Chris Madsen

Threefold

Calligram, 2026

9/10

Listen to Threefold

The saxophonist and composer Chris Madsen is joined by Dana Hall and Clark Sommers for these original jazz tunes that aren’t short on creativity.

The frisky climate of “Digital Harvest” opens with Madsen’s rich sax alongside Hall’s animated drumming, and “Shadow People” follows with a calmer mood via the elegant sax and Sommers’ well timed bass plucking.

Landing at the halfway point, “Hidden Message” leads with emphasis on drums before the curious wind and meticulous bass enters the stylish album highlight, while “Dream Music” is indeed dreamy thanks to the precise and playful interaction between the trio.

“Man Of Action” and “Buyer’ Remorse” exit the listen. The former spotlights Madsen’s radiant sax and is complemented by the dynamic rhythm section, and the latter builds into a busier and rhythmic finish to a very detailed effort.

A chordless journey that embraces grooves and swingin’ moments, the trio utilize a distinct intimacy that also takes nods to Bob Mintzer and Ornette Coleman in a way that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Joshua Achiron- Climbing; Kevin Brunkhorst- After The Fire

Mathhew Ryan

A Little Imperfect

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to A Little Imperfect

A singer-songwriter with a fingerstyle approach, Mathhew Ryan makes an impression with this debut album that incorporates a variety of styles alongside much sincerity.

“My Angel Fell Too” opens with Ryan’s warm guitar alongside Lew London’s meticulous violin that suits the warm climate, and “I Never Wanted” follows with a heartfelt delivery that’s poetic and emotive.

Further along, “Fan Mail Blues” recruits Bob Beach’s spirited harmonica amid Ryan’s vivid storytelling and cozy guitar, while “A Little Imperfect” enlists Mike Brenner’s radiant pedal steel via the playful atmosphere.

Landing close to the end, “A Lot To Learn” allows for David Roth’s banjo to shine next to the warm guitar playing and wise singing, and “Hold On” exits with John Roy Zat’s fiddle surrounding the eloquent and articulate finish to a very thoughtful record.

Although it’s his first album, it sure doesn’t seem like it, as Ryan’s retained a lot of the songwriting ideas of his youth prior to a long hiatus while being professional chef, where he cooks up folk, blues, jazz and Americana ideas with much relatability.

Travels well with: Dave Miller- Party In The Pines; The Burning North- The Burning North

Cruenta Venganza

Legend

Bitume, 2026

9/10

Listen to Legend

The Berlin rockers Cruenta Venganza bring their hard hitting ways to this concept record about Robert Rodriguez’s Machete saga that grabs ahold of you won’t let go.

“5000 Lightyears Away From Home” starts with an ominous mood that burst into thundering riffs and charged drumming, and “Cosmic Outlaw” follows with Steffen’s gruff vocals and Sven’s quick bass playing that suits the thick death metal delivery.

At the halfway point, “Moon Base Massacre” recruits traces of melody amid the dense chugging, while “Space Killer” showcases intricate guitar playing and guest vocals from Klaus Herbert that complements the swirling backdrop and spirited guitar solo.

Residing close to the end, “Time Warp Escape” embraces some old school metal ideas, where a guitar solo from Dr. Lena Böhme won’t go unnoticed, and “Machete Lives” exits with spoken word before the throaty singing and pummeling instrumentation that’s abrasive but still tuneful under the intensity.

This is the final album from the duo, and it brings their Machete themes into more cosmic moments, as the arena sized riffs and onslaught of metal is as ferocious as it is memorable.

Travels well with: Arbre-dieu- Nuit Noire; Superchained- Symbolic

Kirby Lyle

Change Is Hard

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to Change Is Hard

The Nashville Americana artist Kirby Lyle pens a protest EP, where the 6 songs explore joy, justice, grief and unity with much sincerity.

“The Thinking Man” starts the listen with Lyle’s flowing voice and animated guitar alongside Kyle Tuttle’s well timed banjo that suits the upbeat bluegrass nods, and “Change Is Hard” follows with Jordan Perlson’s thumping drums and Erika Nalow’s strategic saxophones that add much to the rich, harmonic climate.

