Brian Sumner Announces New Album FOR WHAT? – A Bold Exploration in Jazz Guitar Improvisation

Sumner returns this week with his latest solo release, FOR WHAT?, streaming everywhere on Friday, September 12, 2025. The new album follows the success of his acclaimed 2024 project Blur, pushing further into uncharted territory for electric guitar improvisation.

Where Blur was expansive and exploratory, FOR WHAT? feels more sombre and reflective. Drawing inspiration from unsettling topics such as disease and simulation theory, Sumner once again demonstrates how the guitar can serve as a powerful vehicle for both musical experimentation and emotional resonance.

The album is largely drawn from his popular improvised performances originally shared on Instagram and TikTok. With over 280,000 streams on Spotify across his recent releases, Sumner has emerged as one of the most listened-to free improvisors worldwide. His style is marked by unconventional but coherent harmonic structures, unexpected rhythmic ideas, and a fearless commitment to pushing the boundaries of jazz guitar.

A key part of FOR WHAT? is the reunion with artist Juan Ballesteros, also known as the red dot artist, who provided cover art for Sumner’s 2024 album Tired in the Final Sense. Ballesteros’ work, with its distinctive, abstract character, mirrors the music’s adventurous spirit.

Sumner’s prolific output has seen him release seven solo-improvised guitar records in just two years. Alongside his viral performances on social media, he’s built a global following with over 10,000 monthly Spotify listeners and thousands of engaged fans across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and Threads.

His unique voice as an improvisor is rooted in diverse training: classical guitar studies at Kwantlen College, contemporary guitar at VCC, and jazz guitar at Capilano College. These foundations, combined with two decades of recording and touring with his art-grunge outfit The Sumner Brothers, have given him the tools to improvise freely, unbound by any single genre.

With FOR WHAT?, Sumner offers a bold new statement on what jazz guitar is and what it can become—both deeply personal and profoundly innovative.

Westbound Train Announce New Album Sing the Ghost Away

cclaimed Boston ska and soul collective Westbound Train have announced their long-awaited new album Sing the Ghost Away, set for release on November 7, 2025 via ORG Music. The LP marks the group’s most dynamic and resonant work to date—an evolution that reaffirms their status as torchbearers of modern ska, rocksteady, and classic soul.

Produced by frontman Obi Fernandez (vocals, trombone) and drummer Eric Novod, and mixed/mastered by Tim Panella, the album was recorded at The Relic Room in New York City. The sessions blend warm analog textures with inventive arrangements, creating an emotionally charged record that feels both timeless and refreshingly contemporary.

“Sing the Ghost Away has hands down been my favorite record to put together in the history of this band,” says Fernandez. “From picking the songs, to dreaming up the artwork, to bringing in friends we love and respect—it all came together to create something that feels true to us. This album is our way of blending the sounds we hold close—Jamaican music, American rock ’n’ roll, and R&B. We love everything from Wilco to the Wailers, and you’ll hear that in the mix.”

The first single, “L.M.A.”, is streaming now and highlights the band’s sharpened songwriting and expanded sonic palette. According to Fernandez, “‘L.M.A.’ is a tune about self-worth. On the surface it leans into a relationship story, but really it’s bigger than that. We all face moments of disappointment and this song is a reminder that in those moments, the move is to self start, choose yourself—to love yourself first. We can’t wait around for validation to come to motivate us.”

The album features standout tracks such as “Keeper From the Start,” “Slippery Slope,” and a new version of “We All Need Rescue” (originally from their 2022 release). Guest musicians including Anthony Abbinanti (percussion), horn players Jon Degen and Luke Panella, and arranger Mike Sarason add depth and richness to the band’s signature sound.

Formats available include limited edition “Blood Orange” color vinyl (500 copies), signed test pressings (20 copies), CD, digital download/streaming, and a bonus “L.M.A. (Dub Remix)” lathe cut (50 copies).

Formed in 2001 at Berklee College of Music, Westbound Train quickly rose to prominence in the U.S. ska circuit with their infectious mix of ska, rocksteady, and soul. Drawing influence from The Skatalites, Hepcat, Otis Redding, and The Slackers, they’ve toured internationally and appeared at major festivals including Vans Warped Tour, Summer of Ska, and Rude Cat Festival.

