Improvisation Comes Alive: The Spontaneous Jam Session at pinkFROG Café Inspires New Live Album

Where the Audience Shapes the Music: Inside Brooklyn’s Most Inventive Jam Session

Every Sunday night at pinkFROG café in Brooklyn, something extraordinary happens. Musicians and music lovers alike gather not for a typical jam session, but for The Spontaneous Jam Session—a fully improvised musical experience where the audience is part of the creative process. Co-hosted by bassist Marcelo Maccagnan and drummer/MC Maxime Cholley, this event invites the public to submit prompts—anything from a feeling to a story or a random phrase—which become the seeds of spontaneous musical compositions, performed and created in real time.

Now, this one-of-a-kind event has inspired a new live album, a direct reflection of the energy, risk-taking, and collaborative spirit that defines The Spontaneous Jam Session.

The Album: A Sonic Snapshot of a Singular Night

Recorded entirely live without rehearsals, second takes, or prewritten material, the album features five compositions born from five audience prompts:

• A Few More Warm Days

• Echo Park Rising

• Real World Human Convention

• One Part Martyr One Part Fool

• Staring Up at the Moon

Each track was composed in the moment, with titles assigned only after the performances, capturing the spirit and essence that emerged from the collective improvisation.

The musicians—Simona Smirnova (vocals), Yotam Ishay (keyboard/piano), Andrew Cheng (guitar), Andrew Denicola (saxophone), Marcelo Maccagnan (bass), Maxime Cholley (drums), and special guest Sandra Kluge (tap percussion)—responded to audience ideas with a dynamic blend of jazz, world music, and experimental textures. The result is a series of immersive, evolving soundscapes that challenge genre boundaries and highlight the vitality of live improvisation.

An Audience-Centered Creative Process

Unlike traditional performance settings, The Spontaneous Jam Session positions the audience not just as listeners but as co-creators. Their ideas are the catalysts for the music, giving each session a unique narrative arc and emotional landscape. This model of real-time co-creation fosters a deep connection between performers and participants, transforming passive consumption into active collaboration.

About the Session and Its Creators

Founded in November 2022, The Spontaneous Jam Session has cultivated a diverse and loyal community. Musicians from jazz, R&B, Indian classical, Middle Eastern, and experimental backgrounds come together to explore the infinite possibilities of sound. The event has become a hub for fearless musical exploration in Brooklyn’s vibrant cultural scene.

Marcelo Maccagnan, a Brazilian bassist known for his genre-blending compositions, brings influences from rock, Brazilian folk, jazz, and electronic music to his work. His latest album Night Tales showcases his commitment to what he calls "Progressive Jazz"—a forward-thinking, deeply expressive style rooted in improvisation.

Maxime Cholley, originally from France, brings a global sensibility and technical brilliance to his role as drummer and co-leader. Having worked with icons like Steve Vai and Tigran Hamasyan, as well as composing music for Meta and producing for rising stars, Maxime is known for his left-handed drum setup, intricate grooves, and genre-defying versatility.

Looking Ahead

As the Spontaneous Jam Session continues to evolve, it remains a vital reminder that music is not just about perfection—it's about presence, risk, and connection. The newly released album stands as both a time capsule and a testament to what can happen when creativity is unchained and shared in real time.

For those seeking music that surprises, challenges, and resonates, this is not just an album—it’s an invitation. And it all started on a Sunday night in Brooklyn, where the next great composition could be sparked by a single thought shared over coffee.

Armageddon Flower: Perelman, Shipp, Maneri & Parker Reunite for a Transcendent Jazz Odyssey on TAO Forms

Armageddon Flower is an album that has been a long time coming. The players, tenor saxophonist Ivo Perelman, pianist Matthew Shipp, violist Mat Maneri, and bassist William Parker, have worked together in various configurations going on 30 years (and even longer for Shipp and Parker). All four players have worked in drummer-less chamber settings, as well as units with the most significant drummers of our age. Each is a relentless searcher unpacking new ways of exemplifying tradition, language, physics, material, and energy in this art form, both as soloists and within broader collective, creative action.

Armageddon Flower takes the Perelman-Shipp axis as a starting point – since January 1996 the pair have recorded 46 albums together in duo and small group settings. A fair amount of the Perelman-Shipp groups have eschewed percussion, and one, A Violent Dose of Anything, augments the core duo with Maneri’s viola, a step in the direction of the present combination. But as Shipp is careful to point out, “there’s only one Matthew Shipp String Trio.”  Ivo Perelman’s copious studio dates – beginning in 1989 with his self-titled Ivo – are a continual refinement and study in process whether or not they share personnel, and countless gems reside in his vast body of work. The Perelman-Shipp duos are an even more distilled thread of that canvas, notches and progressions that birth constellations in sound and movement, ever refining the conversation.

Parallel to the emergence of Perelman-Shipp in the mid-90s was the Matthew Shipp String Trio (with Maneri & Parker), which struck out on a path to redefine “Third Stream” chamber jazz via two very well-received Hat Hut CDs, By the Law of Music (1997) and Expansion, Power, Release (2001). Though the String Trio was a crucial component of Shipp’s arc and set him apart from the post-Coltrane/post-Ayler musical continuum he occupied in the venerated David S. Ware Quartet, this unit became dormant until the 2019 RogueArt release Symbolic Reality and a subsequent Vision Festival performance. Eighteen years later, group dynamics and dialects had morphed, resulting in a set of somewhat more sprawling pieces that reconfigured the turn-on-a-dime energy of their earlier iteration. Even if the String Trio is a more texturally expansive gambit now than twenty years ago, it builds on personal history, and that is a large part of what also drives Armageddon Flower. For Shipp, “William and Mat are as close to my natural soul brothers as you can get––and by soul I don’t mean Black, I mean the soul. Ivo is another layer of that same soul.”

