Ruckus & Keir GoGwilt

The Edinburgh Rollick

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Edinburgh Rollick

The baroque outfit Ruckus are aligned with the violinist Keir GoGwilt for these 11 tunes of Celtic dance music.

“The Jenny Sutton Set” leads with GoGwilt’s lively violin alongside a backdrop of mystery that builds into a dance floor ready energy, and “The Forrest Set” follows with Douglas Balliett’s baroque bass and the stirring violin that emit much emotion and grace.

In the middle, “The Lord MacDonald Set” showcases quick string acrobatics from GoGwilt amid Paul Holmes Morton’s flowing baroque guitar, while “The Broome Of Coudenknowes” is an intimate moment of heartfelt violin, where Fiona Gillespie’s gorgeous voice adds to the dreaminess.

Arriving close to the end, “Robin Dona Gorach” showcases Elliot Figg’s pretty harpsichord prowess via the eloquent album highlight, and “The Jenny Nettles Set” exits with a swift and dynamic instrumental of timeless Celtic melody.

An effort of foot stomping and upbeat, nostalgic sounds, each musician’s inimitable talents shine across the folk, jazz and worldly gestures of a very unique body of work.

Travels well with: Ethel- Persist; Naomi Moon Siegel- Shatter The Glass

Tobacco & Rose

Tobacco & Rose

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Tobacco & Rose

The recording moniker of the veteran Canadian artist Richard Moody, as Tobacco & Rose he pens a debut album that uses folk and Americana ideas that welcomes plenty of players to the 9 tracks.

The very lovely “Tara” opens with Moody’s expressive voice and soft guitar that tugs on the heartstrings, and “Brave Earth” follows with Joey Smith’s gentle bass and Adrian Dolan’s calm keys amid soothing vocal harmonies.

The middle tracks belong to “You And I” and “Path Of The Heart”. The former benefits from Kelby MacNayr’s cozy drumming alongside a distinct dreaminess, while the latter is a fuller moment that makes cautious use of Tyler Lieb’s atmospheric pedal steel and Peter Dowse’s well timed electric bass which suit Moody’s poetic pipes.

Landing close to the end, the stirring strings of “Broken Angel” are complemented by Luke Doucet’s meticulous guitar and June Mirochnick’s strategic drumming, and “Where My Lover Goes” exits with flowing melodies and eloquence via Moody’s timeless vision.

A highly spiritual effort, nods to Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell or Nick Drake are much appreciated, and Moody’s studies in classical sounds are also put to good use across these enlightening tracks.

Travels well with: West Of Rome- Keep It Fly In The Negative Zone; Michael Rudd- Going To The Mountain

Tal Yahalom

Mirror Image

Adhyâropa, 2025

9/10

Listen to Mirror Image

The Brooklyn guitarist Tal Yahalom is joined by Irene Han, David Leon, Ledah Finck and Rogerio Boccato for these 9 originals that showcase his creative jazz ideas with much beauty.

The radiant and pretty guitar of “Prelude” starts the listen in a solo setting, and “Hymn For Tomorrow” follows with Boccato’s flowing percussion adding much to the swirling climate and Leon’s bright sax.

“Tri-Tonal” and “Sleepless” occupy the middle spots. The former uses playful guitar progressions amid a rich and textured album highlight, while the latter is a soft and dreamy moment of sublime and heartfelt songwriting.

Close to the end, “The Boat Drifts Still” makes great use of elegant sax and Finck’s stirring violin, and “Dusk On Landwehr Canal” exits with a layered and cautious finish that benefits much from Han’s careful cello.

A very lush effort that balances intense and gentle waves, Yahlom’s guitar playing is fascinating from beginning to end, and the players help cultivate a very engaging version of jazz.

Travels well with: Eli Greenhoe & Hans Bilger- Orchids; Scroggins + Rose- Speranza

William Bland

Sonata No. 6 & No. 15

Bridge, 2025

9/10

Listen to Sonata No. 6 & No. 15

We’re treated to another set of William Bland’s piano cycle, and this time Kevin Gorman’s fingers that illuminate the 2 involved and detailed pieces.

