Frank Sinatra

Christmas On The Air

Sing, 2025

9/10

Listen to Christmas On The Air

An assembly of rare and historically important songs from Frank Sinatra, we’re treated to 22 holidays songs via one of the greatest voices of all time.

The lengthy collection opens with “KNX-CBS Station Identification/Program Introduction & White Christmas”, which captures Sinatra early in his career performing the Irving Berlin's holiday classic like no one else could.

Further along “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” pairs the brass with ‘Ol Blue Eyes’ smooth pipes, and “The Lord’s Prayer” brings spoken word into the powerful, spiritual singing that’s stirring.

There’s a few medleys present, where “O Little Town Of Bethelem/Joy To The World/Silent Night” showcases the best parts of each of the classic tunes, while “Good King Wenceslas/Wassail Song/ Let’s Start The New Year Right” might be lesser known songs but radiates much grace and timelessness thanks to Chairman Of The Board’s inimitable delivery.

The last track, “U. S. Savings Bonds Christmas Promo”, then unearths a rare, historical radio broadcast from December 19, 1948, which was part of the government's Guest Star transcription series (Episode #91).

2025 was a busy year for the SING label, who released 3 records of rare and previously unreleased Frank Sinatra recordings. The audio restoration for this effort projects from original broadcast sources, and it yields the best fidelity possible for fans of The Voice to marvel over.

Travels well with: Frank Sinatra- Frank Sinatra At The Hollywood Bowl 1943-1948; Frank Sinatra- Long Ago, Far Away (1943-1951)

Zemog El Gallo Bueno

¡Ya Tú Sabes! You Already Know

Pinch, 2025

8/10

Listen to ¡Ya Tú Sabes! You Already Know

This 7th album from the New York City powerhouse outfit Zemog El Gallo Bueno brings their experimental Latin ways to 12 worldly tracks.

“Cambiando Sol” opens the listen with Abraham Gomez-Delgado’s flowing voice and guitar amid Al Acosta’s lively flute and plenty of rhythm, and “Ahora” follows with Chembo Corniel’s animated congas that suit JuanMa Morales’ lively singing.

In the middle, “Liave” allows for Jose Rodriguez’s skilled bass to shine in the reserved yet adventurous climate, while “Trampoline” benefits from warm guitar and cozy percussion via the soft and elegant album highlight.

Inching to the end, the fuller mood of “El Sol” uses the winds, drums and quick singing in a frisky delivery, and “Regalito” exits with meticulous layers and no lack of melody that invites singing-along to the festivities.

The songs are sung in English, Spanish and Spanglish, and surround immigration, indigenous ancestry and personal transformation. The sounds are across the board, where a ‘composing backwards’ approach makes for raw, improvised and really exciting songwriting.

Travels well with: The Doodle Cats- Reinventing The Wheel; Love Unfold The Sun- Explode Yourself

Grant Lyle

And Now

Seismic Blues, 2025

8/10

Listen to And Now

The Toronto guitarist and singer Grant Lyle knows his way around a blues tune you won’t soon forget, and here along with an excellent cast we’re treated to 9 raw and solo filled tracks.

The smooth and rhythmic “Won’t Let You Go” opens with Lyle’s warm guitar alongside Scott Brammer’s lively bass, and “Thank You” follows with Michael Sloski’s agile drumming amid the soulful singing and rich climate.

“We’ll Carry On” and “Asylum” land in the middle. The former carries a dreamy spirit that’s heartfelt, while the latter recruits Roly Platt’s skilled harmonica that helps blend roots ideas with the blues.

Landing close to the end, “Givin’ Away” weaves the intricate guitar around a fluid rhythm section and punchy drums, and “Gimme Some Lovin’” exits with an infectious energy that makes great use of Rob Gusevs’ meticulous keys and backing vocals from Jenna Harding, Shirley Cotter and Pat Dickinson.

Lyle’s technical abilities won’t go unnoticed, as he incorporates traditional blues and roots sounds with an inimitable spin that makes for an excellent 8th record.

