Pete Roth Trio Featuring Bill Bruford Release New Single "Full Circle" Ahead of Live Album Group Chat

The Pete Roth Trio has released its new single, "Full Circle," the first preview of the upcoming live CD/DVD album Group Chat. Available now, the track captures the chemistry between guitarist Pete Roth, bassist Mike Pratt, and legendary drummer Bill Bruford, offering listeners a taste of the trio's dynamic musical interplay.

"Full Circle" holds a special place in the band's repertoire, as it was one of the first compositions the trio developed together several years ago. Opening the new album, the song showcases the group's conversational approach to improvisation and groove. In a twist longtime fans will appreciate, it also features Bill Bruford performing in a straightforward 4/4 rhythm—a rarity throughout his celebrated career. The performance is also featured on the accompanying live DVD.

Group Chat marks Pete Roth's third major album and a milestone release for Bill Bruford, whose return to headline performance follows a 13-year hiatus. It also represents Bruford's first appearance on newly recorded material in 19 years, making the project a significant moment for fans of progressive music and contemporary jazz alike.

Produced by Pete Roth and Bill Bruford for Winterfold Records, Group Chat blends jazz, funk, contemporary classical influences, and spontaneous improvisation into a collection that celebrates musical conversation and creative risk-taking. Alongside original compositions including "Full Circle," "Dancing With Grace," and "Original Sin," the album features collaborative works such as "Part Of The Charm" and "Looking Forward To Looking Back," as well as an imaginative improvisation on the Largo from Dvořák's Symphony No. 9. The result is a recording that feels spontaneous, adventurous, and deeply connected.

The release arrives as a deluxe two-disc CD/DVD digipak featuring a nine-track live album and a bonus 35-minute DVD that includes live performances, an introduction to the project, and a special spoken segment from Pete Roth.

Early critical response has been overwhelmingly positive. Biff Bam Pop! called the trio "a band of equals, clearly loving the opportunity to improvise and have musical conversations," while Innerviews praised the group's "rich nuance, invention, and telepathic rapport." Dr. Jazz Talks described the album as "a feast of rhythm and melody," and Make Weird Music summed up its appeal simply: "I wish more jazz was this much fun."

Drawing from backgrounds in blues, rock, jazz, jazz fusion, and progressive music, Pete Roth, Mike Pratt, and Bill Bruford have created a trio that reimagines the traditional guitar trio format. Their shared musical curiosity and instinctive communication allow melody, groove, texture, and improvisation to coexist naturally throughout the performance.

Group Chat stands as a compelling live document of three accomplished musicians in open musical dialogue. "Full Circle" is available to stream now, with the full CD/DVD release arriving soon from Winterfold Records.

NicoleYvette Shares New Single "Such Is the Love" Featuring Kurt Elling Ahead of Debut Album Say Yes

Vocalist, composer, and storyteller NicoleYvette has released her new single, "Such Is the Love," featuring acclaimed jazz vocalist Kurt Elling. The song offers another glimpse into her debut album, Say Yes, arriving August 14, 2026.

Produced by three-time GRAMMY® winner Sara Gazarek, Say Yes is a deeply personal collection that traces NicoleYvette's journey from the dark night of the soul to self-discovery. The album blends original compositions with modern interpretations of classics while exploring themes of faith, love, grief, resilience, and transformation.

"I was thrilled to learn Kurt Elling agreed to record 'Such Is the Love' with me," NicoleYvette says. "That alone felt like an endorsement, a blessing. I love the song, and his voice and interpretation make me love it all the more. With three-time GRAMMY® winner Sara Gazarek's production skills, the process was easy and collaborative. Kurt and I recorded our parts separately, but I later had the chance to meet him in New York City, and it was a joy to learn he's as lovely a human being as his voice suggests."

The album features an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Kurt Elling, Terri Lyne Carrington, Joel Ross, Keyon Harrold, J. Ivy, Paul Cornish, Larry Goldings, Lenard Simpson, Geoffrey Keezer, and Amanda Taylor. The core band includes pianist and arranger Dawn Clement, guitarist Andrew Renfroe, bassist Jermaine Paul, and drummer Christian Euman.

Gazarek describes NicoleYvette as "fully formed and luminous, with no excess and no apology," praising her ability to channel the rich traditions of jazz and soul into an unmistakably personal artistic voice.

The project's title track, "Say Yes," featuring vibraphonist Joel Ross, was written during a pivotal moment in NicoleYvette's musical journey. Raised in a conservative Christian household, she found jazz became a new spiritual language after stepping away from gospel music, making the song a declaration of artistic freedom and self-expression.

Two transformative trips to India inspired several of the album's opening tracks, including "Such Is the Love," "Let It Be," and "Crossing Over," each reflecting on love, suffering, healing, and personal growth. Throughout the album, NicoleYvette draws from deeply personal experiences, including the illness and passing of her father, whose memory informs songs like "If I Could" and "Inuka Uangaze."

n addition to 10 original compositions, Say Yes includes fresh interpretations of Cole Porter's "Night and Day" and the beloved standard "What a Wonderful World."

NicoleYvette will celebrate the album with performances across California, Washington, and Oregon, culminating in her official album release show at The Royal Room in Seattle on August 30.

Say Yes arrives August 14, 2026. "Such Is the Love" featuring Kurt Elling is available to stream now.

