M.T.B. Quintet (Mehldau / Turner / Bernstein) : Solid Jackson
They say : When eminent jazz practitioners with shared histories convene in the studio without rehearsal or preparatory gigs, a perfunctory, by-the-numbers session is often the outcome. That is decidedly not the case on Solid Jackson, whose personnel, four of whom participated on the well-wrought day-after-Christmas of 1994 Criss Cross album titled Consenting Adults, reside in any hardcore jazz connoisseur’s “top-five.” This second gathering of M.T.B. (titled for the surnames of Brad Mehldau, Mark Turner and Peter Bernstein, and to signify upon the late ’80s “young lion” band OTB) is an intense, focused recital that reinforces the exalted position each member holds in the 2024 jazz landscape. Everyone listens. No one overplays or goes for “house.” The ambiance is one of concentrated excellence. (Criss Cross Jazz 1423 CD)
MacDonald, Doug : and the Coachella Valley Trío Live at The Rancho Mirage Library
They say : Live At The Rancho Mirage Library, the latest recording by the brilliant guitarist Doug MacDonald, puts the focus on his playing with his trio. A master of straight ahead jazz, MacDonald performs fresh and lively versions of ten jazz standards. (Dmac Music DM26)
Malia: One Grass Skirt To London
They say : An 8,200-kilometer journey from Malawi to London, where Malia emigrated to as a teenager. A geographical and temporal journey but also musical. Though most of all, a sentimental one, the 14 songs are so precious to her because of the memories they contain. Almost all are taken from film soundtracks (MPS – 219101MS1 )
Markley, Ben: Our Walk Live At Nocturne
They say : Our Walk: Live at Nocturne, Markley’s newest album of all original compositions, is a live document without overdubs or studio edits of the conclusion of his band’s stay at Nocturne. (Independent release)
Marsalis, Delfeayo: Crescent City Jewels
They say : Trombonist and composer Delfeayo Marsalis is looking to spread some joy New Orleans-style. Crescent City Jewels, the trombonist/composer’s latest album with his Uptown Jazz Orchestra is an ode to undersung heroes. The big band session features vocalist Tonya Boyd-Cannon and special guests that include big brother saxophonist Branford Marsalis. (Troubadour Jass)
Masters, Mark: Sui Generis
They say : Composer/arranger Mark Masters presents a cycle of nine original compositions designed as feature vehicles for master trumpeter Tim Hagans. The ensemble includes Hagans, saxophonists Nicole McCabe and Jerry Pinter, trombonist, French Horn player John Dickson, pianist Jeff Colella, bassist Chris Colangelo and drummer Kendall Kay. (Capri Records)
McCreeth, Sue: Low Slow Blue
They say : Jazz vocalist Sue McCreeth announces the release of Low Slow Blue. This album showcases McCreeth’s carefully curated collection of tracks from her 23-year career. All tracks have been remastered, revealing a previously unheard side of her voice that some will compare to the sounds of great jazz vocalists. (33 Jazz Records)
McMurray, Grey: Crying At Breakfast
They say : Crying At Breakfast is the follow-up to Grey Mcmurrary’s 2019 Stay Awake, and showcases the more avant-garde jazz leaning side of his compositional style. Heartbreaking songs exploring a sonic universe all Mcmurray’s own, with the help of Matt Mitchell – piano, Clarice Jensen – cello, Ted Poor – drums, Shahzad Ismaily, and more. (figureeight/OOYH 001)
Meitz, Volker: Nine Duos
They say : Keyboarder Volker Meitz meets nine well-known Berlin greats from the free ends of jazz and contemporary music for a series of duos. Meitz’ continuous synthesizer part morphs from melodious rhythms to completely amorphous noise and back again, one by one joined by Taiko Saito, Eric Schaefer, Silke Eberhard, Kalle Kalima, Lucy Railton, Almut Kühne, Susanne Fröhlich, Matthias Müller and Kent Evans. (Trouble In The East – TITE REC033)
Mendes, Sergio: Bossa Nova York
They say : Nothing. (Jazz Samba 709124 LP)
Mendes, Sergio & Bossa Rio: Voce Ainda Nao Ouviu Nada
