Honest-to-goodness, real-life jazz singing is almost as rare these days as a nickel cup of coffee. There are far too few remaining practitioners of the honorable art of singing good songs with the lift and the swing but Ernestine Anderson is one of those rare beings. Years of singing and living have shaped a vocalist who can make your heart cry one moment and dance the next. Poignant ballads, sassy swing, and down-home blues-Ernestine Anderson is master of them all. Recorded live at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola in NYC. Features Houston Person on the tenor saxophone.

At The Deer Head Inn, released in 1992, was the first selection of material from pianist Keith Jarrett's spontaneous, and in retrospect historic, return to the Pennsylvanian venue of his early years. "The music has the dash and the unabashed lyricism of Keith Jarrett's best work," wrote Stereophile in 1994. All attributes applicable to this edition, featuring 8 previously unreleased performances, which dives deeply into the magic of this special live event. A one-night-only coming together of a Jarrett trio with Gary Peacock (bass) and Paul Motian (drums).

This recording surpasses all of Cindy's previous efforts in terms of instrumental technique, inspired composition & sheer visceral excitement, joined by J.D. Allen, Carlton Holmes & George Mitchell, who burn, wail & cook through a program of originals & standards

Fiery trumpeter is an imaginative composer, forceful leader & sturdy sideman - here he has a showdown with straight-ahead, burn-your-face-off jazz, played by a quintet that plays with some real aggressive tension & a little darkness

IN THE RED

Vocalist breathes new life into the classic works of the great American composing duo, feat. The favorites "You Took Advantage Of Me," "Thou Swell," "Easy To Remember" & the lesser-heard "You're Nearer"

On THE TIME OF THE SUN, Tom and his quintet once again reaffirm their place at the top of the post-bop mainstream. Of course, Harrell's often beautiful, always rigorous solos are to the fore but Harrell allows each member of his band to shine and nobody is relegated to second fiddle. Whether it be on ballads or driving pieces, the group's expositions, interactions and song development is exuberant and extensive, devoid of gimmicks and are delivered in an energetic, yet disciplined and sophisticated manner.

WIDOW IN THE WINDOW

Steve Turre demonstrates once again why he is one of the first call trombonists in the world on his fifth recording for HighNote Records, Woody's Delight. This record is an aptly named homage to his mentor and former boss, Woody Shaw. Steve offers an intensely interesting program featuring five of the finest trumpeters in jazz today Jon Faddis, Wallace Roney, Claudio Roditi, Freddie Hendrix and Chocolate Armenteros.

BLUE FABLE

Alto saxophonist Vincent Herring's and tenor man Eric Alexander's collaborative ethos makes FRIENDLY FIRE the thoroughly musical affair that it is, the saxophonists bring the unmistakable charge of friendly rivalry to the date as well.

Trumpet player, bandleader, composer, and arranger Tom Harrell picked up rave reviews for 2022's Oak Tree, and here he follows it up with another ambitious, hard-to-resist album, once again made up entirely his own remarkable compositions. Harrell is supremely regarded, not for playing loudly, fast, or high, but rather for his extraordinary talent at fashioning ravishingly beautiful auricular shapes with a wonderfully expressive tone and depth. He is also an exceptionally fine arranger, crafting scores embroidered with felicities of detail and an inevitability which are unique in jazz. Teamed here for the second time with Venezuelan-born pianist Luis Perdomo, featuring the tenor saxophones of Danya Stephens and Mark Turner, the guitar of Charles Altura and regular collaborators, German-Nigerian bassist Ugonna Okegwo and American drummer Adam Cruz, Harrell and his associates emphasize the diverse musical influences of the compositions with a versatility that vividly displays their common strength.

URBAN MYTHS

Jazz legend George Cables celebrates his 80th birthday with a stunning new recording, showcasing the timeless artistry that has defined his illustrious career. Known for his flawless technique and unparalleled musicianship, he has established himself as a towering figure in the jazz world. With icons like Art Pepper, Dexter Gordon and Freddie Hubbard he solidified his reputation as one of the most versatile and sought-after pianists of his generation. This album does not just honor his storied past but, with tunes both old and new, it captures the essence of a musician who has not only shaped jazz history but continues to influence it's evolution. The recording features jazz standards by legends like Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, and Horace Silver, as well as a tribute to the next generation of jazz talent with a piece by Arcoiris Sandoval, an exciting female pianist making waves in the jazz scene today. Throughout, Cables bridges the past and future of jazz, crafting an album that is a must-listen for any jazz aficionado. Join in celebrating this milestone and the remarkable contributions of a true jazz giant.

