Recent Releases

June 2025
Some Recent Releases

A few words about recent releases / reviews:

Apart from where they are included in articles on this website, I don't have a 'Reviews' section for a number of reasons:

I receive so many requests to review recordings it is impossible to include them all.
Unlike some publications/blogs, Sandy Brown Jazz is not a funded website and it is not possible to pay reviewers.
Reviews tend to be personal opinions, something a reviewer likes might not suit you, or vice versa.
It is difficult to capture music in words, so much better to be able to listen and see whether the music interests you.

For these reasons in particular I just include a selection of recent recordings below where I share the notes issued by the musician(s) as an introduction and links to samples so you can 'taste' the music for yourselves. For those who like to read reviews, these, of course, can be checked out on other sites.

Some albums are priced in dollars or other currencies. These are marked ^. There are currency options if you proceed to order. Recordings are now regularly available on different formats (CD, mp3 downloads, vinyl) or platforms e.g iTunes, Spotify, etc. I am unable to list them all so it is worth checking if you have a favourite platform).

Featured In June 2025

UK

Snowpoet - Heartstrings
(Edition Records) - Released: 23rd May 2025

Lauren Kinsella (vocals); Chris Hyson (piano, synths); Matt Robinson (piano, synths); Dave Hamblett (drums); Josh Arcoleo (electric bass, saxophone)

'Heartstrings is the new album from London-based Snowpoet, led by the creative partnership of Lauren Kinsella and Chris Hyson. Since their debut EP in 2014, the band has built a devoted audience drawn to their emotionally rich songwriting, intricate production, and distinct sonic identity. With Heartstrings, they take a bold step forward, writing and recording in the studio as a collective for the first time, capturing the raw immediacy of live performance while expanding their sound with lush textures, layered harmonies, and deeply personal storytelling. “We wanted to capture the moment to create something that feels real, unfiltered, and alive,” says Chris Hyson. This album marks an evolution in Snowpoet’s approach. Instead of the fragmented process of previous records, Heartstrings was born in the moment, with the full band improvising, shaping, and refining ideas together in real time. The result is an album that feels alive - organic, immersive, and deeply human......' (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to Tenderness : Listen to One Of Those People :

Shez Raja - Spellbound
(Raja Records) - Released: 20th June 2025

Shez Raja (bass); Dennis Chambers (drums); Guthrie Govan, John Etheridge (guitar), Roopa Panesar (sitar);, Tony Kofi, Vasilis Xenopoulos (saxophone), Jamie Murray and Sophie Alloway (drums); Fiza Haider (vocals); Gurdain Rayatt (tabla); Ahsan Papu (bansuri flute); Zohaib Hasan (sarangi); Chris Jerome (keyboards).

'Trailblazing bassist and composer Shez Raja returns with his most exhilarating and ambitious album to date, Spellbound - a breathtaking exploration of deep grooves, dazzling improvisation and hypnotic soundscapes. The album combines his trademark Indo-jazz-funk style with masterful performances from an extraordinary ensemble of musical greats that will leave listeners Spellbound. A defining element of Spellbound is Shez's exceptional bass work, performed on his custom-made 5-string Fodera bass - an instrument handcrafted by Fodera, the world's most revered bass luthier.Voted one of the 'Hottest Bass Players in the World' by readers of Bass Player magazine, virtuoso British-Asian bass player Shez Raja has built a reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative bassists on the international scene. His unique brand of jazz fuses the raw power of funk and rock with the intricate beauty of Eastern traditions, resulting in an electrifying style. Renowned for his high-energy performances and collaborations with musical legends such as Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Trilok Gurtu and Wayne Krantz, Raja's music bridges cultures and captivates audiences worldwide.' (album notes)

Details :

Anna Chandler-King - Why Can I Still See You?

(Efpi Records) - Released: 25th April 2025

Anna Chandler-King (alto & baritone saxophones & composition); Riley Stone-Lonergan (tenor & soprano saxophones); Will Howard (tenor & alto saxophones); Laurence Mason (bass saxophone & bassoon); Ellie Whitley (trombone); Tom Harris - (piano); Sam Quintana (double bass); Steve Hanley (drums); Kel Àlvaro (voice)

Anna Chandler King Why Can I Still See You.jpg

'Why Can I Still See You, the new album by Leeds-based saxophonist and composer Anna Chandler-King, is an intimate and deeply emotional set of intricately arranged music written around the passing of her mother Ruth, with each composition representing a specific moment from that time spanning darkness, fond reflection, and joy. To perform the music, Anna assembled a nonet of some of her favourite musicians and closest friends who were there for her when she needed them the most, and importantly, all emotionally sensitive improvisers who she trusted to interpret such a personal collection of pieces. “I made this album to share those times with others that have had similar experiences losing loved ones, but also for myself, to help me process my own feelings and emotions. Sharing these with everyone that worked on this project turned out to be so much more valuable to me than I could have expected. Whenever I listen to it or play it I’m truly transported back to those moments the pieces are about, which of course can be quite hard but is often very beautiful.” (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to One Perfect Day : Listen to Has It Got A Tune?

