New releases August-September 2026, T-Y

Records offered for review to Jazz Journal in July-August 2026, including Ignasi Terraza, Fumi Tomita, John Wadham, Wladigeroff Brothers, Asaf Yuria // Editor's pick: Asaf Yuria

Taylor, Evan: Exactly This

They say : Rising smooth jazz trumpeter Evan Taylor makes a bold statement with his debut album Exactly This, an electrifying collection of 10 dynamic tracks blending soulful melodies, infectious grooves, and modern production. (A-Train / MBF Entertainment MBF00051 CD) Hear Evan Taylor.

Terraza, Ignasi: Long Play 45 At Palau De La Música (Live)

They say : Recorded live at Barcelona’s Palau de la Música Catalana in June 2025, pianist Ignasi Terraza celebrates 45 years as a professional musician with an international sextet featuring vocalist Sara Dowling, vibraphonist Christos Rafalides, Adrian Cunningham on flute, clarinet and tenor saxophone, bassist Jasen Weaver and drummer Esteve Pi. The album showcases Terraza’s lyrical piano, sophisticated swing and highly interactive ensemble playing in an inspired live setting. (Swit Records SWIT47) Hear Ignasi Terraza.

Thèriot: The Other

They say : Building on the acclaimed work of the Awakening Orchestra, Vermont composer Kyle Saulnier returns under the mononym thèriot. with the Other., a deeply personal chamber jazz recording exploring grief, depression, identity, and resilience. Blending contemporary jazz, orchestral writing, and cinematic textures, the album features an exceptional ensemble of New York and Vermont musicians. Emotionally fearless and sonically expansive, the Other. marks the beginning of a bold new artistic chapter. (ks.theory. (KST-011))

Timmons, Bobby: This Here Is Soul Time

They say : Bobby Timmons’ first two albums as a leader, This Here Is Bobby Timmons (Riverside RLP1164), and Soul Time (Riverside RLP9334), both appearing here on CD in their entirety. The first album presents Timmons in a trio format with Sam Jones on bass and Jimmy Cobb on drums, while the second consists of a quartet set with Blue Mitchell on trumpet, Sam Jones again on bass, and Art Blakey on drums. New York January & August 1960. (Groove Hut GH66713 CD)

Tokunbo: Lost & Found

They say : Former Tok Tok Tok frontwoman Tokunbo returns with her fourth solo album, Lost & Found, a collection of acoustic songs exploring identity, heritage and the experiences that shape a life. Blending folk, jazz and cinematic pop, the album continues the distinctive songwriting that has earned the German-Nigerian artist international acclaim, including the International Acoustic Music Award for Best Female Artist and performances with the NDR Radiophilharmonie. (Yoruba Girl Records)

Tomita, Fumi: Yokai! Songs Of The Japanese Supernatural

They say : For his sixth album, bassist/composer Fumi Tomita draws on images of mythical Japanese creatures called Yokai. They were an aid to him in coping with the loss of his father: “I had seen some of those monsters on masks in Japan. It was a perfect fit.” His sidemen–Carl Clements, ts/as/fl; Jason Ennis, g; Gary Fieldman, d–are adept at playing an array of rhythms & idioms that infuse & propel Tomita’s intoxicating material. (Origin Records)

Ullen, Lisa (Space): London Concert

They say : Space is Swedish trio: Lisa Ullen (piano), Elsa Bergman (double bass) and Anna Lund (drums). They draw from the American free jazz tradition and contemporary classical music, creating textured, dynamic soundscapes that shift from subtle to explosive. London Concert is a recording from Cafe Oto, September 2023 (Fönstret – 20)

Various Artists: Jazz Samba

They say : The magic of Bossa Nova! Introduced in 1958 by João Gilberto with his landmark recording of Antônio Carlos Jobim’s ‘Chega de Saudade’ introduced an innovative genre, blending samba with rich harmonies and gently flowing hythms. Born out of in Rio de Janeiro in the late 50’ and early 60s, this compilation features recordings by Stan Getz, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Jorge Ben, Luiz Bonfá, Baden Powell, Vinícius de Moraes, João Gilberto, and many others. (New Continent 101053 LP)

Visions of Nar: Awakening

They say : Experience an enchanting collaboration of Armenian folk, jazz, and contemporary sounds in Awakening – the luminous new album by Visions of Nar. Recorded at the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s stunning Pier 2/3 Studios, Awakening weaves transcendent beauty, dynamic interplay, and hypnotic rhythm into a spellbinding musical journey. Led by pianist Zela Margossian and saxophonist Jeremy Rose, with guests Hilary Geddes (guitar) and Bobby Singh (tabla), the album radiates warmth, renewal, and a sense of rebirth – a celebration of new beginnings. (Earshift Music)

Vretos, Alekos: Mediterranean Echoes

They say : A revered artist in Greece and across Europe, Alekos Vretos fuses Arabic modes, Greek melodies, Latin rhythm and jazz improvisation, into a sound that feels timeless and fresh. Through a deep understanding of both Eastern and Western traditions, Vretos explores how ancient instruments and global sounds can coexist in harmony, resulting in unique music that stands at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. (Think Baby Music TC090)

Wadham, John: Drums and Friends

They say : Zoot Sims, Spike Robinson, Ronnie Scott, Barney Kessel, and Art Farmer all agreed that John Wadham was the drummer they needed to play with in Ireland. Wadham, who moved from England to Ireland as a teenager, also formed a lifelong friendship with guitar virtuoso Louis Stewart, who features prominently in these trios and duos, which also showcase the brilliant flautist Brian Dunning. Tunes by Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter and John Coltrane are among nine tracks recorded mostly in 1978. (Livia Records LRCD 2602) Hear John Wadham.

