Is it Spring yet?

Hello Again! It’s been a few weeks, but a lot has been going on, including some live music in both Portland, Maine, and Boston, Massachusetts.

Recently, I headed up to SPACE in downtown Portland to see drummer Daniel Villarreal perform with two exciting young musicians — vibraphonist Victor Viera-Branco and bassist John Moran. Fresh from the Big Ear Festival and on stage for a truly exciting set of music. Keep your heads up for this vibe player, as I’m sure he’ll be everywhere before too long!

The next night, I met some folks in Boston for dinner, then went to the MGM Music Hall at Fenway to see Bridget Everett perform with her band. You may know her from the HBO show, “Somebody Somewhere,” but she’s also a great singer and a very funny person. Everett has described herself as an "alt-cabaret provocateur." Did you know her bass player is Adam Horovitz, a.k.a. Ad-Rock of The Beastie Boys?

A Quasi-Book Review

Adventures in Modern Recording by Trevor Horn (Nine Eight Books UK, 2022)

Something new here, and something I won’t do too often… I’m not really a book reviewer, but I picked up Trevor Horn’s memoir in London last Spring. It’s a producer’s life told through the records that he made. Instead of a straight, year-by-year story, Horn uses each chapter to zoom in on a song, which includes “Video Killed the Radio Star,” “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” “Relax,” “Slave to the Rhythm,” “Kiss from a Rose,” and more. Each track is a different moment in his career and in pop music history.

If you grew up on 80s pop, like me, you were exposed to a lot of Trevor Horn records. He was the singer and producer of The Buggles. He briefly fronted Yes, believe it ot not… He produced ABC’s “The Lexicon of Love” and helped build Frankie Goes to Hollywood into a one-hit wonder. He produced Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” in 1984 and later worked with Seal, Pet Shop Boys, Cher, Rod Stewart, and too many more.

Each chapter in this book takes a record and tells you what was happening around it: the artist, the studio, the gear, the accidents that became features, the fights, the jokes. It’s a memoir shaped just like an album. Anyone who cares about how records get made or loves the 80s, this is for you! Also, a signed copy is a nice thing to own.

Liner Notes

Sharing stories about albums in my collection. My mission is simple: one record and one story at a time. Since I bought my first record in 1982, I’ve been obsessed with the stories hidden in the grooves. This is a sanctuary for the music nerds and the audibly curious, dedicated to records and the liner notes that keep them alive.

Christmas Day, 2004. Wes Anderson released The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou into theaters, and I was there. Co-written with Noah Baumbach, the film starred Bill Murray as Steve Zissou, a washed-up oceanographer chasing a jaguar shark across the open sea. The box office was unkind, but it didn’t matter. I walked out of that theater in love with the film and obsessed with its soundtrack…

The secret weapon in this film was Seu Jorge, the Brazilian singer and actor who played a crew member who spent his downtime strumming an acoustic guitar and singing David Bowie songs in Portuguese. I bought the original soundtrack on CD within a few days after seeing the film.

As a lifelong David Bowie fan, and someone who has traveled to his childhood home in Bromley, South London, and stood at the Bowie Bandstand in Beckenham, where a 22-year-old Bowie performed at the Growth Summer Festival in August of 1969, I thought I knew these songs inside and out. “Rebel Rebel,” “Life on Mars?,” “Ziggy Stardust,” and “Changes.” Then Seu Jorge stripped them down to an acoustic guitar, translated them into Portuguese, and created his own magical interpretation of these classic songs.

I have this album on CD and on limited edition yellow vinyl, which I picked up last year at a Barnes & Noble in Rhode Island. This is also the album that deepened my love for Wes Anderson’s approach to music in film. He doesn’t just pick songs that sound good over a scene, he picks songs that become the scene.

The Royal Tenenbaums wouldn’t be the same without “Needle in the Hay.” Rushmore lives and dies by its British Invasion soundtrack. And The Life Aquatic simply doesn’t work without Seu Jorge sitting on the deck of that ship, softly singing Bowie while the world falls apart.

Playlist

This playlist moves between jazz tradition and modern experimentalism with quiet confidence. You've got post-bop in Abercrombie, Henderson, and Milt Jackson sitting alongside the raw, improvised energy of Corsano & Orcutt and the slow-burn ambient drift of Pullman's 13-minute "October."

The Fontaines D.C. cover of Sinéad O'Connor is beautiful, while Steve Gunn closes things out with something reflective. It could possibly be a late-night listening session where the thread isn't simply genre but mood. I hope you enjoy!

• “Pebbles” – John Abercrombie Quartet

• “Waltz For Sweetie” – Joe Henderson

• “Black Boys on Mopeds” – Fontaines D.C. (From Help 2, War Child Records)

• “October” – Pullman

• “My Funny Valentine” – Milt Jackson

• “Distance of Sleep” – Chris Corsano & Bill Orcutt

• “Park Entrance” – Steve Gunn

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New Music

It was Record Store Day, and while I didn’t stand in line, I did get some great new albums later in the day. Did you participate in RSD 2026? If so, what did you get?

Here are my quick highlights:

Don Cherry - Blue Lake (Live)

Stuart Copeland - Rhythmatist (Autographed)

Jazz Dispensary: Magia Brasileira

Also, I’m really looking forward to Saturday, May 16, in Keene, NH, for The Thing in the Spring, featuring Natural Information Society. Are you going?

Thanks again for reading. Until next time! - JB

Depeche Mode‘s Violator was released in 1990 and, 36 years later, it still sounds like something being built, not something simply remembered. I’ve been listening to this record again this week, and what keeps striking me isn’t the songs, it’s the architecture (although “Personal Jesus,” “Policy of Truth,” and “Enjoy the Silence” are some of the best pop songs ever written).

Producer Flood built a world of electro-machinery and placed something deeply human at its center. The electronics and synths didn’t just guide the lyrics, they pushed back, often taking center stage. That’s the trick Violator pulled off. There’s a direct line from that to modern marketing.

Your best campaign probably needs fewer messages, not more. Let the campaign’s creative do the work! A landing page with a single clear CTA will outperform one that explains too much. Again, let the creative help guide the audience through the campaign. The brands people remember aren’t the loudest; they’re the most purposeful and the ones most creative.

Martin Gore didn’t need a full orchestra. Dave Gahan didn’t need to shout. The music and production carried this album more than the lyrics, in my opinion, and that’s why I remember it and still play it 35 years later.

The next time you’re tempted to add another feature callout, another hero banner, another email in the sequence, ask yourself this: What would Flood do? But in all seriousness, what’s the version of your ad campaign that trusts the audience enough to leave something unsaid? Restraint isn’t a creative limitation. It’s a strategic choice. The brands that figure that out tend to build something that lasts longer than a campaign cycle. Violator is still in my regular rotation and still teaching me something every time. I even bought the vinyl reissue last year!

In your own marketing work, where do you find it hardest to resist the urge to say more? •

The cats are still adjusting, but they’ll get there.

And with that, let’s get into some music talk.

Talib Kweli at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club

Friday night, I caught Talib Kweli at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth, NH, and it was one of those shows that remind me why live music matters. He played two nights, two sets each, and all four sold out. That tells you everything you need to know about where Kweli stands in 2026. We caught the 9:30 set, which didn't actually start until almost 10 pm, but nobody seemed to mind.

I first heard his music back in 1997 or 1998, through the Mothership Connection on WUNH 91.3 FM. When the Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star record dropped in 1998, it was in my CD player nonstop, and it’s still one of my favorite hip hop records. So hearing him perform songs live, nearly 30 years later, was something special.

But the show was so much more than a nostalgia trip. Kweli and his talented band moved through genres as if flipping through a crate of records. We got hip-hop, rock, some reggae rhythms, a taste of Fela Kuti, a Beatles cover, and an incredible 80s & 90s hip-hop montage led by the keyboard player that had the whole room moving. The setlist felt like a music education course compressed into 80 minutes…

What struck me most is that Talib Kweli has not wavered. He’s still rhyming with that conscious hip hop style that made him who he is, still telling the crowd to think, still paying attention to what’s happening in the world, and asking us to do the same. In a time when that message feels more urgent than ever, he delivered it with conviction and without pretense. If he’s coming to a city near you, go. You won’t regret it.

Liner Notes

Sharing stories about albums in my collection. My mission is simple: one record and one story at a time. Since I bought my first record in 1982, I’ve been obsessed with the stories hidden in the grooves. This is a sanctuary for the music nerds and the audibly curious, dedicated to records and the liner notes that keep them alive.

The Smiths, The Queen Is Dead (Rough Trade Records, 1986)

I was introduced to The Smiths right after they broke up. My friend Ken and I bought most of their albums on cassette at the local mall, and The Queen Is Dead was often on repeat on the boombox in my backyard. This was during my high school years, between 1987 and 1991. I probably first heard them through college radio and through friends at school, but however it happened, the music stuck. Ken and I eventually saw Morrissey live in 1992 at Brandeis University on the Your Arsenal tour, and that only deepened my obsession.

Released on June 16, 1986, The Queen Is Dead was the Smiths’ third studio album, produced by Morrissey and Marr, with engineering by Stephen Street. The album cover, designed by Morrissey, features a still of French actor Alain Delon from the 1964 film The Unvanquished. The album’s title was borrowed from a chapter in Hubert Selby Jr.’s novel Last Exit to Brooklyn. In the late 80s, I had no idea about the film or the book it was named after. No one in my orbit did! 😎

Many of the references in each song also flew right over my head. I was a teenager. I just loved how it sounded. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to understand much more of what Morrissey was writing about. The anger at the monarchy, the class frustrations, the dark humor wrapped in simply gorgeous melodies. That said, for me it has always been about the guitar work of Johnny Marr, the subtleness of the drums, and Morrissey’s vocal style.

Marr’s playing on this record is some of the finest guitar work in that era. The album had a denser sound than the Smiths’ earlier records. Bassist Andy Rourke composed his bassline in the studio, a performance Marr later described as something other bass players still haven’t matched.

I just love the jangle pop sound of Manchester, England, in the 1980s, and The Smiths were the best at it. The production, the mix, the way every element sits in its right place. It’s just a beautiful record all around. NME named The Queen Is Dead the greatest album of all time in their 2013 list, and Rolling Stone ranked it 113th on their 2020 update of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. I won’t argue!

