Los Angeles Improvisation Ensemble

Insubordinate Lunar Transgressions

Denouement, 2025

8/10

Listen to Insubordinate Lunar Transgressions

The Los Angeles Improvisation Ensemble, i.e. Robert Hardt, Louis Stewart, Andrew Shulman and Michael Valerio, pen a spontaneous 13 tracks that meshes jazz and classical with no safety net.

The stylish mood of “Tunisian Hookah Bar” opens with Hardt’s breezy winds alongside Stewart’s playful piano, and “Sergei’s Diabolical Circus” follows with Valerio’s strategic bass amid the firm keys and flowing melodies.

Further along, “Insubordinate Lunar Transgressions” allows for Stewart’s meticulous keys to shine, though Hardt’s wind makes an impression, too, while “Solar Voyage” blends the keys, winds, bass and Shulman’s cozy cell into both firm and soft gestures.

Closer to the end, “Easy Steps” puts focus on the strategic bass plucking via the dreamy album highlight, and “Excursions Into The Unknown” exits with an animated and cinematic presence that’s colorful, frisky and dynamic.

An exercise in highly creative improvisation, the Los Angeles Improvisation Ensemble got underway in the summer of 2021, and with no written music they flesh out an exciting and memorable listening experience.

Travels well with: Transcendence- Music Of Pat Metheny; The Haas Company- Songs For Mimi

Henhouse Prowlers

Unravel

Dark Shadow, 2025

9/10

Listen to Unravel

The Henhouse Prowlers, i.e. Ben Wright, Jon Goldfine, Chris Dollar and Jake Howard, have been bringing their bluegrass across the globe for over 20 years, and these 12 new songs see the Chicago quartet in fine form.

“Look Up To The Sky” starts with Howard’s swirling mandolin alongside Dollar’s soaring pipes in the quick climate, and “Palomino” follows with softness, where Dollar’s warm guitar suits the cautious vocal harmonies.

Moving into the middle, “Too Little, Too Late” tugs on the heartstrings with its emotive presence thanks to Dollar’s eloquent pipes and Wright’s sensitive banjo, while “Three Seasons” blends the banjo, guitar and mandolin with much melody, as Goldfine’s precise bass makes an impression.

Landing close to the end, ‘Honey Will You Be Mine”, one of the album’s best, allows for Goldfine’s expressive voice to shine amid the flowing strings and invites singing-along, and “Land Of Confusion” exits with a playful bluegrass spin on the Genesis hit, where all 4 members sing.

A record with no lack of picking, plucking and solos, Henhouse Prowlers know their way around a bluegrass song you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Rick Faris- Life’s Parade; Damn Tall Buildings- Sleeping Dogs

Sarah Wilson

Incandescence

Brass Tonic, 2025

8/10

Listen to Incandescence

The trumpeter and composer Sarah Wilson takes influence from visual art, brass bands and the delight of music for these 11 instrumental jazz songs that recruit plenty of help.

The radiant mood of “Architecture In Space” opens with Wilson’s bright brass alongside Tim Bulkley’s crisp drums and Kasey Knudsen’s rich alto sax, and the title track follows with playful trumpet amid John Schott’s fluid guitar playing via a festive mood.

Further along, Lisa Mezzacappa’s strategically plucked bass suits the calm spirit of “Epilogue”, while “Dancing With Cierra” benefits much from Jon Arkin’s agile drumming that aligns with charming wind and brass interaction.

Deeper yet, “Trifecta” showcases Mara Fox’s animated trombone playing in a layered album highlight, and “Echoes Refrain” exits with a busy and precise meshing of all the player’s inimitable talents for a dense finish.

An unpredictable and sometimes blurry vision, Wilson’s delivery is artistic and timeless, where she guides the sextet through exciting and original ideas.

Travels well with: Julian Shore Trio- Sub Rosa; Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio- Dream A Dream

Lafayette Gilchrist & New Volcanoes

Move With Love

Morphius, 2025

9/10

Listen to Move With Love

The Baltimore keyboardist Lafayette Gilchrist is joined by some excellent musicians here, and this first release in 7 years recruits plenty of grooves for the diverse 6 tracks.

