Maca Conu: Popular Misconceptions
They say : Since their genesis in 2021, Jonas Cambien’s Maca Conu has been rising fast, turning heads with their arresting live performances. The band’s fierce sophomore album, delivers seven tracks of blistering spiritual free jazz, abstract meanderings, and rebellious hooks. The band are Signe Emmeluth – alto and tenor saxophones, Guro Kvåle – trombone, Ingebrigt Håker Flaten – double bass, Andreas Wilhdagen – drums, and Jonas Cambien – piano and organ, compositions. (Sonic Transmission STRLP59)
MacDonald, Virginia: In Search Of…
They say : Juno Award-winning Canadian clarinetist Virginia MacDonald releases her debut album as a leader, In Search Of, May 29 on Cellar Live. Daughter of saxophonist Kirk MacDonald, she is joined by pianist Geoffrey Keezer, bassist Ira Coleman, drummer Curtis Nowosad and vocalist Laura Anglade on original compositions written over the past decade, plus a version of Stardust and a Mingus tune. Trombonist Michael Dease, who contributed the liner notes, calls her a visionary redefining jazz clarinet. (Cellar Live) Hear Virginia MacDonald.
Marciano, Carla: Daydreaming
They say : Alto and sopranino saxophonist Carla Marciano plays an emotional and heartfelt musical tribute to her late father on Daydreaming. With her top-notch rhythm section and a string orchestra, the brilliant Italian musician performs passionate renditions of eight post-bop originals, displaying virtuosity, a distinctive style, and powerful statements that cover a variety of emotions. (Challenge Records CR 73640)
Marcus, Mitch / Quintet: InAround
They say : Mitch Marcus’ InAround is passionate jazz of the 21st century: stirring music filled with unpredictable ideas and a wide range of sounds created by five masterful musicians. The quintet teams Marcus’ tenor with altoist Evan Francis, the sound explorations of guitarist Jeff Miles, and an intuitive rhythm section to form often-startling new music. (mmm mitchmarcusmusic digital only)
Margitza, Ross: Discovery
They say : At the heart of the album is the Ross Margitza Trio joined by the expressive textures of the Soha String Quartet and special guest, world-renown Joel Frahm on soprano saxophone. Together, these musicians create a sound world that blends lyrical melodies, rich harmonic colors, and dynamic improvisation, bridging the intimacy of a classical string quartet with swing, blues, and spontaneity. (Ross Margitza Music) Hear Ross Margitza.
Marino, Valerio (feat. Pucciarini Massimo; Angeli, Francesco; Marino, Marco; Argirò, Alberto): Under My Skin – A Frank Sinatra Songbook
They say : With Under My Skin, Valerio Marino revisits with quintet eleven songs of remarkable significance drawn from the Sinatra songbook, aiming to highlight their compositional depth and expressive richness. The album is defined by two essential qualities: the intensity and authenticity of vocal interpretation. This album is a declaration of love for a musical universe he first encountered in his early teens, thanks to his father, and which has fueled his passion for music ever since. (WoW Records WJ0127) Hear Valerio Marino.
Mashiach, Tal: Who’s Around?
They say : Grammy-nominated guitarist and bassist Tal Mashiach presents Who’s Around?, his sophomore album for Anzic Records and follow-up to 2022’s Tiyul. Drawing on New York’s creative-music community, the set features GTO Trio bandmates Gadi Lehavi on piano and Ofri Nehemya on drums, bassist Panagiotis Andreou singing in Greek on Creta, clarinetist Anat Cohen on Titu, and saxophonist Khondzi singing in Georgian on Ajaruli, moving between jazz, Greek zeibekiko, Brazilian samba, flamenco and classical influences. (Anzic Records) Hear Tal Mashiach.
Matt Wilson’s Good Trouble: Love Is The Whole Thing
They say : The effervescent drummer and composer Matt Wilson reconvenes his Good Trouble band for a joy-filled celebration of love as a form of gentle protest with songs ranging from Andrew Hill to Tom Petty. Featured are Wilson with Tia Fuller, Dawn Clement, Jeff Lederer, Ben Allison, and Anisha Rush. (Palmetto)
Maurer, Anna: On Her Mind
They say : On Her Mind showcases Anna Maurer as a vocalist, songwriter, pianist, and composer. Blending jazz, Latin, soul, and R&B with pop structures, her music combines rich harmonies with subtle rhythmic sophistication. The songs explore friendship, freedom, solidarity, and life’s emotional highs and lows. Performed by an acoustic quartet, the album embraces warmth and authenticity, celebrating genuine human interaction and highlighting the enduring value of creativity in an increasingly AI-driven world. (ATS Records) Hear Anna Maurer.
