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.
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.
ZZ Ward’s album “Liberation” marks her return to blues roots, blending originals and covers with emotional themes of empowerment and motherhood. Produced by Ryan Spraker, it features a mix of strong tracks, though a leaner selection might enhance its impact. Ward’s passionate vocals shine throughout, reinforcing her identity as a blues artist.
Jake Hertzog’s “Ozark Concerto,” funded by prestigious foundations, is a fusion of guitar, jazz big band, and strings, reflecting his classical and jazz influences. Premiering in April 2024, the work emphasizes a cohesive orchestral narrative, drawing inspiration from legends like Pat Metheny and Kurt Rosenwinkel, showcasing Hertzog’s dynamic guitar artistry throughout.
Bassist Rodney Jordan’s album “Memphis Blue” showcases bluesy jazz influenced by his hometown. Leading a quintet featuring talented Southern musicians, including trumpeter Melvin Jones and saxophonist Mark Sterbank, Jordan presents original compositions and standards. The album blends hard bop with soul jazz, highlighting Jordan’s musical prowess and ensemble dynamics throughout the spirited session.
Mitch Towne’s new album “Refuge,” features his trio with Tetsuya Nishiyama and Jeffery Johnson, showcasing original compositions and a tribute to Kenny Kirkland. Drawing inspiration from Jimmy Smith, Towne’s energetic playing brings soulful jazz to life. The album is set for release on April 4, 2025, emphasizing swinging organ jazz traditions.
Nighthawk’s “Street Dog” is Parker Hawkins’ eclectic second solo album, blending diverse genres with notable collaborators. Produced with Dave Coleman, it features rich instrumentation and themes ranging from relationships to social judgment. The album’s unique sound celebrates Hawkins’ journey, while honoring his late dog Jaco, offering listeners a varied musical experience.
THE EMPRESS, a group of four female saxophonists led by Pureum Jin, delivers a vibrant performance in their debut album “Square One.” With energetic bebop compositions and standout solos, they showcase their musical mastery across eleven tracks. Notable contributions from pianist Steve Ash and bassist Joey Ranieri elevate the production.
Multi-reedist John Ellis showcases his talent in Heroes, his fifteenth album as a leader, featuring a strong ensemble. The album highlights original compositions, blending influences from musical mentors and friends. With intricate arrangements and a classic jazz quintet sound, Ellis delivers rich, evocative performances, showcasing unique artistry in each track.
David Ramirez’s sixth studio album, “All The Not-So-Gentle Reminders,” features songs co-written in Waverly, Alabama, and co-produced with Christopher Boosahda. It showcases his unique vocal style and storytelling, presenting diverse themes and musical arrangements. Highlight tracks include “Waiting On The Dust To Settle,” “I Got People,” and “Holiday (Crush).”
Kaisa’s Machine, led by bassist Kaisa Mäensivu, presents their third album, Moving Parts. The music reflects Mäensivu’s experiences between Helsinki and New York, combining darker Nordic sounds with vibrant New York jazz. Each track, from “Tykytys” to “Best Kept Secrets,” showcases a blend of improvisation and emotional depth within the band’s dynamic.
Mike Dangeroux’s “Empty Chair” reflects his deep-rooted connection to the Chicago blues, showcasing original songs that blend traditional sounds with modern stories. Collaborating with co-producer Vince Varco, the EP features rich instrumentation and powerful vocals. Each track draws from personal experiences, emphasizing storytelling in the blues genre.
Andrew Duncanson, formerly the lead singer of The Kilborn Alley Blues Band, releases his first solo album “California Trap” under Run It Back Records. Co-produced with Michael Peloquin, the album includes original tracks showcasing Duncanson’s vocal prowess, drawing comparisons to blues legends. It features collaborations with various accomplished musicians.
