Splitsville

Mobtown

Big Stir, 2025

9/10

Listen to Mobtown

The long running indie rockers Splitsville return with their first album since 2003, and they pick up right where they left off with these 10 power-pop fueled gems.

The buzzing “Cold Open” leads with Brandt Huseman’s thumping drums alongside dense guitars and plenty of muscle, and “A Glorious Lie” follows with harmonizing vocals and no lack of melody present across some dreamy moments, too.

The middle spot belongs to the calmer “Gray”, where Matt Huseman’s cozy acoustic guitar is met with soulful moments, while “I Hate Going To Hutzler’s” builds into an anthemic rocker that’s charged, tuneful and invites singing-along.

“Perry Hall” and “Penn Station” exit the record. The former is intimate initially, before lush ideas enter the meticulous album highlight, and the latter is a heartfelt moment that incorporates Paul Krysiak’s string arrangements via the sophisticated finish.

A triumphant return indeed, Splitsville need to stick around-ville, cause their timeless power-pop, ‘90s alt-rock nods and guitar driven rock is nothing short of superb.

Travels well with: Crossword Smiles- Consequences + Detours; Nelson Bragg- Mélodie de Nelson: A Pop Anthology

April Clayton/Miguel Del Aguila

Torrential Raindance

Urtext, 2025

9/10

Listen to Torrential Raindance

The flutist April Clayton and pianist Miguel Del Aguila come together for this debut as a duo, where they bring their inimitable talents to 5 cinematic tracks.

“Piano Rolls The Flute” opens the listen with the soft wind and mature keys interacting with much beauty and grace across the 10+ minutes that can get mesmerizing, too, and the title track follows with ambience and intimacy meeting at a very articulate intersection.

In the middle, the firm keys and animated flute make “Silencio” an alluring bout of strong chemistry, while “Sonata Flautisima” unfolds across 3 chapters that actually brings beat boxing into the very adventurous climate which allows for Clayton’s flute prowess to really shine.

“Malambo” exits, and it’s populated by the duo interacting quickly, dynamically and timelessly via the rhythmic energy.

These selections were penned by del Aguila over the last decade, and his South American heritage is present in the nostalgia, and complicated components of a very accessible and charming effort.

Travels well with: Eric Alexander & Vincent Herring- Split Decision; Patrick Zimmerli- Songs Of Innocence

The Spongetones

The 40th Anniversary Concert… And Beyond

Big Stir, 2025

10/10

Listen to The 40th Anniversary Concert… And Beyond

The legendary power-poppers The Spongetones celebrated their 4 decades together with this concert in 2021, where the quartet are in fine form across the 18 tracks live tracks, plus some new studio work.

“Anyway Town” starts the evening with smooth vocals and warm guitars alongside Chris Garges’ fluid drumming that emits much melody, and it isn’t long until “She’ll Be Gone” comes with emotion, as Steve Stoeckel’s flowing bass suits the harmony vocals.

Further along, “Every Night Is A Holiday” uses Jamie Hoover and Pat Walters’ expressive guitars amid no shortage of hooks that invites singing-along, while “Where Were You Last Night?” comes with a vintage appeal that has the members working together collaboratively in both melancholic and gritty moments.

Closer to the end of the set, the scrappy of “Must Be Lust” will get you on the dance floor thanks to the contagious energy, and “Lulu’s In Love” exits with a slight jangle and a pretty delivery of ear candy for 1 of the 3 new studio tracks included.

The sound quality is excellent, as are the songs, and, very tragically, Garges passed away not long after this performance. The band have secured a replacement i.e. Eric Wilhelm, and are ready for decade #5 of their beloved power-pop perfection.

Travels well with: Splitsville- Mobtown; Crossword Smiles- Consequences + Detours

Randy Napoleon

Waking Dream: The Music Of Gregg Hill & Randy Napoleon

OA2, 2025

10/10

Listen to Waking Dream

The revered guitarist, Randy Napoleon, calls in favors from his former students, plenty of guests, and his core band of Rick Roe, Quincy Davis and Rodney Whitaker for another round of songs that include Gregg Hill.