Travels well with: Ross Neilsen- Within Tension; Jon Hines- Memphis Sun

Josie Falbo

Kickin’ It

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Kickin’ It

The Chicago vocalist Josie Falbo returns with a 3rd album, where her 3 octave range voice is present across 11 diverse songs.

“I Get A Kick Out Of You” starts with the vibrant horns alongside Eric Hochberg’s quick bass and Falbo’s soaring pipes, and “Autumn Nocturne” follows with the orchestral strings surrounding much sweeping beauty amid the emotive singing and Jeremy Kahn’s warm keys.

Landing in the middle, “I Just Found Out About Love” carries an infectious energy via Bob Rummage’s bouncy drums and rich brass, while “Yellow Days” lands in balladry thanks to the pretty keys and Falbo’s intimate voice that tugs on the heartstrings.

Moving towards the end, “Lazy Afternoon” flows in a haze of sophistication and cultured ideas that are cinematic, and “Chelsea Bridge” exits with playful scatting and Fareed Haque’s cozy guitar that make for a timeless and haunting finish.

Falbo had 35 years under her belt as a vocalist in studio, at concerts and corporate events, and here she excels in swingin’ moments, tender balladry, pop bouts and Latin influences for an eclectic and memorable outing. Sadly, she passed away at the beginning of 2026, but she leaves behind much music that will be enjoyed by generations to come.

Travels well with: Deborah Shulman- We Had A Moment; Linda Dachtyl- Full Steam Ahead

Electrio

Stabat Mater

Fresh Ribes, 2025

9/10

Listen to Stabat Mater

The Denmark Trio Electrio blend voice, electronics and guitar into these atypical songs that draw from Marco Rosano’s work and interpret pieces by Dowland and Monteverdi.

The droning title track opens with some ominous nods amid a light buzzing that mesmerizes us for nearly 8 minutes, and “O Quam Tristis” follows with Sandra Lind Porsteinsdottir’s expressive voice guiding Francesco Rista’s bouncy guitar.

Halfway through, “Flow My Tears” carries a poetic quality that unfolds with much emotion, while “Sancta Mater” emits dreaminess via the gentle guitar, light electronics and pretty singing.

Arriving close to the end “Fac Me Cruce” has Porsteinsdottir’s pipes hitting some really high notes amid the hazy musicianship, and “Amen” exits with a distinct emotional capacity that’s absorbing and enlightening.

A very unique effort that buries noisy elements under sublime songwriting, the electronic and classical inclinations help put this effort in a league all its own.

Travels well with: She’s Analog- No Longer, Not Yet; Carolina Lee- It’s Dead Now

Winterpills

This Is How We Dance

Signature Sounds, 2025

9/10

Listen to This Is How We Dance

The Massachusetts outfit Winterpills return with their first album in 9 years, and it has their folky, dream-pop ways sounding better than ever across 12 tracks.

The loud versus soft contrast of “Wild” starts with warm acoustic guitars, soft harmonies and Dave Hower’s thumping drums, and “Learn In The Wind” follows with Flora Reed’s pretty voice that floats above the melodic and light climate.

Moving into the middle, “Hi” is an intimate moment that’s graceful and touches on timeless folk ideas, while “How We Dance” is a bit fuller and benefits from Max Germer’s skilled bass playing.

Residing near the end, “Small Dreams” offers a rhythmic and scrappy album highlight that invites singing-along to the group vocals and uplifting musicianship, and “Both My Names” exits with a soft, romantic spirit that radiates a rare beauty.

A very lush return that occasionally finds darker moments, too, there’s also chamber nods, power-pop moments and plenty of giant riffs to appreciate from Winterpills’ harmonic formula.

Travels well with: Brennen Leigh- Don’t Ever Give Up On Love; Nik Freitas- Day & Dark

The Experimental Tropic Blues Band

Loverdose

JauneOrange, 2025

9/10

Listen to Loverdose

A Belgian trio with an affinity for the unconventional, The Experimental Tropic Blues Band bring plenty of rawness and energy to these 12 rock fueled tracks.

“Tropic” starts with playful, repetitive vocals and animated beats, where spoken word enters the club ready bout, and “Procrastinator” follows with shouted vocals and frisky drums that’s got an infectious energy.

