Jefferson Ross

Backstage Balladeer

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Backstage Balladeer

An album that was penned, recorded, performed and mixed by Jefferson Ross, the 14 genuine songs surround themes of life, death, faith, doubt and the American South.

The warm spirit of “Crooked Lines” opens with Ross’ deep pipes that complement the soft melodies, and “Power” follows with some gospel influences entering the swift and upbeat delivery.

Landing close to the middle, the snappy “Let’s Start A Cult” will get you on the dance floor with its frisky energy that’s clever and comical, while “Serpent” is a rich album highlight that swirls with intrigue and mystery in a darker climate.

“The Blues And The Blood” arrives closer to the end and showcases a strong southern influence of vivid storytelling and rugged roots rock, and “House Of The Lord” exits with a spiritual intimacy of beauty and grace.

Ross plays both Fenders and Martins here, and his well thought out wordplay and timeless songwriting makes for an engaging solo effort.

Travels well with: Jefferson Ross- Southern Currency; Ron Houston- R.O.A.M.

Alice Howe & Freebo

Live

Know Howe, 2025

8/10

Listen to Live

The always impressive Alice Howe is joined by Freebo and Jeff Fielder for these 14 powerful songs that were captured live with no second takes or overdubs.

“Twilight” starts with soft acoustic strumming and eloquent singing alongside Freebo’s cozy bass playing, and the more rugged “She’s My Personal GPS” welcomes blues and funk that allows for Freebo’s playful voice to complement the grooves.

Closer to the middle, the breezy spirit of “You’ve Been Away So Long” spotlights Howe’s pretty pipes that shine amid the upbeat acoustic guitar and cozy electric guitar from Fielder, while “Sometimes It’s For Nothin’” is a harmonic and rock fueled album highlight where the trio display their inimitable talents.

Residing close to the end, “If Not Now When” flirts with Americana and adds a fun interlude of the classic “Six Days On The Road”, and “Angel From Montgomery” exits with an emotive duet that’s bluesy and heartfelt.

Howe and Freebo have been recording and touring together since 2017, and this collection of ballads and swampy, rockin’ moments showcases their dynamic chemistry that benefits much from Fielder’s contributions.

Travels well with: Alice Howe- Circumstance; Kim Beggs- Beneath Your Skin

Anupam Shobhakar

Liquid Reality

AGS, 2025

9/10

Listen to Liquid Reality

A really unique effort that combines Indian Classical sounds with hybrid electric guitar from Anupam Shobhakar, the 7 fusion tracks welcome plenty of guests, too.

“Anjaneya” opens with a distinct haze, where Shobhakar’s guitar acrobatics are met with wild keys, and “Ladders To The Sky” follows with the soaring, wordless vocals that suit the worldly melodies and swirling dynamics.

Moving into the middle, the playful vocals of “Formless” are complemented by firm keys, exploratory drums and Gumbi Ortiz’s animated percussion, while “La Danse du Bonheur” offers a busy album highlight of fascinating and cultured song craft.

“Home” exits and is a moment of serenity via the soothing guitar and waves of colorful, timeless beauty thanks to Shobhakar’s inimitable guitar playing.

A highly technical version of prog-rock that embraces both western and eastern ideas, the contributions from Utsav Lal (piano), Ben Parag (vocals), Satoshi Takeishi (drums), Swaminathan SelvaGanesh (vocals, ghatam, kanjeera, mridangam), Santiago Leibson (piano), Ona Kirei (vocals) and Chris Saravino (drums) won’t go unnoticed, either.

Travels well with: Juana Luna- Canciones En Blanco Y Negro; Kenny Kosek- Twisted Sage

Unicorn

Shed No Tear: The Early Late Unicorn

Think Like A Key, 2024

10/10

Listen to Shed No Tear: The Early Late Unicorn

The English legends Unicorn see their formative and final years assembled across these 22 songs which unfold with their timeless and unique folk rock ways that no one has seemed to parallel.

The warm guitar and crisp drums of “Open Sea” starts with Ken Baker’s fluid guitar and smooth voice guiding the harmonic climate, and it isn’t long until Pat Martin’s playful bass suits the intimacy of “Singing Your Praise”.

