Ryan Dart

If Love Don’t Break You

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to If Love Don’t Break You

The Colorado singer-songwriter Ryan Dart pens a very personal album, where themes of love, loss, resilience, time, and healing have been affected by divorce, loss of property, new love and life as a single father.

The title track opens with much warmth, where Dart’s expressive voice is met with Nate Barnes’ thumping drums in the country fueled climate, and “Dirt Road Woman” follows with Richard Bowen’s well timed fiddle that adds much to the flowing melodies of the cozy delivery.

Further along, the intimate “These Horses” finds an emotive place to reside amid Katie Mingle’s soft voice and the dreaminess, while “Masters Of Time” recruits meticulous guitar and a heartfelt appeal that radiates positive energy.

Near the end, the bare and poetic “Wild Sea” offers a wise and reflective moment of subdued beauty, and “This Is How It Ends” finishes with just Dart’s sincere voice alongside light acoustic guitar.

It’s pretty clear that Dart has done a lot of soul searching lately, and he turns some personal tragedy into relatable songwriting that’s gritty, authentic and touches on the human spirit with a rootsy flavor that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: CJ Hooper- Over Yonder; The Unfaithful Servants- Fallen Angel

Michael Hudson-Casanova

Heyman 2

Each And Only, 2026

8/10

Listen to Heyman 2

The Chicago saxophonist and clarinetist, Michael Hudson-Casanova, is joined by Mike Lorenz, Sandy Eldred and Matt Scarano, i.e. Heyman, for these 8 exciting and improvised jazz tunes.

“Ladybug” opens with Hudson-Casanova’s rich wind alongside Scarano’s crisp drums for the punchy jazz climate, and “Cup Of Cheer” follows with Lorenz’s meticulous guitar adding much warmth to the melodic delivery.

“Oceans Apart” occupies the middle spot and it’s an intimate moment of textured beauty that makes great use of Eldred’s precise bass, while “Equilibrium” offers a frisky bout that sees the quartet interacting playfully yet eloquently for the album’s best.

“Narrative” and “Country Is Shortage” exit the listen. The former leans a bit towards the rock side of the spectrum, where the radiant sax won’t go unnoticed, and the latter emits a soft ambience that’s heartfelt and unpredictable in its reflective mood.

All the tracks are originals (3 by Lorenz, the rest by Hudson-Casanova), and illustrate how well the 4 navigate in swingin’ moments, surrounded by grooves and haunting ebbs for this excellent sophomore effort.

Travels well with: Pete Mills- This Is Now; Shawn Maxwell- Frenetic Domain

James Lyon

Turning

Neuma, 2026

9/10

Listen to Turning

The violinist James Lyon delivers a highly personal effort that celebrates his 35 year stint at Penn State as a teacher.

Albert Spalding’s “Sonata in E for Violin Solo” opens the listen with 4 segments that range from intimate to animated, and illustrate Lyon’s complete mastery of his instrument with much care.

Bruce Trinkley’s “Courtyard Tango” follows with a lyrical angle, where inspiration from a poem by Emily Grosholz aids in the expressiveness of the strings, while “Praying Alone”, by Baljinder Sekhon, explores the difference between solitary and communal prayer with eloquence.

Carolina Heredia’s “Déjate Caer” exits, and it injects electronics and influence from the Argentine poet Alejandra Pizarnik for a very distinct emotional capacity that’s nothing short of captivating.

A project that’s dramatic in engaging ways and embraces contemporary classical ideas with a meticulous vision, Lyon plays a violin like few others can, and it’s makes for a riveting experience.

Travels well with: Patti Cudd- Cyanotypes; Sara Paar/Marcia Eckert- Wisdom’s Harvest

Geoffrey Gordon

Fumeé

Neuma, 2026

9/10

Listen to Fumée

The London composer Geoffrey Gordon turns composition into visual art here, where mostly world premiere recordings are executed with much detail and imagination.

“Gotham News” starts the listen with the Radom Chamber Orchestra’s precise strings that are as colorful as the Williem de Kooning painting the songs is named after, and “Premiére Rhapsodie” follows with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta and Horácio Ferreirra’s clarinet interacting with no lack of melody populating the Debussy original.