The buzzing keys of “Cut To The Chase” leads, as Kevin Pinder’s playful drums and Christian Hizon’s soulful trombone enters the infectious energy, and “Move With Love” follows with the animated keys amid Shaquim Muldrow’s lively sax and Leo Maxey’s colorful trumpet for the festive delivery.

Halfway through, “Bamboozled” layers the grooves with a haze of warmth, while “Basta” moves stylishly, meticulously and with Anthony “Blue” Jenkins’ frisky bass making an impression.

Close to the end, “Baby Steps” benefits from Carl Filipiak’s strategic guitar alongside Bashi Rose’s skilled percussion, and “Cross Pollination Aggregation” exits with Ebban Dorsey and Efraim Dorsey’s intricate saxophones adding much to the dynamic finish.

The listen is live and the sound quality is excellent, as Gilchrist and New Volcanoes bring hip-hop, go-go and funk flavor into timeless jazz that’s all substance.

Travels well with: Noah Haidu- Standards III; John Yao- Points In Time

Antonia Bennett

Expressions

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Expressions

The jazz vocalist Antonia Bennett brings her clear and captivating voice to 13 standards and new tracks, where a top notch, Los Angeles rhythm section is in attendance.

The cozy and rhythmic “Do You Still Think Of Me” starts with Bennett’s colorful pipes alongside Christian Jacob’s playful keys, and “Exactly Like You” follows with a playful spirit, where Kendall Kay’s animated drums won’t go unnoticed.

Further along, the warm mood of “Come Love” benefits much from Kevin Axt’s skilled bass in the romantic delivery, while “Right On Time” emits an upbeat demeanor thanks to Larry Koonse’s rich guitar playing that suits Bennett’s expressive singing.

Deeper yet, “Hushabye Mountain” welcomes Randy Brecker’s soulful flugelhorn that complements the intimacy, and “See You On The Other Side” exits with a dreamy beauty, where the balladry unfolds via a heartfelt presence.

Antonia’s got a father whose name everybody knows, but her own merits have gotten her this far, where she’s carving out a path entirely her own in the area of adult contemporary and swingin’ jazz fun.

Travels well with: Kathy Sanborn- Romance Language; Liz Cole- I Want To Be Happy

Alejandro Flórez

Beaches Of Riches

New Focus, 2025

9/10

Listen to Beaches Of Riches

The New York City guitarist and composer Alejandro Flórez aligns himself with Dan Blake and Satoshi Takeishi, and together they flesh out these 5 adventurous pieces that explore meter, pitch and improvisation.

“Darién” leads with a busy and playful mood, where Blake’s animated sax and Takeishi’s wild drums suit Flórez’s laptop manipulation, and “Ripples” follows with a softer appeal, where Flórez’s gentle guitar aligns with plenty of restraint yet lively sax bouts.

“Beaches Suite” arrives in the middle and unfolds across 7 chapters of unpredictable and exciting interaction, while “Monument 10” is a bit off kilter, which is a big part of its appeal, as the 3 dance around one another with atypical jazz rock.

“Waves” exits, and emits a controlled chaos vision that allows for the trio’s inimitable talents to shine via a boundless creativity.

The inclusion of electronics and polyrhythmic cycles won’t go unnoticed, as Flórez and company reference Colombian folkloric music with incredible detail and imagination.

Travels well with: Ryan Vigil- Vigil Vol. 1; Daniel Pesca- Walk With Me, My Joy

Rick Faris

Life’s Parade

Dark Shadow, 2025

9/10

Listen to Life’s Parade

The guitarist and singer Rick Faris is joined by some excellent players for these 12 bluegrass fueled songs that make up his 4th solo album.

The bright melodies of “Bend, Don’t Break” opens with Faris’ smooth voice alongside Ron Block’s fluid banjo, and “Can’t Sing The Blues No More” follows with Harry Clark’s swift mandolin amid Stephen Mougin’s baritone vocals via the rich delivery.

