Natsuki Tamura/Satoko Fujii/Ramon Lopez

Yama Kawa Umi

Not Two, 2024

8/10

Listen to Yama Kawa Umi

The pianist Sakoto Fujii, trumpeter Natsuki Tamura and drummer Ramón López come together for this dynamic trio effort that emits 9 creative jazz tracks.

The busy and energetic “Headwaters” opens with the dizzying keys and roaring horn mixing well with the strategic drumming of the powerful beginning, and “Signpost” follows with a calmer spirit that’s soulful, oddly melodic and restrained in an artistic fashion.

Halfway through, “One Day Later” is strong on ambience in a cinematic sort of way, while the drumming focused “Cold Water” showcases López’s skills amid the unpredictable keys and bright bouts of trumpet.

Landing close to the end, “Bolognaise” blurs the brass, drums and keys into an avant-garde moment of timeless jazz qualities, and “Malakoff” exits with both light and dark textures that includes strong attention to mood.

A unique collaboration that can be intense, there’s also plenty of vibrant melodies, curious intimacy and rumbling versus gentle waves that illustrates a very exciting interaction in the area of free jazz exploration.

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

Various Artists

A Pinecastle Christmas Celebration

Pinecastle, 2024

9/10

Listen to A Pinecastle Christmas Celebration

A festive collaboration of some of the Pinecastle label’s finest, we’re treated to 13 tunes that retain the quality we’ve come to expect from their artists.

Troy Engle’s “Frosty Pines” opens the listen with un upbeat and melodic climate that uses his smooth vocals alongside flowing banjo, and Lord Of The Strings’ “Away In A Manger” follows with soulful singing in an intimate and powerful landscape.

Further along, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” is interpreted by Wilson Banjo Co. via the charming duet of charming call and response singing, while Red Camel Collective put a warm spin on “Christmas Through The Eyes Of A Child”, which flows with harmonic qualities and much beauty.

Arriving close to the end, Daryl Mosley contributes the heartfelt mood of “An Old-Fashioned Christmas”, and Danny Burns exits with “Nothing But A Child”, where the Steve Earle track emits so much grace from the stirring fiddle and gorgeous singing.

An excellent assembly of originals and classics, the bluegrass, Americana and country spirit is nothing short of timeless and touching.

Travels well with: Daryl Mosley- Long Days & Short Stories; Troy Engle- Back Home

Jennifer Marie

Do It All Again

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Do It All Again

The powerhouse vocalist Jennifer Marie transitions into soulful pop areas with this sophomore EP, where all 5 tracks make an indelible impression that might bring to mind Adele or Sam Smith.

The warm acoustic guitar of “Take Me Back” starts the quick listen with flowing beats and no lack of hooks that suit Marie’s expressive pipes, and “Do It All Again” follows with sophisticated piano and a tense climate that uses percussion strategically, as Marie hits some very high notes.

Arriving at the midpoint, “You Got A Hold On Me” finds frisky areas to reside in, where a memorable chorus and radiant guitar makes this the EP’s best, while “I’m Releasing” is an upbeat and dance floor ready pop anthem that is so well done, it could make Marie a household name.

“How Do I Get There” exits the listen, and it’s an intimate and haunting finish of that meshes folk and pop with strong attention to mood.

A very refined and heartfelt outing, Marie is yet another voice that deserves to be heard in the Twin Cities music scene, and I feel pretty confident in saying she’s an artist with a global appeal that we’ll all hear more about in the future.

Travels well with; Mother Coyote- When The War Comes; Rebecca Aadland- Stronger Broken

Frank Horvat

More Rivers

Navona, 2025

9/10

Listen to More Rivers

The inimitable Canadian pianist Christina Petrowska Quilico returns with a sequel to Frank Horvat’s work, where the 7 pieces flow with unparalleled attention to detail.

The swirling keys of “More Rivers 5” begins with a mesmerizing quality of mystery, and “More Rivers 4” continues the finger acrobatics with meticulous yet easily accessible patterns of intrigue.