The title track arrives in the middle and uses soulful moments amid noisy gestures, while “Mad Men Rule The World” is dance floor bound thanks to the bright dance-punk nods.

Near the end, “The Exocism” carries a scrappy appeal that’s punk and melodic, and “Never Trust A Dolphin” exits with distinct bareness that’s intimate, mysterious and a nice change of pace.

A really creative blend of punk, rock, blues and noise, every track here is iconoclastic and exciting in its purposely odd behavior.

Travels well with: Paradoxant- Deux; Druug- Lost

The Unfaithful Servants

Fallen Angel

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Fallen Angel

The Canadian folk/Americana outfit The Unfaithful Servants return with a sophomore album, where their formula is more detailed, emotive and dynamic across the 11 lively tracks.

The warm newgrass sounds of “Endless Highway” starts with Jesse Cobb’s rich mandolin that suits Dylan Stone’s smooth voice, and “Never Leave You Again” follows with Stone’s hypnotic guitar and Quin Etheridge-Pedden’s colorful fiddle that tugs on the heartstrings.

The title track lands in the middle and offers graceful textures of cozy string interaction and intimate storytelling, while “The River” allows for Mark Johnson’s skilled bass to complement the thoughtful delivery.

“More Than Lovers” and “Buried In Snow” exit. The former uses harmonic group vocals via much emotion, and the latter carries a darker spirit that allows for all player’s respective talents to shine in a cautious finish.

Each member of The Unfaithful Servants has an excellent resume, and their combined talents have made them leaders in Canada’s newgrass scene. With a little more exposure worldwide, there’s little doubt the quartet will win over fans across the globe with their authentic and timeless vision.

Travels well with: Big Love Car Wash- Daydream; Everett Wren- Cascades

Jason Heath & The Greedy Souls

Earth Fire Water Airborne

Still Small, 2025

9/10

Listen to Earth Fire Water Airborne

The Americana collective Jason Heath & The Greedy Souls venture out into more sonic territory here, where the legendary Wayne Kramer even contributes on a track across the timeless rock effort.

The driving spirit of the title track opens with Heath’s soaring voice alongside Steve Nutting’s drumming acrobatics and Kramer’s inimitable guitar in the loud and fuzzy delivery, and “Children Chains And Razorwire” follows with Alyssa Mia Roberton’s skilled bass amid the soft versus dense bouts.

Further along, the calmer pace of “The Night The Sun Burned Out” welcomes Jason Federici’s warm keys and some spacey background fun, while “6 More Miles” is a lively and melodic album highlight that invites singing-along immediately.

Getting closer to the end, “Wake Up Famous” is full of grooves and gritty intimacy that’s raw, and “Pieces Of Your Heart” exits with a gentle mood that’s poetic and dreamy.

Residing somewhere in the roots rock realm, Heath and company know their way around a tune that’s thick and buzzing, as well as introspective waves of beauty, and the subtle use of strings only enhances how great this album is.

Travels well with: Rags Rosenberg- Song Of The Bricoleur; Jack Barksdale- Voices

Wanees Zarour

Silwan

Levantine, 2025

9/10

Listen to Silwan

The esteemed Palestinian-American composer, buzuq and oud player Wanees Zarour is in the company of some excellent players for these 7 worldly tracks.

The title track opens with Andrew Lawrence’s twinkling keys and Zarour’s warm buzuq making for much beauty and wonder that builds into a rich climate, and “Lifta” follows with Bryan Pardo’s bright sax and Catie Hickey’s soulful trombone adding much color to the textured delivery.

“Festival” and “Fig Tree” land in the middle. The former makes great use of Tareq Rantisi’s radiant percussion amid Nick Kabat’s fluid drumming, while the latter enlists Zarour’s oud amid much sophistication and beauty.

The longest track, “Anthem”, exits with Samuel Mosching’s glowing guitar and Vinny Kabat’s precise bass alongside the lively and rhythmic finish to a very detailed record.