The current lineup features Obi Fernandez (vocals, trombone), Rich Graiko (trumpet), Carlos Menezes Jr. (saxophone), Gideon Blumenthal (keyboards), Alex Brumel (guitar), Alex Stern (guitar), Thad Merritt (bass), and Eric Novod (drums). Beyond their music, the members are also educators, entrepreneurs, and family men, yet remain deeply committed to their shared mission: carrying forward a soulful, modern vision of ska and reggae.

To celebrate the upcoming release, Westbound Train will perform a series of live shows this fall while supporting Big D and the Kids Table. Dates include October 24 in Philadelphia at Warehouse on Watts, October 25 in New York at The Sultan Room, and October 26 in Cambridge at The Sinclair. These performances will give fans an early taste of the new songs alongside the band’s beloved catalog.

With Sing the Ghost Away, Westbound Train continue to prove why they’re one of the most important bands in today’s ska and soul revival: rooted in tradition, yet always pushing forward.

Tom Cohen’s Embraceable Brazil: A Lifelong Bossa Nova Dream Realized

Drummer Tom Cohen’s lifelong love affair with bossa nova reaches its fullest expression with the October 10, 2025 release of Embraceable Brazil on Versa Records. More than a decade in the making, the album is Cohen’s sixth as a leader, and it unfolds like a vibrant mosaic—13 tracks performed by rotating ensembles of American and Brazilian musicians, each adding their own hues to a rich spectrum of sound.

For Cohen, the project was truly a labor of love. Since childhood in Newark, New Jersey, he’s been captivated by the breezy fusion of samba and jazz, inspired by Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66 records his parents played at home. Recording sessions for Embraceable Brazil began over twelve years ago, with Cohen meticulously revisiting and reworking the music until he was satisfied. “I would record the music, then redo it and shelve it, wait a year and redo it again,” he says. “At the end of 2023 or beginning of 2024, I vowed that it was time to get this thing finished up.”

The result is a collection that honors tradition while bending boundaries. Reverent renditions of Brazilian classics like Milton Nascimento’s “Tarde” and Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “The Girl from Ipanema” sit alongside adventurous reimaginings of unexpected material. Cohen transforms Pat Martino’s fusion anthem “Joyous Lake” and even Carly Simon’s pop hit “You’re So Vain” into rhythmically rich, groove-driven bossa nova gems.

Standout moments include Chico Pinheiro’s guitar and John Swana’s electronic valve instrument on “Tarde,” Orlando Haddad and Patricia King’s vocals on Toninho Horta’s “Aquelas Coisas Todas,” and Barbara Mendes’s laid-back voice paired with Larry McKenna’s saxophone on “The Girl from Ipanema.” Together with Cohen’s drumming and Edson da Silva Café’s percussion, the album’s sonic palette balances nostalgia with surprise.

Cohen’s journey began with childhood drum lessons, high school bands, and hours of practice at George Washington University before fully committing to Philadelphia’s jazz scene. Over the decades he’s worked with the likes of Odean Pope, Shirley Scott, Orrin Evans, and Joey DeFrancesco, and studied with the great Tony Williams. His discography reflects wide-ranging collaborations, from Diggin’ In, Digging Out with Chris Potter to Joyride with Benito Gonzalez and Tim Ries.

With Embraceable Brazil, Cohen steps into a dual role as drummer and producer. “I was really proud of this producer in me that kind of emerged,” he reflects. “You just never know what possibilities there are until you try something new. The future is sometimes more open than we think.”

Owelu Dreamhouse Debuts with “Tourist”: A Soulful Exploration of Identity and Belonging

Owelu Dreamhouse is the latest creative venture from vocalist Nkechi Anele and arranger/multi-instrumentalist Nic Ryan-Glenie, longtime collaborators who first came to prominence as members of Melbourne’s soul powerhouse Saskwatch. With their new project, the pair blends cinematic soul, psychedelia, and Afrobeat into a strikingly personal exploration of identity, heritage, and belonging.

