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.
Neta Raanan’s debut album “Unforeseen Blossom” showcases her soft, introspective tenor saxophone tone, influenced by jazz greats. Featuring a talented ensemble, the live recording highlights improvisation and creativity. The album combines post-bop with funk, reflecting Raanan’s soaring melodies and artistic vision, marking her as a promising rising talent in modern jazz.
Ambient Monkeys, a Nashville duo featuring Denny Jiosa and Michael Moryc, incorporates the innovative RAV Vast tongue drum into their engaging music. Their album “Ephemeral Being” showcases a blend of smooth jazz and adult contemporary styles, with each track offering unique rhythms and melodies. Moryc, a veteran, utilizes this instrument due to nerve damage from service.
Donald Vega’s holiday album “All Is Merry and Bright” features vibrant jazz interpretations of classic carols. Alongside bassist Clovis Nicolas and drummer Pete Van Nostrand, Vega infuses joy and modernity into tracks like “Joy to the World” and “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” The album promises a delightful addition to any festive music collection.
Mon David’s sixth album, “DNA Continuum,” features eleven songs showcasing his jazz roots. Following his early successes, including wins and notable performances, he returned to jazz after exploring pop music. Collaborating with pianist Josh Nelson, the album highlights creativity and emotional depth, featuring original compositions and interpretations of classic tunes.
Star Motel: An American Music Experience features The J. & F. Band, blending influences from jazz, rock, and blues. The album, produced by Fabrizio Perissinotto, showcases intricate musicianship, highlighted by Jaimoe’s jam and various interpretations, including a vibrant take on “Route 66.” It’s essential for adventurous music enthusiasts and Allman Brothers fans alike.
Rick Braun’s latest holiday album, “It’s Christmas,” is a vibrant collection of jazz interpretations featuring a broad range of styles. Following previous projects, it includes arrangements of traditional songs and original tracks, showcasing Braun’s talent on multiple instruments. The album aims to invoke a spirited holiday atmosphere.
Entre Amigos is a jazz supergroup featuring Roy McGrath, Hana Fujisaki, Kitt Lyles, and Gustavo Cortiñas, whose self-titled debut album emphasizes spontaneous improvisation and composition. With influences from hard bop and Latin music, the quartet showcases their skills through introspective pieces, marked by emotional depth and impressive musicianship. A sequel is anticipated in 2025.
Maria Puga Lareo’s debut U.S. album showcases her jazz and Brazilian music talents, featuring a skilled orchestra co-produced with her husband, Bob Sheppard. The album includes both classic jazz standards and original compositions, highlighting Lareo’s vocal range in English and Portuguese. Critics praise her passionate performances and collaboration.
Ron Houston Real Outlaw Americana Music Self released Ron Houston is a singer-songwriter based in San Diego but originally hailing from the Bakersfield area. The title, Real Outlaw Americana Music, may seem a bit hyperbolic but Houston has the goods, and then some. Like most outlaws, he has that baritone, weathered voice and comes across […]
Full Cream is a jazz quartet featuring Greg Ward, Ziv Ravitz, Matthew Stevens, and Leo Genovese, formed from a combination of chance and planning. Their debut recording showcases inventive compositions blending various instruments and styles. Each member contributes unique soundscapes, resulting in an engaging mix of experimental and melodic pieces.
The Hitman Blues Band’s new album “Calling Long Distance,” produced by Bob Stander, features eight original songs and four covers. Showcasing a mix of genres, standout tracks include “Edge Of The Bed,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and “Sunday Morning Coming Down.” Russell Alexander’s unique style shines throughout, highlighting his deep NYC blues influence.
Steve Davis’ album “We See” features an exceptional sextet interpreting classic jazz standards. Highlights include a dynamic rendition of “Milestones” and an engaging performance of Thelonious Monk’s title tune, showcasing each musician’s talents. Davis emphasizes the importance of ‘long tones’ for developing sound, enriching the album’s intricate arrangements and superb musicianship.
