The Enigmatic Foe

Like An Ocean

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Like An Ocean

The Knoxville artist Jared Colinger, i.e The Enigmatic Foe, pens a creative version of indie-rock and New Wave, and this Deluxe Edition of his new album offers us 27 additional tracks to peruse.

The cozy mood of “Something’s Wrong” opens with Colinger’s smooth voice alongside Jonathan Swift Behr’s frisky drums that suit the fluid melodies, and “Lover…Lover” follows with Charlie Peterson’s bright trumpet and Chuck Mullican’s rich tenor sax populating the grooves and playfulness.

Further into Disc 1, “I’ll Catch The Moon” is a soft, folk-friendly moment of sublime beauty amid the warm keys, while “Geraldine” is a busy and dance floor ready bout that benefits from animated percussion, rich sax and no lack of rhythm and energy.

“Algorithm” and “S.O.S.” exit the album. The former brings soulfulness to the equation that’s stylish and beat driven, and the latter recruits Ginger Murphy’s cello and plenty of ambience that aligns with a distinct intimacy and dreaminess.

Disc 2 is all instrumental version of the tracks from Disc 1, plus some additional songs like the buzzing, harmonic and emotive “Replaced”, and Disc 3 offers alternate takes, demos and remixes, where “Limping To The Finish Line” is just the piano and vocals radiating much sophistication and grace.

Colinger plays many instruments here, and he’s got plenty of help for the personal songs that vary greatly from track to track, but all retain much sincerity and relatability via his timeless songwriting vision.

Travels well with: Lucy Dreams- VVVVV; The Grin Lines- Voila

Carly King

Loving You Is Easy

Cloverdale, 2026

8/10

Listen to Loving You Is Easy

The Nashville artist Carly King brings along an excellent cast for this first album, where similarities to Kacey Musgraves or Courtney Marie Andrews won’t be hard to appreciate.

“Three Martinis” starts with Shane Travis’ warm acoustic guitar complementing King’s soft and expressive voice in the timeless folk climate, and “Sweep” follows with cozy guitar before the tune builds into a fuller delivery that welcomes drums and keys.

The title track arrives closer to the middle and moves with grace and then picks up the pace with flowing melodies and quick strumming alongside King’s inviting voice, while “Sister Cece” uses vivid storytelling alongside light guitar and keys.

“Ramona” and “Boots” exit the listen. The former is heavy on introspection and poeticism, and the latter is a minimal moment in a raw recording that’s ends the record entirely too soon.

A really well thought out blend of country, folk and pop, King pens humble songs that are easily relatable and the subtle pedal steel from Kapli Long and backing vocals courtesy of Heather Mae, Travis and Long only enhance the charm.

Travels well with: Karen Dahlstrom- Love These Days; Elly Kace- The Seventh Gate

Rick Sowash

Checkerboard

Kickshaw, 2026

9/10

Listen to Checkerboard

The always impressive Cincinnati composer Rick Sowash is back with an album of small ensembles, where between 2 and 7 instruments populate the world premieres.

“The Swashbuckler: Homage to Korngold” opens, where the influence from Robin Hood pours out via Julie Morris’ bright flute, Yo Shionoya’s rich oboe and Joel Payne’s well timed trumpet that radiate color and prettiness, and “String Trio #3” follows with Doug Hamilton’s stirring violin, Rose Gowen’s tense viola and Michael G. Ronstadt’s emotive cello tugging on the heartstrings.

In the middle, “Vocalise” recruits Heidi Miller’s soaring soprano amid Beth Troendly’s sophisticated piano and much beauty, while “String Trio No. 4” brings the violin, viola and cello back for the stirring intimacy.

Residing close to the end, “A Gentle Reminder” pairs Shionoya’s flowing oboe with Troendly’s warm keys via much melody, and “Checkerboard Suite” exits with flute, oboe, violo and cello interacting with a rich chamber presence.

An effort that borrows from the past but is still very much tied to Sowash’s distinct vision, every moment here is tonally aware, harmonically inviting and timeless in its meticulousness.