Given their extensive work together, one might think that Shipp and Perelman are symbiotically joined but that would be an incomplete view––their outlooks on the creative gene or impulse are complementary, interwoven, and foundational within the linguistic matrix of jazz as it continues to develop. Shipp plays a chordal instrument spinning out from Ellington, Mal Waldron, Sal Mosca, Webern, and the Whitmanesque tessellations of his energy/electricity; Perelman’s tenor saxophone, not being chordal, has a slightly different role to play in this unification, creating highlights of line and gesture as well as shapes that impact the music’s speed and density. Perelman observes that, “When I am playing saxophone I am actually singing, and with Mat Maneri, when we meet it’s like sparks fly. He's a singer playing the viola; he’s not seduced by the bow or the idiosyncrasies of fingering or what the strings can do, he just wants to sing his own life. Matthew, Mat and William all know that what we are trying to represent as musicians is the vocal quality of the human body, of the human species.” 

This is fundamentally a group music; while there are sections of duo and trio interaction, the onus is on a four-way conversation in which parallel streams become oceans of sound, only to be distilled into isolated rivulets once again. There is no dominant voice, though this music is billed both to the saxophonist and one of Shipp’s cornerstone units. The dedifferentiated field of piano, viola, and contrabass is not a carpet over which Perelman soars, nor are breathy ululations and altissimo exhortations mere accents on the String Trio’s bulwark. Without a drummer but with forward motion and bounce, the music on Armageddon Flower is sublimely striking and operates in continuous flow of both impulsion and idea. Shipp offers, “The music took over and we’re all in a realm of accomplishment where we don’t have anything to prove and there’s nothing to prove on this album. It’s all really just letting the gestalt of the group take over and shape the music.”

There is an incredible amount to unpack in the four collective pieces that make up this work. The music barely seems possible in its level of instrumental mastery and rich, emotional reality, and in fact begs the question of what it is exactly. These four musicians have spent decades together in various capacities so their language is on one level honed. What’s surprising is that entirely new pathways are exploding into view, 28 years and 46 albums after Perelman and Shipp first began working together. It’s unquestionable that this is music of necessity, of striving, and of possibility. Perelman had this to say about the album’s title and what these four musicians share:

“Listening to this music is akin to reading the Book of Revelations in the Bible. I called it Armageddon Flower as an attempt to instill some hope amidst the hysteria of the times and contemplating our own extinction as a human species. This music has drama but also has the light of being saved, of the savior, whoever or whatever that is.”

Dana and Alden Announce New Album Speedo Out June 27 via Concord Jazz + Drop Infectious Lead Single “Don’t Run Away”

If you’ve been following the creative evolution of Dana and Alden McWayne — the sibling duo behind some of the most joyfully genre-defying sounds to come out of Eugene, Oregon — get ready for their boldest leap yet. Their upcoming album, Speedo, arrives June 27th via Concord Jazz, marking their debut on the label and a thrilling new chapter in their musical story.

WATCH “Don’t Run Away” → YouTube

A New Era Begins with Speedo

Recorded over two wild, rainy weeks in Lisbon with genre-blending producer and multi-instrumentalist Charif Megarbane, Speedo is far more than a jazz album. It’s a genre-colliding, synth-soaked sound collage that fuses jazz with funk, indie rock, disco, hip-hop, and more. Think cosmic grooves and analog experiments woven with personal storytelling and political fire.

Dana and Alden describe this album as an intentional step into unfamiliar territory — guided by curiosity, collaboration, and a refusal to be boxed in. “Making music as a political weapon is one of our main motivations,” Dana says, nodding to the album’s opening track “Norm,” written in honor of Palestinian rights scholar and activist Norman Finkelstein.

Lead Single “Don’t Run Away”

The first single, Don’t Run Away, is already making waves. A shimmering, synth-driven dance anthem that builds from emotional tension to euphoric release, the track features viral UK personalities MrBruv and Faye. Shot while on tour, the accompanying video captures the duo’s playful spirit and honest connection to their fans. It's a shimmering blend of vulnerability, disco beats, and cinematic flair.

The Backstory

From their early beginnings with the 2021 debut EP Brothers to 2023’s Quiet Music For Young People and Coyote, You’re My Star, Dana and Alden have always made music that feels personal and communal all at once. Whether it’s singing about Trader Joe’s runs with Cinya Khan or layering textures with their eclectic backing band (Andrew Mitchell, Ebba Dankel, Eli Torgersen, and Salim Charvet), this is a group that thrives on authenticity.

European Tour Kicks Off in July

To celebrate Speedo, Dana and Alden are heading to Europe for a string of headline dates and major jazz festivals. Here’s where you can catch them live this summer:

Dana and Alden – Summer 2025 European Tour

• July 7 – Paris, France @ PopUp!

• July 8 – London, UK @ Jazz Cafe

• July 10 – Cologne, Germany @ Artheater

• July 11 – Rotterdam, Netherlands @ North Sea Jazz Festival

• July 13 – Ghent, Belgium @ Gent Jazz

• July 15 – Montreux, Switzerland @ Montreux Jazz Festival

• July 16 – Frankfurt, Germany @ Zoom

• July 18 – Pori, Finland @ Pori Jazz Festival

• July 19 – Molde, Norway @ Molde Jazz Festival

• July 21 – Gothenburg, Sweden @ Skeppet GBG

• July 22 – Stockholm, Sweden @ Kollektivet Livet

• July 24 – Hamburg, Germany @ Hebebühne

• July 25 – Berlin, Germany @ Kantine am Berghain

• July 26 – Heidelberg, Germany @ Metropolink Festival

Speedo – Full Tracklist

1. Norm

2. Lisbon in Rain

3. Melange

4. Don’t Run Away

5. Fisherman’s Dream

6. Wyckoff Deli Chicken Over Rice

7. Childhood Crush

8. Obsidian

9. Leila

10. Super Beaver Full Moon Love Song

11. Rick Pablo

12. Daydrinking in Springfield

13. Kelp Forest Palace

14. Charif’s Theme

15. Why Do You Even Talk to Me

16. Cacio e Pepe

17. Speedo

18. Baby, You’re Gonna Miss That Plane

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their unique blend of DIY ethos, genre-shifting sounds, and community-driven spirit — Speedo is a must-listen release this summer. Pre-save it, share the single, and catch Dana and Alden on tour for what promises to be a memorable run of shows across Europe.

