Recent Releases

November 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 November 2025

UK

Howl Quartet - Night Song
(Howl Records) - Released: 24th October 2025

Dan Smith (alto saxophone); Harry Brunt (tenor saxophone); Pete Komor (double bass); Matt Parkinson (drums)

'Howl Quartet is a wild, expressive outlet bearing all from the calm and reflective to the outright untamed. Formed of old friends and collaborators, this co-led quartet emerged in 2017 through a collective passion for improvisation and composition. Howl Quartet is an award winning UK based project whose dynamic, expressive music focuses heavily on storytelling through melodic composition and improvisation. Following the successes of their first two studio releases, Howl Quartet’s third album, 'Night Song', is their most personal work yet. After almost a decade of collaboration, Howl Quartet have carefully developed a sound that has an innate freedom and creative intensity that is on full display throughout 'Night Song'.' (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to Falling Man : Listen to Smallhope : November tour dates :

Laura Jurd - Rites & Revelations
(New Sail Records) - Released: 1th October 2025

Laura Jurd (trumpet); Ultan O'Brian (violin, viola); Martin Green (accordion); Ruth Goller (electric bass); Corrie Dick (drums)

'Rites & Revelations represents a powerful return and creative re-emergence for Jurd, who had stepped away from regular performance and recording for several years to focus on her family. Written with patience and intention over 6 months following a move to Somerset, it concentrates a sense of yearning and pent-up artistic expression in what is a striking and personal album. As she says, “This album has distilled my identity and brought together things I love in a way that feels uniquely me.” A coming together of her two musical worlds, jazz and folk, Rites & Revelations draws on the traditional instrumentation of Jurd’s English and Scottish heritage, alongside diverse European folk influences, lacing the 10-track album with deep modal harmonies and vibrant rhythmic turns that embrace both light and dark in moments of high drama and staggering beauty...... urd is also joined by folk musicians Ultan O’Brien and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Martin Green, whose innate understanding of the details and ornamentations of folk vernacular complement Jurd’s own background in jazz and classical music (writing for the likes of London Sinfonietta, National Youth Orchestra and the Ligeti Quartet). It is a blend heard perhaps most on the album’s one cover version, a soaring rendition of blues standard ‘St James Infirmary’, whose cacophonous, intuitive one-take recording Jurd calls a “big monstrous performance.” ....... (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to St James Infirmary : Listen to You Again :

Harben Kay - The World I Live In
(Sulis Records) - Released: 3rd October 2025

Harben Kay (tenor saxophone, flute, alto flute, spoken word); Peter Johnstone (piano); Calum Gourlay (double bass); Alyn Cosker (drums)

'Saxophonist Harben Kay is one of the UK’s most creative jazz artists, with two critically acclaimed albums and performances at prestigious venues including legendary jazz club Ronnie Scott’s and The Royal Albert Hall in London. Harben’s second album, ‘Golden Sands’, earned high praise from the jazz media and showcased original compositions that are reflective of time spent at home in Scotland, and living in London and New York City. A product of both the Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra, Harben is now established as a star soloist with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and has made outstanding contributions to the SNJO’s recent Duke Ellington celebration and as a saxophonist-composer to its ‘Nu-Age Sounds’ celebration of Scotland’s vibrant young jazz scene. The 2015 winner of the Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year title, Harben went on to win the Peter Whittingham Jazz Award in 2017 and is now a City Music Foundation Artist. This is Harben’s third album' (notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to Laylow: Listen to Virago :

Harry Brunt - Carolina Peaches
(Clonwell Jazz Social Records) - Released: 5th September 2025

Harry Brunt (tenor saxophone); Billy Marrows (guitar); Flo Moore (bass); Rod Oughton (drums)

'Carolina Peaches is the debut EP from saxophonist, composer and bandleader, Harry Brunt. Recorded a week before the due date of his daughter, Isabella, Carolina Peaches reflects a time of immense change for Harry both personally and as a musician. Inspired by family and the passing of time, Carolina Peaches is Brunt's most personal musical statements to date. A prolific performer and collaborator, Brunt is also co-leader of the critically acclaimed 'Howl Quartet'. Described as 'a great example of how jazz in the 21st century is well and truly alive and kicking' UK Vibe. And 'very very good indeed' Adam Walton, BBC Introducing.' (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to Echoes : Listen to Pull Over For Carolina Peaches :

Pete Allen Jazz Band - New Orleans Wiggle : Jazz Magic
(Upbeat Records) - Released: 2025

Pete Allen (soprano sax, vocals); Trevor Whiting (reeds); Max Brittain (guitar, banjo); Chris Hodgkins (trumpet); Roger Marks (trombone); James Clemas (piano); Dave Hanratty (bass); Jim Newton (drums.)

