O’Doherty, Caili: Bluer Than Blue
They say : Lillian “Lil” Hardin Armstrong is a name most jazz aficionados recognize, having read it in the annals and footnotes of jazz history, but often mistakenly gloss over it in passing as a detail in the broader narrative. For pianist Caili O’Doherty, the story of Lil Hardin Armstrong became the caper of an unsung heroine of jazz history. While most will remember that Armstrong was the second wife of jazz icon Louis Armstrong who is often credited with spurring him forward to greatness, few may know the extent of her influence. For O’Doherty, what started as a few lines in a textbook at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College quickly turned into an enigmatic journey of discovery. Through research, study, and the music itself, O’Doherty discovered that not only did Lil Hardin Armstrong’s music become the staple foundation of her husband Louis’s career, but she went on to write hits for greats throughout history such as Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin. With Bluer Than Blue, O’Doherty goes directly to the source, drawing on beloved and deep works from Lil Hardin Armstrong’s and instilling them with new vigor and reinterpretations of O’Doherty’s own masterful devising. (Outside in Music)
O’Farrill , Arturo Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra: Mundoagua – Celebrating Carla Bley
They say : Commissioned by The Columbia School of the Arts in 2018 to commemorate the Year of Water, Mundoagua was meant to have its world premiere in 2019 in the Miller Theater at Columbia University. This was rescheduled because of the global pandemic caused by the Novel Coronavirus. It was a strange coincidence, because so many of the sub-themes in the narrative of the composition have to do with global crises caused by neo-fascism and the death throes of predatory capitalism, which are fundamental reasons for all human suffering – – and global warming with its resulting climate disasters, including the breaking of temperature records and cataclysmic weather events daily, if not hourly. (ZOHO ZM 202501)
O’Farrill, Adam: For These Streets
They say : This brand new octet from Adam O’Farrill, featuring Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, David Leon, Kevin Sun, Kalun Leung, Tyrone Allen, and Tomas Fujiwara is a massive compositional step forward for this young trumpet player. For These Streets is inspired by literature, film, and music of the 1930s. (OOYH 034)
Oceania: Oceania
They say : Raskin’s deep respect for Ibrahim is evident throughout the album. His extensive travels to Africa and his personal connection to the music inform every beat and phrase. The project also benefits from Neil Alexander’s expertise in orchestral synthesis, adding layers of complexity and richness to the arrangements. Satya In Songs of the Fathers, achieves the delicate balance of honoring Ibrahim’s legacy while infusing the music with their own voices. The result is a tribute that feels both reverent and innovative. As Raskin reflects, the album aims to bring listeners closer to Ibrahim’s music, inviting them to share in its joy and meaning. In Songs of the Fathers, achieves the delicate balance of honoring Ibrahim’s This is more than a collection of covers—it’s a celebration of a master’s enduring influence and a reminder of music’s power to connect, heal, and inspire. For those familiar with Abdullah Ibrahim’s work, this album is a reaffirmation of his genius. For newcomers, it’s an invitation to discover the beauty of his music and the legacy he leaves behind. – This is more than a collection of covers—it’s a celebration of a master’s enduring influence and a reminder of music’s power to connect, heal, and inspire. For those familiar with Abdullah Ibrahim’s work, this album is a reaffirmation of his genius. For newcomers, it’s an invitation to discover the beauty of his music and the legacy he leaves behind. – while infusing the music with their own voices. The result is a tribute that feels both reverent and innovative. As Raskin reflects, the album aims to bring listeners closer to Ibrahim’s music, inviting them to share in its joy and meaning. (Resonant Artists)
Ohta, Masako + Matthias Lindermayr: Nozomi
They say : Nozomi is the second album by pianist Masako Ohta and trumpet player Matthias Lindermayr, both based in Munich. It reflects the duo’s backgrounds in classical, jazz and free improvisation. Their debut MMMMH earned a nomination for the German Jazz Prize. (Squama SQM028)
Oliveras, Ramón: A Certain Darkness Is Needed to See the Stars