The name Owelu (pronounced Oh-WAY-lew) is inspired by Nkechi’s grandmother’s Nigerian village, Owaelu, marking a deep connection to ancestry while symbolizing a return to authenticity and storytelling rooted in lived experience.

The debut single, “Tourist” (out September 4, 2025, via Hopestreet Recordings), captures the third-culture kid experience—the paradox of feeling out of place at home and abroad—through a lush, sweeping arrangement. Real stories from travel and cultural displacement run through the lyrics, while the music builds with cinematic intensity, performed by a powerhouse ensemble of Naarm/Melbourne’s most active musicians.

“It’s the quintessential third-culture kid experience – a complex inversion of the norm with both its drawbacks and freedoms,” says Nkechi. “Growing up, the constant feeling of difference often carried a heavy resentment. Luckily, my 20s brought the realisation of the sheer beauty in this unique position.”

“Tourist” was co-produced and engineered by Henry Jenkins (Karate Boogaloo, Surprise Chef, Ella Thompson) with tape operation by Alex Bennett (Sound Recordings), whose analog touch adds depth and nostalgic warmth.

For Anele and Ryan-Glenie, Owelu Dreamhouse is the natural evolution of a partnership forged during Saskwatch’s rise, when the band lit up stages at Glastonbury, CMJ, WOMADelaide, Splendour in the Grass, BluesFest, Falls Festival, and more—sharing bills with legends like Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Maceo Parker, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, and Earth, Wind & Fire.

With Owelu Dreamhouse, the duo channels that history into something new, weaving cultural ties, generational stories, and bold, genre-crossing sonics into a fresh chapter of Melbourne’s ever-evolving soul scene.

James Hunter Six Announce Off The Fence – A Landmark New Album on Easy Eye Sound

The James Hunter Six are back with their first release on Easy Eye Sound, and it’s one that captures everything fans have come to love about the British rhythm & soul legend. Set for release on January 16, 2026, Off The Fence is a landmark record—bridging James Hunter’s past, present, and future while reaffirming his status as one of the most distinctive voices in modern soul.

For over three decades, GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, and guitarist James Hunter has been hailed for his gritty yet smooth voice, sharp lyrical wit, and timeless songwriting. MOJO magazine once called him “The United Kingdom’s Greatest Soul Singer,” and with this new record, he continues to prove why.

Perhaps the most talked-about moment on Off The Fence is “Ain’t That A Trip,” a joyous, jump-blues duet with longtime collaborator Van Morrison. The pair first worked together in the mid-’90s, with Hunter appearing on Morrison’s A Night In San Francisco (1994) and Days Like This (1995), while Morrison guested on Hunter’s 1996 album Believe What I Say. Now, nearly 30 years later, their creative bond comes full circle.

“I tried to get Van to sing one of my songs 30 years ago, but I hadn’t really written anything he fancied at the time,” recalls James. “But we were having a chin wag backstage at a gig where we were opening, and I asked him if he wanted to sing something on our next record and he said yes. Hearing him actually singing words I wrote gave me a real kick. It’s brilliant.”

Ahead of the album’s release, fans can stream the first single “A Sure Thing,” a horn-driven Northern Soul gem that shimmers with infectious energy and Hunter’s trademark wordplay.

“I thought the title was a nice phrase and, musically, I was trying to get a bit of Northern Soul in there—which is where we’re trying to appeal to people’s feet,” James explains. “But lyrically, it’s just a different way of reflecting on somebody saying that they want to play things safe.”

With its rolling groove, punchy brass, and irresistible chorus, the track offers a perfect late-summer pick-me-up.

James Hunter Six has always been about chemistry. Alongside Hunter, the group includes Myles Weeks (double bass), Rudy Albin Petschauer (drums), Andrew Kingslow (keyboards, percussion), Michael Buckley (baritone saxophone), and Drew Vanderwinckel (tenor saxophone). Together, they deliver a seamless blend of soul, R&B, and jump blues, built on years of near-telepathic interplay.

