Lydia Luce

Mammoth

Self-Released, 2025

10/10

Listen to Mammoth

The Nashville artist Lydia Luce was forced to take time away from music recently due to chronic health issues, and this comeback album documents her journey back to health and finding a sense of peace.

The harmonic and soft title track opens with the playful strings layered precisely alongside Luce’s emotive singing, and “Belly” follows with twinkling guitar and eloquent vocals that are heartfelt and immediately captivating.

Further along, “Florence” radiates much warmth and welcomes some curious background noises, while “Quiet” is indeed calm, and flows via a poetic quality.

Deeper still, “Making Amends” swirls with introspection and grace amid the alluring vocals, and “Signet” exits with a dreamy, wordless elegance that invites the listener to mull things over.

A stunning album that uses nature recordings and is often tender with themes of self-love, hope and acceptance, every moment here will speak to the soul of someone living the examined life.

Travels well with: Lydia Luce- Dark River; Andrea Von Kampen- Sister Moon

Pavlov's Dog

Wonderlust

Ruf, 2025

9/10

Listen to Wonderlust

A long running outfit in the area of prog-rock, Pavlov Dog’s blend of folk, classical and rock that made plenty of people fans in the ‘70s. The frontman, David Surkamp, has resurrected the band with new musicians various times over the years, and this current line up is among the best for these 11 diverse tracks.

Sara Surkamp’s eloquent voice opens with “Anyway There’s Snow”, which is melodic and sophisticated, and “Jet Black Cadillac” follows with a frisky energy thanks to Steve Bunck’s skilled drums and Mark Maher’s flowing keys.

Halfway though, “Collingwood Hotel” makes great use of Abbie Steiling’s elegant violin amid the rich climate, while “Solid Water, Liquid Sky” enlists Rick Steiling’s precise bass that complements the thumping sing-alongs.

Close to the end, the textured and gritty “I Told You So” balances power and emotion superbly, and “I Wait For You” exits with a rare intimacy thanks to the heartfelt singing and cozy keys.

An often dramatic and very smart affair, Pavlov’s Dog excel in harder areas as well as vulnerable ebbs, and this technical and memorable effort is a must for all fans of prog.

Travels well with: Jay Hooks- Tequila & Bullets; Fred Hostetler- Blues Back Pages

Heather Aubrey Lloyd

Panic Room With A View

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Panic Room With A View

The Maryland singer-songwriter Heather Aubrey Lloyd returns with a first album in 7 years, where loss and defiance are present across the 9 well thought out tracks.

“Are You Lost?” opens with a distinct ambience before Lloyd’s expressive voice enters the cozy guitar and animated percussive sounds, and “Hometown Hero” follows with powerful singing and a hint of tension amid the animated melodies.

“What The Wind Takes” and “The Stove” land in the middle. The former is an intimate moment of poetic songwriting that’s heartfelt, while the latter is vocally focused, but enlists a light buzzing for effect.

Moving towards the end, “Hum” welcomes Justin McMahon’s light voice to the harmonic duet that embraces timeless folk ideas, and “December 32, 2020” exits with eloquence and beauty surrounding the fluid acoustic guitar and Lloyd’s friendly voice.

A veteran musician with a diverse resume, Lloyd’s finger picking, vulnerable moments and pop-rock bouts gives every track here its own identity, and they all resonate with relatability.

Travels well with: Diane Coll- Up From The Mud; Karen Jonas- The Rise And Fall Of American Kitsch

Karisa Chiu

Home

Cedille, 2025

9/10

Listen to Home

The violinist Karisa Chiu fleshes out an impressive debut, where Zhu Wang’s keys are present for the 5 detailed pieces by Debussy, Fauré, Scott, Sibelius, and Augusta Read Thomas.

“Five Pieces”, by Sibelius, opens with the meticulous strings and mature keys interacting with much chemistry and warmth, and Debussy’s “Violin Sonata” follows with firm keys amid an unpredictable mood via Chiu’s superb violin playing.

Thomas’ “Incantation For Solo Violin” lands in the middle and allows for the lone violin to draw us in thanks to the emotive appeal, while “Lotus Land” offers a very thoughtful duet that’s sometimes dreamy and other times tense thanks to Scott’s vision.

