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.
LOREN SCHOENBERG AND HIS JAZZ ORCHESTRA featuring KATE KORUM & WARREN WOLF SO MANY MEMORIES Turtle Bay Records This album time-travels us back to the 1930s with a 16-track collection of previously unheard arrangements by Eddie Sauter. He was the man who created respected and popular arrangements for vibraphonist Red Norvo and his wife, singer […]
Samara Joy’s recent concert at the Philharmonie de Paris showcased her remarkable talent as she promoted her “Portrait” album. At just twenty-five, she evokes legends like Ella Fitzgerald with impressive vocal range and technique. The two-hour performance, featuring both classic and contemporary styles, promises a captivating future album release.
Kim Wilson, renowned harmonica player and vocalist, leads The Fabulous Thunderbirds and has a successful solo career. His latest album, “Slow Burn,” features a mix of original songs and covers recorded live, showcasing various musicians. With seven Blues Music Awards, Wilson is celebrated as one of the greatest harmonica players today.
The album “The Free Slave” features jazz drummer Roy Brooks and showcases his influence on bebop, highlighting his compositional skills and melodic drumming. Produced by Zev Feldman, this 1972 recording captures the energy and creativity of Brooks and his notable bandmates, reflecting the complex Black American experience through jazz.
Raphaël Pannier Quartet’s live performance in Saint Louis, Senegal, merges American jazz with Senegalese Sabar music, drawing inspiration from Doudou N’Diaye Rose. Collaborating with master drummer Khadim Niang, they explore unique rhythms through pieces like “Lonely Woman” and “Take Five.” This innovative blend enriches cultural connections and showcases vibrant musical energy.
Whitney Ross-Barris is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for her engaging pop melodies and strong lyrics. Her album features a mix of catchy tunes and emotional blues, showcasing her vocal range. Highlights include “Up in the Night” and “Only at Night.” The album also features various skilled musicians enhancing her pop sound.
“Swinging in the Holidays” is a jazzy musical anthology featuring innovative covers of familiar holiday songs, including “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” and “Winter Wonderland.” Notable artists like Vanessa Perea, Wyatt Michael, and Champian Fulton bring diverse arrangements to life. The collection highlights sixteen festive tracks, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ledisi’s latest album, “For Dinah,” pays tribute to jazz legend Dinah Washington, showcasing her golden voice across genres. Featuring standout performances by Christian McBride and Gregory Porter, the album includes memorable renditions of classic tracks like “What A Difference a Day Makes.” Ledisi’s emotional depth makes this collection a remarkable homage.
Sean McDonald’s debut album, “Have Mercy!”, showcases his unique energy in blues and rock. At 23, the Augusta, Georgia native combines passion and skill, leading a talented band through diverse tracks. From soulful covers to original pieces, he revives traditional sounds with a fresh flair, proving himself a distinctive and promising artist.
Yuhan Su’s “Over the Moons” is her fifth album, featuring original compositions performed by an eight-piece ensemble that blends acoustic jazz and electronics. The album explores dual consciousness, reflecting Su’s Taiwanese and English identities. With innovative use of vibraphone effects, it showcases a balance of chaos and beauty, inviting listeners into her unique sound world.
Bobby Rozario’s second album “Healer” blends jazz, blues, and cultural influences from his Indian and Brazilian-Portuguese heritage. Featuring powerful themes of unity and healing, Rozario’s soulful voice, accompanied by a diverse ensemble, delivers vibrant tracks infused with contemporary rhythms, addressing world issues and encouraging a collective consciousness through music.
Chris Rottmayer’s album “Playing Favorites,” featuring Kelsey Wallner, showcases their jazz talents with a blend of familiar standards and original compositions. Rottmayer’s piano artistry complements Wallner’s expressive vocals, while the trio displays musical synergy. Highlights include engaging arrangements of “One Note Samba” and emotional performances, creating an enjoyable intimate jazz experience.