“Joy” and “Carl’s Song” land in the middle. The former welcomes Maya de Vitry’ gorgeous vocal harmonies to the uplifting, nearly spiritual mood, while the latter showcases Anthony da Costa’s spirited electric guitar via the more folk-rock focused EP highlight.

“Wind Chimes” exits, and places John Mailander on violin and Jordan Perlson on percussion amid the textured and building finish that’s powerful and meticulous.

Lyle’s got a voice you won’t soon forget and his guitar playing isn’t anything to spit at, either, where his mashing of folk, Americana, and roots rock yields a protest record that’s more relevant than either right now.

Travels well with: C. Daniel Boling- It Matters; Tim Grimm- Bones Of Trees

Matthew Curry

One For The Ride

Ruf, 2026

9/10

Listen to One For The Ride

The veteran singer-songwriter Matthew Curry pens an album about life on the road, where energetic and soft tracks are part of his diverse and timeless formula.

The lively “Rum Stumblin’” opens with Curry’s driving guitar and smooth voice that suits Francis Valentino’s animated drums, and “Born Behind The Wheel” follows with Rob Arthur’s well timed Hammond organ that suits the grooves and melody.

The middle track belongs to “Ballad Of Jesse Ed Davis”, which thumps with soulful singing and Mark Masefield’s strategic Rhodes piano, while “Don’t Be A Stranger” finds an intimate place to reside via Tim Brickner’s meticulous bass and Curry’s heartfelt guitar and vocals.

Close to the end, “Brand New Day” recruits Grace Quackenboss’ piano and Masefield’s accordion for the lush album highlight, and “The Rambling Kind” exits with a gentle spirit that’s warm and authentic.

Curry blends busy and bare moments, and it makes for an emotionally rich, gritty and sincere body of work that pulls from the best parts of blues, rock, southern rock and old-school country.

Travels well with: Davey Jones- Ball Cap Blues; James ‘JB’ Barnes- My Mississippi Roots

Turn Turn Turn

All Hat No Cattle

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to All Hat No Cattle

The Minnesota/Wisconsin trio Turn Turn Turn are back with a 3rd album, where their vivid storytelling is again present across the timeless country sounds.

The heartfelt “Antietam” opens with gorgeous vocal harmonies before the flowing acoustic guitar enters, and “Last Drink” follows with acoustic and electric guitars amid the rich singing.

Halfway through, “Trouble” offers an infectious energy that’s got plenty of dance floor fun to it, while “Hand-Me-Down-Sadness” tugs on the heartstrings via the emotive vocals and cozy twang.

Further still, “When Love Reigns” has Adam Schmidt handling pedal steel and Josh Kaplan’s lively drums that complement Peter J. Sands’ meticulous Hammond B3 for the rich album highlight, and “Solid State” finishes with a playful country rocker that’s authentic and melodic.

A really inviting record that touches on folk, country, honky tonk, Western gothic, bluegrass and even ‘60s pop, Turn Turn Turn are great, great great again thanks to their inimitable brand of Americana.

Travels well with: Seven Crows- Powers Of Observation; Breanne Marie & The Front Porch Sinners- Two Trees

Sam Bergquist

Devils & Doves

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Devils & Doves

The Boston guitarist and vocalist Sam Bergquist is joined by an excellent cast for these authentic and relatable songs that surround the simple joys of being alive.

“Envy Blues” starts with Bergquist’s distinct pipes and playful guitar alongside Sean Staples’ bright mandolin in the frisky climate, and “Smoke” follows with Jason Altshuler’s warm pedal steel amid Georgia Bowder Newton’s cozy harmony voice that suits Bergquist’s bright storytelling.

“The Rifle And The Dove” lands in the middle and invites Jon Finn’s slide guitar to the rhythmic landscape, while “Louisiana Lightning” tugs on the heartstrings via Dave Westner’s moody bass and drums that complements Bergquist’s emotive harmonica in the lush album highlight.

Deeper still, the animated “Goin’ Out Walkin’” recruits Josh Berlin’s fiddle and alternates between soft and energetic bouts, and “New Day” exits with a scrappy and upbeat folky spirit that you could dance to thanks to the charming love song.