Matt Wilson's Love Is the Whole Thing, We Are Only Pieces Finds Hope, Community and Quiet Resistance Through Jazz

More than 750 years after the Sufi poet Rumi wrote, "Love is the whole thing. We are only pieces," drummer and composer Matt Wilson has found a powerful way to bring those words to life. On Love Is the Whole Thing, We Are Only Pieces, arriving September 18, 2026 via Palmetto Records, Wilson reunites his acclaimed Good Trouble ensemble for a deeply human collection that celebrates love, community and compassion as acts of gentle protest.

Following the band's 2024 debut, which drew inspiration from civil rights icon John Lewis and his call to create "good trouble," Wilson expands that vision with music that embraces connection over division. Rather than responding to uncertainty with anger, the album offers warmth, generosity and shared experience, inviting listeners into a space where jazz becomes both sanctuary and statement.

"I wanted to make a love record," Wilson says. "I'm blessed to have this community. I'm blessed to have the career that I've had. I'm blessed to have a beautiful family. So I want to use the music to help celebrate what's possible, especially in the world we're in right now. It's nice to know that we can take people away from their troubles for a little bit, sonically and spiritually."

Love Is the Whole Thing, We Are Only Pieces reunites Wilson with Good Trouble members Tia Fuller, Dawn Clement, Jeff Lederer and Ben Allison while welcoming alto saxophonist Anisha Rush, whose performances with the group over the past several years have made her a natural addition. Their chemistry reflects relationships built over decades, giving the music an effortless sense of trust and shared purpose.

Wilson's extended musical family is reflected throughout the project. The album cover features a quilt created by his wife, Kim Taylor Wilson, whose artistry echoes the record's themes of connection and care. The release also marks 30 years since Wilson's Palmetto Records debut, As Wave Follows Wave, celebrating a remarkable three-decade collaboration between the drummer, the label and producer/engineer Matt Balitsaris.

The album's repertoire mirrors Wilson's expansive musical outlook. His own compositions sit comfortably alongside works by jazz visionaries and beloved songwriters, creating a program that feels both adventurous and deeply inviting. The opening "Wind Spirit" unfolds with remarkable patience as Dawn Clement sings the Biblical verse from John 3:8 before the ensemble gradually gathers around her. Bobby Watson's "Fuller Love (aka In Case You Missed It)" serves as both a tribute to trombone legend Curtis Fuller and a showcase for Tia Fuller, while Andrew Hill's "Black Fire" ignites with fearless improvisation.

Perhaps the album's most unexpected moment comes with Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down." Reimagined as an understated anthem of resilience, the familiar rock classic becomes a meditation on quiet perseverance. As Wilson explains, "I'm not going to back down. I'm just going to keep trying this stuff and keep forging ahead. Besides, it's kind of cool to have Andrew Hill and Tom Petty on the same record."

Original compositions such as "Joonam" and "Welcome Table" deepen the album's message of inclusion and belonging. Inspired by a Farsi term of endearment, "Joonam" carries a timeless sense of familial affection, while "Welcome Table," borrowing its title from James Baldwin, celebrates dialogue, fellowship and the transformative power of gathering together. Ben Allison contributes "Green Al," given a dreamlike new dimension through Dawn Clement's lyrics and electric bass textures, while Wilson honors the late Jack DeJohnette with a joyful interpretation of "Festival."

The title track brings the journey to a moving conclusion as friends and family join together to chant Rumi's enduring words, transforming ancient poetry into a communal expression of hope for the future.

Few artists embody the spirit of modern jazz quite like Matt Wilson. Across more than 400 recordings as a leader, co-leader and sideman, he has built a reputation for joyful swing, boundless curiosity and an unwavering commitment to bringing people together through music. Love Is the Whole Thing, We Are Only Pieces may be his clearest expression yet of that lifelong mission, reminding us that even in difficult times, love remains the force that binds us together.

Love Is the Whole Thing, We Are Only Pieces will be released September 18, 2026 via Palmetto Records. Wilson celebrates the album with release concerts at Birdland in New York City from September 25-27, featuring Tia Fuller, Anisha Rush, Dawn Clement, Jeff Lederer and Ben Allison.

Jazz Chill Presents: Smooth Jazz & Chill Grooves — The Spotify Playlist for Relaxation, Focus, and Soulful Vibes

Music has the unique ability to shape the atmosphere around us. A single melody can bring back memories, create a sense of calm, inspire creativity, or transform an ordinary moment into something meaningful. For those who appreciate the warmth of jazz, the beauty of soulful instrumentation, and the effortless flow of chill grooves, Jazz Chill brings you a carefully curated Spotify playlist designed to help you relax, recharge, and enjoy the timeless sounds of smooth jazz.

Welcome to a laid-back soundscape where silky saxophone lines, mellow piano melodies, and deep soulful rhythms come together in perfect harmony. This playlist is more than a collection of songs—it is an experience created for anyone looking to escape the noise of everyday life and immerse themselves in a smooth, atmospheric world of jazz-inspired sounds.

Discover the Smooth Jazz Experience

Smooth jazz has always been about creating a feeling. Unlike music that demands attention, smooth jazz invites you to settle in and enjoy the moment. Its gentle melodies, sophisticated arrangements, and relaxed grooves create the perfect balance between elegance and comfort.

The Jazz Chill Smooth Jazz & Chill Grooves Spotify Playlist captures that feeling with a selection of tracks that blend classic jazz influences with modern chill aesthetics. The result is a listening experience that feels warm, sophisticated, and effortless.

