Every week our staff of CD Reviewers bring you the best in Independent CD releases. Making a Scene is considered the number 1 resource for the independent musician and the fans that love them.
McKenna Moonah Blues Duo, comprised of Canadian musicians Mike McKenna and Jay Moonah, releases their new album “Breaking News.” The duo, also restaurateurs, showcases their talent with a mix of bluesy tracks and engaging lyrics. Both are Maple Blues Award nominees, delivering an EP that promises to captivate listeners.
Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra releases “Mundoagua- Celebrating Carla Bley,” an album honoring his mentor. It includes three movements addressing global crises, climate issues, and the corrupt politics surrounding water. The work reflects O’Farrill’s commitment to social commentary through music, alongside a tribute to Bley’s final composition, “Blue Palestine.”
Massy Ferguson’s seventh album, “You Can’t Tell Me I’m Not What I Used to Be,” showcases a departure from their traditional sound, blending lush instrumentation with layers and textures. Produced by Damien Jurado, the album features both familiar heartland rock and riskier psychedelic elements, resulting in an uneven but adventurous collection of songs.
Omar Thomas presents “Griot Songs,” a project with his Large Ensemble that celebrates storytelling through music. Featuring original compositions and tributes, it showcases his classical training and contemporary jazz influences. Notably recognized with numerous accolades, Thomas’ album is set for release on February 7th, coinciding with Black History Month.
Mark “Muleman” Massey, a Mississippi native and former Parchman prisoner, transitioned from incarceration to music, playing alongside blues legends. His new album “Been A Long, Long Time” features original songs and classic covers, showcasing his talent and experiences. Recognized by the Library of Congress, he continues inspiring others through music.
Tommy Castro & The Painkillers’ album “Closer to the Bone” showcases a blend of blues, R&B, and rock, featuring ten covers and four originals. Castro demonstrates his dynamism as a vocalist and guitarist, aided by notable guests. This album is poised to delight blues enthusiasts, encouraging a jubilant response.
Matt “The Rattlesnake” Lesch’s sophomore album, “Blues Cut Like Glass,” follows his debut “Furious Strike.” Written and arranged by Lesch, the album features a mix of original songs showcasing his blues guitar skills. Recorded at Blue Lotus Studio, it highlights various collaborations and includes heartfelt performances, making it highly recommended.
Joe Elefante’s album “Wheel of Dharma” marks his return to the jazz scene after a long hiatus. Following personal tragedy, Elefante, along with talented musicians, showcases his passion through original compositions. The album reflects his journey, creativity, and tribute to his late wife, featuring memorable tracks like “Bad Dancing” and “The One Who Knows.”
The Dan Pitt Quintet’s album “Horizontal Depths” showcases an innovative blend of genres, merging jazz, rock, and folk. Featuring powerful electric guitar and expressive saxophone solos, each composition highlights Pitt’s artistic growth since 2019. The music often balances structured arrangements with improvisational potential, exploring themes of depth and motion.
Joe McPhee revives the essence of free jazz poetry, echoing legends like Ken Nordine. A key figure in NYC’s ’70s scene, McPhee blends spoken word and music, reflecting on myriad experiences, cultures, and societal issues. His recent works include poetry-focused albums and memoirs, demonstrating his enduring artistic exploration and vibrant creativity.
Jason Palmer’s “The Cross Over: Live in Brooklyn” features a stellar band, including Mark Turner and Larry Grenadier, showcasing Palmer’s talents as a composer. The album opens with “Budgets Are Moral Documents” and includes a tribute to Fannie Lou Hamer. Recognized for his unique sound, Palmer inspires and excites listeners.
Jerry Kalaf’s album “Safe Travels” blends jazz and chamber music, featuring compositions by Kalaf accompanied by a string quartet. Each track evokes personal memories, skillfully integrating lush arrangements and complex rhythms. Notable pieces include “263 Beacon” and “Bailing,” showcasing collaboration with musicians like Tom Ranier and Trey Henry, enhancing the album’s melodic richness.
