Jazz CD Review

Strat Andriotis, a Greek-Canadian guitarist, presents his album “The Wolf Sleeps Alone,” featuring nine original songs characterized by experimental jazz influences. The compositions exhibit improvisation, with varied melodies and strong performances from bassist Vince Di Francesco and drummer Vince Karcza, though a cohesive groove is often elusive.

George Cotsirilos’s album “In the Wee Hours” showcases his exceptional nylon string guitar skills through solo recordings, all first takes. Featuring both original compositions and jazz standards, Cotsirilos blends emotional depth and technical brilliance. Noteworthy tracks include “A Nameless Poet” and interpretations of pieces like “Come Sunday,” creating a timeless musical experience.

Stickman’s album “Direct Message” showcases a fusion of alternative jazz, soft rock, and pop music. Led by vocalist Dawn Elliott, the band features impressive tracks like “Church Lady Casserole” and “Diminishing Returns.” With strong musicianship and catchy arrangements, the album highlights each member’s talents, making it a diverse musical experience.

“The Midnight Hour” features pianist Yoko Miwa and jazz vocalist Mikayla Shirley, showcasing their exceptional chemistry and improvisational skills. The duo delivers fresh interpretations of familiar songs, with Miwa’s technical brilliance complementing Shirley’s expressive voice. Their spontaneous performances highlight a unique emotional connection, making this album a captivating auditory experience.

Jean Derome’s album “Le Sourire” features innovative improvisation and compositions by Steve Lacy, blending traditional jazz with experimental elements. Accompanied by talented musicians, including Karen Young and Alexandre Grogg, Derome showcases his mastery on alto saxophone and voice. The album reflects his 50-year career in avant-garde music, celebrating creativity and individual expression.

Douyé’s album “Stay With Me,” featuring renowned pianist George Cables, presents a fresh take on classic jazz standards alongside original compositions. The Nigerian-born artist showcases her unique vocal style and jazz influences, supported by talented musicians. The album recalls enjoyable piano bar experiences filled with beloved tunes, showcasing Douyé’s artistic evolution.

Steve Rawlins’s new album showcases his extensive talent as a pianist, composer, and arranger, featuring tracks like “Moraga Drive” and “Friday Night” that blend straight-ahead jazz with Latin influences. Collaborating with notable musicians, Rawlins delivers an array of styles, appealing to diverse musical tastes throughout the record.

Haruna Fukazawa’s album “Plays at the Wrong Time” showcases her talent as a composer and flautist, blending jazz styles with improvisation. Featuring a small ensemble, the album highlights her flute’s distinct voice through diverse arrangements, including her take on classics and original compositions. It’s a vibrant celebration of her musical journey.

Danny Sinoff, a jazz singer and pianist from Southwest Florida, debuts his album “Make Someone Happy” with the Cellar Music Group. His smooth vocals, dynamic arrangements, and skilled ensemble shine throughout. Influenced by jazz legends, Sinoff’s work showcases both swinging tunes and emotive ballads, marking his emergence in the jazz scene.

Kemuel Roig’s album “3Discovery” showcases his innovative blend of Cuban culture and contemporary jazz. Featuring original compositions and well-arranged classics, the trio, including bassist Samuel Burgos and drummer Juan Armando Diaz, delivers infectious rhythms and virtuosic improvisation. Roig emphasizes celebrating life and unity through music, inviting listeners to dance and enjoy.

Colin Heshmat’s debut album, “Elastic Groove,” showcases his quartet’s blend of post-bop and Straight-ahead jazz. Featuring original compositions inspired by Heshmat’s life experiences, the album highlights the collective talent of the musicians, including captivating solos and contemporary grooves, while honoring traditional jazz roots.

Elias Haslanger’s “Legacy” is his ninth album, showcasing his talents as a tenor saxophonist, composer, and arranger. The album consists of all-original tracks that reflect his life stories in jazz. Influenced by jazz legends, Haslanger’s compositions blend modern rhythms with traditional jazz, making for an engaging listening experience.

