Aaron, Jake: Livingston Sessions
They say : London guitarist and songwriter Jake Aaron’s third album, Livingston Sessions, draws on folk and jazz influences. Recorded at London’s Livingston Studios in 2024, it features Steve Lodder on keyboards, Davide Mantovani on bass and Marc Parnell on drums, with Kenny Jones engineering. Due for release on 12 November 2026, it follows the Western noir-inspired Always Seeking (2023), which featured fusion guitarist John Etheridge and trumpeter Steve Waterman. (Independent)
Abrams, Casey: #Jazz
They say : Casey Abrams’ #Jazz is a lively, personality-driven album that blends classic jazz traditions with modern energy, humor, and Casey’s unmistakable vocal style. Featuring inventive arrangements, playful musicianship, and a warm, nostalgic character, the record puts a fresh and distinctly Casey spin on the timeless tradition of vocal pop and jazz. (Independent)
Aileron: Aileron
They say : Aileron is Espen Berg (piano), Emma Rawicz (saxophone), Kertu Aer (bass) and Håkon Mjåset Johansen (drums). Aileron came together in Trondheim in May 2025. They have recorded an album of music written by Espen which draws on influnces from Brad Mehldau, Gerald Clayton, Keith Jarrett and Jan Garbarek. (Svale Redords Svale5003)
Akiyoshi, Toshiko: Toshiko’s Piano
They say : Toshiko’s Piano was the debut album by Toshiko Akiyoshi, one of Japan’s greatest jazz pianists. Originally released as a 10-inch LP and produced by the legendary Norman Granz, it was recorded in Tokyo in 1953 and features Akiyoshi alongside jazz greats Herb Ellis (guitar), Ray Brown (bass), and J. C. Heard (drums), who were known at the time for their work as pianist Oscar Peterson’s rhythm section for Granz’s legendary Jazz a the Philharmonic concerts. (Jazz Wax JWR4652LP – LP)
Akku Quintet: rooms.music
They say : Founded and led by Swiss drummer Manuel Pasquinelli, AKKU Quintet has developed a distinctive approach to minimalist jazz built around clear structures, hypnotic grooves and atmospheric soundscapes. Their upcoming sixth studio album continues that musical path while opening the band’s sound towards something freer, more spacious and more inviting. (Independent)
Alexander, Eric: Fifth Quadrant
They say : Tenor saxophone great Eric Alexander makes his Smoke Sessions Records leader debut with a new all-star quartet sharing deep ties: pianist Cyrus Chestnut, bassist Nat Reeves and drummer Carl Allen. Fifth Quadrant finds Alexander and his new quartet of old friends entering a space populated by buoyant feelings of joy, inspiration, combustibility and soul, that transcendent realm where performer and listener undergo a shared emotional experience communicated on a level beyond the intellectual. (Smoke Sessions Records SSR-2604) Hear Eric Alexander.
Amirault, Steve: Diva Miro
They say : Vanity Project introduces Diva Miro, the U-Bass-playing alter ego of acclaimed Canadian pianist and composer Steve Amirault. Joined by saxophonists Erik Hove and Chet Doxas and drummer Richard Irwin, Amirault presents nine original compositions blending contemporary jazz, song-like melodies, deep grooves and playful invention. Recorded at Montreal’s Hotel2Tango, the album reveals a surprising new instrumental direction from a multiple Juno-winning artist known primarily for piano and voice. (Independent) Hear Steve Amirault.
