CD Reviews

Shawn Maxwell’s “Frenetic Domain” is a unique jazz-classical hybrid album featuring renowned musicians, including female classical saxophonist Chika Inoue. Inspired by Vandoren’s artist program, Maxwell blends structured compositions with improvisational elements. The album showcases pieces that embody tranquility and innovation, reflecting his musical journey as a clarinetist.

Jesse Davis Quartet’s album “Reflections” showcases a blend of bebop and New Orleans blues, featuring Davis on alto saxophone alongside talented musicians Spike Wilner, John Webber, and Lewis Nash. Each track shines with individual solos and emotional depth, highlighting Davis’s distinctive style and impressive compositions over four decades in jazz.

The Joymakers, a ten-piece ensemble from Austin, Texas, led by Colin Hancock, celebrates the music of the 1920s and 1930s. They blend ragtime, early blues, and country traditions, delivering joyful performances. The band expands on their original seven members, capturing the vibrant essence of historic music with vibrant arrangements and engaging vocals.

Terry Callier’s performance at The Earl of Old Town in Chicago on October 24, 1967, captures the essence of an artist before his first record release. Recorded by Joe Segal, the album features a blend of folk, jazz, and blues. It showcases Callier’s remarkable guitar and vocal talent, reflecting the vibrant 1960s music scene.

Tomas Janzon, a guitarist and composer, blends classical and jazz influences in his album “Jazz Diary.” Featuring melodic pieces shaped by daily entries, the work highlights bassist Nedra Wheeler’s essential role. With intricate grooves and improvisational flair, the album presents a rich exploration of Janzon’s musical journey and Swedish roots.

Stacey and Al Schulman blend traditional jazz with contemporary hip hop in their album “Crazy World.” Featuring various musicians, they reinterpret classic songs while introducing original compositions. Their energetic performances highlight Stacey’s vibrant vocals and Al’s guitar mastery, culminating in a lyrical exploration of love and unity in a diverse musical landscape.

Joe Henderson’s “Consonance” features an electrifying performance at Chicago’s Jazz Showcase, showcasing saxophonist Henderson alongside pianist Joanne Brackeen, bassist Steve Rodby, and drummer Danny Spencer. Their music is characterized by its spontaneity and emotional depth, celebrating improvisation and artistic freedom. The album’s urgency and brilliance captivate listeners, remaining timeless.

Richard Andersson’s album “Monk & More” features a talented European jazz quartet revisiting works by jazz legends including Thelonious Monk and Ornette Coleman. With smooth melodies and intricate improvisations, the album showcases each musician’s skills, particularly Andersson’s captivating double bass solos. This energetic and engaging album is a delightful experience from start to finish.

Anthony Branker’s album “Manifestations of a Diasporic Groove & Spirit” features compositions that reflect on cultural identity and social issues. Notable tracks include “The Children of Lyles Station,” which recounts a tragic historical event, and “Stolen Sisters,” honoring indigenous women missing or murdered. Branker’s work merges music with deep storytelling.

The album “Plaid Pants” by Ron Cyger and Brent Butterworth showcases their compositional partnership, featuring a mix of original tunes and diverse musical styles. With contributions from various percussionists, the album highlights their collaboration and musical chemistry, blending jazz elements with Latin and blues influences for a celebratory experience.

The album “The Vigil and the Sleeping Giant” by Ron Wilkins and Rebecca Patterson features a four-part suite inspired by the COVID pandemic, reflecting Wilkins’ personal experience with the virus. The tracks blend various instruments and styles, expressing themes of survival, gratitude, and emotional resilience through innovative big band arrangements.

Faye Carol’s double release “Forever Dynamic” showcases her unique approach to blues and jazz, blending traditional and contemporary styles. Praised by notable artists, her raw vocal delivery reinterprets familiar tunes while celebrating a diverse repertoire. Highlights include innovative takes on classics, demonstrating her versatility and deep connection to Black music.

Mativetsky Amiri Pagé’s album “Metamorphose” features a trio of talented musicians: Amir Amiri on santur, Shawn Mativetsky on tabla, and Sarah Pagé on harp and electronics. Their collaboration blends Middle Eastern and world music influences, showcasing unique compositions and improvisation, creating an evolving and organic sound.

Catherine Russell’s “Live at Jazz at Lincoln Center” is her first live album, recorded on March 29, 2024. Focusing on vintage jazz, she showcases lesser-known works from various artists, supported by a horn section and tap dancer Michela Marino Lerman. The album blends nostalgic tunes with vibrant performances, reflecting Russell’s musical heritage.

The Paul Keller Orchestra, featuring celebrated composer Gregg Hill, showcases ten vibrant jazz compositions, including standout tracks like “Thank You Notes” and “Bopportunity.” As they prepare to celebrate forty years in 2027, the orchestra embodies dynamic arrangements, skilled musicianship, and energetic rhythms, continuing to captivate listeners with their joyful sound.

In 2026, Blue Moods, a collective of Posi-Tone artists, pays tribute to Miles Davis through the album “Directions and Expressions.” Featuring compositions from the ’50s to ’80s, the sextet explores various musical styles while omitting a trumpet, highlighting the innovative compositions of Davis and his collaborators, presenting fresh interpretations.

Tigran Hamasyan’s album “Manifeste” merges Armenian spiritual traditions with progressive elements, blending jazz and rock. It showcases unique instrumentation, including the blul and daf, alongside electronic sounds and choir vocals. With tracks like “Prelude for All Seekers” and “Seven Sorrows,” Hamasyan’s composition emphasizes melodic integrity and innovative arrangements.

