Carmona, Juan: Laberinto De Luz (Labyrinth Of Light)
They say : Guitarist and composer Juan Carmona presents ‘Laberinto de luzo,’ an album marking his 40th anniversary career. Shaped by passion and musical encounters around the world, Laberinto De Luzo offers a unique experience at the crossroads of flamenco, jazz, and Brazilian rhythms; a vibrant testament to Carmona’s exceptional musical journey. Recognized as one of the greatest composers and guitar virtuosos of his generation, Juan Carmona continues to innovate while remaining deeply rooted in ancestral traditions. (Nomades Kultur – NK106 )
Chestnut, Cyrus: Rhythm, Melody and Harmony
They say : Pianist Cyrus Chestnut returns to HighNote with a superb new quartet recording. This highly anticipated album showcases Chestnut’s rhythmic precision, emotive touch, and improvisational flair complemented by an ensemble that provides both subtlety and drive. The combination of Chestnut’s expressive piano playing with the string bass of Gerald Cannon and the propulsive beats of Chris Beck creates a sound that provides a luxurious background of vibrant color for the saxophone of Stacy Dillard (HighNote Records HCD 7363)
Cinema Royal: Cinema Royal
They say : Long time friend of the label and Stones Throw alumni Rejoicer joins forces with longtime collaborator, fellow Apifera band member and renowned pianist Nitai Hershkovits to present a new moniker and concept piece Cinema Royal – a delicate yet audacious album that quietly commands attention. Having previously collaborated on works for Raw Tapes and beyond, this body of work exists more on the modern classical plain with splices of ambient and jazz woven into the musical fabric of the compositions (Rhythm Section International RS068)
Cope, Claire: Every Journey
They say : The forward-looking British pianist/composer Claire Cope and her 11-piece Ensemble C presents a powerful recording inspired by pioneering women and their courage. (Adhyaropa Records)
Corea, Chick: Piano Improvisations Vol. 1 LP
They say : ECM’s pioneering documentation of solo piano music began with this beautifully recorded session from April 1971. Chick Corea’s “Piano Improvisations Vol. 1” includes, in “Sometime Ago”, a foretaste of the Latin-tinged music introduced with the first Return To Forever band, but other pieces were simply pulled from the aether – Corea had the uncanny ability to shape fully formed compositions in real time. This Luminessence vinyl edition adds a gatefold sleeve with Chick’s performer’s note. (ECM 6523450)
Coryell, Larry, Badi Assad, John Abercrombie: Three Guitars
They say : Beautifully recorded in late 2002 in New York’s St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Three Guitars is a must-hear summit meeting between three extraordinary fretboard masters: Larry Coryell, Badi Assad – then a rising star of the Brazilian music scene – and John Abercrombie. Despite their differences in age, nationality, genre, gender, and musical sensibility, the three musicians found common ground in what Coryell described as a “unique intersection of creativity.” (Chesky Records) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUGeJBRkCr4
Counterfictionals, The: ”An Incomplete Encyclopedia of Gentle Emotions”
They say : Hailing from the hip Copenhagen scene, The Counterfictionals is a six-piece group of men and women hailing from the city’s rich jazz, rock, and theatre communities. Often surreal, sometimes tender, and always emotionally rich, this June 20 release reflects on cinematic moments by David Lynch, Jane Campion, Sergio Leone, and Wes Anderson, among others. (Self release)
Courvoisier, Sylvie and Halvorson, Mary: Bone Bells
They say : Two of modern music’s most original voices, pianist Sylvie Courvoisier and guitarist Mary Halvorson, further evolve their creative partnership on their exhilarating third duo recording. (Pyroclastic Records)
Crane, Tommy: Reality Curated: Live at Ursa
They say : A beautiful new live album from US-born, Montreal-based drummer/composer Tommy Crane (Melissa Aldana, Aaron Parks) documenting a multi-week residency at Martha Wainwright’s Montreal venue Ursa. Featuring Charlotte Greve (Lisbeth Quartet, The Choir Invisible), Sarah Rossy (John Hollenbeck’s GEORGE), Warren Spicer (Unessential Oils, Plants and Animals), Claire Devlin (Bellbird) and many more. The follow up to 2024’s Dance Music For All Occasions. (Elastic Recordings ER 019) https://tommycrane.bandcamp.com/album/reality-curated-live-at-ursa-elastic-recordings
