top of page

 December 2024
Some Recent Releases

Recent Releases

A few words about recent releases / reviews:

Apart from where they are included in articles on this website, I don't have a 'Reviews' section for a number of reasons:

 

  • I receive so many requests to review recordings it is impossible to include them all.

  • Unlike some publications/blogs, Sandy Brown Jazz is not a funded website and it is not possible to pay reviewers.

  • Reviews tend to be personal opinions, something a reviewer likes might not suit you, or vice versa.

  • It is difficult to capture music in words, so much better to be able to listen and see whether the music interests you.


For these reasons in particular I just include a selection of recent recordings below where I share the notes issued by the musician(s) as an introduction and links to samples so you can 'taste' the music for yourselves. For those who like to read reviews, these, of course, can be checked out on other sites.

​

Some albums are priced in dollars or other currencies. These are marked ^. There are currency options if you  proceed to order. Recordings are now regularly available on different formats (CD, mp3 downloads, vinyl) or platforms e.g iTunes, Spotify, etc. I am unable to list them all so it is worth checking if you have a favourite platform).

Featured In December 2024

UK

John-Paul Muir- Home Now
(Ubuntu Music) - Released: 8th November 2024

​

Brigitte Beraha (voice); George Crowley (bass clarinet, tenor saxophone); Jakub Cywiński (double-bass); Eric Ford (drums)
John-Paul Muir (piano)

John Paul Muir Home Now.jpg

'Home Now showcases Muir’s lyrical compositional style in a set of five pieces with expressive playing of both delicate beauty and overflowing ecstasy. The first three tracks feature a collaboration with lyricist Anjali Bhat, with Muir’s classical heritage coming to the fore in the impressionistic opener Sunlight, a captivating portrayal of a romantic encounter, whilst the title track explores the experience of finding a sense of home in a new place. John-Paul describes the album in his own words: “The compositions that make up ‘Home Now’ are often imbued with warmth and highlight some of the experiences of being human that are hard to describe. They came about naturally over a period of several years, reflecting both my collaboration with Anjali and my writing, finding its voice in a sort of ‘chamber jazz’ that encompasses my classical roots alongside improvisation and a movement towards a European jazz sound.......' (album notes)

Tommy Smith and John Taylor - Love Unrequited
(Bandcamp) - Released: 6th September 2024

​

Tommy Smith (saxophone); John Taylor (piano)

Tommy Smith John Taylor Love Unrequited.jpg

"John Taylor was an inspirational light that has gone out into the universe. He was a scholarly man with the kindest heart who projected the purest, most exquisite piano sound that ever dawned in the jazz world. One note from John could debase your soul. I will miss him with profound sadness but with a twist of wistfulness, as his beautiful persona has left a warm memory in my soul, like many of those he touched." (Tommy Smith album notes)

Raw Odoni - Ostara

(self release) - Released: 8th November 2024

​

Hu Spall (saxophones); Matthew Shorter (piano); Dan Richards (bass); Christian Lewcock (drums)

Raw Odoni Ostara.jpg

Matthew Shorter says: "Ostara" is based on an ancient name for the spring equinox and associated festivities, partly because we recorded it around the time of the equinox, and partly because we liked the connotation of new life for our first outing. The two original tunes on the EP are Keeping it Raw and Whitstable Harbour have the fingerprints of the whole band all over them, as we’ve lovingly workshopped and refined them together.  Keeping it Raw is new for Raw Odoni.; Whitstable Harbour is probably obvious from the name! As for Bouquet, we are all veteran players of the jazz songbook, and we wanted to include something that reflects both our love for the tradition and our intention to have a living creative relationship with it. And we think it’s an underrated gem of a tune."

