Noah Young Shares New Single “Early Morning” Ahead of Upcoming Album Noah

New Orleans-based bassist and composer Noah Young has released his latest single, “Early Morning,” giving listeners a compelling preview of his forthcoming studio album Noah, due out September 26, 2025. With its cinematic textures and deeply introspective mood, “Early Morning” sets the tone for a bold new chapter in Young’s artistic journey.

Originally conceived as an interlude for Naughty Professor’s 2025 album Voices, the track now emerges as a centerpiece in Young’s solo catalog. The single features a unique soundscape that blends layered upright and electric bass, performed by Young and acclaimed bassist Martin Masakowski. In an inventive twist, all percussion sounds are derived from the upright bass itself—including a distinctive backbeat created by dropping car keys onto its body.

“I think in total there are 6–7 tracks of Martin on upright, and 4–5 tracks of me on electric bass,” Young explains. “The layers of bow, harmonics, and percussion he laid down really put it over the top for me.”

Produced by GRAMMY Award-winner Jamison Ross, Noah showcases Young’s evolving voice in the world of modern instrumental jazz. The album draws inspiration from genre-defying projects by Derrick Hodge and Pino Palladino, pairing emotional storytelling with groove-laden composition and atmospheric production.

“Jamison’s production on Mykal Kilgore’s A Man Born Black made me want him to produce this album,” Young says. “He has a unique touch as both a drummer and a conceptualist. I knew he could help shape the album I was hearing in my head.”

Set to be a deeply personal and meditative work, Noah invites listeners into a sound world built for reflection, movement, and emotional honesty.

Known for his muscular groove, melodic sensibility, and genre-crossing versatility, Young has spent over a decade cementing his place in the New Orleans music community. A founding member of the genre-blending jazz/funk group Naughty Professor, he has also toured and recorded with The Revivalists, Marcus King, Ivan Neville, George Porter Jr., Big Freedia, and many others.

His work has earned him multiple OffBeat Magazine “Best Bassist” nominations, while his solo efforts and global performances have brought him to stages from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival to Jam Cruise and festivals across Europe, North Africa, and Asia.

Young is currently wrapping up a tour of Vermont, with performances at Music in the Alley (Waterbury) and Maple Roots Festival (Montpelier) rounding out his Northeast run.

Stevie Holland Announces New Album Talk to Your Tomatoes: A Lush Blend of Standards, Originals, and Jazz Sophistication

Acclaimed jazz vocalist and songwriter Stevie Holland is back in the spotlight with the announcement of her latest studio album, Talk to Your Tomatoes, a 10-track collection that blends timeless standards, pop gems, and original compositions. Recorded in April 2025 and set for release via 150 Music, the album showcases Holland’s signature vocal elegance and fearless musical exploration.

Known for her seamless transitions between jazz, pop, cabaret, and musical theater, Holland brings fresh life to classics from the Great American Songbook, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and more—while also introducing original works written with her longtime musical partner and award-winning arranger Gary William Friedman.

Talk to Your Tomatoes opens with a vibrant new take on Burton Lane and Alan Jay Lerner’s “On A Clear Day,” enhanced by a swinging arrangement for strings and horns. The album continues with:

• “Help Me” (Joni Mitchell)

• “When These Two Hearts Collide” (Friedman/Holland)

• “How I Feel” (Friedman/Will Holt, from The Me Nobody Knows)

• “Blossom” (James Taylor)

• “Talk To Your Tomatoes” (Friedman/Holland)

• “'Round Midnight” (Cootie Williams/Thelonious Monk/Bernie Hanighen)

• “You Pull Through” (Friedman/Holland)

• “Pure Imagination” (Leslie Bricusse/Anthony Newley)

• “East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)” (Brooks Bowman)

Backing Holland is a stellar ensemble featuring Matthew Sheens (piano), Matt Aranoff (bass), and Jeff Davis (drums). Celebrated guitarist Ben Monder adds texture and intimacy to three tracks, including a duo interpretation of “'Round Midnight.” Rising star Chet Doxas—a two-time DownBeat Magazine Rising Star—leads the horn section on select tracks, further enriching the sonic landscape.

