CD Reviews Jazz

Joe McPhee revives the essence of free jazz poetry, echoing legends like Ken Nordine. A key figure in NYC’s ’70s scene, McPhee blends spoken word and music, reflecting on myriad experiences, cultures, and societal issues. His recent works include poetry-focused albums and memoirs, demonstrating his enduring artistic exploration and vibrant creativity.

Jerry Kalaf’s album “Safe Travels” blends jazz and chamber music, featuring compositions by Kalaf accompanied by a string quartet. Each track evokes personal memories, skillfully integrating lush arrangements and complex rhythms. Notable pieces include “263 Beacon” and “Bailing,” showcasing collaboration with musicians like Tom Ranier and Trey Henry, enhancing the album’s melodic richness.

The quartet known as “The Fury,” featuring renowned jazz musicians Mark Turner, Lage Lund, Matt Brewer, and Tyshawn Sorey, showcases their talents in a live performance in Brooklyn. Their music blends intricate compositions and impressive solos, reflecting their passion for jazz. The album highlights their individual artistry and collaborative spirit.

Guitarist and composer Jackson Potter’s sophomore album “Small Things” showcases his original works and jazz standards, highlighting his musical lineage and education. Collaborating with talented musicians, the album balances traditional jazz with adventurous styles. Potter’s standout compositions reflect his skill, making him a notable emerging talent in the jazz scene.

Satoko Fujii’s “Altitude 1100 Meters” marks her first composition for string ensemble, capturing her experience in Japan’s mountains. The five-part suite blends gorgeous melodies with her trademark intensity, showcasing unique sounds and collaborative improvisation among Japanese musicians. The album reflects Fujii’s innovative approach and profound emotional atmosphere.

Eldad Tarmu’s “Silver on Aluminum” celebrates Horace Silver’s compositions through innovative arrangements for a vibraphone, bass, and drum trio. Featuring talented musicians, the album highlights Tarmu’s vibraphone skills, especially in tracks like “No Smokin’” and “Gregory is Here,” showcasing their energetic performances and musicianship.

Joe Alterman’s album “Brisket for Breakfast” features Houston Person on tenor saxophone, showcasing a blend of bluesy jazz tunes performed live with an Atlanta-based trio. The album includes seven familiar songs, celebrated for Alterman’s dynamic piano and Person’s smooth saxophone. Their collaboration highlights deep musical chemistry and soulful performances.

Doug MacDonald, a prolific Southern California jazz guitarist, presents his latest album featuring Latin and Afro-Cuban arrangements of jazz standards. Alongside talented musicians, he showcases original compositions and innovative arrangements, transforming classic tunes like “Prisoner of Love.” The album highlights MacDonald’s unique sound and strong rhythmic foundation, driven by skilled pianist Bill Cantos and bassist Hussain Jiffry.

Judy Wexler’s seventh album, “No Wonder,” takes a fresh approach to the Great American Songbook, featuring collaborations with longtime pianist Jeff Collela and a talented ensemble. The album blends jazz with pop, folk, and rock influences, showcasing Wexler’s emotional storytelling and nuanced vocal interpretations across various standards and lesser-known songs.

Sullivan Fortner’s latest album, “Southern Nights,” features his vibrant piano work alongside bassist Peter Washington and drummer Marcus Gilmore. The recording showcases an eclectic mix of live jazz without edits, highlighting Fortner’s artistry and New Orleans heritage. The album promises an engaging experience, set for release on February 14, 2025.

Christopher Whitley’s album “Almost as Soft as Silence” showcases his solo violin talent and innovative composition skills using a historical Stradivari instrument. The spontaneous vignettes explore free improvisation, blending acoustic and electronic elements. Whitley’s expressive performances reveal his deep musical expertise, offering captivating and emotionally resonant soundscapes.

Thomas Marriott’s album “Screen Time” features nine tracks combining arrangements of TV shows and movies alongside original pieces. Collaborating with prominent musicians, Marriott showcases a range of styles from energetic swing to mellow ballads, delivering captivating trumpet performances. The album reflects his recent accolades and contribution to Seattle’s jazz scene.

Jacopo Ferrazza’s album “Prometheus,” featuring a 5tet ensemble, blends jazz, rock, classical, and chamber music into a compelling soundscape. It begins with a prologue and original compositions like “The Cave,” showcasing each musician’s role in narrating the Prometheus myth. The album is set for release on January 24, 2025.

