Racicot, Ariane: Danser avec le feu
They say : Ariane Racicot – winner of the 2022-2023 Révélation Radio-Canada prize for jazz – announces her second album Danser avec le feu (‘Dancing With Fire.’) With passion and intensity, the Montreal pianist continues to explore her hybrid mix of jazz fusion, Latin music, metal, classical and progressive rock. For fans of Tigran Hamasyan, Hiromi Uehara and Avishai Cohen, Racicot’s music will feel like home. (Independent)
Raúl Monsalve y Los Forajidos: SOL
They say : Paris-based Raúl Monsalve y Los Forajidos invite listeners into the dawn of a new day with SOL, their transformative sophomore album. Powerful Venezuelan rhythms and traditional songs interweave seamlessly with spiritual and futuristic jazz, psychedelic funk, experimental electronics and Afrobeat drumming, to create an exhilarating and boundary-defying journey. (Olindo Records ORLP009)
Rawicz, Emma; Simcock, Gwilym: Big Visit
They say : Saxophone phenom Emma Rawicz joins forces with Mercury prize nominee Gwilym Simcock for their intimate recorded debut after several performances met with great excitement from international audiences. Despite coming from two different musical generations, the pair find shared love in Keith Jarrett, Jan Garbarek, Ralph Towner, as well as the whole folk-inflected lineage of British jazz through John Taylor, Kenny Wheeler and Norma Winstone. (ACT 8014-2)
Rhijn, Joep van: Between Fact & Fiction
They say : In captivating duo with Korean pianist Yoonseung Cho, trumpeter Joep van Rhijn embraces the flugelhorn for Between Fact and Fiction, out on March 19, 2025. In the spirit of musical storytelling, Korea-based Van Rhijn offers nine original compositions and one new arrangement by Cho, inspired by the musical tension between, indeed, fact and fiction. (self-released)
Richie Kaye’s Music & Mirth, Feat. Tony LaVorgna: Witty Ditties
They say : Fun instrumental production music for TV, radio, advertising and film that reminds you of the 1920s, but it’s all new! Saxophones, piano, clarinet, banjo, bass, kazoo and even a horse! You’ll hear a rag, a boogie, a waltz, a reggae, a minuet, a ballad and a Western number! Inventive and honest, lively and happy. Listener smiles guaranteed! (Freshen Up Records)
Rifflet, Sylvain: We Want Stars
They say : Nothing. (Autre Distribution MAGRIFF0558 – CD)
Rivera, Luis: Filet of Soul + Las Vegas (2 LP on 1 CD)
They say : Luis Rivera (org), Anthony Ortega (as, fl), Willie Smith (as), Lorenzo Holden, Carey Visor (ts), Larry Bunker (vib), Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel, Irving Ashy (g), Wilfred Middlebrooks (b), Johnny Kirkwood, Gene Gammage (d) (Fresh Sound Records FSRCD 1080)
Roach, Max: Deeds, Not Words
They say : Nothing. (Waxtime 772365 – LP)
Rönkä, Artturi; Sommer, Daniel; Andersson, Thommy: Lost Threads
They say : Danish drummer Daniel Sommer completes his internationally acclaimed Nordic Trilogy (featured in Stereogum, Downbeat Magazine, Bandcamp’s Best of Jazz and more…) with the release of Lost Threads, featuring Finnish pianist Artturi Rönkä and Swedish bassist Thommy Andersson. (April Records)
Rose Room: It’s Been A Long, Long Time
They say : Crowned ‘Best Band’ twice at the Scottish Jazz Awards, Rose Room have firmly established themselves as Scotland’s premier Gypsy Jazz ensemble. Fronted by award-winning violinist/vocalist Seonaid Aitken, Rose Room’s heartfelt upcoming release is a celebration of their 15th year as a band. (Self Release)
Rudzinskis Toms: Interception
They say : Prominent Baltic saxophonist’s and composer’s Toms Rudzinskis second album on Jersika together with his acoustic quartet with brilliant musicians – pianist Alex Koo, double bassist Igor Spallati, and drummer Ivars Arutyunyan. (Jersika Records JRD009)
Santamaria, Mongo: Mongo Introduces La Lupe
They say : Nothing. (Descarga 637006 – LP)
Santana, Carlos: Sentient
They say : A retrospective of 11 adventurous and altogether mesmerizing tracks – three of them previously unreleased – compiled by the virtuoso guitarist, remastered and sequenced in a way that allows a new and dramatic story to emerge. (Candid Records CAN33532)
Sarian, Michael: Esquina
They say : Thrilled to share an advance of the Buenos Aires raised / NYC based Michael Sarian’s new record ESQUINA on Greenleaf Records. Anchored by Sarian on trumpet and effects the ensemble that Sarian has brought together (Santiago Leibson: Fender Rhodes, Hammond B3, Mini Moog, Wurlitzer, Marty Kenney: Electric Bass, Nathan Ellman-Bell: Drums) pushes deep into Electric-era Davis with the studio compositional flourishes of Soft Machine. In no way, however, is ESQUINA some kind an lifeless prog experiment. Listen no further than the album’s first single – a cover of Portishead’s “Glory Box” – an undeniably cool cover of one of the vibiest, most made out to songs of all time. (Greenleaf Records)