They say : What happens after you die? What remains, when nothing of you is left? Inspired by queer practice, which celebrates the dissolution and transcending of boundaries, Ramón Oliveras’ solo piece explores the non-dualistic state of life/death and invites the listener on an introspective somatic journey. It utilizes the full weight of the drums and combines elements of drum rituals, contemporary minimalism, and techno-rave to create an intense sound and movement experience. An invitation to reconcile with one’s own mortality and celebrate the beauty of life. Ramón is known through his work with Ikarus, Dalai Puma, JPTR and his duo with Kim de l’Horizon. (Ronin Rhythm Records 042)
Østergaard-Nielsen, Michala; Crispell, Marilyn; Andersson, Thommy: The Cave
They say : Danish drummer and composer Michala Østergaard-Nielsen proudly announces the release of the debut album from her trio featuring world-renowned American pianist Marilyn Crispell and acclaimed Swedish bassist Thommy Andersson. A striking blend of composed melodies and free improvisation, ‘The Cave’ captures a constantly evolving musical landscape where structure and spontaneity coexist. (ILK Music)
Padme, Mani Jr.: The Flight / Vôo
They say : Nothing. (Red Records RR 123349-2 – CD)
Patton, Jeb: Whisper Not
They say : Jeb Patton (p), Santi de la Rubia (ts), Ignasi González (b), Roger Gutierrez (d) (Fresh Sound Records FSRCD 5134)
Paul Dietrich’s Elemental Quartet: A Small Patch of Earth
They say : Paul Dietrich’s fifth album as a leader, A Small Patch of Earth, marks a shift from his recent large-ensemble projects to a more intimate and folk-inspired sound. Emphasizing simplicity, interaction, and improvisation, the album draws inspiration from nature and was recorded in the open space of a concert hall, inviting listeners to pause and take a deep breath. (Shifting Paradigm Records SP214)
Pedicini, Giacomo: Hard Boiled
They say : Giacomo Pedicini, a Naples-based composer and a producer (Driving Mrs. Satan, Kantango, Amada) as well as a Double bass player (Sting, Real World, Lura, Richard Galliano) presents the free representation of his thoughts in Hard Boiled. A “Stream of Consciousness” that tells the mood of a moment without filters or academic impositions. (Liburia Records LB09)
Pelt, Jeremy: Woven
They say : Jeremy Pelt’s latest album, “Woven” fuses more traditional aspects of 21st-century jazz with the myriad possibilities of electronic sound. Jalen Baker (vibraphone), Misha Mendelenko (guitar), Leighton Harrell (bass), Jared Spears (drums) and Marie-Ann Hedonia (synthesizer) join the trumpeter in this superb session encompassing neo-bop, hard-driving rhythms and intimate ballads. (HighNote Records HCD7363)
Pepper, Art: An Afternoon in Norway: The Kongsberg Concert
They say : Nothing. (Elemental 5990452 – 2CD)
Pepper, Art: An Afternoon in Norway: The Kongsberg Concert
They say : Nothing. (Elemental 5990552 – 2LP)
Perazzo, Marcello Cardillo, Buster Willams: Portrait Of A Moment
They say : Nothing. (Red Records RR 123354-2 – CD)
Peterson, Noah: Coming Home To You
They say : This recording is ten original tunes (43 minutes and 12 seconds) of old school straight-ahead jazz. It’s mostly swinging stuff with two ballads, one doo-wop love song, and the groovy jam “I Just Can’t Believe It.” It’s a fun album and some of the tunes have a familiar sound to them; especially “My Name Is Burns” where the piano quotes “So What.” (Peterson Entertainment Llc )
Peterson, Oscar Trio: At The Stratford Shakespearean Festival
They say : Nothing. (Pan Am Records 896705 – LP)
Phillips, Robin: Return From The Source
They say : Throughout his career, Robin has lent his sought-after talents as a session musician to a range of successful projects, including being a founding performer with multi-platinum, global jazz-house phenomenon Berlioz, who’s ground-breaking EP was recorded at Robin’s recording studio with Robin on piano and Rhodes. Robin also runs, arranges for, and is the front man of London’s ever-popular Pinstripe Suit speakeasy swing band, which has held a monthly Saturday residency at the world- renowned Nightjar speakeasy in London for over a decade. Now with Return From The Source, Robin showcases his songwriting and performance skills in their full glory, presenting a sincere and thoughtful body of work that fully reflects an artist who has learned how to transform his dreams to reality. (Repmusic 007)
Polga, Michele: Doors
They say : Nothing. (Red Records RR 123355-2 – CD)
Poole, Billie: Confessin’ The Blues!
