Michael Formanek - Imperfect Measures (March 19, 2021 Intakt Records)

With his extensive artistic biography, Michael Formanek is one of the most outstanding figures in American jazz – As a composer, as a bassist in ensembles, and as a soloist. Although the bass often plays in the background, bassists write jazz history. So does Michael Formanek, who makes an impressive solo statement with Imperfect Measures (24 years after his first solo album).

About the creative process, Formanek writes: "I came to realize that for me, playing solo bass is much closer to a compositional process than a performance practice … Any structure inherent in a piece evolves in the moment, the product of the improvisation itself – as if one were building and traveling along a road simultaneously. The road only extends as far as we are in the moment, so there must be a total commitment to what is being created and constructed in real time, lest things quickly fall apart.“

The inspiring music is embedded in works by artist and illustrator Warren Linn, who created sketches during the recording process, developed them into collages/paintings, some of which are now featured in the CD package designed by Stephen Byram. A complete work of art!

1. Quickdraw

2. On the Skin

3. A Maze

4. Full Frontal

5. Airborne

6. Loop Back

7. Notice Moments

8. Wisp

9. The Stand

Michael Formanek: Bass

All compositions by Michael Formanek (Formtone Music BMI)

Recorded on September 10, 2017 at Heartwood Sound Studio, Baltimore, MD by Ben Frock

Mixed in August 2020 by Jake K. Leckie, Los Angeles, CA. Mastered in November 2020 by Nick Lloyd at Firehouse 12 New Haven, CT. Liner notes: Michael Formanek.

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PUNKT.VRT.PLASTIK Kaja Draklser / Petter Eldh / Christian Lillinger - Somit (March 19, 2021 Intakt Records)

Following their acclaimed 2018 debut album, the band Punkt.Vrt.Plastik, which brings together Kaja Draksler, Petter Eldh and Christian Lillinger, three of the most exciting, profound and versatile musicians on the European jazz scene, presents another stroke of genius. With Somit they take their urgent ensemble playing to new heights, creating a highly individual sound aesthetic with unusual instrumentation (Kaja Draksler plays two different upright pianos) and sophisticated post-production, culminating in a deceptive puzzle of acoustic and manipulated sounds.

"Punkt.Vrt.Plastik have an amazing sound and a unique vision," writes Alexander Hawkins in the liner notes.

1. Helix GA

2. If Asked

3. Membran

4. Natt Raum

5. Amnion

6. Morgon Morfin

7. Fraustadt

8. Somit 

9. Axon

10. Enbert Amok

11. Trboje

12. Ribosome

13. Vrvica

Kaja Draksler: Piano

Petter Eldh: Bass

Christian Lillinger: Drums

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Gretchen Parlato - Flor (March 2021 Edition Records)

“There is a story to tell, now.”

Gretchen Parlato has returned, not only to the recording industry but to herself, with her new Brazilian-inspired project, Flor. Portuguese for “flower”, Flor is the artistic embodiment of the GRAMMY®-nominated singer’s deep dive into motherhood over the last six years, a metamorphic interval of space that allowed Parlato to discover the fullness of her essence through a new lens. In this season of epiphany, Parlato reaps her most personal harvest yet, which she refers to as, “a blossoming, an opening, an offering, a return.”

A gorgeous synthesis of original material, American popular music, European classical music, and Brazilian standards, Flor exemplifies the many ways in which motherhood has reconnected Parlato to her own inner child, revisiting the enchantment of falling in love with music for the first time, particularly the various Brazilian genres she became enamored with as a young teenager. “This is music that I’ve always wanted to honor,” says Parlato. “What I’m trying to find isn’t outside of myself. It’s not out of reach, it’s actually that internal revealing of what already exists.”

1. É Preciso Perdoar 05:56

2. Sweet Love (featuring Gerald Clayton) 04:11

3. Magnus (featuring Magnus, Thaddeus, and Ashley Thompson) 04:10

4. Rosa 04:32

5. What Does a Lion Say? 05:55

6. Roy Allan (featuring Airto Moreira) 04:11

7. Wonderful (featuring Gerald Clayton and Mark Guiliana) 06:02

8. Cello Suite No. 1, BWV 1007 : Minuet I / II 05:45

9. No Plan (featuring Mark Guiliana) 05:57

Gretchen Parlato -Voice

Marcel Camargo - Guitar and Musical Direction

Artyom Manukyan - Cello

Léo Costa - Drums and Percussion

Guest Personnel

Mark Guiliana - Drums

Gerald Clayton - Piano

Airto Moreira - Voice and Percussion

Produced by Gretchen Parlato

Co-Produced by Marcel Camargo and Léo Costa

Executive Producer Dave Stapleton

Engineered and Edited by John Davis at The Bunker Studio

Assistant Engineer: Alex Conroy

Mixed by Helik Hadar at Hadar Studio

Mastered by Felipe Tichauer at Red Traxx Mastering

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Jihye Lee Orchestra - Daring Mind (March 26, 2021 motéma music)

Motéma Welcomes Jihye Lee Orchestra; Sophomore Album Daring Mind out on March 26, 2021

Motéma Music is proud to announce the release of Daring Mind, the sophomore album by the Jihye Lee Orchestra, which streets on March 26, 2021. Produced by Lee, in collaboration with the innovative composer and Secret Society bandleader Darcy James Argue, and with renowned trumpeter Sean Jones as a key contributor, Lee’s Motéma debut showcases the South Korea native’s personal and adventurous storytelling approach to large-ensemble jazz over the course of nine spellbinding compositions. 

