Daniel Garbin’s album “Rising” features a unique fusion of jazz with sitar, showcasing impressive performances by Camila Cortina (piano), Scott Litroff (saxophone), Eddy Khaimovich (bass), and Brian Woodruff (drums). With seven original compositions, the album offers fresh sounds and innovative arrangements, highlighting Garbin’s musical versatility and creativity.
Zhengtao Pan’s album “Scenery in My Story,” reflects his journey from Shanghai to Boston, blending personal experiences with influences from jazz. Comprising soothing compositions inspired by people and places, it showcases his orchestral creativity, particularly through unique arrangements like “Dancing in the Dream” and covers of jazz standards, delivered during the pandemic.
Charles A. Kelly’s second album, part of a trilogy, showcases his talents as a pianist and composer through lively originals infused with R&B and funk elements. Tracks like “City Night” and “Bring It to Compliance” reflect his Philadelphia roots and jazz influences, featuring engaging melodies and a strong ensemble.
Kaisa Mäensivu’s album “Kaisa’s Machine” showcases original compositions blending Finnish and American jazz influences. Featuring notable musicians, including Melissa Aldana and Maja Mannila, the tracks exhibit rich arrangements like “Midnight Sun” and “Moon Waves.” The album captures unique rhythms, highlighting Kaisa’s bass and her creative improvisation throughout.
Chris Varga’s album “Breathe,” featuring musicians like Clark Sommers and Geof Bradfield, reflects his growth in Seoul’s jazz scene. The project emphasizes camaraderie among musicians and showcases Varga’s distinct style through original compositions. Notable tracks include “Durantula,” inspired by Kevin Durant, and innovative rhythm shifts that engage listeners deeply.
The Alison Rayner Quintet (ARQ), featuring talented musicians and friends, presents a live jazz album titled “SEMA4,” recorded at the Vortex Jazz Club. With original compositions reflecting personal experiences and themes such as freedom and cosmic communication, the album captures their relaxed chemistry and joyful stage presence, offering a unique listening experience.
THE HAAS COMPANY VOL 3 SONG FOR MIMI FEATURING SAMUEL HALLKVIST Psychiatric Records and Tapes Steve Haas, drums/producer; Pete Drungle, Fender Rhodes/Moog Odyssey/Mini Moog/various synths/acoustic piano/composer/producer; Samuel Hallkvist, electric & acoustic guitar; Sean Lennon, guitar & atmospheres; Guy Prat & Kirwan Brown, bass; Todd Reynolds, violin; Nicholas Draps & Jerry Goodman, electric violin; Scott Tixler, […]
Emma Rawicz and Gwilym Simcock’s duo project, “Big Visit,” showcases their exceptional talents in a beautifully simple production. Their interaction shines through in compositions like “His Great Adventure” and covers including Stevie Wonder’s “Visions.” The duo’s chemistry is palpable, making this album a captivating and repeat-worthy listening experience.
Jake Hertzog’s “Ozark Concerto,” funded by prestigious foundations, is a fusion of guitar, jazz big band, and strings, reflecting his classical and jazz influences. Premiering in April 2024, the work emphasizes a cohesive orchestral narrative, drawing inspiration from legends like Pat Metheny and Kurt Rosenwinkel, showcasing Hertzog’s dynamic guitar artistry throughout.
Mitch Towne’s new album “Refuge,” features his trio with Tetsuya Nishiyama and Jeffery Johnson, showcasing original compositions and a tribute to Kenny Kirkland. Drawing inspiration from Jimmy Smith, Towne’s energetic playing brings soulful jazz to life. The album is set for release on April 4, 2025, emphasizing swinging organ jazz traditions.
THE EMPRESS, a group of four female saxophonists led by Pureum Jin, delivers a vibrant performance in their debut album “Square One.” With energetic bebop compositions and standout solos, they showcase their musical mastery across eleven tracks. Notable contributions from pianist Steve Ash and bassist Joey Ranieri elevate the production.
Richard Baratta’s album “Looking Back” showcases his remarkable return to music with dynamic jazz arrangements of beloved hits like “I Feel Good” and “Respect.” Featuring talented musicians, Baratta’s impressive drumming drives the tracks, blending passion and creativity. After a successful film career, his musical talent shines in this engaging collection.
Patricio Morales’ album “La Tierra Canta,” featuring various musicians, showcases his classical guitar compositions rich in South American cultural influences. After relocating to the U.S., Morales rejuvenates nine timeless pieces with jazzy arrangements. The album, blending folk, jazz, and world music, highlights the purity of his musical roots and will be released on April 1, 2025.
Juan Perea, a law professor and accomplished pianist, releases his album “Lightkeeper,” showcasing his piano and compositional skills with seven original songs and two Tito Puente covers. Notable tracks include “Lylestyle,” “El Sueno,” and a tribute to McCoy Tyner. Perea aims to inspire joy through his music.
