Bahar Movahed

Together Yet Alone

Adhyâropa, 2026

9/10

Listen to Together Yet Alone

The Iranian born singer Bahar Movahed is aligned with the Tehran composer Navid Deghan for these 9 songs of Persian music that employ many players for the cultured listen.

The quick pace of “Early Spring” opens with the flowing strings radiating much grace and warmth, and “In Grace Of Flight Part I’ follows with 12+ minutes of gorgeous singing and rich instrumentation, where the oud and santour shine.

In the middle, the festive mood of “Minstrel” is percussively strong and textured with harmonics, while “Your Lips, Part I” allows for Movahed’s expressive pipes to help illuminate the often sparse but impactful musicianship.

Arriving late, “Your Lips, Part II” is a darker moment of sublime strings and emotive singing that carries mystery, and “Jest” exits with a lively demeanor thanks to the vibrant musicianship, where the well timed ney makes an impression.

Movahed now lives in California, and the long distance project with Dehghan in Tehran required a year of rehearsals through an app before flying to Tehran for 3 days of studio time. The result is a spiritual and emotional experience of Iranian music that’s enlightening and timeless.

Travels well with: Ezra- Whippersnap; Jeremy Bass- Cabin Songs

Deardarkhead

The Pendulum Swings

Fertile Crescent, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Pendulum Swings

The New Jersey rockers Deardarkhead return with their first album since 1998, where Kevin Harrington and Robert Weiss recruit a couple guests for the hazy 10 tracks.

“Flamethrower” opens with Weiss’ crisp drums and Brandon Howard’s mesmerizing bass before Harrington’s radiant guitar enters the flowing post-punk climate, and “Coming Undone” follows with the throbbing rhythm section complementing the swirling guitar dynamics.

In the middle, “Tears” is a gentle moment of dreamy qualities that are harmonic and heartfelt, while “Letting Go” recruits Joe Mcginty’s inimitable keys for the shoegaze influenced album highlight,.

“In Another Life” and the title track exit the listen. The former weaves in and out of pretty textures amid a hint of rugged, alt-rock nods, and the latter embraces dream-pop sensibilities via the meticulous interaction and bright layering.

A highly atmospheric comeback effort, Deardarkhead steer into experimentation and refinement, where growth and change are part of their dream-gaze formula that sounds great alongside Ride, Cocteau Twins, The Chameleons or Psychedelic Furs.

Travels well with: Black Rose Burning- The Fear Machine; Push Puppets- Tethered Together

Candace Hastings

Soft Place To Land

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to Soft Place To Land

The classic country artist, Candace Hastings, is joined by an excellent cast for songs about places, people and emotions that embraces her cowgirl and indigenous heritage.

“Loving Cowboys” starts with Hastings’ warm voice and cozy guitar alongside Chris Gage’s mature keys in the heartfelt climate, and the title track follows with Lloyd Maines’ colorful mandolin adding much grace to the timeless Americana.

The midpoint belongs to the emotive “I Was That Woman”, where the pedal steel guitar and Dennis Ludiker’s fiddle tug on the heartstrings, while “Come Home” benefits from Pat Manske’s crisp drums amid Hastings’ soaring voice and the intimate storytelling.

Residing near the end, “As Eagles Fly” places Glen Fukunaga on bass guitar, which complements the soft singing of the eloquent album highlight, and “It’s Too Damn Hot” exits with an upbeat, dance floor ready mood thanks to the frisky guitars, strings, upright bass and drums.

A very authentic outing from the songstress, Hastings has been writings songs since the 5th grade, and her rural spirit is sure to impress the cowboys, cowgirls or anyone with an ear for country tinted sounds.

Travels well with: Sammi Accola- A Candle On A Busy Street; Hallie Grace- Motivation

David Bird

Hinterlands

New Focus, 2026

9/10

Listen to Hinterlands

The inimitable composer David Bird tackles themes of technology and its impact on our world in both music and beyond, where each of the 4 selections present host a different line up.

