Caktus X Ojkos: Øyeblikk
They say : Danish saxophonist and composer Maria Dybbroe spent the first two albums with her quintet Caktus refining a chamber music sound that sits well outside the jazz mainstream. The third, Øyeblikk (May 29th, Sonic Transmission Records) expands that sound into a fifteen-piece collaboration with Norwegian ensemble Ojkos. (Sonic Transmission Records)
Capalbo, Ilaria: The Brightest Sun
They say : Written during pregnancy and the first years of motherhood, The Brightest Sun reflects a period of deep personal and creative change. While rooted in Capalbo’s distinctive bass playing, the album also moves into new territory, bringing together elements of free improvisation, indie music and experimental rock. The music shifts naturally between moments of intensity and stillness, staying close to the spontaneity of how it was created. (Bluenord Records)
Carrington, Terri Lyne: Trip The Night Fantastic
They say : Terri Lyne Carrington + Social Science ― Matthew Stevens, Aaron Parks, and Morgan Guerin ― delivers their sophomore project, Trip the Night Fantastic, on Candid Records. Kicking off with a five-single roll-out beginning on May 8 and in tandem with notable holidays throughout the summer, the full album drops on July 31. GRAMMY® nominated for Best Jazz Instrumental Album for their 2019 release, Waiting Game, this acclaimed collective returns ― boasting an illustrious roll call of emcees, spoken word artists, and instrumentalists ― this time exploring systemic and contemporary themes that demand our attention, call us to action, and add stunning breadth to the time-honored tradition of amalgamating art and activism. Women’s empowerment, climate change, immigration, gender justice, body autonomy, community building, and animal rights are all elucidated with a freshness, depth, and creative brilliance that can only be birthed from someone whose creative core is rooted in empathy and humanity. (Candid Records)
CC Syndicate: Flying High
They say : Peruvian drummer Cote Calmet’s CC Syndicate debut Flying High is a powerhouse contemporary jazz-rock album that features original compositions with support from Carlos Ligero on sax, Pierre Huarniz on guitar and Tommy Moore on bass. Based in Granada, Spain, this international quartet’s non-genre album is a volcanic conflation of seventies groove, rock, and funk power. The tracks voice deep improvisation and modern avant-garde energy, pointing to rhythm and group interaction as core threads. (Independent) Hear CC Syndicate.
Chambers, Paul: Chambers Music
They say : Chambers’ Music, was bassist Paul Chambers’ debut album as leader. Originally released in 1956 on Jazz West, it features Chambers with two his fellow bandmates from the Miles Davis Quintet, John Coltrane and Philly Joe Jones, along with pianist Kenny Drew. Featuring a well-rounded programme – Charlie Parker’s ‘Dexterity’, Benny Goson’s ‘Stablemates, Cole Porter’s ‘Easy To Love’, and Chamber’s own composition ‘Visitation’, the album has the distinction of being the first record to include a composition by John Coltrane. (Jazz Wax JWR4649LP LP)
Chevillon, Bruno: États des lieux
They say : Solo double bass from one of France’s most distinctive bassists, longtime collaborator of Michel Portal, Louis Sclavis, and Daniel Humair. États des lieux is an unaccompanied deep-dive into the instrument’s full range—arco textures, resonance, and raw timbre exploration. Intimate, exploratory, and rigorous: a stripped-back statement from a major voice in European improvised music. (SONGS005) Hear Bruno Chevillon.
Clark, Mike: Kuon Ganjo (Time Without Beginning
They say : Drummer Mike Clark continues a brilliant late-career run with “Kuon Ganjo (Time Without Beginning),” his newest for Wide Hive Records. Featuring an all-star quintet largely the same as on last year’s “Itai Doshin”–Eddie Henderson, tpt; Craig Handy, ts; Patrice Rushen, p; Essiet Okon Essiet, b–“Kuon Ganjo” offers a ceaselessly swinging program ranging from Clark’s favorite standard (“Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise”) to pieces by Rollins (“East Broadway Rundown”) & Monk (“Monk’s Dream”). (Wide Hive Records) Hear Mike Clark.