As a  follow up to her widely-acclaimed 2017 debut April, Daring Mind presents selections from Lee’s ‘Mind’ Series, including her BMI Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize-winning “Unshakable Mind” and her Manny Albam Commission “Revived Mind.” The album reflects her struggles, doubts, joys, and hopes while living in the amazing city of New York. The compositions explore the human mind, heart and soul, the various states of the human psyche from confusion to rage to enlightenment. 

Lee describes composition as a form of record-keeping for herself, as the documentation of her life, the process of finding musical equivalents to the images, thoughts and emotions in her mind. She writes first and foremost for herself, to release her feelings, which makes her music deeply personal. “My goal is to invite listeners into my creative world, to relate to my stories, and to reflect on the truth that as humans, we share similar struggles and triumphs regardless of where we come from. It is my hope that we can create genuine connections with each other through art,” she says. 

A native of South Korea, Lee had no jazz or classical training growing up, and she first found success in Korea performing as an indie pop singer. She graduated from Dongduk Women’s University with a degree in Voice Performance, discovering her love of large-ensemble jazz only after beginning her studies at Boston’s Berklee College of Music in 2011. Confidently she began to explore her own identity and voice within this exciting, historically rich medium, winning Berklee’s Duke Ellington Prize just months after declaring her Jazz Composition major (and again the following year). Though she could never have anticipated this new path, she has followed it to greater heights, moving to New York in 2015 and earning a master’s degree at Manhattan School of Music under the guidance of the great Jim McNeely. “Her music is imaginative and creative.” says McNeely. “And she’s not afraid to take some exciting chances in her writing.” 

Navigating the transition from pop singer to jazz composer has given Lee a different angle on jazz composition, providing her not only with a lyrical melodic sense but also a way of imagining characters in every composition, and writing memorable themes with which people can identify. Her first instinct is not to find chords and melodies — Lee is not herself an instrumentalist — but rather an idea, image or message, and then find a way to express it through musical elements. All of this and more is realized on Daring Mind.

Daring Mind begins with “Relentless Mind”, which emulates the bustle of New York City with its twisted rhythmic feel and repetitive notes. Featuring Sean Jones and trombonist Alan Ferber, the vibrancy and beauty of a pre-COVID city that never slept is on rich display in this dazzling opener. Following is “Unshakeable Mind”, winner of the 2018 BMI Charlie Parker Composition Prize. Inspired by the competitive environment of the New York music scene and the effects it has on one’s own psyche, “Unshakeable Mind” explores the nature of a determined and persevering spirit, with strong solo and ensemble support from alto saxophonist Ben Kono. The gorgeous “Suji” comes next. Written for one Lee’s dearest friends, this bright composition features only major chords played through chamber-like instrumentation. Kono once again plays a leading role here, as does pianist Adam Birnbaum. 

Gears shift on the fourth track, “I Dare You”, which was commissioned by American entrepreneur Matt Mullenweg. “Since I am not a traditional swing big band style composer, sometimes I face the famous question ‘what is jazz?’” states Lee. That same question arose in an interview with Wayne Shorter by Max Dax in 2014, and his answer is “To me, jazz means: “I dare you!’” This is the title of this song and in many ways the inspiration of Lee’s entire approach to jazz. “I believe that jazz is not a style or genre, but a daring spirit, being creative by cultivating your instincts.” Tenor saxophonist Quinsin Nachoff shines on this track which is full of sonic surprises. 

The BMI Manny Albam Commission piece “Revived Mind” showcases soloist Mike Fahie on trombone. This colorful composition is an homage to nature and Earth, to rebirth and rejuvenation. Track 6, “Struggle Gives You Strength” was originally written for Carnegie Hall’s NYO Jazz and once again features Sean Jones. On this uplifting and inspiring composition, Lee comments:  “Struggle is an essential part of life and it molds us into beautiful individuals with character.” 

The final third of Daring Mind features the bluesy “Why Is that” with solos by Jones and alto saxophonist Rob Wilkerson; the dissonant tri-tone filled odyssey “Dissatisfied Mind” which ruminates on the negatively that can intrude ones’ thoughts; and “GB”, a stunning closer inspired by love found and lost. Highly cinematic, the beauty and joy of happy memories slowly gives way to crushing breakdown, before reluctant acceptance sets in. As an aspiring film music composer, this vivid track particularly showcases Lee’s great potential in that arena. 

With the release of Daring Mind, Jihye Lee makes a major statement that will likely propel her, deservingly, to the top echelon of contemporary jazz composers and bandleaders. Late last year, it was announced that Lee earned a 2021 ASCAP Foundation & Symphonic Jazz Orchestra commissioning prize, further defining a clear next step in her bright future. The first single “Struggle Gives You Strength” will be released on February 5th, and the second single, “Revived Mind” will release on March 5th.

1. Relentless Mind (feat. Sean Jones, Alan Ferber) 6:18

2. Unshakable Mind 9:57

3. Suji 8:53

4. I Dare You 5:49

5. Revived Mind 6:44

6. Struggle Gives You Strength (feat. Sean Jones ) 5:57

7. Why Is That 5:50

8 Dissatisfied Mind 5:54

9. GB 9:24

Ben Kono: Alto Saxophone

Rob Wilkerson: Alto Saxophone

Quinsin Nachoff: Tenor Saxophone

Jeremy Powell: Tenor Saxophone

Brian Pareschi: Trumpet

Sean Jones: Trumpet

John Lake: Trumpet

Alex Norris: Trumpet

Mike Fahie: Trombone

Alan Ferber: Trombone

Nick Grinder: Trombone (All tracks except 2, 5)

Mark Patterson: Trombone (tracks 2, 5)

Jennifer Wharton: Trombone

Adam Birnbaum: Piano (tracks 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9)

Haeun Joo: Piano (tracks 2, 5, 8)

Sebastian Noelle: Electric Guitar

Evan Gregor: Double Bass

Mark Ferber: Drums

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Jim Hall - Jazzpar Quartet + 4 (Remastered 2021) March 19, 2021 Storyville Records

The history of the JAZZPAR AWARDS constitutes, in retrospect, a significant development in the recognition of jazz by international arbiters of taste, and by distributors of monetary recognition.