Marianne Solivan’s fifth album, “Break’s Over,” showcases her impressive vocal talent alongside musicians like Buster Williams, Brandon McCune, and Jay Sawyer. Blending standards and original pieces, Solivan demonstrates emotional depth and adaptability. With a background in jazz education and collaborations with top artists, she’s a notable figure in the jazz scene.

Erik Jekabson’s album “Breakthrough” blends chamber orchestra and jazz, showcasing a unique fusion with 15 musicians. The music, influenced by minimalist composers, features expressive trumpet solos and highlights various instruments. Each track presents engaging twists, ultimately creating a landmark work that elevates the combination of classical and jazz genres.

Eugenie Jones, a Seattle-based vocalist and songwriter, releases her self-titled album, showcasing six original songs and seven covers. Collaborating with notable musicians, Jones blends various genres while honoring African American songwriting traditions. Her dynamic performances emphasize impressive vocal control and emotional depth, marking a significant evolution from her previous work, “Players.”

Macha Gharibian, an Armenian singer and composer, blends various cultural influences in her album “Phenomenal Women,” inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem. With a trio featuring female vocalists, Gharibian explores themes of empowerment through diverse musical styles, including African chants and reggae, while reflecting on her heritage and personal experiences.

The album “Some Days Are Better – The Lost Scores” celebrates Kenny Wheeler’s music, coinciding with what would have been his 95th birthday. Featuring performances by the Royal Academy of Music Jazz Orchestra and Frost Jazz Orchestra, it revives his previously unheard work from the 1970s, showcasing his creative evolution as a composer and musician.

Antoine Cara’s album “Status Quo” showcases a collaboration of elite musicians in a high-energy jazz fusion style, blending funk, Latin jazz, and pop. Despite its captivating rhythms and vibrant solos, some tracks reveal a repetitive quality. Cara’s intent was to create feel-good music that breaks creative loops.

Mafalda Minnozzi’s fourth jazz album for the US market showcases her joyful soprano vocals, accompanied by Paul Ricci’s guitar and a talented ensemble of Brazilian musicians. With a blend of pop and Latin influences, Minnozzi’s unique approach to scat singing and emotional delivery contribute to a captivating musical experience.

Eldritch Priest, a Vancouver-based composer and guitarist, blends improvisational techniques and experimental jazz in his solo album “Dormitive Virtue.” With a focus on freedom of expression and unique compositions, Priest has gained recognition for his innovative performances and insightful writings on music. His work challenges listeners’ perceptions of sound and creativity.

Alan Chaubert’s album “Just the Three of Us” features him skillfully playing trumpet and piano simultaneously, alongside bassist Belden Bullock and drummer Jon Di Flore. The album includes unique renditions of tunes by Monk and Haden, showcasing Chaubert’s impressive talent. This remarkable project is a delight for jazz enthusiasts.

The Ryan Middagh Jazz Orchestra’s album “Tenor Madness” pays homage to iconic saxophonists while showcasing Nashville’s finest musicians. With a mix of originals and arrangements, including a tribute to the Big Band era, the 21-member ensemble excels in collaboration, emphasizing creative leadership and ensemble dynamics over solo supremacy.

Jae Sinnett’s “The Blur the Lines Project” reinterprets classic rock songs through a jazz lens, featuring a quintet that includes tenor saxophonist Ada Rovati. The album, lasting about 37 minutes, showcases Sinnett’s drumming alongside familiar rock melodies. Notable tracks include “Tom Sawyer,” “Frankenstein,” and “Immigrant Song,” highlighted by improvised sections.

Bill O’Connell’s album “Touch” features a dynamic trio with Santi Debriano and Billy Hart. O’Connell’s compositions showcase lyrical expressiveness and rhythmic excitement, particularly in the title track and a vibrant take on “Maiden Voyage.” The musicians’ camaraderie creates an engaging atmosphere, making this album a delightful and enduring experience.

Peggy Lee and Cole Schmidt’s album “Forever Stories of Moving Parties” features unique compositions blending cello, guitar, and various instruments in an experimental jazz format. Their collaboration, steeped in improvisation and creativity, gathers a diverse ensemble that enhances the music’s richness. The album artfully captures the essence of connection and celebration.

Eugenie Jones is a Seattle-based jazz vocalist and songwriter known for her engaging compositions and four previous albums. Her upcoming release features original songs and classic interpretations, showcasing her versatility. Recognized as a ‘Jazz Hero’ for her nonprofit work, she combines artistry with a commitment to community welfare.

