Tyreek McDole - Open Up Your Senses - Artwork Records
Rising jazz vocalist Tyreek McDole will release his much-anticipated debut album, Open Up Your Senses, on June 6 via Artwork Records. A rich baritone with a deep connection to the jazz tradition, McDole makes a bold and enthralling statement on this rich debut, establishing him as one of the most compelling young jazz vocalists of his generation. At just 25 years old, the Haitian-American, New York-based baritone has already earned significant acclaim, including winning the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition in 2023 — one of only two male vocalists to achieve this honor in the competition’s 12-year history. Jazz scholar Will Friedwald, who also contributes liner notes to the project, referred to McDole as “the leading jazz voice of his generation” and acclaimed DJ Gilles Peterson said “it is refreshing to hear a new voice that is so clearly connected to the tradition but also pushing it forward with such strong energy. This is a brilliant opening statement from someone I reckon will be around for some time.” Open Up Your Senses is a bold statement from a young artist who masterfully blends tradition with innovation. Featuring standout performances by pianist and arranger Caelan Cardello and saxophonist Dylan Band, McDole’s debut evokes the legacy of jazz greats while forging his own distinctive path.
Antonia Bennett - Expressions - Independent
Expressions is a deeply personal project where I had the chance to tell my story—both through original songs inspired by my own life and through interpretations of pieces from the Great American Songbook and beyond. Many of the songs were born from experiences I was navigating for the first time: becoming a mother, learning how to balance family and career, and discovering new emotions along the way. I had the great pleasure of collaborating with Christian Jacob, who arranged the entire album. His vision and sensitivity helped shape each song, and together we created something that feels honest and heartfelt. The core band—Christian Jacob on piano, Kevin Axt on bass, Kendell Kay on drums, and Larry Koonse on guitar—are all extraordinary musicians. Their artistry brought subtle nuance to every note. We were also fortunate to feature some incredible special guests. On trumpet Randy Brecker added his signature sound, and Dave Thomas of Take 6 lent his unique vocal stylings to the background vocals on “Wherever You Go,”. This record is a reflection of where I am in life and the stories I’m ready to share.
Greg Murphy - Snap Happy – Whaling City Sound
Snap Happy, pianist Greg Murphy’s eighth album as leader, abounds with infectious rhythms and jubilant melodies. This recording showcases a unique blend of technical prowess and musicality across a wide variety of jazz styles, from the finger-popping original Snap Happy and Chick Corea’s Humpty Dumpty, to the luscious ballad I Fall in Love Too Easily. Bassist Obasi Akoto and drummer Steve Johns complete what is arguably one of today’s nest jazz piano trios. Mark Whitfield adds his signature warm soulful guitar to the title tune Snap Happy, George Duke’s Geneva (augmented by vocalist Sy Smith) and Lenny White’s The Shadow of Lo. Snap Happy concludes with brilliant fresh takes on a couple of Monk tunes (Pannonica as a bossa nova and Monk’s Mood as a jazz waltz) and the blazing up-tempo version of the jazz standard All God’s Chillun Got Rhythm. With uplifting tunes performed by some of today’s best musicians, Snap Happy exudes happiness, achieving Greg’s objective “… to make people happy.”