David Helpling/Eric 'The' Taylor

The Precious Dark

Spotted Peccary, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Precious Dark

The ambient electronic artists David Helpling and Eric ‘The’ Taylor come together for these 7 tracks that explore the unknown in creative, moody and emotive ways.

“The Space Between Atoms” opens shrouded in mystery, where the flourishing beats and piano melody unfolds with a cinematic quality, and the title track follows with a radiant energy that’s intimate and flows in waves of beauty.

“The Ice Has Dreams” and “Her Endless Cold Embrace” arrive in the middle. The former emits ominous qualities that can also retreat to soothing moments of exploration, while the latter buzzes and flirts with spacey endeavors that are dreamy.

“We Rise In A Harmonious System” exits, and it allows the glowing synth to beam via an uplifting spirit amid the gripping guitar textures.

A truly colorful body of work that swirls with no lack of analog ideas, the ethereal guitar and gentle techniques are nothing short of spellbinding.

Travels well with: Aetopus- Cup; Chronotope Project- Chronology

Song Yi Jeon Nonet

The Earthy Suites

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Earthy Suites

The Berlin vocalist and composer Song Yi Jeon is joined by many esteemed players for 3 detailed tracks that are rooted in Korean percussion, modern jazz sensibilities and no lack of improvisation.

“Seya Seya (Korean Folk Song)” opens with the harmonic voices layered with warmth and Fabio Gouvea’s radiant guitar playing as the tunes builds into a busy, powerful execution.

In the middle, “Suite One”, which is the longest track at 21+ minutes, blends the pair of saxophones and trombones amid Marton Juhasz’s thumping drums and playful scatting that never out welcomes its stay.

“Suite Two” exits, and allows for Yi Jeon’s intimate and expressive voice to captivate us alongside effects and, eventually, lively drums, Oberto Koch’s meticulous bass and Noé Sécula strategic keys.

The 9 piece ensemble are in fine form here, and help illuminate Yi Jeon’s artistic spirit across this harmonic, rhythmic and forward thinking adventure.

Travels well with: Jason Miles- Cosmopolitan; Manuel Bienvenu- oh do we

You & Us

Fun Machine Dream Vol. One

Emerald Sketch, 2025

8/10

Listen to Fun Machine Dream Vol. One

The recording moniker of Nicole Porter and Wyndham Garnett, as You & Us they pen 8 wise and youthful Americana tunes that were produced by Luther Dickinson.

The warm guitar and Porter’s soft singing across “Restore Harmony” starts the listen with a soothing delivery that embraces vocal harmonies, and “Funky Farm” follows with Marco Giovino’s thumping drums alongside the rootsy duet that uses Dickinson’s playful guitar.

“Good Vibes Only” and “Play With Me” land in the middle. The former offers a frisky moment that benefits from Porter’s animated pipes amid Paul Taylor’s charming kazoo, while the latter is a bit more firm, where Porter’s soulful voice is met with folk-rock nods.

“Sensation” arrives close to the end, and it’s an upbeat and rhythmic album highlight which celebrates family with a rich landscape that enlists Chris D Littlefield’s well timed trumpet.

A diverse effort that touches on blues, jam, folk, root and gospel, You & Us cover a lot of bases in a short amount of time via the uplifting, therapeutic and enlightening effort.

Travels well with: Rolie Polie Guacamole- On The Stoop; Wendy And DB- Get Your Sunny Side Up

Enuff Z'nuff

Xtra Cherries

Cleopatra, 2025

9/10

Listen to Xtra Cherries

The veteran rockers Enuff Z’nuff are back with their 21st album, and it’s 11 new tracks of their power-pop and melodic rock ways that recruits some well known guests.

“Heartbeat” opens the listen with frontman Chip Z’nuff’s gritty yet tuneful voice alongside warm piano, and “No Cold Feeling” follows with Daxx Nielsen’s pounding drums that suit the festive spirit and bouncy climate.

In the middle, “Magnificent” enlists Jason Camino and Luis Kalil’s dense guitar licks in a thick delivery, while “Back To The Wall” blends power and melody into an album highlight that swirls with an infectious energy.