Travels well with: Rick Sowash- Voyageurs; Michael G. Ronstadt- Ronstadt Plays Sowash

Jianan Xu

Beethoven: The Arc

Blue Griffin, 2026

9/10

Listen to Beethoven: The Arc

This solo debut from the pianist Jianan Xu documents the creativity of Beethoven’s life, where his inimitable technical prowess and poetic vision also embraces a distinct emotional component.

The animated keys of “Piano Sonata No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 10 No. 1” starts, where Xu’s quick fingers and melodic sensibilities unfold with precision and much care later in the 3 chapters.

In the middle, “Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major, Op. 53 ‘Waldstein’” unfolds with a lush and heartfelt mood via the cautious playing that picks up steam in the last segment.

“Piano Sonata No. 30 In E Major, Op. 109” exits, and it rumbles with intensity and displays colorful dynamics that seem effortless in Xu’s very capable hands.

An effort that certainly does justice to Beethoven’s work, the dramatic moments, introspective ebbs and complete mastery of the piano draws us in from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Elicio Winds- Convergence; Shea-Kim Duo- All Roads

Ryan Scott

21st- Century Canadian Snare Drum

Collection QB, 2026

9/10

Listen to 21st- Century Canadian Snare Drum

The inimitable drummer Ryan Scott fleshes out an adventurous effort, where 2 discs of primarily snare drum welcomes some auxiliary sounds, electroacoustics and vocalizations to the experimental template.

Andrew Staniland’s “ANTIGRAVITYDRUM” opens with the animated snare making for a mesmerizing and cinematic presence, and it isn’t long until Christina Volpini’s “only ghosts” radiates a nearly buzzing quality that draws us in with intrigue.

Deeper into Disc 1, “Time and Effort”, by Monica Pearce, thumps, echoes and moves curiously, while Disc 2 leads with Brian Current’s “Infantry”, that recruits spoken word about war amid the unpredictable bouts.

Further along, the avant-garde nods of “of material signs and breaks” is a percussively atypical moment thanks to Jason Doell’s vision, and Nicole Lizée’s “The Far Night.fm” exits with ambience and melody alongside the crisp drumming patterns and wordless vocal gestures that complement the nearly spiritual appeal.

Plenty of people can play the drums, but few can do it like Ryan Scott, and his adeptness with the bass drum, objects, cymbal and metal plates adds even more intrigue to these daring selections where each piece illuminates his many talents.

Travels well with: Toninato & Thiessen- Dream Of Heat; Robert Humber- into air

Matthew Stevens

Matthew Stevens

Candid, 2026

9/10

Listen to Matthew Stevens

The Grammy-winning guitarist/producer Matthew Stevens is joined by some excellent guests for these 10 songs that explore modern jazz via both originals and covers.

“Take Heart” opens with Stevens’ animated guitar and Joel Ross’ colorful vibes that adds much to the rhythmic climate, and “Hazy” follows with Josh Johnson’s rich sax prowess that complements the dreaminess and Eric Doob’s playful percussion.

Halfway through, “1000 Times” benefits from the soft elegance via Stevens’ cozy guitar and flowing melodies, while “Edgewood” recruits Terri Lynn Carrington’s precise drums and Jeff Parker’s eloquent guitar that’s reflective and soothing.

Arriving late, “Born Of Silence” welcomes Dylan Day’s slide guitar which contributes to the dynamic interaction of the album’s best, and “The Air Is Thick” exits with Anna B Savage’s subtle voice amid the stylish grooves and textures.

A highly technical effort that balances acoustic and electric bouts, Stevens pays close attention to atmosphere and harmonics for another installment of first rate, guitar jazz.

Travels well with: Milena Cadado- Reflection Of Another Self; Dustin Kensrue- Desert Dreaming

Toninato & Thiessen

Dream Of Heat

Ambiances Magnétiques, 2026

9/10

Listen to Dream Of Heat

This sophomore album from Ida Toninato and Jennifer Thiessen shifts from the acoustic focus of their debut into a synth filled effort that explore dark textures via the the themes of death and the rebirth cycle of winter.

“I need warmth” opens with Thiessen’s intimate viola alongside both spoken word and gorgeous singing that comes with some field recordings, too, and “Bear” follows with a hazy ambience before Toninato’s rich sax enters the cinematic swells.

