Hancock, Herbie: Takin’ Off
They say : Takin’ Off was pianist Herbie Hancock’s debut album as leader and one that produced his biggest hit ‘Watermelon Man’, which made it to the Top 100 on the pop charts. The tune would later become a jazz standard after being covered by Mongo Santamaria and many other notable musicians. Featuring a programme of all original compositions by Hancock, he’s backed by an all-star ensemble featuring Dexter Gordon, Freddie Hubbard, Butch Warren, and Billy Higgins. (Waxtime Crystal Clear 526035 – LP)
Haricots Rouges, Les: 60 ans, Amazing Grace !!
They say : For 60 years, Les Haricots Rouges have been tireless ambassadors of à la française New Orleans jazz, celebrating their remarkable journey with undimmed camaraderie and youthful vitality. True living legends, they have spent six decades sharing their love of swing and joyful jazz with audiences worldwide. Blending timeless classics with original compositions, this album proves that the band’s heart still beats as fast and as fiercely as ever. Patrick Frémeaux (Frémeaux & Associés FA8627)
Hasard Noir: L’Adversaire
They say : Hasard Noir is a French jazz quartet from Lille — piano, bass, drums and saxophone. L’Adversaire is their third album and the first to feature saxophone. Built around themes of adversity and duality, it unfolds through nine original compositions by pianist Luis Galceran: melodic, collectively played, with a feel close to Nordic jazz — long lines, restrained dynamics, and space to breathe. (La Cabane Music Works : LACABANE-001)
Haynes, Phil: Terra
They say : On the captivating new album “Terra” veteran drummer/composer Phil Haynes is joined by the singular guitarist Ben Monder and inventive rising star tenor saxophonist Peyton Pleninger, for an hour-long group improvisation recorded live on the stage of Bucknell University’s Natalie Davis-Rooke Recital Hall. (Corner Store Jazz)
Heise, Mathias / Danish Radio Big Band: A Love Supreme Revisited
They say : World champion chromatic harmonica player Mathias Heise joins the Danish Radio Big Band for a bold reimagining of John Coltrane’s 1965 landmark album. Rather than presenting a tribute, Heise reconstructs the four-part suite from within, integrating key elements of Coltrane’s original improvisations into newly conceived big band arrangements. (April Records)
Holiday, Billie: Lady Sings The Blues
They say : The recordings included on the classic album Lady Sings the Blues come from two different studio dates, a complete session recorded in 1956, and four tunes from a 1954 date. An additional track from the latter session has also been added here as a bonus. The emphasis on both sessions is placed on Billie’s singing. Although important musicians are present on both dates, little room is left for any instrumental improvisation. Billie’s voice is clearly the showcased instrument. (Jazz Images 37196 – LP)
Hoshii, Tetsuro: Everything Is Alive
They say : Brooklyn-based Japanese pianist Tetsuro Hoshii presents a solo piano album recorded on a Fazioli at Big Orange Sheep studio, Brooklyn. The music combines lyrical improvisation with elements of contemporary jazz and modern classical piano. Recorded by Chris Benham and mixed/mastered at Rainbow Studio, Oslo by Martin Abrahamsen. The album captures spontaneous performances exploring quietness, resonance and space in the tradition of solo improvising pianists. (Independent) Hear Tetsuro Hoshii.
Hytta Trio: Vindespel
They say : The foundation Vindespel [Twining Tunes] lies in Anne Hytta’s rich Hardanger fiddle tradition from Telemark. However, the trio also draws inspiration and ideas from other folk music traditions, while Skaansar and Ibsen Thorsrud’s backgrounds in jazz and improvisational music add unique colours to the group’s distinctive sound. (KretsKR31S03CD)
Imboden, Sean: Uncharted Realms
They say : Indianapolis-based saxophonist and composer Sean Imboden leads his 17-piece modern jazz big band with this daring second album, featuring all original pieces (Independent)
Ingraham, Kathy: Jazz Dreams
They say : Jazz singer & composer Kathy Ingraham is a wild mix of Blossom Dearie’s intimacy with the intense passion of Nina Simone yet uniquely singular. Inspired by the 1944 Oscar winning, Heavenly Music, which tells of a jazz composer trying to enter the heavenly Hall of Music before a committee of classical composers, Ingraham proves the film’s theory that a great song can transcend the original genre. In her case from iconic rock songs to jazz. (Peirdon Records) Hear Kathy Ingraham.
Insufficient Funs: Chunk
They say : The striking debut from Ireland/Belgian-based avant-jazz improvising duo Insufficient Funs. Featuring Matthew Jacobson (drums) and Sam Comerford (bass saxophone), the album explores texture, groove, and abstraction through fluid, conversational interplay. Minimal frameworks spark explosive, quasi-electronic effects achieved acoustically. Two reimagined standards reveal their inventive process, as melodies unravel into bold new forms. (Diatribe Records DIADI054)
Janzon, Tomas: Jazz Diary
They say : Guitarist and composer Tomas Janzon announces new album Jazz Diary, a trio release shaped through a daily writing practice—a collection drawn from early-morning handwritten notation, with brief musical ideas developed into compositions and improvisational vehicles featuring bassist Nedra Wheeler with drummers Tony Austin and Chuck McPherson across two distinct trio settings. (Changes Music, CM116)
Jazzlab Orchestra: Glissement du temps
They say : Montreal’s Jazzlab Orchestra celebrates its 20th anniversary with Slip of Time (Glissement du Temps), an ambitious new album on Effendi Records. Featuring ten original compositions by members of the collective alongside François Bourassa, Gentiane MG, and Pierre de Bethmann, the recording blends polyrhythmic, polytonal, and impressionistic textures into a vivid contemporary large-ensemble sound. The album also serves as a tribute to saxophonist Mario Allard, whose musical voice remains deeply embedded in the ensemble’s sound. (FND176)
Jimmy Cobb Quartet | Roy Hargrove | Russell Malone | John Webber: Jazz In The Key of Blue
They say : As a nod to Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue, Jazz in the Key of Blue stands as a profound statement from the legendary drummer of that historic session. Joined by his quartet, Jimmy Cobb delivers an exquisite collection of quiet, moody, late-night ballads. (Chesky Records) Hear Jimmy Cobb.
