria From ‘Postcard From Morocco’” showcases the emotive bassoon in a solo setting that’s heartfelt, while “Meeelaan For Bassoon And String Quartet” pairs the animated bassoon with curious strings that emit a cinematic and playful 3 chapters that span blues, tango and bebop.

“Prayer” exits, and benefits from the emotive keys that align with Morelli’s soft, thoughtful gestures in the 10+ minutes of pensiveness.

An effort of very personal recordings, Morelli’s vision is one of soulfulness, where his playing is unparalleled and the contributors help make for much intimacy and sincerity.

Travels well with: Inbal Megiddo- Bach Cello Suites; Louise Dubin- Passages: French Cello Works

The Grownup Noise

No Straight Line In The Universe

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to No Straight Line In The Universe

The Boston outfit The Grownup Noise have been plugging away sporadically for 2+ decades now, and this 6th album sees the original members fleshing out songs about friendship, grief and resilience in the face of being middle aged.

“We Become Roses” starts with Paul Hansen’s smooth voice alongside Katie Franich’s warm cello, as a cozy indie-folk mood enters, and “See You In The Hall” follows with Kyle Crane’s punchy drums and Adam Sankowski’s playful bass that suits the driving melodies.

Further along, “Change Your Mind” is a brief but catchy bout of scrappy indie-rock that invites singing-along, while “Day Moon” has Franich handling vocals via the upbeat and rhythmic album highlight that’s elegant and adventurous.

“Rabbit Hole” and “Us Fools” exit the listen. The former is soulful and makes great use of Hansen’s sturdy guitar licks, and the latter blends orchestral and folk ideas into the harmonic and sophisticated finish.

An emotive and often cinematic effort, this is the first album in 10 years from this line up, and it’s a literate, relatable and very thoughtful set of songs that anyone who has confronted aging will enjoy immensely.

Travels well with: Yahtzee Brown- You Got This; Brian Mackey- Good Morning, Ireland

The Dave Wilson Quartet

When Even Goes East

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to When Even Goes East

The esteemed multi-instrumentalist, Dave Wilson, tackles ‘60s and ‘70s pop tunes and tosses in some originals for this improvisational effort that welcomes some friends for the occasion.

“Let’s Go” gets the listen off to a playful start, as Daniel Gonzales’ frisky drums suit Wilson’s radiant sax, and “These Days” follows with Jesse Green’s warm keys amid soulful sax via the mature climate.

In the middle, “When Even Goes East” benefits from Evan Gregor’s meticulous bass that suits the timeless jazz appeal while “Slow Freeze” welcomes Lenny Castro’s cozy percussion which complements the soft ambience.

“Fire” and “Witchita Lineman” exit the record. The former offers a scrappy and melodic album highlight, and the latter uses dreaminess and intimacy to its advantage, where the careful rhythm section, sophisticated keys and rich sax bouts won’t go unnoticed.

This is Wilson’s 8th album as leader, and it’s a balanced effort where energetic moments and meditative qualities are both executed with timelessness and creativity.

Travels well with: Ricky Alexander- Ragology; Terry Waldo- Treasury Volume 2

Elly Kace

The Seventh Gate

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Seventh Gate

This 3rd album from the Brooklyn artist Elly Kace treats us to her very unique voice that weaves in and out of classical and pop ideas that might bring to mind Bjork or Beirut.

The lush and swirling beauty of “Lisianthuses” starts with hazy melodies and expressive singing, and “Moon” follows with playful percussive ideas that are met with alluring vocals and charming strings.

Halfway through, “What Would Be Enough” places more emphasis on drumming, as Kace’s adaptable voice guides us through the colorful landscape, while “Gaslight” layers the vocals via a cinematic and busy bout of elegance and exploration.

Landing close to the end, “Backwards In Blue” builds into a powerful and emotive album highlight that enlists atmospheric keys and Kace’s impressive range, and “Pink Sky” exits with a textured, subdued finish of thoughtful and moving song craft.

