Every week our staff of CD Reviewers bring you the best in Independent CD releases. Making a Scene is considered the number 1 resource for the independent musician and the fans that love them.
Randy Ingram’s trio album, “Aries Dance,” showcases his melodic and harmonic prowess alongside bassist Drew Gress and drummer Billy Hart. The album features subtle compositions influenced by notable pianists and incorporates Brazilian and Portuguese elements. With thoughtful interpretations of standards, Ingram delivers a captivating listening experience that stands out in the genre.
SWEET is a celebrated British rock band with over fifty years of influence across continents. Andy Scott is pivotal in preserving the band’s musical legacy and ensuring high-quality performances. The current lineup includes Paul Manzi, Bruce Bisland, Lee Small, and Scott, continuing to deliver the iconic high-energy sound of SWEET.
Swedish trumpeter Erik Palmberg’s new CD “Faces” has topped Sweden’s jazz charts, showcasing the quartet’s strong musical connection since 2018. The album features original compositions, blending various styles. With standout performances from each member, it highlights Palmberg’s unique voice in jazz, though some tracks lack rhythmic drive.
Scott Colson, known as Slaw, debuts his album “Here I Come,” produced in Nashville. Infused with classic R&B and Southern Rock influences, Slaw’s songs reflect personal experiences and emotional depth. Key tracks explore themes of resilience, love, and vulnerability. Collaborating with his wife, he conveys life’s joys and struggles through compelling performances.
Steve Coleman and Five Elements’ album PolyTropos/Of Many Turns showcases an extraordinary level of improvisation and interconnectivity within the band. Their unique setup fosters intense communication, allowing for spontaneous creativity rooted in various musical styles. Inspired by diverse concepts, Coleman’s work presents a fresh, accessible approach to avant-garde jazz, defining their sound.
Ben Waltzer’s “The Point” marks his return as a leader in Chicago’s vibrant jazz scene after moving from New York. Joined by Geof Bradfield, Clark Sommers, and Dana Hall, the album features original compositions and inventive arrangements. Each track blends melody and emotion, showcasing the quartet’s talent and chemistry.
Kevin Sun’s “Quartets” features two distinct CDs showcasing his versatility as a saxophonist. Recorded in 2022 and 2023, each disc presents different quartets and compositions, blending intricate rhythms and melodies. While the first disc offers greater cohesion, both demonstrate Sun’s creative evolution and solidify his prominent position in contemporary jazz.
Ben Levin’s “Holiday Blues Revue” features a blend of original tracks and classics co-produced with Matt Hueneman. Highlighting Levin’s piano skills and accompanied by notable musicians, songs like “Candy Cane” and “Elf Boogie” capture festive spirit. Levin, recognized for his talent, continues to celebrate blues music while touring.
Tenor saxophonist Ohad Talmor releases “Back to the Land,” a double album featuring unreleased Ornette Coleman pieces from discovered rehearsal tapes, mixed with fourteen of Talmor’s original works. The project showcases various ensemble configurations and innovative interpretations, marking a significant milestone in Talmor’s career and likely making its mark on year-end best lists.
Sahara von Hattenberger’s double album “1Q84” showcases exceptional chamber music featuring a talented trio with Joanne Kang on piano, Adrian Vedady on bass, and Jim Doxas on drums. The album merges jazz and classical elements, celebrating themes of change and resilience, while also reflecting on contemporary challenges and hope.
Steve Sieck’s album, “Crazy That Way,” showcases his songwriting talent and versatile style, blending jazz, pop, and R&B influences. Produced by Dori Amarilio, it features original songs with relatable lyrics and emotional storytelling. Highlights include the Brazilian-influenced “The Mystery of Love” and the humorous title track, reflecting Sieck’s creative depth.
Courtney Cutchins’ debut album, Grunge to Grace, creatively fuses jazz with grunge influences from her youth, particularly reflecting her Seattle roots. Featuring notable musicians, Cutchins presents three grunge covers alongside six originals, showcasing her vocal prowess and emotional depth. Her work emphasizes self-discovery, offering both hope and authenticity through music.