Fiona Ross - Moments In My Notebook
(Fiona Ross Music) - Released: 30th May 2025

Fiona Ross (vocals, piano and finger clicks); Gibbi Bettini (guitar); Derek Daley (bass); Marley Drummond (drums); Loren Hignell (saxophones, clarinet, flutes); Dave Boa (trumpets); Simon Todd, Warren Woodcraft (percussion); Band Banter: (everyone); guests: Laura Impallomeni (trombone); Migdalia van Der Hoven (drums); Charlie Flynn (bass); Hannah Horton (sax); Charlotte Keeffe (trumpet); Mary Sho (lead vox); Diana Torti, Mutsa (backing vox); Miriam Cooke (trumpet); Emily Metcalfe (sax); Lily Walpole (oboe); Meredith Beach (clarinet); Lydia Brown (flute); Izzie Bishop (trumpet) Nina Mele (sax); Josie Horton (sax)

'So before you ask…why 21 songs?When I started thinking about writing this album I realised that I had previously released 79 songs. Well, coming from a family of mathematicians, I made the decision to write 21 songs for this album to take me to 100 songs. It was purely a nice round number decision, not a creative one. However, giving myself more space to write, I found myself feeling free to say more, musically and lyrically. With 21 songs to write, I spent some time looking through my old songwriting notebooks from when I was a teenager to see if there were any songs that could - should - be looked at and I have included two songs that I wrote when I was around 13 or 14. There is a little traveling theme in some tracks and three of my songs were written specifically for trio to take with me on my mini Scottish tour along with one song all about being in Paris with beautiful people. I still write my music in notebooks. Some songs start with a chord progression, a bass line, a lyric - it is never the same and my notebooks are my moments of reflection, love, frustration, isolation and togetherness. Whatever I was feeling at that time and so this album is exactly that, 21 moments in my notebooks ......' (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to Let Your Soul Shine : Listen to I Don't Want Money :

America

Charles Mingus - In Argentina: The Buenos Aires Concerts

(Resonance Records) - Released: 18th April 2025 [2 CDs]

Charles Mingus (bass and (piano CD1/track 9 and CD2/track 4 only); Ricky Ford (tenor saxophone); Jack Walrath (trumpet);
Robert Neloms (piano); Dannie Richmond – drums

'Mingus In Argentina: The Buenos Aires Concerts is a never-before-released pair of recordings of legendary bassist Charles Mingus captured live in Buenos Aires, Argentina in June 1977 featuring Ricky Ford (tenor saxophone), Jack Walrath (trumpet), Robert Neloms (piano) and Dannie Richmond (drums). Transferred from the original tape reels the album download and 2-CD set includes an elaborate 36-page booklet featuring rare photos from the concert with liner notes by author and jazz historian Brian Priestley; plus interviews with Ricky Ford and Jack Walrath. This is an official release in cooperation with Jazz Workshop, Inc. and the Charles Mingus Estate' (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to Goodbye Pork Pie Hat : Listen to Fables Of Faubus :

Curtis Nowosad - I Am Doing My Best
(La Reserve Records) - Released: 6th June 2025

Curtis Nowosad (drums); Joey Landreth (guitar, vocals); Joanna Majoko (vocals); Andrew Renfroe (guitar).

