making a Scene

Margaret Slovak and Chris Maresh create soothing music with nylon string guitar and acoustic bass, emphasizing harmony and warmth. Their album features traditional holiday tunes alongside unique arrangements, aiming to provide comfort and peace. The duo’s synergy offers a fresh interpretation of familiar songs, making it perfect for seasonal gatherings.

Zach Adleman’s debut album features a talented ensemble with Adleman on drums and composition, producing a blend of powerful melodies and grooves. The tracks reflect personal narratives and landscapes, showcasing improvisation and instrumental highlights. With compelling arrangements, the album is a testament to excellence in contemporary jazz.

The Joymakers’ album “Down Where the Bluebonnets Grow” showcases a vibrant blend of New Orleans jazz, traditional jazz, and bluegrass influences. Musicians like Colin Hancock and Lauryn Gould deliver lively performances, recalling the nostalgic sounds of the 1920s and 1930s. The music is joyful and engaging, providing a fresh appreciation for this under-recorded genre.

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.