Adewumi, Dave: The Flame Beneath The Silence
They say : Rising star trumpeter Dave Adewumi “plays with fearless charm and reckless rigor,” says Jason Moran. “His reach grows chorus by chorus.” Adewumi’s powerful debut as a leader features the New England Conservatory and Juilliard grad with vibraphonist Joel Ross, bassist Linda May Han Oh and drummer Marcus Gilmore. The album was recorded live at Brooklyn’s Ornithology, an intimate and engaging showcase for Adewumi’s skills as a composer, collaborator and conceptualist. (Giant Step Arts)
Aguiar, Aleph: Sugar On My Blackbeans
They say : Sugar On My Blackbeans, the third album by Venezuelan-born, UK-based guitarist Aleph Aguiar, is a joyful homage to the swinging Latin jazz of the 60s. Recorded live to tape with Quentin Collins, Liam Dunachie, Will Fry and Shane Forbes, it captures an energetic sound rooted in groove and spontaneity. Inspired by Aguiar’s Venezuelan heritage, astronomy and dance, the nine original tracks combine trumpet, Hammond organ and guitar to create music that is fun and irresistibly feel-good. (Aleph Aguiar Records – AAR001D/CD)
Alt, Susanne: Dark Horse
They say : Amsterdam saxophonist Susanne Alt proudly announces the release of her seventh studio album. Recorded during the same inspired New York sessions that produced 2024’s Royalty For Real, the album emerges as a companion statement – distinct yet connected – featuring groove-driven compositions captured in a single arc of energy by an elite lineup of American musicians. (Venus Tunes)
Armstrong, Louis: Satch Plays Fats
They say : Louis Armstrong and Fats Waller only worked together twice, briefly in 1925 in Erskine Tate’s band and four years later in the New York revue Connie’s Hot Chocolates. But Waller made an indelible enough impression for Satchmo to record the tribute album Satch Plays Fats in 1955, when such ideas were new. The mid-’50s was a fertile time for Armstrong, and this makes for a stellar package (Waxtime771914 – LP)
Baron, Christy: I Thought About You
They say : Recorded live in the warmly resonant space of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Manhattan, Pennsylvanian jazz singer Christy Baron’s 1997 album I Thought About You finds Baron’s lush, velvety voice framed by Cliff Korman’s eloquent piano, David Finck’s elastic double bass, and Payton Crossley’s finely nuanced drums. Baron’s repertoire for this impeccably produced set blends evergreens from The Great American Songbook with jazz standards, soul music classics and three peerless interpretations of Stevie Wonder’s catalog. (Chesky Records)
Bebe, Søren: Gratitude
They say : Recognized as one of Europe’s most lyrical and distinctive jazz pianists, Søren Bebe returns with his trio for their ninth studio album, Gratitude – a deeply personal reflection on thankfulness, connection, and the beauty of life’s quiet moments. (From Out Here Music)
Bergstrom, Johan Tobias: Stella
They say : Leading Norwegian guitarist Johan Tobias Bergstrom, best known for his Django Reinhardt-style of playing, presents his second album, Stella, a heady mix of jazz, Irish and Norwegian folk, flavours from North and South America, and much more. (Losen Records LOS3232 – CD)
Berkson, Judith: TheeTheyThy
They say : Featuring Judith Berkson, Trevor Dunn and Gerald Cleaver. Recorded July 2021, Oktaven Audio, Mount Vernon, NY. (ECM 2741)
Berndt, Steve: Heart of Hearts
They say : Celebrated Ottawa vocalist, trombonist, and bandleader Steve Berndt releases Heart of Hearts on January 16, 2026. The self-released vocal jazz album blends eight original compositions with soulful jazz interpretations of 1970s pop and rock classics. Rich horn writing, swinging grooves, and space for improvisation highlight a who’s who of Ottawa jazz musicians. The album also features “Blue Skies On Mars,” an award-winning theme song for an upcoming film that deepens the album’s cinematic, heartfelt scope. (Independent)
Bianchi, Pat: Confluence