French Guitarist Guillaume Muller Announces New Solo Album Six Pieces of Horace

French-born, New York City–based jazz guitarist Guillaume Muller is proud to announce the release of his latest album, Six Pieces of Horace — a heartfelt solo guitar tribute to the legendary pianist and composer Horace Silver. Inspired by a deep dive into Silver’s classic 1950s and ’60s recordings.

Conceived during the isolation of the pandemic in 2021, the project began as a personal study of Silver’s discography. Over time, it evolved into a highly intimate solo guitar record. Muller meticulously transcribed and arranged 20–30 of Silver’s compositions before narrowing them down to the six pieces that best represented both Silver’s brilliance and Muller’s evolving musical voice.

“Initially, this wasn’t supposed to be a solo guitar album,” Muller explains. “I was studying Horace’s music, trying to find my own voice through his work. But as I arranged and played through the pieces, it became something much deeper — a fusion of two of my greatest musical loves: solo guitar and the music of Horace Silver.”

Recorded in a New York studio with a live performance approach in mind, Six Pieces of Horace captures the spontaneity and organic flow of Muller’s playing. The result is an honest and personal interpretation of Silver’s music, free of excessive polish, and rich in soul and expression.

The album title and artwork pay homage to Silver’s iconic Six Pieces of Silver, one of Muller’s favorite recordings by the jazz master. Each track on Muller’s record aims to reflect Silver’s spirit while filtered through Muller’s own unique harmonic language and phrasing.

Guillaume Muller is a jazz guitarist and composer whose music blends the bluesy lyricism of hard bop with modern jazz sensibilities. A graduate of Berklee College of Music (B.A. in Composition, 2016) and NYU (M.A. in Jazz Studies, 2019), Muller has earned accolades including the Q.C.A. New Work Grant (2021) and an honorary mention from the International Songwriting Competition (2022). His debut album Sketches of Sound (2019) was met with critical acclaim, with Making A Scene Magazine calling him “a fluid, lyrical guitarist” and Contemporary Fusion Reviews praising his “inventive, jazz guitar mastery.”

Raquel Marina's Debut Album Kind Words Blends Jazz, Folk, and Healing with Grace

Emerging as one of Canada’s most captivating young jazz voices, Raquel Marina is making her official recording debut with Kind Words — an intimate and genre-blending album that offers listeners a journey through emotional vulnerability, healing, and resilience. Set for release on July 18, 2025, Kind Words is a thoughtful collection of original compositions shaped by Raquel’s deep-rooted love of jazz and her admiration for the music of legendary Canadian trumpeter Kenny Wheeler.

A Rising Voice with Depth and Distinction

A vocalist, composer, and bandleader, Raquel Marina is already making waves on the Canadian jazz scene. A graduate of the University of Toronto’s jazz program, Raquel honed her craft under the mentorship of artists such as Laura Swankey, Andrew Downing, and Terry Promane. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in composition at York University under the guidance of Juno-nominated pianist Noam Lemish.

In 2023, she gained well-deserved recognition by winning the JAZZ 4 THE AGES competition hosted by the Niagara Jazz Festival, solidifying her status as a dynamic new voice in Canadian music. In Toronto, she regularly performs at revered venues like Drom Taberna, The Drake Hotel, and Ethica, where she continues to charm audiences with her sincere vocal delivery and inventive musicality.

Kind Words: A Soundtrack of Healing and Personal Growth

Kind Words is more than a debut album — it’s a musical memoir. Raquel draws from personal experiences with family trauma, grief, anxiety, and heartache, offering a heartfelt sonic reflection of her journey toward balance and self-discovery. Influenced by both the expressive lyricism of Kenny Wheeler and the introspective nature of folk music, the album exists in a serene, meditative space — one where jazz tradition and contemporary storytelling meet.

Her band — featuring Kae Murphy on trumpet, Reuven Grajner on piano, Julien Bradley-Combs on guitar, and Chris Adriaanse on bass — brings a collective sensitivity to the project, creating a soundscape that feels both grounded and exploratory. The album also highlights the talents of Alyssa Giammaria, a co-composer and featured vocalist whose contributions deepen the album’s emotional and musical range.

Celebrating the Release

The official album release concert will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 7:30pm at the Canada Music Centre in Toronto. This performance promises to be a powerful and moving experience, showcasing the album’s rich compositions and the expressive chemistry of Raquel’s ensemble.

Available Everywhere

Kind Words will be available on Bandcamp, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, and all major streaming platforms starting July 18. Whether you're a fan of modern jazz, intimate singer-songwriter stylings, or simply seeking music that speaks to the soul, Raquel Marina’s debut is not to be missed.

Sweet William: A Soulful Return from Eric Siereveld’s Organic Quintet

A Bold, Soulful Follow-Up to 2018’s Walk the Walk, Featuring Special Guest Trombonist Steve Davis

Shifting Paradigm Records is proud to announce the release of Sweet William, the long-awaited second album from Eric Siereveld’s Organic Quintet, available July 25, 2025 on vinyl, CD, and digital download. Following the group’s acclaimed 2018 debut Walk the Walk, which featured celebrated guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg, Sweet William finds the ensemble delving deeper into the rich legacy of organ jazz while carving out their own expressive space in the modern jazz landscape.

Led by trumpeter, composer, and educator Eric Siereveld, the Organic Quintet pays homage to the 1960s organ combo tradition while delivering music that is fresh, melodic, and rooted in hard bop sensibilities. Sweet William features six new compositions by Siereveld, one collaborative effort from Siereveld and Steve Davis, and one inventive arrangement, performed by a dynamic new lineup: tenor saxophonist and flutist Bill Todd, guitarist Tony Davis, drummer Carmen Intorre, Jr., and the return of B3 organist Steve Snyder.