Maurseth, Benedicte & Ensemble neoN: Always and Never the Same
They say : First written and performed for the Ultima Festival in Oslo in the Autumn of 2023 this collaboration of Hardanger Fiddle player Benedicte Maurseth and Ensemble neoN was further developed for release with the understated but brilliant, Bergen based producer/engineer Jørgen Træen. (Aurora Records ACD5125)
McNulty, Chris: Soul Journey
They say : Soul Journey’ is Chris McNulty’s 8th album featuring Australian, American and expatriate European jazz musicians. Featuring seven McNulty originals along with five of her favourite standards from the Great American Songbook, McNulty’s ‘Soul Journey’ uses her sonic and compositional skills to explore a deeply personal journey through past, present and future. The album recently received a 5 star review in The Weekend Australian and was Featured Album of the week on ABC Jazz Radio National. (Pearl Coast Jazz PCJ7245) Hear Chris McNulty.
Meagher, Ryan: Snakes
They say : Backed by DownBeat poll winners Noah Preminger and George Colligan, guitarist and composer Ryan Meagher returns with Snakes, a sharp, seven-track album inspired by the meaningful people and places in his life. Blending studio recordings with explosive live cuts captured at Portland venue The 1905, the record moves effortlessly between hard swing, slow-burn grooves, and raucous rock. Snakes pairs startlingly original storytelling with an intense ensemble bite, making it an enthralling album. (PJCE Records PJCER 075) Hear Ryan Meagher.
Mikami, Rintaro: Cosmolamps
They say : Drummer and composer Rintaro Mikami returns with Cosmolamps, a deeply personal song cycle exploring the relationship between memory, time, and the small moments that quietly accumulate into a life. Anchored by three versions of the title theme “Time,” presented as past, present, and future, the album traces the inner landscapes he’s navigated along the way. Recorded with pianist Jon Cowherd, bassist Simón Willson, trumpeter Robert Vega, and tenor saxophonist Tal Kalman, with vocalist Lily Resnikoff. (Independent RM-002) Hear Rintaro Mikami.
Mingus, Charles: Blues And Roots
They say : Blues & Roots, a classic session by Charles Mingus and one that was selected by the New York Times critic Ben Ratliff as one of the 100 most important jazz recordings of all time: Charles Mingus, Jackie Mclean, John Handy, Booker Ervin, Pepper Adams, Jimmy Knepper, Willie Dennis, Horace Parlan – piano, Mal Waldron, Dannie Richmond. New York, February 4, 1959 (Waxtime 771713 LP)
Mingus, Charles: Presents Charles Mingus
They say : Despite the brevity of Charles Mingus’ relationship with the label Candid Records, the bassist was quite happy with their association and record three albums during his time with the label; ‘Charles Mingus Presents Charles Mingus’, ‘New Port Rebels, and ‘Mingus’. Behind Mingus’ association with Candid was jazz writer Nat Hentoff, who by his sympathetic approach in the studio, enabled him to create the landmark album presented here, Charles Mingus Presents Charles Mingus. (Waxtime 771730 LP)
Minton, Tara: The Devil Invites You To Dance
They say : Harpist, vocalist and composer Tara Minton presents her brand-new album inspired by travels in México City. ‘The Devil Invites You To Dance’ follows a soul’s journey through the Underworld of shadows and desire. The album features lyrics in both English and Spanish, with a special collaboration between Tara and Mexican poet/composer Emilio Yañez Ruíz. (Adharopa Records AR00191)
Mobley, Hank & John Coltrane: Tenor Conclave
They say : The year 1956 when ‘Tenor Conclave’ was recorded represented a transitional period in the musical career of John Coltrane. He had first joined the Miles Davis Quintet in 1955 and would form his own celebrated quartet with McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison and Elvin Jones in 1960. What we have here with ‘Tenor Conclave’ is Coltrane in equal collaboration with four other giants of the tenor saxophone, Hank Mobly, Al Cohen, and Zoot Sims. (Jazz Wax JWR4650LP LP)
Modern Jazz Quartet: Pyramid
They say : Formed out of the rhythm section of the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band, the founding members of the MJQ , pianist Lohn Lewis and vibraphonist Milt Jackson, brought a sophisticated blend of jazz and classical music to audiences around the world. Presented here is their classic album ‘Pyramid’, featuring three compositions by the quartet’s pianist John Lewis alongside jazz standards by Ellington, Ray Brown, and Jim Hall. John Lewis – piano, Milt Jackson – vibes, Percy Heath – bass, Connie Kay – drums. New York 1959 & 1960. (20th Century Masterworks 350306 LP)
Mohler, Billy: Covell
They say : Billy Mohler (b), Joe LaBarbera (d), Mark Turner (ts) (Contagious Music)
Molinelli, Ami/Duo Violão Plus One: Raízes do Choro e Samba
They say : SF percussionist Ami Molinelli is the “Plus One” joining forces with Brazilian 7-string guitar masters Rogerio Souza & Edinho Gerber (“Duo Violão”) on this exhilarating cross-cultural exploration of samba & choro & the two styles’ co-evolution. The foundational composer Pixinguinha is represented with 4 selections; the group provides several originals & offers their version of “Pelo Telefone,” the first recorded samba. “Raízes …” is thoroughly contemporary while grounded in the rich musical history of Brazil. (Amimo Records) Hear Molinelli, Ami/Duo Violão Plus One.
