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.
The Dana Legg Stage Band’s album “Scoopin’ the Loop” features classic songs reimagined with big band arrangements. Highlighting tracks like “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Heavy Cloud, No Rain,” the album captures nostalgic moments from Legg’s youth while showcasing talented musicians. It promises a fresh, jazzy take on beloved pop standards.
The Eyal Vilner Big Band’s “Big Apple Stomp” is a vibrant big band album featuring eighteen tracks that celebrate New York City’s jazz scene. Recorded live, it includes exciting renditions of classic tunes and original compositions by Vilner. The album aims to inspire swing dancing with its energetic arrangements and soulful vocals.
“Sin & Squalor” is the debut album by Clay Street Unit, blending bluegrass, indie folk, and honky-tonk. Produced by Chris Pandolfi, it features heartfelt storytelling across eleven tracks reflecting longing, love, and resilience. The album captures the band’s journey from Denver roots to notable stages, showcasing their rich harmonies and diverse influences.
Bellbird’s second album, “Firefly Pharology,” showcases the Montreal-based quartet’s unique sound, blending woodwinds, bass, and drums without traditional harmonic instruments. Their music, inspired by nature, features collaborative compositions like “Murmuration” and “Soft Animal.” The group makes strong social statements, with tracks like “Blowing on Embers” dedicated to political causes.
Doug MacDonald Trio’s live performance in Beverly Hills marks a significant moment in jazz, featuring dynamic musicianship from Doug MacDonald on guitar, Lou Shoch on bass, and Billy Paul on drums. The album showcases engaging compositions, vibrant energy, and standout solos, solidifying MacDonald’s reputation in the jazz scene.
Emilio Solla’s “La Inestable de Brooklyn” features a talented nine-piece orchestra blending jazz and world music. The album, reflecting the 2020 pandemic through its “Suite de los Abrazos,” integrates twelve-tone techniques, with standout performances from various musicians. It includes personal touches, honoring Joni Mitchell and expressing themes of cultural unity.
Francesca Confortini and Ryan MacKenzie collaborate on “Mosaico,” a Brazilian jazz album blending diverse musical styles. Confortini’s joyful vocals and MacKenzie’s intricate arrangements come together, featuring lush instrumentation and harmonies from notable musicians. The project celebrates Brazilian music’s richness, creating an exciting cultural mosaic through shared artistry and talent.
Noa Levy and the Paul Edis Trio’s album, “Portrait in Evans,” pays tribute to Bill Evans with intricate compositions. While Levy excels in the ballad “Only Child,” her vocal delivery wavers in emotional authenticity on faster tracks. The ensemble showcases strong musicianship, particularly in instrumental solos, making it a noteworthy jazz effort.
Clarinetist and saxophonist Ricky Alexander releases “Ragology,” his third album and a unique contribution to ragtime. Collaborating with Grammy-winning pianist Conal Fowkes and banjoist Jerron Paxton, the quintet explores classic ragtime pieces and blends styles. The album reflects traditional roots while showcasing exceptional musicianship, reviving a century-old genre influential to jazz.
Mitch Ryder’s “Songs From The Road” showcases his six-decade career in rock ‘n’ roll, featuring live performances recorded in Berlin and Lindewerra. This two-disc set includes gritty, impassioned tracks that highlight Ryder’s musical journey and bold commentary, affirming his status as a timeless, uncompromising artist.
Dave Slonaker leads a Grammy-nominated big band known for vibrant arrangements and dynamic musicians. Their latest album, “Shifty Paradigms,” features original compositions with influences from Los Angeles life, presented with high energy and intricate grooves. The ensemble showcases exceptional talent, creating a work full of integrity and beauty.
Ellas Kapell, a Swedish jazz quartet, delivers an innovative album that breathes new life into classic tunes. Featuring clear vocals and impressive instrumentation, they challenge musical norms while asserting creative control in their production. Their unique sound has captivated listeners, earning accolades and over 7 million streams since their 2016 formation.
