Benjie Porecki - Faster Than We Know - FunkLove Productions
Keyboardist Benjie Porecki performs eight originals and the classic “Superstar” with his trio on Faster Than We Know, displaying a versatile style on piano, organ, electric piano, and clavinet. His music ranges from funky numbers to medium-tempo, gospel grooves, and soulful ballads. Following the success of his previous jazz trio release All that Matters, which peaked at #19 and landed at #93 for the year on JazzWeek, Benjie Porecki has recorded a new set of originals on Faster Than We Know that are uplifting, filled with catchy grooves, and showcases his warm and melodic playing. Tastefully accompanied by bassist Cory Baker and drummer Mark Prince, Porecki introduces eight colorful originals and one cover song that inspires some of his most expressive playing to date.
Monika Herzig - Transparent - Key of B Records
International jazz pianist and humanitarian Monika Herzig expands her extensive LP catalog with her new instrumental jazz album Transparent from Key of B Records. Merging listenable instrumental melodies with exciting themes, Transparent, the title a play on words nodding to both clarity and parenting a transgender child, is a portrait in modern jazz of yesterday and tomorrow. Highlighting Monika Herzig’s renowned original compositions as well as a reimagination of Elton John’s hit “Your Song,” Transparent is a sleek 11-track collection of carefully curated, new Herzig modern classics.
Greg Rahn - Side Hustle - Independent
With the release of Side Hustle, San Francisco Bay Area keyboardist and composer Greg Rahn brings his compositions to the forefront, channeling a lifetime of diverse influences—Chick Corea’s adventurous jazz fusion, Steely Dan’s harmonic sophistication, Snarky Puppy’s modern edge, and the rich flavors of New Orleans music. “The release of Side Hustle is me playing my favorite music with my favorite musicians,” Rahn explains. “Since childhood I’ve been influenced by everything from rock, pop, jazz fusion, and funk, to classical, folk, and New Orleans grooves. That diversity shows up in everything I write.” This release carries more than just music — it carries memory. “I’m especially grateful we captured these sessions when we did. Since then, my longtime friend and bassist Steve Evans (Etta James, Brian Auger, Elvin Bishop,) and guest guitarist Drew Zingg, (Steely Dan’s touring band, Boz Skaggs) have both passed. Steve was a steady presence in my musical life, and though I’d only just met Drew, our connection was instant and unforgettable. I’m honored to have created with them both.” It also features Mick Mestek and Marc van Wageningen (Tower of Power) on drums and bass respectively.
NOLA Resistance Quintet – Morpheus - Po' Boy Records
Nola Resistance Quintet (NRQ) stands at the crossroads of New Orleans tradition and fearless innovation. Born from the city that shapes music legends, NRQ unites five of its most electrifying A-list artists—Darrell Lavigne (piano), Chris Severin (bass), Herman LeBeaux (drums), Roderick Paulin (saxophone), and Andrew Baham (trumpet). Each brings a distinct voice forged in the Crescent City’s rhythm, resilience, and soul. Their debut album, Morpheus, embodies the group’s vision: a sonic journey where heritage meets imagination. Featuring Branford Marsalis on the title track, along with vocalists Quiana Lynell and Phillip Manuel, spoken word by Gralen Bryant Banks, and horn power from Terrance Taplin and Aaron Narcisse, the record expands the modern jazz landscape while remaining deeply rooted in its source.
Hindy Bare - Jillo - Independent
Hindy Bare’s new album JILLO is a mix of straight ahead jazz, and funky soul-jazz. It was conceived as a tribute to author, humanist, and historian Jill Ker Conway, who became the first woman president of Smith College. The three movements of the Jill Ker Conway Suite depict different periods of Conway’s life. Sivery Grey reflects her early years in the wilds of Australia. Changing meters and poignant soprano saxophone lines from Dan Boissy give this track a wistful, longing quality. Verve is about several years of struggle early in Conway’s career. It has a hard bop feel, and this tune is cooking! Wizer bookends the album with two different cuts- the radio edit, and the Musician’s cut jam. With it’s funky feel, this song is about finding your groove, Sink into it and enjoy. Macy Gray’s I Try is a feel good instrumental featuring guitarist Hank Easton. Bare takes on J. Dilla’s Clap Your Hands with a fender Rhodes trio. This cut evokes a chill, hip-hop sensibility. Finally, Bare’s version of Stevie Wonder’s Isn’t She Lovely combines Latin, swing, guitar, saxophone, and a killer organ solo.
