The Blasters

The Blasters

Liberation Hall, 2026

10/10

Listen to The Blasters

This sophomore album from The Blasters treats to both originals and covers, where the blues, rockabilly, country, jazz, swing, R&B, and early rock & roll the Alvin brothers grew up on is present and made them many new fans when this was originally released in 1981.

The retro rock fun of “Marie Marie” starts with Phil Alvin’s inimitable voice alongside the frisky rhythm section that’s made for the dance floor, and “No Other Girl” follows with Bill Bateman’s lively drumming amid Dave Alvin’s warm guitar playing that guides the quick pace.

“American Music” bops and shakes with an infectious energy thanks to John Bazz’s animated bass, while “So Long Baby Goodbye” has Phil’s harmonica and swift guitar adding much to the melodic landscape that invites singing-along.

Moving close to the end, “This Is It” benefits from Gene Taylor’s pounding keys via the busy yet meticulous rocker, and “Stop The Clock” finishes with rockabilly and boogie-woogie ideas that make for a really memorable finish.

This re-release comes with new liner notes by Chris Morris, band interviews and rare photos. It’s a great peek into an outfit who were pioneers in the area of alt-country and were daring enough to bring saxophones from Lee Allen and Steve Berlin into the masterpiece.

Travels well with: The Blasters- Hard Line; The Blasters- American Music

The Blasters

Hard Line

Liberation Hall, 2026

9/10

Listen to Hard Line

The Blasters released this 4th album in 1985, which had Phil Alvin and crew tweaking their sound for a more contemporary feel. Long out of print, this re-release sees the record accompanied by new liner notes by Chris Morris, and with band interviews and rare photos.

The bouncy and rootsy flavor or “Trouble Bound” opens with Phil’s distinct voice alongside soulful backing vocals and Bill Batemans’s playful drums, and “Just Another Sunday’ follows with Dave Alvin’s flowing guitar that complements the crisp delivery and fuller sound quality.

The middle spot belongs to “Little Honey”, where a softer climate welcomes fiddle amid the intimate singing, while “Samson And Delilah” uses call and response vocals for the gospel influenced bout that’s sparse on instruments.

“Common Man” and “Rock And Roll Will Stand” exit the listen. The former thumps via the retro rock’n’roll spirit that makes great use of John Bazz’s bass and the Alvin’s sturdy guitars, and the latter allows for Gene Taylor’s rowdy keys to fuel to the dance floor energy that will get your body movin’ and groovin’.

An album that’s often a bit more muscular than their work before it, the album hit the charts but would be the last with the original line up. An important piece of the early roots rock sound, John Doe’s contributions won’t go unnoticed, and the myriad of influences sure are appreciated.

Travels well with: The Blasters- American Music; The Blasters- The Complete Concert

Jeremy Bass

Cabin Songs

Adhyâropa, 2026

9/10

Listen to Cabin Songs

The fingerstyle guitar wizard Jeremy Bass fleshes out 13 songs with just his instrument in a solo setting, where the intimacy is gripping.

The warm beauty of “Mole’s Moan” opens with much grace radiating from Bass’ precise fingers, and “Prairie Morning” follows with a dreamy mood that’s heartfelt.

Getting closer to the middle, “Currents” offers a rich and poetic climate that’s touching, while the title track is a meticulous and mesmerizing album highlight which showcases Bass’ tremendous detail.

Near the end, “At Midnight The Moon On Still Water Like God’s Streetlamp” flows with soft melodies that are charming, even enlightening, and “Now I Will Follow The Path The Water Takes Down The Mountain In Springtime” exits with a fluid delivery that’s nearly spiritual in its stirring quality.

Bass is classically trained, and widened his scope while studying in Italy and Spain. He also brings Celtic and country blues influence to this album, where the highly technical performance is easily accessible and uniquely memorable.

Travels well with: Whispering Worlds- Cosmic Worlds; Ezra- Froggy’s Demise

Georgia Weber And The Sleeved Hearts

Big In Japan

Princess Veronica, 2026

9/10

Listen to Big In Japan

The jazz singer-songwriter Georgia Weber pens a quick but very diverse listen, where grief, love, and memory are explored with much emotion and wit.