The last track, Fauré’s “Violin Sonata No. 1, Op 13”, is filled with tremendous grace and precision, where the pair’s inimitable talents makes an indelible impression.

An artist with a Chicago upbringing and Korean-Chinese heritage, Chiu invites us to reflect on what we define as home, and these very thoughtful and technical compositions sure to lend themselves to that occasion.

Travels well with: Stephen Hough- Piano Concerto, Sonatina & Partita; Cavatina Duo- River Of Fire

Spriggan Mist

The Glare

ProgRock, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Glare

The UK prog-rockers Spriggan Mist bring their inimitable diversity to these 7 tracks that are both creative and unpredictable.

“Gaze Of The Dragon” opens with Fay Brotherhood’s powerful voice alongside Ali Soueidan’s dense drums in the dreamy climate, and “Ianatores Teresteres” follows with Neil Wighton’s driving guitar that aligns with the thick, rock delivery.

“Faery Wood” and “Crystal Cave” land in the middle. The former leads soft amid Aaron Cilia’s well timed keys and the eloquent wind, while the latter is the album’s best and carries a bit of a jangle that complements the pretty singing and frisky rhythm section.

The last track, “When Stars Collide”, is a charged moment that incorporates Baz Cilia’s precise bass to help illuminate Brotherhood’s expressive voice in a both rugged and harmonic finish.

Maxine Cilia’s contributions are quite exceptional, too, and include keytar, guitars (lead/electric/acoustic), alto saxophone, descant recorder, whistle, keyboards, and backing vocals, and that certainly helps make this a theatrical, folk-friendly and really unique version of prog-rock.

Travels well with: Edenya- The Secret Destination You Are Looking For; Daidrum- All At Sea

Kool & The Gang

Greatest Hits

UMe, 2025

9/10

Listen to Greatest Hits

The New Jersey legends, Kool & The Gang, assemble 12 of their greatest tunes here, where their infectious energy sounds great all these decades later.

The bright horns and playful beats of “Hollywood Swinging” opens and invites singing-along, and “Jungle Boogie” follows with their unmistakable funk and wild singing in a song we all know and love.

Moving into the middle, the calmer mood of “Summer Madness” uses playful bass and cozy keys for the soothing climate, while “Celebration” again proves it’s the ideal anthem for any festivity.

Arriving closer to the end, “Fresh” showcases their signature soulful vocals amid the frisky, dance floor appeal, and “Cherish” exits with the romantic spirit via the dreamy and heartfelt demeanor of their smash hit.

In the area of R&B, disco, soul and funk, few bands have been doing it as long and as well as Kool & The Gang. The outfit were recently inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and this album, with its large amount of songs everyone will recognize, is further proof of their greatness.

Travels well with: Jodeci- The Show, The After Party, The Hotel (30th Anniversary Edition); Black Eyed Peas- Bridging The Gap

Tomas Fujiwara

Dream Up

Out Of Your Head, 2025

9/10

Listen to Dream Up

This first release from the iconoclastic artist Tomas Fujiwara’s percussion quartet brings Patricia Brennan, Tim Keiper, and Kaoru Watanabe to 9 really creative tracks.

The title track opens with Brennan’s cozy vibraphone before Fujiwara’s cautious drums enter the unpredictable tinkering, and “Mobilize” follows with thumping drums and flowing mallet fun that suits the many other playful noisemakers.

In the middle the oddly rhythmic “Recollection Of A Dance” is equal parts dreamy and quirky, while “Ritual Pace” does come with a tribal-esque demeanor that’s mesmerizing in its firm gestures.

“Tapestry” and “You Don’t Have To Try” exit the listen. The former is a calmer bout that eventually builds into dense ideas and busy interaction, and the latter leads with a gentle haze before settling into cautious, intimate areas.

Keiper’s handling of donso ngoni, kamale ngoni, calabash, temple blocks, timbale, djembe, castanets, balafon, found objects, and other percussion, plus Watanabe’s contributions on o-jimedaiko, uchiwadaiko, shimedaiko, and shinobue can’t not be mentioned, as the quartet turn in a really imaginative effort in the area of percussive jazz.