Further into the 1977-1978 Sessions, “Restless” is full of meticulous guitar playing and frisky percussion that’s got plenty of rhythm, while “Family Tree” starts off The Late Recordings 1967-1969 with a busier approach of rawness and melody.

Deeper still, “Working Man” recruits mesmerizing keys and a distinct dreaminess that showcases Pete Perryer’s skilled drumming, and the bonus track, “Weekend”, was tracked live in 1975 and allows for the band’s timeless vision to radiate beauty via their inimitable, country-rock ways.

Unicorn released 4 albums during their existence, but many compilations have documented their brief but luminous career. Similarities to Big Star, The Byrds, The Eagles and Dave Gilmour won’t go unnoticed, and the garage rock and psychedelic traces they employed sure do sound great all these decades later.

Travels well with: Ward White- Ward White Is The Matador; Nick Frater- Oh Contraire!

Applesauce Tears

Balcony Confidential

Black Cottage, 2025

9/10

Listen to Balcony Confidential

The Atlanta outfit Applesauce Tears return with a 13th studio album, where a very stylish meshing of jazz, electronic and indie-rock come together for 12 songs that has the front man Craig Bennett taking plenty of help.

“Near Markermeer” leads with Bennett’s bright synth and cozy bass alongside M. McMick’s precise drums for plenty of atmosphere, and “Madchen And Marigold” follows with an upbeat mood via the warm melodies and Bennett’s dreamy guitar presence.

Close to the middle, the rich “It’s Weird To Exist” benefits from flowing synth and Tama McGee’s soaring vocals, while “A Celebration Of Genever” pairs ambience with ‘Marm’ Dobson’s elegant sax in the soothing album highlight.

Arriving near the end, “A Poem In Pencil” builds into waves of emotion and exploration that are ethereal and mesmerizing, and “You’re Not Alone (Actually You Are)” exits with mystery and lush ideas that unfold meticulously.

A really involved effort that never actually uses words, Applesauce Tears textures their vision with beauty amid psychedelic, shoegaze and experimental songwriting.

Travels well with: Littrell- Public Love; Herdd- Afterlife

The Davenports

You Could’ve Just Said That

Mother West, 2025

9/10

Listen to You Could’ve Just Said That

This 5th album from The Davenports, which consists of the multi-instrumentalist Scott Klaas and a rotating cast of players, brings plenty of indie-rock ideas that are harmonic and among his most intimate to date.

The upbeat and vocally smooth “When Everything’s Over” opens with a playful jangle and warm melodies, and “The Annabellas Of The World” follows with cozy acoustic strumming and charming keys that suit the rich delivery.

Some of the best tracks reside in the middle. “We’re Talking About You” comes with soulfulness and animated bass lines, while “Full Length Mirror” is a more bare moment of poetic songwriting and heartfelt singing where Klass hits some high notes.

Arriving close to the end, “When I Tell You That I’m Sorry” emits timeless folk qualities via the sophisticated keys and eloquent wordplay, and “We Know We Want To” exits with reflection and grace thanks to the gentle singing and pop friendly musicianship.

If you find interest in artists like Fountains of Wayne, Ben Folds or ever Weezer, you’re really going to appreciate The Davenports and their thoughtful, universally enjoyable formula.

Travels well with: Colony House- The Cannonballers; Brian Straw- Baby Stars/Dead Languages

West Of Rome

Keep It Fly In The Negative Zone

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Keep It Fly In The Negative Zone

A South Texas band of long time friends, West Of Rome, i.e. Blake Smithson, Charlie Roadman, Jaime Roadman and Kevin Higginbotham, make an indelible impression with this diverse and sincere debut.

The sturdy rocker, “Movement In Your Pictures”, starts with Higginbotham’s distinct voice alongside Charles’ driving guitar and the crisp rhythm section for a retro-rock climate, and “The Empire Never Ended” follows with rugged and melodic gestures that benefit from James’ thumping drums.

In the middle, “Keep It Fly” swirls with a harmonic quality amid the fluid indie-rock nods, while “New Hieroglyphic” tips its hat to Elliott Smith with a rare intimacy that uses Smithson’s bass strategically.

