Sage Christie

Little Deaths

Dignified Death, 2025

9/10

Listen to Little Deaths

The Asheville resident Sage Christie pens songs about post-divorce grief and romance in Kansas with these sincere folk songs that take help from some friends.

The a cappella “Prologue” showcases Christie’s warm voice in a bare climate, and “Rabbit Through The Woods” follows with Christie’s flowing guitar, bass and voice amid Corey Johnson-Erday’s well timed fiddle.

In the middle, “Maybe I’m Learning” pairs Emily Johnson-Erdays banjo with Grant Peterson’s cello that suits the elegant pipes, while “Medicine” has Christie playing all the instruments via the soft indie-folk that’s poetic.

Advancing towards the end, “Apparition” takes on a haunting quality alongside Nick Tuttle’s gentle bass and drums, and “Epilogue” exits with a lively pub jam that invites singing along to the traditional folk melodies.

A diverse effort that excels in balladry, fingerpicked bouts and Celtic, folk and Americana sounds, every moment here is lovely and relatable.

Travels well with: Leslie Jordan- The Agonist; Suzie Brown- Songs Worth Saving

Luke Bell

The King Is Back

Thirty Tigers, 2025

9/10

Listen to The King Is Back

We’re treated to 28 tracks across 2 discs of the late Luke Bell’s work, where unreleased studio recordings, early cuts, and classic rowdy country-western storytelling is front and center.

The animated harmonica of “Rattlesnake Man” opens with plenty of lively ideas that suit Bell’s distinct voice, and it isn’t long until the playful keys and frisky drums of “Cold Stew” rumbles with melody.

Further along, “All I’ve Got” offers a heartfelt moment of intimate songwriting amid stirring fiddle, while “Hand To Hold” closes the first half and touches on classic country amid the warm mood.

“Blue Freightliner” starts disc 2 with a full and dynamic spirit that’s got some cozy twang, and the title track lands halfway through with Bell’s vivid storytelling and meticulous guitar licks. “Tiger’s Mouth” exits with grit alongside the flowing, rural rock flavor.

Bell put out 3 albums while he was still alive, and though he never saw mainstream success, his peers and fans adored his honky tonk and country ways that sure sound great all these years later. It’s very likely his songs will become more popular as time goes on, cause there really never has been an artistic quite like him.

Travels well with: Jesse Daniel- Countin’ The Miles; Riley Downing- Start It Over

Shiva Burlesque/The Great Quiet

IPR XLV 7”

Independent Project, 2025

9/10

Listen to IPR XLV 7”

A Limited Edition 7” that celebrates the 45th Anniversary of the label Independent Project Records, we’re treated to a song each from Shiva Burlesque and The Great Quiet.

Side A belongs to Shiva Burlesque’s “Raven (Ascending)”, where Grant-Lee Phillips lends his inimitable guitar and backing vocals to David J.’s bass and Dana Gumbiner’s drums for the swirling post-punk meets psyche-fueled journey that uses Jeffrey Clark’s acoustic guitar and flowing, mysterious voice superbly.

The back half is where The Great Quiet’s “Round Valley Walkabout” lands. The ambient tune enlists Bruce Licher and Karen Licher’s atmospheric electric guitars amid Stelth Ulvang’s well timed harmonica and moog, as well as Dorota Szuta’s rich violin, as the tune carries an earthy and cinematic appeal.

There’s only 500 copies of this 7” made, and it’s a great representation of the quality of music the label is known for, where the label owners (Clark and Bruce Licher) are both present for the occasion.

Travels well with: Woo- Whichever Way You Are Going, You Are Going Wrong; Stephen J. Kalinich & Friends- I Love My Life

Long The Night

Illusion

Labile, 2021

9/10

Listen to Illusion

The North Carolina musician Derrick Stembridge is a man of many talents. In addition to solo work and also as Drifting in Silence, this darker vision as Long The Night brings a more ominous appeal.

