Talts, Rahel: New and Familiar
They say : “New and Familiar” is a third album by Estonian rising female jazz pianist and composer Rahel Talts. It consists of 14 musicians, including a string quartet, horns, rhythm section and vocals. The music is mostly instrumental and written by Rahel Talts, except one tune that is an arrangement of Estonian folk melody. Rahel is an emerging artist, active over all Europe, mainly Denmark, Lithuania, Germany and Estonia. The music is melodic, thoroughly composed and arranged, Baltic & Nordic folk influenced and energetic. (Self Release )
Tamura, Natsuki and Keiji Haino: What happened there?
They say : Two of improvised music’s greatest provocateurs, trumpeter Natsuki Tamura and guitarist Keiji Haino, join forces for the first time in the outrageously unpredictable live recording ‘What happened there?’” (Libra Records)
Tamura, Natsuki, Satoko Fujii and Ramon Lopez: 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 Records)
Tander, Simin: The Wind
They say : Increasingly known for her passion and ability to create and interpret new and improvised music, Simin Tander‘s masterful, tender yet powerful voice has been described as ‘hypnotic’ (Jazzwise) with an ‘unmistakbale tone’ (DIE ZEIT, GE). Simin also draws a fascinating route to her Middle-Eastern heritage by singing in Afghaani / Pashto, the language of her late father. Now presenting a unique new album that represents an impulsive dive into experimental jazz-infused folk, Simin Tander is set to release her new work The Wind in March 2025, forthcoming on Norwegian Nu Jazz label Jazzland Recordings. (Jazzland Recordings 3779702)
The Empress: Square One
They say : Square One is the debut release from a new all-female saxophone quartet The Empress. The project, spearheaded by award-winning jazz artist Pureum Jinbreathes new life into classic jazz standards while making a powerful statement about representation and artistry in the jazz world. Along with Jin, The Empress comprises two-time Grammy Award-winning baritone saxophonist Lauren Sevian (also the album’s production advisor), internationally acclaimed alto saxophonist Erena Terakubo, and versatile tenor saxophonist Chelsea Baratz. Supporting the quartet is a rock-solid rhythm section consisting of Steve Ash(piano), Joey Ranieri (bass), and Pete Van Nostrand (drums). (Cellar Music Group)
The Exu: The Exu
They say : James Mainwaring – sax / Dave Kane – bass / Emil Karlsen – drums. The trio brazenly draw their musical influences from the worlds of free jazz, grunge, death metal, hip hop, bebop, & experimental music. Kane says ‘we are the sum of our record collections, the films we have seen, the books we have read. It all goes into the mix to make our music.’ (Discus 182CD)
The Hemphill Stringtet: The Hemphill Stringtet Plays The Music Of Julius Hemphill
They say : Cellist Tomeka Reid formed The Hemphill Stringtet with Curtis Stewart (violin), Sam Bardfeld (violin), and Stephanie Griffin (viola) to perform the saxophone quartet music of Julius Hemphill adapted for string quartet. The quartet aims to bring greater attention to Hemphill’s compositions and highlight his role as a major Black American composer of the late twentieth century. (OOYH 035)
The Leaning In Underground: En Español
They say : Amsterdam based guitarist Linus Eppinger’s quartet “The Leaning In Underground” teams up with Andalusian singer Paula Bilá for a set of imaginative arrangements of classic bolero hits. (JinA Records 2401)
The Third Stream Quartet: Deja Vu
They say : Inspired by the drumless trio sound of legendary jazz clarinetist and saxophonist Jimmy Giuffre, The Third Stream Quartet’s focus is cool jazz / third stream style. Indriķis Veitners – clarinet, Ēriks Miezis – vibraphone, Pranas Kentra – electric guitar, Andris Grunte – double bass (Jersika Records JRA027)
Therrien, Rachel: Mi Hogar II
They say : Trumpeter Rachel Therrien’s eighth album Mi Hogar II continues her exploration of Latin jazz, building upon the foundation she laid with her 2023 release Mi Hogar. The title, which translates to “my home”, reflects Therrien’s deep connection to her musical community and the myriad influences that have shaped her sound. (Lula World Records (LWR048A))
