A follow-up to Sommers' critically acclaimed 2020 release Peninsula, Intertwine captures Sommers' dynamic compositional style in a new light. The album features guitar as the primary harmonic instrument, and draws inspiration from rock and soul musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Donny Hathaway, Aretha Franklin, and the Beatles. With a stellar frontline of horn players and a rocksteady rhythm section, Sommers is in great company on this adventurous outing. Alongside Sommers, Intertwine features Chris Madsen on tenor saxophone, Geof Bradfield on bass clarinet, soprano and tenor saxophone, Matt Gold on guitar, and Dana Hall on drums and cymbals. Met with widespread acclaim, 2020's Peninsula was recognized by JazzTimes as an album which "resonates with hardcore jazz fans and non-jazz listeners alike." Intertwine features a fuller instrumentation, filling out the trio of artists present on Peninsula - Sommers, Geof Bradfield and Dana Hall, with an ever-present sonic backdrop provided by guitarist Matt Gold, and the addition of celebrated tenor saxophonist Chris Madsen. Sommers uses this instrumentation to capture a celebration of tight-saxophone harmonies
From Ike Quebec recommending Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell to Alfred Lion and Francis Wolff to Kenny Drew convincing every jazz star passing through Copenhagen to let Nils Winther record their shows, jazz labels have a rich history of receiving A&R help from musicians already on their label. So it was when Sasha Berliner raved about Norwegian guitarist Lage Lund. One quick listen to Lage's fluid, distinctive lines and exquisite taste on guitar and we were hooked. In classic JMI fashion, we matched him in a trio with other favorites we wanted on the label. Tyshawn Sorey on drums and Matt Brewer on bass had both made our list with knockout avant garde performances at New York's most active and searching venue, the Jazz Gallery. Lage's recording session, held one day after the David Murray session which produced JMI-10, was a dream. When we got the results, one of our first pressings from our new plant in Paris, we were gobsmacked. This record embodies the sound we've been shooting for since we started the label. The cover was shot in a bizarre, dedicated photo shoot by Roz Wertheimer.
After 13 years, internationally acclaimed saxophonist Jaleel Shaw returns with Painter of the Invisible - a deeply personal and emotionally resonant album that honors the heroes, places, and legacies that shaped him. With critical praise from The New York Times, DownBeat, and The Philadelphia Inquirer, Shaw is celebrated as a visionary voice in modern jazz. On this long-anticipated full-length release, he delivers a powerful suite of original compositions that merge expressive storytelling with exquisite musicianship. Backed by an all-star ensemble - Lawrence Fields (piano), Ben Street (bass), Joe Dyson (drums), Lage Lund (guitar), and Sasha Berliner (vibraphone) - Shaw weaves an unforgettable sonic narrative that explores themes of love, loss, ancestry, identity, and social justice. From the uplifting tribute "Good Morning" to the heartbreaking meditation "Tamir (for Tamir Rice)," each track paints a vivid portrait of those who remain invisible in life, yet unforgettable in memory. Shaw's virtuosic playing and soulful compositions reveal a singular jazz artist at the height of his powers - thoughtful, fearless, and uncompromising. Painter of the Invisible is not only a celebration of life and legacy, but a vital contribution to the evolving story of Black American music.
Run, Run, Run represents a transformative moment in Tomoko Omura's artistic journey, her first album conceived as a fully realized musical narrative. Drawing deep inspiration from Keiji Nakazawa's Barefoot Gen and released on the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, Omura weaves a poignant short story in sound-one that confronts the horrors of nuclear devastation while threading in her own reflections as both a mother and a global citizen. From the opening notes, listeners are invited into an emotional landscape that honors history's weight and the resilience it demands.
Freedom of Art is the soul-stirring second album from acclaimed bassist, composer, and educator Corcoran Holt. Known for his work with jazz titan Kenny Garrett and for his emotive style steeped in lineage and innovation, Holt delivers a powerful statement on life, love, and legacy. Recorded with a stellar ensemble-including Stacy Dillard, Josh Evans, Benito Gonzalez, Kweku Sumbry, and Lewis Nash-this 15-track album blends traditional jazz values with deeply personal storytelling. From the heartfelt "Theme for Ma" to the spiritual energy of "Kiss to the Skies," Freedom of Art celebrates both ancestry and new beginnings. Standout moments include tributes to jazz greats like Benny Golson and Ray Brown, as well as intimate performances with Holt's own family. Whether you're a lifelong jazz listener or new to the genre, this album invites you to reflect, rejoice, and rediscover the beauty of music as personal testimony.