Siereveld says, "Sweet William feels like a monumental step forward for me personally and for the Organic Quintet. There's a warmth and richness to the writing on this record that sets it apart from the group's debut—a maturity and depth that feels more personal and open. Of course, it helps to be joined by some of the best musicians in the world to bring these new compositions to life.”

Anchoring the album is legendary trombonist Steve Davis (Art Blakey, Chick Corea, One For All), whose seasoned artistry shines through on six of the album’s eight tracks, adding both warmth and power to the group’s sound.

The album opens with the propulsive groove of “Growl,” a CTI-flavored tribute to Siereveld’s hometown Cincinnati Bengals. From there, the group dexterously navigates the fiery bop of "The Worm Burner," a Bird & Diz-styled rhythm changes tune with a rousing drum shout from Intorre, Jr. The wistful beauty of the title track—an underappreciated ballad by Syd Wayne and Joe Sherman, reimagined in honor of Siereveld’s young son—brought the project into focus for Siereveld, who says, “Becoming a parent changes a person. It creates a perspective that is much more forward-looking—at least that's been my experience. Initially, ‘Sweet William’ was just intended to be this record's ballad and a quiet tribute to my son. But after the tenderness of the arrangement came to life, everyone on the record shared the feeling that it should be the title track. I'm proud of my son, and I'm proud of this album.”

The collaborative “Do the Right Thing” pairs Steve Davis with his son, guitarist Tony Davis, in a stirring intergenerational musical dialogue. The Messengers-style romp "Before They Hear You" pays tribute to Art Blakey’s fierce energy, while "The Git Down!" is a groovy blues shuffle with shades of Thad Jones. "Something Borrowed, Something Blue" elegantly nods to the harmonic language of Horace Silver and Blue Mitchell, and the “dearth” writing style of Benny Golson. The record closes with “The Merlion,” an angular, soul-infused swinger that leaves the listener with a final burst of momentum.

Since the release of Walk the Walk, Eric Siereveld has continued to solidify his presence as a multifaceted force in the jazz world. A Yamaha Performing Artist and nationally recognized jazz educator, Siereveld serves as Associate Professor of Trumpet and Coordinator of Jazz and Commercial Music at the University of Louisiana Monroe, where he holds the prestigious Emy-Lou Biedenharn Endowed Professorship. A veteran of the New York City music scene, his performance credits include Broadway productions (Elf: The Musical, The Addams Family), principal roles with Bronx Opera and the Bronx Orchestra, and appearances with jazz ensembles across the country. He has shared the stage with notable artists such as Frank Sinatra, Jr., Michael Feinstein, Dave Stryker, and The Big Payback, as well as led his own groups throughout New York, the Midwest, and the South.

On Sweet William, Siereveld’s writing is mature but energized, and his trumpet playing is bold, yet warm and lyrical. The Organic Quintet’s interplay is tighter and more nuanced than ever, with each player contributing their distinctive voice to the album’s rich palette. Together, they affirm that organ jazz is alive and thriving—deeply soulful, fiercely swinging, and unmistakably modern.

Sweet William will be available July 25, 2025 via Shifting Paradigm Records on all vinyl, CD, digital download and streaming.

British-Nigerian Vocalist Ola Onabulé and Swiss Guitar Virtuoso Nicolas Meier Announce New Album Proof of Life

British-Nigerian singer-songwriter Ola Onabulé, in collaboration with Swiss guitarist Nicolas Meier, is set to release a new album titled Proof of Life on June 30, 2025.

Proof of Life produced and recorded at Onabulé’s Casa Del Funk Studios, showcases the synergy between the two artists as they explore culturally diverse concepts and themes. Their partnership, which began through a series of livestream performances during the pandemic, has evolved into a collection of ten original songs.

Proof of Life features a blend of Onabulé’s signature songwriting style of polyrhythms and melodies drawn from his African roots with Meier’s love of eastern, world and Jazz themes as well as his expertise with a wide range of stringed instruments. This has resulted in the creation of a work with a rich tapestry of sound that resonates with themes of love, life and philosophies of survival in tumultuous times. The songwriting process was marked by a process of organic collaboration, where both artists contributed ideas and melodies, resulting in a cohesive body of work that captures their individual strengths while exploring creative boundaries were new to both artists.

First single - Rio deJaneiro - On the face of it, ‘Rio de Janeiro’ is a simple song about young love. A sincere declaration of the truest and most abiding affection by a suitor of modest means in the humblest of surroundings! The setting might not be exotic and exciting like, Rio de Janeiro but the declared feelings are real and forever.

Ola Onabulé is also renowned for his remarkable three-and-a-half octave vocal range and collaborative performances with an impressive range of international big bands and symphony orchestras, including The WDR Big Band, The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, The SWR Big Band, The Babelsberg Film Orchestra, HR Big Band, The Liepaja Symphony Orchestra, The Danish Radio Big Band, Latvian Radio Big Band, The Big Band Jazz de Mexico and other Grammy Award-winning ensembles internationally. With twelve albums to his credit, Onabulé has established himself as a versatile artist who seamlessly crosses musical genres, earning worldwide critical acclaim for his impeccable writing and production skills. His last album, Point Less was listed on many international publications as one of the best albums of 2019 including Downbeat Magazine, All About Jazz and Jazz in Europe amongst them. The music from Point Less has since been arranged for Big Band and Symphonic Orchestras and performed in Europe, Mexico and South America.

Nicolas Meier is celebrated for his versatility. He was a featured collaborator in Jeff Beck’s Jeff Beck Group, touring the world with the seminal guitarist twice. Meier is known for his exploration of Eastern, harmonies and melodies which translates into his prodigious mastery of eastern stringed instruments. His work with Turkish Makam and Ayak scales is of particular significance, as is his extensive musical portfolio showcasing his diverse compositional style across many ‘World Music’ genres. His collaboration with Onabulé on Proof of Life represents a unique meeting of minds between two skilled communicators and seasoned performers who share a passion for culturally diverse musical expressions.

