Keir GoGwilt

The Zarabanda Variations

Carrier, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Zarabanda Variations

The violinist and composer Keir GoGwilt, poet Edgar Garcia, vocalist Mariana Flores Bucio, flutist/composer Wilfrido Terrazas and the Zarabanda Variations come together for these tracks that reflect on Baroque histories and futurisms of New Spain.

“Monday- Friday, January 11” opens with aberrant noises alongside GoGwilt’s unpredictable violin in a cinematic climate that uses spoken word, and “Baroque Concerto” follows with a layered mashing that recruits Terrazas’ well timed flute and scrappy drums.

Further along, “Otra Llorona” enlists Bucio’s breathy voice which suits the dense strings and percussive bouts, while “Saturday-Wednesday, October 17” is a cautious moment of tonally strong violin and mysterious storytelling.

Arriving later, “Plegaria” blends the dreamy flute with gorgeous singing from Bucio, and “Tonada Americana” exits with the lush strings and hazy backdrop that’s sophisticated

A baroque experience that recruits avant-garde and experimental prowess, GoGwilt and company flesh out improvisation, microtonality and modern classical with incredible results.

Travels well with: John Beasley- Invisible Piano; Aaron Irwin Trio- Spark

Girma Woldemichael

Nafqoté

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to Nafqoté

The legendary Ethiopian saxophonist, Girma Woldemichael, fleshes out 9 worldly tracks here, where much care accompanies the instrumental jazz effort.

“Fiqrishein Derribé” opens with Woldemichael’s flowing sax amid the playful drumming that helps make for a lively climate, and the title track follows with warm keys before the scrappy drumming and rich sax take over.

Moving along, the dreamy piano of “Wetatua” suits the elegant sax prowess of the intimate moment, while “Yamognegnal” comes with plenty of grooves that invites dancing thanks to the soulful sax and punchy rhythm section.

Arriving late, “Teyiqesh Tereji” uses cautiousness and elegance via the soothing sax and a charming beat, and “Loga” exits with a reggae spirit courtesy of the frisky and contagious energy.

A highly cultured effort with incredible production, Woldemichael takes help from Andrew Stewart, Daniel Barnes, Arthur McArthur and Melat Mengesha for a record that surrounds his leaving Ethiopia as a refugee in the 1970s, and it comes with incredible detail and timelessness.

Travels well with: Amrita- Amrita; Allison Cameron/Scott Thomson- Platanus

Tomas Rodriguez

Whispered Awakenings

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to Whispered Awakenings

The Brooklyn resident, guitarist and composer Tomas Rodriguez returns with a 4th album, where the 8 tracks touch on his Spanish ancestral roots with much care.

“Dialogue” opens with Rodriguez’s warm guitar radiating much beauty in its elegance, and “Reflection” follows with an indeed reflective mood via the meticulous guitar progressions.

“Landó para Maite” arrives in the middle and welcomes percussive sounds via Gigio Parodi’s cajon for the rich delivery, while “Al maestro Toumani” is full of intimacy that tugs on the heartstrings.

“Guaguancó” arrives late and uses plucking techniques for the colorful album highlight, and “Mélancolie” exits with strong attention to atmosphere and timeless guitar playing that you can’t not admire.

The Afro-Peruvian, Cuban and West African traditions Rodriguez explores here are nothing short of enlightening and executed with melody and grooves and in spades.

Travels well with: Matt Smith- …this is not ok…; Larry Beckett- Though We Only Have Love

JÉRÉMIE TERNOY

Ça commence par la marche

Circum-Disc, 2026

9/10

Listen to Ça commence par la marche

The pianist and composer Jérémie Ternoy has a couple decades worth of music to his credit, and this effort focuses on movement and the sonic architecture it can create.

“Juste avant” starts the listen with curious percussion that’s atypically rhythmic in its unpredictable nature, and “Presque un pas” follows a similar path with Ternoy’s well placed piano and Ivann Cruz’s bright guitar adding much appeal.

“Marche arriére” lands in the middle and recruits harmonic voices amid the well timed euphonium from Vianney Desplantes, while “Peu aprés” welcomes an underlying melody to the layered percussion and Nicolas Mahieux’s skilled contrabasse.