'I Am Doing My Best is the fourth full-length album from JUNO-nominated, NYC-based jazz drummer Curtis Nowosad. Slated for release in June 2025 on La Reserve Records, the album is co-produced by two-time JUNO- winning guitarist & singer-songwriter Joey Landreth, and features special guests Joanna Majoko on vocals and Andrew Renfroe on guitar. This is music for healing in an increasingly demanding world. We all have something - or many somethings -to heal from, and it is Nowosad’s sincere belief that if we can begin the messy, perpetual process of healing ourselves, we can begin the work of helping to heal our little corners of the world. If we can do that, we can create a kinder, gentler, more equitable and more forgiving world for future generations. Some of the themes explored in the music and particularly the lyrics - co-written with Majoko and Landreth - include self-compassion and treating yourself with kindness, being the person your child needs while doing the same for your younger self, building a life that aligns with your values, accepting your place in the stories of others, embracing change as the only constant in life and choosing faith in the face of self-doubt and indecision. Having long been a staple of the NYC jazz scene, touring and recording with many diverse artists including Braxton Cook, Jazzmeia Horn, Jane Monheit, Brianna Thomas, Jocelyn Gould, Bria Skonberg, Philip Harper, Marc Cary and Craig Harris, the album comes at a critical turning point in Nowosad’s career. He is excited to release this exceptional album ... while showcasing his use of language to express messages that are at once both universal and deeply personal.' (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to Carry You Home : Video for I'm Learning To Be Kind :

Brandon Woody - For The Love Of It All
(Blue Note Records) - Released: 9th May 2025

Brandon Woody (trumpet); Troy Long (piano, organ, Rhodes, keyboards); Quincy Phillips (drums); Michael Saunders (bass) ; Imani-Grace (vocals); Vittorio Stropoli (aux synth).

Brandon Woody For The Love Of It All.jpg

'With his debut on Blue Note Records, Woody positions himself as both an innovator and a griot, balancing technical mastery with a reverence for his roots. This album anchors itself in the past while reverberating forward, tethering listeners to something larger than themselves. In every track, love is palpable, not idealized, but complex, textured, and human. This is music that carries, uplifts, and insists that survival is its own form of artistry, powered by the knowledge that love, in all its dimensions, is what binds us across generations and geographies.' (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to Never Gonna Run Away: Listen to Perseverance:

Marty Ehrlich Exaltation Trio - This Time
(Sunnyside Records) - Released: 30th May 2025

Marty Ehrlich (alto & tenor sax); John Hébert (bass); Nasheet Waits (drums)

'There are moments when musicians need to escape artifice and the weight of metaphor in music creation. Sometimes it is best to scale down and just play with a group that makes music for pleasure or escape. Woodwind master Marty Ehrlich brought together bassist John Hébert and drummer Nasheet Waits a decade ago to create the Trio Exaltation. Together, they return to present a collection of further explorations of sound and camaraderie on their new release, This Time. Of course, Ehrlich isn’t a stranger to leading trios. From 1984 on, he has led or been a co-leader of a number of trios, including his group with bassist Anthony Cox and drummer Pheeroan akLaff, Relativity with Peter Erskine and Michael Formanek and C/D/E with Mark Dresser and Andrew Cyrille. Ehrlich’s renewed drive toward the trio again came after a concentrated period of work with larger groups and orchestras. Feeling a need to get to the essential core of the music, Ehrlich approached former bandmates in the legendary pianist/composer Andrew Hill’s Sextet, Hébert and Waits.......' (album notes)

Details and Sample : Listen to As It Is :

Chris Cheek - Keepers Of The Eastern Door
(Analog Tone Factory Records) - Released: 23rd May 2025

Chris Cheek (tenor & soprano saxophones); Bill Frisell (electric & acoustic guitars); Tony Scherr (bass); Rudy Royston (drums)

Chris Cheek Keepers Of The Eastern Door.jpg

'Acclaimed Saxophonist/Composer Chris Cheek Finds Harmony with Nature on "Keepers of the Eastern Door". As European settlers moved westward from the Atlantic coast of North America, the Mohawk people – the easternmost tribe of the Iroquois Confederacy – became known as “Keepers of the Eastern Door” for their role as guardians against invasion from the encroaching colonizers. The outcome of that battle may seem inevitable from the historical perspective, but the tension at its heart, between those who respect and live in harmony with the land and those who view the Earth from a more rapacious perspective, persists. In “The Kutenai Duck Hunter,” the image by photographer and ethnologist Edward Curtis that graces the cover of his breathtaking new album, "Keepers of the Eastern Door", acclaimed saxophonist and composer Chris Cheek sees those two parallel mindsets represented in the reflection of a canoe in the river as its occupant looks to the horizon – and an uncertain future........ (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to Kino's Canoe : Listen to On A Clear Day :

Europe and Elsewhere

Andrea Rinciari - Soho Sessions
(ECN Records) - Released: 16th May 2025

Andrea Rinciari (guitar); Alex Garnett (tenor sax); Lorenzo Morabito (bass); Mark Taylor (drums)