Travels well with: Webber/Morris Big Band- Unseparate; The Hemphill Stringtet- Plays The Music Of Julius Hemphill

Jennie Arnau

The Rising Tide

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Rising Tide

It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from Jennie Arnau, but she’s back with a newfound resilience and determination that’s very apparent across these 14 heartfelt songs.

“Oceans Rise” opens with much soul and warmth, where the expressive singing is met with Alan Lerner’s thumping drums in a folk-rock climate, and “Countryman” follows with Skip Ward’s playful bass and Jacob Joliff’s animated mandolin that suits the rural melodies.

Getting close to the middle, “Young & Alone” pairs Pete Levin’s emotive keys with Arnau’s intimate pipes that tugs on the heartstrings, while “Simple Man” is a busier, harmonic album highlight that invites singing-along.

Landing closer to the end, “Better Luck Next Time” enlists Greg McMullen’s glowing pedal steel via the rich Americana that soars thanks to Arnau’s powerful voice, and “Sunshine” exits with eloquent storytelling and plenty of authentic, organic songwriting that we can all relate to.

Arnau’s last album was in 2009, and she’s got plenty of stories to tell these days. The influences from folk, country, Americana and roots sounds won’t go unnoticed, and along with an excellent cast she shares grief and healing with tremendous grace.

Travels well with: Lily Vakili- Oceans Of Kansas; Annie J- Been Loving You

Percussia

Murmuration

Neuma, 2025

9/10

Listen to Murmuration

The New York sextet Percussia return with more of their classical, modern, popular, and global music ideas that surround these diverse selections.

Bill Clark’s “Moiré” opens with the playful vibes emitting much energy alongside Susan Jolles’ lovely harp playing, and “Epesjimos”, by Carlo Nicolau, allows for Margaret Lancaster’s dreamy flute to captivate us in the lush and warm mood.

The title track, by Alexis Lamb, then swirls with Ljova’s graceful strings via the charming percussion and strong attention to detail, while “On the Street Where I Live” unfolds across 4 movements that can be hypnotic, even eerie, as well as colorful via the sophisticated strings, wind and percussion in the Ljova piece.

Near the end, Matthew Welch’s “Variasi Ombak” is one of the brighter moments that radiates melody and an animated interaction between the players, and “Starfish at Pescadero”, by Dennis Tobenski, exits with Melissa Fogarty’s stunning soprano that complements the cautious instrumentation.

A really unique effort where each track takes on its own identity, Percussia inject poeticism and reflection into their enlightening formula that warrants repeated listens.

Travels well with: KC Vitas- When We Arrive At Home; Phillip Schroeder- Radiance Within

Philip Blackburn

Another Intensity

Neuma, 2025

9/10

Listen to Another Intensity

The composer and environmental sound artist Philip Blackburn explores the natural world as a living, breathing concert hall across these 6 very distinct tracks.

“In Praise Of Clouds” opens the listen with a soft ambience, where a sonic droning emits wonder and mystery via an a cappella choral piece, and “Dawn Chorus, Still Life” follows with a cinematic mood that seems like a sci-fi sequence.

Halfway through, “Sounding Xibalba” uses strategic percussion amid a distinct eeriness that suits the setting deep inside the sacred Maya underworld of Mountain Cow Cave in Belize where it was recorded, while “Between Two Waves Of The Sea” brings to mind a ghostly orchestra.

“Floating Beneath The Surface” and “An Illegible Stone” exit the listen. The former emits a meditative quality akin to a sonic float tank, and the latter presents atypical interaction between percussionist Patti Cudd and cellist Madeleine Shapiro.

An effort that pushes and pulls with tension and release, Blackburn’s vision embraces the unpredictability of nature with much respect to flow, motion, stasis and flux that makes for an artistic and engaging experience.

Travels well with: Alex Lubet- Amy Levy: Songs Of Love And Loss; Peter Van Zandt Lane- Axils

KC Vitas

When We Arrive At Home

Neuma, 2025

9/10

Listen to When We Arrive At Home

The Kansas City vocal ensemble, KC Vitas, celebrate a decade of performing with this debut album, where the 10 tracks serve as a ‘Greatest Hits’ approach via their classical and choral ways.

