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.
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.
Satoko Fujii’s avant jazz-rock quartet releases “Dog Days of Summer,” their first album in 18 years. Featuring bassist Takeharu Hayakawa, drummer Tatsuya Yoshida, and trumpeter Natsuki Tamura, the album blends free jazz and jazz-rock with unpredictable, volcanic energy. Each track offers dynamic, adventurous explorations of rhythm and melody.
Peter Bernstein’s new album “Better Angels,” released under Smoke Sessions Records, features a talented lineup including drummer Al Foster, pianist Brad Mehldau, and bassist Vicente Archer. The album mixes Bernstein’s original compositions with classic standards, showcasing his exceptional guitar skills and the improvisational genius of the quartet. This collaborative project highlights Bernstein’s intent to capture fresh interpretations and dynamic musical interplay.
Acclaimed pianist and composer George Burton’s album “White Noise” addresses the struggles of Black people today, calling for resistance against colonialism, caste systems, and slavery. Inspired by artists like Max Roach and Kendrick Lamar, Burton combines spoken word, jazz, and electronic music. The album features various renowned musicians and aims to raise awareness and inspire reflection.
Gino Amato’s debut album “Latin Crossroads” showcases his talent as a bandleader and arranger, featuring Latin orchestrated versions of familiar songs. Collaborating with Oscar Hernandez, Amato integrates vocals, strings, and horns to deliver vibrant and emotional interpretations. The album displays a wide repertoire reflecting Amato’s diverse musical background and expertise.
The previously unreleased album “Grande-Terre” by Roy Hargrove’s band Crisol will be released on October 18, 2024, commemorating Hargrove’s 55th birthday. This Grammy-winning ensemble’s energetic studio session from 1998 captures their unique blend of jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and funk. The first single, “Priorities,” showcases their dynamic sound.
Ronnie Baker Brooks’ album “Blues In My DNA,” produced by Jim Gaines, marks his debut with Alligator Records. The album, featuring songs mostly written by Ronnie, showcases his dynamic guitar and vocal prowess. The tracks range from hard-rocking blues to soulful ballads, illustrating Ronnie’s deep blues roots and broad musical talent, ensuring wider recognition.
Rebecca Kilgore’s album “A Little Taste” features her seasoned vocals, paired with lush arrangements and the music of Dave Frishberg. The recording is highlighted by a talented ensemble. Kilgore’s storytelling through song, accentuated by sweeping strings and excellent musicianship, offers a swinging, easy-listening experience. The album releases October 28, 2024.
Dawn Clement, Steve Kovalcheck, and Jon Hamar form a drum-less jazz trio, presenting a nuanced blend of contemporary jazz through intricate interplay between piano, guitar, and bass. Their compositions range from soothing, moderate tempos to rhythmic Latin influences, culminating in a unique, easy-listening jazz style appreciated for its peacefulness and musical depth.
Jake Shimabukuro and Mick Fleetwood’s “Blues Experience” album showcases their collaboration, interpreting classic blues songs with an innovative touch. The album features notable tracks and contributions from renowned musicians, highlighting Shimabukuro’s ukulele prowess. Recognized globally, Jake has played with top artists and received prestigious accolades, making this album a notable release.
Stephane Wrembel’s “Triptych Phase 1” is part of a trilogy album showcasing three life stages. Wrembel, a master guitarist influenced by classical, rock, gypsy Romani music, and jazz, collaborates with prominent musicians like Jean-Michel Pilc. The album features original compositions and classics, highlighting Wrembel’s exceptional musical versatility and artistry.
Michael Dease’s album, “Found in Space – The Music of Gregg Hill,” showcases Hill’s compositions with a blend of genres from classical to avant-garde, featuring a talented ensemble. The work, co-produced by Hill and Dease, is highlighted by intricate arrangements, unpredictable shifts, and dynamic solos, evoking comparisons to Frank Zappa and Charles Mingus.
T.K. Blue’s latest album, “Planet Bluu” on Jaja Records, features compositions reflecting diverse Afro-diasporic influences. Comprising nine original tracks, it showcases his proficiency on multiple instruments. Highlights include “The Hue of Bluu,” “Valley of the Bluu Rose,” and “Turquoise Bluu.” Blue aims to envision a harmonious, ideal world through his music.
Caroline Davis’ “Portals, Volume 2: Returning” is a jazz album inspired by her late grandmother, poet Joan “Lady” Anson-Weber. The album features a quintet and vocalists interpreting Lady’s poetry, blending spiritual and contemporary jazz. Highlights include archival voice recordings and improvisations, offering a deeply emotional, reflective journey.
Randy Lee Riviere’s “Concrete Blues,” produced by Grammy-winner Tom Hambridge, features all songs written by Riviere, except the title track co-written with Hambridge. Recorded at Nashville’s Soundstage Studios, the album includes notable musicians. Riviere, a wildlife biologist, intertwines his diverse songwriting with themes of the human condition and the natural landscape.
