CD Reviews Jazz

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 […]

Maria Manousaki’s third album, “Behind Closed Doors,” merges Cretan culture with polyrhythmic jazz, showcasing her expertise as a violinist and composer. Collaborating with renowned jazz artists, her compositions evoke deep emotions and vibrant storytelling. Dedicated to her father’s memory, the album illustrates Manousaki’s role as a cultural bridge in music.

The UNLV Jazz Ensemble 1’s album “Let the Good Times Roll” showcases jazz artistry featuring guest artists like Chris Holmes and Naomi Mauro. Produced by Grammy-winning Gregg Field, it celebrates student and faculty creativity amid budget cuts. The project honors jazz’s significance in higher education, with multiple standout performances highlighting talented musicians.

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.

Whispering Worlds is a quartet formed in 2022, inspired by Jon Hassell, creating experimental jazz that resembles film soundtracks. Their debut album, “Cosmic Cliffs,” released on March 28, 2025, features original compositions predominantly by trumpeter Aaron Shragge, blending eclectic sounds, including East Indian Raga and Japanese shakuhachi.

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.

Jarod Bufe’s album “Brighter Days” features a star-studded jazz quartet with Bufe on tenor saxophone. The compositions, written during the pandemic, showcase a blend of hope and vitality. Highlights include heartfelt tributes and infectious melodies, demonstrating the group’s strong camaraderie and musical synergy. Each track reflects resilience and joy.

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.

Satoko Fujii’s Tokyo Trio debuted their studio album “Dream A Dream” on May 22, 2024, in Paris, showcasing five of Fujii’s compositions. The trio blends improvisation with structured themes, creating a dynamic sound. Each member contributes uniquely, resulting in unpredictable yet purposeful music that resonates with beauty and freedom.

Trombonist Altin Sencalar releases his sixth album, “Unleashed,” marking a creative evolution as he explores challenging tempos and composition techniques. Featuring a dynamic ensemble, including Greg Tardy and Behn Gillece, the album juxtaposes aggressive solos with diverse rhythms and styles, showcasing Sencalar’s mastery and promising future direction in jazz.

Bob James and Dave Koz have collaborated on a unique acoustic album titled “Just Us,” recorded in the comfort of James’ home. This milestone project showcases their talents through clear, bold arrangements of original compositions and timeless standards. With a blend of classical, funk, and smooth jazz, it offers an unforgettable musical experience.

Branford Marsalis Quartet’s album “Belonging” pays tribute to Keith Jarrett’s 1974 work, blending jazz with classical influences. Featuring pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis, and drummer Justin Faulkner, the quartet demonstrates a unique synergy, intertwining various styles including swing and soul-jazz. The album highlights each member’s exceptional talent, showcasing their telepathic connection.

Silvano Monasterios’ album “The River” features a nine-piece ensemble, inspired by the social unrest in Venezuela. With contributions from notable musicians, it combines intricate rhythms and melodies that reflect the depth of Monasterios’ culture. The project pays tribute to the bravery of the Venezuelan people through passionate and accessible music.

Yelena Eckemoff’s album “Scenes from the Dark Ages” blends medieval inspirations with modern jazz fusion and prog-rock elements, featuring collaborations with Italian musicians. The music incorporates diverse instruments and reflects her childhood dreams. Ambitious and unique, the album appeals to both jazz and rock fans, showcasing Eckemoff’s innovative artistry.

Gina Saputo’s upcoming album “Daydream” showcases her remarkable jazz vocal talent, revitalizing pop classics with creative arrangements. Supported by a skilled ensemble, she impressively blends swing with emotive lyrics. Standout tracks include “If I Knew Then” and “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me,” highlighting her scat skills. The album releases in April 2025.

Sharel Cassity’s album “Gratitude” features renowned musicians including Christian McBride, Lewis Nash, and Cyrus Chestnut, celebrating community and mentorship. Blending infectious hooks with emotional improvisation, the album showcases Cassity’s artistry on various tracks. Highlights include “Magnetism” and “The Promise,” offering a joyful listening experience designed to uplift spirits.

