Steven Husted And Friends

Two Nights- Live

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to Two Nights-Live

The double bassist Steven Husted invites us to a live set of both originals and standards, where an all star cast accompany him for the spirited evenings.

“This I Dig Of You” opens with Grant Teeple’s flowing sax guiding the quick and warm jazz spirit, and “Sandu” follows with Israel Yanez’s playful drums that complement Husted’s frisky bass playing.

Deeper into the evening, “Against The Grain” moves quickly via the animated rhythm section, Milo Hehmsoth’s keys and Matt Berger’s radiant guitar playing, while “How Deep Is The Ocean” packs grooves and melody into the melodic highlight.

Moving on, “Angel In The Flowers” offers a rich and atmospheric bout of precise interaction, and “Nonagon Funkola” exits with stylish and busy moments where the acrobatic drumming makes an impression.

A musician since the age of 6 and professionally since his early 20’s, Husted’s bass playing is unparalleled as he navigates around bossa nova, waltzes, plenty of grooves and no lack of timeless jazz qualities.

Travels well with: Brad Schrader- LateNights; Paul Litteral- The Litteral Truth

Rafael Chamone

Sonoluminescence

Adhyâropa, 2026

8/10

Listen to Sonoluminescence

The Brazilian guitarist and composer Rafael Chamone is joined by Rogério Boccato, Colin Stranahan, Myles Sloniker, Anthony Bolden and Arnie Sainz for these 7 worldly jazz tunes.

“Somoluminescencia” opens with a mesmerizing mood, where Chamone’s hypnotic guitar is met with Bolden’s rich sax and Stranahan’s frisky drums, and “Sinos” follows with a lively energy via Sainz’s colorful keys that suit the dynamic interaction.

Halfway through, “Assyrtiko” benefits much from Sloniker’s bouncy bass lines that align with meticulous guitar playing and the animated sax, while “Tua Cancao” offers elegance and warmth amid Boccato’s cozy percussion and the romantic demeanor.

“O Cio da Terra” exits, and it’s an intimate moment of gentle guitar playing and soft musicianship that’s heartfelt.

An impressive debut, Chamone’s use of melody, grooves and rhythm tells the story of his first 2 years in the New York music scene, and will be enjoyed by jazz fans across the globe.

Travels well with: Jeremy Bass- Cabin Songs; Whispering Worlds- Cosmic Cliffs

The Alfie Jackson Sextet

The Peacocks

Jackojazz, 2026

8/10

Listen to The Peacocks

The youngster Alfie Jackson has a set of pipes that command your attention, and this debut album welcomes some excellent players for the 10 timeless songs.

“500 Miles High” opens and allows for Jackson’s soaring voice to shine amid Chase Wilkins’ frisky drums and plenty of rich interaction, and “Nature Boy” follows with Daniel Ellis Perez’s frisky bass that suits the strong range of the energetic climate.

Arriving at the halfway point, “How Insensitive” enlists playful scatting amid Sam Roberson’s cozy guitar, while “I Deserve This” offers a thicker moment, where Jackson’s alluring vocals draw us in to the rock focused backdrop.

“Do I Move You?” lands late and benefits from Leo Milano’s spirited sax that complements the powerful singing, and “The Peacocks” exits with nearly 10 minutes of careful texturing that makes great use of Wayne Williams’ vibraphone.

Though she’s just 21, Jackson delivers like a seasoned vet, where she excels in balladry, groove filled bouts, and bluesy nods that point at an esteemed career on the horizon.

Travels well with: Michael Jackson’s Head, Heart & Tails- The Gal From Ochi; Brandon Seabrook- Hellbent Daydreams

Jack Wood

For Every Man There’s A Woman

Jazz Hang, 2026

8/10

Listen to For Every Man There’s A Woman

The standards vocalist Jack Wood is joined by The Lenore Raphael Trio and Doug MacDonald, plus others, for these 15 classics we’ve all heard before, but never quite like this.

The title track opens with Wood’s smooth pipes alongside Raphael’s warm keys and MacDonald’s warm guitar, and “Our Day Will Come” follows with a frisky pace, where the quick drumming suits the animated guitar solo and bright singing.

