New England Jazz Collaborative: Tributaries
They say : A vibrant debut album from the groundbreaking New England Jazz Collaborative which was formed to give big-band composers an opportunity to bring their music to audiences. Six new compositions for big band range from classic swing to modern jazz to West African highlife. Featured composers are Jeremy Cohen, Darryl Harper, Matan Rubinstein and Sam Spear. (ACP Records)
Norris, Sam: Wood/Gold – Solo Saxophone Volume I
They say : Award-winning London-based saxophonist Sam Norris announces the release of Wood/Gold, the first volume of his solo saxophone work, arriving 31st July via the rapidly growing Resonant Postcards label. Recorded at Tregenna Castle in Cornwall in August 2025, the album captures Norris in a moment of focused solitude, investigating the saxophone’s full spectrum of sound. Across Wood/Gold he draws together contrasting timbral worlds – woody, golden, feathery, industrial – reshaping them in new and surprising ways. (Resonant Postcards RP006) Hear Sam Norris.
Orchestre National De Jazz: With Carla
They say : With Carla’ is the inaugural programme of Sylvaine Hélary’s tenure as Artistic Director of the ONJ (appointed March 2024), conceived together with saxophonist and arranger Rémi Sciuto. The album offers a panoramic journey across 12 tracks — from Carla Bley’s best-known compositions, through orchestral frescoes, gentle songs and chamber moments, to her most unbridled grooves. The project celebrates an artist whose work transcends the boundaries of the jazz field, blending written and so-called ‘popular’ music in ways that continue to captivate wide audiences. (Autre Distribution ONJ534444 CD)
Ottaviano, Roberto: Dark Sides
They say : Produced by Dodicilune and distributed by IRD and Believe Digital, “Dark Sides”, released on 29 October 2025, is the new project by saxophonist, composer and educator Roberto Ottaviano. Joined by Peppe Frana, Luca “DJ Rocca” Roccatagliati, Giorgio Vendola and Ermanno Baron, the album explores a contemporary sonic language blending acoustic instruments, electronics and improvisation within a new band format led by Ottaviano on soprano saxophone and clarinet. (Dodicilune – ED589-9) Hear Roberto Ottaviano.
Pauline, Anna: Lucky To Be Me
They say : Swedish vocalist Anna Pauline Andersson celebrates over two decades in jazz with her new album, Lucky To Be Me. Standout performances include a trumpet solo by jazz legend Randy Brecker on Pauline’s original composition Just One Song and a duet with Janis Siegel of the Manhattan Transfer on the title track. (Storyville Records 1018547)
Pepper, Art: The Return Of Art Pepper
They say : After spending extended periods with the Stan Kenton in the 1940s and 1950s, Art Pepper began recording small-group albums in the mid-1950s. The Return of Art Pepper presents the saxophonist in a quintet setting recorded shortly after he completed his first drug-related prison sentence. Recorded for Jazz West, , this bebop session features nine Pepper originals and two standards, Broadway’ and ‘You Go To My Head’. Backed by familiar West Coast musicians, Pepper is in top form in this superlative bebop session. (Jazz Wax 4648LP LP)
Pieranunzi, Enrico & Bebo Ferra: Evanscape
They say : Entirely dedicated to the legendary American pianist Bill Evans, ‘Evanscape’ was conceived in the demanding, minimalist duo format. Through an intimate, conversational approach, free from any trace of mannerism, pianist Enrico Pieranunzi and guitarist Bebo Ferra probe the innermost mystery of a genius whose expressive language combined charm and intellect are in equal measure. Drawing on languorous ballads at unhurried tempos, the program alternates reinterpretations of emblematic Evans themes — ‘Song for Helen’, ‘Very Early’, ‘Once Upon a ‘Summertime’ — with a series of inspired original pieces. (Autre Distribution BON260401 CD / BON260402 LP)
Ra, Sun: Sound Sun Pleasure!!