In the middle, “On a tellement revé” blend the chilling synth with wandering voices and sax stabs in a cosmic fashion, while “Hot blood flow” radiates a harmonic demeanor that enlists sax, strings, synth and voices that unfold with a pretty tonality shrouded in mystery.

The last track is “Change”, and it’s a dreamy finish that’s awash in melodies, richness and introspection that’s sophisticated and atypical in its thoughtful artistry.

The pair take help from Jason Sharp’s synth prowess, and it makes for an often minimal, experimental and highly personal peek into a very creative partnership.

Travels well with: Robert Humber- into air; Meredith Bates- The Observer Effect

Robert Humber

Into Air

Redshift, 2026

8/10

Listen to Into Air

The Canadian composer Robert Humber assembles 4 works composed for multi-tracked soloists between 2020-2022, where comparisons to Paul Dolden, Julia Wolfe and Missy Mazzoli make sense.

“into air” opens with 3 chapters, where the five violins interact with much emphasis on tonality thanks to Adrian Irvine’s attentiveness via the distinct melodies and charming string interaction.

In the middle, “mothmouth” combines 3 guitars by Ben Diamond that radiate detailed picking and animated dynamics in a classical setting, while “murmurations’, performed by Stephen Eckert, enlists 6 pianos that unfolds across 12 minutes of mesmerizing and strategic use of single notes.

“singing in circles” exits, and it benefits from solo cello and cello octet thanks to Heather Tuach that embraces melancholy and much technicality amid the firm versus bare gestures.

A body of work rooted in pandemic necessity, the home studio technology appeal makes for creative processes that captures Romanticism to Spectralism, plenty of improvisation and an abundance of contemporary classical ideas.

Travels well with: Meredith Bates- The Observer Effect; Nick Fraser- Areas

Meredith Bates

The Observer Effect

Phonometrograph, 2026

9/10

Listen to The Observer Effect

The inimitable artist Meredith Bates is joined by some guests for more than 2 hours of sounds that embrace texture, tone, cohesion, and dissolution, dissonance and euphony.

The Observer Effect Book 1- Casting opens with the field recordings and light buzzing of the soothing “Incantation”, and it isn’t long until “Love” welcomes Chris Gestrin’s synthesizer to the warm strings from Bates that radiates much emotion and care.

This portion ends with “Memory”, where 30+ minutes float by with chilling electronics thanks to Scott Morgan that draws us into the distinct ambience, while The Observer Effect Book II- Evocation leads with “Infatuation”, where Bates’ strings and electronics simmer with a cinematic quality of mystery.

“Incantation (Binding)” exits, and recruits Curtis Andrews’ percussion amid the meticulous strings and an engaging atmosphere that’s both pensive and experimental.

A truly detailed effort that employs tension, intimacy and artistic impressions, those with an ear for the unconventional will appreciate the electronic, indie, improve and jazz hybrid.

Travels well with: Meredith Bates- Tesseract; Nick Fraser- Areas

Gabriel Vicéns

Niebla

Clepsydra, 2026

9/10

Listen to Niebla

This 5th album from the New York guitarist and composer Gabriel Vicéns sees the artist blending the rhythms of Afro-Puerto Rican folklore, modern jazz and avant-garde experimentation into a truly genre defying experience.

“El Fin de la Noche” opens with Vicéns’ light guitar guiding the 2 minutes of softness, and the title track follows with Roman Filiú’s bright sax amid the mesmerizing guitar line and E.J. Strickland’s busy drums.

“900-50-80” arrives in the middle and offers a bare presence that’s strategic and strong on tonality, while “Ramaje” spends 14+ minutes captivating us with its meticulous mood via the hypnotic guitar, crisp drums, animated sax and Rick Rosato’s playful bass.

Further still, “Stray Dogs” benefits from Vitor Gonçalves’ firm keys amid the scrappy and rhythmic dynamics, and “…y la Lluvia” exits with a prettiness surrounding the gentle gestures of just Vicéns’ guitar.

A meticulous effort that balances calm versus fuller settings, Vicéns again fleshes out a guitar focused jazz album that will resonate worldwide and that you could never listen to just once.

