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New releases April-May 2025, M-P

Records offered for review to Jazz Journal in March-April 2025, including Georgia Mancio & Alan Broadbent, Harvey Mason, Bennie Maupin, Pat Metheny and Hedvig Mollestad || Editor's pick: Mehldau, Turner, Bernstein

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M.T.B. (Mehldau, Turner, Bernstein): Solid Jackson

They say : First LP edition: Solid Jackson, issued on CD in 2023 on the Criss Cross label under the group name of M.T.B., reunites four of the original musicians 30 years after their critically acclaimed debut album Consulting Adults (1994). Those players are none other than pianist Brad Mehldau, tenor saxophonist Mark Turner, guitarist Peter Bernstein, and bassist Larry Grenadier, with drummer Bill Stewart completing the quintet. (Elemental 1423 LP)

Mancio, Georgia and Broadbent, Alan: A Story Left Untold

They say : Multi-award-winning songwriting partners, vocalist/lyricist Georgia Mancio, and pianist/composer Alan Broadbent, present the final part of a trilogy with the globally acclaimed ‘Songbook’ (2017) and ‘Quiet Is The Star’ (2021). Blending the personal and political, ‘A Story Left Untold’ explores the forces that draw us further from, and closer to, our shared humanity. Part duo, part quartet, the title track – a timely cautionary tale against Authoritarianism –features a 42 piece orchestra to stunning effect (Roomspin Records RR0009)

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Mason, Harvey: Changing Partners

They say : Changing Partners is a straight-ahead jazz trio album by the legendary Grammy-nominated drummer and composer Harvey Mason, one of the most recorded drummers of all time in any genre. A former member of Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters – with whom he co-wrote the hit Chameleon – and a co-founder of the jazz group Fourplay, Mason leads different trios using a rotating cast of musical collaborators; they include jazz luminaries Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Dave Grusin and Buster Williams. (evosound) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arhJJIcIIhw

Mason, Janette: ReWired

They say : Acoustic​ trio album of reimagined classic jazz and pop tunes by pianist, composer and arranger Janette Mason with long-time collaborators bassist Tom Mason and drummer Eric Ford, including George Shearing’s Lullaby Of Birdland and Kate Bush’s The Man With The Child In His Eyes. (JM Music – JM2024CD)

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Maupin, Bennie: The Jewel In The Lotus LP

They say : Reedman Bennie Maupin, an inventive contributor to Miles Davis’ “Bitches Brew” and Herbie Hancock’s “Mwandishi”, has rarely recorded under his own name but his leader debut, is indeed a jewel. Recorded in New York in 1974, the personnel is drawn from the circle around Herbie Hancock in the period, but the music has a character all its own. The albums Luminessence vinyl edition arrives in a tip-on gatefold and includes new liner notes. (ECM 5892366)

Metheny, Pat: Bright Size Life LP

They say : New vinyl edition in ECM’s “Luminessence” Series, presented as a tip-on gatefold LP. “Bright Size Life” was Pat Metheny’s first studio recording as a leader and was the album that decisively put the guitarist on the map. Recorded in December 1975, the album featured Metheny’s touring band of the day, with Bob Moses on drums and the virtuosic but then largely unknown Jaco Pastorius on bass guitar. (ECM 5523892)

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Miles, Jason: The Lisbon Electric 4tet

They say : Inspired by a fresh creative landscape and new musical partnerships, Jason formed The Lisbon Electric 4tet. The group — featuring Vicky Marques (drums), Yami Aloelela (bass), and Tiago Oliveira (guitar) — channels Jason’s signature blend of jazz, funk, and deep groove into a vibrant transatlantic sound. Their explosive live debut at the Super Bock em Stock festival in Lisbon set the tone for their self-titled album, mixed and mastered by Grammy-winner Jimmy Bralower. (Self release)

Miles, Jason: Cosmopolitan

They say : A treasure from 1979 beautifully remastered featuring Jason Miles, Michael Brecker, Marcus Miller, Ricardo Silveira, Gerry Niewood. A contemporary jazz masterpiece and the start of an iconic career that brought Jason Miles to the forefront of music for the past 50 years (JMM) https://samply.app/p/OKVH47l1toC2jUPS9f53

Mingus, Charles: In Argentina: The Buenos Aires Concerts

They say : A never-before-released recording of legendary bassist Charles Mingus captured live in Buenos Aires, Argentina in June 1977. The album features Ricky Ford (tenor sax), Jack Walrath (trumpet), Robert Neloms (piano) and Dannie Richmond (drums) and its elaborate booklet includes liner notes from Mingus biographer Brian Priestley, concert recollections from Argentinian writer Claudio Parisi, plus interviews with band members Walrath, Ford and more. (Resonance Records)

Mollestad, Hedvig: Bees In The Bonnet

They say : Hedvig Mollestad Trio return for their eigth album. Indebted equally to Terje Rypdal and Rush this is one of the trio heaviest albums to date. It does however include the gentler Lamament and superb musicianship throughout. (Rune Grammofon RCD2237) https://hedvigmollestadtrio.bandcamp.com/track/golden-griffin-2