“The Journey of Han” by John Chin, Jeong Lim Yang, and Jongkuk Kim explores Korean American identity through jazz, capturing emotions ranging from sorrow to liberation. Featuring compositions highlighting Chin’s piano mastery, Yang’s impressive bass solos, and Kim’s drumming, the album is rich in talent and emotion, showcasing diverse styles and cultural influences.
Amy Speace’s album, The American Dream, explores themes of nostalgia, resilience, and emotional turmoil beyond just heartbreak. Through evocative lyrics and collaboration with talented musicians, she reflects on personal experiences, societal fragility, and the pursuit of dreams. The album showcases her growth as an artist and resonant storytelling.
Colin James, inspired by Stevie Ray Vaughan, has released twenty studio albums, winning eight Juno and thirty Maple Blues Awards. His new album “Chasing The Sun,” recorded with Colin Linden, features seven originals and four covers, showcasing James’ emotive vocals and exceptional guitar skills. A US tour is planned for January 2025.
Mike Zito, an acclaimed blues musician with a history of overcoming alcoholism, has released his latest album “Life Is Hard,” featuring collaborations with renowned artists. His journey includes multiple award-winning albums and founding The Royal Southern Brotherhood. Zito’s work reflects themes of redemption and resilience, earning him numerous Blues Music Awards throughout his career.
Mississippi MacDonald, a three-time British Blues Award nominee from London, showcases his blues roots with his sixth album “I Got What You Need”. Influenced by icons like Muddy Waters and B.B. King, he combines original pieces with classic covers, highlighting a rich blend of soul-blues and instrumental shuffles.
Laila Biali’s “Wintersongs,” her tenth album, showcases her talent as a vocalist and composer, developed during a winter stay in the Rocky Mountains. The album blends pop and chamber music with warm, serene melodies. Featuring rich orchestration and contributions from various musicians, it offers a beautifully crafted listening experience, including seasonal favorites.
Al Jarreau’s recording with the NDR Bigband captures a vibrant concert experience, featuring his last performances before his passing in February 2017. The recording showcases his improvisational talents on classic pieces like “Lush Life” and “A-Train.” This historical project celebrates both Jarreau’s legacy and the outstanding NDR Bigband.
Andy Baker’s debut for Calligram Records showcases his trombone mastery alongside Chicago jazz veterans Russ Johnson, Clark Sommers, and Dana Hall. Their chord-less quartet format highlights improvisation, particularly in Baker’s interpretations of classic tunes and original compositions. The album pays tribute to Baker’s influences, offering an exploratory jazz experience.
Rich Halley’s latest album, “Dusk & Dawn,” features his quartet with Michael Vlatkovich, Clyde Reed, and Carson Halley. Combining original compositions with spontaneous improvisations, the album showcases their collaborative spirit and musical chemistry. The track “The Return” exemplifies their dynamic interplay, creating an engaging experimental jazz experience.
Jocelyn Gould’s “Portrait of Right Now,” featuring her ensemble, showcases her distinguished style as a contemporary jazz guitarist. This fourth album, a blend of ten tracks—eight originals—exhibits her skill and creativity, drawing influence from jazz legends. Gould’s vibrant performances on guitar elevate her significant presence in modern jazz.
Diego Rivera’s album “Ofrenda,” his seventh and fifth for Posi-Tone, explores themes from the Mexican holiday Dia De Los Muertos through ten movements. Joined by Posi-Tone’s rhythm section and trumpeter Terell Stafford, Rivera blends jazz with cultural traditions, creating a vibrant tribute that honors lost loved ones while celebrating life.
Jason Robinson’s “Ancestral Numbers II” explores his family roots through innovative music encompassing themes of mythology, immigration, and personal history. Collaborating with a talented quintet, he delivers compositions that blend playfulness with emotion, honoring ancestors while maintaining accessibility. The project reflects a deep connection to memory and community throughout its diverse pieces.
Avishai Cohen’s album Ashes to Gold captures the emotional aftermath of conflict in the Middle East. Recorded shortly after the Israeli-Gaza war, it features a five-part suite that reflects tragedy and hope, showcasing carefully composed music in contrast to previous improvisational styles. The album emphasizes the necessity of expressing profound feelings through art.
Brian Lynch’s album “7X7by7” features seven musicians and seven original seven-minute tracks, all crafted during the pandemic. This project highlights Lynch’s life experiences and musical journey, showcasing individual talents within the ensemble. Celebrating the significance of the number seven, the album is set for release on October 25, 2024.
