Jazz Recommendations

Here is some very good new music.

Jorge Rossy Vibes Quintet – Beyond Sunday (Jazz & People)

For many, the name Jorge Rossy will be associated with the drums via his long stint in Brad Mehldau’s trio, and so it’ll always be a refreshing change of pace for those times when he leads out on vibraphone.  This modern session with saxophonist Mark Turner, guitarist Jaume Llombart, bassist Doug Weiss and drummer Al Foster has a rhythmic drive at its core, but it’s their melodic compulsions that steer each tune.  In fact, it’s a formula not far removed from Rossy’s FOX trio with Pierre Perchaud and Nicolas Moreaux.  There are some subtly captivating passages on this recording.  Music from Barcelona.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Bandcamp – Amazon

E Scott Lindner – Port of Dreams (Infinity Gritty)

This album has been a refuge for me since it first got on my radar.  This post-jazz recording from E Scott Lindner has a massively cinematic presence, inciting in me imagery so strong that I remain convinced that I must’ve seen it originally on a movie screen.  Incorporating a bevy of wind instruments and strings go a long way to explaining the rich textures and soothing harmonies Port of Dreams has to deliver.  Of those contributions, familiar names like Tomoko Omura, Hailey Niswanger, Sara Schoenbeck and Andrew Gould are among the album personnel.  There are moments this album is so beautiful that I feel like my heart can’t take it all in and remain in one piece.  Music from NYC.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Bandcamp – Amazon

Piet Verbist Quartet – Suite Réunion (Origin Records)

Piet Verbist is far more off the radar than he should be.  The bassist has a real talent for creating modern works that balance expertly between new- and old-school forms of expression.  The axis of this meeting point is where deeply melodic forays and from-the-heart blues occupy the same space, unconflicted.  His latest is yet another example, and well worth scooping up.  Note that Bram Weijters is the pianist in Verbist’s quintet; Weijters is a site favorite, and is on a whole bunch of new releases right now.  Music from Antwerp, Belgium.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Bandcamp – Amazon

Johnaye Kendrick – Flying (Self-Produced)

Johnaye Kendrick first hit my radar via her captivating vocal contribution to John Ellis’s 2014 release, MOBRO.  Her sound is one that generates a huge feel out of a seemingly effortless delivery, and it’s a quality that she puts to excellent use on her sophomore release, Flying.  While Kendrick certainly knows what to do with a ballad, it’s an upbeat track like “Scorpion” that really allows her innate tunefulness to shine bright.  Pianist Dawn Clement, bassist Chris Symer and drummer D’Vonne Lewis keep to a straight-ahead sound that’s a perfect fit for this session’s choice of originals and renditions.  Music from Seattle, WA.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Amazon

Alfie Copoví Trio – Flight (Sedajazz Records)

I’m really taken with this modern trio session from the Alfie Copoví Trio.  They craft a pretty melody, nothing fussy, and then let it sail for as long as the breezy rhythm will take it.  Sometimes it’s hints of gospel, sometimes hints of the blues, sometimes the music hops, but mostly this music grooves.  Music from Valencia, Spain.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Bandcamp