Ilhan Ersahin’s Istanbul Sessions: Mahalle
They say : Ilhan Ersahin’s Istanbul Sessions announce their highly anticipated sixth studio album, “Mahalle”, set for release January 16th, 2026 via Nublu Records. The new work represents the band’s most cinematic offering yet, guiding listeners through a sonic exploration of Istanbul’s diverse neighborhoods where tradition meets innovation and the ancient pulse of the city merges with contemporary rhythms. (Nublu | NUB-068) Hear Ilhan Ersahin.
Irabagon, Jon: Focus Out
They say : Jon Irabagon’s new album features Irabagon on alto sax with his New York quartet with Matt Mitchell on piano, Fender Rhodes, Chris Lightcap on electric bass and Dan Weiss on drums. Joining them on some tracks are Kokayi on vocals, Dave Ballou on trumpet, Miles Okazaki on guitar, plus Donny McCaslin and Mark Shim on tenor sax. The album is dedicated to Dick Oatts. (Irabbagast)
Ishay, Yotam: Singing of The Herbs
They say : Grammy-nominated pianist-composer Yotam Ishay leads an international ensemble on Singing of the Herbs, reimagining Jewish folk and holiday melodies in a chamber-jazz setting. The music sits between impressionistic jazz and world jazz: piano-led groups with bass, percussion, bass clarinet, violin and three vocal features (Orthodox, Nigerian-Indian, Israeli). Expect clear melodies, Mediterranean-leaning grooves, occasional odd meters and spacious improvisation – more colour, counterpoint and texture than straight blowing sessions. (Ishay Records) Hear Yotam Ishay.
Jackson, Javon: Jackson Plays Dylan
They say : Tenor saxophonist/composer Javon Jackson pays tribute to one of America’s most revered songwriters: Bob Dylan. Jackson is joined by fellow jazz masters pianist Jeremy Manasia, bassist Isaac Levine, drummer Ryan Sands, and Grammy-winning guest vocalists Lisa Fischer and Nicole Zuraitis. This session brings new light and meaning to the protest songs, folk anthems and love tunes that span the legendary songwriter’s career. (Solid Jackson)
Jaku, Maja : Blessed & Bewitched
They say : Blessed & Bewitched is Maja Jaku’s most personal and ambitious project, recorded at Bunker Studio,NYC. This all-original album fearlessly explores jazz emotional and spiritual depths raw, transcendent, and poetic. Leading a powerhouse ensmeble featuring Johnathan Blake, Adrian Varady, Michael Rodriguez, Alan Bartus and Dezron Douglas, Maja brings her vision vividly to life. Released on 17th October 2025 via Origin Records, the album is a bold statement of authenticity, vulnerability, and uncompromising artistry. (originarts.com)
James Allsopp Group: Stars And Sand
They say : James Allsopp has justly been lauded as possibly the most gifted saxophonist of his generation. For 20 years he has been among the most in demand of players, working with, among others, The Last Poets, David Axelrod, Jamie Cullum and Dr John, as well as the more experimental likes of Nostalgia 77 and Polar Bear. On ‘Stars And Sand’, he shows all aspects of his range as a player and composer – there are reminders here of free jazz luminaries such as Eric Dolphy, John Coltrane and Sun Ra in full flight, as well as Brian Eno, Edgard Varèse even (Vibe Collide Records)
Jazz Sabbath: Jazz Sabbath Live
They say : Jazz Sabbath’s first official live album ‘Jazz Sabbath Live’ will be released on 20 February. The trio, helmed by longtime Black Sabbath/Ozzy Osbourne keys and guitar player Adam Wakeman, present 11 exploratory jazz arrangements based on Black Sabbath tracks from the period 1970-1973. The album was recorded 25 shows into their 2025 tour at the Paradox Jazz Club in Tilburg, The Netherlands. Full info page: https://blacklake.eu/JazzSabbathLive/ (Blacklake BL411405) Hear Jazz Sabbath.
Jensen, Ingrid: Landings
They say : Trumpeter Ingrid Jensen’s career has been defined by her luminous tone, fearless improvisation, and broad acclaim. With “Landings,” she opens a new chapter with music of astounding color, intimacy, and swing. Joining Jensen are three masterful collaborators: Gary Versace (organ), Marvin Sewell (guitar), and Jon Wikan (drums). The album includes a thrilling moment of living history: at 89 years old, tenor titan George Coleman joined the band to revisit his classic “Amsterdam After Dark.” (Newvelle)
Lage, Julian: Scenes From Above
They say : (Blue Note) A follow-up to 2024’s GRAMMY-nominated Speak To Me, the new album features Lage in a new band with John Medeski on organ and piano, Jorge Roeder on bass, and Kenny Wollesen on drums for a set of new Lage originals that evoke classic guitar/organ soul jazz through the prism of Lage’s signature sound.
