Hey All,
Welcome to this edition of What’s New!
We’re excited to bring you the latest and most captivating Jazz and Improvised Music of 2024. This month, we’ve put together a diverse collection of new releases that truly capture the creativity and depth of today’s Jazz scene. Whether you’re drawn to bold, forward-thinking experimentation, fresh takes on timeless classics, or anything in between, there’s something here for everyone.
First things first, you might want to check out our guide to the Jazz Releases You Can't Miss in 2024 (so far).
Now, let’s dive into some of the standout albums that have recently captured our attention!
Must-Hear New Releases
Tomorrowland
by Lux Quartet
Label: Enja | Released: July 19, 2024
Led by Myra Melford and Allison Miller, the Lux Quartet’s Tomorrowland takes listeners on an immersive journey through luminous improvisation and genre-blurring soundscapes. With contributions from saxophonist Dayna Stephens and bassist Scott Colley, the album reflects the endless possibilities of nature-inspired creativity. Their seamless interplay and adventurous compositions make this a must-listen for those craving something new yet rooted in the essence of Jazz.
Live at JAZZDOR
Angelica Sanchez, Barry Guy, Ramón López
Label: Maya Recordings | Released: August 2, 2024
Captured live during their first-ever performance together, this album is a thrilling display of musical synergy. Live at JAZZDOR showcases the trio's ability to create spontaneous beauty and raw emotion through their collective exploration. A perfect recording for those who love the unpredictability of live Jazz and the excitement of musical discovery.
And Then Again
by Bill Charlap Trio
Label: Blue Note | Released: August 16, 2024
After two decades, the Bill Charlap Trio returns to the Village Vanguard with And Then Again, an album steeped in nostalgia and elegance. Revisiting standards with fresh interpretations, the trio’s chemistry and effortless interplay are on full display, offering a deep, reflective journey through Jazz classics.
Walk a Mile in My Shoe
by Orrin Evans
Label: Imani Records | Released: August 16, 2024
Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band deliver a genre-crossing, soulful big band album with Walk a Mile in My Shoe. Featuring guest vocalists and dynamic soloing, the album fuses Jazz, R&B, and soul, all while paying homage to big band tradition with modern flair.
Celebration, Volume 1
by Wayne Shorter
Label: Blue Note | Released: August 23, 2024
The first in a posthumous series, Celebration, Volume 1 captures Wayne Shorter’s quartet live in Stockholm. A beautiful document of Shorter’s artistry and improvisational genius, this album is a tribute to his enduring legacy and the limitless possibilities of Jazz.
Star Dreams
by Glenn Zaleski
Label: Sunnyside | Released: August 23, 2024
Pianist Glenn Zaleski offers a blend of tradition and innovation with Star Dreams. Backed by Dezron Douglas and Willie Jones III, this album delivers a thoughtful and energetic take on the classic Jazz piano trio, paying homage to the genre's past while pushing it forward.
Alone
by Wayne Escoffery
Label: Smoke Sessions Records | Released: August 30, 2024
In the wake of personal challenges, saxophonist Wayne Escoffery channels his solitude into a powerful new album. Backed by Jazz legends like Ron Carter and Carl Allen, Alone explores the complexities of isolation with striking emotional depth and musical clarity.
Heart
by Jerome Sabbagh
Label: Analog Tone Factory | Released: August 30, 2024
Tenor saxophonist Jerome Sabbagh takes a bold step forward with Heart, his first album on the newly launched label, Analog Tone Factory. The album, featuring the iconic drummer Al Foster and longtime collaborator Joe Martin on bass, captures an elegant dialogue between three masters of Jazz, each bringing their unique voice to the forefront while creating a cohesive and intimate listening experience.
Run the Gauntlet
by The Kris Davis Trio
Label: Pyroclastic Records | Released: September 27, 2024
Grammy-winning pianist and composer Kris Davis releases Run the Gauntlet, a deeply personal tribute to six pioneering women pianists—Geri Allen, Carla Bley, Marilyn Crispell, Angélica Sanchez, Sylvie Courvoisier, and Renee Rosnes. The album, released via Pyroclastic Records, marks Davis’ first trio project in a decade, featuring bassist Robert Hurst and drummer Johnathan Blake.
three of Us Are From Houston and Reuben is Not
by Walter Smith III
Label: Blue Note Records | Released: September 27, 2024
A celebration of hometown roots and musical kinship, Walter Smith III’s latest release features an extraordinary quartet. This dynamic album showcases razor-sharp improvisation, playful exchanges, and a deep connection to the ensemble’s Houston origins, all while blazing new trails in modern Jazz.
More New Releases on the Blog
Brandon Seabrook – Object of Unknown Function (October 18, 2024)
Alice Zawadzki, Fred Thomas, & Misha Mullov-Abbado – Za Górami (September 13, 2024)
Louis Sclavis & Benjamin Moussay – Unfolding (September 13, 2024)
Florian Weber – Imaginary Cycle (September 13, 2024)
Gunhild Carling – Jazz is my Lifestyle (2024)
Jason Robinson – Ancestral Numbers II (October 8, 2024)
Jason Stein – Anchors (September 13, 2024)
Colin Stetson – The Love It Took to Leave You (September 13, 2024)
Coming Soon
Keep an eye out for these upcoming releases that are bound to make waves:
Keith Jarrett – The Old Country (More From The Deer Head Inn) (November 2024)
Kevin Sun – Quartets (October 18, 2024)
Lisa Hilton – Lucky All Along (November 29, 2024)
Jason Anick & Jason Yeager – Sanctuary (October 11, 2024)
Joe Fonda Quartet – Eyes on the Horizon (November 15, 2024)
Roy Hargrove – Crisol Grand-Terre (October 18, 2024)
Revisited
Take a nostalgic journey with some iconic albums we’ve recently revisited on the blog:
Roy Hargrove – The Love Suite: In Mahogany (2023)
Herbie Hancock – Maiden Voyage (1965)
Red Garland – High Pressure (1961)
Count Basie – The Atomic Mr. Basie (1958)
Thank You for Joining Us!
That’s a wrap for our Jazz roundup! Don’t forget to check out our blog for more updates, reviews, and features on the latest Jazz happenings. Until next time, keep the music alive and let your spirit soar with every note.
Best,
Jazz Sketches