Jenny Scheinman - All Species Parade

Label: Royal Potato Family, 2024

Personnel - Jenny Scheinman: violin; Bill Frisell: guitar; Carmen Staaf: piano; Tony Scherr: bass; Kenny Wollesen: drums. Guests - Julian Lage: guitar (#3,6,10); Nels Cline (#7,8).

Violinist and composer Jenny Scheinman, well-regarded in jazz circles for her collaborations with guitarist Bill Frisell and drummers Allison Miller and Scott Amendola, continues to impress in her latest album, All Species Parade. This ambitious work features a core quintet comprising Frisell on guitar, Carmen Staaf on piano, bassist Tony Scherr, and drummer Kenny Wollesen, with additional contributions from guest guitarists Julian Lage and Nels Cline on select tracks. Inspired by her return to her native Humboldt County, California, after years in New York, Scheinman crafts ten richly textured musical canvases that traverse a broad stylistic spectrum.

“Ornette Goes Home” opens with nimble brushed drums and a driving bass groove, blending chromatic movements with an Americana aesthetic for a rustic, bluesy vibe. The quintet shines as each member takes turns soloing, offering distinct emotional hues before the track shifts into a funk-infused conclusion. Funk is also present in the colorful title track, “All Species Parade”, where Wollesen’s cool rock beat underscores a vibrant central melody with an Arabesque descent, creating a celebratory atmosphere enriched by hints of American folk idioms. 

“Jaroujiji”, a cinematic homage to the Wiyot tribe, introduces a dramatic tone with Staaf’s clear-cut piano riff and Lage’s expressive acoustic guitar. Scheinman and Frisell collaborate closely in the melodic narrative, weaving intricate lines that highlight the track's poignant beauty. This cut, the title track, and the short-lived “The Sea Also Rises” form an Ellington-inspired suite, confirming the departure from the concise, song-like structures of Scheinman’s previous albums. Lage lends his expressive guitar work to two other titles — “Shutdown Stomp”, a folk rag piece whose energy leaves us gasping for breath, features him painting outside the frames with pastel shades, also spotlighting Wollesen’s vigorous accentuations; and the closer, “Nocturne 2020”, whose tender romanticism gains traction with a 7/4 meter signature.

Nels Cline’s chameleon-like guitar work adds further dimension to “House of Flowers”, a tender ballad with a country sensibility, and “The Cape”, a furious piece driven by krautrock rhythms and gritty blues-rock chops. By contrast, the playful “Every Bear That Ever There Was” blends the stealthy charm of Henry Mancini’s “Pink Panther Theme” with the noir allure of David Shire’s "Marlowe’s Theme”, while the ambient “With Sea Lions” evokes a monolithic wave of tranquil, blue-hued awe.

Scheinman explores a wide array of stylistic contexts, finding remarkable depth and nuance within each. All Species Parade reflects her honest and courageous vision, brought to life by a band whose tightly connected chemistry elevates every track. 

Favorite Tracks:
01 - Ornette Goes Home ► 05 - All Species Parade ► 06 - Shutdown Stomp

Ben Goldberg / Todd Sickafoose / Scott Amendola - Here to There

Label: Secret Hatch Records, 2024

Personnel - Ben Goldberg: clarinet; Todd Sickafoose: bass; Scott Amendola: drums.

Clarinetist Ben Goldberg, bassist Todd Sickafoose, and drummer Scott Amendola join forces to form a truly collaborative trio of progressive jazz luminaries. Each has been a significant presence in the creative music scene for decades, excelling as both inventive bandleaders and masterful sidemen. While they’ve played together in various contexts, Here to There marks their first endeavor as a trio, delivering a collection of originals inspired by the bridges of Thelonious Monk’s compositions. Abstracting with virtuosity and dexterity, the trio creates refined avant-garde jazz artworks within a musical universe that feels entirely their own.

The album kicks off with Sickafoose’s “In Walked”, a piece harmonically rooted in Monk’s “In Walked Bud”. From the outset, the trio immerses listeners in quick, cyclic clarinet patterns—occasionally hinting at the original melody—accompanied by screeching cymbals and loose bass notes that lock into a 5/4 groove. Goldberg’s expressive clarinet playing exudes heart and vibrancy, while Amendola’s nuanced drumming, complete with surprising colorations and tasteful electronics, adds depth. The drummer also contributes three versions of his “Lion Heart,” with the first presented as a clarinet-and-drums duet.

“Self Evident”, drawn from Monk’s “Evidence”, ventures into experimental territory with a polyrhythmic modernism that includes hip-hop-inspired beats, sparse bass gestures, and reflective clarinet improvisations. The piece evolves into a ritualistic soundscape as Amendola incorporates layered percussion, Sickafoose provides a constant bass pulse, and Goldberg stretches his melodic explorations. 

Sickafoose also contributes “Sad Trophy” and “Interospection”, inspired by Monk’s “Epistrophy” and “Introspection”, respectively. “Sad Trophy” is propelled by a 2/4 bass motif, rattling shaker rhythms, and dry cymbal accents, with Goldberg’s incantatory clarinet soaring above. “Interospection”, on the other hand, unfolds with a slow, spaced-out groove that gradually builds intensity while maintaining an undercurrent of tension.

Goldberg’s three compositions—“Porch Concert Material 9”, “Porch Concert Material 2”, and “Porch Concert Material 6”—highlight his distinct approach. The first offers speech-like patterns with motivic ebbs and flows; the second juxtaposes classical undertones, swinging bass lines, and conversational drumming; and the third delivers a beautiful, balladic melody with understated elegance.

This trio spreads a fantastic vibe, and every choice made works like a charm. Here to There offers elevated music, sure to leave listeners in a great mood.

Favorite Tracks:
01 - In Walked ► 02 - Self Evident ► 05 - Sad Trophy

Anna Webber with Matt Mitchell and John Hollenbeck - simpletrio2000

Label: Intakt Records, 2024

Personnel - Anna Webber: tenor saxophone, flutes; Matt Mitchell: piano; John Hollenbeck: drums.

Saxophonist, flutist, and composer Anna Webber—a meticulous conceptualist in improvised music—draws from the depths of polyrhythmic inspiration for her latest album, Simpletrio2000. Over the past decade, Webber has earned well-deserved acclaim for her rhythmic inventiveness and distinct stylistic twists across several albums. This new release marks ten years since the debut of her long-running band Simple Trio, featuring pianist Matt Mitchell and drummer John Hollenbeck. Across nearly an hour, they absolutely marvel with complex, intriguing soundscapes and rhythmic mastery.

