Cat Mayel's "FREE" arrived, not on a silver platter, but more like a rogue pigeon delivering a very important message – a crumpled napkin with profound scribbles. This Nigerian producer, composer, arranger, and all-around sonic sorceress has served up a single dose of alternative neo-soul that feels… well, free. As free as a shopping cart with a wonky wheel, anyway. It goes where it...

Sometimes you hit play on a track and it immediately forces you to stop whatever you are doing. That is exactly what happens with the latest release 'Fairytale Lullaby' from a rising star Ka Youn Yoo in the contemporary classical scene. It is not loud, it is not aggressive, but it commands your attention with a quiet intensity that is impossible to ignore. The vibe...