Fedchock, John: Justifiably J.J.
They say : Renowed trombonist Fedchock’s live recording of his tribute to J.J. Johnson’s centennial, using Johnson’s original charts, recorded at the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis, IN (Summit Records DCD828)
Ferris, David Septet featuring Bernstein, Peter: Sketches
They say : Innovative pianist and composer David Ferris is to release his first major record with Birmingham’s Stoney Lane Records – a compelling new recording of adventurous original writing for his 7-piece band, featuring a special guest appearance from acclaimed US guitarist Peter Bernstein. (Stoney Lane Records – SLR1959)
Flower, Black: Kinetic
They say : With this new album, Black Flower delves into the transformative power of rhythm and motion. It’s a call to dance through life’s chaos and to harness movement as a tool for liberation. It showcases a blend of Ethio-jazz, dub, and afrobeat, hailed by Gilles Peterson, The Gaslamp Killer and Lefto. Played sessions on BBC Radio and Worldwide FM. (Sdban Ultra, SDBANULP40)
Fonda, Joe: Eyes on the Horizon
They say : Bassist/composer Joe Fonda presents a musical gift to his inspiration Wadada Leo Smith, who plays trumpet on this recording of Fonda compositions. They’re joined by pianist Satoko Fujii and drummer Tiziano Tononi. (Long Song)
Fortner, Sulliver: Southern Nights
They say : Recorded during an unforgettable weeklong residency at New York’s iconic Village Vanguard in the summer of 2023, Southern Nights showcases Sullivan Fortner’s artistry at its peak, in the company of the great Peter Washington on bass and Marcus Gilmore on drums. (Artwork)
Foster, Michael & Bennett, Ben & Wick, Jacob: Carne Vale
They say : Michael Foster, Jacob Wick and Ben Bennett each subvert the traditional expectations of their instruments in favor of a timbrally rich palette of unconventional sounds. The interplay on these improvisations is sympathetic; they communicate fluently in their own collective language. (Relative Pitch Records RPR1205)
Fujii, Satoko, Natsuki Tamura and Ramón López: Yama Kawa Umi
They say : Trumpeter Natsuki Tamura and pianist Satoko Fujii are joined by drummer Ramon Lopez for the trio’s second album. (Not Two)
Galvin, Elliot: The Ruin
They say : New album from one of London’s most lauded pianists – mem of Shabaka Hutching’s band and Dinosaur. His first record for Gearbox Records and his first solo album in four years. Features Ruth Goller, Sebastian Rochford, and The Ligeti String Quartet. (Gearbox Records)
Gharibian, Macha: Phenomenal Women
They say : Classically trained pianist, vocalist, singer/songwriter, composer, arranger and producer Macha Gharibian first discovered her own musical universe through immersing herself in the New York jazz scene. With Armenian ancestry, a Parisian heart, and a New Yorker by adoption, her new record spotlights her voice as an ode to life and testament to feminine power. (Rue Bleue Meredith Records)
Gill, Hannah: Spooky Jazz, Vol. 2
They say : Popular NYC-based early jazz vocalist Hannah Gill delights with a collection of songs related to Halloween, like “I’d Rather Be Burned as a Witch” and “My Man’s an Undertaker” (Turtle Bay Records)
Ginetta’s Vendetta: Fun Time
They say : Triple threat female powerhouse Ginetta M. plays pocket trumpet, sings, composes and leads her internationally acclaimed band: Ginetta’s Vendetta around the world! (Kickin’ Wiccan Music)
Goetze, Volker & Klucevsek, Guy: Little Big Top
They say : Little Big Top is the charming debut album from a new quartet led by accordion legend Guy Klucevsek (kloo-SEH-vik) with visionary trumpeter Volker Goetze. This compendium of engaging Klucevsek creations, written over two decades, is produced by Goetze and arranged by Klucevsek. In addition to showcasing Klucevsek’s compositional and accordionist prowess, the album’s unusual instrumentation allows Goetze’s soulful and richly melodic approach to the horn to emerge as a highlight. Crucial to this quartet’s sound are NYC jazz and classical veterans Doug Wieselman (bass clarinet & clarinet), and Jeff Hudgins (alto saxophone). (Motema Music)
Gouldian Finch: Schizo
They say : 10 piece big band bring to life album in which Jaga Jazzist founder Martin Horntveth explores jazz, jazz-rock and fusion. Based on Polaroid, a commissioned work for Kongsberg Jazz Festival 2021, ‘Scizho’ is characterized by fast shifts, tight brass and synth riffs. (All Ape00AA009CD)
Granafei, Enrico: It’s Hard to Say Goodbye
They say : Italian (NYC-based) harmonica virtuoso Granafei is being compared to his mentor Toots Thielemann on his gorgeous mixture Granafei and Thielemanns originals (CAP Records)
Green Cosmos: Abendmusiken
They say : The music of Green Cosmos makes us realize that our never- ending quest for love can find fulfillment. You take a long, slow breath and feel the magic of transcendent wisdom. There is not one note too many, and everything gets to the heart of the matter. (Frederiksberg Records FRB 017)
Grubbs, Tania: The Sound of Love
They say : Vocalist Tania Grubbs has a gorgeous tone and with her quintet (including pianist David Budway, guitarist Ron Affif) presents jazz standards and one Grubbs original (Travlin’ Music)
Halley, Rich: Dusk and Dawn
They say : Tenor saxophonist Rich Halley’s Dusk and Dawn includes a combination of Halley compositions and spontaneous improvisations that showcase the depth and unique interaction of his long standing quartet featuring trombonist Michael Vlatkovich, bassist Clyde Reed and drummer Carson Halley. (Pine Eagle Records)
Hancock, Colin & The Joymakers: Down Where the Bluebonnets Grow
They say : Multi-instrumentalist & historian and his group The Joymakers, comprised of all early jazz historians, creates excessive joy in their debut that specializes in Territory Bands based in Texas and New Orleans (a la Bennie Moten and Count Basie) (Turtle Bay Records, TBR24004CD)
Harcsa, Veronika / Razvalyaeva, Anastasia / Bolcsó, Bálint: Schubert Now!