Matthew Curry’s album “One For The Ride” showcases his unique blend of blues, rock, and country, reflecting his life on the road and musical influences. Featuring nine original tracks and one cover, the album captures themes of love, nostalgia, and the joy of music. Notable musicians contribute to this dynamic work, praised for its authenticity.
Ben Rosenblum’s album, “The Longest Way Round,” showcases his piano and accordion mastery alongside a talented ensemble. Influenced by diverse cultures, he blends jazz with elements like gypsy jazz and Dominican merengue, creating a unique sound. His compositions reflect a rich musical heritage, inviting listeners to embrace the accordion’s versatility.
Edward Simon’s “Venezuela: Latin American Songbook, Vol. 2” features a talented trio exploring Venezuelan music with a blend of classical and jazz influences. Notable tracks include “Presagio,” showcasing a vibrant bebop transformation, and the beautiful duo “Atardecer.” Simon’s rich arrangements highlight his unique style and musical excellence.
Julie Benko’s album “Euphonic Gumbo” is a vibrant tribute to New Orleans culture, blending jazz, Cajun influences, and folk ballads. Celebrated for her Broadway roles, Benko’s album features exciting arrangements and performances that evoke the spirit of Bourbon Street. It’s a festivity of music that captures life’s joys and memories.
Brother John, comprised of seasoned Philadelphia blues artists Johnny Never and John Colgan-Davis, showcases their musical bond in the album “Black Crow.” With powerful storytelling and diverse blues styles, including gospel and Piedmont influences, the duo captures themes of love, loss, and humanity, affirming the vitality of blues music in contemporary culture.
Aaron Quinn’s debut album with his quartet, Sunchoke, showcases a blend of raw emotion and classical influences in improvised free music. The seven-track release highlights the musicians’ collaborative spirit, featuring a mix of avant-garde arrangements and melodic pieces. Notable tracks include “Wasabi,” “Turnips,” and “Sunchoke.” Quinn, based in Brooklyn, also engages in music education.
The debut album “Back to San Francisco” by the Lazy Californians, led by Cameron Washington, fuses New Orleans brass sounds with diverse genres like hip-hop and Nigerian funk. Featuring numerous guest artists, the album delivers high energy and accessibility, showcasing rich instrumentation and a mix of party anthems and spiritual tributes.
Gregory Lewis has expanded his Organ Monk project by collaborating with vocalist Ms. Raina Welch. Blending her classical training with jazz influences, the album “Organ Monk Sings” explores themes of love and loss through Monk’s compositions, featuring lyrical contributions from notable artists. The project showcases a unique narrative suite across four acts.
Lisanne Lyons’ album “May I Come In” showcases her impressive vocal abilities, blending jazz sincerity with big band arrangements by Mike Lewis. The album features a range of tunes, including “The Song Is You” and “Bubbles, Bangles & Beads,” highlighting her dynamic talent and compelling interpretations, while reflecting her distinguished music career and educational impact.
Charlie Barath, a Pittsburgh native and harmonica expert, merges blues, roots, and Americana in his music. After EPs in 2021, he released his debut album, “Just Me and My Friends,” followed by the second album, “Issaquena Getaway,” recorded in Mississippi. The album showcases Barath’s versatile harmonica skills and includes twelve original songs, highlighting his deep commitment to the blues tradition.
The Django Festival Allstars release “Evolution,” a vibrant album celebrating 25 years of Django-inspired gypsy jazz. Led by Samson Schmitt with five talented musicians, it showcases original compositions that honor Django Reinhardt’s legacy. Despite personnel changes, the group’s energy and musical excellence continue to thrive, captivating audiences worldwide.
The Altered Five Blues Band, established in 2002 and based in Milwaukee, has released their eighth album, “Hammer & Chisel,” produced by Grammy winner Tom Hambridge. The band focuses on original material and features guest musicians. The album showcases their unique sound, reflecting two decades of musical experience and creativity in modern blues.
Crystal Shawanda, an Indigenous Canadian artist, showcases her love for blues in her eighth album, “Sing Pretty Blues.” With influences like Etta James, the album features a blend of personal storytelling and emotional depth. Produced by her husband, it highlights her evolution as a musician, reaffirming her position in the modern blues scene.
