Bill Brennan and Andy McNeill

Dreaming In Gamelan

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Dreaming In Gamelan

The multi-instrumentalists Bill Brennan and Andy McNeill are joined by Hugh Marsh’s violin for these 10 worldly songs whose inception goes back to 2001 when the filmmaker Carol Moore-Ede wanted to use gamelan for her documentary Surgeons Of The Future.

“Tunnels Of Light” starts the listen with warm percussive sounds unfolding with mystery and eloquence, and the title track follows with a dreamy component that pays close attention to atmosphere.

“Cloud Forest” arrives at the halfway point and uses minimalism strategically amid the charming tonality, while “Journey Ahead” emits a distinct droning that’s soft and ambient.

“Three Paths” and “Reverie” exit the listen. The former weaves in and out of cinematic ideas that make great use of Brennan’s vibraphone, and the latter spends 10+ minutes mesmerizing us with its chilling electronics and gentle instrumentation.

You can tell a lot of work went into this album, where rich textures and the distinct atmospherics inherent to gamelan radiates delicacy and a sparseness that’s quite engaging.

Travels well with: Stef.In- Icterus II; Nick Storring- Mirante

Noah Franche-Nolan

Rose-Anna

Cellar, 2025

8/10

Listen to Rose-Anna

The Vancouver keyboardist and composer Noah Franche-Nolan is joined by Jodi Proznick and Nicholas Bracewell for these 11 modern jazz tracks that bring a lot of diversity to the equation.

The soft mood of “Sublimation I” starts with Bracewell’s well timed drums alongside the rich keys that create mystery and warmth, and “Nasz Dom” follows with dancing piano amid the light melodies and crisp drumming.

“Prayer” and “Rotations” land in the middle. The former showcases meticulous keys alongside acrobatic drumming, while the latter is strong on ambience and even gets a bit haunting in its meticulous nature.

Arriving close to the end, “Devotion” focuses on the intimate piano with much elegance, and “Sublimation III” exits with a busier approach, as Proznick’s agile bass complements the firm keys and animated drumming.

The trio cover a lot of ground here, where grooves, hymns, meditative moments, minimal gestures and atypical spiritual stabs makes for an electro-acoustic experience that won’t soon be forgotten.

Travels well with: Sean Clarke- A Flower For My Daughter; Christopher Whitley- almost as soft as silence

John Vanore & Abstract Truth

Easter Island Suite

Acoustical Concepts, 2026

9/10

Listen to Easter Island Suite

The Philadelphia trumpeter, composer and bandleader John Vanore leads the ensemble Abstract Truth through a 4 part suite that surrounds the landscape, culture and mystery of Eastern Island.

“Discovery” starts the listen with Vanore’s rich trumpet alongside Ron Thomas’ well timed keys and Craig Thomas’ playful bass lines, and “Gods And Devils” follows with Bob Howell’s lively sax and Greg Kettinger’s flowing guitar that suits Vanore’s bright horn.

On the the back half, “The Secret Caves” leads with Brian Landru’s moody bass clarinet before the layered horns and Dan Monaghan’s animated drums enter both gentle and busy moments. while “Rano Raraku (Journey To The Lake)” exits with a dreamy demeanor that balances soothing and haunting ideas via the 15+ minutes of exploration.

An effort that tries to take us to Easter Island, Vanore’s research helps create a portrait of the remote lands thanks to these creative, rich and meticulous jazz pieces.

Travels well with: Lena Bloch- Marina; Patricia Brennan- Of The Near And Far

No Hay Banda/Zihua Tan

what came before me is going after me

No Hay Discos, 2025

8/10

Listen to what came before me is going after me

The music and text of Zihua Tan is fleshed out by the always impressive No Hay Banda, where the 2 lengthy pieces blend experimental, electroacoustic and contemporary classical ideas.

“remnants present” occupies the first half with Noah Bierstone’s adventurous and dynamic percussive abilities. For 16+ minutes, the strategic rattling and thumping gongs intrigue us via the animated delivery.

