Michael Rudd

Going To The Mountain

Invisible Road, 2025

8/10

Listen to Going To The Mountain

The rootsy, Americana singer-songwriter Michael Rudd returns with a 2nd album, where he’s joined by Jen Bixby, Mark Clark, Asher Barreras, Brant Leeper and Pat Malone for 10 songs that explore meaning, understanding and small truths.

“Before The Demon Came” starts and thumps with Clark’s drums amid Rudd distinct vocals and a hint of mystery in the folk friendly climate, and “My Love Is True” follows with soft singing and warm acoustic guitar, as Leeper’s moody organ enters the intimacy.

Halfway through, “Going Away” allows for Malone’s atmospheric guitar to complement the vivid storytelling, while “I’ll Always Love You” showcases Barreras’ playful bass lines amid pretty singing that tugs on the heartstrings.

Arriving close to the end, one of the fuller tunes, “It’s A Hard Road”, pairs the frisky rhythm section with eloquent keys and upbeat melodies, and “Walk My Way” exits with a retro spirit that’s playful, charming and memorable.

Rudd is also versed in rockabilly and the blues, and this diverse effort touches on the hallmarks of being human with strong attention to detail and timelessness.

Travels well with: Chris Walz- All I Got And Gone; Evan Boyer- The Devil In Me

Mitch Ryder

With Love

Ruf, 2025

9/10

Listen to With Love

The veteran Michigan artist Mitch Ryder has penned 21 albums now, and this forthright and highly personal effort presents 10 originals that welcome plenty of friends.

Luis Resto’s warm keys open with “Lilli May”, where Ryder’s soulful voice guides the timeless blues rock that uses Dave McMurray’s sax bouts superbly, and “Pass It To The Right” follows with McMurray’s bright flute and Jeff Canady’s agile drumming that suits the gritty versus melodic gestures.

“Oh What A Night” and “Wrong Hands” land in the middle. The former recruits Latin-rock nods via Mahindi Masai’s animated percussion and Ryder’s raw pipes, while the latter allows for Brian ‘Roscoe’ White and Laura Chavez’s flowing guitar to complement the flowing singing of the album’s best.

Arriving near the end, “The Artist” is an intimate moment populated by graceful keys and Ryder’s heartfelt voice, and “Just The Way It Is” exits steeped in R&B playfulness that enlists Herschel Boone and Terena Boone’s backing vocals amid Chuck Bartel’s meticulous bass.

A fantastic effort that balances tenderness with ruggedness, very few musicians have careers as lengthy and esteemed as Ryder’s, and when he says that this is one of his albums yet, well, you better believe him.

Travels well with: Alastair Greene- Standing Out Loud; Too Slim And The Taildraggers- Brace Yourself

Michelle Nicolle & Larry Koonse

The Silent Wish

Purple Lead, 2025

8/10

Listen to The Silent Wish

The Australian singer Michelle Nicolle and guitar extraordinaire Larry Koonse come together for these 10 contemporary jazz tracks, i.e. 8 standards, a cover of Split Enz and an original.

“When Your Lover Has Gone” begins with Nicolle’s expressive voice alongside Koonse’s sparse guitar, and “I Hope I Never” follows with an impressive range emanating from Nicolle amid the soft guitar.

“With A Song In My Heart” occupies the middle spot and offers a heartfelt mood via Koonse’s dreamy delivery, while “My One And Only Love” emits a poetic moment of sublime beauty thanks to the eloquent vocals and stirring guitar.

Near the end, “Gone With The Wind” showcases Nicolle’s scatting skills, and “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life” exits with Koonse’s rich guitar playing and Nicolle’s soaring voice that makes an indelible impression.

This is Nicolle’s 11th album and the duo setting is her first but hopefully not her last, as the tender, playful and timeless setting is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Travels well with: Elaine Dame- Reminiscing; Judy Wexler- No Wonder

James Zito

Zito’s Jump!

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Zito’s Jump!

The New York guitarist James Zito takes influence from legends like Wes Montgomery, Les Paul and George Benson, and along with a large cast of friends he fleshes out 12 lively jazz tunes.