They say : Grammy-nominated organist Pat Bianchi returns with Confluence, a high-energy trio recording that captures the raw immediacy of three musicians pushing themselves to the edge. Accompanied by two of New York City’s finest in Troy Roberts on saxophone and Colin Stranahan on drums, the album channels the intensity of a live concert – unfiltered, spontaneous and full of the forward-moving creativity that has come to define Bianchi’s work. (Independent)
Blazin’Quartet: Cosmogonie
They say : The second album of Blazin’Quartet (following 2021’s Sleeping Beauty) is led by Sarajevo-born drummer and percussionist Srdjan Ivanovic, now based in Paris. Joined by Greek trumpeter Andreas Polyzogopoulos, Italian guitarist Federico Casagrande, and Bulgarian bassist Mihail “Misho” Ivanov, the quartet explores the creation of the world through Mediterranean myths, revealing their shared themes and regional variations, all brought vividly to life through their distinctive, expressive music. (Rue des Balkans)
Bodenseh, Isabelle: Dignity
They say : German/French flutist and composer Isabelle Bodenseh returns with Dignity – her most personal and ambitious statement to date, marking ten years of her Isabelle Bodenseh Quartet. Known for her radiant tone and fluid movement across jazz, classical, world and improvised traditions, Bodenseh now channels her full artistic range into a suite exploring the meaning of human dignity through deeply lived experience. (GLM Music)
Boggiani, Stefano: Andvake
They say : Debut album on Losen Records by the talented young Italian guitarist and composer Stefano Boggiani in a contemporary powerhouse jazz quartet of equally talented Norwegian players. Stefano Boggiani – guitar (Losen Records LOS3282 – CD)
Broström, Håkan: Better Days
They say : Swedish saxophonist and composer Håkan Broström returns with a new album capturing life in constant motion. The record brings together fresh compositions inspired by moments and reflections from recent years, a period marked by both introspection and renewal. (Voe Records)
Brown, Sheree: Messages From The Soul – The Power of Music
They say : Messages From The Soul…The Power of Music celebrates the profound bond between artist and audience, paying tribute to the listeners who have embraced Sheree’s work and left an indelible mark on her journey. At a time when the world is in need of upliftment, the album stands as a sonic beacon of hope, encouragement, and inspiration. Featuring original compositions, with writing contributions from Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer and artist Patrice Rushen, Marcus Pettit, Sheree’s daughter MayaNicol and son Revels, alongside a striking new ‘House’ mix of the original track “Power” by by songwriter, producer, musician, and engineer Steve Barry Cohen from Lake Transfer Productions. (Expansion Records)
Brown, Ted: Ted Brown Quartet, Just You Just Me
They say : The Ted Brown Quartet, Just You Just Me (https://www.newartistsrecords.com/1079-just-you-just-me) album was recorded in 2013 from various clubs in New York and New Jersey. This particular group was active from 2000 through 2015. In 2008 they released Live at Trumpets on Cadence Jazz Records. Just You Just Me captures more of this quartet’s deep feeling, swing, and joy. Each song was selected in the moment on the bandstand. The rhythm section gave Ted all the space he needed to tell his singable stories while he interacted with all three supportive instruments.During Ted’s 80 year career he has recorded as leader or sideman with Warne Marsh, Lee Konitz, Jimmy Raney, Bill Evans, Kenny Clarke, Ben Tucker, Ronnie Ball, Jimmy Giuffre, Art Pepper, Dennis Irwin, John Abercrombie, Hod O’Brien, Harold Danko, Brad Linde, Jeff Morton, Willie Dennis, Wendell Marshall, Kirk Knuffke, and many more. Ted studied with Lennie Tristano in the 1950s and was a frequent participant at Lennie’s East 32nd St studio sessions in New York City. (newartistsrecords.com/1079-just-you-just-me)
