David S. Lefkowitz

Preludes And Fugues For Piano

Bridge, 2025

9/10

Listen to Preludes And Fugues For Piano

These 2 books of David S. Lefkowitz's Preludes and Fugues for Piano are fleshed out with 4 pianists, sparing vocals, and Lefkowitz himself in attendance for the 50 expressive tracks.

“Book One” occupies the first disc, and opens with Michael Mizrahi’s swift and dynamic keys mesmerizing us through first few chapters, before Steven Beck’s radiating piano adds strong attention to mood.

About halfway through this portion is when Mika Sasaki’s melodic gestures enter with much tonality, while David Kaplan finishes the first half with intimacy and warmth surrounding “Prelude & Fugue No. 13”.

The 2nd disc leads with “Prelude & Fugue No. 1, Book 2 "Slendro"“, where whistling is present thanks to Lefkowitz, and later on we’re treated to Cantor Marcus Feldman’s expressive baritone amid Kaplan’s playful keys for “Prelude & Fugue No. 12, Book 2 "Nigun, Hora & Freylekh".

Book II actually incorporates screws, chopsticks, sponges, paper and beach towels, and all 4 pianists execute superbly from beginning to end for nearly 3 hours of time well spent.

Travels well with: Brightwork Ensemble- My Dancing Sweetheart-Just Songs; John Schneider- Pastiches

Daniel Strong Godfrey

Toward Light

New Focus, 2025

9/10

Listen to Toward Light

The Cassatt String Quartet are now 41 years strong, and these 3 quintets by Daniel Strong Godfrey welcomes Ursula Oppens, Eliot Fisk and Nicole Johnson to the meticulous listen.

“Ricordanza-Speranza” starts the record with Muneko Otani and Jennifer Leshnower’s gripping violins that are met with Sarah Adams’ moody viola and Oppens’ distinct piano for both gentle and bright gestures.

The middle belongs to the title track, where Fisk’s intricate guitar and Gwen Krosnick’s animated cello help guide the often cinematic bouts and colorful ideas of the 4 segments.

“To Mourn, To Dance” exits, and it’s an emotive and lively finish as Elizabeth Anderson and Johnson’s intricate cellos align with flowing violins and Ah Ling’s viola.

Godrey’s accomplishments are wide and unparalleled, and his work is fleshed out here with much attention to a distinct contemporary classical vision that we could never tire of.

Travels well with: David Salvage- Dreams Of Love And Travel; Issac Shieh- Caprice Reimagined

Daniel Wohl

Artificial

New Amsterdam, 2025

9/10

Listen to Artificial

The Brooklyn artist Daniel Wohl brings his inimitable, sonic vision to this part organic, part digital track that enlists Alarm Will Sound.

The 9+ minute track opens with strong attention to mood, as Alarm Will Sound contribute precise strings, adventurous winds and well timed brass. Wohl’s melodic synth presence won’t go unnoticed either, as the electronic textures are filled with warmth, wonder and dreamy reverb.

Wohl equates this work with walking through a virtual forest via a skewed reality, where birds and branches might be real or imagined, and it takes the listener on an enlightening journey.

Travels well with: Adam Tendler- Inheritances; Travis LaPlante & JACK Quartet- Strings Quartets

John Calvin Abney

Transparent Towns

Tin Canyon, 2025

10/10

Listen to Transparent Towns

The Oklahoma artist, John Calvin Abney, returns with 10 new tracks, where themes of time and memories unfold with some pretty serious talent surrounding his alt-folk template.

“Last Chance” opens with Kyle Reid’s warm pedal steel alongside Abney’s warm voice and Alberto Roubert’s crisp drums, and “Wait For Us To Be Home” follows with cozy acoustic guitar and poetic storytelling amid Andrew Perusi’s gentle bass playing.

Close to the middle, Lydia Lovelace lends her pipes to the thoughtful folk climate of “Transparent Towns”, while “Who I Thought I Was” enlists John Moreland’s pipes for the heartfelt album highlight that makes great use of Megan Palmer’s stirring fiddle.

Landing close to the end, “Door Of No Return” might bring to mind Elliott Smith via the meticulous guitar and eloquent singing, and “Cardinal Direction” exits with a gripping softness that benefits from the dreamy rhythm section and hazy vocals.

In the area of modern folk, few people are as consistently great as Abney, and this 7th album is some really well executed introspection.

Travels well with: John Calvin Abney- Familiar Ground; John Calvin Abney- Safe Passage

JoAnn Falletta

The French In Spain

Naxos, 2025

8/10

Listen to The French In Spain

The always impressive conductor JoAnn Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra treat us to the works of 3 French composers, who help us enjoy the warmth, fragrance and color of Spain.