'Pete Allen, bandleader and honorary citizen of New Orleans, is regarded as one of Europe’s most talented and exciting masters of the clarinet. Pete has regular gigs throughout the UK and has a loyal following. The Pete Allen Jazz Band is just brimming with high calibre musicians. Recruiting only the best available to supplement his already supremely talented six-piece band Pete has been able to engage Trevor Whiting on reeds (who played with Chris Barber, Max Collie) and Max Brittain on guitar and banjo (who played with Georgie Fame, Terry Lightfoot, Barney Kessel et al).' (album notes)

Details : Video for New Orleans Wiggle :

America

Donny McCaslin - Lullaby For The Lost

(Edition Records) - Released: 26th September 2025

Donny McCaslin: (tenor saxophone); Jason Lindner (synth, piano, electric piano (except #7,8); Ben Monder (guitar (#1,3,4,7,9); Ryan Dahle (electric guitar (#4); Tim Lefebvre (electric bass, synth, electric guitar (except #3); Jonathan Maron

(electric bass (#3); Nate Wood ( drums (#2,3,6); Zach Danziger ( drums (#1,4,5,7,9); Mark Guiliana (drums (#8).

'Donny McCaslin is best known as the saxophonist on David Bowie’s last album, Blackstar. The noted composer and bandleader has released a dozen albums over his genre-defying, Grammy-nominated career. The saxophonist returns with Lullaby for the Lost, a bold new album that leans into a guitar-driven, rock-influenced aesthetic over the course of nine dynamic and emotionally charged compositions. Embracing expanded sonic textures and fearless exploration, McCaslin continues to venture into uncharted musical territory on his 14th release as a leader.' (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to Wasteland : Listen to Solace :

Henry Threadgill - Listen Ship
(Pi Recordings) - Released: 26th September 2025

Henry Threadgill (composition, conductor); Bill Frisell, Miles Okazaki, Gregg Belisle-Chi (acoustic guitar); Brandon Ross (acoustic soprano guitar); Jerome Harris, Stomu Takeishi (acoustic bass guitar); Maya Keren, Rahul Carlberg (piano).

'Listen Ship is the latest masterpiece in the ever-expanding sound world of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Henry Threadgill, whom The New York Review of Books recently described as “one of American music’s great Romantics and a lifelong seeker of the sublime.” The new work is a suite for six acoustic guitars – including individual stylists such as Bill Frisell, Miles Okazaki and Brandon Ross – and two pianos that utilize Threadgill’s unique intervallic syntax to illuminate his idiosyncratic vision. The eight string instruments revel in the music’s painstaking detail with intricate gestures that miraculously entwine to form a grand statement. The meticulous orchestration highlights all of the usual characteristics of Threadgill’s music: unusual forms, unexpected timbres, and slippery counterpoint and rhythms, all shaped by the composer’s conducting into a singular experience.' (album notes)

Details and Samples :

Johnathan Blake - My Life Matters
(Blue Note Records) - Released: 22nd August 2025

Dayna Stephens (tenor and soprano saxophone, EWI); Jalen Baker (vibraphone); Fabian Almazan (piano, electronics); Dezron Douglas (upright and electric bass); DJ Jahi Sundane (turntables (#1,9); Bilal (vocals (#4,14); Johna Blake (additional electric bass (#13); Muna Blake (spoken word (#6); Johnathan Blake: (drums, cymbals).

'In 2017, Blake was awarded a commission from The Jazz Gallery. As part of their annual Fellowship program, it offers mid-career artists financial support and a two-week residency at The Pocantico Center in Tarrytown, NY. “Right around that time when I was writing this music, it seemed like every other day I was watching or listening to the news, and it was another person of color — another Black and Brown person — being taken away from us at the hands of people that were supposed to serve and protect us,” says Blake. “I didn’t want to become numb to the things that were unfolding in front of me. I wanted to speak up through my music.” He also drew inspiration from the lessons his parents taught him. “When my sisters and I were growing up, my folks used to always say that if you see injustice happening and you do nothing, you are just as much the problem.” ......... (album notes)

Details and Samples:

Sylvie Courvoisier / Wadada Leo Smith - Angel Falls
(Intakt Records) - Released: 3rd October 2025

Sylvie Courvoisier (piano); Wadada Leo Smith (trumpet).

