Fabia Mantwill Orchestra: In.Sight
They say : There is music that bypasses analysis and speaks directly to something deeper. In.Sight, the sophomore album by Berlin-based composer, conductor, and saxophonist Fabia Mantwill, co-written by Michael League, is such a work – a sweeping, cinematic journey of sound that begins with a single thread and blossoms into a vast, emotional tapestry. (GroundUP Music)
Farnsworth, Joe: The Big Room
They say : Drummer Joe Farnsworth leads an intergenerational sextet into that boundless space of the imagination. The album features a stellar cast of player/composers blending modern masters and rapidly rising stars: trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, saxophonist Sarah Hanahan, vibraphonist Joel Ross, pianist Emmet Cohen, and bassist Yasushi Nakamura. The drummer and bandleader, long associated with dyed-in-the-wool tradition, hasn’t departed entirely from those roots. But in recent years he’s stretched the tether much further and now has assembled a gifted and adventurous band able to forge its own pathway to that elusive realm. (Smoke Sessions Records 2502)
Ferrari, Ilario Ferrari Trio: Above The Clouds
They say : On the cusp of releasing his fourth studio album, pianist and singer Ilario Ferrari has developed a distinctive compositional style that integrates instrumental contemporary jazz with vocal harmonies, adding hints of sounds and rhythms from both Indian and Mediterranean cultures, alongside some classical nuances with influences from Ilario’s southern Italian heritage. This approach is singular to Ilario Ferrari as an artist: a style that is complimented by drummer Katie Patterson and bassist Charlie Pyne. (Elsden Music EM12 LP)
Finzer, Nick: The Jazz Orchestra Volume 1
They say : Nick Finzer’s The Jazz Orchestra Volume 1 is a powerful debut big band release from the acclaimed trombonist-composer. Recorded in one day with a handpicked NYC ensemble, the album blends small-group intimacy with orchestral scale. Featuring standout tracks like “We the People” and a lush reimagining of JJ Johnson’s “Lament,” this release channels Ellingtonian spirit through a modern lens—urgent, emotional, and rooted in jazz tradition. (Outside in Music 2506)
Freedom Art Quartet: First Dance
They say : What makes First Dance so striking is not just its execution, but its philosophy. This is music made not to decorate a moment, but to interrogate it—to stretch time, expand emotion, and pose questions that cannot be answered in words. (Freedom Art Records /FAR-52962)
Fujii, Satoko Kaze and Koichi Makigami: Shishiodoshi
They say : No previous album in their 14-year history will prepare you for the gleeful lunacy of Shishiodoshi, the latest CD from Kaze, the cooperative quartet featuring Japanese composer-pianist Satoko Fujii and trumpeter Natsuki Tamura along with French trumpeter Christian Pruvost and drummer Peter Orins. With guest vocalist Koichi Makigami along for the ride, Kaze unleashes an inspired blend of serious music-making and quirky humor. (Circum Libra)
Fukumori, Michika: Eternity And A Day
They say : Fourth album from pianist Michika Fukumori–a trio date with Steve Whipple & Adam Nussbaum–shows her steady emergence as a composer & increasing assurance as a leader, mixing her originals with Fats Waller’s “Jitterburg Waltz” & a medley of Chopin’s “Prelude Op. 28, No. 4” & Jobim’s “How Insensitive.” Born on the main island of Honshu, Japan, Michika has been based in NYC since 2000. (Summit Records DCD 838)
Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet: El Muki
They say : For over two decades, the Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet has forged a distinctive path through the world of jazz—fusing the deep-rooted traditions of Afro-Peruvian music with the improvisational language of modern jazz. Now, the Lima/New York based ensemble returns with a landmark album that not only celebrates the group’s 20th anniversary but reaffirms their role as musical storytellers, culture bearers, and fearless innovators. (Saponegro Records)
Gamelan Alligator Joy: Penumbra
They say : Gamelan Alligator Joy ‘s Punumbra Released on June 6 on Songlines. Group Formerly Known as Gamelan Madu Sari Returns After Fifteen Year Hiatus (Songlines Recordings SGL2411-2)
Gatton, Danny: Funhouse Live At The Holiday Inn 1987
They say : Glenn Holley, who previously produced The Humbler album with Robert Gordon in 1996, releases a remastered 1987 live jazz set from the maverick guitar master. With John Previti (b); Chris Battistone (t); Barry Hart (d). The set can be seen on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KmikNdhEWA (Gress Records)