The quartet known as “The Fury,” featuring renowned jazz musicians Mark Turner, Lage Lund, Matt Brewer, and Tyshawn Sorey, showcases their talents in a live performance in Brooklyn. Their music blends intricate compositions and impressive solos, reflecting their passion for jazz. The album highlights their individual artistry and collaborative spirit.
Guitarist and composer Jackson Potter’s sophomore album “Small Things” showcases his original works and jazz standards, highlighting his musical lineage and education. Collaborating with talented musicians, the album balances traditional jazz with adventurous styles. Potter’s standout compositions reflect his skill, making him a notable emerging talent in the jazz scene.
Mark Scott III’s debut album “Soft Light” features eleven self-composed tracks performed by his jazz trio. The music reflects his journey from rock to jazz, showcasing inventive solos and a mix of grooves. Influenced by Coltrane and Metheny, Scott, a Texas native, also teaches at Tarleton State University.
Steve Howell’s ninth album, “Yeah Man,” features a blend of country blues and timeless pop tunes, showcasing his fingerpicking prowess alongside The Mighty Men band. Howell revitalizes forgotten songs, emphasizing their emotional depth. The album includes tracks like “Long Lonesome Blues” and “20% Alcohol,” reflecting Howell’s roots in Southern acoustic blues and jazz traditions.
Rick Roe leads a trio of Detroit musicians, including Grammy winner Robert Hurst and drummer Nate Winn, in a tribute to Lansing composer Gregg Hill. Their performances highlight Hill’s well-crafted compositions, blending jazz and gospel influences. Each musician showcases their talent, creating a refreshing sound that resonates with both emotion and creativity.
Jennifer Porter, an acclaimed musician and actress, showcases her versatility in “Sun Come and Shine Redux.” Featuring enhanced tracks and a blend of styles from jazz to blues, the album highlights Porter’s exceptional vocals and songwriting. With collaborations from talented musicians, the project illustrates her poetic reflections and celebrates her roots in music.
Satoko Fujii’s “Altitude 1100 Meters” marks her first composition for string ensemble, capturing her experience in Japan’s mountains. The five-part suite blends gorgeous melodies with her trademark intensity, showcasing unique sounds and collaborative improvisation among Japanese musicians. The album reflects Fujii’s innovative approach and profound emotional atmosphere.
Eldad Tarmu’s “Silver on Aluminum” celebrates Horace Silver’s compositions through innovative arrangements for a vibraphone, bass, and drum trio. Featuring talented musicians, the album highlights Tarmu’s vibraphone skills, especially in tracks like “No Smokin’” and “Gregory is Here,” showcasing their energetic performances and musicianship.
Lucero’s latest release, “Unplugged: Liberty & Lament,” features acoustic renditions of 20 songs by frontman Ben Nichols and pianist Rick Steff. The double LP showcases a mix of popular and obscure tracks, highlighting Steff’s captivating piano work alongside Nichols’ emotive vocals. While the uniformity may feel repetitive, several standout pieces capture the band’s essence.
Joe Alterman’s album “Brisket for Breakfast” features Houston Person on tenor saxophone, showcasing a blend of bluesy jazz tunes performed live with an Atlanta-based trio. The album includes seven familiar songs, celebrated for Alterman’s dynamic piano and Person’s smooth saxophone. Their collaboration highlights deep musical chemistry and soulful performances.
Bob Corritore’s “Doin’ The Shout!” is his twenty-first album and features new recordings from 2023-2024. Collaborating with various artists, the album includes diverse tracks showcasing his exceptional harmonica skills. With a vibrant sound and masterful performances, it promises to be a notable addition to the blues genre.
Cédric Hanriot’s project “Time is Color/A Luminous World” blends jazz, funk, and soul, reflecting themes of spirituality and quantum physics through dynamic compositions. Featuring a diverse lineup, the music combines original pieces with spoken word elements, creating a unique sound that transcends genres while emphasizing emotional expression and creativity.
Jimmy Vivino, known for his role as Conan O’Brien’s musical director, has released a new album, “Gonna Be 2 Of Those Days,” showcasing his songwriting talent. The album features notable collaborations and a mix of blues influences. Rich Pagano co-produced this collection, highlighting Vivino’s diverse musical journey from television to live performances.