The title track exits, and it enlists swirling keys that radiate a soothing yet hypnotic demeanor thanks to Ternoy’s meticulous fingers.

A really engaging record that puts an inimitable spin on avant-garde jazz sounds, the minimalism and experimental themes make an indelible impression.

Travels well with: Jérémie Ternoy- Survol à basse altitude; Audrey Lauro/Christian Pruvost/Peter Orins- Dans-Sons As We Are

Audrey Lauro/Christian Pruvost/ Peter Orins

Dans-Sons As We Are

Circum-Disc, 2026

8/10

Listen to Dans-Sons As We Are

Audrey Lauro, Christian Pruvost and Peter Orins bring their inimitable talents to 5 unclassifiable songs that emit minor shifts, cautious tension and delicate transformations.

“Rayons sur un fil” opens the listen with Orins’ unpredictable drums and Lauro’s curious alto sax surrounded by plenty of animated noise gestures, and “Reste d’air” follows with what seems like animal noises via the trio’s distinct interplay that unfolds across nearly 10 minutes of avant-garde exploration.

The middle track belongs to “Aller à l'océan”, where an ominous buzzing and plenty of cinematic ideas draw us in, while “Rien stable” allows for the sax and Pruvost’s strategic trumpet to shine amid the frisky drums.

The title track exits, and it comes with a sci-fi appeal that nearly seems mechanical in its meticulous nature.

A sonically stunning effort, the trio incorporate friction, circulation and instability into a truly atypical version of experimental jazz.

Travels well with: Jérémie Ternoy Trio- Survol à basse altitude; Barbara Dang & Muzzix- Michael Pisaro-Liu- Tombstones II

Effie Zilch

Higher Calling

Redtone, 2026

9/10

Listen to Higher Calling

The San Francisco duo, Effie Zilch, bring plenty of riffs to these sonically engaging 9 songs from Steve Wyreman and Evanne Barcenas (Effie Zilch), who welcome Rhees Williams, John Wood and Will Baldocchi to the affair.

“Easy” opens with Wyreman’s warm keys and Zilch’s cozy voice making an impression with much grace and soulfulness, and “Lover Boy” follows with Wood’s frisky drums that align with the expressive singing of the retro-fueled fun.

Arriving in the middle, “Teardrops” benefits from Williams’ skilled upright bass in the intimate climate, while “Underneath The Weather” is strong on ambience and rhythm for the album’s best.

Close to the end, “On The Loose” recruits Baldocchi’s drumming across the busy yet meticulous delivery that’s got some funk fun to it, and “Where We Go” exits with a bare moment via the gentle acoustic guitar, well timed harmonica and bright storytelling.

This is Effie Zilch’s 5th release in 3 years and the band’s inimitable gospel and Motown flavored ways sure does put a really unique spin on the blues.

Travels well with: Effie Zilch- Multitudes; Grey DeLisle- The Grey Album

Johnny Rawls & Dave Keller

Tribute To Soul

Third Street Cigar, 2026

9/10

Listen to Tribute To Soul

A pairing of 2 soul music giants, Dave Keller and Johnny Rawls bring their inimitable talents to these 11 songs by Rawls’ mentors.

“I’m Qualified” opens the listen with the bright brass and Ira Friedman’s animated keys that complement Rawls and Keller’s soulful pipes, and “I’ve Never Found A Girl” follows with Jay Gleason’s agile drumming that suits the heartfelt climate and well timed backing vocals.

Further along, “I Remember” benefits from Be DeLong’s well timed trumpet alongside Rawls’ and Kellers’ rhythmic guitars, while “Hold On To What You’ve Got” is a calmer moment where the talking and singing is met with Alex Budney’s strategic bass.

The last 2 tracks are “Drowning On Dry Land” and “You Didn’t Know It But You Had Me”. The former layers the horns amid the stylish rhythm section and dueling vocals from Keller and Rawls, and the latter finishes with a textured and timeless blues rocker that’s harmonic and invites singing-along.

An excellent batch of times from leaders in the area of modern blues, we’re also treated to R&B, soul and dance music via this top notch collaboration.

Travels well with: Johnny Rawls- Make Them Dance; Johnny Rawls- Walking’ Heart Attack

The Hollywood Stars

Hey! L.A.!

