The David Amram Quartet plays: Pull My Daisy; Lover Man; Take the “A” Train; Saint Thomas; Summertime;Gracias, Amigos; Tennessee Waltz; Red River Valley; Blue Monk

When Jack Kerouac and David Amram did the first-ever jazz/poetry reading in New York City in 1957, the excitement of that collaboration led to the documentary film Pull My Daisy. These live performances from the late 80s feature guitarist Vic Juris, bassist Victor Venegas, drummer Akiro Tana and saxophonist Paquitode Rivera. Led by composer/performer David Amram.

Sharon Paige broke into show business in her teens as a singing and dancing chorus girl and moved quickly to featured roles. She has traveled throughout the United States and Canada, performing in the national companies of Broadway and Off Broadway musicals. Sharon has also toured the summer-tent, dinner-theater and nightclub circuits. In 2008, she and Keith Ingham released their Ned Washington tribute album, Love Is the Thing; Burke Beautiful is their second collaboration. Sharon currently resides and sings in New York City. Keith Ingham has recorded extensively and worked with Benny Goodman and other bands. He wrote the arrangements and led an all-star group of musicians on three notable Maxine Sullivan recordings for Harbinger Records. The first, “Maxine Sullivan Sings Great Songs from the Cotton Club by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler,” was nominated for a Grammy Award. He and Maxine also collaborate on Harbinger albums devoted to the music of Jule Styne and burton Lane. Keith was also arranger and leader on the classic Peggy Lee recording, “Love Held Lightly,” also for Harbinger Records. Johnny Burke was one of America’s greatest composer/lyricists. He enjoyed a long collaboration with James V. Monaco and then Jimmy McHugh writing songs for films, shows, and such singers as Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.

Harold Arlen, one of America's great composers is celebrated in this historic reissue. Available for the first time on CD, this recording features the great composer himself singing and playing some of this most famous songs. An added bonus is the only recording by the legendary performer Miriam Burton singing a previously unrecorded song form the Broadway show St. Louis Woman. Musical direction and orchestral arrangements by Peter Matz.

She's the Poem is a series of ten poetic portraits varying from someone you could run into on the streets to an icon like Frida Kahlo. It's an ode to realness: the beautiful and the ugly, raw and unpolished. With this album, Sara Bax shows she is a composer and musician, but mostly feels like an artist through music. She wants to take you to the centre of being, she wants to make you feel the sparkles of magic that flow right there. If you put your head under water, your thoughts go still. Just like when you listen to this band. Bax utilises the power of every band member so, that the group together sounds like a single strong organ that paints the air with a rich color palette.

The Kaiju Project is a Japanese inspired jazz group formed by the half Japanese-Austrian pianist Aseo Friesacher. Their initial idea was to bring old folk songs into a new modern context, but in addition to their compositions, this group has found their very own musical direction: a perfect blend of traditional Japanese music and meditative-creative jazz.

With It's All About Love, seasoned jazz vocalist Donna Byrne makes a radiant return to Challenge Records, delivering her ninth studio album and reaffirming her place among the great interpreters of song. Spanning a rich career of nearly four decades, Byrne remains true to her roots, offering a heartfelt collection that honors the traditions of jazz while showcasing her timeless artistry. This 16-track album brings together a thoughtfully curated blend of jazz standards, bossa novas, blues, and contemporary gems. Each performance reveals Byrne's effortless storytelling, exquisite phrasing, and unerring sense of swing.

A Timeless Form, Reimagined for Today With Ya Man Itha, Lebanese singer Rima Khcheich brings to life an album she has carried in her heart for decades. It is a deeply personal tribute to the late Egyptian composer Fouad Abdel Majeed, whose music shaped her artistic voice from an early age. In this recording, Rima revisits ten of Abdel Majeed's Muwashahat-classical Arabic vocal compositions often set to poetry and marked by intricate rhythms and modes-and places them in dialogue with the colors and sensibilities of French chanson. At first glance, chanson may seem far removed from the Arabic Muwashah, yet both traditions share a deep commitment to poetic expression, lyrical nuance, and the marriage of words and harmony. This cross-cultural resonance became the spark for the ensemble's refined arrangements, created by Maarten Ornstein, Tony Overwater, and Juan Rodriguez. A Living Conversation Between Heritage and the Present For Rima, Ya Man Itha is not just a tribute - it is the fulfillment of a promise made thirty years ago. As a young singer of 13, she traveled to Cairo in early 1994 to meet Fouad Abdel Majeed. They spoke of making an album together; he even composed new works for her. But just months later, he passed away, and that dream was never realized. Now, three decades on, Rima returns to his music with rare recordings and cherished memories as her guide. The result is a living, breathing conversation between memory and renewal, past and present. An Ensemble Bound by Trust Joining Rima are musicians with whom she has shared a profound artistic bond for over 25 years: Maarten Ornstein (clarinet), Tony Overwater (double bass), and Joost Lijbaart (drums). Their long collaboration has created a rare musical language rooted in trust, openness, and deep listening. For the first time, they are joined by Juan Rodriguez (piano), whose youthful sensitivity and energy infused the music with new colors. Together, the ensemble recorded the album live, preserving the immediacy of performance and the intimacy of shared breath. The Arrangements - three by Tony, five by Maarten, and two by Juan - reflect the spirit of this project: respectful of tradition, yet unafraid to step into new terrain. With Ya Man Itha, Kepera Records is honored to present an album that embodies timeless heritage while speaking directly to the present moment - a musical promise finally kept

