Jazz CD Review

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.

Dave Stryker’s album “Blue Fire” features an energizing guitar and organ trio sound with Jared Gold and McClenty Hunter. Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder’s studio, it includes original compositions and clever arrangements of standards. Stryker’s passion for music and collaboration shines, marking yet another exciting addition to his discography.

Vincent Peirani’s album “Living Being IV: Time Reflections” showcases his quintet’s unique blend of accordion jazz, featuring original compositions and a medley titled “Bremain Suite.” This suite incorporates rock and pop songs by artists like David Bowie and Queen. The review highlights Peirani’s innovative style, though notes occasional repetitiveness.

Wanees Zarour’s album “Silwan” showcases his Palestinian heritage through a fusion of Middle Eastern music and jazz. As the composer and arranger, he leads the East Loop ensemble, blending traditional sounds with modern improvisation. The album highlights cultural themes, with tracks like “Lifta” honoring historical resilience and “Festival” celebrating joy.

David Bode’s album “Good Hang,” reflecting his roots in New Orleans music, features a 19-piece big band. With arrangements inspired by John Coltrane and original compositions, the recording celebrates resilience post-Hurricane Katrina. Bode, a saxophonist and band leader, integrates diverse influences, showcasing a vibrant mix of jazz styles.

Eshaan Sood is a native of New Delhi, India.  He was a graphic artist and creatively, he wanted to write graphic novels. Fate had other plans.  In 2015, Sood and his roommate began a journey, taking a drive seven-hours to Puducherry to enjoy a country-wide festival.  They were in a horrendous accident just twenty minutes from their home.  The accident caused severe facial trauma and left Sood blind.

Rafael Enciso’s debut album “Crossfade” features original compositions that seamlessly blend like nature’s seasons. Produced by Dayna Stephens, the album showcases Enciso’s creative bass work alongside talented musicians. Highlights include captivating saxophone solos and dynamic drumming. The album promises surprises, showcasing Enciso’s potential as a skilled bassist and composer.

ZurHub, formed in 2017 by Mattan Klein and Ezequiel Hezi Jait, blends Brazilian rhythms with jazz harmonies in their album. The quintet showcases an innovative sound influenced by genres such as Israeli folk and European classical music. Notable tracks include “Social Trust” and “Feliz,” highlighting their cultural fusion.

Francesca Prihasti’s debut album “Beneath the Sun” features seven original contemporary jazz compositions, blending piano with electronics. Reflecting on personal themes like motherhood and the pandemic, she explores truth and connection. While showcasing technical skill, her improvisational style needs development. The album, releasing January 16, 2026, promises a bright future.

Brandon Sanders, a late-starting drummer and composer, releases his latest jazz album, “Lasting Impression,” showcasing talented musicians like Warren Wolf and Jazzmeia Horn. Raised in a musical environment, Sanders aims to connect through his art, blending energy and warmth in his compositions. He praises producer Willie Jones III for his support.

Rick Roe’s “Wake Up Call,” featuring the music of Gregg Hill, showcases Roe’s unique arrangements of Hill’s compositions, alongside a talented quartet. With influences from Detroit’s jazz scene, Roe reimagines pieces through varied tempos and styles, emphasizing blues and post-bop elements, resulting in a vibrant, engaging album without any ballads.

Bijan Taghavi’s album “Cactus Sessions” showcases his exceptional solo piano skills, blending emotion and technique through cherished jazz standards. Notably influenced by mentors, Taghavi emphasizes the importance of resilience and musical growth. His mastery is evident in his rich sound, improvisations, and impeccable timing, making this album a captivating experience.

“Painting the Dream” is an artful jazz album by John Gunther featuring Dawn Clement and Dru Heller. With beautiful compositions and unique vocal additions, the trio creates rich musical textures. Gunther’s woodwind solos and Clement’s imaginative improvisations add depth, while Heller maintains rhythmic creativity. A captivating auditory experience.

Bassist Rafael Enciso’s debut album, Crossfade, features his quartet blending harmonically rich sounds influenced by his Ithaca upbringing. Produced by Dayna Stephens, its tracks explore the interplay of past and present through melodies and rhythms, creating an intriguing, relaxing listening experience. Enciso emerges as a visionary composer with this cohesive collection.