Whether you're starting your morning with a cup of coffee, working through a busy afternoon, enjoying an evening at home, or simply looking for music that helps you unwind, this playlist provides the perfect soundtrack.

A Playlist Designed for Relaxation and Atmosphere

The best playlists create an environment, not just a sequence of songs. Every track in this Jazz Chill collection contributes to a smooth musical journey filled with rich textures and calming energy.

Imagine the sound of a mellow saxophone drifting through the room, soft keyboard melodies creating a peaceful backdrop, and steady rhythms adding just enough movement to keep the music flowing. This is the atmosphere that defines the Jazz Chill experience.

This playlist is perfect for:

Relaxing after a long day

Creating a peaceful home atmosphere

Background music while reading or writing

Working, studying, or focusing

Dinner gatherings and intimate moments

Coffee shop-inspired listening sessions

Quiet evenings of reflection

Smooth jazz has a special ability to complement your surroundings without overwhelming them. It creates a mood while leaving room for conversation, creativity, and personal reflection.

Why Smooth Jazz Continues to Inspire Listeners

Jazz has always been a genre built on emotion, creativity, and expression. From legendary improvisations to modern interpretations, jazz continues to evolve while maintaining its timeless appeal.

Smooth jazz takes many of the genre’s most recognizable qualities—expressive melodies, sophisticated harmonies, and skilled musicianship—and presents them in an accessible, relaxing format. It welcomes longtime jazz fans while also providing an easy entry point for listeners discovering jazz for the first time.

The appeal of smooth jazz lies in its versatility. It can feel luxurious and elegant, peaceful and calming, or soulful and energetic depending on the moment. That flexibility makes it one of the best genres for creating a personal soundtrack for everyday life.

The Perfect Soundtrack for Focus and Creativity

Many listeners turn to instrumental music when they need to concentrate, and smooth jazz is especially effective for creating a productive atmosphere. The flowing melodies and balanced rhythms can provide background inspiration without distracting from the task at hand.

Whether you are working from home, studying, creating art, writing, or simply organizing your day, a well-crafted jazz playlist can help create a more enjoyable environment.

The Jazz Chill playlist delivers a refined listening experience that encourages focus while maintaining a relaxed mood. It is music that works quietly in the background while adding personality and warmth to your space.

Bringing the Jazz Lounge Feeling Anywhere You Go

One of the greatest things about streaming music is the ability to bring your favorite atmosphere with you wherever you are. A relaxing jazz lounge, a late-night café, or a peaceful evening setting can all be created with the right playlist.

With Jazz Chill, you can enjoy that feeling anytime. Whether listening through headphones, playing music at home, or sharing the playlist with friends, these smooth jazz grooves help create a memorable atmosphere.

The playlist is ideal for listeners who appreciate:

Smooth saxophone performances

Relaxing piano arrangements

Soulful jazz influences

Chill instrumental grooves

Sophisticated background music

Timeless musical moods

Follow Jazz Chill for More Smooth Sounds

At Jazz Chill, the goal is to celebrate the beauty of jazz and share music that creates meaningful moments. Through carefully selected playlists and jazz-focused content, Jazz Chill helps listeners discover relaxing sounds that fit every occasion.

Stay connected for more jazz discoveries, relaxing playlists, artist features, and musical inspiration.

Listen to the Jazz Chill Spotify Playlist

Ready to experience the sound of smooth jazz and chill grooves?

Press play and step into a world of silky saxophone melodies, mellow keys, and soulful rhythms designed for relaxation, focus, and enjoyment.

Listen on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0rElr0A5yfpoXpzfWfz9Rh

Whether you are a longtime jazz enthusiast or simply searching for the perfect relaxing playlist, Jazz Chill invites you to slow down, enjoy the moment, and discover the timeless appeal of smooth jazz.

Kiefer Announces Blue Note Debut Album Memory Bomb, A Dreamscape of Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Innovation

Kiefer has announced the release of Memory Bomb, his first solo album for Blue Note Records, arriving September 25. Produced alongside his longtime collaborators Shibo and CARRTOONS, the album marks a significant new chapter for the Los Angeles pianist and producer, whose singular approach has reshaped the relationship between jazz improvisation and hip-hop beat-making.

The announcement arrives with the release of the album’s lead single, “NewLevels NewDevils,” featuring Tony Stone, Erick The Architect, and CARRTOONS. The track offers the first glimpse into the expansive world of Memory Bomb, which also features appearances from Nate Smith, Walter Smith III, Cisco Swank, Relyae, Rae Khalil, Amber Navran of Moonchild, Planet Giza, and more. The album is available for pre-order on Blue Note Store exclusive color vinyl, black vinyl, CD, and digital download.

Frequently described as a musician who plays keys not only with his fingers but with his soul, Kiefer has become one of the most innovative voices in contemporary instrumental music. His distinctive style, which he describes as “Over The Breaks,” exists at the intersection of jazz harmony, improvisation, and the rhythmic foundation of hip-hop production. On Memory Bomb, that creative vision reaches a new level.

For Kiefer, collaboration has always been a source of inspiration. The journey toward his Blue Note debut began with inviting two of his closest creative partners, Shibo and CARRTOONS, to co-produce the project. Both understood the musical language he had developed over the years and brought their own expertise in drum programming and production, helping shape a record that feels fresh while remaining unmistakably Kiefer.

