Una Sveinbjarnardóttir

Ea Fantasia

Sono Luminous, 2026

9/10

Listen to Ea Fantasia

The violinist Una Sveinbjarnardóttir is an Icelandic treasure, and here we’re treated to 11 solo pieces that showcase her inimitable playing.

“Alia Fantasia”, by Nicola Matteis, opens with the animated and precise violin drawing us in immediately, and Lilja María Ásmundsdóttir’s “Fragile Stillness” follows with an indeed gentle demeanor that’s moving in its minimal mood.

Further along, “Aria”, by Maria Huld Markan, tugs on the heartstrings with its emotive appeal, while “Adagio” spends 9+ minutes mesmerizing us with its poeticism and string acrobatics that are nothing short of spellbinding via the Tryggvi Baldvinsson piece.

Residing close to the end, “Tranquility” is a quick, cinematic bout of chilling dynamics via Sveinn Lúðvík Björnsson’s vision, and Jón Nordal’s “Each Tiny Step” exits with a sublime intimacy that’s stirring in its careful approach.

An incredible solo violin experience, Sveinbjarnardóttir has a commanding ability with her instrument, where each selection is executed with a wide range of emotions.

Travels well with: Peter Scott Lewis- Pacific Triptych; Rachel Yonan- Kiss On Wood

Scott Sean White

Days Are Long

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to Days Are Long

This 3rd album from Scott Sean White brings us 10 personal songs that enlists a large cast of players.

The powerful and spiritual “She’d Be The Bible” opens with White’s expressive voice alongside Alex Wright’s warm keys, and “Here To Stay” follows with Brian Fullen’s agile drumming that complements the rich layers and raw melodies that soar.

Half way through, “Little Bit Of Luck” benefits from Brian Douglas Phillips’ cozy steel guitar and pretty backing vocals for the upbeat delivery, while “Castle In Kentucky” allows for Byron House’s strategic bass that suits the dreamy sophistication.

“Hold Your Own” and the title track exit the listen. The former is a smooth, rootsy moment that’s harmonic and the album’s best, and the latter is an intimate moment of sublime songwriting via a distinct ambience thanks to Josh Matheny’s lap steel.

A really thoughtful 3rd album, White’s done a lot of soul searching and it makes for a relatable, religious, and self-aware journey that’s straight from the heart.

Travels well with: Adam Brodsky- American Epitaph; Mike Hollon- Irving Park

Emily Nenni

Movin’ Shoes

New West, 2026

9/10

Listen to Movin’ Shoes

The Nashville artist Emily Nenni blends southern soul with classic country music nods across these 13 new songs that enlists an all star cast.

“Movin’ Shoes” opens with Nenni’s inviting voice alongside Steve Pott’s crisp drums and Alex Lyon’s frisky bass lines, and “Talkin’ To Your Toothbrush” follows with Al Gamble’s warm keys complementing the soulful singing.

In the middle, “What Have I Done Wrong” recruits rich horns amid the cozy grooves and James Woodall’s pedal steel guitar, while “Honky Tonkin’” is a frisky album highlight that will get your body movin’ to the busy delivery.

Arriving much later, “Yes It Hurt” allows for Nenni’s expressive pipes to shine next to the flowing rhythm section and the well timed organ, and “You Only Said It To Hurt Me” exits in balladry, where an emotive and dreamy finish tugs on the heartstrings.

An eloquent and sharp effort from Nenni, the outlaw country and introspective balance further solidifies her as one of the most exciting voices in modern country.

Travels well with: Emily Nenni- Drive & Cry; Rodney Crowell- Then Again

The Deslondes

Don’t Let It Die: Vol. 1

New West, 2026

9/10

Listen to Don’t Let It Die: Vol. 1

The Deslondes never disappoint, and this time around we’re treated to 12 songs recorded to analog tape, where interpretations by Swamp Dogg, Shelby Lynne, Johnny Cash, Clifton Chenier, and more are in attendance.

“The World Beyond” starts soft, where the warm vocal harmonies and Dan Cutler’s bass won’t go unnoticed, and “The Ballad Of Boot Hill” follows with Howe Pearson’s scrappy drums that suit Riley Downing’s deep pipes.

