CD Reviews Jazz

“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.

Rich Halley’s latest album, “Dusk & Dawn,” features his quartet with Michael Vlatkovich, Clyde Reed, and Carson Halley. Combining original compositions with spontaneous improvisations, the album showcases their collaborative spirit and musical chemistry. The track “The Return” exemplifies their dynamic interplay, creating an engaging experimental jazz experience.

Jocelyn Gould’s “Portrait of Right Now,” featuring her ensemble, showcases her distinguished style as a contemporary jazz guitarist. This fourth album, a blend of ten tracks—eight originals—exhibits her skill and creativity, drawing influence from jazz legends. Gould’s vibrant performances on guitar elevate her significant presence in modern jazz.

Diego Rivera’s album “Ofrenda,” his seventh and fifth for Posi-Tone, explores themes from the Mexican holiday Dia De Los Muertos through ten movements. Joined by Posi-Tone’s rhythm section and trumpeter Terell Stafford, Rivera blends jazz with cultural traditions, creating a vibrant tribute that honors lost loved ones while celebrating life.

Jason Robinson’s “Ancestral Numbers II” explores his family roots through innovative music encompassing themes of mythology, immigration, and personal history. Collaborating with a talented quintet, he delivers compositions that blend playfulness with emotion, honoring ancestors while maintaining accessibility. The project reflects a deep connection to memory and community throughout its diverse pieces.

Avishai Cohen’s album Ashes to Gold captures the emotional aftermath of conflict in the Middle East. Recorded shortly after the Israeli-Gaza war, it features a five-part suite that reflects tragedy and hope, showcasing carefully composed music in contrast to previous improvisational styles. The album emphasizes the necessity of expressing profound feelings through art.

Brian Lynch’s album “7X7by7” features seven musicians and seven original seven-minute tracks, all crafted during the pandemic. This project highlights Lynch’s life experiences and musical journey, showcasing individual talents within the ensemble. Celebrating the significance of the number seven, the album is set for release on October 25, 2024.

Ben Wendel’s “Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard” showcases his eclectic style as a saxophonist and composer. Collaborating with a skilled rhythm section, Wendel delivers a dynamic collection of original compositions, blending tradition with innovation. The live performance captures a warm atmosphere, engaging the audience throughout with improvisations and thoughtful arrangements.

Mavis Pan’s album “Rising” blends classical and chamber music with touches of jazz, highlighted by intricate horn and flute solos. Born in Taiwan and trained internationally, Pan offers a varied musical background. While her compositions are classical, the jazz influence is featured in certain tracks, showcasing both complexity and emotional depth.

Naomi Moon Siegel’s album “Shatter the Glass Sanctuary” showcases her skills as a trombonist and composer, blending modern and free jazz with emotional depth. Each track offers unique instrumental arrangements, highlighted by contributions from her talented ensemble. Siegel’s work is influenced by personal experiences, reflecting a journey of emotional and cultural exploration. Her accolades affirm her innovative approach and contributions to jazz.

Michael Mayo’s sophomore album, “Fly,” embraces pure jazz, diverging from his jazz-infused R&B debut, “Bones.” Collaborating with notable jazz musicians, Mayo delivers a mix of originals and jazz classics. Highlights include scatting, vocalese, and family contributions, showcasing his vocal prowess and improvisational skill. His approach offers a rich, immediate, and soulful jazz journey.

Eric Person’s “Rhythm Edge,” originally released in 2007, has been remixed and reissued. This standout jazz album features Person’s Meta-Four Quartet, prominent guest artists, and diverse compositions, from high-energy post-bop to soulful ballads. With vibrant solos, contemporary infusion, and Person’s dynamic leadership, it underscores his prowess as a saxophonist and composer.

Teri Parker’s Free Spirits, a Toronto-based jazz group formed in 2019, pays tribute to pianists Mary Lou Williams and Geri Allen. Their album features compositions by Parker and Allen, blending jazz with diverse styles. Notable tracks include “Unconditional Love” and “Survival,” with spoken word elements exploring contemporary themes. The group showcases artistic innovation and historical influences.

