Sk1Bum 10,873 Posted March 27 Posted March 27 Four80East, Barn Sessions Vol 1 was released on Mar 15, 2025. "Over the past few months, the Ontario-based jazz group Four80East (Rob DeBoer, Tony Grace) has been releasing a series of videos on YouTube recorded in their new barn, which has been converted to a recording, performing, and post-production studio. These are live renditions of songs covered on their entire catalog of albums. Some of the songs include both a four-piece horn section along with a four-piece string section, while one of the songs features only Rob and Tony." You can read the rest of the review here... 2 1
Sk1Bum 10,873 Posted March 28 Posted March 28 Brian Simpson, Midnight Groove is released today, March 28. 2025. "Midnight Groove marks a pivotal moment in Simpson’s career, showcasing his ever-evolving mastery as a composer and performer. Today, Glide is excited to offer an exclusive premiere of the album, which encapsulates Simpson’s wide-ranging musical palette and talent. From funkified sounds to straight jazz and smooth grooves, tropical stylings, and R&B, Simpson traverses a rich sonic landscape with his collaborators to give us an album that is both fun to listen to yet impressive in the amount of skill that comes across. Ultimately, Midnight Groove is a testament to Brian Simpson’s unwavering dedication to his craft and his ability to create music that stirs the soul. With its rich melodies, enchanting rhythms, and heartfelt performances, the album is sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners around the world." You can read the rest of the review, and listen to the whole album here... 3 1
Sk1Bum 10,873 Posted March 30 Posted March 30 Nels Cline, Cosentrik Quartet was released on March 14, 2025. "In his latest album, Nels Cline—an astoundingly skilled guitarist and composer— leads a formidable new quartet featuring saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock, bassist Chris Lightcap, and drummer Tom Rainey. Consentrik Quartet, their self-titled release, is a testament to the strength of each musician’s abilities, and includes original compositions inspired both by the pandemic and the exciting improvisational Brooklyn music scene." You can read the rest of the review here... 2
Sk1Bum 10,873 Posted April 4 Posted April 4 Carlos Santana, Sentient was released on March 28. 2025. "Carlos Santana, the legendary guitarist and multiple Grammy Award winner, has announced the release of his passionate new album, Sentient. Set to premiere on March 28 through Candid Records, the album is currently available for pre-order. Sentient is a compilation that spans Santana's illustrious career, showcasing 11 outstanding tracks, including three that are previously unreleased. True to Santana's ethos, the selection of songs is driven by passion, emotion, and instinct." You can read the rest of the review here... 2
Sk1Bum 10,873 Posted April 5 Posted April 5 D.S. Wilson, Metamorphosis was released In January, 2025. "D.S. Wilson is an American jazz musician, composer, producer and performer currently living in Chicago. Wilson’s sound primarily features the saxophone and blurs the lines between jazz, funk, rock, pop and blues, with smooth and memorable sax melodies on top of funky drum & bass rhythms and tasteful guitars and keyboards. Listening to Wilson’s music, one can hear influences from the likes of David Sanborn, Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, Steely Dan and Dave Matthews." You can read the rest of the review here... 2
Sk1Bum 10,873 Posted April 7 Posted April 7 Fernando Ferrarone, Now till Forever was released on March 9, 2025. "On his debut album, Now Till Forever, composer and multi-instrumentalist Fernando Ferrarone explores the sounds of the world through a blend of jazz, catchy soulful melodies, and a touch of Latin rhythms. With warm trumpet playing, tasteful saxophone lines, and an incredible band supporting him, the album paints images of peace and healing, leaving listeners immersed in a deeply personal sonic landscape." You can read the review and listen to some more tracks here... 2
Receiver2000 3,464 Posted April 7 Posted April 7 I like that kind of trumpeting so much better than Miles. 1
Sk1Bum 10,873 Posted April 7 Posted April 7 26 minutes ago, Receiver2000 said: I like that kind of trumpeting so much better than Miles. I have to agree. Though there's no doubt about his talent, Miles is a bit too raw for me.
