Reggie Codrington Celebrates Resilience and Jazz Legacy with “Don’t Look Back”

 

As his latest single “Don’t Look Back” climbs toward the Billboard Top 40 Smooth Jazz Songs chart, saxophonist Reggie Codrington is marking International Jazz Day with gratitude—for the music that shaped his life, the family who supported him, and the determination that carried him through extraordinary challenges.

Born with Ataxic Cerebral Palsy, Codrington faced significant physical obstacles from an early age, undergoing nine surgeries before the age of 13. His father, Ray Codrington—once ranked among the world’s top trumpeters by DownBeat—helped spark his journey by finding a specially sized saxophone he could play despite limited dexterity. That moment laid the foundation for a career many believed was out of reach.

Growing up in Fayetteville, Codrington was immersed in jazz from the start. Through his father, he connected with legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, Harold Vick, and Freddie Cole—early influences that helped shape his sound and passion.

“Don’t Look Back,” inspired by his mother’s encouragement to focus on the future, blends a smooth R&B groove with Codrington’s warm tone and expressive phrasing. The track also marks his first collaboration with producer Nelson Braxton of the Braxton Brothers, with whom he’s already developing new music.

Reflecting on his journey, Codrington recalls a standout moment opening for three-time GRAMMY® winner Ramsey Lewis, who later told him, “You are a hard act to follow”—a compliment that continues to inspire him.

Now working on his 12th album, The Ray Codrington Signature Series, Codrington honors his father’s legacy while continuing to push forward with unwavering faith and purpose. His story is a testament to perseverance, proving that with passion and belief, even the steepest obstacles can be overcome.

Emmet Cohen Explores Legacy and Spirit on Universal Truth

 

Acclaimed pianist, composer, and bandleader Emmet Cohen unveils “I. Eternal Glimpse,” the second single from his forthcoming album Universal Truth, arriving May 29 via Mack Avenue Records. The track serves as the opening movement of the ambitious three-part “Universal Truth Suite,” a deeply personal and expansive work that reflects some of Cohen’s most introspective and expressive writing to date.

Created in honor of the 2026 centennial celebrations of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, Universal Truth channels the spirit of innovation and spiritual exploration that defined both legends. Cohen doesn’t simply pay tribute—he extends their legacy through his own modern voice, blending tradition with a forward-looking sensibility rooted in connection and discovery.

Widely recognized as one of the leading pianists of his generation, Cohen has built a reputation for bridging jazz history with a contemporary, community-driven approach. From his Masters Legacy Series—featuring icons like Jimmy Cobb, Benny Golson, Albert Heath, and Houston Person—to his livestream series Live From Emmet’s Place, Cohen has consistently emphasized intergenerational collaboration and accessibility.

The album brings together a thoughtful mix of originals and reimagined classics tied to Davis and Coltrane. A standout moment arrives with “My Funny Valentine,” featuring bassist Ron Carter and tenor saxophonist George Coleman, reuniting decades after their historic performance with Davis. Cohen’s core trio—bassist Yasushi Nakamura and drummer Joe Farnsworth—anchors the session, bringing both precision and spontaneity to the project.

Elsewhere, Cohen delivers a dynamic take on “Budo,” originally associated with Davis and Bud Powell, while Jeremy Pelt adds fire to “Well You Needn’t.” Pelt and Carter also appear on “Gingerbread Boy,” a composition by Jimmy Heath, whose centennial is also recognized. The album closes with a spirited rendition of “Blue Trane,” featuring Coleman alongside saxophonist Tivon Pennicott.

At the heart of the album lies Cohen’s interpretation of “universal truth,” a concept inspired by Coltrane’s lifelong pursuit of spiritual connection through music. For Cohen, it represents a search for meaning, purpose, and a deeper connection that transcends boundaries—an idea that resonates throughout the record.

With Universal Truth, Emmet Cohen not only honors the past but actively engages with it, crafting a work that feels timeless yet immediate. The album stands as both a tribute and a personal statement—an exploration of legacy, spirituality, and the enduring power of jazz to connect us all.