Travels well with: Gabriel Vicéns- Mural; Atlantic Road Trip- Watch As The Echo Falls

Andrew Mackelvie's Many Worlds

Many Worlds

Watch That Ends The Night, 2026

8/10

Listen to Many Worlds

The saxophonist Andrew MacKelvie and his octet play an adventurous version of jazz, as the songs surround his near fatal accident in 2012 where he was struck by a drunk driver while on his bicycle.

“Impact/Awake” opens like an aberrant dream via the flowing saxes and Ellen Gibling’s colorful harp that blends into a blurriness, and “Disentomb The Brain Function” follows with Doug Cameron’s frisky drumming amid the rich texturing.

“Testament” and “Time Dilation” land in the middle. The former benefits from Gabriella Ciurcovich’s playful bass that complements the mesmerizing climate which employs spoken word, while the latter recruits Aquakultre for the busy brass and drumming acrobatics that leads into hypnotic keys and enlightening wordplay.

“What Lies Just Beyond?” exits, and has MacKelvie telling the story of his accident alongside light instrumentation before soaring vocals from Zoe Leger enter the pretty finish.

MacKelvie’s tragedy has changd the course of his life, and after months of rehab he learned to walk again. To this day, he still has chronic pain, and he’s parlayed that experience into an abstract and fusion filled journey that carries cosmic, minimal and psychedelic tendencies that linger long after the story ends.

Travels well with: Nick Storring- Mirante; India Gailey- Butterfly Lightning Shakes The Earth

Kiki Cavazos

Goodbye Blues

Jalopy, 2026

8/10

Listen to Goodbye Blues

The New Orleans singer-songwriter, Kiki Cavazos, treats us to some stripped back sounds here, where she’s mostly solo for the authentic and well thought out selections.

“Goodbye The Crazies” opens with Gavazos’ soulful voice and warm guitar that flows with much sincerity, and “Black Eyed Man” follows with a cozy melody amid the vivid storytelling and intricate guitar.

Halfway through, “Little Old Dusty Road” moves gently with an introspective mood that’s harmonic and touching, while “Pedestal” carries an old time flavor that recruits frisky electric guitar.

“Grey Ghost Town” and “Two Bit Two” are at the end. The former enlists powerful vocal harmonies in the bare climate, and “Two Bit Two” continues Cavazos’ relatable storytelling amid the heartfelt guitar playing.

A compelling debut album from an artist who’s formative years were spent drifting around the continent, Cavazos welcomes upright bass and backing vocals on occasion, and similarities to Townes Van Zandt, Blaze Foley or Lucinda Williams sure are appreciated.

Travels well with: The Alexis P. Suter Band- Just Stay Live; Peter Stampfel- Songs, Shards

Aerie Trio

Water, Rock, Tree, Sky

Redshift, 2026

9/10

Listen to Water, Rock, Tree, Sky

This debut recording from the Vancouver outfit Aerie Trio sees Diane Berry, Nathan Jacklin and Kathryn Le Gros, plus a couple of guests, fleshing out contemporary classical ideas that are very much tied to nature.

Vancouver Island Suite opens with 8 chapters, where Berry’s dreamy flute starts the immense beauty of “Prelude”, and it’s not long until “Tidepools” radiates sophistication from Jacklin’s stirring cello alongside Le Gros’ upbeat keys.

Deeper into this selection, “Creeks And Streams” balances the animated flute with dancing keys and emotive strings with a lush demeanor, while “Coda” finishes this portion with a soft mood of poetic and organic prettiness from the trio.

The last tune, “Water, Rock, Tree, Sky”, welcomes Marnie Setka-Mooney’s powerful voice, as Le Gros handles clarinet amid the colorful melodies and intricate musicianship that’s easily accessible.

An intriguing effort that touches on chamber, jazz and Celtic ideas, the harmonic bouts and charming textures contribute greatly to the enlightening and memorable experience.

Travels well with: Anna Pidgorna- Invented Folksongs; Nick Storring- Mirante

Nick Fraser

Areas

Elastic, 2026

9/10

Listen to Areas

The always impressive Nick Fraser brings his experimental prowess to these 7 jazz-ish tracks that welcome Tony Malaby, Kris Davis and John Kameel Farah.

“In The Wreckage” opens with Farah electronics and processing adding much mystery around the atypical keys and Malaby’s sax manipulation, and “Mimic” follows with the rich sax and dense keys radiating a cinematic appeal.

