Sánchez, Christopher: Latin Jazz Meets Opera
They say : Latin Jazz Meets Opera is a deeply personal album. It tells the story of Christopher Sánchez’s life through music, tracing how Latin rhythm, opera, and jazz shaped his identity across family, migration, and place. (Zoho, ZM 202601)
Sassoon, Jeremy: Older And Wiser
They say : Widely acclaimed for his natural, soulful voice, dynamic piano playing and his entertaining repartee as a frontman, Jeremy has headlined sell out shows at Ronnie Scotts, has performed at the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Iridium Jazz Club in New York and headlines annually at Berlin’s premier jazz club The “A Trane”. Jeremy describes Older And Wiser as a storytelling album, an anthology comprising nine contrasting emotional narratives, each recounted by a different individual. (Independent)
Scerri, Zak: In Case I Don’t See You
They say : London-based Australian guitarist/composer Zak Scerri proudly presents his sophomore album and first release since relocating to the UK. Steeped in Jazz tradition but shaped by a broader musical upbringing, the trio recording brings together nearly a decade in a project that celebrates transition and renewal. (Independent)
Schapiro17: Best Laid Plans
They say : Jon Schapiro, composer, arranger, and conductor, announces best laid plans, the third release by his big band Schapiro17. Nine charts comprising originals balanced with arrangements of music by Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins, Scott Joplin, John Coltrane, and Horace Silver (Summit Records, SMT-853)
Scott, Jimmy: Falling In Love Is Wonderful
They say : The first LP released on Ray Charles’ Tangerine Records imprint in 1963, Jimmy Scott’s Falling in Love is Wonderful exists as one of the most mythic albums in vocal jazz. Due to contract disputes with his former label, Scott’s Tangerine debut was shelved shortly after it was released — much like its Atlantic Records follow-up, The Source — and went un-reissued for decades. Ultimately, Scott, a favorite of his contemporaries like Ella Fitzgerald, never became the star he should have been, but this album remains his masterpiece: A loving, tender collection filled with Scott’s masterful work around a ballad. (Candid Records, TRC15012)
Sherman, Collin: Ouroborosuite
They say : The United States is eating itself. The suite presented here reflects some of the thoughts and emotions I have in response to our current governmental nightmare, perhaps most obviously reflected in the rare vocal performance on “Force Beyond Control”. I composed the pieces and performed all the instruments myself. (Ex-tol Recordings, EX010) Hear Colin Sherman.
Simone, Nina: Sinnerman The Spiritual Nina
They say : Blending soulful blues and timeless jazz, this collection showcases Nina Simone’s rare gift for uniting longing, resilience, and raw emotional truth. From the quiet ache of “Willow Weep for Me” to the soaring power of “Sinnerman,” each track reflects the fierce, searching spirit that defined her artistry. (New Continent 101048 – LP)
Sinatra, Frank: In The Wee Small Hours
They say : In the Wee Small Hours is possibly Frank Sinatra’s greatest achievement. If it had been his only album, it would have been enough to secure his positions as one of the greatest singers in jazz and popular music. (Waxtime Clear Vinyl 526033 – LP)
Smith, Nishla: It’s Getting Late You’d Better Go Home
They say : Vocalist and songwriter Nishla Smith has quietly established herself as one of the most distinctive voices in UK jazz – a natural storyteller whose music balances intimacy, imagination and emotional depth. Album launch at Ronnie Scotts. (Whirlwind Recordings, WR4850) Hear Nishia Smith.
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra: Ellington Masterworks
They say : Smithsonian jJazz Masterworks Orchestra to release Ellington masterworks, a live program of rare Duke Ellington compositions from 1940–1968 (MCG Jazz, MCGJ1062)
Snel, Rossano: Sketches Of Tallinn
They say : In the quiet resonance of Tallinn, three voices meet: Rossano Snel’s piano, Marcelo Chacur Politano’s tenor sax and overtone flute, Francesco Russo’s bassoon. Born from Brazilian roots, shaped by jazzy harmonies, lifted by spirit, the album puts together Rossano’s compositions with the improvisational flow of two great musicians: Marcelo and Francesco. (XJAZZ!) Hear Rossano Snel.
Spiegel, Russ: Timepieces
They say : Composer, arranger, and guitarist Russ Spiegel continues his run of outstanding releases. This album encompasses compositions from throughout his musical career – beginning in the mid-1980s until the present that hadn’t yet been documented on any of his previous recordings and features an amazing band with Tal Cohen (p), Vince Dupont (b) and Brandon Lewis (dr) and special guests Hendrik Meurkens (chromatic harmonica), Tim Armacost (ts) and Jean Caze (tp). (Ruzztone Music 1006) Hear Russ Spiegel.
