Lettuce Returns with New Album Cook, Drops Funky New Single “Gold Tooth” + Announces Global Tour

Acclaimed funk powerhouse Lettuce has announced the release of their sizzling new studio album, Cook, arriving December 3 on the band’s own Lettuce Records. The reveal comes alongside their fiery new single “Gold Tooth,” now available on all streaming platforms and accompanied by a groove-heavy music video.

“This is something that we've sat on for a minute, and I'm glad to finally put some ears on it,” shares keyboardist/vocalist Nigel Hall.

“This is what happens when me and Shmeeans get together and make sumn FUNKY,” adds drummer Adam Deitch, while trumpeter Eric “Benny” Bloom describes the track as “strong 1990s Prince & Chaka Khan vibes.”

Cook isn’t just a nod to the band’s musical heat—it’s a vibrant blend of funk, soul, jazz, rock, and hip-hop, cooked to perfection. The band continues expanding their sonic recipe, drawing on experiences from recent collaborations with GZA of Wu-Tang Clan and Ziggy Marley, while still staying true to their funk roots in the spirit of James Brown, Tower of Power, and Maceo Parker.

“This record is more three-dimensional than our past albums,” says Deitch. “We really explored deeper levels of production and arrangement.”

The project also ties in Lettuce’s growing lifestyle brand. Alongside Cook, the band has launched two wines—Red Crush and Orange Crush—in partnership with Aquila Cellars, curated by Bloom and saxophonist Ryan “Zoid” Zoidis through their wine company Benny & Zoid Selections. Each vinyl order comes with a digital recipe book of food pairings.

“Music and food are so connected,” notes Deitch. “Use the wrong ingredients in either, and you can ruin the sound or the meal.”

With Cook, Lettuce serves up their most flavorful work yet—backed by an evolving team and reinvigorated creative vision. “It’s the start of a brand-new era,” Deitch affirms. “We finally have the infrastructure to match our vision.”

The band will take Cook on the road with a world tour that stretches through 2026, hitting North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. In early 2026, fans can also upgrade their experience with the exclusive "Cookin’ with the Band" VIP package, featuring pre-show soundcheck access, voting power on setlists, early merch shopping, discounts, and themed keepsakes like a Cook apron, signed tour laminate, and custom recipe zine. Limited to 75 guests per show.

Lettuce is:

• Adam Deitch – drums, percussion

• Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff – guitar

• Erick “Jesus” Coomes – bass

• Ryan “Zoid” Zoidis – saxophones, synths

• Eric “Benny” Bloom – trumpet, horns

• Nigel Hall – vocals, keys

Lettuce 2025–2026 Tour Dates

(Selected dates listed — full list available at lettucefunk.com/tour)

August 2025

• 08/13 – Paw Paw, MI @ Warner Vineyards

• 08/14 – Huber Heights, OH @ Rose Music Center (w/ BALTHVS)

• 08/15–08/23 – Midwest run including Indianapolis, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Kansas

• 08/27 – Toronto, ON @ Annabel's

• 08/28 – Jim Thorpe, PA @ Penn’s Peak

• 08/30 – Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground Ballroom

• 08/31 – Portsmouth, NH @ The Music Hall

September–October 2025: Europe Tour

• 09/17 – Paris, FR @ Alhambra

• 09/22 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso

• 09/30 – Barcelona, ES @ Razzmatazz 2

• 10/03–04 – London, UK @ Ronnie Scott’s

October 2025: Australia + Japan

• 10/24 – Melbourne International Jazz Festival

• 10/25 – Sydney, AU @ The Metro Theatre

• 10/29–30 – Osaka & Tokyo, JP

January–February 2026: U.S. East Coast

• 01/21 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls Theatre

• 01/23–24 – Ardmore, PA @ Ardmore Music Hall

• 01/31 – Port Chester, NY @ The Capitol Theatre

• 02/07–12 – Miami, FL @ Jam Cruise 22

Tracklist – Cook

1. Grewt Up

2. Clav it Your Way

3. Sesshins 1

4. 7 Tribes

5. Rising to the Top

6. Sesshins 2

7. Gold Tooth

8. Breathe

9. The Matador

10. Sesshins 3

11. Cook

12. Storms Coming

13. Keep On

14. Sesshins 4

15. The Mac

16. Ghosts of Yest

Daniel Casares Channels Psychedelic Jazz Roots in New Album 1971

Guitarist, composer, and producer Daniel Casares discovered his love for music through the power of classic rock. As a teenager, his curiosity led him beyond rock’s borders and into the world of jazz fusion. Landmark albums like Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew and In a Silent Way, Soft Machine’s Third, and Weather Report’s early releases revealed a new kind of freedom—one that redefined the musical structures he’d grown up with. But it was his encounter with the music of John Coltrane at age 18 that sparked a deep dive into traditional jazz, prompting him to set fusion aside temporarily to focus on jazz fundamentals.