“Feathered Things” is an album by trumpeter Emily Kuhn featuring eight original compositions that explore themes of hope and resilience through imagery of nature. The music blends various instruments, delivering a laid-back yet beautiful sound. Although mostly characterized by its mellow tone, listeners may yearn for more dynamic jazz elements.

Anthony Caceres is a talented jazz vocalist and bassist, showcasing his skills in the album “Let’s Take a Trip.” His compositions, like “Elevators and Escalators,” blend smooth Latin grooves with swing. Accompanied by a skilled quartet, Caceres delivers powerful performances, highlighting his musical lineage and creative storytelling in both lyrics and instrumentals.

Lolivone de la Rosa’s debut album “Jewels” showcases her dedication as a perfectionist composer and guitarist, blending jazz with her Puerto Rican roots. Featuring talented musicians, the album includes diverse arrangements that highlight her cultural influences. Tracks like “PB&J” and “Si Por Mi Llueve” exemplify her unique style and creativity.

Yvonne Rogers’ album “The Button Jar” reflects her childhood creativity through solo piano compositions. Each track blends whimsical melodies with intricate rhythms, showcasing her unique artistic voice. Notable pieces include the peaceful “Cloud Chorale” and the avant-garde “Avid Risks.” Rogers, based in Brooklyn, is a rising talent in jazz.

Randy Ingram’s album “Sound Within” honors Bill Evans while showcasing his own distinctive sound. Collaborating with seasoned musicians Rufus Reid and Joe La Barbera, Ingram integrates original compositions with Evans’ classics. The album reflects a deep emotional connection and artistic freedom, offering a fresh perspective on jazz enriched by personal interpretations.

Migiwa Miyajima’s album “Unbreakable Hope & Resilience,” recorded live at Dizzy’s Club, captures the emotional aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Through jazz compositions and testimonials, the Miggy Augmented Orchestra conveys themes of survival and community. The album is a tribute to resilience amidst calamity.

Lakecia Benjamin’s sixth album, “We Dream,” showcases her innovative spirit in contemporary jazz. Collaborating with notable musicians, she blends original compositions and spoken word to create uplifting music that resonates with both modern and classic influences. Highlight tracks include “First Light” and “Ascension,” featuring vibrant guest performances.

Antonio Adolfo’s album “Balaios” features nine original compositions showcasing the talents of various musicians, including special guests. Inspired by the idea of woven baskets, the album reflects a blend of creativity and rich musical history. It highlights Adolfo’s enduring artistry and evolution over his six-decade career, infusing joy and energy into every piece.

Anita Katakkar and Kayla Milmine form the duo “Amrita,” producing a captivating World Fusion album that blends Hindustani music, jazz, and improvisation. Their work features guests and emphasizes unique instruments like the esraj and cajón. Their music, reflective of their diverse inspirations, delivers an enriching auditory experience.

Bria Skonberg’s “Indigo” showcases her talents as a trumpeter and jazz vocalist, featuring a blend of classic standards and an original composition. With rich arrangements by Gil Goldstein and emotional performances, particularly on songs like “I’m Glad There is You” and “Fragile,” the album creates a serene ambiance perfect for intimate settings.

David Occhipinti’s album “Looking Glass” merges chamber music and jazz through original compositions featuring guitar, strings, and vocals. The work includes six brief pieces, “Six Bagatelles,” showcasing intricate instrumentals, followed by the expansive “The Frumious Bandersnatch.” It invites special guests, enriching its unique, introspective soundscape, reflecting Occhipinti’s artistic journey.

Judy Whitmore’s album “This Is Home” celebrates her voice, family, and the 250th Anniversary of the United States, featuring the Chris Walden Orchestra. The collection includes patriotic songs like “God Bless America” and medleys dedicated to American history, reflecting her family’s military background and her commitment to honoring the nation.

Trombonist Andrew Kim, a recent Michigan State University graduate, celebrates his achievement with the album “Lineage.” Featuring original compositions and collaborations with notable musicians, Kim showcases his talent through pieces like “Kimposter” and “Nostos.” His mentor, Michael Dease, produced the album, highlighting Kim’s promising future in jazz.