Steve Oliver Ignites a New Chapter with Inner Fire

 

Fueled by resilience and an unwavering positive mindset, Steve Oliver returns with renewed energy and purpose on his upcoming album Inner Fire, arriving June 12. After a personally challenging year, the multi-time Billboard chart-topping guitarist, singer, and songwriter channels transformation into a vibrant, deeply expressive musical journey.

The album’s lead single, “Dancing in the Sand,” offers an irresistible first taste. Blending a Latin-tinged groove with Oliver’s signature melodic guitar lines and soaring vocalese, the track features a standout duet with acclaimed guitarist Peter White. The song quickly gained traction, landing on SiriusXM Watercolors and becoming one of the most-added tracks on smooth jazz radio, climbing the Billboard charts with momentum.

Known for his ability to fuse jazz, R&B, and pop into a seamless sonic palette, Oliver describes Inner Fire as a reflection of growth through adversity. Each track explores themes of resilience, change, and rediscovery, guided by his intricate guitar work and lush, groove-driven arrangements.

The album opens strong with “Hook Shot,” featuring GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist Gerald Albright and GRAMMY-winning keyboardist Michael Broening. Another highlight is Oliver’s fresh interpretation of George Benson’s classic “Give Me The Night,” a nod to both Benson and legendary songwriter Rod Temperton.

Elsewhere, Oliver leans into emotional depth on “Missing You,” a tender, introspective piece inspired by long-distance love, while “Desert Euphoria” captures the vivid energy of his Southern California surroundings. Tracks like “Bounce Back” and “Looking Up” emphasize optimism and perseverance, with “Bounce Back” also featuring saxophonist Will Donato.

“Phoenix Rising” pays tribute to the late percussionist Steve Reid, whose mentorship played a pivotal role in Oliver’s career. Meanwhile, “You Got It” delivers an empowering message backed by a tight rhythm section including Sergio Gonzalez and Larry Antonino.

Closing the album, “Summer Tides” offers a serene, reflective moment inspired by time spent along the Fraser River, leaving listeners with a sense of calm and inner strength.

With a career that includes multiple No. 1 Billboard hits and collaborations with artists like Brian Simpson and Vincent Ingala, Oliver continues to evolve while staying true to his signature sound. Inner Fire stands as both a personal statement and an invitation for listeners to reconnect with their own resilience and hope.

Joey Alexander Announces Celestial Keeper, Shares First Single “Stella By Starlight”

 

GRAMMY-nominated pianist and composer Joey Alexander has announced his new album Celestial Keeper, arriving July 17 via Mack Avenue Records. Drawing inspiration from his lifelong admiration for Miles Davis and Bill Evans, Alexander introduces the project with “Stella By Starlight,” out this Friday—a striking reinterpretation of the standard that highlights his rare ability to reimagine timeless material. He celebrates the announcement with a five-night run at Birdland in New York City.

At just 22, Alexander has already built a remarkable career spanning more than a decade. He first gained international attention in 2013 when Wynton Marsalis invited him to perform at the Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala. Since then, he has shared the stage with icons like Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding at the Obama White House, and has been profiled by major outlets including 60 Minutes and The New York Times.

Celestial Keeper, Alexander’s third release for Mack Avenue Records, finds the pianist exploring themes of creativity, faith, gratitude, and personal transformation. Inspired by what he calls his “Celestial Keeper”—a spiritual presence akin to a muse or guardian—Alexander reflects on overcoming doubt and artistic block. As he describes it, this force serves as a reminder of music as a divine gift, urging him to keep creating and stay connected to his purpose.

The album arrives during a significant transition in Alexander’s life, following his family’s return to his native Bali after years in New York and Baltimore. Immersed once again in Indonesia’s natural beauty and rhythms, he channels that environment into the album’s sense of wonder and introspection.

Celestial Keeper also introduces Alexander’s latest trio, featuring bassist Kris Funn and drummer Jonathan Barber, alongside guest appearances from Philadelphia-born saxophonist Jaleel Shaw. Expanding his artistic range, Alexander adds vocals for the first time, collaborating with rising singer Alita Moses on the original “Whispers of Love” and joining forces with Grammy-winning vocalist Lisa Fischer for a powerful take on “My Funny Valentine.” The album is produced by Jason Olaine, bringing Alexander full circle after Olaine helmed his debut, My Favorite Things.