With 1971, Casares returns to his fusion roots—but with a new lens. The album seeks to recapture the daring, experimental spirit of early ’70s jazz fusion, while filtering it through Casares’ personal sonic vision. Colorful melodies, modal harmonies, and dynamic improvisation on alto sax, electric keys, and guitar give the record a textured, futuristic vibe. It features a “fictional” rhythm section—constructed by Casares himself—giving the music an otherworldly yet grounded energy.

Composition, production, guitar, synthesizer, alto saxophone, electric piano, electric bass, drums, percussion, mixing, mastering

Hailing from A Coruña, Spain, Daniel Casares began his musical journey early—starting classical guitar at age 10 and electric guitar by 12. By 15, he was already writing and producing his own music. After playing in rock bands throughout Galicia, he moved to Boston to study at Berklee College of Music, earning his degree in 2018. Since then, he’s become a rising name in both jazz and experimental music circles.

Casares has shared stages with jazz greats like Dave Holland, Terence Blanchard, Devin Daniels, Lluc Casares, Francesco Ciniglio, Iago Fernández, and Gonzalo del Val. He’s led performances across the U.S. and Europe, known for his inventive live shows that blur the boundaries between avant-garde jazz and progressive rock. He’s also appeared at major festivals in Spain, Portugal, and India.

As a recording artist, Casares has embraced a multi-instrumental approach—taking inspiration from Madlib’s Yesterday’s Universe. He performs full-band recordings solo, mastering drums, saxophone, synths, and production alongside his primary guitar and bass work. This DIY ethic led him to experimental label HOUT Records, where he released the Villa Bonita EP (2022) and full-length From a Cabin in the Woods (2023).

Now, with 1971 (out October 2025), Casares comes full circle—reviving the jazz fusion of his youth and giving it a bold, modern twist.

Mike Field Explores the World Through Sound on New Album Nashland

Out July 22, 2025 | Contemporary Jazz, Hard Bop, World Influences

Award-winning Canadian jazz trumpeter and composer Mike Field returns with Nashland, a vibrant and story-rich album set for digital release on July 22, 2025. Known for his energetic sound, cinematic flair, and globetrotting inspirations, Field delivers a bold new statement in modern jazz with this, his fifth full-length release.

Nashland is a focused, seven-track project built entirely around Field’s core quintet—no studio tricks, no overdubs, just the raw, in-the-moment synergy of a band deeply in tune with one another. The result is an album that captures the electricity of their live performances while transporting listeners across continents and cultures.

Each composition on Nashland is a self-contained narrative, pulled from Field’s travels and personal experiences around the world. His storytelling approach merges hard bop intensity, world rhythms, and melodic finesse, creating a journey that is as emotive as it is sonically adventurous.

• "Mud Dance" grooves with gritty charm, inspired by a misadventure in rural Hungary.

• "Pepino and the Engineer" and "Dark Age Detour" take listeners on a trip through Italy, mixing nostalgia with cinematic twists.

• "Traffic Police" channels the chaos and thrill of Dominican Republic roads with humor and verve.

• "Chicken, Cigars and Leche" is pure rhythmic sunshine, echoing the pulse of Little Havana in Miami.

• "Ballad of Chet Baker" pays haunting tribute to the jazz icon, reflecting Field’s lyrical sensitivity.

• "Bad Lessons", previously released as a 2024 single, dives into the complexity of mentorship with a tale of a challenging trumpet lesson from a famed, if difficult, teacher.

Fans of Chet Baker, Dave Douglas, Wynton Marsalis, and Avishai Cohen will find plenty to love in Nashland's blend of technical prowess, emotional range, and cross-cultural flavor. It’s an album that appeals to listeners who value both the tradition and the evolution of jazz.

