Florence Sommerville

Endless Horizon

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Endless Horizon

The Essex native Florence Sommerville makes an impression with this debut album, where her timeless country approach is met with plenty of melodies and well thought out wordplay.

“(I’ll Be Your) Best Broken Heart” opens with Sommerville’s gripping voice alongside Tom Berge’s warm keys and Sarah Jory’s heartfelt pedal steel, and “Fearless” follows with a frisky energy thanks to Gary Burr’s colorful mandolin and Joe Mansfield’s playful fiddle.

“Out Where The Love Grows” lands in the middle and benefits from Cristiano Pochesci’s rich dobro that suits Sommerville’s expressive pipes, while “Silly Little Things” allows for Damon Sawyer’s skilled drums and Nick Bayes’ meticulous bass to illuminate the vivid storytelling of the album’s best.

The end of the formal disc brings us the melodic and romantic spirit of “Cut And Run”, and of the 4 bonus acoustic tracks, “Landslide” is a thoughtful and cozy interpretation of the Fleetwood Mac classic.

An artist to keep an eye on, Sommerville has the voice and songs to make her a household name, and her rootsy and raw vision will make anyone with an ear for country stop and listen attentively.

Travels well with: Swearingen & Kelli- Build Myself Up From The Ground; Summerlyn Powers- The Hive

Apollo Chamber Players

Ban Stories Of Censorship

Azica, 2025

9/10

Listen to Ban Stories Of Censorship

The global sensations Apollo Chamber Players bring their strings to these 8 pieces that highlight 7 different composers via their unparalleled attention to detail.

“The Book Of Names” opens with George Takei’s narration surrounding the graceful strings of the Marty Regan piece, and “Ban”, by Allison Loggins-Hull, follows with Loggins-Hull’s mesmerizing flute/piccolo/foot stomp adding much to the animated climate.

In the middle is where “String Quartet No. 6: FIREWALL” lands, and across 5 segments it radiates tremendous interaction that’s rich, intimate and mysterious amid Jasmine Barnes And Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton’s vision, while “Arman (Hope)” enlists Homayoun Sakhi’s rubab and Rejvinder Singh’s tabla for the cultured and textured album highlight that is a Sakhi original.

Landing near the end, “Sis Çanı / Fog Bell” benefits from Jesus Pacheco’s percussion, Melih Cevdet Anday’s poetry/narration, Gökberk Eryılmaz’s clarinet and Erberk Eryılmaz’s synth that suits the cinematic and adventurousness thanks to Eryılmaz’s song craft, and the record exits similar to how it starts, i.e. the pretty string playing of Regan’s “The Book Of Names” for string quartet.

Much like everything they’ve done, this is a stunning body of work, where Matthew J. Detrick and Anabel Ramirez’s violins, Aria Cheregosha’s viola and Matthew Dudzik’s cello emit power and grace across topical themes in a way that only they can.

Travels well with: Apollo Chamber Players- MoonStrike; Apollo Chamber Players- With Malice Towards None

Eshaan Sood

The Sonic Alchemists 1: Dream River

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Sonic Alchemists 1: Dream River

The Brooklyn guitarist Eshaan Sood pens an album of hope, love and warmth, where Annie Orzen, Ivan Demanjian, Brendan Nie and Sam Schaeffer are in attendance.

“Mountain Muse” starts the listen with Schaeffer’s frisky drums and Nie’s playful bass that emit wonder and melodic ideas amid Sood’s dreamy guitar, and “Glass Blown Acquaintances” follows with Orzen’s fluid keys complementing Demarjian’s rich sax prowess.

“If Our Hearts Could Talk” lands in the middle and uses intimacy and grace via the radiant guitar and soft dynamics, while “Plea For Forgiveness” alternates between loud bursts and gentle ebbs of atypical jazz sensibilities.

Getting close to the end, “Hexes & Spells” carries a distinct rhythm alongside the stylish playing, and “Sailing Through Dream River” exits with Sood’s intricate guitar that’s illuminated by the unpredictable rhythm section and charming sax.

An effort that takes from Sood’s love of movie soundtracks, the blues, Bollywood and Indian Classical sounds, every moment here is creative, worldly and full of unique storytelling.

