Charles Tolliver’s concert album, “Live at the Captain’s Cabin,” showcases a dynamic quartet featuring brilliant interplay among Tolliver on trumpet, John Hicks on piano, Clint Houston on bass, and Cliff Barbaro on drums. Their creativity and cohesion shine through original compositions and jazz standards, resulting in an engaging and powerful listening experience.
The Gardyn Jazz Orchestra’s new album, inspired by Von C. Brewing Company’s beers, features compositions by Jon C. Gardner. Each lively track showcases the band’s talent, blending jazz with celebratory elements. Notable pieces include “Dinero de Sangré” and “By the Stoney Creek,” both rich in melody and rhythm, promising an engaging listening experience.
Paul Kendall’s holiday album features the baritone saxophone, showcasing beautifully rendered Christmas classics alongside pianist George Grund. Kendall, who repaired vintage saxophones himself, highlights the nuances of his instruments. The album combines simplicity with beauty, fully supporting the talents of both musicians, creating a joyful and memorable listening experience.
Alex McLaughlin, a bassist and composer from Erie, Pennsylvania, has released his debut album “A Brand New State,” featuring eight original tracks. Blending contemporary jazz with influences from Thelonious Monk, he collaborates with skilled musicians to explore themes of change. His compositions evoke deep emotions and rich imagery, showcasing his profound musicality.
Cliff Korman Trio’s album “Urban Tracks,” features Korman (piano), Harvie S. (bass), and Rafael Barata (drums). Korman’s mastery shines in tracks celebrating Brazilian music, like “Chelo de Malicia” and “Manha De Carnaval.” His arranging skills are highlighted in jazz standards, offering a vibrant, engaging listening experience throughout the album.
Elsa Nilsson’s album “Quila Quina” features flute compositions inspired by the Argentine landscape during her writing residency. Collaborating with pianist Santiago Leibson, the music blends classical and easy listening elements. While calming and beautiful, it leans more towards European Classical rather than jazz, showcasing Nilsson’s artistic expression and musical journey.
Darryl Yokley’s album “Un Mundo En Soledad” celebrates Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s novel “Cien Anos de Soledad” through jazz and Latin music. Featuring talented musicians, the work highlights Yokley’s unique cultural heritage. The album combines original compositions with vibrant arrangements, showcasing the camaraderie and musical prowess of the ensemble.
The Caribbean Christmas Mixtape Vol. 1, created by Joy Lapps and Larnell Lewis, showcases holiday songs infused with Caribbean rhythms and joy. Featuring top Toronto musicians, the album offers fresh arrangements, notable performances like “SOCA Sleigh Ride,” and a celebration of cultural diversity, aiming to inspire and uplift through music.
Tania Grubbs Quintet’s “The Sound of Love” features vocalist Tania Grubbs alongside talented musicians. With a warm tone, Grubbs showcases jazz standards and original compositions, blending pop influences. The ensemble shines with impressive solos, especially by David Budway on piano and Ron Affif on guitar, creating an engaging listening experience.
Vanisha Gould’s album “She’s Not Shiny, She’s Not Smooth” features her storytelling through jazz-infused compositions. With a strong lyrical focus, she explores personal themes and showcases her vocal talent alongside skilled musicians. Although her spoken word moments may be less effective, Gould’s emotional delivery and unique songwriting shine through, creating memorable melodies.
“Christmastime in Rio” by Romero Lubambo and Pamela Driggs features an easy-listening blend of holiday music rooted in Brazilian influences. With Driggs’ smooth vocals and Lubambo’s guitar, the album includes classic and original songs, celebrating the holiday spirit. Highlights include “Holiday of Love,” “Christmas Love Song,” and the charming “Winter Reverie.”
Kandace Springs’ album “Run Your Race” is a tribute to her late father, showcasing her emotional and warm vocal style alongside original compositions. Inspired by musical legends like Nina Simone, she covers Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” and includes standout tracks like “Broken Keys” and “Closer To Me,” reflecting her artistic journey.