Angelucci, Nicola featuring Pietropaoli, Enzo / Zanisi, Enrico: Identithree
They say : Established Italian drummer and composer Nicola Angelucci leads a piano trio with Enrico Zanisi (piano) and veteran bassist Enzo Pietropaoli. Identithree is contemporary acoustic jazz rooted in the tradition, with echoes of the piano-trio languages of Keith Jarrett, Kenny Werner and Brad Mehldau, combining melodic themes, close trio interplay and open improvisation. The music moves naturally between defined harmonic and rhythmic structures, lyrical passages and freer exploration. (GleAM Records AM7048)
Antalová, Michaela: Sun’s Daughter
They say : Michaela Antalová continues her exploration of the fujara, a wooden developed by shephers in the hills of Slovakia. The 9 tracks were written by Michaela and arranged in collaboration with Christian Wallumrød. All instruments in the ensemble are wooden, and wood serves as the ensembles unifying conceptual source, both as corporeal material with acoustic capabilities and as a matter of deep ecology. (Aurora Records ACD5135)
Arriale, Lynne: Wide As The Sky
They say : “I was drawn to the image of the vast sky and the sense of openness, expansiveness, and possibility it evokes,” says pianist/composer Lynne Arriale about her 18th album as a leader. “As I wrote these pieces, I wanted to bring some of that feeling into the compositions. I hope each listener can find a personal connection to the music.” With bassist Alon Near and drummer Lukasz Zyta, Arriale’s playing unfolds with honesty, conviction, and individuality. (Challenge Records International)
Ashby, Dorothy: Hip Harp
They say : Harpist Ashby with Frank Wess on flute, Herman Wright on bass, and Art Taylor on drums. (Waxtime In Color 950752 – LP)
Atempo: Supreme Chord
They say : Israeli contemporary jazz trio Atempo features Itay Abramovitz on piano, Alon Stern on bass and Yoav Lachovitsky on drums. Their second album, Supreme Chord, combines original compositions with reinterpretations of Israeli and Eastern European songs. Across 11 tracks, asymmetrical rhythms, Latin and Brazilian grooves, Middle Eastern influences and meditative passages are woven into ATEMPO’s distinctive musical language, balancing rhythmic complexity with melody, energetic improvisation, close interplay and a playful sense of humor. (Emmaya Records) Hear Atempo.
Atwood-Ferguson, Miguel: Ananta: Spirit Of Coltrane
They say : For more than three decades, Coltrane has occupied a singular place in Miguel Atwood-Ferguson’s imagination — a musician to admire, a master to study, and a guiding light. That relationship sits at the center of ANANTA: Spirit of Coltrane, a sweeping new meditation on Coltrane’s music and philosophy, featuring some of the most exciting voices in contemporary and improvised music. Atwood-Ferguson leads a 21-piece collective of musicians at the top of their craft, including Jeff Parker, Flying Lotus, Immanuel Wilkins, Shabaka Hutchings, Azar Lawrence, as well as an original composition by poet Aja Monet. (Impulse!)
Axial Lights Trio: Bestiary Of Luminous Beings
They say : Lisa Ullén (SE), piano, Elin Forkelid (SE), saxophones, and Sofia Borges (PT), drums, are three of the most after sought players on the European impro and free jazz scene. On October 22nd, 2025, they met up for an ad hoc concert in the small concert venue Krematoriet in Stockholm. They decided to record the event for documentation. This documentation can be heard on this album (Sail Cabin SRCD007)
Basilico, Mattia: On The Edge
They say : Italian tenor saxophonist Mattia Basilico, born in 2003, makes his leader debut with a quartet featuring Alessio Pagliero (piano), Carlo Bavetta (double bass) and Bernardo Guerra (drums). On The Edge is contemporary straight-ahead jazz driven by swing, groove and rhythmic interplay, with touches of funk and second-line feel. Basilico’s expressive, lyrical tenor reflects influences including Coltrane, Brecker and Bergonzi, while the quartet combines strong ensemble playing, improvisational freedom and dynamic contrasts. (GleAM Records AM7047)
Beddage, Shirantha: Departures
They say : JUNO-nominated baritone saxophonist and composer Shirantha Beddage explores change, heritage and musical risk on Departures. Recorded with a new ensemble drawn from four Canadian provinces, the album brings urgency and discovery to Beddage’s hard-bop and modern-jazz language. Original compositions inspired by travel, identity and personal transition sit alongside two centuries-old Sri Lankan melodies and Vernon Duke’s “Autumn in New York,” revealing a wide-ranging artist embracing fresh personnel, repertoire and creative possibilities with confidence and curiosity. (Rhea Records) Hear Shirantha Beddage.