They say : Sound Sun Pleasure!! was among the many LPs recorded by Sun Ra for the Saturn label and one that was unusual amongst his early albums for predominantly featuring jazz standards. It was recorded on March 6, 1959, during two sessions that also delivered a second album with the same personnel, Jazz in Silhouette. (Pan Am Records 9152340 LP)
Rafla, Rebecca : Fundamentally Unfinished
They say : Jazz singer/songwriter Rebecca Rafla is featured on Fundamentally Unfinished, her very impressive debut recording. The Indianapolis-based vocalist performs six originals having to do with love plus fresh renditions of four standards with a top-notch supporting cast that includes pianist Steve Allee and tenor-saxophonist Rob Dixon. (Rebecca Rafla Music)
Rahman, Zoe: Hull Suite Live
They say : Nothing (Manushi Records MANUCD008 CD)
Ranglin, Ernest : The Indispensable Ernest Ranglin 1958-1962 – Jazz, calypso, soundtrack
They say : Ernest Ranglin is one of the legendary and greatest Jamaican Jazz guitar players. He first recorded with blues and calypso artists as well as for the James Bond Dr. No film soundtrack. This anthology gathers the cream of these dazzling early recordings, some of his best, and finally reissues his world class, ultra rare debut jazz album — the second ever album issued on the Island label and produced by the famous Chris Blackwell. Patrick FRÉMEAUX “Ernest is the greatest musician ever out of Jamaica. Jamaica has produced some pretty incredible musicians. Jazz musicians. A lot of them. But I think Ernest is really the best.” – Chris BLACKWELL, Island Records (Frémeaux & Associés FA5920)
Redzic, Vladimir: First Time Around
They say : Guitarist Vladimir Redzic makes an assured debut with First Time Around, a refined and deeply swinging tribute to the Great American Songbook. Recorded live off the floor, the album features pianist Steve Ash alongside bassist Jonathan Meyer, bassist Neal Miner, drummer Steve Little, and guest vocalist Ale Nuñez. Balancing reverence for tradition with a personal lyrical voice, Redzic delivers intimate and expressive interpretations inspired by masters such as Grant Green and Kenny Burrell. (Independent)
Roitman, Alex Tango Ensemble : La Cocina De Tango
They say : La Cocina de Tango features bandoneon player Alex Roitman leading his brilliant Tango Ensemble on a set of classic tangos and a few of his originals. The delightful set features bandoneon, violin, piano and bass performing arranged tangos full of energy, mood and tempo changes, and subtle surprises (ARTE-FL Records AFR-001)
Rummler, Vicky: Snapshots
They say : Produced by Dodicilune and distributed by IRD and Believe Digital, “Snapshots”, released on 8 April 2026, is the fifth album by American singer and composer Vicki Rummler, joined by Francesco Bearzatti and Nico Morelli. Blending American folk and European jazz, the album pays tribute to Vicki’s father Ed Rummler. Featuring original compositions and jazz standards, it was recorded at Artesuono Studio and presents a collection of musical snapshots and memories, like a photo album. (Dodicilune – ED617-9) Hear Vicky Rummler.
Ryan, Monika, with Keith Loftis, Steve, Einerson, Neal Miner, Joe Strasser: Delightfully
They say : Delightfully is the latest record from jazz vocalist and songwriter Monika Ryan. Fourteen original compositions written by Ryan and arranged by Adrian Galante, moving through the full emotional spectrum — buoyant swing, breathtaking intimacy, Latin fire, and soulful groove. Rooted in a philosophy of emotional health and intellectual curiosity, the record radiates with hope — honest without ever losing its optimism. A natural companion to the American Popular Songbook, delivered by a fresh voice for today’s listener. Featuring saxophonist Keith Loftis, pianist Steve Einerson, bassist Neal Miner, and drummer Joe Strasser. Out August 28th, 2026 on Resensitize Records. (Resensitize Records)
Rymden [Öström, Magnus, Berglund, Dan & Wesseltoft, Bugge]: Today May Be Tomorrow
They say : Rymden continue to maintain remarkable degrees of freedom and complexity. Time signatures shift, forms turn unexpected corners, and melodic elements weave through the music. Yet none of this feels difficult for its own sake. The music moves with the naturalness of a toe-tapper, even when its inner mechanisms are intricate. Melody, rhythm, and texture are not hierarchically arranged so much as mutually entangled, each one underpinning, provoking, and illuminating the others. (Jazzland 3779830)
