Abdou, Sakina & Gouband, Toma & Warelis, Marta: Hammer, Roll and Leaf
They say : A free music, playing with the dilution of themes, surveying the idea of a collective game as one would caress a torn canvas, celebrating the idea of a weft sewn of snippets, ashes, echoes and ghosts like a taut thread that binds, stretches and contains multiple stories. (Relative Pitch Records RPR1220)
Agnel, Sophie & Zerang, Michael: Draw Bridge
They say : Sophie Agnel and Michael Zerang are relentless on every surface and in the diving pit of improvisation. You’ve got to hear it to see it to believe it: it’s a water lily drum set in the soundboard of a pond piano. At times, it seems as if a single instrument is being played by two people, with razor-sharp clarity. Alexandre Pierrepont. (Relative Pitch Records RPR1197)
Akinmusire, Ambrose: Honey From A Winter Stone
They say : Nothing. (Nonesuch 0075597905984)
Albero, Marina: A Nomad of Sound
They say : Stylistically, A Nomad of Sound wanders as freely as its creator, delivering contemplative pieces for jazz quintet, a hard-driving Latin number, and a New Orleans style funeral march on which Albero’s fiery keytar excursions conduct a full brass band. Recording sessions took place at New Orleans’ Marigny Studios and Ellis Marsalis Center, where Albero had the honor of playing on the late master’s piano. (self-released)
Alterman, Joe & Houston Person: Brisket For Breakfast
They say : Brisket for Breakfast was recorded at a pair of concerts in Georgia: one at the Breman Museum & Cultural Center in Atlanta and a second a few weeks later at the Savannah Music Festival. Throughout the album, the pair is deftly supported by Alterman’s longtime trio of bassist Kevin Smith and drummer Justin Chesarek, who also joined the pianist for Big Mo & Little Joe. (Joe Alterman Music)
Alves, João: Ëmœn
They say : Nothing. (Jazzego Records (JAZZEGODIG07))
Armstrong, Louis & Dave Brubeck: The Real Ambassadors
They say : Nothing. (Jazz Wax 4640LP LP)
Auguste Quartet (Bédard, Alain): Particules Sonores
They say : For two decades now, Montreal bassist Alain Bédard has helmed his storied AUGUSTE Quartet. After 6 albums and a series of tours that have taken them to every continent on the planet, the band is back with an exciting new album: Particules Sonores. (Effendi FND174))
Ayers, Roy (Ubiquity): Tear To A Smile / Mystic Voyage / Everybody Loves The Sunshine
They say : Five classic Roy Ayers Ubiquity albums in a 3 CD Digipack. Including ‘A Tear To A Smile’, ‘Mystic Voyage’, ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine’, ‘Vibrations’ and ‘Lifeline’. (ROBIN78T)
Baione, Joe: Vibe Check
They say : Nothing. (Independent)
Baker, Chet: Late Night Jazz
They say : Nothing. (Elemental Music 73401 LP)
Bancroft, Phil’s Beautiful Storm: Finding Hope (When All Seems Lost)
They say : Scottish saxophonist Phil Bancroft new trio brings together the consistently creative guitarist Graeme Stephen and Delhi-based tabla master Gyan Singh in music that draws on the musicians Indian and Celtic melodic and rhythmical backgrounds and features improvisations from jazz and non-jazz traditions. (Myriad Streams MYRIAD 005)
Baratta, Richard: Looking Back
They say : As the title suggests, on his fourth album for Savant, drummer-bandleader Richard Baratta takes listeners down a nostalgic road of classic rock and soul recordings from the mid to late 1960’s, and reimagines them in a riveting jazz setting. Baratta’s ace band includes the great GRAMMY nominated pianist-arranger Bill O’Connell, saxophonist Vincent Herring, guitarist Paul Bollenback, bassist Michael Goetz, percussionist Paul Rossman and special guest vocalist Carol Scott. (Savant)
Bass, Luciana: Desatornillándonos
They say : This record has stark aesthetic shifts, going between bluesy and abstract territory. After the first two pieces, which “set the ends of the spectrum”, the others move between these two languages. What’s cool is that this allows you to pay close attention to textural qualities of Luciana’s playing. She gets good snap on her pull offs and picking. There is a personal quality to this record that comes out of the juxtaposition of these sounds. As someone who started with rock music and now improvises, I hear in this music my own joy with the guitar. (Relative Pitch Records RPRSS040)