Monk, Thelonious: Monk’s Music
They say : Monk’s Music by the Thelonious Monk Septet, which for this session included the grandfather of the modern saxophone Coleman Hawkins alongside the then 31-year-old John Coltrane. Released in November 1957 on Riverside Records, the programme is made up of Thelonious Monk’s own composition, apart from the opening track ‘Abide with Me’, a hymn by the 19th Century English church organist William Henry Monk and played here only by the horn section. The album also represents the only recording to feature Coleman Hawkins and Art Blakey together. (Jazz Wax JWR4505LP LP)
Moullier, Simon: Ceiba
They say : French-born, New York-based vibraphonist, composer and producer Simon Moullier releases Ceiba, his sixth album as a leader and third with his working quartet of pianist Lex Korten, bassist Rick Rosato and drummer JK Kim, with guest percussionist Keita Ogawa on two tracks. Self-released via Simon Moullier Music, the all-original set takes its title from the ceiba tree, a recurring symbol across cultures Moullier encountered in Senegal, Mexico and Brazil, representing connection and continuity. (Independent) Hear Simon Moullier.
Myra Melford’s Fire & Water: Sure Grand Out
They say : Pianist and composer Myra Melford leads her Fire and Water Quintet, saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock, guitarist Mary Halvorson, cellist Tomeka Reid and percussionist Lesley Mok, on Sure Grand Out, the third RogueArt album in a project inspired by the paintings of Cy Twombly, following For the Love of Fire and Water and Hear the Light Singing. Melford’s compositions translate Twombly’s gestures and energy into music, with titles drawn from Kathryn Scanlan’s diary Aug 9-Fog. (Rogue Art) Hear Myra Melford.
Naama: Songs From The Road
They say : For her album of travel-related songs, rising New York singer Naama chose material associated with such vocal icons as Shirley Horn, Billie Holiday, & Helen Merrill. With brilliant support from Aaron Diehl, p; Dave Baron, b; & Kyle Poole, d, Naama puts her stamp on “Just in Time,” “My Ship,” “Theme from Hotel,” “That’s No Joke,” “Detour Ahead,” “There’s a Boat That’s Leavin’ Soon for New York,” “Trav’lin’ Light,” “The Lonesome Road.” (La Reserve Records)
Nicolas Meier World Group: Elysian Drift
They say : Elysian Drift is inspired by guitarist Nicolas Meier’s travels across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, combining jazz with Turkish, Middle Eastern, flamenco, tango and other world music influences. Performed by the Nicolas Meier World Group with special guests Randolph Matthews, José Almarcha and Alex Hutton, the album features original compositions with interpretations of ‘Smile’ and ‘Hymn to Freedom’. Rich in melody and rhythm, it is a personal celebration of travel, collaboration and musical discovery. (MGP Records – MGPCD028)
Nyberg, Lina: Present
They say : Swedish singer and composer Lina Nyberg’s 25th album includes original music for a chordless ensemble featuring the distinctive horn voices of Fredrik Ljungkvist and Linnea Jonsson. The songs explore time; past, present, and future, drawing inspiration from musicians as Ornette Coleman and Jeanne Lee while remaining deeply rooted in the Scandinavian jazz and improvised music tradition. Over more than three decades, Nyberg has earned international acclaim for her distinctive artistic voice. (Hoob records HOOBCD141) Hear Lina Nyberg.