Next up, the title track, which features the same cast as the previous selection, is a bit more cryptic in nature, and moves with the playful wind complementing the symphony’s cautious presence.

The final track, “Creavit Deus Hominem”, unfolds across 4 segments, where cinematic stabs and orchestral swells from the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra and José Luis Garcia Vegara’s oboe range from intimate to rhythmic and pulsating.

A daring effort that embraces classical, chamber and orchestral ideas, the artistic and post-romantic nods are also much appreciated in yet another impressive outing for Gordon.

Travels well with: Bonnie Whiting- Through The Eye(s); Galan Trio- Kinesis, Vol. 3

Bonnie Whiting /Eliza Brown

Through The Eye(s)

Neuma, 2026

9/10

Listen to Through The Eye(s)

A truly unique collaboration, the composer Eliza Brown and speaking percussionist Bonnie Whiting illuminate the works of those incarcerated at the Indiana Women’s Prison.

“Calm And Storm” spotlights the text of (Coco) Bales-Malone alongside the music of Brown for a mix of soft and firm percussive gestures, and Ashley Strong’s “Nightly Storms” follows with vivid storytelling amid the bare but strategic percussion that aligns with the intensity of the tale.

“My Tunnel” and “Violent Passion” arrive in the middle. The former, by Ingrid Swinford, injects fleeting, rapid drumming with found object like tinkering, while the latter is indeed animated via Char’Dae Avery’s firm delivery, plus the lively vibes.

Close to the end, the harmonic and pretty “HER” features the music and lyrics of Lara Campbell that emits eloquence and blends spoken word further on, and “Emergence”, by Amaris Rose Bunyard and Joyce (Potter) Hawkins, enlists minimal sounds against the enlightening wordplay.

An effort that showcases the perspective of the incarcerated, the artistic motions often employs wooden blocks or file folders- object they have at their disposal- and further proves how vital human expression is, even in a setting of constraint.

Travels well with: Galan Trio- Kinesis, Vol. 3; Abby Fisher- Continuous Interior

Galan Trio

Kinesis, Vol. 3

Neuma, 2026

9/10

Listen to Kinesis, Vol. 3

This 3rd installment from Greece threesome Galan Trio sees an expansion into electronics while remaining true to their core principle: dynamic motion.

Christopher Dobrian’s “Shadow Play” opens with Petros Bouras’ intimate keys alongside the stirring and unpredictable strings that unfold with much attention to mood as the setting turns adventurous, and Joao Pedro Oliveira’s “Far Beyond” follows with an ominous approach, as the rumbling keys are met with Babis’ Karasavvidis’ tense violin bouts.

Further along, “From Here To There”, by Deborah Kavasch, unfolds across 4 segments that blend the cinematic keys amid the dynamic strings, while Andrés Carrizo’s “Sospeso” balances soft gestures that benefit much from Marina Kolovou’s intimate cello.

Arriving late, “La Búsqueda”, by Miguel Chuaqui, enlists plenty of classical ideas that see the trio interacting meticulously, and Ofer Ben-Amots’ “The Odessa Trio” spends 4 chapters mesmerizing us with the cautious and heartfelt delivery that can get mysterious, too.

A double album where each piece retains its own identity, the trio incorporate electronics strategically, where the varying textures certainly keep our attention for entire journey.

Travels well with: Abby Fisher- Continuous Interior; Ittai Shapira- Chunnyang

Abby Fisher

Continuous Interior

Neuma, 2026

9/10

Listen to Continuous Interior

The Arizona artist Abby Fisher pens a solo album the presents percussion and electronics via a pair of immersive works by Robert Honstein and Andrea Mazzariello.

The title track, by Honstein, opens with the playful vibraphone and electronics interacting with playfulness and creativity across 3 chapters. The middle portion is a bit more reserved in a dreamy sort of way, while the last segment beeps and buzzes with an animated spirit.

Mazzariello’s “Figure To Ground” exits, and meshes the vibraphone, glockenspiel and kick drum into a 24+ minute exploration that’s meditative, rhythmic and technical in its sensitive nature.