The heartfelt and rich progressions of “Piano Sonata No. 6 In C Minor ‘Bestiary- Con Amore’” opens with 5 meticulous chapters that range from calm to firm and often find dreamy places to reside via Gorman’s inimitable playing.

“Piano Sonata No. 15 in E-Flat Minor” occupies the back half, and it leads with density and wonder that builds into an emotive presence, and by the final chapter it’s a booming and nearly thundering display.

Gorman’s skills sure do justice to Bland’s grand vision, where the harmonies, melodies and textures are executed flawlessly.

Travels well with: Paul Lansky- Touch And Go; Patrick Stoyanovich- Rue Paradis

Russ Spiegel

Nitty Gritty

Ruzztone, 2025

9/10

Listen to Nitty Gritty

The always impressive guitarist Russ Spiegel is joined by Jim Gasior, Lucas Apostoleris, Tim Armacost and Kurt Hengstebeck for these hard bop and rock ideas that emit plenty of timeless jazz flavor.

“Soul Station” starts with an indeed soulful spirit, where Spiegel’s warm guitar suits Gasior’s well timed organ, and “Prelude To A Kiss” follows with Apostoleris’ frisky drums amid plenty of rhythm and melody.

Close to the middle, “A Man And A Woman” welcomes Armacost’s cozy tenor sax to the intimacy, while “Deep Brooklyn” allows for Hengstebeck’s meticulous electric bass to illuminate the rich and thoughtful album highlight.

Landing near the end, “26-2” is a busy yet controlled display of upbeat jazz rock that’s dynamic, and “Four Brothers” exits with Spiegel’s precise guitar alongside the playful rhythm section and unpredictable keys.

This is Spiegel’s 7th album, and much like everything he’s done, it’s a diverse effort that swings and isn’t short on grooves, and the company he’s in sure don’t disappoint, either.

Travels well with: Russ Spiegel- Caribbean Blue; Brent Laidler- Hidden Gems

The Wants

Bastard

STTT, 2025

9/10

Listen to Bastard

The New York City trio The Wants return with a sophomore album, where their electronic, post-punk formula impresses us across 11 powerful and nostalgic tracks.

“Void Meets Concrete” opens with Madison Velding-VanDam’s glitchy synth work alongside a mysterious back drop that suits the dark textures, and “Data Tumor” follows with Jason Gates’ thumping drums that complements the alt-rock ideas and buzzing bouts.

Landing closer to the middle, “Disposable Man” comes with rhythm and melody amid the dance floor ready energy, while “Cruel” is a calmer moment that unfolds via an intimate haze.

Deeper still, “Lover Sister Mother” makes great use of Yasmeen Night’s playful bass lines alongside a raw post-punk flavor, and “No Need” exits with strong attention to atmosphere, where a distinct dreaminess and eastern influences enter the creative and unique finish.

Somewhere between Depeche Mode, The Smiths, Public Image Ltd., Gang of Four, Interpol and Massive Attack, the techno-punk ways and ‘90s alt-rock stabs are certainly memorable, as The Wants throw their hat in the ring as one of the best modern post-punk outfits.

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

Harvey Diamond & John Lentz

how strange the road should be so easy

Pomogranates, 2025

8/10

Listen to how strange the road should be so easy

Harvey Diamond’s piano and John Lentz’s voice come together for these classics that range from well known tunes to more obscure selections which illuminate the pair’s inimitable talents.

The cozy climate of “Detour Ahead” opens with Lentz’s calming pipes alongside Diamond’s intimate keys, and “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” follows with the touching piano highlighting the powerful traditional.

Further along, “You Don’t Know What Love Is” showcases the meticulous keys that are both firm and melodic, while “On The Sunny Side Of The Street” makes great use Lentz’s expressive singing amid Diamond’s playful fingers.

Close to the end, “You Taught My Heart To Sing” is a heartfelt moment via the sublime vocals and stirring keys, and “Blue In Green”, by Miles Davis, exits with a dreaminess that’s reflective and tonally gripping.

