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.
Lakecia Benjamin’s sixth album, “We Dream,” showcases her innovative spirit in contemporary jazz. Collaborating with notable musicians, she blends original compositions and spoken word to create uplifting music that resonates with both modern and classic influences. Highlight tracks include “First Light” and “Ascension,” featuring vibrant guest performances.
Antonio Adolfo’s album “Balaios” features nine original compositions showcasing the talents of various musicians, including special guests. Inspired by the idea of woven baskets, the album reflects a blend of creativity and rich musical history. It highlights Adolfo’s enduring artistry and evolution over his six-decade career, infusing joy and energy into every piece.
Kaz Murphy’s album “Making Noise: Songs of Rebellion & Redemption” showcases his journey from a musically-inclined childhood to a seasoned artist. Blending folk, Americana, and protest themes, the album addresses social issues with evocative lyrics and diverse musical styles. Collaborating with his wife, Jacque Grad, it reflects personal and political struggles.
Anita Katakkar and Kayla Milmine form the duo “Amrita,” producing a captivating World Fusion album that blends Hindustani music, jazz, and improvisation. Their work features guests and emphasizes unique instruments like the esraj and cajón. Their music, reflective of their diverse inspirations, delivers an enriching auditory experience.
Bria Skonberg’s “Indigo” showcases her talents as a trumpeter and jazz vocalist, featuring a blend of classic standards and an original composition. With rich arrangements by Gil Goldstein and emotional performances, particularly on songs like “I’m Glad There is You” and “Fragile,” the album creates a serene ambiance perfect for intimate settings.
David Occhipinti’s album “Looking Glass” merges chamber music and jazz through original compositions featuring guitar, strings, and vocals. The work includes six brief pieces, “Six Bagatelles,” showcasing intricate instrumentals, followed by the expansive “The Frumious Bandersnatch.” It invites special guests, enriching its unique, introspective soundscape, reflecting Occhipinti’s artistic journey.
Judy Whitmore’s album “This Is Home” celebrates her voice, family, and the 250th Anniversary of the United States, featuring the Chris Walden Orchestra. The collection includes patriotic songs like “God Bless America” and medleys dedicated to American history, reflecting her family’s military background and her commitment to honoring the nation.
Trombonist Andrew Kim, a recent Michigan State University graduate, celebrates his achievement with the album “Lineage.” Featuring original compositions and collaborations with notable musicians, Kim showcases his talent through pieces like “Kimposter” and “Nostos.” His mentor, Michael Dease, produced the album, highlighting Kim’s promising future in jazz.
The Paul Silbergleit Trio’s debut album, “The Stillness of July,” features original compositions and unique covers, showcasing Silbergleit’s humor and guitar mastery. With skilled performances by bassist Clay Schaub and drummer Devin Drobka, the album blends various influences, providing a dynamic listening experience that highlights each musician’s talents.
Lolivone de la Rosa’s debut album “Jewels” showcases her mastery of jazz, blending American traditions with her Puerto Rican roots. Featuring talented musicians, the album highlights her perfectionist approach to arrangements and compositions, including tunes like “Si Por Mi Llueve” and “PB&J.” De la Rosa’s background in music fuels her creative journey.
ANDREW MOORHEAD MIRAGE OA2 Records Andrew Moorhead, piano/composer; Francois Moutin, bass; Ari Hoenig, drums. Fifteen years ago, pianist and composer Andrew Moorhead suffered an unexpected accident. He fell 47 feet through the open center of a stairwell. The result was multiple injuries. Among them, spinal cord damage, and his right wrist was left immobile. Moorhead […]
Lisa Rich’s album “I Still Rise” showcases her versatile vocal talent, highlighted by innovative interpretations of jazz standards like “No Moon at All” and “Take Five.” Collaborating with Marc Copland, Drew Gress, and Dave Ballou, Rich blends emotion with creative improvisation, creating a unique sonic experience that captivates listeners.
Bob Stroger, born in 1930, is a celebrated blues musician who revived his career in 2022 with his album “That’s My Name” alongside the Headcutters. Known for his bass guitar work and unique vocal style, Stroger has won multiple Blues Music Awards and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2025.