Richard Baratta’s album “Looking Back” showcases his remarkable return to music with dynamic jazz arrangements of beloved hits like “I Feel Good” and “Respect.” Featuring talented musicians, Baratta’s impressive drumming drives the tracks, blending passion and creativity. After a successful film career, his musical talent shines in this engaging collection.
Patricio Morales’ album “La Tierra Canta,” featuring various musicians, showcases his classical guitar compositions rich in South American cultural influences. After relocating to the U.S., Morales rejuvenates nine timeless pieces with jazzy arrangements. The album, blending folk, jazz, and world music, highlights the purity of his musical roots and will be released on April 1, 2025.
Juan Perea, a law professor and accomplished pianist, releases his album “Lightkeeper,” showcasing his piano and compositional skills with seven original songs and two Tito Puente covers. Notable tracks include “Lylestyle,” “El Sueno,” and a tribute to McCoy Tyner. Perea aims to inspire joy through his music.
Rachel Therrien’s “Mi Hogar II,” her eighth album, explores Latin jazz with a vibrant ensemble. Featuring compositions like “Orun” and “Back Home,” Therrien blends traditional and contemporary jazz elements through her trumpet. The album pays tribute to Latin music pioneers while showcasing the talents of a talented group of musicians, creating a rich auditory experience.
Alto saxophonist Randall Despommier, raised in New Orleans, blends his musical education and experience in his bluesy jazz album “South.” Collaborating with top musicians from NOLA and New York, the album features familiar tunes and original compositions, showcasing his lyrical prowess and deep-rooted Crescent City influences, perfectly timed for Mardi Gras.
Helen Cronin’s third album, “Maybe New Mexico,” showcases her evolution as a singer-songwriter with softer, acoustic sounds. Collaborating with Mitch Dane and various musicians, she explores personal themes like relationships, mortality, and the environment. Highlights include the poignant “Rifleman” and reflective tracks like “Not the Year.” Cronin’s vivid lyrics reaffirm her songwriting prowess.
Bianca Rossini is a Brazilian pop singer and songwriter based in Beverly Hills, known for her engaging lyrics and relatable themes. Her first English-language album features ten well-crafted songs, highlighting her strong compositional skills. The album, co-produced by Peter Roberts, is set for worldwide release on March 5, 2025.
Michelle Nicolle and Larry Koonse team up for “The Silent Wish,” Nicolle’s first American album. The duo showcases their chemistry through classic jazz standards and lesser-known songs, demonstrating impressive vocal and guitar interplay. Nicolle’s dynamic range and improvisational skills, paired with Koonse’s sensitive accompaniment, create a refreshingly modern jazz experience.
Caili O’Doherty’s album “Bluer Than Blue – Celebrating Lil Hardin Armstrong” features arrangements of Armstrong’s tunes, showcasing her significant yet overlooked influence on jazz. Collaborating with talented musicians, O’Doherty honors Hardin’s legacy through engaging performances of both popular and lesser-known pieces, blending rich historical context with contemporary interpretations.
The Seldom Scene, a renowned bluegrass band, celebrates over fifty years of musical evolution with their new album “Remains to Be Scene.” Featuring a mix of traditional and contemporary songs, the album honors founding member Ben Eldridge and showcases the current lineup’s talent, solidifying the band’s influential legacy in bluegrass history.
Mike Farris returns with his album The Sound of Muscle Shoals after a seven-year hiatus, featuring nine original songs and two covers. Produced by Rodney Hall, the album showcases Farris’s dynamic voice and rich instrumentation. It captures the essence of southern soul, proving to be his most accomplished work to date.
Mitch Ryder’s latest album “With Love,” released on February 21, 2025, showcases his enduring artistry across ten autobiographical tracks. Produced by Don Was, the album reflects Ryder’s blue-collar rock roots with themes of love, addiction, and camaraderie. Despite his long career, Ryder continues to strive for artistic growth and connection.
Isabelle Olivier’s album “Impressions” pays homage to impressionism, merging elegance and minimalism within her harp compositions. Featuring her sons and a rich string ensemble, the project celebrates artists like Van Gogh and Cezanne, exploring emotions and inspirations from art. Olivier strives to evoke profound feelings through her music.
