Not a Given is the new album from Dutch blues guitarist and singer Mark van Mourik, released in October 2026 and marking, in his own words, a new chapter in his musical life. Van Mourik handles guitar and lead vocals, joined by Wolfgang Roggenkamp on Hammond organ, Wurlitzer and backing vocals, Dave Breidenbach on bass … Continue reading
New Jazz: Dylan Hayes Octet — ‘Vol. 1’
Dylan Hayes Octet, Volume 1 is the debut octet recording from Seattle pianist and arranger Dylan Hayes, released recently on Pinch Records. Recorded in 2024, it features a band Hayes formed in 2019 around his own arrangements, developed while studying big band writing with Jim Knapp. Joining Hayes on piano are Michael Van Bebber on … Continue reading
New Country: Dustin Lynch — ‘Clean Slate’
Dustin Lynch – Clean Slate Country music star Dustin Lynch returns with Clean Slate, his seventh studio album, released through BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. The 12-track collection explores love, heartbreak, second chances, and the perspective gained through experience, blending Lynch’s established contemporary country sound with more introspective material. The album’s central theme is reconciling the … Continue reading
New Blues: Project Blues — ‘Drivin’ Home to Carrie’s Café’
Released on the Bear in the Chair label, Drivin’ Home to Carrie’s Cafe is the new electric blues and blues rock record from Project Blues, the volunteer-run nonprofit based in Columbus, Ohio, now celebrating its 15th anniversary. Recorded in Austin, Texas, and produced by guitarist Anson Funderburgh, the twelve-track album runs just over 51 minutes … Continue reading
New Blues: Peter Ward — ‘Hanging on to the Blues’
Boston-based guitarist Peter “Hi-Fi” Ward has spent decades as one of the blues world’s trusted sidemen, so it’s a pleasure to hear him so comfortably out front on Hanging On to the Blues, released on Natural Records. Raised in Lewiston, Maine, Ward and his brother, bassist Michael “Mudcat” Ward, wore out blues records as teenagers … Continue reading
New Americana: Goldpine — “No Holding On Anymore” (single)
“No Holding On Anymore,” is the first preview of the fourth album, Four (due early 2027 on Mule Kick Records) from Nashville husband-and-wife duo Goldpine, Benjamin and Kassie Wilson. The pair have built a loyal following on tightly woven harmonies and emotionally honest songwriting, and this single arrives with a rollicking edge. Inspired by Benjamin’s … Continue reading
New Jazz: Surprise Chef — ‘Frogs in a Pond’
Frogs in a Pond is the fifth studio album from Surprise Chef, the Melbourne instrumental outfit whose core lineup is guitarist Lachlan Stuckey, keyboardist Jethro Curtin, bassist Carl Lindeberg, and drummer Andrew Congues. Three of them share a house in Coburg, which also hosts their self-built analog studio, the College of Knowledge, and a decade … Continue reading
New Jazz: The Elliott Caine Quintet — ‘Furiositee!’
Furiositee!, released on EJC Music, is the latest outing from the Elliott Caine Quintet. The Elliott Caine Quintet is a Los Angeles group that, on this album, is clearly devoted to the soulful, swinging small-group jazz of the early 1960s, the golden age of hard bop, with a healthy dose of boogaloo and Latin flavor … Continue reading
New Country: Brothers Osborne — ‘Watertown’
Watertown, the fifth studio album from Brothers Osborne, just arrived (on MCA). Named for the waterfront community of Deale, Maryland, where brothers John and TJ Osborne grew up, the eleven-track collection returns to the sound and spirit of their beginnings: honest, rough-edged and rural. They reunite with longtime producer Jay Joyce, known for his work … Continue reading
New Holiday Music: David Yamasaki Trio — ‘A Christmas Wish’
Released November 1st on Yamasongs Musicians: David Yamasaki (guitar), Robert Shinoda (guitar), Shoji Ledward (guitar, ukulele), Rachel Gonzalez (vocals, one track), Abe Lagrimas Jr. (drums, one track), Sean Conley (bass, one track) David Yamasaki Trio‘s A Christmas Wish, out November 1st on his own Yamasongs label, is a warm, unhurried take on the holiday songbook, … Continue reading