This new album marks Holland’s sixth release combining jazz standards with original material, following her recent recordings Life Goes On and Before Love Has Gone—the latter selected as a Top Album of the Year by USA TODAY and an Album Pick by AllMusic Guide.

Beyond recordings, Holland has earned critical acclaim in theater. She co-created and starred in Love, Linda: The Life of Mrs. Cole Porter, a one-woman musical that debuted Off-Broadway in 2013–14 and was later filmed for on-demand streaming via Amazon Prime and BroadwayHD. Directed by TONY-winner Richard Maltby, Jr., the production garnered numerous festival awards, including Best Actress in a Feature Film for Holland at the Culver City Film Festival.

Most recently, Holland appeared in March 2025 in the York Theatre’s New2NY Series, performing in Platinum Dreams, a new musical she co-wrote with Friedman. The project is currently in development for a full production slated for 2026.

Holland’s artistry continues to resonate across generations. Whether reimagining familiar songs or introducing thoughtful originals, she brings vocal warmth, lyrical intelligence, and emotional range to everything she touches. Her performances sparkle with jazz precision and theatrical intuition—qualities that have earned her respect among critics and fans alike.

With her signature wit and wisdom, Holland reminds us with a smile: “Don’t forget to Talk to Your Tomatoes.”

Talk to Your Tomatoes will be available on all major streaming platforms. Holland’s full discography is also being reissued digitally across all platforms.

Jazz Icon Randy Brecker Signs with SRG Jazz, New Album Coming in 2026

Seven-time GRAMMY Award-winning trumpeter and flugelhornist Randy Brecker has signed with SRG Jazz, a division of The SRG/ILS Group. This exciting partnership marks the latest chapter in a career that has spanned over six decades and helped shape the sound of jazz, R&B, and rock.

Brecker’s unmistakable horn work has been featured on hundreds of recordings by music legends across multiple genres, including James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Eric Clapton, Frank Zappa, Steely Dan, Parliament/Funkadelic, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, and Frank Sinatra. From mainstream pop to cutting-edge fusion, Brecker’s sound has left an indelible mark on modern music.

The announcement comes with news that Brecker is currently working on a brand-new album, his first since the 2020 collaboration Double Dealin’ with saxophonist Eric Marienthal. Scheduled for release in early 2026, the upcoming project will feature original compositions and all-star collaborations, including one with GRAMMY-winning keyboardist Jeff Lorber, who is also part of the SRG Jazz roster.

“The Brecker Brothers were a major influence,” Lorber shared. “Their signing to Arista back in the day was one of the reasons Jeff Lorber Fusion signed there as well. Randy's music has always been on the cutting edge, and it’s exciting to know there's more coming.”

Randy Brecker first rose to prominence with his appearance on Child Is Father to the Man, the debut album from Blood, Sweat & Tears. Soon after, he performed with jazz luminaries including Horace Silver and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers before co-founding the fusion band Dreams with his brother Michael Brecker and drummer Billy Cobham.

The brothers later formed the Brecker Brothers, releasing six influential albums between 1975 and 1981 and earning seven Grammy nominations. After a hiatus, the duo resumed their partnership until Michael’s passing in 2007.

Throughout his expansive career, Brecker has performed and recorded with an extraordinary list of artists, including Jaco Pastorius, George Benson, Bob James, Patti Austin, Michael Franks, Donald Fagen, and Todd Rundgren, among many others. His work on albums like Paul Simon’s Graceland and Donald Fagen’s The Nightfly remains legendary.

To date, Brecker has received 21 Grammy nominations and taken home 7 Grammy Awards, solidifying his place among the most influential horn players in modern music history.