Batiste, Jon: Beethoven Blues
They say : Marking the first installment in Batiste’s new solo piano series, the project showcases his interpolations of some of Beethoven’s most iconic works, which he has reimagined through an expansive lens. These reimagined classics embody the indomitable spirit of the blues, and – true to Batiste’s “message of open-armed inclusivity” (New York Times) – embrace a broad genre spectrum. (Verve)
Bechet, Sidney: Live in Paris 1952-1958
They say : Sidney Bechet, like Louis Armstrong, was among the greatest musicians of his time and one of the first great jazz soloists. This 3 CD set brings together live recordings of concerts given mainly in Paris between 1952 and 1958, and they capture the very essence of the extraordinary swing this jazz veteran displayed in the fifties. Like a true rock star before his time, Bechet set crowds on fire with his virtuoso skills, his charisma and his contagious fervour. Here we have precious evidence of the tremendous excitement that his concerts aroused, and his music has the same effect today, thanks to his incandescent playing that causes vibrations in every listener. Patrick FRÉMEAUX The Live in Paris collection by Michel Brillié allows listeners to hear previously-unreleased recordings (made at concerts and private or radio-sessions) by the great 20th stars in jazz, rock & roll and song. These “live” takes, and the artists’ rapport with their audiences, gives these performances an additional soul and sensibility in counterpoint to the rigorous demands of studio recordings. Particular care was taken when restoring the sound of these tapes in order to meet CD standards while preserving the original colours of the period. Patrick FRÉMEAUX & Gilles PÉTARD (Frémeaux & Associés (FA5889))
Begley, Nel: Small Flame
They say : Vocalist Nel Begley’s debut solo album, featuring Paul Edis, Harry Brunt, Honey Boulton, Luke Fowler and James Law. Recorded at Red Gable Studios, mixed by Brodie Stewart (Aus). Songs include stardards arranged by Begley and original compositions Spill and Small Flame. (Self Release)
Bell, Eric: Vulnerability
They say : Modern jazz pianist Eric Bell and his trio’s multi-layered, innovative approach on his debut of jazz classics and originals (Self Released)
Ben Ezra, Adam: Heavy Drops
They say : For the past decade, double-bass phenomenon and multi-instrumentalist Adam Ben Ezra has been redefining the double-bass and inspiring thousands around the world with his musicianship and unique approach to the instrument. Joining forces with celebrated drummer Michael Olivera (Alfredo Rodriguez, Richard Bona), Ben Ezra’s upcoming release marks a personal creative departure; a self-produced collection of ten original pieces putting the versatile sound of his bass in the spotlight. (Self Release)
Bennett, Richard X: Scavenger
They say : Pianist and composer Richard X Bennett crafts a unique fusion of jazz, electronica, and soulful rhythms. His latest project, Scavenger, combines grooving, emotionally charged music with lo-fi visuals—reflecting his journey through cancer treatment in an evocative blend of sound, storytelling, and raw visual textures. (Ropeadope)
Berne, Tim: Yikes Too
They say : Yikes Too features Tim Berne’s first working band since Snakeoil, his trio with Tom Rainey (drums) and Gregg Belisle-Chi (guitar). They’ve been developing this music for three years, and documented it after a US tour last Fall. Disc One (Yikes) features 10 studio tracks, while Disc Two (Yikes Too) is a high quality live recording, featuring 8 tracks. Yikes Too is released in celebration of Tim’s 70th birthday. (Out Of Your Head Records – Screwgun/OOYH 002)
Biali, Laila: Wintersongs
They say : 3 years in the making, the new album from multi-award-winning vocalist, pianist and composer Laila Biali offers a cinematic set of winter-themed original songs that feature JUNO-winner & GRAMMY-nominee Jane Bunnett, the Venuti String Quartet and chamber orchestra. (self-released)
Big Bend: Last Circle in a Slowdown
