Susan Anders’s album “Now I’m a Kite” reflects her nomadic experiences, exploring themes of loss, resilience, and new beginnings. Recorded mostly in Santa Fe, the folk-pop sound accompanies deeply emotional lyrics addressing personal struggles, including her father’s passing and her partner’s health issues. Anders’s insightful songwriting showcases vulnerability and perseverance.
The Gil Evans Project’s posthumous live album, “Shades of Sound,” showcases Frank Kimbrough’s remarkable piano artistry alongside a 22-piece orchestra at Jazz Standard in 2014. Featuring original and classic arrangements, this recording preserves Evans’ vibrant orchestration style while honoring Kimbrough’s legacy, providing an energetic musical experience enriched by a live audience.
Patrick Zimmerli’s 14th album, “Songs of Innocence,” showcases his trio’s blend of light yet intense sounds, drawing inspiration from William Blake’s poetry. The music ranges from bright and joyous pieces to reflective and darker tones, exploring themes of innocence and complexity. The album’s concise length highlights its emotional depth and dynamism.
Paquito D’Rivera’s “La Fleur de Cayenne” features the Madrid-New York Connection Band, a group of Cuban and Colombian musicians. This album showcases an array of original compositions and Latin styles, blending Cuban son, Argentinian tango, and Venezuelan rhythms. D’Rivera’s clarinet and ensemble deliver vibrant, lyrical performances, marking their first recording after two decades together.
Marty Ehrlich’s Trio Exaltation returns with “Images of Time,” featuring bassist John Hébert and drummer Nasheet Waits. The album showcases Ehrlich’s artistry with seven original compositions and two by Andrew Hill, reflecting Hill’s influence. The trio’s interplay reveals their deep connection, blending composition and improvisation to honor Hill’s legacy.
Catalyst, featuring the Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet and guitarist Elden Kelly, explores the music of composer Gregg Hill, blending jazz with global influences. Artists from diverse backgrounds create a rich soundscape, incorporating elements from various traditions. The album showcases innovative arrangements, captivating improvisations, and highlights Hill’s broad musical reach, affirming its brilliance.
“Oblique Rhyme” is a jazz quartet album featuring Joe Santa Maria, David Tranchina, Gary Fukushima, and Colin Woodford. Although it showcases their technical prowess, the album emphasizes depth and personal expression. Each artist contributes unique compositions, exploring a range of emotional and musical landscapes, ultimately achieving a cohesive and inspired sound.
Saxophonist Jordan VanHemert’s fifth album, “Survival of the Fittest,” features a mix of covers and originals that emphasize resilience against prejudice. Collaborating with notable musicians, VanHemert confronts personal and societal struggles, while embracing themes of hope and defiance through vibrant post-bop compositions. The album balances grief with cathartic expression.
Kandace Springs’ second album, a tribute to Billie Holiday’s “Lady in Satin,” features her unique interpretations of the original tracks, supported by the lush Orquestra Classica de Espinho. While it showcases Springs’ beautiful voice, it lacks the emotional depth associated with Holiday’s recordings. The project reflects Springs’ aspirations of honoring Holiday and recording with an orchestra.
Esthesis Quartet’s third album, “Sound and Fury,” serves as a tribute to the late Ron Miles, featuring guest guitarist Bill Frisell. The album reflects on themes of grief, leading from denial to acceptance through a series of compositions. It showcases emotional improvisations intertwined with collaborative expressions from the ensemble.
Billy Mohler’s new quartet, The Eternal, features established musicians Jeff Parker and Damion Reid alongside rising star Devin Daniels. The album explores deep emotional themes and diverse musical styles, showcasing Mohler’s growth as a composer and bandleader. Each track highlights the group’s synergy while reflecting personal connections and relationships.
Frank Kimbrough’s album, The Call, is his second posthumous solo piano recording, featuring a mix of jazz standards by Ellington, Gillespie, and Gershwin, alongside original compositions. Recorded in 2010, it showcases his melodic variation, harmonics, and improvisational skills, highlighting his unique style as a solo artist in the jazz genre.
Spike Wilner Trio’s album “The Children & The Warlock,” featuring George Garzone, pays tribute to late mentor Harry Whitaker and drummer Anthony Pinciotti. The trio, alongside Garzone, explores improvisational jazz, blending personal and adventurous styles. Notable tracks include “Hey, Open Up!” and “Moment to Moment,” highlighting their musical chemistry and dedication to spontaneity.
Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol’s album “7 Shades of Melancholia” showcases his unique blend of jazz, classical, and Turkish traditional music through a small ensemble. Comprising original compositions and adaptations, the album explores themes of melancholia rooted in Turkish culture. Sanlıkol’s innovations include his digital microtonal piano, enhancing the emotional depth of the work.
Gilad Hekselman’s album “Downhill From Here” features a skilled trio with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Marcus Gilmore, showcasing Hekselman’s songwriting and guitar work. The compositions blend jazz with ‘70s influences, offering memorable melodies like the title track and a unique take on ‘Alfie,’ illustrating Hekselman’s accessible style.