They say : Nothing. (Jazz Samba 709123 LP)
Micus, Stephan : To the Rising Moon
They say : “To the Rising Moon” is Stephan Micus’ 26th solo album for ECM. It features instruments from India, China, Bavaria, Cambodia, Egypt and Borneo, but taking centre stage is the sunny plucked sound of the Colombian tiple. Once again, Stephan Micus takes us on a unique musical journey that couldn’t have been created by anyone else. (ECM Records 6592131)
Mito, Yuka: How Deep is the Ocean
They say : The popular NYC based jazz singer Yuka Mito performs seven standards on How Deep Is The Ocean. Her enthusiasm and the accompaniment by her trio are quite infectious (Nana Notes Records)
Montgomery, Wes & Cannonball Adderley: The Poll Winners
They say : Nothing. (20th Century Masterworks 350273 LP)
Moses Yoofee Trio : MYT
They say : Berlin-based Moses Yoofee Trio who bridge the worlds of classic hip hop, jazz and soul with a sound that references the likes of Robert Glasper, Radiohead, Yussef Kamaal, J Dilla, Madlib. New album out via Nils Frahm’s LEITER label (Leiter)
Moskus + Brunvoll, Mari Kvein & Urheim, Stein: Barefoot in Bryophyte
They say : Starting as a commissioned work for Voss Jazz Festival this combination of composition and improvisation was an audience and critical favourite in 2023. The album was ecorded at the Duper Studio in Bergen with Jørgen Træn as engineer and co-producer. (Hubro HUBROLP3663)
Most, Sam: Sextettes 1952-1954
They say : Sam Most (fl, cl), Doug Mettome (tp), Urbie Green (tb), Marty Flax (bs), Dick Hyman, Bob Dorough, Bill Triglia (p), Chuck Wayne, Barry Galbraith (g), Clyde Lombardi, Percy Heath, Aaron Bell (b), Jackie Moffett, Louis Bellson, Bobby Donaldson (d) (Fresh Sound Records FSRCD 1155)
Møster, Kjetil: Springs
They say : The compositions are all by saxophonist and band leader Kjetil Møster. Built on the same foundation as earlier; an amalgam of 1960’s/1970’s modal acoustic and electric jazz and 1970’s experimental rock. The band also includes Elephant9 bassist Nikolai Hængsle, Motorpsycho guitarist Hans Magnus ‘Snah’ Ryan and Spidergawd drummer Kenneth Kapstad. (Action Jazz AJ003)
Muir, John Paul: Home Now
They say : Home Now showcases Muir’s unique compositional style, in a set of five pieces with expressive playing of both delicate beauty and overflowing ecstasy. The first three tracks are very much a collaboration of adept and captivating composition, combined with beautifully coherent lyricism by the writer and neuroscientist Anjali Bhat. The juxtaposition and symbiosis between these disciplines shine through and compliment each other perfectly, providing an aural experience that is equally as intriguing as it is enjoyable. (Ubuntu Music UBU0178)
Musayelyan, Yulia: Strange Times
They say : Strange Times is a contemplative release that showcases Yulia Musayelyan’s prowess as a performer and her depths of creativity as an arranger with her masterful blends of specific Latin American folk traditions, especially those of Argentina, and modern jazz aesthetics. (Wherego Music)
Myhr, Helga; Orning, Tanja: Klangkorpus
They say : When two become one. Helga Myhr’s Hardanger fiddle and Tanja Orning’s cello meet in convincing improvisations, with soulful musicality. Cellist Tanja Orning is one of Norwegian contemporary music’s foremost figures, and Helga Myhr has been recognized for her innovative use of the Hardanger fiddle in modern jazz and folk-pop. (Motvind Records MOT30)
Nakano, Koki: Ululō
They say : Koki Nakano’s fourth album, “Ululō,” set for release on October 25th, explores deep emotions through a blend of piano and modern vocals. The title, meaning “Howl” or “Cry” in Latin, reflects Nakano’s childhood longing and realization of his limitations. Featuring UK rapper Jordy and vocalists WAYNE SNOW and Yael Naim, the album fuses classical piano with contemporary sounds. It offers a blend of emotional simplicity and sonic depth, combining frustration with romance, beauty, and light. (NØ FØRMAT!)