Cole, Nat King: The Hits
They say : Nat King Cole remains one of the most iconic and cherished voices in popular music, celebrated for his warmth, sophistication, and effortlessly smooth delivery that helped define a generation. Compiled here is a stellar array of his most memorable recordings, spanning romantic ballads such as “Unforgettable,” “Mona Lisa,” and “When I Fall in Love,” as well as lively favourites like “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66,” “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” and “Ramblin’ Rose.” (New Continent 101051 LP)
Coltrane, John: Ascension (Edition I & II)
They say : Ascension, released in 1966 on Impulse! Records, stands as one of John Coltrane’s most radical and influential works. Subtitled “Edition I & II” to reflect the two complete takes recorded at the session—and presented together on LP for the first time—the piece is a nearly 40-minute large-ensemble performance marking Coltrane’s decisive embrace of the avant-garde. Recorded on June 28, 1965, at Rudy Van Gelder’s Englewood Cliffs studio and produced by Bob Thiele, the session assembled an expanded ensemble of eleven musicians. Alongside Coltrane’s tenor saxophone are trumpeters Freddie Hubbard and Dewey Johnson; saxophonists Pharoah Sanders, Marion Brown, John Tchicai, and Archie Shepp; pianist McCoy Tyner; bassists Art Davis and Jimmy Garrison; and drummer Elvin Jones. (Universal: Verve Vault Series (00199957117982))
Confusion Project: Identity
They say : A homage to the beauty of Polish folk music, especially the music of Mazurka, which for centuries has been an inspiration for classical – but also jazz – composers (Dot Time Records)
Copland, Marc: String Theory
They say : Recorded over two sessions at the studios of Fattoria Musica (Italy) and La Buissonne (France), Copland and Feldman are supported by two different rhythm sections; veteran bassist Drew Gress and the late jazz and rock drummer Anthony Pinciotti who passed away in 2025 and to whom this album is dedicated. Support for the second session comes from a younger European team, Felix Henkelhausen on bass and Jonas Burgwinkel on drums. (Autre Distribution IVJ110 CD)
Cortiñas, Gustavo: The Drum Also Sings
They say : Chicago-based drummer and composer Gustavo Cortiñas returns on June 5 with The Drum Also Sings, an introspective collection of original compositions that float between grief and gratitude. The album’s opener pulls listeners in with its first heartbeat, featuring vocalist Angelina Suyul, Etinel skotol t’ixt’unel / La Espontaneidad de los Latidos / The Spontaneity of Heartbeats celebrates new beginnings and the first rhythm every human being experiences. That signifies the very soul of The Drum Also Sings: it is a collection of collaborations with vocalists that explores the depth of rhythm and pays tribute to Max Roach in its very own way. (Desafio Candente Records)
Coull, Chris: Songs From Porgy And Bess
They say : “Songs From Porgy and Bess” is a hard bop jazz suite featuring vocalist Imogen Ryall with Brighton trumpeter Chris Coull’s quartet. The rhythm section features pianist John Turville, Simon Thorpe on double bass and Matt Fishwick on drums. Inspired by the classic Miles Davis/Gil Evans and Louis Armstrong/Ella Fitzgerald recordings, Chris Coull reinterprets Gershwin’s 1935 score through contemporary arrangements, highlighting favourites including “Summertime” and “I Loves You Porgy” alongside lesser-known songs such as “Buzzard Song” and “Strawberry Woman” (Rubicon Jazz RJZ1008) Hear Chris Coull.
Cracchiolo, Liz: Just A Girl I’m A Woman
They say : Just A Girl I’m A Woman is a remarkable debut recording from jazz singer Liz Cracchiolo. The versatile vocalist displays power, a wide range, and a fearless musical personality throughout her wide-ranging set. (Pacific Coast Jazz PJ62613)
Crispino, Luca: Transitivo
They say : Produced by Dodicilune and distributed by IRD and Believe Digital, “Transitivo”, released on 24 June 2026, is the new album by Padua-based guitarist and composer Luca Crispino, joined by Stefano Benini, Enrico Terragnoli and Luca Pighi. His third album for Dodicilune, following “Diffrazioni” and “Famiglio”, continues Crispino’s exploration of “borderline music”, where improvisation and spontaneity transcend conventions, creating an original and deeply introspective musical experience. (Dodicilune – ED623-0) Hear Luis Crispino.
Csenge, Kamila: Behind The Universe
They say : Czech guitarist and composer Kamila Csenge blends jazz fusion, contemporary jazz and cinematic soundscapes. A Berklee College of Music graduate and John LaPorta Award recipient, she combines expressive electric guitar, atmospheric textures and improvisation with influences from fusion, Latin and modern jazz. Her debut Album “Behind The Universe” features two guitars, bass and drums exploring expansive instrumental jazz inspired by space, time and the unknown. (Fat Banshee Records LC 97469) Hear Kamila Csenge.
