Agossi, Mina: Dynamic
They say : After her electro journey with Lonely Whales, the artist whom Ahmad Jamal affectionately called “The Diva” returns to her jazz and blues roots with a repertoire that blends iconic Dinah Washington songs and her own original compositions. Surrounded by outstanding musicians – bassist Éric Jacot, trumpeter Stéphane Belmondo, violinist Florin Niculescu, composer and violinist Alexei Aigui, and Athanase Obed from the Gangbé Brass Band – Mina Agossi delivers a vibrant project where history and modernity meet. (Alchimie Records ARCD10)
Albertsson, Nadya: Half Silk Half Blade
They say : Half Silk Half Blade is the bold and beautiful debut album from Berlin-based Swedish artist Nadya Albertsson, a contemporary jazz record that balances tenderness and strength in equal measure. Written between Berlin and Glasgow, it traces Nadya’s journey through queerness, identity, and emotional self-discovery, blending soulful vocals, expressive horns, and rich live instrumentation. Evoking artists like Cleo Sol and Esperanza Spalding, it’s an intimate statement of vulnerability and power. (Rebecca’s Records)
Allen, Pete: New Orleans Wiggle – Jazz Magic
They say : The Pete Allen Jazz Band, one of Britain’s most enduring and accomplished traditional jazz ensembles, continues to delight audiences with its vibrant interpretations of New Orleans, classic, and mainstream jazz. Led by clarinettist and saxophonist Pete Allen — whose career spans over 47 years — the band is a living testament to the vitality and versatility of jazz. The band’s latest album has already drawn praise for its eclectic repertoire and ensemble work. (Upbeat Jazz URCD 348)
Alvarez, Homero (Homero Alvarez Sep7ett): Flowing
They say : Homero Alvarez Sep7ett is a Swedish seven-piece ensemble led by guitarist and composer Homero Alvarez. Their vibrant blend of jazz and Latin American rhythms—cumbia, samba, baião, maracatu, candombe, and bossa nova—creates an energetic and expressive soundscape. Following their acclaimed debut Growing (2022), the new album Flowing (out Dec 16 on Stockholm Jazz Records) showcases seven richly arranged tracks highlighting the group’s dynamic interplay and cross-cultural spirit. (Stockholm Jazz Records: SJRDS028)
Arib, Yakir & Conti Bilong: Afro Baroque
They say : Elsden Music is proud to present the debut recording by Afro Baroque. Formed following a chance encounter between award winning pianist and composer Yakir Arbib and Cameroonian virtuoso drummer and vocalist Conti Bilong, the duo explore traditional rhythms from central Africa and the Middle East, amalgamating Baroque style counterpoint and dynamic jazz interplay. (Elsden Music EM14)
Arib, Yakir & Conti Bilong: Afro Baroque
They say : Elsden Music is proud to present the debut recording by Afro Baroque. Formed following a chance encounter between award winning pianist and composer Yakir Arbib and Cameroonian virtuoso drummer and vocalist Conti Bilong, the duo explore traditional rhythms from central Africa and the Middle East, amalgamating Baroque style counterpoint and dynamic jazz interplay. (Elsden Music EM14LP)
Ashby, Dorothy: Dorothy Ashby
They say : Considered one of the most unjustly underrated jazz musicians of the 1950s, and certainly the most accomplished jazz harpist ever, Dorothy Ashby was the first to establish the instrument an improvising instrument – in fact, well ahead of the instrument’s better known practitioner Alice Coltrane. Until then the instrument was viewed as something of a novelty, used mainly as in an accompanying sound. Ashby, however, proved the harp could play bebop as adeptly as any other instrument. (Waxtime 772377)
Atlas Maior: Palindromlar
They say : Serving as the creative continuation of their third album, Palindrome, Palindromlar is a selection of free improvisations, all influenced by their Spring 2024 Morocco tour. Atlas Maior, comprised of Joshua Thomson (alto saxophone, flutes), Josh Peters (oud, lutar), Josh Flowers (upright bass), and Gray Parsons (drums), toured Morocco and shared the experiences of performing in Casablanca, Fes, Ojuda, Tangier, Marrakech, and a 3-night residency in Essaouira. (Dead Red Queen Records) Sample the music.