This is Lentz’s debut recording and Diamond’s first in the spotlight. Let’s hope it isn’t the last, cause the duo arrange timeless tracks with sincere storytelling and with much care that is appreciated.

Travels well with: Banning Eyre- Bare Songs Vol. 1; Arun Ramamurthy Trio- New Moon

Paul Lansky

Touch And Go

Bridge, 2025

9/10

Listen to Touch And Go

The American mallet wizard, Gwendolyn Dease, fleshes out the works of Paul Lansky with some excellent guests on hand to honor his 80th birthday.

“Patterns (In Wood And Metal)” opens with the mallet quartet of Dease, Ji Hye, Jisu Jung and Ayano Kataoka working together with mystery and melody, and “Metal Light” continues with a small percussion set to accompany Dease’s animated vibes.

The back half leads with “Hop”, where Yvonne Lam’s violin interacts with much beauty and color for the dynamic and lively album highlight, while the title track exits with 20+ minutes of cinematic and soaring qualities thanks to the Michigan State University Wind Symphony’s contributions that suit Dease’s unpredictable and flowing percussion.

This is Volume 18 of Bridge’s Paul Lansky series, and the solo, duo, quartet and ensemble settings make for creative, harmonic and timeless music that’s instantly gripping.

Travels well with: Patrick Stoyanovich- Rue Paradis; David Starobin- Virtuosi

Petra Poláčková

J.K. Mertz

Bridge, 2025

8/10

Listen to J.K. Mertz

The first commercial release of recordings from the Czech guitarist Petra Poláčková, these selections pay tribute to the legendary J.K. Mertz with strong attention to detail.

“Elegie” opens with a sublime beauty via the meticulous progressions thanks to the nine-string romantic guitar, and “Bardenklänge” follows with 8 chapters that radiate emotion, warmth and melody.

On the back half, “Fantaisie Hongroise” emits more forceful playing from Poláčková’s very capable hands, as well as soft ebbs of grace, and “Schubert’sche Lieder” exits with a colorful and rich finish of timeless and touching song craft.

Poláčková certainly does justice to Mertz’s work, where a lovely execution yields a heartfelt and expressive masterpiece.

Travels well with: Patrick Stoyanovich- Rue Paradis; David Starobin- Virtuosi

Iron City Houserockers

Blood On The Bricks

Omnivore, 2025

10/10

Listen to Blood On The Bricks

The Pittsburgh legends Iron City Houserockers see their 3rd album, 1981’s Blood On The Bricks, on CD for the first time, and it comes with 11 bonus tracks, where frontman Joe Grushecky guides the band through Heartland rock tunes.

“Friday Night” starts the listen with Ned Rankin’s thumping drums that suit the flowing guitar and Grushecky’s smooth and husky pipes, and “Saints And Sinners” follows with Art Nardini’s lively bass adding much energy to the gritty, blue collar rock.

Later on in the original album, “Be My Friend” is a calmer moment where Eddie Britt’s warm guitar won’t go unnoticed, while the title track makes great use of Gil Snyder’s well timed keys amid the precise rhythm section. The outtake from this disc, “Let The Boy Rock”, is a rowdy bar rocker that uses Marc Weisman’s animated harmonica superbly.

Disc 2 consists of live tracks and demos. Of the live selections, “Watch Out” is an anthemic and timeless blast of powerful and dynamic songwriting, and, on the demo portion, “Jukebox Nights” allows for the fluid keys to guide the cautious and thoughtful landscape.

Grushecky states that Blood On The Bricks was the band’s most professional, competent and excellently-played record, and it’s hard to argue with that. The songs recruit Steve Cropper’s inimitable talents, and this proper release with top notch bonus material is further proof that Iron City Houserockers were gravely under appreciated and made their own version of rock that inspires many to this day.

Travels well with: Joe Grushecky And The Houserockers- Can’t Outrun A Memory; Joe Grushecky- Houserocker: A Joe Grushecky Anthology

Rosie Daze Band

Nobody Here But Us

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Nobody Here But Us

The all-women outfit Rosie Daze Band return with a sophomore record, where their Old Time ways unfold via 9 harmonic and timeless tracks.