Ian A Napier’s solo project, The Sanctity of Crows, explores complex, cinematic prog soundscapes. His debut album, Amidst the Gloom, showcases six atmospheric tracks, with the standout “The Light That Binds” drawing comparisons to Pink Floyd. The upcoming Flowers Of The New Dawn promises a symphonic journey for electric guitars.
Walk That Walk is a prominent Boston blues band, rooted in Detroit and Chicago’s electric blues. They have performed over 800 shows, backing legends like Bo Diddley. Their album “Red Devil Lye” features original tunes and covers, showcasing their energetic style. Poppa C DeSynder emphasizes their passion for performance.
The album “Three Visitors” by Scott Colley, Edward Simon, and Brian Blade showcases their deep musical connection over three decades. Opening with Simon’s “Nostalgia,” the work features various vocalists and instrumentalists, exploring themes of visitation and influence from jazz icons. The production combines tranquility with inspiring musical dialogue.
Bassist Joe Fonda’s album “Eyes on the Horizon” honors his mentor, trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith, featuring pianist Satoko Fujii and drummer Tiziano Tomoni. Composed with Wadada’s style in mind, the pieces blend improvisation with structured ensemble passages, showcasing emotional solos and deep collaboration. The work demonstrates their rich musical histories and enduring connections.
Blue Moon Marquee, the duo of A.J. Cardinal and Jasmine Collette from Alberta, Canada, celebrates their tenth anniversary with “New Orleans Sessions,” their sixth album. Recorded live in New Orleans, it features original compositions and historic blues. The album showcases their seamless blend of styles and strong performances, promising to earn accolades.
Alfie Smith’s “Every Rome Needs A Nero” is his eighth album, showcasing his deep voice and slide guitar talent. Released after a ten-year hiatus, it features eight original songs and two covers. Collaborating with various musicians, the album blends personal themes with blues, reflecting Smith’s artistic growth and readiness for broader recognition.
Carly Harvey, an Afro-Indigenous Blues musician from Washington, D.C., presents her debut album “Kamama.” This work blends Blues, Jazz, Soul, and Indigenous styles, highlighting her innovative “Native Scat.” Acclaimed as DC’s Queen of the Blues, Carly’s powerful performances and unique sound promise an engaging musical experience.
Marie Goudy’s “Paloma Sky” features a jazz/pop quintet, showcasing her compositions and arrangements. The album blends contemporary jazz with pop influences, including notable tracks like “Cardinal in the Snow” and “Her Glory.” With strong vocals from Jocelyn Barth and impressive trumpet solos from Goudy, it highlights Goudy’s jazz roots while leaning towards pop.
Greg Nagy’s fourth studio album, “The Real You,” was released on October 1, 2024. It features five new originals and six covers, showcasing Nagy’s soulful voice and musical versatility. The album was produced by Josh Ford and includes contributions from various artists. Critically acclaimed, it has been described as an R&B classic.
Angell & Crane’s album “For the Living and the Dead” showcases a blend of indie rock, jazz, and experimental music through improvisation. Comprised of Simon Angell and Tommy Crane, their dynamic duo creates an energetic soundscapes featuring guitar, drums, and synthesizers, complemented by vocalist Sarah Rossy on select tracks.
Bill Evans’ “In Norway – The Kongsberg Concert” showcases a previously unreleased live performance from June 26, 1970. Featuring Evans on piano, Eddie Gomez on bass, and Marty Morell on drums, the trio delivers captivating arrangements and improvisations. The concert encapsulates their creative synergy, with thoughtful insight from Evans on the event’s significance.
The album “CARN DAVIDSON 9” showcases the collaborative work of musicians led by William Carn and Tara Davidson, emphasizing original compositions without chordal instruments. Notable tracks include “Fire” with Dick Oatts and the Latin-influenced Pan-American Suite. Despite minor sound engineering issues, the ensemble delivers enthusiastic performances celebrated for their horn arrangements.
The collaboration “United” features bassist Dave Holland and guitarist Lionel Loueke, linked through Herbie Hancock. Despite their different backgrounds, they create a potent musical connection. The album comprises eleven tracks blending West African influences and inventive percussive guitar. The result is a mesmerizing experience that emphasizes music’s unifying power.
