Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra

The Nutcracker Remix

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to The Nutcracker Remix

The 17 piece not-for-profit ensemble Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra turn in 9 reimagined tracks from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker plus 3 bonus Holiday songs with Mandy Gaines.

“Overture” starts with the bright winds and playful drumming radiating much warmth amid Zachary Granger’s well timed trombone solo, and “The Pistachio March” follows with cozy flutes and funk ideas alongside Ralph DiSylvestro’s flugelhorn.

Further along, “Caipiroska” recruits Brad Meyer’s meticulous guitar that complements the swingin’ horns, while “Camel Capery” showcases the ensemble’s brass interaction that is infectious and suits Phil Hilger’s strategic baritone sax.

Residing close to the end, “Toot Toot Toot-Tutti” blends the flutes with a polyrhythmic mood, cozy keys and trumpet, and “Christmas This Year”, the final track, is 1 of 3 where Gaines’ flawless voice guides the heartfelt delivery that builds into a powerful, soulful finish.

A highly detailed outing that incorporates Samba, hip-hop and, of course, jazz, the band leader and artistic director Eric Lechliter guides the music through plenty of timeless and exciting ideas.

Travels well with: Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra- Mixed Bag; Christopher Zuar Orchestra- Exuberance

Chris Rusin

Songs From A Secret Room

Rushing River, 2025

9/10

Listen to Songs From A Secret Room

The multi-instrumentalist and singer Chris Rusin is now 3 years cancer free and that journey is reflected in these soulful and touching songs that recruit Katie Wise, John Paul Grigsby, Russick Smith, Shane Zweygardt and Andrew Berlin.

The rootsy mood of “Cinders” opens with Wise’s smooth harmony vocals and well timed dobro for the cautious climate, and “The Dark” follows with Smith’s graceful cello and Grigsby’s emotive upright bass that suits the powerful singing.

“Leave It In The Snow” lands in the middle and carries a timeless folk quality thanks to the eloquent guitar and poetic singing, while “Tossed Aside” embraces Wise’s elegant keys and voice amid Rusin’s soft voice that tugs on the heartstrings.

Close to the end, “The Longest Year” benefits from a string quartet in the Ukraine that complements the delicate voices, and “Fighting For” exits with vocals, antique piano and theremin for the sophisticated and touching finish.

An album of profound soul searching that touches on the human experience with much care, Rusin’s vision is one of poeticism, strength and tremendous beauty.

Travels well with: Sage Christie- Little Deaths; Leslie Jordan- The Agonist

Chris Rottmayer

Playing Favorites

Pilars Jazz, 2025

9/10

Listen to Playing Favorites

The pianist Chris Rottmayer is now 6 albums deep as a leader, and for these 11 tracks he brings along Kelsey Wallner, Clark Sommers and Matt Endres for the timeless jazz listen.

“Everything Happens To Me” starts with Wallner’s bright voice alongside Endres’ playful drumming and much warmth, and “One Note Samba” follows with playful vocal scatting amid Sommers’ frisky bass lines.

“On The Street Where You Live” arrives in the middle and showcases Rottmayer’s intricate piano amid the expressive singing and light melodies, while “Firm Roots” comes with a contagious energy thanks to the animated rhythm section and colorful keys.

“Love Ain’t Free” lands near the end and trims the pace back with sublime beauty via the meticulous keys, calm bass and emotive vocals, and “Never Will I Marry” exits with Wallner’s adaptable voice hitting some high notes that complements the rich musicianship.

Rottmayer’s love of American popular song and jazz standards is much appreciated here, and the excellent players in attendance help illuminate each track with timelessness and precision.

Travels well with: Carl Schultz- The Road To Trantor; Pete Mills- For The Record

Breanne Marie & The Front Porch Sinners

Two Trees

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Two Trees

The Duluth, Minnesota outfit Breanne Marie & The Front Porch Sinners blend ‘90s indie-rock and country ideas into their brand of Americana, as the 11 tracks here bring plenty of diversity.

