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
Sometimes the material fits the singer so well that they amplify each other’s inherent gifts. Such is the case with Patrisha Thompson‘s new album, Your Love. Your Love stands out for its easy, breezy style, featuring ballads and mid-tempo tracks that highlight Patrisha Thomson’s clear, honest, slightly vulnerable delivery. She shares the vocal duties with … Continue reading
Looking for something a little more sophisticated to listen to this Christmas? Wayne Wilkinson‘s Holly Tunes is a warm, elegant, jazz-infused holiday album that brings some classic carols to life with refreshing interpretations. The collection of songs is beautifully wrapped with sublime guitar work and an equally impressive interplay between the rhythm section and the other … Continue reading
Unexpected Guests pairs a tight, traditional big band with 11 soloists from various genres—including symphonic, folk, Hawaiian, and rap—creating a fresh and eclectic sound. I particularly loved finding the adventurous Vince Gill contributing his vocal gifts to this project. It is inventive fusion of musicians and arranger Dan Radlauer’s dynamic style. One of the most … Continue reading
Sometimes a new release gets lost in the shuffle. But when it’s an album that I find myself playing over and over again, it’s only right that I share the good news. Rich Siegel’s It’s Always Been You is such an album. Released in September 2025, it offers a well-balanced set of songs that include … Continue reading
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