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Jazz:

Loren Daniels – Ticket To Ride (Comp. Paul McCartney, arr. Loren Daniels): “Man, jazz doesn’t get any better than this… Loren’s piano is superb… some of the most inspiring jazz I’ve heard yet this year. Loren’s style on the keyboards is relaxed, but his fingers are fountains of energy, clearly sculpting out what the route (to oblivion, maybe) should be. I give this my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98.” (You might automatically think that no one could equal the style of the Beatles, but this is solidly amazing!) Click out these renditions as well!

Jeff Denson/Romain Pilon/Brian Blade – Finding Light (Ridgeway Records): “The first time that bassist Jeff Denson and guitarist Romain Pilon got together to record with drummer Brian Blade felt like a lightning strike. Like so many musicians before them, the longtime friends from their days as standout students at Berklee experienced what’s often been described as the Blade Factor, a sudden, clarifying jolt that illuminates the musical moment. Captured in the studio on the 2019 Ridgeway Records album Between Two Worlds, the trio’s debut introduced an uncommon communion that seemed destined for further adventures. Even two years of pandemic angst hasn’t been able to dim their brilliant chemistry. If anything, the trio’s second album, Finding Light, blazes all the more brightly as an antidote to isolation, anxiety, and despair. Denson said, “Each time we played together the band kept growing and our sound and direction evolved. Our connection kept intensifying.” That intensity is evident throughout Finding Light. Click here to watch and listen to “Daily Jubilee of Dancing Herbie D.”

Graham Doby – Weathered Crown: “Graham Doby is a NYC-based drummer and composer. His sound has been described as “tremendously agile,” with poly-rhythmic jazz fluidity grounded in funk and rock four-on- the-floor groove sensibility. Doby has shared the stage with The Impressions, George Clinton, Trombone Shorty, Thank You Scientist, and Antibalas. A drummer for over 20 years, Doby has cultivated his own diverse creative community that shares resources and networks in addition to talents and styles. Doby’s new album Weathered Crown features a changing cast of musicians/ composers and arrangers…Conceived in days and recorded in two succinct sessions, the album captures a moment in time of an emerging musical vanguard.” Click here to watch and listen to “Lonely Woman” featuring Mike Moreno.

Matthew Fries – Lost Time (Xcappa Records): “Matthew Fries is a joyful voice on the piano with a unique and recognizable style that is authentically rooted in the tradition of the classic jazz pianists, while still looking forward to the future of the music and the instrument. As a composer and leader he has performed his own music extensively, recording ten albums of mostly original compositions. His music has been described as playful and hopeful, introspective, full of joy and wonderment, and awash with tonal colors. But it is his deeply swinging piano style and collaborative spirit that have also made him an in-demand sideman for both instrumentalists and vocalists. He has toured worldwide, appears on scores of recordings, and his work has been described as “the best jazz accompaniment I’ve seen in a cabaret in years” (The New York Times), and “the crispest rhythm section imaginable” (The London Times).” Click here for a taste of Fries’ songs.

Kirk Lightsey – Live At Smalls Jazz Club (Cellar 20): “Underrated and legendary pianist Kirk Lightsey steps into the spotlight to lead an extraordinary quartet featuring Mark Whitfield – guitar, Santi DeBriano – bass and Victor Lewis – drums, through a spirited program of tunes from Dave Brubeck to Tony Williams and McCoy Tyner. The 6 track 56 minute set was recorded live at New York’s venerable Smalls Jazz Club on September 13, 2021 and is the newest addition to the Smalls Living Master Series. Produced by renowned NYC piano player Spike Wilner, the series initiative documents the work of older heritage artists that have had a lifetime in jazz music and a connection to the Smalls Live Foundation. Ageless and effusive, Kirk Lightsey is a phenomenon. He stands out in the pantheon of New York jazz piano greats and is still among us. It is with great pride and pleasure to release an outstanding performance of this living legend. Credits: Kirk Lightsey (piano), Mark Whitfield (guitar), Santi DeBriano (bass) and Victor Lewis (drums). Click here to watch and listen to Kirk Lightest Quartet!