SRG Jazz is the jazz division of The SRG/ILS Group, in partnership with Virgin Music (Universal Music Group). The label is known for fostering high-level collaborations and pushing boundaries in contemporary jazz while honoring the tradition and innovation that define the genre.

Samara Joy Releases “Flor de Lis (Upside Down)” Ahead of Brazil Tour Dates — A Lush Tribute to Brazilian Jazz

Five-time GRAMMY® Award winner Samara Joy continues to captivate jazz lovers around the world with the release of her newest single, “Flor de Lis (Upside Down),” a fresh interpretation of the Brazilian classic penned by Djavan nearly 50 years ago. Sung entirely in Portuguese and arranged by Joy’s longtime drummer Evan Sherman, the single beautifully honors Brazil’s enduring impact on the global jazz tradition.

Originally released in 1976 on Djavan’s debut album A Voz, o Violão, a Música de Djavan, “Flor de Lis” is beloved throughout Brazil and beyond for its lyrical beauty and emotional depth. Samara Joy’s version infuses the song with her signature warmth and sophistication, retaining its poetic melancholy while elevating the arrangement to new levels of sonic elegance.

“Although it’s a heartbreaking story, the poetic lyrics and beautiful melody resonated with me immediately,” says Joy. “Hearing the audience in Rio sing along with me during my first trip there over a year ago made me realize how deeply this song is woven into Brazil’s musical fabric.”

The single’s cover art is a stunning painting by acclaimed Brazilian illustrator Anna Cunha, further emphasizing the song’s cultural roots and emotional resonance.

Since winning Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 2023 GRAMMYs, Samara Joy’s star has only risen higher. Her most recent album, Portrait, earned her two more GRAMMYs this past February—Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Jazz Performance—bringing her total to five.

Co-produced with Brian Lynch, Portrait reveals Joy’s expanding artistry—not only as a vocalist but as a lyricist, arranger, and bandleader.

This year, she’s also celebrated:

• Her first NAACP Image Award (Outstanding Jazz Album – Portrait)

• A featured appearance on Sesame Street

• A spotlight in ELLE Magazine’s Women in Music issue

• Inclusion in EBONY’s STAMPED: The Headliners 2025, among cultural icons like The Weeknd, FKA Twigs, and Coco Jones

Catch Samara Joy live on tour at one of the following cities, beginning with her much-anticipated performances in Brazil this summer:

South America Tour

• July 31 – São Paulo, Brazil – Teatro Cultura Artística

• August 2 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Vivo Rio

U.S. & International Tour

• September 26–27 – Beaverton, OR – Patricia Reser Center for the Arts

• September 29 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theatre

• October 1 – San Diego, CA – Humphreys Concerts by the Bay

• November 11 – Philadelphia, PA – Miller Theater

• November 14 – Carmel, IN – The Palladium

• November 15 – Madison, WI – Wisconsin Union Theater

• November 18 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory

• November 19 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall

• November 21 – St. Paul, MN – The Fitzgerald Theater

• November 22 – Kansas City, MO – Folly Theater

• January 24, 2026 – Grand Cayman – McBride’s World at Sea

• May 16, 2026 – New York, NY – Geffen Hall

Stella Cole Announces New Album It’s Magic — A Golden Era Revival for the TikTok Age

At just 26, Stella Cole is redefining what it means to be a jazz vocalist in the digital age. Described by Jazziz as a “rising star vocalist,” Cole has captivated millions by breathing fresh life into songs that span decades. With over 1.7 million social media followers and critical praise from icons like James Taylor, David Foster, and Michael Bublé, she’s bridging generations with her unique blend of classic charm and modern appeal.

Now, Cole is preparing for the release of her most ambitious project yet: It’s Magic, due out August 22 via Decca Records US.

Produced by Grammy Award-winner Matt Pierson (best known for his work with Samara Joy and Brad Mehldau), It’s Magic features lush string arrangements by Alan Broadbent, a Grammy-winning pianist and arranger celebrated for his work with Diana Krall and Natalie Cole.