Crotty, George: Heart Music
They say : The Brooklyn-based George Crotty Trio’s new album, “Heart Music”, is a transatlantic travelogue of creative encounters in Copenhagen, Delft, Berlin, Toronto, and Brooklyn. Inspired by European jazz, Hindustani raga, and contemporary chamber music, the Canadian cellist’s compositions are further illuminated by John Murchison (bass) & Jeremy Smith (percussion). The album takes the form of a suite, taking a story of curiosity and exploration. (Self release) https://georgecrotty.bandcamp.com/album/heart-music
Dahl, Carsten: In The Middle Of Nothing – To Palle Mikkelborg
They say : In the Middle of Nothing is a deeply personal tribute to one of Scandinavian jazz’s most visionary figures. This recording is both a celebration and a meditation, honoring the legendary Palle Mikkelborg, trumpeter, composer, arranger, and spiritual guide to generations of jazz musicians. The album consists of 7 tracks, all arranged and composed by Carsten Dahl. (Storyville Records, 1014344)
Dankworth, Jacqui: Windmills
They say : The multi-award-winning vocalist and inimitable performer Jacqui Dankworth presents her new album Windmills: a dazzling collection of evocative new interpretations from a wide variety of genres: songs from classic films, Broadway show tunes and jazz standards, atmospheric French chanson and Brazilian bossa-nova, and even a beautiful new composition by Dankworth herself. (Perdido DOR2401) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-ZCZ3aXYCQ
David, Jonah: Waltz for Eli
They say : Debut album from drummer & active-duty Navy sailor Jonah David is a testament to the budding jazz scene of Virginia Beach, where the music was conceived and recorded. This collection of standards & originals features Joe Bussey, b; Bryan Carrott, vib; Jeremy Pelt, tpt; & keyboardist Ettienne Stadwijk, who co-produced. (Swish Tap Records) https://youtu.be/9RwLSDEWVoo
Davis, Brittany: Black Thunder
They say : Brittany Davis’ Black Thunder, was improvised over a 48-hour window. Alongside Brittany on piano and vocals is the Seattle-based rhythm section of bassist Evan Flory-Barnes and drummer D’Vonne Lewis. Born in Kansas City to a broken family and blind since birth, Brittany relocated to Seattle to live with her grandmother after her mother was incarcerated. Listeners will hear a profound strength in these songs — an artist rising above her difficult past with no sight or financial resources — blossoming creatively. (Loosegroove Records) https://orcd.co/amidtheblackout
Davis, Jay: BadTrad
They say : The compositions collated here are presentations of my musings on identity, the human spirit, and where we choose to be in the world. Featuring four of the most exciting and in-demand, improvising musicians on the UK scene, BadTrad draws inspiration from Jazz, free improvisation, choral music and Indie. (Fresh Sound New Talent FSNT 698) https://youtu.be/Yo1XGPeRSc8
Debarre, Angelo: Gypsy Guitar 2
They say : Angelo Debarre’s extraordinary guitar technique has long been the tree that hid the forest of his profound musicality and above all, his talent as a composer. Belonging to the family of Django Reinhardt’s heirs, Debarre has become a legend among Gypsy Jazz fans, one of those rare musicians, who can enchant a room and make hearts beat in unison. Angelo Debarre – guitar, Serge Camps – guitar’ Frank Anastasio – bass. (Label Ouest – 3040882 CD)
Debarre, Angelo: Gypsy Guitar 2
They say : Angelo Debarre’s extraordinary guitar technique has long been the tree that hid the forest of his profound musicality and above all, his talent as a composer. Belonging to the family of Django Reinhardt’s heirs, Debarre has become a legend among Gypsy Jazz fans, one of those rare musicians, who can enchant a room and make hearts beat in unison. Angelo Debarre – guitar, Serge Camps – guitar’ Frank Anastasio – bass. (Label Ouest – 3040922 LP)
Dorham, Kenny: Blues Bossa in the Bronx: Live from the Blue Morocco
They say : These newly released recordings feature hard bop trumpet great Kenny Dorham recorded live in 1967 in the Bronx with a hard-hitting band comprising alto saxophonist Sonny Red, pianist Cedar Walton, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Denis Charles. The deluxe booklet features notes by Grammy-winner Bob Blumenthal, an appreciation by Dan Morgenstern and comments from some of the many trumpet greats Dorham has inspired. (Resonance Records)