The record’s tracklist includes “Bemused (solo improv I),” “Aversion,” “Whispers of Love,” “Stella by Starlight,” “Deep Calls to Deep,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Bemused Again (solo improv II),” “Aliceanna (Bmore),” “As Far as the Eye Can See,” and “How Great Thou Art.”

Alexander will support the release with a global tour, including stops in New York, Portsmouth, Oakland, Seattle, Phoenix, Indonesia, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Monterey.

Jarrod Lawson Expands His Soul-Jazz Vision with Genre-Bending Third Album

Internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and pianist Jarrod Lawson returns with a bold and collaborative third album that further cements his place as one of contemporary music’s most distinctive voices. Known for blending soul, jazz, gospel, and R&B into a seamless and spiritually charged sound, Lawson continues to draw comparisons to icons like Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway while maintaining a deeply personal artistic identity.

Now based in Nashville, Lawson expands his sonic palette across a wide-ranging project built around collaboration and stylistic exploration. The album is introduced through two lead singles: the nostalgic, 90s-influenced “Next Move,” featuring vocalist Raquel Rodriguez, and the atmospheric slow jam “Do Whatchu Gotta,” co-written with French chill-hop artist Rose Noir. Both tracks highlight Lawson’s ability to merge classic soul textures with modern production sensibilities.

Across the album, Lawson continues to push beyond genre boundaries while staying rooted in groove and emotional storytelling. Tracks like “Laugh At Yourself,” featuring Grammy-nominated artist Eric Roberson, bring a playful funk energy, while “Let Your Heart” and “I’d Do It Again,” created with producer Carrtoons and rapper JSWISS, blend soulful melodies with hip-hop influences and introspective lyricism.

Elsewhere, Lawson teams up with Allen Stone on the uplifting “There Can Only Be One,” and collaborates with rapper donSMITH on the rhythm-driven “Head-On,” further showcasing the album’s stylistic range. Each guest appearance feels purposeful, contributing to a larger narrative of connection, self-expression, and musical openness.

The full tracklist spans soulful ballads, groove-heavy funk, and reflective mid-tempo cuts, unified by Lawson’s rich harmonies, thoughtful songwriting, and signature keyboard work. Whether on intimate compositions like “Gentle Soul” or expansive ensemble-driven moments like “Authentically Me,” the album maintains a consistent emotional core.

Since emerging on the international scene, Lawson has built a reputation for powerful live performances and deeply expressive recordings that bridge modern soul with timeless influence. His work continues to resonate across genres and audiences, offering music that feels both uplifting and grounded in lived experience.

Full Tracklist:

A

1. Just Let It
2. Smoke Me Out
3. Do Whatchu Gotta
4. If We Pretend

B

1. Let Your Heart (feat. JSWISS)
2. Laugh At Yourself (feat. Eric Roberson)
3. Gentle Soul

C

1. Next Move (with Raquel Rodriguez)
2. Nothing To Forgive
3. There Can Only Be One (feat. Allen Stone)
4. I’d Do It Again (feat. JSWISS)

D

1. Head-On (feat. donSMITH)
2. I Got Your Back
3. Authentically Me

Adonis Rose and Phillip Manuel Deliver New Orleans Excellence on Unusual Suspects

Grammy Award-winning drummer, composer, producer, and educator Adonis Rose returns with Unusual Suspects, a vibrant new release on Moocha Music that pairs his powerhouse ensemble with acclaimed vocalist Phillip Manuel. Out now, the album stands as a deeply rooted New Orleans statement—rich in history, rhythm, and expressive storytelling—while showcasing a modern, finely detailed production aesthetic.

From its opening moments, Unusual Suspects makes its intent clear: this is a collaborative, high-level jazz recording where every performance matters. Rose leads from the drum kit with authority and nuance, while also shaping the album as producer, ensuring each arrangement has space to breathe. Manuel’s voice sits at the emotional center—warm, expressive, and deeply human—drawing subtle comparisons to classic jazz vocal traditions while remaining entirely his own.

