Lena Bloch Channels Russian Poet Marina Tsvetaeva in New Album Marina

Acclaimed Russian-born saxophonist and composer Lena Bloch returns with Marina, a striking new album out November 14, 2025 via Fresh Sound Records. Featuring her quintet with vocalist Kyoko Kitamura, pianist Jacob Sacks, bassist Ken Filiano, and drummer Michael Sarin, the album reimagines the poetry of 20th-century Russian poet Marina Tsvetaeva in a vibrant jazz suite commissioned by Chamber Music America.

Bloch’s approach sets her own English translations of Tsvetaeva’s works to music, blending improvisation, composition, and intimate storytelling. “Tsvetaeva’s themes resonate with me as a lifelong nomad,” says Bloch. “Her work celebrates strength and the power to speak freely despite all circumstances—qualities that inspire this album.”

The album opens with “Refuse,” where Filiano’s plaintive bass and Kitamura’s impassioned vocals echo Tsvetaeva’s defiance, and continues through lush, dynamic tracks like “Insomnia” and “Such Tenderness.” Bloch and Kitamura’s interplay highlights emotion, nuance, and musical sensitivity, particularly in pieces like “Tired,” “Immeasurable,” and the title track, where spoken and sung text converge to powerful effect. Marina closes with “The Time Will Come,” a testament to endurance and the lasting power of art.

Since moving to New York in 2008, Bloch has established herself as a prominent figure in the city’s jazz scene, performing internationally and leading ensembles including her Feathery Quartet. With Marina, she brings Tsvetaeva’s poetry to life for a modern audience, fusing Eastern European influences, contemporary jazz, and improvisational brilliance into an album full of heart, intimacy, and profound musical depth.

Bloch will celebrate the release with an album concert on Saturday, November 15 at IBeam in Brooklyn, NY.

kwaNTU: Two Generations of South African Guitar Mastery in Dialogue

Bringing together Madala Kunene, the elder statesman of the Zulu guitar, and internationally acclaimed Sibusile Xaba, kwaNTU unites two generations of South African guitar virtuosity. The album, whose title can be translated as “the place of the life-spirit,” captures a rare collaboration between teacher and student, blending tradition with contemporary expression.

Madala Kunene, born in 1951 in Cato Manor near Durban, is revered as the King of the Zulu Guitar. With a recording career beginning at the close of apartheid, Kunene has long been celebrated for his transformative approach to the maskanda tradition and his spiritually infused musical sensibility. Even in his mid-seventies, he remains a guiding light for South Africa’s contemporary musicians.

Sibusile Xaba, a native of Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, grew up immersed in music through his parents and local culture. From homemade tin guitars to formal studies in Pretoria, Xaba developed a distinctive style drawing from South African guitar lineages and US jazz masters like Wes Montgomery and Jim Hall. Over the past decade, he has studied under Kunene, forging a close mentorship that became the foundation for kwaNTU.

Recorded in Utrecht at Kwantu Village, the album is the product of five days of intensive collaboration, improvisation, and deep listening. Joined by Gontse Makhene on percussion and backing vocals and Fakazile on vocals, Kunene and Xaba created the bulk of the album in a single-night recording session, with additional overdubs completed later in Johannesburg. The result is a meditative, richly textured work that foregrounds dialogue, responsive interplay, and the passing on of musical knowledge across generations.

kwaNTU highlights not only the virtuosity of its two principal players but also the continuity of South Africa’s rich guitar traditions. Kunene’s guidance and Xaba’s dedication converge in a recording that resonates with history while pointing confidently toward the future, offering international audiences a first-time glimpse of the elder master alongside one of the country’s most exciting contemporary voices.

Atlantis Quartet Explores New Musical Horizons on Live at Berlin

Minneapolis jazz mainstays Atlantis Quartet return with Live at Berlin, out October 24, 2025, on Shifting Paradigm Records. Captured during the opening week of the city’s newest jazz venue, the album presents five bold new compositions that highlight the group’s fearless improvisational spirit and deep musical chemistry. Available on vinyl, CD, and digital platforms, the release marks a fresh chapter for the Twin Cities ensemble.

