The Scott Silbert Quartet

Dream Dancing

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Dream Dancing

The saxophonist Scott Silbert is joined by Amy Shook, Robert Redd and Chuck Redd for these 13 tracks that pay tribute to the legendary tenor sax player Zoot Sims.

The cozy spirit of the title track opens with Silbert’s elegant sax amid Chuck’s warm drums, and “Louisiana” follows with an upbeat spirit thanks to Shook’s bouncy bass lines and the rich sax prowess.

In the middle, “You Go To My Head” illuminates Robert’s elegant piano alongside much beauty, while “Someday Sweetheart” is a romantic moment populated by the heartfelt sax and the cautious rhythm section.

Moving closer to the end, “Shadow Waltz” carries an infectious energy that you could and should dance to, and “Wee Dot” exits with an equally contagious mood where the frisky drums, animated sax, playful bass and colorful keys shine.

The tunes present are standards and originals, where Silbert and company excel in calm and lively area of timeless jazz that we could never tire of.

Travels well with: Mac Gollehon- Pistoleros; Pete Mills- For The Record

Johan Steensland

Duality

Cemafor, 2025

8/10

Listen to Duality

The Swedish prog-rock wizard Johan Steensland fleshes out a rock opera about a couple’s chaotic break up, where Aleena Gibson and Per Nilsson, plus others are in attendance.

“Fragments” starts the listen with a calm beauty, where gentle melody and some fuller bursts enter, and it isn’t long until Ingemar Brandt’s intimate piano and Ture Trygger’s dreamy flute surround the expressive singing of “Only Good Men”.

Further along, Per Nilsson lends meticulous guitar to the thumping and soaring prog climate, while “Let Me In!” is a harmonic duet that balances softness with louder bouts of emotive songwriting.

Deeper still, “Black Sea” enlists Owe Eriksson’s skilled bass via the heartfelt delivery, and “Here And Now” exits with Steensland’s poetic pipes and Gibson’s colorful voice in a dreamy, soothing finish that weaves and out of many ideas in its 10 minutes.

A striking body of work that’s moody, sometimes firm, other times gentle, Steensland and company draw us into the story with intricate song craft and a very passionate execution.

Travels well with: Myth Of Logic- The Memory Of After; Spriggan Mist- The Glare

Paul Kendall

Vintage Tenor

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Vintage Tenor

The jazz saxophonist, arranger and educator Paul Kendall sure is prolific, and this duo album showcases his abilities in a stripped back climate.

“In Retrospect” starts the listen with Kendall’s soaring sax amid George Grund’s playful keys, and “Bright Beak” follows the melodic wind that suits the upbeat piano.

The middle spot belongs to the intimate and rich “Overtly Inn”, while “Quick Drink” is indeed swift, where the chemistry between the pair unfolds with rich ideas.

Close to the end, “Night Noodle” offers a stylish and flowing album highlight, and “Shawn’s Prawns” exits with the duo interacting with warmth and adventurousness.

Kendall’s work will impress fans of any era of jazz, and along with the meticulous keys he again makes for a timeless listening experience.

Travels well with: Paul Kendall- Vintage Baritone Festive; Paul Kendall- My Shining Hour

The Outernet

The Light & The Fury

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to The Light & The Fury

An outfit spearheaded by Phil Turcio’s keys and programming, The Outernet also includes Emilio Kormanic, Pete Molica and Pete Drummond for these 10 very unique tracks.

The speedy and aptly titled “The Fury” opens with Mollica’s frisky bass and Turcio’s lightning quick keys making an impression, and “The Crossing” follows with 2 parts that radiate warmth and adventurousness which swirls with plenty of prog-rock ideas.

In the middle, the melodic “Mortal” offers a heartfelt moment thanks to Kormanic’s harmonic guitars and the upbeat dynamics, while “Menacing Images” is an animated album highlight thanks to the meticulous guitars and Pete Drummond’s wild drumming.