AMARe is a musical tribute to the sea, to love, and to the ever-shifting tides of inspiration between Brazil and Europe. The title blends a mare (the tide) and amar e (to love is), capturing the album's essence: movement, emotion, and surrender. Vocalist Celine Rudolph, pianist Henrique Gomide, and guitarist João Luis Nogueira come together in an intuitive dialogue where Brazilian rhythms and jazz improvisation meet in perfect flow. The trio moves seamlessly between original compositions and fresh interpretations of classics by João Donato, Gilberto Gil, Toninho Horta, and Candeia. Each track resonates with freedom and connection whether in the poetic depth of Itacimirim, the rhythmic interplay of Toca da Arara, or the quiet beauty of Preciso Me Encontrar. AMARe is not a reconstruction but an organically grown musical language where tradition and modernity converge. With guest appearances by Toninho Horta and Teco Cardoso, this is a contemporary ode to Brazilian music authentic, exploratory, and timeless.

With Rain, Flowers and New Beginnings, trumpeter, composer and bandleader Maik Krahl presents a deeply personal and beautifully balanced album about growth, change and resilience. Inspired by the idea that no flower blooms without rain, the music reflects the quiet strength that can emerge from difficult seasons, transforming experience into sound with warmth, clarity and lyrical depth. Krahl's trumpet playing is marked by a rich, flexible tone, elegant phrasing and a calm emotional intensity. Across the album, he moves through spacious, melodic landscapes, playful rhythmic passages and moments of reflective stillness, always maintaining a sense of openness and natural flow. His compositions are adventurous yet grounded, shaped by contrast, silence and release. The album features an exceptional ensemble: Constantin Krahmer on piano, Jakob Kuhnemann on bass, Fabian Rosch on drums and glockenspiel, and Tamara Lukasheva on vocals. Together, they bring Krahl's music to life with sensitivity, imagination and a strong collective voice. From the opening 'Blue Dots Descending' to the closing 'The Journey of Serenity,' Rain, Flowers and New Beginnings unfolds like a musical meditation on renewal. It is an album about what is endured, what is absorbed, and what eventually blossoms.

With Rain, Flowers and New Beginnings, trumpeter, composer and bandleader Maik Krahl presents a deeply personal and beautifully balanced album about growth, change and resilience. Inspired by the idea that no flower blooms without rain, the music reflects the quiet strength that can emerge from difficult seasons, transforming experience into sound with warmth, clarity and lyrical depth. Krahl's trumpet playing is marked by a rich, flexible tone, elegant phrasing and a calm emotional intensity. Across the album, he moves through spacious, melodic landscapes, playful rhythmic passages and moments of reflective stillness, always maintaining a sense of openness and natural flow. His compositions are adventurous yet grounded, shaped by contrast, silence and release. The album features an exceptional ensemble: Constantin Krahmer on piano, Jakob Kuhnemann on bass, Fabian Rosch on drums and glockenspiel, and Tamara Lukasheva on vocals. Together, they bring Krahl's music to life with sensitivity, imagination and a strong collective voice. From the opening 'Blue Dots Descending' to the closing 'The Journey of Serenity,' Rain, Flowers and New Beginnings unfolds like a musical meditation on renewal. It is an album about what is endured, what is absorbed, and what eventually blossoms.

Storyville Records is pleased to announce the release of In Rome, a new album by Danish bassist Thomas Fonnesbaek alongside esteemed jazz musicians, pianist Enrico Pieranunzi, saxophonist Rosario Giuliani, drummer Roberto Gatto and singer Valentina Ranalli. The album is set for release on November 1, 2024. This recording consists of 11 original compositions, 9 by Pieranunzi, 1 by Fonnesbaek and 1 by Gatto. Thomas Fonnesbaek is considered one of the most important and distinctive bassists on the European jazz scene today. His virtuosic technique, "Nordic sound" and ability to craft cohesive solos place him in the lineage of Danish bassists like Niels-Henning orsted Pedersen, Bo Stief and Jesper Lundgaard, while also showing kinship with greats like Dutch bassist Hein van de Geyn and prominent Swedish bass players. Nevertheless, Fonnesbaek's style is uniquely his own, honed through a self-taught journey that captivates audiences with a rare ability to evoke Duende - the inexplicable power of attraction that moves listeners emotionally, a concept coined by Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca. For those who have had the privilege of experiencing Fonnesbaek live, they will recognize this Duende in his playing. He often takes risks that challenge both his fellow musicians and audiences, creating moments of magic. In Rome captures these moments, highlighting Fonnesbaek's collaboration with some of Europe's finest musicians. At the core of the album is the partnership between Fonnesbaek and Enrico Pieranunzi, one of Europe's most revered pianists. Pieranunzi, known for his collaborations with the likes of Chet Baker, Mark Johnson, Paul Motian, and the legendary film composer Ennio Morricone, brings his extensive jazz and classical music background to this recording. Having recorded numerous albums together, Pieranunzi and Fonnesbaek share a musical chemistry that fuels this project. Joining the trio is Roberto Gatto, a drummer celebrated in European jazz circles. His elegant, sensitive approach enhances the group's interplay, while Rosario Giuliani on saxophone and Valentina Ranalli on vocals further elevate the music. In Rome is a testament to the creativity and mastery of European jazz. This album is jazz at it's finest!