The title track starts the festivities with Rodney Whitaker’s playful bass and Luther Allison’s fluid keys that suit Zito’s meticulous guitar, and “Bird In The Wind” follows with Chris Lewis’ soulful sax amid Joe Farnsworth’s crisp drumming.

Landing in the middle is the dreamy “Pense Nisso”, where Zito’s cozy guitar is met with swirling melodies, while “Minor Lies” is an animated burst of Big Band-esque fun that allows for the saxes to radiate alongside the adventurous rhythm section.

Residing near the end, “It Could Happen To You” is a very intimate moment that puts a hazy spin on a classic, and “After You’ve Gone (Alternate Take)” goes from cautious to speedy via the intricate guitar lines, swift drumming and finger acrobatics on keys.

An excellent listen that balances swingin’ energy, bossa nova fun and vulnerable moments, Zito’s vision is harmonic, technical and unforgettable.

Travels well with: Juan Perea- Lightkeeper: Rodney Whitaker- Mosaic

Isabelle Olivier

Impressions

Rewound Echoes, 2025

8/10

Listen to Impressions

The revered jazz harpist Isabelle Olivier uses her inimitable vision for these songs that surround impressionism with plenty of avant-garde ideas present.

“Fleurs De Soleil” starts the listen with much ambience, where Olivier’s lovely harp is met with graceful strings and Tom Olivier-Beuf’s meticulous piano, and “Eclats” follows with a mesmerizing quality that welcomes accordion thanks to Olivier-Beuf and Baptiste Thiebault’s playful drumming.

Further along, the soft climate of “Open A Window” radiates much introspection via the eloquent harp and a warm atmosphere, while “The Boating Party” is quite pretty, melodic and benefits much from Jean-Philippe Feiss’ elegant cello.

Residing close to the end, “Tango” is both dance floor friendly and adventurous thanks to the busy instrumentation, and the title track exits with an electronic presence courtesy of Raphael Olivier that adds plenty to the mystery and intrigue.

An effort that is heavy on groove and improvisation, there’s a healthy amount of classical and jazz sounds to absorb here, and it sure does illustrate an artistic and timeless formula.

Travels well with: Ensemble C- Every Journey; Sara Serpa- Encounters & Collisions

Dave Hanson

Blues Sky

Origin, 2025

9/10

Listen to Blues Sky

The pianist Dave Hanson is joined by Wil Swindler, Mark Simon and Paul Romaine for these 10 originals that pay tribute to the melting pot of American music innovators.

The lively “Two Masters” opens with Swindler’s soaring sax alongside Romaine’s frisky drums for the melodic jazz climate, and “Across The Bridge” follows with Hanson’s playful keys that suit the upbeat sax and Simon’s bass acrobatics.

“Arnhem” occupies the middle spot allows for the dynamic rhythm section to complement the rich piano, while “As It Was And Is” finds itself in dreamy territory via the graceful landscape that’s heartfelt.

Close to the end, the rhythmic and energetic “Dylan” emits plenty of harmonic qualities thanks to the firm keys and dense backdrop, and “Muse Walk” exits with a dance floor ready delivery of frisky and animated songwriting that will always be relevant and enjoyable.

This is Hanson’s debut in a quartet setting and it’s full of swinging fun, rock spirited moments and timeless jazz you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra- Mad Scientist Music; Rodney Whitaker- Mosaic

Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra

Mad Scientist Music

Origin, 2025

9/10

Listen to Mad Scientist Music

The esteemed trombonist, composer and arranger Ben Patterson brings along a large crew for these Big Band selections that are nothing short of powerful and swinging.

The animated presence of “We’re Back, Baby!” opens with Shawn Purcell’s meticulous guitar and Luke Brandon’s bright trumpet adding much to the flowing climate, and “The Misinformation Age” follows with Chris Ziemba’s mature keys and Mike Cemprola’s well timed alto sax complementing the dreamy bouts and soaring melodies.

The middle tracks belong to “Always” and “The Mixup”. The former benefits from Doug Morgan’s baritone sax amid much intimacy that builds into an emotive album highlight, while the latter bops and shakes via Tedd Baker and Xavier Perez’s tenor sax prowess.

