CD Reviews, Interviews & Culture

Pete Mills’ album “This Is Now” features his dynamic tenor saxophone performance alongside a talented quartet. Inspired by personal experiences and collaborations, the album includes original compositions like “This is Now” and “3 Kisses.” Each track showcases the ensemble’s skill, particularly highlighting Mills and pianist Kenny Banks Jr.’s synergy.

Barry Greene’s “Giants” is a tribute album featuring talented musicians like Pat Bianchi and Ulysses Owens Jr. The album showcases jazz guitar blending with organ, celebrating influences like Wes Montgomery and Grant Green. It offers a dynamic mix of original and classic tunes, highlighting Greene’s exceptional skills and musical roots.

Alister Spence’s album “Always Ever” features a collection of sixteen experimental, improvised piano compositions highlighting his unique approach to the instrument. With a focus on sound exploration and artistic accidents, Spence challenges conventional playing, resulting in rich textures and surprising tones. This marks his first solo album in a four-decade career.

The post highlights Ahmad Jamal’s live recording at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago, featuring notable musicians John Heard and Frank Gant. After years of influencing jazz, including artists like Miles Davis, Jamal showcases his original compositions and interpretations of classics. His recent release, recorded in 1976, honors his lasting legacy.

Tia Fuller and Shamie Fuller-Royston, sisters and musicians, honor their family’s musical legacy with their album “Dynasty.” Their duet showcases Tia on alto saxophone and vocals alongside Shamie on piano, blending jazz and classical influences. The album celebrates their mother’s impact, highlighting their artistic connection and powerful performances despite minimal instrumentation.

ROY HARGROVE BERN Time Traveler Recordings Roy Hargrove, trumpet/flugelhorn/composer; Larry Willis, piano; Gerald Cannon, bass; Willie Jones III, drums; Sherman Irby, alto saxophone. When Roy Hargrove burst onto the New York jazz scene, he made an assertive impression on his fellow musicians and the jazz community as a young lion with a big, beautiful roar. […]

Shunzo Ohno’s album, “Live at Joe’s Pub,” captures the essence of his live performances in New York City, showcasing his unique blend of jazz and classical influences. Despite overcoming significant health challenges, Ohno’s trumpet artistry and orchestration radiate beauty and hope, highlighted in tracks like “Going Home” and “Vision.”

Mal Waldron’s “Stardust & Starlight” showcases his exceptional piano talent alongside bassist Steve Rodby and drummer Wilbur Campbell, with special guest Sonny Stitt on alto saxophone. The performance weaves emotive arrangements of jazz standards, emphasizing Waldron’s unique style and individuality. The album celebrates Waldron’s legacy and remarkable collaborations throughout his career.

The Emie R Roussel Trio’s album “Terr” explores themes of unity and shared human experiences through contemporary jazz infused with rock and classical influences. Led by pianist Emie R Roussel, the album features rich instrumentation and memorable compositions, including tributes to influential figures in the jazz community.

The album “Two Nights Live” features Steven Husted and his band, showcasing their talent through classic jazz standards and original compositions. Husted, an accomplished bassist, leads the ensemble in lively performances that emphasize swinging tempos and individual musicianship. The collection includes eight original tracks, capturing the essence of jazz tradition.

Owen Chen’s album “Eternal Wind” features a jazz ensemble reinterpreting iconic Studio Ghibli film scores, led by guitars with harmonica, piano, and drums. The project merges Asian American experiences with jazz, offering enjoyable, laid-back arrangements of beloved melodies. Fans and new listeners alike will appreciate this unique homage to Ghibli’s music.

The triple album “Alight Upon the Lake” features Yusef Lateef alongside jazz legends Kenny Barron, Bob Cunningham, and Tootie Heath. It captures live performances filled with emotion and creativity, showcasing compositions like “Golden Goddess” and “Yusef’s Mood.” The set celebrates Lateef’s artistry and his significant contributions to jazz history.

Shawn Maxwell’s “Frenetic Domain” is a unique jazz-classical hybrid album featuring renowned musicians, including female classical saxophonist Chika Inoue. Inspired by Vandoren’s artist program, Maxwell blends structured compositions with improvisational elements. The album showcases pieces that embody tranquility and innovation, reflecting his musical journey as a clarinetist.

Jesse Davis Quartet’s album “Reflections” showcases a blend of bebop and New Orleans blues, featuring Davis on alto saxophone alongside talented musicians Spike Wilner, John Webber, and Lewis Nash. Each track shines with individual solos and emotional depth, highlighting Davis’s distinctive style and impressive compositions over four decades in jazz.

