Jack Quartet

John Zorn: The Complete String Quartets

Tzadik, 2025

9/10

Listen to John Zorn: The Complete String Quartets

This first-ever recording of the composer John Zorn’s Complete String Quartets, by Christoper Otto, Austin Wulliman, John Pickford Richards and Jay Campbell, i.e. JACK Quartet, unfolds across 2 discs of meticulous string interaction.

The ambient and sci-fi-esque “Cat O’Nine Tails” opens with Richards’ unpredictable viola adding much to the highly atypical climate, and “Dead Man” follows with Otto and Wulliman’s firm versus stirring violin presence that suits the busy and soft gestures.

“Koi Nidre” finishes out the first half, and is full of heartfelt and poetic song craft that’s quite soothing, while “Necronomicon” leads the back half with a controlled chaos approach where Campbell’s well timed cello makes an impression.

“The Remedy Of Fortune” and “The Unseen” exit the listen. The former emits nearly 15 minutes of intricate progressions, strong attention to atmosphere and dynamics, and the latter is quite minimal but no less impactful in its cautious finish.

The selections here were penned between 1988 and 2017, some with the JACK Quartet in mind, and the technical, sometimes jarring ideas and unorthodox stabs at classical music make this an extremely unique and memorable experience.

Travels well with: Rachel Lee Priday/David Kaplan- Fluid Dynamics; Christopher Cerrone- Beaufort Scales

Russ Anixter's Hippie Big Band

What Is?

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to What Is?

A record that showcases the arranger and composer Russ Anixter’s love for big band jazz and rock outfits that improvise, there’s a lot of diverse ideas to enjoy across these 11 familiar songs.

The upbeat and flowing “What Is Hip?” opens with the bright brass and Scott Neumann’s acrobatic drumming making an impression, and “Dixie Chicken” follows with Jack Schatz’s bass trombone contributing to the rich climate.

Further along, “Heaven On Their Minds” allows for Frank Vacin’s alto flute to shine in the mesmerizing delivery, while “Uncle John’s Band” features Oz Noy’s meticulous guitar, which adds much to the unpredictable album highlight.

Landing near the end, Steven Bernstein’s slide trumpet helps cultivate the lively grooves of “Whipping Post”, and “Green Hornet” exits with Steve Count’s animated bass aligning with Michael Aarons’ guitar and Bill Hayes’ glowing vibes.

In addition to rock and jazz, the ensemble flirt with funk, balladry and free form improvisations, as ideas from the ‘30s and on unfolds with much creativity and timelessness.

Travels well with: Randy Hoexter- Tomorrowsville; Jeff Rupert- It Gets Better

Jackson Potter

Small Things

Shifting Paradigm, 2025

8/10

Listen to Small Things

The esteemed guitarist Jackson Potter is in excellent company for these 9 diverse jazz tracks.

Potter’s spirited guitar starts the listen with the playful and rhythmic “Trams”, and the title track follows with Sophia Formella’s dreamy scatting amid Marcello Cardillo’s agile drumming.

“Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” arrives in the middle and uses Potter’s meticulous guitar in a heartfelt way amid Alex Ridout’s soulful trumpet, while “Hey, It’s Me Your Talking To” is a frisky moment via Hamish Smith’s bouncy bass and Troy Roberts’ animated sax prowess.

“Everything I Know” and “Sophia’s Waltz” exit the listen. The former is an intimate moment of detailed guitar progressions before the energetic rhythm section enters, and the latter finishes soft, melodic and indebted to straight ahead, traditional jazz.

Even though he’s a youngster, Potter has an impressive resume already, and, as evidenced by this exceptional record, is clearly on his way to being a legendary jazz guitarist.

Travels well with: Mark Scott III- Soft Light; Marc Ciprut- Moonshine

Joe Elefante's Wheel Of Dharma

Wheel Of Dharma

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Wheel Of Dharma

The renaissance man Joe Elefante is a pianist, composer, saxophonist, vocalist, composer and bandleader who guides his quintet through 5 timeless originals.

The lively “Bad Dancing” starts the listen with Elefante’s swift piano alongside Freddie Hendrix’s bright trumpet and Dave Heilman’s frisky drumming, and “Rocky’ follows with Sameer Shankar’s playful bass amid the melodic keys and Erena Terakubo’s soulful sax.

