Saxophonist Rob Dixon has released his new album NAPTOWN SOUL on Strikezone Records. Rob Dixon honors Indianapolis’ Black musical legacy, fusing jazz, funk, soul, and history in an inspiring tribute to the city’s legendary artists. The album includes two songs by Indianapolis’s own Wes Montgomery, a remake of the Blackbyrds’ “Walking in Rhythm,” Marvin Gaye’s … Continue reading
New Jazz: Liz Cracchiolo — ‘I’m a Woman’
Liz Cracchiolo’s I’m A Woman is one of 2026’s standout debut albums and marks her as a notable new voice in jazz. Across the nine tracks, Cracchiolo refreshes familiar material with lively reinterpretations, uncovering nuances and subtleties that include her fellow musicians.Her vivid voice and style—precise yet spontaneous—make a lasting impression. On I’m A Woman, … Continue reading
New Blues / Soul: Johnny Rawls & Dave Keller — ‘Tribute To Soul’
These days, there are a few things that one can count on in life. One of them is this—if Johnny Rawls is making music, it’s worth it to set aside a moment or two and enjoy it. Because he is one of the most consistent producers and musicians around. With Tribute To Soul, Rawls adds … Continue reading
New Jazz: Steve Rawlins — ‘Word On The Street’
Pianist, composer, and arranger Steve Rawlins’s latest release is Word on the Street, a new album featuring ten original or co-written compositions alongside one standard. The project marks a rare turn in the spotlight for Rawlins, whose decades-long career behind the scenes as a gifted composer and spectacular arranger for film, television, and major entertainment … Continue reading
New Roots: Greg Piccolo & Heavy Juice — ‘Who Knows What The Future Holds’
Saxophonist and vocalist Greg Piccolo rose to prominence with Roomful of Blues, spending 25 years as the band’s tenor sax player and lead vocalist. Then he formed Heavy Juice, a group that gave him room to pursue his own musical direction. On this album, Piccolo handles all lead vocals and tenor sax, joined in the … Continue reading
New Country Rock: Clay DuBose — ‘Father Time & Mother Nature’
Clay DuBose’s Father Time & Mother Nature is a West Coast country-rock album that pairs high-energy tracks with more progressive, artful explorations. The entire album convey’s DuBose’s broad vocal range and sweet tone. Produced by Ted Russell Kamp, who also adds his signature bass groove, it features Jamie Douglas and Mitch Marine on drums; Brian … Continue reading
New Blues: Walk That Walk — ‘Lifer’
Walk That Walk is known for high-energy Chicago blues, and their latest album, The Lifer, stays true to that reputation while further exploring roots rock, blues rock, and Americana. They get your feet moving and your heart pumping. They deliver sharp boogie-woogie blues licks with real spark. The Lifer is a smokin’ collection of tunes. … Continue reading
New Blues / Roots: Katie Knipp — ‘Live at Theater 5150’
Katie Knipp’s new album, Live from Theater 5150, arrives September 18, 2026. I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview, and I’m sharing the news that if you appreciate spirited and unforgettable performances, the date is worth looking forward to. Katie Knipp and her fellow musicians are in stellar form, resulting in an album … Continue reading
New Boogie Woogie: Mitch Woods — ‘A Night in New Orleans’
With his new album, A Night in New Orleans, Mitch Woods cross-pollinates a form of music based in Kansas City with a performance style that is well-suited to celebrating that music. The subject is Boogie Woogie piano, the location is New Orleans, and the showman making it all happen effortlessly and spectacularly in Mitch Woods. … Continue reading
New Country: RJ Chesney — ‘A Southern Man’
RJ Chesney’s forthcoming album, A Southern Man, will be released September 25, 2026. It is produced by Zachary Ross and Jason Hiller, recorded at Electrosound Studios in Los Angeles, and recorded, mixed, and mastered by Jason Hiller. The track features Chesney on lead vocals, acoustic guitar, and nylon guitar; Jason Hiller on bass, upright bass, … Continue reading