That collaborative approach expanded throughout the album, bringing together an array of vocalists, rappers, and musicians to create unexpected combinations and new musical conversations. Each contribution adds another dimension to Memory Bomb, while Kiefer’s melodic instincts and improvisational style remain at the center.

The album title reflects Kiefer’s personal interpretation of a dream. A “Memory Bomb” represents the different ways dreams exist in our lives—the images we experience while sleeping, the hopes we carry for the future, and the ambitions that motivate us to create. Those ideas influence the emotional direction of the album, which moves through themes of reflection, imagination, and possibility.

With its fluid arrangements and spontaneous moments, Memory Bomb is an album that continues to evolve with each listen. Its poetic melodies, deep grooves, and improvisational passages create a dreamlike atmosphere that feels both intimate and expansive, inviting listeners into a world built entirely through Kiefer’s musical perspective.

Following the album announcement, Kiefer will embark on a Fall North American tour beginning October 1. The tour follows the debut of Over The Breaks, a new festival curated by Kiefer that will take place September 18-19 at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles. The event will feature performances from GENA (Karriem Riggins + Liv.e), CARRTOONS, Luke Titus, Shibo, and more.

Kiefer’s musical journey began in San Diego, where he grew up in a household shaped by both science and music. His parents, both aerospace engineers, were also passionate pianists who influenced his early development. His mother taught him to read music and introduced him to classical piano, while his father’s love for jazz—especially the legendary recordings of Blue Note Records—helped shape his artistic direction.

After discovering jazz icons like Miles Davis as a teenager, Kiefer committed himself to becoming a jazz musician. He studied jazz piano throughout high school before attending UCLA, where he studied under legendary guitarist Kenny Burrell, who led the university’s jazz program.

After college, Kiefer signed with Stones Throw Records and began establishing his musical identity through acclaimed projects including Happysad, Between Days, and It’s Ok, B U. His growing list of collaborations includes work with Dr. Dre, De La Soul, Pete Rock, Anderson .Paak, Kaytranada, Terrace Martin, and many others. He is also a member of FATHERS alongside CARRTOONS, Nate Smith, and producer Kenneth Blume, whose self-titled debut album was recently released on Blue Note.

With Memory Bomb, Kiefer brings together the experiences, collaborations, and influences that have shaped his career while continuing to push his unique “Over The Breaks” sound into new territory.

Calloway Return to Their Jazz Roots with New Single “BWAO”

For more than four decades, Reggie and Vincent Calloway have been synonymous with infectious R&B, funk, and electronic dance grooves. As the creative force behind classics like "Freak-A-Zoid" and "I Wanna Be Rich," the duo helped define the sound of the 1980s and beyond. Now, they're taking listeners in an unexpected direction with the release of "BWAO," their first jazz recording in 34 years.

Released through Spiral Galaxy Entertainment, "BWAO" marks a return to the music that first inspired the brothers long before their chart-topping success.

"People know us for the dance floor," says GRAMMY-nominated Reggie Calloway. "But before the hits, our father was playing Miles Davis and Charlie Parker in the basement. Our first group, Sun Child, released a jazz album in 1974, and later we recorded the jazz track 'Sound of One Hand Clapping' for our Let's Get Smooth album in 1992. 'BWAO' is us returning to the feeling that started it all."

Written, produced, and performed by Reggie and Vincent, "BWAO" is built around a smooth, sensual jazz groove complemented by a dreamy falsetto chorus. Vincent showcases his remarkable versatility by layering trumpet, trombone, flugelhorn, mellophone, and soprano saxophone, effectively creating his own horn section. Reggie contributes flute and vocals over a drum track programmed by six-time GRAMMY winner Rob Chiarelli, whose credits include Kirk Franklin, Tori Kelly, and Erica Campbell. The recording also features keyboardist Wes Boatman, bassist C.C. Thomas Jr., and background vocalists Marla, Tammy, Salina, and Henry Benefield.

The brothers say their appreciation for jazz was shaped early in their careers.

"Opening for bebop saxophonist Sonny Stitt when we were teenagers taught us that jazz isn't just about the notes—it's about the feeling you create," Reggie explains. "We've waited a long time to show people this side of Calloway."

The title "BWAO" carries a special meaning for Vincent Calloway.

"Everyone asks what it means," he says with a smile. "It's a greeting, a farewell, and a philosophy. It's a celebration of family, friendship, coworkers—a reminder to live a full and fruitful life. The ambiance of the music puts you in a reflective place, especially if you're apart from the people you love."

The single will begin collecting radio playlist adds on July 27, continuing an impressive creative streak for the Los Angeles-based duo. Over the past 18 months, Calloway have released the romantic ballad "Til Valentines," the EDM-inspired "Freak-A-Fied," the wellness anthem "6 Pack," and fresh versions of their signature hits "Freak-A-Zoid" and "I Wanna Be Rich."

Reggie and Vincent Calloway first made their mark as members of Midnight Star before achieving success as Calloway and as producers and songwriters for artists including Teddy Pendergrass, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, Levert, Klymaxx, and The Deele. With "BWAO," they remind listeners that while their legacy was built on irresistible grooves, jazz has always been at the heart of their musical journey.