The album explores the tender, cinematic landscape of the Great American Songbook, reinterpreting timeless standards with both reverence and originality.

“She’s authentic and faithful to the traditions in which these songs have been heard for all these years, but with a personal charisma that transcends the generations.”

Tracklist:

1. Till There Was You

2. Say It

3. It’s Magic

4. Stairway to the Stars

5. Alfie

6. As Time Goes By

7. The Touch of Your Lips

8. Imagination

9. My Ideal

10. Fools Rush In

The album’s lead single is a warm, heartfelt version of “Till There Was You”, a song first made famous in The Music Man and later popularized by The Beatles. Cole’s version is both wistful and refined, with 

Raised in rural Illinois on a steady stream of classic musicals like Singin’ in the Rain and The Wizard of Oz, Cole’s musical foundation is built on cinematic glamour and melodic storytelling. Her inspirations—Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Nat “King” Cole—echo in her phrasing, but the presentation is undeniably modern.

She's often described as Laufey meets Bublé, but with a voice that’s unmistakably her own.

From viral performances with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox (like a retro-twist on Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers” and Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl”) to collaborations with Tony-winner Darren Criss, Cole’s online success is matched by her stage presence.

She’s performed at Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, and appeared on major platforms like:

• The TODAY Show

• Live with Kelly and Mark

• Tamron Hall

Her upcoming tour dates span major U.S. cities from Napa to Boston, bringing these timeless tunes to a live audience eager for elegance, depth, and soul.

In an age of fast-paced music and digital singles, Stella Cole’s It’s Magic offers a slow dance back in time. With orchestral elegance, vocal finesse, and youthful passion, this album reminds us of the timeless beauty of love songs—and introduces them to a new, streaming-hungry generation.

Dionne Warwick – Make It Easy on Yourself: The Scepter Recordings 1962–1971

A Landmark 12-CD Box Set Celebrating the First Lady of Soul-Pop

There are few artists whose voices helped define an era, and Dionne Warwick is one of them. With elegance, vocal precision, and emotional nuance, she carved a singular space in the world of 1960s pop, R&B, and soul. Now, with the release of Make It Easy on Yourself: The Scepter Recordings 1962–1971, fans and collectors can finally own the most comprehensive anthology of Warwick’s golden years.

This 12-CD collection chronicles Warwick's recording career at Scepter Records from her 1963 debut to her final studio sessions with the label in 1971. Over these nine years, Warwick released a remarkable body of work that includes:

• 15 original albums restored and remastered in their entirety

• More than 60 bonus tracks, with 16 previously unreleased

• Complete mono and stereo versions of several early albums

• Rarities including international singles, live concert recordings, and soundtrack contributions

Each CD is housed in a custom wallet featuring original album artwork, and the package includes a 68-page booklet with in-depth liner notes, rare photographs, and a new essay by Joe Marchese of The Second Disc.

Here’s a look at some of the standout material included in the set:

Presenting Dionne Warwick (1963)

Her debut album, featuring the Bacharach/David classic “Don’t Make Me Over,” marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration that would shape pop music for decades.

Make Way for Dionne Warwick (1964)

This album includes “Walk On By” and “Reach Out for Me,” where Dionne’s elegant delivery is perfectly paired with Bacharach’s lush, jazzy orchestrations.

Dionne Warwick in Paris (1966)

An electrifying live set that captures Warwick’s early stage charisma in front of a French audience—an early testament to her international appeal.

Here Where There Is Love (1966)

One of her best-reviewed albums, featuring the stunning “Alfie,” which was one of her personal favorites and showcased her interpretive finesse.

Dionne (1972 sessions for Warner, included as bonus material)

Tracks that point to her post-Scepter evolution, providing a sonic bridge to her later, more mature recordings.

