The concert “First Meeting” features renowned jazz musicians Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Chris Potter, Larry Grenadier, and Eric Harland at Dizzy’s Club. Their performances showcase emotional depth and improvisational mastery. The double disc set includes pieces like “500 Miles High” and “Con Alma,” reflecting their cohesive artistry and commitment to creating memorable music.
The album “As We Are Now” by Jimmy Greene features a blend of smooth jazz compositions with emotional saxophone performances. Collaborating with vocalists and a talented band, Greene’s artistry shines through original pieces like “Praises” and “Anhelando”, as well as a fresh take on “Speak Low”. The project showcases intricate melodies and rhythmic energy.
Larry Keel and Jon Stickley, acclaimed flatpicking guitarists, celebrate acoustic music through dynamic harmonies in their new 5-track EP. Featuring lyrical tunes and cosmic instrumentals, the project showcases their skills and roots in bluegrass traditions. With influences from iconic musicians, their collaborative sound is both innovative and accessible.
Rory Block, a prominent Delta Blues interpreter, began her musical journey at fourteen in Greenwich Village. Influenced by Delta legends, she has recorded 38 albums and received numerous accolades, including her sixth Blues Music Award in 2019. Her latest album celebrates women in blues, featuring well-known guitarists and a mix of covers and original songs.
Alan Arena, a seasoned musician, captures the essence of rock and blues in his long-awaited album, Fortune Wheel. After decades of songwriting rooted in genuine experiences, Arena’s 12 tracks blend grit and authenticity. His music resonates with a timeless quality, showcasing a deep commitment to storytelling without conforming to industry trends.
John Christopher Morgan, born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, showcases his musical journey in his debut album “Right On Time.” With influences from R&B and collaborations with notable artists, the album features nine original songs and four covers, highlighting Morgan’s songwriting and drumming. He currently resides in Ventura, California, with his family.
WANTED, formed in 2021 in Leonard, Michigan, aims to revive 1980s heavy metal with their energetic sound. Their debut album, “Chain Reaction,” and sophomore release, “Late Attraction,” both received 9/10 ratings from Metal Forces Magazine and have gained significant streaming success. The band embodies the spirit of traditional metal, ready to make a global impact.
Neil Barnes, influenced by blues legends, has released “The Ponderosa Sessions,” an EP featuring talented musicians like Mighty Mike Schermer. The project includes engaging tracks such as the Bonanza Theme, “Blues Like A Spider,” “Tin Foil Hat,” and “Coffee And A Kiss,” showcasing Barnes’ creativity and collaborative spirit in music.
“Many Rivers” features Lauren Scales, Mike Flanagan, and Chris Grasso, showcasing a blend of jazz interpretations of R&B and pop classics. Scales’ angelic vocals shine alongside skilled musicianship, with memorable renditions of songs by D’Angelo, Neil Diamond, Thelonious Monk, and others. Their eclectic style touches hearts across genres.
Kim Field is a renowned harmonica player, singer, and songwriter known for his performances with The Perfect Gentlemen and at major music festivals. He has shared stages with blues legends and authored notable works on music history, reflecting his expertise in American roots music through various publications.
Wayne Alpern’s album “Modern Music” features solo piano compositions by Steven Beck, blending classical and contemporary styles. The twenty pieces exhibit an aesthetic synthesis of tradition and innovation. While influenced by Bach, the music prioritizes composition over improvisation. It appeals to adult-contemporary and Easy Listening audiences, highlighting Alpern’s creativity.
Buddy Guy, the “King of The Blues,” has released his twentieth studio album, “Ain’t Done With The Blues.” At 89, he reflects on his journey in the genre while collaborating with notable musicians. The album showcases eighteen new tracks that celebrate his legacy and dedication to keep the blues alive despite aging.
Joane Hétu’s album “Elle a son mot à dire” showcases her avant-garde musical style with an ensemble featuring vocals, saxophone, trumpet, tuba, accordion, and percussion. The compositions blend ethereal soundscapes and experimental elements, creating an immersive experience that defies categorization, while addressing feminist themes through innovative arrangements.
