12 O’Clock Club: Current State Unknown
They say : This 4-track EP from 12 O’Clock Club’s composer Antonio Val blends nu jazz, cinematic textures, and improvisation into a cohesive, atmospheric sound. Rooted in jazz tradition but forward-leaning in tone and structure, Current State Unknown explores groove, space, and narrative. Ideal for listeners drawn to jazz that’s introspective yet adventurous, it offers a compact, immersive experience that bridges the lines between jazz, ambient, and filmic composition. (Unsigned, UPC: 199524204404, https://www.twelveoclock.club/about)
Abbasi, Rez: Sound Remains
They say : Guitarist Rez Abbasi is returning to the warmth and immediacy of the acoustic guitar with his Acoustic Quintet, featuring vibraphonist Bill Ware, bassist Stephan Crump, drummer Eric McPherson and percussionist Hasan Bakr. The addition of percussion adds new layers of texture and interplay on the group’s third album. Each original tune presents a series of intricate compositional ideas, powerfully realized by the natural empathy of the group and the emotional commitment of the performances. (Whirlwind)
Accorsi, Betty: Nature Prints
They say : Blending elegant and melodic soprano sax lines with an intensely dynamic rhythm section, Betty Accorsi’s compositions take inspiration from European and ECM jazz from John Surman to Pat Metheny, with echoes of Dvorak, Bartok, Debussy and Western European folk music. Joined by pianist Dan Hewson (Incognito, Groove Armada), bassist Andy Hamill (Van Morrison, Martin Taylor, Ibrahim Maalouf) and young virtuoso drummer Joe Edwards, Nature Prints is dedicated to Betty’s consistent discoveries of art in nature. (Self Release BAM0003)
Ackov, Ashia: L’oiseau Chanteur
They say : A new jazz talent on the scene, Ashia Ackov brings a sultry collection of Smooth Jazz with Latin influences. Every song has an element of romance, whether it is upbeat happiness like the song “Love You” or irrevocable sadness like “The Siren Lullaby.” Ashia is giving listeners a collection of emotions. However, the song “Blame it on Me” by far has been a fan favorite. (www.ashiaackov.com)
Afro Cuban All Stars: Absolutely Live II Viva Mexico
They say : Six years after his last release, Juan de Marcos, architect of the famous Buenavista Social Club sessions, comes back with an Afro-Cuban All Stars’ new production, Viva México, an eclectic and interactive live album based on excerpts of a concert performed at the Cervantino International Festival in Guanajuato, Mexico, an explosive showcase of danceable music where Havana meets New Orleans, capturing a special moment exactly as it happened. (A-Train/DM Ahora! DM0001 CD)
Albare: Eclecticity
They say : Eclecticity is more than just an album; it’s a statement. It’s a declaration of the power of collaboration, a celebration of musical diversity, and a testament to the enduring spirit of jazz. Every track is a masterful blend of creative expression and technical prowess, inviting both jazz aficionados and newcomers to explore the boundless possibilities of the genre. (Alfi Records 0500424LP)
Alexander, Eric and Vincent Herring: Split Decision
They say : Saxophone greats Eric Alexander and Vincent Herring reunite for their powerhouse third album, recorded live at Smoke Jazz Club, featuring Mike LeDonne, John Webber, and Lewis Nash. Split Decision celebrates the 20th anniversary of their first saxophone battle. (Smoke Sessions Records 2503)
Andreas Haddeland Trio: Estuar
They say : A stream of water flows through Andreas Haddeland Trio’s third album, Estuar. Water in many forms. Like water in various forms and structures, the trio’s music continuously moves forward in different ways, with great freedom and a willingness to experiment. An expressive and responsive trio that communicates closely through a diverse range of textures and moods. Andreas Haddeland – guitar, Lars Tormod Jenset – double bass, Ulrik Ibsen Thorsrud – drums (TARE04CD)
Armstrong, Louis: Plays W. C. Handy
They say : Hooker taped some of these early songs at a special moment in his career when he was allowed more space between recording sessions. House of the Blues features sides recorded between 1951-1954 sides. (20th Century Masterworks 350283 LP)
Armstrong, Louis & Duke Ellington: The Great Summit
They say : Armstrong and Duke Ellington together. Duke and Louis had known each other since the mid- twenties and were booked to play alternately on the same stage many times. However, their recorded collaborations prior to this album are truly scarce. This combo session here finds Louis playing Ellington compositions with Duke on piano and backed by Louis’ own All Stars – minus, of course, the combo’s regular pianist Billy Kyle. (Number One Essential 291028 LP)
Arnold, Marcina: Evolution
They say : Singer Marcina has worked alongside Steve Williamson, Byron Wallen, The South African Gospel Singers and South African jazz pioneer the late great Bheki Mseleku. Joining Marcina on this album are jazz veterans Mussinghi B Edwards tenor sax, Jason Yarde alto & baritone sax, Byron Wallen tpt, Rowland Sutherland flutes, and the late great Brasilian bassist Ricardo Dos Santo. Her sound reflects a rich heritage of multi-ethnic roots which informs her eclectic musical style. (Self-release on Mouthy Music Records)
Arronte, Yunior + Roig, Kemuel: Amorous
They say : Amorous is a refined jazz album by master saxophonist Yunior Arronte and virtuoso pianist Kemuel Roig, evoking the sensual elegance of 1960s jazz ballads. With rich tenor saxophone tones, lush piano harmonies, and top-tier musicianship, each track explores themes of love, longing, and intimacy. The sound is romantic, expressive, and timeless, crafted for listeners who appreciate emotional depth and classic jazz aesthetics. Amorous is both nostalgic and fresh, a captivating experience for true jazz lovers. (F&L Music FLM-465238)