The melodic interaction of “Keep It Clean” opens with group vocals alongside Jeanne Marti’s bright mandolin and Julie Kittieson’s playful bass plucking, and “Poor Billy” follows with Johnna Lawrence’s meticulous fiddle complementing the flowing bluegrass ideas.

Landing in the middle, “Tomorrow Falls” is an intimate moment where Beth Young’s banjo leaves an indelible impression, while “So Lonely” offers a quick and bouncy moment that you could dance to thanks to Adelle Hyrkas’ well timed guitar.

Deeper into the listen, “Cowboy Joe” welcomes plenty of country spirit to the frisky musicianship, and “Monsters” exits with Evonne Bilotta-Burke’s rich tenor resonator adding much grace and beauty via the rich album highlight.

A more polished effort than their first EP, the 6 ladies still bring a rawness to their craft, where country, folk and bluegrass meet a very harmonic and memorable intersection.

Travels well with: Pam Linton- Songs Of The Carter Family; Rebecca Aadland- Stronger Broken

Eli Greenhoe & Hans Bilger

Orchids

Adhyâropa, 2025

9/10

Listen to Orchids

The multi-instrumentalists Eli Greenhoe and Hans Bilger bring their skills in the area of classical sounds and new music to these often delicate and avant-garde ideas.

The mesmerizing “Nail” opens with Greenhoe handling lead vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, rubber bridge piccolo bass and Elektron Digitone alongside Ledah Finck’s well timed violin with much grace, and “So Long Lover” follows with Bilger’s lead vocals, acoustic guitar, electric and upright bass and sampling that radiates tremendous intimacy.

“Bird And Branch” and “Car Arrives” occupy the middle spots. The former recruits Bergamot Quartet and Oriel Quartett’s intricate strings alongside Griffin Brown’s sparse drums, while the latter is a more animated burst of rock fueled gestures via the acoustic and electric guitars that builds into a busy and soaring album highlight.

Inching towards the end, “Same Dream” welcomes Miles Walter’s Wurlitzer and Elias Peter Brown’s modular synth to the many noisemakers of the rich and cultured climate, and “Maria” exits with a soft folk song, where Paul Santner’s guitar joins the duo for the pretty finish.

A well thought out record where each song retains its own identity, you’ll hear traces of Elliott Smith, orchestral influences, pop nods and chamber bouts that you can’t not admire.

Travels well with: Scroggins + Rose- Speranza; High Horse- High Horse

Gabriel Latchin Trio

The Man I Love

Alys Jazz, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Man I Love

The inimitable pianist Gabriel Latchin is joined by Joe Farnsworth and Jeremy Brown for these 10 tracks that serve as a heartfelt tribute to the work of George and Ira Gershwin.

Latchin’s meticulous and fluid key start the listen with “Summertime”, where Farnsworth agile drums and Brown’s playful bass enter with much playfulness, and the intimate spirit of “How Long Has This Been Going On?” follows with striking beauty between the trio’s cautious interplay.

The middle track belongs to the quick keys and cozy rhythm section of “Embraceable You”, while “They All Laughed” starts gently but quickly turns into a frisky album highlight that you could and should dance to.

“Love Walked In” and “I Got Rhythm” exit the listen. The former bops and shakes via an infectious energy from the animated bass lines and swift fingers from Latchin, and the latter certainly does have rhythm thanks to the upbeat piano, crisp drums and strategic bass.

This is Latchin’s 5th record, and like every one before it, it’s full of dynamic playing, sublime melodies and a timeless delivery that makes for really fun and memorable interpretations.

Travels well with: Gabriel Latchin Trio- Viewpoint; David Finck- BASSically Jazz

Nils Vigeland

Perfect Happiness

New Focus, 2025

9/10

Listen to Perfect Happiness

The composer Nils Vigeland assembles some solo piano selections, where Jing Yang’s fingers illuminate the 4 intimate tracks with unparalleled attention to detail.