Morcaldi, Ted: Celestial Stranger

They say : Celestial Stranger is a beautiful album of original contemporary jazz by trio of celebrated musicians, feat Joel Humann (bass), Joshua Blackmore (drums), led by US guitarist Ted Morcaldi. Exploring texture, improvisation, and musical identity, Celestial Stranger is the trio’s debut recording – a richly textured album blending improvisation and ambient soundscapes, with reminders of David Sylvian, Holger Czukay, of Can, ECM productions amongst others. (Clonmell Jazz Social CJS007CD)

Mørck, Marie: My One And Only Love

They say : Rising Danish jazz vocalist Marie Mørck steps away from her own writing and dives into American Songbook repertoire with My One and Only Love — a collection of deeply personal reinterpretations of classic standards, set for release on June 27, 2025, via Zack’s Music. (Zack’s Music)

Moreau, Fabrice: Ignorant As The Dawn

They say : Fabrice Moreau, a major drummer on the European jazz scene (Marc Copland, (Bram 915012 CD)

Moreno, Andrew: Axiom

They say : Award-winning Venezuelan guitarist and composer Andrew Moreno makes a bold entrance onto the international jazz scene with his debut album Axiom, recorded with his Rotterdam-based trio and featuring internationally acclaimed saxophonists Tineke Postma and Bo Van Der Werf. A collection of personal stories exploring Moreno’s journey as an artist shaped by migration, reinvention, and a relentless pursuit of musical freedom, Axiom is set for release on May 9th, 2025. (Honolulu Records)

Muñeses, Matthew and Printup, Rita: Pag-ibig Ko

They say : Saxophonist Matthew Muñeses and harpist Riza Printup’s one-of-a-kind recording explores classic Filipino love songs in an intimate duet setting. Muñeses first explored his Filipino heritage on his 2022 “Noli Me Tángere,” which focused on the compositions of José Rizal. Now he’s broadened his scope to look at the tradition of Filipino love songs called kundiman. The result is an album that is rich, elegant, and as passionate as the songs it visits. (Irabbagst Records)

Mwendo Dawa trio, Lindeborg, Susanna: Melodic Hope

They say : 2025 is a 50 year celebration of the forming of Mwendo Dawa. The music has always been searching new paths. Music with a great portion of humour and exciting ideas, where live electronics smoothly integrates with acoustic instruments. Improvised music but divided into separate compositions. Susanna Lindeborg pi,elec, Jimmi R Pedersen bass, David Sundby drums. (LJRecords LJCD5264) https://youtu.be/ZQSNEhTg-3A?si=_fMXy9Jya2_UzHs4

Nādt Orchestra: Dualism

They say : Established in Bologna in 2020, Nādt Orchestra is made up of eight young and talented musicians. Their music is a crossroads of styles and influences: a mix that combines the language of jazz with elements from different musical traditions, from Africa to Central America to the Middle East, without fearing explorations into electronic soundscapes (Locomotiv Records)

Olivier, Isabelle: Impressions

They say : Acclaimed jazz harpist and composer Isabelle Olivier explores Impressionism in music and the visual arts with her arresting, genre-melding new album. Joining her are her sons pianist and accordionist Tom Olivier-Beuf and electronic musician Raphael Olivier along with a string quartet and drummer Baptiste Thiebault. (Rewound Echoes)

Paggi, Matteo: Giraffe

They say : Based in Rotterdam, Paggi has already made a name for himself in international jazz circles as the trombonist for Enrico Rava, but GIRAFFE shows a different side: personal, playful, and searching for connection. Tracks move between reflective soundscapes and driving grooves, always leaving room for the unexpected. (Jam/Unjam, Universal)

Patsiotis Kostas: This Moment

They say : A solo bass album by Greek bassist Kostas Patsiotis, blending Mediterranean melodies with jazz, rock and world influences. Entirely performed on double bass and electric bass, the project pays tribute to the artists who shaped his musical world. The preview track This Moment sets the tone: lyrical, percussive, and richly layered. For fans of lyrical solo projects and cross-genre exploration. (Self release) https://youtu.be/4K2n5k44sGk?si=ZbTwUculUZUNpkdn

Pia, Zoe & Tenores Di Orosei: Indindara

They say : ‘Indindara’ is the result of an encounter between Sardinian clarinettist and launeddist and jazz composer Zoe Pia and the four voices of Tenores di Orosei, a well-known group that boasts one of the island’s most comprehensive musical repertoires, ranging between the sacred and secular. (Losen Records – LOS2882 CD)

Pitch, Rhythm, and Consciousness: Sextet

They say : The all-star improvising ensemble Pitch, Rhythm and Consciousness expands to a sextet for a moving exploration of spirituality and community. Founders tenor saxophonist Tony Jones and violinist Charlie Burnham are joined by drummer Kenny Wollesen, cellist Marika Hughes, saxophonist Jessica Jones and bassist Rashaan Carter. The ensemble looks to spiritual traditions from around the world to create a deeply compelling meditation on how spirituality and music intersect. (REVA Records)

Preminger, Noah: Ballads

They say : Tenor saxophonist Noah Preminger explores the great jazz tradition of making gorgeous melodies a vehicle for creative and mesmerizing playing. This album features pianist Julian Shore, bassist Kim Cass and Allan Mednard. (Chill Tone)

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