The last track, “Just ‘Cuz”, doesn’t disappoint, either. Alec Aldred’s colorful trumpet and Todd Harrison’s agile drumming won’t go unnoticed, as the band exit with as much explosiveness as they started.

A first rate Big Band affair, Patterson’s vision if fleshed out superbly thanks to this excellent cast.

Travels well with: Rodney Whitaker- Mosaic; Andy Wheelock- Whee3trio: In The Wheelhouse

Pulse

Pulse

Panoramic, 2025

9/10

Listen to Pulse

Pulse consists of Anthony Fuoco, Dustin May, Aidan Plank and Brad Wagner, who bring improvised ideas to songs inspired by the Rust Belt, Upper Midwest and the Plains.

The dreamy and lush “Pulse” opens with the quartet blending their inimitable skills via the soft keys, soothing wind, light drums and cozy bass amid much intimacy, and “Chronomentrophobia” follows with Wagner’s soulful sax guiding the playful jazz nature.

“Revisited” lands in the middle and showcases May’s frisky drumming alongside Fuoco’s complicated keys, while “Confluence” allows for the radiant piano to illuminate the flowing melodies.

Arriving close to the end, “Spring Awaits You” builds into a lively album highlight that emits much warmth from the rhythm section and adventurousness thanks to the piano and sax, and a duo version of “Pulse” exits with the heartfelt wind and mature keys interacting with a profound grace.

An effort that tips its hat towards Charlie Haden or Pat Metheny, the melodies, harmonics and textures are all fleshed out with emotion and creativity, where the jazz, classical, popular and world music bouts are much appreciated.

Travels well with: Travis Laplante- The Golden Lock; Steven Ricks & Ron Coulter- Precipitations

Koyal

Breathe In. Breathe Out

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Breathe In. Breathe Out

This sophomore album from the Atlanta trio Koyal surrounds the ideas of breaking free of fear, resistance and familial expectations, and uses plenty of timeless pop-rock ideas via the best friends Pooja Prabakaran, Noah Weinstein, and Henry Wallace.

“We’re Alright” opens with much atmosphere and Prabakaran’s expressive voice that welcomes a dense quality that buzzes, and “Gasoline” follows with plenty of dance floor ready spirit that uses beats to its advantage.

In the middle, “Bummer Song” enlists Wallace’s fluid drumming amid the swirling melodies, while “Intoxicated” is tailor made for the club thanks to the playful electronic bouts and Prabakaran’s smooth and upbeat singing.

Residing close to end, “Lotus Lake” is textured with warmth, melody and a sing-alongs, and “Half Alive” exits with an intimate moment of beauty and poeticism.

An effort that’s raw and vulnerable but will still get your body moving, Weinstein’s meticulous guitars and production won’t go unnoticed, as Koyal pen gentle acoustic moments and disco-pop nods.

Travels well with: Pillow Queens- Name Your Sorrow; Setting Sun- The Feelings Cure

Neverland Ranch Davidians

Shout It On The Mountain

Heavy Medication, 2025

9/10

Listen to Shout It On The Mountain

A Los Angeles trio who use a dual guitar approach, the Neverland Ranch Davidians returns with 13 blistering new tracks that include covers by Eddie Floyd, Skip James, and the obscure 60's Chicago garage-punkers Half Pint and The Fifths.

The soulful and soaring “Swamp Feet” opens with Tex Mosley’s powerful pipes alongside well timed backing vocals and Max Hagen’s precise drumming, and “Big Bird” follows with raw guitar playing and a scrappy rhythm section that’s rugged.

The title track lands in the middle and uses Greg ‘Smog’ Boaz bass strategically amid the thumping climate and talking versus singing, while “Cactus Cooler Man” carries plenty of punk spirit, where Will Bentley’s intricate guitar won’t go unnoticed and suits the sing-alongs.

Further still, the stylish demeanor and buzzing backdrop of “I Think I’m Positive” comes with a mesmerizing quality and distinct droning, and “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues (Dirty)” exits with dense guitar that leads into the Davidians’ own brand of gospel that’s hard hitting and cryptic.

Iggy Pop and Henry Rollins are both fans of Neverland Ranch Davidians, and you likely will be, too, if you have an interest in garage-rock, cowpunk and blues, R&B and soul tinted punk.

