Deadbeat Beat - From Here to Ohio [We Are Time]
On their third album, From Here to Ohio, Detroit’s indie-pop torchbearers Deadbeat Beat expand their signature blend of garage rock drive and melodic jangle into deeper, more ambitious territory. While retaining the snappy rhythms and immediate songwriting of core trio Maria Nuccilli, Alex Glendening, and Zak Frieling, the band welcomes keyboardist Pete Steffy, whose dynamic synthesizers add rich textural dimensions to their sound. This evolution is mirrored in their deliberate, meticulous recording process at Detroit's High Bias studio, resulting in purposeful production, massive drums, and expansive, polyphonic vocal harmonies. Yet, even as they tackle heavier themes of post-industrial weariness, queer alienation, and societal collapse—most notably on the surprisingly joyful anthem “Peach Sprite”—the band never loses their infectious sense of fun. Ultimately, From Here to Ohio is an emotionally complex, anxiety-kissed party, proving that the band's ringing chords and interweaving voices are resilient enough to carry listeners through the darkest of times.
Nduduzo Makhathini- The Myth We Choose [Blue Note]
With his stunning fourth Blue Note release, The Myth We Choose, visionary South African pianist, composer, and healer Nduduzo Makhathini transforms contemporary jazz into a profound spiritual ritual. Co-produced with his 18-year-old son Thingo, the double album expands Makhathini's signature sound, anchoring deep modal improvisations and ancient Zulu cosmologies within fresh neo-soul textures and subtle electronic pulses. Backed by his telepathic working tri-bassist Dalisu Ndlazi and drummer Lukmil Perez—and featuring striking guest contributions from Shabaka Hutchings and Black Coffee, the 16-track odyssey explores how societies build and pass down their histories through song. Intimate yet cosmic, The Myth We Choose is a hypnotic, deeply melodic offering that stands as an essential document of modern spiritual jazz.
Nathan Turner- Southpaw [Self-Released]
Discover the captivating blend of jazz-infused roots and heartfelt storytelling on Southpaw, the stunning new self-released track from Canadian singer-songwriter Nathan Turner! Recently hitting airwaves in May 2026, this beautiful folk gem perfectly showcases Turner’s laid-back tenor and masterful acoustic guitar work against a richly crafted, intimate backdrop. Drawing from his years immersed in Vancouver’s jazz scene and the sprawling, natural inspiration of his Columbia River Valley home, Turner seamlessly weaves delicate soul into timeless folk traditions. Far from just a standard acoustic tune, "Southpaw" delivers a captivating groove and classic vibe that proves his knack for writing deeply personal, endlessly playable music is stronger than ever.
Moving Into Tucson- Turn The World Around
Dive into the infectious indie-rock energy of Turn The World Around, the brilliant new single from Amsterdam-based outfit Moving Into Tucson! Released in May 2026, this vibrant track perfectly captures the band’s signature DIY spirit and their knack for blending nostalgic, '60s-inspired pop melodies with a refreshingly modern, danceable edge. Far from just another standard indie release, the song delivers bright, tantalizing hooks and an upbeat rhythm that practically demands you to get on your feet. With its undeniable charm and driving momentum, "Turn The World Around" proves that Moving Into Tucson knows exactly how to craft a breezy, feel-good anthem that sounds as fresh and thrilling as anything out there today.
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra- Ellington Masterworks
Celebrate the timeless genius of Duke Ellington with Ellington Masterworks, a spectacular new release from the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra on the MCG Jazz label! Recorded live in Pittsburgh, this album dives into the Smithsonian’s vast archives to breathe fresh, vibrant life into rare and demanding compositions spanning 1940 to 1968. Far from treating these historic charts as dusty museum pieces, the orchestra delivers explosive, swinging energy on tracks like "The Flaming Sword" and "Ad Lib on Nippon." Combining meticulous scholarship with world-class musicianship, it’s a masterful tribute that proves Ellington’s boundless imagination and orchestral brilliance are as vividly alive today as ever.
Al Davis- Stomp and Roll [Alriginal Music]
Al Davis delivers an undeniable groove with his latest single, Stomp and Roll, released under the Alriginal Music label. Rooted deeply in classic Southern soul and electric blues, the track wastes no time getting right to the core of a driving, body-moving rhythm. Davis’s commanding vocal performance rides effortlessly over a tight, pulsating backbeat designed to get listeners out of their seats. It is a high-energy, feel-good anthem that proves traditional soul music still has a vibrant and powerful pulse in today's musical landscape.
Trabants- Mirage [International Fuzz Society]
Portland-based instrumental surf-garage-psych project Trabants delivers a transportive cinematic experience with their latest album, Mirage, released via International Fuzz Society. Orchestrated by musical auteur Eric Penna, the record brilliantly explores duality by balancing fuzzed-out, ethereal abstractions with earthly, clean guitar tones. The sonic landscape boldly dips into exotica, crime jazz, and Pacific Island Tiki, creating an evocative soundtrack for a 1960s film that never was. It is an adventurous and lush instrumental journey that seamlessly pushes the boundaries of traditional surf rock into deeper, psychedelic territories.
Vic Purple - A Girl In A Frame [Self-Released]
Vic Purple with A Girl In A Frame, a captivating self-released project that immediately commands attention with its distinct sonic identity. Blending atmospheric textures with deeply introspective songwriting, the release offers a refreshing and authentic take on the modern indie landscape. The lush, layered instrumentation provides a perfect, moody backdrop for Purple's emotive vocal delivery, drawing the listener directly into the narrative.