Each piece is one-of-a-kind. “Slingsh0t” opens with overlapping jabs of cerebral saxophone pulses, loose piano build-ups, and unflappable rock-solid drumming. These elements converge into a driving electro-rock-inspired synthesis delivered at a complex, exhilarating tempo. Webber delivers a solo of poignant beauty, with Mitchell underpinning the pulse. “Idiom VII” was written with extended techniques in mind, in the case slap-tonguing saxophone staccatos with spiky intervals. The flux created, matched by Hollenbeck’s precise movements, is reinforced with Mitchell’s layer in a bewildering rhythmic exercise infused with rock and avant-garde muscularity.

Webber puts down her tenor for flute on “Foray”, casting fluid notes over a slow, menacing piano sequence of minor thirds as Hollenbeck keeps filling the space with an exquisite blend of toms and cymbals. There’s a blatant sense of mystery and suspense that comes and goes according to the motions and pulsations created. In “Miiire”, her buoyant flute melodies intertwine with dancing piano lines, weaving electronic music textures, rock, and hints of modern classical fugues. The track’s rhythmic shifts are handled with impressive finesse, and we even sense music from other parts of the world.

“8va” brings saxophone multiphonics over a calm, ambient backdrop, crescendoing to a powerful tenor solo from Webber. “Five Eateries (in New England)” explores various moods with provocative gestures, including alternative rock progressions, tension-filled chromatic shifts, and avant-garde outcries. Webber confesses being thrilled to compose for her talented triomates, and each member is featured solo on one track. 

Simpletrio2000 reveals fresh dimensions in the trio’s musical partnership, balancing disciplined control with boundless improvisational spirit. This album stands as another giant step forward in Webber’s discography.

Favorite Tracks: 
01 - Slingsh0t ► 02 - Idiom VII ► 04 - Foray ► 05 - Five Eateries (in New England)

Aaron Parks- Little Big III

Label: Blue Note Records, 2024

Personnel - Aaron Parks: piano; Greg Tuohey: guitar; David Ginyard Jr.: bass; Jongkuk Kim: drums.

The third installment of pianist and composer Aaron Parks’s Little Big quartet has arrived, featuring nine original compositions—five by Parks, three by guitarist Greg Tuhoey, and one by bassist David Ginyard, Jr. The group is rounded out by South Korean drummer Jonkuk Kim, who replaces Tommy Crane. There’s a strong sense of identity within the band, as they explore cohesive moods where jazz tradition seamlessly merges with contemporary sounds. At times, however, Little Big III feels a bit restrained, as if the group is holding back, casting a tentative, incantatory spell rather than delivering consistently memorable moments.

That said, the album has a promising start, with Parks’ “Flyways” launching the listener on an exhilarating journey through space. The pianist’s insistent chords throughout this boldly asymmetric piece—built on additive 10+9 beat cycles—enjoys positive contrast from Tuohey’s outgoing guitar work. Also from Parks, “Locked Down” and “Heart Stories” both lean into balladic storytelling, with the former infusing more elements of interest—in a fine blend of strange mystery and sweet resignation—than the latter, which, despite its melodic and harmonic poignancy, lacks spark.

Tuohey’s “Sports” gets underway with a 24-beat bass groove underpinning a gorgeous melody that hints at African inspiration. Park’s solo here is the warmest of company, while Tuohey’s could be further expanded. The funk-rock energy produced by bass and drums gets us quickly hooked, but the guitarist has other compositional offerings, spreading waves of Americana on his “Willamina”. Ginyard Jr. contributes “Little Beginnings”, bringing a fusion of smooth jazz and R&B with a peculiar bluesy feel. Stylist and fresh, it features a regenerative piano cycle, syncopated drumming, snappy bass lines, and a guitar solo tinged with a high-pitched, flute-like effect. 

The album concludes with Parks’ “Ashé”, a spacey, delicately brushed tune first recorded in 2007 and included on Terence Blanchard’s A Tale of God’s Will. Here, it’s infused with an added layer of dreamlike sensitivity, bringing the album to a fitting close that resonates with both nostalgia and quiet wonder.

Favorite Tracks:
01 - Flyways ► 02 - Locked Down ► 04 - Sports

Caleb Wheeler Curtis - The True Story of Bears and the Invention of the Battery

Label: Imani Records, 2024

Personnel - Caleb Wheeler Curtis: stritch, trumpet, sopranino saxophone, tenor saxophone; Sean Conly: bass; Michael Sarin: drums, Eric Revis: bass; Justin Faulkner: drums.

Following the authoritative statement of Heat Map (Imani Records, 2022), saxophonist and composer Caleb Wheeler Curtis returns with The True Story of Bears and the Invention of the Battery, a double album featuring two finely tuned trios that excel in free-flowing interplay and fluid structures. Curtis, who now has four albums under his belt, plays three different saxophones and trumpet here, employing overdubs to create moments of contrapuntal and synergistic stimulation.

Disc One features Curtis alongside bassist Sean Conly and drummer Michael Sarin, who provide alert support across nine originals and a solo saxophone rendition of Arthur Blythe’s “Odessa”, where Curtis’ lyrical grace in on full display. “The First Question” is set in motion by leisurely groovy bass lines and understated drumming, before saxophone and muted trumpet appear in parallel. The horns explore an unaccompanied, ruminative passage before Conly’s bass returns with rhythmic flexibility, adding a dynamic lift to the piece.

“This Cult Does Not Help” introduces a start-and-stop beneath a Monk-esque, propelling the trio into freebop territory as Conly’s swinging bass locks in with Sarin’s snappy brushwork. Curtis’ exploration of timbre conjures fluid melodic streams on both saxophone and trumpet. Offering a distinct mood, “A Feather is Not a Bird” gently dances through a simple three-note figure that repeats with hypnotic, contrapuntal intensity. 

The standout track, “Bears and the Invention of the Battery”, initially floats with soaring arco bass, effervescent drumming, and edgy reed and brass sounds. This later transitions into an electro-rock-inpired framework that, grooving and throbbing with spirited rhythmic displacements, features interesting improvisational ideas coming from Curtis. He maintains this zealous sense of direction on “Stellar Ray, See?”, building on top of methodic trap drums and inquisitive bass expressions. Sarin’s drum choices work like a charm and Conly’s resonant bass lines are enhanced by extremely tasteful patterns.