“I’m Gonna Bend” opens with Kailyn Pelerin’s bright fiddle and Matt Groom’s thumping drums that suit Marie’s smooth voice, and “Half Truths” follows with an intimate spirit, where Johnny Peterson’s aching pedal steel complements the emotive singing.

Arriving in the middle, “Two Trees” carries a poetic appeal, via a hazy backdrop and punchy drums that are met with eloquent vocals, while “Dashboard Dandelion” offers a more rock focused delivery thanks to Tarek Makky’s meticulous bass and Evan Tepler’s guitar crunch.

Landing close to the end, “Carried Me Through” is a bare moment that aligns Marie’s storytelling with soft guitar and gentle strings, and “Most Of All” embraces Marie’s sophisticated piano amid the graceful strings and pretty vocals.

Influences from Brandi Carlile and Wilco won’t be hard to spot, as Marie and company balance sparse moments with louder bursts and even some rap bouts for a very well thought out and memorable body of work.

Travels well with: Sarah Morris- Say Yes; Mary Strand- I Don’t Need Your Permission

Bodies

Anti Dancing League

ZEi & Cie, 2025

9/10

Listen to Anti Dancing League

A French jazz outfit who make the most of these 6 adventurous songs, Bodies consists of Julien Behar, Stéphane Decolly, Guillaume Hazebrouck, Nicolas Larmignat and Jade Lada.

“Bodies” starts with Larmignat’s playful drums and Behar’s lively sax amid a distinct groove, and “Link” continues the fun with Hazebrouck’s mesmerizing keys that suit the firm sax and pounding drums.

In the middle, “L’ile De Base” uses both busy and calmer moments of atypical rhythm, while “Tetra” leads with a dreamy ambience before building into a rich and dynamic album highlight. The title track exits and is an animated and certainly not an anti dancing anthem that showcases bouncy bass, lively keys, sax acrobatics and fast drumming.

A really exciting EP that flirts with punk, roots, alt-rock and plenty of worldly jazz flavor, Bodies know their way around a tune you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Teis Semey- En Massei!; Julian Sartorius- Hidden Tracks

Carl Schultz

The Road To Trantor

Origin, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Road To Trantor

The saxophonist and flute player Carl Schultz has an impressive and lengthy resume both in music and academics, and here he’s aligned with Tim Wendel, Adam Benjamin, Zack Teran and Alwyn Robinson for the soundtrack to a science fiction film that exists in his head.

The hazy mood of “Journey” starts with Schultz’s rich sax amid Robinson’s frisky drums, and “Psychohistory” follows with Wendel’s melodic guitar that complements the soulful sax and crisp drumming.

“Ecumenopolis” and “Gladia” land in the middle. The former comes with a hint of mystery, where Teran’s meticulous bass adds much to the climate, while the latter enlists Schultz’s dreamy flute via the lush album highlight that benefits from Benjamin’s mature keys.

Residing close to the end, “Crystalline Desolation” carries a cinematic quality via the hazy keys and ambient interaction that bursts into free jazz exploration, and “The Spirit Of Adventure” exits with a meticulous rhythm section, colorful sax and intricate keys making for a timeless jazz finish that incorporates electronics.

A fascinating body of work that blends modern jazz with weaves sci-fi bouts and rich instrumentation into the equation, every track here radiates wonder and awe.

Travels well with: Bobby Rozario- Healer; Ted Piltzecker- Peace Vibes

The Blasters

Non Fiction

Liberation Hall, 2025

10/10

Listen to Non Fiction

This 3rd album from The Blasters arrived in 1983 and brings R&B into their roots rock formula, where sax and keys enter the 11 tracks.

The rockabilly fueled “Red Rose” opens with Phil Alvin’s soaring voice alongside Bill Batemen’s thumping drums and Gene Taylor’s rowdy keys that will get you on the dance floor, and “Barefoot Rock” follows with John Bazz’s bouncy bass that suits Lee Allen’s bright tenor sax.

Landing in the middle, “It Must Be Love” showcases Dave Alvin’s melodic guitar amid the crisp rhythm section, while “Long White Cadillac”, which is dedicated to Hank Williams, moves quickly and with plenty of rhythm and soul.