They say : Nothing. (Supper Club 041SP – LP)
Poreckie, Benjie: All That Matters
They say : All That Matters Features The Versatile And Distinctive Pianist-Organist Benjie Porecki Performing Melodic Originals And Covers In A Jazz Trio. Ranging from accessible grooves to thoughtful ballads, Porecki creates a program filled with variety and subtle surprises. (Funklove Productions)
Potter, Dave: Retro Groove 2
They say : This is the second album where Potter arranges for the band a collection of classic pop/rock radio hits from the likes of Rush, Whitney Houston, Toto and more. (Square Biz Records)
Potter, Jackson: small things
They say : Landmark moments occur in every artist’s career that distinguish a new era in creative development. For many musicians, one of these moments is moving to New York City. ‘Small Things’ by Jackson Potter captures his growth as a guitarist, composer, and arranger since moving to New York City in 2021. (Shifting Paradigm Records SP216)
Powell, Baden: Um Violao Na Madrugada
They say : Nothing. (Jazz Samba 709125 – LP)
Prestige Jazz Quartet: The Prestige Jazz Quartet + Teo with the Prestige Jazz Quartet (2 LP on 1 CD)
They say : Teo Macero (ts), Teddy Charles (vib), Mal Waldron (p), Addison Farmer, (b), Jerry Segal (d) (Fresh Sound Records FSRCD 1081)
Preston, David: Purple/Black – Volume 2
They say : This album is a companion to David Preston’s 2023 debut under his own name: a set of recordings that confounded expectations as much as they delighted audiences. He went into the studio with a coherent set of compositions that focused on texture and mood as much as improvisational virtuosity, and a band of front-rank players whose ability to work outside the confines of genre matched his own. The sessions were so productive that they yielded two albums worth of material, of which this is the second. Like its predecessor, Purple/Black Volume 2 combines the unique talents of Kit Downes, Kevin Glasgow and Seb Rochford into an intuitively coherent unit that explores the carefully crafted material in a way that impresses with its focus and control as much as with its spontaneity. The result is an album that combines the directness and accessibility of mainstream popular music forms with the depth and subtlety of jazz. (Whirlwind Recordings | WR4826)
Privat, Gregory: Phoenix
They say : Nothing. (Autre Distribution BJ03121 – CD)
Prouty, K : The Speakeasy Collective
They say : Take David Bowie, Benny Goodman, Claude Debussy, Tony Macalpine and Nikola Tesla, blend it all up and you get The Speakeasy Collective! K Prouty – All instruments, performed, recorded, mixed and mastered. (1485418 Records DK)
Pulice, Cole: Land’s End Eternal
They say : Oakland based electroacoustic saxophonist, improviser, and composer Cole Pulice traffics in shimmering, otherworldly beauty, creating a deeply contemporary sound that opens up surrealist sonic spaces between acoustic and digital worlds. On the meditative ambient jazz of forthcoming album Land’s End Eternal. Cole adds a welcome new texture by introducting electric guitar. (Leaving Records, LR276)
Pulse (Fuoco, Anthony piano; May, Dustin drummer: Plank, Aidant double bassist; Wagner, Brad saxophonist): Pulse
They say : Debut digital release from Cleveland based Pulse Quartet. Established in 2018, Pulse celebrates melodic shape, harmonic subtlety, improvisation, and wide-open soundscapes, grounded in the improvised music of the Rust Belt, Upper Midwest, and the Plains. Taking inspiration from seminal recordings by Charlie Haden and Pat Metheny, Pulse’s approach prizes honest, direct expression in this collection of original compositions reflecting their collective curation and honest expression. (Panoramic/New Focus Recordings PAN32)