Henrik Jensen - Above Your House
(Babel Label) - Released: 18th October 2024

​

Henrik Jensen (bass); Esben Tjalve (piano); Dave Smith (drums)

Henrick Jensen Above Your House.jpg

'Originally from Denmark, Henrik Jensen has lived in the UK for over 20 years, since coming here to study at Royal Academy of Music. He has performed extensively as a bandleader and a sideman, and was part of the New Simplicity Trio which was released on Babel. This will be the fourth album as leader ...... Above your house’ showcases the trio’s synergy and creative interplay, while highlighting Jensen’s compositional skills, reflecting both lyrical and rhythmic complexity. Tracks like the ‘Hunt’ displays the trio’s ability to create an atmosphere that is both introspective and engaging ......' (album notes)

Mike Chillingworth - Friday The Thirteenth

(Ubuntu Music) - Released: 18th October 2024

​

Mike Chillingworth (alto and soprano saxophones, compositions); Ivo Neame (piano); Tom Farmer (bass); Jon Scott (drums)

Mike Chillingworth Friday The Thirteenth.jpg

'This music is deeply personal, emerging from Mike Chillingworth's idiosyncratic musical experiments and shaped by the lessons he's learned from collaborating with so many inspirational musicians over recent years. The musicians in the band have all brought so much fire and personality to the music and Mike is thrilled to share the results.' (album notes)

The Occasional Quintet - Recording Rites
(Discus Music) - Released: 8th November 2024

​

Sam Richards (piano); Ric White (tenor saxophone, EWI, electronics); Eliza Jacobs (electric cello); Roger Hall (double bass, symphonic gong, percussion); Steve Day (drums, percussion, bowed cymbals)

The Occasional Quintet Recording Rites.jpg

"For me this music felt like coming home. Or perhaps I should say this feels where I should really be; proud to be associated with it.” - Sam Richards. 'In 2021 bassist/percussionist Roger Hall started a regular improvisation workshop at Ashburton Arts Centre. His early co-founders were Steve Day (percussionist) and Ric White (saxophone maestro, flutes & electronics). The workshop experimented in a number of different directions including dance, visuals and theatre. It is still active, still challenging. Two years ago Steve, Ric and Roger decided to form a regular working band, expanding ideas emulating from the larger workshop sessions. Steve already knew the pianist Sam Richards and the cellist Eliza Jacobs. Early on it was obvious the Occasional Quintet had a lot in common........' (album notes)

America

The Joymakers - Down Where The Bluebonnets Grow
(Turtle Bay Records) - Released: 20th September 2024

​

Colin Hancock (cornet, alto sax, baritone sax, mellophone, vocals); Freddie Mendoza (trombone); David Jellema (clarinet, /C-Melody s, cornet, vocals); Lauryn Gould (alto sax, tenor sax, soprano sax, vocals); Luke Allen (vocals); Dylan Blackthorn (accordion); Westen Borghesi (tenor banjo); Shane Dickens (piano); Ryan Gould (double bass); Ryan Neubauer (drums)

The Joymakers Down Where The Bluebonnets Grow.jpg

"Down Where the Bluebonnets Grow” by the Joymakers explores the wide variety of sounds which emanated from Texas during the jazz age. Be it Jimmie Joy or Jelly Roll Morton, this album and this band serve up all kinds of great jazz and blues favorites which are as fresh now as they were when originally waxed all those years ago. Fronted by cornetist Colin Hancock, the band is all about maximum authenticity with maximum feeling, and you certainly won’t be able to keep your feet still either when you hear this record!" (album notes)

Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few - The World Is On Fire
(Division 81 Records) - Released: 18th October 2024

​

Isaiah Collier (sax, vocals, auxiliary percussion); Michael Shekwoaga Ode (drums); Julian Davis Reid (piano); Jeremiah Hunt (bass); Kenthany Rodman, Mayshell Morris (flute); Corey Wilkes (trumpet); Ed Wilkerson Jr. (alto clarinet); Cassie Watson Francillon (harp); Olula Negre(cello); Manasseh Croft, Kiela Adira, Jessica Walton, Meghan McNeal (vocals)