For Disc Two, Curtis enlists bassist Eric Revis and drummer Justin Faulkner for a set of ten Thelonious Monk compositions. Standout moments include the high-energy rendition of “Raise Four”, the gentle melodic clarity of “Reflections”, the infectious groove of “Oska T.”, and the blistering sax-over-drums manifesto of “Ugly Beauty”. Curtis also shines on “Jackie-ing”, balancing timbre, articulation, and inventive motifs with finesse.

Across both discs, Curtis sounds very much like himself, blending sensitivity and physicality. Each trio finds creative ways to explore their sound, making this album a distinct and valuable addition to Curtis’s discography.

Favorite Tracks - Disc One:
02 - The First Question ► 03 - This Cult Does Not Help ► 06 - Bears and the Invention of the Battery

Peter Evans - Extra

Label: We Jazz Records, 2024

Personnel - Peter Evans: piccolo trumpet, flugelhorn, piano; Petter Eldh: bass, synthesizer; Jim Black: drums, electronics.

No one grooves quite like trumpeter and composer Peter Evans, a master of experimental sounds, especially in modern, electronic-inspired contexts. With a powerhouse rhythm section—bassist Petter Eldh and drummer Jim Black—backing him, expectations for cutting-edge rhythmic exploration are met and exceeded. The shared passion these visionaries have for a hybrid blend of progressive jazz, alternative rock, and electronic music is infectious, and this album captures a broad spectrum of Evans’ musical world. Wonderfully mixed, the eight Evans originals were recorded in Lisbon in 2023.

The wild opener, “Freaks”, is an impactful harbinger for what comes next. Sustained brass notes soar over a propulsive, vibrant rhythm, creating rhythmic euphoria that’s both swinging and grooving. The dubbed trumpet lines build to a final solo that drives the piece to a powerful finish.

Delivering flashes of brilliance throughout, the trio’s remarkable work reaches new heights on “In See”, whose tribal vibe seems to emulate a Brazilian cuíca while drawing heavily from experimental electronica and EDM. Evans’ stuttering staccatos and motivic inclinations are complemented by Eldh’s hyperactive bass lines, while Black lays down an intense tapestry of punk rock and krautrock rhythms. The drummer also stokes the fire in “Boom”, where Evans’ piercing, swift trumpet attacks add extra muscle to the melodic and harmonic interplay.

The kinetic “Fully Born” carries the same explosive energy as the earlier tracks, arriving with an uncompromising posture, suitable for alternative dance floors. In contrast, “Nova” and “Movement 56” are less exuberant, delving into more atmospheric territory. The former features beautiful piano parts cutting through a breezy flow of trumpet and percussion, while the latter, abundant in loopy, riffs, and glitchy electronics, takes on a darker, ominous tone. 

Extra offers listeners a thrilling musical journey full of discovery. Every track, fresh and provocative, pushes the boundaries of improvisation and experimental music to new heights. It’s an indispensable record for those who enjoy their improvised jazz dipped in other genres.

Favorite Tracks:
01 - Freaks ► 02 - In See ► 03 - Boom

Bill Frisell / Kit Downes / Andrew Cyrille - Breaking the Shell

Label: Red Hook Records, 2024

Personnel - Bill Frisell: electric guitar; Kit Downes: organ; Andrew Cyrille: drums.

This remarkable musical collaboration between revered guitarist Bill Frisell, versed British organist Kit Downes, and veteran drummer Andrew Cyrille results in a uniquely original work with so much going on, that only repeated listenings will make you pick up the nuances and fully absorb the vibes. Pushing beyond the usual boundaries of jazz, this innovative trio ensures that nothing in their sonic landscapes feels predictable. The 11 tracks on Breaking the Shell were recorded in New York’s Church of St. Luke in the Fields, an acoustically rich space that enhanced the resonance of the group’s sound, particularly Downes' commanding pipe organ, with its 27 stops and 1,670 pipes. 

We are pitched straight into “May 4th”, an experimental effort by Frisell and Downes, containing vibrant droning in an intriguing balance between expansive guitar and grounding organ. Equally penned by the duo, “Kasei Valles”, named after a giant system of canyons on Mars, continues the experimental vibe, using sinister drones, looping riffs, and distorted walls of sound that evoke a psychedelic, nebulous atmosphere.

Downes’ “Untitled 2023” offers a more grounded composition, but with loose, exploratory drumming prying itself out of inertia. There’s shoulder-to-shoulder work by Frisell and Downes who employ harmonics and floating beams, respectively, to give the piece its peaceful resolution. Also penned by Downes, “El” is a beautiful piece where a tangible, affecting melody slides on top of a steady atmospheric texture, complemented with Cyrille’s magnificent brushwork and a guest appearance by cellist Lucy Railton. Cyrille’s skill with brushes is further showcased in his own composition, “Proximity”, a ballad filled with wonder and heartfelt emotion, akin to a meditative prayer.

Frisell, who embraces guitar reinvention at each new recording, injects wonderful impressionism in his composition “July 2nd”, delving into a gravity-defying harmonic exploration. “Two Twins” sonically paints with avant-garde tonalities, with Frisell bending notes, loosening harmonics, and fingerpicking amid tranquil waves of reverb, while Downes wraps it all in a contemporary electro bubble.

The trio also interprets two traditional European folk tunes, one from Norway and one from Hungary. The Norwegian song, “Sjung Hjerte Sjung”, grows progressively deeper, moved by Cyrille’s bright command of cymbals and snare, and filtered by a slight Southern sound that includes snippets of ambient-rock and modal music. The Hungarian piece, “Este a Székelyeknél”, takes us to hypnotic states with its quirky timbral radiations.

Throughout Breaking the Shell, the trio demonstrates a constant fascination with sound and texture, creating a transcendental work of experimental jazz that is as bewildering as it is exhilarating. It’s a must-listen for anyone who seeks fresh vibes in creative music.

Favorite Tracks:
02 - Untitled 2023 ► 04 - El ► 06 - Sjung Hjerte Sjung ► 08 - July 2nd

Ben Monder - Planetarium

Label: Sunnyside Records, 2024

Personnel - Ben Monder: guitar; Chris Tordini: bass; Ted Poor: drums; Satoshi Takeishi: drums; Theo Bleckmann: vocals; Charlotte Mundy: vocals; Emily Hurst: vocals; Joseph Branciforte: drums; Theo Sable: vocals.

