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.
Mike Miz, a singer-songwriter and guitarist, moved from Northeast Pennsylvania to Nashville, collaborating with notable musicians on his album “Sometimes by Surprise.” This effort features a live band recording and showcases Miz’s songwriting skills across various themes like youth, love, and environmental concerns. The album includes seven standout tracks and a cover of Jim Croce’s “I Got a Name.”
Larkin Poe has released “Bloom: An Acoustic Companion Vol. II,” an EP featuring five reimagined songs from their earlier album, “Bloom.” The sisters’ acoustic roots shine through lush arrangements, enhancing lyrical depth. The collection combines elements of folk and bluegrass, celebrating themes of self-discovery, contentment, and optimism, inviting both new and existing fans.
Mississippi MacDonald, an emerging figure in British blues, blends traditional influences with modern artistry in his new album, Slim Pickin’. With original songs and reworked classics, he showcases emotional depth and guitar prowess. The album has quickly topped Roots Music Report’s Acoustic Blues chart, affirming his place in the blues genre’s future.
Peter Campbell’s “Haunted Melody” features heartfelt songs about love, blending jazz and Brazilian influences. His smooth vocals and emotional delivery resonate deeply with listeners, as he navigates themes of love gained and lost. The album showcases collaborations with skilled musicians, creating an engaging, memorable experience for those familiar with heartache.
Randy Lee Riviere’s latest album, Farmhand Blues, intertwines his roles as a musician and wildlife biologist. The record reflects on human impact on nature while showcasing a blend of country and classic rock influences. Featuring themes of labor, resilience, and humor, Riviere’s storytelling shines through powerful instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics.
Jack Town USA showcases nine Mississippi blues and southern soul artists, exploring Jackson’s rich musical history and Grammy accolades. The accompanying CD features tracks from artists like Jacktown Sons, Dexter Allen, and Eddie Cotton, highlighting a diverse blend of styles. The project emphasizes Mississippi’s significance as “The Birthplace of America’s Music.”
Waitiki 7’s album “Exotica Reborn” revives the lush soundscapes of Hawaii’s golden age, featuring 97-year-old drummer Harold Chang. Blending jazz, Hawaiian folk, and nature sounds, the group reinterprets classic Exotica tunes like “Quiet Village” and “Yellowbird.” Their improvisational style introduces a new generation to this captivating genre.
Pianist Gino Amato’s “Latin Crossroads 2” blends Latin rhythms with American songbook classics, transforming familiar tunes like “When I Fall in Love” into vibrant jazz offerings. Featuring talented vocalists and innovative arrangements, the album showcases a joyful fusion of big band music and Latin elements, creating an uplifting musical experience.
Jay Azzolina’s fifth album, “Present Tense,” showcases his evolution as a jazz-fusion guitarist, featuring a mix of cultures and influences. Recorded with British musicians, it highlights original compositions like “Big Lou” and “Viracocha,” blending straight-ahead jazz with fusion elements. Azzolina emphasizes the importance of living in the present through music.
Ned Rothenberg’s “Looms & Legends,” released by Pyroclastic Records, showcases the multi-talented musician on various instruments, yet lacks proper acknowledgment on the CD jacket. Critics highlight tracks like “Dance Above” and “Resistance Anthem,” praising Rothenberg’s unique improvisational style, which blends melodic storytelling with rich sonic environments.
The Soul of John Black, created by John Arthur Bigham, blends alternative soul, blues, and rock. Formerly of Fishbone, Bigham has released multiple albums since 2002. His latest, “Soul Salvation,” showcases his unique style and musical influences. Praised by various media, he continues to innovate while honoring traditional sounds.
Rubén Reinaldo’s album “Fusión Olivica” features a jazz quartet that includes musicians from Spain, France, and Argentina. Inspired by the olive tree, his compositions blend melodies and rhythms, celebrating his Spanish roots. Tracks like “Escuchas Teis Blues” and “Vida en Padrenda” showcase his talent for catchy, evocative music.