Further along, “Ruby” welcomes Jay Lawrence’s skilled drumming amid Jay Lawrence’s strategic vibes in the elegant atmosphere, while “Night Mood” enlists violins from Monte Belknap and Donni Evans for the stirring and romantic climate.

Deeper still, “One At A Time” benefits from Ray Smith’s rich sax that complements Wood’s emotive pipes, and “Pretty Woman” exits with the Jerry Floor Salt Lake Jazz Orchestra adding much color to the dynamic and textured album highlight.

Wood puts a fresh coat of paint on some already great songs, and the company he’s aligned with sure do make for a memorable and timeless performance.

Travels well with: Jack Wood and Nichaud Fitzgibbon- Movie Magic: Great Songs From The Movies; Jack Wood- The Gal That Got Away

Michael Jackson's Head, Heart & Tails

The Gal From Ochi

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to The Gal From Ochi

The saxophonist and composer Michael Jackson brings along 18 musicians from the Chicago for these fusion filled tracks that never sit in one place for long.

The title track opens with bright brass and playful bass, as reggae ideas enter the warmth, and “Scoobie Doobie” follows with upbeat keys and flowing guitars that give the tune plenty of jazz nods.

Halfway through, “Blue Stew” uses spoken word amid the frisky drumming and upbeat rhythm, while “Sonny The Squirrel” unfolds with an infectious energy via the worldly percussive ideas and breezy spirit.

“Stepping Stones” and “Scoot Ya Butt” exit the listen. The former comes with soulful singing and an intimate mood, and the latter will indeed get your body movin’ to the dance floor fun that’s busy and precise.

An album that is all over the place, expect funk, blues, bossa, calypso, pop and balladry across these jazz fueled and improvised pieces that are as unique as they are memorable.

Travels well with: Brandon Seabrook- Hellbent Daydream; Spinifex- Maxximus

Haymarket Opera Company

Artaserse

Cedille, 2026

9/10

Listen to Artaserse

An ensemble who are versed in 17th and 18th century opera, the Haymarket Opera Company flesh out Leonardo Vinci’s final opera across 3 discs, where murder, secret love and ruthless ambition are told via the many voices.

Act 1 opens with Key’mon Murrah’s soaring countertenor alongside the graceful and flowing strings. Deeper into this segment, Eric Ferring’s animated tenor suits the bouncy orchestra’s dynamic approach, as the 23 scenes radiate vivid storytelling and powerful musicianship.

Act 2 continues the harmonic interaction via Kangmin Justin Kim’s colorful countertenor and Elijah McCormack’s well timed male soprano amid the rich harpsichord and strategic baroque guitar.

Act 3 welcomes Ryan Belongie’s countertenor skills and Emily Fons’ flawless mezzo-soprano to the lush and eloquent finish to the vocally superb and musically timeless tale.

When this opera arrived in Rome in 1730 it shone a light on the social and political reality of the Papal States. In Haymarket’s 2025 revival, it’s adapted to our times, where the artistry and integrity of the original is preserved across the Baroque masterpiece.

Travels well with: Pacifica Quartet- The Korngold Collection; Karisa Chiu- Home

Dave Schumacher & Cubeye

Agua Con Gas

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to Agua Con Gas

The Chicago born Dave Schumacher has found a very influential place to reside in the New York jazz scene for 4+ decades now, and here with his baritone sax and plenty of friends he fleshes out 9 energetic and worldly tunes.

The title track opens with Manuel Valera’s warm keys before the animated horns enter amid playful drumming thanks to Yusnier Sanchez, and “Yambú” follows with Chegui Metralla’s clave and Alex Norris’ trumpet adding much to the rich climate.

Arriving in the middle, “The Gypsy” benefits from Luques Curtis’ skilled bass and Silvan Monasterios’ flowing keys that complement the sophistication, while “Amosaya” places Peter Brainin’s sax alongside Joel Mateo’s drumming acrobatics via the lively album highlight.

