Anna Pidgorna

Invented Folksongs

Redshift, 2025

9/10

Listen to Invented Folksongs

The Vancouver artist Anna Pidgorna brings her Ukrainian heritage to these fusion folk songs, where a handful of musicians are along for the worldly adventure.

“What Else Can I Give Him” starts the 6 songs with Gabriela Diaz’s animated violin and Nicholas Tolle’s lively cimbalom that complements Pidgorna’s bright voice with elegance and adventurousness, and “First Meditation” follows with much beauty via Leo Eguchi’s warm cello and Yoko Hagino’s unpredictable piano.

On the back half, Mike Williams’ atypical percussion and Even Runyon’s meticulous double bass add much to the vocal acrobatics of the eccentric “Drown In The Depth”, while “Second Meditation” offers graceful textures that possess both emotion and tension across the instrumental.

“Walk Under The Moon” exits, and illustrates Pidgorna’s stunning vocal abilities amid loud keys, thick strings and booming percussion.

An accomplished debut album, Pidgorna’s idiosyncratic voice surrounds the contemporary sounds, artistic templates and experimental versions of folk music that are presented in world music-esque fashion that few others could replicate.

Travels well with: No Hay Banda/Zihua Tan- what came before me is going after me; Nick Storring- Mirante

Altered Five Blues Band

Hammer & Chisel

Blind Pig, 2026

9/10

Listen to Hammer & Chisel

The Milwaukee powerful blues rockers, Altered Five Blues Band, impress us again with this 8th album, where 11 original tracks showcase their inimitable chemistry.

The lively spirit of “I Got It Good” starts the listen with Jeff Taylor’s sturdy pipes and Alan Arber’s thumping drums guiding the flowing blues rock, and “Dare Me To Do It” follows with Jeff Schroedl’s spirited guitar amid the rich textures.

The title track arrives in the middle and benefits from Steve Huebler’s frisky keys and Matt Solveson’s playful bass for the bouncy energy, while “Headline Blues” spotlights Taylor’s expressive voice that suits the meticulous rhythm section and grooves.

Landing close to the end, “Crazy One” showcases the acrobatic keys and plenty grit, and “The Will Of Man” exits with a calmer mood that’s elegant and warm thanks to the intricate guitar solo, heartfelt vocals and fluid keys.

Yet another installment of timeless tracks, Jason Ricci’s use of harp on a few songs and the effective use of horns adds even more diversity to a top notch, modern blues affair.

Travels well with: Jovin Webb- Drifter; Sonny Gullage- Go Be Free

Amy Speace

The Blue Rock Session

Windbone, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Blue Rock Session

The singer-songwriter and guitarist Amy Speace recorded this album in just 3 hours at The Blue Rock Studios in Wimberley, Texas, and it offers us old favorites and new songs in a bare climate.

“On A Monday In London” starts the listen with a cozy groove, where Speace’s expressive voice suits the warm guitar, and “God Came To Me” follows with much contemplation in the spiritual and touching delivery.

Landing in the middle, “Dream Of The Hawk” lands in balladry, where the dreamy mood is met with much poeticism, while “Weight Of The World”, one of Speace’s most beloved tracks from 2007, is delivered with care and beauty that allows her powerful voice to soar.

“The Mother” and “Kindness” exit the listen. The former offers a gentle, folk fueled story about the 2025 flood in Texas, and the latter comes with a Celtic influence and wise wordplay which emits much timelessness and grace.

All the songs were captured in one take, where Speace’s voice unfolds like an old friend and the relatable themes and comforting melodies are presented with plenty of heart and soul.

Travels well with: Leslie Jordan- The Agonist; Suzie Brown- Songs Worth Saving

Conrad Tao

Adam Roberts: Book Of Flowers

New Focus, 2025

9/10

Listen to Adam Roberts: Book Of Flowers

The composer Adam Roberts sees his Book Of Flowers work fleshed out on solo piano by Conrad Tao, who sure knows his way around keys with quite a range and atypical techniques.

“Points Of Departure” starts with the delicate piano and much attention to space, and “Hard Fall” follows with quick fingers and swirling dynamics.