The ensemble features a strong lineup of musicians including Max Moran, Seth Finch, guitarist Steve Masakowski, saxophonist Ricardo Pascal, and trumpeter Stephen Lands. Together, they create a flexible and responsive sonic environment where arrangements unfold with clarity and emotional weight.

A key creative element of the album lies in its concept: many of the songs reimagine instrumental jazz and popular standards with newly written lyrics by Manuel, transforming familiar compositions into vocal narratives. Works associated with artists like Lee Morgan, Joe Sample, and even reinterpretations of pieces by Michael Jackson and Bill Withers are reshaped through Manuel’s lyrical lens and emotional delivery.

Recorded in the summer of 2025 at Artisound Studios, the project benefits from arrangements by Michael Pellera that emphasize narrative flow and dynamic contrast. The result is a balance between vocal storytelling and instrumental interplay, where no single element overwhelms the others. Instead, the music moves with intention—carefully sculpted but never rigid.

Underlying the entire project is the unmistakable imprint of New Orleans. Rose’s musical lineage runs deep, shaped by generations of family musicians and the city’s living, breathing culture. That heritage is reflected in the music’s rhythmic foundation and communal spirit, where performance is inseparable from identity.

Rose’s career has included collaborations with major figures such as Terence Blanchard, Dianne Reeves, and Wynton Marsalis, as well as performances at venues like Carnegie Hall and the Newport Jazz Festival. As Artistic Director of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, he has also played a key role in expanding jazz education and community engagement initiatives.

Manuel, long respected for his interpretations of jazz standards and emotionally grounded vocal approach, brings equal depth. His work spans everything from the Nat King Cole songbook to reimagined versions of contemporary material, always filtered through a deeply personal lens. His collaboration with Rose here reflects years of shared musical history and mutual trust.

Ultimately, Unusual Suspects feels less like a studio project and more like a living conversation—one shaped by lineage, friendship, and the enduring spirit of New Orleans jazz.

Billy Childs Returns to Trio Form with Triumvirate, A Masterclass in Jazz Dialogue and Musical Duality

With Triumvirate, Billy Childs reaffirms what has long set him apart: a rare ability to move fluently between the worlds of jazz and classical music without compromising either. A six-time GRAMMY® winner and seventeen-time nominee, Childs has built a career defined by range, from orchestral commissions performed at venues like Carnegie Hall and Walt Disney Concert Hall to deeply swinging small-group jazz projects.

Known for boundary-crossing works such as his GRAMMY-winning Jazz Chamber Music series and his acclaimed tribute to Laura Nyro, Childs has increasingly focused on straight-ahead jazz since joining Mack Avenue Records in 2017. Albums like Rebirth, Acceptance, and The Winds of Change have showcased his evolving quartet sound, balancing sophistication with emotional immediacy.

Triumvirate marks a significant shift: Childs’ first trio recording in 25 years. The format, long a creative home for him but rarely revisited, finds renewed purpose here through his collaboration with bassist Matt Penman and drummer Ari Hoenig. Their established musical rapport allows the trio to function with remarkable fluidity, each musician responding instinctively to the others in real time.

The album’s program spans multiple phases of Childs’ creative life. Early works such as “One Fleeting Instant” and “Like Father Like Son” are revisited with new perspective, while pieces like “Heroes” highlight the trio’s ability to create space, restraint, and emotional depth without excess. Rather than relying on density or virtuosity alone, the music breathes—unfolding with patience and clarity.

Later in the set, the trio turns toward the broader jazz tradition, nodding to composers such as Benny Golson and Thelonious Monk, before closing with a stripped-down duo interpretation of “Flamenco Sketches,” originally associated with Miles Davis. In this final moment, piano and bass engage in quiet, conversational exchange—an ending that feels both intimate and open-ended.

The title Triumvirate reflects the record’s guiding principle: shared authority. Rather than a traditional leader-with-accompaniment structure, the trio operates as an equal partnership, built on deep listening and mutual responsiveness. Each musician shapes the direction of the music as much as they follow it, creating a dynamic balance that feels constantly alive.

Far from a nostalgic return to form, Triumvirate underscores why the jazz trio remains one of the most expressive formats in the genre—especially in the hands of musicians capable of turning interaction itself into composition.

