Tribe 2000 is an album by Detroit jazz musicians Phil Ranelin and Wendell Harrison, celebrating their musical legacy. Featuring notable artists, it showcases original compositions that blend innovative melodies, rhythmic patterns, and improvisation. The vibrant energy and historical roots of Detroit jazz shine throughout the album, delivering a captivating listening experience.
Hattie Webb’s second solo album, “Wild Medicine,” showcases her versatile harp skills and songwriting talent, influenced by diverse genres such as Celtic folk and rock. Collaborating with notable musicians, she addresses poignant themes like trauma and resilience while maintaining a graceful, uplifting tone. Webb’s unique take on the harp redefines its role in contemporary music.
Sara Serpa’s album “Encounters & Collisions” presents intimate music rooted in her autobiographical experiences, exploring themes of migration, motherhood, and art. With a blend of original compositions and spoken word, she shares her journey of adapting to new cultures. The project highlights her multifaceted talents as a vocalist, composer, and visual artist.
Art Hirahara’s album “Good Company” features a unique trio with guitarist Paul Bollenbeck and trumpeter Ron Horton, showcasing their individual compositions alongside influential covers. This collaboration defies the myth of conflict between piano and guitar, offering a captivating mix of textures and tempos that highlights the musicians’ extensive jazz backgrounds.
The Hurricane Dale Thang, formed by Jeff Dale and Bobby Hurricane Spencer in 2018, showcases a blend of blues talent with prominent musicians. After Bobby’s health setbacks, he remarkably returned to performing, enabling the project to continue. Jeff Dale, an acclaimed blues artist, has garnered numerous awards and released multiple successful albums throughout his career.
Ben Solomon’s debut album “Echolocation” features original jazz compositions inspired by Coltrane and Davis. Collaborating with talented musicians Davis Whitfield, Rashaan Carter, and Kush Abadey, Solomon’s tenor saxophone reflects and enhances the musical flow. The album, part of Giant Step Arts, showcases a modern take on jazz roots while spotlighting Solomon’s compositional skill.
SKAM, formed in 2011, is a hard rock power trio from England known for their gutsy British rock music. With a decade of performances and a solid fanbase, they are leaders in the ‘New Wave of Classic Rock’. The band has released 4 studio albums and 1 live album, delivering unforgettable live shows.
Nikara Warren’s album blends jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and house, showcasing her vibraphone skills with collaborations featuring talented musicians. The arrangements, including fresh takes on classics like Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues,” highlight rich Caribbean influences and modern improvisation. Each track contributes to an immersive cultural tribute.
Sivan Arbel’s album “Oneness” responds to societal divisions with original songs that blend Indian classical music and contemporary pop. Collaborating with bansuri master Jay Gandhi, Arbel’s sound reflects her curiosity about cultures. While aiming for unity through music, some critics argue her work lacks the jazz roots seen in legendary vocalists.
Billy Coulter, an acclaimed singer/songwriter, merges American Roots with British Power Pop, drawing inspiration from icons like Dylan and Bowie. His unique sound and songwriting have earned him multiple WAMMIE Awards and the Grand Prize in the Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest, showcasing his talent through energetic performances at top East Coast venues.
Charles Tolliver’s concert album, “Live at the Captain’s Cabin,” showcases a dynamic quartet featuring brilliant interplay among Tolliver on trumpet, John Hicks on piano, Clint Houston on bass, and Cliff Barbaro on drums. Their creativity and cohesion shine through original compositions and jazz standards, resulting in an engaging and powerful listening experience.
Lisa Hilton’s latest album, “Lucky All Along,” features a talented quartet and emphasizes cool jazz alongside impressionist art influences. With nine originals and three covers, the album showcases Hilton’s improvisational skills and diverse inspirations, including Miles Davis and Lana Del Rey. It highlights the group’s collective talent, maintaining a bluesy essence throughout.