Stefan Smulovitz’s album “Bow & Brush: 12 Scores of Nadina Tandy” showcases an innovative collaboration with visual artist Nadina Tandy. Featuring twelve compositions, Smulovitz integrates diverse sounds, including violin and electronic elements, creating rich, evocative landscapes. The album package includes Tandy’s artwork, enhancing the immersive artistic experience.
Doug MacDonald, a prolific Southern California jazz guitarist, presents his latest album featuring Latin and Afro-Cuban arrangements of jazz standards. Alongside talented musicians, he showcases original compositions and innovative arrangements, transforming classic tunes like “Prisoner of Love.” The album highlights MacDonald’s unique sound and strong rhythmic foundation, driven by skilled pianist Bill Cantos and bassist Hussain Jiffry.
Judy Wexler’s seventh album, “No Wonder,” takes a fresh approach to the Great American Songbook, featuring collaborations with longtime pianist Jeff Collela and a talented ensemble. The album blends jazz with pop, folk, and rock influences, showcasing Wexler’s emotional storytelling and nuanced vocal interpretations across various standards and lesser-known songs.
Dayna Stephens’ album “Hopium,” set for release on February 7, 2025, blends hope and reality through seven original compositions. Featuring a quintet, the music navigates emotions of optimism and disillusionment. Each track showcases Stephens’ saxophones and the contributions of talented collaborators, culminating in an engaging exploration of life’s uncertainties.
John Mailander’s album “Forecast: Let the World In” showcases a genreless blend of mostly instrumental, improvised music featuring violin, keys, and various instruments. The collection, designed as a continuous suite, offers exploration through cinematic compositions. Highlights include “Heartland” and a cover of Nick Drake’s “Road,” blending earthiness with otherworldly sounds.
The collection “Peace” celebrates the late Frank Bey’s music, featuring eleven tracks mostly recorded with his longtime collaborators. Notably, it includes covers of classics like “Change Is Gonna Come” and “Imagine.” Bey’s powerful live performances are remembered fondly, while Sallie Bengston’s efforts revitalize his legacy for newer audiences.
Sullivan Fortner’s latest album, “Southern Nights,” features his vibrant piano work alongside bassist Peter Washington and drummer Marcus Gilmore. The recording showcases an eclectic mix of live jazz without edits, highlighting Fortner’s artistry and New Orleans heritage. The album promises an engaging experience, set for release on February 14, 2025.
Charles “Wigg” Walker, an octogenarian soul artist, releases his first album in over a decade, “This Love Is Gonna Last.” Despite the challenges of the music industry, the album showcases his versatility in soul, R&B, and ballads. Walker’s deep emotional connection to the music, especially after losing his wife, stands out as he delivers genuine soul that resonates with audiences.
Larkin Poe’s seventh album, Bloom, showcases the Lovell sisters’ evolution from bluegrass prodigies to masters of a signature roots-rock sound infused with blues and pop elements. Entirely self-produced, the album features dynamic tracks like “Mockingbird” and “Easy Love Pt. 1,” highlighting their songwriting prowess, vocal harmony, and instrumental versatility.
Christopher Whitley’s album “Almost as Soft as Silence” showcases his solo violin talent and innovative composition skills using a historical Stradivari instrument. The spontaneous vignettes explore free improvisation, blending acoustic and electronic elements. Whitley’s expressive performances reveal his deep musical expertise, offering captivating and emotionally resonant soundscapes.
Thomas Marriott’s album “Screen Time” features nine tracks combining arrangements of TV shows and movies alongside original pieces. Collaborating with prominent musicians, Marriott showcases a range of styles from energetic swing to mellow ballads, delivering captivating trumpet performances. The album reflects his recent accolades and contribution to Seattle’s jazz scene.
Jacopo Ferrazza’s album “Prometheus,” featuring a 5tet ensemble, blends jazz, rock, classical, and chamber music into a compelling soundscape. It begins with a prologue and original compositions like “The Cave,” showcasing each musician’s role in narrating the Prometheus myth. The album is set for release on January 24, 2025.
