Geoff Arsenault’s third solo album, Hired Hand, showcases his roots in blues and New Orleans music, blending storytelling with social themes. Collaborating with notable musicians, the album features a mix of gritty vocals, infectious grooves, and diverse instrumentation. It offers a haunting and engaging journey through Arsenault’s musical landscape.
Yelena Eckemoff’s album “Scenes from the Dark Ages” blends medieval inspirations with modern jazz fusion and prog-rock elements, featuring collaborations with Italian musicians. The music incorporates diverse instruments and reflects her childhood dreams. Ambitious and unique, the album appeals to both jazz and rock fans, showcasing Eckemoff’s innovative artistry.
Sharel Cassity’s album “Gratitude” features renowned musicians including Christian McBride, Lewis Nash, and Cyrus Chestnut, celebrating community and mentorship. Blending infectious hooks with emotional improvisation, the album showcases Cassity’s artistry on various tracks. Highlights include “Magnetism” and “The Promise,” offering a joyful listening experience designed to uplift spirits.
Guitarist Ray Suhy and pianist Lewis Porter lead a jazz quartet with Joris Teepe and Rudy Royston. Their album “What Happens Next” features eight original tracks, blending influences from Coltrane and Monk. The music showcases diverse styles, including modal improvisation, Indian classical elements, and vibrant swing, resulting in an exciting exploration of jazz.
Lance Cowan, a seasoned publicist, embarked on a surprising career as a singer-songwriter. His album “Against the Grain” features ten original tracks, showcasing a blend of acoustic influences, including Neil Young. With a diverse supporting cast, the album reflects his journey and struggles, capturing themes of love, loss, and social reflection.
Richie Lawrence’s album “Moving at the Speed of Trees” showcases his California Americana roots through collaborations with notable musicians. The album features personal narratives, including themes of immigration, hope, and environmental concerns. Its variety of musical styles and deep instrumental textures reflect Lawrence’s diverse experiences and pay homage to his late songwriting partner, Paul Lacques.
Jim Snidero’s album “Bird Feathers” is a tribute to jazz legend Charlie Parker, reflecting Snidero’s deep admiration for Parker’s music. The album features a chordless trio with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Joe Farnsworth, showcasing interpretations of Parker’s pieces. Snidero’s artistry and performance solidify his position among the top alto saxophonists.
David Ramirez’s album “All the Not So Gentle Reminders” features twelve genre-blending songs created during a writing retreat in Alabama. This introspective work showcases dreamy soundscapes and rich arrangements, mixing elements of pop, jazz, and more. The album’s emotional depth and hypnotic quality create a unique auditory experience.
The Christoph Irniger Quintet, based in Switzerland, showcases their live album “Human Intelligence,” featuring a blend of composed pieces and improvisation. Captured in Germany, the performance highlights unique tracks, reflecting emotional journeys and struggles. The quintet’s dynamic transitions keep listeners engaged, drawing comparisons to modern jazz influences.
Nels Cline’s latest project, Consentrik Quartet, showcases his avant-garde approach to jazz through a collaboration with renowned free jazz musicians. The album blends diverse styles, including free improvisation and electric blues, offering a range of soundscapes. Highlight tracks feature intricate interplay, dynamic grooves, and Cline’s signature electric guitar work.
ZZ Ward’s album “Liberation” marks her return to blues roots, blending originals and covers with emotional themes of empowerment and motherhood. Produced by Ryan Spraker, it features a mix of strong tracks, though a leaner selection might enhance its impact. Ward’s passionate vocals shine throughout, reinforcing her identity as a blues artist.
Bassist Rodney Jordan’s album “Memphis Blue” showcases bluesy jazz influenced by his hometown. Leading a quintet featuring talented Southern musicians, including trumpeter Melvin Jones and saxophonist Mark Sterbank, Jordan presents original compositions and standards. The album blends hard bop with soul jazz, highlighting Jordan’s musical prowess and ensemble dynamics throughout the spirited session.
