CD Reviews on projects by Jazz artists
Sean Imboden, an Indianapolis-based saxophonist, debuts as a big band leader with “Communal Heart,” featuring his 17-piece orchestra. The album includes original compositions like “Fire Spirit” and “Dance of Inquiry.” Inspired by his musician parents, Imboden emphasizes community and hard work, reflecting Midwestern pride in his music.
Gabriela Martina and Maxim Lubarsky’s album “Explorations in Sound” showcases their innovative blend of vocals and piano, pushing jazz boundaries through improvisation and wordless expressions. Gabriela, a Swiss artist with extensive experience, combines her yodeling roots with contemporary jazz elements, offering audiences unique and imaginative musical experiences filled with creativity and freedom.
Doctor Professor Leonard King collaborates with Planet D Nonet to create a live tribute album honoring Joe Williams, showcasing King’s vocal and drumming talents. The album features a range of songs, including blues and ballads, reflecting King’s deep appreciation for Williams’ artistry, while demonstrating the diverse capabilities of the ensemble.
Yotam Silberstein’s “Standards Vol. 2” features bassist John Patitucci and drummer Billy Hart, with tenor saxophonist George Coleman appearing briefly. This mellow album presents lesser-known standards, including “Blue Gardenia” and “Answer Me My Love,” highlighted by unique arrangements. Silberstein’s intricate guitar work showcases both homage and innovation throughout the collection.
Jeffrey Gimble’s album “Brand New Key” showcases his vocal talent across various genres, including R&B and jazz. Notable tracks include a funky rendition of “Bye Bye Blackbird,” emotional delivery of “Tryin’ Times,” and a smooth Brazilian jazz performance in Portuguese. The exceptional musicianship of the band enhances Gimble’s unique style and charisma.
Tobias Meinhart’s fifth album, “Sonic River,” metaphorically relates jazz improvisation to flowing water, reflecting his upbringing and daily life. It blends music with literature, featuring spoken word by Sara Serpa. The album showcases a dynamic quintet with meditative and intense moments. Overall, it presents Meinhart’s most realized work to date.
Judy Whitmore, a talented vocalist and author, releases her fifth album with the Chris Walden Orchestra, celebrating the Great American Songbook. The album features jazz and cabaret arrangements, showcasing songs like “I’ll Take Romance” and “Let’s Fall in Love,” highlighting Whitmore’s vocal prowess and emotional depth. Release date: April 24, 2025.
Drummer and composer Phil Haynes demonstrates his wide musical scope in two new albums: “Return to Electric” and “Transition(s).” The former revisits jazz-rock fusion with covers and originals showcasing his trio’s dynamic interplay, while the latter, with guitarist Ben Monder, explores atmospheric improvisation, highlighting their enduring chemistry despite a long hiatus.
Susan Hinkson’s debut jazz album “Just in Time” features her laid-back vocal style supported by a talented band. Opening with “One for My Baby,” she showcases her natural storytelling ability and swing. Though transitioning from a career in urban strategy, Hinkson’s potential shines through, suggesting she could evolve into a formidable jazz singer.
Kneebody returns with their first studio album in six years, “Reach,” featuring a reformed lineup. This album blends genres, showcasing jazz, prog-rock, and R&B influences. The band emphasizes collaboration through spontaneous songwriting, with each member contributing tracks. Despite geographic challenges, they remain committed to their evolving sound and legacy in music.
Freddie Hubbard’s “On Fire: Live from the Blue Morocco” celebrates the iconic jazz trumpeter’s legacy through previously unreleased live recordings. Featuring legendary musicians, the album showcases Hubbard at the peak of his career, delivering emotional performances of beloved jazz classics and original compositions, capturing his unique sound and vibrant energy.
Clay Wulbrecht’s album “The Clockmaster” features an eclectic blend of electronic soundscapes and jazz influences. Highlights include tracks like “Time to Get Up” and “Hit the Ground Running,” showcasing impressive collaboration and innovative arrangements. Wulbrecht’s unique style and musical mastery shine through, portraying his artistic evolution. The album releases on May 2nd.
Alex “Apolo” Ayala leads the Bámbula Project, showcasing vibrant Afro-Puerto Rican jazz through a percussive-driven ensemble. The album features compelling compositions primarily by Ayala, highlighted by captivating bass solos, intricate drumming, and expressive saxophone melodies. The three-part Agonia Suite exemplifies the innovative connections between traditional and contemporary jazz elements.