Isaiah Collier The World Is On Fire.jpg

'The World is on Fire is Collier’s observation journal reflecting on the tumultuous period from before the pandemic to the present day. The title itself wields his lens on vile acts committed by those in power addressing themes of economic upheaval, systemic racism, and the relentless fight for justice. The potency of Collier’s compositions is reinforced by utilizing harrowing real-life news clips throughout the album that emits the urgency, somberness, and turmoil during this time in history as the album as a whole serves as a requiem for countless lives lost and injustices that remain unacknowledged. It pays tribute to individuals like Sandra Bland, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Sonya Massey, among many others, whose stories have often been overshadowed. “This project is a sonic exploration, blending sounds, consciousness, and activism to raise awareness about the pressing issues of our time,” says Collier, “Through my music, I strive to capture and personify the profound impact of the challenges we face.” ...... (album notes)

Brad Shepik - Human Activity : Dream Of The Possible
(Shift Paradigm Records) - Released: 11th October 2024

​

Brad Shepik (guitar, Bulgarian tambura, saz, banjo); Layale Chaker (violin); Amino Belyamani (piano); Sam Minaie (bass); John Hadfield: (drums, percussion)

Brad Shepik Dream Of The Possible.jpg

'Brad Shepik's 'Human Activity Dream of the Possible' is a ten movement meditation on the climate challenges we face, aiming to inspire people to take any action they can to preserve and adapt in a sustainable way for future generations. Shepik composed and premiered the work in 2021 as response to the that year's climate report and his previous composition Human Activity Suite (2007). The concert length work weaves stringed instruments and rhythms from around the world with jazz into a narrative of hope.' (album notes)

Caleb Wheeler Curtis - The True Story Of Bears and the Invention Of The Battery
(Imani Records) - Released:  1st November 2024 [2 CDs]

​

Disc 1: Caleb Wheeler Curtis (stritch, trumpet, sopranino saxophone, tenor saxophone); Sean Conly (double bass); Michael Sarin (drums). Disc 2: Caleb Wheeler Curtis (stritch, trumpet, sopranino saxophone); Eric Revis (double bass); Justin Faulkner (drums)

Caleb Wheeler Curtis Bears Batteries.jpg

'Saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist and composer Caleb Wheeler Curtis is well aware that the delightfully convoluted title that he’s given his ambitious new double album – The True Story of Bears and the Invention of the Battery – will inevitably raise questions. By way of not exactly explaining that curiosity-stoking mouthful, Curtis points to the Coen Brothers’ Oscar-winning 1996 film Fargo, which opens with the disclaimer, “This is a true story.” He enthuses, “I think that's a really powerful narrative idea. There's something in the air right now about what exactly constitutes the truth. But I also realize that the music and art that excite me are often bizarre, confusing, or abstract.” ..... The second, Raise Four: Monk the Minimalist, is a bold exploration of the music of Thelonious Monk with bassist Eric Revis and drummer Justin Faulkner, longtime bandmates in the revered Branford Marsalis Quartet. Bears and the Invention of the Battery marks the first time that Curtis has been able to record as a leader with his own working band, showcasing complex and provocative music that has been fully developed prior to the recording session. The set features Curtis on all four horns, at times layered through overdubs to deepen the palette....... (album notes)
 

Sara Serpa - Encounters And Collisions
(Biophilia Records) - Released:  15th November 2024

​

Sara Serpa (voice, compositions, lyrics, stories, drawings); Ingrid Laubrock(saxophone); Angelica Sanchez (piano); Erik Friedlander (cello)

Sara Serpa Encounters and Collisions.jpg

" I think so many times about how we deal with change and loss. From moving to another country, to giving birth or grieving a loved one, my different reactions have often surprised me. And yet, life is change in itself. Sometimes drastic, most of the times subtle, we all go and move through constant change. We lose ourselves, countries, landscapes and cities, loved ones, thoughts and emotions. I wrote this music for someone else’s story only to realize I was writing my own story. Encounters and Collisions portrays episodes from my life since moving from Portugal to the US." (album notes)