The Paul Silbergleit Trio’s debut album, “The Stillness of July,” features original compositions and unique covers, showcasing Silbergleit’s humor and guitar mastery. With skilled performances by bassist Clay Schaub and drummer Devin Drobka, the album blends various influences, providing a dynamic listening experience that highlights each musician’s talents.

Lolivone de la Rosa’s debut album “Jewels” showcases her mastery of jazz, blending American traditions with her Puerto Rican roots. Featuring talented musicians, the album highlights her perfectionist approach to arrangements and compositions, including tunes like “Si Por Mi Llueve” and “PB&J.” De la Rosa’s background in music fuels her creative journey.

ANDREW MOORHEAD MIRAGE OA2 Records Andrew Moorhead, piano/composer; Francois Moutin, bass; Ari Hoenig, drums. Fifteen years ago, pianist and composer Andrew Moorhead suffered an unexpected accident. He fell 47 feet through the open center of a stairwell. The result was multiple injuries. Among them, spinal cord damage, and his right wrist was left immobile. Moorhead […]

Lisa Rich’s album “I Still Rise” showcases her versatile vocal talent, highlighted by innovative interpretations of jazz standards like “No Moon at All” and “Take Five.” Collaborating with Marc Copland, Drew Gress, and Dave Ballou, Rich blends emotion with creative improvisation, creating a unique sonic experience that captivates listeners.

Eva Cortés’ ninth album, “La Malinche,” addresses issues of systemic racism and government abuse, inspired by the disappearance of a young Indigenous girl. Blending Spanish and English, her music explores heritage and social issues, making a political statement while uniting listeners. Cortés is celebrated as a prominent voice in Spanish Jazz.

Adam Rose’s album “Holler Serenade,” featuring the Mountain Jazz Quartet, showcases a joyful mix of contemporary and traditional jazz. The quartet, known for their spontaneity and deep connection, masterfully blends original compositions with jazz standards. Each track highlights creative arrangements and tight grooves, culminating in a vibrant listening experience.

The album “Keystone Trumpet Project Live at the Keystone Korner,” featuring trumpeters Rex Richardson, Sean Jones, and Dave Ballou, showcases a collaboration initiated from a 2023 performance. Recorded in June 2024, it blends diverse compositions, highlighting each trumpeter’s unique style, culminating in lively arrangements and dynamic solos, creating a celebratory musical experience.

“Accentuate the Positive” is a two-disc jazz album reflecting the tumultuous spirit of its times, drawing parallels between past and present struggles. Curated by Suzanne Wakdowski, it features notable vocalists and celebrates America’s rich musical heritage. The album aims to uplift spirits through well-arranged compositions, honoring the late Ken Peplowski’s influence.

Colin Heshmat’s debut album “Elastic Groove” showcases his jazz piano talents, blending post-bop with a contemporary flair. The quartet features skilled musicians, creating vibrant compositions inspired by experiences like New York’s energy. With influences from traditional jazz, Heshmat’s work highlights engaging rhythms and creative improvisation.

Kay Kostopoulos releases her album “All This is Possible,” featuring eight jazz standards with a talented band. Notable tracks include a heartfelt rendition of “Never Let Me Go” and an invigorating version of Charlie Parker’s “Segment.” Kostopoulos, an experienced actress and educator, brings emotional depth and her Greek heritage to the performances.

The Jeff Rupert Quartet, featuring talented musicians, showcases their unique sound in the album “Sea Spell.” Jeff Rupert, a skilled saxophonist and composer, contributes six original tracks. Highlights include a sweet rendition of “Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most” and the captivating “A Breeze Through the Keys,” illustrating Rupert’s talent for melodic composition.

Charles Chen’s album “The Long Way Home” features a blend of young and legendary jazz talents, including pianist Chen, guitarist Felix Lemerle, and veterans Bill Crow and Steve Little. The album showcases standards and original compositions, highlighting Chen’s style and celebrating the rich histories of the older musicians through both music and interviews.