Deeper into the 16 chapters, “Isosceles” offers a meticulous and animated bout of upbeat and rumbling keys, while “Mad Dance” emits a colorful and bouncy demeanor that’s instantly memorable.

Getting closer to the end, “11 Bells For Jon” lands in hypnotic territory that’s even a bit eerie, and “Final Declamation” exits with the cinematic keys radiating tremendous intrigue and mystery.

Nods to Schumann, Chopin, Debussy and Crumb won’t be hard to spot, as Tao utilizes asymmetrical rhythms, many registers and dramatic chords for a very unpredictable and exciting listen.

Travels well with: Andy Kozar- Ein Horn; Eric Moe- WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS

Amy Jay

Mnemonics

Mother West, 2025

9/10

Listen to Mnemonics

The indie/atl/folk/pop songwriter Amy Jay is joined by some excellent players for these 10 songs that clearly are rooted in self-reflection and are pieced together meticulously.

The playful and cozy mood of “How The Mind Can Be A Trap” opens with Jay’s inviting voice alongside the thumping drums that touches of folk-rock, and “Margins” follows with a crisp and quicker pace thanks to Sam Skinner’s warm guitar and the emotive singing.

At the halfway point, “Can’t Go Back” is strong on ambience in a moody climate that’s intimate, while “Excuse Me” is textured with both grace and exploration that buzzes in just over a minute.

Landing close to the end, “Floral Comfort” weaves in and out of dream-pop nods that are melodic and cozy and make this the album’s best, and “Compassion” exits with soft acoustic guitar and Jay’s stirring voice amid atmosphere and lushness.

A raw and emotive body of work, Jay balances heartfelt moments with haunting bouts, where introspection and nostalgia are part of the very thoughtful equation.

Travels well with: Bandits On The Run- Now Is The Time; Brian Straw- Baby Stars/Dead Languages

Amira Kheir

Black Diamonds

Sterns, 2025

9/10

Listen to Black Diamonds

The Sudanese-Italian singer-songwriter, Amira Kheir, fleshes out an emotive ode to her Sudanese and African ancestry via these 9 powerful and diverse songs.

“River” starts the listen with Ant Law’s spirited guitar alongside Kheir’s soulful and expressive voice that helps the tune build into melodic gestures, and “Fi Mowdi Aljamal” follows with Nadir Ramzy’s warm oud that suits the many vocals of the cultured and rhythmic setting.

In the middle, “Ard Alafrah” floats lightly with much ambience and dreaminess that’s thoughtful and poetic, while “Zenuba” allows for Kheir’s voice to soar amid Leandro Mancini-Olivos’ playful drumming and the many elegant strings.

Arriving late, “Sid Redi” welcomes Jally Kebba Susso’s meticulous kora playing that helps illuminate the worldly beauty of the album’s best, and “Black Diamonds” exits with Sam Crowe’s sophisticated keys alongside the stunning singing that stirs the soul.

An extremely accomplished listen, Kheir explores jazz, rock, folk and blues from many angles across the globe, where this 4th album leaves an enlightening and inestimable impression from a very distinct voice.

Travels well with: LINA_ & Jules Maxwell- Terra Mãe; Andrew Massey Duo- from the roots… new branches

Afton Wolfe

Ophiuchus

Grandiflora, 2025

9/10

Listen to Ophiuchus

The multi-instrumentalist Afton Wolfe is as unpredictable as he is impressive, and this body of work focuses on the sun and constellations with plenty of fusion energy.

The title track opens with Wolfe’s dense guitar and gruff vocals alongside Jordan Day’s well timed banjo via the thundering climate, and “I Deserve To Be Forgiven” follows with Smith Curry’s warm pedal steel and Madison George’s skilled drums amid a hint of twang.

Deeper into the 13 tracks, “Crooked Roads” brings Slice’s keys and accordion to the soft and intimate landscape, while “Rushing Back” enlists Zachery Douglas’ soulful trumpet and Robin Wolfe’s strategic backing vocals for the cozy mood.

Residing near the end, “Forgive Yourself” benefits from Seth Fox’s colorful sax and Courtney Santana’s soulful backing vocals that contrasts with Wolfe’s raw pipes, and “Invocation” exits with Doc Sarlo’s guitar, percussion and bazouki to complements the dreamy demeanor of the hazy finish.