Gabriel Zucker’s album “Confession,” developed over six years, merges jazz, rock, and classical influences. Created during the 2020 pandemic, it features twelve songs across four parts, showcasing inventive arrangements and a mix of electronics and vocals. Zucker, a talented pianist and social activist, reflects his creative depth and commitment to community.
Billy Thompson, an accomplished musician blending blues, rock, and funk, has performed widely across the US and internationally. His latest album, “This World,” features original songs highlighting themes of love and social commentary. With an impressive career collaborating with music legends, Thompson continues to captivate audiences with his unique sound.
The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, Canada’s first community-based jazz orchestra, presents “Forgotten Stories Suite,” composed by Sean Irvine. Featuring vocalist Karly Epp and narrator Quinn Greene, this project blends jazz, lyrical vocals, and poetry to explore the lives of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, sharing their untold stories through evocative music and narratives.
James Judson’s debut album, “Songs of My Dreams,” features eleven original love songs shaped by his unique process of capturing melodies from his dreams. With the help of Grammy-winning producer Tim Sonnefeld, Judson’s soothing baritone and big band orchestration evoke nostalgia for jazz classics. This project marks his heartfelt return to music after years in construction.
Darren Litzie’s second album, “On My Own Time,” showcases his expertise as a pianist and composer. With a blend of jazz, Latin, and Caribbean influences, the album features intricate arrangements and collaborations with experienced musicians. Notable tracks highlight Litzie’s creativity and unique interpretations. The album balances accessibility with imaginative experimentation, making it an engaging listen.
Ron Rieder’s album “Compositions in Blue and Other Hues” features a talented quintet exploring straight-ahead jazz and bebop. With tracks like “Dizzy Spell” and “I Sing for You,” the compositions showcase joyful melodies, elegant arrangements, and skilled instrumental performances, making listeners feel immersed in a lively jazz club atmosphere.
Duke Robillard, a two-time Grammy nominee, releases his album “Blast Off” on February 20, 2026, with Nola Blue Records. The 12-track collection showcases his versatility in blues, swing, jazz, and R&B, featuring original compositions and classic covers. Robillard highlights his enduring influence on American roots music through this celebratory work.
Nick Justice’s seventh album, “Rain Dancing,” features collaborations with familiar musicians and introduces new textures through instruments like fiddle and banjo. Addressing themes of patience, performance, and mortality, the album blends Southern California vibes with folk influences. With introspective lyrics, it showcases Justice’s talent and may mark his breakthrough.
Joe Bonamassa’s “B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100” commemorates King’s 100th birthday with contributions from 42 artists across genres. The album features 32 songs, showcasing top-notch performances from a diverse lineup, including duets and intense guitar work. Bonamassa’s tribute reflects both homage and innovation, marking a significant achievement in his career.
Ed Alstrom’s latest album, “This Idea of Humanity,” showcases his diverse musical journey, blending blues with personal reflections. He plays multiple instruments and delivers lead vocals, accompanied by notable guests. The album features themes of love, resilience, and societal issues, culminating in a heartfelt exploration of humanity’s complexities.
South Mississippi native Davey Jones will release his album “Ball Cap Blues” on January 23, 2026. The nine-track collection blends Southern and contemporary influences while honoring the Mississippi blues tradition. With varied themes and genres, Jones showcases both personal reflections and regional imagery, solidifying his unique approach to the blues.
The Dedicated Men of Zion, a sacred soul quartet from North Carolina, release their third album, “Coming Up Through the Years.” Featuring themes of faith, struggle, and perseverance, the album blends gospel and soul. Co-produced by notable musicians, it showcases the quartet’s deep familial ties and rich musical tradition spanning over 300 years.
The album “Symbiosis: Tribute to Bill Evans,” featuring the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and the Thomas Clausen Trio, showcases arrangements of Bill Evans’ compositions through six movements. Recorded live in 2023, the album blends orchestral sophistication with jazz improvisation, highlighting standout performances by various musicians, including conductor Jean Thorel and pianist Thomas Clausen.