When the late guitarist and composer Jim Hall emerged triumphant in 1998, it was because his name evoked the most unanimous praise, out of the dozens of artists who had come up for discussion. Already at that point, his career had covered more than 40 years and evoked past associations with people such as Chico Hamilton, Jimmy Giuffre, Sonny Rollins and Art Farmer, plus the fact that they had some of their most interesting and unusual groups when Jim Hall happened to be in them. Some of his other frequent but less regular collaborators, like Paul Desmond, Gerry Mulligan, Bill Evans or Ron Carter, also clearly chose him for the stimulation to be gained from the experience. What these great artists (and many more) found in Hall was a player of great sensitivity and intelligence, to whom the idea of cooperation was second nature but whose approach was completely individual. This duality is not unique within a jazz framework, but the truth is that many jazz players do not manage to be simultaneously identifiable and compatible with others. Personality is obviously the key factor, and Jim’s can perhaps be described as confident but self-effacing. Musically, that translated into a style which was both cogent and laconic – which makes a lot of sense but not a lot of noise – and it’s this combination that lends itself to taking on board others’ ideas and complementing rather than contradicting them. In band terms, it bestows the possibility of being a leader through example, without being either too malleable or too dictatorial.

No wonder, then, that less well-known musicians were more than happy to be associated with Hall, and those who worked with him in Denmark are excellent examples. Chris Potter (born January 1 1971) was then another promising newcomer, who himself won the JAZZPAR prize in 2000 and is now regarded as a leading saxophonist of his generation. The Canadian drummer Terry Clarke (born August 20 1944), then based in New York, had played and toured with Hall since at least 1975, when he made the first of several albums with him. The bassist on the Danish tour was the latest in a long line of local virtuosi, Thomas Ovesen (who shared Jim Hall’s birthday, December 4, Ovesen being born in 1965 and Hall in 1930).

As is usually the case with JAZZPAR tours, there was more than one Danish musician involved but, unusually, at Jim’s request the others were a string quartet, formed of members of the Radio Symphony Orchestra and led by Russian violinist Alexander Zapolski. This combination of talents enabled Hall to pursue aims which were present throughout his career. He had made a notable re-examination of the dialogue between the needs of composition and improvisation in his recent albums, especially with ensembles differing from the conventional trio and quartet line-ups constituting the majority of Jim’s output in earlier decades. Although he recorded duos of guitar-and-piano as early as 1962 (with Bill Evans) and, in 1976, duos of guitar-andvoice (with his wife Jan) and guitar-and-drums (with Terry Clarke), nevertheless in the 1990s he had created carefully chosen chamber groups with, for instance, a couple of string players or a handful of brassmen, often with no drums or with drums but no bass. That kind of freedom is clearly evident here, for instance in the interplay with Clarke during “Stella By Starlight”, and with Potter towards the end of “Chelsea Bridge” (where Potter picks up Jim’s earlier quotation from “Rockin’ In Rhythm”) and in the duet encore on “In A Sentimental Mood”.

The compositional element, and the continuity of Hall’s career, is brought into focus by the two pieces with strings and the fact (somehow emphasized by the omission of one other octet track, for lack of space) that they were written 45 years apart. If these seem more concentrated and more ‘serious’ than the earlier part of the program, that feeling is deliberately undermined by the first encore, Zapolski’s arrangement of “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix, the guitarist who 30 years ago threatened to blow away all the subtleties personified by Hall. Jim may have the same initials as Hendrix but, hearing him use an octave pedal and then de-tune his A-string while sounding all the while exactly like Jim Hall, you can see another example of self-effacing confidence. 

1. Stella By Starlight (Remastered 2021)

2. Chelsea Bridge (Remastered 2021)

3. Mr. Blues (Remastered 2021)

4. Thesis (Remastered 2021)

5. Quartet + 4 (Remastered 2021)

6. Purple Haze (Remastered 2021)

7. In A Sentimental Mood (Remastered 2021)

Jim Hall - Guitar

Chris Potter - Tenorsax

Thomas Ovesen - Bass

Terry Clarke - Drums

+ The Zapolski String Quartet (track 4-6):

Alexander Zapolski - Violin

Jacob Soelberg - Violin

Iben Bramsnæs Teilmann - Viola

Vanja Louro - Cello

Recorded live, Holbæk Jazzklub, April 3, 1998

Falkoner Scenen Copenhagen, April 5, 1998

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Palle Mikkelborg & Bjarne Roupé - Pieces: Generations at Sunrise (2021 Storyville Records)

Pieces is the meeting of two generations - The experienced and mature: the trumpeter Palle Mikkelborg and the guitarist Bjarne Roupé and the two young and ready: Anton Langebæk on bass and the percussionist Benjamin Barfod.

Bjarne Roupé Trio had been with Langebæk and Barfod for a while, and when Palle Mikkelborg was set to play a concert for Jazz Grooves at JB10 in Næstved, it was obvious that the four musicians worked together this evening. It became a success and the musicians took the initiative to use the recordings for this release.

