In the ever-evolving exploration of modern world music, a new ensemble has an exciting and intricate sound that captivates; meet the Austrian ensemble Shake Stew. Their latest offering, Lila, released on October 13, 2023, under the aegis of Traumton Records, is a fine collection of songs and shows their relentless pursuit of musical innovation and excellence.

At the heart of Lila is the ensemble’s core configuration – a unique amalgamation of two drummers, two bass players, and a trio of horns, painting a sonic landscape that is as diverse as it is harmonious. This distinct setup provides a fertile ground for exploration, allowing each track [...]

Much of modern country music is all about the glitzy allure of pop influences, which often threatens to overshadow the genre’s rustic roots. Cody Johnson’s latest album, Leather, is a steadfast beacon of tradition. Released on November 3, 2023, under Warner Music Nashville, this 12-track project presents a narrative that weaves through the heartlands of emotion, tradition, and the unfiltered soul of country music with acoustic instruments and unadulterated vocals.

Right off the bat, the album’s thematic diversity is striking. With his signature commanding yet harmonious voice, Johnson [...]

FLØRE’s “Witch” is her latest single and marks another high point in the song’s production and thematic elements. The song opens with a hauntingly rhythmic pattern of heavy breathing overlaying a dramatic synth figure, immediately immersing the listener in a sensually charged world and powerfully introspective. This aligns with FLØRE’s portrayal of an inner “Witch,” suggesting a deeper, more complex character than just a superficial sensual appeal. It’s a blend of sensuality and empowerment, where the breathing could symbolize both a physical and a metaphorical awakening.

FLØRE’s vocal delivery in the [...]

In the complex tapestry of blues music, few artists manage to encapsulate the genre’s deep roots and evocative storytelling like Robert Finley. Releasing his new album, Black Bayou, on October 27, 2023, under Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound label, Finley brings his 69 years of life experiences and vast artistic acumen to bear in a collection that feels at once timeless and immediately necessary. This album is more than just another blues record; it is a poetic narrative that unravels the quintessence of Louisiana life, its rich culture, and the complex emotional [...]

Igor Levit’s Fantasia is another outstanding addition to his discography for the world of classical piano recordings. This double album, released under the prestigious Sony Classical label, is a masterclass in both the depth and breadth of piano literature that spans centuries. At its core, Fantasia makes a powerful statement about the vast interpretive possibilities that exist within iconic piano pieces, and Levit’s execution is nothing short of mesmerizing.

From the timeless compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach to the modernistic [...]

John Scofield is back with his release titled, Uncle John’s Band (titled after the Grateful Dead’s 1970 folk rock song); Scofield paints a vibrant spectrum of sounds, upholding his inimitable spirit while maintaining a sharp focus and a distinct sense of identity. To fully appreciate the artistic feat Scofield brings to Uncle John’s Band, one must remember the weight of Scofield’s prior achievements and the lineage of his partnerships with drummer Bill Stewart and bassist Vicente Archer. Scofield has a long, storied history with Stewart, [...]