I own a repressing on Rough Trade Records, along with a handful of Smiths 12” & 7” singles. And I still love Morrissey’s solo work, even though, well, he’s gone a bit nuts these days. But this album? Forty years on, and it still sounds like the future. I wish they had made more.

New Music Playlist: April

LISTEN NOW ON APPLE MUSIC

1. Les Imprimés - Miss The Days (feat. Ama Li)

2. Gorillaz - Orange County

3. Out Of/Into - Familiar Route (feat. Gerald Clayton, Immanuel Wilkins, Joel Ross, Kendrick Scott, Matt Brewer)

4. Jasmine Myra - Likeness and Shadow

5. Parlor Greens - Drop Top

6. Tenor Saw and Sly & Robbie - Roll is Called (7-inch mix)

7. Jill Scott - A Universe

8. Madvillain - Accordion

9. Nightmares On Wax - Looking at You Dub

10. Kevan Adrian - Give It Up (single)

New Music This Week

A few purchases this week, between Bandcamp and a trip to a record shop…

On Bandcamp, I preordered the new Jeff Parker IVtet album, Happy Today, on International Anthem, due out May 15. If you know Jeff Parker’s work, whether from Tortoise, his solo records, or with Flea, you know this is going to be worth the wait. I also picked up Antonio Carlos & Jocafi from Jazz Is Dead, featuring Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad. The Jazz Is Dead series continues to be one of the most consistently rewarding reissue and collaboration projects going.

I also made it out to Dyno Records in Newburyport, MA, which is always a good time. I grabbed a used vinyl LP of the John Abercrombie Quartet’s M from 1981 on ECM Records, a gorgeous record if you’re into that ECM sound.

On the CD side, I picked up Bill Evans and Eddie Gomez’s Intuition (Fantasy, 1974), Yusef Lateef’s Live at Ronnie Scott’s (Gearbox Records, 1966), and a Japanese pressing of Cecil McBee’s Music from the Source (Enja Real Jazz Classics, 1977). That McBee record is a deep cut and an absolute gem!

Until next time, thanks again for reading. - JB

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Last weekend, I traveled to Connecticut to visit family and celebrate a birthday. It was a quick but fun trip that included dinner and meeting many new faces. On the return, I had lunch at Le Jardin Cafe and then popped into Red Scroll Records in Wallingford, CT, to see what was new. I picked up a few albums, both new and old, including a CD by The Necks, a reissue of Mule Variations by Tom Waits, a new release by Los Angeles sax and flute man Aaron Shaw, some electronic music, and a collection of Japanese disco, funk, and boogie from the 1970s and 80s. It’s a great store, and I could have stayed longer, but I didn’t want to keep the driver, a.k.a. my wife, waiting too long! 😀

On the voyage home, in the steady rain along a busy Route 91 north, we listened to a lot of music, including this particular favorite of mine by The Pogues, Lorelei. It’s from their 1989 album called Peace and Love, and it’s one of my favorite songs. The funny thing is that Shane MacGowan isn’t the singer here. Instead, guitarist Phillip Chevron & Kristy MacColl took the lead. The song is based on the poem by Heinrich Heine.

Liner Notes

Sharing stories about albums in my collection. My mission is simple: one record and one story at a time. Since I bought my first record in 1982, I’ve been obsessed with the stories hidden in the grooves. This is a sanctuary for the music nerds, and the audibly curious, dedicated to records and the liner notes that keep them alive.

Being a high schooler in the New Hampshire Seacoast in the spring of 1989, the world felt a little smaller when doing my homework with 100.3 WHEB on the dial. There was a specific magic to those evenings, hearing a DJ like Scott Ladouni play a song that sounded like nothing else on the airwaves, at that moment. When “Dirty Boulevard” first crackled through my speakers, it wasn’t just a song; it was a poem about the reality of city life for many immigrants, far away from my little neighborhood. Lou’s expressionless delivery and that rhythmic guitar, along with Rob Wasserman’s effective bass line, paired with the sound of that well-mic’d snare, well, it hooked me right away. It felt like an invitation into a dark, crowded world made of asphalt, alleys, and people just trying to survive.

After that first listen, I demanded a trip to the Newington Mall the very next day. The routine was sacred: a straight shot to The Musicsmith to buy the cassette, followed by a stop at Paperback Booksmith to browse the Farside books on the crooked shelves. The day was fueled by the mandatory Orange Julius and a salty pretzel. If the cassette bins at the mall didn’t satisfy my itch, the ritual ended with a bike ride over to Strawberries Records & Tapes to check the neon-lit aisles for more music.

Did you know that Lou Reed included a directive in the liner notes of the album?

“This record is meant to be listened to in one sitting, as though it were a book or a movie.”

From the opening tracks about relationships, AIDS, and the annual gay pride parade in Greenwich Village, to songs about urban life and those less fortunate, religion and faith, his friend Andy Warhol, and spoken-word environmentalism, the entire album is excellent.

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Popping that tape into the deck for the first time, the beautiful plastic smell that came with every cassette, still fresh, still warm from unwrapping, was almost a rite of passage. It’s 35 years later, and the ‘Statue of Bigotry’ still feels relevant as it did when that tape was playing on the Sherwood in my bedroom. Between the anchors of Montgomery Ward and Bradlee’s, and the glow of The Dream Machine arcade, I found a masterpiece album. New York remains a masterclass in how much weight a few chords, deep and meaningful lyrics, and a lot of truth can carry.

Playlist

LISTEN NOW

• Thundercat & Lil Yachty — I Did This To Myself (feat. Flying Lotus)

• Tom Misch — Red Moon

• Ladytron — I Believe in You

• Tedeschi Trucks Band — Who Am I

• Kim Gordon — NOT TODAY

• Les Imprimés — Next Summer

• Mitski — I’ll Change for You

• I’m With Her — The Obvious Child (Nashville)

• David Hillyard & The Rocksteady Seven — Home For Dinner

New Music This Week

This creative, artful album arrived in the mail this week as part of the International Anthem winter bundle. Now available on Bandcamp or in most local record stores. It’s a string trio - violin, viola, and cello with beautiful effects throughout the album. I love every track, but my standout is paper folding | disappearing.

This entire EP is worth owning, but the first track, CARA MALUCO, is a jammer. Psych rock, garage fuzz, and hints of punk rock all mixed together for you to play loud. I also got the vinyl, which is limited and comes with an etching on side two. Worth checking out!

If Nick Cave singing Jimmy Webb and Glen Campbell’s Wichita Lineman isn’t enough, well, there’s so much more here! Flea and his delightful cast of musicians also interpret songs from Frank Ocean, George Clinton, Eddie Hazel, and Anna Ronell. It also has some beat poetry by Flea and conscious thoughts with A Plea. While Flea plays trumpet and bass throughout his debut jazz album, he’s joined by the album producer and saxophonist Josh Johnson, guitarist Jeff Parker (Tortoise), bassist Anna Butterss (SML), and drummer Deantoni Parks. Johnson, Parker, and Butterss were part of a residency in Los Angeles called Mondays at the Enfield Tennis Academy, billed as Jeff Parker’s ETA IVtet. You can purchase their live albums online from International Anthem and Eremite Records.

That’s all for this week.

Thank you so much for reading! I always appreciate it. - JB

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Springtime Is Near

They just love the spring air and hearing the birds chirp, the squirrels frolic, and the neighborhood dogs tease them as they walk by… unfortunatly it was only a few days and ‘false spring,’ but it can’t be much longer until the krokus start to bloom and the birds return from their winter travel… just so my cats can chatter and pretend to hunt them from the window sill on the inside of the screen. And with the fresh air and open windows returning soon, so will the Bossanova and Latin jazz on my turntable to celebrate the new season.

Liner Notes

Sharing stories about albums in my collection. My mission is simple: one record and one story at a time. Since I bought my first record in 1982, I’ve been obsessed with the stories hidden in the grooves. This is a sanctuary for the music nerds, and the audibly curious, dedicated to records and the liner notes that keep them alive.

Pink Floyd Meddle (EMI / Capitol)

There’s a copy of Meddle that I’ve had for years, and I still think about the first time I heard Echoes... Nothing can really prepare you for that opening “ping.”

I actually bought this record on CD first, sometime in the early 90s, while in college. The LP came later, maybe 15 years ago? Rick Wright sent that single keyboard note through a Leslie rotating speaker, and what came out was arguably one of the most recognizable single notes in the entire Pink Floyd catalog. It kicks off “Echoes,” a 23-minute piece that fills the entire second side and takes the listener on a cosmic ride. No gaps, no interruptions. You just ride it out!

But don’t sleep on side one, because it’s just as good in its own way. “One of These Days” opens the record with a bassline that grabs you immediately, but it’s Nick Mason’s voice that delivers the only lyric that is both menacing, funny, and unexpected.

Their label, EMI, at the time had only eight-track multitrack recording facilities, which the band didn’t like, so they moved to 16-track tape at a smaller London studio. Those extra tracks gave them more room to breathe and experiment.

I’ll admit, I have a soft spot for “Fearless” that probably has nothing to do with Pink Floyd. The track closes out with a field recording of Liverpool FC’s Kop choir singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and it fades out in a wash of reverb. As a huge Liverpool and football fan, hearing that crowd on that song gives me chills every time.

It’s one of those moments where sport and music collide in the best possible way, and the fact that it ended up on a Pink Floyd record still feels like a lovely accident. ⚽️ 🎶

Playlist

New Music :: March 2026

Click the link above to listen on Apple Music.

I think this playlist has a great feel to it and flows pretty well. Give it a shot!

1. Kim Gordon Not Today

2. Flea Traffic Lights (feat. Thom Yorke)

3. Les Imprimés Next Summer Fading Forward

4. Harry Styles Dance No More

5. Kölsch Get Lost

6. Thundercat & Lil Yachty I Did This To Myself (feat. Flying Lotus)

7. James Blake I Had a Dream

8. Pat Metheny Don’t Look Down

9. Flying Lotus CAPTAIN KERNEL

10. Robyn Talk To Me

New Music This Week!

