jazz

Sara Serpa’s album “Encounters & Collisions” presents intimate music rooted in her autobiographical experiences, exploring themes of migration, motherhood, and art. With a blend of original compositions and spoken word, she shares her journey of adapting to new cultures. The project highlights her multifaceted talents as a vocalist, composer, and visual artist.

Art Hirahara’s album “Good Company” features a unique trio with guitarist Paul Bollenbeck and trumpeter Ron Horton, showcasing their individual compositions alongside influential covers. This collaboration defies the myth of conflict between piano and guitar, offering a captivating mix of textures and tempos that highlights the musicians’ extensive jazz backgrounds.

Ben Solomon’s debut album “Echolocation” features original jazz compositions inspired by Coltrane and Davis. Collaborating with talented musicians Davis Whitfield, Rashaan Carter, and Kush Abadey, Solomon’s tenor saxophone reflects and enhances the musical flow. The album, part of Giant Step Arts, showcases a modern take on jazz roots while spotlighting Solomon’s compositional skill.

Sivan Arbel’s album “Oneness” responds to societal divisions with original songs that blend Indian classical music and contemporary pop. Collaborating with bansuri master Jay Gandhi, Arbel’s sound reflects her curiosity about cultures. While aiming for unity through music, some critics argue her work lacks the jazz roots seen in legendary vocalists.

Lisa Hilton’s latest album, “Lucky All Along,” features a talented quartet and emphasizes cool jazz alongside impressionist art influences. With nine originals and three covers, the album showcases Hilton’s improvisational skills and diverse inspirations, including Miles Davis and Lana Del Rey. It highlights the group’s collective talent, maintaining a bluesy essence throughout.

John Nau, a veteran keyboardist and producer, returns to Posi-Tone with his project Four Corners, celebrating the label’s 30th anniversary. The album features a core group and 21 accompanying musicians, with a five-part suite reflecting his family experiences. The music combines personal narratives with varied instrumentation, demonstrating Nau’s unique, cinematic style.

The Gardyn Jazz Orchestra’s new album, inspired by Von C. Brewing Company’s beers, features compositions by Jon C. Gardner. Each lively track showcases the band’s talent, blending jazz with celebratory elements. Notable pieces include “Dinero de Sangré” and “By the Stoney Creek,” both rich in melody and rhythm, promising an engaging listening experience.

Duck Baker, a distinguished fingerstyle guitarist, showcases his mastery in “Breakdown Lane – Free Solos & Duos 1976-1998.” This collection features fourteen solo tracks and two duo pieces, blending genres like jazz, country, and blues. Despite being overshadowed by contemporaries, his avant-garde approach defines his unique sound, inviting listeners to explore his extensive catalog.

Paul Kendall’s holiday album features the baritone saxophone, showcasing beautifully rendered Christmas classics alongside pianist George Grund. Kendall, who repaired vintage saxophones himself, highlights the nuances of his instruments. The album combines simplicity with beauty, fully supporting the talents of both musicians, creating a joyful and memorable listening experience.

Ben Goldberg, Todd Sickafoose, and Scott Amendola collaborate in their trio recording “Here to There,” blending clarinet, bass, and electronics. This innovative work reinterprets Monk’s compositions, generating unique pieces while maintaining an experimental yet relaxed atmosphere. The album highlights intricate interplay and showcases each musician’s creativity across various compositions.

Guitarist Davy Mooney and drummer Ko Omura return with their album, The Word, featuring compositions that highlight their contrasting styles. Mooney’s pieces are darker and structured, while Omura’s are warm and free, incorporating Indian music influences. Collaborating with talented musicians, they create melodic and textured compositions that explore diverse musical landscapes.

Darryl Yokley’s album “Un Mundo En Soledad” celebrates Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s novel “Cien Anos de Soledad” through jazz and Latin music. Featuring talented musicians, the work highlights Yokley’s unique cultural heritage. The album combines original compositions with vibrant arrangements, showcasing the camaraderie and musical prowess of the ensemble.

“Taking Turns” is an archival album featuring notable musicians like Jacob Bro and Lee Konitz, recorded in 2014. It emphasizes atmospheric sounds, showcasing Bro’s compositions and including influences from Paul Motian. The music flows seamlessly, creating a beautiful soundscape that invites listeners to immerse themselves for a tranquil experience.

Ambient Monkeys, a Nashville duo featuring Denny Jiosa and Michael Moryc, incorporates the innovative RAV Vast tongue drum into their engaging music. Their album “Ephemeral Being” showcases a blend of smooth jazz and adult contemporary styles, with each track offering unique rhythms and melodies. Moryc, a veteran, utilizes this instrument due to nerve damage from service.

Mon David’s sixth album, “DNA Continuum,” features eleven songs showcasing his jazz roots. Following his early successes, including wins and notable performances, he returned to jazz after exploring pop music. Collaborating with pianist Josh Nelson, the album highlights creativity and emotional depth, featuring original compositions and interpretations of classic tunes.