Travels well with: Jim Witzel Quartet- Very Early: Remembering Bill Evans; Mark Winkler- Hold On

Zohar Amar Mokady

Zoheart

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Zoheart

The musician, saxophonist, composer and arranger Zohar Amar Mokady brings along Alon Benjamini, Roy Ben Bashat, Noah Tanzer and Tom Oren, plus a couple of guests for these 4 modern jazz tracks.

“All I Want” opens with Oren’s warm keys and Lau Noah’s pretty voice guiding the cozy rhythm section, and “The Blind Man From Kookoorook” follows with swift piano, Mokady’s rich sax and Benjami’s fluid drumming that carries a dreaminess.

On the back half, Ingrid Jensen’s well timed trumpet and Tanzer’s frisky, plucked bass suits the busy, dizzying climate, while “Dream Piano” is a quick moment of colorful and heartfelt playing from Oren’s fingers.

An excellent starting point for Mokady, he’s in fine company, and his timeless jazz vision will certainly yield much more music that warrants your attention.

Travels well with: Owen Chen-Eternal; Alex Sipiagin- Horizons

Louis Karchin, Vol. 4

Tribute To The Angels

Bridge, 2025

9/10

Listen to Tribute To The Angels

This 4th installment of Louis Karchin's ongoing Bridge series treats us to both instrumental and vocal pieces, where each selection recruits a different line up of players.

The title track opens with the Talea Ensemble’s animated winds and percussion that suits Jennifer Zetlan’s soaring soprano, and “Trio For Violin, Cello And Piano” follows with Jesse Mills’ violin, Ole Akahoshi’s cello and Rieko Aizawa’s piano interacting in frisky bouts, emotive ebbs and stirring attention to tonality and mood.

The back half brings us the animated spirit of “Incantations And Dances”, where the Da Capo Players blend their winds, strings and keys with a lush, cinematic flavor, while “Two Sacred Songs” pairs Marisa Karchin’s colorful soprano with Steven Beck’s finger acrobatics on piano for the lively and striking finish.

Karchin’s resume is tremendous, and this body of work showcases an inestimable vision of chamber and orchestral ideas that are daring, intense and eloquent.

Travels well with: Louis Karchin- Dark Mountains/Distant Lights; The Stuyvesant Quartet-The Stuyvesant Quartet In Concert At The Library Of Congress

Sara Serpa & Matt Mitchell

End Of Something

Obliquity Records, 2025

9/10

Listen to End Of Something

The vocalist Sara Serpa and pianist Matt Mitchell come together for these 15 intimate duo setting pieces that blend both composition and improvisation with much care.

The swift keys and distinct vocal intonation of “News Cycle” opens with much intrigue, and it isn’t long until “Trouvaille” radiates tremendous warmth via the firm keys and charming scatting.

Moving along, the playful progressions of “Les Bergers” are both mesmerizing and exciting, while “Carry You Like A River” embraces chamber nods and no lack of melody that help make this the album’s best.

Close to the end, the emotive “Dead Spirits” allows for Serpa’s striking voice to enthrall us amid Mitchell’s cautious keys, and “Hypo Bathos” exits with strong attention to sparseness, where silence is utilized strategically.

A sonically engaging, profoundly stirring and inimitable harmonic body of work, both Serpa and Mitchell are in fine form for this rich and commanding listen.

Travels well with: Sara Serpa- Encounters & Collisions; Sara Serpa & André Matos- Night Birds

Mahan Esfahani

Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1

Hyperion, 2025

9/10

Listen to Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book

The Harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani takes on an adventurous project here, where he fleshes out Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I across 2 discs of involved and meticulous playing.

“No. 1 in C Major,” opens with the bright strings radiating tremendous warmth and melody, and it isn’t long before “No. 5 in D Major” mesmerizes us with its complicated and playful gestures.

Further into disc 1, “No. 7 in E-Flat Major” sees Esfahani’s acrobatic fingers impressing us with dizzying dynamics, while “No. 12 in F Minor” is a more cautious bout of thoughtful and emotive musicianship.

Disc 2 is equally well executed. “No. 18 in G-Sharp Minor” offers a fluid and harmonic tone, and “No. 23 in B Major” arrives later in the listen with much charm and sophistication.