Baby Vortex: Not What You Think
They say : Baby Vortex, a Bordeaux-based trio led by pianist and composer Clément Simon, releases their debut digital album Not What You Think on 17 October 2025. Featuring Jean-Loup Siaut (guitar) and Curtis Efoua Ela (drums), their sound blends jazz, afro-beat, jungle, and trip-hop into an irresistible groove. Recorded by Julien Dubois, the album offers an innovative jazz-fusion journey. The release concert on 1 November 2025 at Paris’s Café de la Danse is shared with Julien Dubois’s quintet. (Agile Musique)
Barry, John: Intégrale 1957-1962 – Rock n’roll, jazz et musiques de films
They say : John Barry is one of the greatest film composers of the 20th century. In a 3-CD anthology, Olivier Julien traces the early career of a masterful orchestrator. Indeed, even before composing the legendary James Bond soundtracks and receiving numerous Oscar awards, John Barry was already laying the foundations of a style that would not only revolutionize film music but also leave its mark on British rock, which would go on to conquer the world. Patrick FRÉMEAUX (Frémeaux & Associés (FA5909))
Bassey, Shirley: As I Love You – The Complete Shirley Bassey 1956-1962
They say : Curated by Olivier Julien, this complete collection traces the first six years of the astonishing career of Shirley Bassey, the first great European pop diva who would go on to become a global icon. Covering the foundational period from 1956 to 1962, this 5-CD box set highlights some of the greatest classics from her repertoire. Before becoming the iconic voice of James Bond theme songs and racking up global hits, Shirley Bassey already laid the groundwork for her future greatness here. Patrick Frémeaux (Frémeaux & Associés FA5907)
Bekirov, Usein: Free Way Deluxe
They say : Features Bill Evans, Frank Gambale, Michael League, Hadrain Feraud and Dennis Chambers in a set of high-quality fusion. Usein Bekirov is a Ukrainian Crimean Tatar composer, pianist, arranger, sound producer. Usein Bekirov works in the funk, fusion, and world jazz music styles. His compositions include folk melodies of Crimean Tatar, Ukrainian, Azerbaijan, Indian and Balkan folklore. He is well known for his collaboration with such popular jazz musicians as Mike Stern and Hadrian Feraud. Usein Bekirov is an ambassador of Crimean Tatar music recognised worldwide. His music is the integration of jazz, classical, and folk parts which produces a fresh and exclusive sound. He is one of the leaders of the Ukrainian jazz community. In 2020 and Usein became an endorser of the «KORG» company in Ukraine (and stay it nowadays). (useinbekirov.com)
Berg, Espen: The Kempen Concert
They say : Norwegian pianist and composer Espen Berg, a celebrated Steinway Artist praised worldwide for his fearless improvisation and lyrical voice, announces the release of his new solo piano album, The Kempen Concert, out October 6, 2025 on Kite Records. Recorded live at Paterskirche in Kempen, Germany on November 8, 2024, the performance is fully improvised—each note born in the moment, never to be played again—echoing the legacy of Keith Jarrett while carving out Berg’s own distinct narrative. “As for this specific venue with its spacious and reverberant hall and beautiful Steinway D grand piano, I could easily fill the room with just a few notes and let myself immerse in the sound. It was the perfect set-up for a colourful, lyrical, playful and magnificent performance.” — Espen Berg (Kite Records, Inc) Sample the music.
Besson, Airelle, Sebastian Ster: Surprise!
They say : Airelle Besson, the French multi-award-winning trumpeter, has been lighting up the European jazz scene for several years at the head of her quartet, duo with virtuoso accordionist Lionel Suarez, and the Besson/Sternal/Burgwinkle trio, featured here on ‘Surprise!’ A production without the inclusion of a bass player, the combination of trumpet, piano, and drums is both unusual and intriguing. The result is totally refreshing and provides a new dynamic to the jazz trio format. (Autre Distribution AJT787619LP)
Billy Hart Quartet: Multidirectional
They say : Hart has refined and evolved the approach into a singular percussive voice of unparalleled elegance, finesse and intricacy – as exemplified on Multidirectional, the first live recording by his longstanding quartet featuring tenor saxophonist Mark Turner, pianist Ethan Iverson, and bassist Ben Street. The album’s release, via SMOKE Sessions Records on November 21 arrives just in time for Hart’s 85th birthday (born 11.29.40) (Smoke Sessions Records #2505)
Blakey, Art: Jazz Messengers!!!!