Further along, “More Rivers 2” radiates strong tonality thanks to the fluid piano, while “More Rivers 6” offers a poetic landscape of eloquent and timeless songwriting.

Arriving close to the end, “More Rivers 7” is a busy moment of lush and colorful progressions that are the album’s best, and “More Rivers 1- For Ann” exits with 23+ minutes of melodic and warm gestures.

A solo piano effort that touches on impressionism, Prokofievian harmonies, Pärtian spirit, and layers of Messiaen influence, Petrowska Quilico again proves just why her performances are resonating worldwide.

Travels well with: Kai-Young Chen- Constraints/Creativity; Adolphus Hailstork- Chamber Works

Peggy Lee & Cole Schmidt

Forever Stories Of: Moving Parties

Earshift, 2024

9/10

Listen to Forever Stories Of: Moving Parties

The cellist Peggy Lee and guitarist Cole Schmidt come together for this experimental version of jazz that uses plenty of players for 14 unclassifiable tracks.

“Blame” gets the listen off to a unique start, where Wayne Horwitz’s keys and electronics add much intrigue alongside Melissa Hubert’s well timed flute, and “Removing Clocks From A Heated House” follows with Meredith Bates' elegant violin and JP Carter’s strategic trumpet for a textured climate.

Further along, “Mercy” is strong on ambience via the distinct cello and Schmidt’s atmospheric guitar, while “Gloop” benefits much from James Goodard’s precise alto sax amid a more rock focused approach.

Landing close to the end, “Fallride” showcases Erika Angell’s alluring voice that suits the mature backdrop, and “Coda” exits with gentle strings and twinkling guitar that tugs on the heartstrings.

A very diverse listening experience, the odd meters, electric improvisation and fusion bouts are certainly appreciated, as Lee and Schmidt make for a very atypical version of jazz.

Travels well with: Dan Pitt Quintet- Horizontal Depths; Eldritch Priest- Dormitive Virtue

Dan Fogelberg & Tim Weisberg

No Resemblance Whatsoever

Omnivore, 2025

8/10

Listen to No Resemblance Whatsoever

Originally released in 1995, this collaboration between the singer-songwriter Dan Fogelbert and jazz flutist Tim Weisberg made quite an impression in the area of soft-rock, and now 30 years later it’s available again on CD and vinyl for the first time.

Fogelbert’s warm piano opens the listen with the intimate “Country Clare”, where Weisberg’s dreamy flute adds much to the beauty, and “Forever Jung” follows with rhythm, where Vinnie Colaiuta’s crisp drums suit the playful wind and Neil Stubenhaus’ lively bass.

Halfway through, “Isle Au Haut” showcases Fogelberg’s pretty key playing amid a hazy backdrop of softness and warmth, while “The Face Of Love” emits flowing singing from Fogelberg that takes help from Oren, Julia and Maxine Waters’ soulful backing vocals and Michael Landau’s meticulous electric guitar.

Landing near the end, “Stasia” recruits strings via the elegant and soothing delivery, and “Windward” exits with Weisberg’s soothing flute guiding the rich poetic finish.

Somewhat of a companion album to their 1978 release, Twin Sons Of Different Mothers, the pair did plenty of individual work between the records, and they brought those experiences and skills to this timeless listen in the area of soft rock.

Travels well with: Jackson Browne- Downhill From Everywhere; JD Souther- You’re Only Lonely

Jae Sinnett

The Blur The Lines Project

J-Nett, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Blur The Lines Project

The drummer and vocalist Jae Sinnett returns with a 21st album, where plenty of jazz-rock unfolds and recruits Ada Rovatti, Allen Farnham, Jason Cale and Terry Burrell for the covers affair.

Sinnett’s thumping drums open the buzzing and melodic “Tom Sawyer”, where Rovatti’s glowing tenor sax won’t go unnoticed, and “I Just Want To Celebrate” follows with Farnham’s animated keys and Cale’s meticulous guitar across the Rare Earth interpretation.

“Frankenstein” and “Magic Carpet Ride” occupy the middle spots. The former is full of dense instrumentation that benefits from Burrell’s intricate bass and Sinnett’s drumming acrobatics, while the latter embraces all the meloddy of the original and allows for the flowing tenor sax to enhance the Steppenwolf hit.