Nighthawk’s “Street Dog” is Parker Hawkins’ eclectic second solo album, blending diverse genres with notable collaborators. Produced with Dave Coleman, it features rich instrumentation and themes ranging from relationships to social judgment. The album’s unique sound celebrates Hawkins’ journey, while honoring his late dog Jaco, offering listeners a varied musical experience.
Multi-reedist John Ellis showcases his talent in Heroes, his fifteenth album as a leader, featuring a strong ensemble. The album highlights original compositions, blending influences from musical mentors and friends. With intricate arrangements and a classic jazz quintet sound, Ellis delivers rich, evocative performances, showcasing unique artistry in each track.
Kaisa’s Machine, led by bassist Kaisa Mäensivu, presents their third album, Moving Parts. The music reflects Mäensivu’s experiences between Helsinki and New York, combining darker Nordic sounds with vibrant New York jazz. Each track, from “Tykytys” to “Best Kept Secrets,” showcases a blend of improvisation and emotional depth within the band’s dynamic.
Alto saxophonist Randall Despommier, raised in New Orleans, blends his musical education and experience in his bluesy jazz album “South.” Collaborating with top musicians from NOLA and New York, the album features familiar tunes and original compositions, showcasing his lyrical prowess and deep-rooted Crescent City influences, perfectly timed for Mardi Gras.
Helen Cronin’s third album, “Maybe New Mexico,” showcases her evolution as a singer-songwriter with softer, acoustic sounds. Collaborating with Mitch Dane and various musicians, she explores personal themes like relationships, mortality, and the environment. Highlights include the poignant “Rifleman” and reflective tracks like “Not the Year.” Cronin’s vivid lyrics reaffirm her songwriting prowess.
Caili O’Doherty’s album “Bluer Than Blue – Celebrating Lil Hardin Armstrong” features arrangements of Armstrong’s tunes, showcasing her significant yet overlooked influence on jazz. Collaborating with talented musicians, O’Doherty honors Hardin’s legacy through engaging performances of both popular and lesser-known pieces, blending rich historical context with contemporary interpretations.
Bob Bralove and Patti Weiss’s album, Acoustic Conversations, features mostly composed improvisational jazz recorded live without overdubs. Their bond, formed through past collaborations and pandemic reconnecting, shines in pieces that blend classical and jazz elements. The album showcases their musical dialogue, resulting in expressive tracks with a cinematic quality.
Steve Kelly’s debut album, “Here’s the Thing,” reflects his personal struggles with mental health and addiction, alongside triumphs in the music industry. Collaborating with notable musicians from New Orleans, Kelly explores themes of love, self-worth, and resilience in his diverse tracks. The album showcases his evolving style, balancing energetic and introspective songs.
The album “Jazz We Trust” celebrates Posi-Tone Records’ 30th anniversary, featuring a talented septet called the Swingtet. The record showcases compositions primarily by the ensemble members, highlighting energetic pieces, intricate rhythms, and reflective ballads. The album culminates in a vibrant display of musicianship, paying tribute to the label’s legacy.
Simón Willson, a Chilean-born bassist based in NYC, showcases a dynamic live performance at Brooklyn’s Ornithology Jazz Club with his quartet. Throughout the album “Bet,” the group explores risk and improvisation, combining energetic solos and cohesive rhythms. The recording captures the intensity and excitement of live jazz, leaving the audience captivated.
The Yellowjackets’ 27th album, “Fasten Up,” showcases the band’s genre-defying style through a mix of compositions from its current quartet. With members contributing their unique sounds, the album blends soul-jazz, traditional fusion, and electronic elements, resulting in varied tracks that highlight their evolution over four decades.
Pianist Ross Lossing’s album “Moon Inhabitants” reflects his innovative approach to the conventional piano trio format. Blending originals with compositions by Ornette Coleman and Tchaikovsky, the trio creates a weightless musical experience. The album showcases their unique improvisational style, highlighting the interplay between rhythm and melody while embracing free expression.
Sunny War’s new album, “Armageddon in a Summer Dress,” follows her breakthrough “Anarchist Gospel” and features several notable guests. Inspired by eerie experiences in her father’s old house, the album examines themes of memory and loss, blending punk and Americana influences. While some production choices overshadow her vocals, War’s talent shines through.