They say : Eleven lieder by Franz Schubert drawn as an expansive sonic terrain, from vaporous to rhythmically potent. Jazz vocalist Veronika Harcsa, harpist Anastasia Razvalyaeva and electronics composer Bálint Bolcsó translate the economy, complexity, emotional range and evocative painterly quality of Schubert’s pieces, to their own instruments and the 21st century. (BMC Records / CD 329)
Hargrove, Roy: Crisol: Grande-Terre
They say : In early 1998, fresh off their GRAMMY win for Best Latin Jazz Performance for their debut album Habana, Roy Hargrove and his incandescent group of musicians headed back into the studio to capture lightning in a bottle. Until now that recording, Grande-Terre, has never been heard. (Verve)
Harrison Jr., Donald: Indian Blues
They say : Nothing. (Candid – CAN32032)
Harvey Parkin-Christie / Hinrik Þórisson: Týndur í Týmarými
They say : *Týndur í Týmarými* is a bold sax-and-drums debut exploring improvisation, Scandinavian folk, and avant-garde jazz with Leeds-inspired energy. (Lamplight Social Records)
Haynes, Phil: Duke and Strays Live
They say : Drummer Phil Haynes delves into the repertoire of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn with pianist Steve Rudolph and drummer Drew Gress (Corner Store Jazz)
Hellberg Agback, Stina: The Standard is The Standard
They say : Stina Hellberg Agback turns her harp towards the standard repertoire of jazz. Together with the true legents Filip Augustsson on bass and Jon Fält on drums, there is nothing standard about the result. (Naxos Prophone)
Hill, Andrew: A Beautiful Day: Revisited
They say : Legendary jazz pianist and composer Andrew Hill’s 2002 live big band recording A Beautiful Day gets a grand reissue, with a fresh remaster, a previously unreleased bonus track and more. The sextet includes Andrew Hill, Scott Colley, Nasheet Waits, Marty Ehrlich, Greg Tardy, Ron Horton, plus ten more extraordinary musicians. (Palmetto Records)
Hilton, Lisa: Lucky All Along
They say : Instead of paint, her compositional tools include “different harmonic palettes and rhythmic textures such as blues, swing, improvisation, free jazz, polyrhythms, bop, ragtime, early rock, the Latin tinge and traditional riffs.” (Ruby Slippers Productions)
Holborn, Matt: For Stuff
They say : For Stuff celebrates Stuff Smith, the unsung grandfather of jazz violin, through a vibrant collection of original compositions inspired by his groundbreaking energy and style. Rooted in the jazz tradition, this album offers a fresh, personal tribute to his legacy, with a few reimagined classics from his repertoire. (BL Records BL003)
Hole, Sigurd: Extinction sounds
They say : “Extinction sounds” is a new album by Norwegian composer/bassist Sigurd Hole. The music features an intriguing blend of experimental jazz and classical minimalism. Musicians: Jon Balke (piano), Torben Snekkestad (sax/trumpet)), Sara Övinge (violin), Bendik B.Foss (viola), Tanja Orning (cello), Anders K.Hansen (marimba), Veslemøy Narvesen (drums) and Sigurd Hole (bass). (Elvesang007)
Holland, Dave & Loueke, Lionel: United
They say : A landmark first duo album from these jazz legends. (Edition Records)
Hülsmann, Julia Quartet: Under The Surface
They say : Pianist Julia Hülsmann’s impressive ECM-oeuvre continues with “Under The Surface” which sees Norwegian trumpeter Hildegunn Øiseth added to her quartet and who also plays goat horn on five cuts. Spellbinding lyricism and playful rhythmic and melodic interaction are evident throughout the album which also features saxophonist Uli Kempendorff, bassist Marc Muelbauer and drummer Heinrich Köbberling. (ECM Records 7528093)