Another unclassifiable effort, Wolfe pulls from Americana, blues, folk, jazz, country, funk, gospel and rock for another exciting and unforgettable listening experience.

Travels well with: Afton Wolfe- The Harvest; Afton Wolfe- Kings For Sale

Obadiah Gamble

Notice

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Notice

The Twin Cities youngster Obadiah Gamble pens a creative brand of indie-pop here, where he plays many instruments and brings some friends along for the debut LP.

The warm ambience of “Intro” starts and sets the pace for the record, and “Weight” follows with cozy acoustic guitar and Gamble’s warm voice illuminating the poetic climate.

Landing in the middle, “Eyes For You” offers elegance and playfulness thanks to Michael Cain’s mature keys and Kyle Garay’s dreamy flute that suits the heartfelt singing, while “Do We Know” uses waves of beauty via the stirring strings and repetitive wordplay which carries a cinematic quality.

“Notice” and “Outro” exit the listen. The former is an intimate, folk fueled album highlight that’s textured sublimely, and the latter has Gamble playing piano and guitar in a setting that builds into a bright pop mood that’s so well executed it could make him a household name.

Amazingly, Gamble is still a teenager, but he writes like an old soul and plays music that’s modern, well thought out and timeless. This is an artist we will all be hearing a lot more about in the future, trust me.

Travels well with: Bryan Schumann & The Sunshapes- Heart & Horizon; Joshua Espinosa- Americaña

Erik Brandt

Folksinger

UHQ, 2025

8/10

Listen to Folksinger

The Twin Cities multi-instrumentalist Erik Brandt might best be known for his work fronting The Urban Hillbilly Quartet, but his solo work is just as great and illustrates plenty of diversity that you can’t not admire.

The title track starts with Brandt’s flowing voice and warm guitar alongside harmony vocals and Peter Karman’s soft banjo, and “STP” follows with Dave Strahan’s light drumming amid the bright storytelling that’s very specific to Minnesota.

At the halfway point, “Narcissus” has Brandt handling piano alongside soothing clarinet from Paul Fonfara in a gentle climate, while “Play Side B” is a busy and festive moment of animated winds, scrappy drumming and frisky rhythm that will get you dancing pretty quick.

“Until The End” and “Weary Traveler” exit the listen. The former enlists AJ Scheiber’s precise bass to complement the melodies, and the latter is in intimate ballad that tugs on the heartstrings and welcomes the Hungarian singer Ági Mohácsy.

Brandt touches on country, rock, ska, jazz and folk, and his excellent cast help make for an authentic and unpredictable experience where you might be reminded of R.E.M., The Beach Boys or even The Mavericks.

Travels well with: Stone Arch Rivals- That’s What They Say; Samuel Wilbur- Ivory Tower

Seven Crows

Powers Of Observation

Teahouse, 2026

8/10

Listen to Powers Of Observation

The solo project of the Los Angeles musician Chris Murphy, this instrumental album allows for his imagination to impress us with just an electric violin.

The glowing ambience of “Amanda On The Bed” starts the listen with a distinct sophistication that’s also mysterious, and “Longing” follows with playful plucking and a cinematic quality via the radiant textures.

Moving along, “Encrypted” touches on post-rock ideas thanks to the chilling atmosphere, while “Buried In Her Heart” is indeed heartfelt and possesses a poetic quality amid the meticulous strings.

Nearing the end, “Glacier’s Edge” weaves in and out of mesmerizing and lush song craft, and “Narrow Margin” finishes with a soothing, nearly therapeutic moment of sublime beauty.

You’re gonna be quite surprised at what Murphy can do with his instrument, as he spans classical, jazz, electronic and worldly ideas that might bring to mind Explosions In The Sky or Mogwai, which could never be a bad thing.

Travels well with: Chris Murphy- The Road And The Stars; Stone Arch Rivals- That’s What They Say

Stone Arch Rivals

That’s What They Say

Hygh Tension, 2025

9/10

Listen to That’s What They Say

Yet another great rock band from Minnesota, this debut from Stone Arch Rivals isn’t lacking grooves or soul for the 8 authentic tracks.

