Dara Starr Tucker’s latest album, “Time Wouldn’t Wait,” is her third solo release, blending original compositions with classic songs. Featuring exceptional musicians, Tucker explores themes of time, memories, and living in the present with her emotive vocals. The album showcases an impressive production quality, inviting repeated listens for its introspective nature.
Mark Winkler HOLD ON Cafe Pacific Vocalist and lyricist Mark Winkler returns with his 22nd album, HOLD ON. This is the tenth album produced by his colleague, Barbara Brighton, and finds Winkler penning the lyrics for seven of these eleven tracks. Winkler has a storied history of attracting great musicians, especially pianists, reaching higher than […]
Bilingual vocalist Lauren Henderson’s album “Sonidos” features 17 tracks blending African Diaspora and Latin American music influences. With warm vocals and a talented backing band, she explores themes of love, resilience, and celebration. The collection balances jazz standards with Latin-infused tunes, showcasing her cultural roots and musical evolution.
Alexa Tarantino’s album, The Roar and the Whisper, features her finest lineup yet, including notable musicians and guest artists. With a mix of her compositions and works from others, the album explores the duality of human reactions. Tarantino showcases her talent across various instruments, delivering high-energy performances throughout the collection.
Rico Jones, a spiritually inclined tenor saxophonist, makes his New York City debut with “Bloodlines,” recorded live in August 2024. His music blends diverse cultural influences and features a suite of five parts reflecting personal and ancestral themes. The quartet’s dynamic performance showcases Jones’s impressive talent in spiritual jazz.
Lafayette Gilchrist’s 2023 album “Move with Love,” features his ensemble New Volcanoes, blending various musical styles. The joyful recording, performed at Club Car, emphasizes love in turbulent times. Notable tracks include “Cut Through the Chase” and “Bamboozled,” showcasing his influential jazz roots and determination to connect through music.
Yosef Gutman Levitt’s album “Shir Yedidot” showcases his soothing and spiritual music, blending traditional Chabad nigunim with original compositions. Featuring notable musicians like Yonathan Avishai and Yagel Haroush, the album creates accessible melodies that appeal beyond cultural boundaries, inviting listeners to experience its calming beauty throughout.
Art Hirahara’s album “Peace Unknown” features a four-horn septet, primarily shaped by producer Marc Free’s vision. The compositions blend homage and innovation, reflecting varied moods and complex harmonies. Notable tracks include ballads and dynamic pieces, showcasing collaborative arrangements and improvisation, ultimately demonstrating the spontaneous creativity of the ensemble.
Theon Cross’s live album, “Affirmations: Live at Blue Note NYC,” showcases his dynamic tuba performances infused with elements from various genres like hip-hop and reggae. With an energetic band, including Isaiah Collier and Nikos Ziarkas, Cross delivers a vibrant and unconventional jazz experience, filled with intricate solos and spontaneous grooves. It’s a compelling contribution to contemporary jazz.
Allan Harris’s second live album, “The Poetry of Jazz: Live at Blue Llama,” showcases his remarkable ability to blend jazz, poetry, and original compositions. Featuring renowned poets and classic pieces, Harris delivers emotive performances, demonstrating his deep connection to Harlem’s history and his artistic versatility. The album is a profound exploration of themes like love and resistance.
“Standard Deviation” is the second album by drummer Mike Clark and saxophonist Mike Zilber, featuring a New York ensemble. The quartet reimagines jazz standards and classics with innovative arrangements, challenging yet inviting. Highlights include “Blues for Chambers” and a funky “Hallelujah.” The album captures a blend of tradition and fresh interpretations.
From the Dirt, a bluegrass band from Central Maryland, blends genres with rich vocal harmonies and introspective songwriting. Fronted by Daniel Kenny, their album “Colored Edge of Memory” explores themes of heartache and resilience through varied instrumentation. Notable tracks range from haunting ballads to upbeat tunes, showcasing their musical versatility.
Pianist Charles Chen’s album “Building Characters” explores character portraits in jazz, paying tribute to influential musicians. Each track evokes a musician and fictional character, blending styles from Duke Ellington to modern influences. The ensemble features prominent artists, delivering passionate solos and indelible melodies, fulfilling jazz tradition while celebrating Asian-American Heritage Month.