“Jo” opens and brings a soft dreaminess that’s a bit mysterious in its briefness, and “Kintsugi” follows with cautious beauty, where Weber’s soft voice is met with Kenji Herbert’s lush guitar and Nathan Ellman-Bell’s restrained drums.

In the middle, the ambience of “Wind Telephone” swirls with a mesmerizing bout of heartfelt singing and cinematic ideas that make great use Weber’s bass and voice.

At the end, “Urashima Taro” comes with a drum filled intro before the eloquent singing and intimate versus adventurous contrast enters, and “Koinobori” exits with a quick instrumental that’s introspective in an atypical way.

A highly creative listen that benefits from Japanese traditions and folk tales, Weber’s use of calm harmonies, sonically intriguing backdrops and gentle grooves keeps the listener guessing and engaged.

Travels well with: Amy Jay- Mnemonics; Bandits On The Run- Now Is The Time

St. Arnaud

St. Arnaud

Cordova Bay, 2026

9/10

Listen to St. Arnaud

The Canadian indie-pop artist Ian St.Arnaud, i.e. St. Arnaud, has already made an impression with a pair of quirky albums, but this 3rd LP recruits a full band for the diverse and unpredictable climate.

“Your House” opens with St. Arnaud’s flowing guitar and upbeat vocals, where a punchy mood welcomes animated trumpet, too, and “How Lucky” follows with Connor Mead’s thumping drums that suit the animated melodies.

Further along, the heartfelt and soulful “Love You (For Real)” enlists some grooves, while “Pretend Like You Do” makes great use of Jonathan Chavez’s frisky keys amid the dense guitar riffs and plenty of sing-alongs.

Moving closer to the end, “Better Than Fine” offers an intimate moment of emotive storytelling and rich songwriting, and “She’s Got To Wait” exits with Tory Rosso’s meticulous guitar adding much to the textured and timeless rock ideas.

St. Arnaud resides on the ‘goofy side of self-serious indie-rock’ where the many hooks, spontaneity and slacker aesthetic makes for another atypical and exciting listen.

Travels well with: St. Arnaud- Love On The Front Lawn; Nameless Friends- The Quiet Part, Loudly

The Corner Laughers

Concerns Of Wasp And Willow

Big Stir, 2026

9/10

Listen to Concerns Of Wasp And Willow

The indie-pop outfit, The Corner Laughers, return with their first album in half a decade, where their smart songwriting touches on nostalgic and charming ideas.

“Terra Mia” opens the listen with Karla Kane’s warm ukulele and expressive voice before Charlie Crabtree’s animated drumming enters the power-pop ideas, and “Dusking” follows with KC Bowman’s melodic guitar amid the heartfelt singing and timeless folk-pop nods.

Arriving at the halfway point, “The Harvestman” places Khoi Huynh on bass and keys amid the cozy songwriting, while “Dark Matter” leads with ambience before the animated rhythm section and flowing vocals illuminate the infectious energy.

“Victoria Sponge” and “Larkspur Landing” exit the listen. The former recruits Helen Lurker’s well timed backing vocals and Angela Rhoades’ meticulous guitar via the textured album highlight that’s got some retro spirit, and the latter finishes with Jeri Sykes’ woodwinds giving the finish a chamber presence that’s especially skilled.

A really intricate and easily accessible record that embraces folk, pop, indie, chamber, jazz, twee and even punk, you never know what each song will bring, but it will be memorable and executed superbly.

Travels well with: The Jack Rubies- Visions In The Bowling Alley; Splitsville- Mobtown

Katherine Jolly/Emily Yap Chua

No Ordinary Woman

Navona, 2026

8/10

Listen to No Ordinary Woman

The soprano Katherine Jolly and pianist Emily Yap Chua come together for 3 detailed selections that surround love that utilizes text about romance during war.

Gwyneth Walker’s “No Ordinary Woman” opens with Jolly’s animated voice alongside Chua’s lively keys for the unpredictable 5 chapters that radiate beauty, grace and adventurousness.