Bergquist’s vision is all over the place. Humorous, heartfelt and gritty, there’s folk, country and blues ideas present that won’t take long to make an impression across the very human experience.

Travels well with: Mike Hollon- Irving Park; Fox Run Five- Holding Out Hope

The Long Honeymoon

The World Is Waiting

Oddvious, 2025

9/10

Listen to The World Is Waiting

The Minneapolis outfit The Long Honeymoon bring the spirit of their animated live show to this debut record, where plenty of harmonies and grooves flow across the 11 originals.

“My First Mistake” starts with Adam Marshall’s warm acoustic guitar and smooth voice that guides the warm rootsy flavor, and “Looking Back At Me” follows with Dennis Olson’s punchy drums amid the flowing melodies and Eric Kreidler’s colorful keys.

Landing in the middle, “The World Is Waiting” invites singing-along to the folk friendly delivery, while “A Place In Time” welcomes a trumpet solo from Antonio Rendon amid both pop and rock nods that are instantly memorable.

Getting deeper, “Float Away” benefits from Volney Hendrix’s bass alongside heartfelt singing, and “We Can Stay” exits with soulfulness and Mike Senkovich’s meticulous guitar playing that makes a lasting impression.

These songs have been tested well after years of energetic shows and they sure do radiate here, where somehow each one sounds better than the one before it.

Travels well with: Erik Brandt- Folksinger; Samuel Wilbur- Ivory Tower

Mogan David And His Winos

Savage Young Winos

Liberation Hall, 2026

9/10

Listen to Savage Young Winos

Out of print since 1976, this lost record from Mogan David And His Winos features some heavy hitters in the music industry who flesh out some varied rock tunes that sure have aged well.

“Street Baby” opens with Harold Bronson’s raw vocals adding much grit to the scrappy retro rock, and “Party Games” follows with Paul Rappaport’s spirited guitar that suits the sing-along mood.

Further along, “Cover Girl” is a bright and loud jangly moment that benefits from David Schneider’s frisky drumming, while “All The Wrong Girls Like Me” showcases Jim Bickhart’s meticulous bass amid the infectious energy and well timed female backing vocals.

Closer to the end, “She’s Not There” offers a busy and precise bout of garage rock that allows for Jonathan Kellerman’s guitar to shine, and “The Berkowitz Blues” exits with a bare and soulful moment.

A band of impressive resumes, Bronson and Richard Foos are co-founders of Rhino Records, Rappaport spent 3+ decades at Columbia Records, Mark Leviton put his time in at Rhino/Warner Music Group, and Kellerman is a New York Times bestselling author. Though the band saw some national attention, they were largely unappreciated, but all these decades later their early brand of DIY proto-punk meets garage rock sure sounds great.

Travels well with: Jackdawg- Jackdawg; Tav Falco- Desire On Ice

Silver Summer

Die Of Love

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Die Of Love

A quartet from Mankato, Minnesota, Silver Summer don’t shy away from synth or horns for this eclectic debut that might bring to mind New Order, T-Rex and The Clash.

“Closer” opens with plenty of bright synth and Tyler Vaughan’s acrobatic drumming as a melodic and glam friendly climate unfolds, and “White Boots” follows with playful, wordless vocals and Colin Scharf’s swirling guitar before a calmer presence enters amid the lively bouts.

“Witness” and “Ocean Drive” occupy the middle spots. The former recruits rich saxophone, trombone and trumpet from Evan Bierer, Ryan Shirk and Dustin Voges for the sophistication, while the latter enlists Federico Sagolpa’s synth bass via the intimate delivery that’s heartfelt and builds into a buzzing, anthemic moment.

Arriving later, “Trouble” benefits from Ed Avila’s bass and a hint of post-punk that’s still quite danceable, and “Silver Screen” finishes with Chestnut Squares’ strategic hand claps and Hanna Cesario’s emotive keys for a powerful exit.

This is a great first album, where the songs could soundtrack a night at the club, as well as romantic evening with someone special. The 4 core members all handle multiple tasks and do it well, and if you’re particular to ‘80s synth, well, you’ve got a new favorite band in Silver Summer.