The title track finishes out the listen, and it recruits Sarah Albu’s stunning voice, unpredictable strings thanks to Adrianne Munden-Dixon (violin) and Audréanne Filion’s (cello), Bierstone’s percussion and Daniel Anez’s ondes martenot for the very colorful climate that can seem like found objects, has the ability to buzz cinematically, and showcases powerful harmonics amid the creative and noisy gestures.

A sonically engaging experience that is artistic and iconoclastic, the extended techniques and skilled abstraction surrounds the unconventional, complex and theatrical performance.

Travels well with: No Hay Banda- Il Teatro Rosso; Nick Storring- Mirante

Tim Brady

For Electric Guitar

People Places, 2025

9/10

Listen to For Electric Guitar

The Montréal guitarist Tim Brady has a lengthy and esteemed career, and this double CD continues his meticulous vision with a stunning solo performance.

Disc 1 starts with “For Electric Guitar And FX Pedals”, where the 3 sections emit intricate progressions and strong attention to atmosphere that’s melodic, and “Really, Really Solo Electric Guitar Music” follows with 15 minutes of gentle versus quick bouts that can get cinematic and illustrate Brady’s very distinct playing.

Disc 2 belongs to “9.75 Pieces About Change”, where 9 movements radiate soothing qualities, sublime reflection, and rhythmic patterns that shimmer with grace and wonder.

Brady explores prog-rock, nordic jazz ambience and post-minimal bouts here, and his adaptable and thoughtful nature sure is appreciated via the stunning control of the guitar.

Travels well with: Patrick Smith- Words Underlined; Arid Landscapes- Arid Landscapes

Melissa Carper

A Very Carper Christmas

Mae/Soundly, 2025

9/10

Listen to A Very Carper Christmas

The inimitable artist Melissa Carper already has 3 well received solo albums to her credit, and here she puts her distinct voice to use across 15 charming holiday songs.

“Plug In A Tree” opens with Carper’s unique voice alongside Dennis Crouch’s playful upright bass and Katie Shore’s playful fiddle in the old time flavor, and “I Want A Dog” follows with a softer mood thanks to the expressive singing and Doug Corcoran’s soft sax.

Landing in the middle, “Sit By A Fire With You” uses Shore’s inviting pipes amid Chris Gelb’s light drumming for the intimacy, while “Christmas In New Orleans” is a rich album highlight that recruits Jeff Taylor’s spirited accordion and Tim Crouch’s well timed fiddle.

Residing near the end, “Oh Cheeseball” enlists Gina Gallina’s voice and Taylor’s dolceola for the cozy harmonies, and “The Day After Christmas” exits with soulful sax, Emily Gimble’s cozy Rhodes and the distinct singing.

The record consists of 2 solo originals, 2 classic covers and the remainder being collaborations with Gallina, Shore and Brennen Leigh, as Carper explores Country and Western Swing, R&B, folk, Latin and many other sounds for a project that resonates even when it’s 90 degrees out.

Travels well with: Melissa Carper- Borned In Ya; Melissa Carper- Ramblin’ Soul

Patrick Smith

Words Underlined

Lit Soc, 2025

9/10

Listen to Words Underlined

The saxophonist Patrick Smith is joined by Dan Pitt and Lowell Whitty for these both composed and improvised selections that showcase the tremendous talent of these 3 luminaries in the Toronto jazz scene.

“Hazel” leads with Smith’s rich and elegant sax alongside Pitt’s dreamy guitar, and “Banff” follows with melodic guitar and Whitty’s animated drumming, where more rock focused ideas enter.

In the middle, “I’ve Found A Nemesis” showcases Smith’s playful sax amid the animated guitar and frisky drums, while “As Years Go By” moves intimately via the heartfelt instrumentation that’s cautious and stirring.