Malcolm Strachan Steps Into the Spotlight with Soulful Solo Era and New Single “Quest For Love”

Scottish trumpeter Malcolm Strachan—a mainstay of the UK music scene and founding member of The Haggis Horns—steps confidently into his solo era with a sound rooted in soul, jazz, and deep groove tradition. His new single “Quest For Love” offers a warm, late-night blend of soul-jazz energy and subtle dancefloor momentum, featuring vocals from Tanja Daese (also known as Lucinda Slim).

Strachan has been a professional trumpeter since graduating from Leeds College of Music in 1996, building a career that spans decades of global touring and studio work. He has performed and recorded with major international artists including Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse, Corinne Bailey Rae, Jamiroquai, and The New Mastersounds, as well as appearing on countless pop and soul recordings. His versatility has made him one of the UK’s most in-demand horn players.

Originally from Inverness, Scotland, Strachan co-founded The Haggis Horns in 1998 alongside fellow musicians Atholl Ransome and the late Jason Rae. What began as Leeds club residencies quickly evolved into a defining force in modern funk and soul, with the group gaining early attention through collaborations such as Keb Darge presents The New Mastersounds and the release of their debut album Hot Damn in 2007 on First Word Records.

More than two decades later, The Haggis Horns remain active as both a touring band and elite horn section, while also preparing new material for their own imprint, Haggis Records. Alongside that ongoing work, Strachan is now preparing to release his debut solo album About Time, a refined collection of soul-jazz instrumentals inspired by the classic Blue Note aesthetic—warm, melodic, and deeply groove-oriented.

“Quest For Love” offers a preview of that direction. Built on an infectious groove and understated rhythmic drive, the track balances elegance with movement—equally suited to a dimly lit dancefloor or an immersive headphone listen. It reflects Strachan’s ability to channel classic jazz sensibilities through a contemporary lens, while keeping the emotional core front and center.

With decades of experience behind him, Malcolm Strachan’s solo work feels less like a reinvention and more like a natural extension of a career already steeped in collaboration, musicianship, and soulful expression.

Mark Winkler’s Love Comes First Showcases Five Decades of Songcraft with Fresh Energy

After more than 50 years in music and 22 albums to his name, Mark Winkler continues to evolve with Love Comes First, a richly layered new project two years in the making. The album brings together 22 of Southern California’s top jazz musicians across a variety of configurations, blending five classic standards with six original compositions that highlight Winkler’s signature mix of wit, warmth, and emotional depth.

Winkler’s journey as a songwriter gained early momentum when Liza Minnelli recorded his song “Tropical Nights” in 1977, turning it into the title track of a hit album. Since then, his work has been embraced by a wide range of acclaimed artists, including Dianne Reeves, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Jane Monheit, among many others. Over the years, he has also collaborated with jazz icons like Wayne Shorter and Joe Sample, shaping a career defined by versatility and enduring creativity.

Recorded across multiple sessions, studios, and with five different producers, Love Comes First stands out for its ambitious scope. Despite the complexity of its production, the album feels cohesive—anchored by Winkler’s artistic vision and instinct for pairing the right musicians with each song. Rather than following a strict concept, the project grew organically, beginning with selections from the Great American Songbook that ultimately became its emotional foundation.

Winkler’s approach to standards reflects both reverence and reinvention. He offers nuanced interpretations of classics like “Mona Lisa,” famously associated with Nat King Cole, alongside “More Than You Know,” “Embraceable You,” and “Just in Time.” Each arrangement brings a fresh perspective while preserving the timeless qualities of the originals. His rendition of “More Than You Know,” in particular, carries personal significance, inspired by a moment of connection tied to the memory of his late husband.

The album also features standout original material. The opening track, “Snappin’ on the 2 and 4,” sets a playful tone, while the title track—co-written with guitarist Dori Amarilio—captures the album’s central theme of love as a guiding force. Elsewhere, Winkler balances humor and social commentary on “Why Are People So Stupid?” and reflects on his own place in the industry with the tongue-in-cheek “Fame Adjacent.”

Throughout Love Comes First, Winkler’s vocal style remains grounded in intimacy rather than flash. His understated delivery allows the lyrics to take center stage, drawing listeners into stories that feel both personal and universal. Whether interpreting a beloved standard or unveiling a new composition, his performances are marked by sincerity and a deep connection to the material.