An enlightening and cultured affair, Zarour’s vision and the East Loop ensemble touch on Palestinian heritage, Arabic traditions and Chicago jazz and blues with incredible chemistry. -

Travels well with: John Clay- About Time; Pete Mills- For The Record

Lena Bloch

Marina

Fresh Sound, 2025

9/10

Listen to Marina

The Russian saxophonist and composer Lena Bloch puts a fresh coat of paint on the work of the Russian poet Marina Tsvetaeva, and she’s got Kyoko Kitamura, Jacob Sacks, Ken Filiano and Michael Sarin along for the occasion.

“I Refuse” starts with Kitamura’s distinct and unpredictable voice alongside Filiano’s precise bass playing that helps cultivate a mysterious mood, and “Insomnia” follows with Bloch’s rich sax amid Sacks’ elegant keys via the rich climate.

“Such Tenderness” and “Tired” land in the middle. The former is an emotive moment that’s strong on atmosphere, while the latter uses the soulful sax amid the upbeat keys and Sarin’s frisky drums for the album’s best.

Residing near the end, “Immeasurable” showcases the expressive singing alongside dynamic and careful instrumentation, and “The Time Will Come” exits with a bit of tension courtesy of the spoken word and a distinct beauty that you’re not going to hear anywhere else.

A daring venture into avant-garde and improvised jazz ideas, Bloch and her quartet blur poetry and sound with a gorgeous and moving capacity.

Travels well with: Patricia Brennan- Of The Near And Far; Brandon Seabrook- Object Of Unknown Function

Francesca Prihasti

Beneath The Sun

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Beneath The Sun

The Indonesia native and New York composer and pianist Francesca Prihasti is joined by Nic Vardanega, Drew Gress, Mark Ferber and Nick Brust for these 7 melodic tracks that often surround motherhood.

“In Between” starts with Prihasti’s flowing keys and Vardanega’s warm guitar that helps make for a rich climate, and the title track follows with Gress’ atmospheric bass that adds much coziness to the swirling delivery.

“Leura” and “Till We Have Faces” land in the middle. The former is full of meticulous piano amid Ferber’s skilled drums via a reflective mood, while the latter makes great use of Brust’s lively sax alongside the radiant textures.

Residing near the end, “Unanswered Questions”, the album’s best, blends the meticulous keys with a mesmerizing rhythm section, and “Fortitude” exits with Brust’s bright sax playing that suits the upbeat and timeless jazz.

An enlightening and harmonic body of work, Prihasti’s vision carries an authentic spirit and is delivered with much care and universal appeal.

Travels well with: John Clay- About Time; Pete Mills- For The Record

The Flying Horse Big Band

Unbridled

Flying Horse, 2025

8/10

Listen to Unbridled

This 9th album from The Flying Horse Big Band recruits George Garzone’s inimitable tenor sax for the Big Band ideas and playful improvisation of these 7 tracks.

The lively spirit of “Giant Steps” opens up the listen with Garzone’s flowing sax prowess amid Max Terechenok’s animated drums and the rich brass, and “Pharoah’s Daughter” follows with Jeff Rupert’s tenor sax complementing the rhythm section of Carlos Barreto’s bass and Jamesly Jean-Mary’s drums which helps make for lush grooves.

In the middle, the animated mood of “Chasin’ Tail” benefits from Leon Edge’s quick clarinet and Paul Van Wormer’s sax acrobatics, while “Reflections” offers a calmer demeanor thanks to Noah Charles’ emotive guitar and Garzone’s heartfelt sax.

“View Of Heaven” and “Impressions” exit the listen. The former is a dreamy moment of warm textures and much grace, and the latter benefits from Richard Drexler’s piano and Clarence Penn’s drums for the colorful and meticulous finish.

Yet another installment of their Big Band greatness, The Flying Horse Big Band swing with much fun and timeless jazz dynamics.

Travels well with: The Flying Horse Big Band- A Message From The Flying Horse Big Band; The Flying Horse Big Band- Florida Rays

Lorelei Ensemble

Scott Ordway: North Woods

New Focus, 2025

9/10

Listen to Scott Ordway: North Woods

The composer Scott Ordway sees his 4 movement piece fleshed out by the Lorelei Ensemble, where both haunting and pretty gestures illuminate the meticulous delivery.

