Musicians Of The Old Post Road

Into The Light

OPR, 2025

9/10

Listen to Into The Light

The Boston ensemble Musicians Of The Old Post Road are versed in music from the Baroque to early Romantic eras, and these 7 selections include world premieres in a chamber setting.

“Quartet in G Minor for strings and continuo, GWV 724” opens with much cautiousness, as Benjamin Katz’s warm harpsichord suits the gripping strings, and “Sonata à Quattro in G Major for flute, two violas, and continuo, FaWV N:G1” follows with the dreamy flute adding much richness to the poetic delivery.

In the middle, “Trio Sonata in B Minor for flute, violin, and continuo, GWV 219” emits much melody via the wind and flowing violin, while “Quartet in D Minor for flute, violin, viola, and continuo, TWV43:d2” pairs the agile viola with intricate violin.

Landing near the end, “Sonata in G Major for flute, obbligato harpsichord, and continuo, GWV 708”, the best selection, is a rich moment thanks to the precise layering, and “Concerto in D Major for flute, strings, and continuo, GWV 310” exits with elegance and prettiness surrounding the dynamic and thoughtful instrumentation.

The players in attendance include Suzanne Stumpf (traverso), Sarah Darling (violin, viola), Jesse Irons (violin), Marcia Cassidy (viola), Daniel Ryan (cello) and the aforementioned Katz, and they illuminate these rediscovered pieces by the German composer Christoph Graupner and associates with much timelessness and precison.

Travels well with: Daniel Strong Godfrey- Toward Light; Louise Dubin- Passages: French Cello Works

Jussi Reijonen

sayr: salt/ thirst

unmusic, 2025

9/10

Listen to sayr: salt/thirst

The esteemed guitarist Jussi Reijonen brings her intimate presence to these solo pieces, where the recording was fleshed out in one fully improvised take.

“salt” opens with 5 movements, as much elegance, beauty and color surrounds the meticulous progressions that are nothing short of captivating.

“thirst” occupies the 2nd half and emits plenty of intricate patterns that can be haunting, is often introspective and illustrates tremendous mastery over the instrument.

An effort that embraces references via various string instruments from around the globe, there’s a worldly charm to this highly technical listen that is admirable.

Travels well with: Sara Serpa and Matt Mitchell- End Of Something; Ned Rothenberg- Looms & Legends

Randy Armstrong

Echoes Of Tomorrow

UMP, 2025

8/10

Listen to Echoes Of Tomorrow

The New Hampshire multi-instrumentalist Randy Armstrong returns with a personal, instrumental album that spans a variety of genres with his guitar prowess front and center.

The warm and flowing “Choosing Love” opens with meticulous guitar and José Duque’s attentive drums instilling wonder and awe, and “Courage” follows with playful drumming and radiant guitar that’s got plenty of color.

Halfway through, “Compassion” tugs on the heartstrings via the expressive guitar and soft drumming, while “Together” emits bright textures and playful dynamics.

Moving close to the end, “Ode To Sibelius” is strong on mood thanks to the intimate guitar and cinematic gestures, and “Born In Appalachia” has Armstrong playing sitar across the cultured finish.

An eclectic outing that touches on New Age, jazz, World Music, Americana and folk, Armstrong pens an enlightening effort that is fleshed out flawlessly.

Travels well with: Euphoria Station- Smoking Gun; MOTU- Awareness Or Illusion

THY APOKALYPSE

Fragment quatriéme (Metacosmos)

Bitume, 2025

9/10

Listen to Fragment quatriéme (Metacosmos)

The industrial black metal outfit, Thy Apokalypse, return with a concept album that surrounds artificial intelligence.

“Consciousness” starts the listen with much ambience, as intense drums surround the cinematic presence, and “Artificial” follows with jarring, abrasive instrumentation that’s pounding and chaotic.

“Liberation” occupies the middle spot and charges with a furious pace that carries melody under the noise, while “War” uses dense guitar and playful synth gestures via a distinct atmosphere that you could dance to.