Rodney Whitaker collaborates with composer Gregg Hill in “Mosaic: the Music of Gregg Hill,” showcasing a talented jazz quintet featuring notable musicians. This album highlights Hill’s unique compositions, blending complex melodies with diverse influences. Each track offers intricate arrangements and captivating performances, establishing the project as exceptional contemporary jazz.
Noah Preminger’s album “Ballads” showcases his talent as a tenor saxophonist, blending original compositions with classic covers. Featuring a quartet, he emphasizes deep emotion through the ballad format, moving away from his usual intense style. The album includes pieces like “Unfair World” and a notable rendition of “Someone to Watch Over Me.”
Frank Carlberg’s “Dream Machine” features a unique jazz quintet with two keyboards, blending written and improvised pieces inspired by dreams and memories. With varied compositions, the album explores a spectrum of emotions and soundscapes, from nostalgic to avant-garde, incorporating diverse musical influences and highlighting the interplay between structure and improvisation.
Mosaic: the Music of Gregg Hill features acclaimed bassist Rodney Whitaker’s arrangements of ten compositions by Gregg Hill, showcasing a talented ensemble. With notable performances from trumpeter Terell Stafford and saxophonist Tim Warfield, the album blends various jazz influences, emphasizing intricate melodies and improvisation. The result is high-caliber, straight-ahead jazz.
The Perceptions Trio, debuting with “The Wicked Crew,” blends jazz and pop influences through compositions by saxophonist Charley Rose, guitarist Silvan Joray, and drummer Paulo Almeida. Their ten-track album features a mix of meditative and energetic pieces, characterized by ethereal soundscapes and intricate interplay, marking a promising beginning for this Swiss trio.
Deepstaria Enigmatica The Eternal Now Is the Heart of a New Tomorrow ESP-Disc What do you think of when Scott Bomar of the Bo-Keys and Sam Phillips Recording Studio appear on the jacket of an album? Likely it’s the likes of Bomar’s main band or Al Green, William Bell, Cyndi Lauper, or John Nemeth, a […]
Coleman Mellett’s posthumous release “Sing You a Brand New Song” showcases his talents as a guitarist and vocalist. Featuring renowned musicians, the album blends jazz with folk and pop influences. Crafted by his wife and friend, it features eleven originals and highlights his songwriting, offering a poignant tribute to Mellett’s legacy.
Candi Staton, nearing her 85th birthday, releases “Back To My Roots,” featuring a mix of covers and originals. The album celebrates her musical heritage and includes collaborations with various artists. Staton delivers heartfelt performances, reflecting on civil rights and personal experiences, while maintaining her signature gospel sound.
Benjamin Lackner’s “Spindrift” offers a profound exploration of “dream jazz” within the ECM label’s signature restrained sound. Featuring noted artists, the album emphasizes interplay among horns and a subtle rhythm section, creating a meditative atmosphere. Despite its dark themes, Lackner infuses beauty and hope throughout this reflective jazz experience.
Steve Smith’s trio, featuring keyboardist Manuel Valera and bassist Janek Gwizdala, explores new jazz renditions of Journey songs and Vital Information tracks in their album “New Perspective.” The ensemble showcases complex arrangements and energetic performances, blending fusion elements and honoring musical influences. Their live shows promise a lively and engaging experience.
Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra releases “Mundoagua- Celebrating Carla Bley,” an album honoring his mentor. It includes three movements addressing global crises, climate issues, and the corrupt politics surrounding water. The work reflects O’Farrill’s commitment to social commentary through music, alongside a tribute to Bley’s final composition, “Blue Palestine.”
Massy Ferguson’s seventh album, “You Can’t Tell Me I’m Not What I Used to Be,” showcases a departure from their traditional sound, blending lush instrumentation with layers and textures. Produced by Damien Jurado, the album features both familiar heartland rock and riskier psychedelic elements, resulting in an uneven but adventurous collection of songs.
