GrayBeat

Special Characters

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Special Characters

The recording moniker of Robin Sedivy, as GrayBeat the renaissance man blends electronica, rock, jazz, hip-hop and African music into 12 unclassifiable tunes.

The spacey and club friendly buzzing of “Star Gram” follows with plenty of animated electronica, and “GalactiCruisin’” follows with a dense beat and flowing synth-rock that’s colorful and lively.

Further along, “Concrete Labyrinth” uses manipulated voices with both rock and hip-hop flavor, while “Paper Shoes” carries much melody via the meticulous instrumentation and warm singing.

Closer to the end, “Realms Of Passion” pairs wordless vocals and sci-fi stabs with much playfulness, and “Diamond Mic” exits with Hookdiggy’s vocals amid both jazz and hip-hop nods.

GrayBeat began as a jazz fusion drummer and his interest in software and technology brings a very creative angle to these remastered and live remixes that are infectious.

Travels well with: D’lakes- Heaven Is A Silent Disco; Heatbox- Hilarious & Epically Legendary

Grey DeLisle

The Grey Album

Hummin’bird, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Grey Album

The veteran artist and Grammy winner and Emmy nominee Grey DeLisle returns with a double album of thoughtful songwriting that surrounds love gone awry, raising children when divorced, and her Mexican heritage.

DeLisle’s gorgeous voice and Greg Leisz’s inviting steel guitar open “Hello I’m Lonesome” with much attention to detail, and a bit further along “A Coastal Town” invites Tammy Rogers’ violin and viola to the emotional and soft climate.

Deeper into the first half, the spoken word, autoharp and poetic singing of “Daddy Can You Fix A Broken Heart” offers a flawless delivery, while “Convince Me” is a sparse moment of sophistication and intimacy, where DeLisle’s enchanting voice won’t go unnoticed.

Bookending the record are “Take Me Dancing Again” and “Red Dress”. The former recruits David Ralicke’s strategic trumpet and the latter enlists Murry Hammond’s (Old 97’s) rich acoustic guitar and Etzion’s charming mandolins for the pretty finish.

DeLisle might best be known for her work on The Simpsons as Martin, Scooby-Doo as Daphne and Spongebob Squarepants as Preda Tory and Big Roxie, but this 7th studio record illustrates her exceptional singing that draws parallels to Loretta Lynn, June Carter Cash or Dolly Parton.

Travels well with: Ron Pope- American Man, American Music; Effie Zilch- Multitudes

Kung Fu Hippies

North

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to North

The Minnesota outfit Kung Fu Hippies have been at it for two and a half decades now, and this first album after a number of setbacks has the band in fine form and ready to rock.

The energetic “Days Gone By” opens with Buzz Chopper’s bright keys and Frank Leonovich’s distinct voice guiding the melodic climate, and “Brutus” follows with Chad Whittaker’s flowing bass and the expressive singing amid much rhythm.

“Northwoods Boy” and “Ely Town” occupy the middle spots. The former makes great use of Brad Ray’s warm acoustic guitar via the strong attention to mood, while the latter is a breezy moment of harmonics and thoughtful song craft.

The final track, “Cameo”, then allows for all 6 members to display their skills in the lush and sometimes dreamy songwriting that’s sophisticated yet playful.

A triumphant return from some very difficult times, Kung Fu Hippies span a lot of ideas around the rock spectrum with careful yet frisky precision. The real question is, can they get their fellow Minnesotans Kung Fools to reunite for a split release?

Travels well with: Dallas Orbiter- Spaceman Things; Verskotzi- Shiring

Pam Linton

Songs Of The Carter Family

New Folk, 2025

8/10

Listen to Songs Of The Carter Family

The Minnesota native Pam Linton got her start in music at church, and her diverse approach is very much appreciated across these new ‘old’ songs that pay tribute to The Carter Family.

The warm and melodic “Keep On The Sunnyside” opens with Linton’s expressive voice alongside Corrina Stephens’ soothing fiddle and cozy guitar, and “Can The Circle Be Unbroken” follows with Jeremy Stephens’ chunky banjo complementing the bluegrass inspired climate.