Formed in 2006, Atlantis Quartet—saxophonist Brandon Wozniak, guitarist Zacc Harris, bassist Chris Bates, and drummer Pete Hennig—has built a reputation for blending intricate composition with free improvisation, seamlessly fusing jazz with rock, funk, and post-bop. Critics like Bill Milkowski have praised their adventurousness, calling the band “startlingly original.”

After a quieter period during the pandemic, the quartet reconvened in 2024 with renewed purpose. Guitarist Zacc Harris reflects, “We had deeply explored a certain sound that we'd developed as a group and were ready for a fresh challenge. We wanted a more open sound with greater freedom for interaction and taking chances. These five tunes exemplify that direction.”

Live at Berlin opens with the rhythmically dynamic “Evasive Maneuvers,” combining rock energy with melodic focus. “You Are Here” channels the playful, free-swinging spirit of Ornette Coleman, while “Bucket List” propels listeners through an odd-meter 11/8 romp, highlighting the quartet’s tight cohesion. “Vantage Point” offers a spacious, sensitive ballad, and the album closes with the intense, adrenaline-fueled finale “Rush Hour,” capturing the band at the height of their inventive power.

While all compositions are by Harris, the album reflects the ensemble’s collaborative ethos. Wozniak’s lyrical sax, Harris’s bold guitar, Bates’s inventive bass, and Hennig’s energetic drumming coalesce into a performance that is both spontaneous and precise. Live at Berlin is more than a live recording—it’s a snapshot of a band evolving, reconnecting, and redefining its sound after nearly two decades together.

Live at Berlin will be available October 24, 2025, on LP, CD, and all streaming platforms.

Track Listing:

1. Evasive Maneuvers (8:27)

2. You Are Here (11:09)

3. Bucket List (8:30)

4. Vantage Point (12:16)

5. Rush Hour (10:50)

Catina DeLuna and Otmaro Ruíz Shine on Lado B Brazilian Project 2

The timeless sounds of Brazilian music have long enchanted listeners in the United States, from the bossa nova wave of the 1960s to today’s jazz-infused interpretations. Vocalist/composer Catina DeLuna and pianist/composer/arranger Otmaro Ruíz take a fresh approach on Lado B Brazilian Project 2, exploring lesser-known gems of Brazilian song while offering inventive takes on classics.

The pair first collaborated in 2016 on the original Lado B Brazilian Project, which earned a GRAMMY® nomination for Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals despite limited promotion. DeLuna, born in São Paulo and now based in Los Angeles, gained recognition from legendary drummer Peter Erskine, who introduced her to Ruíz, a celebrated Venezuelan pianist and arranger. Their shared passion for Brazilian song and deep musical knowledge sparked a collaboration that goes beyond standard repertoire.

Rather than revisit familiar hits, DeLuna and Ruíz focused on the “lado B” of Brazilian albums—songs that are often overlooked but rich in lyrical and melodic beauty. Ruíz’s arrangements balance simplicity and complexity, leaving space for exceptional performances by guitarist Larry Koonse, bassist Edwin Livingston, Brazilian percussionist Edu Ribeiro, percussionist Gregory Beyer, and woodwind master Bob Sheppard. The duo’s inventive reinterpretations illuminate the depth and nuance of Brazilian music while retaining its heartfelt essence.

Highlights include Jobim’s “Passarim,” given cinematic motion with a background choir; Buarque’s “Mar e Lua,” featuring Carol Robbins on harp; and Caymmi’s playful “Requebre Que Eu Dou Um Doce”, with Sheppard’s clarinet and Bruno Mangueira’s guitar. The album also features duets like “Choro Das Águas” with Fabio Cadore, and a transformed rendition of Jobim’s “Águas de Março,” incorporating flute and Udu clay pot for a unique cross-cultural flair. Energetic tracks like “É Luxo Só” and “Aluvião” further showcase the duo’s dynamic approach, while the album concludes with a lively interpretation of Caymmi’s “Vatapá.”

Critics and musicians alike have praised the project. Renowned bassist Abraham Laboriel called it “a quantum leap forward in style and imagination,” and Peter Erskine described it as “the freshest-sounding music I’ve heard in years… a sense of discovery that makes it feel personal yet universal.”