The rich landscape of “Supermoon” opens with warm guitar, crisp drums thanks to Davis and Roe’s flowing keys, and “The Speckled Frog” follows with Anthony Stanco’s strategic trumpet and Lynne Brown’s guiro adding much to the rhythmic delivery.

“Cafe Brasilia” occupies the middle spot and offers a cozy mood via Whitaker’s meticulous bass and the radiant guitar tone, while “The Singer” enlists Langston Kitchen’s bass and Michael J. Reed’s drums that make for a dynamic rhythm section that suits the animated climate.

Arriving near the end, Michael Dease’s trombone makes an appearance on “Riverside Blossoms” in a subdued moment that builds into a soulful album highlight, and “Boom Boom” exits with the stunning guitar playing that guides the lively jazz ideas amid Walter Blanning’s tenor sax prowess.

The guitar playing from Luke Sittard, Chris Minami, Jocelyn Gould, Ben Turner, and, of course, Napoleon, is top notch, as the players flesh out a timeless, straight ahead jazz record that we won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Randy Napoleon- The Door Is Open: The Music Of Gregg Hill; Michael Dease- City Life: Music Of Gregg Hill

Ben Thomas Tango Project

The Hat With The Grim And The Chuckle

Origin, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Hat With The Grin And The Chuckle

The multi-instrumentalist Ben Thomas treats us to 8 songs that are rooted in the traditional rhythms of Argentine tango, and he’s got some excellent help for the unpredictable affair.

“The Promise Of Morning” opens with Thomas’ animated bandoneon and Gabe Hall-Rodrigues’ lively keys making for a unique energy, and “Sonia’s Mask” follows with Eric Likkel’s rich clarinet helping cultivate beauty amid the bandoneon and piano.

The middle track belongs to “Eric’s Vals”, where Laura Coronoel and Elizabeth Phelps’ graceful violins add much to the textured album highlight, while “Other Afternoons” allows for the bandoneon and lively vibraphone to interact creatively.

“Valley Shroud” and “The Second Brick” exit the listen. The former enlists low keys and ambience, where the cinematic quality unfolds precisely, and “The Second Brick” exits with elegant strings and Steve Schermer’s strategic bass adding much to the rhythmic finish.

A body of work that’s full of polyrhythms, melodies and contrasts, Thomas and crew celebrate the life of Seattle’s revered chef, Thierry Rautureau, with a truly accomplished tango effort.

Travels well with: Marc Seales- People & Places; Mike Pope- The Parts You Keep

Marc Seales w/Ernie Watts

People & Places

Origin, 2025

9/10

Listen to People & Places

The inimitable pianist and keyboardist Marc Seales is joined by the tenor sax wizard Ernie Watts and Bruce Lett and Moyes Lucas Jr. for 8 tracks of blues influenced jazz.

“Rue Cler” leads with much attention to mood, as the ambient keys and soulful sax are met with Lucas Jr.’s playful drums, and “Palladium”, the lone cover, follows with plenty of melody thanks to animated keys, bright sax and a frisky rhythm section.

“For You My Dear” and “The Muddy Chicago Blues” land in the middle. The former is an elegant moment of dreamy intimacy, while the latter offers an infectious blues spirit amid the radiant jazz qualities.

Arriving late in the listen, “Ascending Truth” is full of poetic and rich songwriting that’s heartfelt, and “Home Light” exits with Lett’s meticulous bass playing that suits the graceful piano, crisp drums and glowing sax.

The songs present have spanned the last 30 years, and the interaction between the quartet is nothing short of infectious, authentic and timeless.

Travels well with: Mike Pope- The Parts You Keep; Ben Markley- Tell The Truth

Mike Pope

The Parts You Keep

Origin, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Parts You Keep

The bassist, composer and engineer Mike Pope has enjoyed a 30+ year career, and here we’re treated to originals and covers with an excellent band plus strings.

“Misgivings” opens the 9 track listen with Geoffrey Keezer’s firm keys that suit Pope’s playful bass and Nate Smith’s fluid drums, and “Steeplechase” follows with Roxy Cross’ animated sax prowess adding much to the frisky energy of the Charlie Parker tune.

Entering the middle, “That Old Feeling” benefits from Randy Brecker’s soulful trumpet and Peter Kibbe’s elegant violoncello via the intimate climate, while “Barolo Blue” showcases Amaury Cabral’s meticulous guitar playing amid the precise jazz ideas.