“Barra-Cuber” and “Prince Of Darkness” exit the listen. The former allows for Mauricio Herrera’s congas and Roger Rosenberg’s baritone sax to shine, and the latter is a busy moment courtesy of Alex Apolo Ayala’s bass and the animated horns and winds that arrive at a dizzying and exciting intersection.

This is Schumacher’s 5th album as leader, and it’s an intricate and globally exciting effort that doesn’t shy away from rhythm, melody and swingin’ fun.

Travels well with: Wanees Zarour- Silwan; John Clay- About Time

The Interplay Jazz Orchestra

Bite Your Tongue

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Bite Your Tongue

An ensemble who perform music composed and arranged by members of the band, The Interplay Jazz Orchestra treat us to 9 tracks that are quite detailed.

“The Congregation” opens the listen with Damien Pacheco’s bright trumpet and James Miceli’s animated sax adding much energy to the colorful climate, and the title track follows with John Marshall’s tenor sax and Dave Lobenstein’s bass complementing the warm delivery.

“My Foolish Heart” arrives in the middle and twinkles with beauty amid Jay Orig’s intimate keys and Pacheco’s emotive trumpet, while “Strasbourg-St. Denis” allows for Chris Donohue’s alto-sax and Baron Lewis’ trumpet to radiate timeless jazz alongside the flowing melodies.

“Night And Day” and “Blues For Adrian” exit the listen. The former bops and shakes with a lively spirit via Chris Scarnato’s baritone sax and Cameron Esccovedo’s drums, and the latter recruits Joey Devassy’s trombone for a cozy and indeed bluesy finish.

An extremely meticulous effort that embraces plenty of diversity, all the players contribute their talents to a solo and groove filled experience that makes a lasting impression.

Travels well with: The Flying Horse Big Band- Unbridled; Dave Schumacher- Agua Con Gas

Erica Von Kleist

Picc Pocket

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Picc Pocket

An artist who wears many hats, Erica von Kleist handles piccolo for these 6 unique songs that aren’t short on energy or jazz ideas.

The playful spirit of “We Know How To Picc ‘Em” opens with von Kleist’s animated wind alongside Anton Kot’s upbeat drumming and Yago Vazquez’s bright keys, and “Let Me Picc Your Brain” follows with flowing melodies and a smooth execution of warm jazz.

“Bone 2 Picc” and “Picc & Choose” arrive in the middle. The former welcomes Jennifer Krupa’s soulful trombone to the bouncy delivery, while the latter is an intimate moment of beauty and grace via the heartfelt piccolo that builds into a snappy album highlight which makes great use of Noriko Ueda’s bass lines.

“Picc a Peck” exits, and it moves cautiously before the firm keys and louder piccolo help the tune finish with a dynamic and blues tinted personality.

An instrument that usually spends its time off to the side, von Kleist puts the piccolo flute center stage and it makes for an atypical, solo-filled, sometimes funk fueled and waltz friendly good time.

Travels well with: Valeria Stewart- Raíces Roots; Heather McKay- Life Got In The Way

Wilfrido Terrazas

Trilogia del Dolor: An Investigation of Human Pain in Three Parts

New Focus, 2026

9/10

Listen to Trilogia del Dolor: An Investigation of Human Pain in Three Parts

The flutist and composer Wilfrido Terrazas brings us an assembly of music and poetry that surrounds the intricacies of human pain, where texts by Mexican authors are present.

Part One: Llevarás el nombre opens with Terrazas’ unpredictable flutes and Miguel Zazueta’s soaring tenor making for an emotive, droning and often tense 3 movements of bolero influences and, eventually, introspection.

Part Two: Pequena familia occupies the middle selections and enlists Madison Greenstone’s clarinet and Rocio Sánchez’s cello amid Terrazas’ narration and texts via the microtonal gestures, curious instrumentation, and even firmer interaction that can be powerful.

Part Three: Ten Thousand Regrets exits, and benefits from Mariana Fores Bucio’s gorgeous soprano that complements Zazueta’s tenor alongside winds, strings and Camilo Zamudio’s percussion that embraces harmonies, percussion solos, and very animated instrumentation in between the many poems.

