Sanders, Brandon: Lasting Impression
They say : Drummer Brandon Sanders continues to show his mastery of swing, taste and groove on his third release as a leader. He’s joined by an all-star cast: Vibraphone master Warren Wolf, powerhouse saxophonist Stacy Dillard, acclaimed pianist Eric Scott Reed and versatile bassist Eric Wheeler. Grammy-nominated vocalist Jazzmeia Horn guests on two tracks and pianist Tyler Bullock and bassist Ameen Saleem also appear. (Savant/High Note)
Scandinavian Art Ensemble with Tomasz Stańko: The Copenhagen Sessions Vol. 2
They say : Following the success of The Copenhagen Session Vol. 1, hailed by critics worldwide as a vital rediscovery of the late Polish trumpeter Tomasz Stańko, Scandinavian Art Ensemble now presents the second and final chapter: The Copenhagen Session Vol. 2, set for release on November 7th, 2025 on April Records. (April Records)
Schifrin, Lalo: Intégrale 1955-1962, Jazz and Bossa Nova
They say : Before he became the maestro of iconic film scores like Mission: Impossible or Bullitt, Lalo Schifrin was already a piano virtuoso and a major innovator in jazz and bossa nova. With an already exceptional knack for arrangement, he arranged and composed for Dizzy Gillespie and Quincy Jones. Curated by Olivier Julien, this 3-CD box set brings together the first recordings released under Schifrin’s name, offering a captivating glimpse into the brilliant early days of a young, luminous Argentine jazz pianist on the cusp of becoming one of Hollywood’s greatest composers. Patrick FRÉMEAUX (Frémeaux & Associés FA5905)
Scofield, John: Memories Of Home
They say : Guitarist John Scofield and bassist Dave Holland, two of jazz’s contemporary masters, have played together over the years in contexts including projects with Herbie Hancock and Joe Henderson and a spirited co-led band with Joe Lovano and Al Foster. ‘Memories Of Home’ is their first duo album, made at NRS Studios, in Catskill, New York, last year. John Scofield “The record, like our live shows, features tunes each of us composed, some new, some old. (ECM 2860)
Serpa, Sara and Mitchell, Matt: End of Something
They say : Groundbreaking composer/vocalist Sara Serpa and visionary pianist/composer Matt Mitchell present End of Something, a bold, intimate new duo album. With 15 striking tracks weaving through composition and improvisation, the album captures the deep musical connection Serpa and Mitchell have cultivated over years of collaboration. (Obliquity Records)
Shaw, Ian: Stephensong
They say : Award-winning vocalist Ian Shaw presents Stephensong, a personal reimagining of eleven Stephen Sondheim classics. With pianist and arranger Barry Green, Shaw brings fresh insight and quiet intensity to favourites such as ‘Somewhere’ and ‘Being Alive’, as well as rarities like ‘I Remember’. Honest, unadorned and rooted in lived experience, this recording honours a decades-old encouragement from Sondheim himself for Shaw to record his music. (Silent Wish Records – SWRCD03)
Sherman, Collin: Life Eats Life
They say : Collin Sherman plays every instrument himself on this multitracked recording to create a full and experimental sound with alto saxophone, soprano saxophone; tarogato, clarinet, bass clarinet, oboe, electric cello, keyboards / midi instruments / synthesizers; and drum programming. While the pieces range from quiet and mournful to fiery and intense, they are characterized by roiling drones creating dense, shifting harmonies, capped by searching, forceful horn solos. (Ex-tol Recordings EX009) Hear Collin Sherman.
Sherman, Mark: Bop Contest
They say : These newly unearthed live performances find Rahsaan Roland Kirk in typically freewheeling and ebullient form, blazing through a generous set of originals and interpretations ranging from an expansive Duke Ellington medley to Bobbie Gentry’s then-recent hit “Ode to Billie Joe.” His astounding double-blowing playing and circular breathing technique on an arsenal of horns is supported by pianist and longtime accompanist Rahn Burton, bassist Steve Novosel, and drummer Jimmy Hopps. (Miles High Records)
Siegel, Rich: It’s Always Been You
They say : On It’s Always Been You, singer-pianist-songwriter Rich Siegel and his trio perform a 12-song program that ranges from heartfelt ballads to joyful swing. The set includes four of his originals, the humorous “This Song Ain’t About Nothing,” “Autumn Leaves” sung in French, and songs by Irving Berlin and Tom Waits. (Independent)
Sinatra, Frank: Ring-A-Ding Ding! – LP
They say : Originally issued on Savoy as ‘Jazz Mood’ and retitled here as ‘Blues In Space’, this superb album was Yusef Lateef’s debut album as a leader with tracks compiled from his second studio date for the label. From the first date, which took place just four days before, two tracks have been added to this edition as a bonus. Both dates present the same personnel; trombonist Curtis Fuller, pianist Hugh Lawson, bassist Ernie Farrow, and drummer Louis Hayes. (20th Century Masterworks 350293)
Sinatra, Frank: Come Fly With Me – LP
They say : Come Fly with Me (1958) was Frank Sinatra’s fourteenth studio album and his first with the great arranger Billy May. In 2000 it was voted number 616 in Colin Larkin’s book, All Time Top 1000 Albums. It reached #1 on the Billboard album chart and was also Sinatra’s first UK album chart success where it peaked at #2. (Waxtime Clear Vinyl 526023)
Sliders: Sliders
They say : Debut album by Bristol band Sliders, an exciting new instrumental quartet taking in elements of psych, motorik, dance music, jazz, and skronk. With an emphasis on improvisation, their influences range from post-rock band Tortoise, MMW (Medeski Martin & Wood) Sonic Youth, and German rock band Can. Sliders: Neil Smith – guitar, Chris Langton – drums, Harry Stoneham – bass, Dan Moore – Fender Rhodes, Moog Sub 37, Paraphonic Synthesizer. (Pig Records PIG17 – LP & CD)
Smith Jr., Enoch: The Book of Enoch Vol. 1
They say : Sixth album for pianist/composer Enoch Smith Jr. follows a series of varied, gospel-influenced jazz albums by Smith, starting with his 2010 debut “Church Boy.” Currently the Director of Music & Worship at a NJ church, Smith leads its Jazz Vespers program, where he regularly performed various hymns with his trio of Kai Gibson, b, & David Hardy, d. The response to the music–from the congregation & the musicians themselves–led to this recording. (Misfitme Music) Hear Enoch Smith Jr.