Kris Davis Trio Reaches New Heights on Lost in Geneva

Following the critical success of their 2024 debut Run the Gauntlet, Grammy Award-winning pianist and composer Kris Davis returns with Lost in Geneva, the highly anticipated second recording by her acclaimed trio featuring bassist Robert Hurst and drummer Johnathan Blake. Scheduled for release on September 25, 2026, the album also marks the launch of 4166 Records, a new imprint dedicated to Davis' music.

Years of touring together have transformed the trio into one of the most compelling ensembles in contemporary jazz. Their shared experiences on stage have fostered an extraordinary musical chemistry, allowing the three musicians to communicate with remarkable intuition while uncovering fresh discoveries during every performance.

"We've been touring steadily for a few years now, and I feel a real clarity about who we are as a trio," Davis explains. "I wanted to write music that highlights our strengths—grounded in groove and open enough to explore and engage with my compositional language."

That chemistry has not gone unnoticed. The trio recently received the 2026 Deutscher Jazz Preis (German Jazz Prize) as International Live Act of the Year, while critics continue to praise the group's fearless improvisation and deep musical connection.

Unlike Run the Gauntlet, which paid tribute to six influential women pianists, Lost in Geneva draws inspiration from the trio's own experiences together. The album features eight Davis compositions, one original composition each from Hurst and Blake, and an inventive interpretation of avant-garde composer Morton Feldman's Nature Piece 5.

The album's title comes from one of the many travel stories accumulated while touring internationally. "Lost in Geneva" captures the disorienting feeling of jet lag, unfamiliar surroundings, and the strange moments that often become the memories musicians treasure most. The composition may already be familiar to some listeners, having appeared during the trio's acclaimed NPR Tiny Desk Concert.

The album opens with "The Subtext," whose overlapping piano lines create an atmosphere of mystery and hidden meaning. "Congestion Pricing" begins with a lyrical bass introduction from Robert Hurst before evolving into a bustling musical portrait inspired by New York City's recently implemented toll system for Lower Manhattan.

Several compositions revisit earlier material through the lens of the trio's evolved identity. "Where Does That Tunnel Go," originally recorded by Davis in 2010, and "The Ballerina," previously performed in several collaborative settings, both emerge transformed by the trio's collective voice.

Nature also plays an important role throughout the recording. Hurst's "The Bluesy Bird in Bob's Backyard" celebrates an unusually soulful feathered visitor, while the group improvisation "Mourning Dove" serves as its atmospheric prelude. Davis contributes "The Deer Fly," an energetic portrait of the persistent insect familiar to New England hikers, while "Northern Flicker" closes the album with another spontaneous group improvisation.

Johnathan Blake contributes "Clues," originally featured on his 2012 debut album, now reimagined with the trio's unmistakable groove and interplay. The collection also ventures into modern classical territory with Davis' fascinating arrangement of Morton Feldman's "Nature Piece 5," revealing rhythmic possibilities hidden within the composer's abstract musical language.

Track Listing

1. The Subtext
2. Congestion Pricing
3. Where Does That Tunnel Go
4. The Ballerina
5. Mourning Dove
6. The Bluesy Bird in Bob's Backyard (Robert Hurst)
7. The Deer Fly
8. Clues (Johnathan Blake)
9. Nature Piece 5 (Morton Feldman)
10. Lost in Geneva
11. Northern Flicker

Personnel

• Kris Davis – piano
• Robert Hurst – bass
• Johnathan Blake – drums

Over the past two decades, Kris Davis has established herself as one of the most adventurous voices in modern jazz. A Grammy Award winner, multiple-time DownBeat Pianist of the Year, and recipient of the 2021 Doris Duke Artist Award, she has collaborated with an extraordinary list of artists including Terri Lyne Carrington, Dave Holland, John Zorn, Tyshawn Sorey, Ingrid Laubrock, Craig Taborn, and esperanza spalding. She is also the founder of Pyroclastic Records, Associate Program Director of Creative Development at the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice, and a Steinway Artist.

Following the album's release, the trio will perform at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival in Chicago and the Monterey Jazz Festival before embarking on an Australian release tour and later a European tour. In January 2027, the trio returns to New York City's legendary Village Vanguard, continuing what has become one of the most exciting musical partnerships in contemporary jazz.

With Lost in Geneva, Kris Davis, Robert Hurst, and Johnathan Blake demonstrate that the deepest artistic discoveries often come not from unfamiliar collaborators, but from musicians who have learned to listen to one another on an extraordinary level. The result is a vibrant, adventurous recording that continues to push the boundaries of the modern piano trio while remaining grounded in groove, communication, and shared exploration.

Jon Batiste Celebrates Mozart and Thelonious Monk with Three New Piano Albums

Multi-Grammy, Emmy, and Academy Award-winning pianist, composer, and bandleader Jon Batiste has announced an ambitious new chapter in his acclaimed solo piano series with the release of Black Mozart (Batiste Piano Series Vol. 2), arriving June 19 on Decca Records US. Appropriately released on Juneteenth, the album reimagines the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through a distinctly Black American musical perspective while continuing Batiste's exploration of the classical canon through improvisation and spontaneous composition.

The announcement also includes two additional solo piano albums dedicated to jazz legend Thelonious Monk. Monk Meditations and Monk Movements will both be released on August 14 through Verve Records, completing a remarkable trilogy that draws musical connections between two of history's most visionary composers.

Batiste describes the project as an ongoing dialogue between three musical minds.

"My intent was to curate a musical conversation between Monk and Mozart with me at the piano, honoring them and contributing to their kindred legacies."