Moving along, “Moving” comes with a soulful and gospel spirit that’s raw and memorable, while “I’m Gone” is an intimate moment of dreamy guitar and cozy backing vocals for the gentle album highlight.

Closer to the end, “Family” places Michael Gay on drums and enlists John James Tourville’s pedal steel strategically, and “Don’t Let It Die” exits with beauty under the hazy and emotive singing.

These old songs see new life thanks to The Deslondes’ inimitable spin, where poignant and powerful reworkings are full of a live energy that the band is known and appreciated for.

Travels well with: The Deslondes- Hurry Home; Joe Pernice- Sunny, I Was Wrong

Jenny Reynolds

Willow & Stone

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Willow & Stone

The Austin, Texas songstress Jenny Reynolds touches on folk, jazz and Americana across these 11 songs that thematically surround surviving life.

The textured “Listen To The Rain” opens with Reynold’s expressive voice and Mark Hallman’s bass, hammond and mellotron helping make for a rich start, and “Learning To Be Yours” follows with Reynold’s warm acoustic guitar and cozy voice making for an intimate moment.

Entering the middle, “In Our Way” makes great use of André Moran’s radiant electric guitar and Fred Mandujano’s flowing drums that complement the bright storytelling, while “Living On The Seams” places Michael Ramos on flugelhorn and keys for the layered album highlight that’s melodic and memorable.

Deeper still, “Imperfect” offers a minimal tune with dreamy dynamics and plenty of harmonies, and “The Night And The Moon And The Sea” exits with a similar spirit, where Reynold’s stirring voice and alluring guitar playing benefits from Hallman’s gentle bass and keys.

The impetus for this album stems from Reynold’s shift from living alone with a dog into a marriage with more pets and a child, and it’s handled with eloquence, flexibility and a timelessness that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Dana Maragos- Unimaginable Things; Meghan Clarisse- Shadows Of A Ghost Town

Tipps And Obermiller

Little-Kid Heart

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Little-Kid Heart

Hilary Tipps and Steve Obermiller are joined by Taylor Tatsch for these 10 songs that discuss old wounds, quiet hopes and the part of us that just won’t ever grow up.

“Apartment 303” opens with Obermiller’s smooth voice alongside warm guitar and Tatsch’s glowing mandolin for the heartfelt start, and “Love Letter” follows with Tipps’ gorgeous voice amid the cozy guitar that suits a poetic climate.

Landing in the middle spot, “The Garden” builds into a lush and crisp rootsy moment that’s powerful, while “Dance When You’re Broken” is full of soul and emotion, where Tipps’ voice soars over the melodic guitars and Tatsch’s light drumming.

Arriving late, “So Far From Alone” allows for the mature keys to shine, as Tipps’ enters near gospel territory with incredible grace, and “Not Enough” exits with a touching duet that balances minimal moments with textured beauty.

Tipps and Obermiller know their way around humor and heartbreak, and these authentic songs showcase their folk, country and Americana ways with much care that makes for a good companion to the examined life.

Travels well with: Tipps and Obermiller- MacGuffin; Tipps and Obermiller- Love (And Other Mysteries)

Hunter Morris/Mountain Of Youth

Nowhere, NW

Strolling Bones, 2026

9/10

Listen to Nowhere, NW

This debut from Hunter Morris/Mountain of Youth pairs ‘70s lo-fi fun with ‘90s grunge ideas, where the mature wordplay is surrounded by raw music.

“Automatic Days” opens with Morris’ distinct voice and fluid guitar alongside Ben Hackett’s well timed mellotron and charming whistling with a slight jangle and some grit, and “Everything Falls Apart” follows with Morris handling acoustic guitar that suits Will Herner’s agile drumming via the retro-folk ideas.

“The Invisible Boy” and the title track land in the middle. The former welcomes Graham Powers’ animated mandolin to complement the rootsy flavor, while the latter recruits hand clapping and Phillip Brantley’s bright guitar and harmony vocals that accent the melodic climate.

Close to the end, “Stowaways” benefits from Jojo Glidewell’s strategic piano and the rugged yet tuneful rhythm section, and “Until You’re Dreaming” exits with Morris handling piano amid McKendrick Bearden’s lap steel and Marta Kelleber’s cello for the dreamy and intimate finish.