The Oscar Peterson Trio’s live recordings at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge capture the legendary pianist’s extraordinary talent alongside Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen. The album features dynamic interpretations of jazz standards, blending classical influences with vibrant rhythms. Each performance showcases their virtuosic musicianship, making this collection a vital addition for jazz enthusiasts.

Corcoran Holt’s album “Freedom of Art” blends personal testimony and artistic freedom, featuring a variety of musicians and intimate family moments. Composed during the pandemic, it highlights jazz as a transformative force and celebrates creativity. The music reflects joy, experimentation, and a connection to heritage, encouraging listeners to embrace their truth.

Michael Moody’s album “The Ecstasy of Love” features a dozen classic love songs from the Great American Songbook, showcasing his unique vocal style through creative arrangements and improvisation. Influenced by Billie Holiday and dedicated to Carmen McRae, Moody combines smooth tone and skilled phrasing, though some melodic choices may disappoint traditionalists.

Willy Rodriguez’s album “In the Unknown (I Will Find You)” features ethereal compositions inspired by loss, showcasing his drums alongside Leo Genovese’s piano and Ingrid Laubrock’s saxophone. The thoughtful pieces, accented by Allan Harris’ spoken word, explore deep emotions and aim to connect with experiences of love and remembrance.

Carl Clements’ album “Retrospective” showcases his innovative blend of global musical influences, featuring woodwind instruments like the bansuri. The Real Jazz Trio, comprising Jean-Yves Jung, Johannes Schaedlich, and Jens Biehl, delivers tight performances across nine original compositions. The album reflects deep roots in jazz, Indian, and Latin music, celebrating creativity and collaboration.

The album “Bill Evans at the BBC” captures a 1965 performance of the legendary jazz pianist with bassist Chuck Israels and drummer Larry Bunker. Featuring spontaneous interpretations and unique arrangements of familiar standards, the remastered recording showcases their collective artistry and chemistry, offering an insightful glimpse into Evans’ innovative approach to jazz.

Ray Obiedo’s latest album combines Latin energy and contemporary jazz, featuring vocal arrangements and standout performances from various musicians. Highlights include a unique rendition of “Ain’t No Sunshine” and Obiedo’s original “El Matador,” showcasing his impressive guitar skills. Every track promises to captivate jazz and Latin music enthusiasts alike.

Connor Bernhard’s album “Pathways” features original compositions showcasing his trumpet skills alongside talented musicians. Notable tracks include the crowd-pleasing “Jackalope,” the challenging “Altitude,” and the tribute “Claudio.” The arrangements blend jazz styles, featuring pieces like “Dat Dere” and “Wichita Lineman.” The review highlights the importance of clear credits on the album cover.

Michel Petrucciani, a talented pianist who overcame physical challenges, recorded a remarkable live album with his trio at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center in 1987. The double disc features his innovative compositions alongside jazz standards, highlighting his distinctive style. Petrucciani’s legacy endures through his music and the memories shared by his family and colleagues.

Mark Adams leads a collaboration of fifteen talented musicians in the album “This is Neo-Soul,” showcasing rich jazz and funk influences. While tracks like “Sweet Tears” and “Don’t Stop (the feeling)” groove strongly, the album lacks a standout soloist to unify its dynamic compositions. It’s an homage to the 1970s sound reminiscent of iconic artists.

Benjie Porecki’s album “Faster Than We Know” features eight original compositions and a cover of “Superstar.” Blending contemporary funk jazz, Porecki showcases his versatility on piano, organ, and keyboards alongside Cory Baker and Mark Prince. The collection is characterized by melodic richness and dynamic arrangements, appealing to diverse musical tastes.

Mark Tonelli’s album “Brasileira” showcases his original compositions influenced by Brazilian culture, developed during his time teaching and performing in Brazil. However, the collaboration with musicians often feels disjointed, as their improvisations clash with Tonelli’s guitar melodies. The review highlights moments of disconnect, leaving the listener puzzled about the artistic cohesion.

The Robert Jospé Quartet’s album “The Night Sky” showcases their vibrant blend of Latin rhythms and melodic beauty. Featuring talented musicians, including Jospé on drums, Daniel Clarke on piano, and Chris Whiteman on guitar, each track highlights their musicianship and energy. The album culminates in a captivating finale with a solo by Jospé.

Tierney Sutton collaborates with pianist Tamir Hendelman on her 17th album, a duo project celebrating the theme of spring. Their chemistry shines through in interpretations of classic jazz tunes, showcasing Sutton’s vocal storytelling and Hendelman’s creative piano. The album blends emotion and mastery, creating a soothing musical experience.

“Oná,” a Canadian chamber-jazz ensemble formed in 2024, presents a blend of Brazilian and classical influences. Their album “Sem Vocé” features unique instrument combinations but lacks the vibrant energy typical of Brazilian music. Highlight tracks include tributes and smooth harmonies, yet they fall short of conveying the joy associated with Brazilian traditions.

David Basse’s album “The War Within,” recorded live at Kulak’s Woodshed, features a dynamic jazz trio and showcases Basse’s talents as a drummer, vocalist, and composer. The album includes original compositions and humorous, storytelling lyrics, highlighting Basse’s experience in the Kansas City music scene and his tribute to jazz traditions.