“The One You’ll Want Tomorrow” begins with Chris Evans’ flowing drums and Claire Spinti’s smooth voice alongside Ivan Jackson’s bright trumpet and plenty of melody, and “Fire” follows with Tommy Barbarella lending keys to the warm spirit and David Nunez’s rhythmic guitar.

“Riverside” and the title track land in the middle. The former is a soft moment that benefits from Jenna Rosenberg’s precise bass which suits the intimate singing, while the latter comes with a retro rock spirit, where Spinti’s powerful voice suits the dynamic rhythm section and Morgan Ranstrom’s sturdy guitar licks.

Close to the end, “Handwritten” it both rugged and emotive, and balances power and harmonics, and “Echo Chamber” finishes with Ryan Smith handling keys via the dense layers and timeless rock’n’roll qualities that are raw and memorable.

A fusion outing that touches on ideas across many decades, Stone Arch Rivals will impress anyone who enjoys a bit of soul, jazz, roots and classic rock sprinkled into their modern rock, and it sure is a great starting point.

Travels well with: Agnes Uncaged- Cyanotope; Finick- Weekends In Purgatory

James Judson

Songs Of My Dreams

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to Songs Of My Dreams

This debut from the vocalist James Judson brings a wealth of guests to the 13 songs that touch on all the hallmarks of jazz that we enjoy.

“Is There A Chance” starts with a lively spirit, where Judson’s bright voice soars alongside Gary Matsumoto’s agile keys and plenty of animated horns, and “The Shadow Of Your Smile” follows with intimate strings and Charles Ruggiero’s soft drums amid the elegant singing.

Further along, “Kiss Me” offers a romantic mood via the gentle keys and emotive singing, while “Holding On” benefits from Charles Glenn’s bass and Anders Mouridsen’s guitar that makes for a breezy and melodic album highlight.

“Walking A Sidewalk” and “On And On” exit the listen. The former enlists Dan Lutz’s bass and Max Haymer’s piano that suit Judson’s colorful pipes, and the latter is a vulnerable ballad which welcomes Steve Cotter’s dreamy guitar that complements Judson’s cozy singing.

Judson wrote 11 of the songs, and though he’s been singing since a child, he took a 30 year break from music before making this album, which is quite surprising cause it’s fleshed out like a seasoned vet that’s versed in the golden age of Big Band jazz.

Travels well with: Dave Slonaker Big Band- Shifting Paradigms; Dave Wilson Quartet- When Even Goes Fast

Atlas Maior

Palindromlar

Dead Red Queen, 2025

8/10

Listen to Palindromlar

The Austin jazz experimentalists Atlas Maior return with plenty of worldly flavor across these 10 creative tracks.

“Neroli Afterlight” opens with Josh Peters’ meticulous oud in a bare climate that builds into a dizzying, avant-garde setting, and “Café Solo” follows with Gray Parsons’ crisp drums amid Joshua Thomson’s rich alto sax and plenty of grooves.

The halfway point showcases Josh Flowers’ meticulous double bass plucking via “Belleza Monocromátia”, while “Las Conchas” leads with ambience before the thumping drums and frisky sax enters.

“a whole other side of me” and “The Sky Moved” exits the listen. The former is a stylish and improvised version of jazz that benefits from the oud acrobatics, and the latter blends the hazy sax around colorful drumming.

A record where every tune brings new ideas, Atlas Maior explore Middle Eastern, Latin American and western nods with unparalleled attention to detail in both minimal and busy textures.

Travels well with: Atlas Maior- Hadal; Dario Acosta Teich- Tierra Infinita

Amanda B. Perry

List Of Lovers

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to List Of Lovers

The Minnesota singer-songwriter Amanda B. Perry impressed us with her 2022 album, and this effort continues her pop and Americana formula that’s powerful and dramatic.

“I Can’t” opens the listen with Adam Daniel’s bright keys that support Perry’s impressive range and soaring pipes with much grace, and “Morning” follows with Joe Peterson’s lively keys and Ian Combs’ bright bass amid the colorful singing.