“Leaving” and “Tag Along” exit the listen. The former is a dreamy moment that’s intimate and makes great use of Steve Berlin’s baritone sax, and the latter finishes with an animated spirit that will get you dancing immediately to the timeless roots rock fun.

An often raw and reflective effort that still has plenty of scrappiness, too, we also get brand new liner notes and band interviews written by Chris Morris with rare photos and memorabilia images in this reissue package of a classic album.

Travels well with: The Blasters- Mandatory: The Best Of The Blasters; The Blasters- The Complete Concert

The Blasters

American Music

Liberation Hall, 2025

10/10

Listen to American Music

Originally released in 1980, this debut album from The Blasters returns with new liner notes from Chris Morris, where their influential roots rock template still sounds great all these decades later.

The infectious rockabilly energy of the title track opens with Phil Alvin’s unmistakable voice guiding the body shaking fun, and “Real Rock Drive” follows with Dave Alvin’s playful guitar playing that suits Bill Batemen’s frisky drums.

Moving into the middle, “I Wish You Would” thumps alongside Phil’s spirited harmonica, while the scrappy “She Ain’t Got The Beat” has Phil’s adaptable voice complementing the animated rhythm section.

Further along, “Never No More Blues” comes with plenty of retro rock’n’roll flavor that benefits from John Bazz’s bass and some yodeling, and “Barn Burning” exits with a head bobbin’, toe tappin’ good time that you’ll be singing-along to pretty quick.

The Blasters were pioneers in alt-country and Americana, and what a great first record this was. Not only is the music some of the best of the genre, we’re treated to rare photos and memorabilia specific to this reissue, too.

Travels well with: The Blasters- The Complete Concert; The Blasters- Mandatory: The Best Of The Blasters

Carlo Muscat

The Body Is Only Light

ears & eyes, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Body Is Only Light

The saxophonist and composer Carlo Muscat has been making a name for himself on the European jazz scene, and here he’s joined by Kostiantyn Ionenko and Dmytro Lytvynenko for songs that address strength, determination, and hope.

“Totoro” starts the listen with Muscat’s flowing sax alongside the crisp drums from Lytvynenko and Ionenko’s frisky bass, and “Monochrome Tales” follows with a gentle approach of warm song craft.

Halfway through, the title track carries a soulful quality via the rich sax and light bass, while “Conspiracy” bops and shakes with an infectious energy thanks to Muscat’s animated sax and the lively rhythm section.

“Everyone Looks Happy” arrives late and recruits plenty of grooves in the stylish climate, and “Lyra’s Sonnet” exits with the trio interacting with grace alongside much attention to detail.

A very thoughtful and lyrical effort, Muscat and companies hard bop and post bop bouts sure are appreciated across the timeless jazz qualities.

Travels well with: Rodrigo Dominguez- Bicho Bolita; Igor Lumpert Quartet- Resistance Of The Earth

Nikola Bankov

Everwanted

Amp, 2025

9/10

Listen to Everwanted

The saxophonist extraordinaire Nikola Bankov returns with a 3rd album of his fusion formula that welcomes Jonas Gravlund, August Korsgaard, Frederik Bak and Jacob Hedegaard.

“Everything I Have” starts the listen with a warm ambience, as the rich sax welcomes Hedegaard’s busy drumming, and “5AM” follows with Frederik Bak’s playful bass and Korsgaard’s buzzing keys, where a driving pace showcases melody and a firm beat.

“On Repeat” and “Eleven:Eleven” land in the middle. The former is full of a distinct atmosphere that’s cinematic and even mysterious and benefits from the colorful sax, while the latter is a bright blast of lush and timeless jazz qualities across the album’s best that makes great use of Jonas Gravlund’s guitar prowess.

The last track, “Fast Life”, recruits Tom Ford’s meticulous guitar via the dreamy demeanor that builds into a meticulous version of jazz rock.

A very technical version of synth-pop meets jazz fusion, every moment here is unpredictable, exciting and memorable due to Bankov’s inestimable vision and the top notch musicians in attendance.

Travels well with: Matt Bianco- Masquerader; Teis Semey- En Massei!