Although Mozart and Monk lived centuries apart, Batiste sees striking similarities between the two innovators.

"Like Thelonious Monk, Mozart was a meticulous metaphysician who created a special blend of logical mastery that still somehow defies explanation."

Born into a celebrated Louisiana musical family, Batiste received classical training before earning both bachelor's and master's degrees in jazz piano from The Juilliard School. His ability to move effortlessly between classical, jazz, blues, gospel, soul, and contemporary music has become one of the defining characteristics of his career.

The new album builds upon the success of Beethoven Blues, the first installment in the Batiste Piano Series released in 2024. While that recording reimagined Beethoven through blues and jazz traditions, Black Mozart applies a similarly inventive approach to Mozart's timeless works.

Batiste explains that Mozart's music naturally lends itself to reinterpretation.

"I reimagined Mozart 'Black,' imbuing it with influences from jazz, rags, stride, blues, and stomps while still maintaining its core essence of modern classical music."

Rather than simply performing Mozart's compositions, Batiste transforms them into living, breathing conversations between classical tradition and African American musical expression. The result promises to be both respectful of Mozart's original genius and unmistakably reflective of Batiste's own artistic voice.

The companion albums, Monk Meditations and Monk Movements, continue that philosophy by focusing on another musical revolutionary. Like Mozart, Thelonious Monk challenged convention, expanded harmonic language, and forever altered the direction of music through originality, rhythmic invention, and fearless creativity.

With these three releases, Jon Batiste once again demonstrates why he remains one of the most versatile and visionary musicians of his generation. By connecting Mozart, Monk, and his own improvisational voice, he reminds listeners that great music transcends genres, centuries, and cultural boundaries while continuing to evolve through fresh interpretation.

Harry Bartlett & Kurtis Perrie Blur Musical Boundaries on This Is Living

When artists from distinctly different musical backgrounds come together with an open mind, the results can be truly remarkable. That spirit defines This Is Living, the forthcoming collaborative album from guitarist Harry Bartlett and electronic music producer Kurtis Perrie, arriving August 21 on Adhyâropa Records.

The project was born during an intensive two-week creative session in Etobicoke, Ontario, where Bartlett and Perrie immersed themselves in each other's musical worlds. Despite beginning the collaboration with only a limited understanding of one another's artistic traditions, they discovered common ground through experimentation and curiosity. The result is an album that feels greater than the sum of its parts.

This Is Living is a hypnotic blend of electro-acoustic textures that seamlessly bridges ambient electronics, jazz, bluegrass, and contemporary instrumental music. Ethereal melodies drift over subtle rhythms while acoustic and electronic elements intertwine to create an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and captivating. The music unfolds like a conversation, with each artist contributing a unique voice while allowing space for the other to shine.

Toronto-based Kurtis Perrie has earned recognition as an innovative electronic music producer and instrument designer, receiving support from Four Tet and securing sync placements with Apple and the NFL. Harry Bartlett, an award-winning Nashville guitarist and composer, has collaborated with acclaimed artists including Viktor Krauss and John Mailander. Together, they are joined on the album by vibraphonist Bjorn Kriel and percussionist Jason Martin, adding additional color and depth to the recordings.

The musicians featured on This Is Living are:

• Kurtis Perrie Conant – electronics, synthesizer
• Harry Bartlett – guitar, pump organ, synthesizer, piano
• Bjorn Kriel – vibraphone
• Jason Martin – percussion

The seven-track album includes:

1. Like Flowers That Bloom (1:47)
2. And Wither (2:14)
3. Childs Play (4:07)
4. C (2:36)
5. Banya (4:11)
6. Long Road (2:42)
7. Ways of the World (2:22)

Ahead of the album's August 21 release, listeners can enjoy the singles "Childs Play," released July 20, and "Banya," arriving August 4. Rather than simply merging acoustic and electronic styles, This Is Living creates a fresh musical language that rewards careful listening and repeated exploration. For fans of contemporary jazz, ambient music, and adventurous instrumental recordings, this is a release well worth discovering.

Samuel Blaser Explores Family Heritage on Deeply Personal New Album Rosina

Acclaimed Swiss trombonist and composer Samuel Blaser will release his new album, Rosina, on October 16 via Blaser Music. Widely regarded as one of the most inventive voices in contemporary jazz, Blaser delivers what may be his most personal recording to date, drawing inspiration from his Italian family roots, traditional folk melodies, and the historic field recordings of folklorist Alan Lomax.

Since emerging as a leading figure in modern creative music, Blaser has built an impressive catalog of 34 recordings as a leader or co-leader since 2008. With Rosina, however, the trombonist turns inward, creating a collection of eight original compositions that intertwine Italian folk traditions with his distinctive approach to improvisation and contemporary jazz.

The album is named after Blaser's maternal grandmother, Rosina Pierina Scarpioni, a member of the Italian Resistance during World War II who later relocated to Switzerland. Although Blaser never had the opportunity to meet her, reconnecting with relatives in her native Emilia-Romagna and discovering extended family in New York inspired him to explore this important part of his heritage. That journey ultimately led him to the traditional folk songs of the region, many of which were documented by legendary ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax.

Rather than simply interpreting these melodies, Blaser transforms them into deeply personal musical statements. Three traditional songs from Emilia-Romagna are woven seamlessly together with five original compositions, creating an album that honors tradition while remaining firmly rooted in contemporary jazz improvisation.