“Haunt Me” and “Take A Ride With The Evil One” exit the listen. The former is more dreamy than eerie, with muscular guitar in between the animated drumming, and the latter builds into a rich and dynamic, Roky Erickson influenced finish of alt-rock traces.

The members of West Of Rome have esteemed resumes, and their collective strength makes for an indie-rock experience that carries traces of punk, Americana and alt-country that you’ll want to revisit again.

Travels well with: Michael Rudd- Going To The Mountain; Chris Walz- All I Got And Gone

Almufaraka

Master Of Disorder

Circum-Disc, 2025

9/10

Listen to Master Of Disorder

Almufaraka, i.e. Gaëlle Debra, Patrick Guionnet, Maryline Pruvost and Peter Orins, come together for this avant-garde experience that’s as unpredictable as it is exciting.

The uniquely and abstractly voices of “Psychopomp” begins the listen with a bit of a found object background ambience, and “Holotropic” follows with howling, screeching and shouting amid the noisy and scattered setting.

“Autosuggestion” occupies the middle spot and showcases Orins’ drumming acrobatics amid wordless vocals, while “Theophobia” twists and turns with cinematic stabs of percussive sounds and vocal gestures.

Close to the end, “Psilocybin” yelps and drones via inimitable attention to mood, and “Cryptozoological” exits with the many voices grunting, shrieking and making other unclassifiable utterances that are primitive, eerie and highly unusual.

An artistic and iconoclastic assembly of seemingly disjointed sounds, this is sonic imagination that can whisper, cry or yelp with a fascinating and often perplexing appeal.

Travels well with: Woo- Hoo-Ha; Kaze- Unwritten

Steve Sandberg Trio

Live At Soapbox Gallery

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Live At Soapbox Gallery

The pianist Steve Sandberg is joined by Michael O’Brien and Jay Sawyer for these 3 covers and 6 originals that explore his diverse jazz formula.

The frisky “Karma Yoga” begins with Sandberg’s quick keys and Sawyer’s crisp drumming making for a flowing jazz climate, and “Under The Floor” follows with the pretty piano and O’Brien’s skilled bass that emit a reflective mood.

“Isfahan” and “The Poet’s Dream” arrive in the middle. The former focuses on Sandberg’s meticulous key progressions with much melody, while the latter is strong on ambience via the dreamy piano and cautious drumming.

Close to the end, “Dave Amber’s Dream” allows for the radiant and thoughtful piano to unfold with grace amid the precise rhythm section, and “George Henry” exits with a playful mood thanks to the lively keys and animated rhythm section.

Sandberg has a lengthy and impressive resume that goes back to the ‘80s, and here with his excellent company he fleshes out timeless jazz that’s intricate but easily accessible.

Travels well with: Jerry Kalaf- Safe Travels; Rodney Whitaker- Mosaic

Jason Boland And The Stragglers

The Last Kings Of Babylon

Thirty Tigers, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Last Kings Of Babylon

The Oklahoma native Jason Boland returns with 10 new songs that are reflective and meticulous, where the Stragglers bring their inimitable talents.

“Next To Last Hank Williams” begins with Boland’s deep pipes amid thumping drums and warm fiddle, and the lively “Truest Colors” follows with quick melodies and plenty of country rock nods that you can’t not enjoy.

Halfway through, “High Time” showcases fiddle acrobatics amid the playful singing and dance floor energy, while “One Law At A Time” is an intimate moment of sublime beauty and poetic song craft that tugs on the heart strings.

Close to the end, “Irish Goodbye” finds a dreamy place to reside thanks to the pretty guitar, eloquent vocals and rural spirit, and “Buffalo Return To The Plains” exits with harmonic keys guiding the fluid melodies and Boland’s charming vocals.

An album that’s a little more muscular than his previous work, Boland embraces plenty of folk traditions via these well thought out and memorable stories.

Travels well with: Mike McClure- Looking Up; The Great Divide- Providence

Sylvie Courvoisier/Wadada Leo Smith

Angel Falls

Intakt, 2025

9/10

Listen to Angel Falls

The pianist Sylvie Courvoisier and trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith come together for a first duo project that radiates tremendous chemistry and improvisational skill via the 8 unpredictable tracks.