Eva Cortés’ ninth album, “La Malinche,” addresses issues of systemic racism and government abuse, inspired by the disappearance of a young Indigenous girl. Blending Spanish and English, her music explores heritage and social issues, making a political statement while uniting listeners. Cortés is celebrated as a prominent voice in Spanish Jazz.
Adam Rose’s album “Holler Serenade,” featuring the Mountain Jazz Quartet, showcases a joyful mix of contemporary and traditional jazz. The quartet, known for their spontaneity and deep connection, masterfully blends original compositions with jazz standards. Each track highlights creative arrangements and tight grooves, culminating in a vibrant listening experience.
The album “Keystone Trumpet Project Live at the Keystone Korner,” featuring trumpeters Rex Richardson, Sean Jones, and Dave Ballou, showcases a collaboration initiated from a 2023 performance. Recorded in June 2024, it blends diverse compositions, highlighting each trumpeter’s unique style, culminating in lively arrangements and dynamic solos, creating a celebratory musical experience.
Lisa McDavid, a talented artist from the Fort Wayne music scene, draws from a rich tapestry of musical influences rooted in her church upbringing. Her debut album “Dream World” features a blend of soul and rhythm and blues, showcasing emotional depth across various songs that explore love, loss, and empowerment.
“Accentuate the Positive” is a two-disc jazz album reflecting the tumultuous spirit of its times, drawing parallels between past and present struggles. Curated by Suzanne Wakdowski, it features notable vocalists and celebrates America’s rich musical heritage. The album aims to uplift spirits through well-arranged compositions, honoring the late Ken Peplowski’s influence.
Colin Heshmat’s debut album “Elastic Groove” showcases his jazz piano talents, blending post-bop with a contemporary flair. The quartet features skilled musicians, creating vibrant compositions inspired by experiences like New York’s energy. With influences from traditional jazz, Heshmat’s work highlights engaging rhythms and creative improvisation.
Kay Kostopoulos releases her album “All This is Possible,” featuring eight jazz standards with a talented band. Notable tracks include a heartfelt rendition of “Never Let Me Go” and an invigorating version of Charlie Parker’s “Segment.” Kostopoulos, an experienced actress and educator, brings emotional depth and her Greek heritage to the performances.
The Jeff Rupert Quartet, featuring talented musicians, showcases their unique sound in the album “Sea Spell.” Jeff Rupert, a skilled saxophonist and composer, contributes six original tracks. Highlights include a sweet rendition of “Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most” and the captivating “A Breeze Through the Keys,” illustrating Rupert’s talent for melodic composition.
GA-20, a Boston-based blues band, has gained recognition for their Chicago blues style since 2018, with multiple award nominations. Their new album, “Blues Now,” features Charlie Musselwhite, who takes the lead with harmonica and vocals. The album includes various classic tracks, showcasing GA-20’s talent and evolving music.
Brigitte Purdy, a Los Angeles-born artist, blends soul, blues, and R&B in her latest album, “Mother of the Crossroads.” Showcasing her emotional depth and vocal talent, Purdy pays homage to her grandmother while collaborating with notable musicians. The album features themes of love, nostalgia, and resilience in relationships.
Charles Chen’s album “The Long Way Home” features a blend of young and legendary jazz talents, including pianist Chen, guitarist Felix Lemerle, and veterans Bill Crow and Steve Little. The album showcases standards and original compositions, highlighting Chen’s style and celebrating the rich histories of the older musicians through both music and interviews.
AMSTEL JAZZ ENSEMBLE FIRST STATE BLUES Summit Records Dave Bozenhard, guitar; Miles Brown, bass; Tom Palmer, drums/piano; Bruce Tychinski, trombone; Todd Groves, soprano, alto, & tenor saxophones/flute. The Amstel Jazz Ensemble consists of faculty members of the University of Delaware. The Amstel Jazz Ensemble is actually named for a street in Newark, Delaware where the […]
Chris O’Leary’s seventh album, “Blue Collar,” showcases a blend of Chicago blues and New Orleans roots, featuring engaging songwriting and skilled musicianship. The album, produced by Kid Andersen, includes notable collaborations and energetic tracks like “Bad Decisions” and “Justice Must Be Blind.” O’Leary’s authenticity and talent make it a must-listen for blues fans.
