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New releases October-November 2025, E-G

Records offered for review to Jazz Journal in September-October 2025, including Al Foster, Fourplay, Jan Garbarek, Michael Garrick and Dexter Gordon // Editor's pick: Al Foster

Eigenberg, Julie: My Jazz Of A Life

They say : If you enjoy the storytelling warmth of Norah Jones, the phrasing of Nancy Wilson, or the elegance of Diana Krall, you’ll find a natural resonance in My Jazz Of A Life, the new album by Grammy winner Julie Eigenberg. Highlights include reimagined classics like “My Cherie Amour,” “Easy to Love,” and “Smile,” alongside Julie’s originals such as “Sin Ti,” “This Love,” and “Forbidden Fruit.” Timeless standards and Julie’s own originals, create an intimate listening experience. (Halfmoon Records and Publishing) Sample Eigenberg, Julie: My Jazz Of A Life here.

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Eklektika: Encounters

They say : Eklektika i s an instrumental trio from Latvia. The musicians often describe themselves as “drums with two horns”, reflecting their distinctive instrumentation. Their unique sound has emerged through experimentation, effects and the fusion of various genres, including Jazz, improvisation, funk, fusion, progressive rock, Eastern music, minimalism and psychedelia. (Independent. Distributed by Jersika Rec. EKKA-LP001)

Fitzgerald, Justin: Not Live And Nowhere Special

They say : This album is a 6-track cool jazz project from Australian composer and pianist Justin Fitzgerald. Not Live And Nowhere Special focuses on melody interweaving with a strong chordal base, echoing Bill Evans and the music of that time.Composed recorded and mixed in his home in Milton NSW ,the album was then mastered by Mark Wingfield in his Heron island studios in the UK (Independent – Gyrostream)

Florian Arbenz: Convergence: Moon

They say : Swiss drummer, composer, and curator Florian Arbenz returns with a bold new chapter in his ongoing Convergence project: Moon, recorded in Basel with a truly international ensemble. Released on 10 October 2025 (Hammer Recordings), the album blends Swiss precision, Cuban fire, and European imagination into a sound that is both rooted and forward-looking. (Hammer Recordings)

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Forkelid, Adam: Dreams

They say : Stockholm-based pianist and composer Adam Forkelid – a longtime mainstay of the Scandinavian jazz scene, who has collaborated with the likes of Pedro Martins, the Norbotten Big Band, and Maria Schneider to name a few – presents a deeply personal solo record born from a single improvised concert that became something extraordinary. (Independent)

Foster, Al: Live At Smoke

They say : An all-star birthday celebration for the late, great Al Foster at Smoke Jazz Club is captured on the master drummer’s joyous new live album. Live at Smoke – featuring saxophonist Chris Potter, pianist Brad Mehldau, and bassist Joe Martin – is the live recording of Foster’s final performances in January 2025. (Smoke Sessions Records #2506)

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Fourplay: Elixir (30th Anniversary Edition)

They say : Elixir was the third album from the Grammy-nominated smooth jazz supergroup comprised of pianist Bob James, guitarist Lee Ritenour, bassist Nathan East, and drummer Harvey Mason. 1995’s star-studded Elixir featured vocal cameos from Phil Collins together with Patti Austin and Peabo Bryson. The 30th anniversary edition is newly remastered from the original tapes. Released by evosound on 180g One Step Pressing Transparent Double Black Vinyl LP, SACD Hybrid Multi-channel (with new 5.1 mix) and Dolby Atmos on digital. (evosound) Sample Fourplay: Elixir here.

Franks, Dom StrayHorn: Duality Pt.2

They say : Joining Franks on Duality Pt.2 is guitarist Aidan Pope (known for his work with Emma Rawicz) and bassist Jules Jackson, with keys from Alex Steele and drummer Andrew Brotherton, alongside the renowned Carducci String Quartet, who add a vibrant cinematic quality to the recording, all expertly tied together with the quintet through the work of Rio de Janeiro-raised arranger Luiz Morais. (Independent)

Fujii, Satoko Quartet: Burning Wick

They say : Groundbreaking pianist and composer Satoko Fujii reconvenes her avant jazz-rock quartet for a playful and daring album featuring seven powerful originals. She’s joined by trumpeter Natsuki Tamara, drummer Tatsuya Yoshida and bassist Takeharu Hayakawa for a journey into new sonic dimensions. (Libra)

Galez, Speranza: Memorias Imaginarias de un Universo Sin Tiempo

They say : Venezuelan vocalist Speranza Galez debuts with Memorias Imaginarias de un Universo sin Tiempo, out on the 09.19.25 (digital) and on the 10.17.25 (CD and vinyl). Blending Latin jazz with Venezuelan folklore, jazz standards, and literary themes, the album explores imaginary memories and timeless stories in thirteen tracks rooted in myth, rhythm, and emotion, like Ulysseus , Beckett’s Godot, and from Aldemaro Romero’s « Nueva Onda » to a latin version of « I remember Clifford ». (L’Autre Distribution)