Further yet, “Star Star” benefits from fuzzy guitars and rowdy piano which illuminates an upbeat mood that will get your body moving, and “Shine” exits with meticulous guitars, thumping drums, playful bass and sing-alongs for the anthemic finish.

Of all the ‘80s glam metal bands, I wouldn’t have put money on Enuff Z’nuff to be the ones still making top notch rock 35+ years later, but here we are with lush and hook fueled tunes plus cameos from Robin Zander (Cheap Trick), Robert Fleischman (Journey), Neal Schon (Journey), Steven Adler (GNR), Steve Stevens (Billy Idol) and Gunnar Nelson (Nelson).

Travels well with: L.A. Guns- Leopard Skin; Collective Soul- Here To Eternity

Wild Mountain Mystics

Fire & Honey

Blackbird, 2025

9/10

Listen to Fire & Honey

This debut album from the Long Beach duo Wild Mountain Mystics showcases Rick and Lisa’s authentic Americana vision with plenty of friends along.

The upbeat title track starts with Rick’s expressive pipes alongside Lisa’s warm harmony vocals that suit the flowing mandolin and guitar, and “If You Can Bluff” follows with a frisky spirit, as Chad Watson’s playful bass enters the dance floor ready energy.

In the middle, Lisa’s pipes are center stage for the heartfelt “What Our Love Can Do”, where Rick handles drums and guitar, while “Love Is The Law” is a bit more rugged via Rick’s sturdy guitar and Lisa’s electric sitar.

Near the end, “All You Need Is Love” offers a collaborative moment via Marty Axelrod’s keys, Debra Dobkin’s drums and Ed Tree’s guitars and handclaps that illuminate the melodic album highlight, and “May We All Meet Again” exits with a chorus of vocals and Lisa’s mandolin, banjo and pipes adding much to the Irish nods.

Half the song titles have love referenced in them, which gives you a good idea of where Rick and Lisa are coming from, and their Appalachian meets Woodstock approach will leave anyone feeling better after spending time with Wild Mountain Mystics.

Travels well with: Shane Alexander- Forever Songs; Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters- Good Morning, Sunshine

Abøn

Wings Of Adelaine

Flatcar, 2025

9/10

Listen to Wings Of Adelaine

The recording moniker of Lauren Peterson, as Abøn the Danish-Canadian singer, songwriter, producer and composer pens 10 tracks of orchestral music layered alongside her gorgeous vocals and piano.

“Miracles” leads with a very dreamy mood, where the light singing and warm keys are met with Lucy Nesbitt’s atmospheric French horn, and “Wings” follows with Julianne Scott’s cozy clarinet adding much to eloquent delivery that emits wave of beauty.

The halfway spot belongs to “Morphus”, as Farhad Khosravi’s strategic dulcimer radiates much sophistication amid the intimate keys, while “Mirrors” uses vocals like an instrument and suits the stirring strings from Robin Leicht, Nicholas Yee, Ryan Herbold and Leigh Dyrda.

Close to the end, “Sol” recruits Viktorija Pilatovik’s pipes in a cinematic and emotive landscape that’s poetic, and “Home” exits with sublime minimalism that aligned with a meditative ambience and strong attention to detail.

A captivating effort that flirts with New Age and neo-classical moments, Abøn’s angelic presence is greatly admired across the textured and enlightening experience.

Travels well with: Denielle Bassels- It Goes Like This; Belfountain- Some Hearts

Kokkiniá

The Last Are Lost From The List

Bitume, 2025

8/10

Listen to The Last Are Lost From The List

The Greece outfit Kokkiniá make an impression with this debut album, where an intense version of prog-rock unfolds with hints at post-punk, psychedelic and haunting songwriting.

“Whoami” opens with light keys before Savvas Kalymnios’ pounding drums enter the thick and hazy climate that balances melody with rawness, and “Stachte” follows with dreaminess that emits a soothing quality in under a minute.

Further on, the dense guitar of “Enigma” allows for Marinos Tzaferis’ riffs to shine amid swirling moments and calm ebbs, while “Syope” is a bare moment of gentle keys.