James O’Donnell’s album “Tough Talk” features a collaborative effort with talented Detroit musicians, including Alvin Paige and Mike Zaporski. O’Donnell’s trumpet and vocal performances alongside creative arrangements of classics showcase his distinctive style. The album highlights a mix of swinging funk jazz and exceptional solos, delivering an exciting listening experience.
Brass Queens, an all-female brass band formed during the pandemic, celebrates diverse musical influences in their album “Hot Tub Sessions Vol. 1.” Blending funk, soul, and jazz, they create a vibrant New Orleans atmosphere. Their debut gained acclaim, leading to a recording session with Atlantic Records and successful performances.
Neta Raanan’s debut album “Unforeseen Blossom” showcases her soft, introspective tenor saxophone tone, influenced by jazz greats. Featuring a talented ensemble, the live recording highlights improvisation and creativity. The album combines post-bop with funk, reflecting Raanan’s soaring melodies and artistic vision, marking her as a promising rising talent in modern jazz.
Ambient Monkeys, a Nashville duo featuring Denny Jiosa and Michael Moryc, incorporates the innovative RAV Vast tongue drum into their engaging music. Their album “Ephemeral Being” showcases a blend of smooth jazz and adult contemporary styles, with each track offering unique rhythms and melodies. Moryc, a veteran, utilizes this instrument due to nerve damage from service.
Donald Vega’s holiday album “All Is Merry and Bright” features vibrant jazz interpretations of classic carols. Alongside bassist Clovis Nicolas and drummer Pete Van Nostrand, Vega infuses joy and modernity into tracks like “Joy to the World” and “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” The album promises a delightful addition to any festive music collection.
Mon David’s sixth album, “DNA Continuum,” features eleven songs showcasing his jazz roots. Following his early successes, including wins and notable performances, he returned to jazz after exploring pop music. Collaborating with pianist Josh Nelson, the album highlights creativity and emotional depth, featuring original compositions and interpretations of classic tunes.
Rick Braun’s latest holiday album, “It’s Christmas,” is a vibrant collection of jazz interpretations featuring a broad range of styles. Following previous projects, it includes arrangements of traditional songs and original tracks, showcasing Braun’s talent on multiple instruments. The album aims to invoke a spirited holiday atmosphere.
Maria Puga Lareo’s debut U.S. album showcases her jazz and Brazilian music talents, featuring a skilled orchestra co-produced with her husband, Bob Sheppard. The album includes both classic jazz standards and original compositions, highlighting Lareo’s vocal range in English and Portuguese. Critics praise her passionate performances and collaboration.
Steve Davis’ album “We See” features an exceptional sextet interpreting classic jazz standards. Highlights include a dynamic rendition of “Milestones” and an engaging performance of Thelonious Monk’s title tune, showcasing each musician’s talents. Davis emphasizes the importance of ‘long tones’ for developing sound, enriching the album’s intricate arrangements and superb musicianship.
The album “Three Visitors” by Scott Colley, Edward Simon, and Brian Blade showcases their deep musical connection over three decades. Opening with Simon’s “Nostalgia,” the work features various vocalists and instrumentalists, exploring themes of visitation and influence from jazz icons. The production combines tranquility with inspiring musical dialogue.
Marie Goudy’s “Paloma Sky” features a jazz/pop quintet, showcasing her compositions and arrangements. The album blends contemporary jazz with pop influences, including notable tracks like “Cardinal in the Snow” and “Her Glory.” With strong vocals from Jocelyn Barth and impressive trumpet solos from Goudy, it highlights Goudy’s jazz roots while leaning towards pop.
Angell & Crane’s album “For the Living and the Dead” showcases a blend of indie rock, jazz, and experimental music through improvisation. Comprised of Simon Angell and Tommy Crane, their dynamic duo creates an energetic soundscapes featuring guitar, drums, and synthesizers, complemented by vocalist Sarah Rossy on select tracks.
Bill Evans’ “In Norway – The Kongsberg Concert” showcases a previously unreleased live performance from June 26, 1970. Featuring Evans on piano, Eddie Gomez on bass, and Marty Morell on drums, the trio delivers captivating arrangements and improvisations. The concert encapsulates their creative synergy, with thoughtful insight from Evans on the event’s significance.
