Release date: March 1, 2026 Retrospective, the latest album from Carl Clements and The Real Jazz Trio, serves as a contemporary continuation of Clements’ critically recognized 2023 release, A Different Light. Contrary to its title, Retrospective presents a modern interpretation of several original compositions making their debut. Clements is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist. With these tracks, … Continue reading
From the opening notes of Shifty Paradigms, you sense a cinematic quality in Dave Slonaker’s rich music. Slonaker’s experience as a composer, orchestrator, and arranger for film and television informs his jazz genius. What emerges in his music is a sense of story. Each note has, and serves, a distinct purpose, all contributing to an … Continue reading
Darren Litzie — On My Own Time Label: Summit Records Pianist and jazz composer Darren Litzie’s second album, On My Own Time, features predominantly original works, along with a few jazz standards. Those standards are particularly rewarding, as Litzie’s interpretive skills are supreme. A bonus is the inclusion of the 60s pop hit “Time Of … Continue reading
The Dave Wilson Quartet’s When Even Goes East created exactly the atmosphere I was yearning for when I reached for a new jazz album to listen to today. Every melody was given full exploration, while establishing a mood that I wish could continue far beyond the album’s playing time. I guess what the repeat button … Continue reading
James Judson’s debut album comes across the creative output of a seasoned pro. He clearly loves to make music, and he has impeccable taste in choosing his material. The album features a variety of tracks—all of them impressive—from the playful opener “Is There A Chance,” to the atmospheric “The Shadow of Your Smile,” to the … Continue reading
While many jazz albums rely on studio polish, a live recording offers a true test of a musician’s skill, revealing not just technique but real-time interaction. Live in Beverly Hills, from the Doug MacDonald Trio succeeds in maintaining this tradition, showing that live musical exchange is still what it’s all about. In the absence of … Continue reading
Compositions in Blue and Other Hues delivers eleven original jazz tunes by Massachusetts composer Ron Rieder, performed by a quintet of flexible, talented musicians in a traditional hardbop presentation. The album leans into classic jazz, breezing through styles that showcase Rieder’s versatility. It covers such territory that you always want more. Continue reading
Nothin’ Better To Do may be Betty Bryant‘s fifteenth album, but it sparkles with a freshess that any newcomer would admire. Betty Bryant brings the greatest attribute of all—experience—to her latest album. As a pianist, vocalist, and songwriter, she demonstrates her enduring talents, . The performances captured on this BryMar Music release breathe new life … Continue reading
What a spectacular collection of songs and performances. After decades leading big bands and working at the Benny Goodman Archives, Loren Schoenberg debuts on Turtle Bay Records with So Many Memories, reviving Eddie Sauter’s swing-era arrangements from the late 1930s. Played by a Juilliard-based orchestra, with Schoenberg on piano,, the album captures vibrant, elegant charts … Continue reading
On Kickin’ It, her new album, Josie Falbo demonstrates impressive vocal finesse. Her range and versatility are spectacular. Equally as important, she allows her interpretive skills to drive her technique. The emotion she mines in each note add up to deliver phrases directly from the heart. Kickin’ It is one of those albums you’ll listen … Continue reading
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