Here are a few new pieces of music that ended up on my desk this week…

Bill Frisell In My Dreams (Blue Note Records) 2026

From Blue Note Records:

“Bill Frisell’s In My Dreams is a family reunion of sorts, which brings some of the acclaimed guitarist’s closest friends together into a unique sextet featuring Jenny Scheinman on violin, Eyvind Kang on viola, Hank Roberts on cello, Thomas Morgan on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums. Their deep musical history goes back decades, though never before in this particular configuration, and together they travel wide expanses of American music, including Frisell originals as well as Jazz and Americana staples.”

George Duke I Love the Blues, She Heard My Cry (MPS) 1975

I just got a bunch of CDs in the mail from MPS, including some hot Jean-Luc Ponty records, but this was also in the mix, and it was a fun listen! Not recommended for those who only want to hear Duke as an instrumentalist, though it's enjoyable if you like rock, soul, and blues alongside your fusion.

Trust me, you’ll like it. 😀

Gregory Uhlmann Extra Stars (International Anthem) 2026

“The compositions and production techniques here reflect Uhlmann’s musicality perfectly, surely the result of him being as much a seasoned practitioner as he is an avid listener. If there is a middle ground between Cluster & Eno, Terry Riley’s Shri Camel, and Yo La Tengo’s There’s a Riot Going On, it’s somewhere nearby.”

- International Anthem

Thanks once again for reading. Until next time! - JB

Spring is only 14 days away. Looking outside, it doesn’t feel that close, but it’s okay. We can’t control the weather, and it’s the least of our concerns right now, right?

With all that’s happening on this planet right now, let’s all take a deep breath and try to work towards peace and stability for all. The cats and I would like that very much.

And with that, let us dive into some music talk. 🙏🏼

Joel Ross and Good Vibes

Last weekend, I saw Joel Ross perform at Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club in Portsmouth, NH. His newest album was just released last month on Blue Note Records, and this was the last stop on his East Coast tour. His band was young and impressive, featuring Maria Grand on tenor saxophone, Kanoa Mendenhall on bass, Tyler Bullock on piano, and Jeremy Dutton on drums. With his ensemble Good Vibes, Ross makes music that's technically ambitious yet keeps you interested and engaged throughout. The first piece lasted almost 75 minutes, with a quick break to introduce the band before diving into another 20-minute piece, and then an encore followed.

The club was almost sold out, and everyone near me was glued to the stage the entire time. I had seen Ross perform a few times before, the last time was at The Montreal Jazz Fest a few years back with Makaya McCraven’s ensemble.

If you see Joel Ross coming to a venue near you, I recommend catching him live.

You won’t regret it.

Liner Notes

Sharing stories about albums in my collection. My mission is simple: one record and one story at a time. Since I bought my first record in 1982, I’ve been obsessed with the stories hidden in the grooves. This is a sanctuary for the music nerds, and the audibly curious, dedicated to records and the liner notes that keep them alive.

I fell in love with Gorillaz back in March 2001, when I was visiting San Francisco for a conference. I stumbled into their debut album while perusing inside a Virgin Mega Store downtown. It was an import, which made me want it even more. Being a fan of Blur and Dan the Automator, I knew this album would be special. Damon Albarn also reintroduced the world to a variety of musicians, past and present, and it was sort of a music history lesson. This theme wold continue upon each new album…

Fast forward to this week, and a new album called The Mountain.
This new release feels like the Gorillaz album Damon Albarn has been building toward since 2010’s Plastic Beach. It’s cohesive, transportive, and evolving slightly into a new direction.

The two original creators of Gorillaz both lost their fathers recently, so this album is personal to them both, and it’s full of posthumous appearances as a reminder of who we’ve lost. (Bobby Womack, Tony Allen, Mark E. Smith, and Dennis Hopper)

The Indian theme runs throughout this album, reminding me of how much Albarn is a fan of international and world music scenes. A fantastic cast of Indian musicians, including Anoushka Shankar, Asha Bhosle, and the Bangash brothers are given real space to breathe and make this record unique.

The first track I heard was “Damascus” with Yasiin Bey and the brave and incredible Syrian singer and songwriter Omar Souleyman. My favorite tracks would also include “The Manifesto,” “The Shadowy Light,” “Delirium,” and “The Sweet Prince.“

I bought the deluxe CD version, which includes four bonus tracks, but I may eventually grab this on vinyl, too. It’s an excellent record to listen to on the commute into work, as it helps me get into the right frame of mind.

New Music Playlist

LISTEN NOW

• Flea - Traffic Lights (feat. Thom Yorke)

• Analog Africa - Albores De Mi Selva

• Jappie Lebona - You’ve Got It

• Chris Lyons - It’s Come Over Me

• Altin Gün - Gönül Dağı

• Jasmine Myra - Reflections

• Eek-A-Mouse - Ganja Smuggling (reissue)

• Tyler Ballgame - I Believe In Love

• Fabiano do Nascimento & Vittor Santos Orchestra - Vittor e Fabi

• Okonski - Easy

New Music This Week

I made a few purchases on Bandcamp Friday, a mini haul, perhaps?

Let’s begin with Minyo Groove 1963-1979, the latest in the Wamono series, compiled by Tokyo DJ and record collector Yoshizawa Dynamite. Traditional Japanese folk songs reimagined.

Cara Maluco EP is the latest from Osees, a four-track one-sided 12” (with etched B-side) that finds John Dwyer and company pushing even deeper into psych-punk and krautrock territory.

DJ Amir Presents Strata Records: The Sound of Detroit Vol. 2, diving deeper into the Detroit label’s catalog, features some funky and groovy corners while still honoring its avant-garde roots, and includes a previously unreleased Charles Mingus alternate take, among others.

Until next time, thanks again for reading. - JB

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Yep, it’s still cold and snowy here in coastal New Hampshire. It looks like we got another foot of snow today and more later in the week, but Spring is only 26 days away! I’ve said this in the past, but it’s true once again this week: It’s a good time for staying indoors with a warm bowl of soup or a hot cappuccino, and reading a book or listening to a record. I swear, spring is less than a month away!

John Coltrane’s Giant Steps is 66 Years Old

February is Black History Month, and 66 years ago, John Coltrane stepped into the studio to record Giant Steps, which was released in February 1960 on Atlantic Records.

It was his first album as a leader for his new record label, and recordings began about two weeks after his final sessions with Miles Davis for Kind of Blue. It’s still one of my favorite albums by Coltrane.

Liner Notes

Liner Notes is a new section where I share stories about albums in my collection. My mission is simple: one record and one story at a time. Since I bought my first record in 1982, I’ve been obsessed with the stories hidden in the grooves. This is a sanctuary for the music nerds and the audibly curious, dedicated to records and the liner notes that keep them alive.

R.E.M. Murmur (I.R.S.)

When R.E.M. released Murmur in 1983, it didn’t sound like anything else heard on the radio. Back then, most pop and rock music was full of bright synthesizers, but R.E.M. played beautiful jangly garage rock with one of the best vocalists, and songwriters, in rock music at the helm. They made an album that felt quiet, earthy, and contagious. It was made for college rock. Peter Buck’s Rickenbacker guitar explored beautiful ringing sounds, and the whole record felt like a walk through the woods near Athens, Georgia. Murmur wasn’t trying to blow out your speakers, it was trying to pull you in with its clever lyrics, irresistible and captivating guitar melodies, simple but effective bass lines, and unpresuming, pleasant drum beats.

R.E.M. paved the road for a lot of the indie and alternative bands that I would discover in high school and college. It’s classic because it’s honest, simple, and still sounds great almost forty-three years later. In high school, I couldn’t wait for new music from R.E.M. I had all their albums on cassette.

My favorite tracks? ‘Catapult,’ ‘Talk About the Passion,’ ‘Radio Free Europe,’ ‘Sitting Still,’ and ‘We Walk’. I just loved their sound and it brought me to appreciate other bands with a similar feel, like The Feelies, The Smiths, The Chills, and The Replacements. What about you?

New Releases

New albums or reissues now available for purchase on vinyl, CD, or digitally.

Various Artists Aman Aman - Greek Anatolian Laments (Mississippi Records)

Wonderful historic Greek recordings courtesy of Mississippi Records. This is a collection of songs originally released between 1911 and 1935 on 78 RPM records.

Aman Aman translates to “mercy,” a call of despair, but also one of joy and admiration. Now available on vinyl or digital download.

Moonchild Waves (Tru Thoughts)

Brand new album in the vein of neo-soul, R&B, and jazz from this Los Angeles group featuring guests like Robert Glasper, Jill Scott, and many more. Released Friday, February 20, 2026, on Tru Thoughts.

Playlist

LISTEN NOW

1. The Rolling Stones - Winter

2. Badly Drawn Boy - Fall In A River

3. The Album Leaf - On Your Way

4. Archers Of Loaf - Chumming The Ocean

5. Esmerine - Imaginary Pasts

6. Bat for Lashes - Daniel

7. Daniel Martin Moore - Lay Down Your Lonesome Burden

8. Belle & Sebastian - The Fox In The Snow

9. Andrew Bird - Dissent

10. Kristin Hersh - Your Ghost (w/ Michael Stipe)

11. Marisa Anderson - Sant Feliu de Guíxols

Library Additions

Here are a few other new albums that I added to my collection this weekend…

What new albums have you purchased recently?

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Thanks for reading. Until next week! - JB

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I spent Valentine’s Day in Portland, Maine, meeting a dear old friend and his wife for a fantastic dinner in the Old Port area of Maine’s largest city. There are many reasons to love Portland, Maine, but one of the biggest is the hearts that have begun to appear once again from the Valentine’s Day bandit, a tradition that originally started in 1979.

Whether you spent Valentine’s Day with a loved one or you were just chillin’ on the couch listening to records, I’m curious, what’s a love song you never get tired of hearing? For me, it’s Gladys Knight and the Pips version of ‘Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me’ and The Beach Boys’ ‘God Only Knows’. What about you?

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Liner Notes

In 1993, I spent many Saturday nights inside a locked studio at WUNH 91.3 FM. I was the voice of the 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. shift for an entire semester.