Ashi Day’s “Boundless” opens with the voices harmonizing alongside much beauty, warmth and precise layering, and “Passing Trees, Far And Near” follows with strategic repetition and strong attention to tonality in the busy climate of the Kota Hayton piece.

Blake Clawson’s “There Are Fields” lands in the middle and radiates tremendous intimacy thanks to the poetic voices, while the title track, by Ben Zucker, carries a haunting spirit which places a lot of attention on mood in the reimagining of the Sacred Harp hymn Idumea.

Close to the end, Michael Genese’s “X. Medalyons” enlists gentle keys amid the soaring voices, and “The Prow”, by Matthew Lyon Hazzard, exits with a cinematic quality that reflects longing and arrival with much grace.

A truly powerful first album that’s harmonic, raw and emotional, the ensemble create choral music that’s closely related to the human spirit across many joyful, heartwarming and exciting avenues.

Travels well with: Nick May + Alex Siu Lun Li- You Me Us; Phillip Schroeder- Radiance Within

Edenya

The Secret Destination You Are Looking For

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Secret Destination You Are Looking For

A French outfit with an affinity for diverse songwriting, Edenya return with a 3rd album, where 10 progressive songs make an impression.

“Back From The Endless Seas” opens with cozy acoustic guitar and expressive singing that’s heartfelt, and “The Outing” follows with Marco’s flowing keys that suit Sylvie Sj’s thumping drums in the driving yet melodic climate.

The title track occupies the middle spot and it’s a dreamy moment filled with swirling guitar, mesmerizing drums and plenty of ambience, while “Flying Dream” is awash in a sea of haze, where Juliette Carradec’s meticulously violin is met with Ingrid Denis’ powerful voice.

“My Burden” and “Lady” exit the listen. The former balances busy versus harmonic moments, and the latter is a rich and poetic finish that makes great use of Jean-Paul Cartigny’s bass skills.

A record that embraces folk, rock, prog and ambient ideas, Edenya utilize both delicate and firm gestures for their thoughtful and soaring song craft.

Travels well with: Daidrum- All At Sea; Discipline- Breadcrumbs

Erin Harpe

Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me: A Tribute To Mississippi John Hurt

VizzTone, 2025

9/10

Listen to Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me: A Tribute To Mississippi John Hurt

The consistently great artist Erin Harpe pays tribute to her greatest influence, Mississippi John Hurt, with these 10 tracks that welcome Jim Countryman for the occasion.

The cozy mood of “Candy Man” opens with warm acoustic guitar and Harpe’s always inviting pipes, and “Casey Jones” follows with Countryman’s well timed train whistle and a bit of soulfulness.

“Richland Woman” occupies the middle spot and pairs the ukulele bass with expressive singing, while “Make Me A Pallet On Your Floor”, the album’s best, showcases Sharpe’s intricate guitar playing amid the eloquent storytelling.

Close to the end, “Stagolee” offers a mesmerizing moment of minimal but impactful songwriting, and “You Are My Sunshine” exits with a very charming take on a classic that will bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Harpe’s delivery does justice to Hurt’s legacy, where she continues to prove she’s a commanding voice in the area of country blues, and Countryman’s contributions only enhance this thoughtful effort.

Travels well with: Erin Harpe- Meet Me In The Middle; Erin Harpe & The Delta Swingers- The Christmas Swing

Patricia Brennan

Of The Near And Far

Pyroclastic, 2025

9/10

Listen to Of The Near And Far

The always impressive vibraphonist, marimbist and composer Patricia Brennan takes inspiration from the stars for these 7 diverse songs that pull from jazz, classical and alt-rock ideas.

The ambient “Antlia” leads with manipulated strings and Brennan’s playful percussive ideas, where a backdrop of rock unfolds, and “Aquarius” follows with the radiant vibes amid a dreamy expanse of soft texturing.

In the middle, “Citlalli” places Sylvie Courvoisier’s piano strategically to complement the unpredictable atmosphere, while “Lyra” benefits from Miles Okazaki’s radiant guitar via the busy interaction that swirls with wonder and creativity.