An often vulnerable but also thick display of introspection, Morris’ vision is one that embraces the human condition and yields songs that just might make you mull things over while adorning a well worn flannel.

Travels well with: Elijah Johnston- Stupid Soul; Haunted Shed- Faltering Light

Joe Pernice

Sunny, I Was Wrong

New West, 2026

10/10

Listen to Sunny, I Was Wrong

This debut album from Joe Pernice (Pernice Brothers, Scud Mountain Boys), sees the troubadour welcoming some impressive names to these 11 authentic songs that were pieced together spontaneously.

The warm spirit of “Peace In Our Home” starts with Pernice’s cozy guitar and smooth voice alongside Mike Belitsky’s gentle drums, and “Deep Into The Dawn” follows with Aimee Mann’s inimitable voice that suits Burke Carroll’s well timed pedal steel and Jim Creeggan’s fluid bass.

Further along, “It Won’t Be Me” features Rodney Crowell’s unmistakable singing amid Mike Evin’s mature keys and Pernice’s cozy guitar playing, while “I’d Rather Look Away” follows with Norman Blake’s pipes, Pete Mancini’s 12 string guitar and Evin’s organ adding much to the lush album highlight.

Arriving close to the end, “Twenty-Thousand Times” enlists Josh Karp’s trumpet and Greg Kramer’s trombone via some strategic jazz influences, and “It Got Away From Me” exits with Jimmy Webb’s piano and Andrew Joslyn’s violin, viola and cello for the distinct intimacy that’s touching and sincere- much like the entire album.

An incredible first solo album, Pernice’s vision is heartfelt, poetic and feels like a real time set that we can all relate to and enjoy for decades to come.

Travels well with: Pernice Brothers- Who Will You Believe; Rodney Crowell- Then Again

Rodney Crowell

Then Again

New West, 2026

10/10

Listen to Then Again

An album of songs mostly recorded decades ago, the inimitable Rodney Crowell is joined by plenty of well known names for these 10 Americana songs of all substance.

The soft and heartfelt “I Won’t Lie” opens with Crowell gentle voice alongside Greg Morrow’s thumping drums as the setting gets a little more firm, and “Are You One Of Us?” follows with Guy Clark on hand for the mix of talking and singing that invites harmonica to the gentle versus busy bouts.

In the middle, “Sing Your Heart Out” welcomes Kieran Goss and Annie Kinsella’s gorgeous voices amid David Henry’s cello for the poetic climate, while “Whatcha Gonna Do Now #2” recruits beats, and Lyle Lovett and Chely Wright’s contributions that suits the stylish and frisky version of rootsy sounds.

Residing near the end, “40 Winters” lands in dreamy territory via Crowell’s diverse voice, John Hobbs’ well timed keys and stirring acoustic guitar, and “Go Light A Candle” exits with Emmylou Harris and Lera Lynn’s voices, who complement Jaime Dick’s drums, Will Honaker’s bass, Dan Knobler’s guitar, Kai Welch’s keys and, of course, Crowell’s always captivating storytelling.

A collection that considers death but celebrates life, most people wouldn’t shelve a record this great, but thankfully Crowell has finally gifted us this thoughtful, Americana masterpiece.

Travels well with: Rodney Crowel- Airline Highway; James McMurtry- The Black Dog And The Wandering Boy

Scott Sadlon

Songs From Thin Air

Buddha Boy, 2026

8/10

Listen to Songs From Thin Air

The drummer and bandleader Scott Sadlon is joined by Rachel Eckroth and Tim Lefebvre for 7 songs that aren’t short on rhythm, harmony and melody.

“Post Tension” opens with Lefebvre’s playful bass alongside the cautious drums and well timed keys in a lush climate, and “Wandering Timelines” follows with a frisky appeal that’s unpredictable and complicated.

In the middle, “Acceptance” leads soft with brushed drums before a dreamy mood enters with strong attention to detail, while “One A.M.” is quite minimal, initially, before the acrobatic bass lines, animated drumming and lively keys from Eckroth enter the adventurousness.

Arriving at the end, “The Way Out” offers a cozy and ambient 6 minutes where the trio’s cautiousness is greatly appreciated in a mesmerizing sort of way.