Ben Monder, a masterful guitar genius known for pushing the boundaries of modern composition, delivers yet another tour de force with Planetarium, a triple-disc project that spans a decade and took three years to record. has the capacity to delight no matter which direction he takes. Monder, whose stylistic range encompasses jazz, modern classical, heavy metal, and alternative rock, weaves together intricate compositions filled with richly detailed juxtapositions and subtly shifting moods. While dense and featuring extended tracks, the album is a rewarding listen, demanding and deserving of your time and attention. 

The composer finds hidden strengths with his guests in several pieces, starting with the brilliant opener, “Ouroboros II”. This composition seems to have prog-rock and metal undertones, with the elegant and enigmatic fingerpicking sound of Monder reaching grandiose heights. Charlotte Mundy’s ethereal vocal layers provide a striking counterpoint, while Satoshi Takeishi’s percussion work enhances the contemporary sonic landscape.

Two standout tracks, the 23-minute epic “The Mentaculus” and the nostalgic “1973” feature bassist Chris Tordini and drummer Ted Poor, whose tight interaction is arresting and supportive. “The Mentaculus” is a masterclass in complexity and emotion, blending elements of sadcore and alternative rock into cutting-edge crossovers with shifting meters and rich pulses and ambiances. “1973” takes its gravitational pull from Poor’s methodic backbeat over which a churning guitar riff and the inimitable voice of Theo Bleckmann are placed. The style here takes me to the post-space-rock of Godspeed You! Black Emperor. 

Bleckmann also shines on “Li Po”, named after a Chinese poet, where his visceral, guttural vocals cut through dark, distorted atmospheres and eerie tones. The title track, a solo guitar performance, comes wrapped in an optimistic, gentle aura, while “Ataraxia” features acoustic guitar oozing bright constellations of notes, the soaring voice of Bleckmann—stratified in different registers—and the drumming of co-producer Joseph Branciforte. This long-form piece gains momentum as Monder’s electric guitar solo unspools.

“Globestructures - Option II” is a fantasy inspired by Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel The Unconsoled, offering a great harmonic atmosphere with pedals and guitar harmonics, and “Ouroboros I”, a chameleonic duet with Takeishi, moves from modern lyricism to experimental rock to dark atmospheric corners. “Noctivagant” is a melancholy sleepwalk, with Monder’s acoustic guitar setting the tone, while “Collinsport”, featuring the voices of Bleckmann and Emily Hurst, investigates sound with a blend of curiosity, caution, and determination. The standard “Wayfarer Stranger”, with Monder on baritone guitar accompanying a recording of his mother singing, closes out the album in style.

Planetarium is pure musical flow, another impressive entry to the guitarist’s already formidable list of personal accomplishments.

Favorite Tracks:
01 (CD1) - Ouroboros II ► 02 (CD1) - The Mentaculus ► 02 (CD2) - Ataraxia ► 03 (CD3) - Ouroboros I

Jason Stein - Anchors

Label: Tao Forms, 2024

Personnel - Jason Stein: bass clarinet; Joshua Abrams: bass; Gerald Cleaver: drums; Boon: guitar (#1,7)

After a six-year hiatus, Chicago-based bass clarinetist Jason Stein makes a compelling return with Anchors, an album that is consistently intriguing, surprising, and invigorating. Inspired by the disciplines and practices that helped him overcome a creep-threatening injury, Stein demonstrates technical mastery and profound sonority throughout the record’s narrative arc. He is joined here by bassist Joshua Abrams and drummer Gerald Cleaver, who provide a cohesive yet adaptable foundation. 

The album is bookended by the piece “Anchor”, a delicate rubato duet revolving around a particular melody that serves as a meditation on stillness and motion. Written by the guitarist and co-producer Boon, it serves as a gentle entry point into the album's explorations. The following track, aptly titled “Boon”, unfolds as a loose avant-garde rumination that is both uncompromising and erratic, without ever feeling sinister. The co-composed “Crystalline” uses stagnation and fragility as launching points, with Stein offering temperate phrases and circular breathing techniques in a nuanced arrangement of notes. Abrams transitions from bowed bass to sparse pizzicato, while Cleaver shifts from pulsing cymbal glee to tom-tom commotion, culminating in a beautiful finish.

With freedom and focus as key elements, the trio shapes “An Origin” with deep, repetitive droning sounds of bass and bass clarinet. Abrams and Stein explore the lower reaches of their instruments over Cleaver’s shuffling, dynamic drumwork, evoking ambiguous black-and-white images in a monochromatic reference to suffering and chronic pain. As the track progresses, groove and color are gradually infused, with Abrams’ bass serving as the gravitational center while guiding us through a polished harmonic progression. 

“Holding Breath”, inspired by a technique Stein used for physical and mental benefit, is the album’s longest track at 12 minutes. It begins with air sounds, raspy bass tones, and rattling percussive, evolving from a suspended mode into a bluesy 4/4 modal structure. As the track swings fluidly, Stein’s elaborately articulated language invites the listener to hang in there. In stark contrast, “Cold Water” is a scorching free improvisation that leaves the listener breathless, only to bring a clear melody into focus by the end.

Anchors is a first-rate musical experience that encourages listeners to revel in Stein's sinuous, addictive narratives and vivid expressions of life experiences.

Favorite Tracks:
03 - Crystalline ► 05 - An Origin ► 06 - Holding Breath

Patricia Brennan Septet - Breaking Stretch

Label: Pyroclastic Records, 2024

Personnel - Patricia Brennan; vibraphone with electronics, marimba; Jon Irabagon: alto and sopranino saxophones; Mark Shim: tenor saxophone; Adam O’Farrill: trumpet (with electronics on #1,3,9); Kim Cass: bass; Marcus Gilmore: drums; Mauricio Herrera: percussion.

This tour-de-force septet album from New York-based vibraphonist Patricia Brennan showcases her dedication and expansive approach to composition. Breaking Stretch is lushly conceived, with occasional cultural references to the Caribbean and Latin America, offering intriguing textures, varying pulses, cohesive ensemble passages, and probing improvisation. Brennan, whose mallet-induced vibes shimmer through each track, trusts an incisive three-horn frontline—trumpeter Adam O’Farrill and saxophonists Jon Irabagon and Mark Shim—to join her More Touch Quartet, featuring bassist Kim Cass, drummer Marcus Gilmore, and percussionist Mauricio Herrera.