The title track opens with ambience, as lovemusic’s contributions provide mystery and a sonic allure thanks to Emiliano Gavito (flute), Adam Starkie (clarinet), Sophie Wahlmüller (viola), Christian Lozano (electric guitar), and Finbar Hosie (electronics).

In the middle, “Ambient Machine” leads with dense waves via Ben Roidl-Ward’s bassoon and Isidora Nojkovic’s cello that nearly sounds mechanical, while “Chroma” enlists the the Grossman Ensemble for the emphasis on timbre in a busy yet precise display of overtone-based exploration.

“American City” exits, and unfolds across 3 segments thanks to the Mivos Quartet, where Olivia De Prato (violin), Maya Bennardo (violin), Victor Lowrie Tafoya (viola), and Nathan Watts (cello) blend their talents into commentary on the psychological effects of technology.

A meticulous effort of challenging, fantasy and sci-fi influenced ideas, Bird’s vision dissects the human experience in a shifting environment with plenty of attention to the contemporary classical mood that’s quite atypical.

Travels well with: Noah Meites- Counting; Ann DuHamel- Prayers For A Feverish Planet: New Music About Climate Change, Vol. 1

GB Leighton

Tangerine

Moonsong, 2026

9/10

Listen to Tangerine

The always impressive Minnesota legends GB Leighton returns with 12 new songs that mesh their country and rock ways with relatable and heartfelt storytelling that carries a working class spirit.

“Tangerine” opens with warm acoustic guitar and Brian Leighton’s cozy voice guiding the reflective mood as the setting builds into a thicker climate, and “Never Have To Worry About Me Again” follows with Ryan Inselman’s galloping drums that helps balance ruggedness with melody.

Moving along, “Waiting For Never” benefits from Smokey D’s skilled bass and Tommy Barbarella’s flowing piano via a sing-along tune, while “‘Til I See You Again” is a powerful moment of soaring vocals and emotive songwriting that has built the band such a strong fanbase in the midwest.

“Something Good” and “You Better Not Run ‘84” exit the listen. The former offers a festive country rocker that recruits Kevin Bowe’s bass and the latter enlists Mike Chaput’s drums in a raw moment that illustrates what Leighton’s songwriting was like at age 14, when he penned it.

Leighton and his band are known for their high energy shows that number 200+ a year, and the similarities in spirit they share with Springsteen and Mellencamp continue here for an introspective and timeless nature that just might be one of their best.

Travels well with: Turn Turn Turn- All Hat No Cattle; The Scarlet Goodbye- Speedway

Chris Andrew

Awakening

Chronograph, 2026

9/10

Listen to Awakening

This first solo piano venture from the Edmonton artist Chris Andrew was captured over 3 days and finds him using his talents for a very personal effort.

“Out The Door” opens with the fluid keys making for an unpredictable and warm start, and “Choro Para Oscar” follows with an upbeat demeanor, where the bright progressions instill an instant impression.

“Coastal Mist” lands in the middle and offers an intimate and cozy mood, while “Reverence” emits a poetic quality that tugs on the heartstrings with its emotive capacity.

“Like Someone In Love” and “Illumination” exit the listen. The former is a frisky yet romantic moment of meticulous beauty, and the latter finishes with a dreamy, cinematic delivery.

Andrew has an esteemed resume playing alongside some of the best in the world of jazz, and this solo venture sees him juggling harmony, melody and rhythm with nods to modern jazz, swing, Brazilian and gospel ideas that are incredibly focused and timeless.

Travels well with: Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra- East Meets West: Connections; Aimee-Jo Benoit- Horns Of Hope

Rita Bliss

Live From London

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to Live From London

The Austin resident Rita Bliss fleshed out these songs at Green Note in London on February 21, 2026, where 3 songs of her stripped back formula radiate much sincerity.

“July” starts the quick listen with warm harmonica and meticulous banjo playing, where Bliss’ eloquent storytelling draws us in immediately, and “Texarkana” follows with a romantic spirit that’s heartfelt and sung with plenty of emotion.

“Two Dollar Bill” exits with cozy banjo, well timed harmonica and Bliss’ inviting singing that has us hanging on every word.

