NYYS Jazz: Lineage
They say : In the wake of the New York Youth Symphony Orchestra’s history-making Grammy win for its debut album, the organization is turning the spotlight to another milestone: the first-ever album from NYYS Jazz. Titled Lineage, the release captures not only a moment of arrival for the ensemble, but the deeper musical inheritance that defines jazz itself — a genre built on mentorship, tradition, and the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next. (Outside In Music)
OK Aurora: Hope
They say : We have named the album ‘Hope’ as it is hope that links this collection of songs together, from the opening track ‘Baby Zeza’ that prays for a bright future for a friend’s daughter to the last track ‘Malaika’ a traditional African song that calls out to a guardian angel. This album is much more ambitious than our first. ‘OKA Baião’ takes influence from Brazilian artists such as Vinicus De Moraes, whereas ‘In Bloom’ was inspired by Mose Fan Fan. The title track is through-composed, culminating in an epic electric guitar solo. ‘In The Distance’, ‘There To Wait’ and ‘The Age I Am Now’ are difficult journeys to the past inspired by the likes of Sufjan Stevens. And finally ‘Waltz For B’, performed on a custom music box which I handmade for my goddaughter Bella. (Frictionless Music)
Olivesi, Leila: African Rhapsody
They say : Winner of the Django Reinhardt Prize 2022 from the Académie du Jazz and named Artist of the Year, French-Mauritanian pianist, conductor, and composer Leïla Olivesi pays tribute to a poetic and imagined Africa with her new album ‘African Rhapsody’. Performed by an octet featuring some of the finest musicians of her generation, Olivesi’s compositions craft vast musical landscapes, journeying from the light of the Sahara to the urban pulse of New York, weaving connections between Africa, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. (Autre Distribution CD)
Oná Ensemble: Traces of Brazil, Voices of Toronto
They say : Oná Ensemble’s Traces of Brazil, Voices of Toronto is a striking Brazilian-Canadian chamber-jazz EP that blends choro and samba with rich orchestral textures. Featuring an uncommon instrumentation of French horns, bassoon, reeds, guitar, bass, and percussion, the ensemble creates a sound that is both intimate and expansive. Composed by guitarist André Valério, the music reflects cultural dialogue, emotional depth, and a contemporary vision shaped by Brazilian roots and Toronto’s creative energy. (Independent)
People In Orbit: Viewpoint
They say : Leading outlet for forward-thinking Scandinavian jazz, April Records, proudly presents the new album from Malmö-based quintet People In Orbit. A followup to their critically acclaimed 2023 release Close/Away (Naxos Prophone), the group continues to explore Scandinavia’s jazz tradition through a contemporary lens, blending acoustic interplay with electronics and a focus on collective improvisation. (April Records)
Petrucciani, Michel: Kuumbwa
They say : Elemental Music proudly presents a previously unreleased live recording from one of the most inspired trios of the 1980s. Captured at the legendary Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz, California, on May 11, 1987, this concert finds Michel Petrucciani at the peak of his artistry — radiant, daring, and emotionally charged.Joined by two masters of their respective instruments, Dave Holland (bass) and Eliot Zigmund (drums), Petrucciani delivers an electrifying set filled with interplay, lyricism, and swing. (Elemental Music CD)
Petrucciani, Michel: Kuumbwa
They say : Elemental Music proudly presents a previously unreleased live recording from one of the most inspired trios of the 1980s. Captured at the legendary Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz, California, on May 11, 1987, this concert finds Michel Petrucciani at the peak of his artistry — radiant, daring, and emotionally charged.Joined by two masters of their respective instruments, Dave Holland (bass) and Eliot Zigmund (drums), Petrucciani delivers an electrifying set filled with interplay, lyricism, and swing. (Elemental Music LP)
Petrucciani, Michel: Kuumbwa
They say : This set captures a fiery 1987 performance at Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz, California. The first Petrucciani release among the label’s many jazz treasures, the recording features the legendary pianist with bassist Dave Holland and drummer Eliot Zigmund. The thoughtfully annotated set includes reflections by pianist’s son Alexandre Petrucciani, journalist Thierry Pérémarti, and Kuumbwa Co-Founder Tim Jackson. (Elemental)
Porecki, Benjie : Faster Than We Know
