Haefeli, Sean: Flying Broken Form
They say : Born in Indianapolis and now based in Berlin, Sean Haefeli is an innovative vocalist and musician who represents a new breed of artist, schooled in jazz, soul and hip-hop, able to execute with an emcee’s sense of flow, a singer’s melodic sensibilities, and a jazz pianist’s deft improvisations. His forthcoming, independently released fifth album ‘Flying Broken Form’ bridges the gap between classic and cutting-edge, commanding a creative space that’s all his own. (Self release (Sonic Density))
Hargrave, Rita and Wallace, Wayne: Salsa de la Bahia Vol. 3. Renegade Queens
They say : For their third edition of the Salsa de la Bahia series, producers Rita Hargrave and Wayne Wallace explore the largely untold story of the San Francisco Bay Area’s pioneering women of Latin jazz through two discs and a deluxe in-depth booklet. Among the many artists featured are Blazing Redheads, Bobi Céspedes, Renegade Queens and La Doña. (Patois Records)
Haynes, Phil: Return To Electric
They say : Drummer Phil Haynes pays tribute to the early, experimental days of fusion with a pair of fellow visionary musicians: guitarist Steve Salerno and bassist Drew Gress. They present the works of Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin and George Russell, alongside repurposed Haynes originals and a trio of improvised solos. Along the way their keen sense of dynamics shows how electric jazz can still be as intelligent and inspiring as it is exhilarating. (Corner Store Jazz)
Haynes, Phil and Monder, Ben: Transition(s)
They say : Drummer Phil Haynes and guitarist Ben Monder (The Bad Plus) first played together 25 years ago, but are just now releasing their first duo recording. Together they tackle John Coltrane’s “Transitions” and also put their imprint on the standard “I Fall in Love Too Easily,” as well as a series of their own compositions. Haynes and Monder make music that is an enrapturing set of airy, spacious mood pieces. (Corner Store Jazz)
Henriksen, Arve w/Trygve Seim, Anders Jormin and Markku Ounaskari: Arcanum
They say : “Arcanum” brings together four artists well-known to followers of directions in music at ECM: trumpeter Arve Henriksen, saxophonist Trygve Seim, double bassist Anders Jormin and drummer/percussionist Markku Ounaskari. Their first album as a quartet includes compositions by Anders Jormin and Trygve Seim, a traditional Finnish song and Jormin’s arrangement of an Ornette Coleman piece. These are slotted into a programme of graceful collective improvisations distinguished by lyrical imagination, reflective soloing and sensitive group interaction. (ECM 7510477)
Hubbard, Freddie: On Fire: Live from the Blue Morocco
They say : Legendary trumpeter Freddie Hubbard is captured live in this heated, unissued 1967 performance featuring an all-star combo: Bennie Maupin, Kenny Barron, Herbie Lewis, and Freddie Waits. Album notes by John Koenig, interviews with Maupin and Barron, plus Charles Tolliver, Eddie Henderson, Jeremy Pelt and Steven Bernstein, who says: “This recording is insane! It’s one of the most exciting live documents I’ve ever heard in my life…. mind-blowing. Freddie’s on fire. It’s just so damn good.” (Resonance Records)
Irabagon, Jon: Server Farm
They say : On this standout album, acclaimed saxophonist/composer Jon Irabagon explores the threat and promise of A.I. with his largest ensemble to date, a ten-piece ensemble featuring some of the most adventurous musicians on the creative music landscape. (Irabbagst Records)
Jalal, Naïssam: Souffles
They say : Souffles (‘Breaths’) is the 10th album from award-winning French flautist and composer Naïssam Jalal. Written as an intimate and inspired dialogue between wind-instrument players it features Naïssam in a series of duets with eight prominent figures in jazz and improvised music, including Archie Shepp, Yom, Sylvain Rifflet, Thomas de Pourquery, Louis Sclavis, and Émile Parisien. Blending her own breath with these exceptional wind instrumentalists, Naïssam has created eight vibrant duos. (Autre Distribution – 238933 CD)
Jalal, Naïssam: Souffles
They say : Souffles (‘Breaths’) is the 10th album from award-winning French flautist and composer Naïssam Jalal. Written as an intimate and inspired dialogue between wind-instrument players it features Naïssam in a series of duets with eight prominent figures in jazz and improvised music, including Archie Shepp, Yom, Sylvain Rifflet, Thomas de Pourquery, Louis Sclavis, and Émile Parisien. Blending her own breath with these exceptional wind instrumentalists, Naïssam has created eight vibrant duos. (Autre Distribution – 238933 LP)
Jan van Duikeren’s Fingerprint: Slow Your Roll