Rum Bar, 2026

9/10

Listen to Hey! L.A.!

This 5th studio album from The Hollywood Stars sees the outfit’s ‘70s influences surrounding plenty of punk, garage and rock’n’roll spirit.

The title track starts with Terry Rae’s thumping drums that suits the anthemic climate that’s quite melodic and invites singing-along, and “So Long And So Far Away” follows with Michael Rummans’ meticulous bass guiding the scrappy rock which comes with some power-pop spirit.

Landing in the middle, “This Moment” recruits Rummans’ sophisticated cello that complements the intimate mood, while “Will The Lights Go On Again?” showcases Scott Phares’ adaptable pipes in a rugged landscape which welcomes a searing guitar solo.

“When I Find You” and “King Of The Night Time World” exit the listen. The former carries a darker spirit, as Jeff Jourard and George Keller’s guitars set the cautious template, and the latter is a lively rocker via the animated rhythm section, gang vocals and no lack of garage rock fun.

The Hollywood Stars returned in 2024 after a 47 year hiatus, and they’ve certainly made up for lost time with a pair of excellent records that illustrate their timeless rock’n’roll formula in both loud and tender settings.

Travels well with: The Hollywood Stars- Starstruck; Professor And The Madman- Dreamworld

Phideaux Xavier

AutoMoto Animus

Bloodfish, 2026

9/10

Listen to AutoMoto Animus

The multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Phideaux Xavier has an impressive resume going back to 2003, and this first album since 2018 sees the artist exploring his art fueled, psychedelic and progressive ways across 8 tracks.

“Do What U Will” opens with brief chanting before thumping drums and Xavier’s deep pipes enter the melodic landscape that carries a dark backdrop, and “Hey Humanity” follows with warm keys and rich strings that add much elegance to the sophisticated landscape.

At the halfway point “Stay With Me” blends gritty moments with tuneful dynamics, where the powerful vocals shine amid much meticulousness, while “Charlie Knew” balances balladry with timeless prog-rock bouts that touch on dreaminess.

“Enigmatic Terminus” and “Legend Of Mary Jo” exit the listen. The former is cinematic and blends cautiousness with mystery, and the latter recruits winds for the intimate versus fuller moments of pounding rock.

Influences from Jethro Tull, David Bowie, Pink Floyd and Van Der Graaf Generator won’t be hard to spot here, as Xavier pulls from a myriad of ideas for a truly timeless prog album.

Travels well with: Built For The Future- 2084 Empire; Galasphere 347- The Syntax Of Things

Professor And The Madman

Dreamworld

FullerTone, 2026

9/10

Listen to Dreamworld

Professor And The Madman, i.e. Sean Elliott, Alfie Agnew, Paul Gray and Rat Scabies, come together for their first album in 6 years, where the ‘60s influences of their inimitable brand of rock sure does make an impression.

The title track opens with bright keys and melodic singing, where plenty of retro pop ideas enter the warmth, and “Tolerant World” follows with some grit, where Agnew and Elliott’s flowing guitars suit the scrappy drumming from Scabies.

Halfway through, “The Light” carries a charming jangle, as Agnew takes leads vocals for the nostalgic climate, while “12 Strings And Tambourines” place Elliott’s pipes front and center amid Gray’s animated bass lines and a soaring guitar solo.

“Temple Of Madness” arrives late and buzzes with intrigue, where the rugged rhythm section illustrates the band’s thicker side, and the reprise version of the title track exits with infectious, wordless vocals alongside the band’s esteemed version of throwback sounds.

An album where each song brings new surprises, Professor And The Madman inject baroque pop, cocktail jazz, classical, psychedelia, punk-pop and alternative rock traces into a truly timeless record.

Travels well with: Professor And The Madman- Séance; Red Rockers- It’s In Our Blood

The Mike Jacoby Electric Trio

Welcome To The Family

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Welcome To The Family

Mike Jacoby brings his inimitable talents to these 11 songs that welcome Don Read, Mike Levin and special guest Art Bailey.

The bright spirit of “Welcome To The Family” opens with Jacoby’s lively pipes alongside Levin’s frisky drums, and “The 75/24 Split” follows with Read’s bouncy bass that complements the scrappy mood.

