Paula Boggs Band

Sumatra

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Sumatra

Paula Boggs and her band don’t sit still in one particular genre, as they touch on many different sounds across these 10 rootsy songs.

The title track opens with the Evensong Choir of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral Seattle lending their harmonic voices alongside the warm guitar and Boggs’ soulful pipes, and “Bard Of Vietnam” follows with Jacob Evan’s skilled drums that suit the vivid storytelling of the emotive climate.

Landing in the middle, “Note To Quinn” is strong on ambience and even carries bluegrass nods in its textured haze, while “Traces Of You” welcomes Josh Neumann’s elegant cello to the sophistication and beauty.

Getting closer to the end, “The Snow It Melts The Soonest” recruits James Falzone’s animated clarinet that adds even more allure to the lush album highlight, and “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around” comes with a retro spirit that allows for Boggs’ expressive voice to shine amid David Salonen’ fiddle and many voices via the jazz fueled finish.

Somewhere between jazz, bluegrass, folk, soul and Americana, Boggs and company shift from upbeat moments to haunting bouts, where much authenticity and timelessness is appreciated.

Travels well with: Jim Stanard- Color Outside The Lines; CJ Hooper- Over Yonder

Sibyl

Sibyl

Gold Bolus, 2026

9/10

Listen to Sibyl

Sibyl is the duo of the vocalist Chole Holgate and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Lily Holgate, who together use classical and folk ideas to create 8 sophisticated and gorgeous tracks here.

“Witch Wife” starts with the duo’s vocal inflections making a harmonic and wordless climate of intrigue, and “Down In The Willow Garden” follows with Lily’s warm string plucking that suits the charming duet that emits much beauty.

Halfway through, “The Arrow And The Song” uses mesmerizing violin plus the Holgate’s rich voices that hit every note flawlessly, while “There’s A Certain Slant Of Light” pairs the hypnotic backdrop with soothing and heartfelt singing.

“Afternoon On A Hill” and “I’ll Fly Away” exit the listen. The former carries a poetic quality via the lovely layering of vocals amid the meticulous strings, and the latter is an a cappella moment of perfect pitch and cozy singing.

Included are 6 originals and 2 folk standards, where the sister’s classical training is very much appreciated and the strategic use of violin and viola suits the whistling, wordless vocals and harmony vocals superbly.

Travels well with: The Beverage Station- Little Grey Cells; Dave Ruder- Lil Ol Davy Ru Ru

Linda Sussman

Don’t Drink The Poison

Sing Out Proud, 2026

8/10

Listen to Don’t Drink The Poison

The always impressive New York folk/blues artist Linda Sussman is joined by Mike Nugent and Kevin Kelly for these 11 relevant and wise songs.

“Holes In Your Heart” starts the listen with Sussman’s expressive voice alongside Nugent’s atmospheric guitar and Kelly’s well timed bass, and “We Get By” follows with an intimate mood that welcomes pretty singing amid the playful bass.

In the middle, “Remember Dorothy” has Sussman getting a bit more firm vocally and lyrically in a solo setting, while “Let Freedom Ring” has the trio working together harmonically via the soft and melodic setting.

Getting closer to the end, the bluesy spirit of “Long Island Made” uses spoken word plus the frisky guitar from Sussman and Nugent’s animated contributions, and “All The Songs Of Peace” exits with strong attention to mood, where Sussman’s heartfelt voice is met with her cozy guitar and Kelly’s atmospheric bass.

An authentic and timeless body of work, Sussman’s music is much needed in today’s fractured world, and the company she keeps makes for both enlightening and very fun songs.

Travels well with: Linda Sussman- Shake It Loose Today; Friction Farm- Stone By Stone

Matt Greenwood

Daybreak

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Daybreak

The guitarist and composer Matt Greenwood returns with a sophomore album, where some excellent guests help him flesh out songs of optimism that recruits plenty of diverse ideas across the 9 tracks.

“Beneath Balancing Boulders” opens with much ambience, as Greenwood’s guitar emits color alongside Mark Kelso’s strategic drums, and “Paper Planes” follows with a dreaminess that shimmers with beauty amid the spirited guitar.