Nicole Zuraitis’s album “Live at Vic’s,” recorded in Las Vegas, features her dynamic vocal performances alongside skilled musicians. She revitalizes classic songs and incorporates jazz elements into R&B standards. With a diverse repertoire and two recent Grammy wins for Best Jazz Vocal Album, Zuraitis exemplifies a fresh voice in the jazz scene.
Kirk Fletcher’s album “Keep On Pushing” showcases his exceptional guitar skills and features three originals alongside seven covers. Co-produced with JD Simo, the album delivers a blend of traditional blues and contemporary elements, embodying a hopeful message during uncertain times. Fletcher continues to be a prominent figure in the blues scene.
Ben Clifton, a Pittsburgh native now based in Houston, releases his debut album “Overlook,” reflecting his personal experiences and musical collaborations. The album includes contemporary jazz tracks like “Convocation” and “Shadows,” featuring smooth arrangements and a pop-influenced vocal. With an easy-listening, peaceful vibe, it’s perfect for relaxation.
Rez Abbasi’s “Sound Remains,” his 17th album, features his Acoustic Quintet blending jazz with elements of his heritage. The compositions reflect themes of mindfulness and freedom, showcasing Abbasi’s guitar mastery and innovation. Musical improvisation prevails, with resonant vibraphone, driving rhythms, and rich textures, celebrating cultural influences in a unique sound.
Eric Alexander and Vincent Herring release their live album “Split Decision” at SMOKE Jazz Club, showcasing powerful saxophone duels alongside an all-star band. The album features exciting tracks like “Pharoah’s Dance” and “Strollin’,” highlighting their chemistry and musicianship. Their collaboration continues to thrive in the jazz tradition of live performances.
Pat Petrillo’s album “Contemporaneous” showcases jazz fusion with energetic tracks like “Fused” and “Late Night Diner,” featuring impressive solos and vibrant rhythms. The release highlights Petrillo’s skills as a drummer and composer, complemented by talented musicians. His previous work includes collaborations with notable artists and involvement in Broadway shows.
Bilingual vocalist Lauren Henderson’s album “Sonidos” features 17 tracks blending African Diaspora and Latin American music influences. With warm vocals and a talented backing band, she explores themes of love, resilience, and celebration. The collection balances jazz standards with Latin-infused tunes, showcasing her cultural roots and musical evolution.
Hayes Carll’s tenth album, “We’re Only Human,” combines country elegance with grit, focusing on self-forgiveness and positivity amidst imperfections. Collaborating with talented musicians, Carll delivers insightful songs that range from humorous critiques of societal issues to heartfelt reflections on life. The album embodies a refreshing outlook with strong storytelling and musical depth.
Stephen Jacques is an acclaimed alt-rock artist with ten albums and an upcoming eleventh. Influenced by a rich musical heritage, he writes and performs in Charlottesville, Virginia. His song “Send Them Love” is popular across over 300 radio stations. His next album, “Groove Atlantic-O,” releases in summer 2023.
Rusty Ends embodies the connection between the rock and blues of the past and modern music. After a vibrant career featuring various bands and notable performances, he paused around 2010 but returned rejuvenated after playing at church services. Now, he offers a distinctive blend of genres he calls Hillbilly Hoo Doo.
The 8-Bit Big Band, led by GRAMMY winner Charlie Rosen, celebrates its fifth album with fresh orchestral arrangements of iconic video game music, featuring over 90 NYC musicians. Highlights include solos by Brian Sheu and Andrew Gould, showcasing tracks like “Wii Sports Theme” and “Kass’s Theme” from Zelda. The band aims to enrich the video game songbook.
Brandee Younger’s album “Gadabout Season” features her original compositions, highlighting her innovative harp techniques and eclectic influences spanning jazz, classical, R&B, and hip-hop. Recorded in her Harlem apartment, the project reflects her artistic journey during a challenging year, showcasing collaborations with numerous talented musicians and delivering a fresh, emotive sound.