Released on July 18, 2025, Lado B Brazilian Project 2 demonstrates DeLuna and Ruíz’s ability to honor Brazilian tradition while breathing new life into the repertoire. It’s a standout recording for jazz and Brazilian music enthusiasts alike, available via SunnysideRecords.com and all digital platforms.

Christian McBride Brings His Musical Universe to Life on World at Sea

Nine-time GRAMMY® Award-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader Christian McBride is offering fans an unprecedented glimpse into his expansive musical world with Christian McBride’s World at Sea, a week-long music cruise sailing January 20–27, 2026 from Ft. Lauderdale to Jamaica and Grand Cayman aboard the Celebrity Summit.

This curated journey features daily performances, jam sessions, and candid conversations, bringing together a roster of extraordinary talent. Artists set to perform include Samara Joy, Ledisi, Cécile McLorin Salvant, José James, Angélique Kidjo, and McBride’s own ensembles: Christian McBride Big Band, Inside Straight, Ursa Major, and Remembering Ray Brown with Benny Green and Greg Hutchinson. Fans will also enjoy performances by Sullivan Fortner, Christian Sands, Julius Rodriguez, Steve Wilson, Dan Wilson, DJ Jahi Sundance, Eric Marienthal, and comedians Alonzo Bodden and George Wallace.

McBride has been building anticipation with new collaborations and releases this summer. The Christian McBride Big Band recently released “Old Folks” featuring Samara Joy, and Ledisi’s lead single “This Bitter Earth” from her upcoming Dinah Washington tribute album is produced by McBride and features performances from his Big Band and jazz trio. These projects offer a preview of the live creativity and synergy attendees can expect on the cruise.

“These new songs and albums are like a sneak peek into what we’re building at sea,” says McBride. “Everything I’m doing right now, from the Big Band record to producing Ledisi’s new album, is part of the same vision. This cruise is a way to bring that world to life—not just the music, but the community and artistry that fuels it.”

Guests aboard World at Sea will experience a living, breathing festival of jazz, R&B, and global music. From luxurious accommodations and world-class venues on the Celebrity Summit to up-close interactions with the musicians, the cruise offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with McBride’s evolving musical universe.

McBride’s career spans decades of artistic excellence, including leadership roles as Artistic Director of the Newport Jazz Festival, NJPAC, the TD James Moody Jazz Festival, and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, along with hosting NPR’s Jazz Night in America and The Lowdown: Conversations With Christian on SiriusXM. Known for fostering collaboration, mentorship, and creativity, McBride continues to expand jazz’s reach through innovative projects like this immersive cruise experience.

Irving Flores Unleashes Afro-Cuban Jazz Brilliance on Armando Mi Conga

Acclaimed pianist, composer, and arranger Irving Flores is set to release his most ambitious project yet, Armando Mi Conga (Amor de Flores Productions), available on CD and all streaming platforms beginning August 26, 2025. A vibrant celebration of Latin and Afro-Cuban jazz, the nine-track album blends virtuosity with soul, featuring an all-star lineup of legendary musicians including Giovanni Hidalgo (congas), Brian Lynch (trumpet), Horacio “El Negro” Hernández (drums), John Benítez (bass), and Norbert Stachel (sax, clarinet, flute).

“This is a love letter to Latin America,” says Flores. “It’s my journey and a tribute to the rhythms that shaped me.” The album includes eight original compositions and a bonus solo piano rendition of “With Amanda en Favignana,” written for his wife while on holiday in Sicily. The title track, “Armando Mi Conga,” arrives as a lead single on August 8, spotlighting the infectious energy and precision of the ensemble. All About Jazz has already named it a Song of the Day.

Written in Mexico City as a tribute to legendary conga player Armando “Pinaca” Espinosa, the track features an introduction by Giovanni Hidalgo, honoring his father José “Mañengue” Hidalgo. Flores reflects, “One of the most exciting moments of my life was recording with these giants in New York City. It was an explosion of talent and happiness.”

