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...

Mark Rolfe has released "Compton Bay," an ethereal new instrumental single ahead of his upcoming album "The Isle of Wight." The Nottingham-based composer, academic, and Lorna songwriter handles entirely everything for this project through his DIY label Winnetka Records. You hear him acting as the solitary architect of this ambient universe tracking the guitar, cello, clarinet, piano, and percussion himself, all while handling his...