Deeper into the 15 tracks, the intimate mood of “Farther On” pairs the powerful pipes with dreamy instrumentation, while “I Ain’t Gonna Work Tomorrow” is a swift album highlight that showcases dynamic interaction between the players and Linton’s vivid storytelling.

Arriving close to the end, the poetic and emotive “Bury Me Under The Weeping Willow Tree” allows for Linton’s gorgeous singing to shine, and “Walking On The Kings Highway” exits with a busy demeanor of animated strings and plenty of gospel influences.

Linton and company put a fresh coat of paint on these classic tracks, where the timeless country and bluegrass won’t be hard to appreciate but will be difficult to forget.

Travels well with: Nolen Sellwood- Cadence To The Flame; George Marinelli- Except Always

Taylor Robert

Brighter Day

Roll n Soul, 2025

8/10

Listen to Brighter Day

The Minneapolis artist Taylor Robert has an impressive resume, and this solo effort was penned following a divorce and offers a forthright peek at his ‘Roll N Soul’ sound.

The warm keys and soulful pipes of the title track opens, where Robert hits some high notes amid much grace, and “Around Here” follows with cozy keys and personal storytelling that’s heartfelt.

At the halfway point, “Good Love” recruits Hammond B3 and Jay Corkran’s fluid drumming that’s got some grooves, while “Only Love” offers meticulous, rootsy ideas that welcome well timed backing vocals and much power.

Deeper yet, “Long Time Comin’”places Dario Perkins on vocals alongside the dreamy and lush album highlight, and “Jeep Truck” exits with spoken word and a frisky mood that benefits from Dan Neale’s upbeat guitar and Joe Savage’s spirited harmonica.

Robert’s vision spans many emotions and genres, and in the process of restarting his life he penned these relatable and easily enjoyable tunes.

Travels well with: The Scarlet Goodbye- El Camino Adios; December Friend- In A Warm Way

Yev

Yev

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Yev

This first album from the guitarist and vocalist Yev blends folk, blues, pop and world music ideas via these 9 tracks that surround hope, loss and the search for belonging.

The heartfelt “Refugee” opens the listen with expressive singing and Yev’s melodic guitar playing, and “Witness” follows with many backing vocals that suit the harmonic landscape.

In the middle, “Hunger” displays a dreamy delivery of rich and colorful songwriting, while “Last Prayer” is a fuller album highlight that uses drums and bass strategically amid the emotive vocals.

Residing close to the end, “Kozak’s Lament” is a cautious moment of vivid storytelling that touches on Yev’s Ukrainian roots, and “Bez Mene” exits with cultured ideas and timeless pop and rock nods that are textured with beauty.

A strong debut album, there’s haunting moments, sublime balladry and busier bouts of folk-rock that touch on the human experience with mature, enlightening and timeless creativity.

Travels well with: The Scarlet Goodbye- Speedway; Andy Hanson- Roots

Miss Georgia Peach

Class Out The Ass

Rum Bar, 2025

9/10

Listen to Class Out The Ass

The versatile and animated singer, Miss Georgia Peach, returns with a sophomore album, where plenty of classic country ideas from the ‘50s through the ‘70s are present alongside a large cast of players.

“Shut Up And Drink Your Beer” opens with a twang filled climate that’s also got some punk energy via Ruyter Suys’ driving guitar and Travis Ramin’s rowdy drumming, and “Baby Ride Easy” follows with Earl Crimm’s warm acoustic guitar and Mark Hendricks’ bouncy bass that suits Peach’s flowing pipes.

Landing closer to the middle, “Who Throwed Dat Rock” will get you on the dance floor thanks to A.J. Srubas’ well timed pedal steel, while “You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly” uses Scott Luallen’s distinct voice for the heartfelt yet comical delivery.

Further still, “Some Of Shelly’s Blues” is a more intimate moment that benefits from Sruba’s stirring fiddle and Suys’ meticulous mandolins, and “Luxury Liner” exits with a swift rural rocker that’s detailed yet reckless.