Close to the end, Tromos/Thyella” chugs with grit, where Vangelis R’s distinct vocals guide the rumbling, and “Arboreal” exits with harmonic bouts, emotive singing and multi-faceted rock.

An excellent first album that’s well thought out musically and lyricall, Kokkiniá employ dissonance and grungy ideas via their atypical version of prog-rock that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Casademoni- 64; Faded Remembrance- Dying Age

Eric Alexander & Vincent Herring

Split Decision

Smoke Sessions, 2025

8/10

Listen to Split Decision

The saxophone wizards, Eric Alexander and Vincent Herring, return with a 3rd album together, where plenty of swingin’ fun and melodic appeal unfolds across the 6 detailed tracks.

Steve Turre’s “Pharoah’s Dance” opens with the duo’s intricate saxes dancing around each other amid adventurous drumming, and Horace Silver’s “Strollin’” follows with a playful mood, as the winds align with a frisky rhythm section.

The middle belongs to “A Peck a Sec” and “My Romance”. The former, by Hank Mobley, is a quick moment of animated keys and meticulous sax dynamics, while the latter emits an intimate demeanor via the emotive winds, gentle keys and light drums thanks to Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart’s vision.

The last tune is the lively and textured “Mo’s Theme”, where both saxophonists contribute their inimitable talents in spades to complement quick eyes and the bouncy rhythm section of the Rob Bargad selection.

A record that seems like it was as much fun to make as it is to listen to, Mike LeDonne, John Webber and Lewis Nash’s contribution are enormous in making this a timeless jazz adventure.

Travels well with: Patrick Zimmerli- Songs Of Innocence; BMOP- Dalit Hadass Warshaw: Sirens

Premik Russell Tubbs & Margee Minier-Tubbs

Oneness-World

Margetoile, 2025

8/10

Listen to Oneness-World

The multi-instrumentalist Premik Russell Tubbs and spoken word artist Margee Minier-Tubbs are in the company of a superb quintet for 7 creative and playful fusion tunes.

“Oneness” begins with a light buzzing, as Minier-Tubbs’ soothing spoken word enters a meditative climate that welcomes Russell Tubbs’ bright sax, and “The Weave” follows with quicker pace of crisp drums via Todd Isler and Michael O’Brien’s playful bass, where plenty of grooves are present.

In the middle, “Catwalk (A Stitch In Time)” makes great use of Arta Jekabsone and Lola Kristine’s expressive voices amid warm keys and a rhythmic backdrop, while “Norwegian Dance” benefits from Russell Tubbs’ upbeat EWI alongside the cozy mood that’s rich and adventurous.

“The Bells” exits, and it’s a holiday tune that enlists Patrick Carmichael’s voice, Zach Brock’s violin and alto sax for the bop-friendly festivities.

An eclectic effort that employs Celtic and Indian influences, the Tubbs and crew pen an artistic and poetic listen that finds its own unique place to reside.

Travels well with: Billy Lester Trio- High Standards; Daniel Garbin- Rising

The Accidentals

Time Out 3

Self-Released, 2025

10/10

Listen to Time Out 3

The Northern Michigan outfit The Accidentals spread their wings a little further this time around, where their folk template embraces plenty of influences and atypical ideas.

“Better Than Me” opens with Sav Madigan and Katie Larson’s harmonic voices alongside strong attention to mood and elegant strings, and “Someday We Won’t Live Here” follows with an intimate spirit of poetic singing and Katelynn Corll’s subdued drumming.

Moving into the middle, “Fly Away” radiates much warm via the pretty guitar and graceful cello, while “It Keeps The Lights On” is a bit fuller, where thumping drums and some rock’n’roll grit enter the sincere songwriting.

Arriving close to the end, the frisky “Kevin At The End Of World” offers a charming moment of playful lyrics and infectious instrumentation, and “Break Free” exits with a lullaby-esque demeanor of heartfelt song craft that’s got soulfulness and even some gospel spirit.

There’s even 3 bonus tracks (different versions of earlier tunes) to enjoy, as The Accidentals continue to prove that their blend of indie, folk, bluegrass, rock and classical sounds is some of the best music being made today.