Landrus, Brian: Just When You Think You Know
They say : Multi-instrumentalist and composer Brian Landrus brings together a remarkably versatile quintet on this eclectic and daring release of original material. Well known as a low woodwind specialist, an in-demand master of the baritone sax, bass clarinet and alto and bass flutes, Landrus broadens his palette with the addition of tenor sax and C flute. He is joined by bassist Lonnie Plaxico, drummer Rudy Royston, guitarist Dave Stryker and pianist Zaccai Curtis. (BlueLand)
Lannér Risenfors, Olle: You Never Quite Know What You Will Get
They say : 27-year-old bassist and composer Olle Lannér Risenfors is emerging as a distinctive voice on the Swedish and European jazz scenes. He has performed with leading artists including Per “Texas” Johansson, Johan Lindström, and Mattias Ståhl. This is his debut album as leader, a live contemporary jazz record featuring his own compositions that explores improvising arrangements, showcasing the dynamic interplay of Marius Zeeberg (saxophone), David Stener (piano), Nils Agnas (drums), and himself. (Varva Records VRAM23)
Lavën, Oscar : Elegant Calamity
They say : Oscar Lavën is an outstanding saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist who is a major presence on New Zealand’s currently vibrant jazz scene. The follow up to his 2022 album, Questions in Red, Elegant Calamity is a joyous performance by a bespoke big band consisting of reeds, brass, strings and a five-piece rhythm section. It suggests influences including Mingus, Monk, Morricone and Piazzolla and like Lavën himself it has huge personality. Exuberance and effervescence abound. (Thick Records NZ TH020) Hear Oscar Lavën.
Leitrø, Nicolas: Entrance
They say : (Sauajazz SAU011) Nicolas Leirtrø (double bass) is joined by Kit Downes (organ), Mats Gustafsson (saxaphone, flute) and Veslemøy Narvesen (drums) set to release their first set, heavy with riffs, energy, spiritual free-jazz and gnawa.
Lindberget, Oskar Quintet: Hymn To A Friend
They say : There seems to be no end to the number of highly talented Nordic jazz musicians making waves across the international scene, and saxophonist and composer Oskar Lindberget is a premier example. For this, his debut album for Losen Records, the saxophonist presents ten of his own compositions that reflect a career marked by performance encounters ranging from classical music, Nordic folk, and mainstream and contemporary jazz. Oskar Lindberget – tenor saxophone, Øystein Folkedal – keyboards (piano, Rhodes, Wurlitzer, clavinet, ARP), Markus Kaardal – guitar’ Håkon Huldt-Nystrøm – double bass’ Tobias Rønnevig – drums. Recorded by Dag Erik Johansen during May 2024, at Athletic Sound, Halden, Norway. Produced by Oskar Lindberget. (Losen Records LOS3142 – CD / LOS3141 – LP)
Lionni, Pippo, Sergio Corbini & Stefano Franceschini: Actionreaction 2
They say : Actionreaction 2 is a unique fusion of abstract art and free jazz, from New York painter and designer Pippo Lionni and Italian musicians, pianist Sergio Corbini and saxophonist Stefano Franceschini. They present 12 pieces across 2 CDs as part of their ongoing Actionrection series of performances, which explore the improvisational exchange between abstract painting and sound, moving between free jazz, prog rock soundscapes and avant garde electronic music. (SLAM Productions SLAMCD2118) Hear Pippo Lionni.
Lodder, Steve: 2 Sorts Of 3
They say : Renowned pianist, composer and arranger Steve Lodder returns with 2 sorts of 3, a new double-trio album featuring contrasting ‘plugged’ and ‘unplugged’ line-ups. Bringing together acoustic warmth and electronic colour, the twelve original pieces draw on lyrical jazz, samba and fusion influences. With Dudley Phillips, Nic France, Freddie Jensen and Marius Rodrigues, the album reflects Lodder’s distinctive blend of sophistication, rhythm and curiosity – marking the next step in his evolving musical journey. (Sleeve Records – SLV5020)
Lourties, Quentin: humankind
They say : Blending classical training with influences from jazz, world music, and composers such as Ravel and Debussy, French jazz conductor Quentin Lourties has forged a singular, lyrical, and narrative voice within contemporary orchestral jazz. HUMANKIND is the big band he leads, made up of 18 to 22 musicians (it depends on tracks). This immersive project explores the fractures and beauty of the modern world through rich orchestration and a strong humanist commitment. Digital release on the 12nd of February, same day of the release party at the Café de la Danse (Paris). (Independent)
Lovato, Shawn: Biotic
They say : Bassist/composer Shawn Lovato’s vibrant and daring new trio features tenor saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and drummer Henry Mermer. While the pared-down context intersects with the legacy of the chordless tenor trio, Lovato reimagines the group as a vehicle for spacious yet rigorous compositions, laser-focused improvisation, and a visceral romanticism born of his formative love of the impassioned fervour of punk rock. (Endectomorph)