Travels well with: APB- The Radio 1 Sessions; The Contractions- 1980

Juan Perea

Lightkeeper

Zoho, 2025

8/10

Listen to Lightkeeper

On this first album at the age of 68, the pianist and law professor Juan Perea makes up for lost time with 9 timeless jazz tracks that recruit plenty of esteemed musicians.

“Oye Como Va (Radio Edit)” begins with Gary Haase’s lively bass alongside Perea’s rich keys and Eric Marienthal’s radiant sax, and “Lylestyle” follows with Steve Thornton’s frisky percussion and Tom Brechtlein’s agile drumming adding much to the colorful climate.

The middle tracks belong to “Tyner Tune” and “City Swing”. The former benefits much from Janek Gwizdala’s playful bass that suits Perea’s dreamy keys, while the latter enlists Jimmy Haslip on bass for the rhythmic and flowing album highlight.

Close to the end, the atmospheric “Oye Como Va (Full Version)” allows for Dean Brown’s meticulous guitar to complement the hazy sax, and “Lightkeeper II” exits with the emotive and intimate keys mesmerizing us with much beauty and softness.

Perea excels in both bare and busy climates, and the strong attention to detail makes every track here worth repeated listens.

Travels well with: Rodney Whitaker- Mosaic; Mark Scott III- Soft Light

Silvano Monasterios

The River

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to The River

The Venezuelan composer and pianist Silvan monasterios brings his technical and soulful ideas to these 7 cultured tracks that recruit several players.

The title track is in the lead off position and welcomes Jimmy MacBride’s playful drums and Troy Roberts’ soaring sax amid Monasterios’ animated keys, and “Dance On The Wire” follows with Luisito Quintero’s frisky percussion adding much energy to the rhythmic landscape.

In the middle, the radiant “Carmen Elena” uses excellent mallet work via Juan Diego Villalobos’ vibes and Jeff Lederer’s skilled clarinet for the album’s best, while “Ambar” is piano focused and intimate with much beauty courtesy of Monasterios’ meticulous playing.

The final track, “The River Between Us”, then enlists Nestor Torres’ lively flute that complements the intricate rhythm section, sax bouts and, of course, the colorful keys.

Monasterois certainly retains the spirit of his home country here, where timeless jazz qualities and much richness populate every moment of this worldly affair.

Travels well with: Jackson Potter- Small Things; Geoffrey Dean Quartet- Conceptions

Liza Lo

Familiar

Gearbox, 2025

9/10

Listen to Familiar

The London resident Liza Lo plays many instruments along with plenty of friends for these thoughtful indie-folk and pop fueled songs.

The warm acoustic guitar of “Gypsy Hill” opens with Lo’s heartfelt and soft vocals alongside Ben Trigg’s emotive cello, and “Morning Call” follows with Tom Blunt’s thumping drums and Freek Mulder’s strategic bass adding a little more muscle to the climate.

Arriving near the middle, “Catch The Door” makes great use of Emre Ramazanoglu’s playful percussion amid the dreamy delivery, while “As I Listen” is an intimate and hazy moment of sublime beauty via the emotive vocals and Sean Rogan’s cozy keys.

Landing at the end, “What I Used To Be” recruits Wouter Vingerhoed for the flowing and melodic album highlight, and “Show Me” exits with much ambience and technical song craft that’s full of wonder and awe.

As a reference point, one might think of Alice Phoebe Lou or Julia Jacklin when listening to these songs that are often vulnerable, always thought provoking and charmingly retro.

Travels well with: Funkrust Brass Band- Make A Little Spark; Vanessa Collier- Do It My Own Way

Yellowjackets

Fasten Up

Mack Avenue, 2025

9/10

Listen to Fasten Up

The fusion outfit Yellowjackets, i.e. Russell Ferrante, Will Kennedy, Bob Mintzer, and Dane Alderson, are now 4 decades deep, and these 11 new songs continue their inimitable formula.

“Comin’ Home Baby” opens the listen with Kennedy’s crisp drums and Mintzer’s frisky sax that emits much melody, and the title track follows with Alderson’s bass acrobatics that help cultivate playful grooves.