Noah Haidu’s “Standards III” features a fresh trio alongside veteran musicians, resulting in a diverse mix recorded in multiple studios. Highlights include original tracks and classic standards, showcasing both emerging talents and established artists. While the album has its strengths, it falls short compared to Haidu’s previous works, yet invites anticipation for future projects.
Jeff Walton’s debut album “Pack Animals” showcases his late blooming career as a tenor saxophonist and composer. A former public school teacher, Walton incorporates diverse influences from choral music and improvisation. The album features dynamic pieces like “NQT” and “Blues for George,” reflecting his musical community and personal history.
Benny Benack III, a charismatic trumpeter-vocalist-composer, shines in his live album “This is the Life.” Recently recognized as a leading rising star, he showcases his talents alongside family and peers. The album features original compositions and standards, highlighting Benack’s joyful energy, versatile vocals, and impressive musicianship in a vibrant performance.
Something Blue highlights the evolution of Posi-Tone Records, founded by Marc Free and Nick O’Toole. The label, renowned for straight-ahead jazz, celebrates its 30th anniversary with an album featuring compositions from the ‘90s, interpreted by a talented sextet. The musicians showcase vibrant performances, blending traditional and contemporary jazz influences seamlessly.
Vibraphonist Behn Gillece’s eighth album, “Pivot Point,” fuses traditional forms with contemporary sounds, showcasing a talented quintet including Willie Morris and Jon Davis. Featuring compositions that balance intricate improvisations and memorable melodies, the album explores bluesy themes with a fresh perspective while maintaining strong ensemble dynamics throughout its tracks.
Mark Masters conducted the albums “Sam Rivers 100” and “Dance, Eternal Spirits, Dance!” featuring tenor saxophonist Billy Harper. “Sam Rivers 100” celebrates Rivers’ centennial, focusing on complex arrangements of his works, while “Dance” showcases Harper’s melodic compositions spanning 1972-2000, highlighting his powerful solos in an expanded ensemble.
Joanne Shaw Taylor’s latest album, “Black & Gold,” showcases her evolution as a British blues-rock artist. Partnering with Joe Bonamassa and producer Kevin Shirley, she explores pop-infused, radio-friendly songs while maintaining her signature guitar style. The album features confessional lyrics and collaborations, highlighting her growth as a songwriter across eleven tracks.
North Mississippi Allstars’ twelfth album, “Still Shakin’,” showcases their evolving sound while honoring their roots. Featuring collaborations from various artists, the album blends their signature Hill Country sound with punk and psychedelic elements. It delivers an eclectic collection of tracks, emphasizing the band’s dynamic live performances and diverse musical influences.
Greg Murphy releases his eighth album, “Snap Happy,” featuring a trio with bassist Obasi Akoto and drummer Steve Johns, along with guitarist Mark Whitfield and vocalist Sy Smith on select tracks. The album blends straight-ahead jazz, free improvisation, and fusion, showcasing energetic performances of both originals and covers, reflecting versatility and finesse.
Susan Anders’s album “Now I’m a Kite” reflects her nomadic experiences, exploring themes of loss, resilience, and new beginnings. Recorded mostly in Santa Fe, the folk-pop sound accompanies deeply emotional lyrics addressing personal struggles, including her father’s passing and her partner’s health issues. Anders’s insightful songwriting showcases vulnerability and perseverance.
The Gil Evans Project’s posthumous live album, “Shades of Sound,” showcases Frank Kimbrough’s remarkable piano artistry alongside a 22-piece orchestra at Jazz Standard in 2014. Featuring original and classic arrangements, this recording preserves Evans’ vibrant orchestration style while honoring Kimbrough’s legacy, providing an energetic musical experience enriched by a live audience.
Patrick Zimmerli’s 14th album, “Songs of Innocence,” showcases his trio’s blend of light yet intense sounds, drawing inspiration from William Blake’s poetry. The music ranges from bright and joyous pieces to reflective and darker tones, exploring themes of innocence and complexity. The album’s concise length highlights its emotional depth and dynamism.