Thomas, Nicholas: Coffee Break Featuring Peter Bernstein
They say : Nicholas Thomas (vib), Peter Bernstein (g), Hiroshi Murayama (p), Michel Rosciglione, Darryl Hall (b), Mourad Benhammou (d), Viktorija Gecyte (vcl) (Fresh Sound Records FSRCD 5135)
Thomas, Omar: Griot Songs
They say : In West African tradition, the griot is a storyteller, poet and musician whose songs become a repository for a community’s traditions and history. Griot Songs – the third release by the 17-piece Omar Thomas Large Ensemble – is a distinctly personal and emotionally vibrant take on the role of the modern griot. (Omar Thomas Music)
Tormé, Mel: Mountain Greenery – A Centenary Tribute
They say : This great double CD centenary tribute celebrates jazz singer, songwriter, pianist, drummer, actor, arranger, author and producer Mel Tormé (1925-1999). Among the most popular and influential jazz singers of the postwar era, he was simply one of the best popular vocalists of all time. (Retrospective / RTS 4427)
Turner, Mark: We Raise Them To Lift Their Heads
They say : That studio session is now materialized as Mark Turner’s first solo saxophone LP “We Raise Them To Lift Their Heads” on Jakob Bro’s label Loveland Music. It is as vulnerable and raw as it is powerful and something essential to Mark Turner, a document to his harmonic world and vision, which can only be conveyed through music, always finding a new way for putting the pieces together and constantly looking for new ground. (Loveland Music, LLM023)
Uhlmann, Greg; Johnson, Josh; Wilkes, Sam: Uhlmann Johnson Wilkes
They say : Uhlmann Johnson Wilkes’ debut album, conceived during live shows at ETA and a session at Uhlmann’s home in LA, explores a spacious lyrical curiosity, a jazz-informed take on progressive electro-acoustic chamber music. With skeletal grooves and ghostly moods, it invites deep appreciation of the trio’s unique instrumental interplay (International Anthem )
Unity Quartet: Samba of Sorts
They say : The infectious spirit of Brazilian music in all its incredible forms is impossible to deny. Musicians from around the world succumb to the elements of samba, forro and bossa nova. For Brazilian musicians, the essence of these sounds and rhythms is tied up in all the music they create. The new collective ensemble Unity Quartet, featuring Hélio Alves, Guilherme Monteiro, Gili Lopes and Alex Kautz, weave their Brazilian influences into their own forward-thinking version of jazz, as can be heard on their new recording, Samba of Sorts. (Sunnyside Records SSC1755)
Valdés, López Cachao y Su Combo: Descargas Cubanas
They say : Nothing. (Descarga 637003 – LP)
Valdes, Bebo: Cha Chas Y Charangas
They say : Nothing. (Descarga 637001 – LP)
Valdes, Bebo: Hot Cha Chas
They say : Nothing. (Descarga 637007 – LP)
Valdés, Cachao y Su Orquesta: Jam Session With Feeling
They say : Nothing. (Descarga 637008 – LP)
Vanags, Karlis Trio / LR Big Band / Liepaja Symphony Orchestra: Trio Colossus
They say : Extended form piece for jazz trio, double-sized symphony orchestra in an expanded format to include big band instrument groups. The inspiration for this piece was drawn from legendary jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins’ exemplary achievement, the album Saxophone Colossus (Jersika Records JRD011)
Various Artists: A New Awakening – Adventures In British Jazz 1966-1971, 3CD Box set
They say : 48-track box set celebrating an exciting, revolutionary time in British jazz when musical boundaries were stretched or ignored and new identities forged. (Strawberry / CR3JAMBX35)
Various Artists: Play Misty for Me – Music from the Films of Clint Eastwood
They say : Nothing. (New Continent 101042 – LP)
Various Artists: Classic Vanguard Jazz Piano Sessions
They say : Nothing. (Mosaic Records #281)
Vasmant, Rebecca: Who We Are, Becoming