Here it is: Pieces: Generations at Sunrise - five well-chosen compositions with Roupé's overview and broad sounds, Langebæk's pulsating bass, Barfod's distinctive percussion and Mikkelborg's trumpet and flugelhorn on top. We get extremely personal renditions of John Coltrane's ”Naima” and the Abez classic ”Nature Boy”. A Swedish folk melody, ”Saudi”, with a beautiful guitar intro and more of the same sonorous element in the opening track ”Witchi-tai-to”, which is carried on by Barfod's gubal. The fine little theme is presented only at the end. Coltrane's great ballad ”Naima” is performed for the first time in the history of music with sansula. In the collectively composed and arranged ”Pieces”, there are fanfares with electronics underneath, and Langebæk rounds off with a very solid bass solo. ”Nature boy” gets new and very beautiful life with Mikkelborg's horn followed by a very wellplaying Roupé.

1. Witchi-tai-to 10:07

2. Naima 09:30

3. Saudi 06:27

4. Pieces 08:55

5. Nature Boy 07:23

Palle Mikkelborg - trumpet, flügelhorn, effects

Anton Langebæk - double bass

Benjamin Barfod - sound triangles, gubal, sansula, water drum, udo, gong & cymbals

Bjarne Roupé - electric guitar & effects

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Dean Stockdale Trio - Promise The Moon (March 2021)

The second album from the Dean Stockdale Trio. Featuring four new originals by Dean, plus fresh arrangements on a selection of American songbook standards.

'The trio's swinging take on Gershwin's They Can't Take That Away from Me and again on an effective arrangement of On the Sunny Side of the Street are particular highlights, and the closing selection, Witchcraft, with its fleeting echoes of Moon River, make Promise the Moon a fine album.' - Bebop Spoken Here

1. Moon River 05:04

2. In A Sentimental Mood 07:14

3. Promise The Moon 05:34

4. Mia's Lullaby 05:33

5. They Can't Take That Away From Me 06:54

6. First Light 05:25

7. On The Sunny Side Of The Street 05:42

8. Time For A Change 05:21

9. Witchcraft 05:35

Dean Stockdale - Piano/Arranger/Composer

Mick Shoulder - Double Bass

Abbie Finn - Drums

Recorded, mixed and mastered by Ian Stephenson - Simpson Street Studios - November 2nd, 3rd 2020

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Shannon Barnett / Wolves and Mirrors - Wolves and Mirrors (March 31, 2021)

Wolves and Mirrors features the symbiosis of Barnett's disarming songs with the diverse colours of this unusual instrumentation, resulting in what is best described as a kind of fragile beauty.

In addition to her role as a trombonist - for which she is widely known - the bandleader presents herself through Wolves and Mirrors as an experienced lyricist, singer and songwriter and invites the listener into worlds she has previously kept from view.

1. Overseas I 03:04

2. Overseas II

3. Mantra

4. Martyr 05:36

5. Well

6. Mantra II

7. Song for Caroline (and others)

8. Phases

Shannon Barnett - Trombone, Voice

Heidi Bayer - Trumpet

Elisabeth Coudoux - Cello

Thomas Sauerborn - Drums

Recorded and mixed by Jonathan Hoffman

Mastered by Alex Kloss

Compositions by Shannon Barnett

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Gunter Gruner - Summertime (2021)

The light-winged tunes were written for Max Weissberg's romantic drama "Summertime", thereby aired at the First Time Film Fest in NYC, where the movie won "best screenplay". The music was recorded in 2010 in Brooklyn with notable performers. duration: 31:58

1. Summertime Theme 06:56

2. Sunny Moon 03:59

3. We Wee Hours 05:28

4. Rebound 06:07

5. Drum Solo 04:58

6. Vamping Out 04:30

Gunter Gruner - drums, composition, production

Kirk Knuffke - trumpet

Emilio Teubal - piano

Keith Witty - double bass

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Gunter Gruner - The Invisible Landscape (2021)

Recorded on 05/06/2007 in Harlem, The Invisible Landscape is a trippy journey through a modern jazz related jungle. With its line-up, a striking brass section, featuring two acclaimed saxophonists, the display isn`t short of adroit surprises. The group performed at the Vision Series, NYC and its product was used in film, thereby screened at Anthology Film Archives and other theaters. duration: 43'58''

1. Permanent Vacation 05:53

2. Another World Is Possible 05:20

3. Spinning the Clouds 04:14

4. Nova Express 04:48

5. A Time 04:16

6. Monolith 05:47

7. Fused Take Over 05:04

8. The Invisible Landscape 05:34

9. Colors of Light 03:02

Gunter Gruner - drums, composition

Kirk Knuffke - trumpet

Daniel Carter - alto saxophone, trumpet

Salim Washington - tenor saxophone, flute

Yusuke Yamamoto - vibraphone, electronic effects

Nicolas Letman-Burtinovic - double bass

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Jazz WORMS - Squirmin’ (March 19, 2021 via Capri Records)

Denver-based jazz quintet Jazz WORMS reunites for their long-awaited second album, 30 years after their acclaimed debut

Squirmin’, due out March 19, 2021 via Capri Records, reconvenes all five original members: pianist Andy Weyl, saxophonist Keith Oxman, drummer Paul Romaine, cornetist Ron Miles and bassist Mark Simon

" Twenty-five years later and still Denver’s best jazz band." –Jazz @ Altitude review of Dazzle reunion concert

More than 30 years after the release of their acclaimed debut album, Denver-based quintet the Jazz WORMS make their belated return with Squirmin’, due out March 19, 2021 via Capri Records. Well worth waiting for, the thrilling new session reconvenes all five original WORMS – pianist Andy Weyl, saxophonist Keith Oxman, drummer Paul Romaine, cornetist Ron Miles and bassist Mark Simon – on an invigorating set of all-new material that picks up where the band left off three decades earlier.

