Amar Mokady, Zohar: All I Want
They say : The EP Zoheart, inspired by Joni Mitchell’s Blue, features expert musicians and guest artists: Lau Noah on vocals, who has toured with Jacob Collier and Chris Thile; Ingrid Jensen on trumpet, a two-time Grammy Award-winning and Juno Award-winning artist; Tom Oren on piano, winner of the Thelonious Monk Competition, Noam Tanzer on bass, who is touring with Mike Stern and Mei Mei Simons, renowned jazz guitarist Roy Ben Bashat, and ECM Records drummer Alon Benjamini. (Self release)
Angelini, Bruno: Lotus Flower
They say : Lotus Flower: An inspirational production by renowned pianist and composer Bruno Angelini performed in the unusual format of a piano and saxophone trio. Bruno Angelini is an atypical pianist, endowed with a very personal universe as a composer and musician. Rooted in the culture of jazz and contemporary music, an inventive pianist, constantly seeking to push the sonic boundaries of his instrument. Bruno Angelini – piano, Angelika Niescier – alto sax, Sakina Abdou – tenor sax. (Abalone Productions – AB035 CD)
Arbenz, Michael Meets Sheppard, Andy: From Bach to Ellington – Live
They say : Swiss pianist Michael Arbenz and British saxophonist Andy Sheppard come together for ‘From Bach to Ellington – Live’—a melodic, energetic, interactive live recording set for release on June 13th, 2025. Weaving together the timeless elegance of J.S. Bach and the lyrical beauty of Duke Ellington, the album offers a deeply personal musical dialogue, shaped by decades of shared history and mutual respect. (Self release)
Ateena: Ateena (s/t)
They say : The first songs for Ateena’s debut were written by guitarist Topi Vellonen in 2022. Little by little, a band name arose, and the right musicians joined the mix. Ateena is a six-piece band from Jyväskylä, Finland. As the cliché goes, Ateena’s music is difficult to define. Jazz, rock, soul, pop – you’ll probably hear a bit of all of that in the mix. Strong guitar riffs, melodies, and instrumental vibes tie it all together. (Luova Records LUOVA0133) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBHxoMfmVK0
Atlantic Jazz Collective feat. Norma Winstone and Joe LaBarbera: Seascape
They say : Atlantic Jazz Collective proudly announces their first-ever album, Seascape, a breathtaking exploration of modern jazz that features legendary artists Norma Winstone and Joe LaBarbera. The Atlantic Jazz Collective, comprising Canadian Juno Award winners Mike Murley and Florian Hoefner, alongside renowned bassist Jim Vivian, presents a stunning collection of modern jazz originals, reimagined with poetic vocal interpretations. (Alma Records ACD50252) https://youtu.be/8h2RiAxiK38
Auzins, Karlis Double Trio: Equilibrium suite
They say : “Equilibrium suite” composed for two double basses, two drum kits and a saxophone incorporates elements of contemporary, improvised and jazz music. The initial impulse for this piece was to compose a tribute to the legacy of John Coltrane and the artists who expanded upon this movement, often referred to as Spiritual Jazz (Jersika Records JRD012) https://jersikarecords.bandcamp.com/album/equilibrium-suite
Başar, Hakan: Maiden Voyage
They say : Pianist Hakan Başar, born in Istanbul in 2004, is virtually unknown to the general public, but those who have already heard him must have realized that they are dealing with a phenomenal pianist, as well as a very young one. Chick Corea certainly sensed this, who after hearing him live commented; “Succession is assured.” (Red Records RR1233521 2LP)
Bearman, Fini: Last Night Of The World
They say : On Last Night Of The World, Fini Bearman brings together an ensemble of musicians at the forefront of the jazz scene, featuring Tom Cawley, Robin Mullarkey, James Maddren, Matt Calvert and Al Cherry, together with guests Alice Zawadzki, Zosia Jagodzinska, Gareth Lockrane, George Crowley and Gwilym Simcock. The recording is a veritable feast of musical brilliance, projecting strong jazz and folk influences steeped in lyricism, with a depth that is bound to attract discerning music lovers with distinguished tastes. (Pastiche, PR24005) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5LBuXwd1r4
