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.
March to August’s album, Songs Inspired By Witness, reinterprets Karen Hesse’s novel about a Vermont town during Prohibition, addressing themes of invasion, freedom, and social evil, particularly through the character Reynard Alexander, a newspaper editor. The album’s sparse folk/bluegrass sound enhances the lyrics, which explore complex social issues and moral dilemmas.
The Allman Brothers Band’s final concert on October 28, 2014, at New York’s Beacon Theater showcased their musical prowess across three sets. Spanning various styles and featuring classic songs, the performance highlighted the band’s storied history and camaraderie. This memorable event marked their closure with heartfelt tributes and intense musicianship.
Richard Cagle, known in the Houston music scene, releases “Zia Blues” with The Voodoo Choir, showcasing powerful blues compositions featuring various talented musicians. The album combines original songs and rearranged classics, highlighting emotional depth. Cagle, based in Ruidoso, New Mexico, delivers a compelling collection that may be his best work so far.
FreeWorld, a Memphis-based musical ensemble since 1987, releases its eighth album, “More Love,” showcasing their diverse styles from rock to reggae. This tribute to founding member Dr. Herman Green includes notable horn arrangements and contributions from 29 background vocalists. The album reflects the band’s evolution and cultural roots in music.
Making a Scene presents the “LIVE from the Midnight Circus” podcast featuring indie blues artist Kat Riggins. This program celebrates innovative artists who honor traditional blues roots while creating original music. It emphasizes the emotional connection conveyed through their work, identifying them as representatives of the dynamic indie blues movement.
The “Turn it Up with Gerry Casey Show #270” features guest Kat Riggins and an array of diverse musical performances. The episode includes tracks from multiple artists such as Phil Collins, Jimi Hendrix, and The Rolling Stones, showcasing genres from Southern soul to rock, highlighting the range of contemporary and classic influences.
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.
Kat Riggins is a passionate blues artist dedicated to preserving the genre through her Blues Revival Movement. Her music, influenced by her parents’ collection, combines high-energy performances with heartfelt ballads. Known for her powerful voice and engaging presence, Riggins aims to connect deeply with her audience, making each performance a personal experience.
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.
Kat Riggins, a passionate blues artist, aims to keep the genre alive through her Blues Revival Movement, characterized by raw emotion and powerful performances. Influenced by iconic singers, she delivers a unique blend of high-energy songs and heartfelt ballads, creating personal and memorable experiences for her audiences worldwide.
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.
*Splash!* captivates with heartfelt lyrics and melodies infused with philosophical and mystical themes. His upcoming album, “Breaking the Dam,” explores vulnerability and emotional release, symbolized by the rose. Join the album release celebration on Oct. 11th as the music encourages healing and embracing life’s beauty amidst challenges.
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.
“Gate C23,” the latest album by Chad Rupp And The Sugar Roots, features original songs and three covers, showcasing Rupp’s vocal talents alongside harmony vocalists and instrumentalists. Highlights include “Fresh Suits,” “She Is The One,” and “Blind, Crippled and Crazy.” The album successfully blends various musical influences, recommended for fans.
Ben Graves, a talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, has collaborated with various renowned artists. His debut album “Settle Down” blends jazz with R&B, soul, and pop. It features six originals and two inventive covers. Graves’ crooner voice and skilled band create a unique sound, progressively leaning toward jazz throughout the album.
Dick Earl’s Electric Witness releases their sophomore album, “Get Up Off the Ground,” featuring family band members. Recorded in Las Vegas, it showcases rich storytelling and impressive instrumentals. With themes of resilience and personal struggles, the album offers a blend of blues and funk, highlighting Dick Earl’s songwriting and vocal talent.
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.
“Live from the Midnight Circus Indie Blues Double Shot Show celebrates the evolution of blues through innovative and diverse indie artists. Featuring numerous musicians, the show honors past influences while spotlighting new original music. It emphasizes the blues as a living, emotional art form crafted with integrity. Tune into the Indie Blues Movement.”
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.
The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra, founded in 2007, blends ’60s and ’70s inspired Blues with modern influences. Their new album, “What Are You Waiting For,” features vocalist Willy Jordan and showcases a dynamic horn section. With themes of love and life, the album emphasizes genuine storytelling through captivating performances.