Arriving near the end, “Running From The Aliens” offers busy textures of buzzing and cinematic bursts and “The Light” exits with grace and intimacy that’s rich with beauty.

Somewhere between jazz and prog-rock, The Outernet’s brand of fusion is quite distinct and memorable, and they excel in softer areas, too.

Travels well with: Paul Litteral- The Litteral Truth; Pete Mills- For The Record

Paul Marinaro

Mood Ellington

Origin, 2025

9/10

Listen to Mood Ellington

The always impressive vocalist, Paul Marinaro, collects 25 of Duke Ellington’s most revered tracks and brings along a large cast to flesh them out across 2 discs and 3 sets.

“I’m Beginning To See The Light” starts with Tom Vaitas’ lively piano that suits the bright brass and Marinaro’s smooth pipes, and it isn’t long until “Sophisticated Lady” emits a powerful and emotive landscape thanks to the expressive singing and Neil Hemphill’s light drums.

Further into disc 1, “It Shouldn’t Happen To A Dream” moves with an elegant mood that picks up the pace thanks to Mike Allemana’s frisky guitar and the soaring winds, while “Mood Indigo” starts set 2 with a rich mood that’s melodic and booming.

Moving towards the end, “I Didn’t Know About You” integrates sweeping strings into the romantic spirit that allows for Marinaro’s inimitable voice to shine, and “Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me” exits with John Tate’s meticulous bass plucking that suits the timeless and cozy mood.

Rich Moore (sax, clarinet, flute), John Wojciechowski (saxes, flute), Ted Hogarth (sax, clarinet), Eric Jacobsen (trumpet, flugelhorn) and Raphael Crawford (trombone) lend their excellent talents to the occasion, and it truly does add even more beauty to this harmonic and heartfelt project.

Travels well with: Ted Piltzecker- Peace Vibes; Kelsey Mines- Everything Sacred, Nothing Serious

John Gunther

Painting The Dream

Origin, 2025

9/10

Listen to Painting The Dream

The multi-instrumentalist John Gunther is joined by Dawn Clement and Dru Heller for these 13 tracks that celebrate the memory of the trumpeter Ron Miles.

“In Praise Of Softness” opens and is indeed gentle, where Clement’s pretty, wordless voice is met with Gunther’s mesmerizing sax in the dreamy climate, and “Mother Juggler” follows with Heller’s skilled drumming and Clement’s rich keys amid Gunther’s soulful clarinet.

Near the middle, the rhythmic “Ron Song” is full of soulful sax, crisp drums and elegant keys, while the title track is quite eloquent, and enlists clarinet and flutes for the swirling album highlight.

Arriving near the end, “Elliptical Motion” is drum focused, but also benefits from animated winds and playful keys, and “Bubbles” exits with curious buzzing and an emotive interaction that’s as unpredictable as it is exciting.

An artistic and very colorful effort, Gunther pays tribute to his colleague with charming electronics and lovely textures of timeless jazz sounds.

Travels well with: Anthony Stanco- In The Groove: Live At The Alluvion; Affinity Trio- New Outlook

Derrick Stembridge/Mike Petruna

Cryptic Logic

Labile, 2024

9/10

Listen to Cryptic Logic

The inimitable artists Mike Petruna and Derrick Stembridge (of Drifting In Silence fame) treat us to an electronic album, where the collaborative spirit makes for a diverse 12 tracks.

“Ephemeral” opens with a chilling ambience, where flowing beats and playful synth unfolds with charm, and “Understand Forgive And Remain” follows with a dance floor energy via the upbeat buzzing that’s contrasted by an ominous back drop.

The title track arrives in the middle, and emits cinematic qualities that float with mystery before busy percussive ideas enter, while “False Idols” pairs wordless voices with electro-pop melodies that you can’t not enjoy.

“Moments In Space” and “The Ones We Lost” exit the listen. The former simmers softly amid a dreamy expanse that builds into a soulful bout, and the latter finishes with waves of sci-fi friendly layering.