An ideal listen for fans of Southern sounds, dive bar rock and both outlaw country and honky tonk fun, Peach has plenty of attitude and is armed with an infectious voice across the old school flavor of a really sassy record.

Travels well with: Finick- Weekends In Purgatory; Mother Coyote- When The War Comes

Edwin McCain

Lucky

Working Nomad, 2025

9/10

Listen to Lucky

The veteran singer-songwriter Edwin McCain returns with his first LP in 15 years, where soul, rock, and country ideas are present across the 10 heartfelt songs.

“Chasing A Memory” opens with McCain’s familiar voice amid the thumping drums and country-rock ideas that are both gritty and melodic, and “Love Me Or Leave Me Alone” follows with warm acoustic guitar and emotive singing that unfolds with much grace.

“The Cheatin’” lands in the middle and uses gospel nods that builds into a rhythmic and piano fueled good time, while “Salt” finds itself in stirring intimacy via the soft guitar and poetic singing.

Close to the end, “Lucky All The Time” is a playful moment of cautious rock ideas, and “Empire” exits with an upbeat and sing-along friendly finish that uses guitar solos and relevant wordplay for a more muscular tune.

A triumphant return for McCain, there is much diversity to appreciate across his pop-rock formula that is on par with the songs of his heyday.

Travels well with: Duncan Sheik- Claptrap; Collective Soul- Here To Eternity

Joe Ely

Love + Freedom

Thirty Tigers, 2025

9/10

Listen to Love + Freedom

This 29th solo album from the Texan Joe Ely brings us both covers and originals to another thoughtful body of work that touches on social justice, too.

The warm and spirited “Shake’em Up” starts the listen with Ely playing all instruments with a frisky energy, and “Adios Sweet Dreams” follows with Joel Guzman’s playful accordion that complements the vivid storytelling.

Moving along, “Waitin’ To Die” welcomes Lloyd Maines’ skilled bass and acoustic slide to Ely’s firm vocals and flowing harmonica, while the melodic country rock of “Today It Did” welcomes David Grissom’s agile electric guitar amid the breezy melodies.

Closer to the end, “What Kind Of War” has Ely handling vocals, guitar and percussion alongside Grissom’s guitar via the eloquent and crisp protest song, and “Surrender To The West” exits with Ely only for an intimate and emotive finish that showcases his timeless vision.

Even though he’s well into his 70s, Ely plays and sings with an unmatched formula of haunting moments, powerful bouts and touching, Texas-Americana sounds.

Travels well with: Joe Ely- Driven To Drive; Jason Boland And The Stragglers- The Last Kings Of Babylon

Zhengtao Pan Jazz Orchestra

Scenery In My Story

Outside In, 2025

8/10

Listen to Scenery In My Story

On this first Big Band effort from the esteemed composer Zhengtao Pan, he pens a collage of sounds that are rooted in his very adventurous life.

The sophisticated “Windy Days” starts the listen with rich sax and soulful brass that invites frisky drumming, and “Hometown” follows with a gentle climate of emotive trombone and colorful keys.

Arriving in the middle, the animated “It Could Happen To You” offers a festive moment of busy instrumentation, while “Liar” is a rhythmic and playful album highlight that welcomes Benny Benack III’ swift singing.

Close to the end, “Nightfall Over Shanghai” allows for Chen Wang Men Di’ fluid guitar and Noah Justice’s well timed bass to complement the textured brass, and the title track exits with meticulous keys, intricate rhythm section and waves of brass and winds that make an indelible impression.

An effort that surrounds Pan’s move from Shanghai to Boston, the storytelling unfolds with technical, timeless and exciting Big Band ideas that few others could replicate.

Travels well with: John Stein- Next Gen; DNA- Continuum

Tyler Grant

Flatpicker

Grant Central, 2025

8/10

Listen to Flatpicker

This 7th album from the inimitable guitarist Tyler Grant welcomes Andy Thorn, Adrian ‘Ace’ Engfer, Erin Youngberg, Dylan McCarthy Andy Reiner and Michael Daves to the 13 animated tracks.

