CD Reviews Jazz

“Feathered Things” is an album by trumpeter Emily Kuhn featuring eight original compositions that explore themes of hope and resilience through imagery of nature. The music blends various instruments, delivering a laid-back yet beautiful sound. Although mostly characterized by its mellow tone, listeners may yearn for more dynamic jazz elements.

Anthony Caceres is a talented jazz vocalist and bassist, showcasing his skills in the album “Let’s Take a Trip.” His compositions, like “Elevators and Escalators,” blend smooth Latin grooves with swing. Accompanied by a skilled quartet, Caceres delivers powerful performances, highlighting his musical lineage and creative storytelling in both lyrics and instrumentals.

Lolivone de la Rosa’s debut album “Jewels” showcases her dedication as a perfectionist composer and guitarist, blending jazz with her Puerto Rican roots. Featuring talented musicians, the album includes diverse arrangements that highlight her cultural influences. Tracks like “PB&J” and “Si Por Mi Llueve” exemplify her unique style and creativity.

Yvonne Rogers’ album “The Button Jar” reflects her childhood creativity through solo piano compositions. Each track blends whimsical melodies with intricate rhythms, showcasing her unique artistic voice. Notable pieces include the peaceful “Cloud Chorale” and the avant-garde “Avid Risks.” Rogers, based in Brooklyn, is a rising talent in jazz.

Randy Ingram’s album “Sound Within” honors Bill Evans while showcasing his own distinctive sound. Collaborating with seasoned musicians Rufus Reid and Joe La Barbera, Ingram integrates original compositions with Evans’ classics. The album reflects a deep emotional connection and artistic freedom, offering a fresh perspective on jazz enriched by personal interpretations.

Migiwa Miyajima’s album “Unbreakable Hope & Resilience,” recorded live at Dizzy’s Club, captures the emotional aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Through jazz compositions and testimonials, the Miggy Augmented Orchestra conveys themes of survival and community. The album is a tribute to resilience amidst calamity.

Lakecia Benjamin’s sixth album, “We Dream,” showcases her innovative spirit in contemporary jazz. Collaborating with notable musicians, she blends original compositions and spoken word to create uplifting music that resonates with both modern and classic influences. Highlight tracks include “First Light” and “Ascension,” featuring vibrant guest performances.

Antonio Adolfo’s album “Balaios” features nine original compositions showcasing the talents of various musicians, including special guests. Inspired by the idea of woven baskets, the album reflects a blend of creativity and rich musical history. It highlights Adolfo’s enduring artistry and evolution over his six-decade career, infusing joy and energy into every piece.

Anita Katakkar and Kayla Milmine form the duo “Amrita,” producing a captivating World Fusion album that blends Hindustani music, jazz, and improvisation. Their work features guests and emphasizes unique instruments like the esraj and cajón. Their music, reflective of their diverse inspirations, delivers an enriching auditory experience.

Bria Skonberg’s “Indigo” showcases her talents as a trumpeter and jazz vocalist, featuring a blend of classic standards and an original composition. With rich arrangements by Gil Goldstein and emotional performances, particularly on songs like “I’m Glad There is You” and “Fragile,” the album creates a serene ambiance perfect for intimate settings.

David Occhipinti’s album “Looking Glass” merges chamber music and jazz through original compositions featuring guitar, strings, and vocals. The work includes six brief pieces, “Six Bagatelles,” showcasing intricate instrumentals, followed by the expansive “The Frumious Bandersnatch.” It invites special guests, enriching its unique, introspective soundscape, reflecting Occhipinti’s artistic journey.

Judy Whitmore’s album “This Is Home” celebrates her voice, family, and the 250th Anniversary of the United States, featuring the Chris Walden Orchestra. The collection includes patriotic songs like “God Bless America” and medleys dedicated to American history, reflecting her family’s military background and her commitment to honoring the nation.

Trombonist Andrew Kim, a recent Michigan State University graduate, celebrates his achievement with the album “Lineage.” Featuring original compositions and collaborations with notable musicians, Kim showcases his talent through pieces like “Kimposter” and “Nostos.” His mentor, Michael Dease, produced the album, highlighting Kim’s promising future in jazz.

