CD Reviews Jazz

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.

Gunhild Carling, known as the Swedish Queen of Jazz, leads a 13-piece big band featuring the Prague Strings Chamber Orchestra. Renowned for her multi-instrumental talents and engaging stage presence, Carling’s album “Jazz is My Lifestyle” showcases eleven of her original compositions. The project includes contributions from her family and special guest musicians.

John Fedchock’s album “Justifiably J.J.” celebrates J.J. Johnson’s centennial with masterful trombone performances and original Johnson arrangements. Fedchock’s quartet delivers energetic, live renditions of Johnson’s compositions, spotlighting each musician’s talent. This eleventh album by Fedchock showcases his phenomenal technique and warm tone, paying tribute to Johnson’s legacy in jazz.

Bryn Roberts’ debut album “Aloft” showcases the pianist’s evolution from jazz sideman to bandleader and composer. The album features Roberts on piano, Matt Penman on bass, and Quincy Davis on drums. Each track highlights the trio’s dynamic interplay, Roberts’ creative compositions, and their collective improvisational skills, establishing Roberts as a thoughtful and engaging musician.

Anders Malta, a Danish trumpeter and composer, leads the Anders Malta Almost Big Band, performing monthly at Christiania Jazz Club in Copenhagen. Their debut album features nine tracks, blending various jazz styles and showcasing Malta’s compositions and arrangements. Highlights include the “Hardbop Conversations” series and “Pelle’s Little Tune.”

Tom Johnson’s album “Time Takes Odd Turns” showcases his compositions reflecting different stages of his life. It features a jazz orchestra including guitars, piano, reeds, trumpets, and guest musicians. This project, inspired by Johnson’s lifelong dream, was recorded with IU students and Indianapolis jazz musicians and is now available to the public.

The Tobias Hoffmann Jazz Orchestra’s latest project, “Innuendo,” showcases Hoffmann’s compositions performed by diverse musical talents. The album, inspired by Queen, includes award-winning tracks like “Summer Solstice” and “No Way Back.” Hoffmann’s unique approach to mixed meter and arrangements highlight his musical creativity, leading to a highly anticipated release on September 20, 2024.

Mauricio Morales’ album “Seven Days” captures a week of his life through seven original tracks, each named after a day. Composed during a visa issue in Mexico, it highlights his bass skills, jazz fusion influences, and melodic roots. The album features impressive solos, diverse compositions, and Morales’ continual artistic growth.

The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra’s album, “Live at the Village Vanguard – Centennial: The Music of Thad Jones,” celebrates the 100th birthday of Thad Jones. This double CD features modernized big band sounds influenced by jazz legends such as Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Each disc showcases exceptional musicianship with unique arrangements, honoring Jones’s legacy.

Jimbo Ross’s album “Jazz Passion & Satin Latin” showcases his prowess on the 5-string viola, traditionally a background instrument in jazz. Leading a talented quintet, Ross brings distinctive improvisation to classics like “Delilah” and “Polka Dots & Moonbeams.” His “Bodacious Band” further explores diverse genres, emphasizing his musical virtuosity.

“Patricia Brennan’s album ‘Breaking Stretch’ blends contemporary classical with funk, salsa, and experimental jazz, reflecting her push to musical boundaries. Utilizing electronics, Brennan crafts compositions that challenge rhythmic structures. The ensemble includes notable jazz musicians, with Brennan’s vibraphone and marimba driving the experimental essence, delivering an avant-garde experience.”

Colin Fisher’s “Suns of the Heart” is an experimental jazz album where he plays all instruments, composed in collaboration with producer David Psutka. Celebrated as a versatile multi-instrumentalist from Toronto, Fisher weaves a meditative, boundary-less soundscape, blending percussion, synthesizers, and guitars to create a dynamic, ethereal musical experience.

Javon Jackson and Nikki Giovanni’s album “Javon & Nikki Go to the Movies” features a blend of Jackson’s tenor saxophone with Giovanni’s poetry. The album showcases the talents of Jackson’s band on tracks like “When the Time is Right” and “Speak Low.” Giovanni’s poetry and Jackson’s compositions create a rich, artistic synergy.