Claude Debussy’s “Images- No. 2 Ibéria” opens, and showcases the dancing strings and soaring winds across the 3 chapters of animated and melodic gestures.

“Alborada del gracioso”, by Maurice Ravel, arrives next and enlists frisky winds and soft ebbs for the cinematic 8 minutes, while Jacques Ibert’s “Escales” mesmerizes us with its calm versus booming presence that spotlights the grand percussion.

Ravel’s “Rapsodie espagnole” exits, and floats in and out of harmonics, colorful songwriting and plenty of wonder and awe.

Falletta feels that the greatest Spanish music was created by the French, and it’s hard to disagree with that when listening to these radiant and timeless selections.

Travels well with: JoAnn Falletta- Contemporary Landscapes; JoAnn Falletta- The Golden Age Of The Horn

Ted Piltzecker

Peace Vibes

OA2, 2025

9/10

Listen to Peace Vibes

The always impressive Ted Piltzecker returns with 11 harmonic and layered tracks that employ his vibraphone skills superbly.

“Whisper Not” opens with the bright vibes and Gonzalo Tepppa’s playful bass making for a rich climate, and “Landó Bear” follows with Paul Romaine’s lively drums and plenty of cultured percussion.

In the middle, “In A Sentimental Mood” embraces loping samba with marimba and a cuica solo in the Duke Ellington original, while “Nardis” allows for Teppa’s bass acrobatics to shine in the Bill Evans Trio style setting.

Near the end, “Peace” enlists Brad Goode’s trumpet that shines amid Piltzecker’s meticulous vibes, and “Old Devil Moon” exits with an unpredictable mood that’s dynamic, upbeat and even dance floor friendly.

Piltzecker’s ability to navigate vibraphone, marimba and percussion is nothing short of captivating, and the company he keeps help make this body of work among his best yet.

Travels well with: Maja Jaku- Blessed & Bewitched; Kelsey Mines- Everything Sacred, Nothing Serious

Maja Jaku

Blessed & Bewitched

Origin, 2025

9/10

Listen to Blessed & Bewitched

The Austrian vocalist Maja Jaku brings her distinct voice to these 7 personal tracks that comprise this rich 5th album.

“The Witch” starts the listen with Dezron Douglas’ emotive bass and Alan Bartus’ intimate keys that suit Jaku’s striking voice, and “I’m A Queen” follows with Johnathan Blake’s strategic drums amid the expressive singing.

“Blessings Will Come” and “Never Let Me Go” land in the middle. The former has Jaku singing with a soulful quality alongside the cozy rhythm section, while “Never Let Me Go” recruits Michael Rodriguez’s strategic trumpet to the emotive delivery.

Close to the end, “Rituals” comes with grooves and a frisky energy that’s infectious, and “Everything Must Change” exits with Jaku’s captivating pipes excelling in both bare and soaring bouts of beauty.

An artistic and authentic effort, Jaku uses connection, reflection and emotional honesty for these 5 originals and 2 covers that are moving and timeless.

Travels well with: Kelsey Mines- Everything Sacred, Nothing Serious; Shawn Purcell- Oblivity

Kelsey Mines

Everything Sacred, Nothing Serious

OA2, 2025

9/10

Listen to Everything Sacred, Nothing Serious

The bassist and vocalist Kelsey Mines makes an impression with this contemporary jazz debut that embraces her time with classical and experimental ideas, too.

“Self-Alchemization” opens with John Hansen’s warm keys that suit cozy vocal scatting in the dreamy climate, and the title track follows with Beserat Tafesse’s rich trombone and Elsa Nilsson’s lush flute complemeting Mines’ frisky bass.

Halfway through, “Staying With The Trouble” moves softly via the intimate bass and Machado Mijiga’s gentle drums, while “Até” is a quick and perky album highlight that blends flute, bass and Jeff Busch’s well timed percussion together with melody and charm.

Near the end, “Slow Moving” is indeed calm in its poetic delivery, and “Marcy’s Regret” exits with a busy and layered interaction between the players that’s harmonic and timeless.

An effort that often surrounds reflection and peace, Mines pens an unpredictable and really enjoyable step into modern jazz territory.

Travels well with: Shawn Purcell- Oblivity; Mike Pope- The Parts You Keep

Detroit Illharmonic Symphony w/Max Galbreath & Jack Grisham

Everything Is Shattered

Geza X, 2025

9/10

Listen to Everything Is Shattered

The Detroit Illharmonic Symphony are joined by the legends Jack Grisham (TSOL) Max Galbreath (ttwopercentmilk) and Keith Morris (Circle Jerks) for these 2 tracks taken from the band’s recent LP.