An effort that invites the listener to engage deeply, the pieces reside in their own distinct sonic space and are executed with wistful lyricism and a melodic energy that you can’t not be in awe of.

Travels well with: Ittai Shapira- Chunnyang; Percussia- Murmuration

Pooja Goswami Pavan

The Mind, Ecstatic- Songs Of Kabir

Neuma, 2026

9/10

Listen to the mind, ecstatic- songs of kabir

The vocalist and composer, Pooja Goswami Pavan, brings us 7 sonic meditations via the poetry of the 15th century Indian mystic Sant Kabir Das.

“In the cave of the sky” opens with ideas of resonance amid Prashant Trivedi’s well timed dholak and plenty of eastern melodies, and “I won’t come or go” follows with Ajay Prasanna’s dreamy bansuri complementing the expressive singing and warm spirit.

In the middle, “The wedding sari has come” balances tenderness with playfulness thanks to Murad Ali Khan’s sarangi and Smit Tewari’s sarod, while “The mind, ecstatic” offers a lush album highlight that benefits from Keith Peters’ bass, Greg Schutte’s keys and no lack of rhythm.

“This body, a beautiful tambura” exits, and emits a droning presence with subtle percussion and a very enlightening demeanor that’s graceful.

Pavan’s longtime collaborator, Ranjan Sharma, contributes greatly to arranging these pieces, which revolves around devotional insight, Hindustani classical and India classical traces that creates a technical, wise and joyous body of work with a global appeal.

Travels well with: Ittai Shapira- Chunnyang; Christopher Shultis- Waldmusik

Paul Bergmann

Connecticut Cowboy

Self-Released, 2026

10/10

Listen to Connecticut Cowboy

The Connecticut singer-songwriter Paul Bergmann returns with 7 songs captured live in the summer of 2025 that illustrates his distinct and unclassifiable version of rock for the examined mind.

“Smaller” opens with Cameron Brown’s frisky drums alongside Bergmann’s deep and sophisticated pipes that give the setting a dark appeal amid the buzzing climate, and “Vacant Green Eyes (Alternate Take)” follows with Scott Amore’s well timed organ that suits the melodic guitar and warm singing.

“West Rock” and “Appalachian Mountains” arrive in the middle. The former is strong on atmosphere in a noisey, fuzzed out sort of way, while the latter benefits from Scott Lawrence’s soft bass that complements the intimacy and heartfelt singing.

“Blue Light Cowboy” exits, and places Stephen Heath on lead guitar for the hazy and introspective finish that swirls with power and emotion.

In addition to vocals, Bergmann handles guitar, and some percussion, piano, and organ for songs that might bring to mind Jason Molina and are buried in gothic nods and ominous folk rock that just might make you question the entire purpose of your existence.

Travels well with: Paul Bergmann- The Other Side; Nik Freitas- Day & Dark

Ittai Shapira

Chunnyang

Neuma, 2026

9/10

Listen to Chunnyang

The violinist and composer Ittai Shapira is joined by some excellent company for a trio of pieces that are inspired by a 400 year old tale of female empowerment, love, resilience and hope.

“Love In Namwon” opens with Hilá Plitmann’s touching soprano voice alongside Shapira’s elegant violin before the Royal Scottish National Orchestra enters with their symphonic qualities that mesmerize us for the 10+ minutes.

In the middle, “Separation: from Struggle to Enlightenment” finds a cinematic place to reside, where the expressive singing from Pittman is surrounded by precise and emotive strings that suit the tense bouts.

“Reunion/Celebration” exits, and it’s full of bright horns, well timed drums and dancing strings that make for an eloquent, colorful and textured finish that’s rhythmic at its core.

A highly meticulous effort that interprets Korea’s most famous folktale, the east versus west dynamics, and blues and Celtic influences help create an enlightening and memorable listening experience.

Travels well with: Zack Browning- Rock Galaxy; Christopher Shultis- Waldmusik

Moonlight Mile

Northern Lights

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Northern Lights

This sophomore album from the Kentucky native Jonathan Pennington sees the troubadour taking help from the producer Greg D. Griffith for these personal tales of Appalachian storytelling under the moniker Moonlight Mile.