April Varner’s “Winter Songs Vol. 2,” produced by Ulysses Owens Jr., features a talented ensemble and revisits beloved holiday tunes. Showcasing Varner’s crystal-clear vocals and inventive arrangements, the album includes joyful tracks like “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Run Run Rudolph.” This follow-up solidifies her status as a promising jazz vocalist.
Kenny Barron, an 14-time GRAMMY nominee, releases his first vocal album, “Songbook,” featuring 13 original compositions with lyrics by Janice Jarrett. The album showcases collaborations with notable contemporary jazz vocalists such as Cécile McLorin Salvant and Kurt Elling, demonstrating Barron’s artistic evolution in his later career, signaling potential accolades in the Jazz Vocal category.
Robert “Top” Thomas, a Florida blues musician, has evolved from youthful performances to a seasoned solo artist. His latest album, One Morning Soon, showcases a blend of original tracks and classic covers, highlighting his guitar prowess and heartfelt vocals. The work encapsulates the essence of traditional blues while infusing personal spirit and modern influences.
Bassist-composer Jakob Dreyer releases his third album, “Roots and Things,” featuring a new quartet that includes vibraphonist Sasha Berliner. Comprising 16 tracks, the album showcases a blend of jazzy introspection and unexpected swings, highlighting inventive compositions and a unique sound. Each musician contributes distinct perspectives, creating a refreshing auditory experience.
Greg Nagy’s fifth studio album, “Just A Little More Time,” fuses blues, soul, and R&B with emotional depth. Featuring five original tracks and five covers, Nagy’s expressive guitar and heartfelt vocals shine throughout. The album exemplifies his mastery of storytelling, showcasing personal insights and musical authenticity, marking a significant entry in contemporary blues.
Maria Corsaro’s album “Love Makes The Changes” showcases her unique fusion of jazz and cabaret. Raised in classical music, Corsaro’s performances feature intricate melodies and emotional storytelling. Collaborating with talented musicians, she delivers captivating renditions of classics, highlighting her vocal range and improvisational skills, appealing to both cabaret and jazz enthusiasts alike.
Kelsey Mines, an innovative jazz composer and bassist, showcases her talents in the album “Everything Sacred, Nothing Serious.” Featuring a skilled ensemble, including Elsa Nilsson and John Hansen, the music combines scat vocals, intricate harmonies, and improvisation. Mines’ unique style and creativity indicate a promising future in jazz.
Duwayne Burnside’s album “Red Rooster,” featuring Cody and Luther Dickinson and Jimbo Mathus, reflects his deep Mississippi blues roots and musical evolution. The collection maintains the essence of Hill Country influences while integrating modern sounds. Burnside pays homage to his musical heritage and showcases a vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary blues.
Billy Hart’s album “Multidirectional” features the Billy Hart Quartet, showcasing his original composition “Song for Balkis,” among other tracks. Hart’s drumming incorporates influences from John Coltrane and avant-garde jazz. With over two decades as a group, their seamless connection enhances the live performance experience, reflecting Hart’s continued artistic growth at age 85.
The Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, founded in 2013, presents “The Nutcracker Remix,” a contemporary jazz reinterpretation of Tchaikovsky’s classic. Under Rob Parton’s direction, the ensemble infuses samba and hip-hop elements. Featuring tracks like “Pistachio March” and vocalist Mandy Gaines on holiday songs, this album offers a vibrant holiday listening experience.
Sean Mason’s album, A Breath of Fresh Air, showcases his deep knowledge of early jazz while exploring diverse forms. Collaborating with talented musicians, Mason emphasizes self-expression and contemporary culture. The music blends traditional sounds with modern influences, celebrating themes of resilience, connection, and self-discovery throughout various tracks, culminating in a cohesive listening experience.
Texas-born Steve Howell, a master of early acoustic blues, teams up with versatile multi-instrumentalist Fats Kaplin in their album “Know You From Old.” Their thirteen heartfelt duets blend folk, blues, gospel, and jazz, celebrating the roots of American music while honoring timeless traditions and preserving musical history.
Miss Emily’s album “The Medicine” showcases her powerful blues and soul vocals, blending themes of hope, community, and resilience. Produced by Colin Linden, it features nine tracks, primarily co-written by her. The songs express personal struggles, love, and survival, with an emphasis on unity and overcoming adversity, ultimately delivering an empowering message.