“Metacosmos” exits, and it leads with 4 minutes of brutal yet meticulous song craft before the last 10 minutes carries a mysterious, even soothing quality in an eerie sort of way.

An extremely volatile effort, Adz plays guitars and handles synth, programming and vocals here, as doom, grunge, punk and industrial are all represented with unyielding power that commands our attention.

Travels well with: Scriptura- Deep Stoned; Kokkiniá- The Last Are Lost From The List

Mark Thackway

Twisted

Self-Release, 2025

9/10

Listen to Twisted

The Canadian guitarist and singer-songwriter Mark Thackway brings his organic vision to these 6 authentic songs that welcome Andrew Collins, James McEleney and John Dymond.

The warm spirit of “Wunderlust” opens with Collins’ bright mandolin alongside Thackway’s expressive storytelling in the raw, folk climate, and “Time To Go” follows with McEleny’s playful bass that suits the rhythmic guitar and firm vocals.

“Fly” and “Liberty” land in the middle. The former is a dreamy moment of meticulous guitar and harmonic interaction, while the latter recruits Dymond’s skilled bass via the heartfelt EP highlight.

Close the end, “Twisted” swirls with a lush energy that allows for intricate picking, and “Song For You” exits with just Thackway’s cozy guitar and inviting voice for the timeless and sincere songwriting.

An immediately enjoyable listen that blends roots, bluegrass, country, folk and Americana, Thackway’s got a deep resume that goes back to 1984 when he was a founding member of 1984, and all these decades later he’s still penning relatable and touching tunes.

Travels well with: David Francey- Maps- Songs Of David Francey; Lennie Gallant- Shelter From The Storms

Detroit Illharmonic

Everything Is Shattered

Geza X, 2025

9/10

Listen to Everything Is Shattered

The Los Angeles fusion outfit Detroit Illharmonic enlist many guest vocalists for these iconoclastic 14 songs that come with a distinct and exciting energy.

The bristling title track opens with Max Galbreath and Jack Grisham’s guest vocals alongside Raga Roni’s thumping drums in the buzzing and melodic landscape, and “If You Cooperate” follows with Keith Morris’ inimitable vocals amid the ambience and dance floor ready mood.

Moving along, Venetia Phillips provides trumpet to the animated and glitchy “Welcome To Fear City”, while “Doo Doo On A Stick” enlists Diana Lynn’s playful pipes that suit Cool Walt’s frisky guitar playing in a more soulful climate.

On the back half, “You Gotta Take It Easy Baby” comes with a retro spirit that’s infectious and rhythmic, and “Destroy God” exits with furious drumming and a scrappy presence that’s got a cinematic presence.

An unpredictable experience that meshes punk, indie rock, classical, soul and hip hop into one surprise after another, there’s something for everyone here.

Travels well with: Detroit Illharmonic- Everything Is Shattered 7”; The Hollywood Stars- Starstruck

Katie Dwyer Music

Warm Fuzzies

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Warm Fuzzies

This 3rd album from the kids and family artist Katie Dwyer is quite diverse, and embraces plenty of playful themes that all ages will enjoy.

The animated and warm “Metronome” starts with Matt Nelson’s bright keys alongside Dwyer’s upbeat vocals in the classic rock mood, and “Moody Schmoody” follows with Blake Fougerouse’s fluid guitar amid plenty of grooves.

Further along, the youngster Hazel Dwyer is present on vocals for the lively, pop moment, while “Fox Sox In A Box” benefits from Sean Campbell’s frisky drumming that invites singing-along.

Inching closer to the end, “I Got A Boo Boo” is a sadder moment about the inevitable bumps and bruises all kids get, and “The Laughing Song” exits with a bouncy and infectious spirit that reminds us of the power of laughing.

A really fun listen that spans rock, pop, anthems, and even employs fiddle from Christy Wade, Dwyer again brings out the kind in us all with these timeless tracks.