Somewhere between house, IDM, techno and indie-tronica, Stembridge and Petruna bring a wealth of talent and creativity to the effort.

Travels well with: Drifting In Silence- Beautiful Chaos Of Truth; Drifting In Silence- Away

Denman Maroney Quintet

Unwelt

Neuma, 2025

9/10

Listen to Unwelt

The pianist and composer Denman Maroney is joined by Scott Walton, Robin Fincker, Samuel Silvant and Guillaume Orti for these 9 jazz and classically spirited tracks.

“Andale/Simplexity” opens with Orti and Fincker’s swirling saxophones that radiate much playfulness, and “Iteratio” follows with Maroney’s warm keys amid a melodic ambience.

“Isotrope” and “Lilt” land in the middle. The former carries a soulful spirit thanks to the reserved winds, while the latter emits frisky progressions from Maroney’s fingers that make for an infectious mood before the band’s rich interaction enters.

The title track arrives late and makes great use of Silvant’s skilled drumming via plenty of timeless jazz nods, and “Rolling Evermore” exits with Walton’s well timed bass alongside 7+ minutes of exploration and strategic repetition.

This is Maroney’s 3rd album since relocating to France from New York, and the title refers to the perceptive capacities of species in German. Maroney puts that idea to use with these harmonic and rhythmic selections that are unpredictable and inviting from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Percussia- Murmuration; Phillip Schroeder- Radiance Within

Ryan Hartt

Be About It!

Far-Tone, 2025

9/10

Listen to Be About It!

The New England blues legend Ryan Hartt turns in a solo album, where some excellent regional players join him for the 11 animated tracks.

The lively spirit of “Breakin’ Even” opens with Hartt’s soulful pipes amid Nick Toscano’s thumping drums, and “Queen Of Everything” showcases Hartt’s soaring harmonica and Mike Law’s playful bass via plenty of rhythm.

Arriving in the middle, “Nothing Sweet As You” offers a romantic moment thanks to Tom Ferraro’s flowing guitar, while “I Wonder Why” bops and shakes with an infectious energy, where Nick Adams’ meticulous guitar makes an impression.

Deeper still, “Lonely Hour” emits a powerful and slow blues moment that benefits from Brooks Milgate’s intricate keys, and “You Belong To Me” exits with the heartfelt harmonica and Jeffrey Berg’s calm bass complementing the thoughtful ambience.

The tunes here tip their hat to West Coast and Chicago Blues, and Hartt’s band sure do illuminate the hooks and timeless songwriting of his blues vision.

Travels well with: The Fabulous Thunderbirds- The Jimmie Vaughan Years; Rick Holmstrom- Get It!

Mike Cyril

Radiant Sorrow

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Radiant Sorrow

A collection of 10 songs written between 2020 and 2025, Mike Cyril explores isolation, upheaval, and artistic transformation across this well thought out effort.

The intimate and poetic “Turn Out The Lights” opens with Cyril’s emotive singing alongside Sara Goldstone’s soft keys, and “I Guess You’re My Baby” follows with well timed backing vocals and Piero Perelli’s crisp drums that suit the expressive vocals.

Landing in the middle, the gentle “Moon’s Afterglow” quickly bursts into a loud bout of orchestral pop, while “Plans For Me” is a bit haunting via the moody strings and cinematic backdrop.

Near the end, “Things You Can’t Ignore” recruits eloquent storytelling amid the stirring violin and strategic bass, and “Love Charges On” exits with warm melodies surrounding the heartfelt singing and bare musicianship.

Cyril and his wife traded urban life for a mountaintop view, and these songs stemmed from the thoughts of mortality, resistance to healing, love, and fever dreams that followed. Highly sophisticated and easily relatable, his vision unfolds with much care that touches on the human experience.