Regarding the origins of the project, Onabulé explained, “During the pandemic, I found myself hosting livestream shows from my Casa del Funk Studios. It was at this time that I was introduced to Nicolas Meier. From the moment we started working together, I felt an instant musical synergy. Over the course of about nine live-streamed shows, it became clear that we had something special brewing. Sure, I was impressed by his stint touring with Jeff Beck, but what really caught my attention was Nicolas' prolific work as a composer. As the world began to open up again, I couldn't resist suggesting we collaborate on some new material. So, in late 2021 and early 2022, we finally got together to start this exciting creative journey."

Regarding the compositional process, Ola continued, "The writing sessions were effortlessly enjoyable and immediately very productive. We threw sketches of ideas together with ease and collated the 10 songs that form the basis of the album over 4 or so half-day meetings. Once we decided it a sketch of an idea was a viable option, things generally went one of two ways. With ideas that originated with Nicolas, I would hum into a dictaphone as he played them to me to capture the most organic and instinctive melodic and lyrical responses to the music. In turn, Nicolas would build guitar accompaniments and arrangements around melodies that I had originated. We seemed to find our way to this modus operandi without any pre-emptive discussion or contrivance."

The collaborative process between Onabulé and Meier was characterized by a dynamic and organic approach to music creation. Onabulé developed initial demos with drum, double bass, and keyboard parts, which Meier would then enhance with guitar arrangements. They would meet to refine arrangement details, discussing tempos, song structure and potential modulations. Onabulé innovated his lyric-writing technique by using a stream-of-consciousness approach, recording vocals directly in the control room and making immediate edits. The initial programmed demo tracks were ultimately replaced by live studio recordings, preserving the most inspired and spontaneous musical moments.

Ola Onabulé's multifaceted role in the creation of Proof of Life sets him apart in the genre. As producer, co-composer, vocalist and recording engineer, Onabulé demonstrates a rare level of creative control and technical expertise. This hands-on approach allowed Onabulé to capture spontaneous moments of inspiration while maintaining the highest sound quality.

Nicolas Meier played a crucial role as co-composer and performer on Proof of Life, contributing his exceptional guitar skills and diverse musical influences to the project. His ability to enhance the emotional depth of each track through intricate guitar accompaniments showcases his versatility and artistry, making him an integral part of this innovative musical partnership.

Mixed and mastered by renowned US engineer/musician/keyboardist, George Whitty, this album is a testament to Onabulé’s production quality and songwriting ability. As they prepare for an international tour as a quartet/quintet in 2025/26, Proof of Life promises to offer audiences a captivating live experience that highlights the unique musical dialogue between these two accomplished artists.

Reggae/Ska Guitar Legend Ernest Ranglin Legacy Box Set Kickstarter Launches

Legendary Jamaican guitarist Ernest Ranglin, the architect of ska, reggae, and Jamaican jazz guitar, is set to launch a historic Kickstarter campaign on May 19, 2025, to fund an expansive box set anthology celebrating his unparalleled musical legacy. This crowdfunded project invites fans and music lovers worldwide to help preserve the story of one of the most influential yet under-recognized figures in world music history.

A Farewell in Ernest: The Box Set Project

After over seven decades of shaping Jamaican music's sound, Ranglin, now 92, is embarking on his final chapter – dialing down his live performances and ensuring his contributions are correctly documented and celebrated.

The box set, meticulously curated by Ranglin and producer Anthony Mindel, will feature:

• Five 180g vinyl LPs spanning early ska hits, reggae classics, collaborations, and rare vault tracks, or four CDs including newly re-licensed and remastered versions of his earliest albums

• A 60-minute pirate radio mixtape recreating the golden era of Jamaican music

• A 50-page musical scrapbook with archival photos, essays, liner notes, and scores

• New recordings with special guests, showcasing Ranglin’s ongoing creativity

A Life That Shaped Music

Ernest Ranglin is a globally celebrated guitarist, arranger, and composer whose innovative style shaped the evolution of ska, reggae, and Jamaican jazz. Over his seven-decade career, he has worked with icons across genres, earning accolades including Jamaica’s Order of Distinction, induction into the Jamaican Music Hall of Fame, and an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies.

Ernest Ranglin’s influence reverberates through the music of Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Toots and the Maytals, and countless others. He was the arranger behind the first global Jamaican hit, Millie Small’s “My Boy Lollipop”, played on Marley’s first hit, “It Hurts to Be Alone”, and invented the guitar style that defined ska and reggae.

His pioneering work inspired generations of artists worldwide, from The Specials and The Clash to No Doubt and Sublime. Ranglin continues to inspire musicians and fans worldwide with his artistry and vision.

Quotes from Ernest Ranglin and Anthony Mindel

Reflecting on this milestone, Ernest Ranglin shares:
“Music has always been my way of sharing love and unity with the world. This project means so much to me because it brings together all the chapters of my journey and gives thanks to everyone who helped shape the sound of Jamaica. I hope it inspires the next generation to keep the music alive and progressing.”

Anthony Mindel, producer of the box set, adds:
“Ernest’s story is the story of origins and development of Jamaican music from the 50s to the present, that has influenced countless ska, reggae, and jazz artists worldwide. This box set is not just a tribute, it’s a long-overdue recognition of his genius, his generosity, and his global impact. We’re thrilled to invite fans everywhere to be part of this historic celebration.”

How to Support

The Kickstarter campaign launches May 19, at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ranglin/ernest-ranglin-legacy, and will run through June 19. Ranglin’s 93rd birthday is July 19, 2025.

Supporters can pledge for digital and physical editions of the box set, exclusive signed memorabilia, limited edition posters, private guitar lessons, other once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and more.

Every pledge helps secure Ranglin’s rightful place in music history and ensures his story is told for generations to come.