Bekirov, Usein: Dedication
They say : Ukrainian Crimean Tatar pianist Usein Bekirov transforms personal loss into a powerful meditation on memory, heritage and musical inheritance with Dedication, an eight-track album honoring his late father, Riza. Co-produced by Randy Jackson, Robert L. Smith and Victoria Kohana, the album features Vinnie Colaiuta, Chris Dave, Keyon Harrold, Hadrien Feraud and more, blending Crimean Tatar and Ukrainian influences with contemporary jazz, funk and fusion. Would you consider Dedication for review or interview coverage? (Independent) Hear Usein Bekirov.
Bergcrantz, Anders: Anders Bergcrantz & Friends
They say : “For quite some time, I’ve wanted to make an album with some of my favorite musicians. But not only are they great players, they are also great friends. What a beautiful combination. I’m so happy that this project finally came to life. I’ve played with these gentlemen many times in different bands, but never with all five of us together at the same time. /Anders Bergcrantz Anders Bergcrantz: Trumpet Flugelhorn Robert Nordmark: Tenor & soprano saxophone Sven Erik Lundeqvist: Piano Mattias Svensson: Bass Bengt Stark: Drums. Release 12/2 2027 (Prophone Records PCD374/PLP374)
Bergonzi, Jerry: Jerry On Red
They say : Jerry Bergonzi first came to international attention with Dave Brubeck in the 70s, as his hard-driving style was the antithesis of his predecessor, alto saxophonist Paul Desmond. So it’s no surprise that he retained a fondness for Brubeck’s ‘In Your Own Sweet Way’, though he’s very aggressive in his interpretation of this normally easy-going ballad. The tension continues during Thelonious Monk’s ‘Pannonica’, though he mellows with his arrangement of ‘You’re My Everything’. The overall variety within this CD adds to its appeal. (Red Records RR1232242 – CD)
Bill Laurance and Michael League: Close To Home
They say : The essence of the duo formed by pianist Bill Laurance and bassist and oud player Michael League: say a lot with very little – a concept that, through two albums released to date and acclaimed concerts, has earned them a following that, for once, truly deserves to be called “cult”. For their third album together, “Close to Home”, Bill Laurance and Michael League retreated to a magical place: Château Palmer in the Bordeaux region – home to some of the world’s finest Grands Crus, as well as a place of creativity and encounter. (ACT Music)
Blakey, Art & The Jazz Messengers: Blue Moon Over Paradise
They say : Art Blakey was a hard-swinging star for music lovers, and a beacon for young jazz musicians as they honed their craft. And when these musicians-in-training took the stage, it was an electrifying experience. Recorded in April 1963 and November 1968, these dates capture Blakey at two very different phases of his five-decade career. Both, however, capture him at the height of his powers as a drummer, a bandleader, and yes, a jazz messenger. (Elemental Music)
Blakey, Art & The Jazz Messengers: Blue Moon Over Paris
They say : Presented here are two never-before-released complete live sets by the unforgettable Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. The first, recorded in 1963 at the iconic Olympia Theatre in Paris, and the second 1968 at the equally renowned Salle Pleyel, also in Paris. Collective personal includes Freddie Hubbard , Wayne Shorter, Billy Harper, Ronnie Mathews, and Julian Priester, and others. (Elemental Music 5990565 – LP or CD)
Blaser, Samuel Quartet: Rosina
They say : Trombonist-composer Samuel Blaser is one of jazz’s most prolific voices, with 34 recordings as a leader or co-leader since 2008. On ‘Rosina’, he delivers his most personal album yet — eight originals drawing on Italian folk melodies and a deep reconnection with his family roots in Emilia-Romagna. Samuel Blaser – trombone, Russ Lossing – piano, Masa Kamaguchi – bass, Billy Mintz – drums. (Blaser Music BM019CD – CD)
Bley, Paul: Ramblin’
They say : 1966, the year in which ‘Ramblin’ was recorded, now finally available and restored to its former glory and putting an end to fans’ anxieties about getting their hands on a copy, marked a major turning point for the American pianist Paul Bley (1932 – 2016). For the first time, Bley included three of the six tracks composed by his new wife Annette Peacock, ‘Both,’ ‘Albert’s Love? Theme,’ and ‘Touching,’ and just one by his now ex-wife Carla Bley. (Red Records RR1233691 – LP, RR1233692 – CD)
Bonafede, Salvatore: Modus Operandi
They say : Modus Operandi brings together acclaimed Sicilian pianist Salvatore Bonafede with legendary bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Billy Hart in a remarkable piano trio recording built upon spontaneity, interaction, and the art of the first take. Recorded following a successful Italian tour, the album captures three master improvisers creating music without reliance on post-production, allowing the honesty of performance and the chemistry between the musicians to shape every piece. The result is a deeply expressive modern jazz recording that balances lyrical melodies with adventurous harmonic exploration. (Red Records RR1233652 – CD)
Bonnet, Samuel: Slow
They say : Montreal guitarist Samuel Bonnet embraces a more natural rhythm of life on Slow, his ninth album as a leader. Inspired by the post-pandemic search for balance, the album explores family, nature, creativity, love and the joy of the present moment. Recorded live with longtime trio mates Jonathan-Guillaume Boudreau and Simon Bergeron, Slow also features veteran trumpeter Joe Magnarelli, whose warm, expressive sound adds another dimension to Bonnet’s thoughtful, deeply personal compositions. (Independent) Hear Samuel Bonnet.
