Pablo Tarantino Quartet: Charnia
They say : “Pablo Tarantino is a soulful and richly creative new composer/drummer who plays with sensitivity, precision, and depth. His debut album Charnia leads us on a refreshing jazz excursion rich with beautiful melodies, subtle surprises, complex rhythms, and moving improvisations. His fine quartet plays brilliantly together. Do take a listen!” Jana Herzen, Motema Music (PKmusic PK0019))
Palmer, Jason: The Crossover: Live in Brooklyn
They say : Trumpeter Jason Palmer’s double album with over two hours of live music featuring a first-call band. Nine originals with tenor saxophonist Mark Turner, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Marcus Gilmore demonstrate why Palmer is one of his generation’s most celebrated players and composers. (Giant Step Arts)
Parker, Charlie: Bird in Kansas City
They say : Much of this collection has never been heard before and some recordings have never even been known to exist — Bird in Kansas City chronicles Charlie Parker’s evolution from a blossoming soloist with the Jay McShann Band into a brilliant improviser who changed the genre forever. (Verve)
Patitucci, John: Spirit Fall
They say : John Patitucci’s Spirit Fall, featuring Brian Blade and Chris Potter, marks his debut on Edition Records, blending jazz, classical, and global influences to showcase his artistry as a visionary bassist and bandleader. (Edition Records)
Peace Flag Ensemble: Everything Is Possible
They say : Ambient jazz collective Peace Flag Ensemble return with a sharper focus and a wider lens on their third LP Everything is Possible, produced and mixed by ambient artist Michael Scott Dawson The result is as indebted to Tortoise in ‘99 as it is to Keith Jarrett in ‘75. (We Are Busy Bodies WABB 200)
Peacock, Annette: An Acrobat’s Heart
They say : A ravishingly beautiful album by one of the most mysterious and beguiling figures on the fringes of jazz. “An Acrobat’s Heart” features the unique vocals and piano playing of singer-songwriter Annette Peacock, performing her own compositions with the acclaimed Cikada String Quartet. The 2LP gatefold Luminessence reissue of the album marks its first release on vinyl. (ECM Records 6515171 (2LP))
Petra Onderuf Quartet: An Odd Time Of Day
They say : Slovak violinist/composer Petra Onderuf’s limitless energy, virtuosity and creativity have captivated audiences across Europe, Asia and America as the founder of internationally celebrated ensemble Wild Strings Trio. Her debut original album brings together her Ethno-jazz influences, Classical and Jazz training, and love for uninhibited improvisation. (Self Release)
Pohjola, Verneri / Tuomo & Markus / Lukkarinen, Jaska / Rifflet, Sylvain / Ribot, Mark: Music For Roads
They say : a new 3D instrumental project by some of Europe’s top jazz instrumentalists at the moment. It’s also a cross cultural collaboration between Nordic jazz and indie folk/Americana players, who created a unique, cinematic soundscape. The inspiration for these compositions came from the many tours these musicians have done in America over the years. (Grandpop/Schoolkids Records)
Prepared: Module
They say : Captivating, hypnotic, and highly energetic. Prepared – a free-spirited Munich-based trio in a chamber music line-up that instinctively awakens dance impulses and guides the listener into a trance-like sound space. A pianist who hammers, taps and plucks incessantly on the grand piano. A clarinetist who plays more bass than clarinet in the depths of his bass clarinet. And a drummer who, like a good record, goes on and on, constantly spinning the grooves in circles. (Compost Records CPT646)
Pye, Jamie: Monochrome
They say : ‘Monochrome’, the debut release from Antipodean-guitarist and composer Jamie Pye is a nod to the euphoric and melancholic modern jazz sound ubiquitous in New York, delivered through the peripheral of an improviser from Aotearoa. Monochrome comprises honest melodies across guitar and piano and both familiar grooves and complex rhythms. (Inward Bound Records)
Red Gazelle Trio with Ned Ferm and Jakob Sørensen: On A Human Level
They say : Critically acclaimed Nordic jazz ensemble Red Gazelle Trio – featuring Kristoffer Vejslev (guitar), Peter Price (double bass) and Simon Forchhammer (drums) – proudly present their third studio album. Expanding into a star-studded quintet with collaborations from the top tier of Danish jazz in Copenhagen-based American saxophonist Ned Ferm and Danish trumpeter Jakob Sørensen, ‘On A Human Level’ is set to release on January 31st on Zack’s MUSIC. (Zack’s MUSIC)
Remler, Emily: Cookin’ at the Queens (1984, 1988)
They say : The brilliant guitarist Emly Remler is heard in a series of live recordings made in 1984 and 1988 with several small combos. This is the first release of Emily Remler music in 34 years. (Resonance Records)
Rodeiro, Hilario: Pausa
They say : This quintet serves up a skillful mix of traditional Galician flavors [Spain] and contemporary jazz, while occasionally skirting the edge of avant-garde. […] It is an album that keeps you hooked from start to finish, like a good novel you just cannot put down. (Glenn Astarita, All About Jazz) (Errabal Jazz ER.164)
Rojo, Javier: Música Para Amansar Fieras