The Jim Witzel Quartet pays homage to the legendary jazz pianist Bill Evans in their album “Very Early.” Featuring Witzel on guitar, alongside Phil Aaron, Dan Feiszli, and Jason Lewis, the quartet showcases their talents through well-crafted arrangements of classic tunes, capturing Evans’ influence and brilliance in jazz.
Terry Waldo’s Treasury Vol 2 features the Gotham City Band, showcasing a blend of Dixieland and ragtime music. The album includes standout performances by vocalists Veronica Swift and Jerron Paxton. Waldo promotes ragtime as a contemporary genre, participating in various media to further explore its rich history.
Shuteen Erdenebaatar and Nils Kugelmann collaborate on their album “Under the Same Stars,” blending jazz, European classical music, and cinematic influences. Their partnership, honed through extensive performances, is characterized by six original compositions by Shuteen and four by Nils. The album captures themes of beauty and reflection in a soothing soundscape.
Richie Owens, raised in a musical family, navigates his artistic journey through rock, bluegrass, and country, producing for notable artists like Dolly Parton. His latest album, “Redemption,” reflects on personal losses and societal truths, blending powerful narratives and deep emotional insights, showcasing both sin and hope relevant to contemporary life.
Pierre Lacocque’s Mississippi Heat releases their 14th album, Don’t Look Back, featuring powerful vocals by Sheryl Youngblood. The album showcases Chicago blues with a mix of emotional depth and energetic performances. The talented ensemble, including guitarists Billy Flynn and Giles Corey, creates a compelling musical experience, marking this as their most accomplished work yet.
Leonard ‘Lowdown’ Brown, raised in a musical environment, transitioned from gospel to blues, establishing himself in Houston’s music scene. His critically acclaimed 2023 debut album, “Blues Is Calling Me,” led to his second album “Street Party,” produced by Jimbo Mathis. Featuring original songs, it highlights Brown’s impactful storytelling through blues.
Jonathan Karrant’s “Live in Concert” features the Joe Alterman Trio, showcasing their extraordinary chemistry and musicianship. Karrant, an engaging jazz vocalist, delivers a captivating performance. The album emphasizes connection with the audience, featuring memorable tracks like “The Great City.” Alterman’s piano skills elevate the experience, marking Karrant as a rising star in jazz.
Bob Corritore, an accomplished blues harmonica player from Chicago, opened The Rhythm Room in Phoenix and has received multiple Blues Music Awards. His new album, featuring tracks by legendary artists, showcases his harmonica skills along with contributions from various musicians. It serves as a heartfelt tribute to classic blues recordings.
Dallas Burrow The Way The West Was Won Forty Below Records Dallas Burrow is a singer-songwriter in the country tradition. Burrow has four previous EP’s, released between 2012 and 2016; and three studio albums on Subliminal Records recorded between 2019 and 2023. He is a great storyteller and thanks his songwriting heroes Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Willie […]
Manu Lanvin, a French blues rock artist, has evolved from rock albums to his acclaimed “The Devil Blues.” His latest work, “Man On A Mission,” showcases diverse collaborations and versatile songwriting, reflecting his life experiences. The album combines blues and rock, affirming his status in the music scene while earning multiple accolades.
The Jay D’Amico Trio’s album, inspired by Da Vinci’s portrait of Ginevra de’ Benet, blends classical and jazz influences. Featuring D’Amico on piano, Greg D’Amico on bass, and Michael Fox on drums, their compositions like “Little Girl Blue” and “Campobasso” showcase warmth and camaraderie, evoking nostalgic piano bar experiences.
Bonnie J. Jensen’s fifth album showcases her storytelling ability with a warm vocal tone. She interprets classic songs through jazz arrangements, including “People Make the World go Round” and “Spain.” Featuring impressive musicianship, Jensen successfully incorporates blues and even performs a song in French, highlighting her versatility and talent.
Caelan Cardello’s debut album showcases his exceptional piano mastery and creative compositions, including originals like “Gone Fishin’” and “Steppin’ Up.” Recognized as a BMI Future Jazz Master, Cardello impresses with his technique and spontaneous style, signaling a promising jazz career. His collaboration with talented musicians further enhances the album’s appeal.