It’s a strange feeling, DJing overnight. You assume you’re shouting into the void, but then the phone rings. It’s an insomniac, a night-shift worker, or someone waking up at the crack of dawn, all connected by the same frequency.

Being alone in that studio gave me the keys to the kingdom: the enormous music library full of CDs, 45s, and rows of LPs. I started digging through the bins, and I found a record with handwritten notes on the sleeve calling the artist a “genius” and a “historical figure.”

That record was Richard Thompson’s Rumour and Sigh, released a few years earlier, in the Spring of 1991. As recommended by the comments, I dropped the needle on “1952 Vincent Black Lightning,” and the night suddenly paused. It’s a beautiful story told through some of the most mind-bending acoustic guitar work I have ever heard. Thoughtful, unique storytelling about James and his rare British motorcycle that he gave to his girlfriend, Red Molly, after his death.

Then I went back to the second track, “I Feel So Good,” an upbeat, beautifully crafted song featuring Thompson on a Fender Stratocaster and a Chamberlin organ played by Mitchell Froom. The track sounds like a celebration until you actually listen to the lyrics about breaking someone’s heart. That’s the Richard Thompson magic.

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Thompson emerged from the 1960s British folk scene, but by 1991, he had perfected this sort of Indie Folk hybrid, and it was a hit at college radio stations across the country. If you want to hear a masterclass in songwriting, listen to the way he balances the tragedy of the lyrics with his guitar picking on “God Loves A Drunk,” a song about addiction.

Before I dropped the needle that early morning at WUNH, I didn’t realize I was about to play music by a man who was heavily invovled in defining the British Folk scene of the 1960s. Thompson was a founding member of Fairport Convention. While the rest of the UK was improving on the sound of American blues, Thompson and his band were digging into both centuries-old British ballads and Bob Dylan covers.

By the time he reached his solo career and his legendary (and heartbreaking) duo years with his then-wife Linda Thompson, he had become one of the best songwriters in music.

Final Thought

There is a reason why some critics call Richard Thompson one of the best-kept secrets in music. Finding him in that dusty, sticker-laden bin at WUNH felt less like a discovery and more like an initiation.

It was my introduction not only to Thompson, but also to Fairport Convention, Fotheringay, Planxty, Pentangle, Steeleye Span, John Renbourn, Burt Jansch, Sandy Denny, Teddy Thompson, Incredible String Band, Ralph McTell, Nick Drake…

My journey into British Folk continued at a local record store where I worked for a few years while finishing school. The manager was super knowledgeable in music, and he introduced me to “A Sailor’s Life” by Fairport Convention (1969), guitar by Richard Thompson. That is still one of my favorite pieces of music, some 30+ years later. Thank you, Bill. 🙏🏼

Listen to the magic:

Tell me about your “locked studio” moment. Have you ever had a late-night discovery? A song or a book you found when the rest of the world was asleep that ended up staying with you for decades? Maybe even still with you today?

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Thanks again for reading. Much appreciated. - JB

Since I bought my first record in 1982, I’ve been obsessed with the stories hidden in the grooves. This is a sanctuary for the music nerds, and the audibly curious, dedicated to records and the liner notes that keep them alive. Let’s dig in!

Liner Notes

Imagine recording an album in 1956 and not having a single person hear it for over forty years. That’s the mystery of Hampton Hawes’ Bird Song.

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Hampton Hawes was considered one of the greats of West Coast blues-driven piano. His influences came from Bud Powell and Charlie Parker, both early inventors of BeBop. Bird Song is a special album because it’s almost like a time capsule release. These trio recordings are from 1956 and 1958, but weren’t released until 1999 by Contemporary Records courtesy of Original Jazz Classics and Fantasy Jazz.

The album features 12 tracks, nine of which were recorded in January of 1956 with Paul Chambers on bass and Larance Marable on drums. The other three pieces of music were recorded in March of 1958 with Scott LaFaro on bass and Frank Butler on drums.

Shortly after these tracks with LaFaro and Butler were laid down, Hawes was arrested and sent to prison for heroin possession, and didn’t return until a 1963 presidential pardon. He’d later write about this journey in his autobiography Raise Up Off Me, but these recordings capture the trio right before the storm: virtuosic, forward-thinking, and tragically unaware of how long it would be before he’d see a piano again.

Bird Song was a revelation because it caught Hawes right at his peak, blending his Charlie Parker influence (hence the title) with his signature West Coast swing. This entire album is beautiful, and I love Paul Chambers' bass playing alongside Hawes’ bebop-style piano, covering Charlie Parker, Cole Porter, and Dizzy Gillespie, but my favorite tracks are the 1958 dates with Scott LaFaro on bass.

On What’s New, LaFaro’s incredible bass-playing is on full display with an early solo before Hawes’ piano gently rolls back in, eventually joined by Frank Butler’s crisp snare. It is simply a beautifully recorded piece of music.

Hearing I'll Remember April gives me chills. It starts mid-tempo, and the tightness of the Hawes/LaFaro/Butler trio is almost supernatural. While it was originally performed by Woody Herman, Hawes firmly places his delightful version alongside those recorded by legends like The Bird, Miles Davis, and Chet Baker.

The album closes with Blue ‘N’ Boogie, a three-minute Dizzy Gillespie tune. It’s high-speed bebop where LaFaro keeps rolling, accented by Butler’s perfect timing and the extraordinary piano of Hawes.

Lastly, the 1958 tracks on Bird Song are a taste of what you can also hear on Hawes' album For Real!, which was recorded that same year but not released until 1961 by Contemporary Records, while he was still in prison. Both sessions were recorded during that same magic window with Scott LaFaro before Hawes' hiatus. Sadly, just before the album was released, and while Hawes was still locked up, LaFaro tragically died in a car accident. He was only 25 years old.

Take a listen, let me know if you can hear the shift in energy between the two trios, and tell me your favorite tracks. Aside from the YouTube link above, the album isn’t streaming on any digital platforms I could find, but you can get a copy on Discogs.

Thanks for reading. - JB

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Way before my career in digital marketing, and before the thousands of CDs and LPs that now line my walls... there was a local mall, and a record store inside called The Musicsmith, where a nine-year-old version of me bought his first album.

It was the spring of 1982. My dad took me to the mall and told me I could pick one record after a haircut. I can still see the store's layout, the rows and rows of records, and the wall of cassette tapes. Once I felt the weight of that record in my hands as I pulled it from the bin, I had to have it. It was Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, ‘I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.’

I picked this album because of the title track. I’d heard it over and over on the radio, and it felt like a bolt of lightning. Great energy, easy to sing the chorus, and she looked like a badass. I just needed to own that sound.

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But a funny thing happens when you buy your first record: you realize there’s a world beyond the hit single. While the world was obsessed with the “put another dime in the jukebox” hook, I was falling in love with another song, the last song on side A.

Most people know the Tommy James original, but Joan Jett’s version is a masterclass in tension. To this day, when that powerful guitar kicks in, and her voice drops into that low, grainy “over and over,” I still get chills. Later, when the solo occurs, and the drums take off, and the band chimes in with “Ba da da da da da,” I never miss a chance to play the air drums. It taught me, at age nine, that a great cover isn’t just a copy; it’s a reclamation. But yes, I did think it was her song back in 1982…

Why it still matters.

In a world full of digital algorithms, there is something sacred about the first record you ever chose for yourself. It’s the DNA of your taste. The beginning of the evolution of why you like this music and why that particular genre or artist is right for you.

What was the first record that you ever picked out for yourself? Do you still listen to it? Let’s talk about where it all started for you!

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…and yes, I still have the orignal album.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how to take this community to the next level. I’m a lifelong learner, and as many of you know, someone who loves nothing more than sharing a lost or rare record. I’m exploring some new ideas, and I’d love your honest take…

Could you share your thoughts on the following possible new segments?

• The Crate Digger’s Digest - Focusing on rare finds, the history of physical media, and/or the stories behind the vinyl.

• The Human Algorithm - The antidote to AI-generated playlists. I’ll continue to create playlists, keeping them available on Mixcloud, Apple Music, and QoBuz, and also offering exclusive playlists available only on Substack.

What’s the one thing you wish you had more of in your music life right now? Help finding specific albums or just better “human” recommendations to escape algorithms?

Thanks as always for reading.

JB

Another Subscription?

So Pitchfork just introduced subscriptions. For $60 a year, you can read more than four reviews, comment on their reviews, and review albums yourself. Maybe I’m naive, but other than paying for access to reviews (with ads), commenting and reviewing albums yourself is free via any social media or blog platform, no? I honestly don’t see any benefit to a paywall for an ad-supported website like Pitchfork. Don’t get me wrong, I totally support journalism and music writers — in fact, I subscribe to a bunch of magazines, and I have a few music-related Substack subscriptions as well. All totally worth it. I just don’t see the value here... unless it was a lot more than just reviews. What do you think?

By the way, one of my Substack subscriptions is to Jazz and Coffee, written by the talented Syd Schwartz. He’s very knowledgeable in more genres than just jazz (and coffee), and this amateur writer highly recommends subscribing, if you can. You won’t be disappointed.

International Anthem’s Winter Bundle

It’s sort of a subscription, right? The Winter Bundle from International Anthem includes two records for $45 (plus $6 shipping) or the limited edition color vinyl for $52 (plus $6 shipping). IARC 107 and IARC 108 will ship around March 20th, and downloads will be provided via Bandcamp on or before the ship date.

I wonder what these two releases could be? Any guesses?

A Little Plug…

Who is Samuel S.C.?

Samuel started in the early 90s in State College, Pennsylvania. They were a punk rock band that toured constantly on the DIY hardcore and punk scene. They played shows with well-known bands from that time, including Avail, Promise Ring, Chamberlain, Anti-Flag, Grain, and Kerosene 454, among others. Samuel was the main band on drummer Eric Astor's label, Art Monk Construction, which put out some of the most respected 7-inch vinyl records of the time. In 2021, as Samuel S.C. returned, adding the S.C. to reflect a new beginning while paying homage to the band’s origins.