Esfahani is the lone harpsichordist of his generation that has performed Bach’s complete keyboard works in concert, and his dedication to his craft is remarkable and awe inspiring across this superb endeavor.

Travels well with: Lise Davidsen- Der fliegende Holländer; Gabríel Ólafs- Polar

Jimi 'Prime Time' Smith

It’s My Time

New Folk, 2025

9/10

Listen to It’s My Time

The inimitable artist, Jimi ‘Prime Time’ Smith, is back with his first album in 15 years, though he’s stayed plenty busy working alongside the likes of Bob Corritore and Bernard Allison.

The 11 tracks opens with gritty blues spirit of “Don’t Let The Devil Ride”, where Toby Lee Marshall’s lively organ suits Smith’s fluid guitar and distinct pipes, and “Back On The Road” follows with a contagious energy via Allen "The Captain" Kirk’s frisky drums and animated melodies.

In the middle, “Moving On” benefits from John Wright’s playful bass amid the thumping drums, while “Your Love” is full of power and emotions thanks to the firm keys, dense guitar, expressive singing and Dave Foley’s well timed horns.

“Will It Ever End” arrives late and offers a timeless and meticulous version of blues-rock, and “Serious” exits with an intimate and romantic mood that allows for Trizha Eboni McDonald and Yolanda "Yo" Tharrington’s backing vocals to complement Smiths’ convincing delivery.

These songs poured out of Smith after a break up, and he proves all these years later that he still knows his way around a blues tune that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Jimi “Primetime” Smith & Bob Corritore- The World In A Jug; Nolen Sellwood- Cadence To The Flame

The Lucky Losers

Arrival

MoMojo, 2025

9/10

Listen to Arrival

Cathy Lemons and Phil Berkowitz, the heart of soul of The Lucky Losers, recruit some excellent guests for this 6th studio album that treats us to 11 originals.

The bright energy of “S.C.A.M.” opens with Lemons discussing how when our phones ring it’s someone looking to con us, where Chris Burns’ animated keys won’t go unnoticed, and “Sunday Stroller” follows with Danny Caron’s flowing guitar and Paul Revelli’s punchy drums adding much to Berkowitz’s expressive pipes.

“I Believe Her” lands in the middle and comes with plenty of soul thanks to Lemon’s powerful voice and Kid Andersen’s skilled bass, while “Sorry Brother” showcases Berkowitz’s spirited harmonica amid Jon Otis’ frisky drumming.

Getting close to the end, “Don’t Let It Slip Away” brings Doug James’ sax, Mike Rinta’s trombone and John Halbleib’s trumpet to the emotive and authentic album highlight, and “Ain’t The Marrying Kind” exits with a campfire-esque duet that’s infectious and will get your hands clapping.

A memorable effort that incorporates funk, blues, soul, R&B, gospel and ‘70s nods, The Lucky Losers consider this among their best work yet, and it’s hard to argue with that.

Travels well with: Blood Brothers- Help Yourself; Mud Morganfield- Deep Mud

Maygen & The Birdwatcher

The Americana Dream

Yellow House, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Americana Dream

This sophomore album from the Minnesota outfit spearheaded by Maygen Lacey and Noah Neumann sees Maygen & The Birdwatcher weaving in and out of folk, Americana and country fueled songs that might bring to mind Lake Street Dive or Alison Krauss.

“Gates Of Heaven” opens with Lacey’s alluring voice alongside Peter Anderson’s thumping drums and strong attention to atmosphere, and “Feel Good” follows with Nik Pellinen’s frisky banjo and Jesse Moravec’s colorful mandolin that make for a festive, bluegrass delivery.

Getting close to the middle, “Millie Moon” has Neumann handling lead vocals amid John Fields’ animated accordion and Evin Haukos’ lively fiddle, while “Diamonds In The Bluff” is a softer moment of sublime beauty via Lacey’s intimate pipes.

Closer to the end, “All I Know (This Love)” enlists chunky banjo and Joe Barron’s strategic bass that suits the heartfelt singing that you could dance to, and “Danny” exits with a more bare moment that places Pellinen on dobro, which complements Lacey’s poetic voice and Neumann’s dreamy guitar.

