Earl 'Guitar' Williams

The Soul King Of Bessemer, AL

Music Maker, 2026

8/10

Listen to The Soul King Of Bessemer, AL

The Alabama guitar legend, Earl Williams, brings along Jimbo Mathus, Bronson Tew and The Crimestoppers for these 10 head bobbin’, top tappin’ blues rockers.

The infectious energy of “Flashlight” opens with The Crimestoppers’ soulful backing vocals and Williams’ flowing guitar and gritty pipes guiding the fun, and “California Dreamin’” follows with a softer approach that makes great use of Mathus’ thumping drums.

The middle spot belongs to “I Know You Love Me”, which balances melody and warmth via the romantic spirit, while “Can Of Alligator” brings harmonica to the occasion, where Tew’s skilled bass makes an impression.

“Hey Mr. Gip” and “Bring Me My Shotgun” exit the listen. The former is a scrappy, southern fueled moment that’s rhythmic, and the latter strums with sincerity amid Williams’ vivid storytelling and no lack of graceful blues ideas.

Williams’ first guitar was built out of a cigar-box guitar at age 7, and he hasn’t stopped since. He brings a lifetime of experiences and talent to these soul, funk, country to good ol’ gutbucket blues that further solidifies his status as ‘The Soul King Of Bessemer, AL’.

Travels well with: Dedicated Men Of Zion- Coming Up Through The Years; The Crimestoppers- On The Case

Dida Pelled

I Wish You Would

La Reserve, 2026

8/10

Listen to I Wish You Would

The guitarist and singer-songwriter Dida Pelled pens a blues and jazz record, where Sullivan Fortner, Kenny Wollesen and Tony Scherr accompany her for the 9 mature and timeless tracks.

The stylish and warm “Dimples” starts with Pelled’s cozy guitar and soft voice alongside Fortner’s playful keys, and “Hesitation Blues” follows with Wollesen’s crisp drums that complement the smooth singing of the gentle blues and jazz hybrid.

“Since I Fell For You” and “Rosa Mae” land in the middle. The former benefits from a romantic mood that’s charming and calm, while the latter showcases the playful keys and strategic drums in the rich, groove filled album highlight.

“Blues In The Night” arrives late and allows for Scherr’s skilled bass to suit the authentic blues climate, and “Trouble” exits with Scherr handling guitar for the dreamy and poetic finish.

Pelled makes all these classic tracks her own, where the top notch rhythm section and meticulous keys add much allure via the sultry storytelling.

Travels well with: Anne Harris- I Feel It Once Again; Vanessa Collier- Do It My Own Way

Brightwire

Choosing Sides Of Our Own Demise

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Choosing Sides Of Our Own Demise

The core members of Brightwire, i.e. Samuel Barker, Kim Barker and Michael Helfenstein, are joined by Rebecca Stoll and Joel Mora for this mix of originals and covers that showcase their unique brand of rock.

The warm spirit of “Shelter” opens with vocals from Mel Torres and Jewelz Melody (of Shame On Me) for the nice balance of prettiness and grit across the Lone Justice tune, and “Two-Piece Puzzle” follows with Samuel’s gritty yet tuneful pipes alongside Kim’s inviting voice and Mora’s agile drumming.

The midpoint belongs to “4th Of July”, where Helfenstein’s well timed steel guitar helps make for a heartfelt, rootsy rocker that invites singing-along, while “Humble Narrator” brings folk-rock ideas to both the Barker’s voices and no lack of melody.

Residing close to the end, “Dashboard Lights” is a heartfelt moment that benefits much from Stoll’s precise bass and “Night On The Town” exits with a soft duet that pairs eloquent voices with cozy acoustic guitar.

There’s still some punk rock embedded in the members of Brightwire from their formative years, and their sincere vision of Americana sure sounds great in this quintet setting.

Travels well with: Brightwire- Here, But Gone; Sam Morrow- Southern Boogie

Ted Chubb

Live At The Statuary

Circle 9, 2026

8/10

Listen to Live At The Statuary

The trumpeter, composer and artistic director Ted Chubb is joined by Bruce Williams, Oscar Perez, Tom DiCarlo and Jerome Jennings for these 9 live tracks of contemporary jazz.