The album “CARN DAVIDSON 9” showcases the collaborative work of musicians led by William Carn and Tara Davidson, emphasizing original compositions without chordal instruments. Notable tracks include “Fire” with Dick Oatts and the Latin-influenced Pan-American Suite. Despite minor sound engineering issues, the ensemble delivers enthusiastic performances celebrated for their horn arrangements.
Art Baden’s album, “How Much of it is Real?”, features a talented ensemble that includes tenor saxophonist Baden, bassist Jay Anderson, drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts, and vibraphonist Joe Locke. The compositions explore themes of life cycles and emotional challenges stemming from personal losses, with tracks like “Chaotic Neutral” and “Animal Intelligence” showcasing deep creativity during turbulent times.
Diana Panton’s “Soft Winds and Roses” features her smooth vocals covering pop classics. With a blend of familiar tunes like “Your Song” and intimate arrangements, she showcases her emotional depth. Despite being labeled a jazz singer, her repertoire leans towards pop, reflecting her strong fan base and numerous accolades.
Andrew Hill Sextet Plus Ten’s “A Beautiful Day, Revisited” showcases Andrew Hill’s genius through enhanced live recordings from his Birdland performances in 2002. The double disc features original compositions and improvisational depth, highlighting Hill’s legacy in modern jazz and his exceptional skills as a composer and pianist.
Kristin Korb’s album “Sweet Dreams” creatively reinterprets Eurythmics’ songs through jazz arrangements, showcasing her talents as a bassist, vocalist, and arranger. Drawing inspiration from fan favorites and Eurythmics’ catalog, Korb transforms iconic tracks into captivating jazz pieces, celebrating both the original music and her own artistry in a male-dominated genre.
The live album features B.B. King’s performance at the 1977 Nancy Jazz Pulsations Festival, showcasing his musical mastery alongside talented musicians. The recording includes his popular hits like “Sweet Little Angel” and “Why I Sing the Blues,” capturing the excitement of the French audience and celebrating King’s enduring legacy in blues music.
Maria Schafer’s album “Here For You” showcases her jazzy compositions, including original songs and arrangements. Accompanied by talented musicians, the album features lively tracks like “You Said It” and “Release Me.” Schafer, an emerging vocalist and songwriter, continues to impress with her creativity and unique style, promising a bright future in music.
The Visions Jazz Ensemble, led by Sam Butler and Garrett Fasig, presents a unique album featuring modern jazz arrangements of college fight songs. With notable contributions from musicians like Wycliffe Gordon, the project blends historical melodies with contemporary jazz, showcasing the evolution of the genre while celebrating its roots.
Randy Hoexter’s album “Tomorrowsville” showcases contemporary jazz with classical influences, featuring a talented ensemble. Notable tracks include “Rosetta Stone,” blending North African rhythms, and “The Dragonfly,” evoking flight. Hoexter’s tribute to Horace Silver, “Argentum,” shines with intricate horn lines, while “Diaspora” and “Particle Accelerator” emphasize rhythmic vitality and hope.
Margaret Slovak and Chris Maresh create soothing music with nylon string guitar and acoustic bass, emphasizing harmony and warmth. Their album features traditional holiday tunes alongside unique arrangements, aiming to provide comfort and peace. The duo’s synergy offers a fresh interpretation of familiar songs, making it perfect for seasonal gatherings.
Zach Adleman’s debut album features a talented ensemble with Adleman on drums and composition, producing a blend of powerful melodies and grooves. The tracks reflect personal narratives and landscapes, showcasing improvisation and instrumental highlights. With compelling arrangements, the album is a testament to excellence in contemporary jazz.
The Joymakers’ album “Down Where the Bluebonnets Grow” showcases a vibrant blend of New Orleans jazz, traditional jazz, and bluegrass influences. Musicians like Colin Hancock and Lauryn Gould deliver lively performances, recalling the nostalgic sounds of the 1920s and 1930s. The music is joyful and engaging, providing a fresh appreciation for this under-recorded genre.