Arriving in the middle, the calm spirit of “The Truth Of You” allows for Ferrante’s cozy keys to shine amid the soulful sax, while “The Lion” recruits guest Raul Midon’s meticulous guitar and sparing voice for the rich album highlight.

Close to the end, “The Unresolved Question” is piano focused and reflective in its dynamic interaction, and “Xemeris” finishes with the playful EWI giving the rock filled climate a cinematic feel alongside the fluid sax and intricate rhythm section.

This is the 27th studio album from Yellowjackets, who have picked up 16 Grammy Nominations and continues to impress us with their inestimable detail to jazz fusion that no one else could replicate.

Travels well with: The Bad Plus- Complex Emotions; Christian Sands- Christmas Stories

Max Hightower

Nothing’ But The TRUTH

MoMojo, 2025

9/10

Listen to Nothin’ But The TRUTH

The harmonica player and vocalist Max Hightower brings plenty of New Orleans funk and Greasy Southern blues to these 12 authentic songs that welcome plenty of friends.

“Double Bubble” starts the listen with an energetic delivery, where Brandon Phelps’ agile drumming suits Hightower’s soulful pipes and soaring harmonica, and “It’s On Me” follows with Brian ‘BC’ Coogan’s animated organ adding much to the raw blues that showcases Hightower’s powerful guitar and gritty pipes.

Further along, “Twitchy Witcha” recruits James Beaumont’s well timed sax and trombone and sousaphone courtesy of Adam Lessneu for the rich climate, while “Too Much Of Not Enough” allows for Big Jon Atkinson’s flowing guitar to complement Rob Davis’ lively keys.

Approaching the end, “I Ain’t Lyin” is a calmer moment thanks to Steadman ‘Fleetwood’ Williams, Sr.’s smooth bass, and “Assmoghraph” exits with Hightower’s harmonica prowess and the frisky rhythm section making for a dynamic and authentic blues finish.

Hightower put in plenty of time as a member of Mac Arnold’s band, and this effort without any overdubs or studio trickery ensures a timeless and genuine experience of scrappy, unfiltered blues.

Travels well with: Jimmy Vivino- Gonna Be 2 Of Those Days; Albert Castiglia- Righteous Souls

Will Wilde

Blues Is Still Alive

VizzTone, 2025

10/10

Listen to Blues Is Still Alive

The powerful harmonica player and vocalist Will Wilde is going to turn a lot of heads his way with these 10 songs, where his excellent band and some well known guests are along for the ride.

The title track leads with Wilde’s soaring harmonica and expressive pipes alongside Steve Rushton’s sturdy drums and Walter Trout’s inimitable guitar chops, and “Wild Man” follows with an infectious energy thanks to the frisky harmonica, Greg Coulson’s animated keys and Wilde’s booming pipes.

Landing at the halfway point is the quick and dynamic “Trouble Of That Girl”, which makes great use of Bobby Harrison’s driving guitar amid Wilde’s raw singing, while “Stole My Love” tugs on the heartstrings via the soft harmonica and Russell Carr’s well timed bass.

Arriving close to the end, “Broken Dream Blues” is full of heartbreak and despair that showcases Wilde’s inimitable approach to the blues, and “Don’t Trust Me” exits with an exciting and rowdy rocker that’s as dance floor ready just as it could soundtrack a bar room brawl.

Wilde’s vision run parallel to legends like Gary Moore or Jeff Healey, and this first rate record will be sure to make anyone with an ear for the blues an unwavering fan.

Travels well with: Ben Levin- A Holiday Blues Revue; Amanda Fish- Kingdom

Geoffrey Dean Quartet

Conceptions

Cellar, 2025

8/10

Listen to Conceptions

The pianist Geoffrey Dean delivers an album of all originals, where Harish Raghavan, Eric Binder and Justin Copeland accompany him for the 10 timeless jazz tracks.

The soft spirit of “Came And Went” opens with Dean’s lovely keys and Copeland’s eloquent trumpet making for much warmth, and “Phoenix Rising” follows with the frisky drums from Binder that complement Raghavan’s lively bass and the bright brass.