“SBB Bounce” opens the listen with a lively spirit, where Chubb’s bright trumpet and DiCarlo’s frisky upright bass make an impression, and “Uptick” follows with Jennings’ frisky drums alongside Perez’s warm keys that help cultivate plenty of melody.

“Out Of This World” and “Expat” land in the middle. The former offers an intimate moment via the gentle keys and rich horn, while the latter builds into an animated and dynamic 6+ minutes where Williams’ glowing sax won’t go unnoticed.

Arriving late, “Django” balances a hazy start with lively and upbeat interaction, and “Empty Hearts” exits with the wind and brass working together with a cozy appeal that’s heartfelt.

All of the selections here stem from moments in Chubb’s life, and they are executed with harmonics, rhythm and melodic sensibilities that that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Brad Turner Quintet- The Magnificent; Marcus Persiani- The Proper Time

Iris Dement

The Way I Should

Yep Roc, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Way I Should

Originally released in 1996, this 3rd album from the influential singer-songwriter Iris DeMent sees the reissue treatment, where a large cast helps illuminate the insightful political wordplay.

“When My Mornin’ Comes Around” opens with DeMent’s warm piano and powerful pipes guiding the emotive climate, and “There’s A Wall In Washington” follows wth Harry Stinson’s agile drumming that suits the meticulous keys and expressiving singing from DeMent.

Halfway through, “This Kind Of Happy” benefits from Brent Mason’s intricate guitar solo via the dreamy mood, while “The Way I Should” carries a frisky tone via Mark Knopfler’s rich guitar playing and Melodie Crittenden’s well timed backing vocals.

“Walkin’ Home” and “Trouble” exit the listen. The former is a textured and intimate album highlight where Paul Franklin’s steel guitar won’t go unnoticed, and the latter will get you on the dance floor thank to Lonnie Mack’s animated guitar and Delbert McClinton’s bright harmonica and vocals.

An album of chilling beauty and a highly personal nature, it’s hard to believe this is 3 decades old, as DeMent’s vision sure has aged well and wouldn’t be out of place in today’s indie-folk scene.

Travels well with: Grant-Lee Phillips- In The Hour Of Dust; Jesper Lindell- 3614 Jackson Highway

Sam Morrow

Southern Boogie

Blue Élan, 2026

9/10

Listen to Southern Boogie

The Houston artist Sam Morrow returns with a new batch of tunes, where his swampy version of his blues and country finds itself in grittier and more raw avenues of authentic, Texas fueled rock.

“Cruisin” gets the listen off to a thumping start thanks to Bryan McGrath’s drums before Morrow’s rugged yet melodic voice enters the soulful roots rock, and “Lucretia” follows with dense, blues-rock nods thanks to John Michael Schoepf’s skilled bass that suits the fluid guitar licks.

Halfway through, “South Texas Women” blends thicker moments as well as calm gestures, while “In The Bag” touches on plenty of country-rock spirit, as Morrow’s sings with sincerity and a hint of a snarl that welcomes strategic backing vocals.

Deeper still, “Put It In A Song” allows for Matt Hubbard’s animated keys to shine, and “Wedding Ring” exits with a charged bar room rocker that could get everyone on the dance floor and also soundtrack some fisticuffs.

There’s been some changes in Morrow’s life recently, which might be the impetus for a shift in his direction, where this louder, analog recorded and southern rock fueled effort uses several guitar players to its advantage and our benefit.

Travels well with: Roses’ Pawn Shop- American Seams; Cory Branan- When I Go I Ghost

Joe Fiedler's Big Sackbut

Journey To Bowerbird

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Journey To Bowerbird

The trombonist and composer Joe Fiedler is joined by his Big Sackbut band for this 4th collaboration together, where 9 tracks are packed with brass fueled, jazz fun.

“Portrait Of Tito Matos” opens with Marcus Roja’s bright tuba and Satoshi Takeishi’s playful drumming adding much to the lively start, and “The Box” follows with the manipulated brass that segues into a rich and layered climate.