The soca music-inspired “Los Otros Yo” sets a colorful rhythmic matrix at the intersection of avant-garde jazz and calypso. A concise, to-the-point theme gives way to exuberant solos by Brennan and O’Farrill, who enhances his sound with electronic effects, and then a passage where Irabagon and Shim swap angular licks, their horns singing simultaneously in a thrilling display of vitality. The title cut, “Breaking Stretch”, opens with a triangular horn dialogue, its deep-rooted bass contributing to a juxtaposition of binary and ternary rhythmic feels. The resulting enigmatic atmosphere is reminiscent of Henry Threadgill’s sonic explorations, with Shim populating it with dark tones and fractal interpolation. Shim also takes center stage on “555”, a piece based on a rhythmic sequence of three beats divided by five. Cass provides a free funk substructure for the vibraphone solo, and Irabagon finishes the proceedings with a stratospheric display of tonal abundance. “Palo De Oros” stands out as a favorite, introduced by Cass with harmonics, vibratos, and impeccable articulations before unfolding into a 10-beat rhythmic cycle. The time signature shifts throughout a gripping arrangement that includes precise horn unisons, hooky solos, triumphant transitions, and frenetic drumming marking the final vamp. 

“Sueños de Coral Azul” brings a breezier mood, serving as a nostalgic nod to Brennan’s Mexican hometown, Vera Cruz. Meanwhile, “Five Sun” blends Latin and funk elements in an infectious, electrified romp driven by a key-shifting bass figure and invigorated by accents and rhythmic stretches. The album closes with the dazzling, disorienting “Earendel”.

The musicians are at the top of their games, feeding off one another’s energy organically and navigating every compositional challenge without a glitch. Breaking Stretch is an impressive showcase of Brennan’s broad musical vision and stands as one of the year’s strongest jazz releases. 

Favorite Tracks:
01 - Los Otros Yo ► 04 - Palo de Oros ► 09 - Earendel

Trygve Seim / Frode Haltli - Our Time

Label: ECM Records, 2024

Personnel - Trygve Seim: tenor and soprano saxophone; Frode Haltli: accordion.

Effortlessly navigating between folk-inspired melodies and open drift, the Norwegian duo of saxophonist Trygve Seim and accordionist Frode Haltli returns with Our Time, their second collaborative release following their 2008 debut Yeraz. The duo exhibits a sharp-eared empathy for diverse, world-inspired sounds, infusing each track with unique energy and churning detail, all while maintaining their characteristically lyrical approach.

This distinctive synergy is apparent from the outset. Haltli’s “Du, Mi Tid” plunges into a folk-ambient soundscape, exuding transcendent beauty. The delicate saxophone lines soar over shimmering layers of accordion, a design that continues on “Improvisation No. 1/Fanfare”, where the duo evokes distant worlds through a blend of cries and whispers. A buzzing, cyclical pattern leads to the pure melody of Seim’s “Fanfare”, a piece emotionally heightened by the musicians’ deeply felt intonation.

Seim’s “Arabian Tango” is delivered with fervent passion, while the traditional Ukrainian lullaby “Oy Khodyt Son, Kolo Vikon” serves as a soothing balm, flowing graciously as upper register soprano melodies spool out leisurely. The duo arranged this piece with the harpist Ruth Potter, a member of the Trondheim Symphonic Orchestra.

The album takes a detour into North Indian folk with “Improvisation No. 2/Shyama Sundara Madana Mohana”, yet it’s the brief, free take on Stravinsky’s “Le Cinq Doigts No. 5” that stands out. Here, modern classical elements are transformed into a philosophical dialogue, further intensified in “Improvisation No. 4”, where it grows dramatically interesting. Haltli’s rippling, enigmatic accompaniment in this piece has the power to transport listeners to another realm. The album closes with “Elegi”, a mournful chant delivered with deep-seated melancholy.

Having played together for nearly a quarter of a century, Seim and Haltli’s deep musical connection is evident in their well-versed exploration of texture and melody. Our Time is a work that may leave some purists of sound sighing with pleasure, a testament to the depth of their artistic expression.

Favorite Tracks:
01 - Du, Mi Tid ► 02 - Improvisation No. 1 / Fanfare ► 07 - Improvisation No. 4 / Les Cinq Doigts No. 5

Adam O'Farrill - Hueso

Label: Food Records, 2024

Personnel - Adam O’Farrill: trumpet; Xavier Del Ccastillo: tenor saxophone; Walter Stinson: double bass; Zack O’Farrill: drums, percussion.

Brooklyn-based trumpeter Adam O’Farrill is a force of nature whose mature and innovative compositions epitomize contemporary jazz boldness. Hueso marks the return of his quartet, Stranger Days, featuring saxophonist Xavier Del Castillo, bassist Walter Stinson, and his brother, drummer Zack O’Farrill.

The album opens with a solo trumpet rendition of Radiohead’s “Truth Ray I”, where Adam's stunning technique is on full display, utilizing synth-like effects and multiphonics pushed to tremolo extremes. “Truth Ray II” brings the full quartet into play, showcasing deep camaraderie as Adam and Del Castillo engage in intricate counterpoint and staccato precision, while a shift in the drum flow provides Stinson with space for a tactful improvisation.

“Dodging Roses” starts with Zack's gorgeous, stable rhythm, later having saxophone and bass alternating riffs and thoughts in advance of impeccable horn-fronted unisons and a more invigorating rhythm. Adam’s angular solo ascends with tremendous ease, backed by constant flare ups and slowdowns in the chord-less accompaniment. Showcasing muscular rock insinuations, “Hueso” illustrates why Adam and Del Castillo form an enthusiast, powerful frontline, employing  intense counterpoint over a nuanced bass pedal point and understated drumming. Their improvisations are imbued with emotion and creativity.

“Proximity of Clouds” unveils lumbering, droning parallels at the outset, a particularly yielding quintuple rhythm at the base, and classical nuance during the sax-trumpet interplay. “Gesturing Towards the West” is grandiose in sound and defiant in posture, evincing attributes like coordination, tension, and timbral depth. The album culminates with the darker atmospherics of “Cumulus”, where the horns wrap their sounds around bass and drums, creating an intriguing soundscape.