“The One Who Knows” and “The Earth Is On Fire” occupy the middle spots. The former is an intimate moment of soft and heartfelt instrumentation, while the latter is a rich and dynamic album highlight that showcases Hendrix’s trumpet acrobatics alongside the upbeat rhythm section.

The final selection, “Lion’s Eyes”, then allows for Elefante’s meticulous piano to shine in a cautious yet exploratory exit of timeless jazz sounds.

A very cohesive effort that balances ideas from the past as well as very modern ideas, Elefante suffered a terrible loss recently when his wife succumbed to cancer in 2024, and he has since dove head first into music full time with incredible results.

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

Jimmy Vivino

Gonna Be 2 Of Those Days

Gulf Coast, 2025

9/10

Listen to Gonna Be 2 Of Those Days

The revered guitarist Jimmy Vivino recently made his home at the Gulf Coast label, and this debut with them welcomes special guests Joe Bonamassa and John Sebastian in attendance.

The rugged yet tuneful “Blues In The 21st” opens with Bonamassa’ inimitable guitar chops alongside Rich Pagano’s thumping drums and Vivino’s soulful pipes, and “Ruby Is Back” follows with a brighter tone, where Vivino’s animated keys suit Jesse Williams’ playful bass fills.

Landing closer to the middle, “Beware The Wolf” is a wild and dance floor ready anthem that benefits from John Sebastian’s well timed harmonica, while “Fool’s Gold” burns slow and powerfully amid Vivino’s sturdy guitar and the rich musicianship.

Near the end, the bouncy and harmonic “Shady Side Of The Street” blends the guitars, keys, drums and bass, plus Vivino’s rugged pipes, and “Back Up The Country” exits with Sebastian’s spirited harmonica and acoustic guitar alongside the authentic storytelling from Vivino.

Vivino is a legend, and this body of work continues his passionate approach and timeless take on the blues, where his 60+ years as a musician is very much appreciated.

Travels well with: Albert Castiglia- Righteous Souls; Mike Zito- Life Is Hard

Jerry Kalaf

Safe Travels

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Safe Travels

The Los Angeles drummer Jerry Kalaf is joined by Tom Ranier and Trey Henry plus some guests on strings for these jazz meets classical tracks.

“263 Beacon” starts the 8 pieces with Ranier’s elegant keys alongside Kalaf’s fluid drumming and the soft strings via plenty of sophistication, and “Another Summer” follows with themes of nature via Henry’s eloquent bass and breezy melodies.

The middle spot belongs to “Bailing”, where Kalaf’s crisp drumming won’t go unnoticed, nor will the meticulous harmonics and strong attention to mood, while “Epilogue” is a heartfelt and intimate moment populated by emotive bass and gripping violin.

The title track and “Shearing” exit the listen. The former is full of reflection thanks to Ranier’s detailed keys and the cinematic strings, and the latter is a frisky finish that utilizes the trio’s inimitable talents in a playful and timeless fashion.

The ATLYS, i.e. Sabrina Tabby, Jinty McTavish, Erin Rafferty and Genevieve Tabby make quite an impression with their violins, viola and cello, as Kalaf delivers all originals of lush and improvised jazz that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Rodney Whitaker- Mosaic; Rick Roe- Tribute: The Music of Gregg Hill

Jon Irabagon

Server Farm

Irabbagast, 2025

9/10

Listen to Server Farm

The extraordinary saxophonist and composer Jon Irabagon pulls off an exceptional project here, where a ten piece ensemble flesh out 5 detailed and expansive modern jazz tunes.

The adventurous “Colocaton” opens with Levy Lorenzo’s animated vibraphone, before Jon Irabagon’s bright sax enters the controlled chaos delivery of free jazz, and “Routers” follows with Dan Weiss’ skilled drumming that welcomes Peter Evans’ well timed trumpet amid much atypical rhythm.

“Singularities” occupies the middle spot and is both reserved and frisky via Miles Okazaki and Wendy Eisenberg’s flowing guitars that give it a rock feel, while “Graceful Exit” leads with a sci-fi appeal before finding intimate areas to reside in thanks to the soulful sax from Irabagon and Matt Mitchell’s sublime piano amid Mazz Swift’s stirring violin.