Wladigeroff Brothers: Inspired Songs

They say : Inspired Songs by the Wladigeroff Brothers and friends is an exquisite musical journey where jazz meets classical music, folk, and contemporary sounds. The project combines original compositions and inspired interpretations, united by a warm, emotional expression and virtuoso instrumental artistry. With its characteristic energy and dialogue among the musicians, the album reveals the richness of improvisation and the power of shared creativity. Inspired Songs is not merely a collection of pieces, but a living musical story that touches the listener with sincerity and inspiration. (Dukyan Meloman / Wladigeroff Brothers DL0108 CD) Hear Wladigeroff Brothers.

Wladigeroff Brothers: Inspired Songs

They say : Inspired Songs by the Wladigeroff Brothers and friends is an exquisite musical journey where jazz meets classical music, folk, and contemporary sounds. The project combines original compositions and inspired interpretations, united by a warm, emotional expression and virtuoso instrumental artistry. With its characteristic energy and dialogue among the musicians, the album reveals the richness of improvisation and the power of shared creativity. Inspired Songs is not merely a collection of pieces, but a living musical story that touches the listener with sincerity and inspiration. (Dukyan Meloman / Wladigeroff Brothers DLO108LP LP) Hear Wladigeroff Brothers.

Woods, Julian: Buchteln Trio: Live at Porgy & Bess

They say : Buchteln Trio is a project that explores using just intonation and other microtonal tunings in an eclectic and highly spontaneous context where nothing is off-limits. In this album, you’ll hear fragments of metal, delta blues, Arabic Maqam, swing, and even the notorious Nokia ringtone… The band features Philipp Gerschlauer (alto sax), Diego Pinera (drums), and Julian Woods (fretless bass, bandleader). (https://epk.recordunion.com/julian_woods) Hear Julian Woods.

Woods, Julian + Beresford, Steve + Marzan, Pascal: Steve Watch, vol. 1

They say : Improvised music by veteran improvisers Steve Beresford (piano) and Pascal Marzan (microtontal classical guitar), and young emerging improviser Julian Woods (double bass, microtonal electric guitar). Recorded in Steve’s flat while he was recovering from a major surgery and just beginning to play again, this album documents a special moment in time. (https://epk.recordunion.com/julian_woods)

Wright, Lizz + Banks, Kenny Sr.: Nearness

They say : Born from a quiet prayer offered by a college freshman watching a master pianist from afar, Nearness is an intimate masterclass 25 years in the making. Featuring only Lizz Wright’s spellbinding alto and Kenny Banks Sr.’s elegant piano and organ, this 11-track collection traces shared roots, platonic love, and deep musical trust. From the swing of “Just You, Just Me” to the soul of “Amazing Grace,” it radiates collaborative grace, faith, and artistic brilliance. (Candid Records CDCND3403) Hear Lizz Wright and Kenny Banks Sr.

Wyanski, Aaron: We Were Not Born To Survive

They say : Maine based composer, pianist and educator Aaron Wyanski presents We Were Not Born to Survive, his first album devoted entirely to free improvisation, set for release on October 2nd, 2026. Best known for work spanning jazz, contemporary classical music and his acclaimed Schoenberg in Hi-Fi project, Wyanski turns to the improvisational practice that has been central to his musical life, creating his most personal release to date. (Independent)

Yugen: Picture#2

They say : What if an album could become a film inside the listener’s mind? Italian trio Yugen explore that idea on Picture #2, transforming piano, bass and drums into slow-building cinematic landscapes shaped by silence, repetition and subtle change. Moving between contemporary jazz, minimalism and rock-inflected atmospheres, the album resists easy classification. Recently awarded Italy’s L’Artista che non c’era 2026 Instrumental prize, YUGEN offer “the most beautiful soundtrack to a film I haven’t seen yet.” (Filibusta Records) Hear Yugen.

Yuria, Asaf: In Light Of A New Moon

They say : Tenor saxophonist Asaf Yuria follows Exorcisms with In Light of a New Moon, out September 4 on JOJO Records, recorded at Van Gelder Studio with a quartet of former teachers George Cables and Billy Hart plus bassist Omer Avital, and trumpeter Joe Magnarelli guesting on two tracks. Rooted in hard bop, the set pairs one original, Praise of Shadows, with pieces by John Hicks, Cables, Hank Mobley, Dizzy Gillespie and the ballad Polka Dots and Moonbeams. (Jojo Records) Hear Asaf Yuria.

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