Stanko, Tomasz: Balladyna (Luminessence)
They say : On Balladyna, the Polish trumpeter is joined by his close collaborator Edward Vesala on drums, saxophonist Tomasz Szukalski and master bassist Dave Holland. Recorded at Tonstudio Bauer in 1975. Produced by Manfred Eicher. (ECM 602475981169 )
Stevens, Matthew: Matthew Stevens
They say : With his self-titled new album—out May 8 on Candid Records—Grammy-winning guitarist, producer, and songwriter Matthew Stevens delivers a definitive midcareer mission statement. Long recognized as one of the most thrilling and thoughtful guitarists of his generation, Stevens has built an elite reputation in music, touring and recording with a “who’s who” of modern icons, including Esperanza Spalding, Christian Scott Atunde Adjuah, Harvey Mason, and Walter Smith III. (Candid Records CAN33712)
Swallow, Steve: Winter Songs
They say : Steve Swallow – bass / Mike Rodriguez – trumpet / Chris Cheek – tenor saxophone / Steve Cardenas – guitar / Gil Goldstein – piano / Adam Nussbaum – drums. Recorded September 2024 at Sear Sound, New York (ECM 602488255134)
Sylvie + Ursula: New Eve
They say : Australian quartet The Vampires mark 20 years of creative exploration with their eighth studio album, Skydancer, out June 19th via Earshift Music. Following the ARIA Award-winning Nightjar (2023, with The Necks’ Chris Abrahams), the band expands its acoustic quartet sound through extensive layered overdubs, synthesizers, and textural experimentation, while remaining rooted in hypnotic grooves, interlocking horn lines, and melodic invention. (Flaming Sword Records, FSR0001) Hear Sylvie + Ursula.
Tovar, Luis: Colores
They say : Colores is a vibrant celebration of rhythm, heritage, and mastery from Venezuelan-born, Canada-based percussionist Luis Tovar. Blending deep Afro-Latin roots with modern flair, the album bursts with dynamic grooves, rich textures, and an unmistakable joy that reflects Luis’s world-class musicianship and community-driven spirit. Each track is a bold splash of sound, shaped by a deep connection to rhythm and culture, drawing listeners into the pulse and colour of Latin percussion. (Chronograph Records – CR-123) Hear Luis Tovar.
Vampires, The: Skydancer
They say : Australian quartet The Vampires mark 20 years of creative exploration with their eighth studio album, Skydancer, out June 19th via Earshift Music. Following the ARIA Award-winning Nightjar (2023, with The Necks’ Chris Abrahams), the band expands its acoustic quartet sound through extensive layered overdubs, synthesizers, and textural experimentation, while remaining rooted in hypnotic grooves, interlocking horn lines, and melodic invention. (Earshift Music)
Vanags, Kārlis / Latvian Radio Big Band: The 7th Sense
They say : Saxophonist’s, composer’s and arranger’s Kārlis Vanags third album on Jersika records together with Latvian Radio Big band. Contemporary big band jazz at the best Baltic jazz tradition. (Jersika Records, JRD013) Hear Kārlis Vanags.
Varv: Transit
They say : Italian jazz fusion duo Varv, composed of Andrea Cappi on keys and Francesco Mascolo on drums, releases sophomore full-length ‘Transit’ on Belgian label Off Record, charting an intimate, shape-shifting dialogue between synthetic electronic pulses and improvisation, suspended in a liminal space of endless reinvention and borderless sonic exploration, further expanding their exploration of different musical territories, weaving together contemporary jazz with electronica and subtle echoes of rock. (Off Record) Hear Varv.
Vincent Rein Quintet: Variants
They say : Dornbirn-based bassist and composer Vincent Rein steps confidently into the spotlight with Variants, a new album that bridges past and present, tracing the arc of his musical journey while pointing toward uncharted territory. Across seven tracks, the Vincent Rein Quintet explores a sound that is open, modern, and full of life – sometimes reflective, sometimes playful, always instinctive. (Independent)
Wallentin, Mariam / Vestnorsk Jazzensemble: Spring Flood
They say : The West Norwegian Jazz Ensemble is known for its ever-changing line-ups and close collaborations with selected composers. With Spring Flood, Mariam Wallentin and Vestnorsk Jazzensemble present a new collective work in which improvisation, poetry, and vivid imagery merge into a living, organic expression. (Hubro HUBROCD2675)
WDR Big Band & Bob Mintzer: 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. Anyone familiar with the bluegrass folk style, which originated in Kentucky and Tennessee in the late 1930s and early 1940s, will recognize elements of swing, blues, and gospel alongside Country influences. Bluegrass also impresses with its vitality and danceability. (A-Train MCGJ1061 – LP)
Willey, Rich: Laid Back Vol. 1
They say : Trumpeter-composer Rich Willey introduces seven groove jazz tunes on Laid Back Vol. 1 that feature an 11-piece group with John Swana playing innovative solos on the EVI. The arrangements of Wally Minko blend horn lines with accessible rhythms, leaving space for many colorful solos. (Boptism, BCD-012026)
Wilson, Jack: The Bear And The Wolf
They say : Saxophonist and composer Jack Wilson presents his debut album The Bear And The Wolf, a melodic, narrative-led recording shaped by the close rapport of his longstanding quartet: Billy Marrows (electric guitar), Max Kahn (double bass) and Jack Yardley (drums). Moving between energetic and lyrical moments, the music draws on travel and everyday life, reflecting playfulness and contrast, underpinned by a deep musical connection between the four musicians. (Whittington Records – WR002CD/LP)
Yetii: Yetii
They say : Yetii are an acoustic piano trio from Bristol playing original compositions written by Alex Veitch on piano, with Ashley John Long on bass and Alex Goodyear on drums. The music combines flowing melodies with expansive group improvisations, interlocking grooves and evolving soundscapes, and has been compared to artists including EST, Tord Gustavsen, and Fergus McCreadie. “Inner Worlds” is the band’s first studio album and is released alongside a 12 date UK tour. (Yetii YETII002) Hear Yetii.