They say : The debut release from Spanish born, Basel based saxophonist Javier Rojo features melodic contemporary jazz snapshots of the places, relationships and stories that have shaped him, with influences ranging from classical and avant garde music, to flamenco, folk, and pop. (Fresh Sound New Talent)
Rosnes, Renee: Crossing Paths
They say : The album finds a stellar band exploring masterpieces from the songbooks of Brazil’s most revered composers, entrancingly melding the beguiling rhythms of bossa nova, frevo, samba, afoxé, and other styles with Rosnes’ visionary approach to modern jazz. (SSR-2408)
Ross, Jimbo: Jazz Passion & Satin Latin
They say : A rarity in jazz, accomplished jazz violist Ross presents a lively, Latin-influenced session of standards, jazz classics and originals (Bodacious Records)
Roth, Chuck: Document 1
They say : The palette of sounds Chuck achieves with the guitar is moving. Not even a volume pedal, just two hands and six strings. I enjoy being hit by brief and unexpected melodies and then taken back to completely abstract landscapes. I love hearing a Stratocaster in this context; it isn’t its usual place, its sound is so unique, and it adds an extra beauty to it all. The music is raw and fresh; I can hear how Chuck is working to make it happen, which makes me feel part of what is being developed. It can be aggressive at times and is definitely powerful. Rhythmic motives are set and shot down fearlessly. It keeps you there, engaged, wanting to see where the next turn takes you. It is such an enjoyable ride! (Relative Pitch Records RPRSS036)
Ruby Rushton: Stapodia
They say : After a short hiatus from the studio, the Tenderlonious-led jazz quartet Ruby Rushton are back with their first release since 2021’s EP Gideon’s Way. The new single, ‘Stapodia’ is presented on a limited edition 10″ vinyl and is taken from their yet-to-be- announced 2025 album. (22a 22A045)
Sanchez, Angelica, Guy, Barry & Lopez, Ramon: Live At Jazzdor
They say : Live recording of an exceptional free jazz trio featuring American pianist Angelica Sanchez, Spanish drummer Ramon Lopez and legendary British bassist Barry Guy. (Maya Recordings MCD2401)
Santner, Max: Name The Color
They say : Mankai is a new project of Berlin-based drummer Max Santner. On the new album Name The Color they melt spontaneity, creativity and musical interaction into a unique band-sound. Tightly composed structures, open sound textures, repetitive melodic patterns and intertwined, overlapping rhythms build the framework for collective improvisation. (Boomslang Records)
Segal-Garcia, Cathy: Social Anthems, Vol. 2
They say : Acclaimed jazz vocalist Segal-Garcia’s jazz-infused, social conscious, soulful collection of songs from the 70s (Dash Hoffman Records DHR1030)
Self, Jim: Feels So Good
They say : Prolific jazz tuba master Self, who appears on 100s of movie soundtracks, again collaborates with guitarist John Chiodini on a sextet album of originals and jazz standards (Basset Hound Records BHR102-23)
Serpa, Sara: Encounters and Collisions
They say : Vocalist, composer, and multi-disciplinary artist Sara Serpa weaves mesmerizing tales of migration, home, family, motherhood, and loss on this autobiographical album featuring saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock, pianist Angelica Sanchez and cellist Erik Friedlander. Included are short narrations as well as an accompanying book featuring her hand drawn comic strip-style illustrations. (Biophilia Records)
Shabaka: Possession
They say : Celebrated musician, Shabaka, announces his new EP, Possession, to be released digitally on December 6th via Impulse! Records. The EP follows his recent critically well-received album Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge It’s Grace and continues his exploration of musical and emotional depth. The first single “Timepieces” showcases Shabaka’s transformative approach to music production andfeatures frequent collaborator and highly regarded NY-based rapper, Billy Woods. “Timepieces” is out now across all digital providers, listen here, and you can watch the accompanying visualizer here. The genesis of “Timepieces,” the opening track on Possession, harkens back to his album Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge It’s Grace. Shabaka sampled the original recording of “End of Innocence” off the album to create the foundation of “Timepieces” before enlisting the lyrical prowess of Billy Woods. “My original plan for my album ‘Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace’ was to present the acoustic music as recorded in the Van Gelder and London studios, but also dissect and sample the material to produce an accompanying beats segment to the album. ‘Timepieces’ is one of the results of this intention, Shabaka explains. Possession builds on themes from Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace – a deeply poetic work that NPR Music’s Robin Hilton called, “Maybe the most essential listening of the week, if not the year.” Possession furthers Shabaka’s exploration of poetic arc and dramatic form, describing the EP Shabaka says, “Possession is the exploration of the free-floating liminal space which characterizes the transition from one-dimensional sphere of awareness to another.” In addition to Billy Woods, notable musicians joining Shabakaon this musical exploration include special guests Elucid, Esperanza Spalding, Nduduzo Makhathini, Brandee Younger, Carlos Niño and Jason Moran. (Impulse!)
