making a Scene

Colin Fisher’s “Suns of the Heart” is an experimental jazz album where he plays all instruments, composed in collaboration with producer David Psutka. Celebrated as a versatile multi-instrumentalist from Toronto, Fisher weaves a meditative, boundary-less soundscape, blending percussion, synthesizers, and guitars to create a dynamic, ethereal musical experience.

Javon Jackson and Nikki Giovanni’s album “Javon & Nikki Go to the Movies” features a blend of Jackson’s tenor saxophone with Giovanni’s poetry. The album showcases the talents of Jackson’s band on tracks like “When the Time is Right” and “Speak Low.” Giovanni’s poetry and Jackson’s compositions create a rich, artistic synergy.

Chad McCullough’s album “In These Hills, Beyond” was recorded live at North Street Cabaret in Madison, Wisconsin, during the final phase of their tour. This seasoned ensemble, featuring pianist Bram Weijters, guitarist Dave Miller, bassist John Christensen, and drummer Kobie Watkins, showcases strong chemistry and spontaneity, with McCullough’s compositions emphasizing varied moods and tempo changes.

Andrew Wilcox, a Hartford-based pianist and composer, debuts with “Dear Mr. Hill,” an album honoring his mentors and experiences. Featuring original compositions and jazz interpretations like “Stella by Starlight,” Wilcox’s work highlights his creativity and emotional depth. Supported by veterans Avery Sharpe and Yoron Israel, this album showcases a promising talent.

Karen Stachel’s album “A Whim and a Prayer” showcases her flute performances in imaginative jazz arrangements of holiday classics. Notable tracks include “Let It Snow,” “Angels Have You Heard on High,” and “Mary Did You Know?” Featuring contributions from various skilled musicians, this album brings a festive and cozy atmosphere, perfect for winter evenings.

Jonathan Powell’s “Mambo Jazz Party” on Label Circle 9 features energetic, modern Latin jazz with dynamic arrangements by Powell. Tracks like “Juancito,” “Hope,” and “You’re Everything” showcase his prowess in blending percussive intensity, smooth jazz elements, and harmonious vocals. This lively album exemplifies Powell’s talent as an arranger, composer, and trumpeter.

Miguel Zenón’s “Golden City” is a sweeping musical suite representing San Francisco’s demographics and political evolution. Incorporating California history, the album features a brass and rhythm section nonet. Each composition, like “Sacred Land” and “Acts of Exclusion,” showcases intricate solos and cultural themes. The album launches on August 30, 2024.

Raul Midón’s album “Lost & Found” blends jazz, folk, pop, and soft rock, showcasing his multifaceted talent as a composer, singer, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist. Inspired by Stevie Wonder, Midón’s work includes powerful lyrics and impressive musical arrangements, with standout tracks like “Lost & Found,” “Next Time,” and “Ocean of Doubt.”

Catherine Russell and Sean Mason’s album “My Ideal” on Dot Time Records refreshes historic songs with modern flair. Russell’s persuasive vocals and Mason’s emotive piano create an intimate musical dialogue. The album features a blend of blues, ballads, and classic tunes, showcasing their artistry and bringing vintage music to the contemporary stage.

Neil Adler’s album “Emi’s Song” features original compositions and jazz standards, showcasing his talents on piano and chromatic harmonica. Accompanied by Jeff Buenz, Carlitos Medrano, and Akira Tana, the music blends various styles and highlights each musician’s proficiency. Notable tracks include “Bésame Mucho,” “Blues for McCoy,” and “Donna Lee.”

Jake Noble’s debut album, “Letting Go of a Dream,” tells a musical story of self-discovery in a digitized world. His quintet delivers varied tunes, but the mix often diminishes Noble’s bass presence. Inspired compositions showcase his potential, though some solos, particularly by Dominguez, could be more balanced. Noble’s journey in jazz looks promising.