A mainstay of the Los Angeles jazz scene for decades, Winkler has built a reputation as both a prolific recording artist and a compelling live performer, regularly selling out venues and appearing at renowned stages such as Blue Note Jazz Club and Birdland. With Love Comes First, he adds another chapter to a career defined not by trends or notoriety, but by consistency, craftsmanship, and a genuine love for the art of song.

Jersey City Jazz Festival 2026 Expands Into Three-Day Waterfront Celebration with Full Lineup Revealed

The Jersey City Jazz Festival returns bigger than ever in 2026, unveiling its full schedule for a free, three-day celebration of music, culture, and community. Running from May 29 through May 31 along the scenic Hudson River waterfront at Exchange Place Plaza, this year’s festival marks a major evolution with the addition of the Jersey City Latin Jazz Festival—bringing an even broader spectrum of global sounds into one unified event.

Presented by Exchange Place Alliance, the festival continues to attract more than 30,000 attendees annually, offering a welcoming, high-energy environment for both dedicated jazz fans and newcomers alike. With sweeping views of lower Manhattan and easy access via public transit, it’s become a go-to destination for a weekend immersed in live performance.

This year’s expanded format transforms the festival into a dynamic, multi-stage experience. Audiences can move freely between performances spanning straight-ahead jazz, Latin jazz, and genre-blurring styles, all while soaking in the relaxed, collaborative atmosphere the event is known for. Often described as a “musician’s hang,” the festival encourages spontaneous moments and creative exchanges between artists.

The 2026 lineup features an impressive mix of internationally acclaimed performers, standout New York talent, and emerging voices shaping the future of jazz. Highlights include Nate Smith, Joe Lovano with his Trio Tapestry project alongside Marilyn Crispell, Bobby Sanabria & Ascension, Eddie Palmieri’s special showcase, and Winard Harper & Jeli Posse. Additional performances from artists such as Andromeda Turre, Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra, Tim Berne, and The Roy Hargrove Band round out a diverse and forward-thinking bill.

Beyond the music, the festival offers a full cultural experience. Attendees can browse a curated artisan marketplace, enjoy a wide range of food trucks, and visit the Community Zone—featuring free activities for kids and interactive dance classes for all ages.

In the days leading up to the main event, a citywide Jazz Week sets the tone with a series of more intimate, ticketed performances across Jersey City venues. Artists like Emily Braden, Champian Fulton, and Edmar Castaneda will take the stage at local spots including The Junto, Pet Shop, and White Eagle Hall, offering a closer, more personal lead-in to the waterfront festivities.

While the main festival remains free and open to the public, a limited number of VIP packages and Jazz Alley passes are available for those looking to enhance their experience with premium seating, exclusive access areas, and additional performances.

With its continued growth and commitment to accessibility, the Jersey City Jazz Festival stands out as one of the most vibrant and inclusive jazz events in the country—bringing together world-class talent and community spirit for an unforgettable weekend.

Matt Slocum Unveils A Revolving Alliance, A Bold All-Analog Trio Statement

Drummer and composer Matt Slocum returns with A Revolving Alliance, a striking new release arriving worldwide on June 19, 2026 via Sunnyside Records. Available digitally and as an all-analog 180g LP, the album pairs Slocum with rising guitarist Emmanuel Michael and legendary bassist Larry Grenadier in a deeply intuitive trio setting that balances spontaneity with emotional depth.

Following the acclaim of Lion Dance (2024), Slocum’s latest project leans fully into original compositions, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience. The chemistry between the trio is palpable, with six of the seven tracks captured in first takes—preserving a raw, unfiltered energy that mirrors the immediacy of live performance. Despite the controlled environment of the studio, the session unfolded with a sense of unpredictability that brought out unexpected creative instincts from all three musicians.

This marks Grenadier’s fourth collaboration with Slocum, their musical connection continuing to evolve across varied ensemble formats. At the same time, A Revolving Alliance introduces a fresh dynamic through Emmanuel Michael, whose forward-thinking approach adds new dimension to the trio’s sound. The interplay between generations results in a fluid, conversational musical language that feels both grounded and exploratory.