John Nau, a veteran keyboardist and producer, returns to Posi-Tone with his project Four Corners, celebrating the label’s 30th anniversary. The album features a core group and 21 accompanying musicians, with a five-part suite reflecting his family experiences. The music combines personal narratives with varied instrumentation, demonstrating Nau’s unique, cinematic style.
The Gardyn Jazz Orchestra’s new album, inspired by Von C. Brewing Company’s beers, features compositions by Jon C. Gardner. Each lively track showcases the band’s talent, blending jazz with celebratory elements. Notable pieces include “Dinero de Sangré” and “By the Stoney Creek,” both rich in melody and rhythm, promising an engaging listening experience.
The Owsley Stanley Foundation presents “You’re Doin’ Fine – Blues at the Boarding House,” a three-CD set featuring John Hammond’s live performance from June 2nd & 3rd, 1973. The release showcases 45 songs, demonstrating Hammond’s exceptional skills as a blues interpreter, while the inclusion of audience interactions enhances the experience.
Big Harp George’s latest album, “Big Harp George Does Christmas,” offers a unique collection of original Christmas songs blending blues and jazz. The album features clever lyrics, engaging instrumentals, and contributions from notable musicians. Big Harp George, a former lawyer turned blues artist, aims for music that can be enjoyed year-round.
Lucinda Williams, the three-time Grammy winner, will release “Sings The Beatles From Abbey Road” on December 6. This album, part of her Lu’s Jukebox series, features covers of Beatles songs recorded at Abbey Road Studios. It showcases her powerful vocals and unique interpretations, cementing her enduring creativity at 71 years old.
Ollee Owens, raised in the Canadian Prairies, found solace in music from a young age, influenced by iconic artists. After a 15-year break to raise her family, she returned to music in 2015, gaining industry recognition. Since 2016, she has performed widely, releasing impactful singles that emphasize the healing power of music.
The Dennis Spencer Group releases “Bluesman From Jupiter,” reflecting the tumultuous life of lead artist Dennis Spencer. The album, infused with rich narratives and blues influence, showcases themes of love, hardship, and survival across ten original tracks. It features collaborations and a blend of musical styles, capturing Spencer’s journey through highs and lows.
Jessey Jackson is a self-taught singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for her powerful vocals and diverse musical style, reminiscent of legends like Janis Joplin and Stevie Nicks. With three albums released and a fourth in production, she captivates audiences across various venues in Australia and Ireland, evolving continually in her craft.
Duck Baker, a distinguished fingerstyle guitarist, showcases his mastery in “Breakdown Lane – Free Solos & Duos 1976-1998.” This collection features fourteen solo tracks and two duo pieces, blending genres like jazz, country, and blues. Despite being overshadowed by contemporaries, his avant-garde approach defines his unique sound, inviting listeners to explore his extensive catalog.
Paul Kendall’s holiday album features the baritone saxophone, showcasing beautifully rendered Christmas classics alongside pianist George Grund. Kendall, who repaired vintage saxophones himself, highlights the nuances of his instruments. The album combines simplicity with beauty, fully supporting the talents of both musicians, creating a joyful and memorable listening experience.
Alex McLaughlin, a bassist and composer from Erie, Pennsylvania, has released his debut album “A Brand New State,” featuring eight original tracks. Blending contemporary jazz with influences from Thelonious Monk, he collaborates with skilled musicians to explore themes of change. His compositions evoke deep emotions and rich imagery, showcasing his profound musicality.
Ben Goldberg, Todd Sickafoose, and Scott Amendola collaborate in their trio recording “Here to There,” blending clarinet, bass, and electronics. This innovative work reinterprets Monk’s compositions, generating unique pieces while maintaining an experimental yet relaxed atmosphere. The album highlights intricate interplay and showcases each musician’s creativity across various compositions.
Guitarist Davy Mooney and drummer Ko Omura return with their album, The Word, featuring compositions that highlight their contrasting styles. Mooney’s pieces are darker and structured, while Omura’s are warm and free, incorporating Indian music influences. Collaborating with talented musicians, they create melodic and textured compositions that explore diverse musical landscapes.