Jason Anick & Jason Yeager - Sanctuary
(Sunnyside Records) - Released:   11th October 2024

​

Jason Anick (violin); Jason Yeager (piano); Jason Palmer (trumpet); Billy Buss (trumpet); Edmar Colón (tenor saxophone); Naseem Alatrash (cello); Greg Loughman (bass); Mike Connors (drums)

Jason Anick Jason Yeager Sanctuary.jpg

'In some way, each and every one of us is searching for sanctuary. In certain cases, that search reflects a vital need – a home, a country, a safe haven. For those of us fortunate to have those crucial needs met, sanctuary comes to mean something more personal and metaphorical – the embrace of loved ones, a cherished memory, a quiet space in nature. On Sanctuary, their extraordinary second album as co-leaders, violinist Jason Anick and pianist Jason Yeager explore the vast spectrum of what the concept can mean through the medium of their own personal sanctuary – the music they create. Sanctuary builds on the foundation set by the pair’s previous outing, 2017’s United. That album marked the culmination of a nearly lifelong friendship and collaboration; Anick and Yeager met for the first time at a local jam session as teens in the Boston area. Since then, both have continued to collaborate while establishing flourishing careers as composers, performers and educators, with both serving on the faculty at Berklee College of Music.......' (album notes)

Europe and Elsewhere

Avishai Cohen - Brightlight

(naive/believe Records) - Released: 25th October 2024

 

Avishai Cohen (bass); Guy Moskovich (piano); Roni Kaspi (drums); Yuval Drabkin (saxophone)

Avishai Cohen Brightlight.jpg

'Bassist/composer/singer Avishai Cohen’s musical journey has been one of unwavering dedication, ceaseless innovation and global acclaim. From his formative years to his current international jazz icon status Cohen’s artistry has transcended borders and captivated audiences worldwide. His virtuosity on the upright bass is unparalleled, marked by a deep, resonant tone and an intuitive sense of rhythm that forms the heartbeat of his music.  As a composer Cohen has a rare gift for crafting melodies that are at once intricate and accessible, weaving together elements of jazz, folk and world music into a tapestry of sonic beauty. ...... In his new recording, Brightlight, Cohen showcases his multifaceted talents alongside a stellar ensemble of musicians including his core trio - pianist Guy Moskovich and drummer Roni Kaspi. Moskovich, a pianist whose harmonic sensibilities and technical prowess have garnered him recognition as a rising star in jazz, provides the perfect complement to Cohen’s bass lines. Kaspi brings a youthful vigour to the album, infusing the music with a sense of spontaneity and drive, which is reflected in ‘Roni’s Swing’, written by Cohen as a tribute to her dynamic drumming. Saxophonist, Yuval Drabkin, adds another layer of richness to the extensive ensemble. His emotive playing and nuanced interpretations bring a compelling voice to the project, enhancing the album’s overall depth and complexity. .........' (publicity notes)

Michel Petrucciani Trio - Jazz Club Montmartre 1988
(Storyville Records) - Released: 15 th November 2024

​

Michel Petrucciani (piano); Gary Peacock (bass); Roy Haynes (drums)

Michel Petrucciani Trio Jazz Club Montmartre.jpg

'Storyville Records proudly presents the previously unreleased live double album, Michel Petrucciani Trio - Jazz Club Montmartre - CPH 1988, by the legendary French pianist Michel Petrucciani. Recorded during a memorable performance at Copenhagen’s Jazzhus Montmartre on July 3rd, 1988, the album captures Petrucciani in the company of two jazz icons, Gary Peacock on bass and Roy Haynes on drums. While the trio only came together for a brief European tour in the summer of 1988, the chemistry they shared on stage was undeniable. The trio, propelled by a studio session the previous autumn, radiates synergy, as they explore six of Michel’s original compositions with a sense of grace and spontaneity. On this recording, listeners will rediscover Petrucciani’s unique lyrical universe, as well as his reverence for modern jazz icons, paying tribute to Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Paul Bley with special arrangements of classics like Someday My Prince Will Come ..... (album notes)