Sadlon has a diverse background, and that’s evident here as the songs touch on electronic and cinematic qualities that used a one take approach for spontaneity via the real time creativity.

Travels well with: Jeff Rupert Quartet- Sea Spell; David Janeway Trio- Live At Blue Llama

Rafael Greco

Versos bajo mi sombra

Blue Canoe, 2026

8/10

Listen to Versos bajo mi sombra

The vocalist and pianist Rafael Greco is in some fine company here, where 12 cultured songs unfold with plenty of attention to detail.

“Verses Under My Shadow” opens with Greco’s playful keys alongside Fernando Valladares’ animated drums and Ezequiel ‘El Negro’ Serrano’s processed vocals, and “Vincenza Nel Mare” follows with a calmer approach, where the sublime keys are met with Jimmy Haslip’s gentle bass.

Moving along, “Dr. Igloo, My Evil And Clumsy Stalker” recruits Pimpi Santistevan’s distinct voice and Santiago Bosch’s wild synth for the unpredictable climate, while “Bagheria” is a 2 minute blast of keys, bass and Charles Altura’s radiant guitar via the cinematic bout.

Getting closer to the end, “Joseph Conrad’s Deletions” benefits from Haslip’s strategic bass, Vinnie Colaluta’s clever drums and the bright synth from Bosch, and “Sonatina (Méllés)” is a solo piano exit where Greco’s finger acrobatics impress us.

A fusion effort like few others, the electronic stabs, Latin influences, classical undertones and highly adventurous nature makes every song a new adventure to be appreciated.

Travels well with: Rafael Greco- Dice Que Vive (Signs Of Life); Barry Coates/Jimmy Haslip/Jerry Kalaf- New Dreams

Jeff Rupert Quartet

Sea Spell

Rupe, 2026

9/10

Listen to Sea Spell

The tenor sax extraordinaire, Jeff Rupert, is joined by Richard Drexler, Ben Kramer and Marty Morell for these 3 covers and 6 originals of their timeless jazz interaction.

“Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most” opens with Rupert’s soulful sax amid the warm keys from Drexler before the frisky drums enter, and “Blue Steel” follows with Morell’s agile drumming that suits the rich wind and soft grooves.

“Sea Spell” and “Looks Who’s Calling” occupy the middle spots. The former blends elegance with beauty via the cozy sax and Kramer’s well time bass lines, while the latter carries an infectious energy thanks to the playful rhythm section and Rupert’s animated sax.

Near the end, “Orca-Station” is a quick and dynamic album highlight where all the players talents arrive in spades and with much melody, and “Wednesday’s News” exits with a charming intimacy that aligns the heartfelt sax, mature keys and a gentle rhythm section.

A quartet who have decades of experience together, every moment captures their inimitable jazz qualities that are easy to remember and hard to forget.

Travels well with: Adam de Lucia- The Man Who Would Be King; Zen Zadravec- New Paradigm

Midge Ure

A Man Of Two Worlds

Chrysalis, 2026

9/10

Listen to A Man Of Two Worlds

On this first album since 2014, the Scottish artist Midge Ure returns with a double disc effort, where plenty of reflection and uncertainty populates the diverse tracks.

The very warm spirit of World One: Music opens with elegant strings, cozy keys and stirring guitar, and “The Space In-Between” follows with a cinematic mood that’s powerful and touching.

Deeper into the first half, “The Other Side” comes with plenty of ambience that seems like it could soundtrack a sci-fi flick, while “The Pictures You Carry With You” carries a distinct dreaminess that unfolds with precision and lush songwriting.

Disc 2, World Two: Songs, is equally engaging. “Shouting At The Moon” has Ure singing with much care amid the playful drumming and mysterious atmosphere, and “Somewhere Out There” emits a soulful and emotive demeanor that buzzes slowly near the end.

“Fan The Flame” is the last song, and it’s a chilling and rich finish to a highly textured and acutely profound body of work.

An album fueled by the reality of a divided world, the contrast of an instrumental versus sung album makes an indelible impression that embraces minimalism, wisdom and truly beautiful melodies.