Carla Lucero’s “Love In Times Of War” lands in the middle and enlists the frisky piano amid expressive singing across the melodic segments that also inject talking.

The last selection, “Nikki’s Love Songs”, by Dominick DiOrio, emits romantic ideas that range from upbeat and playful to soft and bare via the heartfelt delivery.

Themes of vitality, wit, and erotic passion are explored across the chamber and vocal music focused affair, where the duo’s performance is meticulous and timeless.

Travels well with: Patrick Moore/Andrew Staupe- Four Seasons; Nicholas Goluses- Across The Horizon

The Legal Matters

Lost At Sea

Big Stir, 2026

10/10

Listen to Lost At Sea

The Michigan rockers The Legal Matters are back with a handful of new tracks, as they keep evolving from their power-pop roots into plenty of exciting indie-rock avenues while still embracing the past.

The warm mood of “Everybody Knows” opens, where harmonic vocals and thick guitars are both powerful and melodic, and “The Message” follows with focus on acoustic guitar for the punchy and buzzing climate it builds into.

“It Doesn’t Matter” and “Let Me Explain” land in the middle. The former swirls with a dreaminess amid the hard hitting moments that are anthemic, while the latter lands in balladry thanks to the heartfelt singing.

Arriving late, the retro ideas of “Slow Down” enlists soothing backing vocals to complement the poetic singing of the hazy delivery, and “The Exit Signs” finishes with an infectious energy that’s nostalgic and invites singing-along.

If bands like Big Star, Teenage Fanclub, The Beatles or The Beach Boys mean anything to you, it would be wise to familiarize yourself with The Legal Matters and this excellent 4th album, cause it will likely be one of the best of 2026.

Travels well with: The Jack Rubies- Visions In The Bowling Alley; Crossword Smiles- Consequences + Detours

Richard Carrick

I’Algérie

New Focus, 2026

9/10

Listen to I’Algérie

The pianist and composer Richard Carrick presents 9 diverse pieces that embrace extended techniques and structured improvisation that recruits the Either/Or ensemble.

“Mémorial” opens the listen with a distinct droning, where John Popham’s cello is used strategically, and “Ain Bessem” follows with Bahar Badieitabar’s precise oud adding much culture to the harmonic landscape.

Halfway through, “Interlude” focuses much on space and tension in its unpredictable demeanor, while “La Reine” enlists Carrick’s mesmerizing piano and Justin Jay Hines’ frisky percussion that work together with an atypical energy.

Residing close to the end, “Gnawa Loops” radiates animated keys, upbeat strings and crisp percussion via the rock focused moment, and “Traverser” exits with a cinematic appeal that enlists Jennifer Choi’s detailed violin, which helps create a haunting mood.

The songs reflect an imagined journey through Algeria, and ideas from chamber, jazz and world music populate the avant-garde experience that’s never short on texture or timbral exploration.

Travels well with: Jonathan Bagg- Viola Revival; Andy Kozar- Ein Horn

Hallie Grace

Motivation

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Motivation

The Charlotte indie-pop artist Hallie Grace makes an impression with this debut, where themes of life’s up and downs are met with sincerity and playfulness.

The title track opens with ambience and wordless vocals before Grace’s warm singing enters the brief tune, and “Vices” follows with a beat driven moment that allows for Grace’s expressive voice to guide the modern-pop ideas.

Deeper into the 11 songs, “WASTE IT” balances intimacy with frisky ideas that uses the piano strategically, while “you’re still here” lands in balladry via the emotive keys from Nathan Pauley that suit Grace’s poetic singing.

Closer to the end, the dreamy and lush “Hold Me Tight” offers a vulnerable moment of beauty and exploration, and “When The Rain Falls” exits with a more folk presence via the cozy acoustic guitar and powerful singing that tugs on the heartstrings.

Grace went through some serious turmoil right as she was finishing this album, and that is reflected in many of the very personal themes, while other songs are animated, pop filled moments that could soundtrack a night at the club.