Cliff Korman Trio’s album “Urban Tracks,” features Korman (piano), Harvie S. (bass), and Rafael Barata (drums). Korman’s mastery shines in tracks celebrating Brazilian music, like “Chelo de Malicia” and “Manha De Carnaval.” His arranging skills are highlighted in jazz standards, offering a vibrant, engaging listening experience throughout the album.
Daniel Boling, a celebrated folk songwriter, has won multiple awards and performs over 100 shows annually, sharing relatable story songs. With a rich musical background and influences from classic folk artists, his latest album, LOVE, DAN, features fresh compositions. He also engages senior communities with nostalgic performances.
“Colouring Hockets” is John Hollenbeck’s ninth large ensemble album, featuring Germany’s NDR Bigband and percussionist Marcio Doctor. The album creatively integrates a four-piece percussion quartet, presenting a unique blend of contemporary classical, jazz, and post-rock, influenced subtly by Latin rhythms. It includes both new works and repurposed compositions, showcasing innovative timbral textures.
Elsa Nilsson’s album “Quila Quina” features flute compositions inspired by the Argentine landscape during her writing residency. Collaborating with pianist Santiago Leibson, the music blends classical and easy listening elements. While calming and beautiful, it leans more towards European Classical rather than jazz, showcasing Nilsson’s artistic expression and musical journey.
Darryl Yokley’s album “Un Mundo En Soledad” celebrates Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s novel “Cien Anos de Soledad” through jazz and Latin music. Featuring talented musicians, the work highlights Yokley’s unique cultural heritage. The album combines original compositions with vibrant arrangements, showcasing the camaraderie and musical prowess of the ensemble.
“Taking Turns” is an archival album featuring notable musicians like Jacob Bro and Lee Konitz, recorded in 2014. It emphasizes atmospheric sounds, showcasing Bro’s compositions and including influences from Paul Motian. The music flows seamlessly, creating a beautiful soundscape that invites listeners to immerse themselves for a tranquil experience.
Corky Siegel’s “Symphonic Blues No. 6” might be his final work as a harp master, blending classical and blues elements. The recording features contributions from leading musicians and includes three main movements. Celebrating Siegel’s 80th birthday, the album showcases his adaptability in diverse musical settings, preserving his remarkable legacy.
The Caribbean Christmas Mixtape Vol. 1, created by Joy Lapps and Larnell Lewis, showcases holiday songs infused with Caribbean rhythms and joy. Featuring top Toronto musicians, the album offers fresh arrangements, notable performances like “SOCA Sleigh Ride,” and a celebration of cultural diversity, aiming to inspire and uplift through music.
Sam Graber, a prolific songwriter with over 500 songs and more than 1,000 live performances, showcases his creativity across genres like rock and big band jazz. A versatile multi-instrumentalist from Washington, DC, he also writes plays for the NYC stage while being a sought-after music writer and director.
Tania Grubbs Quintet’s “The Sound of Love” features vocalist Tania Grubbs alongside talented musicians. With a warm tone, Grubbs showcases jazz standards and original compositions, blending pop influences. The ensemble shines with impressive solos, especially by David Budway on piano and Ron Affif on guitar, creating an engaging listening experience.
Will Wilde is a remarkable harmonica player known for blending traditional blues with classic rock. His unique “Wilde Tuned” harmonicas enable him to innovate the instrument’s use. Gaining fame through YouTube, his collaborations include work with blues legend Walter Trout. Wilde has released several albums and earned a nomination for “Instrumentalist of the Year” in 2024.
Vanisha Gould’s album “She’s Not Shiny, She’s Not Smooth” features her storytelling through jazz-infused compositions. With a strong lyrical focus, she explores personal themes and showcases her vocal talent alongside skilled musicians. Although her spoken word moments may be less effective, Gould’s emotional delivery and unique songwriting shine through, creating memorable melodies.
“Christmastime in Rio” by Romero Lubambo and Pamela Driggs features an easy-listening blend of holiday music rooted in Brazilian influences. With Driggs’ smooth vocals and Lubambo’s guitar, the album includes classic and original songs, celebrating the holiday spirit. Highlights include “Holiday of Love,” “Christmas Love Song,” and the charming “Winter Reverie.”