A Call to Action

Join us in honoring the legacy of a true musical pioneer. Visit the Kickstarter page on May 19 to support the campaign, share the news, and help preserve the roots of ska, reggae, and Jamaican jazz for future generations.

Shades of Sound – A Vivid Tribute to Gil Evans' Legacy

In a world saturated with musical tributes and live recordings, few manage to capture the brilliance, intensity, and sophistication of the original composer quite like Shades of Sound: Ryan Truesdell Presents the Gil Evans Project Live at Jazz Standard Vol. 2. This remarkable album is not just a nostalgic throwback—it's a masterfully curated experience that reintroduces the genius of Gil Evans to a contemporary audience, recorded live at one of New York City’s most iconic jazz venues.

Who Was Gil Evans?

Gil Evans was a revolutionary figure in modern jazz—a composer, arranger, and pianist who was perhaps best known for his legendary collaborations with Miles Davis, including Miles Ahead, Sketches of Spain, and Porgy and Bess. Evans had a unique approach to orchestration that blended jazz with classical elements, rock, and even Brazilian music. His legacy is expansive, challenging genre boundaries and paving the way for generations of big band and orchestral jazz.

Ryan Truesdell: The Torchbearer

Grammy-nominated producer, composer, and conductor Ryan Truesdell has long been an advocate for preserving and expanding Gil Evans' legacy. Through his Gil Evans Project, Truesdell has unearthed and revived many of Evans’ lesser-known works, giving them new life on the modern jazz stage. Volume 2 of the live recording at the Jazz Standard continues this mission with fervor, artistry, and reverence.

A Feast for the Ears—and Eyes

The album cover for Shades of Sound is as evocative as the music it represents. Bold, almost theatrical typography meets a dreamy, kaleidoscopic burst of colored lights floating across a deep black background—suggesting both the improvisational spontaneity of live jazz and the layered complexity of Evans' arrangements. The upward-reaching hands at the bottom hint at both performance and transcendence—a visual metaphor for the act of catching or releasing sound into the ether.

The Music: Dynamic and Diverse

While the exact tracklist may not be available from the cover alone, listeners familiar with the Gil Evans Project can expect:

• Previously unrecorded or rarely performed Evans compositions

• Meticulously reconstructed charts from original manuscripts

• Breathtaking solos from some of today's leading jazz musicians

• Lush, cinematic arrangements that highlight Evans’ harmonic genius

Why This Album Matters

In an era when digital streaming often dilutes the immersive experience of jazz, Shades of Sound reminds us of the transformative power of live music. It doesn’t just revisit the past; it reclaims it with passion and precision. Truesdell and his ensemble don’t imitate Evans—they illuminate him.

This album is not just for jazz purists or historians. It's for anyone who appreciates artistry, innovation, and the enduring power of sound to transcend time and space.

---

Recommended If You Like:

• Miles Davis’ orchestral recordings

• Maria Schneider Orchestra

• Charles Mingus

• Wynton Marsalis’ big band work

The Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra Swings Into New Territory with Mixed Bag

A milestone nearly 20 years in the making, the Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra returns with its most spirited and stylistically diverse recording to date. Mixed Bag, out May 23, 2025 via Summit Records, showcases the band’s signature blend of classic big band swagger and modern jazz innovation, all brought to life by a roster of elite NYC musicians — with a special guest appearance by Grammy-winning pianist Bill Charlap.

The album’s title perfectly captures its eclectic range. From lush ballads and simmering bossa novas to raucous swing and adventurous 12-tone writing, Mixed Bag presents a full spectrum of moods and approaches, unified by McGuinness’ deep experience and vibrant imagination as both a composer and vocalist.

“Variety has always been the spice of life,” says McGuinness. “I don’t like being pigeonholed into one musical bag — and this album really reflects that.”

A Band with History — and Chemistry

What sets the Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra (PMJO) apart is its longevity and cohesion. Formed nearly two decades ago, the orchestra has retained most of its original lineup, a rarity among big bands. These musicians — many of whom played together in NYC's jazz trenches for decades — bring a seasoned depth to McGuinness’ inventive charts.

Despite the loss of his trombone playing due to embouchure dystonia, McGuinness channels that energy into his writing and vocals, turning personal adversity into creative evolution. This release is his most ambitious yet, and a deeply personal one.

Vocal Highlights & Emotional Moments

McGuinness shines vocally throughout the album. The sultry bossa nova version of Cole Porter’s “So In Love” is dedicated to his wife, Joan, while the elegant “Where Do You Start?” features a stirring vocal performance with Bill Charlap on piano and Mike Holober conducting a lush 16-piece string section.

The album also includes a swinging rendition of “From This Moment On” and an emotionally charged take on “’Round Midnight,” an arrangement that dates back to McGuinness’ early days studying under jazz legends Bob Brookmeyer and Manny Albam.

Original Works & Collaborations

Highlights from the originals include:

• “The Dark Hours” – a haunting exploration of tension and turmoil

• “The Sly Fox” – a nod to the late great arranger Bill Holman, full of clever musical references

• “Lilac Blues” – a sophisticated twist on the classic blues

• “Down the Rabbit Hole” – a bold leap into 12-tone terrain

Additionally, longtime bandmate Chris Rogers contributes “Rebecca,” reimagined with a Brazilian flavor.

A Celebration at Birdland

To mark the release of Mixed Bag, the PMJO will take the stage for a special album release concert on May 25, 2025 at 5:30 PM at Birdland Jazz Club in NYC — a chance to hear this powerhouse ensemble bring their latest work to vibrant life in one of jazz’s most iconic venues.

Pete McGuinness

A Grammy-nominated composer/arranger and award-winning jazz vocalist, Pete McGuinness has been a pillar of the New York jazz scene since 1987. A former trombonist with credits including Maria Schneider and Lionel Hampton, he now focuses on composing and singing with his own orchestra. McGuinness also serves as Professor of Jazz Studies at William Paterson University

Mixed Bag is more than an album — it’s a culmination of 20 years of camaraderie, creativity, and growth. Pete McGuinness and his orchestra continue to prove that great big band jazz is timeless — and always ready to evolve.

