CD Reviews

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.

Entre Amigos releases their third album, “Joyful Foundation: The Music of Justin Copeland,” featuring compositions by trumpeter Justin Copeland and ensemble members. The blend of styles showcases advanced harmonics and rhythmic variety. Copeland’s impressive background enhances the group’s vibrant sound, marking a notable progression in their musical journey.

Gafieira Rio Miami is an eleven-piece group that revives vibrant Brazilian music from the 1940s to 1960s, blending jazz with samba and other styles. They feature notable Brazilian artists and a diverse range of rhythms, captivating listeners with energetic performances that encourage dance and joy. The album includes various guest musicians and innovative tracks.

Dave Schumacher’s album “Agua Con Gas,” performed by his Afro-Latin Jazz Septet, showcases his long-standing love for jazz and Afro-Cuban music. With original compositions and engaging arrangements, the album features incredible musicianship, especially from Schumacher’s baritone saxophone. It celebrates rich rhythms and vibrant energy, highlighting the joy of the genre.

Bassist Harvie S. celebrates his 21st album as a band leader with “Bright Dawn,” featuring original compositions and notable covers. Accompanied by Peter Bernstein, Miki Hayama, and Matt Wilson, the album blends melodic jazz with elements of bebop. Pieces like “Ghosts of Havana” and “Waltz for Vartan” showcase Harvie’s mastery and creativity.

Dave Adewumi, an emerging jazz trumpeter, showcases his talents on his debut album “The Flame Beneath the Silence.” A graduate of esteemed conservatories, he has received numerous accolades, including the Young Jazz Composer Award and the NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship. The album consists of ten original compositions that highlight his unique style and creativity.

April Varner pays homage to Ella Fitzgerald in her album “Ella,” featuring both a small combo and big band. Despite her nine years of jazz experience, Varner brings an instinctive swing and impressive vocal range, collaborating with notable arrangers like Emmet Cohen and Brian Lynch. The album showcases classic pieces while asserting Varner’s own artistry.

Mark Christian Miller’s fourth album, “Strange Meadowlark,” showcases his smooth tenor voice and unique artistry alongside top Los Angeles jazz musicians. The album features refreshing interpretations of classic tunes, including an Oscar Brown Jr. original and sensitive medleys with Josh Nelson. Miller’s careful repertoire selection and storytelling elevate his distinctive style.

Isabella Isherwood’s debut album, “The Sweetest Sounds,” showcases her vocal and piano talents while exploring the American Songbook. At twenty-three, she displays versatility, though her style lacks distinctiveness compared to jazz legends. Highlights include intimate duets and a strong performance of “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right.” Promising potential is evident.

Brian Landrus’s album “Just When You Think You Know” showcases his versatility as a composer and musician, expanding beyond his signature low-end instruments. The collection features diverse styles, from fusion to chamber music, with emotional themes reflecting past struggles. Landrus delivers captivating performances alongside a talented ensemble, redefining previous expectations.