The thumping drums from Asher Pennington opens the rugged yet tuneful ideas of the title track, where Pennington’s sturdy voice guides the rawness, and “Dancing In The Rain” follows with Rachel Baiman’s elegant violin and backing vocals adding much beauty to the gritty climate.

“Marigold” lands in the middle and is an intimate moment of poeticism that allows for Pennington’s forthright singing to tug on the heartstrings as he also plays keys, while "No Heroes” welcomes Phillippe Bronchtein’s aching pedal steel to the vulnerable moment of emotional cleansing.

Later on, Matt Pittman’s guitar acrobatics across “Headed Back To Omaha” see William Wallace handling Hammond B3 and Wurlitzer via the dense rocker, and “The Beautiful Parts” exits with a tenderness that blends Grayson Griffith’s bass amid pedal steel, guitar and drumming into an introspective and gorgeous finish.

A family affair that uses Pennington’s and Griffith’s sons on bass and drums, there’s plenty of anthemic qualities and emotional resonance to absorb here, as Moonlight Mile make their own kind of roots rock with authenticity.

Travels well with: Joey Frendo- Bound For Heartache; William Matheny- That Grand Old Feeling

Original London Cast Recording

Next To Normal

Ghostlight, 2026

8/10

Listen to Next To Normal

Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey’s rock score is captured here across 2 discs of live recordings from the Donmar West End that emits dialogue and music from the inimitable cast.

The quick blast of “Prelude” starts with warm keys, dense guitar and loud drums before the voices enter in a calmer mood, and it isn’t long until “Perfect For You” presents Eleanor Worthington-Cox and Jack Ofrecio’s voices alongside stirring strings and cozy keys.

Deeper into disc 1, the intimate “I Dreamed A Dance” spotlights Caissie Levy’s expressive voice amid much beauty before Jack Wolfe’s pipes enter, while disc 2 gets rugged with the fuller rock presence of “Wish I Was Here”, which layers the vocals strategically.

Further into the back half, Levy, Worthington-Cox, Parker and Ofrecio are all present for the firm dynamics of “Why Stay?/A Promise” that alternates between singing and dialogue fluidly.

Residing close to the end, the elegant “So Anyway” is just Levy’s soft and soaring voice amid the eloquent keys and gripping strings, and “Light” exits with a heartfelt duet that builds into an ebullient finish.

A play that tells the story of the effects of bipolar disorder and the death of a firstborn child and its repercussions on a family, the subject matter is intense, and that’s often reflected in the raw and powerful performances.

Travels well with: Soundtrack Of The American Soldier; Haymarket Opera Company- Artaverse

Stevie Holland

Talk To Your Tomatoes

150 Music, 2026

9/10

Listen to Talk To Your Tomatoes

The jazz and pop vocalist, Stevie Holland, puts a fresh coat of paint on classic songs and also offers us some originals here, where an excellent cast and even strings and horns are present.

The uplifting strings and Holland’s silky smooth voice opens with “On A Clear Day”, where Matt Aranoff’s bass won’t go unnoticed, and “Help Me” follows with Matthew Sheens’ intimate piano that suits Holland’s expressive pipes.

Moving along, the warm original, “When These Two Hearts Collide”, benefits from Jeff Davis’ cautious drumming amid the emotive singing, and residing near the middle, “Blossom” recruits Ben Monder’s melodic guitar for the lush album highlight.

“Pure Imagination” and “East Of The Sun (And West Of The Moon)” exit the listen. The former is a frisky and swingin’ moment that will have you on the dance floor, and the latter enlists a cautious mood via the stirring strings and sublime elegance.

A timeless and heartfelt body of work that can also get your body moving, Holland and company flesh out an enjoyable vocal jazz experience.

Travels well with: Kristina Koller- Walk On By; Monika Ryan- Playfully

Ize Trio

Global Prayer

Self-Released, 2026

8/10

Listen to Global Prayer

The Ize Trio, i.e. Chase Morrin, Naseem Alatrash and George Lernis, come together with plenty of guests for 9 songs that explore traditional jazz with Middle Eastern ideas.