Travels well with: Katie Dwyer Music- Let’s Move; Dana’s Music Playground- Wonder FULL

Sean Mason

A Breath Of Fresh Air

TCR, 2025

9/10

Listen to A Breath Of Fresh Air

The GRAMMY-Nominated jazz pianist Sean Mason returns with a 2nd album as leader, where Tony Glausi, Chris Lewis, Felix Moseholm and Domo Branch are along for the jazz fun.

“Rediscovery” opens with Mason’s distinct keys alongside Lewis’ playful sax and Branch’s frisky drums, and “Secrets” follows with Moseholm’s animated bass lines that suit Glausi’s rich trumpet.

“Boneback” and “Open Your Heart” land in the middle. The former is melodic and infectious thanks to the charming rhythm section and colorful horn, while the latter emits a heartfelt mood via the intimate sax and light atmosphere.

Close to the end, the upbeat and exciting “Capital J” is tailor made for the dance floor, and “Kiss Me” exits with a cautious and textured finish that’s sophisticated and timeless.

A record that can swing with much charm just as it can retreat to soulful moments, there is a sonically adventurous take on jazz here that you can’t not admire.

Travels well with: Emmet Cohen- Vibe Provider; Christian McBridge’s New Jawn- Prime

Roberto Montero

Todos Os Tempos

Vaicomtudo, 2025

9/10

Listen to Todos Os Tempos

The Brazilian guitarist and composer Roberto Montero pens an instrumental album here, where the originals pull from pop, jazz and classical ideas for his first solo effort.

“Igarapé (Caminho de Canoa)/River Stream (Way of the Canoe)” opens with Léo Costa’s fluid drums complementing Montero’s breezy and warm guitar playing for the cozy 8 minutes, and “Valso do Tempo Parado/Static Time Waltz” follows with meticulous acoustic guitar that’s colorful and uses space strategically.

In the middle, “Luz da Lua/Light Of The Moon” enlists Philip Bynoe’s skilled bass that suits the dreamy quality, while “Chorando de Rir/Laughing ‘till It Hurts” welcomes Rique Pantoja’s melodic keys amid the radiant and lush guitar.

Close to the end, “De Duas, Uma/One Out Of Two” is a fuller moment thanks to Evandro Hasse’s trombone, Arnou De Melo’s bass and Willian Góe’s drums, not to mention Louise Lucena, Dorian Holley and Beth Rohde’s flowing voices, and “Vou Mas Fico/Gone But Still Here” exits with Osmar Schulze “Peninha”’s light drumming that aligns with a soothing, nearly therapeutic finish.

A very cultured and enlightening effort, Montero knows his way around a guitar like few others, and the esteemed guests only add more intrigue to the worldly landscape.

Travels well with: Maja Jaku- Blessed & Bewitched; Ravita Jazz- Alice Blue

The Dirty Beat

Birthrite: Lancing The Boil

Heavy Folk, 2025

9/10

Listen to Birthrite: Lancing The Boil

A folk project from Canada, the multi-instrumentalist Warren G. Funk spearheads this atypical effort that doesn’t shy away from hooks, melodies and dark wordplay.

“Mark” leads with firm acoustic guitar and expressive singing that welcomes horns, and “Am What Am” follows with well timed accordion and mandolin that adds much grace to the moody climate which gets pretty forceful near the end.

Arriving at the halfway point, “Will To Cower” enlists Irish flutes and strategic bass amid plenty of dense grooves, while “To Be Dirt” moves cautiously via the vocal layers and a bit of an eeriness.

Getting close to the end, “The Ridding” recruits chanting in a choral setting for the album’s best that’s strong on ambience, and “Weightlifter” exits with some classic rock spirit that benefits from a tin whistle and bouncy spirit that you could dance to.

A highly diverse and raw effort where each track takes on different identities, the drop tuned guitars, vocal harmonies and often heavy rhythm section are greatly appreciated.

Travels well with: Nick Storring- Mirante; Christopher Whitley- almost as soft as silence

Mac Gollehon & Hispanic Mechanics

Pistoleros

WFO, 2025

9/10

Listen to Pistoleros

The trumpet wizard Mac Gollehon is well versed in many genres, and with the Hispanic Mechanics at his side they bring us 8 unpredictable and exciting tracks.