Travels well with: Janie May- The Rules; Joseph Shipp- Dig Deep

Drifting In Silence

Beautiful Chaos Of Truth

Labile, 2025

9/10

Listen to Beautiful Chaos Of Truth

The prolific North Carolina artist, Derrick Stembridge, returns as Drifting In Silence, where a keen sense of mood and experimental ideas surround the 15 enlightening tracks.

“Through Collapsing Light” starts the listen with waves of floating synth that emits a cinematic quality, and “For All Days” follows with colorful keys radiating a haze of beauty.

Moving further into the listen, “All Is Forgotten” moves with upbeat and joyful layering, while “What Remains Was Always True” emits a twinkling effect that’s heartfelt and instills introspection in its thoughtful mood.

Inching closer to the end, “The Disappearance Of Meaning” seems like it could soundtrack a sci-fi film with its adventurous yet cautious spirit, and the title track exits with a unique rhythm and charming ambience.

A really calming effort that focuses on clarity, Stembridge pays close attention to space, texture and tonality in a way that drones with minimalism and warrants profound reflection.

Travels well with: Drifting In Silence- Away; Drifting In Silence- False Awakening

Josh Fortenbery

Tidy Memorial

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Tidy Memorial

The Alaska resident and singer-songwriter Josh Fortenbery returns with 10 more thoughtful and sincere songs that embrace Americana, folk and country ideas.

The warm and heartfelt “Heaven’s Above” opens with Erik Clampitt’s glowing pedal steel that complements Fortenbery’s raw voice and cozy guitar, and “Nobody Is Pleased” follows with Todd Vierra’s skilled drums that bring intimacy to the soft melodies.

“Steven” and “City Lights” arrive in the middle. The former is full of vivid storytelling thanks to Fortenbery’s distinct voice, and the latter enlists Sam Roberts’ precise bass amid the rich delivery of the album’s best.

The title track resides late in the listen and welcomes Taylor Dallas Vidic’s lush harmony vocals and much layering, and “Wanderlust” exits with a distinct dreaminess that’s nearly meditative in its cinematic mood.

Fortenbery’s got a voice that draws you in and he sure knows his way around a guitar, too. These stories radiate much beauty and timelessness, where each tune is a eulogy of some sort that’s relatable and wise.

Travels well with: Josh Fortenbery- No Such Thing As Forever; Tyler Grant- Flatpicker

Steven Ricks

Mythological Fragments

New Focus, 2025

9/10

Listen to Mythological Fragments

The esteemed composer Steven Ricks brings us extended works for soprano, piano and electronics, plus a much larger setting, where the two pieces are delivered with much attention to detail.

The first half of the listen belongs to “Medusa In Fragments”, as Keith Kirchoff’s fascinating keys and Jennifer Welch-Babidge’s soaring soprano meet at a very unpredictable intersection of tense bouts versus eloquent storytelling. The presence of ominous electronics and dramatic vocals are quite striking, and only enhance the atypical vision.

“Baucis And Phillemon” resides on the back half. It enlists plenty of noisemakers and vocals from Madison Leonard and Shea Owens, as twinkling harp, playful flute, and well timed percussion suit the strategic strings, charming harmonics and exploratory layering across the chamber opera.

An album of contrasts, Ricks’ approach is bold, diverse and intriguing, where samples, electronics and manipulation are used like a refined science.

Travels well with: Leilehua Lanzilotti/David Kaplan- Scott Wollschleger: Lost Anthems; Daniel Strong Godfrey- Toward Light

Myth Of Logic

The Memory Of After

Firewall, 2025

8/10

Listen to The Memory Of After

The Florida prog-rock outfit, Myth Of Logic, is spearheaded by Scott G. Davis, who takes inspiration from legends like Genesis, Yes and Rush for these 8 fusion friendly tracks.

“The Memory Of After (Part 1)” opens with atmospheric keys that segue into driving guitar and Louis Alexi’s thumping drums, and “Shadow Box” follows with fluid keys and dreamy singing, where dense bass bouts also enter the pretty yet rugged climate.