The dreamy ambience of “Representation I.” opens with the sublime vocal harmonizing that radiates tremendous warmth, and “Representation II.” follows with chilling melodies that are layered with floating moments that allow for the player’s individual voices to shine.

The back half belongs to “Representation III.”, as the setting gets a little more forceful in its dynamic appeal, and “Appendix” exits with a distinct, harmonic tonality that’s heartfelt and memorable in its tremendous abilities.

An effort that spotlights resonance and emotional intensity, the voice choir is in fine form as always, and for anyone with an ear for vocal ensemble, well, it just doesn’t get much better than this.

Travels well with: Gloria Cheng- Riot Progressions; Brian Baumbusch- Polytempo Music

Paul Winter

Horn Of Plenty

Living Music, 2025

9/10

Listen to Horn Of Plenty

The 7 time Grammy Winner Paul Winter brings guest from around the globe for 13 rich and thoughtful tracks that are full of culture and grace.

“Dolphin Morning” starts with Winter’s elegant soprano sax and Paul Halley’s atmospheric keys that radiate much beauty, and “The Well-Tempered Wood Thrush” follows with Eugene Friesen’s gentle cello and Peter Slavov’s precise bass that makes for a lush and intimate climate.

Getting into the middle, “Blues Cathedral” pairs Winter’s sax with Halley’s organ for a warm minimalism, while “Land Of The Pipers” recruits Jerry O’Sullivan’s uilleann pipes, Zan McLeod’s guitar and Jim Beard’s keyboards that unfold with color and ambience that’s heartfelt.

Closer to the end, “Triumph” moves with a distinct haze via the sax, pipe organ and Uilleann pipes, and “Icarus” exits with Theresa Thomason’s gorgeous voice amid Jeff Boratko’s well timed bassoon and Henrique Eisenmann’s flowing piano for the breezy and thoughtful finish.

A project that was assembled to celebrate Thanksgiving on NPR, this is an enlightening listen that can be enjoyed anytime thanks to the nature-esque mood, nods to animals and very earthy angle of the New Age/jazz/world music hybrid.

Travels well with: Paul Winter- Light Of The Sun; Musica Sierra- Garden

Pacifica Quartet

The Korngold Collection

Cedille, 2025

10/10

Listen to The Korngold Collection

The always flawless Pacifica Quartet flesh out the work of Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s complete string quartets other rare chamber pieces, which has Orion Weiss, Milena Pájaro-Van De Stadt and Eric Kim in fine form.

“String Quartet No. 1 in A major, Op. 16” opens with Pájaro-Van De Stadt’s stirring viola that radiates tremendous warmth amid the elegant cello across 4 chapters, and “String Quartet No. 2 in E-flat major, Op. 26” follows with graceful strings that move with fluidity and much emotional depth.

Disc 1 finishes with “String Quartet No. 3 in D major, Op. 34”, where a poetic ambience and strong attention to tonality makes for a eloquent climate, while “String Quartet No. 3 in D major, Op. 34” starts disc 2 with animated viola and Kim’s meticulous cello that dance around each other with tremendous color.

Arriving near the end, “Piano Quintet in E major, Op. 15” allows for Weiss’ unparalleled keys to mesmerize us via the timeless beauty, and “String Sextet in D major, Op. 10” exits with intimacy and adventurousness that you can’t not admire.

Once again, the Pacifica Quartet execute with fascinating precision for a chamber experience we won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Pacifica Quartet- American Voices; Karisa Chiu- Home

Ross Neilsen

Within Tension

Under Pressure, 2025

9/10

Listen to Within Tension

This 7th album from the Canadian guitarist and songwriter Ross Neilsen brings grit and soulfulness to his inimitable brand of the blues, where several guests are along for the 10 authentic tracks.

The thick guitars and Jay Sheffield III’s pounding drums opens with the powerful blues of “Rock Ranger”, and “Best For You” follows with a playful groove thanks to Neilsen’s buzzing guitar and John C. Stubblefield’s flowing bass.

At the halfway point, “Come To Be” trims the pace back with intimate singing and warm acoustic guitar, while “Devil’s Picasso” thumps with a bouncy energy that’s dance floor ready and benefits from Rick Steff’s rowdy keys.