Terrazas’ resume is quick impressive, and this addition is another well thought out and creative display of improvisation, folk and experimental ideas that reside somewhere between contemporary classical and free jazz.

Travels well with: Richard Carrick- I’Algérie; Jonathan Bagg- Viola Revival

Tom Lippincott

Ode To The Possible

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to Ode To The Possible

The guitarist and electronics wizard Tom Lippincott brings us a cosmic experience, where mostly short pieces are sandwiched between the main compositions that aren’t short on improvisation and harmonies.

“Preface/Overture 25” opens with a soft ambience, where Lucas Apostoleris’ restrainted drums surround David Fernandez’s rich sax and Lippincott’s warm guitar, and “Bell Tower” follows with Marty Quinn’s precise bass adding much to the rock focused backdrop of the agile climate.

Further along, “Interlude 3” is a quick bout of meticulous sax playing, while “Interlude 4” is just 28 seconds of drumming acrobatics. “Exit Strategy” then carries an intimate appeal via the cozy layering that picks up steam near the end,

Deeper yet, “Rational Peace” focuses on acoustic guitar amid the introspective mood of beauty, and “Epilogue” exits with spacey electronics and other worldly mystery.

An album of all originals, Lippincott’s use of pop/rock, grooves, ethereal effects and countless other ideas makes for an unpredictable and really entertaining body of work.

Travels well with: The Outernet- The Light & The Fury; Wayne Alpern- Alchemy

Flutes & Low

Lay Fallow

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Lay Fallow

The indie-folk duo of Ben Pichler and Cambria Haen, as Flutes & Low the Duluth, Minnesota pair welcome some friends for the 11 thoughtful tracks.

The warm acoustic guitar of “Sifting” starts the listen and immediately draws us into the beauty and harmony vocals, and “Long Winter” follows with Alexander Young’s soft drums and Calvin Caron’s well timed bass that suits the sublime intimacy.

Landing in the middle, “To Glass” enlists Cole Pecor’s moody electric guitar amid the strong attention to ambience, while “Requiem In B Minor” moves with a frisky pace and enlists Jasmine Holt’s meticulous violin via the mesmerizing delivery.

“Freyr Cries” arrives late and places Inga Aleckson Weis on vocals for the poetic and stirring album highlight, and “A Vespera” exits with Benjamin Pichler’s rich keyboards adding much grace to the powerful finish.

An outfit inspired by the expanse of the midwest, Flutes & Low blend elegance and emotion into a gripping, modern folk affair.

Travels well with: Turn Turn Turn- All Hat No Cattle; The Long Honeymoon- The World Is Waiting

Carl Clements And The Real Jazz Trio

Retrospective

Greydisc, 2026

8/10

Listen to Retrospective

The globally revered saxophonist and flute player Carl Clements finds himself in a quartet setting here, where the 9 originals touch on my different genres and retain a worldly appeal.

“One For Joe” opens with a frisky mood via Clements’ animated sax and Jens Biehl’s playful drums, and “Mobius” follows with a softness thanks to the dreamy piano courtesy of Jean-Yves Jung that suits the dreamy rhythm section.

Halfway through, “Procession” brings Clements’ rich flute to the melodic climate, while “Remnants” tugs on the heartstrings via the soulful sax and warm keys.

Residing later on, “Retrospect” is a textured album highlight that benefits much from Johannes Schaedlich’s precise bass playing, and “Kadam” exits with colorful flute and rhythmic drumming surrounding the cultured interaction.

Clements was wise to align with The Real Jazz Trio, as they help flesh out the North Indian and Latin American influences of this technical and enlightening effort.

Travels well with: Carl Clements- A Different Light; Jake Hertzog- Longing To Meet You

Michael Moody

The Ecstasy Of Love

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Ecstasy Of Love

The vocalist Michael Moody puts his talents to use across these 12 intimate jazz songs that welcomes Paul Bollenback and Neal ‘Sugar’ Caine.

“The Nearness Of You” gets the listen off to a cozy start, where Moody’s heartfelt voice benefits from Bollenback’s soft guitar, and “Embraceable You” follows with rich guitar and smooth singing thanks to the Gershwin tune.