“Strength” and “Grass In Summer” exit. The former radiates elegance from Smith’s skilled sax and the latter continues that theme with much atmosphere and warmth.

The album was recorded live off the floor and covers many ideas in the jazz realm with incredible detail, much care and a timeless appeal.

Travels well with: Dory Hayley- i love evil; Valley Voice- Stars, Engines

Quatuor Mémoire

Chronos, Kairos & Aion

Mnémosyne, 2025

9/10

Listen to Chronos, Kairos & Aion

This debut from the Montreal quartet Quatuor Mémoire presents 3 pieces from a trio of rising composers from their city, where microtonality, quarter tones and polyrhythm is in attendance.

Florence Tremblay’s “Insides” starts with a strategic haze, where the strings mesh with intrigue and mystery across 11+ minutes of cinematic gestures.

“Quatuor a cordes no. 2”, by Louis-Michel Tougas, follows, and enlists a polyphonic approach, as Bailey Wantuch and Meggie Lacombe’s violins move at different speeds versus the other strings for a very unpredictable climate.

Olivier St-Pierre's “Chronos, Kaïros et Aiôn” exits, and across 3 movements it showcases Marilou Lepage’s technical viola and Audréanne Filion’s distinct cello playing that help fuel the microtonal pitches and atypical harmonics that use space attentively.

An excellent first album, the quartet’s atypical interaction and the fascinating use of rhythm, flexible patterns and metronomic time only enhance the listening experience.

Travels well with: Arid Landscapes- Arid Landscapes; Nick Storring- Mirante

Eddie Allen's Push

The Rhythm

Origin, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Rhythm

Eddie Allen’s trumpet is aligned with Push’s esteemed line up, where plenty of worldly ideas enter the 13 lively and playful tracks.

“The Rhythm” starts the listen with Allen’s rich trumpet alongside EJ Strickland’s animated drumming via the indeed rhythmic climate, and “Between The Darkness And The Dawn” follows with a calmer mood thanks to Tyler Bullock II’s dreamy keys and Jonathan Beshay’s soulful tenor sax.

Further along, “Mood Indigo” benefits much from Misha Tsiganov’s intricate keys that add much charm to the frisky landscape, while “Our Day Will Come” showcases Kenny Davis’ skilled bass amid the melodic and smooth album highlight.

Near the end, the vibrant and lively “7 Days” blends the colorful keys, radiant horn and meticulous rhythm section with much attention to detail, and “Eve’s Deception” exits with both the trumpet and sax taking turns mesmerizing us alongside the quick keys.

An effort that embraces Latin grooves, reggae pulses, and urban textures, Allen and company swing with a contagious energy from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Michael Dease- Spartan Strong; Mike Pope- The Parts You Keep

Soen

Reliance

Silver Linging, 2026

9/10

Listen to Reliance

The Swedish prog-rockers Soen are back with a 7th album, where their hard hitting ways balance light and dark, loud and calm, and heavy and soothing with incredible attention to detail.

“Primal” starts the listen with the band’s inimitable abrasive presence, where Joel Ekelöf’s harmonic voice is met with dense guitars and Martin Lopez’s thundering drums, and “Mercenary” follows with Stefan Stenberg’s precise bass adding much to the thick grooves and melodic backdrop that employs dreaminess, too.

Halfway through, the grungy “Huntress” pairs soft ambience with abrasive bouts, while “Unbound” chugs intensely thanks to Cody Lee Ford’s meticulous guitar licks.

Landing near the end, “Draconian” allows for Lars Enok Åhlund’s mature keys to lead into rugged yet tuneful alt-metal, and “Vellichor” exits with a pretty demeanor that floats gently before building into a powerful, swirling finish.

Whether this is your first time or you’ve been following along for a while, Soen are going to impress you, as few bands that exist today are playing prog-metal as great as these Swedes.