The middle spot belongs to the intimate mood of “Road To Somewhere”, while “Song For Hannah” allow for Dean’s melodic piano to mesh with the agile bass in a dreamy climate that is the album’s best.

Deeper still, the animated “Prism” showcases Binder’s acrobatic drumming with more emphasis on soaring trumpet, and “What May Come” exits with a hypnotic mood via the mesmerizing keys, soulful horn and heartfelt rhythm section.

A highly memorable effort of modern jazz sensibilities, Dean and company emit harmonies, rhythms, and a charming meshing of swing, straight-eighth and odd meter compositions for this exceptional 2nd record.

Travels well with: Rodney Whitaker- Mosaic; Randy Hoexter- Tomorrowsville

Blaiz Fayah

Shatta Ting

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Shatta Ting

A French artist who pens globally appreciated dancehall sounds, Blaiz Fayah returns with new tracks that are Shatta-focused and never short on his inimitable energy.

“Shatta Land” opens with the animated vocals and playful beats that make for plenty of rhythm and melody, and “Tight” follows with a dance floor ready appeal that’s got plenty of hip-hop flavor.

Closer to the middle, “Ghetto Wine” comes with strong attention to mood via the electronic stabs, while “Party On” uses manipulated vocals amid plenty of synthetic sounds.

Landing close to the end, “Catchy” is indeed aptly titled and mesmerizing in a more minimal landscape, and “Propaganda” recruits soulful sax that complements the vocal acrobatics and rich finish.

Fayah borrows from Dancehall, Kompa, Moombahton, Reggae, Shatta, and Zouk and enlists artists like DJ Glad, Mafio House, Gyzmo, Natoxie, Mikado, Bmad, Kybba, Tribal Kush, and Limitlezz for this lively and worldly effort.

Travels well with: The Slackers- Kill You; Durango 95- 7”

John Rommereim

Into The Still Hollow

Navona, 2025

9/10

Listen to Into The Still Hollow

The composer John Rommereim showcases his love for vocal music with these 8 well thought out pieces that are both timeless and diverse.

The powerful and warm “Merwin Songs” opens with Thomas Meglioranza’s expressive baritone alongside Reiko Uchida’s pretty piano, and '“Time And Wind” follows with James Joyce’s lyrics amid Charlotte Mundy’s stunning soprano and the Sirius String Quartet’s sublime interaction that emits much wonder.

In the middle, “The Gift” pairs Meglioranza’s bright storytelling alongside Uchida’s dancing keys, while “Rings Of Birchbark” allows for the intimate voice and dreamy keys to illuminate A. R. Ammons’ cautious lyrics.

Landing close to the end, “Upon The Blue Guitar” showcases David William Ross’ meticulous and heartfelt guitar playing to impress us across 3 chapters, and “Gesangvoll: Variations on a Theme by Beethoven” exits with Karel Martinek’s organ and Jan Kučera’s oboe making for a colorful and radiant finish that even gets mysterious.

Rommereim is well versed in choral compositions and conducting of choirs, and his bare, busy and emotive vision is fleshed out superbly via these skilled musicians.

Travels well with: Pas De Trios; Toivo Tulev- Dawn, Almost Dawn

Luke Underhill

Illuminations

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Illuminations

At just 23 years old, Luke Underhill is making quite a name for himself with his strong songwriting prowess and exceptional skills with the keys and guitar, and this sophomore EP continues his fluid meshing of country, rock and pop sounds.

“Long Way Home” starts the quick listen that builds from a gentle introduction to a fuller anthem of rural ideas mixed with vibrant melodies and “Yet Again” brings grace and sophistication to a pop influenced highlight.

The back half of the listen offers “She May Be”, which is a vocally strong country tinted version of today’s pop, while “Rooftops” brings bright keys in a busy display of melody with strings. “Katie’s Song” ends the album with a ballad like setting of soft guitars and calm vocals as the backdrop recruits orchestral ideas into a subtly powerful finish.

Though he’s a youngster, Underhill delivers like an old soul, and his piano focused tunes unfold like a seasoned vet. Don’t forget his name, cause we’ll all be hearing a lot more about Luke Underhill for many years to come.

Travels well with: Gavin DeGraw- Free; Ben Folds- Way To Normal