This is their new song:

A Hidden Jewel

Have you heard of Analog Tone Records? It’s a new jazz label created by saxophone player Jerome Sabbagh and pianist & recording engineer Pete Rende, dedicated to analog tape. All their LPs are 100% analog, available in 180g vinyl and digital formats. Stand Up! is an incredible album by Jerome Sabbagh, featuring guitarist Ben Monder, bassist Joe Martin, and drummer Nasheet Waits. It features eight tracks in which the band interprets the music of artists such as Trent Reznor, Kenny Barron, Stevie Wonder, and others.

This album and the label are new to me. I just heard about both while reading a best-of-2025 list. It was brought to my attention through The Gig by Nate Chinen, another great read here on Substack.

New Release This Week

Soul Jazz Records Presents: Junglist!

A heavyweight new selection of classic and rare original jungle. Now available on LP, CD, or digital. Order online. All tracks date from 1993-95, at the height of jungle. Rarities include Bizzy B & TDK’s ‘Big Things.’

An Exciting Preorder

Katzin - Buckaroo (Mexican Summer)

I’ve been listening to the three available songs from Katzin's forthcoming debut album lately. New York-based, his sound is rooted in the mysterious West meets indie pop. Catchy tunes! The debut album arrives Friday, February 13, 2026.

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No playlist this week, but it will return next Sunday. If you’re looking for one, explore all of my past playlists here. 🙏🏼

Thanks for reading.

I appreciate all the comments and ideas you’ve sent me. Keep ‘em coming!

Stay safe, and take care of each other. Until next week! - JB

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As we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year, the urgency of now that Dr. King once spoke of feels more like a roar than a whisper. In an era where the political landscape seems dominated by darkness, we’re reminded that progress is never permanent; it’s a practice.

Today, honoring Dr. King means more than just remembering his dream; it means protecting each other in a world that feels increasingly designed to pull us apart. ❤️

The Weekly Spin

On Saturday, I got together with a few friends, and we visited two record shops in northern Massachusetts. The first visit was to Dyno Records in Newburyport, which has a new owner. He seems to be into jazz more than any other genre, which is great! We chatted about Discogs, local businesses, and the new auction app Whatnot.

After lunch at Abraham’s, the next stop was Welfare Records in nearby Haverhill. An impressive used-vinyl, CD, and cassette shop, the selection is laid out brilliantly by genre, and the store offers an excellent view of the Merrimack River while shopping.

Fresh Finds & New Releases

This has been another busy weekend for my speakers after picking up some used albums at Dyno Records and Welfare Records. Here’s what has landed in my collection…

• Bob Wills - The History of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys: Bob Wills didn’t just play the fiddle, he engineered a sonic revolution by combining big band swing, fiddle, and the blues to create Western Swing. With the Texas Playboys behind him, Wills proved that a steel guitar and a holler could bridge the gap between rural tradition and urban sophistication.

• Milt Jackson - Milt Jackson Quartet: Milt Jackson is one of the best jazz vibraphonists ever to play the instrument. Recorded in 1955, this LP's sound is warm and intimate, featuring Horace Silver, Percy Heath, and Connie Kay. Jackson, Heath, and Kay were all part of the Modern Jazz Quartet. This album was also released as "Soul Pioneers" later in the 1960s.

• Ancient Infinity Orchestra - It’s Always About Love: You can feel the joy in this music, a blend of modern jazz and soul with traces of folk. Led by bassist Ozzy Moysey, the ensemble leans into a campfire-esque spiritualism, most notably on the standout "Chant for Don Cherry," where shimmering harps, woodwinds, and collective vocals create a sonic embrace.

On the Radar

New or recent releases available for streaming:

• Sault - Chapter 1: (Soul) – Already on their 13th album, this collective unleashes another masterpiece with help from Cleo Sol, Jack Peñate, and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

• Craig Taborn - Dream Archives: (Jazz) – I’m new to Craig Taborn, but I’ve been a fan of drummer Ches Smith for a while now, so I’m eagerly awaiting hearing this entire LP today! This album was recorded live in New Haven in early 2024.

  

The Weekly Mix

I just felt like a good soul mix was needed... Dive into a seamless blend of vintage soul, deep funk, and global grooves that transition effortlessly from the gritty horns to the breezy jazz and all stops in between. You might get a lil’ sweaty.

Click below to listen now on Mixcloud.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s edition!

Join the Conversation: What are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments! If you enjoyed this, please consider sharing it with a fellow music lover.

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See you next week,

JB

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I was fortunate to see The Grateful Dead three times and to see two more memorable shows with Bob Weir. One of those was particularly heavy. It was August 9, 1995, at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom. It was the day Jerry Garcia passed, and Bob played an incredible set with Ratdog dedicated to his longtime friend. The second time was more recent, back in 2022 at the Westside Music Bowl, where he and the Wolf Brothers gave us a beautiful Americana take on the Dead’s catalog.

With Bob’s passing this past Saturday at age 78, we’ve lost a true American icon. Whether you were a Deadhead or not, his impact is undeniable. From psychedelia to country and rock ‘n’ roll, he didn’t just play music history, he helped write it.

I took these photos and the video in New Haven, Connecticut, on October 1, 2022, at the Bob Weir and Wolf Brothers performance. Rest in peace, Mr. Weir.

Fresh Finds & New Releases

We might only be eleven days into the new year, but the buzz around upcoming records is already building. We’re still in the early stages, but I see next Friday as the official start of the 2026 music cycle. I think it’s the week that we truly step out of the holiday shadow… I’ve found these two sites to be some of the best resources for keeping tabs on new releases. If you’re looking to plan your listening for the coming months, give these a look: upcomingvinyl.com & albumoftheyear.org/releases

Even with the few new releases, I still managed to add a few albums to my collection this week.

🎧 In My Collection

Music acquired this week at local record shops or online.

• Gregory Corso - Die On Me:

  This is a fascinating piece of history, blending archival tapes from 1959 with sessions captured by Hal Willner back in January 2001. Available for the first time on vinyl. What makes this collection so special is that it features the final voice recordings of legendary Beat poet Gregory Corso. You will also hear Corso musing on his life in conversation with Allen Ginsberg, Marianne Faithfull, and Studs Terkel. Hearing him recite his poems and break down his own work in such detail is a real gift for anyone who appreciates the Beat era.

  “People say that I’m the greatest American poet of the 20th Century. I tell them they’re wrong. Gregory Corso is a far greater poet.” - Allen Ginsberg

  

• Hank Mobley - Hank: This is another top-tier Blue Note session, featuring a lineup led by Hank Mobley (tenor saxophone). Along with Donald Byrd (trumpet), they were the front line for the second iteration of the Jazz Messengers with Art Blakey. This 1957 album was just reissued on Blue Note Records as part of the Tone Poet series. It also features Bobby Timmons (piano), John Jenkins (alto saxophone), Wilbur Ware (bass), and Philly Joe Jones (drums).

  “middleweight champion of the tenor saxophone.” - Leonard Feather

  

  Pullman - III: Pullman is a great ‘studio-born’ project from Chicago in the late 1990s. It brought together a core group of musicians from bands like Tortoise, Rex, and Come to explore a more acoustic, stripped-back sound. Their 1998 Thrill Jockey debut, Turnstyles & Junkpiles, is a delightful LP full of atmospheric guitar work. Some have compared it to the style of John Fahey and Leo Kottke. It’s a quiet, intricate record that still holds up perfectly today. Fast forward 28 years, and they’re back with their third album, produced by Bundy K. Brown and now available on Western Vinyl.

  ---

On the Radar

New or recent releases available on streaming.

• Parlor Greens - Emeralds

  This band is one of the most fun, energetic, and tightest organ trios I’ve ever seen live. The band is led by Jimmy James (The True Loves, Delvin Lamarr Organ Trio), and if you ever get a chance to see them perform live, don’t miss out. He’s such a trip and fun to watch play the guitar …and a wonderful human being, too. The new release arrives on March 26th on Colemine Records.

  For now, have a taste of the first track, Eat Your Greens.

  The Lone Bellow - What A Time To Be Alive

  I’ve been a fan of this band since I first saw them live at The Newport Folk Festival back in 2012. After their set, I met the trio, each of whom signed the LP I bought, and we discussed their performance and upcoming tour. On stage, they were full of energy and passion, and each song was delivered with deep emotion and grace. I’ve seen them perform a handful of times, and I look forward to this new album due out in February. It’s been almost 14 years since their debut, and it’s great to see how they have evolved in songwriting and musically, too. Below, click to hear the first track from their forthcoming new album.

The Playlist

I created an electronic mix with a retro feel. I mixed and selected these tracks to ease you into the cold winter air and, hopefully, not another cold war. ☮️

I created this mix with Mixcloud. I hope you enjoy.

LISTEN ON MIXCLOUD

• 00:00:00 Pole - Rondell Zwei

• 00:06:48 Four Tet - Teenage Birdsong

• 00:09:24 Boys’ Shorts - Athena

• 00:14:28 St Germain - Rose Rouge

• 00:20:42 Oskar Offermann - Silent Prayers

• 00:28:49 Kolsch - In Bottles

• 00:34:12 Deadbeat & Camara - I Don’t Get It After Midnight (Medley)

• 00:41:34 Schneider TM - The Light 3000 (Schneider TM & KPT.michi.gan)

• 00:45:00 Coki - Buzzin’

• 00:48:40 Paul Van Dyk - Another Way

• 00:53:36 UNKLE - Portishead Plays U.N.K.L.E

• 00:57:17 KILN - Ero

• 01:00:55 Tricky - Christiansands

In Conclusion…

Thanks for reading! As we proceed deeper into January and wintertime, I wish you and your loved ones peace. Think positively, do good, and treat one another kindly. I’ll have more music news next week.

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Join the Conversation: Are there any new releases you’re excited about in 2026? Let me know in the comments! If you enjoyed this, please consider sharing it with a fellow music lover. See you next week, JB

Happy New Year! 🎉

I hope your holidays were filled with good company and even better soundtracks. Hopefully, you’ve finally surfaced from the 'Best of 2025' rabbit hole with some new favorites in tow. But as much as I love a year-end retrospective, there’s nothing like the clean slate of January. The holiday décor is packed away, making room for the real excitement: the first wave of 2026 release dates, the leaked festival lineups that keep us dreaming of summer, and that inevitable itch to upgrade the HiFi setup.