A very authentic blend of folk, Americana and bluegrass, Bliss’ songs surround queer love, heartbreak and the human connection we all share and should celebrate more often.

Travels well with: Rita Bliss- Peaches And Apple Pie; Trish Imbrogno- Bluegrass Love Songs

Marta Sánchez

For The Space You Left

Out Of Your Head, 2026

9/10

Listen to For The Space You Left

A solo prepared piano record, Marta Sánchez used isolation and solitude that began during a residency in 2017 for this debut effort on her own.

The distinct playing of “Frost Bloom” opens with Sánchez’s finger acrobatics guiding the atypical rhythm, and “Inward Loop” follows with a cinematic mood that’s a bit hypnotic in its precise presence.

“Estalagtita” and “Espejos” land in the middle. The former is a quick bout of colorful progressions and radiant melodies, while the latter is dreamy in a sort of eerie way via the meticulous delivery.

Residing close to the end, the bright mood of “Pygmora” enlists atypical percussive ideas to the album’s best, and “One For Blake” exits with firm keys and an atypical musical language that truly helps make this an inimitable body of work.

Sánchez’s resume includes playing with the David Murray Quartet and Webber/Morris Big Band, and in this exposed setting she shines thanks to her technique of inserting objects into the piano strings that manipulates the sounds in fascinating ways.

Travels well with: George- Looking For Consonance; Columbia Icefield- A Silence Opens

George

Looking For Consonance

Out Of Your Head, 2026

9/10

Listen to Looking For Consonance

The Montreal outfit George consists of Anna Webber, Sarah Rossy, Chiquitamagic and John Hollenbeck, who cultivate grooves, rhythm and harmonies in a not so typical way across these 10 tracks.

“Bounce” starts with a dizzying display, where Hollebeck’s rapid fire drums and the wordless vocals surround dense buzzing, and “Lewis” follows rhythmic drumming, Webber’s dreamy flute and harmonic singing.

Landing in the middle the bouncy synth of “George And Dee” floats with an ‘80s ambience, while ”Porter (10,000 men named George)” is a meditative moment that blends soft vocals, warm winds, and crisp drumming with a nearly New Age feel.

Close to the end, the layered “Johnson” makes great use of Webber’s rich sax amid the ethereal backdrop and scrappy drumming, and “Wayne Phases” exits with nearly 12 minutes of acrobatic drumming, soulful sax bouts, animated synth gestures and well timed flute for a truly unconventional version of free jazz.

The members of George know there way around a variety of instruments and songs that defy classification, where a hybrid avant synth-pop jazz fusion makes every moment engaging and unpredictable.

Travels well with: The Tomeka Reid Quintet- Dance! Skip! Hop!; Columbia Icefield- A Silence Opens

The Tomeka Reid Quartet

Dance! Skip! Hop!

Out Of Your Head, 2026

9/10

Listen to Dance! Skip! Hop!

This 4th release from Tomeka Reid's quartet with Mary Halvorson, Jason Roebke, and Tomas Fujiwarwa see the outfit fleshing out 5 involved free jazz and chamber tinted pieces.

The adventurous title track opens with Fujiwar’s unpredictable drums and Halvorson’s radiant guitar making for 10+ minutes of upbeat jazz ideas, and “a(ways) For CC and CeCe” follows with Roebke’s frisky bass amid Reid’s animated cello plucking that aligns with a distinct mood.

Landing at the halfway point, “Oo long!” offers a stylish and a uniquely rhythmic moment, while “Under The Aurora Sky” moves wildly elegance and reflection for the intimate setting that builds into a colorful album highlight.

“Silver Spring Fig Tree” exits, and it allows for Reid’s cello to impress us alongside the cinematic interaction between the guitars and drums in a oddly dreamy sort of way.

If outfits like Art Ensemble of Chicago, Abdul Wadud and Julius Hemphil occupy any of your time, these 5 inimitable tracks will strike a cord.

Travels well with: Columbia Icefield- A Silence Opens; Webber/Morris Big Band- Unseparate

Adam O'Farrill

Elephant

Out Of Your Head, 2026

9/10

Listen to Elephant

The always impressive Adam O’Farrill is joined by Yvonne Rogers, Walter Stinson, and Russell Holzman for 9 songs that continue his iconoclastic vision of improvisation that few others could replicate.