“Spy” finishes out the listen and is strong on ambience thanks to the Swift’s strategic vocals, the swirling wind and brass and Michael Formanek and Chris Lightcap’s bass prowess.

Yet another imaginative and exciting peek at Irabgon’s stylish version of jazz, every moment here is unpredictable and memorable.

Travels well with: The Jon Irabagon Trio + One- Dinner & Dancing; Brian Marsella/Jon Irabagon- Blue Hour

Rodney Whitaker

Mosaic

Origin, 2025

9/10

Listen to Mosaic

The extraordinary bassist Rodney Whitaker is in some fine company here, where 10 songs unfold via this 4th collaboration between Whitaker and Gregg Hill.

The rich and dynamic title track opens with Rick Roe’s well timed keys and Terell Stafford’s bright trumpet that suits Whitaker’s bouncy bass lines, and “Unknown Ballad” follows with Dana Hall’s agile drumming and Rockelle Whitaker’s soulful pipes adding much to the graceful delivery.

“Moonscape” occupies the middle spot and benefits much from Tim Warfield’s flowing sax amid the poetic vocals, while “Ray-Dias” is a melodic and rhythmic album highlight that allows for Whitaker’s meticulous bass to shine.

Close to the end, “Stargazer” is an intimate moment via the dreamy keys and powerful singing, and “Sunday Special” exits with the wind, brass, keys, drums and bass interacting with much precision and playfulness.

Whitaker’s resume is unparalleled, and this installment brings swingin’ moments as well as softer areas of reflection, where his band complement his inestimable playing superbly.

Travels well with: Andy Wheelock- Whee3trio: In The Wheelhouse; Jason Keiser- Kind Of Kenny

Nanami Haruta

The Vibe

Origin, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Vibe

The trombonist and Sapporo native Nanami Haruta has been an esteemed musician since her teens, and here along with Michael Dease, Xavier Davis, Rodney Whitaker, Ulysses Owens Jr and Chris Minami she fleshes out 5 originals, 4 covers and 2 selections by Gregg Hill.

“Girlie’s World” starts the festivities with Davis’ mature keys alongside Dease’s soulful bari sax and Haruta’s glowing trombone, and the title track follows with an animated climate thanks to Owens Jr’s playful drums and Whitaker’s meticulous bass progressions.

Landing in the middle, “Sister Rosa” benefits much from the cautious brass amid the colorful keys, while “Easy Money” bops and shakes with an infectious energy via the firm horns that align with the precise rhythm section.

Arriving near the end, “Woodpecker” carries a frisky rhythm alongside Haruta’s rich trombone, and “Unchained Melody” possesses all the beauty of the original thanks to Minami’s heartfelt guitar and the emotive trombone.

Haruta cut her teeth in both Whitaker and Owen Jr’s bands, and she sure seems comfortable in the leader role, as evidenced by this timeless jazz effort.

Travels well with: Ben Markley- Tell The Truth; David Friesen- A Light Shining Through

Ketty Nez

Through The Light

Albany, 2025

8/10

Listen to Through The Light

The composer Ketty Nez takes inspiraiton from her own family’s heritage for these 2 involved pieces, where the folk music of Central Europe and Turkey blend with Nez’s modern compositional language.

The title track begins the listen with Gabriela Díaz’s violin, Lilit Hartunian’s violin, Samuel Kelder’s viola and David Russell’s cello interacting with much warmth and precision, where Nez tips her hat towards the folk music recorded by Béla Bartók in the early 20th century, as plenty of emotion and playfulness enters.

The back half is occupied by “Fragments In 3”, where Jennifer Bill’s diverse soprano saxophone is met by Daniel Doña’s meticulous viola and Nez’s firm versus pretty key progressions. An atypical trio delivery, the 5 movements are as unpredictable as they are creative.

A highly modern and articulate chamber affair that showcases a tremendous vision, Nez and company flesh out the songs with much fluidity and care.

