Jazz CD Review

Edward Simon’s “Venezuela: Latin American Songbook, Vol. 2” features a talented trio exploring Venezuelan music with a blend of classical and jazz influences. Notable tracks include “Presagio,” showcasing a vibrant bebop transformation, and the beautiful duo “Atardecer.” Simon’s rich arrangements highlight his unique style and musical excellence.

Julie Benko’s album “Euphonic Gumbo” is a vibrant tribute to New Orleans culture, blending jazz, Cajun influences, and folk ballads. Celebrated for her Broadway roles, Benko’s album features exciting arrangements and performances that evoke the spirit of Bourbon Street. It’s a festivity of music that captures life’s joys and memories.

Aaron Quinn’s debut album with his quartet, Sunchoke, showcases a blend of raw emotion and classical influences in improvised free music. The seven-track release highlights the musicians’ collaborative spirit, featuring a mix of avant-garde arrangements and melodic pieces. Notable tracks include “Wasabi,” “Turnips,” and “Sunchoke.” Quinn, based in Brooklyn, also engages in music education.

Gregory Lewis has expanded his Organ Monk project by collaborating with vocalist Ms. Raina Welch. Blending her classical training with jazz influences, the album “Organ Monk Sings” explores themes of love and loss through Monk’s compositions, featuring lyrical contributions from notable artists. The project showcases a unique narrative suite across four acts.

Lisanne Lyons’ album “May I Come In” showcases her impressive vocal abilities, blending jazz sincerity with big band arrangements by Mike Lewis. The album features a range of tunes, including “The Song Is You” and “Bubbles, Bangles & Beads,” highlighting her dynamic talent and compelling interpretations, while reflecting her distinguished music career and educational impact.

The Django Festival Allstars release “Evolution,” a vibrant album celebrating 25 years of Django-inspired gypsy jazz. Led by Samson Schmitt with five talented musicians, it showcases original compositions that honor Django Reinhardt’s legacy. Despite personnel changes, the group’s energy and musical excellence continue to thrive, captivating audiences worldwide.

Gabriel Zucker’s album “Confession,” developed over six years, merges jazz, rock, and classical influences. Created during the 2020 pandemic, it features twelve songs across four parts, showcasing inventive arrangements and a mix of electronics and vocals. Zucker, a talented pianist and social activist, reflects his creative depth and commitment to community.

The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, Canada’s first community-based jazz orchestra, presents “Forgotten Stories Suite,” composed by Sean Irvine. Featuring vocalist Karly Epp and narrator Quinn Greene, this project blends jazz, lyrical vocals, and poetry to explore the lives of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, sharing their untold stories through evocative music and narratives.

James Judson’s debut album, “Songs of My Dreams,” features eleven original love songs shaped by his unique process of capturing melodies from his dreams. With the help of Grammy-winning producer Tim Sonnefeld, Judson’s soothing baritone and big band orchestration evoke nostalgia for jazz classics. This project marks his heartfelt return to music after years in construction.

Darren Litzie’s second album, “On My Own Time,” showcases his expertise as a pianist and composer. With a blend of jazz, Latin, and Caribbean influences, the album features intricate arrangements and collaborations with experienced musicians. Notable tracks highlight Litzie’s creativity and unique interpretations. The album balances accessibility with imaginative experimentation, making it an engaging listen.

Ron Rieder’s album “Compositions in Blue and Other Hues” features a talented quintet exploring straight-ahead jazz and bebop. With tracks like “Dizzy Spell” and “I Sing for You,” the compositions showcase joyful melodies, elegant arrangements, and skilled instrumental performances, making listeners feel immersed in a lively jazz club atmosphere.

The album “Symbiosis: Tribute to Bill Evans,” featuring the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and the Thomas Clausen Trio, showcases arrangements of Bill Evans’ compositions through six movements. Recorded live in 2023, the album blends orchestral sophistication with jazz improvisation, highlighting standout performances by various musicians, including conductor Jean Thorel and pianist Thomas Clausen.

Hugo Blouin’s fourth album “Le Buffet” merges free jazz with culinary themes, featuring recipes sung by Eugenie Jobin Tremblay. The album boasts collaboration with notable musicians, creating a vibrant and playful exploration of cooking through music. Blouin’s inventive compositions provide a unique auditory experience, blending humor, melody, and creativity.