Off The Fence also marks an important milestone: it’s been 40 years since James Hunter’s first album release back in 1986. Born in Colchester, Essex, Hunter’s lifelong journey began at age nine when his grandmother gifted him a Dansette record player and a stack of 78s—including Jackie Wilson’s 1958 classic “Reet Petite.” That spark set him on a course toward becoming one of the UK’s most respected soul voices.

Now, eleven studio albums later, Hunter shows no signs of slowing down. Off The Fence represents not only the culmination of decades of dedication but also a bold new chapter as his first release on Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound (The Black Keys).

With 12 original tracks, heartfelt grit, and soul-deep delivery, Off The Fence is set to become a defining release in 2026.

Off The Fence Tracklist

1. Two Birds With One Stone

2. Let Me Out Of This Love

3. Gun Shy

4. Believe It When I See It

5. Here And Now

6. Off The Fence

7. Ain’t That A Trip (feat. Van Morrison)

8. One For Ripley

9. Trouble Comes Calling

10. Particular

11. A Sure Thing

12. Only A Fool

James Hunter will celebrate the release with a 2026 tour – stay tuned for dates.

Till Brönner Announces New Album ITALIA – A Sun-Drenched Journey Through Italy’s Golden Musical Era

German jazz virtuoso Till Brönner is set to transport listeners to the vibrant soundscape of Italy from the 1960s through the early 1980s with his forthcoming album, ITALIA, released via earMUSIC on September 5, 2025. This album marks Brönner’s first collaboration with earMUSIC/Edel, and pre-orders are available starting today.

Accompanying the album announcement is the first single, Viva la Felicità, a reimagined version of the beloved Signor Rossi theme from the iconic 1970s Italian cartoon series. The song captures the adventures of a small man in a red hat, wandering the world in search of happiness and discovery.

ITALIA was recorded in Bari and Rome and produced by Till Brönner alongside Nicola Conte, a celebrated DJ, jazz musician, and sound aesthete from Apulia. Conte is internationally recognized for his refined, genre-blending approach that fuses jazz, bossa nova, and club culture. Their collaboration promises an album that is both elegant and deeply rooted in the spirit of Italian musical heritage.

The album’s repertoire primarily draws from the 1970s and early 1980s, a period Brönner describes as a golden era of European musical exchange. Italian songs traveled across borders, filling French radio airwaves and German record stores, shaping a continental cultural mood.

"Italy created a kind of pan-European sound," Brönner explains. "It was an atmosphere that was formative for an entire generation."

Conte adds, "We focused on a moment in Italian cultural history that is still, to this day, one of the most engaging, artistically relevant and colourful."

The music of that era mirrored a collective optimism, balancing lighthearted pop with deeper explorations of life’s complexities. Brönner sees parallels with today’s world: "There is a lot of hope now that things might shift toward something more human and down to earth again – and that’s exactly the kind of feeling you could literally sense in the ’70s and ’80s."

ITALIA combines well-known classics with rarities from Italian pop culture that never gained recognition beyond Italy. The album features works by legendary artists such as Lucio Battisti, Paolo Conte, and Tony Renis, alongside iconic film scores by Ennio Morricone, Piero Piccioni, and Franco Micalizzi. Brönner also contributes an original composition that blends seamlessly with the vintage repertoire.

"The album contains many songs that are well-known – at least from a non-Italian perspective. But there are also surprises. Nothing is more boring than a record where you know exactly how it will sound from the first note," Brönner says.

For the first time on a studio album, Brönner lends his voice, singing in Italian on both the lead single Viva la Felicità and the melancholic hit L’Appuntamento, originally popularized by Ornella Vanoni. Brönner shares, "When I translated the lyrics into German, I thought: That could have been my story."

The album alternates between instrumental tracks, highlighting Brönner’s signature trumpet and flugelhorn, and vocal performances by a star-studded roster including Chiara Civello, Sera Kalo, Mario Biondi, Mandy Capristo, and Giovanni Zarrella.

The inspiration for ITALIA is deeply personal. Brönner spent part of his childhood in Rome, a formative period that shaped his sensibilities and instilled a profound connection to the Italian spirit. "Some records come from a feeling. This one came from pure love," he reflects.