More than 30 years after the release of their acclaimed debut album, Denver-based quintet the Jazz WORMS make their belated return with Squirmin’, due out March 19, 2021 via Capri Records. Well worth waiting for, the thrilling new session reconvenes all five original WORMS – pianist Andy Weyl, saxophonist Keith Oxman, drummer Paul Romaine, cornetist Ron Miles and bassist Mark Simon – on an invigorating set of all-new material that picks up where the band left off three decades earlier.

Just as their 1987 debut, Crawling Out, made species-appropriate reference to the emergence of five new voices on the jazz scene, so Squirmin’ captures the sense of eager anticipation and urgency that marks this long-overdue sophomore effort. Both the continuity and the passage of time are reflected by the album cover, which replicates its predecessor with a bit more gray hair and an updated fashion sense.

“I think Crawling Out made a mark of some sort,” says Oxman with a fair degree of understatement. “I run into people all the time who say, ‘I still have that original vinyl,’ or ‘I used to love hearing you guys play.’ So it feels marvelous to be together again.”

The long hiatus can be chalked up to the fact that each of the WORMS has enjoyed a busy and fruitful career in his own right. Oxman is a mainstay of the Denver scene who has recorded albums with such legends as Charles McPherson, Dave Liebman and Houston Person in addition to being a highly influential educator at the city’s East High School. Miles has become one of the most acclaimed artists on the current jazz scene, recording his own albums for Blue Note while forging meaningful collaborations with greats like Bill Frisell, Jason Moran, Brian Blade and Joshua Redman. Weyl has toured the world with the vocal group Rare Silk and crossed paths with such artists of note as James Moody, Tom Harrell, Benny Golson and Eddie Harris. Romaine and Simon co-founded the Colorado supergroup Convergence. 

But when they first joined forces in the early 1980s, the WORMS (the name is an acronym for their respective last names) were simply five rising stars on the Denver jazz scene eager to find opportunities to craft an original sound. “We all grew up together,” reflects Oxman. “We were all young guys coming up at the same time who had similar ideas about music and just enjoyed playing together.” After a few years, however, each found himself on a separate path until a 2014 reunion concert at the revered Denver jazz club Dazzle revealed that the old chemistry was intact.

Squirmin’ not only fulfills the band members’ long-held desire to recapture the magic, it also marks the realization of a dream for Capri Records founder Thomas Burns, who was himself in the early stages of a remarkable career as a label owner, promoter, photographer, writer and entrepreneur. “I really wanted to record their first album, but [vocalist and label owner] James Van Buren beat me to it,” Burns recalls. “The Jazz WORMS had such a different sound for that period of time, when most jazz musicians in Denver were still looking back at the classic jazz of Ben Webster and Coleman Hawkins. To hear a group of young guys at the time just blowin' their asses off was really exciting.” 

That sound still feels vital and current today, realized through eight captivating new compositions. The album kicks off, appropriately enough, with Simon’s sizzling “Launching Pad,” on which he and Romaine lay down a muscular groove punctuated by knife-edged horn lines. Simon also contributed the jaunty “What If All?” which spurs graceful melodic flights from Weyl and Miles. Romaine’s two pieces were inspired by his pet birds – and, in the case of “Wheaty Bowl,” one iconic Bird: Charlie Parker, who Wheaty can apparently chirp along to and whose memorable compositions are quoted throughout the piece. “Bu’s Box,” meanwhile, reference Bu’s cardboard home, which supplements Romaine’s percussive arsenal on the tune itself.

Oxman’s new compositions are both dedications. “Joaquin” is something of a companion piece to an earlier tune, “Elena,” recorded with Charles McPherson. That piece was written for a close friend’s granddaughter; “Joaquin” is for the same friend’s grandson, and captures the sense of wonder and tenderness evoked by a newborn. “The Chimento Files,” which closes the album, is a simmering blues dedicated to one of Oxman’s East High colleagues, Alan Chimento. Weyl’s pair of offerings range from the blistering “Lickity-Split” to the wistful, self-explanatory “Balladesque.”

The results of this welcome rebirth exceeded expectations. “It was magical,” Burns says. “I love the way these guys interact. They seem symbiotic: they speak as one, they listen to one another, all the stuff that they teach about jazz musicians – they have it. They always shine as a group.”

“I'm thrilled about this album,” Oxman says. “I think it’s even better than the first one. I think that’s mostly due to the fact that we all truly love each other and love playing together, even though it's sometimes been difficult to get us all in one room.”

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Samo Salamon & Friends - Almost Alone Vol. 2 (2021)

I'm really happy to present to you the album Almost Alone Vol. 2 – the second volume of three volumes of a really amazing new European guitar project I started in May during the Corona lockdown.

The project features 36 fantastic jazz guitarists from 35 different European countries - all these musicians are amazing guitarists and composers and I'm really thankful that they contributed their amazing share to the compositions I wrote.

The first volume of »Almost Alone« came out in October 2020, here is number 2, while the last volume will come out in the summer 2021.

