Mark Scott III’s debut album “Soft Light” features eleven self-composed tracks performed by his jazz trio. The music reflects his journey from rock to jazz, showcasing inventive solos and a mix of grooves. Influenced by Coltrane and Metheny, Scott, a Texas native, also teaches at Tarleton State University.
Rick Roe leads a trio of Detroit musicians, including Grammy winner Robert Hurst and drummer Nate Winn, in a tribute to Lansing composer Gregg Hill. Their performances highlight Hill’s well-crafted compositions, blending jazz and gospel influences. Each musician showcases their talent, creating a refreshing sound that resonates with both emotion and creativity.
Eldad Tarmu’s “Silver on Aluminum” celebrates Horace Silver’s compositions through innovative arrangements for a vibraphone, bass, and drum trio. Featuring talented musicians, the album highlights Tarmu’s vibraphone skills, especially in tracks like “No Smokin’” and “Gregory is Here,” showcasing their energetic performances and musicianship.
Joe Alterman’s album “Brisket for Breakfast” features Houston Person on tenor saxophone, showcasing a blend of bluesy jazz tunes performed live with an Atlanta-based trio. The album includes seven familiar songs, celebrated for Alterman’s dynamic piano and Person’s smooth saxophone. Their collaboration highlights deep musical chemistry and soulful performances.
Cédric Hanriot’s project “Time is Color/A Luminous World” blends jazz, funk, and soul, reflecting themes of spirituality and quantum physics through dynamic compositions. Featuring a diverse lineup, the music combines original pieces with spoken word elements, creating a unique sound that transcends genres while emphasizing emotional expression and creativity.
Stefan Smulovitz’s album “Bow & Brush: 12 Scores of Nadina Tandy” showcases an innovative collaboration with visual artist Nadina Tandy. Featuring twelve compositions, Smulovitz integrates diverse sounds, including violin and electronic elements, creating rich, evocative landscapes. The album package includes Tandy’s artwork, enhancing the immersive artistic experience.
Doug MacDonald, a prolific Southern California jazz guitarist, presents his latest album featuring Latin and Afro-Cuban arrangements of jazz standards. Alongside talented musicians, he showcases original compositions and innovative arrangements, transforming classic tunes like “Prisoner of Love.” The album highlights MacDonald’s unique sound and strong rhythmic foundation, driven by skilled pianist Bill Cantos and bassist Hussain Jiffry.
Dayna Stephens’ album “Hopium,” set for release on February 7, 2025, blends hope and reality through seven original compositions. Featuring a quintet, the music navigates emotions of optimism and disillusionment. Each track showcases Stephens’ saxophones and the contributions of talented collaborators, culminating in an engaging exploration of life’s uncertainties.
Sullivan Fortner’s latest album, “Southern Nights,” features his vibrant piano work alongside bassist Peter Washington and drummer Marcus Gilmore. The recording showcases an eclectic mix of live jazz without edits, highlighting Fortner’s artistry and New Orleans heritage. The album promises an engaging experience, set for release on February 14, 2025.
Christopher Whitley’s album “Almost as Soft as Silence” showcases his solo violin talent and innovative composition skills using a historical Stradivari instrument. The spontaneous vignettes explore free improvisation, blending acoustic and electronic elements. Whitley’s expressive performances reveal his deep musical expertise, offering captivating and emotionally resonant soundscapes.
Jacopo Ferrazza’s album “Prometheus,” featuring a 5tet ensemble, blends jazz, rock, classical, and chamber music into a compelling soundscape. It begins with a prologue and original compositions like “The Cave,” showcasing each musician’s role in narrating the Prometheus myth. The album is set for release on January 24, 2025.
Dan Fortin’s “Cannon” is an evocative experimental jazz album featuring a range of talented musicians. Since his 2015 debut, Fortin has captivated with his unique blend of electric and double bass, synthesizers, and avant-garde influences. The collaborative compositions invite listeners to explore innovative soundscapes, challenging and rewarding their imagination.