Getting close to the middle, “You And Me Both” is a calmer moment where warm acoustic guitar and softer vocals are met with gentle keys, while “Love On Love” recruits Bailey’s piano amid the energetic and dance floor ready, rootsy flavor.

Near the end, “Fine American Craftsmanship“ carries some grit buried into the soft versus busy bouts, and “And It’s Gone” births flowing melodies and sing-alongs in the garage rock meets Americana formula.

A really fun album that incorporates country, folk, rock and ‘90s indie rock nods, Jacoby and company explore love, loss humor and resilience in relatable and timeless ways yet again.

Travels well with: Mike Jacoby- Long Beach Calling; The Mike Jacoby Electric Trio- The Long Haul

Kate Prascher

Sunday Afternoon

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Sunday Afternoon

This sophomore album from songwriter and musician Kate Prascher moves between time and place, both real and imagined, and uses an excellent cast for her diverse vision.

“Jubilee” opens with a haunting mood, where Lauren Saks’ soft fiddle suits Prascher’s cozy vocals, and “Sunday Afternoon” follows with a folk strummer that utilizes Adam Schwind’s gentle drums amid the dreamy guitar and emotive singing.

“Come & Gone” occupies the middle spot and carries traces of jazz via the poetic demeanor and soothing textures, while “Memphis To Mobile” benefits from Maggie Chafee’s gorgeous cello that complements the heartfelt vocals of the touching delivery.

“Cold Harbor” and “Sing Again” exit the listen. The former allows for Prascher’s lush mandolin to help illuminate the rural beauty of the album’s best, and the latter is an upbeat, country fueled finish that spotlights Bennett Sullivan’s lively banjo.

A really stirring blend of country, folk and bluegrass sounds, Prascher’s voice touches the soul and the songs resonate with a timelessness that can draw comparisons to Alison Krauss or Gillian Welch.

Travels well with: Carly King- Loving You Is Easy; Maisy Owen- Dark On A Sunny Day

Miggy Augmented Orchestra

Unbreakable Hope & Resilience

Soundspore, 2026

9/10

Listen to Unbreakable Hope & Resilience

The pianist and 6 time Grammy nominated producer, Migiwa ‘Miggy’ Miyajima, turns personal testimony into a large ensemble effort here, where 13 songs utilize a 17 piece big band.

The cozy “Intro 1” opens with Ryan Keberle’s soulful trombone and Megan Masako Haley’s spoken word drawing us in, and “Where Is My Home?” follows with Tim Horner’s acrobatic drumming and Ashton Muniz’s well timed vocals populating the engaging 8+ minutes.

Geting close to the middle, “A Step For Tomorrow” welcomes Jason Jackson’s well timed trombone amid Migiwa Miyajima’s elegant piano, while “I Will Make A Change” offers a lush and thoughtful climate, where Carl Maraghi’s soulful sax, Gina Benalcázar Lopez’s warm bass trombone and Martha Kato’s mature keys won’t go unnoticed.

Deeper yet, “Life Is Good” enlists Evan Amoroso’s trombone and Stuart Mack’s trumpet for the infectious energy, and “Fourteen Springs” exits with Haley’s flawless singing and Rachel Therrien’s cozy trumpet tugging on the heartstrings.

A record that weaves in and out of devastation, memory, grief and perseverance, the cinematic qualities and emotional appeal of the 72 minutes that was recorded live at Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center is truly a big band effort like none other.

Travels well with: Lakecia Benjamin- We Dream; Gustavo Cortiñas- The Drum Also Sings

Lakecia Benjamin

We Dream

Artwork, 2026

9/10

Listen to We Dream

This 6th album from the saxophonist and vocalist Lakecia Benjamin sees the artist expanding her horizons into a collective 11 songs that welcome her core group and many guests.

“First Light” opens with Benjamin’s spoken word alongside Terence Blanchard’s rich trumpet in the brief start, and “Beyond The Dawn” follows with Jonathan Barber’s animated drums and Oscar Perez’s bright keys complementing warmth and richness.