'When Andrea Rinciari packed his guitar in his native Italy and left for London it wasn’t long before he found himself on a mission. Inspired by sheer quality the players he met in the capital’s melting pot of musicians, he immersed himself in the great tradition of classic 20th century jazz. Mentored and inspired by the great Barry Harris during the master’s frequent visits, Andrea’s passion for the music and tireless application soon elevated him to the front rank of that select coterie of London musicians keeping the bebop flame alive, with regular gigs at Ronnie Scott's, Boulevard Theatre Soho, Chelsea’s 606, and The Vortex. His acclaimed recordings ‘To Bud’ and ‘The Takeover’ paved the way to a residency at Soho’s Piano Bar with a regular quartet of internationally renowned players, developing their repertoire to a peak of empathetic fluency before taking it into the studio. Soho Session is the result - a set of beautifully realised compositions from the Golden Age of jazz. The quality of the players involved underscores the quality of Andrea’s reputation. Alex Garnett on tenor saxophone has cemented a reputation as the key player on the London scene: drummer Mark Taylor returned to the capital after twenty-two years in New York backing everyone from Barney Kessel to Sonny Stitt to Kenny Barron: bassist Lorenzo Morabito is a familiar figure wherever top-flight jazz is being played. Together they blend beautifully into a super swinging, effortlessly creative quartet that keeps the tradition fresh, always digging deeper into the harmony to unleash fresh melodic ideas over an immaculate swing.......... (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to Time To Smile : Article by Howard Lawes :

Daniel Herskedal - Movements Of Air

(Edition Records) - Released: 25th April 2025

Daniel Herskedal (brass, tuba); Eyolf Dale (piano/keys); Helge Norbakken (drums)

'Norwegian composer and tuba player defies all conventions and preconceptions what is possible as a soloist on the tuba. He is adept with a masters voice in creating vast palettes of colours and exquisite tone in his music. Daniel Herskedal’s Movements of Air is a masterclass in nuance and sonic architecture, an album that transforms breath into vast, moving landscapes. Now a decade into this defining trio with pianist Eyolf Dale and percussionist Helge Andreas Norbakken, Herskedal continues to stretch the emotional and expressive potential of brass. From the finely layered textures of Elements of Harmony to the melodic weight of The Olive Branch, every moment is composed with purpose, drawing on jazz, classical, and folk traditions without ever settling into any one. It’s an album built on tension and release, beauty and restraint.' (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to The Olive Branch : Listen to Elements Of Harmony :

The Barry Deister Quintet with Israel Annoh - An African Suite
(Trans-Pacific Jazz Records) - Released: 12th February 2025

Barry Deister (tenor sax & flute); Paul Mazzio (trumpet & flugel horn); Randy Porter (piano); Tim Gilson (bass); Tim Rap (drums); Israel Annoh (African percussion)

Barry Deister Quintet An African Suite.jpg

'Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Barry Deister has worked with some of the best musicians of that City including pianist John Campbell, drummer Robert Shy, saxophonist Ed Peterson & drummer Paul Wertico. In 1989 he produced “East/West Dialogue” in collaboration with NYC base Jim McNeeley. He has also performed with legendary vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson and composer Anthony Braxton.' " I first became interested in West African rhythms at the University of Illinois in the early 70’s and have pursued them off and on ever since. This project is an effort to capture the memories of my adventure to Ghana, West Africa in 2006." (Barry Deister). (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to Afrodite : Listen to The Tro Tro :

Olga Amelchenko - Howling Silence

(Editon Records) - Released: 7th July 2025

Olga Amelchenko (alto sax); Matthew Stevens (guitar); Enzo Carniel (piano); Etienne Renard (double bass); Jesus Vega (drums)

'Howling Silence is the powerful new album from Russian and Paris-based saxophonist Olga Amelchenko. Marking a pivotal moment in her artistic journey, the record embodies the emotional depths of personal struggle and the nuanced complexities of living between worlds. Born and raised in Russia, tempered by years in Germany, and now fully immersed in Paris’ vibrant jazz scene, Olga channels her rich cultural heritage and life experiences into a sonic narrative that speaks to both resilience and introspection. Drawing inspiration from tenor legends such as John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Walter Smith III, and Mark Turner, Olga’s intimate, naturally resonant saxophone tone forms the heart of the album. A lush interplay of acoustic and electric elements unfolds as piano, bass, and drums create a tapestry of sound, each instrument adding its own layer of emotional depth. Long-time collaborators - previously Berlin, now Paris-based drummer Jesus Vega, dynamic bassist Etienne Renard, both classically and jazz-trained pianist Enzo Carniel, and blues-inflected guest guitarist Matthew Stevens - join Olga on her evocative and personal journey..... (album notes)