Kenny Barron, Ray Drummond, Ben Foley- So Many Lovely Things (Live At The Brecon)
Elemental Music will release So Many Lovely Things: Live in Brecon, an interactive, inexorably swinging document of “real jazz” by Kenny Barron’s superb go-to 1990s trio with bass titan Ray Drummond and drummer Ben Riley. Captured live at the Brecon Jazz Festival in Wales in 1995 and produced by Zev Feldman and Jordi Suñol from original recordings in the Jordi Suñol Archives, the never-before-released album will appear as a limited-edition 2-LP set on June 12, 2026. It will also be available June 12 as a 2-CD set, and via digital download plus streaming.
“On a personal level, it was a great trio,” Barron says. “I can’t recall a sour moment. I loved the way Ray played—solid, with great time and personality. The way he and Ben grooved together was perfect. If this concert turned into something special, it happened organically. When momentum builds, it’s because of everyone’s contribution. It was a group effort.”
The recording came to Elemental through veteran Spanish promoter Suñol, who organized Barron’s appearance at the festival. Recorded by Jed Williams, then the festival’s director, the tapes remained in private possession until 2024 when Elemental’s Jordi Soley – an old friend – met with Suñol and agreed to release the concert. They then received licensing approval from Barron and his management, with whom they remained in close contact throughout the preparation process.
The Hip Abduction- Sea Of Dreams [Ineffable Records]
Colorado by way of Florida alternative/indie outfit The Hip Abduction return with their first single of 2026, “Sea of Dreams,” released via Ineffable Records. The track continues the momentum generated by their acclaimed album A Seafarer and the Infinite Dream, a breakthrough project that more than doubled the band’s streaming audience and earned placements across major editorial playlists. Known for blending indie, alternative, reggae, and world music influences into their signature sun-soaked sound, The Hip Abduction have spent the past year steadily touring and expanding their national audience, setting the stage for an ambitious new chapter with “Sea of Dreams.”
Dr. Fairest Hill- Something Different
Detroit's own Dr. Fairest Hill’s Something Different really does bring something fresh to the table. The album has this warm, easygoing vibe that pulls you in right away, and Hill’s voice carries a kind of lived‑in sincerity that’s hard to fake. You can hear the gospel roots, the soul influences, and the heart behind every track. It’s the kind of record that feels just as good on a quiet morning as it does during a late‑night wind‑down.
What stands out most is how genuine the whole project feels. Hill leans into themes of gratitude, perseverance, and faith without ever sounding heavy‑handed. The songs move comfortably between reflective moments and grooves that make you want to tap along, creating a listening experience that feels uplifting without trying too hard. For WHFR listeners who appreciate artists with real heart and purpose, Something Different is an album that sticks with you long after it’s over.
Chicago Soul Jazz Collective- No Wind No Rain
The Chicago Soul Jazz Collective returns with No Wind & No Rain, a powerful testament to the grit and resilience of the Windy City. Featuring the legendary vocals of Dee Alexander, this 10-track collection masterfully bridges the gap between classic soul-jazz and modern blues. From the high-energy funk of "The Laughing Heart" to the soulful tribute "A Groove for Ramsey," the ensemble delivers a rich, gospel-tinged sound that is as sophisticated as it is grooving.
Jill Jack- Soulshine
We are thrilled to welcome a fresh addition to the WHFR music library: a stunning new rendition of Warren Haynes’ "Soulshine" by the incredibly talented local artist Jill Jack. A long-standing staple of the Detroit music scene, Jill brings her signature folk-rock warmth and soulful delivery to this classic anthem. It’s a beautiful tribute that honors the original’s roots while showcasing the powerful, local artistry that defines our community’s sound.
Beyond her undeniable talent on the stage, Jill Jack has always been a cherished friend of the station. She is someone we’ve come to know not just as a performer, but as what we proudly call a "loyal listener"—tuning in and supporting community radio with the same passion she puts into her music. We are honored to add this latest track to our rotation and to continue celebrating an artist who has been such an integral part of the WHFR family for so many years.
Joe Syrian and The Motor City Jazz Octet- A Blue Time
Tinkering with classic songs can be a risky disposition. But for drummer Joe Syrian and his versatile Motor City Jazz Octet it’s just another day in the office. With a band made up of veteran musicians who thrive by incorporating rock, pop, blues, and Latin music into their signature brand of Jazz, Syrian and his gifted octet are back for a new round of musical mischief with their second Circle 9 recording A Blue Time. Covering an imaginative spectrum of legendary Jazz classics, renown Latin gems and several treasured pop tunes, Syrian transforms every composition into sonic experiments that will have you experiencing familiar music with an entirely different attitude. Featuring his brilliant octet, along with musical guests, vocalist Lucy Yeghiazaryan and percussionist Luisito Quintero, A Blue Time aims to resonate with old and new listeners alike.
Uncle Ritmo and 5HOURS- Show Me Love
Released on the rising Afro House imprint 12GODS, the collaborative single "Show Me Love" by Uncle Ritmo and 5HOURS (featuring the powerful vocals of Idra Kayne) is a masterclass in modern rhythmic reimagining. Dropping in April 2026, this track transforms the iconic house anthem into a deep, organic journey characterized by polyrhythmic percussion and lush, atmospheric textures. 5HOURS brings his signature "edit" expertise to the table, while Uncle Ritmo grounds the production with a heavy, club-ready pulse that honors the original’s soulful roots while pushing it into the contemporary global house scene. With Idra Kayne’s commanding performance breathing new life into those familiar melodies, this release is already becoming a staple for sunset sets and late-night dancefloors alike.