Moving into the middle, “Ascension” enlists Lessie Vonner’s well timed trumpet and Joe Blaxx’s frisky drums that suit Benjamin’s insightful words, while “Dream Breaker” benefits from Sean Jones’ lively brass and Chris Potter’s tenor sax prowess via the speedy delivery.

Near the end, “Right Now” allows for Bilal’s distinct singing and Kassa Overall’s rapping to guide the playful and beat fueled ideas, and “New World” exits with an intimate flavor thanks to Benjamin’s soothing sax and Elias Bailey’s meticulous bass plucking.

Another excellent outing for Benjamin, the ability to be ‘a bright light in a dark space’ comes from a place of sincerity, much skill and timeless jazz that is more important than ever right now.

Travels well with: Lakecia Benjamin- Phoenix; Gustavo Cortiñas- The Drum Also Sings

Gustavo Cortiñas

The Drum Also Sings

Desafio Candente, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Drum Also Sings

The Chicago drummer, Gustavo Cortiñas, is joined by Dave King and Isaiah Spencer’s drums, plus many vocalists for 10 tracks that were born out of personal and collective difficulty.

“Etinel skotol t’ixt’unel” opens with Angelina Suyul’s spoken word alongside the occasional drum and some ambient background noise that builds into a densely layered drum bout, and “Mother Tongue” follows with the trio’s drums interacting with an atypical rhythm that’s infectious.

In the middle, “Duraznito” radiates soft gestures that are inwardly focused, while “Anay Pachamama” welcomes Maryta de Humahuaca’s powerful pipes to the busy drumming progressions and percussive sounds that balance adventurousness with heartfelt singing.

Landing close to the end, “Fellowship” showcases incredible drumming prowess that’s mesmerizing and dance floor ready, and “Psalm 23” exits with Angle Bat Dawid’s firm vocals and clarinet adding much to the bare versus animated presence of the drums with much impact.

An effort that injects much community, spirituality and ancestry into the fold, Cortiñas and company cultivate a message of healing, where prayer, improvisation and tenderness fuel the messages.

Travels well with: John Clayton- The Two-O Duo Project; Edward Simon- Venezuela

John Clayton

The Two-O Duo Project

ArtistShare, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Two-O Duo Project

The bassist, composer and educator John Clayton is joined by René Marie and Gerald Clayton for this 8th album, where 11 diverse and cultured songs are both originals and interpretations.

“Blue Bayou” opens with Marie’s soulful pipes alongside the warm keys from Gerald that suits the cozy climate, and “Nail… In Need” follows with the rich keys amid John’s meticulous bass plucking that radiates much authenticity.

In the middle, Billy Joel’s “The Longest Time” sees Marie’s expressive pipes, John’s soft bass and Gerald’s light keys making for an intimate version of the classic, while “Some Other Time” showcases a dynamic and flowing interaction between the trio that’s melodic and emotive.

“Somewhere Over The Rainbow” arrives late and puts a gentle and bare twist on a song we all know and it’s glorious here, and “Forth” exits with bass and keys working together delicately and building into a more intense setting of intricate playing.

An accomplished effort that balances power, serenity and clarity, the blues, soul and jazz elements welcomes groove and harmonics in all the right places.

Travels well with: Edward Simon- Venezuela; Ellen Rowe Quartet- Vinton’s Cove

The Tirith

Quetzalcoatl

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Quetzalcoatl

The UK prog-rockers The Tirith return with a myriad of influences surrounding these 12 meticulous tracks.

The brief and atmospheric “Intro” starts with much grace, and the title track follows with Tim Cox’s dense guitar chugging, as a dreamy backdrop enters the harmonic delivery.

Getting close to the middle, “Back To Space” benefits from Paul Williams’ fluid drumming that suits Dick Cory’s smooth pipes, while “Dancing With Vampires” trims the pace back with Anthony Hill’s bright keys amid the melodic singing and swirling prog-rock.

Arriving late, “Save The Oak” carries an infectious energy that’s anthemic and invites singing-along, and “The Riddles” exits with the dynamic rhythm section, well timed keys, lush guitar and expressive vocals illustrating a tremendous chemistry between the band.

Somewhere between classic rock, symphonic rock and indie-rock while still being very indebted to a progressive template, The Tirith reunited in 2010 after a 3 decade break, and are certainly one of the best in today’s modern prog scene.