Makaya McCraven – In These Times (digital): “Drummer and composer Makaya McCraven calls himself a “beat scientist,” and he lives up to the title (as do other drummers like Kassa Overall and Karriem Riggins). The Paris-born, Chicago-based McCraven often makes records by recording live sessions, then editing them into mesmerizing collages of sound full of approachable sonic narratives, beguiling textures, and enrapturing rhythms. In many ways he is (in classic jazz terms) Teo Macero and Miles Davis combined, and like the legendary trumpeter he attracts the very best musicians of our time to collaborate. Click here to watch and listen to “The Fours” from this release.

Susan Reed – Thousands Of Ways (OA2): “Susan Reed serves as a double threat, swinging on violin and singing with a folkish allure with her team of Craig Wagner, David Friesen and Steve Barnes. On vocals, the team comes across at times like a jazzy Fairport Convention, pretty on the pizzicato’d “Flying My Kite”, bluesy and dark as she pants out “Cat Got Your Tongue” and swinging with the Les Paulish Wagner on “Ribbons In The Wind”. There’s a dash of the band It’s A Beautiful Day on the sweeping “Sein Pantomime” with the team in a gypsy mood with Barnes driving the team along on “Erlkong”, and tender moments getting serene on “Summer Nights”. Fun with and without frets.” Click here to listen to the songs on this disc.

Sam Reider – Petrichor: “Slow & Steady Records announces the release of pianist-composer Sam Reider’s first solo piano recording Petrichor. The eight original compositions form a musical reflection on Reider’s recent homecoming to San Francisco after ten years in New York. “Hiking the foggy coastline, climbing through redwood forests up to alpine lakes, I felt rejuvenated to be back home, in touch with a part of myself that had laid dormant,” says Reider. “I sought to capture the grandeur, intimacy and nostalgia of the landscape I grew up with.” Click here to listen to the songs on this disc.

Sonido Solar – Eddie Palmieri presents Sonido Solar: “Led by Louis Fouché, Jonathan Powell, Zaccai Curtis and Luques Curtis, Sonido Solar is a thrilling passage across the Afro-Cuban jazz songbook, bringing together decades of musical collaboration under the guidance of the legendary Eddie Palmieri. World-renowned pianist and NEA Jazz Master Eddie Palmieri has played alongside immense and gifted leaders over the course of his legendary career. Beyond his status in the realm of salsa and Latin jazz, he is known as one of the finest pianists of this century. Now 85 years old, Palmieri continues to refine his mastery by experimenting with new ensemble settings and sourcing inspiration from a steadfast, younger generation of musical cohorts.”

Mathieu Soucy – Recollecting (Inner-Bop Records): “Mathieu Soucy (he/him/il) is “an exciting young guitarist” (Laila Biali, Saturday Night Jazz) and composer living in Montréal. His first LP “Recollecting” (Inner-Bop Records, self-released) features brilliant voices of the new generation of Canadian jazz …JUNO-winning Caity Gyorgy makes a guest appearance on two tracks as a vocalist and lyricist. The album is a recollective act, i.e. it speaks the same language as the bop pioneers, but it does so with an accent; that of a 27-year old Canadian artist whose inmost voice has called for a spiritful recollection of its roots.” Click here to listen to “5th Avenue,” one of his six originals.

Tawanda – Smile (Resonance): “Resonance Records, the acclaimed jazz label, issues the first album by one of the most promising young jazz singers to emerge in years: Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim, known simply as Tawanda. The Los Angeles-based vocalist, 26, sings in a cloudless alto with a crystalline shimmer, effortless but unfussy jazz feeling, immaculate musicianship, and a maturity that few of her contemporaries possess. In June of 2021, Tawanda tied for first place with Gabrielle Cavassa in the 9th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition….” Click here to listen to an interview and a performance of “Smile”.

Trio Caliente – Trio Caliente (fly): “Fiery Spanish flamenco guitar pyrotechnics fuse with hot, Pop Latin dance grooves sung by soulful, sultry vocals. Salsa, reggaeton, gypsy rumba and bossa nova spice up the flavor while R & B vocal power drives home the groove. Inspirations? Think: Rodrigo y Gabriela, the Gipsy Kings, Pink Martini, the Buena Vista Social Club and Ottmar Liebert meets  Shakira, Celia Cruz, Camila Cabello, Aretha Franklin, and Gloria Estefan…. Since 2003, Trio Caliente’s inimitable blend of Flamenco, Pop, and Brazilian Jazz has been enjoyed by political luminaries stateside and abroad; notable Fortune 500 companies; and venerated international organizations, festivals, and concert venues around the world.” Click here to listen to “Mediterranean Beauty” and “Solo Guitar”.