Travels well with: Ævn- Tides; Graybeat- Special Characters

Avi Jacob

Hawk In The Nest

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Hawk In The Nest

The Boston singer-songwriter Avi Jacob is joined by some excellent guests for these diverse and sincere 8 songs.

“Don’t Leave Me This Way” starts with Jacob’s warm voice and Wolfgang Zimmerman’s skilled drumming adding much to the rich, R&B influenced climate, and “Baby, Baby, Baby, Baby” follows with a soft mood that’s romantic and welcomes Noah Jones’ cozy keys.

“Naked” and the title track land in the middle. The former offers a soulful moment where Joel Hamilton’s well timed bass won’t go unnoticed, while the latter radiates much beauty in its textured and powerful delivery.

Arriving late, “Tears Like A River” touches on timeless folk qualities via the heartfelt storytelling, and “Ex-Text” builds into an eloquent and layered album highight that’s got plenty of fusion appeal.

A largely intimate affair that’s authentic, Jacob might be closest to indie-folk, but there’s plenty of mature and universally enjoyable influences present across this engaging record.

Travels well with: Lilly Winwood- Time Well Spent; The Felice Brothers- Valley Of Abandoned Songs

Peter Furlan Project

Peter Furlan Project Live At Maureen’s Jazz Cellar

Beany Bops, 2026

9/10

Listen to Peter Furlan Project Live At Maureen’s Jazz Cellar

The sax wizard Peter Furlan is joined by an all star cast for these live tracks that are as exciting as they are timeless.

After the quick introductions, “Return To The Be-Bop Tango” is full of energy thanks to Charlie Dougherty’s playful bass and Vinnie Cutro’s animated trumpet, and “The Ice Committee” follows with plenty of grooves via the rich horns and Nadav Snir-Zeiniker’s well timed drums.

“Blues Squared” occupies the middle spot and bops and shakes thanks to Neil Alexander’s frisky keys and the lively saxophones, while “The Crawl Too” benefits much from Andrew Beals’ alto sax prowess amid the textured layers of timeless jazz.

Landing near the end, “Perfidia” showcases Joel Newton’s meticulous guitar alongside the colorful winds, and “Mrs. Clean Freak” exits with a really dynamic and melodic interplay where all the player’s inimitable talents are displayed in a busy yet precise finish.

The sound quality here is excellent, as are the songs, and anyone with an ear for jazz from any period is going to find plenty to enjoy.

Travels well with: Ron Rieder- Compositions In Blue And Other Hues; Roberto Montero- Todos Os Tempos

Joshua Achiron

Climbing

Calligram, 2026

8/10

Listen to Climbing

The guitarist and composer Joshua Achiron is joined by Geof Bradfield, Clark Sommers and Dana Hall for this debut that showcases where the artist is at in his life thanks to these 8 detailed tracks.

“Troubles Become Triumphs” opens with Hall’s frisky drums that suit Achiron’s intricate playing in the energetic climate, and “The Papaya King” follows with Sommers’ precise acoustic bass amid the meticulous and busy delivery.

“Climbing” and “Mean Machine” arrive in the middle. The former offers a soft moment of dreamy guitar and playful bass, while the latter is a really detailed album highlight where Achiron’s guitar acrobatics are stunning.

Residing near the end, “The Pain That Alters” blends the dynamic rhythm section with Bradfield’s soulful sax bouts, and “Take The Coltrane” exits with all 4 players interacting with much color, warmth and creativity for the swingin’ blues fun of the Duke Ellington original.

An excellent starting point, Achiron utilizes funk moments, odd meters, grooves, plenty of solos and improvisation for the unpredictable effort.

Travels well with: Kevin Brunkhorst- After The Fire; Chris Varga- Breathe

Ron Rieder

Compositions In Blue And Other Hues

Mason, 2026

8/10

Listen to Compositions In Blue And Other Hues

The always impressive composer Ron Rieder enlists a first rate Boston quintet for these 11 straight ahead jazz tunes that aren’t short on solos.

Maxim Lubarsky’s frisky piano open the energetic “Dizzy Spell” with a strong trumpet presence, and “I Sing For You” follows with a soft ambience via Mark Walker’s restrained drums, the cozy keys and Mike Tucker’s rich sax.