Arriving at the end is the chugging and dense “Immigrant Song”, which welcomes a 6 style vocal arrangement that really adds much to the classic track.

A really fun effort that puts a coat of jazz over rock’n’roll staples, Sinnett’s drumming is fantastic, and his fusion vision is greatly appreciated.

Travels well with: Joe Syrian- Secret Message; Jake Hertzog- Longing To Meet You

Alfie Smith

Every Rome Needs A Nero

Gilded Tooth, 2024

9/10

Listen to Every Rome Needs A Nero

The Canadian artist Alfie Smith returns with an 8th album, where plenty of friends are on hand for the 10 tracks that revolve around folk and the blues.

The title track leads with Smith’s raw and powerful vocals and warm guitar alongside Troy Dowding’s soulful trumpet, and “East End Girl” follows with a glowing intimacy via the emotive singing and pretty backing vocals.

Arriving at the halfway point, “Shake Sugaree” blends the pretty acoustic guitar and calm trumpet in a poetic climate, while “Time Is A Rocketship” is steeped in the blues thanks to the crisp drums from Dave Gould and Justine Fischer’s strategic voice that suits Smith’s gritty pipes.

“Blue Fire” and “Bird On A Wire” exit the listen. The former recruits soft melodies and much beauty in a timeless folk sort of way, and the latter benefits much from Jesse O’Brian’s soothing piano for the lush and heartfelt finish.

A truly exceptional body of work that involves exceptional help, Smith executes with a quality that might bring to mind Cohen or Waits, and no one should have a problem with that.

Travels well with: Grant Sabin- Work; Reed Turchi- I’ve Chosen Love

Dan Fortin

Cannon

Elastic, 2024

9/10

Listen to Cannon

The bassist and composer Dan Fortin makes for an avant-garde experience, where some esteemed guests help illuminate his atypical pop vision.

“Uh Hundred” opens the listen with David Occhipinti’s warm guitar alongside Fortin’s cozy bass and inviting synth for the intriguing start, and “Act II” follows with Philippe Melanson's well timed e-drums that complement the playful bass, synth and field recordings.

Landing in the middle, “Aplomb” Chris Donnelly’s diverse piano amid Fortin’s strategic electric bass makes an impression, while “Palms” features Yunjin Claire Lee’s synth and Fabio Ragnelli’s drums alongside the cozy bass strumming and an atypical, sci-fi mood that’s mysterious.

Deeper still, “Question Song” showcases Madeleine Ertel’s well timed trumpet before the glitchy and manipulated baritone guitar and synth enters, and “Sparkwood” exits with Thom Gill’s guitar, piano, whistling adding to the dreamy textures and lush finish.

A highly diverse outing that’s as eccentric as it is charming, the large amount of guests ensure an enlightening and colorful listening experience.

Travels well with: Christopher Whitley- almost as soft as silence; India Gailey- Butterfly Lightning Shakes The Earth

Dan Pitt Quintet

Horizontal Depths

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Horizontal Depths

The guitarist and composer Dan Pittman is joined by Naomi McCarroll-Butler, Patrick Smith, Alex Fournier and Nick Fraser for these experimental and memorable jazz tracks.

Pitt’s spirited guitar opens with “27 Hours”, where Fraser’s acrobatic drumming makes an impression, too, and “Horizontal Depths- Part One” follows with Smith’s rich tenor max that helps create a distinct mood.

The middle tracks belong to “ The Sorrow” and “Echo Park”. The former allows for Pitt’s radiant guitar tone, while the latter carries a cinematic ambience thanks to the soulful sax, McCarroll-Butler’s adventurous clarinet and Fournier’s double bass that builds into a dizzying album highlight.

Landing close to the end, “Horizontal Depths- Part Two” has the quintet showcasing dynamic interaction that’s rich, and “Lester Sleeps In” exits with a rare intimacy via the cautious and warm gestures.