The title track opens with a dense buzzing, as Greg Meisenberg’s furious drums complements Gollehon’s well timed trumpet in a very animated and cinematic climate, and “Stud Poker” follows with Elvis Ferrara’s playful percussion that aligns with the soulful trumpet.

At the halfway point, “Mac Attack” brings grooves and ambience to the frisky synth stabs and club friendly mood, while “Vinny ‘Bay Parkway Snake’” offers a busy but meticulous delivery that can retreat to calmer moments.

Landing close to the end, “Atiba ‘SideEye’” comes with a mysterious atmosphere that benefits from keys, brass and a distinct dreaminess, and “Stacked Deck” exits with a dance floor ready energy that meshes jazz with pop.

A truly unclassifiable effort, Gollehon plows through progressive, electronic and futurist nods with incredible detail and much creativity.

Travels well with: Pete Mills- For The Record; Shawn Purcell- Oblivity

The Birdland Big Band

Storybook: The Music Of Mark Miller

Birdland, 2025

9/10

Listen to Storybook: The Music Of Mark Miller

The 16 piece jazz orchestra The Birdland Big Band continue the traditions of Count Basie and Thad Jones, as they illuminate the vision of their trombonist, Mark Miller, with these 11 tracks.

The title track opens with Brandon Lee’s animated trumpet and Nathan Childers’ rich alto sax helping make for a layered climate, and “Water Lily” follows with a swift pace via Kenny Ascher’s meticulous keys and Troy Roberts’ elegant tenor sax.

Halfway through, “Sail Away” offers a heartfelt moment thanks to Glenn Drewes’ well timed flugelhorn and Dave Dejesus’ intimate soprano sax, while “WTF” makes great use of Sam Dillon’s tenor sax prowess and Chris Smith’s drumming acrobatics.

Arriving later in the listen, “Spain”, by Chick Corea, benefits from a lively rhythm section and radiant brass for the album’s best, and “Nonsense” exits with Nicole Zuraitis’ soulful voice that’s complemented by Ron Wilkins’ lively trombone.

A record that was probably as much fun to make as it is to listen to, the band swing hard with plenty of color, rhythm and personality for this Big Band adventure.

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

Kent Blazy

Where I Am Now

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Where I Am Now

The Nashville Songwriter Hall Of Famer Kent Blazy is joined by some excellent studio musicians for these reflective and autobiographical songs.

“Once Upon a Rhyme” opens with Blazy’s warm voice alongside cozy acoustic guitar, and “On Any Given Day” follows with much attention to atmosphere, as the expressive storytelling is met with Kevin Murphy’s thumping drums.

In the middle, “A Breeze” showcases Billy McClaran’s animated sax that suits the melodic climate, while “The America I Grew Up In” brings grit into the equation via Lee Francis’ precise bass and Steve Allen’s rugged guitar amid Blazy’s firm pipes.

Near the end, the dense “My Wrecking Ball” uses sing-alongs to its advantage with a bit more muscle, and “Where I Am Now” exits with cozy guitar playing and a harmonic demeanor that you could dance to.

Blazy’s been quite prolific in recent years, and this body of work continues his country template with heartfelt singing that balances melodies, raw moments and timeless songwriting.

Travels well with: Kent Blazy- My Life So Far; Kent Blazy- Me & My Guitar

Margee Minier-Tubbs & Premik Russell Tubbs

The Bells

Margetoile, 2025

8/10

Listen to The Bells

The inimitable vocalist, Margee Minier-Tubbs, brings her expressive voice to this holiday track that’s inspired by Edgar Allen Poe.

The lone song, “The Bells”, opens with dialogue before Premik Russell Tubbs’ rich sax enters alongside Todd Isler’s frisky drums and Steve Sandberg’s melodic keys.