“The Wedge” opens with Grant’s precise fingerpicking in the warm climate, and “Been Too Long” follows with Thorn’s playful banjo and the harmony vocals from Daves making an impression.

Further along, “Sea Of Cortez” showcases meticulous progressions from Grant via the solo setting, while “Waning Moon” recruits Youngberg’s pretty harmony vocals and McCarthy’s cozy mandolin in the heartfelt album highlight.

“The Beholder” and “Where The Ocotillo Grows” exit the listen. The former is a poetic moment of rich song craft and eloquent storytelling, and the latter finishes with sublime string interaction and plenty of timeless, upbeat, bluegrass ideas that we could never tire of.

Grant has an impressive resume that includes touring with Abigail Washburn, Adrienne Young & Little Sadie and the Drew Emmitt Band. On his own, he tells relatable stories and his bluegrass vision is illuminated superbly thanks to the excellent players on hand.

Travels well with: Jordie Lane- Tropical Depression; Molecular Steve- Molecular Steve

Dark Chapel

Spirit In The Glass

MNRK Heavy, 2025

9/10

Listen to Spirit In The Glass

The debut from an outfit spearheaded by the guitarist/singer/producer Dario Lorina (of Black Label Society fame), Dark Chapel brings grooves, melodies and bluesy moments to these 10 hard hitting tracks.

The razor sharp riffs of “Afterglow” opens with Luis Silva’s hard hitting drums surrounding the dynamic hard rock that uses smooth vocals, and “Hollow Smile” follows with a thumping presence, where Brody DeRozie’s chugging guitar suits the tuneful and thick rock.

The middle track belongs to “Glassheart”, where flowing melodies and Mike Gunn’s skilled bass make for a distinct richness, while “Dead Weight” recruits mature keys and Lorina’s soulpipes amid much intimacy.

Close to the end, “Gravestoned Humanity” balances power and tunefulness with meticulous guitars and the precise rhythm section, and “Bullet In Our Chamber” exits with swirling beauty, hazy textures and strong attention to mood.

A truly diverse and memorable first record, Dark Chapel explores all sorts of sophisticated ideas added to their hard rock and metal ways, and we’re all better off for it.

Travels well with: Soen- Memorial; Station- Perspective

Nancy Kelly

Be Cool

Origin, 2025

9/10

Listen to Be Cool

The esteemed jazz vocalist Nancy Kelly brings along William Gorman, Houston Person, Jerry Weldon, Carmen Intorre Jr., Dave Stryker, Joe Carello and Charlie Sigler for these soulful standards, bop and pop tracks.

The frisky “Devil May Care” starts the listen with Kelly’s charming pipes alongside Intorre Jr’s scrappy drumming and Gorman’s bright organ, and “Besame Mucho” follows with Person’s rich tenor sax and Stryker’s rhythmic guitar, which complement the expressive singing,

Landing in the middle, “As Time Goes By” showcases Kelly’s smooth singing amid Weldon’s sax bouts, while the title track benefits much from Carello’s animated soprano sax and Sigler’s meticulous guitar.

Further still, “You Don’t Know Me” offers an elegant and intimate album highlight where Kelly’s delivery tugs on the heartstrings, and “Shakin’ Out The Blues” exits with bouncy bass lines, crisp drums, playful keys and upbeat singing swingin’ with plenty of fun.

Kelly channels the spirit of her early ‘80s run at Philadelphia’s Jewell’s Jazz Club, and it makes for a powerful, timeless and emotional peek at her inimitable skills.

Travels well with: Delia Fischer- Beyond Bossa; Karrin Allyson- A Kiss For Brazil

Ostara Project

Roots

Rhea, 2025

9/10

Listen to Roots

The Canadian jazz outfit Ostara Project pay tribute to the foundations of musical, personal and ancestral journeys with these 7 songs that illuminate their revered, instrumental jazz ways.

“Dreams And Olive Trees” begins with Amanda Tosoff’s elegant keys that align with Shruti Ramani’s pretty vocal scatting, and “2601” follows with Jodi Proznick’s playful bass plucking and Allison Au’s soulful alto sax guiding the cozy intimacy.