They say : Ohio native and primary songwriter, Nathan Phillips, built upon ensemble jam sessions he hosted at a residency in Australia, collaging those recordings alongside co-producer Shahzad Ismaily to make Last Circle in a Slowdown. Reflective, hi-fi, and elemental, the folk-meets-freeform sonics evoke rich 90s acoustic rock and British post pop songwriting. (Shimmy-Disc, Shimmy-2026)
Blacksberg, Dan: The PsychicBody Sound System
They say : Dan Blacksberg’s Psychic/Body Sound System takes a gutsy leap into a set of otherworldly sub-bass drones, fiery free jazz declamations, and melancholic sonic stories. This fully improvised album, recorded live with no effects or overdubs shows Blacksberg wielding his trombone like a seer across varied sonic environments, real and imagined. Woven together by poetic fictionalizations by Alex Smith and stunning artwork by James Dillenbeck, Psychic/Body Sound System is a trombone-driven reverie for the heart and the imagination. (Relative Pitch Records RPRSS021)
Bloodcog: staged
They say : bloodcog is a five piece improvising group based in the North West of England. If you like passionate, adventurous improvisation, well this might be just what you were looking for. (whi music – whi020)
Boone, Benjamin: Confluence: The Ireland Sessions
They say : Benjamin Boone and captures a year in the Irish city of Limerick with this collection of eight new compositions, along with a captivating arrangement of the ancient Irish song, “She Moved Through the Fair” with this Limerick-based band. Confluence displays a similar dynamism to his Ghana-inspired album ‘Joy,’ or his volumes with multiple highly accomplished American poets. Solidly reflecting their place, time, and the significant talents involved, they also carry the thread of an artist with an undeniable voice and vision. (Origin Records 29049)
Booth, Matt: Sun Prints
They say : Bassist Matt Booth’s first album of all original, contemporary jazz, influenced by his New Orleans roots (eyes&ears records EE-24-224)
Borca, Karen & Murphy, Paul: Entwined
They say : Avant-garde bassoonist Karen Borca’s first proper leader record is a series of duos with drummer Paul Murphy who she first played with in Jimmy Lyons group. (Relative Pitch Records RPR1198)
Breistein, Inge Weatherhead: Rust
They say : “Rust” is the new ambient album from saxophonist, composer and producer Inge Weatherhead Breistein. The core of the album’s overall sound is saxophone in conjunction with electronics, where it is sampled, electronically processed and manipulated together with various forms of field recordings, analog noise and synth voices. (Jazzland Recordings)
Brûlez les meubles + Ingrid Laubrock, Marianne Trudel, Jonathan Huard: Folio #5
They say : Québéc-based experimental chamber-jazz duo Brûlez les meubles (electric bassist Éric Normand & guitarist Louis Beaudoin-de la Sablonnière) continues their tradition of collaboration established on earlier releases. Folio #5 brings celebrated improvisers Marianne Trudel (piano), Ingrid Laubrock (tenor saxophone) and rising-star vibraphonist Jonathan Huard aboard. (Tour de Bras / Circum-Disc (TDB900012LP/ microcidi36LP))
Brüninghaus, Rainer: Freigeweht
They say : Released in 1981, “Freigeweht” was the debut recording of Rainer Brüninghaus, best known as keyboardist in groups led by Eberhard Weber and Jan Garbarek. Accompanied by flugelhornist Kenny Wheeler, drummer Jon Christensen and oboist Brynjar Hoff, this new addition to ECM’s “Luminessence” vinyl series presents Brüninghaus as a highly original and idiosyncratic sound sculptor. (ECM Records 5892370 (LP))
Bryant, Stephen: RED123
They say : Nothing. (RED123)
BSDE 4tet: Live at Parma Jazz Frontiere
They say : This album by BSDE 4tet is the first live release of GleAM Records. The leader Daniele Nasi is influenced by various musical languages, drawing from different shades of jazz, folk, classical music, hip-hop, and metal, in his search for an evocative sound that also touches on socio-political themes. (GleAM Records AM7034)
Butler, Sam & The Visions Jazz Ensemble: Across the Field
They say : Visions Jazz Ensemble feat. trumpeter Sam Butler, sax player Garrett Fasig innovate college fight songs with a rousing, jazz treatments showcasing their wild improvisatory chops (Patois Records PRCD032)