During the 6+ minutes, Patrick Carmichael and Minier-Tubbs provide spoken word poetry amid Michael O’Brien’s playful bass and Zack Brock’s meticulous violin for the warm and spirited tune.

A charming spoken word duet, Minier-Tubbs pens a song that fits in well with any Christmas staple and is quite eloquent.

Travels well with: Lili Maljic- The Nearness Of You- In Loving Memory Of Jim Rotondi; Bonnie J Jensen- Rise

Leonard 'Lowdown' Brown

Street Party

Music Maker, 2025

9/10

Listen to Street Party

The Houston bluesman Leonard ‘Lowdown’ Brown returns with a sophomore album, where the 10 tracks continue his gospel influenced songwriting that surrounds 7 decades of experiences and anxieties.

The soulful spirit of the percussively strong “Theme” opens with many voices alongside Brown’s inimitable guitar licks, and the title track follows with a warm groove and some funk flavor that’s immediately infectious.

Halfway through, “Don’t Wanna Get Up Blues” uses playful bass lines amid the crisp drumming and Brown’s inestimable pipes, while “Mojo Bag” brings plenty of southern swagger to the powerful and emotive album highlight.

Moving near the end, “News With Blues” comes with a contagious energy and meticulous guitar playing that’s mesmerizing, and “Big Blues Show” exits with breezy melodies and harmonic backing vocals that invites singing along.

A timeless effort of authentic blues, Brown’s got a voice you’ll immediately enjoy and his guitar playing is unparalleled across this memorable record.

Travels well with: Anthony ‘Big Al’ Sherrod- Torchbearer Of The Clarksdale Sound; Leonard ‘Lowdown’ Brown- Blues Is Calling Me

Brennen Leigh

Don’t Ever Give Up On Love

Signature Sounds, 2025

9/10

Listen to Don’t Ever Give Up On Love

The Texas country artist Brennen Leigh knows her way around a heartfelt song, and the honky tonk fun and dance floor ready tunes here are further proof of that.

The title track opens with plenty of twang, as Leigh’s warm voice is met with Kevin Skrla’s glowing guitar, and “Dumpster Diving” follows with a frisky mood, where Damian O’Grady’s playful keys add much charm.

Moving into the middle, “Thank God You’re Gone” welcomes Jason Baczynski’s fluid drumming to the rural spirit that will get your body moving, while “You’re Finally Hurtin’” aches via Josh Hoag’s upright bass and Matty Meyer’s crisp drumming amid Leigh’s expressive pipes.

Near the end, “I’m Easy To Love After All” enlists Dave Biller’s electric guitar as Leigh does a good of convincing us in the emotive landscape, and “Little Magic Wolf” has Leigh playing guitar in a darker mood of instrumental ambience.

Not everything here is romance- Leigh’s got a sense of humor, too- as she pens another relatable country and western record that you’ll enjoy even if you don’t own spurs and a cowboy hat.

Travels well with: Brennen Leigh- Prairie Love Letter; Melissa Carper- Borned In Ya

David Garland

The Spark

Tall Owl, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Spark

The New York multi-instrumentalist, David Garland, pens a personal album that surrounds grief and life’s possibilities, which arrives 6 years after his wife’s death from cancer.

“Feathered Stone” opens with Otto Hauser’s strategic drums that suit Garland’s gritty, soft voice and rich winds, and “Clean Up The Room” follows with gentle guitar and intimate singing that complements the touching climate.

In the middle, Garland uses prepared guitar for the light buzzing of the crisp “These Days” that benefits from Julian Lampert’s double bass, while “All With All” recruits Diane Cluck’s expressive voice and Kenji Garland’s skilled synth and guitar via the hazy delivery.

“My Tiny Life” and “You In Particular” exit the listen. The former carries a retro energy thanks to the colorful keys and Garland’s distinct storytelling, and the latter emits self-reflection in a calm, meditative finish.