Lionel Loueke, Dave Holland - United

(Edition Records) - Released: 8th November 2024

 

Lionel Loueke (guitar, vocals); Dave Holland (acoustic bass)

Lionel Loueke Dave Holland United.jpg

'Two musical giants, guitarist Lionel Loueke and bassist Dave Holland, unite their individual talents into one harmonious recording, igniting creativity, honoring cultural roots, and showcasing music's powerful role in fostering unity amidst societal division. United is an inspiring testament to the power of collaboration, blending Loueke's masterful guitar work with Holland's deep, resonant bass. Both musicians have profoundly impacted the global jazz scene—Loueke, known for his innovative fusion of West African traditions with modern jazz, has played with a who’s who of virtuosic and celebrated artists, most notably serving as Herbie Hancock’s guitarist for over 15 years, and collaborating with legends like Wayne Shorter, Sting, Terence Blanchard, Marcus Miller, and Esperanza Spalding. Holland, one of the most influential bassists and composers in jazz, has shaped contemporary jazz since the late 1960s, performing with icons like Miles Davis, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny, Sam Rivers, and Jack DeJohnette. Though Loueke and Holland have worked together many times in various groups, this album marks their first collaboration as a duo. The result is nothing short of extraordinary.' (album notes)

Laila Biali - Wintersongs
(self produced) - Released: 1st November 2024​


Laila Biali (vocals); George Koller (bass); Ben Wittman (drums); Jane Bunett (saxophone, vocals); Kevin Turcotte (trumpet); Lori Gemmell (harp); Sam Yahel (organ) and others

Laila Biali Wintersongs.jpg

'Composed from a cabin surrounded by snow-capped mountains during a writing retreat in the heart of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, Wintersongs is Laila Biali’s musical love letter to winter. This lush and cinematic recording blends jazz harmonies with chamber sounds, featuring orchestrations by Rob Mathes (Sting, Springsteen), Canadian classical sensation Venuti String Quartet, highly-decorated multi-instrumentalist Jane Bunnett, and more.' (album notes)

Steen Rasmussen, Kaspar Vadsholt, Celso De Almeida - Red Bossa
(Stunt Records) - Released: 28th November 2024

​

Steen Rasmussen (piano); Kaspar Vadsholt (bass); Celso De Almeida (drums, percussion); Marilda Almeida (vocals); Clara Emile Wessberg Rasmussen (background vocals(; Lis Wessberg (trombone); Jonas Krag (pedalsteel, electric guitar, sitar.)

Steen Rasmussen Red Bossa.jpg

'Legendary Brazilian singing star Joyce Moreno is beyond amazed by Danish pianist and composer Steen Rasmussen's musical fluency and close relationship to Brazilian music: 'He knows it inside and out and plays it with respect and a deep understanding of all aspects of the art form.' Steen's Red Bossa Trio consists of Fredrik Damsgaard, with his tastefully insightful bass playing, and one of Brazil's most respected drummers, Celso De Almeida, who expertly and elegantly spices up the music just as it should be with an authentic ability to underplay things while being funky at the same time. Enjoy and take note of Rasmussen's trio, who never let things get out of control. Instead, listeners (along with the band) can lean back comfortably against the underlying pulse that gets under everyone's skin in the most wonderful way. 'Red Bossa' was recorded in Copenhagen and cements Steen Rasmussen's crucial role as Denmark's leading interpreter of Brazilian music. Since his first introductions to Bossa, Samba, and the other sub-genres from the great South American country and culture, he’s dared to dive headfirst into things - fully committed and without a safety net.' (album notes)

