CD Reviews

Wayne Escoffery’s album “Alone,” featuring Ron Carter, Gerald Clayton, and Carl Allen, showcases his smooth, tenor saxophone melodies and a softer side compared to his 2023 release. The album includes bluesy originals and reinterpretations, marked by captivating solos and intimate interplay among musicians, delivering a soothing, elegant jazz experience. Release date: August 30, 2024.

Youn Sun Nah’s album “ELLES,” produced by Warner Brothers Music, showcases her diverse musical journey, from classical training in South Korea to jazz and contemporary influences from France. Collaborating with Jon Cowherd, Nah explores genres through tracks like “Feeling Good” and “Cocoon,” highlighting female composers and artists, releasing August 30, 2024.

Rose Mallett’s “Dreams Realized” showcases her unique ability to reinterpret popular songs in a jazz style, featuring a diverse repertoire and collaborations with skilled musicians. Highlights include a jazz rendition of “Ain’t Nobody,” a bluesy “Feelin’ Good,” and an emotionally charged “It’s Impossible.” Mallett’s performances convey sincere emotion and personal significance.

Annie Booth and her trio celebrate The Beatles with her latest album, “Here, There and Everywhere,” her seventh release as a bandleader. Booth, a Denver-based pianist and educator, offers unique jazz arrangements of Beatles classics, showcasing her trio’s talents. The album, emphasizing authenticity and creativity, will be available on August 30, 2024.

Jeff Coffin’s “Only the Horizon” features a myriad of talented musicians across various genres, blending contemporary jazz with African rhythms and R&B. The album is characterized by its repetitive, catchy melodies, intricate improvisations, and diverse instrumentation, providing a rich, culturally eclectic musical experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Erik Friedlander’s two-CD set, featuring “Dirty Boxing” and “Floating City,” blends jazz with unique instrumentation and dynamic energy. “Dirty Boxing” draws inspiration from Friedlander’s fascination with mixed martial arts, while “Floating City” offers a tranquil, chamber music-like experience. This collection showcases Friedlander’s versatility as a cellist and composer. Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil.

Philip Weberndoerfer’s album “Tides,” released by Shifting Paradigm Records, showcases his journey from Bavaria to New York City, inspired by a transformative encounter with guitarist Pat Martino. Featuring original compositions and performances by Dayna Stephens, Richard Mikel, and Peter Traunmueller, the album blends intricate melodies, improvisation, and blues influences.

Livio Almeida’s “Brasilia Sessions” album exudes vibrant energy, starting with crowd noises and joyful voices. Featuring impressive solos and compositions like “Sambasus,” “Partido Cerrado,” and “Brasilia Afro Samba,” the album blends samba and Afro-Samba beats. Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil, the album showcases Almeida’s tenor saxophone skill, composition prowess, and band synergy.

The album “HAMILTON DE HOLANDA & GONZALO RUBALCABA: COLLAB” by Sony Music/Brazil features Afro-Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Brazilian mandolinist Hamilton de Holanda, along with other artists. Highlighting original compositions and renowned works, the album showcases their exceptional jazz talents, masterful improvisations, and creative synergy, earning high praise for its brilliance and historic significance.

“Human Geography” by Michael Eckroth Group showcases compositions blending Latin rhythms, jazz, and African roots. Featuring vibrant percussion, improvisational piano, and energetic horns, the album highlights Eckroth’s unique style developed over a decade. The title signifies the cultural and geographical influences in the music, resulting in a refreshing fusion.

Enrico Granafei’s album “It’s Hard to Say Goodbye” showcases his multi-instrumental talent and compositions alongside contributions from renowned musicians. The album blends various genres, highlighting Granafei’s mastery of the chromatic harmonica and guitar. It features tributes to his mentor Toots Thielemans and compositions from fellow musicians, emphasizing Granafei’s innovative artistry.

IZE TRIO’s debut album, The Global Suites, blends jazz and Middle Eastern music by Chase Morrin, Naseem Alatrash, and George Lernis. Created during the COVID-19 pandemic, the album features four suites addressing social issues. Musically diverse and socially conscious, it offers unique, multicultural soundscapes and thought-provoking compositions. Special guests include John Patitucci and Farayi Malek.

Dr. Zachary Bartholomew, a renowned jazz pianist and professor at Florida Memorial University, debuts his album “Balancing Act” featuring original compositions. Accompanied by top musicians, Bartholomew blends multiple jazz genres. Tracks like “Crazy Socks” and “Hobo’s Lullaby” highlight his compositional and arranging talent, balancing varied rhythms and energies. Release date: August 2, 2024.

Jonathan Barber’s ensemble, Vision Ahead, presents their fourth studio album “In Motion,” featuring eight original compositions and two reprises. Recognized by Modern Drummer Magazine, Barber demonstrates a warm interplay of rhythm and melody. The album blends contemporary and modern jazz, showcasing Barber’s unique, complex style, distinct compositions, and instrumental harmony.

Geoffrey Keezer’s “Live at Birdland” marks his first live recording in over fifteen years, featuring John Patitucci and Clarence Penn. This album blends Keezer’s originals with compositions by his heroes, Chick Corea and Wayne Shorter. The trio’s performance highlights technical mastery and emotional depth, garnering enthusiastic audience applause.