“Divided Souls” starts the 10 song listen with a distinct ambience that simmers amid a haunting backdrop, and “Untold Mind” continues the creativity with a sonic allure that’s shrouded in mystery and chanting voices.

Halfway through, “Through Blind Eyes” emits a chilling atmosphere that’s textured meticulously, while “Forgotten Time” balances droning and tension with a strategic, cinematic presence.

Getting close to the end, “Immaculate Perception” buries melody under the haze of synth, and “Illusion” exits with a cathartic and emotive outpouring.

A curious effort that utilizes giant drones, chants, and field recordings, Stembridge recorded, composed, arranged, processed, and performed everything here with unparalleled attention to detail.

Travels well with: Derrick Stembridge- Past Present Future: Archive I; Drifting In Silence- Away

Deborah Shulman

We Had A Moment

Summit, 2025

8/10

Listen to We Had A Moment

The Los Angeles jazz vocalist started thinking about this album while undergoing radiation for breast cancer, and not surprisingly it makes for her most personal release to date that welcomes an all star cast.

“Anyone Can Whistle” opens with Jeff Colella’s warm piano alongside Shulman’s intimate voice in the comforting climate, and “No Moon At All” follows with Kenny Wild’s playful bass that suits the colorful singing which builds into a melodic delivery.

The halfway spot belongs to “With So Little To Be Sure Of”, where a charming breeziness enters alongside Joe La Barbera’s fluid drums, while “Goodbye Love/Not Like This” is an emotive and sophisticated album highlight that allows Shulman’s voice to soar amid the heartfelt keys.

Residing close to the end, “Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea” is a more frisky moment that benefits from Larry Koonse’s radiant guitar, and “You Must Believe In Spring” exits with eloquence via the poetic singing and Terry Trotter’s touching piano.

Shulman is now cancer free, and she expresses irony, grief, grace and love across these songs that can swing and land in balladry, and it’s all executed with much care and timelessness.

Travels well with: Linda Dachtyl- Full Steam Ahead; Emma Hedrick- Newcomer

James 'JB' Barnes

My Mississippi Roots

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to My Mississippi Roots

The veteran musician James ‘JB’ Barnes knows a thing or 2 about the blues, and he highlights his Mississippi heritage with these 13 authentic and memorable originals, tributes and reimagined classics.

The soulful and spirited “Get Up And Go Blues” opens with Barnes’ smooth voice and playful bass amid Carmine Diorio’s skilled drumming, and ‘Gotta Make A Change” follows with a calmer pace that showcases Jarred "Arktkt" Barnes’ warm keys that suit the emotive pipes.

Moving towards the middle, “Southern Girl” carries a dreamy spirit that’s eloquent and also a bit gritty, while “Sara Smiles” comes with some R&B nods, where the sharp guitar playing and well timed backing vocals help make for an inviting climate.

Deeper still, “Brush With The Blues” leads soft before the dense guitar licks take over, and “Stand Up And Give Peace And Love A Chance” exits and flirts with ‘70s rock that benefits much from Joey Stan’s animated horns.

A truly exceptional display of the blues, Barnes utilizes grooves, balladry, gospel moments, and meticulous layering that honors the legends before him while showcasing his inestimable talents.

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

Meghan Hayes

Latecomer

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Latecomer

The Tennessee singer-songwriter Meghan Hayes returns with a 4th album, where the themes surround the many artistic and personal challenges she’s recently faced, and it’s a bit more stripped back than her earlier work, but no less impactful.

“Surprised” opens the listen with Hayes’ stirring voice and emotive guitar playing that’s heartfelt, and the title track follows with her gentle voice amid the poetic mood.

In the middle, the fuller spirit of “Evangeline” welcomes Fats Kaplin’s warm fiddle to the rural melodies, while “Unlock The Door” offers a charming duet of timeless folk ideas that’s eloquent and memorable.

Deeper still, “I’m Getting There” enlists some serious self-reflection that radiates much sincerity and wisdom, and “Work” exits with Hayes’ inimitable delivery that’s cozy, intimate and pretty, where Mando Saenz’s meticulous guitar won’t go unnoticed.