Micki Free, a Grammy-winning artist and Native American Hall of Fame inductee, releases a five-song EP titled “Dreamcatcher.” The record showcases his diverse talents, including guitar, vocals, and flute, featuring notable musicians like Benny Rietveld and Cindy Blackman Santana. Free’s work promotes healing and advocacy for the Native American community.
Bob Bralove and Patti Weiss’s album, Acoustic Conversations, features mostly composed improvisational jazz recorded live without overdubs. Their bond, formed through past collaborations and pandemic reconnecting, shines in pieces that blend classical and jazz elements. The album showcases their musical dialogue, resulting in expressive tracks with a cinematic quality.
Sylvie Courvoisier and Mary Halvorson, two acclaimed musicians, collaborate on “Bone Bells,” blending contemporary chamber music and avant-garde jazz. Each composes alternating tracks, creating an evocative soundscape. Highlights include the haunting title track and the unpredictable “Esmeralda.” Their synergy showcases a dynamic fusion of unique talents, akin to a perfect culinary pairing.
Steve Kelly’s debut album, “Here’s the Thing,” reflects his personal struggles with mental health and addiction, alongside triumphs in the music industry. Collaborating with notable musicians from New Orleans, Kelly explores themes of love, self-worth, and resilience in his diverse tracks. The album showcases his evolving style, balancing energetic and introspective songs.
“Every Journey” is Claire Cope’s second album featuring her Ensemble C, premiering on March 8, 2025, to honor International Women’s Day. The album celebrates courageous women, celebrating their daring journeys through compositions inspired by figures like Bessie Coleman. With lush arrangements and Brigitte Beraha’s ethereal vocals, Cope blends contemporary classical and jazz.
The album “Jazz We Trust” celebrates Posi-Tone Records’ 30th anniversary, featuring a talented septet called the Swingtet. The record showcases compositions primarily by the ensemble members, highlighting energetic pieces, intricate rhythms, and reflective ballads. The album culminates in a vibrant display of musicianship, paying tribute to the label’s legacy.
Simón Willson, a Chilean-born bassist based in NYC, showcases a dynamic live performance at Brooklyn’s Ornithology Jazz Club with his quartet. Throughout the album “Bet,” the group explores risk and improvisation, combining energetic solos and cohesive rhythms. The recording captures the intensity and excitement of live jazz, leaving the audience captivated.
Sasha Berliner’s album “Fantôme” showcases her remarkable skills as a vibraphonist and composer. With dynamic performances and original compositions, she blends jazz genres, encouraging listeners to embrace her free-spirited sound. Highlights include the energetic “U.M.M.G.” and the tender “Worst Person in the World,” reflecting her musical evolution and unique style.
Murray Attaway, born November 30, 1957, is an American musician, known as the lead singer and guitarist for Guadalcanal Diary. After the band’s breakup, he released the solo album “In Thrall” in 1993 and created the podcast “Dazzle Dudes” in 2019. Attaway’s poetic songwriting is showcased in “Tense Music Plays.”
Eric Johanson, a gifted blues guitarist from New Orleans, has gained acclaim for his soulful music since high school. His live album captures the energy of his performance in Biloxi. Featuring original songs and collaborative tracks, Johanson emphasizes the authenticity of live recordings, sharing heartfelt experiences with his audience.
Geoff Achison’s album “Don’t Play Guitar Boy” showcases his exceptional guitar skills and songwriting in an acoustic format without overdubs. The twelve original songs blend folk and blues, reflecting his personal experiences and emotions. Achison’s artistry resonates deeply, drawing comparisons to notable musicians while celebrating his 30-year career in music.
The Bigger Badder Bones, featuring André Hayward, showcases an exciting blend of blues and Latin-inspired tunes in their latest album “Sliders.” With talented contributors on trombone, piano, bass, and drums, each composition reflects the life experiences of composer Brett Stamps. The album highlights impressive arrangements and exceptional performances throughout.