In the middle, “Rajalaskhmi” offers a hazy climate via the quick singing, frisky drums and Rachel Therrien’s well timed trumpet, while “Papa” is a colorful and textured album highlight that allows for each player’s inimitable talents to shine in the thoughtful delivery.

“Raven Haven” is the final track, and it’s a lively ending of swift brass and wind amid the meticulous rhythm section and animated keys.

The all female sextet picked up plenty of accolades for their last effort, and this body of work is equally impressive, where Bulgarian folk music, improvisation and plenty of heartfelt song craft is very much appreciated.

Travels well with: The Ostara Project- The Ostara Project; Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra- Tidal Currents: East Meets West

Medler Sextet

River Paths

OA2, 2025

9/10

Listen to River Paths

A Portland sextet spearheaded by Ben Medler and Michelle Medler, the 6 originals here emit plenty of harmony, grooves and nods to Mingus, George Russell and Gil Evans.

The atmospheric “Subway Jam (Morning)” leads with Michelle’s bright tenor sax alongside Todd Bishop’s frisky drums via the melodic climate, and the title track follows with a rich ambience thanks to Paul Mazzio’s radiant trumpet and Ben’s playful bass lines.

“Smoldering” and “Philly Soul Strut” occupy the middle spots. The former is soft and intimate courtesy of the heartfelt sax and Clay Giberson’s eloquent piano, while the latter offers a frisky energy of exciting jazz qualities, where John Moak’s trombone shines.

Arriving close to the end, the rhythmic “Night Party” is both adventurous and meticulous, and “Subway Jam (Evening)” exits with the winds, brass and rhythm section interacting with a dance floor ready finish.

A soulful and swingin’ effort that’s timeless, the sextet play close attention to mood across these charming and really enjoyable tracks.

Travels well with: Ben Markley- Tell The Truth; Brad Goode Polytonal Big Band- The Snake Charmer

Finick

Weekends In Purgatory

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Weekends In Purgatory

The moniker of the 18-year-old singer-songwriter Josie Hasnik, as Finick the youngster is joined by Taylor James, JT Bates, Jake Johnson and Sammie Jean Cohen for this 2nd album of eclectic, indie-rock songs.

The quick and scrappy “Selfish” opens with some alt-rock spirit that’s forthright and melodic via an anthemic energy, and “This Is All I Have” follows with a calmer pace of poetic singing that recruits Bates’ fluid drumming.

Deeper into the listen, “How To Lose You” is a heartfelt moment of gentle singing and cozy guitar that builds into a more dense display of soaring vocals and a driving rhythm section, while “The More You Wait” is a playful, folk-friendly strummer that showcases Hasnik’s harmonica amid Cohen’s whistle.

Residing close to the end, “Third Time’s A Charm” enlists Johnson on fiddle for a more Americana focused version of Hasnik’s vision, and “Mud” exits with a crunchy rocker that benefits much from James’ bass and thick guitars alongside the layered vocals.

This is a really impressive album, and not just cause of Hasnik’s age. There’s certainly a youthful aspect to it, i.e. teenage angst, but the buzzing rock gestures and softer climates really do illustrate a talent that warrants much attention.

Travels well with: Jennifer Marie- Do It All Again; The Scarlet Goodbye- Speedway

José Luiz Martins

Odyssey Mixtape

Origin, 2025

9/10

Listen to Odyssey Mixtape

The Brazil native and piano, keys and synth player José Luiz Martins recruits plenty of ideas from his heritage for these 7 tracks that embrace jazz, classical and popular music sensibilities.

“Incerteza” opens with a dreamy presence, where John Lee’s radiant guitar flows alongside Martins’ fluid keys and Dana Hawkins’ skilled drumming, and “Don’t Act Like” follows with Nakama’s expressive voice that suits the funk stabs and Tyrone Allen II’s stunning bass prowess.

“Bloom” and “Yatra-Tá” land in the middle. The former welcomes Alex Hamburger’s rich singing and Martins’ bright keys for the album’s best, while the latter is a frisky moment thanks to Martins’ animated fingers and Hamburger’s soaring flute.