Bjarke Falgren’s album “Turkis” features ten original compositions blending various musical influences, including folk, Latin, and jazz. With a focus on tone and phrasing, the album creates a soothing and emotional listening experience. Notably, Falgren’s unique playing style and rich arrangements highlight his mastery as a musician and composer.
TOM RICCI HAPPENING IN BUENOS AIRES – LIVE AT BORGES 1976 Independent label Tom Ricci, vocals/guitar/arranger/composer; Pablo Sanguinetti, piano/arranger; Bruno Migotto, bass; Oscar Giunta, drums. This album becomes a historic documentation of a one-night musical encounter between vocalist and guitarist, Tom Ricci and a trio of South American musicians. Argentine arranger and pianist, Pablo Sanguinetti […]
JAN GRABOWSKI JAZZ MYSTERIES Independent Label Przemyslaw Jan Grabowski, piano/Fender Rhodes/composer; Camila Cortina Bello, synthesizers/piano; Noam Tanzer, acoustic bass; Samer Sharawi, electric bass; Andy Wilder, drums; Kali Rodriguez-Peña, trumpet; Emir Santa Cruz, tenor saxophone. The first thing I noticed right away on Track #1 titled “My Dearest Christine” was that the pianist was a novice. […]
Rafael Greco’s album “Verses Under My Shadow,” features an eclectic blend of contemporary jazz and Afro-Latin rhythms. Greco, a versatile multi-instrumentalist, explores emotional themes while showcasing rich harmonics and experimental elements. The album, narrated by various musicians, serves as a protest against mediocrity and a commentary on the modern artistic landscape.
Steve Wilson’s album “Enduring Sonance” features cherished compositions performed by his talented ensemble. Highlighting pieces by Billy Childs, George Cables, and Michel Legrand, Wilson showcases his exceptional skills on saxophones and flute. The recording captures the essence of memorable music, reflecting his deep connections with each piece.
Dawn Clement’s tribute to Blossom Dearie showcases her sincere vocals and captivating piano work. Collaborating with an excellent quartet, she reinterprets fifteen of Dearie’s classics. With a playful yet heartfelt approach, Clement captures the essence of Dearie’s music, delivering both charm and depth in her interpretations. A jazz experience to savor.
J.P. Reali Grateful Blues Reali Records J.P. Reali is a blues guitarist and singer-songwriter currently living in Newark, Delaware. Originally from New York, Reali spent nearly forty years living and performing in the Washington, D.C., area. A veteran of the D.C. scene, Reali has evolved from his early days as the lead guitarist for the […]
Atlantic Road Trip’s second album, “Watch as the Echo Falls,” showcases a jazz trio exploring global folk music through compositions by Miro Herak, Chad McCullough, and Paul Towndrow. Featuring a blend of cultural influences, the album invites listeners on a reflective journey, emphasizing themes of nostalgia and unity in folk and jazz styles.
The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra, founded in 2007, celebrates soul and blues through their new album, “What Can We Do?” It features heartfelt songwriting and dynamic performances led by vocalist Willy Jordan. Blending original tracks with a classic cover, the album showcases their retro-soul sound while addressing contemporary themes.
Jarrod Lawson’s album showcases a blend of smooth jazz and R&B, emphasizing positivity and love. With tracks like “Just Let It” and “Smoke Me Out,” Lawson’s heartfelt lyrics address societal issues while highlighting strong grooves and impressive instrumentation. Every song shines, reflecting his talents as a composer and multi-instrumentalist.
John Clayton’s eighth album, “Two-O Duo,” features bassist John Clayton, pianist Gerald Clayton, and vocalist René Marie in a collaborative exploration of musical intimacy. The trio showcases a mix of jazz standards and original compositions, highlighted by rich harmonies and innovative arrangements, creating a beautiful, peaceful musical experience.
Gabriel Espinosa’s “The Brazilian Project” is his eighth album, showcasing his love for 1960s Brazilian music and his rich Mexican heritage. The album features original compositions and arrangements recorded in Rio de Janeiro with Brazilian musicians. Highlights include “Gabriela,” an homage to his wife, and “Caramelo,” for his daughter, displaying a fresh Latin sound.
