New Jazz Releases 08/12/2024
By Russell Perry
Nicole Mitchell
Some amazing music this week! Our own Nicole Mitchell is out with a terrific West-African vibe. Perhaps the best yet from Emmitt Cohen, spiritual music from Godwin Louis, contemplative music from Philip Weberndoerfer with Dayna Stephens, hard bop from Mike Sailors and Elias Haslanger, large ensemble compositions from Tracy Yang, and my favorite Dave Liebman release in a while.
Nicole Mitchell and Ballaké Sissoko – Bamako Chicago Sound System (FPE Records, releases 08/23/2024). Nicole Mitchell – flute, Ballaké Sissoko – kora, Jeff Parker – guitar, Fassery Diabaté – balafon, Joshua Abrams – bass, JoVia Armstrong – percussion, Fatim Kouyate – voice, Mankwe Ndosi – voice.
UVA music professor and world-renowned flute player Nicole Mitchell has just released her 2017 collaboration with Malian kora master Ballaké Sissoko. The ensemble includes Mitchell’s frequent Chicago collaborators Jeff Parker on guitar, Joshua Abrams on bass and singer Mankwe Ndosi along with fellow UVa faculty member JoVia Armstrong (Inception previewed 08/07/2023) on percussion. Malian players Fassery Diabaté on balafon and singer Fatim Kouyate complete the ensemble. While Mitchell is well-known for her eclectic taste in collaborators, this combination of players and sound is something I haven’t heard in her discography and it is quite wonderful. Highly recommended.
Tracy Yang Jazz Orchestra – OR (Operating Room) (BJU Records BJUR 078, releases 08/23/2024). Dan Urness, Stuart Mack, Jim O’Connor, David Smith – trumpets, Alan Ferber, Mike Fahie, James Burton III, Josh Mirman, Nick Grinder – trombones, Dave Pietro, Erena Terakubo, Ben Kono, John Lowery, Carl Maraghi – woodwinds, Martha Kato – piano, Sebastian Noelle – guitar, Matt Clohesy – bass, Peter Kronreif – drums / percussion.
Taiwan-born New York-based composer Tracy Yang’s first large ensemble release (co-produced by Darcy James Argue!) is a lovely affair, rich in cinematic imagery. Populated with first call New York players, the band nurses high drama from the text and produces a beautiful set including two suites.
Review: Paris Move,
Emmet Cohen – Vibe Provider (Mack Avenue Records, releases 08/23/2024). Bruce Harris – trumpet, Frank Lacy – trombone, Tivon Pennicott – tenor saxophone, Emmet Cohen- piano, Philip Norris – bass, Kyle Poole – drums, Joe Farnsworth – drums, Cecily Petrarca – koshkah.
Pianist Emmett straddles the line between the rich jazz past and its future, always respectful and honest about his roots and influences. With positive vibes to spare, Cohen brings us six trio tracks (his bread and butter) and three with two or three horns in the front line. Mike Jurkovic (AllAboutJazz) writes, “Vibe Provider … may just be Cohen’s first classic recording.” Highly recommended.
Review: AllAboutJazz
Michael Dease – Grove’s Groove (Le Coq Records, releases 08/23/2024). Terell Stafford – trumpet, Steve Davis – trombone, Michael Dease – baritone saxophone, Bill Cunliffe – piano, Jocelyn Gould – guitar / vocals, Rodney Whitaker – bass, Ulysses Owens, Jr – drums, Alex Acuna – percussion.
There aren’t that many prominent trombonists in the jazz world and one of the best, Michael Dease, is now two releases into a switch to baritone (as heard on his 2023 release Swing Low previewed 11/06/2023). As a bandleader, Dease has put out a series of tasty post-bop dates on both instruments, but this one isn’t one of my favorites, despite a great band, although there are some fine moments, to be sure. It doesn’t have the drive and fire that I expect from this excellent player.
Review: Making A Scene
Philip Weberndoerfer – Tides(Shifting Paradigm Records, releases 08/23/2024). Dayna Stephens – saxophones, Philip Weberndoerfer – guitar, Richard Mikel – bass, Peter Traunmueller – drums.
Bavarian-born New York guitarist Philip Weberndoerfer has released a quiet and contemplative set that mixes guitar – bass – drums trios with a quartet featuring Dayna Stephens (Closer Than You Think previewed 04/23/2024). Mentored by Pat Martino, Weberndoerfer has a round and sensuous tone that sticks to single note runs with a classic jazz guitar sound. Stephens’s contributions enrich the music without filling the open spaces. Lovely. Recommended.