Arriving in the middle, “1000 Paper Cranes” benefits from Othnell “Mangoma’ Moyo’s lively percussion that suits Greenwood’s intricate delivery, while “Alveston Avenue” brings rock ideas into the punchy climate that allows for Mike Downes’ frisky bass to shine.

Deeper yet, “Jericho” blends melody and atmosphere into a lush and meticulous album highlight, and “Guide My Hand” exits with the heartfelt guitar, well timed bass, light drumming and agile percussion interacting sublimely.

A highly rhythmic, expressive and creative 2nd album, the modern jazz, timeless rock and atmospheric textures make for a sonic experience that won’t soon be forgotten.

Travels well with: Mike Downes- The Way In; Matt Greenwood- Atlas

Sam Lewis

Everything’s Fine

Loversity, 2026

9/10

Listen to Everything’s Fine

This 7th album from Nashville’s Sam Lewis expands on the minimalism and grooves of his last record with plenty of diverse textures surrounding the 11 meticulous songs.

“Chase The Moon” opens with much ambience, as Lewis’ warm voice and acoustic guitar is met with Joe McMahan’s electric guitar and pedal steel that makes for a heartfelt climate, and title track arrives soon with the intimate wordplay that benefits from Chris Carmichael’s gripping strings.

In the middle, “Old Love” takes nods to Hank Williams but also injects an upbeat and playful mood, while “Making It Up” enlists Derek Mixon’s drums and JT Cure’s bass which help cultivate grooves amid a retro demeanor.

Closer to the the end, the poetic “The Light” recruits McMahan’s synth and Judy Blank’s distinct pipes for the stunning duet, and “Three Country Highway” exits with just Lewis’ cozy guitar and emotive singing that draws us into the sparse beauty of the Indigo Girls’ classic.

A diverse effort that uses haunting bouts, an instrumental track and an optigan and omnichord, Lewis continues to pave a path entirely his own that just keeps getting more and more interesting.

Travels well with: CJ Hooper- Over Yonder; The Unfaithful Servants- Fallen Angel

Michael Rudd

Ways Of The World

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Ways Of The World

The writer turned musician Michael Rudd has been incredibly prolific lately, and this 3rd album surrounds themes of desperation, joy, mortality and love, where an excellent cast is in attendance for the 10 tracks.

“The Water” starts with Mark Clark’s thumping drums alongside Rudd’s mysterious voice in the cryptic folk-rock climate, and “Not Today” follows with Brant Leeper’s well timed keys and Pat Malone’s spirited guitar that suits the gritty delivery.

Halfway through, “All The Words You Never Said” benefits from a distinct ambience that’s mesmerizing, while “On My Way” comes with an infectious energy via the radiant guitar tone and Asher Barreras’ playful bass lines.

Moving closer to the end, “Gonna Slip Away” offers a gripping intimacy thanks to the heartfelt singing and rich backdrop, and “The Train Is Coming” exits with a rockabilly demeanor that’s soulful and spiritual in its crisp and warm appeal.

If name like Nick Cave, Townes Van Zandt or John Hiatt mean anything to you, Rudd’s version of roots rock sure will, too, and be prepared to spend much time with this desert-rock influenced gem.

Travels well with: Jason Heath & The Greedy Souls- Earth Fire Water Airborne; Rags Rosenberg- Song Of The Bricoleur

Tom Chapin

Songs Of Hope

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Songs Of Hope

The veteran folk singer-songwriter Tom Chapin treats us to 14 personal tunes that emit hope and positivity during the difficult times we live in.

“Hymns” opens with Chapin’s warm voice and upbeat guitar that kind of lets us know what we’re getting into, and “Follow The Light” continues with John McCutheon and Michael Mark’s contributions adding much beauty and warmth.

Deeper into the listen, The Chapin Sisters are present for the flowing vocal harmonies of the lush “Quite Early Morning”, while “Woody Guthrie’s Dream” offers an upbeat moment that’s still ultimately a protest song thanks to the insightful wordplay.

Nearing the end, “Jubilation” recruits Scott Ainslie and Mark for a Harry Chapin cover that enlists 3 part harmonies and much folk fun, and “We Will Not Stop” exits with The Chapin Sisters present for the sing-alongs that are powerful and relative.