Karl Latham’s “Living Standards II” features a star-studded lineup aiming to transform iconic rock tracks into jazz. With transformative arrangements, Latham and his ensemble explore classics like “Rock and Roll Woman” and “Layla,” emphasizing improvisation while maintaining their original essence. The album is set for release on January 17, 2025.

Noel Okimoto’s album “HO’IHI” features a septet exploring diverse jazz forms, including hard bop and samba, showcasing originals and tributes to jazz legends. The interplay of talented Hawaiian musicians creates an uplifting experience, with notable contributions from various instrumentalists. Although not groundbreaking, the music offers a refreshing insight into Hawaiian jazz.

Yosef Gutman Levitt collaborates with Peter Broderick on the album “River of Eden,” blending jazz and classical music. Featuring traditional Jewish folk songs and a soothing atmosphere, the album emphasizes spirituality and intimacy. With an all-acoustic setup, it invites listeners on a meditative journey, enhancing its significance with each listen.

Terry Waldo & The Gotham City Band’s album “Treasury Vol. 1” celebrates Ragtime music, led by Waldo’s energetic piano. Featuring vocalists Tatiana Eva-Marie and Veronica Swift, the album includes classic pieces like “Blame It on the Blues” and showcases Waldo’s expertise, rooted in his mentorship with Eubie Blake, preserving this unique musical genre.

The Jessica Jones Quartet’s album “Edible Flowers” showcases the creativity of tenor saxophonists Jessica and Tony Jones, supported by Stomu Takeishi on bass and Deszon Claiborne on drums. The album features strong melodies and inventive arrangements, blending avant-garde and free jazz elements. Their unique interpretations highlight their musicianship and collaborative spirit.

Groovology, a Honolulu-based quartet led by Aaron Aranita, debuts with “Almost Home,” featuring diverse instrumentation and compositions by all members. The album includes the intriguing title track, complex rhythms, and a blend of genres including blues, Latin, and Brazilian. The band’s musicality shines through in its varied material and arrangements.

Lucia Sarmiento’s debut album “Escape” showcases her unique sound as a contemporary jazz artist. Influenced by jazz legends, she blends genres and demonstrates creativity through original compositions. Her talent has earned her roles in prominent bands, and this album marks a significant milestone in her musical journey, promising future success.

Satoko Fujii’s album “Yama Kawa Umi,” featuring Natsuki Tamura and Ramon Lopez, showcases her prolific and intense piano style. The trio’s music reflects a water journey, balancing explosive energy with serene moments. Composed mainly by Fujii and Tamura, it explores a dynamic interplay of sound, culminating in a compelling musical experience.

Brent Laidler’s “Hidden Gems” album reinterprets music from the 1920s, blending new melodies with restructured chords. Comprising talented musicians, the album features tracks like “Haba Verde” with Latin rhythms and “Gemani,” inspired by Cannonball Adderly. Laidler, an independent businessman and jazz clinician, showcases innovative compositions that highlight his ensemble’s skill.

The album “Force & Grace” by the ensemble Blue Moods showcases the compositions of Freddie Hubbard, featuring saxophonist Diego Rivera without a trumpeter. With various pianists alternating, the quartet delivers a mix of energetic and tender performances, highlighting Hubbard’s melodic richness and rhythmic diversity, particularly through Afro-Cuban influences.

Neff Irizarry’s album “Cambio” features eleven original compositions blending Afro-Cuban and contemporary jazz influences, showcasing his guitar prowess. Collaborating with seasoned musicians, Irizarry creates vibrant Latin jazz soundscapes, highlighted by energetic percussion and expressive vibraphone solos. The album reflects his educational background and unique artistic style.

Joel Jeschke’s debut album, “Time & Place,” features his compositions blended with influences from metal, rock, pop, and jazz. The ensemble, including talented members like Aretha Tillotson and Holly Sangster, showcases experimental sounds and meaningful themes. Jeschke, a skilled drummer, leads the group through captivating performances that highlight their unique musical talents.

Dave Stryker’s new album, “Stryker with Strings Goes to the Movies,” features orchestrated renditions of his favorite soundtrack songs, with arrangements by Brent Wallarab. The project includes collaboration with a 30-piece orchestra and showcases Stryker’s guitar alongside impressive solos from other musicians. The album releases on January 10, 2025.

The Auguste Quartet, led by bassist Alain Bédard, releases “Particules Sonores” through Effendi Records, celebrating the label’s 25th anniversary. The album showcases compositions by Bédard, Lambert, and Rudolf, blending modern jazz with improvisation. Key tracks include “Compte-Rendu III” and a lively “Bamboozled,” which features an engaging swing.