Rachel Therrien’s “Mi Hogar II,” her eighth album, explores Latin jazz with a vibrant ensemble. Featuring compositions like “Orun” and “Back Home,” Therrien blends traditional and contemporary jazz elements through her trumpet. The album pays tribute to Latin music pioneers while showcasing the talents of a talented group of musicians, creating a rich auditory experience.
Bianca Rossini is a Brazilian pop singer and songwriter based in Beverly Hills, known for her engaging lyrics and relatable themes. Her first English-language album features ten well-crafted songs, highlighting her strong compositional skills. The album, co-produced by Peter Roberts, is set for worldwide release on March 5, 2025.
Michelle Nicolle and Larry Koonse team up for “The Silent Wish,” Nicolle’s first American album. The duo showcases their chemistry through classic jazz standards and lesser-known songs, demonstrating impressive vocal and guitar interplay. Nicolle’s dynamic range and improvisational skills, paired with Koonse’s sensitive accompaniment, create a refreshingly modern jazz experience.
Isabelle Olivier’s album “Impressions” pays homage to impressionism, merging elegance and minimalism within her harp compositions. Featuring her sons and a rich string ensemble, the project celebrates artists like Van Gogh and Cezanne, exploring emotions and inspirations from art. Olivier strives to evoke profound feelings through her music.
Sylvie Courvoisier and Mary Halvorson, two acclaimed musicians, collaborate on “Bone Bells,” blending contemporary chamber music and avant-garde jazz. Each composes alternating tracks, creating an evocative soundscape. Highlights include the haunting title track and the unpredictable “Esmeralda.” Their synergy showcases a dynamic fusion of unique talents, akin to a perfect culinary pairing.
“Every Journey” is Claire Cope’s second album featuring her Ensemble C, premiering on March 8, 2025, to honor International Women’s Day. The album celebrates courageous women, celebrating their daring journeys through compositions inspired by figures like Bessie Coleman. With lush arrangements and Brigitte Beraha’s ethereal vocals, Cope blends contemporary classical and jazz.
Sasha Berliner’s album “Fantôme” showcases her remarkable skills as a vibraphonist and composer. With dynamic performances and original compositions, she blends jazz genres, encouraging listeners to embrace her free-spirited sound. Highlights include the energetic “U.M.M.G.” and the tender “Worst Person in the World,” reflecting her musical evolution and unique style.
The Bigger Badder Bones, featuring André Hayward, showcases an exciting blend of blues and Latin-inspired tunes in their latest album “Sliders.” With talented contributors on trombone, piano, bass, and drums, each composition reflects the life experiences of composer Brett Stamps. The album highlights impressive arrangements and exceptional performances throughout.
Steve Allee’s “Naptown Sound” showcases the vibrant jazz legacy of Indianapolis, featuring compositions predominantly by Allee himself. The album boasts dynamic arrangements with guest conductor John Clayton and talented musicians. Notable tracks include “Spang a Lang” and “Naptown Nights,” highlighting Allee’s innovative style and rhythmic energy, celebrating the city’s cultural evolution.
“Positive Energy” by the Greg Abate Quartet features seasoned jazz musicians delivering an uplifting album filled with original compositions. Greg Abate’s alto sax, John Rangel’s piano, Terry Burns’ bass, and David Post’s drums create an engaging sound. The music captures the vibrant New Mexico jazz scene while channeling resilience during the pandemic.
Peter White’s 17th album, “Light of Day,” released on February 14, 2025, celebrates his 50th anniversary as a musician. Featuring original songs reflecting love and optimism, White’s diverse instrumentation showcases his signature fingerstyle guitar. The album offers introspective tracks alongside joyful melodies, creating a soothing Smooth Jazz experience.
François Couturier and Dominique Pifarély’s album “Preludes and Songs” blends classical and avant-garde jazz, creating a serene musical experience. Their long-standing partnership enriches the performance with emotional depth and improvisational freedom. The album highlights their mastery through pieces like “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square,” showcasing the essence of jazz as America’s classical music.
Kinan Azmeh, a Syrian composer and clarinetist based in Brooklyn, presents his quartet CityBand in a profound exploration of Arab jazz. His compositions, influenced by the Syrian uprising, convey emotional connections to his homeland. The album reflects themes of hope, freedom, and cultural roots, combining artistry to address global atrocities.
Ariane Racicot’s album “Dancing With Fire” showcases her award-winning talent as a jazz pianist and composer. Blending classical, jazz, Latin, and metal influences, her compositions evoke a range of emotions. The album features strong collaborations with bassist Antoine Rochefort and drummer Guillaume Picard, creating a dramatic and textured sound experience.