Mixed Bag drops May 23, 2025 via Summit Records
Album Release Concert: May 25 at Birdland, NYC

John Yao & His 17-Piece Instrument Return with Points in Time – A Big Band Revival 10 Years in the Making

After a decade-long hiatus, trombonist, composer, and bandleader John Yao is back with his acclaimed large ensemble, John Yao & His 17-Piece Instrument, affectionately dubbed JY-17. Their long-anticipated sophomore album, Points in Time, arrives July 11, 2025, via See Tao Recordings, and it's a powerful, deeply personal celebration of Yao’s 20-year musical journey in New York City.

But fans won't have to wait until the release to experience the music: an Album Preview Concert will be held June 26, 2025, at Culture Lab LIC—a must-see event for lovers of bold, modern big band jazz.

---

A Two-Decade Story in Sound

Points in Time is more than just a new big band record. It’s a musical memoir. From the early excitement of arriving in NYC, to the trials of personal adversity, to the joy of fatherhood, each composition captures key moments from Yao’s life.

“So much of what’s happened over the last 20 years has definitely sparked different emotions that I’ve wanted to express in my music,” Yao shares. “Sometimes those experiences and complex emotions take time to marinate, but ultimately they find their way into my writing and playing.”

That introspection can be heard throughout the album. The elegant and emotional “Early Morning Walk” reflects on his wife Natalie’s fight against cancer, while the joyful “Song for Nolan” celebrates the birth of their son.

---

Revisiting Roots, Reinventing Sound

In the years since his 2015 debut Flip-Flop, Yao explored other musical avenues—co-leading a sextet and developing his adventurous three-horn group Triceratops. Yet the big band itch never left him.

“I fell in love with big band music playing in the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra,” says Yao. “There’s just something special about the sound, the camaraderie—it lifts the music in a way that’s hard to describe.”

On Points in Time, Yao revisits and reinvents earlier small-group pieces for the full force of a 17-piece ensemble. Highlights include:

• “Not Even Close” – A nod to Thad Jones and the classic big band interplay of brass and saxes

• “First Step” – A long-shelved composition finally getting the big band treatment it was always destined for

• “Triceratops Blues” – The brooding first composition for his three-horn project, now expanded in scope and depth

The album also features updated versions of two student commissions: “Upside” and a big-band arrangement of Herbie Hancock’s “Finger Painting”—a testament to Yao’s connection with the next generation of jazz musicians.

---

The Ensemble: A Band Built Over Time

JY-17 isn’t just a band—it’s a timeline of Yao’s career. Many members have played pivotal roles in his life:

• Tim Armacost – a fellow Queens College alum

• Matt McDonald – a friend from Yao’s early Chicago days

• Billy Drewes, Rich Perry, Nick Marchione, Andy Watson – veterans of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, where Yao often subbed

Several musicians return from Flip-Flop, including Perry, McDonald, trumpeter David Smith, and bassist Robert Sabin—bringing both history and chemistry to the sessions recorded in February 2024.

---

Why It Took So Long

Yao admits that recording a big band album is a herculean effort.

“The funny thing about recording a big band album,” he writes in the liner notes, “is that it makes you want to never do it again! Every note somehow feels worth the struggle, but after the first album I was burned out from pushing that boulder up the hill.”

Yet the creative fire never died. And with Points in Time, Yao delivers a record that’s at once steeped in big band tradition and unafraid to push boundaries—evident in tracks like “The Other Way,” which explores twelve-tone technique in a jazz context.

---

A Career Still Ascending

In 2023, Yao was recognized in the DownBeat Critics Poll in both the Rising Star Trombone and Rising Star Big Band categories. In April 2025, he was appointed to the 100th class of Guggenheim Fellows in Music Composition—proof of his continued evolution as an artist.

As Alan Young of Lucid Culture puts it:

“John Yao is one of New York’s elite trombonists and is also a first-class, ambitious, and witty composer and leader.”

And as All About Jazz notes:

“Boldly diverse, Yao’s compositions cut across the swath of contemporary jazz’s field.”

---

Final Thoughts

Points in Time is not just a big band comeback—it’s a moving, sonically rich tapestry of a life lived in jazz. Whether you’ve followed John Yao since the early days or are discovering his work for the first time, this album promises an unforgettable experience.

Mark your calendars:

• Album Release: July 11, 2025 (See Tao Recordings)

• Album Preview Concert: June 26, 2025 at Culture Lab LIC

Don’t miss your chance to witness the evolution of one of modern jazz’s most innovative composers and his triumphant return to the big band stage.

---

Mindi Abair's Based On a True Story: A Genre-Defying Journey of Love, Life, and Music

On June 13, 2025, acclaimed saxophonist, vocalist, and songwriter Mindi Abair is set to release her 14th solo album, Based On a True Story, under her label, Pretty Good For A Girl Records. This highly anticipated album marks a significant evolution in Abair's musical journey, blending sleek pop production with the timeless soul of retro grooves. Inspired by her real-life experiences, the album conveys moments, memories, and emotions through music, offering a deeply personal collection of songs.

Born on May 23, 1969, in St. Petersburg, Florida, Mindi Abair was immersed in music from an early age. Her paternal grandmother was an opera singer, and her father was a saxophonist and B3 player in a blue-eyed soul group called The Entertainers. By age five, she was playing piano, and by eight, she had transitioned to the saxophone. Abair attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, graduating magna cum laude in 1991 with a degree in Woodwind Performance. She quickly made a name for herself in Los Angeles, performing with artists like Adam Sandler, Duran Duran, and Aerosmith. Her solo career has produced ten No. 1 radio singles, two No. 1 Billboard Jazz CDs, and four more solo CDs that have landed in the top five on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Charts. Abair was also the featured saxophonist on American Idol and has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon 

Based On a True Story: An Album of Personal Narratives

Based On a True Story is a bold, modern album that blends sleek pop production with the timeless soul of retro grooves. Inspired by Mindi’s real-life journey, this deeply personal collection of songs conveys moments, memories, and emotions through music.