Here are the guitarists featured on Almost Alone Vol. 2:

Ben MacDonald (Scotland)

Elvis Stanić (Croatia)

Greg Lamy (Luxembourg)

Andres Thor (Iceland)

Mikael Mani Asmundsson (Iceland)

Christy Doran (Ireland)

George Dumitriu (Romania)

Mindaugas Stumbras (Lithuania)

Ludmil Krumov (Bulgaria)

Gellert Szabo (Hungary)

David Doruzka (Czech Republic)

Mark Wingfield (England)

1. Remy feat. Ben MacDonald 03:54

2. Looking Forward feat. Elvis Stanić 04:58

3. Yogarhythms feat. Greg Lamy 04:38

4. Barren feat. Andres Thor & Mikael Mani Asmundsson 05:42

5. Little Places feat. Christy Doran 05:28

6. White Herons on Green Meadows feat. George Dumitriu 07:46

7. Almost Almond feat. Mindaugas Stumbras 05:24

8. Dvojka Makedonska feat. Ludmil Krumov 04:08

9. Freeze feat. Gellert Szabo 03:56

10. Animals as Followers feat. David Doruzka 04:24

11. Pyramid feat. Mark Wingfield 05:00

Samo Šalamon – electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, moog

Ben MacDonald – electric guitar (1)

Elvis Stanić – electric guitar (2)

Greg Lamy – electric guitar (3)

Andres Thor & Mikael Asmundsson – electric guitars (4)

Christy Doran – electric guitar (5)

George Dumitriu – electric guitar (6)

Mindaugas Stumbras – electric guitar (7)

Ludmil Krumov – electric guitar (8)

Gellert Szabo – electric guitars (9)

David Doruzka – electic guitar (10)

Mark Wingfield – electric guitar (11)

Recorded between May and November 2020.

Produced, mixed and mastered by Samo Šalamon, except track 9 mixed and mastered by Gellert Szabo.

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Samo Salamon & Friends - Almost Alone Vol. 1 (2020)

I'm really happy to present to you the album Almost Alone Vol. 1 – the first volume of three volumes of a really amazing new European guitar project I started in May during the Corona lockdown.

The project features 36 fantastic jazz guitarists from 35 different European countries (below the list) - all these musicians are amazing guitarists and composers and I'm really thankful that they contributed their amazing share to the compositions I wrote.

The three volumes of »Almost Alone« will come out through the following year. Here are the guitarists featured on Almost Alone Vol. 1:

Alex Machacek (Austria)

Rafal Sarnecki (Poland)

Cenk Erdogan (Turkey)

Andre Fernandes (Portugal)

Kalle Kalima (Finland)

Jacob Young (Norway)

Dušan Jevtović (Serbia)

Lorenzo Di Maio (Belgium)

Philipp Schaufelberger (Switzerland)

Spiros Exaras (Greece)

1. Miss Sarcasm feat. Alex Machacek 04:21

2. Nightmare feat. Rafal Sarnecki 07:00

3. Crooswijk feat. Cenk Erdogan 06:06

4. Awkwardly Placed feat. Andre Fernandes 05:12

5. Coalition of the Mistaken feat. Kalle Kalima 05:22

6. Looking Back feat. Jacob Young 09:38

7. Seagulls in Maine feat. Albert Vila 05:56

8. Seven Cats feat. Dusan Jevtovic 05:22

9. Not Too Late, Not Too Soon feat. Lorenzo Di Maio 05:08

10. Monked feat. Philipp Schaufelberger 03:50

11. Northern Wind feat. Spiros Exaras 06:12

Samo Šalamon – electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, moog

Alex Machacek – electric and acoustic guitars (1)

Rafal Sarnecki – electric guitars (2)

Cenk Erdogan – fretless guitar (3)

Andre Fernandes – electric guitar (4)

Kalle Kalima – electric guitars (5)

Jacob Young – electric guitar (6)

Albert Vila – electric guitar (7)

Dušan Jevtović – electric guitars (8)

Lorenzo Di Maio – electric guitars (9)

Philipp Schaufelberger – electic guitar (10)

Spiros Exaras – electric and slide guitars (11)

Recorded between May and September 2020.

Produced, mixed and mastered by Samo Šalamon, except track 1 mixed and mastered by Alex Machacek.

All tunes published by Sazas.

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Lisa Cameron & Sandy Ewen - See Creatures Too (April 30, 2021 Astral Spirits)

Brand new sprawling double cassette document from Lisa Cameron & Sandy Ewen! "Sea Creatures Too" features one tape of newly recording studio tracks and a second tape of live tracks recorded on their Texas tour of 2019 (to celebrate the initial release of "See Creatures"). Almost 2 full hours of evocative soundscapes that expand upon their debut duo release.

1. Plaidypus

2. Tigersaur

3. Bananasaurus Rex

4. Meerkatstoat

5. Rhinodactyl

6. Red Spotted Chimerabee

7. Giant Kid

8. Live at Lawndale 1 (Houston)

9. Live at Lawndale 2 (Houston)

10. Live at Dobb's (Austin)

Lisa Cameron - Berimbauophone, percussion, devices

Sandy Ewen - guitar, devices

Recorded, mixed & mastered in Houston by Ryan Edwards, 2019.

Live sets recorded by Lisa Cameron.

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Shlomi Goldenberg (feat. John Medeski, Gary Peacock, Thomas McKinley & Eli Meiri) - Flower (March 2021)

“Flower” is a compilation of recordings made with my group "The Little Big Band" in Boston Mass. 1985-1990

These recordings were made on 1inch reel to reel tapes. When I tried to download the tracks to a computer, the old tapes vaporized and became dust. I was heartbroken, until my mother told me she kept my safety tapes deep in her closet. The tapes got a chemical treat which kept them from vaporizing and then I downloaded them to my computer.