Hueso invites listeners to explore and internalize  its emotional depth without ever disappointing. Adam O’Farrill further solidifies his progressive credentials as both a modern trumpeter and a forward-thinking composer.

Favorite Tracks:
03 - Dodging Roses ► 05 - Hueso ► 08 - Cumulus

Lux Quartet - Tomorrowland

Label: Enja / Yellowbird, 2024

Personnel - Myra Melford: piano; Allison Miller: drums; Dayna Stephens: alto, tenor and soprano saxophones; Scott Colley: upright bass.

Lux Quartet is co-led by two distinctive and accomplished musicians — pianist Myra Melford and drummer Allison Miller — whose formidable bodies of work set high expectations for this debut. With the well-rounded saxophonist Dayna Stephens and the formidable bassist Scott Colley rounding out the group, the anticipation is well-founded. This project, which explores philosophical and spiritual themes, offers a sound that is more accessible than the avant-jazz of Melford’s Fire and Water Quintet and less sprightly than the jazz-rock hybrids of Miller’s Boom Tic Boom.

The album features compositions from all four members, beginning with Melford’s “Intricate Drift”, which exhibits impeccably intonated unisons, a cool, marching flow, and oblique improvisations. On this piece, Melford seamlessly picks up where Stephens’ solo leaves off, driving the music forward with creativity and logical progression. The longer compositions on the album are hers, on the lookout for exploration and spontaneity, and “The Wayward Line” is another highlight, beginning with sympathetic bass-drums activity and evolving through an inventive structure. This track includes parallel sax-piano lines, burnished saxophone coloration over revolving drums, and a section where piano curlicues and focused arco bass coexist, placing the quartet firmly in avant-garde territory.

Miller’s contributions bring a different flavor to the album. “Congratulations and Condolences” offers a rich, comforting, and fulfilling plate of modal post-bop, highlighted by soprano sax flights and rock-solid drumming, “Deeply Us” contrasts with its rubato ballad feel, gaining further genuine expression with Colley’s prominent thoughts. Miller also revisits the staccato-infused “Speak Eddie”, first recorded in 2013 as part of the album No Morphine No Lillies (Royal Potato Family), here distinguished by its walking bass and conspicuous ride cymbal pulses.

The album is marked by a deep sense of rapport, wit, and small epiphanies, with each piece consistently arriving at a satisfying destination, regardless of pace or texture. Stephens and Colley each contribute one composition, exuding peculiarity in their processes. Stephens’ “23 Januarys” draws inspiration from Messiaen’s modes of limited transposition, blending fluxes and energies to create polyrhythms, supported by a swinging bass flow and softly brushed snare and hi-hat. Colley’s “Tomorrowland,” a piece retrieved from his 2010 album Empire (Cam Jazz), is notable for its use of drama, ambiguity, and space, culminating in a dark, torpid atmosphere.

The levels of composition and execution are top-notch, and Tomorrowland is filled with the musical maturity and inventiveness expected from prestigious anchors and improvisers of the scene.

Favorite Tracks:
01- Intricate Drift ► 03 - Congratulations and Condolences ► 05 - The Wayward Line

Ingrid Laubrock / Tom Rainey - Brink

Label: Intakt Records, 2024

Personnel - Ingrid Laubrock: tenor and soprano saxophone; Tom Rainey: drums.

Saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and drummer Tom Rainey present a fresh and captivating exploration of sound in their latest album, Brink. This album not only showcases their individuality as creative artists but also highlights the unique duo identity they have honed through numerous sessions, including those recorded in their Brooklyn apartment during the pandemic. 

Brink continues their intimate and nuanced relationship with sound and texture, alternating between shorter, intricately designed pieces ("brinks") and more extended forms where they deftly navigate both tempestuous and delicate atmospheres. What fuels the album’s opening track, “Flock of Conclusions”, is the fluidity of a conversation that ebbs and flows vividly, reaching a relevant expressive dimension.

The co-composed piece “Coaxing” showcases Laubrock’s assertive tenor saxophone phrases, which gradually gain weight and meaning over Rainey’s deep, resonant tom-tom work. The controlled flow gives way to an eruptive rhythmic surge in the final section, a cathartic exploration of freedom. Rainey, with his acute sense of musical integration, contributes significantly to Laubrock’s enigmatic composition “Liquified Columns”, where sparse yet tense free musings are punctuated by metallic sounds, deep drumming, and growling saxophone multiphonics. The closing track, “Said, Been Said”, shares a similarly intense spirit.

In “A Peculiar Logic”, another collaborative composition, the duo creates a tight lock-step rhythm, with Laubrock soaring high on soprano sax over Rainey’s comfortable cymbal and snare chatter. “Scrunch Repercussions”, which came out of Laubrock’s mind, is obliquely cut through, a masterclass in articulation and synergistic interplay that evolves in a distinctly tangy style, incorporating martial snare fluxes, well-aligned saxophone outputs, and powerful riffs that trigger dynamic rhythmic motions.

Throughout the album, the telepathic communication between Laubrock and Rainey is on full display, bringing unpredictable forms, surprising timbres, and strains of melody underpinned by exquisite rhythms. Sparking with inventiveness, these freewheeling pieces navigate a range of moods, offering a rich source of inspiration for creative jazz explorers.

Favorite Tracks:
03 - Coaxing ► 07 - A Peculiar Logic ► 09 - Scrunch Repercussions

Tomeka Reid Quartet - 3+3

Label: Cuneiform Records, 2024

Personnel - Tomeka Reid: cello; Mary Halvorson: guitar; Jason Roebke; bass; Tomas Fujiwara: drums.

American cellist and composer Tomeka Reid has been a vital force in the creative jazz scene, playing in groups led by flautist Nicole Mitchell, pianist Myra Milford, and multi-reedist Roscoe Mitchell, while also leading her own acclaimed quartet. This ensemble, featuring guitarist Mary Halvorson, bassist Jason Roebke, and drummer Tomas Fujiwara, shines brightly in 3+3, Reid’s sublime third outing with the group, comprising pieces that delve into extended forms, blending notated passages with ample space for free improvisation. From the opening notes to the final moments, the chemistry among these exceptional musicians is palpable.

