Taupe: Waxing | Waning
They say : Glasgow trio Mike Parr-Burman (guitar, bass, electronics), Jamie Stockbridge (alto and baritone saxophones), and Alex Palmer (drums, percussion) deliver seven tracks of jazz experimentalism, skronk, avant-rock, and electronics. Bold and boundary-pushing, their chaotic yet precise interplay blends furious free-jazz eruptions, intricate textures, and playful improvisation. Heavy, noisy, and spontaneous, the music rejects convention, embodies cultural defiance, and explores new sonic territories in a visceral, immersive experience. (Minority Records MIN75)
Taylor, Cecil – Unit: Fragments, The Complete 1969 Salle Pleyel Concerts – November 3, 1969 8th Paris Jazz Festival at the Salle Pleyel
They say : Two explosive never-before released Cecil Taylor Unit performances featuring the avant-jazz pianist’s 1969 Unit with saxophonist Jimmy Lyons, saxophonist/flutist Sam Rivers and drummer Andrew Cyrille at their creative peak. The expansive package includes notes by Taylor biographer Philip Freeman, memories from drummer Andrew Cyrille and appreciations from Karen Borca, Matthew Shipp, Jack DeJohnette and more. The Cecil Taylor Unit’s performance at Salle Pleyel in Paris on November 3, 1969, was a notable moment in avant-garde jazz showcasing the group’s intense, free-jazz style. Released officially for the very first time, the recording was transferred from the original tape reels. (Elemental)
Texier, Henri: Healing Songs
They say : On the occasion of his 80th birthday, legendary French bassist and composer Henri Texier celebrates his six decades as a musician with ‘Healing Songs’, a new album that reprises some of his earlier work; a sort of retrospective of calming compositions perhaps forgotten. Featuring a topflight quintet, ‘Healing Songs’ features Texier’s son Sebastien on alto sax and clarinet, rising US trumpet star Hermon Mehari, plus internationally acclaimed drummer Manu Katché guesting on two tracks, ‘Leïla’ and ‘Samba Loca’. (Autre Distribution CD & LP)
Tonelli, Mark: Brasiliana
They say : Mark Tonelli’s new album Brasiliana is a vibrant fusion of Brazilian music and modern jazz, recorded in São Paulo with an all-Brazilian ensemble. Inspired by thirteen trips to Brazil between 2022 and 2025, including two Fulbright residencies, the nine original compositions reflect Tonelli’s deep personal and artistic connection to the country. Brasiliana is both a cultural celebration and a bold creative statement rooted in lived experience. (Arc Records)
Toorell, Anton: Solos II
They say : With Solos II, the Swedish guitarist, composer and producer expands on his achievements from half a decade ago, perhaps counterintuitively by focusing in on aspects of his relationship with the guitar, in both playing and tuning. The result is three tracks of cascading tonality that feel rigorous, but are performed with a light touch, unassumingly, any conceptual gambits never overshadowing the lustrous sounds Toorell coaxes from two guitars. (Thanatosis Produktion)
Torti, Diana: Fearless
They say : Acclaimed Italian singer Diana Torti presents her new album, bringing artistry and authenticity to the forefront. Music that blends Mediterranean nuances, chamber textures, and adventurous improvisations. Original compositions and a bold interpretation of Afro Blue showcase a courageous, intimate, and deeply expressive quartet sound. A refined lyricist and performer, Torti elegantly conveys vocal art to an audience seeking emotion and inspiration. Featuring stellar band: Sabino de Bari (guitar), Andrea Colella (double bass), and Francesco De Rubeis (drums). (Tambora Music)
Trigg and Gusset: Event Horizon
They say : Following the atmospheric and critically acclaimed Blue Prince soundtrack, Trigg & Gusset return with Event Horizon, their fifth studio album and a new chapter in their signature blend of noir jazz and ambient electronica. Bart Knol (Trigg) handles composition, arrangement, production and mix, while also performing on keys, bass and synthesizers. Erik van Geer (Gusset) adds his distinctive sound on saxophones and bass clarinet. Coen Hamelink (trumpet) and Mischa Porte (drums) bring additional colour and depth (Independent )
Turner, Mark – Quartet: Patternmaster
They say : An album that in many respects feels like a continuation and expansion of the group’s last recording. Both boundless improvisation and cool control are driving motors behind a quartet that has moulded its common musical understanding over years on the road and in the studio. There’s a timeless quality to these six Turner originals. Recorded in Southern France in 2024, the album was produced by Manfred Eicher. (ECM Records ECM 2835)
Tyner, McCoy: The Seeker
They say : A rare and never before released live performance by McCoy Tyner with Bobby Hutchinson, currently making it only the third time they appear together on an official release. In this concert in Perugia, the vigour of both is still intact and can be felt: supported by the powerful rhythm of Avery Sharpe and Aaron Scott – charter members of Tyner’s trio at the time’ Umbria Jazz Festival, July 17th, 1993. (Red Records CD & LP)
Various Artists: Cuba – Cha Cha Chá 1950-1962
They say : Derived from Cuban danzón, in turn cha-cha-chá upsurged in the wake of 1950s mambo and turned out even more popular. A fabulous, danceable, influential, international music, it produced the indispensable original version of Santana’s famous hit “Oye Como Va” for example, as well as “Chanchullo”, the Cuban piece that inspired it (both included here). Bruno Blum recounts the birth of cha-cha-chá and comments on it — a peak in Cuban music, before the 1959 revolution that led so many Cuban musicians fleeing to the USA. The golden age of cha-cha-chá is typical of exchanges between Cuban and American musicians such as Tito Puente, who soon made this style their own. It is, however, the authentic, original Cuban sound that is prioritised here. Patrick FRÉMEAUX (Frémeaux & Associés FA5925)
Vicéns, Gabriel: Niebla
They say : New York City-based guitarist and composer Gabriel Vicéns returns with Niebla, his fifth studio album, featuring a sextet lineup with Román Filiú (alto saxophone), Vitor Gonçalves (piano), Rick Rosato (bass), E.J. Strickland (drums), and Victor Pablo (percussion). A follow-up to his acclaimed 2024 release Mural, the album is a boundary-defying work that merges the vibrant rhythms of Afro-Puerto Rican folklore with the harmonic richness of modern jazz and the fearless spirit of avant-garde experimentation. (Clepsydra Records, CR 001)
VMV Trio: The Search Of Meaning
They say : VMV Trio, a jazz group from Apulia (alto sax, guitar, drums), crafts an emotionally rich, boundary-free sound. Their debut album The Search of Meaning weaves introspective delicacy with powerful bursts of energy, inviting listeners to draw their own interpretations. Blending contemporary jazz with film, rock, and experimental influences, the trio shows original maturity and innovation. Acclaimed in Italy’s major jazz contests and decorated with individual awards, VMV Trio’s research-driven creativity and communicative intensity mark them as a promising new voice in modern jazz. (Inner Urge Records IUCRD004)
Vogel, Karsten: Late Night Ballads
They say : With a career spanning more than six decades, Danish saxophonist Karsten Vogel (founder of Burnin Red Ivanhoe and Secret Oyster) is one of the true veterans of Scandinavian music. On his new album Late Night Ballads, recorded with pianist Mads Søndergaard, bassist Peter Hansen and drummer Klaus Menzer, Vogel turns his focus inward, returning to the core of his jazz roots with a deeply reflective and intimate recording. (Storyville Records, 1014370)