Vivian Buczek’s “Le Grand Michel,” due for release on October 25th, honors Michel Legrand’s compositions, showcasing her jazz flair alongside musicians like Mathias Heise and Martin Sjöstedt. Buczek’s emotive vocals shine, especially on tracks like “The Windmills of Your Mind.” The album includes both Legrand classics and an original by Peter Asplund.

Dann Zinn’s album “Two Roads” is a testament to his resilience and musical prowess, featuring collaborations with renowned musicians like Rachel Z and Omar Hakim. Despite a hand injury that required modifications to his saxophone, Zinn delivers a diverse range of compositions. The album balances intense and sensitive musical expressions, maintaining Zinn’s commitment to his craft.

Caleb Wheeler Curtis, a versatile multi-instrumentalist, showcases his talents in two recent albums: “The True Story of Bears and the Invention of the Battery” and “Raise Four: Monk The Minimalist.” Featuring a range of saxophones and a blend of original compositions and covers, Curtis explores innovative jazz techniques, demonstrating his musicianship and distinct style.

Darius Jones, a saxophonist known for his avant-garde and experimental music, releases “Legend of e’Boi (The Hypervigilant Eye),” part of his Man’ish Boy series. This work embodies themes of Black mental health and healing, featuring a chordless saxophone trio and artistic collaborations. It’s a personal journey of overcoming trauma, highlighting Jones’ expressive horn playing and emotional depth.

Jeff Lederer’s album “Guilty!!!” offers a satirical political statement through jazz, marked by humor and intricate compositions. Addressing socio-political themes of the 2024 election year, it features chaotic electronic and instrumental elements. Emphasizing dishonest discourse, it aims to engage listeners with a live-streamed event on Election Eve, culminating in “Truth is Marching In.”

Filippo Dall’Asta, an Italian guitarist, merges modern Gypsy Jazz with unique arrangements on “The Hot Club of Tenerife” album. Featuring classic jazz standards and original compositions, the album showcases a blend of rich Romani influences and modern elements. With performances across Europe, Dall’Asta captures joyful rhythms and innovative twists in this vibrant musical collection.

In “Urban Chaos,” Nick Adema, a Canadian trombonist based in Amsterdam, explores themes of life and loss following his mother’s passing. The album features varied compositions with contributions from talented musicians, including string quartets and horns, emphasizing Adema’s trombone prowess and blending jazz with emotional depth and innovation.

Dharma Down Records’ debut album “Owl Dreams” features Duncan Hardy on alto saxophone/Qanun, Mike Effenberger on piano, Scott Kiefner on acoustic bass, and John Mettam on drums. The music blends American jazz with Middle Eastern and Eastern Asian influences, showcasing the diverse backgrounds of the musicians. The album, releasing on October 11, 2024, promises a global appeal with its original compositions.

Delfeayo Marsalis’ “Crescent City Jewels” is a vibrant big band album that celebrates New Orleans’ rich musical heritage. Featuring both veteran musicians and rising stars, the Uptown Jazz Orchestra delivers a joyful collection of songs blending jazz, R&B, and Creole influences. Highlights include Tonya Boyd-Cannon’s “Sleeping Bee” and a fresh take on “Ooh Poo Pah Doo.”

Daniel Pardo’s album “Ese Momento” features twelve boleros, blending classical melodicism, jazz sophistication, and Latin rhythms. Produced with pianist Sergio Pamies and the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, the album showcases Pardo’s versatile flute performance and highlights like “Como Fue,” “Sabor A Mi,” and “Bebo.” It reflects cultural diversity and musical mastery.

Paul Kendall’s “Live at Vic’s Jazz Loft,” featuring a mix of live and studio recordings from early 2023, showcases Kendall’s tenor saxophone alongside Marc Neely, Patrick Poladian, Roy Cumming, Rudy Petschauer, and Dan Kostelnik. Notable tracks highlight both drummer-inclusive and drum-less performances, emphasizing Kendall’s versatility and intensity in different settings.