The Atlantic Jazz Collective, featuring Norma Winstone and Joe LaBarbera, delivers a stunning performance on “Seascape,” showcasing notable compositions. Winstone’s emotive vocals complement Mike Murley’s saxophone, while Florian Hoefner’s dynamic piano solos and LaBarbera’s skilled drumming enhance the collective’s impressive interpretations. This historic project captivates jazz enthusiasts with its rich artistry.
Russ Spiegel, an accomplished guitarist and composer, leads a talented ensemble through a blend of jazz and blues. Born into a musical family, he developed his craft studying in Germany and later at Berklee. Now based in Miami, he teaches at Florida International University while showcasing his original compositions and tribute works.
Ann Kittredge’s album “Reimagine” features her powerful vocals and dramatic interpretations of various songs, blending Broadway flair with contemporary arrangements. Accompanied by talented musicians, Kittredge explores emotional themes across thirteen tracks, including classics like “Time in a Bottle” and “Edelweiss.” Her artistry captures the essence of cabaret, engaging listeners.
José Luiz Martins’ “Odyssey Mixtape” intertwines Brazilian roots with American fusion jazz and hip hop, showcasing his piano and composition skills despite battling Focal Dystonia. Featuring notable guests, the album highlights themes of resilience and hope, blending vibrant arrangements with heartfelt performances. It will be released on April 18, 2025.
David Hajdu Lives of The Saints Sunnyside David Hajdu is a writer-producer who has written the lyrics for Lives of The Saints. These saints are not those of the canon of the Catholic Church but ordinary individuals who have attained that status in his mind. These are women who did exceptional work but suffered in […]
Maria Manousaki’s third album, “Behind Closed Doors,” merges Cretan culture with polyrhythmic jazz, showcasing her expertise as a violinist and composer. Collaborating with renowned jazz artists, her compositions evoke deep emotions and vibrant storytelling. Dedicated to her father’s memory, the album illustrates Manousaki’s role as a cultural bridge in music.
The UNLV Jazz Ensemble 1’s album “Let the Good Times Roll” showcases jazz artistry featuring guest artists like Chris Holmes and Naomi Mauro. Produced by Grammy-winning Gregg Field, it celebrates student and faculty creativity amid budget cuts. The project honors jazz’s significance in higher education, with multiple standout performances highlighting talented musicians.
Gustavo Cortiñas’ album “The Crisis Knows No Borders” explores the ramifications of global warming through a jazz quartet. Each track addresses themes like economic disparity, resource depletion, and climate skepticism. Musically, Cortiñas creates a diverse soundscape reflecting tensions in society. The project encourages deep reflection amidst ongoing environmental challenges.
Whispering Worlds is a quartet formed in 2022, inspired by Jon Hassell, creating experimental jazz that resembles film soundtracks. Their debut album, “Cosmic Cliffs,” released on March 28, 2025, features original compositions predominantly by trumpeter Aaron Shragge, blending eclectic sounds, including East Indian Raga and Japanese shakuhachi.
Geoffrey Dean Quartet’s second album, “Conceptions,” showcases original jazz compositions blending straight-ahead styles with modern elements. The ensemble, comprised of Dean, trumpeter Justin Copeland, bassist Harish Raghaven, and drummer Eric Binder, emphasizes collaboration and individual expression. Each track offers distinct themes, demonstrating their musical synergy and creativity.
Hiromi releases her 13th studio album, OUT THERE, featuring a dynamic jazz-fusion style with her Sonicwonder band. The double LP includes the four-part suite “OUT THERE” and showcases vibrant tracks like “XYZ” and “Balloon Pop.” Collaborating with vocalist Michelle Willis, Hiromi combines energy and creativity, delivering an exhilarating musical experience.
Jarod Bufe’s album “Brighter Days” features a star-studded jazz quartet with Bufe on tenor saxophone. The compositions, written during the pandemic, showcase a blend of hope and vitality. Highlights include heartfelt tributes and infectious melodies, demonstrating the group’s strong camaraderie and musical synergy. Each track reflects resilience and joy.