“Turning Inward / Sometimes You Just Have to Run With it” begins as an open exploration, leading to touching chamber moments where Reid’s cello and Roebke’s bowed bass resonate in melodic consonance. Cymbal splashes anchor the bottom line, with Halvorson’s guitar texturing the top. Reid and Halvorson work in tandem, laying down well-delineated figures and phrases that build into solos over cyclic progressions made groovy by Roebke and Fujiwara. Halvorson excels at giving harmonic direction, sounding more bluesy and melodic than usual, while Roebke’s every single move feels like pure groove — his playing and sound are a true delight.

“Sauntering with Mr. Brown” is propelled by an off-kilter pace, showcasing staccato prowess and developing into a rock-flavored narrative, with Fujiwara adding even more steam to the mix. On occasion, one can experience a full-fledge experimentalism but there are also signs of tradition and counterbalanced collective interplay. “Exploring Outward / Funambulist Forever” encapsulates this blend, starting in a free fashion with well-measured actions by each member before Halvorson’s blend of electronic sounds and angular phrasing takes center stage. Afterward, she slowly toggles between two chords, enhancing chromatic movement in a more introspective passage. The piece then transitions effortlessly into a swinging section, with a call-and-response interplay between Reid and Halvorson that injects the music with kinetic energy.

Undoubtedly Reid’s finest album to date, 3+3 will stand the test of time. It’s one of the year’s best albums and a testament to Reid’s extraordinary artistry. 

Favorite Tracks:
01 - Turning Inward / Sometimes You Just Have to Run With it ► 02 - Sauntering With Mr. Brown ► 03 - Exploring Outward / Funambulist Forever

Matt Mitchell - Zealous Angles

Label: Pi Recordings, 2024

Personnel - Matt Mitchell: piano; Chris Tordini: bass; Dan Weiss: drums.

Notable pianist Matt Mitchell has earned accolades as an inventive composer and improviser, known for his brainy avant-jazz (de)constructions often layered with motivic ideas, which bolsters tension and broaden options. His work is characterized by unpredictable flows and polyrhythmic complexity. In this trio with sharp-eared bassist Chris Tordini and multi-faceted drummer Dan Weiss, Mitchell continues to explore intricate, non-obvious time frameworks. 

The album opens with “Sponger”, an impressive track that lays puzzling rhythms beneath sinuous phrases, exploring contrasting timbres and textures. “Apace” showcases both chanting and swinging qualities, similar to “Rapacious”, which thrives on zestful, energetic drumming. “Jostler” introduces humor-infused motifs over an irregular beat and hopping bass patterns, while “‘Rejostled” perpetuates cyclic anxieties.

“Angled Languor” features deliberately indolent piano playing, at times reminiscent of Paul Bley, set against a foundational tapestry weaved by sure-footed bass notes and sizzling brushwork. A similar languidity appears on “Apical Gropes”, an abstracted reverie that can’t quite match the haunting serenity of “Gauzy”.

“Cinch” is delivered with intention and intensity, establishing an irrepressible rhythmic flow that only breaks down towards the end. In contrast, “Optical Gripes” presents a significant mood shift, leading Weiss to abandon the syncopated beat in favor of soft brushing. “Grail Automating” emphasizes fluidity, with Mitchell’s excellent note choices adding textural color against the full-bodied backdrop of bass and drums.

The 17 tracks that make up Zealous Angles — a monument to unbridled creativity — were recorded in just three hours, capturing Mitchell and his peers in a gracious state of grace. The album keeps listeners on their toes, always curious about what will come next.

Favorite Tracks:
01 - Sponger ► 02 - Apace ► 03 - Jostler ► 12 - Gauzy

Mark Guiliana - MARK

Label: Edition Records, 2024

Personnel - Mark Guiliana: drums, cymbals, percussion, piano, vibraphone, marimba, celeste, pump organ, mellotron, jupiter 8, electronics, drum programming, spoken word

MARK is the latest solo effort by world-class drummer Mark Guiliana, who, influenced by electronic music and other non-jazz styles, showcases not only his dazzling rhythmic prowess but also his remarkable harmonic and melodic explorations. The arrangements are exceptional, inviting us to unpredictable and emotional places described with impressive clarity.

“Just Listen” makes for a killer opening, designed with vast propulsive stimuli that flow with irresistible elan. “Hero Soup” features bass pedal-pointed vistas holding down the bottom line, occasional beat displacement, terse and nervy guitar-like contours, and a resonant hip-hop trap rhythm. This arrangement is prime Guiliana, with elegant flourishes highlighting the accomplishment.

Defying conventions, “Question Mark” generates a peculiar thrust in support of the lingering harmonies that emerge atop. Also, “Kamakura” exhibits solid harmonic conduction with keyboards emulating strings, a firm pulsation, and synth-pop melodies suspended above.

“Introspection Station” is architecturally intriguing with marimba parallelism, a simple pulse pocket, and a momentary bass synth underpinning that springs up before its cyclic finale. “Costello”, a love letter to Guiliana’s mother’s side of the family, is a delightfully brushed 3/4 number with a gorgeous, positive emotion-induced melody. Both “Alone” and “Peace, please” are reflective expressions of Guiliana’s sensitivity — the former takes you to a downhearted journey into the heart of solitude, cradling our ears in the final moments with a doorway to hope, while the latter is a tearful, hair-raising rubato meditation with piano at the center; so powerful in its crescent shape.

Conjuring a panoply of grooves and rhythms, often adapted to appropriate harmonic contexts, MARK is a statement of individuality and freedom, solidifying Guiliana's status as a forward-thinking musician.

Favorite Tracks:
01 - Just Listen ► 03 - Hero Soup ► 10 - Peace, please

Brian Marsella / Jon Irabagon - Blue Hour

Label: Irabbagast Records / Red Palace Records, 2024

Personnel - Jon Irabagon: mezzo soprano, tenor and sopranino saxophones; Brian Marsella: piano, Yamaha CS-60, Korg BX-3, Ritm-2.

Saxophonist Jon Irabagon never lets me down, regardless of the context or format he’s playing in. He can compose exceptional straightforward tunes inspired by jazz tradition and be a spectacular improviser who colors outside the lines, bringing novelty to the setting. The fully improvised duo album Blue Hour marks his first collaboration with innovative pianist/keyboardist Brian Marsella, known for his work with iconic saxophonist and composer John Zorn.