Featured Musicians

• Till Brönner – flugelhorn, trumpet, vocals, synthesizers, brass, background vocals

• Roberto Di Gioia – piano, electric piano, synthesizers, mellotron, organ, keyboards, synth arrangements

• Nicola Conte – guitar

• Bruno Müller – guitar

• Pietro Lussu – piano, electric piano

• Alberto Parmegiani – guitar

• Magnus Lindgren – flutes, saxophones, reeds & woodwinds, woodwind arrangements

• Christian von Kaphengst – double bass, electric bass

• Ameen Saleem – double bass, electric bass

• Teppo Mäkynen – drums

• Gabriel Prado – percussion, background vocals

• Arne Schumann – programming, recording, mixing

• Katrin Mickiewicz – background vocals

Guest vocalists:

• Mario Biondi – vocals on Via Con Me

• Chiara Civello – vocals on Parole Parole

• Giovanni Zarrella – vocals on Quando, Quando, Quando

• Mandy Capristo – vocals on In Alto Mare

• Sera Kalo – vocals on L’Unica Chance

Till Brönner is one of Europe’s most acclaimed jazz musicians. Since releasing his debut album at age 22, he has sold over one million records in Germany alone and earned multiple Gold and Platinum awards. He has been nominated for a Grammy, received several ECHO Awards, and performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, and the White House.

Beyond music, Brönner is an accomplished photographer, author, and educator, teaching jazz trumpet at the University of Music in Dresden.

ITALIA promises to be a heartfelt homage to Italy’s rich musical legacy and a personal journey for Brönner, blending nostalgia, innovation, and the timeless beauty of Italian song.

CRAFT RECORDINGS’ ORIGINAL JAZZ CLASSICS CLOSES OUT 2025 WITH SEVEN NEW REISSUES

Craft Recordings has announced the final wave of 2025 titles in its Original Jazz Classics (OJC) series, featuring seven essential albums from some of jazz’s most iconic names. Available between October 24 and December 5, this collection highlights the breadth of postwar jazz—from hard bop firebrands to West Coast cool innovators, exploratory world-jazz pioneers, and blues-steeped ensembles.

The new batch includes:

• Yusef Lateef – Jazz Mood (1957)
  A groundbreaking debut that signaled Lateef’s lifelong exploration of world music within a jazz framework. Incorporating Eastern instruments like the rabat and argol, Lateef carved out a spiritual and cross-cultural voice that still feels ahead of its time.

• Hank Mobley – Jazz Message #2 (1957)
  Featuring a dream lineup with Donald Byrd, a young Lee Morgan, Barry Harris, Hank Jones, and Kenny Clarke, this compact but fiery session highlights Mobley’s lyrical saxophone style—long celebrated by jazz aficionados as “the middleweight champ of the tenor sax.”

• Art Pepper – Surf Ride (1957)
  A breezy yet sharp set that cemented Pepper’s status as a leading light of the West Coast scene. With Hampton Hawes on piano, the album captures the interplay and vitality that set Pepper apart from his “cool jazz” contemporaries.

• Sonny Rollins – Plus 4 (1956)
  A landmark album recorded with Clifford Brown and Max Roach, shortly before Brown’s tragic passing. Rollins’ commanding tenor and compositions like “Valse Hot” make this both a hard bop cornerstone and a poignant snapshot of a short-lived supergroup.

• Wes Montgomery – Boss Guitar (1963)
  Montgomery’s soulful tone and effortless octave playing shine across standards and originals. His swinging “The Trick Bag” and lyrical “Besame Mucho” remind us why he influenced everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Pat Metheny.

• Thad Jones, Frank Wess, Kenny Burrell & Mal Waldron – After Hours (1957)
  A late-night bop session alive with solos, conversations, and chemistry. From blues-soaked interplay on “Empty Street” to fiery exchanges elsewhere, this album epitomizes the magic of mid-century jazz collaboration.

• Red Garland Quintet – Soul Junction (1957, released 1960)
  A blues-rooted masterpiece from the pianist best known for his work with the Miles Davis Quintet. With John Coltrane and Donald Byrd onboard, the 15-minute opener “Soul Junction” alone justifies the album’s legendary reputation.

