Juan Pastor's Chinchano

Memorias

Calligram, 2025

9/10

Listen to Memorias

The drummer and composer Juan Pastor pens an album that surrounds memory and identity, where the Chinchano ensemble are in attendance for the 7 worldly tracks.

“Celinda” opens with José ‘Pepe’ Mantero’s playful castanets that complement Dustin Laurenzi’s rich tenor sax via the playful climate, and “Entre el Humo” follows with Pastor’s frisky drums amid Matt Ulery’s animated bass playing.

In the middle, “Tonada de Luna Llena” makes great use of Stu Mindeman’s graceful piano alongside the soothing climate of warmth, while “Human Touch” benefits from Gian Luiggi Cortez Mejia’s colorful percussion amid the firm keys and swirling sax.

The last track belongs to “Descarga Galáctica”, which is a rhythmic and busy finish to a cultured and meticulous effort.

This is Pastor and company’s 5th release, and it’s a groove filled bout of Peruvian sounds that are not short on melody, improvisation and timelessness.

Travels well with: Kevin Brunkhorst- After The Fire; José Gobbo Trio- Confluence

Red Gnein Sextet

The Last Noel

Tantalus, 2025

9/10

Listen The Last Noel

Collin J Rae handles all the instruments on this unclassifiable album that embraces plenty of art and noise for the iconoclastic 10 songs.

“Black X-Mas” leads with 9+ minutes of abrasive tape manipulation that’s a bit jarring, and the title track follows with a similar approach that’s somehow got shards of melody buried in the hissing.

Landing in the middle, “Fucked On A Rooftop” is a bit softer in nature, though not without strategic screeching, too, while “Manger Danger” is also a mesmerizing bout of strategic repetition.

Moving towards the end, “Here Cums Satan Clawz” emits a cinematic quality that’s hypnotic in its nearly therapeutic mood, and “Satan Or Santa” makes it unclear if someone left their sprinkler on at full blast via its ambient gestures.

There’s a lot going on here, and it’s all undefinable, as Rae meshes noise-core, synth acrobatics and experimental, electronic stabs into a truly unique body of work.

Travels well with: Collin J Rae- Pandemia; Galan Trio- Kinesis

Louise Dubin

Passages: French Cello Works

Bridge, 2025

9/10

Listen to Passages: French Cello Works

A collection of French cello compositions that span 2 centuries and includes 3 premiere recordings, Louise Dubin plays cello and is joined by Spencer Myer and Julia Bruskin for these 7 involved pieces.

The elegant “Sonate Pour Violoncelle et Piano, Op. 66”, by Charles Koechlin, opens with the keys and strings interacting with much beauty and grace, and Gabriel Fauré’s “Allegro Moderato pour deux Violoncelles” follows with Dubin and Bruskin’s dancing cellos emitting both playfulness and sophistication.

In the middle, “Sérénade”, by Francis Poulenc, unfolds with Myer’s meticulous keys complementing Dubin’s emotive strings, while “Air Irlandais, Varié, pour violoncello et piano, Op. 25/3” allows for the animated keys and precise cello to flirt with tension via the album’s best and Auguste Franchomme original.

Landing near the end, Philippe Hersant’s “Caprices pour 2 violoncelles” is spread out across 3 diverse chapters that can be swift, intimate and poetic, and Claude Debussy’s “Sonate pour Violoncelle et Piano” finishes with 10+ minutes of strings and piano that radiate tremendous sophistication and timelessness.

The selections here cover a lot of territory, as Dubin and company touch on jazz, avant-garde and classical sounds with much care, color and adaptability.

Travels well with: Arlene Sierra, Vol. 4- Birds & Insects; Harry Partch- The Wayward First Complete Recording

Chloe Navarre

Periwinkle

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Periwinkle

This debut from the cryptic artist Chloe Navarre unleashes an iconoclastic version of pop, where the New Mexico artist offers 12 songs that might bring to mind Aphex Twin, Gorillaz, or Boards of Canada.

The title track opens with much ambience, as a cinematic quality engages us with its waves of beauty, and “Best Left Unsaid” follows with beats, expressive singing and a swirling backdrop.