Macha Gharibian, an Armenian singer and composer, blends various cultural influences in her album “Phenomenal Women,” inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem. With a trio featuring female vocalists, Gharibian explores themes of empowerment through diverse musical styles, including African chants and reggae, while reflecting on her heritage and personal experiences.
The album “Some Days Are Better – The Lost Scores” celebrates Kenny Wheeler’s music, coinciding with what would have been his 95th birthday. Featuring performances by the Royal Academy of Music Jazz Orchestra and Frost Jazz Orchestra, it revives his previously unheard work from the 1970s, showcasing his creative evolution as a composer and musician.
Mafalda Minnozzi’s fourth jazz album for the US market showcases her joyful soprano vocals, accompanied by Paul Ricci’s guitar and a talented ensemble of Brazilian musicians. With a blend of pop and Latin influences, Minnozzi’s unique approach to scat singing and emotional delivery contribute to a captivating musical experience.
Eldritch Priest, a Vancouver-based composer and guitarist, blends improvisational techniques and experimental jazz in his solo album “Dormitive Virtue.” With a focus on freedom of expression and unique compositions, Priest has gained recognition for his innovative performances and insightful writings on music. His work challenges listeners’ perceptions of sound and creativity.
Petra Onderuf, a Slovakian violinist and composer, explores unique musical expressions in her jazz project “An Odd Time of Day.” With influences from her cultural roots, she blends classical techniques and improvisation. The album showcases her original compositions, featuring captivating arrangements and performances by distinguished musicians, creating a rich auditory experience.
“Forq’s” album “Big Party” showcases funk and fusion through a collaborative effort of skilled improvisers led by keyboardist Henry Hey. Known for eclectic influences, the group blends various genres, including reggae and blues. Featuring energetic performances and innovative arrangements, this album offers a vibrant musical journey perfect for fans of rhythm-driven music.
Alan Chaubert’s album “Just the Three of Us” features him skillfully playing trumpet and piano simultaneously, alongside bassist Belden Bullock and drummer Jon Di Flore. The album includes unique renditions of tunes by Monk and Haden, showcasing Chaubert’s impressive talent. This remarkable project is a delight for jazz enthusiasts.
Bill O’Connell’s album “Touch” features a dynamic trio with Santi Debriano and Billy Hart. O’Connell’s compositions showcase lyrical expressiveness and rhythmic excitement, particularly in the title track and a vibrant take on “Maiden Voyage.” The musicians’ camaraderie creates an engaging atmosphere, making this album a delightful and enduring experience.
Peggy Lee and Cole Schmidt’s album “Forever Stories of Moving Parties” features unique compositions blending cello, guitar, and various instruments in an experimental jazz format. Their collaboration, steeped in improvisation and creativity, gathers a diverse ensemble that enhances the music’s richness. The album artfully captures the essence of connection and celebration.
Eugenie Jones is a Seattle-based jazz vocalist and songwriter known for her engaging compositions and four previous albums. Her upcoming release features original songs and classic interpretations, showcasing her versatility. Recognized as a ‘Jazz Hero’ for her nonprofit work, she combines artistry with a commitment to community welfare.
Karl Latham’s “Living Standards II” features a star-studded lineup aiming to transform iconic rock tracks into jazz. With transformative arrangements, Latham and his ensemble explore classics like “Rock and Roll Woman” and “Layla,” emphasizing improvisation while maintaining their original essence. The album is set for release on January 17, 2025.
Terry Waldo & The Gotham City Band’s album “Treasury Vol. 1” celebrates Ragtime music, led by Waldo’s energetic piano. Featuring vocalists Tatiana Eva-Marie and Veronica Swift, the album includes classic pieces like “Blame It on the Blues” and showcases Waldo’s expertise, rooted in his mentorship with Eubie Blake, preserving this unique musical genre.
The Jessica Jones Quartet’s album “Edible Flowers” showcases the creativity of tenor saxophonists Jessica and Tony Jones, supported by Stomu Takeishi on bass and Deszon Claiborne on drums. The album features strong melodies and inventive arrangements, blending avant-garde and free jazz elements. Their unique interpretations highlight their musicianship and collaborative spirit.