TIMOTHY McALLISTER PROJECT ENCORE, VOL. 2. Neuma Records Timothy McAllister, alto & soprano saxophones: Liz Ames, piano. This world premiere recording is a duet by saxophone master, Timothy McAllister and pianist Liz Ames. McAllister is a member of the renowned PRISM Quartet. He has appeared with more than forty orchestras and ensembles worldwide, playing and/or […]
The High Society New Orleans Jazz Band’s album, live at Birdland, showcases traditional jazz, beginning with the medley “Flee as a Bird.” Co-leaders Conal Fowkes and Simon Wettenhall, veterans of Woody Allen’s band, revive classic tunes from jazz legends, captivating listeners with palpable energy and nostalgia for early 1900s jazz.
Colin Hancock’s Jazz Hounds, featuring Catherine Russell, revives the vibrant music of the 1920s, blending ragtime, blues, and various cultural rhythms. The album “Cat & the Hounds” highlights Russell’s soulful vocal style and showcases the band’s intricate arrangements, celebrating the rich heritage of African American music and its evolution.
Jay Hooks, a Houston-born artist, blends Gulf Coast blues with rock influences. His musical journey includes extensive touring and several albums, notably “Hooked Up” and “Tequila And Bullets.” After a hiatus for family, he returned to music in 2018. Hooks’ dynamic performances and engaging songwriting showcase his passion for authentic blues rock.
Jovino Santos Neto’s live recording “Mais Que Tudo” from 1995 captures the vibrant performance of his Quarteto at Kerry Hall, celebrating their dynamic blend of Brazilian, classical, and jazz music. Featuring impressive solos and the passionate interplay of musicians, this historical album serves as a tribute to bandmember Chuck Deardorf and showcases remarkable talent.
Nate Smith’s album showcases his diverse musical talents as a composer and master drummer, featuring live recordings and collaborations with various artists across genres. Highlights include “Undefeated” with JSWISS and a cover of “Automatic” featuring Lalah Hathaway. Smith’s innovative arrangements merge contemporary jazz with elements of world music and R&B.
Warren Haynes, a talented guitarist and prolific songwriter, showcases six of his eleven songs from the album Million Voices Whisper in The Whisper Sessions. Collaborating with Derek Trucks, he delivers heartfelt renditions of original and classic tunes, blending blues, folk, and soul. Haynes’ raw voice and guitar skills are prominently featured throughout.
Robbin Kapsalis’s album “The Blues Is In The House,” produced by Giles Robison, features harmonica riffs and is dedicated to notable figures in blues. The album includes tracks written by renowned artists and showcases Kapsalis’s journey from her previous band Vintage#18, proving her vital role in shaping the blues’ future.
The Milan Verbist Trio’s album “Time Change” features original compositions by pianist Milan Verbist, showcasing his classical influences and creativity. The album includes five original songs and interpretations of pieces by renowned jazz musicians. It will be released on September 19, 2025, highlighting a blend of tenderness and innovation in jazz.
“Trio of Bloom” features renowned jazz musicians Craig Taborn, Nels Cline, and Marcus Gilmore, delivering over sixty minutes of experimental music. The album, inspired by various influences, includes unique compositions like “Night Whistlers” and “Unreal Light.” It blends rich sounds and textures, creating a captivating auditory experience. Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil.
Randy Napoleon’s album “Waking Dream” features unique compositions by him and Gregg Hill, showcasing five guitarists. Blending jazz influences with theme development inspired by Beethoven and Chopin, the album presents innovative sounds and arrangements. Standout tracks include “Super Moon” and “The Speckled Frog,” highlighting rich guitar harmonics and solos.
Juliet Ewing’s album “Simply ‘S Wonderful, The Magic of Gershwin” showcases her vocal talent through timeless Gershwin classics. With experience in musical theater and extensive performances, she presents songs like “Our Love is Here to Stay” and “Summertime,” accompanied by skilled musicians. Ewing’s arrangements breathe new life into beloved tunes.
Candice Ivory’s 2023 album, “New Southern Vintage,” follows her tribute to Memphis Minnie. It features original blues songs by her band, The Blue Bloods, alongside traditional pieces. The album showcases Ivory’s vocal prowess and innovative sound, solidifying her stature in blues music, while honoring the genre’s roots.
