Jazz CD Review

The “New Jazz Underground” album “Hoodies” features the trio of Sebastian Rios on bass, TJ Reddick on drums, and Abdias Armenteros on saxophone, blending traditional jazz with contemporary influences. The album’s thirteen tracks explore themes of identity, brotherhood, and cultural solidarity, highlighted by energetic improvisation and structured rhythms.

Jonathan Suazo’s “Ricano Vol. 2: Fruto de mi Corazón” is a personal jazz album inspired by the birth of his daughter, blending Puerto Rican and Dominican musical traditions. Featuring talented musicians, it combines genres like plena and bomba, showcasing Suazo’s unique alto saxophone sound and deep-rooted cultural influences, celebrated by critics.

Tom Lippincott’s album “Ode to the Possible” showcases his evolution as a musician using an 8-string guitar amidst personal challenges. Featuring original compositions, the album blends jazz, soft rock, and experimental sounds, with notable contributions from his quartet. Each track reflects Lippincott’s innovative style and musical dialogue.

Carolyn Lee Jones, a Nebraska native who transitioned from luxury retail to jazz, debuts her sixth album “Catn’ round Sound.” Featuring a blend of vintage standards and original songs, Jones’s warm vocal style shines through arrangements incorporating Latin grooves. The album showcases her development as a jazz artist, supported by a talented ensemble.

Jon Schapiro’s “Schapiro 17 Big Band” returns with its third release, showcasing innovative jazz compositions. The album features tracks like “Ugly Chic” and “Chameleon,” highlighting solos from talented musicians. Schapiro, a celebrated composer, explores diverse styles and arrangements while paying homage to jazz legends, promising a gratifying listening experience.

Sylvia Brooks’ sixth album, “Soliloquy,” showcases her storytelling prowess through jazz standards and original compositions. Collaborating with Christian Jacob, the album features heartfelt tracks like “A Letter to Sophie” and “Lizzie’s Dance,” celebrating emotion and individuality. Rich in drama and passion, this music is reminiscent of a captivating stage show.

Russ Miller’s “Soul, Mind, Body” box set features a powerful groove band combining R&B, funk, and jazz influences. Notable for its collaborative spirit, it showcases Miller’s drumming prowess and includes contributions from various artists. The four discs reflect Miller’s musical journey, culminating in a live concert DVD, highlighting his extensive career and influences.

Kemuel Roig’s solo piano album “Both Sides Now” features interpretations of songs by renowned artists like Paul McCartney and Billie Holiday, alongside Latin tunes. A skilled musician originally from Cuba, Roig showcases his mastery and emotional depth in each piece, captivating listeners with unique arrangements and heartfelt expressions throughout the album.

The Phoenix Trio’s album “Tomorrow is Today,” featuring Mark Turner on tenor saxophone, Joe Martin on bass, and Marcus Gilmore on drums, showcases original and improvised compositions. The musicians highlight their strong connection through innovative arrangements, with standout tracks emphasizing the interplay of instruments and individual solos, recorded live at Brooklyn’s Ornithology Club.

Gregory Hutchinson’s “Kind of Now” is a tribute to Miles Davis, showcasing modern interpretations of his music. Produced by Hutchinson and featuring talented musicians, the album emphasizes evolution in jazz and celebrates Davis’s legacy. Notable pieces include fresh renditions of “Ah-Leu-Cha” and “Fran-Dance,” highlighting innovation and improvisation throughout.

Jun Iida’s album “Bellflower” reflects his life experiences, blending jazz, rock, and cultural influences. Featuring a talented ensemble, each track showcases Iida’s trumpet skills and emotive compositions, from tributes to places and characters to themes of opportunity and peace. The music resonates with warmth and creativity, marking Iida’s artistic journey.

Todd Mosby’s album “American Heartland” blends contemporary jazz with elements of new age, blues, and folk music. Featuring 12 tracks, the St. Louis-based composer showcases his guitar skills alongside various artists. Each song celebrates Missouri’s musical heritage, creating a captivating musical experience filled with playful melodies and smooth grooves.