An active player in Canada’s jazz and improvised community, this is Pitt’s 2nd album in a quintet setting, and it’s an expressive, melodic and fusion filled adventure.

Travels well with: Mark Haney- Placentia Bay: Summer Of 1941; Amy Brandon- Lysis

Mallory Chipman

Songs To A Wild God

Tunnel Mountain, 2024

9/10

Listen to Songs To A Wild God

The Canadian singer-songwriter Mallory Chipman is in some excellent company for these 10 folk spirited songs.

“O Child Of The Mountain God” starts the listen with Chipman’s spoken word that uses warm banjo thanks to Brett Hansen and takes inspiration from Chipman’s upbringing in Banff, and “I Am Slumber” follows with the soaring vocals that suit the melodic 12 string guitar that’s not short on harmonies.

Further along, “Same Hands” showcases Chipman’s cozy piano amid Jon Guenter’s well timed drums in a dreamy landscape, while “Sing Me Home” employs soothing vocal harmonies and rich woodwinds for the lush album highlight.

“Wild Creek” and “Big Sky Country” exit the listen. The former welcomes a slide guitar solo, as the folk-rock climate builds thanks to the strategic bass, and the latter is an acoustic moment that’s heartfelt and warrants singing along to the gorgeous wordplay.

A record of sublime and timeless folk songs, Chipman’s delivery is unmatched and the tracks are easy to relate to and enjoy via her ‘Canadiana’ formula.

Travels well with: Jenny Burtis- Woodbird; Amy Speace- The American Dream

eldritch Priest

Dormitive Virtue

Halocline Trace, 2024

9/10

Listen to Dormitive Virtue

An effort written, performed and recorded by Eldritch Priest, the improvised, jazz and experimental ideas are nothing short of fascinating across these 8 distinct tracks.

“Grave Needs, Rainbow” opens with the guitar acrobatics emitting much power and unpredictable ideas, and “Supposition Engine” follows with a soft presence of dreamy guitar that’s intriguing.

“Outlaw” and “Iris” land in the middle. The former is a graceful moment of cautious gestures amid a radiant one, while the latter flows with ambience and psychedelic nods.

Near the end, “A Gilded Madman” offers a mesmerizing and meticulous display of cinematic swells, and “Dormitive Virtue” exits with a distinct intimacy via the rich guitar progressions and strong attention to tonality.

A creative body of work that embraces chamber and electroacoustic works, similarities to Bill Frisell or Susan Alcorn will be appreciated across this ambitious and rich solo guitar venture.

Travels well with: India Gailey- Butterfly Lightning Shakes The Earth; Mark Haney- Placentia Bay: Summer Of 1941

Brent Laidler

Hidden Gems

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Hidden Gems

The guitarist and composer Brent Laidler brings along some excellent help for these 10 tracks that are cultured, infectious and rooted in jazz.

The rhythmic and warm “Haba Verde” gets the listen off to a textured start, where Laidler’s flowing guitar is met with Mark Buselli’s well timed trumpet and Richard ‘Sleepy’ Floyd’s skilled drums, and “#5 Shomeday Way” follows with Ned Boyd’s animated flute and Jaime Newman’s rich organ adding much intrigue to the timeless jazz spirit.

In the middle, the cleverly titled “Riffy Business” allows for Scott Pazara’s bass prowess to illuminate the wind and brass, while “Somewhere In Central Park” is a frisky album highligh that benefits from the fluid rhythm section and plenty of rich trumpet.

Residing near the end, “Bop Like” certainly does swing with much playfulness thanks to Laidler’s meticulous guitar playing, and “Without A Tres” exits with well crafted melodies via the jazz waltz in a trio setting.

A project that began during the Covid lockdown, this 3rd album with Laidler as leader allows for plenty of grooves, melodies and swingin’ fun to be enjoyed.

Travels well with: Eric Bell- Vulnerability; Matt Booth- Sun Prints

Alan Chaubert

Just The Three Of Us

Pacific Coast, 2025

8/10

Listen to Just The Three Of Us

Alan Chaubert manages to play muted trumpet and piano simultaneously, and these 9 covers illustrate his timeless jazz appeal with Belden Bullock, Jon Di Fiore and Luis Quintero in attendance.

