Hadley Fraser, Kerry Ellis And Celinde Schoenmaker: Following Jimmy Valentine
They say : Following Jimmy Valentine is an 18-song cast album featuring West End stars Hadley Fraser, Kerry Ellis, and Celinde Schoenmaker, jazz legend Jacqui Dankworth, and rising stars David Hunter, George Blagden, Alison Arnopp, and Simon Shorten. Written and composed by Jeff Flaster, this cast album grew out of the full-cast audiobook musical Following Jimmy Valentine, which was inspired by an O. Henry story about reinvention and a Hudson River School painting about hope. (Melodic Music LLC)
Harriott, Joe: High Spirits
They say : As British jazz continues to enjoy unprecedented international acclaim, Fontana Records shines a light on two of the musicians who helped lay its foundations with the latest releases in its acclaimed British Jazz Explosion: Originals Re-Cut series. Released on October 16th 2026, the series welcomes deluxe all-analogue vinyl reissues of Alan Skidmore Quintet’s Once Upon A Time (1970) and Joe Harriott Quintet’s High Spirits (1964) – two landmark recordings that capture the richness, ambition and diversity of Britain’s post-war jazz movement. Originally issued by Decca and its progressive imprint Deram, both albums have been remastered from the original analogue tapes and are presented as premium 180g vinyl editions featuring faithfully reproduced original artwork and extensive new liner notes by acclaimed producer, music historian and British Jazz Explosion curator Tony Higgins. (Fontana 5780421)
Heise, Mathias & von Bülow, Pelle: Repertoire
They say : Two of the most distinctive voices on the contemporary Danish jazz scene, chromatic harmonica player Mathias Heise and guitarist Pelle von Bülow, join forces on Repertoire, a duo album built on interplay, shared intuition, and a carefully selected body of songs spanning jazz standards, soul, pop, and contemporary material. (Storyville Records, 1014372)
Hirabayashi, Makiko; Odense Jazz Orchestra feat. Takeishi, Satoshi: Fire Horse Suite
They say : Japanese pianist and composer Makiko Hirabayashi joins forces with Odense Jazz Orchestra and percussionist Satoshi Takeishi for Fire Horse Suite, a large-ensemble work inspired by Japanese animistic philosophy and the idea that spirits inhabit the natural world. Set for release in late 2026, the year of the Fire Horse in the Japanese zodiac, the suite brings together contemporary European jazz, Japanese influences and a collective approach to composition and improvisation. (Independent)
Hoefner, Florian: Into The Aquasphere
They say : Into the Aquasphere is a three-movement suite for jazz quartet and 22-piece chamber orchestra, conducted by JC Sanford. From the atmospheric currents of “Aerial Rivers” to the ocean circulation system behind “AMOC” and the elemental sweep of “Force of Nature,” Florian Hoefner’s score turns climate science into music. Jazz improvisation and orchestral color intertwine, giving ecological urgency a vivid, resonant voice. Recorded at Studios Piccolo in Montréal, it arrives on Alma Records October 23, 2026. (Alma Records ACD10232) Hear Florian Hoefner.
Holzinger, Mark: Juke And Jive
They say : Mark Holzinger’s new album showcases his unique guitar playing while also highlighting the San Francisco Bay Area’s best Western Swing and Jazz musicians. Holzinger was inducted into the Sacramento Western Swing Society Hall of Fame in 2016 due to his 30+ years as guitarist for Lost Weekend, a 12-piece Western Swing band. Each track on Juke And Jive is anchored by the trio of Mark on guitar, upright bassist Simon Planting and drummer John Waller. (Reel Zinger )
Im, Seoyeon: Seoyeon Im
They say : Seoyeon Im is a Korean jazz violinist based in New York with classical and gypsy jazz roots. Her debut album, New World, is chamber-cinematic contemporary jazz that pairs her lyrical, classically trained violin with a quartet of Hyuna Park on piano, Myles Sloniker on bass and Ronen Itzik on drums, alongside a string quartet. It tells the story of her early days in the city, shaped by uncertainty and curiosity about a new life. (Independent) Hear Seoyeon Im.