They say : Keyboardist Benjie Porecki performs eight originals and the classic “Superstar” with his trio on Faster Than We Know, displaying a versatile style on piano, organ, electric piano, and clavinet. His music ranges from funky numbers to medium-tempo, gospel grooves, and soulful ballads. (Funklove Productions)
Projeto Coisa Fina – Samy Thiébault: Sampa Fever
They say : Born out of a meeting between French saxophonist Samy Thiébault and Brazil’s legendary Big Band Coisa Fina, ‘Sampa Fever’ is a collaboration that combines European jazz and Afro-Brazilian rhythms in a unique collective energy. Born in 2001 in São Paulo and led by Daniel Nogueira this ensemble has established itself as the leading groups in contemporary Brazilian jazz. (Autre Distribution CD)
Rios Melendez, Omar – Alex Wilson : The Art Of Deep Connection
They say : A piano. An acoustic guitar. Two virtuosos. Ten instrumentals. ‘The Art of Deep Connection’. An album to make you doubletake, and marvel, and feel. It is the stand-out debut from an exemplary acoustic duo: acclaimed pianist, producer and composer, Alex Wilson, and Nicaraguan guitarist and composer, Omar Ríos Meléndez. Recorded at Steve Winwood’s Wincraft Studios , ‘Art of Deep Connection’ boasts a track list of exhilarating originals and inventively rearranged covers that pulse with elements of jazz, flamenco, and Latin American music. Here are duets that flow seamlessly, and almost telepathically. (Alex Wilson Music CD)
Rios Melendez, Omar – Alex Wilson : The Art Of Deep Connection
They say : A piano. An acoustic guitar. Two virtuosos. Ten instrumentals. The Art of Deep Connection. An album to make you doubletake, and marvel, and feel. It’s the stand-out debut from an exemplary acoustic duo: acclaimed pianist, producer and composer, Alex Wilson, and the London-based Nicaraguan master guitarist and composer, Omar Ríos Meléndez. (Independent)
Robert, George – Ivan Lins: Abre Alas
They say : Born out of a meeting between French saxophonist Samy Thiébault and Brazil’s legendary Big Band Coisa Fina, ‘Sampa Fever’ is a collaboration that combines European jazz and Afro-Brazilian rhythms in a unique collective energy. (Mills Records CD)
Rosenthal, Ted: The Good Old Days
They say : The newest release in pianist Ted Rosenthal’s “Trios in 4 Acts,” a series of albums featuring Rosenthal’s two working trios, all recorded during the summer of 2024 & issued in regular installments since March 2025, is an homage to early jazz, including ragtime, stride, swing classics, & his originals. Ted is supported by his longstanding trios (Martin Wind/Tim Horner or Noriko Ueda/Quincy Davis) – as well as, on two tracks, the late clarinet master Ken Peplowski. (TMR Music) Hear Ted Rosenthal.
Roubini, Daphne – Black Gardenia: Whisky Scented Kisses
They say : Inspired by the phrasing and harmonic sensibilities of 1940s and ’50s vocal jazz, Whisky Scented Kisses blends original compositions with carefully chosen standards, presenting a sound that feels classic while remaining distinctly its own. At its centre is Roubini’s distinctive voice – grounded in classic jazz phrasing, with a natural sense of space and time, and a quietly compelling presence – guiding a collection that explores love in its many forms: longing and desire, independence and risk, intimacy and impermanence. (Cellar Live)
Sargent, Phil: Solo Motions
They say : The forthcoming solo guitar album from Phil Sargent, arriving May 1, 2026, reimagines jazz standards and an original composition through the lens of classical counterpoint, chromatic harmony, and improvisation, capturing the guitar as a complete, breathing ensemble rather than a single voice.Across the album, familiar melodies are reshaped through layered voices, inner motion, and spontaneous improvisation. Pieces such as “I Should Care” and “American Tune” lean into contrapuntal thinking, allowing independent melodic lines to converse within a single instrument. Other selections, including “The Way You Look Tonight” and “There Will Never Be Another You,”explore denser harmonic terrain, balancing clarity with complexity while preserving lyricism at the core. (Independent)
Schroeder, David: A Kind And Gentle Light
They say : NYU Professor David Schroeder leads a “quiet revolution” in 2026. His podcast features profound dialogues with legends like Sonny Rollins and the families of Duke Ellington and Stan Getz. Complementing these insights, his new album, A Kind and Gentle Light, translates that wisdom into music. Featuring the rare Mongolian ever buree and chromatic harmonica, the record blends American jazz with delicate performances that approach the passion of Italian opera to create an unusual sonic mix. (Combo Nuvo Records) Hear David Schroeder.