Kace was trained in opera but during the pandemic she explored other avenues with her talents, which are used here for spiritual, medicinal songs that touch on baroque pop and ethereal ideas for a really original performance that’s enlightening.

Travels well with: Tayor Ashton- Stranger To The Feeling; Lila Blue- Sweet Pea

Duke Robillard And His All Star Band

Blast Off!

Nola Blue, 2026

9/10

Listen to Blast Off!

The always impressive Duke Robillard is back with a new label and 12 tunes that welcome an excellent band for the blues, swing, jazz and R&B fueled effort.

“When I Get Lucky” starts with Chris Cote’s bright pipes and Robillard’s warm guitar alongside Bruce Bears’ animated keys and the booming saxophones, and “I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead (You Rascal You)” follows with Billy Novick’s lively clarinet, plus Robillard’s gruff voice.

Deeper into the listen, “Play Boy Hop” carries an infectious energy via Doug James and Mark Earley’s rich sax prowess, while “Stand By Me” showcases Mark Teixeira’s thumping drums amid the timeless blues-rock flavor.

Landing near the end, “Galactic Grease” allows for Marty Ballou’s precise bass to complement the stylish mood, and “Look A There Look A Here” exits with call and response singing that aligns with Robillard’s rhythmic guitar chops.

The record contains 3 originals, 2 instrumentals and some great interpretations, where a swingin’, rockin’ and groovin’ good time will be had by all.

Travels well with: Duke Robillard- Roll With Me; The Lucky Losers- Arrival

Dave Miller

Party In The Pines

Howlin’ Dog, 2026

9/10

Listen to Party In The Pines

The veteran musician Dave Miller has been playing his songs wherever he can for 5 decades now, and this 5th album brings his welcomed wit, heart and observations to 14 songs.

“Jaded Soul” opens with Jimmy Stadler’s upbeat and warm keys that suit Miller’s friendly pipes in the old time climate, and “Baby Loves The Wind” follows with a romantic spirit that benefits from the cozy accordion.

Further along, the rowdy rural energy of “Mama Raised A Fool” features Rhonda Schoenecker’s lively voice amid the animated melodies, while “Stubborn Heart” tugs on the heartstrings via the emotive wordplay and soft ambience.

Arriving near the end, “Nail Can” allows for Lyn Jones’ harmonica and Abbye West-Pates’ backing vocals to help illuminate the eloquent landscape, and “Rain” exits with Don Richmond’s mandolin, accordion and cedar flute complementing the timeless beauty and sage like presence of Miller’s song craft.

Somewhere between Americana, bluegrass, country, folk and roots, Miller pens songs we can all relate to and they are delivered with tremendous sincerity.

Travels well with: Eric Brace & Thomm Jutz- Circle And Square; The Burning North- The Burning North

Kris Davis and the Lutosławski Quartet

The Solastalgia Suite

Pyroclastic, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Solastigia Suite

The Grammy winning pianist and composer Kris Davis is joined by the Lutoslawski Quartet for these exciting and unpredictable 7 tracks that defy classification and rarely sit in one place for very long.

“Interlude” opens with Davis’ firm keys that align with the dizzying strings for both busy and soft gestures, where Arur Rozmysłowicz’s viola is particularly luminous, and “An Invitation To Disappear” follows with an intimate spirit thanks to Maciej Młodawski’s elegant cello.

“The Known End” occupies the middle spot and offers a tense bout of cinematic ideas, while “Ghost Reefs” moves cautiously via Roksana Kwaśnikowska and Marcin Markowicz’s emotive violins.

“Life On Venus” and “Degrees Of Separation” exit the listen. The former sprinkles Davis’ keys in strategically that helps cultivate a setting of mystery, and the latter is 11 minutes of the quartet’s inimitable chemistry and playful keys that radiate wonder and ambience in both jarring and soothing deliveries.