Leon Anderson’s debut live album showcases his vibrant drumming and compositional skills at Snug Harbor. Featuring longtime collaborator Rodney Jordan on bass and talented musicians like Ricardo Pascal and John Michael Bradford, each track highlights their artistry. Anderson’s original compositions and engaging performance resonate with the appreciative audience.
Candid Records has released remastered albums, including Jaki Byard’s “Blues for Smoke,” Nancy Harrow’s “Wild Women Don’t Have the Blues,” and Memphis Slim’s “Memphis Slim, U.S.A.” These historic records from the early ’60s feature pristine sound quality and showcase the artists’ unique blends of jazz and blues, reflecting their rich musical backgrounds.
Satoko Fujii’s Tokyo Trio debuted their studio album “Dream A Dream” on May 22, 2024, in Paris, showcasing five of Fujii’s compositions. The trio blends improvisation with structured themes, creating a dynamic sound. Each member contributes uniquely, resulting in unpredictable yet purposeful music that resonates with beauty and freedom.
Trombonist Altin Sencalar releases his sixth album, “Unleashed,” marking a creative evolution as he explores challenging tempos and composition techniques. Featuring a dynamic ensemble, including Greg Tardy and Behn Gillece, the album juxtaposes aggressive solos with diverse rhythms and styles, showcasing Sencalar’s mastery and promising future direction in jazz.
Bob James and Dave Koz have collaborated on a unique acoustic album titled “Just Us,” recorded in the comfort of James’ home. This milestone project showcases their talents through clear, bold arrangements of original compositions and timeless standards. With a blend of classical, funk, and smooth jazz, it offers an unforgettable musical experience.
Branford Marsalis Quartet’s album “Belonging” pays tribute to Keith Jarrett’s 1974 work, blending jazz with classical influences. Featuring pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis, and drummer Justin Faulkner, the quartet demonstrates a unique synergy, intertwining various styles including swing and soul-jazz. The album highlights each member’s exceptional talent, showcasing their telepathic connection.
Silvano Monasterios’ album “The River” features a nine-piece ensemble, inspired by the social unrest in Venezuela. With contributions from notable musicians, it combines intricate rhythms and melodies that reflect the depth of Monasterios’ culture. The project pays tribute to the bravery of the Venezuelan people through passionate and accessible music.
“Renegade Queens” is a double album celebrating the impact of female musicians on the Bay Area’s Latin jazz scene. Featuring artists like Bobi Cespedes and Maria Marquez, it combines vibrant Salsa and jazz with compositions highlighting women’s contributions. The collection harmoniously blends talent and infectious rhythms, inviting listeners to dance and enjoy.
Yelena Eckemoff’s album “Scenes from the Dark Ages” blends medieval inspirations with modern jazz fusion and prog-rock elements, featuring collaborations with Italian musicians. The music incorporates diverse instruments and reflects her childhood dreams. Ambitious and unique, the album appeals to both jazz and rock fans, showcasing Eckemoff’s innovative artistry.
Gina Saputo’s upcoming album “Daydream” showcases her remarkable jazz vocal talent, revitalizing pop classics with creative arrangements. Supported by a skilled ensemble, she impressively blends swing with emotive lyrics. Standout tracks include “If I Knew Then” and “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me,” highlighting her scat skills. The album releases in April 2025.
Sharel Cassity’s album “Gratitude” features renowned musicians including Christian McBride, Lewis Nash, and Cyrus Chestnut, celebrating community and mentorship. Blending infectious hooks with emotional improvisation, the album showcases Cassity’s artistry on various tracks. Highlights include “Magnetism” and “The Promise,” offering a joyful listening experience designed to uplift spirits.
Marilyn Kleinberg’s album “Let Your Heart Lead the Way,” featuring Will Galison on harmonica, showcases her emotional singing style and unique interpretations of classic songs. Collaborating with talented musicians like John DiMartino, Noriko Ueda, and Victor Lewis, Kleinberg offers an intimate and heartfelt experience, set for release on May 1, 2025.
Matthew Muñeses and Riza Printup’s album “Pag-Ibig Ko,” showcases romantic Filipino kundiman songs through a unique saxophone and harp blend. Exploring heritage, Muñeses, a newcomer to kundiman, collaborates with Printup, raised with this music. Their interpretations, including “Dahil Sa Iyo” and “Minamahai Kita,” celebrate cultural pride and musical beauty.
