making a Scene

Full Cream is a jazz quartet featuring Greg Ward, Ziv Ravitz, Matthew Stevens, and Leo Genovese, formed from a combination of chance and planning. Their debut recording showcases inventive compositions blending various instruments and styles. Each member contributes unique soundscapes, resulting in an engaging mix of experimental and melodic pieces.

The album “Three Visitors” by Scott Colley, Edward Simon, and Brian Blade showcases their deep musical connection over three decades. Opening with Simon’s “Nostalgia,” the work features various vocalists and instrumentalists, exploring themes of visitation and influence from jazz icons. The production combines tranquility with inspiring musical dialogue.

Bassist Joe Fonda’s album “Eyes on the Horizon” honors his mentor, trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith, featuring pianist Satoko Fujii and drummer Tiziano Tomoni. Composed with Wadada’s style in mind, the pieces blend improvisation with structured ensemble passages, showcasing emotional solos and deep collaboration. The work demonstrates their rich musical histories and enduring connections.

Marie Goudy’s “Paloma Sky” features a jazz/pop quintet, showcasing her compositions and arrangements. The album blends contemporary jazz with pop influences, including notable tracks like “Cardinal in the Snow” and “Her Glory.” With strong vocals from Jocelyn Barth and impressive trumpet solos from Goudy, it highlights Goudy’s jazz roots while leaning towards pop.

Angell & Crane’s album “For the Living and the Dead” showcases a blend of indie rock, jazz, and experimental music through improvisation. Comprised of Simon Angell and Tommy Crane, their dynamic duo creates an energetic soundscapes featuring guitar, drums, and synthesizers, complemented by vocalist Sarah Rossy on select tracks.

Bill Evans’ “In Norway – The Kongsberg Concert” showcases a previously unreleased live performance from June 26, 1970. Featuring Evans on piano, Eddie Gomez on bass, and Marty Morell on drums, the trio delivers captivating arrangements and improvisations. The concert encapsulates their creative synergy, with thoughtful insight from Evans on the event’s significance.

The album “CARN DAVIDSON 9” showcases the collaborative work of musicians led by William Carn and Tara Davidson, emphasizing original compositions without chordal instruments. Notable tracks include “Fire” with Dick Oatts and the Latin-influenced Pan-American Suite. Despite minor sound engineering issues, the ensemble delivers enthusiastic performances celebrated for their horn arrangements.

The collaboration “United” features bassist Dave Holland and guitarist Lionel Loueke, linked through Herbie Hancock. Despite their different backgrounds, they create a potent musical connection. The album comprises eleven tracks blending West African influences and inventive percussive guitar. The result is a mesmerizing experience that emphasizes music’s unifying power.

Art Baden’s album, “How Much of it is Real?”, features a talented ensemble that includes tenor saxophonist Baden, bassist Jay Anderson, drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts, and vibraphonist Joe Locke. The compositions explore themes of life cycles and emotional challenges stemming from personal losses, with tracks like “Chaotic Neutral” and “Animal Intelligence” showcasing deep creativity during turbulent times.

Phil Haynes’ trio, Duke & Strays, showcases their latest album, Day Dream, blending traditional jazz with modernist elements of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Featuring a mix of well-known and obscure tracks, the trio’s unique style combines playful spontaneity with delicate interpretations, highlighting resilience and artistry from its seasoned members.

Diana Panton’s “Soft Winds and Roses” features her smooth vocals covering pop classics. With a blend of familiar tunes like “Your Song” and intimate arrangements, she showcases her emotional depth. Despite being labeled a jazz singer, her repertoire leans towards pop, reflecting her strong fan base and numerous accolades.

Andrew Hill Sextet Plus Ten’s “A Beautiful Day, Revisited” showcases Andrew Hill’s genius through enhanced live recordings from his Birdland performances in 2002. The double disc features original compositions and improvisational depth, highlighting Hill’s legacy in modern jazz and his exceptional skills as a composer and pianist.

Kristin Korb’s album “Sweet Dreams” creatively reinterprets Eurythmics’ songs through jazz arrangements, showcasing her talents as a bassist, vocalist, and arranger. Drawing inspiration from fan favorites and Eurythmics’ catalog, Korb transforms iconic tracks into captivating jazz pieces, celebrating both the original music and her own artistry in a male-dominated genre.

Maria Schafer’s album “Here For You” showcases her jazzy compositions, including original songs and arrangements. Accompanied by talented musicians, the album features lively tracks like “You Said It” and “Release Me.” Schafer, an emerging vocalist and songwriter, continues to impress with her creativity and unique style, promising a bright future in music.

The Visions Jazz Ensemble, led by Sam Butler and Garrett Fasig, presents a unique album featuring modern jazz arrangements of college fight songs. With notable contributions from musicians like Wycliffe Gordon, the project blends historical melodies with contemporary jazz, showcasing the evolution of the genre while celebrating its roots.

Randy Hoexter’s album “Tomorrowsville” showcases contemporary jazz with classical influences, featuring a talented ensemble. Notable tracks include “Rosetta Stone,” blending North African rhythms, and “The Dragonfly,” evoking flight. Hoexter’s tribute to Horace Silver, “Argentum,” shines with intricate horn lines, while “Diaspora” and “Particle Accelerator” emphasize rhythmic vitality and hope.