CD Reviews

Thompson Egbo-Egbo’s album “Just A Thought” features a fusion of contemporary jazz and rock, showcasing his skills as a pianist and composer. The release of the single “Time and Space” highlights his collaboration with the Odin Quartet, enhancing the music with rich string arrangements. A Nigerian-Canadian artist, Egbo-Egbo is also dedicated to community arts education.

Michael Blake’s album “Halloween Tales” features a playful jazz interpretation of Halloween-themed music. With compositions from various artists, including John Carpenter and Duke Ellington, the album creatively blends spooky elements with engaging improvisation. Blake’s ensemble captures the spirit of the holiday, offering enjoyable music beyond October 31st.

Sarah Pillow’s album “Wanderer” highlights her vocal abilities alongside a talented band. Initial tracks like “Blue Skies” showcase strong musicianship, particularly from the horn section. However, her classical training occasionally clashes with jazz nuances, leading to uneven performances, especially in “A Night in Tunisia.” There’s potential, but improvement is needed.

Brandon Sanders’ album “The Game Changer” features a talented ensemble, including saxophonist Stacy Dillard and trumpeter Jeremy Pelt. The album showcases original compositions and jazz standards, with standout tracks like “James Arthur” and “Sunsets in Santa Monica,” highlighting Sanders’ drumming and compositional skills rooted in his Southern California background.

Dave Bass’s “Trio Nuevo Vol. 3” showcases his evolution as a pianist and composer, featuring six original tracks and reinterpretations of classics. Collaborating with Tyler Miles on bass and Steve Helfand on drums, the album blends diverse styles from Bach to gospel. Enthusiastic arrangements and creative solos highlight Bass’s artistic expression in this concluding trilogy entry.

Danny Green’s debut solo piano album, “Let the Music Happen,” showcases his exceptional talent through both classic tunes and four original compositions. Released on October 23, 2026, it features interpretations of works by renowned composers and highlights Green’s unique blend of pop and jazz, creating a refreshing auditory experience filled with warmth and innovation.

Adonis Rose’s album “Live at JazzAscona” presents a dynamic celebration of Gregg Hill’s music performed at the 2025 festival in Switzerland. Featuring a seven-piece ensemble, the project showcases impressive arrangements and energetic performances, particularly from vocalist Phillip Manuel and the instrumentalists. This recording highlights Rose’s leadership and Hill’s contributions to New Orleans jazz.

Yoron Israel’s eighth album, “Inspiration,” celebrates his dual role as a jazz musician and church music pastor. The album features a fusion of jazz and spiritual tunes, including original compositions and a medley of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.” With diverse styles, it showcases Israel’s remarkable drumming and composition skills.

KEVIN SUN I & KEVIN SUN II Endectomorph Music Kevin Sun, tenor saxophones/composer; Max Light, guitar; Walter Stinson, bass; Jon Starks, drums; Christian Li, piano; Kayvon Gordon, drums. Kevin Sun is a Chinese American saxophonist and composer living in New York City. According to DownBeat magazine, his music is “intense, harmonically virtuosic and compositionally complex.” […]

WaBaSH, a Chicago-based jazz quartet featuring Clark Sommers, Geof Bradfield, John Wojciechowski, and Dana Hall, has evolved over nearly two decades. Their album showcases original compositions reflecting deep musical exploration. Notable tracks include Sommers’ “Points of Reduction” and Hall’s Arabian-influenced “Kasbah,” blending tradition with unique artistry.

Jennifer Madsen’s album “Girl Talk” features her powerful Broadway-style vocals paired with a talented jazz band. She reinterprets eleven pop and jazz standards, including “Bésame Mucho” and “My Funny Valentine,” while incorporating arrangements by Brent Edstrom. The diverse lineup of guest artists enhances the album’s rich sound and unique identity.

JABFUNG’s album “In Real Life” showcases original compositions from its members, featuring powerful melodies and improvisations. With standout tracks like “Stronger Still” and “Respite Piano Smash,” the group explores themes of modern connectivity and chaos. The striking cover art visually reflects these concepts, enhancing the album’s profound message.

Elsa Nilsson’s album “Liminal” features ethereal compositions blending flute, piano, bass, and drums in a free jazz style. The initial track showcases her solo flute, while subsequent pieces maintain a fluid, pulse-less quality. The album explores themes of transition and fragility, reflecting Nilsson’s unique lived experiences.

George Garzone’s album “Themes for Good Friends” features an all-star ensemble, showcasing his masterful tenor saxophone over beautiful compositions. Highlights include heartfelt ballads and energetic tunes that exemplify jazz’s creativity and emotional depth. Celebrating Garzone’s 50 years at Berklee, this album reflects his enduring influence and dedication to music.

Leigh Pilzer’s album “Keep Holding On,” featuring a dynamic septet, showcases her baritone saxophone talents and original compositions. The album delivers hard-bop energy reminiscent of classic organ jazz, highlighting engaging tracks like “Swinging at the Station” and “G’s Bop.” Each song radiates excitement and showcases exceptional musicianship.

Janis Siegel’s album “The Art of Vocalese” celebrates her mastery of vocalese, a jazz style rooted in storytelling and vocal harmonies. Featuring collaborations with notable musicians, the album showcases her unique vocal talent, including unrecorded lyrics by her mentor Jon Hendricks. It highlights the challenging, rhythmic nature of vocalese.

Chris Whiteman and John Toomey lead a talented quartet in their album “Live at Révelér,” featuring original compositions and jazz standards. The ensemble showcases emotional sincerity and polished talent through tracks like “The Reveler” and a captivating rendition of “Triste.” Each musician contributes significantly, creating a magical listening experience.

Vanisha Gould releases a new album, “What An Interesting Girl,” showcasing her unique musical style and storytelling through original songs. Following her hit single “Demure,” she explores themes of love and relationships through varied compositions, blending jazz and personal narratives, while collaborating with talented musicians. The album offers thought-provoking lyrics and melodic depth.

Rob Dehlinger leads The Alpha Rhythm Kings in their energetic album “Party Time,” delighting audiences with vibrant arrangements ranging from ragtime to blues. The album features imaginative covers, including a big band rendition of Prince’s “Party Man,” and showcases Dehlinger’s impressive scatting skills, celebrating America’s musical heritage.

Russell Gunn’s “Afrikan-Amerikan Book of the Dead” showcases his innovative trumpet work and profound compositions, blending jazz, funk, and spoken word. The album, despite its small font cover, powerfully addresses themes of identity and history. With original tracks and a distinctive style, Gunn invites listeners to engage deeply with his music.

The Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra, founded in 2019, celebrates the legacy of Duke Ellington and Count Basie through performances that unite professional musicians and emerging artists. Led by Todd Stoll, the orchestra’s repertoire includes classics and lesser-known pieces, fostering connections across generations and invigorating the local jazz community.

The Mambo Legends Orchestra, led by Jose Madera, returns with their first album since 2011, “No Hay Que Hablar – ‘Nuff Said!” Featuring renowned musicians and vibrant arrangements, the album revitalizes Latin music with catchy melodies and strong vocals. It’s perfect for uplifting spirits and getting listeners on their feet to dance.

Stephen Braude’s album “Big Dipper” features a collaboration with musicians from Belgrade, showcasing his talents as a composer and pianist. Despite the passing of key members, including Braude himself, the project was completed with care. The music blends various jazz styles, demonstrating beauty and emotional depth throughout the ten tracks.

The Sean Mason Trio’s album “State of the Art,” featuring lively tracks like “Secure the Bag” and “Good Day,” promotes joy and spontaneity in jazz. Mason’s approach emphasizes collective creativity, allowing each musician equal input. The integration of movement artists enhances the dynamic experience, making listeners want to dance and engage with the music.

Sullivan Fortner’s sixth album, “Leave That In There,” blends African rhythms, spiritual traditions, and personal experiences through diverse instrumentation. Featuring tracks like “Que Diablos” and “Aerobatics,” the album showcases a fusion of free jazz and traditional styles. Themes of resilience and ancestry highlight Fortner’s Gulf Southern roots, emphasizing his creative evolution.

Stefon Harris celebrates twenty years of his Blackout project with the album “Legacy Dances,” honoring the late Casey Benjamin. The album features innovative compositions blending jazz and personal tributes, including reimagined covers and original works. Harris and his ensemble highlight the richness of jazz history, community, and ancestral influences.

Alain Bradette’s album “To My Loved Ones” reflects his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and personal losses through original jazz compositions. Featuring an array of talented musicians, including Zach Muth and Tal Cohen, the album blends contemporary and traditional styles, showcasing Bradette’s saxophone skills and emotional depth in music.

DAVID BODE LIVE AT THE 2026 NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL MunckMix David Bode is a New Orleans-born saxophonist, composer and arranger.  This is his first “live” album taped at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – 2026. Bode has played this festival in the past as a sideman with various groups. It […]

“Beyond the Veil” is an avant-garde album by Jason Kruk, honoring his father. It showcases a blend of genres, featuring powerful musicianship and diverse compositions that reflect themes of growth and redemption. With a mix of funk, rock, and jazz, Kruk’s drumming and creativity stand out throughout the twelve tracks.

Michael Dease Big Band’s latest album, “The Sleeper,” highlights the compositions of Gregg Hill through remarkable arrangements. Michael Dease, an award-winning musician and educator, leads an ensemble rich with talent. Each track showcases energetic solos and a collaborative spirit, creating a captivating big band experience that celebrates musical creativity.

Josh Cohen’s album “We Are Home” features an ensemble of talented musicians from Toronto, blending diverse sounds. It reflects the essence of comfort in music, showcasing improvisation and intricate arrangements. While some pieces lack bridges, tracks like “Supernueve” and “Inner Embrace” highlight Cohen’s creative prowess and strong melodic presence.

Senri Oe’s album “Homework” showcases his talents as a pianist and composer, reflecting years of creativity influenced by his travels. The work features intricate compositions like “Stormy Day” and “Acha!” blending genres and showcasing collaboration with skilled musicians. Oe emphasizes art’s essence in life, turning obligations into enriching experiences.

Jamie Safir, a Manchester-born pianist, debuts his album “Momentism” with Chill Tone Records after a successful career as a collaborator in jazz and pop. The album highlights Safir’s original compositions, blending classical and jazz influences. Featuring talented musicians, it showcases his growth as a bandleader with engaging melodies and diverse arrangements.

Mike Dana’s album “Farther (Still)” showcases his innovative jazz vision, featuring nine beautifully arranged songs, seven of which he composed. The music blends Afro-Cuban rhythms and rich orchestrations, highlighting talented musicians like Ingrid Jensen and Tim Ries. Dana reflects on the journey of collaboration and creative growth in this homage to musical friendships.

Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous8 presented a live musical tribute to Peggy Lee at Vitello’s, featuring energetic performances and engaging storytelling. While O’Neill showcased her seasoned entertainment skills, some songs leaned towards a lively atmosphere rather than traditional jazz, leaving a desire for deeper emotional connection in ballads.

Julian Davis Reid, a renowned pianist and composer, leads his ensemble “Circle of Trust” in the album “Mercy We Need.” Featuring a blend of jazz and gospel influences, the album showcases various vocal and instrumental arrangements, including experimental takes on classic songs. Reid draws on his diverse musical background and education to create unique compositions.

Benny Green’s album “Renovation” marks his debut as a solo pianist after forty years as a jazz trio artist. Recorded live at Dizzy’s Club, it showcases his original compositions and creative interpretations of classic tunes, revealing his improvisational skills and deep musicality. The live audience’s applause reflects their appreciation for his artistry.