Michael Dease Big Band’s latest album, “The Sleeper,” highlights the compositions of Gregg Hill through remarkable arrangements. Michael Dease, an award-winning musician and educator, leads an ensemble rich with talent. Each track showcases energetic solos and a collaborative spirit, creating a captivating big band experience that celebrates musical creativity.
The Texas Headhunters’ album “Rise and Shine” showcases ten tracks of bluesy rock infused with Lone Star spirit. Featuring Johnny Moeller, Jesse Dayton, and Ian Moore, the album reflects their extensive musical backgrounds. Each song reveals complexity, blending various influences while addressing socio-political themes, ultimately affirming the band’s distinct sound.
Josh Cohen’s album “We Are Home” features an ensemble of talented musicians from Toronto, blending diverse sounds. It reflects the essence of comfort in music, showcasing improvisation and intricate arrangements. While some pieces lack bridges, tracks like “Supernueve” and “Inner Embrace” highlight Cohen’s creative prowess and strong melodic presence.
Wren + Wilde, a Minnesota folk band led by Hilary Yoder, creates a unique “smoke folk” sound blending emotional honesty with roots-driven storytelling. Their debut album, Serial Dreamers, explores themes of love, loss, and resilience, featuring rich harmonies and earthy instrumentation. The music captures both hope and heartbreak, offering listeners profound emotional connections.
Jason Reilly, an Irish musician and owner of Jamboja Studios in County Monaghan, offers a unique recording environment focused on artist needs. His background enriches the studio’s immersive philosophy, allowing musicians to record, rehearse, and develop creatively. Jamboja also features the Jamboja Sessions, promoting live performances. Reilly emphasizes the artist-studio connection, enhancing music production.
Senri Oe’s album “Homework” showcases his talents as a pianist and composer, reflecting years of creativity influenced by his travels. The work features intricate compositions like “Stormy Day” and “Acha!” blending genres and showcasing collaboration with skilled musicians. Oe emphasizes art’s essence in life, turning obligations into enriching experiences.
Bernard Allison, a blues guitarist raised by his legendary father Luther Allison, has released the album “Loving You” after three decades in music. Featuring collaborations with notable musicians and a fresh sound, the album includes diverse tracks blending funk and soulful blues. It showcases Allison’s skill and celebrates his journey in the blues community.
Jamie Safir, a Manchester-born pianist, debuts his album “Momentism” with Chill Tone Records after a successful career as a collaborator in jazz and pop. The album highlights Safir’s original compositions, blending classical and jazz influences. Featuring talented musicians, it showcases his growth as a bandleader with engaging melodies and diverse arrangements.
Mike Dana’s album “Farther (Still)” showcases his innovative jazz vision, featuring nine beautifully arranged songs, seven of which he composed. The music blends Afro-Cuban rhythms and rich orchestrations, highlighting talented musicians like Ingrid Jensen and Tim Ries. Dana reflects on the journey of collaboration and creative growth in this homage to musical friendships.
Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous8 presented a live musical tribute to Peggy Lee at Vitello’s, featuring energetic performances and engaging storytelling. While O’Neill showcased her seasoned entertainment skills, some songs leaned towards a lively atmosphere rather than traditional jazz, leaving a desire for deeper emotional connection in ballads.
Julian Davis Reid, a renowned pianist and composer, leads his ensemble “Circle of Trust” in the album “Mercy We Need.” Featuring a blend of jazz and gospel influences, the album showcases various vocal and instrumental arrangements, including experimental takes on classic songs. Reid draws on his diverse musical background and education to create unique compositions.
Benny Green’s album “Renovation” marks his debut as a solo pianist after forty years as a jazz trio artist. Recorded live at Dizzy’s Club, it showcases his original compositions and creative interpretations of classic tunes, revealing his improvisational skills and deep musicality. The live audience’s applause reflects their appreciation for his artistry.