Reverend Freakchild, an eclectic musician inspired by Holy Blues, blends irreverence and soul in his solo acoustic performances. With collaborations across genres and a spiritual album titled Songs of Beauty for Ashes of Realization, he emphasizes music’s transcendental power. A graduate of Northeastern and Naropa University, he currently resides in Colorado.
Albare, a renowned guitarist with a four-decade legacy, presents his latest jazz album featuring talented musicians from Melbourne. “The Jazz Alchemists” blend post-bebop with Latin influences, highlighted by compelling tracks like “Song for Bird” and “Morning Dance.” Their cohesive sound entertains and captivates, offering a rich musical experience for jazz enthusiasts.
Chris Vincent’s album “Good Crook” showcases his authentic blues roots through raw, passionate performances. Featuring his 1947 Gibson slide guitar and drummer Johnny Vidacovich, the songs reflect Vincent’s journey as a recovering alcoholic in New Orleans. The record is characterized by its first-take intensity and poignant storytelling, promising a bright future for Vincent’s music.
The album “The Copenhagen Session Vol 1” features the late Tomasz Stańko and a group of Scandinavian and Polish musicians, recorded in 2016. This collection showcases free, avant-garde jazz, highlighting compositions by Stańko and others. The session, initially unplanned, vibrantly captures the spontaneity and creativity within jazz, celebrating Stańko’s enduring musical legacy.
Mike Welch, known as Monster Mike, began his musical journey at age thirteen and gained recognition with his debut album in 1996. He has released several albums and contributed to various collaborations. His latest work, “Keep Living Until I Die,” showcases his guitar prowess. Welch is celebrated for his blues contributions and has won multiple awards.
Alexa Tarantino’s album, The Roar and the Whisper, features her finest lineup yet, including notable musicians and guest artists. With a mix of her compositions and works from others, the album explores the duality of human reactions. Tarantino showcases her talent across various instruments, delivering high-energy performances throughout the collection.
Dawn Clement’s album “Delight” showcases her mastery of piano and vocals, featuring a talented trio with Buster Williams on bass and Matt Wilson on drums. The album includes original compositions and unique interpretations, notably of Thelonious Monk’s “Monk’s Dream.” Clement’s creativity and vocal warmth define each track, culminating in an enriching listening experience.
Rico Jones, a spiritually inclined tenor saxophonist, makes his New York City debut with “Bloodlines,” recorded live in August 2024. His music blends diverse cultural influences and features a suite of five parts reflecting personal and ancestral themes. The quartet’s dynamic performance showcases Jones’s impressive talent in spiritual jazz.
Jaleel Shaw’s album “Painter of the Invisible” marks his return after thirteen years, reflecting personal experiences and profound societal themes. The compositions honor figures like James Baldwin and Tamir Rice, while showcasing collaborations with talented musicians. Shaw’s heartfelt music captures joy, grief, and ancestral wisdom, ensuring memories endure through every note.
Lafayette Gilchrist’s 2023 album “Move with Love,” features his ensemble New Volcanoes, blending various musical styles. The joyful recording, performed at Club Car, emphasizes love in turbulent times. Notable tracks include “Cut Through the Chase” and “Bamboozled,” showcasing his influential jazz roots and determination to connect through music.
Big A Sherrod, a key figure in the Clarksdale blues scene, has deep roots in music, learning from legends like Johnnie Billington. His recent EP, produced by Jimbo Mathus, showcases his unique style blending blues with reggae influences. Sherrod reflects personal narratives and the importance of genuine friendships, earning acclaim with his art.
Yosef Gutman Levitt’s album “Shir Yedidot” showcases his soothing and spiritual music, blending traditional Chabad nigunim with original compositions. Featuring notable musicians like Yonathan Avishai and Yagel Haroush, the album creates accessible melodies that appeal beyond cultural boundaries, inviting listeners to experience its calming beauty throughout.