Landing in the middle, “Re Find Me” welcomes David Smith’s emotive piano and an ambient backdrop alongside Perry’s adaptable pipes, while “And So It Goes” has David Feily handling banjo, mandolin and guitar in a more rootsy vision.

The title track arrives late and makes great use of Peterson’s well timed harmonica and Tarek Abdelqader’s fluid drums that complement the soulful delivery, and “My Old Heart” utilizes Julia Floberg’s intimate cello that aligns with Perry’s heartfelt storytelling and mesmerizing voice.

An effort that surrounds romance, love and the contrast of right versus wrong in relationships, Perry’s performance is again engaging, relatable and very much endemic to the human experience.

Travels well with: Amanda B. Perry- My Time; Sarah Morris- Say Yes

Agnes Uncaged

Cyanotype

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Cyanotype

Previously known as Creeping Charlie, but now called Agnes Uncaged, this Minneapolis outfit brings plenty of cinematic qualities to their brand of guitar focused indie rock.

“Paperdoll” opens with plenty of fuzz and Cole Benson’s mesmerizing guitar amid Julia Eubanks’ smooth and inviting voice that unfolds with post-punk nods, and “Capricorn” follows with Jack Malone’s agile drumming that suits the angular melodies and punchy climate.

“Charlie” arrives in the middle and is strong on ambience that recruits acoustic guitar and strings alongside Eubanks’ delicate pipes, while “Boy Song” offers a crunchy, grungy bout of thumping ‘90s rock.

Closer to the end, “Sinkhole” benefits much from Esmé Eubanks’ meticulous bass that complements the harmonic singing and scrappy instrumentation, and “Skin” exits with both grit and prettiness weaved into the precise rhythm section and heartfelt vocals.

If you also would prefer less synth and more guitar in your rock, Agnes Uncaged will be a breathe of fresh air, where alt-rock, post-punk, shoegaze and grunge come together with near perfection.

Travels well with: Andra Suchy- Battle Cat; Finick- Weekends In Purgatory

Davey Jones

Ball Cap Blues

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Ball Cap Blues

The South Mississippi native Davey Jones knows his way around a blues and southern spirited song, and here we get 9 tracks where he plays all the instruments and explores other genres, too.

“Banks Of The Blues” starts the listen with plenty of timeless blues flavor, where upbeat keys and thumping drums suit Jones’ distinct voice, and “New Groove” follows with an indeed playful groove amid the spirited guitar and funk nods.

“Ain’t No Good For Me” and “Mid Memphis Blues” land in the middle. The former isn’t short on melody and rhythm, while the latter brings some grit to the sing-along that’s immediately memorable.

Closer to the end, “Going Down In Mississippi” uses a meticulous guitar solo to its advantage via the flowing and tuneful climate, and “Woman I Love” exits with a dance floor ready appeal that’s rowdy, frisky and a whole lot of fun.

An authentic album that touches on soul, funk, country and rock’n’roll, Jones’ past playing around the Gulf Coast is evident and appreciated across this top notch blues effort.

Travels well with: Pavlov’s Dog- Wonderlust; James ‘JB” Barnes- My Mississippi Roots

Andra Suchy

Battle Cat

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Battle Cat

The multi-instrumentalist Audra Suchy sings songs from the experience of terrible loss and the subsequent rebuilding afterwards, and she’s got some excellent help for these powerful and relatable tracks.

“Boyfriend” opens with Noah Levy’s crisp drums alongside the thick guitars and Suchy’s distinct voice that floats around the sonic landscape, and “Be My Baby” follows with an atmospheric backdrop via the hazy take on the classic tune.

Landing in the middle, “Born To It” makes great use of Jeremy Yivisaker’s thick guitar amid the soaring vocals, while “Broken” offers a heartfelt moment that burns slow and flirts with a country meets shoegaze ambience.

“Don’t Say It’s Over” resides near the end and embraces soulful qualities into the intimate and thumping album highlight that employs Janey Winterbauer’s backing vocals, and “Stone Will Roll” recruits vocal harmonies and a retro flavor that’s charming and memorable.

You can tell a lot of thought and emotion went into these tracks, as Suchy enlists folk, country and Americana gestures around the crunchy moments that sound right at home in today’s indie-rock scene, too.