AMSTEL JAZZ ENSEMBLE FIRST STATE BLUES Summit Records Dave Bozenhard, guitar; Miles Brown, bass; Tom Palmer, drums/piano; Bruce Tychinski, trombone; Todd Groves, soprano, alto, & tenor saxophones/flute. The Amstel Jazz Ensemble consists of faculty members of the University of Delaware. The Amstel Jazz Ensemble is actually named for a street in Newark, Delaware where the […]

Bjarke Falgren’s album “Turkis” features ten original compositions blending various musical influences, including folk, Latin, and jazz. With a focus on tone and phrasing, the album creates a soothing and emotional listening experience. Notably, Falgren’s unique playing style and rich arrangements highlight his mastery as a musician and composer.

JAN GRABOWSKI JAZZ MYSTERIES Independent Label Przemyslaw Jan Grabowski, piano/Fender Rhodes/composer; Camila Cortina Bello, synthesizers/piano; Noam Tanzer, acoustic bass; Samer Sharawi, electric bass; Andy Wilder, drums; Kali Rodriguez-Peña, trumpet; Emir Santa Cruz, tenor saxophone. The first thing I noticed right away on Track #1 titled “My Dearest Christine” was that the pianist was a novice. […]

Rafael Greco’s album “Verses Under My Shadow,” features an eclectic blend of contemporary jazz and Afro-Latin rhythms. Greco, a versatile multi-instrumentalist, explores emotional themes while showcasing rich harmonics and experimental elements. The album, narrated by various musicians, serves as a protest against mediocrity and a commentary on the modern artistic landscape.

Steve Wilson’s album “Enduring Sonance” features cherished compositions performed by his talented ensemble. Highlighting pieces by Billy Childs, George Cables, and Michel Legrand, Wilson showcases his exceptional skills on saxophones and flute. The recording captures the essence of memorable music, reflecting his deep connections with each piece.

Dawn Clement’s tribute to Blossom Dearie showcases her sincere vocals and captivating piano work. Collaborating with an excellent quartet, she reinterprets fifteen of Dearie’s classics. With a playful yet heartfelt approach, Clement captures the essence of Dearie’s music, delivering both charm and depth in her interpretations. A jazz experience to savor.

Atlantic Road Trip’s second album, “Watch as the Echo Falls,” showcases a jazz trio exploring global folk music through compositions by Miro Herak, Chad McCullough, and Paul Towndrow. Featuring a blend of cultural influences, the album invites listeners on a reflective journey, emphasizing themes of nostalgia and unity in folk and jazz styles.

Jarrod Lawson’s album showcases a blend of smooth jazz and R&B, emphasizing positivity and love. With tracks like “Just Let It” and “Smoke Me Out,” Lawson’s heartfelt lyrics address societal issues while highlighting strong grooves and impressive instrumentation. Every song shines, reflecting his talents as a composer and multi-instrumentalist.

John Clayton’s eighth album, “Two-O Duo,” features bassist John Clayton, pianist Gerald Clayton, and vocalist René Marie in a collaborative exploration of musical intimacy. The trio showcases a mix of jazz standards and original compositions, highlighted by rich harmonies and innovative arrangements, creating a beautiful, peaceful musical experience.

Gabriel Espinosa’s “The Brazilian Project” is his eighth album, showcasing his love for 1960s Brazilian music and his rich Mexican heritage. The album features original compositions and arrangements recorded in Rio de Janeiro with Brazilian musicians. Highlights include “Gabriela,” an homage to his wife, and “Caramelo,” for his daughter, displaying a fresh Latin sound.

The album “Shards” features pianist Jason Moran, drummer Marcus Gilmore, and electronics expert Tyler Gilmore. This experimental music combines improvisation, diverse tempos, and emotional depth, creating a unique soundscape. Each piece evolves organically, delivering a kaleidoscopic experience that leaves a lasting impression on listeners, reminiscent of fleeting yet beautiful memories.

The Chicago Soul Jazz Collective’s album “No Wind & No Rain” showcases their blend of jazz, funk, and soul music, embodying their artistic growth since 2017. Led by John Fournier, the group features impressive compositions and thought-provoking lyrics, aiming to uplift listeners. Their vibrant sound reflects a rich musical heritage and a commitment to positive messaging.