The title track opens with thumping drums and playful buzzing, as Galbreath and Grisham lend their vocals to the lively blending of hip-hop, punk and even classical ideas via the cinematic 2+ minutes.

“If You Cooperate” occupies side B and allows for Cecilian Suhr’s meticulous violin and Morris’ inimitable pipes to illuminate the psychedelic influences, surf-rock guitars and Spaghetti western nods of the eclectic climate.

An excellent way to test the waters of the Symphony’s unconventional approach to rock, the 7” comes on translucent blue vinyl and goes great with legends like Beastie Boys, The Fall or The Avengers.

Travels well with: The Hollywood Stars- Starstruck; 999- Emergency At The Old Waldorf 1979

Eric Angelo Bessel

Mirror At Night B-Sides

Lore City, 2026

10/10

Listen to Mirror At Night B-Sides

The composer and producer Eric Angelo Bessel offers us a pair of instrumentals that lands somewhere between memory and dream, which act as a companion to 2025’s Mirror At Night album.

“Double Helix” occupies side A and unfolds with mystery, where the setting floats with a nearly soothing like quality that flirts with ambience and post-rock nods.

“Upstate” resides on the back side, and it’s a more ghostly moment, as the distinct droning and ethereal gestures mesmerize us via the warm analog and cinematic presence.

An excellent way to sample the bounds of Bessel’s imagination, the unparalleled attention to atmosphere is greatly appreciated in an artistic and emotive fashion.

Travels well with: Eric Angelo Bessel- Mirror At Night; Lore City- Under Way 7”

Toc & Jean-Luc Guionnet

Quelques idées d'un vert incolore dorment furieusement

Circum-Disc, 2025

9/10

Listen to Quelques idées d'un vert incolore dorment furieusement

The Lille based trio Toc, i.e. Jérémie Ternoy, Ivann Cruz and Peter Orins are joined by Jean-Luc Guionnet for this live recording from 2024 that explores their experimental and improvised vision.

“Quelques idées d'un vert incolore dorment furieusement” is the lone track and is packed with distinct percussive ideas amid Ternoy’s well timed keys, as Guionnet’s animated alto sax bouts enter the escalating climate that pounds with Orins’ drums and dissonant bouts of precise noise.

At over 30 minutes, the piece occasionally retreats to calm and injects Cruz’s guitar unexpectedly, but there’s always intensity right around the corner that’s willing to bring you on a sonic adventure.

A completely raw and uninhibited outing, the quartet document an extremely creative set of avant-garde jazz-rock.

Travels well with: Toc- Did It Again; Kaze & Koichi Makigami- Shishiodoshi

Margherita Fava

Murrina

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Murrina

A Tennessee artist who is versed in composing, arranging and playing piano, Margherita Fava brings along a few players for these 9 diverse jazz tracks.

“No Clue” opens with Fava’s dense keys and Jonathan Barber’s strategic drums that make for both soft and loud gestures, and “Keep On” follows with Bob Reynolds’ glowing sax that radiates tremendous warmth amid the creative original.

The title track lands in the middle and showcases Brandon Rose’s upright bass acrobatics that add much intrigue to the rich climate, while “Satin Doll” offers a frisky and energetic album highlight where Fava’s intricate keys are met with the bouncy rhythm section.

“Foreshadow” and “Alter Ego” exit. The former takes inspiration from Cedar Walton and pays strong attention to mood via the melodic piano and inviting bass and drums, and the latter recruits Jeff Babko and Taber Gable’s lively synthesizers for the lush and unpredictable finish that uses 7/8 time strategically.

This is Fava’s sophomore album and it illustrates a rising musician with much depth thanks to the blues, fusion, Latin and Italian sensibilities.

Travels well with: Heather McKay- Life Got In The Way; Ben Clifton- Overlook

Paul Litteral

The Litteral Truth

Outrageous8, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Litteral Truth

Paul Litteral brings his trumpet to these songs that inspired his personal musical framework, and he’s got an excellent cast along for the 10 covers.

“Home At Last” opens the listen with Rocky Davis’ smooth pipes alongside Ken Rosser’s warm guitar for the rich start, and “Give It Everything You’ve Got” follows with Litteral’s animated trumpet and Bill Bodine’s frisky bass that illuminate the festive mood.