The atmospheric “Olo’Upnea And Lightning” opens with the hazy trumpet and strategic keys making for both bare and mysterious sounds, and “Naomi Peak” follows with the bright horn and firm keys interacting with adventurousness.

Arriving at the halfway point, “A Line Through Time” carries much ambience thanks to the soulful versus rumbling aspects, while “Vireo Bellii” comes with a distinct dreaminess that showcases Courvoisier’s unique keys amid the well timed trumpet bouts.

Landing close to the end, “Sonic Utterance” offers cinematic qualities that are both firm and pretty, and “Kairos” exits with minimalism that’s explored with cautiousness and meticulousness.

An unparalleled effort of artistry that few others could replicate, the sonic detail and atypical jazz gestures ensure a very interesting and exciting body of work.

Travels well with: Sara Serpa- Encounters & Collisions; Day Dream- Duke & Strays Live

Kim Beggs

Beneath Your Skin

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Beneath Your Skin

The veteran musician Kim Beggs brings along some excellent help for these 13 diverse songs that make up her 7th solo record.

The warm “Ragged In The Frozen Mist” leads with Beggs’ cozy voice, Mike O’Brien’s electric guitar and Howard Bilerman’s soft drums adding much to the sincerity, and the title track follows with Michelle Thompson’s well timed backing vocals that complement the sweet and melodic delivery.

Landing close to the middle, “House For Slaughter” welcomes Lilah’s guitar and bass and pencilina thanks to Shawnee Kilgore that suits the quiet beauty, while “Mostly I Am Making Friends Across This Land” is just guitar and vocals in the sparse and heartfelt climate of poetic beauty.

Residing close to the end, “Little Tin Cup” showcases Larson’s slide guitar and Charlotte Cornfeld’s bass and backing vocals via the old time and playful album highlight, and “Down By The River Where The People Gather” exits with upbeat strumming and some organ fun amid a frisky energy.

Somewhere between folk, roots, Americana and old time sounds, Beggs is an engaging storyteller and her friendly voice and attention to melody makes every tune worth repeated listens.

Travels well with: Mallory Chipman- Songs To A Wild God; Jenny Burtis- Woodbird

Andorra

III

April, 2025

9/10

Listen to III

The Denmark quintet Andorra return with a 3rd album of their instrumental ways, where a ‘modern vintage’ approach unfolds across 7 original pieces.

The rich and flowing “Lyleland” leads with Nikolaj Bundvig’s fluid drumming that suits Mads la Cour’s soulful brass and Simon Krebs’ dreamy guitar, and "53 Days Of November” follows with a more rock focused mood that’s introspective and makes great use of Morten Jørgensen’s skilled bass.

“Three Tree” and “Mingus” arrive in the middle. The former employs ambience strategically amid the cinematic swells of melody and mystery, while the latter showcases the meticulous bass lines, spirited guitar and animated keys thanks to Peter Kohlmetz Møller.

The record ends with “Ember”, where an atmospheric and textured delivery is both lush and ambitious in a post-rock sort of way.

A really creative effort that relies on grooves, color, manipulation and brooding bouts, Andorra make modern jazz like few others can, and it’s really intriguing and memorable.

Travels well with: Filippo Dall’Asta- The Hot Club Of Tenerife; Luca Sestak- Lighter Notes

Sorrows

Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow

Big Stir, 2025

9/10

Listen to Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow

Sorrows consists of Arthur Alexander, Joey Cola, Ricky Street and Jett Harris, and this previously unheard album from 1981 showcases their timeless and under appreciated, gritty rock formula.

“Never Mind” starts the record with Alexander and Cola’s dense guitars that suit Harris’ intricate drumming and percussive fun via plenty of proto-punk spirit, and “Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadow?” follows with playful drumming and plenty of rhythm that invites singing-along.

Further along, “Kiss You Later” is ready for the dance floor thanks to the animated rhythm section and melodic singing from Alexander and Cola, while “Cricket Man” offers a John Lennon tribute that comes with fluid keys and soaring vocal harmonies.