Getting into the middle, “Solid Proof” is quite animated via the lively synth bouts and synthetic drumming, while “Impressions Of Jen” enlists processed vocals, well timed winds and a glitchy appeal that’s destined for the club.

Moving near the end, “DeadCloud” brings us some of the best singing amid dreamy nods and strategic layering, and “Twilight Toke” exits with samples, well timed sax and plenty of lush atmosphere.

A highly creative effort that touches on techno, psychedelia, purposeful repetition and backbeat drum patterns, every track here is an experimental pop adventure to be revisited.

Travels well with: The Grin Lines- Voila; Sebu- Many Faces

Paul 'Mayo' Mayasich

Threads

New Folk, 2025

9/10

Listen to Threads

The Minnesota artist Paul “Mayo” Mayasich, aka PK Mayo, blends Americana, roots, and blues into 8 authentic songs across this 2016 release.

“High Time” starts with Mayo’s dense guitar and soulful pipes alongside Joe Luoma’s thumping drums for the warm blues rock, and “Vidalia, Georgia” follows with Kurt Jorgensen and Brianna Tagg’s well timed backing vocals alongside Lisi Wright’s elegant fiddle in the dreamy climate.

“Skipping To Moon” and “Hannah” land in the middle. The former builds into a busy and dynamic burst of thick guitar, swift fiddle and an animated rhythm section, while the latter touches on folk ideas via Al Oikari’s cozy keys and heartfelt singing from John Wright.

Landing near the end, “Window” benefits from soft guitar and expressive vocals that unfold with a harmonic spirit, and “Who Do You Love” exits with a darker mood thanks to Okari’s lap steel, Mayo’s meticulous guitar and Wright’s skilled bass.

Mayo has earned inductions into both the Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame and the Minnesota Rock & Country Hall of Fame and it’s clear just why; the guy can write a tune in the area of American roots that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Jimi “Prime Time” Smith- It’s My Time; Nolen Sellwood- Cadence To A Flame

Arlene Sierra, Vol. 4

Birds & Insects

Bridge, 2025

9/10

Listen to Birds & Insects

A body of work assembled into 3 books, the composer Arlene Sierra enlists the pianists Steven Beck and Sarah Cahill for works that surround themes of landscape, evolutionary biology, and the sounds, processes and behavior of birds and insects.

Book 1 opens with Beck’s mysterious keys across the chilling “Sarus Crane”, before the cautious and mesmerizing “Cicada Sketch” draws us in.

Book 2 opens with the playful manipulation of “Painted Bunting” that is quite curious, while “Black And White Warbler” emits a dizzying and cinematic appeal which rumbles with intrigue.

The last installment, Book 3, is where Cahill’s piano is utilized. Chilling, ominous bouts like “Canyon Wren” are unpredictable and engaging, and “Troupial” exits with strong attention to tonality and space is both bare and firm gestures.

Other than piano, there are some subtle samples and background sounds that add much to this nature-esque effort that is largely compact and captivates us from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Harry Partch- The Wayward First Complete Recording; Louis Karchin, Vol. 4- Tribute To The Angels

Al Basile

Blues In Hand

Sweetspot, 2025

9/10

Listen to Blues In Hand

The legendary blues artist Al Basile returns with a 21st album, where an excellent band and some familiar guests join him for the 13 timeless tracks.

“All Your Lies” starts the listen with Basile’s inimitable voice alongside Bruce Bears’ playful keys and Jeff ‘Doc’ Chanonhouse’s rich trumpet, and “Blues Is My Roommate” follows with a soulful quality via the skilled cornet from Basile amid Mark Teixeria’s scrappy drums.

Closer to the middle, “Good Friend” showcases Kid Andersen’s meticulous guitar licks plus the frisky drums and Basile’s authentic pipes, while “Ain’t What You Say” benefits from Brad Hallen’s upbeat bass lines and Jhett Black’s flowing guitar.

Further still, the heartfelt “My Dearest Dream” is a more intimate moment of textured and timeless blues, and “When You Lose Your Money” exits with grooves, melody and animated brass that complements Basile’s inviting voice.