Born in Veracruz, Mexico, Flores was immersed in Afro-Cuban rhythms from an early age, guided by his father, the founder of the Tampico Orchestra. He began performing on organ and alto sax, eventually leading his own ensemble, the Irving Flores Super Combo. After formal studies in Mexico City and a move to the U.S., Flores has become a driving force in Latin jazz, collaborating with icons like Poncho Sanchez, Airto Moreira, and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra.

Recorded live at East Side Sound in New York during two intensive 10-hour sessions in March 2024, Armando Mi Conga captures the spirit of live performance with extraordinary immediacy. Each track showcases a different facet of Flores’s vision—from the fiery rhythms of “Gary en Nanchital” and the lyrical beauty of “With Amanda en Favignana”, to the contemplative solo piano rendition of the same tune as a bonus track. Other standout pieces include “Tramonto A Massa Lubrense”, “Samba Con Sabor”, and “Recuerdos”, all demonstrating the interplay between piano, rhythm section, and horns in moments of breathtaking improvisation.

Flores celebrates the release this fall with live performances at the San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival (Oct. 2) and an album release show at Sam First in Los Angeles (Oct. 4), followed by appearances in Tijuana, San Jose, San Francisco, and Palo Alto. Armando Mi Conga stands as a testament to a lifetime of musical mastery, passion, and devotion to the Afro-Cuban jazz tradition.

Fillies Finazz: Philadelphia’s Finest Voices Unite on Singing For Tomorrow

Four supremely talented vocalists—Lorna Young, sisters Alicia and Denise Amaro, and Sandra Gail Brown—all come from musical families and grew up singing in church from an early age. Together they form Fillies Finazz, a group that truly lives up to their name as Philly’s finest.

Lorna Young, the visionary behind the project, knew she had something special the moment she assembled this cast of seasoned vocalists. With the Amaro sisters’ impeccable blood harmony paired with the diverse stylings of Young and Brown, Fillies Finazz represent a vocal quartet performing at the very top of their game.

Sandra Gail Brown brings a wealth of experience, having joined the group Sassafras right out of high school. With her sister Vera Brown and close friend Carlstein Levere, the group recorded an album for the H&L label and shared the stage with legends like B.B. King and Ray Charles. After Vera Brown became lead singer of the world-famous Ritchie Family, Sandra toured internationally as a background vocalist with both the Ritchie Family and The Village People, performing across the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, Bavaria, Holland, and beyond.

The Amaro sisters have left their mark throughout the tri-state area, including performances at the prestigious Uptown Theater. Alicia Amaro has distinguished herself not only as a powerhouse singer but also as a sought-after choreographer and vocal coach, working with numerous Philadelphia artists.

Lorna Young, who gained early confidence as a performer when she joined Ultimate Experience as a teenager, has shared the stage with many notable artists over the years. Now she feels she has finally found the perfect blend of voices and personalities in Fillies Finazz.

The group’s collaboration with famed producer Butch Ingram of Society Hill Records solidified their path forward. Early singles received glowing reviews from DJs and industry professionals around the globe, paving the way for their acclaimed full-length album Singing For Tomorrow. Celebrated on both sides of the Atlantic, the project further confirmed the quartet’s artistry and power.

As a gift to “Steppers” everywhere, one of the standout tracks from the album, “So I Can Love You,” has been newly mixed and released as a special single—showcasing once more the vocal brilliance of Fillies Finazz.

Dino Saluzzi at 90: El Viejo Caminante Brings Together Bandoneon, Family, and New Voices

Two guitars gently envelop the evocative bandoneon of Dino Saluzzi on El Viejo Caminante (The Old Wanderer), a recording that brings together generations and traditions. Here, the Argentinean father-and-son team of Dino and José María Saluzzi are joined by Norwegian guitarist Jacob Young, creating an album of musical depth and lyrical charm.

“It fills me with joy,” says Dino Saluzzi, who turned 90 in May, celebrating the sonic blend of José on classical guitar and Jacob alternating between Telecaster and acoustic steel-string. “Jacob and José are very good together. They have different sounds, different visions, but when it comes to the artistic output there is something beautiful happening.” Dino, whose artistry has always transcended borders, continues to seek new ideas and collaborations: “I always strive to make contact with new ideas outside my normal element, searching for potential for both musical and human growth.”