Travels well with:Dark Chapel- Spirit In The Glass; Soen- Memorial

Michael Dease

Spartan Strong

Origin, 2026

9/10

Listen to Spartan Strong

Michael Dease’s always exceptional trombone is joined by the MSU Jazz Trombones plus many others for these 14 Big Band fueled tracks that welcome much diversity.

Dease’s rich trombone starts the listen with “Huesos Con Clave” before Altin Sencalar offers an animated trombone solo and Xavier Davis’ dancing keys impress us, and “Remembrance” follows with a heartfelt mood thanks to Pablo Muller-Santiago’s rich trombone presence.

“Some Skunk Funk” arrives closer to the middle and benefits from Chris Glassman’s animated bass trombone amid a frisky energy, while “The Nearness Of You” spotlights Nanami Haruta’s elegant trombone and Keith Hall’s crisp drumming.

Close to the end, “Blues After Dark” allows for Kyle Quick’s bass trombone and Daniel Bear’s trombone to draw us into the bluesy flavor, and “Blues In The Closet” exits with Bridgette Setters and Dan Parrish’s trombones adding greatly to the swift and dynamic finish.

There’s a couple of rhythm sections present, and they sure to contribute greatly to the Afro-Cuban grooves, trombone choir bouts and colorful swingin’ fun of this infectious effort.

Travels well with: Mike Pope- The Parts You Keep; Ben Markley- Tell The Truth

Hugo Blouin

Le buffet

Ambiances Magnétiques, 2025

8/10

Listen to Le buffet

This 4th album has the multi-instrumentalist Hugo Blouin brings along some friends for the songs that surrounds his friend’s favourite recipes and childhood memories, which makes for a buffet of sounds and ideas.

The lively mood of “Soupe pragmatique” starts with Aurélien Tomasi’s bright sax that suits Eugénie Jobin Tremblay’s animated voice which guides the energy, and “La patate au sucre” follows with John Hollenbeck’s colorful drumming in both busy and calm moments.

In the middle spot, “Un art du temps” benefits from Marianne Trudel’s expressive keys amid the unpredictable textures, while “La sauce” allows for Blouin’s clever bass to complement the pretty vocals.

Arriving near the end, “Du jazz sérieux” enlists Émilie Fortin’s well timed trumpet that helps make this the album’s best via the creative jazz climate, and “Un camion pizza” exits with Marion Rampal’s elegant voice and clarinette basse’s soothing clarinet helping cultivate a mature and cozy finish.

An eclectic effort that pulls from soul, jazz and avant-garde nods, Blouin’s vision is humorous, intimate, rich and memorable from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Géraldine Eguiluz/Michel F Côté- hORs TempS; Dory Hayley- i love evil

Gil Livni

All In

Origin, 2026

9/10

Listen to All In

Gil Livni’s guitar is joined by Amit Friedman, Yonatan Rosen and Yonatan Riklis for 10 diverse tracks that expand playfully from jazz ideas.

The very quick and exciting “Wonder Woman” starts with Livni’s incredible guitar playing alongside Riklis’ warm organ, and the title track follows with Friedman’s rich sax playing that suits the rich and melodic mood.

Landing in the middle, the intimate spirit of “I Thought About You” showcases Livni’s heartfelt guitar amid Rosen’s cozy drumming, while “Granted” offers a lively and meticulous album highlight that flirts with rock ideas.

Close to the end, “Red Bird” moves fast and with much chemistry between the quartet, and “Gentleman’s Blues” exits with an indeed bluesy spirit via the soulful sax, crisp drums, well timed keys and, of course, fluid guitar playing.

A body of work that incorporates hard bop, swingin’ fun and no lack of grooves, Livni and company flesh out a first rate, jazz guitar effort.

Travels well with: Affinity Trio- New Outlook; Ted Piltzecker- Peace Vibes

Paul Ricci

The Path

Origin, 2026

8/10

Listen to The Path

The inimitable Paul Ricci is joined by 17 collaborators for 7 songs that took 29 years to come together for this occasion.