Satya: Songs of The Fathers
They say : What sets Songs of the Fathers apart is its spontaneity. Each track, apart from one, was recorded in a single take at Clubhouse Recording in Rhinebeck, New York. This approach captures the raw energy and immediacy of the performances, giving the album a sense of authenticity and presence. The production, guided by Raskin and engineer Paul Antonell, ensures that the nuances of each performance are beautifully preserved. (Resonant Artists)
Saunders, Emily: Moon Shifts Oceans
They say : Critically acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, and producer, Emily Saunders releases MOON SHIFTS OCEANS — her upbeat, soul-infused album that blends smoky vocals with jazz-fusion and folk-pop sensuality. Saunders crafts a deeply personal and emotional soundscape, evoking magical nights filled with warmth, connection, and freedom. Her songs inspire hope and healing, embodying a belief in music’s power to uplift and transform. (The Mix Sounds MIXS2511)
SayWhat ft. Cenk Erdogan: Istansand
They say : SayWhat is a genre-defying band blending jazz, world music, and pop/rock influences. Their latest album, *Istansand*, fuses Turkish microtonal elements with modern jazz improvisation and dynamic pop energy. Featuring Grammy-winning musician Cenk Erdoğan, the album offers a vibrant sonic journey spanning Istanbul’s rich traditions to Norway’s progressive edge. (Lupi Records)
Schmitt Samson & Constans, Yannis: Esperanza
They say : Yannis Constans, a prodigious Occitan guitarist who has already appeared with the greatest (Stochelo Rosenberg, Dorado and Tchavolo Schmitt, Angelo Debarre,…) plays here with Samson Schmitt, undeniably a virtuoso musician and an icon in gypsy jazz. This album is unique, with an encounter between the tradition and the modern that is filled with entente and richly coloured sounds. An unavoidable record made for those who love guitars that tread as lightly as the wind. Augustin Bondoux/Patrick Frémeaux (Frémeaux & Associés, FA8616)
Silberstein, Yotam: Standards, Vol. 2
They say : Just last year, the marvelous Israeli jazz guitarist Yotam Silberstein — fluent in bebop, blues, and sounds from North Africa, the Middle East, and beyond — released Standards. Therein, he and a top-shelf rhythm section in John Patitucci and Billy Hart — with tenor sax elder George Coleman on two tracks — masterfully interpreted works associated with Miles Davis, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and other giants. He does it again for Standards, Vol. 2. (Jojo)
Simone, Nina: The Very Best of Nina Simone
They say : Nothing. (Waxtime Clear Vinyl 526009 – LP)
Sinnett, Jae: The Blur the Lines Project
They say : Virginia-based drummer, composer, bandleader, radio broadcaster and educator Jae Sinnett releases his 21st album, The Blur the Lines Project: a tour-de-force, jazz-rock recording featuring the music of Rush, Rare Earth, The Edgar Winter Group, Steppenwolf, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin! (J-Nett Music 21)
Sirbu, Stefan: Reverie
They say : Moldova born, Germany based pianist Stefan Sirbu invites listeners to immerse themselves in a musical study of the art of daydreaming through his highly anticipated second album, featuring a quartet of world class New York musicians including Julieta Eugenio, Clovis Nicolas, and Anthony Pinciotti. (Self Release)
Skúlason, Ingi Bjarni: Hope
They say : Hope is the seventh album of Icelandic pianist Ingi Bjarni. Joining him are Hilmar Jensson on guitar, Magnús Trygvason Eliassen on drums, and last but not least, ECM artist Anders Jormin from Sweden on double bass. The music was composed with these musicians in mind. Ingi Bjarni wants to express a feeling of hope with this music—hope for peace, hope for closure, and hope for happiness. More info in the liner notes (Losen Records, LOS 299-2)
Smith, Nishla & Harris, Tom: Live in Manchester
They say : Last winter, singer Nishla Smith & pianist Tom Harris played a two-night residency at Manchester’s Low Four Studios. In the candlelight glow, they recorded a selection of their favourite songs– all approached with musical freeness. The result is a live album, tinged with melancholy and their signature playful questioning. (Self Release)
Snidero, Jim : Bird Feathers