Jed Levy’s album “Faces and Places” showcases his versatility as a tenor saxophonist after decades in music. Featuring a powerhouse quartet, the album includes twelve tracks that blend jazz with Afro-Cuban rhythms. Highlights include the dynamic “Email,” the reflective “Coming to Terms,” and the innovative “Leading Tone,” culminating in a rich musical experience.
Diego Rivera releases his ninth album, “West Circle,” showcasing his saxophone talents alongside a supportive rhythm section. This deeply emotive work addresses tragedy, notably a shooting at Michigan State University. With a mix of original compositions and covers, Rivera explores diverse styles, proving his artistry and emotional depth within the jazz scene.
Yotam Silberstein’s “Standards Vol. 2” features bassist John Patitucci and drummer Billy Hart, with tenor saxophonist George Coleman appearing briefly. This mellow album presents lesser-known standards, including “Blue Gardenia” and “Answer Me My Love,” highlighted by unique arrangements. Silberstein’s intricate guitar work showcases both homage and innovation throughout the collection.
Tobias Meinhart’s fifth album, “Sonic River,” metaphorically relates jazz improvisation to flowing water, reflecting his upbringing and daily life. It blends music with literature, featuring spoken word by Sara Serpa. The album showcases a dynamic quintet with meditative and intense moments. Overall, it presents Meinhart’s most realized work to date.
Drummer and composer Phil Haynes demonstrates his wide musical scope in two new albums: “Return to Electric” and “Transition(s).” The former revisits jazz-rock fusion with covers and originals showcasing his trio’s dynamic interplay, while the latter, with guitarist Ben Monder, explores atmospheric improvisation, highlighting their enduring chemistry despite a long hiatus.
Kneebody returns with their first studio album in six years, “Reach,” featuring a reformed lineup. This album blends genres, showcasing jazz, prog-rock, and R&B influences. The band emphasizes collaboration through spontaneous songwriting, with each member contributing tracks. Despite geographic challenges, they remain committed to their evolving sound and legacy in music.
The Wildwoods, a Nebraska folk-American trio, released their fourth album, Dear Meadowlark. Their acoustic sound blends genuine folk and indie influences, showcasing warm harmonies. The band, formed in middle school, reflects on youth and home with engaging performances and introspective songs. Their talent hints at a bright future ahead.
The collaboration “Audience with the Queen” showcases Irma Thomas, the “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” alongside the jam band Galactic. This anticipated album blends contemporary and classic influences, highlighting Thomas’s powerful vocals across nine tracks. Themes of joy, social justice, and love are interwoven, asserting her continuous reign in the music world.
David Hajdu Lives of The Saints Sunnyside David Hajdu is a writer-producer who has written the lyrics for Lives of The Saints. These saints are not those of the canon of the Catholic Church but ordinary individuals who have attained that status in his mind. These are women who did exceptional work but suffered in […]
Gustavo Cortiñas’ album “The Crisis Knows No Borders” explores the ramifications of global warming through a jazz quartet. Each track addresses themes like economic disparity, resource depletion, and climate skepticism. Musically, Cortiñas creates a diverse soundscape reflecting tensions in society. The project encourages deep reflection amidst ongoing environmental challenges.
Geoffrey Dean Quartet’s second album, “Conceptions,” showcases original jazz compositions blending straight-ahead styles with modern elements. The ensemble, comprised of Dean, trumpeter Justin Copeland, bassist Harish Raghaven, and drummer Eric Binder, emphasizes collaboration and individual expression. Each track offers distinct themes, demonstrating their musical synergy and creativity.
Hiromi releases her 13th studio album, OUT THERE, featuring a dynamic jazz-fusion style with her Sonicwonder band. The double LP includes the four-part suite “OUT THERE” and showcases vibrant tracks like “XYZ” and “Balloon Pop.” Collaborating with vocalist Michelle Willis, Hiromi combines energy and creativity, delivering an exhilarating musical experience.
Candid Records has released remastered albums, including Jaki Byard’s “Blues for Smoke,” Nancy Harrow’s “Wild Women Don’t Have the Blues,” and Memphis Slim’s “Memphis Slim, U.S.A.” These historic records from the early ’60s feature pristine sound quality and showcase the artists’ unique blends of jazz and blues, reflecting their rich musical backgrounds.
Trombonist Altin Sencalar releases his sixth album, “Unleashed,” marking a creative evolution as he explores challenging tempos and composition techniques. Featuring a dynamic ensemble, including Greg Tardy and Behn Gillece, the album juxtaposes aggressive solos with diverse rhythms and styles, showcasing Sencalar’s mastery and promising future direction in jazz.
Branford Marsalis Quartet’s album “Belonging” pays tribute to Keith Jarrett’s 1974 work, blending jazz with classical influences. Featuring pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis, and drummer Justin Faulkner, the quartet demonstrates a unique synergy, intertwining various styles including swing and soul-jazz. The album highlights each member’s exceptional talent, showcasing their telepathic connection.
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.