“Curves And Convulsions” opens with Yvonne Rogers’ animated keys alongside O’Farrill’s well timed Rhodes in the playful climate, and “Sea Triptych” follows with 3 segments, where O’Farrill’s rich trumpet is surrounded by Russell Holzman’s strategic drumming in both melodic and ambient waves.

In the middle, “Eleanor’s Dance” radiates a warm beat amid Walter Stinson’s unpredictable bass prowess and the strong tonality of the trumpet, while “Herkimer Diamond” recruits synth from Rogers that aligns with crisp drums and hazy trumpet via the stylish album highlight.

Close to the end, “Thank You Song” moves gently before finding a reflective mood that’s mesmerizing and pretty, and “Bibo No Aozora” exits with the colorful horn, complicated bass lines, frisky drumming and mature keys making an indelible impact.

Everything O’Farrill has been involved in has been great, and with this stellar cast we are treated to more sophisticated, exploratory and fusion ideas that blend jazz and chamber with stunning results.

Travels well with: Columbia Icefield- A Silence Opens; Webber/Morris Big Band- Unseparate

Jody Redhage Ferber

Air Songs

Scarlet Tree, 2026

9/10

Listen to Air Songs

The cellist and composer Jody Redhage Ferber returns with her first release as leader in over a decade, where Camila Meza, Rogerio Boccato and Sara Caswell are along for the 9 well thought out songs.

“Day And Night” opens with Meza’s warm scatting and Caswell’s graceful violin making an impression, and “Swiftly (Not For Chimney Swifts)” follows with quivering violin and Meza’s dreamy guitar that are complemented by Ferber’s cello plucking.

Halfway through, “Silent Articulation Of A Face” uses words by Rumi in a very intimate landscape that’s poetic and soars via the stirring strings and Meza’s impressive range, while “Mourning Dove” plucks playfully and showcases the radiant guitar with a charming appeal.

“Ancient Star” and “Minha Voz, Minha Vida” exit the listen. The former enlists words by William Carlos Williams amid strong tonality and Rogerio Boccato’s well timed percussion, and the latter is an elegant moment of sublime beauty that’s heartfelt and touching.

A very sophisticated blend of jazz, chamber and classical ideas, Ferber and company celebrate life with this nature-esque effort that’s all heart and soul.

Travels well with: Joe Fiedler- Journey To Bowerbird; Zhengtao Pan- Day By Day

Alexander Lipay/Fanya Lin

The Art Of Transcription

Navona, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Art Of Transcription

The flutist Alexander Lipay and pianist Fanya Lin come together for 3 involved selections from Johannes Brahms, Franz Schubert and César Franck.

Brahms’ “Sonata No. 1 In E Minor Op. 38” opens with the soaring flute and cautious keys interacting with tremendous beauty across the 3 segments, where the keys get firm near the end,

In the middle, Schubert’s “Sonatina No. 2 In A Minor, D. 385” unfolds across 4 chapters of tonally strong and dynamic musicianship that balances intimacy with exploration.

Franck’s “Sonata In A Major” exits with dizzying bouts, harmonic swells and melodic gestures as both players illustrate incredible skill with their instruments.

The duo breath new life into these time honored pieces, where their unparalleled attentiveness won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated.

Travels well with: Gabriel Jackson- Rigwreck; Veronika Wu- Under The Ocean

Jun Iida

Bellflower

OA2, 2026

9/10

Listen to Bellflower

The always impressive trumpeter and vocalist Jun Iida presents songs that surround his move from Seattle to New York 3 years ago, and he’s got an all star cast for the 10 contemporary jazz tunes.

“Rivers And Bridges” starts the listen with Chris McCarthy’s warm keys alongside Iida’s rich trumpet across the layered climate, and “Hotaru Nights” follows with Giulio Xavier Cetto’s playful bass plucking before the animated horn enters.