Rick Braun’s latest holiday album, “It’s Christmas,” is a vibrant collection of jazz interpretations featuring a broad range of styles. Following previous projects, it includes arrangements of traditional songs and original tracks, showcasing Braun’s talent on multiple instruments. The album aims to invoke a spirited holiday atmosphere.

Entre Amigos is a jazz supergroup featuring Roy McGrath, Hana Fujisaki, Kitt Lyles, and Gustavo Cortiñas, whose self-titled debut album emphasizes spontaneous improvisation and composition. With influences from hard bop and Latin music, the quartet showcases their skills through introspective pieces, marked by emotional depth and impressive musicianship. A sequel is anticipated in 2025.

Full Cream is a jazz quartet featuring Greg Ward, Ziv Ravitz, Matthew Stevens, and Leo Genovese, formed from a combination of chance and planning. Their debut recording showcases inventive compositions blending various instruments and styles. Each member contributes unique soundscapes, resulting in an engaging mix of experimental and melodic pieces.

The album “Three Visitors” by Scott Colley, Edward Simon, and Brian Blade showcases their deep musical connection over three decades. Opening with Simon’s “Nostalgia,” the work features various vocalists and instrumentalists, exploring themes of visitation and influence from jazz icons. The production combines tranquility with inspiring musical dialogue.

Bassist Joe Fonda’s album “Eyes on the Horizon” honors his mentor, trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith, featuring pianist Satoko Fujii and drummer Tiziano Tomoni. Composed with Wadada’s style in mind, the pieces blend improvisation with structured ensemble passages, showcasing emotional solos and deep collaboration. The work demonstrates their rich musical histories and enduring connections.

Marie Goudy’s “Paloma Sky” features a jazz/pop quintet, showcasing her compositions and arrangements. The album blends contemporary jazz with pop influences, including notable tracks like “Cardinal in the Snow” and “Her Glory.” With strong vocals from Jocelyn Barth and impressive trumpet solos from Goudy, it highlights Goudy’s jazz roots while leaning towards pop.

Angell & Crane’s album “For the Living and the Dead” showcases a blend of indie rock, jazz, and experimental music through improvisation. Comprised of Simon Angell and Tommy Crane, their dynamic duo creates an energetic soundscapes featuring guitar, drums, and synthesizers, complemented by vocalist Sarah Rossy on select tracks.

Bill Evans’ “In Norway – The Kongsberg Concert” showcases a previously unreleased live performance from June 26, 1970. Featuring Evans on piano, Eddie Gomez on bass, and Marty Morell on drums, the trio delivers captivating arrangements and improvisations. The concert encapsulates their creative synergy, with thoughtful insight from Evans on the event’s significance.

The album “CARN DAVIDSON 9” showcases the collaborative work of musicians led by William Carn and Tara Davidson, emphasizing original compositions without chordal instruments. Notable tracks include “Fire” with Dick Oatts and the Latin-influenced Pan-American Suite. Despite minor sound engineering issues, the ensemble delivers enthusiastic performances celebrated for their horn arrangements.

The collaboration “United” features bassist Dave Holland and guitarist Lionel Loueke, linked through Herbie Hancock. Despite their different backgrounds, they create a potent musical connection. The album comprises eleven tracks blending West African influences and inventive percussive guitar. The result is a mesmerizing experience that emphasizes music’s unifying power.

Art Baden’s album, “How Much of it is Real?”, features a talented ensemble that includes tenor saxophonist Baden, bassist Jay Anderson, drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts, and vibraphonist Joe Locke. The compositions explore themes of life cycles and emotional challenges stemming from personal losses, with tracks like “Chaotic Neutral” and “Animal Intelligence” showcasing deep creativity during turbulent times.

Phil Haynes’ trio, Duke & Strays, showcases their latest album, Day Dream, blending traditional jazz with modernist elements of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Featuring a mix of well-known and obscure tracks, the trio’s unique style combines playful spontaneity with delicate interpretations, highlighting resilience and artistry from its seasoned members.

Diana Panton’s “Soft Winds and Roses” features her smooth vocals covering pop classics. With a blend of familiar tunes like “Your Song” and intimate arrangements, she showcases her emotional depth. Despite being labeled a jazz singer, her repertoire leans towards pop, reflecting her strong fan base and numerous accolades.

Andrew Hill Sextet Plus Ten’s “A Beautiful Day, Revisited” showcases Andrew Hill’s genius through enhanced live recordings from his Birdland performances in 2002. The double disc features original compositions and improvisational depth, highlighting Hill’s legacy in modern jazz and his exceptional skills as a composer and pianist.

Kristin Korb’s album “Sweet Dreams” creatively reinterprets Eurythmics’ songs through jazz arrangements, showcasing her talents as a bassist, vocalist, and arranger. Drawing inspiration from fan favorites and Eurythmics’ catalog, Korb transforms iconic tracks into captivating jazz pieces, celebrating both the original music and her own artistry in a male-dominated genre.