Bob Mould

Here We Go Crazy

BMG, 2025

10/10

Listen to Here We Go Crazy

It’s been a busy half decade since Bob Mould’s last album, and this new batch of songs again recruits the rhythm section of Jason Narducy and Jon Wurster, who help illuminate an often heavier version of Mould than we’ve heard in a while.

The atmospheric title track leads, where Mould’s familiar voice sweeps in like an old friend offering advice alongside swirling melodies, and the furious energy of “Neanderthal” follows with Wurster’s hard hitting drums that suit the driving pace that will bring to mind Hüsker Dü.

Moving into the middle, Mould’s buzzing guitar and Narducy’s skilled bass make for both grit and melody across “Hard To Get”, while “Fur Mink Augurs” has some of the most fierce singing from Mould, though the meticulous rhythm section sure is memorable, too.

Arriving close to the end, the alt-rock spirit of “You Need To Shine” seems like it could be a Sugar outtake, and “Your Side” exits with a pretty intimacy that’s poetic before building into a soaring and charged rocker.

All the hallmarks of a Mould record are present here, i.e. self-reflection and wise wordplay surrounded by harmonic punk and rock dynamics. The Trail Of Rage And Melody is still very much alive and highly appreciated by the aging punks among us.

Travels well with: Bob Mould- Blue Hearts; Bob Mould- Sunshine Rock

Ward White

Ward White Is The Matador

Think Like A Key, 2024

9/10

Listen to Ward White Is The Matador

The Los Angeles artist Ward White finds this 2014 effort seeing the 10 year anniversary reissue treatment, where a release for the first time on CD comes with a 20 page booklet.

“Sabbath” opens the listen with White’s bright voice alongside playful guitar and plenty of timeless pop spirit that buzzes warmly, and “Tumble” follows with a more rock focused climate via Everet Almond’s animated drumming and the expressive singing.

Further along, “Bikini” makes great use of Graham Norwood’s strategic bass amid the hazy textures, while “Dia Luna” is very bare, powerful and showcases White’s heartfelt pipes.

Residing closer to the end, “Dolores On The Dotted Line”, the best track, is a melodic and colorful moment of beauty and coziness, and “The Olde Days” exits with Bryan Smith’s dense bass alongside vivid storytelling that unfolds with plenty of unpredictable shifts in tempo, mood and ideas in its nearly 21 minutes.

Somewhere between art-rock, glam-rock, orchestral pop and psychedelic influences, White’s craft can’t truly be pinned down, but it sure is easy to enjoy and might bring to mind Bowie, Colin Blunstone or Scott Walker.

Travels well with: Ward White- Here Come The Dowsers!; Nick Frater- Oh Contraire!

Joe Fiedler Trio 2.0

Dragon Suite

Multiphonics, 2025

9/10

Listen to Dragon Suite

Joe Fiedler, Pete McCann and Michael Sarin come together for these 9 diverse jazz tunes that are never short on melodies and harmonics.

McCann’s distinct guitar opens “Tone Grazing”, as Fiedler’s animated trombone enters alongside Sarin’s frisky drums, and “Bird Song” follows with a calmer mood, where soulfulness and grooves flow in spades.

“Do” and “Be” occupy the middle spots. The former is an intimate moment that benefits from the heartfelt horn amid dreamy guitar, while the latter finds itself in cozy territory thanks to the gentle guitar, agile drumming and cautious trombone.

Residing close to the end, “Song For Norm” is a very hushed and introspective moment of restraint, and “Set The Tone” exits with the upbeat drumming, spirited guitar and thick brass leaving an indelible impression.

An effort that uses improvisation, abstract ideas and atypical rhythm, every moment here is creative, memorable and timeless.

Travels well with: Randal Despommier- South; Ben Kono Group- Voyages

Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio

Dream A Dream

Libra, 2025

9/10

Listen to Dream A Dream

The pianist Satoko Fujii is joined by Takashi Sugawa and Ittetsu Takemura for these 5 songs that make up the outfit’s first studio album.

“Second Step” leads with the unpredictable keys alongside atmospheric drumming for the cinematic performance, and the title track follows with waves of ambience amid the radiant keys and strategic bass from Sugawa.