The bright spirit of “Piano Sonata” leads with 2 intricate chapters that radiate much beauty and wonder, and “Waltzes and an Ecossaise” follows with an animated presence of dancing keys and firm bouts.

The back half belongs to the 5 minutes of the soft and heartfelt “Mnemosyne”, where the cautiousness builds into frisky progressions, and the title track exits with swift keys, gentle ebbs and even blasts of rumbling ideas.

These selections document Vigeland’s intimate relationship with the piano across 6 decades, and Yang’s incredible performance is both versatile and sensitive, where a wide variety of emotions are spanned.

Travels well with: Reiko Füting- distantViolinSound; New Thread Quartet- Saxifraga

Eric Schmitt

Wait For The Night

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Wait For The Night

The Louisiana singer-songwriter Eric Schmitt uses bits from blues, country and folk for these 11 authentic and timeless tracks.

The raw spirit of “BR Blues” opens with Schmitt’s warm harmonica and emotive singing alongside Clay Parker’s fluid bass, and “Little Bird” follows with spoken word and electric piano from Schmitt that’s poetic and melodic.

Landing in the middle, “My Red Door” welcomes Clyde Thompson’s mature violin and Dave Hinson’s stirring cello and suits the intimate delivery, while “Floating” showcases Jodi James’ soulful backing vocals alongside Schmitt’s lovely singing and touching acoustic guitar.

Arriving close to the end, “Midnight Song”, the album’s best, is a fuller moment thanks to Chad Townsend’s crisp drums, Denise Brumfield’s lively bass and Parker’s meticulous electric guitar, and “Wait For The Night” exits with strong attention to ambience via a dreamy and mesmerizing finish.

Schmitt offers a diverse listen uses finger picking, strumming and plucked techniques, where the songs were captured onto an 8 track tape machine. It’s all substance and no flash, and will resonate with those that appreciate Young, Browne and Prine.

Travels well with: Jefferson Ross- Backstage Balladeer; Ron Houston- R.O.A.M.

Sylvie Courvoisier/Mary Halvorson

Bone Bells

Pyroclastic, 2025

9/10

Listen to Bone Bells

This 3rd effort between the pianist Sylvie Courvoisier and guitarist Mary Halvorson brings both improvisational and compositional ideas to the 8 daring tracks, where rhythm and color are present in spades.

The title track opens with the soft keys alongside spirited guitar in a warm setting that can get firm, too, and “Esmeralda” follows with both gentle and energetic piano amid the radiant, dreamy guitar tone.

Landing in the middle, “Nags Head Valse” offers an animated and unpredictable mashing of playfulness from Courvoisier, while “Beclouded” carries a mesmerizing mood via the key progressions and meticulous guitar lines.

Arriving close to the end, “Float Queens” flows with a distinct richness of atypical melodies for the album’s best, and “Cristellina e Lontano” exits with a cinematic flavor of exploration and wonder, thanks to the strategic piano and rhythmic guitar.

Both Courvoisier and Halvorson are leaders in modern creative music, and their combined strength make for avant-garde chamber and jazz sounds that defy convention in emotive and exciting ways.

Travels well with: Sylvie Courvoisier/Wadada Leo Smith- Angel Falls; Patricia Brennan Septet- Breaking Stretch

The Awakening

The Awakening

Intervention Arts, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Awakening

A long running South African gothic-darkwave outfit spearheaded by Ashton Nyte, this 12th album from The Awakening explores plenty of post-punk ideas that draw parallels to The Sisters Of Mercy, The Mission or Bauhaus.

The ominous mood of “Shimmer” starts the listen with well timed drums and a hint of mystery in under a minute, and “Mirror Midnight” follows with thumping drums, deep vocals and throbbing bass that moves with density and haunting rock.

Speaking of haunting, “Haunting” lands in the middle and emits dark melodies amid the swirling guitar and expressive singing, while “See You Fall” uncovers some beauty underneath the strong attention to atmosphere and dynamic musicianship.

Residing close to the end, “Not Here” is an intimate moment thanks to the folk ideas and poetic singing, and “Continuum” exits with well timed keys complementing the heartfelt singing that builds into an ebullient finish.