Chuck Bergeron’s album “Bass & Face” features collaborations with ten renowned vocalists, blending their voices with his dynamic double bass. Notable tracks include contributions from Janis Siegel and Pete McGuinness, showcasing a mix of swinging jazz and emotional performances. The album highlights Bergeron’s skills as both a soloist and an accompanist.

Ben Wolfe’s album “Any Time After Now” showcases his exceptional compositions, performed by a talented quintet featuring Joel Ross and Sullivan Fortner. With a blend of captivating melodies and dynamic solos, particularly from drummer Aaron Kimmel, the album offers a refreshing experience in straight-ahead jazz, highlighting Wolfe’s musical expertise.

Kenny Barron’s “So Many Lovely Things: Live in Brecon,” releasing on June 12, 2026, showcases the jazz mastery of Barron on piano, Ray Drummond on bass, and Ben Riley on drums. This double disc features energetic performances, including “Oh, Look at Me Now” and “Nikara’s Song,” celebrating their remarkable artistry.

“Awakening” is Chris Andrew’s debut solo piano album, showcasing his exceptional technique and emotional depth. With nine original compositions, the album blends modern jazz, swing, and gospel influences. Andrew’s innovative approach, particularly on tracks like “Choro Para Oscar” and his cover of “Like Someone in Love,” highlights his improvisational skill and artistry.

Carlos Henriquez reimagines Thelonious Monk’s music in an innovative album that showcases his talents as a bassist, composer, and arranger. Starting with “Round Midnight,” he rearranges rhythms and incorporates elements of his Nuyorican heritage. Collaborating with exceptional musicians, Henriquez’s originals and reinterpreted standards vibrantly highlight his artistic genius.

Adam de Lucia’s album blends diverse genres, encompassing rock and fusion jazz with engaging soundscapes. Collaborating with New York improvisational musicians, de Lucia emphasizes emotional connection and improvisation. Standout tracks include “Gorilla,” “Store On the Corner,” and “Will You Follow,” showcasing strong rhythms and melodic guitar interpretations that enhance the listening experience.

Vladimir Redzic’s album “First Time Around” features a skilled jazz trio performing standards and an original piece. Born in Serbia and now based in New York, Redzic showcases his lyrical guitar style alongside pianist Steve Ash and others. The album blends improvisation and storytelling, establishing Redzic as a notable talent in jazz.

Greenhouse Ensemble, a Quebec-based seven-member group, blends contemporary jazz with traditional Quebec folk and European classical influences. Their latest album “Mezzanine” showcases collaborative compositions featuring vibrant vocals, improvisational solos, and a unique soundscape. The music reflects both local culture and international appeal, marking their evolution and artistic growth.

Joel Miller’s album “What If?” features a blend of classical music and contemporary jazz, showcasing his saxophone skills alongside musicians like Dani Sametz and Andrew Reed Miller. The work reflects Miller’s musical heritage and explores the fusion of different traditions. Notable pieces include “Clair de Lune” and “What a Wonderful World.”

Steven Bernstein’s “ResoNation Trio” features a chordless trio with bass and drums, exploring improvised experimental music. The album includes a second work by producer Scotty Hard, transforming the sessions into “Ultra Resonance,” which embraces Avant-garde creativity. Together, they offer a unique musical journey on one compact disc.

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The Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band, a sixteen-member ensemble primarily of Native and Indigenous musicians, showcases original compositions influenced by tribal histories and storytelling in their debut album, “Incarnadine.” Led by vocalist Julia Keefe, the band blends jazz with Native American culture, featuring diverse influences and genres, including hip hop.

Rich Willey’s album “Laid Back Vol. 1” features a lively mix of jazz styles, highlighting John Swana on the Electronic Valve Instrument. The album includes danceable tracks like “Laid Back (Night Life)” and showcases Willey’s talents as a composer and educator. Each song encompasses influences from reggae, blues, and contemporary jazz.