Hayes wasn’t sure she would make another album, but we’re all better off that she did, and let’s hope there’s more in the future, cause her timeless vision and appreciation of folk, Americana, country and roots sounds will always be much needed.

Travels well with: Meghan Hayes- Seen Enough Leavers; Meghan Clarisse- Shadows Of A Ghost Town

Derrick Stembridge

Past Present Future: Archive I

Labile, 2023

9/10

Listen to Past Present Future:Archival I

The North Carolina artist Derrick Stembridge released these 10 soulful tracks in 2023, and each selection finds its own distinct mood to reside in alongside his creative and inviting electronic ideas.

The dreamy and reflective “Origin” opens with waves of beauty and grace, and “Ghost In My Eyes” follows with dense beats and colorful synth patterns that are cinematic.

“Misunderstood” and “Facewithin” land in the middle. The former uses manipulated voices and light buzzing for the engaging electro-pop nods, while the latter is packed with sci-fi exploration that seems other worldly.

Landing close to the end, “Chameleon” moves softly with intimacy and mystery before building into a busy and textured album highlight, and “Echos Of The Setting Sun” finishes with bright moments, whispered voices and an infectious energy that you could dance to.

An extremely detailed effort that embraces ambient, electronic and industrial ideas, Stembridge pens an album or both mulling things over and an evening at the club.

Travels well will: Derrick Stembridge/Mike Petruna- Cryptic Logic; Drifting In Silence- Away

Raphael Pannier Quartet

Live In Saint Louis, Senegal

Miel, 2025

9/10

Listen to Live In Saint Louis, Senegal

The French drummer and composer Raphael Pannier is versed in jazz and sabar sounds, and here in a quartet setting that utilizes an 8 piece ensemble of West African drummers, we’re treated to 7 cultured tracks.

“Lonely Woman” start the evening with Francois Moutin’s playful bass amid Yosvany Terry’s elegant sax in the soft mood that picks up the pace near the end with busy drumming, and “Take Five” follows with a busy energy that makes great use of Thomas Enhco’s playful keys amid dense drumming prowess.

Deeper into the evening, “Naima” emits a dreaminess via the light instrumentation that contrasts with the hypnotic and full drum patterns, while “Hommage To Dodou N’Diaye Rose” pairs the bass acrobatics with group drumming that’s so meticulous you can’t not be in awe of it.

“Sine Saloum” is the last track with music, and it radiates a distinct melody alongside rapid fire drumming that’s infectious and exciting.

A colorful and textured set that puts a fresh coat of paint on 3 jazz classics and recruits a worldly spirit, Pannier and company draw us in from beginning to end with these technical selections.

Travels well with: Spinifex- Maxximus; Patricia Brennan- Of The Near And Far

Judy Whitmore

Christmas

Arden House, 2025

9/10

Listen to Christmas

The esteemed jazz vocalist, Judy Whitmore, brings along The Chris Walden Orchestra, plus many others, for these 12 festive tracks.

The upbeat and warm “Kay Thompson’s Jingle Bells” starts with plenty of backing vocals that complement Whitmore’s smooth voice, and “Christmas Time Is Here” follows with Josh Nelson’s cozy keys amid the intimate pipes.

Arriving in the middle, “Happy Holiday/The Holiday Season” uses Ray Brinker’s strategic drums and the elegant strings superbly, while “The Man With The Bag” enlists bright horns and Edwin Livingston’s well timed bass which suits Whitmore animated voice.

Getting close to the end, “We Are Light”, a sublime duet with Billy Grubman, tugs on the heartstrings with much emotion, and “The Ghosts Of Christmas Past” exits with the sweeping strings and Andrew Synowiec’s dreamy guitar finishing the thoughtful record with much sophistication.

Whitmore’s silky vocals are front and center here, but the well timed brass, winds and harp from Gayle Levant add much to the Big Band affair that reminds us of what’s really important during the holidays.