Pat Bianchi’s album “Confluence” features his powerful organ skills alongside drummer Colin Stranahan and saxophonist Troy Roberts. The album includes innovative takes on jazz standards like “It Was a Very Good Year” and “Jitterbug Waltz.” Bianchi, a Grammy-nominated artist, showcases his individuality and connection to jazz tradition, solidifying his status in the genre.

Lena Bloch’s album “Marina” celebrates the poetry of Marina Tsvetaeva through a jazz suite featuring Kyoko Kitamura’s vocals. The compositions reflect Tsvetaeva’s resilience and struggles as an immigrant and artist. Bloch interprets Tsvetaeva’s work, highlighting its relevance today, blending dark themes with expressive melodies in this avant-garde production.

Chris Standring’s album “Time of Change,” featuring eleven new contemporary jazz tracks, draws inspiration from 1970s cool jazz. The lead single “Hollywood Hustle” will debut on February 2, 2026. Standring, influenced by Quincy Jones and the Yellowjackets, combines nostalgic melodies with modern grooves. A book showcasing his life in jazz is set for release in December 2026.

John Vanore’s “Easter Island Suite,” recorded over nearly forty years, captures the mystery surrounding the Easter Islands through a four-part musical journey. Featuring a blend of talented musicians from his ensemble Abstract Truth, the suite combines rich harmonies and evocative themes. Vanore seeks to embody the tension of unresolved historical mysteries in his compositions.

The album “What Happened There?” features improvisational artists Natsuki Tamura and Keiji Haino, recorded live at a festival curated by Tamura and his wife. Their collaboration creates a unique blend of genres, marked by spontaneous arrangements and contrasting sounds. While the duo’s instrumentation shines, the vocal elements may overshadow the music’s beauty.

The Temple University Jazz Band, led by GRAMMY-winning trumpeter Terell Stafford, toured Japan and recorded a live album celebrating jazz culture. Their performance at Akasaka B-Flat in Tokyo featured classic Ellington pieces and showcased the talent of students, particularly drummer Maria Marmarou. The album releases on February 6, 2026.

The Baltimore Jazz Collective, founded by trumpeter Sean Jones, showcases a distinctive sound that reflects the city’s vibrant music scene. With talented members like tap dancer Brinae Ali and composers like Alex Brown and Todd Marcus, their original compositions blend blues influences and interactive performances, celebrating Baltimore’s cultural richness.

The trio “Elipsis,” featuring Michael League, Pedrito Martinez, and Antonio Sanchez, unites to present a fusion of West African religious chants and contemporary Cuban rhythms. Their music, rich with cultural diversity and historical significance, showcases unique instruments and modern influences. It serves as a powerful narrative of survival and legacy through rhythm and song.

Wes Smith’s album “We, The Funky – Vol 1” showcases a blend of contemporary jazz, pop, R&B, and smooth jazz. Featuring deep grooves and rich arrangements, Smith, a multi-instrumentalist, reflects on his Los Angeles journey. While initially promising funk, the album leans towards smoother sounds, with only a couple of funky tracks.

Gil Livni’s album “All In” showcases his exceptional guitar skills alongside a talented quartet featuring saxophone, organ, and drums. The album includes seven original compositions and unique covers, blending jazz, funk, and blues. Notable tracks include the energetic “Wonder Woman” and the soulful “All In,” highlighting each musician’s talent.

The Dave Wilson Quartet’s album “When Even Goes East” features Dave Wilson on saxophones, with a special appearance by Lenny Castro. Inspired by his NYC cab driver days, Wilson covers 1960s and 70s pop tunes, including Jimmy Webb’s works. The album showcases original compositions with dynamic arrangements and emotive melodies.

Roberto Fonseca and Vincent Ségal collaborate on “Nuit Parisienne À La Havane,” blending Cuban and European classical influences with contemporary jazz. Their eleven original compositions reveal storytelling through music, showcasing Fonseca’s rich piano legacy and Ségal’s versatile cello artistry. The album evokes deep emotion and cultural fusion, creating a captivating auditory journey.

Omrum, a Copenhagen jazz quartet, produces free jazz in a renovated barn on Denmark’s Møn island. Comprised of trumpet, trombone, double bass, and drums, their ten compositions blend improvisation with written notes, showcasing each member’s unique voice. Their avant-garde sound invites listeners to explore new sonic worlds, exemplified by tracks like “Intermezzo No. 2.”