Blues:

Annika Chambers & Paul Deslauriers – Good Trouble (VizzTone): “Both on stage and in private life, these two internationally acclaimed artists share incredible chemistry! …Houston, Texas native ANNIKA CHAMBERS, like most great American singers, began singing as a child in the Southern Baptist church. Though Gospel music is her mother tongue, it is in the Blues that she found her true voice, and what a voice it is!! She is the 2022 Blues Music Award Winner for Soul-Blues Female Artist of the Year…
Deeply rooted in the blues-rock idiom, guitarist-singer Paul DesLauriers is the winner of the Maple Blues Awards (Canada’s national Blues Award program) for Entertainer of the Year (2016, 2017), Electric Act of the Year (2016), Guitarist of the Year (2013, 2019) and Acoustic Act of the Year (2013). In 2016 he took 2nd Place at the 32nd International Blues Challenge held by the Blues Foundation in Memphis, Tennesee.” Click here to watch and listen to “You’ve Got To Believe” – and a solid Professor Bebop Wax Devoid Of Cracks!

Henri Herbert – Boogie Tell I Die (HH Records): “Henri Herbert is a pianist, songwriter, bandleader and recording artist whose music encompasses Boogie Woogie, Blues and Rock-n-Roll. (Torem, Lisa) Born in Harfleur in France, he grew up in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, and studied the blues and boogie piano from a young age. (Babey, Ged) …Herbert is notable because of the extremely high number of online plays attained by his original compositions. In 2013, a video of Herbert performing his original composition “Henri’s Boogie”, was uploaded to Youtube and has since gone viral with over 27 million plays. Another video of his original composition “Gettin On Down”, has been played over 50 million times. He currently resides in Austin, Texas, where he performs and records regularly, as well as frequently touring Europe.” Click here to listen til the keys melt!

Yates McKendree – Buchanan Lane (Qualified Records): “Multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and Grammy winner Yates McKendree dedicates himself to the blues on his debut solo album Buchanan Lane…. the set is a celebration of McKendree’s talent and his love for American music. It was tracked at the Rock House studio in Nashville, which is owned by his father, who just happens to be award-winning producer, engineer, and piano man Kevin McKendree. Yates grew up there in the studio and clearly has a strong bond with his dad, who engineered these sessions and also contributed some keyboard parts. Though Yates is only 21 years old, he jams with his father with style and grace. Their connection is obvious and enviable.” Click here to listen to “No Justice” as well.

Thorbjorn Risager & The Black Tornado – Navigation Blues (Provogue): “Danish premiere roots rockers Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado drop their eighth full length, Navigation Blues on September 30 via Provogue/Mascot Records. Multi award-winners, the formidable eight-piece Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado blend Chicago blues, soul, rock & roll, and boogie with a modern sensibility. Navigation Blues boasts compelling melodies, catchy guitar riffs, and on most of the 12 tracks, a rich, expansive sound with strings, horns and backing singers. …Produced by Søren Bøjgaard, Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado, all songs on Navigation Blues were written by Thorbjørn Risager except three co-writes with Joachim Svensmark.” The Black Tornado can certainly blow the roof off the house. Click here to start with “The Way You Make Me Feel.” Then knock yourself out with “Navigation Blues.”

Billy Truitt – Abstract Truth (JT Dream Wave Music): “…An exhilarating voyage with a seasoned group of skilled musicians who bring a vast array of influences to this creative and original project. Truitt handles the lion’s share of the album, writing the majority of the songs, and also providing vocals, piano, Hammond organ, accordion, and acoustic and electric guitars. Al Elk plays guitars, lap steel, harmonica and provides the vox on “Hobo Flatts.” Chris Tofield (electric guitar), Jimmy Carpenter (tenor and baritone sax), Justin Truitt (drums and percussion), and Mike Seifrit (bass), round out the rhythm section. Steve Eaton sings “Life Just Like Art,” and Rob Edwards plays doghouse bass on “Waymore Blues.” Click here and scroll down to listen to the songs on this release.

Kopestically,

Professor Bebop