In the middle, “Do It Again” benefits from Colin Kupka’s alto sax, tenor sax and flute amid the radiant trumpet, while “New York, By Dreams” spotlights Anna Oribson and James Oribson’s harmonizing voices in a busy and meticulous climate.

Getting close to the end, “Virtual Insanity” places Craig Kupka on trombone and Anna’s rich singing via the Jamiroquai original, and “Follow Me” exits with a distinct intimacy that’s heartfelt and stirring thanks to the Davis’ cozy keys.

Litteral’s got an excellent resume that goes back to the ‘70s, and these interpretations of timeless songs are executed flawlessly and further proof of his inimitable rock and roll credibility.

Travels well with: Hollywood Paul Litteral- Legacy; Pete Mills- For The Record

Pete Mills

For The Record

Mighty Ernie, 2025

9/10

Listen to For The Record

The Toronto native and saxophonist Pete Mills pens a love letter to the timeless sound of the tenor saxophone and Hammond B3 organ quartet, where Tom Davis, Jon Eshelman and Zach Compton are in attendance.

“For The Record” starts with Mills’ rich tenor sax and Zach Compston’s frisky drums that make for much melody and rhythm, and “The Kid” follows with Tom Davis’ dreamy guitar that suits the bright sax prowess.

Entering the middle, “Kenny, Ken” offers a lively bout thanks to Jon Eshelman’s frisky organ prowess, while “Z Is For Zadie” takes a more emotive direction via the cozy wind, warm keys and strategic drumming.

Landing near the end, “Step On It” moves quickly and playfully thanks to the quartet’s frisky interaction, and “Baby Simon” exits with intimacy and sophistication that we could never tire of.

Mills draws from the rich heritage of Columbus, Ohio and takes inspiration from the likes of Stanley Turrentine and Jimmy Smith or Rusty Bryant and Hank Marr, and it’s an effort that’s not short on soulfulness and a striking personality.

Travels well with: Randy Napoleon- Waking Dream: The Music Of Gregg Hill & Randy Napoleon; Shawn Purcell- Oblivity

Jay Hooks

Tequila & Bullets

Joplin Street, 2025

9/10

Listen to Tequila & Bullets

The Texas blues guitarist Jay Hooks is joined by an all star cast for these timeless 12 blues rockers.

The lively “Evinrude Boat Motor” opens with Jorge Castillo’s flowing rhythm guitar that suits Hooks’ soulful pipes and sturdy guitar licks, and the title track follows with a rugged and thumping energy that enlists Brock Proctor’s well timed bass which complements the powerful climate.

Landing in the middle, “Your Touch” offers plenty of rawness and grit that benefits from Matthew R. Johnson’s drumming acrobatics, while “Left Me Cold”, the album’s best, blends the swirling guitar and animated rhythm section.

Getting close to the end, “I Was Wrong” meshes melody and meticulous via the driving dynamics, and “Mexican Larry” exits with a hint of intimacy amid the dense interaction.

It’s been awhile since Hooks released an album, and he more than makes up for the wait with these defiant and rugged tunes that any fan of the blues will enjoy.

Travels well with: Fred Hostetler- Blues Back Pages; Teskey- White Wolf

Lily Vakili

Oceans Of Kansas

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Oceans Of Kansas

The New Jersey artist Lily Vakili brings her inimitable storytelling to these 10 folk influenced songs.

“Okoboji” opens with Vakili’s soaring pipes amid Joseph Yount’s animated drumming for the lively delivery, and “Hold On They Say” follows with Chris St. Hilaire’s fluid keys that complement the expressive singing.

Landing in the middle, “Photograph” finds a dreamy place to reside via Dave Mann’s playful sax, while “One Human Being” welcomes Mann’s flute to the rhythmic and cultured album highlight.

Close to the end, “Rocket” benefits from Seth Barden’s strategic bass and warm guitar playing, as Vakili’s sings with much soul, and the radio edit of “I’ve Been Hiding” exits with Reed Turchi’s guitar prowess via the layered finish.

Vakili balances intimacy, balladry, fuller bouts and plenty of rawness, as her distinct and timeless song craft continues to impress us.

Travels well with: Adam Tilzer- Cult Leader; Annie J- Been Loving You

Daidrum

All At Sea

Self-Release, 2025

9/10

Listen to All At Sea

The London artist David Foster began Daidrum during the lockdowns of 2020, and this sophomore album arrives after a unimaginable tragedy and showcases a wide range of influences.

“Trafalgar Blues” opens with much ambience, before warm guitars and Chris Haigh’s meticulous fiddle enters the layered climate, and “There For You” follows with mature piano, Foster’s expressive singing and thumping drums that complements the rich delivery.