These reissues maintain the OJC standard of authenticity and fidelity:

• AAA lacquers cut directly from the original tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio

• 180-gram vinyl pressed at RTI

• Tip-on jackets faithfully reproducing the original artwork

• Hi-res 192/24 digital audio released alongside the vinyl editions

This batch also marks the first Savoy Records titles to appear in the OJC series (Yusef Lateef, Hank Mobley, and Art Pepper), expanding the scope of the collection beyond Prestige, Riverside, and Contemporary classics.

Since its 1982 launch, the Original Jazz Classics imprint has been a touchstone for collectors, archivists, and newcomers seeking definitive editions of essential jazz recordings. With this 2025 finale, Craft Recordings continues to preserve the legacy of jazz’s most influential voices while making their music accessible in audiophile quality.

Bassist/Composer Anne Mette Iversen Presents: Ternion Q Expanded – Marbles

Visionary bassist and composer Anne Mette Iversen unveils Marbles, the debut recording from her new seven-piece ensemble Ternion Q Expanded, arriving October 17, 2025 via Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records.

Marbles is a dynamic exploration of layered form, rhythmic interplay, and collective imagination in contemporary jazz. Drawing inspiration from marble runs—systems in motion where paths diverge, converge, and transform—the album celebrates curiosity, freedom, and the beauty of process.

“The best marble runs offer multiple ways to reach the same goal,” Iversen explains. “This music celebrates exactly that: variety, motion, and the openness of process.”

The compositions mirror this metaphor, embracing multiple layers of rhythm, melody, harmony, and improvisation. Pieces like Threefold, Square Root of a Dream, and Two Twisted Spires highlight polyrhythms, contrapuntal writing, and simultaneous improvisations, creating music that is both structurally intricate and vibrantly alive.

The ensemble’s powerhouse lineup includes:

• Silke Eberhard – alto saxophone

• Julius Gawlik – clarinet, alto clarinet, tenor saxophone

• Percy Pursglove – trumpet & flugelhorn

• Geoffroy De Masure – trombone

• Morris Kliphuis – French horn

• Roland Schneider – drums

• Anne Mette Iversen – bass & compositions

Together, they bring a kaleidoscopic sound that blurs the line between composition and improvisation, structure and spontaneity.

Iversen, long recognized as one of jazz’s most forward-thinking composers, has released over a dozen acclaimed albums as a leader and continues to bridge jazz and classical forms while championing ensemble interaction. Critics have hailed her work as “thoroughly compelling and wholly rewarding” (DownBeat), “fun, refreshing, and substantial” (Musically Speaking), and “a durable listening pleasure for new and expanded discoveries” (JazzTimes).

With Marbles, Iversen presents music that is complex yet inviting — a reflection of jazz as a living, breathing art form in constant motion.

Marbles will be released October 17, 2025 on Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records.

Deep Energy Orchestra Unveils Expansive New Album The Science of Sound on 7D Media — Featuring Members of Snarky Puppy, Kansas, King Crimson, Shakti & More

On October 24, 2025, Deep Energy Orchestra will release its highly anticipated third studio album, The Science of Sound, on 7D Media. Conceived and led by composer, producer, and bassist Jason Everett (aka Mister E), the project is a sweeping testament to global collaboration, genre-defying creativity, and intricate composition.

Following the ensemble’s acclaimed works Playing With Fire (2018) and The Return (2020), this new release expands on their signature blend of Indian classical rhythms, progressive rock, jazz fusion, funk, and orchestral textures.

The album features a world-class roster, including:

• Joe Deninzon (Kansas, electric violin)

• Gary Husband (John McLaughlin, Allan Holdsworth)

• Trey Gunn (King Crimson)

• Adam Holzman (Miles Davis, Steven Wilson)

• V. Selvaganesh (Shakti, Masters of Percussion)

• Mark Lettieri (Snarky Puppy)

• Plus U. Rajesh, Mahesh Vinayakram, Radhika Iyer, John Wubbenhorst, Eric “Doc” Smith, and a full string section.