The association flowered after Jacob Young and José Saluzzi performed duo concerts in Argentina in 2022. Dino, present in the Buenos Aires audience, proposed a trio recording the following year. Honored to collaborate with the master bandoneonist, Young also contributed original compositions, including “Dino Is Here,” a tribute that bends toward tango’s elastic rhythms and chamber-like atmospheres.

Dino revisits his own legacy with new interpretations of earlier works, including “Tiempos de ausencias” from his 1986 collaboration Volver with Enrico Rava, and “Y amo a su hermano,” once performed with Charlie Mariano and Wolfgang Dauner. The title track, “El Viejo Caminante,” though evocative of Dino himself, is in fact a vintage piece—one of his vivid musical portraits performed here as a solo meditation.

The repertoire reaches beyond tango and Argentinean folk traditions into jazz standards such as “Someday My Prince Will Come” and “My One and Only Love,” alongside “Northern Sun,” a composition by Karin Krog. José Saluzzi adds “La Ciudad de los Aires Buenos,” which functions like an overture, drawing listeners into the album’s sound-world, while Dino’s “Buenos Aires 1950” conjures youthful memories of playing in the Orquesta de Radio El Mundo.

For Dino, the bandoneon remains an endless companion: “This instrument has been with me for years. Sometimes it makes me cry, sometimes it speaks to me, but it never finishes telling me everything.” In this recording, the voices of two guitars intertwine with the bandoneon, embellishing fragments of memory while opening new spaces for exploration.

Recorded at Saluzzi Music Studio in Buenos Aires in April 2023, El Viejo Caminante stands as both a reflection on a long and storied life in music and a forward-looking collaboration, uniting tradition and innovation with warmth, intimacy, and humanity.

---

Isaiah Collier & Tim Regis Announce Vinyl-Only Duo Release Live in the Listening Room

Critically acclaimed saxophonist, composer, and activist Isaiah Collier has teamed up with rising drummer Tim Regis for a bold new vinyl-only EP, Live in the Listening Room, in partnership with The Vinyl Factory. The limited edition release—strictly capped at 500 pressings—is available for pre-order now and will begin shipping on September 24, 2025.

The recording took place on January 30, 2025 inside Devon Turnbull’s (OJAS) Hi-Fi Listening Room Dream No.1 at 180 Studios in London. The session was fully improvised, capturing a one-time-only performance that merges Collier’s visionary saxophone approach with Regis’ explosive yet nuanced drumming.

The collaboration came to life through Collier’s producer and manager, Sonny Daze (Division 81 Records), who connected the musicians with Turnbull after a conversation about bespoke sound systems and sonic design. The three first met at Turnbull’s home in 2021, where a listening session revealed a mutual thread—Collier had performed on Kahil El’Zabar’s A Time for Healing, a record Turnbull admired deeply. That meeting sparked a series of performances in OJAS Listening Rooms across Brooklyn, San Francisco, Chelsea, and eventually London, culminating in this recording.

Live in the Listening Room spans three tracks across two sides. Side A opens with “Pacing (Devon’s Room)”, a fiery performance showcasing Collier’s commanding tone and Regis’ relentless drive, inspired by the duo’s urgency to dive straight into the unknown. Side B begins with “2nd Genesis”, a textured journey that unfolds from Regis’ mysterious drum solo into Collier’s motifs and effects, escalating into a powerful yet unhurried climax. The album closes with “Den of Iniquity (Orange Satan) (Beelzebub)”, a hypnotic layering of sax loops, effects, and bullhorn, building into a fierce, unrestrained conclusion.

Collier describes the album as “a conversation between two kindred spirits in the multiverse of sound, where inspiration and discord push us into new directions.” Regis adds, “This album is a dialogue in rhythm and breath. Nothing was planned, yet everything was intentional.”

The performance was recorded direct-to-tape by Jamie Harley, with Daze applying live space echo reminiscent of classic recordings by Lee “Scratch” Perry and Curtis Mayfield. The result is an organic, unfiltered snapshot of creativity—both raw and expansive.

