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