David Hazeltine Trio: The Jobim Songbook In New York
They say : Nothing (Chesky Records) Hear David Heseltine.
Davis, Miles: Blue Haze
They say : The compilation ‘Blue Haze’, originally released by Prestige in 1956, captures Miles Davis in the mid-1950s, revealing the lyrical restraint and warm tone that shaped his early voice. Joined by outstanding musicians such as Horace Silver and Art Blakey, Davis bridges the elegance of cool jazz with the rising energy of hard bop. This album stands as a vivid portrait of a young artist on the path to redefining modern jazz. (Waxtime 772384 LP)
Davis, Miles: Sketches Of Spain
They say : ‘Sketches of Spain, inspired by Joaquín Rodrigo’s ‘Concierto de Aranjuez’ was the third conceptual collaboration between Miles Davis and Gil Evans, the previous two being ‘Miles Ahead’ (1957) and ‘Porgy and Bess’ (1958). All three are essential recordings in their respective discographies and continue to be among their best selling and revisited albums to this day – over six decades since their original release. (Number One Essential 291052 LP)
Davis, Miles: Ascenseur Pour Lechafaud
They say : Miles Davis’ complete original soundtrack music to the 1958 film Ascenseur pour l’échafaud (Elevator To The Gallows) directed by Louis Malle. Recorded in Paris, the music perfectly captures the film’s noir tension and remains one of the most iconic jazz soundtracks ever created. Reissued as a replica of the original 10” LP, this limited edition is for both fans and collectors of Miles Davis and movie soundtracks. (Waxtime 10 213014 10)
De-Phazz: belooped
They say : De-Phazz and the archives of Germany’s oldest jazz label, MPS, restored and re-imagined the work of global stars such as Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald and George Duke, bringing it into the contemporary sound. The result is a musical collage (MPS 0221627MS1) Hear De-Phazz.
Deodato, Eumir: Samba Nova Concepcao
They say : This 1964 album, though accredited to pianist/composer Eumir Deodato, presents him primarily as the conductor’. However, he was responsible the concept behind this iconic bossa nova session, bringing together some of best musicians who were fluid in both jazz and bossa nova. Composition credits include Jorge Ben, and Marcos Valle among others, and all the arrangement are by guitarist, composer and arranger Daudeth De Azevedo, more famously known as just “Néco”. The resulting LP constitutes one of the earliest “Modern Bossa” or “Modern Jazz Samba” releases. (Jazz Samba 709105 LP)
Di Gennaro, Sergio : Blind Spots – Still Looking
They say : Blind Spots – Still Looking finds Italian pianist and composer Sergio Di Gennaro exploring the hidden dimensions of perception, memory and self-awareness through a collection of finely crafted original compositions. Joined by bassist Ares Tavolazzi and drummer Enzo Zirilli, with special guest Emanuele Cisi on tenor saxophone, Di Gennaro creates a thoughtful and deeply lyrical musical journey. Balancing melodic clarity, subtle interplay and emotional depth, the album reveals new details and meanings with every listen. (GleAM Records AM7045) Hear Sergio Di Gennaro.
Dixon, Rob: Naptown Soul
They say : Throughout this recording, Dixon demonstrates why he’s become a defining voice of Indianapolis jazz. His playing moves effortlessly between power and nuance, from the roaring tenor saxophone on “Four One” to the lyrical soprano textures of “I Want You.” Naptown Soul is not only a masterful celebration of soul jazz music — it’s also a document of Rob Dixon’s evolution as a vital voice in contemporary jazz, and a tribute to a city whose contributions to the music have often gone unrecognized, even as they helped shape jazz in lasting and profound ways. (Strikezone Records 8829)
Dolphy, Eric: The Quintessence – Los Angeles – New York – Copenhague 1949-1961
They say : Raised in the ranks of Californian bop, the gifted multi-instrumentalist Eric Dolphy brought a fresh breath into the most diverse contexts. A tireless “bridge-builder” toward a different realm of jazz—freer, and one he helped magnificently to open up—he stands as a profoundly sincere, principled, and generous artist. Here, he reveals the many facets of his art: the raw emotion of beauty laid bare. Jean-Paul Ricard (Frémeaux & Associés, FA3074)