Kandace Springs’ album “Run Your Race” is a tribute to her late father, showcasing her emotional and warm vocal style alongside original compositions. Inspired by musical legends like Nina Simone, she covers Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” and includes standout tracks like “Broken Keys” and “Closer To Me,” reflecting her artistic journey.
Dennis Herrera, raised in San Jose, California, discovered his passion for rock and blues music in the 60s, inspired by artists like The Beatles and James Brown. He performed in school and garage bands and has led various projects throughout his career. Over 30 years, he has recorded three CDs and continues to perform.
James O’Donnell’s album “Tough Talk” features a collaborative effort with talented Detroit musicians, including Alvin Paige and Mike Zaporski. O’Donnell’s trumpet and vocal performances alongside creative arrangements of classics showcase his distinctive style. The album highlights a mix of swinging funk jazz and exceptional solos, delivering an exciting listening experience.
Brass Queens, an all-female brass band formed during the pandemic, celebrates diverse musical influences in their album “Hot Tub Sessions Vol. 1.” Blending funk, soul, and jazz, they create a vibrant New Orleans atmosphere. Their debut gained acclaim, leading to a recording session with Atlantic Records and successful performances.
Neta Raanan’s debut album “Unforeseen Blossom” showcases her soft, introspective tenor saxophone tone, influenced by jazz greats. Featuring a talented ensemble, the live recording highlights improvisation and creativity. The album combines post-bop with funk, reflecting Raanan’s soaring melodies and artistic vision, marking her as a promising rising talent in modern jazz.
Ambient Monkeys, a Nashville duo featuring Denny Jiosa and Michael Moryc, incorporates the innovative RAV Vast tongue drum into their engaging music. Their album “Ephemeral Being” showcases a blend of smooth jazz and adult contemporary styles, with each track offering unique rhythms and melodies. Moryc, a veteran, utilizes this instrument due to nerve damage from service.
Donald Vega’s holiday album “All Is Merry and Bright” features vibrant jazz interpretations of classic carols. Alongside bassist Clovis Nicolas and drummer Pete Van Nostrand, Vega infuses joy and modernity into tracks like “Joy to the World” and “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” The album promises a delightful addition to any festive music collection.
Mon David’s sixth album, “DNA Continuum,” features eleven songs showcasing his jazz roots. Following his early successes, including wins and notable performances, he returned to jazz after exploring pop music. Collaborating with pianist Josh Nelson, the album highlights creativity and emotional depth, featuring original compositions and interpretations of classic tunes.
Star Motel: An American Music Experience features The J. & F. Band, blending influences from jazz, rock, and blues. The album, produced by Fabrizio Perissinotto, showcases intricate musicianship, highlighted by Jaimoe’s jam and various interpretations, including a vibrant take on “Route 66.” It’s essential for adventurous music enthusiasts and Allman Brothers fans alike.
Greg Nagy is a versatile artist known for his soulful blend of blues, R&B, and rock. His debut album earned a Best New Artist nomination, with subsequent releases like “Fell Toward None” and “Stranded” receiving critical acclaim. He has performed at prestigious events and collaborated with notable musicians, solidifying his standing in contemporary blues.
Rick Braun’s latest holiday album, “It’s Christmas,” is a vibrant collection of jazz interpretations featuring a broad range of styles. Following previous projects, it includes arrangements of traditional songs and original tracks, showcasing Braun’s talent on multiple instruments. The album aims to invoke a spirited holiday atmosphere.
Entre Amigos is a jazz supergroup featuring Roy McGrath, Hana Fujisaki, Kitt Lyles, and Gustavo Cortiñas, whose self-titled debut album emphasizes spontaneous improvisation and composition. With influences from hard bop and Latin music, the quartet showcases their skills through introspective pieces, marked by emotional depth and impressive musicianship. A sequel is anticipated in 2025.