Nano Brothers: Ascend Flowers
They say : Cologne-based musicians, pianist Jürgen Friedrich and sax player, Johannes Ludwig, who specialise in their own strangely engaging jazz improvisations. ‘Ascend Flowers’ is their second album together, following ‘Echtzeit’ (Float Music 2015), although they have both regularly recorded and perfomed in other groups and line-ups. (Klaeng Records)
Nawashiro, Taka: Lifescape
They say : Taka Nawashiro is an up-and-coming guitarist based in New York after graduating from The New School University and is currently active in Japan. (UMG)
Nebbia, Camila / Angelica Sanchez: In another land, another dream
They say : Camila Nebbia and Angelica Sanchez form a remarkable duo with an immediate affinity that is truly striking. Sanchez’s austere lyricism beautifully complements Nebbia’s highly expressive language, resulting in duets that showcase their creative and profoundly interactive nature. (Relative Pitch Records RPR1208)
Neset, Marius; Andsnes, Leif Ove: Who We Are
They say : Debut recording of collaboration between jazz saxophonist and classical pianist. On some of the tracks the duo are joined by cellist Louisa Tuck and flautist Ingrid Neset (sister of Marius). Recorded at Rainbow Studios, Oslo, the album will be released on CD, LP, and digitally (including Dolby Atmos) (Simax PSC1401)
Neumeister, Ed: Covers
They say : Covers, takes the listener on a trip through familiar tunes that resonated from his youth – five by the Beatles, two by Led Zeppelin, one made famous by Otis Redding and another just hatched only a few years ago by Taylor Swift. (Meistero Music Records)
Nikara presents Black Wall Street: The Queen of Kings County
They say : The Queen of Kings County utilizes a curation of original compositions and eclectic arrangements to explore the rich depth of Black American Music, from Brooklyn’s Caribbean heritage to the voices of icons such as Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, and Curtis Mayfield. (Switch Hit Records)
Nilsson, Elsa : Atlas Of Sound – Quila Quina -40°17’38.21”N, -71°45’68.48”S
They say : Atlas of Sound series captures the essence of Quila Quina, a serene location in Patagonia. Through their collaboration, Nilsson and Leibson craft an album that intertwines music, poetry, and the natural world, drawing listeners into the landscapes they inhabit. (ears&eyes)
Noonan Trio: Inherit a Memory
They say : The Noonan Trio’s Inherit a Memory pushes musical boundaries, blending new music, free improvisation, and rhythmic storytelling. Influenced by Dr. Rupert Sheldrake’s Theory of Morphic Resonance, and the works of Zappa, Nancarrow, and Milford Graves, it features Sean Noonan, pianist Matthew Bourne, and bassist Michael Bardon in a radical sonic exploration. (Neuma 214)
Nordsnø Ensemble feat. Kit Downes: ett omaka par
They say : Award-winning German octet Nordsnø Ensemble have come to be known for their stark combination of Scandinavian folklore and boundary-pushing contemporary jazz. Joining forces with Mercury Prize nominated UK pianist Kit Downes, their third album takes listeners on a conceptual journey through the interplay of opposites: fantasy and reality, belief and doubt. (stssts records)
Nyberg, Lina: Lost in the stars
They say : Lina Nyberg is one of Sweden’s foremost singers and composers. This is her 24th album, a tribute to Kurt Weill. Includes Linas original music as well as Weill songs. With pianist Daniel Karlsson, bassist Mauritz Agnas, drummer Peter Danemo, Hildegunn Øiseth trumpet/goathorn and Fredrik Ljungkvist saxophones L adds her blend of avant jazz, improv and arranging to Weills legacy. (Hoob records HOOBLP(CD)119)