Travels well with: Kaitlin Cassady- North Star; Sarah Morris- Say Yes

Andy Kozar

Ein Horn

New Focus, 2025

8/10

Listen to Ein Horn

The adventurous artist Andy Kozar fleshes out works for multiple trumpets, where 7 selections each radiate their own distinct approach under the chamber umbrella.

Mauricio Kagel’s “Fanfanfaren” opens with 12 quick segments that showcases 4 trumpets layered with playfulness and unpredictable ideas, and Eve Beglarian’s “Ein Horn” follows with flugelhorn and electronics interacting with a sonic appeal that’s mysterious and droning.

Harrison Bertwistle’s “Placid Mobile” lands in the middle and enlists 36 trumpets for the highly technical and cinematic presence, while "Possibly Brahms”, by Elizabeth Hoffman, pairs the rich trumpet with chilling electronics that makes this the album’s best.

Lei Liang’s “Lake” lands near the end and is strong on ambience via the 2 soft and atmospheric trumpets, and “Fons Et Origo” exits with 7 trumpets flowing together with bright textures in the Eric Richards selection.

An extremely creative outing that illustrates the many dimensions of his instrument, Kozar’s layered, powerful and minimal versus busy execution is quite engaging.

Travels well with: Eric Moe- WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS; Ensemble Dal Niente- portrait RE / Flux / Pacific Time

The Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective

Cortadito

JGB, 2025

8/10

Listen to Cortadito

The guitarist Jose Guzman leads his ensemble, The Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective, through 7 rhythmic tunes across this 3rd album.

“Orchard Downs” opens the festivities with Victor Garica’s animated trumpet alongside the playful percussion, and “Holande Pa Uste” follows with Guzman’s spirited guitar and Brian Star’s radiant sax making an impression.

Halfway through, “El Reloj” trims the pace back with an intimate mood that benefits from the hazy wind and brass, while “Witches Dance” offers a lively and soulful bout thanks to Andrey Goncalvez’s frisky bass.

“El Volcan” exits and allows for Ben Carrasquillo’s well timed trombone to complement the flowing melodies, cultured interaction and worldly flavor of the album’s best.

Other players include Javier Quintana (congas and barril), Victor Gonzalez (bongos and bell), Michael Rodriguez (timbales), Jose Natal (barril), Enrique Chavez (percussion) and Connor Frederick (trombone), who help flesh out an exciting, global affair that touches on bebop, jazz, classical and rock.

Travels well with: Naseem Alatrash- Bright Colors On A Dark Canvas; Bijan Taghavi- Cactus Sessions

Buddy And Julie Miller

Breakdown On 20th Ave. South

New West, 2019

8/10

Listen to Breakdown On 20th Ave. South

On their first album together in a decade, Buddy and Julie Miller, who are married, share a chemistry you might expect after 40 years of marriage, though with such strong, timeless talent from both, it’s also a unique formula where the lines of Americana, country and folk are blurred.

The title track starts the album with vocal harmonies and a warm, lifting setting and multifaceted approach where blues and folk are in attendance, and “Feast Of The Dead” follows with Julie’s inimitable vocals in a percussively strong and more bare setting that’s dark spirited.

Further along, “Unused Heart” brings gentle guitars to Julie’s emotive and sweet singing, and “Till The Stardust Comes Apart” offers a duet that resides near balladry with soft keys complementing the mood.

Near the end, “Secret” has Buddy taking the lead on a country influenced moment, and the dusty anthem “War Child” is easily one of the album’s best. “Storm Of Kisses” ends the listen with a gently plucked banjo against the pair’s melodic vocals on a tune about Julie’s late brother.

While Buddy’s been plenty busy in the last decade doing session work and touring, Julie has been plagued with health problems. It’s only fitting, then, that Julie takes the lead on more than half of the album, and actually penned the entire record.

Let’s hope it isn’t another decade before these two record again, and while it’s hard to call this a comeback album from people who live in the same house, it certainly is a great reminder of how fantastic Miller is when it’s plural.

Travels well with: John Hiatt- The Eclipse Sessions; Steve Earle- Guy