Roger Glenn’s album “My Latin Heart” showcases his remarkable talents on various instruments, blending Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian jazz. Influenced by a rich family musical background, Glenn’s compositions reflect his love for Latin music. His unique style shines through original songs like “Zambo’s Mambo” and “A Night of Love,” emphasizing cultural fusion.
East Nash Grass is a celebrated bluegrass band that achieved the title of “New Artist of the Year” at the 2024 International Bluegrass Music Association. Their debut album “Last Chance To Win” showcases their unique sound, featuring diverse vocal contributions from members and a mixture of original songs and covers.
Clarence Tilton, the Omaha band, returns with their new album Queen of the Brawl, showcasing rich harmonies and storytelling that reflects the American Midwest. Featuring guest appearances by Marty Stuart and Presley Tucker, the album blends alt-country with personal narratives, highlighting the band’s deep roots and musical influences.
At 94, Bob Stroger continues to tour and gain recognition for his contributions to blues music, recently becoming the oldest inductee into the Blues Hall of Fame. His career spans decades, marked by collaborations with blues legends and a commitment to mentoring emerging musicians, proving that passion for music transcends age.
The Billy Lester Trio’s album “High Standards” features innovative reinterpretations of classic jazz songs, showcasing Lester’s impressive piano skills and unique improvisational style. Alongside Marcello Testa on double bass and Nicola Stranieri on drums, the trio delivers dynamic performances that reinvent familiar melodies into fresh compositions. This creative approach defines the album as one of the year’s standout releases.
Rusty Ends, a musician bridging 1950s rock and blues with modern sounds, began in rough bars along Dixie Highway. He gained fame in the 1960s, recording a hit with Cooper ‘n’ Brass. After a hiatus, he returned to music, blending genres into his unique style called Hillbilly Hoo Doo.
Lili Maljic’s album “The Nearness of You” pays tribute to mentor Jim Rotondi, a revered jazz trumpeter and educator. Featuring strong arrangements and Maljic’s unique vocals, the album showcases classic standards reimagined, including “Shadow of Your Smile” and “Easy to Love.” Maljic demonstrates her emerging talent and potential as a vocalist and arranger.
Kyle Culkin, an American roots music artist, showcases his talents in his fourth studio album “Shades of Trouble.” Known for his humor and musicianship, Culkin offers a blend of original songs and covers. The album features rich instrumentation and highlights Culkin’s guitar skills, receiving positive acclaim for its bluesy rock essence.
Peter Lin’s AAPI Jazz Collective, featuring prominent Asian American musicians, creates an innovative album titled “Identity.” Their diverse repertoire includes original works and film scores, blending jazz with cultural themes. Highlights are fluid solos, rich arrangements, and a reflection of resilience in each piece. The album celebrates both musical creativity and Asian heritage.
Sinne Eeg and Jacob Christoffersen’s album “Shikiori” showcases their two-decade collaboration, blending Japanese and Danish cultures through jazz. Recorded in Matsunaga’s ancestral cottage, the album features original compositions and covers, highlighting Eeg’s dynamic vocals and Christoffersen’s piano mastery, creating a rich and spiritual musical experience.
Felipe Salles’ album “Camera Obscura” fuses chamber music and jazz, drawing inspiration from the early camera’s concept of projecting not-quite-reality images. Featuring a range of instruments and arrangements, Salles creates vivid soundscapes with the Cushman Quartet. The album showcases his creative compositions, blending cultural depth and artistic beauty.
Madre Vaca is a jazz quartet featuring Jarrett Carter, Jonah Pierre, Thomas Milovac, and Benjamin Shorstein. Their album “Yukon” showcases their versatility, blending straight-ahead jazz, ballads, and contemporary grooves. Renowned for their compositions, the group highlights creativity and comfort in their sound, making this album a notable release.
Art Hirahara’s album “Peace Unknown” features a four-horn septet, primarily shaped by producer Marc Free’s vision. The compositions blend homage and innovation, reflecting varied moods and complex harmonies. Notable tracks include ballads and dynamic pieces, showcasing collaborative arrangements and improvisation, ultimately demonstrating the spontaneous creativity of the ensemble.