“Summer Day” occupies the middle spot and showcases Fujii’s finger acrobatics in a very artistic presence, while “Rain Drop” balances minimalism with reflective bouts via the moody rhythm section and building keys.

“Aruku” is the final track, and it’s a mesmerizing display of meticulous piano, unparalleled drumming from Takemura and eloquent bass for a dizzying exit.

The trio have already released 2 live albums, and this studio effort is just as exceptional, where the dynamic interaction and improvisational vision makes for top notch, avant-garde jazz.

Travels well with: Natsuki Tamura/Satoko Fujii- Aloft; Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio- Jet Black

Nick Frater

Oh Contraire!

Think Like A Key, 2025

9/10

Listen to Oh Contraire!

The UK artist Nick Frater wrote, performed, recorded, mixed and produced all the songs across this adventurous psyche-pop album.

“Fanfare” leads with the bright brass and animated strings that are complemented by Danny Wilkerson’s fluid drumming, and “My Heart’s In Stereo” follows with a driving mood that welcomes smooth vocals for the power-pop fueled melodies.

Moving into the middle, “Final Reminder” comes with a dreamy backdrop amid Tom Shotton’s skilled drumming, while “One Minute” invites singing along immediately to the animated melodies and retro-pop fun.

Arriving close to the end, the rich “Dreaming Of A Wonderland” makes great use of Luke Smith’s hand clapping via the sunny album highlight, and “Goodnight, Goodbye” exits with an intimate moment that’s guided by sophisticated piano and sublime strings.

Frater plays 20+ instruments here, and each song follows a path unique from the one before it for a truly timeless affair that could have been penned in any decade since the ‘60s.

Travels well with: John Howard- For Those That Wander By; Matt Tecu + Fernando Perdomo- Getting Warmer

John Howard

For Those That Wander By

Think Like A Key, 2025

8/10

Listen to For Those That Wander By

The veteran Spanish artist John Howard released his debut 50 years before this 2nd collaboration with Robert Cochrane, where a series of musical short stories unfolds with a theatrical presence.

The expressive singing and mature keys of “Losing Myself In Others” starts the 8 songs with much sophistication and grace, and “Dead At The Scene” follows with intimacy via the emotive keys and heartfelt vocals.

“Return Postcards” and “Casati’s Tears” arrive in the middle. The former pays close attention to mood thanks to the dreamy backdrop and percussive ideas, while the latter uses ‘70s rock ideas in harmonic ways that are both firm and melodic.

Arriving close to the end, “No Glitter In Revenge” offers a lush and dynamic album highlight, and “For Those That Wander By” exits with stirring songwriting that pairs the sincere singing with poetic piano playing.

A very mature effort of adult contemporary sounds, Howard’s vision focuses much on piano and solo vocals, but uses other ideas sparingly and with much attention to detail and retro bouts that are timeless.

Travels well with: Matt Tecu + Fernando Perdomo- Getting Warmer; Fernando Perdomo- Babies Of War Babies

Mitch Towne

Refuge

Cross Towne, 2025

8/10

Listen to Refuge

The modern jazz organist Mitch Towne is joined by Tetsuya Nishiyama and Jeffery Johnson for these 7 swingin’ and soulful tunes that make up his debut as a leader.

“Wolverine” opens with Towne’s finger acrobatics on keys, as Johnson’s frisky drums help illuminate the quick climate, and “Refuge” follows with Nishiyama’s radiant guitar amid the bright organ and melodic delivery.

Landing in the middle, “Ode To Kenny” offers plenty of rhythm thanks to the meticulous keys and well timed drums, while “Steepian Faith” is a stylish and crisp album highlight that allows for Towne’s expressive playing to shine.

“Act As If” exits the listen and showcases the trio’s inimitable talents alongside an animated presence of timeless jazz.

An excellent first time as leader, Towne guides his company through blues and funk nods that keep the organ trio spirit alive.