Arthur, Gregg: Gregg Arthur In Concert – The Great Amercian Songbook
They say : One night in Sydney’s Foundry 616, acclaimed Australian vocalist Gregg Arthur joined forces with the legendary Peter Locke Quartet, featuring special guest Craig Walters on tenor saxophone. What followed was a vivid portrait of artists in complete musical dialogue, united by a deep, intuitive understanding of the repertoire. Capturing the spontaneity, elegance and intimacy of this quintessential jazz club experience, this live recording is jazz in its lived tradition. (Juniper Jazz, JUNIPER003)
Banks, Joshua: Para Sayo
They say : On Para Sayo, Edmonton pianist Joshua Banks makes a powerful debut, blending contemporary jazz with Asian musical influences and personal identity. Inspired by pianists like Hiromi and Nahre Sol, Banks pairs his classical training with original compositions refined over two years. Collaborating with lyricist Hazel Cavida and his mother, Corazon Banks—who contributes spoken word in Ibaloi—he crafts a deeply personal exploration of Filipino-Canadian identity. The album highlights rising Western Canadian talent and heartfelt, cross-cultural storytelling. (Independent Release)
Baptist, Maria Orchestra: The Bright and the Dark
They say : Symphonic jazz between classical form and improvisation: The Bright and the Dark presents a powerful musical vision beyond stylistic boundaries. At its core is a four-movement suite—complex, emotionally charged, and rich in soloistic moments. Composition and improvisation merge seamlessly, performed by a 16-piece orchestra that has developed its own language over more than a decade under Maria Baptist’s direction. A new genre between jazz and classical—contemporary, sonically bold, and uncompromisingly individual. (Maria Baptist Music / BAPTIST3038)
Bellini, Lorenzo: Source
They say : The pianist Lorenzo Bellini presents his quartet along with Luca De Toni (el. guitar), Matteo Padoin (doublebass) and Andrea Dionisi (drums). Their sound is fully immersed in the contemporary jazz scene where the harmonic and rhythmic unpredictability meets the unusual sense of melody of the leader and his brilliant vision of structures and composition. (GleAM Records AM7036)
Bennett, Antonia: Expressions
They say : Expressions features singer Antonia Bennett on superior standards and some newer material, displaying a clear and very appealing voice. Joined by a top rhythm section from Los Angeles, the vocalist uplifts every song that she interprets. (CAT1332253)
Bixler, David: incognito ergo sum
They say : New York-based saxophonist, composer, and educator David Bixler continues his recent streak of creative reinvention with incognito ergo sum – the second release from his boundary-pushing trio with bassist Dan Loomis and drummer/percussionist Fabio Rojas, set for release on June 26th, 2025. (Self Release)
Blake, Ron: Scratch band featuring Reuben Rogers & John Hadfield
They say : On this follow-up to 2023’s “Mistaken Identity,” Ron Blake gets down to basics with his new SCRATCH Band. The term refers to a tradition of folk music “performed by storytellers in the community I grew up with in the Virgin Islands.” It was the inspiration for this album: “groove & other elements of music, imagined without pretense.” Blake on soprano, tenor, baritone saxophones w/ fellow Virgin Islands native Reuben Rogers, b, & John Hadfield, d/perc. (7tēn33 Prods.)
Boniface, Tim: Psalter: Themes For Peace
They say : An ordained priest and chaplain at Girton College, University of Cambridge, Tim Boniface regularly collaborates with many different jazz luminaries, including James Pearson, Artistic Director of Ronnie Scotts and Musician In Residence at Girton. Pearson features on the new album, alongside Malcolm Creese on bass (collaborator with Kenny Wheeler, Dame Cleo Laine, Stan Tracey and many others), with Jon Ormston on drums and percussion (known for his work with Eliot Galvin, Guy Barker and many more). Boniface explains: “The aim of Psalter is to embrace the fluidity and mystery of how music and meaning are related, to get beyond simplistic notions of peace and explore its multiple social, political and spiritual dimensions through composition and improvisation in the mainstream jazz tradition. (ECN Music, ABCD5033CD)
Braun, Rick: Rick Braun
They say : Cheerfully bucking the traditional idea that self-titled albums are only for artists just getting started, Rick Braun marks a fresh new chapter in his career with ‘Rick Braun’, a stylistically eclectic, ultra-funky/soulful and exotica tinged collection on his indie label Brauntosoarus that celebrates 30 years since ‘Intimate Secrets’ launched him to contemporary jazz stardom and made him one of the genre’s most influential artists and producers. (A-Train/Brauntosoarus Music BRN1002 CD)
Brine, Hannah: Blue Sky Now
They say : While rooted in modern jazz sensibilities, Blue Sky Now is also influenced by iconic singer-songwriters spanning several decades, such as Carole King, Norah Jones, Cleo Sol and Rumer, who Hannah is supporting on tour later this year. The album is produced by renowned guitarist and band leader Jamie McCredie, one of the UK’s busiest and most versatile musicians,widely celebrated for his work with Roisin Murphy, Jools Holland, Melody Gardot, Kid Creole, and many more. McCredie also plays guitar on the project, alongside Hamish Balfour and Jamie Safir on piano, Ian King on bass, Chris Draper on drums and Freddie Gavita on trumpet, with a string section of Debs White and Dave Larkin on violin, Reiad Chibah on viola and Julia Graham on cello. (Self Release, HBM01)