Dave Keyes

Two Trains

MoMojo, 2025

9/10

Listen to Two Trains

The always impressive singer and pianist Dave Keyes is in excellent company for these 10 diverse and timeless blues tracks.

The rhythmic swagger of “Blues Ain’t Looking For You” starts with Keyes’ powerful pipes and Bernard ‘Pretty’ Purdie’s thumping drums, and “Boogie Till The Cows Come Home” follows with John Putnam’s animated guitar amid Keyes’ playful piano that complements the sing-alongs.

The middle spot belongs to “Long Way From Right Right Now”, which trims the pace back with plenty of soul thanks to Rob Paparozzi’s spirited harmonica and the wise singing, while “What Just Happened” benefits from Mike Merritt’s frisky bass and Vicki Bell’s well timed backing vocals in a more rugged climate.

Residing close to the end, “Worrying You Off My Mind” welcomes Woody Mann’s skilled guitar and smooth voice to the piano fueled moment, and “Rest In Peace” exits with a breezy intimacy that’s just Keyes’ emotive pipes and pretty piano.

An eclectic outing that touches on blues, boogie, country blues, urban blues, gospel and even funk, Keyes brings a wealth of talent and experience to very relatable and memorable songs.

Travels well with: Al Basile- Blues In Hand; The Lucky Losers- Arrival

Bobby Rozario

Healer

Origin, 2025

9/10

Listen to Healer

The fusion artist Bobby Rozario brings his inimitable talents to these songs that surround healing and spirit of oneness, where a large cast is in attendance.

The detailed title track starts with Nathaniel Townsley’s skilled drums and James Genus’ animated bass complementing Rozario’s flowing guitar and warm voice, and “Jingo” follows with Joe Romano’s trumpet and Jimmy Bosch’s trombone adding much to the rhythmic climate.

In the middle spot, “Supreme” offers spoken word amid Danny Kean’s dreamy organ and Premik Russel Tubbs’ animated flute via much texturing, while “Raise Your Vibration” uses strong attention to mood plus the spirited guitar and frisky rhythm section that recruits soulful singing.

“Solitude” and “Seasons” exit the listen. The former is soft and elegant thanks to Neil Nail Alexander’s pensive organ and the latter focuses on David Mann’s rich sax prowess.

Perhaps jazz at its core, Rozario also flirts with blues. Raagas, Afro-Latin, classical and rock moments that aren’t short on grooves and melodies for the enlightening listen.

Travels well with: Paul Marinaro- Ellington; Ted Piltzecker- Peace Vibes

Rodrigo Domínguez

Bicho Bolita

ears & eyes, 2024

9/10

Listen to Bicho Bolita

The 7th album from Rodrigo Domínguez brings Nataniel Edelman and Fermin Merlo along for the 7 tracks of atypical jazz ideas.

The title track starts with Dominguez’s bright sax and Merlo’s lively drums making for a rhythmic presence, and “Polenta Magica” follows with a soulful and gentle spirit thanks to the heartfelt wind and Edelman’s bare keys.

In the middle, “Rota” comes with an upbeat energy that’s infectious and enlists scrappy drumming, while “De La Mano” emits a reflective mood thanks to the well timed sax, light keys and sparse drumming.

“Impro 4” and “Pareidolia” land in the middle. The former is adventurous and cinematic in its atypical delivery, and the latter uses space and tension with a very creative approach.

Dominguez has a lengthy and diverse resume, and along with the inimitable talents of Edelman and Merlo he meshes improvisation and culture into a highly creative version of jazz.

Travels well with: Igor Lumpert Quartet- Resistance Of The Earth; Ben Zucker’s Fifth Season- Semiterritory

The Cranberries

MTV Unplugged

Island/UMe, 2025

9/10

Listen to Mtv Unplugged

The Cranberries fleshed out these 9 songs way back in 1995 at the Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, NY, and for the first time ever it’s available as a standalone release.

“Intro/Dreaming My Dreams” starts with Dolores O’Riordan’s heartfelt voice alongside Noel Hogan’s warm guitar and stirring strings, and “Ode To My Family” follows and instantly invites singing along to the wordless singing, as Feral Lawler’s cozy percussion adds much beauty.

