Laurance, Bill: Lumen
They say : While his work with Snarky Puppy, Michael League, and the 18-piece Untold Orchestra is highly collaborative, Lumen is a “solo pilgrimage” that captures pianist Bill Laurance in a different light: a moment of musical surrender, recorded alone in a South London church, navigating the space between composition and improvisation. (ACT Music)
Leo Smith, Wadada and Sylvie Courvoisier: Angel Falls
They say : Trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith and pianist Sylvie Courvoisier explore an uncharted common ground on their first duo collaboration.Angel Falls thrives on the pair’s exceptional chemistry, fearless improvisational flightsand shared sense of form. (Intakt Records)
Lester, Billy: High Standards
They say : Pianist Billy Lester creates his very original versions of eight vintage classics on High Standards. The virtuosic pianist transforms and reinvents the standards with his trio in surprising ways. (Ultra Sound Records US-CD342/S)
Lilimae: The Nearness Of You – In Loving Memory Of Jim Rotondi
They say : With The Nearness Of You – In Loving Memory of Jim Rotondi, Lili offers more than a collection of standards—this is a cohesive artistic statement that reveals her voice as both interpreter and innovator. Her sensitivity to the material, collaborative spirit, and musical curiosity place her firmly among the most exciting new jazz vocalists to emerge from Europe. (Pacific Coast Jazz PJ25123)
London, Julie: Julie Is Her Name Vol. 2
They say : One of the most sensual singers in the history of jazz, Julie London’s risqué album covers were as much a part of her legend as her sultry and husky vocals. While her work as an actress would precede and have greater longevity than her career as a vocalist, it wasn’t until she released her debut album Julie Is Her Name, that London became a household name. This album constitutes a true greatest hits release. (Number One Essential – 291034 LP)
López-Nussa, Harold: Nueva Timba
They say : The new album follows his 2023 Blue Note debut Timba a la Americana, which The Times awarded 5 stars and described as “the future of Latin jazz”. Bridging Cuban tradition and jazz innovation, it’s a project shaped by significant personal upheaval: leaving Havana for a new life in France, mourning the loss of his mother, and navigating a new cultural identity as a father and teacher. (Universal)
Los Cinco Cardones: El Quinto Cardón
They say : The vibrant debut from Mexico-based collective Los Cinco Cardones – a richly textured journey through Afrobeat, lounge, jazz-rock, and psych-funk. Led by drummer Sebastian Maschat (The Whitest Boy Alive) and shaped by musicians from Baja California’s Los Cabos region, the album balances deep grooves, singable heads with improvisation. Echoes of jazz, fusion, and downtown experimentalism, it delivers a warm, soulful listen that’s both adventurous and deeply rooted. (Some Other Planet SOPACC2000001)
Lossing, Russ: Proximity Alert
They say : Following his Songs debut with Inventions, Russ Lossing presents Proximity Alert, a compelling trio recording with bassist Mark Helias and drummer Eric McPherson. This album exemplifies Lossing’s mastery of spontaneous improvisation within the classic piano-bass-drum format. Recorded without rehearsal, the session highlights quick absorption and immediate response among skilled improvisers. The result is music that’s intricate yet spontaneous, full of subtlety and emotion—an invitation to listen deeply and get close. (Songs / Blaser Music SONGS003CD)
Macdonald, Don: Short Stories
They say : Don Macdonald’s Short Stories (Sept 5, 2025) is a vibrant vocal jazz release blending original songs with bold re-interpretations. The Canadian composer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist—renowned for film and choral works like Fido and KHAOS—returns to his roots as a performer. Joined by Mike Rud, David Restivo, Jill McKenna, Joel Fountain, and guests Allison Girvan and Kiyo Elkuf, Macdonald delivers ten tracks rich in melody, narrative depth, and genre-crossing creativity (Independent)
Marubia: A Seeker’s Dream
