This was a good weekend. Peter, a friend of mine for over 33 years, made the 3-hour drive north to join me in Portland, Maine, for an afternoon soccer match, followed by some live music at the State Theatre, where we witnessed Stereolab play a two-hour show. It was my third time seeing them perform live, and the first since 2018. The first time? It was June 15, 2000, at Avalon on Lansdowne Street in Boston, opening for Sonic Youth. R.I.P. Avalon (and Sonic Youth). It’s always great to catch up with Peter and talk music, family, and of course, reminisce about our college days. I can hardly believe it was 30 years ago…
Last week, I was pulled in many different directions of new music discovery. Exploring jazz, folk, surf rock, soul, and dub was just a part of it. Each of these new music discoveries has been worth listening to on my headphones, home stereo, and in my car. There’s so much great music out there, and this is just a little taste… it would be more than a full-time job, and one I wouldn’t mind having, to listen to everything!
One of the things I love about finding new music is how unpredictable the path can be. I started with one record that I read about in Stereophile, and then stumbled upon another in Mojo, and another in The Wire. Before you know it, I’ve uncovered about ten new albums, all with great sound and worth sharing. Allow me to share just a few highlights with you this week.
Let’s begin with a wonderful new jazz trio record from Julian Shore…
Julian Shore Trio Sub Rosa (Chill Tone Records) It’s the kind of quiet jazz record that sneaks up on you. The trio builds laid-back conversations between piano, bass, and drums that feel fragile and deliberate. An easy and positive listen.
Los Straitjackets Somos Los Straitjackets (Yep Roc) Remember these guys? A full-on surf-rock blast returns! Their Mexican wrestling masks might get the attention, but it’s the powerful, unpretentious guitar lines that keep me locked in. Fun, enjoyable instrumental music for those trips down the coast.
Kedra Morris Next (Colemine Records) This album delivers a completely different vibe. It’s soulful, confident, and steeped in groove. Colemine’s releases always feel timeless, and Morris carries that spirit forward with vocals that strike a balance between grit and tenderness. It’s modern R&B that respects its lineage. I was lucky enough to see her perform live last week in Portsmouth, NH. If you get a chance, go see her perform. You won’t be sorry.
Kieran Hebden (Four Tet) and guitarist William Tyler 41 Longfield Street Late ’80s (Temporary Residence) A collaboration I didn’t think I needed to hear. This one feels like a soundtrack, full of loops, textures, and guitar lines drifting in and out. Slightly experimental, yet this record evokes all the emotions.
Gwenifer Raymond Last Night I Heard The Dog Star Bark (We Are Busy Bodies) I’ve been a fan of Gwenifer’s since her first album was released. She is a phenomenal American primitive-style guitar player who channels Appalachian folk, blues, and something hauntingly evocative. Hard to believe she’s from South Wales.
Adrian Sherwood The Collapse of Everything (On-U Sound) This album goes in the direction I thought it would: dense, heavy, with massive bass. Sherwood has long been a dub pioneer, and here he layers echo and bass, mashing a variety of genres together with special guest Brian Eno. It’s his first new studio album since 2012, and it was worth the wait.
Three-Layer Cake Sounds The Color of Grounds (Otherly Love Records) What a great sound! A trio featuring Mike Watt, yes, that Mike Watt, with Mike Pride on drums (Boredoms, John Zorn, Jamie Saft, William Parker) and Brandon Seabrook on guitar and banjo (Anthony Braxton, David Byrne, Ghost Train Orchestra). Full of improv that feels part groove, part noise, part collage. You can hear the push and pull of musicians from different corners of the experimental rock world. As I said to my friends, have you heard the new jazz punk outfit featuring Mike Watt yet? Seems appropriate.
What about you?
What new music has been on your radar lately?
I’d love to hear what new records or hidden gems you’ve stumbled across this month. Drop a note in the comments with your own discoveries. And if you want to hear how these all fit together, I’ve pulled them into a playlist you can explore here on Apple Music:
Thank you for reading. Until next time! - JB