This is one of Basile’s most personal records to date, and the top notch players illuminate his cornet solos, as he continues to pen some of the best modern blues out there.

Travels well with: Al Basile- Through With Cool; Al Basile- B’s Testimony

Heather McKay

Life Got In The Way

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Life Got In The Way

A Berklee College of Music graduate who is well versed in many genres of music, Heather McKay is joined by an all-star cast for these 9 songs written over 20 years that touch on Latin Jazz.

“You Make Me Smile” starts with Campbell Charshee’s lively keys alongside Peter Fraize’s animated sax and McKay’s playful guitar, and “Boo” follows with Leland Nakamura’s thumping drums that suit the rich and flowing climate.

In the middle, “Eleven Reasons Why” benefits from Leonardo Lucini’s frisky bass lines amid the cultured, textured jazz ideas, while “The Playground (Sammy, Elle and G)” make great use of Bruno Lucini’s strategic percussion that complements McKay’s warm guitar playing.

Close to the end, “Kenyan Moon” blends the meticulous rhythm section with colorful keys and soulful sax, and “Lucini In The Park” exits with the intricate guitar playing alongside an infectious melody that we won’t soon forget.

An effort that doesn’t lack any grooves, the songs capture the image of a place, person or moment in time and rarely reside in a conventional time signature, which only adds to the allure of the enlightening listen.

Travels well with: Shawn Purcell- Oblivity; Ben Clifton- Overlook

Emily Popli

Lilith Fair Kid

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Lilith Fair Kid

This first album from the singer-songwriter Emily Popli tackles some heavy topics across these 9 soulful tracks that welcome several guests.

“The Elephant” opens with Davy Tyson’s warm keys alongside Popli’s expressive and soaring pipes that are powerful, and “Alight” follows with Brett Lucas’ radiant guitar tone amid Matt Girarud’s husky voice that suits Popli’s heartfelt pipes.

“Nothing” and “Water Glass” arrive in the middle. The former offers a dreamy mood via the poetic singing and Jason Gittinger’s agile drumming, while the latter embraces pops ideas that benefits from Matt Ryan’s bass and the layered melodies.

Arriving close to the end, “Michigan” allows for Ryan Romanik’s spirited harmonica to complement the frisky and energetic album highlight, and “Play” exits with a stylish demeanor of rich instrumentation, beats and neo-soul nods.

An excellent first outing, Popli’s wordplay isn’t always upbeat, but the songs are quite infectious via the blues, soul, R&B, country and pop sensibilties.

Travels well with: Kevin Koplar- To A Better Dark; Knotted Wood- Middle Of Tomorrow

Harry Partch

The Wayward First Complete Recording

Bridge, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Wayward First Complete Recording

The Partch Ensemble, who happen to be a Grammy Award winning outfit specializing in the music and instruments of the iconoclastic American composer Harry Partch, brings us 6 pieces that surround spoken and written words of hobos and other characters.

“Barstow” opens the listen with 8 hitchhiker inscriptions from a highway railing in Barstow, CA, where animated percussion suits the bright storytelling, and “San Francisco” follows with the cries of 2 Newsboys on a foggy night in the ‘20s, where Derek Stein’s moody cello suits the ominous landscape.

In the middle, “The Letter” embraces strings and percussive ideas via a worldly appeal that relays a depression message from a hobo pal, while “U.S. Highball” soundtracks a transcontinental hobo trip thanks to the meticulous marimba from Erin Barnes.

Close to the end, Dan Rosenboom’s lively trumpet adds much to the playful album highlight, “Ulysses At The Edge”, and the improv version of the same track finishes with a spontaneous and adventurous spirit.

Partch was a true original and his mashing of spoken text and custom instruments makes this assembly both unconventional and imaginative.

Travels well with: Louis Karchin, Vol. 4- Tribute To The Angels; William Bland- Sonata No. 6 & No. 15

Rhett Miller

A Lifetime Of Riding By Night

ATO, 2025

9/10

Listen to A Lifetime Of Riding By Night

Now 10 solo albums deep, the Old 97’s frontman Rhett Miller brings us some of his most unguarded songs yet, which were fleshed out right before a risky surgery on his throat took place.

