Ellas Kapell: Ember
They say : With Ember, their fourth album, Swedish quartet Ellas Kapell strike a bold new match in the world of modern vocal jazz. Known for their emotionally charged interpretations of standards, the band now steps confidently into a wider sonic landscape – self-produced, self-defined, and more assured than ever. The result is music that feels intimate yet expansive, rooted in jazz tradition while glowing with fresh creative heat. (Naxos Prophone)
Erb, Mayas, Hemingway: Phyla music
They say : This is Erb, Mayas, Hemingway’s fourth release after “Dinner music”, “Bathing music” and “Hour music”. And the first recording with Magda Mayas on clavinet. (veto-records/Exchang 023) Hear Erb, Mayas, Hemingway.
Farmer, Art: Modern Art
They say : Coming of age at the dawn of the bebop era, Art Farmer rejected the mechanical playing that much of bebop seemed to encourage. Instead, Farmer became known for his warm, fluid tone, and his ability to make the trumpet sing like a tender yet stately baritone voice. On Modern Art (his last small group collaboration with Bill Evans, with whom he had first recorded in 1956), Farmer emphasizes style over technique. The group swings with both (Waxtime 772378 – LP)
Fiengo, Raffaele: Recall
They say : Recall is a contemporary jazz quartet album rooted in post-bop language with strong European modernist influences. Alto saxophonist Raffaele Fiengo blends New York–influenced improvisation with echoes of Bartók, Honegger and minimalist aesthetics, emphasizing tight interplay, rhythmic drive and structured yet flexible forms. (GleAM Records AM7042)
Finti, Lorenzo De: Backlash Of Uncertainty
They say : ‘Backlash of Uncertainty’ is the fourth release by the Lorenzo De Finti Quartet. The ensemble made its debut in 2016 with ‘We Live Here’, followed by ‘Love Unknown’ in 2018 and ‘MysteriumLunae’ in 2022. Over the course of this consistent and ever-evolving journey, the Milanese pianist and composer has steadily refined his musical language, shaping a vision that resonates with the legacy of the Esbjörn Svensson Trio – a group that, despite the premature and tragic loss of its leader, left an indelible mark on the aesthetics of jazz in the new millennium. Alongside De Finti are three outstanding musicians who are fully attuned to the sonic universe he has imagined. The rhythm section features Stefano Dall’Ora, co-band leader and co-author of the compositions, whose contribution has been crucial to the quartet’s inspiration since its very beginning. As always, he is particularly evocative in his bowed passages and in the wise use of electronics, over which Marco Castiglioni’s drumming fits perfectly, providing a varied, original foundation that continually opens space for dialogue. (Losen Records LOS3182 – CD)
Fred Hersch Trios: Plays
They say : Described by Hersch as “a no-gimmicks album to showcase my working band,” The Fred Hersch Trio Plays was the pianist’s follow-up to his Grammy-nominated album Dancing In The Dark. Hersch presented fresh interpretations of tunes by his favorite jazz composers, which included Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, and Herbie Hancock. The album also includes an original number, ‘Evanessence,’ which Hersch composed as a salute to pianist Bill Evans. (Chesky Records) Hear Fred Hersch Trios.
Friedman, David & Rob Waring: Wayfarers
They say : Wayfarers – magical music that seamlessly crosses jazz, classical and improvised music. Performed by renowned American percussionists David Friedman and Rob Waring, this duo collaboration in which the vibraphone and marimba are brought together as a communal sound with improvisational exploration, the programme features their own compositions, two apiece and two jointly composed, then closing with the Bobby Timmons’ classic, Moanin’. David Friedman – vibraphone, Rob Waring – marimba (tracks 1, 2, 3, 6, & 7), Rob Waring – vibraphone, David Friedman – marimba (tracks 4 & 5) (Malletmuse Records MM016 – CD)
Gulliver + Roberto Ottaviano: The Billia Session
They say : ‘The Billia Session’ is the new CD by the Gulliver trio composed by Maurizio Brunod (guitar), Danilo Gallo (double bass), Massimo Barbiero (drums), featuring saxophonist Roberto Ottaviano. Recorded live at the Grand Hotel Billia in Saint Vincent (Aosta Valley) on the occasion of the 44th Open Papyrus Jazz Festival, it contains music originals and traditionals of the ancient and modern world (Greece, Finland, Spain, Palestine, Turkey, Venezuela, Poland, Chile, Ethiopia) in the quartet’s original reinterpretations. (Dodicilune ED586) Hear Gulliver + Roberto Ottaviano.