“Flying” leads with Alatrash’s lively cello and Morrin’s colorful keys before Lernis’ playful percussion enters, and “From The Stars” follows with John Patitucci’s cautious bass entering the rich and layered climate.

Moving towards the middle, “Snæfelksjökull” blends Vasilis Kostas’ skilled lauto, Yaniv Yacoby’s bazouki and Latyh Sidiq’s violin into a frisky bout, while the title track focuses on the trio for the 8 minutes of intimacy and grace.

“Taqsim” and “Epilogue” exit the listen. The former spotlights the emotive cello, and the latter is a quick moment of sublime keys that stir the soul with much care.

A sonically adventurous outing that can also find itself in introspection, the additional help sure does add another avenue to the songwriting that’s worldly, enlightening and spiritual.

Travels well with: Ize Trio- The Global Suites; Alister Spence- Always Ever

Gabriel Jackson

Rigwreck

Navona, 2026

10/10

Listen to Rigwreck

The composer Gabriel Jackson sees 5 texts that sort through what the Earth tries to tell us, gun violence, longing, and the delicate bonds between self and world, where The Crossing and Donald Nally deliver with much care.

“According to Seneca” opens with the voices emitting tremendous beauty and attention to tonality in their harmonic demeanor, and “Yes, I am your angel” follows with the lifting voices making for a heartfelt and joyous moment.

In the middle, “Rigwreck” spends 14+ minutes mesmerizing us with the rich singing and expressive gestures, while “Self-Portrait in Charleston, Orlando” is a more playful offering that layers the voices strategically and leaves an indelible impression.

“Darest thou now O soul?” exits, and mixes the baritones and sopranos with meticulous detail to mood.

As always, The Crossing are in fine form and their singing is flawless. Nally’s conducting is top notch as well, where intimacy, spirituality and poeticism unfold with choral brilliance.

Travels well with: David Lang/The Crossing/Donald Nally- The Sense Of Senses; The Crossing- Meciendo

Andy Leftwich

Aced

Mountain Home, 2026

9/10

Listen to Aced

The fiddle and mandolin wizard, Andy Leftwich, is joined by Cody Kilby, Byron House and Matt Menefee for these 11 bluegrass fueled tracks that explore covers and offer detailed originals.

The title track opens with the quick fiddle and House’s strategic bass amid Menefee’s flowing banjo that’s not short on melody, and “Old Hickory” follows with banjo acrobatics adding much richness to the timeless bluegrass flavor.

Halfway through, the animated mandolin of “Highland Rim” illustrates incredible finger acrobatics as the trio interact playfully, while “Crossville” showcases House’s frisky bass playing alongside the colorful banjo and gripping fiddle.

Later on, “Brookstone” is a bit slower but no less impactful, as the strings mesh flawlessly with Kilby’s precise guitar, and “Road To Antioch” exits with intimacy and warmth radiating from the authentic songwriting.

An instrumental album of incredible detail, Leftwich and his company offer plenty of solos, Celtic influences and gospel bouts amid the inestimable interaction between the 3 players.

Travels well with: Vickie Vaughn- Travel On; Unspoken Tradition- Resilience

Dave Soldier

Vipers At The Onyx

Bright Shiny Things, 2026

10/10

Listen to Vipers At The Onyx

The composer and neuroscientist Dave Solider presents us symphonic works fleshed out by the Prague Filmharmonic Orchestra, led by Adam Klemens, for these 9 classically influenced tracks.

“El Amanecer” opens the listen with dreamy winds and warm percussion surrounded by graceful strings that float with much care, and “Rahsaan” follows with a darker mood that emits a cinematic quality.

In the middle, “Abayzin” represents the ancient Gitano, Jewish and Muslim quarter across the Darro River with eloquence and grace, while “Kumiho” is both tense and soft, where the French horn solo from Jan Vobořill won’t go unappreciated.

Landing close to the end, “Lorette Velvette” contains both sweet and sour ideas that honor the riot grrrl singer of the same name, and “SamulNori” exits with a dedication to the percussion wizard Kim Duk-Soo, as the sounds of a night storm on the Korean coast bring many different facets of the orchestra’s talents.