The Yellowjackets’ 27th album, “Fasten Up,” showcases the band’s genre-defying style through a mix of compositions from its current quartet. With members contributing their unique sounds, the album blends soul-jazz, traditional fusion, and electronic elements, resulting in varied tracks that highlight their evolution over four decades.
“The Definitive Albert White” celebrates Albert White’s seventy-year musical career and his thirty years with Music Maker. Produced by Jimbo Mathus, the album features notable covers and showcases White’s unique style. With expressive vocals and guitar work, this collection reflects his rich history and artistry in the blues genre.
David “Kid” Ramos, a California-born guitarist, has a rich musical legacy spanning from the 1980s. He formed significant collaborations, notably with The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in 2012 yet later declared cancer-free, Ramos released “Strange Things Happening,” a gospel-blues album featuring heartfelt collaborations and inspirations from his life journey.
Steve Allee’s “Naptown Sound” showcases the vibrant jazz legacy of Indianapolis, featuring compositions predominantly by Allee himself. The album boasts dynamic arrangements with guest conductor John Clayton and talented musicians. Notable tracks include “Spang a Lang” and “Naptown Nights,” highlighting Allee’s innovative style and rhythmic energy, celebrating the city’s cultural evolution.
Pianist Ross Lossing’s album “Moon Inhabitants” reflects his innovative approach to the conventional piano trio format. Blending originals with compositions by Ornette Coleman and Tchaikovsky, the trio creates a weightless musical experience. The album showcases their unique improvisational style, highlighting the interplay between rhythm and melody while embracing free expression.
“Positive Energy” by the Greg Abate Quartet features seasoned jazz musicians delivering an uplifting album filled with original compositions. Greg Abate’s alto sax, John Rangel’s piano, Terry Burns’ bass, and David Post’s drums create an engaging sound. The music captures the vibrant New Mexico jazz scene while channeling resilience during the pandemic.
Sunny War’s new album, “Armageddon in a Summer Dress,” follows her breakthrough “Anarchist Gospel” and features several notable guests. Inspired by eerie experiences in her father’s old house, the album examines themes of memory and loss, blending punk and Americana influences. While some production choices overshadow her vocals, War’s talent shines through.
Rodney Whitaker collaborates with composer Gregg Hill in “Mosaic: the Music of Gregg Hill,” showcasing a talented jazz quintet featuring notable musicians. This album highlights Hill’s unique compositions, blending complex melodies with diverse influences. Each track offers intricate arrangements and captivating performances, establishing the project as exceptional contemporary jazz.
Peter White’s 17th album, “Light of Day,” released on February 14, 2025, celebrates his 50th anniversary as a musician. Featuring original songs reflecting love and optimism, White’s diverse instrumentation showcases his signature fingerstyle guitar. The album offers introspective tracks alongside joyful melodies, creating a soothing Smooth Jazz experience.
Noah Preminger’s album “Ballads” showcases his talent as a tenor saxophonist, blending original compositions with classic covers. Featuring a quartet, he emphasizes deep emotion through the ballad format, moving away from his usual intense style. The album includes pieces like “Unfair World” and a notable rendition of “Someone to Watch Over Me.”
Nikki O’Neill, a Chicago-based R&B/Americana artist, is set to release her third album, “Stories I Only Tell My Friends.” Co-produced with Rich Lackowski, the album combines live recordings and diversity in sound, reflecting her upbringing and influences. It features the lead single “Drive” and explores themes of personal growth and resilience.
François Couturier and Dominique Pifarély’s album “Preludes and Songs” blends classical and avant-garde jazz, creating a serene musical experience. Their long-standing partnership enriches the performance with emotional depth and improvisational freedom. The album highlights their mastery through pieces like “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square,” showcasing the essence of jazz as America’s classical music.