Mark Winkler’s 22nd album, “Hold On,” showcases his lyrical prowess and vocal talent. Featuring six original songs, each track is artistically arranged and performed with top-tier jazz musicians. Highlights include “My Electric Car,” blending catchy melodies with a political message, and a beautiful love ballad that concludes the album.
Lafayette Gilchrist’s album “Move With Love” features a dynamic blend of jazz, funk, and personal themes, performed live in Baltimore. With a talented ensemble, his music reflects society’s everyday struggles and highlights love as a fundamental force. The album showcases diverse rhythms and cultural influences, culminating in the spirited track “Crosspollination Aggregation.”
Hannah Gill’s “Spooky Jazz Vol. 3” offers a creative and enjoyable blend of Halloween-themed jazz, featuring unique arrangements and a mix of familiar and lesser-known songs. With her smooth vocals, Gill showcases her talents across various tunes, though the lack of composer credits on the album raises concerns about recognition and compensation for songwriters.
Joe Bowden, a renowned drummer and composer, has achieved notable recognition, including the Pioneer Award and Bucky Adams Memorial Award. His latest album, “Music is Life,” features a vibrant jazz sound with contributions from talented musicians. However, the absence of musician credits on the album cover raises concerns about proper acknowledgment in the music industry.
David Kikoski Trio’s “Weekend at Smalls” showcases Kikoski’s piano talents, accompanied by Randy Brecker on trumpet, Joe Martin on bass, and Billy Hart on drums. This lively concert blends energetic post-bop with original compositions, reflecting Kikoski’s esteemed status in jazz. The album honors the New York jazz scene while uplifting listeners worldwide.
The Wild Iris Brass Band merges New Orleans tradition with diverse influences including Afrobeats, Brazilian carnival, jazz, and Tennessee roots. Led by Jeff Coffin and Ray Mason, their music is energetic and party-like, featuring engaging vocals and special guests like Bela Fleck. This vibrant collaboration celebrates brass band culture joyfully.
Steve Rosenbloom Big Band’s debut album “San Francisco 1948” features nine original compositions by composer and alto saxophonist Steve Rosenbloom, showcasing a blend of jazz styles. The vibrant arrangements highlight talented musicians, with notable performances from Eric Harding on piano and Allison Burik on saxophone, creating a rich listening experience.
Don Macdonald’s album “Short Stories” showcases his talent as a multi-instrumentalist and storyteller through seven original songs and three covers. Featuring a blend of folk and contemporary influences, the album includes strong performances by fellow musicians, with highlights like “Clementine” and “Sonny’s Bridge,” revealing Macdonald’s lyrical songwriting and engaging style.
Miguel Zenón’s album “Subterránea Live at the Village Vanguard” features new compositions blending jazz and Puerto Rican influences. Recorded live over two nights, the album showcases Zenón’s alto saxophone with dynamic improvisation from his quartet. Notable tracks include “Abra Cuto Guiri Mambo” and “Vita,” celebrating cultural roots with rhythmic complexity.
The album “Oneness World” by Premik Russell Tubbs and Margee Minier-Tubbs blends jazz fusion, East Indian, Celtic, and blues influences into a cohesive exploration of unity and love. Featuring a talented ensemble, the richly produced tracks incorporate diverse musical styles and address themes of humanity, creativity, and resistance against corporate greed.
Harold Lopez-Nussa’s “Nueva Timba,” his second Blue Note album, reflects his journey through grief and adaptation after relocating to France. Featuring his long-time quartet and guest musicians, the album blends traditional Cuban rhythms with modern influences. Its tracks showcase a dynamic range of emotions and musical styles, distinctively interpreting contemporary Cuban music.
Frank Hannon’s solo album, Reflections, showcases his guitar skills and emotional depth. Influenced by his late father-in-law, Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers Band, Hannon blends blues, country, and Western styles in 13 instrumentals. The album captures profound emotions, including nostalgia, grief, and love, reflecting Hannon’s personal journey and tribute to Betts.