Travels well with: Daniel Garbin- Rising; Jake Hertzog- Ozark Concerto

Fernando Perdomo

Babies Of War Babies

Think Like A Key, 2025

9/10

Listen to Babies Of War Babies

The Los Angeles artist Fernando Perdomo takes on an adventurous project here, where he pays tribute to Hall & Oates' cult classic, War Babies, which happens to be his favorite album of all time.

The dreamy “Can’t Stop The Music (He Played It Much Too Long)” opens with Michael Collins’ thumping drums that suit the rich guitar from Perdomo and Mike Gent’s harmonic vocals, and “Is It A Star” follows with John Siegler’s frisky bass, which complements Perdomo’s lively keys and Rob Bonfiglio’s expressive pipes.

“‘70’s Scenario” occupies the middle spot and allows for John Powhida’s soulful singing to shine amid Andy Timmons’ meticulous lead guitar, while “War Baby (Son Of Zorro)” is a thicker moment thanks to Perdomo’s soaring guitar, bass, keys, Radio drums and percussion.

Residing close to the end, “Screaming Through December” recruits Rachel Flowers’ gritty and powerful singing alongside Dave Kerzner’s well timed synth, and “Johnny Gore And The “C” Eaters” exits with Nick Bertling’s distinct vocals and Perdomo’s meticulous guitars, bass and keys making for an energetic and timeless finish.

An interpretation of grooves, soulful, progressive and glam qualities, Perdomo really does make each track his own, and it’s a glorious and nostalgic affair that makes an impact even if you’ve never heard the original.

Travels well with: Matt Tecu + Fernando Perdomo- Getting Warmer; Tremeloes- Master

Daniel Garbin

Rising

6x20, 2025

8/10

Listen to Rising

The guitarist and sitar player Daniel Garbin is joined by Camila Cortina Bello, Scott Litroff, Eddy Khaimovich and Brian Woodruff for these 7 originals that are never short on grooves.

The title track resides in the lead off spot and showcases the dense sitar bouts amid Bello’s playful keys and Woodruff’s skilled drumming in the melodic climate, and “Simi’s Bossa” follows with Khaimovich’s animated bass amid the radiant guitar.

In the middle, “Anomisericordo” is a busy and meticulous album highlight that showcases the frisky keys, bouncy bass and Litroff’s animated sax playing, while “DSD” is full of elegance and grace thanks to the warm rhythm section, rich sax and fluid guitar playing.

The quick listen exits with “Into The Sunset”, where rhythm and grooves don’t disappoint for the timeless jazz and world music nods that are atmospheric.

A very diverse effort, we’re treated to haunting moments, Afro-Cuban influences and well timed solos that suit the harmonics and colorful vision.

Travels well with: Jake Hertzog- Ozark Concerto; Jae Sinnett- The Blur The Lines Project

Shawn E Okpebholo

Songs In Flight

Cedille, 2025

9/10

Listen to Songs In Fight

An all star assembly, the work of Shawn E Okpebholo is performed by Rhiannon Giddens, Will Liverman, Reginald Mobley, Karen Slack and the pianist Paul Sánchez across these world premieres.

“Prologue: Oh Freedom” leads with Giddens’ powerful pipes and Sánchez’s stirring keys in the spiritual climate, and “In Flight” follows with graceful keys complementing Liverman’s narration and Slack’s soaring soprano.

Further along, Sánchez’s rumbling keys add much to Liverman’s expressive baritone via “Peter”, while “Ahmaud” is an intimate lullaby thanks to Giddens’ stirring pipes and the gentle piano.

Deeper still, “An Echo, An Ending” welcomes Julian Velasco’s elegant saxophone to the atmospheric album highlight, and “I’m Sure” exits with a heartfelt and emotive presence courtesy of Slack’s inimitable voice and the gorgeous piano.

The soprano, countertenor and baritone voices are used flawlessly, and the piano is exceptional as well, where these timeless recordings shine a light on Okpebholo’s impactful vision that recruits new perspectives on historical stories.

Travels well with: Eighth Blackbird/David Lang- Composition As Explanation; Mary Elizabeth Bowden- Storyteller

Matt Tecu + Fernando Perdomo

Getting Warmer

Think Like A Key, 2025

9/10

Listen to Getting Warmer

Matt Tecu brings his drums, percussion , scratching guitar and mouth bass to Fernando Perdomo’s guitars, basses, keyboards, electric sitar and percussion for these 10 unclassifiable songs.

