New releases June-July 2026, A-B

Records offered for review to Jazz Journal in May-June 2026, including Chet Baker, Roni Ben-Hur, Bignami Veltri Jazz Ensemble, Ran Blake / Dominique Eade, Sam Braysher // Editor's pick: Sam Braysher

Adasiewicz / Erb / Roebke : Dream Between

They say : This is recording number three of this group with Jason Adasiewicz, Christoph Erb and Jason Roebke’s on the veto-records / exchange-series, Yuria’s dream“ from 2014 and „More dreams less sleep» 2016, were the first two albums. (veto-records£/Exchange) Hear Adasiewicz / Erb / Roebke

Albanese, Giorgio: When Time Slipped Away

They say : Produced by Dodicilune and distributed by IRD and Believe Digital, “When Time Slipped Away”, released on 11 March 2026, is the new album by accordionist, composer and educator Giorgio Albanese. Based in the United States, Albanese combines Mediterranean melodies with jazz and contemporary influences. Featuring an international ensemble of winds, vocals and rhythm section, the album presents original compositions that reflect his cross-cultural musical vision and his distinctive approach to contemporary jazz. (Dodicilune – ED600-1)

Aldema, Natalie: Softly In The Blue

They say : Norwegian vocalist Natalie Aldema presents a set of timeless melodies recorded close and intimate, distinctive yet accessible. Released March 13, the album features guitarist Asle Røe, bassist Morten Kvam and drummer Jarle Vespestad, offering warm, spacious ensemble playing and personal readings of Blue Moon, Dindi and It Might As Well Be Spring. Jazz with subtle indie and pop inflections and a touch of roughness beneath the beauty. (Independent (CD Baby))

Alessi, Ralph: A Sun That Never Sets

They say : Ralph Alessi: trumpet; Joseph Alessi: trombone; Matt Mitchell: piano; John Hébert: double bass; Ches Smith: drums, vibraphone. On A Sun That Never Sets, Ralph Alessi expands the quartet configuration with a fifth player for a set of eleven new compositions that elaborate on Alessi’s intricate writing with deep thought and a fresh sense of adventure. (ECM 2864)

Alexander, Ari & Cecil: Kaleidoscope

They say : A co-release with Danish-American jazz vocalist Ari Alexander, this album features Nashville musicians Danny McGonegle (drums) and Rob Linton (bass). Blending original post-bop compositions with fresh interpretations of Great American Songbook standards, the trio has developed a distinctive sound rooted in swing while embracing contemporary expression. Inspired by artists like Betty Carter and Joe Henderson, the record balances the energy of instrumental jazz with the immediacy of a vocal album. (Independent )

Alexander, Joey: Celestial Keeper

They say : Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Joey Alexander returns with his 8th studio album, Celestial Keeper, drawing inspiration from the nature and rhythm of life of his home in Indonesia while expanding on the melodic-focused composition he has become celebrated for. With 7 new originals and 3 breathtaking renditions of classics (‘Stella by Starlight,” “My Funny Valentine,” & “How Great Thou Art”), Joey’s long-time touring trio of bassist Kris Funn and drummer Jonathan Barber are joined by saxophonist Jaleel Shaw, legendary vocalist Lisa Fischer and rising-star vocalist Alita Moses for a journey of nuanced beauty shining through every note. (Mack Avenue Records, MAC1224)

Arbenz, Michael; feat. Atom String Quartet and Arbenz, Florian: J.S. Bach Suite III: A Living Organism

They say : Classically trained Swiss pianist and composer Michael Arbenz reimagines Bach through the lens of improvisation, groove and collective interplay on a new collaboration with the internationally acclaimed Atom String Quartet. Inspired by Bach’s iconic Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, the album treats the original work as a living organism: music that continues to evolve beyond Bach’s time, reshaped through rhythmic elasticity, improvisation and an almost orchestral approach to colour and texture. (Independent)

Armaroli – Schiaffini 6Tet: Monkian Florilegio

They say : Produced by Dodicilune, “Monkian Florilegio” is the new album by the sextet led by vibraphonist Sergio Armaroli and trombonist Giancarlo Schiaffini, featuring Emanuele Parrini, Giulia Cianca, Giovanni Maier, Urban Kušar and guest pianist Francesca Gemmo. Part of a project launched in 2021 and dedicated to Thelonious Monk, the album continues the exploration begun with “Deconstructing Monk in Africa” and “Monkish”, expanding the ensemble to include violin, vocals and piano. (Dodicilune – ED595-0)