Paquito D’Rivera’s “La Fleur de Cayenne” features the Madrid-New York Connection Band, a group of Cuban and Colombian musicians. This album showcases an array of original compositions and Latin styles, blending Cuban son, Argentinian tango, and Venezuelan rhythms. D’Rivera’s clarinet and ensemble deliver vibrant, lyrical performances, marking their first recording after two decades together.
Marty Ehrlich’s Trio Exaltation returns with “Images of Time,” featuring bassist John Hébert and drummer Nasheet Waits. The album showcases Ehrlich’s artistry with seven original compositions and two by Andrew Hill, reflecting Hill’s influence. The trio’s interplay reveals their deep connection, blending composition and improvisation to honor Hill’s legacy.
Catalyst, featuring the Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet and guitarist Elden Kelly, explores the music of composer Gregg Hill, blending jazz with global influences. Artists from diverse backgrounds create a rich soundscape, incorporating elements from various traditions. The album showcases innovative arrangements, captivating improvisations, and highlights Hill’s broad musical reach, affirming its brilliance.
“Oblique Rhyme” is a jazz quartet album featuring Joe Santa Maria, David Tranchina, Gary Fukushima, and Colin Woodford. Although it showcases their technical prowess, the album emphasizes depth and personal expression. Each artist contributes unique compositions, exploring a range of emotional and musical landscapes, ultimately achieving a cohesive and inspired sound.
Saxophonist Jordan VanHemert’s fifth album, “Survival of the Fittest,” features a mix of covers and originals that emphasize resilience against prejudice. Collaborating with notable musicians, VanHemert confronts personal and societal struggles, while embracing themes of hope and defiance through vibrant post-bop compositions. The album balances grief with cathartic expression.
Kandace Springs’ second album, a tribute to Billie Holiday’s “Lady in Satin,” features her unique interpretations of the original tracks, supported by the lush Orquestra Classica de Espinho. While it showcases Springs’ beautiful voice, it lacks the emotional depth associated with Holiday’s recordings. The project reflects Springs’ aspirations of honoring Holiday and recording with an orchestra.
Esthesis Quartet’s third album, “Sound and Fury,” serves as a tribute to the late Ron Miles, featuring guest guitarist Bill Frisell. The album reflects on themes of grief, leading from denial to acceptance through a series of compositions. It showcases emotional improvisations intertwined with collaborative expressions from the ensemble.
Billy Mohler’s new quartet, The Eternal, features established musicians Jeff Parker and Damion Reid alongside rising star Devin Daniels. The album explores deep emotional themes and diverse musical styles, showcasing Mohler’s growth as a composer and bandleader. Each track highlights the group’s synergy while reflecting personal connections and relationships.
Frank Kimbrough’s album, The Call, is his second posthumous solo piano recording, featuring a mix of jazz standards by Ellington, Gillespie, and Gershwin, alongside original compositions. Recorded in 2010, it showcases his melodic variation, harmonics, and improvisational skills, highlighting his unique style as a solo artist in the jazz genre.
Spike Wilner Trio’s album “The Children & The Warlock,” featuring George Garzone, pays tribute to late mentor Harry Whitaker and drummer Anthony Pinciotti. The trio, alongside Garzone, explores improvisational jazz, blending personal and adventurous styles. Notable tracks include “Hey, Open Up!” and “Moment to Moment,” highlighting their musical chemistry and dedication to spontaneity.
Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol’s album “7 Shades of Melancholia” showcases his unique blend of jazz, classical, and Turkish traditional music through a small ensemble. Comprising original compositions and adaptations, the album explores themes of melancholia rooted in Turkish culture. Sanlıkol’s innovations include his digital microtonal piano, enhancing the emotional depth of the work.
Gilad Hekselman’s album “Downhill From Here” features a skilled trio with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Marcus Gilmore, showcasing Hekselman’s songwriting and guitar work. The compositions blend jazz with ‘70s influences, offering memorable melodies like the title track and a unique take on ‘Alfie,’ illustrating Hekselman’s accessible style.