The rhythmic “Major Look” starts the listen with Steve Jordan’s frisky drums and Michael Wolff’s animated electric piano that complements Ricci’s radiant guitar playing, and “Whenever” follows with Anthony Jackson’s meticulous contrabass guitar and Alex Foster’s rich soprano sax adding much warmth to the textured climate.

“Sleeping Beauty” and “Around The Block” land in the middle. The former is elegant and poetic thanks to André Mehmari’s skilled Fender rhodes, as Ricci handles electric bass, while the latter benefits from Jurim Moreira’s colorful drums that suits Valtinho Anastácio’s lively percussion.

“Down On 6th St.” exits, and it’s a more reserved moment courtesy of Rogerio Boccato’s light drumming and Ricci’s dreamy guitar.

The players in attendance span 3 continents and add much diversity and culture for these timeless songs that emit top notch guitar driven jazz.

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

Géraldine Eguiluz/Michel F Côté

hORs TempS

Ambiances Magnetiques, 2025

9/10

Listen to hORs TempS

These pieces by Géraldine Eguiluz originally resided on cassettes in Paris in the early ‘90s, and after being presented to Michel F Côté they were restored and reworked into these expressive 16 tracks.

“Territoires perdus #1” opens with raw vocals and plenty of percussive sounds that carries a tribal spirit, and “La montaná el agua” follows with hazy synth and a slow groove that emits a haze of warmth.

Further along, “La jeune fille et la vie” pairs dissonant ideas with unpredictable keys and wordless vocals, while “Despedida” throbs a bit amid the melodic keys and ethereal vocals alongside much intimacy.

Close to the end, “La montana dorada” uses distinct vocal inflections and plenty of background noisesmakers, and “Territoires perdus #5” exits with a mesmerizing quality that blends brass into the adventurous finish.

The duo handle so many instruments here it’s dizzying, where the 4 larger pieces surround farewells, migrations, spirits, loss, finitude, and even joy, and it comes from a very artistic, spiritual and acoustic and electronic angle that’s fascinating.

Travels well with: Dory Hayley- i love evil; Valley Voice- Stars, Engines

Naseem Alatrash

Bright Colors On A Dark Canvas

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to Bright Colors On A Dark Canvas

The Grammy Nominated cellist, composer and educator Naseem Alatrash blends modern classical and jazz ideas with his Arabic heritage across these diverse 7 tracks that welcome many players for the occasion.

“Prelude” starts with the layered strings emitting mystery and warmth, as Alatrash’s skilled cello guides the ambience, and “Riwaya (Narrative)” follows with George Lernis’ playful percussion and Chase Morrin’s well timed keys adding much color to the animated climate.

Halfway through, “Lifta” finds a soft place to reside amid the cautious strings and dreamy mood, while “Echoing In The Hollow” allows for poetic keys to unfold alongside the heartfelt string manipulation.

“Risala (Message)” exits with 2 parts, where a meticulous and busy finish blends the strings with Bruno Raberg’s animated bass lines that complements much rhythm and worldly flavor.

A highly technical debut album from Alatrash, every moment here is enlightening, eloquent and worth repeated listens.

Travels well with: Bijan Taghavi- Cactus Sessions; Tim Jago- Time Shift

Arbre-Dieu

Nuit Noire

Bitume, 2025

9/10

Listen to Nuit Noire

An outfit that transforms essential and primitive violence into sound, Arbre-dieu flesh out 4 tracks that stem from the night of a bad trip resulting from Argyreia nervosa.

“Graines de la folie” starts with murky guitars and dense drumming that swirls with metallic and grungy ideas, and “Tourbillon chaotique” follows with lightning quick drumming and thick waves of guitar that’s abrasive but not without a sense of melody buried under the fury.

On the back half, the technical and pounding “La vieille femme et le soleil pále” uses throaty vocals amid both punk and black metal nods, while “Mort et renaissance” injects a harmonic guitar tone to complement the noisy textures of intensity.

