making a Scene

Dharma Down Records’ debut album “Owl Dreams” features Duncan Hardy on alto saxophone/Qanun, Mike Effenberger on piano, Scott Kiefner on acoustic bass, and John Mettam on drums. The music blends American jazz with Middle Eastern and Eastern Asian influences, showcasing the diverse backgrounds of the musicians. The album, releasing on October 11, 2024, promises a global appeal with its original compositions.

Delfeayo Marsalis’ “Crescent City Jewels” is a vibrant big band album that celebrates New Orleans’ rich musical heritage. Featuring both veteran musicians and rising stars, the Uptown Jazz Orchestra delivers a joyful collection of songs blending jazz, R&B, and Creole influences. Highlights include Tonya Boyd-Cannon’s “Sleeping Bee” and a fresh take on “Ooh Poo Pah Doo.”

Daniel Pardo’s album “Ese Momento” features twelve boleros, blending classical melodicism, jazz sophistication, and Latin rhythms. Produced with pianist Sergio Pamies and the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, the album showcases Pardo’s versatile flute performance and highlights like “Como Fue,” “Sabor A Mi,” and “Bebo.” It reflects cultural diversity and musical mastery.

Paul Kendall’s “Live at Vic’s Jazz Loft,” featuring a mix of live and studio recordings from early 2023, showcases Kendall’s tenor saxophone alongside Marc Neely, Patrick Poladian, Roy Cumming, Rudy Petschauer, and Dan Kostelnik. Notable tracks highlight both drummer-inclusive and drum-less performances, emphasizing Kendall’s versatility and intensity in different settings.

Ben Monder’s “Planetarium” is a meticulously crafted project spanning ten years, resulting in three CDs of evocative music. It showcases a complex blend of heavenly and dark tones through layered guitars and vocal harmonies. Each disc offers unique compositions, with contributions from notable musicians, creating a profound auditory experience.

Frédéric Viale’s eighth album, “Caméléon,” showcases his unique style on the accordion through solo performance. This album blends various genres, emphasizing his jazz influence even in traditional pieces. Viale’s mastery, improvisational skills, and emotional sincerity shine through 19 tracks, including eight original compositions and creative arrangements, making it an unforgettable experience.

Satoko Fujii’s avant jazz-rock quartet releases “Dog Days of Summer,” their first album in 18 years. Featuring bassist Takeharu Hayakawa, drummer Tatsuya Yoshida, and trumpeter Natsuki Tamura, the album blends free jazz and jazz-rock with unpredictable, volcanic energy. Each track offers dynamic, adventurous explorations of rhythm and melody.

Peter Bernstein’s new album “Better Angels,” released under Smoke Sessions Records, features a talented lineup including drummer Al Foster, pianist Brad Mehldau, and bassist Vicente Archer. The album mixes Bernstein’s original compositions with classic standards, showcasing his exceptional guitar skills and the improvisational genius of the quartet. This collaborative project highlights Bernstein’s intent to capture fresh interpretations and dynamic musical interplay.

Acclaimed pianist and composer George Burton’s album “White Noise” addresses the struggles of Black people today, calling for resistance against colonialism, caste systems, and slavery. Inspired by artists like Max Roach and Kendrick Lamar, Burton combines spoken word, jazz, and electronic music. The album features various renowned musicians and aims to raise awareness and inspire reflection.

Gino Amato’s debut album “Latin Crossroads” showcases his talent as a bandleader and arranger, featuring Latin orchestrated versions of familiar songs. Collaborating with Oscar Hernandez, Amato integrates vocals, strings, and horns to deliver vibrant and emotional interpretations. The album displays a wide repertoire reflecting Amato’s diverse musical background and expertise.

The previously unreleased album “Grande-Terre” by Roy Hargrove’s band Crisol will be released on October 18, 2024, commemorating Hargrove’s 55th birthday. This Grammy-winning ensemble’s energetic studio session from 1998 captures their unique blend of jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and funk. The first single, “Priorities,” showcases their dynamic sound.