The “Run the Gauntlet” album by Kris Davis, featuring Robert Hurst and Jonathan Blake, is a tribute to six influential female pianists. Davis composed all the music, reflecting her mentors and her son’s growth. Praised for her unique style and creativity, Davis has received numerous awards and continues to innovate in jazz.
Lurrie Bell and Frank Catalano’s album “Set Me Free” showcases an exceptional collaboration, blending blues and jazz seamlessly. Bell’s deep roots in blues and Catalano’s saxophone mastery create memorable renditions of classics like “The Sky is Crying” and “At Last”. This album stands out as one of the year’s finest, featuring exceptional musicianship and emotional depth.
David Weiss’ album “Auteur” showcases his talents as a trumpeter, composer, and bandleader. Featuring his compositions and a spirited ensemble, the album highlights Weiss’ mastery and influences from bebop and post-bop eras. Through complex harmonies and dynamic arrangements, Weiss demonstrates his artistic vision and commitment to innovative jazz storytelling.
Sol Jang celebrates a decade of musical growth with her album “19 – 29,” blending classical training with jazz influences from her experiences in South Korea, the U.S., and the Netherlands. The album features Jang on piano, Jort Terwijl on bass, and Max Hering on drums, with notable tracks like “Subway In Seoul” and “Philadelphia.”
Micah Thomas’s album “MOUNTAINS” showcases his compositions from a 2022 residency at The Jazz Gallery, recorded over four live sets. Featuring notable jazz musicians, it aims to create a cathartic experience. Highlights include the dynamic fourteen-minute track “Life,” and pieces like “Processing,” “Libre,” and “No Answer,” which display Thomas’s innovative and boundary-pushing style.
Leslie Pintchik’s album “Prayer For What Remains” features eight original compositions and covers of Joni Mitchell’s “Banquet” and Lennon/McCartney’s “I Will.” Inspired by a poignant war photo, the music is a blend of pensive, blues-infused, and energetic tunes showcasing the talents of her quintet. The album’s vibrant cover depicts their camaraderie.
Jeff Rupert’s “It Gets Better” album showcases his warm tenor saxophone tone and features compositions blending with covers, played by an all-star band. Highlights include “Pharoah’s Daughter,” “Like Someone in Love,” and “Nowhere to Go But Up,” demonstrating skill and creative freedom, resulting in a joyful listening experience.
Anne Sajdera’s album “It’s Here” features her compositions and piano performances with a talented ensemble. Highlights include tracks like “Stella By Starlight,” “Three Color Study,” and “Bounce.” Sajdera’s compositions are well-crafted, blending various musical genres. Reviewer Dee Dee McNeil praises her exceptional piano technique and lyrical sensitivity.
Michael McDermott, an underrated yet brilliant singer-songwriter, releases two albums, “Lighthouse on the Shore” (acoustic) and “East Jesus” (electric), reflecting his dual personalities. His work is highly personal, addressing themes like addiction and perseverance. McDermott’s masterful lyrics and varied music make these albums rich and thought-provoking.
Grover Washington Jr.’s new album, “Grover Live – Vol. 2,” showcases his pioneering fusion of funk and jazz. Featuring timeless tracks like “Nature Boy” and “Mister Magic,” it mirrors the essence of his earlier works. This release offers fans a nostalgic experience while celebrating Washington’s enduring influence on smooth jazz. Available September 13, 2024.
A live set from the Gregg Allman Band at Uncle Sam’s in Boston, recorded on July 1st, 1983, has been released seven years after Gregg Allman’s passing. This inaugural release includes nine tracks, featuring Allman Brothers Band classics and solo pieces. Key contributors include former Allman Brothers members Dan and David Toler.
Yosef Gutman Levitt, a South African-born, Jerusalem-based bassist and composer, creates spiritually rich and soothing music. His recent albums “Why Ten?” and “Unity” showcase collaborations with artists like Gilad Hekselman and Itay Sher. These works combine jazz, Jewish liturgical melodies, and modern influences, offering a peaceful, introspective listening experience.
Danny Jonokuchi’s “A Decade” showcases his prowess as a bandleader, arranger, vocalist, and trumpeter. Featuring a stellar big band, the album includes dynamic arrangements of jazz standards and original compositions. Highlights include Jonokuchi’s smooth vocals on “This Can’t Be Love” and innovative takes on classics like “Voyage” and “On Green Dolphin Street.”
Vanessa Collier’s new album “Do It My Own Way” reflects her defiance of industry sexism, recorded independently to stay true to her vision. This eight-track album captures a retro feel with influences from Memphis’ Stax and Hi Records. With notable collaborations, Collier showcases her musical versatility in blending soul, vintage R&B, and early rock.
“Paradise Breakdown” by Randall Bramblett showcases his unique blend of blues, folk, gospel, rock, and soul through deeply drawn characters and abstract situations. Accompanied by longtime collaborators, Bramblett continues his 50-year musical journey, offering soulful, robust vocals, and poignant songwriting. The album features standout tracks with themes of love, recovery, and life’s unpredictabilities.