At the halfway point, “The Butterfly Waltz” benefits from Yaure Muniz’s soulful trumpet amid the layered climate, while “Be Bim Bop” carries an infectious mood thanks to the dynamic interaction between the quintet.

Close to the end, “Cruising With The Top Down” should be played with the top down thanks to its frisky melodies and Lubarsky’s finger acrobatics, and “Java Mania” exits with an animated demeanor that blends the colorful rhythm section with lightning fast keys.

This is Rieder’s 3rd release, and it’s a swingin’ good time that bops and finds itself in balladry and waltzes in between plenty of rhythm.

Travels well with: Ron Rieder- Día Precioso!; Ron Rieder- Latin Jazz Sessions

Owen Chen

The Ghibli Collection

OA2, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Ghibli Collection

The guitarist Owen Chen guides the ensemble Eternal Wind through 9 tracks that reimagines the timeless stories of the Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli via their modern jazz formula.

The soft mood of “One Summer’s Day” opens with Chen’s warm guitar amid Anton Kot’s light drums and Carlin Lee’s graceful piano, and “The Dragon Boy” follows with mesmerizing keys that are complemented by Cole Palensky’s rich tenor sax.

Landing in the middle, “Mononoke Hime” is a quick moment of cozy piano amid Cy Leo’s well timed harmonica that tugs on the heartstrings, while “Ashitaka And San” benefits much from Andrew Cheng’s meticulous guitar and Sean Hannon’s colorful upright bass.

“My Neighbor Totoro” and “Path Of The Wind” exit the listen. The former offers breezy melodies alongside the soulful sax and crisp drums, and the latter finds a dreamy place to reside via the flowing keys, gentle rhythm section and mesmerizing guitars.

A project that embraces spontaneity, discovery and reflects Chen’s Asian American experience of finding his own voice, every moment is absorbing and exciting.

Travels well with: Carl Schultz- The Road To Trantor; Bobby Rozario- Healer

Steve Kovalcheck

Buckshot Blues

OA2, 2026

9/10

Listen to Buckshot Blues

The esteemed guitarist Steve Kovalcheck is joined by Jon Hamar and Jeff Hamilton for these 13 primarily originals that aren’t short on expressiveness and soulfulness.

The scrappy mood of “Happy Train” opens with Hamilton’s frisky drums alongside Kovalcheck’s radiant guitar lines, and “What’s New” follows with a slower pace that welcomes grooves to the bluesy spirit.

Close to the middle, “Donald’s Juke Joint” benefits much from Hamar’s meticulous bass via the melodic gestures, while “Daydance” pairs animated guitar playing with crisp drumming and energetic bass plucking.

Near the end, “Bright Child” pays respect to the organist Akiko Tsuruga and flows with plenty of harmonics and dynamic chemistry, and “I’ve Been Everywhere” exits with the Geoff Mack tune turned into a charming and really unique, jazz/blues fueled interpretation.

An album full of spontaneity and timelessness, Kovalcheck and his pals pay tribute to mentors and friends that embraces tradition while still being quite adventurous.

Travels well with: Harvie S- Bright Dawn; Michael Dease- Spartan Strong

Harvie S

Bright Dawn

Origin, 2026

9/10

Listen to Bright Dawn

This 21st record as leader sees Harvie S in the company of Peter Bernstein, Miki Hayama and Matt Wilson for 10 songs of modern jazz that tosses in a couple of interpretations.

“Ghosts Of Havana” opens with Harvie’s playful bass alongside Bernstein’s bright guitar tone in the atmospheric start, and “Devil May Care” follows with intricate bass plucking amid the frisky drums and lively climate.

In the middle, “I’ve Got Rhythm And Blues” carries an infectious energy via the animated rhythm section and rich guitar playing, while “Humpty Dumpty” allows for Hayama’s warm keys to radiate alongside the busy guitars and drums.

Close to the end, “Voice In The Sky” plays Hayama on Fender Rhodes in a very melodic and rich delivery of coziness, and “Swithering” exits with restraint and ambience in an unpredictable finish.

An imaginative, harmonic and rich effort, Harvie and company make every tune worth repeated listens.