“Machine Language” occupies the middle spot and uses grooves atypically via the hard hitting moments and rich instrumentation, while “The Sky Is Falling” enlists David Pate’s strategic sax prowess that adds a jazz like presence to the unpredictable landscape.

Close to the end, “Mercy Paradox” is highly melodic and benefits from Jerry Outlaw’s guitar acrobatics, and “The Memory Of After (Part II)” exits with Tara Jennings’ voice over and Chris Barbosa’s violin adding much ambience to the nearly 20 minutes of busy versus soft gestures.

The idea of Myth Of Logic started in the ‘90s, but wasn’t realized until 2021. However, Davis is making up for lost time with some very progressive and timeless rock, as evidenced by this meticulous effort.

Travels well with: Spriggan Mist- The Glare; Edenya- The Secret Destination You Are Looking For

Maria Corsaro

Love Makes The Changes

Lola, 2025

9/10

Listen to Love Makes The Changes

The jazz and cabaret vocalist Maria Corsaro does justice to the work of many composers with her sophisticated and emotive pipes across these 12 timeless tracks.

The energetic “If You Never Fall in Love with Me” opens with Mark Feinberg’s flowing sax that suits Corsaro’s animated pipes, and “In April (For Nenette)” follows with a poetic mood thanks to the expressive singing and cozy piano.

Closer to the middle, the rich “No More Blues” builds into a lively moment of playful jazz fun that benefits from Dan Silliman’s frisky drums, while “You Taught My Heart To Sing” is an intimate moment that tugs on the heartstrings.

Near the end, the charming “Walkin’ Shoes” makes great use of Skip Ward’s skilled bass via the upbeat delivery, and “That Day” exits with soft keys and gorgeous singing that’s vulnerable and stirring.

A timeless effort that can swing just as it can reside in balladry, Corsaro’s performance is top notch and the musicians work together flawlessly with much grace.

Travels well with: Heather McKay- Life Got In The Way; Jennifer Madsen- Reimagine

Spinifex

Maxximus

Trytone, 2025

9/10

Listen to Maxximus

The Amsterdam outfit, Spinfex, celebrate 2 decades together with these elaborate 6 tracks that enlist an expanded line up.

The cozy “Smitten” starts the listen with the hazy winds and crisp percussion emitting warmth and richness, and “Sack & Ash” follows with a loud presence, where Philipp Moser’s drums and Jasper Stadhouders’ jagged guitar make an impression.

Halfway through, “Phoenix” allows for Gonçalo Almeida’s playfully plucked back to shine in both bare and busy bouts, while “Springend” blends noise and jazz rock into an unclassifiable and exciting album highlight that makes great use of John Dikeman’s sax.

Close to the end, “Annie Golden” spends 14+ minutes mesmerizing us with soft versus busy gestures, and “The Privilege Of Playing The Wrong Notes” exits with a calm droning before the mashing of noisemakers enters, where Tobias Klein’s clarinet and Bart Maris’ trumpet won’t go unnoticed.

An incredible performance of free jazz, punk rock and chamber inspired moments, let’s hope that Spinifex have enough gas in the tank for another decade of their inimitable vision.

Travels well with: Patricia Brennan- Of The Near And Far; Jussi Reijonen- sayr: salt/ thirst

Superchained

Symbolic

Bitume, 2025

9/10

Listen to Symbolic

The recording moniker of Hugo Lanvin, as Superchained the multi-instrumentalist brings us a fusion experience here that relies heavily on rock.

“Born Again” starts with dense guitars and thumping drums, where plenty of ‘90s grunge ideas are present, and “Let’s Make Something” follows with a swirling, melodic approach that’s got plenty of grooves.

“Falling Down” and “The Trip” land in the middle. The former resides in balladry thanks to the dreamy guitar and crisp drums, while the latter is hard hitting moment that embraces punk ideas.

Getting close to the end, “The Narcissist” balances powerful and soft bouts with strong attention to mood, and “Prosthetic Head” exits with a lively burst of timeless alt-rock that invites singing-along amid the thick fuzz.