Ben Monder’s “Planetarium” is a meticulously crafted project spanning ten years, resulting in three CDs of evocative music. It showcases a complex blend of heavenly and dark tones through layered guitars and vocal harmonies. Each disc offers unique compositions, with contributions from notable musicians, creating a profound auditory experience.

Frédéric Viale’s eighth album, “Caméléon,” showcases his unique style on the accordion through solo performance. This album blends various genres, emphasizing his jazz influence even in traditional pieces. Viale’s mastery, improvisational skills, and emotional sincerity shine through 19 tracks, including eight original compositions and creative arrangements, making it an unforgettable experience.

Satoko Fujii’s avant jazz-rock quartet releases “Dog Days of Summer,” their first album in 18 years. Featuring bassist Takeharu Hayakawa, drummer Tatsuya Yoshida, and trumpeter Natsuki Tamura, the album blends free jazz and jazz-rock with unpredictable, volcanic energy. Each track offers dynamic, adventurous explorations of rhythm and melody.

Peter Bernstein’s new album “Better Angels,” released under Smoke Sessions Records, features a talented lineup including drummer Al Foster, pianist Brad Mehldau, and bassist Vicente Archer. The album mixes Bernstein’s original compositions with classic standards, showcasing his exceptional guitar skills and the improvisational genius of the quartet. This collaborative project highlights Bernstein’s intent to capture fresh interpretations and dynamic musical interplay.

Acclaimed pianist and composer George Burton’s album “White Noise” addresses the struggles of Black people today, calling for resistance against colonialism, caste systems, and slavery. Inspired by artists like Max Roach and Kendrick Lamar, Burton combines spoken word, jazz, and electronic music. The album features various renowned musicians and aims to raise awareness and inspire reflection.

Gino Amato’s debut album “Latin Crossroads” showcases his talent as a bandleader and arranger, featuring Latin orchestrated versions of familiar songs. Collaborating with Oscar Hernandez, Amato integrates vocals, strings, and horns to deliver vibrant and emotional interpretations. The album displays a wide repertoire reflecting Amato’s diverse musical background and expertise.

The previously unreleased album “Grande-Terre” by Roy Hargrove’s band Crisol will be released on October 18, 2024, commemorating Hargrove’s 55th birthday. This Grammy-winning ensemble’s energetic studio session from 1998 captures their unique blend of jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and funk. The first single, “Priorities,” showcases their dynamic sound.

Rebecca Kilgore’s album “A Little Taste” features her seasoned vocals, paired with lush arrangements and the music of Dave Frishberg. The recording is highlighted by a talented ensemble. Kilgore’s storytelling through song, accentuated by sweeping strings and excellent musicianship, offers a swinging, easy-listening experience. The album releases October 28, 2024.

Dawn Clement, Steve Kovalcheck, and Jon Hamar form a drum-less jazz trio, presenting a nuanced blend of contemporary jazz through intricate interplay between piano, guitar, and bass. Their compositions range from soothing, moderate tempos to rhythmic Latin influences, culminating in a unique, easy-listening jazz style appreciated for its peacefulness and musical depth.

Stephane Wrembel’s “Triptych Phase 1” is part of a trilogy album showcasing three life stages. Wrembel, a master guitarist influenced by classical, rock, gypsy Romani music, and jazz, collaborates with prominent musicians like Jean-Michel Pilc. The album features original compositions and classics, highlighting Wrembel’s exceptional musical versatility and artistry.

Michael Dease’s album, “Found in Space – The Music of Gregg Hill,” showcases Hill’s compositions with a blend of genres from classical to avant-garde, featuring a talented ensemble. The work, co-produced by Hill and Dease, is highlighted by intricate arrangements, unpredictable shifts, and dynamic solos, evoking comparisons to Frank Zappa and Charles Mingus.