Garbarek, Jan: Madar

They say : The album is now released on vinyl for the first time ever as part of the Luminessence series, arriving in a 2-LP Tip-on gatefold. ‘Madar’ powerfully captures the only recorded coming together of these respective masters of their distinctive instruments: Shaukat Hussain on table, Anouar Brahem on oud and saxophonist Jan Garbarek. (ECM Luminessence Series, LP)

Garrick, Michael: Late Autumn Sunshine

They say : These unreleased 1970s sessions from legendary pianist/composer Michael Garrick, see him lead two groups of top Brit jazzers, who perform eight original compositions by Garrick that display his flair for combining emotive writing with modal jazz grooves. The album is made up of two sessions recorded for BBC Radio 1 at Maida Vale Studios, from 1973 and 1978 that feature vocalist Norma Winstone, trumpeter Henry Lowther, saxophonists Art Themen, Tony Coe and Alan Wakeman, trombonist David Horler, bassists Dave Green and Jeff Clyne, and drummers Trevor Tomkins and John Marshall. (My Only Desire Records, MOD008)

Gasser, Lea: Circles

They say : With “Circles”, the Swiss accordionist Lea Gasser presents her second album in 2025: intimate soundscapes, rhythmic diversity and the influences of a residency in Iceland. Together with her award-winning quintet, she combines jazz, chamber music and folk music to create a distinctive sound language. At times the music dances, trembling with joie de vivre, then it slows down dreamily, leaving room for solo narratives to unfold. (Neuklang (NCD4306) Sample Gasser, Lea: Circles here.

Gaucher, Thomas: Rusty Ladder

They say : Third album by French guitarist Thomas Gaucher as a leader, 2nd with his trio (Gabriel Sausay and Loup Godfroy) after the album “Brion” (2024), to be released in 2026, March. Well-known French pianist Pierre de Bethmann invited. Biography and projects on the official website of Thomas Gaucher: https://www.thomasgaucher.com (WeSeeMusic)

Gawlik, Julius: It’s All In Your Head

They say : Berlin-based saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer Julius Gawlik announces the release of his debut album It’s All in Your Head. Already making waves as the youngest-ever member of the renowned NDR Bigband, Gawlik now steps forward with a strikingly mature musical statement – an album that fuses sharp-edged melodies, layered counterpoint, and open-ended improvisation into a sound world that balances intensity with lyricism. Featuring Phil Donkin on bass, Jim Black on drums, and Evi Filippou on vibraphone. (Unit Records)

George, Aneta: Eclipses

They say : Paris-based Macedonian vocalist Aneta George’s music tells the tale of loss, healing through a captivating fusion of jazz, Balkan and improvised music. Recorded to coincide with two major celestial events, her deeply personal fifth album, Eclipses, is out on November 14th, 2025. (Independent)

Gercke, Yamirah / Yamirah’s Solar Explorers: Open Sky

They say : We are Yamirah´s Solar Explorers, with Sacha Hladiy (piano/bass), Ria Rother (drums) and Yamirah Gercke (guitar), this Berlin-based trio blends contemporary jazz with indie, pop and soul. Open Sky pays tribute to guitarist Yamirah’s late father, drummer Lenjes “The Duke” Robinson. Guest artist Walter Gauchel (sax/flute, ex-RIAS Big Band) features on the opening track. Warm, instrumental soundscapes for fans of modern jazz storytelling. The trio crafts warm, reverb-soaked soundscapes of contemporary jazz colored with indie, pop and soul – grooves nod to Yussef Dayes and Jimmy Smith, while guitar lines echo George Benson. (Fat Banshee Records (LC 97469) Sample Gercke, Yamirah / Yamirah’s Solar Explorers: Open Sky here.

Gilberto, Joao: Chega De Saudade – LP

They say : ‘Chega de Saudade’ (1959) launched João Gilberto’s international career and the Bossa Nova worldwide craze. When Gilberto first created the genre in 1957, it became a sensation in the musical circles of Rio’s Zona Sul district with aspiring guitarists eagerly attempting to imitate it. The album’s title track, “Chega de Saudade”, a song by Carlos Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes, was the catalyst for Bossa Nova to be embarrassed by American and popularised internationally, most notably by Stan Getz and Charley Byrd. (Waxtime Clear Vinyl 526019)

GinmanBlachmanDahl: Play Ballads

They say : The acclaimed Danish jazz trio GinmanBlachmanDahl, consisting of pianist Carsten Dahl, bassist Lennart Ginman, and drummer Thomas Blachman, return with the album Play Ballads, a collection of 15 jazz standards rendered in their signature, contemplative style on Storyville Records (Storyville Records, 1014365)

Glenn Crytzer and His Quartet: The Songbook Sessions (Vol. 1)

They say : During 2020 shutdowns, Glenn and his quartet converted a room of Glenn’s Manhattan apartment into a studio and undertook an ambitious, fan-funded project: recording 250 songs live in front of a streaming audience. Each week they presented 10 songs from a different year from 1920-1944. The sessions provided a place to play and rent money when there were no gigs to be found while also building a community of fans who tuned in every Sunday. (Blue Rhythm Records) Sample Glenn Crytzer and His Quartet: The Songbook Sessions (Vol. 1) here.

