CD Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra, founded in 2012, showcases exceptional talent, including vocalist Tatiana ‘LadyMay’ Mayfield. Their latest album features energetic compositions, highlighted by powerful performances and innovative arrangements. With influences from jazz and hip-hop, the orchestra celebrates youth and creativity while continuing to evolve the art form of jazz.

The Haas Company, led by drummer Steve Haas, collaborates with electric violinist Jerry Goodman on their album “Thirteen.” The project features original compositions by pianist Pete Drungle, showcasing a blend of jazz fusion and rock. Highlights include energetic tracks like “Incident at the Country Club” and “Back Door Party,” emphasizing improvisation and dynamic rhythms.

Jennifer Madsen’s album “Reimagine” features her distinctive voice and unique arrangements by Brent Edstrom, showcasing classic jazz standards like “Body and Soul” and “Willow Weep for Me.” Accompanied by talented musicians, Madsen balances heartfelt expression with dynamic artistry. She also teaches aspiring jazz artists at Snow College.

George Coleman’s album, featuring lush string arrangements, showcases his breathtaking tenor saxophone artistry at age 90. With standout tracks like “Dedicated to You” and “Stella By Starlight,” the album highlights Coleman’s musical evolution and deep jazz roots. It celebrates his impressive technique and enduring influence in the jazz community.