The Paul Silbergleit Trio’s debut album, “The Stillness of July,” features original compositions and unique covers, showcasing Silbergleit’s humor and guitar mastery. With skilled performances by bassist Clay Schaub and drummer Devin Drobka, the album blends various influences, providing a dynamic listening experience that highlights each musician’s talents.

Lolivone de la Rosa’s debut album “Jewels” showcases her mastery of jazz, blending American traditions with her Puerto Rican roots. Featuring talented musicians, the album highlights her perfectionist approach to arrangements and compositions, including tunes like “Si Por Mi Llueve” and “PB&J.” De la Rosa’s background in music fuels her creative journey.

ANDREW MOORHEAD MIRAGE OA2 Records Andrew Moorhead, piano/composer; Francois Moutin, bass; Ari Hoenig, drums. Fifteen years ago, pianist and composer Andrew Moorhead suffered an unexpected accident. He fell 47 feet through the open center of a stairwell. The result was multiple injuries. Among them, spinal cord damage, and his right wrist was left immobile. Moorhead […]

Lisa Rich’s album “I Still Rise” showcases her versatile vocal talent, highlighted by innovative interpretations of jazz standards like “No Moon at All” and “Take Five.” Collaborating with Marc Copland, Drew Gress, and Dave Ballou, Rich blends emotion with creative improvisation, creating a unique sonic experience that captivates listeners.

Eva Cortés’ ninth album, “La Malinche,” addresses issues of systemic racism and government abuse, inspired by the disappearance of a young Indigenous girl. Blending Spanish and English, her music explores heritage and social issues, making a political statement while uniting listeners. Cortés is celebrated as a prominent voice in Spanish Jazz.

Adam Rose’s album “Holler Serenade,” featuring the Mountain Jazz Quartet, showcases a joyful mix of contemporary and traditional jazz. The quartet, known for their spontaneity and deep connection, masterfully blends original compositions with jazz standards. Each track highlights creative arrangements and tight grooves, culminating in a vibrant listening experience.

The album “Keystone Trumpet Project Live at the Keystone Korner,” featuring trumpeters Rex Richardson, Sean Jones, and Dave Ballou, showcases a collaboration initiated from a 2023 performance. Recorded in June 2024, it blends diverse compositions, highlighting each trumpeter’s unique style, culminating in lively arrangements and dynamic solos, creating a celebratory musical experience.

“Accentuate the Positive” is a two-disc jazz album reflecting the tumultuous spirit of its times, drawing parallels between past and present struggles. Curated by Suzanne Wakdowski, it features notable vocalists and celebrates America’s rich musical heritage. The album aims to uplift spirits through well-arranged compositions, honoring the late Ken Peplowski’s influence.

Colin Heshmat’s debut album “Elastic Groove” showcases his jazz piano talents, blending post-bop with a contemporary flair. The quartet features skilled musicians, creating vibrant compositions inspired by experiences like New York’s energy. With influences from traditional jazz, Heshmat’s work highlights engaging rhythms and creative improvisation.

Kay Kostopoulos releases her album “All This is Possible,” featuring eight jazz standards with a talented band. Notable tracks include a heartfelt rendition of “Never Let Me Go” and an invigorating version of Charlie Parker’s “Segment.” Kostopoulos, an experienced actress and educator, brings emotional depth and her Greek heritage to the performances.

The Jeff Rupert Quartet, featuring talented musicians, showcases their unique sound in the album “Sea Spell.” Jeff Rupert, a skilled saxophonist and composer, contributes six original tracks. Highlights include a sweet rendition of “Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most” and the captivating “A Breeze Through the Keys,” illustrating Rupert’s talent for melodic composition.

Charles Chen’s album “The Long Way Home” features a blend of young and legendary jazz talents, including pianist Chen, guitarist Felix Lemerle, and veterans Bill Crow and Steve Little. The album showcases standards and original compositions, highlighting Chen’s style and celebrating the rich histories of the older musicians through both music and interviews.