After the quick and bare acoustic guitar and soft singing of “A Little Song (Prologue)”, “All For You” recruits Murry Hammond’s warm piano and Richard Hewett’s light drumming that suits Miller’s vivid storytelling.

Getting close to the middle, “Be Mine” offers a romantic moment of cozy guitar and Miller’s emotive pipes that gets a bit more firm towards the end, while “The Bells of St. Mike’s” comes with an intimate dreaminess that tugs on the heartstrings via its gentle mood.

The title track arrives late and pairs the mature keys with fluid acoustic strumming, as Miller’s voice soars over the introspective musicianship, and “Brand New Heart” exits with a spareness that’s poetic and touching in its vulnerability.

The themes present surround mortality and love in its many iterations, where Miller’s authentic presence is greatly appreciated and it adds yet another dimension to his lengthy and exceptional career.

Travels well with: Old 97’s- American Primitive; Ketch Secor- Story The Crow Told Me

Robin Batteau

Banned In Sparta

Nouveau Retro, 2025

8/10

Listen to Banned In Sparta

A violinist with an impressive resume, Robin Batteau pens a collaborative album of songs based on poems by Classical Greek Poets.

“Stolen In Love” opens with the expressive singing and warm guitar that’s complemented by a dreamy background of wordless ambience, and “In Her Loving Arms” follows with frisky drumming and Carolyn Hester’s flowing voice.

In the middle, “Sappho Sweetly Smiling” recruits Livingston Taylor’s distinct voice to the upbeat melodies, while “Terra Cotta Heart” benefits from Robin Lane’s alluring pipes for the album’s best that’s timeless and heartfelt folk-rock.

Close to the end, “How Can You Love Me” showcases mesmerizing guitar alongside intimate singing that’s poetic, and “Cross (Of Gold)” exits with Eric Andersen’s husky voice guiding the mature song craft that illuminated by strings.

A record that’s many years in the making and began when Batteau went back to Harvard to finish a degree he started 50 years prior, he employs many vocalists and organic instrumentation for the Greek tragedies turned into modern folk.

Travels well with: Elliott Murphy- Infinity; Robeone- Optimistica

Too Much Joy

Son Of Sam I Am (Tommy’s Version)

Self-Released, 2025

10/10

Listen to Son Of Sam I Am (Tommy’s Version)

The New York alt-rockers Too Much Joy actually released this album twice already, in ‘88 and ‘90, but now own the rights to this sophomore effort, which lives again with a 24-page booklet and bonus tracks.

“Making Fun Of Bums” starts the party with Tim Quirk’s rugged yet tuneful pipes alongside Jay Blumenfield’s firm guitar playing, and “Song For A Girl Who Has One” follows with a bit of jangle amid the charming quirkiness and call and response singing.

Further along, the dense guitar of “Connecticut” meshes well with Sandy Smallens’ frisky bass lines and some noisey bouts, while “If I Was A Mekon” thumps thanks to Tommy Vinton’s skilled drums that suit the soaring chorus and animated melodies.

“Train In Vain”, the last song on the original album, is a more intimate moment of piano and group vocals that are heartfelt, and of the 9 bonus tracks, “We Just Got Signed” is a blast of lively rock that surrounds their stint on a major label compared to how the music industry is today.

The remainder of the songs are remixes of previous songs on the album, and they’re all entertaining, humorous and diverse, which is basically what the band built their foundation on.

Often compared to They Might Be Giants or Barenaked Ladies due to their not so serious approach to music, Too Much Joy have survived lawsuits by Bozo The Clow, being arrested for covering 2 Live Crew and being detained by the secret service, which alone should be enough to pique your interest. The fact that their mashing of punk, alt, indie and pop is immediately infectious further solidifies them as most likely to be your new favorite band.

Travels well with: Too Much Joy- All These Fucking Outtakes; Too Much Joy- All These Fucking Feelings

Timo Vollbrecht

Bremen New York

Berthold, 2025

9/10

Listen to Bremen New York

The saxophonist Timo Vollbrecht is joined by Ralph Alessi, Elias Stemeseder, Chris Tordin and Thomas Strønen for these 7 live tracks of contemporary jazz.