Emmylou Harris’s live album Spyboy, originally performed with a slimmed-down band, showcases a harder edge compared to the ethereal Wrecking Ball. This reissue includes five unreleased tracks and highlights the dynamic performances of Harris and her band, emphasizing improvisation and emotion. Fans are encouraged to explore this remastered gem.
Domo Branch’s album “Hand of Gifts” reflects his gratitude for music amid life’s challenges. Featuring skilled musicians, the album includes dynamic tracks like “Harlem Nights” and heartfelt pieces like “A Letter to Peanut.” Branch, an emerging voice in contemporary jazz, blends creativity with emotional depth throughout the recording.
Stephane Wrembel’s album “Hors Série” with Django New Orleans II celebrates the intersection of French and New Orleans music. Featuring diverse arrangements, it includes reimagined classics like “Libertango” and “La Vie En Rose,” showcasing Wrembel’s talent as a guitarist and vocalist. The ensemble delivers a refreshing, joyful tribute to Django Reinhardt’s legacy.
The Raphael Pannier Quartet collaborates with Khadim Niang’s Sabar Group, merging jazz with Senegalese sabar drumming for a groundbreaking live album from the Saint Louis International Jazz Festival. This unique fusion honors master drummer Doudou N’Diaye Rose and features reimagined jazz classics, showcasing cultural intersections in music and community spirit.
Tommy Talton’s album “Seven Levels” reflects his artistic journey, emotional depth, and the context of a fractured America. Collaborating with friends, he produced a rich sound, blending southern rock and blues. Despite health struggles, he completed this project before his passing on December 28, 2023, leaving behind a poignant legacy.
Grant Lyle, a Canadian guitarist and singer-songwriter, blends soulful storytelling with blues influences in his latest album, “And Now.” Featuring eight original songs and a cover, the record showcases Lyle’s emotional honesty and musical evolution. With expressive vocals and intricate guitar work, he delivers heartfelt tracks that resonate with authenticity and gratitude.
Bahamas, the musical project of Afie Jurvanen, releases his seventh album, My Second Best Last Album, recorded casually in Nova Scotia. The collection showcases his signature blend of warmth and introspection, touching on themes of identity, connection, and personal renewal. Each track reflects his evolution as a songwriter, making it his most personal record yet.
Henri Herbert is a renowned pianist and songwriter, blending boogie-woogie, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll. His latest album, “Get It While It’s Hot,” features themes of perseverance and self-reliance, with high-energy tracks and covers. A former dockworker turned internet sensation, he tours globally, captivating audiences with his dynamic performances.
Ross Neilsen, a seasoned Canadian blues musician, showcases his journey through his seventh studio album, “Within Tension.” The album features raw emotions and deep lyrics, exploring themes of struggle and identity. Produced in Memphis, it combines blues and soul, highlighting Neilsen’s authenticity and storytelling prowess in his music.
Violinist Tomoko Omura’s album “Run Run Run” reflects on the devastating impact of war, particularly the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. Through original compositions, she evokes the chaos experienced by survivors, aiming to raise awareness about nuclear threats. Omura believes music can foster empathy and understanding, driving real change in society.
The Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective’s album “Cortadito,” led by guitarist José Guzman, blends Puerto Rican musical influences with contemporary jazz. Featuring energetic tracks like “Orchard Downs” and “Holande Pa Uste,” it highlights vibrant horn solos and captivating percussion. The collection showcases original compositions alongside the band’s dynamic arrangements, celebrating cultural richness.
Avi Jacob, born into a Jewish family in Boston, is an emerging folk artist known for his emotional depth and lyrical honesty. His latest album, “Hawk in the Nest,” fuses folk, Americana, and R&B, showcasing his growth as a songwriter. With rich instrumentation and personal themes, it highlights his compelling artistry.