Christopher Sánchez’s album “Latin Jazz Meets Opera” reflects his personal journey through music, blending elements of Caribbean culture, jazz, and opera. While he showcases his operatic training, his interpretations of jazz lack emotional freedom. His cultural roots shine in Spanish songs, but classical pieces feel misaligned within the project.

Jared Hall’s album “Hometown” features original compositions celebrating his roots and past experiences. With an all-star band, the album showcases a range of styles, from swinging bebop to waltzes. Notable tracks include “Step by Step” and a waltz arrangement of “Little B’s Poem.” Hall’s return to teaching promises to inspire future musicians.

Phillip Golub’s album “Partisan Ship” features experimental music that transports listeners into a cosmic adventure. The opening track combines electronic loops with jazzy clarinet solos, creating immersive soundscapes. Each piece explores diverse instrument interactions, enhanced by striking album artwork. This collection is a must-have for experimental music enthusiasts.

Richard Baratta’s album “Another Kind of Bird” features inventive arrangements of Charlie Parker classics, showcasing a talented ensemble of musicians. Highlights include dynamic performances on tracks like “Donna Lee” and “Embraceable You,” blending post-bop jazz with a Latin flair. Baratta’s creative drumming and collaboration with pianist Bill O’Connell deliver a fresh tribute to Parker’s legacy.

The James McGowan Ensemble’s album “Threads of Fate” merges classical, orchestral, and theatrical elements, featuring original compositions intertwined with poetry reflecting Greek mythology. While some tracks touch on jazz, the album lacks improvisational spontaneity typical of the genre. Overall, it functions more as a soundtrack for theatrical presentations.

Gergana Velinova’s album “Free” blends her Bulgarian and Canadian roots with Brazilian music, showcasing her heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies. The ten original tracks reflect her journey as a new mom and a recent Canadian citizen. Collaborating with talented musicians, Velinova’s work emanates positivity and emotional depth, highlighting her artistic talent.

The David Janeway Trio’s album, recorded live at Blue Llama, features inventive renditions of jazz standards and original compositions, showcasing Janeway’s piano skills alongside Robert Hurst and Billy Hart. Influenced by Detroit’s jazz legacy, Janeway balances his careers as a pianist and psychiatrist, emphasizing community and emotional connection in both fields.

Jeff Hamilton’s trio, featuring pianist Tadataka Unno and bassist Jon Hamer, releases their album “A New Chapter” on RMI Records. Known for his drumming mastery, Hamilton showcases a mix of original compositions, blending talent and experience. The album highlights Unno’s virtuosity and resilience, delivering an engaging jazz experience.

Sergio Pereira’s album “Colors of Time” merges Brazilian music with international jazz influences. Born in Rio, he later moved to New York, expanding his musicality. The album features eight original tracks, including a collaboration on “Dreams.” Pereira’s compositions evoke hope and balance in a chaotic world, showcasing an array of talented musicians.

Ben Markley’s Big Band’s album features original compositions by Markley and arrangements of pieces by Cedar Walton and Thelonious Monk. With a talented core group of Colorado musicians, the album showcases energetic performances, including vibrant solos and innovative arrangements, marking a significant evolution in Markley’s musical journey as a composer and arranger.

John Beasley collaborates with the SWR Big Band on “Invisible Piano,” an innovative album inspired by art. With a focus on technology and creativity, Beasley reinterprets music through his Steinway Spirio piano. The project features unique orchestrations, including covers of “Can’t Hide Love” and “Fire and Rain.”

The Joe Syrian Motor City Jazz Octet’s album “A Blue Time” showcases creative jazz arrangements blending various genres. Highlights include Carl Maraghi’s solos, Paul Bollenback’s innovative guitar, and a range of special guest contributions. The music features refreshing rhythms and unexpected twists, offering a fresh perspective on familiar tunes.

