What does it mean for music to be “live” anymore? In an era of backing tracks, digital corrections, and performances polished to a frictionless gleam, the term has lost some of its meaning. It often signifies little more than the physical presence of a performer on a stage. But then, an album like Udeigwe’s "Live in Williamsburg" appears, and it serves as a powerful reminder...

There is a specific weight to Chellcy Reitsma’s "Carpe Diem," one that feels less like a motivational poster and more like a heavy coin you’ve carried in your pocket for years, its edges worn smooth by worry. It announces its intention with a title we think we know, a bright promise of seizing the day, but the music itself doesn't offer easy platitudes. Instead,...