“Guiro Nuevo” lands in the middle and blends Fiedler, Ryan Keberle and Luis Bonilla’s trombones into a colorful mood, while “Elements Of Know” spends 7+ minutes mesmerizing us with its soft gestures versus busy bouts.

“Kingston” and “Go Get It” round out the record. The former surrounds the frisky drums with melodic horn interaction, and the latter isn’t short on rhythm, grooves and timeless jazz sensibilities.

An effort with much emphasis on timbre, tone, rhythm, harmony and melody, the trio of trombones give us a distinct listening experience that you’ll repeat again and again.

Travels well with: Zhengtao Pan Jazz Orchestra- Day By Day; Rob Garcia- Sizzle Ensemble

Golems Of The Red Planet

Surf Masada: The Compositions Of John Zorn

Heyday Again, 2026

8/10

Listen to Surf Masada

This debut album from Ohio’s Golems Of The Red Planet finds the quartet playing an all instrumental effort that reimagines and rearranges the recordings of John Zorn.

“Hadrial” opens with Matt Reese’s strategic cello alongside Bob Ethington’s drumming acrobatics and plenty of rhythm, and “Mehalalel” follows with Harvey Gold’s warm guitar that suits the melodic surf rock climate.

Halfway through, “Paschar/Tzofeh” is strong on ambience before bursting into a charged delivery where Mark Allender’s bass won’t go unnoticed, while “Mo’ed” blends the strings with a dynamic rhythm section and the radiant guitar.

Close to the end, “Re’Cha” is an animated moment where all 4 players contribute their talents in spades with both adventurousness and restraint, and “Belial” exits with a cinematic quality that’s mysterious, dense and interactive in a creative fashion.

A truly unclassifiable record, nods to art rock, jazz, surf and folk are present, as the reverb and atypical texturing might bring to mind artists as diverse as ELO, The Velvet Underground or The Soft Machine.

Travels well with: The Oxys- Casting Pearls Before Swine; Jesika von Rabbit- Bunnywood Babylon

Arneis Quartet

Moving Shapes

Albany, 2026

9/10

Listen to Moving Shapes

Arnies Quartet, i.e. Heather Braun, Rose Drucker, Daniel Dona and Agnes Kim, bring their inimitable string interaction to 4 involved pieces from 4 different composers.

Ruth Crawford’s “String Quartet 1931” starts with Dona’s agile viola alongside the meticulous violins across 4 careful segments, and “String Quartet In D Major, Op. 71, No. 2” follows with Braun and Drucker’s melodic violins helping make for a vibrant and cinematic quality for the Joseph Haydn piece.

On the back half, Elena Ruehr’s “String Quartet No. 12 ‘Moving Shapes’” allows for Kim’s skilled cello to shine in the tense verses soft gestures of the dynamic 5 segments, and Fanny Hensel’s “String Quartet In E-Flat Major” exits with the quartet’s fast chemistry, intimate moments and adaptable talents engaging us from beginning to end.

A really detailed offering that blends classical ideas with Romantic expression and modern exploration, the Arneis Quartet’s ability to balance tradition with creativity is superb.

Travels well with: Cullan Bryant/Jerilyn Jorgensen- Schubert: The Sonatinas For Piano & Violin; Dallas Chamber Symphony- Chasing Home

Adam De Lucia

The Man Who Would Be King

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to The Man Who Would Be King

An artist with an affinity for jazz fusion, Adam De Lucia brings years of study, performance and reflection to these 8 composed, improvised and distinct pieces that illustrate his own musical language.

“Cycle One” opens with elegant strings before Jordan Perlson’s thumping drums and Oz Noy’s inimitable guitar enters the jazz-rock climate, and “Gorilla” follows with De Lucia’s warm guitar lines amid Donny McCaslin’s rich tenor sax.

Halfway through, “Six Day Regimen” allows for Lefebvre’s playful bass to add much to the dynamic setting, while “Will You Follow?” benefits from Henry Hey’s frisky Rhodes and Hammond and Michael Ghegan’s well timed flute for the rich album highlight.

“8 Out” and “Carousel” exit the listen. The former pairs De Lucia’s fluid guitar with a punchy rhythm section, and the latter carries grooves in spades via the soulful sax, cautious rhythm section and colorful guitar from De Lucia.