1. Cool As Ice 06:35

2. Bo Po 04:49

3. Flower 04:44

4. Gospel 04:14

5. Creation of the Flower 05:51

6. Blowing 07:24

Shlomi Goldenberg

Tenor & Soprano Saxophones, Compositions & Arrangements

1. Cool As Ice - John Medeski-Piano, Wesley Worth-Contrabass, and Gordon Grothentaller -Drums, Avram Fefer -Sop. Sax.

2. Bo-Po - John Medeski-Piano ,Wesley Worth-Contrabass ,Gordon Grothentaller -Drums ,Avram Fefer- Ten. Sax.

3. Flower - John Medeski-Piano, Wesley Worth-Contrabass, Gordon Grothentaller -Drums

4. Gospel - John Medeski-Piano ,Wesley Worth-Contrabass ,Gordon Grothentaller -Drums ,Avram Fefer-Ten. Sax.

5. Creation of the Flower - John Medeski-Piano, Wesley Worth-Contrabass, Gordon Grothentaller -Drums

Avram Fefer-Bass Clarinet, Maurice Cahen - Sitar.

6. Blowing - John Medeski-Piano, Antonio Arcodia- Drums, Khris Weeks-Contrabass.

7. Unspoken Words - Gary Peacock – Contrabass & Saxophone Duet.

8. How Deep is the Ocean - Gary Peacock -Contrabass, Thomas McKinley -Piano, Alex Deutch-Drums.

9. Circle - John Medeski-Piano, Antonio Arcodia, Khris Weeks-Contrabass.

10.Lea's Blue Eyelashes-with Eitan Izcovitz -Drums , Eli Meiri -Piano , Avram Fefer-Ten. Sax., Winston Degraff-Trumpet.

11. Bolero - with Haya Samir Vocals , Roslan Sirota -Keys, Yatziv -Tablas , Israel Nahum- Drums ,Mark Smulian-Bass.

Selection 1 - 5 was recorded in Boston July 21 1988 at Newbury Sound Studio recording engineer - Bob Reardon

Selection 6, 9 was recorded in Boston December 13 1989 at a live concert at the New England Conservatory

Selection 7, 8 was recorded in Boston December 18 1990 at Blue Jay Studio

Selection 10 was recorded in Boston 1985

Selection 11 was recorded in Tel Aviv 2004 at Digi Hippie Studio. Recording engineer - Mark Smulian

Drawing by Jill Reiss

ALL MUSIC BY SHLOMI GOLDENBERG (C) 2013

Except: How Deep is the Ocean by Irving Berlin, Bolero by Maurice Ravel

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Chakalito Jazz Experience - LEI (March 2021)

Con mucho orgullo les presento a "LEI" mi disco debut de mi proyecto personal Chakalito Jazz Experience. En este disco intente mostrarles lo que es mi persona y les expreso mis momentos mas felices, mis películas favoritas, mi admiración por grandes músicos y mi agradecimiento a la vida. Ojala lo disfruten mucho.

1. Me acuerdo que ... 00:46

2. La vida inicia en ese momento 04:37

3. Verde Esmeralda #2 04:12

4. Cinepolis VIP 06:02

5. En Kino frente a una alberca 01:24

6. Rial 03:28

7. Polvo de estrellas del ayer (stardust) 02:43

8. Gratzie 05:38

Alan Arzac: Producción/Mezcla/Master

Rudyck Vidal: Bajo/Arreglista

Saul Sau: Guitarra/Arreglista

Daniel Fuentevilla: Piano/Areglista

Edgar Romero: Voz/Arreglista

Paloma Ledgard: Voz

Felipe Garcia: Ingeniero de grabación

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Daniele Germani - A Congregation of Folks (March 26, 2021 GleAM Records)

“Daniele Germani’s first recorded document of his music as a leader is full of soulful, personal expression.  I was captured by Daniele’s sweet sound and his quartets wonderful collective spirit and creative dialog throughout.” – GRAMMY-winning saxophonist Joe Lovano

"As a composer, Germani has a vision, keeps on task and adds some surprises. As an instrumentalist, his tone is true and unselfconscious. A very beautiful compilation of fresh new music" – Debbie Burke, Jazz Author)

A Congregation of Folks is the debut album from saxophonist and composer Daniele Germani and his quartet.

GleAM Records is proud to announce the release of A Congregation of Folks, the striking debut from auspicious newcomer Daniele Germani. Congregation of Folks introduces a riveting and spirited voice on the alto saxophone, and an intriguing, unique composer. Ten modern jazz compositions, all penned by Germani, beautifully come to life with the help of his tight-knit quartet consisting of pianist Justin Salisbury, bassist Giuseppe Cucchiara and drummer Jongkuk Kim. A Congregation of Folks will be available on CD and digital download/stream on March 26, 2021.

Originally from the Frosinone region of Italy but based in Brooklyn, NY, Daniele Germani is a fast-rising star on the contemporary New York jazz scene. A graduate of the Conservatory of Frosinone, Germani moved to Boston in 2013 when he was offered a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music. While there, he was admitted to Danilo Perez’s prestigious Berklee Global Jazz Institute, where he studied under the tutelage of Terri Lyne Carrington, Joe Lovano, and his mentor, George Garzone.

His revelatory experiences in the classroom were rivaled only by those on the bandstand, most frequently that of Wally’s Jazz Cafe, the legendary jazz club where Germani cut his teeth. Known as the “training ground” for local and rising musicians, performing at Wally’s became a regular occurrence for Germani; eventually he was performing there 2-3 times weekly as a sideman and with his own groups. A shifting “congregation of folks” from all parts of the world would join Germani night after night at the storied venue. Wally’s played a vital role in Germani’s musical and personal development, and much of the club’s vibrant and inspiring spirit is captured on this recorded debut. “Wally’s was the place where we dreamt with our eyes open,” Germani describes.