Halfway through, “Ghost Of A Chance” allows for Caine’s meticulous bass lines to radiate amid the flawless vocals, while “Body And Soul” emits beauty, grace and poetic singing via the Johnny Green original.

“You’ve Changed” arrives later and carries some heartache, and “Old Rugged Cross” exits with ambience and strong attention to mood across the gospel classic.

Moody’s voice is so remarkable, this entire album could be a cappella and we’d still be enthralled, but thankfully the strategic use of bass and guitar adds even more allure to the melodic, solo filled and flexible, romantic setting.

Travels well with: Pat Petrillo- Contemporaneous; Mitch Towne- Refuge

Doug MacDonald Trio

Live In Beverly Hills

Dmac, 2026

9/10

Listen to Live In Beverly Hills

The legendary jazz guitarist Doug MacDonald is joined by Lou Shoch and Billy Paul for this live set captured in 2012, where the 7 songs don’t sound at all dated.

The lively spirit of “Samba De Orfeu” starts with MacDonald’s animated guitar amid Shoch’s playful bass, and “Unimpressed” follows with Paul’s drumming acrobatics alongside the speedy grooves.

Moving along, the meticulous “Mall Blues” allows for the energetic rhythm section to complement MacDonald’s warm guitar, while “Baubles, Bangles and Beads” uses the infectious bass lines to accent Stryker’s rhythmic guitar.

“Yesterdays” exits, and it’s a smooth and intimate take on the Jerome David Kern tune that employs the trio’s chemistry superbly.

A straight ahead effort that’s technical and easily accessible, MacDonald continues to release one excellent guitar fueled jazz album after another.

Travels well with: Doug MacDonald- Live At The Rancho Mirage Library; Doug MacDonald- Sextet Session

Dave Stryker

Blue Fire: The Van Gelder Session

Srikezone, 2026

9/10

Listen to Blue Fire: The Van Gelder Session

The inestimable guitarist, Dave Stryker, is joined by Jared Gold and McClenty Hunter for these 9 timeless tracks fleshed out at the Rudy Van Gelder studio- a dream experience of Stryker’s for many years.

The frisky energy of “Van Gelder’s Place” starts with Hunter’s colorful drums and Gold’s playful keys that suit Stryker’s radiant guitar, and “Blue Fire” follows with the acrobatic keys and crisp drumming making an impression.

“Dexterity” and “Waiting For Ruby” land in the middle. The former carries an infectious energy thanks to Stryker’s meticulous guitar, while the latter emits a dreamy tone via the cautious demeanor.

Further on, “The Folks Who Live On The Hill” is a rich and thoughtful album highlight that’s bare but impactful, and “Summer Night” exits with the trio’s dynamic interaction making for a complicated but easily accessible 3/4 closer.

Like everything Stryker does, it’s a melodic, groove filled and rhythmic effort, where the 4 originals are just as great as the interpretations.

Travels well with: Dave Stryker- Stryker With Strings Goes To The Movies; Dave Stryker- Prime

David Leisner

Dedications

Azica, 2026

9/10

Listen to Dedications

The always impressive guitarist and composer David Leisner presents the works of Randall Woolf, Pierre Jalbert, David Del Tredici, Bun-Ching Lam, João Luiz, Laura Kaminsky, Carlos Carrillo, Marilyn Ziffrin, Chester Biscardi, and Peter Sculthorpe across these (mostly) solo guitar selections.

Woolf’s “Going Home” leads with a blues influence, as Leisner’s classical background is present amid the improvisational mood, and Jalbert’s “Two Sides” follows with 2 antipodal movements, where both introspection and firmness are present via the meticulous guitar.

Further along, “MadrigAfro II” embraces Afro Brazilian rhythmic traditions that are quite mesmerizing thanks to the attention to space and mood in the Luiz selection, while Kaminsky’s “Ruminations” balances both meditative moments and energetic bouts that complement the inner conversations.