Sam Wilson’s album “Sowing Spring” features a blend of chamber jazz and folk music, showcasing instrumental collaborations with guitar, fiddle, bass clarinet, and drums. The compositions reflect nature’s transformations and evoke open spaces. This innovative mix of genres creates a raw acoustic experience, set for release on October 14, 2026.
The LH Express is a vibrant musical duo consisting of Lucas Haneman and Megan Laurence, supported by bassist Martin Newman and drummer Valera Negovora. Their latest album, “Born in a Cyclone,” showcases original tracks blending blues, funk, and personal lyrics, capturing their unique sound and energetic performances.
Dudley Taft, an accomplished blues rocker and songwriter, blends roots blues and rock influences in his music. Born on July 4, 1966, he has released albums like “Fire Horse,” celebrating his zodiac sign. Known for thoughtful lyrics and electric guitar mastery, he has also composed music for various films and television.
Teni Rane, a Chattanooga-based Americana and folk singer-songwriter, explores themes of belonging and identity through her music, inspired by her Southern upbringing and Armenian heritage. Her albums, including “Goldenrod” and “Never Turning Back,” blend personal experiences with nature, addressing universal human emotions. Rane’s intimate performances and storytelling solidify her unique artistic voice.
Gretchen Parlato’s album “The Wise Ones” showcases her unique vocal style across eleven tracks. Collaborating with talented musicians, including Gerald Clayton and Meshell Ndegeocello, the album blends contemporary jazz with African and Caribbean influences. The work highlights Parlato’s songwriting prowess, enhanced by profound lyrics and innovative arrangements.
AG Weinberger, a revered Romanian blues and jazz guitarist, blends American and European musical influences, showcasing his artistry through a new album featuring original songs and re-arranged covers. With a career over four decades, he embodies diverse heritage and champions cultural initiatives. His music creatively merges genres while addressing themes of love, pain, and freedom.
Todd DelGiudice’s album “Mas Alto” features a chord-less trio with bass, drums, and alto saxophone, showcasing his original compositions and explorations of jazz standards. The album highlights improvisation and musicianship, particularly through DelGiudice’s rich saxophone melodies and strong rhythmic support from the bass and drums, inviting listener engagement and imagination.
The Stereo Gang, a rock band from Kochi, Japan, blends classic hard rock, rock and roll, and blues for a contemporary sound. Formed at Kochi University, they focus on real musicianship and organic performances. Their victory at Emergenza Japan in 2024 marked their breakthrough, expanding their reach beyond Japan’s rock scene.
Carla Marciano, an acclaimed Italian saxophonist and composer, releases her sixth album, “Daydreaming,” dedicated to her father. Accompanied by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Salerno, Marciano showcases her talents on alto and sopranino saxophones across seven original compositions, blending romantic melodies with contemporary grooves, demonstrating her exceptional artistry and emotional depth.
Sherman Holmes, a two-time Blues Music Award winner, has released “One Step Ahead of the Blues,” showcasing a mix of new originals and reimagined classics. The album reflects his six-decade journey in music, featuring collaborations with notable artists. It is a heartfelt tribute to his enduring talent and emotional depth.
Arman Sangalang’s new album, “Waypoints,” features eight original compositions and a jazz standard. It showcases his musical growth and influences, including a tribute to Thelonious Monk. The album blends his California roots with Chicago’s jazz scene while exploring avant-garde elements, highlighted by engaging performances from the ensemble.
Tokunbo’s album “Lost & Found” features her captivating voice and vivid songwriting across genres, from pop to folk and jazz. Co-produced with Ulrich Bode, the album includes poignant tracks like “Empty Nest” and “70’s Magazine Memory,” reflecting her mixed culture and experiences. The accompanying booklet showcases her lyrics and stunning photographs.
Jimbo Ross, a unique jazz violist, showcases his phenomenal talent on his album “Beyond the Groove,” featuring a talented ensemble. With a custom five-string electric viola, he creatively reinterprets jazz classics by legends like Miles Davis and Monk. Ross infuses each performance with energy and sincerity, reinventing familiar tunes.
