CD Reviews

Pete Rodriguez’s debut album, “I’m Pete Rodriguez Vol. 1,” showcases his fierce identity and musical prowess as a trumpeter and composer. It features nine original tracks blending defiance, empathy, and personal reflections, addressing his struggles as a son of a salsero, military veteran, and educator. The quintet’s collaboration highlights diverse compositions and emotional depth.

Samara Joy’s album “Portrait” showcases her vocal talent and lyricism, featuring a mix of Latin arrangements and innovative compositions. Her unique approach shines through in tracks like “Reincarnation of A Lovebird.” The album highlights her growth as an artist, revealed by heartfelt lyrics and collaborative energy with her skilled band.

Dwayne Clemons’ album “Center of Gravity: Live at Smalls” features a talented ensemble celebrating his three-decade connection to Smalls club. His early musical influences shaped his journey, leading to a tumultuous past, including prison time. Now based in Copenhagen, this album showcases his exceptional talent in a heartfelt homecoming.

Edison Herbert’s album “All I Need” features a blend of original compositions and covers, including “My Cherie Amour.” The smooth jazz style showcases Herbert’s guitar prowess but lacks a strong drumming backbone. While the original tracks are engaging, a more supportive production could elevate Herbert’s notable talent further.

Thollem McDonas’s album “Infinite-Sum Game,” a solo piano performance recorded live in Palermo, celebrates his eclectic musical journey. Spanning 60 minutes, it blends classical, jazz, and experimental genres, showcasing dynamic comprovisations. Each piece explores varied emotions and techniques, culminating in a thrilling auditory adventure that highlights McDonas’s unique approach to music.

Geof Bradfield’s tenth album, “Colossal Abundance,” features a 12-piece ensemble performing his original compositions alongside works by jazz greats. Drawing inspiration from the mbira music of Zimbabwe, Bradfield incorporates African rhythms and spiritual themes, showcasing his mastery of woodwinds. The album blends cultural richness with imaginative arrangements, reflecting deep musical exploration.

“Sanctuary,” the second co-led album by violinist Jason Anick and pianist Jason Yeager, blends European classical and American jazz, reflecting personal evolution during chaotic times. The duo authored half the tracks, showcasing creativity and emotional depth. Featuring talented musicians, the album strikes a compelling balance between sensitivity and vibrant improvisation.

Randy Ingram’s trio album, “Aries Dance,” showcases his melodic and harmonic prowess alongside bassist Drew Gress and drummer Billy Hart. The album features subtle compositions influenced by notable pianists and incorporates Brazilian and Portuguese elements. With thoughtful interpretations of standards, Ingram delivers a captivating listening experience that stands out in the genre.

Swedish trumpeter Erik Palmberg’s new CD “Faces” has topped Sweden’s jazz charts, showcasing the quartet’s strong musical connection since 2018. The album features original compositions, blending various styles. With standout performances from each member, it highlights Palmberg’s unique voice in jazz, though some tracks lack rhythmic drive.

Steve Coleman and Five Elements’ album PolyTropos/Of Many Turns showcases an extraordinary level of improvisation and interconnectivity within the band. Their unique setup fosters intense communication, allowing for spontaneous creativity rooted in various musical styles. Inspired by diverse concepts, Coleman’s work presents a fresh, accessible approach to avant-garde jazz, defining their sound.

Ben Waltzer’s “The Point” marks his return as a leader in Chicago’s vibrant jazz scene after moving from New York. Joined by Geof Bradfield, Clark Sommers, and Dana Hall, the album features original compositions and inventive arrangements. Each track blends melody and emotion, showcasing the quartet’s talent and chemistry.

Kevin Sun’s “Quartets” features two distinct CDs showcasing his versatility as a saxophonist. Recorded in 2022 and 2023, each disc presents different quartets and compositions, blending intricate rhythms and melodies. While the first disc offers greater cohesion, both demonstrate Sun’s creative evolution and solidify his prominent position in contemporary jazz.

Sahara von Hattenberger’s double album “1Q84” showcases exceptional chamber music featuring a talented trio with Joanne Kang on piano, Adrian Vedady on bass, and Jim Doxas on drums. The album merges jazz and classical elements, celebrating themes of change and resilience, while also reflecting on contemporary challenges and hope.

Tenor saxophonist Ohad Talmor releases “Back to the Land,” a double album featuring unreleased Ornette Coleman pieces from discovered rehearsal tapes, mixed with fourteen of Talmor’s original works. The project showcases various ensemble configurations and innovative interpretations, marking a significant milestone in Talmor’s career and likely making its mark on year-end best lists.

Steve Sieck’s album, “Crazy That Way,” showcases his songwriting talent and versatile style, blending jazz, pop, and R&B influences. Produced by Dori Amarilio, it features original songs with relatable lyrics and emotional storytelling. Highlights include the Brazilian-influenced “The Mystery of Love” and the humorous title track, reflecting Sieck’s creative depth.

Courtney Cutchins’ debut album, Grunge to Grace, creatively fuses jazz with grunge influences from her youth, particularly reflecting her Seattle roots. Featuring notable musicians, Cutchins presents three grunge covers alongside six originals, showcasing her vocal prowess and emotional depth. Her work emphasizes self-discovery, offering both hope and authenticity through music.

“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.”