Ben Wendel’s “Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard” showcases his eclectic style as a saxophonist and composer. Collaborating with a skilled rhythm section, Wendel delivers a dynamic collection of original compositions, blending tradition with innovation. The live performance captures a warm atmosphere, engaging the audience throughout with improvisations and thoughtful arrangements.
Mavis Pan’s album “Rising” blends classical and chamber music with touches of jazz, highlighted by intricate horn and flute solos. Born in Taiwan and trained internationally, Pan offers a varied musical background. While her compositions are classical, the jazz influence is featured in certain tracks, showcasing both complexity and emotional depth.
Kat Riggins, born in Miami, is a blues musician influenced by legends like Koko Taylor and Nina Simone. Her sixth album, “Revival,” co-written with Tim Mulberry, features ten original tracks blending blues, soul, and R&B. The album showcases themes of empowerment and nostalgia, highlighting Riggins’ vocal prowess and songwriting talent.
Naomi Moon Siegel’s album “Shatter the Glass Sanctuary” showcases her skills as a trombonist and composer, blending modern and free jazz with emotional depth. Each track offers unique instrumental arrangements, highlighted by contributions from her talented ensemble. Siegel’s work is influenced by personal experiences, reflecting a journey of emotional and cultural exploration. Her accolades affirm her innovative approach and contributions to jazz.
Michael Mayo’s sophomore album, “Fly,” embraces pure jazz, diverging from his jazz-infused R&B debut, “Bones.” Collaborating with notable jazz musicians, Mayo delivers a mix of originals and jazz classics. Highlights include scatting, vocalese, and family contributions, showcasing his vocal prowess and improvisational skill. His approach offers a rich, immediate, and soulful jazz journey.
Eric Person’s “Rhythm Edge,” originally released in 2007, has been remixed and reissued. This standout jazz album features Person’s Meta-Four Quartet, prominent guest artists, and diverse compositions, from high-energy post-bop to soulful ballads. With vibrant solos, contemporary infusion, and Person’s dynamic leadership, it underscores his prowess as a saxophonist and composer.
Teri Parker’s Free Spirits, a Toronto-based jazz group formed in 2019, pays tribute to pianists Mary Lou Williams and Geri Allen. Their album features compositions by Parker and Allen, blending jazz with diverse styles. Notable tracks include “Unconditional Love” and “Survival,” with spoken word elements exploring contemporary themes. The group showcases artistic innovation and historical influences.
Vivian Buczek’s “Le Grand Michel,” due for release on October 25th, honors Michel Legrand’s compositions, showcasing her jazz flair alongside musicians like Mathias Heise and Martin Sjöstedt. Buczek’s emotive vocals shine, especially on tracks like “The Windmills of Your Mind.” The album includes both Legrand classics and an original by Peter Asplund.
Dann Zinn’s album “Two Roads” is a testament to his resilience and musical prowess, featuring collaborations with renowned musicians like Rachel Z and Omar Hakim. Despite a hand injury that required modifications to his saxophone, Zinn delivers a diverse range of compositions. The album balances intense and sensitive musical expressions, maintaining Zinn’s commitment to his craft.
Caleb Wheeler Curtis, a versatile multi-instrumentalist, showcases his talents in two recent albums: “The True Story of Bears and the Invention of the Battery” and “Raise Four: Monk The Minimalist.” Featuring a range of saxophones and a blend of original compositions and covers, Curtis explores innovative jazz techniques, demonstrating his musicianship and distinct style.
Darius Jones, a saxophonist known for his avant-garde and experimental music, releases “Legend of e’Boi (The Hypervigilant Eye),” part of his Man’ish Boy series. This work embodies themes of Black mental health and healing, featuring a chordless saxophone trio and artistic collaborations. It’s a personal journey of overcoming trauma, highlighting Jones’ expressive horn playing and emotional depth.
Jeff Lederer’s album “Guilty!!!” offers a satirical political statement through jazz, marked by humor and intricate compositions. Addressing socio-political themes of the 2024 election year, it features chaotic electronic and instrumental elements. Emphasizing dishonest discourse, it aims to engage listeners with a live-streamed event on Election Eve, culminating in “Truth is Marching In.”