Whether performing across North America, Europe, or Latin America, Mike Field has consistently brought his unique perspective to jazz, combining travel, storytelling, and high-octane musicality. Nashland is the next chapter in that creative journey—worldly, fresh, and unapologetically bold.

Release Date: July 22, 2025
Format: Digital
Genre: Contemporary Jazz / Hard Bop / World Jazz
Label: Independent

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Jen Allen’s Possibilities: A Sonic Journey Through Discovery, Wonder, and Reimagined Dreams

Possibilities is an album born from a desire to explore beyond the known. The music was written as a way to move past what I already understood and step into new spaces—both musically and personally. Though it's music about the field of possibilities it’s music I believe everyone can relate to, with themes that are universally understood. The original compositions reflect the possibilities I’ve explored as an adult—in nature, relationships, and creativity. Alongside these originals, the album features two of my favorite pop songs, reimagined with a fresh perspective. As a child of the ’80s, pop music was my world—it filled me with a deep sense of wonder and possibility and that's why those songs are included on this album. Through Possibilities, I hope to offer listeners a journey that not only resonates emotionally, but also reminds us of the endless potential within ourselves and the world around us.

Jen Allen is a dynamic pianist, composer, and author who captivates audiences worldwide. From New York City to Europe and beyond, she performs with her own bands or collaborates with acclaimed ensembles, appearing at renowned events like the Winnipeg Jazz Festival and Litchfield Jazz Festival. She’s shared the stage with jazz greats such as Don Braden, Nat Reeves, Freddie Hendrix Jimmy Greene, and Camille Thurman, to name a few.

Her discography includes her upcoming release, Possibilities, her sophomore album Sifting Grace, her debut Pieces of Myself, and collaborative works like Raise Up. Jen also appears on many other albums as a sideman. Jen’s creative footprint extends to compositions for big bands, string quartets, and ensembles, earning her a spot in the elite BMI Jazz Composers Workshop.

Jen Allen created a new multi-artistic piece called Collective Breath, which weaves together music and visuals to guide audiences through an immersive journey. The work is designed to foster self-awareness, deepen connections with others, and strengthen one’s relationship with the world around them. By integrating breathwork and music, Collective Breath creates a powerful space for personal reflection and shared connection.

Heirloom’s Familiar Beginnings Introduces a Distinctive New Voice in Modern Jazz

The rising jazz quartet Heirloom makes a compelling entrance with their debut album Familiar Beginnings, set for release on September 26, 2025, via Shifting Paradigm Records. Co-led by guitarist/composer Ben Dameron and drummer/composer Hannah Johnson, the ensemble also includes saxophonist Sam Taylor, a DownBeat Award winner, and esteemed bassist Tim Ipsen. Together, they deliver a project full of melodic depth, emotional nuance, and genre-blending innovation.

The album’s central idea—new experiences that feel comfortingly known—shapes its sonic direction. “We wanted the record to evoke the feeling of discovering something new that still feels like home,” says Dameron. “It’s about cycles and moments that echo through our lives.”

Dameron’s compositions serve as the album’s core. With classical roots from the San Francisco Conservatory and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, he composes with narrative focus and organic fluency, weaving together elements of jazz, chamber music, folk, and cinematic soundscapes. Legendary Brazilian guitarist Sérgio Assad has called Dameron “a natural talent” destined for leadership in the contemporary guitar world.

Equally foundational to Heirloom’s sound is Hannah Johnson, whose adventurous drumming embodies joy, curiosity, and emotional range. A multi-genre artist, she brings wide experience—including a recent stint touring with Durand Jones on Orville Peck’s Stampede Tour—and a deep artistic vision. She’s also a core member of indie-folk band Finding Frances, where her songwriting was featured on their 2023 release For Flowers Yet to Bloom.

Johnson contributes two standout pieces to Familiar Beginnings: a hauntingly beautiful reimagining of Ellington and Strayhorn’s “Isfahan,” and her own contemplative miniature, “Interlude.” Together, they create a moody, inward-facing suite that balances the album’s broader narrative scope.