Travels well with: Anthony Branker & Other Ways Of Knowing- Manifestations Of A Diasporic Groove & Spirit; Michael Dease- Spartan Strong

Chenxi Pan

This Very Moment

Origin, 2025

9/10

Listen to This Very Moment

The vocalist and composer Chenxi Pan brings much emotion to these 13 originals that enlists many players for a contemporary jazz experience that’s strong on atmosphere.

“Hymn For The Spring” starts with Pan’s soft voice and the elegant keys from Shaonan ‘Trigger’ Su that create much beauty, and “At Dusk” continues the sophistication with Anders Julsgaard’s light drums and George Grydkovet’s radiant guitar.

Arriving near the middle, “New Year’s Wish” welcomes Nathan Nakadegawa-Lee’s rich sax via the cautious climate and Pan’s expressive pipes, while “Endless Summer” allows for Nicolas Bond’s playful voice to complement the charming scatting.

Closer to the end, “If Only For A Moment” makes great use of Peyton Cook’s stirring violin and Julie Kim’s well timed cello amid the poetic vocals, and “Fate (Wherever It Leads Me)” is deeper still and finds a cozy place to reside thanks to the calm singing and light instrumentation.

Pan often uses her voice as an instrument, and the excellent players in attendance help make for a textured, pretty and timeless effort.

Travels well with: Kate Olson- So It Goes; Affinity Trio- New Outlook

Anthony Branker & Other Ways Of Knowing

Manifestations Of A Diasporic Groove & Spirit

Origin, 2026

9/10

Listen to Manifestations Of A Diasporic Groove & Spirit

The composer and director Anthony Branker is joined by an excellent cast for these sociopolitical and poetic 7 pieces that are powerful, cerebral and intense.

“The Children Of Lyles Station” opens with Simona Premazzi’s warm keys amid Steve Wilson’s flowing sax via the dynamic and soulful climate, and “Song For Marielle Franco” follows with Rudy Royston’s light drumming that complements the rich sax presence of the thoughtful mood and Aimée Allen’s wordless vocals.

“Beautiful Dancing People” and “Freedom Water March (At Igbo Landing)” arrive in the middle. The former places Wilson’s dreamy flute alongside John Hébert’s playfully plucked bass, while the latter benefits from Pete McCann’s meticulous guitar playing that suits the rich album highlight.

Arriving late, “When Past Is Prologue” spends 7 mesmerizing us with its meticulous interaction and attention to melody and rhythm, and ‘Afro Mosaic Soul Babies” exits with an upbeat and dizzying display of busy and elegant songwriting.

An enlightening exercise in improvisation, Branker and company radiate cultured, expressive and relevant ideas across the mature and cinematic landscape.

Travels well with: Anthony Branker & Ascent- Spirit Songs; Dave Slonaker Big Band- Shifty Paradigms

The Claim

The New Industrial Ballads

Turntable Friends, 2019

10/10

Listen to The New Industrial Ballads

A long running English outfit whose early years coincided and were influenced by The Jam, The Kink and The Smiths, here The Claim return with their first new recordings since 1992 that are distinctly their own brand of Brit-pop.

“Johnny Kidd’s Right Hand Man” gets the album started with brief acoustic strumming and warm horns, before “Journey” brings us a louder setting with a full pop-rock template where a anthemic folk spirit is present.

At 14 tracks there’s much to digest here, but with plenty of variety on hand, The Claim never run the same course twice. While “Smoke & Screens” recruits an orchestral backdrop to the affair, “The Haunted Pub” is a bright, jangly moment of punchy pop sounds. Further on, “Light Bending” offers us retro-folk ideas in an upbeat highlight, and “When The Morning Comes” finds a lush, environment of careful instrumentation.

The second half of the record is where some of the best tracks reside, including the hazy, cinematic “Gamma Rays”, the tense and rhythmic “Mrs. Jones”, and the soft and agile picking of “Under Canvas”, which yields plenty of poetic beauty.

It’s been 3 decades since The Claim released their debut, and The New Industrial Ballads proves that they’re only getting better with age, as evidenced by its near perfection. Make sure not to miss this one- it’s going to be one of the best in 2019.

Travels well with: Blur- Parklife; Paul Weller- 22 Dreams