A harmonic, soulful and meticulous effort, the 6 piece cover a lot of territory here, where each track takes on its own distinct identity and is just as memorable as the one before it.

Travels well with: Adam Chaffins- Trailer Trash; Breymer- When I Get Through

Jeremy Dion

Another Perfect Day

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Another Perfect Day

The Colorado singer-songwriter Jeremy Dion pens an album for kids, where the 10 tracks surround self-confidence, green living and plenty of other character building ideas.

The upbeat and playful “Looking Forward” starts with Dion’s warm voice alongside Christian Teele’s frisky drums, and “Kind-Hearted Love” follows with a bit of a jangle and plenty of charming folk-rock ideas.

Halfway through, “I’m Feeling Good” benefits from Beth Wilberger’s animated fiddle and loads of hand clapping fun, while “Keep The Planet Green” enlists Daniel Herman’s frisky keys that helps fuel an infectious melody.

“Stop, Walk & Talk” and “Namaste” exit the listen. The former gives some great advice amid the flowing and timeless soft-rock, and the latter carries a lullaby appeal that’s heartfelt and soothing.

This is Dion’s 5th album overall, and he’s uses his licensure as a therapist and counselor for the enlightening pop, folk and Americana effort that will strike a chord with the kid in everyone.

Travels well with: Jeremy Dion- Bend In The Middle; Jacob Johnson- Surviving The Dream

Charley Pride

Endlessly: a Tribute to Brook Benton

Music City, 2025

9/10

Listen to Endlessly

This long lost album from the country music legend Charley Pride was recorded in the ‘80s but never released, and it brings vintage country, rhythm and blues, R&B and pop to songs that pay homage to the singer/songwriter Brook Benton.

“Think Twice” starts with Pride’s warm voice alongside Fred Crane’s dreamy keys and the stirring strings of The Anshel Brusilow String Section, and “Endlessly” follows with Gene Glover’s frisky drums that suit the melodic climate.

“Thank You Pretty Baby” lands in the middle and carries an infectious energy thanks to Will T. “Billy” Griggs Jr.s’ rich sax and Chuck Rainey’s bouncy bass, while “Pretend” enlists a soulful spirit to the pretty landscape that tugs on the heartstrings.

Moving towards the end, “So Close” has Pride’s emotive and smooth voice captivating us amid the mature musicianship, and “So Many Ways” exits with a classic country appeal that’s sincere and timeless.

Pride passed away in 2020, but left behind so much great music in the area of country. Whether you’re a fan or a first time listener, you’re going to find so much to enjoy here.

Travels well with: Matt The Cat Hillyer- Bright Skyline; Dustin Brown- Dustin Brown

Meghan Clarisse

Shadows Of A Ghost Town

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Shadows Of A Ghost Town

The Colorado singer-songwriter Meghan Clarisse uses country, rock and Americana ideas to her advantage, where these 11 sincere songs surround memory, place and mortality.

The warm twang of “Bright Lights” starts the listen with Clarisse’s cozy voice amid the aching guitar, and “Desert Run” follows with agile drumming that suits the meticulous guitar and vivid storytelling.

Getting close to the middle, the lush and pretty “Here I Am Again” emits timeless folk qualities and light harmonies, while “The Catch That Got Away” touches on bluegrass ideas alongside soulful songwriting and a playful duet.

Near the end, “Strong” offers a melodic and charming rural rocker that’s instantly memorable, and “Life Of The Party” exits with Clarisse’s smooth voice and melodic guitar tugging on the heartstrings.

A diverse and authentic body of work, there’s plenty of relatable themes and timeless song craft to enjoy from an artist who can pen a tune you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Megan Bee- Fiction; Susan Anders- Now I’m A Kite

The Smashing Pumpkins

Machina/The Machines Of God

UMe, 2025

10/10

Listen to Machine/The Machines Of God

The Smashing Pumpkins released this 5th album just over 25 years ago now, which welcomed Jimmy Chamberlain back into the band for a concept record that be their last formal release before their first break up.

“The Everlasting Gaze” starts the record with a searing alt-rocker that buzzes with Chamberlin’s drumming in fine form and Corgan’s inimitable voice inviting you to sing-along, and it isn’t long until the romantic “Stand Inside Your Love” shows us the poetic side of the band.

