CD Reviews on projects by Jazz artists
The Marc Seales project features collaboration with Ernie Watts, showcasing original tunes and jazz standards in a heartfelt manner. Highlights include the emotionally charged “Rue Cler,” and the soulful closing piece, “Home Light.” Seales, now retired from his university career, refocuses on his passion for composing and performing jazz.
Antonio Adolfo’s album “Carnaval – The Songs Were So Beautiful” showcases classic Carnaval songs from Brazil’s “Golden Age” (1920s-1950s). Featuring a talented ensemble, it highlights lively rhythms and emotive melodies. Adolfo shares his deep passion for these compositions, inviting listeners to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Carnaval through captivating arrangements.
Catina DeLuna and Otmaro Ruiz release “Lado B Brazilian Project 2,” a follow-up to their Grammy-nominated album. This collaboration blends World Music and Jazz, showcasing DeLuna’s vibrant soprano and Ruiz’s unique use of the accordina. The project explores classic Brazilian songs, delivering enchanting arrangements and rich musical narratives.
Pianist Andy Nevala’s album “El Rumbon” features ten Afro-Cuban influenced tracks with a blend of familiar tunes and original arrangements. Highlights include a Latin take on Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely,” and innovative rhythms in classics like “A Night in Tunisia” and John Coltrane’s “Countdown.” Nevala emphasizes tradition and musical education.
“Transverse” features an international quartet led by American trumpeter Chad McCullough and three Macedonian musicians. The album blends jazz with Macedonian folklore, showcasing compositions that explore diverse themes and varying moods. This collaborative effort exemplifies musical camaraderie, emphasizing music’s power to transcend cultural boundaries and foster unity.
Ben Thomas’s “Tango Project” blends traditional Argentine tango with modern elements, showcasing his multi-instrumental skills on bandoneon, vibraphone, and percussion. With original compositions, the album features dynamic arrangements and seamless transitions that engage listeners. Notably, tracks like “The Promise of Morning” and “Other Afternoons” highlight his expressive artistry.
Dara Starr Tucker’s latest album, “Time Wouldn’t Wait,” is her third solo release, blending original compositions with classic songs. Featuring exceptional musicians, Tucker explores themes of time, memories, and living in the present with her emotive vocals. The album showcases an impressive production quality, inviting repeated listens for its introspective nature.
Emma Hedrick’s debut album, “Newcomer,” showcases her unique jazz compositions and storytelling through ten original songs, including a blend of jazz and pop influences. With a contemporary edge and influences from artists like Duke Ellington, she demonstrates vocal prowess and originality, solidifying her presence in the jazz scene.
Mark Winkler HOLD ON Cafe Pacific Vocalist and lyricist Mark Winkler returns with his 22nd album, HOLD ON. This is the tenth album produced by his colleague, Barbara Brighton, and finds Winkler penning the lyrics for seven of these eleven tracks. Winkler has a storied history of attracting great musicians, especially pianists, reaching higher than […]
Rico Jones’ album “Blood Lines” explores his multicultural heritage, blending Latino, Indigenous, and African American influences. Each original composition reflects significant personal connections. The extended suite opens with “Invocation,” showcasing improvisation as a form of spiritual communication. The music aims to connect listeners to a deeper narrative of ancestry and creativity.
John Stein releases his twentieth album, “Among Friends,” featuring jazz singer Fay Whittaker and cellist Chris White. Recorded in 1997, the session showcases the trio’s natural camaraderie through classic standards and original compositions. With minimalist production, the album highlights their improvisational skills and deep connection, offering pure jazz enjoyment.
Joe Farnsworth’s album “The Big Room” features an intergenerational sextet, showcasing the talents of skilled musicians such as Emmet Cohen and Sarah Hanahan. The album blends high energy with soulful melodies, allowing for creativity and improvisation. It premieres at SMOKE Jazz Club in NYC, September 3 – 7, 2025.
Sarah Wilson, a Bay Area trumpeter and composer, released her album “Incandescence,” inspired by her 2023 art residency in Austria. Featuring her ensemble Brass Tonic, the album includes melodious compositions like “Architecture in Space.” Wilson aims to celebrate female musicians and interact with visual art, creating original music in real-time.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Emma Smith’s album “Bitter Orange” showcases her powerful vocals, blending humor and heartbreak in her music. Raised in a musical family, she draws inspiration from her grandfather and iconic performers. Award-winning and acclaimed, Smith delivers a range of tunes with emotional depth, demonstrating her dynamic voice and engaging presence.
Antonia Bennett, daughter of jazz icon Tony Bennett, is establishing her presence as a vocalist. After years of performing with her father, she has released five albums, including her latest, “Expressions,” which blends jazz standards and contemporary pop elements. With her vocal talent, she has the potential for mainstream success.
Yotam Ben-Or’s album “Impermanence” features a quartet exploring themes of acceptance through original music inspired by Israeli and Latin cultures. With standout performances from pianist Gabriel Chakarji and special guests Lars Danielsson and Esther Quansah, the album showcases Ben-Or’s harmonica talent, offering a vibrant and soulful jazz experience.
“Tappin’ Thru Life” is an autobiographical musical celebrating Maurice and Gregory Hines, showcasing their singing, tap dancing, and acting talents. The album, capturing the essence of their stage show, features big band standards and highlights vocal and dance performances from various artists. It honors their legacy and contributions to the arts.
Theon Cross’s live album, “Affirmations: Live at Blue Note NYC,” showcases his dynamic tuba performances infused with elements from various genres like hip-hop and reggae. With an energetic band, including Isaiah Collier and Nikos Ziarkas, Cross delivers a vibrant and unconventional jazz experience, filled with intricate solos and spontaneous grooves. It’s a compelling contribution to contemporary jazz.
Anaïs Reno’s sophomore album, “Lady of the Lavender Mist,” showcases her evolution as a jazz artist with a unique voice influenced by Ella Fitzgerald. This collection features emotional interpretations of standards in both English and French, highlighted by her original lyrics to Duke Ellington’s composition. The album reflects themes of joy and personal struggle.
Allan Harris’s second live album, “The Poetry of Jazz: Live at Blue Llama,” showcases his remarkable ability to blend jazz, poetry, and original compositions. Featuring renowned poets and classic pieces, Harris delivers emotive performances, demonstrating his deep connection to Harlem’s history and his artistic versatility. The album is a profound exploration of themes like love and resistance.
Entre Amigos, a Chicago supergroup, releases their second album, “Magpie: The Music of Joe Clark,” featuring compositions by Joe Clark. The quartet displays a blend of styles, led by saxophonist Roy McGrath and pianist Hana Fujisaki. Their dynamic performances pay tribute to Clark’s diverse musical legacy, showcasing exceptional musicianship.