Irwin, Aaron: The Big Show
They say : Hailed for composing music that is “thoughtful and full of surprises (JazzTimes), saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer Aaron Irwin brings together a six-piece ensemble on The Big Show, a new collection of Americana jazz drawing on folk, blues, rock, and improvisation. Featuring Jeremy Udden on alto saxophone and lyricon, Olli Hirvonen on acoustic guitar, Chris Parker on electric guitar, Matt Pavolka on bass, Bill Campbell on drums, and Irwin on alto saxophone and clarinet. (Adhyaropa Records ÂR00217)
Jamal, Ahmad: First Impressions
They say : Recorded on June 25, 1971 at Maison de la Radio, Studio 104, Paris, France, this previously unreleased concert captures Ahmad Jamal at the height of his artistry, in perfect communion with bassist Jamil Nasser and drummer Frank Gant. Recorded for French radio and sourced from the original INA tapes, this is the complete, unedited performance, offering ample space for the trio’s inspired interplay, extended improvisations and Jamal’s unmistakable command of dynamics, rhythm and space. (Elemental Music 5990467 – CD and LP)
Jambor, Armin: Touch & Fade
They say : Award-winning Hungarian saxophonist, composer and arranger Armin Jambor brings a lyrical, expressive approach to modern jazz, shaped by European classical music and the traditions of the jazz saxophone. His latest album draws on the people, encounters and musical influences that have shaped his development as a composer, from Béla Bartók and Chick Corea to Thelonious Monk, Sonny Stitt, Sonny Rollins and Rick Margitza. (Independent)
Jarrett, Keith: Roma
They say : Roma is the fifth and final concert recording from Keith Jarrett’s highly acclaimed last European solo tour of 2016, captured at the Santa Cecilia Hall in Rome on July 12th. It brings the chapter to a close with music that stands apart even within this remarkable series. If the concerts from Budapest, Bordeaux, Munich and Vienna each revealed a distinct musical landscape, Roma offers another, unmistakably its own. (ECM 2880 – 2 CD & 2 LP)
Jarrett, Keith: Jasmine
They say : Part of ECM’s Luminessence series, Jasmine is re-issued on vinyl for the very first time, in a tip-on gatefold jacket with all the original material from the initial CD release intact. (ECM 2165 – 2LP)
Jordan, Clifford: Let It Ring: Live At The Jazz Showcase
They say : A never-before-heard release of Chicago-born saxophonist Clifford Jordan with a stellar quartet featuring pianist Al Haig (Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis), bassist Wilbur Ware, and drummer Kenny Clarke captured live at Joe Segal’s Jazz Showcase in Chicago, IL, September 30-October 1, 1976. The deluxe package includes newly curated liner notes by veteran jazz journalist Ted Panken, who was at the show and interviewed Clifford Jordan and Wilbur Ware at the time. (Resonance Records)
Jorge Rossy Vibes Quartet: 11 Years
They say : Legendary Spanish drummer, vibraphonist and composer Jorge Rossy turns his focus to vibraphone and marimba on 11 Years, the debut recording from his new Vibes Quartet. Joined by trumpeter Milena Casado, bassist Robert Landfermann and drummer Cornelia Nilsson, Rossy creates a quartet that balances melodic clarity and harmonic openness with space for improvisation and exploration. (Clap Your Hands)
Joy, Samara: Joy, Samara
They say : Six-time GRAMMY® Award-winning jazz vocalist Samara Joy has announced her first live record, Live At The Blue Note L.A., releasing on October 23 via Verve Records. (Verve)
Kallerdahl, Lindgård, Ward: The Munkedal Tapes