Landing near the end, “Past Is Prologue” allows for Yu-Ting Wu and Jennifer Houck’s violin’s to shine in a very animated and textured album highlight, and “Sphärenmusik from Winterreigen, Opus 13 No. 5” exits with Pope’s grandmother, Ann Almond Pope, handling classical piano which emits much elegance.

An unpredictable and timeless record, Pope and company bring plenty of sophistication and intricate synergy to a vision of jazz that we could never tire of.

Travels well with: Alon Farber Hagiga- Dreams I Dream; Ben Markley- Tell The Truth

Zurhub

Countryside Motorways

Origin, 2025

9/10

Listen to Countryside Motorways

The Tel Aviv and New York flutist, Mattan Klein, formed Zurhub in 2017 with the guitarist Ezequiel Hezi, and here with Itay Simhovich, Assaf Hakimi and Dani Benedikt they flesh out a detailed, fusion effort.

“Social Trust” starts the festivities with Benedikt’s dense drums before Klein’s animated flute enters the rhythmic climate, and “Outdoors Week” follows with Simhovich’s warm keys complementing the rich wind and melodic backdrop.

“Feliz” arrives in the middle and pairs soft guitar from Jait and Klein’s dreamy flute amid much beauty, while “Do Me A Favel” comes with playful buzzing that suits Hakimi’s frisky bass lines.

Landing close to the end, “April Is Totally A Blur” carries an infectious energy thanks to the quintet’s meticulous and rich interaction, and “Lick Your Toad” exits with a dynamic presence via the quick flute, well timed keys and the charming rhythm section.

A really exciting body of work that utilizes Brazilian rhythms, jazz harmonies, and Israeli folk and classical music, every moment here will be appreciated no matter where you reside on the globe.

Travels well with: Peter Lin- Identity; Michael Waldrop- Native Son

Hannah Delynn

Trust Fall

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Trust Fall

The Nashville singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Hannah Delynn makes an impression with this debut album, where freedom through vulnerability are found in songs that surround hope and healing.

The heartfelt singing and warm acoustic guitar of “For The Record” opens with much power and emotion, and “Leaf On A River” follows with Ethan Jodziewicz’s well timed ukulele in the bare, moving climate.

In the middle, “No Small Thing” welcomes Maya’s backing vocals amid a dreamy mood of beauty and grace, while “The Rooster’s Dead” is a cozy, folk-friendly moment that spotlights Delynn’s alluring voice and Jodziewicz’s uke bass.

“Wishes” and “Waiting” exit the listen. The former unfolds like a lullaby of light and intimate songwriting, and the latter pairs John Mailander’s mature violin with the soulful singing.

An album that spans a variety of emotions, the subtle use of Alex Wilder’s keys and Jordan Tice’s guitar add even more allure to the raw, cathartic and human experience of a really genuine effort.

Travels well with: Ashytn Barbaree- Sent Through The Ceiling; Laurie Lewis- Trees

Allan Harris

The Poetry Of Jazz

Live At Blue Llama, 2025

8/10

Listen to The Poetry Of Jazz

The Brooklyn vocalist, guitarist and storyteller Allan Harris is joined by John Di Martino, Jay White, Syliva Cuenca and Alan Grubner for this 2nd live recording from the Blue Llama Jazz Club in Ann Arbor.

“Groovy People” starts the listen with Harris’ soulful pipes and Di Martino’s warm keys that suit Cuenca’s thumping drums, and “Weary Blues” brings spoken word into Harris’ dense guitar for a more rock focused moment.

Halfway through, “Charade” benefits from White’s playful bass lines amid Grubner’s meticulous violin, while “Desainado” offers a busy and dynamic set highlight that uses frisky scatting and plenty of melodic jazz gestures.

“Secret Moments” and “Time Just Slips Away” exit the evening. The former enlists poetry alongside the gentle piano and, later on, romantic singing, and the latter pairs the eloquent vocals with cautious and sophisticated instrumentation.

A very literate outing, the works of Shakespeare, Thomas, Angelou, Frost and Hughes are sprinkled in between the originals and standards that create a timeless, poetic and jazz fueled set.