Hugo Blouin’s fourth album “Le Buffet” merges free jazz with culinary themes, featuring recipes sung by Eugenie Jobin Tremblay. The album boasts collaboration with notable musicians, creating a vibrant and playful exploration of cooking through music. Blouin’s inventive compositions provide a unique auditory experience, blending humor, melody, and creativity.
Pat Bianchi’s album “Confluence” features his powerful organ skills alongside drummer Colin Stranahan and saxophonist Troy Roberts. The album includes innovative takes on jazz standards like “It Was a Very Good Year” and “Jitterbug Waltz.” Bianchi, a Grammy-nominated artist, showcases his individuality and connection to jazz tradition, solidifying his status in the genre.
Lena Bloch’s album “Marina” celebrates the poetry of Marina Tsvetaeva through a jazz suite featuring Kyoko Kitamura’s vocals. The compositions reflect Tsvetaeva’s resilience and struggles as an immigrant and artist. Bloch interprets Tsvetaeva’s work, highlighting its relevance today, blending dark themes with expressive melodies in this avant-garde production.
Chris Standring’s album “Time of Change,” featuring eleven new contemporary jazz tracks, draws inspiration from 1970s cool jazz. The lead single “Hollywood Hustle” will debut on February 2, 2026. Standring, influenced by Quincy Jones and the Yellowjackets, combines nostalgic melodies with modern grooves. A book showcasing his life in jazz is set for release in December 2026.
John Vanore’s “Easter Island Suite,” recorded over nearly forty years, captures the mystery surrounding the Easter Islands through a four-part musical journey. Featuring a blend of talented musicians from his ensemble Abstract Truth, the suite combines rich harmonies and evocative themes. Vanore seeks to embody the tension of unresolved historical mysteries in his compositions.
The album “What Happened There?” features improvisational artists Natsuki Tamura and Keiji Haino, recorded live at a festival curated by Tamura and his wife. Their collaboration creates a unique blend of genres, marked by spontaneous arrangements and contrasting sounds. While the duo’s instrumentation shines, the vocal elements may overshadow the music’s beauty.
Kim Moberg’s fourth album, “All That Really Matters,” showcases her soothing folk music and explores themes of love, betrayal, social justice, and healing. Featuring collaborations with other artists and rich instrumentation by Grammy-nominated producer Jon Evans, the album is both melodious and impactful, emphasizing poignant lyrics and human experiences.
The Temple University Jazz Band, led by GRAMMY-winning trumpeter Terell Stafford, toured Japan and recorded a live album celebrating jazz culture. Their performance at Akasaka B-Flat in Tokyo featured classic Ellington pieces and showcased the talent of students, particularly drummer Maria Marmarou. The album releases on February 6, 2026.
The Baltimore Jazz Collective, founded by trumpeter Sean Jones, showcases a distinctive sound that reflects the city’s vibrant music scene. With talented members like tap dancer Brinae Ali and composers like Alex Brown and Todd Marcus, their original compositions blend blues influences and interactive performances, celebrating Baltimore’s cultural richness.
Tinsley Ellis’s “Labor of Love” showcases his distinct southern blues style, blending blistering guitar work and heartfelt vocals. Following his critically acclaimed “Naked Truth,” this album emphasizes blues, drawing inspiration from his time with blues legend Jimmy Holmes. With unique compositions and a variety of influences, Ellis continues to evolve while captivating audiences.
The trio “Elipsis,” featuring Michael League, Pedrito Martinez, and Antonio Sanchez, unites to present a fusion of West African religious chants and contemporary Cuban rhythms. Their music, rich with cultural diversity and historical significance, showcases unique instruments and modern influences. It serves as a powerful narrative of survival and legacy through rhythm and song.
Wes Smith’s album “We, The Funky – Vol 1” showcases a blend of contemporary jazz, pop, R&B, and smooth jazz. Featuring deep grooves and rich arrangements, Smith, a multi-instrumentalist, reflects on his Los Angeles journey. While initially promising funk, the album leans towards smoother sounds, with only a couple of funky tracks.