Chad McCullough’s album “In These Hills, Beyond” was recorded live at North Street Cabaret in Madison, Wisconsin, during the final phase of their tour. This seasoned ensemble, featuring pianist Bram Weijters, guitarist Dave Miller, bassist John Christensen, and drummer Kobie Watkins, showcases strong chemistry and spontaneity, with McCullough’s compositions emphasizing varied moods and tempo changes.

Andrew Wilcox, a Hartford-based pianist and composer, debuts with “Dear Mr. Hill,” an album honoring his mentors and experiences. Featuring original compositions and jazz interpretations like “Stella by Starlight,” Wilcox’s work highlights his creativity and emotional depth. Supported by veterans Avery Sharpe and Yoron Israel, this album showcases a promising talent.

Karen Stachel’s album “A Whim and a Prayer” showcases her flute performances in imaginative jazz arrangements of holiday classics. Notable tracks include “Let It Snow,” “Angels Have You Heard on High,” and “Mary Did You Know?” Featuring contributions from various skilled musicians, this album brings a festive and cozy atmosphere, perfect for winter evenings.

Jonathan Powell’s “Mambo Jazz Party” on Label Circle 9 features energetic, modern Latin jazz with dynamic arrangements by Powell. Tracks like “Juancito,” “Hope,” and “You’re Everything” showcase his prowess in blending percussive intensity, smooth jazz elements, and harmonious vocals. This lively album exemplifies Powell’s talent as an arranger, composer, and trumpeter.

Miguel Zenón’s “Golden City” is a sweeping musical suite representing San Francisco’s demographics and political evolution. Incorporating California history, the album features a brass and rhythm section nonet. Each composition, like “Sacred Land” and “Acts of Exclusion,” showcases intricate solos and cultural themes. The album launches on August 30, 2024.

Raul Midón’s album “Lost & Found” blends jazz, folk, pop, and soft rock, showcasing his multifaceted talent as a composer, singer, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist. Inspired by Stevie Wonder, Midón’s work includes powerful lyrics and impressive musical arrangements, with standout tracks like “Lost & Found,” “Next Time,” and “Ocean of Doubt.”

Catherine Russell and Sean Mason’s album “My Ideal” on Dot Time Records refreshes historic songs with modern flair. Russell’s persuasive vocals and Mason’s emotive piano create an intimate musical dialogue. The album features a blend of blues, ballads, and classic tunes, showcasing their artistry and bringing vintage music to the contemporary stage.

Neil Adler’s album “Emi’s Song” features original compositions and jazz standards, showcasing his talents on piano and chromatic harmonica. Accompanied by Jeff Buenz, Carlitos Medrano, and Akira Tana, the music blends various styles and highlights each musician’s proficiency. Notable tracks include “Bésame Mucho,” “Blues for McCoy,” and “Donna Lee.”

Jake Noble’s debut album, “Letting Go of a Dream,” tells a musical story of self-discovery in a digitized world. His quintet delivers varied tunes, but the mix often diminishes Noble’s bass presence. Inspired compositions showcase his potential, though some solos, particularly by Dominguez, could be more balanced. Noble’s journey in jazz looks promising.

Dafnis Prieto’s “3 Sides of the Coin” features compositions and arrangements by Prieto, a renowned drummer and bandleader. This album blends Latin rhythms with modern jazz, showcasing dynamic solos by band members. Highlights include imaginative piano solos by Martin Bejerano and powerful drum work from Prieto. The album releases on September 27, 2024.

Kurt Rosenwinkel’s “The Next Step Band Live at Smalls 1996,” captures a seminal moment in modern jazz, featuring dynamic performances by Rosenwinkel and his band. The album showcases his compositions and the group’s improvisational prowess. Standout tracks like “A Shifting Design” and “Use of Light” highlight the band’s energy and Rosenwinkel’s compositional strength.

Jazz vocalist Zack Foley’s album “Silent Boomer X” features an all-standard repertoire with innovative improvisation, using his voice like a saxophone. Supported by Frank Wagner on bass and C.J. Everett on drums, the trio spans three generations, reflected in the album’s title. Their chord-less arrangement is creatively engaging yet occasionally leaves the listener longing for harmonic accompaniment.