Travels well with: Charles Chen- Building Characters; Triology- The Slow Road

Jubal Lee Young

Squirrels

7 Bridges, 2025

9/10

Listen to Squirrels

The veteran singer-songwriter Jubal Lee Young is joined by Christian Sedelmeyer, Charlie Pate, Jeff Taylor and producer Markus Stadler for these 16 diverse songs.

The title track opens with Young’s distinct vocals alongside Stadler’s flowing banjo in the melodic and rootsy climate, and “Don’t Be A Dickhead” follows with a calmer spirit, where cozy guitar and Pate’s playful bass suit the authentic spirit and solid advice.

Further along, “Love Happens” makes great use of Sedelmeyer’s touching fiddle via the romantic mood that tugs on the heartstrings, while “Miserable” isn’t exactly a downer, as Taylor’s rich accordion adds much to the layered album highlight.

Deeper yet, “Dumb Luck” allows for Young’s vivid storytelling to be complemented by the mountain-esque instrumentation that’s got plenty of energy, and “Welcome To Nashville, Asshole!” exits with fiddle, banjo, guitar and Young’s forthright wordplay that should be require listening for anyone heading to Music City.

Young is nothing if not eclectic, and his blending of bluegrass, country, folk, old-time, Americana and roots makes this 6th album one of his best yet.

Travels well with: Ryan David Green- Off And Running; Jubal Lee Young- Wild Birds Warble

Kissing Other Ppl

Kissing Other Ppl

Peacedale, 2025

8/10

Listen to Kissing Other Ppl

A Nashville outfit made up of Vivian Leva, Riley Calcagno and Rachel Baiman, as Kissing Other Ppl they treat us to 8 atypical covers that were recorded in places like living rooms and bomb shelters.

“Kissing Other People”, by Lennon Stella, opens with playful fiddle and expressive singing that’s harmonic and emotive, and “Ashes Of American Flags” follows with warm guitar and strong attention to mood via the Wilco interpretation.

Halfway through, Dr. Dog’s “Where’d All The Time Go” uses Leva’s subtle drums for the intimate and pretty delivery, while “Woncha Come On Home” allows for Calcagno’s pipes to guide the folk appeal of the Joan Armatrading song.

“Born To Lose” and “Ain’t No Easy Rider” exit the listen. The former, by Waylon Payne, is a heartfelt album highlight that’s eloquent and dreamy, and the latter benefits from a hint of grit in the authentic and timeless take on the Dan Parsons’ tune.

A largely calm effort, the bare use of banjo, fiddle, guitar, drums and keys complement all 3 member’s vocals that make for a touching and collaborative version of modern folk.

Travels well with: Anne Harris- I Feel It Once Again; Vanessa Collier- Do It My Own Way

Marty Cooper

American Portraits

Howlin’ Dog, 2025

8/10

Listen to American Portraits

The revered storyteller, Marty Cooper, shares with us a glimpse of his many talents via these 22 songs that might be familiar, but that you’ve never heard quite like this.

The vulnerable singing and warm acoustic guitar of “Stephen” opens with plenty of intimacy, and it isn’t long until the southern spirit of “The Mississippi Blind Boy” recruits subtle drums that suit the cozy guitar and bright storytelling.

Further along, the more rugged “A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock’ n Roll” welcomes Wendy Newcomer’s expressive pipes to the dance floor rocker, while the emotive delivery of “Cowboys And Daddies” enlists keys, pedal steel and bass for a lush first half highlight.

The 2nd half of the listen treats us to the nearly gospel climate of the harmonic “Think Of The Children As Roses”, which showcases Robin James’ pretty voice, and “I Wrote A Song” exits with a timeless folk appeal that’s heartfelt and builds into a fuller version of Cooper’s distinct Americana.

The son of the singer Dr. Henry Cooper, Cooper has seen his work covered by legends like Stevie Wonder, Jimmie Rodgers and The Kingston Trio, to name a few. It’s easy to see why his work is so revered; his relatable and timeless storytelling immediately strikes a chord.