Rebecca Kilgore’s album “A Little Taste” features her seasoned vocals, paired with lush arrangements and the music of Dave Frishberg. The recording is highlighted by a talented ensemble. Kilgore’s storytelling through song, accentuated by sweeping strings and excellent musicianship, offers a swinging, easy-listening experience. The album releases October 28, 2024.

Dawn Clement, Steve Kovalcheck, and Jon Hamar form a drum-less jazz trio, presenting a nuanced blend of contemporary jazz through intricate interplay between piano, guitar, and bass. Their compositions range from soothing, moderate tempos to rhythmic Latin influences, culminating in a unique, easy-listening jazz style appreciated for its peacefulness and musical depth.

Stephane Wrembel’s “Triptych Phase 1” is part of a trilogy album showcasing three life stages. Wrembel, a master guitarist influenced by classical, rock, gypsy Romani music, and jazz, collaborates with prominent musicians like Jean-Michel Pilc. The album features original compositions and classics, highlighting Wrembel’s exceptional musical versatility and artistry.

Michael Dease’s album, “Found in Space – The Music of Gregg Hill,” showcases Hill’s compositions with a blend of genres from classical to avant-garde, featuring a talented ensemble. The work, co-produced by Hill and Dease, is highlighted by intricate arrangements, unpredictable shifts, and dynamic solos, evoking comparisons to Frank Zappa and Charles Mingus.

T.K. Blue’s latest album, “Planet Bluu” on Jaja Records, features compositions reflecting diverse Afro-diasporic influences. Comprising nine original tracks, it showcases his proficiency on multiple instruments. Highlights include “The Hue of Bluu,” “Valley of the Bluu Rose,” and “Turquoise Bluu.” Blue aims to envision a harmonious, ideal world through his music.

Caroline Davis’ “Portals, Volume 2: Returning” is a jazz album inspired by her late grandmother, poet Joan “Lady” Anson-Weber. The album features a quintet and vocalists interpreting Lady’s poetry, blending spiritual and contemporary jazz. Highlights include archival voice recordings and improvisations, offering a deeply emotional, reflective journey.

The “Run the Gauntlet” album by Kris Davis, featuring Robert Hurst and Jonathan Blake, is a tribute to six influential female pianists. Davis composed all the music, reflecting her mentors and her son’s growth. Praised for her unique style and creativity, Davis has received numerous awards and continues to innovate in jazz.

David Weiss’ album “Auteur” showcases his talents as a trumpeter, composer, and bandleader. Featuring his compositions and a spirited ensemble, the album highlights Weiss’ mastery and influences from bebop and post-bop eras. Through complex harmonies and dynamic arrangements, Weiss demonstrates his artistic vision and commitment to innovative jazz storytelling.

Micah Thomas’s album “MOUNTAINS” showcases his compositions from a 2022 residency at The Jazz Gallery, recorded over four live sets. Featuring notable jazz musicians, it aims to create a cathartic experience. Highlights include the dynamic fourteen-minute track “Life,” and pieces like “Processing,” “Libre,” and “No Answer,” which display Thomas’s innovative and boundary-pushing style.

Leslie Pintchik’s album “Prayer For What Remains” features eight original compositions and covers of Joni Mitchell’s “Banquet” and Lennon/McCartney’s “I Will.” Inspired by a poignant war photo, the music is a blend of pensive, blues-infused, and energetic tunes showcasing the talents of her quintet. The album’s vibrant cover depicts their camaraderie.

Jeff Rupert’s “It Gets Better” album showcases his warm tenor saxophone tone and features compositions blending with covers, played by an all-star band. Highlights include “Pharoah’s Daughter,” “Like Someone in Love,” and “Nowhere to Go But Up,” demonstrating skill and creative freedom, resulting in a joyful listening experience.

Anne Sajdera’s album “It’s Here” features her compositions and piano performances with a talented ensemble. Highlights include tracks like “Stella By Starlight,” “Three Color Study,” and “Bounce.” Sajdera’s compositions are well-crafted, blending various musical genres. Reviewer Dee Dee McNeil praises her exceptional piano technique and lyrical sensitivity.