Travels well with: Ronn Yedidia- 24 Preludes Of Dusk & Dawn; Christopher Rouse- Concertos

Exceptet

Tree Lines

New Focus, 2025

9/10

Listen to Tree Lines

This first album from the septet Exceptet features the compositions of Sarah Goldfeather, Paul Kerekes and Katherine Balch, where a creative and distinct vision unfolds.

Goldfeather’s “Mouth Full Of Ears” opens with her violin and voice radiating in both minimal and prog-influenced moments that also welcomes animated drumming.

In the middle, “Figment”, by Kerekes, emits much playful percussion and a distinct dreaminess that’s sonically off kilter and highly imaginative and manipulates pitch with much playfulness.

The title finishes the listen, and has Balch using vocals like an instrument across 11 chapters that recruit muted trumpet, vibraphone, double bass, and no lack of attention to timbre, glitchy bouts and microtonality.

A precise and energetic effort, the selections mesh brass and winds with much intrigue and colorful songwriting that uses chamber and classical bits in atypical ways.

Travels well with: Edward Smaldone- What No One Else Sees…; Roberta Michel- Hush

Gloria Cheng

Root Progressions

Biophilia, 2025

9/10

Listen to Root Progressions

The Grammy and Emmy award winning pianist Gloria Cheng commissioned 6 composers in the area of improvised music for this project, and it makes for an unpredictable, contemporary classical listen.

Anthony Davis’ “Piano Heaven” begins with the animated climate emitting adventurousness amid a unique rhythm, and Jon Lang’s “Ancestors & Sisters” follows with a cautious approach, where lower registers and bouts of dreaminess unfold.

In the middle, the busy “Mis Guerreros (The Mystic Secret)” mesmerizes us with its lively progressions and flowing, melodic song craft in the Arturo O’Farrill piece, while Gernot Wolfgang’s “Two Movements” is strong on ambience and space via a mysterious execution.

The final track, Linda May Han Oh’s “Littoral Tales”, then rumbles intently but can also retreat to a distinct intimacy.

An acutely colorful and imaginative record, Cheng’s sophisticated and daring performance illuminates the diverse and commanding vision from the esteemed composers.

Travels well with: Guy Barash- Killdeer; Brian Baumbusch- Polytempo Music

Bob Corritore & Friends

Doin’ The Shout!

VizzTone, 2025

9/10

Listen to Doin’ The Shout!

The harmonica wizard Bob Corritore is surrounded by some very specials guests for these 12 songs that were recorded between 2023 and 2024.

“Say Baby Say” opens and uses Thornetta Davis’ soulful and playful voice alongside Corritore’s lively mouth harp amid the flowing blues, and “Woman Wanted” follows with Oscar Wilson’s soaring voice that’s expressive and suits the spirited guitar.

Closer to the middle, “Its My Life” comes with an infectious energy via Nora Jean’s animated pipes and the thumping drums, while “I’ve Got Three Problems” comes with some funk nods amid Bobby Rush’s distinct voice, the meticulous harmonica and bouncy bass.

“Same Old Thing” and “My First Love” exit the listen. The former swings with fun and benefits from Jimi ‘Primetime’ Smith and Carla Denise’s singing that is complemented by plenty of rhythm, and the latter uses Bob Stroger’s gritty vocals and Corritore’s meticulous mouth harp in the southern influenced finish.

The is Corritore’s 30th album, and like everything he’s been a part of, it’s full of timeless and authentic blues that’s fleshed out with the perfect balance of precision and spontaneity.

Travels well with: Bob Corritore & Friends- Phoenix Blues Rumble; Bob Corritore & Friends- Somebody Put Bad Luck On Me

Ben Markley

Tell The Truth

OA2, 2025

9/10

Listen to Tell The Truth

The always impressive pianist and composer Ben Markley is joined by Steve Kovalcheck, Wil Swindler, Rodney Whitaker and Kyle Swan for these hard swinging tunes that pay tribute to the ‘60s Blue Note quintet sessions.

The energetic and playful title track leads, where Swindler’s lively sax complements the frisky keys from Markley, and “Tuesday Morning Feeling” follows with Whitaker’s skilled bass amid the dreamy piano and warm atmosphere.