An effort that reshapes pain into a passage, Arbre-dieu churn out Occult Black Metal that’s really startling, powerful and an engaging experience.

Travels well with: Superchained- Symbolic; Thy Apokalypse- Fragment quatriéme (Metacosmos)

Arid Landscapes

Arid Landscapes

Signal Chain, 2025

9/10

Listen to Arid Landscapes

The electro-acoustic duo of Dan Pitt and Noah Franche-Nolan, as Arid Landscapes the pair flesh out a stunning debut of texture, harmonics and sonically experimental ideas.

“Prelude” starts soft and melodic, where Pitt’s agile guitar is met with a light ambience, and “RTMK” follows with the mesmerizing keys and droning effects radiating mystery.

“Summerhill” and “Union” arrive in the middle. The former lands in intimate territory via the hypnotic guitar and warm mood, while the latter is a more playful moment of cinematic qualities.

Arriving near the end, “Blink II” glimmers with some post-rock dynamics that are rich in tone, and “The Optimist” exits with a strategic minimalism that’s reflective and impactful in its gentle waves.

Both Pitt and Franche-Nolan have training in jazz, which is evident, and the very skilled use of synth, audio processing, looping, keys, guitar and piano make for an often delicate experience unlike few others.

Travels well with: Valley Voice- Stars, Engines; Nick Storring- Mirante

Mark Zaki

The Turning Frame

Composers Concordance, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Turning Frame

The multi-instrumentalist Mark Zaki blends classical, electronic, jazz and minimalism into these very distinct 8 tracks that spans many moods and emotions.

“Moving Parts” opens with the strong attention to tonality via gripping strings and electronic ambience, and “Nocturne Oblique” follows with the emotive violin amid the gentle keys that creates a cinematic appeal.

The title track resides in the middle and emits eloquent piano and cozy percussive ideas in a mesmerizing climate, while “Hands Full Of Air”, the only track with vocals, enlists Mara Zaki’s mezzo-soprano that helps illuminate the beauty and poeticism of the album’s best.

“Curves In Blue” and “Parting Moves” exit the listen. The former radiates sublime guitar playing via introspection and warmth, and the latter pairs a chilling atmosphere with playful electronica for an organic versus synthetic finish.

A really unique effort that blurs genres with an abstract and textured vision, Zaki balances reflection and adventurousness superbly.

Travels well with: Daniel Wohl- Artificial; Jeremy Gignoux- Odd Stillness

Benji Kaplan/Rita Figueiredo

Benji & Rita

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Benji & Rita

A multi-cultural affair, New York’s Kaplan and Brazil’s Figueiredo come together with an all star ensemble where Kaplan arranged the tunes while Figueiredo handles lyrics and much of the singing.

“Sao Francisco E Brasileiro” starts the album with elegant strings before Figueiredo’s classically trained vocal acrobatics sweep in as the music takes on a cinematic quality, and “Piocera” follows with melodic flutes and playful percussion as the singing gets just as frisky.

With 20+ musicians on hand here, each tune offers fun surprises, such as the horn fun of “Santa Efigenia”, where Kaplan also sings, and the fluid, groove filled setting of “Impetuosa Atracao”, where horns, brass and keys all blend together beautifully.

Near the end, “Passatempo” is one of the most bare offerings with just a nylon guitar from Kaplan accompanying Figueiredo’s expressive pipes, while “Bryant Park” is one of the most orchestral moments, where cello, violin and a synth sitar back up Kaplan’s storytelling. The album ends on “A Moura do Maracaxa”, a sophisticated exit where tension and mood are both manipulated strategically.

Though this is their debut together, the pair’s chemistry is undeniable and the delivery flawless. Full of Brazilian rhythms, modern day chamber sounds, jazz and classical ideas, the strings, reeds and vocals are used here in cultured, timeless and creative ways that few could replicate.

Travels well with: Baden Powell- Images On Guitar; Guinga- Casa de Villa