“Marco The Phoenix” occupies the middle spot and showcases Takafumi Nikaido’s frisky congos that complement the rhythmic album highlight, while “Will They Remember?” enlists Zelda Harris’ vocals for the unpredictable and soulful dynamics of a busy yet meticulous delivery.

“Chasing Peace” and “Bellflower” exit the listen. The former is intimate and heartfelt thanks to Iida’s emotive trumpet and the dreamy keys, and the latter allows for Masami Kuroki’s radiant guitar to shine in a melodic and cozy finish.

Iida’s last effort, Evergreen, was excellent, and this equally great follow up is full of beauty, intellect and grooves, where a personal journey makes for an engaging and touching record.

Travels well with: Jun Iida- Evergreen; Ben Patterson- Stretch

Michael Dease Big Band

Return Trajectory

Origin, 2026

8/10

Listen to Return Trajectory

The multi-instrumentalist and conductor Michael Dease is back with his Big Band for 6 lively and timeless jazz tracks that are fueled by some of the best from Michigan State University.

“You Know I Love You” starts with a romantic mood, where the rich saxes blend with Sam Melkonian’s precise drumming for the lush setting, and “Oasis” follows with an animated energy via Zach Sommerfeld’s thick guitar licks that suits the bright horns.

In the middle spot, “Cherokee” is a speedy moment via the lively rhythm section and layered winds and brass, while “Shoreline” offers a more cautious bout that showcases Max Gage’s meticulous keys in dreamy waves.

“Little Dave” exits and is a scrappy album highlight that benefits from Jonathan Hilliard’s bouncy bass and a detailed layering of saxophones, trombones and trumpets that you won’t soon forget.

Guest spots from Erena Terakubo (alto sax) and Dennis Adu (flugelhorn) won’t be hard to appreciate, as Dease guides the ensemble through some excellent Big Band sounds that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Brad Goode Quintet- Live Your Dream; Ben Patterson- Stretch

Brad Goode Quintet

Live Your Dream

Origin, 2026

8/10

Listen to Live Your Dream

Brad Goode and his trumpet are in excellent company, where this live set from Madison, Wisconsin’s North Street Cabaret sees the quintet dancing through 8 tunes.

The animated “Covid Nightmare” leads with Goode’s lively trumpet and Adrean Farrugia’s warm keys making an impression, and “For Michael” follows with Jay Anderson’s playful bass plucking that suits the cautious mood and Goode’s rich horn.

Halfway through the night, “Lover Man” benefits from Adam Nussbaum’s strategic drumming via the thoughtful climate, while “Live Your Dream” enlists Ernie Watts’ inimitable sax prowess for the layered album highlight.

“Someday My Prince Will Come” arrives late and blends the tenor sax with a precise rhythm section in the colorful delivery, and “Goose Dance” exits with an infectious energy that will indeed get your body moving to the melodic lines and collaborative interaction.

A creative and unpredictable experience, the sound quality here is excellent, and the band is spot on for a solo filled and timeless jazz evening you’re going to wish you were present for.

Travels well with: Ben Patterson- Stretch; Andrew Moorhead- Mirage

Ben Patterson

Stretch

Origin, 2026

9/10

Listen to Stretch

The trombonist Ben Patterson is in the company of Shawn Purcell, Harry Appelman, Miles Brown and Todd Harrison for these 10 songs that take influence from Michael Brecker, John Scofield and Path Methany.

“Unbridled” opens with a scrappy mood, where Patterson’s bright horn and Purcell’s flowing guitar that suits the melodic climate, and “Oops, Wrong Timeline” follows with a frisky delivery thanks to Harrison’s animated drumming.

Halfway through, “This Is What I’m Doing” finds itself in calmer areas thanks to Appelman’s cozy keys, while “Or Maybe You Would” shuffles quickly via the animated rhythm section and Patteron’s bright brass.

“Missing Michael” and “Phrenetic” exit the listen. The former makes great use of Miles Brown’s intricate bass in the heartfelt landscape, and the latter blends the quintets individual strengths into a a rich and dynamic finish.

An extremely meticulous outing of timeless jazz ideas that flirt with funk, Patterson and crew ensure every track is worth repeated listens.