Moving into the middle, “Merry Go Round” comes with a progressive dreaminess that you could sing along to, while “Lonely Planet” makes great use of bright keys amid some folk-rock nods that help make this the album’s best.

“Nether Street” and “Song Of Time” exit the listen. The former enlists grooves and soulful singing that floats around the melodies, and the latter recruits Hannah Foster’s pipes for the 10+ minutes of light buzzing and lush song craft.

Foster has an impressive resume that includes playing drums for Eight Miles and Lord of Darkness, plus others, and this prog, pop, folk and rock meshing illuminates his diverse abilities.

Travels well with: Discipline- Breadcrumbs; Fearful Symmetry- I’ve Started, So I’ll Finish…

Bob Corritore & Friends

Early Blues Sessions

VizzTone, 2025

10/10

Listen to Early Blues Sessions

Here we have another excellent installment of old songs from Bob Corritore & Friends, and this time it’s recordings from 1984 to 2007 that includes remixed and unreleased tracks.

The bouncy spirit of “I Want To Be The One” starts with Little Milton’s raw voice and spirited guitar that suits Corritore’s unmistakable harmonica, and “So Glad I’m Living” follows with Sam Lay’s soulful pipes amid Chico Chism’s thumping drums.

Moving towards the middle, “Naptown Blues” enlists Eddie Hollis’ playful organ that complements Robert Lockwood Jr'.’s meticulous guitar and the firm harmonica, while “Showers Of Rain” welcomes Pops McFarlane’s skilled bass to the flowing blues climate.

Inching close to the end, “Ramblin’ On My Mind” allows for Lockwood’s rugged voice to shine alongside Mario Moreno’s energetic bass, and “West Texas Blues” exits with Corritore’s glowing harmonica and Lowell Fulson’s cozy guitar and voice for the bare finish.

Many of the artists here are no longer alive, and these recordings honor their memory while giving us another taste of Corritore’s authentic blues vision.

Travels well with: Bob Corritore & Friends- Doin’ The Shout; Bob Corritore & Friends- Phoenix Blues Rumble

Todd Herbert

Captain Hubs

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Captain Hubs

The saxophonist Todd Herbert is joined by David Hazeltine, John Weber and Louis Hayes for these 10 jazz tracks that are both originals and covers.

The frisky title track opens with Herbert’s dizzying sax acrobatics and Hayes’ frisky drums that make for an animated climate, and “Prophet’s Oracle” follows with Hazeltin’s soft keys that complement the intimate spirit that also gets quite lively.

Landing in the middle, “You Go To My Head” makes great use of Weber’s agile bass amid the rich sax, while “In The Moment” bops and shakes with an infectious energy via the meticulous rhythm section and Herbert’s bright sax.

Close to the end, “The Mind’s Eye” offers a busy and dynamic album highlight that’s got a contagious energy, and “Straight Street” exits with Herbert’s sax acrobatics and the trio’s inimitable chemistry that radiates timeless jazz qualities.

A really memorable effort that’s not short on solos, Herbert and company know their way around melodies, bop-friendly bouts and plenty of swingin’ fun.

Travels well with: Bruce Gertz Quintet- Octopus Dreams; Chris Wabich- 1978 (STEEP)

Trojka

Tre Ut

Apollon, 2019

8/10

Listen to Tre Ut

On this sophomore album from the Norwegian trio, Trojka deliver what they do best- a fusion type of rock where few genres are off limits and exploration unfolds in spades.

Opening track, “President”, starts out with beat friendly smooth jazz sounds that touch on prog-rock, and “Penger” follows with a cosmic influence of psyche-rock where warm synth makes a grand presence.

Near the middle, “Orkan” puts percussion at center stage on the retro-fun that takes nods to the ‘70s, while “Fly” brings a calming, subdued moment of elegant folk inspired playfulness.

At the end, “Grenseland” recruits bouncy bass work into not so subtle homage to prog-rock giants like King Crimson, and “A se” uses atypical melodies in a restrained, lush fashion. The album ends on the title track, which offers 7 minutes of adventurousness that encompasses pop, prog, folk and experimental, artistic flashes, too.

An exciting and fluid display of prog-pop fun, Trojka make their genre skipping appear effortless as they wind in and out countless ideas with incredible skill from the three. Although they’ve been underground heroes in their hometown of Bergen for many years, Tre Ut will certainly and understandably bring them legions of new fans who appreciate their unique vision.

Travels well with: Knekklectric- For Mange Melodia; Hatifnats- Before It Is Too Late