Solal, Martial; Le Lann, Eric: Portrait In Black & White
They say : Here is sparkling evidence of the entente and virtuosity that can exist between two major figures in French jazz, namely pianist Martial Solal and trumpeter Éric Le Lann. Each of these artists has developed a unique understanding of the other, enabling them to construct spontaneous, almost telepathic conversations whose principal quality is total freedom, a liberty of expression fostered by an exceptional ability to hear one’s partner while constantly taking risks… Portrait in Black and White is one of those conversations, and it has daring and intimate exchanges between these two giants captured live in a magic moment onstage. Augustin Bondoux / Patrick Frémeaux (Frémeaux & Associés FA8625) Hear Martial Solal & Eric Le Lann.
Somogyi, Arnie; Edwards, Mark: The Ellington Piano Project
They say : In 1973, in Eastbourne, Duke Ellington gave what was to be his final performance. Not widely known at the time was that the Duke was suffering from the cancer that will kill him shortly after. Bassist Arnie Somogyi and pianist Mark Edwards have revisited the Eastbourne concert, with some new works created from the improvs played by the Duke in between numbers and with Mark performing on the very same piano played by Ellington. (Rubicon Jazz RJZ1004)
Sophisticated Ladies: That Healin’ Feelin’
They say : With a shared history spanning decades and a sound rooted in both the jazz tradition and the Nordic spirit, the Danish jazz trio Sophisticated Ladies – pianist Marie Louise Schmidt, bassist Helle Marstrand, and drummer Benita Haastrup – unveil their new album, That Healin’ Feelin’, due out on October 10 on Storyville Records. The album consists of 10 tracks with freshly interpreted standards, original compositions, and beloved pieces from the early days of the ensemble. (Storyville Records 1014369)
Spinifex: Maxximus
They say : Amsterdam-based sextet Spinifex celebrates its 20th anniversary with an expanded line-up and an acoustic twist on its avant sound. The core band of saxophonist/artistic director Tobias Klein, trumpeter Bart Maris, saxophonist John Dikeman, guitarist Jasper Stadhouders, bassist Gonçalo Almeida and drummer Philipp Moser is joined by vibraphonist Evi Filippou, cellist Elisabeth Coudoux and violist Jessica Pavone. (Trytone)
Stewart, Louis with Brian Dunning: Alone Together
They say : A remixed and remastered release of a live duet album from Irish virtuosi, guitarist Louis Stewart and flautist Brian Dunning. Recorded in Dublin’s Peacock Theatre during three lunchtime concerts in August 1979, the album captures the great musical and personal rapport between the duo. It features standards including the title track, Chick Corea’s Windows and Joe Henderson’s Inner Urge as well as the Stewart-Dunning composition Definitely Doctored which showcases their wit and accomplishment. (Livia Records LRCD2503)
Stilgoe, Joe + The Entertainers: Welcome To The Club
They say : Titans of the UK jazz scene, singer and pianist Joe Stilgoe and clarinettist Giacomo Smith have come together to form The Entertainers, which features members of Kansas Smitty’s House Band, Joe’s own band, and guest vocalists Emma Smith and Pete Horsfall. Spurred on by the closure of the Kansas Smitty’s bar in East London, which became a word of mouth success and propelled the House Band into the spotlight, this new supergroup is a fun and infectious celebration. (Westway Music)
Strønen, Thomas: Time Is A Blind Guide
They say : There’s a rare acoustic alchemy at play in Time Is A Blind Guide. Personnel changes have guided and co-shaped the musical character of Norwegian drummer Thomas Strønen’s ensemble and on the group’s third recording we again experience a slight shift in the line-up with Leo Svensson Sander replacing Lucy Railton on cello. The new voice blends seamlessly into the quietly breathing ensemble sound. Recorded at Rainbow Studio, Oslo in 2021, produced by Manfred Eicher. (ECM 2842)
Sun Fantasia: Abertica
They say : Montreal jazz singer and composer Marie-Soleil takes the reins of her sextet Sun Fantasia and releases a second album « Anastasia » alongside Loik Martin (guitar), Loic Du Sablon (drums), Adelina Steinmtez (flute), Sam Fortin (piano) and Sean Burke (upright bass). With hints of modern jazz music and even a drop of progressive rock, Sun Fantasia transports you to a musical and artistic universe that stands out for its narrative and fantastical dimension (Independent) Hear Sun Fantasia.
Swift: Apus Apus
They say : Apus Apus, the 2025 album by Swift, features seven original compositions and two mashups of Beatles meets Miles’Bitches Brew. The core of Swifts sound is electric-keyboards,guitar, bass-augmented by the full Saxophone range with Trumpet and Harmonica propelled by drums and percussion in various dramatic time signatures. And some Swinging funky 4/4. No lazy rehashing of standards here. Just imaginative solos inspired by, but never imitating the greats of electric Jazz. (Independent SP002)