Takashi Matsunaga’s duo album “Ride Five,” featuring bassist Christian McBride, showcases their synergy in improvisational music. Through seven original tracks, Matsunaga’s piano compositions serve as creative starting points, allowing both musicians to explore and develop melodies. The result is structured yet experimental music that captivates and surprises the listener.
Mike Jones and his trio deliver an exhilarating performance featuring jazz classics like “Oh, Lady Be Good” and “Autumn Leaves.” With Mike Jones on piano, Alex Frank on bass, and Graham Dechter on guitar, their live recording at Vic’s Supper Club showcases vibrant improvisation, exceptional musicianship, and an infectious swing throughout the album.
Anthony Geraci, a pianist and composer, has evolved from a music-less childhood in Connecticut to a prominent figure in the blues scene. His album “Where Were You” showcases his skill across various blues styles, featuring vocalists and instrumental collaborations. Geraci’s work emphasizes that the blues tradition remains dynamic and alive.
Ella Fitzgerald, the renowned jazz vocalist, is celebrated in “Live at Falkoner Theatre Copenhagen,” recorded on February 6, 1966. This previously unreleased live album showcases her exceptional talent and improvisational skills supported by the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Fitzgerald’s influence on music endures, highlighting her significance as an iconic artist.
Ma Rainey Mother Of The Blues: The Complete Paramount Recordings 1923-1928 Black Swan Records Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, most likely born April 26, 1886, in Columbus, Georgia, first heard the blues in 1902 in rural Missouri and began incorporating it into her shows more and more as audiences responded to it. By that point, she was […]
R.J. Spangler’s “A Lifetime in Detroit Jazz & Blues – Vol 1” is a double CD set celebrating his 70th birthday and extensive musical career. Featuring Alberta Adams and Joe Weaver, the release showcases classic blues and original compositions, capturing Detroit’s rich music scene. Limited copies document Spangler’s legacy in the genre.
Crystal Shawanda, an Indigenous Canadian artist from the Wiikwemkoong First Nation, has had a remarkable music career since signing with RCA Records in 2007. With influences ranging from blues to country, her albums have earned awards, including Juno Awards. Shawanda captivates audiences with her powerful vocals and culturally rich artistry, spanning various music genres.
Cassandra Cole, a Minnesota-based singer-songwriter, blends alternative soul and indie folk in her music. Her latest EP, The Grey, reflects her journey through personal upheaval, emphasizing themes of vulnerability and emotional honesty. Cole’s performances foster deep connections with audiences, illustrating her belief in the power of shared experiences through music.
Austin Walkin’ Cane, a slide guitarist and blues artist, creates “Damn Fine Blues,” a mix of original and classic Delta blues. Over decades of touring worldwide, his resilience and personal journey shape his music. His albums, like “Murder of a Blues Singer” and “One Heart Walkin’,” reflect a deep connection to blues tradition and storytelling.
Anita White, professionally known as Lady A, is a Seattle-born musician who has been influencing the blues, soul, and gospel scenes since the 1980s. In 2026, she released her album, “The Space in Between,” featuring self-written songs exploring themes of love and resilience. Lady A is celebrated for her activism and performances that connect with audiences.
Greg Chako’s album “Hard Bop for the Record” showcases his return to music after overcoming health challenges. Drawing inspiration from jazz legends, the album features original compositions that exemplify hard bop. Notable tracks include “Second Chance,” “Ballad to the Bone,” and “Mr. Higgins,” highlighting strong solo performances and vibrant horn arrangements.
Dr. Gianni Bianchini leads a jazz trio featuring Ross Kratter and Sam Hart, performing classics from the American songbook. Known for his improvisational skill on piano and vocals, Bianchini presents familiar tunes with unique interpretations. He is an accomplished musician, recording artist, and educator, currently Head of Jazz Studies at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Zaccai Curtis’s album “Sonoluminescence Vol. 1” showcases his unique blend of Afro-Caribbean rhythms, jazz, funk, and soul, influenced by artists like Ahmad Jamal and Roy Ayers. The compositions, featuring strong improvisation and vibrant grooves, invite listeners to experience musical freedom and innovation, while extending beyond five minutes to maintain engagement.