Sk1Bum 10,873 Posted April 7 Posted April 7 Larry D Richardson Jr., Finally Me was released on January 17, 2025. I can't find a review anywhere, so here's my take. This is classic smooth jazz with some Caribbean influences. I enjoy it, and it will get played from time to time. 3 1
Half Life 256 Posted April 7 Posted April 7 (edited) @Sk1Bum said: Larry D Richardson Jr..... Nice one! Going to add some of that into the rotation. Thanks for sharing! Edited April 7 by Half Life 1
Sk1Bum 10,873 Posted April 8 Posted April 8 Eric Alexander, Chicago to New York was released on April 4, 2025. "This sprightly, no-nonsense album, titled as a homage to Alexander's early-1990s jazz apprenticeship in Chicago, spices the saxophonist's balance of warmth and drive with a healthy dose of the blues." You can read the rest of the review here... 2
Sk1Bum 10,873 Posted April 8 Posted April 8 Gary DeBerry Sr, Just Like That was released on January 17, 2025. "Gary De Berry Sr. is an actor and musician from Queens, New York now living in Knightdale, North Carolina. He studied Music Theory and Composition at York College Music Major. Dance, workout, jog or listen to bass work from bassist Gary DeBerry. Bassist with Creative Funk. After the band split in 1975 he went on to play with flutist Bobbie Humphrey, Norman Connors, Jeane Carne and Stanley Turrentine. Ran the record label Creative Funk Music with his brother Deek DeBerry." You can read the review here... 1
Sk1Bum 10,873 Posted April 9 Posted April 9 Nnenna Freelon, Beneath the Skin was released on March 21. 2025. "A voice so profound it could be mistaken for the original cry that birthed the blues, an inner pain transfigured into beauty, offering a timeless poetic form." Thierry De Clemensat, Paris Move "Singer Nnenna Freelon has long shown she knows her way around the Great American Songbook (she's recorded tributes to Billie holiday and Stevie Wonder), but on her newly released 12th album, Beneath the Skin, the tunes, many of them poignant ballads, are all hers, with several celebrating women in many colors." You can read the rest of the review here... My take, Ms. Freelon has one of those female voices that captivates me like Patricia Barber, Pat Benatar, Ann Wilson, Patsy Cline, Janis Joplin, and all for very different reasons. In style, she most resembles Patricia Barber. 1
Half Life 256 Posted April 9 Posted April 9 15 hours ago, Sk1Bum said: My take, Ms. Freelon has one of those female voices that captivates me like Patricia Barber, Pat Benatar, Ann Wilson, Patsy Cline, Janis Joplin, and all for very different reasons. In style, she most resembles Patricia Barber. Agreed! Those names bring others to mind for me, Sade, Joan Armatrading, Tracy Chapman, Etta James, Koko Taylor.... I could go on. 1
Sk1Bum 10,873 Posted April 9 Posted April 9 1 hour ago, Half Life said: Agreed! Those names bring others to mind for me, Sade, Joan Armatrading, Tracy Chapman, Etta James, Koko Taylor.... I could go on. Excellent choices that I didn't mention. Another mesmerizing voice, for me at least, is Mizuho Lin. She sings death metal in Semblant, but she also has quite a few Disney show tunes on her YouTube channel. 1
mlw213 19 Posted April 11 Posted April 11 I wanted to contribute to this thread with some MMJ! I’ve seen these guys at least a dozen times and they are the gift that keeps on giving. Some mixed reviews of their most recent Brendan O’Brien-produced album, but this song is definitely one of the standouts. See these guys life if you ever get the chance. 2 1
Sk1Bum 10,873 Posted April 11 Posted April 11 Rachel Therrien, Mi Hogar II was released on March 7, 2025. "Rachel Therrien is a Canadian composer and trumpet player who has been around for some time, though her name may be unfamiliar. Therrien's musical journey has taken her from Rimouski, Quebec to Havana, Cuba via New York City and Colombia. Her Latin Jazz Project is nothing if not arresting, and probably merits a name like avant-garde Latin jazz, although labels inevitably just confuse matters. <...> It is free from the usual constraints and clichés of style, genre or tradition while remaining recognizably Latin jazz. The production is a treat on every level, from graphics to compositions." You can read the rest of the review here... 3