Lucia Sarmiento’s debut album “Escape” showcases her unique sound as a contemporary jazz artist. Influenced by jazz legends, she blends genres and demonstrates creativity through original compositions. Her talent has earned her roles in prominent bands, and this album marks a significant milestone in her musical journey, promising future success.
Brent Laidler’s “Hidden Gems” album reinterprets music from the 1920s, blending new melodies with restructured chords. Comprising talented musicians, the album features tracks like “Haba Verde” with Latin rhythms and “Gemani,” inspired by Cannonball Adderly. Laidler, an independent businessman and jazz clinician, showcases innovative compositions that highlight his ensemble’s skill.
Neff Irizarry’s album “Cambio” features eleven original compositions blending Afro-Cuban and contemporary jazz influences, showcasing his guitar prowess. Collaborating with seasoned musicians, Irizarry creates vibrant Latin jazz soundscapes, highlighted by energetic percussion and expressive vibraphone solos. The album reflects his educational background and unique artistic style.
Joel Jeschke’s debut album, “Time & Place,” features his compositions blended with influences from metal, rock, pop, and jazz. The ensemble, including talented members like Aretha Tillotson and Holly Sangster, showcases experimental sounds and meaningful themes. Jeschke, a skilled drummer, leads the group through captivating performances that highlight their unique musical talents.
Dave Stryker’s new album, “Stryker with Strings Goes to the Movies,” features orchestrated renditions of his favorite soundtrack songs, with arrangements by Brent Wallarab. The project includes collaboration with a 30-piece orchestra and showcases Stryker’s guitar alongside impressive solos from other musicians. The album releases on January 10, 2025.
The Auguste Quartet, led by bassist Alain Bédard, releases “Particules Sonores” through Effendi Records, celebrating the label’s 25th anniversary. The album showcases compositions by Bédard, Lambert, and Rudolf, blending modern jazz with improvisation. Key tracks include “Compte-Rendu III” and a lively “Bamboozled,” which features an engaging swing.
Vincenzo Virgillito, a versatile bassist and composer, showcases his talent in his debut solo album, created at the University of Hartfordshire in 2017. The album features original compositions that blend jazz, rock, and various genres, highlighted by unique sounds and melodies. Notable tracks include “Word Drops” and “Stars in the Mirror.”
Ernesto J. Ponce, a versatile saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist from Baltimore, merges various genres, including jazz and Latin, to create uplifting music. He has performed extensively across venues like Rams Head Onstage and Artscape Mainstage, showcasing his talent as an artist, singer, and bandleader.
The album “Brothers” marks Towner Galaher’s fifth release, featuring an ensemble including Jimmy Sanders on organ and Craig Handy on saxophone. Inspired by 1970s jazz and funk, it includes eight original compositions celebrating camaraderie and musical bonds. The album is set for release on January 3, 2025.
Liz Cole’s album “I Want to be Happy” showcases her captivating vocals over a blend of jazz standards and original tunes. With vibrant arrangements and emotional delivery, Cole breathes new life into classics while also introducing lesser-known songs. The album features a skilled ensemble, enhancing her unique sound in each track.
Marc Ciprut’s album “Moonshine” blends blues and funk, showcasing his guitar mastery and unique composition style, influenced by music legends. This second album follows his well-received debut, “Blue House,” and features a talented lineup. Co-produced by Jimmy Haslip, it emphasizes soulful grooves and fusion, delivering an engaging musical experience.
Calgaréal is an innovative Canadian music collective of eight musicians representing Calgary and Montreal. Their diverse compositions blend folk, jazz, and world influences, including Scott, flamenco, and experimental jazz. Notable pieces like “Danza” and “Points de Fuite” showcase their unique styles and cultural backgrounds, offering a rich listening experience.