The middle tracks, “Snowy Range Blues” and “Spencer’s Mood”, don’t disappoint, either. The former showcases Kovalcheck’s spirited guitar progressions, while the latter bops and shakes with a contagious delivery via the bright sax and Swan’s agile drumming.

Landing near the end, “The Picture Outside My Window” is a soft moment of stirring intimacy thanks to the reflective keys and soulful gestures, and “Rimshot” exits with animated drumming, swift keys and quick bass that makes for a memorable and exciting finish.

An effort with no lack of grooves or dynamic interaction, Markley and crew tip their hat to legends like Bill Evans and Cedar Walton across these timeless 8 tracks.

Travels well with: Brad Goode Polytonal Big Band- The Snake Charmer; David Friesen- A Light Shining Through

Ronn Yedidia

24 Preludes Of Dusk & Dawn

Albany, 2025

8/10

Listen to 24 Preludes Of Dusk & Dawn

These 24 selections penned during the Covid lockdowns by the composer Ronn Yedidia are fleshed out by Gila Goldstein’s fingers, where the solo piano emits uplifting and soulful expressions.

The flowing keys of “Allegretto scorrevole con mistica (C-sharp minor)” opens the listen with much care and warmth, and it isn’t long until “Rose in the Garden" (B-flat Major/C Major)” showcases Goldstein’s inimitable playing with rich and quick progressions.

Deeper into the listen, “"Storm of Fate" (G Minor)” allows for more dramatic bouts to enter the highly technical playing, while “Before the Snow" (F-sharp minor)” offers both busy and intimate gestures of sublime piano.

Arriving near the end, “Orly" (E minor)” emits much wonder and creativity that can be quite firm and rumble intensely, and “Oath and After..." (D-sharp minor)” exits with Goldstein’s finger acrobatics instilling beauty and awe.

Yedidia pays homage and tribute to his mentors, inspirations, and loved ones with these compositions, where the proficient playing draws us in from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Christopher Rouse- Concertos; Cecil Price Walden- Hours

Michael Kurek

Symphony No. 3: “English”

Navona, 2025

8/10

Listen to Symphony No. 3 “English”

The composer Michael Kurek pens a romantic body of work, where he tips his hat to the history and natural beauty of England via the 4 detailed selections.

“Symphony No. 3: “English”: Upon a Walk in the English Countryside” opens with the careful winds and strings interacting with much prettiness and grace, and “Symphony No. 3: “English”: Stonehenge” follows with a dramatic mood that flows in and out of profound emotion and cinematic swells of elegance.

On the back half, “Symphony No. 3: “English”: The Lady of Shalott” finds itself in playful areas via the animated strings and dreamy winds, while “Symphony No. 3: “English”: The Major Oak of Sherwood Forest” finishes with well timed drumming and rich brass that suits the charming winds and heartfelt strings.

A very lush and poetic record, Kurek’s work is fleshed out with a similar, timeless appeal of the nature and art that these compositions touch on.

Travels well with: Scott Brickman- Baltic Sketches; Frank Horvat- More Rivers

Scott Brickman

Baltic Sketches

Navona, 2025

8/10

Listen to Baltic Sketches

The composer Scott Brickman presents symphonic works inspired by Brickman’s Baltic and Slavic ancestry here, where the 4 involved pieces are fleshed out with strong attention to detail.

“Symphony #5” starts the listen with the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra making for a very colorful and dynamic delivery under the conducting of Ivan Josip Skender, which pulls from Latvian folk traditions, including folk dances, songs, and Lutheran liturgical music.

In the middle, “Symphony #1” employs the meticulous strings of the Kiev Philharmonic amid Robert Ian Winstin’s conducting that guides the unpredictable and sometimes soft gestures, while “Symphony #4: Restoration” benefits much from the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava and Jiří Petrdlík’s conducting via the cinematic and tense bursts.

“Symphony #6” exits the listen and showcases the Filharmonie Brno and Petrdlik’s conducting in a busy but controlled finish that spotlights the soaring brass and winds with an animated presence.

Some of the themes covered here include current socio-political events, including military conflict in the Middle East and the climate crisis, as Brickman’s eloquent vision is fleshed out superbly.