Alex Roitman Tango Ensemble’s album “La Cocina de Tango” showcases the rich heritage of tango music influenced by African and European cultures. The ensemble, led by bandoneonist Roitman, features original compositions and classic covers, highlighting instruments like the violin and piano. This engaging collection encapsulates the beauty and energy of tango.
Sam Barsh, Keyon Harrold, and Mark Guiliana collaborate on “Straight08,” an album blending jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and experimental sounds. With over 400 releases among them, their music reflects deep camaraderie, spontaneity, and improvisation. Notable tracks include “Fergumette Park” and covers like “Little Sunflower,” showcasing their creative synergy.
Dan Siegel’s album “Resolution” showcases his eleventh project, featuring a blend of contemporary jazz with influences from artists like John Coltrane. Emphasizing creativity over perfection, Siegel collaborates with exceptional musicians, including drummer Jay Bellerose. The album highlights laid-back compositions with catchy melodies and a focus on easy listening.
Charlie Parr’s album “Rooming House” features interconnected stories reflecting life in communal living spaces, influenced by his experiences in Minneapolis rooming houses. The songs explore themes of economic insecurity, healthcare struggles, and the resilience found in community compassion. Parr’s heartfelt songwriting reveals the humanity of overlooked individuals while celebrating mutual support in challenging times.
Steve Howell, a Texas-born musician, is renowned for his mastery in acoustic blues. His latest album, “I Don’t Mind,” produced by bassist Jason Weinheimer and guitarist Dan Sumner, blends classic tracks with Howell’s warm vocals and intricate fingerpicking. The album honors the essence of early American jazz and blues.
Technocats, a contemporary jazz band led by Chris Glassman, features musicians from Michigan State University. Their debut album, showcasing compositions by Gregg Hill, blends traditional roots with modern arrangements. Notable tracks include “Normality” and “Traffic Jam,” displaying strong improvisation and unique styles, contributing to a rich, evolving sound.
JP Soars, a seasoned musician, teams up with violinist Anne Harris in the album “Gypsy Blue Revue,” blending diverse music styles like blues, rock, and folk. Recorded live, the project captures their immediate chemistry, showcasing authentic storytelling and musicianship. The collaboration results in a vibrant, adventurous sound rooted in the blues tradition.
Rick Berthod, a blues guitar artist influenced by legends like Eric Clapton and B.B. King, began performing in his teens. His tenth album, “Get Back Home,” features original songs and a cover of Albert Collins. Berthod, now celebrated in the Las Vegas Blues Hall of Fame, has performed with many iconic musicians.
Pedro Luis Ferrer and his daughter Lena deliver a vibrant album, “La Bunga,” featuring 14 original songs that celebrate Cuban culture through uplifting melodies and poetic lyrics. Tracks like “Celebracion” and “Consciente” combine joyful rhythms with meaningful messages. Despite small font issues in the CD booklet, their music resonates universally.
Sujata, a British-Indian singer-songwriter from London, blends Bengali Folk Music with Pop and Rock. Influenced by artists like Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin, her music features a fusion of diverse sounds, combining sitars and tablas with traditional rock elements. Her lyrics express life’s challenges and celebrate the human spirit.
Warren Haynes’ “Dreams & Songs: A Symphonic Journey” showcases his musical evolution through reimagined works, featuring a 64-piece symphony. Highlighting pieces like “Thorazine Shuffle” and covers of U2’s “One,” the concert captures his roots and style, blending Southern rock and blues with rich orchestral arrangements, culminating in a powerful rendition of “Whipping Post.”
“Naptown Blues” by Christopher Wyze & the Tellers pays tribute to blues pioneers Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell. The album features historical songs and narratives, connecting past and present blues traditions. Wyze, an acclaimed songwriter, showcases storytelling that reflects universal emotions, highlighting the rich blues heritage of Indianapolis.
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