But first… I closed out my 2025 concert calendar at The Press Room with a double bill that felt like a gift. Chris Forsyth took the stage first, offering a preview of his forthcoming album with BASIC, which also features Douglas McCombs (Fender Bass VI) and Mikel Patrick Avery (percussion, drum machine, electronics). Steve Gunn closed the night with a beautifully intimate set. The standout for me was a sprawling, gorgeous cover of Nico’s ‘I’ll Be Your Mirror.’ I ended the night the only way a music nerd should: picking up a fresh copy of his latest album at the merch table and sharing a quick word with him about the set.

Fresh Finds & New Releases

The first week of 2026 has been a busy one for my speakers. Here is what’s landed in my collection and what should be on your radar.

🎧 In My Collection

Here’s the music I acquired this week at local record shops or online.

• Frank Sinatra - In the Wee Small Hours: This album is considered one of the first concept albums. It has a general theme of loneliness and heartbreak, and, in my opinion, it's the one album you should own if you only own one album by Frank Sinatra. I found a used copy on CD at BullMoose Music this weekend. Initially released in 1955 on Capitol Records, it has been remastered and reissued multiple times.

• Leonard Cohen - You Want It Darker: I’ve heard this album on streaming services, and I absolutely love it. I saw it used copy available at Bullmoose Music, so it was a no-brainer. It’s dark, at times eerie, and gives me chills when the first track begins. To me, it’s one of Cohen’s best as far as lyrics and vocal style. I love his deep, raspy, almost Tom Waits-style haunting vocals. Cohen was a brilliant poet. Released on October 21, 2016, on Columbia Records. He passed away only 18 days later, at the age of 82.

• Jimmy Reed - I’m Jimmy Reed: Reed is at the top of the list of Chicago blues greats. He wasn't flashy, and his relaxed vocals and signature harmonica style created a sound that felt honest and familiar. First released in 1958 on Vee-Jay Records, the Bluesville Series from Craft Recordings and Acoustic Sounds is reissued on 180-gram vinyl, and it sounds great.

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On the Radar

New or recent releases available on streaming.

• Bill Callahan - My Days of 58: Callahan’s new album will be released at the end of February, but you can hear two new songs now and preorder it from Drag City Records. I’m really digging ‘Lonely City,’ and I’m looking forward to hearing the entire album, which seems like a ‘90s throwback to the days of ‘Wild Love’ when he recorded as Smog. The new album features guitarist Matt Kinsey, saxophonist Dustin Laurenzi, and drummer Jim White.

• Asher Gamedze - A Semblance: Of Return: South African drummer and composer Asher Gamedze has a new project. He’s teamed up with a close group of musician friends to explore how making music can be a form of freedom. Gamedze is a huge part of Cape Town's independent scene, and his new album arrives at the end of February. You can listen to one track right now, called ‘Following Up.’ It’s available for preorder from Northern Spy Records.

The Playlist

I’ve curated a selection of ten new tracks to soundtrack your week. This week’s theme is a nice, gentle re-entry into the first full workweek of the new year, featuring new music coming soon.

I created this playlist for both Apple Music and QoBuz users. I hope you enjoy!

APPLE MUSIC PLAYLIST

QoBuz PLAYLIST

1. Damascus (feat. Omar Souleyman and Yasiin Bey) - Gorillaz

2. Talking Drum (feat. John Medeski) - Julian Lage

3. Smoke Rings - Chris Cheek

4. The Good Life - Sleaford Mods

5. Hit My Head All Day - Dry Cleaning

6. Cold Waves - Crooked Fingers

7. No Getting Over You - The Lone Bellow

8. In the Willows - Tyler Ramsey

9. Weightless - Pullman

10. Platero y yo, Op. 190 (Solo Guitar): III. Return - Niklas Johansen (Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco)

In Conclusion…

Thanks for tuning into this first edition of 2026! It feels good to be back in the swing of things, and I truly hope you found a track or a story here that resonates with you. As we kick off this new chapter, I’m wishing you a great year ahead. One filled with health, happiness, and, of course, an incredible soundtrack. Here’s to 2026 being a standout year for music, art, and for all of us. ❤️

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Join the Conversation: Which of these releases are you excited about? Let me know in the comments! If you enjoyed this, please consider sharing it with a fellow music lover. See you next week, JB

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Roon is fantastic for anyone serious about their digital music collection. It doesn’t just play your files (and streams from Tidal or Qobuz), it also elevates the entire experience by layering in rich, detailed metadata. That data is what makes Roon so unique. For each album, you get the liner notes, album credits, recommendations, and so much more. It has transformed how I browse, discover, and organize my digital music library.

…and with that said, I just viewed the albums I listened to the most on Roon this past year, and honestly, the list makes sense for the year I’ve had. It’s a journey through deep, contemplative listening, and I wanted to share the top five that dominated my digital listening in 2025.

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The number one spot goes to Entrance Music by Okonski. Right behind it is Open Me, A Higher Consciousness of Sound and Spirit by Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble. Next, it’s the spiritual, soulful jazz of The Eternal Now by Chip Wickham, followed by The Life You Save by Flock of Dimes. And finally, rounding out the top five, is Disquiet by The Necks from down under. They’re masters of patient, evolving soundscapes.

2025 was a year of deep listening for me, with a lot of jazz and a lot of challenging yet rewarding experimental work. If you want to try Roon for free, check it out here.

What were your most-played digital albums this year? Let me know! - JB

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2025 delivered another strong year for reissues, with labels digging deep into their vaults and presenting both familiar classics and welcome discoveries in expanded editions. From spiritual jazz and punk bootlegs to prog rock deluxe sets and early Dylan rarities, this year’s releases offered something for just about every serious listener.

Whether you’re after pristine remasters, previously unreleased material, or just a chance to revisit essential albums in their best possible form, these are the reissues worth your attention. What were some of your favorites this year?

1. Alice Coltrane – The Carnegie Hall Concert (Impulse)

This previously unreleased live recording from February 21, 1971, features a spiritual jazz supergroup, including Pharoah Sanders, Cecil McBee, Jimmy Garrison, and Archie Shepp. This is best heard on vinyl.

2. The Grateful Dead - Blues for Allah (Rhino)

The landmark 1975 album, Blues For Allah, the Grateful Dead’s 8th studio release, is celebrated with a 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition. This expanded set features a newly remastered version of the original record, along with a wealth of previously unreleased soundcheck and rehearsal tracks and live performances from 1975-76.

3. Kenny Dorham - Blue Bossa In The Bronx: Live from the Blue Morocco (Resonance)

This rare archival recording from the Blue Morocco Jazz Club in The Bronx, NY, in 1967 captures the hard-swinging trumpeter leading a quintet, including tenor saxophonist Sonny Red and bassist Paul Chambers.

4. Talking Heads - More Songs About Buildings And Food (Rhino/Warner)

The expanded super deluxe edition of the band’s second album includes a 2025 remaster of the original, studio outtakes, and a live recording from July 1978. The album was the first of three produced by Brian Eno.

5. Charles Tolliver & Stanley Cowell - Music Inc. (Strata East)

As the debut release for the Strata-East label, this 1970 album is a masterclass in large-ensemble post-bop jazz.

6. Sun Ra - Uncharted Passages (Sundazed Music)

This collection gathers Sun Ra’s unique and often pensive solo piano performances recorded in New York between 1977 and 1979. I love listening to this record late at night. Thanks to WFMU for turning me on to this record!

7. Pink Floyd - at Pompeii - MCMLXXII (Columbia)

The remastered album release accompanies a newly restored, full 85-minute cut of the iconic 1972 film, which features the band performing inside the ancient amphitheater without an audience. The original premiere took place at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. Also available on Blu-ray and Dolby Atmos.

8. Jimi Hendrix Experience - Axis: Bold As Love (Legacy Recordings/Sony)

This deluxe set features new stereo and mono remasters, plus a new Dolby Atmos mix, alongside 27 previously unreleased studio and live recordings from 1967. It comes with a 36-page booklet, filled with rare photos, liner notes, and insights.

9. Miles Davis - 55 (Prestige/Craft)

Nicknamed the “First Great Quintet” and comprised of tenor saxophonist John Coltrane, pianist Red Garland, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Philly Joe Jones, with Milt Jackson, Ray Bryant, and Oscar Pettiford. This 2-CD set, subtitled The Prestige Recordings, documents the pivotal year Miles Davis formed his first great quintet.

10. Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Strasbourg 82 (Gearbox)

This previously unreleased 1982 live recording captures the legendary Art Blakey with a Jazz Messengers lineup that included Terence Blanchard and Donald Harrison. Recorded in April 1982 in Strasbourg, France. This record sounds so damn good!

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11. Hüsker Dü - The Miracle Year (Numero Group)

Recorded live in 1985, The Miracle Year captures the Minneapolis punk trio tearing into their most incendiary year with high-fidelity live recordings. 20 extra live tracks from the 1985 tour and a deluxe 36-page book.

12. Sonny Clark - Sonny’s Crib (Blue Note)

Blue Note put this record out in March 1958. The lineup was a sextet with Donald Byrd, Curtis Fuller, and John Coltrane on horns, Paul Chambers and Art Taylor holding down the rhythm section. Side A features three jazz standards, while side B showcases a pair of Clark originals. Part of the Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition.

13. Charlie Rouse - Two Is One (Strata East)

This 1974 recording finds the tenor saxophonist exploring spiritual jazz with a heavy dose of funk in a unique setting. Two Is One blends sophisticated soul jazz with post-bop and spiritual elements. The reissue features new liner notes by Syd Schwartz.

14. Bruce Springsteen - Nebraska ‘82 (Columbia/Sony)

The expanded edition of this acoustic masterwork includes the fabled “Electric Nebraska” sessions, offering new insight into this prolific period of Springsteen’s career. Worth owning if you’re a Springsteen fan.

15. Frank Wess, John Coltrane, Paul Quinichette, Mal Waldron, Doug Watkins, Arthur Taylor - Wheelin’ & Dealin’ (Prestige/Craft)

This 1958 Prestige All-Stars session showcases a multi-sax lineup blowing over Mal Waldron’s two originals and two jazz standard covers. Before this re-issue I was unfamiliar with the release, so I’m glad I discovered it while shopping this fall in Boston’s Back Bay.