Travels well with: From The Dirt- Broken Edge Of Memory; Fox And Bones- Long Time Honey

Blue Heron/DÜNYA

Lessons From Nightingales: Songs Of Sufi Mysteries

Blue Heron, 2025

9/10

Listen to Lessons From Nightingales: Songs Of Sufi Mysteries

A very involved collaboration between Boston choir Blue Heron and the Grammy-nominated composer/multi-instrumentalist Mehmet Ali Sanlikol, these world premiere recordings take inspiration from the two principal Turkish traditions of Sufi mysticism.

The first half of the listen belongs to the 5 chapters of “The Triumph”, where harmonizing vocals and dense drumming are met with Beth Bahia Cohen’s strategic yaylı tanbur, Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol’s animated ney and worldly percussion thanks to George Lernis and Tareq Rantisi that adds much to the rich textures.

“Devran” occupies the rest of the listen, and blends the sopranos, mezzo-sopranos, tenors and bass vocals into a a cappella masterpiece with strong attention to tonality and color.

A truly captivating effort that recruits jazz ideas and polyphony dynamics, all the players and vocalists in attendance help create a world music and choral masterpiece.

Travels well with: David Handler- Life Like Violence; John Luther Adams- An Atlas Of Deep Time

Emily Duncan/Randall Woolf

Woolf At The Door

Neuma, 2025

9/10

Listen to Woolf At The Door

The flutist Emily Duncan and composer Randall Woolf are joined by an excellent cast for these 3 involved pieces that emit much creativity in a modern-classical sort of way.

“Everything Is Green” leads with David Foster Wallace’s text alongside Kathleen Supové’s well timed keys, Rinde Eckert’s narration and Duncan’s animated flute that even recruits Sara Wendt’s vocal samples.

The middle track belongs to “Scott Somebody”, where the emotive wind and fixed media pay tribute to the memory of Scott Johnson with warmth and a heartfelt mood that’s also adventurous.

“Native Tongues” exits, and enlists plenty of strings for an orchestral meets hip-hop excursion that pairs beatboxing with the flute via a highly inventive vision.

Duncan and Woolf have incredible resumes, and their theatrical performance and ability to balance the delicate nature of the flute with plenty of other textures is both intriguing and memorable.

Travels well with: Shannon Wettstein- Con Grazia- A Century Of Italian Piano Music; Jeannine Wagar- Into The Night

Phillip Schroeder

Radiance Within

Neuma, 2025

9/10

Listen to Radiance Within

The pianist and composer Phillip Schroeder is joined by Margaret Jones and Alan Zimmerman for these 7 original and meditative tunes.

The title track opens with Jones’ atmospheric violin and Schroeder’s elegant keys making for much care and strong attention to mood, and “An Awakening” follows with preparations complementing the piano via a very artistic and mysterious landscape.

“Avian Fields” and “Being In Wonder” land in the middle. The former is a solo violin moment of meticulous energy, and the latter is just the piano that can rumble and also emit eloquence thanks to the precise keys.

Near the end, “Stillness At Night” allows for the emotive keys to cultivate a stirring and thoughtful bout of bare beauty, and “Shed The Pedestrian” exits with a fuller interaction, where the 5 string electric violin, piano, and Zimmerman’s gongs radiate a cinematic appeal.

A body of work that instills solace in a turbulent world, Schroeder and company flesh out plenty of introspection, grace and emotional depth that’s gripping from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Alex Lubet- Amy Levy: Songs Of Love And Loss; Peter Van Zandt Lane- Axils

Alex Lubet/Victoria Vargas

Amy Levy: Songs Of Love And Loss

Neuma, 2025

9/10

Listen to Amy Levy: Songs Of Love And Loss

The composer and mountain dulcimer player Alex Lubet and mezzo-soprano vocalist Victoria Vargas come together for this first major musical project of Anglo-Jewish writer Amy Levy’s poetry.

“Prelude” starts the listen with the attentive dulcimer displaying both beauty and mystery, and “At A Dinner Party” follows with Vargas’ powerful and expressive pipes helping illuminate the poetic landscape.

Moving into the middle, “A Cross-Road Epitaph” pairs the distinct vocals with warm strings, while “To Vernon Lee” offers a mesmerizing backdrop amid Vargas’ booming pipes that illuminate the sophistication.

Arriving late in the listen, “Magdalen” allows for both firm and soft gestures to resonate across the album’s best selection, and “A Farewell” exits with harmonic and brighter ideas from the pair’s inimitable performances.