Shortt, Kate & Mick, Alcyona: Convergence & Variations
They say : ‘Convergence & Variations’ is a dynamic collaboration between cellist Kate Shortt and pianist Alcyona Mick, two virtuosos exploring the intersection of jazz and classical improvisation with elegance, spontaneity, and playful eccentricity. Shortt’s soulful, resonant cello blends seamlessly with Mick’s fluid, richly harmonic piano lines. (One Little Independent CAL011)
Sieck, Steve: Crazy That Way
They say : Songwriter/Vocalist Sieck’s all original songs reminiscent of Frishberg classics, supported by vocalists Mark Winkler, Tawanda, Nicolas Bearde and the Perri Sisters (Accordant Music)
Siegel, Dan: Unity
They say : Veteran keyboardist Dan Siegel brings together a stellar rhythm section and roster of guitarists for his grooy 23rd album. Featuring: Bass – David Ginyard, Drums – Oscar Seaton. Percussion – Lenny Castor, Sax: Tom Scott, Guitars: Rob Bacon (Raphael Saadiq), Allen Hinds (Roberta Flack), Michael Miller (Chick Corea), Dean Parks (Steely Dan) and Michael Thompson (DSM)
Slovak, Margaret: A Star’s Light Does Fall
They say : A jazz album that both embraces the magical essence of the Christmas season and re-imagines the entire genre of holiday music from Austin guitarist Margaret Slovak and bassist Chris Maresh. Their musical mission is anchored in space, intimacy, reflection as they interpret classic carols and more. (Slovak Music)
Smith, Emma: Hat-Trick
They say : The phenomenally talented jazz vocalist Emma Smith returns with Hat-Trick, her third studio album following the success of 2022’s ‘Meshuga Baby’, which received a plethora of praise from fans and critics alike. (Windsor Castle Records WCR002)
Smith, Tom: A Year In The Life
They say : Award-winning saxophonist, composer and arranger Tom Smith’s album of original recordings for his big band features: alto saxophone – Graeme Blevins and Sam Glaser; tenor saxophone – Alex Garnett and Paul Booth; baritone saxophone/bass clarinet – Jessamy Holder; trumpet/flugelhorn – Tom Walsh, George Hogg, Freddie Gavita, James Davison and Alistair Martin; trombone – Trevor Mires, Olli Martin and Dan Higham; bass trombone – Yusuf Narçin; piano – Will Barry; guitar – Jamie McCredie; drums – Luke Tomlinson; double bass/electric bass – Conor Chaplin; and Hammond Organ – Liam Dunachie. (Fey Moose Records – FMR001)
Soft Machine: Softs (Remastered Vinyl edition)
They say : new remastered vinyl release of the classic 1976 album by soft machine. cut at abbey road studios (Esoteric Recordings (ECLECLP2897))
Spann, Otis: Walking The Blues
They say : Nothing. (Candid – CAN33332)
Spinifex: Undrilling the Hole
They say : On “Undrilling the Hole,” Amsterdam’s Spinifex make music that is as wild and fun as it is daring. Featured are Tobias Klein – alto saxophone, Bart Maris – trumpet, John Dikeman – tenor saxophone, Jasper Stadhouders – guitar, Goncalo Almedia – bass guitar and Philipp Moser – drums. (Trytone)
Stein, John: Next Gen
They say : Prolific jazz guitarist pays tribute to his grandchilden on this collection of mostly originals (Tiger Turn)
Stephens, Dayna: Hopium
They say : The ensemble present on Dayna Stephen’s Hopium is something of a reunion. Comprising the star-studded cast of Aaron Parks (piano), Ben Street (bass), and Greg Hutchinson (drums), this is the same quartet who so phenomenally came together to create Stephens’s beloved 2021 live album, Right Now! Live at the Village Vanguard. The band’s familiarity with one another enabled an ease of musicianship and level of trust that catapulted this record beyond even the sum of their incredible parts into a work of art that is truly resounding in both musical maturity and artistic message. (Contagious Music)
Stryker, Dave: Stryker With Strings Goes To The Movies
They say : Stryker with Strings Goes to the Movies is the product of months of creative sweat and toil. It’s also the sound of a new artistic partnership forged between guitarist Stryker and arranger-composer Wallarab. “He made it cinematic,” says Stryker of Wallarab’s writing throughout the album. “It’s just gorgeous. He’s such a great arranger and musician. (Strikezone Records 8827)
Sun & Rain: Waterfall
They say : Waterfall (OOYH 032) is the debut album by Sun & Rain (Travis Laplante, Nathaniel Morgan, Andrew Smiley, and Jason Nazary), a new fully collaborative quartet that thus far has practiced a painstaking process of co-composing music together. Members of Sun & Rain are/were members of bands like Little Women, Battle Trance, Emperyan Atlas, Helado Negro, Elder Ones, Anteloper, and more. (Out Of Your Head Records – OOYH 032)
Sun Ra: Lights on a Satellite: Live at the Left Bank
They say : A newly discovered live recording by the Sun Ra Arkestra recorded live in Baltimore in 1978, featuring such Arkestra greats as June Tyson, John Gilmore, Marshall Allen and Craig Harris. (Resonance Records)