Shipton, Alyn – New Orleans Friends: The Oxford Concert
They say : Jazz historian and broadcaster Alyn Shipton formed the New Orleans Friends in 2019 to celebrate the music of the great Crescent City clarinetist and bandleader George Lewis. Every member of the band, along with Alyn himself, has spent time in New Orleans, learning the music at first hand from the musicians who created it. But this particular concert is special, as the clarinetist, Tom Sancton, grew up in the city and was encouraged to play by Lewis himself. (BCLB003)
Simone, Nina: At The Village Gate
They say : ‘At the Village Gate’ followed the success of Simone’s first live album, ‘Nina Simone at Town Hall’, recorded on the 12th of September 1959 at New York’s iconic concert hall. That same year, Nina signed a contract with the New York label Colpix Records and recorded her second album, The Amazing Nina Simone, which contained the original studio version of ‘Children Go Where I Send You’, also performed at the Village Gate and included in this live recording. (Waxtime Clear Vinyl LP)
Smith III, Walter : Twio, Vol. 2
They say : Walter Smith III’s new studio album Twio Vol.2, features bassist Joe Sanders and drummer Kendrick Scott plus special guest appearances from Ron Carter and Branford Marsalis. It’s Smith’s third Blue Note album and is released on March 6th 2026 (all details embargoed until January 21st please). (Blue Note)
Soft Machine: Thirteen
They say : ‘Thirteen’ is the thirteenth studio album by classic British band Soft Machine. Comprising thirteen brand new tracks, the album marks a new chapter in the group’s 60 year history. John Etheridge – electric guitar,Theo Travis – tenor & soprano saxes, flute, Fender Rhodes piano, electronics, Fred Thelonious Baker – bass guitar, Asaf Sirkis – drums & percussion. A special 2 LP vinyl edition will feature an exclusive whole side of bonus tracks. (Dyad Records)
Spannocchi, Guido: Kammermusik
They say : London-based saxophonist Guido Spannocchi announces new album Kammermusik – An intimate exploration of jazz and chamber music without drums (Audioguido Records)
Spence, Alister: Always Ever
They say : The absorbing new solo album from Australian pianist and composer Alister Spence is an ambitious, singular and deeply personal collection of inventions and experiments. The album ventures further down the path on which the pianist embarked with his acclaimed 2020 album “Whirlpool” with sixteen wholly improvised pieces, each one approaching the piano from a distinct perspective. (Independent)
Stachel, Karen & Norbert – LehCats: Live At The Breakroom
They say : Third album by the omnivorous NYC-based jazz fusion combo LehCats led by husband & wife Karen (flutes, vocals) & Norbert Stachel (saxophones, flutes). They’re captured in this 2-cd set on a spirited night at the titular San Jose venue with guest conguero Giovanni Hidalgo. LehCats is a dynamic ensemble with Matt Clark (p), Dan Feiszli (b), Dan Gonzalez (d) joining the Stachels in creating their polished but driving blend of jazz, funk, & Afro-Caribbean traditions. (Purple Room Productions) Hear Karen & Norbert Stachel.
Stewart, Louis: Joyce Notes
They say : A previously unreleased album from Irish guitar virtuoso Louis Stewart, Joyce Notes is the live recording of Stewart’s six-part suite based on scenes from James Joyce’s groundbreaking novel, Ulysses. Performed at Cork Jazz Festival in 1982, with readings from Dublin-born actor Eamon Morrissey, it features a superb Irish-American octet including Richie Buckley (saxophone), Brian Dunning (flute), Jim Doherty (piano), Steve LaSpina (bass) and Bobby Rosengarden (drums). (Livia Records LRCD2504)
Stillman, Loren: Seer
They say : The striking new album from alto and soprano saxophonist Loren Stillman was recorded with the extraordinary pianist Craig Taborn and bassist Thomas Morgan. It is a deeply immersive work that showcases three of today’s most remarkable voices in jazz, each with a career defined by creativity, virtuosity, and innovation. (Newvelle)
Sun Ra: Super Sonic Jazz
They say : Super Sonic Jazz, was one of the many albums recorded by Sun Ra for the Saturn label from the mid-fifties to the early-sixties. It was recoded in 1956 in Chicago and was actually the first album to be released on El Saturn Records, a label owned and run b Alton Abraham and Sun Ra. The label El Saturn is considered one of the very first and most active artist-owned record labels. (Waxtime LP)
Sutton, Rachel: Realms
They say : Rachel’s emotive and uplifting performances filled with theatrical skill, humour and heartfelt expression, have enchanted audiences at leading venues and festivals across the UK and abroad. Now Rachel presents Realms: her best work to date, which captures the magic of Rachel and her band’s live show, while adding many subtle nuances and impressive techniques as part of the recording process. (33 Jazz)