“Com Tempo” opens with Vollbrecht’s rich sax prowess amid Strønen’s frisky drums, and “Brighton Blues” follows with Stemeseder’s swirling keys amid the hazy wind and a light ambience.

“Dark” and “Pau” land in the middle. The former makes great use of Torini’s atmospheric bass alongside a backdrop of mystery and elegance, while the latter blends the mature keys and colorful sax with both sophistication and adventurousness.

“New York Love Affair” lands at the end and spends 9+ minutes mesmerizing us via the the unpredictable keys, animated rhythm section and Alessi’s radiant trumpet.

A creative effort that touches on chamber and jazz, the sound quality is excellent, as are the songs, and each player’s inimitable talents are spotlighted superbly.

Travels well with: Timo Vollbrecth Fly Magic- Givers & Takers; Zhengtao Pan- Mirror Floating On The Water

Qais Essar & Sonny Singh

Sangat

Ghost Songs, 2025

9/10

Listen to Sangat

The Afghan American rabab wizard Qais Essar and Sikh American trumpet player and singer Sonny Singh come together for a meshing of the 2,500 year-old instrument from Afghanistan and daring trumpet lines and anthemic Punjabi and Farsi vocals.

“Vich Sangat” opens with the harmonic voices and bright brass that adds much to the warm strings of the rabag, and “Khabaram Raseeda” follows with a cozy mood that benefits from fluid drumming thanks to Mario Calire.

In the middle, “Lal Meri Pat” welcomes Sandeep Singh’s rich dilruba and David Sharma’s dholki for the cultured climate, while “Jo Manghe” makes great use of Yuka Tadano’s precise upright bass amid the cozy mood.

Near the end, “Pavan Guru” recruits Robin Ryczek’s meticulous cello that suits Essar’s flowing rabab and Singh’s well timed trumpet, and “Kajawe Wo Shahlaila Ro Ro” exits with Essar handling rabab and Singh contributing trumpet and dhol to the thumping traditional.

A worldly effort that blends ancient sounds with ominous melodies, the music here transcends musical, political, and religious boundaries, where the duo use their vision for connection, resistance, and healing.

Travels well with: Diane Coll- Happy Fish; Amjad Ali Khan- Music For Hope

Zhengtao Pan

Mirror Floating On The Water

Outside In, 2025

9/10

Listen to Mirror Floating On The Water

The composer/arranger Zhengtao Pan blends plenty of strings into this introspective body of work that is often symphonic and never short on melody and grace.

“Blue Sky” starts the listen with Maria Grig’s meticulous violin and Natalia Nazarova’s strategic cello, as the setting turns upbeat and playful thanks to Shota Yamaguchi’s flugelhorn, and “Cyclic Change” follows with Isamu McGregor’s flowing keys amid Pan’s well timed bass.

Halfway through, “I Should Care” relies on the tense and dynamic strings to draw us into the lush delivery, while “Sonatine” benefits from Giovanni Hoffer’s rich French horn alongside the quivering strings via a cinematic appeal.

Getting close to the end, “Snowy Days” is an intimate moment of beauty thanks to Nick Finzer’s soulful trombone and Tomoko Omura’s stirring violin, and the title track exits with Federico Gucciardo’s skilled drums that complements Landon Frayser’s alto sax prowess in the layered album highlight.

A record where each song is meticulously executed, Pan’s vision is one of adventurousness that embraces influence from the Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto for a truly enlightening journey.

Travels well with: Zhengtao Pan Jazz Orchestra- Scenery In My Story; Michael Ragonese- Chasing Calm

Trish Imbrogno

Bluegrass Love Songs

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Bluegrass Love Songs

The bassist Trish Imbrogno makes an impression with this debut EP, where some heavy hitters in the area of females in bluegrass accompany her for the 5 timeless songs.

“Think Of What You’ve Done” opens with Murphy Henry’s playful banjo and Becky Bulller’s well timed fiddle that complement the animated bass, and “Cherokee Shuffle” follows with the frisky bass alongside Rainy Miatke’s colorful mandolin amid the rich bluegrass delivery.