Samara Joy’s album “Portrait” showcases her vocal talent and lyricism, featuring a mix of Latin arrangements and innovative compositions. Her unique approach shines through in tracks like “Reincarnation of A Lovebird.” The album highlights her growth as an artist, revealed by heartfelt lyrics and collaborative energy with her skilled band.
Dwayne Clemons’ album “Center of Gravity: Live at Smalls” features a talented ensemble celebrating his three-decade connection to Smalls club. His early musical influences shaped his journey, leading to a tumultuous past, including prison time. Now based in Copenhagen, this album showcases his exceptional talent in a heartfelt homecoming.
Edison Herbert’s album “All I Need” features a blend of original compositions and covers, including “My Cherie Amour.” The smooth jazz style showcases Herbert’s guitar prowess but lacks a strong drumming backbone. While the original tracks are engaging, a more supportive production could elevate Herbert’s notable talent further.
Geof Bradfield’s tenth album, “Colossal Abundance,” features a 12-piece ensemble performing his original compositions alongside works by jazz greats. Drawing inspiration from the mbira music of Zimbabwe, Bradfield incorporates African rhythms and spiritual themes, showcasing his mastery of woodwinds. The album blends cultural richness with imaginative arrangements, reflecting deep musical exploration.
“Sanctuary,” the second co-led album by violinist Jason Anick and pianist Jason Yeager, blends European classical and American jazz, reflecting personal evolution during chaotic times. The duo authored half the tracks, showcasing creativity and emotional depth. Featuring talented musicians, the album strikes a compelling balance between sensitivity and vibrant improvisation.
Swedish trumpeter Erik Palmberg’s new CD “Faces” has topped Sweden’s jazz charts, showcasing the quartet’s strong musical connection since 2018. The album features original compositions, blending various styles. With standout performances from each member, it highlights Palmberg’s unique voice in jazz, though some tracks lack rhythmic drive.
Ben Waltzer’s “The Point” marks his return as a leader in Chicago’s vibrant jazz scene after moving from New York. Joined by Geof Bradfield, Clark Sommers, and Dana Hall, the album features original compositions and inventive arrangements. Each track blends melody and emotion, showcasing the quartet’s talent and chemistry.
Sahara von Hattenberger’s double album “1Q84” showcases exceptional chamber music featuring a talented trio with Joanne Kang on piano, Adrian Vedady on bass, and Jim Doxas on drums. The album merges jazz and classical elements, celebrating themes of change and resilience, while also reflecting on contemporary challenges and hope.
Steve Sieck’s album, “Crazy That Way,” showcases his songwriting talent and versatile style, blending jazz, pop, and R&B influences. Produced by Dori Amarilio, it features original songs with relatable lyrics and emotional storytelling. Highlights include the Brazilian-influenced “The Mystery of Love” and the humorous title track, reflecting Sieck’s creative depth.
“The Journey of Han” by John Chin, Jeong Lim Yang, and Jongkuk Kim explores Korean American identity through jazz, capturing emotions ranging from sorrow to liberation. Featuring compositions highlighting Chin’s piano mastery, Yang’s impressive bass solos, and Kim’s drumming, the album is rich in talent and emotion, showcasing diverse styles and cultural influences.
Laila Biali’s “Wintersongs,” her tenth album, showcases her talent as a vocalist and composer, developed during a winter stay in the Rocky Mountains. The album blends pop and chamber music with warm, serene melodies. Featuring rich orchestration and contributions from various musicians, it offers a beautifully crafted listening experience, including seasonal favorites.
Al Jarreau’s recording with the NDR Bigband captures a vibrant concert experience, featuring his last performances before his passing in February 2017. The recording showcases his improvisational talents on classic pieces like “Lush Life” and “A-Train.” This historical project celebrates both Jarreau’s legacy and the outstanding NDR Bigband.
Andy Baker’s debut for Calligram Records showcases his trombone mastery alongside Chicago jazz veterans Russ Johnson, Clark Sommers, and Dana Hall. Their chord-less quartet format highlights improvisation, particularly in Baker’s interpretations of classic tunes and original compositions. The album pays tribute to Baker’s influences, offering an exploratory jazz experience.