AMSTEL JAZZ ENSEMBLE FIRST STATE BLUES Summit Records Dave Bozenhard, guitar; Miles Brown, bass; Tom Palmer, drums/piano; Bruce Tychinski, trombone; Todd Groves, soprano, alto, & tenor saxophones/flute. The Amstel Jazz Ensemble consists of faculty members of the University of Delaware. The Amstel Jazz Ensemble is actually named for a street in Newark, Delaware where the […]

Bjarke Falgren’s album “Turkis” features ten original compositions blending various musical influences, including folk, Latin, and jazz. With a focus on tone and phrasing, the album creates a soothing and emotional listening experience. Notably, Falgren’s unique playing style and rich arrangements highlight his mastery as a musician and composer.

JAN GRABOWSKI JAZZ MYSTERIES Independent Label Przemyslaw Jan Grabowski, piano/Fender Rhodes/composer; Camila Cortina Bello, synthesizers/piano; Noam Tanzer, acoustic bass; Samer Sharawi, electric bass; Andy Wilder, drums; Kali Rodriguez-Peña, trumpet; Emir Santa Cruz, tenor saxophone. The first thing I noticed right away on Track #1 titled “My Dearest Christine” was that the pianist was a novice. […]

Rafael Greco’s album “Verses Under My Shadow,” features an eclectic blend of contemporary jazz and Afro-Latin rhythms. Greco, a versatile multi-instrumentalist, explores emotional themes while showcasing rich harmonics and experimental elements. The album, narrated by various musicians, serves as a protest against mediocrity and a commentary on the modern artistic landscape.

Steve Wilson’s album “Enduring Sonance” features cherished compositions performed by his talented ensemble. Highlighting pieces by Billy Childs, George Cables, and Michel Legrand, Wilson showcases his exceptional skills on saxophones and flute. The recording captures the essence of memorable music, reflecting his deep connections with each piece.

Dawn Clement’s tribute to Blossom Dearie showcases her sincere vocals and captivating piano work. Collaborating with an excellent quartet, she reinterprets fifteen of Dearie’s classics. With a playful yet heartfelt approach, Clement captures the essence of Dearie’s music, delivering both charm and depth in her interpretations. A jazz experience to savor.

Atlantic Road Trip’s second album, “Watch as the Echo Falls,” showcases a jazz trio exploring global folk music through compositions by Miro Herak, Chad McCullough, and Paul Towndrow. Featuring a blend of cultural influences, the album invites listeners on a reflective journey, emphasizing themes of nostalgia and unity in folk and jazz styles.

Jarrod Lawson’s album showcases a blend of smooth jazz and R&B, emphasizing positivity and love. With tracks like “Just Let It” and “Smoke Me Out,” Lawson’s heartfelt lyrics address societal issues while highlighting strong grooves and impressive instrumentation. Every song shines, reflecting his talents as a composer and multi-instrumentalist.

John Clayton’s eighth album, “Two-O Duo,” features bassist John Clayton, pianist Gerald Clayton, and vocalist René Marie in a collaborative exploration of musical intimacy. The trio showcases a mix of jazz standards and original compositions, highlighted by rich harmonies and innovative arrangements, creating a beautiful, peaceful musical experience.

Gabriel Espinosa’s “The Brazilian Project” is his eighth album, showcasing his love for 1960s Brazilian music and his rich Mexican heritage. The album features original compositions and arrangements recorded in Rio de Janeiro with Brazilian musicians. Highlights include “Gabriela,” an homage to his wife, and “Caramelo,” for his daughter, displaying a fresh Latin sound.

The album “Shards” features pianist Jason Moran, drummer Marcus Gilmore, and electronics expert Tyler Gilmore. This experimental music combines improvisation, diverse tempos, and emotional depth, creating a unique soundscape. Each piece evolves organically, delivering a kaleidoscopic experience that leaves a lasting impression on listeners, reminiscent of fleeting yet beautiful memories.