Moving into the middle, the dream-rock and layered “The Sacred And Profane” carries a groove, while “This Time” flirts with shoegaze and doesn’t lack any mood or atmosphere. “Wound”, my favorite Pumpkins song ever, then enlists rich synth, rhythmic drumming and forthright and powerful wordplay can make anyone tear up.

Landing near the end, “Blue Skies Bring Tears” recruits a gloomy presence in its electronic-rock template, and “Age Of Innocence” soars with distorted guitars, an upbeat appeal and a superb vocal performance from Corgan.

This is hands down my vote for the best Pumpkins album, where alt-rock, metal, prog and dream-gaze meet alongside some of the best wordplay from Corgan. This 25th Anniversary Edition has plenty of options, including a version with 80 songs, which is ideal for a fan like myself.

Travels well with: A Perfect Circle- Mer De Noms; The Cranberries- To The Faithfully Departed

Jared Dustin Griffin

Sisyphus

First City Artists, 2025

9/10

Listen to Sisyphus

The Kansas artist Jared Dustin Griffin brings his guitar and harmonica to these 10 folk influenced songs that welcome some friends to the occasion.

“I Am The Calvary” opens the listen with warm guitar and Griffin’s gruff pipes alongside Fergal Scahill’s flowing fiddle, and “Shovel” follows with a charming beauty via the dreamy harmonies thanks to Heather Little.

“Bag Of Bones” and “Howl At The Moon” land in the middle. The former recruits graceful keys amid Griffin’s poetically raw pipes, while the latter is a fuller moment with an infectious energy thanks to Derrick Phillips’ thumping drums and Frank Swart’s animated bass.

Landing close to the end, “Puncher’s Chance” enlists Scahill’s pretty mandolin that complements the heartfelt vocal harmonies, and “Opal” exits with the bare climate allowing for Griffin’s gravely voice to mesmerize us.

This is Griffin’s sophomore album, and a Tom Waits comparison won’t be hard to spot, as he pens a rugged yet vulnerable Americana listen that’s authentic and timeless.

Travels well with: Zack Keim- Battery Lane; Jackson Scribner- Depression Kids

Discipline

Breadcrumbs

Strung Out, 2025

9/10

Listen to Breadcrumbs

The Detroit prog-rock outfit Discipline return with their unique brand of detailed and theatrical sounds, where the 5 lengthy songs make an indelible impression.

The title track opens with much atmosphere, as Henry Parmenter’s skilled drumming enters alongside Matthew Parmenter’s expressive voice and agile keys across the nearly 17 minutes of textured rock.

“Keep The Change” follows, and recruits warm acoustic guitar, where Mathew Kennedy’s cautious bass suits the lush and meticulous mood, while “When The Night Calls To Day” comes with a bouncy energy thanks to the frisky rhythm section and Chris Herin’s fluid guitar playing.

“Aloft” and “Aria” exit the listen. The former mesmerizes us with its complex but easily enjoyable rhythm, and the latter enlists firm keys, poetic singing and plenty of dynamic interaction between the quartet.

Discipline have been active since 1987, and all these decades later they’re still making timeless prog-rock that borrows from symphonic ideas, modern rock nods and cinematic qualities that leave us wanting more.

Travels well with: Fearful Symmetry- I’ve Started, So I’ll Finish…; Mihrax- Medley Of A Life

Travis Laplante & Jack Quartet

String Quartets

New Amsterdam, 2025

9/10

Listen to String Quartets

The composer, improviser and saxophonist Travis LaPlante is joined by the strings of the JACK Quartet for these 2 lengthy selections where LaPlante takes on the role as leader.

“String Quartet I” occupies the first half and uses thoughtful, stirring strings thanks to John Pickford Richards’ strategic viola and Jay Campbell’s emotive cello that builds into tense, quivering gestures. Part 2 of this piece leads soft and intimate, before cinematic swells of ambience enter.

“String Quartet II” finishes out the listen, and allows for Christopher Otto and Austin Wulliman’s harmonic violins to intrigue us amid the radiant warmth and, later on, firm and dizzying string acrobatics.