Lawrence Udeigwe’s album “Four Lemmas” merges music with mathematical concepts, showcasing his diverse background as a Nigerian composer and mathematician. The eight-track suite features rich jazz elements, poetry, and vocals, with standout pieces like “I Don’t Care.” Udeigwe explores themes of identity while fusing world music and cultural influences.

Warren Wolf, a talented Baltimore-born vibraphonist, showcases his skills in his new album “Smoove Vibes,” blending traditional jazz, R&B, and smooth jazz. Recorded in his basement studio, the album features various instruments and collaborations. Notable tracks include “Fabrica” and a fresh take on “Take Five,” highlighting Wolf’s exceptional musicianship.

Champian Fulton’s album “House Party” showcases her vibrant piano and vocal talent, blending classic jazz standards with dynamic arrangements. Accompanied by skilled musicians, the album radiates joy and spontaneity, capturing the essence of a warm gathering. This marks Fulton’s 20th release, highlighting her journey from childhood jazz prodigy to polished artist.

“Les Poles Volume 1,” by the Alexis Martin Ensemble, features an array of talented Quebec musicians, blending contemporary jazz and cinematic influences. The album captures personal memories and themes of transformation, aiming to provide listeners with a soothing inner journey. However, the booklet’s small font detracts from acknowledging the artists’ contributions.

Marcus Goldhaber’s album “The Promise of You” marks his return after nearly a decade, following his work at Harlem’s Speakeasy Jazz Club. Featuring six original songs and six classics, the album showcases Goldhaber’s smooth vocals and lyrical prowess. His original compositions stand out, reflecting his growth as a songwriter.

Kristen Mather de Andrade’s album “Sem Fim” blends Brazilian culture with jazz and classical music, showcasing her clarinet and enchanting vocals. While the album’s design is criticized for being unreadable, the music is praised for its beauty and creativity. Mather de Andrade aims to reinterpret timeless traditions, creating an engaging listening experience.

Bobby Sanabria’s Multiverse Big Band album, “Arsenio and Beyond,” celebrates the influence of Cuban composer Arsenio Rodriguez on modern music genres like salsa and Afro-Cuban jazz. The live performance captivates with vibrant arrangements, featuring solos by talented musicians. This album honors Rodriguez’s legacy while showcasing the Big Band’s energetic interpretations, inviting listeners to dance.

The Jazzlab Orchestra’s “Glissement du Temps” showcases two decades of their contemporary jazz legacy in Quebec. Featuring ten original pieces, the project highlights contributions from various musicians, including drummer Michel Lambert and pianist Francois Bourassa. Each composition offers a unique emotional journey, blending dynamic orchestration with rich melodies.

Ben Wendel’s album “BaRcoDe” showcases innovative modern jazz, blending tenor saxophone with a unique ensemble of vibraphones and EFX. Influenced by Indonesian folk, the sound merges electronic experimentation with traditional jazz elements. Recorded in Brooklyn, this album features skilled artists, promising an award-winning auditory experience.

Pete Mills’ album “This Is Now” features his dynamic tenor saxophone performance alongside a talented quartet. Inspired by personal experiences and collaborations, the album includes original compositions like “This is Now” and “3 Kisses.” Each track showcases the ensemble’s skill, particularly highlighting Mills and pianist Kenny Banks Jr.’s synergy.

Barry Greene’s “Giants” is a tribute album featuring talented musicians like Pat Bianchi and Ulysses Owens Jr. The album showcases jazz guitar blending with organ, celebrating influences like Wes Montgomery and Grant Green. It offers a dynamic mix of original and classic tunes, highlighting Greene’s exceptional skills and musical roots.

Alister Spence’s album “Always Ever” features a collection of sixteen experimental, improvised piano compositions highlighting his unique approach to the instrument. With a focus on sound exploration and artistic accidents, Spence challenges conventional playing, resulting in rich textures and surprising tones. This marks his first solo album in a four-decade career.