Obiedo, Ray: Slight Accent
They say : With a twist of Latin and contemporary jazz flavours, Ray Obiedo puts his signature spin on the guitar. The Oakland-based artist’s latest album, “Slight Accent” on Rhythmus Records, marks his 12th release. Obiedo brings together his talent for composing originals with his flair for reimagining classics like Bill Withers’ classic “Ain’t No Sunshine,” which features vocalist Chloé Jean and Wayne Shorter’s “Footprints. (A-Train / Rhythmus Records RR07 CD)
Obin, Anggie: Luz
They say : Panamanian flutist and composer Anggie Obin, a Berklee alum now based in Barcelona, makes her debut with Luz, recorded live at the 2025 Estival de Jazz d’Igualada and released June 26 on UnderPool. Her quintet features tenor saxophonist Bill McHenry, pianist Miguel Wiwi Garcia, bassist Masa Kamaguchi and drummer Estefania Chamorro. Five originals honor mentors including Carlos Garnett and Santi Debriano, plus her late great-grandmother Luz, the album’s namesake. (Underpool)
Oh, Linda May Han & Aldana, Melissa: Beneath Lifted Skies
They say : Grammy-winning bassist Linda May Han Oh and Grammy-nominated saxophonist Melissa Aldana team up for their first duo recording, Beneath Lifted Skies, out August 21 on Biophilia Records. Largely a tribute to jazz composers including Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, John Coltrane and Billie Holiday, the album features three free improvisations and three solo pieces by Oh, including the original Winter and readings of The Sorcerer and God Bless the Child (Biophilia Records)
Ohlmeier, Lothar / Fischerlehner, Rudi / Khroustaliov, Isambard: Landscapes
They say : The third album from improvising trio Lothar Ohlmeier, Rudi Fischerlehner and Isambard Khroustaliov. Blending free improvisation, electroacoustic music, musique concrète and avant-jazz, the album explores sound as conversation, communion and discovery. Echoes of Luc Ferrari, Sun Ra, Edgard Varèse, electric Miles Davis and Eric Dolphy emerge across its abstract, industrial and intimate sound-worlds. (Not Applicable NOT086)
Okazaki, Miles: The Monkathon
They say : Guitarist Miles Okazaki spent a year training for a solo guitar concert featuring the complete works of Thelonious Monk. “The Monkathon” is Frank Heath’s extraordinary multi-part film of that unprecedented event, which took place in four sets from memory at The Jazz Gallery in NYC. The movie allows viewers to experience Okazaki’s training process, his unwavering focus and dedication, and the ultimate reward – the great Monk oeuvre channeled through inspired performances by a remarkable artist. (Independent – NB: film not record)
Okura, Meg & Pan Asian Jazz Ensemble: Isaiah
They say : Violinist and composer Meg Okura marks the 20th anniversary of her Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble with Isaiah, out February 20 on Adhyaropa Records and co-produced with Remy Le Boeuf. Described by Okura as a musical memoir of her shifting Japanese, Jewish and American identities, the album features longtime collaborators including flutist Anne Drummond, clarinetist Sam Sadigursky and pianist Brian Marsella, plus guests Randy Brecker and Sam Newsome, reworking Michael Brecker’s Afrasia as African Skies (Adhyâropa Records)
Olivier, Isabelle, and Raphaël Olivier: Open
They say : Harpist Isabelle Olivier and her son guitarist Raphaël Oliver – both acclaimed musicians in their own right – join forces for this lyrical and playful new album which features jazz standards, modern improvisations and nod to British pop. (Rewound Echoes)
Onmo: In Time and Spirit
They say : Onmo’s debut album is a bright, engaging blend of contemporary jazz, minimalism and lyrical improvisation. Led by guitarist/composer Jean de Talhouët and featuring Jonathan Chung, Mike Soper, Rupert Cox, Huw V Williams and Joost Hendrickx, the sextet echoes John Coltrane and Eric Dolphy, Vince Guaraldi, Madlib’s Yesterdays New Quintet, Steve Reich and Michael Nyman. Yet despite these influences, Onmo are an exciting new quintessential jazz band, forging their own distinctive sound. (Clonmell Jazz Social CJS012LP)
Orquesta Filarmónica De La UNAM / conducted by Vince Mendoza: Jazz Sinfónico Mexicano
They say : This album documents the concerts presented by the Orquesta Filarmónica de la UNAM (OFUNAM) under the baton of guest conductor Vince Mendoza, as part of the celebration of International Jazz Day 2025. The program featured works by Mexican jazz composers from different generations. In addition to the orchestra’s traditional instrumentation, the performances incorporated a saxophone section and a jazz quartet — drums, bass, guitar, and piano — made up of musicians who rank among the foremost exponents of Mexican jazz, crowned by the presence of the renowned drummer Antonio Sánchez. (Urtext digital only)
Paciello, Beto: The Stoic Suite
They say : Sao Paulo-based pianist, composer and arranger Beto Paciello, a veteran of Brazilian television and studio music, completes a trilogy begun with Wanderlust on The Stoic Suite, out April 17 on 11Moons Arts. Co-produced with percussionist Rogerio Boccato and featuring bassist John Patitucci, saxophonist/flutist John Ellis, drummer Eric Harland and vocalist Anne Boccato, the seven-part suite reflects on fate and loss, drawing on Stoic philosophers Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius after the deaths of Paciello’s parents (11Moons Arts)