“Howling Circuits” and “There Are Other Ways” land in the middle. The former drones with a haunting quality amid the soulful sax and Fraser’s strategic piano harp, while the latter enters free jazz exploration amid Fraser’s animated drumming.

“Brood” exits, and brings back Farah’s tinkering and a rhythmic beat that makes for waves of creativity that fall somewhere between ominous and soothing.

An often eerie and meticulous effort, Fraser and his company enlist oblong grooves, gentle dynamics and otherwordly ambiance that few others could replicate.

Travels well with: John Kameel Farah & Nick Fraser- Farahser; Valley Voice- Stars, Engines

Banshee Tree

Bad Luck

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Bad Luck

The Boulder, Colorado outfit Banshee Tree return with a sophomore album, where many genres are touched upon via the quartet’s varied influences and strong attention to detail.

The rich and reflective “Look High Over The Mountain” opens with Thom Lafond’s warm keys and expressive voice alongside Jesse Shantor’s careful sax playing, and “Bad Luck” follows with Michelle Pietrafitta’s punchy drums and stylish sax that swirl with a textured and melodic mood.

Moving into the middle, “Might Stay” finds itself in indie-folk territory via the acoustic guitar and dreamy singing, while “Company Of Crows” touches on psychedelic pop with its clever dynamics and jazz rock flashes.

Later on, “Glue” features Leftover Salmon’s Andy Thorn and his quick banjo for the bluegrass tinted moment, and “Stars Above The Lightning” exits with experimental ideas front and center, where Jason Bertone’s animated bass playing won’t go unnoticed.

An indie-rock band with an affinity for avant-garde traces, Banshee Tree are all over the spectrum with their unpredictable formula that embraces tension, beauty and even darkness at times.

Travels well with: ALO- Frames; The Shootouts- Switchback

Jason Kruk

Beyond The Veil

SunGoose, 2026

9/10

Listen to Beyond The Veil

The fusion drummer, Jason Kruk, is joined by the guitarists Wayne Krantz and Adam Rogers plus members of Snarky Puppy for some really intricate songs.

“Ascension” opens with Kruk’s meticulous drums alongside Brian Donohoe’s rich tenor sax prowess in the jazz-rock climate, and “Awakening” follows with Fima Ephron’s funky bass and Adam Rogers’ playful guitar making for some prog-friendly ideas.

Further along, the thick appeal of “The Eagle” benefits from Wayne Krantz’s dense guitar amid the thumping drums, while “Water” enlists Bob Lanzetti’s unpredictable guitar that suits the quick texturing of the album’s best.

Arriving late, “Earth” moves cautiously thanks to the attentive rhythm section and colorful wind, and “Creation” exits with a hazy approach, where Michael League’s bass and Art Hirahar’s rhodes add much to the cinematic finish.

A unique blend of jazz, fusion, rock and funk, the shifting tempos, detailed grooves and no lack of solos makes for a spontaneous and sometimes intense experience.

Travels well with: Dave Stryker- Blue Fire: The Van Gelder Session; Peter Furlan Project- Peter Furlan Project Live At Maureen’s Jazz Cellar

Paul Kahn

Willingness

CarlCat, 2026

9/10

Listen to Willingness

The vocalist Paul Kahn and some excellent players come together for these 6 old songs that were reworked in 2025 and emit warmth and sincerity you could dance to.

“Stain On My Sleeve” opens with Shawn Pelton’s skilled drums and Russell Hall’s playful upright bass that suits the reggae tinted mood and Kahn’s smooth pipes, and “Memory Lane” follows with Matt Munisteri’s warm guitar amid Kahn and Catherine Russell’s cozy vocal harmonies that unfold with soulfulness.

The title track lands in the middle and is a cautious moment of beauty and grace, where Kahn’s cozy voice tugs on the heartstrings, while “Pull Another Leaf From The Clover” makes great use of Glenn Patscha’s frisky Hammond C3 and Veronica Dye’s dreamy flute via the breezy climate.

“No One To Cry” exits, and it benefits from Ben Rosenblum’s strategic accordion and both Kahn and Russell singing with a rich and comforting spirit.