The Chicago Soul Jazz Collective’s album “No Wind & No Rain” showcases their blend of jazz, funk, and soul music, embodying their artistic growth since 2017. Led by John Fournier, the group features impressive compositions and thought-provoking lyrics, aiming to uplift listeners. Their vibrant sound reflects a rich musical heritage and a commitment to positive messaging.

Zen Zadravec’s album “New Paradigm” features a talented ensemble that blends post-bop and contemporary jazz. His compositions display dynamic interaction and joy while paying homage to jazz traditions. Highlights include high-energy tracks like “First Impressions” and “Seeking Spirit,” as well as the heartfelt ballad “Love Letter,” showcasing Zadravec’s innovative style.

Duchess, a vocal trio of Amy Cervini, Hilary Gardner, and Melissa Stylianou, pays homage to 1940s harmony with their fourth album, “A Marvelous Party.” Featuring vibrant arrangements of familiar songs, they evoke joy and spirit with their warm harmonics, backed by a lively band, creating an uplifting musical experience.

Abate Berihun’s album “Addis Ken,” blends Ethiopian and Jewish musical traditions, showcasing his powerful vocals and saxophone. The project features a mix of jazz and spiritual themes, incorporating Ge’ez lyrics. Each track is an exploration of identity, culture, and emotion, highlighted by collaboration with talented musicians and rich arrangements.

Matt White’s album “Dolly” creatively transforms Dolly Parton’s classic songs into jazz interpretations. Featuring talented musicians, the project blends Southern roots and jazz influences, showcasing emotional storytelling in tracks like “Down from Dover” and “Jolene.” White aims to contemporize Parton’s melodies while celebrating their original essence.

Scott Sadlon’s album “Songs From Thin Air” showcases his fusion jazz trio featuring Rachel Eckroth and Tim Lefebvre. The music is characterized by spontaneous, experimental compositions, reflecting real-time interaction and organic development. Highlights include the dynamic “Post Tension” and whimsical “Wandering Timelines,” demonstrating each musician’s versatility and creativity.

The “New Jazz Underground” album “Hoodies” features the trio of Sebastian Rios on bass, TJ Reddick on drums, and Abdias Armenteros on saxophone, blending traditional jazz with contemporary influences. The album’s thirteen tracks explore themes of identity, brotherhood, and cultural solidarity, highlighted by energetic improvisation and structured rhythms.

Jonathan Suazo’s “Ricano Vol. 2: Fruto de mi Corazón” is a personal jazz album inspired by the birth of his daughter, blending Puerto Rican and Dominican musical traditions. Featuring talented musicians, it combines genres like plena and bomba, showcasing Suazo’s unique alto saxophone sound and deep-rooted cultural influences, celebrated by critics.

Tom Lippincott’s album “Ode to the Possible” showcases his evolution as a musician using an 8-string guitar amidst personal challenges. Featuring original compositions, the album blends jazz, soft rock, and experimental sounds, with notable contributions from his quartet. Each track reflects Lippincott’s innovative style and musical dialogue.

Carolyn Lee Jones, a Nebraska native who transitioned from luxury retail to jazz, debuts her sixth album “Catn’ round Sound.” Featuring a blend of vintage standards and original songs, Jones’s warm vocal style shines through arrangements incorporating Latin grooves. The album showcases her development as a jazz artist, supported by a talented ensemble.

Jon Schapiro’s “Schapiro 17 Big Band” returns with its third release, showcasing innovative jazz compositions. The album features tracks like “Ugly Chic” and “Chameleon,” highlighting solos from talented musicians. Schapiro, a celebrated composer, explores diverse styles and arrangements while paying homage to jazz legends, promising a gratifying listening experience.

Sylvia Brooks’ sixth album, “Soliloquy,” showcases her storytelling prowess through jazz standards and original compositions. Collaborating with Christian Jacob, the album features heartfelt tracks like “A Letter to Sophie” and “Lizzie’s Dance,” celebrating emotion and individuality. Rich in drama and passion, this music is reminiscent of a captivating stage show.