The title track, “Familiar Beginnings,” opens the album with soaring melody and subtle counterpoint, establishing the quartet’s conversational style. It’s followed by “Eucalyptus Breeze,” an homage to Dameron’s Bay Area years, evoking sunlit streets and aromatic winds. “Spice Trance,” inspired by Frank Herbert’s Dune, builds on layered grooves and tension, culminating in an explosive group improvisation. Later, “Chased Out of a Dream” conjures cinematic moods with urgency and lyrical depth, mirroring the emotional residue of a half-remembered dream.

“Messages from the Deep” invites introspection, asking unspoken questions through space, breath, and texture. The tone then shifts with “Fake Block,” a witty, rhythmically playful composition referencing a fictional software gag from Arrested Development. The humor is understated, but the musicianship is fearless. The album closes with “Indigo Tears,” another Dune-inspired piece that fuses Americana with free jazz—a solemn meditation on longing, beauty, and resilience.

Throughout the album, Sam Taylor’s saxophone elevates the melodic narrative with graceful phrasing and a rich tonal palette, while Tim Ipsen delivers agile bass lines that root the ensemble with warmth and clarity.

Though grounded in jazz, Heirloom’s sound reaches far beyond easy classification. Their music embraces tradition while inviting change, creating a space for both the cerebral and the heartfelt. Familiar Beginnings is more than a debut—it’s a statement of purpose from two thoughtful composers and the creative circle they’ve cultivated.

Track Listing:

1. Familiar Beginnings – 3:55

2. Eucalyptus Breeze – 9:45

3. Spice Trance – 8:11

4. Chased Out of a Dream – 6:01

5. Interlude – 3:05

6. Isfahan – 5:45

7. Messages from the Deep – 7:29

8. Fake Block – 7:16

9. Indigo Tears – 7:49

Jon Irabagon Returns to His Roots with PlainsPeak Quartet and Someone to Someone

Saxophonist and composer Jon Irabagon, one of the most compelling voices in contemporary jazz, presents Someone to Someone—a heartfelt new release from his label, Irabbagast Records, available August 15, 2025. Featuring his newly formed quartet PlainsPeak, the album reunites him with longtime friends and fellow musical innovators from the Midwest.

Widely celebrated for his genre-defying sound and described by PopMatters as “ripe and rowdy, burnished, tender all at the right moments,” Irabagon once again showcases his versatility—this time through a back-to-basics, acoustic approach.

Following the adventurous, tech-forward Server Farm, Someone to Someone offers a more intimate sound with trumpeter Russ Johnson, bassist Clark Sommers, and drummer Dana Hall. Each member shares a deep history with Irabagon: Johnson played on his 2008 debut, Sommers accompanied his first-ever public performance in high school, and Hall was already a mentor figure during Irabagon’s undergrad years at DePaul University in Chicago.

The album’s title track, “PlainsPeak,” captures the spirit of Chicago’s Great Plains locale while nodding to the group’s straightforward, emotionally resonant sound—“plain speak” in musical form. It's also the first Chicago-based ensemble Irabagon has led under his name, built around alto sax, his first instrument.

Every track tells a story. “Buggin’ the Bug” references both the blues and last summer’s cicada swarm. “Malört Is My Shepherd” honors Chicago’s notoriously bitter liqueur with quasi-spiritual flair and full-throttle improvisation. “At What Price Garlic” serves up shifting time signatures as layered as a deep-dish pizza. “Tiny Miracles” reflects on loss, resilience, and the Cubs’ 2016 World Series win. And “The Pulseman” is a percussive tribute to Hall and drummers everywhere.

Irabagon—Filipino-American, Thelonious Monk Competition winner, and recipient of both DownBeat honors and the Philippine Presidential Award—has lived many musical lives: from New York icon to Chicago improviser. With Someone to Someone, he merges past and present, mentors and peers, inside tradition and outside freedom. The result is both personal and powerful.

The Secret Trio Celebrates Timeless Bonds and Cultural Fusion with Old Friends

With Old Friends, The Secret Trio continues its inspiring mission to bring people together through the universal language of music. Building on their earlier albums (Soundscapes, Three of Us, Coexist), they once again fuse Eastern microtonal modes and intricate rhythms with Western harmony and form—crafting a distinctive, contemporary sound that bridges traditions.

Clarinetist Ismail Lumanovski, born in Macedonia in 1984, has become a globally recognized soloist, featured with symphonic orchestras and at major world music festivals. His dazzling technique and versatility span genres and improvisational styles alike.

