CD Reviews

Mike Pope’s album “The Parts You Keep” features original compositions alongside jazz standards, showcasing his remarkable bass skills and arranging talent. Notable tracks include “Misgivings,” and tributes like “Dashan’s Flying Ubercar.” With contributions from acclaimed musicians, the album intertwines personal reflections and rich stories, creating a memorable musical experience.

Nicholas Payton’s album “Triune” showcases a collaboration with esperanza spaulding and Karriem Riggins, blending diverse genres like jazz, funk, and hip-hop. Each artist shines in their roles, with Payton’s exceptional keyboard skills and compositions uniting their talents. The project celebrates innovative music and creative synergy among these visionary musicians.

Anders Hagberg’s album “With Hope” features a range of flutes, soprano saxophone, and other instruments, aiming to inspire resilience amid global challenges. Influenced by multiple cultures, his compositions blend folk melodies with original ideas. The music offers tranquility and promotes beauty in uncertain times, transcending genres and evoking peace.

The Affinity Trio, featuring Eric Jacobson, Pamela York, and Clay Schaub, showcases their exceptional jazz talent in a new album titled “New Outlook.” With a mix of six standards and three originals, their seamless sound—defined by masterful bass, dynamic piano, and smooth trumpet—creates an engaging listening experience, reminiscent of jazz’s golden era.

Sacha Boutros, a jazz vocalist residing in Paris, celebrates a century of French and American composers in her album “Paris After Dark.” With a career spanning twenty-five years, she showcases her multilingual talents and emotional storytelling. As a Global Peace Ambassador for Jazz, she intertwines music and cultural diplomacy, creating a meaningful legacy.

Juan Pastor’s Chinchano combines Afro-Peruvian and jazz traditions through dynamic arrangements and skilled performances. The ensemble features tenor saxophone, piano, and various percussion instruments, creating infectious rhythms. Highlights include the joyful “Celinda” and the contemplative title track, showcasing Pastor’s mastery in composition and drumming. The album reflects a rich cultural exploration.

Pete Mills leads a jazz quartet featuring organ, guitar, and drums, showcasing original compositions. Mills, a seasoned saxophonist and educator, contributes three tracks to the album. The group demonstrates strong chemistry and swing in pieces like “The Kid,” “Bird Lives,” and “Kenny, Ken,” creating an engaging listening experience.

Kate Wyatt’s album “Murmurations” showcases original jazz compositions by her trio, featuring a creative reimagining of “Mack the Knife.” Inspired by the synchronized movement of birds, the album captures a profound musical connection among the musicians. With mesmerizing piano and engaging arrangements, it promises an exciting experience in modern jazz.

Gary Bartz, at 83, releases his first album in twelve years, “Damage Control,” transforming popular R&B tracks into jazz treasures. Collaborating with an all-star cast, Bartz’s arrangements reflect his rich musical journey and social consciousness, offering uplifting messages of redemption and love. This album heralds a personal investment in his artistry.

Jussi Reijonen’s upcoming album “sayr: salt/thirst” features a dual-movement suite for solo guitar, integrating various string instruments. Recorded in March, it reflects his introspective journey, emphasizing simplicity and emotional resonance. Distinct from his previous work, it showcases a unique soundscape, set for release on October 24, 2025.

Paul Litteral, aptly nicknamed ‘Hollywood Paul,’ significantly influences the LA music scene. His new album melds pop, jazz, and rock, featuring classic tunes reimagined by Litteral and his band, including songs by Donald Fagen and Bill Withers. This collection reflects Litteral’s journey through diverse music genres and personal growth.

Jason Kao Hwang’s album “Myths of Origin” combines jazz, funk, and global influences as a musical protest against hate crimes targeting Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a unique blend of modern jazz and orchestral chaos, it reflects both beauty and frustration, fostering connection and humanity through innovative soundscapes.

“Liberty Now!” by Phil Haynes and Free Country represents a poignant return after ten years, spurred by personal and political challenges such as the 2024 election and the death of collaborator Herb Robertson. Combining original compositions with reimagined classics, the album reflects a rich American history through jazz-infused Americana and Bluegrass.

The “Motivation” ensemble, led by Michael Simard, celebrates jazz funk classics with innovative arrangements. Featuring talented Canadian musicians, they reimagine songs by notable artists like George Duke and Earth Wind and Fire. The album blends jazz, funk, and soul, showcasing impressive solos and a rich sound palette with strings and horns.

Jason Forsythe’s debut album, “It’s About Time,” showcases his original compositions that blend Latin jazz, swing, and straight-ahead styles. Featuring notable musicians, the album includes energetic tunes like “Fourth Rites” and heartfelt ballads such as “Sentimental.” Forsythe’s music connects deeply with dance and joy, culminating in collaborative tracks with guest artists.

Jason Charos, a 25-year-old trumpeter and composer, showcases his talent in his debut album “Opening Statement” with his band and special guests. The album blends various jazz styles, featuring compelling solos and compositions that highlight Charos’ artistry and growth. It reflects the vibrant pulse of contemporary jazz and celebrates Charos’ potential.

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.

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.