Steve Margenau 15 Posted April 13 Posted April 13 On 3/28/2025 at 2:20 AM, Sk1Bum said: Brian Simpson, Midnight Groove is released today, March 28. 2025. "Midnight Groove marks a pivotal moment in Simpson’s career, showcasing his ever-evolving mastery as a composer and performer. Today, Glide is excited to offer an exclusive premiere of the album, which encapsulates Simpson’s wide-ranging musical palette and talent. From funkified sounds to straight jazz and smooth grooves, tropical stylings, and R&B, Simpson traverses a rich sonic landscape with his collaborators to give us an album that is both fun to listen to yet impressive in the amount of skill that comes across. Ultimately, Midnight Groove is a testament to Brian Simpson’s unwavering dedication to his craft and his ability to create music that stirs the soul. With its rich melodies, enchanting rhythms, and heartfelt performances, the album is sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners around the world." You can read the rest of the review, and listen to the whole album here... I listened to the first half of this album on Tidal yesterday evening. Wow! Very nice work and a pleasure to listen to. So relaxing that I unfortunately dozed off while listening - I need to finish it up soon! 2 1
Sk1Bum 10,873 Posted April 18 Posted April 18 Kim Waters, Time 2 Groove was released on April 11, 2025. "Sax man KIM WATERS has been delivering quality smooth jazz for over 30 years, so, little wonder that this new album, his 26th as leader, is filled with a slick, effortless take on the genre – a take that betrays Kim’s vast experience and knowledge of what’s required by the ever-growing numbers of genre aficionados." You can read the rest of the review here... 2
Sk1Bum 10,873 Posted Sunday at 04:33 PM Posted Sunday at 04:33 PM George Brown, Jazz in Paris was released on April 18, 2025. "Inspired by smoky jazz clubs in Paris and New York in the late '50s and '60s, the album reflects George’s deep love for jazz and the spirit of Miles Davis' Great Quintets. It was largely recorded at his LA home studio during the pandemic before his passing from cancer in 2023." You can read the rest of the article here... As mentioned in the article, George Brown was a founding member and drummer for Kool & The Gang. 1
Sk1Bum 10,873 Posted Sunday at 04:42 PM Posted Sunday at 04:42 PM Russ Spiegel, Nitty Gritty was released on March 28, 2025. "Guitarist and composer Russ Spiegel delivers an invigorating blend of soulful jazz on his latest release, Nitty Gritty. Leading a dynamic organ trio, Spiegel’s ensemble features Jim Gasior on piano and organ, Lucas Apostoleris on drums, and includes a standout guest appearance by saxophonist Tim Armacost. The recording captures the essence of Spiegel’s far-reaching musical journey, shaped by his time in both Los Angeles and Miami. The production captures the grit, groove, and grace of a seasoned artist who continues to evolve while staying rooted in a deep love of the jazz tradition." You can read the review here...
Sk1Bum 10,873 Posted Sunday at 04:58 PM Posted Sunday at 04:58 PM Sharel Cassity, Gratitude was released on March 28, 2025. "This group of seasoned musicians brings a dynamic synergy to the album, their collective energy coursing through each arrangement with the immediacy of a live club date. The interplay among them is responsive and unforced, allowing spontaneous moments to emerge organically. The production enhances this feeling of presence, capturing subtle dynamic shifts, conversational phrasing, and the unspoken cues that define the intimacy of a true ensemble performance." You can read the rest of the review here... 1
Sk1Bum 10,873 Posted Sunday at 06:04 PM Posted Sunday at 06:04 PM Hawkwind, There Is No Space For Us was released on April 18, 2025. "Blending hypnotic rhythms, immersive synths, and driving guitar riffs, There Is No Space For Us takes listeners on an interstellar voyage from the synth laden thunderous opening track There Is Still Danger There to the eerie, atmospheric depths and outstanding heights of Space Continues (Lifeform). Tracks like the acoustic led The Co-Pilot (a song which transforms multiple times across 8 minutes) and title track There Is No Space For Us (the definition of what a “space western” should sound like) showcase the band's signature fusion." You can read the rest of the review here...
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