Sylvie Courvoisier Wadada Leo Smith Angel Falls.jpg

'Swiss pianist and composer Sylvie Courvoisier has been a defining figure on the contemporary jazz scene for 20 years and is at the epicentre of the New York music scene. Having just been awarded the prestigious Swiss Grand Prize for Music 2025, she now presents her duo album with the legendary Wadada Leo Smith. This follows the recent acclaimed release of her solo album To Be Other-Wise and the atmospherically multi-layered sextet album Chimaera. An exceptional musician, Smith is always at the pulse of the times, celebrating musical diversity and creativity and speaks out against any labelling of his work. He has helped shape the development of music in various contexts over the last 50 years. Angel Falls exudes the magic of musical freedom, possesses an astonishing immediacy, and has a captivating sense of dazzling sound architecture ........ (album notes)

Details and Sample : Listen to Olo'Upnea And Lightning :

Europe and Elsewhere

David Helbock & Julia Hofer - Faces Of Night
(ACT Music) - Released: 12th September 2025

David Helbock (piano); Julia Hofer (bass, electric bass, cello); Lorenz Haab (flugelhorn); Mahan Mirarab (guitar); Veronica Harcsa (vocals)

David Helbock Julia Hofer Faces Of Night.jpg

'Pianist David Helbock and bassist/cellist Julia Hofer have things in common: a playful curiosity combined with the urge to try out new things and to have fun. Both of these musicians are also perfectionists...and natural communicators...and that’s why their musical combination works so well. “I was looking for a new duo partner,” says David Helbock, "because although I am completely passionate about my ‘Austrian Syndicate’ project, it's a really tricky thing to put together, a large band...lots of keyboards. Together with ACT CEO and producer Andreas Brandis, the idea of an acoustic duo reduced to its emotional essence was finally born - a format in which musical communication works more directly than in any other line-up. And I quickly came across Julia Hofer. What particularly attracted me to her was her versatility - and the wealth of possibilities that this opens up. I was immediately fascinated by her energy from the very first rehearsal. You can tell she enjoys the music from the very first note she plays and that motivated me enormously and is also very infectious." (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to Purple Rain : Listen to 'Round Midnight :

Matti Klein Soul Trio - Bouncin' In Bubbleverse

(Shuffle Shack Records) - Released: 26th September 2025

Matti Klein (compositions, producer, Wurlitzer Piano, Fender Bass Rhodes); Lars Dieterich (tenor & bari-Saxofon, bass clarinet);
André Seidel (drums)

Matti Klein Soul Trio Bouncin' In Bubbleverse.jpg

'Berlin-born pianist/musical director/composer Matti Klein is considered to be one of Germany’s most interesting groove- keyboardist. Worldwide tours with Ed Motta, Mo’ Blow and his own projects have taken him to the world’s most renowned jazz venues, such as Blue Note Tokyo, Ronnie Scott’s, Pori Jazz, and Leverkusener Jazztage. Bouncin' through Bubbleverse(s) tells stories about our touring life and features Echoes of each composition. Worth to dive into this world of Contemporary Deep-Fried Soul-Jazz!' (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to Odd Times To Party : Listen to A Summer Fairytale :

Sinne Egg & Jacob Christoffersen - Shikiori
(Stunt Records) - Released: 14th November 2025

Sinne Egg (vocals); Jacob Christoffersen (piano, Fender Rhodes, extra vocals)

'After two decades of musical partnership, Sinne Eeg and Jacob Christoffersen present SHIKIORI — their first duo album, recorded live in an intimate and atmospheric 150-year-old Japanese house-turned-concert-venue. Deeply rooted in trust, spontaneity, and musical telepathy, SHIKIORI is a warm, organic response to an increasingly digital world. Blending original compositions with bold interpretations of songs by Billy Strayhorn, Leonard Bernstein, and Annie Lennox, the album celebrates presence, imperfection, and deep human connection. No programming, no edits — just two artists in a room, responding to each other and the spirit of the space around them.' (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to Losing You : Listen to Soba Flower

Hanna Paulsberg Concept & Elin Rosseland - Himmel Over Hav
(Grappa Records) - Released: 26th September 2025

Hanna Paulsberg (saxophone & compositions); Oscar Grönberg (piano); Trygve Waldemar Fiske (double bass); Hans Hulbækmo (drums); Elin Rosseland (vocals)

Hanna Paulsberg Concept Himmel Over Hav.jpg

'Over the past 15 years, Hanna Paulsberg has established herself as one of the most vital and heartfelt voices on the Norwegian jazz scene. A highly sought-after saxophonist, Paulsberg moves effortlessly between musical genres in her many projects — from the pop/soul/jazz trio GURLS, which she co-founded and writes for, to the quartet Flukten, whose sound blends free jazz and folk influences. She’s also part of a Dexter Gordon tribute with Karin Krog, and has contributed to numerous projects with Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, performing with artists such as Chick Corea and Marius Neset. Yet her artistic core has always been her own ensemble, the Hanna Paulsberg Concept. This fall, the quartet releases its fifth album, Himmel over Hav (Sky over Ocean), featuring legendary Norwegian vocalist Elin Rosseland as a special guest.......' (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to Som en foretelling : Listen to Tid :