An exercise in free jazz and fascinating improvisation, Davis and company explore the climate change crisis with a defiant, complicated and uniquely insightful approach.

Travels well with: Brandon Seabrook- Object Of Unknown Function; Ingrid Laubrock- Purposing The Air

Ensemble Dal Niente

portrait RE / Flux / Pacific Time

New Focus, 2026

9/10

Listen to portrait RE / Flux / Pacific Time

These 3 works see the the Ensemble Dal Niente collaboration with a trio of composers, where each piece was commissioned to utilize the ensemble’s distinct chamber prowess.

Igor Santos’ “portrait RE” opens with a cinematic ambience that drones with a colorful expanse of artistic beauty that incorporates loops, motifs and dreaminess.

“Flux”, by George Lewis, lands in the middle and is sonically more firm, as screeching strings and clanging drums use the winds and brass in thoughtful, creative ways.

Carola Bauckholt’s “Pacific Time” finishes, and recruits white noise before harmonics, grooves and strategic bass, piano, electric guitar and winds populate the timbral manipulation and acute sense of atmosphere.

An extremely detailed experience that possesses ominous qualities, jagged bouts and lush harmonies, the ensemble’s chemistry is nothing short of stunning, as always.

Travels well with: Ken Ueno- Wavelengths; Michael Hersch- Medea

Shawn Lovato

Biotic

Endectomorph, 2026

9/10

Listen to Biotic

The bass player and composer Shawn Lovato sure does radiate in this trio setting, where romanticism and atmosphere are important parts of the 7 genre defying tracks.

“Spling” gets the listen off to an exciting start, where Lovato’s playful bass and Ingrid Laubrock’s rich tenor sax intrigue us with a frisky jazz bout, and “Frequent Flyer” follows with Henry Mermer’s lively yet cautious drumming that helps illuminate the gentle textures.

Halfway through, “Patience And Hydration” has the trio interacting unpredictably and with an infectious energy, while “Inexorable” emits plucked bass, animated sax and reserved drumming via the strong attention to mood and elegance.

“Parachute Bloom” exits, and it’s a dizzying display of fascinating bass gestures, ambient sax and mesmerizing drumming that lulls us into a distinctly soothing finish.

Lovato has a history in the areas of jazz, chamber and punk rock, and those ideas are present across a blurring of the composed and improvised, where every moment is imaginative, atypical and engaging.

Travels well with: Spinifex- Maxximus; Patricia Brennan- Of The Near And Far

Eric Lu

Chopin

Deutsche Grammophon, 2026

9/10

Listen to Chopin

The winner of the 19th International Chopin Piano Competition, Eric Lu, sees his performance documented with these 11 detailed selections.

The elegant keys of “Waltz in C sharp minor” opens the listen with Lu’s agile fingers mesmerizing us, and “Nocturne in C sharp minor” follows with strong attention to mood via the emotive capacity and cautious progressions.

Halfway through, “3 Mazurkas” showcases incredible adaptability in both quick and reserved bouts of colorful keys, while “Barcarolle in F sharp major”, the best piece, radiates intimacy and adventurousness via the precise and animated gestures.

“Piano Sonata in B-flat minor” exits and it’s an exciting, often energetic selection that retreats to calmer areas near the end of its multi-faceted delivery.

Lu won this competition in Warsaw, and help from the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Andrzej Boreyko illuminates his stunning playing that certainly does justice to Chopin’s legacy.

Travels well with: David F. Leffkowitz- Preludes And Fugues For Piano; Apollo Chamber Players- Ban Stories Of Censorship

Ricky Alexander

Ragology

Turtle Bay, 2026

9/10

Listen to Ragology

The reed wizard Ricky Alexander is back with a 2nd album, and it welcomes Kevin Dorn, Ron Adkins, Conal Fowkes and Jerron Paxton to the ragtime and precursor to jazz ideas that flow across 11 dynamic tracks.