The Joymakers, a ten-piece ensemble from Austin, Texas, led by Colin Hancock, celebrates the music of the 1920s and 1930s. They blend ragtime, early blues, and country traditions, delivering joyful performances. The band expands on their original seven members, capturing the vibrant essence of historic music with vibrant arrangements and engaging vocals.

Terry Callier’s performance at The Earl of Old Town in Chicago on October 24, 1967, captures the essence of an artist before his first record release. Recorded by Joe Segal, the album features a blend of folk, jazz, and blues. It showcases Callier’s remarkable guitar and vocal talent, reflecting the vibrant 1960s music scene.

Tomas Janzon, a guitarist and composer, blends classical and jazz influences in his album “Jazz Diary.” Featuring melodic pieces shaped by daily entries, the work highlights bassist Nedra Wheeler’s essential role. With intricate grooves and improvisational flair, the album presents a rich exploration of Janzon’s musical journey and Swedish roots.

Stacey and Al Schulman blend traditional jazz with contemporary hip hop in their album “Crazy World.” Featuring various musicians, they reinterpret classic songs while introducing original compositions. Their energetic performances highlight Stacey’s vibrant vocals and Al’s guitar mastery, culminating in a lyrical exploration of love and unity in a diverse musical landscape.

Joe Henderson’s “Consonance” features an electrifying performance at Chicago’s Jazz Showcase, showcasing saxophonist Henderson alongside pianist Joanne Brackeen, bassist Steve Rodby, and drummer Danny Spencer. Their music is characterized by its spontaneity and emotional depth, celebrating improvisation and artistic freedom. The album’s urgency and brilliance captivate listeners, remaining timeless.

Richard Andersson’s album “Monk & More” features a talented European jazz quartet revisiting works by jazz legends including Thelonious Monk and Ornette Coleman. With smooth melodies and intricate improvisations, the album showcases each musician’s skills, particularly Andersson’s captivating double bass solos. This energetic and engaging album is a delightful experience from start to finish.

Anthony Branker’s album “Manifestations of a Diasporic Groove & Spirit” features compositions that reflect on cultural identity and social issues. Notable tracks include “The Children of Lyles Station,” which recounts a tragic historical event, and “Stolen Sisters,” honoring indigenous women missing or murdered. Branker’s work merges music with deep storytelling.

The album “Plaid Pants” by Ron Cyger and Brent Butterworth showcases their compositional partnership, featuring a mix of original tunes and diverse musical styles. With contributions from various percussionists, the album highlights their collaboration and musical chemistry, blending jazz elements with Latin and blues influences for a celebratory experience.

The album “The Vigil and the Sleeping Giant” by Ron Wilkins and Rebecca Patterson features a four-part suite inspired by the COVID pandemic, reflecting Wilkins’ personal experience with the virus. The tracks blend various instruments and styles, expressing themes of survival, gratitude, and emotional resilience through innovative big band arrangements.

Faye Carol’s double release “Forever Dynamic” showcases her unique approach to blues and jazz, blending traditional and contemporary styles. Praised by notable artists, her raw vocal delivery reinterprets familiar tunes while celebrating a diverse repertoire. Highlights include innovative takes on classics, demonstrating her versatility and deep connection to Black music.

Mativetsky Amiri Pagé’s album “Metamorphose” features a trio of talented musicians: Amir Amiri on santur, Shawn Mativetsky on tabla, and Sarah Pagé on harp and electronics. Their collaboration blends Middle Eastern and world music influences, showcasing unique compositions and improvisation, creating an evolving and organic sound.

Catherine Russell’s “Live at Jazz at Lincoln Center” is her first live album, recorded on March 29, 2024. Focusing on vintage jazz, she showcases lesser-known works from various artists, supported by a horn section and tap dancer Michela Marino Lerman. The album blends nostalgic tunes with vibrant performances, reflecting Russell’s musical heritage.

The Paul Keller Orchestra, featuring celebrated composer Gregg Hill, showcases ten vibrant jazz compositions, including standout tracks like “Thank You Notes” and “Bopportunity.” As they prepare to celebrate forty years in 2027, the orchestra embodies dynamic arrangements, skilled musicianship, and energetic rhythms, continuing to captivate listeners with their joyful sound.

In 2026, Blue Moods, a collective of Posi-Tone artists, pays tribute to Miles Davis through the album “Directions and Expressions.” Featuring compositions from the ’50s to ’80s, the sextet explores various musical styles while omitting a trumpet, highlighting the innovative compositions of Davis and his collaborators, presenting fresh interpretations.