Aaron Lee Tasjan’s album “Get Over it Underdog,” released by Blue Elan Records, showcases his unique blend of Americana and alt-country music. The Grammy-nominated artist explores themes of identity and resilience through personal storytelling. With six acclaimed albums, Tasjan’s work remains impactful, reflecting a nuanced perspective on the myth of the American underdog.
The album “Shards” features pianist Jason Moran, drummer Marcus Gilmore, and electronics expert Tyler Gilmore. This experimental music combines improvisation, diverse tempos, and emotional depth, creating a unique soundscape. Each piece evolves organically, delivering a kaleidoscopic experience that leaves a lasting impression on listeners, reminiscent of fleeting yet beautiful memories.
The Chicago Soul Jazz Collective’s album “No Wind & No Rain” showcases their blend of jazz, funk, and soul music, embodying their artistic growth since 2017. Led by John Fournier, the group features impressive compositions and thought-provoking lyrics, aiming to uplift listeners. Their vibrant sound reflects a rich musical heritage and a commitment to positive messaging.
Zen Zadravec’s album “New Paradigm” features a talented ensemble that blends post-bop and contemporary jazz. His compositions display dynamic interaction and joy while paying homage to jazz traditions. Highlights include high-energy tracks like “First Impressions” and “Seeking Spirit,” as well as the heartfelt ballad “Love Letter,” showcasing Zadravec’s innovative style.
Doug Duffey, a renowned musician from Louisiana, has spent decades shaping his unique style and performing internationally. His band, BADD, specializes in original “Bayou Funk” and Delta Soul music. Their latest album “Souvenirs” features a blend of soulful lyrics and dynamic performances, showcasing Duffey’s virtuosic piano and heartfelt storytelling.
Ryan “Bluwrath” Newman Wrath of Blues FeverBarn Recordings When he was just eight years old, Ryan Newman heard the Jimi Hendrix song “The Wind Cries Mary,” and his future as a blues-rock guitarist was never in doubt. The young Chester, Connecticut-based guitarist’s skill and style matured rapidly, and he and his first band were soon […]
Duchess, a vocal trio of Amy Cervini, Hilary Gardner, and Melissa Stylianou, pays homage to 1940s harmony with their fourth album, “A Marvelous Party.” Featuring vibrant arrangements of familiar songs, they evoke joy and spirit with their warm harmonics, backed by a lively band, creating an uplifting musical experience.
David G Smith Hero Street Independent David G Smith is an Americana singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee. He has hosted shows at the Bluebird Cafe since the mid-2000s. He released his album debut and received a Robert K. Oermann DisCovery Award in 2011. David’s album “One House” appeared on the No Depression list of “10 […]
Abate Berihun’s album “Addis Ken,” blends Ethiopian and Jewish musical traditions, showcasing his powerful vocals and saxophone. The project features a mix of jazz and spiritual themes, incorporating Ge’ez lyrics. Each track is an exploration of identity, culture, and emotion, highlighted by collaboration with talented musicians and rich arrangements.
Matt White’s album “Dolly” creatively transforms Dolly Parton’s classic songs into jazz interpretations. Featuring talented musicians, the project blends Southern roots and jazz influences, showcasing emotional storytelling in tracks like “Down from Dover” and “Jolene.” White aims to contemporize Parton’s melodies while celebrating their original essence.
Scott Sadlon’s album “Songs From Thin Air” showcases his fusion jazz trio featuring Rachel Eckroth and Tim Lefebvre. The music is characterized by spontaneous, experimental compositions, reflecting real-time interaction and organic development. Highlights include the dynamic “Post Tension” and whimsical “Wandering Timelines,” demonstrating each musician’s versatility and creativity.
The “New Jazz Underground” album “Hoodies” features the trio of Sebastian Rios on bass, TJ Reddick on drums, and Abdias Armenteros on saxophone, blending traditional jazz with contemporary influences. The album’s thirteen tracks explore themes of identity, brotherhood, and cultural solidarity, highlighted by energetic improvisation and structured rhythms.
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