Early on during his time in Boston, Germani linked up with fellow Italian bassist Giuseppe Cucchiara, South Korean drummer Jongkuk Kim and Oregon-born pianist Justin Salisbury. They immediately clicked, and went on to form a tight knit group that developed into a meaningful friendship and musical partnership. They performed frequently in Boston – at Wally’s and in assorted ensembles at Berklee – and they remained a unit through their graduation and subsequent move to New York City in 2017. Since then, they have continued to perform together, as well as build successful independent careers on their own, each ascending to “first call” status among their talented peers.

Germani took on a personal challenge in 2019 at the behest of his good friend and frequent collaborator Leo Genovese. “Leo is a brilliant composer and each of his songs are more beautiful than the last,” says Germani. Inspired by Genovese’s trove of jaw-dropping compositions, Germani challenged himself to write one song a day. “My goal was to be present in the moment when writing songs… I followed the flow of the moment, and my approach to writing changed depending on what happened that day. I wanted to be surprised by my own creations.” To date, Germani has written over 450 songs. Two of them appear on Leave It Blank For Now; Germani’s 2020 Chant Records release with Genovese, his Wally’s bandmate Boni, stalwart bassist Francesco Marcocci and once again, Kim – ten others are featured on this stunning debut.

On A Congregation of Folks, Germani takes listeners on an expansive emotional journey that ranges from joyous and raucous to pensive and inquiring. Highlights include the high energy opener “They Move In On The Action” which gives way to the lyrical “One Moment to Moment”, a lovely showcase for Salisbury. Another standout is the meditative title track which opens with a gorgeous saxophone solo intro “meant to call beloved folks together”. This track was inspired by the album’s front cover: his parents’ wedding picture with Germani and his band digitally superimposed in the shot, bringing everyone together. “No Clouds in the Air” is a contemplative exploration that kicks off with a heavy drone, haunted and prescient, while Germani and his band duel in tones, creating a rich tapestry of sound. “You Won’t Find A Better Listener” is joyous and musical conversation between Germani and Salisbury, likened to “the best late- night conversation, full effervescence and depth.”

Daniele Germani is thrilled to unleash A Congregation of Folks into the world, and hopes that his music can help bring people together during an ever-perilous time. With the release of his debut, Germani welcomes you into his congregation of folks.

1. They Move in on The Action

2. One Moment to Moment

3. The Capitalist Creed

4. A Congregation of Folks

5. Half Believe It

6. In The Field of Unconscious

7. Ers Luz Variation

8. Eres Luz

9. But It Doesn't Mean It's Danger-free

10. No Clouds in The Air

11. Salisbury Introduces ILWFBL

12. You Like Won't Find A Better Listener

13. Farewall (A Congregation of Folks)

Daniele Germani - Alto Sax

Justin Salisbury - Piano

Giuseppe Cucchiara - Doublebass

Jongkuk Kim - Drums

Recorded at Bacque Recording Studio (NY) by Luis Bacquè

Mixed & Mastered at Sear Sound (NY) by Grammy Winner Jeremy Loucas

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JJA Book Nominees Authors Zoom, Sunday, March 21 at 1 pm Central Daylight Time

JJA Book Nominees Authors Zoom

Sunday, March 21 at 1 pm

Central Daylight Time

Biographies of Dave Brubeck, Nat King Cole and Ornette Coleman, the autobiography of the late Phil Woods, a deep dive into jazz stories on film and a fictional trilogy about “jazz, intolerance, and baseball” have been nominated for the JJA’s 2021 Jazz Book of the Year Award. Authors of the six books will present their works and discuss their writing/publishing issues as moderated by Bob Blumenthal, JJA board member and Book Award committee chair, at the JJA Book Nominees Authors Zoom, Sunday, March 21 at 1 pm Central Daylight Time.

The authors and their books are:

Philip Clark, Dave Brubeck: A Life in Time (Hatchette)

Will Friedwald, Straighten Up and Fly Right: The Life and Music of Nat King Cole (Oxford University Press)

Maria Golia, Ornette Coleman: The Territory and the Adventure (Reaktion Books)

Mark Ruffin, Bebop Fairy Tales: A Historical Fiction Trilogy on Jazz, Intolerance and Baseball (Rough In Creative Works)

Kevin Whitehead, Play the Way You Feel: The Essential Guide to Jazz Stories on Film (Oxford University Press)

Phil Woods with Ted Panken, Life in E Flat: The Autobiography of Phil Woods (Cymbal Press)

These books are being offered to JJA voting members for consideration toward the Jazz Award for Best Book of the Year About Jazz, presented annually since 1998. The 2021 Award winner will be announced on or about May 1. Recent winners are Jazz from Detroit by Mark Stryker (2020), Sophisticated Giant: The Life and Legacy of Dexter Gordon by Maxine Gordon (2019), Good Things Happen Slowly by Fred Hersch (2018), and Better Git It In Your Soul: An Interpretive Biography of Charles Mingus by Krin Gabbard (2017).

The JJA Book Nominees Authors Zoom on March 21 will be a 90 minute, interactive event open to JJA member registrants. It will be streamed live to the JJA Facebook page and archived on the JJA Youtube channel. It follows on the JJA's January 21 Zoom Book Party, wiith authors Karl Ackerman (A Map of Jazz: Crossroads of Music and Human Rights), Debbie Burke (Tasty Jazz Jams for Our Times), and Tish Oney (Peggy Lee: A Century of Song) as well as Panken (co-author of saxophonist Woods' book) and Sirius/XM jazz host/storyteller Ruffin. 

The JJA is a non-profit professional organization of writers, photographers, broadcasters, videographers, new media professionals and their supporters, which produces the 2021 JJA Jazz Awards. For further information on the Zoom Book Party, JJA Jazz Awards or the Jazz Journalists Association, contact Howard Mandel, President@JazzJournalists.org or Jim Eigo, Jim@JazzPromoServices.com.