CD Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jonathan Suazo’s “Ricano Vol. 2: Fruto de mi Corazón” is a personal jazz album inspired by the birth of his daughter, blending Puerto Rican and Dominican musical traditions. Featuring talented musicians, it combines genres like plena and bomba, showcasing Suazo’s unique alto saxophone sound and deep-rooted cultural influences, celebrated by critics.

Tom Lippincott’s album “Ode to the Possible” showcases his evolution as a musician using an 8-string guitar amidst personal challenges. Featuring original compositions, the album blends jazz, soft rock, and experimental sounds, with notable contributions from his quartet. Each track reflects Lippincott’s innovative style and musical dialogue.

Carolyn Lee Jones, a Nebraska native who transitioned from luxury retail to jazz, debuts her sixth album “Catn’ round Sound.” Featuring a blend of vintage standards and original songs, Jones’s warm vocal style shines through arrangements incorporating Latin grooves. The album showcases her development as a jazz artist, supported by a talented ensemble.

Jon Schapiro’s “Schapiro 17 Big Band” returns with its third release, showcasing innovative jazz compositions. The album features tracks like “Ugly Chic” and “Chameleon,” highlighting solos from talented musicians. Schapiro, a celebrated composer, explores diverse styles and arrangements while paying homage to jazz legends, promising a gratifying listening experience.

Sylvia Brooks’ sixth album, “Soliloquy,” showcases her storytelling prowess through jazz standards and original compositions. Collaborating with Christian Jacob, the album features heartfelt tracks like “A Letter to Sophie” and “Lizzie’s Dance,” celebrating emotion and individuality. Rich in drama and passion, this music is reminiscent of a captivating stage show.

Russ Miller’s “Soul, Mind, Body” box set features a powerful groove band combining R&B, funk, and jazz influences. Notable for its collaborative spirit, it showcases Miller’s drumming prowess and includes contributions from various artists. The four discs reflect Miller’s musical journey, culminating in a live concert DVD, highlighting his extensive career and influences.

Kemuel Roig’s solo piano album “Both Sides Now” features interpretations of songs by renowned artists like Paul McCartney and Billie Holiday, alongside Latin tunes. A skilled musician originally from Cuba, Roig showcases his mastery and emotional depth in each piece, captivating listeners with unique arrangements and heartfelt expressions throughout the album.

The Phoenix Trio’s album “Tomorrow is Today,” featuring Mark Turner on tenor saxophone, Joe Martin on bass, and Marcus Gilmore on drums, showcases original and improvised compositions. The musicians highlight their strong connection through innovative arrangements, with standout tracks emphasizing the interplay of instruments and individual solos, recorded live at Brooklyn’s Ornithology Club.

Gregory Hutchinson’s “Kind of Now” is a tribute to Miles Davis, showcasing modern interpretations of his music. Produced by Hutchinson and featuring talented musicians, the album emphasizes evolution in jazz and celebrates Davis’s legacy. Notable pieces include fresh renditions of “Ah-Leu-Cha” and “Fran-Dance,” highlighting innovation and improvisation throughout.

Jun Iida’s album “Bellflower” reflects his life experiences, blending jazz, rock, and cultural influences. Featuring a talented ensemble, each track showcases Iida’s trumpet skills and emotive compositions, from tributes to places and characters to themes of opportunity and peace. The music resonates with warmth and creativity, marking Iida’s artistic journey.

Todd Mosby’s album “American Heartland” blends contemporary jazz with elements of new age, blues, and folk music. Featuring 12 tracks, the St. Louis-based composer showcases his guitar skills alongside various artists. Each song celebrates Missouri’s musical heritage, creating a captivating musical experience filled with playful melodies and smooth grooves.

Chuck Bergeron’s album “Bass & Face” features collaborations with ten renowned vocalists, blending their voices with his dynamic double bass. Notable tracks include contributions from Janis Siegel and Pete McGuinness, showcasing a mix of swinging jazz and emotional performances. The album highlights Bergeron’s skills as both a soloist and an accompanist.

Ben Wolfe’s album “Any Time After Now” showcases his exceptional compositions, performed by a talented quintet featuring Joel Ross and Sullivan Fortner. With a blend of captivating melodies and dynamic solos, particularly from drummer Aaron Kimmel, the album offers a refreshing experience in straight-ahead jazz, highlighting Wolfe’s musical expertise.

Kenny Barron’s “So Many Lovely Things: Live in Brecon,” releasing on June 12, 2026, showcases the jazz mastery of Barron on piano, Ray Drummond on bass, and Ben Riley on drums. This double disc features energetic performances, including “Oh, Look at Me Now” and “Nikara’s Song,” celebrating their remarkable artistry.

“Awakening” is Chris Andrew’s debut solo piano album, showcasing his exceptional technique and emotional depth. With nine original compositions, the album blends modern jazz, swing, and gospel influences. Andrew’s innovative approach, particularly on tracks like “Choro Para Oscar” and his cover of “Like Someone in Love,” highlights his improvisational skill and artistry.

Carlos Henriquez reimagines Thelonious Monk’s music in an innovative album that showcases his talents as a bassist, composer, and arranger. Starting with “Round Midnight,” he rearranges rhythms and incorporates elements of his Nuyorican heritage. Collaborating with exceptional musicians, Henriquez’s originals and reinterpreted standards vibrantly highlight his artistic genius.

Adam de Lucia’s album blends diverse genres, encompassing rock and fusion jazz with engaging soundscapes. Collaborating with New York improvisational musicians, de Lucia emphasizes emotional connection and improvisation. Standout tracks include “Gorilla,” “Store On the Corner,” and “Will You Follow,” showcasing strong rhythms and melodic guitar interpretations that enhance the listening experience.

Vladimir Redzic’s album “First Time Around” features a skilled jazz trio performing standards and an original piece. Born in Serbia and now based in New York, Redzic showcases his lyrical guitar style alongside pianist Steve Ash and others. The album blends improvisation and storytelling, establishing Redzic as a notable talent in jazz.

Greenhouse Ensemble, a Quebec-based seven-member group, blends contemporary jazz with traditional Quebec folk and European classical influences. Their latest album “Mezzanine” showcases collaborative compositions featuring vibrant vocals, improvisational solos, and a unique soundscape. The music reflects both local culture and international appeal, marking their evolution and artistic growth.

Joel Miller’s album “What If?” features a blend of classical music and contemporary jazz, showcasing his saxophone skills alongside musicians like Dani Sametz and Andrew Reed Miller. The work reflects Miller’s musical heritage and explores the fusion of different traditions. Notable pieces include “Clair de Lune” and “What a Wonderful World.”