Albare – Eclecticity - AlFi Records
Melbourne’s Jazz Alchemists: Forging Eclecticism into Gold. From the vibrant heart of Melbourne’s jazz scene emerges a collective of extraordinary talent—a sonic crucible where diverse musical backgrounds and global influences fuse into breathtaking alchemy. The Jazz Alchemists, a band forged from the fires of passion and honed by decades of experience, are set to release their highly anticipated album, Eclecticity, under the visionary brand of guitarist/composer Albare. This is not just another jazz ensemble; it’s a constellation of virtuosos, each a luminary in their own right, united by a shared vision to push the boundaries of contemporary jazz. Phil Turcio, serves as both Executive Producer and pianist. Mat Jodrell on trumpet, leads the horn section alongside Phil Noy on saxophone, Felix Bloxom on Drums, and Phil Rex on bass. Adding an international layer is Salva Persico on Percussion.
Dave Bass - Trio Nuevo vol 2 - Dave Bass Music
Dave Bass’ newest album, Trio Nuevo, Vol 2, reveals an artist at the top of his form. His first three releases featured vocalists, but in 2021, he turned his attention to the trio format. Bass says, “I think playing in a trio is one of the most challenging situations for a musician. There’s no place to hide. You have to play at the highest level. But it’s also very satisfying, because you can really develop a kind of telepathy with other musicians, especially if you’ve been performing together for a while. Tyler, Steve, and I have shared many gigs over the last year, and our playing has gotten even tighter. There’s almost a telepathic connection between us now.” Dave Bass is one of the most interesting piano players on the scene today. He is a true jazzer with the ability to seamlessly meld bebop, classical, Latin, and pop, creating richly textured, high-energy music that takes you on surprising journeys. With stellar accompaniment from Taylor Miles and Steve Helfand, Trio Neuvo Vol 2 is another superb release from a piano master who keeps on making progress.
Bill Stewart Trio - Live At The Village Vanguard - Criss Cross
Between September 18 and September 23 in 2023, drummer Bill Stewart convened bassist Larry Grenadier and tenor saxophonist Walter Smith III for their third weeklong trio engagement at the Village Vanguard, following residencies in April 2017 and in October 2018. The latter engagement transpired around the trio’s first album, Band Menu, a studio date that marked Stewart’s first leader endeavor without a chordal instrument. “I wanted to work with the open sound of the tenor trio. Not having a piano or guitar gives me the option to fill up more space with the drums or allow more space in the music. I was also thinking of the famous tenor-bass-drums recordings by Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson at the Vanguard. So I felt it was time to document the trio playing in the room.”
John Clayton - Talk To Me About Mulgrew - ArtistShare
A few years back, bassist John Clayton decided to call his friend, the pianist Mulgrew Miller and invite him into the studio to record. Not with the intentions of making an album, but simply for the joy of playing music with a good friend. Needless to say that on that day, as did with every other time he had the honour to play with Mulgrew, magic happened. We were all shocked and saddened when Mulgrew passed and John was even more grateful for having spent that time with him. Now ArtistShare wants to share it with you. Mulgrew was indeed a special gift to all that knew him as you will see from the interviews with his closest friends and colleagues John has collected. I hope you will join us in celebrating the life and music of this very special person and be a part of the aptly titled “Talk to me about Mulgrew” project. The ArtistShare Project Experience for ‘Talk To Me About Mulgrew’ includes: Features 10 episodes of “Talk to me about Mulgrew” where John surprises his guests with that question and gets touching and sometimes hilarious stories. Episodes include Kenny Barron, Billy Childs, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Russell Malone, Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes, and more.
Chicago Jazz Orchestra ft. Bobby Broom - More Amor - CJO Records
Acclaimed guitarist Bobby Broom is the featured soloist on a new recording by the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, More Amor: A Tribute to Wes Montgomery, due for release March 28 on Chicago Jazz Orchestra Records. The brainchild of CJO musical director/conductor Jeff Lindberg and Broom, the recording began with a seed planted in 2004, after Broom’s successful Montgomery retrospective concert performance with the big band and strings. “I was thrilled when Jeff contacted me about finally getting to work on this recording,” says Broom. “Seeing this vision through was an important collaboration for both of us.”
Bob James & Dave Koz - Just Us - Just Koz
Rooted in their decades-long friendship and driven by an adventurous spirit of creative camaraderie, contemporary jazz icons Bob James and Dave Koz mark a unique milestone in both their careers with the aptly titled duo album Just Us. A piano and saxophone only collection of fresh originals and colorful re-imaginings of Great American Songbook standards, its inspired format-free from the usual complementary support of a traditional rhythm section – liberates both to venture spontaneously beyond the trademark sounds that fueled their superstardom and years of Billboard chart-topping successes – and into a more spontaneous, organic soundscape ripe with dynamic new possibilities.
WDR Big Band - Bluegrass - MCG Jazz
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. So, what could be more obvious than trying a fusion with big band jazz? Enthusiastic comrades-in-arms were quickly found. Bob Mintzer, chief conductor of the WDR Big Band, wrote the arrangements and two high-caliber virtuosos of modern bluegrass were recruited for the solo parts: mandolinist Mike Marshall and violinist Darol Anger. The result is an unusual mix of styles with many unheard and surprising moments.
Fernando Ferrarone - Now Til Forever - Independent
On his debut album, Now Till Forever, composer and multi-instrumentalist Fernando Ferrarone explores the sounds of the world through a blend of jazz, catchy soulful melodies, and a touch of Latin rhythms. With warm trumpet playing, tasteful saxophone lines, and an incredible band supporting him, the album paints images of peace and healing, leaving listeners immersed in a deeply personal sonic landscape.
Jonah David - Waltz For Eli - Swish Tap Records
Drummer and U.S. Navy musician Jonah David releases his debut jazz album, Waltz for Eli, on February 28 via Swish Tap Records. Produced with pianist Joel Sanford, bassist Joe Bussey, and co-producer/co-composer Ettienne Stadwijk, the album features an impressive array of special guests, including Jeremy Pelt, Bryan Carrott and Anna Perkins. Recorded in 2024 while David was a percussion instructor at the Naval School of Music, Waltz for Eli showcases infectious straight-ahead jazz tunes accessible to both connoisseurs and casual listeners. The album highlights David’s “military precision” and the musicians’ deep connection, featuring both original compositions and fresh takes on jazz standards.
Pasquale Grasso - Fervancy - Sony Masterworks
Pasquale Grasso, a virtuoso guitarist hailed by Pat Metheny as “the best guitar player I’ve heard in maybe my life,” unveils Fervency—a bold new trio album showcasing his unmatched artistry and deep respect for jazz history. With his long-standing collaborators, bassist Ari Roland and drummer Keith Balla, Grasso explores a rich repertoire that masterfully bridges the past and future of jazz. On Fervency, Grasso reimagines tunes by some of jazz’s greatest icons and delivers a thrilling and heartfelt tribute to jazz’s golden age while forging his own path forward. This album is a must-listen for anyone passionate about jazz guitar, timeless melodies, and masterful musicianship.