An album with plenty of rhythm, harmonics and melody, each track brings something different to the table thanks to De Lucia’s atypical and exciting vision.

Travels well with: Zen Zadravec- New Paradigm; Leigh Pilzer- Keep Holding On

Chuck Bergeron

Bass & Face

Summit, 2026

8/10

Listen to Bass & Face

The bassist Chuck Bergeron presents songs with his intimate abilities alongside 10 world renowned vocalists.

“An Occasional Man” opens with Bergeron’s frisky bass complementing Janis Siegel’s warm voice, and “Emily” follows with Pete McGuinness’ unmistakeable pipes surrounding the playful bass plucking.

Moving on, “I Thought About You” welcomes George Rabbai’s smooth pipes and lively scatting to the warm climate, while “Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West” invites Charles Pillow’s rich sax, Phil Strange’s skilled keys, John Riley’s crisp drums and Kevin Mahogany’s flawless singing to the lush album highlight.

Arriving later, “Analog” pairs the meticulous bass with Deborah Silver’s signature voice that discusses the effects of today’s technology focused life, and “Do You Know What It Means (To Miss New Orleans” exits with Strange’s emotive keys and the intricate bass making for a heartfelt finish.

Bergeron has worked in many capacities, and in this setting his inestimable playing supports the superb singing and contributions from Riley, Strange and Pillow with attentiveness and care.

Travels well with: Phil Haynes- Terra; Alister Spence- Always Ever

Jon Hamar

Música Callada

Origin, 2026

9/10

Listen to Música Callada

The double bassist Jon Hamar is joined by Adrienne Fontenot’s piano for these selections of rarely heard and newly realized works.

The title track, by Frederic Mompou, starts with 9 segments, where Hamar’s emotive bowing on the bass can rumble, too, as the graceful keys help illuminate the eloquent delivery.

Following that, David P. Jones’ “Winter Crows” moves cautiously with a moody appeal, while “Back To Blues” illustrates playful picking from Hamar in the solo setting of the John Clayton piece.

Close to the end, Ned Rorem’s “Nocturne” pairs the agile bass amid bright keys that make for a lush album highlight, and Hamar’s “Mosaic” exits with the meticulous strings and intimate keys interacting with poeticism and warmth.

A highly sophisticated endeavor, Hamar and Fontenot play off each others strengths superbly, where the timeless classical presence is much appreciated.

Travels well with: George Cotsirilos- In The Wee Hours; Barry Greene- Giants

Gergana Velinova

Free

Cellar, 2026

8/10

Listen to Free

The Bulgarian-Canadian vocalist, poet and songwriter Gergana Velinova is joined by an all-start cast for these 10 songs that evolved across 5 transformative years.

The title track opens with Velinova’s bright vocal scatting alongside Joel Fountain’s frisky drums and Jon Bentley’s rich sax, and “Orange Moon” follows with Kristian Alexandrov’s colorful vibes that suits the dreamy climate and Velinova’s expressive voice.

“Keep Walking” and “A Star” land in the middle. The former is an upbeat moment that’s playful and recruits Miles Hills’ skilled bass, while the latter is a cozy delivery of heartfelt singing and gentle instrumentation.

Arriving much later, “A Song About Stones” spotlights Cory Weeds’ well timed sax amid the animated keys and adaptable vocals, and “ Come A Little Closer” finishes with Alexandrov’s sublime keys that matches the mesmerizing singing.

Musically, Velinova touches on jazz, pop, Bossa Nova and blues ideas, and her strong vocal performance makes its way straight to your heart and soul.

Travels well with: Laurent Ziliani- Anyone Can Whistle: A Sondheim Journey; María Dueñas- Paganini 24: Caprices

Zen Zadravec

New Paradigm

Marmite, 2026

8/10

Listen to New Paradigm

The pianist and composer Zen Zadravec has enjoyed a lengthy career in many different positions, and here he’s joined by a large cast for 8 tracks that take inspiration from names like Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Kenny Barron and Kenny Kirkland.

