3 Cohens & WDR Big Band: Interaction
They say : The members of all-star family jazz band the 3 Cohens – featuring Anat Cohen (clarinet), Avishai Cohen (trumpet) and Yuval Cohen (soprano saxophone) — have always taken time out from their ever-burgeoning careers as soloists and bandleaders to reconvene for music-making together. The siblings developed a deep musical bond growing up in Tel Aviv, with improvisational interplay becoming second nature together. The New York Times enthused over their “family sound” and “intuitive counterpoint”. (A-Train ANZ009002 CD)
Afro Baroque: Afro Baroque
They say : Award winning pianist and composer Yakir Arbib and Cameroonian virtuoso drummer and vocalist Conti Bilong, the duo explore traditional rhythms from central Africa and the Middle East, amalgamating Baroque style counterpoint and dynamic jazz interplay. (Elsden Music EM14)
Alterman, Joe & Mocean Worker: Keep The Line Open
They say : Pianist Joe Alterman and bassist/producer Mocean Worker aka Adam Dorn celebrate their mentor Les McCann and the sounds of ’60s soul jazz. Featuring 8 original compositions, plus a cover of McCann’s Burnin’ Coal. (Mowo! Inc.)
Amato, Gino: Latin Crossroads 2
They say : The inventive arranger Gino Amato adds a Latin flavor and a creative use of an all-star roster of singers to a set of standards and a classical piece. Ranging from “Moonlight In Vermont” and “I Love Paris” to compositions by Paul Simon and Rimsky-Korsakov, each selection on Latin Crossroads 2 is not only Latinized but reborn in surprising ways. (Ovation OV-05-GA)
Aspaas, Agnar: November Songs
They say : “We intuitively understand life as a kind of journey—something we’ve embarked upon, something already in motion.” (Losen Records – LOS3162 CD)
Austin-Bishop, Allen: Glory
They say : Allen Austin-Bishop is an appealing singer with a powerful voice whose music crosses the artificial boundary lines between jazz, pop and groove music. His distinctive style and confident authority let listeners know that, like Gil Scott-Heron and Billie Holiday, he means every word that he sings. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Allen Austin-Bishop is based in London. (https://www.allenaustinbishop.com) Sample: https://youtu.be/eQvwUNWkPFs
Babon: Tropical Desert
They say : Tropical Desert is the debut album from Indonesian instrumental band Babon, a mesmerizing collection of stories exploring environmental collapse and societal breakdown. Tales of frustration and desperation in the face of environmental collapse, the album serves as a stark warning and an invitation to rekindle our relationship to our surroundings. (Wonderwheel Recordings) Sample: https://youtu.be/vwksdwEXK_A?si=dGDubrYRGWLtepUG
Bailis, David: Running Through My Mind
They say : A creative, versatile, and distinctive guitarist, David Bailis is also an elite runner. He pays tribute to both of his loves on Running Through My Mind, a picturesque quintet date that also features altoist Caroline Davis and keyboardist Andrew Links. (Create or Destroy)
Bankov, Nikola: Everwanted
They say : Award-winning Slovak saxophonist and composer Nikola Bankov (Forbes 30 under 30, Danish Music Awards) releases his third album Everwanted. Blending jazz-fusion with Nordic synth-pop, the record features Tim Lefebvre and Tom Ford, seven original compositions, and bold large-form writing, showcasing Bankov’s fresh, energetic sound and vision for modern jazz. (self-released)
Barron, Kenny: Sunset to Dawn
They say : Zev Feldman launches Time Traveler Recordings with the label’s Muse Master Edition Series: masterpiece reissues from the Muse Records catalog. Pianist Kenny Barron’s debut as a leader, 1973’s Sunset to Dawn, features vibraphonist Warren Smith, bassist Bob Cranshaw, drummer Freddie Waits and conguero Richard Landrum. (Time Traveler Recordings)
Batiste, Jon: Lonely Avenue
They say : Academy Award® and multi-Grammy® winner Jon Batiste today releases the official music video for “Lonely Avenue,” the second single from his forthcoming album Big Money, out August 22 via Verve/Interscope. Directed by David Henry Gerson, the video follows Batiste as he moves through a quiet, timeworn apartment – drawn toward the voice of Randy Newman singing “Lonely Avenue” from another room. As the two connect at the piano, music becomes a bridge between memory, imagination, and something greater. (Verve/Interscope)
Bennett, Ginger & Knight Frances : Chouette
They say : Jazz/soul inspired songwriting and composition. Vocalist Ginger Bennett draws upon her experiences of growing up in 70s/80s South East London. From ‘Undoing ‘, about the dark legacy of slavery, to the poignant ‘Daisy Dance,’ Chouette explores a wide range of themes in a way that is emotionally honest and personal. Composer/pianist Frances Knight brings a wealth of musical influences to these settings, allowing space for the quintet to groove and explore. (Mandeville MVL9) http://www.bennettandknight.com
Bianco, Matt: Masquerader
They say : Matt Bianco is back with a vibrant new album, diving deep into the band’s original roots of Latin, jazz, and pop — this time with a fresh intent and a modern production edge. Frontman Mark Reilly sets the tone by blending influences from across the Caribbean and South America. (Membran, Catalogue number: 271679)
Bird, Alex (The Jazz Mavericks): Another Christmas Day