An artist with many dimensions to her craft, this is an excellent starting point and it illustrates Grace’s ability to find light even in the darkest of times.

Travels well with: Dwight + Nicole- Day Or Night; Tobacco & Rose- Tobacco & Rose

Jonathan Bagg

Viola Revival

New Focus, 2026

9/10

Listen to Viola Revival

The violist Jonathan Bagg is in great company for these 3 involved pieces from African American composers who were criminally overlooked in their time.

Marion Bauer’s “Sonata For Viola And Piano, Op. 22” opens with Bagg’s intimate viola alongside Emely Phelps’ meticulous piano that weave in and out of heartfelt and firm ideas across the 3 segments.

In the middle, “Sonata For Viola And Piano”, by Ulysses Kay, again sees Bagg’s careful strings complemented by Phelps’ for the dramatic and poetic selections that embrace triple meter, rhythmic displacement and mysteriousness.

Margaret Bonds’ “Troubled Water” exits, and it pairs the stirring viola with Mimi Solomon’s lovely keys amid the lively arpeggios and blues tinted moments.

Bagg’s resume is quite impressive, and this project further displays his inimitable viola talents with excellent pianists who illuminate the underrepresented composers that we should all be more familiar with.

Travels well with: Conrad Tao- Adam Roberts: Book Of Flowers; Andy Kozar- Ein Horn

Eliza Garth

By The River

Centaur, 2026

9/10

Listen to By The River

The esteemed pianist Eliza Garth presents an expressive and technical body of work that makes for 6 memorable and detailed pieces.

David Froom’s “Variations On An Early American” opens with Garth’s expressive keys emitting beauty and melody, and Scott Wheeler’s “Beach Spring” follows with detailed attention to mood, where the unpredictable piano is quite mesmerizing.

Entering the middle, “Teeth”, by Sheree Clement, spends 10+ minutes drawing us into the voice, ambience and curious keys, while “Six Choral Preludes, Op. 122” emits lush and poetic ideas across the many segments that can be firm, harmonic and heartfelt via Johannes Brahms’ vision.

Frederick Tillis’ “Spiritual Fantasy No. 4” exits, and it’s an atypical and charming bout that pays close attention to space, emotion and atmosphere.

An extremely well thought out effort, Garth takes the hymn influences and parlays it into a highly diverse and enlightening experience.

Travels well with: Daniel Strong Godfrey- Toward Light; Louise Dubin- Passages: French Cello Works

Orli Shaham/Pacific Symphony

American Tapestry

Tonsehen, 2026

9/10

Listen to American Tapestry

The pianist Orli Shaham and the Pacific Symphony present chamber music by living Americans, where many world premieres illustrate incredible chemistry between the artists.

Viet Cuong’s “Wax And Wire” starts the listen with Joshua Ranz’s animated clarinet complementing Shaham’s lively keys via the cinematic climate, and “Saans” follows with a gentle spirit amid Dennis Kim’s elegant violin that suits the dreamy piano of the Reena Esmail piece.

In the middle, Avner Dorman’s “Sextet” flows across 4 chapters of pounding keys and Richard Cassarino’s rumbling bass that leads into calm moments of soft trumpet from Tony Ellis, while “The Currents”, by Sarah Kirkland Snider, is just Shaham’s meticulous keys which radiate tremendous grace and color.

“Peace” and “Parallel Isolations” exit the listen. The former, by Jessie Montgomery, pairs Shaham’s lush keys with Kim’s stirring violin, and the latter, by Margaret Brouwer, enlists Benjamin Smolen’s flute, Warren Hagerty’s cello, Kim’s violin and Shaham’s piano to cultivate a curious and unpredictable finish.

An accomplished effort where each track takes on its own identity, Shaham and company more than keep our attention from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Frank Morelli- From The Soul; Inbal Megiddo- Bach Cello Suites

Idith Meshulam Korman

Martines: The Complete Keyboard Works

Signum, 2026

9/10

Listen to Martines: The Complete Keyboard Works

This first complete modern recording of the surviving keyboard music of Marianna Martines (1744–1812) is fleshed out by the conductor Cayenna Ponchione-Bailey, plus the pianist Idith Meshulam Korman and the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra.