Russell’s contributions on vocals, mandolin and keyboards can’t not be mentioned here, as Kahn touches on many genres with fluidity and timelessness thanks to his group of New York’s finest.

Travels well with: Tomas Janzon- Jazz Diary; Jake Hertzog- Longing To Meet You

Tomas Janzon

Jazz Diary

Changes, 2026

8/10

Listen to Jazz Diary

The guitarist and composer Tomas Janzon is joined by Nedra Wheeler, Tony Austin and Chuck McPherson for 11 songs that stem from early morning handwritten notation.

“Spirit Secret” starts with Janzon’s warm guitar amid Austin’s crisp drums and the playful bass thanks to Wheeler, and “May Six” follows with plenty of rhythm via the meticulous rhythm section and radiant guitar playing.

In the middle, the precise guitar prowess of “All Neighbors” draws us in immediately, while “She’s Listening” benefits from the Janzon’s finger acrobatics across the adventurous drumming of the album’s best.

Moving close to the end, “To Summer” benefits from McPherson’s distinct drumming alongside the melodic guitar lines, and “Six On Five” exits with a lush and harmonic spirit that allows for the duo setting to emit much care and sincerity in the live setting.

An album of both composition and improvisation, the bluesy moments, folk stabs and timeless jazz formula makes every moment worth revisiting.

Travels well with: Tomas Janzon- Nomadic; Carl Clements- Retrospective

Marie-Paule Franke

Through The Cracks The Light Is Born

MariPosa, 2026

8/10

Listen to Through The Cracks The Light Is Born

The adaptable jazz singer Marie-Paule Franke brings us 7 haunting and emotive tracks for this debut that welcomes Amir Mankovski, Dongfeng Liu, Marcos Varela and Mathias Kunzli.

“Twilight Whispers” opens with a soft tribute to Joni Mitchell, where Liu’s gentle keys and Kunzli’s cautious percussion suits the pretty singing, and “‘Tis Yours” follows with Mankovski’s soulful sax that complements the expressive vocals of the powerful setting.

“Freedom” and “Dagger Heart” arrive in the middle. The former is strong on ambience via the colorful scatting, crisp drums and warm piano, while the latter offers a poetic moment that’s eloquent and heartfelt thanks to Franke’s careful delivery.

“Echo Nomade” exits, and showcases Franke’s bi-lingual skills amid Varela’s bass plucking acrobatics in the rich and timeless finish.

The songs surround love, pain, loss and freedom, as Franke’s diverse pipes align with rhythmic moments, balladry and no lack of melodies and mysterious bouts.

Travels well with: Margee Minier-Tubbs- The Bells; Bonnie J Jensen- Rise

David Sanchez

Carib

Ropeadope/Stretch, 2019

8/10

Listen to Carib

A Grammy Award winning saxophonist with a penchant for rhythm and groove, David Sanchez’s new album, Carib, draws inspiration from the sounds of the Afro Puerto Rican and Haiitan Traditions where he pays tribute to the Afro dependent communities, as well as his late father and wife, who all shaped his art.

“Morning Mist” starts the affair with playful horns before setting into a nice jazz groove, and “Wave Under Silk” leads with keys across an elegant, melodic 7+ minutes of beautiful interplay between the noisemakers.

Although Sanchez makes full use of longer tunes- most hovering around the 6-7 minute mark- the brief “Prelude To Canto” is a sparse offering of warm guitars while the short lived “Iwa (Contemplation)” offers tumbling percussion and cozy brass.

Of the fuller tracks, “Mirage” is exceptionally radiant, as acrobatic percussion contrasts against the restraint of the rest of the tune, and “Iwa (Spirit Going Back Home)” brings countless ideas to the table on a busy journey of cautious musicianship and timeless melody. The album exits on “A Thousand Yesterdays”, where soft keys build into a quick tempo of sublime beauty.

A listen that is very much suited to the islands in which Sanchez draws influence, his tenor playing is top notch here, and with his esteemed band helping the tunes flow in and out of each other with Latin and World Fusion nods, it’s quite clear that after two and a half decades, David Sanchez’s work sounds better than ever.

Travels well with: Paul Austerlitz- Dr. Merengue; William Cepeda- My Roots & Beyond