Joe Syrian Motor City Jazz Octet: A Blue Time
They say : Tinkering with Classic songs can be a risky disposition. But for drummer Joe Syrian and his versatile Motor City Jazz Octet, it’s just another day in the office. (Circle 9 Records, C90016)
Jutton, Will: Let’s Go
They say : Let’s Go’ is Will’s debut full length album, coming out on (TBC). It fuses his hardcore jazz influence with a more mainstream pop sensibility. With lush string arrangements, sizzling percussion and tight horn parts, the album and live show draw heavily from the chaotically entertaining performances of Talking Heads, Chic and Louis Cole. (Independent )
Kahn, Paul: Willingness
They say : Singer/songwriter Paul Kahn to release Willingness via CarlCat Records, produced by Catherine Russell, out on June 19, 2026. (EP CarlCat Records, CD CC 0126)
Kronstad 23: Dødehavet
They say : Kronstad 23 return with Dødehavet, the Norwegian quartet’s third album and first release on London’s Batov Records. Continuing their instinctive, analogue-led approach, the record sits between cinematic jazz and psychedelic rock, threaded with Scandinavian folk and wider global influences. Recorded live to tape with minimal preparation and no modern studio intervention, Dødehavet captures a band working on feel, interaction and momentum rather than polish or precision. (Batov Records)
Larsson, Jonas / Jonas Larsson Band: Point Nemo
They say : Jonas Larsson Band is a high-energy jazz-fusion group drawing strong inspiration from 1970s and 1980s jazz, rock, and blues. Their music blends the era’s powerful grooves – driven by pronounced guitar and keyboard riffs and heavy, dynamic bass lines – with complex, virtuosic improvised solos that push the sound into bold, modern territory. The album ‘Point Nemo’ is produced by Gregory Heath – also co-writer of ‘Gulf of Mexico’. All other tunes composed by Jonas Larsson. (TBM 4402) Hear Jonas Larsson.
Leverton Fox: Eternal Gong Bath of the Sunbed Mind
They say : An immersive experimental electronic release by improvisers Alex Bonney, Tim Giles, and Isambard Khroustaliov, foregrounding collective interplay over production. Guided by Derek Bailey’s non-idiomatic ethos, they subvert instrumental roles to achieve a freer, fluid sound. Echoes of Holger Czukay, Ligeti, Stockhausen, Herbie Hancock’s Sextant, Raymond Scott, and Hector Zazou surface within a densely packed, expansive work that suggests entire galaxies of sound. (Not Applicable NOT084 )
Levy, Jed – Phil Robson Quartet: The Unpredictability Of The Sea
They say : New York saxophonist Jed Levy and guitarist Phil Robson met when Robson was living in New York in 2015 and quickly found a musical and personal chemistry that led to them playing New York clubs and crossing the Atlantic to perform across Europe. Featuring bassist Mark Hodgson and drummer Roberto Gatto, this first album has five tunes each from Levy and Robson and balances tradition and modernity in compelling melodic and nuanced music. (Livia Records, LRCD2601)
Liviero, Martina: Formas al Desaparecer
They say : On Formas al Desaparecer, Liviero expands the boundaries of Argentine songwriting, blending experimental South American folk with chamber music into a sonic universe that encourages the listener to engage deeply and intimately. FULL PROMO (Hilo Records)
Lorenson, Russ: A Little Travelin’ Music (20th Anniversary Edition)
They say : “A Little Travelin’ Music” marks the 20th anniversary of my 2006 debut album. Rather than a simple remaster, the new edition revisits the recordings with fresh perspective, refining arrangements and sound to reflect my evolution from cabaret toward a jazz-centered approach. Newly recorded instrumental parts, previously unreleased material, and a full remix and remaster present the album with a clearer vocal jazz identity built around Great American Songbook repertoire. (RL Productions, RL-006)
Lovano, Joe: Paramount Quartet
They say : The “Paramount” in Joe Lovano’s new quartet can be interpreted as a statement of intent. “I feel like at this point I’m on the rise and those cats play with a real global awareness.” The “cats” in question are guitarist Julian Lage, Asante Santi Debriano on bass and drummer Will Calhoun (known for his part in the American rock group Living Color). Recorded in the south of France in February 2025. Produced by Manfred Eicher. (ECM602478517914 CD / 602478518119 LP)
Lyche, Joachim Trio: Primal Heuristics
They say : The 27-year-old Norwegian guitarist Joachim Lyche will be a new name to many here in the UK, but this auspicious debut with his trio says a lot about his ability both as a player and composer. Featuring a programme of seven of his own compositions, plus John Coltrane’s ’Lazy Bird’ and Joe Henderson’s ‘Punjab’, Primal Heuristic is a remarkable guitar led trio production. (Losen Records LOS3222 – CD)
