Vincent Peirani’s album “Living Being IV: Time Reflections” showcases his quintet’s unique blend of accordion jazz, featuring original compositions and a medley titled “Bremain Suite.” This suite incorporates rock and pop songs by artists like David Bowie and Queen. The review highlights Peirani’s innovative style, though notes occasional repetitiveness.
Wanees Zarour’s album “Silwan” showcases his Palestinian heritage through a fusion of Middle Eastern music and jazz. As the composer and arranger, he leads the East Loop ensemble, blending traditional sounds with modern improvisation. The album highlights cultural themes, with tracks like “Lifta” honoring historical resilience and “Festival” celebrating joy.
Detroit is revitalizing as a hub for creativity, attracting artists like Laura Rain, a soul singer influenced by the city’s rich musical legacy. Rain and her band, the Caesars, blend vintage soul with modern energy, earning accolades and a global audience. Their recent successes include singles and the 2022 album “Rise Again.”
David Bode’s album “Good Hang,” reflecting his roots in New Orleans music, features a 19-piece big band. With arrangements inspired by John Coltrane and original compositions, the recording celebrates resilience post-Hurricane Katrina. Bode, a saxophonist and band leader, integrates diverse influences, showcasing a vibrant mix of jazz styles.
Eshaan Sood is a native of New Delhi, India. He was a graphic artist and creatively, he wanted to write graphic novels. Fate had other plans. In 2015, Sood and his roommate began a journey, taking a drive seven-hours to Puducherry to enjoy a country-wide festival. They were in a horrendous accident just twenty minutes from their home. The accident caused severe facial trauma and left Sood blind.
Rafael Enciso’s debut album “Crossfade” features original compositions that seamlessly blend like nature’s seasons. Produced by Dayna Stephens, the album showcases Enciso’s creative bass work alongside talented musicians. Highlights include captivating saxophone solos and dynamic drumming. The album promises surprises, showcasing Enciso’s potential as a skilled bassist and composer.
Corey Ledet’s “Live in Alaska” celebrates his two-decade Zydeco career, showcasing a blend of tradition and innovation. The album, recorded at the Anchorage Folk Festival, features lively performances of original songs and beloved Creole favorites. With heartfelt lyrics and energetic tunes, Ledet reinforces his status as a modern Zydeco icon.
ZurHub, formed in 2017 by Mattan Klein and Ezequiel Hezi Jait, blends Brazilian rhythms with jazz harmonies in their album. The quintet showcases an innovative sound influenced by genres such as Israeli folk and European classical music. Notable tracks include “Social Trust” and “Feliz,” highlighting their cultural fusion.
Francesca Prihasti’s debut album “Beneath the Sun” features seven original contemporary jazz compositions, blending piano with electronics. Reflecting on personal themes like motherhood and the pandemic, she explores truth and connection. While showcasing technical skill, her improvisational style needs development. The album, releasing January 16, 2026, promises a bright future.
Brandon Sanders, a late-starting drummer and composer, releases his latest jazz album, “Lasting Impression,” showcasing talented musicians like Warren Wolf and Jazzmeia Horn. Raised in a musical environment, Sanders aims to connect through his art, blending energy and warmth in his compositions. He praises producer Willie Jones III for his support.
Rick Roe’s “Wake Up Call,” featuring the music of Gregg Hill, showcases Roe’s unique arrangements of Hill’s compositions, alongside a talented quartet. With influences from Detroit’s jazz scene, Roe reimagines pieces through varied tempos and styles, emphasizing blues and post-bop elements, resulting in a vibrant, engaging album without any ballads.
Murali Coryell, a deeply rooted artist in music, blends blues, soul, and rock in his album “Soul Of A Nation.” From legendary influences to an international career, he connects through heartfelt performances and diverse global experiences. His work has earned accolades, showcasing his evolution while retaining emotional authenticity and powerful storytelling in music.
Katy Dann, a Welsh singer-songwriter, blends rock, pop, and soul in her heartfelt music. Her debut album is popular in the UK and US, with the hit single “Feels Like Heaven” gaining international attention. Katy’s personal lyrics and powerful voice resonate with listeners, marking her as a distinctive artist in today’s music scene.
