Every week our staff of CD Reviewers bring you the best in Independent CD releases. Making a Scene is considered the number 1 resource for the independent musician and the fans that love them.
The collaboration “Audience with the Queen” showcases Irma Thomas, the “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” alongside the jam band Galactic. This anticipated album blends contemporary and classic influences, highlighting Thomas’s powerful vocals across nine tracks. Themes of joy, social justice, and love are interwoven, asserting her continuous reign in the music world.
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.
Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival released their debut EP “Nothing Holding Me Down” in 2021, reaching #4 on the Billboard Blues chart. Their latest project, “Retrograde,” features ten original songs blending rock and blues influences, showcasing powerful vocals and instruments. The band continues to gain acclaim with multiple award nominations.
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.
Dudley Taft, a Cincinnati-based singer-songwriter and guitarist, has released his ninth studio album, “The Speed of Life”. Celebrated for his guitar skills and songwriting, Taft’s music blends electric guitar with poignant lyrics. The album features a mix of rock and blues, showcasing Taft’s evolution and creativity as an artist.
Dave Goddess formed the Dave Goddess Group in 2012, debuting with “Something New.” Over the years, he released several EPs and albums, including “Back in Business,” which gained international attention. The new album “Kitty Hawk” features themes of love, dreams, and modern disinformation, showcasing Goddess’ unique musical style influenced by classic rock legends.
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.
Ally Marie Venable, a 25-year-old blues rock guitarist and vocalist, has gained recognition for her talent, winning multiple awards. Her latest album, “Money & Power,” features collaborative songwriting and highlights themes of female empowerment. Recorded in Nashville, it showcases Venable’s ambitious style and musical strengths, further solidifying her status in the blues genre.
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.
Geoff Arsenault’s third solo album, Hired Hand, showcases his roots in blues and New Orleans music, blending storytelling with social themes. Collaborating with notable musicians, the album features a mix of gritty vocals, infectious grooves, and diverse instrumentation. It offers a haunting and engaging journey through Arsenault’s musical landscape.
“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.
Hughes Taylor, a guitarist and singer-songwriter, began his musical journey at thirteen, developing his skills and performing widely. His sixth album, “Roasted,” features eleven tracks showcasing his emotive voice and vibrant guitar work. Supported by his band, Taylor delivers a blend of powerful riffs and lyrical depth, making this album highly recommended.
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.
Murray Kinsley & Wicked Grin, an award-winning trio from Ottawa, Canada, deliver innovative blues in their fifth recording, “Eye Of The Storm.” With distinctive vocals, backed by a funky rhythm section and special guest harmonica player Steve Marriner, the band explores themes of love, women’s rights, and sorrow through six engaging tracks, lasting over thirty minutes.
Janiva Magness’ album “Back For Me” marks her 17th release, showcasing a diverse collection of lesser-known tracks by established artists. Produced by Dave Darling, it reflects her emotional journey, connecting to her past struggles. Magness emphasizes her happiness amidst bittersweet memories, reaffirming her role as an interpreter of powerful songs.
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.
Shari Puorto, originally from Connecticut, has made significant strides in music since moving to California in the late 1990s. Her latest album, “Hold On,” showcases her powerful vocals supported by talented musicians. Puorto’s style reflects rock and blues influences, and she continues to earn accolades for her engaging music.
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.
Allison August’s album “August Moon” showcases her musical journey influenced by legends like the Beatles and Etta James. Produced by Grammy winner Tony Braunagel, the album features diverse themes from love and city life to personal loss, culminating in a heartfelt tribute to late collaborators. August’s talent shines throughout the project.
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.
Lance Cowan, a seasoned publicist, embarked on a surprising career as a singer-songwriter. His album “Against the Grain” features ten original tracks, showcasing a blend of acoustic influences, including Neil Young. With a diverse supporting cast, the album reflects his journey and struggles, capturing themes of love, loss, and social reflection.
Richie Lawrence’s album “Moving at the Speed of Trees” showcases his California Americana roots through collaborations with notable musicians. The album features personal narratives, including themes of immigration, hope, and environmental concerns. Its variety of musical styles and deep instrumental textures reflect Lawrence’s diverse experiences and pay homage to his late songwriting partner, Paul Lacques.
Seth Walker’s album “Why the Worry” embodies a blend of personal struggle and artistic expression, inspired by the hardships faced by his community. With five original songs and six cohesive covers, Walker showcases his versatility through various musical styles. Co-produced with Jano Rix, the album features standout collaborations and captures a serene yet insightful essence, affirming Walker’s talent.
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.
Fran Drew and the Lucky Strikes deliver a dynamic blues album titled “Trial By Fire,” showcasing Drew’s powerful vocals and a talented ensemble of musicians. The album blends Texas blues with rock, featuring classic covers and original tracks that invite listeners to dance and enjoy a rollicking musical experience, highly recommended for blues enthusiasts.
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.
David Ramirez’s album “All the Not So Gentle Reminders” features twelve genre-blending songs created during a writing retreat in Alabama. This introspective work showcases dreamy soundscapes and rich arrangements, mixing elements of pop, jazz, and more. The album’s emotional depth and hypnotic quality create a unique auditory experience.
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.
Red Camel Collective’s debut album showcases the seasoned skills of its quartet, previously backing Junior Sisk. Fusing bluegrass and classic country, the album features ten tracks, half originals, half covers. Highlighting themes of joy and self-acceptance, standout songs include “Daughter of the Stars” and a vibrant take on Charley Pride’s “Roll on Mississippi.”
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.
Johnny Rawls, born in 1951 in Mississippi, is a renowned soul blues artist with a career exceeding fifty years. He began with various instruments, became a band director, and released several albums, winning multiple Blues Music Awards. His latest album, “Make Them Dance,” showcases his vocal and guitar talents, dedicated to producer Jim Gaines.
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, […]