Reflecting on the project, Blaser describes Rosina as a milestone in his artistic development.

"I feel with this project I'm finally shaping the music in a way I want it to sound, where different parts of my musical language are coming together. It's also the first time I'm consciously linking my music to Italy."

Joining Blaser is a quartet of longtime collaborators whose collective chemistry gives the music both freedom and emotional depth. Pianist Russ Lossing, bassist Masa Kamaguchi, and drummer Billy Mintz provide an ideal foundation for Blaser's expansive compositions, moving effortlessly between spacious improvisation, lyrical intimacy, and adventurous interplay.

Recorded at Skyline Underground in New Jersey during sessions in September 2024 and March 2025, Rosina captures the quartet's remarkable ability to balance folk-inspired melodies with modern jazz exploration. The result is a richly expressive album that reflects both personal discovery and artistic maturity.

Personnel

• Samuel Blaser – trombone
• Russ Lossing – piano
• Masa Kamaguchi – bass
• Billy Mintz – drums

Recorded at Skyline Underground, New Jersey, September 27–28, 2024, and March 2025. Mastered by Paul Wickliffe.

Tracklist

1. Boara
2. Amaaka
3. Rosina
4. Elgnij
5. Adagio
6. Scherzo
7. Mysteriously
8. Serenata

Rosina will be released October 16 on Blaser Music.

Meshell Ndegeocello Announces Synonym, an Ambitious Blue Note Album Featuring Cynthia Erivo, Chaka Khan, Brandi Carlile, WILLOW, and More

GRAMMY-winning artist Meshell Ndegeocello has announced the release of her third Blue Note Records album, Synonym, arriving October 2. One of the most ambitious projects of her celebrated career, the album finds the acclaimed bassist, singer, songwriter, producer, and visionary reimagining a carefully curated collection of beloved songs through an expansive series of collaborative duets with an extraordinary lineup of guest artists.

Available for pre-order on color vinyl, black vinyl, CD, and digital formats, Synonym is introduced by the stunning lead single, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)," a fresh interpretation of the George Michael and Aretha Franklin classic featuring the powerful vocals of Cynthia Erivo alongside Ndegeocello.

Spanning multiple decades and genres, Synonym explores themes of love, heartbreak, friendship, desire, identity, care, and resilience. The album moves effortlessly from 1960s folk and 1970s soul to country, pop, 1980s R&B, electro-boogie, alternative rock, and early-2000s hip-hop, demonstrating Ndegeocello's lifelong refusal to be confined by musical boundaries.

"This project is about classic songs that are known and loved," Ndegeocello explains. "The songs have diverse tones, representing various genres and intentional grooves. But the album is also about joy, selfhood, individual representation, and universal experience."

While Ndegeocello's artistry has long stood on its own as one of modern music's most influential creative voices, Synonym places equal emphasis on collaboration. The album features an impressive roster of acclaimed artists, including Cynthia Erivo, Cat Power, Chaka Khan, Brandi Carlile, Bill Callahan, Chris Thile, Nick Hakim, Robert Glasper, Madison Cunningham, Laura Lee of Khruangbin, Lizz Wright, Emily King, Lianne La Havas, Moses Sumney, Destin Conrad, ANOHNI, WILLOW, Evann McIntosh, and Ink.

The project also reunites Ndegeocello with producer David Gamson, who helped shape her landmark debut albums Plantation Lullabies (1993) and Peace Beyond Passion (1996). Gamson co-produced Synonym alongside Ndegeocello and longtime collaborator Abe Rounds. The album is further enriched by an exceptional ensemble of musicians, including drummers Abe Rounds and Deantoni Parks, guitarist Chris Bruce, keyboardists Jake Sherman, Jebin Bruni, and Larry Goldings, saxophonists Josh Johnson and Levon Henry, flutist Elena Pinderhughes, banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck, and many more.

The album's title reflects one of its central ideas. Ndegeocello describes a synonym as different words expressing the same meaning, using the concept as a metaphor for humanity itself. Despite our differences, she believes people ultimately share the same hopes, needs, and emotional experiences.

"This project is an expression of queer liberation as a synonym for liberation of all kinds," she says. "The queer community claimed me when others didn't... I recognize the ways in which it all overlaps. Once again, I went back to my elders: Audre Lorde told us that there is no single-issue struggle. Similarly, these arrangements are synonyms for their originals—these different sounds still mean the same thing."

One of the album's defining characteristics is its collection of duet performances featuring artists who identify along the same gender spectrum. Rather than redefining the original songs, Ndegeocello uses these collaborations to emphasize emotional connection and shared experience while allowing each interpretation to develop its own unique identity.

Synonym also reflects an important evolution in Ndegeocello's artistic philosophy. While she remains one of contemporary music's most celebrated performers, she views this project as an opportunity to further establish herself as a producer and musical curator.

"I want to do more collective music," she explains. "On this album, I wanted to show off as a producer. I love being on Blue Note Records because with that, I still get to be a musician."

The release follows an extraordinary creative resurgence that has seen Ndegeocello earn widespread critical acclaim for her first two Blue Note albums, The Omnichord Real Book (2023) and No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin (2024). Both projects earned GRAMMY recognition while further cementing her reputation as one of the most fearless and innovative artists of her generation.

With Synonym, Meshell Ndegeocello once again demonstrates that timeless songs can be transformed into something entirely new without losing the emotional truths that made them classics in the first place.