Tamer Pınarbaşı, a native of Turkey (born 1970), brings new dimensions to the ancient kanun. By developing an innovative 10-fingered technique and drawing from deep knowledge of makams and harmony, he opens up rich possibilities for genre-crossing creativity within the Trio.

Ara Dinkjian, an Armenian-American born in 1958, is known internationally for his compositions—sung in over 16 languages—and for his uniquely expressive oud playing. While he occasionally joins the other two in virtuosic runs, he often anchors the music with bass lines, counterpoint, and harmonic textures.

Tamer and Ara first met in 1996 and were joined by Ismail in 2005. What began as musical admiration has evolved into a profound, enduring friendship—felt both on and off stage.

Audiences who experience The Secret Trio live witness this bond firsthand. It’s a celebration of joy, cultural depth, and a shared love for music—as natural as the connection between old friends.

Michael Cates Hits the Charts with Soaring New Jazz-Blues Single

The saxophonist composed and produced “77 Hours,” the newest track from his “Always Together” EP.

Athletes often describe a state of total immersion—where thinking stops, the inner voice quiets, and the body moves effortlessly in sync. Jazz-blues saxophonist Michael Cates tapped into that exact zone while creating “77 Hours,” the high-energy new single released on Sonic Redoubt Entertainment. Inspired by a football player who wore number 77 and by his own creative process—which typically spans 77 hours from start to finish—Cates says this one came together in record time. The result is a fiery, soul-drenched track now soaring up the national charts.

Cates walked into the studio that evening looking to shake off some frustration. He wasn’t aiming for radio play. He just wanted to blow the doors off.

“I write constantly—it’s a ritual. I shut out the noise and I create. That’s who I am. Everything I’ve absorbed finds its way into my music. I’m a fusion and rock guy with a funky edge. Blues and gospel shaped my roots, and they still drive what I do,” said Cates. “Even though my music gets airplay on smooth jazz stations, it also gets passed over for being too bold. But I’m not writing to fit a format. That night, I set out to write a blues tune that no one would ever spin. And now, ‘77 Hours’ is taking off. Radio embraced it right away.”

Cates, who believes the number seven is “perfect,” considers the double sevens on the single’s cover a sign of creative alignment. After crafting the melody and the first solo section, he enlisted a powerhouse team: GRAMMY® nominee Rob Mullins on keys, guitarist Randy Jacobs, bassist Larry Antonino, and drummer Sergio Gonzalez. With Cates leading on tenor sax, “77 Hours” is a bold, expressive ride—his horn cutting through with raw energy and precision.

“There have literally been 77 takeoffs and landings in that Piper plane you see on the cover,” added Cates, a licensed pilot since 1985.

Originally from New Jersey, Cates launched his career in Los Angeles, where he spent five seasons playing the saxophonist on the Emmy-winning show Ally McBeal. Since then, he’s released three full albums, two EPs, and scored multiple charting singles. His performance credits span the globe and include collaborations with legends like Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, Barry White, Tina Turner, Joe Sample, and Mariah Carey. Cates has graced stages from BB King Blues Club and Spaghettini to the Newport Beach and San Francisco Jazz Festivals.

Next up, he’ll bring his band to The Bank of America Performing Arts Center Thousand Oaks on August 9.

Love, Craft, and Convergence: The Story Behind Ben Jones and Laurence Hobgood’s Electrifying New Collaboration

There’s a deep well of narrative woven into the sonic tapestry of this album — and those narratives unfold on two levels. First, through the stories each song tells. Second, through the personal and artistic journeys of the two collaborators: Ben Jones and Laurence Hobgood, whose convergence produced a work of great emotional resonance.

The songs chart a powerful emotional arc — one that reflects the raw, honest, often messy nature of romantic love. The lyrics chronicle the timeless journey: from heartbreak and bitterness, to aching vulnerability, to the cautious — yet often inevitable — embrace of love again. These stories, though universal, feel intensely personal in the hands of Jones and Hobgood.

Then there is the story of the artists themselves. Ben and Laurence both grew up in Midwestern towns less than 100 miles apart — Peoria and Urbana, Illinois — though separated by a generation. Laurence’s classical roots gave way to jazz improvisation, while Ben’s path took him from operatic training to a more genre-fluid career encompassing musical theater, jazz, and beyond. Both artists pursued their crafts with extraordinary focus: Laurence perfecting the delicate balance of jazz piano, Ben mastering the physical art of vocal performance.