Vance Thompson - Lost and Found - Moondo Records
Grammy-nominated jazz artist Vance Thompson debuts with Lost and Found, a vibraphone-led jazz quintet featuring a stellar supporting cast of noted musicians including pianist Taber Gable (Marcus & E J Strickland, Braxton Cook), guitarist Steve Kovalcheck (Jeff Hamilton, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra), bassist Tom my Sauter (Jason Marsalis, Cyrus Chestnut) and drummer, Marcus Finnie (Kirk Whalum, Kurt Elling). Lost and Found covers a range of styles and emotions, with echoes of Horace Silver, Wayne Shorter, Bobby Hutcherson, and Steps Ahead evident at various points throughout the set. However, the album’s nucleus lies with pristine performances on new compositions by Vance Thompson alongside inspired treatments of Chick Corea’s Bud Powell, Donald Brown’s My Three Suns, and Harold Alden’s classic, Over The Rainbow. Acclaimed for years of prominence on the trumpet until a medical issue forced him to change course in 2022, Lost and Found showcases Thompson’s drive for a new sound starring the vibraphone. The album serves as a milestone in a journey filled with tenacity and passion.
Roderick Harper - Confidence - RHM Entertainment
Roderick Harper Announces New Jazz Album, CONFIDENCE, set for January 12, 2026 release on RHM Entertainment. Roderick Harper, celebrated vocalist and recording artist, proudly unveils his newest album, Confidence. This new album is a testament to Harper’s soulful artistry and personal journey, blending beautiful rhythms and melodies with heartfelt lyrics. The listener can expect a rich musical experience that continues Harper’s tradition of delivering both elegance and emotion. Stay tuned for more updates and pre-save the album on all major streaming platforms.
Noah Preminger - Dark Days - Criss Cross
Although winter solstice was imminent when Noah Preminger was preparing to record his fourth Criss Cross session last December, diminishing daylight was not the reason for the album’s title. Rather, “Dark Days” reflects the eminent tenor saxophonist’s overall state of mind in 2024. “I was deep in hell,” he says, reflecting on a year when he experienced chronic health issues (since resolved) and a divorce. “It was a dark time.” Throughout the year, Preminger could count on an opportunity “to wash away the dust of everyday life,” as Art Blakey once put it, at his weekly Friday-Saturday engagement at Wally’s Jazz Café in Boston, where he performed and developed the tunes that appear on this kinetic, conversational, virtuosically executed quartet recital. “I’ve led a group at Wally’s since 2021, when they reopened after the pandemic,” Preminger says. “It’s important because so many people go to school in Boston, and it’s a place where everybody can come and hang out and play and develop their thing. It’s been a great outlet for me to play and workshop new material as I write it. And getting to play twice a week is unheard-of.” Line up: Noah Preminger (tenor saxophone) / Kim Cass (bass) / Terreon Gully (drums) / Ely Perlman (piano)
Lisa Hilton - Extended Daydream - Ruby Slippers Productions
The Lisa Hilton Quintet returns with Extended Daydream. The award-winning composer and acclaimed pianist generously shares the spotlight with her stellar bandmates on eleven standout tracks. In a natural and genre-fluid approach, Hilton seamlessly combines the renowned 1959 cool jazz classic So What by Miles Davis alongside the 2024 tune Wildflower by singer/songwriter Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O’Connell, as well as nine of her own compositions. If a daydream is a hopeful or insightful experience, the arc of Extended Daydream does extend hope and beauty along with a wallop of improvisational energy and style. Long a composer and pianist to watch, Hilton triumphs with this new genre fluid collection of cool jazz. PERSONNEL: LISA HILTON – PIANO, J.D. ALLEN – SAX, IGMAR THOMAS – TRUMPET, RUDY ROYSTON – DRUMS, LUQUES CURTIS – BASS
Kenny Barron - Songbook - Artwork Records
NEA Jazz Master and 14x GRAMMY nominee Kenny Barron announces Songbook, arriving November 14 on Artwork Records. This album represents the fulfillment of a decades-long dream for the 82-year-old piano master, showcasing 13 of his original compositions reimagined with lyrics by gifted songwriter Janice Jarrett and interpreted by an extraordinary ensemble of established and emerging vocalists. Joined by his long-standing trio featuring Kiyoshi Kitagawa on bass and Johnathan Blake on drums, Barron unveils a collection that seamlessly blends lyrical sophistication, harmonic depth, and rhythmic vitality. When asked why he decided to venture into this new direction at this point in his amazing career, the 82-year-old Barron laughs, “Because I’m getting old. It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. This project had been running through my head for more than three decades. So, I decided that this would be the perfect time.” The album features a remarkable cast of vocalists, including jazz luminaries Cécile McLorin Salvant, Kurt Elling, Ann Hampton Callaway, Catherine Russell, and Jean Baylor, alongside three exceptional emerging artists: Kavita Shah, Ekep Nkwelle, and label-mate Tyreek McDole. Songbook marks Barron’s first album to fully feature vocals. The project showcases the enduring resonance of his compositional catalog, with each song revealing new facets through Jarrett’s evocative lyrics and the distinctive interpretations of each vocalist.