O’Higgins, Dave; Fowler, Luke; Pod, Billy: 4 in 1
They say : Monkin’ Around is a new trio featuring saxophonist Dave O’Higgins, bassist Luke Fowler and drummer Billy Pod. Their debut recording, 4 in 1, presents an innovative exploration of Thelonious Monk’s repertoire. The addition of pianist Sean Fyfe and trumpeter Martin Shaw on selected tracks offers listeners four distinct ensemble formats within one album. (Ubuntu Music – UBU179)
Occasional Quintet: Recording Rites
They say : Real time free improvisation from this atmospheric West Country quintet of Sam Richards – piano / Ric White – tenor saxophone, EWI, electronics / Eliza Jacobs – electric cello / Roger Hall – double bass, symphonic gong, percussion / Steve Day – drums, percussion, bowed cymbals (Discus 184CD)
Okazaki, Miles: Miniature America
They say : Available July 19th, 2024 via Cygnus Recordings, the album offers a serpentine journey through a sonic landscape created by Okazaki using radical studio techniques and material improvised by Matt Mitchell, Jen Shyu, Anna Webber, Jacob Garchik, Fay Victor, Jon Irabagon, Ganavya, Caroline Davis, and Patricia Brennan. (Cygnus Recordings)
Osachuk, Ilya: The Answer
They say : Ilya Osachuk’s debut album The Answer is a compelling and beautiful recording from one of the top new bassists in the North American jazz scene. Though Osachuk’s first release, it is a triumph for the young musician, featured as a performer, composer, arranger, and producer on it. He has created an album grounded in the jazz tradition while proving himself to be a unique voice within it. (Independent release)
Oslender, Simon w/ Will Lee and Steve Gadd: All That Matters
They say : “All That Matters” picks up where keyboardist Simon Oslender’s roots are: R&B, jazz, blues, soul and funk. Joined by two musical legends, drummer Steve Gadd and bassist Will Lee (plus at various points guitarist Bruno Müller, alto saxophonist Jakob Manz and trombonist extraordinaire Nils Landgren), the album showcases his superb Hammond B3 organ playing. (Leopard CD31453)
OTOOTO: 2nd Quake
They say : Comprising some of Denmark’s most prominent young musicians, Copenhagen’s trailblazing neo-jazz quintet OTOOTO refer to their innovative blend of jazz tradition and modern indie-pop as ‘homeshake meets the jazz messengers’. (April Records APR133)
Otto Kintet: Wildernis
They say : Belgian bass player-composer, Otto Kint, leads his own quintet, Otto Kintet, on this 3rd album of jazz, with elements of world, pop and classical – with improvisation, unusual time-signatures, etc. He has played on many albums, with many bands (including the world-jazz trio 3’Ain) and at many venues. (Choux de Bruxelles)
Out Of/Into: Motion I
They say : Blue Note Records is set to release the debut album from Out Of/Into, the collective formerly known as The Blue Note Quintet, which features pianist Gerald Clayton, alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, vibraphonist Joel Ross, drummer Kendrick Scott, and bassist Matt Brewer. (Blue Note Records )
Oz Noy Quartet: Fun One
They say : Some might think that guitarist Oz Noy, a celebrated voice in jazz-fusion over the last quarter century for applying his formidable guitar chops to funky rhythms and blues-based changes on 13 leader albums and hundreds of plugged-in concert performances, is not an obvious fit for Criss Cross, whose 420+-album catalog connects almost exclusively to the various tributaries of the hardcore acoustic jazz river. (Criss Cross Jazz 1422 CD)