Review: Making A Scene
Godwin Louis – Psalms and Proverbs (Blue Room Music, releases 08/23/2024). Billy Buss – trumpet / flugelhorn, Etienne Charles – trumpet, Godwin Louis, alto saxophone / soprano saxophone / vocals / percussion; Axel Tosca Laugart – piano, Johnny Mercier – organ, Hogyu Hwang – bass; Obed Calvaire – drums, Markus Schwartz – percussion, Mauricio Herrera Tamayo – percussion, Lècôkpon – vocal / percussion, Aklama – vocal / percussion, Tina Adjih – vocal; Emefa Dzefi – vocal, Melissa Stylianou – vocal, Pauline Jean – vocal; Xiomara Laugart – vocal, Lea Lórien – vocal.
Saxophonist Godwin Louis (Etienne Charles, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Laila Biali) taps his Haitian heritage for inspiration in this exploration of faith from an Afro-Caribbean rhythmic perspective. Guest appearances from Trinidadian trumpeter Etienne Charles (Creole Orchestra previewed 06/03/2024) punctuate this joyful release of beautiful playing and singing. Highly recommended.
Review: Broadway World
Andrew Wilcox – Dear Mr. Hill (Self Produced, releases 08/16/2024). Andrew Wilcox – piano, Avery Sharpe – bass, Yoron Israel – drums.
The debut of Hartford-based pianist Andrew Wilcox is addressed to one of his primary pianistic influences – Andrew Hill. The disc, with veterans Avery Sharpe (I Am My Neighbor’s Keeper previewed 06/03/2024)on bass and Yoron Israel (Avery Sharpe, Laszlo Gardony, Abbey Lincoln) on drums, is not, as it may sound, a collection of covers, but actually presents seven original compositions alongside of Giant Steps and Tenderly. A new talent in a comfortable setting.
Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band – Walk A Mile In My Shoe (Imani Records, releases 08/16/2024). Sean Jones – trumpet, Josh Lawrence – trumpet, David Gibson – trombone, Reggie Watkins – trombone, Todd Bashore – alto sax / flute, Caleb Wheeler Curtis – tenor saxophone / soprano saxophone, Orrin Evans – piano, Vicente Archer – double bass, Madison Rast – double bass, Anthony Tidd – electric bass, Anwar Marshall – drums, Mark Whitfield II – drums, Lisa Fischer – vocals, Bilal – vocals, Paul Jost – vocals, Joanna Pascale – vocals
The latest from Orrin Evans’s celebrated big band is a vocal-forward set with terrific contributions from Lisa Fischer. As always, Evans has provided sterling charts for a collection of first call New York and Philadelphia players, supplemented with trumpet star Nicholas Payton on a pair of tunes.
Review: The Urban Music Scene
Elias Haslanger & Mike Sailors – Elias Haslanger Meets Mike Sailors (Bandstand Presents, release 08/16/2024). Mike Sailors – trumpet, Elias Haslanger – tenor saxophone, Andy Langham – piano, Eddy Hobizal – piano, Ross Margitza – piano, Ryan Hagler – bass, Daniel Dufour – drums.
Austin bandleaders trumpeter Mike Sailors and tenor saxophonist Elias Haslanger have released a classic quintet date full of swinging hard bop grooves, long bebop lines, lovely ballads, latin rhythms and strutting soul jazz. These cats have been around for a long time, but are only now just reaching my ears, to my great pleasure. I love this! Highly recommended.
Reviews: Making A Scene, Paris Move
Dave Liebman & The CNY Jazz Orchestra – If A White Horse From Jerusalem… (CNY Jazz Central, released 08/12/2024). Eddie Severn, Scott Harrell, Rob Robson, Paul Merrill – trumpets / flugelhorns, Bill Palange, Greg McCrea, Angelo Candela, Mark Anderson – trombones, Dave Liebman – soprano saxophone, Charles Pillow – alto saxophone / soprano saxophone / clarinet, Mike Dubaniewicz – tenor saxophone / clarinet, John Jeanneret – tenor saxophone / clarinet, Frank Grosso – baritone saxophone / bass clarinet, Rick Montalbano – piano, Spencer Phillips – bass, Larry Luttinger – drums.
This has to be my favorite outing from soprano saxophonist Dave Liebman in years. Given the structured nature of the primary composition – the four part title suite – this preference primarily telegraphs my musical prejudices. Liebman, a player of deep introspection, is an invited soloist for a concerto composed by Bret Zvacek reflecting a compassionate humanist attitude to the conflicts in the Middle East. In this live performance, a first-rate large ensemble presents traditional Jewish musical themes interacting with Arabic scales and calls to prayer. Beautiful music, thrilling performances, hopeful themes. Highly recommended.
Reviews: Paris Move, Jazz Weekly
Bob Holz – Night Watch (MVD Audio, released 08/09/2024). Brandon Fields- saxophone, Billy Steinway – keyboards, Alex Machacek – guitar, Ralphe Armstrong – bass, Bob Holz – drums.