Marilyn Kleinberg’s album “Let Your Heart Lead the Way,” featuring Will Galison on harmonica, showcases her emotional singing style and unique interpretations of classic songs. Collaborating with talented musicians like John DiMartino, Noriko Ueda, and Victor Lewis, Kleinberg offers an intimate and heartfelt experience, set for release on May 1, 2025.

Matthew Muñeses and Riza Printup’s album “Pag-Ibig Ko,” showcases romantic Filipino kundiman songs through a unique saxophone and harp blend. Exploring heritage, Muñeses, a newcomer to kundiman, collaborates with Printup, raised with this music. Their interpretations, including “Dahil Sa Iyo” and “Minamahai Kita,” celebrate cultural pride and musical beauty.

Guitarist Ray Suhy and pianist Lewis Porter lead a jazz quartet with Joris Teepe and Rudy Royston. Their album “What Happens Next” features eight original tracks, blending influences from Coltrane and Monk. The music showcases diverse styles, including modal improvisation, Indian classical elements, and vibrant swing, resulting in an exciting exploration of jazz.

Daniel Garbin’s album “Rising” features a unique fusion of jazz with sitar, showcasing impressive performances by Camila Cortina (piano), Scott Litroff (saxophone), Eddy Khaimovich (bass), and Brian Woodruff (drums). With seven original compositions, the album offers fresh sounds and innovative arrangements, highlighting Garbin’s musical versatility and creativity.

Zhengtao Pan’s album “Scenery in My Story,” reflects his journey from Shanghai to Boston, blending personal experiences with influences from jazz. Comprising soothing compositions inspired by people and places, it showcases his orchestral creativity, particularly through unique arrangements like “Dancing in the Dream” and covers of jazz standards, delivered during the pandemic.

Jim Snidero’s album “Bird Feathers” is a tribute to jazz legend Charlie Parker, reflecting Snidero’s deep admiration for Parker’s music. The album features a chordless trio with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Joe Farnsworth, showcasing interpretations of Parker’s pieces. Snidero’s artistry and performance solidify his position among the top alto saxophonists.

Chris Varga’s album “Breathe,” featuring musicians like Clark Sommers and Geof Bradfield, reflects his growth in Seoul’s jazz scene. The project emphasizes camaraderie among musicians and showcases Varga’s distinct style through original compositions. Notable tracks include “Durantula,” inspired by Kevin Durant, and innovative rhythm shifts that engage listeners deeply.

The Christoph Irniger Quintet, based in Switzerland, showcases their live album “Human Intelligence,” featuring a blend of composed pieces and improvisation. Captured in Germany, the performance highlights unique tracks, reflecting emotional journeys and struggles. The quintet’s dynamic transitions keep listeners engaged, drawing comparisons to modern jazz influences.

THE HAAS COMPANY VOL 3 SONG FOR MIMI FEATURING SAMUEL HALLKVIST Psychiatric Records and Tapes Steve Haas, drums/producer; Pete Drungle, Fender Rhodes/Moog Odyssey/Mini Moog/various synths/acoustic piano/composer/producer; Samuel Hallkvist, electric & acoustic guitar; Sean Lennon, guitar & atmospheres; Guy Prat & Kirwan Brown, bass; Todd Reynolds, violin; Nicholas Draps & Jerry Goodman, electric violin; Scott Tixler, […]

Nels Cline’s latest project, Consentrik Quartet, showcases his avant-garde approach to jazz through a collaboration with renowned free jazz musicians. The album blends diverse styles, including free improvisation and electric blues, offering a range of soundscapes. Highlight tracks feature intricate interplay, dynamic grooves, and Cline’s signature electric guitar work.

Emma Rawicz and Gwilym Simcock’s duo project, “Big Visit,” showcases their exceptional talents in a beautifully simple production. Their interaction shines through in compositions like “His Great Adventure” and covers including Stevie Wonder’s “Visions.” The duo’s chemistry is palpable, making this album a captivating and repeat-worthy listening experience.