Bonus Treasures

• Her first public service announcement recording

• A previously unreleased duet with Leslie Uggams

• A rare live set from the 1969 Mid-Day in D.C. television special

All tracks were newly remastered by Nick Robbins from the best available sources, with meticulous attention paid to preserving the warmth and clarity of the original recordings. These new masters present Dionne’s voice in pristine detail, from her smooth lower register to her radiant high notes.

The audio restoration also brings new vibrancy to Bacharach’s intricate arrangements—layers of horns, strings, and unconventional rhythms that were ahead of their time.

While other singers of the era may have leaned into more overt expressions of soul or pop, Dionne Warwick created a unique niche: sophisticated, restrained, emotionally intelligent music that crossed boundaries of race, age, and geography.

This box set is not just a compilation; it’s a cultural document of the evolution of American pop-soul in the 1960s. It also completes the trilogy of Warwick retrospectives released by SoulMusic Records and Second Disc Records, following:

• Sure Thing: The Warner Bros. Recordings 1972–1977

• Déjà Vu: The Arista Recordings 1979–1994

Together, these collections offer a near-complete look at one of the most iconic recording careers in modern music.

Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering her music, Make It Easy on Yourself: The Scepter Recordings 1962–1971 is a must-have. It not only celebrates Dionne Warwick’s chart-topping success, but also reveals the depth and versatility of an artist who helped shape the very sound of 20th-century pop.

Nick Gomez Makes His Gritty Hollywood Debut with Jazz-Driven Score for Hollywood Grit

Jazz saxophonist, composer, and 8-time Emmy nominee Nick Gomez makes a powerful cinematic debut with Hollywood Grit, delivering a jazz-infused score that’s more than a soundtrack — it’s a living, breathing character in the film. The noir mystery, directed by longtime collaborator Ryan Curtis, opens in AMC Theatres nationwide on August 22, the same day Gomez releases his own jazz-funk single, “Stimulus,” from his upcoming EP the blue one.

Set against the moody backdrop of a fictional Hollywood jazz club, Hollywood Grit stars Max Martini, Tyrese Gibson, Linda Purl, and Patrick Duffy in a story dripping with classic noir ambiance. From the very first scene — a haunting solo saxophone piece written and performed by Gomez himself — the music sets the tone with grit, intimacy, and authenticity.

“There was only one choice for me musically,” said Curtis. “Nick not only set the tone for the film, but he also surpassed all expectations and delivers a score that is absolutely magical.”

Gomez, who played tenor sax, clarinet, flute, piano, and guitar on the score, composed over an hour of music, incorporating elements of big band, straight-ahead, orchestral, contemporary, and avant-garde jazz. Alongside Curtis, he created ten songs — eight originals co-written with Jon Gus and Sarah Cardenas, and two artfully reimagined covers — to serve the film’s narrative.

One standout moment came early in the scoring process. Instead of relying on the expected film noir trope of muted trumpet, Gomez placed his own spin on tradition:

“I put my individual stamp on it by using the tenor sax instead,” he said. “That two-minute opener turned into something cool — a launchpad for the rest of the score.”

The original songs in Hollywood Grit reflect a wider range of musical influences. “Get Me Down,” for example, began as an R&B/pop tune before Gomez reoriented it with a jazz orchestra palette, blending modern flair with vintage texture. Each piece was crafted with intention, bridging the score’s instrumentation and the emotional core of the film.

This creative freedom stemmed from years of trust between Gomez and Curtis. Having worked together on television and documentary projects since 2014, their synergy allowed for bold risks and innovative storytelling through music.

“Writing music for film is where there are almost no rules,” Gomez explains. “It’s a place where emotion and feeling drive everything — and that’s where I thrive.”

Born in Los Angeles and raised around Hollywood film sets, Gomez studied saxophone at Berklee College of Music and has released six albums of his own. His compositions have been featured in films, commercials, and stand-up specials, including Katt Williams: Live, and he scored the tango-inspired TV pilot Yanqui, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.