Travels well with: Judy Whitmore- Let’s Fall In Love; Judy Whitmore- Come Fly With Me

Olgoj

A Place To Rest

Baboon Fish, 2025

9/10

Listen to A Place To Rest

The French prog-rockers Olgoj flesh out a very unique version of rock with these songs recorded between 2022 and 2024, where the 9 tracks touch on art, indie and post-rock ideas.

“Galaporella” opens with an intricate spirit, where Matthieu Noblet’s skilled drums suit the prog-rock nods that are melodic and lush, and “Second Skin” follows with Samuel Anger’s dreamy and dense guitars amid both thick and harmonic gestures.

Landing in the middle, “A Place To Rest” alternates between radiant moments and firm bursts of alt-rock flavor, while “Échelle” emits intimacy with much grace in its soft ambience.

Moving close to the end, “Everything’s Calm So Far” offers a mesmerizing and soulful mood that benefits from Ronan Bedo’s meticulous bass, and “Silencio” gets quite frisky, where grooves and dynamic interaction between the members gets a bit louder near the end and flirts with math-rock.

A really interesting and memorable body of work, Olgoj touch on so many facets of rock, where each track somehow seems better than the one before it, and will likely yield repeated listens.

Travels well with: Discipline- Breadcrumbs; Fearful Symmetry- I’ve Started, So I’ll Finish…

Rachael Sage & The Sequins

Canopy

Mpress, 2025

9/10

Listen to Canopy

The prolific multi-instrumentalist Rachael Sage has 15 solo albums under her belt, and this full band setting offers another avenue of her folk-pop ways that invites some excellent musicians along.

The funky “Just Enough” starts with Sage’s alluring voice and Rob Curto's frisky organ playing, and the title track follows with Andy Mac's soft drums that complement Sage’s inviting voice and guitar.

Moving along, Dave Eggar’s sophisticated cello suits the poetic “Belong” to you, while the lush “Colorized World” meshes folk and chamber ideas with no lack of melody.

Sage tosses in the Buddy Holly cover “Everyday” in the middle, and it’s quite mature, and “Nexus” finds itself in cinematic territory, where the strings are utilized with a stirring capacity. “Underneath” exits, and it’s a cozy moment that invites singing-along to the charming, soothing pop.

No matter where you land in Sage’s catalog, you’re going to be impressed with her melodic, wise and compassionate song craft, and you can’t not mention Kelly Halloran (violin), Doug Yowell (percussion), James Mastro (guitar), Mikhail Pivovarov (bass) and Annalyse & Ryan (vocals), who bring much care to the occasion as well.

If you happen to pick up the deluxe vinyl edition, you’ll get orange wax and original paintings, too.

Travels well with: Rachael Sage- Another Side; Rachael Sage- Character

Kate & Brendan

One Year Since

Adhyaropa, 2025

8/10

Listen to One Year Since

This debut from the fiddle and cello duo Kate & Brendan brings us 6 originals that land somewhere between American Old-Time, Irish and folk sounds, and they recruit a few guests, too.

The warm spirit of “Goodbye Ruby” starts the listen with the duo’s meticulous skills interacting with much grace and “Little Bird” follows with flowing vocal harmonies from the pair amid the sophisticated strings.

“Fiddle In The Attic” occupies the middle spot and it’s a colorful bout of bluegrass nods, while “Warm Grey Day” enlists Neil Perlman’s cozy keys into the heartfelt instrumental.

Near the end, “Sing a While Longer” brings Conor Hearn’s soft guitar to the intimate mood, and “One Year Since” exits with lush and upbeat instrumentation that’s full of sincerity.

An excellent starting point for the two, Kate & Brendan also benefit from Nate Sabat’s bass and Ethan Setiawan’s mandolin for an intriguing and organic experience.

