Screenshot of the trailer for Glyndebourne’s production of Gioachino Rossini’s “Il turco in Italia” by There Stands the Glass.
The Top Ten Albums of May 2026
1. Alexander Hawkins- No Nation but Imagination
The pianist with Nicole Mitchell, Rhodri Davies, Matthew Wright and Hamid Drake.
2. Jeff Parker and ETAIVtet- Happy Today
My review.
3. Aja Monet- The Color of Rain
Jazz poetry for the 21st century.
4. Gabrielle Cavassa- Diavola
My review.
5. JPEGMAFIA- Experimental Rap
All of the lights.
6. Drake- Habibti, Iceman and Maid of Honour
My review.
7. Yvonne Rogers- The Button Jar
Somewhere between Erik Satie and Bill Evans.
8. Latto- Big Mama
Fruitful.
9. Isaiah Rashad- It’s Been Awful
Same.
10. Chris Potter- Alive With Ghosts Today
Homage to John Brown.
The Top Three Reimaginings and Live Sets of May 2026
1. Ahmed- Play Monk
Evidence.
2. Laurie Anderson and Sex Mob- Let X=X
Big science.
3. Salem- Red Dragon
Grimy hexes.
The Top Ten Songs of April 2026
1. Seu Jorge and Maria Rita- “Vento De Maio”
The winds of May.
2. Jay Wheeler- "Rubio"
Bad Bunny has reason to be concerned.
3. Joey Quiñones- “Soul Steady Situation”
My new theme song.
4. Silvana Estrada and pablopablo- “Antes De Ti”
Before you.
5. Genesis Owusu featuring Duckworth- "Hellstar"
Mothership connection.
6. Charli xcx- “Rock Music”
Punchline pop.
7. Vince Staples- “Blackberry Marmalade"
All fall down.
8. Stik Figa- “Blac Top Griot”
Ode to Rich Tha Factor.
9. Yazz Ahmed- "Dawn Patrol"
Early light.
10. Duval Timothy, Carlos Niño and Nate Mercereau- “ideations on rain”
Cleansing.
The Top Ten Performances of May 2026
1. Isata Kanneh-Mason at the 1900 Building
My review.
2. Joshua Bell, Steven Isserlis and Evgeny Kissin at the Folly Theater
My review.
3. Brian Haas, Zak Pischnotte, Shanté Clair, Seth Andrew Davis, Aaron Osborne and Evan Verploegh at Charlotte Street Foundation
My Instagram snapshots here, here, here and here.
4. Rod Fleeman, Gerald Spaits and Ray DeMarchi at Black Dolphin
My Instagram snapshot.
5. Matt Otto, Adam Schlozman and Joey Panella at the Market at Meadowbrook
My Instagram snapshots here, here and here.
6. Keith Benjamin and Eliza Bickers at Village Presbyterian Church
My Instagram clip.
7. Stan Kessler, Aaron Sizemore, Forest Stewart and Mike Warren at the Music House
My Instagram clip.
8. Sierra Richardson at Asbury United Methodist Church
My Instagram clip.
9. Joe Cartwright, Steve Rigazzi and Brian Steever at Ted’s Taproom
My Instagram snapshot.
10. Sundog at the Orion Room
My Instagram clip.
The previous monthly recap is here.