The thumping “Low Hanging Fruit” opens with a busy but precise climate that unfolds with plenty of rock influences that welcomes Rami Jaffee’s stragetic Hammond organ, and “Between The Sheets” follows with funk flavor, where the hazy delivery emits much soul.

Landing in the middle, “The Destiny Inn” is percussively strong and flirts with prog-rock, while “Foreign Correspondent” comes with a distinct dreaminess that’s pretty, cinematic and instantly memorable.

Closer to the end, “Sweat Weather” features Jaffee’s mellotron horns and saxophone that add much richness to the album’s best, and “Getting Warmer” exits with a moody and mesmerizing display of soft grooves.

This is the duo’s 2nd effort together, and much like the first, it’s an artistic affair that sophisticated, unpredictable and progressive in its own atypical vision.

Travels well with: Tremelos- Master; Ward White- Here Come The Dowsers!

Randal Despommier

South

Sunnyside, 2025

9/10

Listen to South

The New York saxophonist Randal Despommier returns with a 3rd album, where he explores his New Orleans roots with several players on hand for the 9 infectious tracks.

“Go To The Mardi Gras” leads with David Torkanowsky’s upbeat keys and Johnny Vidacovich’s punchy drums surrounding Despommier’s glowing sax playing, and “Southern Nights” follows with much attention to mood, as James Singleton’s cozy bass suits the rich and soulful sax.

In the middle, “Jelly Roll’s Living Room” is strong on melody, where the warm rhythm section and animated sax won’t go unnoticed, while “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” is an intimate moment via Aaron Holthus’ gentle bass and Despommier’s heartfelt wind.

The last 2 tracks are among the best. “Blues Rheumatica” places Jason Yeager on piano amid the cautious sax, and “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” exits with the expressive and poetic sax radiating beauty alongside Phil Despommier’s intricate drumming.

Both the originals and interpretations are fleshed out superbly, as Despommier and company illuminate the sounds of the Big Easy with fluidity, playfulness and much care.

Travels well with: Ben Kono Group- Voyages; Matt Slocum- Lion Dance

Patricio Morales

La Tierra Canta

Northsound, 2025

8/10

Listen to La Tierra Canta

The classical guitarist Patricio Morales uses his Chilean roots alongside classical ideas and jazz melodies for these 9 worldly songs that recruit many players.

The upbeat and rich title track begins with Vitor Goncalves’ playful accordion and Morales’ skilled guitar interacting with much warmth, and “Armando” follows with Rodrigo Recabarren’s frisky drumming that suits the cultured percussion.

Landing in the middle, “Canción Para Despedier A Emilia” is a dreamy moment via the cozy accordion and soft guitar, while “Rural Reflections” benefits much from Kahil Nayton’s well timed cavaquinho and Sebastian De Urquiza’s upright bass prowess.

Arriving close to the end, the meticulous textures of “Realismo Mágico” allows for Rogério Boccato’s Brazilian percussion to illuminate the dynamic album highlight, and “Keep In Touch” exits with a bright demeanor of uplifting and animated gestures.

The tracks here were penned early in Morales’ career and they sure have aged well. The technical delivery ranges from romantic to cautious to busy, and each selection ends entirely too soon.

Travels well with: Arturo O’Farrill- Mundoagua; Livio Almeida- Brasilia Sessions

Nnenna Freelon

Beneath The Skin

Origin, 2025

8/10

Listen to Beneath The Skin

The powerful vocalist Nnenna Freelon creates her most personal work to date, where Alan Pasqua, Keith Ganz, Jonathan Richards, Steve Hass, Evan Roberson and Shana Tucker accompany her across the 10 heartfelt tracks.

The intimate “Journey Of The Heart” opens the listen with Pasqua’s soft keys and Hass’ well timed drums that suit the expressive singing, and “Dark And Lovely” follows with a playful nature that allows for Freelon’s voice to soar amid Roberson’s rich trombone.