Details and Sample : Listen to Howling Silence :

Reissues

Oscar Peterson - In Session : Oscar's Arrangement
(Jasmine Records) - Released: 9th May 2025

Oscar Peterson (piano) with various personnel including Billie Holiday, Benny Carter, Gene Krupa, Ben Webster, Louis Armstrong and others

'Oscar Peterson was probably the greatest, certainly the best-known pianist in the history of Jazz. whilst his solo and small group material is well known, his career as a sideman is often overlooked. He played with jazz royalty, recording sessions with no less than Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Lester Young, Benny Carter, Roy Eldridge and many others. This set samples the best of his session work, with an emphasis on recordings in which his piano is prominent. Featuring rare recordings from Jazz at the Philharmonic and studio sessions often produced by his mentor and manager Norman Granz, this set features the cream of American Jazz talent from the 1950s.

Details :

Jason Miles - Cosmopolitan : Remastered
(Resonance Records) - Released: 28th March 2025

Jason Miles (Fender Rhodes , Prophet V,ARP Odyssey); Michael Brecker (tenor sax tracks 3,4); Gerry Niewood (alto and soprano sax, flute); Marcus Miller (bass); Ricardo Silveira (electric and acoustic guitar); Jeff Williams (drums); Bada Roy (tabls track 5); Clarice Taylor (vocal track 5); Henry Castelanos (conga)

'Jason Miles had a vision in 1979—an urban world project where electric keyboards, deep grooves, and strong melodies collided. Armed with his brand-new Prophet V synthesizer, he gathered a lineup of young, trailblazing musicians in a New York studio. The core players would go on to become legends: Michael Brecker on tenor sax, saxophone virtuoso Gerry Niewood, a 19-year-old Marcus Miller on bass, Brazilian guitar prodigy Ricardo Silveira, and drummer Jeff Williams. Add in the rhythmic magic of Badal Roy on tabla, percussionists Armen Halburian and Henry Castelanos, and vocalist Clarice Taylor, and the result was Cosmopolitan—a seamless blend of jazz, fusion, and global influences. But despite its undeniable cool factor, the industry wasn't in the right place for its release, and the album never saw the light of day. Fast forward 46 years. While digging through his archives, Jason stumbled upon the original DAT tape of the Cosmopolitan sessions, recorded and mixed by Jeffrey Kawalek at the House of Music in New Jersey. To his amazement, the sound held up - crisp, dynamic, and still ahead of its time ......' (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to Cosmopolitan : Listen to Gale Warnings :

Soft Works - Abracadabra

(Moojune Records) - Released: 13th June 2025

Elton Dean (saxello, alto sax, Fender Rhodes); Allan Holdsworth (guitar, Synthaxe 1); Hugh Hopper (bass guitar); John Marshall (drums)

This is one of three remastered albums by Soft Machine members (the other 2 albums are Floating World Live and Drop) all on Moonjune Records via Bandcamp, and of interest to fans of Soft Machine. 'This Abracadabra studio album was recorded in London in June of 2002, released in 2003 (Universal Japan; Mascot-Provogue Europe; Shrapnel USA), is finally back to the motherboard and available on MoonJune Records, and it is remastered by Mark Wingfield and includes two bonus tracks, recorded in Tokyo, Japan, on August 10, 2003. The live album Abracadabra in Osaka is from the concert on August 11, 2003.' (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to Willie's Knee : Listen to Abracadabra :

Coleman Hawkins - Four Classic Albums

(Avid Jazz Records) - Released: 2025 [2 CDs]

Coleman Hawkins (saxophone) with various personnel.

'AVID Jazz continues with its 'Classic Album' series with a re-mastered 2CD release from Coleman Hawkins, complete with original artwork, liner notes and personnel details. Albums include: 'The Hawk in Hi-Fi', 'Soul', 'At Ease With Coleman Hawkins' and 'The Hawk Relaxes'. (album notes)

Details :

June 2025 Some Recent Releases

Recent Releases

Featured In June 2025

UK

America

Europe and Elsewhere

Reissues

June 2025
Some Recent Releases