Joey DeFrancesco has come a long way from his recording debut made in 1989 as a fresh-faced 17-year-old. From the get-go, he established his credentials with virtuoso technique and an innate soulfulness that he developed under the tutelage of his father, Papa John DeFrancesco. Combining monstrous chops with a flair for showmanship, DeFrancesco is regarded by organ aficionados as the baddest B-3 burner in the business. Joey's latest manages to look both ahead and back ? back to the trio's roots which extend back 15 years ? and ahead to musical triumphs to come.

LATER THAT EVENING

His playing was rich, masterful and above all, versatile, covering everything from stride and ragtime to bebop and free jazz. Pianist, saxophonist, composer, arranger, and teacher Jaki Byard had a career that followed the music and along the way he became a master of every style of jazz. Nowhere was his imagination quite as unbridled as it was in solo performance and HighNote Records is pleased to release this second volume of Jaki Byard live at the famed Keystone Korner.

Tenor Saxman Eric Alexander has more than lived up to his Young Lion hype. Last year he released his amazing 18th recording as leader for HighNote, IT'S ALL IN THE GAME. It only reinforces what has been clear from his work of the past decade, Alexander is one of the leading talents of modern tenor saxophone. Eric and his working band explore a wealth of material, finding treasures and mining each gem without getting tedious, varying his strategies from fluttering wisps, meaty arpeggios and evocative swirls.

2012 NEA Jazz Master Sheila Jordan's performances are always intriguing blends of imaginative music making and deeply felt, richly emotional story telling. More than many performing artists, she lays her life on the line with everything she sings. And more than any other jazz vocalist she reflects the power of the instrumentalists who shaped her musical life. She alone, it seems, can combine Rollins' drive and Parker's soaring invention with Ella's spunk and Billie's passion. This recording with bassist Harvie S shows off her immaculate phrasing and dead-on pitch on a dozen standards.

After a full career which has spanned decades without a lull Tom Harrell is as busy as ever. Here is a project which supplements his working quintet with two additions saxophonist Jaleel Shaw and bassist/singer Esperanza Spalding. Esperanza can be heard lending her voice to a number of Tom's impressive compositions, sometimes using it in a such way that it takes on the role of a instrument and also delivering a wonderfully unique version of his popular "Sail Away" in Portuguese ("Velejar"). Colors of a Dream is perhaps Harrell's most imaginative recording to-date.

LIGHT ON

BLESSING

Few can match Steve Turre's skill as a trombonist. His technical mastery, which has seen him win five Down Beat polls, goes hand-in-hand with a deep respect for the music that has gone before him. Turre is also an acclaimed shellist, or conch player, extracting warm lyricism from this unusual instrument from the seabed. On this, his fourth HighNote release, Steve is joined by tenor sax great Billy Harper and piano giant Larry Willis, with whom Steve had worked in the band of Woody Shaw. If ever an album lived up to it's name, it is Steve Turre's "Delicious and Delightful."

2022 release. Elastic Wave presents dummer Nilssen's powerful trio with fellow Norwegian Andre Roligheten on reeds and Swedish bassist Petter Eldh (recently heard with Kit Downes). The group's dynamic interaction, dancing sense of pulse and boldly etched themes - all three players contribute compositions - make Acoustic Unity one of the most engaging bands on the circuit today, able to address fiery anthems and poignant ballads with equal panache and conviction.

From the moment he picks up his guitar, Thom Rotella's passion for music is palpable. Every phrase is crafted with intuitive care and precision that reflect a total commitment to his art. Each performance is an intimate journey into the expressive potential of jazz, where every chord tells a story and every solo speaks directly to the listener. Beyond his solo work, Rotella's collaborations with legendary artists and contributions to various projects cover an extraordinarily wide spectrum of music and entertainment heavy-hitters including Stanley Turrentine, Tommy Tedesco, Frank Sinatra, Burt Bacharach, Bette Midler and countless others. His compositions and his playing have been featured in high-profile television and film projects such as Family Guy, Ellen DeGeneres, Sex and the City, Criminal Minds and Altos (2015), underscoring his ability to craft memorable and communicative music. Thom Rotella continues to inspire and innovate, as evidenced on his HighNote Records debut recording, Side Hustle. With the remarkable organist Bobby Floyd and the propulsive drumming of Roy McCurdy, Rotella swings, smolders and sizzles through a set of imaginative original tunes and standards, with HighNote regulars Eric Alexander and Jeremy Pelt on hand to welcome him to the label.