Landing in the middle, “On The Right Track” benefits much from Laura Orshaw’s meticulous fiddle for the mountain-esque fun, while “The Sound Of Lonely” spotlights Dan Tyminski’s animated mandolin and Mark Schatz’s intricate bass across the album’s best.

Close to the end, “Words In This Song” is just Faris’ intimate pipes and emotive guitar illuminating the bare climate, and “The Rabbit Hole” exits with a quick bluegrass appeal thanks to the meticulous string interaction and Faris’ expressive singing.

Faris is the recipient of the 2024 IBMA Songwriter Of The Year award and it’s not hard to see why; he pens timeless, relatable and memorable bluegrass that we could never tire of.

Travels well with: Danny Paisley- Bluegrass State Of Mind; Ashby Frank- Leaving Is Believing

Paradoxant

Deux

Humpty Dumpty, 2025

9/10

Listen to Deux

A Belgium outfit with an interesting take on pop music, Paradoxant aren’t easy to classify but sure are easy to enjoy across these fusion filled 9 tracks.

“La Disparation” opens with dense drumming and waves of prettiness surrounded by rhythm, and “Calypso” follows with Ambroos de Schepper’s strategic saxophone amid the melodies, stylish mood and soulful singing.

In the middle, the fluid guitar of “Jamais San Personne” uses yelped vocals and a thick rhythm section for the firm gestures, while “FM” relies on Ben Bertrand’s bass clarinet that helps cultivate a more mysterious setting that’s cinematic.

Residing close to the end, “Temps Libre” offers a rich and textured album highlight that’s cautious but still playful in its global pop demeanor, and “Aubade” exits with dense buzzing that segues into dreaminess and plenty of artistic qualities that are colorful and intimate.

A sonically engaging experience that doesn’t shy away from grooves, the indie, electronica, krautrock and atypical pop presence makes every tune unique and exciting.

Travels well with: Pollyanna- Man Time Deluxe; Druugg- Lost

Ben Clifton

Overlook

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Overlook

The composer and multi-instrumentalist Ben Clifton is joined by a small army of contributors for this first album as leader, where 14 involved songs are fleshed out meticulously.

The warm and melodic “Convocation” opens with Clifton’s swirling keys alongside Chad Wesselkamper’s cozy bass, and “Shadows” continues the fluid interplay thanks to Nicoya Polar’s gorgeous pipes and Gavin Moolchan’s strategic drumming.

Deeper into the listen, the atmospheric “Relapse” carries mysteriousness amid the low bass and animated keys, while “Lost On Maple” recruits violins via Emily Zelaya and Shayna Powers, plus Aimee Norris’ cello for much sophistication and beauty.

Near the end, Clifton’s complex and emotive keys populate the intimate “Dream State”, and “Precious Transition” exits with John Calderon’s well timed electric guitar and Cliff Gordon’s animated sax fueling the fusion filled finish.

A highly expressive and collaborative jazz effort, Clifton’s vision is timeless and the execution is flawless from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Nick Biello- New America; Tim Jago- Time Shift

Druugg

Lost

Exag, 2025

9/10

Listen to Lost

A garage rock affair from Belgium, Druugg make an impression with this debut that injects noise and romance into the equation.

The pounding and fuzzed out “Mélopée” opens with shouted vocals amid the thumping drums, and “Je Croyais Pouvoir T’oublier” follows with the dense bass and driving pace that’s still melodic under the fury.

“Feel It” and “Through The Waves” land in the middle. The former is atypically rhythmic and mesmerizing, while the latter carries post-punk traces in a hazy climate.

Arriving close to the end, the strong tonality and scrappy drumming of “Light Is Gone” makes this one of the album’s best and certainly a superb display of distortion, and “Rise” exits with 10+ minutes of strategic droning that you can’t not admire.

A really original and exciting effort that uses noise, rawness and psychotropic ideas, Druugg’s version of rock hits hard and leaves us wanting more.