Brûlez Les Meubles, a Quebec-based avant-garde music group, debuted in 2016 and features prominent improvisers. Their latest release, “Folio #5,” lacks drums, creating a distinct sound. The collaboration between founders Louis Beaudoin-de la Sablonnière and Eric Normand invites notable musicians, blending spontaneity with melody in unique compositions.
Nanami Haruta, a promising young trombonist and composer, has emerged in the jazz scene, influenced by her mentors at Michigan State University. Her debut album features notable musicians and showcases her talent through original compositions and collaborations. With recognition including the Outstanding Student Award, Haruta continues to grow as an artist.
The Alpine Session features twin brothers Michael and Florian Arbenz collaborating with jazz legend Ron Carter. Recorded in Switzerland, the album showcases their musical journey shaped by diverse influences, from Django Reinhardt to Miles Davis. Their deep familial musical roots and innovative spirit manifest in this enjoyable production, earning repeated listens.
Julia Hülsmann’s latest album, “Under the Surface,” features her quartet along with trumpeter Hildegunn Øiseth, who also plays the goat horn. The music blends contemporary classical and jazz, showcasing compositions that highlight Hülsmann’s European roots. Enjoyable tracks include “They Stumble, They Walk” and “Milkweed Monarch,” emphasizing instrumental talent.
Strat Andriotis, a Greek-Canadian guitarist and composer, blends blues and jazz influences, notably from Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix. His album “Exits” showcases eight original tracks with varying trios, emphasizing his adaptability across genres. The project highlights his compositional talent and technical proficiency on the guitar.
Elaine Dame’s album “Reminiscing” features her distinctive jazz interpretations of 1970s pop tunes, showcasing her vocal talent and energy. Collaborating with musicians like Chris Madsen, she transforms songs like “Tell Me Something Good” and “Use Me” into fresh jazz arrangements infused with Latin rhythms, highlighting the versatility of well-written music.
Russ Anixter’s Hippie Big Band showcases a unique blend of jazz and rock through powerful arrangements and skilled musicianship. Featuring impactful solos and an energetic rhythm section, the album includes notable tracks like “What is Hip?” and a medley of “Freedom Jazz Dance” with “Free Man in Paris.” The musicians create a robust sound despite the smaller ensemble size.
JON IRABAGON SERVER FARM Irabbagast Records Jon Irabagon, tenor & sopranino saxophones/effects/composer; Miles Okazaki & Wendy Eisenberg, guitars; Matt Mitchell, piano/Fender Rhodes/Prophet-6; Michael Formanek, acoustic bass; Chris Lightcap, electric bass; Dan Weiss, drums; Levy Lorenzo, kulintang/laptop/electronics/vibraphone; Mazz Swift, violin/voice; Peter Evans, trumpet/flugelhorn. Chicago-based saxophonist and composer, Jon Irabagon, has assembled his largest ensemble to date. […]
Omar Thomas presents “Griot Songs,” a project with his Large Ensemble that celebrates storytelling through music. Featuring original compositions and tributes, it showcases his classical training and contemporary jazz influences. Notably recognized with numerous accolades, Thomas’ album is set for release on February 7th, coinciding with Black History Month.
Joe Elefante’s album “Wheel of Dharma” marks his return to the jazz scene after a long hiatus. Following personal tragedy, Elefante, along with talented musicians, showcases his passion through original compositions. The album reflects his journey, creativity, and tribute to his late wife, featuring memorable tracks like “Bad Dancing” and “The One Who Knows.”
The Dan Pitt Quintet’s album “Horizontal Depths” showcases an innovative blend of genres, merging jazz, rock, and folk. Featuring powerful electric guitar and expressive saxophone solos, each composition highlights Pitt’s artistic growth since 2019. The music often balances structured arrangements with improvisational potential, exploring themes of depth and motion.
Jason Palmer’s “The Cross Over: Live in Brooklyn” features a stellar band, including Mark Turner and Larry Grenadier, showcasing Palmer’s talents as a composer. The album opens with “Budgets Are Moral Documents” and includes a tribute to Fannie Lou Hamer. Recognized for his unique sound, Palmer inspires and excites listeners.
Jerry Kalaf’s album “Safe Travels” blends jazz and chamber music, featuring compositions by Kalaf accompanied by a string quartet. Each track evokes personal memories, skillfully integrating lush arrangements and complex rhythms. Notable pieces include “263 Beacon” and “Bailing,” showcasing collaboration with musicians like Tom Ranier and Trey Henry, enhancing the album’s melodic richness.
The quartet known as “The Fury,” featuring renowned jazz musicians Mark Turner, Lage Lund, Matt Brewer, and Tyshawn Sorey, showcases their talents in a live performance in Brooklyn. Their music blends intricate compositions and impressive solos, reflecting their passion for jazz. The album highlights their individual artistry and collaborative spirit.
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.