The last track, “Tierra Extrana”, then brings Hamburger’s memorable singing back amid the unpredictable piano playing and precise rhythm section.

An effort that doesn’t shy away from Brazilian harmonies and rhythm, there’s also cinematic nods and fusion energy that is quite impressive and timeless.

Travels well with: Charlie Ballantine- East By Midwest; Rodney Whitaker- Mosaic

Jimmy Farace

Hours Fly, Flowers Die

Shifting Paradigm, 2025

9/10

Listen to Hours Fly, Flowers Die

The Chicago saxophone extraordinaire Jimmy Farace is joined by plenty of esteemed guests for these 9 well thought out tracks that welcome strings, too.

“Growing Pains” opens with Farace’s rich baritone sax and the stirring strings from The Kaia String Quartet via much warmth and sophistication, and “Ferson Creek” follows with Kenny Reichert’s dreamy guitar that suits the reflective sax.

In the middle, the upbeat and playful “Directionally Challenged” makes great use of Dana Hall’s well timed drumming and Julius Tucker’s animated keys, while “My Ship” tugs on the heartstrings thanks to Hope Shepherd Decelle’s gorgeous cello.

The title track lands closer to the end, and unfolds with a busy and dynamic appeal that showcases Farace’s glowing wind amid Clark Sommers’ bass acrobatics and the lively drumming, and “Backyard Bobcat” exits with a melodic and colorful finish to a very memorable record.

This is Farace’s debut as leader and the themes of nostalgia and the passage of time unfold with timeless chamber jazz ideas that leave an indelible impression.

Travels well with: Joe Fiedler Trio 2.0- Dragon Suite; Randal Despommier- South

Charlie Ballantine

East By Midwest

Origin, 2025

10/10

Listen to East By Midwest

The Baltimore resident and guitarist Charlie Ballantine is joined by Quinn Sternberg and Dan Weiss for these 9 Americana tinted songs that aren’t short on grooves.

The shimmering guitar of “Storyteller” opens with much warmth and grace, and “Runaround” follows with Weiss’ scrappy drums complementing the meticulous guitar playing.

Landing close to the middle, “Strawberry Fields Forever” is a reflective moment that also benefits from some crunch, too, while “Modern Bohemian” uses Sternberg’s playful bass amid the sturdy melodies and timeless rock ideas.

Residing close to the end, “When Will The Blues Leave” is the album’s best and moves swiftly with dynamic interaction between the trio, and “Alameda” exits with a dreamy mood that allows for the frisky rhythm section to complement Ballantine’s flowing guitar.

Ballantine takes influences from legends like Wes Montgomery and Freddie Hubbard, and his relocation to the East Coast sure has impacted his craft in exciting ways, as evidenced by this incredible body of work.

Travels well with: Nnenna Freelon- Beneath The Skin; Rodney Whitaker- Mosaic

Mark Oblinger

High Water Line

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to High Water Line

Mark Oblinger has spent his entire accomplished career just to the side of the spotlight, acting as a touring musician, producer and songwriter. Here, with High Water Line, the veteran artist is front and center on a dozen tunes that are brimming with adult pop and rock ideas that are always cautious and sometimes even intimate.

The title track starts the listen with a calm, warm setting of elegance and organic musicianship, and “Judgment Road” follows with a firm Americana angle with plenty of rhythm and groove.

Near the middle, “Little Bird” brings us into upbeat, hand clapping, harmonica fun on a bluesy tune, while “I Say Love” steers the record into ballad territory, with a sophisticated, cultured and hushed highlight.

Deeper cuts offer us the melodic folk-rock of “Poet In The Corner”, the lush and agile “Hold Me Tonight”, and the album closer, “Love Is”, where keys take focus on the expressive and romantic exit.

It’s no surprise that Oblinger has 5 Emmys to his name; the troubadour delivers timeless sounds that are capable of reaching jam band status just as they are spare indie-folk. A fine debut this is, and certainly worth the wait.

Travels well with: Jackson Browne- Hold Out; Paul Simon- Graceland‍ ‍