The infectious energy of “Well You Needn’t” opens with Di Fore’s frisky drumming that complements Chaubert’s keys and horn combination, and “Waltz For Ruth” follows with a soft demeanor of grace via the soft bass from Bullock and the warm piano.

“Poinciana” and “I Will Say Goodbye” occupy the middle spots. The former benefits from Luis Quintero’s playful percussion that aligns with the soulful trumpet, while the latter is a heartfelt moment populated by Chaubert’s intimate keys and rich horn.

Close to the end, “Turn Out The Stars” offers a thoughtful and melodic late album highlight that showcases the unique piano/trumpet dynamic, and “I Will Say Goodbye- Take 2” exits with a second version that's full of heart and soul.

A diverse effort that can swing with fun just as it can retreat to introspection, there is much depth and exploration to appreciate across these atypical interpretations.

Travels well with: Benjie Porecki- All That Matters; Cliff Korman Trio- Urban Tracks

Christopher Whitley

almost as soft as silence

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to almost as soft as silence

The Canadian violinist Christopher Whitley never disappoints, and here we’re treated to 15 tracks of solo violin and free improvisational song craft.

“Soliloquy (i)” opens with the sharp and animated violin making for a very distinct mood, and it isn’t long until “Patience” emits much emotion via the skilled bowing and heartfelt demeanor.

Deeper into the listen, “Lake Train” is strong on ambience via the meticulous string gestures, while “Song” screeches playfully and radiates a tense disposition of cinematic and sometimes jarring ideas.

Residing close to the end, “Echo Pasture” illustrates Whitley’s unparalleled violin prowess with both soft and mysterious progressions, and “Soliloquy (ii)” exits with a harmonic vision of fluid and engaging instrumentation.

A very artistic effort that was recorded in a single, unedited take, this is a solo violin experience like no other, and one that’s as fascinating as it is memorable.

Travels well with: Christopher Whitley- Describe Yourself; India Gailey- Butterfly Lightning Shakes The Earth

The Crossing

Meciendo

Navona, 2024

9/10

Listen to Meciendo

The multi-Grammy winning outfit The Crossing bring us 8 new selections of contemporary choral compositions, where the conductor Donald Nally guides the voices through the mind of 6 different composers.

Carol Barnett’s “When All Falls Silent” opens with the harmonic voices making for much beauty and grace, and the title track, by Leanna Kirchoff, follows with strong interplay between the baritones and sopranos that emit plenty of emotion.

“Love Lines” and “Feather On God’s Breath” land in the middle. The former, by Karen Siegel, meshes plenty of strategic backing vocals for much atmosphere, while the latter radiates tremendous poise amid the articulate gestures of the Deborah Kavasch piece.

Near the end, “Holy Waters: Pond 5: Font” moves with a distinct intimacy via the flawless singing and dreamy tone thanks to Kirchoff’s vision, and Anne Kilstofte’s “The Starlight Night” exits with tonally vibrant singing that tugs on the heartstrings.

Much like everything The Crossing have done, this is a top notch delivery in the area of choral texturing, where themes of spirituality and interconnectedness make for a lasting impression.

Travels well with: The Crossing- Born; Paul Neebe- Undiscovered Trumpet Concertos

Kai-Young Chan

Constraints/Creativity

Navona, 2025

8/10

Listen to Constraints/Creativity

The composer Kai-Young Chan uses ancient Chinese lyric poetry, contemporary literature, and religious texts that align with choral music for these 10 very unique selections.

“Seeking Searching” starts the listen with Wing Sum Chung and Sze Chung Joyce Chan’s solos illuminating the cautious mood, and “Withering Blossoms, Fading Scent” follows with Isaac Lam’s intimate keys that suit the glorious and powerful voices.

Halfway through, “Life Is But A Dream” allows for Rosella Tang, Margaret Sang, Kenny Lam and Wilcox Leung’s solos to draw us into the stirring climate, while “ Beneath The Moonlight” pairs Quinton Chu’s gentle piano with dreaming and sublime singing.