A true multi-genre talent, Gomez has worked with punk icon Billy Bones (The Skulls) and toured with 80s new wave legends Naked Eyes and Haircut 100. Yet it’s his jazz roots and cinematic imagination that converge powerfully on Hollywood Grit, revealing a composer at the height of his creative clarity.

And there’s deeper meaning behind the timing of this milestone: August 22 also marks six years of sobriety for Gomez.

“None of these amazing things would’ve been possible without my sobriety,” he reflects. “This is an exciting time — and a grateful one.”

With Hollywood Grit, Gomez delivers more than a debut — he claims his space as a distinctive voice in the intersection of jazz and film. His work doesn’t just underscore the drama; it shapes it, elevates it, and — in the best cinematic tradition — leaves a lasting impression.

Hollywood Grit opens in AMC Theatres on August 22. Nick Gomez’s new single “Stimulus” drops the same day on all major streaming platforms.

Lauren Scales, Mike Flanagan & Chris Grasso Cross Musical Borders with Soulful Debut Many Rivers

Due out August 8 on Truth Revolution Recording Collective, Many Rivers is the genre-blending, heart-forward trio debut from vocalist Lauren Scales, saxophonist Mike Flanagan, and pianist Chris Grasso — a dynamic meeting of artistic voices whose combined experience spans jazz tradition, queer creative spaces, and fearless personal storytelling.

With support from Grammy-winning bassist Luques Curtis and versatile drummers Richie Barshay and Charles Haynes, Many Rivers flows effortlessly between eras and influences. The nine-track collection includes two originals by Scales and seven reimagined covers — from Thelonious Monk and Jimmy Van Heusen to D’Angelo and Neil Diamond.

The album’s title speaks not only to its musical diversity, but to its emotional and geographical reach. Scales splits her time between New York and the Midwest, while both Flanagan and Grasso are based in Provincetown, Massachusetts — a long-celebrated hub for LGBTQ+ artists. That sense of rootedness in identity and creative freedom permeates Many Rivers, which Scales describes as “uplifting, poetic, emotionally honest — and accessible across genres and generations.”

The trio’s origin story began when Scales and Flanagan met during graduate studies at NYU. Flanagan later moved to Provincetown, where he met Grasso — a master accompanist revered by NEA Jazz Master Willard Jenkins and known for his empathetic collaborations with vocalists. That personal and professional synergy laid the foundation for Many Rivers.

“As a woman in the industry, you don’t always feel like you’re in the safest spaces,” Scales reflects. “But with these guys, it felt democratic, creative, safe. And I think being in P-town was a big part of that.”

The album opens with a daring take on “Spanish Joint,” a modern classic from D’Angelo’s Voodoo, where Scales brings new clarity to the lyrics and Flanagan pays tribute to the late trumpet legend Roy Hargrove. The project also includes unexpected choices like Neil Diamond’s “Play Me,” reimagined through Grasso’s elegant reharmonization and Scales’ intimate interpretation.

Rooted in the jazz canon, the trio draws inspiration from albums like Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown and Nancy Wilson / Cannonball Adderley, while pushing the form outward. “You Know Who (I Mean You)” pays tribute to Carmen Sings Monk, with a standout trombone solo by Steve Davis, a former Jazz Messenger who has graced the Provincetown stage.

Grasso brings refined lyricism to ballads like “But Beautiful” and “Star Eyes,” the latter offering a sly nod to Charlie Parker in its intro and showcasing Scales' crisp vocalese. The album's penultimate track, “Never Will I Marry,” finds all three taking solos in homage to Nancy Wilson, while Scales unleashes a confident scat chorus that nods to her jazz lineage.

The album closes with two poignant originals. “Find a Way” recounts a long-distance relationship during a time of career shifts, while “Saving Grace” channels the emotional weight of arriving in New York and searching for community. Together, these songs underline Scales’ talents as both a storyteller and a composer — with her collaborators matching every emotional turn.