Brad Vickers, previously a bassist for notable artists, transitioned to guitar and formed The Vestapolitans with Margery Peters. Their music preserves blues and roots traditions. Their latest release, “Peace in My Time,” is a re-issue of 2010 songs, featuring new guitar solos by the late Jim Davis. The record is a tribute to Davis.
The Joel Frahm Trio’s album “Lumination,” released by Anzic Records, features Frahm on tenor saxophone, Dan Loomis on bass, and Ernesto Cervini on drums. Highlight tracks include “The Nurse is in,” “Loomie Nation,” and “Moonface Lament.” The trio showcases impressive jazz musicianship, blending melodies, rhythms, and improvisations seamlessly.
Gunhild Carling, known as the Swedish Queen of Jazz, leads a 13-piece big band featuring the Prague Strings Chamber Orchestra. Renowned for her multi-instrumental talents and engaging stage presence, Carling’s album “Jazz is My Lifestyle” showcases eleven of her original compositions. The project includes contributions from her family and special guest musicians.
J.P. Reali, a veteran blues guitarist and singer-songwriter, has a rich musical history spanning from New York to Washington, D.C., and now Newark, Delaware. His latest album, “Blues Since Birth,” co-produced with Jim Larson, reflects diverse influences and showcases his growth and dedication to blues traditions. He has four solo releases and accolades including victories at the D.C. Blues Society’s Battle of the Bands.
John Fedchock’s album “Justifiably J.J.” celebrates J.J. Johnson’s centennial with masterful trombone performances and original Johnson arrangements. Fedchock’s quartet delivers energetic, live renditions of Johnson’s compositions, spotlighting each musician’s talent. This eleventh album by Fedchock showcases his phenomenal technique and warm tone, paying tribute to Johnson’s legacy in jazz.
Bryn Roberts’ debut album “Aloft” showcases the pianist’s evolution from jazz sideman to bandleader and composer. The album features Roberts on piano, Matt Penman on bass, and Quincy Davis on drums. Each track highlights the trio’s dynamic interplay, Roberts’ creative compositions, and their collective improvisational skills, establishing Roberts as a thoughtful and engaging musician.
Anders Malta, a Danish trumpeter and composer, leads the Anders Malta Almost Big Band, performing monthly at Christiania Jazz Club in Copenhagen. Their debut album features nine tracks, blending various jazz styles and showcasing Malta’s compositions and arrangements. Highlights include the “Hardbop Conversations” series and “Pelle’s Little Tune.”
Tom Johnson’s album “Time Takes Odd Turns” showcases his compositions reflecting different stages of his life. It features a jazz orchestra including guitars, piano, reeds, trumpets, and guest musicians. This project, inspired by Johnson’s lifelong dream, was recorded with IU students and Indianapolis jazz musicians and is now available to the public.
The Tobias Hoffmann Jazz Orchestra’s latest project, “Innuendo,” showcases Hoffmann’s compositions performed by diverse musical talents. The album, inspired by Queen, includes award-winning tracks like “Summer Solstice” and “No Way Back.” Hoffmann’s unique approach to mixed meter and arrangements highlight his musical creativity, leading to a highly anticipated release on September 20, 2024.
Mauricio Morales’ album “Seven Days” captures a week of his life through seven original tracks, each named after a day. Composed during a visa issue in Mexico, it highlights his bass skills, jazz fusion influences, and melodic roots. The album features impressive solos, diverse compositions, and Morales’ continual artistic growth.
The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra’s album, “Live at the Village Vanguard – Centennial: The Music of Thad Jones,” celebrates the 100th birthday of Thad Jones. This double CD features modernized big band sounds influenced by jazz legends such as Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Each disc showcases exceptional musicianship with unique arrangements, honoring Jones’s legacy.
Jimbo Ross’s album “Jazz Passion & Satin Latin” showcases his prowess on the 5-string viola, traditionally a background instrument in jazz. Leading a talented quintet, Ross brings distinctive improvisation to classics like “Delilah” and “Polka Dots & Moonbeams.” His “Bodacious Band” further explores diverse genres, emphasizing his musical virtuosity.
Michele Malone, a stalwart of American roots music for over 30 years, integrates roadhouse rock, blues, folk, and country-soul. “Southern Comfort” reflects her southern Georgia roots, featuring collaborations with notable musicians. The album’s tracks span sentiments of longing, resilience, and familial ties, embodying Malone’s influence in both southern rock and folk genres.
“Patricia Brennan’s album ‘Breaking Stretch’ blends contemporary classical with funk, salsa, and experimental jazz, reflecting her push to musical boundaries. Utilizing electronics, Brennan crafts compositions that challenge rhythmic structures. The ensemble includes notable jazz musicians, with Brennan’s vibraphone and marimba driving the experimental essence, delivering an avant-garde experience.”