Residing near the end, “Love Never Fails” showcases Lam’s delicate keys amid the calm harmonizing courtesy of the inimitable vocals, and “Psalm 23” exits with the layered and rich voices radiating tremendous skill next to the soothing piano.

A highly creative effort that embraces hope, nature and strength, the choral template meshes superbly with the meticulous piano from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Adolphus Hailstork- Chamber Works; Julia Glenn- Ink Traces

Akropolis Reed Quintet/Pascal Le Boeuf/Christian Euman

Are We Dreaming The Same Dream?

Bright Shiny Things, 2024

9/10

Listen to Are We Dreaming The Same Dream?

The Akropolis Reed Quintet, composer/pianist Pascal Le Boeuf and drummer Christian Euman come together for these 17 selections that continue to explore their atypical version of chamber and classical sounds.

“Prelude (Theme)” starts the listen with Tim Gocklin’s soft oboe creating much mood amid Ryan Reynolds’ agile bassoon, and “All Consuming” follows with Euman’s dense drums that suit the textured and unpredictable winds.

Further along, “Processional” finds much intimacy to reside in via the rich and emotive clarinet from Kari Landry, while “Ideals And Disillusions” showcases Matt Landry’s adventurous sax bouts in a swirling, cinematic landscape.

Arriving near the end, “Ancestors (Slow)” pays close attention to tonality alongside the harnonic interaction and Andrew Koeppe’s bass clarinet, and “Recessional” exits with a distinct dreaminess thanks to the cautious songwriting and Le Boeuf’s precise keys.

An effort that often explores the American identity, the quintet embraces plenty of jazz nods, and their reed prowess is as fluid and exciting as ever,

Travels well with: Akropolis Reed Quintet- Ghost Light; Third Coast Percussion- Philip Glass: Aguas Da Amazonia

Castle Mountain Moon

Six Tales Of Perception

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Six Tales Of Perception

The German duo of Dirk Krause and Robert Köhler are Castle Mountain Moon, and they pen 7 tracks in the area of symphonic progressive rock where some guests are present for this impressive debut.

“Perception” opens with Köhler’s gentle keys amid a haze of mystery, as ominous vocals enter near the end, and “Blue Sky Machine” follows with harmonic group vocals, where Gerry Wassong’s dense drums and Krause’s swirling guitar add a rock fueled demeanor.

In the middle, “Fly” uses bright keys and plenty of frisky prog ideas to create warm melodies, while “To The Moon” is full of soaring guitar work and dynamic introspection that benefits much from Krause’s precise bass lines.

“Who” and “Suddenly” exit the listen. The former employs cozy acoustic guitar and pretty singing, and the latter finishes with a buzzing climate of meticulous keys and building, symphonic waves of ambience and power.

Other guests include Frank Piontkowski (cello) and Johanna Köhler (posaune), who help make for a an intriguing and memorable version of modern prog-rock.

Travels well with: Past And Secrets- Another Day Another Time; Captain Of The Lost Waves- Beautiful Ugly

Karissa Ella

Blossom

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Blossom

A quickly rising Nashville artist, the Ohio born Karissa Ella delivers 6 tunes of breezy and timeless melodica on this 2nd EP of country-pop sounds.

“Vacay” starts the listen with strummed acoustic guitars and pop melodies as Ella’s sweet pipes put a nice sugary coat on the country influenced tune, and “Intoxicating” follows with hand clapping fun in a playful setting.

Elsewhere, “Rose All Day” illustrates a more diverse angle for the young songstress with an elegant, easy listening track, and the more sparse “More Like Her” showcases her youthful and flawless pipes with strategic pedal steel. The quick listen ends on “Levi Jeans”, where a universal memorableness in the anthemic country-pop tune could make Ella a household name.

Certainly inspired be legends like Carrie Underwood and Shania Twain, Ella holds her own well across this brief listen, and it shouldn’t surprise anyone if her name is spoken alongside those luminaries in the near future.

Travels well with: Gretchen Wilson- All Jacked Up; Miranda Lambert- Evolution