They say : Expanding the boundaries of contemporary jazz, this bold and deeply personal album sees Rebecca Vasmant lead a 25-strong ensemble on a sonic journey through identity, equality, femininity, and self-growth. Rich in texture and emotion, it cements her as a visionary artist pushing jazz into exciting territory. (New Soil x Women in Jazz NS0123D)
Walkington, Julie, Howard, Jim: Beyond The Treeline
They say : Beyond The Treeline was inspired by Julie Walkington’s desire to combine her experience of playing gongs in a sound healing setting as part of her work as a qualified complimentary therapist, with her long career as a professional jazz bass player. The bold uniqueness of this project is further enhanced by the powerful yet subtle sound of Jim Howard’s trumpet, his improvisational skills and work as a film composer made him the perfect partner to build on the soundscapes created by Julie. (Elsden Music EM04)
Walter, Littler: Just A Feeling
They say : Nothing. (Blues Joint 8033 – LP)
Waters, Muddy: The Best of Muddy Waters
They say : Nothing. (Number One Essentials 291023 – LP)
Webster, Ben: Soulville
They say : Nothing. (Waxtime 772350 – LP)
Wesseltoft, Bugge: Am Are
They say : Features collaborations with superb musicians spanning both generations and styles. One trio features Bugge on keys, Arid Andersen on bass and Gard Nilssen on drums. Also appearing: Sveinung Hovensjø (bass), Jon Christensen (percussion) Elias Tafjord (drums), Martin Myhre Olsen (tenor sax) Oddrun Lilja (guitar) Sanskriti Shrestha (tablas).. (Jazzland 2979706JZL)
Wexler, Judy: No Wonder
They say : West Coast jazz vocalist Judy Wexler’s 7th album presents the best of GAS with exciting, two-horn arrangements a la West Coast Cool. UK’s Bebop Spoke Here says “divinely talented, bravura performance” (Jewel City Jazz JCJ1215)
Willcox, Igor: Time Traveller
They say : Time Traveller, an 8-track album that takes listeners on a fascinating journey through time. Blending jazz, funk, and modern music, the album showcases the talent and creativity of Igor Willcox (drums and compositions), Erik Escobar (piano and keyboards), Wagner Barbosa (saxophone), and (Room73 Records)
Williamson, Sonny Boy: Down And Out Blues
They say : Nothing. (Blues Joint 8034 – LP)
Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra: East Meets West: Connections
They say : Following up their 2024 Downbeat Editor’s Pick “Tidal Currents”, “Connections” is an exciting nine-movement collaboration between the WJO and two phenomenal talents of Canadian jazz composition: Fred Stride and Jean-Nicolas Trottier. (Chronograph Records CR-115)
Wolf, Howlin’: Moanin’ In The Moonlight
They say : Nothing. (Waxtime Clear Vinyl 526008 – LP)
Wolf, Tommy: Wolf at Your Door + Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most (2 LP on 1 CD)
They say : Tommy Wolf (p, vcl), John Gray (g), Jack Shirra, Monty Budwig (b), Tommy Thomas, Shelly Manne (d) (Fresh Sound Records FSRV 206)
Woody, Brandon: For The Love Of It All
They say : For The Love Of It All is more than trumpeter and composer Brandon Woody’s recording debut; it is a manifesto, a ritual, a hymn to the enduring power of love. Joined by his band Upendo — Troy Long (piano, organ, Rhodes, keyboards), Quincy Phillips (drums), and Michael Saunders (bass) with special guests Imani-Grace(vocals), Vittorio Stropoli (aux synth) — the Baltimore-born and based artist extends an invitation into communion with a striking body of work. The album will be released May 9 on Blue Note Records and is available for pre-order now on Blue Note Store exclusive colour vinyl, black vinyl, CD, and digital download. (Blue Note Records )
Yellowjackets: Fasten Up
They say : Nothing. (Mack Ave Music 1217)
Young, Webster: A Quiet Legend · Live in Saint Louis 1961
They say : Webster Young (tp), Freddie Washington (ts), Red Anderson (ts), John Chapman, Jodie Christian (p), John Mixon (b), Chauncey Williams (d) (Fresh Sound Records FSRCD 1158)
Zethson, Alex & Jutterström Johan: It Could / If I
They say : The first album from Stockholm based, longstanding duo of Zethson (piano) and Jutterström (saxaphone). Includes new compositions alongside reimaginings of John Lurie, Frank Loesser, Alexander Fesca and more. (Thanatosis/Astral Spirits THT39)