Purposely unsystematic in form, the music often volleys between enigmatic atmospherics and fleshier impulsions. The first two tracks were recorded live at The Stone. The album’s opener, “A Day That Will Live in Infamy”, starts with a psychedelic freeflow of effect-drenched keyboards and a panoply of saxophone timbres. There’s a passage that seems to evoke liturgical classical music with poignant saxophone melodies atop, later evolving to something more contemporary, in an agitated cacophony filled with whirling figures. The piano is louder than it should be at this phase, and the piece ends enigmatically, exploring darker alleys.

The second track, “Zeros and Ones and a Nine”, puts Marsella’s synths on the rise with glitchy sounds and digital frequencies, insistent bass notes, and animated piano delivered with a rag feel. This abrasive experimentalism suits Irabagon, a master of timbral mutation who uncoils ever-climbing spirals, racing, swinging, and grooving through the harmonic tapestries. The mood veers to dreamy before ending in manifest discomposure.

Tracks 3 to 6 are studio recordings, where the impressive technical quality of the players also unveils their impeccable sense of direction. The title “Centrifugal Machine Goes to the Scrapyard” makes you take your own conclusions beforehand, displaying saxophone extended techniques and gritty dissonance before morphing into wistful melancholy. The rollicking final track, “Bird Games With a Tragic Ending” surprises, hitting at swing, blues, and stride with a disarming naturalness.

This is killer stuff, deeply ingrained in the experimental side of jazz. For both artists, Blue Hour feels like a creative leap in a different direction that we urge them to explore further.

Favorite Tracks:
01 - A Day That Will Live in Infamy ► 02 - Zeros and Ones and a Nine ► 06 - Bird Games With a Tragic Ending

Miles Okazaki - Miniature America

Label: Cygnus Recordings, 2024

Personnel - Miles Okazaki: guitars, composition; Matt Mitchell: piano; Anna Webber: tenor saxophone, flute; Jon Irabagon: mezzo soprano, sopranino, slide sax; Caroline Davis: alto saxophone; Jacob Garchik: trombone; Patricia Brennan: vibraphone; Fay Victor: vocals; Ganavya: vocals; Jen Shyu: vocals.

First-rate NYC-based guitarist and composer Miles Okazaki is known for his fearless attitude and daring approach, usually blurring the line between notated music and improvisation with puzzling cells and powerful sequences within a proper and fluid structure. Escaping jazz conventions, his 12th album as a leader, Miniature America, features 10 wonderful improvisers, presenting a new concept that strings along with heavy-duty post-modern experimentalism. Here, little blocks of raw material were selected and then subjected to post-production for an optimum effect.

“The Cocktail Party” opens with juxtaposed voluble speech and deeply tender piano, leading to “The Funambulist”, which takes us off the beaten path with the rotational instrumentation creating intervallic surprise. Okazaki plays acoustic guitar on the latter, as well as on “Only Outer Space”, a duet with Fay Victor, who sings over his quirky accompaniment. The vocalist is also featured on “And the Deep River”, another duet anchored by plaintive fingerpicking on the electric guitar.

“The Funicular” embarks on an apparently out-of-phase conversation with pianist Matt Mitchell and vibraphonist Patricia Brennan before attaining a strange organic synergy with the arrival of guitar and saxophone, while “Open Road” has Jon Irabagon’s saxophone floating over a ghostly, atmospheric texture.

Quietly mystical in its searching path, “Promise Me” has the sounds of Okazaki and Mitchell seamlessly intertwined with each other, while “The Cavern” is an enjoyable duet between quarter-toned guitar and the melodious trombone of Jacob Garchik. In turn, “Venus Calling” offers a horn-infused classical dance with some irreverence coming from the swift and taut guitar work.

“The Firmament” is configured like an ethereal sacred hymn, while “Pulsation Station” is a tense exercise where Okazaki explores in unpredictable directions over a throbbing collective cadence. The bandleader slates “In the Fullness of Time” for six minutes, showcasing atmospheric layers in support of Ganavya’s dazzling Arabic chants, in one of the most enchanting pieces on the album.

Named after the artwork of American artist Ed Ruscha, Miniature America reveals an exquisite quality and contemporary taste, with the musicians directing their actions to polarities that never feel unfocused. It may not be Okazaki’s most immediate offering, but it’s certainly an opus that attentive fans of creative music will want to explore.

Favorite Tracks:
03 - The Funicular ► 06 - And the Deep River ► 08 - Open Road ► 11 - The Cavern ► 21 - In the Fullness of Time

Tomasz Stanko Quartet - September Night

Label: ECM Records, 2024

Personnel - Tomasz Stańko: trumpet; Marcin Wasilewski: piano; Slawomir Kurkiewicz: bass; Michal Miskiewicz: drums.

The late trumpeter Tomasz Stanko was a one-of-a-kind player with a gift for drawing out the beauty of melody within a sophisticated musical universe of common sense and emotional lyricism. For more than four decades, he spawned a slew of his own projects. September Night, a posthumously released album recorded live at Muffathalle, Munich, in 2004, finds him at the peak of his capacities alongside his emblematic Polish quartet. 

The album opens with “Hermento’s Mood”, where Stanko’s consistently impressive melodicism shines over Slawomir Kurkiewicz’s dancing bass pedal, Michal Miskiewicz’s gently propulsive rhythm, and Marcin Wasilewski’s gorgeous harmonizations on piano. “Song For Sarah”, which opened the Suspended Night album (ECM, 2004), follows as a rubato ballad oozing sentiment through every pore. 

“Euforila”, an older piece first recorded in 1986, is subtly funkified and bears a dynamic Latin-infused bass groove. Tailored with unerring moments of synchronism, the piece also showcases the improvisatory freedom enjoyed by Wasilewski and Stanko. Both musicians exhibit conversational proficiency in their refined musical languages without ever sacrificing clarity. While “Elegant Piece” advances calmly, immersed in this sheer beauty, the collectively improvised “Kaetano” evolves into a bossa-nova groove flagged by efficient brushwork.

One of Stanko’s most memorable pieces is “Celina”, from his 1995 album Matko Joanna (ECM, 1995). Revived here with a charming trumpet intro that interlaces relatable angular and dramatically curved expression, the piece seamlessly leads into the melodious yet groovy theme. The album concludes with “Theatrical”, a somewhat dusky, flowing piece that exudes a warm sense of comfort.

In possession of an astonishing rapport, Stanko and his quartet merge as one. September Night is a lush of an album, whose music continues to resonate and inspire. 

Favorite Tracks:
01 - Hermento’s Mood ► 03 - Euforila ► 04 - Elegant Piece ► 06 - Celina