The bright mood of “First Impressions” opens with Zadravec’s animated keys and David Alvarez’s swift drums complementing the animated brass, and “Seeking Spirit” follows with Mike Pope’s skilled acoustic bass and the layered saxes thanks to Todd Bashore and Dominic Bierenga.

The title track and “Love Letter” inhabit the middle. The former recruits Dylan Bell’s creative scatting amid Tom Bartelmay’s melodic guitar, while the latter finds a cozy place to reside via Derrick Gardner’s soulful trumpet and the romantic climate.

Close to the end, the rhythmic dynamics of “Do Or Do Not, There Is No Try” makes great use of the colorful keys and frisky rhythm section, and “The Warrior’s Code” exits with Travis Aukerman handling drums and Pope bringing out the electric bass in addition to the meticulous keys of the thoughtful finish.

An effort that balances tradition and forward motion, there’s plenty of post-bop to enjoy, as well as spontaneity exciting jazz interaction that few others could replicate.

Travels well with: Leigh Pilzer- Keep Holding On; The Paul Keller Orchestra- Thank You Notes: The Music Of Gregg Hill

Wayne Alpern

Varieties Extravaganzas

Henri Elkan, 2026

9/10

Listen to Varieties Extravaganzas

The ever prolific Wayne Alpern is back with a 13th record, where the diverse originals and arranged pieces host the Times Square Brass Quintet.

The bright trumpets of “Allegretto” opens with a piece inspired by Handel and uses plenty of rhythm, and “I Don’t Want To Set The World On Fire” follows with Adolfo Monterroso’s soulful tuba that adds much warmth to the the haunting tune from 1938.

In the middle, “Motet” captures the essence of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestinra’s work with strong attention to tonality via James Picarello’s horn, while “Parade”, a piece intended for Alpern’s daughter, blends the brass with melody and playfulness.

“Reinvention” and “Serenade” exit the listen. The former embraces melody and harmonics with Addison Maye-Saxon’s trombone being especially luminous, and the latter is the most ambitious moment, where a building presence makes for a lively and very colorful finish.

Much like everything Alpern does, this is creative, precise and timeless, whereRobby Garrison and David Puchkoff’s trumpets sure do mesh well with the rest of the quintet.

Travels well with: Wayne Alpern- Alchemy; Wayne Alpern- Modern Music

Crow And Gazelle

Truth Be Told

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Truth Be Told

Mike McClure and Chrislyn Lawrence, i.e. Crow And Gazelle, explore lover, power, survival and truths covered under generations of fear across these 12 distinct songs.

“The High Road” opens with warm strumming and the pair’s distinct voices interacting with beauty and a hint of grit, and “Long Way From Over” follows with much ambience amid Lawrence’s expressive voice guiding the dreaminess.

“Fall How It Will” arrives later on and showcases aching pedal steel alongside rich texturing that’s heartfelt, while “Wide Is The Water” thumps with a bit of rawness and makes great use Sam Howard’s bass.

“Night And Day” resides close to the end and places intimacy and emotive storytelling that suits the cautious instrumentation and vocal harmonies, and “Down The Road” exits with cozy banjo and strategic drums that complement the gentle and enlightening finish.

Much like everything they’ve done this is highly articulate and eloquent, where Juan Solozaro’s contributions on many instruments help cultivate a stunning rootsy, Americana, folk effort.

Travels well with: Crow And Gazelle- as above now so below; Nathan Evans Fox- Heirloom

Adam Brodsky

American Epitaph

Permanent, 2026

9/10

Listen to American Epitaph

It’s been awhile since Adam Brodsky released an album, but he makes the wait worth it with these 13 diverse tracks he describes ‘are for us to sing together while we throw sand in the gears of the fascist regime.’

“Achy Breaky America” opens with flowing harmonica and punchy drumming that suits the animated singing that carries some folk-punk flavor, and “Nazis In The White House” follows with a protest song fueled by acoustic guitar and wordplay that doesn’t pull any punches.

Further along, “Don’t Break Bread” allows for insightful singing and a melodic backdrop that’s minimal and impactful, while “Daddy Issues” is a fuller moment of thumping drums, driving guitar and well timed harmonica.

Moving along, “Birthday Cake” spotlights Brodsky’s distinct voice alongside acoustic guitar and rhythm, and “Window Pain” exits with 7+ minutes of vivid storytelling and soft guitar.