Moving closer to the end, ”Good Enough” enlists Marc Franklin’s glowing trumpet to the careful delivery that’s heartfelt, and “Bold And Beaten” exits with a soft ambience of poetic and stirring songwriting.

Neilsen knows his way around a song you won’t soon forget, and in both loud, booming bouts and gentle ebbs he fleshes out some top notch, modern blues.

Travels well with: Ron Houston- R.O.A.M.; Jon Hines- Memphis Sun

John Clay

About Time

Claytone, 2026

8/10

Listen to About Time

The veteran drummer John Clay is in some excellent company for these 10 timeless jazz songs that are upbeat and instill plenty of joy.

“A Lark” starts the listen with Enrique Haneine’s warm piano amid the hazy winds and brass for a rich opening, and “Humpty Dumpty” follows with Clay’s animated drums that suit Matt Garrison’s flowing sax acrobatics.

Halfway through, “Dubai” benefits from Sean Conly’s playfully plucked bass and Shunzo Ohno’s soulful trumpet, while “Highway 14” offers an infectious mood via Ruby Pucillo’s charming scatting.

Moving closer to the end, “Prelude To Spring” lands in intimate territory thanks to the emotive keys and “My New Friend Old Friend” exits with drums and keys interacting with grace and the well timed bass plucking that won’t go unnoticed, either.

The impetus for this album came from Clay’s time playing with Haneine, and the addition of horns, bass and vocals only adds to the appeal of the authenic, uplifting jazz.

Travels well with: Pete Mills- For The Record; Shawn Purcell- Oblivity

Forest Sun

All Hearts Are Free

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to All Hearts Are Free

The San Francisco singer-songwriter Forest Sun is now 14 albums deep, and this time he brings a dance friendly spirit to his laidback version of roots that enlists Gawain Mathews and Lara Louise.

The warm mood of the title track opens with Sun’s easy going voice alongside Mathews’ cozy percussion, and “Waking Up In The Dark” follows with dreamy keys that suit the melodic folk flavor.

Further along, “Walk The Path That’s Yours” recruits plenty of soulfulness to the grooves, while “Slow” is a pretty and intimate moment that’s populated by poetic singing and gentle guitar that tugs on the heartstrings.

Getting closer to the end, “Lay Lady Lay” allows for Louise’s pretty backing vocals to shine amid the lush climate, and “Let The Shine” exits with a wise, reflective tone that’s uplifting and relatable.

A very breezy and feel good effort, Sun’s use of roots, folk, reggae and pop moments makes this the perfect companion for a glorious day when the sky’s so blue you’d want to dive in it and the birds are singing in the distance.

Travels well with: Forest Sun- No Finish Line; Forest Sun- Hey Magnolia

Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters

Live At The Grey Eagle

Organic, 2019

10/10

Listen to Live At The Grey Eagle

Do you ever hear music so good that you’re actually embarrassed to say that you were previously unfamiliar with said greatness? That’s how I feel about this Asheville, North Carolina outfit who have been around for well over a decade now, and certainly know their way around a folk, country and Americana tune you won’t soon forget.

Recorded over 2 days in their hometown, Live At The Grey Eagle catches Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters at the height of their career, where the chemistry between the members and the strong songwriting prowess is at an all time high.

“90 Miles” gets the listen started right with warm energy and their organic beauty with gorgeous vocals from Platt, and that spirit flows well through the fuller sounds of the folk/country “Jukebox” and the Americana shuffling of “All You Ever”.

At 17 tracks there’s much to absorb here, but it’s all so well delivered and immediately memorable that Platt and company never out welcome their stay. Deeper cuts like the lush and bright singing of “Golden Child”, and the emotive “18 Wheels” help keep our attention with no problems, while “Irene” brings us into ballad territory with a rustic southern quality that’s impossible not to adore. One of the the best tracks, “The Road”, resides near the end, and brings a sparse folk moment with timeless beauty.

While I generally reserve live albums for the unwavering fan, this installment worked well as an introduction for me, making me an admirer before the first tune ended and I feel pretty confident it will have the same effect on you.

Travels well with: Balsam Range- Aeonic; Sarah Shook & The Disarmers-Years