Their meeting wasn’t predestined by geography but by artistic serendipity. They crossed paths not in the Midwest, but in the global creative sphere where artists evolve, collide, and collaborate. Their connection was immediate — a shared language built from musical curiosity, interpretive sensitivity, and respect for the eclectic: from jazz to soul, from musical theater to rock.

The result of their collaboration is a rich, emotionally intelligent recording — one that places as much value on silence and phrasing as on virtuosity. Duke Ellington famously said, “There are two kinds of music: good music and the other kind.” That ethos underpins this project entirely. What you hear is music made with honesty, clarity, and an elevated commitment to beauty.

Helping shape this sonic experience is the pristine engineering of Leslie Ann Jones, and the world-class acoustics of Skywalker Sound. Every note, every phrase is rendered with striking detail and warmth.

So lean back, listen with intent, and let the outside world fade. What awaits is a masterclass in storytelling, musical synergy, and the power of connection.

Ben Jones is a multifaceted performer whose credits span Off-Broadway, opera, and international cabarets. He has appeared in productions like Twist of Fate and Brooklyn’s Bridge, as well as classics such as Chicago, Sweeney Todd, and Show Boat. With a background in theater, dance, and classical music from the University of Illinois and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Ben has shared stages with luminaries like Rita Moreno, Nathan Gunn, and Frederica Von Stade. His dynamic voice has appeared in radio, video games (Halo, Civilization), and on Carnegie Hall’s 2021 Voices of Hope. He continues to tour globally with his acclaimed solo performances.

A Grammy-winning pianist, composer, and arranger, Laurence Hobgood has carved out an illustrious career across genres and stages. From Aspen to Carnegie Hall, the White House to the Sydney Opera House, he is recognized for his sophisticated touch and emotive arrangements. He was an integral force behind Kurt Elling’s first ten albums — all Grammy-nominated — and is a Yamaha® artist celebrated for pushing the boundaries of modern jazz. Whether leading his own ensembles or collaborating with top-tier vocalists, Hobgood remains a vital force in contemporary music.

El Muki: The Gabriel Alegría Afro‑Peruvian Sextet’s 20th‑Anniversary Jazz Revelation

The Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet is set to release its 20th-anniversary recording, El Muki, on August 15. This album, the group’s 7th, commemorates their two prolific decades as champions for Afro-Peruvian jazz music. More importantly, it’s an expression of the transformative power of the music—a sound rooted in the real human experience found when people on the streets of Lima and New York come together.

Inspired by El Muki, a mythical figure from Andean culture in Peru that is said to protect miners working in the mountains, the band assumes this protectorate role for music, safeguarding the essence of human-driven music itself. The Sextet’s mission is clear: to resist any attempt by technology to replace humans in the inspirational process of creating works of art.

Gabriel Alegría, now a dual national of the U.S. and Peru, infuses his bicultural identity into every aspect of his music. His life—immersed in both the vibrant traditions of Afro-Peruvian culture and the improvisational spirit of jazz—drives the band’s pursuit of a unique musical language that bridges worlds and elevates consciousness. 

Saxophonist/composer Laura Andrea Leguía, an integral force in the group, beautifully encapsulates the creative spirit behind El Muki. Before this record, she navigated the profound changes brought on by motherhood, which reshaped her perspective and artistry. “This album represents my return to writing music,” she says. “Motherhood changed everything—including my brain—and with this recording, I was happy to discover my writing chops are back!”

The compositions are crafted with intention, utilizing traditional Afro-Peruvian acoustic instruments such as the cajón, cajita, and quijada, layering cultural narratives into a dynamic soundscape that, like the roots of jazz and Afro-Peruvian music, are true alter egos of one another.

The return of producer Jocho Velásquez, who lent his talents as guitarist to the band’s 2008 debut album Nuevo Mundo, adds another exciting dimension to this new project. His expertise is a perfect fit for his experience as producer and arranger of some of Peru’s greatest Afro-Peruvian artists.