Art Baden’s album, “How Much of it is Real?”, features a talented ensemble that includes tenor saxophonist Baden, bassist Jay Anderson, drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts, and vibraphonist Joe Locke. The compositions explore themes of life cycles and emotional challenges stemming from personal losses, with tracks like “Chaotic Neutral” and “Animal Intelligence” showcasing deep creativity during turbulent times.
Phil Haynes’ trio, Duke & Strays, showcases their latest album, Day Dream, blending traditional jazz with modernist elements of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Featuring a mix of well-known and obscure tracks, the trio’s unique style combines playful spontaneity with delicate interpretations, highlighting resilience and artistry from its seasoned members.
Dennis Herrera’s album “Four,” co-produced with Rich Wenzel, features twelve tracks blending traditional blues grooves with modern elements. Recorded in California, the album showcases Herrera’s guitar skills and vocal talents, alongside notable contributions from various musicians. It’s a solid compilation aimed at enhancing Herrera’s recognition in the blues genre.
The Doohickeys, a country music duo comprised of Haley Spence Brown and Jack Hackett, blend personal backgrounds and humor in their debut album produced by Eric Corne. Their songs have gained significant online popularity, winning competitions and showcasing their talent through live performances at notable venues, reinforcing their unique country sound.
Diana Panton’s “Soft Winds and Roses” features her smooth vocals covering pop classics. With a blend of familiar tunes like “Your Song” and intimate arrangements, she showcases her emotional depth. Despite being labeled a jazz singer, her repertoire leans towards pop, reflecting her strong fan base and numerous accolades.
Andrew Hill Sextet Plus Ten’s “A Beautiful Day, Revisited” showcases Andrew Hill’s genius through enhanced live recordings from his Birdland performances in 2002. The double disc features original compositions and improvisational depth, highlighting Hill’s legacy in modern jazz and his exceptional skills as a composer and pianist.
Kristin Korb’s album “Sweet Dreams” creatively reinterprets Eurythmics’ songs through jazz arrangements, showcasing her talents as a bassist, vocalist, and arranger. Drawing inspiration from fan favorites and Eurythmics’ catalog, Korb transforms iconic tracks into captivating jazz pieces, celebrating both the original music and her own artistry in a male-dominated genre.
The live album features B.B. King’s performance at the 1977 Nancy Jazz Pulsations Festival, showcasing his musical mastery alongside talented musicians. The recording includes his popular hits like “Sweet Little Angel” and “Why I Sing the Blues,” capturing the excitement of the French audience and celebrating King’s enduring legacy in blues music.
Johnny Delaware’s album “Para Llevar” reflects his diverse experiences recorded across multiple locations, blending roots rock and psychedelic sounds. With introspective lyrics capturing his personal journey, Delaware explores themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery. The album, rich in poetic imagery, reveals the complexities of finding oneself amidst physical and emotional landscapes.
Maria Schafer’s album “Here For You” showcases her jazzy compositions, including original songs and arrangements. Accompanied by talented musicians, the album features lively tracks like “You Said It” and “Release Me.” Schafer, an emerging vocalist and songwriter, continues to impress with her creativity and unique style, promising a bright future in music.
The Visions Jazz Ensemble, led by Sam Butler and Garrett Fasig, presents a unique album featuring modern jazz arrangements of college fight songs. With notable contributions from musicians like Wycliffe Gordon, the project blends historical melodies with contemporary jazz, showcasing the evolution of the genre while celebrating its roots.
March to August’s album, Songs Inspired By Witness, reinterprets Karen Hesse’s novel about a Vermont town during Prohibition, addressing themes of invasion, freedom, and social evil, particularly through the character Reynard Alexander, a newspaper editor. The album’s sparse folk/bluegrass sound enhances the lyrics, which explore complex social issues and moral dilemmas.