Beiggja: Morning
They say : Dutch saxophonist Kika Sprangers joins Norwegians Kjetil Mulelid (piano), Mats Eilertsen (bass) and Per Oddvar Johansen (drums) for 10 tracks on this first beautiful first outing. European live dates including the UK will follow in September. (HubroCD2671)
Ben-Or, Yotam: Impermanence
They say : A permanent fixture on the New York jazz scene for more than a decade, Israeli-Belgian harmonica player Yotam Ben-Or has established himself as one of the leading new voices on the instrument. His third studio album, Impermanence — featuring his core quartet alongside special guests Lars Danielsson and Esther Quansah — is out on June 20th. (Self release)
Beraha, Brigitte w/Alan Barnes, Barry Green: Tea For Three
They say : Tea for Three’ features a fascinating collaboration between three highly respected musicians on the contemporary jazz scene – vocalist Brigitte Beraha, saxophonist/clarinettist Alan Barnes and pianist Barry Green. They explore new music and jazz standards in a unique meeting of different styles and musical experiences. Recorded live at The Vortex jazz club in November 2023 and now released on Woodville Records, this performance captures the group at their joyful and interactive best. (Woodville Records WVCD155)
Besson, Beairelle, Sebastian Ster: Surprise!
They say : Airelle Besson, the French multi-award-wining jazz trumpeter, has been lighting up the European jazz scene for several years at the head of her quartet, duo with virtuoso accordionist Lionel Suarez, and the Besson/Sternal/Burgwinkle Trio, featured here on ‘Surprise!’. A production without the inclusion of a bass player, the combination of trumpet, piano, and drums is both unusual and intriguing. The result is totally refreshing and provides a new dynamic to the jazz trio format. (Autre Distribution AJT787619 LP)
Blakey, Art and The Jazz Messengers: Moanin’
They say : The formation heard here marks the third incarnation of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, which included trumpeter Lee Morgan, tenor saxophonist Benny Golson, pianist Bobby Timmons and bassist Jymie Merritt. Benny Golson penned four of the songs from Moanin’ and added several perennial compositions to the group’s repertoire, among them the two bonus tracks on this edition, ‘Whisper Not’ and ‘I Remember Clifford’. Pianist Bobby Timmons contributed such hits of his own as the title track, ‘Moanin’. (Number One Essentials – 291025 LP)
Bley, Paul: Open, To Love LP
They say : Paul Bley’s “Open, To Love” was the third chapter in ECM’s quietly revolutionary solo piano manifesto, whose impact continues to influence improvisers today. Recorded in 1972, the pianist’s album brilliantly integrates three strands of material – songs by Carla Bley and Annette Peacock plus two reconfigured standards – into an emotionally powerful narrative arc. (ECM 4505319)
Bromander, Vilhelm (Unfolding Orchestra): Jorden vi ärvde
They say : Follow-up to the much acclaimed debut from this 12 piece ensemble from which they take their name. Features many of the key players in the current Swedish scene including Elin Forkelid and Martin Küchen on sax, Christer Bothén on clarinet and Alex Zethson on piano (Thanatosis Produktion THT41) https://vilhelmbromander.bandcamp.com/album/jorden-vi-rvde
Burnell, Anne and Burnell, Mark: This Could Be The Start Of Something Big
They say : Chicago’s Anne Burnell and Mark Burnell team up with guitarist Fareed Haque, drummer Jim Widlowski, bassist Joshua Ramos, and saxophonist Pat Mallinger for an album of vocal harmonies and new arrangements. Recorded on Chicago’s Southside at Soundmine Studios, Dennis Tousana engineer, Mastering by Bob Katz, Mixing/ATMOS Mastering by Erik Martin. (Spectrum Music 0033) https://youtu.be/oxSJ4jn9JxY?si=x9-JFptMWf3at0zO