Travels well with: Toadies- The Charmer; Ultravox- The Collection

New York Festival Of Song

My Brother’s Keeper

NYFOS, 2026

9/10

Listen to My Brother’s Keeper

This musical portrait of Black Brotherhood by New York Festival of Song sees the vocalists putting their inimitable spin on songs by many esteemed composers.

The gorgeous vocal harmonies of “Come Unto Me” opens with the sublime vocals making for a gospel fueled start, and “Minstrel Man” follows with Will Liverman’s powerful baritone guiding the the warm keys from Steven Blier.

Further along, “Sence You Went Away” showcases Joshua Blue’s stunning tenor amid Blier’s emotive keys for the heartfelt delivery, while “A Black Pierrot” enlists Alan Williams’ distinct bass vocals via the vivid wordplay and agile piano.

Residing near the end, the comical and frisky “Santa Ain’t Black” utilizes Jorell Williams’ playful baritone, and “Hold Fast To Dreams” exits with the ensemble’s inimitable voices working together with incredible detail and no lack of harmonic prowess.

Much like everything they’ve done, this is a superb body of work, where the handpicked pieces are of cultural and personal resonanace and blend music, poetry, history and humor into an enlightening experience.

Travels well with: NYFOS- Paul Bowles: A Picnic Cantata; NYFOS Records- The Singles: Volume 1

Scottie Miller

Hello Pain

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Hello Pain

The veteran Minnesota musician Scottie Miller brings his esteemed piano playing to these road tested songs that recruits full orchestration from the unparalleled Budapest Scoring Orchestra.

“Just Checking In” opens with Miller’s heartfelt voice and warm keys alongside Greg Schutte’s crisp drumming, and the title track follows with a poetic mood, where Cierra Alise Hill’s strings add much elegance to the powerful climate.

“The Garden” lands in the middle and blends the heartfelt singing and emotive keys into a cinematic presence, while “Underneath The Black Oaks” is an ebullient album highlight that stirs the soul in its orchestral appeal.

Closer to the end, the frisky “Balance” makes great use of Dan Carpel’s skilled bass amid the layered vocals, and “I’ll Be Damned” exits with mature textures and much sincerity from Miller’s delivery in both soft and firm moments of his timeless songwriting.

Miller’s primary gig is being the keyboardist for Ruthie Foster, and he brings a wealth of talent and experience to very personal songs that make for a raw, hard hitting and introspective effort of lush song craft.

Travels well with: Ruthie Foster- Healing Time; The Jorgensens- Americana Soul

Vibrafonics

California Hi-Life

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to California Hi-Life

The Los Angeles outfit Vibrafonics pen an album ideal for a bright summer day, where the debut brings both originals and covers to the lively climate.

The warm grooves of “We Got The People” starts with Craig Zund’s charming guitar and powerful voice alongside Stephen Fahlsing’s playful bass, and “Terracotta Nights” follows with Craig Boreth’s fluid drums that suit the rugged yet melodic spirit.

In the middle, “Live Here Together” benefits from Ashley Chiles’ gorgeous voice via the soulful delivery that benefits from Gary Mendell’s frisky keys, while “You’re The Thief” is strong on atmosphere thanks to Ryan Woodward’s well timed flute and sax.

“This Is Not Our Future” and “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” exit the record. The former comes with some reggae flavor that’s laidback and invites singing-along, and the latter is a slow burner that welcomes Carl Byron’s organ and unfolds with a stunning duet.

A really animated first album that blends funk, soul, rock and reggae ideas into the soundtrack to your next adventure. Vibrafonics’ brand of retro is as contagious as it is memorable.

Travels well with: Lettuce- Cook; The Commontions- Volume 3

Jon Catler

The Young Mountain Of The East

Chaikin, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Young Mountain Of The East

The composer/guitarist Jon Catler pens a tribute to his mentor, La Monte Young, where his self-designed fretless guiatr radiates a distinct tonality.

“Emanation 1” opens with a sonic allure, where the droning guitar unfolds with a distinct mood, and “Emanation 2” follows with a hint of mystery surrounding the microtonal tuning.

“Emanation 6” lands in the middle and is a bit thicker in scope via the immersive approach, while “Emanation 7” offers a nearly meditative quality via the precise pitch.

“Emanation 11” and “Emanation 12” exit the listen. The former is a bit frisky with a rhythmic energy under the dreaminess, and the latter finishes with Catler’s atypical version of harmonics that populates the entire album and keeps us engaged.