Travels well with: She’s Analog- No Longer, Not Yet; Denis Frajerman- Paysages du Temps

She's Analog

No Longer, Not Yet

Carton, 2025

9/10

Listen to No Longer, Not Yet

This sophomore album from Italy’s She’s Analog treats us to 6 tracks of creative and improvised jazz sounds from 3 very exploratory minds.

“Tingle” starts the adventure with close attention to mood, as Giovanni Iacovella’s frisky drums and Stefano Calderano’s radiant guitar are used strategically, and “Narrow Pass” follows with waves of beauty thanks to the warm guitar, light drums and dreamy backdrop.

“Danse Macabre” and “Slow, Kick” land in the middle. The former carries an atypical rhythm that’s pretty and cinematic, while the latter benefits from Luca Sguera’s unpredictable keys that help cultivate a mood of mystery.

“Blu” exits, and it’s 18+ minutes of percussively strong bouts, light guitar, ethereal ebbs and a rare intimacy that’s reflective and sonically chilling.

Somewhere between jazz, post-rock, minimalism and electronica, every moment here is of intrigue and fascination.

Travels well with: Parquet- Sparkles & Mud; No Tongues- Ici

Laura Kobayashi/Susan Keith Gray

Listen! Hear My Voice: Music By Women

Albany, 2025

8/10

Listen to Listen! Hear My Voice: Music By Women

The violinist Laura Kobayashi and pianist Susan Keith Gray come together for 8 involved pieces that are all world premieres and applauds the legacy of women in music.

“Fresh Breath of Hope”, by Nicky Sohn, pairs the stirring strings and dancing keys with much agility and warmth, and “A Vision” follows with emotion and color entering the thoughtful climate of the Ethel Barns tune.

Gwyneth Rollin’s “Impressions” lands in the middle and radiates playfulness and intimacy via the diverse 5 chapters, while “In the blue of branches”, by Angela Elizabeth Slater, emits tension, mystery and ambience thanks to the meticulous violin and well timed keys.

Residing close to the end, “Bitter-Sweet: three pieces for violin and piano” tugs on the heartstrings with eloquence and poeticism thanks to Rhian Samuel’s vision, and Hilda Jerea’s “Dansuri Românești” exits with plenty of animated gestures, bright tonality and precise interaction that makes this the album’s best.

The pieces cover more than a century of musical ideas and diverse cultures in America, Europe, and Asia, and it does a superb job of illuminating the female presence in creative chamber settings.

Travels well with: Trace Johnson- Works For Cello; Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra- Convergence

Wayne Alpern

Modern Music

Henri Elkan, 2025

9/10

Listen to Modern Music

The inimitable composer Wayne Alpern sure is prolific, and this 11th album reimagines and reinterprets different musical styles, historical genres and vernacular idioms in a solo piano setting.

The dancing keys of “March” opens with firm chords and melodic passages that are captivating, and it isn’t long until “Variations” emits a bouncy energy via the rhythm and Broadway nods.

“Novelette” arrives closer to the middle and is a swift bout of cinematic qualities and playful gestures, while “Courante” is set in 6/8 meter and is full of harmonic moments amid an intricate delivery.

Landing near the end, “Fughetta” puts a modern spin on the 18th century track, where an old versus new appeal is charming, and “Sonatina” exits swiftly via the colorful and complicated progressions.

Hints towards Chopin, Mozart, Stravinsky and Haydn won’t be hard to spot or appreciate, as Steven Beck’s detailed piano playing illuminates Alpern’s always impressive vision.

Travels well with: Wayne Alpern- Rezurrektion (String Quartets); Wayne Alpern- Gotham

Duende Libre

Invocation

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Invocation

The Seattle trio, Duende Libre, are back with a 4th album, where their inimitable take on jazz touches on Cuba, Brazil, and Mediterranean influences.