Travels well with: Andrew Moorhead- Mirage; Barry Greene- Giants

Columbia Icefield

A Silence Opens

Out Of Your Head, 2026

9/10

Listen to A Silence Opens

The iconoclastic outfit Columbia Icefield consists of Nate Wooley, Susan Alcorn, Ava Mendoza, and Ryan Sawyer, who each bring their own inimitable talents to this experimental and dizzying album.

“El Derecho I” opens with just Wooley’s whistling for the quick start, and “Howard Beach” follows with 12 minutes of jazz influences via Wooley’s rich sax, before Sawyer’s drumming acrobatics and Mendoza’s dense guitar enters the rock fueled climate.

In the middle, “El Derecho 3” uses a choir who harmonize without any actual words, while “We Say Goodbye Twice/Wildwood Flower” focuses on atmosphere thanks to the gentle guitar, intimate horn, brushed drums and Alcorn’s strategic pedal steel.

Residing late in the listen, “You Taste” is an exercise in tonality that leads bare but becomes a giant swell of avant-garde, jazz-rock that’s thick, and “El Derecho 5” finishes with whistling and ambience that’s mesmerizing.

A record that pays tribute to the greats Ron Miles and Susan Alcorn, this final installment from Columbia Icefield showcases their free jazz and improvised brilliance that no one else will ever be able to recreate.

Travels well with: Tomas Fujiwara- Dream Up; Webber/Morris Big Band- Unseparate

Maria Dunn

Hardscrabble Hope

Distant Whisper, 2026

9/10

Listen to Hardscrabble Hope

The 2022 JUNO Award-winning Canadian folk/roots songwriter Maria Dunn returns with an 8th album, where much reflection over the last 5 years surrounds the 11 sincere tracks.

The warm vocal harmonies of “Walking The Miles” opens with Dunn’s cozy guitar and flowing voice alongside Shannon Johnson’s well timed violin, and “Coal Is A Thirsty Business” follows with a slower climate that makes great use of Solon McDade’s precise upright bass.

The middle is where “Mister Potter” blends the cozy guitar, vivid wordplay and Jeff Bradshaw’s aching steel guitar, while “Accordiona/Over The Hills” allows for Dunn’s accordion prowess to shine via the Celtic influences.

“Essential” lands near the end and is strong on atmosphere thanks to Jeremiah McDade’s rich sax playing, and “Pekiwewin” exits with an a cappella moment via Dunn’s authentic vision.

A diverse outing that blends old time flavor with jazz, folk, country and Celtic nods, it’s easy to see why Dunn is revered in her home country, and her songs will have no problems resonating worldwide, too.

Travels well with: Brenda Earl Stokes- Motherhood; Kari van der Kloot- Window

Dressy Bessy

Fast Faster Disaster

Yep Roc, 2019

9/10

Listen to Fast Faster Disaster

The long running Denver indie rockers return with a 20th Anniversary album, and much like everything they’ve done in their lengthy and esteemed career, it’s dripping in gritty yet sweet lo-fi rock genius.

“It’s Not That Hard” starts the album on a high note with hook filled and ultra-catchy pop fun, and “I’ve Fallen In Love” continues on with fuzzed out melodies and an irresistible chorus.

Further along the luminaries bring us more greatness, as “Fearless” moves with a sassy, jangly spirit full of garage rock influences, while backing vocals add greatly to the punky, fiesty “Stay True”.

The back half is stacked with gems, including the rowdy and bouncy “Sweet Medicine”, the ‘80s friendly synth of “Freedoms”, and the quirky, charming “What It Is”. The album ends on “What Do I Get?”, a propulsive closer of driving guitars and punk fueled energy as The Buzzcocks cover serves as a tribute to the late Pete Shelley.

Front woman Tammy Ealom cites Fast Faster Disaster as Dressy Bessy’s best work to date, and it’s hard to disagree with that as the lyrical forthrightness and songwriting that’s as bright as the cover art sounds better than ever.

Travels well with: Tiger Trap- Sour Grass; Le Tigre- This Island