Hall, Jim: Jazz Guitar
They say : Limited edition of ‘Jazz Guitar’, the debut album as leader by the late great guitarist Jim Hall (1930 – 2023) best known at the time of this recording as a member of the Jimmy Giuffre 3. Jim Hall – Guitar (Waxtime 771888 – LP)
Halse, Tuva: Reconnection
They say : Following her critically acclaimed debut, violinist and composer Tuva Halse returns with Reconnection — a contemplative and personal exploration of closeness, belonging, and renewal.Rooted in the Nordic jazz tradition, Reconnection paints vivid inner landscapes, tracing the passage of time and the quiet, essential process of reconnecting to familiar places while discovering new perspectives. (Jazzland 1338403)
Hancock, Herbie: Takin Off
They say : ‘Takin’ Off’ was pianist Herbie Hancock’s first album under his own name. Released in 1962 by Blue Note, the album features his own compositions, including the iconic Watermelon Man, which made it to the Top 100 in the singles pop charts. The tune became a jazz standard covered by countless musician, including the great Cuban percussionist Mongo Santamaria, among others. Freddie Hubbard – trumpet, Dexter Gordon tenor sax, Herbie Hancock – piano, Butch Warren – bass, Billy Higgins – drums. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, May 28, 1962. Original sessions recorded by Rudy Van Gelder and produced by Alfred Lion. (Jazz Images 37192 – LP)
Hanes, Simon: Gargantua
They say : Daredevil composer/arranger/bandleader Simon Hanes unleashes GARGANTUA, his epic new composition of bombastic extremes for a large ensemble consisting of three drum sets, three electric basses, three trombones, three french horns, and three voices. In drawing inspiration from the work of 16th-century novelist François Rabelais, Hanes has crafted an irreverent set of music that indulges in every aspect of its source’s colossal appetites, marking an intrepid leap forward for Hanes’ raucous compositional vision. (Pyroclastic Records)
Harris, Asaf: I Thought I Was Ready
They say : Israeli saxophonist, composer and educator Asaf Harris releases I Thought I Was Ready, an album inspired by personal memories and self-reflection. Recorded with long-time collaborators Guy Moskovich, Omri Hadani and David Sirkis, the music has a warm, natural feel. Each piece tells a story, from reflections on what it means to feel prepared and childhood to chance encounters and musical roots. Renowned oud player Onn Yosef Kadosh joins the quartet for the closing track ‘FCB’. (Asaf Harris Music – AHM001D)
Hasson, Eli: Badlands
They say : Tel Aviv-based trumpeter Eli Hasson’s second album with his working quartet. Eight tracks – four originals plus pieces by Paul Motian, Neil Young, and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Spacious, lyrical chamber jazz in the ECM tradition; think Jakob Bro, Tord Gustavsen, early Enrico Rava. Emphasis on texture, collective interplay, and silence as much as notes. Recorded live in studio, September 2025. (www.elihasson.com) Hear Eli Hasson.
Havens, Richie: Alarm Clock
They say : Long-awaited vinyl reissue of Alarm Clock, first released in December of 1970 and one of Richie Havens’ most iconic albums, unavailable on vinyl for decades! Recorded amidst the Vietnam War’s turmoil and the tragic Kent State shootings of 1970, Alarm Clock was Havens’ urgent wake-up call to a generation—a powerful warning against an overreaching government. This reissue includes two never-before-released tracks: ‘Nobody Knows’, recorded during the same sessions, and a deeply moving rendition of Graham Nash’s ‘Military Madness’. (Elemental Music 1400111 – LP)
Hering, Maximilian: The Gathering
They say : German drummer and composer Maximilian Hering has built a reputation as a versatile musician, with a rich catalogue as a sideman, collaborations across Europe, and music for film and interdisciplinary projects. His own ensembles, however, allow him to explore a more personal musical vision. The Maximilian Hering Group – a “chordless” ensemble featuring horns and rhythm – thrives on collective expression, spontaneity, and the dynamic interplay that emerges when each voice is given room to breathe. (Klangraum Records)
Hodgkins, Chris/Lenore Raphael: Pennies From Heaven
They say : Duo album from Chris hodgkins (trumpet) and Lenore Raphael (piano) Full album details can be seen at: https://chrishodgkins.co.uk/cd-lenore-raphael-and-chrishodgkins-pennies-from-heaven/ (Bell CD 523)
Holiday, Billie: Lady Sings The Blues
They say : authority and subtlety on all eight tracks, making this album one of the best records of this period. Art Farmer – trumpet, Benny Golson tenor sax, Bill Evans – piano, Addison Farmer – bass, Dave Bailey – drums. New York, September 1958. (Waxtime Clear Vinyl 526027 – LP)
Hülsmann, Julia : While I Was Away
They say : After the highly acclaimed run of quartet recordings from Not Far From Here (2019), The Next Door (2022) to Under The Surface (2025), German pianist Julia Hülsmann has decided to alter the narrative and up the ante with a newly formed octet of award-winning instrumentalists and vocalists. The musicians of Julia’s octet are: Eva Klesse, Eva Kruse, Susanne Paul, Héloïse Lefebvre, Michael Schiefel, Aline Frazão and Live Maria Roggen. (ECM 2869)
Human Being Human & Chris Cheek: Being
They say : Denmark’s forward-thinking trio Human Being Human return with a luminous new collaboration featuring acclaimed American saxophonist Chris Cheek. Rooted in lyricism, groove, and connection, Being captures the essence of what it means to create music as a shared act of humanity. Being is set for release on January 16th via April Records. (April Records APR155LP)