Ashby, Dorothy: The Jazz Harpist

They say : Considered the most accomplished modern jazz harpist, Dorothy Ashby established the harp as an improvising jazz instrument, beyond earlier use as a novelty or background orchestral instrument. She proved the harp could play bebop as adeptly as the instruments commonly associated with jazz. Presented here is one of her best albums, The Jazz Harpist, presenting her in a quartet format backed by Frank Wess on flute, Eddie Jones and Wendell Marshall alternating on bass, and Ed Thigpen on drums. (Waxtime 772383 LP)

Asher, Alex: Slow Motion

They say : Trombonist/producer Alex Asher wears many hats. As a bandleader, he fronts celebrated future soul outfit People’s Champs and organizes Los Cumpleaños, the genre-bending electro-cumbia ensemble. As a trombonist, Asher and his horn section co-wrote and recorded the arrangements for Beyoncé’s 4, including the Grammy-winning bop “Love on Top.” Asher displays his skills as a music producer alongside his skills as a trombonist, releasing the self-titled debut of his newest project, Slow Motion. (Independent)

Baker, Chet: Chet In Iceland

They say : A live recording from a concert with trumpetist and singer Chet Baker in Reykjavik 1985. The rhythm section was Icelandic; pianist Kristján Magnússon, drummer Sveinn Óli Jónsson and bassist Tómas R. Einarsson. The repertoire was not altogether the usual Chet Baker programme of these years; Einarsson suggested Don’t Blame Me, which is probably the trumpeter’s only recording of this well-known jazz standard. (Blánótt Records)

Baker, Chet: Sings

They say : The complementing talents of Chet Baker (1929-1988) both as a trumpet player and as a singer are now well known. His trumpet and voice are extensions of the same musical personality, and once you have become familiar with both facets of Baker, you expect to hear them both. However, Chet Baker Sings was a revelation at the time and won Baker new fame and a new audience, which was less familiar with jazz than with pop music. (Jazz Images 37198 LP)

Balistreri, Marisa: New Monsters

They say : New Monsters, the debut jazz album by vocalist Marisa Balistreri, was written by Balistreri’s husband, Stefan Hall. It blends modern jazz with African and Brazilian influences and features Hall on guitar, Jeff Weiss on upright bass and Noah Brooks on drums. New Monsters centers around overcoming obstacles while staying positive about humanity and covers subjects such as procrastination, climate change, the X-Files, and a “rabbit trilogy” inspired by Balistreri and Hall’s one-eyed pet bunny, Roo. (marisabalistreri.com)

Barron, Kenny, Ray Drummond & B: So Many Lovely Things

They say : Recorded live at the Brecon Jazz Festival in August 1995, this powerful performance brings together three masters of modern jazz—pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Ray Drummond, and drummer Ben Riley—in a setting where intuition, swing, and deep musical empathy take center stage. Preserved for decades within the Jordi Suñol Archives and now finally released, this recording stands as a vital document of a trio whose chemistry was nothing short of extraordinary (Elemental Music 5990564 LP & CD)

Bartringer, Veda: Rise And Shine

They say : Introducing a string quartet alongside her own band, Luxembourgish guitarist Veda Bartringer presents Rise and Shine on June 6. Inspired by film music and string projects by the likes of Snarky Puppy and Petros Klampanis, Rise and Shine is a collection of original compositions that blend classical music and jazz and that place storytelling at its very core. Beyond adding a string quartet, Bartringer also welcomes celebrated flutist Naïssam Jalal on the lyrical, hopeful title track Rise And Shine, and upcoming Belgian pianist Margaux Vranken on Rue de l’Étuve. (independent)

Bassi, Giuseppe: Ima Adesso

They say : Produced by Dodicilune and distributed by IRD and Believe Digital, “Ima Adesso”, released on 18 February 2026, is the new album by double bassist and composer Giuseppe Bassi. The project reflects on his artistic and human journey, inspired by the Japanese concept of “ima”, understood as a present moment of balance and awareness between past and future. Featuring Javier Girotto, Daniel Karlsson and Lorenzo Tucci, the album explores a deeply expressive and international jazz language. (Dodicilune – ED604-9)