Across eight compositions, Everett and his collaborators weave a narrative that balances compositional precision with room for improvisation. Tracks like Morning Over Madrid and Solar Playground highlight ensemble interplay, while Captain Quirk and The Secrets of Subtraction showcase intricate call-and-response dynamics. The meditative closing track, Stargazing, ties the album together with emotional depth.

Produced and arranged by Everett and engineered by Don Gunn (Soundgarden, Peter Frampton), the album delivers an immersive sonic journey that honors the strengths of every musician while presenting a unified artistic vision.

“The Science of Sound is about exploring how music can communicate across genres, cultures, and traditions,” says Everett. “It’s a collaborative work that honors every artist involved while serving a larger musical vision.”

With influences spanning Mahavishnu Orchestra, Shakti, progressive rock, and world jazz fusion, Deep Energy Orchestra continues to push boundaries, proving once again why they’re regarded as one of the most forward-thinking ensembles of our time.

The Science of Sound arrives October 24, 2025, via 7D Media.

Al Sunny Says “Goodbye” to Summer with Soulful New Single, First from Upcoming Album Summer End

Nîmes-based French singer-songwriter Al Sunny has released his latest single, “Goodbye,” a silky smooth, laidback slice of soul-pop and West Coast AOR. The track is the first taste of his forthcoming album, Summer End, scheduled for release in October, and it sets the tone for an album that blends introspective songwriting with uplifting, melodic arrangements.

Describing the song as a “false ballad,” Al Sunny explains:

“It may sound melancholic at first, but it deals with a more complex emotion — the difficulty of reaching out to others when you're not feeling well. The verses are intentionally soft and introspective, almost like a quiet monologue. But when the choruses arrive, they open up, lifted by layered backing vocals. The goal was to create a sense of unity — to remind us that we’re never truly alone, even when it feels that way.”

The song builds to a bridge that introduces major 7 chords, creating a release and a sense of emotional resolution. While “Goodbye” was initially inspired by a Snarky Puppy track, it evolved into a more personal, vocal-driven expression that emphasizes Al Sunny’s connection to melody, groove, and lyrical nuance. The layered backing vocals, warm instrumentation, and polished production give the track a sense of sophistication while remaining accessible and deeply human.

Summer End represents a new stage in Al Sunny’s artistic journey while staying true to his signature sound. Soul and pop remain central, but the album also incorporates fresh influences from contemporary artists like Sault, Khruangbin, Daniel Caesar, Anderson .Paak, and Tom Misch. With “Goodbye,” listeners are offered a reflective yet warm introduction to an album that explores seasonal transitions, introspection, and the universal desire for connection.

By blending personal storytelling with lush, engaging arrangements, Al Sunny proves once again why he is a distinctive voice in modern soul-pop, capable of touching both the heart and the imagination.

Eddie Daniels Honors Milton Nascimento with To Milton With Love, a Reimagining of the 1969 Classic Courage

Resonance Records announces the release of To Milton With Love, a bold new project from master clarinetist and saxophonist Eddie Daniels, available today on CD and digital download, with a worldwide release to follow on September 19. The album pays homage to Brazilian legend Milton Nascimento through a complete re-creation of his landmark 1969 CTI Records album Courage.

This marks Daniels’ third tribute to icons of Brazilian music, following 2018’s Grammy-nominated Heart of Brazil: A Tribute to Egberto Gismonti and 2020’s Night Kisses: A Tribute to Ivan Lins, both also released by Resonance. Recorded at the label’s Beverly Hills studio and mastered at The Mastering Lab in Salina, Kansas, the album was produced by Resonance founder and co-president George Klabin, whose personal connection to Nascimento’s music helped inspire the project.

Daniels leads a stellar ensemble including Grammy-nominated guitarist Anthony Wilson, pianist Josh Nelson, bassist Kevin Axt, and drummer Ray Brinker. The performances are enriched by the luminous textures of the Lyris String Quartet, with fresh arrangements crafted by Kuno Schmid and Nelson. The package includes liner notes by acclaimed author James Gavin, as well as Klabin’s own remembrance of a fateful night in 1969 when he first encountered a young Nascimento in a New York club—just before the singer recorded Courage at Rudy Van Gelder’s legendary studio.