“Wildcat Blues” gets the listen off to a lively start, where Fowke’s playful piano suits Alexander’s bright clarinet and the frisky climate, and “Slidin’” follows with Dorn’s crisp drums that align with the colorful wind.

In the middle, “Nola” offers a warm spirit via the intricate clarinet, cozy keys and Adkins’ animated bass, while “You And A Canoe” benefits from Paxton’s melodic banjo and much soulfulness via Alexander.

Closer to the end, the dance floor fueled “Little Bits” will have you searching for the nearest speakeasy, and “Sweetheart O’Mine” exits with Paxton’s soaring voice amid the busy and timeless musicianship that’s instantly memorable.

A top notch ragtime effort that makes us all long for simpler times, Alexander and company flesh out endless clarinet melodies that surround snappy moments, thoughtful balladry and the early forms of jazz.

Travels well with: Ricky Alexander- Just Found Joy; The Bix Centennial All Stars- Celebrating Bix!

CJ Hooper

Over Yonder

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Over Yonder

A Washington singer-songwriter with roots in Texas, CJ Hooper injects classic country ideas into these personal songs that are relatable and easy to enjoy.

The quick and scrappy “Burn It Down” opens with Hooper’s distinct voice alongside Dylan Fant’s energetic drumming, and “Damaged Plan” follows with a frisky spirit that’ll get you on the dance floor thanks to the country swagger.

Landing in the middle, the darker mood of “Hard Times” is a relatable moment that’s rugged and dense, while “Lookie Over Yonder” offers a pretty bout thanks to Josh Richins’ warm guitar and expressive singing that’s lush in a rural sort of way.

“The Collector” and “Yonderer” exit the listen. The former balances busier dynamics with a softer finish that makes great use of Fant’s bass, and “Yonderer” exits with a reserved moment that builds into a thumping, hectic and textured album highlight.

Somewhere between Americana, honky-tonk and even outlaw country, Hooper’s got grooves, grit and plenty of cowboy rock ideas on his side for this 7 track album that ends entirely too soon.

Travels well with: Kate & Brendan- One Year Since; The Unfaithful Servants- Fallen Angel

Eric Brace & Thomm Jutz

Circle And Square

Red Beet, 2026

9/10

Listen to Circle And Square

Eric Brace and Thomm Jutz are back together again, this time it’s for 10 songs fueled by acoustic guitars and harmonies, where Mark Fain, Finn Goodwin-Bain and Lynn Williams are in attendance.

The warm and elegant “10 To 4” starts the listen with flowing guitars and harmonizing vocals that are heartfelt and make great use of Goodwin-Bain’s delicate keys, and “Thomas Hart Benton” follows with Jutz’s lively banjo in the rootsy climate that invites singing-along.

“Nothing Hurts” occupies the middle spot and uses soft acoustic guitar and poetic singing in a bare setting, while “Fontana Dam” benefits from Williams’ crisp drums amid the mature keys and gentle singing from both Brace and Jutz.

Close to the end, “Life Of The Mind” touches on timeless folk ideas with much grace and vivid storytelling, and “Wide Open” exits with Fain’s light bass that complements the gentle and cozy vocals and breezy guitars.

A timeless collaboration that’s relatable, wise and relevant, Brace and Jutz bring a wealth of talent and experience to a modern folk effort that is much needed in these trying times.

Travels well with: The Burning North- The Burning North; Dana Maragos- Unimaginable Things

The James Hunter Six

Off The Fence

Easy Eye Sound, 2026

9/10

Listen to Off The Fence

The British singer, songwriter and Grammy Nominee James Hunter guides his band through his always impressive soul and R&B sounds, where grit and emotion are present in spades.

“Two Birds One Stone” starts the listen with Hunter’s powerful pipes alongside Rudy Albin Petschauer’s frisky drumming, and “Let Me Out Of This Love” follows with a cozy spirit thanks to Andrew Kingslow’s charming keys and the well timed winds.