The stylish mood of “Songs For Seales” opens with Jeff Busch’s thumping drums and Alex Chadsey’s playful keys emitting warmth, and “Ahmadish” follows with a quick pace, where Farko Dosumov’s frisky keys add much to the playful delivery.

Landing in the middle, the darker spirit of “Invocation” pays close attention to atmosphere and builds into a dreamy ambience, while “Chick” benefits from Chadsey’s lively keys that suit the meticulous rhythm section.

The last tune, “Eulogy”, is a more intimate moment of beauty and grace, where the stirring keys, gentle bass and light drums tug on the heartstrings.

A thoughtful and sometimes adventurous effort, Duende Libre’s jazz vision is progressive, worldly and memorable from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Duendre Libre- The Dance She Spoke; Russ Spiegel- Nitty Gritty

Kevin Brunkhorst

After The Fire

Calligram, 2025

8/10

Listen to After The Fire

The Canadian guitarist and composer Kevin Brunkhorst knows his way around a melodic tune you won’t soon forget, and along with Tom Easley, Kenji Omae, Tom Roach and Paul Tynan we’re treated to 7 originals here.

“As Fate Would Have It” starts with Brunkhorst’s bright guitar alongside Omae’s rich sax prowess in the melodic climate, and “One Spring” follows with Roach’s agile drumming amid Tynan’s soulful trumpet.

In the middle, “Daydream Manual” is indeed dreamy thanks to the soft wind and harmonic guitar, while “The Roaring Twenties” uses Easley’s playful bass lines in a way that suits the meticulous guitar and animated trumpet.

“The Passing Months” exits the listen with each player’s skills radiating grace and adventurousness.

A really intriguing effort that highlights the often overlooked acoustic guitar in a jazz setting, Brunkhorst and company flesh out joy, warmth and optimism in response to challenging times.

Travels well with: José Gobbo Trio- Confluence; Chris Varga- Breathe

The DIVA Jazz Orchestra

A Celebration Of Maurice Hines: Tappin’ Thru Life

DIVA Jazz, 2025

9/10

Listen to A Celebration Of Maurice Hines: Tappin’ Thru Life

The DIVA Jazz Orchestra and many others come together for this tribute to Maurice Hines, which is basically the soundtrack to his celebrated life.

The animated “Tappin’ Thru Life Overture” begins with the frisky drums and playful winds and brass, which gives us a taste of what’s to come, and “I’ve Never Been In Love Before” follows with John Manzari’s smooth voice alongside Jennifer Krupa’s well timed trombone.

Further on, “Ballin’ The Jack” allows for Leo Manzari’s playful pipes amid Jackie Warren’s frisky keys, while “All The Way” offers an intimate moment via Clint Holmes’ expressive pipes that suit the emotive piano.

Deeper still, the lively spirit of “L.O.V.E.” welcomes a frisky duet between Holmes and Ann Hampton Callaway that also recruits Jami Dauber’s animated trumpet, and “Too Marvelous For Words” exits with rich piano that’s paired with many vocals in a festive climate.

The DIVA Jazz Orchestra are in fine form, and the appearance of original cast members makes for a swingin’ good time that pays tribute to a life well lived.

Travels well with: The DIVA Jazz Orchestra- ‘30’ Live At Dizzy’s Club; The DIVA Jazz Orchestra- DIVA Swings Broadway

José Gobbo Trio

Confluence

Calligram, 2025

9/10

Listen to Confluence

This 2nd trio album from the guitarist/composer José Gobbo brings us 6 originals via a distinct harmonic language that recruits Max Beckman and Jay Ferguson.

“Wait” starts the listen softly, where Gobbo’s intimate guitar is surrounded by Ferguson’s light drumming and Beckman’s cozy bass, and “If The Sun Could Stay A Little Longer” follows with more emphasis on drums amid the frisky bass and warm guitar.

The middle belongs to “April 31st” and “Static”. The former is rhythmic and playful, while the latter is subdued, mesmerizing and displays a gripping interplay between the trio.

Residing close to the end, the harmonics and rich delivery from the rhythm section makes “Northeast” the best track, and “One Out Of Many” exits with Gobbo’s meticulous guitar playing that’s complemented by minimal drums and bass.