They say : Marubia is a German saxophonist and composer, one of the winners of the Hamburg JazzPort masterclasses with Greg Osby and a rising creative voice. A Seeker’s Dream blends spiritual and Nordic jazz, ambient and drone textures, and lyricism. Performing on tenor and soprano saxophones, bass clarinet, vocals, and synthesizers, she creates immersive soundscapes with emotional clarity and a singular voice. Nuanced horn and string arrangements and synergy with multi-instrumentalist Fontaine Burnett deepen the album’s expressive impact. (Inner Circle Music INCM 109CD)
Mason, Sean: A Breath Of Fresh Air
They say : With his first independent release, GRAMMY-nominated jazz pianist and composer Sean Mason invites listeners to join him on a deeply personal voyage of self-discovery. A Breath Of Fresh Air, due later this year, channels the lessons of an intense personal retreat into a body of work that is at once danceable, soulful, and spiritually resonant. (self-released)
McAllister, Timothy: Project Encore, Vol. 2
They say : Expanding the repertoire of concert encores for saxophone and piano, top sax virtuoso McAllister has commissioned dozens of dazzling new works from an array of classical and jazz composers including Wynton Marsalis. https://timothymcallister.bandcamp.com/album/project-encore-volume-2 (Neuma 235)
McLaughlin, John (with The 4th Dimension): Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022
They say : This essential live album beautifully captures the seamless synergy between John and his longtime band The 4th Dimension (earMUSIC)
Meegan & Tobin: Keep On Movin’
They say : Keep On Movin’ is a reflection of Meegan and Tobin’s love of the Great American Songbook. The album is packed full of original takes on classic vibes, which recreate the energy of a long lost big band record. Crafted by an all-star line up of big band orchestrators, (Callum Au, Martin Williams, Charley Harrison) as well as some of the finest musicians on the planet, Keep On Movin’ blew the doors off of Abbey Road Studios in September 2024. (Audio Network)
Mikhailov, Anton: Today Yesterday
They say : Pianist and composer Anton Mikhailov presents Today Yesterday, an instrumental jazz album blending cinematic harmonies with modern jazz grooves. Featuring piano, bass, and drums, the music shifts from lyrical ballads to energetic swing and fusion textures. Influences range from European jazz to contemporary soundtrack aesthetics. https://antonmikhailov.bandcamp.com/track/today-yesterday (Independent)
Mingus, Charles: Tijuana Moods
They say : Inspired by a trip to the Mexican city of Tijuana, Tijuana Moods was recorded in 1957 but held on the shelves by until its release in 1962. Bassist/composer Charles Mingus proclaimed on the back cover that that was “the best record I ever made”, having already recorded important albums such as ‘Mingus Ah Um’ and ‘Mingus Dynasty’ among others. (20th Century Masterworks – 350287 LP)
Monk, Thelonious: Thelonious Alone In San Francisco
They say : ‘Thelonious Alone in San Francisco’ marks Monk’s third solo piano album. Although he generally performed and recorded in a quartet format (with tenor saxophone, bass, and drums), he led numerous groups of varying sizes throughout his career. Despite the superlative quality of the music, Monk’s recordings for solo piano are scarce. (Number One Essential – 291035 LP)
Moreno, Babo: Babo Moreno
They say : London-based artist Babo Moreno, also known as Fabio De Oliveira, announces his self-titled debut album, a vibrant, deeply personal record fusing Afro-Brazilian traditions with the cutting-edge soul of London’s jazz scene. (Matsuka)
Muthspiel, Wolfgang: Tokyo
They say : Wolfgang Muthspiel and his trio with Scott Colley on bass and Brian Blade on drums goes into its third recording-venture swinging, setting the stage for what may be the group’s most adventurous trio recording with a delicate reading of Keith Jarrett’s “Lisbon Stomp”. Thie record is named after the Japanese capital, where all of the trio’s ECM dates were captured. Tokoyo, recorded in October 2024, mixed in Munich in February and produced by Manfred Eicher (ECM 2857)