“Keyboard Concerto in G Major” opens with much elegance from the melodic strings and Korman’s gorgeous keys, and “ Keyboard Sonata in A Major” follows with upbeat piano progressions that are frisky and playful.

“Keyboard Concerto in E Major” lands in the middle and showcases the dynamic strings that radiate tremendous precision and grace, while “Keyboard Sonata in A Major” tugs on the heartstrings with its intimate gestures and attention to mood.

Arriving late “Keyboard Sonata in G major” is quite animated, where the dizzying keys and joyous demeanor is greatly appreciated, and “Sinfonia in C Major” exits with a booming presence that can also retreat to calmer areas.

Korman’s career has been defined by activism and providing a voice for those overlooked, and she does a great job of illuminating Martines’ work with the stunning orchestra’s contributions adding even more allure.

Travels well with: Dominick Argento- The Voyage Of Edgar Allen Poe; Lontano Ensemble- Choctaw Places

Terry Robb

Howlin’ Waters

New Folk, 2026

9/10

Listen to Howlin’ Waters

The legendary acoustic blues guitarist Terry Robb treats us to 13 songs of his fingerpicking ways, where plenty of different ideas are explored.

The really intricate progressions of the warm “St Charles St Rag” opens with an upbeat mood that’s infectious, and “Alleluia Shuffle” follows with plenty of timeless blues spirit via the strong attention to melody.

Further along, “But Not Now” uses Robb’s expressive voice superbly amid the playful guitar, while “Boogie In 7” will get your body moving to the grooves and rhythm, where Gary Hobbs’ thumping drums and Eddie Parente’s violin won’t go unnoticed.

Deeper still, “Tripped And Fell” recruits Hank Lionhart’s pipes and David Captein’s frisky upright bass to the album highlight, and “Fahey At Bush Park” exits with Robb’s meticulous and heartfelt guitar playing front and center.

Certainly a blues record, but not without ragtime, jazz, folk, Americana and rock’n’roll present, Robb’s playing is unparalleled and the songs are all immediately memorable.

Travels well with: Paul “Mayo” Mayasich- Threads; Jimi ‘Prime Time’ Smith- It’s My Time

Rose's Pawn Shop

American Seams

Copaco/Blue Élan, 2026

9/10

Listen to American Seams

This 5th album from Rose’s Pawn Shop sees the sextet fleshing out a live tracked 10 songs that allows for plenty of folk, bluegrass, and country influences to enter their Americana.

The title track starts with Jesse Olema’s glowing fiddle before Paul Givant’s smooth pipes guide the quick roots rocker, and “Where the Horizon Has Light” follows with a calmer mood via Matt Lesser’s skilled drums and Stephen Andrew’s lively bass playing.

The middle tune belongs to “What If We Run”, where Adam Hall’s well timed banjo suits the intimate delivery, while “Escape Artist” benefits from Deacon Marrquin’s frisky drums that complement Givant’s fluid guitar and bright storytelling.

Residing near the end, the rural spirit of “Ain’t No Way” recruits Skip Edwards’ meticulous keys amid the emotive vocals, and “Autumn Eyes” finishes with cozy harmony vocals that align with the reflective mood.

Rose’s Pawn Shop tip their hat to old time America with this authentic listen, where their timeless vision ensures that every song will be worth repeated visits.

Travels well with: Cory Branan- When Do I Ghost; Janiva Magness- Hard To Kill

Nick Justice

Rain Dancing

Tres Pescadores, 2026

9/10

Listen to Rain Dancing

The troubadour Nick Justince pens songs for the common man, and here we get 12 tracks of his timeless and authentic Americana.

The warm spirit of “Bide My Time” opens with Justice’s cozy pipes alongside Jay Dee Maness’ flowing pedal steel, and “Something In The Milk Ain’t Clean” follows with Ed Tree’s rich guitar playing that suits the heartfelt storytelling and Forest Miller’s glowing fiddle.