Eddie Allen’s album “Rhythm People” features a dynamic ensemble with original compositions and innovative arrangements blending various genres, including jazz, reggae, and Latin influences. Notable performances include solos from Allen and special guest Steve Turre. The album captures the essence of jazz creativity and connects deeply with listeners through its infectious rhythms.

The Afro-Metis Nation’s album “Anthem” celebrates the 250-year heritage of Black and Indigenous people in Maritime Canada. Executive produced by Professor George Elliot Clarke, the music combines themes of oppression and perseverance, showcasing unique cultural experiences. The group advocates for recognition and challenges government injustices through their art.

Mattias Svensson’s album “Embrace,” featuring pianist Bill Mays and drummer Morten Lund, showcases the trio’s exceptional talents through nine original compositions. The opening track, “My Toots Toots,” captivates with its vibrant jazz waltz, while pieces like “Bluetiful” and “Erik Satir” highlight Svensson’s double bass mastery and the group’s cohesive energy, making the album a delightful experience.

Michael Dease’s album “Spartan Strong” showcases the MSU Jazz Trombones, highlighting their achievements in jazz music education. The project reflects Dease’s mentorship and his ambition to inspire future musicians. Featuring lively arrangements and guest artists, the album offers a blend of impressive trombone harmonies and memorable melodies throughout its tracks.

The Patrick Smith trio, featuring saxophones, guitar, and drums, is a notable part of Toronto’s jazz scene. Known for their performances in a beloved bookstore, their album showcases Smith’s exploratory saxophone, blending jazz and rock influences. Each track offers unique musical experiences, highlighting the trio’s masterful improvisation and creativity.

Naseem Alatrash’s debut album, “Bright Colors on a Dark Canvas,” merges Arabic music, contemporary classical, and jazz traditions. As a cellist and composer, he showcases lyrical beauty through original compositions, pushing the boundaries of Middle Eastern music. The album features collaborations with various musicians and highlights Alatrash’s mastery of cello and innovative arrangements.

Betty Bryant, a 96-year-old jazz legend, showcases her enduring talent in “Nothin’ Better To Do.” With heartfelt storytelling, she revives classic tunes and shares personal narratives through her music. Collaborating with skilled musicians, Bryant captures the essence of life’s lessons and her rich legacy, continuing to entertain audiences worldwide.

“Echoes” features Luke Marantz and Simon Jermyn, blending contemporary classical music with electronics and jazz. This collaborative album, set for release on January 9, 2026, showcases their unique partnership despite long-distance recording. The music evokes relaxation and freedom, paralleling the serene album cover of soaring birds.

RICK ROE WAKE UP CALL – THE MUSIC OF GREGG HILL Cold Plunge Records Rick Roe, piano; Robert Hurst, bass; Nate Winn, drums; Marcus Elliot, tenor & soprano saxophone. Gregg Hill is 79-years old and is largely self-taught.  He has been writing songs for as long as he can remember and his catalog is plump […]

John Clay’s album “About Time” features a talented ensemble, showcasing familiar jazz standards with creative arrangements. Emerging from Louisville, Clay’s prolific career includes performances with legends like Bill Withers and Zoot Sims. The album, releasing January 23rd, highlights engaging collaborations, particularly with vocalist Ruby Pucillo, who adds unique flair to jazz classics.

Brad Schrader’s album “Late Nights” features his interpretations of the American songbook, showcasing his vocal talents along with skilled musicians. With heartfelt arrangements and a blend of jazz styles, Schrader captures the essence of intimate piano bars. Though not technically flawless, his sincerity resonates, and he uniquely sings “Corcavado” in Portuguese.

Valeria Stewart’s debut album “Raíces / Roots” showcases her unique blend of contemporary jazz with folk and Americana influences, sung in Spanish. As a talented vocalist and guitarist, she co-wrote five of the seven tracks. Stewart, also a preschool teacher, aims to bridge cultures through her heartfelt music.

Masabumi Kikuchi Hanamachi’s final studio recording features emotional solo piano interpretations that blend familiar tunes with improvisational flair. Recorded in December 2013, this album highlights his contemplative expression, drawing from his jazz roots. Despite his passing in 2015, Kikuchi’s legacy continues through his stunning musicianship and soulful artistry.

Martin Bonventre’s debut cabaret album, produced by Jackie Presti, features eight dramatic tunes showcasing his baritone voice. While more a theatrical vocalist than a jazz singer, Bonventre delivers emotionally rich interpretations, such as “She’s Out of My Life.” Accompanied by a talented jazz band, he embodies the narrative of a storyteller through familiar songs.