Dafnis Prieto’s “3 Sides of the Coin” features compositions and arrangements by Prieto, a renowned drummer and bandleader. This album blends Latin rhythms with modern jazz, showcasing dynamic solos by band members. Highlights include imaginative piano solos by Martin Bejerano and powerful drum work from Prieto. The album releases on September 27, 2024.

Kurt Rosenwinkel’s “The Next Step Band Live at Smalls 1996,” captures a seminal moment in modern jazz, featuring dynamic performances by Rosenwinkel and his band. The album showcases his compositions and the group’s improvisational prowess. Standout tracks like “A Shifting Design” and “Use of Light” highlight the band’s energy and Rosenwinkel’s compositional strength.

Jazz vocalist Zack Foley’s album “Silent Boomer X” features an all-standard repertoire with innovative improvisation, using his voice like a saxophone. Supported by Frank Wagner on bass and C.J. Everett on drums, the trio spans three generations, reflected in the album’s title. Their chord-less arrangement is creatively engaging yet occasionally leaves the listener longing for harmonic accompaniment.

The Matt Panayides Trio’s album “With Eyes Closed,” featuring Matt Panayides on guitar, Steve LaSpina on bass, and Anthony Pinciotti on drums, highlights a shift to an acoustic approach. The album blends classic tunes with fresh arrangements, showcasing Panayides’ unique style reminiscent of jazz legends and includes notable solos by the trio.

Nestor Dimopoulos and Evgenia Karlafti, co-leaders of Music Soup, are set to release a new album on September 6, 2024. The trio, including drummer Vagelis Kotzabasis, features original compositions reflecting 1960s jazz organ trio style. Highlights include “A Day in the Park” and “Freeland.” They plan a U.S. tour.

Ann Kittredge’s “Romantic Notions” features her Broadway-like voice across a diverse selection of songs, including works by Stevie Wonder, Carole King, and Jimmy Webb. Her versatile style spans pop, country, and cabaret, with standout tracks like “I Feel the Earth Move” and “Garden.” The album showcases Kittredge’s emotional depth and exceptional enunciation, supported by talented musicians.

Dred Scott’s album, set for release on September 23, 2024, revitalizes Latin jazz classics and standards with a modern twist. Featuring vibrant arrangements and exceptional improvisations, the album highlights Scott’s piano skills, Beckham’s vibraphone, and contributions from Pavolka and Patrou. The project celebrates Latin jazz pioneers and offers an engaging, energetic listening experience.

“Live at the Speakeasy” is Augie Haas’s vibrant live recorded jazz album featuring top-tier musicians and two special guest vocalists. With a mix of original compositions and jazz standards, the album captures the raw, authentic energy of a night at a New York City jazz club, emphasizing improvisation and audience engagement.

Christopher Parnis is an emerging talent in the Canadian jazz scene, known for his power-driven leadership, composition skills, and adept bass playing. His album, featuring original compositions like “Opportunity,” “Measured Response,” and “The Cradle,” showcases his unique melodic and improvisational abilities, suggesting a bright future for the young bassist and composer.

Bria Skonberg’s album “What It Means,” reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil, is a tribute to New Orleans jazz, blending traditional and contemporary elements. Featuring standout trumpet performances and collaborative tracks with notable musicians, the album highlights Skonberg’s versatility as a vocalist, composer, and trumpeter, reminiscent of Louis Armstrong’s influence.

Michael Eaton’s album “Individuation” showcases modern jazz with experimental elements. The band features Eaton on saxophones, creating dissonant compositions with intricate improvisations. Drummer Shareef Taher shines in “Folk Song,” while Judi Silvano adds haunting vocals to “Alterpiece No. 1.” The project, composed by Eaton, spans eight years and three tours, culminating in a distinctive sound.

Greg Amirault’s album “A Change of Pace” features six original compositions and various standards, showcasing his smooth, inviting jazz guitar style. Supported by Adrian Vedady on bass and Andre White on drums, the trio innovatively reinterprets familiar tunes and original pieces. Amirault, a renowned jazz guitarist in Canada, teaches at McGill and Concordia Universities.