Conceptually, the album expands on themes Slocum has explored in earlier works, including reflections on societal tension, hope, and the cyclical nature of change. While his 2021 release With Love and Sadness focused more directly on systemic issues in America, this project takes a broader, more abstract view—grappling with uncertainty while holding onto the possibility of renewal and compassion.

Each composition contributes to a larger narrative arc. The title track unfolds from a winding bass line that shifts through complex meters, while pieces like “Yerazel” evoke a dreamlike sense of innocence and mystery. “A Disappearing Path” begins to reveal the album’s central themes, and “Solstice” offers a reflective look back at brighter moments. The closing track, “A Dissolving Alliance,” brings the journey to a poignant conclusion.

The album’s sonic character is equally deliberate. Produced by Jerome Sabbagh and recorded live to two-track analog tape by James Farber at Sear Sound, the project avoids edits or post-production fixes, emphasizing authenticity and musical interaction. During mastering, Bernie Grundman preserved the integrity of the recording by bypassing equalization entirely, resulting in a remarkably pure and dynamic sound.

Slocum’s artistic voice has been shaped by the legacy of jazz greats like Max Roach, Philly Joe Jones, and Roy Haynes—influences he has distilled into a distinct and personal style over years of performing and recording. With eight previous albums as a bandleader, he continues to carve out a path defined by individuality, creative risk, and a commitment to meaningful musical expression.

A Revolving Alliance stands as a testament to Slocum’s evolving vision—music that is introspective yet expansive, technically intricate yet emotionally direct, and above all, rooted in genuine artistic connection.

Kevin Peter Jones Honors Jazz Appreciation Month with Electrifying New Single from Blues Alley

Contemporary jazz drummer Kevin Peter Jones is marking Jazz Appreciation Month with the release of a powerful new single from his live album Blues Alley. Out now via Pacific Records, the track showcases Jones alongside an exceptional ensemble featuring GRAMMY® winners Randy Brecker on trumpet and Jeff Lorber on keyboards, as well as GRAMMY® nominee Eric Marienthal on saxophone. Together, they deliver a vibrant and deeply expressive interpretation of Donny Hathaway’s “Valdez in the Country.”

Jones’s connection to jazz began early. At just 15, he discovered his passion while performing in his high school band in Chicago, where the Elk Grove High School music program played a pivotal role in shaping his musical path. Those formative years opened doors to unforgettable experiences—meeting and performing with jazz greats, attending high-level recording sessions, and earning both recognition and scholarship opportunities. That foundation continues to inform his artistry today.

Recorded across eight sold-out performances, Blues Alley captures the raw energy and spontaneity of live jazz at one of Washington, DC’s most iconic venues. Jones is among a select few artists ever granted permission to release a live recording from the club, making the project especially significant. In curating the setlist, he chose “Valdez in the Country” as a tribute to Hathaway, an artist he deeply admires for both his musical brilliance and his commitment to education and emotional authenticity in music.

Jones’s arrangement brings a fresh, rhythmic vitality to the classic, blending soulful grooves with Latin jazz-funk influences. The performance is elevated by standout solo work, particularly from Eric Marienthal, adding another layer of intensity and nuance to the track. For Jones, the piece represents both a personal homage and a shared moment of connection with the audience.

Earlier this year, the first single from the album—a rendition of Cannonball Adderley’s “Walk Tall”—was released on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, setting the tone for a project rooted in both musical excellence and meaningful tribute.

The album features a stellar lineup rounded out by percussionist Lenny Castro, bassist Cheikh Ndoye, and guitarist Dean Brown. Across ten tracks, Blues Alley weaves together reimagined standards and original compositions, with each musician stepping into the spotlight while anchored by Jones’s dynamic and driving rhythms.

A Berklee College of Music alumnus, Jones has collaborated with a range of influential jazz artists throughout his career. Looking ahead, he continues to expand his creative output, with multiple new projects in development—including producing his son’s debut album.