Halfway through, “Off The Fence” benefits from Myles Weeks’ animated double bass prowess that suits the frisky rhythm, while “Ain’t That A Trip” features Van Morrison for the raw and harmonic duet that’ll get your body moving.

“A Sure Thing” and “Only A Fool” exit the listen. The former is a busy and meticulous album highlight that integrates Michael Buckley and Drew Vanderwinckel’s flowing saxophones, and the latter finishes with a soft, heartfelt moment of beauty.

Hunter’s inimitable wordplay is still very much intact, and his timeless soul vision is appreciated via this 11th album that’s just as memorable as his first in ‘86.

Travels well with: Miles Kane- Sunlight In The Shadows; Memphis Slim- Memphis Slim U.S.A.

Ken Ueno

Wavelengths

New Focus, 2026

9/10

Listen to Wavelengths

The composer and vocalist Ken Ueno brings us 4 pieces that exist in very different forms, where microtonality, noise and timbre are experimented with in very meticulous ways.

The title track leads with just Karen Yu’s vibraphone, where space and tonality are key to the striking climate, and “…a.m…” follows with the Up:Strike Project in attendance, as the quartet emit methodical drumming and bell dynamics for nearly 20 minutes.

On the back half, “I am the uncle who sees past lives” enlists Ueno’s extended voice amid ambience, where the sounds of nighttime insects, distorted voices and distinct droning are sampled, and “Phase Patterns Of Likeness Slightly Off” exits with The Up:Strike Project’s lively vibes in a 4 part chorus that radiates harmonics and sonic waves of intrigue.

Ueno’s vision is nothing if not adventurous, where solo and larger settings illuminate a chamber and classical foundation that’s artistic and memorable.

Travels well with: Michael Hersch- Medea; Steven Ricks- Mythological Fragments

The Shadow Band

The Shadow Band

Iridium, 2025

8/10

Listen to The Shadow Band

An Arabic Free Groove quartet, The Shadow Band integrate improvisation into their odes to liberation and resistance, where these 21 tracks don’t sit in one place too long.

“Wahed” opens with Tarik ‘Excentrik’ Kazaleh’s warm guitar alongside Naima Shalhoub’s expressive voice and much atmosphere, and it isn’t long until “Khamsa” showcases Aaron Kierbel’s thumping drums amid the dreamy mood and soft ambience.

Further along, “Tamaniyyah” comes with a laidback appeal thanks to Chris Trinidad’s intricate bass, while “Talatatashr” offers a fuller moment via Shalhoub’s frisky keys and the meticulous rhythm section.

Residing close to the end, “Tamantashr” enlists Kazaleh’s quick oud skills amid the rhythmic backdrop, and “Wahad wa ‘Ashreen” exits with a dance floor ready bout of melodic, cultured songwriting that carries an infectious energy.

An enlightening effort that draws from Arab-Futurism, Arabic Taksim, Free Jazz, and Dub, the quartet bring a wealth of talent and experience to these tracks that were fleshed out in just one evening.

Travels well with: Red Fast Triple Luck; Francis Wong- Wong Works

Various Artists

Soundologia Anthology Volume 3: South Florida Contemporary Composers & Sound Artists

Soundologia, 2025

9/10

Listen to Soundologia Anthology Volume 3: South Florida Contemporary Composers & Sound Artists

A double disc of tracks that showcase South Florida’s thriving experimental and contemporary music community, we’re treated to the works of 17 composers and 35+ performers, where plenty of diverse ideas and sounds are present.

Charles Norman Mason’s “Swagger” opens with the unpredictable bassoon alongside playful fixed media for the cinematic climate, and it isn’t long until Orlando Jacinto Garcia’s “Marea Cambiante/Changing Tide” illuminates the solo amplified violin that radiates all sorts of atypical gestures.