Warren Haynes’ “Million Voices Whisper” features eleven uplifting songs reflecting transformation and resilience. His passionate guitar work and distinct vocals are complemented by a talented band, including Derek Trucks. The album encapsulates various styles, blending blues and R&B, while exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience in contemporary society.
Making a Scene presents a podcast featuring Amanda Fish that celebrates the essence of Indie Blues. The program highlights diverse artists who honor their roots while innovatively creating new music. It emphasizes the genre’s emotional depth and aims to engage listeners in the evolving Indie Blues movement.
Amanda Fish, a Kansas City native, formed her Blues Rock band in 2014 and quickly gained recognition with her debut album “Down In The Dirt.” She released “Free” in 2018, earning awards and acclaim. Her latest album “Kingdom,” released in July 2024, continues her trajectory of success, marking her extensive touring history.
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.
SWEET is a celebrated British rock band with over fifty years of influence across continents. Andy Scott is pivotal in preserving the band’s musical legacy and ensuring high-quality performances. The current lineup includes Paul Manzi, Bruce Bisland, Lee Small, and Scott, continuing to deliver the iconic high-energy sound of SWEET.
“Live from the Midnight Circus Indie Blues Double Shot Show celebrates the evolution of blues through innovative and diverse indie artists. Featuring numerous musicians, the show honors past influences while spotlighting new original music. It emphasizes the blues as a living, emotional art form crafted with integrity. Tune into the Indie Blues Movement.”
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.
Scott Colson, known as Slaw, debuts his album “Here I Come,” produced in Nashville. Infused with classic R&B and Southern Rock influences, Slaw’s songs reflect personal experiences and emotional depth. Key tracks explore themes of resilience, love, and vulnerability. Collaborating with his wife, he conveys life’s joys and struggles through compelling performances.
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.
Ben Levin’s “Holiday Blues Revue” features a blend of original tracks and classics co-produced with Matt Hueneman. Highlighting Levin’s piano skills and accompanied by notable musicians, songs like “Candy Cane” and “Elf Boogie” capture festive spirit. Levin, recognized for his talent, continues to celebrate blues music while touring.
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.
Amy Speace’s album, The American Dream, explores themes of nostalgia, resilience, and emotional turmoil beyond just heartbreak. Through evocative lyrics and collaboration with talented musicians, she reflects on personal experiences, societal fragility, and the pursuit of dreams. The album showcases her growth as an artist and resonant storytelling.
Colin James, inspired by Stevie Ray Vaughan, has released twenty studio albums, winning eight Juno and thirty Maple Blues Awards. His new album “Chasing The Sun,” recorded with Colin Linden, features seven originals and four covers, showcasing James’ emotive vocals and exceptional guitar skills. A US tour is planned for January 2025.
Mike Zito, an acclaimed blues musician with a history of overcoming alcoholism, has released his latest album “Life Is Hard,” featuring collaborations with renowned artists. His journey includes multiple award-winning albums and founding The Royal Southern Brotherhood. Zito’s work reflects themes of redemption and resilience, earning him numerous Blues Music Awards throughout his career.
Making a Scene presents the “LIVE from the Midnight Circus” podcast featuring Bobby Messano, which showcases Indie Blues artists. Celebrating the genre’s roots while promoting innovation, these musicians produce original music that evokes deep emotional connections. The platform embraces a diverse and evolving blues scene, empowering both past and future generations.
Mississippi MacDonald, a three-time British Blues Award nominee from London, showcases his blues roots with his sixth album “I Got What You Need”. Influenced by icons like Muddy Waters and B.B. King, he combines original pieces with classic covers, highlighting a rich blend of soul-blues and instrumental shuffles.
Bobby Messano is a renowned guitarist and blues artist with a prolific career, releasing nine solo albums and contributing to over 70 albums. Notable works include “Love & Money,” “BAD MOVIE,” and “MUSIC & OTHER SUNDRIES.” His music spans various media, earning accolades like the Blues Blast Award nomination and the Best Americana Album award at the World Entertainment Awards.