Synonym Tracklist

1. I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) (with Cynthia Erivo)
2. Don't You Want Me (with Cat Power)
3. Don't Stop The Music (with Nick Hakim and Robert Glasper)
4. Islands In The Stream (with Chaka Khan)
5. It Ain't Me Babe (with Madison Cunningham)
6. Always on Time (with Laura Lee)
7. Be Real Black For Me (with Emily King and Lizz Wright)
8. Don't Look Any Further (with Lianne La Havas)
9. The Closer I Get To You (with Destin Conrad and Moses Sumney)
10. Golden Ring (with Brandi Carlile)
11. I Got You Babe (with ANOHNI)
12. Here We Come (Here He Comes) (with Evann McIntosh)
13. Guilty (with Ink)
14. Hunger Strike (with WILLOW)
15. With God On Our Side (with Bill Callahan and Chris Thile)

Synonym will be released October 2 via Blue Note Records.

Azar Lawrence Celebrates a Lifetime of Jazz with Turn the Music Up

Legendary tenor saxophonist and composer Azar Lawrence is set to release his highly anticipated new album, Turn the Music Up, on September 25 via his own Trazar Records. At 73, Lawrence continues to push the boundaries of jazz while honoring the musical legacy that has defined his remarkable career spanning more than five decades.

Turn the Music Up serves as both a retrospective and a bold artistic statement. The album revisits several compositions from Lawrence's early recordings, particularly his landmark releases Bridge into the New Age (1974) and Summer Solstice (1975), while reimagining them through the dynamic sound of his current ensemble, The Azar Lawrence Experience (TALE). Rather than simply recreating the past, Lawrence breathes new life into these compositions, presenting them with fresh energy, modern arrangements, and the maturity that comes from decades of musical evolution.

Throughout his career, Lawrence has built an extraordinary résumé, performing alongside jazz icons including McCoy Tyner, Miles Davis, Woody Shaw, and Elvin Jones. Beyond the jazz world, he has collaborated with artists such as Marvin Gaye and Earth, Wind & Fire and currently performs as a member of the acclaimed supergroup The Cookers. His solo career, launched in 1974, now includes 13 albums that have consistently reflected his distinctive artistic vision.

Lawrence describes Turn the Music Up as the culmination of everything he has learned throughout his musical journey. Drawing inspiration from the harmonic intensity and modal depth he absorbed while performing alongside Tyner, Davis, and Jones during the post-John Coltrane era, Lawrence emphasizes that the new album speaks with his own unmistakable voice while continuing to move the music forward.

The album features updated interpretations of several of Lawrence's signature works, including the title track from Summer Solstice, as well as an inspired, Latin-infused version of McCoy Tyner's "Atlantis," a composition Lawrence originally recorded with Tyner in 1974. Also included is a moving rendition of the spiritual jazz classic "The Creator Has a Master Plan," originally composed by Pharoah Sanders and Leon Thomas.

Supporting Lawrence is The Azar Lawrence Experience, featuring trumpeter Brian Swartz, guitarist Taka Mori, pianist and keyboardist Robert Turner, bassist Gerald Brown, drummer and percussionist Yayo Morales, and vocalist Lynne Fiddmont. The ensemble demonstrates remarkable versatility throughout the album, seamlessly shifting from the Brazilian-inspired rhythms of "Highway" to the soulful elegance of "Fatisha" and the infectious funk of "Summer Solstice." Fiddmont's vocal performances add another compelling dimension, equally comfortable delivering powerful scat vocals and delicate spiritual expressions.

Additional contributions from trombonist Quinn Carson and percussionists Munyungo Jackson, David Leach, and Adam Moseley enrich the album's expansive sound. Despite the large ensemble and the extended improvisational nature of the seven tracks, the performances remain focused, disciplined, and deeply connected, showcasing Lawrence's meticulous attention to musical detail.

Born in Los Angeles on November 3, 1952, Lawrence developed his musical foundation under the guidance of his mother, ImaJean Lawrence, a schoolteacher, choir director, and music instructor. Beginning on violin at age five before transitioning to viola and eventually tenor saxophone at 13, Lawrence quickly immersed himself in jazz through the influence of his friend Reggie Golson, son of saxophone legend Benny Golson, and the Dorsey High School Jazz Workshop.

His professional career gained momentum through Horace Tapscott's Pan-Afrikan People's Arkestra before performances with Ike & Tina Turner, the Watts 103rd Street Band, and War. In 1972, Lawrence joined Elvin Jones' band and relocated to New York, where he soon began working extensively with McCoy Tyner and appeared on Miles Davis' influential live album Dark Magus.

Following decades of collaborations across jazz, soul, R&B, and hip-hop, including work with Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Turrentine, Phyllis Hyman, Marvin Gaye, and Busta Rhymes, Lawrence has enjoyed a creative resurgence in recent years. His 2022 release New Sky, collaborations with artists such as Theo Croker and Kamasi Washington, and ongoing work with The Cookers and TALE have reaffirmed his status as one of jazz's most vital voices.

With Turn the Music Up, Azar Lawrence delivers more than a celebration of his past achievements. The album stands as a powerful reminder that true artistry continues to evolve, blending decades of experience with a fearless commitment to innovation. It is both a tribute to the rich traditions of spiritual and modal jazz and an exciting glimpse into the future of one of the genre's enduring masters.

Turn the Music Up arrives September 25 on Trazar Records.