The Allman Brothers Band’s final concert on October 28, 2014, at New York’s Beacon Theater showcased their musical prowess across three sets. Spanning various styles and featuring classic songs, the performance highlighted the band’s storied history and camaraderie. This memorable event marked their closure with heartfelt tributes and intense musicianship.
Richard Cagle, known in the Houston music scene, releases “Zia Blues” with The Voodoo Choir, showcasing powerful blues compositions featuring various talented musicians. The album combines original songs and rearranged classics, highlighting emotional depth. Cagle, based in Ruidoso, New Mexico, delivers a compelling collection that may be his best work so far.
FreeWorld, a Memphis-based musical ensemble since 1987, releases its eighth album, “More Love,” showcasing their diverse styles from rock to reggae. This tribute to founding member Dr. Herman Green includes notable horn arrangements and contributions from 29 background vocalists. The album reflects the band’s evolution and cultural roots in music.
Randy Hoexter’s album “Tomorrowsville” showcases contemporary jazz with classical influences, featuring a talented ensemble. Notable tracks include “Rosetta Stone,” blending North African rhythms, and “The Dragonfly,” evoking flight. Hoexter’s tribute to Horace Silver, “Argentum,” shines with intricate horn lines, while “Diaspora” and “Particle Accelerator” emphasize rhythmic vitality and hope.
Margaret Slovak and Chris Maresh create soothing music with nylon string guitar and acoustic bass, emphasizing harmony and warmth. Their album features traditional holiday tunes alongside unique arrangements, aiming to provide comfort and peace. The duo’s synergy offers a fresh interpretation of familiar songs, making it perfect for seasonal gatherings.
Zach Adleman’s debut album features a talented ensemble with Adleman on drums and composition, producing a blend of powerful melodies and grooves. The tracks reflect personal narratives and landscapes, showcasing improvisation and instrumental highlights. With compelling arrangements, the album is a testament to excellence in contemporary jazz.
The Joymakers’ album “Down Where the Bluebonnets Grow” showcases a vibrant blend of New Orleans jazz, traditional jazz, and bluegrass influences. Musicians like Colin Hancock and Lauryn Gould deliver lively performances, recalling the nostalgic sounds of the 1920s and 1930s. The music is joyful and engaging, providing a fresh appreciation for this under-recorded genre.
Pete Rodriguez’s debut album, “I’m Pete Rodriguez Vol. 1,” showcases his fierce identity and musical prowess as a trumpeter and composer. It features nine original tracks blending defiance, empathy, and personal reflections, addressing his struggles as a son of a salsero, military veteran, and educator. The quintet’s collaboration highlights diverse compositions and emotional depth.
Samara Joy’s album “Portrait” showcases her vocal talent and lyricism, featuring a mix of Latin arrangements and innovative compositions. Her unique approach shines through in tracks like “Reincarnation of A Lovebird.” The album highlights her growth as an artist, revealed by heartfelt lyrics and collaborative energy with her skilled band.
“Gate C23,” the latest album by Chad Rupp And The Sugar Roots, features original songs and three covers, showcasing Rupp’s vocal talents alongside harmony vocalists and instrumentalists. Highlights include “Fresh Suits,” “She Is The One,” and “Blind, Crippled and Crazy.” The album successfully blends various musical influences, recommended for fans.
Ben Graves, a talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, has collaborated with various renowned artists. His debut album “Settle Down” blends jazz with R&B, soul, and pop. It features six originals and two inventive covers. Graves’ crooner voice and skilled band create a unique sound, progressively leaning toward jazz throughout the album.
Dick Earl’s Electric Witness releases their sophomore album, “Get Up Off the Ground,” featuring family band members. Recorded in Las Vegas, it showcases rich storytelling and impressive instrumentals. With themes of resilience and personal struggles, the album offers a blend of blues and funk, highlighting Dick Earl’s songwriting and vocal talent.
Dwayne Clemons’ album “Center of Gravity: Live at Smalls” features a talented ensemble celebrating his three-decade connection to Smalls club. His early musical influences shaped his journey, leading to a tumultuous past, including prison time. Now based in Copenhagen, this album showcases his exceptional talent in a heartfelt homecoming.
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