LA drummer Bob Holz (Larry Coryell), a fusion veteran, sticks with his 70’s musical roots in a live quintet date. The program consists of eight originals plus covers of Pee Wee Ellis and Larry Coryell.
Review: Jazz Weekly, AllAboutJazz
Richard Guba – Songs For Stuffed Animals (Self Produced, released 08/06/2024). Joel McCord – trumpet / flugelhorn, Jim Tavener – tenor trombone, Rodney Laster – alto saxophone / flute, Richard Guba – alto saxophone / tenor saxophone / soprano saxophone, Ken Zimmerman – piano / synthesizer, Nicholas Carico – guitar, David Mueller – bass, James Burcky – drums.
Annapolis-based saxophone player has joined with a local musicians collective he calls the Annapolis Jazz Octet (one brass – three reeds – four rhythm) for a program of three originals and five covers.
Zachary Bartholomew – Balancing Act(BeMuse Records, released 08/05/2024). Benny Benack III – trumpet, David Fernandez – soprano saxophone / tenor saxophone, Zachary Bartholomew – piano, Marty Quinn – bass, Rodolfo Zuniga – drums.
Florida pianist / composer has released a set of ten originals with his trio supplemented by Benny Benack II on trumpet and David Fernandez on tenor. The leader is a sparkling pianist and an intriguing composer. The tenor – trumpet front line contributes with solid ensemble work and well-conceived solos. Recommended.
Review: Making A Scene, The Arts Music Lounge
Natalie Jacob – Sooner Or Later (Self Produced, released 07/19/2024). Scotty Barnhart – trumpet, Tamir Hendelman – piano, Anthony Wilson – guitar, Carlitos Del Puerto – bass, Clayton Cameron – drums, Kevin Winard – percussion, Natalie Jacob – vocals.
LA singer Natalie Jacob brings her history singing in SoCal Brazilian bands to her debut recording of seven selections from the Great American songbook and three by Tom Jobim. Four of the tunes are performed with a piano trio and the Jobim selections benefit from a guitarist and a percussionist. Producer Scotty Barnhart adds tasteful trumpet on the balance.
Review: AllAboutJazz, The JW Vibe, Making A Scene
Veronica Thomas – They Say It’s Wonderful (Self Produced, released 07/13/2024). Bob Sheppard – saxophone / flute, John Proulx – piano, Mike Gurrola – bass, Kevin van den Elzen – drums, Veronica Thomas – vocals.
After recording her debut release under the name Nica Carrington (Time Like These, 2022), singer Veronica Thomas has put out the current disc under her own name. Although a New Yorker, she has enlisted a solid cadre of LA players, led by pianist / vocalist John Proulx for a set of standards, many from classic movies, all reinterpreted in unique ways. She tackles a mix of ballads and swingers with a pitch perfect sweet voice and a reverence for the lyrics. I enjoyed this a lot. Recommended.
Reviews: The JW Vibe, Making A Scene, Jazz Music Archives
Jay D’Amico – Melodia (Consolidated Artists Publications, released 07/13/2024). Jay D’Amico – piano, Marlon Martinez – bass.
Pianist Jay D’Amico has joined with bassist Marlon Martinez for a set of eleven originals plus Tenderly and Giant Steps. There is a very quiet and classical feel to these compositions, at most “jazzy” from time-to-time.
Jumaane Smith – Come On Home (Zinn Music, released 07/12/2024). Jumaane Smith – trumpet / vocals / percussion, Ian Hendrickson-Smith – saxophones, Will Gorman – keyboards, Dave Rosenthal – guitar, Carmen Intorre, Jr – drums / percussion, Sharon Bryant – backing vocals, Audrey Wheeler-Downing – backing vocals.
In his third release, long-time Michael Buble music director vocalist / trumpeter Jumaane Smith has recorded ten originals plus St. James Infirmary. Some solid instrumental passages featuring Ian Henrdrickson-Smith on tenor and some very soulful vocals. Not really my thing. Maybe yours.
Review: New York Sun
Marc Ciprut – Moonshine (Self-Produced, released 07/12/2024). Jeremy Manasia – Wurlitzer / Rhodes, Etienne Lyle – organ / Wurlitzer / clavinet, Jon Cowherd – Wurlitzer, Marc Ciprut – guitar, Jimmy Haslip – bass, Akos Fogacs – bass, James Genus – bass, Charles Ruggiero – drums, Tommi Rautiainen – drums / percussion, Tobias Ralph – drums, Daniel Sadownick – percussion.
In his new release, guitarist Marc Ciprut brings us Rock, Blues and Jazz, but mostly Rock and Blues – not much Jazz. More backbeat, less swing.
I hope that something here enriches your life.
Russell Perry, Jazz at 100 Now!
If your music isn’t changing your life, you’ve simply picked the wrong songs. – Ted Gioia