Landing close to the end, “Rhapsody”, by Ziffrin, is a lyrical, tonally exciting album highlight that truly showcases the scope of Leisner’s abilities, and “Oh, T.J.!” exits with Alan Moverman’s meticulous piano alongside the melodic guitar lines for the dreamy and rich finish.

Leisner now has 11 solo albums under his belt, and this installment is another detailed and timeless effort that further solidifies the widely held opinion that he’s one of the greatest guitar players on our time.

Travels well with: Neave Trio- In Her Hands; David Leisner- Charms To Soothe

DoYeon Kim

Wellspring

TAO Forms, 2026

9/10

Listen Wellspring

The inimitable artist DoYeon Kim is joined by Tyshawn Sorey, Mat Maneri and Henry Fraser for these Korean lullabies that unfold with unpredictable and exiting ideas.

“The Beats Of Distant Thunder” opens with a cinematic quality, where Kim’s gayageum is placed strategically alongside Sorey’s animated drumming, and “Waking In The Dream” follows with hushed singing amid Fraser’s precise bass before the more animated vocals guide the mystery.

“Sun Shower” and “Diffraction” arrive in the middle. The former is strong on ambience via the meticulously played gayageum in a hazy climate, while the latter balances frisky plucking with drumming acrobatics that are nothing short of dizzying.

“Calculus Of Our Souls” exits, and it’s an expressive bout thanks to Kim’s diverse and powerful singing, Maneri’s atypical viola and the colorful rhythm section.

You’re really not going to hear anything else like this out there, as Kim’s commanding presence calls for society to unify across a very experimental and worldly vision that flirts with jazz and No Wave nods.

Travels well with: Joseph Decosimo- Fiery Gizzard; Brandon Seabrook- Hellbent Dream

Claire Dickson

Balance

New Amsterdam, 2006

9/10

Listen to Balance

The Berlin artist Claire Dickson penned these 7 songs over 3 years, where they bloomed via daily encounters with her improvising practice.

The title track opens with Zoh Amba’s adventurous tenor sax amid the stop and start dynamics of the elegant blend of organic and synthetic, and “Doors” follows with Lesley Mok’s drums and Lex Korten’s piano adding to the chilling and artistic delivery that’s sophisticated.

“Waterfeel” and “Stair” occupy the middle spots. The former benefits from Maya Keren’s mesmerizing keys amid Dickson’s breathy voice, while the latter recruits Kitba’s meticulous harp that adds much intrigue to the busier dynamics.

Arriving late, “Hurt Me” allows for Jon Starks’ strategic drumming to complement the rich and beat driven album highlight, and “Eyelid” exits with Cleek Schrey’s violin that complements the expressive singing and colorful ambience.

Even though Dickson made this record in a multi-phase process, it flows together seamlessly, where microphones, synth, field recordings and acoustic instruments make for an unpredictable, exciting and really unique experience.

Travels well with: Zeelie Brown- the apocalypse is not the end but the unveiling; Daniel Wohl- Artificial

CNJR

WSTLND

Future Archive, 2019

8/10

Listen to WSTLND

CNJR bring plenty of creative post-rock ideas to their sonic palette on this debut album, where IDM, darkwave, synthwave, downtempo and indie-tronica all reside in very compelling and sometimes mystifying ways.

“INT’ starts the listen with a haunting cinematic quality with sci-fi noises, before “HRS” brings in a spacey dance track with vocals from Lucie Hamzova. Elsewhere, “PPS” yields a futuristic and moody journey of winding energy and fuzzy melody, while “GRN” reels in darker textures that are almost post-punk influenced.

The back half of the listen offers the dark, apocalyptic setting of “MSI”, the multifaceted landscape of “GSI”, and one of the album’s best, the beat heavy and pulsating energy of “NST”. The curious albums ends on the extremely adventurous and eerie yet exhilarating “PNK”.

In a time when so much electronic music finds itself settling into mundanity, WSTLND forges new paths with both stuck in the past and ahead of its time qualities that are emotional- sometimes cathartic- and never short on complicated interplay and strategic minimalism while painting an electro/analog portrait of undeniably exciting art.

Travels well with: Kraftwerk- Computer World; Son Lux- Brighter Wounds