Now in his 70’s, Garland turns loss into heartfelt poetry, where he plays modified 12-string guitar, guitar, prepared guitar, bass guitar, clarinet, bass clarinet, flute, ocarinas, recorder, keyboard panpipe, piano, Hammond Piper II organ, Pro-One analog synthesizer, Star Island pump organ, harmonium, and percussion across a distinct, melancholic and atypical version of folk.

Travels well with: Charlie Bruber- Prized Burden; Joe Policastro Trio- Ceremony

Anthony Stanco

In The Groove: Live At The Alluvion

OA2, 2025

9/10

Listen to In The Groove: Live At The Alluvion

The trumpet wizard Anthony Stanco is joined by a first rate cast for this 3rd album that brings grit and soulfulness to the hard bop ideas.

“T. Sea” opens with Xavier Davis’ swift keys and Stanco’s radiant trumpet across the quick and dynamic climate, and “Say You’re Mine” follows with a distinct intimacy thanks to the rich horn and John Webber’s elegant bass lines.

“Pyramid Point” arrives in the middle and displays intimacy via the sophisticated keys and Randy Napoleon’s radiant guitar tone, while the animated title track commands our attention due to the lively brass and Joe Farnsworth’s scrappy drumming.

Further along, “Sonny Boy” uses group vocals to its advantage amid the cozy rhythm section and Stanco’s well timed trumpet, and “Just A Moment” exits with Farnsworth’s drumming acrobatics alongside the dizzying horn, meticulous guitar, playful bass and energetic keys for the album’s best.

The sound quality is excellent, as Stanco and company mesh bebop, hard bop and soul jazz with incredible detail and a timelessness that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Affinity Trio- New Outlook; Ted Piltzecker- Peace Vibes

Affinity Trio

New Outlook

Origin, 2025

9/10

Listen to New Outlook

The Milwaukee outfit consisting of Eric Jacobson, Pamela York and Clay Schaub, as Affinity Trio they deliver 6 covers and 3 originals of swingin’ jazz fun.

The upbeat mood of “Onward” starts with Jacobson’s rich trumpet alongside Schaub’s bouncy bass and York’s fluid keys, and ‘On The Sunny Side Of The Street” follows with a soulful version of the classic that’s quite warm.

In the middle, the swift “Bittersweet”, by Sam Jones, allows for the frisky bass and animated horn to shine, while “Hymn To Freedom/A Child Is Born” injects intimacy and grace into the Oscar Peterson and Thad Jones selection.

Getting close to the end, “Lover” allows for the trio’s inimitable chemistry to shine via the gentle bouts and scrappy playing, and “Una Mas” follows with York’s lively keys that complement Jacobson’s playful horn and Schaub’s meticulous bass.

Affinity Trio have honed their craft from years of playing a weekly residency at Milwaukee’s historic Mason Street Grill, and this effort spotlights their sense of sound, touch and feel in a way that’s both mature and adventurous.

Travels well with: Ted Piltzecker- Peace Vibes; Kelsey Mines- Everything Sacred, Nothing Serious

Truman Harris

A Warm Day In Winter

Naxos, 2019

8/10

Listen to A Warm Day In Winter

A veteran composer and bassoonist, Truman Harris caters to wind instruments here, as he pens tunes for his long running colleagues on this superbly executed collection of chamber music.

“Rosemoor Suite” starts the listen with flute, oboe, bassoon, horn and clarinets on a playful, elegant tune with cascading beauty, and “Aulos Triptych” follows with 4 flutes and piano on an upbeat and adventurous exploration of timeless rhythm.

On the back half, “Flowers”, which uses the same instruments as “Rosemoor Suite”, delivers a cinematic quality to the sophisticated manipulation of light and dark textures, while “Sonata” recruits a mysterious angle of darker ideas in one of the album’s best that is also the most complicated, but far from esoteric.

With players on hand from the National Symphony Orchestra and the Eclipse Chamber Orchestra, Harris is in great company here, and together they flesh out engaging, layered and graceful classical and chamber sounds that will satiate not only the ears but the mind the soul.

Travels well with: Bill Douglas- Deep Peace; Tony Overwater-Ellington Suites