Paich, Marty: The Broadway Bit
They say : ‘The Broadway Bit’ – a programme of hit show tunes from the ‘40s and ‘50s arranged and conducted by the great Mary Paich (1925 – 1995),with himself on piano and an all-star big band that includes Art Pepper, Jimmy Giuffre, Mel Lewis, Scott LaFaro, to name just a few (Waxtime 771667 LP)
Paradisi, Marilena & Natalino M: Blue Prelude
They say : In a musical dialogue with accordionist Natalino Marchetti, one of the most influential figures in contemporary jazz, Marilena Paradisi constructs a sonic universe of rare intensity, where the accordion transfigures into an avant-garde chamber orchestra, capable of generating unusual resonances and almost mystical depths. In the most fragile pianissimo and the densest fortissimo, the two artists seem to merge into a single improvisational breath. (Losen Records LOS3302 CD)
Parisien, Emile: Floating
They say : On Floating (25 Sept, 2026), acclaimed soprano saxophonist Emile Parisien invites three long-admired friends: pianist Yaron Herman, bassist Linda May Han Oh and tabla player Prabhu Edouard for a recording that is intimate, open and deeply imbued with lyricism. The quartet first came together for a one-off concert marking the end of Parisien’s two-year residency at the Cité Internationale in Paris. The chemistry was immediate, and less than a year later they reunited in the studio for a recording that Parisien describes as “a counterweight” to a world so full of worries and conflicts. (ACT 8048-2)
Parker, Eddie (feat. Rob Luft): Airborn
They say : A founder member of the acclaimed British jazz orchestra Loose Tubes, Parker’s early career led him to collaborate with many future musical luminaries including Django Bates, John Parricelli, Iain Ballamy and many more. Joining Eddie in Airborn is guitarist Rob Luft, a master of his craft that needs no introduction in jazz and guitar circles, who greatly enhances the project with his deeply intricate musical explorations. (PIG Records PIG22)
Paul, Zaccae’us: Jazz Money Vol.2 – Swinging’ R&B
They say : A genre-blurring celebration of Black music, connecting hip-hop, modern jazz, neo-soul, and pop through sharp beats, improvisation, and cinematic storytelling. Led by Paul’s soulful vocals and compelling songwriting, the album blends jazz mastery with hip-hop’s golden-age spirit. Following the acclaim of its predecessor, named among NPR Music’s “Essential Jazz Discoveries of 2024,” VOL. 2 continues its boundary-pushing exploration of contemporary Black music. (Candid Records CAN34012)
Phil Haynes’ 2Horns&What?: AvAnt MODerN and JAzZ nOW
They say : Veteran drummer Phil Haynes revisits the venturesome combo of horns and drums on his new double album with his ensemble 2 Horns & What? Both trio recordings feature Haynes with saxophonist Peyton Pleininger. The freewheeling live outing AvAnt MODerN adds trumpeter Nate Wooley, while the studio recording JazZ nOW welcomes saxophonist Jonathan Ragonese. Exciting, irresistible music from Haynes, a relentless musical seeker. (Corner Store Jazz)
Pierce, Justin: Sway
They say : On Sway, tenor-saxophonist Justin Pierce and jazz singer Ashley Pierce perform ten standards with joyful swing, subtle creativity, and an infectious spirit. The Dallas-Ft. Worth-based quintet makes its debut recording an irresistible, accessible, and memorable affair. (Justin Pierce Music JPM-001)
Pilgaard, Emma: A Woman’s Voice
They say : Danish vocalist and composer Emma Pilgaard returns with her third album of original music, an ambitious song cycle inspired by the lives of eight women from Danish history. Following the critically acclaimed releases of In My Garden (2024) and Waiting Game (2025), the record brings together an international ensemble of leading female jazz musicians to explore stories of creativity, resilience and determination through Pilgaard’s distinctive blend of lyrical songwriting and contemporary jazz. (April Records)
Pillow, Sarah: Wanderer
They say : On Wanderer, the superb and versatile singer Sarah Pillow performs everything from Charles Mingus and Dizzy Gillespie to Pat Metheny and Sergio Mendes. Her wide-ranging set features the singer joined by a septet arranged by vibraphonist Marc Wagnon and including tenor-saxophonist Donny McCaslin and drummer Mike Clark. (Buckyball Records BR046)
Purl, Linda: From My Heart
They say : Renowned actress and jazz vocalist Linda Purl, hailed as “a seasoned jazz vocalist…mesmerizing” by the London Times and described as a “true American sweetheart” and a “gifted song stylist” by the Los Angeles Times, announces the release of her newest album with Lexicon Classics, From My Heart. The album, a bold, deeply personal collection that leans into hope, healing, and community strength, also features pianist Tedd Firth, bassist Kevin Axt, and drummer David Rokeach. (Lexicon Classics – LC2606)