Soldier has had much success in a variety of genres, and his work here is preserved in its iconoclastic vision and flows across many atypical sounds and textures that are entirely his own and are nothing short of symphonic brilliance.

Travels well with: Nick Revel- The Hero Levels; Miró Quartet- Ginastera String Quartets

Sarah Plum

an expanding distance of multiple voices

Blue Griffin, 2026

9/10

Listen to an expanding distance of multiple voices

The Chicago violinist Sarah Plum treats us to the works of 6 different composers, where the Grammy Award Winning Yvonne Lam joins her for the really unique listen.

The title track by Jeffrey Mumford opens with the solo violin moving with an unpredictable and exciting demeanor that illustrates much adeptness, and “Olive Cotton”, by Osnat Netzer, follows with the solo viola radiating much emotion via the bowed and plucking techniques.

“Canticle” lands in the middle, and sees Plum’s solo violin cultivating tense and minimal qualities of the Sidney Corbett piece, while Mari Takano’s “Elegy” recruits 2 violins thanks to Lam’s inimitable playing for the harmonic and heartfelt album highlight.

Benjamin Fuhrman’s “Sirens” arrives at the end and pairs the violin with reverb pedal for the colorful and atypical landscape.

An experimental outing that utilizes classical ideas in a way that only Plum can, each track is delivered meticulously and with plenty of detail and timelessness.

Travels well with: Lorelei Ensemble- Scott Ordway: North Woods; Thomas Kotcheff/ Bryan Curt Kostors- Between Systems

~Nois

What Is ~Nois

New Amsterdam, 2026

9/10

Listen to What Is ~Nois

The Chicago saxophone quartet ~Nois use classical music and improvisation to their advantage for these 4 adventurous tracks.

“Sun Thrower”, by Darian Donovan Thomas, opens with Julian Velasco’s rich soprano sax and EWI that complements János Csontos’ distinct bari sax playing in the reflective mood, and “alternate endings.” follows with a firm presence via Ross D. Hamilton’s pounding drums and Aeryn Jade Santillan’s distinct voice and bass guitar that suits the layered saxes of the Santillan original.

On the back half, Francisco del Pino’s ”Invisible” blends Nick Zoulek’s alto sax and Jordan Lulloff’s tenor sax into both minimal and busier textures of beauty that mesh the 4 saxes sublimely and with a distinct artistic appeal amid Francisco del Pino’s guitar.

The last track is Travis Laplante’s “Running In A Field Of Flowers”, where just the saxophones are present for 3 segments that radiate mystery, sublimeness and gentle waves of introspection.

A truly diverse setting that explores what the wind is capable of, ~Nois are adaptable enough to soundtrack ambient dance floors, searing post-punk clubs, retro guitar rock with these highly memorable pieces.

Travels well with: Dorian Wood- Canto de Todes; Adam Tendler- Inheritances

Diplomats Of Solid Sound

A Higher Place

Pravda, 2019

8/10

Listen to A Higher Place

The Iowa City groove enthusiasts return with a 6th album of funk and soul sounds where the 8 players contribute their respective talents to a listen that will have you heading straight for the dance floor.

“Common Ground” starts the album with soft horns, harmonic group vocals and a soulful R&B setting, and this continues to the groove filled and melodic “Crazy About You”, as well as the guitar fueled retro sounds of “Sometimes”.

The middle of the album offers the restrained yet playful “Gotta Find That Man”, the big, festive setting of “Already Gone”, where finger snappin’ and organs ensure a good time, and the percussively strong “Brave New World”, where extremely elegant vocals help make this one of the album’s best.

Near the end, “Hole In Your Sole” will easily get anyone’s body in motion with its upbeat feeling and bouncy Motown spirit, and “Dry Land” ends the listen with emotive, soaring beauty that’s instantly memorable.

If you’re in the market for some neo-soul and an irresistible listen that you won’t be able to sit still while listening to, Diplomats Of Solid Sound will be your new infatuation.

Travels well with: Andre Williams- I Wanna Go Back To Detroit City; Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings- Give The People What They Want