They say : Marking the 40th anniversary of his debut recording as a bandleader in 1984, alto saxophonist Jim Snidero creates something special with his 28th album. His second trio project with jazz masters Peter Washington (bass) and Joe Farnsworth (drums), he pays tribute to Charlie Parker via nine pieces composed, or associated with, the bebop pioneer. (Savant Records SCD2224)
Spell//Hunger (Bittolo Bon, Piero & Grillini, Andrea): Spell//Hunger
They say : Piero Bittolo Bon and Andrea Grillini’s decade-long collaboration spans projects like Bread & Fox, Yoruba, and the Tower Jazz Composers Orchestra. SPELL//HUNGER distills their synergy into an improvisational dialogue on augmented saxophones and drums, blending ancestral echoes, shamanic rituals, and the theater of the absurd. (Hora Records 013-2409)
Spiliotopoulos, Tassos: Anamnesis: Compositions for Electric Guitar
They say : Is this an experiment? What have I learned all these years? Was there another dimension to this music? Can the natural properties of the guitar be featured more than on the original recordings? These are some of the questions Tassos Spiliotopoulos tries to answer with this collection of new arrangements and interpretations of some his favorite originals from past albums made in the period between 2006 to 2022. The idea came suddenly and after a few days in the studio it was all done. Spiliotopoulos, who plays all the instruments on this album, offers this new, stripped down set with the aim of bringing these compositions closer to their original concept. (Anelia Records ACD010)
Sridhar, Aakash: Revived Emotions
They say : “Revived Emotions” is a contemporary jazz album featuring Andrew Getman (guitar), Joshua Ferrell (drumset), and Adam Abrams (double bass). This six-track collection explores emotions and connections through piano-led arrangements. Mixed by Kent Stump at Crystal Clear Studios and mastered by Kevin Blackler, the album delivers a polished, vibrant sound. (Self Release)
Stewart, Macie : When the Distance is Blue
They say : A vital force in Chicago’s music scene, Stewart has worked with Makaya McCraven, Damon Locks, and Alabaster DePlume. Her latest album, produced with International Anthem’s Dave Vettraino, blends prepared piano, field recordings, and string quartet compositions—a beautiful, cinematic love letter to life’s in-between moments and Chicago’s shifting seasons. (International Anthem )
Stigers, Curtis: Songs From My Kitchen, Volume 1
They say : New album by star song and sax man follows his latest sold-out week long residency at Ronnie Scott’s. A stripped-down affair recorded with a crack team of musicians, this jazz-infused set of folk, blues and soul will be promoted with a full UK tour that includes festivals. (Pandemic Poodle Records PPR002LP | CD)
Suhy, Ray & Lewis Porter: What Happens Next
They say : One of the more exciting aspects of jazz and other improvised music is the drama in its unpredictability. There have been sages in the music that mastered the art of surprise, providing decades of inspiration for aspiring performers and dedicated listeners. Ray Suhy and Lewis Porter have captured the fire of these sonic explorers, presenting their latest offerings on their new recording, a diverse collection of pieces that will keep listeners on the edge of their seats. The title, What Happens Next, is deliberately provocative and open-ended. Ft. Joris Teepe & Rudy Royston (Sunnyside Records SSC1754)
Surman, John: Flashpoints and Undercurrents
They say : Recently celebrating his 80th birthday and one of Europe’s foremost jazz musicians, John Surman is a masterful improvisor, composer, and multi-instrumentalist (baritone and soprano sax, bass clarinet, and synthesizers/electronics). For nearly 60 years, he has been a major force, producing a prodigious and creative body of work that expands beyond jazz. Surman’s extensive discography as a leader and a side man numbers more than 100 recordings to date and has featured dozens of prominent artists worldwide. Surman is most popularly known for his longstanding association with the German label ECM, who began releasing Surman’s recordings in 1979. Every period of his career is filled with highlights, which is why Cuneiform is exceedingly pleased to release for the first time ever this amazing document of the late 60s ‘Brit-jazz’ scene. (Cuneiform Records)
Syrian, Joe: Secret Message
They say : A refreshing, classics-oriented offering by the veteran drummer’s trusty “little big band” — featuring standards from “Bye, Bye Blackbird” to the Beatles — arrives next month via Circle 9 (Circle 9 Records C90009)