Brand, Dollar: Prelude to the Sun
They say : In 1968, six years into exile, Dollar Brand came home. The visit was short and turbulent, and this session for the SABC is the first music he recorded back on South African soil. He was on the verge of becoming Abdullah Ibrahim, and the session catches him stretched across everything he was. New York’s avant-garde sits at one end, Ellington and Monk at the other, while Bea Benjamin sings in between. The audience adored him and couldn’t quite work him out. It is the first previously unheard recording of his to appear since his death in June. “This album captures South Africa’s most forward-thinking pianist consciously documenting both his own music and its key sources at a crucial crossroads in his life and career.” — Francis Gooding. Matsuli has dived deep into the basement vault of South African Broadcasting Corporation’s transcription recordings and selected and licensed a series of albums. Available to the public for the first time, these broadcast transcriptions made were made in the late 60s and the 70s. All restored and mastered from original transcription discs. (Matsuli Music – MM201)
Braude, Stephen: With Yamara Band Big Dipper
They say : The music and piano playing of Stephen Braude, “The Jazz Philosopher,” is brought back to life by the Yamara Band and special guests on Big Dipper. Ten of Braude’s original and often-infectious jazz/fusion pieces feature memorable themes performed by a mixture of acoustic instruments and electronic soundscapes. (Independent)
Brendle, Graupe, Terzić: Reigen
They say : Graupe/Brendle/Terzić bring composition, improvisation and the spirit of Dada together in a music shaped by risk, humour and constant movement. Featuring an atypical trio lineup of guitar, drums and voice, the ensemble moves between angular riffs and melodies, extended vocal techniques, shifting metres and spontaneous interaction, with clear structures giving way to sudden changes. (Unitt Records)
Brendler, Peter: And Then, Nothing
They say : The first release in a decade by rising star bassist Peter Brendler showcases the vibrant chemistry of his quartet of close friends and favorite musicians. Brendler, along with saxophonist Jon Irabagon, pianist/keyboardist Zach Lapidus and drummer Mark Ferber, breathe vivid life into this collection of captivating tunes. (Lost Song Records)
Brown, Weslie and Her Band Of Men: Thoughts Of Love
They say : Barton Avenue Records announces the release of Thoughts of Love, by Weslie Brown and Her Band of Men, the first full-length album in a series of never-before-heard archival releases from the innovative jazz/ blues/ cabaret artist. The album follows the success of her debut EP Theatrical Jazz, too, the upright bass and vocal duets that introduced two luminaries from the renowned Los Angeles punk-cabaret-jazz scene of the 1980s. (Barton Ave. Records)
Brubeck, Darius – Quartet: Live Again
They say : The Darius Brubeck Quartet, featuring Dave O’Higgins, Matt Ridley and Wesley Gibbens, release Live Again on 6 November. The recording captures the musical understanding and spontaneity developed over 20 years of performing together. Recorded live in Palermo, Italy, this album features new compositions by Brubeck and music reflecting influences from South Africa to Bach, Stevie Wonder and contemporary Korean culture. (Gathering Forces – GF008D/CD)