The album “Let’s Not Wait: The Music of Ed Bonoff,” featuring drummer Greg Burrows and esteemed jazz musicians, celebrates Ed Bonoff’s compositions. Highlighting tracks like “Piazza Navona” and “Meatloaf and Margaux,” it showcases powerful horn arrangements and Burrows’s drumming. The album offers a fresh perspective on Bonoff’s talent and jazz artistry.
Robert “Top” Thomas is a swamp blues musician from Florida, known for his authentic sound and storytelling. His music blends Southern blues and gritty grooves, reflecting life’s struggles and beauty. With raw guitar riffs and emotive vocals, he connects deeply with audiences, offering a unique, lived experience rather than polished performances.
Bijan Taghavi’s album “Cactus Sessions” showcases his exceptional solo piano skills, blending emotion and technique through cherished jazz standards. Notably influenced by mentors, Taghavi emphasizes the importance of resilience and musical growth. His mastery is evident in his rich sound, improvisations, and impeccable timing, making this album a captivating experience.
“Painting the Dream” is an artful jazz album by John Gunther featuring Dawn Clement and Dru Heller. With beautiful compositions and unique vocal additions, the trio creates rich musical textures. Gunther’s woodwind solos and Clement’s imaginative improvisations add depth, while Heller maintains rhythmic creativity. A captivating auditory experience.
Larin Michaels, a Detroit-born musician, released his debut album “It’s All About Love” under Conch Town Records in 2025, featuring nine self-written and produced songs. Showcasing his multifaceted talent, he plays various instruments and delivers heartfelt lyrics. The album combines soul, rock, and boogie-woogie influences, highlighting his diverse musical journey.
Bassist Rafael Enciso’s debut album, Crossfade, features his quartet blending harmonically rich sounds influenced by his Ithaca upbringing. Produced by Dayna Stephens, its tracks explore the interplay of past and present through melodies and rhythms, creating an intriguing, relaxing listening experience. Enciso emerges as a visionary composer with this cohesive collection.
“Convergence” is Colorado’s leading modern jazz sextet, featuring original compositions on their album “Reckless Meter.” With standout tracks like “Big Boot” and “Springaling,” the ensemble showcases individual musician excellence within a cohesive group dynamic. The album exemplifies their shared artistic vision and connection in jazz, providing an engaging listening experience.
Gregory Groover Jr.’s sophomore album “Old Knew” features a stellar lineup, including vibraphonist Joel Ross and drummer Kendrick Scott. The album, emphasizing interaction among musicians, navigates themes of agitation and melody within a church-influenced soundscape. Notable tracks pay tribute to Groover’s family, showcasing his growth as a composer and leader.
Ed Harris is a renowned American musician dedicated to Celtic music for over 30 years. His latest album, “Echoes Through The Elderwoods,” features 14 captivating songs blending instrumental and vocal components. Harris’s mastery of multiple instruments enhances his artistry. Importantly, he donates all album proceeds to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Tom Clarke reviews 20 standout roots and blues albums of 2025, highlighting diverse artists including Little Feat, Shelby Means, and Mike Farris. Each album showcases unique songwriting and musicianship, from Americana to blues, emphasizing authenticity and emotional depth. The selections reflect the vibrancy and evolution of the roots music landscape.
Drummer Eric McPherson leads a unique “Double Bass Quartet” featuring bassists John Hébert and Ben Street, alongside pianist David Virelles. This innovative project showcases intricate arrangements and improvisation, highlighting the synergy between the musicians. The album offers a blend of creative compositions, including tributes to Andrew Hill and captivating melodies, showcasing McPherson’s exceptional drumming skills.
American Mile is a dynamic Southern rock band known for their high-energy performances and storytelling. Based in Los Angeles, they tour extensively, delivering a powerful blend of rock and country. Their latest album, American Dream, reflects their struggles in the music industry, earning acclaim for its raw, unyielding sound.