The Matt Panayides Trio’s album “With Eyes Closed,” featuring Matt Panayides on guitar, Steve LaSpina on bass, and Anthony Pinciotti on drums, highlights a shift to an acoustic approach. The album blends classic tunes with fresh arrangements, showcasing Panayides’ unique style reminiscent of jazz legends and includes notable solos by the trio.

Nestor Dimopoulos and Evgenia Karlafti, co-leaders of Music Soup, are set to release a new album on September 6, 2024. The trio, including drummer Vagelis Kotzabasis, features original compositions reflecting 1960s jazz organ trio style. Highlights include “A Day in the Park” and “Freeland.” They plan a U.S. tour.

Ann Kittredge’s “Romantic Notions” features her Broadway-like voice across a diverse selection of songs, including works by Stevie Wonder, Carole King, and Jimmy Webb. Her versatile style spans pop, country, and cabaret, with standout tracks like “I Feel the Earth Move” and “Garden.” The album showcases Kittredge’s emotional depth and exceptional enunciation, supported by talented musicians.

Dred Scott’s album, set for release on September 23, 2024, revitalizes Latin jazz classics and standards with a modern twist. Featuring vibrant arrangements and exceptional improvisations, the album highlights Scott’s piano skills, Beckham’s vibraphone, and contributions from Pavolka and Patrou. The project celebrates Latin jazz pioneers and offers an engaging, energetic listening experience.

“Live at the Speakeasy” is Augie Haas’s vibrant live recorded jazz album featuring top-tier musicians and two special guest vocalists. With a mix of original compositions and jazz standards, the album captures the raw, authentic energy of a night at a New York City jazz club, emphasizing improvisation and audience engagement.

Christopher Parnis is an emerging talent in the Canadian jazz scene, known for his power-driven leadership, composition skills, and adept bass playing. His album, featuring original compositions like “Opportunity,” “Measured Response,” and “The Cradle,” showcases his unique melodic and improvisational abilities, suggesting a bright future for the young bassist and composer.

Bria Skonberg’s album “What It Means,” reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil, is a tribute to New Orleans jazz, blending traditional and contemporary elements. Featuring standout trumpet performances and collaborative tracks with notable musicians, the album highlights Skonberg’s versatility as a vocalist, composer, and trumpeter, reminiscent of Louis Armstrong’s influence.

Michael Eaton’s album “Individuation” showcases modern jazz with experimental elements. The band features Eaton on saxophones, creating dissonant compositions with intricate improvisations. Drummer Shareef Taher shines in “Folk Song,” while Judi Silvano adds haunting vocals to “Alterpiece No. 1.” The project, composed by Eaton, spans eight years and three tours, culminating in a distinctive sound.

Greg Amirault’s album “A Change of Pace” features six original compositions and various standards, showcasing his smooth, inviting jazz guitar style. Supported by Adrian Vedady on bass and Andre White on drums, the trio innovatively reinterprets familiar tunes and original pieces. Amirault, a renowned jazz guitarist in Canada, teaches at McGill and Concordia Universities.

Elizabeth Rodriguez and Magdelys Savigne, known as OKAN, merge Afro-Cuban Santeria music with jazz fusion, creating a unique female perspective in a traditionally male-dominated genre. Their album “Okantomi by OKAN,” praised for its compelling vocals and instrumentation, features notable collaborations and has garnered critical acclaim, including NPR and CBC recognitions.

Tom Graf’s new album “Struttin’” showcases his expertise as a contemporary jazz composer, despite not performing on the production. Featuring prominent musicians like Ray Obiedo and Marc Russo, it highlights joyful and melodic tracks such as “Davis Street” and “Struttin’.” Graf’s legacy in smooth jazz continues with his eighth release.

Matt Booth, a prominent bassist from New Orleans, combines electric and upright bass on his album “Sun Prints.” Originally from Pittsburgh, Booth’s diverse music career led him to New Orleans, where he thrived in jazz. This album, featuring top musicians and styles from bebop to funk, releases August 23, 2024.