In revisiting Courage, Daniels and his collaborators chose to honor the spirit of the original while creating something new. The sweeping orchestral settings of 1969 have been distilled into intimate string quartet arrangements, while Daniels’ clarinet and saxophone step in where Nascimento’s unmistakable vocals once stood. The album includes such classics as “Travessia,” “Vera Cruz,” and “Morro Velho,” along with a new Daniels/Nelson original, “For Milton,” which closes the set in poignant tribute.

“Eddie Daniels kept Milton’s singing in mind as he played,” writes Gavin. “‘It’s almost like talking a song—it’s so ethereal. I let myself play some jazz here and there and step out in a simple way that I felt belonged to the song, rather than becoming Bird or Coltrane.’” Daniels’ unmistakable voice shines throughout, bringing his unique blend of joy, virtuosity, and beauty to Nascimento’s beloved music.

With To Milton With Love, Daniels once again reaffirms his mastery of Brazilian-inspired jazz and his gift for channeling deep emotional expression through instrumental performance.

Tracklist:

1. Travessia (4:44)

2. Vera Cruz (4:48)

3. Tres Pontas (5:28)

4. Outubro (5:14)

5. Courage (4:42)

6. Rio Vermelho (3:30)

7. Gira Girou (5:53)

8. Morro Velho (5:41)

9. Catavento (3:59)

10. Cancao Do Sal (3:51)

11. For Milton (5:29)

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Haunted Heart: The Legendary Riverside Studio Recordings Bill Evans Trio featuring Scott LaFaro & Paul Motian

Craft Recordings announced Haunted Heart: The Legendary Riverside Studio Recordings, a definitive new collection honoring pianist Bill Evans and his groundbreaking “Classic Trio” with bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian. Arriving November 21 in 5-LP, 3-CD, and digital formats, the set assembles—for the first time ever—the trio’s complete studio recordings, including Portrait in Jazz (1960), Explorations (1961), and a treasure trove of alternate takes and outtakes, 17 of which have never been released.

Produced by Nick Phillips and mastered by GRAMMY® Award-winner Paul Blakemore, the collection features meticulous audio restoration by Plangent Processes, with lacquers cut by Kevin Gray (Cohearent Audio). The deluxe vinyl box includes rare photos, new artwork, a fold-out poster, and insightful liner notes: an introduction by John Densmore of The Doors (who recalls sneaking into Shelly’s Manne-Hole as a teenager to witness the trio), plus new commentary by noted jazz writer Eugene Holley Jr.

Formed in 1959 after Evans’ pivotal role on Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue, the Evans–LaFaro–Motian trio redefined the jazz piano trio format. With LaFaro’s guitar-like fluency on bass and Motian’s textural drumming, the group elevated interplay to an art of collective improvisation. Their collaboration, though lasting just 20 months, transformed the landscape of modern jazz.

Evans himself reflected:

“What gave that trio its character was a common aim and a feeling of potential. The music developed as we performed… The objective was to achieve the result in a responsible way.”

This new set includes the original albums Portrait in Jazz and Explorations in newly restored sound, along with 27 alternate takes and outtakes presented in session order. Among them are never-before-heard versions of “Witchcraft,” “Spring Is Here,” “Elsa,” “Haunted Heart,” and “How Deep Is the Ocean.” Listeners will also discover an early take of “Walking Up” (later on How My Heart Sings!), as well as the trio’s interpretation of “The Boy Next Door” from Meet Me in St. Louis.

These studio recordings, combined with the trio’s legendary live albums (Sunday at the Village Vanguard and Waltz for Debby), capture the essence of one of jazz’s most influential ensembles. Though LaFaro’s tragic death in 1961 ended their partnership, the music lives on as a timeless document of artistry, innovation, and intimacy.

Haunted Heart: The Legendary Riverside Studio Recordings is available to pre-order/pre-save now. Fans can also stream the newly unearthed “Sweet and Lovely (Take 5) – Stereo” beginning today.