An artist who plays music akin to Pete Seeger’s vision, Chapin’s foundation is folk, but there’s also roots and bluegrass ideas present, too, where the help from his daughters (The Chapin Sisters) and plenty of friends shows us just way he’s racked up 3 Grammy wins and 29 well received albums.

Travels well with: Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon- Together Again; John McCutcheon- Field Of Stars

Michael Stephen Brown

Twelve Blocks

First Hand, 2026

9/10

Listen to Twelve Blocks

This first album from Michael Stephen Brown as composer brings us tributes and character portraits that point at lost loves, lifelong mentors, atypical performers and couples we might know.

“Four Lakes For Children” starts with Brown’s rich and emotive keys populating the 4 chapters, and “Pas De Trois” follows with Paul Neubauer’s stirring viola and Anne-Marie McDermott’s complicated keys illuminating Susanna Phillips’ striking voice.

Further along, “Relationship” recruits Osmo Vänskä’s adventurous clarinet and Erin Keefe’s gripping violin for the animated climate, while the title track enlists Jereome Lowenthal and Ursual Oppen’s firm, sometimes haunting keys and narration that radiates mystery, ambience and unpredictability.

The final 2 tracks are Brown solo. “Breakup Etude for the Right Hand Alone” rumbles in a lower register and offers dizzying playing, and “Pour Angeline” finishes with a dreamy and introspective atmosphere via the love letter to Brown’s fiancee.

A diverse, technical and often intimate body of work, Brown’s careful chamber vision makes an immediate impression across very thoughtful subject matter.

Travels well with: Miró Quartet- Hearth; New York Polyphony- Sky Of My Heart

Dwight + Nicole

Day Or Night

Westwalk, 2026

9/10

Listen to Day Or Night

The Vermont duo, Dwight + Nicole, bring their blues, soul and R&B roots to these 12 new songs that touch on dream-pop and alt-rock that steers their sound into an exciting new direction.

The soft mood of “One Morning” opens with Nicole’s soulful voice alongside Dwight’s warm guitar and Ezra Oklan’s reserved drums and “Beautiful” follows with haze via Jon Solo’s cozy keys and Nicole’s playful bass that suits Dwight’s smooth pipes.

Landing in the middle, “In The Middle” places Leon Campos on keys and Tony Maimone’s on bass, which complements the duo’s vocal harmonies and fuller rock template, while “Wasting All My Time” benefits from Sean Walsh’s acoustic guitar and Dwight’s keys in a playful and melodic climate.

Inching to the end, “Straight Back To You” resides in dreamy territory thanks to the heartfelt music and poetic singing, and “Do The Best I Can” exits in piano balladry, where the pair both sing in a heartfelt demeanor that builds into an ebullient finish.

Nicole’s 4 octave range and the 2 well thought out covers only enhance the allure, as Dwight + Nicole pen a diverse outing where each track brings different ideas and plenty of timelessness.

Travels well with: Dwight + Nicole- The Jaguar, The Raven, & The Snake; Tobacco & Rose- Tobacco & Rose

Michael G. Ronstadt

Ronstadt Plays Sowash

Kickshaw, 2025

9/10

Listen to Ronstadt Plays Sowash

The cellist and multi-instrumentalist Michael G. Ronstadt interprets the work of Rick Sowash, where solo, duo and trio settings unfold with strong attention to harmony and tonality.

“The Neverending Melody” starts with the keys and piano interacting with much care and beauty, and “A Winter Night” follows with dueling cellos that play off each other in a mesmerizing and meticulous fashion that can also be firm.

In the middle, “A Joyful Fugue” pairs Nora Barton’s cello with Ronstadt via the dense and intricate songwriting, while “Blues” offers a solo setting that’s emotive, sparse and manipulates space well.

Residing near the end, “Prayer For Ukraine” recruits Jennifer Higgins Wagner’s cello alongside Ronstadt’s amid the sublime intimacy and “Piano Trio No. 6 "Brickdust & Buttermilk"“ exits upbeat and lush thanks to Annette Misener’s violin and Phillip Roberts’ piano that complement Ronstadt’s precise cello with a swirling energy.