Jimbo Ross, a renowned five-string electric viola/violin player, has had a prolific career collaborating with icons like Frank Sinatra and Paul McCartney. His latest jazz album, “Jazz Passion and Latin Satin,” showcases his unique sound and improvisational skills, alongside talented musicians. The album features diverse tracks, blending genres and highlighting Ross’s virtuosity.
Claudia Cane, a prominent figure in music for nearly 25 years, first gained recognition in Germany through TV theme songs. After training in London, she released her debut album in 2000 and gained further acclaim as a supporting act for AC/DC in 2001. Her powerful voice has drawn comparisons to legends and continues to captivate live audiences.
Aretha Tillotson’s sophomore album, “Kinda Out West,” features original compositions highlighting her band, including notable jazz musicians. The album blends contemporary jazz with emotive pieces like “Lullaby to those Before” and energetic tracks such as “Sphere of Influence.” Tillotson’s bass and her quartet showcase remarkable improvisation and musicality throughout.
Paul Filipowicz, a blues musician with over 40 years of experience, has shifted to retirement from construction to build a cabin and restore classic cars. A self-taught guitarist, he has garnered multiple music awards and collaborated with iconic figures, deeply valuing mentorship from drummer Clyde Stubblefield, who significantly influenced his music career.
The Scott Silbert Quartet’s album “Dream Dancing” honors Zoot Sims’s legacy on his upcoming 100th birthday. Featuring Silbert on saxophones, along with Amy Shook, Robert Redd, and Chuck Redd, the album blends familiar jazz tunes with warmth and creativity. Notable pieces include a Brazilian arrangement of “Dream Dancing” and the original “Blues for Louise.”
Kenny Barron’s debut album “Sunset to Dawn,” released on April 2, 1973, marks the beginning of his prolific career. Influenced by jazz greats and his brother Bill, Barron explored various musical styles, incorporating electric piano and showcasing his versatility. The album captures a significant period of artistic growth for the young pianist.
Carl Schultz’s album “The Road to Trantor” features a blend of cinematic compositions for saxophone, flute, and jazz ensemble. Inspired by science fiction themes, Schultz’s music includes dynamic pieces like “Journey” and “Ecumenopolis.” A Pennsylvania native and seasoned educator, he now directs Jazz Studies at Santa Clara University, showcasing a unique artistic vision.
Pianist Lisa Hilton’s 31st album, Extended Daydream, features jazz quintet improvisation with nine originals and two covers, including Miles Davis’s “So What” and Billie Eilish’s “Wildflower.” The album, more melancholic and reflective due to California’s wildfires, explores diverse moods and harmonic depths, calling for optimism amid adversity.
Glenn Crytzer and His Quartet’s upcoming album, “The Songbook Sessions, Vol. 1 – 1920”, features ten songs, with singles released every Friday starting October 3, 2025. The quartet, specializing in Jazz Age and Swing Era music, offers fresh renditions of classic tunes, showcasing their deep musical knowledge and connection to jazz history.
Paul Marinaro’s double album, “Mood Ellington,” showcases 25 Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn songs with inventive arrangements by thirteen respected arrangers. Marinaro’s warm baritone and masterful phrasing evoke deep emotion, creating a seamless tribute. The album’s thoughtful grouping of songs enhances its cohesiveness, marking it as a standout vocal project of the year.
Reckless and Blue’s album “Seven Deadly Gins,” released in 2023, showcases the band’s blend of traditional blues with modern influences. Formed by George Williams in 2017, the lineup features dual lead vocalists Williams and Shaunda Fry, who create emotional depth through their dynamic interplay. The album explores themes of love and loss across a variety of styles, highlighting their strong musicianship and chemistry.
Anthony D’Alessandro’s sophomore album “City Lights” features seven original compositions and reimagined works by James P. Johnson. Collaborating with top Canadian musicians, D’Alessandro’s pieces explore various styles, including swing and Latin influences. Highlights include “Four Minute Mile,” “Oversight,” and a vibrant tribute to Johnson’s classics, showcasing his piano prowess.