Further into Disc 1, Dorothy Hindman’s “Ulterior Motives” blends a trio of strings with much detail and harmonics, while “Within”, by Atomic Theatre, finishes this portion with vocals, bass, piano, drums and percussion that’s poetic and bare in its sophistication,

Disc 2 leads with Richard Garet’s “Residue”, where 10 minutes of soothing droning via the electromagnetic noise and analog tape hardware, but it’s the boiling water used as an instrument across Juraj Kojš’ “Boiling Anew: A Sonic Meditation On Water” that takes the prize as the most unorthodox.

Fsik Huvnx’s “An Eye That Breathes” exits, and it blends classical and electronic ideas into a chilling, nearly therapeutic finish.

An eclectic assembly that touches on electroacoustic moments, instrumental bouts (with and without electronics), avant-garde jazz and plenty of collaborative creativity, there’s much to explore and revisiting the listen yields even more intrigue.

Travels well with: Russ Spiegel- Nitty Gritty; Juraj Kojš- Birds Of Paradise

Nick Revel

The Hero Levels

Imaginary Animals, 2025

10/10

Listen to The Hero Levels

The Grammy Nominated violist and composer Nick Revel pairs this record of strings with a fantasy book, where each song soundtracks a segment of a book via the engaging and often mysterious textures.

The musical portion opens with “The Hero From Amberglade”, where bright strings and playful percussive sounds surround the warmth, and it isn’t long until “Training Ground” is shrouded in atmosphere that’s a bit darker in scope and emits electronic buzzing.

Deeper along, “Coliseum” moves with animated viola and a lively spirit that’s exciting and beat friendly, while “Ancient Stroll” uses both noisy, dissonant ideas and harmonic gestures to its advantage. “Final Battle” exits, and it’s got a lively mood that’s meticulous and glorious in its rich and triumphant delivery.

The literary aspect is just as well done as the music. The QR code in the book gives you access to the music, as Revel’s prose flows with vivid detail in the fantasy realm that draws us in immediately to the storyline. Even for someone like myself who doesn’t gravitate to this genre of writing, the syntax and wordplay keeps your eyes on the pages and the artwork is abundant and visually exciting, too.

Revel is a founding member of PUBLIQuartet, and he handles viola, violin, mandolin and electronics. Stephen Sas plays bass. Together, they flesh out an atypical classical meets sci-fi/videogame-esque adventure that is fusion at its finest.

Travels well with: Will Liverman- The Dunbar/Moore Sessions; Kronos Quartet & Mary Kouyoumdjian- Witness

Biglemoi

Permanent Vacation

Bubble Bath, 2019

8/10

Listen to Permanent Vacation

A band from New Orleans who are named after a dance from a French book and whose members are native to many places in the world, including Spain and Nicaragua, it should come as no surprise that Biglemoi are not your standard fare indie-rock outfit.

On this, their sophomore EP, the quintet bring their cultured, calculated and eclectic ideas to a listen where you’re as likely to hear anthemic guitars as you are hints of blues and jazz.

“Joyride” starts the EP with a sparse, inviting setting before bursting into a full collage of charged riffs and a driving rhythm section, and “Sola” follows and leads with ambience before the gentle, cultured, unplugged environment that bares the most resemblance to their Big Easy home.

The rest of the listen is just as diverse, and offers the subdued and vocally expressive “Permanent Vacation”, as well as the louder, multifaceted rock and strong riffs of “Decipher”. The dreamy, spacey yet still very organic “Other Side” ends the affair with synth fueled balladry in an example of inventive musicianship.

Though each tune here sounds different, the EP flows well with creative, engaging song craft that hardly sounds like it comes from a band with under a dozen tunes in their catalog. Let’s hope that an album is on the horizon, as the world is much better off with more Biglemoi to take in.

Travels well with: Radiohead- In Rainbows; Blonde Redhead- Misery Is A Butterfly