“Aquila” and “When You Stare Into The Abyss” exit the record. The former enlists Brennan’s mallet fun against the cinematic undertones, and the latter drones with intrigue and plenty of color, where Arktureye’s electronics won’t go unnoticed.

A sonically compelling experience that blurs the lines of convention, the 10 piece ensemble flesh out a chamber experience like no other that further solidifies Brennan’s vision as one of the most adventurous that exists today.

Travels well with: Patricia Brennan Septet- Breaking Stretch; Brandon Seabrook- Object Of Unknown Function

James Newton Quartet

Live In Willisau Switzerland 1983

Rhythm’n’Flow, 2025

9/10

Listen to Live In Willisau Switzerland 1983

In 1983, James Newton, Anthony Cox, Geri Allen and Andrew Cyrille hit the European jazz scene, but never released a recording. But then the producer Stephan Meyner came across this set from the Willisau in Switzerland, which captures 3 originals and an interpretation.

“Reincarnation of a Lovebird” opens, and allows for Newton’s meticulous flute to shine alongside Cox’s playful bass that unfolds across 11+ minutes of free jazz exploration in the Charles Mingus piece.

The 2 Newton originals land in the middle.“Pinkie Below” leads with a gentle quality that emits a distinct intimacy thanks to Allen’s dreamy keys, while “Forever Charles” is a rich and dynamic bout that blends the frisky wind with Cyrille’s animated drums, precise bass and firm keys.

The last track, “Printmakers”, by Allen, brings us 21 minutes of melodic and exciting instrumentation, where all 4 players exhibit their inimitable talents in spades.

A highly technical and confident set, Newton and company perform with incredible awareness and agility for a recording that really has aged well and will impress any fan of jazz.

Travels well with: Charles Mingus- Charles Mingus Presents Charles Mingus; Randy Napoleon- Waking Dream: The Music Of Gregg Hill & Randy Napoleon

The Kanneh-Masons

River Of Music

Decca, 2025

9/10

Listen to River Of Music

This 2nd album from the 7 musicians of The Kanneh-Masons family surrounds the deep musical roots that run through their heritage, and are executed with diversity and strong attention to detail.

“Coleridge-Taylor: Deep River” opens with the warm piano and gorgeous strings that tug on the heartstrings, and “Ar Lan y Môr” follows with gentle emotion via the plucked strings and glowing keys that builds into a powerful climate.

Landing in the middle, “Sospiri, Op. 70” showcases the stirring violins amid the poetic keys, while “Consolations, S. 172: No. 3 in D-Flat Major. Lento, placido” swirls with an infectious intimacy that’s mesmerizing in its calm demeanor.

Arriving near the end, “Rusalka, Op. 114, B. 203: Song to the Moon” makes great use of the lovely cello alongside the gorgeous atmosphere, and “Piano Quintet in A Major, D. 667 "Trout Quintet"“ exits with 5 movements that can be animated just as they can be rich and even lush with sublime string interaction.

The interpretations here are handled very well, where each player’s inimitable talents shine across the Welsh folk songs and spirituals, as well as the classical favorites.

Travels well with: Lise Davidsen- Der fliegende Holländer; Alice Sara Ott- John Field: Complete Nocturnes

Earth Quake

Live At Rockpalast 1978

MIG, 2025

9/10

Listen Live At Rockpalast 1978

The San Franciso rockers Earth Quake already had several albums under their belt when this set in Hamburg, Germany took place, where their ‘50s and ‘60s sensibilities are in fine form for the 8 tunes.

The warm spirit of “Lovin’ Cup” opens with a howl from frontman John Doukas before power and melody enter, and “Hit The Floor” follows with Robbie Dunbar’s guitar acrobatics that suit the dense yet harmonic climate.

Deeper into the evening, the hard hitting and anthemic “Street Fever” allows for Steve Nelson’s furious drums to shine in the thumping delivery, while “Mr. Security” spotlights Stan Miller’s precise bass amid Doukas’ stunning vocal performance which invites singing-along.