They say : Trumpeter Jan van Duikeren and his jazz-quintet Fingerprint recorded a groove-based modern jazz album, both transparent in sound and intricate in mastery of the instrument. Wonderful contributions by world famous Dutch guitarist Jesse van Ruller give this album extra shine. (Zip Records ZIP426)
Jaxen, Kazzrie & Messina, Don: The Dance
They say : April 10, 2025 Release Date. March 2019 Concert Recording. Kazzrie Jaxen (Piano & Vocals) and Don Messina (Double Bass) have released The Dance, a duo recording. This recording captures the joyful spirit of a live concert — the dance between two friends having a ball playing together, the dance between the musicians and the audience, and the infinitely beautiful dance at the still point of creation. There are eight tracks — jazz lines by Charlie Parker and Lee Konitz; three standards; one song made famous by Richie Havens, another by Nina Simone, and one original by Kazzrie. Seven songs are sung — all are danced! https://www.newartistsrecords.com/1075-the-dance (New Artists Records NA1075)
Jazzanova: In Between Revisited : Jazzanova Live
They say : Celebrate 20 years of Jazzanova’s groundbreaking debut album In Between with this stunning live reinterpretation. Recorded at Little Big Beat Studios, the Jazzanova Live Band breathes fresh energy into timeless tracks like That Night, No Use, and Days To Come. This performance seamlessly blends the album’s sample-based origins with the vibrancy of live music. A must-have for fans of jazz, soul, and electronic fusion. (Sonar Kollektiv SK500)
Jermyn, Simon: Obsany
They say : An exciting mixture of off-kilter grooves, surprising melodies, open improvisation and soundscapes performed by a new Berlin-based quartet featuring four pillars of the European jazz scene: guitarist Simon Jermyn, bassist Petter Eldh, saxophonist Otis Sandsjö, and drummer Lukas Akintaya. It’s music that’s most likely to be filed under ‘jazz,’ though its influences run the gamut – from jazz and improvised music through electronica, new music, Afropop and rock. (Elastic Recordings ER 018)
Joe Marcinek Band: The Groove Session [w. Jesus Molina]
They say : Joe Marcinek Band’s album The Groove Session is the new funky, jazzy album from one of America’s most dynamic live acts. The album sees Marcinek recording with pianist Jesus Molina and long-time collaborators Ronnie & Manny Sanchez. Marcinek also hosts the Dead Funk Summit series, featuring George Porter Jr. and Melvin Seals. Marcinek is also a member of Seals’ band Terrapin Flyer. Marcinek has also collaborated with Bernie Worrell (Parliament-Funkadelic) and Shaun Martin (Snarky Puppy). (Vintage League)
Jordan, Rodney: Memphis Blue
They say : Second album as a leader for the bassist, educator, & longtime member of Marcus Roberts’s trio is a tribute to Rodney Jordan’s hometown of Memphis. Personnel includes simpatico Southern collaborators Melvin Jones, tpt; Louis Heriveaux, p; saxophonist Mark Sterbank, & drummer Quentin E. Baxter (of Ranky Tanky), who co-produced the session with Jordan. (Baxter Music Enterprises)
Joshua, Ari: Blurry Face
They say : Ari Joshua teams up with avant-jazz icons John Medeski (organ/clavinet) and Billy Martin (drums) for this raw, one-take improv session tracked at Applehead Studios. Blurry Face merges psychedelic funk and exploratory jazz with earthy grooves and radiant textures. Other Joshua tracks include Say What You Wanna Say by The All’s Eye featuring Ben Atkind and Kris Yunker (https://youtu.be/b8I1oFl1fpg) and Reversible Submersible featuring John Medeski and Billy Martin (https://youtube.com/shorts/8XeMNKi2ii4) (Music Factory Records )
Jozéfinn’, Jean Pierre (Jozéfinn’ Austral View): Fandamane
They say : Jozéfinn’ Austral View is a group of five musicians from three different nationalities embarking on a remarkable musical journey. Founded by Jean Pierre Jozéfinn’, a musician from Réunion Island, the project explores musical syncretism by blending African traditions like maloya, sega, salegy, tsapiky, and goma with jazz. Their new album, Fandamane, is released by Spanish label Protomaterial Records and produced by experimental composer and producer Joan Arnau Pàmies. (Protomaterial Records | PROTOM17)
Jung, Seungmin: Anecdotes
They say : New York-based bassist Seungmin Jung, originally from South Korea, has released his debut album, Anecdotes. Inspired by Wayne Shorter, Charles Lloyd, and Joe Lovano, he blends modern jazz with his unforgettable stories. His music balances composition with the spontaneity of improvisation, capturing unexpected moments. Featuring tenor saxophone, trumpet, piano, guitar, bass, and drums, listeners can experience Jung’s expressive vision and deep musical connection. (Seungmin Jung Music (Self Released))