“Linger” lands in the 3rd spot, and somehow the song sounds better in this lovely version that blends the strings and guitar amid the expressive vocals, while “I’m Still Remembering” allows for O’Riordan’s powerful pipes to shine next to Mike Hogan’s precise bass playing.

“Zombie” arrives close to the end and turns the crunchy rocker into an orchestral ballad that’s emotive, and “No Need To Argue” exits with an elegance and bare quality that tugs on the heartstrings.

The songs here are so good, they didn’t need to be dressed up and buried with other instruments other than the sophisticated strings. This performance is considered one of the best of the MTV Unplugged series, and 30 years later it’s a great reminder of just how crucial The Cranberries were to the ‘90s and how well their work has aged.

Travels well with: The Cranberries- No Need To Argue; The Cranberries- To The Faithfully Departed

The Burning North

The Burning North

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to The Burning North

The Burning North is the joining of the songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Thomas Siering and drummer Marco Giovino, who also recruit Wendy Drown for the diverse and heartfelt 11 tracks.

The warm and cozy “The H Verses (That’s The Way)” opens with Drown’s pretty pipes alongside the melodic guitars, and “Everything Into Nothing” follows with Giovino’s cautious drums that complement the careful climate.

In the middle, “Truck Driving Man” brings in twang amid the intimate singing and Bruce Bears’ soft keys, while “Gainesville (1am)” carries timeless folk ideas thanks to the emotive storytelling and gentle melodies.

Getting closer to the end, “Facing The Hill” builds into a lush and harmonic album highlight that’s textured precisely, and “Older” follows some grit thanks to the dense guitars and rugged mood.

Drown’s vocals are quite adaptable here, and the esteemed players help make for both vulnerable and thicker bouts of country, blues, and rock inspired roots sounds you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Dana Maragos- Unimaginable Things; Mike Hollon- Irving Park

Bijan Taghavi

Cactus Sessions

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Cactus Sessions

The pianist Bijan Taghavi presents a solo effort that illustrates an expressive, rich and lyrical vision of improvisation where each track was captured in one take.

“Wave”, by Jobim, opens with the melodic and glowing keys radiating much warmth, and “I Should Care” follows with the rich piano making for a playful mood thanks to Axel Stordahl and Paul Weston’s vision.

“Peace” and “Have You Met Miss Jones” reside in the middle. The former is a soft moment of beauty and grace but that can also rumble a bit via Horace Silver’s piece, while the latter, by Richard Rogers, is an animated album highlight that’s colorful and charming.

Making our way to the end, “East Of The Sun” offers a reflective moment of sublime, touching songwriting thanks to Brook Bowman, and Jobim’s “Desafinado” exits with Taghavi’s meticulous fingers capturing the timeless spirit of the track with seeming ease.

A technical and emotional body of work that weaves in and out of harmony, rhythm, range and textures, Taghavi plays with a talent and execution that few others can.

Travels well with: Ben Clifton- Overlook; Tim Jago- Time Shif

A Flying Fish

El Pez Que Voló Act II

Apollon/Gymnocal, 2025

9/10

Listen to El Pez Que Voló Act II

This sophomore effort of Mexican prog/avant-garde/rock musical sounds from A Flying Fish sees the multi-instrumentalist Râhoola assembling a large cast for the atypical 12 tracks.

“The Lost Knight1” opens with an eerie ambience before Javier Garagarza’s scrappy drums enter alongside the playful keys and both talking and singing, and “A Leap Of Wraith” follows with Sebastián Garcia’s well timed violin, as tension builds into the furious chamber setting.

Deeper into the storyline, “Face Thyself” carries a darker spirit that also recruits graceful strings, while “Come Magenta” offers group vocals and a quick pace of animated songwriting.

Moving closer to the end, “Would Hack A Coo Cooker” is musically and vocally all over the place with both busy and calm bouts of rich and unpredictable ideas, and “Love Thyself” exits with Saša Olenjuk’s meticulous violin amid the many voices and textures.