Dave Liebman and David Burrell are free jazz legends who have been both prolific sidemen and leaders. Their discographies from 1968 until today trace the entire history of creative improvised music with generous helpings of genre-defying music with dashes of rock, r&b in addition to their free output. For this project, they performed as a duet with the recording signals from their instruments (soprano saxophone for Mr. Liebman and piano for Mr. Burrell) completely separated so that the listener will only hear one instrument each in each of their stereo speakers. As such, this functions as the second in our Hard Pan series. Strap in for high-level musical conversations across this unusual and cohesive album.
Uncharted Realms is the bold new release from saxophonist and composer Sean Imboden, showcasing the visionary sound of the Sean Imboden Large Ensemble. Following the acclaimed debut Communal Heart, this second full-length album expands the ensemble's sonic landscape, blending dynamic big band arrangements with modern jazz textures and emotional depth. Featuring sweeping brass, intricate woodwind lines, and inventive solos, Uncharted Realms explores themes of imagination, connection, and optimism. From high-energy openers to introspective moments of calm, each composition reflects Imboden's forward-thinking approach to jazz orchestration. A must-have for fans of contemporary big band and large ensemble jazz.
Modern jazz guitarist Alex Wintz returns with Collage-a soul-stirring, groove-laden exploration of growth, memory, and life's unpredictable rhythms. Featuring acclaimed players Victor Gould (piano), Matt Penman (bass), and Jimmy Macbride (drums), this vibrant collection of originals and select covers reflects Wintz's journey through marriage, fatherhood, and the road-tested life of a touring musician. From the joyful propulsion of "Pondhop" to the reflective warmth of "Better Half," Collage offers a rich sonic palette that bridges modern jazz, blues, and world influences. A must-have for fans of Pat Metheny, Julian Lage, and Lionel Loueke, this album highlights Wintz's deep compositional voice and masterful guitar tone. Recommended If You Like: Joshua Redman, Etienne Charles, Gilad Hekselman. For Fans Of: Modern jazz, lyrical guitar, small group interplay, NYC jazz scene
Modern jazz guitarist Alex Wintz returns with Collage-a soul-stirring, groove-laden exploration of growth, memory, and life's unpredictable rhythms. Featuring acclaimed players Victor Gould (piano), Matt Penman (bass), and Jimmy Macbride (drums), this vibrant collection of originals and select covers reflects Wintz's journey through marriage, fatherhood, and the road-tested life of a touring musician. From the joyful propulsion of "Pondhop" to the reflective warmth of "Better Half," Collage offers a rich sonic palette that bridges modern jazz, blues, and world influences. A must-have for fans of Pat Metheny, Julian Lage, and Lionel Loueke, this album highlights Wintz's deep compositional voice and masterful guitar tone. Recommended If You Like: Joshua Redman, Etienne Charles, Gilad Hekselman. For Fans Of: Modern jazz, lyrical guitar, small group interplay, NYC jazz scene
SMOOVE VIBES is the electrifying new release from acclaimed Baltimore vibraphonist and multi-instrumentalist Warren Wolf. Blending jazz, soul, and groove-based rhythms, this self-produced album showcases Wolf's mastery across instruments-from vibraphone and drums to Fender Rhodes and vocals-recorded largely in his home studio. Joined by longtime collaborators Brent Birckhead, Elan Troutman, Terence Cunningham, Brandon Lane, and Imani-Grace Cooper, Wolf delivers a vibrant, accessible jazz experience that's both musically rich and irresistibly smooth. Featuring reimagined classics and standout originals like "Will the Real Kenny Gee Please Stand Up?", Smoove Vibes is a must-have for fans of groove-forward contemporary jazz.
Sky Garden is the dynamic debut album from New York City-based trio Silvan Joray (guitar), Jakob Ebers (bass), and Jeff Krol (drums)-a radiant and intimate collection of nine original compositions that speak to the power of trust, interplay, and shared vision in jazz. Recorded during a residency at Avaloch Farm Music Institute, the album features compositions from all three members: from the mathematically inspired energy of "Fractometry" to the wistful dreamscape of "Reverie" and the playful harmonic twists of "You're Beating Around the Bush." Each track reflects a unique voice, yet the group flows with a single pulse-lean, interactive, and expressive. Whether it's the warmth of "For Mascha" or the kinetic push of the title track "Sky Garden," this album offers a modern jazz experience with deep roots and forward momentum. Sky Garden is a must-have for fans of inventive guitar trios and contemporary chamber jazz.