Michael Pallas, a trombonist and composer, releases his debut album “Gateway,” blending jazz, Hip Hop, Latin, and Avant-garde genres. Featuring various talented musicians, the album showcases original compositions like “Life On Mars” and “Counterfeit Blues,” highlighting Pallas’s versatility and passion for diverse musical styles. The project enriches jazz with cultural flavors.
John Stein’s upcoming album features eleven songs, five of which are dedicated to his grandchildren, reflecting their personalities. With a trio of Ed Lucie and Mike Conners, Stein showcases his distinctive guitar style and jazz interpretations. The album highlights his close chemistry with the group and his sophisticated musical techniques.
Ginetta M.’s sixth CD, “Fun Size,” features her on pocket trumpet and vocals, alongside talented musicians. Recognized by UNESCO, she excels in jazz, blending styles, particularly Latin and blues. The album showcases her talent, especially in improvisation and unique vocal style. Ginetta embraces her role as a jazz ambassador globally, performing widely.
ETHEL, a seasoned chamber music group, collaborates with flutist Allison Loggins-Hull on their eighth album, “Persist.” Their music, influenced by Native American composers, focuses on utilitarian themes that promote health and personal expression. Featuring works by five composers, ETHEL continues to innovate and connect through diverse and meaningful compositions.
Tryptique, comprised of Fern Lindzon, Colleen Allen, and George Koller, blends various musical styles in their debut album. Their sound, reminiscent of chamber music, is soothing and explores intricate arrangements. While some pieces diverge from expected jazz elements, their contemporary classical approach offers an enjoyable listening experience for quiet moments.
Diane Roblin is a notable Canadian jazz musician recognized for her expressive keyboard skills and original compositions. Her album “Breath of Fresh Air” features a blend of traditional and experimental jazz, showcasing her technical prowess and collaborative arrangements. Each piece exemplifies her mastery and creativity within the jazz genre.
The Joe Syrian Motor City Jazz Octet delivers a vibrant mix of jazz and pop standards, showcasing the talents of each musician, including special guests like Kenny Washington and Joe Locke. Their repertoire features classics like “Bye Bye Blackbird” and “People Make the World Go Round,” blending energy and nostalgia.
Ilya Osachuk’s album showcases his mastery of jazz through original compositions and classic arrangements. With a blend of modern style and traditional roots, he highlights the emotional influence of his Ukrainian heritage. Featuring skilled collaboration with notable musicians, the album’s warmth and creativity redefine contemporary jazz bass.
Tribe 2000 is an album by Detroit jazz musicians Phil Ranelin and Wendell Harrison, celebrating their musical legacy. Featuring notable artists, it showcases original compositions that blend innovative melodies, rhythmic patterns, and improvisation. The vibrant energy and historical roots of Detroit jazz shine throughout the album, delivering a captivating listening experience.
Sara Serpa’s album “Encounters & Collisions” presents intimate music rooted in her autobiographical experiences, exploring themes of migration, motherhood, and art. With a blend of original compositions and spoken word, she shares her journey of adapting to new cultures. The project highlights her multifaceted talents as a vocalist, composer, and visual artist.
Ben Solomon’s debut album “Echolocation” features original jazz compositions inspired by Coltrane and Davis. Collaborating with talented musicians Davis Whitfield, Rashaan Carter, and Kush Abadey, Solomon’s tenor saxophone reflects and enhances the musical flow. The album, part of Giant Step Arts, showcases a modern take on jazz roots while spotlighting Solomon’s compositional skill.
Nikara Warren’s album blends jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and house, showcasing her vibraphone skills with collaborations featuring talented musicians. The arrangements, including fresh takes on classics like Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues,” highlight rich Caribbean influences and modern improvisation. Each track contributes to an immersive cultural tribute.
Sivan Arbel’s album “Oneness” responds to societal divisions with original songs that blend Indian classical music and contemporary pop. Collaborating with bansuri master Jay Gandhi, Arbel’s sound reflects her curiosity about cultures. While aiming for unity through music, some critics argue her work lacks the jazz roots seen in legendary vocalists.