A very creative body of work that incorporates folk, classical, blues and experimental nods, there’s melancholy, rawness and vulnerability to be appreciated from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Adrianne Munden-Dixon- Vision Mantra; Peter Van Zandt Lane- Axils

Various Artists

á La Carte Records: Sampler Twenty Twenty Four

á La Carte, 2024

9/10

Listen to á La Carte Records: Sampler Twenty Twenty Four

The DC and LA music collective, á La Carte Records, gives us a great way to acquaint ourselves with their stacked roster of diverse and exciting underground outfits.

Holy Wire’s “Lost” opens with a mesmerizing and electronic fueled burst of playful pop ideas, and it isn’t long until Docile Bodies brings the dreamy waves of “Yellow Flowers Bloom”, where post-punk nods won’t be hard to spot.

Further along, Tragic Figures toss in the fuzzy dream-pop ideas of “Brood” that comes with dark vocals, while Welcome Strawberry’s “Stargel” swirls with mystery, cryptic layering and strong attention to ambience.

Residing close to the end, “Last Chance For Romance”, by Don’t Get Lemon, recruits plenty of dizzying synth amid the smooth vocals, and Kai Tak exits with “Midnight Pretender”, where Chelsey Boys’ contributions on vocals help emit a club friendly demeanor via the bright energy.

An excellent way to test the waters of the label’s New Wave, darkwave, synth-pop and shoegaze friendly artists, there’s something for everyone here. Or, if you’re like me, every track is worth exploring repeatedly.

Travels well with: Permafrost- The Light Coming Through; Low-Res- Därför

Aaron Larget-Caplan

Guitar America 250

Navona, 2026

9/10

Listen to Guitar America 250

The always impressive guitarist, Aaron Larget-Caplan, celebrates 250 years of America with these primarily solo pieces that span traditionals as well as covers by artists as diverse as Paul Simon and Eddie Van Halen.

“‘America’ From West Side Story” opens with Larget-Caplan’s playful and intricate guitar that draws us in immediately, and it isn’t long until “America, The Beautiful” radiates much emotion and warmth.

Further along, Irina Muresanu’s stirring violin complements the sophisticated guitar across the intimate “Adoration", while “Midnight Train” is strong on mood thanks to the meticulous guitar and bare moments.

Deeper still, “Mystic Flute, Op. 22”, the album’s best, showcases Larget-Caplan’s expressive and distinct playing, and on the last track, “Bill Of Rights, Amended”, he handles spoken word that’s a good reminder of what our actual rights are and will hopefully always be.

An effort that explores the ideals, contradictions, reinventions and dreams of the nation, other spoken word pieces by Charles Coe, Jeffrey Lependorf and Trevor Neal provide further insight into the artistry of this eloquent commemoration.

Travels well with: Aaron Larget-Caplan- Spanish Gems; Aaron Larget-Caplan- Spanish Candy

Royal Teeth

Hard Luck

Round Hill, 2019

8/10

Listen to Hard Luck

Royal Teeth made quite a dent in the indie-pop scene when their debut album landed in 2013, and now 6 years later this follow up LP shows us a more muscular, mature and energetic vision of their pop prowess.

“Never Gonna Quit” starts the listen with bright, melodic sounds where the music is as animated as the vocals, and “Show You What I Can Do” follows with buzzing electro-pop where Tunde Olaniran offers his inimitable pipes on a hip-hop influenced track.

Elsewhere, “It’s Just The Start” recruits a soulful start with processed vocals on a club friendly anthem, while “The Best” will certainly get your body moving with its frisky pace and strong, unrelenting beat.

Near the end, “Unbreakable” quivers with a playful feeling as busy and loud instrumentation infiltrates the album highlight, and “Arrival” ends the listen as robust as it started, where melodic vocals from both genders collide on radiant pop fun.

The last few years have had their ups and downs for Royal Teeth, but here the band sound invigorated, focused and prepared for the best work of their careers. If you weren’t previously a fan of this New Orleans outfit, you will be after a few spins of Hard Luck.

Travels well with: Fitz & The Tantrums- Fits & The Tantrums;The Dig-Moonlight Baby/Afternoon With Caroline