Collier and Regis first crossed paths in New York City in 2020, sharing regular practice sessions during the pandemic. Over time, Collier invited Regis to join his Chosen Few quartet, drawn to his unique drumming style. “He’s the only person I’ve seen use a double pedal in a way that works across duo, experimental, and straight-ahead settings,” Collier notes.

With Live in the Listening Room, the duo presents not only a document of improvisational brilliance, but also a rare artifact available exclusively on vinyl.

Raphaël Pannier Bridges Jazz and Sabar Traditions on Live in Saint Louis, Senegal with Master Drummer Khadim Niang,

French drummer-composer Raphaël Pannier and Senegalese master drummer Khadim Niang unite for a groundbreaking collaboration on Live in Saint Louis, Senegal, arriving November 7, 2025 on Miguel Zenón’s Miel Music. The historic live recording captures the first-ever fusion of modern jazz and Senegal’s deep-rooted sabar tradition, performed at the Saint Louis International Jazz Festival in May 2024.

Pannier’s quartet—featuring Cuban saxophonist Yosvany Terry, pianist Thomas Enhco, and bassist François Moutin—shared the stage with Niang and an eight-piece sabar ensemble in an unprecedented cultural exchange. The result: an electrifying set of original compositions, reimagined jazz standards, and deeply spiritual works that bridge continents, histories, and traditions.

The collaboration pays homage to sabar legend Doudou N’Diaye Rose, a UNESCO-recognized “living human treasure” whose artistry shaped generations of musicians and inspired Pannier from childhood. Niang, a former member of N’Diaye Rose’s ensemble, became Pannier’s partner in realizing a lifelong dream of merging jazz with sabar’s rhythmic and cultural language.

Tracks include original compositions like “Xalat Bou Set” (The Holy Spirit), “Hommage à Doudou N’Diaye Rose,” and “Sine Saloum,” alongside reimagined interpretations of Ornette Coleman’s “Lonely Woman”, John Coltrane’s “Naima”, and Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five.” The latter, at Niang’s request, introduced odd meter to his sabar ensemble—offering a joyful challenge to musicians whose rhythms are inherently tied to dance.

“This experience totally changed my vision,” says Pannier. “In Senegal, the border between life and art barely exists. Working with Khadim and the sabar tradition pushed me to see music in a more complete way.”

Live in Saint Louis, Senegal is both a landmark for cross-cultural collaboration and a vibrant new chapter in jazz’s global dialogue.

Raphaël Pannier Quartet / Khadim Niang & Sabar Group
Live in Saint Louis, Senegal
Miel Music – Recorded May 15 & 19, 2024
Release Date: November 7, 2025
raphaelpannier.com | raphaelpannier.bandcamp.com

Mauricio Morales and Adam Hersh Announce Collaborative Album Between Dreams & Twilight,

Bassist Mauricio Morales and pianist Adam Hersh, two rising voices redefining the creative jazz scene in Los Angeles, join forces for their first collaborative album, Between Dreams & Twilight, releasing November 14, 2025.

The project showcases nine original compositions—three written by Morales, three by Hersh, and three co-written—balancing intricate modern jazz composition with heartfelt storytelling. Morales and Hersh are joined by an impressive ensemble featuring vibraphonist Warren Wolf, guitarist Mike Moreno, drummer Gary Novak, and the Los Angeles-based Rogue Lemon String Quartet.

The two musicians first connected in 2021 at a performance in downtown L.A. and quickly discovered a natural creative synergy. “The music was just flowing,” Morales recalls. “Our ideas complemented each other smoothly. It reached the point where we both knew we had to do something.”

The album’s concept reflects the balance of ambition and uncertainty in an artist’s journey. “Twilight symbolizes the uncertainty within our journey in this field—financial or emotional hardships that can bring you down if you don’t have the fortitude to keep going,” explains Morales. “The dreams are why you push forward…unpredictable and scary, but also exciting.” Hersh adds, “This project represents a bigger scale than either of us has done before. The space between dreams and twilight—it’s the emergence of our careers.”