SMOOVE VIBES is the electrifying new release from acclaimed Baltimore vibraphonist and multi-instrumentalist Warren Wolf. Blending jazz, soul, and groove-based rhythms, this self-produced album showcases Wolf's mastery across instruments-from vibraphone and drums to Fender Rhodes and vocals-recorded largely in his home studio. Joined by longtime collaborators Brent Birckhead, Elan Troutman, Terence Cunningham, Brandon Lane, and Imani-Grace Cooper, Wolf delivers a vibrant, accessible jazz experience that's both musically rich and irresistibly smooth. Featuring reimagined classics and standout originals like "Will the Real Kenny Gee Please Stand Up?", Smoove Vibes is a must-have for fans of groove-forward contemporary jazz.
Return to the Enchanted Forest by Heisenberg Uncertainty Players is a vivid and imaginative exploration of memory, nostalgia, and transformation. Led by composer and bandleader John Dorhauer, this genre-blurring jazz big band album features eight tracks-six originals and two inventive covers of pop hits by the Backstreet Boys and Wilson Phillips. With hypnotic grooves, rich harmonies, and emotionally charged improvisations, the album invites listeners on a journey through memories as they evolve and distort over time. The result is both accessible and artful, blending memorable melodies with bold, unexpected turns. A must-hear for fans of progressive jazz, cinematic arrangements, and fresh big band energy.
Crazy World is the bold and genre-blurring new album from As Is, the NY-based project fronted by vocalist Stacey Schulman and guitarist Al Schulman. This stunning release fuses vocal jazz with poetic commentary, rich orchestration, and experimental textures - including two compositions that creatively integrate AI-generated instrumentation. From the soaring opener "From This Very Moment On" featuring Grammy-nominated artist Kokayi, to a haunting jazz reinterpretation of "Tiny Dancer", and the aching balladry of "A House Is Not a Home", Crazy World balances technical artistry with emotional urgency. With appearances by Jeff "Tain" Watts, Gil Goldstein, Corcoran Holt, and a full string section, the album delivers both depth and dynamism. Tracks like "PrAilude" and "Children's Games" explore the intersection of humanity and machine - using Suno AI to challenge how we perceive musical authorship, while still grounded in melodic integrity and lyrical intention. Whether you're a jazz collector, audiophile, or a fan of modern vocalists pushing boundaries, Crazy World is a daring, deeply musical experience.
From renowned bassist and composer Ben Wolfe comes Any Time After Now, a deeply expressive new album that brings together some of the most exciting voices in modern jazz. Featuring Joel Ross (vibraphone), Sullivan Fortner (piano), Chris Lewis (tenor saxophone), and Aaron Kimmel (drums), the album explores original compositions with elegance, swing, and a cinematic sense of storytelling. Wolfe's signature sound - lyrical, grounded, and harmonically rich - anchors a set of ten tracks that range from uptempo swingers and bluesy grooves to lyrical waltzes and a closing bossa nova. Any Time After Now is a journey through mood and melody, featuring standout soloing and deeply intuitive ensemble interplay. Perfect for fans of acoustic jazz, post-bop, and artists like Ron Carter, Christian McBride, and Bobby Hutcherson, this album blends tradition with a contemporary touch that feels timeless.
Solo Motions is a deeply personal solo guitar album from Phil Sargent, presenting the instrument as a complete musical voice through unaccompanied performance. Recorded entirely without accompaniment, the album explores counterpoint, harmony, and improvisation with a focus on clarity, space, and emotional presence. Drawing inspiration from Bach's contrapuntal writing alongside modern harmonic language, Sargent reimagines jazz standards and original material through layered voices and inner motion. Influences from modern jazz and classical traditions are woven seamlessly into performances that balance structure with spontaneity. The album includes one original composition, "Kelita," alongside fresh interpretations of well-known repertoire, all shaped by a reflective and intimate approach to solo playing. Rather than emphasizing virtuosity for it's own sake, Solo Motions invites focused listening and rewards repeated engagement, highlighting nuance, restraint, and the expressive power of a single instrument. Solo Motions offers a quiet, immersive listening experience that captures stillness within motion and depth within simplicity.