A really fun record that’s all over the rock spectrum, whether you’re a fan of Alice In Chains, Smashing Pumpkins or Pearl Jam, you’re going to admire this.

Travels well with: Thy Apokalypse- Fragment quatriéme (Metacosmos); Scriptura- Deep Stoned

Larry Beckett

Though We Have Only Love

Orchard/Sony, 2026

9/10

Listen to Though We Have Only Love

The poet and songwriter Larry Beckett returns with a 5th album, where a tribute to the Belgian singer Jacques Brel is fleshed out by an all star cast.

“Litany For A Return” opens with Mike Hodgins’ thumping drums alongside Beckett’s talk/singing in the crisp folk-rock climate, and it isn’t long until the cautious “I Don’t Know” offers an emotive and poetic moment with Stuart Anthony’s soft guitar.

Arriving near the middle, “The Dove” enlists James Edge’s warm keys amid a darker mood that’s mesmerizing, while “Don’t Walk Away” is a powerful and bare moment that pairs Beckett’s pleading voice with gentle guitar.

Deeper still, spoken word surrounds “Juliet” via much eloquence, and the title track exits with a more rock focused approach that makes great use of Matt Canty’s bass.

An effort that captures the poeticism and passion of the originals, we’re treated to driving rock anthems and no lack of intimacy across this very literate and touching record.

Travels well with: Edelston & Dulcimer- Making Waves; Fox And Bones- Long Time Honey

The Doodle Cats

Reinventing The Wheel

Necessary Vice, 2025

9/10

Listen to Reinventing The Wheel

An assembly of skilled San Francisco musicians come together as The Doodle Cats, where 12 lively tracks run the gamut of jazz influences.

The energetic and snappy “Greerin’ Out” opens with Julian Hogan’s frisky drums alongside Carl Schultz’s flowing sax, and “Manny Manhattan” follows with Mighty Joe Belson’s bouncy bass lines amid the bright wind and rich brass.

“Dear Sammy” lands in the middle and emits much intimacy thanks to Kevin Wong’s warm keys and the soulful horns, while “Schmaltz Waltz” allows for Erik Jekabson’s trumpet to shine via the timeless jazz flavor.

Further still, “Big Business” showcases the cozy rhythm section that charms us alongside the melodic sax, and “Snow Day” displays Will Shannon’s trombone prowess that complements the rhythmic album highlight.

An excellent sophomore album that swings with much fun, there’s plenty of solos and meticulous interaction surrounding the ‘50s and ‘60s inspired jazz tracks.

Travels well with: Love Unfold The Sun- Explode Yourself; Banning Eyre- Bare Songs Vol. 1

Yimba Rudo

Yimba Rudo

Barking Hoop, 2019

8/10

Listen to Yimba Rudo

A trio consisting of Kevin Norton, Jim Pugliese and Steve LaSpina, Yimba Rudo (meaning ‘Sing Love’ in Zimbabwe’s Shona language), brings avant-garde and world music ideas to this chamber jazz influenced listen.

“Reconcile The Classic View” starts the album with Norton’s gentle vibraphone as drums stay soft while Norton’s acrobatics take focus, and “Toronto” follows with a highly playful setting as the drums build into a tense display of skill.

Further along, “Over And Inside The Rainbow” brings the mood into calmer areas, where ambiance and exploration are in attendance, while “The Faustian Bargain” offers a haunting, hypnotic approach as LaSpina’s double bass leaves an impression.

Near the end, “Tearing Down The Walls” flows with a cinematic quality, and “Polar Oscillation” reels experimental ideas into the unconventional album highlight. The listen ends on “Walking The Dogma”, which ranges from sparse to busy as all members take their turns in the spotlight.

Seeing as all 3 players have taken the lead role in other endeavors, this all star collaboration brings in a wealth of talent where the flawless execution of progressive warrants repeated listens.

Travels well with: Paul Bley- Diane; Anthony Braxton- For Alto