“In this big, lonely city, who will help me?” she asks in “Saving Grace.” The answer is found in the music itself — in friendship, in listening, and in shared improvisation. Many Rivers is less about overcoming difference than about celebrating the unity that can arise from it.

Whether honoring the Great American Songbook, experimenting with neo-soul, or writing modern standards of her own, Lauren Scales proves herself a vocal force. Paired with Flanagan’s tuneful warmth and Grasso’s impeccable pianism, Many Rivers is a testament to collaboration, community, and the open-hearted possibilities of jazz today.

From Scandinavia to Shikiori: Sinne Eeg and Jacob Christoffersen Release Intimate Duo Album Celebrating Global Jazz and Cultural Connection

Acclaimed Danish vocalist Sinne Eeg (pronounced Seeneh Ee) has built a global fanbase with her impeccable technique, rich tone, and expressive interpretations. With accolades from DownBeat Magazine and JazzTimes, Eeg is widely recognized as one of the finest jazz vocalists of her generation—praised for her enunciation, emotional depth, and commanding presence onstage.

Now, after twelve albums as a leader, Eeg steps into a new chapter with the release of SHIKIORI, a deeply personal and atmospheric live album recorded in duo with her longtime pianist Jacob Christoffersen. The project, released on July 11, 2025 via Stunt Records, captures the chemistry and creative trust between these two virtuosos as they explore a repertoire of originals, jazz standards, and a reimagined pop tune.

The setting for SHIKIORI was as significant as the music itself: a 150-year-old traditional Japanese home turned concert venue nestled in the countryside. Restored by bassist Seigo Matsunaga, the house is steeped in history and spiritual energy, with a Shinto altar and artifacts honoring jazz lineage—like a photo of bass legend Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen. Eeg and Christoffersen performed live there, their music naturally shaped by the reverent atmosphere and their intuitive interplay.

“Singing with just a piano accompaniment does have some limitations,” Eeg admits, “but it also provides the opportunity for greater freedom and self-expression.”

Indeed, the results are intimate, spontaneous, and emotionally rich. The album opens with “Losing You,” Eeg’s haunting original with lyrics by Søren Sko, setting a moody tone with its raw sincerity. Other highlights include “Hebi” (Japanese for "snake"), a wordless, ethereal piece with a flowing, cinematic feel, and “Don’t Be So Blue,” a revisited ballad from Eeg’s 2010 catalog, reimagined here in a minimalist and poignant duet.

Christoffersen contributes three songs of his own, including the charming “Soba Flower,” inspired by his love of Japanese cuisine and culture, with lyrics from local artist Remi. His melodic instincts shine on “A Second Chance at Love,” featuring lyrics by Lisa Freeman, and the nostalgic “Seems Like Yesterday,” which gives Eeg room to showcase her signature scat improvisation.

The pair also breathe fresh life into jazz standards. Billy Strayhorn’s “Lush Life” becomes a personal statement; “Better Than Anything” is joyfully swinging; and “Maria” (from West Side Story) is given a lyrical transformation and cinematic pacing. Eeg’s version of Annie Lennox’s “Cold” adds a jazz pulse to the pop ballad, revealing her range of influence and versatility.

What makes SHIKIORI especially noteworthy is not just the musicianship but the cultural bridge it creates. Fusing Danish artistry with Japanese aesthetics, the album is a testament to music’s power to transcend borders. Eeg’s artistic reach was formally recognized in Spring 2025 when she was awarded France’s Order of Arts and Letters, a distinction she now shares with luminaries like David Bowie and Meryl Streep.

As the first-ever jazz vocalist to receive the Ben Webster Prize, five-time winner of the Danish Music Award, and recipient of France’s Prix du Jazz, Eeg continues to cement her place in the global jazz pantheon. Her longtime musical partner, Jacob Christoffersen, is a melodic force in his own right—his sensitivity and technical finesse making him the ideal complement.