Natalie Jacob’s album “Sooner or Later” features her vocal prowess on ten jazz standards, highlighting her versatility and ability to improvise while staying true to original compositions. Accompanied by seasoned musicians, she demonstrates command in various styles and languages, offering renditions filled with energy and emotion. Available August 2, 2024.

Alex LoRe’s album “Motivity” features a chordless trio with Thomas Morgan on bass and Johnathan Blake on drums. Influenced by Lee Konitz, LoRe’s compositions are both innovative and nostalgic. The album includes interpretations of classics and original pieces, showcasing the trio’s technical prowess and cohesive sound. Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil.

Omer Leshem’s album “PLAY SPACE,” featuring ten original compositions, showcases his cultural background and diverse influences, from Middle Eastern to European harmonies. The album, recorded with talented Israeli jazz musicians in Woodstock, New York, includes standout tracks like “Twilight Hymn,” “Take an Advil,” and “Cape Town Swag.” The music demonstrates great versatility, emotional depth, and vibrant performances. Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil.

Andy James’ album “Let Me See Your Heart,” released by LeCoq Records, features a stellar ensemble of musicians and includes fresh takes on classics like “Take Five” and “Bali Ha’i.” James’ rendition of “New York State of Mind” is unique, while original compositions show mixed lyrical quality. The album debuts on August 9, 2024.

Jason Robinson’s album “Ancestral Numbers 1” explores his family history through music, blending jazz, experimental, and popular genres. Featuring musicians like Joshua White and Drew Gress, the album includes tracks like “Second House” and “Malachi,” illustrating Robinson’s lineage. The release promises two volumes, reflecting his genealogy in 2024.

Bill Banfield’s new album “Take Time to Listen” is a solo guitar tribute inspired by his father’s advice and dedicated to his mentors, Kenny Burrell and Earl Klugh. Notable for his symphonic and operatic compositions, Banfield’s new work showcases his skillful interpretations of classic jazz, pop, and R&B pieces.

Nation Beat, led by master percussionist Scott Kettner and saxophonist Paul Carlon, crafts a unique music blend without traditional rhythm sections, using only drums and horns. Their album features influences from Brazilian and American Southern cultures, with a diverse range of compositions and guest artists. The result is an engaging and joyful listening experience.

Bruno Raberg’s new album “Evolver” by the Bruno Raberg Tentet features an ensemble blending smooth jazz with elements from Greek mythology and traditional Indian music. Each track showcases the talents of various musicians, including special guests Kris Davis and Walter Smith III. Raberg’s compositions draw on his diverse influences and rich musical experiences.

Elias Haslanger and Mike Sailors, long-time friends and jazz musicians, collaborate on an album blending bebop and blues influences. Recorded at Estuary Recording Studio in Austin, Texas, the album features original compositions and a Clifford Jordon cover. The release, praised for its energetic and soulful performances, is set for August 16, 2024.

Melinda Rose and Frenchy Romero showcase their decade-long musical partnership in their debut album “I’m On My Way.” The album features Rose’s emotive vocals and Romero’s brilliant piano techniques across various genres and includes original compositions. Their synergy, complemented by other talented musicians, delivers an engaging and memorable listening experience.

Natsuki Tamura and Jim Black’s album “NATJIM” on Libra Records is a reunion of two master musicians after 25 years, offering freewheeling, experimental music. Their improvised pieces like “Morning City” and “City of Night” explore varied themes and emotions, akin to a dynamic dialogue between trumpet and drums.

Veronica Thomas’s sophomore album, “They Say It’s Wonderful,” showcases her transition from her debut name, Nica Carrington, to her birth name. Recorded in Los Angeles with top jazz musicians, the album features twelve tracks, including standards like “Get Out of Town” and “Dindi.” John Proulx directed and accompanied her once again.

Eyal Vilner’s album “Swingin’ Uptown” vividly revives the big band music era of the 1920s to 1940s, blending six original compositions with timeless classics. Vilner, inspired by jazz dance and history, leads his ensemble with familial warmth, complemented by Imani Rousselle’s soulful vocals on tracks like “Tell Me Pretty Baby.”

Rob Parton’s Ensemble 9+ album “Relentless” features powerful, energetic performances with standout solos from a talented lineup of musicians. Highlights include a Latin spin on Freddie Hubbard’s “Straight Life,” and original compositions by Parton. The album, showcasing a mix of genres, reflects Parton’s rich musical heritage and current mentorship at UNT.

Jake Leckie’s third album, “Planter of Seeds,” showcases his compositions, featuring a quintet including guitar, piano, drums, tenor saxophone, and trombone. Melancholy and bright tunes highlight Goodfellow’s drums and Peled’s guitar prowess. The album explores themes of planting seeds for future beauty, with standout tracks like “Big Sur Jade” and “Clear Skies.”

Lakecia Benjamin’s live album “Phoenix Reimagined” captures the energy of her Brooklyn concert at “The Bunker.” Featuring compositions from her Grammy-nominated “Phoenix” album and new songs, it blends jazz with hip-hop and spoken word. Inspired by John Coltrane, Benjamin’s performance and her all-star ensemble promote peace, unity, and love through their music.

Kiki Valera’s “Vacilón Santiaguero” is a vibrant album featuring an array of talented musicians and joyous, dance-inducing tracks. With strong vocals and spirited rhythms, the music celebrates Cuban culture. Valera, a veteran of La Familia Valera Miranda, delivers an album that transcends language barriers, exuding energy and joy, reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil.