Pianist Gabriel Ólafs Champions Brevity Over Showmanship on ‘Piano Works’
Gabriel Ólafs' Piano Works is a testament to the power of melody and mood. The music is both concise yet brimming with beauty.
Andy Jurik
Andy Jurik is a performer, educator, and writer based out of Asheville, NC. He holds a D.M.A. in guitar performance (music theory minor) from the University of South Carolina; his dissertation focused on the classical/jazz fusion of third stream music. Fascinated with the genre-crossing possibilities of the acoustic guitar, his arrangements for the instrument range from Scottish lute music and Brazilian choro to Radiohead and the Beatles. Andy currently teaches at the University of North Carolina Asheville and Presbyterian College. He is fueled by coffee, bourbon, and red wine in varying quantities.
Jason Mraz Emphasizes Reggae and Positivity on ‘Look for the Good’
There's nothing inherently off about his Jason Mraz's new album, but a glance at his past records makes Look for the Good feel a bit lackluster.
Fado Singer Carminho Finds Beauty in Melancholy on ‘Maria’
Maria finds Carminho at her most intimate and personal, a collection of original tunes honoring the past while still defining her as a trailblazing vocalist.
Hot Club of Cowtown Return with Charm and Wit on the Western Swing Infused ‘Wild Kingdom’
Hot Club of Cowtown's Wild Kingdom may not redefine the Western swing genre, but damn it all if it isn't a good time.
The Past and Present of Brazilian Jazz Meld on ‘Samba Jazz & Tom Jobim’
Percussionist Duduka Da Fonseca and pianist Helio Alves have a long history of collaborating on record and stage. Samba Jazz & Tom Jobim finds the two at the top of their game, both honoring and pushing Brazilian jazz in bold directions.
Beth Bombara’s ‘Evergreen’ Shines with Vintage Americana Vibes and Sincere Songwriting
Evergreen comes together so well because Beth Bombara's songwriting chops are so mature, her band is so seasoned, and she has something honest to say.
Sweet Guitars and Shimmering Textures Define Irish Folk Artist Fionn Regan’s ‘Cala’
Cala is a delicate record, one saved by Fionn Regan's songwriting and heartfelt delivery.
Chick Corea Explores More Latin Possibilities With His New Group
The Spanish Heart Band–Antidote is a thrilling fusion of grooves and soul, further cementing Chick Corea as one of the most innovative voices in jazz history.
Jazz-Rock’s Red Kite Deliver Grooves and Drones in Equal Measure on Debut
Their fuzzed-out sonic signature might not be for everyone, but for adventurous listeners, Red Kite specialize in a fusion of music blending the complexity of Ornette Coleman with the heaviness of Black Sabbath.
House and Land Breath New Life Into Folk and Ballad Songs While Honoring the Past
Folk duo House and Land's Across the Field is a collection of songs that consider historical context as much as modern relevance.
Post-Metal Outfit Pelican Returns with More Dark Moods and Inventive Instrumentals
On Nighttime Stories, instrumental quartet Pelican make the most out of working without a singer, proving that some narratives are best built without words.
On ‘Full Moon, Heavy Light’ Ona Show Off Their Penchant for Dreamy Indie Vibes
A perfect soundtrack of impending summer sunsets, Ona's Full Moon, Heavy Light banks on retro vibes with pitch-perfect songwriting.