Travels well with: The Accidentals- Time Out Session #2; Birdtalker- One

Monkey House

Crashbox

Alma, 2025

9/10

Listen to Crashbox

This 7th album from Monkey House, which is spearheaded by the song writer and producer Don Breithaupt, continues their fusion appeal that uses many contributors, including the core line up of Justin Abedin, Pat Kilbride and Mark Kelso.

The bright horns of “Return Of The Mayfly” opens with fluid drumming and warm guitar that touches on timeless jazz and uses smooth vocals, and “Someplace On Madison” follows with elegance and grace surrounding the cozy sax and emotive singing.

Residing in the middle, “What’s Left Of This World” showcases the frisky bass amid lively keys and plenty of rhythm, while “Smoke’Em If You Got’Em” comes with a hint of grit amid the stylish winds, colorful keys and restrained rhythm section.

Close to the end, the intimate and pretty “Chasing The Muse” touches on soulful ideas from many decades ago, and “Feeling You Breathe” exits with poeticism and a heartfelt demeanor that’s dreamy.

Breithaupt cites this as Monkey House’s best work yet and it’s hard to argue with that, as the modern jazz-pop unfolds with silky melodies, ‘70s nods and an often sunny disposition.

Travels well with: Marc Jordan- Waiting The Sun To Rise; Skip Grasso- Becoming

Pat Petrillo

Contemporaneous

Innervision, 2025

9/10

Listen to Contemporaneous

The drummer and composer Pat Petrillo is in some excellent company for these 11 instrumental fusion tracks that are as unpredictable as they are exciting.

“Fused” starts with a bright mood, where Scott Ambush’s playful bass and Scott Mayo’s animated sax complement the meticulous drums, and “Late Night Diner” follows with Matt Rohde’s lively keys that add much to the melodic delivery.

Landing in the middle, “On The Regular” allows for Petrillo’s intricate drums to shine amid Oz Noy’s stunning guitar licks, while the title track has Petrillo playing all the instruments in a stylish and quick climate that uses many soundbites.

Arriving close to the end, “Sunset Sound Studio 2” benefits much from Steve Jankowski’s soaring trumpet and Tom Timko’s strategic tenor sax in a busy but precise album highlight, and “Glide In My Stride” exits with grooves and rhythm via Gary Grainger’s bass, and guitars from Richie Nobrega, Jr. and Chieli Minucci that blend in superbly with the wind and brass.

A really diverse effort that touches on jazz, R&B, funk and world music, Petrillo and company flesh out a complex and really memorable body of work.

Travels well with: Billy Lester Trio- High Standards; Mitch Towne- Refuge

Robert LaRoche

A Thousand Shades

Relief, 2019

8/10

Listen to A Thousand Shades

Though Robert LaRoche’s name may not be familiar with you, you might recognize his long running on and off again band The Sighs, who achieved some mainstream success in the early ‘90s with their single “Think About Soul”.

The follow up to his well received 2015 debut solo album, this EP has the troubadour in peak form across well thought and eclectic sounds that certainly touch on his past, but also embrace the sage-like quality of the veteran musician.

“Seeds Of Doubt” gets the album started with a sophisticated and timeless appeal where fiddles, banjos and guitars all meet at a very warm place, and “Drawn To You” follows with a fun pop-rock spirit that sounds like it could have been penned in any decade since the ‘70s.

In the middle, “A Thousand Shades” brings a moody, reflective setting that takes nods at alt-rock, while “Jet Blue” recruits a playful feeling of multifaceted rock’n’roll with a stunning guitar solo. Near the end, “Too Much At Once” finds the EP in ballad territory with heartfelt singing with aching violin, and “The Dream Is Gone” ends the quick listen with punchy rhythm on a vibrant exit of melodic energy.

The good news is that The Sighs are back playing and recording. The great news is that LaRoche is still finding time for solo work as well, and his dreamy, baroque-pop inspired song craft is certainly worth several spins.

Travels well with: Del Shannon- Drop Down And Get Me; The Beach Boys- Pet Sounds