Unity Quartet: Samba Of Sorts
They say : The infectious spirit of Brazilian music in all its incredible forms is impossible to deny. Musicians from around the world succumb to the elements of samba, forro and bossa nova. (Sunnyside Records SSC1755)
Urheim, Stein & Træen, Jørgen: Galant Galakse
They say : Producer/composer Jørgen Træen and guitarist/composer Stein Urheim won the prestigious Edvard Prize for their last album, Krympende Klode [Hubro 2021]. On their new album the two musicians continue to combine several sound worlds with astonishing effect. (Action Jazz ACJZ010)
Various Artists: Gabriele Poso presents Ritmo Italiano ‘Unspoken Sounds of Italian Tamburo’
They say : Mr Bongo proudly presents Ritmo Italiano ‘Unspoken Sounds of Italian Tamburo’ a captivating compilation of percussive-driven, Italian gems curated by Sardinian multi-instrumentalist, percussionist and producer, Gabriele Poso. A journey into the heart of Italian musical history, it celebrates Italy’s rich rhythmic traditions, showcasing a selection of genre-traversing, Italian treasures from the ‘60s to the early ‘90s. Honouring the timeless rhythms of Italian percussion masters, alongside a brand-new exclusive composition by Gabriele, ‘Ritmo Italiano’ shines a light on the universal, primal language of the drum. (Mr Bongo | MRBCDLP317)
Various Artists: Rollin The Dice
They say : Born in 1942, Martin Scorsese is one of the major film directors of the New Hollywood era. Thanks to movies such as Taxi Driver, New York, New York, Raging Bull, The Color of Money, Goodfellas, Casino, and The Irishman, among many others, he received several recognitions, including an Academy Award, four BAFTAs, three Emmys, a Grammy Award, and three Golden Globe Awards. Presented here are 21 songs from the soundtracks of Scorsese’s movie masterpieces. (New Continent 648078 CD)
Various Artists: Rollin The Dice
They say : Born in 1942, Martin Scorsese is one of the major film directors of the New Hollywood era. Thanks to movies such as Taxi Driver, New York, New York, Raging Bull, The Color of Money, Goodfellas, Casino, and The Irishman, among many others, he received several recognitions, including an Academy Award, four BAFTAs, three Emmys, a Grammy Award, and three Golden Globe Awards. Presented here are 21 songs from the soundtracks of Scorsese’s movie masterpieces. (New Continent 101043 LP)
Vice, Liz: The Call
They say : Co-produced by bassist musical innovator and Bowie collaborator Tim Lefebvre, American songwriter and producer Liz Vice is set to release her highly anticipated new album ‘The Call’ on June 20th 2025. This record showcases her signature blend of soul, gospel, and heartfelt storytelling, delivered with authenticity and vulnerability. The album, running 33 minutes across 8 tracks, promises to be a deeply reflective journey that resonates with listeners on both a personal and communal level. (Independent Release)
Wallumrød, Christian: Percolation
They say : Wallumrød has established a body of work that is both serious and substantial. In various permutations, from the defining ECM albums with his Ensemble to his work with Dans les arbres and the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra his output remains fairly uncategorisable. This solo outing continues that trend falling between the stools of composition and improvisation, new music folk and jazz. (SOFA605)
Waters, Muddy: The Best Of Muddy Waters
They say : Chicago was the centre for electric blues from 1948 when guitarist/singer-songwriter Muddy Waters had his first rhythm & blues chart hits, ‘I Can’t Be Satisfied’ and ‘I feel Like Going Home’. Waters, born McKinley Morganfield was more than a pioneer in the Chicago electric blues scene though; he was a great singer of American vernacular music – a vocal artist of astonishing power, range, depth, and subtlety. (Waxtime Clear Vinyl 526018 LP)
Watson, Jim: Calling You Home
They say : Pianist Jim Watson (Kurt Elling, Incognito, Richard Bona, Sting, Raul Midon, Zero 7, Incognito, Manu Katché…) returns to his musical roots and releases an intimate solo piano album featuring six original compositions and imaginative interpretations of classic pop and jazz standards. Showcasing his emotional depth and nuanced touch, the album blends rhythmic energy, lyrical beauty and heartfelt tributes. (Jim Watson Recordings – JWR01CD)
WDR Big Band: Bluegrass
They say : In this extraordinary concert project by the WDR Big Band, two musical genres are ‘married’ which, despite their many similarities, have so far led an isolated existence: bluegrass and large orchestral jazz. (MCG Jazz MCGJ1061)
White, Peter: Light Of Day
They say : With Light of Day, his highly anticipated 17th album, veteran guitarist, and contemporary jazz icon Peter White is celebrating a series of key personal and professional milestones. Having just turned 70, the British born guitarist says of this new album; “…this recording is one of the best I’ve ever made. I have as much enthusiasm and energy for music as I did in my twenties!”. Saxophonists Ernie Watts and Vincent Ingala feature as guest soloists. (A-Train/Lobster Music LOB1005 CD)
Wilson, Sarah: Incandescence
They say : Acclaimed composer/trumpeter Sarah Wilson draws inspiration from visual art, brass bands and the joy of music on her spirited new album. The compositions and powerful grooves were sparked by Wilson’s reaction to Viennese artist Thomas Reinhold, and played through the unique lens of New Orleans brass band music. The album was co-produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Hans Wendl and features Wilson with Kasey Knudsen, Mara Fox, John Schott, Lisa Mezzacappa, Jon Arkin and Tim Bulkley. (Brass Tonic Records)
Yao, John & His 17-Piece Instrument: Points in Time
They say : For his first big band recording in a decade, composer/trombonist John Yao draws upon both modern and timeless large ensemble jazz styles. For inspiration Yao drew from landmark events in his own life, as well as the spirit of Thad Jones. (Yao’s resume includes stints with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra which Jones founded with Mel Lewis.) The seven original pieces are complemented by a fresh big band spin on Herbie Hancock’s “Finger Painting.” (See Tao Recordings)
Yerolatsitis, Christos: Introducing Sonica
They say : Sonica is a synth-centered group that combines nu-jazz with vocabulary from ambient, electronica & funk. It is a creation of the Cypriot pianist and keyboardist Christos Yerolatsitis and his debut as a solo artist. (Independent Release)
Yi Jeon, Song, SYJ Nonet: The Earthy Suites
They say : Inspired by Samulnori—a genre developed in 1978 by four Korean percussion masters—Jeon reinterprets rhythms from Honam, Yeongnam, and Jungbu Nongak into two contemporary jazz suites. These suites draw from traditional ritualistic and agricultural roots, connecting them with jazz’s rhythmic lineage. (self-released)
Zenón, Miguel Quartet: Vanguardia Subterránea: Live at the Village Vanguard
They say : The Miguel Zenón Quartet – featuring Luis Perdomo on Piano, Hans Glawischnig on bass and Henry Cole on drums – celebrates 20 years as an ensemble with their first live album, Vanguardia Subterránea. Recorded at the legendary Village Vanguard in New York City, this outing captures the Quartet at full force, showcasing original music by Zenón as well as his arrangements of classics from the Salsa repertoire. (Miel Music)