They say : 2x JUNO Award Nominee Alex Bird & The Jazz Mavericks release 10 original songs for the holiday season! Not only recorded live-off-the-floor (all around each other), this album was also recorded without the use of headphones or studio monitors, for a real and oldschool feel. In addition to your classic Christmas sounds, the album also explores the depth of depression and loneliness some people experience during the holiday season. (Independent) Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLWElVp37FY&list=OLAK5uy_kP6D6tnV8R6wqdx_Uhgm5cBtF49nqxAPE
Birhane, Kibrom: Lisane Bahir
They say : The fourth release from visionary Ethiopian artist, a wholly analog, synth-based journey that redefines the sonic borders of Ethio-jazz. The album fuses ancestral Ethiopian musical modes with cosmic, futuristic textures, producing a raw, spiritual sound that is at once ancient and otherworldly. (Flying Carpet Records)
Blake, Johnathan: My Life Matters
They say : A suite of music that he composed as a commission for The Jazz Gallery that serves as a dual treatise on the importance of family values and the social imperative to stand up in the face of injustice. (Blue Note Records )
Blaser, Samuel: 18 monologues élastiques
They say : Samuel Blaser presents “18 monologues élastiques,” a deeply personal solo album exploring the intersection of modernist literature and contemporary jazz through shared Swiss heritage. Inspired by Blaise Cendrars’ poetry, this collection of 18 original compositions was recorded at Berlin’s historic Funkhaus Nalepastrasse. Bandcamp featured it as Album of the Day, praising its “cloudy, meditative mix of ambient jazz.” A stunning artistic statement capturing Blaser’s trombone in its full mimetic range. (Blaser Music BM018CD) Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EijnPsDI9DY
Bode, David: Good Hang
They say : David Bode’s Good Hang (Aug 29, 2025, 1718 Records) is a bold debut big band album that channels the vibrancy of New Orleans with a modern twist. Featuring a 19-piece ensemble, Bode reimagines Coltrane, Piazzolla, Kenny Garrett, and Jeff Buckley alongside originals that fuse funk, jazz, and counterpoint. Recorded at historic Marigny Studios, the album coincides with the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, celebrating both resilience and Bode’s eclectic global influences (1718 Records LLC). Sample: https://youtu.be/NY5svI0cQoQ?si=_5O1PUZzIiMeimr6
Bowden, Joe: Music Is Life
They say : Joe Bowden’s Music Is Life (Aug 22, 2025) is a powerful jazz-fusion statement from the acclaimed Nova Scotia-born, Toronto-based drummer. Joined by Warren Wolf, Manuel Valera, Rich Brown, Mike Downes, and vocalist Robert Ball, Bowden blends groove, melody, and storytelling across nine tracks. From the upbeat title track to the reflective Way Out and the unity-driven Someday, Music Is Life celebrates resilience and creativity, confirming Bowden as one of Canada’s most versatile drummers. (Independent). Sample: https://youtu.be/xBlCwenNLkc?si=-pisZ184V8S6BRkv
Brennan, Patricia: Of The Near And Far
They say : Poll-topping vibraphonist, marimbist and composer Patricia Brennan looks to the universe for inspiration on her album featuring exhilarating compositions blending jazz, classical and alt-rock influences. Featuring a ten-piece ensemble: Sylvie Courvoisier Miles Okazaki, Kim Cass, John Hollenbeck, Modney, Pala Garcia, Kyle Armbrust, Michael Nicolas, and Arktureye, conducted by Eli Greenhoe. (Pyroclastic Records)
Brigitte Beraha’s Lucid Dreamers: Teasing Reflections
They say : Teasing Reflections is the third album by Lucid Dreamers, the ensemble led by vocalist and composer Brigitte Beraha with George Crowley, Alcyona Mick and Tim Giles. Blending improvisation, electronics and lyrical storytelling, the quartet explores themes of identity, politics and human connection. With seven original compositions ranging from satirical to sublime, Beraha’s distinctive voice shines through. The result is a dreamlike, thought-provoking journey that balances structure and freedom, showcasing the quartet’s deep musical rapport and creative spirit. (Let Me Out Records – LMOCD004)
Briotrio: Voyage
They say : Norwegian Briotrio present their third album, a conceptional work of original compositions based around the activities, journeys, and experience of everyday life: (Losen Records – LOS3132 CD)
Bristow, Dave: Sides
They say : UK-born, Paris-based pianist and composer Dave Bristow returns with Sides – the highly anticipated second album from his boundary-pushing quintet. Featuring a powerful guest appearance by guitar icon Mike Stern (Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius), the album presents an expansive musical vision that blends modern jazz with emotional immediacy and compositional finesse. (Self Release)
Brönner, Till: Italia
They say : The repertoire of Italia draws largely from the 1970s and early 1980s – a golden era of musical exchange across Europe. Italian songs played on French radio, filled German record stores, and shaped a continental cultural mood. (earMUSIC)
Brooks, Roy: The Free Slave
They say : Zev Feldman launches Time Traveler Recordings with the label’s Muse Master Edition Series: masterpiece reissues from the Muse Records catalog. Drummer Roy Brooks’ seminal 1972 live album The Free Slave features Brooks with a fearsome quintet: trumpeter Woody Shaw, tenor saxophonist George Coleman, pianist Hugh Lawson and bassist Cecil McBee. (Time Traveler Recordings)