Each track offers a visceral exploration of contemporary themes. “El Muki” asserts the role of musicians as guardians of cultural authenticity in a world increasingly saturated with mechanized sound. On “Luciérnagas,” the mysterious groove called lando is stretched to 7 beats to represent the equally mysterious communication patterns of fireflies. “Mala Señal” (“bad sign”), a fast festejo described as “aggressive” by composer Leguía, disrupts the traditional minor blues form.

The Amazon River is home to the protagonist of the festejo “Panabe,” named after the rare pink river dolphin, while “Vista Panorámica,” a metaphorical journey in 5/4, takes the listener through and above an urban landscape.

“Ausencia,” another new composition by Leguía, captures the void felt in the absence of life and limb. The melancholic cello conjures our collective yearning for connection.

The harvest season is known as la zafra, particularly as it refers to sugar cane in some areas. “La Zafra” contrasts the poignant and the sweet, while “Despertar,” written to a sunrise, is meant to evoke and reawaken. The track was named by an anonymous fan who left the suggestion written on a napkin at a club performance by the Sextet.

The album concludes with a tribal arrangement of “Walking on the Moon,” the Police hit written by Sting. In this setting, walking on the moon is a dangerous prospect.

The Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet will preview El Muki at an official concert on Sun. 7/27 at the 800-seat Teatro Segura, a landmark venue in Lima, Peru that dates back to 1615. The band’s signature “Journey to Peru—Behind the Scenes” project offers fans an intimate opportunity to travel to Peru for the preview concert and experience life with the band in the vibrant cultural setting that inspires their work.

Weekly Friday night live-streamed performances from Lima are available free of charge on the band’s official Youtube Channel. The band performs Wednesday and Friday nights at Lima’s quintessential club The Jazz Zone.

In addition, fans can engage with the Sextet during their fall U.S. tour: Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington, NC, Thurs. 10/2; Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance, Pittsboro, NC, Fri. 10/3; Blues Alley, Washington, DC, Mon. 10/6; Origins Concert Series, Oneonta, NY, Thurs. 10/9; The Cutting Room, NYC, Fri. 10/10. 

Lalo Schifrin – Intégrale: Jazz & Bossa Nova 1955–1962 (3‑CD Set)

Long before Lalo Schifrin became a household name with Mission: Impossible, he was a restless young pianist from Buenos Aires, steeped in classical rigor—his first teacher even “rapped Schifrin’s fingers with a sharp pencil”. That foundational intensity fueled the music in Intégrale: Jazz & Bossa Nova 1955–1962, a new 3-CD set that stitches together his first recordings and early explorations into the jazz-Latin fusion that would define his legacy.

On Disc 1, Rendez‑Vous Dansant à Copacabana (1955) lands like a secret session in 1950s Paris—Schifrin’s angular piano dancing over Latin percussion, alongside Pierre Michelot’s bass and Jack Del Rio’s shakers. Contrast that with Spectrum, where he steps into orchestral territory, strings swelling behind jazz-driven compositions like Purple Pastel and White Orchids, his soundtrack instincts beginning to surface .

Disc 2 reveals more textured contrast. Piano Español blends dramatic Latin piano lines with hard percussion in pieces such as Caravan and El Cumbanchero. Then comes Lalo = Brilliance (1962), with Leo Wright and Jimmy Raney stretching out modal jazz grooves—Kush and The Snake’s Dance pulse with the energy of his soon-to-be Dizzy Gillespie ensemble.  

The story crescendos on Disc 3. Bossa Nova: New Brazilian Jazz (1962) marks Schifrin’s full embrace of Brazilian rhythms, recorded with Gillespie colleagues including Chris White and Rudy Collins. Reviewers praise the “high-caliber performers” but note that its frenzied pace can leave listeners breathless. AmbientExotica adds that tracks like Apito No Samba shimmer with “frizzling… energy and vitality”. Then Piano, Strings & Bossa Nova merges lush orchestration with hypnotic bossa grooves—“The Wave” foreshadows his cinematic flair, while “Insensatez” blooms with string-laden introspection.

From pencil-slapping classrooms in Buenos Aires to Parisian quartet rooms, and New York’s Dizzy studios to early Brazilian jazz explorations, this set captures a restless artist in formation. It traces that journey—brilliant, unpredictable, and brimming with creative sparks. Intégrale isn’t just a collection—it’s a narrative of transformation.