In the middle, Tucker’s graceful cello suits the reflective mood of “Widow Song”, while “Here’s Your Hat” showcases Ganz’s meticulous guitar playing and a frisky demeanor that’s rhythmic and melodic.

Close to the end, the traditional “Oh! Susanna” gets a fresh coat of paint thanks to Freelon’s lovely pipes and the dreamy keys, and “Last Dream Home” exits with a poetic appeal of gentle and touching songwriting.

Freelon has picked up 7 Grammy Nominations since her debut in 1992, and all these years later her vision still resonates with timeless jazz sensibilities, subdued wisdom and raw emotion.

Travels well with: Rodney Whitaker- Mosaic; Jason Keiser- Kind Of Kenny

Terence Collie

Elements

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Elements

A revered jazz pianist on the London scene, Terence Collie pens 5 tracks that surround the natural elements, and he’s got an all-star cast in attendance.

“Air” opens the listen with Jocasta Mudge’s graceful cello and Clare Kennington’s stirring violin that suit Collie’s skilled keys, and “Earth” follows with Nick Lenner-Webster’s strategic double bass amid the textured strings that radiate much beauty.

The middle track belongs to “Fire’, where a heartfelt and poetic climate unfolds with strong attention to mood, while “Water” uses Ted Carrasco’s fluid drumming superbly alongside the gentle melodies and dreamy piano playing.

The final piece, “Elements”, continues the elegance with the playful bass, meticulous keys and rich strings showcasing rhythmic and timeless jazz gestures that segues into articulate poetry.

A very memorable 48 minutes, the improvisational setting, emotive strings and lyrical power of spoken word poetry makes an indelible impression.

Travels well with: Larry Newcomb Quartet- Love, Dad;

Reiko Füting

distantViolinSound

New Focus, 2025

9/10

Listen to distantViolinSound

The composer Reiko Füting presents instrumental works for violin, where both solo and large group settings unfold with attention to the psychological and historical reference in regards to exploration of moral, artistic, political and spiritual decisions.

“passage: time (copy)” opens with Miranda Cuckson’s gripping violin that’s played with precision, adventurousness and a nearly sci-fi quivering, and “mo(ve) ment for 2: Choreophonie- Schatten/Spiegeltanz” follows with Doori Na’s violin and Jing Yang’s piano interacting with warmth, atmosphere and uniquely harmonic stabs.

Landing in the middle, “Chorale (‘those driven out will come”) recruits violins from Julia Jung Un Suh and Molly Germer, viola courtesy of Lena Vidulich and Thea Mesirow’s cello that emits much richness and expressiveness, where 2 quotes from the New and Old Testaments are present.

Deeper on the back half, “act: ab-stain, from” offers an atypical chamber vision via Ford Fourqurean’s clarinet, Matheus Souza’s violin, Issei Herr’s cello and Daniel Anastasio’s piano that balances both firm and soft gestures, and “von der Stadt” exits with an ensemble present for the nearly 9 minutes of winds, strings, Ronald Vitzhum’s double bass and Füting’s keys that radiate mystery, beauty and elegance.

A truly engaging effort of modern chamber and contemporary classical sounds, Füting’s vision guides us through assimilation, dissimilation, integration, disintegration and segregation with an enlightening spirit.

Travels well with: New Thread Quartet- Saxifraga; Zack Clarke & Chris Irvine- Stereotaxi

Yuto Mitomi

Continuation

YM Sounds, 2019

8/10

Listen to Continuation

The tenor and soprano saxophonist Yuto Mitomi finds himself in the leader position for the 2nd time on this 2019 album, where Takahiro Izumikawa, Moto Fukushima and Kazuhiro Odagiri are in attendance.

“Joe’s Twigs” opens the listen with a lively spirit, where Mitomi’s animated sax is met with Izumikawa’s playful keys, and the title track follows with Fukushima’s cozy bass amid the wind acrobatics.

The middle tracks belong to “Schist City” and “When I Took A Tip On A Train”. The former is cozy and soulful alongside much beauty, while the latter radiates melody and timeless jazz qualities via the skilled keys and upbeat rhythm section.