A really creative effort, Catler’s multi-tracked guitar in intonation tuning makes for an experimental, droning and minimal listening experience like few others.

Travels well with: Sarah Rothenberg- In Darkness And Light; Sarah Plum- an expanding distance of multiple voices

James Wengrow

Emissary

Endectomorph, 2026

9/10

Listen to Emissary

The Australian native James Wengrow is joined by Mathias Højgaard Jensen and James Paul Nadien, i.e the Crypsis Trio, for an exploratory 8 tracks.

“Jacket Barter” starts the listen with strong attention to atmosphere, where the drumming acrobatics and dreamy guitar align with dense bass via a distinct haze, and “Aflame Inside In Public” follows with frisky drumming and angular playing from Wengrow that flirts with math-rock.

Halfway through, “Cropsey Cabin” is a highly technical and dynamic album highlight that allows for Nadien’s unparalleled drums to shine, while “Arborealpolitik” emits meticulous bass playing from Jensen in the fusion, jazz-rock fueled delivery.

Residing near the end, “Deadline Junky” builds into a hectic and animated blur of avant-garde rock gestures that’s finished up with Jensen’s quick bass, and “Emissary” exits with 9+ minutes of softer moments that are melodic, introspective and memorable.

A diverse outing that enlists polyrhythmic grooves, unpredictable mathy time signatures and a very distinct take on modern guitar jazz, Wengrow and company don’t occupy any specific category, and we’re all better off for that.

Travels well with: Kevin Sun- lofi at lowlands; Nick Joz- Hieroglyph & Stuttering

Kemuel Roig

Both Sides Now

Life In Music, 2026

8/10

Listen to Both Sides Now

The inimitable pianist Kemuel Roig mixes his Cuban heritage with a classical angle for these 13 well thought out interpretations.

“Junk” opens the listen with much care, where the soft progressions tug on the heartstrings via the McCartney tune, and “How Can I Be Sure” follows with a light melody flowing amid the complicated playing.

In the middle, “I Love You” offers a romantic mood that’s emotive, while the title track, by Joni Mitchell, enters dreamy territory via the gentle playing and gorgeous tone that’s introspective and warm.

Getting closer to the end, “Esta Tarde Vi Llover” finds a cozy place to reside alongside the calming ambience and grace, and “The Peacocks”, a bonus track, finishes with lushness and sophistication from Roig’s agile fingers.

A highly technical outing that recruits new ideas into the fold, Roig’s performance is uplifting and tender, where the melodic aspects are greatly appreciated and all reworking truly contain his own careful vision.

Travels well with: Rich Willey- Laid Back Vol. 1; Jason Kruk- Beyond The Veil

Ellis Paul

The Storyteller’s Suitcase

Rosella, 2019

8/10

Listen to The Storyteller’s Suitcase

Ellis Paul has a lengthy and esteemed career going all the way back to the late ‘80s, and he’s even produced children’s music, poetry books and still plays 200 days of shows a year.

The Storyteller’s Suitcase, the 20th album from Paul, has the artist getting as intimate as ever, and he’s even taking on producer status for the first time, so we know that we’re getting 100% of Paul’s vision.

“I Ain’t No Jesus” starts the album with soft acoustic guitar and warm, hushed vocals from Paul, and “You’ll Never Be This Young Again” follows with an upbeat spirit where backing vocals and crisp percussion complement the affair. Further along, “Kiss Me ‘Cause I’m Gone” and “Scarecrow In A Corn Maze” are cautious folk inspired tunes, the latter recruiting calm keys, and the former carrying an easily accessible pop-rock setting.

The back half of the listen remains strong with the acoustic guitar fueled “How You Say Goodbye”, the sparse “Five Alarm Fire On The 4th Of July”, and the introspective “Mammoth”, where subtle piano adds greatly to the mood. “Election Day” ends on an optimistic note, as Paul’s singing hints at hope in the rhythmic protest song.

An album with vivid storytelling and an eloquent execution, Paul proves that he’s as relevant as ever here, and his songwriting chops appear to only get better with age.

Travels well with: Peter Mulvey- There Is Another World; Patty Griffin- American Kid