“Convergence” is Colorado’s leading modern jazz sextet, featuring original compositions on their album “Reckless Meter.” With standout tracks like “Big Boot” and “Springaling,” the ensemble showcases individual musician excellence within a cohesive group dynamic. The album exemplifies their shared artistic vision and connection in jazz, providing an engaging listening experience.

Gregory Groover Jr.’s sophomore album “Old Knew” features a stellar lineup, including vibraphonist Joel Ross and drummer Kendrick Scott. The album, emphasizing interaction among musicians, navigates themes of agitation and melody within a church-influenced soundscape. Notable tracks pay tribute to Groover’s family, showcasing his growth as a composer and leader.

Drummer Eric McPherson leads a unique “Double Bass Quartet” featuring bassists John Hébert and Ben Street, alongside pianist David Virelles. This innovative project showcases intricate arrangements and improvisation, highlighting the synergy between the musicians. The album offers a blend of creative compositions, including tributes to Andrew Hill and captivating melodies, showcasing McPherson’s exceptional drumming skills.

The Scott Silbert Quartet’s album “Dream Dancing” honors Zoot Sims’s legacy on his upcoming 100th birthday. Featuring Silbert on saxophones, along with Amy Shook, Robert Redd, and Chuck Redd, the album blends familiar jazz tunes with warmth and creativity. Notable pieces include a Brazilian arrangement of “Dream Dancing” and the original “Blues for Louise.”

Kenny Barron’s debut album “Sunset to Dawn,” released on April 2, 1973, marks the beginning of his prolific career. Influenced by jazz greats and his brother Bill, Barron explored various musical styles, incorporating electric piano and showcasing his versatility. The album captures a significant period of artistic growth for the young pianist.

Carl Schultz’s album “The Road to Trantor” features a blend of cinematic compositions for saxophone, flute, and jazz ensemble. Inspired by science fiction themes, Schultz’s music includes dynamic pieces like “Journey” and “Ecumenopolis.” A Pennsylvania native and seasoned educator, he now directs Jazz Studies at Santa Clara University, showcasing a unique artistic vision.

Pianist Lisa Hilton’s 31st album, Extended Daydream, features jazz quintet improvisation with nine originals and two covers, including Miles Davis’s “So What” and Billie Eilish’s “Wildflower.” The album, more melancholic and reflective due to California’s wildfires, explores diverse moods and harmonic depths, calling for optimism amid adversity.

Glenn Crytzer and His Quartet’s upcoming album, “The Songbook Sessions, Vol. 1 – 1920”, features ten songs, with singles released every Friday starting October 3, 2025. The quartet, specializing in Jazz Age and Swing Era music, offers fresh renditions of classic tunes, showcasing their deep musical knowledge and connection to jazz history.

Paul Marinaro’s double album, “Mood Ellington,” showcases 25 Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn songs with inventive arrangements by thirteen respected arrangers. Marinaro’s warm baritone and masterful phrasing evoke deep emotion, creating a seamless tribute. The album’s thoughtful grouping of songs enhances its cohesiveness, marking it as a standout vocal project of the year.

Anthony D’Alessandro’s sophomore album “City Lights” features seven original compositions and reimagined works by James P. Johnson. Collaborating with top Canadian musicians, D’Alessandro’s pieces explore various styles, including swing and Latin influences. Highlights include “Four Minute Mile,” “Oversight,” and a vibrant tribute to Johnson’s classics, showcasing his piano prowess.

The Flying Horse Big Band’s ninth album features composer Jeff Rupert, who leads the ensemble with George Garzone as a notable soloist. The album showcases energetic tracks like “Chasin’ Tail” and a beautiful ballad rendition of “Reflections.” Garzone’s contributions elevate the band’s performance, demonstrating remarkable talent throughout the record.

Harrison Argatoff’s debut album, “Stars, Engines,” features an all-star quartet celebrating nature and jazz. Inspired by childhood memories of stargazing, the album blends improvisational jazz with chamber music influences, showcasing Argatoff’s compositions. Each piece, like “Wishlow” and “Analemma,” highlights individual artistry, creating a meditative musical experience.

Rich Brown’s album “Nyaeba” showcases his innovative solo bass project, employing various electric bass types without looping, creating a warm and organic sound. Each track explores themes of storytelling and personal expression, with rich tonal diversity. Influenced by South African and Brazilian music, Brown conveys deep emotions through his compositions, establishing a unique musical voice.

