Ron Burris - Ron Burris Meets Marcos Silva - Independent
Ron Burris, Saxophonist, Band Leader and Composer, releases his latest project, Ron Burris Meets Marcos Silva, his fourth CD, all of which are very different. This CD allows Ron to expand into a new but highly wonderful jazz genre. With the addition of Marcos Silva and the selections chosen, this CD has a different feel from Ron’s previous recordings. This CD is a nice blend of traditional Jazz with well know Bosa Nova standards. Marcos Silva and Mimi Fox are both professional musicians who have traveled extensively in the Americas and Europe. Additionally, both teach at the California Music Conservatory in Berkeley California and both are highly accomplished on the instrument. Scott Thompson and Dillon Vado are also highly accomplished jazz musicians who have toured expensively playing Brazilian music. Both currently perform regularly in Marcos Silva’s band and independently.
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.