Produced by multi-platinum producer/songwriter Wayne Rodrigues and Mindi Abair, and mixed by Grammy-winning engineer Tony Maserati, the album is rich with lush arrangements and heartfelt storytelling. With special guest appearances by legendary bassist Marcus Miller, R&B icon Kenny Lattimore, keyboard virtuoso Bobby Lyle, hit-maker vocalist Delisha Thomas, and rising star Arthur Thompson, Based On a True Story is a genre-blending experience—pop-driven with Contemporary Jazz and Soul undercurrents—that’s as authentic as it is unforgettable.

Full Tracklist

1. Day Dreaming
   A floating, groove-laced escape where Mindi’s saxophone floats effortlessly, like sunlight streaming through sheer curtains on a lazy afternoon.

2. A Thousand Miles
   A sultry, road-trip-ready rhythm—a sophisticated pulse that beckons you to chase something, or someone, far away.

3. Oooh-Aah (Catalina)
   A sun-kissed homage to carefree days on the coast. With a retro vibe and wind-in-your-hair charm, it feels like summer bottled into a song.

4. The Way That You Love Me (featuring Delisha Thomas)
   Struts in with a funky pop swagger, with shimmering vocals from Delisha Thomas—best known for writing hits for Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, and Justin Bieber.

5. 3rd Street Promenade (featuring Bobby Lyle)
   A hypnotic duet where piano and saxophone weave an effortless conversation—historic, heartfelt, and alive.

6. Siena Sunrise
   Captures the magic of Tuscany. Written during Mindi’s Wine & Jazz Adventure in Tuscany, it’s a love letter to the ancient buildings, slow mornings, and the golden hush of dawn.

7. Nouveau Soul
   A bold, brass-laced celebration of ‘70s funk. Joyful, defiant, and dripping with vintage cool, it radiates the freedom of a dancefloor that never ages.

8. Fool’s Gold (featuring Kenny Lattimore)
   A sleek and modern meditation on love’s authenticity. Mindi’s saxophone winds around him like a heartbeat—raw, real, and achingly beautiful.

9. Falling In Love (featuring Delisha Thomas)
   A joyful, up-tempo gem that feels like dancing in the kitchen with someone you adore. The chorus is contagious—you’ll be humming it long after the last note fades.

10. Everything’s Gonna Be All Right (featuring Arthur Thompson)
    An understated standout, written for Mindi’s daughters. With Arthur Thompson’s smooth vocals anchoring the emotion, it’s a song of quiet strength and hope, whispering reassurance straight to the soul.

11. The Rundown (featuring Marcus Miller)
    A funk-driven thrill ride featuring legendary bassist Marcus Miller. With breakbeat swagger and cinematic energy, it’s a car chase in sound—fast, gritty, and undeniably cool.

Mindi reflects on the creation of the album:

“My life over the past few years has felt like a fairy tale. I created WineandJazz.com with my husband Eric, and we now take people around the world to beautiful destinations where we immerse in the culture, the food, the wine and of course the music. These experiences have shaped me and expanded my mind in so many ways. This record and these songs are a direct reflection of this beautiful journey.”

Upcoming Tour Dates

To celebrate the release of Based On a True Story, Mindi Abair will be performing at various venues across the country. Here are some of the upcoming tour dates:

• Highworth Jazz Festival – May 31, 2025

• Dunkerton’s Jazz Sessions – June 5, 2025

• Gloucester Docks Warehouse Four – June 18, 2025

• Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club – July 13, 2025

• Tetbury Goods Shed – July 26, 2025

• Ross on Wye Corn Exchange – October 9, 2025

• Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho – November 10, 2025

Mindi Abair is a 2x GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist, vocalist, author, and wine entrepreneur. With a career spanning over two decades, she has recorded with some of the biggest names in music and has built a substantial following among jazz and blues audiences with her soaring melodies and powerhouse style. In 2018, Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers won 8 Independent Blues Awards including Artist of the Year, and an Independent Music Award for Best Blues Song Fan Award for “Pretty Good For A Girl” featuring Joe Bonamassa. They won the 2019 LA Critics Award for Best Holiday Album for All I Got For Christmas Is The Blues. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, Mindi was nominated by the Blues Music Awards as the Best Instrumentalist: Horn.

Kim Cypher Announces 'LIVE and Smiling' Album, New Single 'On My Own Again', and 2025 UK Tour Dates

Renowned UK saxophonist, vocalist, and composer Kim Cypher has unveiled plans for her upcoming live album, LIVE and Smiling, set for release on July 11, 2025. This vibrant collection captures the energy of her recent performances, including sellout shows at Peggy’s Skylight in Nottingham and her standout appearance at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival. The album features an eclectic mix of jazz, Latin, blues, reggae, swing, and funk, showcasing Cypher's dynamic stage presence and connection with audiences.

Complementing the live album, Cypher will release a new original single, "On My Own Again," on July 26, 2025. This soulful track delves into themes of isolation and introspection, offering a contrast to the exuberant live recordings. The song features Cypher's signature raspy tenor saxophone and includes a notable guitar solo by Clem Clempson.

In addition to these releases, Cypher is set to return to the iconic Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London on Sunday, July 13, 2025, following her previous sellout performances in 2021 and 2024. Tickets for this highly anticipated show are available now.

Kim Cypher 2025 UK Tour Dates:

• May 31 – Highworth Jazz Festival, Highworth

• June 5 – Dunkertons Jazz Sessions, Charlton Kings

• June 18 – Gloucester Docks Warehouse Four, Gloucester

• July 3 – Dunkertons Jazz Sessions, Charlton Kings

• July 13 – Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, London

• July 26 – Tetbury Goods Shed Arts Centre, Tetbury

• October 9 – Ross on Wye Corn Exchange, Ross-on-Wye

• November 10 – Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho, London