The music on ‘Ribbon of Water’ is delicate, yet woven through with a lyrical strength that comes from the experiences Andrea Ward clearly taps into.

Doc City’s new LP is about soul searching and contemplation, but it’s also an enjoyable listen with influences ranging from hip hop, R&B and jazz to gospel, soul and rock.

‘Contending and Contention’ is a harmonic, vocal and sonic journey, held together by its message – and Evie Asio’s distinct sound.

Dan Costa and an all-star cast celebrate light in key physical and metaphysical forms on ‘Beams,’ and the result is a beautiful, peaceful listen.

Yaya Diallo uses an old-meets-new approach on ‘Kachii: Traditions to Traditions’ to create something that is interesting, calming and thoughtful.

Mohamed Assani’s “Lullaby for Guli” steals your heart, because of the ebb and flow of the melodies and the many textures created on the sitar.

The Stefan Orins Trio’s ‘October 11’ is an enjoyable, modern jazz album with a firm rooting in the jazz of history.

Spencer Elliott’s ‘SE3’ journeys into different genres, mixes things up then transforms into music that sounds familiar yet has new vibes.

Chicago area-based guitarist Chris Forte’s ‘Backyard Astronomy’ is an intriguing LP with several genres represented, from blues to classical, to jazz.

Yves Leveille’s ‘L’echelle du Temps’ feels personal, full of character, unfettered, and wonderful in the true sense of the word.