Reissues

Billie Holiday - Travelin' Light

(Jasmine Records) - Released:  8th November 2024

​

Billie Holiday (vocals) with various personnel

Billie Holiday Travelin Light.jpg

'Billie crammed a lot of music into a career that barely lasted 25 years, and there have been all sorts of anthologies that take an overview of her quarter of a century of recording. This new Jasmine collection concentrates primarily on one decade – the 1940s, when Billie was probably at her peak as a singer and finally able to record songs that she personally identified with, rather than songs that her producer thought were what her audiences ought to hear. In this collection you can hear many of the songs that have become forever associated with ‘Lady Day’, whether through her own versions or via revivals by the likes of Diana Ross and Alison Moyet. Songs like ‘That Old Devil Called Love’, ‘God Bless The Child’, the famously infamous ‘Strange Fruit’ and our title track ‘Trav’lin’ Light’ are woven into the very fabric of what made Billie Holiday such a musical icon, whose music lives on more than 60 years after she left us. Beautiful music, beautifully produced arranged and sung, beautiful audio, another beautiful listening experience from your friendly neighbourhood Jasmine label!' (album notes).

Oscar Peterson Quartet - City Lights : Live in Munich 1994

(Mack Avenue Records) - Released:  15th November 2024

​

Oscar Peterson (piano); Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen (bass); Lorne Lofsky (guitar); Martin Drew (drums)

Oscar Peterson Quartet City Lights.jpg

'Throughout his decades-long career, Oscar Peterson accomplished the near impossible: greatness with every note played and the acquisition of new generations of fans worldwide, regardless of the obstacles life threw at him. In 1994, only one year after suffering a stroke that rendered his left hand weakened, Peterson took the stage in Munich to prove to his collaborators, fans, and himself, that his earned title of “Maharaja of the keyboard” by Duke Ellington still rang true. By reinventing his playing style at 68 years old, he demonstrated his undiminished inventive prowess with an all-star band.' (album notes)

Various Artists - Great Jazz : The First Ladies of Swing And Jazz

(Upbeat Recordings) - Released: 2024

​

Various artists including Lil Armstrong, Lovie Austin, Una Mae Carlisle and others

Great Jazz First Ladies Of Swing and Jazz.jpg

'Superb compilation featuring top female jazz singers – the first ladies of swing and jazz. Great concept and superb music. Guaranteed to be a good seller. Featuring the ever-popular Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Valaida Snow and Lil Hardin Armstrong, as well as The Boswell Sisters, Memphis Minnie and others. This is a wonderful collection featuring many of the women who bravely entered the mostly male dominated world of jazz in the 20th century. …particularly impressive……..a delight ...The well-researched and excellent notes were written by jazz historian, drummer and broadcaster John Petters.' (album notes)

Miles Davis Quintet - Miles In France 1963 & 1964 : The Bootleg Series Vol. 8

(Sony/Legacy Records) - Released:  2024 [6 CDs boxset]

​

Miles Davis (trumpet); George Coleman, Wayne Shorter (tenor sax); Herbie Hancock (piano); Ron Carter (bass); Tony Williams (drums)

Miles In France album.jpg

'Miles in France' is the eighth installment in the celebrated Miles Davis Bootleg Series and this edition focuses on the birth of the Second Great Quintet in 1963 and 1964. The music heard here represents the sound of an end and a beginning coming through at once. The set contains 5 separate performances of the Miles Davis Quintet spread over 6 CDs. The energy and depth of feeling in the transcendent playing hint at the special relationship Miles and the group had with the French nation, that embraced them in a way their homeland would not. It contains over 4 hours of revelatory, unreleased live music featuring Miles backed by George Coleman (on the 1963 recordings), Wayne Shorter (on the 1964 recordings), Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter and Tony Williams. The audio has been lovingly mixed and mastered in the highest quality possible and the CDs are packaged in 3 gatefold mini-jackets housed in a luxe slipcase box with a die-cut O-card.' (album notes)

bottom of page