Just about all the selections are world premieres, where Ronstadt explores many avenues with his instrument, and the excellent guests help illuminate the classical, folk, jazz, Americana, and New Age nods.

Travels well with: Rick Sowash- Voyageurs; Aaron Nathans and Michael G. Ronstadt- Hello World

Ye Vagabonds

All Tied Together

River Lea, 2026

9/10

Listen to All Tied Together

The Irish brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn, i.e. Ye Vagabonds, place much harmony into these humble folk songs that were tracked live.

The soft balladry of “On Sitric Road” opens with gentle guitar and stirring synth amid the heartfelt singing, and “The Flood” follows with animated fiddle and pretty vocal harmonizing across the textured haze.

In the middle, “I’ll Keep Singing” offers a mature waltz that enlists cozy harmonium, while “Gravity” is an intimate moment that examines love with a distinct intensity that welcomes soft cello.

Moving closer to the end, “Four Walls” uses meticulous guitar and gorgeous singing that’s heartfelt, and “Long Grass” exits with the guitars, percussion, bouzouki and rich voices emitting much lushness.

A thoughtful body of work, the songs embrace memory, tribute and gratitude, where plenty of sincerity and global appeal leaves us enamored with each authentic track.

Travels well with: Amy Speace- The Blue Rock Session; Chris Rusin- Songs From A Secret Room

Aristo Sham

Timeline

Universal, 2026

10/10

Listen to Timeline

The Hong Kong pianist, Aristo Sham, fleshes out pieces from his recent world tour, where his inimitable playing shows us just why he’s picked up so many awards and won so many competitions already.

Bach’s “Toccata in C Minor, BWV 911” starts with the lively keys that emit much warmth and radiate tremendous fluidity across busy and soft gestures, and “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645”, also by Bach, follows with strong attention to melody via the meticulous progressions.

Landing in the middle, “6 Chorale Preludes” illustrates Sham’s attention to color and tonality across the Brahmns pieces, while Bosuni’s “10 Variations on a Prelude by Chopin, BV 213a” enlists firm keys, bare moments, dizzying bouts and profound detail to his craft.

Grieg’s “Holberg Suite, Op. 40” exits, and presents quick and dynamic fingers that illuminate the setting with wonder, awe and incredible skills.

An intelligent, emotional and rich performance, in the area of solo piano in a classical setting, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone as luminous as Sham.

Travels well with: Víkingur Ólafsson- Opus109; The Kanneh-Masons- River Of Music

Max Richter

Hamnet: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Decca, 2026

9/10

Listen to Hamnet: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

The esteemed composer Max Richter soundtracks Chloé Zhao’s film, Hamnet, where the powerful story of love and loss is met with profound beauty from the orchestral sounds plus some creative electronic moments.

“Of Agnes” starts with a chilling ambience, as powerful, wordless vocals enter the elegance which floats lightly, and “Of Orpheus” follows with the gentle strings complementing the minimal and soothing climate.

Deeper into the tracks, “An Abysm Of Time” glides with an ambience somewhere between haunting and soothing, while “Of The Sky” drones with intrigue and stunning vocals that radiate tremendous beauty without any actual words.

Further still, “Of A Ghost” textures the strings and synth via much emotion that eventually recruits thundering drums, and “Of The Undiscovered Country” exits with a rich, dreamy and introspective appeal.

An ethereal score that enlists piano, harp, choral vocals, string orchestra, bass lines and hurdy-gurdy to name a few, Richter blends the layers in a way where it all meshes into a listen that’s as moving as the movie itself.

Travels well with: Eric Lu- Chopin; David S. Lefkowitz- Preludes And Fugues For Piano

Motu

Idiot At The Wheel

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Idiot At The Wheel

The Long Island artist, MOTU, is now 25 albums deep, and his fusion formula is still very much intact across these 10 adventurous songs that welcome some new players.

“Just Another Day In America” opens with Ed Modzel’s thumping drums and MOTU’ sturdy guitar licks and deep voice across the bluesy climate, and “The Fading Melody Of A Song” follows with Dee Michelson’s cozy harmony vocals amid the warm and heartfelt delivery.