Travels well with: Frank Horvat- More Rivers; Kai-Young Chen- Constraints/Creativity

Ron Pope

American Man, American Music

Brooklyn Basement, 2025

9/10

Listen to American Man, American Music

The always impressive singer-songwriter Ron Pope examines survival, love and resilience with these roots rock songs that recruits a long list of guest musicians.

The lively “Nobody’s Gonna Make It Out Alive” opens with plenty of Nashville energy, where Billy Contreras’ soaring fiddle adds much to Pope’s distinct singing, and “I Gotta Change (Or I’m Gonna Die)” follows with a calmer mood, as Seth Taylor’s elegant mandolin complements the intimacy and grace.

Landing at the midpoint is “I Pray I’ll Be Seeing You Soon”, which spotlights Jeff Picker’s meticulous upright bass and Elizabeth Dewey’s gorgeous harmonies with much emotion, while “The Queen Of Fort Payne, Alabama” is a dense and dance floor ready album highlight that benefits from Robbie Crowell’s acrobatic drumming and Kevin Black’s fluid bass lines.

Residing near the end, “Where You’re Kept” welcomes Kaitlyn Raitz’s sophisticated cello and Shaun Richardson’s acoustic guitar via the poetic and heartfelt delivery, and “The Life In Your Years” exits with Pope’s inimitable storytelling that’s fueled by cozy guitar.

You have to hand it to Ron Pope. The guy’s work ethic has been nothing short of admirable. Being a fully independent artist in a field as wide as a singer-songwriter is no easy task, and the New Jersey native’s been plugging away since the early 2000s. He’s lived in Nashville now for 10 years, which has undoubtedly affected his songwriting, and he’s making some of his best music yet.

Travels well with: Effie Zilch- Multitudes; Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms- Gold In Your Pocket

Slamdinistas

Wild & Restless

Rum Bar, 2025

9/10

Listen to Wild & Restless

A band since 2020, this sophomore album from Slamdinistas shows the quintet expanding on their rock’n’roll template with plenty of diversity.

The charged guitars of “Where I Belong” opens the listen with front man Gabriel Johns’ raw yet tuneful pipes and Brian Irving’s thumping drums making an impression, and the title track continues the energy with an energetic punk flavor that benefits much from Peter Downing’s bouncy bass.

Moving towards the middle, “Weather The Storm” showcases Loren Molinare’s playful guitar amid much melody, while “Latch Key Kids” is allows for the precise rhythm section and Mike Gavigan’s meticulous guitar to shine in the rugged but harmonic album highlight.

Residing close to the end, “Should Have Known Better” is a more cautious moment that’s still plenty gritty in a retro-rock sort of way, and “I’m Okay”, the last tune before a pair of alternate versions of an earlier song, recruits power and emotion into the sing-alongs and anthemic climate.

Slamdinistas have an incredible resume that includes playing in bands like FiDo, Adam Sandler Band, the Blessings and Pat Todd & the Rankoutsiders, and their collective strength makes for a bluesy, country and punk fueled rock affair that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: The Hollywood Stars- Starstruck; Ellen Foley- Fighting Words

King Ropes

Gravity And Friction

Big And Just Little, 2019

9/10

Listen to Gravity And Friction

The (mostly) Montana outfit return with a 3rd album, and much like everything King Ropes has done it’s difficult to categorize, but easy to enjoy.

“Saint Peter” starts the album soft and mysterious with an ambient version of Americana influenced indie-rock, and “Butterfly Joint” follows with a mix of strings and loud guitars in a quirky alt-rock meets art-rock meshing.

A listen where each song explores different territories, “California Stars” takes on garage rock ideas with plenty of exploration, while “Brown” recruits spoken word and orchestral moments in a psyche-rock package.

Near the end, the title track finds the quintet flirting with desert rock on an unclassifiable highlight, and “Giacomo’s Assistant” offers strings in a dark, moody, adventurous journey. The record ends on “These Days”, where ambience and texture invade the atypical twang.

In the hands of many others, an approach like this would be a fumbling mess. However, when King Ropes take it on, we get unconventional melodies, unique arrangements and a creativity that runs parallel with names like Lou Reed and Stephen Malkmus.

Travels well with: The Velvet Undergound- Loaded; Wilco- Yankee Hotel Foxtrot