Highlights include the Shorter-inspired “Low Life,” the string-led “Where the Olive Trees Wither,” the cosmic soundscape of “Cosmic River,” and the moving tribute “Retratos De Vida Interrumpida,” honoring Morales’ late uncle.

Between Dreams & Twilight signals the dawn of an exciting new partnership between two inventive musicians at the forefront of contemporary jazz.

Mauricio Morales & Adam Hersh – Between Dreams & Twilight
Release Date: November 14, 2025

Darryl Alexander Announces Inspiring New Contemporary Jazz Single “Rise Up” – Out September 26, 2025

Contemporary jazz artist Darryl Alexander will release his uplifting new single “Rise Up” on September 26, 2025, ahead of his forthcoming full-length album set for January 2026. The track follows the success of his recent single “Seen It Before,” which charted on the SmoothJazz.com Top 100 Streaming and Radar Charts (#38) and earned a spot on the RadioWave Groove Jazz “Most Added” Chart.

Expanding on the soulful foundation of “Seen It Before,” “Rise Up” introduces celebrated saxophonist Kenny Blake into Alexander’s ensemble, which also features Pete Tokar on acoustic piano and Rhodes, Wilbur Krebs on bass and rhythm guitar, and Alexander himself on drums, percussion, and keyboards. Together, they craft a richly textured soundscape blending groove, sophistication, and heartfelt emotion—aimed at resonating with both jazz radio and listeners worldwide.

“The song title can mean different things to different people, depending on where each of us are at in our daily lives,” shares Alexander. “For me, it’s a moment of reflection—that as we rise up to start a new day, we have the choice to speak words of encouragement, healing, and empowerment to ourselves and others, or words of destruction and harm. It’s also a reminder of the danger of apathy, of allowing things to take place that should not be occurring.”

Credits

• Darryl Alexander – Drums, Keyboards, Percussion

• Kenny Blake – Alto & Tenor Saxophone

• Pete Tokar – Piano, Rhodes

• Wilbur Krebs – Bass Guitar, Rhythm Guitar

• Recording & Mixing Engineer – Pete Tokar

Fans and industry professionals can preview the single and access Alexander’s EPK, including a one-sheet, at:
🎧 Soundcloud Link
🌐 www.darrylalexander.com

With “Rise Up,” Darryl Alexander continues to build on his reputation as a dynamic force in contemporary jazz, offering music that uplifts, inspires, and connects deeply with audiences.

Jeff “Mr. Trombone” Bradshaw Takes Flight With The Cure

Visionary trombonist and soul-jazz innovator Jeff “Mr. Trombone” Bradshaw will release his highly anticipated sixth studio album, The Cure, on September 12 via Music Matters/SRG Jazz. The 10-track collection features an all-star lineup including GRAMMY® winners Anthony Hamilton, Dave Hollister, Jeff Lorber, and more. The Cure will be available worldwide on all streaming platforms this Friday.

Bradshaw, an NAACP Image Award nominee, arrives on a wave of momentum following the summer’s hottest viral music moment: serenading an airplane full of stranded passengers during a long flight delay while on tour with Summer Horns. The uplifting clip was covered nationally, including by Good Morning America, capturing hearts and reinforcing Bradshaw’s mission of healing through music.

“The world today has a disease of heated division and negative discourse. We need a cure. God’s love through music is The Cure,” Bradshaw says.

The album includes the standout single “Nothing Else Matters,” written and produced by Vidal Davis with contributions from Anthony Hamilton and Jarius Mozee. “Anthony decided to write a song that celebrated the special someone in your life,” Bradshaw explains. “It was time for us to make some powerful music together.”

Taking a short break from feature spots with Dave Koz and the Summer Horns, Bradshaw will also join Patti LaBelle this fall on The Queens Tour. “I loved making this album. It’s got some familiar grooves along with sophisticated sounds that I know will appeal to both old and new fans. Each song sets a certain mood—that’s why it’s The Cure for whatever ails ya,” Bradshaw shares.