Jed Levy’s album “Faces and Places” showcases his versatility as a tenor saxophonist after decades in music. Featuring a powerhouse quartet, the album includes twelve tracks that blend jazz with Afro-Cuban rhythms. Highlights include the dynamic “Email,” the reflective “Coming to Terms,” and the innovative “Leading Tone,” culminating in a rich musical experience.
Diego Rivera releases his ninth album, “West Circle,” showcasing his saxophone talents alongside a supportive rhythm section. This deeply emotive work addresses tragedy, notably a shooting at Michigan State University. With a mix of original compositions and covers, Rivera explores diverse styles, proving his artistry and emotional depth within the jazz scene.
Yotam Silberstein’s “Standards Vol. 2” features bassist John Patitucci and drummer Billy Hart, with tenor saxophonist George Coleman appearing briefly. This mellow album presents lesser-known standards, including “Blue Gardenia” and “Answer Me My Love,” highlighted by unique arrangements. Silberstein’s intricate guitar work showcases both homage and innovation throughout the collection.
Tobias Meinhart’s fifth album, “Sonic River,” metaphorically relates jazz improvisation to flowing water, reflecting his upbringing and daily life. It blends music with literature, featuring spoken word by Sara Serpa. The album showcases a dynamic quintet with meditative and intense moments. Overall, it presents Meinhart’s most realized work to date.
Drummer and composer Phil Haynes demonstrates his wide musical scope in two new albums: “Return to Electric” and “Transition(s).” The former revisits jazz-rock fusion with covers and originals showcasing his trio’s dynamic interplay, while the latter, with guitarist Ben Monder, explores atmospheric improvisation, highlighting their enduring chemistry despite a long hiatus.
Kneebody returns with their first studio album in six years, “Reach,” featuring a reformed lineup. This album blends genres, showcasing jazz, prog-rock, and R&B influences. The band emphasizes collaboration through spontaneous songwriting, with each member contributing tracks. Despite geographic challenges, they remain committed to their evolving sound and legacy in music.
The Wildwoods, a Nebraska folk-American trio, released their fourth album, Dear Meadowlark. Their acoustic sound blends genuine folk and indie influences, showcasing warm harmonies. The band, formed in middle school, reflects on youth and home with engaging performances and introspective songs. Their talent hints at a bright future ahead.
The collaboration “Audience with the Queen” showcases Irma Thomas, the “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” alongside the jam band Galactic. This anticipated album blends contemporary and classic influences, highlighting Thomas’s powerful vocals across nine tracks. Themes of joy, social justice, and love are interwoven, asserting her continuous reign in the music world.
David Hajdu Lives of The Saints Sunnyside David Hajdu is a writer-producer who has written the lyrics for Lives of The Saints. These saints are not those of the canon of the Catholic Church but ordinary individuals who have attained that status in his mind. These are women who did exceptional work but suffered in […]
Gustavo Cortiñas’ album “The Crisis Knows No Borders” explores the ramifications of global warming through a jazz quartet. Each track addresses themes like economic disparity, resource depletion, and climate skepticism. Musically, Cortiñas creates a diverse soundscape reflecting tensions in society. The project encourages deep reflection amidst ongoing environmental challenges.
Geoffrey Dean Quartet’s second album, “Conceptions,” showcases original jazz compositions blending straight-ahead styles with modern elements. The ensemble, comprised of Dean, trumpeter Justin Copeland, bassist Harish Raghaven, and drummer Eric Binder, emphasizes collaboration and individual expression. Each track offers distinct themes, demonstrating their musical synergy and creativity.
Hiromi releases her 13th studio album, OUT THERE, featuring a dynamic jazz-fusion style with her Sonicwonder band. The double LP includes the four-part suite “OUT THERE” and showcases vibrant tracks like “XYZ” and “Balloon Pop.” Collaborating with vocalist Michelle Willis, Hiromi combines energy and creativity, delivering an exhilarating musical experience.
Candid Records has released remastered albums, including Jaki Byard’s “Blues for Smoke,” Nancy Harrow’s “Wild Women Don’t Have the Blues,” and Memphis Slim’s “Memphis Slim, U.S.A.” These historic records from the early ’60s feature pristine sound quality and showcase the artists’ unique blends of jazz and blues, reflecting their rich musical backgrounds.