The First Lady of Song and Mrs. Swing each get a CD in this set of vintage radio broadcasts. Ella's stellar 1940 performances include her hits A-Ticket, A-Tasket; T'ain't What You Do; I Want the Waiter, and more. Mildred's star-studded 1945 broadcasts feature Tommy Dorsey, Earl Hines and others on Smoke Gets in Your Eyes; Stompin' at the Savoy; Summertime, and more!

Awarded 'Best British Vocalist' on more than one occasion, singer Liane Carroll has a 'deeply soulful' voice and a fearless approach to singing. 'Seaside' is a mix of original songs and covers broadly following a seashore theme, with sterling accompaniment comprising piano trio, guitar and brass. Liane brings a refreshing approach to Billie Holiday's 'I Cover The Waterfront', Kurt Weill's 'My Ship' and Nina Simone's 'Wild is the Wind', plus 'Almost Like Being In Love' - famous as the closing track to the blockbuster hit Groundhog Day. The title song, 'Seaside', was specially written for Liane by Joe Stilgoe which sees the singer return Liane's favour of guesting on his cover of Brian Wilson's 'I Just Wasn't Made For These Times' from his latest album 'New Songs For Old Souls'. The album reunites Liane with multi-GRAMMY nominated producer and trumpeter James McMillan who worked on her previous two albums. Liane's rhythm section comprises Malcolm Edmonstone (piano), Mark Edwards (piano), Ian Thomas (drums) and Steve Pearce (bass) with guest musicians Rob Luft (guitar) and Andy Wood (brass). Liane Carroll is a multi award-winning jazz singer described by Jamie Cullum as 'one of the greatest singers we have in this country'. Her awards include 'Best British Vocalist' (BBC Jazz Awards, 2005 & 2013), 'Best Female Jazz Vocalist' (Ronnie Scott's Awards, 2007) and 'Best Jazz Album of the Year' (Parliamentary Jazz Awards, 2013). A popular live performer, Liane has headlined at the legendary Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club for over two decades, as well as performing at the 2007 Glastonbury Festival with her trio in a headline performance broadcast to over 300,000 listeners on BBC Radio 3.

The recordings on this release are chosen from three terrific evenings at Montmartre in October 2015, during Kenny’s second visit to Copenhagen. “Those of us who attended the concerts witnessed the great affection that developed between Kenny and the audience; the public simply wouldn’t let him leave the stage,” writes Christian Brorsen, music director at Jazzhus Montmartre. A smiling Jacob Christoffersen distributed warmth from behind the piano, and bassist Jesper Bodilsen and Zoltan Csorsz easily join the magnificent musical union. Brorsen also writes ”Kenny has a lot of heart and exudes a kind of warmth rarely encountered. Along with possessing perfect pitch and presiding over a repertoire that seems practically endless, he is a sensational singer—and a greater entertainer than he realizes!” Kenny Washington is an authentic virtuoso who exposes new facets of himself every time he performs. The quintet extracts new warmth from classics such as “Do You Know What It Means to Miss Orleans” an excel on the title track “Moanin’”. Kenny’s talent puts him among the world’s best jazz vocalists—at the very top of the list!

This album is all about Tadd Dameron (1917 - 65), one of the most important American jazz composer/musicians. The master baritone saxophonist and perennial pole winner Gary Smulyan conceived the brilliant idea of recording Dameron compositions with lyrics. The vocal part is phenomenally rendered by the young talent Anaïs Reno. Three songs including the lovely This Night Of Stars have hitherto never been recorded. “While Smulyan solos brilliantly throughout, Reno is the real treat here.” (Bill Milkowski – DownBeat on SCCD 31936). “Smulyan here brings to light Dameron’s heretofore unknown Library of Congress trove of standard-quality off-Broadway gems.” (Fred Bouchard – NYCJR on SCCD 31936) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

With this reflection on breathing as the most intimate human experience - one that connects people through language, movement and touch - Berlin-based jazz vocalist Esther Kaiser has dedicated her ninth album to 'Breathing'. Critics have described her as a 'voice artist','shaman of jazz', and a 'jazz poet'. Esther takes responsibility where she is. Her albums breathe and are politically and socially charged, as jazz has always been. With BREATHING, the vocalist and composer provides a glimpse into the heart of jazz. It breathes in what is, and it feels and exhales that which creates space for more understanding, tolerance, peace, and freedom. The interplay of lyrics and compositions by Esther Kaiser and pianist Alexander Wienand, alongside Kaiser's own works, interwoven with elements of spoken word, invites listeners to become part of the act of breathing itself.