Marianne Solivan’s fifth album, “Break’s Over,” showcases her impressive vocal talent alongside musicians like Buster Williams, Brandon McCune, and Jay Sawyer. Blending standards and original pieces, Solivan demonstrates emotional depth and adaptability. With a background in jazz education and collaborations with top artists, she’s a notable figure in the jazz scene.
Dan Fortin’s “Cannon” is an evocative experimental jazz album featuring a range of talented musicians. Since his 2015 debut, Fortin has captivated with his unique blend of electric and double bass, synthesizers, and avant-garde influences. The collaborative compositions invite listeners to explore innovative soundscapes, challenging and rewarding their imagination.
Erik Jekabson’s album “Breakthrough” blends chamber orchestra and jazz, showcasing a unique fusion with 15 musicians. The music, influenced by minimalist composers, features expressive trumpet solos and highlights various instruments. Each track presents engaging twists, ultimately creating a landmark work that elevates the combination of classical and jazz genres.
Eugenie Jones, a Seattle-based vocalist and songwriter, releases her self-titled album, showcasing six original songs and seven covers. Collaborating with notable musicians, Jones blends various genres while honoring African American songwriting traditions. Her dynamic performances emphasize impressive vocal control and emotional depth, marking a significant evolution from her previous work, “Players.”
Macha Gharibian, an Armenian singer and composer, blends various cultural influences in her album “Phenomenal Women,” inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem. With a trio featuring female vocalists, Gharibian explores themes of empowerment through diverse musical styles, including African chants and reggae, while reflecting on her heritage and personal experiences.
The album “Some Days Are Better – The Lost Scores” celebrates Kenny Wheeler’s music, coinciding with what would have been his 95th birthday. Featuring performances by the Royal Academy of Music Jazz Orchestra and Frost Jazz Orchestra, it revives his previously unheard work from the 1970s, showcasing his creative evolution as a composer and musician.
Antoine Cara’s album “Status Quo” showcases a collaboration of elite musicians in a high-energy jazz fusion style, blending funk, Latin jazz, and pop. Despite its captivating rhythms and vibrant solos, some tracks reveal a repetitive quality. Cara’s intent was to create feel-good music that breaks creative loops.
Mafalda Minnozzi’s fourth jazz album for the US market showcases her joyful soprano vocals, accompanied by Paul Ricci’s guitar and a talented ensemble of Brazilian musicians. With a blend of pop and Latin influences, Minnozzi’s unique approach to scat singing and emotional delivery contribute to a captivating musical experience.
Big Al and The Heavyweights, hailing from South Louisiana, release their eighth album “Blues Power” after the loss of keyboardist Wayne Lohr, returning to their original lineup. The album features energetic tracks blending blues, funk, and zydeco, showcasing new members’ contributions. It captures the essence of American Roots music, inviting listeners to celebrate and enjoy.
Eldritch Priest, a Vancouver-based composer and guitarist, blends improvisational techniques and experimental jazz in his solo album “Dormitive Virtue.” With a focus on freedom of expression and unique compositions, Priest has gained recognition for his innovative performances and insightful writings on music. His work challenges listeners’ perceptions of sound and creativity.
John Calvin’s album “Greener Fields & Fairer Seas” reflects his journey of growth and resilience following personal losses and societal injustices. It features poetic lyrics emphasizing kindness amid adversity, blending various musical influences. Produced during the pandemic, the album delivers heartfelt emotions, addressing themes of mortality, parenthood, and universal experiences with death.
Petra Onderuf, a Slovakian violinist and composer, explores unique musical expressions in her jazz project “An Odd Time of Day.” With influences from her cultural roots, she blends classical techniques and improvisation. The album showcases her original compositions, featuring captivating arrangements and performances by distinguished musicians, creating a rich auditory experience.
“Forq’s” album “Big Party” showcases funk and fusion through a collaborative effort of skilled improvisers led by keyboardist Henry Hey. Known for eclectic influences, the group blends various genres, including reggae and blues. Featuring energetic performances and innovative arrangements, this album offers a vibrant musical journey perfect for fans of rhythm-driven music.
