Judith Owen - Suit Yourself - Twanky Records
Suit Yourself, extraordinary new album from vocal provocateur Judith Owen, set for release on April 24th, features Judith’s band, the Gentlemen Callers, along with the J.O. Big Band and special guests Davell Crawford, Joe Bonamassa and the Tonya Boyd-Cannon Choir. Continuing on her critically-acclaimed journey into Jazz and Blues, Suit Yourself, resumes her trajectory of exploring and mining the lesser-known gems of these genres and turning them into musical powerhouses. Recorded at New Orleans’ Esplanade Studios, Suit Yourself can only be described as the full Judith Owen experience, celebrating all of her strengths and everything that has brought her joy throughout her last three releases. A beautiful blend of jazz, blues and big band it may be, but above all it shows off her inimitable sound and personality that seamlessly unite all the tracks into one outstanding oeuvre.
Leslie Vincent - Little Black Book - Jazz Is Cool Records
Little Black Book by Minneapolis jazz vocalist and songwriter Leslie Vincent, is her first collection of all original tunes to be released independently via Jazz Is Cool. The album was written and recorded with Vincent’s longtime working band — pianist Patrick Adkins, guitarist Blake Foster, bassist Matt McIntyre, drummer Ben Ehrlich, and trumpeter Mitch Van Laar. Guest contributors include songwriter and vocalist Jeremy Messersmith, tenor saxophonist Stephanie Wieseler, trombonist Zach Marley, and violinist Mary Alice Hutton, with horn arrangements by Sam Charlton. Vincent’s move toward original songwriting has unfolded gradually across her discography. Little Black Book presents songwriting not as a departure from jazz tradition, but as a natural extension of Vincent’s artistic voice within it.
Javon Jackson - Jackson Plays Dylan - Solid Jackson Records
Tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson embarks on a new project paying tribute to one of America’s most revered songwriters, whose own work has been hailed for its intricate poetry and outspoken politics. Jackson Plays Dylan finds the saxophonist delving into songs spanning more than three decades of the legendary songwriter’s career, from still-poignant folk anthems to incisive and timeless love songs. Jackson is joined on the album by pianist and keyboardist Jeremy Manasia, bassist Isaac Levien, drummer Ryan Sands, and Grammy-winning guest vocalists Lisa Fischer and Nicole Zuraitis. “I have a deep respect for Bob Dylan’s musicianship and his commitment to the craft,” Jackson says. Jackson’s fandom is not a lifelong one, however. The jazz-focused saxophonist had grown up with almost no awareness of rock music, unfamiliar with even a cultural icon on the level of Bob Dylan. That didn’t change until he was in his 20s and joined the ranks of the final incarnation of the Jazz Messengers. “Art Blakey’s attorney was a big, big fan of Dylan,” Jackson recalls. “So he shared a lot of his music with me. Then I became even more aware of him when the film The Hurricane came out.”
Jim Robitaille Trio - Sonic - Whaling City Sound
On Sonic, his eighth album as a leader, guitarist Jim Robitaille explores the expressive possibilities of the classic guitar–bass–drums trio. In this keyboard-less setting, Robitaille carries melody and harmony with clarity and control, blending lyrical lines, rich chordal textures, and thoughtful improvisation across eight original compositions and two well-chosen standards. Joining Robitaille are bassist Tom Casale and drummer Chris Poudrier, a highly responsive rhythm team whose nuanced interplay shapes the music from within. Together, the trio emphasizes interaction, balance, and space, allowing each composition to unfold naturally without excess. Sonic is a focused, modern jazz trio recording that honors tradition while highlighting Robitaille’s distinct compositional voice and musical restraint.
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.