Mike Freeman’s album “Circles in a Yellow Room” showcases his vibraphone and original compositions inspired by the pandemic. Infused with Afro-Cuban grooves, Latin jazz, and catchy melodies, the album features a talented ensemble, including congas and horns. It’s a vibrant, dance-inducing collection perfect for lively listening during challenging times.
Guitarist John Scofield and bassist Dave Holland collaborate on their debut duo album, “Memories of Home,” featuring original compositions that reflect their years of musical partnership. The album combines influences from jazz legends and showcases their individual styles, offering listeners an hour of soul-soothing music that invites engagement and appreciation.
Noam Lemish’s album “There’s Beauty Enough in Being Here” features a blend of jazz and classical influences, showcasing his compositions and performances with notable musicians. The album reflects his transcultural identity and appreciation for everyday beauty, inspired by Fernando Pessoa’s poetry. Lemish, also a music educator, leads various ensembles in Toronto.
Paul Filipowicz, a Chicago-born blues musician, delivers his twelfth album, “Breakwater,” showcasing seven originals and five covers. Inspired by blues legends, his raw sound and heartfelt lyrics reflect a lifetime of passion. Joined by talented musicians, he combines energetic tracks and soulful ballads, reinforcing his legacy as a true blues torchbearer.
Jonathan Karrant’s holiday album features a blend of classic tracks with fresh arrangements and collaborations. Enhanced by notable artists like Diane Schuur and Kenny Rampton, the album includes familiar songs such as “Blue Christmas” and “Silent Night.” Karrant’s engaging style and impressive collaborations make this a joyful addition to the festive season.
Kyle Rowland, a dynamic young blues artist from Georgia, presents his latest album “Not Holding Back!” with a blend of contemporary and California blues. Co-produced by Rick Estrin, it features eight original tracks and skilled collaborators. Rowland’s harmonica, rich vocals, and diverse influences highlight his mastery and passion in modern blues.
Tom Ollendorff is a prominent emerging guitarist in the UK jazz scene, set to tour with pianist Aaron Parks and his band in March 2024. Ollendorff’s album, “Where in the World,” features nine self-composed tracks blending jazz and classical influences, showcasing lyrical melodies and dynamic interactions with his bandmates.
Greensky Bluegrass celebrates 25 years with their album XXV, showcasing their evolution through nine albums and extensive touring. The 75-minute record features 13 intricate songs, including collaborations with notable artists. Highlights include the energetic “Can’t Stop Now” and the epic “Last Winter in the Copper Country,” underscoring their unique jam-grass style.
Ted Piltzecker’s album “Peace Vibes” features a blend of jazz standards and original compositions, enriched by the contributions of trumpeter Brad Goode and South American percussionists. The album showcases warm melodies and innovative rhythms, reflecting influences from Brazilian and Peruvian cultures, and includes notable tracks like “Whisper Not” and “In A Sentimental Mood.”
Anthony Stanco’s album “In the Groove – Live at the Alluvion” revitalizes hard bop in northern Michigan, showcasing energetic performances with a quintet that includes local talent. Recorded at The Alluvion, the album blends Stanco’s originals with classic inspirations, engaging an enthusiastic audience and celebrating jazz traditions while infusing personal touches.
Vermont’s Dave Keller, an acclaimed soul and blues artist, releases his eleventh studio album, La Brea. This collection showcases his lyrical depth and musical prowess, highlighting themes of love, loss, and reflection. With heartfelt melodies and poignant storytelling, Keller’s work stands out in the modern blues scene, affirming his artistic legacy.
Coastland Fair, formed by Tola Lamont and Kurt Michael, merges coastal soul with Americana, crafting songs blending folk, roots rock, and indie pop. Lamont’s emotive vocals and Michael’s vintage guitar tones create a unique sound rich in storytelling. Their music invites listeners on a heartfelt journey through life’s experiences.
Dayna Stephens transitions from saxophone to bass in his album “Monk’D,” showcasing his versatility alongside Ethan Iverson and Eric McPherson. The project honors Thelonious Monk with unique arrangements, including gut strings for Stephens’ bass. The quartet’s performance reflects deep respect for Monk’s legacy, highlighted by Stephan Riley’s captivating saxophone.