An often eerie effort that touches on gothic rock, darkwave, post-punk, electronic rock, folk noir and New Wave, every track present draws you into its sonic appeal and distinct ambience of gloom.

Travels well with: History Of Guns- Halflight; Black Rose Burning- The Year Of The Scorpion

Joke Lanz & Petr Vrba

Mutants In Siberia

Circum-Disc, 2025

9/10

Listen to Mutants In Siberia

Joke Lanz’s turntables and vocals join Petr Vrba’s trumpet and electronics for these highly artistic and experimental jazz tunes that rarely sit in one place very long.

The quirky title track opens with videogame-esque sounds and wordless vocals that don’t follow any traditional ideas, and the glitchy “Ornette Coleman’s Elephant” follow with ambience and a very unusual, haunting quality.

Further along, the strategic mood of “Submarine Inside Your Body” is oddly mesmerizing with bright flashes, while “Dizzy In The Subway” is minimal with whistling alongside jagged soundbites.

Deeper still, “A Rifle In His Hand” comes with all sorts of cinematic, sci-fi stabs of art-damaged noise rock, and “Buster Keaton’s Pork Pie Hat” continues the unpredictable landscape with an atypical droning rooted in playful jazz-ish sounds.

Lanz and Vrba met at a chance meeting in Saint Petersburg, and their combined talents and powerful vision makes for 12 tracks of childish vigor, noise versus improv and plenty of experimental gestures that you can’t not find yourself enamored with.

Travels well with: Almufaraka- Master Of Disorder; Kaze- Unwritten

Horsefight

Volunteer

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Volunteer

A Seattle outfit spearheaded the husband and wife team of Greg Wood and Sabine Bischofberger, as Horsefight they welcome Fred Ness and Jason Volpe for these 6 songs that span plenty of ideas from ‘60s to ‘90s rock.

The timeless rock appeal of “Cease And Desist” opens with Volpe’s sturdy guitar alongside Ness’ crisp drumming and Woods’ warm singing, and “Free Time” follows with Bischofberger’s dense bass that suits the upbeat climate and Volpe’s smooth vocals.

“Burden” and “Change” land in the middle. The former is a dynamic and charged EP highlight that flirts with ‘90s alt-rock ideas, while the latter carries a playful jangle amid the thicker bouts of fuzzed out rock.

“Anhedonia” is the final track, and it’s a softer moment that benefits much from Wood’s mesmerizing guitar, the gentle bass and agile drumming that emits a hint of melancholy.

Horsefight set out to make music that combines The Rolling Stones and Pixies, and they certainly accomplished that with a hint of Dinosaur Jr., which you won’t hear me complaining about.

Travels well with: The Blasts- The Blasts; Taste Testors- Taste Testors

Mark Schirmacher

Losing Things

Self-Released, 2019

9/10

Listen to Losing Things

A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from the Twin Cities, Mark Schirmacher brings the long standing tradition of timeless, genuine and heartfelt rock’n’roll to his poetic and sophisticated album that recruits a small handful of talent who take on banjo, horns, keys and even violin.

“Tomorrow” gets the listen started with strings before quick acoustic guitars enter as Schirmacher’s smooth, warm vocals invade the opener, and this approach follows in the groove friendly and folk ideas of “Study Of Love”, as well as the fuller orchestral sounds of “It’s A Dream”.

Near the end, the acoustic sounds of “Crazy Fool” parallel the greatness achieved by other Minnesota legends like Dylan and Westerberg, and “Losing Things” puts Schirmacher’s guitar skills on full display and even brings in whistling and a larger presence behind the drum kit.

Certainly bringing to mind other Minnesota greats like The Jayhawks or Soul Asylum, Schirmacher’s work is light and breezy, but certainly very meticulous, articulate and full of imaginative melodies and relatable storytelling. Don’t sleep on Losing Things; it’s one of the best singer-songwriter albums of 2019.

Travels well with: Paul Westerberg- Folker; Dave Pirner- Faces & Names