From renowned bassist and composer Ben Wolfe comes Any Time After Now, a deeply expressive new album that brings together some of the most exciting voices in modern jazz. Featuring Joel Ross (vibraphone), Sullivan Fortner (piano), Chris Lewis (tenor saxophone), and Aaron Kimmel (drums), the album explores original compositions with elegance, swing, and a cinematic sense of storytelling. Wolfe's signature sound - lyrical, grounded, and harmonically rich - anchors a set of ten tracks that range from uptempo swingers and bluesy grooves to lyrical waltzes and a closing bossa nova. Any Time After Now is a journey through mood and melody, featuring standout soloing and deeply intuitive ensemble interplay. Perfect for fans of acoustic jazz, post-bop, and artists like Ron Carter, Christian McBride, and Bobby Hutcherson, this album blends tradition with a contemporary touch that feels timeless.
From Shanghai-born composer and bandleader Zhengtao Pan comes Day by Day, a sweeping nine-track album for jazz orchestra that draws on classical structure, Chinese musical tradition, film scoring, and the full expressive range of the contemporary big band. Recorded in 2025 and featuring guest artists Rufus Reid, Steve Wilson, Itai Kriss, and Sara Gazarek, the album balances orchestral ambition with deeply personal storytelling. Highlights include the patient, folk-like "Childhood" built on a repeating bass foundation conceived specifically for the legendary Rufus Reid; the groove-driven "Wind Dance" featuring Steve Wilson's soprano saxophone over an Afro-Cuban pulse with Celtic melodic fingerprints; the cinematic "Aurora" featuring Grammy-nominated vocalist Sara Gazarek in a Kenny Wheeler-inspired orchestral setting; and the epic title track, a portrait of artistry as persistence, opening with an intricate ostinato in shifting odd meters before building to a fully earned shout chorus. Pan, a graduate of Berklee College of Music and currently pursuing a master's degree at the Eastman School of Music, has drawn on mentorships with Steven Feifke, Miho Hazama, and Gabriela Ortiz to develop a compositional voice that is simultaneously global and deeply rooted in jazz tradition. Fans of Maria Schneider, Darcy James Argue, and Wayne Shorter's orchestral work will find Day by Day both thrilling and deeply humane.
Crazy World is the bold and genre-blurring new album from As Is, the NY-based project fronted by vocalist Stacey Schulman and guitarist Al Schulman. This stunning release fuses vocal jazz with poetic commentary, rich orchestration, and experimental textures - including two compositions that creatively integrate AI-generated instrumentation. From the soaring opener "From This Very Moment On" featuring Grammy-nominated artist Kokayi, to a haunting jazz reinterpretation of "Tiny Dancer", and the aching balladry of "A House Is Not a Home", Crazy World balances technical artistry with emotional urgency. With appearances by Jeff "Tain" Watts, Gil Goldstein, Corcoran Holt, and a full string section, the album delivers both depth and dynamism. Tracks like "PrAilude" and "Children's Games" explore the intersection of humanity and machine - using Suno AI to challenge how we perceive musical authorship, while still grounded in melodic integrity and lyrical intention. Whether you're a jazz collector, audiophile, or a fan of modern vocalists pushing boundaries, Crazy World is a daring, deeply musical experience.
The Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band releases Incarnadine, a landmark debut album celebrating the diversity and vitality of Indigenous people in jazz. Led by acclaimed vocalist Julia Keefe (Nez Perce) and featuring a 16-piece ensemble of Native and Indigenous musicians from across Indian Country, the album draws on compositions made famous by 20th-century Indigenous jazz luminaries like Mildred Bailey and Jim Pepper alongside new works by contemporary Indigenous composers. Mali Obomsawin's "Wawasint8da" transforms a Jesuit-translated Abenaki hymn into a haunting exploration of resilience and paradox. Delbert Anderson's three-movement DDAT Suite honors Dine code talkers and sacred tribal landscapes. Rogan Kahale's arrangement of Queen Liliuokalani's "Ku'u Pua i Paoakalani" brings a tender, cinematic sweep to the program. Incarnadine is history, protest, and celebration rolled into one, a necessary and overdue document of a vibrant jazz tradition that has long existed outside the mainstream spotlight. Fans of large ensemble jazz, vocally driven big band recordings, and socially conscious music will find this album both musically thrilling and deeply meaningful.