In the middle, “Don’t This Road Look Rough And Rocky” comes with a soulful spirit thanks to Henry’s expressive pipes and the intimate musicianship, while “Clinch Mountain Backstep” benefits much from Dede Wyland’s meticulous guitar and the precise interaction between the strings.

The last track, “Bury Me Beneath The Willow”, emits much harmony and a heartfelt demeanor that embraces all that we love about bluegrass.

Imbrogno has roots in jazz and folk, too, and her versatility helps make this an excellent starting point and a sign of more greatness on the horizon.

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

The Soul Of John Black

Soul Salvation

Yellow Dog, 2025

9/10

Listen to Soul Salvation

John Arthur Bigham plays all the instruments and sang all the songs here, where plenty of grooves surround the blues and R&B flavor.

“Begging You Baby” starts with Bigham’s soulful voice alongside dense drumming and well timed backing vocals for the bluesy mood, and “Georgia Peaches” follows with warm guitar and crisp drums that suit the lush delivery.

“Been Gone Too Long” and “That Thang” land in the middle. The former benefits from many vocalists that complement Bigham’s emotive pipes and radiant guitar tone, while the latter recruits upbeat harmonica and sing-alongs.

Close to the end, the intimate and romantic “The First Time” offers a heartfelt album highlight in the duo setting, and “Saving It All For You” exits with plenty of timeless R&B ideas that are smooth, agile and uplifting.

Bigham’s interest in music began young with names like Jimmy Reed and Muddy Waters, and his resume includes writing songs for Miles Davis, playing in Fishbone for 8 years and touring with Dr. Dre, Eminem and Everlast, to name a few. This solo effort meshes vintage soul, traditional blues and R&B that preserves the past while still being very modern, and it’s exceptionally written.

Travels well with: Kat Riggins- Cry Out; The Claudettes- The Claudettes Go Out!

The Grin Lines

Voila

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Voila

The recording moniker of the songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist producer Chloe Navarre, as The Grin Lines they take influence from the likes of The Beatles, Prince and PeeWee Herman for these 16 unclassifiable tracks.

“In You Go” starts with a dreamy ambience before thumping drums and buzzing guitar suits the animated singing, and the title track follows with playful electronic manipulation that flows like the soundtrack to a sci-fi flick.

Further along, “Feedback” is a busy bout of strategic noise, while “Art Is From France” offers a dense moment of frisky riffs, hazy nods and soulful singing.

Close to the end, “Bubbleduck” emits an intimate and ethereal moment that floats with intrigue, and “How You Please” exits with an acoustic template that’s bare but no less impactful and showcases Navarre’s adaptable voice.

Somewhere between lo-fi, bedroom-pop, art-punk and psychedelia, every track brings new surprises and a wealth of talent that’s nothing short of diverse and memorable.

Travels well with: Sebu- Many Faces; Applesauce Tears- Balcony Confidential

Trio Of Awesuhm

Cowboys & Aliens

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Cowboys & Aliens

An outfit spearheaded by Monica Uhm, as Trio Of Awesuhm the New York songstress brings a retro spirit to her modern, punchy influences of pop and rock.

“Last Night” starts the listen with a warm, memorable spirit of acoustic guitars, keys and, most importantly, soothing vocals from Ohm, and “Storyline” follows with plenty of rhythm and subtle power, as well as funk nods.

Elsewhere, “Begging The Radio” is gorgeous country-pop song with Uhm’s voice soaring high, while “Just Hurting” takes a contemplative turn into cautious territory.

The back half of the listen offers us the soft keys, playful melodies, orchestral strings, harmonica and Americana shuffling of “After The Show”, and the multifaceted “Adios”, where some mystery enters the diverse instrumentation that touches on jazz. The album ends on “Mighty Waters”, which is a lively exit with string acrobatics and a pace that will get your body moving.

An accomplished listen that covers folk, alt-rock, country, and many others, Uhms and her proficient band make Cowboys & Aliens a delightful experience that you won’t forget anytime soon.

Travels well with: The Cranberries- Everyone Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?; Aimee Man- I’m With Stupid