Travels well with: Trish Imbrogno- Bluegrass Lovesongs; Big Love Car Wash- Daydream

Valley Voice

Stars, Engines

Elastic, 2025

9/10

Listen to Stars, Engines

The saxophonist and composer Harrison Argatoff is joined by Michael Davidson, Dan Fortin and Ian Wright for these 8 creative and atypical jazz tracks.

“Wishlow” opens the listen with Argatoff’s rich sax playing alongside Wright’s frisky drums in the playful climate, and “Analemma” follows with a soft ambience that makes great use of Fortin’s gentle bass and the soulful sax.

The middle is where “Please Hold” lands, and it radiates much warmth via Davidson’s dreamy vibes, while “Sun Patch” is full of intimacy and grace thanks to the soulful rhythm section and well timed sax.

Landing near the end, “Shiver” leads with a soothing ambience that pairs the twinkling vibes with cautious sax, and the title track exits with a nearly lullaby-esque mood that’s meditative.

A very technical outing that incorporates jazz, classical and improvisation, this is a very collaborative effort which emits a truly unique chamber experience.

Travels well with: Nick Storring- Mirante; India Gailey- Butterfly Lightning Shakes The Earth

Matt Bianco

Masquerader

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Masquerader

The inimitable Matt Bianco returns with a 17th album, where an all star cast flesh out the Latin, jazz and pop tunes.

The lively energy of “Playing With Dynamite” opens with Sebastian de Krom’s frisky drums complementing Mark Reilly’s animated pipes amid plenty of rhythm, and “A Memory For Lovers” follows with an indeed romantic spirit thanks to Martin Shaw’s bright trumpet and Graham Harvey’s flowing keys.

“Wanderlust” and “Rectify My Soul” land in the middle. The former recruits much richness via Dave O'Higgins' warm sax, while the latter is a calmer moment thanks to Geoff Gascoyne’s skilled bass and Reilly’s smooth pipes that glide along with the breezy melodies.

Getting closer to the end, the lively mood of “You Talk Too Much” is made for the dance floor with its infectious songwriting, and “Matucada” exits with a cultured and rhythmic instrumental.

A fusion effort that’s never short on grooves, Bianco’s vision is full of global appeal and dynamic instrumentation that is timeless and exciting.

Travels well with: Gilad Atzmon/Daniel Bulatkin/Taras Volos/Dušan Černák- Praying For More Songs To Come; Teis Semey-En Massei!

Lingyuan Yang

Cursed Month

Chaospace, 2025

9/10

Listen to Cursed Month

A colorful debut from the guitarist and composer Lingyuan Yang, the 7 tracks here take help from Shinya Lin and Asher Herzog, where they manipulate jazz in exciting ways.

“Ritual Fire” opens with an intense bout, where Lin’s firm keys and Herzog’s dense drums suit the rock filled climate, and “Moondial” follows with calmer mood via Yang’s intricate guitar that flirts with free jazz exploration.

“Send Off The Ghosts” and “Spring Snow” arrive in the middle. The former pairs the unpredictable keys with swirling guitar acrobatics, while the latter is a bit haunting before turning into a frantic mashing of strategic noise.

The last track, “Sound Of The Mountain”, is equally adventurous, where the trio’s inimitable talents radiate tremendous creativity and shades of prog-rock.

A truly unclassifiable effort, Yang’s use of electronics only adds more intrigue, as both metal and jazz meet at an intersection of improvisation that you’re not going to hear anywhere else.

Travels well with: Linda Catlin Smith- The Plains; Friendly Rich- The Birds Of Marsville

Serious Child

What Lies Beneath

Four Left Feet, 2025

9/10

Listen to What Lies Beneath

This 4th album from Alan Young, i.e. Serious Child, brings a poetic quality to 12 diverse songs that welcome Chris Pepper, David Grubb, Annie Perry, Andy Ruddy and My Girl The River.

The harmonic singing of “Underland” opens with a warm, bare spirit, and “Stunt Double” follows with Young’s firm keys alongside playful beats and Perry’s flowing clarinet in the rich climate.