Goldsby, John; Mintzer, Bob; WDR Big Band: Big Band Bass

They say : In a landmark moment for one of Europe’s most celebrated large ensembles, Big Band Bass – out November 7, 2025 on Bass Lion Publishing – sees American bassist John Goldsby step into the spotlight as composer and featured soloist with the Grammy-winning WDR Big Band. Marking his 30th anniversary as a member of the Cologne-based group, the album showcases eight original compositions arranged by long-time collaborators Bob Mintzer, Michael Abene, Dave Horler, and Vince Mendoza. (Bass Lion Publishing)

Goodman, Jerry: Thirteen Haas Company Vol 4

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. The quintet, which includes keyboardist Pete Drungle and drummer Steve Haas with a guest appearance by guitarist Sean Lennon, performs dynamic originals and infectious grooves. (Psychiatric Records and Tapes LLC PRT-CD-1004)

Gordon, Dexter: More Than You Know

They say : This album features an unreleased live recording by one of the true legends of jazz history—The Sophisticated Giant, tenor saxophone master Dexter Gordon, performing with his early-’80s quartet: Kirk Lightsey (piano), David Eubanks (bass), Edward Gladden (drums). Recorded in Genoa 1981. Double-CD with original liner notes by Maxine Gordon. (GleAM Records AM7040)

Gordon, Ophelia: Kapustin, Between The Lines

They say : British pianist Ophelia Gordon makes a striking debut with this album of works by Nikolai Kapustin, the Soviet composer who fuses the dynamic vitality of jazz with the formal precision of classical forms, giving the impression of improvisation yet is carefully notated. Ophelia has a jazz background, and went to The BRIT School. (Divine Art DDX 21130)

Gourley, Jimmy: Un Américain A Paris – 1951-2002

They say : Born in 1926, American musician Jimmy Gourley was an early “guitar hero” who shaped the history of jazz, particularly in France where he settled in 1951. This anthology, which appears together with his official biography, is a major event that brings together the guitarist’s most emblematic recordings, including tracks that have never been released until now. Before he passed away aged 82, Gourley played not only with American stars but also in more intimate surroundings, such as his duo with son Sean Gourley. This set gives real insight into how this great guitarist’s six strings had the French capital vibrating for half a century. Augustin BONDOUX / Patrick FRÉMEAUX (Frémeaux & Associés (FA5901)

Grønseth, Anders Lønne: Multiverse: Tidskapsel#1

They say : The fifth release from saxophonist/composer Grønseth’s group Multiverse, with distinguished names in Nordic music (Hayden_Powell: trp, Espen_Berg: pno, Audun_Ellingsen: bs, Einar_Sceving: drs, Sidsel Walstad: harp). The harp finds its place at the core of multi-layered compositions, releasing the quintet into elaborative improvisational dialogue. The ensemble’s profound interplay reflects years of collaboration and exploration of Grønseth’s musical ideas — particularly his theories on tonality(The Bitonal Scale System) and his guiding principle of structured freedom More info: https://algronseth.weebly.com/press.html (Pling Music (PLING026) Sample Grønseth, Anders Lønne: Multiverse: Tidskapsel#1 here.

Groover Jr., Gregory: Old Knew

They say : Criss Cross is proud to announce the November 7, 2025 release of Old Knew, the latest release by saxophonist and composer Gregory Groover, Jr. Old Knew is Groover’s follow-up to his 2024 Criss Cross debut, Lovabye, on which – in the exalted company of Joel Ross, Aaron Parks, Vicente Archer and Marcus Gilmore – he projected his soulful, reflective tenor saxophone voice throughout an 11-track recital of, as Groover puts it, original “love songs and songs of people I love.” (Criss Cross Jazz 1428)

Grydeland, Ivar: Bøyning, Brytning

They say : In “Bøyning, brytning,” Grydeland continues an investigation last documented in his second solo effort, 2017’s “Stop Freeze Wait Eat,” involving approaches to solo improvisation that mimic the feeling of playing with others through use of an electronic delay. Includes a quiet, propulsive 17-minute improvisation, Grydeland enlists with the Norway-based percussionist Michaela Antalová, who plays smoky rhythms alongside Grydeland’s spacious, melodic guitar. (Sofa Music SOFA607) Sample Grydeland, Ivar: Bøyning, Brytning here.

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