Ben-Hur, Roni: Abriendo Puertas

They say : Recorded in Havana at DBega Studios, the album brings Roni Ben-Hur’s lucid, intimate guitar language into conversation with Cuban rhythmic tradition, jazz improvisation, and the deep emotional textures of song. It is one of the inaugural releases in Cuban Notes, a cultural and artistic recording series (Dot Time )

Bignami Veltri Jazz Ensemble: Non-Places

They say : Non-Places is the debut album by Bignami Veltri Jazz Ensemble, a contemporary jazz nonet led by composers Anna Bignami and Laura Veltri. The album features eight tracks, including seven original compositions and a striking reinterpretation of Chris Cornell’s Black Hole Sun. Inspired by Marc Augé’s concept of “non-places,” the music explores themes of identity, movement, and belonging through inventive orchestration, rich textures, and a distinctive blend of contemporary jazz and European chamber music influences. (GleAM Records AM7046)

Bishop, John Derek & Habeeb, Khaled: Ekkofremtid

They say : John Derek Bishop, aka Tortusa, is one of Norway’s most distinctive live-sampling artists. He has released music with Nils Petter Molvær, Arve Henriksen, Jan Bang, and Eivind Aarset. Oud player Khaled Habeeb has performed with Knut Reiersrud, Harald Lassen and Helga Myhr. Drawing from traditional Arabic music while remaining highly open to experimentation and improvisation, his playing carries both precision and vulnerability. Together, Bishop and Habeeb create a unique cultural meeting point. (Nortusa NOFXZ2601)

Blackman Santana, Cindy: Coherence

They say : Celebrated drummer, bandleader, and composer Cindy Blackman Santana has been a force to be reckoned with since her 1987 debut album, Arcane, featuring jazz legends Wallace Roney, Joe Henderson, Kenny Garrett, and Buster Williams. Fast forward to 2026, and Cindy commands that same power with her new album, Coherence: a once-in-a-lifetime musical journey combining jazz, rock, fusion, and spirituality, featuring special guests John McLaughlin and Carlos Santana. Buckle up for a masterclass in modern music from one of the most electrifying drummers to ever do it. (Mack Avenue Records, MAC1246)

Blake, Ran and Dominique Eade: Roots & Byways

They say : Longtime musical partners and NEC colleagues, iconic pianist Ran Blake and revelatory vocalist Dominique Eade showcase the depth of their connection on their third duo album featuring a diverse range of standards, pop songs, film music and folk tunes. (Sunnyside Records)

Blaser, Samuel: Rosina

They say : Trombonist Samuel Blaser leads pianist Russ Lossing, bassist Masa Kamaguchi, and drummer Billy Mintz on his most personal record yet—a multi-movement suite tracing his Italian roots. Opener “Boara” reworks an a cappella field recording from Alan Lomax’s 1954-55 Italian archives; the album closes with a Renato Carosone serenata. Telepathic post-bop interplay, warmth, and family history woven through 35th album. (BM019)

Boumis, Miltos: Echoes of a Journey

They say : London-based Greek composer and Cretan laouto player Miltos Boumis leads a trio with Demi Garcia Sabat (percussion) and Holly Reinhardt (double bass) on this debut release. Drawing on Cretan folk traditions, experimental jazz, free improvisation and ambient music the album combines composed pieces with spontaneous interaction, live looping, drones and distinctive overdriven electric laouto textures. (Independent)

Braysher, Sam; Eppinger, Linus: A Sinner Kissed An Angel

They say : London saxophonist and Amsterdam guitarist team up with all-star rhythm section: Eric Ineke (Dexter Gordon, Al Cohn) and Darryl Hall (Ravi Coltrane, Cedar Walton). With a sound rooted in the classic swinging jazz of the ’50s and ’60s, the band’s varied repertoire includes music associated with Horace Silver, Dusty Springfield, Benny Goodman, George Cables and Frank Sinatra. These two friends and rising stars of European jazz join forces with two of the continent’s great veteran rhythm section players on a programme that is by turns groovy, fun and heartfelt. (Fresh Sound Records FSR-CD 5147)

Breakstone, Joshua with Barry Harris: Wonderful!

They say : After nearly 40 years out of print, Capri Records reissues guitar master Joshua Breakstone’s 1983 masterpiece, Wonderful!, featuring pianist Barry Harris, bassist Earl Sauls and drummer Leroy Williams. The re-release marks the recording’s first time on CD. (Capri Records)

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