Halfway through, “Cancel Me” uses cozy acoustic guitar and Pepper’s skilled drumming that illuminates the sophisticated wordplay, while “Dusk On The 33” enlists Grubb’s mesmerizing strings that suit the rich album highlight.

Moving close to the end, “Charming” is a fuller moment that’s got plenty of melody surrounding the meticulous interaction, and “Book Ends” exits with a glowing intimacy that’s dreamy and heartfelt.

An album that thematically discusses seemingly minor day to day living, there’s an eloquence and ambitiousness to the effort that touches on folk-pop in enlightening ways.

Travels well with: Stumbleine- Deleted Scenes; Øyunn- I Know You Can Do It

Linda Catlin Smith

The Plains

Redshift, 2025

8/10

Listen to The Plains

The Toronto pianist Cheryl Duvall fleshes out a solo listen of Linda Catlin Smith’s work, where the nearly 70 minute piece is delivered with incredible detail.

“The Plains” leads soft and introspective, where Duvall’s attentiveness to space and tonality is appreciated. Deeper into the track, the lower registers emit a sense of wonder amid the elegance, and, by the end, it harbors an ominous backdrop. Right before the song departs, an upbeat demeanor enters the meticulous and inspiring landscape of beautiful introspection.

The first in a set of four volumes of Smith’s work that Duvall will tackle, this effort is captivating and thought provoking from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Friendly Rich- The Birds Of Marsville; Joane Hétu- Elle a son mot á dire

Friendly Rich

The Birds Of Marsville

We Are Busy Bodies, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Birds Of Marsville

The Canadian and experimental artist, Richard Marsella, i.e. Friendly Rich, returns with a 17th album, and like everything he’s touched, it’s iconoclastic and imaginative.

The first half of the listen consists of “Birds 1 to 39”, and it opens with spoken word before Gregory Oh’s keys and Nick Fraser’s drums complement the 18+ minutes of atypical cabaret nods that do inject the sounds of bird calls. The tune alternates between busy bursts and softer, carnival-esque ideas, where the unpredictable nature is much appreciated.

“Birds 40-76” occupies the back half and carries a similar approach. Nichol S. Robertson’s guitar, Ed Reife’s orchestral percussion and Tom Richards’ brass are all mashed in there, where the eccentric tune emits waves of upbeat bouts as well as busy, noisey bursts that sometimes mimics the squawks of birds in the wild.

Marsella plays a variety of noisemakers here, where there’s much beauty to enjoy, oddities to be enamored with and psychedelic traces to try to keep up with. Somewhere between avant-folk and math rock, Friendly Rich again mesmerizes us with his unconventional vision.

Travels well with: Joane Hétu- Elle a son mot á dire; No Hay Bando- Il Teatro Rosso

Alan Evans

Nothing To Say

Vintage League, 2019

8/10

Listen to Nothing To Say

On the debut album from Alan Evans we get to see what he’s capable of when he comes out from behind the drum kit, and it’s an impressive collection of psychedelic, funk, and soul sounds where he handles vocals, drums, guitar and bass and takes help from a small handful of players to flesh out the varied listen.

“Buffalo” starts the record with a retro feel where grooves are not in short supply as Evans hits some high notes, and “Nothing To Say” follows with a dense setting of ‘70s rock’n’roll spirit. Further along, “Too Much For Me” is a subdued moment of rhythm and melody, while “Oh Tammi” brings in a fuzzed out atmosphere of playful instrumentation.

The back half doesn’t disappoint either, with the charged and calculated “Pressure”, the soulful “Sparky The Flying Dog”, and the nearly prog-rock friendly “Part II- Waiting On Command”, “Life After Life” ends the listen with a calm and mysterious setting that’s about as close to balladry as Evans will get.

Recorded over a 4 year period, Nothing To Say flows seamlessly as Evans and company display plenty of power and melody amid very high quality songwriting. Perhaps best known for his work in Soulive, Evans proves here that a booming solo career is right around the corner.

Travels wel with: Lettuce- Crush; The London Souls- Here Come The Girls