Tema Due Expand Their Vision with “Universo Astratto,” a Double LP of Cosmic Club Jazz and Spiritual Electronica

Universo Astratto marks the full-length debut of Tema Due, the collaborative project of Nicola Conte and Nico Lahs, and builds on the foundation laid by their 2025 Schema Records EPs. The result is a double LP that feels expansive in both scale and intention, weaving together strands of electronica, spiritual jazz, African-American rhythmic traditions, and richly textured percussion into a deeply immersive listening experience.

Rather than simply extending their earlier work, Conte and Lahs push their sound into more ambitious territory, shaping a record that feels like both evolution and declaration. The album’s opening moments immediately set the tone, nodding toward the spiritual depth of jazz lineage while folding it seamlessly into contemporary electronic production.

A key strength of Universo Astratto lies in its extraordinary lineup of collaborators. Pianists Giovanni Guidi and Pietro Lussu, along with Dario Bassolino on keyboards, bring harmonic depth and fluidity, while percussionists Gabriel Prado and Abdissa Assefa add layered, organic rhythm structures. Magnus Lindgren contributes winds and Hammond organ textures that expand the album’s sonic palette, and saxophonist Pasquale Calò adds further melodic weight. The vocal contributions are equally striking, featuring Lalin St. Juste, Siya Makuzeni, Nina Miranda on “Share Your Love,” and Toco, who also revisits “Macumba de Oxalà” in a newly reimagined version drawn from the duo’s earlier EP.

Across its runtime, the album resists reduction to a typical club record. Instead, it operates as a conceptual space where rhythm and intention merge, treating dance music as a vehicle for heightened awareness. The interplay of tribal percussion, jazz improvisation, and electronic structure creates a sense of movement that is both physical and reflective, inviting repeated listening to uncover its subtler layers.

With Universo Astratto, Tema Due articulate a clear artistic statement: club music can be expansive, reflective, and transformative without losing its grounding in rhythm and groove. It is a record built for immersion, designed to move bodies while also encouraging a deeper, almost meditative engagement with sound.

Release date: 8 May 2026
Label: Schema Records
Format: 2xLP / Digital
Tags: house / electronic / spiritual

The 5th Dimension Celebrate 60 Years with Expansive New Box Set “Let the Sunshine In”

 

Six decades after first redefining the sound of pop-soul harmony, The 5th Dimension are being honored with their most comprehensive collection to date—a sweeping box set that captures the heart of their groundbreaking catalog.

Arriving May 22, Let the Sunshine In: The Soul City & Bell Albums 1967–1974 gathers the group’s essential recordings into a newly remastered 6CD collection. The release spans their work across the Soul City, Bell, and Arista labels, while also reaching back to include rare material from their earliest days performing under the name The Versatiles.

At the core of the set are all ten of the group’s original albums from their most influential era, from Up, Up & Away through Soul & Inspiration. These recordings showcase the unmistakable blend of pop, soul, and sophisticated vocal arrangements that defined their sound and helped shape late-’60s and early-’70s radio. Across these albums, their interpretations of songs by some of the era’s most celebrated writers helped turn standout compositions into enduring hits.

The collection features chart-topping classics like “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” and “Wedding Bell Blues,” alongside fan favorites and Top 10 staples including “Up, Up and Away,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and “One Less Bell to Answer.” Also included is the ambitious The Magic Garden, a cohesive song cycle that remains one of the group’s most distinctive artistic statements.

Beyond the original albums, the box set expands the story with 25 bonus tracks. These include non-album singles, alternate takes, rare live recordings making their official debut, and even a previously unreleased studio production of “Hi-De-Ho.” Together, these additions offer a deeper look into the group’s creative range and evolution during a pivotal era in music.

The audio has been newly remastered, giving fresh clarity to recordings that have long been staples of classic pop and soul. The accompanying booklet adds further depth, featuring newly compiled liner notes built from recent conversations with founding members, archival interviews, and reflections from key collaborators. Rare photographs and a newly written introduction from a longtime creative partner round out the package, making it as much a historical document as it is a listening experience.

More than just a retrospective, this release serves as a reminder of how The 5th Dimension’s sound—polished yet expressive, accessible yet ambitious—helped bridge musical styles and audiences. Sixty years on, their harmonies still resonate, and this collection brings that legacy into sharp focus for both longtime fans and new listeners alike.