Kamel L. King, an accomplished entertainment lawyer and artist manager from Jackson, Mississippi, has a robust background in music, law, and tourism. He holds degrees in Political Science and Law, with extensive experience in the music industry. Currently, he manages the Tourism Development Bureau at Visit Mississippi, promoting cultural heritage.
Pierre Lacocque, founder of Mississippi Heat, shares his musical journey shaped by diverse cultural experiences and a passion for blues. Initially steered toward academia, his life changed after hearing Big Walter Horton play harmonica. Rediscovering music at age 36, he embodies a soulful harmonica sound, blending intellect and emotion in his performances.
The Flying Horse Big Band’s ninth album features composer Jeff Rupert, who leads the ensemble with George Garzone as a notable soloist. The album showcases energetic tracks like “Chasin’ Tail” and a beautiful ballad rendition of “Reflections.” Garzone’s contributions elevate the band’s performance, demonstrating remarkable talent throughout the record.
Harrison Argatoff’s debut album, “Stars, Engines,” features an all-star quartet celebrating nature and jazz. Inspired by childhood memories of stargazing, the album blends improvisational jazz with chamber music influences, showcasing Argatoff’s compositions. Each piece, like “Wishlow” and “Analemma,” highlights individual artistry, creating a meditative musical experience.
Pops Fletcher’s musical journey began at thirteen, evolving through various bands and genres, from folk to blues-rock, funk, and country-rock. He experienced a thriving music scene from the late sixties to the mid-eighties, playing regularly and collaborating with numerous talented artists. Today, he continues to perform solo and in diverse projects.
Rich Brown’s album “Nyaeba” showcases his innovative solo bass project, employing various electric bass types without looping, creating a warm and organic sound. Each track explores themes of storytelling and personal expression, with rich tonal diversity. Influenced by South African and Brazilian music, Brown conveys deep emotions through his compositions, establishing a unique musical voice.
The live album “Vibrations in the Village: Live at the Village Gate” features Rahsaan Roland Kirk, a blind multi-instrumentalist, recorded in 1963. Despite a film project being abandoned, the taped performances showcase his remarkable talent and interaction with bandmates. Kirk’s innovative style and spirit shine through in this historic jazz release.
Ellen Rowe’s album “Vinton’s Cove,” featuring her quartet with guest vocalist Sunny Wilkinson, is inspired by nature and personal reflection. It showcases five original compositions and inventive renditions of jazz standards, displaying Rowe’s emotional depth and musical versatility. The album promises to enrich any jazz collection with its melodic allure.
Josie Falbo, a seasoned Chicago vocalist, releases her third album, “Kickin’ It,” showcasing her impressive jazz skills over nearly fifty years. Known for her heartfelt performances, she sings in Italian and English, blending classical and pop influences. The album features excellent arrangements and musicians, highlighting her emotional depth and remarkable scat singing.
LOREN SCHOENBERG AND HIS JAZZ ORCHESTRA featuring KATE KORUM & WARREN WOLF SO MANY MEMORIES Turtle Bay Records This album time-travels us back to the 1930s with a 16-track collection of previously unheard arrangements by Eddie Sauter. He was the man who created respected and popular arrangements for vibraphonist Red Norvo and his wife, singer […]
Roy Blumenfeld, born in 1944, was a central figure in New York’s 1960s music scene. He co-founded The Blues Project, blending blues, R&B, and jazz, significantly influencing American music. After the band’s dissolution, he formed Seatrain and collaborated with various artists, solidifying his legacy in the industry as a notable drummer.
Samara Joy’s recent concert at the Philharmonie de Paris showcased her remarkable talent as she promoted her “Portrait” album. At just twenty-five, she evokes legends like Ella Fitzgerald with impressive vocal range and technique. The two-hour performance, featuring both classic and contemporary styles, promises a captivating future album release.
Rebecca Downes, a Birmingham-based blues-rock artist, has gained recognition over a decade through her independent label, Mad Hat Records. Her music blends powerful vocals with diverse influences. With multiple acclaimed albums and awards, she continues to evolve creatively. Her upcoming album, A Storm Is Coming, is set for release in October 2025.