The live album “Vibrations in the Village: Live at the Village Gate” features Rahsaan Roland Kirk, a blind multi-instrumentalist, recorded in 1963. Despite a film project being abandoned, the taped performances showcase his remarkable talent and interaction with bandmates. Kirk’s innovative style and spirit shine through in this historic jazz release.

Ellen Rowe’s album “Vinton’s Cove,” featuring her quartet with guest vocalist Sunny Wilkinson, is inspired by nature and personal reflection. It showcases five original compositions and inventive renditions of jazz standards, displaying Rowe’s emotional depth and musical versatility. The album promises to enrich any jazz collection with its melodic allure.

Josie Falbo, a seasoned Chicago vocalist, releases her third album, “Kickin’ It,” showcasing her impressive jazz skills over nearly fifty years. Known for her heartfelt performances, she sings in Italian and English, blending classical and pop influences. The album features excellent arrangements and musicians, highlighting her emotional depth and remarkable scat singing.

LOREN SCHOENBERG AND HIS JAZZ ORCHESTRA featuring KATE KORUM & WARREN WOLF SO MANY MEMORIES Turtle Bay Records This album time-travels us back to the 1930s with a 16-track collection of previously unheard arrangements by Eddie Sauter.  He was the man who created respected and popular arrangements for vibraphonist Red Norvo and his wife, singer […]

Raphaël Pannier Quartet’s live performance in Saint Louis, Senegal, merges American jazz with Senegalese Sabar music, drawing inspiration from Doudou N’Diaye Rose. Collaborating with master drummer Khadim Niang, they explore unique rhythms through pieces like “Lonely Woman” and “Take Five.” This innovative blend enriches cultural connections and showcases vibrant musical energy.

“Swinging in the Holidays” is a jazzy musical anthology featuring innovative covers of familiar holiday songs, including “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” and “Winter Wonderland.” Notable artists like Vanessa Perea, Wyatt Michael, and Champian Fulton bring diverse arrangements to life. The collection highlights sixteen festive tracks, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ledisi’s latest album, “For Dinah,” pays tribute to jazz legend Dinah Washington, showcasing her golden voice across genres. Featuring standout performances by Christian McBride and Gregory Porter, the album includes memorable renditions of classic tracks like “What A Difference a Day Makes.” Ledisi’s emotional depth makes this collection a remarkable homage.

Yuhan Su’s “Over the Moons” is her fifth album, featuring original compositions performed by an eight-piece ensemble that blends acoustic jazz and electronics. The album explores dual consciousness, reflecting Su’s Taiwanese and English identities. With innovative use of vibraphone effects, it showcases a balance of chaos and beauty, inviting listeners into her unique sound world.

Chris Rottmayer’s album “Playing Favorites,” featuring Kelsey Wallner, showcases their jazz talents with a blend of familiar standards and original compositions. Rottmayer’s piano artistry complements Wallner’s expressive vocals, while the trio displays musical synergy. Highlights include engaging arrangements of “One Note Samba” and emotional performances, creating an enjoyable intimate jazz experience.

April Varner’s “Winter Songs Vol. 2,” produced by Ulysses Owens Jr., features a talented ensemble and revisits beloved holiday tunes. Showcasing Varner’s crystal-clear vocals and inventive arrangements, the album includes joyful tracks like “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Run Run Rudolph.” This follow-up solidifies her status as a promising jazz vocalist.

Kenny Barron, an 14-time GRAMMY nominee, releases his first vocal album, “Songbook,” featuring 13 original compositions with lyrics by Janice Jarrett. The album showcases collaborations with notable contemporary jazz vocalists such as Cécile McLorin Salvant and Kurt Elling, demonstrating Barron’s artistic evolution in his later career, signaling potential accolades in the Jazz Vocal category.

Maria Corsaro’s album “Love Makes The Changes” showcases her unique fusion of jazz and cabaret. Raised in classical music, Corsaro’s performances feature intricate melodies and emotional storytelling. Collaborating with talented musicians, she delivers captivating renditions of classics, highlighting her vocal range and improvisational skills, appealing to both cabaret and jazz enthusiasts alike.