Some of the longer songs reside at the end. “Friday On My Mind”, Earth Quake’s hit single, comes with a bouncy energy that you could dance to, and “Trainride” exits the festivities with Gary Phillips’ guitar adding much to the rowdy yet harmonic finish.

Earth Quake would put out a couple more albums in the late ‘70s, before breaking up in the early ‘80s. Dunbar is the only original member still alive. Though the band never saw mainstream success, they sure did put out a lot of great music, and this set is further proof that they were among the best in the area of power-pop during their time.

Travels well with: The Rubinoos- Live At Rockpalast 1978; The Kinks- Muswell Hillbillies/Everybody’s In Show-Biz- Everybody’s A Star

Evan Honer

Everything I Wanted

Cloverdale, 2025

9/10

Listen to Everything I Wanted

The Arizona singer-songwriter Evan Honer has had a very prolific few years, where this thoughtful LP arrived after a pair of well received EPs and has the artist playing the bulk of the instruments.

The title track opens with gritty electric guitar before thumping drums and Honer’s smooth voice enters the alt-pop spirit, and “Place I Hate” follows with warm acoustic guitar and a hint of twang that’s just so cozy.

Landing near the middle, the meticulous guitar playing of “Call You Back” radiates a timeless folk appeal, while “Waiting Room” is a quick, romantic moment that’s playful.

Arriving close to the end, “It’s A Home”, the album’s best, is an emotive and poetic moment that enlists gorgeous keys to suit the ebullient singing, and “Wonder” exits with a fuller, animated approach that’s loud and soars high with much grace.

Honer can pen a song you won’t soon forget, where country, folk, pop, rock and indie ideas are present and really appreciated. Seriously, this guy is talented.

Travels well with: Sean Mason- A Breath Of Fresh Air; Paul Thorn- Life Is Just A Vapor

Jimbo Ross

So Do It

Bodacious, 2025

9/10

Listen to So Do It

The jazz viola wizard Jimbo Ross returns with a sophomore album, where an excellent cast surrounds him for the 13 energetic interpretations of jazz classics.

“Speak Low” opens with Ross’ playful viola amid Ron Wagner’s frisky drumming, and “Twisted Blues” follows with the soulful strings and Stuart Elster’s bright keys making for a spirited moment.

Getting close to the middle, “Funkallero” bops and shakes with an infectious mood via Peter Marshall’s bouncy bass, while “Canadian Sunset” blends the warm rhythm section with meticulous viola that’s heartfelt and melodic for the album’s best.

Closer to the end, “Nardis” is strong on mood and dynamics, where the quintet’s chemistry flows through busy and harmonic bouts, and “The Way You Look Tonight” exits with a scrappy version of the romantic tune that’s swift and memorable.

The songs were tracked live in the studio and sound great. Ross is an excellent leader and musician, and he puts a fresh coat of paint on some timeless tunes in a way that only he can.

Travels well with: Jim Witzel Quartet- Very Early: Remembering Bill Evans; Mark Winkler- Hold On

Will Bennett & The Tells

All Your Favorite Songs

Self-Released, 2019

9/10

Listen to All Your Favorite Songs

Though the impetus of this sophomore album from Bennett and company has its origin in tragedy (his father suffered a stroke), the sounds are often upbeat, lively and full of rural influenced gloriousness.

“Rabbits” starts the listen with warm pedal steel in a setting of Americana friendly rock, and “Off The Ground” follows with a brisk pace of cautious melody that’s as timeless as it is infectious.

A record that does live up to its title, “Caroline” is a swift tune of folk-influenced sounds, while “Happy Thoughts” recruits warm, jangly guitars for one of the album’s best and indeed one of your future favorites.

The back half of the affair flows quite nicely, too, with the galloping fun of “Linger On”, the Nashville friendly “in Nashville”, which is about as close to twang as the listen gets, and the pop influenced yet gritty “Vultures”. The record ends on “All Your Favorite Songs”, where the alt-country shines bright and resonates fluidly.

A superb display of country tinted rock’n’roll and the lush ideas of Americana, Bennett turns adversity into flouring art with All Your Favorite Songs, and we’re all better off for it.

Travels well with: The Bottle Rockets- Bit Logic;Old 97’s- Most Messed Up