George Crotty Trio: Heart Music
They say : Canadian cellist George Crotty blends jazz, world music, and contemporary chamber styles into a bold, genre-defying sound. A Berklee graduate, he has worked with Bob Ezrin, Simon Shaheen, and Paquito D’Rivera, and toured with The Band’s Visit. His trio, GC3, creates cinematic, multicultural chamber jazz. Their latest album, Heart Music, is a transatlantic journey shaped by European jazz, Hindustani raga, and deep improvisation, featuring bassist John Murchison and percussionist Jeremy Smith. (Independent Release)
Gilchrist, Lafayette and New Violcanoes: Move With Love
They say : Baltimore-based pianist, keyboardist and composer Lafayette Gilchrist – the newest member of the Sun Ra Arkestra – reconvenes his funk and go-go fueled nonet New Volcanoes for the acclaimed band’s first release in seven years. While the title captures the infectious, joyous, groove-heavy sound that New Volcanoes has honed over the last two decades, it’s also a plea for community during turbulent times. Gilchrist masterfully combines Afrobeat, funk, and creative jazz into a unique, irresistible sound. (Morphius Records)
Glenn, Roger: My Latin Heart
They say : Multi-instrumental wizard Roger Glenn played flute with vibraphone star Cal Tjader and vibes with flute great Herbie Mann. He made his recording debut with Mary Lou Williams and contributed to classic albums by Mongo Santamaria (Mongo´70), Dizzy Gillespie (Bahaina), Donald Byrd (Black Byrd), and Cal Tjader (Grammy Award-winning La Onda Va Bien). He celebrates his 80th birthday – and his love of Afro-Caribbean rhythms – with his first album as a leader in 50 years. (Patois Records)
Goetze, Volker and Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko: Sargal
They say : Mandingo Kora master Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko joins trumpeter/producer Vokler Goetze on Sargal, released on June 6 on Motema Music. With compositions that honor the past while forging new creative pathways, Sargal exemplifies the duo’s shared ethos. From the stirring rhythms of “Rokhaya,” which features their esteemed guest percussionist, Mino Cinélu, to the flamenco-infused “Koratango,” the album embodies the harmonious blending of tradition and innovation. (Motema Music MTM0455)
Goodman, Jerry: Thirteen
They say : Thirteen, the fourth release of inventive and passionate fusion from The Haas Company, features violinist Jerry Goodman, who originally became famous with the Mahavishnu Orchestra. (Psychiatric Records and Tapes LLC PRT-CD-1004)
Green, Kelly: Corner Of My Dreams
They say : Pianist/vocalist/composer Kelly Green’s 5th album is dedicated to her late mother, who took her own life in 2021 following a battle with depression & anxiety, & tracks Kelly’s journey “from heavy grief to positive remembrance.” With influences from the jazz, classical, & folk singer/songwriter worlds, it features her trio (w/ Luca Soul Rosenfeld, b; Evan Hyde, drum set) plus string quartet & vocal quartet on all original music & orchestrations. (La Reserve/Green Soul Studios)
Grissett, Danny: Travelogue
They say : Known for music which embodies a refined balance of swing, lyricism and harmonic sophistication, pianist Danny Grissett has performed with the likes of Tom Harrell, Nicholas Payton and Jackie McLean. Inspired by the life and reflections of a traveling jazz artist, his new album is mostly made up of original compositions. Together with drummer Bill Stewart and bassist Vicente Archer, the trio performs the imaginative structure of these new works with compelling dedication and insight. (Savant Records SCD2220)
Guerrero, Tommy: Road To Knowhere
They say : This album by guitarist Tommy Guerrero was inspired by bits and pieces of Ethio-Jazz, Afrobeat, Highlife, Spiritual Jazz, and dusty funk 45’s. “It’s where I’m at now and what has kept this mortal vehicle fuelled. “I tend to take different paths each musical outing, but this one is for the long haul. It’s about the journey, not the destination.” (TG): Tommy Guerrero – guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, drums, Truck Treece – drums, Matt Rodriguez – conga, bongos, percussion. (A-Train/Too Good TG015 LP)
Guerrero, Tommy: Sunshine Radio
They say : TG’s previous album ‘Road to Knowhere’ was inspired by Ethio-Jazz, Afrobeat, Highlife, Spiritual Jazz, and dusty funk 45’s. It’s what has kept this mortal vehicle fueled. “If Road to Knowhere was about the long haul, then TG’s new album Sunshine Radio is all about cruising on, dropping the top, and taking in a bit of fresh air. (A-Train/Too Good TG018 LP)