Filippo Dall’Asta, an Italian guitarist, merges modern Gypsy Jazz with unique arrangements on “The Hot Club of Tenerife” album. Featuring classic jazz standards and original compositions, the album showcases a blend of rich Romani influences and modern elements. With performances across Europe, Dall’Asta captures joyful rhythms and innovative twists in this vibrant musical collection.
In “Urban Chaos,” Nick Adema, a Canadian trombonist based in Amsterdam, explores themes of life and loss following his mother’s passing. The album features varied compositions with contributions from talented musicians, including string quartets and horns, emphasizing Adema’s trombone prowess and blending jazz with emotional depth and innovation.
Joy Clark’s album “Tell It to the Wind” highlights her journey as a Black, queer, Southern artist breaking through the music scene with support from artists like Brandi Carlile and Ani DiFranco. Produced by Margaret Becker, the album features themes of resilience, empowerment, and belonging, with a blend of gentle sonics and infectious choruses, marking Clark as an influential voice for survivors.
Hayes Carll and The Band of Heathens collaborate to create a dynamic musical experience, blending country and rock with exceptional songwriting and performances. Their debut features clever, humorous tracks marked by harmonious vocals and distinct styles, suggesting a promising partnership that could earn them supergroup status. Notably, the album highlights Carll’s artistic evolution.
Eric Bibb, son of Leon Bibb, grew up among legendary folk musicians and has released numerous albums over his career. His latest, “In The Real World,” is a collaborative effort recorded in Sweden, London, and Nashville. The album features diverse instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics, exemplifying Bibb’s enduring artistry and storytelling prowess.
Dharma Down Records’ debut album “Owl Dreams” features Duncan Hardy on alto saxophone/Qanun, Mike Effenberger on piano, Scott Kiefner on acoustic bass, and John Mettam on drums. The music blends American jazz with Middle Eastern and Eastern Asian influences, showcasing the diverse backgrounds of the musicians. The album, releasing on October 11, 2024, promises a global appeal with its original compositions.
Delfeayo Marsalis’ “Crescent City Jewels” is a vibrant big band album that celebrates New Orleans’ rich musical heritage. Featuring both veteran musicians and rising stars, the Uptown Jazz Orchestra delivers a joyful collection of songs blending jazz, R&B, and Creole influences. Highlights include Tonya Boyd-Cannon’s “Sleeping Bee” and a fresh take on “Ooh Poo Pah Doo.”
Daniel Pardo’s album “Ese Momento” features twelve boleros, blending classical melodicism, jazz sophistication, and Latin rhythms. Produced with pianist Sergio Pamies and the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, the album showcases Pardo’s versatile flute performance and highlights like “Como Fue,” “Sabor A Mi,” and “Bebo.” It reflects cultural diversity and musical mastery.
Paul Kendall’s “Live at Vic’s Jazz Loft,” featuring a mix of live and studio recordings from early 2023, showcases Kendall’s tenor saxophone alongside Marc Neely, Patrick Poladian, Roy Cumming, Rudy Petschauer, and Dan Kostelnik. Notable tracks highlight both drummer-inclusive and drum-less performances, emphasizing Kendall’s versatility and intensity in different settings.
Ollie Owens, a Canadian singer-songwriter, returns with her second album “Nowhere To Hide” after a family-raising hiatus. Produced by Bobby Blazier, the album, featuring tracks like “Solid Ground,” “Roots,” and covers “The Neighborhood” and “Lord Protect My Child,” blends themes of resilience, love, and personal experiences.
Ben Monder’s “Planetarium” is a meticulously crafted project spanning ten years, resulting in three CDs of evocative music. It showcases a complex blend of heavenly and dark tones through layered guitars and vocal harmonies. Each disc offers unique compositions, with contributions from notable musicians, creating a profound auditory experience.
Frédéric Viale’s eighth album, “Caméléon,” showcases his unique style on the accordion through solo performance. This album blends various genres, emphasizing his jazz influence even in traditional pieces. Viale’s mastery, improvisational skills, and emotional sincerity shine through 19 tracks, including eight original compositions and creative arrangements, making it an unforgettable experience.