They say : The formation heard here marks the third incarnation of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, with trumpeter Lee Morgan, tenor saxophonist Wayne Shorter, pianist Bobby Timmons and bassist Jymie Merritt, plus the addition of trombonist Curtis Fuller. Jazz Messengers!!!!, originally issued on the Impulse! label, marked the first time the group was expanded to a sextet, and the last recording made with Timmons, who would later be replaced by Cedar Walton (Soundsgood 66426)
Blaser, Samuel: 18 Monologues Elastiques
They say : A modernist’s journey through sound and memory, Swiss trombonist-composer Samuel Blaser delivers a stunning solo statement inspired by literary giant Blaise Cendrars. (Blaser Music BM018CD)
Bloch, Lena: Marina
They say : Acclaimed saxophonist and composer Lena Bloch reimagines the work of Russian poet Marina Tsvetaeva in this jazz suite for ensemble and voice. The album features Bloch’s quintet with vocalist Kyoko Kitamura, pianist Jacob Sacks, bassist Ken Filiano, and drummer Michael Sarin. The suite, which sets Bloch’s own English translations of Tsvetaeva’s works, was commissioned in 2022 through a grant from Chamber Music America. (Fresh Sound)
Bolton, Rick: It’s About Time
They say : Veteran guitar duo Rick Bolton and Dave Marchant work out on standard, and not-so-standard pieces including Jim Hall’s ‘Careful’ and Carla Bley’s ‘Lawns’ alongside David Bowie’s ‘Life on Mars’ and the samba piece, ‘Incompatibilidade de Genios’. “It’s About Time” because after 40 years as collaborators, educators and freelancers on the London scene they’ve finally recorded together, with renowned producer Howard ‘Head’ Bullivant at the controls. Brazilian percussionist Willian Torres guests. (Mr Chant Records DM01CD) Sample the music
Brown, Kevin (Quintet): Adventus
They say : The four weeks leading up to Christmas can sometimes be the busiest time of the year as people rush around preparing for the holidays, time off from school and work as well as the end of the year. But historically these four weeks, the season of Advent, have been a time for quiet reflection and preparation. (Jeru Jazz) Sample the music
Brown, Rich: Nyaeba
They say : Acclaimed bassist Rich Brown unveils Nyaeba, a stunning solo album recorded entirely on six-string and four-string semi-acoustic fretless bass. Crafted over two years with guitarist/producer Elmer Ferrer, the project imagines a griot traveling the world and returning with songs. Inspired by Toronto’s multicultural scene and his collaborations with luminaries like Steve Coleman and Rudresh Mahanthappa, Brown layers texture, melody, and voice into a deeply personal, genre-defying work. Nyaeba releases worldwide September 26, 2025. (Whirlwind Records)
Brox, Fernando: What We Don’t See
They say : Málaga-born, Basel-based flutist and composer Fernando Brox began his musical studies at the age of eight and enjoyed a long career in classical music before devoting himself entirely to jazz and modern music. He returns with What We Don’t See, a bold and energetic new release that ventures into the hidden structures and unseen forces shaping our world. (Independent)
Burrage, Ronnie: Moving On As One
They say : Drummer-composer-singer-multi-instrumentalist-educator Ronnie Burrage has been a potent musical force on the scene for the past four decades. Mentored by such jazz icons as McCoy Tyner, Sonny Rollins, Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Hutcherson, Frank Morgan, Archie Shepp, Jackie McLean, John Hicks, Julius Hemphill and Betty Carter, and having shared the stage with a multitude of artists, including Jaco Pastorius, Joe Zawinul, Pat Metheny, Kevin Eubanks, Woody Shaw, Sonny Fortune, Chico Freeman, Cedar Walton, Defunkt and members of the ‘80s all-star band, The Young Lions, Burrage has channeled a lifetime of experience and inspiration into ten potent albums, the latest being Moving On As One. A typically ambitious undertaking, it continues the uplifting themes he put forth on his previous album, 2019’s Dance of the Great Spirit. (Broken Silence Records / Jazzline)
Burrows, Greg: Let’s Not Wait: The Music Of Ed Bonoff
They say : Let’s Not Wait: The Music of Ed Bonoff celebrates the legendary New York drummer, composer, and arranger with the first album devoted to his work in nearly three decades. Produced by longtime collaborator Greg Burrows for GreBu Records, the project features top New York jazz musicians interpreting Bonoff’s vibrant, swinging compositions. Still performing weekly at Arthur’s Tavern, Bonoff remains a vital creative force. Let’s Not Wait will be released on October 31, 2025. (GreBu Records (GBR1002))