A really well thought mix of balladry and swingin’ ideas, Gobbo and company pay close attention to atmosphere and mood with excellent results.

Travels well with: McCullough/Spasovski/Tufecievski/Filipovski- Transverse; Alyn Cosker- Onta

Juliet Ewing

Simply ‘S Wonderful

HoneyDiva/Lexicon, 2025

8/10

Listen to Simply ‘S Wonderful

The Broadway theater performer and jazz vocalist Juliet Ewing interprets the work of Gershwin here, and she’s got some excellent players along for the affair.

The bright spirit of “‘S Wonderful” opens with Ewing’s animated pipes alongside Ron Drotos’ playful keys, which suits the cozy melodies, and “Love Is Here To Stay/They Can’t Take That Away From Me” follows with a romantic mood thanks to the expressive singing and David Finck’s playful bass.

Further along, “But Not For Me” offers a stylish and frisky moment that benefits from the pretty singing, while “A Foggy Day” trims the mood back with much elegance and grace, where the sublime keys align with the eloquent storytelling that builds into a lively album highlight.

Landing close to the end, “Naughty Baby” benefits much from Mark McLean’s strategic drumming amid the charming vocals, and “Summertime”, the only track that’s not Gershwin’s, exits with a lush and dreamy ballad that has Ewing showcasing her strong range.

Ewing’s performance is exceptional, where she makes each track her own thanks to her commanding voice and powerful presence that does justice to Gershwin’s work.

Travels well with: Shiri Zorn- Looking For The Light; Rosemary Loar- Coraçāo Vagabundo/Vagabond Heart

McCullough/Spasovski/Tufekcievski/Filipovski

Transverse

Calligram, 2025

9/10

Listen to Transverse

Chad McCullough, Gordan Spasovski, Kiril Tufecievski and Viktor Filipovski come together for these 8 involved jazz songs that carry Macedonian folk traces and illustrate superb chemistry.

“Lake Orchid Lament” opens with the swirling keys from Spasovksi that align with McCullough’s soulful trumpet, and “Falling Tide” continues the elegance via dreamy keys and Filipovski’s restrained drums that tug on the heartstrings.

Halfway through is where “For Leni” resides, and it welcomes upbeat keys and flowing brass amid Tufekcievski’s playful bass, while “The Forlorn Tale Of Tomorrow” offers intimacy and emotion thanks to the soft gestures and thoughtful environment.

“Twist” and “Real & Unreal” exit the listen. The former carries a rich and cautious bout of textured ideas, and the latter allows for the cozy rhythm section, warm trumpet and light keys to radiate much timelessness.

This is the quartet’s first recording on American ground and let’s hope it isn’t the last, cause their attention to rhythm, melody and swingin’ moments is very easy to enjoy.

Travels well with: Chad McCullough- in these hills, beyond; Alyn Cosker- Onta

Reptile Room

Jade

Om, 2019

8/10

Listen to Jade

A recently formed trio from Atlanta comprised of siblings Sean and Sami Michelsen, as well as Bill Zimmerman, on this debut the three bring their collective strengths to a very strong and memorable trip into electro-pop fun.

“Games” gets the listen off to a firm start of their crisp and slick electro-pop formula where smooth vocals complement the sleek instrumentation, and “Design” follows with a vocally expressive, more subdued version of their dreamy, pop prowess.

Further along, “Control” has the trio exploring darker textures of club friendly sounds, while “Midnite” resonates with a soulful aspect to the dynamic interplay between the trio.

Near the end, “Ghost” offers manipulated vocals in the highly creative tune, and “Talk” ends the quick listen with current indie-rock influences amid the dance friendly landscape.

While there’s no shortage of electro-pop outfits today, Reptile Room show much promise as far as standing out from the pack with smart wordplay and engaging, memorable musicianship that’s delivered with precision.

Travels well with: Walden- The Static; Magic Wands- Abrakadabra