Matt Maher - Empty & Beautiful

“Matt Maher’s major-label debut is an impressive effort that marries his musicianship, evocative vocals and heartfelt songwriting into a compelling collection of songs. He opens with “Your Grace Is Enough,” a soaring worship anthem previously recorded by Chris Tomlin. “Look Like a Fool” is a high-spirited number about serving God with total abandon. On “As It Is in Heaven,” Maher delivers a potent musical version of the Lord’s Prayer, while the title track is a thoughtful ballad that’s a perfect showcase for Maher’s earnest vocals. A thoroughly satisfying album from one of the most passionate voices to emerge in Christian music this year. —Deborah Evans Price”

Jason Miles & DJ Logic - Global Noize

“Producer/keyboard wiz Jason Miles and DJ Logic are the chief conspirators on this innovative, genre-crunching project that also features Meshell Ndegeocello, Cyro Baptista, Vernon Reid, Christian Scott, Bernie Worrell and Karl Denson. There’s quite a sonic variety in these 11 tracks. Opener “A Jam 4 Joe” is emblematic of the album’s eclecticism. Miles and Logic are joined by Ndegeocello, Reid, Baptista and Indian vocalist Falu on a tribute to the late Joe Zawinul that’s at once uptempo and ethereal, jazz-infused with a hint of South Asia. “Quero Dancar/I Wanna Dance With You” offers a heavily syncopated chill vibe with a vocal by Vanessa Fallabella that’s more insinuated than sung. And “Exotic Thoughts” is a delicious, lazy funk-jazz tune animated by the extended interplay between Scott’s trumpet and Denson’s sax. —Philip Van Vleck”