Halfway through, “Excuses Are Thin” is a bit more gritty and embraces classic rock nods, while “Pushing Darkness To The West” benefits much from Rich Fry’s guitar in an eloquent and intimate landscape.

“Original Sin (Garage Band Version)” arrives late and offers a scrappy moment thanks to Susan Karejwa’s colorful bass and the raw sing-alongs, and “Last Man Standing” exits with MOTU’s dizzying guitar acrobatics and animated bass plucking via the charming, instrumental and memorable prog finish.

A diverse outing that embraces blues, rock, Americana and jazz, MOTU never falls into a single category and thankfully that’s not likely to ever change.

Travels well with: MOTU- Awareness Or Illusion; MOTU- The Water Is High

Darren Litzie

On My Own Time

Summit, 2026

9/10

Listen to On My Own Time

The pianist and composer Darren Litzie returns with a sophomore album, where mostly originals take help from Chris DeAngelis and John Riley for a very diverse effort.

“On My Own Time” starts the listen with Litzie’s warm keys before Riley’s frisky drums enter the stylish climate, and “Moonlight In Vermont” follows with the flowing piano and crisp drums alongside DeAngelis’ ambient bass.

Entering the middle, “If Only I Could Forget” offers an upbeat and melodic display of timeless jazz ideas, while “Busy Work” enlists meticulous bass plucking, quick keys and scrappy drumming for the album’s best.

Inching towards the end, “In Walked Bud”, by Thelonious Monk, showcases the dynamic interaction between the trio with both adventurousness and restraint, and “Time Of The Season” exits with mature keys, chilling drums and moody bass that cultivates beauty and mystery.

A timeless effort that swings playfully, touches on straight ahead ideas and is never short on melody, Litzie and his companions make modern sounds that also embrace tradition respectfully.

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

The Grand Undoing

Songs For The Sleeping

Secret Candy Rock, 2026

9/10

Listen to Songs For The Sleeping

This 5th album from the Boston outfit spearheaded by Seth Goodman has the many players of The Grand Undoing displaying their multi-faceted version of rock where each track takes on a new identity.

Dave Westner’s thumping drums open the listen with “Sing A New Morning”, where Goodman’s distinct voice guides the hint of psychedelia, and “I’m Being Called” follows with playful hand clapping and scrappy drums that suit the soulful and harmonic textures.

At the halfway point, “The Knowing” emits spirited guitar and lush dynamics, while Andy Plaistead’s drums are present amid the buzzing keys of the power-pop fueled “Black Rivers”.

Residing near the end, “Savior” makes great use of backing vocals via the retro ideas and powerful songwriting, and “Now I’m Going Home” exits with Peter Bloom’s well timed flute that complements the heartfelt and reflective finish.

An unclassifiable listen that embraces power-pop, psychedelia, prog and punk, Goodman and crew are forging a path entirely their own and it makes for a really fun listen for anyone who enjoys any version of rock.

Travels well with: The Grand Undoing- In A Vigil State; Randy Armstrong- Echoes Of Tomorrow

Tom Salvatori

Lullaby For Jude

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Lullaby For Jude

The inimitable guitarist, Tom Salvatori, offers us 2 originals and 2 interpretations with this quick EP, where his strong attention to detail and superb playing is always impressive.

The soft and poetic mood of the title track opens with much warmth, as Salvatori dedicates the selection to an infant lost in childbirth in his family, and “With This Love”, by Peter Gabriel, follows and emits much beauty and sophistication via this stripped back version.

On the back half, Salvatori’s “I Wait And I Wonder” offers an emotive and introspective moment of meticulous guitar playing, while “Suite #1 From Peer Gynt 2nd Mvmt” maintains the somber, haunting quality of the 1879 piece by Edvard Grieg with sublime attention to mood.

An engaging EP, Salvatori once again showcases a complete mastery of his instrument, where his eloquent, mature and intricate vision is timeless.