Close to the end, the rockabilly festivities of “Somethin’ Else” benefits much from Street’s bass acrobatics, and “You Don’t Own Me” exits with a thumping retro-rocker that sounds right at home in today’s version of charged garage rock.

It’s amazing that this was recorded in just one night. The band’s punk influenced, CBGB roots are always present, and they manage to incorporate power-pop traces into their raw approach that will appeal to fans of Ramones, The Buzzcocks, The Kinks or The Cars.

Travels well with: Librarians With Hickeys- How To Make Friends By Telephone; The Half/Cubes- Pop Treasures

Sofia Härdig

Lighthouse Of Glass

Bark At Your Owner, 2025

9/10

Listen to Lighthouse Of Glass

The Swedish artist Sofia Härdig wrote a song a day for a year and a half, and that provided the blueprint for these art-influenced pop songs that touch on gothic ideas.

“April” gets the listen off to a rich start, where bright vocals and Robert Johnson’s agile drumming suit the busy but precise delivery, and “Collison” follows with Daniel Ruiz’s soft drums suiting the soulful singing and graceful keys of a very cautious landscape.

“Kingdom Come” occupies the middle spot and pays close attention to mood via the soft melodies and Sara Edin’s sophisticated violin, while “Kind Of Light” places Ottilia Säll on drums for a uniquely chamber vision that’s colorful and dynamic.

“In Silence” and “Strange Race” exit the listen. The former is a scrappy, rock fueled moment that’s dreamy and raw, and the latter benefits from Conny Städe’s drums amid the textured strings and Bebe Risenfors’ meticulous keys.

A very unique meshing of post-punk, goth-rock and art-pop, you might be reminded of Patti Smith or Nick Cave here, as Härdig’s range is explored with much intrigue and diversity.

Travels well with: Isolated Youth- miserere mei; Hiatus- Is

Rooster Blackspur

Nashville: The Cinderella Sessions

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Nashville: The Cinderella Sesssions

The former New Mexico resident Rooster Blackspur now calls Nashville home, and these 7 songs sure do fit in well with her new city.

The frisky and punchy opener, “Kicking Up Dust”, finds itself in playful, country-rock territory, and “Hard Road” follows with graceful keys and heartfelt singing that emits much grace and soulfulness.

“Lonely Angels” and “Leaving New Mexico” land in the middle. The former is a powerful and emotional EP highlight that showcases Blackspur’s inimitable pipes, while the latter comes with charming twang and breezy melodies that won’t take long to admire. The quick listen exits with “Big Dipper”, where a poetic appeal and soft instrumentation make an indelible impression.

A veteran artist with an impressive resume, Blackspur’s leap to Nashville is a win for her listeners, as evidenced by these authentic, tender, gritty and timeless country ideas that might bring to mind Lucinda Williams.

Travels well with: The W Lovers- For A Day Or A Lifetime; Jenny Reynolds- Any Kind Of Angel

Isolated Youth

miserere mei

Memorials of Distinction, 2025

10/10

Listen to miserere mei

The first album from the Swedish post-punk outfit Isolated Youth, the 11 songs are influenced by their Nordic landscape and legends like The Chameleons, The Gun Club and Siouxie & The Banshees.

The busy and droning “A New Day” leads with a harmonic backdrop that suits the hazy singing and Andreas Geidemark’s thumping drums, and “Love Locked In A Dark Room” follows with Axel Mardberg’s melodic pipes alongside William Mardberg’s swirling guitar that complements the atmospheric delivery.

Closer to the middle, Elmer Hallsby’s dense bass illuminates the ‘80s post-punk flavor of “Oath”, while “En ny dag” uses intimate keys amid a distinct ambience of beauty and minimalism.

Further still, “I Have My Faith” carries an atypical density that benefits from the mesmerizing rhythm section and powerful singing, and “Where Have You Been” exits with gothic tendencies that align with grace, mystery and textured allure.

Isolated Youth pen an incredible first album, as they put their hat in the ring as one of the finest new post-punk bands that exists today.

Travels well with: Hiatus- Is; Devarrow- Heart Shaped Rock

Antonio Andrade

Here We Go!

Life Shakes, 2025

8/10

Listen to Here We Go!