Guitarist Ray Suhy and pianist Lewis Porter lead a jazz quartet with Joris Teepe and Rudy Royston. Their album “What Happens Next” features eight original tracks, blending influences from Coltrane and Monk. The music showcases diverse styles, including modal improvisation, Indian classical elements, and vibrant swing, resulting in an exciting exploration of jazz.
Daniel Garbin’s album “Rising” features a unique fusion of jazz with sitar, showcasing impressive performances by Camila Cortina (piano), Scott Litroff (saxophone), Eddy Khaimovich (bass), and Brian Woodruff (drums). With seven original compositions, the album offers fresh sounds and innovative arrangements, highlighting Garbin’s musical versatility and creativity.
Zhengtao Pan’s album “Scenery in My Story,” reflects his journey from Shanghai to Boston, blending personal experiences with influences from jazz. Comprising soothing compositions inspired by people and places, it showcases his orchestral creativity, particularly through unique arrangements like “Dancing in the Dream” and covers of jazz standards, delivered during the pandemic.
Charles A. Kelly’s second album, part of a trilogy, showcases his talents as a pianist and composer through lively originals infused with R&B and funk elements. Tracks like “City Night” and “Bring It to Compliance” reflect his Philadelphia roots and jazz influences, featuring engaging melodies and a strong ensemble.
Jim Snidero’s album “Bird Feathers” is a tribute to jazz legend Charlie Parker, reflecting Snidero’s deep admiration for Parker’s music. The album features a chordless trio with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Joe Farnsworth, showcasing interpretations of Parker’s pieces. Snidero’s artistry and performance solidify his position among the top alto saxophonists.
Kaisa Mäensivu’s album “Kaisa’s Machine” showcases original compositions blending Finnish and American jazz influences. Featuring notable musicians, including Melissa Aldana and Maja Mannila, the tracks exhibit rich arrangements like “Midnight Sun” and “Moon Waves.” The album captures unique rhythms, highlighting Kaisa’s bass and her creative improvisation throughout.
Chris Varga’s album “Breathe,” featuring musicians like Clark Sommers and Geof Bradfield, reflects his growth in Seoul’s jazz scene. The project emphasizes camaraderie among musicians and showcases Varga’s distinct style through original compositions. Notable tracks include “Durantula,” inspired by Kevin Durant, and innovative rhythm shifts that engage listeners deeply.
The Christoph Irniger Quintet, based in Switzerland, showcases their live album “Human Intelligence,” featuring a blend of composed pieces and improvisation. Captured in Germany, the performance highlights unique tracks, reflecting emotional journeys and struggles. The quintet’s dynamic transitions keep listeners engaged, drawing comparisons to modern jazz influences.
The Alison Rayner Quintet (ARQ), featuring talented musicians and friends, presents a live jazz album titled “SEMA4,” recorded at the Vortex Jazz Club. With original compositions reflecting personal experiences and themes such as freedom and cosmic communication, the album captures their relaxed chemistry and joyful stage presence, offering a unique listening experience.
THE HAAS COMPANY VOL 3 SONG FOR MIMI FEATURING SAMUEL HALLKVIST Psychiatric Records and Tapes Steve Haas, drums/producer; Pete Drungle, Fender Rhodes/Moog Odyssey/Mini Moog/various synths/acoustic piano/composer/producer; Samuel Hallkvist, electric & acoustic guitar; Sean Lennon, guitar & atmospheres; Guy Prat & Kirwan Brown, bass; Todd Reynolds, violin; Nicholas Draps & Jerry Goodman, electric violin; Scott Tixler, […]
Nels Cline’s latest project, Consentrik Quartet, showcases his avant-garde approach to jazz through a collaboration with renowned free jazz musicians. The album blends diverse styles, including free improvisation and electric blues, offering a range of soundscapes. Highlight tracks feature intricate interplay, dynamic grooves, and Cline’s signature electric guitar work.
Emma Rawicz and Gwilym Simcock’s duo project, “Big Visit,” showcases their exceptional talents in a beautifully simple production. Their interaction shines through in compositions like “His Great Adventure” and covers including Stevie Wonder’s “Visions.” The duo’s chemistry is palpable, making this album a captivating and repeat-worthy listening experience.