They say : Recorded over three sunny spring days in a house near Sweden’s west coast, The Munkedal Tapes captures Kallerdahl, Lindgård & Ward’s spontaneous, responsive approach to the piano trio. Moving between original compositions and interpretations of Chopin and Wagner, Fabian Kallerdahl, Albin Lindgård and Ossian Ward embrace instinct, interplay and the occasional unexpected idea. Shaped by legendary engineer Åke Linton, the album offers an intimate snapshot of a band finding freedom in the moment. (Hoob Records)
Ken Walker Sextet: Good Trouble
They say : Good Trouble stands as a profoundly moving testament to the late, legendary bassist Ken Walker, who passed away in February 2026 at the age of 69. This commemorative release encapsulates more than two decades of musical cohesion, deep swing and post-bop brilliance from Colorado’s definitive jazz ensemble. The music delivers hard swinging grooves and intricate original arrangements. (Capri Records)
Khan, Reza: Shadow Dancers
They say : Reza Khan’s Shadow Dancers is a musical depiction of nighttime with all of its romance, color, anticipation, and adventure. The guitarist, arranger-composer, and sound designer utilizes a large cast of talents to create cinematic music that is filled with the excitement of life along with the peace and tranquility that occurs between twilight and dawn. (Painted Media)
Kruglov, Alexey / Karina Kozhevnikova, with Krugly Band Orchestra: Porgy & Bess
They say : Alexey Kruglov is a saxophonist, director, performer, released over 100 albums, performed with Christian McBride, Jimmy Heath, Joe Lovano, Roswell Rudd, Joachim Kühn. Karina Kozhevnikova is a leading Russian jazz singer. «Porgy & Bess» is a conceptual project. Alexey created arrangements as a theatrical director. The dramaturgy of the opera by Gershwin, through verbal symbols and a system of leitmotifs, permeates the action. Karina plays several roles based on musical polystylistics in conversations with the orchestra. (Leo Records, CD LR 947-948 – double CD) Hear Alexey Kruglov & Karina Kozhevnikova.
Kruglov, Alexey & Igor Goldenberg: Peer Gynt
They say : “Peer Gynt” is a new milestone for Alexey Kruglov and Igor Goldenberg. The duo has been active for a long time, having created numerous programs of classical music. Alexey is known as an experimental saxophonist and a performer, Igor is a leading Russian organist, an outstanding representative of the Russian piano school. Edvard Grieg’s profound, mysterious, and colorful ideas proved incredibly suitable for their conception built at the intersection of classical music and improvisation. (ArtBeat Music, AB CD 225) Hear Alexey Kruglov & Igor Goldenberg.
Kruglov, Alexey & Krugly Band Orchestra, feat. Yuri Parfenov: Following A Love Supreme (dedicated to the 100th anniversary of John Coltrane)
They say : The performance is inspired by John Coltrane`s ideas and based on his music of the «A Love Supreme» suite. The edition marks the centenary of John Coltrane at the festival «Sound. Light. Shape. Coltrane 90 Fest» in Moscow dedicated to the 90th anniversary of John Coltrane. Arranger and creator is Alexey Kruglov, the brightest progressive representative in his generation, he released more than 100 albums, who was named «the future of jazz» by the British magazine «Jazzwise». (Contempora, 030) Hear Alexey Kruglov & Krugly Band Orchestra, feat. Yuri Parfenov.
Kuchocki, Juliann: Kuchocki Sings DiNovi – But Only For You
They say : Canadian vocalist and producer Juliann Kuchocki celebrates the extraordinary life and legacy of pianist and composer Gene DiNovi on Kuchocki Sings DiNovi – But, Only For You. Spanning DiNovi’s remarkable career from New York’s bebop era to five decades in Canadian jazz, the album features his songs, performances and enduring musical influence in this tribute. Its centrepiece, “But, Only For You,” is a previously unheard DiNovi–Peggy Lee composition, recorded here for the very first time. (Independent)