Travels well with: Tom Salvatori- La Bella Vita; Tom Salvatori- The Nylon String Guitar In Ensemble

Dedicated Men Of Zion

Coming Up Through The Years

Music Maker, 2026

9/10

Listen to Coming Up Through The Years

Anthony ‘Amp’ Daniels, Antwan Daniels, Marcus Suggs and Tyjon Harris, i.e. Dedicated Men Of Zion, bring their inimitable vocals to these 10 harmonic and gospel tinted songs that make up their ‘sacred soul’ formula.

“Coming Up Through The Years” opens with Scott ‘Paco’ Goolsey’s funky guitar that suits the soaring and expressive voices of the rhythmic climate, and “I Don’t Know Why” follows with a playful energy that enlists frisky drums and John Kveen’s bouncy bass which aligns with heartfelt vocals.

At the halfway point, “No Ways Tired” is a soft moment of sublime beauty via warm guitars and powerful group vocals, while “Victory” carries some ruggedness amid the animated rhythm section and spiritual singing.

Getting near the end, “Tone Them Bells” thumps and buzzes with a stylish mood, call and response singing and Jimbo Mathus’ well timed keys, and “No Way Tired (A Capella)” exits with just the quartet’s inestimable pipes illuminating the timeless finish.

The members are all part of the same extended family, and this 3rd album touches on balladry, blues, doo-wop and, of course, their signature soul, and it just might be their best yet.

Travels well with: The Crimestoppers- On The Case; Leonard ‘Lowdown’ Brown- Street Party

Emily Scott Robinson

Appalachia

Oh Boy, 2026

9/10

Listen to Appalachia

This 5th album from the singer-songwriter Emily Scott Robinson pulls from Appalachian ideas, where plenty of friends are along for the authentic listen.

“Hymn For The Unholy” starts with Duncan Wickel’s elegant cello that complements Robinson’s gorgeous voice in a gentle climate, and “Appalachia” follows with a mountain-esque appeal thanks to Wickel’s bright fiddle and Robinson’s warm guitar playing and distinct voice.

Arriving in the middle, “Time Traveler” lands in balladry thanks to Lizzy Ross’ warm voice and Josh Kaufman’s cozy dulcimer, while “Dirtbag Saloon” isn’t short on harmonies and bright storytelling via Otto Hauser’s playful drums and Annie Nero’s meticulous upright bass.

Later on, “The Water Is Wide” makes great use of intimate piano that complements the emotional English folk song, and “The Fairest View” exits with Ross’ pipes alongside the soft guitar, well timed organ and soaring harmonies that enlists Harmonica Jerry, too.

An extremely well thought out record that thematically surrounds love, grief, resilience and hope, Robinson has a voice that will stir the soul, and the excellent help blends bluegrass, country, folk and Americana into a timeless formula.

Travels well with: The Lowest Pair- Horse Camp; Andrea Von Kampen- Sister Moon

Charlie Roth

I’m The Smile

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to I’m The Smile

An appropriately titled 8th album, Minnesota troubadour Charlie Roth can’t help but smile when involved in his craft, which had him traveling to Texas to flesh out this warm and expressive folk-rock album with his friends John Inmon, Ray Bonneville, Bill Kirchen and Lloyd Maines, among others.

The title tracks lead the listen with Roth’s warm, comforting vocals as organs help punctuate the mood, and “Good Times” follows a similar path with Bonneville’s spirited harmonica.

Elsewhere, “Serenity” is a warm and playful folk tune with Roth’s soothing, wise pipes, while “Gloves” benefits greatly from Maines’ dobro on the genuine tune about Roth’s father where he alternates between singing and talking.

Some of the best tracks reside on the back half where “Where You’ll Be” recruits a cello and vocal harmonies for a haunting twist on his sparse folk sound, and “Pretty Little Lights Of Town” brings in a pair of telecasters on a snappy, honky tonk rocker you won’t help but want to dance to. Near the end, Roth makes Effron White’s “Yankee Dime” his own with a pensive and sincere execution, and “I’m The Smile (Reprise)” ends the fun with a stripped back version of the opener, where keys and strings are in attendance.

An extremely accomplished collection of originals and covers, Roth and company pen authentic, timeless, rural sounds here, that any fan of blues, folk, country and Americana will adore.

Travels well with: Bob Dylan- The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan; John Prine- The Missing Years