16. Stars of the Lid - Music For Nitrous Oxide (Artificial Pinearch)

This 30th-anniversary reissue of the 1995 debut offers a newly remastered version of the duo’s early, raw, and highly influential ambient soundscapes. I was lucky enough to see them perform live in 2016 to a crowd of 200 people at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth, NH.

17. Unrest - Perfect Teeth (4AD)

This 1993 album was the final release for the indie-pop trio before their initial disbandment and features a blend of sophisticated pop and experimental rock. I remember playing this record over and over when it was originally released and Make Out Club was my favorite track to play on my weekly radio show.

18. Yes - Close To the Edge (Rhino)

YES released a Super Deluxe Edition in March 2025. ‘Close to the Edge’ was their fifth album and one of the most influential prog records ever made. It includes 5 CDs, 1 LP, and a Blu-ray. The release features rare and previously unreleased recordings, and a complete 1972 live performance.

19. Jackie Mitoo - Reggae Magic (Soul Jazz)

This collection features a mixture of classic tracks and rarities from the keyboard king of Studio One, showcasing his unique organ-led funk-reggae sound between 1967-1974. Mittoo’s solo career began after the end of The Skatalites in 1965.

20. Bob Dylan - Through the Open Window: The Bootleg Series Vol. 19 (Columbia/Sony)

This latest installment in the Bootleg Series shows Dylan’s development as a songwriter and performer, from his Minnesota roots through the Greenwich Village folk scene of the early 1960s. The collection pulls together rare Columbia outtakes, club recordings, intimate gatherings, sessions in friends’ apartments, and more.

For my list of the top 50 albums of 2025, click here.

Thanks once again for reading amplified world. I genuinely appreciate it. It’s time for a break and I’ll see you again in early 2026. If you’re a fan, please share this Substack with fellow music fans.

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⛸️ Happy Holidays! - JB

Every year, I tell myself I’m going to keep this list lean and fail. Not because I’m chasing some encyclopedic roundup, but because there is so much great music.

These albums aren’t ranked. These albums aren’t graded. They’re simply the albums that stayed with me in 2025. In the car, at home, late at night, traveling, or while writing the latest blog entry. I randomized them on purpose because this list isn’t about hierarchy; it’s about discovery.

Below is a mix of jazz, indie, ambient, hip-hop, folk, classical, and records that defy any category. It’s the top half of my one hundred favorite albums of the year, and I rewarded each one with extra headphone time, extra vinyl spins, or on repeat in the car or at home.

What you’ll find here isn’t a ranking of greatness, but a map of where my ears wandered this year. If you happen to wander the same way, I hope you find something new to hold onto as much as I have.

Enjoy the list. A QoBuz playlist follows the list…

• Tortoise - Touch (International Anthem)

  This is the first new music in nine years from these post-rock pioneers, offering a fresh exploration of their instrumental and complex sound.

• Pulp - More (Rough Trade Records)

  It’s their first in almost twenty-four years and Jarvis Cocker hasn’t lost a step. Great song structure, another Britpop classic.

• The Wildmans - Longtime Friend (New West Records)

  Bluegrass and Americana centered on rich sibling harmonies and exceptional string work.

• Steve Queralt - Swallow (Sonic Cathedral)

  Debut solo album from Ride bassist features dreamy, shoegaze-like instrumentals with guest vocalists on a few tracks.

• Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band - New Threats from the Soul (Sophomore Lounge)

  A collection of emotionally raw and introspective alt-country songs, blending Americana with a soulful indie sound.

• Sault - 10 (Forever Living Originals)

  Another extraordinary genre-blurring mix of soul, funk, house, and socio-political commentary.

• John Zorn - The Bagatelles Vol. 1 w/ Mary Halvordson Quartet (Tzadik)

  A dynamic and fiery peek into Zorn’s massive “Bagatelles” project, showcasing his avant-garde jazz compositions.

• Pasquale Grasso - Fervency (Sony Music)

  Italian jazz guitarist returns with a series of standards worth a listen or five or six...

• Kandace Springs - Lady in Satin (SRP Records)

  An ambitious tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958 masterpiece, complete with a sixty-piece orchestra.

• The Weather Station - Humanhood (Fat Possum Records)

  A collection of folk-rock songs where Tamara Lindeman’s songwriting continues to evolve with themes of humanity and nature.

• Panda Bear - Sinister Grift (Domino)

  A journey into psychedelic electronica and fractured pop, driven by distinctive layered vocals and experimental soundscapes reminiscent of Brian Wilson.

• Kassi Valazza - From Newman Street (Fluff & Gravy Records)

  Beautiful songs, extravagant guitar work and an amazing voice with poetic storytelling delivered in folk and semi psychedelic package.

• Little Simz - Lotus (AWAL)

  A surprise release to me! She continues to deliver potent lyrics over tight, soulful production. Another hip hop gem from London.

• Anouar Brahem - After the Last Sky (ECM)

  A master of the oud, this album features the Tunisian musician’s new chamber pieces written for oud, cello, piano, and bass. Bassist Dave Holland & pianist Django Bates are part of this gorgeous sounding ensemble.

• Makaya McCraven - Off the Record - 4 EPs (International Anthem)

  A collection of all four EPs released this year that blend jazz improv and post-production loop crafting. Some live tracks also featured with Joel Ross, Jeff Parker, Junius Paul, and many more guests.

• SML - How You Been (International Anthem)

  Bassist Anna Butterss, keyboardist Jeremiah Chiu, saxophonist Josh Johnson, percussionist Booker Stardrum, and guitarist Gregory Uhlmann make up this quintet known as Small Medium Large and it’s full of electronic and jazz improv.

• Naia Sinephro - The Smashing Machine (O.S.T.) (Warp Records)

  Atmospheric soundtrack to the documentary film, showcasing Sinephro’s transportive harp, synth, and jazz compositions. Guests include Nubya Garcia, Lyle Barton, and more.

• Sven Wunder - Daybreak (Piano Piano Records)

  Cinematic instrumental music, blending spiritual jazz, library music, and psychedelic folk influences from Sweden.

• Blue Earth Sound - Cicero Nights (DeepMatter Records)

  Instrumental music that evokes the neon-lit haze of the city through cinematic, jazz and funk arrangements.

• The Beths - Straight Line Was A Lie (Anti-)

  This record delivers the New Zealand band’s characteristically hook-filled power-pop, contrasting upbeat melodies with sharp lyrics.

• Brad Mehldau - Ride Into the Sun (Nonesuch)

  Paying tribute to the late Elliott Smith with re-harmonized interpretations of his work.

• The Cosmic Tones Research Trio - s/t (Mississippi Records)

  The trio dives deeper into their spiritual jazz soundscapes complete with strings. An emotional album indeed.

• Chip Wickham - The Eternal Now (Gondwana)

  A new collection of funky sounds delivered through a soulful and spiritual jazz lens from this brilliant UK flutist and sax player.

• Flock of Dimes - The Life You Save (Sub Pop)

  Jen Wasner (Wye Oak) takes a soulful look at life and created a thoughtful, honest indie-folk / pop record.

• Smerz - Big City Life (Escho)

  Norwegian duo delivers a striking fusion of R&B, club music, and experimental electronics.

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• Oren Ambarchi, Johan Berthling, and Andreas Werlin - Ghosted III (Drag City)

  Part three in this series is all about the evolving conversation between guitar, bass, and drums, blending hypnotic repetition and subtle sonic shifts.

• Loyle Carner - Hopefully! (Virgin / EMI)

  British rapper delivers a warm and personal album with characteristic soulful beats and introspective, diaristic lyricism.

• Ches Smith - Clone Row (Otherly Love)

  Percussionist Ches Smith debuts an adventurous quartet featuring guitarist Mary Halvorson, weaving together threads of avant-garde jazz, rock, and electronic.

• Resavoir & Matt Gold - Horizon (International Anthem)

  Trumpeter and producer Will Miller, who has worked with SZA, joins guitarist Matt Gold, to create something distinct, hypnotic and tangibly inviting.

• Mark Pritchard & Thom Yorke - Tall Tales (Warp Records)

  An album five years in the making, it combines many genres of music. Hear Yorke’s signature voice paired with Pritchard’s hypnotic, impressive production.

• Basic - Dream City E.P. (No Quarter)

  Trio of Chris Forsyth, Doug McCombs, and Mikel Patrick Avery exploring a complex, entrancing instrumental sound that jams. Excellent guitar work!

• Gnod & White Hills - Drop Out III (Thrill Jockey)

  Another collaborative album finds these two psychedelic and space rock groups digging deeper with extended, sprawling pieces that hook you in.

• Okonski - Entrance Music (Colemine)

  A collection of lush, cinematic, and deeply soulful instrumental music led by piano and perfect for a dinner party.

• The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble - Gemini (Colemine)

  Instrumental jazz-funk, soul, and Latin rhythms, characterized by tight grooves from this San Diego band.

• Steve Gunn - Daylight, Daylight (No Quarter)

  Seven gorgeous songs arrange and produced by James Elkington where Gunn showcases his songwriting and acoustics guitar playing over strings and woodwinds.

• Sudan Archives - THE BPM (Stones Throw)

  There’s a reason this album is called BPM. Each track is banging… with a unique and futuristic R&B sound only Sudan Archives could deliver. Touring early 2026!

• Blood Orange - Essex Honey (RCA/Domino)

  Dev Hynes is back with a new album that is hard to define, but that’s a good thing. There are so many genres captured here, but the album flows and has strong, personal lyrics that tell a story over beats, strings, horns, and more.

• Marissa Nadler - New Radiations (Sacred Bones)

  Not quite gothic but you can feel that vibe on this album along with dream pop and her semi-haunting vocals over lush, layered atmospheric arrangements.

• Cass McCombs - Interior Live Oak (Domino)

  Named after a Northern California tree, McCombs’ latest effort includes brilliant songwriting and simply great indie rock songs to enjoy by the backyard fire.