Landing close to the end, “Kirin” is a busy but meticulous moment where Mitomi’s soaring sax shines alongside the buzzing bass, and “Pure Imagination” exits with a stylish and memorable spirit thanks to the rhythmic gestures and strong attention to detail.

Mitomi has put out 2 more album since this one, and his approach to jazz is certainly well thought out and much appreciated.

Travels well with: Yuto Mitomi- Epicycle; Nic Vardanega- New Beginning

Zack Clarke & Chris Irvine

Stereotaxi

Panoramic, 2025

9/10

Listen to Stereotaxi

The pianist and composer Zack Clarke and cellist Chris Irvine come together for these 14 spontaneous pieces that illuminate their inimitable chamber jazz vision.

The quivering strings and dancing keys of “Gliding Through” leads with much creativity via the skilled interaction between the pair, and “Fragments Of Sunrise” follows with a softer presence, where the stirring strings are met with emotive piano.

Closer to the middle, the firm keys of “Dancing On Fumes” suit the unpredictable cello that unfolds with a cinematic quality, while “Waking In Water” radiates tremendous warmth and mystery surrounding the swirling keys and heartfelt strings.

Further yet, “Rise To The Highest” emits much grace amid the sophisticated gestures and strong attention to atmosphere, and “Dreams Of Weight” exits with a trace of darkness embedded in the hint of the blues and a distinct intensity.

An album of unexpected shifts, microtonal harmonies and avant-garde ideas alongside the atypical artistry, Clarke and Irvine collaborate with plenty of intrigue and awe.

Travels well with: Pulse- Pulse; Travis LaPlante- The Golden Lock

Yuto Mitomi

Epicycle

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen Epicycle

The Japanese jazz saxophonist and composer Yuto Mitomi is joined by Takahiro Izumikawa, Takahiro Izumikawa, and Keita Ogawa for these 8 adventurous tracks that are improvised but with structure.

The lush and warm “Morning Haze” begins with Izumikawa’s mature keys alongside Mitomi’s soulful sax for the elegant and rich jazz climate, and “Dew” follows with Ogawa’s frisky drums that suit the flowing melodies and cozy sax.

Halfway through, “Epicycle II” is percussively strong amid the lively sax and well timed keys, while “Grappling Cats” is both cautious and exploratory, as the quartet blend their inimitable talents with much creativity.

“Spline” and “Same Sky, Same Night” exit the listen. The former is mesmerizing, harmonic and makes great use of Fukushima’s skilled bass, and the latter is more rock focused, where Mitomi’s bright wind aligns with scrappy keys and the dense rhythm section.

A really stylish and playful version of modern jazz, Mitomi and his company improvised 3 tracks in the studio, and the other 5 are unpredictable and exciting, too.

Travels well with: Nic Vardanega- New Beginning; Alexa Torres Quartet- In Situ

Lyn Stanley

Lyn Stanley’s Favorite Takes: London With A Twist Live At Bernie’s

ATM, 2019

8/10

Listen to Lyn Stanley’s Favorite Takes London With A Twist Live At Bernie’s

The esteemed swing singer is no stranger to taking risks in her career, and here Lyn Stanley delivers a direct to disc recording that bypasses magnetic tape and goes straight to analog.

“Route 66” starts the album with a light jazz setting of agile percussion and plenty of rhythm as Stanley’s smooth vocals guide the way, and her version of Springsteen’s “Pink Cadillac” has the songstress entering rhythm and blues territory with lively results.

Further on, Stanley gets emotional with the heartfelt “Lover Man”, while the vocally sublime “Love Letters” truly captures the depth of her singing abilities. Deeper cuts include the intimate “Body And Soul”, and the listen ends with “In The Still Of The Night”, where much attention to groove finishes the affair.

If you’re paying attention, this is Stanley’s 2nd nod to Julie London as she released London Calling not too long ago, and her unique recording process here really adds to the genuine experience.

Though she may have gotten a late start in the music world, Stanley is making up for it quick, already winning Female Jazz Vocalist Of The Year in 2018, and those inimitable pipes again make Live At Bernie’s mandatory listening for jazz enthusiasts.

Travels well with: Julie London- Sophisticated Lady; Diana Krall- The Look Of Love