JULIE SLICK & TIM MOTZER, Frozen Holy Water (1k Recordings). Using bass, guitars, and a boatload of effects, Julie Slick (bass) and Tim Motzer (guitars) improvised their way right into some fascinating compositions. The two exchange opportunities to create soundscapes while the other one creates delicate or hard-driven leads. Creativity abounds. Motzer says music is “for headphones and dreaming.” A perfect description.

STEPHAN THELEN, Fractal Guitar 4. Guitarist Stephan Thelan continues to push his mathematical but musically fascinating formula into new realms via his Fractal Guitar series. His fourth project (due for release in May) brings with it a taste of the exotic, featuring percussive sounds from Africa and India, among other locales. Each note is precise and emotive, leading the listener on yet another sonic adventure. Thelen pushes his guitar work to the limit while seeing to it that only listeners with talented feet are able to tap their toes to keep up. High adventure pays off with high rewards.

SOFT MACHINE, Thirteen (Dyad Records). Fire, fury, finesse, and fulfillment. All of it can be found in this effort from fusion masters Soft Machine. The remarkable guitar work of John Etheridge leads the way, his solos presenting themselves as highly lyrical and adventurous. Theo Travis uses his woodwinds to help carry the blistering and mellow leads, depending on what the songs call for. Bassist Fred Thelonious Baker holds down the bottom and steadily and also takes a couple of high-octane and fuzz-filled solos. Drummer Asaf Sirkis is able to be both steady and adventurous while keeping the band on track. It’s an adventurous album for a band looking for (and finding) that next level of musical exploration.

MARK WINGFIELD, Elemental (Dark Energy Music/MoonJune). Known for his legato-laced guitar work, Mark Wingfield has created a fascinating new solo effort that allows him to express himself in multiple ways. His works here are entirely live, either in the studio or from a livestream concert from September of 2025. There are lyrical leads and lush soundscapes. Some are anchored steady grooves while others are allowed to float out into the ether. All of it is fascinating and makes for a quality listen.

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