Jake Hertzog’s “Ozark Concerto,” funded by prestigious foundations, is a fusion of guitar, jazz big band, and strings, reflecting his classical and jazz influences. Premiering in April 2024, the work emphasizes a cohesive orchestral narrative, drawing inspiration from legends like Pat Metheny and Kurt Rosenwinkel, showcasing Hertzog’s dynamic guitar artistry throughout.

Bassist Rodney Jordan’s album “Memphis Blue” showcases bluesy jazz influenced by his hometown. Leading a quintet featuring talented Southern musicians, including trumpeter Melvin Jones and saxophonist Mark Sterbank, Jordan presents original compositions and standards. The album blends hard bop with soul jazz, highlighting Jordan’s musical prowess and ensemble dynamics throughout the spirited session.

Mitch Towne’s new album “Refuge,” features his trio with Tetsuya Nishiyama and Jeffery Johnson, showcasing original compositions and a tribute to Kenny Kirkland. Drawing inspiration from Jimmy Smith, Towne’s energetic playing brings soulful jazz to life. The album is set for release on April 4, 2025, emphasizing swinging organ jazz traditions.

THE EMPRESS, a group of four female saxophonists led by Pureum Jin, delivers a vibrant performance in their debut album “Square One.” With energetic bebop compositions and standout solos, they showcase their musical mastery across eleven tracks. Notable contributions from pianist Steve Ash and bassist Joey Ranieri elevate the production.

Multi-reedist John Ellis showcases his talent in Heroes, his fifteenth album as a leader, featuring a strong ensemble. The album highlights original compositions, blending influences from musical mentors and friends. With intricate arrangements and a classic jazz quintet sound, Ellis delivers rich, evocative performances, showcasing unique artistry in each track.

Kaisa’s Machine, led by bassist Kaisa Mäensivu, presents their third album, Moving Parts. The music reflects Mäensivu’s experiences between Helsinki and New York, combining darker Nordic sounds with vibrant New York jazz. Each track, from “Tykytys” to “Best Kept Secrets,” showcases a blend of improvisation and emotional depth within the band’s dynamic.

Richard Baratta’s album “Looking Back” showcases his remarkable return to music with dynamic jazz arrangements of beloved hits like “I Feel Good” and “Respect.” Featuring talented musicians, Baratta’s impressive drumming drives the tracks, blending passion and creativity. After a successful film career, his musical talent shines in this engaging collection.

Patricio Morales’ album “La Tierra Canta,” featuring various musicians, showcases his classical guitar compositions rich in South American cultural influences. After relocating to the U.S., Morales rejuvenates nine timeless pieces with jazzy arrangements. The album, blending folk, jazz, and world music, highlights the purity of his musical roots and will be released on April 1, 2025.

Bianca Rossini is a Brazilian pop singer and songwriter based in Beverly Hills, known for her engaging lyrics and relatable themes. Her first English-language album features ten well-crafted songs, highlighting her strong compositional skills. The album, co-produced by Peter Roberts, is set for worldwide release on March 5, 2025.

Michelle Nicolle and Larry Koonse team up for “The Silent Wish,” Nicolle’s first American album. The duo showcases their chemistry through classic jazz standards and lesser-known songs, demonstrating impressive vocal and guitar interplay. Nicolle’s dynamic range and improvisational skills, paired with Koonse’s sensitive accompaniment, create a refreshingly modern jazz experience.

Caili O’Doherty’s album “Bluer Than Blue – Celebrating Lil Hardin Armstrong” features arrangements of Armstrong’s tunes, showcasing her significant yet overlooked influence on jazz. Collaborating with talented musicians, O’Doherty honors Hardin’s legacy through engaging performances of both popular and lesser-known pieces, blending rich historical context with contemporary interpretations.

Isabelle Olivier’s album “Impressions” pays homage to impressionism, merging elegance and minimalism within her harp compositions. Featuring her sons and a rich string ensemble, the project celebrates artists like Van Gogh and Cezanne, exploring emotions and inspirations from art. Olivier strives to evoke profound feelings through her music.