Joe McPhee revives the essence of free jazz poetry, echoing legends like Ken Nordine. A key figure in NYC’s ’70s scene, McPhee blends spoken word and music, reflecting on myriad experiences, cultures, and societal issues. His recent works include poetry-focused albums and memoirs, demonstrating his enduring artistic exploration and vibrant creativity.
Guitarist and composer Jackson Potter’s sophomore album “Small Things” showcases his original works and jazz standards, highlighting his musical lineage and education. Collaborating with talented musicians, the album balances traditional jazz with adventurous styles. Potter’s standout compositions reflect his skill, making him a notable emerging talent in the jazz scene.
Satoko Fujii’s “Altitude 1100 Meters” marks her first composition for string ensemble, capturing her experience in Japan’s mountains. The five-part suite blends gorgeous melodies with her trademark intensity, showcasing unique sounds and collaborative improvisation among Japanese musicians. The album reflects Fujii’s innovative approach and profound emotional atmosphere.
Lucero’s latest release, “Unplugged: Liberty & Lament,” features acoustic renditions of 20 songs by frontman Ben Nichols and pianist Rick Steff. The double LP showcases a mix of popular and obscure tracks, highlighting Steff’s captivating piano work alongside Nichols’ emotive vocals. While the uniformity may feel repetitive, several standout pieces capture the band’s essence.
Judy Wexler’s seventh album, “No Wonder,” takes a fresh approach to the Great American Songbook, featuring collaborations with longtime pianist Jeff Collela and a talented ensemble. The album blends jazz with pop, folk, and rock influences, showcasing Wexler’s emotional storytelling and nuanced vocal interpretations across various standards and lesser-known songs.
John Mailander’s album “Forecast: Let the World In” showcases a genreless blend of mostly instrumental, improvised music featuring violin, keys, and various instruments. The collection, designed as a continuous suite, offers exploration through cinematic compositions. Highlights include “Heartland” and a cover of Nick Drake’s “Road,” blending earthiness with otherworldly sounds.
The collection “Peace” celebrates the late Frank Bey’s music, featuring eleven tracks mostly recorded with his longtime collaborators. Notably, it includes covers of classics like “Change Is Gonna Come” and “Imagine.” Bey’s powerful live performances are remembered fondly, while Sallie Bengston’s efforts revitalize his legacy for newer audiences.
Charles “Wigg” Walker, an octogenarian soul artist, releases his first album in over a decade, “This Love Is Gonna Last.” Despite the challenges of the music industry, the album showcases his versatility in soul, R&B, and ballads. Walker’s deep emotional connection to the music, especially after losing his wife, stands out as he delivers genuine soul that resonates with audiences.
Thomas Marriott’s album “Screen Time” features nine tracks combining arrangements of TV shows and movies alongside original pieces. Collaborating with prominent musicians, Marriott showcases a range of styles from energetic swing to mellow ballads, delivering captivating trumpet performances. The album reflects his recent accolades and contribution to Seattle’s jazz scene.
Marianne Solivan’s fifth album, “Break’s Over,” showcases her impressive vocal talent alongside musicians like Buster Williams, Brandon McCune, and Jay Sawyer. Blending standards and original pieces, Solivan demonstrates emotional depth and adaptability. With a background in jazz education and collaborations with top artists, she’s a notable figure in the jazz scene.
Erik Jekabson’s album “Breakthrough” blends chamber orchestra and jazz, showcasing a unique fusion with 15 musicians. The music, influenced by minimalist composers, features expressive trumpet solos and highlights various instruments. Each track presents engaging twists, ultimately creating a landmark work that elevates the combination of classical and jazz genres.
Eugenie Jones, a Seattle-based vocalist and songwriter, releases her self-titled album, showcasing six original songs and seven covers. Collaborating with notable musicians, Jones blends various genres while honoring African American songwriting traditions. Her dynamic performances emphasize impressive vocal control and emotional depth, marking a significant evolution from her previous work, “Players.”
Antoine Cara’s album “Status Quo” showcases a collaboration of elite musicians in a high-energy jazz fusion style, blending funk, Latin jazz, and pop. Despite its captivating rhythms and vibrant solos, some tracks reveal a repetitive quality. Cara’s intent was to create feel-good music that breaks creative loops.