The singer, guitarist and harmonica player Antonio Andrade is joined by an all star cast for these 16 well thought out tracks that comprise his 9th LP.

After the quick intro, “This Is It!”, showcases Andrade’s swift guitar and Kj Reimensyder-Wagner’s smooth voice, and the upbeat “The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down” follows with Ed Lesser’s frisky drums that suit the sing-alongs.

Further along, the folk friendly “Forever Young” puts a fun spin on the Rod Stewart classic thanks to the soulful harmonica and rootsy feeling, while “Drive” is a dreamy interpretation of The Cars that uses Denny Neidich’s reserved drumming and Richard Ranaglia’s well timed clarinet.

Deeper still, the cultured and rich “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” enlists Ranaglia’s well timed sax, and “Love Shack” benefits from Neidich’s congas and Amma Johnson’s animated voice for the dance floor ready festivities.

Most of these tunes have been a part of Andrade’s live set for awhile, and his knack for making known songs all his own makes for a charming and memorable effort.

Travels well with: Dean Mueller- Wishes Never Gone; Ron Houston- R.O.A.M

Art Pepper

Geneva 1980

Omnivore, 2025

9/10

Listen to Geneva 1980

We’re treated to over 2 hours of live music from the legendary Art Pepper, as Geneva 1980 collects 10 performances recorded on July 5, 1980, at the New Morning in Geneva, Switzerland.

“Ophelia” begins with Pepper’s eloquent and fluid sax amid Carl Burnett’s frisky drums for the timeless jazz climate, and “Mambo Koyama” follows with Tony Dumas’ playful bass that suits the animated delivery of rhythmic gestures.

At the halfway point, “I’ll Remember April” recruits a lively spirit via the bright sax and Milcho Leviev’s meticulous keys, while “Valse Triste” offers a dynamic album highlight that showcases Pepper’s inimitable vision alongside the unpredictable rhythm section.

“Goodbye” and “Blues For Les” exit the listen. The former is heartfelt and full of emotion in its 13+ minutes, and the latter meshes the timeless qualities of the blues and jazz thanks to the quartet’s inestimable talents.

Even though Pepper was dealing with health issues, his playing here is superb, and the sound quality is excellent. A wonderful tribute to one of the all time jazz greats, this performance is Pepper at his creative peak.

Travels well with: Grant Green- Funk In France; Charles Lloyd- Vanished Gardens

Mark Doyle

Watching The Detectives Guitar Noir III

Free Will, 2019

8/10

Listen to Watching The Detectives Guitar Noir III

If you’ve been following Mark Doyle’s esteemed career, you might recall that Guitar Noir was originally released 20 years ago. This time around, Doyle revisits the concept with emphasis on detective and spy theme songs, as well as a couple tunes outside the theme that were too good to not include.

“Detectives Medley” starts the listen with interpretations of “Watching The Detectives” (Costello), “Get Smart” (Szathmary), and “The Untouchables” (Riddle), as dynamic interplay between the rhythm section and Doyle’s meticulous guitar work add mystery and much intrigue to the affair.

Further along, “Lost Letter” (Previn) recruits blues spirited guitar work in the emotive rocker, while “American Drinks And Goes Home”, one of the two songs that isn’t detective based, has Doyle reworking the Zappa tune with elegance and a soothing quality that approaches jazz.

Deeper cuts bring us the Doyle original “Noir Alley”, which is a hushed and cryptic tune with brushed percussion and a memorable bass line, and the string heavy “It Takes A Thief” (Grusin), where an orchestral angle flows alongside meticulous guitar work and aching cello. “Everytime” (Cole) ends the listen with grace and six string acrobatics from Doyle in a more calm but no less impactful setting.

Doyle’s resume is impressive, starting with Jukin’ Bone, who were signed to a major label when he was still a teenager, and he currently fronts Mark Doyle & The Maniacs. An artist who has done pretty much everything one can do in the business, this cinematic, instrumental cop-jazz might seem like a very niche idea, but will certainly be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates ‘60s soundtracks and guitar focused instrumental records.

Travels well with: Jeff Beck- There And Back; Bill Frisell- Big Sur