Brodsky has a background in punk and that’s clear across these anti-folk and country tinted tracks from a creative mind who’s paying close attention to the current state of affairs.

Travels well with: Peter Stampfel- Song Shards; Mike Hollon- Irving Park

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra

Ellington Masterworks

MCG, 2026

8/10

Listen to Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra

A live set captured on April 6, 2024 at MCG Jazz in Pittsburgh, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks pay tribute to Duke Ellington with these character pieces that are a bit less known from the legend.

“The Flaming Sword” starts with bright horns and frisky drumming, where a festive mood makes an impression, and “Tattooed Bride” follows with a soft ambience that blends the rich horns with Tony Nalker’s animated piano.

“Madness In Great Ones” lands in the middle and showcases Ken Kimery’s crisp drumming alongside the punchy trumpets, while “Ad Lib On Nippon” emits intimacy via the soft keys and Amy Shook’s clever bass plucking.

“Shepherd” and “Jack The Bear” arrive at the end. The former is quite soulful with incredible start and stop brass/wind dynamics, and the latter finishes with an infectious energy courtesy of the scrappy rhythm section and animated winds and brass that will get your body movin’ and groovin’.

The ensemble sure do justice to Ellington’s work, where these selections from 1940-1968 are executed with adventurousness and meticulousness.

Travels well with: Ravita Jazz- Alice Blue; Bruce Gertz Quintet- Octopus Dreams

March To August

Highway 75

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Highway 75

This concept album from March To August, i.e. Derrick and Jodi Mears, bring their inimitable storytelling and detailed instrumentation to 13 well thought out tracks.

“Highways And Honkytonks” opens with Derrick’s smooth voice amid the warm acoustic guitar of the country fueled start, and “Two Too Many” follows with quick banjo and Jodi’s well timed backing vocals.

In the middle, “Red Top Mountain Hailstorm” showcases meticulous banjo playing alongside the playfully plucked bass in a rich climate, while “Whiskey Town” emits much graceful beauty via the cozy acoustic guitar and poetic singing from Derrick.

Arriving later, “Fragments” is a heartfelt album highlight that uses the pair’s pipes with vulnerability which complements the soft banjo, and “Quiet Years” exits with a more folk influenced moment of timeless songwriting and carries a wise demeanor that’s reflective.

The tale told here revolves around a truck driver who travels north and south from Florida to the Canadian border in the midst of addiction, loss and remorse. During his journey he helps others and tries to fix the damaged relationships that have defined his existence, and these themes surround the blues, country, folk, bluegrass and rootsy flavored Americana that March To August continually execute with care.

Travels well with: March To August- Songs Inspired By Witnesss; Kenny Shore- Happiness & Misery

Dover Quartet

The Curtis Session

Bimperl, 2019

9/10

Listen to The Curtis Session

These esteemed youngsters have already picked up several awards in their short existence as the Dover Quartet, and just in the last year have played over 100 concerts on North America. Composed by Dr. Eric Sessler, The Curtis Session has the quartet offering 4 movements here in 30 minutes, as they bring Sessler’s Dreams From Life Awake to life in an engaging, mesmerizing performance.

“Reverberation-Exploration-Flow” starts the album with strong collisions of strings in a melodic yet tense setting of exquisite interplay, and “Tenderness-Love-Warmth” follows with gentle, agile musicianship amid a light atmosphere and timeless beauty.

The back half offers us the playful and cinematic “Evolution-Growth-Transformation”, where calm ebbs are met with fleeting moments of rapid intensity, while “Determination-Energy-Resolve” ends the gracefulness with an adventurous spirt where it almost appears that all 4 instruments are on their own journey, but somehow coalesce into an awe inspiring display of sublime beauty.

Amazingly recorded with no edits and just two microphones, it’s no surprise that Dover Quartet have so quickly moved into international stardom as their artistic approach is mature, immediately gripping and unfolds with a skill that seems well beyond their years.

Travels well with: Escher String Quartet- Stony Brook Surroundings, Vol 1; David Shifrin- Shifrin Plays Shifrin