The title track lands in the middle and benefits from Justice’s harmonica and Scott Babcock’s strategic drumming, while “Juarez” recruits Brad Colerick’s well timed background vocals for the rich and cautious delivery.

Getting closer to the end, David Carpenter’s meticulous upright bass complements Richard Stekol’s emotive guitar and the poetic singing across “Only The River”, and “Time Passing By” exits with eloquent songwriting and introspective singing that will always be relevant.

The songs balance grit and beauty in a way that only Justice can, and the excellent players help make every track appealing to fans of folk, roots and sincere song craft that’s easily relatable.

Travels well with: Chris McKay And The Critical Darlings- Satisfactionista; Nick Justice- Stranger In My Town

Nameless Friends

The Quiet Part, Loudly

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Quiet Part, Loudly

The Toronto rockers, Nameless Friends, return with a sophomore album, where plenty of atypical ideas enter 13 energetic tracks.

“Everything Is Fine” opens with ambience that serves as warm up to the buzzing and hard hitting “I’m Afraid Of Failure”, which comes with a punk spirit that’s not short melody.

Further along, “More” uses dense guitar and speedy drums amid the raw vocals, while “There’s A Rapist In The White House” is groove filled and surprisingly calm though lyrically there’s no punches pulled.

Closer to the end, “Blasphemy” enlists expressive singing alongside the anthemic delivery that invites singing along, and “…” exits with less than a minute of nature-esque sounds that are quite soothing.

Residing somewhere near modern glam, prog-punk and metal-ish rock, Nameless Friends use theatrics, political wordplay and plenty of power and grit for a listening experience you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys- Pale Bloom; Louie Blue- Blood & Bones

Mitch Ryder

Songs From The Road

Ruf, 2026

9/10

Listen to Songs From The Road

The inimitable Mitch Ryder delivers a live album captured in Berlin in March 2025 at the Frannz Club, where the 13 blues tracks come on both CD and DVD.

The warm keys of “Lilli May” opens with Ryder’s distinct pipes guiding the thumping and melodic climate, and “Ain’t Nobody White” follows with Denis Palatin’s skilled drumming amid the dense guitars and gritty voice.

In the middle, “Oh What A Night” benefits much from Lea Worms’ meticulous keys that suit Ryder’s bright storytelling, while “The Thrill Of It All” showcases Tomek Germann’s animated bass playing in the driving blues rocker that’s plenty tuneful.

Deeper into the back half, the busy and dynamic “Wrong Hands” makes great use of Laura Chavez and Sean Athens’ sturdy guitar licks alongside Ryder’s flowing pipes, and “The Artist” exits with a sublime intimacy via the emotive piano and heartfelt singing.

Ryder has 30+ albums to his credit spanning 5 decades, and this live set shows him doing what he does best, i.e. playing raw and timeless music that incorporates blues, soul and rock’n’roll like no one else has or will.

Travels well with: Mitch Ryder- With Love; Albert Castiglia- Righteous Souls

Chateau Chateau

Evidence

TCBYML, 2019

9/10

Listen to Evidence

A new outfit from Tucson, Arizona who began as a garage-pop quartet in 2018, these days Chateau Chateau are knee deep in synth heavy indie-pop as a 5 piece, and on Evidence they collect their 3 well received singles plus a pair of new tunes in their well crafted arsenal.

The title track leads the listen with bright, shimmering pop, where melodic vocals match the tuneful atmosphere, and “Burn Me Alive” follows with a calmer setting where complex percussion builds the tune into a glowing, summery anthem.

The last 3 tunes are equally strong, including the subdued and buzzing “Times Are Changin’”, the dreamy and agile highlight “Neil’s Song”, and the quirky ‘80s influenced “Driving In Circles”, which closes the listen out as creatively as it started with saxophone fun.

A simply irresistible effort here, it wouldn’t surprise me if Chateau Chateau are a household name a year from now as they know how to pen a tune that won’t escape your mind anytime soon.

Travels well with: The 1975- The 1975Of Montreal- White Is Relic/Irrealis Mood