• Kendra Morris - Next (Colemine)

  A powerful dose of contemporary soul and R&B, featuring her robust vocals and gritty, retro production.

• Gwenifer Raymond - Last Night I Heard The Dog Star Bark (We Are Busy Bodies)

  Latest album continues to showcases the Welsh guitarist’s beautiful American Primitive style finger-picking.

• FloFilz - Hagaki (Melting Pot Music)

  A musical love letter to Japan that blends jazz and hip-hop beats with Japanese music and culture. Recorded in Germany and Japan.

• Devin Shaffer - Patience (American Dreams)

  Whispered folk-pop that seems to be searching for deeper meaning in life. Reminds me of Vashti Bunyan with wonderfully written lyrics and guitar playing.

• Adrian Sherwood - The Collapse of Everything (On U Sound)

  Dub visionary’s first solo album in over a decade is an imaginative paradise of cinematic dub and immersive experimentalism.

• Say She She - Cut & Rewind (drink sum wtr)

  A collection of disco-infused, soulful harmonies and infectious grooves that nod to 70s funk and R&B. A great soundtrack for your next drive to the market.

• Automatic - Is It Now? (Stones Throw)

  Post-punk, raw funk, that questions modern life through tight bass lines and synths. This album by the Los Angeles based all female trio is contagious.

• The Necks - Disquiet (Northern Spy)

  The Australian minimalist trio continues their unique sound of gradual, long-form improv, building a deeply immersive and slowly evolving sonic environment. This is their 20th studio album.

• John Taylor - Tramonto (w/ Marc Johnson, Joey Baron) (ECM)

  Recorded live in Birmingham, England in 2002 but not released until this year. Pianist John Taylor, who passed away in 2015, is heard here with Bassist Marc Johnson and drummer Joey Baron to re-create some of his pieces with tremendous solos from all three musicians.

• Chicago Underground Duo - Hyperglyph (International Anthem)

  The first new album in almost 11 years from Rob Mazurek & Chad Taylor. An adventurous return to their avant-jazz / electronic hybrid project.

• Collettivo Immaginario - Oltreoceano (Domanda Music)

  Italian jazz trio deliver their second album, blending elements of jazz, funk, Italo-disco, and Latin rhythms.

Here is the QoBuz playlist.*

*minus Gnod, as that’s on Thrill Jockey Records, currently not available on QoBuz.

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Until next week, when I’ll share my top reissues and box sets of 2025!

Thanks for reading. - JB

It was a quick trip to Manhattan, but a memorable one, indeed. Leaving on Friday morning and heading back home just over 48 hours later seems fast, and it was. However, a lot was accomplished between my friend and copilot Ryan, and me. After a walk around the Lower East Side and a few early evening cocktails, we enjoyed a scrumptious dinner by way of tapas and paella at Boqueria, along with great conversation.

It was a great way to prepare for a long and fun Saturday in Manhattan, which culminated in the whole point of the trip: seeing Tortoise perform live at The Bowery Ballroom, the first time I had seen them play in 20 years.

We walked about 8 miles around the city before the show, so our dogs 👟 were tired.

Tortoise at The Bowery Ballroom

I wrote about Tortoise a month ago, anticipating this show.

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Including their brand-new record, they have released eight albums since 1994, but their influence is everywhere. They helped define what came to be known as “post-rock,” although they never fit comfortably into any single category. They proved that instrumental music could be as emotionally vibrant and engaging as anything. This show lived up to the hype, and selfishly, I wish they played longer, but it was a truly great performance by a band I’ve been obsessed with since college.

Honestly, I hate recording video of the band at shows. If you missed it, you should have been there… I also don’t want to distract patrons with my bright iPhone and get in the way of something magical happening on stage. Live in the moment, right?

…but on Saturday night, I recorded a very, very small clip, since it was a band I admire so much and hadn’t seen live in over 20 years... Enjoy this extremely short, semi-hidden 20-second iPhone clip of Tortoise.

Here’s the setlist:

1. Vexations

2. Monica

3. In Sarah, Mencken, Christ, and Beethoven, There Were Women and Men

4. Layered Presence

5. Prepare Your Coffin

6. Dot/Eyes

7. Promenade à deux

8. The Equator

9. Works and Days

10. I Set My Face to the Hillside

11. Ten-Day Interval

12. Night Gang

13. Rated OG

Encore:

1. Axial Seamount

2. Tin Cans & Twine

3. Crest

By the way, the opener featured guitarist Bill Orcutt, with Chris Corsano on drums. It was about 25 minutes of pure fire and brimstone. Unbelievably good. Unbelievably loud. Watch the clip below courtesy of Hank Shteamer on Instagram.

Radio Radio

While in New York City, I also had the opportunity to catch up with some dear old friends. WUNH meant a lot to me in college, and I’m lucky to have found friends for life because of that damn radio station. Bob & BR are true New Yorkers and genuine people. Two of the nicest, funniest people you’ll ever meet. We shared pizza slices from Scarr’s and some drinks afterward at Clockwork, where another WUNHer was in attendance, my old pal Heather.

We traded stories, caught up on current events, reminisced about CMJ, talked about music, and laughed a lot. Always great to see you guys. We should do it more often!

Record Store Find

I found a CD by Chantal Acda at Academy Records, located on West 18th Street, over the weekend. They had a lot of used noise in their inventory, but some gems were found, including this album still in its shrink wrap. Her voice has a hint of Sandy Denny's vibe, and the ensemble is top-notch, featuring Bill Frisell, Eric Thielemans, Colin Stetson, Shahzad Ismaily, Jozef Dumoulin, and more. Give it a listen!

One of my favorite murals in NYC features the best hardcore punk band to have ever recorded — Bad Brains, from Washington, D.C.

Thanks for reading. - JB

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As we approach the holidays, fewer and fewer new titles seem to appear in the new release section at the local record stores, but ‘tis the season for box sets, collections, reissues, and limited-edition vinyl.

New to my collection this week is an original 1979 pressing of Gabe Baltazar's self-titled album on Gee Bee Records. Recorded in Honolulu, Hawaii, it’s a beautiful jazz album full of soul. Baltazar isn’t a household name, but he was part of Stan Kenton’s West Coast band before releasing solo projects later in life.

The Cosmic Tones Research Trio has released a new self-titled album, building off their debut last year, which topped my list of best albums in 2024. The band continues to impress me with their instrumental spiritual jazz music featuring both alto and soprano saxophones, a clarinet, flute, percussion, cello, and harp. A must listen!

The other album that arrived, and honestly, I haven’t opened it yet, but I am looking forward to hearing this re-issue of Groovin’ Live At The Penthouse by The Ramsey Lewis Trio (Verve), recorded in Seattle in 1962. The album features a limited-edition print with handwritten notes from the trio. This release is the Verve Record Club’s November 2025 selection.

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Another one from the new releases pile is by Hüsker Dü, on the Numero Group label, which arrived at my house on Friday afternoon. It’s a 2-CD set of live music recorded on January 30, 1985, at First Avenue in Minneapolis. Many of the songs from this show come from their albums, Zen Arcade and New Day Rising, both originally released on SST Records. The live recording has been cleaned up, and the sound quality is quite good here. Highly recommend for any Hüsker Dü or Bob Mould fan.

I also received the latest bundle of digital tracks from Across the Horizon. A wonderful subscription from Northern Spy Records and Bob Holmes of the band SUSS. This latest round of instrumental and ambient country music features Pan American, Suss, Chelsea Bridge, Kyle Hamlett Cinco, and others. Across the Horizon is an artist-curated music series designed to broaden the landscape of instrumental music. Here’s more info: acrossthehorizon.bandcamp.com

Here’s an older track from the series, released in February 2025, from Lake Mary.

Playlist

Not a collection of new music, but one full of songs that always remind me of the Autumn season. This playlist is available through Apple Music, and you can listen by clicking the link below.

Autumn Songs

Thanks for reading. I’m off to NYC next weekend! - JB

We turned the clocks back an hour, but the darkness came too quickly as the sun set roughly around 4:30 today. I won’t give in and be SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) - I can’t afford to with so many wonderful events this weekend and coming this fall. For example, I caught up with some wonderful humans for a retro menu luncheon courtesy of The June Cork Pub in Dover, NH, using favorites from the former Coat of Arms Pub in Portsmouth, NH. While the food wasn’t as delicious as it was at The Coat of Arms, it played second fiddle to catching up with old friends.

And last night was a wonderful display of community and music in North Berwick, Maine, for the Seacoast Last Waltz Band. It was a fundraiser for The Continuum Arts Collective, a nonprofit that provides Maine & New Hampshire student artists and musicians with the materials, instruction, and experiences they need to flourish as creators. It was great to see so many smiling faces and spend the night with friends new and old, while enjoying some great music and food.

It’s Film Season!

I don’t get to the theatre to see movies that much, but I should go more often. I recently saw One Battle After Another starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Regina Hall, Benicio del Toro, Chase Infiniti, and many more. I loved it and will not spoil it for anyone who has yet to see it… Before that, I saw the wonderful documentary It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley, the speedy and well filmed F1 with Brad Pitt, and the latest Naked Gun goofiness starring Liam Neeson, a project developed by Seth McFarlane.

Next on my list? Bruce Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere starring Jeremy Allen White from The Bear. It’s not a biopic, but focuses on about two years in Springsteen’s life and the 1982 album, Nebraska, which is my favorite album of his.

What’s on your film list?

How often do you go to the theatre?

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Music on YouTube

I cleaned up my YouTube channel recently and added a new playlist full of lesser-known jazz releases that I found after reading the latest We Jazz magazine. The playlist features such artists as Harold McKinney, Shamek Farrah, David Murray, Hiroshi Suzuki, and more. If you’re not familiar with We Jazz, they’re a well-run Finnish jazz label and publisher.

The latest issue is called Thembi for Pharaoh Sanders. It features great articles all about Pharaoh Sanders, a ‘discoholic’ column by Mats Gustafsson, tons of album reviews, live reviews, a photo essay, and more. You can subscribe on their website or through Forced Exposure, a Massachusetts-based music distributor.

Click the image above, or click here, to listen to the playlist and subscribe to my YouTube channel while you’re there.

Thanks again for reading. - JB

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