Reissues

Hot Lips Page - In Session

(Jasmine Records) - Released: 10th October 2025

Hot Lips Page (trumpet) with various artists

'A musical giant who could hold his own with the swingers and boppers in Carnegie Hall as well as holler the blues in a smoky nightclub, Texas-born trumpeter Hot Lips Page began with the South-Western territory jazz bands in the 1920s before moving to New York City as a serious rival to Louis Armstrong. Let down by his management, he forged his own career in the Big Apple with a small Harlem Jump band that would prove to be influential to the next generation of Jump Blues and R&B performers. This set cherry-picks the culturally important boogie, blues, jump and r&b recordings on which his presence and band is indelible. Hot Lips Page died in 1954 before he could really take advantage of the burgeoning international jazz festival scene or the impending rock 'n' roll explosion, without any quantifiable hits of his own but leaving his mark on hundreds of astonishing recordings, such as the 1948 chart-topper "Good Rockin' Tonight". A celebration of his legacy is long overdue.' (album notes)

Details :

Geoff Castle - Impressions Of New York
(Jazz In Britain Records) - Released: 15th August 2025 [2 CDs]

Geoff Castle (keyboards) with various personnel including Ian Carr, Guy Barker (trumpet, flugelhorn); Ron Mathewson (bass, bass guitar); Paul Nieman (trombone); Tim Whitehead (saxes, clarinet, flute) and others.

Geoff Castle Impressions Of New York.jpg

'The flyer for the October 1980 Camden Jazz Week announced a first commission for Geoff Castle, describing him as one of Britain’s most talented keyboard players. It went on… “Geoff, like many of his contemporaries, was first involved in the jazz scene as a member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, and subsequently through Graham Collier Music. He is currently a member of Nucleus, leads his own group, Strange Fruit, and occasionally surfaces with Paz and the Morrissey/Mullen Band, and with the Musicians Union’s travelling jazz/rock workshop team. It is, however, Geoff's individual ability as a leader/composer that is featured here: he has, in the past, contributed material to both Strange Fruit and Nucleus, and, indeed, performed solo. Impressions of New York, inspired by a recent visit to that city, is his first larger-scale work, and will traverse both acoustic and electric areas of jazz - the ten-piece group includes tuned and LA percussion and synthesisers alongside an impressive line-up of soloists. Impressions of New York has been commissioned by the Jazz Centre Society for the Camden Jazz Week with funds provided by the Arts Council of Great Britain.” The Impressions of New York suite was performed by a Geoff Castle ten-piece group called Geoff Castle’s Impressions Orchestra, either in full or in part, on four occasions between 1980 and 1983. Three of those concerts are included on this release. Although it was never recorded for album release, we believe Geoff did plan this. It definitely should have been and so Jazz In Britain is claiming this as another ‘lost album’ discovery. ' (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to Village Vanguard : Listen to Waltz For Bill :

Horace Silver - Silver In Seattle : Live At The Penthouse

(Blue Note Records) - Released: 24th October 2025

Horace Silver (piano); Woody Shaw (trumpet); Joe Henderson (tenor sax); Teddy Smith (bass); Roger Humphries (drums)

Transferred from the original tapes recorded by KING-FM radio host and engineer Jim Wilke and mastered by Matthew Lutthans at the Mastering Lab, the broadcast quality recording presents one of the greatest hard bop bands of all time delivering a high-energy, crowd-pleasing performance in an intimate club setting .... includes an elaborate booklet with rare photos by Francis Wolff, Burt Goldblatt, Jean-Pierre Leloir and others; plus liner notes by acclaimed jazz scholar Bob Blumenthal; and interviews and statements with drummer Roger Humphries, Silver band alumni Randy Brecker and Alvin Queen, rising star pianist Sullivan Fortner, and more....' (album notes)

Details and Sample

Gordon Beck - Pay Now, Live Later : Live At The Bass Clef '85

(Jazz In Britain Records) - Released: 13th October 2025

Ray Warleigh (alto sax, flute); Iain Ballamy (tenor & soprano sax); Gordon Beck (piano); Dave Green (bass); Spike Wells (drums)

'Recorded at a retrospective concert at Peter Ind's Bass Clef Club on 29th September 1985 ... These recordings were transferred from cassette tapes in Spike Wells archives. The transfers were made by Dave Dring who also mastered the album. The booklet notes were written by Simon Spillett and incorporate memories provided by Iain Ballamy, Dave Green, Liam Noble and Spike Wells.' (album notes)

Details and Samples : Listen to Clusters : Listen to Nice One :