Catch Jeff Bradshaw landing in a city near you:

September 13 – Wetumpka, AL (PLB)
September 14 – St. Louis, MO (PLB)
September 16 – Norfolk, VA (PLB)
September 19 – Greensboro, NC (PLB)
September 20 – Atlanta, GA (PLB)
September 21 – Memphis, TN (PLB)
September 25 – Newark, NJ (PLB)
September 27 – Milwaukee, WI (PLB)
September 28 – Detroit, MI (PLB)
October 3 – Washington, DC (PLB)
October 4 – Atlantic City, NJ (PLB)
October 5 – Cleveland, OH (PLB)
October 12 – Washington, DC (JBS)
November 1 – Las Vegas, NV (PLB)
November 7–9 – Glendale, AZ (JBS)
November 14 – Joliet, IL (PLB)
November 15 – Mount Pleasant, MI (PLB)
November 16 – Oakland, CA (JBS)
November 18 – Charlotte, NC (JBS)
November 20 – Atlanta, GA (JBS)
November 26 – London, UK (JBS)
November 28 – Reading, UK (JBS)
December 19–21 – Philadelphia, PA (JBS)

As a visionary soul-jazz and hip-hop/funk innovator, Jeff Bradshaw has been instrumental in shaping the Neo-Soul movement that blossomed out of Philadelphia. His groundbreaking collaborations span icons such as Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Kirk Franklin, Tyler Perry, Floetry, Dave Chappelle, Common, Patti LaBelle, and Jill Scott. Across six solo albums, Bradshaw has fused R&B, Smooth Jazz, Gospel, and Funk, establishing himself as a force who redefined the role of the trombone in contemporary music.

Baltimore Jazz Collective Honors City’s Legacy With Powerful Self-Titled Debut Album

The Baltimore Jazz Collective, a powerhouse ensemble of top-tier artists, will release its self-titled debut album on September 12 via Stricker Street Records. Supported by the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University, the group brings together some of the most dynamic and respected voices in today’s jazz: trumpeter Sean Jones, bass clarinetist Todd Marcus, pianist Alex Brown, bassist Kris Funn, drummer Quincy Phillips, and singer, tap dancer, and interdisciplinary artist Brinae Ali.

Formed in 2019, the Collective is a celebration of Baltimore’s rich cultural legacy and creative spirit. Overflowing with swing, blues, and bold storytelling, the album features original works and striking arrangements from each member, painting vivid portraits of the city’s triumphs, struggles, and icons — from Eubie Blake and Baby Laurence to Gary Bartz and Baltimore Club pioneer Rod Lee.

“Musically, Baltimore is one of the most soulful cities, and you can’t really put the scene in a box,” says Jones, who also serves as the Richard and Elizabeth Case Chair of Jazz Studies at Peabody. “Musicians here perform at the highest level. It’s really a one-of-a-kind place.”

The music reflects that ethos. Phillips’ arrangement of Cyrus Chestnut’s “Minor Swing” opens the album with a gospel-soaked pocket, while his own “Intercession” feels like a lost Blue Note gem. Brown’s three-part “Red-Lined” channels the spiritual urgency of hard bop, exploring Baltimore’s history of redlining and its unfulfilled promise of public transit. Funn’s contributions, including “Watermelon” and an inventive jazz take on Rod Lee’s “Dance My Pain Away,” root the album in the lived experiences of West Baltimore.

Marcus honors his influences with “Link to Lateef” and a medley of Gary Bartz compositions, while Ali reimagines Sisqó’s “Thong Song” as a commentary on exploitation, alongside “For Baby,” her tap-infused tribute to legendary dancer Baby Laurence. Jones contributes a luminous arrangement of Eubie Blake’s “Memories of You” and his own “Fleeting Stillness,” highlighting the group’s depth and emotional range.

The Baltimore Jazz Collective is more than a band — it is a statement about community, artistry, and the role of music in reflecting and shaping city life. “Baltimore’s jazz scene has always been steeped in the blues, a groove, and a feeling,” says Funn. “Performances are interactive experiences, where the artist and the audience are equally essential.”

With this debut, the Collective not only honors Baltimore’s past but also asserts its place as a driving force in the present. As Ali sums it up: “Baltimore is one of America’s epicenters for creativity and culture — without a doubt.”

Baltimore Jazz Collective arrives September 12 on Stricker Street Records.