by Steven Miller

Nic Vardanega’s New Beginning is a solid project by an Australian-born guitarist and composer, now a seasoned New Yorker. The album consists of eight of his compositions that explores personal and universal themes of renewal and growth. Performed as a trio with Ben Allison on bass and Allan Mednard on drums, Vardanega’s third album delves into the essence of guitar, bass, and drum trios, a format that has long inspired him.

The album opens with the title track, a vibrant piece that showcases Vardanega’s adept melodic lines and intricate chordal structures. The Latin-infused rhythms and rich textures [...]

by Shannon Smith

Lane 8 brings a refreshing and emotive twist to Virtual Self’s “Ghost Voices” with his latest remix, featured on the fifth anniversary compilation album V by This Never Happened, released in July 2024.. This remix not only showcases Lane 8’s production prowess but also highlights his ability to infuse tracks with a unique blend of atmospheric and chill vibes. This track exemplifies Lane 8’s signature style, blending atmospheric soundscapes with engaging beats, sounds, and synths that appeal to avid listeners and those seeking a chill background ambiance.

Virtual Self, an alias of renowned [...]

by Steven Miller

In the vast forest of bluegrass music, a mighty poplar has emerged, firmly rooted in tradition while reaching for new heights. This self-titled debut from the bluegrass supergroup Mighty Poplar brings together five of the genre’s most esteemed musicians, each contributing their unique flavor to a harmonious whole.

Mighty Poplar consists of an all-star lineup: Andrew Marlin of Watchhouse on vocals and mandolin, Noam Pikelny and Chris Eldridge of Punch Brothers on banjo and guitar respectively, Greg Garrison of Leftover Salmon on bass, and Alex Hargreaves, currently touring with Billy Strings, on fiddle. This [...]

by Steven Miller

The music of The Zawose Queens reverberates with spirit and fire, drawing from ancestral vibrations through traditional instruments like the chizeze fiddle, illimba thumb piano, and ngoma drums. Voices soar and intertwine, evoking a deep connection to nature, ceremony, and ritual. Their debut album, Maisha, captures this blend of organic and electronic elements, presenting an album rich in the Gogo people’s musical tradition from central Tanzania’s Dodoma region.

Pendo and Leah Zawose’s debut marks a significant milestone as they become the first women in their famed musical family to lead an album. [...]

by Shannon Smith

Kygo, the Norwegian DJ and record producer, has returned with a new single, “Without You,” featuring the enchanting vocals of HAYLA. Released on June 21, 2024, this track is a testament to Kygo’s signature tropical house style, blending uplifting melodies with deep emotional resonance.

“Without You” opens with HAYLA’s soulful voice, setting a poignant tone that gradually builds with Kygo’s characteristic piano riffs and lush synth layers. The song’s drop is energetic and euphoric, making it a perfect summer anthem that speaks to themes of love and longing. The production is [...]

by Steven Miller

Antonio Faraò, an acclaimed pianist from Rome, has built a reputation as one of the most proficient and inventive pianists on the international jazz scene. Known for his technical brilliance, creative spontaneity, and rhythmic dexterity, Faraò’s music resonates with warmth, conviction, and power. His career has been marked by collaborations with jazz luminaries and contributions to jazz and classical music, making him a versatile and dynamic artist.

Tributes marks Faraò’s first recording with Criss Cross Jazz, where he teams up with equally virtuosic musicians: bassist John Patitucci and drummer Jeff Ballard. [...]