Arman Sangalang

Waypoints

Calligram, 2026

9/10

Listen to Waypoints

The Chicago saxophonist and composer Arman Sangalang returns with a sophomore album, where Dave Miller, Ethan Philion and Devin Drobka are along for the 8 originals and lone cover.

“Nina” starts the listen with Sangalang’s cozy sax amid a dreamy ambience and Drobka’s light drumming, and “Easy Does It” follows with rich sax and Miller’s radiant guitar making an impression.

“Monkish” and “Prevailing Change” reside in the middle. The former is an animated moment via the frisky rhythm section and bright wind, while the latter is a dynamic and meticulously layered album highlight that benefits from Philion’s bouncy bass.

Near the end, “Body & Soul” focuses on Sangalang’s cautious yet adventurous sax prowess, and “Chatterbox” exits with a timeless jazz appeal, where the quartet’s inimitable talents work together with plenty of unpredictable and exciting ideas.

There’s so much diversity here, and the strategic use of effects only adds to the allure of a modern jazz album that also touches on ambience and surf-rock with incredible results.

Travels well with: Brian Citro- Keep Moving (Home); Chris Madsen- Threefold

Roni Ben-Hur

Abriendo Puertas

Dot Time, 2026

8/10

Listen to Abriendo Puertas

The exceptional guitarist Roni Ben-Hur is in some fine company for these 7 cultured jazz songs that are unpredictable and worldly.

The title track opens with Alejandro Falcón’s lively keys and Emir Santa Cruz’s flowing sax complementing Beni-Hur’s melodic guitar, and “Mi Mejor Canción” follows with a calmer approach that benefits from Ruy López-Nussa’s light drums amid a cozy mood.

“Gua’ One Blues Pal Bobby” and “Esta Tarde Vi Llover” land in the middle. The former enlists frisky percussion from Octavio Rodríguez Rivera for the rhythmic exploration, while the latter showcases Osdalgia Lesmes’ powerful singing via the intimate and heartfelt delivery.

“El Teide” is the last and best song, where animated drums, soulful sax and Pedro Pablo Gutiérrez’s colorful bass add much to the rich and dynamic finish.

A diverse effort that touches on ideas revolving around Mediterranean, North African, Jewish Arabic, Brazilian and Afro-Latin traditions, Ben-Hur and company blend their respective skills seamlessly and impressively.

Travels well with: Roni Ben-Hur- Love Letters; Colin Hesmat- Elastic Groove

GA-20 With Charlie Musselwhite

Blues Now

New West, 2026

9/10

Listen to Blues Now

The rising Boston rockers, GA-20, recruit the legendary Charlie Musselwhite for a 10 track listen that’s full of timeless and lively blues.

The animated “Crazy Love” opens with Cody Nilsen’s rhythmic guitar and lively pipes alongside Musselwhite’s spirited harmonica, and “I Can’t Hold Out” follows with Josh Kiggans’ scrappy drums complementing the raw melodies and flowing blues.

“Universal Rock” occupies the middle spot and is full of dance floor energy via Matthew Stubbs’ meticulous guitar and Marty Ballou’s frisky bass, while “The Blues Will Never Die” uses grit strategically amid the soulful harmonica and intimate singing from Musselwhite.

Close to the end, the rowdy “Short Dress Woman” blends the bouncy rhythm section with rugged guitars, and “Cristo Redentor” exits with a distinct softness that has Nilsen handling lap steel, plus plenty of intimacy.

An aptly titled effort, GA-20 and Musslwhite brings the blues in spades from across the spectrum, and it’s delivered with authenticity and plenty of modern appeal while still tipping their hats to the past.

Travels well with: Emily Nenni- Movin’ Shoes; Rodney Crowell- Then Again

Cory Branan

You’ll Live

Bluélan, 2026

9/10

Listen to You’ll Live

The always impressive singer-songwriter Cory Branan is back with a 7th album, where his own brand of Americana blends punk, folk, southern and heartland rock into 10 songs that are assembled from the last two decades.

The energetic “Teeny Says” opens with a scrappy spirit, where Adam Abrashoff’s fluid drumming suits Branan’s unmistakable pipes, and “The Price And Cost” follows with Kai Welch’s dense synth that helps the country and pop meshing that’s quite unique.

“Cold-Blooded Love” arrives in the middle and is an intimate moment via Matt Rowland’s warm keys and Branan’s heartfelt singing, while “Me And Your Mom And Them” bops and shakes with retro-fun that will get you on the dance floor thanks to the upbeat mood.

“What Gave Me Away” and “The Wreck Of The Sultana” exit the listen. The former showcases Branan’s animated version of folk-rock which is immediately memorable and invites singing-along, and the latter is just Branan’s inimitable storytelling and acoustic guitar that makes an indelible impression.

A ‘country boy with a punk rock heart’, Branan’s work never disappoints, and this installment continues his gritty, emotional and raw vision with another batch of songs that demand repeated listens.

Travels well with: Cory Branan- Adios; Sam Morrow- Southern Boogie

Heather Newman

Rise From The Flames

VizzTone, 2019

8/10

Listen to Rise From The Flames

Heather Newman made some serious waves with her 2017 debut Burn Me Alive, which helped her secure a pair of Blue Blast Awards, and this sophomore effort has the songstress sounding more confident than ever on a post-breakup album.

“I’m Coming For You” gets the listen off to a bluesy, soulful start with Newman’s strong vocals and equally strong guitar work as organs complement the affair, and “Zakary” follows with horns in a lively, groove filled setting.

Thankfully, the rest of the record is more of the same degree of song craft, including the deep riffs and emotive “She Sure Looks A Lot Like Me”, the nearly R&B stylings of “You Mean To Tell Me”, and the percussion heavy and powerful “Water And Wine”.

The second half of the listen offers us the pop influenced “Take It Slow”, the piano acrobatics of “What Goes Around”, and “That’s All” ends the listen with Newman stepping into gospel territory with fantastic results aided by keys.

Newman handles songwriting duties as well as bass and vocals here and she delivers like a seasoned vet along with her Kansas City band who help put a genuine, powerful and gritty yet pretty gloss over the record. If you’re a fan of blues in any capacity, this is a woman who needs to be on your radar.

Travels well with: Alastair Greene- Live From The 805; Bob Margolin- Bob Margolin