An effort that serves as a musical quest to unearth the divine gem hidden within oneself, the sounds here span many musical styles, genres, production values and aesthetics, as A Flying Fish continue to solidify their place as an experimental and theatrical experience like no other.

Travels well with: A Flying Fish- El Pez Que Voló- Act I; Whispers Of Granite- Liquid Stone

Dana Maragos

Unimaginable Things

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Unimaginable Things

The Chicago singer-songwriter Dana Maragos returns for these 8 authentic tracks that embrace Americana and folk ideas alongside detailed storytelling.

The warm and punchy spirit of “You’re Gonna Get Lost In My Eyes” starts with Maragos’ bright voice and breezy guitar amid David Sims’ lively drums, and “What You See” follows with soft melodies and vivid storytelling that suits the timeless folk qualities.

“The Playground” and the title track land in the middle. The former radiates tremendous beauty via the intimate singing and cozy guitar, while the latter benefits from John Abbey’s skilled bass that complements the introspective mood which is a bit dreamy, too.

“Angel” arrives late and makes great use of Brian Wilkie’s steel guitar across the heartfelt album highlight, and “When I Watch You Go” exits with a poetic quality that’s authentic and pretty in Maragos’ lush delivery.

This is Maragos 4th release and is dedicated to her late brother, Danny. Not surprising, the songs are often pensive, and emit relatable lyrical matter surrounded by much authenticity and grace that won’t take long to admire.

Travels well with: Mike Hollon- Irving Park; Robert Stoner- American Dream

Marcy Rosen/Diane Walsh

Barber, Schumann, Chopin

Bridge, 2025

9/10

Listen to Barber, Schumann, Chopin

Marcy Rosen’s cello and Diane Walsh’s keys come together for these 3 in depth selections are fleshed out with incredible attention to detail.

Samuel Barber’s “Sonata in c minor, Op. 6” opens with bright keys and emotive cello interacting with much beauty and grace that can get quick and dynamic, but also retreat to calm.

In the middle, Robert Schumann’s “Fantasiestücke, Op. 73” radiates a profound intimacy via the colorful keys and striking strings, where the duo’s chemistry instills wonder and awe.

The last track, “Sonata in g minor, Op. 65”, by Frédéric Chopin, offers elegant and firm moments of meticulous piano and gripping cello that is executed flawlessly.

The pair exercise much skill and care surrounding these 3 masterpieces, where they put their own inimitable spin on the selections that will forever be timeless.

Travels well with: Russell Platt- Mountain Interval: Songs And Chamber Music Of Russell Platt;Poul Ruders- Six Symphonies

Andy Thorn

Frontiers Like These

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Frontiers Like These

The man who handles banjos duties for jam band stars Leftover Salmon, Frontiers Like These is Andy Thorn’s first solo disc in 8 years, and he makes it worth the wait with plenty of harmonies and strong musicianship from not only Thorn, but a small handful of esteemed friends.

“Coming Round Again” starts the listen with a mix of country and folk sounds with banjos as well as fiddles and flowing vocal harmonies, and “Blazing New Frontiers” follows with memorable bluegrass qualities as Thorn pulls off some lovely melodies.

There’s an awful lot of talent on hand here, as members of Leftover Salmon, Mandolin Orange, Town Mountain, Big Fat Gap and Jon Stickley Trio are present and it makes for unparalleled chemistry on tracks like the instrumental “Star Of St. Elmo”, while the laid back feel of “Standing Still” emits a warm, timeless feel.

The back half of the listen offers the moutain-esque fun of “Five String Picker In A Second String Band”, the cautious and meticulous picking of “Isabelle’s Wake” and the emotive, heartfelt “Dealt To You”. The album exits on the proficient melodies and robust, wise wordplay of “Warning Call”, where Thorn’s banjo acrobatics are nothing short of awe inspiring.

A strong outing both musically and lyrically, current topics like climate change and economic disparity are addressed, as the music embraces the jam band qualities of Thorn’s full time gig, as well as the organic, nature-esque melodies of North Carolina, where the album was recorded in just a few days.

Travels well with: Greensky Bluegrass- Shouted, Written Down & Quoted;Sam Bush- Laps In Seven