A truly gripping listening experience, LaPlante’s compositions are technical and packed with beauty, as the quartet flesh them out with profound attention to detail.

Travels well with: Gideon Broshy- Nest; Darian Donovan Thomas- A Room With Many Doors

Nicholas Goluses

Across The Horizon

Albany, 2025

9/10

Listen to Across The Horizon

The esteemed guitarist Nicholas Goluses displays his exceptional guitar playing across these 6 pieces that take us on a journey across the world, where the Eastman Wind Ensemble are along for the ride.

Astor Piazzolla’s “Cinco Piezas para guitarra” opens with 5 segments that emit a rich, melodic tonality that’s intimate via the solo guitar setting, and “The Five Preludes”, by Heitor Villa-Lobos, follows with a distinct dreaminess that unfolds with grace and beauty.

“Fantasia” lands in the middle and has Goluses playing meticulously with mesmerizing progressions thanks to the Bill Dobbins tune, while “Stélé” offers a sense of wonder and awe amid the quick bouts and hypnotic gestures of the Phillip Houghton selection.

“Home”, by Andrew York, exits, and it’s a heartfelt and melodic finish to a well thought out listen.

The winds are utilized superbly alongside Goluses’ flawless guitar playing, and it makes for a diverse affair that involves jazz and classical ideas, too.

Travels well with: Cecelia Kang- The Han(한/恨) And Heung(흥/興) Odyssey: Global Sounds Of Resilience & Joy; Trace Johnson- Works For Cello

The Stuyvesant Quartet

The Stuyvesant Quartet In Concert At The Library Of Congress

Bridge, 2024

8/10

Listen to The Stuyvesant Quartet In Concert At The Library Of Congress

The Stuyvesant Quartet’s only ‘in concert’ performance is documented here, where the exceptional quartet of players associated with Toscanini's legendary NBC Symphony Orchestra bring us 3 detailed and timeless pieces.

Ernő Dohnányi’s “String Quartet No. 2 in D Flat Major, op. 15” opens with Sylvan Shulman and Bernard Robbins’ intricate violins interacting with warmth and adventurousness across the 3 rich segments.

“String Quartet No. 1 in B Minor, op. 50”, by Sergei Prokofiev, follows and allows for Alan Shulman’s expressive cello to shine amid the emotive and heartfelt instrumentation.

Antonín Dvořák’s “String Quartet No. 12 in F Major, Op. 96” exits, and balances animated bursts with poetic qualities, where Ralph Hersh’s well timed viola won’t go unnoticed.

This set was captured in 1946 and sure has aged well, as all the players handle the interpretations with care and meticulousness.

Travels well with: William Bland- Sonata No. 6 & No. 15; Paul Lansky- Touch And Go

3 Pairs Of Boots

Gone South

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Gone South

The husband and wife duo of Andrew Stern and Laura Arias, as 3 Pairs Of Boots the couple further prove that California breeds just as much stunning Americana as Nashville or the Southern States.

Though the pair have played many genres of music and take influence from artists as vast as The Smiths and Tom Petty, Gone South has the duo working around the edges of blues, rock and country influenced territory.

“Hey, I’m On My Way” gets the listen off to a peppy, country shuffling pace with gorgeous vocal harmonies, and “Anything For You” follows with warm guitars and some pop-influences in the dusty rocker.

Elsewhere, “Gone South” trims the pace back to reflective as the tune unfolds with cautious melodies, while “Dollar Store” delivers a rockin’ spirit in the Americana umbrella, though it’s far from your typical approach.

The back half of the album offers the ballad like setting of “He Lost My Number” that builds into a playful country-pop highlight, the rugged yet tuneful “Lousy Week”, and the more classic country ideas of “Liberty”. “Always Loved Cowboys” ends the affair with beautiful melodies and soothing backing vocals.

Stern handles guitar duties here and finds a great balance between straightforward and intricate with timeless radiance, and Arias brings her soulful, luminous vocals to heartfelt, smart and memorable songs that can be raw, pretty and even moving.

While the Americana pool is getting deeper all the time, 3 Pair Of Boots are an outfit worthy of keeping an eye on as their strong song craft and breezy delivery puts them near the top of the list.

Travels well with: Maren Morris- Hero; Miranda Lambert- Revolution