Travels well with: Built For The Future- 2084 Empire; Enigmatic Sound Machines- Divided By One

Alex Van Gils & Carrie Frey

Lesser Arcana

Long Echo, 2026

9/10

Listen to Lesser Arcana

The New York City violist, improviser, and composer Carrie Frey and electronics wizard Alex Van Girls come together for an adventurous 8 songs of improvisation and electroacoustic prowess.

“Five Of Cups Reversed” opens the listen with much warmth, where the buzzing synth and stirring viola radiate tremendous grace before the exploration and cinematic qualities enter, and “Laugh Track” arrives soon after with manipulated strings and vocal gestures of ambience.

Moving along, we’re treated to “Whale Joke”, which uses talking and what nearly seems like field recordings from another dimension, while “Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing” seems like it could soundtrack a sci-fi flick via its screeching and moody tinkering.

“Fortitude & The Eight Of Wands” exits, and it mashes the bright synth stabs with rich viola amid a very distinct tonality of awe and wonder.

This is the first album from the duo and let’s hope it isn’t the last, cause their inimitable talents make for an unpredictable, exciting and memorable version of contemporary classical meets experimental sounds.

Travels well with: David Bird- Hinterlands; Noah Meites- Counting

Jim Allen

Maybe Things Will Be Alright

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Maybe Things Will Be Alright

The New York singer-songwriter Jim Allen blends power pop, folk and roots ideas into these 12 authentic songs that invite some excellent guests.

“Maybe Things Will Be Alright” opens with Peter Holsapple’s warm voice and flowing guitar that adds much to the harmonic folk climate, and “Panic Button” follows with C.P. Roth’s bright keys that suit Allen’s smooth voice as the tune builds into a frisky delivery.

“Cry Until You’re Done” arrives in the middle and makes great use of Steve Goulding soft drums via the intimate mood, while “Underground” enlists Paul Foglino’s skilled bass and Erica Smith’s harmony vocals for the rich album highlight.

Getting close to the end, “Where I Am” welcomes Dorothy Moskowitz’s voice and Paul Conly’s keys to the cautious delivery of sophistication, and “It’s Hard” exits with Matt Applebaum’s animated electric guitar that adds much to the soulful and crisp roots rocker that will have you singing along pretty quick.

A really diverse effort that excels in balladry just as it does rhythmic and dance floor ready bouts, Allen and company flesh out a rock focused effort that’s timeless and instantly memorable.

Travels well with: Peter Holsapple- The Face Of 68; Holsapple & Stamey- Our Back Pages

Fruit Bats

Gold Past Life

Merge, 2019

8/10

Listen to Gold Past Life

Fruits Bats are embarking on a new chapter with this 8th album and first for the Merge label, and not so surprisingly, themes about moving on make up the bulk of Gold Past Life, both literally and metaphorically.

“The Bottom Of It” starts the album strong with ambiance, breezy melodies and Eric Johnson’s inimitable vocals guiding us through a dreamy brand of indie-pop, and “Gold Past Life” follows with strummed acoustic guitars and ‘70s influences that are soulful, almost psyche-rock flavored.

Moving along, “Drawn Away” moves with a quick pace and warm, retro-rock influences, while “Cazadera” brings the atmosphere down to calmer territory with a punchy folk-rock spirit where keys complement the affair.

The second half of the album offers the strong beat and pedal steel of “Your Dead Grandfather”, the piano balladry of “Barely Living Room”, and the album highlight, “Mandy From Mohawk (Wherever You May Be)”, where elegant yet playful indie-rock resides. The album ends on “Two Babies In Michigan”, a synth fueled exit where Johnson strategically uses reverb and nostalgia.

A record most closely rooted in folk-rock, there’s surf moments, psychedelic stabs, and plenty of pop sensibilities to be had on this reflective, thoughtful effort from the always creative mind of Johnson. Now 20+ years old, if Fruit Bats are going to expand their audience significantly outside of indie-rock circles, Gold Past Life will be the impetus and rightfully so as it’s a standout in a glowing catalog.

Travels well with: Ages And Ages- Me You They We; The Shins- Oh, Inverted World