T.K. Blue’s latest album, “Planet Bluu” on Jaja Records, features compositions reflecting diverse Afro-diasporic influences. Comprising nine original tracks, it showcases his proficiency on multiple instruments. Highlights include “The Hue of Bluu,” “Valley of the Bluu Rose,” and “Turquoise Bluu.” Blue aims to envision a harmonious, ideal world through his music.

Caroline Davis’ “Portals, Volume 2: Returning” is a jazz album inspired by her late grandmother, poet Joan “Lady” Anson-Weber. The album features a quintet and vocalists interpreting Lady’s poetry, blending spiritual and contemporary jazz. Highlights include archival voice recordings and improvisations, offering a deeply emotional, reflective journey.

The “Run the Gauntlet” album by Kris Davis, featuring Robert Hurst and Jonathan Blake, is a tribute to six influential female pianists. Davis composed all the music, reflecting her mentors and her son’s growth. Praised for her unique style and creativity, Davis has received numerous awards and continues to innovate in jazz.

David Weiss’ album “Auteur” showcases his talents as a trumpeter, composer, and bandleader. Featuring his compositions and a spirited ensemble, the album highlights Weiss’ mastery and influences from bebop and post-bop eras. Through complex harmonies and dynamic arrangements, Weiss demonstrates his artistic vision and commitment to innovative jazz storytelling.

Micah Thomas’s album “MOUNTAINS” showcases his compositions from a 2022 residency at The Jazz Gallery, recorded over four live sets. Featuring notable jazz musicians, it aims to create a cathartic experience. Highlights include the dynamic fourteen-minute track “Life,” and pieces like “Processing,” “Libre,” and “No Answer,” which display Thomas’s innovative and boundary-pushing style.

Leslie Pintchik’s album “Prayer For What Remains” features eight original compositions and covers of Joni Mitchell’s “Banquet” and Lennon/McCartney’s “I Will.” Inspired by a poignant war photo, the music is a blend of pensive, blues-infused, and energetic tunes showcasing the talents of her quintet. The album’s vibrant cover depicts their camaraderie.

Jeff Rupert’s “It Gets Better” album showcases his warm tenor saxophone tone and features compositions blending with covers, played by an all-star band. Highlights include “Pharoah’s Daughter,” “Like Someone in Love,” and “Nowhere to Go But Up,” demonstrating skill and creative freedom, resulting in a joyful listening experience.

Anne Sajdera’s album “It’s Here” features her compositions and piano performances with a talented ensemble. Highlights include tracks like “Stella By Starlight,” “Three Color Study,” and “Bounce.” Sajdera’s compositions are well-crafted, blending various musical genres. Reviewer Dee Dee McNeil praises her exceptional piano technique and lyrical sensitivity.

Grover Washington Jr.’s new album, “Grover Live – Vol. 2,” showcases his pioneering fusion of funk and jazz. Featuring timeless tracks like “Nature Boy” and “Mister Magic,” it mirrors the essence of his earlier works. This release offers fans a nostalgic experience while celebrating Washington’s enduring influence on smooth jazz. Available September 13, 2024.

Yosef Gutman Levitt, a South African-born, Jerusalem-based bassist and composer, creates spiritually rich and soothing music. His recent albums “Why Ten?” and “Unity” showcase collaborations with artists like Gilad Hekselman and Itay Sher. These works combine jazz, Jewish liturgical melodies, and modern influences, offering a peaceful, introspective listening experience.

Danny Jonokuchi’s “A Decade” showcases his prowess as a bandleader, arranger, vocalist, and trumpeter. Featuring a stellar big band, the album includes dynamic arrangements of jazz standards and original compositions. Highlights include Jonokuchi’s smooth vocals on “This Can’t Be Love” and innovative takes on classics like “Voyage” and “On Green Dolphin Street.”

The Joel Frahm Trio’s album “Lumination,” released by Anzic Records, features Frahm on tenor saxophone, Dan Loomis on bass, and Ernesto Cervini on drums. Highlight tracks include “The Nurse is in,” “Loomie Nation,” and “Moonface Lament.” The trio showcases impressive jazz musicianship, blending melodies, rhythms, and improvisations seamlessly.